Benefits of Dua-e-Akasha

Bismi Allahi arrahmani arraheem

In the name of Allah, the most Gracious, the most Merciful

Benefits of Dua Akasha

Dua Akasha is the most superior way of asking for forgiveness from Allah. Whoever says it during the day with firm faith in it, and dies on the same day before the evening, he will be from the people of Paradise; and if somebody recites it at night with firm faith in it, and dies before the morning, he will be from the people of Paradise.[Sahih al-Bukhari 8, 75 #318]

Whoever reads this dua after Fajr and Isha will be safe from Shytaan. Whosover reads it once in life time he will cross the bridge of sirat with ease, all his sins will be forgiven. Whosoever keeps this dua with him will be safe from magic and every harm. Reciting of this Surah in compulsory prayers keeps a person safe from poverty and Sustenance comes towards him. His death will not be of a sudden and terrifying nature.

Transliteration: Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim. Allahuma ya kaseera Annawali wa ya daaimal wisaali wa ya ahsanal fiaali Allahuma in dakhalash shaaku fii iimani bika wa lam aalam bihi tubtu anhu wa aaqulu Laa Ilaha Ill'Allah Muhammad-u'r-Rasulullahi.Allahuma in dakhalal kufru fii islamii bika wa lam aalam bihi tubtu anhu  wa aaqulu Laa Ilaha Ill'

Translation: In the name of Allah , the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful. O Allah! O The Immense Bestower and Giver .O The One Who is forever in contact (with His creation) O The Doer of all that is good.O Allah! If I fall into doubt in my faith in You and I am unaware of it, I beg forgiveness for it and I say There is none to be worshipped but Allah Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. O Allah! If I begin to deny my Islam (total submission to You) and I am unaware of it, I beg forgiveness for it and I say There is none to be worshipped but

Transliteration: Allah Muhammad-u'r-Rasulullahi. Allahuma in dakhalash shaaku fi tauheedi  iyyaka walam aalam bihi tubt aanhu wa aqulu Laa Illaha Illallahu Muhammad ur Rasulullahe.Allahuma in dakhalal ujbu wal kibru warriya'o was'sumaatu fi aamli bika walam aalam bihi tubtu aanhu waa aaqulu Laa Illaha Illallahu Muhammad ur Rasulullahe.Allahuma in dakhalal kizbu wa jaral gheebatu alaa lisaani walam

Translation: Allah Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.O Allah! If I enter into doubt in my belief in One God, You Only and I am unaware of it, I beg forgiveness for it and I say There is none to be worshipped but Allah Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. O Allah! If I fall into pride, arrogance, showing-off, and in gaining a reputation in whatever I do for You and I am unaware of it, I beg forgiveness for it and I say There is none to be worshipped but Allah Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. O Allah! If I begin to lie, and backbiting comes to my tongue and I am unaware of it,

Transliteration: aalam bihi tubtu anhu wa aaqulu  Laa Ilaaha Illallahu Muhamad ur Rasulullahi .Allahuma in dakhalal khatrati wal waswasatu fi sadri iyyka walam aalam bihi tubtu anhu wa aaqulu  Laa Ilaaha Illallahu Muhamad ur Rasulullahi. Allahuma in dakhalat tashbehu fi marifati bika walam aalam bihi tubtu anhu wa aaqulu  Laa Ilaaha Illallahu Muhamad ur Rasulullahi. Allahuma ma qadarta aalai'ya min

Translation: I beg forgiveness for it and I say There is none to be worshipped but Allah Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. O Allah! If evil thoughts about You enter my heart and I am unaware of it, I beg forgiveness for it and I say

There is none to be worshipped but Allah Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah O Allah! If I begin to compare Your Knowledge with anyone else's

and I am unaware of it, I beg forgiveness for it and I say There is none to be worshipped but Allah Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah O Allah! If I am not satisfied with what You destined for me to be in my power

 Transliteration: Amri falam arzihi walam aalam bihi tubtu aanhu wa aqulu Laa Ilaha Illallahu Muhammad ur Rasulullahi?Allahuma maa anamta aalai'ya faasaitu walam aalam bihi tubtu anhu waaqulu Laa Ilaha Illallahu Muhammad ur Rasullulahi.Allahuma ma'a aataitani min namaaika  faghafaltu an shukrika walam aalam bihi tubtu anhu waaqulu Laa Illaha Illallahu Muhammad ur Rasullullahi.Allahuma ma wal'laitani min aalaaika falam oadi haq'ahu walam aalam bihi tuntu anhu waaqulu Laa Illaha Illallahu Muhammad ur Rasullullahi. Allahuma ma manantu bihi aalai'ya minal husna falam

Translation: and I am unaware of it. I beg forgiveness for it and I say There is none to be worshipped but Allah Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah

O Allah! You favoured with so much but if I disobeyed and I am unaware of it, I beg forgiveness for it and I say There is none to be worshipped but Allah

Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah O Allah! You favoured me with so much of Your bounties but if I did not even thank You for it and I am unaware of it, I beg forgiveness for it and I say There is none to be worshipped but Allah

Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah O Allah! Whatever beautiful favours You bestowed on me

 Transliteration: Oadi haq'ahu walam aalam bihi tuntu anhu waaqulu  Laa Illaha Illallahu Muhammad ur Rasullullahi. Allahuma ma manantu bihi aalai'ya minal husna falam ahmadqa walam aalam bihi tubtu anhu waaqulu Laa Illaha Illallahu Muhammad ur Rasullulahi.Allahuma ma zai'yatu min umri bima lam tarzi nihi walam aalam bihi tubtu anhu wa aqulu Laa Illaha Illallahu Muhammad ur Rasullulahe. Allahuma ma ao'jabta aala minan

Translation: and if I did not even praise You for it and I am unaware of it, I beg forgiveness for it and I say There is none to be worshipped but Allah

Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah .O Allah! Whatever I wasted of my life-time that was not pleasing to You and I am unaware of it, I beg forgiveness for it and I say There is none to be worshipped but Allah Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.O Allah! Whatever You made compulsory on me to think and perceive about You, if I closed my eyes to it and I am unaware of it, I beg forgiveness for it and I say There is none to be worshipped but Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah

Transliteration: nazri fiqa faghamaztu walam aalam bihi tubtu anhu wa aqulu Laa Illaha Illallahu Muhammad ur Rasullulahe Allahuma ma qasartu amli fi rijaa'ika minka walam aalam bihi tubtu anhu wa aqulu Laa Illaha Illallahu Muhammad ur Rasullallahi. Allahuma ma'a aahadttu aalai'ya siwaka fish shadaaidi walam aalam bihi tuntu anhu wa aqulu Laa Illaha Illallahu Muhammad ur Rasullullahi.  Allahuma inis ta'antu

Translation: O Allah! Whenever I have fallen short in my hope and expectation in You and I am unaware of it, I beg forgiveness for it and I say There is none to be worshipped but Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah O Allah! Whenever I have considered someone other than You to be of help in my hardship and I am unaware of it, I beg forgiveness for it and I say 'There is none to be worshipped but Allah' Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. O Allah! If I have sought help

Transliteration: min ghairiqa fin nawa'ibi walam aalam bihi tubtu anhu wa aqulu Laa Illaha Illallahu Muhammad ur Rasullullahi.  Allahuma in zal'lat qadami fi siratin min ghairika walam aalam bihi tubtu anhu wa aqulu Laa Illaha Illallahu Muhammad ur Rasullullahi. Allahuma ma'a aslahta sai'yeaati bifazlika faraaituhu min ghairiqa walam aalam bihi tubtu anhu wa aqulu Laa Illaha Illallahu Muhammad ur Rasullullahi.

