Powerful Du'as & Dhikr - 06

DIRECT ENTRY INTO PARADISE

Whomsoever recites Ayatul Kursi after each and every Fardhu (obligatory) Solah, then what is separating him/her from entering Paradise is just death itself. (NASA'I)

Dreaming Of The Prophet Muhammad SAW

It is very fortunate to see the Holy Prophet Muhammad SAW in a dream.

Two points however should well be considered in this connection:

The first, as written by Sheikh Ashraf Ali Thanwi RA:

"It is really a source of great consolation, and a great favour for a person who has not seen the Holy Prophet Muhammad SAW live, to see him in a dream. However, it should be borne in mind that it can not be acquired, rather it is granted by Allah."

A Persian poet says:

"This felicity cannot be earned through strength but only when Allah grants and bestows."

Many people have devoted their whole lives in the hope of this fortune. One might have succeeded if he sends Salawat upon the Holy Prophet SAW abundantly and follows his ways with love and eagerness. Nevertheless, if a person is not successful, he should not be worried because it may be due to some unknown Wisdom and the Mercy of Allah. A lover only wants the pleasure of his beloved whether it is because of union or due to separation.

Secondly, if a person saw the Holy Prophet SAW in his dream, he really and certainly saw him. This is supported by authentic and strong Ahadith. It has been verified that Shaytaan has not been empowered to change himself in the guise of the Holy Prophet Muhammad SAW in a dream or that he may declare himself as the Prophet Muhammad SAW in a dream. It is also impossible that the person dreaming may misunderstand Shaytaan as the Holy Prophet SAW. May Allah continuously protect us from this.

It is stated in a Hadith, Abu Hurairah RA reports that the Apostle of Allah SAW said:

"He who sees me in a dream has certainly seen me, because Shaytaan cannot take my form." (Bukhari, Muslim)

The Muhadditheen (scholar-commentators of hadith) have mentioned various opinions regarding its meanings.

Mulla Ali Qari RA whilst commentating on this hadith writes in Mirqat:

"It is like he has seen the Holy Prophet Muhammad SAW in real life, but he will not be considered as to be a Sahabi, neither is it obligatory to carry out the orders given to him by the Holy Prophet SAW within the dream."

Mulla Ali Qari RA further writes in Mirqat that some people are of the opinion that this hadith is concerning those people present at the time of the Prophet SAW. This means that those who see Rasulullah SAW in a dream, Allah will enable them to see Rasulullah SAW in real life.

This opinion is also supported by another hadith in Mishkat, whereby Abu Hurairah RA reports that the Apostle of Allah SAW said:

"He who saw me in a dream will soon see me when he is awake, for Shaytaan cannot take my form." (Mishkat)

Those people who claimed to have received special guidance from the Holy Prophet SAW in a dream cannot be denied. It should be kept in mind that, if the orders and guidance received by them is in accordance with the laws of Shari'ah then it will be a source of evidence for themselves and not for others. However, if the guidance is contrary to the Laws of Shari'ah then it will not be accepted nor will it be a source of evidence for anyone.

The reason for this is that not every person is privileged enough to understand dreams and their interpretations. Peoples' dreams can differ by their own personality. Seeing the Holy Prophet SAW in unclear and strange circumstances can be based on the weakness of the person's Imaan.

It is reported by Sheikh Ali Muttaqi RA that a person saw the Holy Prophet SAW in a dream ordering him to consume alcohol. He became very disturbed by this dream; thus he referred to the Ulam of his time to find out the interpretation and explanation of his dream. The scholars gave various explanations about his dream. During this, the issue came to Sheikh Muhammad bin Uraat RA who was a very pious scholar, he said that the fact is that the Holy Prophet SAW said, "Do not consume alcohol." However, due to his misunderstanding and the disorder of his mind he understood the contrary and heard him saying, "Consume alcohol." Rather than do not consume alcohol." (Mazahirul Haq)

The Grand Sheikhul Hadith Muhammad Zakariyya RA said in his kitab entitled, "The Virtues of Salawat" that:

"It is possible that due to the person's bad habits, the Prophet SAW said the words with great anger. In the same way that a person who is angry over his son says to him, 'go on do it' and the dreamer thought that it was a mere order from the Prophet SAW."

From the above mentioned passage we can gather for ourselves that misguided people who introduce religious innovations based upon dreams, attributing them to the Holy Prophet SAW are totally contradicting the way of Shari'ah and are certainly astray from the Siratul Mustaqim. Such people should immediately resort to repentance.

