Huqooq Allah: Worshipping only Allah (SWT)

“I did not create the jinn and the humans except to worship Me.” (51:56).

Human beings, as the best creation, are enjoying the infinite bounty of Almighty Allah. So, they must express gratitude to Him, showing their sincere love, respect, and humility toward Him. They are obligated to worship Him with complete obedience, submission, and devotion. In Islam, sincerely worshipping Allah (SWT) according to His guidance through regular remembrance, praise, prayer, and good deeds is known as “Ibadah.” It is Allah’s absolute and indivisible right (Huqooq Allah) to command His servants to worship Him solely for the purpose of pleasing Him. In exchange, Allah (SWT) promised them immense benefit in this life and eternal peace and tranquility in the hereafter.

Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: “Allah’s right on His servants is that they will worship only Allah and obey Him, and not associate any partner with Him.” (Sahih Bukhari-6938, Sahih Muslim-30). The characteristics of the worshippers are: steadfastness, devoutness, sincerity, humility, and so on. Ihsan (perfection/ realization) is the essential element in Ibadah. Earnings from halal sources are the precondition for the acceptance of Ibadah.

The concept of Haqqullah encompasses various aspects of a believer’s relationship with Allah and includes the following:

• Worship and obedience: Muslims have the duty to worship and obey Allah alone, as prescribed in the Qur’an and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This includes performing the obligatory acts of worship, such as prayer, fasting, giving charity, and performing Hajj (pilgrimage), as well as voluntary acts of worship to seek nearness to Allah.
• Acknowledging the oneness of Allah: Muslims believe in the oneness of Allah (Tawheed) and have the responsibility to recognize and affirm His uniqueness, without associating any partners or intermediaries with Him. This involves having faith in His attributes, His sovereignty, and His absolute authority over all creation.
• Seeking knowledge and understanding: Muslims are encouraged to seek knowledge of Allah’s commands, His attributes, and the teachings of Islam. This includes studying the Qur’an, the Prophetic traditions (Hadith), and reflecting upon the signs of Allah in the universe.
• Gratitude and remembrance: Believers are obligated to express gratitude to Allah for His blessings and provisions in their lives. This involves recognizing and acknowledging that all good comes from Allah, and engaging in remembrance of Allah through supplication, praising Him, and being mindful of His presence at all times.
• Seeking forgiveness and repentance: Humans are prone to error and sin, and Islam emphasizes the importance of seeking forgiveness from Allah and repenting for any wrongdoing. This entails acknowledging one’s mistakes, regretting them, and striving to rectify one’s behavior in accordance with Allah’s guidance.
• Trust and reliance on Allah: Believers are encouraged to place their trust and reliance on Allah in all aspects of their lives. This involves recognizing that all affairs are ultimately in Allah’s control and seeking His help and guidance in times of difficulty or need.

By fulfilling their obligations towards Allah (Haqqullah) and maintaining a strong connection with Him through worship, remembrance, and adherence to His commandments, Muslims seek to develop a deep and meaningful relationship with their Creator. This relationship is central to their faith and guides their actions and conduct in all spheres of life.

 

Five Pillars of Islam

Islam is based on 5 Pillars which are known as: 1. Imaan (Faith), 2. Salat (Prayer), 3. Zakat (Poor-due), 4. Sawm (Fasting), and 5. Hajj (Pilgrimage to Kaaba). Amongst these five pillars the first and foremost one is Imaan (Faith) – without that one cannot claim to be a Muslim. The details of Imaan – the first pillar of Islam have been discussed in the previous chapter.

Islam is a religion of belief and action. So, it is an obligatory duty for every believing Muslim to translate his/her belief into practice in daily life by worshipping Allah (SWT) with utmost sincerity. The basic aspects of worship in Islam are involved with these 5 pillars which constitute the fundamental obligations for every Muslim. The key aim of worship is to submit to Almighty Allah (SWT) only to earn His pleasure and draw nearer to Him.

In broader sense Ibadah encompasses all worships (like Fard, Wajib, Sunnah, Nofel, Mustahab), and all good deeds of a Muslim, if done according to the Qur’an and Sunnah with sincere intention to please Allah (SWT). Any type of ‘Bidat’ (innovations or fictitious methods beyond the Qur’an and Sunnah), showoff and indulgence of one’s own whims and desires are not allowed in doing Ibadah. So, nothing new can be added with or discarded from the procedure of Ibadah already endorsed by Allah (SWT) and His Prophet (ﷺ). The sincere Ibadah is always guided by pure intention to please only Allah (SWT). ‘Ria’ (showoff) in Ibadah is done to satisfy one’s own desire instead of pleasing Allah (SWT), which destroys its acceptability to Him.

The verses related to Ibadah are cited below:

فَاذْكُرُوْنِىْ اَذْكُرْكُمْ وَاشْكُرُوْا لِىْ وَلَا تَكْفُرُوْنِ۝

“So, remember Me, and I will remember you. And thank Me, and do not be ungrateful.” (2:152)

وَمَا خَلَقْتُ الْجِنَّ وَالْاِنْسَ اِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُوْنِ۝

“I did not create the jinn and the humans except to worship Me.” (51:56)

یٰۤاَیُّهَا النَّاسُ اعْبُدُوْا رَبَّکُمُ الَّذِیْ خَلَقَکُمْ وَ الَّذِیْنَ مِنْ قَبْلِکُمْ لَعَلَّکُمْ تَتَّقُوْنَ ۝

“O people! Worship your Guardian-Lord, who created you and those who came before you, that you may have the chance to learn righteousness.” (2:21)

یٰعِبَادِیَ الَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْۤا اِنَّ اَرْضِیْ وَاسِعَۃٌ  فَاِیَّایَ فَاعْبُدُوْنِ ۝

“O My servants who believe! Truly, My earth is spacious: therefore you worship only Me!” (29:56)

وَ مَاۤ اُمِرُوْۤا اِلَّا لِیَعْبُدُوا اللّٰهَ مُخْلِصِیْنَ لَهُ الدِّیْنَ ۬ۙ حُنَفَآءَ وَیُقِیْمُوا الصَّلٰوۃَ وَیُؤْتُوا الزَّکٰوۃَ وَذٰلِكَ دِیْنُ الْقَیِّمَۃِ

“And they have been commanded no more than this: Being true (in faith) they should worship Allah, offering Him sincere devotion; establish regular prayer; and practice regular charity; and that is the Religion Right and Straight.” (98:5)

قُلْ اِنِّیْۤ اُمِرْتُ اَنْ اَعْبُدَ اللّٰهَ مُخْلِصًا لَّهُ الدِّیْنَ ۝ وَاُمِرْتُ لِاَنْ اَکُوْنَ اَوَّلَ الْمُسْلِمِیْنَ۝ قُلْ اِنِّیْۤ اَخَافُ اِنْ عَصَیْتُ رَبِّیْ عَذَابَ یَوْمٍ عَظِیْمٍ ۝ قُلِ اللّٰهَ اَعْبُدُ مُخْلِصًا لَّہٗ دِیْنِیْ ۝ فَاعْبُدُوْا مَا شِئْتُمْ مِّنْ دُوْنِہٖ ؕ قُلْ اِنَّ الْخٰسِرِیْنَ الَّذِیْنَ خَسِرُوْۤا اَنْفُسَهُمْ وَاَهْلِیْهِمْ یَوْمَ الْقِیٰمَۃِ ؕ اَلَا ذٰلِكَ هُوَ الْخُسْرَانُ الْمُبِیْنُ ۝

“Say, ‘I have been commanded to worship Allah, with exclusive devotion to Him. And I have been commanded to be the first of those who submit (to Allah).’ Say, ‘I fear, if I disobeyed my Lord, the punishment of a horrendous Day.’ Say, ‘It is Allah Whom I worship being sincere in my faith in Him.’ So, you can worship whatever you wish besides Him.’ Say, ‘On the Day of Resurrection the big losers are those who put themselves as well as their families at a loss.’ Behold! That is the clear loss.” (39:11 – 15)

اُدْعُوْا رَبَّکُمْ تَضَرُّعًا وَخُفْیَۃً ؕ اِنَّہٗ لَا یُحِبُّ الْمُعْتَدِیْنَ ۝ وَلَا تُفْسِدُوْا فِی الْاَرْضِ بَعْدَ اِصْلَاحِهَا وَادْعُوْهُ خَوْفًا وَطَمَعًا ؕ اِنَّ رَحْمَتَ اللّٰهِ قَرِیْبٌ مِّنَ الْمُحْسِنِیْنَ ۝

“Call upon your Lord humbly and secretly. He does not love the transgressors. And do not corrupt on earth after its reformation and pray to Him with fear and hope. Allah’s mercy is close to the doers of good.” (7:55 – 56)

اَلَا لِلّٰهِ الدِّیْنُ الْخَالِصُ ؕ وَالَّذِیْنَ اتَّخَذُوْا مِنْ دُوْنِہٖۤ اَوْلِیَآءَ ۘ مَا نَعْبُدُهُمْ اِلَّا لِیُقَرِّبُوْنَاۤ اِلَی اللّٰهِ زُلْفٰی ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ یَحْکُمُ بَیْنَهُمْ فِیْ مَا هُمْ فِیْهِ یَخْتَلِفُوْنَ ۬ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ لَا یَہْدِیْ مَنْ هُوَ کٰذِبٌ كَفَّارٌ

“Behold! sincere worship is due to Allah only. But those people who take others as partners of Allah (say): ‘We only serve them in order that they may bring us nearer to Allah.’ Surely Allah will judge between them in that wherein they differ. But Allah does not guide those who are false and ungrateful.” (39:3)

قُلْ اِنَّ صَلَاتِیْ وَنُسُكِیْ وَمَحْیَایَ وَمَمَاتِیْ  لِلّٰهِ  رَبِّ الْعٰلَمِیْنَ ۝ لَا شَرِیْكَ لَہٗ ۚ وَبِذٰلِكَ اُمِرْتُ وَاَنَا اَوَّلُ الْمُسْلِمِیْنَ ۝

“Say, ‘my prayer and my worship, and my life and my death, are devoted to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds. No associate has He. Thus, I am commanded, and I am the first of those who submit (to Allah).” (6:162 – 163)

اَلَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْا وَتَطْمَئِنُّ قُلُوْبُهُمْ بِذِکْرِ اللّٰهِ ؕ اَلَا بِذِکْرِ اللّٰهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ الْقُلُوْبُ ۝اَلَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْا وَعَمِلُوا الصّٰلِحٰتِ طُوْبٰی لَهُمْ وَحُسْنُ مَاٰبٍ۝

“Those who believe, and whose hearts find comfort in the remembrance of Allah – Surely, it is in the remembrance of Allah that hearts find comfort. For those who believe and do righteous deeds – for them is happiness and a beautiful return.” (13:28 – 29)

یٰۤاَیُّهَاالَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوا اذْکُرُوا اللّٰهَ ذِکْرًا كَثِیْرًا۝ وَسَبِّحُوْهُ بُکْرَۃً وَ اَصِیْلًا ۝ هُوَ الَّذِیْ یُصَلِّیْ عَلَیْکُمْ وَمَلٰٓئِكَتُہٗ لِیُخْرِجَکُمْ مِّنَ الظُّلُمٰتِ اِلَی النُّوْرِ ؕ وَكَانَ بِالْمُؤْمِنِیْنَ رَحِیْمًا ۝ تَحِیَّتُهُمْ یَوْمَ یَلْقَوْنَہٗ سَلٰمٌ ۖۚ وَاَعَدَّ لَهُمْ  اَجْرًا كَرِیْمًا ۝

“O Believers, remember Allah with frequent remembrance. And glorify Him in the morning and evening. It is He who showers mercy on you, and so do His angels, so as to bring you into the light from a multitude of darkness. And He is Ever-Merciful towards the believers.” (33:41 – 43)

فَاصْبِرْ عَلٰی مَا یَقُوْلُوْنَ وَسَبِّحْ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّكَ قَبْلَ طُلُوْعِ الشَّمْسِ وَقَبْلَ الْغُرُوْبِ ۝ وَمِنَ الَّیْلِ فَسَبِّحْهُ وَاَدْبَارَ السُّجُوْدِ۝

“……. and celebrate the praises of thy Lord, before the rising of the sun and before (its) setting. And during part of the night, (also,) celebrate His praises, and (so likewise) after the postures of adoration.” (50:39 – 40)

 

Salat (Obligatory Prayers)

“Truly, successful are the believers who are humble in their prayers.” (23:1-2)

Salat is the most significant of the five pillars of Islam. It has got the topmost priority. The daily five-time Salat is an obligatory Ibadah for all Muslims. The identity of a Muslim lies in the performance of his or her Salat five times a day. Utmost importance has been given in the Qur’an to Salat: “Destruction be to those performers of Salat who are negligent in (performing) their Salat.” (107:4-5). Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) termed Salat as Imaduddin (Pillar of the Religion). Abu Hurairah () reported a hadith that “On the Day of Judgement, Allah (SWT) will take the account of Salat first. If a person is found to be a good performer of Salat, then he/she will be a successful one. On the other hand, a person who fails to perform Salat regularly will be amongst the losers.”

Salat is a wonderful gift from Allah (SWT) that was given to Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) for his Ummah during Miraj (the Divine Journey). Salat has some essential features as given below.

• 5-time Salat is a time-bound compulsory Ibadah to be performed within the fixed time in Jam’ah (congregation), especially in the mosque.

• Salat requires purification of the body, clothes, and place of worship.

• Salat purifies one’s soul, keeps constant touch and direct communication with Allah (SWT), creates a close relationship with Him, and draws nearer to Him.

• Salat is the best way to express obedience to Allah (SWT) and seek his help.
• The congregation prayer is an expression of collective piety, unity, and solidarity of the Muslim Ummah.
• Bowing down heads in the Salat in a body with humility before Almighty Allah shows the equality of Muslims without any discrimination of race, color, wealth, or any other social status.

• Congregational Salat creates punctuality and discipline as it is to be performed at a specified time and place while standing in straight rows under the leadership of an Imam (a qualified religious leader)
• Adhan (calling people for Salat) is required before every congregational Salat.

The Prophet (ﷺ) said in a hadith about Salat, “Consider if one of you had a river by his door in which he bathed five times a day. ‘Would any filth remain on him?’ They said, ‘No.’ Then he said: ‘Likewise, Allah wipes away sins with the five daily prayers.”

Salat also protects believers from all evil deeds if it is performed properly, sincerely, and in a decent manner. The whole purpose of human existence is to worship Allah (SWT). So, abandoning Salat is an act of great offense. Allah (SWT) says: “And whoever turns away from My remembrance – truly for him is a life of hardship……” (20:124).

