Itikaaf.

The meaning of Aiteekaaf is to seclude oneself in the Masjid with the express niyyah (intention) of Aiteekaaf. According to the Hanafi school of thought, there are three different types of Aiteekaaf.

1. 1. WAAJIB Aiteekaaf WAAJIB Aiteekaaf

This Aiteekaaf becomes compulsory when a person makes it obligatory upon himself. An example of this is, when a person makes a vow to Allah that if Allah fulfills a certain wish of his, he will under take to perform so many days Aiteekaaf. In this case the moment his wish is fulfilled, Aiteekaaf becomes compulsory. A person may just make unconditional vow whereby he makes Aiteekaaf Waajib upon himself for certain number of days. This becomes a Waajib duty on him from that moment onward.

2. 2. SUNNAH AITEEKAAF SUNNAH AITEEKAAF

This was the general practice of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) and it means to seclude oneself inside the Masjid for the last ten days of Ramadhan.

3. 3. Nafil AITEEKAAF Nafil AITEEKAAF

There is no special time or specific number of days for Nafil Aiteekaaf. A person may make niyyah for any number of days at any time, even for his whole life. Imam Abu Hanifah (Rehmatullah Alaihi) however states that it must be for at least one full day.

Imam Mohammed (Rehmatullah Alaihi) states that there is no limit on the minimum period of time. The fatwa is on this later view. Therefore, it is desirable for anyone entering a Masjid to make the niyyah (intention) of Aiteekaaf for the the period that he will remain in the Masjid. So while he is in Ibaadah he also gains the reward of Aiteekaaf.

In view of above, it is advisable that everyone entering the Masjid to join the congregation prayer, should on entering the Masjid, make the niyyah for Aiteekaaf. In that case, it means that as long as he remains busy with Salaah, Zikr, listening to lectures or sermons, he also receives reward for the Aiteekaaf. I always observed that my late father used to make niyyah for Aiteekaaf while stepping into the Masjid with his right foot. Occasionally, by way of teaching and reminding his followers, he sued to raise his voice when reciting the Niyyah.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES OF AITEEKAAF

The reward for Aiteekaaf is great. Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) constantly performed Aiteekaaf. The example of the one who resides in the Masjid in Aiteekaaf is like a person, who having gone to a certain place for something, remains there until it is granted.

When someone comes begging to our door and then refuses to leave until he has been granted his request, I am sure that even the one with the hardest heart amongst us will eventually accede to his request. How much more merciful is Allah, Who even grants without reason.

Hence, when one isolates himself from all worldly things and goes to Allah's door, what doubt can there be for his plea to be accepted. And when Allah has favored someone, others cannot describe the ecstasy and enrichment of such limitless treasures. How could a person ever describe what he has not obtained? However, can an under aged person describe adulthood? Nevertheless, this is a course in which one shall give nothing else besides total dedication or else be taken away for the final meeting of his creator. Allama Ibn Qayyim, on explaining the significance of Aiteekaaf, writes that actual aim of Aiteekaaf is to divert the heart from everything except Allah, and to join it with Allah alone, thereby forming a complete spiritual connection with the creator.

