THE CARPENTER

This is a story about a highly skilled carpenter who had grown old was ready to retire. He told his employer-contractor of his plans to leave the house building business and live a more leisurely life with his family. He would miss the paycheck, but he needed to retire.

The employer was sorry to see his good worker go and asked if he could build just one more house as a personal favor. The carpenter agreed to this proposal but made sure that this will be his last project. Being in a mood to retire, the carpenter was not paying much attention to building this house. His heart was not in his work. He resorted to poor workmanship and used inferior materials. It was an unfortunate way to end his career.

When the job was done, the carpenter called his employer and showed him the house. The employer handed over some papers and the front door key to the carpenter and said "This is your house, my gift to you."

The carpenter was in a shock! What a shame! If he had only known that he was building his own house, he would have made it better than any other house that he ever built!

Our situation can be compared to this carpenter. Allah Ta'la has sent us to this world to build our homes in paradise by obeying His commands. Now, we have to decide how well we wish to build the homes where we will live forever.

BURNING OF THE HOLY QUR’AN IN ZANZIBAR

Almighty Allah says: "They (the disbelievers, the Jews and the Christians) want to extinguish Allah’s Light (with which Muhammad has been sent - Islamic Monotheism) with their mouths, but Allah will not allow except that His Light should be perfected even though the Kafirun (disbelievers) hate (it). [At-Taubah: 32]

I am very sad about the burning of The Holy Qur’an in Zanzibar on the 16th of November at Mombasa Street opposite to SOS village. On the picture also the Man who burnt the Quran in the open space.

His name is Ramadhan Kandar Juma (Christian from KG church of Kariakoo Zanzibar) from Tanzania Mainland from Shinyanga Region Sukuma tribe.

O Muslims: the unbelievers everywhere are sparing no effort or mean in fighting against the Holy Qur’an. the Almighty Allah, his messenger, prophet's companions and all Muslims, they all are accustomed to do that and we expect nothing else of them, but here I’m asking about Muslims' situation in that respect, where are those who claim love for Almighty Allah and His messenger (peace be upon him)? Where are those who claim defending the Holy Qur’an? Where are those who call themselves Maalim in Zanzibar? We know police are not going to do nothing on this case except sending him back to Shinyanga.

O Muslims, I swear by Allah that if we don't express our love and believe to the Holy Qur’an, in our prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), there will not be any good in ourselves, the prophet (peace be upon him) said" None of you is a believer till I am dearer to him than his child, his father and the whole of mankind."

The government of SMZ and us Tanzanian Muslims we should take the necessary steps, action and use all possible means to stop this attack against the Holy Qur’an.

Muslims and the University Culture

In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful

Praise be to God and peace be upon our Master the Messenger of God, Muhammad, his house hold and companions.

When a Muslim goes to the university or college for the first time, he or she comes into contact with a community whose culture and lifestyle are diametrically opposed to the Islamic way of life.

The culture of the most universities can only be described as hedonistic, nihilistic and narcissistic. That is to say, many inhibitions are let loose and individual whims and fancies run wild. The freshman year itself begins with orientation, which while supposedly a process of introduction and transition to the university for the first-year student, is an opportunity for most participants to drown themselves (sometimes literally) in alcohol and pursue sexual opportunities.

This sets the stage for the school year. On any given school day, a student can choose to go to class, sleep in and skip the whole day, drink, party, or study, all depending on how he or she feels at that moment. Individual desires become the first priority and everything else takes a back seat.

The uncontested reign of individualism is also reflected in the values promoted by student councils and governments. All lifestyles, especially those furthest from religion, are promoted. Illicit, unlimited sex is seen as something to be sought and a basis for building a macho reputation (as long you can avoid sexually transmitted diseases - for which purpose condoms and condom machines proliferate around campus). Homosexuality is something to be proud of and promoted as a viable alternative.

Student campaigns and marches are organized against those who dare to speak out and challenge this value structure; these challengers are regarded as reactionary, undemocratic and of course, religious extremists and fundamentalists.

In the university community therefore, the self is god, and everyone loves this god and engages in daily worship, and obeys the laws that this god creates, and everyone adjusts as these laws change on a daily basis.

Into this atmosphere arrives the Muslim, who may or may not be practicing Islam to the best of their ability. The practicing Muslim (and even the not so observant Muslim) knows that Allah is the Creator and that the Qur’an is His Word.