The verses related to Salat are given below:

وَ اَقِیْمُوا الصَّلٰوۃَ وَ اٰتُوا الزَّکٰوۃَ وَ ارْكَعُوْا مَعَ الرّٰكِعِیْنَ ۝

“And be steadfast in prayer; practice regular charity; and bow down your heads with those who bow down (in worship).” (2:43)

وَ اسْتَعِیْنُوْا بِالصَّبْرِ وَالصَّلٰوۃِ ؕ وَاِنَّهَا لَكَبِیْرَۃٌ اِلَّا عَلَی الْخٰشِعِیْنَ ۝الَّذِیْنَ یَظُنُّوْنَ اَنَّهُمْ مُّلٰقُوْا رَبِّهِمْ وَاَنَّهُمْ اِلَیْهِ رٰجِعُوْنَ ۝

“Indeed, seek ((Allah’s) help with patient perseverance and prayer: It is indeed hard, except to those who are humble, – who are convinced that they are to meet their Lord, and that they are to return to Him.” (2:45 – 46)

وَ اَقِیْمُوا الصَّلٰوۃَ وَ اٰتُوا الزَّکٰوۃَ ؕ وَ مَا تُقَدِّمُوْا لِاَنْفُسِکُمْ مِّنْ خَیْرٍ تَجِدُوْهُ عِنْدَ اللّٰهِ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ بِمَا تَعْمَلُوْنَ بَصِیْرٌ۝

“And be steadfast in prayer and regular in charity: And whatever good you send forth for your souls before you, you shall find it with Allah, for Allah sees Well all that you do.” (2:110)

یٰۤاَیُّهَا الَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوا اسْتَعِیْنُوْا بِالصَّبْرِ وَالصَّلٰوۃِ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ مَعَ الصّٰبِرِیْنَ ۝

“O Believers!  Seek help through patience and prayers. Certainly, Allah is with the forbearing.” (2:153)

حَافِظُواْ عَلَى الصَّلَوَاتِ والصَّلاَةِ الْوُسْطَى وَقُومُواْ لِلّهِ قَانِتِينَ۝

“Guard strictly all of your prayers, especially the Middle Prayer; and stand before Allah ardently.” (2:238)

وَاْمُرْ اَهْلَكَ بِالصَّلٰوۃِ وَاصْطَبِرْ عَلَیْهَا ؕ لَا نَسْـَٔلُكَ رِزْقًا ؕ نَحْنُ نَرْزُقُكَ ؕ وَالْعَاقِبَۃُ لِلتَّقْوٰی۝

“Enjoin your people on prayer, and you too be steadfast therein. We ask you not to provide sustenance: We provide it for you. But the (result of) the Hereafter is for righteousness.” (20:132)

قَدْ اَفْلَحَ الْمُؤْمِنُوْنَ ۝ الَّذِیْنَ هُمْ فِیْ صَلَاتِهِمْ خٰشِعُوْنَ ۝

“Successful truly are the believers, who are humble in their prayers.” (23:1 – 2)

قَدْ اَفْلَحَ مَنْ تَزَكَّى۝ وَذَكَرَ اسْمَ رَبِّه فَصَلَّى۝

“Verily, successful is he who purifies himself. And mentions the name of his Lord, and then prays.” (87:14 – 15)

اِلَّا الْمُصَلِّيْنَ۝ الَّذِيْنَ هُمْ عَلٰى صَلَاتِهِمْ دَائِمُوْنَ۝

“(The condition of the people will be severely painful on the Day of Qiyamah) Except those who perform Salah (Prayer) – (And) Those who are constant at their prayers.” (70:22 – 23)

أُولَـٰئِكَ فِي جَنَّاتٍ مُّكْرَمُونَ۝ وَالَّذِينَ هُمْ عَلَىٰ صَلَاتِهِمْ يُحَافِظُون

“And those who guard (the sacredness) of their Salah; – Such will be the honored ones in the Gardens (of Bliss).” (70:34 – 35)

اُتْلُ مَاۤ اُوْحِیَ اِلَیْكَ مِنَ الْكِتٰبِ وَاَقِمِ الصَّلٰوۃَ ؕ اِنَّ الصَّلٰوۃَ تَنْهٰی عَنِ الْفَحْشَآءِ وَالْمُنْكَرِ ؕ وَلَذِکْرُ اللّٰهِ اَکْبَرُ ؕ وَاللّٰهُ یَعْلَمُ مَا تَصْنَعُوْنَ ۝

“Recite what is revealed to you of the Scripture and perform the prayer. Indeed, prayer prevents from immoralities (indecencies) and wrongdoings. And the remembrance of Allah is the greatest. And Allah knows what you do.” (29:45)

یٰبَنِیْۤ اٰدَمَ خُذُوْا زِیْنَتَکُمْ عِنْدَ کُلِّ مَسْجِدٍ

“O Children of Adam! Dress up (decently and properly) at every place of worship, ….” (7:31)

یٰۤاَیُّهَا الَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوا ارْكَعُوْا وَاسْجُدُوْا وَاعْبُدُوْا رَبَّکُمْ وَافْعَلُوا الْخَیْرَ لَعَلَّکُمْ تُفْلِحُوْنَ۝

“O Believers! Bow down, prostrate yourselves, and worship your Lord; and do good; that you may prosper.” (22:77) [Ayah of Sajadah according to Imam Shafeyee R]

وَ الَّذِیْنَ یُمَسِّکُوْنَ بِالْكِتٰبِ وَاَقَامُوا الصَّلٰوۃَ ؕ اِنَّا لَا نُضِیْعُ اَجْرَ الْمُصْلِحِیْنَ۝

“As to those who hold fast by the Book and establish regular prayer, – never shall We make the reward of the righteous to go in vain.” (7:170)

قُلْ اَمَرَ رَبِّیْ بِالْقِسْطِ  وَاَقِیْمُوْا وُجُوْهَکُمْ عِنْدَ کُلِّ مَسْجِدٍ وَادْعُوْهُ مُخْلِصِیْنَ لَهُ الدِّیْنَ ۬ؕ كَمَا بَدَاَکُمْ تَعُوْدُوْنَ ۝

“Say (O Prophet!), ‘My Lord commands justice, and to stand devoted at every time and place of worship. So, call upon Him, with all sincerity and devotion to Him alone. Just as He created you firstly, so you will return (to Him).” (7:29)

اِنَّ الَّذِیْنَ عِنْدَ رَبِّكَ لَا یَسْتَکْبِرُوْنَ عَنْ عِبَادَتِہٖ وَیُسَبِّحُوْنَہٗ وَلَہٗ یَسْجُدُوْنَ ۝

“Those who (the angels) are near to your Lord, disdain not to do Him worship: They celebrate His praises and bow down before Him.” (7:206) [Ayah of Sajadah]

قُلْ لِّعِبَادِیَ الَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْا یُقِیْمُوا الصَّلٰوۃَ وَیُنْفِقُوْا مِمَّا رَزَقْنٰهُمْ سِرًّا وَعَلَانِیَۃً مِّنْ قَبْلِ اَنْ یَّاْتِیَ یَوْمٌ لَّا بَیْعٌ فِیْهِ وَلَا خِلٰلٌ ۝

“(O Prophet!) Tell My servants who have believed, to perform the prayers, and to spend (for charity) from what We have given them, secretly and publicly, before a Day comes when neither trading nor friendship (can do any help).” (14:31)

یٰۤاَیُّهَا الْمُزَّمِّلُ ۝ قُمِ الَّیْلَ  اِلَّا قَلِیْلًا ۝ نِّصْفَہٗۤ اَوِ انْقُصْ مِنْهُ قَلِیْلًا ۝ اَوْ زِدْ عَلَیْهِ وَرَتِّلِ الْقُرْاٰنَ تَرْتِیْلًا ۝ اِنَّا سَنُلْقِیْ عَلَیْكَ قَوْلًا ثَقِیْلًا ۝ اِنَّ نَاشِئَۃَ الَّیْلِ هِیَ اَشَدُّ وَطْاً وَ اَقْوَمُ قِیْلًا ۝ اِنَّ لَكَ فِی النَّهَارِ سَبْحًا طَوِیْلًا ۝ وَاذْکُرِ اسْمَ رَبِّكَ وَتَبَتَّلْ اِلَیْهِ تَبْتِیْلًا ۝ رَبُّ الْمَشْرِقِ وَالْمَغْرِبِ لَاۤ اِلٰهَ اِلَّا هُوَ فَاتَّخِذْهُ وَكِیْلًا۝

“O you wrapped in cloth! Stand (to prayer) by night, except for some part, – Half of it, – or a little less, or a little more; and recite the Qur’an in slow, measured rhythmic tones. Soon shall We send down to you a weighty Message. Really the wake up at night is most potent for controlling (the soul), and most suitable for (pronouncing) the Word (of Prayer and Praise) clearly. Certainly, you benefit have prolonged activities by day: But keep in remembrance the name of your Lord and devote yourself to Him whole-heartedly. Lord of the East and the West: there is no god but He: take Him therefore for Disposer of Affairs.” (73:1 – 9)

اَلَّذِیْنَ یُقِیْمُوْنَ الصَّلٰوۃَ وَمِمَّا رَزَقْنٰهُمْ یُنْفِقُوْنَ ۝ اُولٰٓئِكَ هُمُ الْمُؤْمِنُوْنَ حَقًّا ؕ لَهُمْ دَرَجٰتٌ عِنْدَ رَبِّهِمْ وَمَغْفِرَۃٌ وَرِزْقٌ كَرِیْمٌ ۝

“Those who perform the prayer and spend from Our provisions given to them – These are the true believers. They have high standing with their Lord, and forgiveness, and a generous provision.” (8:3 – 4)

 وَلَا تَجْهَرْ بِصَلَاتِكَ وَلَا تُخَافِتْ بِهَا وَابْتَغِ بَیْنَ ذٰلِكَ سَبِیْلًا ۝

“……. And be neither loud in your prayer, nor silent in it, but follow a middle course in between.” (17:10)

فِیْ بُیُوْتٍ اَذِنَ اللّٰهُ اَنْ تُرْفَعَ وَیُذْكَرَ فِیْهَا اسْمُہٗ ۙ یُسَبِّحُ لَہٗ فِیْهَا بِالْغُدُوِّ وَالْاٰصَالِ ۝ رِجَالٌ ۙ لَّا تُلْهِیْهِمْ تِجَارَۃٌ وَلَا بَیْعٌ عَنْ ذِکْرِ اللّٰهِ وَ اِقَامِ الصَّلٰوۃِ وَ اِیْتَآءِ الزَّکٰوۃِ ۪ۙ یَخَافُوْنَ یَوْمًا تَتَقَلَّبُ فِیْهِ الْقُلُوْبُ وَالْاَبْصَارُ ۝

“The houses, which Allah has permitted to be raised to honor for mentioning His name: In them He is glorified in the mornings and in the evenings (regularly), – by such persons whom neither trading nor business transactions can divert from the Remembrance of Allah, nor from regular Prayer, nor from the practice of regular Charity. Their fear is (only) for the Day when hearts and eyes will be overturned.” (24:36 – 37)

فَخَلَفَ مِنْۢ بَعْدِهِمْ خَلْفٌ اَضَاعُوا الصَّلٰوۃَ وَ اتَّبَعُوا الشَّهَوٰتِ فَسَوْفَ یَلْقَوْنَ  غَیًّا۝

“But after them there has followed a generation who has given up prayers and followed after their desires, soon they will face Devastation.” (19:59)

عَنِ الْمُجْرِمِیْنَ ۝ مَا سَلَكَکُمْ فِیْ سَقَرَ ۝ قَالُوْا لَمْ نَکُ مِنَ الْمُصَلِّیْنَ۝

“And (The people of Jannah will ask) the Sinners: “What led you into Hell Fire?” They will say: “We did not perform salat.” (74:41 – 43)

فَوَیْلٌ لِّلْمُصَلِّیْنَ ۝ الَّذِیْنَ هُمْ عَنْ صَلَاتِهِمْ سَاهُوْنَ ۝ الَّذِیْنَ هُمْ یُرَآءُوْنَ ۝

“So, woe to the worshippers – Who are neglectful of their prayers – (And) Those who (intend) to show off. (107:4 – 6)

 

Timing of Fard (obligatory) Salat

Five-time Salat is time-bound and performed at five different times from dawn to night. The following verses give an account of timing of Salat:

اِنَّ الصَّلٰوۃَ كَانَتْ عَلَی الْمُؤْمِنِیْنَ كِتٰبًا مَّوْقُوْتًا۝

“Indeed, salah is obligatory for the believers at scheduled times.” (4:103)

فَسُبْحٰنَ اللّٰهِ حِیْنَ تُمْسُوْنَ وَحِیْنَ تُصْبِحُوْنَ ۝ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ فِی السَّمٰوٰتِ وَالْاَرْضِ وَعَشِیًّا وَحِیْنَ تُظْهِرُوْنَ ۝

“So, glorify Allah, when you retire at evening (Maghrib and Isha) and when you rise in the morning (Fazr); Certainly, His is the praise, in the heavens and on earth; and in the afternoon (Asr) and when the day begins to decline (Dhuhr)).” (30:17 – 18)

وَ اذْکُرِ اسْمَ رَبِّكَ بُکْرَۃً وَاَصِیْلًا ۝ وَمِنَ الَّیْلِ فَاسْجُدْ لَہٗ وَسَبِّحْهُ لَیْلًا طَوِیْلًا ۝

“And mention the Name of your Lord, morning and evening. And for part of the night, prostrate yourself to Him, and glorify Him long into the night.” (76:25 – 26)

وَاَقِمِ الصَّلٰوۃَ طَرَفَیِ النَّهَارِ وَزُلَفًا مِّنَ الَّیْلِ ؕ اِنَّ الْحَسَنٰتِ یُذْهِبْنَ السَّیِّاٰتِ ؕ ذٰلِكَ ذِکْرٰی لِلذّٰكِرِیْنَ۝

“Perform the prayer at the borders of the day, and during the approaches of the night. The good deeds take away the bad deeds. This is a reminder for those who remember.” (11:114)

اَقِمِ الصَّلٰوۃَ لِدُلُوْكِ الشَّمْسِ اِلٰی غَسَقِ الَّیْلِ وَقُرْاٰنَ الْفَجْرِ ؕ اِنَّ قُرْاٰنَ الْفَجْرِ كَانَ مَشْهُوْدًا ۝ وَمِنَ الَّیْلِ فَتَهَجَّدْ بِہٖ نَافِلَۃً لَّكَ ^قۖ      عَسٰۤی اَنْ یَّبْعَثَكَ رَبُّكَ مَقَامًا مَّحْمُوْدًا ۝

“Perform the prayer at the decline of the sun, until the darkness of the night; and (recitation of) the Qur’an at dawn. The (recitation of) the Qur’an at dawn is witnessed. And keep vigil with it during parts of the night, as an extra prayer. May be your Lord will raise you to ‘Makam-e-Mahmud’ (the highest laudable position).” (17:78 – 79)

Timing of Fard Salat is given in the chart below:

Name of Fard Salat	Timing
1.       Fazar	Starts from Dawn – Ends before Sunrise
2.       Dhuhr	Starts little after Midday (12 noon) – Continues till early Afternoon
3.       Asr	Starts at Afternoon – Ends before Sunset
4.       Maghrib	Starts just after Sunset– Ends with dusk, i.e., disappearance of reddish glow of the western horizon.
5.       Isha	Starts after dusk– Continues till Midnight (Preferred time). In other opinion it continues till dawn.

Timing of weekly Jum’ah prayer on Friday coincides with Dhuhr timing.

 

Jum’ah Prayer (Friday Congregational Prayer)

Salat uz Jum’ah is a weekly congregational obligatory prayer performed on Friday instead of Dhuhr Salat at Dhuhr time. It is an important Salat generally considered as lesser Eid. A sermon delivered by Imam is essential before this Salat, which is related to religious and social issues explained in the light of the Qur’an and Sunnah.

یٰۤاَیُّهَا الَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْۤا اِذَا نُوْدِیَ لِلصَّلٰوۃِ مِنْ یَّوْمِ الْجُمُعَۃِ فَاسْعَوْا اِلٰی ذِکْرِ اللّٰهِ وَذَرُوا الْبَیْعَ ؕ ذٰلِکُمْ خَیْرٌ لَّکُمْ  اِنْ کُنْتُمْ تَعْلَمُوْنَ ۝ فَاِذَا قُضِیَتِ الصَّلٰوۃُ فَانْتَشِرُوْا فِی الْاَرْضِ وَابْتَغُوْا مِنْ فَضْلِ اللّٰهِ وَاذْکُرُوا اللّٰهَ كَثِیْرًا لَّعَلَّکُمْ تُفْلِحُوْنَ۝

“O Believers! When the call is made for ‘Jum’a Day’ prayer (Friday Congregation Prayer), hasten to the remembrance of Allah, and drop all business. That is better for you, if you only knew. Then, when the prayer is concluded, disperse through the land, and seek Allah’s bounty, and remember Allah much, so that you may succeed.” (62:9 – 10)

 

Salat during Travel/Danger Time

حٰفِظُوْا عَلَی الصَّلَوٰتِ وَالصَّلٰوۃِ الْوُسْطٰی ^ق وَقُوْمُوْا لِلّٰهِ قٰنِتِیْنَ ۝ فَاِنْ خِفْتُمْ فَرِجَالًا اَوْ رُکْبَانًا ۚ فَاِذَاۤ اَمِنْتُمْ فَاذْکُرُوا اللّٰهَ كَمَا عَلَّمَکُمْ مَّا لَمْ تَکُوْنُوْا تَعْلَمُوْنَ ۝

“Strictly Guard your prayers, especially the middle one (Asr), and stand before Allah in devotion. But if you are in fear, then (pray) on foot (walking), or riding. And when you are safe, remember Allah, as He had taught you that you did not know before.” (2:238 – 239)

وَ اِذَا ضَرَبْتُمْ فِی الْاَرْضِ فَلَیْسَ عَلَیْکُمْ جُنَاحٌ اَنْ تَقْصُرُوْا مِنَ الصَّلٰوۃِ ^قۖ     اِنْ خِفْتُمْ اَنْ یَّفْتِنَکُمُ الَّذِیْنَ كَفَرُوْا ؕ اِنَّ الْکٰفِرِیْنَ كَانُوْا لَکُمْ عَدُوًّا مُّبِیْنًا ۝ وَاِذَا کُنْتَ فِیْهِمْ فَاَقَمْتَ لَهُمُ الصَّلٰوۃَ فَلْتَقُمْ طَآئِفَۃٌ مِّنْهُمْ مَّعَكَ وَلْیَاْخُذُوْۤا اَسْلِحَتَهُمْ فَاِذَا سَجَدُوْا فَلْیَکُوْنُوْا مِنْ وَّرَآئِکُمْ ۪ وَلْتَاْتِ طَآئِفَۃٌ اُخْرٰی لَمْ یُصَلُّوْا فَلْیُصَلُّوْا مَعَكَ وَلْیَاْخُذُوْا حِذْرَهُمْ وَاَسْلِحَتَهُمْ ۚ وَدَّ الَّذِیْنَ كَفَرُوْا لَوْ تَغْفُلُوْنَ عَنْ اَسْلِحَتِکُمْ وَاَمْتِعَتِکُمْ فَیَمِیْلُوْنَ عَلَیْکُمْ مَّیْلَۃً وَّاحِدَۃً ؕ وَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَیْکُمْ اِنْ كَانَ بِکُمْ اَذًی مِّنْ مَّطَرٍ اَوْ کُنْتُمْ مَّرْضٰۤی اَنْ تَضَعُوْۤا اَسْلِحَتَکُمْ ۚ وَخُذُوْا حِذْرَکُمْ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ اَعَدَّ لِلْکٰفِرِیْنَ عَذَابًا مُّهِیْنً۝