Translation: When in difficulties from someone other than You and I am unaware of it, I beg forgiveness for it and I say There is none to be worshipped but Allah Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. O Allah! If my feet have slipped from a path other than Yours and I unaware of it, I beg forgiveness for it and I say There is none to be worshipped but Allah Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. O Allah! Whenever You corrected my mistakes with Your Grace and I thought it was someone else doing it and I am unaware of it, I beg forgiveness for it and I say There is none to be worshipped but Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.

Transliteration: Ya hai'yu ya qai'yumu Laa Illaha Illaa anta subhanaka inni kuntu mina zalimeena. Fastajabna lahu wa naj'jainahu min nal gham'mi wa kazalika nunjil muminin. Wa Zakariyaa iz nadaa Rabbahu Rabbi la tazarni fardan wa anta khairul wariseen. Wa sallahu ta'ala ala Rasuli khairi khalqihi muhammadin waa a'ala aalihi wa ashabihi wa azwajihi wa zur'riyaatihhi ajma'ena bi rehmatiqa yaa Arhamar raheemeen.

Translation: O The Ever Living! The Eternal! There is none to be worshipped but You Sanctity be to You; surely, I acted  mproperly Then We responded to his prayer,and delivered him from the grief and thus We save the believers. And Zakaria, when he called his Lord: O my Lord! Leave me not childless, and You are the Best Inheritor. And may the blessings of Allah, The Exalted,

be on His best creation, Muhammad, and on his family, and his companions, and his wives, all of them. With Your Mercy, O The Most Merciful.

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What Quran and Sunnah say about Shab e Baraat

The month of Sha’ban is the eighth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The fifteenth night of this month is known as Laylatul Bara’ah or Laylatun Nisfe min Sha’ban in the Arab world. In India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Afghanistan, etc., it is known as Shab-e-barat.

THE BELIEVES ABOUT THIS DAY:

1. Some people believe that in Surah al-Dukhan (44:3-4) there is a reference to this night as Allah says, “We sent it (the Qur’an) down during a blessed night. We are truly warners. In that night is made distinct every affair of wisdom”

-But the night referred to here cannot be a Sha’ban night, because it is said here clearly that the Qur’an was revealed in this night. We know from the Surah al-Qadr (97) that the Qur’an was revealed in the night of Qadr and we also know from the Qur’an (Al-Baqarah 2:185) that the Qur’an was revealed in the month of Ramadan, so it is obvious that the night of the revelation of the Qur’an was in Ramadan, not Sha’ban, and that it was Laylatul Qadr not Shab-e-barat (or the Sha’ban night).

2. Some people also say that in the 2nd year of Hijrah, the direction of Qiblah was changed from Jerusalem to Ka’bah (Makkah) on the 15th day of Sha’ban.

-This report is also not confirmed by authentic Ahadith.

According to most of the scholars of Tafsir, the Qur’an has not mentioned anything about the Sha’ban night. There are some Ahadith that speak about the Middle of Sha’ban and its night. However, the scholars of Hadith say that most of the Ahadith concerning this night are not sound. They are weak (da’if) according to the criteria of the Muhaddithin.

THE SUPERSTTIONS ABOUT THIS DAY:

1. some people believe that the spirits (arwah) of the deceased visit their relatives during this night.

2. Some believe that there is a special Tree in the heaven upon whose leaves are the names of all human beings, and whatever leaves drop during this night, those people are destined to die in this year.

3. Some think that the decisions about the life and death of people are made during this night.

-All these beliefs and superstitions do not belong to the authentic teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah.

HADITH ON (15TH) MID-SHABAN:

1. The Mother of the Believers Aisha [May Allah be pleased with her] reports I missed the Prophet one night so I went out to al-Baqi` (and found him). He said: "Were you afraid that Allah would wrong you and that His Prophet would wrong you?" I said: "O Messenger of Allah, I thought that you might have gone to visit one of your wives." He said: "Allah Glorious and Exalted descends to the nearest heaven on the night of mid-Shaban and He forgives to more people than the number of hairs on the hides of the sheep of the tribes of Kalb.

-Narrated from Aisha by Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and al-Tirmidhi who said that he heard al-Bukhari grading this Hadith as weak because some of the sub-narrators did not narrate directly from each other.

2. Abd Allah ibn `Amr [May Allah be pleased with him] reports that Prophet [Peace be upon him] said “Allah looks upon His creatures on the night of mid-Shaban and He forgives all His servants except two: one intent on hatred, and the homicide.”

- Narrated from Abd Allah ibn Amr by al-Tirmidhi, Ahmad and al Bazzar with a chain he graded fair (hasan) through the great Tabi’I jurist al-Qasim ibn Muhammad ibn bi Bakr al-Siddiq.

3. The Mother of the Believers Aisha [May Allah be pleased with her] reports, "The Prophet stood up in prayer during part of the night and made his prostration so lengthy that I thought his soul had been taken back. When I saw this I got up and went to move his big toe, whereupon he moved, so I drew back. When he raised his head from prostration and finished praying, he said: "O `A'isha, O fair little one (humayra')! Did you think that the Prophet had broken his agreement with you?" She replied: "No, by Allah, O Messenger of Allah, but I thought that your soul had been taken back because your stayed in prostration for so long." He said: "Do you know what night this is?" She said: "Allah and His Prophet know best." He said: "This is the night of mid-Sha`ban! Verily Allah the Glorious and Majestic look at His servants on the night of mid-Sha`ban, and He forgives those who ask forgiveness, and He bestows mercy on those who ask mercy, and He gives a delay to the people of envy and spite in their state."

- Narrated from Aisha by al-Bayhaqi in Shu’ab al Iman (3:382) where he comments: “This hadith is missing the Companion in its chain, and is a good Hadith (hadha mursal jayyid). It is probable that al-Ala’ibn al-Harith took it from Makhul and Allah knows best.”

4. Ali ibn Abi Talib [May Allah be pleased with him] reports that the Prophet [Peace be upon him] is reported to have said: “The night of mid-Shaban, let all of you spend in prayer and its day in fasting, for Allah descends to the nearest heaven during that night beginning with sunset and says: ‘Is there no one asking sustenance that I may forgive them? Is there no one asking sustenance that I may grant them sustenance? Is there no one under duress that I may relieve them? Is there not such-and-such, is there not such-and-such, a so forth until dawn rises’”

- Narrated from Ali by Ahmed and Ibn Majah with a chain containing Ibn Abi Sabra, Mufti Taqi Uthmani says regarding the authenticity of this hadith This Hadith is recorded by Ibn Majah in his Sunan, one of the famous six books of Hadith, and also by Baihaqi in his famous book Shu'ab-al-'iman'. Both of them have reported it without any comment about its authenticity. But after a critical analysis of its chain of narrators it is found that this tradition is mainly based on the report of Abu Bakr Ibn Abi Saburah whose narrations cannot be relied upon. That is why the scholars of Hadith have declared it as a weak (da'if) tradition. his memory was not of the standard required for the Authenticity of a tradition. That is why most of the critics and scholars of Hadith like Imam Bukhari etc. Have held him as weak.

