Chapter 1: VIRTUES OF SALAAH THE REWARDS FOR PERFORMING SALAAH

Translation: Hadhrat Abdullah bin Umar رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ narrates that he heard Rasulullah ﷺ saying: “Islam is based on five pillars; Believing that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad ﷺ is His servant and messenger; establishment of Salaah; paying of Zakaat; fasting in Ramadhaan; and performance of Haj.”

Note: Rasulullah ﷺ has compared Islam to a tent resting on five supports. The Kalimah is the central support and the other four pillars of Islam are the remaining four supports; one at each corner of the tent. Without the central support, the tent cannot possibly stand. If any one of the corner supports is missing, then that corner will collapse. Now, let us judge for ourselves how much we have kept up the tent of Islam. Is there really any pillar that is being held in its proper place? The five pillars of Islam mentioned in this Hadith explain the most important duties of a Muslim. Although a Muslim cannot do without any one of them, Salaah in Islam holds second position after Imaan. Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mas’ood رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ says: “Once, I asked Rasulullah ﷺ which act (of man) was the dearest to Allah Ta’ala? Rasulullah ﷺ replied, ‘Salaah’. I then asked which act came next (in order of importance) and Rasulullah ﷺ replied, ‘Kindness to parents’. I again asked what was next. He answered, Jihaad.” Mulla Ali Qaari رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ has used this Hadith in support of the belief that Salaah is the most important duty after Imaan. This is further supported by a Hadith, in which Nabi ﷺ says:

Translation: “Salaah is the best of all that has been commanded by Allah Ta’ala.”

This topic has been discussed clearly in many other Saheeh Ahaadith that the best of all actions is that of Salaah. It is for this reason that in Jaamius Sagheer, Hadhrat Sawbaan, Ibn Amr, Salamah, Abu Umaamah and Ubaadah (radiyallahu anhum) have narrated this Hadith. Hadhrat Ibn Masood رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ and Hadhrat Anas رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ have narrated that the greatest action is to perform one’s salaah in its correct time. It has been narrated from Hadhrat Ibn Umar رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمَا and Umm-e-Farwa رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهَا that one should read one’s salaah in the awwal waqt (immediately when the time sets in). The objective of all is about the same.

Translation: “Hadhrat Abu Zar رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ narrates that once Rasulullah ﷺ came out of his house. It was winter and the leaves were falling off the trees. He caught hold of a branch of a tree and its leaves began to drop Note: In winter, usually, the leaves of the trees fall in large numbers, that on some trees not a single leaf is left behind. The same is the effect of Salaah performed with sincerity and devotion. All the sins of the person offering Salaah are wiped off.

TAUBAH IS NECESSARY FOR FORGIVENSS OF MAJOR SINS

However, it should be remembered that according to the Ulama, it is only the minor sins that are forgiven by the performance of Salaah and other acts of ibaadah. The major sins are not forgiven without taubah. Therefore, in addition to performing Salaah, we should be particular about making taubah (repentance) and istighfaar (seeking forgiveness). Allah Ta’ala, by His bountiful Grace, may also forgive the major sins of any person because of his Salaah.

Translation: Hadhrat Abu Usmaan رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ says: “I was once sitting under a tree with Hadhrat Salmaan رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ . He caught hold of a dry branch of a tree and shook it till all its leaves fell off. He then said to me, ‘O, Abu Usmaan! Will you not ask me why I am doing this?’ ‘Do tell me,’ I replied. He said, ‘Rasulullah ﷺ had done exactly like this before me, while I was with him under a tree. He caught a dry branch and shook it, till all its leaves fell off.’ At this he said: ‘O, Salmaan! Will you not ask me why I am doing this?’ I replied: ‘Do tell me why you are doing this?’ He remarked: ‘Verily, when a Muslim makes wudhu properly and then reads his Salaah five times a day, his sins fall off just as these leaves have fallen off.’ He then recited the following aayah of the Qur-aan Shareef:

Translation: ‘Establish Salaah at the two ends of the day, and during portions of the night. Verily, good deeds wipe out evil acts. This is advice to those who will take heed.’” (Surah Hud - Aayah 114)

Note: The behaviour of Hadhrat Salmaan رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ in the above Hadith shows the deep love which the Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ had for Rasulullah ﷺ . They would often remember the sweet memories of the time when Rasulullah ﷺ was living amongst them. While quoting him, they would do exactly what they had seen him doing at a particular moment. It is really very difficult to cover all the Ahaadith of Rasulullah ﷺ , which deal with the importance of Salaah and which declare forgiveness for those who guard it. As had already been said before, the Ulama restrict the asking of forgiveness to minor sins only, but, in the wording of the Hadith, there is no such restriction. My learned father gave me two reasons for this. Firstly, a devoted Muslim will not commit any major sins, and if perhaps any major sins are committed by him, then he will not be able to rest in peace (due to the fear of Allah Ta’ala in him) until he washes them with his tears of taubah in crying before Allah Ta’ala. Secondly, the person who performs his Salaah properly with

Translation: “O, My Lord! I have wronged myself a great wrong, and none forgives sins but You alone. Please forgive me and have mercy on me. Verily, You are the Most Forgiving, and Most Merciful.”

