Sunday, October 15, 2006

1,000 reasons to wonder..(Part 3)

Finally, tomorrow we will be in the midst of the night which might most possibly be THE night that is 'better than a 1,000 months'. **
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** 16th October 2006: Another unique reference I came across:
Which is the night of destiny? 19, 21, 23?
19th: Writing the destiny
21st: Its confirmation
23rd: Its approval
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Imam Abu Ja'fer Muhammad ibn Ali-al- Baqir (as) is quoted in Bihar al-Anwar and Da'aim al-Islam as having said, "The 17th night of the month of Ramadan is when the two parties met, and the 19th is when the lists of the pilgrims is written down, and the 21st is when successors to the Prophets passed away and Jesus Christ (as) was raised to heaven and Moses (as) passed away, whereas the 23rd is hoped to be Lailatul-Qadr."
In Ahadith, we find that our Holy Ma'sumeen (AS) have indicated that the 23rd of Ramadhan is most likely the Night of Qadr, and hence - along with the regular 'aamaals (that I have briefly mentioned in Part 2 of my weblog entries on '1,000 reasons to wonder why..'), there are additional Du'as which are recommended to be done on this night.
With the concluding notes I have compiled below, I hope to shed some more light on the sentiments with which we should be performing the 'aamaals of Laylatul Qadr on the 23rd night of Ramadhan. Let us, Inshallah make the most out of this Holy night - by performing these remaining 'Aamaals in the best and most acceptable manner (Aameen).
RE-SHAPING OUR FATE ON 23RD RAMADHAN:

(1) DU'A E MAKAARIMUL AKHLAQ

It is crucial for us to understand the importance of reciting this Du'a on this particular night, when we are surely gaining maghfirat of our Sins - and starting off anew, with our fates being re-written for the next year.

This is the 20th Supplication in the collection of Du'as written and taught by Imam Zaynul Abedin (AS) - compiled in the book Saheefa e Sajjadiya (The Psalms of Islam). 'Makaarimul Akhlaq' literally means NOBLE TRAITS.

If we study the translation of this du'a, we will realize how beautifully Imam Zaynul Abedin (AS) has taught us to beseech help from Allah (SWT) on this night to help us become better in our conduct and our manners; to truly be able to reflect the character of a Good Muslim.

We often become materialistic knowing Allah (SWT) has blessed us acceptance of Haajaat in great nights like Qadr, Shab-e-Baraat (15th Sha'baan), etc - and we fail to ask for what is most needed at such points: our Spiritual Rejuvination.

We thus need to sit and ponder on how much we need to change ourselves, and further, need the help and guidance of Allah (SWT) in not only forgiving our sins, but granting us the will power, the strength and the opportunities to change ourselves for the better.

This Du'a has been framed with the best of Noble traits that Allah (SWT) would like to see in us as Good Muslims...and what better means of acceptance of our du'a, than a du'a written by Sayyadush Saajideen (The Best of Worshippers: Imam Zaynul Abedin AS)!

Let us recite this Du'a with the firm intention of changing ourselves for the very better, and beseeching Allah's help in letting us do so - Inshallah! (text, audio and translation available on: http://www.duas.org/sajjadiya/s20.htm)

My personal favorite excerpt from this du'a is as follows:
"God,bless Muhammad and his Household,adorn me with the adornment of the righteous, and clothe me in the ornaments of the god fearing, through spreading justice, restraining rage, quenching the flame of hate, bringing together the people of separation, correcting discord, spreading about good behaviour, covering faults, mildness of temper, lowering the wing, beauty of conduct, gravity of bearing, agreeableness in comportment, precedence in reaching excellence, preferring bounteousness, refraining from condemnation, bestowing bounty on the undeserving, speaking the truth, though it be painful, making little of the good in my words and deeds, though it be much, and making much of the evil in my words and deeds, though it be little! Perfect this for me throughlasting obedience, holding fast to the community, and rejecting the people of innovationand those who act in accordance with original opinions! "

(2) DU'A E TAUBAH

This is the 31st Supplication in the collection of Du'as written and taught by Imam Zaynul Abedin (AS)- compiled in the book Saheefa e Sajjadiya (The Psalms of Islam).

