Biographies - Imam Bukhari

Who is not aware of HadhratImam Bukhari(R.A) and his kitaab 'Saheehul- Bukhari'?
However in this present day, the majority of Muslims use his kitaab to
refer to whenever in need of a supporting reference for their actions
or deeds without the knowledge of the lifeof the great author.
The famous and respected Muhaddith,Imam Bukhari's (R.A) genealogy is
as follows: Mohammed Ibn Ismail Ibn Ibrahim Ibn Mugheera Ibn
Bardizbah.
His father Ismail was a well-known and famous Muhaddith in his time
and had been blessed with the chance of being in the company of Imam
Malik, Hammad Ibn Zaid and also Abdullah Ibn Mubarak (R.A.).
Imam Bukhari(R.A) was born on the blessed day of Friday 13 Shawwaal
194 (A.H). He had lost the use of his eyes in the early stages of his
childhood. However, due to the pious and lengthy prayers of his mother
his eyesight was returned miraculously. The news had reached his
mother through a dream in which Hadhrat Ibrahim (A.S) had appeared and
said, "Due to your bountiful and sacred prayers Allah Ta'alaa has
returned the eyesight of your son."
The dream was proven tobe true in the morning.
Ismail the father of Imam Bukhari (R.A) had died in Imam Bukhari's
childhood, leaving him inthe care of his mother where he was nourished
with love and care. At theage of sixteen after having memorized the
compiled books of Imam Waki and Abdullah Ibn Mubarak, he performed Haj
with his elder brotherand mother. After the completion of Haj Imam
Bukhari remained in Makkahfor a further two years and upon reaching
the age of eighteen headed for Medinah, andspent his nights next to
the grave of the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallamcompiling the books
of 'Qadhaayas-Sahaabah Wat-Taabi'een' and 'Taareekhul-Kabeer' withthe
moonlight as a meansof lighting.
Imam Bukhari (R.A) traveled a great deal in order to expand his
knowledge. He made twotrips to Syria and Egypt and stayed six years in
Arabia. He also happenedto return to Kufa, Baghdad and Basra four
times and at times remained there for a period of five years. Also at
Haj season he used to return to Makkah.
Imam Bukhari ( R.A) first started listening and learning ahaadeeth in
205 A.H., and after profiting from the Ulamaa of his town he started
his travels in 210 A.H. There are a great number of teachers from whom
Imam Bukhari (R.A) actually gained his much respected knowledge. It
has been known to be said by Imam Bukhari (R..A) himself that, "I have
written ahaadeeth from 1080 different people all of whom were
scholars." However, he profited most from Ishaq Ibn Rahway and Ali Ibn
Madeeni (R.A). Imam Bukhari (R.A) has narrated ahaadeeth fromUlamaa of
five different categories. He has also narrated ahaadeeth fromhis
students believing in the fact that no person shall be titled a
scholar ofahaadeeth until he has narrated from his elders, youngsters
and contemporaries.
Imam Bukhari (R.A) also had a vast amount of students. It has been
stated that approximately 9 000 people were privileged to sit in his
lessons wherehe taught his Kitab 'Sahih-Ul-Bukhari'. There were
travelers amongst these from all corners of the world in order to
jointhese pious sittings and to be honoured with a glimpse of the
knowledge that he held and which never failed toastonish anybody.
Memory
Imam Bukhari's (R.A) memory was considered to be inhuman, for as soon
as the praying of a hadith would finish Imam Bukhari (R.A) would
repeat it orally. It has been known that in his childhood he had
memorized 2 000 ahaadeeth.
There is one spectacular incident which took place in Baghdad when
Imam Bukhari (R.A) took up temporary residence there. The people
having heard of his many accomplishments, and the attributes which
were issued to him, decided to test him so as to make him prove
himself to them. In order to do that they chose onehundred different
ahaadeeth and changing the testimonials and the text of the ahaadeeth
they were then recited by ten people to Imam Bukhari (R.A).
