Salah is based on Quran and Hadith.

Salah is based on  Quran and Hadith.

1) Establishing  Salah Develops Taqwa (Fear and Awareness of Allah)

    ذَ‌ٰلِكَ الْكِتَابُ لَا رَيْبَ ۛ فِيهِ ۛ هُدًى لِلْمُتَّقِينَ الَّذِينَ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِالْغَيْبِ وَيُقِيمُونَ الصَّلَاةَ وَمِمَّا رَزَقْنَاهُمْ يُنْفِقُونَ
    “This is the Book in which there is no doubt, a guidance for those who have Taqwa; who believe in the unseen, and who establish Salah, and spend out of what we have provided for them” (Surah Baqarah 2: 2-3)

2) Salah Is the Sign of a Believer.

    وَالْمُؤْمِنُونَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتُ بَعْضُهُمْ أَوْلِيَاءُ بَعْضٍ ۚ يَأْمُرُونَ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَيَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْمُنْكَرِ وَيُقِيمُونَ الصَّلَاةَ وَيُؤْتُونَ الزَّكَاةَ وَيُطِيعُونَ اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ ۚ أُولَـٰئِكَ سَيَرْحَمُهُمُ اللَّهُ ۗ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٌ

    “The believers, men and women, are protecting friends of one another; they enjoin good and forbid evil, and they establish Salah, and give Zakah, and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah will have His Mercy on them, and surely, Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise.” (Surah Tawba 9: 71)

3) Establishing Salah Leads to Allah’s Eternal Blessings.

    فَمَا أُوتِيتُمْ مِنْ شَيْءٍ فَمَتَاعُ الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا ۖ وَمَا عِنْدَ اللَّهِ خَيْرٌ وَأَبْقَىٰ لِلَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَلَىٰ رَبِّهِمْ يَتَوَكَّلُونَ وَالَّذِينَ يَجْتَنِبُونَ كَبَائِرَ الْإِثْمِ وَالْفَوَاحِشَ وَإِذَا مَا غَضِبُوا هُمْ يَغْفِرُونَ وَالَّذِينَ اسْتَجَابُوا لِرَبِّهِمْ وَأَقَامُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَأَمْرُهُمْ شُورَىٰ بَيْنَهُمْ وَمِمَّا رَزَقْنَاهُمْ يُنْفِقُونَ
    “So whatever you have been given is but (a passing) enjoyment for this worldly life, but that which is with Allah is better and more lasting for those who believe and put their trust in their Lord. And those who avoid the great sins and lewdness, and when they are angry, they forgive. And those who answer the Call of their Lord, and perform the Salah, and who conduct their affairs by mutual consultation, and who spend of what We have bestowed on them.” (Surah Ash-Shura 42:36-38)

4) Those Who Pray Shall Have Nothing to Fear on the Day of Judgment.

    إِنَّ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ وَأَقَامُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآتَوُا الزَّكَاةَ لَهُمْ أَجْرُهُمْ عِنْدَ رَبِّهِمْ وَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ

    “Truly, those who believe and do righteous deeds, and perform Salah, and give Zakah, they will have their reward with their Lord. On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.” (Surah Baqarah 2:277)

5) Remain in Allah’s remembrance after prayer.

    فَإِذَا قَضَيْتُمُ الصَّلَاةَ فَاذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ قِيَامًا وَقُعُودًا وَعَلَىٰ جُنُوبِكُمْ ۚ فَإِذَا اطْمَأْنَنْتُمْ فَأَقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ ۚ إِنَّ الصَّلَاةَ كَانَتْ عَلَى الْمُؤْمِنِينَ كِتَابًا مَوْقُوتًا
    “When have finished performing the Salah, remember Allah standing, sitting, and reclining, but when you are free from danger, perform the Salah. Surely, Salah is enjoined on the believers at fixed times.” (Surah Nisaa 4:103)

6) Command to Pray with Congregation.

    وَأَقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَآتُوا الزَّكَاةَ وَارْكَعُوا مَعَ الرَّاكِعِينَ

    “And establish Salah and give Zakah, and bow down (in worship) along with those who bow down (in worship)” (Surah Baqarah 2:43)

7. Special Command Regarding Punctuality of Prayer.

    حَافِظُوا عَلَى الصَّلَوَاتِ وَالصَّلَاةِ الْوُسْطَىٰ وَقُومُوا لِلَّهِ قَانِتِينَ

    “Guard strictly the Salah, especially the middle Salah. And stand before Allah with obedience.” (Surah Baqarah 2:238)

8. Allah’s Help Comes Through Salah.

    وَاسْتَعِينُوا بِالصَّبْرِ وَالصَّلَاةِ ۚ وَإِنَّهَا لَكَبِيرَةٌ إِلَّا عَلَى الْخَاشِعِينَ

    “Seek help through patience and Salah; truly it is extremely difficult except for the humble true believers.” (Surah Baqarah 2:45)

    يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اسْتَعِينُوا بِالصَّبْرِ وَالصَّلَاةِ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ مَعَ الصَّابِرِينَ

    “Oh you who believe! Seek help through patience and Salah. Truly, Allah is with those who are patient.” (Surah Baqarah 2:153)

9.) Special Emphasis on Friday Prayer.

    يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِذَا نُودِيَ لِلصَّلَاةِ مِنْ يَوْمِ الْجُمُعَةِ فَاسْعَوْا إِلَىٰ ذِكْرِ اللَّهِ وَذَرُوا الْبَيْعَ ۚ ذَ‌ٰلِكُمْ خَيْرٌ لَكُمْ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ فَإِذَا قُضِيَتِ الصَّلَاةُ فَانْتَشِرُوا فِي الْأَرْضِ وَابْتَغُوا مِنْ فَضْلِ اللَّهِ وَاذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ كَثِيرًا لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ

    “Oh you who believe! When the call is made for the Salah on Friday, come to the remembrance of Allah, and leave off business. That is better for you, if you only knew! And when the Salah has ended, you may disperse through the land, and seek the Bounty of Allah, and remember Allah much so that you may be successful.” (Surah Jumuah 62:09-10)

10) Shaytaan Tries His Best in Finding Ways to Take You Away from Salah

    إِنَّمَا يُرِيدُ الشَّيْطَانُ أَنْ يُوقِعَ بَيْنَكُمُ الْعَدَاوَةَ وَالْبَغْضَاءَ فِي الْخَمْرِ وَالْمَيْسِرِ وَيَصُدَّكُمْ عَنْ ذِكْرِ اللَّهِ وَعَنِ الصَّلَاةِ ۖ فَهَلْ أَنْتُمْ مُنْتَهُونَ

    “Shaytaan desires only to excite enmity and hatred between you with intoxicants and gambling, and hinder you from the remembrance of Allah, and from Salah. So will you then not abstain (from these evils)?” (Surah Maeda 5:91)

11) Prayer Protects Against Evils.

    اتْلُ مَا أُوحِيَ إِلَيْكَ مِنَ الْكِتَابِ وَأَقِمِ الصَّلَاةَ ۖ إِنَّ الصَّلَاةَ تَنْهَىٰ عَنِ الْفَحْشَاءِ وَالْمُنْكَرِ ۗ وَلَذِكْرُ اللَّهِ أَكْبَرُ ۗ وَاللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ مَا تَصْنَعُونَ
    “Recite that which has been revealed to you of the Book, and perform Salah. Verily, Salah prevents from lewdness and evils. And indeed, the remembrance of Allah (by you) is greatest. And  Allah knows what you do.” (Surah Ankaboot 29:45)

12)Friendship Should Be with Those Who Pray.

    إِنَّمَا وَلِيُّكُمُ اللَّهُ وَرَسُولُهُ وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا الَّذِينَ يُقِيمُونَ الصَّلَاةَ وَيُؤْتُونَ الزَّكَاةَ وَهُمْ رَاكِعُونَ

    “Indeed, your protecting friend (Wali) is none other than Allah, His Messenger, and the Believers who establish Salah, and give Zakaat, and bow down (in prayer). (Surah Maeda 5: 55)

13) Allah’s Special Order to Women.

    وَقَرْنَ فِي بُيُوتِكُنَّ وَلَا تَبَرَّجْنَ تَبَرُّجَ الْجَاهِلِيَّةِ الْأُولَىٰ ۖ وَأَقِمْنَ الصَّلَاةَ وَآتِينَ الزَّكَاةَ وَأَطِعْنَ اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ ۚ إِنَّمَا يُرِيدُ اللَّهُ لِيُذْهِبَ عَنْكُمُ الرِّجْسَ أَهْلَ الْبَيْتِ وَيُطَهِّرَكُمْ تَطْهِيرًا
    “And stay in your houses, and do not display yourselves like that of the times of ignorance, and perform Salah, and give Zakah, and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah wishes only to remove uncleanness from you, Oh people of the House, and to purify you with a thorough purification.” (Surah Ahzaab 33:33)

14) Hypocrites Are Lazy in Salah.

    إِنَّ الْمُنَافِقِينَ يُخَادِعُونَ اللَّهَ وَهُوَ خَادِعُهُمْ وَإِذَا قَامُوا إِلَى الصَّلَاةِ قَامُوا كُسَالَىٰ يُرَاءُونَ النَّاسَ وَلَا يَذْكُرُونَ اللَّهَ إِلَّا قَلِيلًا
    “Verily, the hypocrites seek to deceive Allah, but it is He who deceives them; When they stand up for Salah, they stand with laziness, only to be seen by men; and they do not remember Allah but a little.” (Surah Nisaa 4:142)

15) Laziness in Salah Leads to Rejection of Sadaqah.

    وَمَا مَنَعَهُمْ أَنْ تُقْبَلَ مِنْهُمْ نَفَقَاتُهُمْ إِلَّا أَنَّهُمْ كَفَرُوا بِاللَّهِ وَبِرَسُولِهِ وَلَا يَأْتُونَ الصَّلَاةَ إِلَّا وَهُمْ كُسَالَىٰ وَلَا يُنْفِقُونَ إِلَّا وَهُمْ كَارِهُونَ

    “And nothing prevents their Sadaqah from being accepted from them, except that they disbelieve in Allah and in His Messenger, and that they do not come to Salah except in a lazy manner, and that they do not give Sadaqah except unwillingly.” (Surah Tawbah 9:54)

16) Leaving Salah Leads to Shirk.

    مُنِيبِينَ إِلَيْهِ وَاتَّقُوهُ وَأَقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَلَا تَكُونُوا مِنَ الْمُشْرِكِينَ

    “(And remain always) turning to Him (only), and be fearful and dutiful towards Him, and perform Salah and be not of those who commit Shirk.” (Surah Room 30: 31)

17) Previous Nations Were corrupted when Salah Was Left.

