Khushoo in Salaat

This article is taken from "33 Ways of developing Khushoo in Salaah" English Translation. Book by Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid

Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): Successful indeed are the believers, those who offer their salaah (prayers) with all solemnity and full submissiveness. [al-Muminoon 23:1-2]
i.e., fearing Allaah and in a calm manner. Khushoo means calmness, serenity, tranquillity, dignity and humility. What makes a person have this khushoo is fear of Allaah and the sense that He is always watching. (Tafseer Ibn Katheer, Daar al-Shab edn., 6/414). Khushoo means that the heart stands before the Lord in humility and submission. (al-Madaarij, 1/520).

Salaah is the greatest of the practical pillars of Islam, and khushoo in prayer is required by shareeah. When Iblees, the enemy of Allaah, vowed to mislead and tempt the sons of Adam and said Then I will come to them from before them and behind them, from their right and from their left [al-Araaf 7:17, interpretation of the meaning],

one of his most significant plots became to divert people from salaah by all possible means and to whisper to them during their prayer so as to deprive them of the joy of this worship and cause them to lose the reward for it. As khushoo will be the first thing to disappear from the earth, and we are living in the last times, the words of Hudhayfah (may Allaah be pleased with him) are particularly pertinent to us:

"The first thing of your religion that you will lose is khushoo, and the last thing that you will lose of your religion is salaah. There may be a person praying who has no goodness in him, and soon you will enter the mosque and not find anyone who has khushoo" (al-Madaarij, 1/521).

"Khushoo" in prayer happens when a person empties his heart for it (prayer), and focuses on it to the exclusion of all else, and prefers it to everything else. Only then does he find comfort and joy in it, as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: " and my joy has been made in salaah." (Tafseer Ibn Katheer, 5/456. The hadeeth is in Musnad Ahmad, 3/128 and Saheeh al-Jaami, 3124).



Allaah has mentioned al-khaashieena wal-khaashiaat (men and women who are humble (before their Lord)), and described this quality as one of the qualities of those who are chosen. He tells us that He has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward (i.e., Paradise). [See al-Ahzaab 33:35].

One of the benefits of khushoo is that it makes prayer easier for a person. Allaah tells us (interpretation of the meaning): "And seek help in patience and al-salaah (the prayer), and truly it is extremely heavy and hard except for al-khaashioon " [al-Baqarah 2:45].

The meaning is that the burden of prayer is heavy indeed, except for those who have khushoo. (Tafseer Ibn Katheer, 1/125). Khushoo is very important, but it is something that is easily lost and is rarely seen, especially in our own times, which are the last times.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "The first thing to be lifted up (taken away) from this ummah will be khushoo, until you will see no one who has khushoo" (Al-Haythami said in al-Majma, 2/136: It was reported by al-Tabaraani in al-Kabeer, and its isnaad is hasan.

The means of developing Khushoo'

Striving to gain that which gives and strengthens khushoo

This can be achieved in several ways, such as the following:

Preparing oneself for prayer properly

For example:

1) By repeating the words of the adhaan after the muezzin;

2) By pronouncing the duaa to be recited after the adhaan: Allaahummah Rabba haadhihil-dawatil-taammah wa-salaatil-qaaimah, aati Muhammadan il-waseelata wal-fadeelah, wabath-hul-maqaam al-mahmood alladhi waadtah (O Allaah, Lord of this perfect call and the prayer to be offered, grant Muhammad the privilege (of interceding) and also the eminence, and resurrect him to the praised position that You have promised);

3) Reciting duaa between the adhaan and the iqaamah;

4) Doing wudoo properly, saying Bismillaah before it and making dhikr and saying the du'aa after it, Ash-hadu an laa ilaaha ill-Allaah wahdahu laa shareeka lah wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa rasooluhu (I bear witness that there is no god except Allaah alone, with no partner or associate, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and messenger) and Allaahummaj'alni min al-tawwaabeena waj'alni min al-mutatahhireen (O Allaah, make me of those who repent and make me of those who purify themselves);

5) Using siwaak to cleanse and perfume the mouth that is going to recite Qur'aan in a short while, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "Purify your mouths for the Qur'aan." (Reported by al-Bazzaar);

6) Wearing one's best and cleanest clothes, because Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): "O Children of Adam! Take your adornment (by wearing your clean clothes) while praying" [al-Araaf 7:31]. Allaah is most deserving of seeing us take our adornment for Him. Clean, pleasant smelling clothes are also more comfortable and relaxing, unlike clothes for sleeping or working in.
We should also prepare ourselves by covering our awrah properly, purifying the spot where we are going to pray, getting ready early and waiting for the prayer, and making the rows straight and solid, without any gaps, because the shayaateen come in through the gaps in the rows.

Moving at a measured pace during prayer

1) The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to move at a measured pace during salaah, allowing every bone to return to its place. (Its isnaad is classed as saheeh in Sifat al-Salaat).

