Chapter 3: I’TIKAAF (STAYING IN THE MASJID)

The meaning of itikaaf is to seclude oneself in the masjid with the niyyah (intention) of itikaaf. According to the Hanafi school of thought, there are three different types of itikaaf.

A) WAAJIB ITIKAAF:

This itikaaf becomes compulsory when a person makes it obligatory upon himself. An example of this is when a person makes a vow to Allah Ta’ala that if Allah Ta’ala fulfills a certain wish of his, he will undertake to perform a certain number of days in itikaaf. In this case, the moment his wish is fulfilled, itikaaf becomes compulsory. From the moment a Ramadhaan person makes an unconditional vow whereby he makes itikaaf waajib upon himself for certain number of days, then it becomes a Waajib duty on him.

B) SUNNAH ITIKAAF:

This was the general practice of Rasulullah ﷺ and it means to seclude oneself inside the masjid for the last ten days of Ramadhaan.

C) NAFL (OPTIONAL) ITIKAAF:

There is no special time or specific number of days for Nafl itikaaf. A person may make niyyah for any number of days at any time, even for his whole life. However, Imaam Abu Haneefah رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ

states that it must be for at least one full day. Imaam Muhammad رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ states that there is no limit on the minimum period of time. The fatwa is on this latter view. Therefore, it is desirable for anyone entering a Masjid to make the niyyah (intention) of itikaaf for the period that he will remain in the Masjid. So, while he is in ibaadah, he also gains the reward of itikaaf. In view of the above, it is advisable that anyone going the Masjid to join the Salaah with Jamaah should make the niyyah for itikaaf when entering the masjid. As long as he remains busy with Salaah, zikr, listening to lectures or sermons, etc., he will also receive the reward for itikaaf. I always observed that my late father used to make niyyah for itikaaf while stepping into the masjid with his right foot. Occasionally, by way of teaching and reminding his followers, he used to raise his voice when reciting the niyyah.

The reward for itikaaf is great. Rasulullah ﷺ constantly performed itikaaf. The example of the person who stays in the Masjid in itikaaf is like that person who had gone to a certain place for something and he remained there until it was granted.

Poetic Translation: May my soul be extracted at Your feet. This is my heart’s desire, This is my heart’s desire When someone comes begging to our door and then refuses to leave until he has been granted his request, I am sure that even the one with the hardest heart amongst us will eventually give in to his request. How much more merciful is Allah Ta’ala Who grants without any reason.

Poetic Translation: “You are that master whose doors of grace and mercy and perpetually open. Ask Hadhrat Moosa عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ about the amazing system of Allah Ta’ala’s Deen, that he left in search of a flame and returned? (the lamp of nubuwat).”

Hence, when one isolates himself from all worldly things and goes to Allah Ta’ala’s door, then what doubt can there be for his request and duas to be accepted. When Allah Ta’ala has favoured someone, others cannot describe the enjoyment of such limitless treasures. How could a person ever describe what he has not yet obtained? Can an under aged person describe the joys of adulthood?

Poetic Translation: “That rose I gave my heart to, that flower to whom I handed over my self, either I am connected to him otherwise there is no point in being alive.”

Allaamah ibn Qayyim رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ , on explaining the significance of itikaaf, writes that, “The actual aim of itikaaf is to divert the heart from everything except Allah Ta’ala, and to join it to Allah Ta’ala alone, thereby forming a complete spiritual connection with our Creator. All worldly connections are thus cut off for the sake of gaining Allah Ta’ala’s attention. All thoughts, desires, love and devotion become centered around Him. As a result, His love is attained, a love and friendship that will be the only friend in the loneliness of the grave. When a person has that, then we can imagine the great happiness and enjoyment with which he will spend his time in the grave?”

Poetic Translation: “Day and night the heart anticipates for that chance where I sit and go on thinking of my beloved.”

In ‘Maraaqil Falaah’, the author writes that itikaaf is a most rewarding deed when performed properly and sincerely. One cannot possibly list all the great advantages and benefits in it. In actual fact, what takes place in itikaaf, is that the heart is drawn away from everything else except the Creator, while our entire life is laid down at His doorstep.

Poetic Translation: “Again my heart desires to go and remain at the threshold of someone and be indebted to the one who kindly let me in.”