    فَخَلَفَ مِنْ بَعْدِهِمْ خَلْفٌ أَضَاعُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَاتَّبَعُوا الشَّهَوَاتِ ۖ فَسَوْفَ يَلْقَوْنَ غَيًّا
    “Then, there came after them a generation who gave up Salah and followed lusts; so they will be thrown in Hell.” (Surah Maryam 19: 59)

Ragging in Islam

Ragging
[Talk was delivered by Brother Abdul Karim on this issue]
'Ayisha (ra) reported that the Prophet (saw) said:
“Allah is gentle and loves gentleness in all things. He grants on
account of gentleness what he does not grant for harshness or
anything else.”
I want to discuss about a current ongoing process in campuses
and job places. We are involved in many actions without proper
justification from Islam. We do many things just because we
have fun on it. Ragging and hazing are prime of those actions.
Did you ever think is it allowed in Islam to involve such an
action like ragging or hazing? As a Muslim we have to think all
of our actions will be accounted and we will be punishing if any
of our action contradicts Islam.
Allah Says:
“And follow not that of which you have no knowledge; for every
act of hearing, or of seeing or of (feeling in) the heart will be
enquired into (on the Day of Reckoning)” [TMQ Al-Israa: 36]
Ragging is term normally used in India, Pakistan and some
other countries."Society Against Violence in Education" gives
the definition of Ragging as such:
" Ragging' means the doing of any act which causes, or is likely
to cause any physical, psychological or physiological harm of
apprehension or shame or embarrassment to a student, and
includes– (a) teasing or abusing of playing Practical joke on, or
causing hurt to any student. or (b) asking any student to do any
act, or perform any thing, which he/she would not, in the
ordinary course, be willing to do or perform."
Similar action in west is define as "Hazing". Hazing is defined
by the FIPG (Fraternal Information Programming Group) as:
"Any action taken or situation created, intentionally, whether on
or off fraternity premises, to produce mental or physical
discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule. Such
activities may include but are not limited to the following: use
of alcohol; paddling in any form; creation of excessive fatigue;
physical and psychological shocks; quests, treasure hunts,
scavenger hunts, road trips or any other such activities carried
on outside or inside of the confines of the chapter house;
wearing of public apparel which is conspicuous and not
normally in good taste; engaging in public stunts and
buffoonery; morally degrading or humiliating games and
activities; and any other activities which are not consistent with
fraternal law, ritual or policy or the regulations and policies of
the educational institution."
I’m giving you some data which explains that many students
ware victimise in India because of such action. Ragging causes
physical and mental harms to a student. Worst effect of it may
lead to suicide.
Amit Sahai was a student of NIT Jalandhar,
Punjab and he committed suicide on October
11, 2005 by jumping in front of a speeding train.
He blamed nine senior students of NIT
Jalandhar in his suicide note for having had
mercilessly ragged him.
Durgesh Shukla hanged himself from a ceiling
fan on September 18, 2007. He blamed seniors
in his suicide note.
Manjot Singh, an MBBS student, committed
suicide by consuming a poisonous substance
on August 8, 2007 .
18 year-old Chetan Raj committed suicide on
September 20, 2007. His body was found
hanging from the roof of his lodge room. He had
already complained to his parents that he was
being ragged in his college.
A first year engineering student, C Abraham,
hanged himself to death on December 14, 2005
at his residence in Hyderabad. In his suicide
note, he mentioned that he was not interested in
studies. His parents suspect that his suicide to
be a result of ragging.
A 19-year-old first year engineering student,
Anup Kapoor, committed suicide on September
19, 2002 by hanging himself from a ceiling fan
at his residence in Kanpur. In his suicide note,
Anup said that he was going through mental
agony due to the sexual harassment by second-
year students of the institute (Institute of
Engineering and Technology, Lucknow) in the
name of ragging.
Azad Nair was a 22 year old cadet at the
Officer's Training Academy(OTA) in Chennai.He
had hanged himself from the fan of his room on
5th November, 2006. Prior to his suicide he had
told his brother Soumendu over telephone that
he was being ragged and humiliated at the OTA
and he had pleaded to his father Padmanabhan
Nair to rescue him from the OTA.
So let us understand the topic from the Islamic view point.
Actions Involve during ragging
Insulting
When students take ragging from a junior they speak in insulting
manner.
Abu Hurayrah (ra) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (saw)
said:
“Truly Allah detests the obscene and foul-tongued.”
Reported by Ahmad with a reliable chain of transmitters.
Reported by at-Tirmizi who said the hadith is hasan sahih. Also
reported by al-Haakim and Ibn Hibbaan in his Sahih.
‘Ayisha (ra) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (saw) said:
“Be calm, O 'Ayisha! Take care of kindness, and beware of
harshness and bad language.”
Pride
Students are often too proud as they are senior. Pride is only
for Allah
Al-Bukhari and Muslim reported on the authority of al-Haritha
b, Wahb al-Khuzaa'I that the Prophet (saw) said:
“Shall I not inform you about the inmates of Hell? It is every
violent, impertinent and proud person.”
Making Fun
It is so obvious that senior student’s demand singing, dancing,
acting from a new comer so that they can make fun.
Al-Hasan (ra) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (saw) said:
“Verily those people that make fun of people – for them a gate
of Jannah will be opened. It will be said to them: Come (and
enter). That person will come with all of his anguish and
depression – but when he gets close, the gate will be closed in
his face. Then another gate (to Jannah) will be opened and it
will be said: Come (and enter). So that person comes with all of
his anguish and depression. But when he gets close, the gate
will be closed in his face. This will keep happening to him until
it gets to the point where it will be said to someone: Come (and
enter), and he will not come out of despair from ever entering
paradise.”
Oppression/Injustice
Oppression doesn’t only mean physical torture; mental torture
is also a kind of oppression. Pulling out of shirt by force is
simplest mean of torture.
Ibn ‘Abbas (ra) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (saw) sent
Mu’az to Yemen and said:
“Fear the du’a of the oppressed for between it and Allah there
is no barrier.” (Agreed upon)
How should we behave with a fresher?
Look at Other Muslim as brother
Allah says:
“The Believers are but a single Brotherhood: So make peace
and reconciliation between your two (contending) brothers; and
fear Allah, that ye may receive Mercy.” [TMQ Al-Hujurat: 10]
In the hadith of ‘Umar it is narrated that the Messenger of Allah
(saw) said:
“A Muslim is the brother of a Muslim. He neither oppresses him
nor deserts him. Whoever helps to remove the hardship of his
brother, will have his difficulties removed by Allah in this world
and in the Hereafter.”
Muslims are strongly tight up with bond of imaan. Therefore a
Muslim must loves another muslim. If we look at many Quaanic
ayah and sayings of Rasulallah (saw) we will see that Islam
teaches us to love our brothers, hide their faults, standby their
side when they need, protect them from enemy and be like a
mirror to each other. Allah says:
“The Believers, men and women, are protectors one of another:
they enjoin what is just and forbid what is evil: they observe
regular prayers, practise regular charity, and obey Allah and His
Messenger. On them will Allah pour His mercy: for Allah is
exalted in power, wise.” [TMQ At-Tawbah: 71]
And, on the authority of Abu Dardaa` (ra) who said that the
Prophets (saw) said:
“Whoever defends his brother's honour, Allah will protect his
face from the Fire on the Day of Resurrection.”
So, it an essential part of our aqeeda that we must love our
muslim brothers from our heart. The hadith of Anas (ra)
reported by al-Bukhari states that the Messenger of Allah (saw)
said:
“None of you will taste the sweetness of Imaan until a man
does not love a person except for Allah’s sake.”
Similar hadith is mentioned by Huthaifah (ra), the Prophet said:
"Whoever does not take an interest in the affairs and problems
of the Muslims, he is not of them. And whoever’s state is such
that, each morning and evening, he is not loyal and earnest to
Allah, his Apostle, His Book, the Islamic ruler and towards the
Muslims, as a whole, he is not of them."
Also at-Tabaraani reported with a trustworthy chain of
transmitters which is classed as hasan ahadith on the authority
of Zayd b. Thabit that the Messenger of Allah (saw):
“Allah continues to help a servant so long as he goes on
helping his brother.”
So, therefore we must be careful of matter that all Muslims
around the globe are our brothers as long as they are strict to
the point “la ilaha illahu mohammadur rasullah”. We must love
our brother’s regardless ethnicity, colour or country. We must
not oppress or humiliate any Muslim brother by the means of
ragging. We should help the fresher so that Allah becomes
pleased on us. Neither we should look think us superior as we
are senior. We must work for unity of Muslim and this will lead
us to Jannah.
Be nice to a non Muslim for the sake of Dawah
Quran instructs Muslims to treat non-Muslims courteously in a
spirit of kindness and generosity, given they are not hostile
towards Muslims. Allah says:
“Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you
because of religion and do not expel you from your homes –
from dealing kindly and justly with them. Indeed, God loves
those who act justly. ” (Al-Mumtahanah 60:8)
Al-Qarafi, a classical Muslim scholar, describes the depth of the
meaning of “dealing kindly” referred to in the above verse. He
explains the term:
“…gentleness towards the weak, providing clothing to cover
them, and soft speech. This must be done with affection and
mercy, not by intimidation or degradation… Also, praying they
receive guidance and [thus] join the ranks of the blessed with
external reward, advising them in all wordily and spiritual
matters, protecting their reputation if they are exposed to
slander, and defending their property, families, rights, and
concerns. Assisting them against oppression and getting them
their rights.”
Divine commandments to treat non-Muslims in this manner
were taken seriously by Muslims. They were not just verses to
be recited, but Divine Will to be acted upon. The Prophet (SAW),
himself was the first person to put the divine comm