THE VIRTUES OF USING A MISWAAK

In the above Hadith, mention is made of wudhu to be done properly. We should, therefore, be sure of the rules of wudhu and try to make it correctly. For example, using a miswaak is a Sunnah of wudhu, but is very often left out. It is said in a Hadith that the Salaah offered after making miswaak is seventy times more rewarding than the Salaah performed without making miswaak. In another Hadith, the use of miswaak has been encouraged very strongly. These are some of the benefits of using miswaak:

1. It cleans the mouth.

2. It makes Allah Ta’ala happy 3. It displeases shaytaan.

4. Allah Ta'ala and His Malaaikah love the person who makes miswaak.

5. It strengthens the gums 6. It clears out phlegm.

7. It creates a good smell in the mouth.

8. It clears out bile.

9. It improves the eye sight.

10. It removes the stench from the mouth.

The most important benefit is that, “It is the Sunnah of our beloved Rasulullah ﷺ .”

As many as seventy virtues of the miswaak have been counted by the Ulama. It is said that a person who is in the habit of making miswaak dies with the Kalimah Shahaadat on his lips. On the other hand, there are 70 harms of taking opium (kind of drug) one of which is that at the time of death one will not remember to read the kalimah. The rewards of making wudhu properly are many. It is mentioned in the Ahaadith that the parts of the body that are washed in wudhu shall shine on the Day of Qiyaamah and by this (sign), Rasulullah ﷺ will at once recognise his followers.

SALAAH HADITH 4 (A) - SALAAH WASHES OFF SINS JUST AS BATHING IN A STREAM WASHES OFF DIRT AND DUST

Translation: Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ narrates that once Rasulullah ﷺ asked the Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ , “Do you believe that dirt can remain on a person who has a bath five times a day in a stream flowing in front of his door?” “‘No”, replied the Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ , “No dirt can remain on his body.” Rasulullah ﷺ said: “So, exactly similar is the effect of Salaah offered five times a day. With the Grace of Allah Ta’ala, it washes away all sins.”

HADITH 4 (B)

Translation: Hadhrat Jaabir رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ narrates that he heard Rasulullah ﷺ saying: “The example of the five daily Salaah is like a deep stream flowing in front of the door of a person who has a bath in it five times a day.”

Note: Running water is generally free from dirt and the deeper it runs the cleaner and purer it is. A bath in such water surely removes dirt from the body and makes it clean. Salaah performed properly, keeping in mind all the etiquettes of Salaah, also cleanses the soul of all sins. There are many Ahaadith with the same meaning, but with slight differences in narration, narrated by different Sahaabah of Rasulullah ﷺ . Hadhrat Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ narrates that he heard Rasulullah ﷺ saying: “Each of the five Salaah cancels the sins committed since the Salaah before it.” To explain, let us take the case of a person working in a factory. His job is such that his body gets covered with dust. But there are five streams of running water in-between the factory and his house. When he is returning, he takes a bath in each stream. The effect of the five daily Salaah is very similar. Any sins committed between two Salaahs are forgiven because of the istighfaar and taubah in each Salaah. Through such examples Rasulullah ﷺ is showing us that Salaah has the wonderful power of removing sins. If we fail to attain the mercy, grace and kindness of Allah Ta’ala, then surely we ourselves are the losers. To make a mistake is human. We are likely to commit many sins and deserve the punishment of Allah Ta’ala, but look how forgiving Allah is. He has most beautifully shown us the way to earn His mercy and forgiveness. It is a great misfortune if we do not take advantage of this great favour. Allah Ta’ala is always eager to shower us with His mercy for every small wrong we do. It is said in a Hadith, that if a person goes to bed with the intention of getting up for Tahajjud and somehow does not wake up, he receives the full reward for Tahajjud, although he has been enjoying his sleep at the time of Tahajjud. How wonderful is the grace of Allah Ta’ala? What a tremendous loss if we do not receive blessings from Him?

Translation: Hadhrat Huzayfah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ says, “Whenever Rasulullah ﷺ happened to face any difficulty, he would at once turn to Salaah.”

