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Subtle, disguised emotions

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Worship - 'Ibaadah', Zuhd (Abstinence).

In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Battle With The Soul When Urged Towards Evil

Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim [may Allah have mercy upon him] stated:

A servant of Allah does not embark upon what he has been forbidden except through two ways: Firstly, (either) harbouring evil thoughts about his Lord that if he were to obey Allaah and preferred Him, He (Glorified be He) will not grant him that which is better from the lawful (things), or his acknowledgement (i.e. that Allaah will grant him something better than the forbidden thing he pursues) and that whoever leaves something for Allah’s sake, He (Glorified be He) will replace it with something better; but lusts overcomes his patience and desires his intellect. The first affair is due to weakness in knowledge and the second a weakness in intellect and insight”. [Al-Fawaa’id. Page 78]

Al-Allamah Abdur-Rahman Ibn Yahyah Al-Mu’allimee [may Allah have mercy upon him] stated:

The human being does not hate truth as a result of considering it to be falsehood, but he loves truth by way of his Fitra (natural inclination) and loves falsehood due to his desires and lusts. The shift towards success or loss defends on what he gives preference to. Allaah (The Blessed and Exalted) said:

فَأَمَّا مَن طَغَىٰ
وَءَاثَرَ ٱلۡحَيَوٰةَ ٱلدُّنۡيَا
فَإِنَّ ٱلۡجَحِيمَ هِىَ ٱلۡمَأۡوَىٰ
وَأَمَّا مَنۡ خَافَ مَقَامَ رَبِّهِۦ وَنَهَى ٱلنَّفۡسَ عَنِ ٱلۡهَوَىٰ
فَإِنَّ ٱلۡجَنَّةَ هِىَ ٱلۡمَأۡوَىٰ

Then, for him who Tagha (transgressed) and preferred the life of this world (by following his evil desires and lusts), Verily, his abode will be Hell-fire; But as for him who feared standing before his Lord, and restrained himself from impure evil desires, and lusts. Verily, Paradise will be his abode. [Surah An-Naazi’aat. Aayaat 37-41]

And you can say: Allah (The Blessed and Exalted) is on one side and (a person’s evil) desires are on another side (in opposition to what Allaah has commanded and prohibited). Allaah (The Most High) said:

أَرَءَيۡتَ مَنِ ٱتَّخَذَ إِلَـٰهَهُ ۥ هَوَٮٰهُ أَفَأَنتَ تَكُونُ عَلَيۡهِ وَڪِيلاً
أَمۡ تَحۡسَبُ أَنَّ أَڪۡثَرَهُمۡ يَسۡمَعُونَ أَوۡ يَعۡقِلُونَ‌ۚ إِنۡ هُمۡ إِلَّا كَٱلۡأَنۡعَـٰمِ‌ۖ بَلۡ هُمۡ أَضَلُّ سَبِيلاً

Have you (O Muhammad) seen him who has taken as his ilah (god) his own desire? Would you then be a Wakil (a disposer of his affairs or a watcher) over him? Or do you think that most of them hear or understand? They are only like cattle; nay, they are even farther astray from the Path. (i.e. even worst than cattle).” [Surah Al-Furqaan. Aayaat 43-44]

And Allah (The Most High) said:

أَفَرَءَيۡتَ مَنِ ٱتَّخَذَ إِلَـٰهَهُ ۥ هَوَٮٰهُ وَأَضَلَّهُ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ عِلۡمٍ۬ وَخَتَمَ عَلَىٰ سَمۡعِهِۦ وَقَلۡبِهِۦ وَجَعَلَ عَلَىٰ بَصَرِهِۦ غِشَـٰوَةً۬ فَمَن يَہۡدِيهِ مِنۢ بَعۡدِ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ أَفَلَا تَذَكَّرُونَ

Have you seen him who takes his own lust (vain desires) as his ilah (god), and Allah knowing (him as such), left him astray, and sealed his hearing and his heart, and put a cover on his sight. Who then will guide him after Allah? Will you not then remember?” [Soorah Al-Jaathiyah. Ayah 23] [لتَّنْكِيل بِماَ فِي تَأْنِيبِ ٱلْكَوْثَري مِنَ الأباَطِيل – with the checking of Imaam Albaanee (rahimahullaah). 2/179]

