On women touching theQur'aan

TOUCHING THE QUR'AN
-
Recitation of the Quran During Menses and Post Natal Bleeding
First of all, the Shariah deals with the sexually defiled men/women
and menstruating women in very different matters and ways. There are
lots of differences between them:
*. The sexually defiled man/woman can at any time he/she wishes remove
that state. He/she can make ghusl and if there is no water then they
can perform tayammum.
*. Menstruating woman can not do such a thing, she is in that state
for as long as Allah (SWT) wills, until her period comes toan end.
Recitation of the Quran by menstruating and post-partum bleeding women
has been made permissible by the Malikis, Shafis, Hanbalis, Abu
Hanifa, and a number of other scholars. Their proof being:
*. Hadith of Bukhari and Muslim concerning the Eid prayer. Narrated
Umm 'Atiya (RA):
*. "I heard Allah's Messenger (SAW) saying that the unmarried virgins
and the mature girls and the menstruating women should come out and
participate in the good deeds as well as invocations of faithful
believers but the menstruating women should keep away from the
Musallah - praying place [Salat (prayers)]. Someone asked (Umm
'Atiya)(surprisingly), "Do you say the menstruating women?" She
replied, "Doesn't a menstruating woman attend 'Arafat (Hajj) and such
and such (other deeds)?"
*. Takbeer is a type of remembrance of Allah (SWT) and supplication is
not any different from dhikr
*. Hadith of Bukhari regarding Aisha (RA) when she got her menses on
the way to Mecca.
Narrated 'Aisha (RA):
"We set out with the sole intention of performing Hajj and when we
reached Sarif, (11 kms. from Makka, I got my menses. Allah's
Messenger (SAW) came tome while I was weeping. He said "What is the
matter with you? Have you got your menses? I replied, "Yes." He
said,"This is a thing Allah (SWT) has ordained for the daughters of
Adam. So do what all the pilgrims do with the exception of Tawaf
(Circumambulation) round the Ka'bah." 'Aisha(RA), added, "Allah's
Messenger (SAW) sacrificed cows on behalf of his wives."
Pilgrims make dhikr and read Quran. There was noobjection from the
Prophet (SAW) and he (SAW) actually "told" Aisha (RA) to do so.
Another reason being hardship. A woman might forget what she memorized.
So therefore if there is notext forbidding such an act, one cannot
conclude that the act is not allowable. The burden of proof is on
those who claim that such women cannot recite the Quran, and they
offer no clear ordirect proof.
There is no harm whatsoever in a menstruating woman or post-partum
bleeding woman reciting the Quran from their memorywithout actually
touching the Quran.
Touching the Quran During the Menstruation and Post-Partum Bleeding
The most often quoted evidences, is an Ayat from the Quran:
".... None can touch but those who are pure..." (Al-Waqi'a 56:79)
A common mistake, is people taking verses and applying it to a
particular Fiqh (point). Yet when you study the verse in more detail
you will find, in fact, it is not related to the point whatsoever.
"That (this) is indeed an honourable recital (the Noble Quran). In a
Book well-guarded (with Allah in the heaven i.e. Al-LauhAl-Mahfuz).
Which (that Book with Allah) none can touch but those who are pure
from sins (i.e. the angels). A Revelation (this Quran) from the Lord
of the Alamin (mankind, jinns, and all that exists). (Al-Waqi'a
56:77-80).
Put into context this A yat refers to "…a Book well-guarded," and this
means a Book with Allah (SWT). It is not talking about the physical
Quran we have in our presence here on earth..
Ibn Abbas (RA) and others, along with the early scholars, agree that
this verse is not talking about the Quran that we have in our hands. A
Book well-guarded refersto something that is hidden (Maknoon) . It is
not referring to the Quran we have in our presence here on earth.
Early scholars all agree to this conclusion.
"...In a Book well-guarded (with Allah in the heaven i.e. Al-Lauh Al-Mahfuz).
According to the Tafsir of Tabari and Ibn Kathir and also according
to Jamal al-deen al-Qasami, this Ayat is not in reference to humans
having to be free from impurities.