Note: Salaah is a great blessing of Allah Ta’ala. To turn to Salaah at the time of worry is to hasten towards His mercy. When the mercy of Allah Ta’ala comes to our rescue, there can remain absolutely no worry. There are many Ahaadith concerning this practice of Rasulullah ﷺ . Similar was the practice of the Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ , who followed him in every small thing. Hadhrat Abu Darda رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ says: “Whenever a strong wind blew, Rasulullah ﷺ would immediately enter the Masjid and would not leave until the wind had stopped.” Similarly, at the time of a solar or lunar eclipse, Rasulullah ﷺ would begin offering Salaah. Hadhrat Suhaib رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ was informed by Rasulullah ﷺ that all the previous Ambiyaa of Allah Ta’ala عَلَيْهِمُ السَّلَامُ also turned to Salaah in all difficulties. Hadhrat Ibn Abbaas رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمَا was once on a journey. On his way he received the news of the death of his son. He got down from his camel and performed two rakaats of Salaah, sitting in tashahhud for a long time. He then recited ‘Innaa lillaahi wa innaa ilaihi raaji-oon’ and said, “I have done what Allah Ta’ala has ordered us to do in the Qur-aan Shareef, that is;

Translation: “Seek Allah’s help with patience and Salaah” (Surah Baqarah - Aayah 45)

Another similar story is narrated about him. He was once on a journey when he received the news about the death of his brother, Qusum. He got down from his camel by the roadside and performed two rakaats of Salaah and kept sitting in Tashahhud for a long time. After finishing his Salaah, he rode his camel, reciting the following Aayah of the Qur-aan Shareef:

Translation: “Seek Allah’s help with patience and Salaah. Truly this is indeed difficult except for the humble ones.” (Surah Baqarah - Aayah 45)

There is also another story about him. On hearing about the demise of one of the wives of Nabi ﷺ , he fell down in sajdah. When somebody asked him the reason he said, “Our dear Nabi ﷺ had ordered us to make sajdah (in Salaah) whenever we were faced with a calamity. What calamity can be greater than the death of one of the Ummul Mu’mineen?” When Hadhrat Ubaadah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ was about to breathe his last, he said to the people around him, “I prohibit everyone from crying over me. When my rooh (soul) departs, I ask everyone to perform wudhu, observing all its etiquettes, to go to the masjid and make dua for my forgiveness, because our Merciful Allah Ta’ala has enjoined on us to, ‘Seek help with patience and Salaah.’ After that, lay me down in my grave.” Hadhrat Abdur Rahmaan رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ , the husband of Hadhrat Umm-e-Kulsoom (raidiyallahu anha), fell ill. Once, he fell into a state of unconsciousness that everyone around him thought that he had passed away. Hadhrat Umm-e-Kulsoom (radiyallahu anha) stood up and started to perform Salaah. After she completed her Salaah, Hadhrat Abdur Rahmaan رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ regained consciousness. He asked the people if it seemed that he had passed away. The people replied, “Yes” He then said, “Two angels came to me and said, ‘Come with us to Allah Ta’ala. Your condition will be decided over there.’ They began to take me with them when suddenly a third angel appeared and said to the two of them that they should go away as he is from those people whom good fortune has been written for him from the time he was in the stomach of his mother. His children are still to take benefit from him.” He remained alive for another month thereafter and then only did he pass away. Hadhrat Nadhr رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ narrates, “Once it became very dark during the day in Madinah Munawwarah. I hurriedly went to Hadhrat Anas رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ to find out if he had ever experienced similar conditions during the lifetime of Rasulullah ﷺ . He said to me, ‘Ma’aazallaah! During those blessed days, whenever the wind blew strong, we would hurry to the Masjid, fearing that it should be the coming of the Last Day.’” Hadhrat Abdullah bin Salaam رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ narrates that whenever the members of the family of Rasulullah ﷺ experienced difficulty, Rasulullah ﷺ would instruct them to perform Salaah, and would recite the following Aayat of the Qur-aan:

Translation: “And instruct your family to perform Salaah and you yourself remain steadfast on it. We do not ask you to provide sustenance, but We provide it for you. And the best result (rewards in the Aakhirah) is for adopting Taqwa.” (Surah Tahaa - Aayah 132)

It is mentioned in a Hadith that when somebody has a need, whether it is of this life or the Aakhirah, whether it concerns Allah Ta’ala or some person, he should make a perfect wudhu and offer two rakaats of Salaah, glorify Allah Ta’ala and then send Durood on Nabi ﷺ , and then make the following dua:

