The State of Salaf in Ramadan

Source: “Haal al salaf fii Ramadan”, published by Daar Ibn Khuzaimah.

Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aala) specified that the month of Ramadan has many attributes and virtues over the other months, such as:-

• The devils are chained.
• The gates of Hell are closed, and the gates of the Heaven are opened.
• The angels ask forgiveness for those who observe fast till they break their fast.
• It contains the night of decree, which is better than a thousand months (i.e worshipping Allah in this night is better than worshipping Him in a thousand months, i.e 83 years and 4 months), whoever is deprived from the good of this night; he has been deprived from all good. [Nisaa’i and al-Baihaqi]

The smell coming out from the mouth of a person observing Saum (fast) is more pleasant to Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aala)

• Than the smell of musk [Muslim]
• Forgiveness of sins is amplified
• Allah emancipates people from Hell-Fire every day and night of Ramadan. [Al-Bazzar and Ahmed]

Also the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “Fasting Ramadan followed by another Ramadan will make amends for minor sins provided no major sins are committed in between.” [Muslim]

How should we receive a month that has such magnificence and virtue? The righteous slave will receive it by sincerely repenting, resolving to take advantage of it, and increasing in practicing good righteous deeds during it, and asking Allah’s help and support for worshipping him in the way that pleases Him.

What Are the good deeds that are assured (affirmed) in Ramadan?

1-   Saum (fasting)

The Prophet  (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “A man’s good acts are recompensed many times, from ten times to seven hundred times. Allah, the Exalted, says: ‘Except fasting which is for Me, and I will give the reward for it. He (the fasting person) has left his food, drink and desire for My Sake.’ There are two pleasures for the fasting person, one at the time of Iftar (breaking his fast) and the other at the time when he will meet his Lord; then he will be pleased because of his Saum (fasting). His breath is more pleasant in the sight of Allah than the fragrance of musk.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Also the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “whoever observes Saum ((fast) during the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping to attain Allah’s Rewards, will have all his past sins forgiven.” [Al-Bukhari]

Ofcourse this great reward is not for the one who abstains from eating and drinking only. The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “Whoever does not give up lying speech (false statement) and acting on these lies and evil actions etc., Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink. [i.e Allah will not accept his Saum (fasting)].” [Al-Bukhari]

The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “Fasting is a shield (or a screen or a shelter from the Hell-fire), so the person observing Saum should avoid sexual relations with his wife and should not behave foolishly and impudently, and if somebody fights with him or abuses him, he should say to him twice, ‘I am observing Saum (fasting).'” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

If you observe fast, let your hearing, eye sight, tongue and all your limbs observe fast as well, and don’t make your fasting day and the day of your breaking fast the same.

2-   Al-Qiyam  [Offering late night prayer or Tarawih]

The prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “whoever establishes (nawafil, voluntary) prayers during the night of Ramadan, faithfully, out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah’s Rewards, all his past sins will be forgiven.” [Al-Bukhari]

Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aala) praised His slaves in Surat al-Furqan (25:63-64):

“And the slaves of the most Beneficient (Allah) are those who walk on the earth in humility and sedateness, and when the foolish address them (with bad words) they reply back with mild words of gentleness. And those who spend the night before their Lord, prostrate and standing.”

Offering night prayer (al-Qiyam) was the behavior of Prophet Muhammad (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) and His companions.

Narrated Aisha (Radia-Allaahu ‘anha) : “Don’t give up offering the night prayer (Qiyam-ul-layl). Allah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) used not to give up offering it, and if he became sick or tired, he would offer it while sitting.” [Abu Dawood, Ibn Khuzaimah in his Sahih, and authenticated by al-Albani in Sahih at-Targhib wat-Tarhib no. 632]

Umar bin al-Khattab (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) used to offer the late night prayer till the midnight; then he used to awaken his family to offer the prayer, and he would tell them, “the prayer, the prayer,” and recite:

“And enjoin prayer on your family, and be patient in offering (i.e. the prayers). We ask not of a provision (i.e. to give Us something, money, etc); We provide it for you. And the good end (i.e. Paradie) is for the Mutaqqin (i.e. the pious and righteous persons who fear Allah much and love Allah much].” (Taha 20:132) [Imam Malik in hid Muwatta’]