SCOLARS OPINION:

AS THERE IS NO AUTHENTIC HADITH ABOUT MID SHABAN, BUT THERE ARE NUMBERS OF WEAK HADITH’S IN RELATION, THE OPINION OF THE SCHOLARS DIFFERED AT THIS POINT.SOME OF THEM BELIEVED AS THERE ARE MANY (NEAR A DOZON) WEAK HADITH, SO, MID-SHABAN CARRIES SPECIAL IMPORTANCE, AND SPECIAL ACTS SHALL BE PERFORMED AT THIS NIGHT!OTHERS BELIEVED THAT, AS MOST OF THE HADITH ARE WEAK OR THERE IS NOT A SINGLE SAHIH HADITH AMONG THEM, PERFORMING ANY SPECIAL ACT ON THIS SPECIFIC NIGHT IS BIDAH (INOVATION).

IN BRIEF, WHAT WE FIND IS-

1. There is no specific prescribed Salaah reserved for this night.

2. There is no specific form of Ibadah prescribed for this night.

-It was the noble habit of Rasoolullah Sallallahu alaihi wasallam to engage in ibadah during the last portion of every night. Ibadah was not restricted to the 15th of Shaban or any other specific night. Ayesha Radhiyallahu anha reports that Rasoolullah Sallallahu alaihi wasallam used to go to bed during the first portion of the night and he would stay awake the last portion of the night (spending it in ibadah). (Bukhari and Muslim)

3. Allah Ta'ala descends to the nearest heaven during the last third of every night. (Bukhari) This is not restricted to the 15th night of Sha'ban.

4. Visiting the graveyard is not a special characteristic of this night; it is proven from other authentic narrations that Rasoolullah Sallallahu alaihi wasallam would visit the graveyard during the last portion of many nights.

5. Fasting on the 15th of Sha'ban is not proven from any Sahih Hadith

- It is a misconception that the fast of the 15th of Sha'ban is Sunnah.There is only one hadtih regarding fasting on this day but it is extremely weak, as one of its narrators, Ibn Abi Sabirah is extremely weak, has been accused of fabricating Ahaadith too. (Mizaan al-I'tidaal, p. 503)

- Fasting in the month of Sha'ban without the specification of any day is proven from Rasoolullah Sallallahu alaihi wasallam. Infact, he used to fast excessively during this month. (Narrated by al-Bukhârî, no. 1833; Muslim, no. 1956)

- Fasting on the13th, 14th and 15th of Every lunar month is proven from the Ahaadith.

8. The BLESSED NIGHT, mentioned in Surah Dukhan of the Quran, is the night of Qadr, and not the 15th night of Sha'baan.

9. The name Laylatul Bara'at was intoduced after a few centuries. Earlier Hadith books would mention Ahaadith regarding this night under the heading laylat al-Nisf min Sha'ban (Chapter on the night of the 15th of Sha'ban)

10. The custom of cooking a specific food for the 15th night of Sha'ban has no basis in the Qur'an or Sunnah. Nor does the lighting of lamps or having lighting outside the Masaajid as practised by some people.

11. It is the consensus (ijma) of all jurists that it is better for an individual to perform optional prayers in ones own home.

- It was the practice of Rasoolullah Salllallahu alaihi wasallam and the Sahaabah Radhiyallahu anhum to engage in any Nafl/optional prayers in their own homes.………………………………………………………………………….One can conclude from this that the customs and traditions prevalent today where people assemble on nights such as these have no base in the Qur'an or Sunnah.

Don’t engage in any form of Bid'ah, Success lies in obeying the commands of Allah and adhering to the teachings of our Prophet, Muhammad Sallallahu alaihi wasallam.

There are many merits of Shabaan, especially the 15th of Shabaan, which is known as Shab-e-Baraat or Lailatul Baraat, meaning the Night of Absolution. Insha Allah hereunder we will discuss the auspiciousness of Shab-e-Baraat and also a few things that should be read on this night.

Just to highlight the significance of Shabaan, Hazrat Anas ibn Malik (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) reports that once when Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) was asked about the most meritorious fasting, he replied, “Fasting in Shabaan in honour of Ramadaan.” Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) would fast for the whole month of Shabaan and has stated that Shabaan is his month.

Shab-e-Baraat is a vessel for Mercy, Blessing, Benefit, Pardon and Forgiveness that descends upon the people of the earth. On this great night, Allah Ta’ala descends to the first heaven and proclaims, “Is there anyone who seeks forgiveness so that I may forgive him? Is there anyone who seeks sustenance so that I may grant him sustenance? Is there anyone who seeks freedom from his problems so that I may remove his problems?” This announcement continues until the break of dawn.

Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) has said, “On the night of the middle of Shabaan, Allah Ta’ala descends to the heaven of this lower world and forgives every Muslim, except a mushrik (one who associates partners with Allah Ta’ala), the bearer of malice, the breaker of family ties, the adulterer, the miser, the one who is disobedient to his parents and the one who consumes alcohol. He (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) has also stated that during this night Allah Ta’ala opens 300 doors of Mercy unto his servants and that the slaves of Allah Ta’ala are emancipated from the fire of hell, as numerous as the hairs on the flocks of the tribe of Bani Kalb.

Allah Ta’ala states in the Holy Qur’an, “Therein all matters of wisdom are sorted out for Decree.” [Surah 44, Verse 4]. This Aayat refers to Shab-e-Baraat and it is stated in Tafseer Noorul Irfaan that on this great night, the entire year’s programme of sustenance, death, life, honour and disgrace, in short every affair of man is listed from the Divine Tablet and handed over to the angels of each area on the earth in the form of a book. For example the Angel of Death is given a list of the names of those who would be dying in the coming year.

Hazrat Aisha Siddiqa (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anha) reports that once on Shab-e-Baraat Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) went into prostration for a long time and she watched him until she thought that Allah Ta’ala had taken His Messenger (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) from this world. After a long time had elapsed, she got close enough to touch the soles of his feet. He stirred, and she heard him say in his prostration, “I take refuge with Your pardon from Your punishment. I take refuge with Your approval from Your displeasure. I take refuge in You from You. Glory be to You. I cannot fully praise You, as You have praised Yourself.” After this incident Hazrat Aisha Siddiqa (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anha) asked Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), “O Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), tonight I have heard you utter something during your prostration that I never heard you mention before.” Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) then asked, “Have you learnt it?” When she said yes, he replied, “Study those words and teach them, for Hazrat Jibra’eel (Alaihis Salaam) instructed me to repeat them during the prostration.”

This Dua is given below and we must try to recite it as much as possible Insha Allah, according to the Sunnah of the Beloved Rasool (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam).