All worldly connections are thus cut off for the sake of gaining Allah's attention. All thoughts, desire, love and devotion become centered around Him. In consequence His love is attained - a love and friendship that will be the only friend in the loneliness of the grave. When a person has that, then who can possibly imagine the great ecstasy with which that time of the grave will be spent? In Maraquil Falaah, the author writes that Aiteekaaf, when properly and sincerely performed, is a most virtuous deed. One cannot possibly enumerate all the great advantages and benefits in it. In actual fact, what takes place in Aiteekaaf, is that the heart is drawn away from everything else except the creator, while our whole life is actually laid down at His doorstep. One remains in Ibaadah all the time. Even when one is asleep, one is still in His service, striving for nearness to Him. Allah says (according to a Hadith) All worldly connections are thus cut off for the sake of gaining Allah's attention. All thoughts, desire, love and devotion become centered around Him. In consequence His love is attained - a love and friendship that will be the only friend in the loneliness of the grave. When a person has that, then who can possibly imagine the great ecstasy with which that time of the grave will be spent? In Maraquil Falaah, the author writes that Aiteekaaf, when properly and sincerely performed, is a most virtuous deed. One cannot possibly enumerate all the great advantages and benefits in it. In actual fact, what takes place in Aiteekaaf, is that the heart is drawn away from everything else except the creator, while our whole life is actually laid down at His doorstep. One remains in Ibaadah all the time. Even when one is asleep, one is still in His service, striving for nearness to Him. Allah says (according to a Hadith) Whoever draws near to Me (the length of) one hand, then I draw nearer to him (the length of) two hands and whoever draws near to Me by walking, I draw near to him by running. Whoever draws near to Me (the length of) one hand, then I draw nearer to him (the length of) two hands and whoever draws near to Me by walking, I draw near to him by running.

Moreover, in Aiteekaaf one seeks refuge in the house of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala), and is safe therein from all enemies.

WHERE TO PERFORM Aiteekaaf

The best of places for Aiteekaaf, for males, is the Masjid ul Haraam in Mecca. The next best is the Masjid ul Nabawi in Madinah and the next best is Baitul Muqaddas. Thereafter, comes the Jamia Masjid in one's own town. and last but not least, the Masjid nearest to one's home. Imam Abu Hanifah (Rehmatullah Alaihi) stipulate the Masjid should be one wherein the five daily prayers are performed, while Imam Abu Yusuf (Rehmatullah Alaihi) and Imam Mohammed (Rehmatullah Alaihi) are agreed that any Masjid according to the Shariah can be entered for Aiteekaaf, even if there is no regular Salaah with Jamaah.

As for the females, they should perform Aiteekaaf in the Masjid inside their homes. Where, however, no Masjid exists and the desire for Aiteekaaf be there, one room of the house should be set aside for this purpose, Aiteekaaf is in fact an easier task for women. A special section of the house, most commonly the prayer room, is set aside wherein they seclude themselves, remaining in Ibaadah. The domestic duties can then be performed by daughters or servants and the women in Aiteekaaf, while remaining in a section of her own house, is spiritually rewarded for it. It is so very unfortunate that in spite of the ease, our women folk still remain deprived of the blessings of Aiteekaaf. (We here in South Africa are even more negligent of this Sunnah, so much so, that many have not even heard of it - (Translator).

The Aiteekaaf of the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam)

Abu Saeed Khudri (Radiallaho Anho) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) once performed Aiteekaaf for the first ten days of Ramadhan. Thereafter he made Aiteekaaf in a Turkish tent (inside the Masjid) for the middle ten days. Thereafter he raised his head out of the tend and said Verily in search of Laylatul Qadr did I perform Aiteekaaf for the first ten days, then for the middle ten days. Then someone (an angel) came and told me, "It is in the last ten days whosoever has made Aiteekaaf with me should continue for the last ten days". I had indeed been shown that night and then made to forget, which it shall be and verily did I see myself prostrating to Allah with my forehead on mud on the morning after the night. Seek Laylatul Qadr the last ten nights of Ramadhan, seek it among uneven ones. Verily in search of Laylatul Qadr did I perform Aiteekaaf for the first ten days, then for the middle ten days. Then someone (an angel) came and told me, "It is in the last ten days whosoever has made Aiteekaaf with me should continue for the last ten days". I had indeed been shown that night and then made to forget, which it shall be and verily did I see myself prostrating to Allah with my forehead on mud on the morning after the night. Seek Laylatul Qadr the last ten nights of Ramadhan, seek it among uneven ones.

