The Holy Qur;an ; Myanmar Translation

က်မ္းျမတ္ကုရ္အာန္ ျမန္မာဘာသာျပန္

Some great benefits of reciting the Quran

Indeed to reflect on Allah’s verses is a form of worship that will draw one close to Allah Most High. This reflection is not a reckless and wandering one, rather it includes a study of the classical tafseer of the verses being pondered over, as this would fulfil Ibnul-Qayyim’s great advice, “Such as reflecting over a book which a person has memorised and he expounds it so that he may understand what its author intends by it.”

Indeed the Book of Allah is not a book like any other, it is the timeless Speech of Allah, not a created thing, the study guide for life and death and what comes after. Therefore it deserves a more careful study than anyone else’s speech. It necessitates that its reader return to the early narrations of those who witnessed its revelation and heard its explanation by the one deputed by Allah to rehearse and explain His Words to humanity (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam). For if one would try to ponder over the meanings of the verses without having done this study, then surely the filth of the time that he lives in and his ignorance of the correct application and understanding that the early Muslims had would cause him to understand some things not intended by Allah Most High, and therefore he would go astray, thinking to be worshipping Allah. So every sincere Muslim who hopes to earn Allah’s Love breciting and reflecting over Allah’s Book, then let him hold tight to the meanings explained by the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam), and those taught by the companions and their immediate followers, and the early scholars of Islam.

So dear brother and sister Muslim! Know that reciting and pondering over the Book of Allah, devoting your time regularly to its study and implementation has tremendous benefits in this life and the Next, so let us now look to just a few of them to attach ourselves more firmly to Allah’s Majestic Words. Each benefit stands as enough of an encouragement to shun any laziness we have and dedicate ourselves to the Qur’an.

1 - Reading and reflecting over the Qur’an fulfils an Islamic duty.

Indeed the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) summarised this Religion with his statement: “The Religion is naseehah (sincerity)!” So then Tameem ibn Aws, may Allah be pleased with him, then said, “We asked, ‘To whom?’” He said: “To Allah, HIS BOOK, His Messenger, the leaders of the people, and their common folk.” [Muslim] The sincerity that is due to the Book of Allah includes its regular recitation, learning the rules of tajweed and reciting it beautifully, learning about its tafseer and the reasons for its revelation, affirming that it is the Truth, the perfect Speech of Allah and not part of the creation, honoring it and defending it, abiding by the orders and prohibitions found in it, teaching it and calling to it. [See Jaami’ul-’Uloom wal-Hikam of Ibn Rajab Al-Hambalee] So by reading and reflecting over the Qur’an, one fulfills an obligation and is rewarded for that. Upon fulfilling this obligation, the Qur’an then becomes a proof for him on the Day of Judgment! And that is our second benefit we will take by embracing this Noble Book...

2 - The Qur’an will be a proof for us on the Day of Judgment.

This is due to the statement of the Messenger: “And the Qur’an is a proof for you or against you.” [Muslim] So one of two things will occur with this proof, the Book of Allah. It will either be in your favor, a proof for you on the Day when you will need every single good deed, or it will be something standing against you, the very Speech of your Creator, a proof against you! Who could be saved from the terrors of that Day if Allah’s own Speech is against him?!?! Think carefully, dear Muslim brother or sister, about your position with the Qur’an! Are you neglecting it, contradicting it, being heedless of its orders and prohibitions, are you thinking deeply over it?! Will it be on your side on the Day of Judgment.?! O Allah! We ask you, by Your Glorious Speech and the rest of your beautiful Names and Attributes, to make the Qur’an a proof for us! O Allah! Don’t make the Qur’an a proof against us on that Day, and save us from the hellfire! For if Allah makes the Qur’an a proof in our favour on that Day, then it would also be an intercessor for us, when NO intercession will take place except by His Permission.

3 - The Qur’an will intercede for us on the Day of Judgment.

The proof: Aboo Umaamah relates that the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: “Read the Qur’an, for verily it will come on the Day of Standing as an intercessor for its companions.” [Muslim]

4 - Your status in this life will be raised.

In Saheeh Muslim, we find a lovely story, about how a man from the people of Jannah, ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattaab, understood this principle. Some men came to question him during his khilaafah about the leadership of Makkah, they asked, “Who do you use to govern Makkah?” He said, “Ibn Abzaa.” They asked, “And who is Ibn Abzaa?” Umar replied, “A freed slave from those we freed.” They remarked, “You left a freed slave in charge of the people of the Valley (the noble tribes of the Quraysh)!?!?” So he answered them, “Verily he is a reader of the Book of Allah and is knowledgeable about the obligations of the Muslims. Haven’t you heard the statement of your Messenger: “Verily Allah raises some people by this Book and lowers others by it.”

5 - You will be from the best of the people.

‘Uthmaan, may Allah be pleased with him, said that the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: “The best of you are the ones who learn the Qur’an and teach it to others” [Al-Bukhari]

6 - There are ten rewards for each letter you recite from the Qur’an.

