The Sunan of ‘Îd

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

1. The ‘Îd prayer should be performed in a musalla.

The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم always offered the ‘Îd prayers in the Musalla [flat open area that is apart from the Masjid] which was located at the eastern entrance to Madînah. (Zâd Al-Ma’âd 3/182)

Thus, majority of the scholars hold that the Sunnah is to pray the ‘Îd prayer in the Musalla. (Praying ‘Îd in the Musalla is the Sunnah of Shaykh Al-Albânî p.20)

2. Taking Ghusl

‘Abdullâh Ibn ‘Umar used to perform Ghusl for the two ‘Îds before going out to the ‘Îd prayer.

(See Ahkâm Al-‘Îdayn of Al-Faryâbi, Al-Muwatta of Imâm Mâlik 428, Al-Matâlib Al-‘Âliyah 2753)

Ibn Rushd said: There is a consensus amongst the jurists upon the religious recommendation of Ghusl for the two ‘Îd prayers. (Bidâyat al-Mujtahid wa Nihâyat al-Muqtasid 1/8/pg 247)

3. Adorning oneself with the best clothes and using ones best scents

The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم used to wear his best clothes for the ‘Îd prayers, such as a ‘Hulla, two green Burds, or a red Burd. (Zâd Al-Ma’âd 3/183)

See Sahîh Ibn Khuzaimah 1756, As-Sahîhah of Albânî 1279.

‘Abdullâh Ibn ‘Umar would wear his best clothes and use his best scents before going out to the ‘Îd prayer. (Al-Matâlib Al-‘Âliyah 2753)

Imâm Shâfi’î said: The children should wear the best that they have the means to, boys and girls. (Al-Umm 1/387)

4. Eating a few odd number of dates before going out for ‘Îd al-Fitr

Anas Ibn Mâlik narrated that Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم never proceeded (for the prayer) on the Day of ‘Îd-ul-Fitr unless he had eaten some dates. Anas also narrated: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم used to eat odd number of dates. (Sahîh Bukhârî 953)

‘Abdullâh Ibn Buraidah narrated from his father that: the prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم would not leave on ‘Îd-ul-Fitr until he ate, and he would not eat on ‘Îd-ul-Adhâ until he prayed. (At-Tirmidhî 542. Declared Sahîh by Al-Albânî)

Ibn Rushd said: The jurists agreed that it is recommended for one to eat something on the day of ‘Îd-ul-Fitr before departing for the place of prayer, and that he should not eat anything on the day of ‘Id-ul-Adhâ except after the completion of the prayer. (Bidâyat al-Mujtahid wa Nihâyat al-Muqtasid 1/8/p.253)

5. It is Sunnah to walk to the ‘Îd prayer

‘Alî Ibn Abî Tâlib narrated: It is from the Sunnah to leave for the ‘Îd prayer walking. (At-Tirmidhî 530. Declared Hasan by Al-Albânî)

Imâm At-Tirmidhî said: This narration is acted upon according to the majority of the people of knowledge, they consider it recommended for a man to leave for ‘Îd walking.

6. It is Sunnah to go to the ‘Îd prayer one way and return by another

Narrated Jâbir Ibn ‘Abdullâh: On the Day of ‘Îd the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم used to return (after offering the ‘Îd prayer) through a way different from that by which he went. (Sahîh Bukhârî 986)

7. The prayer of ‘Îd-ul-Fitr should be delayed and for ‘Îd-ul-Adhâ should be hastened

‘Abdullâh Ibn Busr, the companion of the Messenger of Allâh صلى الله عليه وسلم, once went with the people on the day of ‘Îd, Fitr or Adhâ. He criticized the delay of the Imâm and said: ‘We used to be finished at this hour’ and that was at the time that one could pray voluntary prayers. (Abû Dawûd 1135. Declared Sahîh by Al-Albânî)

Ibn al-Qayyim said: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم used to delay the ‘Îd-ul-Fitr prayer and hasten performing ‘Îd-ul-Adhâ. (Zâd Al-Ma’âd 3/185)

8. To recite Takbîr on the day of ‘Îd (whether male or female)

Ibn ‘Umar would proceed to the Musalla and recite Takbîr audibly on the way there until the Imâm arrived. (Al-Faryâbi, Zâd Al-Ma’âd, Al-Dâraqutnî)

Narrated by Umm ‘Atiyah: We used to be ordered to come out on the Day of ‘Îd and even bring out the virgin girls from their houses and menstruating women so that they might stand behind the men and say Takbîr with them and invoke Allâh along with them and hope for the blessings of that day and for purification from sins. (Sahîh Bukhârî 971)

The Takbîr is i.e Allâhu Akbar, Allâhu Akbar, Lâ ilâha ill-Allâh, Allâhu Akbar, Allâhu Akbar, wa lillâhil-hamd (Allâh is Great, Allâh is Great, none has the right to be worshipped but Allâh, Allâh is Great, Allâh is Great, To Allâh belongs all praise). (Ibn Abî Shaybah, Irwa 3:125)

9. There is no Adhân or Iqâmah prior to the prayer

Ibn ‘Abbâs and Jâbir Ibn ‘Abdullâh al-Ansârî reported: “There was no Adhân on the (occasion) of ‘Îd-ul-Fitr and ‘Îd-ul-Adhâ.” (Sahîh Muslim 886)

Jâbir Ibn Samurah said: “I prayed with the Messenger of Allâh صلى الله عليه وسلم on two ‘Îds more than once or twice without there being Adhân and Iqâmah.” (Sahîh Muslim 887)

10. The prayer consists of 2 rak’ah & is performed before the Khutbah & there is no prayer before or after it

Narrated by ‘Abdullâh Ibn ‘Umar: Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم used to offer the prayer of ‘Îd-ul-Adhâ and ‘Îd-ul-Fitr and then deliver the Khutbah after the prayer. (Sahîh Bukhârî 957)

Narrated Ibn ‘Abbâs: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم offered a two rak’ah prayer on the Day of ‘Îd-ul-Fitr and he did not pray before or after it. (Sahîh Bukhârî 964)

11. There are 7 Takbîrs in the first rak’ah & 5 in the second rak’ah

Narrated by ‘Âisha :The Messenger of Allâh صلى الله عليه وسلم would say the Takbîr (Allah is the Most Great) seven times in the first rak’ah and five times in the second rak’ah on the day of ‘Îd-ul-Fitr and ‘Îd-ul-Adhâ. (Abû Dawûd 1149. Declared Sahîh by Al-Albânî)

Ibn Al-Qayyim said : The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم paused briefly between each Takbîr. (Zâd Al-Ma’âd 3/187)

‘Abdullâh Ibn Mas’ûd used to praise Allâh [saying Alhamdulillâh), glorify Him [saying Subhân-Allâh) and send Salah upon the Prophet [saying i.e Sala-Allâhu ‘Alayhi wa Salam] in between the Takbîrs. (Irwâ al-Ghalil 3/115)

12. What to recite after Sûrah Al-Fâtihah

‘Abdullâ Ibn ‘Umar reported that (his father) ‘Umar Ibn Khattab asked Abû Wâqid al-Laithi what the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم used to recite on ‘Îd-ul-Adhâ and ‘Îd-ul-Fitr. He said: He used to recite in them:” Qâf. By the Glorious Qur’ân” (Sûrah Qâf: 50),” The Hour has drawn near, and the moon has been cleft asunder” (Sûrah Al-Qamar: 54) (Sahîh Muslim 891)

