Practical Steps for Making Good Use of Ramadhan

8/6/2019 Practical Steps for Making Good Use of Ramadhan

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Practical steps

for

making good

use of

Ramadan

Written by Dr. Ilham Badr Al Jabry

Translated by www.alssunnah.net



Introduction

All praise be to Allah. We praise Him and seek His Help and

Guidance. We seek refuge with Allah against the evils of ourselves

and the evils of our deeds. Whom Allah guides there is no one can

mislead and whom Allah misleads no one can guide. And I bear witness that there is no god but Allah Alone who has no partner

and I bear witness that Muhammad is His Servant and Messenger.

The Blessed month of Ramadan approached full of goodness and

blessings. Whoever is given mercy therein shall be successful,

whoever is deprived of its good shall be of the losers, and whoever

does not get provision (of piety) therein for the Last Day shall be

blameworthy.

Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated:

"Ramadan approached, so the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon

him) said: This month has come and therein is one night which is

better than a thousand month. So, the one who is deprived of its

good shall be deprived of all good and no one shall be deprived of

its good but a loser." (1)

Ka`b ibn `Ujrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the

Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "Gather around the

pulpit. So, we gathered. When he ascended the first step, he said:

Amen! When he ascended the second step, he said: Amen! When

he ascended the third step, he said: Amen! When he descended,

we said: O Messenger of Allah, we heard you saying something

you did not use to say before. He said: Gabriel came to me and

said: May the one who attends Ramadan and his sins are not

forgiven be wretched! I said: Amen! When I ascended the second

step, he said: May the one who hears your name but do not send

peace and blessings upon you be wretched! I said: Amen! When I

ascended the third step, he said: May the one whose both parents

are alive or one of them, but does not enter Paradise be wretched!

I said: Amen!" (2)



A month that is full of goodness a Muslim should be ready for and

exert efforts to seize the opportunity because its days are few and

elapse quickly as Allah (Glory be to Him) described: "A fixed

number of days." Therefore, the Prophet (peace be upon him) and

his Companions used to get ready for it since the crescent of Rajab. When they saw the crescent, they supplicated: "O Allah,

bless Rajab and Sha`ban for us, and make us reach Ramadan."

(3)

Ma`la ibn Al Fadl said: They (the Companions) used to invoke

Allah (may He be Exalted) six months to reach Ramadan then

invoke Him another six months to accept their deeds which they

did during Ramadan.

Yahya ibn Abu Kathir said: Of their supplications: "O Allah! keepme safe until Ramadan, make me benefit from Ramadan, and

accept my deeds."

In order to benefit from Ramadan, we should do several steps

which I shall mention in short as follows:

First, preparing oneself.

Second, stimulating the spiritual energy.

Third, knowing the reality of fasting.

I conclude these steps by mentioning the glad tidings of accepting

the Fast.

These steps are:

The first step is preparing oneself:

In the beginning, dear Muslim brother, I shall ask you some

questions so that you can evaluate yourself and know your condition and to know whether you are foremost in good deeds,

you are moderate, or from those who wrong themselves?

So, answer sincerely between yourself:



Are you from those who keep to the obligatory Salah by

establishing their pillars, obligations, and perform them in

submissiveness?

Are you from those who perform Zakah (obligatory charity)?

Are you from those who safeguard their hearings, sights, tongues,

and body organs from committing things that incur the wrath of

Allah?

Are you from those who are keen to be dutiful to their parents?

If you are a woman, are you from those who wear Hijab (head

cover to the waist) as Allah loves or not?

Finally, are you contented with yourself and ready to meet your

Lord?

After answering these questions, I shall ask you more questions

which do not need much efforts to answer. Just answer yes or no.

- Do you wish to be in the highest ranks of Paradise, which is Al

Firdaws? Recite Allah's Saying and enjoy the descriptions of

Paradise. "But for him who fears the standing before his Lord,

there will be two Gardens (i.e. in Paradise). * Then which of the

Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinn and men) deny? * Withspreading branches. * Then which of the Blessings of your Lord

will you both (jinn and men) deny? * In them (both) will be two

springs flowing (free). * Then which of the Blessings of your Lord

will you both (jinn and men) deny? * In them (both) will be every

kind of fruit in pairs. * Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will

you both (jinn and men) deny? * Reclining upon the couches lined

with silk brocade, and the fruits of the two Gardens will be near at

hand. * Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinn

and men) deny? * Wherein both will be Qâsirât-ut-Tarf [chastefemales (wives) restraining their glances, desiring none except

their husbands], with whom no man or jinni has had deflowered

before them. * Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you

both (jinn and men) deny? * (In beauty) they are like rubies and

coral. * Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinn



and men) deny? * Is there any reward for good other than good?"

(5)

Do you wish to have the pleasure and love of Allah?

Do you desire to lead a good life in this world and to have aneverlasting bliss in the Hereafter?

The answer is yes for sure.

Dear brother, you should know that the chance is still in your hand

while you still in the worldly life, and all you have to do is to set an

appointment to place your feet on the path of Paradise!

One month, one year, or many years before your death?!

Do not wonder because I know as you know that ages of peopleare not known except to Allah (He may be Exalted).

However, many people delay repentance and forget about time

and death, as if they will live as Noah (Peace be upon him) lived.

When they reach twenty of age, they claim that they shall live to

the sixty and when they live to the sixty, they claim that they shall

live to one hundred, and they do not know that death is closer to

him than the leather strap of their shoes.

Whisper in yourself: I have to start now, in this moment, while I am

reading these lines.

You may wonder how to start! Here is this piece of sincere advice

which will help you put your feet on the path of Paradise:

Dear Muslim brother, let it be known that the Paradise dwellers are

those who were described by two qualities: Faith and righteous

deeds. Allah (Glory be to Him) says: "And whoever does righteous

good deeds, male or female, and is a (true) believer [in theOneness of Allâh (Muslim)], such will enter Paradise and not the

least injustice, even to the size of a speck on the back of a date-

stone, will be done to them." (6)

Allah (He may be Glorified) also says: "Verily, those who believe

(in the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism) and do righteous



good deeds, and humble themselves (in repentance and

obedience) before their Lord, they will be the dwellers of Paradise,

to dwell therein forever." (7) And the Ayahs mentioned in this

meaning are numerous.

Faith as defined by scholars is: Saying by tongue, belief by heart,and work by organs. It is increased by obedience and is decreased

by disobedience. (8)

It was reported in a Hadith from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be

pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon

him) said: "Verily Allah does not look to your faces and your wealth

but He looks to your heart and to your deeds." (9)

If the heart is filled with faith, you can see that in the actions of the

body organs, i.e., the actions of a person shall be pious. However,

if the heart is filled with hypocrisy and evil, they will appear on the

body organs as well, i.e., the actions of a person shall be evil. The

Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Pay attention! There is a piece

of flesh in the body if it becomes good (reformed) the whole body

becomes good but if it gets spoilt the whole body gets spoilt and

that is the heart." (10)

Exactly like a seed when it is planted in the earth; if it is good, it will

bring out good plant, but if it is bad, it will bring out a bad pla nt

which has no good. Allah (Glory be to Him) says: "The vegetation

of a good land comes forth (easily) by the Permission of its Lord;

and that which is bad, brings forth nothing but (a little) with

difficulty. Thus, do We explain variously the Ayât (proofs,

evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) for a people

who give thanks." (11)

Sheikh `Abdul-Rahman As-Sa`dy (may Allah bestow mercy on his

soul) said when he explained this Ayah: This is an example of thehearts when revelation comes down upon them, it gives them

revival, as water is the matter of the entire life.

When revelation comes to good hearts, they accept and know it,

then give the output according to their root and kind elements. As

for the wicked hearts which do not contain any goodness, when



revelation comes to them, it will not find a place for reception but

will find them neglectful and heedless or opposing. Then it will be

like rain which passes by sands and rocks without affecting them.

(12)

The heart is affected by diseases exactly as bodies, so it feels sickand may die while a person is heedless. May Allah protect us

against the inattentiveness of hearts. The life of the heart would be

with faith and with the codes of Islam. Allah (Glory be to Him) says:

"Is he who was dead (without Faith by ignorance and disbelief) and

We gave him life (by knowledge and Faith) and set for him a light

(of Belief) whereby he can walk amongst men - like him who is in

the darkness (of disbelief, polytheism and hypocrisy) from which

he can never come out? Thus it is made fair-seeming to the

disbelievers that which they used to do." (13)

Allah (Glory be to Him) says: "O you who believe! Answer Allâh (by

obeying Him) and (His) Messenger when he (peace be upon him)

calls you to that which will give you life, and know that Allâh comes

in between a person and his heart (i.e. He prevents an evil person

to decide anything). And verily, to Him you shall (all) be gathered."