As an authentic hadith in At-Tirmithee proves: “Whoever reads a letter from the Book of Allah, he will have a reward. And that reward will be multiplied by ten. I am not saying that “Alif, Laam, Meem” is a letter, rather I am saying that “Alif” is a letter, “laam” is a letter and “meem” is a letter.” So increase your recitation of the Qur’an to gain these merits, and to gain the following merit as well.

7 - The reciters of the Qur’an will be in the company of the noble and obedient angels.

‘Aa’ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, relates that the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: “Verily the one who recites the Qur’an beautifully, smoothly, and precisely, he will be in the company of the noble and obedient angels. And as for the one who recites with difficulty, stammering or stumbling through its verses, then he will have TWICE that reward.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

So dear brother or sister Muslim, do not let the Shaytaan give you false excuses, such as “I am not an ‘Arab,” or “Its not my language.” This hadith is a firm proof against these whisperings. Dedicate yourself to the Book of Allah, whether you are an ‘Arab or not! The excuses have been eliminated and the pathway has been cleared for you to embrace the Book of Allah without holding back or offering excuses! And surely you will not hesitate to seek a teacher or a study circle for the Qur’an once you hear the last and perhaps greatest benefits of reading and contemplating over the Qur’an...

8 - Your position in Paradise is determined by the amount of Qur’an you memorize in this life!

‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Amr ibn Al-’Aas heard the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) saying: “It will be said to the companion of the Qur’an: Read and elevate (through the levels of the Paradise) and beautify your voice as you used to do when you were in the dunyaa! For verily, your position in the Paradise will be at the last verse you recite!” [Aboo Daawood and At-Tirmithee, saheeh]

9 - The Qur’an will lead you to Paradise!

The Prophet said: “The Qur’an is an intercessor, something given permission to intercede, and it is rightfully believed in. Whoever puts it in front of him, it will lead him to Paradise; whoever puts it behind him, it will steer him to the Hellfire.” [An authentic hadith found in At-Tabaraanee, on the authority of ‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’ood]

Know, dear brother or sister, that these nine benefits from the many benefits available can only be attained by a sincere commitment to the Book of Allah, not by a person’s mere statement, “I love the Qur’an, it’s beautiful.” Rather the heart must be sincerely attached to Allah’s Book and the limbs and tongue will follow in this attachment. You must know that we only mentioned a few of the numerous benefits of reading and reflecting over the Qur’an. There are many benefits that await your reading in the Qur’an and books of hadith, like the chapter of the Qur’an that will argue on your behalf in the grave, and that it is a physical healing, a source of rest and relaxation for your heart, among many other things. And Allah knows best. (Taken from Look 4 Islam)

This article is a collection of Quranic verses, Ahadeeth (Prophet’s Saying) and sayings of the salaf (pious people that followed the prophet) on the majesty of Quran, the great virtues for reading and following it.

1. Quran on Quran

To begin with, there are many verses in the Quran itself that underscore the majesty of Allah’s verses and the Quran itself –

Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):

Say: ‘If the mankind and the jinn were together to produce the like of this Quran, they could not produce the like thereof, even if they helped one another’”[Quran Al-Israa’ 17:88]

Had We sent down this Quran on a mountain, you would surely have seen it humbling itself and rending asunder by the fear of Allah. Such are the parables which We put forward to mankind that they may reflect. [Quran Al-Hashr 59:21]

“This is the Book (the Quran), whereof there is no doubt, a guidance to those who are Al-Muttaqoon [the pious] [Quran Al-Baqarah 2:2]

2. The Rewards of Reciting Quran in Qiyaam Al-Layl (Night prayers before Fajr)

We all know from the Quran and the Ahadeeth about the countless rewards and benefits of praying and reciting Quran during the nightly prayers (last one third of the night)

As is stated in the hadeeth narrated by ‘Abd-Allah ibn ‘Amr ibn al-‘Aas (may Allah be pleased with them both), in which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

Whoever recites ten aayaat (verses) in qiyaam will not be recorded as one of the forgetful. Whoever recites a hundred aayaat (verses) in qiyaam will be recorded as one of the devout, and whoever prays a thousand aayaat (verses) in qiyaam will be recorded as one of the muqantareen (those who pile up good deeds).” (Reported by Abu Dawood and Ibn Hibbaan. It is a hasan report. Saheeh al-Targheeb, 635).

Imaam al-Bukhaari used to pray qiyaam and tahajjud at night until the time of suhoor, and he would read between a half and a third of the Quran, and complete it at suhoor every third night.

3. Reciting Quran in Ramadan

Quran has even more of an important significance in the month of Ramadan, the month of fasting.

Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):

The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong) [Quran al-Baqarah 2:185]

Jibreel used to come to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) every night in Ramadaan, and study the Quran with him. Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 5; Muslim, 4268.

Hence the salaf used to read Quran a great deal during Ramadan, following the example of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). Qataadah (may Allah have mercy on him) used to complete the Quran every seven nights all the time, and every three nights in Ramadaan, and every two nights during the last ten days of Ramadaan.

Ibraaheem al-Nakha’i used to complete the Quran in Ramadaan every three nights, and in the last ten days every two nights.