Ibn Umar (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu)  used to recite the following verse from Surat az-Zumar:

“Is one who is obedient to Allah, prostrating himself or standing (in prayer) during the hours of the night, fearing the Hereafter and hoping for the Mercy of his Lord (like one who disbelieves)?” (39:9)

He (ibn Umar) said that is Uthman bin Affan (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu). Ibn Abi Hatim said: “Ibn Umar said that the person who is meant in this verse, is Uthman bin Affan, because he used to offer the night prayer and recite the Qur’an profusely, such that he might recite the whole Qura’an in one Rak’ah”

Narated Alqamah bin Qais: “I spent one night with Abdullah bin Masud (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) (in his house). He (Ibn Masud) woke up in the early portion of the night and offered the late night prayer. He used to recite the same recitation of an Imam (slowly with the Telawah) till a little before dusk (before dawn), then offered the Witr parayer.”

Narrated as-Saa’ib bin Zaid: “The Imam used to recite hundreds of verses in the late night prayer, such that we were supporting ourselves with sticks, out of long standing  (in prayer), and they used to leave at dawn.”

Note:- It is incumbent on the Muslim who is offering the tarawih in congregation, to complete it with the Imam, in order to be counted it for him as a Qiyam Laylah (i.e full night prayer).

The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “Whoever offers the late night prayer with the imamtill he leaves, it is written for him Qiyam-Laylah, I.e he will get the reward of establishing the whole night with prayer.” [Ahmed, Abu Dawoud, an-Nisaa’i, at-Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah]

3-   Charity

The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) was the most generous person among all the men, particularly during the month of Ramadan. He (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) used to be extra ordinarily benevolent and generous when he met Gabriel. During the month, the Angel Gabriel (‘Alayhissalaam) used to visit him every night and recite the Noble Qur’an to him. During this period, the generosity of the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) used to be very much increased, fater than the rain – bearing wind. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

This Hadith induces us to do two good things frequently and with full preparation in the month of Ramadan. First, benevolence and generosity so that people get maximum time for worship and reduce their mundane affairs during this month. Second, recitation of the Qur’an and reading and hearing the Qur’an from one another, as is done by two Huffaz in this manner.

The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “The best charity is the one which is given in Ramadan.” [At-Tirmidhi]

Narrated Zaid bin Aslam on the authority of his father,’I heard Umar bin al-Khattab (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) say: “The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) ordered us to give Sadaqah. It happened to coincide with some wealth I had just acquired and I said to myself,’This is the day I will surpass abu Bakr.’ And so I came to the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) with half of my wealth and he (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said to me: “What have you left for your family?” I said: “The same amount.” Then Abu Bakr came with all his wealth. The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said to him: “What have you left for them?”  “I have left for them Allah and His Messenger” I (Umar) said: “I will never surpass you in anything.” [At-Tirmidhee and Sunan Abu Dawood]

Reported Talha bin Yaya bin Talha that my grandmother Sa’dah bint Awf al-Mariyyah told me that one day Talha (her husband) entered upon her and was tired. She said: “What’s wrong with you, you look gloomy and stern? Is there anything I can help you with?” He said: “No you are the best wife for a Muslim believer.”  She said: “Then what’s wrong with you?” He said: “My wealth has increased and this makes me worried and distressed.” She said: “Don’t worry! Divide it (i.e. among the poor and the needy)!” Then she said: He (Talha) divided it until even one dirham didn’t remain.”

The narrator said: “I asked the keeper of Talha’s wealth how much was the wealth of Talha?” He said: “400,000 Dirhams.” The charity in Ramadan has a special significance. Just hasten towards offering it according to your capability. It (your charity) could be manifested in different was:

• Feeding (giving  food):

Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aala) said in Surat al- Insan (76:8-12):

“And they give food, inspite of their love for it (or for the love of Him), to the poor, the orphan and the captive. (Saying): ‘We feed you seeking Allah’s Countenance only. We wish neither reward, nor thanks from you. Verily, we fear from our Lord a Day, hard and distressful, that will make the faces look horrible (from extreme dislikeness to it).’ So Allah saved them from evil of that Day, and gave them “Nadratan” (a light of beauty) and joy. And their recompense shall be Paradise, and silken garments, because they were patient.”