And according to that Word, “He has ‘created death and life, that He may test you which of you is best in deed.” (Al-Mulk 67:2)

Also, He says, “And I created not the jinns and humans except to worship Mes” [Adh-Dhaariyaat 51:56].

So the purpose of the Muslim’s existence is clear.

The conscious Muslim makes every attempt to, while pursuing his or her studies, increase their knowledge of Qur’an and Sunnah, so that they may better understand and apply the faith.

The structure of this Muslim’s day is around Salat, and this person juggles and adjusts their daily schedule and makes every effort to ensure that the five daily salat are performed on time. God the Most Sublime promised Paradise to those who keep their prayers and observe them regularly, and warned those who miss or waste prayers of great woe. He commands believers to keep the prescribed prayers and the middle prayer (Al-Baqara: 238)

Similarly, this individual understands the approach of Ramadan and prepares for it, again making the necessary adjustments in order to make sure that they are on top of their studies that assignments are being handed in, that the best marks are being achieved, all while the requirements of the daily fasts are being met.

For the Muslim, Islam is never an excuse for slacking off, whether in academics or with respect to other responsibilities. As well, the observant Muslim may choose to participate in those clubs, activities and aspects of university life that do not contradict the Qur’an and Sunnah and do not place the Muslim in positions where he or she must compromise the faith. Thus, the conscientious Muslim enters the University atmosphere and struggles constantly to maintain a structured set of priorities.

He or she follows Allah’s order: “So strive as in a race in good deeds.” (Al-Ma’idah 5:48)

On the other hand, there is also the borderline Muslim, who knows his or her identity but whose consciousness of Islam, due to upbringing or experience, is not terribly strong. This individual is on the ‘borderline’ because they are pulled one way by their understanding of Islam and in the opposite direction by the powerful pressures of the university culture. Is it at all surprising that many Muslims who are on the borderline succumb to the pressures of the atmosphere around them and become, at best, part-time Muslims?

O my dear brothers and sisters, the Muslim rightfully maintains that Islam is not simply an abstract ideal conceived just for nominal adoration or a stagnant idol to be frequented by admirers every now and then. Islam is a code of life, a living force manifest in every aspect of human life. The Muslims also maintain that the individual is the center of gravity and is the launching instrument which can put Islam or any other system for that matter, into full action on a full scale.

At the end, the challenge is great. All Muslims in the university community have to struggle in order to maintain their Islam. Those who are practicing, committed and understand the objective of their existence have further duties. They must invite the border liners with hikmah (wisdom) and understanding but with firmness as well. And they must inform the university community at large about Islam in the different ways that are available. Yes, of course the challenge is great. But insha’ Allah, the reward is much greater.

May Allah bless our Prophet Muhammad and all his Family and Companions.

The merits of the First Ten Days of Dhul Hijjah

In the name of Allah, The Most Gracious the Most Merciful.

Dear Muslim brothers and sisters, Allah has presented to us a new year that contains more than fifty Fridays, in each one of them, there is an hour in which He answers invocations. And we have the month of Ramadan in which there is Lailatul-Qadr which is better than one thousand month. Also, there is ‘Ashura and the ten days of Dhul-Hijja in addition to many other days you could fill them with remembering Allah.

Praise be to Allah Who has created Time and has made some times better than others, some months and days and nights better than others, when rewards are multiplied many times, as a mercy towards His slaves. This encourages them to do more righteous deeds and makes them more eager to worship Him, so that the Muslim renews his efforts to gain a greater share of reward, pre-pare himself for death and supply himself in readiness for the Day of Judgment.

This season of worship brings many benefits, such as the opportunity to correct one’s faults and make up for any shortcomings or anything that one might have missed. Every one of these special occasions involves some kind of worship through which the slaves may draw closer to Allah, and some kind of blessing though which Allah bestows His favour and mercy upon whom-soever He will. The happy person is the one who makes the most of these special months, days and hours and draws nearer to his Lord during these times through acts of worship; he will most likely be touched by the blessing of Allah and will feel the joy of knowing that he is safe from the flames of Hell. (Ibn Rajab, al-Lataa’if, p.8).

The Muslim must understand the value of his life, increase his worship of Allah and persist in doing good deeds until the moment of death. Allah says: “And worship your Lord until there comes unto you the certainty.” [al-Hijr 15:99].

