What Is The Evidence of Spending Time In The Path of Allah for 3 Days, 40 Days, 4 Months, etc.

Haters and despisers of the so-labelled 'Tablighi Jamat' ramble on and on about how much innovations this so-called group is spiralling themselves into. During my days of ignorance, I too was a person who hated and despised the so-labelled 'Tablighi Jamat'. But now not anymore, Alhamdulillahi Rabbil 'Aalameen.

I find it absolutely unbecoming that in this day and age, into the 21st century, people at large are still ignorant about the virtue and graceful acceptance of this noble work. First and foremost, those who are active, who are supporters and who are sympathisers of this group don't regard it as a 'Jamat' as per se. But it is a work, i.e. the work of Da'wah, the work of calling one another, and more importantly - one's ownself to bring the greatness of Allah SWT into one's heart. This work has been revived in the 1920s and it is the culmination of the work of Rasulullah SAW. Those who say that 'Tablighi Jamat' are people of innovation are infact saying that Rasulullah SAW did innovation, Na'udhubillah Min Zaleek.

This post hopes to clarify and politely destroy misconceptions and perceptions. I am fully aware that by writing and posting - it is not as powerful as spending time in the path of Allah in itself; for if a person were to benefit and see the beauty of this work, one should open-mindedly and open-heartedly go out and spent three days with the so-labelled 'Tablighi' brothers - only then will one appreciate, understand and embrace the work of Rasulullah SAW. It is through this work that Islam spread to all corners of the world. There were approximately 124,000 Companions of the Prophet Muhammad SAW, but only 10,000 died in Hijaz (Makkah / Madinah) - so where are the graves of the rest i.e. the majority of the Sahabah RA - scaterred all around the world. They made Da'wah, the purpose and mission of their lives.

So let's zoom in to the main question(s):

Why 3 Days, 40 Days or 4 Months? What is the Dalil? What is the evidence?

Hahahahahahah. Let me first laugh first to tickle my heart, as I remember how staunchly ignorant are opposers and haters of this blessed work.

Usually when people ask this question, I invite the questioner to ask themselves: why is primary school 6 years? why is secondary school 5 years? why is university 3 years? Why must you have four wheels on the axle of a car? Why must the steering wheel be a wheel? Why must the car be made of metal? and so forth.


Evidence from the Lives of the Sahabah RA - Companions of the Prophet Muhammad SAW

There was a total of 150 Jamaats that was sent from Madinah during the life of Rasulullah SAW in this blessed city.

The Prophet Muhammad SAW himself participated in 25 of these Jamaats. Some of these Jamaats consisted of 10,000 Sahabah RA, some consisted of 1,000 Sahabah RA, some 500 Sahabah RA, some only 15 Sahabah RA, some only 7 Sahabah RA, and more. These Jamaats went out in the path of Allah for the duration of 3 months, 2 months, 15 days, 3 days and so forth.

As for the remaining 125 Jamaats that went out in the Path of Allah, some consisted of 1000 Sahabah RA, some 600 Sahabah RA, 500 Sahabah RA and so forth. And the durations of these Jamaats varied - some for 6 months, some for 4 months, and so forth.

If we were to calculate in detail, the average time that each Sahabi RA spent in the Path of Allah, outside his house - then this average was 6 to 7 months per year.


The Sahabah RA Spending Time in the Path of Allah for 5 Years

In the year 627M a group of Sahabah RA of the Prophet Muhammad SAW, which was led by Wahab bin Abi Qabahah RA visited Riau, part of the Malay Archipelago. The group stayed in Riau for 5 years for the purpose of Da'wah and Tabligh before returning to Madinah. It was through the effort of this blessed Sahabah RA that the Malay Archipelago and Peninsular was graced and blessed with the religion of Islam.


The Sahabah RA Spending Time in the Path of Allah for 6 Months

Bara bin Malik RA (brother of Anas bin Malik RA) narrates that Rasulullah SAW had sent Khalid Al-Walid RA to the people of Yemen, to invite them to embrace Islam.

Bara RA said:

"I too was part of that Jamaat. We stayed there (in Yemen) for 6 months. Khalid RA frequently invited them to embrace Islam, but they rejected his invitation."