There was a crowd of gathered people from within and outside the city
to witness the outcome of such a test. When the ahaadeeth were recited
Imam Bukhari (R.A) replied to all in one manner, "Not to my
knowledge." However, after the completion of all the ahaadeeth Imam
Bukhari(R.A) repeated each text and testimonial which had been changed
followed by the correct text and testimonial, suchwas the memory of
ImamBukhari (R.A).
Abstinence
His abstinence was also an attribute which was incomparable and
undauntless. He had beenleft a considerable amount of wealth by his
father however, due to his generosity he spent it all in the path of
Allah so that at the end he had been left with no money forcing him to
spend his day on one or two almonds.
He never took advantage from the generosity of any king or ruler,
although many occasionsarose. Once he fell ill and when his urine was
tested, the results showed that he had not consumed curry for a long
time. Upon questioning he said, "I have not consumed curryfor the last
forty years.
The Governor of Bukhara made a special request for Imam Bukhari (R.A)
tomake daily visits to his home in order to teach his children. Imam
Bukhari (R.A) declined stating that, "I give greater respect to
knowledge rather than to people, for it is they who are in need of the
knowledge and it is they who should seek it."
Upon hearing this the Governor was further annoyed by Imam Bukhari's
(R.A) answer and made a second request that Imam Bukhari (R.A) make a
special arrangement to teach his children alone without anyone else
being present which was also refused by Imam Bukhari (R.A). The
Governor was infuriated by the second refusal andordered Imam Bukhari
(R.A) out of Bukhara. The people of Samarqand hearing of this quickly
issued an invitation to Imam Bukhari (R.A) to come to their town.
However, there was also a difference of opinion within the people of
Samarqand which forced Imam Bukhari (R.A) to turn towards Khartang.
It was here that he spent the month of Ramadaan and in the month of
Shawwaal headed towards Samarqand, where death found him whilst he was
traveling. Imam Bukhari died in themonth of Shawwaal 256 A.H., at the
age of 62.
(To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return.)
Writings
There are a number of books compiled by Imam Bukhari (R.A) however,
Bukhari Shareef has gained great esteem and a high status in the
learning and praying of ahaadeeth.
A specific date has not been known as to when he had started the
writing of Bukhari Shareef, however, we do know that after he had
finished he had shown the manuscript to his teachers Imam Ahmad Ibn
Hanbal (R.A) for approval who died in 241A.H, along with Ibnul-Madeeni
who died in 234A.H, and lastly Ibn Maeen who passed away in 233 A.H.
It has also been recorded that it took the noble writer a period of 16
years to gather the ahaadeeth and to write Bukhari Shareef which sets
the date back to 217 A.H, as the year in which he started the
compilation; Imam Bukhari (R.A) being merely 23 years of age.
Before Imam Bukhari (R.A) had started to collect ahaadeeth there had
actually been quite afew published books of ahaadeeth in which Imam
Bukhari (R.A) foundahaadeeth of both weak and strong testimonials,
which gave him the idea to compile such a kitaab containing ahaadeeth
of only strong testimonials. Ishaaq Ibn Rahway (R.A) agreed to this
idea whichstrengthened Imam Bukhari's (R.A) decision.
Imam Bukhari (R.A) states, "There was once a time during one of our
sessions when my teacher Ishaaq Ibn Rahway remarked it would be
appreciated if someone could collect ahaadeeth which held strong and
reliable testimonials and write them in the form of a kitaab." This
inspired Imam Bukhari (R.A) which was later strengthened by a dreamin
which Imam Bukhari (R.A) was positioned in front of the Prophet
Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallamwith a fan in one hand toaid him in ridding
the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam of all flies which would rest
upon him. Upon waking, Imam Bukhari (R.A) visited several interpreters
for an appropriate interpretation. They all answered that it meant he
would in future cleanse the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallamof all
lies spoken by the people through narrating misunderstood ahaadeeth.
