From The Virtues of Abu Bakr as-Siddeeq (radiallaahu Ta’aala ‘anhu)

Asalamu alikum

From The Virtues of Abu Bakr as-Siddiq (radiallaahu Ta’aala ‘anhu)
Jumu’ah khutbah given by Shaikh Muhammad ibn Salih al-’Uthaimeen (rahimahullaah)

All Praise is for Allaah. All Praise is for Allaah. All Praise is for Allaah, The One Who sent His Messenger Muhammad (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) to the best of generations, and chose for him companions – the most whole and complete in intellect, the most upright in religion, the most abundant in knowledge, and the bravest hearts – a people who truly strove in the way of Allaah, Who established the Religion with them, and made them triumphant over all the world as they wished to make His Word the most high and victorious.

And I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allaah, Who is Alone and has no partner, Illaahul Awaleen wal Akhireen (The True God of the first and the last), and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger, the seal of the Prophets and leader of the righteous. May Allaah’s peace and blessings be upon him, his family, companions and followers in perfection til the Day of Judgement. As to what proceeds:

Oh slaves of Allaah! Know that Allaah chose Muhammad (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) from the children of Adam to send to all of mankind after him. Allaah, The Most High, chose to send him with the most perfect, sound and suitable Religion for the creation with regards to both their faith and wordly affairs. So for certain, his companions – whom he was sent – are the best of generations, as has been firmly and authentically reported that the Messenger of Allaah (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: The best of people are my generation, then those that follow them, then those that follow them.Oh slaves of Allaah! Beware of what this generation of the companions possessed of virtue, struggled in the way of Allaah, inviting to Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic, and supported the Messenger of Allaah (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). Beware that they possessed numerous virtues and many great characteristics. By way of them, Allaah supported the religion of Islaam, and with it, made them victorious. And from them were the rightly-guided Caliphs and leaders, those who established the rule after the Prophet (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) in the best way, thus preserving the Religion, and governing the people with justice and wisdom.

Their rule was the best of the past and the best of the future. And we don’t say this haphazardly or blindly, and we don’t say this as a mere unsupported claim. But we say this, as their actions bear witness to it, and speak for what they did.

—–

The most lofty of them in ability and highest in honor was Abu Bakr as-Siddiq, ‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Uthman (radiallaahu Ta’aala ‘anhu). The sun neither rose nor set above anyone – after the Prophets – better than Abu Bakr. The sun neither rose nor set – since Allaah (The Mighty and Majestic) created it until the Last Day – over anyone, after the Prophets (‘alayhimi salaam), better than Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (radiallaahu Ta’aala ‘anhu).

The Prophet (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) left him behind for his nation, appointing him the first ruler, after its Prophet. From a signal from him (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), which is very close to being clearly explicit, as it has been authentically reported in al-Bukhaaree that : a woman came to the Messenger of Allaah (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) for a need. And he (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) ordered her to return to him later, meaning that he did not take care of her need at that time, but rather he ordered her to return to him later. And she said, “What if I don’t find you?” And he (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: Go to Abu Bakr.

This is an explicit quote, showing that Abu Bakr was to be the ruler after the Messenger of Allaah (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). Likewise, he (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) intended to [command someone to write] in words that the rule was to pass to Abu Bakr As-Siddiq, and said: Allaah and the Muslims refuse except for Abu Bakr. And in another narration: Allaah forbid that the believers should differ regarding Abu Bakr.

The Prophet (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) appointed him in a lesser position of leadership when he (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) ordered him [Abu Bakr] to lead the people in salat, so he [Abu Bakr] would lead them in salat during the sickness of the Prophet (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). He (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) also appointed him to a position greater than that when he appointed him the leader of the people for the Hajj in the ninth year [after Hijra].

All of this is an indication that he [Abu Bakr] (radiallaahu ‘anhu) is the successor of him [the Prophet] (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). And if there was anyone worthy of this position other than Abu Bakr, then the Prophet (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would have appointed him to lead the people in the salat and during the Hajj.

When he (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) addressed the people at the end of his life, he ordered the people to seal the branching doors to the masjid, except for the door of Abu Bakr.

Abu Bakr was from the leading wealthy nobles of Quraish. Aimm Daghila witnessed for Abu Bakr, in front of the nobles of Quraish, that which is similar to what Khadijah witnessed for the Prophet (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) when she said, “Verily you gain that which is lost, join the family ties, endure fatigue and weariness, host guests and aid those who represent the truth.” This is what Khadijah said to the Prophet (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) when he informed her of what came to him of revelation.

