Time do flies. Do you agree? Only a month back I wrote about Rajab and yesterday was already Syaaban. And another 29 days from today with be the holy month of Ramadan.

So let’s ponder the beauty of the month of Syaaban.

The merit of fasting in the month of Syaaban can be judged from the following narratives:

‘A’isha (Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) did not observe fast in any month of the year more than in the month of Syaaban, and used to say: Do as many deeds as you are capable of doing, for Allah will not become weary (of giving you reward), but you would be tired (of doing good deeds) ; and he also said: The deed liked most by Allah is one to which the doer adheres constantly even if it is small.

The Prophet would fast most of the month of Syaaban. ‘Aishah said: “I never saw the Messenger of Allah fast a complete month save for Ramadan, and I have never seen him fast more in a month than he did in Syaaban.” This is related by al-Bukhari and Muslim.

Usamah ibn Zaid inquired: “O Messenger of Allah, I never find you fasting in any month like you do during the month of Syaaban.” The Prophet responded: “That is a month the people neglect. It comes between Rajab and Ramadan. It is a month in which the deeds are raised to the Lord of the Worlds. I love that my deeds be raised while I am fasting.” This is related by Abu Dawud, an-Nasa’i, and by Ibn Khuzaimah in his Sahih.

However it is also reported that the Prophet (s.a.w.) advised people to not fast after half the month of Syaaban had gone by and in another narrative to not fast in the one or two days preceding Ramadan:

The blessed Companion Abu Hurairah, Radi-Allahu anhu, reports Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, to have said, “Do not fast after the first half of the month of Sha’ban is gone.”

“Do not precede the month of Ramadan with one or two fasts.”

The Prophet probably advised this so that we experience no deficiency in strength when fulfilling our obligation of fasting in Ramadan, for fasting in the days before can cause people to loose strength and not be feel fresh for the fasts of Ramadan.

It is said by scholars that it is not encouraged to fast after 15th Syaaban but it is permissible to fast after the 15th of Syaaban for those who fast regularly, such as those who fast Mondays and Thursdays on a regular basis or for those who have to repay their fast (qadha’). If it is fasting without any particular intention, it is then makruh.

In a Hadith narrated by Imam Ahmad, Rasulullah s.a.w has stated that when it is the middle of Syaaban, one should stop fasting. Scholars have differed with regards to what hukum this Hadith entails. A number of them have regarded this Hadith as weak. Another group of scholars have accepted this Hadith and are of the opinion that fasting after Nisfu Syaaban is makruh, with the exception of those who are fasting regularly throughout the year, such as fasting on Mondays and Thursdays, and it is also permissible for those who have to repay their past year’s fast (qadha’).

Nisfu Syaaban is a clear indicator that the blessed month of Ramadan is around the corner. One can fast as many as days as one likes before Nisfu Syaaban. But after Nisfu Syaaban, the 15th Syaaban, one should not fast, except for those who are used to fast on certain days, every Mondays and Thursdays for example as mentioned above.

But in our earnest to pursue the blessings of Nisfu Syaaban, or any other nights or days for that matter, there are two important things we should remember.

First, we must not dedicate specialized acts of worships for a particular time period, except specified by Al-Quran or authentic hadiths.

Thus for the night of Nisfu Syaaban, we should reject all accounts of special prayers or recitations for that night. There is no special solat for Nisfu Syaaban. Instead, we should increase our general acts of worship, such as performing sunat prayers, tahajud prayers, reciting Al-Quran, remembering Allah through zikir, and to seek his forgiveness.

The second thing that we should remember is that: when we perform any acts or worship, we should not do them purely for the sake of receiving its promised rewards. For example, it has been promised by our Prophet Muhammad s.a.w that whosoever fast six days after Ramadan, will be rewarded as if he has fasted for the whole year. While this promise can be regarded as an encouragement and motivation for us to perform such act of worship, it should not be the only reason for us to perform that worship.

Instead, we should be sincere when worshiping Allah. Not for this reward or that reward. For sincerity is its best reward.

When someone is sincere in worshiping Allah, he will receive unlimited rewards. Rewards that only Allah knows. Allah says in surah Al-Baiyyinah, verse 5:

Which means: And they have been commanded no more than this: To worship Allah, offering Him sincere devotion, being true (in faith); to establish regular prayer; and to practise regular charity; and that is the Religion Right and Straight.

