Raabi’a Al-‘Adwiyyah, The Pious Female Worshipper

Ibn Al-Jawzee said:

“Raabi’a Al-‘Adwiyyah used to pray the whole night, and when dawn came she lay down for a bit and then got up frightened, saying to herself, ‘Sleep in the grave is long.’ ” [“Sincere Counsel To Students Of Sacred Knowledge” by Ibn Al-Jawzee, p.53]

Adh-Dhahabee related by way of Ibn Abee Dunyaa: ‘Abda Bint Abee Shawwaal, who used to serve Raabi’a Al-‘Adwiyyah said:

“Raabi’a Al-‘Adwiyyah used to pray the whole night. When morning would come she would lay down till the sky would turn yellow. I used to hear her say, ‘My soul, how much do you sleep and till what time do you stand up? You might sleep for just a little and never get up until the day of Resurrection.’ “

Raabi’a Al-‘Adwiyyah was a ascetic, God fearing worshipper from Basra. She is said to have lived for 80 years and died in 180H.

Ibn Al-Jawzee said:

“Raabi’a Al-‘Adwiyyah the worshipper used to get up to pray in the beginning of the night and say:

‘The lover has stood up for her hope,
And her heart is about to fly away from joy.’

When the night was over she would say: “No! It has been taken away!” and she would recite:

‘The darkness is gone with its intimacy and concord,
If only the night and its intimacy would come again.’ “

The Day Of Judgment

Al-Awzaa’ee said:

“Whoever stands the night in prayer, Allaah will make easy for him his standing on the Day of Judgment.”

[Siyar A’laam an-Nubalaa, 7/119]

Characteristics Of The Haafidh

Al-Musayyib Ibn Ra’fi’ reported that Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud said:

“A memoriser of the Quraan should be known for his long night prayers when people are asleep, his fasting when people are eating, his saddness when people are happy, his slience when people are talking nonsense, and his humbleness when people are not.

He should be wise, gentle and not talk to much: he should not be rude, negligent, clamorous, nor hot tempered. “

[Ibn Al Jawzee, Sifaat As-Safwa: 1/413]

Two Days And Two Nights Like No Others

It is reported that Anas b. Mâlik – Allâh be pleased with him – said:

There are two days and two nights the likes of which no one has ever heard of before:

the Day on which you will receive the news about Allâh the Exalted: whether you will receive His punishment or His mercy,

the Day you will be given your book (of deeds): either in your right hand or your left,

that [first] night you will spend alone in your grave, a night like no other you have spent,

and that night on the morning of which will be the Day of Resurrection, after which there will be no more night.

[Abû Bakr Al-Daynûrî, Al-Mujâlasah wa Jawâhir Al-’Ilm article 19]

Source

Du’aa To Say In The Last 10 Nights

`A’ishah (radhiAllâhu `anha) reported that she asked Allâh’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, “O Messenger of Allâh! If I knew which night is Laylat ul-Qadr, what should I say during it?”

And he instructed her to say:

“Allâhumma innaka `afuwwun tuhibbul `afwa fa`fu `annee – O Allâh! You are forgiving, and You love forgiveness. So forgive me.” [Recorded by Ahmad, Ibn Maajah, and at-Tirmithee]

*Click on image to see a clearer version in shaa Allaah*

When Is Lailatul Qadr, By Ibn Taymiyyah

Shaikhul Islam was asked while he was in prison of Qal’ah, year 706 AH: When is lailatul Qadr?

He replied (abbreviated):

Lailatul Qadr falls in the last ten nights of Ramadan. In the odd nights.

However, the odd nights could be determined by looking at the previous days, so it should be sought on the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th and 29th …

Or it could be determined by looking at what is remaining. The Prophet (saw) said: “Seek it at the remaining 9, 7, 5, 3 night.” Based on this Lailatulqadr could fall on the even nights of the last ten nights. This is how Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri (ra) understood the Hadeeth.

Therefore, a believer is to seek Lailatul Qadr in all of the last ten nights. More so in the last 7 nights. And even more so on the 27th as Ubai bin Ka’b (ra) used to swear on this.