4. General Rewards of Reciting Quran

The rewards of reciting the Quran are many. An authentic hadith in At-Tirmithee states:

Whoever reads a letter from the Book of Allah, he will have a reward. And that reward will be multiplied by ten. I am not saying that “Alif, Laam, Meem” is a letter, rather I am saying that “Alif” is a letter, “laam” is a letter and “meem” is a letter.” So increase your recitation of the Qur’an to gain these merits, and to gain the following merit as well.

In another hadeeth, ‘Aa’ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, relates that the Prophet (sallAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said:

Verily the one who recites the Qur’an beautifully, smoothly, and precisely, he will be in the company of the noble and obedient angels. And as for the one who recites with difficulty, stammering or stumbling through its verses, then he will have TWICE that reward.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

This hadith proves that people who are not well versed in the Arabic languge or have other difficulties in reciting the Quran, get even a higher reward for reciting the Quran in Arabic for their extra effort.

5. Quran as intercessor in the day of judgment

The Prophet said:

The Qur’an is an intercessor, something given permission to intercede, and it is rightfully believed in. Whoever puts it in front of him, it will lead him to Paradise; whoever puts it behind him, it will steer him to the Hellfire.” [An authentic hadith found in At-Tabaraanee, on the authority of ‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’ood]

6. Benefits of reciting certain Quranic surahs (chapters)

The following are authentic Ahadeeth regarding the benefits of certain Soorahs.

It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

There is a soorah of the Quran containing thirty verses which have interceded for a man until he was forgiven. It is the soorah Tabaarak alladhi bi yadihi’l-mulk. Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 2891; Ahmad, 7634; Abu Dawood, 1400; Ibn Maajah, 3786. This hadeeth was classed as hasan by al-Tirmidhi and by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi, 3/6.

Regarding the healing power of The S?rah al-F?tiha

It was narrated that Abu Sa’eed (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “A group of the companions of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) set out on a journey and traveled until they stopped in (the land of) one of the Arab tribes. They asked them for hospitality but they refused to welcome them. The chief of that tribe was stung by a scorpion and they tried everything but nothing helped them. Some of them said, ‘Why don’t you go to those people who are camped (near us), maybe you will find something with them.’ So they went to them and said, ‘O people, our chief has been stung by a scorpion and we have tried everything but nothing helped him. Can any of you do anything?’ One of them said, ‘Yes, by Allah, I will recite ruqyah for him, but by Allah we asked you for hospitality and you did not welcome us, so I will not recite ruqyah for you until you give us something in return.’ Then they agreed upon a flock of sheep.’ Then he went and spat drily and recited over him Al-hamdu Lillaahi Rabb il-‘Aalameen [Soorat al-Faatihah]. (The chief) got up as if he was released from a chain and started walking, and there were no signs of sickness on him. They paid them what they agreed to pay. Some of them (i.e. the companions) then suggested to divide their earnings among themselves, but the one who performed the ruqyah said, ‘Do not divide them until we go to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and tell him what happened, then wait and see what he tells us to do.’ So they went to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and told him what had happened. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) asked, ‘How did you know that it (al-Faatihah) is a ruqyah?’ Then he added, ‘You have done the right thing. Share out (the flock of sheep) and give me a share too.’ And the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) smiled.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 2156; Muslim, 2201

A note about certain fabricated Ahadeeths narrating the benefits of some Quran Soorahs

Although there are authentic Ahadeeth regarding the rewards and benefits of reciting certain Quranic Soorahs, unfortunately there are even more fabricated Ahadeeth that highlight the benefits of other Soorahs. Therefore, not all Ahadeeth highlighting the benefits of reciting all Soorahs are authentic, even though some of those Ahadeeth mention a chain of narrators. Many scholars have proven the weakness of the narration chain of those Ahadeeth. As quoted at islam-qa.com, “Many ahaadeeth were fabricated about the virtues of various soorahs of the Quran. Their fabricators’ intention was to encourage people to read Quran and devote themselves to that, and they claimed that they were doing good thereby. But their intentions were misguided because that is undoubtedly subject to the stern warning contained in the words of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him): “Whoever tells a lie about me deliberately, let him take his place in Hell.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 10; Muslim, 4. It makes no difference whether the lie is intended for good or for evil.”

7. A Muslim’s Status is Raised by the Quran

A Musilm’s status is raised by the Quran – the more he recites, follows its commandments and makes Quran part of his or her life, the more Allah will elevate his or her status in this life and hereafter.

Saheeh Muslim mentions a story where some men came to question Umar ibn Al-Khattaab during his khilaafah about the leadership of Makkah, they asked, “Who do you use to govern Makkah?” He said, “Ibn Abzaa.” They asked, “And who is Ibn Abzaa?” Umar replied, “A freed slave from those we freed.” They remarked, “You left a freed slave in charge of the people of the Valley (the noble tribes of the Quraysh)!?!?” So he answered them, “Verily he is a reader of the Book of Allah and is knowledgeable about the obligations of the Muslims. Haven’t you heard the statement of your Messenger: “Verily Allah raises some people by this Book and lowers others by it.”

