Signs Before The Day of Judgement - Part 2

The Greater Signs of the Hour

After the lesser signs of the Hour appear and increase, mankind will have reached a stage of great suffering. Then the awaited Mahdi will appear; he is the first of the greater, and clear, signs of the Hour. There will be no doubt about his existence, but this will only be clear to the knowledgeable people. The Mahdi will rule until the False Messiah (al-Maseeh ad-Dajjaal) appears, who will spread oppression and corruption. The only ones who will know him well and avoid his evil will be those who have great knowledge and Eemaan (faith).

The false Messiah will remain for a while, destroying mankind completely, and the earth will witness the greatest Fitnah (tribulation) in its history. Then the Messiah Jesus (a.s.) will descend, bringing justice from heaven. He will kill the Dajjaal, and there will be years of safety and security. Then the appearance of Ya'jooj and Ma'jooj (Gog and Magog) will take mankind by surprise, and corruption will overtake them again. In answer to Jesus' faithful prayer to Allaah (s.w.t.), they will die, and safety, security, justice and stability will return. This state of affairs will continue for some years, until the death of Jesus. The Ulamaa differ concerning the order in which the other greater signs of the Hour will come about. They are:

• The destruction of the Ka'bah and the recovery of its treasure.

• The rising of the sun from the west.

• The emergence of the Beast from the earth.

• The smoke.

• A wind will take the souls of the believers.

• The Qur'aan will be taken up into heaven.

• A fire will drive the people to their last gathering place.

• The Trumpet will be sounded: at the first sound everyone will feel terror; at the second sound all will be struck down; at the last sound all will be resurrected.

(from The Signs Before The Day of Judgement by Ibn Kathir)


Imam Mahdi, The Dajjal, Prophet Isa (Jesus) pbuh, Yajooj and Majooj

Please see:

  Imam Mahdi, The Dajjal, Prophet Isa (Jesus pbuh) and Yajooj and Majooj (Gog and Magog)

 Hadith regarding the sighting of the Dajjal


After Gog and Magog what?

Jesus Christ (as) will live on after the death of Yajooj-Majooj. He will die afterwards and be buried alongside the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) His Khalifah or successor will rule with great justice and piety. Several rulers will follow and slowly and gradually corruption and evil will creep in again.

Atheism and ignorance will prevail the earth again. (adapted from 'Islam, Jesus, Mehdi, Qadyanis and Doomsday' by Prof. Mohammad Abdullah)


Three Major Landslides or Swallowing of the Earth

Huthafah ibn Asad (r.a.) said, "The Prophet (s.a.w.), came over us as we were studying among ourselves (knowledge pertaining to) the Hour. He said, 'What are you discussing?' We said, 'We are mentioning (affairs pertaining to) the Hour.' He said, 'Indeed it will not come until you see ten signs: The smoke, the Dajjaal, the beast, the rising of the sun from the West, the descending of 'Eesa ibn Maryam, Yajooj and Majooj, three Khusoof (plural of Khasf, the swallowing of the earth and all that is on it) — the Khasf of the East, the Khasf of the West, and the Khasf of the Arabian Peninsula — and the last of them is a fire that will emerge from the East and that will steer people to their place of gathering." (Ahmad)

Here is another hadith mentioning Khasf:

Abdullah ibn 'Amr (r.a.) related that he heard the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) say, "When you see that my nation dreads saying to the oppressor, 'Indeed you are an oppressor,' then they have taken their leave (i.e. their existence and non-existence amounts to the same thing)." (Ahmad)

And the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) said, "There will be Qadfh (heavy winds with stones flying), Khasf (swallowing of the earth with those on it), and Maskh (transformation of people into animals)."

The Smoke That Will Occur Before The Day Of Resurrection

Allah s.w.t. said:

"Then wait you for the Day when the sky will bring forth a visible smoke. Covering the people, this is a painful torment. (They will say): "Our Lord! Remove the torment from us, really we shall become believers!" How can there be for them an admonition (at the time when the torment has reached them), when a Messenger explaining things clearly has already come to them. Then they had turned away from (Messenger Muhammad ) and said: "One (Muhammad s.a.w.) taught (by a human being), a madman!" Verily, We shall remove the torment for a while. Verily! You will revert. On the Day when We shall seize you with the greatest grasp. Verily, We will exact retribution." (Qur'an 44:10-16.)

The apparent meaning of the Qur'an indicates the existence of Smoke from the sky that will envelop and cover the people.  According to a hadith, a thick fog or smoke will envelope the skies for 40 days. Believers will develop a cold and the infidels will lapse into unconsciousness. After a while, the skies will clear up.

The Night of Three Nights and the Rising of the Sun in the West

A night will come in the month of zill Hajj (sometime after Eidul Adha) which will be too long (unusually so). People and animals will become restless. Adults and children will be overtaken with extreme anxiety and they will repent. This night will end after a length of three nights. 

After the previous event, (the night of three nights) the Sun will finally arise but instead of from the usual east it will rise from the west and its rays will be extremely dull. When it reaches the Meridian it will return and set in the West as usual. At this time no repentance will be accepted. No sins will be forgiven. Nobody can become a Muslim or believer now. It is the end of Taubah. Before this event, there was Taubah (Muslim)
Allah (s.w.t.) says in the Holy Qur'an

"Do they then wait for anything other than that the angels should come to them, or that your Lord should come, or that some of the Signs of your Lord should come (i.e. portents of the Hour e.g., arising of the sun from the west! The day that some of the Signs of your Lord do come, no good will it do to a person to believe then, if he believed not before, nor earned good (by performing deeds of righteousness) through his Faith. Say: "Wait you! We (too) are waiting" (Qur'an 6:158)

Abu Hurairah (r.a) related that the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) said, "The Hour will not arrive until the sun rises from its West. When it rises (from its west) and when the people will see it, they will all believe, and that is when no good will it do to a person to believe then (if he believed not before)." The Prophet then recited the above mentioned Verse. (Bukhari) Muslim related the same, but through a different chain.

Abu Dharr (r.a.) said, "The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) said to me, 'Do you know where this sun goes when it sets?' I said, 'No.' He said, 'It goes and then prostrates underneath the 'Arsh (Throne). Then it asks permission (to rise from the east). The time draws near when it will be said to it, 'Return from whence you came (i.e. rise from the west). And that is when no good will it do to a person to believe then, if he believed not before, nor earned good (by performing deeds of righteousness) through his faith. — (Bukhari and Muslim)

'Abdullah ibn 'Amr (r.a.) said, "I memorized from the Messenger of Allah his saying, "Indeed the first of the Signs to come out is the rising of the sun from its west and the coming out of the Beast upon the people in the morning — whichever of the two precedes the other, then the other will follow shortly thereafter." (Muslim, Abu Daawood, and Ibn Maajah)

Even Until The Sun Rises From Its West, There Will Still Be Muslims Who Will Stand In The Night, Worshipping Allah

'Abdullah ibn Abee Aouf (r.a.) related that he heard the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) say, "There will come upon the people a night that is equivalent to three of these nights of yours. When that happens, those who are praying voluntary prayers will know. One of them will stand and pray his Ahzub (portion that he normally recites), and then he will sleep. Then he will wake up, stand, read his Ahzub, and then sleep (again). While they are upon that state, some people will shout out to one another, saying, "What is this?" Frightened, they will hurry to the Masjids. Upon them the sun will rise until it is in the middle of the sky; it will return and rise from its place of rising. At that juncture no good will it do to a person to believe (if he believed not before)." (Related by Al-Haafiz Abu Bakr ibn Mirdawai, in his Tafseer)


The Emergence of the Beast from the Earth

The next day (after the previous event) while people will be talking about it, there will be an eathquake in mount Safa in Mecca causing a split in the ground, a very strange looking animal (beast) will emerge from the crack (in the ground). It will be very strange in appearance, and extremely huge; one cannot even imagine what it will look like. It will emerge from the earth and shake the dust from its head. It will have with it the ring of Solomon and the rod of Moses. People will be terrified of it and will try to run away, but they will not be able to escape, because such will be the decree of Allaah. It will destroy the nose of every unbeliever with the rod, and write the word "Kaafir" on his forehead; it will adorn the face of every believer and write the word "Mu'min" (true believer) on his forehead, and it will speak to people.

