Bismillah hirrahmaanirraheem
In the name of Allah the most compassionate the most merciful
Hadhrat Salmaan reports that on the last day of Sha'baan the Messenger of Allah (Pbuh) addressed them and said, "Oh people, there comes before you now a great month, a most blessed month in which lies a night more greater in Virtue than 1,000 months; (LAYLATUL-QADR). It is a month in which each day should be observed by fasting, this has been made obligatory by the Almighty Allah."
The blessed month of Ramadan is here and what better time to change ones self for the better and get closer to Allah. This is a time where we should all align every aspect of our lives to that of Islam and so this article aims to do just that. From when we first awaken to when we go to sleep at night. This can also be applied to the rest of the year.
In this most blessed month of Ramadhaan ALL good deeds are multiplied:
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever draws near to Allah during it (Ramadaan) with a single characteristic from the characteristics of (voluntary) goodness, he is like whoever performs an obligatory act in other times. And whoever performs an obligatory act during it, he is like whoever performed seventy obligatory acts in other times.” – Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah, no. 1887.
Therefore it is clear that all actions in Ramadan are multiplied many times over and Almighty Allah will reward for them however much he likes. A Fard Salaah is rewarded 70 to 500 times or even more and a Nafil act is rewarded as if it were a Fard Salaah. Subhaanallah!
The following are Sunnah and various good deeds one can do everyday in Ramadan and throughout the year to please Allah from when one first wakes up, throughout the day and when one sleeps at night
NOTE: For reasons of brevity, in most cases in this article only the summary and reference of each Hadith is mentioned instead of the entire Hadith.
1. When first waking up in the morning
One should try their utmost to wake up at least an hour before Sehri ends so that one can pray Tahajjud Salaah.
1. As soon as one awakens they should rub both palms on the face and eyes so that the effects of sleep are removed. (Tirmidhi)
2. Then one should recite the following two supplications:
Alhamdu lillaahil-ladhee 'ahyaanaa ba'da maa 'amaatanaa wa' ilayhin-nushoor.
Praise is to Allah Who gives us life after He has caused us to die and to Him is the return. (Bukhari)
3. Also recite:
Laa 'illaha 'illallahu wahdahu la shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu, wa Huwa 'alaa kulli shay'in Qadeer Subhaanallahi, walhamdu lillaahi, wa laa 'ilaha 'illallahu, wallaahu 'akbar, wa laa hawla wa laa Quwwata 'illaa billaahil-'Aliyyil-'Adheem, Rabbighfir lee.
There is none worth of worship but Allah alone, Who has no partner, His is the dominion and
to Him belongs all praise, and He is able to do all things. Glory is to Allah. Praise is to Allah.
There is none worth of worship but Allah. Allah is the Most Great. There is no might and no
powers except by Allah’s leave, the Exalted, the Mighty. My Lord, forgive me.
Whoever says this will be forgiven, and if he supplicates Allah, his prayer will be answered; if
he performs ablution and prays, his prayer will be accepted. (Bukhari)
4. To make Miswaak when awakening is Sunnah (Abu Dawood)
Note: This is a separate Sunnah to when making Miswaak in Wudhu
5. When wearing one’s trousers, first put on the right leg, then the left one. When putting on a kurta or shirt, first put on the right sleeve and then the left one. The same procedure should be followed when wearing a vest. When wearing a shoe, first put on the right shoe. When removing any garment or shoe, first remove the left, then the right. This is the Sunnah method when removing any garment from the body (Bukhari, Tirmidhi “the chapter on clothing” and Shamaaile Tirmidhi).
2. Sunnah of Going to the Bathroom (Toilet)
When entering the toilet
1. Recite the following and enter with your left foot:
[Bismillaahi] Allaahumma 'innee 'a'oothu bika minal-khubthi walkhabaa'ith.
(Before entering) [In the Name of Allah]. (Then) O Allah, I seek protection in You from the
male and female unclean spirits. (Bukhari 1/45, Muslim 1/283)
2. Before immersing the hands into any bucket, drum, container, utensils, wash them thrice thoroughly. (Tirmidhi Vol. 1, pg. 13)
3. Water and lumps of earth should be taken to the toilet for the purpose of Isthinja (Washing
privates). However if these are already in the toilet then it is not necessary. It is Sunnah to
take the clods of earth. (Tissue will suffice).(Tirmidhi)
4. Whilst going to the toilet Rasulallah (Pbuh) always covered his head and wore shoes (Ibn
Saad)
5. One should not stand up and urinate but sit and urinate (Tirmidhi)
6. It is best to lower oneself as much as possible before uncovering oneself for isthinja
(Tirmidhi)
Note:The name of Allah should not be said in the toilet.
8. One should not show ones back or face towards the Qa’ba whilst relieving oneself.
(Tirmidhi)
9. Whilst relieving oneself one should not talk unless out of dire necessity (Mishkaat)
10. Whilst making Isthinja the right hand should not be used or touch the private parts but
only the left hand should be used (Bukhari, Muslim)
11. One should be VERY cautious not to splash urine anywhere because this is one of the
causes of grave punishment. (Tirmidhi)
Important: One should ALWAYS sit down when urinating to avoid drops going elsewhere
Ibn 'Abbas states that, 'Once the Messenger of Allah (Pbuh) while passing through a graveyard heard the voices of two persons who were being punished in their graves. The Messenger of Allah (Pbuh) said, 'These two persons are being punished not for something major (it is not difficult to be saved from it).' The Prophet (Pbuh) then added, 'Yes! (They are being tortured for a major sin) Indeed, one of them never saved himself from being soiled with his urine while the other would go about with backbiting (to make enmity between friends).' The Messenger of Allah (Pbuh) then asked for a branch of a date-palm tree, broke it into two pieces, and put one on each grave. On being asked why he had done so, he replied
'I hope that their torture might be lessened, until these get dried.'
13. It is better to sit and urinate on soft ground so that urine does not splash onto one
(Tirmidhi)
14. Isthinja should first be made with earth or toilet paper and then with water. (Tirmidhi)
15. When leaving the toilet, go out with your right foot first and recite:
Ghufraanak. Alhamdulillaahilladhee adh-haba annill adhaa wa ‘afaanee
Oh Allah I seek Your forgiveness. All praises are due to Allah who has taken away from me discomfort and granted me relief. (Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah and Tirmidhi)
3. Virtues of using Miswaak
1. Hadhrat Abu Hurraira (RA) narrates that Rasulallah (Pbuh) said: 'Was it not for my fear of imposing a difficulty on my Ummah I would have ordered that the Miswaak be used for every Salah, and delay in Isha prayer '." (Bukhari)
2. Hadhrat Ibn Umar (RA) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (Pbuh) said: 'Make a regular practice of the Miswaak, for verily, it is healthy for the mouth and it is a Pleasure for the Creator (i.e. Allah is pleased with the Muslim who uses the Miswaak)'." (Bukhari)
3. Hadhrat A’isha (RA) narrates that Rasulallah (Pbuh) said: The reward of Salah (Prayers) is multiplied 70 times if Miswaak was used before it. Other narrations mention ninety-nine fold up to four hundred fold reward. The Ulama explain that the difference in reward is in accordance with the Ikhlaas – sincerity of the person. The more the sincerity the person has when doing any good act then the more the reward they will receive.
4. Hadhrat Ayesha (Pbuh) narrates from Rasulallah (Pbuh): “Two Rak’ahs of Salah after using the Miswaak is more beloved unto me than seventy Rak’ahs without Miswaak.” (As Sunanul Kubraa)
5. Miswaak is to be held in the right hand
According to ‘Abd Allah Ibn Mas’ud (RA) the Miswaak should be held in the right hand so that the small finger is below the Miswaak and the thumb is below the tip and the other fingers are on top of the Miswaak. It should not be held in the fist.