Next, Rasulullah SAW sent Saiyidina 'Ali ibn Abi Talib RA to Yemen, and instructed Khalid RA to return with his whole Jamaat except for only one person who wants to accompany Saiyidina 'Ali RA - so let him be with Saiyidina 'Ali RA.

Bara RA said:

"I was the one who accompanied 'Ali RA for the time we were there. When we were very close to the people of Yemen, hence they came out and faced us. Then Ali RA arranged their Saf (row) for Solah (prayer) and 'Ali RA was the Imam in our Solah. After Solah, 'Ali RA read the content of the letter from Rasulullah SAW to them. After listening to the content of the letter of Rasulullah SAW, then the whole of the Bani Hamadan (clan) embraced Islam.

Next, 'Ali RA wrote a letter to Rasulullah SAW of which its content was to inform the Prophet SAW of them embracing Islam. (Then the letter was sent to the Prophet SAW). After the letter was read to Rasulullah SAW, he (SAW) immediately performed Sujud Shukur (Prostration of Thanks) to Allah SWT. After lifting his head, he (SAW) made Du'a (supplication):

"(Ya Allah, grant) prosperity to Bani Hamadan. (Ya Allah, grant) prosperity to Bani Hamadan."
[Bukhari, Baihaqi, Bidayah-wan-Nihayah]


The Sahabah RA Spending Time in the Path of Allah for 4 Months

Ibn Juraij RA narrates:

"There was a person who narrated to me that on one night when Umar RA was rounding (in Jaulah) in the lanes of the city of Madinah, suddenly he heard a woman reciting a Sha'eer (poetry):

"Oh how long is this night and how dark is its surroundings. I cannot sleep because my beloved is not here whom I want to kiss. Should it be that I am not afraid of committing sin against Allah - the One and Only; I would have permitted this body be shakened by another (person)."

When Umar RA heard this Sha'eer, he asked the woman:

"What has happened to you?"

The woman answered:

"I miss my husband very much, who has left me for several months."

Umar RA asked:

"What do you mean by doing what is bad?"

The woman answered:

"I seek refuge from Allah."

Umar RA said:

"Control yourself! Now I will send someone to call back your husband."

After that, Umar RA asked his daughter (who was also the wife of Rasulullah SAW):

"I will ask you one thing which is disturbing me, with the hope that you can resolve it for me. How long is it that a woman can afford to withstand her husband being away from her?"

Upon hearing this, Hafsah RA turned her head down in shame.

Umar RA said:

"Indeed Allah is never ashamed in this things that are good."

Hafsah RA answered by signaling with the fingers of her hands - "between three to four months."

After that, Umar RA wrote letters to all of the Amirs (leaders) of Islamic Jamats informing that they should not hold members of their groups for more than 4 months.
[Abdur Razzaq - Al-Kanz]

Abdullah ibn Umar RA narrates that on one night when Umar RA was out (to see the well-being of the people), suddenly he heard a woman reading Sha'eer (poetry): Oh how long is this night and how dark is its surroundings. I cannot sleep because my beloved is not here whom I want to kiss. Next Umar RA asked Hafsah RA: "How long is it that a woman can withstand from being away from her husband?" Hafsah RA answered: "6 or 4 months." Hence Umar RA said: "From now on, I shall not hold the army for a time longer than that."
[Baihaqi]


The Sahabah RA Spending Time in the Path of Allah for 40 Days

A man came to Saiyidina Umar ibn Khattab RA, and then Saiyidina Umar RA asked:

"Where have you been?

He answered:

"I wasat Ribat."

Saiyidina Umar RA asked some more:

"How long have you been in Ribat?"

He answered:

"Thirty days."