In general here are some guidelines about fasting for those who want to observe sunat or voluntary fasting. The recommended days to fast are:

1. 6 days in Syawal.
2. In Rejab and Syaaban.
3. The first 9 days of Zulhijjah.
4. 10 Muharram.
5. On Mondays and Thursdays.
6. On the 13, 14 and 15 of each month.

You can read about the days when fasting is forbidden at: http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/law/fiqhussunnah/fus3_51.html

and also about the days encouraged for voluntary fasting at: http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/law/fiqhussunnah/fus3_52.html

Syaaban: Merits, Do’s and Dont’s at:
http://www.albalagh.net/general/shaban.shtml

and never forget to read about the info of Syaaban in Bahasa Melayu
http://www.al-azim.com/masjid/syaaban/home.htm#fadhilat

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Today falls the 27th of Rajab, a historic day in the Islamic calendar. It is on this day that Muslims commemorate our Prophet Muhammad s.a.w, Israk and mikraj, a one-night journey from Makkah, to Jerusalem, and subsequently, to the heavens.

This event is recorded in Surah al-Israa’, verse 1:

“Glory be to Allah who has taken His servant on a journey in the night, from Masjid al-Haram to Masjid al-Aqsa, whose precincts We have blessed, so as to show him some of Our Signs: for He sees and hears all things.”

This event posed a challenge to the faith of Muslims in the time of the Prophet, a time where air travel is unheard of. How could the Prophet s.a.w, made the journey from Makkah to Jerusalem in one night, when it normally took more than a month to reach?

The non-believers of that time had a good time mocking and laughing at the Prophet s.a.w and Muslims, while some Muslims had a hard time coming to terms with the story. It has been reported that some even left Islam altogether.

In this confusion, Abu Bakar became the first Muslim who stepped out, and publicly proclaimed his trust in the word of the Prophet s.a.w, earning him the name ‘as-Siddiq’.

What Abu Bakar did, teaches us the value of strong faith. He defies public mockery and logic of his time to stand by our Prophet s.a.w. By doing it, he proved himself to a be a true Muslim, for a true Muslim believe in the Prophet s.a.w and acknowledge that the mind is limited, and there are things happening that are beyond the human imagination.

Abu Bakar has been honoured in surah az-Zumar, verse 33:

“And the person who brings the truth, and he who supports it, such are the people who do right.”

The night journey as experienced by the Prophet s.a.w was unthinkable in the past, but the concept is not new to us today. Even the idea of space travel is acceptable to us now, thanks to the progress made in the field of science and technology that helps explain the wonders told in the Quran.

Let us ponder what Allah has said in surah ar-Rahman verse 33:

“O assembly of Jinns and men! If you can pass beyond the boundary of the heavens and the earth, do so. Not without authority shall you be able to pass.”

Abu Bakar has proved himself to be a man of great faith, despite the inability of the technology of his time to prove Israk mikraj took place. What about us today?

As armed as we are with scientific knowledge and explanation, it should help us in achieving a stronger conviction in Allah and the religion. For knowledge helps prove the authenticity of the Quran, the book of Allah.

Allah has said in surah Fussilat verse 53:

“Soon will We show them our Signs in the (furthest) regions (of the earth), and in their own souls, until it becomes clear to them that this is the Truth. Is it not enough that your Lord witness all things?”

We have come a long way in our knowledge of science and technology. But let us not sit back and be complacent about it; there are more of Allah’s mysterious wonders out there that could be studied. While some mysteries will always stay as such for us, others can prove beneficial for us as creations of Allah.

May the story of Israk mikraj develop our love towards knowledge and spur us to continue our pursuit of knowledge. And may it, in turn, strengthen our faith in Allah and our Prophet s.a.w. And we pray that with the deep knowledge and Iman make us a person who contributes to the well being of the religion and nation.

1. Original text from: http://www.darulmakmur.org/en/articles/SFS-10.8.07.pdf
2. Also read The night journey and the ascension of prophet Muhammad
3. More sharing http://mahaguru58.blogspot.com/2008/07/israk-mikraj-and-significance-of.html

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Guys, allow me to share an interesting chapter for all muslim friends. This month I have more sharing with my muslim brothers and sisters because in the month of Rajab is the month of Allah (the Creator). So we must remembering Allah (s.w.t) a lot in this month of baraqah.

This is a hadith on remembering of Allah with Kalimah Tayyibah.

