Is paying zakaat al-fitr obligatory for someone who only prayed on the last day of Ramadan and did not fast?

Question:

There is a person who did not pray or fast, but the last day of Ramadan Allah guided him, and he prayed and fasted. Does he have to pay zakaat al-fitr? If he did not pay it what should he do?.

Answer:

Praise be to Allaah.

In the answer to question no. 2182 we stated that the one who does not pray is a kaafir, whether he does not pray out of carelessness and laziness or because he denies it is obligatory. 

If Allah guides a person (to Islam) before sunset on the last day of Ramadan, he has to pay zakaat al-fitr, regardless of whether he caught up with the fast or not, because of the hadeeth of Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) who said: The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) enjoined the sadaqah of Ramadan upon the people, a saa‘ of dates or a saa‘ of barley, upon every person, free or slave, male or female, among the Muslims.

Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1503; Muslim, 984. 

The words “among the Muslims” are general in meaning and include everyone who became Muslim before sunset on the last day of Ramadan, even if he did not fast. 

Ibn Qudaamah (may Allah have mercy on him) said: … With regard to the time when it becomes obligatory, it is when the Sun sets on the last day of Ramadan. It becomes obligatory with the setting of the sun on the last day of the month of Ramadan, so whoever becomes Muslim before sunset has to pay zakaat al-fitr, but if he became Muslim after sunset, he is not obliged to pay it. … al-Layth, Abu Thawr and ashaab al-ra’y said: It becomes obligatory when dawn breaks on the day of Eid, and this was also narrated from Maalik, because it is an act of worship that has to do with Eid, so it does not become obligatory before the day of Eid.

End quote from al-Mughni, 2/358 

Al-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) said: The correct view in our opinion is that it becomes obligatory when the sun sets on the night before Eid al-Fitr. This was the view of al-Thawri, Ahmad and Ishaaq, and is mentioned in one report from Maalik. Abu Haneefah and his companions, Abu Thawr, Dawood and another reported that Maalik said that it becomes obligatory when dawn breaks.

End quote from al-Majmoo‘, 6/88. See also Haashiyat al-‘Adawi, 1/515 

If he became Muslim after sunset on the last day of Ramadan, then he does not have to pay zakaat al-fitr, because the month has ended, except in the opinion of those who say that it becomes obligatory when dawn breaks. The more correct view is that of the majority of scholars, because of the words of Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him): The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) enjoined zakaat al-fitr after Ramadan. Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allah have mercy on him) said: The end of the fast of Ramadan comes when the sun sets on the night before Eid al-Fitr.

End quote from al-Sharh al-Mumti‘, 6/56.

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Do Major Sins Invalidate the Fast?

Question:
I do not fast. Will I be punished on the Day of Resurrection?.


Answer:


Praise be to Allaah.  

Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): 

“O you who believe! Be afraid of Allaah and give up what remains (due to you) from Ribaa (from now onward) if you are (really) believers”

[al-Baqarah 2:278] 

This is a call from Allaah to give up riba and avoid it, because He has forbidden riba: 

“Allaah has permitted trading and forbidden Ribaa”

[al-Baqarah 2:275 – interpretation of the meaning] 

Consumption of riba is one of the causes of the humiliation of the Muslims, as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: If you engage in ‘eenah transactions, and are content with farming and hold on to the tails of cattle, and you forsake jihad for the sake of Allaah, Allaah will cause you to be humiliated and will not relieve you of that until you return to your religion.”  

Narrated by Abu Dawood, 3462; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in al-Silsilah al-Saheehah, 11. 

[Translator’s note: ‘eenah transaction means to sell something for a price to be paid at a later date, then to buy it back for a lower price (to be paid immediately); this is a trick used to circumvent the prohibition on lending with interest] 

The issue of buying shares in riba-based banks has been discussed previously. Please see questions nos. 8590 and 4714 

With regard to the fast of one who commits a major sin – such as buying shares in a riba-based bank – it is valid but is imperfect, and he may not attain the reward of fasting. 

Think about the words of Allaah (interpretation of the meaning): 

“O you who believe! Observing As-Sawm (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious)”

[al-Baqarah 2:183] 

In this verse Allaah mentions the reason why fasting is enjoined, which is as a means of fearing Allaah by doing obligatory duties and avoiding haraam things. 

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever does not give up false speech and acting upon it, Allaah has no need of his giving up his food and drink.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1903. in other words, Allaah does not simply mean that we should give up our food and drink when fasting, rather He wants us to fear Him, because He says (interpretation of the meaning): 

“… that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious)”

[al-Baqarah 2:183] 

See al-Sharh al-Mumti’, 6/435 

Al-Haafiz ibn Hajar (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: “false speech and acting upon it” – what is meant by false speech is lying, and acting upon it means doing what is implied by that.  

Ibn al-‘Arabi said: what is meant by this hadeeth is that whoever does what is mentioned will not be rewarded for his fasting; the reward for fasting is not cannot outweigh the sin of false speech etc. 

Al-Baydaawi said: the purpose behind the prescription of fasting is not just to be hungry and thirsty, rather the purpose is what that leads to of suppressing desires and taming one’s evil inclinations. If this is not achieved, then Allaah will not regard it as acceptable. 

It was understood from this that these actions invalidate the fast. 

From Fath al-Baari..

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Breaking the fast in Ramadaan With no Excuse

Question:
I do not fast. Will I be punished on the Day of Resurrection?.


Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.  