One remains in ibaadah all the time. Even whilst one is asleep, one is still in His service, striving for nearness to Him. Allah Ta’ala says (according to a Hadith): “Whoever draws near to Me (the length of) one hand, then I draw nearer to him (the length of) two hands, and whoever draws near to Me by walking, I draw near to him by running.” In itikaaf one goes to Allah Ta’ala’s house and the most Kind Host always honours a guest who visits Him. The one in itikaaf also attains safety in Allah Ta’ala’s fortress where no enemy can reach him. Besides this there are numerous other virtues and distinctive features of this important ibaadah.

For males, the best of all places for itikaaf is the Masjidul Haraam in Makkah Mukarramah. The next best is the Masjidun Nabawi in Madinah Munawwarah, and the next best is Baitul Muqaddas. Thereafter, comes the Jaam’i Masjid in one’s own town, and last but not least, the Masjid nearest to one’s home. Imaam Abu Hanifah رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ specifies that the Masjid should be one wherein the five daily Salaah are performed, while Imaam Abu Yusuf رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ and Imaam Muhammad رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ are agreed that any Masjid according to the Shariah can be entered for itikaaf, even if there is no regular Salaah with Jamaah. As for the females, they should perform itikaaf in the Masjid inside their homes. However, where no Masjid exists and there is a desire for itikaaf, then one room of the house should be set aside for this purpose.

In fact, itikaaf is an easier task for women. A special section of the house, most commonly the Salaah room, is set aside wherein they seclude themselves, remaining in ibaadah. The woman who is in itikaaf, in a section of her home, will also be rewarded for the domestic duties that are carried out by her daughters or servants. It is so very unfortunate that in spite of such ease, our womenfolk still remain deprived of the blessings of itikaaf.

Translation: Hadhrat Abu Saeed Khudri رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ reports that Rasulullah ﷺ once performed itikaaf for the first ten days of Ramadhaan. Thereafter, he made itikaaf in a Turkish tent (inside the Masjid) for the middle ten days. Thereafter, he raised his head out of the tent and said, “Verily, in search of Laylatul Qadr did I perform itikaaf for the first ten days, then for the middle ten days. Then someone (a Malaaikah) came and told me, ‘It is in the last ten days. Whosoever has made itikaaf with me should continue for the last ten days.’ I had been shown that night and then made to forget it. (However, a sign for it is), ‘I saw myself making sajdah to Allah Ta’ala with my forehead on mud the next morning. Look for Laylatul Qadr in the last ten nights of Ramadhaan. Look for it among the odd nights.” Abu Saeed رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ says; “That same night it rained. The roof of the Masjid leaked.

Translation: I looked at Rasulullah’s ﷺ eyes and forehead and there were remains of water and mud. This was on the morning of the 21st after performing sujood on muddy clay.”

Note: It used to be the general practice of Rasulullah ﷺ to perform itikaaf in Ramadhaan. At times he used to remain in the Masjid for the whole month, and during the last year of his life, he was in itikaaf for twenty days. Because he always secluded himself in the Masjid for the last ten days, therefore the Ulama consider it sunnah mu’akkadah to perform itikaaf for that period. From the above Hadith it could be understood that the major object behind itikaaf was to search for Laylatul Qadr. What better method can there be than to be in itikaaf, because one is considered to be in ibaadah all the time, whether one is awake or asleep. Furthermore, one in itikaaf is free from all daily tasks and thus has all the time to devote to zikrullah and muraaqabah (meditation). There is no better way to spend ones time for those searching for Laylatul Qadr Rasulullah ﷺ exerted himself throughout Ramadhaan but increased his ibaadah when the last ten days came along and he had no limit in exerting himself. He himself remained awake throughout the night and awakened his family members for the same purpose. Aa’ishah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ reports: “During Ramadhaan, Rasullullah صَل اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلّمَ tied his lungi tightly around him, staying awake all night and waking his family (for the purpose of ibaadah).” Tied his lungi tightly means that he either knew no limits in exerting himself in Ramadhaan ibaadah or that he gave due importance and preference to ibaadah and avoided all forms of contact with his respected wives.

Translation: Hadhrat Ibn Abbas رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ relates that Rasulullah ﷺ said, “The person performing itikaaf remains free from sins, and he is given the same reward as those who do good deeds in spite of not having done those deeds because of staying in the Masjid.”

Translation: (Note that the one remaining secluded in the Masjid is not allowed to depart from there for worldly needs. He may only go outside for the call of nature, to perform wudhu or ghusl or for attending Jumu-ah Salaah when that is not performed in the same Masjid, after which he must return immediately - translator).