(14)

Dear Muslim brother, in order to know whether your heart alive,dead, or sick, you have to examine it well and expose it to the

Book of Allah (may He be Glorified and Exalted) and the Sunnah

of the Messenger (peace be upon him) because they contain the

qualities of the vivid, the sick, and the dead heart.

Here are these attributes:

Of the attributes of the vivid heart are:

Submissiveness: Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says: "Has

not the time come for the hearts of those who believe (in the

Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism) to be affected by Allâh's

Reminder (this Qur'ân), and that which has been revealed of the

truth, lest they become as those who received the Scripture [the

Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)] before (i.e. Jews and

Christians), and the term was prolonged for them and so their



hearts were hardened? And many of them were Fâsiqûn (the

rebellious, the disobedient to Allâh)." (15)

It was part of the Prophet's invocation: "O Allah, I seek refuge with

You against the knowledge which is not beneficial, and against a

heart which does not fear (You)." (16)

The distinctive sign of the people of submissiveness is to love

Salah and observe patience on everything that comes from Allah.

Allah (may He be Exalted) says: "And seek help in patience and

As-Salât (the prayers) and truly it is extremely heavy and hard

except for Al Khâshi'ûn [i.e. the true believers in Allâh - those who

obey Allâh with full submission, fear much from His Punishment,

and believe in His Promise (Paradise) and in His Warnings (Hell)]."

(17) It is easy and light because submissiveness, fear of Allah, andhoping for His Reward entail that a person does these acts of

worship happily because he awaits reward and fears punishment.

(18)

Although the general rule of submissiveness is it should be in

heart, it shows up on the entire body organs. `Ali ibn Abu Talib

(may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that when the

Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) knelt down, he used to

say: "O Allah, it is for You that I bowed. I affirm my faith in You andI submit to You. I submit humbly before You my hearing, my

eyesight, my marrow, my bone, my sinew." (19)

Piety of the hearts: Piety means taking refuge against things that

may harm you in the Hereafter. (20)

Allah (may He be Exalted) says: "Thus it is [what has been

mentioned in the above said Verses (27, 28, 29, 30, 31) is an

obligation that mankind owes to Allâh] and whosoever honors the

Symbols of Allâh, then it is truly from the piety of the hearts." (21) Allah (He may be Glorified) says: "Verily, those who lower their

voices in the presence of Allâh's Messenger (peace be upon him),

they are the ones whose hearts Allâh has tested for piety. For

them is forgiveness and a great reward." (22)



Fear of the heart: Allah (may He be Exalted) says: "The believers

are only those who, when Allâh is mentioned, feel a fear in their

hearts and when His Verses (this Qur'ân) are recited to them, they

(i.e. the Verses) increase their Faith; and they put their trust in their

Lord (Alone)." (23) i.e., when the glory and power of Allah ismentioned, their hearts would not feel comfort for what they have

done of good deeds and think they are neglectful, so they feel fear

and worry. (24)

Therefore, when `A'ishah (may Allah be pleased with him) asked

the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) about the saying of

Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He): "And those who give that (their

charity) which they give (and also do other good deeds) with their

hearts full of fear (whether their alms and charities have been

accepted or not), because they are sure to return to their Lord (for

reckoning)." (25) Are they the people who drink wine and steal

people? He said: "No, O daughter of As-Siddiq, they observe

fasting, perform Salah, and give in charity, but they fear that their

actions shall not be accepted. They are the people who hasten to

(all) good works." (26)

Of the qualities of a sick heart:

Aberration of hearts: Allah (may He be Exalted) says: "It is He Whohas sent down to you (Muhammad peace be upon him) the Book

(this Qur'ân). In it are Verses that are entirely clear, they are the

foundations of the Book [and those are the Verses of Al-Ahkâm

(commandments), Al-Fara'id (obligatory duties) and Al-Hudud

(legal laws for the punishment of thieves, adulterers)]; and others

not entirely clear. So as for those in whose hearts there is a

deviation (from the truth) they follow that which is not entirely clear

thereof, seeking Al-Fitnah (polytheism and trials), and seeking for

its hidden meanings, but none knows its hidden meanings except Allâh. And those who are firmly grounded in knowledge say: "We

believe in it; the whole of it (clear and unclear Verses) are from our

Lord." And none receive admonition except men of

understanding." (27)




soul) said in the explanation of this Ayah: [This book (the Qur'an)

contains Ayahs which are precise and crystal-clear in meaning

which is not misunderstood or misinterpreted with others. And of

which there are some Ayahs which are not entirely clear, bear some meanings, and nothing of them is probable but when they

are combined with the clear Ayahs, they become clear and the

meaning shows up. However, those in whose hearts there are

sickness, aberration, and deviation because of their bad intention

follow the Ayahs which are not clear in meaning to prove their false

point of view, and their fake opinions seeking to cause sedition,

distortion to the Book of Allah, and interpreting it to cope with their

views and opinions to mislead people]. (28)

Aberration is leaning to the way of error, therefore from the

invocation of the believers is: "(They say): Our Lord! Let not our

hearts deviate (from the truth) after You have guided us, and grant

us mercy from You. Truly, You are the Bestower." (29)

Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of

Allah (peace be upon him) used to say frequently: "Ya muqallibal-

qulubi, thabbit qalbi `ala dinika" (O Controller of hearts make my

heart steadfast in Your religion).'' So, I said: O Prophet of Allah, we

have believed in you and in what you brought from your Lord, doyou feel fear for us? He said: Yes, the hearts (of all the sons of

Adam) are between two fingers out of the fingers of the

Compassionate Lord (as one heart) and He turns them to any

(direction) He likes." (30)

Grudge of the heart: Grudge is envy and hatred. It is a disease hits

the heart and causes it to die unless a person is aware of it. Abu

Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the

Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "The dust that aperson endures in the cause of Allah and the flame of Hell cannot

gather in a person. Faith and envy cannot come together in the

heart of a person." (31)

Therefore, the Prophet (peace be upon him) warned his nation

against grudge when he said: "There are three things concerning



which the heart of a believer should feel no enmity or grudge:

devoting one's actions to Allah, giving counsel to Muslim rulers,

and adhering to the Muslim public opinion because their invocation

includes those who are behind (and surround) them (of Muslims)."

(32)These qualities purify the heart of grudge, betrayal, and evil. (33)

Harshness of the heart: Harshness of the heart is one of the

diseases of the hearts. Allah (may He be Exalted) was merciful

when He made His Messenger (peace be upon him) kind and soft,

He says: "And by the Mercy of Allâh, you dealt with them gently.

And had you (Muhammad peace be upon him) been severe and

harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about you; so

pass over (their faults), and ask (Allâh's) Forgiveness for them;and consult them in the affairs. Then when you have taken a

decision, put your trust in Allâh, certainly, Allâh loves those who

put their trust (in Him)." (34)

If the heart is harsh, it will have every bad quality whether it

appears immediately or later because mercy is taken out only from

a miserable person whose heart is harsh. (35)

Haughtiness: Ibn Mas`ud (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated

that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever in his heart

is an equal iota of haughtiness shall not enter Paradise.

Thereupon, a man said: Verily a person loves that his dress should

be fine, and his shoes should be fine. He (the Prophet) said: Verily,

Allah is Graceful and He loves Grace. Haughtiness is disdaining

the truth (out of self-conceit) and contempt for the people." (36)

When the Shaykh of Islam, Ibn Taymiyah (may Allah bestow

mercy on his soul) was asked about this Hadith: Whether it is

exclusively for Muslims or includes non-Muslims as well, he said:

[Haughtiness which goes against faith shall not admit a person to

Paradise. Of this kind of haughtiness is the haughtiness of Satan,

Pharaohs, and others whose haughtiness prevented them of faith.

However, all kinds of haughtiness is against the required faith. So,

whoever in his heart is an equal iota of haughtiness shall not fulfill



the obligations of Allah and does not abandon what Allah has

forbidden him to do, but his haughtiness requires denial of the truth

and contempt of the people. This is the kind of haughtiness which

the Prophet (peace be upon him) explained. So, whoever wastes

the required obligations and oppresses people shall not be one of the Paradise dwellers nor shall he deserve to enter it, but rather he

shall be from the people who are given a threat of Hell-Fire.