‘Uthmaan, may Allah be pleased with him, said that the Prophet (sallAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said:

The best of you are the ones who learn the Qur’an and teach it to others” [Al-Bukhari]

Narrated Aisha: The Prophet said,

Such a person who recites the Quran and masters it by heart, will be with the noble righteous scribes (in Heaven). And such a person exerts himself to learn the Quran by heart, and recites it with great difficulty, will have a double reward." (book #60, Hadith #459)

8. Healing Power of The Quran

Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):

And We send down of the Quran that which is a healing and a mercy to those who believe (in Islamic Monotheism and act on it), and it increases the Zaalimoon (polytheists and wrongdoers) nothing but loss” [Quran Al-Isra’ 17:82]

Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) said:

We and others have tried this on many occasions and we have seen that it works in ways that physical remedies do not. Indeed we now regard physical medicine as the doctors regard folk medicine. This is in accordance with the law of divine wisdom, not contrary to it, but the causes of healing are many and varied. When the heart is in contact with the Lord of the Worlds, the Creator of the disease and the remedy, the Controller of nature Who directs it as He wills, he has other remedies apart from the remedies that are sought by the heart that is far away from Him and that turns away from Him. It is known that when a person’s spirits are high and his body is in good shape, they cooperate in warding off disease and suppressing it, so if a person is in high spirits and physical good shape, finds comfort in being close to his Creator, loving Him, enjoying remembrance of Him (dhikr), devoting all his strength and power for His sake and focusing on Him, seeking His help, putting his trust in Him, how can anyone deny that this is the greatest medicine or that this spiritual power gives him the means to ward off pain and defeat it completely? No one would deny this but the most ignorant of people, those who are furthest away from Allah and the most hard-hearted and unaware of human nature.

It is well known in the Shareeah regarding the use of Ruqyah for physical and spiritual healing. “Ruqyah” is an incantation or prayer for healing – usually from the Quran or Dua prescribed by the Prophet (SAWS). Ruqyah is one of the greatest remedies that the believer should use regularly. The greatest of Ruqyah are Soorah al-Faatihah and al-Mi’wadhatayn ( the last two surahs of the Quran – Surah Al-Falaq and Surah Al-nas). There is nothing wrong with the Muslim reciting ruqyah for himself. That is permissible; indeed it is a good Sunnah, for the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) recited ruqyah for himself, and some of his companions recited ruqyah for themselves. (islam-qa.com)

It was narrated that ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) said:

When the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was ill, he would recite al-Mi’wadhatayn over himself and spit drily. When his pain grew intense, I recited over him and wiped him with his own hand, seeking its barakah (blessing).” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 4728; Muslim, 2192 (al-Mi’wadhatayn are the last two surahs of the Quran – Surah Al-Falaq and Surah Al-nas)

9. Virtues of reciting the Quran

Narrated Abu Musa: The Prophet said,

The example of a believer who recites the Qur’an is that of a citron (a citrus fruit) which is good in taste and good in smell. And the believer who does not recite the quran is like a date which has a good taste but no smell. And the example of an impious person who recites the Qur’an is that of Ar-Rihana (an aromatic plant) which smells good but is bitter in taste. And the example of an impious person who does not recite the quran is that of a colocynth which is bitter in taste and has no smell." (Book #93, Hadith # 649)

10. Dispelling worries and regret

Ibn al-Qayyim summed fifteen ways through which Allah may dispel worries and regret. In describing one of the ways, he mentions

Letting one’s heart wander in the garden of the Quran, seeking consolation in it from every calamity, seeking healing in it from all diseases of the heart, so that it will bring comfort to his grief and healing for his worries and distress.

One of the means of treating them is mentioned in the saheeh hadeeth from Ibn Mas’ood (may Allah be pleased with him):

There is no-one who is afflicted by distress and grief, and says: (O Allah, I am Your slave, son of Your slave, son of Your maidservant; my forelock is in Your hand, Your command over me is forever executed and Your decree over me is just. I ask You by every name belonging to You which You have named Yourself with, or revealed in Your Book, or You taught to any of Your creation, or You have preserved in the knowledge of the Unseen with You, that You make the Quran the life of my heart and the light of my breast, and a departure for my sorrow and a release for my anxiety),’ but Allah will take away his distress and grief, and replace it with joy.” This is one of the remedies prescribed in sharee’ah. (The original Dua in Arabic is: ‘Allahumma inni ‘abduka ibn ‘abdika ibn amatija naasyati bi yadika, maada fiyya hukmuka, ‘adlun fiyya qadaa’uka. As’aluka bi kulli ismin huwa laka sammayta bihi nafsaka aw anzaltahu fi kitaabika aw ‘allamtahu ahadan min khalqika aw ista’tharta bihi fi ‘ilm il-ghayb ‘indaka an taj’al al-Qurana rabee’ qalbi wa noor sadri wa jalaa’ huzni wa dhihaab hammi

Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):

Those who believe [in the Oneness of Allah Islamic Monotheism], and whose hearts find rest in the remembrance of Allah, verily, in the remembrance of f Allah do hearts find rest. (Qur ‘an 13: 28)

References: 1) Islam-qa.com (2) islamonline.net (3) Quran (4) Ahadeeth of the prophet (5) searchtruth.com

If you have additional knowledge on this subject from the Quran and Hadeeth that you want to share with others, please add a note at the end of this page. Also, do not forget to rate this article.