Note: Now this Hadith points to two great benefits of itikaaf. Firstly, one is saved from sin as it is true that it very often happens that one falls into sin without ever intending to do so. (The world all around us is full of temptations). To commit sin in the blessed month of Ramadhaan is indeed a great injustice to ourselves. By remaining secluded in the Masjid, one completely avoids the temptation to commit sin. Secondly, it would appear outwardly that when one is secluded in the Masjid, one is automatically at a disadvantage by not being allowed to perform certain good deeds like joining the janaza Salaah, attending burials, visiting the sick, etc. That is not so, because according to this Hadith one is rewarded for these deeds even though not performing them. What a great favour from Allah Ta’ala! How great is Allah Ta’ala‘s bounty! By performing one ibaadah, one receives the reward of many other ibaadahs. In fact, Allah Ta’ala looks for the smallest excuse to reward His servants. These rewards could be received in abundance with تمر a little effort and begging.

“Allah Ta’ala mercy creates excuses (to usher you in)” If only we can understand and properly appreciate these favours. The proper appreciation and understanding can only enter our minds when we have the true love and interest for our Deen.

Poetic Translation: “Shaheedi! His grace covers everything. When you had some ability then why were you so adamant.”

Translation: Hadhrat Ibn Abbaas رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمَا reports that while he was once performing Itikaaf in Masjidun Nabawi (Rasulullah’s ﷺ Masjid), a man came to him, greeted him and sat down. Ibn Abbaas رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمَا said to him: “I see that you seem sad and troubled.” The man replied: “Yes, O son of the uncle of Rasulullah ﷺ , I am indeed troubled in that I have an obligation to fulfil to someone. I swear by the honour of the inmate of this honoured resting place (Rasulullah’s ﷺ grave) that I am not able to fulfil this obligation.” Ibn Abbaas رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمَا inquired: “Shall I intercede with that person on your behalf?” The man replied: “By all means if you wish so.” Ibn Abbaas رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمَا put on his shoes and proceeded from the Masjid. The man, seeing this, said: “Have you forgotten that you are in Itikaaf?” With tears filling his eyes, Ibn Abbaas رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمَا replied: “No, the time is still fresh in my mind, I heard the esteemed master of this grave say, ‘Whoever goes out trying to fulfil a need of his brother, that service shall be better for him than to perform Itikaaf for ten years, and whomsoever performs Itikaaf for a day, thereby seeking the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala, then Allah Ta’ala will open three trenches between him and the fire of Jahannam, the width of each being greater than the distance between heaven and earth.’” (If this is the virtue of one day of itikaaf then what will be the reward of ten years of itikaaf?) Note: Two things are clear from this Hadith. Firstly, we are told that the reward of one day in itikaaf is that Allah Ta’ala opens three trenches between him and the fire of Jahannam, the width of each trench is the distance between the heavens and the earth. Therefore, for every additional day that he performs itikaaf, he is rewarded accordingly. In ‘Kashful Ghummah’, Allamah Sharaani رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ relates a Hadith wherein Rasulullah ﷺ said, “Whoever performs itikaaf for the final ten days of Ramadhaan, he will be rewarded with two Haj and two Umrahs, and whoever performs itikaaf from Maghrib until Ishaa, doing nothing except performing Salaah and reciting the Qur-aan, Allah Ta’ala will prepare a palace in Jannah for him.” Secondly, and even more important we are told that fulfilling the need of a brother brings a reward that is greater than ten years of itikaaf. It was for this reason that Ibn Abbaas رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمَا broke off his itikaaf. It was of course possible for him to continue it afterwards. (What he actually did was to leave the Masjid to relieve some suffering of his brother, who was greatly troubled in the heart and mind). The Sufis say that the amount of sympathy which Allah Ta’ala shows towards other things cannot be compared to the sympathy He shows towards a broken heart. Ramadhaan It is for this reason that we have been strongly warned of the plea to Allah Ta’ala of that person, whose heart we hurt through unjust treatment and persecution. Whenever Rasulullah ﷺ appointed someone as a governor, amongst the many advices he gave, he also would say,

Translation: “Be mindful of the dua of the oppressed.”

Poetic Translation: “Fear the pain of the opresser, since the moment he engages in dua, his petition is most welcomed in the court of Allah.”