Al-Num’ân Ibn Bashîr reported: The Messenger of Allâh صلى الله عليه وسلم would recite in the two ‘Îd prayers and in the Friday prayer the Sûrahs, “Glorify the name of your Lord the Most High,” ( Sûrah Al-A’lâ:87) and, “Has there come to you the report of the overwhelming?” (Sûrah Al-Ghâshiyah:88). If the ‘Îd and Friday prayers occurred on the same day, he would recite them in both prayers. (Sahîh Muslim 878)

13. The concession to remain and listen to the Khutbah or to depart

Narrated by ‘Abdullâh Ibn as-Sâ’ib: I attended the ‘Îd prayer along with the Messenger of Allâh صلى الله عليه وسلم. When he finished the prayer, he said: We shall deliver the sermon; he who likes to sit for listening to it may sit and he who likes to depart, may depart. (Abû Dawûd 1155. Declared Sahîh by Al-Albânî)

14. Giving ‘Îd greetings

Jubayr Ibn Nufayr said: The companions of the Messenger of Allâh صلى الله عليه وسلم would say to one another: May Allâh accept it from us and you [Taqabbal Allâhu minna wa minkum], if they met on the day of ‘Îd. (Fath al-Bârî 2/446)

15. Concession not to attend Jumu’ah if ‘Îd falls on a Friday

Narrated by Abû Hurayrah: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: Two festivals (‘Îd and Friday) have coincided on this day. He who wishes does not have to attend the Jumu’ah prayer. But we shall offer the Jumu’ah prayer. (Abû Dawûd 1073. Declared Sahîh by Al-Albânî)

16. The days of ‘Îd are days of eating and drinking

The prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said:” The greatest of all days before Allâh is the Day of Nahr (sacrifice)..” (Abû Dawûd 1765. Declared Sahîh by Al-Albânî)

The prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said:”The day of ‘Arafah, The day of Nahr, and The days of Tashrîq are ‘Îd for us, the people of Islâm, and they are days of eating and drinking” (At-Tirmidhî 773. Declared Sahîh by Al-Albânî)

The prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “The days of Tashrîq are the days of eating, drinking and remembering Allâh.” (Sahîh Muslim 1141)

Abû Huraira reported that the Messenger of Allâh صلى الله عليه وسلم forbade fasting on these two days: ‘Îd-ul-Adhâ and ‘Îd-ul-Fitr. (Sahîh Muslim 1138)

The Times & Places That Du’â is Answered

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

  • The last third of the night


عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رضى الله عنه أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ يَنْزِلُ رَبُّنَا تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَى كُلَّ لَيْلَةٍ إِلَى السَّمَاءِ الدُّنْيَا حِينَ يَبْقَى ثُلُثُ اللَّيْلِ الآخِرُ يَقُولُ مَنْ يَدْعُونِي فَأَسْتَجِيبَ لَهُ مَنْ يَسْأَلُنِي فَأُعْطِيَهُ مَنْ يَسْتَغْفِرُنِي فَأَغْفِرَ لَهُ

 Narrated by Abû Hurairah that the Messenger of Allâh صلى الله عليه وسلم said:

“Our Lord, descends to the lowest heaven when the last third of the night remains, and He says: “Is there anyone to invoke Me, so that I may respond to the invocation? Is there anyone to ask Me, so that I may grant him his request? Is there anyone seeking My forgiveness, so that I may forgive him?”

Sahîh Bukhârî 1145

  • At the end of the obligatory prayers

عَنْ أَبِي أُمَامَةَ، قَالَ قِيلَ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ أَىُّ الدُّعَاءِ أَسْمَعُ قَالَ ‏”‏ جَوْفُ اللَّيْلِ الآخِرُ وَدُبُرَ الصَّلَوَاتِ الْمَكْتُوبَاتِ ‏”‏

Abû Umamah narrated: “It was said: ‘O Messenger of Allâh, which supplication is most likely to be listened to?’ He said: ‘During the last part of the night and at the end of the obligatory prayers.'”

At-Tirmidhî 3499. Declared Hasan by Al-Albânî

*At the end of the obligatory prayers, means before the salam. See Ibn al-Qayyim’ speech in Zâd al-Ma’âd.

  • Supplication made between the Adhân & Iqâmah

عَنْ أَنَسِ بْنِ مَالِكٍ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ “‏ الدُّعَاءُ لاَ يُرَدُّ بَيْنَ الأَذَانِ وَالإِقَامَةِ ‏”‏

Anas Ibn Mâlik narrated that the Messenger of Allâh صلى الله عليه وسلم said:

“The supplication made between the Adhân and Iqâmah is not rejected.”

At-Tirmidhî 212. Declared Sahîh by Al-Albânî

  • When saying Lâ Ilâha Illâ Anta Subhânaka Innî Kuntu Minadh-dhâlimîn

عَنْ إِبْرَاهِيمَ بْنِ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ سَعْدٍ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنْ سَعْدٍ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ “‏ دَعْوَةُ ذِي النُّونِ إِذْ دَعَا وَهُوَ فِي بَطْنِ الْحُوتِ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ أَنْتَ سُبْحَانَكَ إِنِّي كُنْتُ مِنَ الظَّالِمِينَ ‏.‏ فَإِنَّهُ لَمْ يَدْعُ بِهَا رَجُلٌ مُسْلِمٌ فِي شَيْءٍ قَطُّ إِلاَّ اسْتَجَابَ اللَّهُ لَهُ ‏”‏ ‏

Ibrâhîm Ibn Muhammad Ibn Sa’d narrated from his father, from Sa’d, that the Messenger of Allâh صلى الله عليه وسلم said :

“The supplication of Dhun-Nûn (Yûnus) when he supplicated, when he was in the belly of the whale, was: ‘Lâ Ilâha Illâ Anta Subhânaka Innî Kuntu Minadh-dhâlimîn (There is none worthy of worship except You, Glory be to you [from all imperfection], indeed I have been one of the transgressors)’. So indeed, no Muslim man supplicates with it for anything, ever, except Allâh responds to Him.”

At-Tirmidhî 3505. Declared Sahîh by Al-Albânî

Allâh says:

-وَذَا ٱلنُّونِ إِذ ذَّهَبَ مُغَٰضِبًا فَظَنَّ أَن لَّن نَّقْدِرَ عَلَيْهِ فَنَادَىٰ فِى ٱلظُّلُمَٰتِ أَن لَّآ إِلَٰهَ إِلَّآ أَنتَ سُبْحَٰنَكَ إِنِّى كُنتُ مِنَ ٱلظَّٰلِمِينَ- فَٱسْتَجَبْنَا لَهُۥ وَنَجَّيْنَٰهُ مِنَ ٱلْغَمِّ ۚ وَكَذَٰلِكَ نُۨجِى ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ ﴿٨٨-٨٧﴾

And (remember) Dhan-Nun (Jonah), when he went off in anger, and imagined that We shall not punish him (i.e. the calamites which had befallen him)! But he cried through the darkness (saying): La ilaha illa Anta [none has the right to be worshipped but You (O Allah)], Glorified (and Exalted) are You [above all that (evil) they associate with You]. Truly, I have been of the wrong-doers. So We answered his call, and delivered him from the distress. And thus We do deliver the believers (who believe in the Oneness of Allah, abstain from evil and work righteousness).

Al-Anbiya 21:87-88

  • The supplication of the one who has been wronged
  • The supplication of the traveler
  • The supplication of the father for / against his child

عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ “‏ ثَلاَثُ دَعَوَاتٍ مُسْتَجَابَاتٌ لاَ شَكَّ فِيهِنَّ دَعْوَةُ الْمَظْلُومِ وَدَعْوَةُ الْمُسَافِرِ وَدَعْوَةُ الْوَالِدِ عَلَى وَلَدِهِ ‏”

Abû Hurairah narrated that the Messenger of Allâh صلى الله عليه وسلم said:

“Three supplications are accepted, there is no doubt about them (them being accepted) : The supplication of tbe oppressed, the supplication of the traveler, and the supplication of the father against his son.”