" Which (that Book with Allah) none can touch butthose who are pure
from sins (i.e. the angels)."
This verse in reference to the Angels and not mankind. In a Hadith
narrated by Abu Hurayrah (RA), the Prophet (SAW) states, "a believer
never becomes impure."
"The Prophet (SAW) cameacross me in one of the streets of Medina and
at that time I was in a state of Janaba. So I slipped away from him
and wentto take a bath. On my return the Prophet said,"O Abu
Hurayrah! Where have you been?" I replied, " I was in a state of
Janaba, so I disliked to sit in your company." The Prophet (SAW)
said,"Subhan Allah! A believernever becomes impure." (Sahih Bukhari)
There are four possible meanings of Taher (pure) in this Hadith:
Specifically it means"pure."
Free from major impuritywhere it is necessary to make ghusl.
Fee from minor impurity where it is necessary to make wudu.
No impurities on physicalbody
What does Taher mean in this Hadith? How we determine what it means is
we look at other evidences that relate.
Evidence
A letter sent to the Emperor of Rome by the Prophet (SAW). The Prophet
(SAW) had good reason to believe that the Emperor would touchit.
Some will argue that a piece of paper is not Quran so this may not be
such a strong argument.
In Sahih Muslim the Hadith about when Aisha (RA) was sent, by The
Prophet (SAW), to go intothe Masjid to get a mat. The Prophet (SAW)
said to Aisha (RA),"Menstruation is not in your hands." A woman's
touch cannot be considered impure even while on menses.
"The messenger of Allah (SAW) said to me: Get methe mat from the
mosque. I said: I am menstruating. Upon this he remarked: Your
menstruation is not in your hands." (Sahih Muslim)
Hadith that states, "A believer does not become impure." A clear text
by The Prophet (SAW). A believer is considered Taher under ALL
circumstances. Therefore, believer in this Hadith means Taher . The
only one who should touch the Quran is a believer (i.e. A Muslim).
Take the Ayat : "None can touch but those who are pure (Taher) ."
There is norecord whatsoever of Prophet (SAW) telling believers not
to touch Qur'an.
Therefore, Taher means believer (Muslim).
There is NO evidence whatsoever that says thata woman who is in her
periods or a woman whois having post-natal bleeding that she can
nottouch the Quran. This is a minority opinion, however it is the
strongest opinion.
Reading The Quran During Menses
There is no prohibition from the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) prohibiting a
woman from reading the Quran in the state of her menses.
There is no prohibition. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) did not prohibit
it. All we have is the statement of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) that he
used to recite the Quran under all conditions except when he was in a
state of Janaba that is after having sexual intercoursewhen it was
necessary for him to take a bath.
This is the basis; this is the foundation, from which all of these
different opinions are derived. So, some scholars made a comparison
between thisstate of Janaba with that of menses.
But of course, they are not the same because thestate of Janaba can be
removed by merely washing oneself. By taking a bath your impure state
is over. Nowyou can read the Quran. Whereas in the state of menses, a
woman cannotjust wash herself then go and read. She is still in that
state of menses.
If we are dealing now with the translation of the Quran, translations
ofthe meanings of the Quran, then all this is of NO importance at all
because translations of the Quran are not considered to be Quran. So
no matter what state you are in, you can read it, you can pick it up,
you can touch it, there is no problem at all because the Quran that we
have, even if the Arabic text is there too, is still not considered
Quran.
The general position which is held in determining what is considered
Quran and what is not, is that whenever the words of other than Allah
(SWT), ina given text, is more thanthe words of Allah (SWT), that text
is no longer considered Quran because Quran refers to asingle verse if
we take a verse of Quran by itself this is called Quran also. But if
there comes along with this verse, other words, you have given
anexplanation of it, which is more than what constitutes the verse,
andthen this is no longer considered Quran.
This is derived from the fact, that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) sent
messages to the kings of Byzantium and Persia, etc. which had verses
of Quran in it. He (SAW) knew full well that these people were going
to be in a state of Janaba , that they were kafir and that they would
probably tearit up, maybe step on it or whatever.