Subtle Desire For Position, Fame etc

Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allah have mercy upon him] said:

There are many cases where the (desires) of the souls are mixed with Ash-Shahawaat Al-Khafiyyah [i.e. desires that are concealed, subtle etc] that corrupts its fulfilment of (perfect) love of Allaah, servitude to Him and establishment of the religion sincerely for the sake of Allaah, just as Shaddaad Ibn Aws [may Allaah be pleased with him] said, “O Arabs! Indeed, the affair I fear for you the most is Riyaa and Shahwa Al-Khafiyyah”. It was said to Abu Daawud As-Sijistaani, “What is Ash-Shahwa Al-Khafiyyah?” He said, “Love of leadership”. [Majmoo Al-Fataawaa 10 /214-215]

Illegal Partisanship

Al-Allamah Abdur Rahmaan Bin Yahyah Al-Mu’allimee [may Allah have mercy upon him] said:

A person is nurtured upon a religion, creed, school of thought or views acquired from his nurturer and teacher, which he considers to be the truth and followed it for a long time; then when it becomes clear to him that (such religion, creed, view or school of thought) is false, it becomes difficult for him to acknowledge, just as when his forefathers, ancestors or the one he follows are upon a (particular) way and then its falsity is clarified for him. This is because he sees that their deficiencies necessitate his own deficiencies and acknowledgement of their misguidance or errors necessitates his own deficiencies. In this era of ours, you even see a woman who comes across an affair related to the religion – in which there is a difference of opinion between the mother of the believers Aa’isha and others amongst the companions [may Allaah be pleased with all of them], so she defends Aa’isha’s position solely due to the fact that she is a woman like her. So, when she presumes and then claims that Aa’Isha is correct and those men who oppose her position are mistaken, then in this is an affirmation of Aa’Isha’s virtue over those men, which then becomes a virtue for women unrestrictedly and she receives some of that. And through this appears – to you – the underlying reasons behind the illegal partisanship of an Arab to an Arab, a Persian to a Persian, a Turk to a Turk and other than that. [An Excerpt From Aathaar Ash-Shaikh Al-Allaamah Abdur Rahmaan Bin Yahyah Al-Mu’allimee. Vol 11. Page 294]

Conversation between Abu Jahl and His Nephew Al-Musawwar Bin Makhzamah

Al-Musawwar Bin Makhzamah: ‘’O my uncle! Did you use to accuse Muhammad of lying before he started saying what he says now [i.e. his call to Tawheed]?

Abu Jahl: “By Allah, indeed Muhammad was a trustworthy young man amongst us and we have never experienced lying from him.

Al-Musawwar Bin Makhzamah: “O my uncle! So why is it that you do not follow him?”

Abu Jahl: “O son of my sister! We competed with Banu Hashim in nobility [i.e. which clan is more noble], so they used to feed [the pilgrims] and we used to feed the [pilgrims]; they used to provide water for [the pilgrims] and we used to provide water for [the pilgrims]; they used to give protection [to the destitute] and we used to give protection [to the destitute] until we were equal [i.e. in competing one another for nobility]. Then they said, “There is a Prophet from us”, so when are we going to get something similar to this!!

Conversation between Abu Jahl and Akhnas Bin Shuraiq

Akhnas Bin Shuraiq said to Abu Jahl on the day of Badr [i.e. the battle of Badr]: “O Abul Hakam! Inform me about Muhammad, as to whether he is a truthful person or a liar, for indeed there is no one here from Quraish who will hear our speech?