7. Sunnah for using Miswaak:
1. For the recitation of the Holy Qur’an.
2. For the recitation of Hadith.
3. When the mouth emits bad odour.
4. For teaching or learning the virtues of Islam.
5. For making remembrance of Allah (The Exalted).
6. Before intercourse.
7. After entering one’s home.
8. Before entering any good gathering.
9. When experiencing pangs of hunger or thirst.
10. After the time of Suhoor.
11. Before meals.
12. Before and after a journey.
13. Before and after sleeping.
May Allah (The Exalted) give us the ability to practise this beautiful Sunnah with sincerity,
Ameen.
4. The Sunnah’s of Performing Wudhu (Ablution)
1. Great care should be taken in making Wudhu especially in cold and wintry days when one tends to feel lazy (Tirmidhi)
2. Mentioning the name of Allah – Bismillaahir-Rahmaanir-Raheem
“In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, and the Most Merciful”
It is also Sunnah to recite the following Dua whilst performing Wudhu:
Allahummaghfirlee dhambee wa wassi’ lee fee daaree wa baariklee fee rizqee (Amalul youm wal lailah of Nasai)
3. Washing the hands thrice.
4. Rinsing the mouth and nose before washing the face thrice.
5. Rinsing the nose by one's left hand thrice: This is because it is mentioned in the hadith that the Prophet "washed his hands thrice, then he rinsed his mouth and washed his nose with water by putting water in it and blowing it out, and he washed his face thrice…) (Bukhari, Muslim)
6. Exaggerating in rinsing one's mouth and nose if not fasting by moving water around the mouth and snuffing water to the end of one's nose. If fasting then be very careful not to put water too deeply into the nostrils and avoid gargling:
This is because of the hadith: "…and snuff with water well except when you are fasting". (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah and An-Nisaa’i)
7. Rinsing one's mouth and nose with the same handful of water:
This is because of the hadith: "He [the Prophet] put his hand [into the vessel containing water] rinsed his mouth and his nose". (Bukhari and Muslim)
8. Using tooth stick (Miswaak) before rinsing one's mouth:
The Prophet (Pbuh) says: "Had I not thought it difficult for my Ummah, I would have commanded them to use the Siwak (tooth-stick) before every Prayer.'' (Ahmed, An-Nasai)
9. Running one's wet finger through the beard upon washing the face:
It is mentioned in the hadith that the Prophet (Pbuh) used to run his wet finger through his beard while performing ablution. (Tirmidhi)
10. Wiping over one's head: This is performed as follows: passing one's wet hands over the head from front to back and so forth. As for obligatory wiping over one's head, it is to wipe over one's head in any way. It is narrated that the Messenger of Allah (Pbuh) used to pass his hands over his head [in ablution] from the front to the back. (Bukhari, Muslim)
11. Running wet fingers between the fingers and toes:
The Prophet (Pbuh) said: "Perform your ablution perfectly and let water run between the fingers [and toes]".
12. Washing the right [limb] before the left:
It is narrated in the hadith that the Messenger of Allah (Pbuh) "Used to start from the right side on wearing shoes, combing his hair, cleaning or washing himself and on doing anything else" (Bukhari, Muslim)
13. Performing the actions thrice when washing the face, hands and foot.
14. Performing ablution in one's house:
The Prophet (Pbuh) said: "Whoever purifies in his house and walks to the mosque to perform obligatory prayer, his steps are counted as one expiates a sin and the other raises his rank" (Muslim)
15. Passing one's hand over the limb during or after washing.
16. Using little amount of water: The Prophet (Pbuh) used to use little amount of water in ablution. (Bukhari and Muslim)
17. Washing above the limits of the four limbs [hands and foot]:
It is narrated that Abu Hurraira (RA) performed ablution: he washed his arm up to the elbows and his feet up to the ankles and said:"this is how the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) performed ablution". (Muslim)
18. In a report by Muslim through 'Uqba ibn ‘Amir (RA) : "He will be rewarded by nothing except Paradise".
19. Perfecting one's ablution: washing each part perfectly. Muslims vary in times of performing ablution during the day, and everyone has to observe these Sunnah every time they perform ablution.
20. After Ablution (Wudhu) recite:
'Ash-hadu 'an laa 'ilaaha 'illallaahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu wa 'ash-hadu 'anna Muhammadan 'abduhu wa Rasooluhu.
I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah alone, Who has no partner;
and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and His Messenger. (Muslim 1/209)
And then recite this dua:
Allaahummaj ‘alnee minathavaabeena waj’alnee minal mutha-thahhireen
O Allah, include me amongst those who repent excessively and amongst those who purify
themselves. (Tirmidhi- Vol. 1, pg 18)
21. Saying the two testifications of faith [Ar.Shahadatan] after finishing ablution. Meaning, to says, "I testify that there is no god except Allah and that Muhammad is His Messenger". It is narrated that the Prophet(Pbuh) said, " If anyone amongst you performs the ablution perfectly and then says: I testify that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the servant of Allah and His Messenger, the eight gates of Paradise would be opened for him and he may enter by whichever of them he wishes". (Muslim)
22. The Virtue of observing the above Sunnah:
The Prophet said, "He who performed ablution perfectly, his sins would come out from his body, even coming out from under his nails."(Muslim)
23. Tahiyyatul Wudhu (Nafl prayer after doing Wudhu):
• Performing two rak'ahs (Units of prayer) after ablution.
The Messenger of Allah(Pbuh) said, " He who performs ablution like this of mine and then stood up (for prayer) and offered two rak'ahs of prayer without allowing his thoughts to be distracted, all his previous sins are expiated" (Bukhari, Muslim)
24. Abu Hurraira(RA) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (Pbuh) said to Bilaal (RA) “Tell me about the most hopeful act (i.e. one which you deem the most rewarding with Allah) you have done since your acceptance of Islam because I heard the sound of the steps of your shoes in front of me in paradise.” Bilaal (RA) said : “I do not consider any act more hopeful than that whenever I make ablution (Wudhu) at any time of night or day, I offer salaah (prayer) for as long as was destined for me to offer.” (Bukhari, Muslim)
It is related in the Hadith that performance of the two Rakaats of Tahiyyatul Wudhu Salah makes paradise obligatory (Wajib) for the performer (ref: Muslim) There are also many other benefits.
So we should try and pray this Nafl EVERY time after Wudhu is performed as it is a means of great reward and only takes minutes to perform. The reward in Ramadan will be that of a Fard Salaah!
5. Sunnah method of performing Ghusl (Bathing)
Before making Ghusl one should make Niyyah (intention) thus: - "I am performing Ghusl so
as to become Paak." Without Niyyah, there is no Thawaab (reward) although Ghusl will be
valid. Ghusl should be made in a place of total privacy and one should not face towards the
Kiblah while making Ghusl. Ghusl may be performed standing or seated, preferably seated.
Use sufficient water, don't skimp nor be wasteful. One should abstain from speaking while performing Ghusl. It is better not to read any Kalimah or Aayah while bathing. Be aware of these rules whilst making Ghusl.
Procedures for performing Ghusl are:
1. Wash both hands up to and including wrists.
2. Wash the private parts. The hands and private parts should be washed even if one is not in the state of Janaabat or Najaasat.
3. If there is Najaasat elsewhere on the body, it should now be washed off.
4. Perform Wudhu. If making Ghusl on a stool or platform where water will rapidly flow away, and then perform the complete Wudhu. If there is fear of the feet being immersed in wastewater during the Ghusl then postpone the washing of the feet to the end of the Ghusl.
5. Ensure that the mouth and nostrils are thoroughly rinsed thrice.
6. After performing Wudhu, pour water over the head thrice;
7. Then pour thrice over right shoulder and;
8. Thrice again over left shoulder.
9. Now pour water over entire body and rub.
10. If the hair of the head is not plaited, it is compulsory to wet all the hair up to the very base. If a single hair is left dry, Ghusl will not be valid. If the hair of a woman is plaited, she is excused from loosening her plaited hair, but it is compulsory for her to wet the base of each and every hair. If one fails to do this then the Ghusl will not be valid. As for men who grow long hair and plait them, they are NOT excused from leaving their hair dry. If a woman experiences difficulty or is unable to wet the very bottom of her plaited hair, then it is necessary for her to unplaite her hair and wash her entire head.