Once again, since this night is that powerful night when our affairs for the following year will be re-written, it is very important for us to clear our Book of Deeds with the burden of Sins we are carrying with us for years. We need to further realize that often, the acceptance of our Du'as, 'Aamaals and Haajaats are usually hindered because of our sins. Therefore, it is highly important for us to repent sincerely, and gain the Mercy of Allah (SWT) in the form of His Maghfirat (forgiveness).

Having realized that Allah (SWT) has blessed us with the chance with a night through out which, He will only shower His Best Blessings, and Endless Divine Mercy till the breaking of Dawn("Salaam, hiya hatta matla'-il fajr" - Peace will prevail till the breaking of Dawn - Surah Al Qadr, Verse 5) let us not waste this 'once-in-a-year' opportunity to beseech maghfirat for all our sins!

Du'a e Tauba, which literally means the Supplication for REPENTANCE, (text, translation, audio and transliteration available on: http://www.duas.org/sajjadiya/s31.htm) has been written in the most perfect manner; with an expression of extreme guilt on all our sins, a desperate plea for forgiveness and a firm promise of not angering Allah (SWT) further with our sins.

But once again, the effectiveness of this Du'a, and the promised Forgiveness of our sins is all based on how devotedly we recite this supplication. Inshallah, should we be able to ponder on this Du'a thoroughly, and apply it to ourselves, may we get up from our prayer mats, cleansed of all our sins - even if they were the amount of the stars in the universe.

My personal favorite excerpt in this du'a is as follows:
"I repent to Thee from everything opposed to Thy will; or far from Thy love- the thoughts of my heart, the glances of my eye, the tales of my tongue -with a repentance through which each bodily part will by itself stay safe from ill consequences with Thee and remain secure from Thy painful penalties feared by transgressors!"

(3) DU'A E JAUSHAN E KABEER:

The name 'Jaushan' literally means "CHAIN ARMOR"- and there exist two versions of this du'a - a bridged (sagheer) and an unabridged version (kabeer). Amongst the many supplications that will help re-shape our future on the Blessed night of Qadr, Jaushan e Kabeer is highly recommended to be recited.

After reading the notes on this Du'a - compiled below - you will definitely be able to understand the importance of such a powerful Du'a to be recited to secure ourselves from all calamities and evils, especially on a night when our Fates are being re-written.

The following narration of the understanding and power of this Du'a has been written by Sheikh Saleem Bhimji on www.al-mubin-org:

It has been mentioned in the book, Balad al-Am¢n and the Misbah of Kafaami that Imam Zaynul Abedin (AS) related from his father, from his grandfather the Prophet of Allah (SAWW) that this supplication was taught by the Angel Jibraeel (AS) to the Holy Prophet (SAWW) during one of the battles.

It was in one of the wars that the Prophet (SAWW) had taken part in which he had a very heavy and expensive coat of armor on to protect himself. It is related that the coat was so heavy that it was hurting the body of the Prophet (SAWW). In this state, the Angel Jibraeel (AS) came to the Prophet (SAWW) and said:
“O’ Muhammad! Your Lord conveys his salutations to you and has said to take this coat of armor (Jawshan) and to recite it as this is a protection for you and your Ummah.”

At this point, the Angel continued to give the Prophet (SAWW) an explanation on the greatness of this supplication. However it suffices us to state that whoever reads this supplication with a pure intention in the BEGINNING of the month of Ramadhan, Allah (SWT) will grant him sustenance on the Night of Power and will create for this person 70,000 Angels who will all be busy in the praising and glorification of Allah (SWT) and will give this reward to the person who has read this supplication.

With this said, we see the greatness of the recitation of this supplication. In addition, it is mentioned that whoever reads this supplication three times during the month of Ramadhan, Allah (SWT) will make the hell-fire forbidden on him and would make it obligatory for that person to go into Paradise.

For such a person, Allah (SWT) will also appoint two Angels to protect that person from all evils (in this world) and he would be in the protection of Allah (SWT) for as long as he is alive.