Fasting in Ramadaan is one of the pillars on which Islam is built. Allaah tells us that He has prescribed it for the believers of this ummah [nation], as He prescribed it for those who came before them. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): 

“O you who believe! Observing As-Sawm (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious”

[al-Baqarah 2:183] 

“The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’aan, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan i.e. is present at his home), he must observe Sawm (fasts) that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days which one did not observe Sawm (fasts) must be made up] from other days. Allaah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you. (He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allaah [i.e. to say Takbeer (Allaahu Akbar: Allaah is the Most Great)] for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him”

[al-Baqarah 2:185] 

Al-Bukhaari (8) and Muslim (16) narrated that Ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Islam is built on five (pillars): the testimony that there is no god but Allaah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah; establishing prayer; paying zakaah; Hajj; and fasting Ramadaan.” 

Whoever does not fast has abandoned one of the pillars of Islam, and is committing a grave major sin. Indeed some of the salaf were of the view that he is a kaafir [disbeliever] and apostate – we seek refuge with Allaah from that. 

Abu Ya’la narrated in his Musnad from Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The bonds of Islam and the bases of religion are three, on which  Islam was founded. Whoever gives up one of them becomes a kaafir thereby and it is permissible to shed his blood: the testimony that there is no god but Allaah, the prescribed prayers and fasting Ramadaan.” 

This hadeeth was classed as saheeh by al-Dhahabi, and as hasan by al-Haythami in Majma’ al-Zawaa’id, 1/48, and by al-Mundhiri in al-Targheeb wa’l-Tarheeb, no. 805, 1486. Classed as da’eef by al-Albaani in al-Silsilah al-Da’eefah, no. 94.  

Al-Dhahabi said in al-Kabaa’ir, p. 64. 

Whoever does not fast in Ramadaan without being sick or having any other excuse that allows him not to fast is more evil than the adulterer or drunkard, indeed they doubted his Islam and thought that this was heresy. 

A saheeh report which warns against not fasting was narrated by Ibn Khuzaymah (1986) and Ibn Hibbaan (7491) from Abu Umaamah al-Baahili who said: I heard the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) say: “Whilst I was sleeping two men came to me and took my by the arm and brought me to a cragged mountain. They said, ‘Climb up.’ I said, ‘I cannot.’ They said, ‘We will make it easy for you.’ So I climbed up until I was at the top of the mountain. Then I heard loud voices. I said, ‘What are these voices?’ They said, ‘This is the howling of the people of Hell.” Then I was taken until I saw people hanging by their hamstrings, with the sides of their mouths torn and blood pouring from their mouths.’ I said, ‘Who are these?’ He said, ‘These are people who broke their fast before it was time.’” Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Mawaarid al-Zam’aan, no. 1509. 

Al-Albaani (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: This is the punishment of those who fasted then broke the fast deliberately before the time for breaking the fast came, so who about those who do not fast at all? We ask Allaah to keep us safe and sound in this world and in the Hereafter. 

Our advice to the brother who asked this question is to fear Allaah and to beware of His wrath, vengeance and a painful punishment. He should hasten to repent to Allaah before the destroyer of pleasures that splits people apart [i.e., death] takes him unawares. Today there is action and no reckoning, but tomorrow there will be the reckoning and no action. Note that whoever repents, Allaah will accept his repentance, and whoever draws closer to Allaah one hand span, Allaah will draw closer to him one cubit. For Allaah is Most Generous, Forbearing and Most Merciful, as He says (interpretation of the meaning): 

“Know they not that Allaah accepts repentance from His slaves and takes the Sadaqaat (alms, charity), and that Allaah Alone is the One Who forgives and accepts repentance, Most Merciful?”

[al-Tawbah 9:104] 

If you try fasting and find out how easy it is and what comfort it brings and how close it brings you to Allaah, you will never give it up. 

Think about what Allaah says at the end of the verses on fasting (interpretation of the meaning): 

“Allaah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you”

[al-Baqarah 2:185] 

The phrase, “so that you may be grateful to Him” shows that fasting is a blessing for which we must give thanks. Hence some of the salaf used to wish that the whole year was Ramadaan. 

We ask Allaah to help you and guide you, and to open your heart to that which will bring you happiness in this world and in the Hereafter. 

And Allaah knows best.

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Fasting the Six Days of Shawwaal

Question:
If a person fasts six days of Shawwaal after Ramadaan when he has not yet completed the Ramadaan fast because he did not fast ten days of Ramadaan for a legitimate reason will he have the same reward as a person who fasted all of Ramadaan and followed it with six days of Shawwaal, i.e. will he be like a person who fasted for a lifetime? Please explain to us, may Allaah reward you with good.


Answer:

Praise be to Allaah.

The precise rewards for the deeds which people do for the sake of Allaah is something which is known only to Allaah. If a person seeks the reward from Allaah and strives to obey Him, his reward will not be lost, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“We shall not make the reward of anyone who does his (righteous) deeds in the most perfect manner to be lost.” [al-Kahf 18:30]. If someone has missed some of the days of Ramadaan, he should fast them first, then fast six days of Shawwaal, because he cannot follow the fast of Ramadaan with six days of Shawwaal unless he has completed his Ramadaan fast.

And Allaah is the source of strength. May Allaah bless our Prophet Muhammad and his family and companions, and grant them peace.

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7 Practical Tips for praying Qiyaam al-Layl

7 Practical Tips for praying Qiyaam al-Layl


What is Qiyaam al-Layl?
Qiyaam' means 'standing' and 'Qiyaam al-Layl' means 'standing in night.' In the Islamic terminology, both terms refer to, 'the voluntary night prayer, whose time extends from after Isha prayer until dawn.' Other common names for Qiyaam al-Layl are, Salaat ul-Layl (the night prayer), Tahajjud (from hajada meaning remained awake at night), Witr (odd-numbered this term is also used to refer to the last one or three Raka'ah of Qiyaam) and Taraweeh (resting).