So we know that it is permissible that once thewords of Allah (SWT)
are drowned out by the words of other than Allah(SWT), which is the
case of the translations of the Quran, then in such case this is not
considered to be Quran and as such it isperfectly allowable for a
woman to read it under any state.
The following information is taken from "Duties of a Muslim Husband" a
lecture by Shaikh Abu-Ameenah Bilal Phillips
It is Permissible for a Menstruating Woman to Recite the Quran and
Books of Supplications
There is no harm in a menstruating or post-partum bleeding woman
reading the books of supplications that are written for the rites of
the pilgrimage. Infact, there in nothing wrong with her reciting the
Quran according to the correct opinion. There in no authentic, clear
text prohibiting a menstruating or post-partum bleeding woman from
reciting the Quran. The thing that is narrated is concerned with the
sexually defiled person only, as such should not recite the Quran
while he/she is sexually defiled. This is based on the Hadith of
Ali(RA). As for the menstruating or post-partum bleeding woman, there
is the Hadith of Ibn Umar (RA), which states:
· "Neither the menstruating woman northe sexually defiled person is to
recite anything from the Quran."
However, this is a weak Hadith. This is because it is from the
narrations of Ismail ibn Iyyash on the authority of people from the
Hijaz and he is weak when he narrated from them.
In the case of a sexually defiled male/female, he/she may make ghusl
as soon as he has done the act with his/her spouse. The amount of time
is not long and he/she is in control of its length as he/she may make
ghusl whenever he/she wishes. Even if he/she cannot find water, he/she
can make tayammum and pray or recite the Quran.
However, the menstruating or post-partum bleeding woman does not have
control over their lengths, such control is inthe hands of Allah
(SWT). Menstruation and post-partum bleeding take days. Therefore, it
is allowed for them to recite the Quran so that they do not forget
what they have memorized and so they will not lose merits of reciting
it. It is also so they may learn the laws of the Shariah from the Book
of Allah (SWT).
Therefore, it is even moreso permissible for her to read the books of
supplications that have verses and Hadith intermixed with them. This
is the correct view and is the correct opinion of the scholars - may
Allah (SWT) have mercy on them - on that point. - Shaikh ibn Baz (ra)
REFERENCES:
1. www.themuslimwomen.com
2. Hasanuddin Ahmed,"Can we touch the Qur'anwithout performing Wudu".
Al-Balaagh, Vol.25, No.2, May/June 2000, p.5

Seeking Forgiveness: Tradition of the Prophetsand the Righteous

The Prophets, may Allaah exalt their mention, and the virtuous and
righteous people were the quickest of all to comply with thecall of
Allaah The Almighty.
Our father Aadam (Adam) and ourmother Hawwaa' (Eve), may Allaah exalt
their mention:
They responded to the call of Allaah The Almighty immediately after
they disobeyed Him when Shaytaan (Satan) caused them to slip and drove
them to commit a sin. They hastened to show remorse and to repent.
Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {They said, "Our Lord, we have
wronged ourselves, and if You donot forgive us and have mercy upon us,
we will surely be amongthe losers.} [Quran 7:23]
Nooh (Noah) :
When he felt sympathy for his disbelieving son, he said (what means):
{…"My Lord, indeedmy son is of my family; and indeed, Your promise is
true; and You Are the most just of judges!} [Quran 11:45] Then Allaah
The Almighty Said to him (what means): {…"O Nooh, indeed he is not of
your family; indeed, he is [one whose] work was other than righteous,
so ask Me not for that about which you have no knowledge. Indeed, I
advise you, lest you be among the ignorant.} [Quran 11:46]
Then, Nooh asked for the forgiveness of Allaah The Almighty, repenting
of what he said. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {… "My Lord, I
seekrefuge in You from asking that of which I have no knowledge. And
unless You forgive me and have mercy upon me, I will be among the
losers.} [Quran 11:47]
Besides, after Allaah The Exalted had punished the disbelieving people
of Nooh with drowning and saved the believingpeople with Nooh he
said(which means): {My Lord, forgive me and my parents and whoever
enters my house a believer and the believing men and believing women.