Abu Jahl replied to Akhnas: “Woe to you! By Allaah, indeed Muhammad is a truthful person and Muhammad has never lied, but if Banu Qusay take the leadership, the position of gatekeepers of the Kabah, providers of water for the pilgrims and Prophet hood [i.e. the Prophet Muhammad is from their clan], then what will the rest of Quraish have?! [Hidaayatul Hayaaraa Fee Ajwibatil Yahood Wan-Nasaaraa’ pages 18-19]

Shaikh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allah have mercy upon him] said:

إنّ الإنسانَ قد يَعرفُ أنّ الحقَّ مع غيره،ومع هذا يَجحدُ ذلك؛لحسدهِ إيّاه أو لطلبِ عُلُّوهِ عليه أو لهوى النّفسِ،ويَحملُه ذلك الهَوى على أنْ يعتديَ عليه ويَرُدَّ ما يقولُ بكلِّ طريقٍ،وهو في قلبهِ يَعلمُ أنّ الحقَّ معهُ”
(الإيمان)(ص١٥٢)

“Indeed, a person may know that the truth is with other than him, (but) despite this, he wilfully denies it due to his envy towards (the one with the truth) or due to seeking to be superior over him or due to desire; and this desire makes him trangress against him and rejects what he says in every way, whilst knowing – in his heart – that the truth is with him (i.e. the one he opposes).

A Subtle Affair Related to Inclinations

Al-Allaamah Rabee Bin Haadee Al-Mad’khalee [may Allah preserve him] also stated:

فيجب على كل مسلم أن يفتش نفسه فقد يميل إنسان إلى صاحب الحق لهوى ، فقبل أن يتبين له الحق يتمنى أن يكون فلان هو المنتصر بالحجة أو غيرها فتميل نفسه لأنه فلان ، ولو كان على الحق لا يجوز أن يوجد هذا الميل، فيقول: إذا وجد هذا الميل ولو مع صاحب الحق يكون من حكم الجاهلية ، وهذا أمر لا يخطر بالبال عند كثير من الناس .
فيجب على المسلم أن يراقب الله في القضايا المختلف فيها ، وأن يكون قصده فقط معرفة الحق سواء مع هذا أو مع ذاك .
ومن هنا يقول الشافعي : “إذا دخلت في مناظرة لا أبالي إذا كان الحق مع صاحبي أو معي” فلا يبالي ولا يتمنى أن يكون الحق معه بل يتمنى أن يكون مع صاحبه وأن تكون النصرة له ، هذا هو الخلق العالي وهذا هو الدين المستقيم

It is obligated to every Muslim to examine himself, for indeed a person might incline towards (another) person who is upon truth based on his desires; then even before the truth is clear to him, he wishes that such and such person should be the one aided with the proofs or something else, so, his soul inclines (towards that person) because he (i.e. that person) is such and such (personality). Therefore, even if that person is upon the truth, it is not permissible for this type of inclination to be present. If this type of inclination is present, even with the person upon truth, it is considered to be a trait of pre-Islamic ignorance. This is an affair that does not cross the minds of many people. Therefore, it is obligated on a Muslim – in relation to affairs wherein people differ- that he is attentive to the fact that Allaah knows, sees and hears everything, and his intention (goal or aim) should only be that he (wants) to know the truth whether it is with this or that person. And in relation to this, Imam Ash-Shafi’ee said, “When I enter into a discussion, I am not bothered whether the truth is with me or with the other person”. So, he is not bothered nor does he wish that the truth is with him; rather he wishes that it is either with the other person or with him. This is the lofty moral conduct and the upright religion. [http://www.rabee.net/ar/articles.php?cat=8&id=172. slightly paraphrased ]

A Subtle Affair Regarding Patience

Sa’eed Bin Jubayr [may Allah have mercy upon him] said, “Patience is the person’s acknowledgment that what has afflicted him is from Allah, seeking for reward from Allah and hoping for Allah’s good recompense. Indeed, a man maybe in a state of distress whilst he is being whipped, but you see nothing from him except patience”. [As-Sabr Wath-Thawaab Alayhi. By Ibn Abee Dunya page 113]

Regarding the statement “Patience is the person’s acknowledgement that what has afflicted him is from Allah”, Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim said, “It is as if this statement is an explanation of the statement “Innaa lil laah – to Allah we belong”. So, the person acknowledges that he belongs to Allah and his owner does whatever He wants with him.

