40 LESSONS FROM PROPHET MUHAMMAD [SAW]

40 LESSONS FROM PROPHET MUHAMMADAD[PBUH]

Compiled By; Auwal Sahabi Bala  Gusau  Zamfara State.  Published  By;  Aminu  Aliyu   Ibrahim Sakwaya,Dutse,Jigawa State.

40 Lessons by Holy Prophet (S.A.W)
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01. Refrain from sleeping between fajr and Ishraq, Asr and Maghrib, Maghrib and Isha.
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02. Avoid sitting with smelly people. i.e (onion)
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03. Do not sleep between people who talk bad before sleeping.
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04. Don’t eat and drink with your left hand.
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05. Don’t eat the food that is taken out from your teeth.
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06. Don’t break your knuckles.
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07. Check your shoes before wearing it.
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08. Don’t look at the sky while in Salaat.
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09. Don’t spit in the toilet.
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10. Don’t clean your teeth with charcoal.
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11. Sit and wear your trousers.
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12. Don’t break tough things with your teeth.
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13. Don’t blow on your food when it’s hot but u can fan it.
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14. Don’t look for faults of others.
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15. Don’t talk between iqamath and adhan.
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16. Don’t speak in the toilet.
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17. Don’t speak tales about your friends.
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18. Don’t antagonize your friends.
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19. Don’t look behind frequently while walking.
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20. Don’t stamp your feet while walking.
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21. Don’t be suspicious about your friends.
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22. Don’t speak lies at anytime.
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23. Don’t smell the food while you eat.
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24. Speak clearly so others can understand.
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25. Avoid travelling alone.
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26. Don’t decide on your own but do consult others who know.
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27. Don’t be proud of yourself.
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28. Don’t be sad about your food.
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29. Don’t boast.
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30. Don’t chase the beggars.
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31. Treat your guests well with good heart.
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32. Be patient when in poverty.
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33. Assist a good cause.
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34. Think of your faults and repent.
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35. Do good to those who do bad to you.
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36. Be satisfied with what you have.
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37. Don’t sleep too much – it causes forgetfulness.
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38. Repent at least 100 times a day (Istighfaar).
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39. Don’t eat in darkness.
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40. Don’t eat mouth-full.

ISLAM AND CHRISTIANITY BY DR ZAKIR NAIK

SIMILARITIES BETWEEN ISLAM AND CHRISTIANITY     by Dr. Zakir Naik

Al-Qur'an 3:64
Al-Qur'an 20:25-28
Greet you in the same manner as Jesus (pbuh) greeted in Hebrew Luke 24:36
‘Sholam alay kum’
or Islamic greeting in Arabic Assalaamu alai kum
both meaning ‘Peace be on you’.

INTRODUCTION

Similarities / Similar Teachings in the Qur’an and the Bible which Muslims follow but Christians don't

I) ISLAM

1. Definition

A. Meaning of Islam
(i) Islam is derived from the word salaam meaning peace.
(ii) Submission to the Will of Allah (swt) i.e. God Almighty.
B. Meaning of ‘Muslim’ – One who submits his will to Allah.
C.  Islam is not a new religion found by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

2.  Messengers in Islam

A. (i) To every nation was sent a Guide or a Messenger
Al-Qur'an 35:24
Al-Qur'an 13:7
(ii) 25 Prophets mentioned by name in the Qur'an
(iii) Islam is the only non-Christian faith that believes in Jesus (pbuh)
(iv) Stories only of some prophets mentioned in Qur'an
Al-Qur'an 4:164
Al-Qur'an 40:78
(v) More than 1,24,000 Messengers according to Hadith
B. (i) Previous Messengers were only sent for their people and nation and their complete message was meant only for a particular time period.
(ii) Moses (pbuh) was only sent for the Jews.
(iii) Jesus (pbuh) sent only for the Jews i.e. lost sheep of Israel.
Al-Qur'an 3:49
Mathew 10:5-6
Mathew 15:24
(iv) Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is the Last and Final Messenger for the
Whole of Mankind.
Al-Qur'an 33:40
Al-Qur'an 21:107
Al-Qur'an 34:28
Sahih Bukhari Vol.1 Book of Salaah Chapter 56 Hadith No. 429
(v) Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) prophesised in the Bible.
Al-Qur'an 7:157
Al-Qur'an 61:6
Deuteronomy 18:18
Isaiah 29:12
Song of Solomon 5:16
John 16:7
John 16:12-14

