Virtues of the Month of Ramadhaan
(Revised on March
18, 2017)
بسم الله والحمد لله
والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله ، وبعد
Brief translation of Shaikh Ibn al-`Uthaymeen's “ مجالس شهر الرمضان ”
All praises be to Allaah, the one
who brought into existence and invented; and who created water and the soil. Nothing
is hidden from His sight even as small as the ant hidden in the night. Nothing
equal to the weight of an atom, in the earth below or the heavens above, is
distant from His knowledge.
﴿لَهُ مَا فِي السَّمَـوَتِ وَمَا فِي الارْضِ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَا وَمَا
تَحْتَ الثَّرَى * وَإِن تَجْهَرْ بِالْقَوْلِ فَإِنَّهُ يَعْلَمُ السِّرَّ
وَأَخْفَى * اللَّهُ لا إِلَـهَ إِلاَّ هُوَ لَهُ الاْسْمَآءُ الْحُسْنَى﴾ [طه: 6-8]
{To Him belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is on
the earth, and all that is between them, and all that is under the soil. And if
you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) speak (the invocation) aloud, then
verily, He knows the secret and that which is yet more hidden. Allaah! Laa
ilaaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He)! To Him belong
the Best Names.} [Surah Taha (20): 6-8]
He created Aadam عليه السلام, tried him, then chose him and turned to
him with forgiveness, and gave him guidance. He sent Nooh عليه السلام and he
created ship - with the command of Allaah - and sailed on it. He delivered His
Khaleel (Ibraaheem عليه السلام) from the fire, and made its heat become
coolness and peace for him. He gave nine signs to Moosaa عليه السلام but Fir`aoun
did not take heed. He supported `Isaa عليه السلام with amazing signs. And He revealed the
Book upon Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم in which there are clear signs and
guidance. I praise Him for all His blessings which do not decrease a bit.
I pray to Allaah that He sends His
peace and blessings upon Prophet Muhammadصلى الله عليه وسلم, his family and his companions.
My brothers! A noble month has
dawned upon us, and a great season in which Allaah increases the reward (for
the good deeds done in it); and opens in it the doors of goodness for every
willing (person) - the month full of goodness and blessings, the month of charities
and donations.
﴿شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِى أُنزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْآنُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ
وَبَيِّنَـاتٍ مِّنَ الْهُدَى وَالْفُرْقَانِ﴾ [البقرة: 185]
{The month of Ramadhaan in which was revealed the Qur’aan, a
guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the Criterion
(between right and wrong).} [Surah al-Baqarah (2): 185]
It is the month filled with mercy,
forgiveness and emancipation from the fire. The beginning (third) of it is
mercy; the middle (third) of it is forgiveness; and the last (third) of it is
emancipation from the fire.[1] News of its
(this month’s) merit is widespread and it has also been confirmed by the
Mutawaatir narrations. In the Saheehain (al-Bukhaaree and Muslim) it is
reported:
«إِذَا جَاءَ رمضانُ فُتِّحَت
أبوابُ الجنَّةِ، وغُلِّقَتْ أبوابُ النار، وصُفِّدتِ الشَّياطينُ»
Narrated Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه: Allah's Apostle صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “When the month
of Ramadhaan starts, the gates of the heaven are opened and the gates of Hell
are closed and the devils are chained.” [2]
The gates of Paradise are opened in
this month because of the increased number of good deeds (done in it by the
Believers) and as (further) encouragement to the doers (of these good deeds).
And the gates of Hell are closed because of the decrease in disobedience by the
Believers. And the devils are shackled and restrained from performing the
mischief that they would normally do in other months.
«أُعْطِيَتْ أمَّتِي خمسَ خِصَال في رمضانَ
لم تُعْطهُنَّ أمَّةٌ من الأمَم قَبْلَها؛ خُلُوف فِم الصائِم أطيبُ عند الله من ريح
المسْك، وتستغفرُ لهم الملائكةُ حَتى يُفطروا، ويُزَيِّنُ الله كلَّ يوم جَنتهُ
ويقول: يُوْشِك عبادي الصالحون أن يُلْقُواْ عنهم المؤونة والأذى ويصيروا إليك، وتُصفَّد فيه مَرَدةُ الشياطين فلا يخلُصون إلى ما كانوا يخلُصون إليه في
غيرهِ، ويُغْفَرُ لهم في آخر ليلة، قِيْلَ يا رسول الله أهِيَ ليلةُ القَدْرِ؟
قال: لاَ ولكنَّ العاملَ إِنما يُوَفَّى أجْرَهُ إذا قضى عَمَلَه»
Imaam Ahmad reported on the
authority of Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه: the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “My Ummah has
been given five special things in Ramadhaan
that were not given to anyone before them. The smell from the mouth of a Fasting Muslim is sweeter for Allaah than
the fragrant smell of musk. The Angels seek forgiveness
on their behalf until they break their Fast. Allaah prepares and decorates His
'Jannah' everyday and then says (to it): {The
time is near when My faithful servants shall cast aside
the tribulations (of the world) and come to you.} In this month, the rebellious “Shayateen” (devils) are chained, so that they are not able
to do (their mischief) which they would do otherwise. On the last night (of
Ramadhaan), the Fasting Muslims are forgiven.” The Sahaabah thereupon inquired: “O Messenger of Allaah!