Transliteration: (Allahumma) A’oozu bi Afwika Min Iqaabika Wa A’oozu Biradaaka Min Sakhatika Wa A’oozu Bika Minka Jalla Wajhuka Laa Uhsi Sanaa’an Alayka Anta Kama Asnaita Ala Nafsik.

Hereunder are some other Ibaadaat that may be performed during this night:

After Asr Salaah the following should be recited 70 times:
Astagh Firullaha Rabbi Min Kulli Zam Bin Wa A’tubu Elaih

Just before sunset the following should be recited 40 times:
Laa Hawla Wala Quwata Illa Billa Hil Aleeyil Azeem

After Maghrib Salaah 6 rakaats of Nafl Salaah should be read as three sets of two rakaats. Before the first 2 rakaats, make Dua to receive a long life through the barkat of those 2 rakaats. For the second set make Dua to be saved from all types of problems and for the third set make Dua for Allah Ta’ala not to make you needy of anyone besides Him. After each set of rakaats, recite Surah Yaseen once, Surah Ikhlaas 21 times and thereafter Dua-e-Nisfe Shabaan.

One should also try to fast on the 15th of Shabaan as this is the Sunnah of Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). It is also better to fast both on the 14th and 15th (if possible) so that one would enter the blessed night of Shab-e-Baraat in a state of fasting.
One should also try to visit the Qabarastan (graveyard) to make Dua of Maghfirat (Forgiveness) for the deceased, as this is the Sunnah of our beloved Rasool (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam).

This is an opportunity that everyone needs to take advantage of. We do not know if our names will be written on the list given to the Angel of Death this year, and whether we will have the opportunity of experiencing this blessed night again. We must make Tauba (repent) for our sins and ask for Allah Ta’ala’s Forgiveness. We are such wretched sinners but the Mercy of Allah Ta’ala is boundless. No matter how sinful we are, it is never too late to fall down in prostration before our Lord and to cry in shame for our insolent behaviour in disobeying His commands. Allah Ta’ala’s Mercy overcomes His anger therefore we should not lose hope in His Mercy, no matter how wretched we might be. Allah Ta’ala just wants an excuse to forgive us but it is we who are too lazy to humble ourselves before Him to ask for His Mercy.

On this night when Allah Ta’ala calls out, “Who is there who seeks forgiveness so that I may forgive Him?” the whole night, why can’t we be the ones to respond to that call by crying in the Court of Allah Ta’ala and saying, “Ya Allah, this wretched sinner seeks Your forgiveness. I am present in Your Court and I humble myself in shame before You. Through the Sadaqah and Wasilah of Your Beloved Messenger, Muhammad Mustafa (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) please forgive me.” Nothing is stopping us besides our nafs and Shaitaan. Remember that Allah Ta’ala loves those who cry in His Court out of shame and repent for their sins, so do not let this blessed night go by in vain.

May Allah Ta’ala grant us the Taufeeq to take full advantage of the blessings of Shab-e-Baraat, to repent from our sins and to make as much Ibaadat as possible on this blessed night, Ameen.

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The Night of Baraah

Sha'ban is one of the meritorious months for which we find some particular instructions in the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. It is reported in the authentic ahadith that Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, used to fast most of the month in Sha'ban. These fasts were not obligatory on him but Sha'ban is the month immediately preceding the month of Ramadan. Therefore, some preparatory measures are suggested by Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. Some of these are given below: 

1. The blessed companion Anas, Radi-Allahu anhu, reports that Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, was asked, "Which fast is the most meritorious after the fasts of Ramadan?" He replied, "Fasts of Shaban in honor of Ramadan."

2. The blessed companion Usama ibn Zaid, Radi-Allahu anhu, reports that he asked Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam: "Messenger of Allah, I have seen you fasting in the month of Sha'ban so frequently that I have never seen you fasting in any other month." Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, replied: "That (Sha'ban) is a month between Rajab and Ramadan which is neglected by many people. And it is a month in which an account of the deeds (of human beings) is presented before the Lord of the universe, so, I wish that my deeds be presented at a time when I am in a state of fasting."

3. Ummul Mu'mineen 'Aishah, Radi-Allahu anha, says, "Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, used to fast the whole of Sha'ban. I said to him, 'Messenger of Allah, is Sha'ban your most favorite month for fasting?' He said, 'In this month Allah prescribes the list of the persons dying this year. Therefore, I like that my death comes when I am in a state of fasting."

4. In another Tradition she says, "Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, would sometimes begin to fast continuously until we thought he would not stop fasting, and sometimes he used to stop fasting until we thought he would never fast. I never saw the Messenger of Allah, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, fasting a complete month, except the month of Ramadan, and I have never seen him fasting in a month more frequently than he did in Sha'ban."

5. In another report she says, "I never saw the Messenger of Allah, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, fasting in a month so profusely as he did in the month of Sha'ban. He used to fast in that month leaving only a few days, rather, he used to fast almost the whole of the month."

6. Ummul-Mu'mineen Umm Salamah, Radi-Allahu anha, says: "I have never seen the Messenger of Allah fasting for two months continuously except in the months of Sha'ban and Ramadan."

These reports indicate that fasting in the month of Sha'ban, though not obligatory, is so meritorious that Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, did not like to miss it.

But it should be kept in mind that the fasts of Sha'ban are for those persons only who are capable of keeping them without causing deficiency in the obligatory fasts of Ramadan. Therefore, if one fears that after fasting in Sha'ban, he will lose strength or freshness for the fasts of Ramadan and will not be able to fast in it with freshness, he should not fast in Sha'ban, because the fasts of Ramadan, being obligatory, are more important than the optional fasts of Sha'ban. That is why Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, himself has forbidden the Muslims from fasting one or two days immediately before the commencement of Ramadan. The blessed Companion Abu Hurairah, Radi-Allahu anhu, reports Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, to have said, "Do not fast after the first half of the month of Sha'ban is gone."

According to another report Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam has said: "Do not precede the month of Ramadan with one or two fasts."

The essence of the above-quoted ahadith is that Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, himself used to fast most of the month of Sha'ban, because he had no fear of developing weakness or weariness before the commencement of Ramadan. As for others, he ordered them not to fast after the 15th of Sha'ban for the fear that they would lose their strength and freshness before Ramadan starts, and would not be able to welcome the month of Ramadan with enthusiasm.

The Night of Bara'ah

Another significant feature of the month of Sha'ban is that it consists of a night which is termed in Shariah as "Laylatul-bara'ah" (The night of freedom from Fire). This is the night occurring between 14th and 15th day of Sha'ban. There are certain traditions of Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, to prove that it is a meritorious night in which the people of the earth are attended by special Divine mercy. Some of these traditions are quoted as follows:

1. Ummul-Mu'mineen 'Aishah, Radi-Allahu anha, is reported to have said, "Once Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, performed the Salah of the night (Tahajjud) and made a very long Sajdah until I feared that he had passed away. When I saw this, I rose (from my bed) and moved his thumb (to ascertain whether he is alive). The thumb moved, and I returned (to my place). Then I heard him saying in Sajdah: 'I seek refuge of Your forgiveness from Your punishment, and I seek refuge of Your pleasure from Your annoyance, and I seek Your refuge from Yourself. I cannot praise You as fully as You deserve. You are exactly as You have defined Yourself.' Thereafter, when he raised his head from Sajdah and finished his salah, he said to me: 'Aishah, did you think that the Prophet has betrayed you?' I said, 'No, O Prophet of Allah, but I was afraid that your soul has been taken away because your Sajdah was very long.' He asked me, 'Do you know which night is this?' I said, 'Allah and His Messenger know best.' He said, 'This is the night of the half of Sha'ban. Allah Almighty looks upon His slaves in this night and forgives those who seek forgiveness and bestows His mercy upon those who pray for mercy but keeps those who have malice (against a Muslim) as they were before, (and does not forgive them unless they relieve themselves from malice).'"