3.  Revelations of God

A. Several Revelations sent by Allah – Al-Qur'an 13:38.
By name only four are mentioned in the Qur’an.

B. (i) The Qur’an is the Last and Final Revelation.
(ii) All previous Revelations before Qur'an were only sent for a particular group of people and for a particular time period
(iii) The Qur’an was Revealed for the Whole of Mankind
Al-Qur'an 14:1
Al-Qur'an 14:52
Al-Qur'an 2:185
Al-Qur'an 39:41

II) PILLARS OF ISLAM:

1. Tauheed: Monotheism

A. La ilaha ilallahu, Muhammad-ur-Rasoolullah
Sahih Bukhari Vol. 1 Hadith No. 7

B.  Believe in Allah and the Last Day, and the Angels and the Book and the Messengers.
Al-Qur'an 2:177

C. Come to common terms — Worship of one God
Al-Qur'an 3:64
D. Concept of God
Al-Qur'an 112:1-4
Deuteronomy 6:4
Mark 12:29
E. Shirk – Biggest Sin
Al-Qur'an 4:48
Al-Qur'an 4:116
Exodus 20:2-5
Deuteronomy 5:7-9
F. Jesus (pbuh) not God. He never claimed Divinity
Al-Qur'an 5:72
John 14:28
John 10:29
Mathew 12:28
Luke 11:20
John 5:30
Acts 2:21
G. 99 Attributes of Almighty God
Al-Qur'an 17:110
H.  Prefer using name ‘Allah’ rather than the word ‘God’ as the word ‘God’ can be played around with. Allah in the Bible – Eli, Eli, Lama Sabachthani
Mark 15:34
Mathew 27:46

2. Salaah

A. Not merely Prayers but Programming
Al-Qur'an 5:90
Al-Qur'an 2:188
B. Prayers restrain you from shameful and unjust deeds
Al-Qur'an 29:45
C. Salaah timings – for healthy soul five times a day
Al-Qur'an 17:78
Al-Qur'an 20:130
D. Take off shoes before entering mosque.
(i) Commandment of Allah to Moses
Al-Qur'an 20:11-12
Exodus 3:5
Acts 7:33
(ii) Can Pray with Shoes.
Sunan Abu Dawood – Vol. 1, Book of Salaah, Chapter 240,
Hadith No. 652-653.
(iii) Hygienic
E. Ablution
(i)  Al-Qur'an 5:6
Exodus 40:31-32
Acts 21:26
(ii) Hygienic
(iii) Mental Preparation
F. Stand shoulder to shoulder, while praying –
Sahih Bukhari – Vol. 1, Book of Adhan Chapter 75 Hadith no. 692
Abu Dawood – Vol. 1, Book of Salaah Chapter 245 Hadith No. 666.
G. Sujud – Prostration
(i) To humble your mind, humble your body
(ii) Sujud mentioned 92 times in the Qur’an
Al-Qur'an 3:43
Al-Qur'an 22:77
(iii) Prostration in the Bible
Genesis 17:3; Numbers 20:6
Joshua 5:14; Mathew 26:39

3. Zakaah

A. Meaning: Purification and Growth
B. Description: 2.5% of saving every lunar year in charity
Al-Qur'an 9:60
C. If every human being gives Zakaah, not a single person will die of hunger.
D.  "Wealth does not circulate only amongst the wealthy and the rich"
Al-Qur'an 59:7
E. I Peter 4:8

4. Saum - Fasting

A. Description – one lunar month i.e. during the month of Ramadaan every lunar year, Muslims fast, i.e. abstain from food and drinks from sunrise till sunset.
B. Benefits: learn self restraint. If you can control your hunger you can control almost all your desires. It enhances spiritual awareness.
Al-Qur'an 2:183
C. Medical Benefits:
(a) Increases absorption capacity of intestines
(b) Lowers cholestrol.
D. Discourages smoking, alcoholism and other addictions.
E. Bible prescribes Fasting
Mathew 17:21
Mark 9:29

5. Hajj

A. Description – Pilgrimage atleast once in life time if you can afford it
B. Universal Brotherhood – 2.5 million people from all over the world gather, wear two pieces of unsewn cloth, preferably white. Cannot differentiate between rich and poor.
Al-Qur'an 49:13
C. Significance of Kaaba – Muslims don’t worship it
Psalms 84:4-7

III ) ISLAM IS A COMPLETE WAY OF LIFE

These five pillars do not constitute complete Islam. Only if the pillars are strong, will the structure be strong.