Translation: “There is no god besides Allah, the Clement, the Bountiful. Glorified be Allah, the Lord of the tremendous throne. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds. I ask You all that leads to Your Mercy and deserves Your forgiveness. I ask You abundance in all that is good and refuge Wahb bin Munabbih رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ writes: “Have your needs fulfilled by Allah Ta’ala through Salaah. In the past, if people were afflicted by a calamity or difficulty, they would hurry towards Salaah.” It is said that a porter (delivery man), who lived in Kufa, was well known for his honesty. People trusted him with their valuables and money, which he carried from one place to another. Once he was doing his job as usual when a person met him and asked him where he was going. The person said, “I am also going to the same place. If I could walk, I would have accompanied you on foot. Will you kindly give me a ride on your donkey for one Dinar?” The porter agreed and allowed him to share the donkey with him. They then arrived at a crossing. The person asked, “Which road will you take?” “The main road, of course,” replied the porter. The person said. “No brother, we should go by the other road which is a shortcut and there is plenty of grass to feed the animal.” The porter said, “I have never been on this road.” The person remarked, “I have travelled on this road many times.” The porter believed him and proceeded. After some distance, the road ended in a terrifying forest where a large number of dead bodies were lying about. The person suddenly jumped off the donkey, drew out his knife, intending to kill the porter. “Stop”, shouted the porter, “Take the animal and its load, but do not kill me.” The porter begged him but the person refused to listen. He wanted to kill the porter and take the animal and the goods. Seeing that the robber was not going to listen, the porter said to him, “All right, if you must kill me, then allow me to perform two rakaats of Salaah.” The person agreed and remarked, “You can please yourself. All the dead you see made the same request. Their Salaah did not help them.” The porter began his Salaah but could not remember any Surah to read after Surah Faatihah. Meanwhile the person grew impatient and angrily asked him to hurry up with his Salaah. All of a sudden, this Aayah flashed in his mind;

Translation: “Is it not He who responds to the distressed (helpless) person when he calls out to Him (for help), and removes the evil...” (Surah Naml – Aayah 62)

Whilst the porter was reciting the Aayah, tears welled up in his eyes. Just then a horseman suddenly appeared on the scene. He was wearing a shining helmet and held a spear in his hand. He stabbed the merciless thief and killed him. A flame of fire rose from the spot where the body of the thief fell. The porter fell down in sajdah and thanked Allah Ta’ala. After finishing his Salaah, he ran towards the horseman and asked him who he was. He replied. “I am a slave of Allah Ta’ala who answers the wronged one. You are now safe and can go wherever you like.” Saying this, the horseman rode away and disappeared. Indeed, Salaah is a great gift. Besides pleasing Allah Ta’ala, it often saves us from the problems of this life and provides us with peace of mind. Ibn Seereen رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ writes: “If I was allowed to choose between Jannah and a Salaah of two rakaats, I would prefer Salaah. The reason is quite clear. Jannah is for my own pleasure while Salaah is for the pleasure of my beloved Allah Ta’ala.” Nabi ﷺ has said: “Enviable is that Muslim who has little burden (i.e. of the world. He does not have much family and wealth etc.), he has lots of salaah in his life, he remains satisfied with what is provided for him, he makes the ibaadat of Allah Ta’ala with full devotion, he remains unkown to people and dies an early death, leaving very little behind and very few to mourn him.” It is mentioned in a Hadith that Rasulullah ﷺ said: “Offer your Salaah at your homes frequently, so that it may be blessed with the Grace and Mercy of Allah Ta’ala.” (This refers to nafl Salaah).

Translation: Abu Muslim رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ narrates: “I went to see Abu Umaamah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ while he was in the Masjid. I asked him if he had heard Rasulullah ﷺ saying, ‘When a person performs wudhu properly and then reads his Fardh Salaah, Allah Ta’ala forgives all the sins he committed that day by his feet in going towards evil, by his hands in doing evil, by his ears in listening to evil, by his eyes in looking at evil and by his heart in thinking of evil.’ He replied, ‘By Allah, I have heard these words from Rasulullah ﷺ again and again.’”

Note: Many of the Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ viz. Hadhrat Usmaan رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ , Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ , Hadhrat Anas رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ , Hadhrat Abdullah Sanaabihi رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ , Hadhrat Amr ibn Abasah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ and others have narrated this Hadith with slight differences. Those who are gifted with the power of Kashf can even witness the sins falling away. It is said about Imaam Abu Haneefah رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ that he could tell from the water falling down from the limbs of the person performing wudhu as to which sins had been washed off. In a Hadith narrated by Hadhrat Usmaan رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ that, Rasulullah ﷺ has warned people against committing sins in the hope of getting them forgiven through Salaah. We have absolutely no reason to behave like that. After all, what is the quality of the Salaah that we perform? If Allah Ta’ala only accepts our Salaah, it is His very special favour and grace. We would be very ungrateful if we disobey Allah Ta’ala just because He is Merciful and Forgiving.

Translation: Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ narrates, “Two people of one tribe came to Rasulullah ﷺ and accepted Islam together. One of them was made shaheed (martyred) in a battle and the other died a year later. Hadhrat Talha bin Ubaidullah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ says that he saw in his dream that the person who had died later entered Jannah before the shaheed (martyr). This surprised him. I do not remember whether it was he or somebody else who narrated this dream.” Rasulullah ﷺ then said: “Has not the person dying later fasted for one additional month of Ramadhaan, and has he not read more than 6000 rakaats of Salaah during the year he lived after the shaheed (martyr)?”

