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Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Praying at Night in Ramadaan (Taraweeh)

Volume 3, Book 32, Number 226:

Narrated Abu Huraira:

I heard Allah's Apostle saying regarding Ramadan, "Whoever prayed at night in it (the month of Ramadan) out of sincere Faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven."




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Volume 3, Book 32, Number 227:

Narrated Abu Huraira:

Allah's Apostle said, "Whoever prayed at night the whole month of Ramadan out of sincere Faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven." Ibn Shihab (a sub-narrator) said, "Allah's Apostle died and the people continued observing that (i.e. Nawafil offered individually, not in congregation), and it remained as it was during the Caliphate of Abu Bakr and in the early days of 'Umar's Caliphate." 'Abdur Rahman bin 'Abdul Qari said, "I went out in the company of 'Umar bin Al-Khattab one night in Ramadan to the mosque and found the people praying in different groups. A man praying alone or a man praying with a little group behind him. So, 'Umar said, 'In my opinion I would better collect these (people) under the leadership of one Qari (Reciter) (i.e. let them pray in congregation!)'. So, he made up his mind to congregate them behind Ubai bin Ka'b. Then on another night I went again in his company and the people were praying behind their reciter. On that, 'Umar remarked, 'What an excellent Bid'a (i.e. innovation in religion) this is; but the prayer which they do not perform, but sleep at its time is better than the one they are offering.' He meant the prayer in the last part of the night. (In those days) people used to pray in the early part of the night."




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Volume 3, Book 32, Number 228:

Narrated 'Aisha:

(the wife of the Prophet) Allah's Apostle used to pray (at night) in Ramadan.




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Volume 3, Book 32, Number 229:

Narrated 'Urwa:

That he was informed by 'Aisha, "Allah's Apostle went out in the middle of the night and prayed in the mosque and some men prayed behind him. In the morning, the people spoke about it and then a large number of them gathered and prayed behind him (on the second night). In the next morning the people again talked about it and on the third night the mosque was full with a large number of people. Allah's Apostle came out and the people prayed behind him. On the fourth night the Mosque was overwhelmed with people and could not accommodate them, but the Prophet came out (only) for the morning prayer. When the morning prayer was finished he recited Tashah-hud and (addressing the people) said, "Amma ba'du, your presence was not hidden from me but I was afraid lest the night prayer (Qiyam) should be enjoined on you and you might not be able to carry it on." So, Allah's Apostle died and the situation remained like that (i.e. people prayed individually). "




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Volume 3, Book 32, Number 230:

Narrated Abu Salama bin 'Abdur Rahman:

that he asked 'Aisha "How was the prayer of Allah's Apostle in Ramadan?" She replied, "He did not pray more than eleven Rakat in Ramadan or in any other month. He used to pray four Rakat ---- let alone their beauty and length----and then he would pray four ----let alone their beauty and length ----and then he would pray three Rakat (Witr)." She added, "I asked, 'O Allah's Apostle! Do you sleep before praying the Witr?' He replied, 'O 'Aisha! My eyes sleep but my heart does not sleep."




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Volume 3, Book 32, Number 231:

Narrated Abu Huraira:

The Prophet said, "Whoever fasted the month of Ramadan out of sincere Faith (i.e. belief) and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his past sins will be forgiven, and whoever stood for the prayers in the night of Qadr out of sincere Faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven ."




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Volume 3, Book 32, Number 232:

Narrated Ibn 'Umar:

Some men amongst the companions of the Prophet were shown in their dreams that the night of Qadr was in the last seven nights of Ramadan. Allah's Apostle said, "It seems that all your dreams agree that (the Night of Qadr) is in the last seven nights, and whoever wants to search for it (i.e. the Night of Qadr) should search in the last seven (nights of Ramadan)."




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Volume 3, Book 32, Number 233:

Narrated Abu Salama:

I asked Abu Sa'id, and he was a friend of mine, (about the Night of Qadr) and he said, "We practiced Itikaf (seclusion in the mosque) in the middle third of the month of Ramadan with the Prophet . In the morning of the 20th of Ramadan, the Prophet came and addressed us and said, 'I was informed of (the date of the Night of Qadr) but I was caused to forget it; so search for it in the odd nights of the last ten nights of the month of Ramadan. (In the dream) I saw myself prostrating in mud and water (as a sign). So, whoever was in l'tikaf with me should return to it with me (for another 10-day's period)', and we returned. At that time there was no sign of clouds in the sky but suddenly a cloud came and it rained till rain-water started leaking through the roof of the mosque which was made of date-palm leaf stalks. Then the prayer was established and I saw Allah's Apostle prostrating in mud and water and I saw the traces of mud on his forehead."