2) He commanded those who were not doing their prayer properly to do this too. He said, "None of you has prayed properly until he does this." (Reported by Abu Dawood, 1/536, no. 858).

3) Abu Qutaadah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: "The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "The worst type of thief is the one who steals from his prayer." He said, "O Messenger of Allaah, how can a person steal from his prayer?" He said, "By not doing rukoo and sujood properly." (Reported by Ahmad and al-Haakim, 1/229; Saheeh al-Jaami, 997).

Pondering over the Ayaat

1) The Qur'aan was revealed to be pondered over. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): "(This is) a Book (the Qur'aan) which We have sent down to you, full of blessings that they may ponder over its Verses, and that men of understanding may remember." [Saad 38:29].

For non Arabic speakers, we need to understand what we are saying in Salaat. inshaAllah this will multiply our khushoo manifold. Understand the meaning of Surah Fatiha and the Surahs we recite regularly in our salaat and focus on them, reciting slowly, pondering over the Ayat.

2) The following is a moving story that illustrates how the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) had khushoo, as well as explaining how it is obligatory to think of the meaning of the aayat. Ataa said: "Ubayd ibn Umayr and I entered upon Aaishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) and Ibn Umayr said to her, "Tell us of the most amazing thing you saw on the part of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)." She wept and said, "He got up one night and said, O Aaishah, leave me to worship my Lord. I said, By Allaah, I love to be close to you, and I love what makes you happy. So he got up and purified himself, then he stood and prayed. He kept weeping until his lap got wet, then he wept and kept weeping until the floor got wet. Bilaal came to tell him that it was time to pray, and when he saw him weeping, he said, O Messenger of Allaah, you are weeping
when Allaah has forgiven you all your past and future sins? He said, Should I not be a grateful slave? Tonight some aayaat have been revealed to me; woe to the one who recites them and does not think about what is in them (interpretation of the meaning): "Verily! In the creation of the heavens and the earth" [Aal Imraan 3:190 or al-Baqarah 2:164]. (Reported by Ibn Hibaan).


Remembering death whilst praying

1) The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "Remember death in your prayer, for the man who remembers death during his prayer is bound to pray properly, and pray the prayer of a man who does not think that he will pray any other prayer." (al-Silsilat al-Saheehah by al-Albaani, 1421.

Knowing that Allaah responds to prayers

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: Allaah, the Blessed and Exalted has said: "I have divided the prayer between Myself and My slave, into two halves, and My slave shall have what he has asked for. When the slave says "Praise be to Allaah, Lord of the Worlds," Allaah says, "My slave has praised Me." When the slave says, "The Most Merciful, the Bestower of Mercy," Allaah says, "My slave has extolled me." When the slave says, "Master of the Day of Judgement," Allaah says, "My slave has glorified me." When the slave says, "It is You alone we worship and it is You alone we ask for help," Allaah says, "This is between Me and My slave, and My slave shall have what he asked for. When the slave says, "Guide us to the Straight Path, the path of those whom You have favoured, not the path of those who receive Your anger, nor of those who go astray," Allaah says, "All these are for My slave, and My slave shall have what he asked for." (Saheeh Muslim).

Attachment to the Quran

Alhamdulillah. Peace and blessings be on our dear Prophet Muhammad.

Allah Subhanahu waTaala has made the Quran a guidance for the mankind. The solutions to all the problems mankind faces today is in the Book of Allah. But we tend to neglect it. We do not read it, if we read we do not understand it. We read it just for the blessings. For us to be close to Allah, we have to have a deep attachment to the Quran. I find myself lacking a lot in this aspect.

One thing I have found useful to have this attachment to the Quran is to have it accessible to us. Get a pocket size Quran and read it whenever we find some spare time. I had a mail forward recently which talks about a young man, having a Quran with him. While others were waiting for the Doctor in the office, he was reading the Quran. How many rewards he might have got while others were just sitting bored waiting for their turn.

Also we should have a schedule which we can follow, where we should spend daily some time reading Quran. After Fajr is the best time to do so, as it is witnessed by the angels.

Set some goals for this purpose. Set a goal that inshaAllah I will read one Juz or half Juz daily and finish it.

If we have some attachment to the Quran, inshaAllah we will see that we are getting closer and closer to Allah.

may Allah give us the understanding of the Deen. Ameen.

And the last prayer is "Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds".

10 Easy Sunnahs

Some Important and Easy Sunnahs to practice in our life

1) Entering the house

Enter with the right foot and say "Assalamu alaikum" to the inmates of the house. The prophet (SAS) used to be a cheerful mood when he was in the house and help in the household chores. So inshaAllah we try to put our stress of jobs outside and be cheerful inside the house.

2) Leaving the house

Recite the dua "Bismillahi tawakkaltu alalllah. laahaula wala quwwata illa billa"

3) Before Eating or drinking anything

say "Bismillah". eat or drink with the right hand. do not use the left hand for this purpose.