A widespread misconception is that Tahajjud is a different night prayer than Qiyaam or Taraweeh. It is important to clarify this misunderstanding and to make clear that there is only one nafl night prayer known by different names. Even though the term Taraweeh is more commonly used to describe the night prayer in Ramadan, it is not different from Tahajjud. Thus, the practice of praying Taraweeh in the earlier part of the night and Tahajjud in the later part should be stopped.


The Excellence of Qiyaam al-Layl
Numerous Ahaadeeth and Qur'aanic verses mention the excellence of Qiyaam al-Layl and the merit of those who perform it regularly. Umm al-Mumineen, Aa'ishah (radhi allahu anha) reported that the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “The most beloved deeds to Allah are the most constant, even if they were little.” [Saheeh al-Bukharee and Saheeh Muslim] and she said in another narration: “Do not ever stop praying Qiyaam. The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) never ceased praying it. When he was sick or weak, he prayed sitting.” [Saheeh al-Bukharee and Saheeh Muslims] He (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “You should pray Qiyaam al-Layl, for it is the habit of the righteous people who came before you, and it will bring you closer to your Lord, expiate for bad deeds, prevent sin, and expel disease from the body.” [At-Tirmidhee and Musnad Ahmad]


Narrated Mu'adh Ibn Jabal (radhi allahu anhu): 'The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said to him: “May I show you the gates of goodness?' (they are), “(a) Fasting is screen from Hell, (b) As-Sadaqah extinguishes the sins, as water extinguishes fire, (c) Standing in Salaat (prayer) by a slave of Allah during the last third part of a night.” Then the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) recited the verse: “Their (believer's) sides forsake their beds, to invoke their Lord in fear and hope; and they spend out of what We have bestowed on them.”' [Abu Dawood and at-Tirmidhee]


Abu Hurayrah (radhi allahu anhu) reported that Allah's Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “The best of prayer after those prescribed (i.e. obligatory prayer) is that in the depth of night.” [Saheeh Muslims] 


Abu Hurayrah (radhi allahu anhu) reported that Allah's Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “May Allah have mercy on a man who wakes up at night, prays, and wakes his wife to pray; and if she refuses, he sprinkles water on her face. And may Allah have mercy on a woman who wakes up at night, prays, and wakes her husband to pray; and if he refuses, she sprinkles water on his face.” [(Hasan) Abu Dawood ]


Abdullah Ibn Bashr (radhi allahu anhu) reported Allah's Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) saying:“Whoever prays Qiyaam reciting ten verses, he will not be recorded among the negligent. Whoever prays Qiyaam reciting one hundred verses, he will be recorded among the devout. And whoever prays Qiyaam reciting one thousand verses, he will be recorded among those with a multitude of good deeds.” [(Hasan) Abu Dawood]


7 Practical Tips for praying Qiyaam al-Layl
1: Ikhlas (Sincerity) - the key to Allah's Help and Blessings
Help of Allah is needed to accomplish and achieve success in all our affairs. And Allah only helps those who are sincere in their hearts. The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “If you are truthful with Allah, then Allah will deliver to you what you wish for.” [An-Nasa'ee, al-Hakim and Saheeh al-Jamee] Therefore, one should have a sincere intention to pray Qiyaam al-Layl; seek the Pleasure of Allah Alone and avoid the desire of praise or fame. Allah says: “And they were commanded not, but that they should worship Allah, and worship none but Him Alone…” [(98): 5]


Imam Ibn al-Qayyim said: “The degree to which a person is helped and aided by Allah depends on the degree of his intention, drive, aim and hopes. Help from Allah comes to people in proportion to their drive, intention, hopes and fears, and failure comes to them in like manner.”

2: Knowing the Virtues of Qiyaam al-Layl

Knowing the virtues and rewards of performing worship produces willingness and desire to perform the worship. We have previously mentioned numerous virtues of regularly praying Qiyaam al-Layl, here we mention the excellence of praying Qiyaam al-Layl particularly in the great month of Ramadan. Abu Hurayrah (radhi allahu anhu) reported: “Allah's Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) encouraged the people, without making it an absolute command, to perform Qiyaam during Ramadan. He (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) used to say: “Whoever stands (in Qiyaam) in Ramadan out of faith and expectation (of Allah's reward), all his previous sins will be forgiven.” [Saheeh Muslim]

3: Taking a nap in the daytime

Taking a nap before or after Dhur Salaat will dismiss the stress and thus enable one to get up in the night and stand in front of his Lord. The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “Take a nap, for the Shayateen (pl. of Shaytan) do not take naps.” [Reported by at-Tabaranee. Al-Saheehah (2647)]

4: Sleeping according to the Sunnah of Allah's Messenger

(a) Sleep early: Sleeping early is a healthy habit and it was the practice of Allah's Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) to sleep directly after performing the Isha prayer. Abu Barzah al-Aslami (radhi allahu anhu) said that the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) used to prefer to delay Isha, and he did not like to sleep before it or talk after it.” [Saheeh al-Bukharee] 

(b) Sleep in a state of taharah (purity): Ibn Abbas (radhi allahu anhu) reported that Allah's Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “Purify these bodies and Allah will purify you, for there is no slave who goes to sleep in a state of purity but an Angel spends the night with him, and every time he turns over, [the Angel] says, 'O Allah! Forgive Your slave, for he went to bed in a state of purity.'” [Reported by at-Tabaranee. See Saheeh al-Jamee (3831)]

(c) Choose a suitable bed: Excessive luxurious or soft bed provokes laziness and makes one sleep more and become negligent. Aa'ishah (radhi allahu anha) narrates that the pillow of the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) on which he slept at night was made of leather stuffed with palm fibers.” [Abu Dawood and Musnad Ahmad. Saheeh al-Jamee (4714)]