“When you travel in the land, there is no blame on you for shortening the prayers, if you fear that the disbelievers may harm you. The disbelievers are your manifest enemies. When you are among them, and you stand to lead them in prayer, let a group of them stand with you, and let them hold their weapons. Then, when they have done their prostrations, let them withdraw to the rear, and let another group, that have not prayed yet, come forward and pray with you; and let them take their precautions and their weapons. Those who disbelieve would like you to neglect your weapons and your equipment, so they can attack you in a single assault. You commit no error, if you are hampered by rain or are sick, by putting down your weapons; but take precautions. Indeed, Allah has prepared for the disbelievers a demeaning punishment.” (4:101 – 102)

فَاِذَا قَضَیْتُمُ الصَّلٰوۃَ فَاذْکُرُوا اللّٰهَ قِیٰمًا وَّقُعُوْدًا وَعَلٰی جُنُوْبِکُمْ ۚ فَاِذَا اطْمَاْنَنْتُمْ فَاَقِیْمُوْا الصَّلٰوۃَ ۚ اِنَّ الصَّلٰوۃَ كَانَتْ عَلَی الْمُؤْمِنِیْنَ كِتٰبًا مَّوْقُوْتًا۝

When you have completed the prayer, remember Allah, standing, or sitting, or on your sides. And when you feel secure, perform the regular prayer. The prayer is obligatory for believers at specific times.” (4:103)

 

Zakat (Obligatory Charity)

“……. Whatever you pay as Zakat, seeking the pleasure of Allah, it is these people who will get a recompense multiplied.” (30:39)

 

Zakat – a pecuniary Ibsdah, is one of the five pillars of Islam, which is mentioned many times in the Qur’an to emphasize its importance. It is Fard (compulsory) for rich Muslims with the requisite amount of wealth. Every rich Muslim who possesses surplus or residual amount of wealth after necessary expenses of the year is bound to pay Zakat to the poor and needy people at the rate of 2.5% after accurate calculation of his/her net worth (cash, gold or other assets) at current market value.

The significance of Zakat in Islam is mentioned below:

• Allah (SWT) has made Zakat a form of pecuniary worship to establish economic justice in human society.
• Zakat and charity create sympathy and social responsibility on the part of the rich towards the poor community
• Zakat has recognized the rights of the poor on the wealth of the rich people and made it a safety net for them. According to Islam, it is a social and state responsibility to ensure the collection of Zakat and its distribution among the poor.
• The benefit of Zakat is immense. It purifies rich people’s hearts from greed and self-centeredness. Zakat also purifies their wealth and blesses and secures it.

The verses related to Zakat are cited below:

وَالَّذِیْنَ فِیْۤ اَمْوَالِهِمْ حَقٌّ مَّعْلُوْمٌ ۝ لِّلسَّآئِلِ وَالْمَحْرُوْمِ ۝

“And in the wealth of those people there is a rightful share, for the beggars and the deprived ones.” (70:24 – 25)

اِنَّمَا الصَّدَقٰتُ لِلْفُقَرَآءِ وَالْمَسٰكِیْنِ وَالْعٰمِلِیْنَ عَلَیْهَا وَالْمُؤَلَّفَۃِ قُلُوْبُهُمْ وَفِی الرِّقَابِ وَالْغٰرِمِیْنَ وَفِیْ سَبِیْلِ اللّٰهِ وَابْنِ السَّبِیْلِ ؕ فَرِیْضَۃً مِّنَ اللّٰهِ ؕ وَاللّٰهُ عَلِیْمٌ حَكِیْمٌ ۝

“Charities (Zakat) are for the poor, and the destitute, and those who administer them, and for reconciling hearts, and for freeing slaves, and for those in debt, and striving in the path of Allah, and for the traveler in need – (it is) an obligation from Allah. Allah is All-Knowing, Most Wise.” (9:60)

خُذْ مِنْ اَمْوَالِهِمْ صَدَقَۃً تُطَهِرُهُمْ وَتُزَكِّیْهِمْ بِهَا وَصَلِّ عَلَیْهِمْ ؕ اِنَّ صَلٰوتَكَ سَكَنٌ لَّهُمْ ؕ وَاللّٰهُ سَمِیْعٌ عَلِیْمٌ ۝ اَلَمْ یَعْلَمُوْۤا اَنَّ اللّٰهَ هُوَ یَقْبَلُ التَّوْبَۃَ عَنْ عِبَادِہٖ وَیَاْخُذُ الصَّدَقٰتِ وَاَنَّ اللّٰهَ هُوَ التَّوَّابُ الرَّحِیْمُ ۝

“Receive charities from their wealth, to purify them and sanctify them with it; and pray for them. Your prayer is comfort for them. Allah is Hearing and Knowing. Do they not know that Allah accepts the repentance of His servants, and that He receives the charities, and that Allah is the Acceptor of Repentance, the Merciful?” (9:103 – 104)

فَاِنْ تَابُوْا وَاَقَامُوا الصَّلٰوۃَ وَاٰتَوُا الزَّکٰوۃَ فَاِخْوَانُکُمْ فِی الدِّیْنِ ؕ وَنُفَصِّلُ الْاٰیٰتِ لِقَوْمٍ یَّعْلَمُوْنَ ۝

“But if they repent, and perform the prayers, and give the obligatory charity, then they are your brethren in faith. We detail the revelations for a people who know.” (9:11)

فَسَاَکْتُبُهَا لِلَّذِیْنَ یَتَّقُوْنَ وَیُؤْتُوْنَ الزَّکٰوۃَ وَالَّذِیْنَ هُمْ بِاٰیٰتِنَا یُؤْمِنُوْنَ ۝

“…… I will specify it for those who act righteously and pay Zakat, and those who believe in Our signs.” (9:156)

قَدْ اَفْلَحَ الْمُؤْمِنُوْنَ ۝ الَّذِیْنَ هُمْ فِیْ صَلَاتِهِمْ خٰشِعُوْنَ ۝ وَالَّذِیْنَ هُمْ عَنِ اللَّغْوِ مُعْرِضُوْنَ۝ وَالَّذِیْنَ هُمْ لِلزَّکٰوۃِ فٰعِلُوْنَ ۝ وَالَّذِیْنَ هُمْ لِفُرُوْجِهِمْ حٰفِظُوْنَ ۝

“Successful are the believers – Those who are humble in their prayers – Those who avoid foul and futile talks – Those who pay Zakat (poor-due) – Those who safeguard their chastity.” (23:1 – 5)

وَالْمُؤْمِنُوْنَ وَالْمُؤْمِنٰتُ بَعْضُهُمْ اَوْلِیَآءُ بَعْضٍ ۘ یَاْمُرُوْنَ بِالْمَعْرُوْفِ وَیَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْمُنْكَرِ وَیُقِیْمُوْنَ الصَّلٰوۃَ وَیُؤْتُوْنَ الزَّکٰوۃَ وَیُطِیْعُوْنَ اللّٰهَ وَرَسُوْلَہٗ ؕ اُولٰٓئِكَ سَیَرْحَمُهُمُ اللّٰهُ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ عَزِیْزٌ حَكِیْمٌ۝

“The believing men and believing women are friends of one another. They advocate virtue, forbid evil, perform the prayers, practice charity, and obey Allah and His Messenger. These – Allah will have mercy on them. Allah is Noble and Wise.” (9:71)

…. وَاَقِیْمُوا الصَّلٰوۃَ وَاٰتُوا الزَّکٰوۃَ وَاَقْرِضُوا اللّٰهَ قَرْضًا حَسَنًا ؕ وَمَا تُقَدِّمُوْا لِاَنْفُسِکُمْ مِّنْ خَیْرٍ تَجِدُوْهُ عِنْدَ اللّٰهِ هُوَ خَیْرًا وَاَعْظَمَ اَجْرًا ؕ وَاسْتَغْفِرُوا اللّٰهَ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ غَفُوْرٌ رَّحِیْمٌ۝

“……. and pray regularly, and give regular charity, and lend Allah a generous loan. Whatever good you advance for yourselves, you will find it with Allah, better and generously rewarded. And seek Allah’s forgiveness, for Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” (73:20)

 مَاۤ اٰتَیْتُمْ مِّنْ زَکٰوۃٍ تُرِیْدُوْنَ وَجْهَ اللّٰهِ فَاُولٰٓئِكَ هُمُ الْمُضْعِفُوْنَ۝

“……. Whatever you pay as Zakah, seeking the pleasure of Allah, it is these people who will get a recompense multiplied.” (30:39)

وَ اَقِیْمُوا الصَّلٰوۃَ وَاٰتُوا الزَّکٰوۃَ وَاَطِیْعُوا الرَّسُوْلَ لَعَلَّکُمْ تُرْحَمُوْنَ

“Pray regularly, and give regular charity, and obey the Messenger, so that you may receive mercy.” (24:56)

وَ اَقِیْمُوا الصَّلٰوۃَ وَاٰتُوا الزَّکٰوۃَ ؕ وَمَا تُقَدِّمُوْا لِاَنْفُسِکُمْ مِّنْ خَیْرٍ تَجِدُوْهُ عِنْدَ اللّٰهِ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ بِمَا تَعْمَلُوْنَ بَصِیْرٌ ۝

“And perform the prayer and pay Zakat. Whatever good you forward for yourselves, you will find it with Allah. Allah is Seeing of everything you do.” (2:110)

وَمَاۤ اُمِرُوْۤا اِلَّا لِیَعْبُدُوا اللّٰهَ مُخْلِصِیْنَ لَهُ الدِّیْنَ ۬ۙ حُنَفَآءَ وَیُقِیْمُوا الصَّلٰوۃَ وَیُؤْتُوا الزَّکٰوۃَ وَذٰلِكَ دِیْنُ الْقَیِّمَۃِ۝

“They were commanded only to worship Allah, devoting their faith to Him alone, and to practice regular prayer, and to pay Zakat (poor-due). That is the upright religion.” (98:5)

اَلَّذِیْنَ اِنْ مَّكَنّٰهُمْ فِی الْاَرْضِ اَقَامُوا الصَّلٰوۃَ وَاٰتَوُا الزَّکٰوۃَ وَاَمَرُوْا بِالْمَعْرُوْفِ وَ نَهَوْا عَنِ الْمُنْكَرِ ؕ وَلِلّٰهِ عَاقِبَۃُ الْاُمُوْرِ ۝

“(Believers are) those who, if We establish them in the land, will establish regular prayer and pay Zakat (poor-due), enjoin the right and forbid wrong: with Allah rests the end (and decision) of (all) affairs.” (22:41)

وَ اَقِیْمُوا الصَّلٰوۃَ وَاٰتُوا الزَّکٰوۃَ وَارْكَعُوْا مَعَ الرّٰكِعِیْنَ ۝

“And be steadfast in prayer; pay Zakat; and bow down your heads with those who bow down (in worship).” (2:43)

فَاَقِیْمُوا الصَّلٰوۃَ وَاٰتُوا الزَّکٰوۃَ وَاعْتَصِمُوْا بِاللّٰهِ ؕ هُوَ مَوْلٰىکُمْ ۚ فَنِعْمَ الْمَوْلٰی وَنِعْمَ النَّصِیْرُ ۝

“……. So, establish regular Prayer, pay Zakat, and hold fast to Allah. He is your Protector – the best Protecting Friend and the best Helper!” (22:78)

لٰكِنِ الرّٰسِخُوْنَ فِی الْعِلْمِ مِنْهُمْ وَالْمُؤْمِنُوْنَ یُؤْمِنُوْنَ بِمَاۤ اُنْزِلَ اِلَیْكَ وَمَاۤ اُنْزِلَ مِنْ قَبْلِكَ وَالْمُقِیْمِیْنَ الصَّلٰوۃَ وَالْمُؤْتُوْنَ الزَّکٰوۃَ وَالْمُؤْمِنُوْنَ بِاللّٰهِ وَالْیَوْمِ الْاٰخِرِ ؕ اُولٰٓئِكَ سَنُؤْتِیْهِمْ اَجْرًا عَظِیْمًا ۝

“But those among them well-grounded in knowledge, and the believers who believe in what was revealed to you, and in what was revealed before you; and they are those who establish prayers, and pay Zakat (poor-due), and believe in Allah and the Last Day—upon these We will bestow an immense reward.” (4:162)

وَ وَیْلٌ لِّلْمُشْرِكِیْنَ ۝ الَّذِیْنَ لَا یُؤْتُوْنَ الزَّکٰوۃَ وَهُمْ بِالْاٰخِرَۃِ هُمْ کٰفِرُوْنَ ۝

“…….. And woe to the idolaters – who do not pay the Zakat; and who deny Hereafter, they are disbelievers.” (41:6 – 7)

اِنَّ الَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْا وَعَمِلُوا الصّٰلِحٰتِ وَاَقَامُوا الصَّلٰوۃَ وَاٰتَوُا الزَّکٰوۃَ لَهُمْ اَجْرُهُمْ عِنْدَ رَبِّهِمْ ۚ وَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَیْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ یَحْزَنُوْنَ ۝

“Those who believe, and do good deeds, and pray regularly, and pay Zakat – they will have their reward with their Lord; they will have no fear, nor shall they grieve.” (2:277)

رِجَالٌ ۙ لَّا تُلْهِیْهِمْ تِجَارَۃٌ وَلَا بَیْعٌ عَنْ ذِکْرِ اللّٰهِ وَ اِقَامِ الصَّلٰوۃِ وَ اِیْتَآءِ الزَّکٰوۃِ ۪ۙ یَخَافُوْنَ یَوْمًا تَتَقَلَّبُ فِیْهِ الْقُلُوْبُ وَالْاَبْصَارُ ۝ لِیَجْزِیَهُمُ اللّٰهُ اَحْسَنَ مَا عَمِلُوْا وَیَزِیْدَهُمْ مِّنْ فَضْلِہٖ ؕ وَاللّٰهُ یَرْزُقُ مَنْ یَّشَآءُ بِغَیْرِ حِسَابٍ ۝

“(The rightly guided) Persons are such that neither trading nor business transactions can divert them from the Remembrance of Allah, nor from regular Prayer, nor from paying Zakat: Their fear is (only) for the Day when hearts and eyes will be overturned, – That Allah may reward them according to the best of their deeds, and add even more for them out of His Grace: for Allah provides livelihood for those whom He wills, without measure.” (24:37 – 38)

اَلَّذِیْنَ یُؤْمِنُوْنَ بِالْغَیْبِ وَیُقِیْمُوْنَ الصَّلٰوۃَ وَ مِمَّا رَزَقْنٰهُمْ یُنْفِقُوْنَ ۝ وَالَّذِیْنَ یُؤْمِنُوْنَ بِمَاۤ اُنْزِلَ اِلَیْكَ وَمَاۤ اُنْزِلَ مِنْ قَبْلِكَ ۚ وَبِالْاٰخِرَۃِ هُمْ یُوْقِنُوْنَ ۝ اُولٰٓئِكَ عَلٰی هُدًی مِّنْ رَّبِّهِمْ ^ق وَاُولٰٓئِكَ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُوْنَ۝

“Those who believe in the Unseen, establish prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them; And who believe in the Revelation sent to you, and sent before your time, and (in their hearts) have the assurance of the Hereafter. They are on (true) guidance, from their Lord, and it is these who will succeed.” (2:3 – 5)

فَآتِ ذَا الْقُرْبَىٰ حَقَّهُ وَالْمِسْكِينَ وَابْنَ السَّبِيلِ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ خَيْرٌ لِّلَّذِينَ يُرِيدُونَ وَجْهَ اللَّهِ ۖ وَأُولَـٰئِكَ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُونَ۝

“And give to the kindred their due rights, the needy, and the wayfarer. That is best for those who seek the Countenance of Allah, and it is they who will prosper.” (30:38)

کُلُوْا  مِنْ ثَمَرِہٖۤ  اِذَاۤ  اَثْمَرَ وَ اٰتُوْا حَقَّہٗ یَوْمَ حَصَادِہٖ ۫ۖ……

“…. Eat of its (garden’s) fruit when it bears and pay the due on the harvest day….” (6:141)

 

Sawm (Obligatory Fasting)

“Ramadan is the month in which the Qur’an was revealed – as Guidance for humanity, and clear portents of guidance, and the Criterion (of truth and falsehood). Whoever of you witnesses this month, shall fast in it……..” (2:185)

Sawm (fasting) is one of the five pillars of Islam and an important obligatory Ibadah for all Muslims. The holy month of Ramadan has been prescribed for Obligatory Sawm so that they can purify their souls and attain Taqwa (Godliness). During this month, taking food and drink and having sex with a spouse from “Subeh-Sadek” (dawn) to sunset are strictly prohibited. The month of Sawm is a great month to earn immense rewards from Allah (SWT). Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Fasting is a shield; so, when one of you is fasting, he should neither indulge in obscene language nor raise his voice in anger. If someone attacks him or insults him, let him say: ‘I am fasting’!” (Sahih Muslim). 