Hence Saiyidina Umar RA said:

"Why don't you just complete it to make it forty days?"
[Kanzul Ummal]


The Sahabah RA Spending Time in the Path of Allah for 3 Days

Abdullah ibn Umar RA narrates:

"Nabi SAW said had called Abdur Rahman bin 'Auf RA and said:
"Prepare yourself, for indeed I will be sending you with one Jama'ah (for after that he narrated some more Hadith and then said:) Hence Abdur Rahman went out and met his companions, and hence they walked until they arrived at their first stop called Daumatul Jandal, and hence as they entered the village, he invited the villagers into Islam for three days. And then on the third day, Asbagh bin Amru al-Kabir RA embraced Islam, who previously was Christian, and he was the leader of the village."
[Darul Qutni]


Further Explanation from the Noble Ulama of Haqq -

1. As-Shaykh Abu Bakr Al-Jayzari, Chief Hadith Teacher of Masjid Nabawi, and the Islamic University of Madinah

2. As-Shaykh Mufti Ebrahim Desai, Mudir of Madrasah Al-In'aamiyah, Camperdown, South Africa

3. As-Shaykh Abil Abad, 'Aalim of Darul Uloom Faisalabad, Pakistan

The term: "Tashkeel" which is frequently used in Da'wah and Tabligh work means - to encourage all Muslims to spend time, out in the Path of Allah for the purpose of Islah (self-rectification) as well as Da'wah and Tabligh work within a particular timeframe; for example 3 days, 10 days, 15 days, 40 days, 4 months, 7 months, 1 year and so forth.

The time period is not something compulsary, whatmore an integral element in Deen; but it is so, in order to establish a form of system, just like how First Aid courses are held; whereby participants are required to do one month worth of practical first aid exercise. And although the person who has attended this First Aid course doesn not become a specialist doctor, but at least he knows what to do during emergencies. Similarly, a person who spends time in the path of Allah for 3 days, or 40 days, or 4 months, and so forth - does not imply that he becomes an expert in Shari'ah. However, in the least - he is able to understand the basic requisites of what is wanted in the Shari'ah of Islam.

The more a person spends time in the Path of Allah, the more he will learn, and have the opportunity to become a better Muslim. The time spent out, is not a criteria mandated by Shari'ah.

Some people say - Ooo, these Tablighis are doing Bid'ah for spending time in the Path of Allah for 3 Days, 40 Days and 4 months. To clarify against this notion, we must understand that going out in the Path of Allah to rectify oneself is similar in its tertib to going out to obtain knowledge and guidance. Similar is going out to do Da'wah to invite other human beings to Allah and share with them beneficial things which are useful for the Hereafter as well as this world. All of this is spending time in the Path of Allah, as long as it is wrapped with the pure intention of obtaining the pleasure of Almighty Allah; and nothing else.

It is incorrect to believe that when the brothers who go with the so-labelled "Tablighi-Jamaat" - that they are going out to correct others, and rectify others.

The Prophet Muhammad SAW has said:

"One evening or one morning out in the path of Allah, is better than the whole world and whatever it contains."

The Prophet Muhammad SAW ias also said:

"Whomsoever comes to this Masjid, we the pure intention to obtain goodness from what he teaches or learns, is like a person in Jihad, in the Path of Allah."

There are plenty other authentic Hadith (Sahih / Hassan) that teach and encourage us to spend time in the Path of Allah. How strange is it that these nonsense makers say that the brothers in the so-labelled 'Tablighi Jamaat' are doing Bid'ah! What nonsense. Such spreaders of lies even go to the extent that the episode of Rasulullah SAW sending Mu'adh bin Jabal RA alone to Yemen alone is enough to indicate that going out in the Path of Allah with Jamaat is Bid'ah. May Allah give light to the ignorant and the arrogant. Ameen. They have forgotten that the Prophet Muhammad SAW did not send Mu'adh RA alone, but he was accompanied by Abu Musa Al-Ash'aari RA.

The Prophet Muhammad SAW said to the both of them:

"Make them happy and don't you both make them run away. Make it easy for them and don't give them hardship. Help one another and do not get into conflicts."

The Prophet Muhammad SAW also sent 'Ali bin Abi Talib RA and Khalid bin Sa'id bin Al-Ash RA. Together with them, the Prophet Muhammad SAW sent a large group for the purpose of Da'wah, Talim and making decisions between people (as mediators for rules and regulations related to Shari'ah).