Once Umar Ibn al-Khattab (radhi allahu anhu) entered upon the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) when he was lying on a mat of palm fibers that had left marks on his side. Umar (radhi allahu anhu) said: “O Messenger of Allah, why do you not get something more comfortable than this?” He (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “What do I have to do with this world? My relationship with this world is like that of a traveler on a hot summer's day, who seeks shade under a tree for an hour, then moves on.” [Musnad Ahmad and al-Hakim. Saheeh al-Jamee (5545)]

(d) Cleaning the bed and lying on the right sideAbu Hurayrah (radhi allahu anhu) reported: “The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “When any one of you goes to bed, let him clear his bed by hitting it with his garment, for he does not know what may have come onto it. Then let him lie down on his right side…” [Saheeh al-Bukharee and Saheeh Muslim]

(e) Reciting the Adhkaar (supplications) mentioned in the Sunnah before sleepingThere are a number of Adhkaar prescribed in the Sunnah before going to bed, amongst them are reciting the last verses of Soorah al-Baqarah, reciting Soorah al-Falaq and Soorah al-Nas and Soorah Ikhlas blow in the palms and wipe as much of the body possible, starting from the head, face and then the front of the body doing it three times. [Saheeh al-Bukharee and Saheeh Muslim]

Ali Ibn Abi Talib (radhi allahu anhu) reported that when the Prophet's daughter, Fatima (radhi allahu anha) came to him and asked him for a servant, he (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said to her and Ali: “Shall I not teach you something that will be better for you than a servant? When you go to bed, say 'SubhanAllah' thirty-three times, 'Al-hamdulillah' thirty-three times, and 'Allahu Akbar' thirty-four times. This is better for you than a servant.” [Saheeh al-Bukharee and Saheeh Muslim]

5: Avoid too much food and drink

Too much food or drink is one of the main obstacles that make one lazy and negligent of Qiyaam al-Layl. The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “Man fills no vessel worse than his stomach. It is sufficient for the son of Adam to have a few mouthfuls to give him the strength he needs. If he has to fill his stomach, then let him leave one-third for food, one-third for drink and one-third for air.” [Reported by at-Tirmidhee and Ibn Majah. Saheeh al-Jamee (5674)]

Abu Juhayfah (radhi allahu anhu) reported that the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said to a man who burped in his presence: “Stop your burping, for the people who eat the most in this life will be the most hungry on the Day of Resurrection.” [Reported by al-Hakim. Saheeh al-Jamee (1190)]

6: Striving against oneself:

Striving against oneself to get up and pray and suppressing one's desires bring about Allah's help and His Pleasure for the slave. Allah says in the Qur'aan: “Strive in Allah's Cause as you ought to strive…” [Soorah al-Hajj (25): 78] “And as for those who strive hard in Our Cause, We will surely guide them to Our Paths. And verily, Allah is with the Muhsinoon (good-doers).” [ (29): 69]

The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “The Mujahid (one who strives in way of Allah) is the one who strives against his own self for the sake of Allah.” [Reported by al-Tirmidhee. See al-Saheehah (549)]

He (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) also said: “When a man from my Ummah gets up to pray at night, striving against his own self to get up and purify himself, there are knots on him. When he washes his hands in wudhu, one knot is undone. When he washes his face, another knot is undone. When he wipes his head another knot is undone. When he washes his feet, another knot is undone. Then Allah says to those who are veiled (in the Unseen):'Look at this slave of Mine, he is striving against his own self and asking of Me. Whatever My slave asks of Me shall be his.” [Musnad Ahmad. See Saheeh al-Targheeb (627)]

7: Rebuking one's self for not praying Qiyaam al-Layl

Qiyaam al-Layl is a great blessing from Allah, the Exalted, and He has placed in it numerous spiritual benefits and rewards for the believer. Therefore, one should rebuke one's self, if he misses this great opportunity of achieving rewards and Pleasure of Allah. Allah says in the Qur'aan: “O you who believe! Fear Allah and keep your duty to Him. And let every person look to what he has sent forth for the morrow, and fear Allah. Verily, Allah is All-Aware of what you do.” [(59): 18] 

Imam Ibn al-Qayyim (rahimahullah) said: “If the slave is responsible and accountable for everything, even his hearing, sight and innermost thoughts, as Allah says, “…Verily, hearing, sight, and the heart of each of you will be questioned by Allah.” [Soorah al-Isra (17): 36], then he should check on himself before he is brought to account.”

References ‘The Night Prayers’ by Muhammad Nasir ud-Deen al-Albanee (rahimahullah) 
As-Sunnah Islamic Newsletter Issue 15
Copied from Abdurrahman.org

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Zakat From Wife To Husband?

Question:
I would like to know my wife has gold jewellary which is given to her from mother but iam not well off and i am in dept also so how should i pay zakat on it. 

Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.

The husband does not have to pay zakaah on the jewellery on his wife’s behalf, because the zakaah is only obligatory on the possessor of the wealth, and the possessor in this case is your wife, because she is the owner of the jewellery. So she has to pay zakaah on it, either from the jewellery itself or from its monetary value. If her husband or someone else pays zakaah on her behalf with her permission, that is o.k., and he will be rewarded for this voluntary action.