And do notincrease the wrongdoers except in destruction.} [Quran
71:28]
Ibraaheem (Abraham) :
Ibraaheem who was the intimate friend of Allaah The Exalted, said in
the verse (which means): {And who I aspire that Hewill forgive me my
sin on the Day of Recompense.} [Quran 26:82]
Moosa (Moses) :
Moosa says in the verse (which means): {He said, "My Lord, indeed I
have wronged myself, so forgive me," and He forgave him. Indeed, He is
the Forgiving, the Merciful.} [Quran 28:16] He also says (what means):
{[Moosa] said, "My Lord, forgive me and my brother and admit us into
Your mercy, for Youare the Most Merciful of the merciful.} [Quran
7:151]
Muhammad :
The Companions of the Prophet narrated that the Prophet used to seek
the forgiveness of Allaah The Almighty at least one hundred times in
each gathering,saying: "O Lord, forgive my sins and grant me (accept
my) repentance; for You are the Accepting of repentance, the
Merciful." In another version: "… You are the Forgiving, the
Merciful." [Abu Daawood] The Prophet said: "By Allaah! I ask for
forgiveness from Allaah The Exalted and turn to Him in repentance more
than seventy times a day." [Al-Bukhaari]
Furthermore, Allaah The Almightyurges the Prophet to seek His
forgiveness. He, the Exalted, Says (what means): {… ask forgiveness
for your sin and for the believing men and believing women…} [Quran
47:19]
Yoonus (Jonah) :
Prophet Yoonus called out inthe darkness of the whale's belly (what
means): {There is no deity except You; exalted are You. Indeed, I have
been of the wrongdoers.} [Quran 21:87]
Daawood (David) :
Daawood supplicated Allaah The Exalted as Allaah The Exalted Says
(what means): {And Daawood became certain that Wehad tried him, and he
asked forgiveness of his Lord and fell down bowing [in prostration]
and turned in repentance [to Allaah].} [Quran 38: 24]
Abu Bakr :
Abu Bakr the best of this nation after the Prophet asked the Prophet
"O Messenger of Allaah, teach me an invocation with which I may invoke
Allaah in my prayers." The Prophet said: "Say, 'Allaahumma inni
thalamtu nafsi thulman katheeran wa la yaghfir ath-thunoob illa ant;
ighfir li maghfiratan min 'indik wa irhamni, innaka anta Al-Ghafoor
Ar-Raheem (O Allaah, I have wronged my soul very much and none
forgives the sins but You; soplease bestow Your forgiveness and mercy
upon me. No doubt, You are the Oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful).'"
[Al-Bukhaari]
'Umar :
'Umar said to the Prophet "O Messenger of Allaah, ask forgiveness for me."
There are numerous righteous and devout people other than these, who
used to seek the forgiveness of Allaah The Almighty frequently;
repentance was their banner, their request for forgiveness was their
slogan, and they repeatedly turned to Allaah The Almighty.

A Day in the Life of a Muslim Woman - II

Afternoon
Preparing a healthy lunch.
Performing Thuhr prayer
(4 Rak'ah of Sunnah, 4 Rak'ah Fard, and 2 Rak'ah Sunnah)
Regarding the Sunnah prayer, `Aa`ishah said: "When the Prophet used to
be in my house, he would offer four Sunnah Rak'ahs before Thuhr, then
he would go and lead the congregation, and thereafter return home and
offer two Sunnah Rak'ahs. Similarly, he would lead the Maghrib prayer
in the congregation and come back and offer two Sunnah Rak'ahs.