Abu Saeed (Radiallaho Anho) says That same night it rained. The roof on the Masjid leaked and I looked at Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi

Wasallam) two eyes and on his forehead were remains of water and mud. This was on the morning of the 21st performing sujood in muddy clay. (Reported in Mishkat).

COMMENTARY:

It used to be the general practice of Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) to perform Aiteekaaf in Ramadhan. At times be used to remain in the Masjid for the whole month and during the last year of his life he was in Aiteekaaf for twenty days. Because he always secluded himself in the Masjid for last ten days, the Ulama consider it Sunnah Moakaddah to perform Aiteekaaf for that period.

From the above Hadith it can be deduced that the major object behind Aiteekaaf was to search for Laylatul Qadr. What better manner can there be that to be in Aiteekaaf, because one is considered to be in Ibaadah all the time, whether one is awake or asleep. Furthermore, one in Aiteekaaf is free from all daily tasks and thus has all the time to devote to Zikrullah, (the remembrance of Allah) and meditation. Throughout Ramadhan Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) exerted himself and increase his Ibaadah and when the last ten days came along, he had no ,emit in exerting himself. He himself remained awake throughout the night and awakened his family for the same purpose. Aisha (Radiallaho Anha) reports From the above Hadith it can be deduced that the major object behind Aiteekaaf was to search for Laylatul Qadr. What better manner can there be that to be in Aiteekaaf, because one is considered to be in Ibaadah all the time, whether one is awake or asleep. Furthermore, one in Aiteekaaf is free from all daily tasks and thus has all the time to devote to Zikrullah, (the remembrance of Allah) and meditation. Throughout Ramadhan Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) exerted himself and increase his Ibaadah and when the last ten days came along, he had no ,emit in exerting himself. He himself remained awake throughout the night and awakened his family for the same purpose. Aisha (Radiallaho Anha) reports During Ramadhan Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) tied his lungi tightly about him, staying awake all night and waking his family (for the purpose of Ibaadah). Tied his lungi tightly about him means either that he knew no limits in exerting himself in Ibaadah or that he gave due importance and preference to Ibaadah and avoided all forms of sexual contact with his wives.

The Person doing Aiteekaaf avoids Sin and gets the same reward as those who do righteous deeds

Ibn Abbas (Radiallaho Anho) relates that Rasulullah (said: " The person performing Aiteekaaf remains free from sins and he is indeed given the same reward as for those who do righteous deeds (in spite of not having done these deeds) as a result of having been secluded in the Masjid".

(Note that one remaining in Aiteekaaf in the Masjid is note allowed to go out from there for worldly needs. He may only go outside for the call of nature to perform Wudu or bath or for attending weekly Friday Salaah when that is not performed in the same Masjid, after which he must return forthwith.)

Note: Now this Hadith points to two great benefits of Aiteekaaf ,

First, one avoids sin. The world all around us is full of temptations and very often one falls into sin without even intending to do so and very often one falls into sin without even intending to do so. To commit sin in the blessed month of Ramadhan is indeed a great injury to ourselves. Through remaining in Aiteekaaf in the Masjid, one completely avoids the temptation to sin.

Secondly, it would appear outwardly that, when one is secluded in the Masjid, one is apparently at a disadvantage by not being able to perform certain good deeds like joining in funeral Salaah, attending burials, visiting the sick, etc. Therefore, according to this Hadith, one is rewarded for these deeds even thought he is not performing them.

What a great favor from Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) ! How great is Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) 's bounty! If only we could understand and properly appreciate these favors, which can attract the mercy of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) , but we are very neglectful of this and place little value for Deen in our hearts.