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Volume 3, Book 32, Number 234:

Narrated 'Aisha:

Allah's Apostle said, "Search for the Night of Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan."




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Volume 3, Book 32, Number 235:

Narrated Abu Said Al-Khudri:

Allah's Apostle used to practice Itikaf (in the mosque) in the middle third of Ramadan and after passing the twenty nights he used to go back to his house on the 21st, and the people who were in Itikaf with him also used to go back to their houses. Once in Ramadan, in which he practiced Itikaf, he established the night prayers at the night in which he used to return home, and then he addressed the people and ordered them whatever Allah wished him to order and said, "I used to practice Itikaf for these ten days (i.e. the middle 113rd but now I intend to stay in Itikaf for the last ten days (of the month); so whoever was in Itikaf with me should stay at his place of seclusion. I have verily been shown (the date of) this Night (of Qadr) but I have forgotten it. So search for it in the odd nights of the last ten days (of this month). I also saw myself (in the dream) prostrating in mud and water." On the night of the 21st, the sky was covered with clouds and it rained, and the rain-water started leaking through the roof of the mosque at the praying place of the Prophet . I saw with my own eyes the Prophet at the completion of the morning prayer leaving with his face covered with mud and water.




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Volume 3, Book 32, Number 236:

Narrated 'Aisha:

The Prophet said, "Look for (the Night of Qadr)."




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Volume 3, Book 32, Number 237:

Narrated 'Aisha:

Allah's Apostle used to practice Itikaf in the last ten nights of Ramadan and used to say, "Look for the Night of Qadr in the last ten nights of the month of Ramadan ,"




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Volume 3, Book 32, Number 238:

Narrated Ibn Abbas:

The Prophet said, "Look for the Night of Qadr in the last ten nights of Ramadan ,' on the night when nine or seven or five nights remain out of the last ten nights of Ramadan (i.e. 21, 23, 25, respectively)."




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Volume 3, Book 32, Number 239:

Narrated Ibn 'Abbas:

Allah's Apostle said, "The Night of Qadr is in the last ten nights of the month (Ramadan), either on the first nine or in the last (remaining) seven nights (of Ramadan)." Ibn 'Abbas added, "Search for it on the twenty-fourth (of Ramadan)."




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Volume 3, Book 32, Number 240:

Narrated 'Ubada bin As-Samit:

The Prophet came out to inform us about the Night of Qadr but two Muslims were quarreling with each other. So, the Prophet said, "I came out to inform you about the Night of Qadr but such-and-such persons were quarreling, so the news about it had been taken away; yet that might be for your own good, so search for it on the 29th, 27th and 25th (of Ramadan).




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Volume 3, Book 32, Number 241:

Narrated Aisha:

With the start of the last ten days of Ramadan, the Prophet used to tighten his waist belt (i.e. work hard) and used to pray all the night, and used to keep his family awake for the prayers.

Surah 36. Ya-sin

1. Ya Sin.

2. By the Qur'an, full of Wisdom,-

3. Thou art indeed one of the apostles,

4. On a Straight Way.

5. It is a Revelation sent down by (Him), the Exalted in Might, Most Merciful.

6. In order that thou mayest admonish a people, whose fathers had received no admonition, and who therefore remain heedless (of the Signs of Allah..

7. The Word is proved true against the greater part of them: for they do not believe.

8. We have put yokes round their necks right up to their chins, so that their heads are forced up (and they cannot see).

9. And We have put a bar in front of them and a bar behind them, and further, We have covered them up; so that they cannot see.

10. The same is it to them whether thou admonish them or thou do not admonish them: they will not believe.

11. Thou canst but admonish such a one as follows the Message and fears the (Lord) Most Gracious, unseen: give such a one, therefore, good tidings, of Forgiveness and a Reward most generous.

12. Verily We shall give life to the dead, and We record that which they send before and that which they leave behind, and of all things have We taken account in a clear Book (of evidence).

13. Set forth to them, by way of a parable, the (story of) the Companions of the City. Behold!, there came apostles to it.