Nevertheless, if a person repents or does good deeds to expiate

his sins, or has been afflicted by ordeals to expiate his sins or

something of the like, haughtiness which prevents him from

entering Paradise shall be removed and accordingly he shall enter

it]. (37)

Of the attributes of the dead heart:

The death of the heart is disparate and divided into degrees, so

there is a type of death different from the other; here are some

kinds of deaths starting from the lower to higher:

Heedlessness of the heart: Heedlessness is what distracts a

person from the things that concern him, therefore anything that

distracts a person and takes him away from important matters are

called heedlessness. (38)

Allah (Glory be to Him) says: "Draws near for mankind their

reckoning, while they turn away in heedlessness. * Comes not to

them an admonition (a chapter of the Qur'ân) from their Lord as a

recent revelation but they listen to it while they play. * With their

hearts distracted (by evil things)." (39) i.e., neglectful and turning

away from mentioning Allah and busy themselves with things that

do not concern them rather than contemplation and understanding.

(40)

Thus, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) warned againstmuch laughter. Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him)

narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:

"Do not laugh much, for much laughter kills the heart." (41)



The covered heart: It is a result of the continuation of committing

sins and frequent indulgence in amusement. Allah (Glory be to

Him) says: "Nay, but their hearts are covered from (understanding)

this (the Qur'ân), and they have other (evil) deeds, besides, which

they are doing." (42) [It is something that covers and prevents theheart from understanding the lessons, admonition, and proofs

which are mentioned in the Book of Allah]. (43)

[Indulgence in lusts is a result of weak insight, lack of knowledge,

and following one's desires, so, the heart is covered by sins and

Satan adorns these sins to him and makes him see wrong as right

and vice-versa. Consequently, a person will be in severe trouble

and begins to ignore the best interests of himself and oppresses

himself by harming it, thinking that he benefits it by this way. When

a person reaches this stage, his heart begins to refuse and deny

everything which he does not like because in this case the heart

will not be able to differentiate between good and ugly except

through whims and desires, at this point the heart is called the

denying heart]. (44)

The denying heart: It is the heart which does not accept advice,

and the remembrance of Allah will not affect therein. (45)

Allah (He may be Glorified) says about the descriptions of theinfidels: Your Ilâh (God) is One Ilâh (God - Allâh, none has the

right to be worshipped but He). But for those who believe not in the

Hereafter, their hearts deny (the faith in the Oneness of Allâh), and

they are proud." (46)

Allah (He may be Glorified) says about the description of people:

"They recognize the Grace of Allâh, yet they deny it (by

worshipping others besides Allâh) and most of them are

disbelievers (deny the Prophethood of Muhammad peace be upon

him)." (47)

Thus, denial is of two types:

The first: Denial resulted from the lack of knowledge because of

indulgence in the joys of life and that is something a person denies



by heart and does not admit it by tongue. This sickness may be

cured when soft light of pure disposition finds its way to his heart.

The second: Denial of haughtiness and repudiation which is

resulted from disbelief after complete knowledge. (48)

Having diagnosed the conditions of the heart, we have to know the

cure and the causes of sickness so that we can avoid them and

keep the heart safe.

Dear Muslim brother, pay attention to a very important matter

which is: It is not enough to know the reason and the cure, but you

should hasten to take the medication before sickness destroys

your heart.

The sickness of the heart is like the sickness of the body if the sickdoes not hasten to the cure, his sickness may increase and the

cure will become difficult or a person may die.

A sick person may not want to take medication and turns away

from the cure, but the reasonable person who fears destruction

has to observe patience and force himself to take medication until

the cure.

The causes of hearts' sickness:

The greatest disease for the heart is crimes and sins. Allah (may

He be Glorified and Exalted) says: "Nay! But on their hearts is the

Rân (covering of sins and evil deeds) which they used to earn."

(49)

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the

Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said commenting on this

Ayah: "When a person commits a sin, a black mark will be planted

in his heart. However, when a person stopped, sought theforgiveness of Allah, and repented his sins, his heart will be

polished. If he commits sins again, the black mark increase until it

covers the heart and that is the Ran which Allah mentioned in the

Ayah." (50)



The Prophet (peace be upon him) said in the description of the

sick heart: "As for the wrapped heart, it is a heart that contains

belief and hypocrisy. The example of faith in this heart, is the

example of the herb that is sustained by pure water. The example

of hypocrisy in it, is the example of an ulcer that thrives on pussand blood. Whichever of the two substances has the upper hand, it

will have the upper hand on that heart)." (51)

The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) explained the danger

of sins on the heart by saying:

"Temptations will be presented to people's hearts as reed mat is

woven stick by stick and any heart which is impregnated by them

will have a black mark put into it, but any heart which rejects them

will have a white mark put in it. The result is that there will becometwo types of hearts: One white like a white stone which will not be

harmed by any turmoil or temptation, so long as the heavens and

the earth endure; and the other black and dust-colored like a

vessel which is upset, not recognizing what is good or rejecting

what is abominable, but being impregnated with passion." (52)

The meaning of the Hadith: The Prophet (peace be upon him)

likened the presentation of temptations to the hearts one by one

with the mat straws which are handled by a craftsman one by one.So, any heart denies these temptations, his heart shall be marked

with a white mark and any heart accepts them, a black mark shall

be put therein until hearts will become of two types: A white heart

which holds fast with faith and therefore it is safeguarded against

temptations like a sleek stone which nothing is hung with. The

other type is the black heart which is like a cup that is turned

upside down. The meaning is: When a person follows his whims

and commits sins, darkness will cover his heart with every sin he

commits. When a person keeps on committing sins, the light of Islam shall be removed from him. The heart is like a cup, when it is

turned upside down, it spills what is therein. So, it does not benefit

from admonition or advice, and goodness will not affect it. For

more explanation, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "not

recognizing what is good or rejecting what is abominable, but

being impregnated with passion." (53)



Beware of committing sins! How many favors sins wasted! How

many afflictions sins caused! How many houses and countries sins

destroyed!

Of the worst sins that destroys the heart after polytheism is

singing, for it grows hypocrisy in the heart. Ibn Mas`ud (may Allahbe pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace

be upon him) said: "Singing grows hypocrisy in the heart as water

grows herbs." (55)

Perhaps you, my Muslim brother, inquire: Why does singing grows

hypocrisy in the heart from among all sins?

Scholar Ibn Al Qayyim (may Allah bestow mercy on his soul) said:

[Let it be known that singing has qualities that grow hypocrisy in

the heart like water grows plants and herbs.

Of its properties: It distracts and prevents the heart from

understanding and pondering over the Qur'an and acting according

to it. The Qur'an and singing cannot be combined in one heart

because of the contradiction between them. The Qur'an prohibits

the following of one's whims, commands with chastity, avoidance

of the desires of oneself, the causes of error, and prohibits the

following of Satan's steps. However, singing commands with the

opposite of all these things by beautifying them, exciting bodies to

desires and lusts. So, it arouses the consonant, moves the souls to

every ugly act, and drives them to have illegal relationships.

Singing and wine are twins and they compete with one another to

incite people to do all deniable acts. The contract of Satan with

them is like the contract of brotherhood which cannot be annulled

because it is the spy of the heart]. (56)

Of the causes of the sickness of the heart are: Grudge, envy,

hatred for Muslims. Az-Zubayr (may Allah be pleased with him)reported from the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) that he

said: "The disease of previous nations has crawled its way to you:

envy and hatred. Hatred is the shearer (Al Haliqa). I do not say

that it shears hair but it shears religion. By the One in Whose hand

Muhammad's soul is! You shall never enter Paradise until you

believe, and you shall never believe until you love one another.



Shall I inform you of something which, if you do it, you shall love

one another?" They said: "Yes, O Messenger of Allah!" He said:

"Spread salutations among yourselves." (57)

The Prophet (peace be upon him) praised those who have pure

and sound heart toward his Muslim brothers. Àbdullah ibn Àmr (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated: "Somebody asked: O

Allah's Messenger! Who is the best among the people? Allah's

Messenger (peace be upon him) replied: Every Makhmum Al Qalb

of truthful tongue. They said: We know "of truthful tongue", but

what is Makhmum Al Qalb? He said: The one who has a pious and

pure heart which contains no sin, oppression, grudge, or envy."

(58)

Therefore, it was part of the invocations of the believers is thatreported in Allah's Saying: "And those who came after them say:

"Our Lord! Forgive us and our brethren who have preceded us in

Faith, and put not in our hearts any hatred against those who have

believed. Our Lord! You are indeed full of kindness, Most Merciful."

(59)

After we have known the causes of the diseases of hearts here is

the cure: However, you should pay attention to procrastination

because the cure may be difficult for you or you may die before thecure.