Among the special seasons of worship are the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah, which Allah has preferred over all the other days of the year. Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) reported that the Prophet (p.b.u.h) said: “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allaah than these ten days.” The people asked, “Not even jihaad for the sake of Allaah?” He said, “Not even jihaad for the sake of Allaah, except in the case of a man who went out to fight giving himself and his wealth up for the cause, and came back with noth-ing.” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, 2/457).

In this worldly life, when we love a person, we do our best to please him and we do what makes us near to him. In fact, loving Allah Almighty must be the greatest love in every Muslim’s heart. Why not? Actually, Allah Almighty is the one Who bestows upon us all the boons that we have. Therefore, we should seek nearness with Him by doing whatever He likes and abstain from whatever He does not like to gain His love.

The acts which are desirable to be done in these days:

Fasting:

It is Sunnah to fast on the ninth day of Dhu’l-Hijjah, because the Prophet (p.b.u.h) urged us to do good deeds during this time, and fasting is one of the best of deeds. Allah has chosen fasting for Himself, as is stated in the Hadeeth Qudsi:

“Allah says: ‘All the deeds of the son of Adam are for him, except for fasting, which is for Me and I am the One Who will reward him for it.’ ” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, 1805) .

The Prophet (p.b.u.h) used to fast on the ninth of Dhu’l-Hijjah. Hu-naydah ibn Khaalid reported from his wife that some of the wives of the Prophet (p.b.u.h) said:

“The Prophet (p.b.u.h) used to fast on the ninth of Dhu’l-Hijjah, on the day of ‘Aashooraa´, on three days of each month, and on the first two Mondays and Thursdays of each month.” (Reported by al-Nisaa’i, 4/205 and by Abu Dawud; classified by al-Albaani as saheeh in Saheeh Abi Dawud, 2/462)

Moreover, the Prophet (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) used to observe fasting in these days, because fasting for a day for the sake of Allah makes the Muslim farther from the Hellfire to the extent of seventy years> distance. The Prophet (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) said to us: “Every servant of Allah who observes fast for a day for the sake of Allah, Allah would remove, because of this day, his face farther from Hellfire seventy years> distance” [Agreed upon].

Takbeer:

It is Sunnah to say Takbeer (“Allaahu akbar”), Tah-meed (“Al-hamdu Lillaah”), Tahleel (“La ilaha ill-Allaah”) and Tasbeeh (“Subhaan Allaah”) during the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah, and to say it loudly in the mosque, the home, the street and every place where it is permitted to remember Allah and mention His name out loud, as an act of worship and as a proclamation of the greatness of Allaah, may He be exalted. Men should recite these phrases out loud, and women should re-cite them quietly.

‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) reported that the Prophet (p.b.u.h) said: “There are no days greater in the sight of Allah and in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Him than these ten days, so during this time recite a great deal of Tahleel (“La ilaaha ill-Allaah”), Takbeer and Tahmeed.” (Reported by Ahmad, 7/224; Ahmad Shaakir stated that it is saheeh)

The Takbeer may include the words:

“Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, la ilaaha ill-Allaah; wa Al-laahu akbar wa Lillaahi’l-hamd (Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, there is no god but Allah; Allah is Most Great and to Allah be praise)…”

Takbeer at this time is an aspect of the Sunnah that has been for-gotten, especially during the early part of this period, so much so that one hardly ever hears Takbeer, except from a few people. This Takbeer should be pronounced loudly, in order to revive the Sunnah and as a reminder to the negligent. There is sound evi-dence that Ibn ‘Umar and Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with them) used to go out in the marketplace during the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah, reciting Takbeer, and the people would re-cite Takbeer when they heard them. The idea behind reminding the people to recite Takbeer is that each one should recite it individually, not in unison, as there is no basis in Sharee‘ah for doing this.