Note: Itikaaf breaks when one leaves the Masjid even for fulfilling a duty on behalf of a fellow Muslim. If it was a waajib itikaaf, then it has to be performed all over again. Rasulullah ﷺ never left the Masjid except for the calls of nature and wudhu. As for Ibn Abbaas رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمَا leaving the Masjid to fulfil a need of a friend, it was in the same spirit of that soldier lying on the battlefield of Yarmouk close to death, refusing to drink water until the soldier next to him had been given to drink first. On the other hand, however, it is possible that Ibn Abbaas رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمَا was performing nafl itikaaf, in which case it was permissible for him to leave the Masjid. In conclusion I now wish to quote a lengthy Hadith hereunder, in which many virtues are mentioned and with this I conclude this book.

Translation: Hadhrat Ibn Abbaas رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمَا says that he heard Nabi ﷺ saying, “Jannah is perfumed with the sweetest fragrance in Ramadhaan. From the beginning of the year till the end, it is being brightly decorated for this blessed month. When the first night of Ramadhaan appears, a wind blows from beneath the Arsh (Throne). It is called ‘Museerah’, which causes the leaves of the trees of Jannah to rustle and the door handles to sound, causing such a beautiful sound as had never been heard before. The beautiful eyed women of Jannah then step forward till they appear in the center of the balconies of Jannah, saying: ‘Is there anyone making dua to Allah Ta’ala for us that Allah Ta’ala may marry us to him?’ Then these women call out: ‘O Ridwaan, keeper of Jannah, what night is this?’ He replies: ‘Labbaik, this is the first night of Ramadhaan, when the doors of Jannah are opened to those who fast from among the Ummah of Nabi Muhammad ﷺ .’” Rasulullah ﷺ further said, that Allah Ta’ala says, “O Ridhwaan, open the doors of Jannah, and O Maalik, (keeper of Jahannam) close the doors of Jahannam for those who fast from the Ummah of Ahmad ﷺ (another name for Nabi ﷺ ), O Jibra-eel! Go down to the earth and tie the evil Shayaateen, put them in chains and throw them in the oceans so that they do not make mischief, thereby spoiling the fast of the Ummah of My beloved Muhammad ﷺ .” Allah Ta’ala commands a caller from the heavens to call out three times on every night of Ramadhaan: “Is there anyone begging of Me that I may grant him his desire? Is there anyone making taubah so that I may turn in mercy to him? Is there anyone begging for forgiveness so that I may forgive him? Who is there who shall give a loan to the One whose wealth does not become less and the One who fulfils in full without giving less?” Rasulullah ﷺ then said, “Every day at the time of iftaar, Allah Ta’ala sets free one million people from the fire of Jahannam, all of whom had already earned entrance into Jahannam. On the last night He sets free as many as had been set free throughout the month. On Laylatul Qadr, Allah Ta’ala commands Hadhrat Jibra-eel عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ to go down to the earth with a large army of Malaaikah (Angels). They go down carrying a green flag which is then planted on top of the Kabah Shareef. Jibra-eel عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ himself has 100 wings, only two of which are spread out on this night. He spreads out these wings which cover from the east to the west. Jibra-eel عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ then sends out the Malaaikah on this night in all directions to make salaam upon each and every one they find in ibaadah standing or sitting, or performing Salaah and making the zikr of Allah Ta’ala. They shake hands with them and say ‘Aameen’ to all their duas until the morning. When dawn comes, Jibra-eel عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ calls out; ‘Depart O Malaaikah of Allah, depart.’” The Malaaikah then inquire: “O Jibra-eel! What did Allah Ta’ala do regarding the needs of the faithful people from among the ummah of Ahmad ﷺ which they asked from Him?” Jibra-eel عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ replies: “Allah Ta’ala looked at them with mercy and forgave them all except four kinds of people.” Then we (the Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ ) asked: “Who are they, O Rasulullah ﷺ ?” Rasulullah ﷺ replied, “They are the people who are addicted to wine, those who are disobedient to their parents, those who do not speak to their near relatives and the mushaahin.” We asked, “O Rasulullah ﷺ , who are the mushaahin?” He replied: “Those who have bad feelings in their hearts for their brothers and break off relations with them.” The night of Eidul Fitr, the night that is called Laylatul Jaa’izah (The night of prize giving), comes along. On the morning of Eid, Allah Ta’ala sends down the Malaaikah to all the lands of the earth, where they stand at the entrance of roads, calling out with a voice that is heard by all except man and jinn: “O Ummah of Muhammad ﷺ , come out of your houses towards your Rabb who is noble and gracious, who grants much and forgives major sins.” When they go towards the places for their Eid Salaah, Allah Ta’ala ask the Malaaikah: “What is the reward of that worker who has completed his work?” The Malaaikah reply: “O Rabb and Master, it is only right that he should receive his reward in full.” Allah Ta’ala then says: “I make you a witness, O My Malaaikah, as a reward, I have granted them My pleasure and forgiveness for having fasted during the month of Ramadhaan and for having stood before Me in salaah at night. O My servants, ask now of Me, for I swear by My honour and My greatness, that whatever you will beg of Me on this day, in this gathering of yours for the needs of the Hereafter, I will grant it to you, and whatever you will ask for your worldly needs, I will grant it what is good for you. I swear by My honour that as long as you shall obey My commands, I shall cover up your faults. By My Honour and My Greatness do I swear that I shall never disgrace you together with the sinful ones and the disbelievers. Go now from here, you are forgiven. You have pleased Me and I am pleased with you.” The Malaaikah, on seeing this great reward given by Allah Ta’ala to the Ummah of Nabi Muhammad ﷺ on the day of Eidul Fitr, become greatly pleased and happy. “O Allah Ta’ala, make us also of those lucky ones, Aameen.”