1. Humans Created to Worship Allah

A.  Jinn and Man created for worship of Allah
Al-Qur'an 51:56

B.  Meaning of Ibadaah – root word Abd meaning ‘slave’.

2.  Obeying Commandments of Allah is Submitting your will to Allah

A. Abstaining fron alcohol
Al-Qur'an 5:90
Proverbs 20:1
Ephesians 5:18
B.  Abstaining from prohibited food
Al-Qur'an 5:5
Al-Qur'an 2:173, 5:3, 6:145, 16:115
(i) Dead meat
Leviticus 17:15
Deuteronomy 14:21
(ii) Blood
Genesis 9:4, Leviticus 17:14, Deuteronomy 12:16,
I Samuel 14:33, Acts 15:29
(iii) Pork is prohibited
Leviticus 11:7-8
Deuteronomy 14:8
Isaiah 65:2-5
(vi) Food on which names beside Allah have been invoked
Acts 15:29; Revelation 2:14
C. (i) Being Honest in your Business
(ii) Helping Neighbours
Al-Qur'an 107:1-7
(iii) Abstaining from Backbiting
Al-Qur'an 104:1-3
Al-Qur'an 49:11-12
(iv) Obeying and Respecting Parents
Al-Qur'an 17:23, 24
(v)  Celibacy or Monasticism is prohibited in Islam
Sahih Bukhari: Vol. 7 Book of Nikah, Chapter No. 3, Hadith No. 4
(vi) Loving, being Kind and Just to your Wife
Al-Qur'an 4:19
(vii) Abstaining from Adultery
Al-Qur'an 17:32
D.  Dressing Modestly
(i) Al-Qur'an 24:30
Mathew 5:27-28
(ii) Al-Qur'an 24:31
(iii) Six Criteria for Hijab in Islam
Deuteronomy 22:5
I Timothy 2:9 e.g. of Mary
I Corinthians 11:5-6
E. Circumcision
Acts 7:8
John 7:22
Luke 2:21
F.  In short, every Muslim should follow all the Commandments of Allah (swt) and His Messenger Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and abstain from the things they have prohibited.

CONCLUSION

(a) If Christian is a person who follows the teachings of Christ (pbuh) and not one who worships Christ (pbuh). (We are more Christian than the Christians themselves).
(b)  Muslim is a person who submits his will to Allah.
Jesus (pbuh) said, "not my will but thy will be done." i.e. Muslim.
John 5:30
(c)  Al-Qur'an 5:82

 

Islamic Research Foundation © 2015-2016 All Rights Reserved.

PROPHET MUHAMMAD IN THE BIBLE BY DR ZAKIR NAIK

PROPHET MUHAMMAD (pbuh) IN THE BIBLE

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in the Old Testament:

The Qur’an mentions in Surah Al-Araf chapter 7 verse 157:

"Those who follow the Messenger, the unlettered Prophet, whom they find mentioned in their own (scriptures) in the law and the Gospel".

1. MUHAMMAD (PBUH) PROPHESISED IN THE BOOK OF DEUTERONOMY:
  
Almighty God speaks to Moses in Book of Deuteronomy chapter 18 verse 18:

"I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and I will put my words in his mouth; and     he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him."

The Christians say that this prophecy refers to Jesus (pbuh) because Jesus (pbuh) was like Moses (pbuh). Moses   (pbuh) was a Jew, as well as Jesus (pbuh) was a Jew. Moses (pbuh) was a Prophet and Jesus (pbuh) was also a Prophet.

If these two are the only criteria for this prophecy to be fulfilled, then all the Prophets of the Bible who came after
Moses (pbuh) such as Solomon, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Malachi, John the Baptist, etc. (pbut) will
fulfill this prophecy since all were Jews as well as prophets.

However, it is Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) who is like Moses (pbuh):

i) Both had a father and a mother, while Jesus (pbuh) was born miraculously without any male intervention.