2. In another Tradition Sayyidah' Aishah, Radi-Allahu anha, has reported that Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, has said, "Allah Almighty descends (in a manner He best knows it) in the night occurring in the middle of Sha'ban and forgives a large number of people more than the number of the fibers on the sheep of the tribe, Kalb."

Kalb was a big tribe the members of which had a very large number of sheep. Therefore, the last sentence of the hadith indicates the big number of the people who are forgiven in this night by Allah Almighty.

3. In yet another Tradition, she has reported Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, to have said, "This is the middle Night of Sha'ban. Allah frees in it a large number of the people from Fire, more than the number of the hair growing on the sheep of the tribe, Kalb. But He does not even look at a person who associates partners with Allah, or at a person who nourishes malice in his heart (against someone), or at a person who cuts off the ties of kinship, or at a man who leaves his clothes extending beyond his ankles (as a sign of pride), or at a person who disobeys his parents, or at a person who has a habit of drinking wine."

4. Sayyidna Mu'adh ibn Jabal, Radi-Allahu anhu, reports that Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, has said: "Allah Almighty looks upon all those created by Him in the middle Night of Sha'ban and forgives all those created by Him, except the one who associates partners with Him or the one who has malice in his heart (against a Muslim)".

Although the chain of narrators of some of these traditions suffers with some minor technical defects, yet when all these traditions are combined together, it becomes clear that this night has some well founded merits, and observing this night as a sacred night is not a baseless concoction as envisaged by some modern scholars who, on the basis of these minor defects, have totally rejected to give any special importance to this night. In fact, some of these traditions have been held by some scholars of hadith as authentic and the defects in the chain of some others have been treated by them as minor technical defects which, according to the science of hadith, are curable by the variety of their ways of narration. That is why the elders of the ummah have constantly been observing this night as a night of special merits and have been spending it in worship and prayers.

What Should be Done in this Night?

In order to observe the Night of Bara'ah, one should remain awakened in this night as much as he can. If someone has better opportunities, he should spend the whole night in worship and prayer. However, if one cannot do so for one reason or another, he can select a considerable portion of the night, preferably of the second half of it for this purpose, and should perform the following acts of worship:

(a) Salah. Salah is the most preferable act to be performed in this night. There is no particular number of Rak'at but preferably it should not be less than eight. It is also advisable that each part of the Salah like qiyam, rukoo' and sajdah should be longer than normal. The longest surahs of the Holy Qur'an one remembers by heart should be recited in  the Salah of this night. If someone does not remember the long surahs, he can also recite several short surahs in one rak'ah.

(b) Tilawa. The recitation of the Holy Qur'an is another form of worship, very beneficent in this night. After performing Salah, or at any other time, one should recite as much of the Holy Qur'an as he can.

(c) Dhikr. One should also perform dhikr (recitation of the name of Allah) in this night. Particularly the following dhikr is very useful:

One should recite Salah (durood) on Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, as many times as he can. The dhikr can also be recited while walking, lying on bed and during other hours of work or leisure.

(d) Dua. The best benefit one can draw from the blessings of this night is prayers and supplications. It is hoped that all the prayers in this night will be accepted by our Lord, insha-Allah. Prayer itself is an 'Ibadah, and Allah Almighty gives reward on each prayer along with the fulfillment of the supplicator's need. Even if the purpose prayed for is not achieved, one cannot be deprived of the reward of the prayer which is sometimes more precious than the mundane benefits one strives for. The prayers and supplications also strengthen one's relation with Allah Almighty, which is the main purpose of all kinds and forms of worship.

One can pray for whatever purpose he wishes. But the best supplications are the ones made by Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. These are so comprehensive and all-encompassing prayers that all the human needs, of this world and the Hereafter, are fully covered in the eloquent expressions used in them. Actually, most of the prophetic prayers are so profound that human imagination can hardly match their greatness.

Several books in various languages are available which provide these prophetic prayers, and one should pray to Allah Almighty in accordance with them, whether by reciting their original Arabic text or by rendering their sense in one's own language.

(e) There are some people who cannot perform any additional Salah or recitations for any reason, like illness or weakness or being engaged in some other necessary activities. Such people also should not deprive themselves completely of the blessings of this night. They should observe the following acts:

(i) To perform the Salah of Maghrib, 'Isha' and Fajr with Jama'ah in the mosque, or in their homes in case of their being sick.

(ii) They should keep reciting the dhikr, particularly the one mentioned in para (c) above, in whatever condition they are until they sleep.

(iii) They should pray to Allah for their forgiveness and for their other objectives. One can do so even when he is in his bed.

(f) The women during their periods cannot perform salah, nor can they recite the Qur'an, but they can recite any dhikr, tasbeeh, durood sharif and can pray to Allah for whatever purpose they like in whatever language they wish. They can also recite the Arabic prayers mentioned in the Qur'an or in the hadith with the intention of supplication (and not with the intention of recitation).

(g) According to a hadith, which is relatively less authentic, Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, went in this night to the graveyard of Baqi' where he prayed for the Muslims buried there. On this basis, some of the fuqaha hold it as mustahabb (advisable) in this night to go to the graveyard of the Muslims and recite Fatihah or any other part of the Qur'an, and pray for the dead. But this act is neither obligatory nor should it be performed as regularly as an obligatory act.

What Should Not be Done in This Night

1. As mentioned earlier, the Night of Bara'ah is a night in which special blessings are directed towards the Muslims. Therefore, this night should be spent in total submission to Allah Almighty, and one should refrain from all those activities, which may displease Allah. Although it is always incumbent upon every Muslim to abstain from sins, yet this abstinence becomes all the more necessary in such nights, because committing sins in this night will amount to responding to divine blessings with disobedience and felony. Such an arrogant attitude can invite nothing but the wrath of Allah. Therefore, one should strictly abstain from all the sins, particularly from those mentioned in the Hadith No. 3 quoted earlier in this article, because these sins make one devoid of the blessings of this night.

2. In this night some people indulge in some activities which they regard as necessary for the celebration of the Night of Bara'ah, like cooking some special type of meal, or illuminating houses or mosques, or improvised structures. All such activities are not only baseless and innovated in the later days by ignorant people, but in some cases they are pure imitation of some rituals performed by non-Muslim communities. Such imitation in itself is a sin; performing it in a blessed night like the Night of Bara'ah makes it worse. Muslims should strictly abstain from all such activities.