Note: The previous pages of this book already dealt with almost all that is contained in this last long Hadith. However, a few points need attention. The first point and most important point is that there are a few people who are deprived of forgiveness in Ramadhaan and are unfortunate indeed in not being able to share the great gifts of Allah Ta’ala on the morning of Eid. Among them are those who fight and argue among themselves and those disobedient to their parents. Somebody should ask them: “You have displeased Allah Ta’ala, and having done so, what other protection do you have besides Allah Ta’ala? We indeed feel sad that for some reason or the other, you have made yourselves the target for the curse of Allah Ta’ala, His Rasool ﷺ and Jibra-eel عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ while at the same time being left out from Allah Ta’ala’s freely granted forgiveness. Today you have disgraced your opponent and you are standing tall; for how long is this “victory” going to last? Who else can grant you protection? Who and what can stand by your side when you carry the curse of Rasulullah ﷺ ? Who can help you when Allah Ta’ala’s close Malaaikah, Jibra-eel عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ has made dua against you? While Allah Ta’ala is excluding you from His forgiveness and mercy, I plead with you, my dear brother and sister, to think about your position at this moment. Think and stay away from all that draws you away from Allah Ta’ala. There is time to make amends and repent, and now is that time. Tomorrow you shall have to stand before a Judge before whom no rank, honour, position and wealth will be of any help. A Judge before whom only amaal (good deeds) will count and Who is indeed aware of everything we do. Remember that Allah Ta’ala may forgive our sins as far as our relationship with Him is concerned, but as far as our dealing with people is concerned, He will not forgive us without us repaying them for not fulfilling their rights. Rasulullah ﷺ said, “The bankrupt one from among my Ummah is that person who shall appear on the day of Qiyaamah, bringing with him good deeds like Salaah, saum (fast) and charity. However, he had also sworn at someone, falsely accused someone and assaulted someone, with the result that all these people shall come forward complaining and bearing witness against him. As a repayment, his good deeds shall be taken away and granted to the aggrieved persons. When his good deeds are finished, the aggrieved persons sins shall be put upon him because of him not being able to repay the full penalty through lack of good deeds. Hence, in this manner he shall enter Jahannam. We Ramadhaan cannot describe his regret and sorrow in spite of him having had many good deeds to his account. (O Allah Ta’ala, save us from that, Ameen)

Poetic Translation: “It is not surprising for him who’s lost all hope to look towards the sky, when every leg of the journey he sees his efforts going in vain.”

Another point that needs explanation is this: we have come across many occasions and actions that cause one’s sins to be forgiven – the question arises that when the sins have been forgiven on the first occasion, which sin are then forgiven later? In other words, once a person had been forgiven there are no sins left on him. So why is forgiveness granted again? The answer is this: when Allah Ta’ala’s mercy and forgiveness descends upon mankind, those who have (a burden of) sins, their sins are wiped out and those (fortunate) people without (a burden of) sin are blessed and favored with Allah Ta’ala’s mercy (Rahmat and in’aamaat) and bounties. A further interesting point to note is that Allah Ta’ala time and again calls the Malaaikah to witness. The question may arise why is that so? Here one should remember that the questioning of the day of Qiyaamah has been set and witnesses will be brought forward to testify. Hence, Ambiya عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ will be required to bring witnesses as to whether they had delivered the message. Very often our Nabi ﷺ used to say, “Verily you shall be asked about me (and my mission). So, bear witness that I did deliver the message.” In Bukhaari Shareef we read a Hadith: “On the day of Qiyaamah, Hadhrat Nooh عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ will be called and asked, “Did you deliver the message in the proper manner?” He shall reply, “Yes I did.” Then his Ummah shall be asked, “Did he deliver the message?” They shall reply,