4) On Fridays

Take ghusl, apply perfume, use the miswak

5) Before sleeping

Perform wudu, recite Ayat-ul kursi, Recite last 3 Qul and blow over our body

6) Entering masjid

Read the dua, enter with the right foot. say 2 rakaat tahiyyatul masjid if it is a masjid. recite Durood

7) Leaving the masjid

Leave with the left foot.

8) After Wudu

Recite Shahadah, eight doors of jannah are opened for such a person.

9) Maintain personal hygiene

clip finger nails, remove hair of the armpits, remove pubic hair, trim the moustaches.

10) Restroom

Enter with the left foot and leave with the right foot, do not talk inside the restroom.

IMPORTANCE OF BEARD IN ISLAM

Concerning Adherence to the Sunnah in the Holy Qur'an:

"O ye who believe! Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger, and those charged with authority among you." (Quran 4:59)

"O ye who believe! Obey Allah and His Messenger, and turn not away from him when ye hear (him speak)." (Quran 8:20)

"O ye who believe! give your response to Allah and His Messenger, when He calleth you to that which will give you life; and know that Allah cometh in between a man and his heart, and that it is He to Whom ye shall (all) be gathered."(Quran 8:24)

"Ye have indeed in the Messenger of Allah an excellent exempler for him who hopes in Allah and the Final Day, and who remembers Allah." (Quran 33:21)

Ahadith of Rasoolullah (SAS)
Aa'isha RA. relates that Rasulullah said: 'Ten things are of nature, in which cutting the moustache and growing a fall beard are mentioned'. Abu Dawood.

Quoting from Ibn Hibbaan the following Hadith is reported by Abu Hurairah As ; 'Rasulullah has said: 'Amongst the fitrat (Deen) of Islam is the cutting of the moustache and the lengthening of the beard for surely the Majoos (fire worshippers) lengthen their moustaches and cut their beards so oppose them by cutting your moustaches and lengthening your beards'.

Ibn 'Umar relates from the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) that he said: "Do otherwise than those who ascribe partners to Allah (al-mushrikin): leave beards be, and trim mustaches." And ibn 'Umar, when he went on hajj or 'umra, grasped his beard with his hand, and removed what was in excess of it (Sahih al-Bukhari)

Growing the beard is a wajib (mandatory) for all males who are capable of doing so. This has ample evidence in the Sunnah (as will be shown below) and is the unanimous opinion of the ulamaa of Islam.

Messenger (S) said: He who starts a good sunnah (way) will be rewarded for it, in addition to receiving rewards equal to the rewards of those who follow him into it. Whereas he who starts a bad sunnah will be burdened with it, in addition to receiving burdens equal to the burdens of those who follow him into it. [Muslim]

The ruler of Yemen, appointed by the Persian emperor Kisraa, sent two envoys to the Messenger (S) to summon him. When they came into his presence, he noticed that they had shaved their beards and grew their moustaches. He hated to look at them (because of their odd appearance) and he said: Woe be to you, who told you to do so? They replied: "Our lord! (referring to Kisraa.)" The Messenger (S) then said:
But my Lord, may He be exalted and glorified, has commanded me to leave alone my beard and to trim my moustache. [Recorded by Ibn Jar r a-abar , and judged to be Hasan (good) by al-Albani.]

Shaving the beard is a deviation from the way of believers. All the prophets (S), the sahabah (Prophet's companions), the great `ulamaa, and the righteous early Muslims of this Ummah (Nation) grew their beards. There is no report of a single one of them ever shaving his beard. Thus, this is their way, and Allah (T) says (in the meaning):

Cut your moustaches and leave your beards alone. Be different from the people of the scripture. [Muslim]

And His Messenger (S) said: Whoever imitates a people is but one of them. [Recorded by Abu Dawud, and judged to be authentic by al-Albani]

POINTS TO PONDER UPON:

My Dear Brothers, Alhamdulillah Allah SWT has given us the pure deen of Islam, unadulterated, the Quran which has not been tampered upon and the sunnah of Rasoolullah (SAS) in front of us. The sahaba made such an effort that the ummah today can understand the life of Rasoolullah (SAS) very clearly by reading the books of seerah, ahadith etc. We can derive guidance for every aspect of our life from the life of Rasoolullah (SAS).

If we follow the sunnah, we will be successful and if we leave the sunnah, it will lead us to failure. It’s a very sad situation in the ummah today that the ummah is suffering so much because we have left the deen. One great scholar remarked, that the people of the book are successful today because they have left their books (bible, torah) and the muslims are failing today because we have left our book too (the Quran). Allah SWT has promised this ummah victory and inshaAllah the victory is near. But it will happen only if we go back to the Quran and the sunnah of Rasoolullah (SAS).