Likewise after having led the `lshaa` prayer, he would come back to my
apartment and offer two Sunnah Rak'ahs." [Muslim]
Obviously, for women it is preferable to perform both Sunnah and Fard
Prayer within the home; Umm Humayd As-Sa'idiyyah said: "O, Prophet of
Allaah, I love praying behind you." Thereupon the Prophet of Allaah
told her: ''I had known that you like praying with me. But your prayer
in your private room is better than your prayer in other rooms of your
house, and your prayer in other rooms of your house is better than
your prayer in the halls of your house, and your prayer in the halls
of your house is better than your prayer in your community's mosque,
and your prayer in your community's mosque is better than your prayer
in my mosque." [Ahmad and At-Tabaraani] However, the Prophet did not
forbid women from going to the mosque as he said: "Do not prohibit the
female-servants of Allaah from coming to the mosque of Allaah. When a
wife ofone of you asks for permission togo to the mosque, she should
not be refused this permission." [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
„X Saying this Du`aa` when leaving the house: If a woman goes to the
mosque or must leave the house for her needs or the needs of the
family, she should say this Du`aa`, "In the name of Allaah, I trust in
Allaah, there is no might and power but in Allaah." Allaah's Messenger
said: "When a man leaves his house, saying: 'In the name of Allaah, I
trust in Allaah there is nomight and power but in Allaah', itis said
to him at that time, 'Your are guided, you are taken care of,you are
protected.' Then Satan turns away from him, and another Satan says,
`How can a man approach you, who is already guided, cared for and
protected?"' [Abu Daawood]
„X Du`aa` when entering the house: The prophet said: "When a man
enters his house, let him say: '0 Allaah, I ask of You the good of
entry and the good of exit. In the name of Allaah, we enter; in the
name of Allaah, we exit. And upon Allaah, our Lord, we depend.' Then
he should say Salaam to his family." [Abu Daawood]
Performing 'Asr prayer:
(4 Rak'ah Fard)
The prophet said: "He who leaves the 'Asr prayer is like one who has
lost (some of) his family and his property." [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
The significance of the afternoon prayer is often likened to that of
Fajr prayer. The Prophet said: "A person will not be sent to Hell who
has offered his Fajr prayer and his 'Asr prayer." [Muslim]
Evening
Preparing a healthy dinner for thefamily.
Perform the Maghrib prayer
(3 Rak'ah Fard and 2 Rak'ah Sunnah)
It is advised that the family makes the prayer together in
congregation at times when two or more are present. Young children may
even be encouragedto participate in the activity. This is a good way
of strengthening family ties and setting a positive example for the
children.
Conducting a study circle within the home:
The evening is a nice time to gather the family members for the study
of the Quran, Ahadeeth,Seerah (Biography of the Prophet)and other
areas of Islamic knowledge.
This is something that can be made a regular part of the daily or
weekly schedule.
Although parents will be primarily responsible for the topics and
discussions, older children may be given assignments to prepare for
the group. Encouraging them to actively participate will enhance their
excitement and interest in learning. Creative and engaging methods may
be used to maintain the attention of younger children, although they
should not be forced to sit for long periods of time. Regarding the
importance of teaching, the Prophet said: "Each of you is aguardian,
and each of you will be asked about your guardianship. The leader
(Muslim ruler) is a guardian, and the man is a guardian over the
people of his house, and the woman is a guardian over her husband's
house and children. So each of you is a guardian, and each of you will
be asked about your guardianship." [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
Holding a family discussion:
The evening is also an ideal time for family discussions since most
family members are likely to be present. The family may discuss
happenings or special events of the day, issues that need to be
considered together, or other matters of importance such as rules or
schedules. Doing this on a regular basis will instill responsibility
and respect in children and make them feel thatthey are a vital part
of the family unit. As children mature and reach the age of
responsibility, it becomes necessary to include them in discussions
and decision-making, particularly in matters that pertain to them.
This is actually a time for them to learn how a family should function
andthe most effective ways to plan and make decisions, since they will
eventually begin a family of their own. Obviously, the parents should
provide acceptable role models that the children will want to emulate.
„X Du`aa` after a meeting or gathering: "Glory be to You, O Allaah,
and praise be to You. I witness that none is worthy of worship but
You. I seek Your forgiveness and I turn to you in repentance."