.Yakubu Kasim Yakubu He writes that

1. Ramadan (Sawm) is one of the five pillars of Islam and the ninth month of
   the Muslim calendar. The meaning of Sawm is to ‘abstain’. In this month,
   Allah Subhana Wa Taala (SWT) has made it compulsory that the fasting
   be observed by day, and he has made the ‘Taraweeh’ (Ramadan nightly
   prayer) a ‘Sunnah’. Fasting is to abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and
   conjugal relations from dawn till sunset.
   The Prophet (pbuh) said, “There is a gate in Paradise called Ar-
   Raiyan, and those who observe fasting will enter through it on the
   Day of Resurrection and none except them will enter through it”.
   (Sahih Bukhari, Volume 3, Book 31, Number 120)
   During the month of Ramadan, the Prophet (pbuh) used to apportion to
   Ramadan a degree of worship that was not set aside to any other month.
   The Prophet (pbuh) spent his day in remembrance, recitation, learning and
   providing advice and training. His nights were spent in supplication and
   humiliation unto Allah (SWT), seeking His help, support, victory and
   guidance.
   The Prophet (pbuh) said, “If someone draws near to Allah during
   Ramadan with some good act he will be like one who fulfils an
   obligatory duty in another month, and he who fulfils an obligatory
   duty in it will be like one who fulfils seventy obligatory duties in
   another month”. (Tirmidhi Hadith 1965)
   Fasting earns great reward as clearly stated in the above Hadith. When
   Allah (SWT) rewards an action as purely His, then the reward is limitless.
   The Prophet (pbuh) said that Allah (SWT), the Majestic and the
   Exalted, said “All actions a human being does are for himself except
   fasting. It is done for My sake, and I will give a reward for it and the
   reward of good deeds is multiplied 10 times”. (Sahih Bukhari Volume
   3, Book 31, Number 118, & Sahih Muslim, Book 006, Number 2564)
   Ramadan is an annual training programme to refresh us for carrying out
   our duties towards Allah (SWT). Fasting develops self-control and helps us
   to overcome selfishness, greed, laziness and other faults. This month of
   patience gives us an opportunity to experience for ourselves what it is like
   to have an empty stomach. This develops our feeling for the poor and
   hungry people. Fasting teaches us to control the love of comfort.
   If difficulty is experienced in fasting, one should bear it cheerfully and not
   complain. Should we feel fatigued at the time of Taraweeh (Ramadan nightly
   prayer), this too should be borne with fortitude.
   It should also be borne in mind that fasting does not aim at inflicting
   punishment upon people or taking on unbearable burdens. The underlying
   idea behind it is to teach moderation and spiritual discipline so that human
   temptations may not become so wild and uncontrollable as to flout the
   commands of the Great Master. To be a true servant of Allah (SWT), it is
   essential that man should be able to conform his behaviour to the moral and
   spiritual discipline embodied in the Shari’ah of Islam. Fasting is
   indispensable for this moral and spiritual training.
   The Prophet (pbuh) said, “When the month of Ramadan starts, the
   gates of mercy are opened and the gates of Hell are locked and the
   devils are chained”. (Sahih Muslim, Book 006, Number 2361)
   The hadith below gives some very important points regarding Ramadan:
   The Prophet (pbuh) said “Fasting is a shield or protection from the fire
   and from committing sins. If one is fasting, he should avoid sexual
   relation with his wife and quarrelling, and if somebody should fight or
   quarrel with him, he should say, ‘I am fasting.’ There are two pleasures
   for the fasting person, one at the time of breaking his fast, and other at
   the time when he will meet Allah; then he will be pleased because of
   his fasting.” (Sahih Bukhari, Volume 3, Book 31, Number 128)
   In this month, the rebellious ‘Shayateen’ (Satans) are chained, so as not to
   provoke those evils which they normally do during months other than
   Ramadan. A question may arise here that, when the ‘Shayateen’ are
   chained, how it is that we still do see evil committed? The reply is that evil
   may not necessarily be caused by the rebellious ‘Shayateen’. People have
   for eleven months lived in obedience to ‘Shayateen’ whims and wishes, and
   so performing evil deeds instigated by them becomes second nature.
   Consequently, evil is being done in and out of Ramadan.
   Therefore the feelings and lessons we experience should stay with us
   throughout the year. In Al-Qur’an, Muslims are commanded to fast so that
   they may “become pious”. This piety and devotion is especially felt during
   Ramadan, but we all must strive to make the feelings and attitude stay with
   us during our “normal” lives. That is the true goal and test of Ramadan.
   The Prophet (pbuh) said, “Every servant of Allah who observes fast for a
   day in the way of Allah, Allah would remove, because of this day, his
   face farther from the Fire of Hell to the extent of seventy years’
   distance”. (Sahih Muslim, Book 006, Number 2570)
   Fasting is the way to piety and the fear of God. Fasting narrows the food and
   blood arteries. They are known to be canals of the devils, hence fasting
   reduces their insinuation. It further weakens carnal desires, thoughts and
   temptations of disobedience.
   Fasting enhances bodily health. It gets rid of contaminated matter, eases the
   stomach, purifies the blood, eases the working of the heart, brightens the
   spirit, refines the soul and disciplines the character. When an individual fasts,
   his soul is humbled and his carnal desires are dispelled. There is a great
   reward for fasting, as it shows a Muslim obeying Allah (SWT) and submitting
   to His command.
   FASTING IN THE MONTH OF SHA’BAN
   The Prophet (pbuh) used to fast till one would say he would never stop
   fasting, and he would abandon fasting till one would say he would never
   fast. I never saw the Prophet fasting for a whole month except the
   month of Ramadan, and did not see him fasting in any month more than
   in the month of Shaban.(Sahih Bukhari, Volume 3, Book 31, Number 190)
   The Prophet (pbuh) has told us not to fast one or two days before Ramadan
   as we need to keep our physical and spiritual strength to make the most of
   this blessed month.
   The Prophet (pbuh) said, “None of you should fast a day or two before
   the month of Ramadan unless he has habit of fasting (Nawafil) (and if
   his fasting coincides with that day) then he can fast that day.”
   (Bukhari, Volume 3, Book 31, No.138, Muslim, Book 006, Number 2382)