One very important sunnah that has been left out today is the growing of the beard by the muslim men. Due to the prevalence of the media and satellite television, we are continuously bombarded by the faces of men who are clean shaved. That is shown as a manly thing. The heroes of movies are clean shaven and the bad guys have a beard, all these things subconsciously affect our minds and we relate the beard to a quality of a bad person. Also there has been an effort by the media to terrorise the muslims by showing pictures repeatedly of people with beards and linking them to terrorists etc. This has made us distant from this very important sunnah. Imagine what will happen if Jesus pbuh comes today, will the media say he is a terrorist?

Another important point is that the past 150-200 years have been very painful for the ummah, going through one humiliation to the other. Whereas Allah has opened the technology and modern science to the non believers. Now there are two aspects, one is the scientific advancements and the other is the culture. The culture of the west is morally bankrupt. Extra marital affairs, broken marriages etc is the norm. when a civilization dominates the other, the one that has been subjugated tries to imitate the dominant one. But what mistake we made is that we thought that the west has progressed because of its culture which is wrong. They progressed because of their hard work. But we took up their culture and in trying to imitate their ways, gone further lower. To progress in our life, we need to work hard and it has got nothing to do with the culture. So we should get this point clear in our minds. Adopt the good qualities from them like their hard work, sincerity etc and leave out the filth.

Also there is a misconception that people will not get jobs if we have beards etc, we will be discriminated at our workplaces etc. this is not true. Civil rights mandate that if a person has beard for religious reasons and he is discriminated, then he has every right to sue the employer for discriminatory reasons.

Also muslims are afraid today to be identified as muslims, citing that there is a lot of inconvenience while traveling with extra security checks etc at the airport. Believe me, Alhamdulillah I have traveled a lot and never did I face discrimination at the airport. Lot of my friends who have beards, never had any problem at the airports. In fact the security people understand and respect the muslims with beards. On the other hand, something irony, is that muslims who do not have beard had to undergo lots of hardships at the airports. Isn’t that something to ponder upon?

I would like to encourage all the brothers here to read the history of Islam, educate ourselves. When we followed Rasoolullah, we were the leaders of the world. Europe was in dark ages but muslims were reveling in the scientific inventions and the Islamic civilization was the dominant force throughout the world. People from all over the world used to travel to Baghdad and Spain to get education just like we came here today to America. I would encourage the brothers to watch the documentary, Islam – Empire of Faith. It has highlighted very clearly the advances made by the muslims and this documentary was created by non muslims. The muslim scientists and scholars, everyone had beards and wore turbans.

If we have beards and we behave in a decent manner, that will break many stereotypes splashed by the media. People will look at us and understand that men with beards are not terrorists as shown by the media. That will at least break the false propaganda. Also remember that in the grave we will be shown the noble face of Rasoolullah (SAS). If we follow his teachings, then we will be able to identify him. Also on the day of judgement, we have to face Rasoolullah (SAS) and ask for his intercession. Imagine that day we go in front of him, leaving behind his precious sunnah.

So I will encourage each one of us here to grow our beards, only for the sake of Allah SWT and following the sunnah of Rasoolullah (SAS). If with my talk today, even one brother grows a beard, I will think Allah SWT has accepted my concern.

Last Ten Days of Ramadaan and Laylat Al-Qadr

By Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid

Praise be to Allaah, the Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) of the Worlds, and peace and blessings be upon the Trustworthy Prophet Muhammad and upon all his family and companions.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to strive hard (in worship) during the last ten days of Ramadaan in a way that he did not strive at any other times. (Muslim, 1175, from ‘Aa’ishah). Among the things he did were secluding himself in I’tikaaf and seeking Laylat al-Qadr during this time. (Al-Bukhaari, 1913; Muslim, 1169). In al-Saheehayn it is reported from the hadeeth of ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) that when the last ten days of Ramadaan came, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) would stay up at night, wake his family and gird his loins. (al-Bukhaari, 1920; Muslim, 1174). Muslim added: he strove hard and girded his loins.

Her phrase “girded his loins” is a metaphor for his preparing himself to worship and strive hard in worship, more than usual. It has the meaning of “rolling up one's sleeves” to worship (i.e. getting ready to make a great deal of effort).

It was also said that it was a metaphor for keeping away from women and abstaining from sexual relations.

The phrase “stay up at night” means that he would stay awake, spending the night in prayer, etc. It was reported in another hadeeth that ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) said: “I never saw the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) recite the entire Qur’aan in one night, or spend a whole night in prayer until the morning, or fast an entire month, except in Ramadaan.” (Sunan al-Nasaa’i, 1641). The words “stay up at night” may mean that he spent most of the night in worship, or that he did not stay up for the entire night, but he did that at the times of ‘Ishaa and Suhoor, and other times, in which case it would mean that he stayed up for most of the night.

The phrase “and wake his family” means that he would wake his wives to pray qiyaam. It is known that he (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to wake his wives all year round, but he used to wake them to spend part of the night in qiyaam. In Saheeh al-Bukhaari it is reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) woke up one night and said, “Subhaan Allaah! What tribulations have come down tonight! What treasure has come down tonight! Who will wake up the dwellers of the apartments? There may be women who are clothed in this world and naked in the Hereafter.” (al-Bukhaari, 1074). It was also reported (in Saheeh al-Bukhaari) that he (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to wake ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) when he wanted to pray Witr. (al-Bukhaari, 952). But when he woke his wives during the last ten nights of Ramadaan, this was more persistent than at other times of the year.