11. It is Musthahab (preferable) to clean the body by rubbing it.
12. All parts of the body should be rubbed with the hand so as to ensure that water has reached all parts of the body, and that no portion is left dry.
13. Rings and earrings, etc. should be moved so as to ensure that no portion covered by them is left dry. Ensure that the navel and the ears are all wetted. If they are not wet Ghusl will be incomplete.
14. On completion one should confine oneself to a clean place. If, while performing Wudhu, the feet had been washed, it is not necessary to wash them again.
15. Dry the body with a clean towel, and dress as hastily as possible. If, after Ghusl, one recalls that a certain portion of the body is left dry, it is not necessary to repeat the Ghusl, but merely wash the dry portion. It is not sufficient to pass a wet hand over the dry place. If one has forgotten to rinse the mouth or the nostrils, these too could be rinsed when recalled after Ghusl has been performed.
6. Sunnah of Dressing
1. When one is getting dressed:
Alhamdu lillaahil-ladhee kasaanee haadhaa (aththawba) wa razaqaneehi min ghayri hawlim minnee wa laaquwwatin
Praise is to Allah Who has clothed me with this (garment) and provided it for me, though I was powerless myself and incapable (Al-Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah, Tirmidhi)
According to hadith in Abu Dawood: Whoever recites this dua whilst putting on clothes then his past and present minor sins are forgiven.
2. When one is getting undressed then one should say:
“Bismillaahi”
“In the Name of Allah”. (Tirmidhi 2/505)
3. When putting on new clothes recite:
Allaahumma lakal-hamdu 'Anta kasawtaneehi, 'as'aluka min khayrihi wa khayri maa suni'a
lahu, wa 'a'oothu bika min sharrihi wa sharri ma suni'a lahu.
O Allah, praise is to You. You have clothed me. I ask You for its goodness and the goodness of what it has been made for, and I seek Your protection from the evil of it and the evil of what it has been made for. (Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi)
Or recite: Alhamdu lillaahilladhee kasaanaa haadhaa
“All praise is due to Allah who has given us this to wear.
Also recite the following when wearing new clothes:
Tublee wa yukhliful-laahu ta'aalaa.
May Allah replace it when it is worn out. (Abu Dawud 4/41)
4. When undressing Recite:
Bismillaah
Translation: “In the Name of Allah”. (At-Tirmidhi 2/505)
5. Rasulallah (Pbuh) liked to wear Kurta (Long shirt) the most. The sleeves reached up to his wrists and the collar or neckline of his kurta was towards his chest. (Tirmidhi)
6. Rasulallah (Pbuh) preferred white clothing (Tirmidhi)
7. Rasulallah (Pbuh) kurta went up to his ankles, reaching up to mid calf (Hakim)
8. Rasulallah (Pbuh) clothes consisted of sheet, lungi (loin cloth), kurta (Long shirt) and amaamah (turban). He also had a cloth with which he dried his face after Wudhu.
9. He (Pbuh) liked striped sheets. He used to wear a topi (Fez or hat) below the amaamah and sometimes he only wore a topi. He used to wear the amaamah with a tail and sometimes without. The tail of the amaamah used to fall between his shoulders at his back.
11. Rasulallah (Pbuh) wore a Quba (long coat) also. His lower garment used to end between his knee and ankle.
12. His (Pbuh) shawl (Sheet) was red striped and he also wore green and black woollen sheets with or without embroidery.
13. Rasulallah (Pbuh) wore strapped sandals and leather socks (Mowazai) (Mishkaat)
14. Rasulallah (Pbuh) was very modestly and simple in dress and he had a minimum amount of clothes that he wore. He used to say, “I am only a servant and dress myself like one”.
16. He had an expensive outfit which he used to wear for Jummah and the two Eids as well as meeting outside delegations but apart from that he did not care too much about quality or any particular kind of clothing. He mostly wore cotton clothing.
18. Men should wear their lower garments above the ankles (Tirmidhi)
19. Those who wear their lower garments below their ankles will on the day of judgement have fire on their ankles and will not be looked upon with mercy by Allah (Mishkaat)
Note:This applies at all times whether in Salah or not
20. Whenever Rasulallah (Pbuh) lifted his shoes he did so with the fingers of his left hand (Tirmidhi)
Combing hair
1. When combing the hair start from the right hand side. (Bukhari pg. 61)
2. When combing one’s hair or whenever the need arises to look into the mirror recite the
following Dua:
Allaahumma antha hassantha khalqee fahassin khulqee
O Allah, as You have beautified my external form, so make my character beautiful as well.
(Hisnul Haseen)
7. Praying Tahajjud Salaah
It is recommended to start the night vigil with two short rakats, because of the hadith of
Abu Hurraira that the Prophet Muhammad said, “It you get up for night prayer, start
with two short rakats.” [Muslim, Ahmad, Abu Dawud]
Abu Hurraira (RA) reports that the Messenger of Allah (Pbuh) was asked, “What prayer is
most virtuous, after the obligatory prayers?” He said, “Prayer in the depths of the night.” (Muslim, Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi, Nisaa’i, Ibn Majah)
For Tahajjud one should read at least 2 Rak’ahs and a maximum of 12 rak’ahs. This is
Sunnah. However there is no limit for (Nafil) voluntary worship. One may also do a lot of
Dhikrullah (remembrance of Allah) as well as recitation of the Qur’an.
The dua's at the time of Tahajjud are very readily accepted by Almighty Allah and one
should repent and ask of Allah and try to cry in their dua's at this time, if one cannot cry due
to the hardness of ones heart due to sin then at least one should make the face as if one is
crying. Just as a mother tends to her baby quickly and promptly when it cries the same way
Allah attends to his servant quicker when they are crying.
We should try and pray Tahajjud every night as it is one of the best and most rewarding Nafil
prayers and makes it possible for one to gain the top ranks of Jannah (Heaven). If not then at least pray it as much as we can.
Ibn Mas’ud (RA) was asked, ‘I cannot pray at night.’ He said, ‘Your sins have prevented you.’
If one is overcome by sleep then it is best to sleep but one should always ensure that one does not miss their Fajr. Men should do their best to attend Fajr with Jamaat as this is huge rewards and women get the same reward for praying at home.
8. Praying Fajr Salah
1. Importance of the 2 rak’ahs Sunnah before Fard
`A’isha (RA) relates that the Prophet (Pbuh) said, “The two rakaats of (the Sunnah of) Fajr are better than the world and all it contains.” (Muslim 725)
It is Sunnah to recite Surah Kaafirun in the first Rakaats and Surah Ikhlaas in the second
rakaats of the Sunnah prayer. (Muslim)
2. Lying down for a short while after Sunnah of Fajr
`A’isha (RA) reported: When the Prophet (Pbuh) had performed two Rak’ahs before the Fajr
prayer, he would lie down on his right side. (Al-Bukhari)
3. Recite after Fajr Prayer
Muslim Taimi narrates from Prophet Mohammad to recite the following seven times
before speaking to anyone:
Allaahumma Ajirnee minannaar
"O Allah, save me from the fire (Jahannam)."
If a person recites the above dua and dies the same night, he will be saved from Jahannam and if he recites it seven times after Fajr Salaat before speaking to anyone and if he dies on that same day, he will be saved from Jahannam. (Mishkaat from Abu Dawood)
9. The Sunnah’s of entering and leaving the home
1. When leaving the house
Bismillaahi, tawakkaltu 'alallaahi, wa laa hawla wa laa quwwata ‘illaa billaah.
In the Name of Allah, I have placed my trust in Allah; there is no might and no power except by Allah. (Abu Dawud 4/325, At-Tirmidhi 5/490)
It is stated in a Hadith that whoever reads this du’a upon leaving the home, Shaytaan abstains from misleading or inflicting harm to him.