Regarding the statement “Seeking for reward from Allah”, Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim Qayyim said, “It is as if this statement is an explanation of the statement “Wa Innaa Ilayhi Raaji’oon – and to Him (i.e. Allah) we shall return”, meaning we shall return to You, so that you reward us due to our patience and the reward for being patient during calamity will not be lost”.

Regarding the statement “Indeed, a man maybe in a state of distress whilst he is being whipped, but you do not see from him except patience”, Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim Qayyim said, “Patience is not that one bears the whip, rather it is to restrain the heart from getting angry with Allah’s decree and to restrain the tongue from complaining about Allah. Whoever is whipped and his heart is displeased with Allaah, then he is not one who is patient”. [Iddat As-Saabireen pages 183-184]

We ask Allaah:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الْعَجْزِ وَالْكَسَلِ وَالْجُبْنِ وَالْبُخْلِ وَالْهَرَمِ وَعَذَابِ الْقَبْرِ اللَّهُمَّ آتِ نَفْسِي تَقْوَاهَا وَزَكِّهَا أَنْتَ خَيْرُ مَنْ زَكَّاهَا أَنْتَ وَلِيُّهَا وَمَوْلاَهَا اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ عِلْمٍ لاَ يَنْفَعُ وَمِنْ قَلْبٍ لاَ يَخْشَعُ وَمِنْ نَفْسٍ لاَ تَشْبَعُ وَمِنْ دَعْوَةٍ لاَ يُسْتَجَابُ لَهَا

O Allah! I seek refuge in You from helplessles incapacity, from laziness, cowardice, miserliness and sinility, and from punishment of the grave. O Allah! Grant to my soul righteousness and purify it, for You are the Best Purifier of it; You are its Protector and Guardian. O Allah! I seek refuge in You from the knowledge which does not benefit, a heart that does not fear (You), a the soul that does not become contented and a supplication that is not responded to. [Saheeh Muslim2722]

Reflections from some statements of Al-Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali [2 of 80]

Written by Abdullah Jallow on . Posted in Contemporary Issues, Da'wah - Calling To Islam, Methodology - 'Manhaj', Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Pearls of Wisdom, Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Seeking Knowledge, Shirk, Sin, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah', Zuhd (Abstinence).

In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy

Allamah Rabee Bin Hadi Al-Mad’khali, may Allah preserve him, said:

O brothers! I warn you against harbouring intentions of seeking after the Dunyah, its status and authority in the affair of learning and seeking knowledge, for indeed (knowledge of the religion) is worship – one of the best types of worship; rather the religion, acts of worship, Jihad [I] and a (successful) life cannot be established except through this knowledge. However, it is obligated to us to purify our intentions in this worship. “Whoever seeks knowledge by which the pleasure of Allah is sought, but he only acquires it for worldly gain, he will not smell the fragrance of Paradise”. [II]

This is a very important point and a great affair that the students of knowledge must be notified, for indeed many of them are heedless of it. It may be that a person seeks knowledge for the sake of worldly gain or other goals that are not beloved to Allah -neither legislated nor permitted by Allah, thus they fall into destruction. This affair enters into the rebuke directed at the Yahud.

مَثَلُ ٱلَّذِينَ حُمِّلُواْ ٱلتَّوۡرَٮٰةَ ثُمَّ لَمۡ يَحۡمِلُوهَا كَمَثَلِ ٱلۡحِمَارِ يَحۡمِلُ أَسۡفَارَۢا‌ۚ بِئۡسَ مَثَلُ ٱلۡقَوۡمِ ٱلَّذِينَ كَذَّبُواْ بِـَٔايَـٰتِ ٱللَّهِ‌ۚ وَٱللَّهُ لَا يَہۡدِى ٱلۡقَوۡمَ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ

The likeness of those who were entrusted with the (obligation of the) Taurat (Torah) (i.e. to obey its commandments and to practise its legal laws), but who subsequently failed in those (obligations), is as the likeness of a donkey who carries huge burdens of books (but understands nothing from them). How bad is the example (or the likeness) of people who deny the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allah. And Allah guides not the people who are Zalimun (polytheists, wrong-doers, disbelievers, etc.). [Al-Jumu’ah 5]