Is that the night of 'Laylatul Qadr'?” He صلى الله عليه وسلم replied: “No. But it is
only right that a servant should be given his reward
on having completed his duty.” [3]
My brothers! These five special characteristics
were granted by Allaah only to you. He chose (and favored) you with them over
all other nations. He has favored you with it so that He completes His
blessings upon you. And (before this) Allaah has already bestowed upon you so
many favors and blessings:
﴿كُنتُمْ خَيْرَ أُمَّةٍ أُخْرِجَتْ لِلنَّاسِ تَأْمُرُونَ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ
وَتَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْمُنْكَرِ وَتُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللَّهِ﴾ [آل عمران: 110].
{You (true believers in Islaamic Monotheism, and real followers
of Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلّم and his Sunnah) are the best of peoples
ever raised up for mankind; you enjoin Al-Ma`roof (i.e. Islaamic Monotheism and
all that Islaam has ordained) and forbid Al-Munkar (polytheism, disbelief and
all that Islaam has forbidden), and you believe in Allaah.} [Surah
aal-`Imraan (3): 110]
The first characteristic:
“The smell coming out from the mouth of a Fasting person is
better in the sight of Allaah than the smell of musk.” [4]
The
smell of the mouth changes when the stomach is empty and free from food. It is
a smell which the people abhor, whereas with Allaah, it is better than Musk
because it the result of worship and obedience of Allaah. Anything which arises
due to the worship of Allaah and His obedience is beloved to Allaah سبحانه وتعالى and He compensates the doer of it with
what is superior, more virtuous and better. Do you not see that a martyr who is
killed in the way of Allaah - so that the word of Allaah (Laa ilaaha ilallaah)
is made the uppermost - will be resurrected on the Day of Resurrection with
blood (pouring from him); the color will be of blood and the smell of Musk?
And in al-Hajj, Allaah boasts about
the people of `Arafah in the presence of the Angels saying:
«انْظُرُوا
إلى عبادِي هؤلاء جاؤوني شُعْثاً غُبْراً»
Verily being disheveled is beloved
to Allaah in this place (`Arafah) because it is the result of worship and
obedience of Allaah while the person was in the state of al-Ihraam (observing
the ritual) and abandoning the luxuries.
The second characteristic:
The Angels seek forgiveness on their
behalf till they break the Fast. The Angels are the honored slaves of Allaah:
﴿لاَّ يَعْصُونَ اللَّهَ مَآ أَمَرَهُمْ وَيَفْعَلُونَ مَا يُؤْمَرُونَ﴾ [التحريم: 6]
{Those who disobey not, (from executing) the Commands they
receive from Allaah, but do that which they are commanded.} [Surah
al-Tahreem (66): 6]
They are more deserving that Allaah answers
their supplications for those who Fast when they are granted permission (to
supplicate). And verily, they’ve been granted permission by Allaah to seek
forgiveness for those who Fast from the people of this Ummah, as a sign of
honor for them (the people), and then He mentions them in the presence of the
Angels, and mentions the merits of their Fasting and their seeking forgiveness
(all as a sign of the greatness of their Fasts). Seeking forgiveness consists of
(two things): covering the sins (of the slave) in this world and the Hereafter,
and that they (the misdeeds) be overlooked. It is from the highest of things
which can be sought and the loftiest of objectives; as all the children of
Aadam commit mistakes and transgress the bounds, and are thus bounded to seek
Allaah’s forgiveness.
The third characteristic:
“Allaah prepares and decorates His 'Jannah' everyday and then
says (to it): 'The time is near when My faithful servants shall cast aside the tribulations (of the world) and come
to you.” Allaah
تعالى decorates the Jannah everyday for them:
making it ready to accept his righteous slaves; as an encouragement for them to
seek the path towards it. And He تعالى says (to the Jannah): ‘The time is near when My faithful servants
shall cast aside the tribulations and come
to you.’ meaning the tribulations of this world and its fatigue and
its sufferings. And that they embark upon (performing more) good deeds in which
lies the happiness for them in this world and the Hereafter, and the means to
reaching the House of Peace and Honor (i.e. the Jannah).