Note: If we have to say that each month in the year has 29 days and we have to only count the rakaats of the fardh and witr salaah, it will amount to 20 rakaats. That alone will amount to 6960 rakaats. And those months that have 30 days, you will increase the rakaats for each of those days. And if you have to count the rakaats of the sunnat and nafal salaah, then how much will that amount to? In Ibnu Majah this incident has been mentioned with more detail. Hadhrat Talha رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ , who saw the dream, narrates that two men from one tribe once came to Rasulullah ﷺ . They both accepted Islam together. One was very brave and courageous. He was martyred in a battle. The other man passed away a year later. I saw myself at the mentioned the dream to him. Rasulullah ﷺ mentioned, “What is there for you to be so surprised about?” The people said, “Ya Rasulullah! The first person was Shaheed and he had more courage and bravery and here we see that the second person entered before him.” Rasulullah ﷺ said, “Did he not make ibaadat for one extra year.” They replied, “Yes.” He further mentioned, “Did he not fast for one extra Ramadhaan?” They replied, “Yes. Most definitely.” He further mentioned, “Did he not make so many more sajdahs in the one year.” They replied, “Yes, indeed.” Rasulullah ﷺ then said, “Between them is the difference of the skies and the earth.” This incident has been narrated by many other people as well. Abu Dawood Shareef mentions a similar incident of two Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمَا who passed away 8 days apart. The second person passed away one week later. He still entered Jannah before the other person. In reality we do not know how valuable Salaah is. There must have been a reason why Rasulullah ﷺ was often heard saying, “The comfort of my eyes is in Salaah.” This is an expression of his deep love for Salaah. What else can be more valuable than Salaah? It is mentioned in one Hadith that there were two brothers. One passed away 40 days before the other. The first brother was known for his piety and people had lots of respect for him. Rasulullah ﷺ asked, “Was the second brother not a Muslim? The Sahaabah (radiyallahu anhum) mentioned, “Yes, he was a Muslim but an ordinary Muslim.” Rasulullah ﷺ mentioned, “What do you know that these 40 days of Salaah that he had performed would have taken him to such great heights.” Salaah is like the example of a sweet and deep river which flows in front of one’s door. Is it ever possible for dirt to remain on the body of the person who bathes in this river five times a day?” Again Rasulullah ﷺ mentioned, that “What do you know as to what heights he must have reached through the extra Salaah he performed.”

Translation: Hadhrat Abdullah Ibn Mas’ood رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ narrates that he heard Rasulullah ﷺ saying: “When the time of Salaah comes close, an Angel announces, ‘Get up, O children of Aadam (mankind), and put out the fire that you have lit (by doing sins) to burn yourselves.’ So, the (pious) people rise up, perform wudhu and offer their Zuhr Salaah. This causes forgiveness of their sins committed since sunrise. The same is repeated at Asr, Maghrib and Esha. After Esha people go to bed, but there are some who busy themselves in good, while others are busy in evil deeds.”

Note: The meaning of this Hadith has been mentioned in many other Hadith kitaabs that Allah Ta’ala, through His Mercy, forgives the sins of those who perform Salaah. It has been mentioned previously that due to Istighfaar being present in Salaah, both the minor and major sins are forgiven by Allah Ta’ala. The condition for the forgiveness of major sins is to have sincere regret in the heart. Allah Ta’ala Himself says in the Qur-aan Shareef as it has already been explained under Hadith three;

Translation: “Establish Salaah at the two ends of the day, and during portions of the night. Verily, good deeds wipe out evil acts.” (Surah Hood - Aayah 114)

Hadhrat Salmaan رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ who is a famous Sahaabi, says, “After Esha, people are divided into three groups. There are some for whom the night is a source of blessings and gain. They are those who spend it in the ibaadah (worship) of Allah Ta’ala, while others are asleep. For them the night brings great rewards from Allah Ta’ala. There are others who turn their night into a curse for themselves, since they commit sins in the darkness of the night. To them the night brings curses and misery. Then, there is the third group of people who go to bed immediately after Esha. They neither gain nor lose.”

Translation: Hadhrat Abu Qataadah bin Rab’iyy رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ says that he heard Rasulullah ﷺ saying: “Allah Ta’ala has said, ‘O Muhammad ﷺ ! I have fixed five times daily Salaah for your followers. I have made a promise with myself that whoever is regular in performing his Salaah in its correct time, shall be admitted into Jannah. Those of your followers who do not guard their Salaah, are not included in this promise.”

Note: In another Hadith, it is said that Allah Ta’ala has fixed five times Salaah, and whosoever is mindful of his Salaah by making wudhu properly and performing it in its correct time with sincerity and devotion is assured by Allah Ta’ala of entry into Jannah. Whoever does not guard his Salaah, there is no such guarantee for him. He may or may not be forgiven. Salaah has indeed great value. It gives us an opportunity to receive the guarantee of Allah Ta’ala for Jannah. When an honourable person who is wealthy or someone who has some position or power gives us a guarantee for fulfilling any of our worldly requirements, we feel quite satisfied and happy and we consider it our duty to remain grateful and dedicated to him. Allah Ta’ala, who is the only king of both the worlds, is giving us the guarantee for the real success after death in return for five times daily Salaah, which does not involve much effort on our part. If even then we do not take benefit of the opportunity, we cannot blame anyone besides ourselves for the dreadful punishment that awaits us.