[Mathew 1:18 and Luke 1:35 and also Al-Qur'an 3:42-47]

ii) Both were married and had children. Jesus (pbuh) according to the Bible did not marry nor had children.

iii) Both died natural deaths. Jesus (pbuh) has been raised up alive. (4:157-158)

Muhammad (pbuh) is from among the brethren of Moses (pbuh). Arabs are brethren of Jews. Abraham (pbuh) had two sons: Ishmail and Isaac (pbut). The Arabs are the descendants of Ishmail (pbuh) and the Jews are the descendants of Isaac (pbuh).

Words in the mouth:

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was unlettered and whatever revelations he received from Almighty God he repeated them verbatim.

"I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him."

[Deuteronomy 18:18]

iv) Both besides being Prophets were also kings i.e. they could inflict capital punishment. Jesus (pbuh) said,     "My kingdom is not of this world." (John 18:36).

v) Both were accepted as Prophets by their people in their lifetime but Jesus (pbuh) was rejected by his
people. John chapter 1 verse 11 states, "He came unto his own, but his own received him not."

iv) Both brought new laws and new regulations for their people. Jesus (pbuh) according to the Bible did not bring   any new laws. (Mathew 5:17-18).

2. It is Mentioned in the book of Deuteronomy chapter 18:19
    
"And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not harken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will     require it of him."

3. Muhammad (pbuh) is prophesised in the book of Isaiah:

It is mentioned in the book of Isaiah chapter 29 verse 12:

"And the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I am not learned."

When Archangel Gabrail commanded Muhammad (pbuh) by saying Iqra - "Read", he replied, "I am not learned".

4. prophet Muhammad (pbuh) mentioned by name in the old testament:
    
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is mentioned by name in the Song of Solomon chapter 5 verse 16:

"Hikko Mamittakim we kullo Muhammadim Zehdoodeh wa Zehraee Bayna Jerusalem."

"His mouth is most sweet: yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters
of Jerusalem."

In the Hebrew language im is added for respect. Similarely im is added after the name of Prophet Muhammad   
(pbuh) to make it Muhammadim. In English translation they have even translated the name of Prophet Muhammad     (pbuh) as "altogether lovely", but in the Old Testament in Hebrew, the name of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is yet      present.

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in the New Testament:

Al-Qur'an Chapter 61 Verse 6:

"And remember, Jesus, the son of Mary, said, 'O Children of Israel! I am the messenger of Allah (sent) to you, confirming the Law (which came) before me and giving glad tidings of a messenger to come after me, whose name shall be Ahmed.' But when he came to them with clear signs, they said, 'This is evident sorcery!' "

All the prophecies mentioned in the Old Testament regarding Muhammad (pbuh) besides applying to the Jews also hold good for the Christians.

1. John chapter 14 verse 16:

"And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever."

2. Gospel of John chapter 15 verse 26:
    
"But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which
proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me."

3. Gospel of John chapter 16 verse 7:
    
"Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not
come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you".

"Ahmed" or "Muhammad" meaning "the one who praises" or "the praised one" is almost the translation of the
Greek word Periclytos. In the Gospel of John 14:16, 15:26, and 16:7. The word 'Comforter' is used in the English      translation for the Greek word Paracletos which means advocate or a kind friend rather than a comforter.
Paracletos is the warped reading for Periclytos. Jesus (pbuh) actually prophesised Ahmed by name. Even the
Greek word Paraclete refers to the Prophet (pbuh) who is a mercy for all creatures.

Some Christians say that the Comforter mentioned in these prophecies refers to the Holy Sprit. They fail to realise
that the prophecy clearly says that only if Jesus (pbuh) departs will the Comforter come. The Bible states that the
Holy Spirit was already present on earth before and during the time of Jesus (pbuh), in the womb of Elizabeth, and    again when Jesus (pbuh) was being baptised, etc. Hence this prophecy refers to none other than Prophet  
Muhammad (pbuh).

4. Gospel of John chapter 16 verse 12-14:
    
"I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth is
come, he will guide you unto all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he     speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me".

The Sprit of Truth, spoken about in this prophecy referes to none other than Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

NOTE: All quotations of the Bible are taken from the King James Version.

Ramadan

What After Ramadan? From www.islamweb.com

19/06/2015

Ramadan is a level playing field wherein people compete with each other in good deeds and benevolence. During this blessed month, souls are trained in virtue and accustomed to dignity, they learn to disdain vices, sins and acquire all good attributes.

Whoever witnesses this month without gaining any of its rewards is indeed poor, and nothing cripples him other than negligence, laziness, procrastination, and false hopes.