And when the Prophet was sent on his mission of calling to Allaah, Abu Bakr rushed to Eeman (faith), and quickly believed in him, and did not hesitate when he (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) called him to Islaam.

Abu Bakr remained with him (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) in times of travel, residence and settlement. He (radiallaahu ‘anhu) did not leave the Prophet (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) the entire period of his stay in Makkah. He accompanied him (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) in his Hijra (migration), and remained with him in Madeenah. Likewise, he [Abu Bakr] fought all of the battles, and five of the ten who were given glad tidings of Paradise accepted Islaam from him: ‘Uthman ibn ‘Affaan, Zubair ibn al-Awwam, Sa’d ibn Abee Waqqas, Talha ibn ‘Ubaidullah, and ‘Abdur-Rahman ibn ‘Awf (radiallaahu ‘anhum ajma’een).

I ask Allaah to join me and you with them in Paradise.

He (radiallaahu ‘anhu) also bought seven Muslim slaves – who were being tortured by the kufaar due to their acceptance of Islaam – and freed them. From them was Bilal, the Mu`adhdhin (caller to prayer) of the Messenger of Allaah (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). Thus, he [Abu Bakr] is ‘Ateeq, the one who frees. Abu Bakr also freed ‘Amr ibn Fuhaira, who accompanied both the Messenger of Allaah (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and Abu Bakr during the Hijra to serve them.

He (radiallaahu ‘anhu) was the most knowledgeable [from this Ummah] of the Messenger (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), and his speech was both significant and meaningful, for the Prophet (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) addressed the people at the end of his life and said: Verily, Allaah has chosen a servant between the world and between what is with Him (meaning what is with Allaah), and he has chosen what is with Him. This is what he said, and none from the companions understood from it what Abu Bakr understood. As he understood that the chosen was the Messenger (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), and he cried. And the people were astonished from his tears, as they didn’t understand what the Messenger (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said as Abu Bakr understood it.

It’s not strange. It’s not strange at all that Abu Bakr would be the most understanding of the speech of the Messenger of Allaah (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), for he remained with him the most. And it is something known that whoever increases in the company of someone, then he will be the most knowledgeable regarding their speech and meaning.

Likewise, Abu Bakr (radiallaahu ‘anhu) was the most beloved of people to the Messenger, as he was asked about the most beloved of people to him, and he said: Abu Bakr. Thusly, he was the most beloved to him, even more than ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib (radiallaahu ‘anhu), who was his nephew and who married [the Prophet's] daughter [Fatimah].

Abu Bakr (radiallaahu ‘anhu) has many virtues and characteristics that many from the companions did not possess. The Prophet (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) addressed the people and said: Truly, he who gives the most to me from his wealth [in the sake of Allaah] and companionship is Abu Bakr. Pay attention to this. He (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: he who gives the most, and he did not say “from the people who give the most.” Meaning he did not use that which refers to some, but rather that which refers to the best or most, and refers to unrestricted virtue. As he said: Truly, he who gives the most to me from his wealth and companionship is Abu Bakr. And if I were to take a Khaleel (a close friend) from my nation, I would have taken Abu Bakr.

So who is a close friend or Khaleel? He is the one whose love spreads through the soul. As was mentioned by a poet about his sweetheart: you have spread through a path to my soul. And for that reason, they have named a close friend a Khaleel. The Prophet (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam): If I were to take a khaleel from my nation, then indeed, I would have taken Abu Bakr. But between us is the brotherhood of Islaam and friendship.

One time, Abu Bakr came to the Prophet (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and said: Something has come between me and Ibnul-Khattab. So I quickly went to him and was regretful, and asked him to forgive me, which he refused to do, so I came to you. The Messenger of Allaah (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam): Oh Abu Bakr: may Allaah forgive you. Oh Abu Bakr: may Allaah forgive you. Oh Abu Bakr: may Allaah forgive you.

Thus the Prophet (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) seeking forgiveness for Abu Bakr was better than ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab seeking forgiveness for Abu Bakr. Then ‘Umar regretted what happened between him and Abu Bakr, and went to Abu Bakr’s home, and asked if he was there. And they replied in the negative. So he went to the Prophet (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), and gave salaam, and made the face of the Prophet (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) change into anger. So much so that Abu Bakr feared that the Prophet (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would say something which he… So Abu Bakr touched his (the Prophet’s) knees, and said, “Oh Messenger of Allaah. By Allaah, I was being oppressive. By Allaah, I was being oppressive.”

How good were the companions? The individual who tells the truth explicitly – even if it is against him – even in the situation such as this when the face of the Prophet changed and showed anger due to what was mentioned.