If the wife wants to give the zakaah on her jewellery or anything else to her husband who is in debt and cannot pay it off or who is poor, there is nothing wrong with that, because it comes under the general meaning of the aayah (interpretation of the meaning):

“As-Sadaqaat (here it means Zakaah) are only for the Fuqaraa’ (poor), and Al-Masaakeen (the poor)…” [al-Tawbah 9:60]

Indeed there is the hope that she will have a multiple reward, because of the hadeeth narrated by al-Bukhaari (1466) and Muslim (1000) from Zaynab, the wife of ‘Abd-Allaah, who said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: ‘Give in charity, O women, even if it is from your jewellery.’ I went back to ‘Abd-Allaah and said, ‘You are a man who has little, and the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) has commanded us to give in charity. Go and ask him if that is acceptable, otherwise I will give my charity to someone else.’ ‘Abd-Allaah said to me, ‘No, you go and ask him.’ So I went, and there I saw a woman from among the Ansaar at the door of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), wanting to ask the same question. We felt too shy to speak to the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). Bilaal came out to us and we said to him, ‘Go to the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and tell him that there are two women at the door asking whether it is acceptable for them to give charity (zakaah) to their husbands and the orphans who are in their care, but do not tell him who we are.’ Bilaal went in to the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and asked him, and the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) asked, ‘Who are they?’ He said, ‘A woman from among the Ansaar and Zaynab.’ The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) asked, ‘Which Zaynab?’ He said, ‘The wife of ‘Abd-Allaah.’ The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said to him, ‘They will have two rewards, the reward of (upholding ties of) kinship and the reward of giving charity.’” Ibn Hajar (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: “From this hadeeth it may be understood that it is permissible for a woman to give zakaah to her husband. This is the view of al-Shaafa’i, al-Thawri, the two companions of Abu Haneefah, one of the two reports narrated from Maalik and from Ahmad.”

See the fatwa of Shaykh ‘Abd Al-‘Azeez ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy on him) in Fataawa Islamiyyah, 2/85 and al-Fataawa al-Jaami’ah li’l-Mar’ah al-Muslimah, 1/305.

Islam Q and A

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Wudu

Bukhari :: Book 1 :: Volume 4 :: Hadith 138

Narrated Nu'am Al-Mujmir:
Once I went up the roof of the mosque, along with Abu Huraira. He perform ablution and said, "I heard the Prophet saying, "On the Day of Resurrection, my followers will be called "Al-Ghurr-ul-Muhajjalun" from the trace of ablution and whoever can increase the area of his radiance should do so (i.e. by performing ablution regularly).' " 

Bukhari :: Book 1 :: Volume 4 :: Hadith 144

Narrated Anas: 
Whenever the Prophet went to answer the call of nature, he used to say, "Allah-umma inni a'udhu bika minal khubuthi wal khaba'ith i.e. O Allah, I seek Refuge with You from all offensive and wicked things (evil deeds and evil spirits)." 

Bukhari :: Book 1 :: Volume 4 :: Hadith 142

Narrated 'Ata' bin Yasar:

Ibn 'Abbas performed ablution and washed his face (in the following way): He ladled out a handful of water, rinsed his mouth and washed his nose with it by putting in water and then blowing it out. He then, took another handful (of water) and did like this (gesturing) joining both hands, and washed his face, took another handful of water and washed his right forearm. He again took another handful of water and washed his left forearm, and passed wet hands over his head and took another handful of water and poured it over his right foot (up to his ankles) and washed it thoroughly and similarly took another handful of water and washed thoroughly his left foot (up to the ankles) and said, "I saw Allah's Apostle performing ablution in this way." 

Bukhari :: Book 1 :: Volume 4 :: Hadith 137

Narrated Abu Huraira:

Allah's Apostle said, "The prayer of a person who does ,Hadath (passes, urine, stool or wind) is not accepted till he performs (repeats) the ablution." A person from Hadaramout asked Abu Huraira, "What is 'Hadath'?" Abu Huraira replied, " 'Hadath' means the passing of wind from the anus."

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"So We Swore Allegiance for These."

Bukhari :: Book 1 :: Volume 2 :: Hadith 17

Narrated 'Ubada bin As-Samit:

who took part in the battle of Badr and was a Naqib (a person heading a group of six persons), on the night of Al-'Aqaba pledge: Allah's Apostle said while a group of his companions were around him, "Swear allegiance to me for:

1. Not to join anything in worship along with Allah.
2. Not to steal.
3. Not to commit illegal sexual intercourse.
4. Not to kill your children.
5. Not to accuse an innocent person (to spread such an accusation among people).
6. Not to be disobedient (when ordered) to do good deed."

The Prophet added: "Whoever among you fulfills his pledge will be rewarded by Allah. And whoever indulges in any one of them (except the ascription of partners to Allah) and gets the punishment in this world, that punishment will be an expiation for that sin. And if one indulges in any of them, and Allah conceals his sin, it is up to Him to forgive or punish him (in the Hereafter)." 'Ubada bin As-Samit added: "So we swore allegiance for these." (points to Allah's Apostle)

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Revelation Part 3

Continuation from Revelation Part 1, Part 2

Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Abbas:

Abu Sufyan bin Harb informed me that Heraclius had sent a messenger to him while he had been accompanying a caravan from Quraish. They were merchants doing business in Sham (Syria, Palestine, Lebanon and Jordan), at the time when Allah's Apostle had truce with Abu Sufyan and Quraish infidels. So Abu Sufyan and his companions went to Heraclius at Ilya (Jerusalem). Heraclius called them in the court and he had all the senior Roman dignitaries around him. He called for his translator who, translating Heraclius's question said to them, "Who amongst you is closely related to that man who claims to be a Prophet?" Abu Sufyan replied, "I am the nearest relative to him (amongst the group)."

Heraclius said, "Bring him (Abu Sufyan) close to me and make his companions stand behind him." Abu Sufyan added, Heraclius told his translator to tell my companions that he wanted to put some questions to me regarding that man (The Prophet) and that if I told a lie they (my companions) should contradict me." Abu Sufyan added, "By Allah! Had I not been afraid of my companions labeling me a liar, I would not have spoken the truth about the Prophet. The first question he asked me about him was:

'What is his family status amongst you?'