At-Tirmidhî 1905. Declared Hasan by Al-Albânî

In a similar narration collected by Ibn Mâjah [3862, declared Hasan by Al-Albânî] he صلى الله عليه وسلم said:

وَدَعْوَةُ الْوَالِدِ لِوَلَدِهِ

“And the supplication of the father for his child”

The prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم also said:

وَاتَّقِ دَعْوَةَ الْمَظْلُومِ فَإِنَّهُ لَيْسَ بَيْنَهُ وَبَيْنَ اللَّهِ حِجَابٌ ‏

“Beware of the supplication of the oppressed, for there is no barrier between it and Allâh”

Sahîh Bukhârî 4347

Similarly, he صلى الله عليه وسلم said :

ثَلاَثَةٌ لاَ تُرَدُّ دَعْوَتُهُمُ… وَدَعْوَةُ الْمَظْلُومِ يَرْفَعُهَا اللَّهُ فَوْقَ الْغَمَامِ وَيَفْتَحُ لَهَا أَبْوَابَ السَّمَاءِ وَيَقُولُ الرَّبُّ وَعِزَّتِي لأَنْصُرَنَّكَ وَلَوْ بَعْدَ حِينٍ

“There are three whose supplication is not rejected:… And the supplication of the oppressed person; Allâh raises it up above the clouds and opens the gates of heaven to it. And the Lord says: ‘By My Might, I shall surely aid you, even if it should be after a while.'”

At-Tirmidhî 3598. Ibn Mâjah 1752. Declared Sahîh by Al-Albânî

  • The supplication of the fasting person until he breaks his fast
  • The supplication of a just ruler

عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ “‏ ثَلاَثَةٌ لاَ تُرَدُّ دَعْوَتُهُمُ الصَّائِمُ حَتَّى يُفْطِرَ وَالإِمَامُ الْعَادِلُ وَدَعْوَةُ الْمَظْلُومِ يَرْفَعُهَا اللَّهُ فَوْقَ الْغَمَامِ وَيَفْتَحُ لَهَا أَبْوَابَ السَّمَاءِ وَيَقُولُ الرَّبُّ وَعِزَّتِي لأَنْصُرَنَّكَ وَلَوْ بَعْدَ حِينٍ ‏”‏ ‏

Abû Hurairah narrated that the Messenger of Allâh صلى الله عليه وسلم said:

“There are three whose supplication is not rejected: The fasting person until he breaks his fast, the just ruler, and the supplication of the oppressed person; Allâh raises it up above the clouds and opens the gates of heaven to it. And the Lord says: ‘By My might, I shall surely aid you, even if it should be after a while.’”

At-Tirmidhî 3598. Declared Sahîh by Al-Albânî.

  • During the last hour of Friday

عَنْ جَابِرِ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، عَنْ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم أَنَّهُ قَالَ ‏”‏ يَوْمُ الْجُمُعَةِ ثِنْتَا عَشْرَةَ ‏”‏ ‏.‏ يُرِيدُ سَاعَةً ‏”‏ لاَ يُوجَدُ مُسْلِمٌ يَسْأَلُ اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ شَيْئًا إِلاَّ آتَاهُ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ فَالْتَمِسُوهَا آخِرَ سَاعَةٍ بَعْدَ الْعَصْرِ ‏”‏ ‏

Narrated by Jâbir Ibn ‘Abdullâh that the prophet صلى الله عليه said:

“Friday has twelve hours to it, in it which there is no Muslim who asks Allâh for anything except that Allâh gives it to him. So seek it during the last hour of ‘Asr.”

Sunan Abû Dawûd 1048. Declared Sahîh by Al-Albânî

  • Supplication made during Sujûd

عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ “‏ أَقْرَبُ مَا يَكُونُ الْعَبْدُ مِنْ رَبِّهِ وَهُوَ سَاجِدٌ فَأَكْثِرُوا الدُّعَاءَ ‏”

Abû Hurairah narrated that the messenger of Allâh صلى الله عليه وسلم said:

“The nearest a servant comes to his Lord is when he is prostrating, so make a great deal of supplication (in this state).”

Sahîh Muslim 482

  • Supplication made at the time of the call to prayer
  • Supplication made during battle

عَنْ سَهْلِ بْنِ سَعْدٍ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏:‏ ‏ “‏ ثِنْتَانِ لاَ تُرَدَّانِ، أَوْ قَلَّمَا تُرَدَّانِ ‏:‏ الدُّعَاءُ عِنْدَ النِّدَاءِ، وَعِنْدَ الْبَأْسِ حِينَ يُلْحِمُ بَعْضُهُمْ بَعْضًا ‏”‏

Sahl Ibn Sa’ad reported that the Messenger of Allâh صلى الله عليه وسلم said:

“Two supplications are not rejected or are rarely rejected: supplication at the time of the call to prayer and when the battle becomes intense, when they clash and fight intensely.”

Abû Dawûd 2540. Declared Sahîh by Al-Albânî

  • When it is raining

قَالَ مُوسَى ‏:‏ وَحَدَّثَنِي رِزْقُ بْنُ سَعِيدِ بْنِ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ عَنْ أَبِي حَازِمٍ عَنْ سَهْلِ بْنِ سَعْدٍ عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏:‏ وَوَقْتَ الْمَطَرِ

Mûsâ said:  Rizq Ibn Sa’îd ibn Abdur-Rahman reported from Abû Hâzim on the authority of Sahl ibn Sa’ad from the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم as saying:

“And while it is raining.”

Abû Dawûd 2540.

A similar narration has also been related by Ash-Shâfi’î in Al-Umm (2/223).

Al-Albânî said that although the individual narrations are weak, when other chains are gathered together they raise the level to Hasan. See As-Silsilah As-Sahîhah 1469.

  • When hearing a rooster crow

عَنْ أَبِي، هُرَيْرَةَ أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ “‏ إِذَا سَمِعْتُمْ صِيَاحَ الدِّيَكَةِ فَاسْأَلُوا اللَّهَ مِنْ فَضْلِهِ فَإِنَّهَا رَأَتْ مَلَكًا وَإِذَا سَمِعْتُمْ نَهِيقَ الْحِمَارِ فَتَعَوَّذُوا بِاللَّهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ فَإِنَّهَا رَأَتْ شَيْطَانًا ‏”

Abû Huraira reported Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم as saying:

“When you hear the crowing of the rooster, ask Allâh for His Bounty for it sees Angels and when you hear the braying of the donkey, seek refuge in Allâh from the Shaytân for it sees a Shaytân.”

Sahîh Muslim 2729

  • When drinking Zam Zam water

جَابِرَ بْنَ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، يَقُولُ سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ يَقُولُ ‏ “‏ مَاءُ زَمْزَمَ لِمَا شُرِبَ لَهُ ‏”‏

Narrated by Jâbir Ibn Abdullâh: “I heard the Messenger of Allâh صلى الله عليه وسلم say:

‘The water of Zam Zam is for whatever it is drunk for.'”