   We should try our best to keep some fasts in Shaban.
   The Prophet (pbuh) is reported to have asked one of the Companions
   “Did you fast in the middle of Sha’ban?” The Companion replied, “No”.
   Thereupon the Prophet (pbuh) said: “If you did not observe fast, then
   you should observe fast for two days”.
   (Sahih Muslim, Book 006, Number 2607)
   THE WISDOM BEHIND FASTING
   Fasting in Ramadan is not merely physically restraining from the obvious food
   and drink, but the total commitment of the servant’s body and soul to the letter
   and spirit of fasting.
   1) The fast of the self, means to be free from all carnal desires.
   2) The fast of mind is avoiding thoughts about things other than Allah (SWT).
   3) The fast of the hand is not touching/taking what does not belong to it.
   4) The fast of the nose means not sniffing or smelling unlawful things.
   5) The fast of the feet is not going places where sinful acts are propagated.
   6) The fast of the eye is to prevent it from seeing forbidden things.
   Allah (SWT) says in Al-Qur’an, “Tell the believing men to lower their
   gaze and be mindful of their chastity; this will be most conducive to
   their purity. And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and be
   mindful of their chastity, and not display their charms (in public) beyond
   what may (decently) be apparent thereof, hence let them draw their
   head-covering over their bosoms”. (Al-Qur’an 24:30-31)
   7) The fast of the tongue is guarding against lying, backbiting, slandering,
   reviling, abusing others, cursing, indecent conversation, swearing and false
   evidence. The Prophet (pbuh) said: “A Muslim is he from whose tongue and
   hands other Muslims are safe”.
   The Prophet (pbuh) said, “”Whoever does not give up forged speech
   and evil actions, Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink
   (i.e. Allah will not accept his fasting.)”
   (Sahih Bukhari, Volume 3, Book 31, Number 127)
   The fast of the ears is not to listen to idle talk, gossip, lyrics and notes that
   contain obscene and indecent things. Listening to Al-Qur’an bears the fruit of
   faith, guidance, light and prosperity. It fills the heart with wisdom, tranquillity,
   intimacy and contentment. It is a source of protection from the dangerous,
   deviant and sinful thoughts.
   9) The fast of the heart means casting out from it the love of worldly things
   and by emptying it of all corrupt material such as, false beliefs, evil
   suggestions, filthy intentions and degenerate thoughts.
   The Prophet (pbuh) said: “There is a piece of flesh in the body if it
   becomes good (reformed) the whole body becomes good but if it gets
   spoilt the whole body gets spoilt and that is the heart.”
   (Sahih Bukhari, Volume 1, Book 2, Number 49)
   The believer’s heart abstains from pride and egotism as these traits breaks its
   fast. Egotism is when the individual sees himself as perfect and better than
   others. The cure for this self-importance is to look at one’s faults and shortcomings,
   thousands of sins and misdeeds that one has committed, wrongs that
   one has done and forgotten, but knowledge of which are with Allah (SWT).
   Allah (SWT) says in Al-Qur’an, “do they, perchance, envy other people for
   what God has granted them out of his bounty?” (Al-Qur’an 4:54)
   The heart of the believer fasts and abstains from envy as envy lowers
   righteous deeds and stops its progress toward Allah (SWT).
   AVOIDANCE OF THINGS THAT CONTRADICT SPIRIT OF FASTING
   Allah (SWT) says in Al-Qur’an, “Eat and drink (freely), but do not waste:
   verily, He does not love the wasteful!” (Al-Qur’an 7:31)
   Some people who fast waste money on meals both at the beginning and the
   breaking of the fast in Ramadan. They prepare food enough for a crowd of
   people consisting of numerous dishes. Then, at the end of this, they only eat a
   little and throw the remainder into the refuse. This is contrary to the great
   teachings of Islam.
   There are other people who fill the stomach with delicious foods at “Sehri”, so
   that one does not feel hungry until “Iftaar”. When opening their fast, they
   indulge in excessive eating and drinking. This however, defeats the purpose of
   fasting, one of which is to empty the stomach of all contaminated material by
   reducing the intake of food.
   Many people spend their fasting hours sleeping. As a result it seems as if they
   did not fast. The wisdom of fasting is that the one who fasts should experience
   pangs of hunger and savour thirst in order to gain the pleasure of Allah (SWT).
   There are also people who make no effort to do good by giving charity. They
   do not honour their tables by allowing others to break their fast with them.
   WHAT DOES AND DOESN’T BREAK THE FAST
   The Prophet (pbuh) said:” Neither vomiting, nor emission, nor cupping
   breaks the fast.” (Abu Dawud, Book 13, Number 2370)
   There are certain things that break a person’s fast, the most obvious being
   those things that are explicitly forbidden during fasting, i.e. eating, drinking,
   sexual relations and during menstruation, for females. However, if one eats
   something forgetfully, then this fast does not have to be made up:
   The Prophet said, “If somebody eats something forgetfully while he is
   fasting, then he should complete his fast, for Allah has made him eat and
   drink.” (Sahih Bukhari, Volume 3, Book 31, Number 154)
   In terms of applying medicine, there is nothing which prevents us from using
   such as long as it is not entered through the mouth or nose:
   The Prophet (pbuh) said, “I have a complaint in my eyes, so may I apply
   collyrium while I am fasting?” He replied, “Yes.” (Tirmidhi Hadith 2010)
   A certain degree of affection is allowed between spouses as this Hadith shows:
   ‘A’isha reported, “The Prophet (pbuh) used to kiss me while observing
   fast and who among you can control his desire as the Prophet (pbuh)
   could control his desire.” (Sahih Muslim, Book 006, Number 2438)
   However, the Prophet (pbuh) did report the following Hadith:
   A man asked the Prophet (pbuh) whether one who was fasting could
   embrace (his wife) and he gave him permission; but when another man
   came to him, and asked him, he forbade him. The one to whom he gave
   permission was an old man and the one whom he forbade was a youth.
   (Abu Dawud, Book 13, Number 2381)
   WHAT A SICK MAN DOES WHEN FASTING
   There are some situations when a person can break their fast.
   “If a man succumbs to an illness which makes fasting very difficult for
   him and exhausts him and wears him out, he can break his fast.
   (Muwatta, Book 18, Number 18.15.41) Allah knows best