Reviving aspects of the Sunnah that have been virtually forgotten is a deed that will bring an immense reward, as is indicated by the words of the Prophet (p.b.u.h):

“Whoever revives an aspect of my Sunnah that is forgot-ten after my death, he will have a reward equivalent to that of the people who follow him, without it detracting in the least from their reward.” (Reported by al-Tirmidhi, 7/443; this is a hasan hadeeth because of cor-roborating asaaneed)

Doing much of the good deeds in general:

This is because the good deeds are desirable to Allah Almighty. The good deeds are like observing prayer, reciting the Qur’an, remembering Allah, invoking Allah, giving charity, being dutiful to the parents, uniting the ties of kinship and enjoining the good and forbidding the evil and all other forms of doing good and observing obedience. Actually, all these things make you ideal Muslim and increase your faith and your loving to Allah Almighty; thereupon, Allah will love you more making you stand firm in the path of the truth and give you sense of happiness in the heart every person who does not love Allah misses it. Allah Almighty says: {But whosoever turns away from My Reminder (i.e. neither believes in this Qur’ân nor acts on its teachings.) verily, for him is a life of hardship, and We shall raise him up blind on the Day of Resurrection} [Surat Taha 20:124].

Providing sacrifice:

The good deeds in these ten days includes seeking nearness with Allah Almighty by sacrificing animals and donating third of them to the poor and needy people as a kind of relieving to their pains and granting them happiness. Actually, the Prophet (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) said that charity extinguishes the anger of the Lord. Sacrificing the animals should be done on the Day of Sacrifice (10th of Dhul-Hijja) and on the days of Tashriq (11th, 12th and 13th of Dhul-Hijja). It is the Sunnah of our father, Ibrahim (peace be upon him) when Allah ransomed his son with a great sacrifice. And it has been narrated on the authority of Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) that he said: “The Prophet sacrificed with his own hands two horned rams which were white with black markings reciting the name of Allah and glorifying Him (saying Allahu Akbar). He placed his foot on their sides (while sacrificing)” [Agreed Upon].

The one who intends to sacrifice should not get his hair cut or nails trimmed. Umm Salama (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated that the Prophet (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “He who has a sacrificial animal with him whom (he intends) to offer as sacrifice, and the month of Dhul-Hijja approaches, he should not take from his hair or trim his nails until he has sacrificed the animal” [Reported by Muslim].

Repentance to Allah:

Among the things that must be done in these ten days is repentance to Allah Almighty and abstaining from committing sins. Repentance has three phases: to abstain from committing the sin, to regret and to intend not to return to committing this sin again.

“And He Almighty says: {Say: «O ‘Ibâdî (My slaves) who have transgressed against themselves (by committing evil deeds and sins)! Despair not of the Mercy of Allâh: verily, Allâh forgives all sins. Truly He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful} [Surat Az-Zuma 39: 53]”.

Fasting the day of ‘Arafa:

Abu Qatada Al-Ansary (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (prayers and peace of Allah be upon him) was asked about fasting the day of ‘Arafa (9th of Dhul-Hijja), whereupon he said: “It expiates the sins of the preceding year and the coming year” [Reported by Muslim].

O you whose hard heart is as dark as the night, is it not time that your heart was filled with light and became soft? Expose yourself to the gentle breeze of your Lord’s mercy during these ten days, for Allah will cause this breeze to touch whomever He wills, and whoever is touched by it will be happy on the Day of Judgment.

May Allah bless our Prophet Muhammad and all his Family and Companions.

SIGNS OF QIYAMAT

In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful

Praises are due only to Allah and peace be upon the final Prophet, our Prophet Muhammad, his family and companion till the day of judgment

The true Messenger (P. B.U.H) prophesized the signs of qiyamat 1400 years ago!!!

1.      Camels will no longer be used as a means of transport;

2.      People will ride on saddles (المركبات الفاخرة) that aren't saddles (cars?)

3.      The distance on earth will become short; تم طي المسافات

4.      Horses will not be used in wars;

5.      Muslims will defeat the Byzantines which will end with the conquest of Constantinople (Istanbul)

6.      The Jews will gather again to live in Bilad Canaan; (بلاد كنعان)

7.      Very tall buildings will be built; (أبراج منتشرة في جميع أنحاء العالم)

8.      The disappearance of knowledge (زوال العلم) and the appearance of ignorance, (ظهور الجهل) with much killing;

9.      Adultery (الزنا) will become widespread, and the drinking of wine will become common;

10.  The number of men will decrease and the number of women will increase until there are 50 women to be looked after by one man.