This gave Imam Bukhari (R.A) great comfort and strength once he
started the writing of his kitab Al-Jame-ul-Sahih. The complete name
of the kitaab is 'Al-Jame-ul-Sahih-al-Musnad-min-ahaadeethe-Rasulillah
Sallallahu AlaihiWasallam-wa-sunanihi-wa-Ayyaamihi,' which means a
collected versionof ahaadeeth in the form of a kitaab which relates to
us the sayings, actions and the life of the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi
Wasallam.
Imam Bukhari (R.A) had taken great care in writing the ahaadeeth and
choosing those which met the standards and conditions which he set to
find ahaadeeth with only strong testimonials which included only
reliable and trustworthy testifiers. He spent 16 years in writing the
kitaab, altering it a total of three times. Allaamah Ayni (R.A.)
reports of Ibn Tahir's remark that Imam Bukhari had written
Sahih-ul-Bukhari in his hometown Bukhara. Ibn Bujair however, relates
that he had started his compiling in Makkah, and some have reported of
seeing him in Basra. There is still another differing remark made by
others who comment on seeing him in Madinahto write his kitaab.
However, we find Imam Bukhari (R.A) relating himself that he wrote
Sahih-ul-Bukhari in Masjid-e-Haraam.
Before he actually placed a hadith in his compilation he used to
perform ghusl and prayed to Allah through two rakah nafl prayers
asking for guidance. Imam Bukhari ( R.A) worked such that only after
being completely satisfied with the hadith in question did he give it
a place in his kitaab. Due to this great care which was taken, the
people were heard to say that the ahaadeeth which Imam Bukhari (R.A)
has narrated have been so carefully phrased and with such precision
that it is felt Imam Bukhari (R.A) had heard the ahaadeeth directly
through the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam.
Abu Zaid Marwazi reportsthat I was once asleep in between the 'Black
stone'and 'Maqaam-e-Ibrahim' when the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi
Wasallamappeared in my dream he stated, "O Abu Zaid! For how long
shall you teach Imam Shafi's (R.A) kitaab ? When shall you start the
teaching of my kitaab ?"
I questioned, "O Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam! Which kitaab is
yours?" He replied, "Mohammed Ibn Ismail's Al-Jame-ul-Sahih."
Hafiz Ibn Hajar (R.A) reports that Imam Bukhari (R.A) has kept it of
utmost importance to only narrate ahaadeeth of a strong testimonial
which can be proven by the name of the kitaab. However, along with
this Imam Bukhari (R.A) also made an effort to explainall points which
are difficult to understand, which is the reason why he has given a
plentiful host of meanings for one sentence which may include a word
that is in reality difficult to understand. Imam Bukhari (R.A) has
included within his kitaab the art of narrating ahaadeeth which have
been dividedinto eight different chapters. These chapters contain
subjects which have been sub-titled and are famous for the ingenious
way in which they have been phrased.
Imam Bukhari (R.A) has imposed conditions which all narrators and
testifiers must meet before the hadith can be selected. One condition
requires that all testifiers must have a strong memory.
There are also restrictions made upon this condition :
1. All the Muhadditheen who possess great knowledge of ahaadeethmust
agree upon the testifiers' in question ability to learn and memorize,
along with hisreporting techniques.
2. The testimonial must be complete without any missing testifiers.
3. If there are two different narrators of a hadith related to them
bya Sahaabi then the hadith shall be given a high stage in rank.
However, if only one narrator can be found and the testimonial proves
to be a strong onethen this shall be accepted without any doubts.
Allaamah Nawawi (R.A) relates that all scholars inIslam have agreed
that Sahih-ul-Bukhari has earnestly gained the reward of being the
mostauthentic after the Holy Qur'an.
Sahih-ul-Bukhari consists of 7 275 ahaadeeth including those ahaadeeth
which have been repeated. However,should the repeated ahaadeeth be
excluded then the total number of ahaadeeth will be 4,000.