Let it be known that early cure in young age is not like cure in late

conditions, the more delay, the more love of sin it will be.

First, sincere determination to walk in the Straight Path. Seeking

help with Allah and beseeching Him to reform your heart. It was

part of the Prophet's supplications: "Allahumma musarrifal-qulubi,

sarrif qulubana àla taàtika (O Allah! Controller of the hearts,

direct our hearts to Your obedience).'' (60) and "Àllahumma aìnniàla dhikrika wa shukrika, wa husni ìbadatika,' (O Allah, help me

remember You, expressing gratitude to You and worship You in

the best manner)." (61)



And "Allahumma inni as'alukal-huda wat-tuqa wal-àfafa wal-ghina

(O Allah! I ask You for guidance, piety, chastity and self-

sufficiency)"." (62)

Second, exerting efforts for abandoning all sins whether minor or

major because if minor sins are gathered, they will destroy theperson. Àbdullah ibn Masùd (may Allah be pleased with him)


"Beware of minor sins because if they are committed by a person,

they will destroy him. The Messenger of Allah gave an example of

them like a people who camped in the bottom of a valley, and

watched what the people were doing. One man brought a stick,

another man brought a stick, and so on, until they gathered a huge

pile of sticks then lit fire and baked what they have thrown therein."

(63)

Perhaps what may help you in leaving sins is recalling the glory of

Allah (may He be Exalted) because whoever estimates the glory of

Allah (may He be Glorified and Exalted) as should fears to disobey

Him. Allah (may He be Glorified and Exalted) says: "They have not

estimated Allâh His Rightful Estimate. Verily, Allâh is All-Strong,

All-Mighty." (64)

Allah (Glory be to Him) says: "They made not a just estimate of Allâh such as is due to Him. And on the Day of Resurrection the

whole of the earth will be grasped by His Hand and the heavens

will be rolled up in His Right Hand. Glorified is He, and High is He

above all that they associate as partners with Him!" (65)

Being shy of Allah as should because Allah (may He be Exalted) is

the Granter of these great blessings which a person uses to

disobey Him day and night.

Allah (may He be Glorified and Exalted) granted you the blessingof sight, whereas others do not have sights then you use sights to

disobey Him by looking at the things which Allah prohibited.

He granted you the blessing of hearing, whereas others do not

have that blessing then you disobey Him by this blessing by

listening to things which Allah made unlawful.



He granted you the blessing of movement; whereas others do not

have that blessing then you disobey Him by using this blessing in

disobeying Him.

Are you sure that the Compeller would not take it from you in a

blink of an eye? "Did they then feel secure against the Plan of Allâh? None feels secure from the Plan of Allâh except the people

who are the losers." (66)

Ibn Mas`ud (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated the

Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "Feel shy of Allah

as should We said: O Prophet of Allah, we are shy of Allah, thanks

to Him. He said: This is not the meaning of shyness, but shyness

is to preserve the head and what it contains, to preserve the belly

and what it contains, and to remember death and afflictions.Whoever wants the Hereafter should leave the adornment of

worldly life. Whoever does that has achieved the meaning of

shyness from Allah as should."

You should remember what you hope for from your Lord: His

Pleasure, Mercy, and Paradise. So, what you ask for is dear and

your wish is precious, so you should give up your lusts for them.

How can a person, who frequently commits sins, seek the pleasure

of Allah! How can the person, who walks in the way of Hell-Fire,

reach Paradise! His example is like a person who studies

engineering to be a doctor!

Dear Muslim brother, let it be known that Paradise is not just a

wish and is not attained by wishes. Allah (He may be Glorified)

says: "It will not be in accordance with your desires (Muslims), nor

those of the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians),

whosoever works evil, will have the recompense thereof, and he

will not find any protector or helper besides Allâh." (68)

When the Jews and the Christians claimed that they are the

dwellers of Paradise, Allah said: These are their wishes and asked

them to submit a proof to that. Allah (He may be Glorified) says:

"And they say: "None shall enter Paradise unless he be a Jew or a



Christian." These are their own desires. Say (O Muhammad peace

be upon him), "Produce your proof if you are truthful."" (69)

Listen carefully to the saying of the Messenger of Allah (peace be

upon him): "A wise man is the one who calls himself to account

(and refrains from doing evil deeds) and does noble deeds tobenefit him after death. However, the foolish person is the one who

subdues himself to his temptations and desires and seeks from

Allah the fulfillment of his vain desires." (70)

Do you wish higher degrees of Paradise? Do you want Al Firdaws

Al A`la (the highest rank of Paradise)? Then you have to restrain

your desires and lusts and to control yourself by the bridle of piety.

Here are the attributes of the dwellers of Paradise, may Allah help

us to reach their degrees and be of them. Allah (Glory be to Him)

says: "Successful indeed are the believers. * Those who offer their

Salât (prayers) with all solemnity and full submissiveness. * And

those who turn away from Al-Laghw (dirty, false, evil vain talk,

falsehood, and all that Allâh has forbidden). * And those who pay

the Zakât. * And those who guard their chastity (i.e. private parts,

from illegal sexual acts) * Except from their wives or (the slaves)

that their right hands possess, - for then, they are free from blame;

* But whoever seeks beyond that, then those are thetransgressors; * Those who are faithfully true to their Amanât (all

the duties which Allâh has ordained, honesty, moral responsibility

and trusts) and to their covenants; * And those who strictly guard

their (five compulsory congregational) Salawât (prayers) (at their

fixed stated hours). * These are indeed the inheritors * Who shall

inherit the Firdaus (Paradise). They shall dwell therein forever."

(71)

You should always remember Allah's Saying: "Or do those who

earn evil deeds think that We shall hold them equal with those who

believe (in the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism) and do

righteous good deeds, in their present life and after their death?

Worst is the judgment that they make." (72)



Third, sincere repentance. Allah (He may be Glorified) says: "O

you who believe! Turn to Allâh with sincere repentance!" (73)

Allah (Glory be to Him) mentioned the conditions of repentance

when He (may He be Glorified and Exalted) said: "And those who,

when they have committed Fâhishah (great sin as illegal sexualintercourse) or wronged themselves with evil, remember Allâh and

ask forgiveness for their sins; - and none can forgive sins but Allâh

- and do not persist in what (wrong) they have done, while they

know." (74)

- (remember Allah) by fear of His Punishment and showed

shyness to Him.

- (and ask forgiveness for their sins) i.e., asked for the pardon of

their sins.

- (and do not persist in what (wrong) they have done) give up what

they used to do and made up their minds not to go back again to

sins.(75)

What was the consequence of observing patience on obedience

and abstaining from sins? Listen to the Ever-Generous (Glory be

to Him) when He says: "For such, the reward is Forgiveness from

their Lord, and Gardens with rivers flowing underneath (Paradise),wherein they shall abide forever. How excellent is this reward for

the doers (who do righteous deeds according to Allâh's Orders)."

(76)

It is not one garden but many gardens and how excellent is the

reward of good-doers!

Allah (Glory be to Him) informed His Servants about the things

which bring about His Forgiveness. He says: "And verily, I am

indeed forgiving to him who repents, believes (in My Oneness, andassociates none in worship with Me) and does righteous good

deeds, and then remains constant in doing them, (till his death)."

(77)

- (who repents) sincerely.



- (believes) have faith in Allah, His Angles, His Scriptures, His

Messengers, and in the Last day.