Translation: “No, neither did a bringer of glad tiding come to us nor did the Warner.” (Surah Maa’idah - Aayah 19) “Thereupon Nooh عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ will be called to bring witnesses. He shall call upon Hadhrat Muhammad ﷺ and his Ummah. This Ummah shall be called forward and they shall testify to the truth of Nooh (alayhis salaam’s) evidence.” In some versions of this Hadith, this Ummah shall be cross questioned, “How do you know that Nooh عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ delivered the message of Allah Ta’ala, (When you were not present at that time?)” They shall reply, “Our Nabi ﷺ informed us of that.” In this same manner all the Ambiyaa عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ will be questioned. For this the Qur-aan-e-Kareem says,

Translation: “Thus, we made you an Ummah, justly balanced, that you might be witnesses over the nations.” (Surah Baqarah - Aayah 143)

Imaam Fakhrud Deen Raazi (rahmatullahi alaih) writes that on the day of Qiyaamah there shall be four types of witnesses:

1. The Malaaikah. The Qur-aan says:

Translation: 1.1. “Every soul shall come with an angel (who will take him to the place where he will be questioned) and a witness (the angel who has recorded all his actions).” (Surah Qaaf - Aayah 21)

Translation: 1.2. “Whenever a word escapes (from a persons mouth), there is a guard ready by him (an angel immediately records it, be it good or bad) (Surah Qaaf - Aayah 18)

Translation: 1.3. “Verily there are guardians (angels) upon you (with every person) who are noble and (continuously) recording (everything you say). They know what you do.” (Surah Infitaar - Aayah 10-12)

2. The Ambiyaa عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ . The Qur-aan says:

Translation: 2.1. “And I was a witness to them as long as I was with them.” (Surah Maa’idah - Aayah 117)

Translation: 2.2. “How will it be (the condition of the kuffaar on the day of Qiyaamah) when We shall bring forth a witness from every nation and call you (O Muhammad ﷺ ) to be a witness over all of them?” (Surah Nisaa - Aayah 41)

3. The Ummah of Muhammad ﷺ , the following Aayaat refer to this:

Translation: 3.1. “and the Ambiya and the witnesses will be brought.” (Surah Zumar - Aayah 69)

4. The different parts of a man’s body.Thus, the Qur-aan Shareef states:

Translation: “On the day (of Qiyaamah) when their tongues, hands and legs will testify against them for what they did.” (Surah Noor - Aayah 24)