One-month Sawn is a spiritual, physical, and mental exercise filled with worship, meditation, and charitable activities to develop the inner qualities necessary to attain closeness to Allah (SWT). Its daytime is for fasting, while the nighttime is for performing ‘Qiyamul Lail’ (praying Tarawih and Tahajjud Salah). Besides, recitation of the Holy Qur’an, performing I’tikaf (seclusion in the mosque) during the last ten days of this month, and giving charity to the poor are acts of immense reward from Allah (SWT). Generally, this month carries ten times more rewards than other months. Moreover, the rewards of ‘Night of Qadr’ of this month exceed the rewards of more than one thousand nights.

The main features of Sawm are:

• The one-month Sawm is a wonderful time to attain Allah’s closeness through His ‘Rahmat’ (blessings), ‘Magferat’ (forgiveness) and ‘Nazat’ (salvation from Hellfire).
• The one-month spiritual and moral practices of Sawm develop Taqwa (piousness and piety) as well as other godly qualities like patience and tolerance.

• Sawm helps to change human habits to protect them from immoralities and vices such as telling lies and foul talk, cheating, nourishing evil-thoughts in mind, backbiting, harming, as well as emotional outbursts like anger, quarrelling, shouting, etc.

• It creates sympathy and empathy for needy people.

The verses of the Holy Qur’an about Sawm are cited below:

یٰۤاَیُّهَا الَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْا کُتِبَ عَلَیْکُمُ الصِّیَامُ كَمَا کُتِبَ عَلَی الَّذِیْنَ مِنْ قَبْلِکُمْ لَعَلَّکُمْ تَتَّقُوْنَ ۝

“O Believers! Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may achieve Taqwa.” (2:183)

شَہْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِیْۤ اُنْزِلَ فِیْهِ الْقُرْاٰنُ هُدًی لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَیِّنٰتٍ مِّنَ الْهُدٰی وَالْفُرْقَانِ ۚ فَمَنْ شَهِدَ مِنْکُمُ الشَّہْرَ فَلْیَصُمْهُ ؕ وَمَنْ كَانَ مَرِیْضًا اَوْ عَلٰی سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّۃٌ مِّنْ اَیَّامٍ اُخَرَ ؕ یُرِیْدُ اللّٰهُ بِکُمُ الْیُسْرَ وَلَا یُرِیْدُ بِکُمُ الْعُسْرَ ۫ وَلِتُکْمِلُوا الْعِدَّۃَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا اللّٰهَ عَلٰی مَا هَدٰىکُمْ وَلَعَلَّکُمْ تَشْکُرُوْنَ ۝

“Ramadhan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur’an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and Judgement (Between right and wrong). So, every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if anyone is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (should make up) by same days later. Allah intends ease for you; He does not want you to put to hardship. so that you may complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and maybe you shall be grateful.” (2:185)

اَیَّامًا مَّعْدُوْدٰتٍ ؕ فَمَنْ كَانَ مِنْکُمْ مَّرِیْضًا اَوْ عَلٰی سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّۃٌ مِّنْ اَیَّامٍ اُخَرَ ؕ وَعَلَی الَّذِیْنَ یُطِیْقُوْنَہٗ فِدْیَۃٌ طَعَامُ مِسْكِیْنٍ ؕ فَمَنْ تَطَوَّعَ خَیْرًا فَهُوَ خَیْرٌ لَّہٗ ؕ وَاَنْ تَصُوْمُوْا خَیْرٌ لَّکُمْ  اِنْ کُنْتُمْ تَعْلَمُوْنَ ۝

“(Sawm has been made obligatory) For a specified number of days. But whoever among you is sick, or on a journey, then a number of other days. For those who find acute hardship to perform: a ransom of feeding a needy person (is required). But whoever volunteers goodness, it is better for him. But to fasting is the best for you, if you only knew.” (2:184)

اُحِلَّ لَکُمْ لَیْلَۃَ الصِّیَامِ الرَّفَثُ اِلٰی نِسَآئِکُمْ ؕ هُنَّ لِبَاسٌ لَّکُمْ وَاَنْتُمْ لِبَاسٌ لَّهُنَّ ؕ عَلِمَ اللّٰهُ اَنَّکُمْ کُنْتُمْ تَخْتَانُوْنَ اَنْفُسَکُمْ فَتَابَ عَلَیْکُمْ وَعَفَا عَنْکُمْ ۚ فَالْـٰٔنَ بَاشِرُوْهُنَّ وَابْتَغُوْا مَا كَتَبَ اللّٰهُ لَکُمْ وَکُلُوْا وَاشْرَبُوْا حَتّٰی یَتَبَیَّنَ لَکُمُ الْخَیْطُ الْاَبْیَضُ مِنَ الْخَیْطِ الْاَسْوَدِ مِنَ الْفَجْرِ۪   ثُمَّ اَتِمُّوا الصِّیَامَ اِلَی الَّیْلِ ۚ وَلَا تُبَاشِرُوْهُنَّ وَاَنْتُمْ عٰكِفُوْنَ ۙ  فِی الْمَسٰجِدِ ؕ تِلْكَ حُدُوْدُ اللّٰهِ فَلَا تَقْرَبُوْهَا ؕ كَذٰلِكَ یُبَیِّنُ اللّٰهُ اٰیٰتِہٖ لِلنَّاسِ لَعَلَّهُمْ یَتَّقُوْنَ ۝

“Permission has been given to you to have sex with your spouse on the night of the fasts. They are your attires and you are their attires. Allah knows what you used to do secretly among yourselves; but He turned to you and forgave you; so now you may sex with them, and seek what Allah Has ordained for you, and eat and drink, until the white thread of dawn (Subeh-Sadek) appear to you distinct from its black thread; then complete your fast till the night appears; but do not mix with your spouse while you are in I’tikaf in the mosques. Those are Limits (set by) Allah. Approach not near thereto. Thus, Allah makes clear His Signs to people: that they may learn self-restraint.” (2:187)

 

The Holy City of Makkah and Ka’ba – the House of Allah (SWT)

“Allah has chosen Ka’ba, the Sacred House, a sanctuary for the people.” (5:97)

Memories of Prophet Ibrahim () are very much attached to the foundation of the Holy City of Makkah. This city is famous for the Holy Ka’ba – the ‘Baitullah/Baitul Atiq’, which is generally known as Masjid-al-Haram (The Sacred Mosque). It is known that Adam (), the first human being and the first Prophet of Allah, built this house to worship him. When a great deluge occurred during the time of Prophet Nooh (), the whole area became devastated, including the structure of the Ka’ba. After the deluge, this locality was deserted and left uninhabited for a long period of time.

It was Allah’s intention to rebuild Ka’ba in the same place, and He chose Ibrahim () for this purpose. He told Ibrahim to settle his wife Hagera and their young son Ismail () in Makkah’s desert and hilly terrain. Ibrahim () obeyed the command of his Lord and prayed to Him to make this city one of peace and security. It was a great test for him as a Prophet of Allah and the leader of humanity. Allah (SWT) heard his prayer and, thanks to His grace, a miraculous water-fountain gushed out there. Later on, it was named ‘Zamzam’ water. It attracted the passing trade-caravans through this route to collect drinking water. Subsequently, this land became populated for its source of water. Then Allah (SWT) executed His plan to rebuild Ka’ba in its original location.

According to Allah’s (SWT) instructions, Prophet Ibrahim () and his son Ismail () restored the cube-shaped structure of this sacred house for mankind’s worship and pilgrimage and set ‘Hajre Aswad’ (a heavenly stone of black color) at the wall of Ka’ba. ‘Maqam-e-Ibrahim’ (a soft stone used by Ibrahim  to stand on it while building Ka’ba) was placed beside the structure of Ka’ba as a sacred spot to offer prayer there. After the completion of the work of Ka’ba, Allah (SWT) asked Ibrahim () to call the people to visit Ka’ba and perform Hajj and Umrah, and to glorify and praise Him while doing ‘Tawaf’ (seven times walking around Ka’ba). Since then, Holy Ka’ba has been regarded as the focal point for performing Hajj and Umrah.

The verses related to above topic are quoted below:

اِنَّ اَوَّلَ بَیْتٍ وُّضِعَ لِلنَّاسِ لَلَّذِیْ بِبَكَۃَ مُبٰرَکًا وَهُدًی لِّلْعٰلَمِیْنَ ۝

“The first house established for mankind is the one at Bakkah (Makkah); blessed, and guidance for all people.” (3:96)

جَعَلَ اللّٰهُ الْكَعْبَۃَ الْبَیْتَ الْحَرَامَ  قِیٰمًا لِّلنَّاسِ وَ الشَّہْرَ الْحَرَامَ وَ الْهَدْیَ وَ الْقَلَآئِدَ ؕ ذٰلِكَ  لِتَعْلَمُوْۤا  اَنَّ اللّٰهَ یَعْلَمُ مَا فِی السَّمٰوٰتِ وَ مَا فِی الْاَرْضِ  وَ  اَنَّ اللّٰهَ بِکُلِّ  شَیْءٍ عَلِیْمٌ ۝

“Allah has chosen Ka’ba, the Sacred House, a sanctuary for the people, and the Sacred Month, and the sacrificial animal, and the garlands that marked them. That you may know that Allah knows everything in the heavens and the earth and that Allah is Cognizant of all things.” (5:97)

وَاِذْ جَعَلْنَا الْبَیْتَ مَثَابَۃً لِّلنَّاسِ وَاَمْنًا ؕ وَاتَّخِذُوْا مِنْ مَّقَامِ اِبْرٰہٖمَ مُصَلًّی ؕ وَعَهِدْنَاۤ اِلٰۤی اِبْرٰہٖمَ وَاِسْمٰعِیْلَ اَنْ طَهِرَا بَیْتِیَ لِلطَّآئِفِیْنَ وَالْعٰكِفِیْنَ وَالرُّكَعِ السُّجُوْدِ ۝

“And We made the House a focal point for the people and a sanctuary. Use ‘Makam-e-Ibrahim’ as a place of prayer. And We commanded Ibrahim and Ismail, ‘Sanctify My House for those who perform Tawaf around it, and those who stay in it, and those who bow and prostrate.” (2:125)

وَ اِذْ قَالَ اِبْرٰهِیْمُ رَبِّ اجْعَلْ هٰذَا الْبَلَدَ اٰمِنًا وَاجْنُبْنِیْ وَبَنِیَّ اَنْ نَّعْبُدَ الْاَصْنَامَ ۝ رَبِّ اِنَّهُنَّ اَضْلَلْنَ كَثِیْرًا مِّنَ النَّاسِ ۚ فَمَنْ تَبِعَنِیْ فَاِنَّہٗ مِنِّیْ ۚ وَمَنْ عَصَانِیْ فَاِنَّكَ غَفُوْرٌ رَّحِیْمٌ ۝ رَبَّنَاۤ اِنِّیْۤ اَسْكَنْتُ مِنْ ذُرِّیَّتِیْ بِوَادٍ غَیْرِ ذِیْ زَرْعٍ عِنْدَ بَیْتِكَ الْمُحَرَّمِ ۙ رَبَّنَا لِیُـقِیْمُوا الصَّلٰوۃَ فَاجْعَلْ اَفْئِدَۃً مِّنَ النَّاسِ تَہْوِیْۤ اِلَیْهِمْ وَارْ زُقْهُمْ مِّنَ الثَّمَرٰتِ لَعَلَّهُمْ یَشْکُرُوْنَ۝

“Remember when Ibrahim said: ‘O my Lord! Make this city one of peace and security: and safeguard me and my children from worshipping idols. O my Lord! They have indeed led astray many among mankind; He then who follows my (ways) is of me, and he that disobeys me, – but You are indeed Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful. O our Lord! I have made some of my offspring to dwell in a valley without cultivation, nearby Your Sacred House; O our Lord, so that they may establish regular Prayer: so, fill the hearts of some people with love towards them, and provide them sustenance with fruits: so that they may be grateful.” (14:35 – 37)

وَ اِذْ قَالَ اِبْرٰہٖمُ رَبِّ اجْعَلْ هٰذَا بَلَدًا اٰمِنًا وَارْزُقْ اَهْلَہٗ مِنَ الثَّمَرٰتِ مَنْ اٰمَنَ مِنْهُمْ بِاللّٰهِ وَالْیَوْمِ الْاٰخِرِ ؕ قَالَ وَمَنْ كَفَرَ فَاُمَتِّعُہٗ قَلِیْلًا ثُمَّ اَضْطَرُّہٗۤ اِلٰی عَذَابِ النَّارِ ؕ وَبِئْسَ الْمَصِیْرُ ۝

“And remember when Ibrahim said: ‘My Lord, make this a City of Peace, and feed its people with fruits, -such of them as believe in Allah and the Last Day.’ He said: ‘(Certainly), as for him who commits kufr (disbelief), I will grant them their pleasure for a while, but will soon drive them to the torment of Fire, – an evil destination (indeed)!” (2:126)

 

Fixing Ka’ba as Qibla of Muslim Ummah

During the time of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), Allah (SWT) designated Ka’ba as the ‘Qibla’ (point of orientation) for the Muslim Ummah. It is obligatory for all Muslims, wherever they stay in the world, to turn their faces towards the direction of Ka’ba while performing daily Salat. The turning of the face towards Qibla – the House of Allah, is the symbol of unity and oneness of the whole Ummah. It creates a universal brotherhood among them as the obedient servants of Almighty Allah.

The verses on this topic are quoted below:

قَدْ نَرٰی تَقَلُّبَ وَجْهِكَ فِی السَّمَآءِ ۚ فَلَنُوَلِّیَنَّكَ قِبْلَۃً تَرْضٰهَا فَوَلِّ وَجْهَكَ شَطْرَ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ ؕ وَحَیْثُ مَا کُنْتُمْ  فَوَلُّوْا وُجُوْهَکُمْ شَطْرَہٗ ؕ وَ اِنَّ الَّذِیْنَ اُوْتُوا الْكِتٰبَ لَیَعْلَمُوْنَ اَنَّهُ الْحَقُّ مِنْ رَّبِّهِمْ ؕ وَمَا اللّٰهُ بِغَافِلٍ عَمَّا یَعْمَلُوْنَ ۝

“We see you turning of your face to the heavens: now We shall turn you to a Qibla that shall please you. Turn then your face in the direction of the Sacred Mosque: Wherever you are, turn your faces in that direction. The people of the Book know well that that is the truth from their Lord. Nor is Allah unmindful of what they do.” (2:144)

وَلَئِنْ أَتَيْتَ الَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْكِتَابَ بِكُلِّ آيَةٍ مَّا تَبِعُوا قِبْلَتَكَ ۚ وَمَا أَنتَ بِتَابِعٍ قِبْلَتَهُمْ ۚ وَمَا بَعْضُهُم بِتَابِعٍ قِبْلَةَ بَعْضٍ ۚ وَلَئِنِ اتَّبَعْتَ أَهْوَاءَهُم مِّن بَعْدِ مَا جَاءَكَ مِنَ الْعِلْمِ ۙ إِنَّكَ إِذًا لَّمِنَ الظَّالِمِينَ

“Even if thou wert to bring to the people of the Book all the Signs (together), they would not follow Thy Qibla; nor art thou going to follow their Qibla; nor indeed will they follow each other’s Qibla. If thou after the knowledge hath reached thee, Wert to follow their (vain) desires,-then wert thou Indeed (clearly) in the wrong.” (2:145)

وَ لِکُلٍّ وِّجْهَۃٌ هُوَ مُوَلِّیْهَا فَاسْتَبِقُوا الْخَیْرٰتِ ؕ اَیْنَ مَا تَکُوْنُوْا یَاْتِ بِکُمُ اللّٰهُ جَمِیْعًا ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ عَلٰی کُلِّ شَیْءٍ قَدِیْرٌ ۝ وَمِنْ حَیْثُ خَرَجْتَ فَوَلِّ وَجْهَكَ شَطْرَ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ ؕ وَاِنَّہٗ لَلْحَقُّ مِنْ رَّبِّكَ ؕ وَمَا اللّٰهُ بِغَافِلٍ عَمَّا تَعْمَلُوْنَ ۝وَمِنْ حَيْثُ خَرَجْتَ فَوَلِّ وَجْهَكَ شَطْرَ الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ ۚ وَحَيْثُ مَا كُنتُمْ فَوَلُّوا وُجُوهَكُمْ شَطْرَهُ لِئَلَّا يَكُونَ لِلنَّاسِ عَلَيْكُمْ حُجَّةٌ إِلَّا الَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا مِنْهُمْ فَلَا تَخْشَوْهُمْ وَاخْشَوْنِي وَلِأُتِمَّ نِعْمَتِي عَلَيْكُمْ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَهْتَدُونَ۝

“To every community is a direction towards which it turns (for worship). Therefore, compete towards goodness. Wherever you may be, Allah will bring you all together. Allah is capable of everything. From whatever place you start forth, turn your face in the direction of the sacred Mosque; that is indeed the truth from your Lord. And Allah is not unmindful of what you do. So from whencesoever you start forth, turn your face in the direction of the sacred Mosque; and wheresoever you are, Turn your face thither: that there be no ground of dispute against you among the people, except those of them that are bent on wickedness; so fear them not, but fear Me; and that I may complete My favors on you, and you May (consent to) be guided.” (2:148 – 150)

 

Hajj and Umrah

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and an important obligatory Ibadah for Muslim men and women, who are physically, mentally, and financially capable of performing it. The rituals of Hajj were introduced at the instruction of Allah (SWT) by Prophet Ibrahim (), the father of the Muslim Ummah. Following the conquest of Makkah from the Quraysh idolaters, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)) reintroduced the lost purity and sanctity of Hajj. Since then, performing Hajj once in life became an obligatory worship, and the city of Makkah turned into an international hub and a focal point for Muslims of all races and colors from all over the world. Every year, millions of devout Muslims from all over the world travel to Makkah to perform Hajj and Umrah. It demonstrates the solidarity of the Muslim Ummah and their unfaltering submission to the Almighty Allah. Some important rituals of Hajj are:

• To perform ‘Tawaf’: moving around Ka’ba seven times, glorifying Allah’s name.