11.  Islam will become worn out (بالية و رثة) like clothes are, until no one will know what fasting, prayer, charity and rituals (شعائر) are;

12.  Allah will send a disease to fornicators (الزانى) that will have no cure (Aids?);

13.  People will begin to believe in the stars and reject AL QADAR (THE DIVINE DECREE OF DESTINYالقضاء و القدر);

14.  Men will pass by people's graves and say: 'Would that I was in his place'; (large amount of suicidal deathsوفيات انتحارية?)

15.  The Euphrates will uncover a mountain of gold for which people will fight over (the river of Alfurat that lies near Syria );

16.  Two large groups of people will fight one another, and there will be many casualties; they will both be following the same religion (World War II?);

17.  Approximately 30 DAJJALSدجّالون will appear, each one claiming to be the messenger of ALLAH;

18.  Earthquakes زلازل will increase;

19.  Time will pass quickly;

20.  Afflictions  أمراض و بلاويwill appear;

21.  Killing will increase;

22.   Wealth will increase;

23.  Women will be wearing clothes but not wearing clothes التعري كما نراه

THE PROPHET (s.a.w.) SAID: 'IF MY UMMAH BEARS 15! TRAITS سمات/صفات (QUALITIES), TRIBULATION محنة  WILL FOLLOW IT.' (DAY OF JUDGEMENT) SOMEONE ASKED,'WHAT IS THEY O MESSENGER OF ALLAH?' HE (s.a.w) SAID:

             I.      When any gain is shared out only among the rich, with no benefit to the poor;

          II.      When a trust (أمانة)becomes a means of making profit ;

       III.      When paying ZAKKAT becomes a burden;

       IV.      When voices (رفع أصوات كما نشاهده الآن)are raised in the mosque;

          V.      When the leader of a people is the worst of them;

       VI.      When people treat a man with respect because what he may do;

    VII.      When much wine is drunk; red wind or the earth swallow them, or to be transformed into animals.'

'IMRAN IBN HUSAYN SAID: 'THE PROPHET (AS) SAID, 'SOME PEOPLE OF THIS UMMAH WILL BE SWALLOWED BY THE EARTH, TRANSFORMED INTO ANIMALS, AND SOME WILL BE BOMBARDED WITH STONES'. ONE OF THE MUSLIMS ASKED, WHEN WILL THAT BE O MESSENGER Of ALLAH?' HE SAID, 'WHEN SINGERS AND MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS WILL BECOME POPULAR, AND MUCH WINE IS DRUNK.''

a)      THE GREATER SIGNS علامات كبرىOF THE HOUR The Quran will disappear in one night, even from the people's hearts, and no Ayyah will be left on earth. (Some groups of old people will be left who will say: 'We heard of fathers' saying 'LAILLAHA ILLA ALLAH' so we repeat it) 

b)      The appearance of the DAJJAL (Anti Christ);

c)      The appearance of Ya'juj and Ma'juj (biblical Gog and Magog);

d)      Isa (Jesus) will come during the time of Dajjal;

e)      The rising of the Sun from the west;

f)       The destruction of the Ka'ba and the recovery of its treasures;

g)       The smoke.

Praise be to Allah and peace and blessings of Allah be upon our Prophet Muhammad and his family.

The value of Fajr & 'Asr prayers

The value of Fajr (dawn) and 'Asr (afternoon) prayers

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Allah the Almighty said: “[Such niches are] in mosques which Allah has ordered to be raised and that His name be mentioned therein; exalting Him within them in the morning and the evenings (36) [Are] men whom neither commerce nor sale distracts from the remembrance of Allah and performance of prayer and giving of zakah. They fear a Day in which the hearts and eyes will [fearfully] turnabout -” [An-Nur 24:36-37]

{فِي بُيُوتٍ أَذِنَ اللَّهُ أَن تُرْفَعَ وَيُذْكَرَ فِيهَا اسْمُهُ يُسَبِّحُ لَهُ فِيهَا بِالْغُدُوِّ وَالْآصَالِ (36) رِجَالٌ لَّا تُلْهِيهِمْ تِجَارَةٌ وَلَا بَيْعٌ عَن ذِكْرِ اللَّهِ وَإِقَامِ الصَّلَاةِ وَإِيتَاء الزَّكَاةِ يَخَافُونَ يَوْماً تَتَقَلَّبُ فِيهِ الْقُلُوبُ وَالْأَبْصَار}

النور: 36-37

Transliteration: Fee buyootin athina Allahu an turfaAAa wayuthkara feeha ismuhu yusabbihu lahu feeha bialghuduwwi waalasali (36) Rijalun la tulheehim tijaratun wala bayAAun AAan thikri Allahi waiqami alssalati waeetai alzzakati yakhafoona yawman tataqallabu feehi alquloobu waalabsaru

In these two verses Allah the Almighty is praising men who are not diverted by their business from glorifying Him; glorifying here is the prayer and the remembrance of Allah.