This supplication has 100 sections and each section contains 10 names of Allah (SWT) and at the end of each section this line should be repeated: SUBB HAANAKA YA LAA ILAHA ILLA ANTAL GHAUTH AL GHAUTH, KHALLISNA MINANNAARI YA RABB (Praise be to Thee, there is no god but Thee, The Granter of all Help & Aid, Protect us from the Fire, O Lord!)

(Text, translation, transliteration and audio of this du'a is available on http://www.duas.org/jkabeer1.htm)

(4) SURAH AL ANKABOOT - THE SPIDER

This is the 29th Surah in the Holy Qur'an and was revealed at a time when the people of Makkah were being emotionally blackmailed by their family and friends, to abandon the Holy Prophet (SAWW) and his mission. At this point, Allah (SWT) revealed this Surah as guidance, indicating how the Prophets in previous times faced opposition and how those who abandoned them were punished with Adhaab (punishment).

Similarly, Allah (SWT) mentions in this Surah, the rewards of those who are patient and forbearing - strong believers, as opposed to those who have 'web-like' faith: frail and easily shooken by circumstances.

This Surah is highly recommended for us to recite during Laylatul Qadr, to strengthen our FAITH - and we should thus ponder over the message it has for us..

Ask yourself at this point: What sort a faith do I possess? Am I like those who have web-like frail faith, who easily lose faith in the Mercy and Wisdom of Allah (SWT)? Isn't it an act of Thanklessness, and lack of trust in Allah (SWT) when I complain of the trials that I face?

Promise yourself at this point: I have to stick by the Truth, no matter what; and I have to be patient in trials and tribulations that come in the way of Truth, because Allah (SWT) will help me through it. After all, He is the Most-Wise; and the Best of Planners.

Having done so, we will surely be content with what Allah (SWT) will have planned for us for the following year, Inshallah.

(5) SURAH AL RUUM - THE ROMANS
This is the 30th Surah in the Holy Qur'an and was revealed at such a time when the Romans were being harassed and defeated by the Persian Fire-Worshippers (in the Christian world); and similarly, the Muslims were being harassed and defeated by the Idol-Worshippers of Makkah during the early years of the Prophethood of Prophet Mohammad (SAWW).

This Surah was a revelation, predicting a time when the Romans - who too believed in One God, and the message of His Prophet (Isa AS) - would be victorious, and that will be exactly the same time when the Muslims too will rejoice victory over the Idol worshippers of Makkah.

These victories, as declared by Allah (SWT) - looked very unlikely in 'real terms' - and thus gave the Quraysh a reason to mock the Holy Prophet (SAWW) saying that he is not a Prophet of Allah (SWT) and the message he has with him is nothing but fake ideology (nauzubillah).

But after 8 to 9 years of the revelation of the ayahs that mentioned the victory of the Romans and the Muslims, miraculously it so happened! This was the time when the Romans gained miraculous victory over the Persians and the Muslims gained victory over the Idol-worshipping Quraysh in the Battle of Badr.

And why should we ponder over this Surah on this very night? But ofourse, to realise the POWER OF THE ALMIGHTY ALLAH (SWT) - none but Him is the Best Planner of All Affairs. He can make the impossible happen - but at the time He deems wise.

Once again, this Surah gives us a chance to make a firm promise to have complete faith and reliance (tawakkul) on Allah (SWT) and believe in His qudrat. He has power over everything, and on this Holy and Blessed night, He can write for us things we can not imagine even by far!

Subb-haanallah! May we achieve the best of spiritual strength from the recitation and the reflections of these beautiful jewels in the Qur'an - Inshallah!

(6) SURAH AL DUKHAAN - THE SMOKE / DUST

This is the 44th Surah in the Holy Qur'an and was revealed at such a time Makkans were troubling the Holy Prophet (SAWW) so much that he chose to pray for a Famine on them as an Adhaab (punishment) from the Almighty (SWT). The reason behind doing so was, so that people would turn to have faith in Allah (SWT) and His Signs, as a result of being afflicted by a calamity as severe as a famine. Eventually, most of the people did accept that Prophet Mohammad (SAWW) was a prophet of Allah (SWT) and beseeched for him to pray back for the calamity to be removed.

