The Virtue of Ramadan in the Qur'an

Imam Ibn Kathir

THE OBLIGATION OF FASTING Allah says in the Quran: "O you who have faith! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you - so that hopefully you will have taqwa." - Al Baqarah(2):183 Meaning that hopefuly you can safeguard yourselves from the Fire through Fasting; fasting is a means to the forgiveness of sins, and sins lead one to the fire. The two sahihs record the hadith in which the prophet (pbuh) said: "Islam is built upon five: that you worship Allah and reject the worship of anything else, to establish the prayer, the giving of Zakat, performing pilgrimage to the house and Fasting the month of Ramadan." [This is the wording of Muslim, Bukhari has the first sentence as 'that you testify none has the right to be worshipped save Allah']. THE VIRTUES OF FASTING Fasting carries with it a number of benefits, amongst which are: the elevation to ones rank, the expiation of sins, the breaking of ones desire and lusts, the increase of charity, the multiplication of actions of obedience to Allah, giving thanks to the one who knows the hidden matters, and preventing oneself from even contemplating the commiting of sin. THE ELEVATION OF RANK With regards to the elevation of rank, the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: "When Ramadan comes, the gates of Paardise are opened, the gates of Hellfire are locked and devils are chained." [Bukhari] He (pbuh) also said, relating from his lord Mighty and Magnificient, "All of the actions of the son of Adam are for him except the fast for that is for me and I will reward it. Fasting is protecting sheild, so when it is the day when one of you are fasting, let him not behave or speak indecently; if someone tries to abuse him or fight him, let him say, 'I am fasting'. By the one in whose hand is the soul of Muhammad, the smell emanating from the mouth of the one fasting is better with Allah then the smell of musk. The one fasting has tewo time of joy, when he breaks his fast he is happy and when he meets his lord he will rejoice at his fasting." [Bukhari and Muslim] The prophet (pbuh) also said: "Every action that the son of Adam does, [its reward] will be multiplied, a good deed will be increased tenfold. Allah Mighty and Magnificient says, 'except for the fast, for that is for Me and I will reward it for he left his desires and food for My sake'" [Muslim] The prophet (pbuh) also said: "In paradise there is a gate which is called ar-Rayyan through which the people who fasted will enter on the day of Judgement, and no one else shall enter along-side them. It will be asked, 'where are those who fasted?' and they will walk through it, and upon the entry of the last of them, it will be locked, and no one else will walk through it." [Bukhari and Muslim] With regards the 'opening of the gates of paradise', this is a phrase that points to the increase of actions of obedience that in turn lead to the opening of the gates of Paradise. 'Locking the gates of Fire' is a phrase that points to the decrease, and lack of therewith, of sins which in turn leads to the locking of the gates of the Fire. 'The chaining of the devils' is a phrase that points to the termination of their whisperings, and temptations, to those who are fasting because they give up hope of receiving a favorable response. His saying, "All of the actions of the son of Adam are for him except the fast for that is for me, and I will reward it," fasting has been specifically adjoined to him in the order of Honour it because the hidden nature of fasting prevents ostentation entering it, and moreover, hunger and thirst are not used as means to draew closer to any king of this world nor any idol.

Nifaq Part 2: The Cures of Hypocrisy!

Those who analyse their souls and find nothing to feel guilty for really should be worried because none of us is without faults and flaws.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) describes the attributes of a hypocrite in faith in a very concise way. The Prophet once said

that the signs of a hypocrite are three: Whenever he speaks, he lies; whenever he promises, he breaks it; and if he is entrusted with something, he betrays the trust (Al-Bukhari).

This does not mean that if a Muslim tells lies, breaks promises, or betrays trusts he becomes a hypocrite. It means that these qualities, if found to be a part of their nature in their regular dealings with people, are strong indicators that this person's faith is weak.

Only Allah knows for sure who among us is a sincere believer and who is a true hypocrite. Sometimes hypocrites don't even realize that they are hypocrites. They are so convincing to other people that they even convince themselves they are believers, whereas their behavior shows quite the opposite.