However, what is appalling is to see some of those who were guided to do good deeds and take provisions from virtues during this month hastily destroying what they had built, and replacing good with evil. This is a gross mistake and shameful act in the true sense of the word and no remorse or apology will revoke it when you stand in front of your One Lord.

Bishr was asked about people who only become diligent during the month of Ramadan and he said, “They are abominable people, because they only know Allaah The Almighty during the month of Ramadan. The truly righteous people are those who worship Allah The Almighty diligently throughout the whole year.”

Ash-Shibli, may Allaah have mercy upon him, was asked, “Which is better: Sha‘baan or Rajab?” His answer was, “Be a worshipper of Allah The Almighty rather than a worshipper of Sha‘baan.”

‘Aa’ishah was asked, ‘Did the Messenger of Allaah choose some special days (for fasting)?’ She replied, ‘No, but he used to be regular (constant) (in his service of worshipping).’ The Prophet also never performed more than eleven Rak‘ahs (units of prayer) whether in Ramadan or at any other time of the year.

We sincerely invite such people out of fear for them to reconsider their lifestyle and to review themselves and think about their condition before it is too late. We advise them not to allow appearances, their strength, health and youth to deceive them. That is because all of this is nothing but a mirage that one may see as water, but once he reaches it, he finds nothing. Health will be followed by sickness, youth will be followed by old age, and strength will eventually turn into weakness.

So, wake up and pay attention! Life is short even if it seems long, and happiness will end no matter how long it lasts.

Such people should know that perseverance and adherence to the right path as well as obedience to Allaah The Almighty is one of the greatest signs of acceptance of one’s good deeds. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {And worship your Lord until there comes to you the certainty (death).} [Quran 15:99]

Consequently, the souls should remain adherent to the right and guided path just as they were during the month of Ramadan. Guidance is not confined to certain times and acts of worship, and obedience to Allah The Almighty is not limited to the month of Ramadan.

Al-Hasan Al-Basri said, “Allah has not set an end for the believer’s work other than death.” Then he recited: {And worship your Lord until there comes to you the certainty ‎‎ (death).}[Quran 15:99] ‎

Indeed, Ramadan has ended but you still have several renewed seasons for worship. The five daily prayers are among the highest and best good deeds and prayer is the first thing about which one would be asked on the Day of Judgment when he stands in front of Allah The Almighty.

If the fast of Ramadan has ended, then you have the voluntary fasts and occasions such as the six days of Shawwaal, Mondays and Thursdays, the white days, the tenth day of Muharram, the Day of ‘Arafah, and so on.

If the night prayer of Ramadan has ended, you should know that the night prayer can be offered every night: {They used to sleep but little of the night‎}[Quran 51:17]

If the time of Zakaat Al-Fitr has ended, then there is the obligatory Zakaah in addition to the countless ways of giving voluntary charity.

Dear Muslim brother, you should know that one of the attributes of the slaves of Allah The Almighty is that they perform their good deeds constantly, as Allah The Almighty Says (what means):

•  {Those who are constant in their prayer}[Quran 70:23]
• {And they who carefully maintain their prayers -}[Quran 23:9]

If you aspire to know how to save yourself from this trap and how to perform good deeds regularly, you have to do the following:

1-   You must be sincerely and strongly determined to do good deeds constantly under all circumstances and conditions. This requires keeping away from weakness and laziness. That is why the Prophet, , used to seek refuge with Allaah The Almighty from inability and laziness, given their dire consequences. Hence, you should seek the help of Allah The Almighty and move ahead.

2-   Moderation is very important, and you should never overburden yourself, as the Prophet, , said: “Do such deeds as you can do easily, as Allah will not get tired (of giving rewards) until you get bored and tired (of performing religious deeds).” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

You should remember that there are blessings in perseverance. For example, whoever reads a Juz’ (portion) of the Quran every day will read the whole Quran in one month, and whoever observes fast for three days every month will be rewarded as if he had observed fast throughout the whole year. Likewise, whoever observes twelve voluntary Rak‘ahs every day, Allah The Almighty will build a house for him in Paradise, and so on.