Hence, the system and order of the so-labelled Tablighi Jamaat is similar in concept to the systems and orders in schools and universities - where they have divided time for classes, time for recess, etc. When in the Path of Allah, the brothers in Da'wah and Tabligh are also allocated time to prepare food and provisions, as well as fulfil necessities.

The work of Da'wah and Tabligh is the work of the Prophets; and this is the same work that has been passed by Allah to the whole Muslim Ummat. The purpose of this work is so that all human beings are able to practice complete Deen. Effort to revive Deen to pristine levels is not sufficient by just giving 3 days, 40 days, 4 months, etc. Instead, we should be prepared to give our whole life for Deen.

This is what Allah SWT has mentioned in the Qur'an:

"Lo! Allah hath bought from the believers their lives and their wealth because the Garden (Paradise) will be theirs: they shall fight in the way of Allah and shall slay and be slain. It is a promise which is binding on Him in the Torah and the Gospel and the Qur'an. Who fulfilleth His covenant better than Allah? Rejoice then in your bargain that ye have made, for that is the supreme triumph." [Surah At-Taubah: Ayat 111]

In the above verse of the Qur'an, Allah mention that He has purchased and demanded the lives of all Believers and their wealths so that they strive to establish the Deen of Allah. It is hence - not for 4 months or 40 days only. Unfortunately, the Muslim Ummat today could not even handle something so light and easy like the five-times-daily Solah. Whatmore spend his whole life in Allah's Path.

The Muslim Ummat of today is far from Deen. The abilities and spiritual stamina is also different from one person and another. Hence, by basing on the Qur'an and hadith, the Ulama have established certain standards that could be followed by each member of the Muslim Ummat. Indeed there is no Ayat of the Qur'an that instructs us to go out for Tabligh for 4 months, 40 days and 3 days - but these figures and numbers are plentiful in the Qur'an and Ahadith. Why are these figures described in the Qur'an and Ahadith? Obviously - there must be some form of Hikmah (wisdom) behind these durations.


The Wisdom of Going Out for 3 Days

Environment is something which greatly influences the individual. A person who sits in the environment of Imaan, Amaal and Akhlaaq within three days will definitely entice and spark sweetness in the heart to be a good Muslim. During the time of Rasulullah SAW, the disbelievers who were caught were tied to the pillars of the Masjid. The intention is so that they can see the Amaals of the Muslims in the Masjid.

In Sahih Bukhari, an episode is narrated whereby a man by the name of Sumamah bin Ausal from the Banu Hanafiah tribe who was caught and then tied inside Masjid Nabawi. For three days he observed the practice of Muslims in the Masjid, who were busy with the Amaals of - Da'wah, Ta'lim-wa-Ta'lum (teaching and learning), Ibadah (worship) and Khidmat (service) between one another. On the first day he was persistent and did not want to embrace Islam. On the second day, his thoughts were similar. On the third day, the Prophet Muhammad SAW released him. After he was released, Sumamah felt somethin sweet in his heart. He took a bath and came back to Masjid Nabawi and met the Prophet Muhammad SAW, and immediately embraced Islam. How great was the effect of the environment of Masjid Nabawi to Sumamah - only through three days observation - it became the means of him embracing islam.

Other than that, we should also be well informed of the advice that the Prophet Muhammad SAW gave to the Jamaats that he sent for the purpose of Da'wah or Jihad - for which a certain set of order and guidance were given to these Jamaats on how to do Da'wah and how to perform Jihad.

Amongst them are:

1. Do not fight them before giving them Da'wah for 3 Days

2. Do not kill children, women and old people who are weak amongst them

3. Do not plunder and cause wreck and destruction to wealth, property, crops and livestock


Why did the Prophet Muhammad SAW give 3 Days for the purpose of Da'wah before any fighting took place?

This is the lesson we learn from the Prophet Muhammad SAW himself that in Islam - there is no war before Da'wah is given first. Through the three days of Da'wah - the non-Muslims will be able to see the mannerism and conduct of Muslims towards the non-Muslims. This would indeed affect their hearts and become a means of their own Hidayah.

The Prophet Zakariyya AS was old. When Allah SWT granted him a son, he asked:

"O Allah, what is the sign that you will give to my son since I am already old?"