The fourth characteristic:
The devils will be shackled [6] so that they do not reach the righteous servants of
Allaah and misguide them from the truth nor discourage them from doing good.
Verily in it is help from Allaah for his slaves that He imprisoned their enemy
for them, the one who calls his party (towards misguidance) so that they become
the denizens of the Hell. And that is why we find that there is more desire in
the righteous slaves to do more good and to refrain from evil in this month, more
than in any other month.
The fifth characteristic
And Allaah تعالى forgives (the sins) for the Ummah of
Muhammad صلى
الله عليه وسلم on the last night of this month – if
they establish that which has been enjoined upon them to be done in this
blessed month from the likes of Fasting, and night prayers etc. – as a favor
from Him in giving the reward upon the completion of the work. For verily, the
worker is to be paid upon the completion of the job!
Allaah تعالى has favored His slaves with this reward from three
perspectives:
First: That He تعالى has legislated for them good deeds that
will become a means for the forgiveness of their sins and the elevation of
their status. And had Allaah not legislated that, it would have been wrong for
them to worship Allaah with these actions. For verily, the acts of worship are
not to be taken, except from the revelations of Allaah to His Messengers; and
that is why Allaah has rebuked those who do (things) that which He has not
legislated. And He has made this as a form of shirk. Allaah تعالى said:
﴿أَمْ لَهُمْ شُرَكَاءُ شَرَعُواْ لَهُمْ مِّنَ الدِّينِ مَا لَمْ يَأْذَن
بِهِ اللَّهُ وَلَوْلاَ كَلِمَةُ الْفَصْلِ لَقُضِىَ بَيْنَهُمْ وَإِنَّ
الظَّـلِمِينَ لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ﴾ [الشورى: 21]
{Or have they partners (with Allaah – false gods) who have
instituted for them a religion which Allaah has not ordained?} [Surah
al-Shooraa (42): 21]
Second: He تعالى gave them the Tawfeeq (ability) to do many
good deeds which a lot of people have neglected. And had Allaah not bestowed
his favor and helped them, and gave them the ability, they would not have been
able to do these good deeds. Verily, for Allaah belongs all praises and
graciousness!
﴿يَمُنُّونَ عَلَيْكَ أَنْ أَسْلَمُواْ قُل لاَّ تَمُنُّواْ عَلَىَّ
إِسْلَامَكُمْ بَلِ اللَّهُ يَمُنُّ عَلَيْكُمْ أَنْ هَداكُمْ لِلاِيمَـانِ إِنُ
كُنتُمْ صَـادِقِينَ﴾ [الحجرات: 17].
{They regard as favor to you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم)
that they have embraced Islaam. Say: “Count not your Islaam as a favor to me.
Nay, but Allaah has conferred a favor upon you that He has guided you to the
Faith if you indeed are true.} [Surah al-Hujuraat (49): 17]
Third: He تعالى has favored by compensating (His slaves) with
great rewards. Every good deed will be rewarded from 10 times to 700 times, and
multiplied even more. Verily, the favor to do good is from Allaah and the
reward for it is also from Him. All the praises and thanks are for Allaah, the
Lord of the `Aalameen (mankind, Jinns and all that exists).
O my brothers! Achieving the month
of Ramadhaan is a great blessing upon those who have reached it, and establish
its rights by returning to Allaah from the lives of disobedience to the lives
of obedience, and from negligence to His remembrance, and by turning towards
Him (in repentance).
O Allaah! Awaken us up from this
slumber of negligence; and grant us success in increasing al-Taqwaa before we
travel (from this world); and guide us to take advantage of the time granted
(in this world); and forgive us and our parents and all the Muslims with your
Mercy. O Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
وصلَّى
الله وسلَّم على نبيَّنا محمدٍ وعلى آله وصحبِهِ أجمعين
[1] On
the authority of Abu Hurairah that Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “The first (third) of the Month of Ramadhaan is Mercy;
the middle (third) is forgiveness; and the last (third) is emancipation from
the fire”, and graded as “Munkar”
(rejected) by Shaikh al-Albaanee in al-Dha`eefah (1569) due to unknown and
rejected narrators in its chain.
[2] Saheeh
al-Bukhaaree (3277), and Saheeh Muslim (1079)
[3]
[4] Saheeh
al-Bukhaaree (1795, 1805, 5583), and Saheeh Muslim (1151), but without limiting
it for this Ummah.
[5] Musnad
Ahmad (7089, 8047) and graded as “Saheeh” by
Shaikh al-Albaanee in Saheeh al-Targheeb (1132, 1152) and in Saheeh al-Jami`
(1867, 1868) and also authenticated by Shaikh al-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah in
Majmoo` al-Fataawa (21/206).
[6] Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (1899, 3277) and Saheeh
Muslim (1079)
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