Four Surahs’ Series - Part Four ~ Surah Waaqi‘ah

Surah Waaqi‘ah is the 56th surah of the Quraan Majeed and can be found in the 27th juz (para), immediately after Surah Rahmaan.

The special virtue and benefit of Surah Waaqi‘ah is that the one who recites it every night will be saved from poverty. (Shu‘abul Imaan #2267)

On the occasion when Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah bin Mas‘ood (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) lay on his deathbed and was approaching his final moments, Sayyiduna ‘Uthmaan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), who was the khaleefah at the time, came to visit him.

During the visit, Sayyiduna ‘Uthmaan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) asked him, “Should I not instruct for you to be given an allowance?” Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah bin Mas‘ood (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) replied, “I have no need for it.” Sayyiduna ‘Uthmaan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) responded, “The allowance will be for your daughters (after your demise).” To this, Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah bin Mas‘ood (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) answered, “Do you fear that my daughters will fall into poverty? (You should not have this fear as) I have instructed my daughters to recite Surah Waaqi‘ah every night. Indeed I heard Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) mention, ‘The person who recites Surah Waaqi‘ah every night, poverty will never afflict him.’” (Usdul Ghaabah vol. 3, pg. 77)

One of the most common fears which people face is that of poverty. If they do not have this fear for themselves, then they have it for their children and progeny after them – especially their daughters, granddaughters, etc. In this regard, the commonly encountered mindset is, “What if she is divorced? Or widowed? Or her husband cannot support her?” To allay this fear of poverty, which is merely a distant possibility, it has now become a trend for parents to send their young daughters to universities, and subsequently into the corporate environment, so that they have a career ‘to fall back on’. It is as if we are saying – Allah Ta‘ala forbid! – that if we do not send our daughters into these sin-filled environments, Allah Ta‘ala will not give them their sustenance later on in life! The tragic reality is that many have fallen backwards in these sin-filled environments – backwards in their imaan, respect, chastity, etc. May Allah Ta‘ala protect us all, aameen.     

The problem is not one of understanding – it is one of imaan. Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah bin Mas‘ood (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) had firm imaan that Allah Ta‘ala alone provides sustenance. Hence, he knew that the best ‘investment’ that he could leave for his daughters, securing their financial future, was Surah Waaqi‘ah. Such was his imaan that he even turned down the allowance of the khaleefah!

Let us all ‘invest’ in Surah Waaqi‘ah by reciting this surah, which comprises of just 5 pages, every single night, together with Surahs Yaseen, Mulk and Sajdah. Insha-Allah, the returns on this investment will be enjoyed in this world and the next. However, it is obvious that to attain the benefit of these recitations, one must also fulfil all the obligations of Deen and refrain from sin. 

May Allah Ta‘ala grant us the steadfastness to remain punctual on the recitation of these four surahs every night until we pass away, aameen.

​Four Surahs’ Series - Part Three ~ Surah Sajdah

Surah Sajdah is the 32nd surah of the Quraan Majeed and can be found in the 21st juz (para). As with Surah Mulk (Tabaarak), it has been reported that it was the blessed practice of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) to recite Surah Sajdah every night. (Sunan Tirmizi #2892)

The special virtue and benefit of reciting Surah Sajdah every night is that it will protect the one who recites it from the punishment of the grave.

Khaalid bin Ma’daan (rahimahullah), a Taabi‘ee, mentioned the following:

“Indeed Surah Sajdah will dispute, in the grave, in defence of the one who would recite it. It will say, ‘O Allah! If am from Your kitaab then accept my intercession for him, and if I am not from Your kitaab then erase me from it!’ The surah will assume the form of a bird and will spread its wings over him (to protect him). It will intercede on his behalf and protect him from the punishment of the grave, and Surah Mulk also shares the same virtue.”

On account of this invaluable virtue, Khaalid bin Ma’daan (rahimahullah) would ensure that he would not go to sleep until he had recited Surah Sajdah and Surah Mulk. (Sunan Daarimi #3410)

Khaalid bin Ma’daan (rahimahullah) also mentioned the following (from the Sahaabah [radhiyallahu ‘anhum]):

There was once a man who was very sinful. However, he would recite Surah Sajdah on a regular basis, and besides this surah, there was nothing else that he would recite. (After he passed away,) Surah Sajdah (assumed the form of a bird) and spread its wings over him (to protect him). It said, “O my Rabb! Forgive him, for he would recite me in abundance!” Allah Ta‘ala then accepted the intercession of Surah Sajdah on his behalf and said to the angels, “In place of every sin that he has, record for him one good deed and raise him by one stage in Jannah.” (Sunan Daarimi #3408 and Mirqaat vol. 4 pgs. 679-681)

Surah Sajdah is a concise surah as it is approximately just four pages in length. Hence, reciting this surah will take just a few minutes, while the benefit of reciting it every evening will be enjoyed during the lengthy stay in the grave that we will all have to undergo.