O Brothers of faith

The Holy Quran has mentioned the Fajr and the 'Asr prayers, and the Messenger of Guidance; Muhammad, peace be upon him, has shown their status in the Sunnah.


The value of 'Asr prayer

There is no doubt that the Asr prayer has a prestigious high status so that Allah has sworn by it in His Book: “By Al-‘Asr (the time)” [Al-'Asr 103:1]

{وَالْعَصْرِ}

العصر: 1

Transliteration: WaalAAasri

Al-Hasan and Qatada said that: What is meant by it is the nightfall after sunset.

Muqatil said: what is meant by it is the 'Asr prayer which is the middle prayer which Allah ordered us to maintain.

Mentioning the 'Asr prayer in particular after generalizing all prayers indicates its distinction, Allah the Almighty said: “Maintain with care the [obligatory] prayers and [in particular] the middle prayer and stand before Allah, devoutly obedient.” [Al-Baqarah 2:238]

{حَافِظُواْ عَلَى الصَّلَوَاتِ والصَّلاَةِ الْوُسْطَى وَقُومُواْ لِلّهِ قَانِتِينَ}

البقرة: 238

Transliteration: Hafithoo AAala alssalawati waalssalati alwusta waqoomoo lillahi qaniteena

And it is being selected that the meaning of the middle prayer is the 'Asr prayer, it is established in the two Sahih (Al-Bukhari and Muslim) through Mohammed bin Sirin through 'Ubeida Al-Salmani through Ali ibn Abi Talib that the Prophet, peace be upon him, said the day (of the Battle) of Ahzab: "they diverted us from the middle prayer: the 'Asr prayer, may Allah fill their hearts and homes with fire". [Authenticated by Ahmad Shaker]

‹‹شغلونا عن الصلاة الوسطى ، صلاة العصر ، ملأ الله قلوبهم وبيوتهم نارا››

متفق عليه

To make false oaths during the time of 'Asr prayer is more punishable than in any other time. The two Sheikhs (Al-Bukhari and Muslim) through Al-A'mash through Abu Salih that Abu Huraira narrated that the Prophet, peace be upon him, said: "There are three persons whom Allah will not look at on the Day of Resurrection, nor will he purify them and theirs shall be a severe punishment" and he mentioned: "A man displayed his goods for sale after the 'Asr prayer and he said, 'By Allah, except Whom None has the right to be worshipped, I have been given so much for my goods,' and somebody believes him (and buys them) and he is a liar."

‹‹‏ثلاثة لا يكلمهم الله يوم القيامة ولا يزكيهم ولهم عذاب أليم...وذكر منهم... ورجل يبايع رجلا بسلعة بعد العصر فحلف بالله لقد أعطي بها كذا وكذا فصدقه فأخذها ولم يعط بها ‏››

متفق عليه

Whoever maintains the 'Asr prayer obtains double the reward as established by Imam Muslim in his Sahih through Khair ibn Na'im Al-Hadhrami through ibn Hubaira through Abu Tamim Al-Jishani through Abu Basra Al-Ghifari who reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, led us in the 'Asr prayer at (the place known as) Mukhammas, and then he said: This prayer was presented to those gone before you, but they lost it, and he who guards it has two rewards in store for him."

‹‹إن هذه الصلاة عرضت على من كان قبلكم فضيّعوها فمن حافظ عليها كان له أجره مرتين››

رواه مسلم

Whoever misses this prayer, it is as if he lost his family and money; as established by the two Sheikhs (Bukhari and Muslim) through Malik through Nafi' through ibn ‘Umar who narrated that the Prophet, peace be upon, him said: "Whoever misses the ‘Asr prayers (intentionally), then it is as if he lost his family and property."

‹‹الذي تفوته صلاة العصر كأنما وتر أهله وماله››

رواه مسلم

Whoever neglects performing it is due to receive severe threat from Allah; as established by Imam Al-Bukhari in his Sahih through Yahya ibn Abu Kathir through Abu Qallaba through Abu Al-Malih through Buraida that the Prophet, peace be upon him, said: "Whoever omits the ‘Asr prayer, all his good deeds will be lost."