I seek refuge with (Allah) for myself and you from these blameworthy traits. A person possesses knowledge and does not act upon it, so he is either included (in this) verse or some of it applies to him. May Allah protect us and you, for indeed the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him informed us about the destination of those who perform acts of worship only to be seen, whether it is a student of knowledge, a scholar, a Mujahid or one who spends his wealth. O my brothers! Sincerity is a great affair. It is incumbent upon a Muslim to guard it and take himself to account at every moment of his life. One of the pious predecessors said: “I used to hold that the hadith requires an intention (sincere intention for seeking knowledge of hadith), but then I realised that every hadith requires a (sincere) intention. Therefore, when you narrate or speak, do you desire praise from the people or do you desire the Face of Allah, The Blessed and Exalted? Do you desire that it is said, “He is a scholar, he is intelligent, he is a learned person of sound, precise and robust understanding” or do you desire the Face of Allah and to fulfil the responsibility you carry?! [An Excerpt from “Marhaban Yaa Talibal Ilm” pages 53-55]

———————————————–

[I] Read article written by Shaikh Abu Khadeejah, may Allah preserve him, from the works of Al-Allamah Salih Al-Fawzan, may Allah preserve him: https://abukhadeejah.com/salafi-shaikh-fawzaan-on-jihaad-in-our-times-and-the-guidelines-of-jihaad-according-to-islam/

[II] Sahih Targhib 105

The Diseases of the Heart and Their Cure – Shaykh Saaleh al-Fawzaan

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Mental Health, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Video, Zuhd (Abstinence).

I am a man who is afflicted with many diseases of the heart, they include: bad thoughts of people, arrogance, and love of being heard and seen (showing off). I know that all of this is from the Shaytaan and I try to distance myself from this. However, Shaytaan lures me each time. What is your advice, O Shaykh Saaleh (Al-Fawzaan) towards this?

Answer

Allah, the Most High, has directed us with his statement:

“And if an evil whisper from Shaitan tries to turn you away (from doing good, etc.), then seek refuge in Allah. Verily, He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower. [41:36]

So seek refuge in Allah from that.

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Please take this opportunity to begin this blessed month of Ramadhaan with good deeds and giving in charity, strive and gain reward from Allah – help donate and support this appeal.

💬 “Whoever builds a masjid for the sake of Allah, Allah will build for him a house in jannah”.

Let’s all continue making the masjid the best it can be! May Allah bless and reward you all with much goodness.

[7] Salaf aspired to see that one closely examines his character

Written by Amjad Khan on . Posted in History of Islam, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, The Salaf - Pious Predecessors, Worship - 'Ibaadah', Zuhd (Abstinence).

In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Imam Ibn Al-Jawzi [may Allah have mercy upon him] said, “I find that the majority of Muhadditheen and students of hadeeth focus on acquiring hadeeth with the closest chain of transmission from the Prophet and gathering authentic Ahaadeeth on a specific subject in religion. On the other hand, most jurists concentrate on the science of debate and gaining an advantage. How can the heart be softened only through these pursuits?! Indeed, the pious predecessors aspired to see that a righteous individual should examine his character and guidance and not only give consideration to knowledge he has acquired, as his character and upright guidance are the fruits of his knowledge. Therefore, in order to soften their hearts, the students of Hadeeth and Fiqh should also study the lives of the pious predecessors and those pious ones who sufficed with the necessities of this life and abandoned those things which one can do without. Books have been compiled on the lives of well-known figures such as Al-Hasan Al-Basri, Sufyaan Ath-Thawri, Ibraaheem Bin Ad’ham, Bishr Al-Haafiy, Ahmad Bin Hanbal, Ma’roof, and others among the scholars.

An Excerpt from ‘Saydul khaatir’ Page 171. Daar Ibn Rajab. 1st edition 2003

The Story of the Revelation – Day 6 Ramadhaan Reminder – Shaykh Fawzaan

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Articles, Featured, History of Islam, Ramadhan, Video, Worship - 'Ibaadah', Zuhd (Abstinence).