Hadrat Jabir (Radiaallahu’Anhu) narrated that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu’alaihi wa salam) said, “The most virtuous of all sorts of Allah’s Remembrance is ‘La ilaha illallah’ (None is worthy of worship than Allah), and the most virtuous prayer (Du’a) is ‘Alhamdulillah’ (all praise is due to Allah)”

Listen to this beautiful Nasyid about Zikr of Allah (Remembrance of Allah),

“O ye who believe! Remember Allah with much remembrance; and glorify Him morning and evening.”
(Al Qu’ran: 41-42)

O ye who believe! Let not your wealth nor your children distract you from remembrance of Allah. Those who do so, they are the losers.
(Al Qu’ran: 63:9)

Then listen to this talk on Why we should Remembering of Allah.

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Yesterday I bought a book while my family busy shopping. I went to a bookstore and read this interesting motivation book. I have read a lot of motivation books but this particular book is very different from others (e.g. Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Build Your Business in 30 days, etc). Let me brief you here, it is actually an Islamic motivation book. It is about life. It is about being thankful of what we have. And more importantly it is about how do we deal with daily situation and always look on the bright side of life. The title of the said book is “Laa Tahzan” in arabic which means “Don’t Be Sad“.

We always look on the negative side of our life but we forgot to look into the joyous moment that we have. We never satisfied with what we have and always wanting more. I just realize it myself that I should stop grumbling over what I could not have. I am learning to be more grateful person. One of the rare book that I will recommend people to read. Suits very much to my mood at the time being. It is really wonderful, thank you Dr. Aidh Abdullah Al-Qarni the author. All should read this book even though you are not a muslim.

Here are some excerpts from the book, yup I am still reading. The version that I bought is in Bahasa Melayu (my mother tongue) but I translated it here in English.

“So hold that which I have given you and be of the grateful.” (Qur’an 7:144)

Live today free from sorrow, bother, anger, jealousy and malice. You must engrave into your heart one phrase: Today is my only day. If you have eaten warm, fresh bread today, then what do yesterday’s dry, rotten bread and tomorrow’s anticipated bread matter?

…When you achieve this attitude, you will profit from every moment of your day, by developing your personality, expanding your abilities, and purifying your deeds.

Then you say to yourself:

Today I shall be refined in my speech and will utter neither evil speech nor obscenity. Also, I will not backbite.

Today I shall organize my house and my office. They will not be disorderly and chaotic, but organized and neat.

Today I will be particular about my bodily cleanliness and appearance. I will be meticulous in my neatness and balanced in my walk, talk and actions.

Today I will strive to be obedient to my Lord, pray in the best manner possible, do more voluntary acts of righteousness, recite the Qur’an, and read beneficial books. I will plant goodness into my heart and extract from it the roots of evil – such as pride, jealousy and hypocrisy.

Today I will try to help others – to visit the sick, to attend a funeral, to guide the one who is lost, and to feed the hungry. I will stand side by side with the oppressed and the weak. I will pay respect to the scholar, be merciful to the young, and be reverent to the old.

O’ past that has departed and is gone, I will not cry over you. You will not see me remembering you, not even for a moment, because you have traveled away from me never to return.

O’ future, you are in the realm of the unseen, so I will not be obsessed by your dreams. I will not be preoccupied about what is to come because tomorrow is nothing and has not yet been created.

double click to enlarge the photo

So guys, I would really recommend you this book and Don’t Be Sad. Don’t Be Sad is an absolute must-read for all people. It is full of practical advice on how to replace sadness with a pragmatic and ultimately satisfying Islamic outlook on life. It exposes to the modern reader how Islam teaches us to deal with the tests and tribulations of this world.

So, take heart and hold firmly onto the rope of Allah (s.w.t).

Review by Islamic Times, UK: http://www.islamictimes.co.uk/content/view/96/50/

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Tomorrow shall be the 1st Rejab in the Islamic Lunar Calendar. It is the month of the creator, Allah (SWT).

Rejab is one of the four months declared sacred by Allah (SWT) in the Glorious Qur’an.

Special prayers and Aa’mal that can be prayed and carried out on any day or daily for this seventh month of Islamic lunar calendar delivered by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw):

1. The month of Rejab, in its superabundant favors and benefits, reverence and sanctity, is next to none. It is linked to Almighty Allah (SWT) as Sya’ban to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) and Ramadan to his Ummah (Muslim Community).

2. Who so observes fast (even one day) during the month of Rejab gets Allah’s pleasure. Allahhuakbar.

3. Ask forgiveness and turn repentant to Allah (SWT) as much as you can because mercy drops from the heaven like a gentle rain in the month of Rejab (also known as “As’abb” - pouring out, full of love and kindness).