They always find ways to justify their sinful actions and convince themselves that they are good believers. 
Two very important patterns of behavior  to mention here that many people find themselves in from time to time. The first is that of those whose faith is strong as long as their life is going smoothly, but as soon as something goes wrong they become miserable and ask, "What did I do to deserve this?" or "Why has Allah forsaken me?"

And as for man, when his Lord tries him, then treats him with honor and makes him lead an easy life, he says: My Lord honors me. But when He tries him (differently), then restricts for him his means of subsistence, he says: My Lord has disgraced me. (Al-Fajr 89:15-16)

Although this is not the proper attitude to have when things become difficult in our lives, it is human nature to be fickle or inconsistent in our level of belief (Iman goes up and down). Life is always changing, so maintaining firm faith at all times is difficult for the best of us.

Faith increases and decreases but we must do our best to maintain a balance at all times. Part of our faith in Islam requires us to believe in the divine decree (qadar) of Allah.

If good things happen, we consider these to be blessings from Allah's mercy and generosity. We do not attribute them to our own skill and talents, nor do we let them cause us to forget Allah's blessings on us.

If bad things happen, we attribute them to the wrongfulness of our actions and we do not let sorrow or despair cause us to lose faith in Allah. True faith is firm regardless of the circumstances around us.

The second behavior pattern is that of those who only remember Allah when bad things happen.

So when harm afflicts a man he calls upon Us; then, when We give him a favor from Us, he says: I have been given it only by means of knowledge. Nay, it is a trial, but most of them do not know. (Az- Zumar 39:49)

These are people who are not really close to Allah in the way they lead their lives until something bad happens to them. They do not pray regularly, or not at all, nor do they try to put the needs of others ahead of their own needs. Not only that, but they fall into sinful practices as well to further distance themselves from Allah and their duties toward Him.

When the natural negative consequences of their actions come back to harm them, they return to Allah and the way of Islam for a short time and then resort to their old ways as soon as things get better again. 

The best way to avoid being a hypocrite is to ask ourself why we are doing a certain good deed. If, for example, we are praying in a mosque, sincerely ask ourself, "Why am I praying here in this mosque?" If the honest answer is "To please Allah" or "To receive Allah's forgiveness for my sins," then you are doing it for the right reasons.

If we find that we are there because we want someone to see that we are a good Muslim who prays in the mosque, we need to get this out of our heart.

Having the proper intentions is the most important aspect of our actions. If our deeds are for anyone other than Allah, or for Allah and someone else, He will reject them and there will be no reward for them, no matter how great the deeds.

It is also very important to stay close to Allah at all times, whether we are in prayers or just performing our daily routines. Before doing anything, we need to always ask ourselves, "Is this an action that is acceptable in Islam? Is this the way that Allah would like me to do this?" If the answer is yes, then we should go ahead without fear, even if people may say that we are wrong.

Being in a state of hypocrisy is really far worse than being a non-believer. At least non-believers are up front about not believing in the message of Islam. Their position is clear and we know where we stand with them, what to expect from them.

Hypocrites, on the other hand, are not up front and do not reveal what is in their heart. They pretend to be believers when in the company of Muslims, but when they retire to their intimate friends, they show their true colors. They are described in the Qur'an:

When they meet those who believe, they say: "We believe"; but when they are alone with their evil ones, they say: "We are really with you: We (were) only jesting." (Al-Baqarah 2:14)

Allah describes the hypocrites in the Qur'an in many places. Since we cannot know what is in their hearts, we must look to their actions to best determine their level of faith or lack of it.

If we find their actions to be sinful, we should either advise them to change their ways, or, if they do not listen, avoid contact with them as much as possible so that they do not affect us negatively.

The hypocrites, men and women, (have an understanding) with each other: They enjoin evil, and forbid what is just, and are close-fisted with their hands. They have forgotten Allah so He has forgotten them. Verily the hypocrites are rebellious and perverse. (At-Tawbah 9:67)

In our Race to Jannah May Allah purify our hearts of any typeof hypocrisy and lead us all to what pleases Him alone. Ameen!

Nifaq - Who are the Hypocrites - Part 1.

This topic is of extreme importance in our daily lives, as it reflects our behavior, our manners, our faith in Allah, and His teachings.