Allah (s.w.t.) said:

"And when the Word is fulfilled against them (the unjust), We shall produce from the earth a Beast to (face) them: it will speak to them..." [an-Naml (27):82]

Ibn 'Abbaas, al-Hasan and Qataadah (r.a.) said that "It will speak to them" (tukallimuhum) means that it will address them. Ibn Jareer suggested that it means that the Beast will address them with the words "...for that mankind did not believe with assurance in Our Signs..." [an-Naml (27):82 - latter part of the Ayah] Ibn Jareer reported this from 'Alee and 'Ata'. It was reported from Ibn 'Abbaas that tukallimuhum means that the Beast will cut them, i.e., it will write the word "Kaafir" on the forehead of the unbeliever. It was also reported from Ibn 'Abbaas that he will both address them and cut them; this suggestion incorporates both of the previous suggestions; and Allaah knows best. 

Bareedah (r.a.) said, "The Prophet (s.a.w.) took me to a place in the desert, near Makkah. It was a dry piece of land surrounded by sand. The Prophet (s.a.w.) said, 'The Beast will emerge from this place.' It was a very small area." (Ibn Maajah) 

It was reported from Abu Hurairah (r.a.) that the Prophet (s.a.w.) said, "The Beast of the Earth will emerge, and will have with it the rod of Moses and the ring of Solomon." It was also reported that he said, "(The Beast) will destroy the noses of the unbelievers with the ring, - so that people seated around one table will begin to address one another with the words "O Believer!" or "O Unbeliever!" (i.e. everyone's status will become clear) (Ibn Maajah)

'Abdullah ibn Buraidah (r.a.) said, "The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) took me to a place in the desert, near to Makkah. It was a dry land, and around it was sand. The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) said, 'The Beast will come out from this place...' Ibn 'Abbaas (r.a.) said, "It is a beast with short, soft hair; it has four legs and will come out from some of the valleys of Tuhaamah." (Related by 'Abdur-Razzaaq Al-Mu'ammir)

'Atiyyah related that 'Abdullah said, "The Beast will come out from the side of As-Safaa, coming out like the running of a horse — three days and two-thirds of it will not have come out." 'Abdullah ibn 'Amr (r.a.) said, "The Beast will come out from underneath a rock. It will face the East, and give out a shriek that will pierce through it. Then it will face the West, and give out a shriek that will pierce through it. Next, it will face Yemen and give out a shriek that will pierce through it. Then it will go from Makkah until it reaches 'Afsaan." It was said to him, "And then what?" He said, "I do not know." It is also related from him that he said, "The Beast will come out from underneath As-Sudoom  (Sodom) — i.e. the city of Prophet Lut's (a.s.) people." All of these sayings are in conflict with one another, and Allah (s.w.t.) knows best.

It is related from Abu Tufail that he said, "The Beast will come out from As-Safaa or Al-Marwaa." (Related by Al-Baihaqee) Abu Maryam related that he heard Abu Hurairah (r.a.) say, "Indeed the Beast has in it every color; between its two horns is the distance of a league for a rider." It is related from 'Alee ibn Abee Taalib (r.a.), that he said, "Indeed it is a beast that has a head. It has short, soft hair as well as hoofs. It also has a tail and a beard. It will come out with the speed of a racing horse for three (days perhaps?) and not even two-thirds of it will have come out." (Related by Ibn Abee Haatim)

(from 'Book of the End' by Ibn Kathir)


The Breeze from the South


There will blow an extremely fresh and fragrant breeze from the south causing a slight pain in the armpits of believers, who will all eventually die (in order of piety: pious ones first, then the sinners) until at last Doomsday will come on infidels only.

In part of a long hadith narrated by An-Nawaas Ibn Sam'aan (r.a.) Allah's Messenger (s.a.w.) said:
".....Allah will send a good wind, which will every believer and every Muslim. The most evil of people will remain, and they will engage in sexual intercourse out in the open as donkeys do: upon them the Hour will come to pass." (Muslim)


The Destruction of the Ka'bah

'Abdullah ibn 'Amr (r.a.) related that he heard the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) say, "Dhu As-Suwaiqatain, who is from Habasha (Ethiopia), will destroy the Ka'bah; he will steal its jewels and remove from it its covering. It is as if I am looking at him - Usaili'an (one who has a receding hairline or who is bald), Ufaidi'an (having crooked joints). He will strike it with his Masaahiyah (a steel shovel) and his Mai'wal (a huge axe that is used to pierce through rocks)." (Ahmad) This chain is good and strong.

'Abdullah ibn 'Amr (r.a.) related that the Prophet (s.a.w.) said, "Leave Habasha (Ethiopia) alone so long as they leave you alone, for none shall remove the treasure of the Ka'bah except for Dhu As-Suwaiqatain, who is from Habasha." (Abu Daawood)

Ibn 'Abbaas (r.a.) related that the Prophet (s.a.w.) said, "It is as if I am looking at him — (he is) black and bowlegged. He will tear it (i.e. the Ka'bah) down, stone by stone." (Ahmad)

The Great Fire

This is the final sign of the Doomsday. A huge fire will break out in Yemen from which the people will flee and it will follow the closely until they are all driven towards Syria. After this, the fire will disappear.     

Huthafah ibn Asad (r.a.) said, "The Prophet (s.a.w.), came over us as we were studying among ourselves (knowledge pertaining to) the Hour. He said, 'What are you discussing?' We said, 'We are mentioning (affairs pertaining to) the Hour.' He said, 'Indeed it will not come until you see ten signs: The smoke, the Dajjaal, the beast, the rising of the sun from the West, the descending of 'Eesa ibn Maryam, Yajooj and Majooj, three Khusoof (plural of Khasf, the swallowing of the earth and all that is on it) — the Khasf of the East, the Khasf of the West, and the Khasf of the Arabian Peninsula — and the last of them is a fire that will emerge from the East and that will steer people to their place of gathering." (Ahmad)

The following is related from Ibn Shuraihah Al-Ghaffaaree: "And a fire that will come out from the floor of 'Adan (a famous city in Yemen); it will steer or gather the people; it will spend the night with them wherever they spend the night, and it will be with them in the day wherever they take their day-nap." Sho'bah said, "A man from Abu At-Tufail related this Hadeeth to me from Abu Shuraihah, who did not impute it to the Prophet ."