• Then make ‘Sa’ee’ – walking seven times back and forth between Safa and Marwa, the two little adjacent hills,

• To stay in Meena, Arafa, and Mash’arel Haram (Mujdalifa) – three different locations near Makkah – at three different times.

• On the 9^th of Dhu al-Hijjah, staying the whole day at Arafa, which is called the Day of Hajj, and then after sunset, leaving for Mujdalifa for night rest.

• On the 10^th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, after coming back to Meena to make Qurbani (sacrificing animals) and then cut hair or get their heads shaved,

• Stoning Satan at Jumrah (3 symbolic places of stoning) on 10, 11, and 12 Dhu al-Hijjah,

• Lastly, to perform ‘Departing-Tawaf and Sa’ee’ to complete the rituals of Hajj. The condition of ‘Ihram’ also finishes after the completion of all rituals.

Significance of performing Hajj:

“One who comes to this House for Hajj and avoids all lewdness and sins, he returns as he was on the day his mother gave birth to him.” (Bukhari & Muslim).

The great significance of Hajj is described below.

• It is the greatest convention of the Muslim Ummah as well as the largest assembly of humanity.

• Hajj is the symbol of sincere devotion and submission to the Almighty Allah. It is a great opportunity to purify souls and cleanse sins by performing Hajj.

• It enhances the unity, solidarity, and brotherhood of the Muslim Ummah and demonstrates universal peace and equality.

• Hajj shows a unique scenario of simplicity and humbleness amid the gathering of devotees with two pieces of white unsewn clothing.

• Hajj has cleared all geographical, racial, linguistic, and cultural barriers and established the universality of the religion of Islam.

The verses related to the performance of Hajj and Umrah are cited below.

لَقَدْ صَدَقَ اللّٰهُ رَسُوْلَهُ الرُّءْیَا بِالْحَقِّ ۚ لَتَدْخُلُنَّ الْمَسْجِدَ الْحَرَامَ اِنْ شَآءَ اللّٰهُ اٰمِنِیْنَ ۙ مُحَلِّقِیْنَ رُءُوْسَکُمْ وَمُقَصِّرِیْنَ ۙ لَا تَخَافُوْنَ ؕ فَعَلِمَ مَا لَمْ تَعْلَمُوْا فَجَعَلَ مِنْ دُوْنِ ذٰلِكَ فَتْحًا قَرِیْبًا ۝

“Allah has fulfilled His Messenger’s vision in truth: ‘You will enter the Sacred Mosque, Allah willing, in security, heads shaven, or hair cut short, not fearing.’ He knew what you did not know and has granted besides that an imminent victory.” (48:27)

وَاِذْ یَرْفَعُ اِبْرٰہٖمُ الْقَوَاعِدَ مِنَ الْبَیْتِ وَاِسْمٰعِیْلُ ؕ رَبَّنَا تَقَبَّلْ مِنَّا ؕ اِنَّكَ اَنْتَ السَّمِیْعُ الْعَلِیْمُ۝  رَبَّنَا وَاجْعَلْنَا مُسْلِمَیْنِ لَكَ وَمِنْ ذُرِّیَّتِنَاۤ اُمَّۃً مُّسْلِمَۃً لَّكَ ۪ وَاَرِنَا مَنَاسِكَنَا وَتُبْ عَلَیْنَا ۚ اِنَّكَ اَنْتَ التَّوَّابُ الرَّحِیْمُ ۝  رَبَّنَا وَابْعَثْ فِیْهِمْ رَسُوْلًا مِّنْهُمْ یَتْلُوْا عَلَیْهِمْ اٰیٰتِكَ وَیُعَلِّمُهُمُ الْكِتٰبَ وَالْحِکْمَۃَ وَیُزَكِیْهِمْ ؕ اِنَّكَ اَنْتَ الْعَزِیْزُ الْحَكِیْمُ ۝

“And remember Ibrahim and Isma’il raised the foundations of the House (praying): ‘Our Lord! Accept (this service) from us: For You are the All-Hearing, the All-knowing. Our Lord! make of us Muslims bowing to Your (will), and also make our progeny a nation who are Muslims bowing to Your (will); and show us our place for the celebration of rites (system of prayers); and accept our repentance; for You are the Oft-Pardoning, Most Merciful. Our Lord! Send amongst them a Messenger of their own, who shall recite Your verses to them and teach them the Book and wisdom and purify them: For You are the Exalted in Might, the Wise’.” (2:127 – 129)

وَاِذْ بَوَّاْنَا لِاِبْرٰهِیْمَ مَكَانَ الْبَیْتِ اَنْ لَّا تُشْرِکْ بِیْ شَیْئًا وَطَهِرْ بَیْتِیَ لِلطَّآئِفِیْنَ وَالْقَآئِمِیْنَ وَالرُّكَعِ السُّجُوْدِ ۝ وَاَذِّنْ فِی النَّاسِ بِالْحَجِّ یَاْتُوْكَ رِجَالًا وَعَلٰی کُلِّ ضَامِرٍ یَّاْتِیْنَ مِنْ کُلِّ فَجٍّ عَمِیْقٍ ۝ لِّیَشْهَدُوْا مَنَافِعَ لَهُمْ وَیَذْکُرُوا اسْمَ اللّٰهِ فِیْۤ اَیَّامٍ مَّعْلُوْمٰتٍ عَلٰی مَا رَزَقَهُمْ مِّنْۢ بَهِیْمَۃِ الْاَنْعَامِ ۚ فَکُلُوْا مِنْهَا وَاَطْعِمُوا الْبَآئِسَ الْفَقِیْرَ ۝ ثُمَّ لْیَقْضُوْا تَفَثَهُمْ وَلْیُوْفُوْا نُذُوْرَهُمْ وَلْیَطَّوَّفُوْا بِالْبَیْتِ الْعَتِیْقِ ۝

“And when We showed Ibrahim the location of the House: ‘Do not associate anything with Me; and purify My House for those who circle around, and those who stand to pray, and those who bow and prostrate.’ And announce the pilgrimage to humanity. They will come to you on foot, and on every transport. They will come from every distant point. That they may witness the benefits for themselves and, during the appointed days (of Hajj) to take the name of Allah (while sacrificing animals) that all provided for them. So, eat from it, and feed the unfortunate poor. Then let them perform their acts of (physical) cleansing, and fulfill their vows, and Tawaf around the Protected House.” (22:26 – 29)

فِيْهِ ايتٌ بَيِّنتٌ مَّقَامُ اِبْرهِيْمَ وَمَنْ دَخَلَه كَانَ امِنًا وَّللهِ عَلَى النَّاسِ حِجُّ الْبَيْتِ مَنْ اسْتَطَاعَ اِلَيْهِ سَبِيْلًا وَّمَنْ كَفَرَ فَاِنَّ اللهَ غَنِىٌّ عَنِ الْعلَمِيْنَ۝

“In it are Signs Manifest; Makam-e-Ibrahim (the Standing stone of Ibrahim AS); whoever enters it attains security; Pilgrimage thereto is people’s duty that owe to Allah, – those who can afford the journey; but if any disbelieves, then Allah is Independent (beyond any need) of the entire universe.” (3:97)

وَاَتِمُّوا الْحَجَّ وَالْعُمْرَۃَ لِلّٰهِ ؕ فَاِنْ اُحْصِرْتُمْ فَمَا اسْتَیْسَرَ مِنَ الْهَدْیِ ۚ وَلَا تَحْلِقُوْا رُءُوْسَکُمْ حَتّٰی یَبْلُغَ الْهَدْیُ مَحِلَّہٗ  ؕ     فَمَنْ كَانَ مِنْکُمْ مَّرِیْضًا اَوْ بِہٖۤ اَذًی مِّنْ رَّاْسِہٖ فَفِدْیَۃٌ مِّنْ صِیَامٍ اَوْ صَدَقَۃٍ اَوْ نُسُکٍ ۚ فَاِذَاۤ اَمِنْتُمْ فَمَنْ تَمَتَّعَ بِالْعُمْرَۃِ اِلَی الْحَجِّ فَمَا اسْتَیْسَرَ مِنَ الْهَدْیِ ۚ فَمَنْ لَّمْ یَجِدْ فَصِیَامُ ثَلٰثَۃِ اَیَّامٍ فِی الْحَجِّ وَسَبْعَۃٍ اِذَا رَجَعْتُمْ ؕ   تِلْكَ عَشَرَۃٌ كَامِلَۃٌ  ؕ    ذٰلِكَ لِمَنْ لَّمْ یَکُنْ اَهْلُہٗ حَاضِرِی الْمَسْجِدِ الْحَرَامِ  ؕ   وَاتَّقُوا اللّٰهَ وَاعْلَمُوْۤا اَنَّ اللّٰهَ شَدِیْدُ الْعِقَابِ ۝ اَلْحَجُّ اَشْهُرٌ مَّعْلُوْمٰتٌ ۚ فَمَنْ فَرَضَ فِیْهِنَّ الْحَجَّ فَلَا رَفَثَ وَلَا فُسُوْقَ ۙ وَلَا جِدَالَ فِی الْحَجِّ ؕ وَمَا تَفْعَلُوْا مِنْ خَیْرٍ یَّعْلَمْهُ اللّٰهُ ؕؔ وَتَزَوَّدُوْا فَاِنَّ خَیْرَ الزَّادِ التَّقْوٰی ۫ وَاتَّقُوْنِ یٰۤاُولِی الْاَلْبَابِ۝

“And perform the Hajj and the Umrah for Allah. But if you are prevented, then slaughter whatever sacrificial animal is available. And do not shave your heads until the offering has reached its destination. Whoever of you is sick, or has an injury of the head, then ‘Fidya’ (redemption) will be justified by fasting, or charity, or Qurbani (sacrificing animal). Once you are secure, then whoever continues the Umrah until the Hajj, then whatever is feasible of offering. But if he lacks the means – then fasting for three days during the Hajj and seven after returning (home), making ten in all (will be necessary). This is for he whose household is not present at the Sacred Mosque. And remain conscious of Allah and know that Allah is stern in retribution. The Hajj is during specific months. Whoever decides to perform the Hajj – there shall be no sexual relations, nor misconduct, nor quarrelling during the Hajj. And whatever good you do, Allah knows it. And take provisions, but the best provision is righteousness. And be mindful of Me, O people of understanding.” (2:196 – 197)

اِنَّ الصَّفَا وَالْمَرْوَۃَ مِنْ شَعَآئِرِ اللّٰهِ ۚ فَمَنْ حَجَّ الْبَیْتَ اَوِ اعْتَمَرَ فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَیْهِ اَنْ یَّطَّوَّفَ بِهِمَا ؕ وَمَنْ تَطَوَّعَ خَیْرًا ۙ فَاِنَّ اللّٰهَ شَاكِرٌ عَلِیْمٌ ۝

“Safa and Marwa are among the rites of Allah. Whoever makes the Pilgrimage to the House, or performs the Umrah, commits no error by walking between them. Whoever volunteers good—Allah is Appreciative and Cognizant.” (2:158)

لَیْسَ عَلَیْکُمْ جُنَاحٌ اَنْ تَبْتَغُوْا فَضْلًا مِّنْ رَّبِّکُمْ ؕ فَاِذَاۤ اَفَضْتُمْ مِّنْ عَرَفٰتٍ فَاذْکُرُوا اللّٰهَ عِنْدَ الْمَشْعَرِ الْحَرَامِ ۪ وَاذْکُرُوْهُ كَمَا هَدٰىکُمْ ۚ وَاِنْ کُنْتُمْ مِّنْ قَبْلِہٖ لَمِنَ الضَّآلِّیْنَ ۝ ثُمَّ اَفِیْضُوْا مِنْ حَیْثُ اَفَاضَ النَّاسُ وَاسْتَغْفِرُوا اللّٰهَ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ غَفُوْرٌ رَّحِیْمٌ ۝ فَاِذَا قَضَیْتُمْ مَّنَاسِكَکُمْ فَاذْکُرُوا اللّٰهَ كَذِکْرِکُمْ اٰبَآءَکُمْ اَوْ اَشَدَّ ذِکْرًا ؕ فَمِنَ النَّاسِ مَنْ یَّقُوْلُ رَبَّنَاۤ اٰتِنَا فِی الدُّنْیَا وَمَا لَہٗ فِی الْاٰخِرَۃِ مِنْ خَلَاقٍ ۝ وَمِنْهُمْ مَّنْ یَّقُوْلُ رَبَّنَاۤ اٰتِنَا فِی الدُّنْیَا حَسَنَۃً وَفِی الْاٰخِرَۃِ حَسَنَۃً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ ۝ اُولٰٓئِكَ لَهُمْ نَصِیْبٌ مِّمَّا كَسَبُوْا ؕ وَاللّٰهُ سَرِیْعُ الْحِسَابِ۝ وَاذْکُرُوا اللّٰهَ فِیْۤ اَیَّامٍ مَّعْدُوْدٰتٍ ؕ فَمَنْ تَعَجَّلَ فِیْ یَوْمَیْنِ فَلَاۤ اِثْمَ عَلَیْهِ ۚ وَمَنْ تَاَخَّرَ فَلَاۤ اِثْمَ عَلَیْهِ ۙ لِمَنِ اتَّقٰی ؕ وَاتَّقُوا اللّٰهَ وَاعْلَمُوْۤا اَنَّکُمْ اِلَیْهِ تُحْشَرُوْنَ ۝

“You commit no error by seeking bounty from your Lord. When you disperse from Arafat, remember Allah at ‘Mash’arel Haram’ – the Sacred Landmark (known as Muzdalifa). And remember Him as He has guided you. Although before that you were ignorant. Then disperse from where the people disperse (rush for Tawaf) and ask Allah for forgiveness. Allah is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful. When you have completed your rites, remember Allah as you remember your parents, or even more. Among the people is he who says, ‘Our Lord, give us in this world,’ yet he has no share in the Hereafter. And among them is he who says, ‘Our Lord, give us goodness in this world, and goodness in the Hereafter, and protect us from the torment of the Fire.’ These will have a share of what they have earned. Allah is swift in reckoning. And remember Allah during the designated days. But whoever hurries on in two days commits no wrong, and whoever stays on commits no wrong – provided he maintains righteousness. And obey Allah and know that to Him you will be gathered.” (2:198 – 203)

یٰۤاَیُّهَا الَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْا لَا تَقْتُلُوا الصَّیْدَ وَاَنْتُمْ حُرُمٌ ؕ وَمَنْ قَتَلَہٗ مِنْکُمْ مُّتَعَمِّدًا فَجَزَآءٌ مِّثْلُ مَا قَتَلَ مِنَ النَّعَمِ یَحْکُمُ بِہٖ ذَوَا عَدْلٍ مِّنْکُمْ هَدْیًۢا بٰلِغَ الْكَعْبَۃِ اَوْ كَفَّارَۃٌ طَعَامُ مَسٰكِیْنَ اَوْ عَدْلُ ذٰلِكَ صِیَامًا لِّیَذُوْقَ وَبَالَ اَمْرِہٖ ؕ عَفَا اللّٰهُ عَمَّا سَلَفَ ؕ وَمَنْ عَادَ فَیَنْتَقِمُ اللّٰهُ مِنْهُ ؕ وَاللّٰهُ عَزِیْزٌ ذُو انْتِقَامٍ ۝