- (and does righteous good deeds) by heart, body, and the saying

of the tongue. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Fear Allah

wherever you are, do good deeds after doing bad ones, the former will wipe out the latter, and treat people with good manner." (78)

- (and then remains constant in doing them) followed the Straight

Path, the generous Messenger, and the true religion. (79)

Dear Muslim brother, which is easier: Fighting one's desires for

moments until thinking of sins disappears or suffering the result of

sins for a long time and then repent sincerely until your repentance

is accepted? Ibn Al Jawzy (may Allah bestow mercy on his soul)

said:

[Some people say: I shall repent and change the bad deeds to

good ones. How fool those who live in dreams then death took

them suddenly before achieving their wishes! It is not right to

hasten wrong then wait for right. Repentance may not be accepted

or invalid, however if it has been accepted, the shame of the action

itself shall live with you forever. The bitterness of warding off sins

until it goes is much easier than waiting for repentance until it is

accepted].(80)

Now, after you have purified your heart from sins, begin to fill it

with faith and adorn it with obedience. The Messenger (peace be

upon him) said: "Hearts are containers and some of them are more

aware than others." (81)

Fourth, righteous actions increase faith, erase sins, protect against

the temptations of time, and make a person firm on religion. Abu

Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the

Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "Be prompt in doing

good deeds (before you are overtaken) by turbulence which would

be like a part of the dark night. During (that stormy period) a man

would be a Muslim in the morning and an unbeliever in the evening

or he would be a believer in the evening and an unbeliever in the

morning, and would sell his faith for worldly goods." (82)



[The meaning of the Hadith is: Exhortation to promptness to good

deeds before it is difficult to do them because of the numerous

temptations which distract and busy a person. The Prophet (peace

be upon him) described a type of these seditions and temptations

which is a person become a believer at night but when the morningcomes, he becomes a disbeliever or vice-versa (doubt from the

narrator). That is because of the great temptations and turmoil

pass by a person and make him between a day and a night

change his faith to disbelief and vice-versa. And Allah knows

best!]. (83)

It was reported also that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon

him) said: "Hasten to do good deeds before you are overtaken by

one of the seven afflictions. Then (giving a warning) he said: Are

you waiting for poverty which will make you unmindful of devotion,

or prosperity which will make you corrupt, or senility which will

make you mentally unstable, or sudden death which will take you

all of a sudden, or Ad-Dajjal who is the worst expected, or the

Hour; and the Hour will be most grievous and most bitter.'' (84)

Of these righteous deeds is Salah. Thawban (may Allah be

pleased with him), the freed slave of the Messenger of Allah

(peace be upon him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace

be upon him) said: "Make frequent prostrations before Allah, for you will not make one prostration without raising you a degree

because of it, and removing a sin from you, because of it." (85)

Rabiàh ibn Ka`b Al Aslamy (may Allah be pleased with him) said:

"I used to spend my night in the company of Messenger of Allah

(peace be upon him) and used to put up water for his ablutions.

One day he said to me: Ask something of me. I said: I request for

your companionship in Paradise. He inquired: Is there anything

else? I said: That is all. He said: Then help me in your request bymultiplying your prostrations." (86)

The meaning of prostration in the Hadith is Salah. (87)

Of these righteous deeds is fasting. Àbdullah ibn Àmr (may Allah

be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace

be upon him) said: "Fasting and Qur'an intercede (i.e. for the



Muslim) before Allah on the Judgment Day. Fasting says: O my

Lord! I prevented him from eating and lust, so accept my

intercession for him! And the Qur'an says: I prevented him from

sleeping as he stayed up at night reciting me, so accept my

intercession for him! He (the Messenger of Allah) said: So, Allahaccepts their intercession." (88)

The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to fast days from the

month of Sha`ban more than any other month. À'ishah (may Allah

be pleased with him) narrated: "I never saw Allah's Messenger

(peace be upon him) fasting for a whole month except the month

of Ramadan, and did not see him fasting in any month more than

in the month of Sha`ban." (89)

[When the month of Sha`ban was like an introduction to Ramadan,fasting and reciting of the Qur'an were made desirable in that

month to receive Ramadan as should and souls get used to the

obedience of the Most Gracious]. (90)

Charity: Muàdh ibn Jabal (may Allah be pleased with him)


"Shall I guide you to the gates of goodness?

I said: Sure, O Messenger of Allah. He said: Fasting is a screen

(from Hell), charity extinguishes (i.e., removes) the sins as water

extinguishes fire." (91) Anas (may Allah be pleased with him)

narrated the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "Verily,

charity puts off the Wrath of the Lord and protects a person against

bad death." (92)

Reciting the Glorious Qur'an: It is one of the easiest acts of

worship, however it is the greatest in reward. The Prophet (peace

be upon him) said: "Whoever reads a letter from the Book of Allah

will have a reward. And that reward will be multiplied by ten. I amnot saying that "Alif, Laam, Meem" is a letter, rather I am saying

that "Alif" is a letter, "laam" is a letter and "meem" is a letter." (93)

Àbdullah ibn Àmr (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that

the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "The one who

was devoted to the Qur'an will be told to recite, ascend and recite



carefully as he recited carefully when you was in the world, for he

will reach his abode when he comes to the last Ayah he recited (in

the world)." (94)

Precession, precession to good deeds before it is too late and

before you are called by your Lord and then you will say: "My Lord!Send me back, * So that I may do good in that which I have left

behind! No! It is but a word that he speaks; and behind them is

Barzakh (a barrier) until the Day when they will be resurrected."

(95)

"Lest a person should say: Alas, my grief that I was undutiful to

Allâh (i.e. I have not done what Allâh has ordered me to do), and I

was indeed among those who mocked [at the truth! i.e. Lâ ilâha

illallâh (none has the right to be worshipped but Allâh), the Qur'ân,and Muhammad peace be upon him and at the faithful believers] *

Or (lest) he should say: If only Allâh had guided me, I should

indeed have been among the Muttaqûn (the pious). * Or (lest) he

should say when he sees the torment: If only I had another chance

(to return to the world), then I should indeed be among the

Muhsinûn (good-doers)." (96)

Dear Muslim brother, as soon as you put your feet on the Straight

Path and do your first step, Allah will bless it. Allah (Glory be toHim) says: "While as for those who accept guidance, He increases

their guidance and bestows on them their piety." (97)

He says: "And if We had ordered them (saying), "Kill yourselves

(i.e. the innocent ones kill the guilty ones) or leave your homes,"

very few of them would have done it; but if they had done what

they were told, it would have been better for them, and would have

strengthened their (Faith); * And indeed We should then have

bestowed upon them a great reward from Ourselves. * And indeed

We should have guided them to a Straight Way." (98)

Beware of hesitation, procrastination, the delay of repentance, and

persistence on committing sins because Allah (may He be

Glorified and Exalted) says: "And (remember) when Mûsa (Moses)

said to his people: "O my people! Why do you annoy me while you

know certainly that I am the Messenger of Allâh to you? So when



they turned away (from the Path of Allâh), Allâh turned their hearts

away (from the Right Path). And Allâh guides not the people who

are Fâsiqûn (rebellious, the disobedient to Allâh)." (99)


soul) said: [(So, when they turned away (from the path of Allah)) bytheir will, (Allah turned their hearts away from the Right Path) as a

punishment for them because of their deviation which they chose

and satisfied for themselves Moreover, Allah did not guide them to

guidance because they do not deserve goodness and they are

only fit to evil.

(And Allâh guides not the people who are Al-Fâsiqûn (the

rebellious and disobedient).) i.e., those who are characterized by

rebellion and disobedience. This great Ayah indicates thatmisleading a person is not injustice from Allah and they cannot use

it as a proof in their favor because they wished and desired that,

and they are the ones who closed the gates of guidance before

themselves after they have known it. As a result, Allah punishes

them with misleading, aberration, and turning their hearts away

from the truth as a punishment and justice of Him]. (100)

Let it be known that the path of Paradise is one which is through

the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of Messenger (peace be uponhim), so do not turn away from them and do not incline to whims

and false creeds.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "All my followers will enter

Paradise except those who refuse. They said: O Allah's

Messenger, who will refuse? He said: Whoever obeys me will

enter Paradise, and whoever disobeys me is the one who refuses

(to enter it)." (101)

The second step is: Stimulating spiritual energy

Stimulating spiritual energy is done by knowing the virtues of

Ramadan and the great reward of good deeds therein, here are

some virtues:




Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "When Ramadan

begins, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are

locked and the devils are chained." (102)

Sahl ibn Sa`d (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that theProphet (peace be upon him) said: "There is a gate in Paradise

called Ar-Raiyan, and those who observe fasts will enter through it

on the Day of Recompense and none except them will enter

through it. It will be said: Where are those who used to observe

fasts? They will get up, and none except them will enter through it.

After their entry, the gate will be closed and nobody will enter

through it." (103)

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that theMessenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "Allah (may He be

Glorified and Exalted) says: All the deeds of Adam's sons (people)

are for them, except fasting which is for Me, and I will give the

reward for it. Fasting is a shield or protection from the fire and from

committing sins. If one of you is fasting, he should avoid sexual

relation with his wife and quarreling, and if somebody should fight

or quarrel with him, he should say: I am fasting. By Him in Whose

Hands my soul is the unpleasant smell coming out from the mouth

of a fasting person is better in the sight of Allah than the smell of musk. There are two pleasures for the fasting person, one at the

time of breaking his fast, and the other at the time when he will

meet his Lord; then he will be pleased because of his fasting."

(104)

Some good deeds are of great advantage, especially in Ramadan,

of which are the following:

Qiyam: The Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever

performs Salah at night the whole month of Ramadan out of

sincere Faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, all his previous

sins will be forgiven." (105)



The most stressed Qiyam is during the last ten days of Ramadan.