The fact that he (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did this indicates the importance he attached to worshipping his Rabb and making the most of this special time.

The Muslim should follow the example of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), for he is the best example, and he should strive hard in worshipping Allaah. He should not waste the hours of these days and nights. For we do not know, perhaps this time will never come again, for the spoiler of pleasures, i.e., death, which must come to all men, may come and snatch him and his life will end; then he will feel regret at the time when regret will be of no avail.

Among the unique virtues of these special nights is that Laylat al-Qadr is among them. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Haa-Meem. [These letters are one of the miracles of the Qur’aan and none but Allaah (Alone) knows their meanings.] By the manifest Book (this Qur’aan) that makes things clear. We sent it (this Qur’aan) down on a blessed night [(i.e. the Night of Al-Qadr) in the month of Ramadaan]. Verily, We are ever warning [mankind that Our Torment will reach those who disbelieve in Our Oneness of Lordship and in Our Oneness of worship]. Therein (that night) is decreed every matter of ordainments. As a Command (or this Qur’aan or the Decree of every matter) from Us. Verily, We are ever sending (the Messengers), (As) a mercy from your Rabb. Verily, He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower.” [al-Dukhaan 44:1-6]

Allaah sent down the Qur’aan on this night which the Rabb of the Worlds has described as blessed. It was reported from a group of the Salaf – including Ibn ‘Abbaas, Qutaadah, Sa’eed ibn Jubayr, ‘Ikrimah, Mujaahid and others – that the night on which the Qur’aan was sent down was Laylat al-Qadr.

The phrase Therein (that night) is decreed every matter of ordainments means, on that night the destiny of all creatures for the coming year is decreed. On that night it is written who will live, who will die, who will be saved, who will be doomed, who will be destined for Paradise, who will be destined for Hell, who will be granted honour, who will be humiliated, where drought and famine will occur, and everything else that Allaah wills in that year.
What is meant by the idea that the destiny of all creatures is written on Laylat al-Qadr is – and Allaah knows best – that on Laylat al-Qadr they are transferred from al-Lawh al-Mahfooz. Ibn ‘Abbaas said: “You may see a man furnishing his home or plowing his field, and he is one of those who are going to die,” i.e., it has been decreed on Laylat al-Qadr that he is one of those who are going to die (in the coming year). And it was said that on this night, the destiny of people is shown to the angels.
And it was said that Qadr means Qadar, i.e., that on this night the decrees for the coming year are ordained, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Therein (that night) is decreed every matter of ordainments” [al-Dukhaan 44:4]
1. and because Allaah’s decrees are decided and written down on this night.
So Allaah has called it Laylat al-Qadr, because of its great value and high status with Allaah, and because so many sins are forgiven and so many faults are concealed during this night. For it is the night of forgiveness, as it was reported in al-Saheehayn from Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever stays up during Laylat al-Qadr out of faith and in the hope of earning reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven.” (al-Bukhaari, 1910; Muslim, 760).

Allaah has revealed a soorah concerning this night which will be recited until the Day of Resurrection, in which He mentions the honour and great value of this night. This is the soorah in which He says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Verily, We have sent it (this Qur’aan) down in the Night of Al-Qadr (Decree). And what will make you know what the Night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is? The Night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is better than a thousand months (i.e. worshipping Allaah in that night is better than worshipping Him a thousand months, i.e. 83 years and 4 months). Therein descend the angels and the Rooh [Jibreel] by Allaah’s Permission with all Decrees, (All that night), there is peace (and goodness from Allaah to His believing slaves) until the appearance of dawn.” [al-Qadr 97:1-5]