Aiteekaaf takes one far away from Jahannam

Ibn Abbas (Radiallaho Anho) reports that, while he was once in Aiteekaaf in the Masjid of the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) a certain man came to him, greeted him and sat down. Ibn Abbas said to him, "I see that you seem sad and troubled." The man replied: "Yes, O son of the uncle of Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) , I am indeed troubled in that I have an obligation to fulfill towards someone. I swear by the holiness of the inmate of this honored resting-place (Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam)) that I am not able to fulfill this obligation." Ibn Abbas inquired: "Shall I intercede with that person on your behalf?" The man replied "By all means, if you so wish." Ibn Abbas put on his shoes and went out of the Masjid. the man seeing this, said: "Have you then forgotten that you are in Aiteekaaf? Tears filling his eyes, Ibn Abbas replied: "No but the occasion is still fresh in my mind when I heard the esteemed inmate of this tomb say: "Whoever sets forth in the way of setting a necessary affair on behalf of his brother, that service shall be better for him than to perform Aiteekaaf for ten years and whosoever performs Aiteekaaf for a day (thereby seeking the pleasure of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) . Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) will spread three trenches between him and the fire of Jahannam, the width of each trench being greater that the distance between heaven and the earth.'"

Note: Two things are clear from this Hadith. In the first place, we are told that by way of reward for one day's Aiteekaaf, Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) spreads three trenches between him and the fire of Jahannam, the width of which equals the distance between heaven and the earth. In Kashfal Ghumaah, Allama a-sharani relates a Hadith wherein the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) said: "Whoever performs Aiteekaaf for the final ten days of Ramadhan, for him is the reward of doing Hajj twice and the Umrah journey to Makkah twice, and whoever performs Aiteekaaf from Maghrib until Isha, doing nothing except performing Salaah and reciting the Quran, Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) will build a palace for him in Jannah."

In the second place, we are told that performing a service for one's brother brings a reward greater than ten years of Aiteekaaf. For this reason, Ibn Abbas (Radiallaho Anho) broke off his Aiteekaaf. It was, of course, possible for him to continue it afterwards. The Sufis say that Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) has such regard for very few things as He has for a broken heart.

It is for this reason that we have been so much warned of the appeals to Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) of that person whose heart has been hurt through any unjust treatment of punishment. Whenever the Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) appointed anyone as a governor, in addition to advising him, he would also warn him to beware of the Dua (to Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala)) of the persecuted.

Note that Aiteekaaf terminates when one leaves the Masjid even for a task on behalf of a fellow Muslim. When that Aiteekaaf is obligatory, it will mean that it has to be performed all over again. Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) never left the Masjid during Aiteekaaf, except for the calls of nature and Wudu. As for Ibn Abbas (Radiallaho Anho) leaving the Masjid to do some favor to someone, it was in the spirit that is reminiscent of the soldier at the point of death in the battle-field of Yarmouk, refusing to drink water until his wounded comrade had been given the drink. On the other hand, it is quite possible that Ibn Abbas (Radiallaho Anho) was performing Nafil Aiteekaaf, in which case it was permissible for him to break it off.

I now quote a lengthy Hadith, in which many virtues are recorded and with this I conclude this book.

Concluding Hadith on the Blessings of Ramadhan

Ibn Abbas (Radiallaho Anho) says that he heard the Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam) say, Jannah is made fragrant with the sweetest perfumes in Ramadan. From the very beginning of the year till the end, it is brightly decorated for this month.

And when the first night of Ramadan appears, a wind blows from beneath Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) 's throne. It is called mutheerah and causes the leaves of the trees of Jannah to rustle and door handles to vibrate, thus giving forth such a melodious sound as had never been heard before. The hoors (women of Jannah) then step forth till they appear in the center of the balconies of Jannah, exclaiming, "Is there anyone asking Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) for us that Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) may join us in marriage with him ?" Then these hoors call out: "O Ridwaan (keeper of Jannah), what night is this?" He replies: "It is indeed the first night of Ramadhan, when the doors of Jannah are opened to those who observe the fast from among the Ummah of Mohammad (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam)".

Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) further said: "Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) says, 'O Ridwaan open the doors of Jannah and O Maalik (keeper of Jahannam). close the doors of Jahannam for those who fast from among the Ummah of Ahmad (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam). O Jibraeel, proceed down to the earth and bind all the rebellious Shayateen, put them in chains, cast them in the oceans, so that they make no mischief, to spoil the fast of the Ummah of My beloved Mohammad (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam).'

"Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) commands a herald from the heavens to call out three times on each one of the nights of Ramadhan: 'Is there anyone begging of Me that I may forgive him? Is there anyone begging My forgiveness that I may forgive him? Who is there who shall give a loan to the One Whose wealth does not diminish and the One Who duly pays back without any deductions?'

Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) said further: "Every day at the time of breaking the fast Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) sets free one million such souls from the fire of Jahannam who had previously been found to deserve Jahannam. On the last night, He sets free as many more as had been set free throughout the month."

"On the night of Laylatul Qadr, Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) commands the Angel Jibraeel to descend to the earth with a large group of Angels. The descend carrying a green flag, which is then planted on top of the Kabaah. Jibraeel (Alaihi Wassallam) himself has one hundred wings, two of which are spread out on this night only."

"He spreads out these two wings so that their width extends from east to west. Jibraeel (Alaihi Wassallam) then sends out the Angels in all directions to offer salutation to anybody they find standing in Salaah or sitting, performing Salaah or celebrating the praises of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) They shake hands with them and say Aameen to all their Dua 's until dawn."

When dawn comes, Jibraeel (Alaihi Salaam) calls out: 'Depart Angels of Allah, depart. 'The Angels then inquire: 'O Jibraeel what did Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) do regarding the needs that the faithful ones from among the Ummah of Ahmad (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) put before Him?' Jibraeel (Alaihi Salaam) replies: 'Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) looked at them with mercy and pardoned them all, except four kinds of people.'"

Thereupon, we the Sahabah inquired: "Who are they, O Rasulullah?" Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) replied: "They are the ones who are addicted to wine, those disobedient to their parents, those who cut themselves off from their near relatives and those who harbor ill-will against their fellow beings and break off relations with them."

And then night of the Eid at the end of Ramadhan, the night that is called Laylatul Jaaizah (the night of Reward), comes along. On the morning of Eid, Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) sends down the Angels to all the lands of the earth, where they take their positions on all the streets and lanes, calling out with a voice that is heard by all except men and Jinn "O Ummah of Mohammad (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) come forth from your houses towards the Sustainer, Who is Noble and Gracious, Who grants abundantly and pardons the major sins."

When they proceed for their Eid Salaah, Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala says to the Angels: "What indeed is the reward of that employee who has rendered full service?" The Angels reply: "O our Sustainer and master, it is only right that he shall receive his reward in full for his services."

Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) then says: "I call you to witness, O My Angels, that for their having fasted for Me during the month of Ramadhan and for their having stood before Me in Salaah by night, I have granted to them as a reward My pleasure and have granted them forgiveness. O My slaves, ask now of Me, for I swear by My Honor and My Greatness, I swear, that I shall never disgrace you in front of the transgressors and disbelieves. Return now from here, you are forgiven. You have indeed pleased Me, and I am pleased with you."

The Angels, on seeing this great reward bestowed upon the Ummah of Mohammad (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) on the day of Eid, become greatly pleased and happy. (O Allah, make us also among those fortunate ones: Aameen).

Note: The previous pages of this book have already dealt with most of what is contained in this long Hadith. A few points need further attention. We see here that there are a few people who are deprived of the general forgiveness in Ramadhan and are unfortunate indeed in not being able to get a share of this even on the morning of Eid.

Among them are those who fight and quarrel among themselves and those disobedient to their parents. One may well ask the: "You have displeased Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) and having done so, what other refuge do you have? We feel indeed sad that, for some worldly gain or honor, you have mad yourselves the target for the curse of Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) and the Angel Jibraeel (Alaihi Salaam). while at the same time being excluded from Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) 's generous forgiveness. You may have gained a temporary victory over your enemy and gained some worldly honor, but this short-lived gain will avail nothing when Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) curse is on you, confirmed by Jibraeel (Alaihi Salaam) and you are being refused Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) 's forgiveness and mercy."