14. When We (first) sent to them two apostles, they rejected them: But We strengthened them with a third: they said, "Truly, we have been sent on a mission to you."

15. The (people) said: "Ye are only men like ourselves; and ((Allah)) Most Gracious sends no sort of revelation: ye do nothing but lie."

16. They said: "Our Lord doth know that we have been sent on a mission to you:

17. "And our duty is only to proclaim the clear Message."

18. The (people) said: "for us, we augur an evil omen from you: if ye desist not, we will certainly stone you. And a grievous punishment indeed will be inflicted on you by us."

19. They said: "Your evil omens are with yourselves: (deem ye this an evil omen). If ye are admonished? Nay, but ye are a people transgressing all bounds!"

20. Then there came running, from the farthest part of the City, a man, saying, "O my people! Obey the apostles:

21. "Obey those who ask no reward of you (for themselves), and who have themselves received Guidance.

22. "It would not be reasonable in me if I did not serve Him Who created me, and to Whom ye shall (all) be brought back.

23. "Shall I take (other) gods besides Him? If ((Allah)) Most Gracious should intend some adversity for me, of no use whatever will be their intercession for me, nor can they deliver me.

24. "I would indeed, if I were to do so, be in manifest Error.

25. "For me, I have faith in the Lord of you (all): listen, then, to me!"

26. It was said: "Enter thou the Garden." He said: "Ah me! Would that my People knew (what I know)!-

27. "For that my Lord has granted me Forgiveness and has enrolled me among those held in honour!"

28. And We sent not down against his People, after him, any hosts from heaven, nor was it needful for Us so to do.

29. It was no more than a single mighty Blast, and behold! they were (like ashes) quenched and silent.

30. Ah! Alas for (My) Servants! There comes not an apostle to them but they mock him!

31. See they not how many generations before them we destroyed? Not to them will they return:

32. But each one of them all - will be brought before Us (for judgment).

33. A Sign for them is the earth that is dead: We do give it life, and produce grain therefrom, of which ye do eat.

34. And We produce therein orchard with date-palms and vines, and We cause springs to gush forth therein:

35. That they may enjoy the fruits of this (artistry): It was not their hands that made this: will they not then give thanks?

36. Glory to Allah, Who created in pairs all things that the earth produces, as well as their own (human) kind and (other) things of which they have no knowledge.

37. And a Sign for them is the Night: We withdraw therefrom the Day, and behold they are plunged in darkness;

38. And the sun runs his course for a period determined for him: that is the decree of (Him), the Exalted in Might, the All-Knowing.

39. And the Moon,- We have measured for her mansions (to traverse) till she returns like the old (and withered) lower part of a date-stalk.

40. It is not permitted to the Sun to catch up the Moon, nor can the Night outstrip the Day: Each (just) swims along in (its own) orbit (according to Law).

41. And a Sign for them is that We bore their race (through the Flood) in the loaded Ark;

42. And We have created for them similar (vessels) on which they ride.

43. If it were Our Will, We could drown them: then would there be no helper (to hear their cry), nor could they be delivered,

44. Except by way of Mercy from Us, and by way of (world) convenience (to serve them) for a time.

45. When they are told, "Fear ye that which is before you and that which will be after you, in order that ye may receive Mercy," (they turn back).

46. Not a Sign comes to them from among the Signs of their Lord, but they turn away therefrom.

47. And when they are told, "Spend ye of (the bounties) with which Allah has provided you," the Unbelievers say to those who believe: "Shall we then feed those whom, if Allah had so willed, He would have fed, (Himself)?- Ye are in nothing but manifest error."

48. Further, they say, "When will this promise (come to pass), if what ye say is true?"

49. They will not (have to) wait for aught but a single Blast: it will seize them while they are yet disputing among themselves!

50. No (chance) will they then have, by will, to dispose (of their affairs), nor to return to their own people!

51. The trumpet shall be sounded, when behold! from the sepulchres (men) will rush forth to their Lord!

52. They will say: "Ah! Woe unto us! Who hath raised us up from our beds of repose?"... (A voice will say:) "This is what ((Allah)) Most Gracious had promised. And true was the word of the apostles!"