Translation: 4.1. “On this day (day of Qiyaamah) We shall seal their mouths, but their hands will speak to Us and their legs will testify to what they earned/ did.” (Surah Yaaseen - Aayah 65) The last Hadith also mentions one glad tiding for the fortunate ones. Allah Ta’ala says that those who were obedient to him will not be disgraced and humiliated in front of the disbelievers and sinners. This is the great extent of Allah Ta’ala’s grace and kindness and also the regard Allah Ta’ala shows for the status of the Muslims. Another of Allah Ta’ala’s blessing and favour for those who sought his pleasure is that their faults and sins will be covered up on this occasion. Hadhrat Abdullah ibn ‘Umar رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ reports that Rasulullah ﷺ said, “On the day of Qiyaamah Allah Ta’ala will call a believer to come near to Him and a curtain will be drawn so that no one else can see. Allah Ta’ala will then remind him of each and every sin of his which he will admit to. On seeing his numerous sins, that person will feel that he had indeed failed and shall be doomed. But then Allah Ta’ala will say: ‘In the world I covered your faults and today also I will hide them and forgive you.’” Thereafter his book of good deeds will be given to him. The contents of this Hadith is also contained in many other Ahaadith as well. One should therefore be careful of not humiliating and attacking the righteous ones for their sins, because it is possible that their sins will be forgiven. In the end we may be the real losers due to backbiting, mocking and insulting those who, in their own manner, seek to please Allah Ta’ala. It is possible that Allah Ta’ala may cover their faults and forgive them through the blessings of their other good deeds, while we, who continue to backbite, mock and insult them, may be the cause of our own destruction. (May Allah Ta’ala, in His Mercy, forgive us all). This Hadith also states that the night before the day of Eid is called the night of prize giving, the night when Allah Ta’ala gives the true reward to his servants. This night should also be properly appreciated. Once an announcement has been made that tomorrow is Eid, many of us, including the pious, go to sleep, whereas this is also a night that should be spent in Ibaadah. Rasulullah ﷺ said, “Whoever remains awake (for ibaadah) on the nights preceding both the Eids with the aim of gaining reward, his heart will not die on that day when hearts will die.” The meaning here is that at the time when evil will overcome all hearts, his heart shall stay alive (guarded against evil). It may also refer to the time when the soor (trumpet) shall be blown to announce the day of Qiyaamah, then on that day his soul shall not become unconscious. Rasulullah ﷺ is also reported to have said, “Whoever stays awake for Ibaadah on the following five nights, entrance into Jannah becomes waajib for him, Laylatut Tarwiyah (the night before the 8th Zul Hijjah), Laylatul Arafah (the night before the 9th Zul Hijjah), Laylatun Nahr (the night before the 10th Zul Hijjah), the night before Eidul Fitr and the night of 15th Sha’baan. The fuqahaa have written that it is mustahab to remain in ibaadah Ramadhaan on the nights before Eid. It is reported in ‘Maa sabata bis Sunnah’ from Imaam Shaafiee رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ that there are five nights in which duas are accepted; the night before Friday, the night before both Eids, the first night of Rajab, and Laylatul Bara’ah (15th Shabaan).

Translation: Among the pious, it is said that because of the exceptional greatness of Friday night, one should spend this night in ibaadah during the month of Ramadhaan. But there are some Ahaadith that prohibit us from fixing only that particular night for ibaadah. Therefore, it is advisable that one or two other nights should also be joined with it.

In conclusion, as I have now come to the end of this book, I hope that this will be of benefit to those who seek Allah Ta’ala’s pleasure. I beg and plead for all the readers to make dua for me (the humble writer of these pages), during those special hours of Ramadhaan. It is possible that because of your dua, Allah Ta’ala will bestow His happiness and love upon me too, Aameen. Readers are humbly requested to also include in their dua’s the founder, past and present staff, pupils and associates of this Institute.

Poetic Translation: O king of the universe! Eventhough I am in the wrong and most unworthy, but then, O my beloved! Besides you where else can I go. Besides you who else can there be for a destitute like me.

Poetic Translation: Please do not look at my deeds (and pass judgement), instead look at me with your eye of grace. In the distress of despair I am destroyed.O my Rabb, bless me with your mercy, kindness and grace.

Poetic Translation: Above me is my load of sin, below me is the ocean of trial. The army of distress has surrounded me from all sides. Please come quickly to my rescue. Create some exit for this distressed one.

Poetic Translation: Munaajaat

The ones in your servitude have their worship to rely on. Those who renounce this world have the virtue of abstinence to their account and then myself with absolutely nothing to present, I only have my cry (of regret and hope)

Poetic Translation: It is not poverty which I desire, nor is it prosperity, worship, austerity or the desire for knowledge and respect do I wish. Yes, for the sake of Allah Ta’ala, Darde Dil (your love) is what I desire

Poetic Translation: I fully acknowledge your unlimited blessings upon me in this world, my understanding, my sanity, my rational etc. Now O My Cherisher! I beg of you that bounty which will see me through forever. Ramadhaan

Poetic Translation: This unfortunate one has now reached the point of desperation. O Allah! Now is the time I need your help. Out of your shoreless grace and mercy….please assist me.

Poetic Translation: On the one hand I admit being a sinful slave full of faults and error. Yet it is you, O Allah, whose attributes is the most forgiving that gives me the courage (to still come to you) whatever I may be, at the end, I am still referred to you as yours.

Translation: You are the curer, you are the one sufficient for me in all my concerns. You are enough for me, you are my Rabb, you are the most execellent manager of my affairs.

Translation: (Hadhrat Moulana) Muhammad Zakariyya Kandhlawi رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ Resident at Madrasah Mazahirul Uloom Saharanpur U.P. India 27th Ramadhaan, 1349 Hijri