3-   You should know that it is unacceptable for whoever observes a good deed to abandon it. It was narrated that ‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Amr ibn Al-‘Aas said, “The Messenger of Allah, , said to me: ‘O ‘Abdullaah! Do not be like so-and-so; he used to get up at night (for voluntary prayer) but abandoned it later.'' [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

4-   Dear brother, remember what our righteous predecessors used to do. ‘Aa’ishah said that whenever our beloved Prophet Muhammad, , missed the night prayer because of illness or sleep, he would pray twelve Rak’ahs the next day.[Muslim]

The Prophet, , also once missed ‘Itikaaf (staying in seclusion) and he made up for it in Shawwaal. Abu Hurayrah said that the Messenger of Allah, , said to Bilaal, : "‘O Bilaal, tell me about the most hopeful act (i.e., one which you deem the most rewarding with Allah) you have done since you accepted Islam because I heard the sound of the steps of your shoes in front of me in Paradise.' Bilaal said, ‘I do not consider any act more hopeful than that whenever I make ablution (or take a bath) in any hour of the night or day, I would immediately perform prayer for as long as was destined for me to pray.’'' [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

However, the most amazing thing is what ‘Ali ibn Abi Taalib, , used to do in response to the advice of the Prophet, , when he once visited him and found him sleeping with his wife Faatimah, , (daughter of the Prophet, ). ‘Ali said, “The Prophet placed his leg between me and Faatimah and taught us what to say when we go to bed, saying: ‘When you go to your bed recite thirty-three times Subhanallaah (Glory be to Allah), thirty-three times Alhamdulillaah (All praise is for Allah), and forty-three times Allaah-u-Akbar (Allaah is The Greatest).’ ‘Ali added ‘By Allah, I never left this practice for the rest of my life.’ A man asked him, ‘Even on the night of the Battle of Siffeen?’ He said, ‘Yes, I observed this even on the night of Siffeen.’”[Al-Haakim: Saheeh]

If you contemplate over this narration, you will be amazed at the keenness and persistence on doing good deeds even at times of war and bloodshed. None of these distracted him from implementing the advice of the Prophet, , regarding what he should say upon going to bed. Such stories and narrations should make you persist in doing good deeds and attempting to imitate the righteous predecessors and following their path.

What After Ramadan?

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19/06/2015

Ramadan is a level playing field wherein people compete with each other in good deeds and benevolence. During this blessed month, souls are trained in virtue and accustomed to dignity, they learn to disdain vices, sins and acquire all good attributes.

Whoever witnesses this month without gaining any of its rewards is indeed poor, and nothing cripples him other than negligence, laziness, procrastination, and false hopes.

However, what is appalling is to see some of those who were guided to do good deeds and take provisions from virtues during this month hastily destroying what they had built, and replacing good with evil. This is a gross mistake and shameful act in the true sense of the word and no remorse or apology will revoke it when you stand in front of your One Lord.

Bishr was asked about people who only become diligent during the month of Ramadan and he said, “They are abominable people, because they only know Allaah The Almighty during the month of Ramadan. The truly righteous people are those who worship Allah The Almighty diligently throughout the whole year.”

Ash-Shibli, may Allaah have mercy upon him, was asked, “Which is better: Sha‘baan or Rajab?” His answer was, “Be a worshipper of Allah The Almighty rather than a worshipper of Sha‘baan.”

‘Aa’ishah was asked, ‘Did the Messenger of Allaah choose some special days (for fasting)?’ She replied, ‘No, but he used to be regular (constant) (in his service of worshipping).’ The Prophet also never performed more than eleven Rak‘ahs (units of prayer) whether in Ramadan or at any other time of the year.

We sincerely invite such people out of fear for them to reconsider their lifestyle and to review themselves and think about their condition before it is too late. We advise them not to allow appearances, their strength, health and youth to deceive them. That is because all of this is nothing but a mirage that one may see as water, but once he reaches it, he finds nothing. Health will be followed by sickness, youth will be followed by old age, and strength will eventually turn into weakness.

So, wake up and pay attention! Life is short even if it seems long, and happiness will end no matter how long it lasts.

Such people should know that perseverance and adherence to the right path as well as obedience to Allaah The Almighty is one of the greatest signs of acceptance of one’s good deeds. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {And worship your Lord until there comes to you the certainty (death).} [Quran 15:99]

Consequently, the souls should remain adherent to the right and guided path just as they were during the month of Ramadan. Guidance is not confined to certain times and acts of worship, and obedience to Allah The Almighty is not limited to the month of Ramadan.