À'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated: "With the start

of the last ten days of Ramadan, the Prophet (peace be upon him)

used to tighten his waist belt (i.e. work hard) and used to perform

Salah all the night, and used to keep his family awake for Salah."(106)

She also narrated: "The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon

him) used to exert himself in devotion during the last ten nights to

a greater extent than at any other time." (107)

That is for the sake of Laylat-ul-Qadr (the Night of Decree). Allah

(He may be Glorified) says: "The night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is

better than a thousand months (i.e. worshipping Allâh in that night

is better than worshipping Him a thousand months, i.e. 83 yearsand 4 months)."


Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever established Salah on

Laylat-ul-Qadr (the night of Decree) out of sincere faith and hoping

for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven."

(108)

It is desirable that a person invoke Allah frequently in that night.

À'ishah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that she asked

the Prophet (peace be upon him): If it happen that I catch the Night

of Qadr, what should I say? He said: Say: O Allah, verily You are

All Forgiving and love forgiving, so forgive me." (109)

O people, who wasted their lifetimes in nothing, benefit from

Laylat-ul-Qadr (the Night of Decree) to make up what you missed

because it equals a lifetime.

I'tikaf (retiring to the mosque for worship): Ibn Ùmar (may Allah be

pleased with him) said: "The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon

him) used to practice I'tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan." (110)

I'tikaf is one of the acts of worship that combines many acts of

worship, such as: Salah, recitation of the Qur'an, Adhkar

(invocations and Remembrances said at certain times on a regular

basis), Duà' (supplication), fasting and others.



Charity: Ibn Àbbas (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "The

Prophet (peace be upon him) was the most generous amongst the

people, and he used to be more so in the month of Ramadan when

Gabriel visited him to study the Qur'an with him. Gabriel used to

meet him on every night of Ramadan till the end of the month. TheProphet (peace be upon him) used to recite the Glorious Qur'an to

Gabriel, and when Gabriel met him, he used to be more generous

than a fast wind (which causes rain and welfare)." (111)

Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the

Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "The best kind of

charity is charity in Ramadan." (112)

Reciting the Glorious Qur'an: It was mentioned previously that the

Prophet (peace be upon him) was studying the Qur'an with Gabrielin Ramadan, likewise the Companions of the Prophet (peace be

upon him) and the Righteous Predecessors were eager to recite

the Qur'an more frequently during this Blessed Month. Ùthman

(may Allah be pleased with him) used to recite the entire volume of

the Qur'an everyday. Al Aswad used to recite the Qur'an each two

nights. Ash-Shafi`y used to recite the Qur'an sixty times in

Ramadan outside Salah. The objective is to recite the Qur'an more

frequently than usual with meditation and consideration, not just

reading.

Feeding a fasting person: Zayd ibn Khalid (may Allah be pleased

with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

"Whoever feeds a fasting person shall have an equal reward

without reducing the reward of the fasting person." (113)

Performing Ùmrah (minor hajj) in Ramadan: It was reported from

the Prophet (peace be upon him) that "Ùmrah (lesser pilgrimage)

in Ramadan equals Hajj (in reward)." (114)

After leafing through these virtues, it is better for a wise person to

exert efforts in this Month because it is just one month in the entire

year. It is a fixed number of days and soon it ends. Count yourself

in a time of test and examination. Amusement during the days of

tests is a kind of insanity and negligence in the worldly life, so how



about fun and amusement during the preparation days for the

Hereafter?

Be keen not to waste any hour therein because hours are very

precious in Ramadan and are not comparable with any other.

Allah (may He be Exalted) says: "And Hell will be brought near that

Day. On that Day will man remember, but how will that

remembrance (then) avail him? * He will say: Alas! Would that I

had sent forth (good deeds) for (this) my life!" (116)

The third step is knowing the reality of fasting:

To many people, fasting is abstention from food and drink.

However, just abstaining from food, drink, and sexual intercourse

do not achieve the objective for which fasting was ordained. Thisobjective was mentioned by the Lord of all the Worlds when He

said: "O you who believe! Observing As-Saum (the fast) is

prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that

you may become Al-Muttaqûn (the pious)." (117)

So, the objective and the wisdom of fasting is (that you may

become Muttaqûn (pious)).

Yes, piety is that finest degree and highest rank.

There is no doubt that it is not achieved by just leaving food and

drink, hence fasting is greater than that. Abstention from these

matters, which are permissible by origin, was ordained in order

that a person leaves the unlawful matters. Drawing near to Allah

(may He be Exalted) by leaving the lawful matters is not complete

except after drawing near to Him by leaving the unlawfuls.

Whoever commits the unlawful matters then draws near to Allah

(may He be Exalted) by leaving the lawful matters is like a person

who leaves obligatory matters and draws near to Allah by thesupererogatory ones.

Therefore, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Fasting is a

shield (or a screen or a shelter). So, the person observing fasting

should avoid sexual relation with his wife and should not behave



foolishly and impudently, and if somebody fights with him or

abuses him, he should tell him twice: I am fasting. (twice)."

In another narration in Sahih Al Bukhari: "nor should he raise the

voice." (118)

The meaning of (Shield) i.e., a protection and coverage. And the

meaning is that fasting covers and protects a fasting person

against committing of sins and indulgence in major sins which will

drive their doers to Hell-Fire. A person should also avoid obscene

language and should not do any of the fools' actions such as

shouting, raising the voice, and showing enmity. (119)

The fasting of a Muslim will not become complete only when he

leaves the permissible lusts but he should also leave what Allah

has made unlawful, such as: lying, backbiting, talebearing, and

aggression against people's blood, money, and honors. Therefore,

the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever does not give up

false statements (i.e. telling lies), and evil deeds, and speaking

bad words to others, Allah is not in need of his (fasting) leaving his

food and drink." (120)

The meaning of (false statement) is every bad utterance that is

against the Shariàh and that includes backbiting and tale

bearing...etc. (121)

Here is the meaning of fasting not literally or idiomatically as we

used to define it, but as the venerable Companion Jabir ibn

Àbdullah Al Ansary (may Allah be pleased with him) defined when

he said: "When you fast, your hearing, sight, tongue should also

fast from lie and committing unlawful matters. Give up the harm of

your neighbor, adorn yourself with veneration and tranquility, and

do not make the day which you fast like other days." (122)

Therefore, fast as Allah commanded you to fast in order to achieve

the reward which Allah prepared for the fasting people. Abu Saìd

Al Khudry (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the

Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever observes fasts

during the month of Ramadan, knows its boundaries, and avoids



things which he must avoid his fasting shall remove his previous

sins." (123)

If your belly is the only organ which fasts, your share of fasting will

be as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "A fasting person

may gain just hunger and thirst out of his fasting and the one whowakes up at night for Salah may gain only sleeplessness out of

that." (124)

Conclusion: Now, after Allah had guided you to follow the previous

steps and you fasted Ramadan as should, you should ask

yourself: Am I from the winners of Ramadan?

Back for more questions:

- Are you determined to continue obedience? Many people

perform 21 Rakàhs in the last night of Ramadan but when the Èid

comes they give up Salah. So, do not waste your share of staying

up at night for Salah even if you perform few Rakàhs and likewise

all acts of worship.

- Are you determined to leave the past and start over? When Èid

comes, some people indulge in committing unlawful acts and

demolishes what they have built.

Allah (Glory be to Him) says: "And be not like her who undoes the

thread which she has spun, after it has become strong." (125)

Dear Muslim brother, the sign for accepting a pious act is

continuation in doing other pious actions.

Of the signs of accepting the fast of Ramadan is achieving the fruit

of fasting in your heart which is gaining piety, has it been achieved

in your hear?

May Allah guide you and me to observe fasting and Qiyam, and to

make us continue pious actions.

Written by Dr. Ilham Badr Al Jabry



---------------------------

(1) - Reported by Ibn Majah in the book of fasting, chapter on

Hadiths reported about the virtue of the Month of Ramadan, Hadith

No. 1644- 1/526. Al Busayry said in Az-Zawa'id: in its chain of

narration is Ìmran ibn Dawud Abu Al Àwwam Al Qattan whomscholars of Hadith have differed about his trustworthiness,

however the rest of the chain of transmission are trustworthy. Ad-

Dimyaty said in Al Matjar Ar-Rabih p. 345: Reported by Ibn Majah

with good chain of transmission.

(2) - Reported by Al Hakim in Al Mustadrak in the book of

dutifulness and maintaining the ties of kinship, chapter on the

curse of Allah to the one who shows ingratitude to his parents

4/153, and he said: This an authentic Hadith, however Al Bukhariand Muslim did not report it. Adh-Dhahaby agreed to his judgment

on the Hadith.