Narrated Abu Huraira (r.a.): The Prophet (s.a.w.) said, "The people will be gathered in three ways: (The first way will be of) those who will wish or have a hope (for Paradise) and will have a fear (of punishment), (The second batch will be those who will gather) riding two on a camel or three on a camel or ten on a camel. (The third batch) the rest of the people will be urged to gather by the Fire which will accompany them at the time of their afternoon nap and stay with them where they will spend the night, and will be with them in the morning wherever they may be then, and will be with them in the afternoon wherever they may be then." (Bukhari Book #76, Hadith #529)

Abdullah ibn 'Umar (r.a.) said, "I heard the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) say, 'Indeed there will be Hijrah (migration) after Hijrah, people will betake themselves to the place of Ibraaheem's migration. None shall remain on earth except for its most evil inhabitants. Their lands will expel them, and the fire will gather them with the apes and pigs. It will spend the night with them wherever it is they spend the night, and it will spend the day with them wherever it is they take their day nap. And it will eat those who remain behind."' (Ahmad)


to be continued inshaAllah...

see also:

Signs Before The Day of Judgement - Part 1

"There is no part in Islaam for the person who does not perform his salaah"

Hadhrat Abu Maleeh reports that he heard Hadhrat Umar (r.a.) say from the pulpit, "There can be no Islaam in the person who does not perform salaah.,,
(Ibn Sa'd, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal vol.4 Pg.180).

Hadhrat Umar (r.a.) is Roused from his Coma with the Announcement of Salaah

Hadhrat Miswar bin Makhramah (r.a.) reports, I went to see Umar (r.a.) when he was covered in a sheet (and still in a coma after he had been attacked). 'How is he?' I asked. 'Just as you see him (he has not yet roused from his coma),' the others replied. I then said, 'Rouse him with salaah because there is nothing as effective in rousing him as salaah.' The others then called out, 'Salaah, 0 Ameerul Mu'mineen!' 'What!' Hadhrat Umar (r.a.) said with a start, 'By Allaah! I will then have to perform it. There is no part in Islaam for the person who does not perform his salaah.' He then performed his salaah even though blood was flowing from his wound."
Tabraani, reporting from reliable sources as confirmed by Haythami (Vol. I Pg.295).

Another narration from Hadhrat Miswar (r.a.) states that after Hadhrat Umar (r.a.) was stabbed, he fell into a coma. Someone said, "If he is still alive, you will not be able to rouse him with anything more effective in jolting him than with salaah." Someone then said, "Salaah, 0 Ameerul Mu'mineen! The time for salaah has already set in!" Hadhrat Umar (r.a.) regained consciousness and said, ''What! Salaah!? By Allaah! I will then have to perform it. There is no part in Islaam for the person who does not perform his salaah."
Ibn Sa'd (Vol.3 Pg.350).


(From 'Hayatus Sahabah' by Maulana Muhammad Yusuf Khandhlawi)

Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) weeps in Salaah

Hadhrat Aa'isha (r.a.) says: "After spending the night, Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) would be summoned (to salaah) by Bilaal (r.a.) calling out the Adhaan. He would then get up and take a bath. I would then see the water dripping on his cheek and beard as he left for salaah, after which I would hear him weep in salaah."
Abu Ya'la, reporting from reliable sources as confirmed by Haythami (Vol.2 Pg.89).

Hadhrat Ubayd bin Umayr (r.a.) once asked Hadhrat Aa'isha (r.a.):  "Tell me what the most remarkable incident that you saw with Rasulullaah (s.a.w.)." Hadhrat Aa'isha (r.a.) was silent for awhile and then she said, "One night Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) said to me, 'Do excuse me to worship my Rabb tonight.' 'By Allaah!' I replied, 'While I love to be near you, I also love anything that pleases you.' Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) then stood up, performed wudhu and started performing salaah. He wept so much as he was sitting that his lap became wet (with tears). He then continued weeping until his beard was drenched. He had then eventually wept so much more that the ground around him became soaked. When Bilaal (r.a.) came to inform him that the time for salaah had arrived, he saw Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) weeping and asked, '0 Rasulullaah ! Why do you weep so much when Allaah has forgiven all your previous and future errors?' Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) replied, 'Should I then not be a grateful slave? A tremendous verse has been revealed to me tonight. Woe be to the person who recites it without pondering over it: (The verse is)

"Verily in the  (perfect and wonderful) creation of the heavens and the earth (and whatever is within these) and in the alternation (changing) of the night and day are signs (that show Allaah's great power) for those who have intelligence (who care to ponder). (Those who have intelligence are) They who remember Allaah while standing, sitting and lying down (they do not forget Allaah at any time), and they think about the creation of the heavens and earth (so that they may be able to see Allaah's greatness in this). (Then, amazed by Allaah's creation, they say) "Our Rabb You have not created all this without a purpose! (These things certainly display Your power and greatness and have not been created in vain). We glorify Your purity (none can ever be equal to You) so save us from the punishment of the Fire  (of Jahannam) ... " {Surah Al-Imraan, verses 190+ } 


Ibn Hibbaan, as quoted in Targheeb wat Tarheeb (Vo1.3 Pg.32).
(From 'Hayatus Sahabah' by Maulana Muhammad Yusuf Khandhlawi)

Do Not Make a Spectacle of Yourself

Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Amr (r.a.) narrates that hadhrat Umayma bint Ruqayqa (r.a.) approached to pledge her allegiance to Islaam. Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) said to her,

"I require you to pledge that you shall not ascribe any partner to Allaah, not steal, not fornicate, not kill your child, not come forth with slander which you fabricate before your two hands and legs, not wail at the death of anyone and not to make a spectacle of yourself as women made spectacles of themselves during the first Period of Ignorance."

Tabraani as appears in Majma'uz Zawaa'id (Vol.6 Pg.37). It is also narrated by Nasa'ee, Ibn Maajah, Ahmad and Tirmidhi as mentioned in the Tafseer of Ibn Katheer (Vo1.4 Pg.352).

(From 'Hayatus Sahabah' by Maulana Muhammad Yusuf Khandhlawi)

A Few Important Hadith

 The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) said "The devil continually pursues humans as a wolf pursues sheep. The wolf only dares to attack those sheep which have separated from the rest of the flock and are standing alone. And so, my followers and my devotees! Save yourselves from being caught in the traps of misguidance and firmly remain with the largest and most well known group of Muslims!" (Ahmad)

 Allah's Messenger (s.a.w.) said " Allah will never allow my Ummah to unite upon misguidance and incorrect beliefs. Allah's mercy, blessings and protection are with the largest group of Muslims. And he who deviates from this largest group of Muslims will be thrown into Hell." (Tirmidhi)

 Hudhayfah ibn al-Yaman (r.a.) said, "People used to ask the Prophet (sal-Allaahu 'alayhe wa sallam) about good things, but I used to ask him about bad things because I was afraid that they might overtake me.
 I said, 'O Messenger of Allaah, we were lost in ignorance (Jahiliyyah) and evil, then Allaah brought this good (i.e. Islaam). Will some evil come after this good thing?' He said, 'Yes' I asked, 'And will some good come after that evil?' He said, 'Yes, but it will be tainted with some evil' I asked, 'How will it be tainted?' He said, 'There will be some people who will lead others on a path different from mine.You will see good and bad in them."
 I asked, 'Will some evil come after that good?' He said, 'Some people will be standing and calling at the gates of Hell; whoever responds to their call, they will throw him into the Fire.' I said, 'O Messenger of Allaah, describe them for us.' He said, 'They will be from our own people, and will speak our language.' I asked, 'What do you advise me to do if I should live to see that?' He said, 'Stick to the main body (jamaa'ah) of the Muslims and their leader (Imaam).
 I asked, 'What if there is no main body and no leader?' He said 'Isolate yourself from all of these sects, even if you have to eat the roots of trees until death overcomes you while you are in that state.' "
(Bukhari, Kitaab al-Fitan, 9/65)