I beg you, my dear brothers and sisters, think about your position at this moment and refrain from all your quarrels. There is still time to rectify and repent today. Tomorrow you shall have to stand before a Judge, before Whom no rank, no honor, position or wealth shall benefit you - a judge before Whom only your actions shall count and Who is aware of each and every movement.

Remember that Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) may forgive our mistakes as far as our relationship with Him is concerned, but will not forgive, without equivalent penalty, the disobedience in our relations with our fellow men.

Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) said, "The poorest one from among my Ummah is that person, who shall appear on the day of Qiyamah bringing with him righteous deeds like Salaah, fasting and charity, but he had also sworn at someone, falsely accused someone else and hurt someone, with the result that all these people shall come forward with complaints against him, bearing witness against him. As a penalty, his good deeds shall be taken away and given to the claimants and when his good deeds are exhausted in the manner their sins shall be loaded upon him (when he is not able to pay the full penalty through lack of good deeds) because of this load he shall then enter Jahannam." So we see that, in spite of many good deeds, he shall be in great despair (O Allah, save us from that).

Another point is worth explaining in this connection. In these pages we have spoken of various occasions and matters through which forgiveness comes. A question may arise that, when forgiveness is being granted, why should it be granted time and again in other words, once a person was forgiven, there are no sins left on him. so why is forgiveness granted again and again?

The answer to this is that when forgiveness is granted to a person with a load of sins upon him, those sins are wiped away, but if he has no sins, then instead Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) 's blessing and reward descent upon him.

A further interesting point to note is that Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) repeatedly calls the angels to bear witness to His granting forgiveness. The reason is that the conduct of affairs at the time of reckoning in Qiyamah has been so laid down that witness shall be brought forward to testify. Hence the Ambiyaa shall be required to bring witnesses as to whether they had delivered the message. Accordingly, very often our Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) used to say certainly you shall be asked about me (and my mission); so bear witness that I did deliver the message.

In the Saheeh of Bukhari we read a Hadith, "On the day of Qiyamah the Nabi Nooh (Alaihi Salaam) shall be called and asked; "Did you deliver the message in the proper manner?" He shall reply, "Yes I did." Then his Ummah shall be asked: "Did he deliver My commandments?" "They shall reply 'No, neither did a bringer of glad tidings come to us, nor a Warner' (al-Maaidah 19).

"There upon Nooh (Alaihi Salaam) shall be asked to bring a witness. He shall call upon the Ummah of Mohammad (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) . This Ummah shall be called forward and they shall testify (as to the truth of Nooh (Alaihi Salaam evidence)."

In some versions of this Hadith, this Ummah shall be cross-questioned. "How do you know that Nooh (Alaihi Salaam) did deliver commands of Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) , when you were not present at the time?" They shall reply: "Our Nabi (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) informed us of that, the True Book revealed to him informed us of that." In the same manner, all the Ummah of (Ambiyaa) shall be questioned. For this reason the Quran says: "Thus we made you an Ummah justly balanced, that you might stand witnesses over the nations" (al-Baqarah 143).

Imam al-Raazi (Rehmatullah Alaihi) writes that on the day of Qiyamah there shall be four types of witnesses.

(a) The Angels: The Quran says: "And there will come forth every soul; with each will be our Angels to bear witness" (Qaaf 21). "Not a word does he utter, but there is Sentinel by Him ready (to note)" (Qaaf 18). "But verily, over you (are appointed Angels) to protect you, kind and honorable, writing down your deeds, that they know and understand all that you do" (al-Infitaar 10-12).