[At-Tirmithi]
Securing the house:
Keep children in after the darkness begins and be sure to secure the
house. The Prophet said: "When the darkness of the night or evening
(comes), then keep in your children, for satan is then out. And when
an hour of the night has gone, then let them go and close the doors,
and invoke the name of Allaah, for satan does not open a closed door,
and tie up your water-skinsand invoke the name of Allaah, and cover
your vessels and invokethe name of Allaah, even when you put something
on them, and put out your lights."
Reviewing the day for acts of charity:
There should be at least one act of charity in each person's day and
this can come in many forms.Allaah's Messenger said: "Charity is due
upon every limb ofa human being on each day that the sun rises. To act
justly between two (people) is charity. To help a man with his riding
beast, or to load his provisions on it or lift them up for him is
charity. A good word is charity. Every step going to prayer is a
charity. Removing from the road what causes harm is charity."
[Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
Performing `Ishaa` Prayer
(4 Rak'ah Fard and 2 Rak'ah Sunnah)
Allaah's Messenger said: "No Prayer is more burdensome to the
hypocrites than the Fajr prayer and the `Ishaa` prayer, butif they
knew what blessings lie in them, they would certainly come for them,
even if they had to crawl." [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim] It is best to
perform the `Ishaa` prayer before one-half of the night is over.
Performing Witr Prayer
(an odd number of Rak'ah)
The Prophet said: "Allaah is single, He loves what is single,
therefore, do the Witr, O you people of the Quran." [At-Tirmithiand
Abu Daawood] He also said: "He who fears that he will not get up in
the later part of the night should do the Witr in the first part of
it. And he who eagerly wishes to get up in the later part of it should
perform the Witr then, for the prayer in the later part of the night
is witnessed and that is more excellent." [Muslim] It is recommended
to include the supplication of Qunoot (the standing-in-Prayer
supplication) in the Witr Prayer . The Prophet used to recite the
Qunoot Du`aa` after raising his head fromthe position of bowing,
saying: "OAllaah, guide us among those whom You have guided and
preserve us from all ill among those whom You have preserved. Take us
for friends among those whom You have taken and bless for us that
which You have given. Protect us from the evil of that which You have
ordained, for it isYou who ordains and none can ordain upon You.
Indeed, never ishe abased whom You have taken for a friend, and none
is honored whom You have taken for a foe. Blessed are You, our Lord,
and Exalted. There is no escape from You except in You. And may Allaah
bless Prophet Muhammad." [An-Nasaa'ee]
„X Du`aa` before sleeping: The Prophet said: "When one of you goes to
bed, he should dust it with the edge of his gown three times and then
say: `0 Allaah, in Your name I die and I live. In Your name, my Lord,
I place my side (upon this bed), and through You I raise it. If you
retain my soul, have mercy upon it; if You release it, then protect
itas You protect Your righteous servants." [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim] It
is also beneficial to read some chapters or verses from the Quran
before sleeping. `Aa`ishah said: "Every night when the Prophet would
go to bed, he would cup his hands together and blow into them after
reciting Surah Al-Ikhlaas, Surah Al-Falaq, and Surah An-Naas. He would
then rub his hands over whatever he was ablefrom his body, beginning
with hishead, face and the front of his body. He used to do that three
times." [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim] The verse of Al-Kursiyy [2:225] is
also a special verse. The Prophet said: "When you go to your bed,
recite the verse of Al-Kursiyy,'Allaah! There is no god but Him, the
Ever-living, the One Who Sustains and Protects all that exists' to the
end, for then there will remain over you a guardian from Allaah, and
Satan will not come near you until morning." [Al-Bukhaari] It is also
preferred to perform ablution before sleeping and to lie on the right
side.

A Day in the Life of a Muslim Woman - I

Normal and everyday activities become acts of worship if they are done
for the sake of pleasing Allaah. The regular and consistent deeds are
the best among these deeds. `Aa`ishah said that Allaah's Messenger
said: "The deeds most loved by Allaah are those done regularly, even
if they are small." [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim] This means that we do not
need to doanything spectacular in our day to obtain rewards from
Allaah, but we should establish some type of routine that incorporates
not only the prayer but also reciting the Quran, Du'aa`
(supplication), Thikr (mention of Allaah), and other good deeds. This
will increase the serenity, patience, and enthusiasm of the believer.