The Prophet (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) – while ‘Umar was listening – said: Allaah sent me (as a Prophet) to you (people) but you said (to me), ‘You are telling a lie,’ while Abu Bakr said, ‘He has said the truth,’ and consoled me with himself and his money. He then said twice: Won’t you then give up harming my companion? [Won't you then give up harming my companion?] After that, Abu Bakr was never harmed again.

And with his soft and kind heart, Abu Bakr was the firmest of the companions with calamities and trials. For in the pact of al-Hudaybia, many of the companions could not handle all of the conditions which were agreed upon by the Prophet (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and Quraish, which included:

- The Prophet (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) returning from Hudaybia without completing his ‘Umrah, even though he came to perform ‘Umrah with a camel to sacrifice. The ignorant zeal of the Quraish prevented them from letting him (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) enter Makkah, even though they would have welcomed someone else of the most severe disbelief and sinfulness to perform ‘Umrah. That Muhammad (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and his companions, who have more right to the ka’bah, were stopped by Quraish and prevented from the house of Allaah. In this, there was wisdom, which Allaah later revealed.

As for the conditions that were agreed upon by the Prophet (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and Quraish, they included:

• 1- The Prophet (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would return to Madeenah without completing the ‘Umrah.
• 2- Whoever came from Quraish to the Prophet (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would be returned to them – be he Muslim or not.
• 3- And whoever went to Quraish would not be returned to the Muslims.

They were all very heavy conditions, and difficult for the Muslims, but they were for the Messenger of Allaah (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). The conditions were so difficult that the people began to talk about it, and ‘Umar even went to consult with the Prophet (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) about them.

The Prophet (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said to him: Verily, I am the Messenger of Allaah, and I will not disobey Him while He is The One Who grants me victory.

And when ‘Umar saw that he did not get from the Prophet (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), he went to Abu Bakr to seek his aid in the affair. And Abu Bakr said to him: “Oh man, he is the Messenger of Allaah, and will not disobey his Lord, while He is The One Who grants him victory.” And he grabbed his leather stir and said: “By Allaah, he (the Prophet) is upon the truth.”

So Abu Bakr’s answer to ‘Umar was like the Prophet’s answer to ‘Umar.

This was a situation in which Abu Bakr (radiallaahu ‘anhu) was firm, and showed his strength and determination.

Another situation was the death of the Prophet (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), and the bewilderment of the Muslims, as they had a right to be bewildered since they had just lost the Messenger of Allaah (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), and everything in Madeenah went dark just as his arrival enlightened everything. The Muslims were bewildered and astonished, so much so that ‘Umar stood and denied the death of the Prophet, and said that he did not die, and swore and said, “by Allaah, the Messenger of Allaah did not die, and will send him and he will cut some of your arms and legs off.” This is what he said to some of the people in the masjid while the people were gathered with ‘Umar due to his strength and solidity. But the calamity was great.

As for Abu Bakr, he came from a place of his outside of Madeenah, as it was [decreed] by the wisdom of Allaah that the Messenger (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was in better health on Monday – the day he died – than he was before. So Abu Bakr felt okay to leave to his place outside of Madeenah. And then the news of the Messenger’s passing reached him. He went to the Messenger’s house, uncovered him, and kissed him. And from this, the scholars hold that it is permissible to kiss the dead after their death. So he kissed him and said: “May my mother and father be sacrificed for you. You were good alive and dead.”

Then he went out to the place, climbed the minbar, and addressed them with a firm heart and a mighty statement that deserves to be written in golden ink, saying: Alaa man kanna ya’budu Muhammad fa inna Muhammadan qad mat; wa man kanna ya’bud Allaah, fa inna Allaaha Hayun La ya mut (As for he who used to worship Muhammad, then know that Muhammad has died. And as for he who used to worship Allaah, then Allaah is living and never dies.)

What a great and powerful statement!

Everything which is connected to the creation – to the human being – and for sure, the human will pass on. And nothing will benefit him except what Allaah has ordained for him of benefit. And as for all that is connected to Allaah, such as worship, fear, hope, desire and awe, then it is success which occurs seeking Him.

[Abu Bakr] said: As for he who used to worship Muhammad, then know that Muhammad has died. And as for he who used to worship Allaah, then Allaah is living and never dies.

Oh Allaah, grant us sincerity in your worship.

Then [Abu Bakr] recited the statement of Allaah, The Most High: Verily, you (Oh Muhammad) will die and verily, they (too) will die. (Az-Zumar, ayah 30) and Allaah’s statement: Muhammad is no more than a Messenger, and indeed (many) Messengers have passed away before him. If he dies or is killed, will you then turn back on your heels (as disbelievers)? And he who turns back on his heels, not the least harm will he do to Allaah, and Allaah will give reward to those who are grateful. (Aali ‘Imran, ayah 144)

This is the second situation which demonstrated Abu Bakr’s strength when faced with difficulty and firmness in worrisome situations.