(3) - Reported by Ahmad in his Musnad 1/259 and Ibn As-Sunny in

Àmal Al Yawm Wa Al Laylah (the work of day and night), Hadith

No. 664, p. 245. The chain of transmission contains Zaìdah ibn

Abu Ar-Raqqad Al Bahily who is not a trustworthy narrator. Al

Haythamy said in Majma` Az-Zawa'id (collector of excrescences)

2/165: Reported by Al Bazzar and its chain of transmissioncontains Za'idah ibn Abu Ar-Raqqad. Al Bukhari said: Za'idah does

not narrate a good Hadith and others called him ignorant. An-

Nawawy also graded him as weak in Al Adhkar p. 171.

(4) - See Lata'if Al Maàrif p. 280- 282.

(5) - Surat Ar-Rahman: 46- 60.

(6) - Surat An-Nisa': 124.

(7) - Surat Hud: 23.

(8) - See: Lumàt Al A`tiqad p. 93.

(9) - Reported by Muslim in the book of dutifulness and preserving

the ties of kinship, chapter on the prohibition of oppressing a

Muslim 16/121.



(10) - Reported by Al Bukhari and Muslim: Reported by Al Bukhari

in the book of faith, chapter on the merit of the person who takes

caution for his religion- Fathul-Bary, Hadith No. 39 -1/126, and

reported by Muslim in the book of watering, chapter on taking what

is lawful and leaving what is doubted, Hadith No. 1559.(11) - Surat Al A`raf: 58.

(12) - Tafsir Al Karim Ar-Rahman 3/43.

(13) - Surat Al Anàm: 122.

(14) - Surat Al Anfal: 24.

(15) - Surat Al Hadid: 16.

(16) - Reported by Muslim in the book of remembrance of Allah 18,Hadith No. 2722.

(17) - Surat Al Baqarah: 45.

(18) - See the heart and its function in the Qur'an and the Sunnah

p. 102.

(19) - Reported by Muslim in the book of the Salah of a traveler,

chapter on the Salah of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his

invocation at night, Hadith No. 201 in full length.

(20) - Tafsir Abu As-Suùd 1/27.

(21) - Surat Al Hajj: 32.

(22) - Surat Al Hujurat: 3.

(23) - Surat Al Anfal: 2.

(24) - Al Fruqat Al Lughawiyyah p. 202, excerpted from the

functions of the heart p. 129.

(25) - Surat Al Mun`minun: 60.

(26) - Reported by At-Tirmidhy in the book of Tafsir, chapter on

Surat Al Mu'minun, Hadith No. 3225-5/9.

(27) - Surat Al Ìmran: 7.



(28) - Tafsir Al Karim Ar-Rahman 1/357.


(30) - Reported by At-Tirmidhy in the book of fate, chapter on

hearts are between two of the fingers of the Most Gracious, HadithNo. 2226-3/304, and said good and authentic Hadith.

(31) - Reported by Ibn Hibban in his Sahih in the book of

biographies, chapter on the virtue of Jihad and Ihsan, Hadith No.

4587-7/62.

(32) - Reported by Ahmad 5/183 from the Hadith of Zayd ibn

Thabit. Reported by Ibn Majah in the book of rituals, chapter on

Sermons on the Day of Nahr (Sacrifice), Hadith No. 3056-2/1015

from the Hadith of Jubayr ibn Mut`im.

(33) - An-Nihayah fi Gharib Al Hadith 3/381.


(35) - Functions of the heart p. 224.

(36) - Reported by Muslim in the book of faith, chapter on the

prohibition of haughtiness - the explanation of An-Nawawy 2/89.

(37) - Majmu` Al Fatawa 7/677-678 in short.

(38) - Al Mufradat p. 455.

(39) - Surat Al Anbiya': 1-3.

(40) - Al Jami` Li Ahkam Al Qur'an 11/268 and Al Mufradat p. 455.

(41) - Reported by Ibn Majah in the book of asceticism, chapter on

grief and crying, Hadith No. 4193-2/1403. Al Busayry said in Az-

Zawa'id: Its chain of transmission is authentic and its narrators are

trustworthy.

(42) - Surat Al Mu'minun: 63.

(43) - Jam'i` Al Bayan of At-Tabary 18/35.

(44) - Functions of the heart.



(45) - See Al Jami` Li Ahkam Al Qur'an 10/95 .

(46) - Surat An-Nahl 22.

(47) - Surat An-Nahl 83.

(48) - Functions of the heart 292.

(49) - Surat Al Mutaffifin: 14.

(50) - Reported by At-Tirmidhy in the book of Tafsir, chapter on

Tafsir Surat Al Mutaffifin, Hadith No. 3390-5/105 and said: A good

and authentic Hadith

(51) - Reported by Ahmad 3/17 and the chain of transmission

contains Layth ibn Abu Salim who is not a trustworthy narrator.

(52) - Reported by Muslim in the book of faith, chapter on

mentioning the turmoil which are like the sea waves, the

explanation of An-Nawawy 2/172.

(53) - See the commentary of An-Nawawy 2/172, 173.

(54) - Lata'if Al Ma`rifah p. 277 and Ad-Dayyan one of the names

of Allah (may He be Exalted).

(55) - Reported by Ibn Abu Ad-Dunya in dispraising Musical

instruments Hadith No. 13, p. 38.

(56) - Ighathat Al Lahfan 1/193 .

(57) - Reported by At-Tirmidhy in the book of the description of the

Resurrection Day, in a chapter that has no title, Hadith No. 2628-

4/74. Reported by Al Bayhaqy in As-Sunan Al Kubra (Hadith

compilations classified by jurisprudential themes), in the book of

testimonies, chapter on the testimony of the people of kinship

10/232. Al Mundhiry said in At-Targhib wa At-Tarhib, Hadith No. 7-4/12: Reported by Al Bazzar with a good chain of transmission, as

was reported by Al Bayhaqy and others.

(58) - Reported by Ibn Majah in the book of asceticism, chapter on

devoutness and piety, Hadith No. 4215- 2/1403. Al Busayry said in

Az-Zawa'id: This is an authentic chain of transmission and its



narrators are trustworthy. Al Mundhry said in At-Targhib wa At-

Tarhib, Hadith No. 10- 4/14: Reported by Ibn Majah, Al Bayhaqy,

and others with an authentic chain of transmission.

(59) - Surat Al Hashr: 10.

(60) - Reported by Muslim in the book of Fate, chapter on Allah

directs the hearts as He wishes - the explanation of An-Nawawy

16/204.

(61) - Reported by Abu Dawud in the book of Salah, chapter on

asking forgiveness, Hadith No. 1522- 2/87 and An-Nasa'y in the

book of Salah, chapter on another type of invocation, Hadith No.

1303- 3/53.

(62) - Reported by Muslim in the book of invocation, chapter onsupplications 17/41.

(63) - Reported by Ahmad 1/402. Al Albany (may Allah bestow

mercy on his soul) graded it as authentic in As-Silsilah As-

Sahihah, Hadith No. 389 - 1/673.

(64) - Surat Al Hajj: 74.

(65) - Surat Az-Zumar: 67.

(66) - Surat Al A`raf: 99.


Day of Resurrection, chapter which has no title, Hadith No. 2575-

4/53. At-Tirmidhy said: This is Hadith Gharib (a Hadith with a

single narrator usually at the beginning of the chain of narration).

We only know it from the Hadith of Aban ibn Ishaq from As-

Sabbah ibn Muhammad.

(68) - Surat An-Nisa': 123.



Day of Resurrection, chapter which has no title, Hadith No. 2577 -

4/54. At-Tirmidhy said: This is a good Hadith. The Hadith was also

reported by Imam Ahmad 4/124 and Ibn Majah in the book of



asceticism, chapter on recalling death and getting ready to it,

Hadith No. 4260- 2/1423. However, Al Albany (may Allah bestow

mercy on his soul) graded it as weak in Daìf Al Jami`, Hadith No.

4310- 4/167.

(71) - Surat Al Mu`minun: 1 - 10.

(72) - Surat Al Jathiyah: 21.

(73) - Surat At-Tahrim: 8.


(75) - See Al Jami` Li Ahkam Al Qur'an 2/210 211.


(77) - Surat Taha: 82.

(78) - Reported by At-Tirmidhy in the book of dutifulness and

preserving the ties of kinship, chapter on what has been reported

in how to treat the people, Hadith No. 2953- 3/239. At-Tirmidhy

said: This is a good and authentic Hadith.