Early morning
This article is the first in a series aimed at bringing the spiritual
side in the everyday life of a married Muslim woman:
Wake at night to perform Tahajjud. The Prophet said: "The best (most
rewarding prayer after the obligatory prayeris Tahajjud, night
prayer." [Ahmad and Muslim] It is best to do this toward the last
third of the night as the Prophet said: "Allaah descends every night
in the last third of the night [in a way that befits His majesty] and
says: Is there anyone invoking Me that I may respond to his
invocation? Is there anyone asking of Me so that I may grant him his
request? Is there anyone asking My Forgiveness, so that I may forgive
him?" [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim] It is even better if the husband and
wife perform the Tahajjud together as the Prophet said: "When a man
wakes his wife up at night and they perform two Rak'ah together, they
are written down among the men and women whoremember Allaah." [Abu
Daawood] After this prayer, one can return to bed until the Fajr
prayer.
Upon awakening in the morning, say this Du`aa`: "Al-Hamdu
Lillaah,praise be to Allaah who brought me to life after giving me
death, and to Him is the resurrection." [Al-Bukhaari] One should also
greet the other members of the household who are awake. The Prophet
said: "O my son (to Anas), when you enter to where your family is, say
Salaam. It is a blessing on you and on the people of your house."
[At-Tirmithi]
When getting dressed, say this Du`aa`: "AI-Hamdu Lillaah, praise be to
Allaah, who clothed me with this, and who provided me with it, without
any power or might of mine." [Abu Daawood]
Make Wudu or Ghusl (except for menstruating or postnatal women):
Du`aa` when entering the bathroom: "In the name of Allaah, O Allaah, I
seek refuge in You from the male and female devils." [Abu Daawood]
Be sure to use the left hand in the bathroom: "`Aa`ishah said that the
right hand was usedby Allaah's Messenger for his ablution and for
taking food, and his left hand was used in the toilet and the like."
[Abu Daawood]
Say "Bismillaah" and make Wudu (ablution). It is also encouraged to
use the Miswak or toothbrush,although it is not an obligatory aspect
of Wudu. The Prophet said: "If I had not found it difficult for my
followers, I wouldhave ordered them to clean their teeth with Miswak
for every prayer." [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
Du`aa` after finishing Wudu: "I testify that there is no god but
Allaah, Alone, having no partner; and I testify that Muhammad is His
servant and Messenger, O Allaah, make me of those who continually
repent and purify themselves." [At-Tirmithi]
Du`aa` when leaving the bathroom, "(I ask for) Your forgiveness." [Abu Daawood]
Perform Fajr Prayer : 2 Rak'ah of Sunnah and the two obligatory Rak'ah
(except for menstruating or post-natal women). It is important to
remember that the prayer should be completed soonafter the time has
begun. The Prophet was asked which deed was loved most by Allaah, The
Exalted. He said: "The prayer which is performed at its time."
[Al-Bukhaari] Even if a woman is busy with another task, she should
interrupt this and perform her Prayer .
A woman should try to develop Khushoo` (sincere submission) in prayer
since this will be the first thing that she will be accountable for on
Judgment Day. The Prophet said: "When you stand up for your Prayer ,
make it as if it was your last Prayer ; do not say a word for which
you will have to make an excuse the coming day; and buildno hope on
what is in the hands of men." [Ahmad]
It is often asked if women need to make the Athaan and Iqaamahif they
are leading the Prayer or praying by them selves. This is not required
for women, although they may do it if they wish. In terms of the
manner of performing the prayer, a woman's prayer is no different from
that of a man's.