3. Some people spend this night in holding religious meetings and delivering long speeches. Such activities are also not advisable, because these acts can easily be performed in other nights. This night requires one to devote himself for the pure acts of worship only.

4. The acts of worship like Salah, recitation of the Qur'an and dhikr should be performed in this night individually, not collectively. The Nafl Salah should not be performed in Jama'ah, nor should the Muslims arrange gatherings in the mosques in order to celebrate the night in a collective manner. 

On the contrary, this night is meant for worshipping Allah in solitude. It is the time to enjoy the direct contact with the Lord of the Universe, and to devote one's attention to Him and Him alone. These are the precious hours of the night in which nobody should intervene between one and his Lord, and one should turn to Allah with total concentration, not disturbed or intermitted by any one else.

That is why Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, observed the acts of worship in this night in total seclusion, not accompanied by anyone, not even by his favorite life companion Sayyidah 'Aishah, Radi-Allahu anha, and that is why all forms of the optional worship (Nafl Ibadah), are advised by him to be done in individual, not in collective manner.

Fast of the 15th Sha'ban

On the day immediately following the Night of Bara'ah, i.e. the 15th of Sha'ban, it is mustahabb (advisable) to keep fast. Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, is reported to have recommended this fast emphatically. Although the scholars of hadith have some doubts in the authenticity of this report, yet it is mentioned earlier that the fasts of the first half of Sha'ban have special merits and Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, used to fast most of the days in Sha'ban. Moreover, a large number of the elders (salaf) of the Ummah have been observing the fast of the 15th of Sha'ban. This constant practice indicates that they have accepted the relevant hadith as authentic.

Therefore, it is advisable to fast the 15th of Sha'ban as an optional (nafl) fast. One can also keep a fast of qada on this day and it is hoped that he can also benefit from the merits of this fast.

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Ramadan Kareem

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar; month of blessed, month of revealed the Holy Quran, the best month in a year, and month to achieve Jannah. Fasting on Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, pillars are referred here as duties.

Meaning of Ramadan: Ramadan means burning, the word Ramadan derived from “Ramad” means burn, the real meaning is burning of sins, if we fast in the way that Allah (SWT) likes and wants, then He (SWT) will forgive all of our sins such as fire burn the garbage.

Narrated by Abu Huraira (R) that our beloved Prophet (PBUH) said: "Whoever observes fasts during the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping to attain Allah's rewards, and then all his past sins will be forgiven."(Al-Bukhari).

Abu Huraira also narrated that Prophet (PBUH) said: “Whoever fails to leave off ruinous speech, and acting on it [during Ramadan], Allah (SWT) does not need him to leave off eating and drinking.” (Al-Bukahri).

Fasting:

Meaning of Fasting: The Arabic word for Fasting is Sawm, literally means "to refrain" - and it means not only refraining from food and drink, but also from evil actions, thoughts, and words.

Types of Fasting: According to Imam Al-Ghazali (Rahmatullah Alayhi) there three types of Fasting:

1. Regular Peoples Fasting: Abstain from foods, drinks and other desire: Ordinary peoples fasting,

2. Special Persons Fasting: Number 1, plus control all body parts from sins: Most pious peoples fasting,

3. Super Special Persons Fasting: Number 1 and 2, plus, control mind from all kinds of bad thinking and remembering Allah (SWT) : Prophets fasting

During Ramadan, every part of the body must be restrained. The tongue must be restrained from backbiting and gossip. The eyes must restrain themselves from looking at unlawful things. The hand must not touch or take anything that does not belong to it. The ears must refrain from listening to idle talk or obscene words. The feet must refrain from going to sinful places. In such a way, every part of the body observes the fast.

In a Hadith, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: ” that the feet of the son of Adam will not be able to move until he is questioned regarding the following four things:

1. How did you spend your youth ?

2. How did you utilize your body limbs ?

3. How did you spend your brain / talent / knowledge ?

4. How did you earn money and how did you spend it? 

Therefore, fasting is not merely physical, but is rather the total commitment of the person's body and soul to the spirit of the fast.

SIGFICANCE OF RAMADAN AND FASTING

1. Question: Why Fasting ? 

Answer: Ramadan Clean Heart’s Spots: 

Clean LampDark Chimni

Fig. Harican Lamp

During 11 months, with the influence of Saitan people do bad deeds as a result their heart became black due to deposition of black spots, like chimni (glass) of a Harican Lamp become black due to deposition of spots in its inner side. (People use Harican in the rural area where there are no electricity or city areas in absence of electricity). To remove the black spot from the glass (chimni) people usually clean it every evening prior to use at night, similarly to clean our heart’s dart Allah (SWT) arrange such a system which is called Fasting in Ramadan.

2. In Details description about Fasting in the holy Quran:

Allah (SWT) mentioned in the Holy Quran " I have created Jinns and men, only for My Ibadah". Sura: Adh-Dhariyat: 51: 56

We know that what ever we do it will be treated as ‘Ibadah’ if we do according to the Quran and Sunnah. Allah (SWT) discussed in detailed (1 ruku) about only one Ibadat in Holy Quran that is Sawm / Fasting. The rest of the ‘Ibadat’ were discussed in brief such as Salat, He says “Ikimus Salat” means establish prayer, nothing mentioned about that Fajr prayer how many rakah , Dhur how many rakah etc. For Zakah only says “Ya A-tu Zakah” nothing mentioned how much Zakah for different types of wealth such as gold, silver, crop, and property. For Hajj, He (SWT) mentioned to perform Hajj, but nothing mentioned about all the necessary performance during Hajj, so that we can realize the importance of Sawm / Fasting.

3. Fasting For ME (SWT):

Abu Hurayra (R) reported that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH), said, "Allah, the Mighty and Exalted said, 'Every action of the son of Adam is for himself except fasting, for that is solely for Me. I give the reward for it’. (Al Bukhari).

On the above mentioned hadith we know that Allah (SWT) says that “As-sawmuli” means Sawm (Fasting) is for Me (SWT). He never says Al-Hajjuli (means Hajj for Me) or As-Salatuli (Namaz is for Me) or Aj-Zakatuli (Zakat for Me). Off course all prayers what we do are for the sake of Allah (SWT). Allah (SWT) also says “As-Sawmuli Wa ala Ajjabii” means Fasting is for Me and I (SWT) will give Myself its reward. We know that all of our good deeds are written by Angle except Fasting. Have you ever think that how much reward Allah (SWT) can offer for you for Sawm.

Our Beloved Prophet (PBUH) said that "If my followers realize what Ramadan really is (based on reward), they would wish that the whole year be Ramadan”.

4. The Month of Quran: 

Quranquran

Fig: Picture: Original Noble Quran

The month of Ramadan is called the month of the Qur'an. The Holy Quran was revealed this month. “Balhum Quranum Mazidun Fi Lawhay Mohfuz:

Ibn `Abbas and others have said, "Allah sent the Qur'an down all at one time from the Preserved Tablet (Al-Lawh Al-Mahfuz) to the House of Might (Baytul-`Izzah), which is in the heaven of this world. Then it came down in parts to the Messenger of Allah based upon the incidents that occurred over a period of twenty-three years.''