Sunan Ibn Mâjah 3062. Declared Sahîh by Al-Albânî

Virtues of Ayât al-Kursî

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Allah! La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists. Neither slumber, nor sleep overtake Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except with His Permission? He knows what happens to them (His creatures) in this world, and what will happen to them in the Hereafter. And they will never compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Kursi extends over the heavens and the earth, and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great. [This Verse 2:255 is called Ayat-ul-Kursi.]
  • The greatest verse from the Book of Allâh

عَنْ أُبَىِّ بْنِ كَعْبٍ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏”‏ يَا أَبَا الْمُنْذِرِ أَتَدْرِي أَىُّ آيَةٍ مِنْ كِتَابِ اللَّهِ مَعَكَ أَعْظَمُ ‏”‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ قُلْتُ اللَّهُ وَرَسُولُهُ أَعْلَمُ ‏.‏ قَالَ ‏”‏ يَا أَبَا الْمُنْذِرِ أَتَدْرِي أَىُّ آيَةٍ مِنْ كِتَابِ اللَّهِ مَعَكَ أَعْظَمُ ‏”‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ قُلْتُ اللَّهُ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ هُوَ الْحَىُّ الْقَيُّومُ ‏.‏ قَالَ فَضَرَبَ فِي صَدْرِي وَقَالَ ‏”‏ وَاللَّهِ لِيَهْنِكَ الْعِلْمُ أَبَا الْمُنْذِرِ ‏

It was narrated from Ubay ibn Ka’b that Allâh’s messenger (ﷺ) said: “O Abû Al-Mundhir, do you know which verse from the Book of Allâh that you have learned is greatest?’ I said: ‘Allâh and His Messenger know best.’ He said:’O Abû Al-Mundhir, do you know which verse from the Book of Allâh that you have learned is greatest?’. I said:” ‘Allâhu! Lâ ilâha illa Huwa, Al-Hayyul-Qayyûm [2:255]”‘. He struck me on the chest and said: ‘I congratulate you on your knowledge, O Abû Al-Mundhir.’ “

Sahîh Muslim 810

  • A protection for the night

عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ قَالَ وَكَّلَنِي رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم بِحِفْظِ زَكَاةِ رَمَضَانَ فَأَتَانِي آتٍ فَجَعَلَ يَحْثُو مِنَ الطَّعَامِ فَأَخَذْتُهُ فَقُلْتُ لأَرْفَعَنَّكَ إِلَى رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَقَصَّ الْحَدِيثَ فَقَالَ إِذَا أَوَيْتَ إِلَى فِرَاشِكَ فَاقْرَأْ آيَةَ الْكُرْسِيِّ لَنْ يَزَالَ مَعَكَ مِنَ اللَّهِ حَافِظٌ وَلاَ يَقْرَبُكَ شَيْطَانٌ حَتَّى تُصْبِحَ‏.‏ وَقَالَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ “‏ صَدَقَكَ وَهْوَ كَذُوبٌ ذَاكَ شَيْطَانٌ ‏”

It was narrated by Abû Hurairah: “Allâh’s Messenger (ﷺ) ordered me to guard the Zakât of Ramadân. Then somebody came to me and started stealing from the foodstuff. I caught him and said, “I will take you to Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)!” Then Abû Hurairah described the whole narration and said: That person said (to me), “(Please don’t take me to Allâh’s Messenger (ﷺ) and I will tell you a few words by which Allâh will benefit you.) When you go to your bed, recite Ayât-al-Kursî, (2:255) for then there will be a guard from Allâh who will protect you all night long, and Shaytân (Satan) will not be able to come near you till dawn.” (When the Prophet (ﷺ) heard the story) he said (to me), “He (who came to you at night) told you the truth although he is a liar; and it was Shaytân (Satan).”

Sahîh Bukharî 5010

  • Nothing prevents one from entering Paradise except death


عَنْ أَبِي أُمَامَةَ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ مَنْ قَرَأَ آيَةَ الْكُرْسِيِّ دُبُرَ كُلِّ صَلَاةٍ مَكْتُوبَةٍ لَمْ يَمْنَعْهُ مِنْ دُخُولِ الْجَنَّةِ إِلَّا أَنْ يَمُوتَ

Narrated from Abû Umâmah: The Messenger of Allâh (ﷺ) said: “Whoever recites Ayât Al-Kursî [2:255) after each prescribed prayer, nothing will prevent him from entering Paradise except death.”

Mu’jam Al-Kabîr. As-Sahîhah 972 of Shaykh Al-Albânî.

  • Protection for the morning and evening

عن أُبيِّ بنِ كَعْبٍ رضِي اللهُ عنه أنَّه كان له جُرْنٌ من تَمْرٍ فكان يَنقُصُ فحرسَه ذاتَ ليلةٍ فإذا هو بدابَّةٍ شِبْه الغُلامِ المُحتَلِمِ فسلَّمَ عليه فرَدَّ عليه السلامَ فقال ما أنت جِنِّيٌ أمْ إنْسيٌ قال جِنِّيٌ قال فناوِلْنِي يدَك قال فناوَلَه يدَه فإذا يدُه يدُ كلبٍ وشَعرُه شَعرُ كلبٍ قال هذا خَلْقُ الجِنِّ قال قدْ عَلِمتِ الجِنُّ أنَّ ما فيِهم رجلًا أشدَ مِنِّي قال فما جاء بِكَ قال بلَغَنَا أنَّكَ تُحِبُّ الصَّدقةَ فجِئْنا نُصيبُ من طعامِك قال فما يُنَجِّينَا مِنكُم قال هذه الآيةُ التِي في سورةِ البقرةِ اللَّهُ لا إِلَهَ إِلَّا هو الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ مَنْ قالَها حِينَ يُمسِي أُجِيرَ مِنَّا حتَى يُصْبِحَ ومَن قالَها حينَ يصبحُ أُجِيرَ مِنَّا حتى يُمسِي فلَمَّا أصبحَ أتَى رسولُ اللهِ صلَّى اللهُ عليِه وسلَّمَ فذكر ذلكَ له فقال : صَدَقَ الخبيثُ

Narrated by Ubayy Ibn Ka’b that he had a drying place for dates, and he found that they began disappearing, so he guarded it one night and found a creature resembling a boy at the age of puberty. So he gave him the greeting of Salâm and he replied with the greeting of Salâm. So he said: “Who are you: a jinn or a human?” He said: “No, rather I am a Jinn.” He said: “Give me your hand” and he found that it was the paw of a dog and the hair of a dog. He said: “Is this the physique of the Jinn?” He said: “The Jinn know that there is not amongst them a male stronger than me.” He said: “What have you been doing?” He said: “I was informed that you are a man who loves to give in charity, so we wished to take a share from your food.” He said: “What will safeguard us from you?”He said: “This verse which is in Sûrah Al-Baqarah: [Ayât Al-Kursî]. If you say it when you enter the morning you will be safeguarded from us until you enter the evening and if you say it when you enter the evening you will be safeguarded from us until you enter the morning.” So in the morning he went to the Prophet (ﷺ) and informed him for his news. He (ﷺ)said: ‘ The foul one has spoken the truth.'”