Recite the Quran. Early morning isoften a good time to recite the
Quran, especially if the children are still sleeping and the house
isquiet. This allows one to fully concentrate and obtain the most
benefit. The Prophet said: "(The recital of) the Quran at dawn is
always witnessed - the angels of the night and the angels of the day
witness it." [At-Tirmithi] If one's spouse is available, this would be
the ideal time to strengthen the marriage by reciting the Quran
together and praising Allaah for His blessings. The issue of women
touching the Quran during menstruation is often debated. Most scholars
say that a woman should not touch the Quran during this time. However,
even ifshe does not, she may still recite from memory or listen to
tapes ifshe fears she may forget the Quran. This should be an
incentive to memorize larger portions of the Quran, which can also be
done during this early morning time.
Work on a project that will benefit the Muslim community in some way.
Before the children awake and after reciting the Quran, it would be a
good time to put energy into some project of interest to which one is
committed. This may include such things as acquiring more Islamic
knowledge by reciting or listening to tapes, writing articles,
preparing for circles, developing some type of program (such as a
Children's circle, Muslim scouting program, etc.), keeping in touch
with othersisters through e-mail, social service projects, etc. There
are many opportunities for sisters to benefit themselves (through
Allaah's rewards) and the community.
Mid and late morning
Prepare a healthy breakfast for the family. It is important to
remember that the Prophet used to eat a very healthy food such as
dates, cucumbers, bread, meat, milk, etc…. Much of the unhealthy food
that we have nowwas obviously not available at thetime of the Prophet
. It is bestto avoid processed foods and to use items that are the
most natural. Allaah Knows what is best for His Creation and He has
provided us with all that we need. We should take care of our
children's physical needs in the best manner possible. Cleanlinessis
also an important element of the Islamic faith and should be observed
in all matters, especiallyin food preparation and eating.
Du`aa` when beginning the meal. "O Allaah! Bless whatever You provided
for us and save us from the punishment of the Hellfire. Bismillaah."
The Prophet told a boy who was attending a meal with him: "... Mention
the name of Allaah, and eat with your right hand and eat of the food
that is nearer to you." [Al-Bukhaari] Spend some time in conversation
during the meal since this was encouraged by the Prophet .
Duaa after finishing the meal "Praise be to Allaah, who gave us to eat
and to drink and made us Muslims." [Abu Daawood and At-Tirmithi] It is
important to remember not to overeat due to the unhealthiness of this
behavior for physical and spiritualreasons. The Messenger of Allaah
said: "The son of Adam fills no vessel more displeasing to Allaah than
his stomach. A few morsels should be enough for him to preserve his
strength. If he must fill it, then he should allow a thin his food, a
third for his food, a third for his drink and leave a third empty for
easy breathing." [At-Tirmithi] Overeating can lead to laziness and
lethargy, and make acts of worship seem laborious, making it more
likely that one will delay or avoid them.
Spend quality time with the children. Older children may need to be
sent off to school, while younger children will continue to require
the attention of their mother. Raising children is the most important
and most honorable role for a woman. It is essential to include
quality time with the children in a busy daily schedule. This should
be given priority over household chores and other activities, although
it should not interfere with obligatory acts of worship. Quality time
may include such things as reading books about Islam, teaching Arabic,
reciting the Quran together, playing games, going to the park, and
much more. The emphasis shouldbe on the children's spiritual,
intellectual, emotional and physical development. Doing this early in
the day also makes it more likely that children will be content to
play with themselves later on, freeing time for other activities.
Perform Ad-Dhuhaa prayer: Abu Hurayrah said: "My friend (the Prophet)
advised me to observe three things, not to abandon them till I die; to
fast three days amonth, to perform two Rak'ah ofDhuhaa (forenoon)
Prayer , and toperform Witr before sleeping." [Bukhaari and Muslim]
This is oneof the forgotten Sunnah of the Prophet that needs to be
revived. Two or more Rak'ah should be prayed some time afterthe sun
rises until a few moments before noon. The preferred time is when it
is extremely hot, which usually occurs around the hour before noon. A
mother has a wonderful opportunity to renew this Sunnah by teaching
her children from a very young age. Have a peaceful and blessed
morning!