‹‹من ترك صلاة العصر فقد حبط عمله››

رواه البخاري

The value of Fajr prayer

The Fajr prayer has a great value among which are:

Allah the Almighty has sworn by its blessed time because of the abundant good and the great value it has, Allah the Almighty said: “By the dawn;” [Al-Fajr 89:1]

{وَالْفَجْرِ}

الفجر: 1

Transliteration: Waalfajri

And Allah would not swear by something unless it has more advantages over other things.

And this includes the great rewards as stated in the two Sahihs through Malik through Summei through Abu Salih that Abu Huraira narrated that the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said: "And if they were to know what excellence lies in the night prayer and morning prayer, they would have definitely come even if crawling (on their knees)."

‹‹ لو يعلمون ما في العتمة والصبح لأتوهما ولو حبوا››

متفق عليه

Yes, there is a great reward in Fajr prayer. Imam Muslim established in his Sahih through Abdul Wahid ibn Ziyad that: narrated Uthman ibn Hakim, narrated Abdul-Rahman ibn Abu 'Umra that 'Uthman ibn 'Affan said that The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said: "whoever prays 'Isha prayer in congregation, it is as if he spends half of the night standing (in prayer and worship), and whoever prays Fajr prayer in congregation, it is as if he spends the whole night standing (in prayer and worship)".

‹‹من صلى العشاء في جماعة فكأنما قام نصف الليل. ومن صلى الصبح في جماعة فكأنما صلى الليل كله››

رواه مسلم

It also guards off hypocrisy, as the two Sheikhs established through Al-A'mash through Abu Salih that Abu Huraira narrated that the Prophet, peace be upon him, said: "No prayer is more burdensome for the hypocrites than the Fajr and the 'Isha' prayers"

‹‹إن أثقل صلاة على المنافقين صلاة العشاء وصلاة الفجر››

متفق عليه

Prayer is also a safety net against the penalty of leaving it; Imam al-Bukhari established in his Sahih through Ismail ibn 'Alyyia: narrated Awf: Narrated Abu Raja that Samra ibn Jundab narrated that the Prophet, peace be upon him, told us about a vision he had, he said: "As for the man whose head was being injured with the rock, he is the symbol of the one who studies the Quran and then neither recites it nor acts on its orders, and sleeps, neglecting the enjoined prayers."

‹‹أما الذي يثلغ رأسه بالحجر فانه يأخذ القرآن فيرفضه وينام عن الصلاة المكتوبة››

رواه البخاري

It is an appropriate penalty for enjoying forbidden sleep neglecting to perform the obligatory prayer; he is being punished by injuring his head, God forbid.

It is also that whoever performs Fajr prayer in congregation in the mosque is put under the protection of Allah and His angels, as established by Imam Muslim in his Sahih through Bishr ibn Mufdhil through Khaled through Anas ibn Sirin that Jundab bin Abdullah Al-Qasri narrated that the Prophet, peace be upon him, said: "He who prayed the morning prayer, he is in fact under the protection of Allah."

‹‹من صلى الصبح فهو في ذمة الله››

رواه مسلم

And he who is under the protection of Allah behooves to wake up active and feeling well. The two Sheikhs via Abu Az-Zinad via Al-A'raj that Abu Huraira narrated that the Prophet, peace be upon him, said: "During your sleep, Satan knots three knots at the back of the head of each of you, and he breathes the following words at each knot, 'The night is long, so keep on sleeping,' If that person wakes up and mentions Allah, then one knot is undone, and when he performs ablution the second knot is undone, and when he prays, all the knots are undone, and he gets up in the morning lively and in a good mood, otherwise one gets up lazy and with a mischievous heart."

‹‹يعقد الشيطان على قافية رأس أحدكم إذا هو نام ثلاث عقد ، يضرب كل عقدة مكانها: عليك ليل طويل فارقد ، فإن استيقظ فذكر الله انحلت عقدة ، فإن توضأ انحلت عقدة ، فإن صلى انحلت عقده كلها ، فأصبح نشيطا طيب النفس ، وإلا أصبح خبيث النفس كسلان››

متفق عليه

If someone asks: why would he be lazy and with a mischievous heart?