Sahîh At-Targhîb 662. Declared Sahîh by Al-Albânî

The Duha Prayer – it’s virtues & manners of praying

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

It’s virtues

  • Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه narrated: “My beloved friend (Muhammad) advised me to practise three things and I will not leave them until I die: to fast for three days every month, to pray Duhâ and to perform Witr before sleeping” (Sahîh Al-Bukhârî 1178)
  • The messenger of Allâh صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “In the morning charity is due from every joint of your body. Every tasbîh [saying Subhân Allah] is charity. Every tahmîd [saying Al-Hamdulillâh] is charity. Every tahlîlah [saying Lâ ilâha ill-Allâh] is charity. Every takbîrah [saying Allâhu Akbar] is charity. Enjoining the good is charity. Forbidding the evil is charity; and performing two rak’ah of Duhâ suffices all of this” (Sahîh Muslim 720)
  • The messenger of Allâh صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Whoever prays the Fajr prayer in congregation and then sits remembering Allâh until the sun has risen, then prays two rak’ah will receive the reward of Hajj and ‘Umrah. Complete, complete, complete” (At-Tirmidhî 586. Declared Hasan by Al-Albânî)
  • The messenger of Allâh صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “None is consistent with the Duhâ prayer except the Awwâbun (the penitent), it is the Prayer of the Awwâbîn (the penitent)”. (Al-Hâkim in his Mustadrak, declared Hasan by Al-Albânî in Al-Sahîhah 1994)

The time of praying Duhâ

Shaykh Ibn Al-Uthaymîn said:

“The time of the Duhâ prayer is from when the sun has risen to the height of a spear, approximately a quarter or a third of an hour after having risen, and lasts until just before the zawâl, meaning ten or fifteen minutes prior to it”

Majmû al-Fatâwâ no. 875, 14/306

The number of Rak’ah

  • 2 rak’ah

The proof of this has been mentioned above (its virtues) – Hadith 720 collected by Sahîh Muslim & 586 of At-Tirmidhî.

  • 4 rak’ah

The messenger of Allâh صلى الله عليه وسلم said that Allâh said:

“O son of Âdam, pray four rak’ah to me at the early part of the day”

At-Tirmidhî 475. Declared Sahîh by Al-Albânî

  • 6 rak’ah

Anas Ibn Mâlik رضي الله عنه said:

“The Messenger of Allâh صلى الله عليه وسلم used to pray Duhâ as six rak’ah”

Al-Shamâ’il At-Tirmidhî 289. Declared Sahîh by Al-Albânî

  • 8 rak’ah

Umm Hânî narrated:

“Then the prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم prayed eight rak’ah of Duhâ”

Sahîh Muslim 336

Can we pray more than 8 rak’ah?

‘Â’isha was asked about the number of rak’ah the prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم would observe for the Duhâ prayer and she said:

“He would pray four rak’ah and sometimes if he desired, he would pray more – as many as Allâh willed” (Sahîh Muslim 719)

Shaykh Muhammad Bâzmûl said:

“This narration of ‘Â’isha is to be understood in light of the previous narrations. Especially when it is reported that ‘Â’isha, the narrator of this hadith, used to pray the Duhâ prayer as eight rak’ah*.”

(A Description of the Supererogatory Prayers p.91)

*عن عائشة: أنها كانت تصلي الضحى ثماني ركعات، ثم تقول: لو نشر لي أبواي ما تركتهن

It was narrated from ‘Â’isha that she used to pray Duhâ with eight rak’ah, and she would say, “I would never stop doing them even if my parents were to be brought back to life.” (Muwatta of Imâm Mâlik 359/38)

The number of rak’ah are prayed in pairs

The prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said:

“The prayers of the night and day are observed in pairs”

Sunan Ibn Mâjah 1322. Declared Sahîh by Al-Albânî

What to say after the Duhâ prayer

‘Â’isha narrated that the Messenger of Allâh صلى الله عليه وسلم prayed the Duhâ prayer and then said:

اللهمَّ ا غْفِرْلِي وَ تُبْ عَلَيَّ إِنّكَ أَنْتَ التَّوَّابُ الرَحِيم

Allâhumma-ghfirlî wa tub ‘alayya, innaka Anta-Tawwâbur-Rahîm

Oh Allâh, forgive me and accept my repentance. Indeed you are At-Tawwâb (The Oft-Pardoning), Ar-Rahîm (The Most-Merciful)

until he had said it a hundred times”

Adab Al-Mufrad of Imâm Bukhârî 619

The Attributes of Allâh: Al-Mihâl, Al-Makar, Al-Kaid

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

– وَهُوَ شَدِيدُ ٱلۡمِحَالِ –

“And He is severe in Al-Mihâl [strong in plotting] ” (13:13)

– وَمَكَرُواْ وَمَكَرَ ٱللَّهُۖ وَٱللَّهُ خَيۡرُ ٱلۡمَٰكِرِينَ –

“And they (disbelievers) plotted and Allâh planned too. And Allâh is the Best of planners” (3:54)

– إِنَّهُمۡ يَكِيدُونَ كَيۡدٗا ° وَأَكِيدُ كَيۡدٗا –

“Verily, they are planning a plan, But I (too) am planning a plan” (86:15-16)

Shaykh Muhammad bin Sâlih Al-Uthaymîn said:

“Al-Makar, Al-Kaid, Al-Mihâl [attributes of plotting and planning] are among Allâh’s Attributes of Action.”

“Allâh is not described with it [these attributes] in a general way. One does not say ‘Allâh is a Mâkir (plotter) or a Kâid (secret plotter), not by calling Him as such nor by way of giving information, for they are sometimes commendable and sometimes condemnable.”

“Allâh is to be described with them in a situation when it will be commendable. Therefore, His plot will not be except goodness. That is why it is correct that we describe Him with that, by expressing opposition (i.e His opposition against whoever plots against Him). So we say, ‘Allâh is a plotter against those who plot’.

“Thus, it should be said ‘Allâh is the best of those who plot, He is the Best of those who plan’ or ‘Allâh is a plotter against the plotters, He deceives the one who tries to deceive Him’.”

Abridged from Sharh Al-‘Aqîdah Al-Wâsitiyyah. 1/436-444

Shaykh Ahmad ibn Yahyâ Al-Najmî said:

“These attributes have been mentioned in the context of response and retaliation [i.e He responds to the plots and deceptions of the disbelievers in like terms], thus such attributes are referred to as attributes of justice.”

“It is not permissible to describe Allâh as being a plotter, deceiver or a beguiler, because such names and attributes imply deficiencies that cannot be ascribed to Allâh. The same applies to any name or attribute that does not entail perfection.”

Abridged from Muqaddimah Al-Risâlah ibn Abî Zayd al-Qayrawânî p.63, Dar As-Sunnah English Translation.

Virtues & Sunan of The First Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah & Days of Tashrîq

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

The first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah

Allâh says:

-وَالْفَجْرِ- وَلَيالٍ عَشْرٍ-

“By the dawn; by the ten nights” (al-Fajr 89:1-2)

Ibn ‘Abbâs, Ibn al-Zubayr, Mujâhid and others of the earlier and later generations said that this refers to the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah.

(Tafsîr Ibn Kathîr)

The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said:


قال النبي –صلى الله عليه وسلم- مامن أيام العمل الصالح فيها أحب إلى الله من هذه الأيام قالوا يا رسول الله : ولا الجهاد في سبيل الله قال ولا الجهاد في سبيل الله إلا رجل خرج بنفسه وماله فلم يرجع من ذلك بشئ

“There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allâh than these ten days.” The people asked, “Not even jihâd for the sake of Allâh?” He said, “Not even jihâd for the sake of Allâh, except in the case of a man who went out to fight giving himself and his wealth up for the cause, and came back with nothing.”

(Sahîh al-Bukhâri, 2/457)

He صلى الله عليه وسلم also said:

مَا مِنْ عَمَلٍ أَزْكَى عِنْدَ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ وَلَا أَعْظَمَ أَجْرًا مِنْ خَيْرٍ يَعْمَلُهُ فِي عَشْرِ الْأَضْحَى

“No deeds are more pure to Allâh, nor greater in reward, than good deeds performed in the ten days of the month of sacrificing.”