Translation: Ibn Salmaan رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ says that he heard one of the Sahaabah of Rasulullah ﷺ narrating, “When we had won the battle of Khaibar, we began to buy and sell the booty, that we had received, amongst ourselves. One of us went to Nabi ﷺ and said, ‘O, Nabi of Allah, no one has earned so much profit as I have in today’s business.’ ‘How much did you earn?’ asked Rasulullah ﷺ . He replied, ‘I kept on selling and buying till I earned a total profit of 300 Awqiyyah of silver.’ Rasulullah ﷺ said, ‘Shall I inform you of something better than that?’ He replied, ‘Do tell me, O, Nabi of Allah!’ Rasulullah ﷺ remarked, ‘Two rakaats nafl after the (fardh) Salaah.’”

Note: 300 Awqiyyah of silver is equivalent to about 3000 Rupees. According to Nabi ﷺ , the money of this world cannot compare with the everlasting gain of the Aakhirah. Our life will be prosperous if we build our Imaan to the level that two rakaats of Salaah is more valuable in our sight than all the riches of this world.

THE FINAL BEQUEST OF RASULULLAH ﷺ

Salaah is really a great treasure and that is why Rasulullah ﷺ has called it ‘the comfort of his eyes’. He had been commanding us to read Salaah right up to His last breath. Ummu Salamah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهَا narrates that the last words of Rasulullah ﷺ , which he could hardly utter, were regarding guarding the Salaah and kindness towards the slaves. There is a similar Hadith narrated by Hadhrat Ali رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ as well.

Once, Rasulullah ﷺ sent a group of Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ in Jihaad towards Najd. They returned victorious very quickly with lots of booty. When Rasulullah ﷺ saw the people envying them and wondering at their quick bargain, he said, “Shall I inform you of a group of people who earn much more in a much shorter time? They are those who perform their Fajr with Jamaat and then remain seated till a little while after sunrise and thereafter read two rakaats of Salaah.” According to Shaqeeq Balkhi رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ , a very famous Shaikh, we can acquire five things by doing five things; an increase in provisions through ‘Chaasht’ (Nafl Salaah before midday), a light in the grave through Tahajjud, correct answers to Munkar and Nakeer (the Malaaikah who will question us in our graves) through the recitation of the Qur-aan, an easy crossing of Siraat (the bridge over Jahannam) through fasting and charity, and a place under the shade of the Throne of Allah Ta’ala on the Day of Qiyaamah through seclusion.

40 AHAADITH EXPLAINING THE IMPORTANCE AND VIRTUES

In the books of Hadith, there are many sayings of Rasulullah ﷺ about Salaah and its rewards and virtues. It is very difficult to cover all of them in this small book. A few of them are mentioned below:

1. “Salaah is the first command of Allah Ta’ala upon my Ummah, and it shall be the first thing to be questioned about on the Day of Qiyaamah.”

2. “Fear Allah Ta’ala in the matter of Salaah! Fear Allah Ta’ala in the matter of Salaah! Fear Allah Ta’ala in the matter of Salaah!”

3. “Salaah comes in-between a person and Shirk.”

4. “Salaah is the sign of Islam. A person who reads his Salaah at the correct time with sincerity and devotion, following all its rules including the Mustahabbaat (those acts that are preferable to do), is surely a Mu’min.”

5. “Of all things that have been commanded by Allah Ta’ala, Imaan and Salaah are the most valued. If there was anything better than Salaah, Allah Ta’ala would have commanded it for His Malaaikah, some of whom are always in ruku and others in sajdah.”

6. “Salaah is the pillar of Islam.”

7. “Salaah disgraces shaytaan.”

8. “Salaah is the light of a Believer.”

9. “Salaah is the best Jihaad.”

10. “When a person commences his Salaah, Allah Ta’ala turns His full attention towards him and when he terminates his salaah Allah Ta’ala also turns away His attention from him.”

11. “When a calamity descends from the skies, people who regularly go to the Masjid are saved.”

12. “If a person lands himself in Jahannam due to some reason, the fire will not burn those limbs of his body which have touched the ground while he was in sajdah during his Salaah.”

13. “Fire has been forbidden by Allah Ta’ala upon those limbs of the body which touch the ground while performing sajdah.”

14. “Of all the practices, Salaah read at the correct time is most loved by Allah Ta’ala.”

15. “Allah Ta’ala likes the posture of a person most when he is in sajdah, pressing his forehead on the ground in humility.”

16. “A person in sajdah is nearest to Allah Ta’ala.”

17. “Salaah is the key to Jannah.”