Allaah has given this night special characteristics which make it unique:
1. It is the night on which the Qur’aan was sent down, as we have stated above. Ibn ‘Abbaas and others said: “Allaah sent down the Qur’aan at one time from al-Lawh al-Mahfooz to Bayt al-‘Izzah in the first heaven, then it was revealed to the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) in stages according to events over twenty-three years.” (Tafseer Ibn Katheer, 4/529)
2. Allaah described it as being better than a thousand months, as He said (interpretation of the meaning): “The night of al-Qadr is better than a thousand months” [al-Qadr 97:3].
3. Allaah described it as being blessed, as He said (interpretation of the meaning): “We sent it (this Qur’aan) down on a blessed night” [al-Dukhaan 44:3].
4. On this night, the angels and the Spirit [al-Rooh] descend, “i.e., many angels descend of this night because it is so blessed, and the angels come down when Allaah’s blessing and mercy come down, just as they come down when Qur’aan is recited, and they surround the circles of dhikr (gatherings where Allaah is remembered), and they beat their wings for the one who sincerely seeks knowledge, out of respect for him.” (See Tafseer Ibn Katheer, 4/531). The Spirit [al-Rooh] is Jibreel (peace be upon him), who is specifically mentioned in this manner as a sign of respect for him.
5. This night is described as peace, i.e., it is safe, for the Shaytaan cannot do any evil or cause any harm on this night, as Mujaahid said. (See Tafseer Ibn Katheer, 4/531). On this night, many people are saved from punishment because of what they do to worship Allaah, may He be glorified.
6. “Therein (that night) is decreed every matter of ordainments” [al-Dukhaan 44:4 – interpretation of the meaning], i.e., the affairs of that year are dispatched from al-Lawh al-Mahfooz to the angels who record the decrees: who will live, who will die, what provision people will be given, what will happen until the end of that year, every matter of ordainments is decreed, and it cannot be altered or changed. (See Tafseer Ibn Katheer, 4/137, 138). All of this is already known to Allaah before it is even written down, but He makes known to the angels what is to happen, and commands them to do whatever they are enjoined to do. (Sharh Saheeh Muslim li’l-Nawawi, 8/57).
7. Allaah forgives the previous sins of the one who stays up and prays during this night out of faith and in hope of earning the reward from Him. It was reported in the hadeeth of Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever fasts the month of Ramadaan out of faith and in the hope of earning reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven, and whoever stays up during Laylat al-Qadr out of faith and in the hope of earning reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Agreed upon). The phrase “out of faith and in the hope of earning reward” means, believing in Allaah’s promise of reward for this, and seeking the reward, with no other aim or purpose, such as showing off etc.” (Fath al-Baari, 4/251).

It is mustahabb to seek it during Ramadaan, especially in the last ten nights of the month. It was reported in Saheeh Muslim that Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did I’tikaaf during the first ten days of Ramadaan, then he did I’tikaaf during the middle ten days in a Turkish tent [the word qubbah, translated here as “tent”, refers to a tent or any circular structure] in which a mat was placed. He said: so he took the mat in his hand and put it at the side of the tent, then he raised his head to speak to the people, so they came closer to him. He said: “I did I’tikaaf during the first ten days, seeking this night, then I did I’tikaaf during the middle ten days. Then someone came to me and told me that it is in the last ten days, so whoever among you wants to do I’tikaaf, let him do so.” So the people did I’tikaaf with him. He said: “I was shown an odd-numbered night, in the morning of which I was prostrating in mud and water”. Then in the morning of the twenty-first, he got up to pray Subh and it was raining; the roof of the mosque leaked, and there was mud and water. He came out when he had finished praying, and there was mud and water on his forehead and nose. That was the morning of the twenty-first, one of the last ten days. (Saheeh Muslim, 1167).

In a report, Abu Sa’eed said: “It rained on the night of the twenty-first, and the roof of the mosque leaked over the place where the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was praying. I looked at him, when he had finished praying Salaat al-Subh, and his face was wet with mud and water.” (Agreed upon). Muslim narrated a hadeeth from ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Unays (may Allaah be pleased with him) that was similar to the hadeeth of Abu Sa’eed, except that he said, “it rained on the night of the twenty-third.” According to a hadeeth narrated by Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with them both), the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Seek it in the last ten days of Ramadaan, when there are nine days left, and seven days left, and five days left.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 4/260).

Laylat al-Qadr is in the last ten days of Ramadaan, as stated in the hadeeth of Abu Sa’eed quoted above, and as stated in the hadeeth of ‘Aa’ishah, and in the hadeeth of Ibn ‘Umar who said that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Seek Laylat al-Qadr in the last ten days of Ramadaan.” (The hadeeth of ‘Aa’ishah was narrated by al-Bukhaari, 4/259; the hadeeth of Ibn ‘Umar was narrated by Muslim, 2/823. This wording is that of the hadeeth of ‘Aa’ishah).
It is more likely to be one of the odd-numbered nights, because of the hadeeth of ‘Aa’ishah who said that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Seek Laylat al-Qadr in the odd-numbered nights of the last ten nights.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 4/259)

We should seek it especially in the odd-numbered nights, i.e., on the twenty-first, the twenty-third, the twenty-fifth, the twenty-seventh and the twenty-ninth. It was reported in al-Saheehayn that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Seek it in the last ten nights, on the odd-numbered nights.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1912, see also, 1913. Also narrated by Muslim, 1167, see also 1165).

According to the hadeeth of Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with them both), the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Seek it in the last ten nights of Ramadaan, when there are nine left, when there are seven left, when there are five left.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1917-1918). So it is more likely to be one of the odd-numbered nights.
In Saheeh al-Bukhaari it was narrated that ‘Ubaadah ibn al-Saamit said: the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) came out to tell us when Laylat al-Qadr was, and two of the Muslims were arguing. He said: “I came out to tell you when Laylat al-Qadr was, and So and so and So and so were arguing, so it [the knowledge of when Laylat al-Qadr was] was taken away from me. Perhaps this is better for you. So seek it on the ninth and the seventh and the fifth” (al-Bukhaari, 1919), i.e., on the odd-numbered nights.