IMPORTANCE of the First Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah

The excellence of these ten days have been mentioned in the Qur'an and the Sunnah.

1. Allah says in the Qur'an:

"By the dawn and by the ten nights … " [Al-Qur'an 89:1-2]

Ibn Kathir said that "the ten nights" referred to here are the ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, and this opinion was also held by Ibn Abbas, Ibn az-Zubair, Mujahid and others.

2. The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said:

"There are no deeds as excellent as those done in these ten days." They (the companions listening) said, "Not even Jihad?" He, peace be upon him, said, "No, not even Jihad except a man who goes forth endangering his life and wealth and does not return with anything." [Recorded by Imam al-Bukhari]

3. Allah says:

" … and remember the name of Allah in the appointed days." [Al-Qur'an 2:203]

Ibn Abbas and Ibn Kathir said this means in the ten days of Dhul-Hijjah.

4. The Messenger of Allah, upon whom be peace, said:

"There are no other days that are as great as these in the sight of Allah, the Most Sublime. Nor are there any deeds more beloved to Allah then those that are done in these ten days. So increase in tahlil (to say la illaha illallah), takbir (to say allahu akbar) and tahmid (to say alhumdulillah)." [Reported by at-Tabarani in al-Mu'jum al-Kabir]

Rasul-ullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) used to fast all 9 days including Arafah:

‏حدثنا ‏ ‏مسدد ‏ ‏حدثنا ‏ ‏أبو عوانة ‏ ‏عن ‏ ‏الحر بن الصباح ‏ ‏عن ‏ ‏هنيدة بن خالد ‏ ‏عن ‏ ‏امرأته ‏ ‏عن ‏ ‏بعض أزواج النبي ‏ ‏صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ ‏قالت ‏كان رسول الله ‏ ‏صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ ‏يصوم تسع ذي الحجة ويوم عاشوراء وثلاثة أيام من كل شهر

One of the wives of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Allah's Messenger used to fast the [first] nine days of Dhul-Hijjah, the day of 'Ashurah, and three days of each month." (Reported by Abu Dawud).