“O Believers! do not kill game (hunting animal) while you are in pilgrim sanctity. Whoever of you kills any intentionally, its penalty shall be a domestic animal comparable to what he killed, as determined by two honest persons among you – an offering delivered to the Ka’ba. Or he may compensate by feeding the needy, or its equivalent in fasting, so that he may taste the consequences of his conduct. Allah forgives what is past. But whoever repeats, Allah will take revenge on him. Allah is Almighty, Avenger.” (5:95)

یٰۤاَیُّهَا الَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْۤا اَوْفُوْا بِالْعُقُوْدِ ۬ؕ اُحِلَّتْ لَکُمْ بَهِیْمَۃُ الْاَنْعَامِ اِلَّا مَا یُتْلٰی عَلَیْکُمْ غَیْرَ مُحِلِّی الصَّیْدِ وَاَنْتُمْ حُرُمٌ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ یَحْکُمُ مَا یُرِیْدُ۝

“O Believers! Fulfill your pledges. Livestock animals are permitted for you, except those specified to you; but hunting game (of animals) is unlawful while you are in Ihram (pilgrim sanctity). Allah decrees whatever He wills.” (5:1)

اُحِلَّ لَکُمْ صَیْدُ الْبَحْرِ وَطَعَامُہٗ مَتَاعًا لَّکُمْ وَلِلسَّیَّارَۃِ ۚ وَحُرِّمَ عَلَیْکُمْ صَیْدُ الْبَرِّ مَا دُمْتُمْ حُرُمًا ؕ وَاتَّقُوا اللّٰهَ الَّذِیْۤ اِلَیْهِ تُحْشَرُوْنَ ۝

“Permitted for you is the catch of sea, and its food – as sustenance for you and for travelers. But forbidden for you is the game (hunting) of land while you are in pilgrim sanctity. And fear Allah, to Whom you will be gathered.” (5:96)

 

Qurbani (Sacrificing Animals)

Qurbani is the sacrifice of a Halal animal as part of Hajj rituals as well as an act of worship, which is offered on the days of Eid ul-Adha. Qurbani solemnly commemorates the supreme sacrifice and submission of prophet Ibrahim () and his son prophet Ismail () to the Will of Allah (SWT). The verses on Qurbani are cited below:

رَبِّ هَبْ لِى مِنَ الصّٰلِحِيْنَ۝ فَبَشَّرْنٰهُ بِغُلٰمٍ حَلِيْمٍ۝ فَلَمَّا بَلَغَ مَعَهُ السَّعْىَ قَالَ يٰبُنَىَّ اِنِّىۤ اَرٰى فِى الْمَنَامِ اَنِّىْۤ اَذْبَحُكَ فَانْظُرْ مَاذَا تَرٰى قَالَ يٰۤاَبَتِ افْعَلْ مَا تُؤْمَرُ سَتَجِدُنِىۤ اِنْ شَاۤءَ اللهُ مِنَ الصّٰبِرِيْنَ۝ فَلَمَّاۤ اَسْلَمَا وَتَلَّه لِلْجَبِيْنِ۝ وَنٰدَيْنٰهُ اَن يٰۤاِبْرٰهِيْمُ۝ قَدْ صَدَّقْتَ الرُّءْيَاۤ اِنَّا كَذٰلِكَ نَجْزِى الْمُحْسِنِيْنَ۝ اِنَّ هٰذَا لَهُوَ الْبَلٰٓؤُا الْمُبِيْنُ۝ وَفَدَيْنٰهُ بِذِبْحٍ عَظِيْمٍ۝ وَتَرَكْنَا عَلَيْهِ فِى الْاٰخِرِيْنَ۝ سَلٰمٌ عَلٰۤى اِبْرٰهِيْمَ۝ كَذٰلِكَ نَجْزِى الْمُحْسِنِيْنَ۝ اِنَّه مِنْ عِبَادِنَا الْمُؤْمِنِيْنَ۝

“(Ibrahim  prayed) My Lord, give me one of the righteous (son).’ So, We gave him the good news about a gentle boy. Then, when he was old enough to accompany him, he said, “O My son, I see in a dream that I am sacrificing you; see what you think.” He said, “O my Father, do as you are commanded; you will find me, Allah willing, one of the forbearing.’ Then, when they had submitted, he put his forehead down. We called out to him, ‘O Ibrahim! You have fulfilled the vision.’ Thus, We reward the doers of good. This was certainly an evident test. And We redeemed him with a great sacrificial animal. And We left it with him as an example for later generations. Peace be upon Ibrahim. Thus, We reward the doers of good. He was one of Our believing servants.” (37:100 – 111)

لَکُمْ فِیْهَا مَنَافِعُ اِلٰۤی اَجَلٍ مُّسَمًّی ثُمَّ مَحِلُّهَاۤ اِلَی الْبَیْتِ الْعَتِیْقِ ۝ وَلِکُلِّ اُمَّۃٍ جَعَلْنَا مَنْسَکًا لِّیَذْکُرُوا اسْمَ اللّٰهِ عَلٰی مَا رَزَقَهُمْ مِّنْۢ بَهِیْمَۃِ الْاَنْعَامِ ؕ فَاِلٰـهُکُمْ اِلٰہٌ وَّاحِدٌ فَلَہٗۤ اَسْلِمُوْا ؕ وَ بَشِّرِ الْمُخْبِتِیْنَ ۝ الَّذِیْنَ اِذَا ذُكِرَ اللّٰهُ وَجِلَتْ قُلُوْبُهُمْ وَالصّٰبِرِیْنَ عَلٰی مَاۤ اَصَابَهُمْ وَالْمُقِیْمِی الصَّلٰوۃِ ۙ  وَ مِمَّا رَزَقْنٰهُمْ یُنْفِقُوْنَ ۝

“In them (sacrificial animals) are benefits for you until a certain time. Then their place is by the Ancient House. We have fixed a rite for every nation, that they may commemorate Allah’s name over the livestock He has provided for them. Your Allah is One Allah, so to Him submit, and announce good news to the humble. Those whose hearts tremble when Allah’s name is mentioned, and those who endure what has befallen them, and those who perform the prayer and spend from what We have provided for them.” (22:33 – 35)

وَالْبُدْنَ جَعَلْنٰهَا لَکُمْ مِّنْ شَعَآئِرِ اللّٰهِ لَکُمْ فِیْهَا خَیْرٌ ^قۖ   فَاذْکُرُوا اسْمَ اللّٰهِ عَلَیْهَا صَوَآفَّ ۚ فَاِذَا وَجَبَتْ جُنُوْبُهَا فَکُلُوْا مِنْهَا وَاَطْعِمُوا الْقَانِعَ وَالْمُعْتَرَّ ؕ كَذٰلِكَ سَخَّرْنٰهَا لَکُمْ لَعَلَّکُمْ تَشْکُرُوْنَ ۝ لَنْ یَّنَالَ اللّٰهَ لُحُوْمُهَا وَلَا دِمَآؤُهَا وَلٰكِنْ یَّنَالُهُ التَّقْوٰی مِنْکُمْ ؕ كَذٰلِكَ سَخَّرَهَا لَکُمْ لِتُكَبِّرُوا اللّٰهَ عَلٰی مَا هَدٰىکُمْ ؕ وَبَشِّرِ الْمُحْسِنِیْنَ ۝

“We have made the sacrificial animals (camels, cows) emblems of Allah for you. In them there are benefits for you. So, pronounce Allah’s name upon them as they line up. Then, when they have fallen on their sides, eat of them and feed the perseverant and the beggar. Thus, We have subjected them to you, that you may be thankful. Neither their flesh nor their blood, ever reaches Allah. What reaches Him is the righteousness from you. Thus, He subdued them to you, so that you may glorify Allah for guiding you. And give good news to the doers of good.” (22:36 – 37)

اِنَّآ اَعْطَيْنٰكَ الْكَوْثَرَ۝ فَصَلِّ لِرَبِّكَ وَانْحَرْ۝

“We have given you profusely. So, perform salah for your Lord and sacrifice (animals) to Him alone.” (108:1 – 2)

 

Sadaqah (Voluntary Charity) for the sake of Allah (SWT)

In the Qur’an Allah (SWT) has emphasized ‘Sadaqah’ (voluntary charity) as an important Nofel (Extra/Optional) Ibadah for Muslims. Accumulation of wealth is a big test for the believers as Allah (SWT) sees how one earns and spends. If one with sincere intention makes charitable donations from his/her legal earnings for the sake of Allah (SWT) that becomes a Nofel (additional) Ibadah. Any act of good gestures like smiling or salutation, showing sympathy, giving consolation, or providing good advice, etc., is also regarded as Sadaqah.

Charity, according to the Prophet (ﷺ), increases rather than decreases wealth. He also said: “Allah loves the God-fearing rich man who gives much in charity but still remains unseen and uncelebrated.” (Sahih Muslim). Allah (SWT) gives the benefit of Sadaqah seven hundred times to seven thousand or even more. The verses relating to charity are quoted below:

لَنْ تَنَالُوا الْبِرَّ حَتّٰی تُنْفِقُوْا مِمَّا تُحِبُّوْنَ ۬ؕ وَمَا تُنْفِقُوْا مِنْ شَیْءٍ فَاِنَّ اللّٰهَ بِہٖ عَلِیْمٌ ۝

“By no means shall you attain righteousness unless you give (freely) of that which you love; and whatever you give, surely Allah knows it well.” (3:92)

مَثَلُ الَّذِیْنَ یُنْفِقُوْنَ اَمْوَالَهُمْ فِیْ سَبِیْلِ اللّٰهِ كَمَثَلِ حَبَّۃٍ اَنْۢبَتَتْ سَبْعَ سَنَابِلَ فِیْ کُلِّ سُنْۢبُلَۃٍ مِّائَۃُ حَبَّۃٍ ؕ وَاللّٰهُ یُضٰعِفُ لِمَنْ یَّشَآءُ ؕ وَاللّٰهُ وَاسِعٌ عَلِیْمٌ ۝

“The example of those who spend their wealth in Allah’s way is that of a grain that produces seven spikes; in each spike has a hundred grains. Allah multiplies for whom He wills. Allah is Bounteous and All-Knowing.” (2:261)

اَلَّذِیْنَ یُنْفِقُوْنَ اَمْوَالَهُمْ فِیْ سَبِیْلِ اللّٰهِ ثُمَّ لَا یُتْبِعُوْنَ مَاۤ اَنْفَقُوْا مَنًّا وَلَاۤ اَذًی ۙ لَّهُمْ اَجْرُهُمْ عِنْدَ رَبِّهِمْ ۚ وَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَیْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ یَحْزَنُوْنَ ۝

“Those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah, and then do not follow up reminding their generosity or cause hurt, will have their reward with their Lord – they have nothing to fear, nor shall they grieve.” (2:262)

قَوْلٌ مَّعْرُوْفٌ وَمَغْفِرَۃٌ خَیْرٌ مِّنْ صَدَقَۃٍ یَّتْبَعُهَاۤ اَذًی ؕ وَاللّٰهُ غَنِیٌّ حَلِیْمٌ ۝

“Kind words and forgiveness are better than charity – followed by insolent reminders. Allah is Rich and Clement.” (2:263)

یٰۤاَیُّهَا الَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْا لَا تُبْطِلُوْا صَدَقٰتِکُمْ بِالْمَنِّ وَالْاَذٰی ۙ كَالَّذِیْ یُنْفِقُ مَالَہٗ رِئَآءَ النَّاسِ وَلَا یُؤْمِنُ بِاللّٰهِ وَالْیَوْمِ الْاٰخِرِؕ فَمَثَلُہٗ كَمَثَلِ صَفْوَانٍ عَلَیْهِ تُرَابٌ فَاَصَابَہٗ وَابِلٌ فَتَرَكَہٗ صَلْدًا ؕ لَا یَقْدِرُوْنَ عَلٰی شَیْءٍ مِّمَّا كَسَبُوْا ؕ وَاللّٰهُ لَا یَہْدِی الْقَوْمَ الْکٰفِرِیْنَ ۝

“O Believers! Do not waste your charitable deeds with reminders and spiteful words, like him who spends his wealth to show off, and does not believe in Allah and the Last Day. His likeness is that of a smooth rock covered with soil: then a downpour strikes it, and leaves it bare – they gain nothing from their efforts. Allah does not guide the disbelieving people.” (2:264)

اَیَوَدُّ اَحَدُکُمْ اَنْ تَکُوْنَ لَہٗ جَنَّۃٌ مِّنْ نَّخِیْلٍ وَاَعْنَابٍ تَجْرِیْ مِنْ تَحْتِهَا الْاَنْهٰرُ ۙ لَہٗ فِیْهَا مِنْ کُلِّ الثَّمَرٰتِ ۙ وَاَصَابَهُ الْكِبَرُ وَلَہٗ ذُرِّیَّۃٌ ضُعَفَآءُ ۪ۖ فَاَصَابَهَاۤ اِعْصَارٌ فِیْهِ نَارٌ فَاحْتَرَقَتْ ؕ كَذٰلِكَ یُبَیِّنُ اللّٰهُ لَکُمُ الْاٰیٰتِ لَعَلَّکُمْ تَتَفَكَرُوْنَ ۝

“Would anyone of you like to have a garden of palms and vines, under which rivers flow – with all kinds of fruit in it for him, he then reaches old age, while he has weak children – and then a tornado with fire batters it, and it burns down? Thus, Allah makes clear the signs for you, so that you may reflect (on how charity becomes fruitless when one hurts after giving charity).” (2:266)

اَلشَّیْطٰنُ یَعِدُکُمُ الْفَقْرَ وَیَاْمُرُکُمْ بِالْفَحْشَآءِ ۚ وَاللّٰهُ یَعِدُکُمْ مَّغْفِرَۃً مِّنْهُ وَفَضْلًا ؕ وَاللّٰهُ وَاسِعٌ عَلِیْمٌ ۝

“Satan swears you by poverty (if you give charity), and urges you to immorality; but Allah promises you forgiveness from Himself, and much grace. Allah is All-Embracing and All-Knowing. (2:268)

وَمَثَلُ الَّذِیْنَ یُنْفِقُوْنَ اَمْوَالَهُمُ ابْتِغَآءَ مَرْضَاتِ اللّٰهِ وَتَثْبِیْتًا مِّنْ اَنْفُسِهِمْ كَمَثَلِ جَنَّۃٍۭ بِرَبْوَۃٍ اَصَابَهَا وَابِلٌ فَاٰتَتْ اُکُلَهَا ضِعْفَیْنِ ۚ فَاِنْ لَّمْ یُصِبْهَا وَابِلٌ فَطَلٌّ ؕ وَاللّٰهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُوْنَ بَصِیْرٌ ۝

“And the example of those who spend their wealth seeking Allah’s pleasure, and to strengthen their souls, is that of a garden on a hillside. If heavy rain falls on it, its produce is doubled; and if no heavy rain falls, then dew is enough. Allah is seeing of everything you do.” (2:265)

یٰۤاَیُّهَا الَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْۤا اَنْفِقُوْا مِنْ طَیِّبٰتِ مَا كَسَبْتُمْ وَمِمَّاۤ اَخْرَجْنَا لَکُمْ مِّنَ الْاَرْضِ ۪ وَلَا تَیَمَّمُوا الْخَبِیْثَ مِنْهُ تُنْفِقُوْنَ وَلَسْتُمْ بِاٰخِذِیْهِ اِلَّاۤ اَنْ تُغْمِضُوْا فِیْهِ ؕ وَاعْلَمُوْۤا اَنَّ اللّٰهَ غَنِیٌّ حَمِیْدٌ ۝

“O Believers! Give of the good things you have earned, and from what We have produced for you from the earth. And do not pick the inferior things to give away, when you yourselves would not accept it except with eyes closed. And know that Allah is Free of want and Praiseworthy.” (2:267)

وَ مَاۤ اَنْفَقْتُمْ مِّنْ نَّفَقَۃٍ اَوْ نَذَرْتُمْ مِّنْ نَّذْرٍ فَاِنَّ اللّٰهَ یَعْلَمُہٗ ؕ  وَمَا لِلظّٰلِمِیْنَ مِنْ اَنْصَارٍ ۝

“Whatever charity you give, or a pledge you fulfill, Allah knows it. The wrongdoers have no helpers.” (2.270)