May Allah Ta‘ala bless us all to recite Surah Sajdah as well as Surah Yaseen and Surah Mulk every night.   

Wife of Nabi Ayyoob [‘alaihis salaam] – Part One

The incident of Nabi Ayyoob (‘alaihis salaam) is well known to one and all. Initially, Nabi Ayyoob (‘alaihis salaam) was enjoying great prosperity. He had abundant animals and crops, many children and numerous homes. Allah Ta‘ala then decided to test Nabi Ayyoob (‘alaihis salaam). Hence, he lost all his wealth and even his children. Allah Ta‘ala even tested Nabi Ayyoob (‘alaihis salaam) with an illness that afflicted his entire body. The only two limbs of his body that were spared from this illness were his tongue and his heart. Nevertheless, even in this condition, he would keep his heart and tongue engaged in the remembrance of Allah Ta‘ala.  

As for the respected wife of Nabi Ayyoob (‘alaihis salaam), there are two views regarding her name. According to some ‘Ulama, her name was Layyaa, while other ‘Ulama have mentioned that her name was Rahmah.

While Nabi Ayyoob (‘alaihis salaam) was patiently enduring this test, most of the people abandoned him, until he was left alone in a corner of the town. However, his loyal wife never left him or abandoned him. She remembered his favour upon her when conditions were favourable, and hence she remained at his side through thick and thin, ever loyal and faithful.

She would patiently tend to him and see to all his needs. In some narrations, it has even been mentioned that when her wealth was eventually depleted, she began to carry out domestic work in peoples’ homes in order to earn a living and see to her ailing husband’s needs. Together with this, she had lost her children and her husband was extremely sick. Through all these tests, she remained patient and did not complain, even though she went from a life of comfort and happiness to one of difficulty and sadness.

(Al-Bidaayah wan Nihaayah vol. 1 pg. 262) 

Lessons:

1. The proverb “a friend in need is a friend indeed” is often quoted, highlighting the fact that a true friend is one who will remain with you in difficult times as well as good times. We can well imagine that if such loyalty is expected of a good friend, then what must be the high level of loyalty that is expected of a true spouse? After all, the relationship between the husband and wife far surpasses any friendship! Hence, a true, loyal wife is not one who will abscond to her father’s house when “the goings get tough”. Rather, she will patiently remain with her husband and assist him, to the best of her ability, as she would expect of him had she been in difficulty.

2. Undergoing tests is an unavoidable occurrence in life. We cannot choose the nature or time of our tests – but we can choose to pass the tests. To do so, we will have to hold firmly to sabr (patience) and remain pleased with the decision of Allah Ta‘ala. 

Four Surahs’ Series – Part Two ~ Surah Mulk

Surah Mulk

Surah Mulk, commonly known by many as Surah Tabaarak, is the first surah of the twenty-ninth juz (para) of the Quraan Majeed. It is just less than three and a half pages in length. Accordingly, its daily recitation and even its memorization are extremely easy.

As with Surah Yaseen, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) mentioned regarding Surah Mulk, “I certainly wish that it (Surah Mulk) be in the heart of every individual of my Ummah.” (Tabraani – Majma‘uz Zawaaid #11477)

The importance of this surah can also be gauged by the fact that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) would recite it every night. (Sunan Tirmizi #2892)

Some of the special virtues and benefits of reciting Surah Mulk are:

Protection from the Punishment of the Grave:

Sayyiduna Ibnu ‘Abbaas (radhiyallahu ‘anhuma) reports that on one occasion, a Sahaabi of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) pitched his tent somewhere without realizing that he had pitched his tent on a grave. After erecting his tent, he suddenly heard, from the ground, the voice of a person reciting the entire Surah Mulk. The Sahaabi then went to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and explained what he had witnessed. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) remarked, “It (Surah Mulk) is the surah that protects and the surah that saves – it saves the reciter from the punishment of the grave.” (Sunan Tirmizi #2890)

Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah bin Mas‘ood (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that in the blessed era of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), we (the Sahaabah [radhiyallahu ‘anhum]) would refer to Surah Mulk as “Al-Maani‘ah” (that which protects from the punishment in the grave). Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah bin Mas‘ood (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) also mentioned that Surah Mulk is such a great surah that the one who recites it in the night has indeed done a lot and has done very well. (Tabraani - Majma‘uz Zawaa’id #11479)

Intercession for Forgiveness:

Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) mentioned, “Indeed there is a great surah of the Quraan Majeed which consists of thirty verses. It will intercede for a person (who recites it punctually) until he gains forgiveness. This surah is Surah Tabaarak.” (Sunan Tirmizi #2891)

From the above ahaadeeth, we understand that we should all make it a point to recite Surah Mulk every night. This was the blessed habit of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) himself, and furthermore, regular recitation of this surah will assist us in the grave by protecting us from punishment.