O Qaari! Listen To The Words Of Ibn Mas’ood!

Ibn Mas’ood (RA) said, “It is a must for the recitor of the Qur’an to recite at night when the people are sleeping, and during the day when they are eating, and with weeping when the people are laughing, with piety when they are heedless, and with sadness when the people are happy.”

Zubayd Used To Divide The Night Into Three Parts

Ibn Shubrumah said:

“Zubayd used to divide the night into three parts:

i) a part for himself;

ii) a part for his son;

iii) and a part for his other son ‘Abdur-Rahmaan.

So he would pray (his third of the night), and then say to one of them:

“Wake up”, and if he was lazy, he would pray his (third) part (of the night). Then he would say to the other one: “Wake up”, and if he too was lazy, he would pray his (third) part (of the night).

So he would (end up) standing the entire night in prayer.”

[Siyar A’laam an-Nubalaa. – Volume 5, Page 296]

Source

A Summary of The Verses Being Recited On The 11th Night Of Taraawee

A summary of the verses being recited.

11th of Ramadhaan (Juzz 11 [9:93 to 11:7])

To be recited Friday Night (Aug 20)

Surah 9 – at-Tawbah – “Repentance”

Summary: Widely regarded to be a continuation of the previous chapter, this Surah takes its name from verse 104. It is also called al-Bara’a (Disavowal) taken from the first verse, and is the only Surah that does not commence with the basmAllah because of its stern commandments against the polytheists. It was revealed in the 9^th year of Hijra and proclaimed the end of idolatry in Arabia. The Christian Byzantine Empire had made moves against the rising power in Arabia and so the chapter contains instructions towards the impending war; therefore, the expedition of Tabuk is discussed as well as the plots of the hypocrites to undermine Muslim society.

Verses	Description
9:100-118	Allah’s good pleasure is with the righteous; Repentance and forgiveness; Zakat purifies; Working good deeds; Masjid Dirar; Believers surrender to Allah sincerely; The 3 who remained behind at Tabuk
9:119-129	Believers associate with the righteous; Virtue of Jihad; Some should go to war, some should remain behind to teach; Every Surah increases the faith of believers; The gentle nature of the Prophet; Trust in Allah;

Surah 10 – Yunus – “Jonah”

Summary: The Surah takes its name from verse 98. The Surah was revealed in Mecca and stresses Allah’s power, the authenticity of the Qur’an and the fate of the evildoers. Also discussed are Tawhid, how Allah reveals Himself to man, how the Prophets were rejected and the workings of Allah’s divine grace.

Verses	Description
10:1-6	Revelation; Allah and His Signs
10:7-20	The allures of the world; Man in adversity; Destruction of previous nations; Prophet can only convey, he cannot alter; Fallacy of polytheism; Causes of dissension
10:21-40	Polytheists in adversity; Parable of the world; The Last Day; Proofs of Allah’s Oneness and power; Authenticity of the Qur’an
10:41-70	Disbelievers are deaf and blind; Everything has its appointed time; Admonition from Allah; Acknowledging Allah’s bounties; Friends of Allah; All belongs to Allah; Lying against Allah
10:71-93	Story of Noah, Moses, Children of Israel
10:94-109	Proof of revelation; Jonah’s people believing; Allah is with the believers; the reality of Tawhid and core of Islam;  Decree; Follow and be patient.

Compiled by Ustaadh Abu Rumaysah

A Summary of The Verses Being Recited On The 10th Night Of Taraawee

A summary of the verses being recited.

10th of Ramadhaan (Juzz 10 [8:42 to 9:92])

To be recited Thursday Night (Aug 19)

Surah 8 – al-Anfal – “The Spoils of War”

Summary: The Surah takes its name from the first verse which talks about the spoils of war. The majority of the chapter was revealed in the month following the Battle of Badr, in the 2^nd year of Hijra. The lessons learned from the battle are enforced: the virtues necessary for fighting in the Path of Allah, victory against odds, clemency and consideration of others.