The Holy Prophet SAW has condemned those who introduce innovations in religion in various Ahadith. It is reported in one of them that, A'ishah RA narrates that the Apostle of Allah SAW said:

"He who innovates something in this religion of ours, which does not belong to it, is repulsed." (Mishkat)

It is also stated in another Hadith, Ibrahim bin Maysara RA narrates that the Apostle of Allah SAW said,

"He who showed respect for an innovator, has infact assisted in undermining Islam." (Mishkat)

It should also be kept in mind that even if somebody saw the Prophet Muhammad SAW in his/her dream and yet continued to disobey Allah and did not earn His pleasure, then that will not be sufficient for salvation. Even during the days of the Prophet Muhammad SAW there were numerous people who were seeing the Holy Prophet SAW every day, yet remain as dwellers of Hell, because Imaan had not reached their hearts and they did not earn the pleasure of Allah Ta'ala.

On the other hand, others - like Uwais Qarni RA did not see the Holy Prophet SAW but are considered among the very pious, and true Muslims. Uwais Qarni RA is considered as the greatest of Tabi'in.

It is stated by Saiyidina Umar ibn Al-Khattab RA in a Hadith that:

"I heard the Apostle of Allah SAW saying - "The best of the Tabi'in will be a man called Uwais who has a mother and has been afflicted by leprosy. Tell him to ask forgiveness for you." (Riwayat Muslim)

On the other hand Abu Jahal used to see the Holy Prophet SAW regularly but did not accept Islam.

From the above mentioned we deduce that just to see the Holy Prophet Muhammad SAW in a dream and not carrying out the orders of Shari'ah is not sufficient for salvation.

Imam Nawawi RA says:

"If a person sees the Holy Prophet SAW in his dream, it is true disregarding the fact that he sees his recognised features and qualities or otherwise. The differences in appearance are due to the good or bad habits and qualities of the person who sees him in his dream. The person who sees him with his good qualities would be related to piety and it will be assign on the strength of his Imaan. However if someone sees him in unrecognised conditions then this will need interpretations from a person who is qualified in this field. According to people's own personalities their dreams could differ. Some dream him old while others young. Some see him pleased while others find him annoyed."

From the above we can conclude that to see the Holy Prophet SAW in a dream will need to be interpreted and to dream him is a test for ones own personality.

Every Muslim has the desire to see the Holy Prophet Muhammad SAW in his/her dream. The desire increases more and more due to the love and affection. Many great saints have written various exercises and deeds out of their own experience, which may help, in seeing the Holy Prophet SAW in a dream.

The following mentions one way which will assist in seeing the blessed Prophet Muhammad SAW in a dream, prescriptions taken from collections of the pious Ulama and Mashaaikh of Islam.

If a person offers two raka'ats of optional Nawafil Solat and then recites twenty five times Surah Al-Ikhlas after Surah Al-Fatihah in each raka'at, and thereafter recites one thousands times the Salawat, he/she will see the Holy Prophet SAW in his dream, InshaAllah.

However, it should be kept in mind that the main cause of seeing the Holy Prophet Muhammad SAW, the desire of the heart, abundant Salawat and refraining from sins. May Allah enable us to see the Holy Prophet Muhammad SAW in our dream and give us the true understanding of Deen. Ameen.

Once, one of the students of a Darul Ulum (an institution producing traditional scholars of Islam) asked his principal, "Why do I not see the Holy Prophet SAW in my dreams even though I perform Salawat regularly?"

His principal replied, "It is our duty to keep reciting and it is not right for us to call him to our dream. If he wishes he will come. It is not right to try and force a king to visit your home. Similarly we should just keep up our rituals and hope that one day the rituals will prove faithful and we will achieve our goal."

O Allah my Lord! Shower Thy Blessings and Send Eternal Peace Upon Thy Beloved - Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wasallam - The Best Of All Creation.

The Importance & Virtues of Salawat

Allah SWT Commands in the Qur'an:

"Allah and His angels send blessings on the Prophet. O you who believe! Send your blessings on him, and salute him with all respects." (Surah 56: Ayat 33)


HIGHLY VIRTUOUS SALAWAT 1

Abdullah ibn Abbas RA reports that Rasulullah SAW said:
"Whoever recites the following Salawat once, Allah will instruct the angels to keep writing good deeds for him for one thousand days -
"Jazallahu 'annaa Muhammadam Ma Huwa Ahluhu". " (Riwayat Tabrani)

Translation:
"May Allah reward Muhammad, on our behalf, as much as he deserves."