As for the third situation, then it is when he [Abu Bakr] wanted to send the army of Usamah after the death of the Prophet (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), who had already sent the army in which they prepared for battle and took out posts at the outskirts of Madeenah, due to his falling ill. So when the Messenger (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) died, Abu Bakr was determined to send the army. So ‘Umar (radiallaahu ‘anhu) and others consulted with him regarding the affair, and said: “Oh Abu Bakr, do not let the army go. We need them to fight the apostates.” But Abu Bakr had made up his mind to send the army, and said: “By Allaah, I will not stop an army which the Messenger (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) has prepared to send.”

This is what he said, and this is the third situation.

The fourth situation is when the Prophet (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) died, and a group of people from the Arabs left Islaam, and denied the obligation of the zakat, for which Abu Bakr determined to fight them, due to their denial of the zakat. Some of the companions consulted with him, but he was set on fighting them and said: “By Allaah, even if they denied me the tie of the camel which they gave to the Messenger (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), then I would fight them for it.” And in another narration: “Even if they were to deny me a baby goat, then I would fight them over it.”‘ Umar (radiallaahu ‘anhu) said that he knew that [Abu Bakr's statement] was the truth.’Ali ibn Abi Talib (radiallaahu ‘anhu) described Abu Bakr (radiallaahu ‘anhu) when he told him:

“You were the first of the people to accept Islaam, and the most sincere of them in Eeman (faith). You were the best of them as a companion, and the most like the Messenger (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) in both guidance and humility, and the most generous of them to him. You succeeded him in the Religion well when the people left Islaam, and you held firm to the methodology of the Messenger (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). You were like a mountain that was not moved by the storm nor crushed by the quake. You are modest with yourself, and great with Allaah. And the closest people to you are the most obedient to Allaah, and the most pious.”

This is how ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib described him (radiallaahu ‘anhum).

Abu Bakr succeeded the Prophet (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), and this was before he was buried, as the companions delayed his burial in order to establish the rule before the Messenger (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was put into the ground.

Thus, Abu Bakr proceeded to rule the people in a very good manner. And Allaah blessed his succession, which was a short term of two years, three months, and nine nights. He (radiallaahu ‘anhu) died between the Maghrib and ‘Isha prayers on Tuesday, the evening of the 23rd of Jumad ath-Thani, 13 Hijra.

From his great blessings upon this nation (which Allaah bestowed upon him) is his appointing ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab (radiallaahu ‘anhu) as the leader of the believers with a clear, undeniable decision. And all of you know the biography of ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab. This affair is considered from his good actions, and may Allaah be pleased with both of them, the rightly-guided Caliphs and all the companions.

I ask Allaah to join me and you with them in Paradise, with those whom Allaah has favored from the Prophets, the truthful, the martyrs, and the righteous.

Listen to Allaah’s statement (which means): And the first to embrace Islam of the Muhaajiroon and the Ansaar and also those who followed them exactly (in Faith). Allaah is well-pleased with them as they are well-pleased with Him. He has prepared for them Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise), to dwell therein forever. That is the supreme success. (At-Tawbah, ayah 100)

Oh Allaah, make us of those who follow them in perfection. Oh Allaah, make us of those who follow them in perfection. Oh Allaah, make us of those who follow them in perfection! And let us part from this life upon complete Tawheed and Eeman. You are The Greatest, The Most Noble and Benevolent. All Praise is for Allaah, The Lord of all of creation, and may the salutations of peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, and upon his family, and all of his companions.

[Second Khutbah:]

All Praise is for Allaah, just as He likes and is pleased with. I bear witness that there is no deity worshipped in truth except Allaah, Who is Alone and has no partner. For Him is all praise. And I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger, His Khaleel, and chosen one, may Allaah’s peace and blessings be upon him, his family, companions and whoever is guided with his guidance.

Oh slaves of Allaah! It is a must that we know one thing in this situation, which is that it is an obligation upon us to love the companions of Allaah’s Messenger, and that we order and arrange our love for them according to their rank and virtue.

The scholars of Ahlus-Sunnah have said that the best of the companions after their Prophet (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) is Abu Bakr (radiallaahu ‘anhu). The most virtuous of them is Abu Bakr, then ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab, then ‘Uthman ibn ‘Affan, then ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib (radiallaahu ‘anhum ajma’een). This is how the affair has been decided by Ahlus-Sunnah in accordance to their virtue and like their arrangement in leadership. [1]

So it is a must that we love all of the companions of the Messenger (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), and that we know all of their virtues – both general and specific – so that our love for them will increase. And our love for them obtains for us many benefits, such as their aiding our Prophet, and our love for them due to aiding him (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam).