اِنْ تُبْدُوا الصَّدَقٰتِ فَنِعِمَّا هِیَ ۚ   وَاِنْ تُخْفُوْهَا وَتُؤْتُوْهَا الْفُقَرَآءَ فَهُوَ خَیْرٌ لَّکُمْ ؕ  وَیُكَفِّرُ عَنْکُمْ مِّنْ سَیِّاٰتِکُمْ ؕ  وَاللّٰهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُوْنَ خَبِیْرٌ ۝

“If you give charity openly, that is good. But if you keep it secret, and give it to the needy in private, that is better for you. It will compensate for some of your misdeeds. Allah is cognizant of what you do.” (2:271)

لَیْسَ عَلَیْكَ هُدٰىهُمْ وَلٰكِنَّ اللّٰهَ یَہْدِیْ مَنْ یَّشَآءُ ؕ وَمَا تُنْفِقُوْا مِنْ خَیْرٍ فَلِاَنْفُسِکُمْ ؕ وَمَا تُنْفِقُوْنَ اِلَّا ابْتِغَآءَ وَجْهِ اللّٰهِ ؕ وَمَا تُنْفِقُوْا مِنْ خَیْرٍ یُّوَفَّ اِلَیْکُمْ وَاَنْتُمْ لَا تُظْلَمُوْنَ۝

“To bring them into guidance is not your obligation, but Allah guides whom He wills. Any charity you give is for your own good. Any charity you give shall be for the sake of Allah. Any charity you give will be repaid to you in full, and you will not be wronged.” (2:272)

اَلَّذِیْنَ یُنْفِقُوْنَ اَمْوَالَهُمْ بِالَّیْلِ وَالنَّهَارِ سِرًّا وَعَلَانِیَۃً فَلَهُمْ اَجْرُهُمْ عِنْدَ رَبِّهِمْ ۚ وَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَیْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ یَحْزَنُوْنَ۝

“Those who spend their wealth by night and day, privately and publicly, will receive their reward from their Lord. They have nothing to fear, nor shall they grieve.” (2:274)

لِلْفُقَرَآءِ الَّذِیْنَ اُحْصِرُوْا فِیْ سَبِیْلِ اللّٰهِ لَا یَسْتَطِیْعُوْنَ ضَرْبًا فِی الْاَرْضِ ۫ یَحْسَبُهُمُ الْجَاهِلُ اَغْنِیَآءَ مِنَ التَّعَفُّفِ ۚ تَعْرِفُهُمْ بِسِیْمٰهُمْ ۚ لَا یَسْـَٔلُوْنَ النَّاسَ اِلْحَافًا ؕ وَمَا تُنْفِقُوْا مِنْ خَیْرٍ فَاِنَّ اللّٰهَ بِہٖ عَلِیْمٌ

“It is for the poor; those who are occupied in the path of Allah, and unable to travel in the land for livelihood. The unaware would think them rich, due to their dignity. You will recognize them by their characteristics. They do not ask from people insistently. Whatever charity you give, Allah is aware of it.” (2:273)

اِنَّ الْمُصَّدِّقِیْنَ وَالْمُصَّدِّقٰتِ وَاَقْرَضُوا اللّٰهَ قَرْضًا حَسَنًا یُّضٰعَفُ لَهُمْ وَلَهُمْ اَجْرٌ كَرِیْمٌ۝

“For those who give in Charity, men and women, and loan to Allah a Beautiful Loan, it shall be increased manifold (to their credit), and they shall have (besides) a generous reward.” (57:18)

وَ اِمَّا تُعْرِضَنَّ عَنْهُمُ ابْتِغَآءَ رَحْمَۃٍ مِّنْ رَّبِّكَ تَرْجُوْهَا فَقُلْ لَّهُمْ قَوْلًا مَّیْسُوْرًا ۝ وَلَا تَجْعَلْ یَدَكَ مَغْلُوْلَۃً اِلٰی عُنُقِكَ وَلَا تَبْسُطْهَا کُلَّ الْبَسْطِ فَتَقْعُدَ مَلُوْمًا مَّحْسُوْرًا ۝

“But if you are to turn away from them in seeking mercy from your Lord which you expect for, then say to them words of comfort. And do not keep your hand tied to your neck (don’t be a miser), nor spread it out fully (don’t be extravagant), lest you end up liable and regretful.” (17:28 – 29)

وَالَّذِیْنَ صَبَرُوا ابْتِغَآءَ وَجْهِ رَبِّهِمْ وَاَقَامُوا الصَّلٰوۃَ وَاَنْفَقُوْا مِمَّا رَزَقْنٰهُمْ سِرًّا وَّعَلَانِیَۃً وَیَدْرَءُوْنَ بِالْحَسَنَۃِ السَّیِّئَۃَ اُولٰٓئِكَ لَهُمْ عُقْبَی الدَّارِ ۝

“Those who patiently persevere, seeking the countenance of their Lord; Establish regular prayers; spend secretly and openly out of their sustenance what We have provided them; and who repel evil with good acts: for such there is the final attainment of the (eternal) home.” (13:22)

اٰمِنُوْا بِاللّٰهِ وَرَسُوْلِہٖ وَاَنْفِقُوْا مِمَّا جَعَلَکُمْ مُّسْتَخْلَفِیْنَ فِیْهِ ؕ فَالَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْا مِنْکُمْ وَاَنْفَقُوْا لَهُمْ اَجْرٌ كَبِیْرٌ ۝

“Believe in Allah and His apostle and spend (in charity) out of the (substance) whereof He has made you heirs. For, those of you who believe and spend (in charity), – for them is a great Reward.” (57:7)

وَ الَّذِیْنَ یُؤْتُوْنَ مَاۤ اٰتَوْا وَقُلُوْبُهُمْ وَجِلَۃٌ اَنَّهُمْ اِلٰی رَبِّهِمْ رٰجِعُوْنَ ۝ اُولٰٓئِكَ یُسٰرِعُوْنَ فِی الْخَیْرٰتِ وَهُمْ لَهَا سٰبِقُوْنَ ۝ وَلَا نُكَلِّفُ نَفْسًا اِلَّا وُسْعَهَا وَلَدَیْنَا كِتٰبٌ یَّنْطِقُ بِالْحَقِّ وَهُمْ لَا یُظْلَمُوْنَ ۝

“And those who distribute their charity out of fears in their hearts, because they will have to return to their Lord; It is these who rush in every good work and they are the foremost in that. On no soul do We place a burden greater than it can bear: before Us is a Book of Record which clearly shows the truth: they will never be wronged.” (23:60 – 62)

مَنْ ذَا الَّذِیْ یُقْرِضُ اللّٰهَ قَرْضًا حَسَنًا فَیُضٰعِفَہٗ لَہٗۤ اَضْعَافًا كَثِیْرَۃً ؕ وَاللّٰهُ یَقْبِضُ وَیَبْصُۜطُ  وَاِلَیْهِ  تُرْجَعُوْنَ ۝

“Who is the one that will give loan to Allah a beautiful loan, which Allah will double unto his credit and multiply many times? It is Allah Who gives (you) meagerly or plenty, and to Him shall be your return.” (2:245)

مَنْ ذَا الَّذِیْ یُقْرِضُ اللّٰهَ قَرْضًا حَسَنًا فَیُضٰعِفَہٗ لَہٗ وَلَہٗۤ اَجْرٌ كَرِیْمٌ ۝

“Who is the one that will give Loan to Allah a beautiful loan? for ((Allah)) will increase it manifold to his credit, and he will have (besides) a noble Reward.” (57:11)

الَّذِیْ یُؤْتِیْ مَالَہٗ یَتَزَکّٰی ۝وَ مَا لِاَحَدٍ عِنْدَہٗ مِنْ نِّعْمَۃٍ تُجْزٰۤی ۝ اِلَّا ابْتِغَآءَ وَجْهِ رَبِّهِ الْاَعْلٰی ۝ وَ لَسَوْفَ یَرْضٰی ۝

“He who spends his wealth to become pure – Seeking no favors in return – Only seeks the pleasure of his Lord – the Most-High. And soon he will be fully contented.” (92:18 – 21)

سَبِیْلِ اللّٰهِ ؕ وَالَّذِیْنَ یَکْنِزُوْنَ الذَّهَبَ وَالْفِضَّۃَ وَلَا یُنْفِقُوْنَهَا فِیْ سَبِیْلِ اللّٰهِ ۙ فَبَشِّرْهُمْ بِعَذَابٍ اَلِیْمٍ ۝ یَّوْمَ یُحْمٰی عَلَیْهَا فِیْ نَارِ جَهَنَّمَ فَتُکْوٰی بِهَا جِبَاهُهُمْ وَجُنُوْبُهُمْ وَظُهُوْرُهُمْ ؕ هٰذَا مَا كَنَزْتُمْ لِاَنْفُسِکُمْ فَذُوْقُوْا مَا کُنْتُمْ تَکْنِزُوْنَ ۝

“O Believers! Many of the rabbis and priests devour people’s wealth illicitly and hinder from Allah’s path. Those who hoard gold and silver, and do not spend them in Allah’s cause, inform them of a painful punishment. On the Day when they will be heated in the Fire of Hell, then their foreheads, and their sides, and their backs will be marked (burnt) with them: “This is what you hoarded for yourselves; so, taste what you used to hoard.” (9:34 – 35)

فَاٰتِ ذَاالْقُرْبٰی حَقَّہٗ وَالْمِسْكِیْنَ وَابْنَ‌السَّبِیْلِ ؕ ذٰلِكَ خَیْرٌ لِّلَّذِیْنَ یُرِیْدُوْنَ وَجْهَ اللّٰهِ ۫ وَاُولٰٓئِكَ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُوْنَ ۝

“So, give what is due to relatives and kin, the needy, and the wayfarer. That is best for those who seek the Countenance of Allah, and it is they who will succeed.” (30:38)

الَّذِیْنَ یَبْخَلُوْنَ وَیَاْمُرُوْنَ النَّاسَ بِالْبُخْلِ وَیَکْتُمُوْنَ مَاۤ اٰتٰهُمُ اللّٰهُ مِنْ فَضْلِہٖ ؕ وَاَعْتَدْنَا لِلْکٰفِرِیْنَ عَذَابًا مُّهِیْنًا ۝ وَالَّذِیْنَ یُنْفِقُوْنَ اَمْوَالَهُمْ رِئَآءَ النَّاسِ وَلَا یُؤْمِنُوْنَ بِاللّٰهِ وَلَا بِالْیَوْمِ الْاٰخِرِ ؕ وَمَنْ یَّکُنِ الشَّیْطٰنُ لَہٗ قَرِیْنًا فَسَآءَ قَرِیْنًا ۝ وَمَاذَا عَلَیْهِمْ لَوْ اٰمَنُوْا بِاللّٰهِ وَالْیَوْمِ الْاٰخِرِ وَاَنْفَقُوْا مِمَّا رَزَقَهُمُ اللّٰهُ ؕ وَكَانَ اللّٰهُ بِهِمْ عَلِیْمًا ۝

“Those who are miserly and instigate people to miserliness and conceal what Allah has given them from His bounty – We have prepared for the disbelievers a disgraceful punishment. And those who spend their money for showing off and believe neither in Allah nor in the Last Day. Whoever has Satan as a companion – what an evil companion! Had they believed in Allah and the Last Day, and gave out of what Allah has provided for them, what would they have lost? Allah is abreast of them.” (4:37 – 39)

یُوْفُوْنَ بِالنَّذْرِ وَیَخَافُوْنَ یَوْمًا كَانَ شَرُّہٗ مُسْتَطِیْرًا ۝ وَیُطْعِمُوْنَ الطَّعَامَ عَلٰی حُبِّہٖ مِسْكِیْنًا وَ یَتِیْمًا وَ اَسِیْرًا ۝ اِنَّمَا نُطْعِمُکُمْ لِوَجْهِ اللّٰهِ لَا نُرِیْدُ مِنْکُمْ جَزَآءً وَلَا شُکُوْرًا ۝ اِنَّا نَخَافُ مِنْ رَّبِّنَا یَوْمًا عَبُوْسًا قَمْطَرِیْرًا۝

“They fulfill their vows and fear a Day whose distress will be widespread. And they feed the poor, and the orphan, and the captive for the love of Him. ‘We only feed you for the sake of Allah. We want from you neither compensation, nor gratitude. We have fear of a frowning grim Day from our Lord’.” (76:7 – 10)

لَیْسَ الْبِرَّ اَنْ تُوَلُّوْا وُجُوْهَکُمْ قِبَلَ الْمَشْرِقِ وَالْمَغْرِبِ وَلٰكِنَّ الْبِرَّ مَنْ اٰمَنَ بِاللّٰهِ وَالْیَوْمِ الْاٰخِرِ وَالْمَلٰٓئِكَۃِ وَالْكِتٰبِ وَالنَّبِیّٖنَ ۚ وَاٰتَی الْمَالَ عَلٰی حُبِّہٖ ذَوِی الْقُرْبٰی وَالْیَتٰمٰی وَالْمَسٰكِیْنَ وَابْنَ السَّبِیْلِ ۙ وَالسَّآئِلِیْنَ وَفِی الرِّقَابِ ۚ وَاَقَامَ الصَّلٰوۃَ وَاٰتَی الزَّکٰوۃَ ۚ وَالْمُوْفُوْنَ بِعَہْدِهِمْ اِذَا عٰهَدُوْا ۚ وَالصّٰبِرِیْنَ فِی الْبَاْسَآءِ وَالضَّرَّآءِ وَحِیْنَ الْبَاْسِ ؕ اُولٰٓئِكَ الَّذِیْنَ صَدَقُوْا ؕ وَاُولٰٓئِكَ هُمُ الْمُتَّقُوْنَ ۝

“It is not righteousness that you turn your faces towards east or west; but it is righteousness to believe in Allah and the Last Day, and the Angels, and the Book, and the Messengers; to spend of your wealth, out of love for Him, for your kin, for orphans, for the needy, for the wayfarer, for those who ask, and for the ransom of slaves; to be steadfast in prayer, and practice regular charity; to fulfill the contracts which you have made; and to be firm and patient, in pain (or suffering) and adversity, and throughout all periods of panic. Such are the people of truth, the righteous.” (2:177)

فَاَمَّا مَنْ اَعْطى وَاتَّقى۝ وَصَدَّقَ بِالْحُسْنى۝ فَسَنُيَسِّرُه لِلْيُسْرى۝ وَاَمَّا مَنْ بَخِلَ وَاسْتَغْنى۝ وَكَذَّبَ بِالْحُسْنى۝ فَسَنُيَسِّرُه لِلْعُسْرى۝ وَمَا يُغْنِى عَنْهُ مَالُه اِذَا تَرَدّى۝

“As for him who gives charity and is righteous – And confirms goodness – We will ease his way towards ease (getting favor). But as for him who is stingy and indifferent and denies goodness. We will ease his way towards difficulty. And his money will not bring him any benefit when he falls.” (92:5 – 11)

 

Hizrat (Migration): A Significant Ibadah

“Hizrat” (migration) in the path of Allah (SWT) for the sake of religion is a great Ibadah in Islam. Migration became necessary for minority Muslims in the early stages of Islam when Quraysh leaders became aggressive and oppressive in order to thwart Muhammad’s (ﷺ) prophetic mission in Makkah. They also plotted to kill him and eliminate his followers from Makkah. At that critical stage, Allah (SWT) gave them permission to migrate to a safer place.