Also recite the following:
Allaahumma 'innee 'a'oothubika 'an 'adhilla, 'aw 'udhalla, 'aw 'azilla, 'aw 'uzalla, 'aw 'adhlima, 'aw 'udhlama, 'aw 'ajhala 'aw yujhala 'alayya.
O Allah, I seek refuge in You lest I misguide others , or I am misguided by others , lest I cause others to err or I am caused to err , lest I abuse others or be abused, and lest I behave foolishly or meet with the foolishness of others. (Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah, An-Nisaa’i, At- Tirmidhi)
2. Whilst going to the Masjid: proceed calmly with dignity and do not be hasty. (Ibn Majah)
3. When returning home from Masjid or elsewhere: say salaam to the occupants of the house and recite the following du'aa:
Bismillaahi walajnaa, wa bismillaahi kharajnaa, wa 'alaaRabblnaa tawakkalnaa
In the Name of Allah we enter, in the Name of Allah we leave, and upon our Lord we depend
[then say Asalaamu 'Alaikum to those present].
(Abu Dawud 4/325. Muslim {Hadith no. 2018) says that one should mention the Name of
Allah when entering the home and when beginning to eat; and that the devil, hearing this, says: "There is no shelter for us here tonight and no food."
4. Greeting the family or occupants of the home when entering or leaving the house is a means of great reward. The person who enters the home with salaam is under the protection of Allah (Abu Dawud) and when one enters and does not remember Allah (By saying salaam) then Shaythaan invites his followers to the home saying “you have accommodation for the night”” by saying salaam to the family that person and their family receives blessings (Abu Dawood) Even if no one is at home by saying salaam the angels greet one back.
5. On entering a market / shopping centre recite the following words:
Laa ilaaha illallaahu wahdahu Laa shareeka lahu, lahul mulku wa lahul hamdu yuhyee wa
yumeetu wa huwa hayyul Laa yamootu, biyadihil khayr wa huwa alaa kulli shay'in qadeer
There is no deity except Allah, the Only One. He has no partner. To Him belongs all kingdom and to Him belongs all praise. He is the One who gives life and death. And He is Ever-living and no death comes to Him. In His Hand lies all good and He has power over everything.
It is reported in a Hadith that for reciting these words, Allah Ta’ala will record one million
good deeds, forgive one million sins, elevate the status a million times and build a house for
him in Jannah. (Mishkaat)
Sunnat’s regarding entering the house
1. To recite any Dhikr whilst entering ones home. (Muslim)
2. Enter the home with the right foot and Recite the following:
All.humma inni as’aluka khayral mawliji wa khayral makhraji, bismillâh walajnâ wa bismillâhi kharajnâ wa-alallahi rabbinâ tawakkalnâ.
O Allah, I beg of you the blessing of entering and leaving With Allah‘s name do we enter and
with Allah’s name do we leave, and upon Allah, our Lord, do we rely. (Abu Dawud)
Also recite:
Bismillaahi walajnaa, wa bismillaahi kharajnaa, wa 'alaaRabblnaa tawakkalnaa
In the Name of Allah we enter, in the Name of Allah we leave, and upon our Lord we depend
[then say Asalaamu 'Alaikum to those present]. (Abu Dawud 4/325)
3. To greet those present at home with the Islamic greeting whether it be parents, wife,
children etc (Abu Dawud)
4. To announce ones arrival at home by knocking or coughing etc (Nisaa’i)
Note: Reason being that incase one enters home or room where ones family member maybe sitting in an embarrassing position etc.
5. One should not sleep before praying Isha Salah (Mishkaat)
This may cause one missing Isha Salah with Jamaat or even miss it altogether if one ends
up sleeping throughout the night.
Note: One should spend this time in the evening teaching children about Islam and doing
taleem (Teaching) at home even if it’s for a short while as this will bring peace and blessings
into the house.
10. Sunnah’s of the Masjid
In Ramadan men should strive to pray at the Masjid as much as is possible and for women it is optional but better and more rewarding to pray at home.
1. Virtues of walking to the Masjid when Wudhu is done at home
Abu Hurraira (RA) reported that the Prophet (Pbuh) said, "Anyone who purifies himself in his house and then goes to one of the houses of Allah to fulfil one of the obligations of Allah, one step removes an error and the other raises him a degree." (Muslim)
2. Virtues of praying all Fard prayers in the Masjid
The Prophet (Pbuh) is reported to have said that: the person who, from morning to evening, goes towards the Masjid to perform salaat, every time he goes to the Masjid, Allah Ta'ala prepares the Paradise for his welcome. (Mishkaat)
When entering the Masjid
3. Small steps should be taken to the Masjid as every step towards the Masjid is reward
(Attargheeb)
4. The left shoe should be removed first. But the Masjid should be entered with the right foot.
(Attargheeb)
5. Enter Masjid with the right foot. (Bukhari Chapter on Salah pg.61)
6. To recite: Bismillah (Ibn Majah pg. 56)
7. To recite durood upon entering (Ibn Majah, Faydhul Qadeer)
8. To recite:
Allaahummnaftah lee abwaaba rahmatik
Oh Allah! Open the Doors of Your Mercy for me. (Ibn Majah)
9. To make intention for Nafl I'tikaaf so when gets rewarded for the duration of ones stay in the Masjid however long or short it is.(Shami- Vol.2, pg. 442)
10. Tahiyyatul Masjid (Nafl prayer when entering the Masjid)
Abu Qataadah (RA) narrated that the Prophet (Pbuh) said: “If any one of you enters a Masjid, he should pray two rakaats before sitting.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
This is a 2 Rak’ahs Nafl prayer which one should perform every time one enters the Masjid. It is very rewarding and takes a matter of minutes.
Prayer with Congregation
11. Always try to say your prayers with congregation (for men), for women it is optional but more rewarding to pray at home.
Imams Bukhari and Muslim reported that the Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) said: "Do not prevent women from coming to the Masjid."
Imam Muslim reported that the Prophet Muhammad (saws) said: "The best of the men's rows [In salat (prayer)] is the first row and the worst row is the last; but the best of the women's row is the last row and the worst of their rows is the first."
For those women who come to the Masjid for the congregation prayer, they should leave the Masjid as soon as the Imam makes Tasleem, or they should have special doors for them to leave the Masjid from so that they would not mingle with men.
Imam Bukhari (RA) reported that Umu Salamah (R.A.) said: "When the Prophet (Pbuh) used to make Tasleem, the women got up and left while the prophet (saws) remained shortly in his place before he got up. She said:this is (Allah knows best) because the Prophet (Pbuh) wanted the women to leave before the men can catch up with them."
12. There is 27 times more benefit to say prayers with congregation but in Ramadaan that is multiplied MANY times over.
13. The first pronounced Name of Allah (takbeer-e-oolaa) for the prayers is better than the world and whatever is in it. (Mishkaat)
14. When the people begin to stand then, before takbeer, first straighten the rows. Thereafter takbeer should be said.
15. It has been reported in Tirmidhi that 'Umar radhiyallahu anhu had appointed a person for straightening the lines. When that person would inform that all the lines are straight, then 'Umar radhiyallahu anhu would say takbeer.
16. Keep the lines perfectly straight and stand joined together. Do not leave space between each the other. The shoulders be joined together and the ankles perfectly opposite to each other. (Sihaah sittah)
17. Offer every prayer in such a manner as if it were the last prayer of your life.
18. Do not run if the prayer has been started lest you should gasp. But walk steadily and with
grace. (Tirmidhi)
11. Sunnah’s of Adhaan and Iqaamah
1. When one hears the Muazzin (The caller to prayer) calling out Azaan then it is Musthahab (Preferable) to repeat the same words after the Muazzin. In reply to “Hayya alas salaah” and “Hayya alal Falaah” one should say:
La Hawla walaa Quwatha illah billah hilaliyyil Azeem
There is no protection (Against evil) and no power (To do good) except with the help of Allah the Mighty and Great. (Bukhari, Muslim)
2. At the time of Fajr in reply to “Assalaatu Khairum minanawm” one should say:
Sadaqtha wa barartha
“You have said the truth you have said what is good” (Al Adhkaar lin Nawawiy)
The person who replies to the Azaan with full sincerity will surely enter paradise.