Likewise, our love for them requires that we magnify their opinions and what they came with of statement and action that does not oppose the legislation.

Thus we imitate them and, in regards to this, Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (radiallaahu ‘anhu wa rahimahullaah) used to say: “The statement of the companions is taken before juristic reasoning and rather taken over a weak narration, which has not been authentically linked to the Prophet (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam).”

This requires that their statements be put before those who came after them, from their followers. All of which must be understood and applied by someone who has a knowledge of Fiqh (jurisprudence) and Islamic knowledge. As the one who possesses this is closer to being correct after them.

May Allaah be pleased with them.

Also, from the benefits of us loving the companions and knowing their virtues is knowing that cursing them and slandering them – even in a round-about way – is a great wrong! Whoever does so must change his methodology, so that he will be from the followers of Muhammad (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), rather than following his desires after guidance has been made clear to him.

For Allaah, Ta’aala, said in His Book (what means): And whoever contradicts and opposes the Messenger (Muhammad, (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam)) after the right path has been shown clearly to him, and follows other than the believers’ way. We shall keep him in the path he has chosen, and burn him in Hell – what an evil destination. (An-Nisa, ayah 115)

All of this with the fact that they actualized and realized worship and sincerity to Allaah, the Mighty and Majestic. So there is no one like them in this Religion, in this Ummah in regards to worship and glorifying Allaah, The Most High, and there is no one like them in this Ummah with regards to sincerity and following the Prophet (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam).

As for what has been reported of some of them opposing the text, then this is excused without a doubt, for I am absolutely certain that it is not possible for any of them to oppose the statement of Allaah and His Messenger (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) on purpose! Also, what has been reported of some regarding incorrect actions, then they possess such great deeds that it demands forgiveness of what appeared.

Likewise, the companions are the most deserving of the Prophet’s intercession, as they were the closest to sincerity. And the Prophet (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said the closest people to his intercession is he who says, ‘La illaaha il-Allaah,’ sincerely from his heart.

La illaaha il-Allaahu WaHdahu la Sharika Lahu LaHul-Mulku wa LaHul-Hamdu wa Huwa ‘ala kulli Shay`in Qadeer (There is no deity worshipped in truth except Allaah, Who is Alone without partner. For Him is the Dominion, and All Praise, and He is over all things capable).

Oh brothers, I invite you and myself to read that which is authentic regarding the Rightly-Guided Caliphs and the companions, so that our hearts be filled with love for them, so that we know their virtues. May Allaah give us success in that. [2]

Know that the best speech is the Book of Allaah, and the best guidance is the guidance of Muhammad (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). The worst of affairs are the newly invented matters, and every new matter in the Religion is a bid’ah (innovation), and every bid’ah (innovation) is a going astray.

Upon you is the Jama’ah (the main body of the Muslims who are upon the truth). Stick to it – joining upon the way of the Messenger (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), sincerely for Allaah. For Allaah’s hand is over that group, and know that whoever strays, strays into the fire. For the Prophet (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: Every bid’ah (innovation) is in the fire.

Increase in sending salutations of peace and blessings upon your Prophet (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), especially on Friday, for your salutations are conveyed to him. Increase in sending salutations in compliance with the command of Allaah, The Mighty and Majestic, as He said (what means): Allaah sends His Salaat (Graces, Honours, Blessings, Mercy, etc.) on the Prophet (Muhammad) and also His angels too (ask Allaah to bless and forgive him). O you who believe! Send your Salaat on (ask Allaah to bless) him (Muhammad)… (Al-Ahzab, ayah 56) [3]

Oh Allaah, send Your peace and blessings upon Your slave and Messenger Muhammad. Oh Allaah, send Your peace and blessings upon Your slave and Messenger Muhammad. Oh Allaah, send Your peace and blessings upon Your slave and Messenger Muhammad.

The Delight of the Heart

Asalamu alikum

Praise is for Allah, the Guide to goodness. He Watches over His creation, knowing what is hidden from sight and that which they conceal in their breasts. I praise Him, the praise of a true slave who is afraid of His punishment, yet in hope of His forgiveness. I thank Him; the thanking that is obligated on a slave to his Master. I bear witness that there is no god or deity worthy of any worship except Allah alone. I bear witness that Muhammed is His slave and final Messenger.