HIGHLY VIRTUOUS SALAWAT 2

Abu Hurairah RA reports that the Holy Prophet Muhammad SAW said:

"Whoever recites the following Salawat eighty times immediately after Asr Solat on Friday, before standing up from his place - Allah will forgive eighty years of sins, and grant him the reward equivalent to eighty years of worship -



"Allahumma Solli 'Alaa Muhammadinin Nabiyyil Ummiyyi Wa 'ala Aalihi Wasallim Tasleema." (Jami' As-Sagheer)

Translation:
"O Allah bless Muhammad, the unlettered Prophet, and his family and grant them best of peace."


BENEFITS OF RECITING SALAWAT ON RASULULLAH SAW

Listed below are just some of many benefits a person receives by reciting Salawat on Rasulullah SAW:

1. Almighty Allah sends ten mercies upon a person who recites Salawat once.

2. Ten of the reciter's sins are forgiven.

3. The person's rank is raised by ten degrees.

4. Ten rewards are written for the reciter.

5. There is acceptance of Du'a where Salawat is recited at the beginning and at the end.

6. The person will be blessed with the intercession of Rasulullah SAW on the Day of Judgement.

7. Almighty Allah will forgive the reciter's sins.

8. Almighty Allah is pleased with the reciter.

9. The person will be nearer to the Prophet Muhammad SAW on the Day of Judgement.

10. The person will have all his/her worries removed in this world and the Hereafter.

The Virtues of Salawat & Salaam

The Meaning of Salawat and Salaam

Allah Ta'ala commands in The Qur'an:

"O People of Imaan send Salawat and Salaam in abundance on him (i.e. Rasulullah SAW)."

As has been informed in the Qur'an, even Allah Ta'ala and his Angels engage in Salawat on Nabi Muhammad SAW.

In Arabic the term Salawat has several meanings e.g. Rahmat (mercy), Du'a (supplication) and Madah (praise). On the other hand, the word Salaam is commonly translated as peace or blessings or salutations.


The Importance of Reciting Salawat

Allah Ta'ala says in the Qur'an:

"O people who have accepted Iman! Recite Salawat on Rasullah (SAW). (Surah Al-Ahzaab)

It has been reported that Rasulullah SAW said:

"Recite Salawat on me in abundance on Fridays, for Salawat is presented to me (on Fridays)." (Abu Dawud, Nasa'i, Ibn Majah and Ibn Hibban)

A hadith narrates Rasululullah SAW as saying:

"Recite Salawat on me in abundance for it is a purifier for you." (Abu Ya'la Musali)

And further Rasulullah SAW is reported to have informed:

"When I am mentioned in the presence of someone, he should recite Salawat on me." (Nasa'i, Tabrani, Abu Ya'la, Ahmad)

A similar hadith narrates as follows:

"Whoever speaks of me should recite Salawat on me." (Abu Ya'la Musali)

And further it has been narrated that Rasulullah SAW said:

"Continue reciting Salawat on me. Your Salawat reaches me from wherever you are." (Nasa'i)


Virtues and Significances of Salawat

It is reported that Rasulullah SAW said:

"Allah bestows ten measures of mercy to the one who recites Salawat on me; ten of his sins are forgiven; he is elevated ten ranks and ten virtuous deeds are written in his Book of Deeds." (Nasa'i and Tabrani)

Imam Mustaghfiri RA narrates that Rasulullah SAW said:

"Whoever recites 100 times Salawat on me daily, 100 of his needs will be fullfilled - 30 worldly needs and 70 pertaining to the Akhirah."

Imam Tabrani RA narrates that Rasulullah SAW said:

"My Shafaa'at (intercession) will be for him who recites daily ten times Salawat on me during the morning and ten times during the evening."

Saiyidina Umar ibn Al-Khattab RA said:

"Dua's remain suspended between the heaven and the earth. It does not proceed upward as long as Salawat on Nabi (SAW) has not been recited."


The Benefits of Salawat on the Day of Qiyamah

Rasulullah SAW has been reported to have said:

"Send Salawat upon me abundantly because in the beginning you will be questioned in the grave about me."

A hadith of Rasulullah SAW has come to us thus:

"Your Salawat will be the cause of light at the Bridge of Siraat (on the Day of Judgement), he should send Salawat on me abundantly."