3. Upon hearing the Adhaan, recite:
Wa 'anaa 'ash-hadu 'an laa 'ilaaha 'illallaahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu wa 'anna
Muhammadan 'abduhu wa Rasooluhu, radheetu billaahi Rabban, wa bi-Muhammadin
Rasoolan wa bil'islaami deenan.
I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah alone, Who has no partner,
and that Muhammad is His slave and His Messenger. I am pleased with Allah as my Lord,
with Muhammad as my Messenger and with Islam as my religion.1 [To be recited in Arabic
after the Mu'aththin’s Tashahhud or the words of affirmation of Faith] (Muslim 1/290.)
4. After Hearing the Call to Prayer (Adhaan)
First send blessings and salutations (Salawat) upon the Messenger of Allah (Pbuh) (Muslim
Vol.1 pg.166)
5. Then recite the following:
Allahumma Rabbi Haadhi idda’ wathithaama waswalaathil qaa ima aathi
Muhammadawaseelatha walfadeelah wab ‘as hoo maqaa mammahmooda nilladhi wa atha
[innaka laa thukh liful mee ‘aad]
O Allah, Lord of this perfect call and established prayer, grant Muhammad a place near to
You, an excellence and exalted degree, and raise him to the praiseworthy station that You
have promised him. (Al-Bukhari 1/152 and the addition between brackets is from Al-
Bayhaqi 1/410 with a good (Hasan) chain of narration).
6. Whoever recites this dua will gain the intercession of the Messenger of Allah (Pbuh) on the Day of Judgement. (Bukhari)
7. By reciting this dua, the intercession of Prophet Mohammad becomes Waajib.
(Mishkaat)
Note: Between the call to prayer and the 'Iqaamah, you should supplicate Allah for yourself.
Invocation during this time is not rejected.
Replying to Iqaamah
8. It is Musthahab to reply to the Iqaamah by repeating the same words similar to that of the
Adhaan however in reply to “Qad qaamatis salaah” one should say:
Aqaamahallahu Wa adaamaha
“May Allah establish and perpetuate this Salah” (Abu Dawood)
9. When reading Fard Salaat at home it is preferable to say Iqaamah even if you’re praying
on your own.
10. Dua’s are readily accepted between Azaan and Iqaamah so this precious time should be spent in dua and Dhikr.
12. Doing Ibadah (worship) from Fajr until just 15-20 minutes after Sunrise
1. Rasulallah (Pbuh) used to sit cross legged in the Masjid from after Fajr up to Ishraaq
(Sunrise). He would sit cross legged in the company of the Sahaaba (Radhiyallahu Anhum)
as well. (Khasaail-Commentary of Shamaail- pg. 76)
2. In a narration of Tirmidhi, Rasulallah (Pbuh) is reported to have said, 'He who performs
Fajr Salaat with Jamaat and remains seated in the same place while engaging in Dhikr until
after sunrise and thereafter performs 2 Rakaats Nafil Salaat, (Ishraaq), he will obtain the Thawaab of one Hajj and one Umrah.' (Tirmidhi)
3. The fire of Jahannam will not touch the person who reads 4 rak’ahs of Salaat Ishraaq
(Baihaqi)
4. Read Surah Yaasin after Fajr:
The Hadith mentioned by ‘Ataa bin Abi Rabaah states that the Prophet said: “Whosoever recites Surah Yaasin in the early part of the day his needs will be fulfilled.” (Mishkaat, Page 189)
It is stated in Mirqaat, Sharah Mishkaat under the commentary of the above Hadith that ones worldly needs and the needs pertaining to the Deen and the Hereafter will be fulfilled.
(Mirqaat, Sharah Mishkaat, Vol. 4, Page 681)
5. When the sun rises then say this dua:
Alhamdulillaa-hillazee aqaalana yawmanaa haazaa walam yuh-liknaa bizunoobinaa
All praise is to Allah who has granted us this day and did not destroy us because of our misdeeds. (Muslim)
13. Sunnah’s of acts after the completion of Salaah
1. After the completion of Fard Salaah to read “Allaahu Akbar” once followed by
“Asthaghfirullah” three times with the last Asthaghfirullah read a bit audibly and also dragged (pulled) slightly. (Tirmidhi)
2. After the Fard of Fajr and Asr to engage in the remembrance of Allah for a short period.
(Attargheeb)
3. The Malaaikah (Angels) continuously make dua’s of forgiveness and mercy for those who after their daily Salaah remain seated at the place of Salaah. (Attargheeb)
4. It has been reported from A’isha (RA) that Rasulallah (Pbuh) used to sit as long at it takes to say:
“Allahumma antassalamu wa minkas salam wa ilayka ya'udu al-salam tabarakta ya zal jalali
wal ikram”
Then he used to stand up to perform his Sunnah.' (Muslim, Abu Dawud, and Tirmidhi)
5. Also recite the following:
Laa 'ilaaha 'illallaahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa Huwa
'alaa kulli shay'in Qadeer, Allaahumma laa maard'a limaa 'a'tayta, wa laa mu'tiya limaa
mana'ta, wa laa yanfa'u thal-jaddi minkal-jadd.
None has the right to be worshipped but Allah alone, He has no partner, His is the dominion and His is the praise, and He is Able to do all things. O Allah, there is none who can withhold what You give, and none may give what You have withheld; and the might of the mighty person cannot benefit him against You. (Al-Bukhari 1/255, Muslim 1/414)
6. It is also recommended to recite 33 times Subhaanallah, 33 times Alhamdulillah, 33 times Allaahu Akbar and the following once:
Laa ilaaha illallaahu wahdahu Laa shareeka lahu, lahul mulku wa lahul hamdu yuhyee wa
yumeetu wa huwa hayyul Laa yamootu, biyadihil khayr wa huwa alaa kulli shay'in qadeer
“There is no deity except Allah, the Only One. He has no partner. To Him belongs all
kingdom and to Him belongs all praise. He is the One who gives life and death. And He is
Ever-living and no death comes to Him. In His Hand lies all good and He has power over everything.”
It is mentioned in a hadith that whoever recites the above after every salaah his sins will be forgiven if they are as much as the foam of the ocean. (Muslim)
7. Whoever recites the following after every prayer will be forgiven his sins even though they
be as the foam of the sea:
Subhaanallaahi, walhamdu lillaahi 27allaahu ‘Akbar, - 33 times followed by:
Laa ‘ilaaha ‘illallaahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku Wa LahulhamduwaHuwa’alaakullishay’inQadeer.
“Glory is to Allah , and praise is to Allah , and Allah is the Most Great (each said thirty-three times). None has the right to be worshipped but Allah alone, He has no partner, His is the dominion and His is the praise and He is Able to do all things.” (Muslim 1/418)
8. It is also recommended to recite Sura al-Ikhlaas (112), Sura al-Falaq (113) and al-Naas
(114) (reported by al-Tirmidhi) and Ayat al-Kursi. (Reported by Al-Nasai)
9. Rasulallah (Pbuh) said: "Whoever recites Aayat ul Kursi after every Fard (Fard Salaat). Only death is keeping him/her from entering Jannah. (As soon as he/she dies, will enter Jannah) (Nisa'i, Ibn Hibbaan, Ibnelsani A'n Abi Amatah Albahili )
Another Hadith states that Reciting Ayat ul Kursi after one Fard (Fard Salaat) will cause a person to stay in Allah's protection until the next Salaat. (Tibrani Fil Kabeer)
Allaahu laa 'ilaaha 'illaa Huwal-Hayyul-Qayyoom, laa ta'khuthuhu sinatun wa laa nawm, lahu
maa fis-samaawaati wa maafil-'ardh, man thal-lathee yashfa'u 'indahu 'illaa bi'ithnih, ya'lamu
maa bayna 'aydeehim wa maa khalfahum, wa laa yuheetoona bishay'im-min 'ilmihi 'illaa
bimaa shaa'a, wasi'a kursiyyuhus-samaawaati wal'ardh, wa laa ya'ooduhu hifdhuhumaa, wa
Huwal-'Aliyyul- 'Adheem.