The righteous ancestors eagerly hastened to give food while they preferred it over many acts of worship; either by giving food to a hungry person, or feeding a righteous brother.

Poverty is not a condition for giving food:

Allah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “O people! Spread Salam (greetings), give food, behave kindly with your kin, and offer prayers when others are asleep. You will enter Paradise in peace.” [Ahmed, at-Tirmidhi, authenticated by al-Albani]

Some of Salaf (righteous ancestors) were saying: “To invite 10 of companions and give them food that they like, is more beloved to me than manumitting (freeing) 10 slaves from the descendants of Ishmael.”

Many Salaf used to give their Iftar though they were giving food to their (Muslim) brothers while fasting and many served meals to them like al-Hasan and Ibn al-Mubarak. Abu as-Siwar al-Adwi said: “The men of Bani Adi tribe used to pray in the Masjid. Never one of them breaks his fast alone. If he finds someone to eat with him, he will eat, otherwise he takes his food to the Masjid and eats it with the people and the people eat with him (i.e. share his food with the people.)

Narrated Umm Umarah al-Ansariyah(Radia-Allaahu ‘anha), the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) visited her whereupon she placed some food before him. He (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) asked her to eat also. Thereupon she said: “I am fasting today.”  On this he (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) remarked, “When non-fasting persons eat before a fasting person, the angels call for Allah’s mercy upon him till they have finished,” or he said, “Till they have eaten to their satisfaction.” [At-Tirmidhi]

This indicates the merits of the person who is observing Saum, but serving meals to others. Giving food is an act of worship, from which many acts of worship evolve, such as:-

To show love and try to seek the friendship of your brothers/sisters whom you feed. This might be a cause to enter Paradise, because the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “You will not enter the Paradise till you believe, and you will not believe till you love each other.” [Muslim]

Giving food will result in gathering with righteous people, and getting the reward for helping others to worship Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aala) better (through fasting, prayers, etc.) because you helped in strengthening their bodies by feeding them. It is important to have the correct intention for doing righteous deeds.

• Providing food for the breaking of the fast of the person observing fast:

The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “Whoever offers a meal for breaking the fast of another person, earns the same merit as the one who was observing the fast without diminishing in any way the recompense of the fasting person.” [Ahmed, an-Nassari and authenticated by al-Albani]

4-   ­­­­­­­­­­­Reciting the Qur’an:

We will remind of you here of two matters regarding the state of   righteous predecessors:

1. Reciting the Qur’an profusely.

Weeping when reciting the Qur’an or listening to it as a form of submissiveness and showing humility and humbleness to Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aala)

The month of Ramadan is the month of the Qur’an. Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aala) revealed the Qur’an in Ramadan, a guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong) , and a healing for (disease of ignorance, doubt, hypocrisy and differences etc.) the breasts, a guidance and a mercy for the believers [as Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aala) said in Surat al- Baqarah (2:185), Surat Yunus (10:57) and Surat al-Isra (17:82)]

The Qur’an was sent down in the night of al-Qadr (Decree), as Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aala) said in Surat al-Qadr (97:1)

“Verily! We have sent it (this Qur’an) down in the Night of al-Qadr.”

• The Muslim should recite the Qur’an frequently, the righteous predecessors were taking care of Allah’s Book in this month.
• Gabriel (‘Alayhissalaam) used to teach the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) the Qur’an in the month of Ramadan.
• Uthman bin Affan (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) used to finish reciting the Qur’an once every day, and the other salaf would finish reciting the Qur’an every three nights in their Qiyam (late night prayer), while some were finishing it even seven nights, and others every 10 nights.
• They used to recite Qur’an in their prayer and at other times.
• Imam ash—Shafii’ used to recite the whole Qur’an 60 times, in other than his prayers.
• Al-Aswad used to recite the whole Qur’an every two nights of Ramadan. Qatadah used to recite the whole Qur’an every 7 nights and in Ramadan every three nights, and every night in last ten nights of Ramadan.
• When Ramadan would begin, az-Zuhri used to run away from reading book of hadith and didn’t attend the gatherings of scholars, instead he used to engage himself in reciting the Qur’an from the Mushaf.
• Sufiyan ath-Thawri used to leave all (the voluntary) acts of worship and engaged himself in reciting the Qur’an.