18. “When a person stands in Salaah, the gates of Jannah are opened and all the veils between him and Allah Ta’ala are raised (provided he does not spoil his Salaah by coughing, etc.).”

19. “A person in Salaah knocks at the divine door of Allah Ta’ala, and the door is always opened for him who knocks on it.”

20. “The position of Salaah in Islam is like the position of the head in the body.”

21. “Salaah is the light of the heart. Let those who wish, brighten their hearts (through Salaah).”

22. “If a person wishes to have his sins forgiven by Allah Ta’ala, he should perform wudhu properly, perform two or four rakaats of Fardh or Nafl Salaah, with devotion, and then make dua to Allah Ta’ala. Allah Ta’ala will forgive him.”

23. “Any piece of land on which Allah Ta’ala is remembered in Salaah, takes pride over the rest of the earth.”

24. “Allah Ta’ala accepts the dua of a person who makes dua to Him after having performed two rakaats of Salaah. Allah Ta’ala grants him what he asks for, sometimes immediately and sometimes (for his own good) later.”

25. “A person who performs two rakaats of Salaah alone, where nobody except Allah Ta’ala and His Malaaikah see him, receives a certificate of being saved from Jahannam.”

26. “Allah Ta’ala accepts the dua of a person after each Fardh Salaah.”

27. “Jahannam is forbidden and Jannah becomes compulsory for a person who performs his wudhu properly and performs his Salaah properly.”

28. “Shaytaan remains scared of a Muslim provided he is particular about his Salaah. As soon as he neglects it, shaytaan gets hold of him and tries his best to mislead him.”

29. “The most excellent practice is to perform Salaah in its awwal waqt (first time).”

30. “Salaah is an act of sacrifice for every pious person.”

31. “Salaah performed in its awwal waqt (first time) is a practice most liked by Allah Ta’ala.”

32. “At dawn, some people go to the Masjid and some to the market.

Those going to the Masjid carry the flag of Imaan and those leaving for the market carry the flag of shaytaan.”

33. “The four rakaats before Zuhr have the same reward as the four rakaats of Tahajjud.”

34. “The four rakaats before Zuhr are counted equal (in reward) to the four rakaats of Tahajjud.”

35. “The Mercy of Allah Ta’ala is directed towards a person standing in Salaah.”

36. “Salaah at night (when everyone is asleep) is most virtuous, but there are very few who observe it.”

37. “Jibraa-eel عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ came to me and said, O, Muhammad صَبَا اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَبَلَّمَ ! However long you live, you will die one day. Whoever you may love, you will leave him one day. Surely, you will receive the reward of whatever (good or evil) you do. No doubt, the honour of a believer is in Tahajjud and his respect is in contentment and staying away (from sin).”

38. “Two rakaats in the late hours of the night are more valuable than all the riches of this world. But for fear of hardship on my followers, I would have made it compulsory.”

39. “Keep offering Tahajjud Salaah. It is the way of the pious and a means of coming close to Allah Ta’ala. Tahajjud safeguards one from sins, causes forgiveness of sins and improves the health of the body.”

40. “Allah Ta’ala says, ‘O, son of Aadam! Do not be lazy in offering four rakaats in the early part of the day. I shall fulfil your needs for the rest of the day.” Books of Hadith repeatedly mention the rewards of Salaah and also the encouragement towards performing it. The forty short Ahaadith given above can be memorised and thus the reward of knowing forty Ahaadith can be earned. In fact, Salaah is really a big favour, but this is only realised by those who have its taste. Rasulullah ﷺ called it the comfort of his eyes. He would spend most of the night standing before Allah Ta’ala. It was for the very same reason that, our dear Rasulullah ﷺ , even on his deathbed, commanded and enjoined us to be particular about Salaah. It has been reported in many Ahaadith that Rasulullah ﷺ would often say;

“Fear Allah Ta’ala concerning Salaah.”