The Messenger of Allah's (s.a.w.) Advice to the Person who Complained About the Ill Treatment he received from his Relatives

Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah (r.a.) reports that a man once came to Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) complaining, "I have relatives who sever ties with me when I foster them, who behave ill towards me when I am good to them and who behave foolishly with me when I behave tolerantly with them." Rasulullaah's (s.a.w.) advice to him was, "If you are as you claim, then it is as if you are filling their mouth with burning ashes (they are harming themselves by behaving as they do). As long as you behave as you are doing, there shall remain with you an assistant (angel) from Allaah." (1)

Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Amr (r.a.) narrates that a man came to Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) saying, "0 Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) I have relatives who severe ties with me when I attempt to foster them, who oppress me when I forgive them and who are bad to me when I am good to them. Should I do to them as they do to me?" Rasulullaah's (s.a.w.) response was, "In that case, you would all be partners (in evil). You should rather adopt the better stance and continue bonding ties because as long as you behave as you are doing, there shall remain with you an assistant (angel) from Allaah." (2)
 
(1) Muslim (Vol.2 Pg.315). Bukhaari has also reported the narration in his Adab (Pg.11).
(2) Ahmad. Haythami (Vol.8 Pg.154) has commented on the chain of narrators.

(From 'Hayatus Sahabah' by Maulana Muhammad Yusuf Khandhlawi)

Mind your eyes!

Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abu Hudhayl reports that Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood (r.a.) once visited a sick person along with several other men. There happened to be a lady in the house and when one of the men started looking at her, Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood (r.a.) remarked,

 "It would be better for you if your eye had to burst!"

 Bukhaari in his Adab (Pg.78)
(From 'Hayatus Sahabah' by Maulana Muhammad Yusuf Khandhlawi)

Bravery of the Female Companions

Umme Sulaim (r.a.)

 Umme Sulaim (r.a.) was the mother of Hadhrat Anas (r.a.). After the death of her husband, she remained a widow for some time with a view to devoting herself to the proper upbringing of her son. She was then married to Hadhrat Abu Talhah (r.a.) and got a son named Abu Umair from him. The Prophet (s.a.w.) used to go to her house and play with the child.

One day, Abu Umair was ill and Hadhrat Abu Talhah (r.a.) was fasting. While Hadhrat Abu Talhah (r.a.) was out on his job, the child died. She washed and enshrouded the dead body and laid it on the cot. She then herself took a bath changed her clothes and made her toilet. When the husband returned home and had his Iftar he asked her: "How is the child?"

'She replied: "He is now in peace." He was satisfied. The couple shared the bed for the night. When they got up in the morning, they had the following conversation:

Hadhrat Umme Sulaim (r.a.): "I have a question to ask you."

Hadhrat Abu Talhah (r.a.): "What is that?"

Hadhrat Umme Sulaim (r.a.): "Suppose a person is entrusted with something. Should he deliver up on demand that which is entrusted to him or not?"

Hadhrat Abu Talhah (r.a.): "He must deliver up. He has no right to hold it back".

Hadhrat Umme Sulaim (r.a.): "Abu Umair was entrusted to us by Allah. He has taken him back."

Hadhrat Abu Talhah (r.a.) was filled with grief. He simply said: "But why did you not inform me before?"

He went to the Prophet (s.a.w.) and narrated the story to him. He prayed for him and said: "Allah is likely to bless your sharing the bed with your wife last night."

One of the Sahabah says: "I lived to see the effect of the Prophet's blessing. As a result of his union with his wife on that night, Hadhrat Abu Talhah (r.a.) got a son named Abdullah. This Abdullah had nine sons, all of whom were Qaris."

It needs much courage and patience to do what Hadhrat Umme Sulaim (r.a.) did at the death of her son. She did not like her husband to know about the death of the child while he was fasting and while he needed food and rest.

Hadhrat Safiyyah (r.a.)

Hadhrat Safiyyah (r.a.) was the aunt of the Prophet (s.a.w.) and a real sister of Hadhrat Hamzah (r.a.). She took part in the battle of Uhud. When the Muslims were defeated and some of them began to flee from the battle, she would smite their faces with her spear and excite them to go back and fight.

In the war of the Khandaq (Trench), the Prophet (s.a.w.) had collected all the Muslim women in a fortress and had deputed Hadhrat Hassaan bin Thabit (r.a.) to look after them. The Jews surrounded the place and sent one of them to find out if there were any men with the ladies. Hadhrat Safiyyah (r.a.) happened to see the Jew approaching the fort. She said to Hadhrat Hassaan (r.a.): "There is a Jew coming to spy on us. You go out and kill him."

Hadhrat Hassaan (r.a.) did not make bold to do the job. Safiyyah (r.a.) got hold of a tent peg and went outside the fortress and gave a blow on the head of the Jew that killed him on the spot. She came back and said to Hassaan:

"The man is dead. I have not removed the clothes and arms from his body for reasons of modesty. Now you go and remove everything from his body. Also bring his head after severing it from the body."

Hadhrat Hassaan (r.a.) was too weakhearted to do that even. She herself went again and brought his head, and threw it over the wall amidst the Jews. When they saw this, they said:

"We were wondering how Muhammad (s.a.w.) could keep the womenfolk alone in this fort. Surely, there are men inside to guard the ladies."

Safiyyah died in 20 A.H. at the age of seventy three. The war of the Trench was fought in 5 A.H. She was, therefore, 58 then.


(From the book 'Stories of Sahaba' by Shaikhul Hadith Maulana Muhammad Zakariyya Kaandhlawi)

The Encouragment that Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) Gave to Spend in the path of Allaah

 Hadhrat Jareer (r.a.) reports that they were once with Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) one morning when some people belonging to the Mudar tribe arrived. They were barefoot and practically naked. All they had were striped shawls or cloaks and their swords hanging from their necks. The expression on Rasulullaah's face actually changed when he saw their poverty. He then went into his room and when he emerged, he gave instructions to Hadhrat Bilaal (r.a.), who duly called out the Adhaan and then the Iqaamah. After Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) led the salaah, he addressed the people with the following verses of the Qur'aan:

"O mankind! Fear your Rabb who created you from a single soul (from Aadam), created its spouse (Hawwa) from it, and spread great numbers of men and women from the two (from Aadam and Hawwa). Fear that Allaah in Whom (in Whose name) you ask (things and take promises) from each other and (fear breaking) family ties, Verily Allaah is Watchful over you,"  {Surah Nisaa, verse 1}

"Fear Allaah and let every soul see (consider) what (good deeds) it has sent ahead for tomorrow (to be rewarded on the Day of Qiyaamah)." {Surah Hashar, verse 18}

Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) then continued to say, "A man should therefore contribute something from his Dinaars, from his Dirhams, from his clothing, from his Saa of barley, from his Saa of dates." Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) continued until he said, "Even if it be a piece of a date (Everyone ought to give something regardless of how little it is),"

An Ansaari Sahabi (r.a.) then brought a bag (of food that was so full) that he could not even carry it. Hadhrat Jaabir (r.a.) says, "The others soon followed suit until I saw two heaps of food and clothing and I saw the face of Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) gleam as if it were a piece of gold. Rasulullaah  (s.a.w.) then said, 'Whoever starts a good practice in Islaam will receive the reward for it in addition to the rewards of all those who do the same after him, without any of their rewards being diminished in the least. On the contrary, whoever starts an evil practice in Islaam will be burdened with the sin of it in addition to the sins of all those who do the same after him, without the burden of any of their sins being lightened in the least." (1)
(I) Muslim, Nasa'ee and others. as quoted in Targheeb wat Tarheeb (VoL I Pg.53)

(From 'Hayatus Sahabah' by Maulana Muhammad Yusuf Khandhlawi)

Recommended Reads

Asalaamu Alaikum

Would just like to recommed 'Fiqhul Imaam, Revised and Extended Edition' by Abdur-Rahman Ibn Yusuf, Prudence Publications.