Since this surah is relatively short, it will take just a few minutes to recite. 

May Allah Ta‘ala assist us to be punctual on the recitation of this Surah together with Surah Yaseen, Aameen

Beyond the Call of Duty​

During the year 2 A.H., Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) received information that a trade caravan, under the leadership of Abu Sufyaan (who was not yet a Muslim at the time), was returning from Syria to Makkah Mukarramah. Since the Muslims and the Quraish were at war with one another, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) announced his intention to attack the caravan.

The Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) immediately responded and prepared to set out. As the trade caravan comprised of a meagre thirty to forty men, just 313 Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) set out with Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). Furthermore, they did not prepare for a full-scale war as they did not expect to encounter considerable resistance from the small caravan. Hence, their weapons and even their conveyances were few in number.

After travelling some distance, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) received information that the Quraish had learnt of his expedition and had set out from Makkah with approximately one thousand men, armed to the teeth, to fight the Muslims and defend their caravan. At this crucial juncture, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) turned to the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) and consulted them, asking them whether they were prepared to proceed ahead and fight the Quraish, who vastly outnumbered them and had superior arms and equipment.

Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) first stood and pledged support to fight. Thereafter, Sayyiduna ‘Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) stood and also pledged support to proceed and engage with the Quraish. Then, Sayyiduna Miqdaad bin Aswad (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) stood and exclaimed the following, “Proceed ahead for that which Allah Ta‘ala has shown you, as we are with you! By Allah! We will not say to you as the Banu Israaeel said to Nabi Moosa (‘alaihis salaam). They said to him, ‘You and your Rabb go and fight, we will remain seated here.’ Rather, (we will say), ‘You and your Rabb go and fight, we will certainly fight with you.’ We will fight on your right, on your left, in front of you and behind you.” Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was extremely pleased with the response of Sayyiduna Miqdaad (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), to the extent that his blessed face shone with happiness and he made du‘aa for Sayyiduna Miqdaad (radhiyallahu ‘anhu).

Nevertheless, these three Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) who had spoken were all from the Muhaajireen, and Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) wished to ascertain the response of the Ansaar. The reason was that the Ansaar formed the majority of this group which had set out. Additionally, when Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) had performed hijrah to Madeenah Munawwarah, the Ansaar had pledged to protect him in the blessed city. However, on this occasion, they were out of the city, and thus the promise of the Ansaar to fight with Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) did not apply. It was for this reason that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) asked again, “Give me your opinions, O Sahaabah!”

On this instance, the Ansaari Sahaabi, Sayyiduna Sa’d bin Mu’aaz (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), who was the leader of the Aws tribe, addressed Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and said, “By Allah! It seems as though you are addressing us (the Ansaar in specific), O Rasul of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)!” When Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) responded in the affirmative, Sayyiduna Sa’d (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) said the following:

“O Rasul of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)! Perhaps you fear that the Ansaar will not feel it incumbent on themselves to assist you unless you are in Madeenah Munawwarah. I am speaking on behalf of all the Ansaar and I am answering for them when I say, ‘Proceed to wherever you wish! Ally yourself with whoever you wish and sever ties with whoever you wish! Maintain peace with whoever you wish and take as an enemy whoever you wish! Take from our wealth whatever you wish, and that which you take from us is more beloved to us than that which you leave for us! Whatever command you issue, we will completely comply with it and follow it. Proceed, O Rasul of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), for that which you wish, as we are all with you. I take an oath by that Being who deputed you with the truth! If you have to take us to the ocean and dive into it, we will all dive into it with you, and not a single one of us will lag behind! We are not reluctant or displeased for you to encounter the enemy with us!’”

Hearing this response, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) became immensely pleased and happy.

(Saheeh Bukhaari #3952, Seerah Ibni Hishaam vol. 2, pgs. 606-615 and Seerah Halabiyyah vol. 2, pg. 150)

Lesson:

When the news arrived that the Quraish had set out with a powerful army to fight the Muslims, the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) could have responded in many ways. They could have complained that they had only set out to attack the caravan – not to fight a full battle against the finest fighters of Makkah. Similarly, they could have expressed reluctance to fight due to being under-equipped and vastly outnumbered. Likewise, the Ansaar, who formed the majority, could have excused themselves and explained that they had never agreed to fight out of Madeenah Munawwarah.

However, the manner in which the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) responded set the standard for the entire Ummah to follow. They responded with complete trust in Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), obedience before him, love for him and submission before his command and the command of Allah Ta‘ala. They put their personal reasoning, interests and wishes aside and made it their sole purpose in life to please Allah Ta‘ala and Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), as is glaringly evident from their response in the incident above. In essence, when it came to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and Deen, they went beyond the call of duty and were prepared to make any sacrifice necessary.