Believe in God

is the most important thing in faith.
If someone does not believe that God exists then he is
in deep astray.

Does God exist? We have never seen God. We have never
talked with God. That is why the Atheists believe God
does not exist. It is just a fantasy or a made up
thing!

The Story of a Scholar and an Atheist

There is one story of a Scholar and an Atheist. Long
ago an Atheist did not believe the existence of God.
He asked a scholar for a debate about the existence of
God. Among the questions are: “Does God exist?”
and “If God exists then where is God?”

Then they decided when and where the debate takes
place.

The Atheist and the villagers were waiting for the
scholar, but the scholar did not come right on time.
When the Atheist and the villagers thought that the
scholar will not come for the debate, then the scholar
showed up.

“I am sorry to keep you waiting for so long. But the
rain is so heavy so the river floods. The bridge
drifted away so I could not cross it. Thank God
suddenly there was a big tree fell down. Then the
branches cut out by themselves so the trunk was
branchless. After that the trunk was cut and a hole
was created so it became a boat. So I used the boat
and crossed the river,” said the scholar.

The Atheist and the villagers were laughing. The
Atheist said to the villagers, “This scholar is mad.
How can a tree became a boat by itself with no one
made it? How can a boat exist with no maker who made
it?”

The villagers were laughing out loud.

After the people calmed down, the scholar said, “If
you believe that the boat could not exist without its
maker, then how could you believe the earth, sky, and
its contents exist without its creator? Which is the
most difficult to make? Making a boat or creating the
earth, sky, and its contents?

Hearing that, they realized that they trapped with
their own statement.

“Then answer my second question,” said the
Atheist. “If God exists, why can’t He be seen?
Where is God?” The Atheist thought since he cannot
see God then God does not exist.

The scholar slapped the Atheist’s cheek hardly so
the Atheist felt so much pain.

“Why did you slap me? It’s very painful”

The scholar asked, “There is no pain. I cannot see
pain. Where is pain?”

“The pain is here,” the Atheist pointed his cheek.

“No, I cannot see pain. Do you see the pain?”
asked the scholar to the villagers.

The villagers said, “No!”

“So, though we cannot see the pain does not mean
that the pain does not exist. So is the God. Just
because we cannot see the God does not mean that God
does not exist. Though we cannot see Him, but we can
see His creations.” Said the scholar.

The argument of the scholar is very simple. Yet, the
argument that God does not exist just because
human’s sense could not sense the existence of God
is very wrong.

How many things that could not be seen or heard by
people but exist?

We cannot see the Wind but the Wind exists. We cannot
see electricity (what you can see is wire) but
electricity exist.