Fasting on Arafah day is an expiation for sins committed the year before and the year after:

‏حدثنا ‏ ‏أحمد بن عبدة ‏ ‏أنبأنا ‏ ‏حماد بن زيد ‏ ‏حدثنا ‏ ‏غيلان بن جرير ‏ ‏عن ‏ ‏عبد الله بن معبد الزماني ‏ ‏عن ‏ ‏أبي قتادة ‏ ‏قال ‏ ‏قال رسول الله ‏ ‏صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ ‏صيام يوم ‏ ‏عرفة ‏ ‏إني ‏ ‏أحتسب ‏ ‏على الله أن يكفر السنة التي قبله والتي بعده

Abu Qatadah (may Allah be pleased with him) is reported to have said that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Fasting on the day of 'Arafah is an expiation (of sins) for two years, the year preceding it and the year following it. (Reported by Ibn Majah)

Sacrificing an animal is an established Sunnah on Eid day:

حدثنا ‏ ‏حجاج ‏ ‏قال حدثنا ‏ ‏شعبة ‏ ‏قال أخبرني ‏ ‏زبيد ‏ ‏قال سمعت ‏ ‏الشعبي ‏ ‏عن ‏ ‏البراء ‏ ‏قال ‏ ‏سمعت النبي ‏ ‏صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ ‏يخطب فقال ‏ ‏إن أول ما نبدأ من يومنا هذا أن نصلي ثم نرجع فننحر فمن فعل فقد أصاب سنتنا

Narrated Al-Bara' bin 'Azib (RA) that I heard the Prophet (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) say when he gave a sermon (on the day of Idal-Adha), "The first thing we will do on this day of ours, is to offer the ('Id) prayer and then return to slaughter the sacrifice. Whoever does so, he acted according to our Sunna (tradition). (Reported by Bukhari)

Eating, drinking, enjoying and reciting Ayamul-Tashreeq: 11th, 12th & 13th of Dhul-Hijjah:

وَاذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ فِي أَيَّامٍ مَعْدُودَاتٍ فَمَنْ تَعَجَّلَ فِي يَوْمَيْنِ فَلَا إِثْمَ عَلَيْهِ وَمَنْ تَأَخَّرَ فَلَا إِثْمَ عَلَيْهِ لِمَنِ اتَّقَى وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّكُمْ إِلَيْهِ تُحْشَرُونَ

[2:203] Recite the name of Allah during the given number of days. Then whoever is early in leaving after two days, there is no sin on him, and whoever leaves later, there is no sin on him, if he is God-fearing. Fear Allah and be sure that you are going to be gathered before Him.

قَالَ اِبْن عَبَّاس : الْأَيَّام الْمَعْدُودَات أَيَّام التَّشْرِيق وَالْأَيَّام الْمَعْلُومَات أَيَّام الْعَشْر . وَقَالَ عِكْرِمَة " وَاذْكُرُوا اللَّه فِي أَيَّام مَعْدُودَات " يَعْنِي التَّكْبِير فِي أَيَّام التَّشْرِيق بَعْد الصَّلَوَات الْمَكْتُوبَات : اللَّه أَكْبَر اللَّه أَكْبَر . وَقَالَ الْإِمَام أَحْمَد : حَدَّثَنَا وَكِيع حَدَّثَنَا مُوسَى بْن عَلِيّ عَنْ أَبِيهِ قَالَ : سَمِعْت عُقْبَة بْن عَامِر قَالَ : قَالَ رَسُول اللَّه - صَلَّى اللَّه عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ - " يَوْم عَرَفَة وَيَوْم النَّحْر وَأَيَّام التَّشْرِيق عِيدُنَا أَهْل الْإِسْلَام وَهِيَ أَيَّام أَكْلٍ وَشُرْبٍ

Ibn Abbas (RA) said, "The given number of days are the Ayamul-Tashreeq And the known days are the ten. Ikramah (RA) said, "Remember Allah (SWT) in the given number of days i.e. recite the Takbeer (Allahu Akbarm Allahu Akbar) in Ayamul-Tashreeq after the Fardh (obligatory) Prayers). Uqbah Ibn Amir (RA) narrates that Rasul-ullah (Sallaho Alaihe Wassallam) said that the day of Arafah, the day of Sacrifice and the Ayanul-Tashreeq are our days (for people of Islam) and eat and drink in these days. (Tafseer Ibn Katheer)

فَقَالَ عُمَر بْن الْخَطَّاب وَعَلِيّ بْن أَبِي طَالِب وَابْن عَبَّاس : ( يُكَبِّر مِنْ صَلَاة الصُّبْح يَوْم عَرَفَة إِلَى الْعَصْر مِنْ آخِر أَيَّام التَّشْرِيق

Umar Ibn Khattab (RA), Ali Ibn Abi Talib (RA) & Ibn Abbas (RA) said, "Recite the Takbeer from the Fajar of the day of Arafah until the Asar of the last day of Ayamul-Tashreeq (13th of Dhul-Hijjah). (Tafseer of Imam Qurtubi)

وَفِي الْمُخْتَصَر عَنْ مَالِك : اللَّه أَكْبَر اللَّه أَكْبَر , لَا إِلَه إِلَّا اللَّه , وَاَللَّه أَكْبَر , اللَّه أَكْبَر وَلِلَّهِ الْحَمْد

And in Summary it is narrated from Imam Malik (RA) [about the Takbeer] Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La Ilaha Illallah, Wallahu Akbar Allahu Akbar Wallilahil Hamd

Takbeer Tashreeq is the recitation of Allahu akbar, La ilaha illa hu Wallahu akbar, Allahu akbar wa lillahil hamd after every fardh salaah commencing from the Fajr of the 9th of Dhul Hijah until after Asr of the 13th of Dhul Hijjah. (Shami vol. 1 pg. 406)

When Ibrahim (AS) began moving the knife on his beloved son, Ismaeel (AS), the angels sent by Allah with a ram exclaimed. Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar (Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest). Ibrahim (AS) heard the voice of the angels and replied, La illah illa Allahu Wallahu akbar (There is no god besides Allah, and Allah is the greatest).