I replied, 'He belongs to a good (noble) family amongst us.'

Heraclius further asked, 'Has anybody amongst you ever claimed the same (i.e. to be a Prophet) before him?'

I replied, 'No.'

He said, 'Was anybody amongst his ancestors a king?'

I replied, 'No.'

Heraclius asked, 'Do the nobles or the poor follow him?'

I replied, 'It is the poor who follow him.'

He said, 'Are his followers increasing decreasing (day by day)?'

I replied, 'They are increasing.'

He then asked, 'Does anybody amongst those who embrace his religion become displeased and renounce the religion afterwards?'

I replied, 'No.'

Heraclius said, 'Have you ever accused him of telling lies before his claim (to be a Prophet)?'

I replied, 'No. '

Heraclius said, 'Does he break his promises?'

I replied, 'No. We are at truce with him but we do not know what he will do in it.' I could not find opportunity to say anything against him except that.

Heraclius asked, 'Have you ever had a war with him?'

I replied, 'Yes.'

Then he said, 'What was the outcome of the battles?'

I replied, 'Sometimes he was victorious and sometimes we.'

Heraclius said, 'What does he order you to do?'

I said, 'He tells us to worship Allah and Allah alone and not to worship anything along with Him, and to renounce all that our ancestors had said. He orders us to pray, to speak the truth, to be chaste and to keep good relations with our Kith and kin.'

Heraclius asked the translator to convey to me the following, I asked you about his family and your reply was that he belonged to a very noble family. In fact all the Apostles come from noble families amongst their respective peoples. I questioned you whether anybody else amongst you claimed such a thing, your reply was in the negative. If the answer had been in the affirmative, I would have thought that this man was following the previous man's statement. Then I asked you whether anyone of his ancestors was a king. Your reply was in the negative, and if it had been in the affirmative, I would have thought that this man wanted to take back his ancestral kingdom.

I further asked whether he was ever accused of telling lies before he said what he said, and your reply was in the negative. So I wondered how a person who does not tell a lie about others could ever tell a lie about Allah. I, then asked you whether the rich people followed him or the poor. You replied that it was the poor who followed him. And in fact all the Apostle have been followed by this very class of people. Then I asked you whether his followers were increasing or decreasing. You replied that they were increasing, and in fact this is the way of true faith, till it is complete in all respects. I further asked you whether there was anybody, who, after embracing his religion, became displeased and discarded his religion. Your reply was in the negative, and in fact this is (the sign of) true faith, when its delight enters the hearts and mixes with them completely. I asked you whether he had ever betrayed. You replied in the negative and likewise the Apostles never betray. Then I asked you what he ordered you to do. You replied that he ordered you to worship Allah and Allah alone and not to worship any thing along with Him and forbade you to worship idols and ordered you to pray, to speak the truth and to be chaste. If what you have said is true, he will very soon occupy this place underneath my feet and I knew it (from the scriptures) that he was going to appear but I did not know that he would be from you, and if I could reach him definitely, I would go immediately to meet him and if I were with him, I would certainly wash his feet.' Heraclius then asked for the letter addressed by Allah's Apostle
which was delivered by Dihya to the Governor of Busra, who forwarded it to Heraclius to read. The contents of the letter were as follows: "In the name of Allah the Beneficent, the Merciful (This letter is) from Muhammad the slave of Allah and His Apostle to Heraclius the ruler of Byzantine. Peace be upon him, who follows the right path. Furthermore I invite you to Islam, and if you become a Muslim you will be safe, and Allah will double your reward, and if you reject this invitation of Islam you will be committing a sin by misguiding your Arisiyin (peasants). (And I recite to you Allah's Statement:)
'O people of the scripture! Come to a word common to you and us that we worship none but Allah and that we associate nothing in worship with Him, and that none of us shall take others as Lords beside Allah. Then, if they turn away, say: Bear witness that we are Muslims (those who have surrendered to Allah).' (3:64).

Abu Sufyan then added, "When Heraclius had finished his speech and had read the letter, there was a great hue and cry in the Royal Court. So we were turned out of the court. I told my companions that the question of Ibn-Abi-Kabsha) (the Prophet Muhammad) has become so prominent that even the King of Bani Al-Asfar (Byzantine) is afraid of him. Then I started to become sure that he (the Prophet) would be the conqueror in the near future till I embraced Islam (i.e. Allah guided me to it)."

The sub narrator adds, "Ibn An-Natur was the Governor of llya' (Jerusalem) and Heraclius was the head of the Christians of Sham. Ibn An-Natur narrates that once while Heraclius was visiting ilya' (Jerusalem), he got up in the morning with a sad mood. Some of his priests asked him why he was in that mood? Heraclius was a foreteller and an astrologer. He replied, 'At night when I looked at the stars, I saw that the leader of those who practice circumcision had appeared (become the conqueror). Who are they who practice circumcision?' The people replied, 'Except the Jews nobody practices circumcision, so you should not be afraid of them (Jews).

'Just Issue orders to kill every Jew present in the country.'

While they were discussing it, a messenger sent by the king of Ghassan to convey the news of Allah's Apostle to Heraclius was brought in. Having heard the news, he (Heraclius) ordered the people to go and see whether the messenger of Ghassan was circumcised. The people, after seeing him, told Heraclius that he was circumcised. Heraclius then asked him about the Arabs. The messenger replied, 'Arabs also practice circumcision.'