Allah! There is none worthy of worship but He, the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and
protects all that exists. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except
with His Permission? He knows what happens to them in this world, and what will happen to
them in the Hereafter. And they will never compass anything of His Knowledge except that
which He wills. His Throne extends over the heavens and the earth, and He feels no fatigue
in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great. (Recite in Arabic after each prayer.) (An-Nisaa’i, 'Amalul-Yawm wal-Laylah (Hadith no. 100))
10. Recite the following after Fajr prayer:
Allaahumma 'innee 'as'aluka 'ilman naafi'an, wa rizqan tayyiban, wa 'amalan mutaqabbalan.
O Allah, I ask You for knowledge that is of benefit, a good provision, and deeds that will be accepted. (Ibn Majah and others)
11. To recite after Fajr and Maghrib prayers: Muslim Taimi narrates from Prophet
Mohammad (Pbuh) to recite the following seven times before speaking to anyone:
Allaahumma Ajirnee minannaa
"O Allah, save me from the fire (Jahannam)."
If a person recites the above dua and dies the same night, he will be saved from Jahannam and if he recites it seven times after Fajr Salaat before speaking to anyone and if he dies on
that same day, he will be saved from Jahannam. (Mishkaat from Abu Dawood)
12. 'Abd-Allah Ibn ‘Amr (RA) who said: “The Messenger of Allah (Pbuh) said: There are two qualities, no Muslim man acquires them but he will enter Paradise, and they are simple and easy. He should glorify Allah (say Subhaanallah) ten times immediately after each prayer,
and praise Him (say Alhamdulillah) ten times and magnify Him (say Allaahu Akbar) ten
times.’ I saw Rasulallah (Pbuh) counting this on his fingers. He said: ‘that makes one hundred and fifty on the tongue and one thousand five hundred (hasanaat) in the scales… (Sunan al- Tirmidhi, 3332)
Note:each of three phrases repeated ten times makes thirty; multiplied by the number of
daily prayers, which is five, makes one hundred and fifty. Each of these good deeds of the
tongue will be rewarded with ten hasanaat which will be added to the total of good deeds to
be weighed in the balance or scales on the Day of Judgment]
There are also many other Dhikr’s and invocations that may be recited. It is best to do that
which one can do consistently, because, as the Prophet (Allah bless him & give him peace)
told us, “The most beloved of actions to Allah are those its performer is constant on, even if
little.” This is because such actions transform a person’s life.
The time after the five daily salaah is also a time when dua’s are accepted. Hence this opportunity to seek from Allah should be realized.
14. Prescribed Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah) taken from the “Fortress of a Muslim” as mentioned in hadith.
These should be read at least once in the morning & evening in Ramadan:
1. Recite Surah Fatiha once along with Ayat ul Kursi once and the following verses once:
Allahumma ‘Anta rabbe laa ‘ilaaha illa Anta, khalaqtanee wa aana abduka, wa aana ahdika
wa wadika mastatatu, a’oouthu bika min sharri maa sana’tu ‘aboo’u laka bini matika alayya, wabidhanbee faghfirli fa innahu laa yaghfiru thunooba illaa anta.
O Allah! You are my lord; there is none worthy worship but You. You created me and I am
your slave. I keep my covenant and my pledge to you as far as I am able. I seek refuge in
You from the evil of what I have done. I admit to Your blessings upon me, and I admit to my
misdeeds. Forgive me, for there is none who may forgive sins but You.
Whoever recites this with conviction in the evening or morning and dies during that night or day shall enter Paradise. (Bukhari, 150/7)
2. Allahumma ‘innee asbahtu/amsaytu ush-hiduka wa ush-hidu hamalata ‘arshika, wa malaa
ikataka wa jamee’a khalqika, annaka Antallahu laa ilaaha illaa Anta wahdaka laa shareeka
laka, wa anna Muhammadan abduka wa Rassoluka.
O Allah, I have entered a new morning/evening and call upon you and upon the bearers of
Your throne, Upon your angels and all creation to bear witness that surely You are Allah,
there is none worthy worship but You alone, You have no partners, and that Muhammad
is your slave and Your Messenger.
Allah will spare whoever will say this FOUR times in the mornings or evenings from the Hellfire. (Abu Dawud, 317/4)
Hasbiyallahu laa ilaaha illaa Huwa alayhi tawakaltu wa huwa rabbul arshil Adheem.
Allah is sufficient for me. There is none worthy worship but Him. I have placed my trust in
Him; He is Lord of the Majestic Throne
Allah will grant whoever recites this seven times in the morning or evening whatever he desires in this world or the next. Another narration says three times (Abu Dawud)
Radheetu Billahi Rabban, wa bil islaami deenan, wa bi-Muhammadin Rasoolan.
I am pleased with Allah as my Lord, with Islam as my religion and with Muhammad as
my prophet
Whoever recites it three times in the morning or evening will be pleased on the Day of Judgement. Another version says: Jannah becomes obligatory for him to enter (Abu Dawud)
15. Dhikrullah (Remembrance of Allah) to do everyday in Ramadan and throughout the year!
Try to do at least 100 of each of the following everyday in Ramadan and then throughout the year and imagine the abundant rewards inshallah!
1. Earn a thousand good deeds in Minutes
Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) said: "Is anyone of you incapable of earning one thousand Hasanah (rewards) a day?" Someone from the gathering asked, "How can anyone of us earn a thousand Hasanah?" Prophet Muhammad said: "Glorify Allah a hundred times by just saying سبحان ال “Subhaanallah” and a Good deeds will be written for you, or a thousand sins will be wiped away.” (Muslim 4:2073)
2. One of the Rare Treasures of Paradise
Hadhrat Abu Dharr(RA) narrated that Rasulallah (Pbuh) said: “Should I not tell you of one treasure of the unlimited treasures of Paradise?” I replied spontaneously “Oh Rasulallah (Peace be upon him) that would be an honour indeed!” Rasulallah said: “That rare treasure is: LA HAWLA WA LA QUWWATA
ILLA BILLAH.” (“The strength to do good and to refrain from evil comes from the grace and
mercy of Allah!”) (Ibn Majah)
3. Hadhrat Abu Dharr al-Ghifari (RA) narrates that "my beloved friend” (the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) ) has enjoined five things upon me. He has commanded me to love and be
close to the poor and the downtrodden, and he has commanded me to look at those in the
world who are of lower rank than me, and not at those who are of higher rank, and he has
commanded me to be kind to the kinsman and to preserve and keep intact the bond of
kinship, and he has commanded me not to ask for anything from anyone as a favour and he
has commanded me to speak the truth at all times though it may be bitter for others, and he
has commanded me to care nothing for the rebuke of those who revile and vilify in the path
of Allah, and he has commanded me to recite much the Kalimah of: Laa Hawla wa laa Qawwuta Illaa Billah (there is no power or strength but in Allah) because all these things are from the treasure-house (of Allah) which is under the ninth heaven. (Ahmad)
4. A Date Palm planted in Paradise for the one who Recites this
Abu Hurairah (RA) reported: The Messenger of Allah (Pbuh) said, "There are two
statements that are light for the tongue to remember, heavy in the Scales and are dear to the
Merciful: `Subhan-Allahi wa bihamdihi, Subhan-Allahil-Azim [Glory be to Allah and His is the praise, (and) Allah, the Greatest is free from imperfection)'.'' (Bukhari and Muslim)
Another Narration says:
5. Forgiveness for Sins Even Though they are like the Foam of the Sea:
Narrated Abu Hurraira (RA): Allah’s Apostle (Pbuh) said, “Whoever says, ‘Subhaanallahi Wa bihamdihi, {Allah is free from imperfection and His is the praise}. One hundred times a day, will be forgiven all his sins even if they were as much as the foam of the sea. (Bukhari, Book #75, Hadith #414)