Verses	Description
8:65-75	Huge odds against the believer do not count if they remain true to Allah; Prisoners of war; Clemency and consideration at victory; Virtue of those who fight; Importance of protecting each other

Surah 9 – at-Tawbah – “Repentance”

Summary: Widely regarded to be a continuation of the previous chapter, this Surah takes its name from verse 104. It is also called al-Bara’a (Disavowal) taken from the first verse, and is the only Surah that does not commence with the basmAllah because of its stern commandments against the polytheists. It was revealed in the 9^th year of Hijra and proclaimed the end of idolatry in Arabia. The Christian Byzantine Empire had made moves against the rising power in Arabia and so the chapter contains instructions towards the impending war, therefore, the expedition of Tabuk is discussed as well as the plots of the hypocrites to undermine Muslim society.

Verses	Description
9:1-24	Treaties with polytheists who have broken terms are void; Keeping to covenants; Asylum; Conditions of brotherhood; Who should maintain Masjids?; Reward of those who migrate and fight;
9:25-29	Battle of Hunayn; Polytheists no longer allowed in the Sacred Masjid; Disbelief is to be fought;
9:30-42	The People of the Book believing Allah has a son; They take rabbis and monks as lords; Truth will prevail; Hoarding wealth; If we do not uphold Allah’s banner, He will replace us with a people who will; Allah helping His Prophet
9:43-72	Hypocrites, their plots and treachery, their lies and punishment; Hypocrites cling to this world; Being content with Allah; Believers befriend believers, qualities of; Reward of the righteous
9:73-99	Striving against evil; Those who lagged behind from Tabuk; Those excused from fighting

Compiled by Ustaadh Abu Rumaysah.

A Summary of The Verses Being Recited On The 9th Night Of Taraawee

A summary of the verses being recited.

9th of Ramadhaan (Juzz 9 [7:88 to 8:41])

To be recited Wednesday Night (Aug 18)

Surah 7 – al-A`raf – “The Heights”

Summary: The Surah takes it’s name from verse 46 which mentions the Heights, a barrier dividing the righteous from the damned on the Day of Judgment. It was revealed at much the same time as Surah 6, i.e. the year before Hijra. Its subject matter deals with the enemies of Allah, from Satan onwards, the need for Prophetic guidance, it narrates stories of a line of Prophets from Adam on, and recounts numerous incidents dealing with the fates of the disbelievers; therefore it follows on nicely from the previous chapter.

Verses	Description
7:100-157	The Story of Moses; His preparation; His struggle against Pharaoh; His struggle with his own rebellious people; Prophecy concerning Muhammad (SAW)
7:158-171	The people of Moses frequently lapsed; They broke Allah’s covenant
7:172-178	Man’s innate nature accepts Allah, yet many of Adam’s children disbelieve; The parable of the disbelievers and their fate; The wiles of Satan
7:179-206	Invoke Allah by His Beautiful Names; Allah knows all and only He knows when the Last Day will be; Allah’s final message; The role of Muhammad (SAW); The righteous obey Allah and serve Him humbly.

Surah 8 – al-Anfal – “The Spoils of War”

Summary: The Surah takes its name from the first verse which talks about the spoils of war. The majority of the chapter was revealed in the month following the Battle of Badr, in the 2^nd year of Hijra. The lessons learned from the battle are enforced: the virtues necessary for fighting in the Path of Allah, victory against odds, clemency and consideration of others.

Verses	Description
8:1-19	Booty is really at the disposal of Allah and His Messenger; Qualities of the believers; Believers accept Allah’s injunctions without reluctance; Victory and the prize of victory comes from Allah; Description of the Battle of Badr
8:20-37	Obedience, discipline, faith and gratitude to Allah are the components of success and protection against evil; Evil will be destroyed; Reward of keeping duty to Allah; The worship of the pagans condemned
8:38-64	The Battle of Badr described further; Virtue and valour can conquer odds; Patience and reward of; Faith and courage; Satan’s lures; Hypocrites break treaties; His help is sufficient for all.

Compiled by Ustaadh Abu Rumaysah