The word Hypocrisy is defined in Webster's dictionaries as: an act or a practice of feigning to be what one is not, or to feel what one does not feel; especially, the false assumption of goodness. Therefore, a hypocrite is a false pretender and dissembler to virtue or piety.

In the Islamic terminology, the word Hypocrisy is a substitute for 'Nifaq'. This word Nifaq has been mentioned in the Qur'an thirty-one (31) times in different forms such as: Nifaq; Munafiqoon; Munafiqat; Munafiqeen, and Nifaqan.

 There are some faults prevalent in society that a person may acquire, nurture and establish within himself which affect his personal behavior. The fault of hypocrisy is one of them. Allah hates those people who acquire this fault, and He therefore warns them that their punishment is indeed hell. Allah says in Sura At-Tauba:

God hath promised the hypocrites, men and women, and the rejecters of Faith, the fire of Hell; therein shall they dwell; sufficient is it for them: for them is the curse of God, and an enduring punishment. (9:68)

Allah has promised the hypocrites a heavy penalty by saying in Sura Nisa:

To the hypocrites give the glad tidings that there is for them but a grievous penalty. Yea, to those who take the unbelievers as their leaders rather than the believers (4:138-139)

 One may ask why a person should act as a hypocrite? Or why he should be a hypocrite? The answer could be any of the following:

1. A person who has no faith in Allah, His Messenger, and the Day of Judgment may act as a hypocrite.

2. A person who has a weak faith may be trapped in his daily life to play the role of a hypocrite.

3. A person who lacks confidence in himself/herself may become a hypocrite.

4. A person who lacks security, morally, psychologically, or financially, may be led to be a hypocrite.

5. A person who is conceited, selfish, and who likes himself above all others, may play the game of hypocrisy so as to achieve his personal gains and to satisfy his ego.

6. A person who is not a man unto himself, and whatever he does is seeking assurance of success and gain. Hence, he plays the dirty game of hypocrite.

A person who seeks to please everybody even if it demands his cheating, lying or stealing. Allah says in this regard in Sura Al-Munafiqun:

When the hypocrites come to thee, they say, 'We bear witness that thou art indeed the Apostle of God.' Yea, God knoweth that thou art indeed His Apostle, and God beareth witness that the hypocrites are indeed liars. (63:1)

 These situations, factors and prerequisites may lead a person to be a hypocrite. The only way to cure this disease from people is that they should have faith in Allah, in His Messenger, Muhammad (pbuh), in the Day of Judgment and in the teachings of Islam. Even if he/she has a weak faith, he should try his/her best to strengthen it, and to enrich it daily.

Therefore, it is a matter of having faith (Iman) or having no faith. Nifaq, hence is noticed and observed in those societies, in those families, and those individuals who, either have no faith, or who are weak in their faith.

The signs of a hypocrite are many among which are the following three signs:

1. He lies whenever he talks.
2. He does not fulfill his commitment.
3. He betrays the trust that he takes.

In this regard Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said (Reported by Abu Hurayrah):

The signs of a hypocrite are three: when he speaks, he lies; when he gives an agreement, he does not fulfill his commitment; and when he is entrusted, he betrays the trust.

For this reason Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) informed us that a hypocrite is a mischievous person. He said: (Reported by Abu Hurayrah)

You will find that the worst person is double-faced; he meets one group of people with one side of his face, while another with the other side.

 Since this vice is most hated by Allah and His Messenger, and since the penalty is very heavy, then we must check ourselves. Check our Iman, our personality, our character, our manners, our behavior and our daily activities. Then try to find out whether we are acting like a Mushrik; like a Kafir; like a Munafiq or like a Mura'i. If any of these vices is having a foothold on us, we must get rid of it and to remove ourselves from it as soon as possible so as to be rewarded by Allah.

If we do not act immediately, remember that life is short, and who knows for how long we are to live! Death may be as close to us as a twinkling of an eye. Hence, we should be prepared to face Allah Almighty with happiness and not with sorrows or sadness.