Amma Ba'du:

I advise you and I to have Taqwa Allah; it is the provision that will be most beneficial on the final Day.

Allah (SW) says Ordering his Prophet (saaw): "Recite (O Muhammed) what has been revealed to you of the Book (Quran), and perform as-Salah. Verily, as-Salah (prayer) prevents from al-Fahsha' (great sins of every kind) and al-Munkar (disbelief, and every wicked deed). And the Remembering (praising) of (you by) Allah (in front of the angels) is greater indeed [than your remembering (praising) Allah in prayers]. And Allah knows what you do." -- Al-'Ankabut 29:45

He (SW) also said: "I (Muhammed) have been commanded only to worship the Lord of this city (Makkah), Him Who has sanctified it and His is everything. And I am commanded to be from among the Muslims (those who submit to Allah in Islam). And to recite the Quran." -- An-Naml 27:91,92

Allah (SW) said: "Nay, but they, the clear Ayat [the description and the qualities of Prophet Muhammed (saaw) written like verses in the Torah and the Gospel] are preserved in the breasts of those who are have been given knowledge (from the people of the Scriptures). And none but the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers…) deny Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons and signs)." -- Al-'Ankabut 29:49

He (SW) also said: "And we have indeed made the Quran easy to understand and be remembered, then is there any that will remember (or receive admonition)?" -- Al-Qamar 54:17

'Ibad Allah!

The month of Ramadan is known as the month of sacrifice and fasting. It is also known and recognized and known as the month of the Quran. Allah (SW) says: "The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong)." -- Al-Baqarah 2:185

Allah (SW) says: "Verily! We have sent it down in the Night of Al-Qadr (Decree)." -- Al-Qadr 97:1

He (SW) also says: "We sent it (this Quran) down on a blessed night [night of Qadr in the 9th month (Ramadan) of the Islamic calendar]. Verily, We are ever warning [mankind that Our Torment will reach those who disbelieve in Our Oneness of Lordship and in Our Oneness of worship]. Therein (that night is decreed every matter of ordainments." -- Ad-Dukhan 44:3

Allah revealed the Quran, a beacon of light that cannot be extinguished. A methodology and way of life that is perfect in all respect. In it is strength that cannot be equaled or repelled. It is the foundation of Iman and the spring of knowledge. Allah Willed that the Quran be what quenches the thirst for knowledge. It is the delight of the people of wisdom. The Quran is the greatest cure for all ailments. The Quran is Allah's Rope that cannot be severed. It is the Wise reminder and the truly straight path. In the Quran are the parables of those who were before us, a prophesy of that which will be after us and a criterion to judge between us. It is Truth with certainty that was revealed to us. The one who lives according to its dictation will be rewarded. The one who judges according to it will be just. The one who calls to it is on the straight path. Allah raises and lowers people with it. The Quran, on the Day of Judgment, will intercede on behalf of those who recited it.

Rasool ul Allah (saaw) said: "The one who reads a single letter from the Book of Allah will be rewarded with one Hasana (good deed). (Know that) A good deed is multiplied ten times over. I do not say Alif Lam Meem is one letter. Verily, Alif is on letter, Lam is one letter, Meem is one letter." -- Reported by at-Tirmithi and it is Sahih.

O Muslims!

The Book of Allah to mankind's guidance, is like the soul in relation to the body. Therefore, he who abandons its recitation and does not act in accordance to its laws is in a state of spiritual death. Allah (SW) says: "Is he who was dead (without Faith by ignorance and disbelief) and We gave him life (by Knowledge and Faith) and set for him a light (of Belief) whereby he can walk amongst men, like him who is in the darkness (of disbelief, polytheism and hypocrisy) from which he can never come out?" -- Al-An'am 6:122

A person without Quran is like a person without water, air and medicine. Allah (SW) says: "And We send down from the Quran that which is a healing and a mercy to those who believe." -- Al-Isra' 17:82

Allah (SW) also says: "And if We had sent this as a Quran in a foreign language other that Arabic, they would have said: 'Why are not its Verses explained in detail (in our language)? What! (A Book) not in Arabic and (the Messenger) an Arab? Say: 'It is for those who believe, a guide and healing. And as for those who disbelieve, there is heaviness (deafness) in their ears, and it (the Quran) is blindness for them." -- Fussilat 41:44

The Quran is a healing for the body and soul. Whenever life becomes hard and complicated the Light of the Quran will always brighten the way. It will be a source of solace and tranquility. It will be a defender to you when you are powerless and in need. Allah (SW) says: "And when you (Muhammed) recite the Quran, We put between you and those who believe not in the Hereafter, an invisible veil (or screen their hearts, so they hear or understand it not)."