(After hearing that) Heraclius remarked that sovereignty of the 'Arabs had appeared. Heraclius then wrote a letter to his friend in Rome who was as good as Heraclius in knowledge. Heraclius then left for Homs. (a town in Syrian and stayed there till he received the reply of his letter from his friend who agreed with him in his opinion about the emergence of the Prophet and the fact that he was a Prophet. On that Heraclius invited all the heads of the Byzantines to assemble in his palace at Homs. When they assembled, he ordered that all the doors of his palace be closed. Then he came out and said, 'O Byzantines! If success is your desire and if you seek right guidance and want your empire to remain then give a pledge of allegiance to this Prophet (i.e. embrace Islam).'

(On hearing the views of Heraclius) the people ran towards the gates of the palace like onagers but found the doors closed. Heraclius realized their hatred towards Islam and when he lost the hope of their embracing Islam, he ordered that they should be brought back in audience.

(When they returned) he said, 'What already said was just to test the strength of your conviction and I have seen it.' The people prostrated before him and became pleased with him, and this was the end of Heraclius's story (in connection with his faith).

Bukhari :: Book 1 :: Volume 1 :: Hadith 6

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Revelation Part 2

Continuation from Revelation Part 1,  Continue to Revelation Part 3

Narrated Said bin Jubair:

Ibn 'Abbas in the explanation of the Statement of Allah. 'Move not your tongue concerning (the Quran) to make haste therewith." (75.16) Said "Allah's Apostle used to bear the revelation with great trouble and used to move his lips (quickly) with the Inspiration." Ibn 'Abbas moved his lips saying, "I am moving my lips in front of you as Allah's Apostle used to move his." Said moved his lips saying: "I am moving my lips, as I saw Ibn 'Abbas moving his." Ibn 'Abbas added, "So Allah revealed 'Move not your tongue concerning (the Qur'an) to make haste therewith. It is for us to collect it and to give you (O Muhammad) the ability to recite it (the Qur'an) (75.16-17) which means that Allah will make him (the Prophet ) remember the portion of the Qur'an which was revealed at that time by heart and recite it. The Statement of Allah: And 'When we have recited it to you (O Muhammad through Gabriel) then you follow its (Qur'an) recital' (75.18) means 'listen to it and be silent.' Then it is for Us (Allah) to make It clear to you' (75.19) means 'Then it is (for Allah) to make you recite it (and its meaning will be clear by itself through your tongue). Afterwards, Allah's Apostle used to listen to Gabriel whenever he came and after his departure he used to recite it as Gabriel had recited it."

Bukhari :: Book 1 :: Volume 1 :: Hadith 4

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Revelation Part 1

Continue to Revelation Part 2, Part 3

Narrated 'Aisha:

(the mother of the faithful believers) The commencement of the Divine Inspiration to Allah's Apostle was in the form of good dreams which came true like bright day light, and then the love of seclusion was bestowed upon him. He used to go in seclusion in the cave of Hira where he used to worship (Allah alone) continuously for many days before his desire to see his family. He used to take with him the journey food for the stay and then come back to (his wife) Khadija to take his food like-wise again till suddenly the Truth descended upon him while he was in the cave of Hira. The angel came to him and asked him to read. The Prophet replied, "I do not know how to read.

 The Prophet added, "The angel caught me (forcefully) and pressed me so hard that I could not bear it any more. He then released me and again asked me to read and I replied, 'I do not know how to read.' Thereupon he caught me again and pressed me a second time till I could not bear it any more. He then released me and again asked me to read but again I replied, 'I do not know how to read (or what shall I read)?' Thereupon he caught me for the third time and pressed me, and then released me and said, 'Read in the name of your Lord, who has created (all that exists) has created man from a clot. Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous." (96.1, 96.2, 96.3) Then Allah's Apostle returned with the Inspiration and with his heart beating severely. Then he went to Khadija bint Khuwailid and said, "Cover me! Cover me!" They covered him till his fear was over and after that he told her everything that had happened and said, "I fear that something may happen to me." Khadija replied, "Never! By Allah, Allah will never disgrace you. You keep good relations with your Kith and kin, help the poor and the destitute, serve your guests generously and assist the deserving calamity-afflicted ones."



Khadija then accompanied him to her cousin Waraqa bin Naufal bin Asad bin 'Abdul 'Uzza, who, during the PreIslamic Period became a Christian and used to write the writing with Hebrew letters. He would write from the Gospel in Hebrew as much as Allah wished him to write. He was an old man and had lost his eyesight. Khadija said to Waraqa, "Listen to the story of your nephew, O my cousin!" Waraqa asked, "O my nephew! What have you seen?" Allah's Apostle described whatever he had seen. Waraqa said, "This is the same one who keeps the secrets (angel Gabriel) whom Allah had sent to Moses. I wish I were young and could live up to the time when your people would turn you out." Allah's Apostle asked, "Will they drive me out?" Waraqa replied in the affirmative and said, "Anyone (man) who came with something similar to what you have brought was treated with hostility; and if I should remain alive till the day when you will be turned out then I would support you strongly." But after a few days Waraqa died and the Divine Inspiration was also paused for a while.
Narrated Jabir bin 'Abdullah Al-Ansari while talking about the period of pause in revelation reporting the speech of the Prophet "While I was walking, all of a sudden I heard a voice from the sky. I looked up and saw the same angel who had visited me at the cave of Hira' sitting on a chair between the sky and the earth. I got afraid of him and came back home and said, 'Wrap me (in blankets).' And then Allah revealed the following Holy Verses (of Quran):

'O you (i.e. Muhammad)! wrapped up in garments!' Arise and warn (the people against Allah's Punishment),... up to 'and desert the idols.' (74.1-5) After this the revelation started coming strongly, frequently and regularly."