6. We Can Earn Over a BILLION Rewards in Just a Few Seconds!
Narrated ‘Ubaadah(RA) that the Messenger of Allah (Pbuh) said, “Whoever seeks
forgiveness for the believing men and believing women, Allah will write for him a good deed
for each believing man and believing woman.” (Tabarani)
7. That Which Shall Have no Equal on the Day of Resurrection:
Narrated Abu Hurraira (RA) : Allah’s Apostle (Pbuh) said, ” Whoever says one hundred times
in a day:
“Laa ilaaha illallaah wahdahuu laa shareeka lahu, lahu-l-mulk wa lahu-l-hamd wa huwa ‘alaa kulli shai’in qadeer,”
(“None has the right to be worshipped but Allah, the Alone Who has no partners, to Him
belongs Dominion and to Him belong all the Praises, and He has power over all things (i.e.
Omnipotent)”,}
he will get the same reward as given for manumitting ten slaves; and one hundred good
deeds will be written in his accounts, and one hundred sins will be deducted from his
accounts, and it (his saying) will be a shield for him from Satan on that day till night, and
nobody will be able to do a better deed except the one who does more than he.” (Bukhari,
Book #75, Hadith #412)
8. Four Phrases that are Heavier on the Scales than an Entire Morning of Dhikrullah
(Remembrance of Allah):
The Mother of the Believers, Juwairiyah bint Al-Harith (RA) reported that the Prophet (Pbuh)
came out from my apartment in the morning as I was busy in performing the dawn prayer. He came back in the forenoon and found me sitting there. The Prophet (Pbuh) said,”Are you still in
the same position as I left you.” I replied in the affirmative. Thereupon the Prophet
said, “I recited four phrases three times after I had left you. If these are to be weighed
against all you have recited since morning, these will be heavier. These are:
Subhan-Allah Wa bihamdihi, ‘adada khalqihi, wa rida-a nafsihi, wa zinatah ‘arshihi, wa
midada kalimatihi
(Allah is free from imperfection and I begin with His praise, as many times as the number of
His creatures, in accordance with His Good Pleasure, equal to the ink that may be used in
recording the words (for His Praise).” (Muslim)
9. A Phrase that Comes with Rewards in the MILLIONS:
On the authority of Abdullah Ibn ‘Umar that the Prophet said: “Whoever enters
a market and says:
‘Laa ilaaha ill Allah Wahdahu laa shareeka lah, lahul Mulku Wa lahul Hamdu yuhyi Wa
yumeetu Wa huwa Hayyun laa yamoot, bi yadihil khayr, wahuwa ‘alaa kulli shay’ in
qadeer’
{There is nothing worthy of worship but Allah, He is alone without partner, to Him belongs the dominion and the praise, he causes life and death and He is the Living One and will never die. In His Hand is all good, and He is over all things capable.)
Allah will write for him a million good deeds erase a million of his bad deeds and build for him a house in Jannah.”
And in another narration: instead of mentioning that Allah will build a house in Jannah, it states, “and he will be raised one million levels.”(Tirmidhi)
10. Reciting Tasbih, (Subhaanallah), Tahmeed (Alhamdulillah) and Takbir- Allaahu
Akbar), and enjoining what is Good and forbidding what is evil, and praying Salaatul
Dhuha (Breakfast prayer)
It was narrated from Abu Dharr (RA) that the Prophet (PBUH) said: “For every bone of the
son of Adam a charity must be given each day. Every Tasbeehah (saying سبحان ال
Subhaanallah -Glory be to Allah) is a charity, every Tahmeedah (saying
Alhamdulillah -praise be to Allah) is a charity, every tahleelah (saying
Laa ilaaha ill-Allah -There is no god but Allah) is a charity, every
takbeerah (saying الُّ أَكْبَرُ Allaahu Akbar - Allah is Most Great) is a charity, enjoining
what is good is a charity, forbidding what is evil is a charity, and two Rak’ahs (Nafil) offered in the mid-morning (Dhuha) is sufficient.”(Muslim, 720)
11. The Virtues of Reciting Tasbih at-I-Fatima
A well-known Tradition of the Prophet (Pbuh) has it that the Prophet's (Pbuh) beloved daughter
(and Hadhrat Ali's (RA) wife), Hadhrat Fatima (RA), used to perform all the domestic duties
with her own hands. She had even to draw water from the well and to carry it home and to
grind the corn in the millstone. One day she begged the holy Prophet to provide her with
a domestic servant upon which the Prophet (Pbuh) observed, "I will tell you of something that
will serve you better than a domestic servant. Recite: Subhaanallah 33 times, Alhamdulillah 33 times, and Allaahu Akbar 34 times after each Salaah and on retiring to bed. This will be of greater value to you than a servant."
Another Tradition says, "Whoever will recite after each Salaah 33 times
Subhaanallah, 33 times Alhamdulillah, and 34 times Allaahu Akbar, and, at the end of it, the 4th Kalima:
‘Laa ilaaha illal laahu wahdahu laa sharika lahu lahul mulku wa-lahul hamdu wa huwa alaa
kulli shay-in Qadeer’.
“There is no Allah but one Allah. He is alone. No partner hath. He Him belongs sovereignty
and unto Him belongs Praise and He is all-Powerful) all his sins will be forgiven even if they
be as profuse as the foam of the sea."
12. How to Erase 2500 Sins in 5 minutes!
Abd-Allah Ibn ‘Amr (RA) who said: “The Messenger of Allah (Pbuh) said: ‘There are two qualities, no Muslim man acquires them but he will enter Paradise, and they are simple and
easy. He should glorify Allah (say Subhaanallah) ten times immediately after
each prayer, and praise Him (say Alhamdulillah) ten times and magnify
Him (say Allaahu Akbar) ten times.’
I saw the Messenger of Allah (Pbuh) counting this on his fingers. He said: ‘That makes one
hundred and fifty on the tongue and one thousand five hundred (hasanaat) in the scales.
[Translator’s note: each of three phrases repeated ten times makes thirty; multiplied by the
number of daily prayers, which is five, makes one hundred and fifty. Each of these good
deeds of the tongue will be rewarded with ten hasanaat (Good deeds) which will be added to
the total of good deeds to be weighed in the balance or scales on the Day of Judgement].
13. Glorifying Allah 100 times when one goes to bed
When you go to bed, glorify Him and praise Him and magnify Him One hundred times:
that will be one hundred on the tongue and a thousand in the scales. Who among you does
2,500 bad deeds in one day?’ They said: ‘How could we not count (our sins)?’ He said: ‘The Shaytaan comes to any one of you whilst he is praying and says, Remember this, remember that, until he finishes his prayer and does not do (this Dhikr), or he comes to him when he is lying down and makes him sleepy, until he falls asleep (without doing this Dhikr).’” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, 3332)
14. Earning a 1000 good deeds and wiping away a 1000 bad deeds in Minutes
If a person says "Subhaanallah" (glory be to Allah) 100 times, a thousand good
deeds are recorded for him and a thousand bad deeds are wiped away. (Muslim)
15. Jannah becomes obligatory for the one who Recites the following Abu Sa’id (RA) said that Rasulallah (Pbuh) said, “Whoever says:
Radeetu billahi rabban, Wa bil-Islaami deenan, Wa bi-Muhammadin rasoolan
Jannah becomes obligatory for him (to enter). (Abu-Dawud)
- Best said in Morning and Evening with "Nabiyan wa rasoolan"
16. The Virtues of Reciting the First Kalimah
The declaration of belief in the oneness of Allah or Kalimah Tayyaba
Laa ilaaha ill-Allah
(There is no worthy of worship except Allah)
Hadhrat Zaid bin ‘Arqam narrated that the Messenger of Allah said: “Whoever
says Laa ilaaha illallaah…sincerely will enter the Paradise.”