The verses related to the topic of Hizrat are quoted below:

اِنَّ الَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْا وَالَّذِیْنَ هَاجَرُوْا وَجٰهَدُوْا فِیْ سَبِیْلِ اللّٰهِ ۙ   اُولٰٓئِكَ یَرْجُوْنَ رَحْمَتَ اللّٰهِ ؕ وَاللّٰهُ غَفُوْرٌ رَّحِیْمٌ ۝

“Undoubtedly those who believed and those who suffered exile and fought (and strove and struggled) in the path of Allah, – they have the hope of the Mercy of Allah. And Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful. (2:218)

ثُمَّ اِنَّ رَبَّكَ لِلَّذِیْنَ هَاجَرُوْا مِنْۢ بَعْدِ مَا فُتِنُوْا ثُمَّ جٰهَدُوْا وَصَبَرُوْۤا ۙ اِنَّ رَبَّكَ مِنْۢ بَعْدِهَا لَغَفُوْرٌ رَّحِیْمٌ ۝

“But – to those who leave their homes after trials and persecutions, – and who thereafter strive and fight for the faith and patiently persevere, – verily your Lord, after all these is oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.” (16:110)

 فَالَّذِیْنَ هَاجَرُوْا وَاُخْرِجُوْا مِنْ دِیَارِهِمْ وَاُوْذُوْا فِیْ سَبِیْلِیْ وَقٰتَلُوْا وَقُتِلُوْا لَاُكَفِّرَنَّ عَنْهُمْ سَیِّاٰتِهِمْ وَلَاُدْخِلَنَّهُمْ جَنّٰتٍ تَجْرِیْ مِنْ تَحْتِهَا الْاَنْهٰرُ ۚ ثَوَابًا مِّنْ عِنْدِ اللّٰهِ ؕ وَاللّٰهُ عِنْدَہٗ حُسْنُ الثَّوَابِ۝

“……. For those who emigrated, and were expelled from their homes, and were persecuted because of Me, and fought and were killed – I will remit for them their sins and will admit them into gardens beneath which rivers flow—a reward from Allah. With Allah is the ultimate reward.” (3:195)

اِنَّ الَّذِیْنَ تَوَفّٰهُمُ الْمَلٰٓئِكَۃُ ظَالِمِیْۤ اَنْفُسِهِمْ قَالُوْا فِیْمَ کُنْتُمْ ؕ قَالُوْا کُنَّا مُسْتَضْعَفِیْنَ فِی الْاَرْضِ ؕ قَالُوْۤا اَلَمْ تَکُنْ اَرْضُ اللّٰهِ وَاسِعَۃً فَتُهَاجِرُوْا فِیْهَا ؕ فَاُولٰٓئِكَ مَاْوٰىهُمْ جَهَنَّمُ ؕ وَسَآءَتْ مَصِیْرًا ۝ اِلَّا الْمُسْتَضْعَفِیْنَ مِنَ الرِّجَالِ وَالنِّسَآءِ وَالْوِلْدَانِ لَا یَسْتَطِیْعُوْنَ حِیْلَۃً وَلَا یَہْتَدُوْنَ سَبِیْلًا ۝

“While the Angels are removing the souls of those who have wronged themselves, they will say, ‘What was the matter with you?’ They will say, ‘We were oppressed in the land.’ They will say, ‘Was Allah’s earth not vast enough for you to emigrate in it?’ These – their refuge is Hell. What a wretched retreat! Except those who are (really) weak and oppressed – men, women, and children – who have no means in their power, nor (a guide-post) to their way. For these, there is hope that Allah will forgive: For Allah blots out (sins) and forgives again and again.” (4:97 – 99)

اَلَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْا وَهَاجَرُوْا وَجٰهَدُوْا فِیْ سَبِیْلِ اللّٰهِ بِاَمْوَالِهِمْ وَاَنْفُسِهِمْ ۙ اَعْظَمُ دَرَجَۃً عِنْدَ اللّٰهِ ؕ وَاُولٰٓئِكَ هُمُ الْفَآئِزُوْنَ ۝ یُبَشِّرُهُمْ رَبُّهُمْ بِرَحْمَۃٍ مِّنْهُ وَرِضْوَانٍ وَجَنّٰتٍ لَّهُمْ فِیْهَا نَعِیْمٌ مُّقِیْمٌ ۝ خٰلِدِیْنَ فِیْهَاۤ اَبَدًا ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ عِنْدَہٗۤ اَجْرٌ عَظِیْمٌ ۝

“Those who believe and suffer exile and strive with as much effort as possible in Allah’s cause, with their goods and their persons, have the highest rank in the sight of Allah, they are the people who will achieve (salvation). Their Lord gives them glad tidings of a Mercy from Himself, of His good pleasure, and of gardens for them, wherein are delight everlasting: They will dwell therein forever. Verily in Allah’s presence is a reward, the greatest (of all).” (9:20 – 22)

وَ الَّذِیْنَ هَاجَرُوْا فِیْ سَبِیْلِ اللّٰهِ ثُمَّ قُتِلُوْۤا اَوْ مَاتُوْا لَیَرْزُقَنَّهُمُ اللّٰهُ رِزْقًا حَسَنًا ؕ وَاِنَّ اللّٰهَ لَهُوَ خَیْرُ الرّٰزِقِیْنَ ۝ لَیُدْخِلَنَّهُمْ مُّدْخَلًا یَّرْضَوْنَہٗ ؕ وَاِنَّ اللّٰهَ لَعَلِیْمٌ حَلِیْمٌ ۝

“Those who leave their homes in the cause of Allah, and are then slain or die, – on them will Allah bestow verily a goodly Provision: Truly Allah is He Who bestows the best provision. Verily He will admit them to a place with which they shall be well-pleased: for Allah is All-Knowing, Most Forbearing.” (22:58 – 59)

وَالَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْا وَهَاجَرُوْا وَجٰهَدُوْا فِیْ سَبِیْلِ اللّٰهِ وَالَّذِیْنَ اٰوَوْا وَنَصَرُوْۤا اُولٰٓئِكَ هُمُ الْمُؤْمِنُوْنَ حَقًّا ؕ لَهُمْ مَّغْفِرَۃٌ وَرِزْقٌ كَرِیْمٌ ۝ وَالَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْا مِنْۢ بَعْدُ وَهَاجَرُوْا وَجٰهَدُوْا مَعَکُمْ فَاُولٰٓئِكَ مِنْکُمْ ؕ وَاُوْلُوا الْاَرْحَامِ بَعْضُهُمْ اَوْلٰی بِبَعْضٍ فِیْ كِتٰبِ اللّٰهِ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ بِکُلِّ شَیْءٍ عَلِیْمٌ ۝

“Those who believed, and adopted exile, and fought for the Faith, in the cause of Allah as well as those who gave (them) asylum and aid, – these are (all) the true Believers: for them is the forgiveness of sins and a provision most generous. And those who accepted Faith subsequently, and adopted exile, and fought for the Faith in the company of you, – they too are included with you. But kindred by blood have prior rights against each other in the Book (Decree) of Allah. Verily Allah is abreast of all things.” (8:74 – 75)

اِنَّ الَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْا وَهَاجَرُوْا وَجٰهَدُوْا بِاَمْوَالِهِمْ وَاَنْفُسِهِمْ فِیْ سَبِیْلِ اللّٰهِ وَالَّذِیْنَ اٰوَوْا وَنَصَرُوْۤا اُولٰٓئِكَ بَعْضُهُمْ اَوْلِیَآءُ بَعْضٍ ؕ وَالَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْا وَلَمْ یُهَاجِرُوْا مَا لَکُمْ مِّنْ وَّلَایَتِهِمْ مِّنْ شَیْءٍ حَتّٰی یُهَاجِرُوْا ۚ وَاِنِ اسْتَنْصَرُوْکُمْ فِی الدِّیْنِ فَعَلَیْکُمُ النَّصْرُ اِلَّا عَلٰی قَوْمٍۭ بَیْنَکُمْ وَبَیْنَهُمْ مِّیْثَاقٌ ؕ وَاللّٰهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُوْنَ بَصِیْرٌ۝

“Those who believed, and migrated, and fought for the Faith, with their property and their persons, in the cause of Allah, as well as those who gave (them) asylum and aid, – these are (all) friends and protectors, one of another. As to those who believed but did not migrate, you do not need to their friendship until they come into exile; but if they seek your aid in religion, it is your duty to help them, except against a people with whom you have a treaty of mutual alliance. And (remember) Allah sees all that you do.” (8:72)

 

Hizrat (Migration) to Abyssinia & Madinah

In Islam, Hizrat (migration) took place in two phases. The first migration occurred to a neighboring Christian country named Abyssinia (present-day Ethiopia) when Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) advised his companions, “If you were to go to Abyssinia, it would be better for you, because the king will not tolerate injustice and it is a friendly country, until such time as Allah shall relieve you of your distress.” As a result, a group of Muslims led by the Prophet’s (ﷺ) cousin named Zafar Ibn Abu Talib (), migrated there. The Quraysh leaders approached King Negus of Abyssinia to bring Muslims back to Makkah. But the Christian King rejected the Quraish’s plea and allowed Muslims to stay there peacefully.

The second destination of Hizrat was Yathrib (Madinah). During Hajj season when pilgrims from Yathrib arrived in Makkah, the Prophet (ﷺ) secretly preached Islam to them. They took ‘Bayat’ (Pledge) at the Prophet’s (ﷺ) hand and accepted Islam. They also invited him and his followers to migrate to their land. Muslims from Makkah began to migrate to Yathrib in groups. Seeing this mass exodus of Muslims, the Quraysh leaders decided to assassinate Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). Then Allah (SWT) asked him to migrate to Yathrib.

The people of Yathrib generously accepted the Muslim migrants as their religious brothers and even gave them a share of their property and homestead despite their hardship. Being satisfied with the generosity of the people of Yathrib, Allah (SWT) gave them the title “Ansar” (the Helpers of Islam). Later on, the name of Yathrib was changed to “Madinah.” Soon after, a new Islamic state was established there, led by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). Allah (SWT) is pleased with both those who left their homes and migrated for His cause and those who gave migrants shelter and all-out support.

In the verses below Allah (SWT) promises them enormous rewards both in this world and in the next:

وَ الَّذِیْنَ هَاجَرُوْا فِی اللّٰهِ مِنْۢ بَعْدِ مَا ظُلِمُوْا لَـنُبَوِّئَنَّهُمْ فِی الدُّنْیَا حَسَنَۃً ؕ وَلَاَجْرُ الْاٰخِرَۃِ اَکْبَرُ ۘ لَوْ كَانُوْا یَعْلَمُوْنَ ۝ الَّذِیْنَ صَبَرُوْا وَعَلٰی رَبِّهِمْ یَتَوَكَلُوْنَ ۝

“To those who leave their homes in the cause of Allah, after suffering oppression, – We will assuredly give a goodly home in this world; but truly the reward of the Hereafter will be greater. If they only realized (this)! (They are) those who persevere in patience and put their trust on their Lord.” (16:41 – 42)

وَمَنْ یُّهَاجِرْ فِیْ سَبِیْلِ اللّٰهِ یَجِدْ فِی الْاَرْضِ مُرٰغَمًا كَثِیْرًا وَسَعَۃً ؕ وَمَنْ یَّخْرُجْ مِنْۢ بَیْتِہٖ مُهَاجِرًا اِلَی اللّٰهِ وَرَسُوْلِہٖ ثُمَّ یُدْرِکْهُ الْمَوْتُ فَقَدْ وَقَعَ اَجْرُہٗ عَلَی اللّٰهِ ؕ وَكَانَ اللّٰهُ غَفُوْرًا رَّحِیْمًا۝

“He who forsakes his home in the cause of Allah, finds in the earth Many a refuge, wide and spacious: Should he die as a refugee from home for Allah and His Messenger, His reward becomes due and sure with Allah. And Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.” (4:100)

وَ السّٰبِقُوْنَ الْاَوَّلُوْنَ مِنَ الْمُهٰجِرِیْنَ وَالْاَنْصَارِ وَالَّذِیْنَ اتَّبَعُوْهُمْ بِاِحْسَانٍ ۙ رَّضِیَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمْ وَرَضُوْا عَنْهُ وَاَعَدَّ لَهُمْ جَنّٰتٍ تَجْرِیْ تَحْتَهَا الْاَنْهٰرُ خٰلِدِیْنَ فِیْهَاۤ اَبَدًا ؕ ذٰلِكَ الْفَوْزُ الْعَظِیْمُ۝

“Allah is pleased with the Pioneers – the first of the ‘Muhajireen’ (Migrants from Makkah) and the ‘Ansars’ (Supporters from Madinah), and those who followed them with sincerity, and they are pleased with Him too. He has prepared for them Gardens beneath which rivers flow, where they will abide forever. That is the sublime triumph.” (9:100)

 

 

Purification & Cleanliness:

Purity of Body & Dress

“And purify your clothes. And shun uncleanliness.” (74:4-5)

Allah (SWT) loves purity and cleanliness. Prophet (ﷺ) said: ‘Cleanliness is the part of Imaan.’ He used to seek refuge with Almighty Allah (SWT) from all kinds of impurity and dirt. Purity of body, clothing, and place of worship is essential for Ibadah as these practices create a sacred feeling and increase devoutness in prayer. Gusal (Bathing), Wadu (Ablution), and Tayammum (wiping with pure dust – an alternative to Wadu) are the three means that have been prescribed for cleaning the whole body and its parts. Alcoholic drinks, addictive substances, Haram things are impure and as such always needed to be abandoned.  The verses on this subject are quoted below:

  یٰۤاَیُّهَا الَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْۤا اِذَا قُمْتُمْ اِلَی الصَّلٰوۃِ فَاغْسِلُوْا وُجُوْهَکُمْ وَاَیْدِیَکُمْ اِلَی الْمَرَافِقِ وَامْسَحُوْا بِرُءُوْسِکُمْ وَاَرْجُلَکُمْ اِلَی الْكَعْبَیْنِ ؕ وَاِنْ کُنْتُمْ جُنُبًا فَاطَّهَرُوْا ؕوَ اِنْ کُنْتُمْ مَّرْضٰۤی اَوْ عَلٰی سَفَرٍ اَوْ جَآءَ اَحَدٌ مِّنْکُمْ مِّنَ الْغَآئِطِ اَوْ لٰمَسْتُمُ النِّسَآءَ فَلَمْ تَجِدُوْا مَآءً فَتَیَمَّمُوْا صَعِیْدًا طَیِّبًا فَامْسَحُوْا بِوُجُوْهِکُمْ وَاَیْدِیْکُمْ مِّنْهُ ؕ مَا یُرِیْدُ اللّٰهُ لِیَجْعَلَ عَلَیْکُمْ مِّنْ حَرَجٍ وَلٰكِنْ یُّرِیْدُ لِیُطَهِرَکُمْ وَلِیُتِمَّ نِعْمَتَہٗ عَلَیْکُمْ لَعَلَّکُمْ تَشْکُرُوْنَ۝

“O Believers!  When you rise to pray, wash your faces and your hands and arms to the elbows, and wipe your heads, and your feet up to the ankles. If you are impure (need bathing), then purify yourselves. If you are ill, or travelling, or one of you returns from the toilet, or you had contact with women, and could not find water, then use some clean sand (soil) and perform ‘Tayammum’ (wipe) your faces and hands with it. Allah does not intend to burden you, but He intends to purify you, and to complete His blessing upon you, that you may be thankful.” (5:6)

یٰۤاَیُّهَا الَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْا لَا تَقْرَبُوا الصَّلٰوۃَ وَاَنْتُمْ سُکٰرٰی حَتّٰی تَعْلَمُوْا مَا تَقُوْلُوْنَ وَلَا جُنُبًا اِلَّا عَابِرِیْ سَبِیْلٍ حَتّٰی تَغْتَسِلُوْا ؕ وَاِنْ کُنْتُمْ مَّرْضٰۤی اَوْ عَلٰی سَفَرٍ اَوْ جَآءَ اَحَدٌ مِّنْکُمْ مِّنَ الْغَآئِطِ اَوْ لٰمَسْتُمُ النِّسَآءَ فَلَمْ تَجِدُوْا مَآءً فَتَیَمَّمُوْا صَعِیْدًا طَیِّبًا فَامْسَحُوْا بِوُجُوْهِکُمْ وَاَیْدِیْکُمْ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ كَانَ عَفُوًّا غَفُوْرًا ۝

“O Believers!  Do not approach the prayer while you are drunk until you understand what you say; nor in a state of impurity until you have bathed – except you are in travelling. If you are sick, or traveling, or one of you comes from the toilet, or you have had intercourse with women, and cannot find water, find clean sand (soil) and wipe your faces and your hands with it. Allah is Pardoning and Forgiving.” (4:43)

یٰۤاَیُّهَا الْمُدَّثِّرُ ۝ قُمْ  فَاَنْذِرْ ۝ وَ رَبَّكَ فَكَبِّرْ۝ وَ ثِیَابَكَ فَطَهِرْ ۝ وَالرُّجْزَ فَاهْجُرْ۝

“O you Enrobed one. Arise and warn. And magnify your Lord. And purify your clothes. And shun uncleanliness.” (74:1 – 5)

 

Cleanliness from Hayz & Nifas

In Islam, both the periods of Hayz (women’s menstruation) and Nifas (post-natal bleeding) are considered as unclean when Salat and Fasting are prohibited for them. Also, sexual intercourse is forbidden during that time. At the end of these periodic discharges, women are required to perform obligatory bathing to purify themselves for starting their rituals.

Verse of the Qur’an on this topic is cited below:

وَ یَسْـَٔلُوْنَكَ عَنِ الْمَحِیْضِ ؕ قُلْ هُوَ اَذًی ۙ فَاعْتَزِلُوا النِّسَآءَ فِی الْمَحِیْضِ ۙ وَلَا تَقْرَبُوْهُنَّ حَتّٰی یَطْهُرْنَ ۚ فَاِذَا تَطَهَرْنَ فَاْتُوْهُنَّ مِنْ حَیْثُ اَمَرَکُمُ اللّٰهُ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰهَ یُحِبُّ التَّوَّابِیْنَ وَیُحِبُّ الْمُتَطَهِرِیْنَ۝

“And they ask you about menstruation: say, ‘It is harmful, so keep away from women during menstruation. And do not approach them until they have become pure. Once they have become pure, approach them in the way Allah has directed you.’ Allah loves the repentant, and He loves those who keep clean.” (2:222)