'A Treatise on the concept of Taqleed and the Hanafi endeavour to establish the Prophetic statement:
"Perform Salaah in the manner you have observed from me." (Bukhari)

Masha'Allah this book is very interesting and gives evidences from the Hadith on the following issues:

-Reciting Behind the Imaam
-The Distance to be Kept Between the Feet in Qiyaam
-The Issue of Aameen - Explained
-Raising the Hands in Prayer
-Tawarruk or Iftirash?
-The Sunnah Rak'ats of Fajr
-The Watr Salaah
-Salaah After Asr
-Tahiyyatul Masjid During Kutbah
-Combining Two Prayers
-The Rak'ats of Taraweeh

The Messenger of Allah's (s.a.w.) sermon in which he reminded people of Alláh, the Exalted; and called to loving Him and loving each other for His Sake

Abdullah bin Masud, (r.a.) narrated, that the Messenger of Alláh (s.a.w.) taught us Khutbatul-Hajjah:
"All thanks and praises are due to Alláh, Whom we thank, seek for help and invoke for forgiveness. We seek refuge with Alláh from the evils within ourselves. He whom Alláh guides will never be misled and he whom He misguides will never find one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Alláh and that Muhamrmad is His slave and Messenger."

He would then recite three Ayat (Verses of the Qurán): "O you who believe! Fear Alláh (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining frorn all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. (Obey Hirn, be thankful to Hirn, and remember Him always.) and die not except in a state of Islam [as Muslims (with complete submission to Alláhj]." (3: 102)

"O mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, Who created you from a single person (Adam), and from him (Adam) He created his wife [Hawwa (Eve)]." (4:1)

And: "O you who believe! Keep your duty to Alláh and fear Him and speak (always) the truth. He will direct you to do righteous good deeds and will forgive you your sins. And whosoever obeys Alláh and His Messenger, he has indeed achieved a great achievement (i.e., he will be saved frorn the Hell-fire and will be adrnitted to Paradise)." (33:70,71)

Afterwards, he would rnention whatever he wanted to speak about. 
(An-Nasai 'i, vol. 6, p. 89, Ibn Mdjah, vol. 1, p. 609 and p. 661, Ahmad, vol.1, p. 350 and Ad-Darimi, who collected these words for the Hadith, vol. 2, p. 143)


Ibn Ishaq said: "The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) gave another speech in which he said:
''All thanks are due to Allah, I thank Him and seek His Aid.
We seek refuge with Allah from the evils within ourselves and the burden of our evil deeds.
He whom Allah guides will never be misled and he whom He misguides will never find one to guide him.
I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, Alone without partners.
Verily, the best speech is the Book of Allah the Exalted. He in whose heart the Qur'an is made beautiful and on its account entered Islam after being a disbeliever, who chose the Qur'an above the speech of all people, has indeed attained success.
The Qur'an is the best and most eloquent speech there is. Love those who love Allah, and love Allah from the bottom of your hearts.'' (Al-Bidayah Wan-Nihayah, vol. 3, p. 214 and AI-Baqillani in Al-I'jaz, p.110)

(The Prophet (s.a.w.) meant here that Allah 's love should encompass all parts of the heart, for in this case, one's actions will start from his heart in sincerity with Alláh)

"Do not get bored with Allahs Speech or remembering Him, nor allow your hearts to grow hard towards it. Worship Allah, associate none with Him in worship and fear Him as He should be feared. Let your tongues say the truth for Allah's Sake and love each other on guidance of Allah's love. Verily, Allah becormes angry if His Covenant is broken. May Allah's peace, blessings and mercy be upon you."

(Ibn Hisham collected this sermon in his book on the Seerah of the Prophet vol. 1, p. 501 and Ibn Kathir)    

Image from http://islamicstyle.al-habib.info/

(from 'Selected Friday Sermons' by Darussalam)

The Narration of Hadhrat Dahhaak about the fear that Hadhrat Abu Bakr (r.a.) had for Allaah

Hadhrat Dahhaak reports that Hadhrat Abu Bakr Siddeeq (r.a.) once saw a bird perched on a tree and said,

"How fortunate you are, O bird! By Allaah! I wish I had been like you.
You perch on trees, eat fruit and then fly off without (fear of) any reckoning or punishment. By Allaah! I wish that I was a shrub on the roadside that a passing camel takes into its mouth, chews and then swallows to eventually emerge as dung.
I wish I had never been a human (with worries of reckoning and punishment)."

Ibn Abi Shaybah, Hannaad and Bayhaqi
(From Hayatus Sahabah by Maulana Muhammad Yusuf Khandhlawi)

Kindness to Children

Abu Hurairah (r.a.) reported:

The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) kissed his grandson Al-Hasan bin `Ali (r.a.) in the presence of Al-Aqra` bin Habis. Thereupon he (Al-Aqra` bin Habis) remarked: "I have ten children and I have never kissed any one of them." The Messenger of Allah (Muhammad s.a.w) looked at him and said,

 "He who does not show mercy to others will not be shown mercy".

(Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim).



Once while passing by three children who were out playing, Nabi (s.a.w.) indicated towards one of them and lifted him onto his mount seating the child in front of him. He then lifted the second child and seated him behind himself on the mount. Now there remained no place on the mount so he placed his hand on the head of the third child and prayed for him. He did this thrice. (Musnad-e-Ahmed). This third child was the child of Hadhrat Jafar (r.a.)

(From the book' Nabi's love for children, his teaching and nurturing them' by Moulana Abu Talha Muhammad, Izharul Hasan Mahmood)


Allah's Messenger's (s.a.w.) love for his grand-daughter Sayyidah Umamah (r.a.)

She was the daughter of the eldest daughter of Allah's Messenger, Sayyidah Zainab (r.a.). She was greatly loved by the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) He did not like to separate from her even when offering prayers. It is stated in Sahih Bukhari that one one occasion, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) came to the mosque with the child Umamah on his shoulders. He offered his prayer with Umamah mounted  upon him. When he lowered for ruku' or for sajdah, he put the child gently down  and mounted her again on his shoulders when ruku and prostration had been done.
Bukhari Vol.1 p.741.  Zurqani Vol.3 P.255.