Hafiz Ibn Hajar counted the ahaadeeth and concluded that there was7
397 where the ahaadeeth have been passed down from the Prophet
Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam directly and with the narrations of Sahabah
or Tabi'een etc.; procuring a total of 9 407ahaadeeth in all. Although
after excluding the repetitions he found 2 353 narrations of the
Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam and 160 sayings of the respected
Sahabah totaling to 2 513narrations in all.
Bukhari Shareef has beenset apart from other compilations, gaining a
distinctive honour due tothe following reasons :
1. Whilst Imam Bukhari (R.A) was engaged in the writing of Bukhari
Shareef, if the need aroseto stop work for a periodof time, then he
would continue his work only after writing 'Bismillah' which is the
reason why 'Bismillah' has been foundto be written in between in many
places.
2. At the end of all chapters Imam Bukhari (R.A) has concluded by use
of a word within the sentence so as to give one a point to ponder upon
and hopefully so that one becomes more aware of the primary objective
of life. e.g. afterthe first chapter he has included a word which
brings one to think of their short life in this world and of their
death.His intention is that one reads Kitaabe-Bukhari with death in
mind.
3. Imam Bukhari (R.A) haspaid great attention towards the beginning
and ending his kitaab with an appropriate hadith. For the first hadith
narrated within the kitaab is based upon intention which gives one the
opportunity to be sincere with himself as to what he intends to gain
from studying the words of the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallamwhich
have been narrated throughout the kitaab. Also the last chapter which
Imam Bukhari (R.A) has chosen to end his kitaab with is
'Kitaab-ul-Tauheed' which gives one a whole host of words which may be
said in order to praise the oneness of Allah; for it is this which is
believedto be the sole aid for all humans when they shall find
themselves in the unbearable position of being reckoned for their sins
on the Day of Judgment.
Hadhrat Shaikh Moulana MuhammadZakariyya (R.A) has summed up the above
in these words," Imam Bukhari (R.A) has commenced his kitaab with the
hadeeth ' Innamal Aamaal….' and concluded it with 'Kalimataan.

Biographies - Abdullah ibn Mubarak

Throughout the history of Islamthere have been renowned personalities
who have dedicated their life to the preservation of Islam against the
tide of disbelief and deviation. In the early period of Islam, the
preservation ofthe Hadith (traditions) was an indispensable element,
which needed to be preserved in order to safeguard the deen
(religion). Thus,Abdullah Ibn Mubarakwas one of these personalities
who ensured that Islam was presented to us today in the same form it
had been 1400 years ago.
Abdullah Ibn Mubarakwas born in 118 hegira / 726 CE, in the town of
Marwa. In his childhood he studied elementary subjects, such as
writing and arithmetic, which were considered as essential.
Thereafter, his life took an unusual turn,thus, he became occupied in
the pleasuresof the world. He lived a luxurious life of jest and play,
until one night, when he received a wake up call from Allah Ta'lah. As
a routine custom one-day he invited his friends for a party in his
orchard, here, they played and joked until they were overpowered by
sleep. However, unlike before, in his sleep he saw a birdperched on
the tree reciting a verse in which Allah Ta'lah sends an admonition to
his servants:
Has not the time come for the hearts of those who believe to be
affected by the reminder of Allah, and that, which has been revealed
of the truth. (Quran 57:16)
The message carried by this majestic verse was soprofound that it
ledAbdullah Ibn Mubarakto discard the comforts of this temporary world
in order to search for eternal bliss. He instigated his thoughts into
actions by, firstly, breaking the musical instrument he had in his
hand and this was his first step in Zuhad (asceticism).
Abdullah Ibn Mubarak was now on a new path in search of sacred
knowledge, especially Hadith (traditions). He travelled the entire
Islamic world in order to preserve Hadith, until Abu Usama declared
that 'I have not seen a person searching for Hadith throughout the
corners of the world like Abdullah ibn Mubarak. Consequently, he
becamethe undisputed authorityin the science transmitting Hadith
(traditions). He attained such a lofty rank that the critics of this
science unanimously agreed on the fact that he was of a sound nature
and a possessor of an extraordinary memory. To achieve such acceptance
is unparalleled in the history of Islam; however, this status was
necessary for a person who was to be the torch barer of the Hadith.