Bukhari :: Book 1 :: Volume 1 :: Hadith 3

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The Fasting Person’s Dua is Not Rejected

Narrated Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him):

We said: “O Messenger of Allah, when we see you our hearts are softened and we are people of the Hereafter, but when we leave you we are attracted by this world and by our womenfolk and children.” He said: “If you were always as you are when you are with me, the angels would shake hands with you, and they would visit you in your houses. If you did not commit sin, Allah would bring another people who would commit sin so that He could forgive them.”

He (Abu Hurayrah) said: We said: “O Messenger of Allah, tell us about Paradise, what is it built of?” He said: “Bricks of gold and bricks of silver; its mortar is musk, its pebbles are pearls and rubies, its soil is saffron. Whoever enters it will be joyous and will never be sad, he will abide therein forever and never die. His clothes will never wear out, and his youth will never fade. There are three whose dua will not be rejected: a just ruler, a fasting person until he breaks the fast, and the prayer of the one who has been wronged. It is borne on the clouds, and the gates of heaven are opened for it, and the Lord - may He be glorified and exalted - says: ‘By My glory, I will grant you help even if it is after some time.’” 

Reported in Musnad Ahmad (ibn Hanbal) #8030 and classified Saheeh by Shuayb al-Arnaoot in Tahqeeq al-Musnad. 

This hadeeth was also reported by al-Tirmidhi #2525 with the words, “..the fasting person when he breaks his fast..” and was classified Saheeh by al-Albani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi.

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Seven People

Narrated Abu Huraira:
The Prophet (p.b.u.h) said, "Seven people will be shaded by Allah under His shade on the day when there will be no shade except His. They are:

(1) A just ruler;

(2) A young man who has been brought up in the worship of Allah, (i.e. worship Allah (Alone) sincerely from his childhood),

(3) A man whose heart is attached to the mosque (who offers the five compulsory congregational prayers in the mosque);

(4) Two persons who love each other only for Allah's sake and they meet and part in Allah's cause only;

(5) A man who refuses the call of a charming woman of noble birth for an illegal sexual intercourse with her and says: I am afraid of Allah;

(6) A person who practices charity so secretly that his left hand does not know what his right hand has given (i.e. nobody knows how much he has given in charity).

(7) A person who remembers Allah in seclusion and his eyes get flooded with tears."

Bukhari :: Book 2 :: Volume 24 :: Hadith 504

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A Beautiful Month

The best part of this beautiful month is giving up the things you love just to obey your Creator.  So how do the Muslims give up things during this month? By fasting, and what is fasting? Fasting "is giving up on food, drink, desires, and everything else just to obey Allah, to please Allah, because he commanded" us (Sheikh Karim Abu Zaid). Many people wondering if they have to fast because of their illness, age, pregnancy, breastfeeding, postpartum, and some people are  also considered about zakat how much to pay, if zakat is required on gold, property, live stock, crops, and many more.  Guide Us TV has a live show every night online. If you've missed the previous Q and A live shows here are the links for some of the shows.

Ramadan
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8

Zakat
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7

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"KORAN BY HEART" A must see movie

MashAllah this film is amazing.  A heart warming movie that makes you think about why haven't you read and studied the Quran all these years.




"Koran By Heart" is documentary about the competition at the world's oldest Quran memorization  contest. Around 70 countries across the Islamic world gather every Ramadan in Cairo, Egypt. Kids as young as ten years old recite the Quran. Remarkable and talented boys and girls compete to see who can recite the Quran with accuracy, passion, and beauty. This film is directed by Greg Barker.


Click here to watch it online for free.

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5 Ramadan Duas That Work

As we all know, Ramadan is a great time to spiritually recharge! It’s also a great time to make Dua.

Every year for the past 3 years I've made a Dua list. At the start of Ramadan I write down a list of 7 to 8 things that I want the most and I memorize them. I make dua for each item on the list every day of Ramadan at the times that dua are more likely to be accepted. I can personally tell you all that it does wonders. Honestly, things I’ve asked for persistently and I did not think would, have come true. Read more on "5 Ramadan Duas That Work"

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Istikharah Prayer

قال رسول الله صلى اله عليه وسلم: "إذا هم أحدكم بالأمر فليصل ركعتين من غير الفريضة ثم ليقل: أللهم أني أستخيرك بعلمك، وأستقدرك بقدرتك، وأسألك من فضلك العظيم، أنك تقدر ولا أقدر، وتعلم ولا أعلم، وأنت علاّم الغيوب. أللهم أن كنت تعلم أن هذا الأمر خيرُ لي في ديني ومعاشي وعاقبة أمري(عاجل أمري أو اجله)، أللهم فأقدره لي ثم يسره لي ثم بارك لي فيه. أللهم وأن كنت تعلم أن هذا الأمر شرُ لي في ديني ومعاشي وعاقبة أمري(عاجل أمري أو أجله)، أللهم فأصرفه عني وأقدر لي الخير حيث كان، ثم رضني به. ثم ليسمي حاجته.

Prophet Mohammad PBUH said: “If someone of you is trying to decide about some issue, then he/she should pray two rukah then say:”

“Oh Allah, I ask you by your great knowledge; and I request your great help and I ask for your great favor. Indeed, it is you who knows what I don’t know, it is you who is capable of everything when I can’t do anything on my own, and it is you who is the real knowledgeable of the unseen. Oh Lord, if you see goodness for me in this matter whether in this life or hereafter, then please make it happen for me easily and then bless it for me; and if you see evil and badness for me in this matter whether in this life or hereafter, then abstain it from me and show me the goodness wherever it is then bless it for me”. 

“Then you state the matter for which you are asking Allah’s assistance”. For example: marriage, job, relocating or any thing. 

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