(Irwâ al-Ghalîl of Al-Albânî 3/398)

It was narrated from Hunaidah ibn Khâlid from his wife, that one of the wives of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم, who said:

أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم كان يصوم تسعة من ذي الحجة ويوم عاشوراء، وثلاثة أيام من كل شهر: أول اثنين من الشهر، وخميسين

“The Prophet used to fast on the first nine days of Dhu’l-Hijjah and the day of ‘Âshoora’, and three days every month: the first Monday of the month and two Thursdays.”

(Sunan An-Nasâi 2419. Sunan Abu Dawûd 2437. Declared Sahîh by Shaykh Al-Albânî)

Allâh says:

-وَيَذْكُرُواْ اسْمَ اللَّهِ فِى أَيَّامٍ مَّعْلُومَـتٍ عَلَى مَا رَزَقَهُمْ مِّن بَهِيمَةِ الاٌّنْعَامِ-

“And mention the Name of Allâh on the Known Days (Ayyâmin ma’lûmât), over the beast of cattle that He has provided for them (for sacrifice)” (Al-Hajj 22:28)

Ibn Abbâs: “The Known Days (Ayyâmin ma’lûmât) are the Ten days of Dhul-Hijjah”. (Umdatul Tafsīr 1/252)

The prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said:

مَا مِنْ أَيَّامٍ أَعْظَمُ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ وَلَا أَحَبُّ إِلَيْهِ مِنْ الْعَمَلِ فِيهِنَّ مِنْ هَذِهِ الْأَيَّامِ الْعَشْرِ فَأَكْثِرُوا فِيهِنَّ مِنْ التَّهْلِيلِ وَالتَّكْبِيرِ وَالتَّحْمِيدِ

“There are no days greater in the sight of Allâh and in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Him than these ten days, so during this time recite a great deal of Tahlîl (“La ilâha ill-Allâh”), Takbîr (“Allâhu Akbar”) and Tahmîd (“Alhamdulillah”).” (Musnad of Imâm Ahmad, 7/224. Declared Sahîh by Ahmad Shâkir)

The Day of ‘Arafah (9th Dhu’l-Hijjah)

  • The prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Fasting the day of ‘Arafah, I ask Allâh that it may expiate for the sins of the year that comes before it and the year that comes after it” (Sahîh Muslim 1162)
  • The prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “There is no day when Allâh ransoms more slaves from the Fire than the day of ‘Arafah. He draws near, then He boasts about them before the Angels and says: ‘What do these people want?'” (Sahîh Muslim 1348)
  • A day by which Allâh swore an oath – – وَشَـهِدٍ وَمَشْهُودٍ – [By The Witnessing Day and by The Witnessed Day] (Surah Al-Burûj 85:3). The prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said:” Al-Yawmul-Mashhûd (The Witnessed Day) is the Day of ‘Arafah” (Jâmi At-Tirmidhî 3339. Declared Hasan by Shaykh Al-Albânî)

‘Eid al-Adhâ [The Feast of The Sacrifice] (The 10th of Dhu’l-Hijjah)

  • The prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said:” The greatest of all days before Allâh is the Day of Nahr (sacrifice)..” (Sunan Abû Dawûd 1765. Declared Sahîh by Shaykh Al-Albânî)
  • The prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said:”The day of ‘Arafah, The day of Nahr, and The days of Tashrîq are Eid for us, the people of Islâm, and they are days of eating and drinking” (Jâmi’ At-Tirmidhî 773. Declared Sahîh by Shaykh Al-Albânî)
  • Abû Huraira reported that the Messenger of Allâh صلى الله عليه وسلم forbade fasting on these two days: ‘Eid-ul-Adhâ and ‘Eid-ul-Fitr. (Sahîh Muslim 1138)

The Days of Tashrîq (11th, 12th, 13th of Dhu’l-Hijjah)

  • Allâh says: – وَاذْكُرُواْ اللَّهَ فِى أَيَّامٍ مَّعْدُودَتٍ- ‘And remember Allâh upon the Appointed (Ayyâmin ma’dûdât) Days’ (Sûrah al-Baqarah:203). Ibn ‘Abbâs said that the Appointed Days are the days of Tashrîq. (Umdatul Tafsīr 1/252)
  • The prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “The days of Tashrîq are the days of eating, drinking and remembering Allâh.” (Sahîh Muslim 1141)
  • ‘Abdullāh ibn Zubayr said: Remember Allāh on the days of Tashrîq with Tasbīh (i.e saying Subhanallah), Tahlīl (i.e saying La Ilahā illAllāh), Takbīr (i.e saying Allahu Akbar), and Tahmīd (i.e saying Alhamdulillah). (Majma’ Zawāid 3/249)
  • ‘Ikrimāh said regarding the verse: – وَاذْكُرُواْ اللَّهَ فِى أَيَّامٍ مَّعْدُودَتٍ- : this means making the takbīr after the obligatory prayers during the days of Tashrîq. (Umdatul Tafsīr 1/252)

The Takbîr* during the ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah and Tashrîq

كان ابنُ عمرَ وأبو هريرةَ يخرجانِ إلى السوقِ في أيامِ العشرِ يُكبرانِ ويكبرُ الناسُ بتكبيرِهما

“Abû Hurayrah and Ibn ‘Umar used to come to the market in the ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah, then make Takbîr and the people would be make Takbîr with them.” (Irwâ al-Ghalîl of Al-Albânî 3/124)

عن عليٍّ رَضِيَ اللهُ عنه:أنه كان يكبر بعد صلاة الفجر يوم عرفة، إلى صلاة العصر من آخر أىام التشريق، ويكبر بعد العصر

Upon ‘Alī may Allāh be pleased with him: “That he used to make Takbīr from after the fajr prayer on the day of’ Arafah until ‘Asr of the last day of the days of Tashrīq, he would make Takbīr after’ Asr.” (Ibn Abī Shaybah 2/165. Declared Sahīh by Al-Albānī in Irwā 3/125)

The same was narrated upon Ibn ‘Abbās (al-Hākim 2/54 no. 1126, al-Bayhaqī in Sunan al-Kubrā 6276). And Ibn Mas’ūd (al-Hākim 2/55, no. 1127).

The wording of the Takbīr of Ibn Masūd on the Days of Tashrīq was: Allâhu Akbar, Allâhu Akbar, Lâ ilâha ill-Allâh Allâhu Akbar, Allâhu Akbar, wa lillâhil-hamd (Sahīh by Al-Albānī Irwā 3/125)

* It is legislated to recite the Takbîr – [i.e Allâhu Akbar, Allâhu Akbar, Lâ ilâha ill-Allâh, Allâhu Akbar, Allâhu Akbar, wa lillâhil-hamd (Allâh is Great, Allâh is Great, none has the right to be worshipped but Allâh, Allâh is Great, Allâh is Great, To Allâh belongs all praise)] – anytime from the onset of the month of Dhu’l-Hijjah until the end of the Days of Tashrîq (this refers to the unrestricted takbīr). As for the restricted takbīr, then it is said after the obligatory prayers, which the time begins from the fajr prayer on the day of ‘Arafah, until’ Asr of the last day of the days of Tashrīq (13th dhul-hijjah).