"And We have put a barrier before them, a barrier behind them, and We have covered them up, so that they cannot see." -- Ya-Sin 36:9

The Muslim recites the Quran and will feel the Sakina and tranquility in his heart and being. This causes them only to fear Allah alone and no other. Allah (SW) says: "Those (the believers) unto whom the people (hypocrites) said, 'Verily, the people (pagans) have gathered against you (a great army), therefore, fear them." But it (only) increased them in Faith, and they said, 'Allah (alone) is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us)." So they returned with Grace and Bounty from Allah. No harm touched them; and they followed the good Pleasure of Allah. And Allah is the Owner of Great Bounty. It is only Shaytan that suggests to you the fear of his Auliya [supporters and friends (polytheists, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah and in His Messenger], so fear them not, but fear Me, if you are (true) believers." -- Ali-'Imran 3:173-175

Sadly, many have taken this Quran for granted and have neglected its recitation and implementation. They sought the worldly life and neglected the Hereafter. Allah (SW) says: "And if you obey most of those on earth, they will mislead you far away from Allah's Path. They follow nothing but conjectures, and they do nothing but lie." -- Al-An'am 6:116

Allah (SW) says: "And most of them follow nothing but conjecture. Certainly, conjecture can be of no avail against the truth." -- Yunus 10:36

The people of disbelief try to cloud the beauty of the Quran by attempting to beautify their scientific endeavors and worldly possessions. Yet, Allah (SW) says: "They know only the outside appearance of the life of the world (i.e. the matters of their livelihood, like irrigating or sowing or reaping), and they are heedless of the Hereafter." -- Ar-Rum 30:7

Tragically, there are those who will recite the Quran in its entirety and finish with little more than with what they began with in terms of contemplation and action. Some are so concerned with how they sound, they beautify their voice without ever listening to what is being ordered or prohibited. Truly there are many reciters of the Quran that the Quran is free from them and their evil. They recite the Quran and are oppressive to themselves and others by not following its orders or forbidding its prohibitions. Allah (SW) says: "No doubt! The Curse of Allah is on the Zalimun (wrong-doers)." -- Hud 11:18

He (SW) says: "Then pray and invoke (sincerely) the Curse of Allah upon those who lie." -- Ali-'Imran 3:61

O Muslims!

Nothing is more valuable to a Muslim in his worldly life and in the Hereafter than reciting the Quran and reflecting and trying to comprehend its meaning. In doing so an individual will become acquainted with what is good and what is evil. He will see the effects of disobedience of Allah and its punishment in the parables of those who have come before us. An example of such a punishment is the flood that was sent upon the people of Nuh (AS) and others similar to it. It is a source of inspiration and strengthens one's belief in Allah. For this reason, Allah (SW) says: "And when His (Allah's) Verses (this Quran) are recited unto them, they (Verses) increase their Faith; and they put their trust in their Lord." -- Al-Anfal 8:2

This Book was sent and revealed from above the seven Heavens so that it could be comprehended and implemented, it is not just to be recited while the heart is pre-occupied. Allah (SW) says: "(This is) a Book (Quran) which We have sent down to you, full of blessings that they may ponder over its Verses, and that men of understanding may remember." Sad 38:29

Allah (SW) says: "Have they not pondered over the Word (of Allah) or has there come to them what had not come to their fathers of old?" -- Al-Mu'minun 23:68

Allah (SW) says: "Do they not then consider the Quran carefully? Had it been from other than Allah, they would surely have found therein much contradictions." -- An-Nisa 4:82

He (SW) says: "Do they not think deeply in the Quran, or are their hearts locked up (from understanding it)? -- Muhammed 47:24

The Quran is an integral part of the Muslim individual's life. Allah (SW) says: "Has not the time come for the hearts of those who believe to be affected by Allah's Reminder (Quran)? And that which has been revealed of the truth, lest they become as those who received the Scripture before (Jews and Christians), and the term was prolonged on them and so their hearts were hardened? And many of them were Fasiqun (rebelious, disobedient to Allah)." -- Al-Hadid 57:16

What has happened to our hearts O 'Ibad Allah? Why are our hearts locked out and unresponsive to the Quran? Why do the words enter from one ear and exit out the other. Why have our hearts hardened?

Let us comprehend the Quran and implement it in our lives. Let us be from those who implement the Quran in our days and recite it during our nights.

O Allah! Make the Quran the delight of our hearts and the light of our breasts and the remover of our pain, sorrow and discomfort.