The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said:

Don't give the title of Sir or Mr. to a hypocrite if he becomes master, or you will displease your Lord the Almighty. (1)

May Almighty Allah make our race to Jannah easy and deliver us from any signs of hypocrisy. Ameen

30 Signs of the Hypocrites

1. Falsehood and Lying
2. Treachery
3. Showing insolence and licentiousness in argumentation
4. Breaking one's promise
5. Laziness in worship
6. Showing off
7. Lack of remembrance of Allah
8. Hastiness in prayer
9. Slandering those who give themselves freely to good deeds from among the believers and the righteous
10. Mocking the Qur'an, the Sunnah and the Messenger, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam
11. The protective oath
12. Disliking to spend for the sake of Allah
13. Desertion and abandonment of the Muslims
14. Originating false rumours and causing sedition
15. Finding fault with Allah's decree
16. Bringing down the honour of the righteous
17. Remaining away from the congregational prayer
18. Causing mischilef while claiming to establish peace
19. Outward behaviour contradicting what is in the heart
20. Fear of unpleasant events, incidents and happenings
21. False excuses
22. Commanding the evil and preventing the good
23. Tying one's hands back out of stinginess
24. Forgetting Allah
25. Denial of the promise of Allah and His Messenger
26. Concern for the outward appearance and neglect of the innner condition
27. Eloquence, long-winded speech, boasting and bragging
28. Lack of understanding of the religion
29. Not sinning in front of the people (due to fear of them) but showing boldness to Allah by committing sins in secrecy
30. Rejoicing at the affliction of the believers with a calamity and being saddened at their being touched by joy and pleasure

 In our race to Jannah let us make sure that we scrutinize ourselves and make sure that none of this signs are in us InshaAllah

Miracle Of Al-Isra & Al-Miraj Part 6: The Aftermath!

The disbeliever’s jeer at the Muslims 

The Night Journey raised a good deal of stir among the people and the disbelievers harassed the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam) with all sorts of questions. They found it a suitable opportunity to jeer at the Muslims and their creed. They asked the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam) with questions about the description of the Mosque in Jerusalem, where he had never gone before and the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam) rightfully responded to their queries. The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam) said: “When the Quraysh disbelieved in me (concerning my journey), I stood up in Al-Hijr (the unfooted portion of the Ka’ba) and Allah displayed Bait al-Maqdis before me, and I started to inform them (Quraysh) about its signs while looking at it.” 
[Saheeh al-Bukharee v: 6, no: 233] 


Narrated Abu Hurayrah (radiyallahu anhu): “The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam) said: “I found myself in Hijr and the Quraysh were asking me about my night journey. I was asked about things pertaining to Bayt al-Maqdis, which I could not preserve (in my mind). I was very much vexed, so vexed as I had never been before. Then Allah raised it (Bayt al-Maqdis) before my eyes. I looked towards it, and I gave them the information about whatever they questioned me. I also saw myself among the group of apostles. I saw Moses saying a prayer and found him to be a well-built man as if he were a man of the tribe of Shanu'ah. I saw Jesus, son of Mary, (peace be upon him) offering prayer; of all men he had the closest resemblance to Urwah ibn Mas'ud ath-Thaqafi. I saw Ibrahim offering prayer; he had the closest resemblance to your companion (the Prophet himself) amongst people. When the time of prayer came I led them. When I completed the prayer, someone said: Here is Malik, the keeper of the Hell; give him salutation. I turned to him, but he preceded me in salutation.” 
[Saheeh Muslim no: 328] 


The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam) gave the various proofs of his journey, which they too verified. He (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam) told them that he saw the camels of Makkan merchants to and fro. He also guided them to some of their animals that went astray. He informed them that he had drank some of their water while they were fast asleep and left the container covered. He supplied them with all the news about the caravans and the routes of their camels. However, all this only increased their arrogance, and they accepted nothing but disbelief. 

