The Blessed Month of Ramadan al-Kareem [1433H / 2012] Mubarak!

1. Hadrat Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu reported that the Messenger of Allah (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam) has said,

إذا دخل رمضان فتحت أبواب السماء (وفي رواية) فتحت أبواب الجنة وغلقت أبواب النار وسلسلت الشياطين (وفي رواية) فتحت أبواب الرحمة
“When Ramadan begins, the doors of heaven are opened.” A version has, “the doors of Paradise are opened and the doors of Hell are closed, and the Satans are tied with chains.” Another version has, “the doors of Mercy are opened.” [Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 1, Page 255 and Sahih al-Muslim, Vol. 1, Page 346]

Hadrat Shaykh ‘Abd al-Haq Muhaddith-e-Dehlwi Alaihir raHmah comments:

The meaning of the “Doors of heaven” being opened is the continuous descending of mercy, and the ascension of good deeds to the Court of the Almighty without any obstacle (preventing it from ascending). It also means the acceptance of (permissible) supplications. The meaning of the “doors of Paradise” being opened is being encouraged and granted the ability to perform good deeds, and the acceptance of these good deeds. The meaning of the “doors of Hell” being closed is the protection of the souls of those who fast, from things which have been forbidden by the Islamic Law, and rescue from the things which provoke a person on doing bad deeds. It also means to break the desire which the heart has of things of lust. The meaning of Satan being tied with chains is the sealing off of all the ways by which evil whispers enter the mind. [Ashi’ah al-Lam’at]

2. Hadrat Abu Hurairah Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu reported that the Messenger of Allah (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam)  has said,

من صام رمضان إيمانا واحتسابا غفر له ما تقدم من ذنبه ومن قام رمضان إيمانا واحتسابا غفر له ما تقدم من ذنبه ومن قام ليلة القدر إيمانا واحتسابا غفر له ما تقدم من ذنبه
“Whoever fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward (from Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala) all his past sins will be forgiven. Whoever prays during the night in Ramadan with faith seeking his reward (from Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala) all his past sins will be forgiven. And whoever passes Lailat-ul-Qadr in prayer with faith and seeking his reward (from Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala) all his past sins will be forgiven.” [Sahih al-Bukhari Vol. 1, Page 255 and Sahih al-Muslim, Vol. 1, Page 259]

3. Hadrat Abu Hurairah Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu reported that the Messenger of Allah (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam) has said,

إذا كان أول ليلة من شهر رمضان صفدت الشياطين ومردة الجن وغلقت أبواب النار فلم يفتح منها باب وفتحت أبواب الجنة فلم يغلق منها باب وينادى مناد يا باغى الخير أقبل ويا باغى الشر أقصر ولله عتقاء من النار وذلك كل ليلة
“When the first night of Ramadan comes, the satans and the rebellious Jinn are chained, the doors of hell are closed and not one of them is opened (during the entire the month of Ramadan); the doors of Paradise are opened and none of them are closed (for the entire month of Ramadan); and a crier calls, ‘Those who desire what is good, come forward, and those who desire evil refrain from it’, and many people are freed from Hell by Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala, and that happens every night.” [Tirmidhi, Vol. 1, Page 153 and Ibn Maajah, Vol. 1, Page 118]

4. Hadrat Abu Hurairah Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu reported that the Messenger of Allah (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam) has said,

أتاكم رمضان شهر مبارك فرض الله عز وجل عليكم صيامه تفتح فيه أبواب السماء وتغلق فيه أبواب الجحيم وتغل فيه مردة الشياطين لله فيه ليلة خير من ألف شهر من حرم خيرها فقد حرم
“Ramadan, a blessed month, has come to you during which Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala has made it obligatory for you to fast. In it the doors of Heaven are opened, the doors of Hell are closed, and the rebellious satans are chained. In it there is a night (worshiping in it) which is better than (worshiping for) a thousand months. Whoever is deprived of its good (and blessing) has indeed been deprived of all good.” [Nasa’i, Vol. 1, Page 299 and Mishkat, Vol. 1, Page 173]

5. Hadrat Salman al-Farisi Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu reported that on the last day of Sha’ban the Messenger of Allah (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam) delivered a sermon. He (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said,

يا أيها الناس قد أظلكم شهر عظيم ، شهر مبارك ، شهر فيه ليلة خير من ألف شهر ، جعل الله صيامه فريضة ، وقيام ليله تطوعا ، من تقرب فيه بخصلة من الخير كان كمن أدى فريضة فيما سواه ، ومن أدى فريضة فيه كان كمن أدى سبعين فريضة فيما سواه ، وهو شهر الصبر ، والصبر ثوابه الجنة ، وشهر المواساة ، وشهر يزاد في رزق المؤمن ، من فطر فيه صائما كان له مغفرة لذنوبه ، وعتق رقبته من النار ، وكان له مثل أجره من غير أن ينقص من أجره شيء
“O people, a great month, a blessed month, a month wherein there is a night which is better than a thousand months has come to you. Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala has made the observance of fasting during it as obligatory, and the standing (in prayer) in its nights as voluntary. Whoever draws near to Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala during it with some good (voluntary, optional) act he is like the one who fulfils an obligatory duty in another month, and whoever fulfils an obligatory duty in it is like the one who fulfils seventy obligatory duties in another month. It is the month of endurance and the reward of endurance is Paradise. It is the month of sharing with others, and a month in which the believer’s provision is increased. Whoever gives one who has been fasting something with which to break his fast it shall result in the forgiveness of his sins and it shall save him from Hell, and he will have a reward equal to his without his reward being diminished in any respect.”