Once a golden necklace was recieved by the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) as a gift from Negus (Najashi of Ethiopia). Umamah was playing in the corner of the house. He said he would give it to the most beloved person. The wives of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.) thought that it would go to Sayyida Aishah (r.a.). He called Umamah near him and put the garland in her neck. Some narrations say it was a golden ring.
Tabaqat Ibn Sa'd Vol.8, P.27.

(From the book 'Biographies of the Women Companions of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.)' by Maulana Saeed Ansari Nadvi, Maulana Abdul-Salam Nadvi, Allama Syed Suleman Nadvi)

The Narration of Hadhrat Abdur Rahmaan bin Saabit and Others About the Advice that Hadhrat Abu Bakr (r.a.) gave to Hadhrat Umar (r.a.) Before his death

Hadhrat Abdur Rahmaan bin Saabit, Hadhrat Zaid bin Zubayd bin Haarith and Hadhrat Mujaahid all report that when death approached Hadhrat Abu Bakr (r.a.), he summoned Hadhrat Umar (r.a.) and said,
"Fear Allaah, 0 Umar!
Take note that Allaah has some acts (owing to Him) during the night that He does not accept during the day and some acts (owing to Him) during the day that He does not accept during the night. Also note that Allaah does not accept Nafl acts until the Faraa'idh are fulfilled.
The scales of those with heavy scales on the Day of Qiyaamah have only become heavy because they have always followed the truth in this world and have had high regard for it. It is also the right of a scale in which the truth is placed tomorrow that it should weigh heavily. On the other hand, the scales of those with light scales on the Day of Qiyaamah have only become light because they have always followed falsehood in this world and have made light of it. It is also the right of a scale in which falsehood is placed tomorrow that it should weigh lightly.
Where Allaah has made mention of the people of Jannah, He has mentioned the best of their deeds and overlooked their sins. Whenever I think of them, I say, 'I fear that I may never join them.' Wherever Allaah has also made mention of the people of Jahannam, He has mentioned them by the worst of their actions and rejected their good deeds. Whenever I think of them, I say, 'I fear that I may be from amongst them.'
Allaah has mentioned verses of mercy and verses of punishment so that Allaah's servant should become hopeful (of Allah's mercy) and fearful (of His punishment). Never entertain false hopes in Allaah (by continuing with sin in the hope that you would be forgiven) but also never lose hope in Allaah's mercy. Never throw yourself into destruction by the doings of your own hands.
If you remember this advice of mine, there will never be an unseen thing more beloved to you than death, which will certainly come to you. However, if you put it to waste, there will never be an unseen thing more hated to you than death, which you will never be able to escape." 
Ibn Mubaarak, Ibn Abi Shaybah, Hannaad, Ib'n Jareer and Abu Nu'aym in his Hilya, as quoted in Muntakhab Kanzul Ummaal (Vol4 Pg.363).

(From Hayatus Sahabah by Maulana Muhammad Yusuf Khandhlawi)

Hadhrat Abu Bakr (r.a.), Hadhrat Umar (r.a.) And An Old Blind Lady

Hadhrat Abu Saalih Ghifaari narrates that there was an extremely old blind lady living on the outskirts of Madinah whom Hadhrat Umar (r.a.) used to regularly visit at night. He would go there to fetch water for her (from the well) and do other chores for her. However, whenever he got to her, he would find that someone else had beat him there and had already seen to her needs. He went to her many times only to find that he was not the first to get there. (One day) he sat in wait for the person (who always beat him) and found that the person was Hadhrat Abu Bakr (r.a.).
Hadhrat Abu Bakr (r.a.) would tend to the old lady even though he was the Khalifah. Hadhrat Umar (r.a.) exclaimed, "By my life! It could only be you!"
Khateeb. as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal (Vol.4 Pg.347).

Hadhrat Awzaa'ee reports that Hadhrat Talha (r.a.) once spotted Hadhrat Umar (r.a.) coming out (of his house) late at night. Hadhrat Umar (r.a.) entered a house and then another house. The following morning, Hadhrat Talha (r.a.) went to the house, where he found an old woman who was blind and crippled. Hadhrat Talha (r.a.) asked her, 'Why does that man come to you?" She then informed Hadhrat Talha (r.a.) that Hadhrat Umar (r.a.) had been frequently coming to her for many years to see to her needs and remove all the filth from her house. Hadhrat Talha (r.a.) then said to himself, "Shame on you, 0 Talha! Were you searching for faults in Umar?"
Abu Nu'aym in his Hilya (Vol.1 Pg.48).


(From Hayatus Sahabah by Maulana Muhammad Yusuf Khandhlawi)

50 Daily Prayers

 Allah (s.w.t.) says in the Holy Qur'an

"And I (Allâh) created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone)."           (Holy Qur'an 51:56) 

When I read this verse of the Qur'an, I remember the hadith in Bukhari about the night of Al-Isra' wal Miraj (The Messenger of Allah's  (s.a.w.) journey to the Heavens). In this hadith Allah (s.w.t.) commanded the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) to tell the Muslims to pray 50 times a day. The story of this is in the following hadith and I have put two videos below which are very interesting and informative. These videos go into more detail about Al-Isra' wal Miraj and the prayers.

Here is part of the hadith:

Narrated Anas bin Malik (r.a.)

".....Among the things which Allah revealed to him then, was: "Fifty prayers were enjoined on his followers in a day and a night."

Then the Prophet descended till he met Moses, and then Moses stopped him and asked, "O Muhammad ! What did your Lord enjoin upon you?" The Prophet replied," He enjoined upon me to perform fifty prayers in a day and a night." Moses said, "Your followers cannot do that; Go back so that your Lord may reduce it for you and for them." So the Prophet turned to Gabriel as if he wanted to consult him about that issue. Gabriel told him of his opinion, saying, "Yes, if you wish." So Gabriel ascended with him to the Irresistible and said while he was in his place, "O Lord, please lighten our burden as my followers cannot do that." So Allah deducted for him ten prayers where upon he returned to Moses who stopped him again and kept on sending him back to his Lord till the enjoined prayers were reduced to only five prayers.

Then Moses stopped him when the prayers had been reduced to five and said, "O Muhammad! By Allah, I tried to persuade my nation, Bani Israel to do less than this, but they could not do it and gave it up. However, your followers are weaker in body, heart, sight and hearing, so return to your Lord so that He may lighten your burden."

The Prophet turned towards Gabriel for advice and Gabriel did not disapprove of that. So he ascended with him for the fifth time. The Prophet said, "O Lord, my followers are weak in their bodies, hearts, hearing and constitution, so lighten our burden." On that the Irresistible said, "O Muhammad!" the Prophet replied, "Labbaik and Sa'daik." Allah said, "The Word that comes from Me does not change, so it will be as I enjoined on you in the Mother of the Book." Allah added, "Every good deed will be rewarded as ten times so it is fifty (prayers) in the Mother of the Book (in reward) but you are to perform only five (in practice)."

The Prophet returned to Moses who asked, "What have you done?" He said, "He has lightened our burden: He has given us for every good deed a tenfold reward." Moses said, "By Allah! I tried to make Bani Israel observe less than that, but they gave it up. So go back to your Lord that He may lighten your burden further." Allah's Apostle said, "O Moses! By Allah, I feel shy of returning too many times to my Lord." On that Gabriel said, "Descend in Allah's Name." The Prophet then woke while he was in the Sacred Mosque (at Mecca). " 
                                                                                                                      (Sahih Bukhari   9 : 93 : 608)

The Story of Hadhrat Ka'b bin Maalik (r.a.)