Being in seclusion was made beloved to the Prophet prior to his prophet-hood, this was known as laying the foundations as the early signs of prophet-hood. The Prophet would go to his wife Khadeejah (May Allah be pleased with her) and she would give him provisions enough to last for a long time for when he went to Cave Hira at the top of Mount Nur. He would sit there being in devout worship, and he would remember his Lord in this Cave at the top of Mount Nur which faced in the direction of the Ka’ba…

 

How to Be Patient in These Difficult Times – Shaykh Fawzaan

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Basics, Mental Health, Monotheism - Tawheed, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Video, Zuhd (Abstinence).

“The station of patience is tremendous and because of this it has been mentioned in the Quran in more than 70 places.”

REF 1: The Ma’iyyah of Allah explained: http://www.salafitalk.net/st/printthread.cfm?Forum=8&Topic=3712

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Current Trials and Calamities and How to Gain Relief from Them – Shaykh Fawzaan

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Aqeedah (Creed & Belief), Purification of The Soul, Repentance, Sin, Video, Zuhd (Abstinence).

If a person is put to trial and a calamity befalls him, what is the thing which will remove it from him? And how does a person turn to Allaah – The Mighty and Majestic – for protection, deliverance, help – whilst he is in this situation in which he is put to trial through these illnesses?

Say Only Those Words that are the Best – An Excerpt From a Contemplative Khutbah – Shaykh Abdur Razzaaq al Badr

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Basics, Brotherhood, Family & Women, Featured, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Scholars of Islam, Video, Zuhd (Abstinence).

An Excellent Khutbah based upon the following Ayah in which Allah says:

“And say to My slaves (i.e. the true believers of Islamic Monotheism) that they should (only) say those words that are the best. (Because) Shaitan (Satan) verily, sows disagreements among them. Surely, Shaitan (Satan) is to man a plain enemy.” [Surah Al-Israa. Ayah 53]

Excerpt

How many – O slaves of Allaah- enmities and wars broke out due to one evil statement, and how much love, brotherhood and [amicability, hospitality, cordiality etc] spread between the slaves due to one good statement!

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What Is Zuhd (Abstinence From The Worldly Life) – Abu Sulayman

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Articles, Morals and Manners - 'Akhlaaq', Purification of The Soul, Zuhd (Abstinence).

Abu Sulaymaan [rahimahullaah] said:

“Abstinence from the worldly life is to abandon that which preoccupies you away from [the remembrance and obedience to] Allaah.” He (rahimahullaah) also said: “Everything that preoccupies you away from [remembrance and obedience to] Allaah- be it [your] family, wealth and children- then indeed it is misfortune.”

[Jaami-ul Uloom Wal-Hikam: page: 315-316]

Four Benefits On The Virtues of Fasting from “Sittings of Ramadhan” by Shaykh Uthaymeen رحمه الله

Written by Salafi Dawah Manchester on . Posted in Basics, Fasting, Ramadhan, Zuhd (Abstinence).

قال الله تعالى: كل عمل ابن آدم له إلا الصوم فإنه لي وأنا أجزي به. والصيام جنة فإذا كان يوم صوم أحد كم فلا يرفث ولا يصخب فإن سابه أحد أو قاتله فليقل إني صائم، والذي نفس محمد بيده لخلوف فم الصائم .أطيب عند الله من ريح المسك للصائم فرحتان يفرحهما، إذا أفطر فرح بفطره، وإذا لقي ربه فرح بصومه

Abu Hurayrah رضي الله عنه reported that the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم , said, “Allah, the Mighty and Exalted said: ‘Every act of the son of Adam is his except for fasting; for indeed it is for Me and I will give the reward of it.’ Fasting is a salvation from the Hell-Fire. Therefore if one of you is fasting he should not be obscene in his language nor indulge in unnecessary argument. If someone insults him or tries to pick a fight with him, he should say to that individual: “I am fasting.””