Flow Diagram Showing the Original Source of Noble Quran and How it Came to Our Beloved Prophet (PBUH):

[Night of Qudr] [Through Jibril (AS)] 

Original Place: Arsh-al-Ajim →Law-hi-Mahfuj → Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

[Memorized it and Wrote by his companion for Preservation]

Allah (SWT) gave us many gift

Allah (SWT) gave us many gift, among them the best one is Al-Quran, the guidance for all human beings, not only for Muslims.

5. Renewal of Contact with the Qur’an 

Cvae Hira Fig: Cave Hira

Ramadan and the Qur’an are linked together from the beginning. In this month this divine message was revealed to our Prophet (PBUH). We are told that the Prophet (PBUH) was fasting when he received the first revelation. Fasting prepares the believers' hearts to learn the Word of Allah. It is the most suitable condition for our spiritual and mental communication with the Qur’an. The Muslim Ummah pays more attention to the Qur’an in this month. This renewed contact with the Qur’an must help us in following its message.

" Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong)". Sura Baqara: 2:185.

"This is the Book, In it is guidance sure, without doubt. To those who fear God". Sura Baqara: 2:2.

"He is the One Who sends to His Servant Manifest Signs, that He may lead you from the depths of Darkness into the Light and verily Allah is to you most kind and Merciful". Sura: Hadid: 57: 9

6. Taqwa: 

Taqwaa

"O You who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, even as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may attain God-consciousness / Taqwa’". Sura Bakara: 2:183

What is Taqwa ? Taqwa is the sum total of Islamic life. It is the highest of all virtues in the Islamic scheme of things. It means, God-consciousness, piety, fear and awe of Allah and it signifies submission to Allah and total commitment to all that is good and rejection of all that is evil and bad.

Example of Taqwa: One day Hazrat Umar (R) asked Hazrat Amer Bin As (R), can you give an example of Taqwa ? Amer ( R) said yes: Suppose you are walking in a street that’s surroundings are covered by spinney bushes. Amer ( R ) asked Omar ( R ) how do proceed through that street neither harming you nor tore your garments. Than Omar (R) said that I will fold my dress as well myself in such a way that the spine can’t get any chance to crutch me as well as my garments. Than Amer (R) said that is an example of Taqwa. We will live in the society with lot of bad things but we should refrain ourselves all of those bad things / unlawful acts like the fish (certain type) who lives in the mud, but mud wouldn’t touch the fish.

7. Jihad or Struggle: 

Fasting in Ramadan and Jihad both of them were prescribed in the same year, that is the second year of Hijrah in Madinah. Fasting prepares for hardships and sacrifice. Jihad is not possible without these two important things. Muslim learns in Ramadan how to struggle against the forces of evil for himself, in the society around him, and in the world at large. 

Prophet (PBUH) said that: "The mujahid is he who makes jihad against his nafs (ego) for the sake of obeying Allah (Tirmidhi and Ahmad).

8. A Fresh Sense of Care and Sympathy:

Fasting in the month of Ramadan helps us to understand the suffering and the pains of the poor and needy. We learn how to be more kind and generous in this month.

Ibn ‘Abbas ( R) and his father, relates that “The Prophet (PBUH), was the most generous of people. He was even more generous in Ramadan when Jibriel (A) would meet him and review the Qur’an with him. Jabriel (A) would come to him every night of Ramadan to review the Qur’an. During these times, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH), was more generous than the freely blowing wind.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

9. Great opportunity to listen the whole Quran:

Great opportunity to listen the whole Quran

During taraweeh prayers, especially those who are not able to recite the Quran (busy people / ones who didn’t know how to recite) is a great opportunity for them to listen the Holy Quran during the month of Ramadan. Those who can read the Arabic script should do so in Arabic, even if they do not fully understand what they are reading. They should also try to read through the English translation. Those who are unable to read Arabic or English, should try to read through the entire Bangla translation.

10. During Ramadan the gates of Heaven are open and the gates of hell are closed and Saitans are chained:

Our beloved Prophet (PBUH) said “during the month of Ramadan of gates of Heavens are open and the gates of hell are closed and Saitans are chained”. 

There might be a question arise in our mind that if the Saitans are chained during the month of Ramadan, why people are doing sinful act during Ramadan? 

Manual Winding Watch Fig. Manual Winding Watch

There is a logical answer to that question. People use hand watch to check their daily time to perform work on time. There are a different types of winding system for hand watch, mainly the old fashion ones (except that battery operated / automatic ones). Some winding system may exist one day, some of them one week and certain watch for a month. Saitan also follows the winding technology for human being to do bad things. So those people who continue to do bad things / sinful acts during the month of Ramadan, in that case Saitan winded him / her in such a way that his winding system exist more than one month. Therefore in absence of Saitan, winding system existed in human being and continues to do bad things / sinful acts during Ramadan.

11. Months of Rahmah, Magferah (forgiveness) and seek salvation (najat) from Hell fire:

Our Beloved Prophet (PBUH) said that "Ramadan is a month whose beginning is Mercy, whose middle is Forgiveness and whose end is freedom from the fire."

Mercy > Forgiveness > Freedom from Fire 

Forgiveness

Duas during the Holy month of Ramadan:

1st 10 days : Yaa Hayyu Yaa Qayyoomu, bi-rahmatika astagheethu

2nd 10 days: astaghfirullaah-al Azeem-alladzi laa illaha illa Huwa-al Hyyu-l-Qayyoomu wa atobu ilayh

3rd 10 days: Rabbana aatina fi-ddunyaa hasanatanwa fil-aakhirati hasanatanwa qinaa adzaab-annaar

Abu Hurairah ( R) reports, Prophet (PBUH) declared, 'Three persons whose dua is never rejected (by Allah) are: the fasting person until he breaks his fast (in another narration, when he breaks fast), the just ruler and the one who is oppressed. (Ahmad, Tirmidhi).

Most Deprive Person: 

The following incident will highlight the utmost importance of fasting during the holy month of Ramadan. Once while mounting the mimber (pulpit) of his Masjid for khutba (sermon), the Prophet (PBUH) was heard saying

"Aameen" on the first step of the mimber. He repeated the same act on the second and third steps. It was an unusual act for the Companions. After the Prophet (PBUH) completed the khutba and prayer, the Companions requested him to explain his act so that they could also benefit from it. The Prophet (PBUH) replied, 

"When I mounted the first step, Aangel Jibreel appeared and said ‘May the person be destroyed who got the month of Ramadan but did not secure forgiveness.’ Thereupon I said ‘Aameen'.

When I mounted the second step, Jibreel said, 'May that person be destroyed who refrains from reciting salat (darood) when your name is mentioned in his presence'. Thereupon I said ‘Aameen'.

And when I mounted the third step, Jibreel said ‘May that person be destroyed whose both parents or one parent happen to reach old age and he did not attain Allah's forgiveness (by serving them).’ Thereupon I said ‘Aameen'."

12. Medical and Moral Benefit for Fasting: 

Fasting extended our life, reduced our body growth due to consume less food. According to Medical report Fasting also increases disease resistance power such as hard disease, diabetic, cancer, gastric, and memory capacity.