Rasulullah SAW is also reported to have said:

"Three categories of people will be be under the shadow of the Sublime Throne on the Day of Judgement when there will be no shadow besides it:

(i) The person who removed a misery of a person
(ii) The person who revived one of my Sunnah (way) and
(iii) the person who sent Salawat on me Abundantly."

And further Rasulullah SAW has encouraged us:

"The person who asked blessings on me abundantly, will be the nearest to me on the Day of Judgement."

Rasulullah SAW is reported to have said:

"The person who sent Salawat on me abundantly will be best saved from the distress and calamities on the Day of Judgement."

Kaab Al-Ahbaar RA narrates that Allah Ta'ala said to Musa AS:

"Do you desire protection against thirst on the Day of Qiyamah?"

Musa AS said:

"Yes."

Allah Ta'ala said:

"Recite Salawat abundantly on Muhammad (SAW)."


Salawat Of The Angels

Imam Ahmad RA and Ibn Majah RA narate that Rasulullah SAW said:

"The Angels recite Sawalat for the one who recites Salawat for me."

In other words , the Angels supplicate for Rahmah(mercy) for the one who recites Salawat. As long as a person recites Salawat ,the Angel engage in du;a for Rahmat of that person.

Rasulullah SAW added:

"Now you have a choice of reciting less Salawat or in abundance."

Rasulullah SAW is reported to have said:

"I personally hear the person who recites Salawat on me by my Qabr (grave). The Salawat which is recited on me from a distance is delivered to me (by the Angels)." (Baihaqi)

It is narrated in Shifaa' that Rasulullah SAW said:

"The Salawat recited by a Muslim is delivered to me by an Angel who mentions the name of the person and the words he recited."


Warning For Those Who Refrain From Reciting Salawat

A hadith narrates Rasulullah SAW as saying:

"A gathering devoid of the mention of Allah Ta'ala and Salawat for Rasulullah (SAW) will be the cause of regret on the Day of Judgement even though they will enter Jannah."

Rasulullah is reported to have stated:

"A great miser is he in whose presence I am mentioned and he refrains from reciting Salawat on me." (Tirmidhi, Ibn Hibban, Mustadrak)

Rasulullah is reported to have warned:

"May that person be destroyed who refrains from reciting Salawat on me when I am mentioned in his presence." (Tirmidhi)

And a hadith of Rasulullah SAW prophesises the fate of those who are careless and thus - do not engage in the recitation of Salawat:

"Whoever forgets to recite Salawat on me, has lost the way to Jannah."

Zikr - Loud or Silent ? / Individual or Congregational ?

The amal of congregational and collective zikr is an issue which must be addressed according to the Laws of Shari'ah. This posting intends to explain this InshaAllah.


To begin - "Zikr" in Islamic terms refers to the Remembrance of Allah SWT.

The Qur'an highlights the importance of zikr:

"O You who believe! Remember Allah abundantly..." (Surah Al-Ahzaab)


The importance of Zikr has also been highlighted in Ahadith. In one hadith, the Sahabi, Abdullah ibn Busr RA narrates that one person once asked the Prophet SAW:

"O Rasulullah SAW, the laws of Islam are many, inform me of only one thing that I may follow (i.e. I may put greatest importance and stay steadfast on)."

Rasulullah SAW replied:

"Keep your tongue moist in the Zikr of Allah." (Ibn Majah: Volume 4: Page 244)


SOFT & INDIVIDUAL ZIKR

Abu Hurairah RA narrates in one Hadith Qudsi (Divine Hadith) that Rasulullah SAW said - that Allah Ta’ala said:

"I deal with my slave according to the thought he has of Me, I am with him when he remembers Me. If he remembers me individually, I remember him individually." (Riwayat Bukhari)


COLLECTIVE ZIKR

Anas bin Malik RA narrates that Rasulullah SAW said:

"No group of people gather to make Zikr of Allah Ta’ala with sincerity except that a caller from the skies announces after the Zikr. Leave in the condition that you have been forgiven of your sins and your evils being converted to virtue." (Musnad Ahmad, No. 9864)

*Note: Zikr above also refers to congregational sittings where the name of Allah is glorified and the greatness of Allah is described - this includes Da'wah gatherings and Ilmi gatherings.


ZIKR IN THE MASJID

Abu Hurairah RA narrates that Rasulullah SAW said:

"When you pass the Gardens of Paradise, pluck the fruits."

Rasulullah SAW was asked:

"What are the Gardens of Paradise Ya Rasulullah (SAW)?"

He (SAW) replied:

"The Masaajid (the mosque)."