“I swear by him whose hand is Muhammad’s soul, the bad breath from the mouth of the individual who fasts is, with Allah, better than the fragrance of the musk. The one who fasts has two occasions of happiness, the first one is his happiness when he breaks his fast, and the second happiness is when he receives his reward with his Lord” [collected by Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

In another narration of Al-Imam Muslim there is the wording;

كُلُّ عملِ ابنِ آدمَ لَهُ يُضَاعفُ الحَسَنَة بعَشرِ أمثالِها إلى سَبْعِمائِة ضِعْفٍ، قَالَ الله تعالى إِلاَّ الصَومَ فإِنه لِي وأَنَا أجْزي به يَدَعُ شهْوَتَه وطعامه من أجْلِي

“Every act of the son of Adam is His, every good deed will be multiplied for him ten to seven hundred times, except fasting, for verily it is Mine and I give the reward for it. The slave restrains his sexual desire(s) and food for My sake”

Shaykh Uthaymeen رحمه الله  explains:

This great Hadith indicates the virtues of fasting from many aspects:

The First Aspect

Allah  has chosen fasting for Himself besides the other acts of worship, and this is only because of the nobility of fasting with Allah, and because of His love for this worship. Likewise (fasting) proves the sincerity of the slave with His Lord. That is because fasting is a secret act of worship between the slave and his Lord. None can witness it except Allah. Sometimes the one who fasts maybe in seclusion far away from the people and can do what is forbidden for the one who fasts to do, but he will refrain himself from it out of fear of Allah and his hope in His reward. He knows that he has a Lord that can see him in his seclusion. Thereupon, Allah thanked him for his sincerity and chose to reward the one who fasts for his fasting besides the rest of the acts of worship. That is why Allah said “He leaves his sexual desire(s) and his food for My sake.” The benefit of this virtue appears as well on the Day of Judgement as Ibn Uyaynah, May Allah have mercy on him, said: “On the day of Judgement, Allah will reckon His slave and will pay his grievance from his deeds until when all his deeds are gone except fasting, Allah will pay his grievance for him and grant him paradise with his fasting” [Reported inAt-Targhib wa At-Tarhib]. [¹]

The Second Aspect

Allah said regarding fasting “I give the reward of fasting”. He has attributed the reward of fasting to Himself, that is because good deeds are multiplied by numbers, one good deed is multiplied by ten to seven hundred and more, but as for fasting, Allah has attributed its reward to himself without the consideration of a number. Allah, the Most High is the Most Generous, the Most Bounteous, and of course the greatness of gifts is based on the greatness of the giver. Therefore the reward of fasting will be very great without a limit.

Fasting is to exercise patience upon the obedience of Allah, being patient with Allah’s set limits, and being patient upon the harms that are written on you of hunger, thirst, and weakness in one’s body and soul. The three types of patience are all found in the one who fasts. Therefore the one who fasts qualifies to be (considered) amongst the patient. Allah said:

 “Verily, the patient will have their reward without measure.” [Az – Zumar: 10]

The Third Aspect

Fasting is a protection and a veil that shields you from idle-talk and ill-words. That is why the Prophet said:

“When one of you is fasting he should not say bad words or argue” [Collected by Al-Bukhari]

Likewise, fasting protects a person from the Hell-fire, as it is narrated by Al-Imam Ahmad in his Musnad with a sound chain of narration from the narrations of Jabir: “Fasting is a protection; with it a slave is protected from the Hell-fire.” [Al- Albani graded it to be Hasan in Sahih Al – Jami’]

The Fourth Aspect

The bad breath from the one who fasts is better than the smell of musk with Allah, because it is from the traces of fasting. Due to that it is beloved to Allah more than the smell of musk. If this indicates anything, it indicates the magnitude of fasting with Allah. Even the thing that is disliked by the people and is disgusting to them, with Allah it is beloved because it derives from the (slaves) obedience to Allah by the way of fasting.

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[¹] مجالس شهر رمضان، المجلس الثاني
“Sittings of Ramadhan” Translation by Riwayah Publishing