His son Ismaeel (AS) heard this conversation and understood that Allah had relieved him from this great rial, thus he replied, Allahu Akbar Walillahil hamd (Allah is the greatest, and to Allah belongs all praise)(Ibid).
Mustahab (Prefferable) NOT to cut any hair or trim any nails if one is preparing to make a sacrifice for Eid:

‏حدثنا ‏ ‏ابن أبي عمر المكي ‏ ‏حدثنا ‏ ‏سفيان ‏ ‏عن ‏ ‏عبد الرحمن بن حميد بن عبد الرحمن بن عوف ‏ ‏سمع ‏ ‏سعيد بن المسيب ‏ ‏يحدث عن ‏ ‏أم سلمة ‏ ‏أن النبي ‏ ‏صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ ‏قال ‏ ‏إذا دخلت العشر وأراد أحدكم أن يضحي فلا ‏ ‏يمس ‏ ‏من شعره وبشره شيئا ‏ ‏قيل ‏ ‏لسفيان ‏ ‏فإن بعضهم لا يرفعه قال لكني أرفعه

Umm Salamah (May Allah be pleased with her) said: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "When anyone of you intends to sacrifice the animal and enter in the month of Dhul-Hijjah, he should not get his hair cut or nails pared till he has offered his sacrifice.'' (Reported by Muslim)

Note: Ulama have stated that this includes moustache and hair of the private parts etc. However, if the hair under the arms and in the pubic region is very long (which renders the Salaat Makrooh i.e. more than forty days), then it will become compulsory to remove such hair. However, if a person forgets to clip the nails before the 1st of Dhul Hijjah and the nails have grown so long that they may cause injury, then he may clip them.

2. Fast all nine days and especially on the ‘Day of Arafah’
The Prophet peace be up on him, pbuh said: “Anyone who fasts for one day for Allah’s pleasure, Allah will keep his face away from the (Hell) fire for (a distance covered by a journey of) seventy years.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

The Prophet peace be up on him, pbuh used to fast on the ninth day of Dhul-Hijja and he said: “Fasting the Day of ‘Arafah (ninth Dhul-Hijja) is an expiation for (all the sins of) the previous year and expiation for (all the sins of) the coming year.” (Muslim)

3. Perform Dhikr and Takbeer
The Prophet peace be up on him, pbuh said: “There are no days on which good deeds are greater or more beloved to Allah than on these ten days, so recite much Tahleel (saying Laa ilaaha ill-Allah), Takbeer (saying Allahu Akbar) and Tahmeed (saying Alhamdu Lillaah).” (Ahmad -Saheeh)

Ibn ‘Umar and Abu Hurayrah used to go out in the marketplace during the first ten days of Dhul-Hijja, reciting Takbeer, and the people would recite Takbeer when they heard them. (Bukhari)

Takbeer at this time is a Sunnah that has mostly been forgotten, especially during the first few days. So say it in the masjid, in your home, on the street and every place where it is permitted to remember Allah. Revive the Sunnah that have been virtually forgotten and earn great rewards for doing so.

The Prophet peace be up on him, pbuh said: “Whoever revives an aspect of my Sunnah that is forgotten after my death, he will have a reward equivalent to that of the people who follow him, without it detracting in the least from their reward.” (Tirmidhi- Hasan)

Some of Satan's Qualities........

Some of Satan's Qualities........

He is sneaky and a liar. (Qur'an, 14:22)
He is rebellious. (Qur'an, 22:3)
He only has power to call. (Qur'an, 14:22)
He is arrogant. (Qur'an, 4:117)
His influence on people is filthy. (Qur'an, 8:11)
He wants to prevent people from giving thanks to God(Qur'an:7:17)
He tries to intimidate people. (Qur'an, 3:175)
He tries to destroy relationships between believers. (Qur'an, 17:53; 5:91)
He tries to threaten people with poverty. (Qur'an, 2:268)
He tries to make people arrogant. (Qur'an, 38:74-75)
He urges people to make a show of praying. (Qur'an, 4:38)
He tries to alienate( isolate) people from the Qur'an. (Qur'an, 43:36-37)
He makes people forgetful and oblivious. (Qur'an, 58:19; 6:68; 18:63)
He tempts people into emotionalism. (Qur'an, 17:64; 60:1-3)
He makes people get caught up in details. (Qur'an, 2:67-71)
He urges people to be extravagant. (Qur'an, 17:26-27)

Why does Allah test us???

It was narrated by Abu Huraira (may God be pleased with him) that God's Messenger (peace be upon him) said:

"If God wants to do good to somebody, He afflicts him with trials." (Sahih Bukhari Volume 7, Book 70, Number 548)

It was also narrated by Abdullah (may God be pleased with him):

“I visited the Prophet during his illness and touched him while he was having a fever. I said to him, "You have a high fever; is it because you will get a double reward?" He said, "Yes. No Muslim is afflicted with any harm, but that his sins will be annulled as the leaves of a tree fall down."” (Sahih Bukhari Volume 7, Book 70, Number 565)

In chapter Al-Baqarah (The Cow), verse 155 we also find:

{Be sure we shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods or lives or the fruits (of your toil), but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere} (Quran 2:155)

Also, in chapter Muhammad, verse 31 we find:

{And We shall try you until We test those among you who strive their utmost and persevere in patience; and We shall try your reported (mettle).} (Quran 47:31)

Finally, in chapter Al-Ankaboot (The Spider), verse 2 we find:

{Does mankind think that they will be left to say, "We believe", and that they will not be tested?} (Quran 29:2)

And one of the reasons Allah (SWT) says is so that they will come back to Him:

“And We have sundered them in the earth as (separate) nations. Some of them are righteous, and some far from that. And We have tried them with good things and evil things that haply they might return.” (Al-A’raf 7; 168)

Allah is actually giving the test so people will come back to Him and raise their hands and ask for help.

In another ayah Allah (SWT) says another reason for hardships, tadaru', which is a very strong concept that could be translated as: humility or humbling yourself:

“We have sent already unto peoples that were before thee, and We visited them with tribulation and adversity, in order that they might grow humble.” (Al-An ‘am 6; 42)

Forgiveness of Major Sins

Forgiveness of Major Sins

Allāh جل وعلا says, “Verily, Allāh forgives not that partners should be set up with Him in worship, but He forgives that (anything else) to whom He pleases” (An-Nisā’ 4: 48).