(b) The Ambiyaa: The Quran says: "And I was a witness over them while I dwelt among them" (al-maidah 117) "And how shall bring you forth, O Prophet, as a witness over these (the Ummah)?" (al-Nisaa 41)

(c) The Ummah of Mohammad (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) :- The following Ayah refers to this "The Ambiyaa and the witnesses will be brought forward" (a-zumer 69)

(d) The parts of man's body. Thus the Quran states: "That day their tongues and hands shall bear witness against them" (al-noor 24).

"That day shall We set a seal on their mouths, but their hands will speak to Us, and their feet will bear witness to all that they did" (Yaaseen 65).

In short, all these Ayahs indicate bearing witness on the day of Qiyamah of all those described therein.

The last Hadith under discussion also brings out a pleasing message. Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) says that He shall not disgrace and humiliate His dutiful servants in front of (and among) the unbelievers and evil-doers. Is not that in itself a great favor to the seekers of His goodwill, that He shall hide their faults and not reveal these to others?

Abdullah Ibn Umer (Radiallaho Anho) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) said: "On the day of Qiyamah Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) shall call a believer to draw near and shall drop a curtain, so that none else may see. Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) shall then remind him of each and every evil deed and disobedience of his, which he shall be obliged to admit. Seeing the great number of his sins, that person shall feel that he indeed is bound to be destroyed. But then Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) say: "In the world I did cover up your faults, and today also I hide them and forgive them." Thereafter, his book of good deeds shall be given to him."

The contents of this Hadith are found in many other Ahadith also that faults of those who obey Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) and seek His pleasure are forgiven. We should, therefore, be careful not to disgrace and attack the righteous ones for their faults, lest we may be the real losers through backbiting and making fun of those who in their own manner seek to please Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala), Who may cover up their faults and forgive them through the blessings of their other good deeds, while, we, who continue to backbite, making fun of them, may be causing our own destruction. May Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) in His mercy pardon us all.

This Hadith also states that the night before the day of Eid is called the night of reward, the night when Allah ( Subhanahu wa Taala) gives a reward to His slaves who should also properly value this night. It is usual that, once an announcement is made that next day is Eid, the majority of us (including the good Muslims) feel tired because of Ramadhan and prefer on this night to enjoy rest and sleep, whereas this, too, is a valuable night that should be spent in worship of Allah.

Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) said: "Whoever stays awake for worship of Allah on the night preceding either Eid, with the aim of gaining reward, his heart shall not die on that day when hearts shall decay." The meaning here is that at the time when evil will have over-powered every-body, his heart shall stay alive (guarded against evil). It may also perhaps refer to the time when the trumpet shall be blown to hold the day of Qiyamah, on that day his soul shall not become unconscious.

Rasulullah ( Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) is also reported to have said, "Whoever stays awake for worship of Allah on the following nights shall enter Jannah, Laylatul Tarwiyah (the night after the seventh of the month of Zul Hijjah), Laylatul Arafah (the night after the eight Sul-Hijjah), Laylatul Nahr (the night after the ninth day of Zul Hijjah), the night preceding the Eid at the end of Ramadhan and the night preceding the 15th of the month Shaban.

The Jurists of Islam have written that it is preferred to remain in worship of Allah on the nights of both Eids. Imam Shaafi is reported to have said that Dua is answered on the nights of Friday (the night after the day of Thursday), the nights before the two Eids and on the night preceding the fifteenth of the month of Shaban.

Some pious Ulama have said that, because of the exceptional greatness of Friday night, one should spend this night in worship of Allah during the month of Ramadhan. But there are some Ahadith where in we are prohibited from fixing only that night for worship of Allah. It is best that one or two other nights should be joined with it.

I have now come to the end of this book and in conclusion, hope that this shall be of benefit to those who seek Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) 's pleasure. I beg and request all reader to make Dua for me, the humble writer of these pages, during those special hours (of acceptance) in Ramadhan. Do remember me too in your Dua and Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) may, in His eternal Grace and mercy, also shower His Grace and Pleasure upon me. Aameen.

Hafiz Muhammad Zakariyah al-Kandhalvi

27th night of Ramadhan, 1349 Hijri.