It was said: And what is the [sign of] sincerity? He said: “That this kalimah stops him from those things which Allah has forbidden.”(Tabarani in Awsat-ul-Kabeer)
“Do you not see how Allah puts forth the likeness of a good word (Kalimah Tayyaba)? It is
like a good tree, whose root is firmly fixed and whose branches reach to the sky. It brings
forth its fruit in all seasons by the command of its Lord. And Allah sets forth parables for men, so that they may take heed. And the likeness of an evil word (Kalimah khabeetha- a word of shirk) is like an evil tree, which is uprooted from the face of the earth, and has no stability.” (Qur’an: 24-26)
17. Virtues of Reciting the Third Kalimah:
The word of glorification or the Kalima-e-Tamjeed:
Subhāna-llāhi, wa-l-hamdu li-llāhi, Wa lā ilāha illā-llāhu, wa-llāhu akbar. Wa lā hawla Wa lā
quwwata illā bi-llāhi-l-‘aliyyi-l-‘azīm
(Glory be to Allah. And praise be to Allah. And there is no god except Allah. And Allah is the
Greatest. And there is no power and no strength except with Allah, the Most High, And Most
Great)
Ibn Mas’ud (RA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (Pbuh) said: “When I met Prophet Ibraheem (peace be upon him) in the night of Mi’raaj (Night of ascension) he asked me to
convey his Salaam to my Ummah and to tell them that the Paradise has a fertile soil and
sweet water, and is like a vast field. And its plants are [the words above].”
Another version says: “Whoever recites the words above, a tree in Paradise is planted for him for each word he says.” (Virtues of Dhikr; Tirmidhi)
18. Virtues of reading the Fourth Kalimah:
The word of Oneness of Allah or the Kalima-e-Tawhid:
Lā ilāha illā-llāhu waḥdahu lā sharīka lahu lahu-l-mulku Wa lahu-l-hamdu yuḥyi Wa
yumītu Wa huwa ḥayyu-llā yamūtu abadan abada, ḏū-l-jalāli wa-l-ikrām, biyadihi-lkhayr, wa huwa ‘alā kulli Shay’in qadīr.
(There is no god except Allah, Who is Alone and has no partners. For Him is the Dominion
and for Him is all praise. He gives life and causes death. And He is living and will never ever
die. Owner of Majesty and Honour: In His Hands is all goodness. And He has power over all
things)
Abu Hurraira (RA) reports that the Messenger of Allah (Pbuh) said: “A person who recites:
Laa ilaaha illal-laahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa
huwa ‘alaa kulli shay-in qadeer
a hundred times daily will have reward equal to that of freeing ten slaves and one hundred
good deeds will be written for him, and one hundred of his sins will be lifted from him, and for
the whole day, he will remain immune from the Shaytaan until the evening, and on the Day of Judgment, no one will exceed him in merit except one who has done [these phrases] more.” (Agreed Upon)
19. We will regret the Seconds we wasted without remembering Allah
Hadhrat Mu'az (RA) narrated Rasulallah (Pbuh) said: “The Inhabitants of Paradise will not be grief stricken or sorrowful about anything they did in the life of the world except for the time
they spent without being in the remembrance of Allah” (Tabarani)
20. Do Dhikr of Allah even if its on Comfortable beds
Hadhrat Abu Saeed Khudri (RA) narrated that Rasulallah (Pbuh) said:
“There are many people reclining on comfortable beds and making the Dhikr of Allah on
earth. Allah will grant them elevated ranks (in the Aakhirah).” (Ibn Hibbaan)
Those indulging in luxury should not abstain from Dhikrullah. They too should be constantly
engaged in the remembrance of Allah whilst enjoying the comforts of the bounties which
whilst enjoying the comforts of the bounties which Allah has bestowed on them and Allah will
give them elevated ranks in the hereafter.
21. Do so much Dhikr that people think your mad
Hadhrat Abu Saeed Khudri also narrates that Rasulallah said: “Engage in the Dhikr of Allah in such abundance that people comment that ‘you are insane’.” (Ahmed, Abu Ya’la, Ibn Hibbaan)
22. Remember Allah in the places where people don’t usually remember Allah
It is mentioned in hadith that in a place where people are oblivious to Dhikr, remembrance of
Allah is like being steadfast in jihad, when others are running away. (Targhib, p. 193, vol. 3
ref. Bazaar and Tibrani)
16. The Sunnah of coming out of the Masjid
1. To leave the Masjid with the left foot. (Bukhari-Chapter on Salah pg.61)
2. To recite Bismillah (Ibn Majah pg. 56)
3. To recite Durood (Ibn Majah, Faydhul Qadeer)
4. To recite the Dua:
Allahumma inni asaluka min fadhlik
“O Allah, I ask you for your grace”. (Ibn Majah)
Also:
Bismillaahi wassalaatu wassalaamu 'alaa Rasoolillaahi, Allaahumma 'innee 'as'aluka min
fadhlika, Allaahumma'simnee minash-Shaytaanir-rajeem.
In the Name of Allah, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah. O Allah, I
ask for Your favour, O Allah, protect me from Satan the outcast. (ibid)
17. Virtues of praying Salaatul Dhuha
1. The beloved Prophet (Pbuh) has said: Those who perform the Fajr prayer in congregation (Jamaa’at), read the Dhikr (remembrance of Allah) till the sun has completely arisen (length
of a spear from the horizon, after 20 minutes of sunrise) and read 2 Rak’ahs Nafil prayer will
have the benedictions (sawaab) equal to those of Hajj-Umrah. It is recommended to read the
Surah Fatiha and Ayat-ul-Kursi till Khaalidoon, in the first Rakaats, and in the second Rakaat
to read, after Surah Fatiha, Aamanar Rasul till the end of Suratul Baqarah. In the case that
this verse cannot be read from memory, one can recite any other verse and then ask Dua’s.
Woman should read all prayers of Fard and Nafil at home and will derive the same benefits
(Sawaab) that accrue from prayer performed at the Masjid. (Tirmidhi)
2. Rasulallah (Pbuh) is reported to have said that Allah Ta'ala says, [/B]'O son of Adam, perform 4 Rakaats of Salah in the early part of the day. I shall help you in accomplishing all
your responsibilities during the rest of the day.' (Mishkaat pg.116)
3. Rasulallah (Pbuh) is reported to have said, 'Whoever offers 2 Rakaats of Salaat al-Dhuha, all his sins will be forgiven even though they are as much as the foam of the sea.' (Ibid)
4. 'Salaat al-Dhuhaa consists of 2 - 12 Rakaats and it is preferable to perform 8 Rakaats.'(Raddul Mukhtaar vol.1 pg.505)
5. The Prophet (Pbuh) is reported to have said that whoever prayed twelve rakaats at the
time of Chasht (Breakfast), and then Allah will, as a reward, prepare a palace of gold for him
in Paradise. (Mishkaat, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah)
6. The best time to pray Salaatul Dhuha is early on when the sun has risen to a spear’s length for one will gain extra rewards, by praying it earlier rather than later on closer to midday. However by offering it later on, one will still be considered to have offered the Dhuha prayer as it is valid until midday (Zawaal).
7. It is very rewarding to stay on ones position after Fajr Salah engaged in the recitation of Qur’an as well as Dhikr until 15 to 20 minutes after sunrise and then pray this hugely rewarding Nawaafil prayer. We should certainly get into the habit of praying all Nawaafil’s as it is a means of getting closer to Allah
8. After this prayer is done one can either have a short nap to regain more energy or go to
work and earn ones livelihood.
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