And in the Hadīth [the Messenger ﷺ said, that Allāh will say,] “Remove from the Fire whosoever has in his heart īmān equivalent to the weight of mustard seed” [Narrated by Abī Sa'īd and reported by Bukhārī & others].
As He says in the Qur'an:

"Do not despair of God's mercy; He will forgive you of all your sins".Qur'an (39:53).

In another verse, Allah says:

"And He wishes to forgive you" Qur'an (4:146).

Abudhar (RZA) narrates that the Prophet (SAW) said: One who uttered (in sincerety) the Kalimah La Ilaha Illallah and died having faith therein, certainly he would enter Jannah. Abudhar says: I asked the Prophet (SAW), even in the person has committed fornication and theft? The Prophet (SAW) responded: yes, though he has committed fornication and theft; (Abudhar says) I said again, even if he has committed fornication and theft? The Prophet (SAW) said: Yes, though he has committed fornication and theft. (Abudhar says) I again asked: Even if he has committed fornication and theft? The Prophet (SAW) said: Yes, even if he has committed fornication and theft on the contrary to the will of Abudhar. (Bukhari: 5827)

The Prophet said, "The one who commits an illegal sexual intercourse is not a believer at the time of committing illegal sexual intercourse and a thief is not a believer at the time of committing theft and a drinker of alcoholic drink is not a believer at the time of drinking. Yet, (the gate of) repentance is open thereafter." (Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith 8.801 Narrated by Abu Huraira)

Anas Ibn Mâlik رضي الله عنه said: “I heard the Prophet صلى اللهُ عليه وآله وسَلَّم saying: Allah تبارك وتعالى said: O son of Adam! I shall go on forgiving you so long as you pray to Me and aspire for My forgiveness whatever may be your sins. O son of Adam! I do not care even if your sins should pile up to the sky and should you beg pardon of Me, I would forgive you. O son of Adam! If you come to Me with an earthful of sins and meet Me, not associating anything with Me in worship, I will certainly grant you as much pardon as will fill the earth”[3].

The Prophet صلى اللهُ عليه وآله وسَلَّم : “By Him in Whose Hand is my life, if you were not to commit sin, Allah would sweep you out of existence and He would replace (you by) those people who would commit sin and seek forgiveness from Allah, and He would have forgiven them”[1].

Ways to erase sins and bad deeds from Ahadith

"That is the grace of Allah which He bestows on whom He pleases. And Allah is the Owner of Great Bounty." (Quran: 57:21)

1. Perfecting one's ablution

"No worshipper perfects his ablution except that his past and future sins are forgiven." (Hasan, al-Bazzaar. Al-Haythami and al-Mundhiri agreed.)
Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him said...
“He who performs ablution well, his sins will come out from his body, even from under his nails”.[5]

“When the time for a prescribed prayer comes, if any believer performs ablution well and offers his prayer with humility and bowing, it will be an expiation for his past sins, so long as he has not committed a major sin; and this applies for all times”.[6]

“… if he performs ablution completely and then goes to the mosque with the sole intention of performing the prayer, and nothing urges him to proceed to the mosque except the prayer, then, on every step which he takes towards the mosque, he will be raised one degree or one of his sins will be forgiven…”[7]

2. Fasting the month of Ramadan with belief and seeking Allah's reward

"Whoever fasts Ramadan out of Iman and seeking Allah's reward then his past and future sins are forgiven." (Hasan, Ahmad. Declared Hasan by adh-Dhahabi, as mentioned in al-Mughni (5876).)

3. Performing the night prayer in Ramadan with belief and seeking Allah's reward

"Whoever stands (in prayer) in Ramadan out of Iman and seeking Allah's reward then his past and future sins are forgiven." (Saheeh. an-Nasaa'i.)

4. Performing the night prayer on the Night of Qadar with belief and seeking Allah's reward

"It (Laylatul-Qadr) is in Ramadan, and expect it in the last ten days; it is on an odd night: on the 21st, or the 23rd, or the 25th, or the 27th, or the 29th, or on the last night (of Ramadan). He who performs the night prayer on it out of belief and seeking Allah's reward his past and future sins are forgiven." (Narrated by Ahmad. There is a difference of opinion among scholars regarding this Hadeeth, some declaring it weak and some Hasan. Al-Hafidh Ibn Hajr said in Al-Fath (4/116), "This addition – meaning, 'and future (sins)' – is also in 'Ubadah bin as-Samit's Hadeeth, in (the Musnad of) Ahmad, in two narrations. Its chain is Hasan and it is supported by the previous chain.")

5. Praising and thanking Allah after eating and putting one's clothes on.

"Whoever ate a food and then said, 'Praise be to Allah who has fed me this food and provided it for me, without any strength or power on my part', is forgiven his past [and future*] sins. And whoever wears a garment and says, 'Praise be to Allah who has clothed me with this (garment) and provided it for me, without any strength or power on my part', is forgiven his past and future sins." (Ibn Majah, Abu Dawud, at-Tirmidhi, an-Nasa'i, al-Bukhari in al-Kabeer, al-Hakim, Ibn Sunni and Ahmad. The addition marked by (*) is related by Abu Dawud. Shaikh Al-Albani declared the Hadeeth Hasan in Saheeh al-Jaami' (6086) and in al-Irwaa' (1989). He said in al-Irwaa', "Such a Hadeeth causes hesitation between making it Hasan (good) and Da'eef (weak). Maybe the first one is closer to be the truth, because those who made it weak didn’t explain it and didn’t explain the reason for its weakness. Allah knows best.")