Israa wal-Miraaj – A test of Eemaan 

“And We made not the vision which we showed you (O Muhammad (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam) but a trial for mankind…”
[Soorah al-Isra (17): 60] 
Eemaan is belief and action. People differ in the ranks on the extent of their belief in Allah and actions in accordance to the teachings of Islaam. Allah described the believers saying: “who believe in the revelation sent to you, and sent before your time, and (in their hearts) have assurance for the Hereafter. They are on (true guidance), from their Lord, and it is these who will prosper. 
[Soorah al-Baqarah (2): 4-5] 

Isra wal-Miraaj was a test of Eemaan for the Companions of Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam). Allah, the All-Mighty Who is Powerful enough to create the Heavens and the Earth by an act of His Will, is surely Powerful to take His Messenger beyond the Heavens and show him His signs. How could they not believe when they knew for certain that the informer is either Allah, the Exalted: “And whose word can be truer then Allah”
[Soorah an-Nisa (4): 122] or His Messenger (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam): “Nor does he speak from his desire, it is only a revelation sent down to him.”
[Soorah (53): 3-4]

The disbelievers on their part went towards Abu Bakr (radiyallahu anhu) with an attempt to weaken his faith. But this great companion of Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam) readily agreed saying: “Yes, I do verify it.” It was on this occasion that he earned the title of As-Siddeq (the verifier of truth), because he immediately and unconditionally believed in what the Prophet (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam) said about his journey. He was the man who believed in the Messenger (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam), when he said that Jibreel (alaihis-salaam) comes to me from above the seven Heavens several times a day. If Allah can send Jibreel (alaihis-salaam) several times a day, then why cannot Allah take His Messenger for a journey through the Heavens?

Isra wal-Miraaj was a physical Journey 

Isra wal-Miraaj was a physical journey by body and soul and not a spiritual vision or a dream. The Prophet (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam) was carried in his body to the farthest mosque in Jerusalem and eventually to the Seven Heavens and to his Lord. He eye-witnessed everything which he saw, as Allah made it clear in the Qur’aan: “And We made not the vision which we showed you (O Muhammad (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam) as an actual eye-witness and not as a dream on the night of Isra) but a trial for mankind…”
[Soorah al-Isra (17): 60] 

Ibn Abbas (radiyallahu anhu) said regarding this verse: “The signs, which the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam) was shown on the Night Journey when he was taken to Bait al-Maqdis were actual sights (not dreams)…” [Saheeh al-Bukharee v: 5, no: 228] 
Imaam Ibn Hajr writes in his commentary of Saheeh al-Bukharee (1/460) that no one should dispute the fact that al-Isra took place while the Prophet was awake. This is what the Qur’aan clearly said about it, and also because the people of Quraysh disbelieved in it.” 
Had Isra wal-Miraaj been only a dream, the Quraysh would not have found it necessary to reject it, for people can dream anything. However, since the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam) claimed to have physically visited Jerusalem in a single night, (which in those days generally took almost three months of traveling) they denied and refused to believe his visit to Jerusalem, let alone the issue of visiting the Heavens and meeting with Allah. Even some who claimed to be Muslims rejected this great physical miracle of Isra and Miraaj. 


Also, Imaam an-Nawawi (rahimahullah) writes in his commentary of Saheeh Muslim (2/209) that: “The truth cherished by the majority of people in general, and the Salaf (pious predecessors) in particular, the scholars of Fiqh, and scholars of Hadeeth is that the Prophet (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam) went in the journey of Isra physically i.e. with his body.” 

Is the Night of Isra wal-Miraaj a night of Worship? 

The incident of Isra wal-Miraaj represents a great event in the history of Islam. However, it is not an occasion of worship. Firstly, by the wisdom of Allah, the date of Isra wal-Miraaj is unknown to us because the night of Isra wal-Miraaj does not carry any significance and is not worth remembering. The Sahabah (radhi allahu anhum) did not find it least important to preserve its date, month or year. In fact, the lofty and exalted gift of Miraaj occupies the maximum importance, which is also the second pillar of Islam. Salaah implied great importance to the Sahabah (radhi allahu anhum) therefore we find every detail of the Salaah utterly recorded in the books of Ahaadeeth and in the form Aathar (sayings) of the Sahabah. 


Thus, if this event is unidentified and Islam confers no guidelines for its observance, then it is unreasonable to commemorate it as an occasion of worship, especially when worship is the combination of Ikhlas and submission to the Commands of Allah. 
Those who favor the celebration of Isra wal-Miraaj usually compare it to the Night of al-Qadr. They explain the Night of Miraaj as better and more virtuous than the Night of al-Qadr, and eventually deduce the meaning that people should perform more Salaah and Supplication as compared to the worship performed in the Night of al-Qadr. 