This hadeeth indicates how bad it is to argue and fight, especially with regard to matters of religion, and that this is a cause of goodness being taken away or concealed.

The signs by which Laylat al-Qadr is known

The first sign: it was reported in Saheeh Muslim from the hadeeth of Ubayy ibn Ka’b (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) announced that one of its signs was that when the sun rose on the following morning, it had no (visible) rays. (Muslim, 762).

The second sign: it was reported from the hadeeth of Ibn ‘Abbaas narrated by Ibn Khuzaimah, and by al-Tayaalisi in his Musnad, with a saheeh isnaad, that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Laylat al-Qadr is a pleasant night, neither hot nor cold, and the following day the sun rises red and weak.” (Saheeh Ibn Khuzaymah, 2912; Musnad al-Tayaalisi).

The third sign: it was reported by al-Tabaraani with a hasan isnaad from the hadeeth of Waathilah ibn al-Asqa’ (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Laylat al-Qadr is a bright night, neither hot nor cold, in which no meteors are seen.” (Narrated by al-Tabaraani in al-Kabeer. See Majma’ al-Zawaa’id, 3/179; Musnad Ahmad).
These three saheeh ahaadeeth explain the signs which indicate Laylat al-Qadr.

It is not essential for the one who “catches” Laylat al-Qadr to know that he has “caught” it. The point is to strive hard and
to be sincere in worship, whether or not one knows that one has “caught” it. It may be that some of those who do not know that may be better with Allaah and higher in status than those who did know which night it was, because the former strove hard. We ask Allaah to accept our fasting and our prayer at night, and to help us to remember Him and to thank Him and to worship Him properly. May Allaah bless our Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

RAMADAN – ATTAINING THE PURPOSE

“O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you that ye may attain Taqwa”

In his Kitaab, Tableeghud Deen, Imaam Ghazaali (rahmatullah alayh) says:

"Fasting, with regard to quality, are of three kinds:
1. The Saum of the Awam (general public-the masses). Their fast consists of only abstention from the physical acts which nullify the fast. While they abstain from eating, etc., they involve their bodies in sin. Such saum is merely fasting in name. (Only the Fardh obligation is discharged thereby).

2. In addition to abstaining from food, etc., the Saim (fasting person) restrains the body from acting in violation of the Shariah. He withholds his tongue from gheebat and eyes from casting gazes at ghair mahareem. This is the middle category of fasting.

3. The third category of fasting is the Saum of the elite servants of Allah Ta'ala, viz. the Muttaqeen. In addition to their limbs abstaining from transgression, their hearts and minds are perpetually engrossed in Zikrullah (rememberance of Allah). At all times, in their hearts there is nothing but the remembrance of Allah Ta'ala. This is fasting in the state of kamaal (perfection)'.

Fasting in Ramadan is not merely physically restraining from the obvious food and drink, but the total commitment of the servant's body and soul to the letter and spirit of fasting.

1) The fast of the self, means to be free from all carnal desires.

2) The fast of mind is avoiding thoughts about things other than Allah (SWT).

3) The fast of the hand is not touching/taking what does not belong to it.

4) The fast of the feet is not going places where sinful acts are propagated.

5) The fast of the eye is to prevent it from seeing forbidden things.
Allah (SWT) says in Al-Qur’an, “Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and be mindful of their chastity; this will be most conducive to their purity. And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms”. (Al-Qur’an 24:30-31)

6) The fast of the tongue is guarding against lying, backbiting, slandering, reviling, abusing others, cursing, indecent conversation, swearing and false evidence. The Prophet (pbuh) said: “A Muslim is he from whose tongue and hands other Muslims are safe”.
The Prophet (pbuh) said, “"Whoever does not give up forged speech and evil actions, Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink (i.e. Allah will not accept his fasting.)" (Sahih Bukhari, Volume 3, Book 31, Number 127)

7) The fast of the ears is not to listen to idle talk, gossip, lyrics and notes thatcontain obscene and indecent things. Listening to Al-Qur’an bears the fruit of faith, guidance, light and prosperity. It fills the heart with wisdom, tranquillity,intimacy and contentment. It is a source of protection from the dangerous,deviant and sinful thoughts.