Hadhrat Ka'b bin Maalik (r.a.) says, "Besides the military expedition to Tabook, I did not miss a single military expedition in which Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) participated. Of course, I did miss the Battle of Badr, but no one was reprimanded for missing that expedition because Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) had only intended to intercept a caravan of the Quraysh, after which Allaah brought the Muslims and their enemy together without any prearrangement. I was present on the night that the Pledge of Aqaba took place with Rasulullah (s.a.w.) this was the night that we pledged our allegiance to Islaam. I would not like to exchange that night for being at the Battle of Badr even though the Battle of Badr is more popularly spoken about amongst people. This is my story:

I was never more healthier or more financially prosperous than the time when I missed the (Tabook) expedition with Rasulullah (s.a.w.) I had never before owned two animals as I had at the time of the expedition. Until this expedition took place, it was always the practice of Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) to conceal the destination and make it seem that he was heading in a different direction. When Rasulullah (s.a.w.) intended to march on this expedition, the heat was extreme, the journey was long and across barren land and the enemy were large in number. Rasulullah (s.a.w.) therefore disclosed the matter to the Muslims so that they could make proper preparations for the expedition. He informed the Muslims exactly where he intended marching.

The Muslims marching with Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) were so many that a single register could not contain their names. In fact, anyone who intended absenting himself knew that his absence would not be noted unless Allaah sent revelation about it. Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) left on this expedition at a time when the date crop and the shade was most appealing (because the dates were ripe for the picking and the intense heat drew everyone towards the shade). However, the Muslims started their preparations along with Rasulullaah (s.a.w.). Each morning I left to start my preparations with the other Muslims but returned home every time without doing anything, telling myself that I have the means to prepare (and can even do so at short notice). This procrastination continued until others had prepared in earnest and the morning arrived when  Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) marched with the Muslims. By then I had still not yet made any preparations but told myself that I would get ready in a day or two and then catch up with them. After they had left, I started the morning with the intention of making preparations, but returned home without accomplishing anything. The next morning was the same and again I returned home without accomplishing anything. This continued happening to me and the Muslims marched very fast until every chance of catching up with the expedition was lost. I had a firm resolve to ride out to meet them and wish that I had. However, I was never destined to do so.

When I walked amongst the people after Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) had left, it saddened me greatly to see only people whose hearts were tainted by hypocrisy or ailing people whom Allaah had excused (staying behind). Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) made no mention of me until the Muslims had reached Tabook. As he was sitting amongst the others at Tabook, he asked, 'What has happened to Ka'b?' Someone from the Banu Salma tribe commented, '0 Rasulullaah! His fine clothing (wealth) has obstructed him.' Hadhrat Mu'aadh bin Jabal (r.a.) interjected by saying, 'You have made a terrible statement!, 0 Rasulullaah! I swear by Allaah that we only know him to be an excellent person.' Rasulullah (s.a.w.) remained silent."

Hadhrat Ka'b bin Maalik (r.a.) continues to narrate, "When the news reached me that Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) was returning, I became worried and started thinking of false excuses. I asked myself what I could do to avert the anger of Rasulullah (s.a.w.) and I also sought advice from every wise person of my family. When the news arrived that Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) was about arriving, all false excuses vanished from my mind and I knew that I could never come out of the situation with anything connected to lies. I therefore resolved to tell Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) the truth.

Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) arrived and according to his normal practice after returning from a journey, he proceeded to the Masjid where he performed two Rakaahs of salaah. He then sat to meet with people. As Rasulullah (s.aw.) did this, those who stayed behind started approaching him and to present their excuses. They numbered eighty odd men and even took oaths before Rasulullah (s.a.w.) (to substantiate their excuses). Rasulullah (s.a.w.) accepted their excuses at face value, renewed their pledges of allegiance and sought Allaah's forgiveness on their behalf. He then handed over the inner details of their affairs to Allaah.

When I approached Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) and greeted him with Salaam, he smiled the smile of an angry person and said, 'Do come forward.' I walked to him and sat in front of him. He asked, 'What kept you behind? Had you not already purchased your conveyance?' I responded by saying, 'That's true. By Allaah! Had I been sitting before someone other than you from amongst worldly men, I would have certainly escaped your anger by making some excuse because I have been given the ability to present convincing arguments. However, I swear by Allaah that if I lie to you today and manage to secure your pleasure, the time will soon come when Allaah shall make you angry with me. On the other hand, if I tell you the truth and you become angry with me, I have strong hopes of Allaah's forgiveness. I swear by Allaah that I really had no excuse. By Allaah! I was never more healthier or more financially prosperous than the time when I missed the expedition.' Rasulullah (s.a.w.) said , 'At least this man had spoken the truth. You may leave (and wait) until Allaah decides your matter.'

As I stood up, some men from the Banu Salma tribe (to which I belonged) also stood up and followed me. They said to me, 'By Allaah! We have never known you to commit a sin before this! Could you not make an excuse like the others who stayed behind had made excuses? The forgiveness that Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) would
 have sought on your behalf should have then sufficed for our sin.' They kept scolding me in this manner so much that I actually made up my mind to return to Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) and deny whatever I had told him. I then asked them, 'Has anyone else experienced the same treatment as I have?' They replied, 'Yes. The others said what you did and received the same reply you received.' 'Who are they?' I asked. 'Muraarah bin Rabee Amri and Hilaal bin Umayyah Waaqifl,' came the reply. The two men they named were two righteous men who had participated in the Battle of Badr and who made excellent examples to follow. I therefore went on my way when they mentioned these two names to me.

Rasulullaah (s.a.w) subsequently prevented people from speaking only to the three of us as opposed to the others who had missed the expedition. People avoided us and ignored us so much so that even the earth seemed like a different place to me. It was not the same place I had been used to. We remained in this condition for fifty days. My two companions became helpless and confined themselves to their homes, weeping excessively. Since I was the youngest and most daring of us, I used to go out and join the Muslims for salaah. I even walked about in the marketplace but no one spoke to me. When Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) sat in gatherings after salaah, I would approach him and greet him with Salaam. I would then ask myself whether his lips moved in reply to my Salaam or not. I also performed salaah close to Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) and steal a glance at him. I noticed that whenever I was engaged in salaah, he looked at me and would avert his glance as soon as I turned towards him.

The time eventually arrived when the attitude of the people became too much to bear, I walked to the orchard of Abu Qataadah and scaled the wall. He was my cousin and my best friend. I swear by Allaah that he did not even reply to my Salaam when 1 greeted him. I protested by saying, 'O Abu Qataadah! I ask you in the name of Allaah to tell me whether I have love for Allaah and His Rasool (s.a.w.)? ' When he gave no reply, I repeated the question and again asked in the name of Allaah. He remained silent. Yet again, I repeated myself and took the name of Allaah. All he said was, 'Allaah and Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) know best.' My eyes welled with tears and I turned around to again scale the wall."

Continuing with the story, Hadhrat Ka'b (r.a.) says, "As I was walking in the marketplace one day, I heard the voice of a farmer from the farmers of Shaam who had come to Madinah to sell his grains. He was announcing, 'Who will show me where is Ka'b bin Maalik?' As the people pointed him in my direction, he handed over to me a letter from the king of Ghassaan (wrapped in a silken cloth).