How many things in the sky that billions light years
away, even trillions light years away that could not
be seen by people yet the things exist?

How many molecular things even nucleus (hair divided
in millions) that cannot be seen by people yet exist?
People could only see those things by using a very
powerful microscope.

How many waves (radio, electromagnetic, electricity,
etc) that cannot be seen yet exist?

Those things exist, yet the human sense is very
limited so it cannot sense their existence.

The human ability to see colors limited to certain
frequencies. People only could hear limited
frequencies. Sometimes the light not only very
dazzling but also could make people blind. So is the
sound. Certain sound could not be heard by human sense
while other sound which is very loud could destroy
human‘s hearing.

If to sense the creatures of God, sometimes people
could not do it, even more to sense the Creator: God!

The Universe, Who is its Creator?

It is hard to proof that God exists. But if we take a
look to the planes, cars, TVs, etc, it would be
irrational if we say that all exist by themselves.
There must be people who make them!

If the simple thing such as the match has its makers,
then the universe that far more complex than that must
be has its creator.

The Earth where 8 billion people live has
circumference 40,000 km. The circumference of the Sun
is 4.3 million km. The Sun and its 8 planets along
with 100 billion stars are in the Milky Way galaxy
whose length is 100,000 light years away.

Milky Way is only a galaxy among thousands galaxies
that form a Cluster. This cluster with thousands
clusters form 1 Super Cluster. And thousands of Super
Clusters form the Universe whose length is 30 billion
light years away! Remember, the number 30 billion
light years away only current estimation since the
strongest telescope today only could reach 15 billion
light years away.

Imagine if the distance between Earth and the Sun is
150 million km and passed by the light in just 8
minute, then the whole Universe passed by the light in
30 billion years. That is equal to 285 billion
trillion km away. If a man could run 40 km/hour
without stopping, he would pass the distance in
810,000 trillion years!

That is the greatness of Allah’s creation! If we
believe in the magnificence of Allah’s creation,
then we should believe in the magnificence of Allah.

In the Quran Allah explains that He is the creator of
Heaven, Star, Sun, Moon, and others:

“Blessed be He Who hath placed in the heaven
mansions of the stars, and hath placed therein a
great lamp and a moon giving light!” [Quran 25:6]

Is there a Controller of the Universe?

There are millions of people controlling the traffic
on road, sea, and air. Beacons are built. People also
build traffic light and radar. Air Traffic Control is
built to prevent accident. All vehicles have drivers.
Even on airplane there are pilot and co-pilot to make
the flight safer. On the ships there are Captain,
navigator, and engineers. Yet thousands of accidents
happen every year on land, sea, and air. Even though
there are many controllers, the accidents still
happen.

On the contrary, the Earth, Sun, Moon, Stars, and
others always revolve for billions of years without
single crash. Most scientists believe that the Earth,
Sun, and all of the other planets and moons in the
solar system formed about 4.6 billion years ago. For
billions of years until now the Earth never bump into
the Sun, and the Sun never collides with the Moon.
There is no mark, police, nor pilots to drive them.
Without God, the Controller of the Universe, none of
these would happen. Everything is in order because
there is God who controls everything. Allah has put
orbit for each of those things. If we really think
about it then we will know that God exist.

“He it is who appointed the sun a splendor and the
moon stages, that ye might know the number of the
years, and the reckoning. Allah created not (all) that
save in truth. He detaileth the revelations for people
who have knowledge” [Quran 10:5]

“It is not for the sun to overtake the moon, nor
doth the night outstrip the day. They float each in an
orbit” [Quran:40]
..
People who think a lot about universe insha Allah will
believe that there is a God!

“Allah it is who raised up the heavens without
visible supports, then mounted the Throne, and
compelled the sun and the moon to be of service, each
runneth unto an appointed term; He ordereth the
course; He detaileth the revelations, that haply ye
may be certain of the meeting with your Lord.”
[Quran 13:2]

“Such as remember Allah, standing, sitting, and
reclining, and consider the creation of the heavens
and the earth, (and say): Our Lord! Thou createdst
not this in vain. Glory be to Thee! Preserve us from
the doom of Fire” [Quran 3:191]

Who is the Creator of People and Plants?

To those arrogant people who deny the existence of
God, Allah questions them about His creatures. Who is
the creator of sperm and plant? People or God the All
Wise Creator?

“Have ye seen that which ye emit?
Do ye create it or are We the creator?” [Quran
56:58-59]

“Have ye seen that which ye cultivate?
Is it ye who foster it, or are We the Fosterer?”
[Quran 56:63-64]

“Was it ye who made the tree thereof to grow, or
were We the grower?” [Quran 56:72]
Can Men Create a Fly?

In another verse, Allah challenges others to create a
fly if they could do it. Men may be could make robots
from things that created by Allah. Yet, none could
make a fly from nothing nor thing that could reproduce
except Allah:

“…Lo! Those on whom ye call beside Allah will
never create a fly though they combine together for
the purpose. And if the fly took something from them,
they could not rescue it from him. So weak are (both)
the seeker and the sought!” [Quran 22:73]
There are many other Quran verses that describe the
existence of God and God is the All Wise Creator.
Masalam!