This is the challenge which we face on a daily basis – the challenge of giving preference to Allah Ta‘ala and Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) over our own wishes.

Demise of Ali ibn Abi Taalib (Karramalllahu Wajhah)

Events of Ramadhaan

On Sunday 20 Ramadhaan in the 40th year after Hijrah to Madinah Munawwarah Sayyiduna Ali Radiyallahu 'Anhu was martyred at the age of 63.

He was the cousin of Rasullullah Sallahu 'Alayhi Wa Sallam, the first among the youth to accept Islam, the fourth Khaleefah of Islam and among the ten companions who were promised paradise. He married Faatimah Radiyallahu 'Anhaa and had five children from her, Hasan, Husayn, Muhsin, Zaynab and Umm Kulthoom.

He was known for his bravery and even went to the extent of lying in the bed of Nabi Sallahu 'Alayhi Wa Sallam when his life was under threat before migration to Madina Munawwarah.

He was so just during his reign of Khilaafah that his companions report having seen him wearing course cloth not worth more than three Dirhams. When his servant once brought forth a utensil filled with some valuables in it, Ali Radiyallahu 'Anhu immediately rebuked him saying, 'Do you desire that a fire burn the home of Ali (in the hereafter)?'. He immediately distributed the valuables that were shown to him. This was his level of abstinence and caution regarding the property of the state.

His reign of Khilaafah lasted five years and was sadly ended when a Kharijite attacked him during the early morning. He later succumbed to the wounds and passed in Kufa, Iraq.

Demise of Khadeejah Radiyallahu 'Anhaa

Events of Ramadhaan
Mother of the believers, Khadeejah Radiyallahu 'Anhaa passed away at the age of 65 in the Month of Ramadhaan three years before migration to Madinah Munawwarah. She spent 25 years with Nabi Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wa Sallam, 15 years before Prophethood and 10 years after.

She was the first to accept Islam. She first married Ateeq ibn Aabid and gave birth to a boy who was named Abdullah. Ateeq subsequently passed away. She then married Abu Haalah and had three children, Hind, Haarith and Zaynab. At the age of 35 she was widowed for a second time.

At the request of his uncle, Nabi Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wa Sallam joined Khadeejah Radiyallahu 'Anhaa in trade. One day, Khadeejah Radiyallahu Anha saw a dream in which she saw the sun setting in her home. Waraqah ibn Nawfal interpreted this dream to mean that the light of Prophethood would enter her home. After much contemplation, she decided to marry him but was hesitant to make the first move. She therefore requested her friend Nafeesah bint Maniyyah to take matters forward. Upon receiving the proposal, Nabi Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam went to his incle Abu Taalib to seek his permission. Abi Taalib gave 20 camels as dowry to Khadeejah Radiyallahu 'Anhaa on behalf of Nabi Salallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam.

She gave birth to six of Nabi Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam's children, Qasim, Abdullah, Zaynab, Ruqayyah, Umm Kulthoom and Faatimah (Radiyallahu 'Anhum Ajma'een).

For as long as she lived, Nabi Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wa Sallam did not marry any other wife. After her demise, he would slaughter an animal on her behalf and distribute the meat among her friends and family. 

Four Surahs’ Series – Part One ~ Surah Yaseen

Surah Yaseen​

Surah Yaseen is indeed a unique surah, as it has been termed the ‘heart’ of the Quraan Majeed. Furthermore, reciting it once equals the reward of reciting the Quraan Majeed ten times. (Sunan Tirmizi #2887)

The importance of this surah, in the life of every believer, can be gauged by the fact that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) expressed his desire for every Muslim to memorise this surah mentioning, “I wish that it (Surah Yaseen) be in the heart of every individual of my Ummah.” (Bazzaar - Kashful Astaar #2305)

Some of the virtues and benefits for reciting Surah Yaseen are:

Forgiveness of Sins

Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “Whoever recites Surah Yaseen seeking reward from Allah Ta‘ala, his (minor) sins will be forgiven.” (Shu‘abul Imaan #2235)

Fulfilment of Needs

Sayyiduna Ibnu ‘Abbaas (radhiyallahu ‘anhuma) mentioned, “Whoever recites Surah Yaseen in the morning, his tasks for that day will be made easy until the evening, and whoever recites it at the commencement of the night, his tasks for that night will be made easy.” (Sunan Daarimi # 3419)

It is thus evident that we should try to make it a point to recite Surah Yaseen every morning and evening. In this way, Allah Ta‘ala will fulfil our needs, make our tasks easy for us and forgive our sins. Let us make a determination that we will commence this practice from today and remain punctual on it until we leave this world.

May Allah Ta‘ala enable us all to enliven our hearts with the heart of the Qura'an Majeed. May the Qura'an Majeed intercede for us in our Qabr & on the day of Qiyamah, Aameen.