Allah SWT answered the Prophet Zakariyya AS, in the manner - as described in the Qur'an:

"My Lord! Appoint a token for me. (The angel) said: The token unto thee (shall be) that thou shalt not speak unto mankind three days except by signs. Remember thy Lord much, and praise (Him) in the early hours of night and morning. [Surah Al-Imran: Ayat 41]

The Mufassirin (scholarly experts of Qur'anic interpretation) say that - the sign for which the Du'a of Nabi Zakariyya AS is accepted is if under the condition that he does not speak for three days except for by sign. At that time, Allah SWT commanded Nabi Zakariyya AS to make much Dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and leave worldly talks, so that he becomes closer to Allah.

Hence, from the above verse, the Ulama have given explanation that - should a human being be able to take time away in solitude in the Path of Allah for three days, to purify himself, to be away from worldly talks and concerns, to be busy in Da'wah, in Ibadah, in teaching and learning of religious Knowledge - then indeed, it will give great effect to his heart, love for Deen will come, repentance will come, and inclination will present itself so that he become close to Allah SWT.


The Wisdom of Going Out for 40 Days

Many people ask about this. Where do these so-called Tablighi Jamaat people get their dalil for 40 days?

Actually - the duration of 40 days has been mentioned in the Qur'an, many times in Qur'an and Hadith. The spiritual benefit is already clearly seen when Allah SWT Himself ordered the Prophet Musa AS to increase the number of days he spends in remembrance of Almighty Allah; and this is recorded in the Qur'an:

"And when We did appoint for Musa thirty nights (of solitude), and added to them ten, and he completed the whole time appointed by his Lord of forty nights; and Musa said unto his brother, Harun: Take my place among the people. Do right, and follow not the way of mischief-makers." [Surah Al-A'raaf: Ayat 142]

Similar is the instruction in Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayat 51:

"And when We did appoint for Musa forty nights (of solitude), and then ye chose the calf, when he had gone from you, and were wrong-doers." [Surah Al-Baqarah: Ayat 51]

In the Ahadith of the Prophet Muhammad SAW, much has been mentioned about the period of Forty Days. Amongst these, is the Hadith whereby Abdullah ibn Mas'ud RA reported that Rasulullah SAW said:

"Verily your creation is on this wise. The constituents of one of you are collected for forty days in his mother's womb in the form of blood, after which it becomes a clot of blood in another period of forty days. Then it becomes a lump of flesh and forty days later Allah sends His angel to it with instructions concerning four things, so the angel writes down his livelihood, his death, his deeds, his fortune and misfortune. By Him, besides Whom there is no god, that one amongst you acts like the people deserving Paradise until between him and Paradise there remains but the distance of a cubit, when suddenly the writing of destiny overcomes him and he begins to act like the denizens of Hell and thus enters Hell, and another one acts in the way of the denizens of Hell, until there remains between him and Hell a distance of a cubit that the writing of destiny overcomes him and then he begins to act like the people of Paradise and enters Paradise." [Muslim]

In another Hadith, as narrated by Saiyidina Anas RA, the Holy Prophet Muhammad SAW said:

"The person who offers his Prayers continuously for 40 days without missing the first Takbir, is granted a two-fold immunity by Allah: immunity from Hell-fire and immunity from hypocrisy." [Tirmidhi]

In another Hadith it is narrated:

"Whomsoever is sincere to Allaah for forty days, fountains of wisdom will spring from his heart to his tongue." [Tirmidhi, Ahmad, Bukhari]

Indeed, there are many other Ahadith like this that shows the virtues and hence why priority is placed on the duration of 40 Days. Hence, it is clear and easy to understand that whomsoever spends time in the Path of Allah trains himself to be pious and follow the commands of Almighty Allah for 40 Days, then obviously, InshaAllah - he will carry this piety and obedience when he returns home.

It is thus for these various spiritual reasons that we see the Ulama and Mashaa'ikh in the effort of Da'wah and Tabligh encourage us to spend time for 40 days to make Islah of one's own self and learn the effort of the Prophet Muhammad SAW.