8) The fast of the heart means casting out from it the love of worldly things and by emptying it of all corrupt material such as, false beliefs, evil suggestions, filthy intentions and degenerate thoughts.
The Prophet (pbuh) said: “There is a piece of flesh in the body if it becomes good (reformed) the whole body becomes good but if it gets spoilt the whole body gets spoilt and that is the heart.” (Sahih Bukhari, Volume 1, Book 2, Number 49)

RAMADAN - THE MONTH OF THE QURAN

"The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Quran was sent down, a guidance for mankind, clear proofs for the guidance, the Criterion; so whoever amongst you witnesses this month, let him fast it." (Surah al-Baqarah 2:185)

Ibn 'Abbas narrates "that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was the most generous person, and he would be at his most generous in Ramadan because Jibril would come to him every night and he would rehearse the Qur'an with him." (Sahih al-Bukhari, Eng. trans. 6/486)

This hadith contains recommendation of the following:
1) Studying the Qur'an in Ramadan
2) coming together for this purpose
3) checking (one's memory/knowledge of) the Qur'an with someone who has preserved it better
4) increasing recitation of the Qur'an in Ramadan
5) that the night time is the best time to recite, when other preoccupations decrease and it is easier to concentrate, as in Surah al-Muzzammil 73:6.

Further, Fatimah (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated from her father (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), who told her that Jibril would rehearse the Quran with him (in Ramadan) once every year, and he did so twice in the year of his death. (Bukhari 6/485)

PRACTICE OF THE PIOUS PREDECESSORS:

"... Some of the Salaf would complete reciting the whole Quran during the night prayer of Ramadan every 3 days, others every 7 days e.g. Qataadah, others in 10 days e.g. Abu Rajaa' al-Atardi. The Salaf would recite Quran in Ramadan in Prayer as well as outside it. Al-Aswad would finish the Quran every 2 nights in Ramadan; Ibrahim an-Nakh'I would do likewise in the last 10 nights specifically, & every 3 nights during the rest of the month. Qataadah would regularly finish the Quran in 7 days, but in 3 days during Ramadan, when he would study the Quran especially, and every night during its last 10 days. Al-Zuhri would say when Ramadan began, 'It is recitation of the Quran and feeding of people.' When Ramadan began, Imam Malik would cease narrating Hadith and sitting with the people of knowledge, and stick to reciting the Quran from its pages, while Sufyan al-Thawri would leave other acts of worship and stick to reciting the Quran. 'Aishah would recite from the pages of the Quran at the beginning of the day in Ramadan (i.e. after Dawn), until when the sun had risen, she would sleep. Zayd al-Yaami would bring copies of the Quran when Ramadan began and gather his companions around him. ..."

Imam Shafii used to complete the Quran 60 times during the month of Ramadan.

As a further example, Bukhari (3/79) quotes from the noble Companion Zaid bin Thabit who answered the question, "How much time was there between the pre-dawn meal and the Dawn Prayer?" by saying, "Enough time to recite fifty ayat"; since the practice of the Arabs was to measure time in terms of everyday actions, this shows that the Sahabah were pre-occupied with the Qur'an, especially in Ramadan.

OUR SITUATION:

Compare all this with our sad state, when we talk so much about establishing Islam, implementing the Quran, etc. and yet have such little contact with it, maybe not completing its recitation ever at all since childhood, or perhaps never! Hence we become imbalanced in our understanding of Islam, because there are ayat which we rarely or never hear or think about; we repeat only certain selected ayat over and over again; we lost the context of the verses, the overall flow, argument and balance of the Quran, all of which is beautiful & miraculous. Because of this ignorance we go astray from the Straight Path, split up into sects, lose the blessings of Allah ...

Hence, my dear brothers, leave aside secondary books and concentrate on studying the Blessed Book of Allah in this Blessed Month (use a good translation/commentary if needed), for it is the source of all Knowledge in other books, and keep away from wasting time, especially in futile discussions and arguments which lead nowhere, for that is a sure sign of being misguided, as the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, "Whenever a people went astray after they had been on guidance, they were given to argumentation (jadl)." (Ahmad, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah - Sahih al-Jami' al-Saghir, no. 5633)

THE FOLLOWING ARE SOME OTHER VIRTUES REGARDING THE BOOK OF ALLAH SWT:

"This is a Book which We have sent down to you, full of blessings, that you may ponder over its Verses, and that men of understanding may remember." [Soorah Saad 38:29].

And: "Indeed those who recite the Book of Allaah and offer the Prayer perfectly and spend in charity out of what We have provided for them - secretly and openly - hope for a sure trade-gain that will never perish. That He may pay the their wages in full and give them even more out of His Grace. Indeed, He is Oft-Forgiving, ready to appreciate good deeds." [Soorah Fatir 35:29-30]

PRACTICAL ADVISE

1) inshaAllah let all of us make a resolution today that we will recite the Book of Allah, daily, even if for 10 mins.
2) When Ramadan comes, make a schedule of reciting the Quran after every salaat. for this, a small copy of the Quran comes in handy.
3) Try to finish atleast one reading of the Quran in the month of Ramadan.
4) Listen to the Quran when driving. we are occupied by so many futile thoughts during driving. instead put in a CD and listen to the recitation.
5) Try to understand the Quran by knowing its meanings, tafsir and learning it from the study circles of the scholars.

may Allah SWT accept our good deeds and forgive us our sins and may He admit us into Jannah and save us from the fire of Hell.

and the last prayer is "Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds"


http://www.islaam.com/Article.aspx?id=19
and other sources