(See Zad-ul Ma’ad of Ibn al-Qayyim, Majmû Fatawa of Ibn Baz, Sharh al-Mumti of Shaykh Ibn Uthaymîn, Al-Albânî Silsa al-Huda wa Nur for further details of the Takbîr)

The Forms of Dhikr After The Prayer

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

1. Subhân Allâh (33x), Allâhu Akbar (33x), Al-Hamdulillâh (33x)

عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، – وَهَذَا حَدِيثُ قُتَيْبَةَ أَنَّ فُقَرَاءَ، الْمُهَاجِرِينَ أَتَوْا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَقَالُوا ذَهَبَ أَهْلُ الدُّثُورِ بِالدَّرَجَاتِ الْعُلَى وَالنَّعِيمِ الْمُقِيمِ ‏.‏ فَقَالَ ‏”‏ وَمَا ذَاكَ ‏”‏ ‏.‏ قَالُوا يُصَلُّونَ كَمَا نُصَلِّي وَيَصُومُونَ كَمَا نَصُومُ وَيَتَصَدَّقُونَ وَلاَ نَتَصَدَّقُ وَيُعْتِقُونَ وَلاَ نُعْتِقُ ‏.‏ فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏”‏ أَفَلاَ أُعَلِّمُكُمْ شَيْئًا تُدْرِكُونَ بِهِ مَنْ سَبَقَكُمْ وَتَسْبِقُونَ بِهِ مَنْ بَعْدَكُمْ وَلاَ يَكُونُ أَحَدٌ أَفْضَلَ مِنْكُمْ إِلاَّ مَنْ صَنَعَ مِثْلَ مَا صَنَعْتُمْ ‏”‏ ‏.‏ قَالُوا بَلَى يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ‏.‏ قَالَ ‏”‏ تُسَبِّحُونَ وَتُكَبِّرُونَ وَتَحْمَدُونَ دُبُرَ كُلِّ صَلاَةٍ ثَلاَثًا وَثَلاَثِينَ مَرَّةً ‏”‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ أَبُو صَالِحٍ فَرَجَعَ فُقَرَاءُ الْمُهَاجِرِينَ إِلَى رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَقَالُوا سَمِعَ إِخْوَانُنَا أَهْلُ الأَمْوَالِ بِمَا فَعَلْنَا فَفَعَلُوا مِثْلَهُ ‏.‏ فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏”‏ ذَلِكَ فَضْلُ اللَّهِ يُؤْتِيهِ مَنْ يَشَاءُ

Abû Hurairah narrated: The poor amongst the emigrants (Muhâjirîn) came to the Messenger of Allâh (ﷺ) and said: The possessors of great wealth have obtained the highest ranks and the lasting bliss. He said: How is that? They said: They pray as we pray, and they observe fast as we observe fast, and they give charity but we do not give charity, and they set slaves free but we do not set slaves free. Upon this the Messenger of Allâh (ﷺ) said: Shall I not teach you something by which you will catch upon those who have preceded you, and get ahead of those who come after you, only those who do as you do being more excellent than you? They said: Yes, O Messenger of Allâh. He said: Glorify Allâh, declare His Greatness, and Praise Him thirty-three times after every prayer. Abû Sâlih said: The poor amongst the emigrants returned to the Messenger of Allâh (ﷺ)saying: Our brethren, the possessors, of property have heard what we have done and they did the same. So the Messenger of Allâh (ﷺ) said: This is from Allâh’s bounty which He gives to whomever He wills.

Sahîh Muslim 595

2. Subhân Allâh (33x), Al-Hamdulillâh (33x), Allâhu Akbar (34x)

 عَنْ كَعْبِ بْنِ عُجْرَةَ، عَنْ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ “‏ مُعَقِّبَاتٌ لاَ يَخِيبُ قَائِلُهُنَّ – أَوْ فَاعِلُهُنَّ – ثَلاَثٌ وَثَلاَثُونَ تَسْبِيحَةً وَثَلاَثٌ وَثَلاَثُونَ تَحْمِيدَةً وَأَرْبَعٌ وَثَلاَثُونَ تَكْبِيرَةً فِي دُبُرِ كُلِّ صَلاَةٍ

Narrated from Ka’b ibn ‘Ujrah that the Messenger of Allâh ( ﷺ) said: “Remembrance after the prayer, the one who says them or does them will not be disappointed: Thirty-three Tasbîhah, thirty-three Tahmîah, and thirty-four Takbîrah after every prayer.”

Sahîh Muslim 596

3. Subhân Allâh (33x), Al-Hamdulillâh (33x), Allâhu Akbar (33x), Lâ ilâha ill-Allâh wahdahu lã sharîka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa huwa ‘ala kulli shai’in qadîr (1x)

عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، عَنْ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ “‏ مَنْ سَبَّحَ اللَّهَ فِي دُبُرِ كُلِّ صَلاَةٍ ثَلاَثًا وَثَلاَثِينَ وَحَمِدَ اللَّهَ ثَلاَثًا وَثَلاَثِينَ وَكَبَّرَ اللَّهَ ثَلاَثًا وَثَلاَثِينَ فَتِلْكَ تِسْعَةٌ وَتِسْعُونَ وَقَالَ تَمَامَ الْمِائَةِ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَهُ لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَىْءٍ قَدِيرٌ غُفِرَتْ خَطَايَاهُ وَإِنْ كَانَتْ مِثْلَ زَبَدِ الْبَحْرِ ‏”

It was narrated from Abû Hurairah from the Messenger of Allâh ( ﷺ): “Whoever glorifies Allâh thirty-three times, praises Allâh thirty-three times, and extols Allâh’s greatness thirty-three times, making ninety-nine, and completes it by saying ‘Lâ ilâha ill-Allâh wahdahu lã sharîka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa huwa ‘ala kulli shai’in qadîr’ (There is none worthy of worship except Allâh alone, with no partner or associate; His is the Dominion, to Him be praise, and He is Able to do all things) his sins will be forgiven even if they are like the foam of the sea”

Sahîh Muslim 597

4. Subhân Allâh (10x), Al-Hamdulillâh (10x), Allâhu Akbar (10x)

عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عَمْرٍو، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏”‏ خَصْلَتَانِ أَوْ خَلَّتَانِ لاَ يُحَافِظُ عَلَيْهِمَا عَبْدٌ مُسْلِمٌ إِلاَّ دَخَلَ الْجَنَّةَ هُمَا يَسِيرٌ وَمَنْ يَعْمَلُ بِهِمَا قَلِيلٌ يُسَبِّحُ فِي دُبُرِ كُلِّ صَلاَةٍ عَشْرًا وَيَحْمَدُ عَشْرًا وَيُكَبِّرُ عَشْرًا فَذَلِكَ خَمْسُونَ وَمِائَةٌ بِاللِّسَانِ وَأَلْفٌ وَخَمْسُمِائَةٍ فِي الْمِيزَانِ وَيُكَبِّرُ أَرْبَعًا وَثَلاَثِينَ إِذَا أَخَذَ مَضْجَعَهُ وَيَحْمَدُ ثَلاَثًا وَثَلاَثِينَ وَيُسَبِّحُ ثَلاَثًا وَثَلاَثِينَ فَذَلِكَ مِائَةٌ بِاللِّسَانِ وَأَلْفٌ فِي الْمِيزَانِ ‏”‏ ‏.‏ فَلَقَدْ رَأَيْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَعْقِدُهَا بِيَدِهِ قَالُوا يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ كَيْفَ هُمَا يَسِيرٌ وَمَنْ يَعْمَلُ بِهِمَا قَلِيلٌ قَالَ ‏”‏ يَأْتِي أَحَدَكُمْ – يَعْنِي الشَّيْطَانَ – فِي مَنَامِهِ فَيُنَوِّمُهُ قَبْلَ أَنْ يَقُولَهُ وَيَأْتِيهِ فِي صَلاَتِهِ فَيُذَكِّرُهُ حَاجَةً قَبْلَ أَنْ يَقُولَهَا”

Narrated by ‘Abdullâh ibn ‘Amr that the prophet (ﷺ) said: “There are two, that a Muslim does not do regularly, but he will enter Paradise. They are easy but those who do them are a few; saying Subhân Allâh ten times after every prayer, and saying Al-Hamdulillâh ten times, and saying Allâhu Akbar ten times. That makes one hundred and fifty on the tongue, and one thousand and five hundred in the Balance. And saying Allâhu Akbar thirty-four times when going to bed, and saying Al-Hamdulillâh thirty-three times, and Subhân Allâh thirty-three times. That is one hundred on the tongue, and one thousand in the Balance.” And I saw the Messenger of Allâh (ﷺ) counting them on his fingers. They said:” Oh Messenger of Allâh, how is it that they are easy but a few people do them? ” He said:”He – meaning the Shaytân- comes to one of you when he is in his bed and makes him fall asleep before he can say them, and he comes to him when he is praying and reminds him of some need before he can say them.”