The answer is a three part thing:

The first thing: the three knots at the back of his head as previously mentioned in the Hadith of Abu Huraira.

The second thing: the devil may have urinated in his ears, or one ear. As stated in the two Sahihs through Jarir through Mansour through Abu Wa'el that ibn Mas'ud said that: A person was mentioned before the Prophet, peace be upon him, and he was told that he had kept on sleeping till morning and had not got up for the prayer. The Prophet said: "He is a man in whose ears (or ear) Satan had urinated."

‹‹ذاك رجل بال الشيطان في أذنيه أو قال أذنه››

متفق عليه

The third thing: the devil stays on his nose until the morning, as established by the two Sheikhs through Abdul Aziz ibn Abu Hazim through Yazid ibn al-Hadi through Muhammad ibn Ibrahim through Isa ibn Talha that Abu Huraira narrated that the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said: "If anyone of you rouses from sleep he should wash his nose by putting water in it and then blowing it out thrice, because Satan has stayed in the upper part of his nose all the night."

‹‹إذا استيقظ أحدكم من منامه فليستنثر ثلاث مرات فإن الشيطان يبيت على خياشيمه››

متفق عليه

Here are the values mentioned about the prayers of Fajr and 'Asr altogether

The first: they are causes for the testimony of the angels before Allah the Almighty, as established by the two Sheikhs through Malik through Abu Az-Zinad through Al-A'raj that Abu Huraira narrated that the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said: "there come around you consecutively angels in the night and angels in the day, and they meet in the Fajr and Asr prayers; those who spent the night among you ascend to heaven, Allah asks them and He knows best: in what state did you leave My slaves? So they say: we left and they were praying and we came back to them and they were praying".

‹‹يتعاقبون فيكم ملائكة بالليل وملائكة بالنهار ويجتمعون في صلاة الفجر وصلاة العصر ثم يعرج الذين باتوا فيكم فيسألهم ربهم وهو أعلم بهم كيف تركتم عبادي فيقولون تركناهم وهم يصلون وأتيناهم وهم يصلون››

متفق عليه

The second: As established by Imam Muslim in his Sahih through Yahya ibn Abi Kathir through Shiban through Abdul-Malik ibn 'Umair through Abu Bakr ibn 'Imara ibn Ru'aiba through his father who is Abu Zuhair who narrated that the Prophet, peace be upon him, said: "he will never enter hellfire whoever prays before the sunrise and before its sunset".

‹‹لا يلج النار من صلى قبل طلوع الشمس وقبل غروبها››

رواه مسلم

The third: they are causes for entering Paradise as described in the two Sahihs through Hammam ibn Yahya through Abu Jamra Ad-Dhaba'i through Abu Bakr ibn Abu Musa from his father Abdullah ibn Qays al-Ash'ari who narrated that the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said: ''Whoever prays the two cool prayers ('Asr and Fajr) will go to paradise.''

‹‹من صلى البردين دخل الجنة››

متفق عليه

The fourth: they are the cause of the great status which is the highest bliss in Paradise: a look at the holy face of Allah, we ask Allah of His bounty. The two Sheikhs through Marwan Ibn Mu'awiyah Al-Fazzari on the authority of Ismail Ibn Abu Khalid through Qais ibn Abu Hazim who said: I heard Jarir ibn Abdullah say: We were with the Prophet, peace be upon him, on a full moon night. He looked at the moon and said: "You will certainly see your Lord as you see this moon, and there will be no trouble in seeing Him. So if you can avoid missing (through sleep, business, etc.) a prayer before the rising of the sun (Fajr) and before its setting ('Asr) you must do so." He (the Prophet) then recited the following verse: “So be patient, [O Muhammad], over what they say and exalt [Allah] with praise of your Lord before the rising of the sun and before its setting,” [Qaf 50:39]”

‹‹إنكم سترون ربكم كما ترون هذا القمر لا تضامون في رؤيته فان استطعتم أن لا تغلبوا على صلاة قبل طلوع الشمس وقبل غروبها فافعلوا ثم قرأ: وَسَبِّحْ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّكَ قَبْلَ طُلُوعِ الشَّمْسِ وَقَبْلَ الْغُرُوبِ

ق: 39››

Praise be to Allah and peace and blessings of Allah be upon our Prophet Muhammad and his family.