Prophet (PBUH) said “ If you fast you will be healthy (Ahmed)

Narated by Abu Huraira (R) Prophet (PBUH) said that “ There is a Zakat for all wealth, but Zakat for Human body is Fasting (Ibn Maja)

13. Fasting is a special type of Ibadat, Training for the 1.83 Billion People (World’s Muslim Population) at the Same Time:

For Salat it takes few minutes, for Haj 2 weeks once in a life, for Zakat may be few hours for Calculation and submission, but Fasting is completely different. It includes the following 30 days course: Eat last night meal, fasting in the day time, abstain from sexual relation in the day time, besides that abstain from telling lies, backbiting, use fowl talk, avoid quarrel, julm, avoid dance, music, movie, cinemas, illegial activities, earn halal way, spend money for buying halal food and eat halal food during iftar, perform taragee prayer with jamat at Masjid, recite Quran prior or after sleep, get up at last night and pray Tahazzud seek forgiveness, eat last night meal, pray fazar prayer and sleep, get up and do work and observe fasting. This daily cycle goes unto 30 days whole Muslim Ummah in the World (1.83 billon). It will help to adjust / establish our body clock to Islamic life style.

14. Ramadan Generosity:

The month of Ramadan brings many blessings multiplied many fold for those who do good deeds. During this month people are more generous, more cordial, more friendly and more ready than other times of the year to do good deeds. The poor and the needy receive food, clothing and money from the well-to-do in the community. Many people go to the Masjid in the neighborhood for fast breaking and meals. People in the neighborhood send fruit, food and drinks to the Masjid - the atmosphere is that of a friendly pot luck dinner every evening of the month. Zakat, a wealth purifying tax, and donations are given at this time of the year since many Muslims wish to take the opportunity of multiplied rewards from Allah (SWT).

15. Laylat al-Qadr:

There is a night in the month of Ramadan called Qadr / Night of Power which is better than 1000 Months (84.3 years), Allah (SWT) mentioned in the following verse of the Holy Quran: Sura: Qadr: 97: 3 

In true sense the Laylat-al-Qard is better than 1000 months. Arabic word “alfun” means thousands and thousands, which means the welfare of this universe had never been happened within thousand and thousand years, but it happened on the night of Qadr. The welfare considered here the revelation of the Holy Quran, the best gift and the guide for all human being.

According to authentic teachings of our Beloved Prophet (PBUH) Muslims are advised to seek Lailat-ul-Qadr in the odd nights out of the last ten nights of Ramadan.''(Al-Bukhari).

Abu Hurayrah reported that the Prophet (PBUH) said that “those who prays on the night of Qadr with faith and hope, Allah (SWT) will forgiven his all previous sins” (Al-Bukhari).

Dua: The Mother of believers Aishah (R) reported: I asked: "O Messenger of Allah! If I realize Lailat-ul-Qadr, what should I supplicate in it?'' He (PBUH) replied, "You should supplicate: Allahumma innaka `afuwwun, tuhibbul-`afwa, fa`fu `anni. Meaning: O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness; so forgive me).” (At-Tirmidhi).

16. Fasting is Like Shield:

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said, "Verily fasting is a trust. Let each, therefore, take good care of his trust." He further said, "Fasting is a shield against sins (Ahmad). When a person fasts in the proper manner and implements all the etiquette of fasting, he will free himself of sins and gain salvation from hell. If one of you is fasting, you should avoid obscenity and quarrelling, and if somebody should fight or quarrel with you, you should say, “I am fasting'."

We can observe in our Muslim Community that there are many brothers who smoke daily (some one chain smoker), but during the month of Ramadan they quit smoking in the day time just for fear Allah (SWT). This is one of the good example that how Fasting act as a shield to prevent our bad habit.

17. Multiple Rewards: 10 to 700 Fold:

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said: "Every good deed is rewarded from ten to seven hundred times, except for the reward of fasting”. In other words, there is no limit for the reward of fasting. Allah (SWT) will give the reward for fasting Himself and will not delegate this task to the angels.

During this month Nafal is rewarded as Farz, and one Farz is rewarded as seventy Farz.

Abu Umamah reported: "I came to the Messenger of Allah and said: 'Order me to do a deed that will allow me to enter Paradise.' He said: 'Stick to fasting, as there is no equivalent to it.' Then I came to him again and he said: 'Stick to fasting."' [Ahmad and an-Nasa'i].

18. Fasting and Noble Quran will intercede on the day of Judgement:

`Abdullah ibn `Amr reported that the Messenger of Allah (PBUM) said: "The fast and the Qur'an are two intercessors for the servant of Allah on the Day of Resurrection. The fast will say: 'O Lord, I prevented him from his food and desires during the day. Let me intercede for him.' The Qur'an will say: 'I prevented him from sleeping at night. Let me intercede for him.' And their intercession will be accepted." [Ahmad].

19. Month of Forgiveness

Narrated Abu Hurairah (RA): Allahs’s Messenger (PBUH) said, “The gates of Paradise are opened on Mondays and Thursdays, and then every slave (of Allah) is granted forgiveness if he does not associate anything with Allah in worship. But the person in whose heart there is rancor (ill feeling) against his (Muslim) brother (or sister), they will not be pardoned and with regard to them it will be said twice: ‘Hold both of them until they are reconciled with each other.’’[Muslim]

Uqbah bin Amar (RA) reported that Prophet (PBUH) said,“ Whoever sees a fault in his Muslim brother and he keeps it hidden he is like one who saved a live buried gril”

Jabir b. Abdullah reported that Prophet (PBUH) said: "Allah is not merciful to whim who is not merciful to people ". ( Bukhari, Muslim )

Our Beloved Prophet (PBIH) said: “A Muslim is the brother of a fellow-Muslim. He should neither commit oppression upon him nor ruin him, and he who meets the need of a brother, Allah would meet big needs, and he who relieved a Muslim from hardship, Allah would relieve him from the hardships to which he would be put on the Day of Resurrection, and he who did not expose (the follies of a Muslim) Allah would conceal his follies on the Day of Resurrection”. ( Bukhari, Muslim )

Dear brother and sister please try to do good deeds as much as possible during this Holy Month of Ramadan. We need more and more hasana, because we don’t know what will happen on the day of judgment. In case if you have shortage of just one hasana to go to the Jannah, can you get it from any body? No, even mother will go her son and request him to give her just one hasana. The Mother will say my dear son, I beared you 10 month and 10 days, I fed my breast 2 ½ years, I toke care of you during your childhood, and supported your educational expenses, give me just one hasana. The son will say, sorry mother I need it for myself. How critical should be the day of Judgment.

My dear brothers and sisters there is no any guaranty that this blessed Month of Ramadan will came back in our life next year. Please remembers everyday all of your family members including your beloved parents, relatives, friends & well wishers, teachers and neighbors among them who have already been departed from us, and make dua for their magferah prior to break fast and also in sujud during Tahazzud prayer. Personally I wish all of your happy Ramadan and ask Allah (SWT) to forgive all Muslim brothers and sisters past sins (Ameen). Allah hafiz 

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