Sunan Abû Dawûd 5065. Declared Sahîh by Shaykh Al-Albânî

5. Subhân Allâh (25x), Allâhu Akbar (25x), Al-Hamdulillâh (25x), Lâ ilâha ill-Allâh (25x)

عَنِ ابْنِ عُمَرَ، أَنَّ رَجُلاً، رَأَى فِيمَا يَرَى النَّائِمُ قِيلَ لَهُ بِأَىِّ شَىْءٍ أَمَرَكُمْ نَبِيُّكُمْ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ أَمَرَنَا أَنْ نُسَبِّحَ ثَلاَثًا وَثَلاَثِينَ وَنَحْمَدَ ثَلاَثًا وَثَلاَثِينَ وَنُكَبِّرَ أَرْبَعًا وَثَلاَثِينَ فَتِلْكَ مِائَةٌ ‏.‏ قَالَ سَبِّحُوا خَمْسًا وَعِشْرِينَ وَاحْمَدُوا خَمْسًا وَعِشْرِينَ وَكَبِّرُوا خَمْسًا وَعِشْرِينَ وَهَلِّلُوا خَمْسًا وَعِشْرِينَ فَتِلْكَ مِائَةٌ فَلَمَّا أَصْبَحَ ذَكَرَ ذَلِكَ لِلنَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم “‏ افْعَلُوا كَمَا قَالَ الأَنْصَارِيُّ ‏”‏

Narrated from Ibn ‘Umar that a man saw in a dream that it was said to him: “What does your Prophet (ﷺ) command you to do?” He said: “He commanded us to say Tasbîh thirty-three times following the prayer, and to say the Tahmîd thirty-three times, and to say the Takbîr thirty-four times, and that makes one hundred.” He said: “Say the Tasbîh twenty-five times and say the Tahmîd twenty-five and say the Takbîr twenty-five times, and say the Tahlîl twenty-five times, and that will make one hundred.” The following morning he told the Prophet (ﷺ) about that, and the Messenger of Allâh (ﷺ) said:”Do what the Ansârî said.”

Sunan An-Nasâi 1352. Declared Hasan Sahîh by Shaykh Al-Albânî

The Religion with Allâh is Islâm

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

What is Islâm?

Hâfidh Ibn Ahmad ‘Alî Al-Hakamî said: “Islâm means perfect submission to Allâh with Tawheed [monotheism], compliance to Him with obedience and to be completely free from Shirk [associating partners with Allah]”

(The Signposts of the Propagated Sunnah for the Creed of the Saved and Aided Group Vol. 1)

Allâh says:﴿إِنَّ الدِّينَ عِندَ اللهِ الإِسْلَـمُ﴾

“Truly, the religion with Allâh is Islâm” (Surah Al ‘Imrân 3:19)

Imâm Ibn Kathîr says: “Allah states that there is no religion accepted with Him from any person, except Islâm. Therefore, after Allâh sent Muhammad صل الله عليه وسلم, whoever meets Allâh following a path other than Muhammads, it will not be accepted of him”

Allah also says:

﴿وَمَن يَبْتَغِ غَيْرَ الإِسْلَـمِ دِينًا فَلَن يُقْبَلَ مِنْهُ﴾

“And whoever seeks a religion other than Islâm, it will never be accepted of him” (Surah Al ‘Imrân 3:85)

Ibn Kathîr: “Allâh is asserting that the only religion accepted with Him is Islâm”

(Abridged Tafsîr Ibn Kathîr 3:18,19,20)

The prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said:

كان النبي يبعث إلى قومه خاصة، وبعثت إلى الناس عامة

“A prophet used to be sent to his people, but I was sent to all mankind”

Sahîh Al-Bukhari 335

The prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم also said:

والذي نفسي بيده، لا يسمع بي أحد من هذه الأمة: يهودي ولا نصراني، ومات ولم يؤمن بالذي أرسلت به، إلا كان من أهل النار

“By He in Whose Hand is my soul, no member of this Ummah, no Jew or Christian, hears of me but dies without believing in what I was sent with, but will be among the people of the Fire”

Sahîh Muslim 284

Fasting Mondays and Thursdays

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Indeed in the Messenger of Allah (Muhammad) you have a good example to follow for him who hopes in (the Meeting with) Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah much. (33:21)

عن عائشة قالت كان نبي صلى الله عليه وسلم يتحرى صوم الاثنين والخميس

‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) said: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was keen to fast on Mondays and Thursdays.

At-Tirmidhee 745. Declared Saheeh by Shaykh Al-Albanee.

عن أبي هريرة أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال تعرض الأعمال يوم الثنين والخميس فأحب أن يعرض عملي وأنا صائم

Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The deeds are presented (to Allaah) on Mondays and Thursdays, so I love that my deeds are presented while I am fasting.”

At-Tirmidhee 747. Declared Saheeh by Shaykh Al-Albanee.

أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم سئل عن صومه الاثنين؟ قال دلك يومن ولدت فيه ويوم بعثت – أو أنزل علي – فيه

the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was asked about fasting on Mondays, and he said: “That is the day on which I was born and the day on which I was sent – or on which the Revelation came to me.”

Saheeh Muslim 1162.

عَنْ حَفْصَةَ، قَالَتْ كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَصُومُ ثَلاَثَةَ أَيَّامٍ مِنَ الشَّهْرِ الاِثْنَيْنِ وَالْخَمِيسِ وَالاِثْنَيْنِ مِنَ الْجُمُعَةِ الأُخْرَى

Narrated Hafsah, Ummul Mu’minin: The apostle of Allah (ﷺ) used to fast three days every month: Monday, Thursday and Monday in the next week.

Sunan Abu Dawood 2451. Declared Hasan by Shaykh Al-Albanee

The Ten Companions Given Glad Tidings of Paradise (Al-‘Ashrat Al-Mubash-sharah)

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

عن عبد الرّحمن بن عوف قال قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: أبو بكر في الجنّة، وعمر في الجنّة، وعثمان في الجنّة، وعليّ في الجنّة، وطلحة في الجنّة، والزّبير في الجنّة، وعبد الرّحمن بن عوف في الجنّة، وسعد بن أبي وقّاس في الجنّة، وسعيد بن زيد في الجنّة، وأبو عبيدة بن الجرّاح في الجنّة

‘Abdur-Rahmaan ibn ‘Awf narrated that the messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم said:

“Abu Bakr is in Paradise, ‘Umar is in Paradise, ‘Uthmaan is in Paradise, ‘Ali is in Paradise, Talhah is in Paradise, Az-Zubair is in Paradise, ‘Abdurrahman ibn ‘Awf is in Paradise, Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqaas is in Paradise, Sa’eed ibn Zaid is in Paradise, and Abu ‘Ubaidah ibn Al-Jarraah is in Paradise.”

Jami At-Tirmidhee 3747. Declared Saheeh by Shaykh Al-Albanee