53. It will be no more than a single Blast, when lo! they will all be brought up before Us!

54. Then, on that Day, not a soul will be wronged in the least, and ye shall but be repaid the meeds of your past Deeds.

55. Verily the Companions of the Garden shall that Day have joy in all that they do;

56. They and their associates will be in groves of (cool) shade, reclining on Thrones (of dignity);

57. (Every) fruit (enjoyment) will be there for them; they shall have whatever they call for;

58. "Peace!" - a word (of salutation) from a Lord Most Merciful!

59. "And O ye in sin! Get ye apart this Day!

60. "Did I not enjoin on you, O ye Children of Adam, that ye should not worship Satan; for that he was to you an enemy avowed?-

61. "And that ye should worship Me, (for that) this was the Straight Way?

62. "But he did lead astray a great multitude of you. Did ye not, then, understand?

63. "This is the Hell of which ye were (repeatedly) warned!

64. "Embrace ye the (fire) this Day, for that ye (persistently) rejected (Truth)."

65. That Day shall We set a seal on their mouths. But their hands will speak to us, and their feet bear witness, to all that they did.

66. If it had been our Will, We could surely have blotted out their eyes; then should they have run about groping for the Path, but how could they have seen?

67. And if it had been Our Will, We could have transformed them (to remain) in their places; then should they have been unable to move about, nor could they have returned (after error).

68. If We grant long life to any, We cause him to be reversed in nature: Will they not then understand?

69. We have not instructed the (Prophet) in Poetry, nor is it meet for him: this is no less than a Message and a Qur'an making things clear:

70. That it may give admonition to any (who are) alive, and that the charge may be proved against those who reject (Truth).

71. See they not that it is We Who have created for them - among the things which Our hands have fashioned - cattle, which are under their dominion?-

72. And that We have subjected them to their (use)? of them some do carry them and some they eat:

73. And they have (other) profits from them (besides), and they get (milk) to drink. Will they not then be grateful?

74. Yet they take (for worship) gods other than Allah, (hoping) that they might be helped!

75. They have not the power to help them: but they will be brought up (before Our Judgment-seat) as a troop (to be condemned).

76. Let not their speech, then, grieve thee. Verily We know what they hide as well as what they disclose.

77. Doth not man see that it is We Who created him from sperm? yet behold! he (stands forth) as an open adversary!

78. And he makes comparisons for Us, and forgets his own (origin and) Creation: He says, "Who can give life to (dry) bones and decomposed ones (at that)?"

79. Say, "He will give them life Who created them for the first time! for He is Well-versed in every kind of creation!-

80. "The same Who produces for you fire out of the green tree, when behold! ye kindle therewith (your own fires)!

81. "Is not He Who created the heavens and the earth able to create the like thereof?" - Yea, indeed! for He is the Creator Supreme, of skill and knowledge (infinite)!

82. Verily, when He intends a thing, His Command is, "be", and it is!

83. So glory to Him in Whose hands is the dominion of all things: and to Him will ye be all brought back.

Surah 99. The Earthquake

1. When the earth is shaken to her (utmost) convulsion,

2. And the earth throws up her burdens (from within),

3. And man cries (distressed): 'What is the matter with her?'-

4. On that Day will she declare her tidings:

5. For that thy Lord will have given her inspiration.

6. On that Day will men proceed in companies sorted out, to be shown the deeds that they (had done).

7. Then shall anyone who has done an atom's weight of good, see it!

8. And anyone who has done an atom's weight of evil, shall see it.

Surah 107. Small Kindnesses, Almsgiving, Have You Seen?

1. Seest thou one who denies the Judgment (to come)?

2. Then such is the (man) who repulses the orphan (with harshness),

3. And encourages not the feeding of the indigent.

4. So woe to the worshippers

5. Who are neglectful of their prayers,

6. Those who (want but) to be seen (of men),

7. But refuse (to supply) (even) neighbourly needs.

Surah 114. Mankind

1. Say: I seek refuge with the Lord and Cherisher of Mankind,

2. The King (or Ruler) of Mankind,

3. The Allah (for judge) of Mankind,-

4. From the mischief of the Whisperer (of Evil), who withdraws (after his whisper),-

5. (The same) who whispers into the hearts of Mankind,-

6. Among Jinns and among men.

Verses of the Holy Quran.

Holy Quran: 1. Allah - God

Allah is the name of the Supreme Being in the Arabic Language. The word Allah is never used for any other being or thing. The names for God found in other languages are all attributive or descriptive and are often used in the plural, but the word "Allah" is never used in the plural. In the absence of a parallel word in the English language, the original name "Allah" has been retained throughout the translation.