The renowned scholar of critical analysis of transmitters, Yahya Bin
Maeen, has wonderfully illustrated his noble traits:
He (Abdullah ibn Mubarak) was intelligent,cautious (in narrating
Hadith), trustworthy and a true scholar of Hadith. It is sufficient to
know (his status) that many narrated from him, thus he is one of the
narratorsof Imam Bukhariand the rigorous conditions applied by Imam
Bukhariin the verification and sound nature of a narrator is all well
known, therefore there is no reason to expound on it.
Hence, he was a firm pillar in the establishment of Hadith, so
whenever there was a narration he would take extreme measures to
ensure the authenticity of Hadith before he would narrate it. This is
why his legendary statement still resonates today in the hearts and
minds of the scholars of Hadith that 'Isnad (the chain of narration)
is a part of Deen (religion), if there was no Isnad, then everyone
would say what they desired'. Thus, everyone, including the king knew
his extreme precaution. Thus, the Abbasi King Haroon Al-Rashid once
retorted to an atheist that was brought on trial, who had claimed to
have fabricated over one thousand Hadith, none ofwhich were
established;
'What is your rank in compression to Ishaq Al-Farazi and Abdullah ibn
Mubarak? O Enemy ofAllah! They will separate them through a sieve,
letter for letter (from the collection of Hadith)'.
Not only did Abdullah ibnMubarak gain proficiencyin Hadith, but also
in Fiqh(jurisprudence) he was a master in his field. The fact that he
studied under the greatest living jurists of his time, including men
like Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Malikand Sufyan Thawri, shows that he had
developed an appreciation of this science.
He was also praised for being a prolific writer in his time; Imam
Dhahabi states that his books include Kitab Al-Arbaeen, Kitab Tareek,
Kitab Jihad and Kitab Zuhad wa Raqaiq. Unfortunately all of his
written works are not published today.
One of his greatest assets was his Zuhad (asceticism) and the desire
for the hereafter. Even though, he had an annual yearly income in
excess of one thousand Dinars. All of which he spent in the path of
Allah.This is exemplified in his excursions to Makkahfor Hajj, while
on the journey he would lavishly spend on his associates and fellow
travellers despite the factthat he was continuously fasting.
Finally, in the year 181 hegira / 797 CE, during the month of Ramadan
Abdullah ibn Mubarak departed the world while striving hard in thepath
of Allah. The endeavours he took during his life are numerous and
cannot be covered here. However, aglimpse into the life of this great
Imam testifies how taking precaution inthe narration and narrators
preserved the Hadith from being marred with taint. We are therefore
indebted to the service rendered by our pious predecessors who
fulfilled their rights uponus and especially Abdullah ibn Mubarak.

Biographies - Imam Muslim

BIRTH OF IMAM MUSLIM
His name was Abul-Hussain Muslim-bin-Habaj al Nishapuri. He was born
in a distinguished family of Arab Muslims in Khorasanwhich. was a
famous town of Russia.Imam Muslimwas born in 817 A.D. corresponding to
theIslamic year 204 A.H. His forefathers occupied prominent positions
during the time of the four Caliphs. He travelled to many places with
the object of learning Hadith,and after completing his studies in the
various centres of learning, he settled at Nishapur. He spend the rest
of his life teaching Hadith.
EDUCATION
Imam Muslimstarted his studies at the very early age of fourteen
years. In the year 218 A.H. the atmosphere in Nishapur, his
birthplace, was of a religious and knowledgetype. Nishapur had great
personalities in this period such as lmaam Rahiwe and lmaam
Zohri.After travelling widely in search of Hadith, he settled in
Nishapur as mentioned above.Imam Muslimwas much impressed by the vast
knowledge of Imaam Bukhari (R.A.), in the fieldof Hadith and the deep
insight he possessed on this subject. He therefore attached himself to
Imaam Bukhari (R.A.) up to the end of his life. Imam Muslim was also
an admirer of another great teacher of Hadith, Muhammed bin Yahya al
Dhuli. He attended his lectures regularly. He visited Baghdad several
times and had the opportunity of deliveringlessons there. His last
visitto Baghdad was two years before his death.