Note:

It is disliked to finish reading the whole Qur’an in less than 3 days. Ibn Rajab said: “It is prohibited to recite the whole Qur’an in less than three days continuously [through the whole year] but in blessed times and places such as Ramadan or Makkah, for those who enter it from other than its people, it is preferable to recite the Qur’an profusely taking advantage of the blessing of the time and place.” This statement is also agreed upon by Ahmed, Ishaq and the other Imams.

1. Weeping when reciting the Qur’an:

It was not from the behavior of the righteous predecessors to recite the Qur’an without contemplating or understanding its verses. But they used to be affected by Allah’s Words, and they used to recite it in a way that the hearts were moved and touched.

Narrarted Abdullah bin Masud (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) that the Allah’s Messenger (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said to me: “Recite (the Qur’an) for me.” I said: “Shall I recite it to you, although it had been revealed to you?” He said,”I like to hear (the Qur’an) from you.” So I recited Surat an-Nisa till I reached verse (41):

“How (will it be) then, when we bring from each nation a witness, and we bring you (O Muhammad (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam)) as witness against these people?”

Then he (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said, “stop!” And behold, his eyes were overflowing with tears.” [Al-Bukhari]

Abu Hurairah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) said: “When verses (53:59-60) of Surat an NAjm were revealed,

‘Do you then wonder at this recital (the Quran)? And you laugh at it and weep not,’

The people of Saffa wept till their tears overflowed on their cheeks.When the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) heard them weeping, he wept with them, and so did all the other companions. The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “The person who shed tears on account of fear of Allah, will not go to Hell till the milk returns into the breasts (that is it is impossible).” [At-Tirmidhi and al-Baihaqi]

Once Ibn Umar (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) recited Surat al-Mutaffin ((chapter 83) till he reached the verse (6), which says:

“A day when (all) mankind will stand before the Lord of the Alamin (Mankind, Jinns, and all that exists)?”

He then wept till he fell down and couldn’t continue reciting.

Narrated Muzahim Bin Zafar: “Once Sufyan ath-Thawri led the congregational Magrhib prayer. He recited al-Fatiha till he reached.

‘You (Alone) we worship, and You (Alone) we ask for help (for each and everything).’

He wept till his recitation was cut off, then he recited it again from the beginning.”

Reported Ibrahim bin al-Ash’ath: “I heard Fudail that night say- while reciting Surat Muhammad (47:31), weeping and repeating this verse (31):

‘And surely, We shall try you till We test those who strive hard (for the cause of Allah) and the patient, and We shall test your facts (i.e. the one who is liar, and the one who is truthful).’

He (Fudail) was saying and repeating, “We shall test your facts.’ Our facts will be tested? If You (O Allah!) tested our facts, then You would expose us and disclose our secrets. Verily if You tested our facts, You would destroy us and punish us,” he was saying this and weeping.”

5- Sitting in the Masjid (after the fajr prayer) till the sun rises

The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) used to sit in his praying place till the sun rose. [Muslim]

Anas (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu) narrated that the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “Whoever offers Fajr prayer in congregation, then sits remembering Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aala) till the sun rises, and then offers two Rak’ah Nafl (voluntary) prayer; he will get a reward equal to that of performing a Hajj and Umrah complete, complete, complete.” [At-Tirmidhi and authenticated by al-Albani].This is in all days, then what about during Ramadan? Seek the great reward by following the way of the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) and make take the righteous ancestors as an example, and strive in Allah’s Cause to attain the highest grade in Paradise.

6-   Al-Itekaf (to confine oneself in a Masjid for prayers and invocations leaving the worldy diversions for a limited number of days)

Narrated Abu Hurairah (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu): The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) used to perform Itekaf every year in the month of Ramadan for ten days, and when it was the year of his death , he stayed in Itekaf for twenty days.” [Al-Bukari]

Al-Itekaf is one of the acts of worship which includes many acts of worship such as reciting the Qur’an, prayer, remembrance of Allah, Du’aa, Supplication, etc.