1:1. In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful

1:2. All praise belongs to Allah, Lord of all the worlds,

1:3. The Gracious, the Merciful,

1:4. Master of the Day of Judgment.

1:5. Thee alone do we worship and Thee alone do we implore for help.

1:6. Guide us in the right path --

1:7. The path of those on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy blessings, those who have not incurred Thy displeasure, and those who have not gone astray.



57: 2. Whatever is in the heavens and the earth glorifies ALLAH; and HE is the Mighty, the Wise.

57: 3. HIS is the Kingdom of the heavens and the earth; HE gives life and HE causes death, and HE has power over all things.

57: 4. HE is the First and the Last, and the Manifest and the Hidden, and HE has full knowledge of all things.

57: 5. HE it is Who created the heavens and the earth in six periods, then HE settled Himself on the Throne. HE knows what enters the earth and what comes out of it, and what comes down from the heaven and what goes up into it. And HE is with you wheresoever you may be. And ALLAH sees all that you do.

57: 6. HIS is the Kingdom of the heavens and the earth; and to ALLAH are all affairs returned for final judgment.

57: 7. HE causes the night to pass into the day and causes the day to pass into the night; And HE knows well all that is in the breasts.

57: 8. Believe in ALLAH and His Messenger, and spend in the way of ALLAH out of that to which HE has made you heirs. And those of you who believe and spend will have a great reward.

64: 2. Whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth glorifies ALLAH. HIS is the Kingdom and HIS is the praise, and HE has power over all things.

64: 3. It is HE Who has created you, but some of you are disbelievers and some of you are believers. And ALLAH sees what you do.

64: 4. HE created the heavens and the earth with an eternal purpose and HE gave you shape and made your shapes beautiful, and to HIM is the ultimate return.

64: 5. HE knows whatever is in the heavens and the earth, and HE knows what you hide and what you disclose; and ALLAH knows full well all that which is hidden in the breasts.

6: 96. Verily, it is ALLAH Who causes the grain and the date-stones to sprout. HE brings forth the living from the dead, and HE is the Bringer forth of the dead from the living. That is ALLAH; wherefore, then, are you turned back ?

6: 97. HE causes the break of day and HE made the night for rest and the sun and the moon for the reckoning of time. That is the measuring of the Mighty, the Wise.

6: 98. And HE it is Who has made the stars for you that you may follow the right direction with their help amid the darkness of the land and the sea. WE have explained the Signs in detail for a people who possess knowledge.

6: 99. And HE it is Who has produced you from a single soul and there is for you a temporary resort and a permanent abode. WE have explained the Signs in detail for a people who understand.

6:100. And HE it is Who sends down water from the cloud; And WE bring forth therewith every kind of growth; then WE bring forth with that green foliage wherefrom WE produce clustered grain. And from the date-palm, out of its sheaths comes forth bunches hanging low. And WE produce therewith gardens of grapes, and the olive and the pomegranate - like and unlike. Look at the fruit thereof when it bears fruit, and the ripening thereof. Surely, in this are Signs for a people who believe.

6:101. And they hold the jinn to be partners with ALLAH, although HE created them; and they falsely ascribe to HIM sons and daughters without any knowledge. Holy is HE and exalted far above what they attribute to HIM,

2:256. ALLAH - there is no god save HIM, the Living, the Self-Subsisting and All-Sustaining. Slumber seizes HIM not, nor sleep. To HIM belongs whatsoever is in the heavens and whatsoever is in the earth. Who is he that dare intercede with HIM save by HIS permission ? HE knows what is before them and what is behind them; and they encompass nothing of HIS knowledge, except what HE pleases. HIS knowledge extends over the heavens and the earth; and the care of them wearies HIM not; and HE is the High, the Great.

59: 23. HE is ALLAH and there is no god beside HIM, the Knower of the unseen and the seen. HE is the Gracious, the Merciful.

59: 24. HE is ALLAH and there is no god beside HIM, the Sovereign, the Holy One, the Source of peace, the Bestower of security, the Protector, the Mighty, the Subduer, the Exalted. Holy is ALLAH, far above that which they associate with HIM.

59: 25. HE is ALLAH, the creator, the Maker, the Fashioner. HIS are the most beautiful names. All that is in the heavens and the earth glorifies HIM, and HE is the Mighty, the Wise.