(79) - See Taysir Al Karim Ar-Rahman fi Tafsir Kalam Al Mannan

5/179.

(80) - Talbis Iblis p. 44.

(81) - Reported by Ahmad 2/177, however it contains Àbdullah ibn

Lahiàh who is not a trustworthy narrator.

(82) - Reported by Muslim in the book of faith, chapter on

exhortation to promptness of actions the explanation of An-

Nawawy 2/133.

(83) - Sharh Sahih Muslim of An-Nawawy 2/133.

(84) - Reported by At-Tirmidhy in the book of asceticism, chapter

on promptness of actions, Hadith No. 2408- 3/378. At-Tirmidhy

said this is Hadith Gharib (a Hadith with a single narrator usually at

the beginning of the chain of narration).



(85) - Reported by Muslim in the book of Salah, chapter on the

excellence of prostration and exhortation to it - explanation of An-

Nawawy 4/205-206.

(86) - Reported by Muslim in the previous position.

(87) - Sharh Sahih Muslim of An Nawawy 4/205-206.

(88) - Reported by Ahmad 2/174 and Al Hakim in Al Mustadrak

1/554 and said: This is an authentic Hadith according to the

conditions of Imam Muslim, however Al Bukhari and Muslim did

not report it and Ad-Dhahaby agreed to his judgment on the

Hadith.

(89) - Reported by Al Bukhari in the book of fasting, chapter on the

fasting of Sha`ban and Imam Muslim in the book of fasting,chapter on the fasting of the Prophet (peace be upon him) in other

than Ramadan.

(90) - Lata'if Al Ma`arif p. 258.

(91) - Reported by At-Tirmidhy in the book of faith, chapter on

Hadiths that were reported about the sanctity of Salah, Hadith No.

2749 - 4/124. At-Tirmidhy said: This is a good and authentic

Hadith.

(92) - Reported by At-Tirmidhy in the book of Zakah, chapter on

what has been reported in excellence of charity, Hadith No. 658-

2/86. At-Tirmidhy said: This is Hadith Gharib (a Hadith with a

single narrator usually at the beginning of the chain of narration)

from this way, and was reported by Ibn Hibban in his Sahih - see

benevolence in the book of Zakah, chapter on Voluntary charity,

Hadith No. 3298- 5/131.

(93) - Reported by At-Tirmidhy in the book of the excellence of theGlorious Qur'an, chapter on Hadiths that were reported about the

person who recites a letter from the Qur'an, Hadith No. 3075 -

4/248 and At-Tirmidhy said: This is a good, authentic, and Gharib

Hadith from this way.



(94) - Reported by Abu Dawud in the book of Salah, chapter on the

desirability of reciting the Qur'an in a moderate tone, Hadith No.

1464 - 2/74, and reported by At-Tirmidhy in the book of the

excellence of the Glorious Qur'an, chapter which has no title,

Hadith No. 3081- 4/250 and At-Tirmidhy said: This is a good andauthentic Hadith.

(95) - Surat Al Mu'minun: 99 100.

(96) - Surat Az-Zumar: 56 - 58.

(97) - Surat Muhammad: 17.

(98) - Surat An-Nisa': 66 - 68.

(99) - Surat As-Saf: 5.

(100) - Taysir Al Karim Ar-Rahman 7/367 -368.

(101) - Reported by Al Bukhari in the book of holding fast, chapter

on following the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon

him), Hadith No. 7280 - Fathul-Bary 13/248.

(102) - Reported by Al Bukhari in the book of fasting, chapter on

should it be said: Ramadan, Hadith No. 1899 - 4/112 and reported

by Muslim in the book of fasting, chapter on the excellence of the

Month of Ramadan - Sharh An-Nawawy 7/187 with the wordings of

Imam Muslim.


Ar-Rayyan is the gate of the fasting people, Hadith No. 1896 -

4/111, and reported by Muslim in the book of fasting, chapter on

the excellence of fasting - An-Nawawy 8/33.

(104) - Reported by Al Bukhari in several positions, of which: in the

book of fasting, chapter on should a person say: I am fasting whenhe is insulted? Hadith No. 1904 - 4/118 and reported by Muslim in

the book of fasting, chapter on the excellence of fasting - An-

Nawawy 8/31.

(105) - Reported by Al Bukhari in the book of Tarawih (voluntary

night Salah performed in Ramadan), chapter on the excellence of



those who perform Qiyam in Ramadan, Hadith 2009 - 4/250, and

reported by Muslim in the book of the Salah of travellers, chapter

on the exhortation to perform Tarawih - the explanation of An-

Nawawy 6/40.

(106) - Reported by Al Bukhari in the book of the excellence of Laylat-ul-Qadr (the Night of Decree), chapter on acting during the

last ten days of Ramadan, Hadith 2024 - 4/269, and reported by

Muslim in the book of I'tikaf (retiring to the mosque for worship),

chapter on exerting efforts in the last ten days of Ramadan - the

explanation of An-Nawawy 8/70.

(107) - Reported by Muslim in the previous position.

(108) - Reported by Al Bukhari in the book of Tarawih, chapter on

the excellence of Tarawih, chapter on Laylat-ul-Qadr (the Night of

Decree) 4/255, and reported by Muslim in the Salah of the

travelers, chapter on the exhortation to Tarawih - the explanation

of An-Nawawy 6/40.

(109) - Reported by At-Tirmidhy in the book of invocations, chapter

which has no title Hadith 3580 - 5/195 and said: This is a good and

authentic Hadith, and was reported Ibn Majah in the book of

invocation, chapter on invoking Allah for pardon and good health,

Hadith No. 3850 - 2/ 1265, and was reported by Ahmad 6/171.

(110) - Reported by Al Bukhari in the book of I'tikaf (retiring to the

mosque for worship), chapter on I'tikaf in the last ten days of

Ramadan, Hadith No. 2025- 4/271.

(111) - Reported by Al Bukhari in several positions, of which: in the

book of fasting, chapter on the Prophet's best condition of

generosity was in Ramadan, Hadith No. 1902 - 4/ 116, and was

reported by Muslim in the book of virtues, chapter on the

generosity of the Prophet (peace be upon him) 15/86.

(112) - Reported by At-Tirmidhy in the book of Zakah, chapter of

Hadiths that were reported in the excellence of charity, Hadith No.

657 - 2/86. At-Tirmidhy said: This is Hadith Gharib, and Sadaqah

ibn Musa is not a trustworthy narrator.



(113) - Reported by At-Tirmidhy in the book of fasting, chapter on

Hadiths that were reported om the excellence of those who offer

food for the fasting people, Hadith No. 804 - 2/151. At-Tirmidhy

said: This is a good and authentic Hadith, and reported by Ibn

Majah in the book of fasting, chapter on fasting during the Sacredmonths, Hadith No. 1746 - 1/ 555, and reported by Ahmad 4/114.

(114) - Reported by Al Bukhari in the book of Ùmrah (the lesser

pilgrimage), chapter on performing Ùmrah during Ramadan,

Hadith No. 1782 - 3/603, and reported by Muslim in the book of

Hajj, chapter on the excellence of performing Ùmrah during

Ramadan 9/2.

(115) - Lata'if Al Maàrif p. 352.

(116) - Surat Al Fajr: 23 24.



the excellence of Fasting, Hadith No. 1894 - 4/103 - Hadith No.

1904 - 4/118. The Hadith was also reported by Muslim in the book

of fasting, chapter on the excellence of fasting - explanation of An-

Nawawy 8/31.

(119) - See: Fathul-Bary 4/104 and 118 Al Matjar Ar-Rabih p. 3376

- explanation of An-Nawawy 8/31.


whoever does not leave untruthful speech and acting by during

fasting, Hadith No. 1903 - 4/116, and in the book of Literature,

chapter on Allah's Saying (may He be Exalted): "And avoid false

speech", Hadith No. 6057 - 10/473.

(121) - See: Fathul-Bary 4/117-118.

(122) - Lata'if Al Maàrif.

(123) - Reported by Ibn Hibban in his Sahih - benevolence, in the

book of fasting, chapter on the excellence of the Month of

Ramadan, Hadith No. 3424 - 5/183.



(124) - Reported by Ahmad in his Musnad 2/373 and Ibn Majah in

the book of fasting, chapter on Hadiths that were reported in

backbiting and obscenities for a person who observes fasting,

Hadith No. 1690 - 1/539. Al Busayry said: Its chain of transmission

is weak.(125) - Surat An-Nahl: 92.

Practical Steps for Making Good Use of Ramadhan

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