The one who doesn’t try may consider it hard and difficult, but it is easy for whom Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aala) has made it easy. Whoever has the good (righteous) intention, and the truthful resolution, Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aala) will help him. The confirmed time of Itekaf is in the last ten nights of Ramadan, searching for the night of al-Qadr. This is the legal seclusion, in which the person who is (confined) or who is doing Itekaf is in the last ten nights of Ramadan, searching for the night of al-Qadr. This is the legal seculusion, in which the person the person who is (confined) or who is doing Itekaf exerts himself to worshipping Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aala) and drawing near to Him. Nothing concerns this person except pleasing Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aala).

7-   Offering Umrah in Ramadan

It is confirmed that the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “Umrah performed during the month of Ramadan is equivalent to a pilgrimage (Hajj) or equals the pilgrimage performed in my company.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

8- Searching for the Night of Decree (laylatul-Qadr)

Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aala) said in Surat al –Qadr (97:1-5):

“Verily! We have sent it (this Qur’an) down in the Night of Al-Qadr. And what will make you know what the Night of Decree is? The Night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months. Therein descend the angels and the ‘Ruh’ (Gabriel) by Allah’s permission with All Decrees. Peace! (all that night there is Peace and Goodness from Allah to His believing slaves) until the appearance of dawn.”

The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “He who establishes (prayer during) the night of  al-Qadr in Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will has his past sins forgiven.” [Agreed upon]

With the start of the last ten days of Ramadan, the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) used to occupy himself with the worship of Allah and confine himself (Ithikaf), and he used to leave his bed and his wives.

He (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) used to search for the night of al-Itekaf, and he used to leave his bed and his wives.

He (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) used to search for the night of al-Qadr and order his companions to do that. He (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) also used to keep his family  awake for the Salat (prayer) (in order to get the blessing of Laylatul-qadar).

He (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) used to pray harder and earnestly in the last ten nights of Ramadan than he did in other nights of this month. [Muslim]

It is affirmed that some of the companions and the righteous ancestors used to perform, Ghusl (take bath) and wear perfume in the last ten nights, searching for the Night of Decree, which is honored by Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aala) and exalted it in value.

Note:

This night is called the night of decree because therein is decreed every matter of ordainment, [i.e. the matters of deaths, births, provisions, calamities, etc. for the whole (coming) year as decreed by Allah].

One should search for Laylatul-Qadr (Night of Decree) within the last ten nights of Ramadan. If the same is not possible, then one should look for it within the last seven nights, especially the odd ones like 21^st , 23^rd , 25^th, 27^th, and 29^th.

The most feasible night is 27^th as reported by Muslim that Ubai bin Ka’ab (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu)  said: “By Allah, I surely know which night it is. It is the  night, which the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) ordered us to establish it with the night prayer, and it is the night of the 27^th, and my father used to swear on that and say ,”By the sign which the Prophet  informed us about, that the sun will rise on the following day without rays.” [Muslim and Sahih Abu Dawoud no. 1247]

It is preferable to invoke Allah profusely on that night, as narrated Aisha (Radia-Allaahu ‘anha), I  said,”O Allah’s Messenger, tell me, if I know which night Lailatul-Qadr is, what supplication should I say on it?” He said: “say,

“Allahumma Innaka ‘Afowwon Tuhibul-‘Afwa fa’fou ‘Anni.”

‘O Allah, you are forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me'” [At-Tirmdhi, Ahmed, authenticated by al-Albani]

9-   Invoking and remembering Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aala) a lot and invoking Him, especially at the times of response, which are:-

 

a-   At the breaking of fast.

b-   In the last third of the night, in which Allah, the Exalted, descends and says: “(Is there anyone) who invokes Me, (demands anything from Me) so that I may respond to his invocation? (Is there anyone) who asks Me for something so that I may grant him his request? (Is there anyone) who seeks My forgiveness, so that I may forgive him?” [Al-Bukhari]

Ask forgiveness in the sahar time, which is before dawn, and be one of those Allah  (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aala) (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aala) mentioned in these verses:

“Verily, the Muttaqun will be in a midst of gardens and springs (in Paradise). Taking in the things which their Lord has given them, Verily, they were before this (good doers). They used to sleep but little by night [invoking their Lord (Allah) and praying, with fear and hope]. And in the hours before dawn, they were (found) asking (Allah) for forgiveness, in their properties there was the right of the beggar, and the (poor who does not ask the other.)” (51:15-19)

There is an important matter, which we should put into consideration; if we really want our deeds, worship, fasting and Qiyam to be accepted by Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aala) then it should be with sincerity. Yes sincerity.