He (SAW) was asked about plucking its fruits, he (SAW) said:

"Subhanallah, Alhamdulillah, Laa Ilaaha illaallaah and Allaahu Akbar." (Riwayat Mishkaat)


LOUD ZIKR IN THE MASJID

Abdullah ibn Abbas RA narrates that loud zikr after Fardh Salaat was the practice during the time of Rasulullah (SAW). (Bukhari: Volume 1: Page 116)


THE PERMISSIBLES AND THE BEST

The special types of Zikr conducted by certain Ulama are not exactly proven from the Qur'an and Ahadith but they are not prohibited too. These types of Zikr are adopted as a spiritual remedy and for spiritual upliftment.

To understand this, let us explain by analogy. Some foods are consumed for medical purposes and administered by a Physician as a physical remedy. Similarly, Zikr is also administered by spiritual mentors according to the spiritual needs of the individual.

A child in the basic Madrasah is taught Nourani Qaaidah (similar to Muqaddam in Malaysia) to enable him to recite the Qur'an. Just as no proof is required for the specifics of administering medication and teaching Nourani Qaaidah, similarly, as long as there is no express or indicative prohibition in Shari'ah, it will be permissible, just as administering medication and teaching Nourani Qaaidah are permissible.

However, in order to avoid imitating a musical chorus, the gathering should not make Zikr in unison.

From the aforegoing discussion, apart from Zikr being encouraged and meritorious from the jurisprudence and administrative point of view, the specific types of Zikr in the mosque, at most is Mubaah (permissible) and the Shar’ee principles surrounding a Mubaah act must be adhered to.

Nevertheless, to personally indicate that collective loud zikir is an injunction in Deen will tantamout to Bid'ah - i.e. a cursed innovation. Thus the awareness and alertness of us Muslims to be ever steadfast in the implications of Mubaah practices, especially nowadays, when lack of understanding of Deen persist. This is the importance of us being in contact with the Ulama and being active in the work of da'wah. 'Ilm and Da'wah destroys Bid'ah and Batil. InshaAllah.

Thus, it is not correct to impose or prohibit one another from a Mubaah (permissible) act. Imposing will be purporting the act to be compulsory and prohibiting it will be purporting it to be prohibited. Any Mubaah act being purported as compulsory or prohibited projects an incorrect and unbalanced view, thus, creating the possibility of distortion in Deen. Therefore, those participating in programmes should not regard the specific programme as Fardh, Waajib or Sunnah or should not impose on others to participate. Similarly, those who do not participate should not condemn those participating in programmes.

Secondly, the Mubaah act should not be of any inconvenience to another person. It should not disturb a person performing Solat, reciting the Qur'an or a Mu'takif (a person in I'tikaf) sleeping in the mosque.


THE BEST has also been established in Ahadith:

Sa'ad bin Abi Waqqas RA reports that Nabi SAW said:

"The best Zikr is that one which is recited softly, and the best sustenance is that one which is sufficient (for one’s necessities).” (Musnad Ahmad & Baihaqi)


TECHNICALITIES IN THIS DAY AND AGE

Since disturbing others could lead to disputes - the Masjid's trustees / committee members should efficiently exercise their authority in regulating such affairs. Just as it is Mubaah to recite the Qur'an audibly in the Masjid, the reciter would be restricted to do so during the congregational Solat. Similarly, Zikr programmes are Mubaah and must be regulated by the Trustees in order to avoid any possible disputes. The Aalim and his followers are bound to respect the administration principles of the Masjid and if they do not abide by the principles set out by the Trustees, the Trustees can terminate such programmes. Such restriction will not fall within the parameters of oppressing and restricting one from taking the name of Allah in the Masjid as the Trustees will not be prohibiting them from performing their Fardh Solats and remembering Allah therein.

Salawat - It's Importance

Almighty Allah orders us in the Noble Qur'an:

"O you who believe! Send blessings and salutations upon the Prophet (Muhammad SAW)." (Surah Al-Ahzaab: Verse 56)

Allah has also promised us great rewards for sending blessings and salutations to our beloved Prophet SAW. The unlimited wisdom of this injunction cannot be comprehended by our limited understanding. However, one wisdom is to express our appreciation to our beloved Prophet SAW who has made great sacrifices to establish the most correct and beautiful way of life (Islam).

It is only due to his sacrifices and endurance of the pain and oppression afflicted on him that we are on the correct path. One tends to emulate a revered person to the extent of the person's love and respect for the revered person.