4. Allah (SWT) shall forgive and have mercy on him who recites:

“Astaghfirulaahallad’ee Laa Ilaaha Ilaa Huwa Wah’dahoo La Shareeka Lahoo Wa Atoobu Ilayh”
(I ask forgiveness of Allah, who is “There is no God save He, and no other; has no partner”; and I turn repentant to Him)

at least 100 times (400 times will accrue more rewards), and recites “Laa Ilaaha Illallaah” 1000 times, during the month of Rejab, and gives alms or sadaqah in the name of Allah at the completion.

5. Recite Surah Al-Ikhlas at least 100 times (1000 or 10000 times will accrue more rewards) in the month of Rejab.

6. Keep fast on any day in the month of Rejab. So let’s start tomorrow.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) has said: “Rejab is a great month of Allah (SWT), unmatched by any other month in the respect and significance (accorded to it); war with the infidels during this month is prohibited; Verily, Rejab is Allah’s month, Sya’ban my month and Ramadan the month of my Ummah; whosoever fasts a day in the month of Rejab will be granted the great reward of Ridwan (an angel in heaven); the wrath of Allah (SWT) shall be distanced and a door of the Hell shall be closed.”

Fasting is one of the most recommended acts during this spiritual season. It becomes Wajib (obligatory) during the month of Ramadan, but is highly recommended during the months of Rejab and Sya’ban. As will be noted from the Hadith above and others to follow, fasting, be it for only one day during these months, is rewarded with untold bounties.

Hazrat Salman Al-Farsi narrates that Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) said that there is a day in the month of Rejab on which if a person fasts and does Qiyaamul Lail (night vigil) on that night, he will receive rewards like a person who fasts for 100 years and does Qiyaamul Lail for nights of 100 years. This night is the night of the 27th (Rejab) and the day of the 27th (Rejab). This is the day on which the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) was appointed to Messenger hood.

Hazrat Salman Al-Farsi narrates that the Beloved of Allah, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) said “O Salman, there is no Mumin (True Believer) and Muminah (Truly Believing Female) who performs 30 Raka’ah in the month of Rejab and in each Raka’ah recites Surah Al-Fatihah once, Surah Al-Ikhlas 3 times, and Surah Al-Kafiroon 3 times that Allah (SWT) does forgive them their sins and bestows rewards upon them as upon a person who has fasted a whole month. He becomes among those who will be steadfast in their Salaat in the year which is to come. For him the deeds of the day are equal to that of the martyr. He will be raised with the Martyrs of the Holy Battle of Badr. For him is written for the fast of each day, one year’s worship. His station is raised 1000 times higher.

Ask forgiveness and turn repentant to Allah (SWT)If he fasts the entire month of Rajab and he performs this (above) Salaat, Allah (SWT) will give him salvation from the Hell Fire, make Wajib (obligatory) for him, His Paradise and bestow His Nearness upon him. Hazrat Jibril (Gabriel) informed me “O Muhammad this is the sign between you and the Mushrikeen (Polytheists) and the Munafiqun (Hypocrites) because the Munafiq does not perform this Salaat.”

Read more about the month of Rejab here:

1. http://www.ezsoftech.com/islamic/07.asp
2. http://www.ashtech.com.my/bulanislam/Rejab.html in Bahasa Melayu. (my mother tongue)

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Yesterday, I had a religion class at my surau in SS18 and the imam taught us about Surah Al-Fath (meaning “Victory”). Let me give some summary here. I think it is a good idea in this bright Monday morning I share a motivational post for us to start our day, especially to muslim friends.

It is a 48th surah of the Holy Quran in order. Al-Fath takes its name from the word Fath meaning “Victory”. The surah was revealed in Medina, Saudi Arabia on Muhammad (peace be upon him), which occurs several times, and refers, not to the conquest of Mecca but to the truce of Al-Hudaibiyah, which, though at the time it seemed a setback to the Muslims, proved in fact the greatest victory for Al-Islam.

Now I would like you to listen to this beautiful recital of this surah by Ibrahim Aljibreen

The Full text translation of Surah Al-Fath is here.Since this surah is for victory, all muslims are encourage to recite this surah every day after dawn prayer to seek baraqah or blessings from All Mighty ALLAH. Preferably before you observe your Ish’raq prayer at about 7:10am and of course before you go out to work.

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