IMAM MUSLIM'S TEACHERS
Imam Muslim (R.A.) apart from attending the lessons of Imaam
Bukhariregularly, also attended the lectures of lmaam Ahmad bin
Hambal, Abdullah al Qarri, Qutaibabin Said, Abdullah bin Maslama and
other great Muhadith.
IMAM MUSLIM'S STUDENTS
Imam Muslim (R.A.'s) mostnoted students are Hatim Razi, Ahrnad bin
Salmah, Abu Isa Tinnizi, Abubaker bin Khuzaima and other great
scholars.
CHARACTER AND KNOWLEDGE
Imam Muslim R.A. adhered strictly to the path of righteousness. Hewas
in fact a great saint of a very high calibre. His excellent character
can be well judged from the simple fact that he never ever indulged in
backbiting, a very common human failing. He had a remarkable memory.
Ishaq bin Rahwisaid of Imam Muslim; " I wonder what this personis
going to be?" This was said in his youth. Ishaq Kausar once addressed
lmam Muslim (R.A.) and said; "Your presence in the Muslim community
will always keep it in the good. " Abu Saimah who was a colleague of
lmam Muslim was so attached to him that while lmaam Sahib was busy
compiling the Sahih Muslim, he remained in lmaam Sahib's company for
fifteen years. He never told a lie nor did he ever use vulgar words.
MASLAK
Sheikh Abdul Latief says Imaam Tirmidhiand Imam Muslim were followers
of the Shafee school of thought, although they were both Mujtahids.
Moulana Abdur-Rashid says that Imaam Muslim was a Maliki. The fact is
what was said by Sheikh Tahir Jazari that Imam Muslim is not a Maliki
nor a Hanifi nor a Shafi, but hiscompilation of the sahih Muslim shows
that he was more inclined towards the Shafee school of thought.
SAHIH OF IMAM MUSLIM
Allamah Nabawi (R.A.) says that the Ummat haveaccepted the Bukhari
Shareef and Muslim Shareef as the Kitabs, which follow the Quraan,in
authenicity although the Bukhari is regarded as holding a higher
position than the Sahih Muslim for specific reasons, the sequence
applied in the Muslim is much better than that of Bukhari. It is known
as Al-Jamah as Sahih because it contains the eight different subjects
on Hadis.
AL-JAMAH AS SAHIH MUSLIM
Imam Bukhari(R.A.) concentrated his efforts on compilation of
authentic hadith as well as deduction of Laws from Hadith. This is the
most difficult part to understand in the Bukhari. How he deduced Laws
from the Hadis, Imam Muslim concentrated his efforts only on
compilation of authentic Hadith.

Ramalan Articles - Why Ramadan is Special: Characteristics and Features – I

Fasting has great merits and beneficial outcomes, which are often
referred to in the Quran and Sunnah )Prophetic tradition(. Allaah The
Almighty enjoined it upon His servants for a month in the year, and
decreed it upon them, just as He decreed it upon those who were before
them. He states )what means(: }O you whohave believed, decreed upon
you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may
become righteous.{ ]Quran 2:183[
Thus, Allaah The Almighty made the fasting of Ramadan an obligatory
duty, binding upon every male and female Muslim, according to certain
conditions stated in the Quran and the Sunnah. This indicates that it
is an act of worship that people cannot dispense with, due to its
benefits and great consequences,the good it brings about in the souls,
and the power it gives to do right, to abandon what is shameful and
turn away from falsehood.