6. Getting old in Islam

"No one reaches forty years in Islam except that Allah protects him from madness, leprosy and leucoderma. When he is fifty, Allah makes easy his reckoning. When he reaches sixty, Allah grants him repentance. And when he reaches seventy, Allah loves him and the inhabitants of the heavens love him. And when he reaches eighty, Allah accepts his good deeds and overlooks his sins. When he reaches ninety, Allah forgives his past and future sins, he is named 'the prisoner of Allah on earth' and is granted intercession (for forgiveness) for his family." (Hasan, Ibn 'Asakir. Ahmad Shakir said in his notes to Al-Musnad (8/23,25): "Its chain is at least Hasan. It is supported with other chains which raise it to the level of Saheeh.")

7. Leaving the following: performing Ruqia (curing with Quran), seeking having Ruqia performed on one, cauterization, believing in bad omens.

Narrated Ibn 'Abbas (May Allah be pleased with him): Allah's Messenger (p.b.u.h.) said, “…I was told: ‘These are your people and amongst them there are seventy thousand who shall enter Paradise without being taken to either account or torment.' …'They are those who do not make Ruqia nor seek it, nor believe in bad omens, but trust in their Lord (Allah).'" (Bukhari and Muslim)

8. Whose two or three children die and he remains patient

"Whoever buries three children, Allah will forbid the Fire for him." (Saheeh, Tabarani in al-Kabeer, Al-Albani authenticated it in Saheeh Al-Jaami' (6238).)

"There are no two Muslim parents whose three children die before reaching puberty except that Allah will enter them into Paradise due to His mercy to the children. It will be said to them, "Enter the Paradise", so they will say, "Not until our parents enter first". It will be said, "Enter the Paradise you and your parents." (Ahmad, an-Nasaa'i, and Al-Albani authenticated it in Saheeh al-Jaami' (5780).)

"'Whoever iHtasaba (remains content and patient after the death of) three of his offspring will enter Jannah.' A woman said, 'What about two?' He said, 'And two.'" (Saheeh, an-Nasaa'i, Ibn Hibban, authenticated by al-Albani in Saheeh al-Jaami (5969).)

"To no woman three children die and she remains patient and content, except that she will enter Jannah. Or two (children)." (Muslim)

9. Who raises three daughters or sisters and is nice to them

"There is no one from my Ummah who takes care of three daughters or three sisters, and is nice to them, except that they will be a veil (protection) for him from the Fire." (Saheeh, al-Bayhaqi and Al-Bukhari in Al-Adab, authenticated by Al-Albani in Saheeh Al-Jaami' (5372).)

10. Defending the honor of a Muslim

"Whoever defends the honor of his brother in absence has the right over Allah to be freed from the Fire." (Saheeh, Ahmad, al-Tabarani. Authenticated by Al-Albani in Saheeh al-Jaami' (6240).) Al-Manaawi commented" "'Whoever is limited to other than the disbeliever and public wrongdoer." (Fayd al-Qadeer 6:136)

11. Ihklas (sincerity) to Allah

No servant who says 'la ilaha ill Allah', seeking the pleasure of Allah, will reach the Day of Judgment, except that Allah will forbid the Fire for him. (Ahmad, al-Bukhari) Hafidh Ibn Hajr said, "It's not like that (i.e. not entering the Fire at all) for everyone who believed in Tawheed and worshipped, but it is specific for the sincere, and sincerity (Ihklas) requires the realization of its meaning by the heart. One cannot imagine that the heart will reach that while persisting upon sins, as the heart would be filled with the love and fear of Allah, whereupon limbs will embark upon obedience and leave disobedience."

12. Crying out of fear of Allah

"No man who cried out of fear of Allah will enter the Fire until the milk returns to the udder, and dust in the path of Allah (jihad) and the smoke of the Fire cannot go together." (Ahmad, at-Tirmidhi, an-Nasaa'i and Hakim who authenticated it. Authenticated by Al-Albani in Saheeh al-Jaami' (7778).)

13. Performing the prayer in congregation for forty days while reaching the opening Takbeer

"Whoever prays to Allah for four days in congregation, reaching the opening Takbeer, will have two written for him: freedom from the Fire and freedom from hypocrisy." (Hasan. at-Tirmidhi, declared Hasan by al-Albani in Saheeh al-Jaami' (6365).)

14. Being consistent in praying four Rakats (units) before Dhuhr and after it

"Whoever is consistent in praying four units of prayer before Dhuhr and four after it, Fire will be forbidden for him." (Saheeh. Abu Dawood, An-Nasaa'i, at-Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah, al-Hakim who authenticated it. Al-Albani authenticated it in Saheeh al-Jaami' (6195).)

15. Being consistent in praying before sunrise and before sunset

"No one will enter Fire who prays before sunrise and before sunset." (Ahmad, Muslim, Abu Dawud, an-Nasaa'i) Meaning, Fajr and 'Asr prayers.

16. Dust of Jihad

"The dust of Jihad and the smoke of the Fire will never coexist within a servant, and greed and Iman will never coexist in the heart of a servant." (Saheeh. An-Nasaa’i and al-Hakim in al-Mustadrak. Authenticated by al-Albani in Saheeh al-Jaami' (7616).)

17. Killing a mushrik in war

"A Kafir and one who killed him will never be together in the Fire." (Muslim, Abu Dawud)

18. Good character

"Whoever is easy-going, easy to deal with and kindhearted, Allah will forbid the Fire for him." (Saheeh. Al-Hakim in al-Mustadrak, al-Bayhaqi, at-Tabarani. Al-Albani authenticated it in Saheeh al-Jaami' (6484).)

19. Freeing slaves

"Whoever frees a believing slave it will be his salvation from the Fire." (Saheeh, Ahmad, Abu Dawud, an-Nasaa'i. Authenticated by al-Albani (6050).

20.Good Deeds Erase Bad Deeds
Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said:

"Have taqwa (fear) of Allah wherever you may be, and follow up a bad deed with a good deed which will wipe it out, and behave well towards the people." (At-Tirmidhi)

Prophet Muhammad once said:

"All the sins of my followers will be forgiven except those of the Mujahirin, those who commit sin openly or disclose their sins to the people." (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)