Spreading the Good News of Ramadaan

Asalamu alikum

Abu Hurairah reported that the Messenger of Allaah (saws) said: "Ramadaan has come to you - a blessed month. Allaah has made it obligatory on you to fast in it. During this month, the gates of heaven are open, the gates of the Hellfire are closed and the evil devils are chained. To Allaah belongs a night in it, which is better than a thousand months. Whosoever is prevented from its good, then he has been deprived." [1]

The hadeeth is a glad tiding to the righteous servants of Allaah, of the coming of the blessed month of Ramadaan. The Prophet (saws) informed his Companions of its coming and it was not just a simple relaying of news. Rather, his intent was to give them the glad tidings of a magnificent time of the year, so that the righteous people who are quick to do deeds can give it its due estimate. This is because the Prophet (saws) explained in it (the hadeeth) what Allaah has prepared for His servants from the ways towards gaining forgiveness and His contentment - and they are many. So whoever has forgiveness escape him during the month of Ramadaan, then he has been deprived with the utmost deprivation.

From the great favors and bounties that Allaah has bestowed upon His servants is that He has prepared for them meritous occasions so that they may be of profit to those who obey Him and a race for those who rush to compete (for good deeds). These meritous occasions are times for fulfilling hopes by exerting in obedience and uplifting flaws and deficiencies through self-rectification and repentance. There is not a single occasion from these virtuous times, except that Allaah has assigned in it works of obedience, by which one may draw close to Him. And Allaah possesses the most beautiful things as gifts, which He bestows upon whomsoever He wills by His Grace and Mercy.

So the one who achieves true happiness is he who takes advantage of these virtuous months, days and hours and draws closer to His Guardian in them, by doing what is prescribed in them from acts of worship.

Thus perhaps he will be showered with one of the many blessings of those occasions and be helped by it, with an assistance that is enough to save him from the Fire and what it contains, such as its blazing heat. [2]

Being able to reach Ramadaan is itself a magnificent bounty that is bestowed on the one who reaches it and rises to its occasion, by standing in prayer during its night and fasting during its day. In it, he returns to his Protector -- from disobeying Him to obeying Him, from neglecting Him to remembering Him, from remaining distant from Him to turning towards Him in submissive repentance.

A Muslim must be conscious of this bounty and acknowledge its magnitude. For indeed, many people are prevented from fasting, either because they die before they reach it, or because they are not capable of observing it or because they oppose and turn away from it. Thus, the one who fasts must give praise to his Lord for this bounty and should welcome this month with joy and delight that a magnificent time of the year out of all the occasions for performing obedience is welcomed. He should exert himself deeply in doing good deeds. And he should invoke Allaah to grant him the ability to fast and stand in night prayer, and that He provide him with seriousness, enthusiasm, strength, and energy in that month. And that He awaken him from heedless oversleeping so that he may take advantage of these virtuous times of good.

It is unfortunate to find that many people do not know the value of this virtuous occasion, nor do they consider it to be sacred. So the month of Ramadaan no longer becomes a significant time for obedience, worship, reciting the Qur'aan, giving in charity and making remembrance of Allaah. Rather, to some people, it becomes a signifcant time to diversify their foods and drinks and to prepare different types of meals before the month begins. Some other people do not know Ramadaan except as a month of sleeplessness and constant recurring gatherings, while sleeping by day. This is to the point that some among them sleep past the time of the obligatory prayers, thus not praying them in congregation or in their proper times. Other people do not know Ramadaan except as a signifcant time for conducting worldly affairs, not as a significant time for conducting affairs for the Hereafter. Thus, they work busily in it, buying and selling, and they stay in the market areas, consequently abandoning the masaajid. And when they do pray with the people, they do so in such a hurried manner. This is because they find their pleasure in the market places. This is the extent that the notions and views (of Ramadaan) have been changed.

Some of the Salaf used to say: "Indeed Allaah, the Most High, has made the month of Ramadaan as a competition for His creatures, in which they may race with one another to His pleasure, by obeying Him. Thus, one group comes first and so they prosper and another group comes last and so they fail." [3]

Also, the individual does not know if this is perhaps the last Ramadaan he will ever see in his life, if he completes it. How many men, women and children have fasted with us the past year, and yet now they lie buried in the depths of the earth, relying on their good deeds. And they expected to fast many more Ramadaans. Likewise, we too shall all follow their path. Therefore, it is upon the Muslim to rejoice at this magnificent occasion for worship. And he should not renounce it, but instead busy himself with what will benefit him and what will cause its effect to remain. For what else is it, except numbered days, which are fasted in succession and which finish rapidly.

May Allaah make us, as well as you, from among those who are foremost in attaining good deeds. 

 Author:'Abdullaah Ibn Saalih Al-Fawzaan