Allaah The Almighty favors Ramadan with numerous characteristics, one
of which is mentioned in the authentic narration in which the
Messengerof Allaahsaid: "When Ramadan comes, the gates of Paradise are
opened."]Al-Bukhaari[ It is further narrated on the authority of Abu
Hurayrahthat the Messenger of Allaahsaid: "When the month of Ramadan
begins, the gates of heaven are opened, the gates of Hell are closed,
and the devils are chained." It goes without saying that all this
gives glad tidings to the believers of the potential for performing
righteous deeds that lead to Paradise, and the means availableto them,
which can help them perform and further multiply those deeds. Besides,
of course, Allaah The Almighty strengthens abstinence from and evasion
of sins in Ramadan, Shaytaan)Satan( weakens in his schemes and fails
to achieve his plots.
One of the characteristics of fasting inRamadanis shown in the
narration of both books of authentic Ahaadeeth)narrations( and others
on the authority of Abu Hurayrahthat the Messenger of Allaahsaid: "He,
who observes the fast of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and expecting
the reward from Allaah, his previous sins would beforgiven." That is,
whoever fasts this month, out of belief in its being obligatory,
expecting the reward for it from his Lord Almighty, and striving his
utmostto follow the Sunnah of His Prophetlet him receive the glad
tidings of forgiveness.
Since the reward of fasting is multiplied immeasurably and thefasting
person receives his reward without reckoning, the deeds of the fasting
person are also multiplied inRamadan, as shown in the Hadeeth of
Salmaanthat the Messenger of Allaahsaid: "Whoever comes near Allaah in
it )Ramadan( with a good act, it is )multiplied as much( as if he has
performed an obligatory duty at any other time; and whoever comes near
Allaah with an obligatory duty in it, it is )multiplied as much( as if
he has performed seventy obligatory duties at any other time." Thus,
both deed and reward are multiplied for the servant in Ramadan: }As
bounty from your Lord. That is the great attainment.{ ]Quran 44:57[
Another characteristic ofRamadanis that the angels beseech Allaah The
Almighty to conceal and erase the sins of the fasting persons. This is
stated in the Hadeeth narrated from the Messenger of Allaahthat he
said, concerning the fasting people: "And the angels continueto seek
the forgiveness of Allaah for them until they break their fast."
]Ahmad on the authority ofAbu Hurayrah[
The angels are pure, honored creatures, entitled to receive the
response of Allaah The Almighty to their supplication, and forgiveness
for those whom they seek forgiveness for, and the servants err again
and again, andneed repentance and forgiveness,as shown in the
authentic Qudsi Hadeeth )sacred narration( in which Allaah The
Almighty Says: "O My servants! You commit mistakes during night and
day, and I forgive all sins. So, seek My forgiveness, perchance I
would forgive you."
If a believer seeks forgiveness for himself and this is combined with
the angels seeking forgiveness for him, it is most likely that he will
be awarded thehighest rank. Ramadan is also the month of consoling and
doing good, and Allaah The Almighty likes those who do good; He has
promised them forgiveness, Paradise, and prosperity. Doing good is the
highest rank of faith, and you need not ask about the position of the
one who is characterized by it in Paradise, and the bliss and various
kinds of honor he will receive )as stated by Allaah The Almighty in
the verse )which means(: }Accepting what their Lord has given them.
Indeed, they were, before that, doers of good.{ ]Quran 52:16[
Among the good deeds that are more feasible in this blessed month than
in others is to serve food )to the needy( and providingIftaar for
those who are fasting. These are among the means which help one obtain
forgiveness for one's sins, releasepeople from the Hellfire and
multiply the rewards. These deeds lead to Al-Kawthar, the lake-fount
of the Messenger of Allaahwhich, if one gets a sipthereof, he will
never become thirsty: we ask Allaah The Almighty, by His bounty and
generosity, to cause us to come upon it. Serving food is one of the
causes that admit one to Paradise, the abode of peace. Ramadan is an
opportunity for Muslims to receive the means of mercy, the factors
that lead to forgiveness, and the requirements of release from
Hellfire. How abundant are the gifts from the Lord, the Generous, the
Forgiver!
To be continued …