How many fasting people exist who don’t know the purpose behind fasting, people exist who don’t know the purpose behind fasting, and who only know leaving their food and drink? And how many people establish the nights with Tarawih (or Qiyam) and don’t know the purpose behind that except becoming tired and staying up late?

This is why the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) affirmed this issue (sincerity) when he said [out of sincere faith in commitment made by Allah with regards to its rewards].

The conditions to be fulfilled for expiation of sins:-

i- Complete and absolute faith in the commitment made by Allah with regards to its rewards.

ii- It should not be done for the purpose of showing – off. Some scholars make this statement to be a conditional one; the forgiveness is only possible if the person performing it has a sound Aqidah (belief – creed) not imitating others.

The predecessors were very careful to hide their deeds out of fear of al-Riyaa’ , as can be seen below:-

Hammad bin Zaid was saying about Ayub al-Sikhtiyani that, “When Ayub used to give a speech and his heart was touched with it, he would turn his face and clear nose saying. ‘How severe is the cold,’ pretending that he has a cold.” [As-Siyar 8/503]

Ayub al-Sikhtiyani used to establish the nights with prayer (Qiyam) secretly till the morning, then he would raise his voice, to show his people (family) that he had just woken up (in that hour). [Sifat as Safwah 3/492]

Ibn Abi Adai said: “Dawoud bin Adi Hind observed fast for 40 years, and none of his family knew that. He used to carry his food (lunch) with him when he left his house in the morning. He would give it as a charity on his way to his work. In the evening, when he returned, he took his dinner with his family and broke his fast.” [Sifat as- Safwah 3/135]

Sufiyan ath-Thawri said: “The slave (initially) does his deeds secretly, and the Shaitan keeps whispering in his heart till he (Shaitan) overcomes him and makes him to do his deeds openly (either he speaks about his good deeds or he does it in front of others) till it is written (for him) openly. The Shaitan continues whispering in the slave’s heart till he (shaitan) makes him love being praised for what he has done and the good deed is abrogated and it is written (for him) as showing off (Riyaa’) and not for Allah’s sake.”

Amusement in Ramadan

Be careful about spending your time in Ramadan in other than worshipping Allah, and don’t be one of those who Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aala) said in Surat Ta-ha (20:124-127):

“But whosever turns away from My Remainder, verily for him is a life of hardship, and We shall raise him up blind on the Day of Resurrection. He will say: ‘ O my Lord! Why have you raised me up blind, while I had sight(before).’ (Allah) will say: ‘Like this, Our Ayat came unto you, but you disregarded them (i.e. you left them, and you turned away from them), and so this Day, you will be neglected (in the Hell-Fire, away from Allah’s Mercy).’ And thus do We requite him who transgresses beyond bounds [i.e. commits the great sins and disobeys his Lord (Allah) and believes not in His revealed Books, like this Qur’an, etc.] and believes not in the Ayat of his Lord, and the torment of the Hereafter is far more severe and more lasting.”

If you were one of those who used to commit a sin and couldn’t leave (abstain from) it, then seek help from Allah (Subhaanahu Wa Ta’aala), return to Allah with sincere repentance and ask Him for forgiveness. The Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “There is none but has a sin which he used to commit from time to time, or a permanent sin which he commits (never leaves it) till he leaves this life (i.e. till he dies). The believer has been created forgetful, often turn to Allah with repentance. If he is reminded, he remembers.” [At-Tabarani, and authenticated by al-Albani in Sahih al-Jamie no. 5735 and in al-Silsilah no. 2277]

If one used to leave lawful things (by fasting) seeking Allah’s pleasure and reward, then it will be easy for him to leave and quit his lust, sin or desire.

For whomever it was written that he would end his life with fasting in Allah’s cause, he will enter Paradise. Narrated Hudhaifa (Radia-Allaahu ‘anhu), the Prophet (Salla-Allaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “Whoever said ‘La ilaha illa Allah‘ and it was the last thing said in his life, he will enter Paradise, and whoever fasted one day for Allah’s sake and ended his life with it, will enter Paradise, and whomever gave charity for Allah’s sake and ended his life with it, entered Paradise.” [Ahmed and authenticated by al-Albani in Sahih at-Targhib wat-tarhib no.985]