This Surah was revealed as a response from Allah (SWT) after He accepted the prayer of the Prophet (SAWW) when he was requested by the Makkans to pray to Allah (SWT) for relief from the calamity of the unbearable famine.

Thus the message of Allah (SWT) declared the doom of those who refute His Messenger, and His Message (this doom being signified by the title of the Surah: SMOKE). Additionally, the Surah also emphasizes on the rewards of the successful Believers; and a warning that "the Qur'an has been revealed in a simple language so that you may understand it; yet if you fail to understand it and insist on seeing an evil end, then you may wait; Our Prophet too is waiting. Whatever is to happen will happen at its own appointed time"

At this point, we need to ponder on ourselves as Muslims; are we amongst those who refute the Message of Allah (SWT) for our casual materialistic desires? And remember Allah (SWT) and call out for His help only when we are hopeless and distressed?

Alas, we need to realize that the calamities that come upon us are as a result of the Sins we commit. Thus, reciting this Surah and reflecting upon it on the night of Qadr, let us promise ourselves to strengthen our Faiths such that we repel the calamities coming our way - by means of our Taqwa (our alertness to avoid sinning, and keep away from things that deprive us from the Mercy of Allah SWT)

Having done so, why wouldn't the Almighty (SWT) watch out for us and write the Best for us in our Fates? After all, everything done, prayed and reflected upon in this Night, will only re-make our future for us.

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Inshallah, may we all be able to achieve the best out of the Blessed nights of Qadr. For basic reading material and access to more 'aamaals of Shab-e-Qadr, you can choose to visit the following links:

http://www.al-islam.org/ramadhan/Intro.htm and http://www.duas.org/laylat_aamaal.htm

I end here, with a humble request to remember all Mo'mineen in Du'as, all those distressed, all those who have gone astray from the Right path, and all those who have departed this world;

Inshallah, may all our 'aamaals be accepted..ILAAHI AAMEEN

Mohtaaj-e-Du'a, Sadaf Zahra

11 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

salaams sadaf,
really worthwhile...pondering upon your thoughts.. may Allah SWT and Aimmah AS accept your sincere effort..very proud of u...
sabira apa

9:56 AM  
Blogger Floo said...

WoW thanks so much for the links!
i really need that for tonight :]
this is much easier to undertand than all the untidy notes i made ... :P

3:27 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

salam,
masha Allah! may God bless you and guide you to true happiness..

Thank u so much for the knowledge..

Jazakumullah Khairan Katheeran
Iltemase dua,
Asm

3:40 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

excellent work
Jazakallah n iltemas e dua
shahana

4:18 PM  
Blogger Ambreen M Ahmed said...

God Bless u..Jazak Allah.. it will take a lil while but I am going through it. Thanks for the other links as well

6:53 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

i cannot even start to thank u for all the efforts u do to send me and countless others all the thoughtful views and amaals
may allah reward u with all the best

8:12 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Jazakallah! your thoughts and research has made it easy for us as to what kind of approach we should have when doing Aamaals.Hope you keep on enlightening us with your pure thoughts and hope Allah(swt) accepts our Aamaals.Illahi Ameen!

11:24 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Everytime i read ur blog, I learn something new..
God Bless you - and may you get more knowledge and time - to educate all of us further.

2:44 AM  
Blogger Floo said...

last night ... i was reciting Dua E Taubah and MakarimUl Akhlaq. with translation, like you suggested ..and OMG it soooo beautiful and sincere!!! theyre like totally the right words to use when talking to Allah! :O
Thanks to you! the translation :/otherwise i wouldnt even think of reading

8:27 PM  
Blogger *s...z* said...

^ sakina dear, very glad you decided to actually do so; sometimes, as teachers, we just do our job in giving you the information..the rest then is really upon the students, how much they really want to implement..

im glad that you made my lectures worthwhile by making the most of Laylatul Qadr. Aaamaals qubool Inshallah - the best has surely been written down for each of us :)

Bless u
Sadaf apa

9:58 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

1:48 PM  

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