Some favor the celebration of Miraaj because the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam) encountered events on this night which he never experienced before. Honoring the event of Miraaj is correct but acts of worship are defined by the Sunnah and not by emotions. Such methods of understanding Islaam are baseless; no Salaf ever proposed such an approach. Specifying particular events for worship need strong proofs from the Qur'aan and the Sunnah. 


Thus, the event of Isra wal-Miraaj is not associated with any form of worship. But indeed, it carries a number of lessons, which the Muslim Ummah should understand, contemplate and benefit from. 
Lastly, we ask Allah to make this article beneficial to the readers and serve as a guide …. 

Reference Books: 1. Tafseer Ibn Katheer | 2. Saheeh al-Bukharee | 3. Saheeh Muslim | 4. Sunan Abu Dawood | 5. Raheeq al-Makhtoom

Miracle Of Al-Isra & Al-Miraj Part 5 : The Importance of SALAH

The Gift of Miraaj 

Abdullah ibn Mas’ood (radiyallahu anhu) said: “…The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam) was given three (things): he was given five prayers, he was given the concluding verses of Soorah al-Baqarah, and the remission of serious sins for those among his Ummah who associate not anything with Allah.” 
[Saheeh Muslim no: 329] 


The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam) said: “Allah revealed to me a revelation and He made obligatory for me fifty Salaah every day and night. Then I went down to Moosa (alaihis-salaam) who asked: “What has you Lord enjoined upon your Ummah?” I said: “Fifty salaahs.” He said: “Return to your Lord and beg for reduction (in the number of Salaah), for your community shall not be able to bear this burden. As I had been put to test by the children of Israel and tried them (and found them too weak to bear such a heavy burden).” So, the Prophet turned to Jibreel (alaihis-salaam) as if he wanted to consult him about that issue. Jibreel (alaihis-salaam) informed him of his opinion saying: “Yes, if you wish.” So, Jibreel (alaihis-salaam) ascended with him to the Allah.
[Saheeh al-Bukharee v:9, no: 608] 

The Prophet (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam) said: “I went back to my Lord and said: “My Lord make things lighter for my Ummah.” (Allah) reduced the number by five (salaahs) for me. I went down to Moosa and said: “(The Lord) reduced it by five (salaahs) for me.’ He said: “Verily, your Ummah shall not be able to bear this burden; return to your Lord and ask Him to make things lighter. O Muhammad! By Allah, I tried to persuade my nation, Bani Israel to do less than this, but they could not do it and gave it up. However, your followers are weaker in body, heart, sight and hearing, so return to your Lord so that He may lighten your burden.”
 [Saheeh al-Bukharee v:9, no: 608]


 “I then kept going back and forth between My Lord, Blessed and Exalted and Moosa (alaihis-salaam) until He (Allah) said: “There are five salaahs every day and night, O Muhammad (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam). Each being credited as ten, so that makes fifty salaahs. He who intends to do a good deed and does not do it will have a good recorded for him; and if he does it, it will be recorded for him as ten. Whereas he who intends to do an evil deed and doesn’t (do it), it will not be recorded for him; and if he does it, only one evil deed will be recorded. I then came down and when I came to Moosa (alaihis-salaam) and informed him, he said: “Go back to your Lord and ask Him to make things lighter”. Upon this the Messenger of Allah remarked: “I returned to my Lord until I felt ashamed before Him.”
 [Saheeh Muslim] 
On this Jibreel (alaihis-salaam) said: “Descend in Allah's Name.” The Prophet (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam) then woke while he was in the Sacred Mosque (at Mecca). [Saheeh al-Bukharee v:9, no: 608] 


And the narration of Saheeh al-Bukharee there is an addition of words: “… When I left, I heard a voice saying: ‘I have My Order and reduced the burden of My Worshippers.” 

Allah has glorified Salaah and granted it a very high position by revealing its obligation on the night of Miraaj. All the command of Allah were conveyed by the Angel Jibreel (alaihis-salaam) on the Earth to the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam), whereas Salaat was prescribed by calling the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam) above the seven Heavens and without any intercessor. Many Verses of the Qur’aan and numerous Ahadeeth are witness to the great importance and obligation of the Prayer.