The letter read:

'The news has reached me that your master is being harsh towards you. Allaah has not made you a lowly and ruined person. Join forces with us and we shall honour you.'

After reading the letter, I said to myself, 'This is part of the test.' I then went to an oven where I burnt the letter. when forty of the fifty days had passed, a messenger of Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) suddenly came to me with the message that  I was to separate from my wife. 'Should I divorce her?' I asked. 'No,' he replied, 'Just be separated from her and do not go near her.' The same message was sent to my two companions. I then said to my wife, 'Go to your family and stay with them until Allaah decides this matter.'

The wife of Hadhrat Hilaal bin Umayyah (r.a.) approached Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) and pleaded, '0 Rasulullaah! Hilaal bin Umayyah is an extremely old and helpless man who has no servant. Would you object if I serve him?' 'No,' replied Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) Just ensure that he has no intimate relations with you.' She commented, 'By Allaah! He has no inclination to do anything. By Allaah! He has wept continuously since this affair started and continues to do so."'

Hadhrat Ka'b (r.a.) continues, "Some of my family members advised me to also request that my wife stays to serve me as Hilaal bin Umayyah (r.a.) had requested permission. I told them that I would never seek such permission from Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) for I do not know what reply Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) would give me as a young man (who can care for himself). I then remained in this condition (without my wife) for ten days until full fifty nights had passed since Rasulullaah banned others from speaking to us.

After performing the Fajr salaah on the morning of the fiftieth night, I was still on the roof of my house and sitting there in the condition. that Allaah describes in the Qur'aan (in verse 118 of Surah Taubah); the earth had narrowed for me despite its vastness (I could find no place to hide myself) and my own soul had narrowed for me (I had become frustrated with myself). It was then that I heard the voice of a caller who had climbed to the top of Mount Sala. He announced at the top of his voice, 'Rejoice, 0 Ka'b!' I immediately fell prostrate in Sajdah for I knew that relief had arrived.

Afer performing the Fajr salaah, Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) had announced to the people that Allaah had accepted our repentance. Many people came to congratulate us and went to congratulate my two companions. As someone (Hadhrat Zubayr bin Awaam -) spurred his horse to reach me, a man from the Banu Aslam (Hadhrat Hamzah bin Amr Aslami (r.a.)) tribe rushed to climb the hill and his voice was faster than the horse. When the person whose voice I had heard came to me, I took off the two sheets of cloth I was wearing and gave them to him (in thanks) for the good news he had given me. I swear by Allaah that I had no other clothes besides this at the time. I therefore borrowed some clothes and went to Rasulullaah (s.a.w.).  Droves of people came to congratulate me on my repentance saying, 'Congratulations! Allaah has accepted your repentance.'

When I eventually reached the Masjid, Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) was sitting there surrounded by people. It was Talha bin Ubaydillaah (r.a.) who stood up and rushed towards me to shake my hands and to congratulate me. By Allaah! No other person from amoligst the Muhaajireen stood up to receive me. I shall never forget this gesture of Talha (r.a.). I then greeted Rasulullaah (s.a.w.). With his face beaming with delight, Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) said, 'Rejoice about the best day that has passed you since the day you were born. I asked, 'Is this from your side, O Rasulullaah or from Allaah?' Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) replied, 'It is from Allaah's side.' Whenever Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) was happy, his face would shine and appear to be a portion of the moon. We would therefore always recognise when he was happy. When I sat in front of Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) I said, 'O Rasulullaah (s.a.w.)! As part of my Taubah, I wish to give all my wealth as Sadaqah for the pleasure of Allaah and His Rasool.' Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) advised, 'It would be best if you keep some of your wealth for yourself.' 'I shall then keep my allotted piece of land in Khaybar,' I said. I added, 'O Rasulullaah! Allaah has saved me because of the truth I spoke and as part of my repentance, I shall speak only the truth as long as I live.'

By Allaah! I do not know of any Muslim whom Allaah had given a better reward than Allaah had given me from the time I spoke the truth to Rasulullaah (s.a.w.). From the time I mentioned this to, Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) I have not spoken any lies up to this day and hope that Allaah protects me from it as long as I remain alive.

Allaah has revealed the following verse to Rasulullaah (s.a.w.)

'Allaah has certainly turned in mercy towards the Nabi (s.a.w.) and towards the Muhaajireen and the Ansaar who followed him in the hour of difficulty (to Tabook) after the hearts of some of them were almost shaken (causing them to hesitate). Without doubt, He is Most Compassionate and Most Merciful towards them (by blessing them with steadhstness and devotion). And Allaah (has also turned in mercy to wards) the three (Sahaaba, namely Muraarah bin Rabee (r.a.), Kab bin Maalik (r.a.) and Hilaal bin Umayyah (r.a.)) whose matter (forgiveness for not marching to Tabook) was postponed (for fifty days) until the earth narrowed for them despite its vastness (and they could find no place to hide themselves), their own souls narrowed for them (they became frustrated with themselves) and they were convinced that there was no safety from Allaah except (in turning) towards Him. Then Allaah turned towards them (in mercy) so that they (could) turn to Him (in repentance). Indeed Allaah is Most Pardoning, Most Merciful. Oyou who have Imaan! Fear (the punishment of Allaah (by doing good and abstaining from sin) and stay (associate) with the truthful.' {Surah Taubah, verses 117-119}

I swear by Allaah that after guiding me to Islaam, Allaah has not granted me a greater blessing than making me speak the truth to Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) rather than lying, thereby causing me to be destroyed like those who had lied. When Allaah sent revelation, he used the worst of terms for those who had lied than for anyone else. Allaah states:

'When you (0 Rasulullaah) return to them (the Munaafiqeen) shortly (in Madinah) they will swear before you by Allaah (that they had valid reasons for not accompanyingyou), so that you may leave them alone (and do not admonish them). Pay no attention to them! They (their beliefs and actions) are impure! Their abode shall be Jahannam as a punishment forwhat (evil deeds) they earned. They swear (oaths) before you (0 Rasulullaah) that you may be pleased with them.
(However,) Even if you are pleased with them, Allaah is certainly not pleased with the disobedient ones (Muslims should therefore not maintain close ties with such people).' {Surah Taubah, verses 95,96}

The matter of the three of us was postponed until after the matter of those whose excuses Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) had accepted. When they swore oaths before Rasulullaah he renewed their pledges of allegiance and sought Allaah's forgiveness for them. Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) then postponed our matter until Allaah had passed judgement. It is with reference to this that Allaah says: 'And Allaah (has also turned in mercy towards) the three whose matter was postponed.. .' {Surah Taubah, verse 118)

In this verse, Allaah is not referring to our staying behind from the expedition but to the postponement of our case after deciding the case of the others who had sworn oaths before Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) and who had made excuses that Rasulullaah (s.a.w.) accepted.

Bukhari, Muslim and Ibn Is'haaq. Ahmad has also reported the narration with some additions, as quoted in Al Bidaaya wan Nihaaya (Vo1.5 Pg.23). Abu Dawood and Nasa'ee have also reported the narration in parts and with more brevity and Tirmidhi has reported a part of the beginning. These are quoted in Targheeb wat Tarheeb (Vo1.4 Pg.366). Bayhaqi (Vo1.9 Pg.33) has also reported the narration in detail.

(From Hayatus Sahabah by Maulana Muhammad Yusuf Khandhlawi)

Guard the Salaat

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