Al-Hasan Al-Basri said, “Allah has not set an end for the believer’s work other than death.” Then he recited: {And worship your Lord until there comes to you the certainty ‎‎ (death).}[Quran 15:99] ‎

Indeed, Ramadan has ended but you still have several renewed seasons for worship. The five daily prayers are among the highest and best good deeds and prayer is the first thing about which one would be asked on the Day of Judgment when he stands in front of Allah The Almighty.

If the fast of Ramadan has ended, then you have the voluntary fasts and occasions such as the six days of Shawwaal, Mondays and Thursdays, the white days, the tenth day of Muharram, the Day of ‘Arafah, and so on.

If the night prayer of Ramadan has ended, you should know that the night prayer can be offered every night: {They used to sleep but little of the night‎}[Quran 51:17]

If the time of Zakaat Al-Fitr has ended, then there is the obligatory Zakaah in addition to the countless ways of giving voluntary charity.

Dear Muslim brother, you should know that one of the attributes of the slaves of Allah The Almighty is that they perform their good deeds constantly, as Allah The Almighty Says (what means):

•  {Those who are constant in their prayer}[Quran 70:23]
• {And they who carefully maintain their prayers -}[Quran 23:9]

If you aspire to know how to save yourself from this trap and how to perform good deeds regularly, you have to do the following:

1-   You must be sincerely and strongly determined to do good deeds constantly under all circumstances and conditions. This requires keeping away from weakness and laziness. That is why the Prophet, , used to seek refuge with Allaah The Almighty from inability and laziness, given their dire consequences. Hence, you should seek the help of Allah The Almighty and move ahead.

2-   Moderation is very important, and you should never overburden yourself, as the Prophet, , said: “Do such deeds as you can do easily, as Allah will not get tired (of giving rewards) until you get bored and tired (of performing religious deeds).” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

You should remember that there are blessings in perseverance. For example, whoever reads a Juz’ (portion) of the Quran every day will read the whole Quran in one month, and whoever observes fast for three days every month will be rewarded as if he had observed fast throughout the whole year. Likewise, whoever observes twelve voluntary Rak‘ahs every day, Allah The Almighty will build a house for him in Paradise, and so on.

3-   You should know that it is unacceptable for whoever observes a good deed to abandon it. It was narrated that ‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Amr ibn Al-‘Aas said, “The Messenger of Allah, , said to me: ‘O ‘Abdullaah! Do not be like so-and-so; he used to get up at night (for voluntary prayer) but abandoned it later.'' [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

4-   Dear brother, remember what our righteous predecessors used to do. ‘Aa’ishah said that whenever our beloved Prophet Muhammad, , missed the night prayer because of illness or sleep, he would pray twelve Rak’ahs the next day.[Muslim]

The Prophet, , also once missed ‘Itikaaf (staying in seclusion) and he made up for it in Shawwaal. Abu Hurayrah said that the Messenger of Allah, , said to Bilaal, : "‘O Bilaal, tell me about the most hopeful act (i.e., one which you deem the most rewarding with Allah) you have done since you accepted Islam because I heard the sound of the steps of your shoes in front of me in Paradise.' Bilaal said, ‘I do not consider any act more hopeful than that whenever I make ablution (or take a bath) in any hour of the night or day, I would immediately perform prayer for as long as was destined for me to pray.’'' [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

However, the most amazing thing is what ‘Ali ibn Abi Taalib, , used to do in response to the advice of the Prophet, , when he once visited him and found him sleeping with his wife Faatimah, , (daughter of the Prophet, ). ‘Ali said, “The Prophet placed his leg between me and Faatimah and taught us what to say when we go to bed, saying: ‘When you go to your bed recite thirty-three times Subhanallaah (Glory be to Allah), thirty-three times Alhamdulillaah (All praise is for Allah), and forty-three times Allaah-u-Akbar (Allaah is The Greatest).’ ‘Ali added ‘By Allah, I never left this practice for the rest of my life.’ A man asked him, ‘Even on the night of the Battle of Siffeen?’ He said, ‘Yes, I observed this even on the night of Siffeen.’”[Al-Haakim: Saheeh]

If you contemplate over this narration, you will be amazed at the keenness and persistence on doing good deeds even at times of war and bloodshed. None of these distracted him from implementing the advice of the Prophet, , regarding what he should say upon going to bed. Such stories and narrations should make you persist in doing good deeds and attempting to imitate the righteous predecessors and following their path.