Ibn Hajar (rahimahullah) writes in his commentary of Saheeh al-Bukharee (1/460) “The wisdom of prescribing the Salaah during the Miraaj is that the Prophet (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam) was hallowed internally and externally. He was washed with Zam-Zam water and was showered with Eemaan and wisdom. Since, Salaah is preceded by ablution, it was thus appropriate that Salaah was prescribed in that state; i.e. after the Prophet (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam) was purified…” 


Allah says: “And if you count the blessings of Allah, never will you be able to count them.” [Soorah (14): 34] The lessening of the Salaah is a blessing from Allah, but as Allah said: “But few of My slaves are grateful.” [Soorah (34): 13] 
And: “Verily, man is ungrateful to His Lord.” [Soorah (100): 6] 


What can be a greater blessing than reducing the number of Salaah from fifty to five and then rewarding each as ten which sums up to fifty? 


Ibn Hibban (rahimahumullah) said in his Saheeh (1/133): “Then he (the Prophet (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam)) was obliged with fifty salaahs; the order was a trial, one that Allah wanted to test His beloved (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam), with. When He prescribed fifty Salaats for him, Allah previously knew that He would only prescribe five salaahs for the Ummah of Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam), but the order to pray fifty prayers was a test. This is similar to our saying that Allah might order something while willing that the ordered individual obey His orders and not necessarily carry out the order literally. An example of this was when Allah ordered His beloved Ibraheem to slaughter his son. Allah’s Will behind this order was to have His Order obeyed and submitted to: when they had both submitted themselves (to the Will of Allah), and Ibraheem (alaihis-salaam) had laid his son (for slaughtering), Allah ransomed him with a great sacrifice. Had Allah willed the literal fulfillment of His Order, he (Ibraheem (alaihis-salaam) would have found his son really slaughtered. Similarly, prescribing fifty salaahs was meant to have His Order obeyed and submitted to, without having it literally carried out.” 

Anybody who neglects the prayer has not only denied a pillar of Islam but also rejected the gift of Allah. Salaah is the first act of worship ordained for the Muslim and it will be the first worship, which the slave will be accounted for on the Day of Judgement, and it was the last command which the Prophet kept repeating. When he (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam) was on his death-bed, he said:“(Preserve) the prayer, the prayer, and what your right hands possess (slaves).” 
[Authenticated by Sheikh al-Albanee, Ibn Majah and Musnad Ahmad] 


When a person dies, he only speaks those words which he regards as very important and desires the people to adhere to his advice. Thus, the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam) commanded us with those words which he regarded very important, i.e. Preserve the prayer. 


Abdullah ibn Qart (radiyallahu anhu) related that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam) said: “The first act which the slave will be accountable for on the Day of Judgement will be the prayer. If it is good, then the rest of his acts will be good. And if it is evil, then the rest of his acts will be evil.” 
[Related by at-Tabaranee] 


Narrated Buraydah ibn al-Hasib (radiyallahu anhu): “The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam) said: “which distinguishes us from the disbelievers and hypocrites is our commitment to the Prayer. He who gives it up, falls into disbelief.”
[al-Tirmidhee no: 1083] 


Allah relates that when the people of the Fire will be thrown in the Hell, they will be asked:“What has caused you to enter the Hell-Fire?” they will reply: “We were not of those who used to offer Salaat.”
[Soorah (74): 42-43] Thus, the first thing, which they will confess, will be abandoning of Salaat. 