Abdullah bin Mas’ood رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ narrates that he heard Nabi ﷺ saying, “Of all the practices, Salaah is the dearest to me.” One of the Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ narrates, “One night I happened to go to the Masjid. I found Rasulullah ﷺ in Salaah. I really wanted to join him. I made my intention and stood behind him. He was reciting ‘Surah Baqarah’ at that time. I thought he would finish the qiraat and go for ruku at the end of the 100th Aayah, but he did not do so. I thought that he would perhaps go for ruku after finishing the 200th Aayaat, but he did not. I was sure that he would finish the first rakaat at the end of the Surah. When the Surah ended, he said ‘Allahumma Lakal hamd’ (O Allah! All praise belongs to you) a number of times and then began ‘Surah Aal-e-Imraan’. On finishing that surah, he again said ‘Allahumma lakal hamdu’ three times and began ‘Surah Maa’idah’. He then went into ruku after finishing that Surah. In ruku and sajdah he recited tasbeeh and some other duas, which I could not hear. In the second rakaat he started ‘Surah An’aam’ after ‘Surah Faatihah’. I could not continue with him any longer and broke away helplessly.” What Rasulullah ﷺ recited in one rakaat comes to about 5 Paras of the Qur-aan. Besides, Rasulullah ﷺ was reciting at ease with proper Tajweed. We can well imagine how long the rakaat would have been. It was because of this that his feet would often get swollen. No amount of strain and difficulty in Salaah is too much for the one whose heart has tasted the sweetness of Salaah. Abu Ishaaq Subaihi رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ is a famous Muhaddith. He died when he was over the age of 100 years. He would often exclaim in his old age, “Alas! This illness and old age have deprived me of the delight of performing long Salaah. I am now only able to recite ‘Surah Baqarah’ and ‘Surah Aal-e-Imraan’ in my Salaah of two rakaats.” These two surahs comprise about one eighth of the whole Qur-aan. Muhammad bin Sammaak رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ , the famous Soofi, writes, “My neighbour at Kufa had a son. The boy fasted during the day and made ibaadah during the night. This constant strain made him so thin that his body was reduced to a skeleton. His father requested me to caution him. I was once sitting at my door when the boy passed by. He greeted me with ‘Assalaamu alaikum’ and sat down. I had hardly said anything when he interrupted me saying, ‘Dear Uncle! Maybe you intend to advise me to reduce my efforts. Listen to my story first. I had a few friends in the locality. We decided amongst ourselves to compete with one another in ibaadah and acquiring the love of Allah Ta’ala. They all applied themselves so hard that they were soon sent for by Allah Ta’ala. They embraced death delightedly and peacefully. Now I am the only one left behind. What will they think of me when they know of my lagging behind? Dear Uncle! My friends really strived very hard and achieved their goal.’ He then began to relate the pursuits and accomplishments of his late friends, which surprised all the listeners. After this he left me. Few days later, I heard that the boy too had passed away (May Allah Ta’ala bless him).”

Even nowadays there are people who remain engaged in Salaah for the major portion of the night and devote the whole day to Tableegh, Ta’leem and other services in the path of Allah Ta’ala. Hadhrat Mujaddid Alf-e-Saani رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ is famously known to one and all in India. His Khalifa, Moulana Abdul Waahid Lahori رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ , was a famous saint who lived about two centuries ago. He sighed and wept when he learnt that there was no Salaah in Jannah, because it is the place for payment and not of effort. He sighed and remarked, “How shall we ever enjoy Jannah without Salaah!” It is because of such people that the world still functions. These are those noble people who really take the true benefit of this worldly life. May Allah Ta’ala give us also their strength of Imaan and love for His ibaadah! Aameen. Before I finish this chapter, let me mention a very interesting incident which is mentioned in the following Hadith from ‘Munabbihaat’ by Ibn Hajar رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ , “Once Rasulullah ﷺ was sitting with the Sahaabah رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ when he said, “Three things of this world are very dear to me; Itr (good smelling fragrance), my wives and Salaah which is the comfort of my eyes.” “Quite true,” said Hadhrat Abu Bakr رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ , “The three things that I love are; to look at your face, spending my wealth on you and that my daughter be your wife, O Nabi of Allah!” “Quite true,” said Hadhrat Umar رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ , “The three things that I love most are; enforcing that which is right, forbidding the evil and wearing old clothes.” “Quite true,” said Hadhrat Usmaan رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ , “The three things that I love most are; feeding the hungry, clothing the naked and reciting the Qur-aan.” “Quite true,” said Hadhrat Ali رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ . “The three things that I love most are; serving a guest, fasting on a very hot day and striking the enemy with my sword.” At this, Jibraa-eel عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ appeared and said to Rasulullah ﷺ , “Allah Ta’ala has sent me to tell you what I would love if I had been a human.” “Yes, do tell us Jibraa-eel,” said Rasulullah ﷺ . Jibraa-eel عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ replied, “If I had been a human like you, the three things I would have loved are; guiding the people who have gone away from Islam, loving those who make ibaadah (worship Allah Ta’ala) in poverty and helping the poor family men. As for Allah Ta’ala, the three things He loves most in His slaves are; striving in His Path (with one’s life or wealth), crying at the time of making taubah and being patient in poverty and hunger.”

Haafiz Ibn Qayyim رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْهِ writes: “Salaah brings our rizq (sustenance), promotes good health, drives out diseases, strengthens the heart, brings light and beauty to the face, pleases the soul, refreshes the body, cures laziness, relieves the mind, feeds the soul, brightens the heart and guarantees the favour of Allah Ta’ala. It grants protection against the punishment of Allah Ta’ala. It keeps shaytaan away and brings us closer to Allah Ta’ala. In short, Salaah is a guarantee for all that is good and a protection against all that is undesirable for both, body and soul, equally in this world and in the Aakhirah.”