The importance of Salaah is also demonstrated from Masjid al-Quba. It was built when the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam) migrated from Makkah to Medina. In between he stayed in Quba for four days. The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam) did not plan to stay in Quba, he did not built any place to stay or rest, but the first thing he did was to build the Mosque of Quba. This act of Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam) shows the great importance and significance of Mosques in Islaam. Thus, when the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam) sent a group of Sahabah (radiyallahu anhu) to fight in the cause of Allah, he ordered them to postpone their attack and wait until they heard the Adhaan. If the Adhaan was not pronounced then they should attack. Anas bin Malik (radiyallahu anhu) said: “Whenever the Prophet (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam) went out with us to fight (in Allah's cause) against any nation, he never allowed us to attack till morning and he would wait and see if he heard Adhaan; he would postpone the attack and if he did not hear Adhaan he would attack them….”
 [Saheeh al-Bukharee vol: 1, no: 584] 


The importance of Salaah is so great that one is ordered to observe Salaah in all circumstances, whether one is sick or traveling or even on the battlefield. Allah says:“Guard strictly (five obligatory) as-Salawaat (the prayers) especially the middle Salaah (i.e. the best prayer – ‘Asr’) and stand before Allah with obedience. And if your fear (an enemy), perform Salaat on foot or riding. And when you are in safety, offer the Salaah in the manner, He has taught you, which you knew not (before).” 
[Soorah al-Baqarah (2): 238-9] 


Salaah is not excused from anyone, except the sleeping, the insane or the women who is in her menstrual or post-natal period. Salaat is the only obligatory worship which every individual has to perform for himself. 


The other pillars of Islam like Fast, Hajj and Zakah are excused on certain circumstances like: 


Fasts: One who is ill or traveling is allowed to postpone his fasts and make it afterwards. If the illness is not curable then he is allowed to invite people and feed them the number of days he missed. Also a breast-feeding mother is allowed to postpone her fasts, but not Salaah.

Hajj: Hajj is not obligatory on him who does not posses money. If he has money but has no strength then he can ask someone to perform Hajj for him, or even if he does not do so he is under no obligation, But Salaah is prescribed in all circumstances. 

Zakah: If one has money he should give charity, if he does not hold any, he is excused. But the Salaah is not excused even in the times of battle, the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam) and his companions used to pray in the battlefield. 
Aa’ishah (radhi allahu anha) said: “The Messenger of Allah used to talk to us and we used to talk to him. But when the time for prayer started, he would act as if we did not know him or if he did not know us.” 


Yet, many people are unaware of as-Salaah and neglect it. Many people who claim to be the followers of Allah’s Messenger never enter the Masjids. After the Shahadah the first symbol or the sign of a Muslim is Salaah. In the Qur'aan, Allah did not just say - "pray salaah (sallu)", he said ‘Aqeemus salaah’ ‘establish the prayer’. Establishing the prayer means to perform prayer with punctuality and on prescribed time. Once the time of Salaah becomes due then everything can be delayed but the Salaat. Therefore, Allah says:“Hafizu ala-as-salawaat” meaning: “Guard your prayer strictly.” Not Performing prayers on time is similar to rejection: “So, woe unto those performers of Salaah, those who delay their Salaah.” [Soorah (107): 4-5] “Then, there has succeeded them a posterity who have given up Salaah and have followed lusts. So they will be thrown in Hell.”
[Soorah (19): 59] 


Salaah will be the last pillar of Islam which will be given up: “The pillars of Islam will be given up on after the another and every time a pillar is given, people will adhere to the next one; the first being government and the last being the prayer.”
[Authenticated by Sheikh al-Albanee, Musnad Ahmad, Ibn Hibban and al-Haakim] 


The hearts of the Muslims are attached to the mosques, and thus the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam) said: “Allah will give shade to seven, on the Day when there will be not shade but His… (amongst them)… a man whose heart is attached to the mosque (to pray the compulsory prayers in the mosque in congregation). From the time he departs from it until he comes back.”
[Saheeh al-Bukharee and Saheeh Muslim] 


And he (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam) once asked his companions: “Should I direct you to (righteous) acts because of which Allah erases sins and elevates grades?” They said: ‘Yes, O Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam)!” He said: “Performing perfect ablution in unfavorable conditions (such as extreme cold), the many steps one often takes to the mosque and awaiting the prayer after the prayer (in the mosque); verily, this is ar-Ribat (Muslim outposts to protect Muslim lands from enemy lands).” 
Thus: “Successful indeed are the believers who offer their Salaah with all solemnly and full submissiveness… These are indeed the inheritors, who shall inherit the Firdaus (Paradise). They shall dwell therein forever.” 
[Soorah al-Muminoon (23): 1-11]