We said,

يا رسول الله ، ليس كلنا يجد ما يفطر الصائم
“O Messenger of Allah (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam), none from among us has the means to give one who is fasting something with which to break his fast.

He said,

يعطي الله هذا الثواب من فطر صائما على مذقة لبن أو تمرة أو شربة من ماء ، ومن أشبع صائما سقاه الله من حوضي شربة لا يظمأ حتى يدخل الجنة ، وهو شهر أوله رحمة ، وأوسطه مغفرة ، وآخره عتق من النار من خفف عن مملوكه فيه غفر الله له وأعتقه من النار
“Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala gives this reward to him who gives one who is fasting some milk, or a date, or a drink of water with which to break his fast; and whoever gives a full meal to one who is fasting Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala will give him the drink from my Pond (fountain – Kauthar) and he will not feel the thirst till he enters Paradise. It is a month whose beginning is Mercy, whose middle is Forgiveness, and whose end is Freedom from Hell. Whoever makes things easy for his slave during it, Allah will forgive him and free him from Hell.” [Shau'ab al-Imam lil Bayhaqi, Vol. 8, Page 120 and Mishkat, Page 173]

6. Hadrat Abu Hurairah Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu reported that the Holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam) has said,

أنه يغفر لأمته في آخر ليلة من رمضان ، قيل : يا رسول الله أهي ليلة القدر ؟ قال : لا ، ولكن العامل إنما يوفى أجره إذا قضى عمله
“My Ummah is granted forgiveness in the last night of Ramadan. It was asked, “O Messenger of Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala, is it Lailatul Qadr?” He said, “No, but a workman (slave of Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala) is paid wages in full when he finishes work.” [Musnad Imam Ahmad, Vol. 2, Page 567]

7. Hadrat Abu Hurairah Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu reported that the Messenger of Allah (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam) has said,

من ذرعه القىء فليس عليه قضاء ومن استقاء عمدا فليقض
“It is not necessary to fast again (do qaza) for a person who naturally vomited. Those who vomit on purpose, then it is necessary on them to fast again.” [Tirmidhi, Vol. 1, Page 153 and Sunan Abi Dawud, Vol. 1, Page 324]

8. Hadrat Abu Hurairah Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu reported that the Messenger of Allah (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam) has said,

من لم يدع قول الزور والعمل به فليس لله حاجة فى أن يدع طعامه وشرابه
“If one (who is fasting) does not give up falsehood and action according to it, Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala has no need that he should give up his food and his drink.” [Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 1, Page 255]

Shaykh ‘Abd Al-Haq Muhaddith-e-Dehlwi Alaihir raHmah comments:

This means that his fast shall not be accepted, as the main purpose of fast being made obligatory on a Muslim is not that one stays hungry and thirsty; but in fact the main purpose is to break the desire for lust, and to cool the fire of selfishness, so that the soul instead of being inclined towards the desires of lust, it becomes obedient towards the commands of The Almighty. [Ashi’ah al-Lam’at, Vol. 2, Page 85]

9. Hadrat Salmah ibn Muhabbaq Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anha reported that the Messenger of Allah (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam) has said,

من كانت له حمولة تأوى إلى شبع فليصم رمضان حيث أدركه
“Whoever has a riding animal (conveyance) which carries him to where he can get sufficient food, he should observe the fast of Ramadan wherever he is, when it comes.” [Sunan Abi Dawud, Vol. 1, Page 327]

10. Hadrat Anas ibn Malik al-Ka’bi Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu reported that the Messenger of Allah (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam) has said,

إن الله تعالى وضع عن المسافر شطر الصلاة والصوم عن المسافر وعن المرضع أو الحبلى
“Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala has remitted half the prayer to the traveller ; and fasting to the traveller, the woman who is suckling an infant and the woman who is pregnant.” [Tirmidhi, Vol. 1, Page 152 and Sunan Abi Dawud, Vol. 1, Page 327]

Hadrat Shaykh ‘Abd al-Haq Muhaddith-e-Dehlwi Alaihir raHmah comments:

The Islamic Law allowing the omission of fast for the breast-feeding and the pregnant woman is only in the situation when fasting shall harm or damage herself or the child (otherwise there is no permission not to fast). [Ashi’ah al-Lam’ah, Vol. 2 Page 94]

11. Hadrat Abu Ayyub al-Ansari Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu reported that the Messenger of Allah (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam) has said,

من صام رمضان ثم أتبعه ستا من شوال كان كصيام الدهر
“Whoever fasts during Ramadan then follows it with six days in Shawwal, it will be like a perpetual fast .” [Sahih al-Muslim, Vol. 1, Page 369]

12. Hadrat Abu Qatada Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu reported that the Messenger of Allah (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam) has said,

صيام يوم عرفة أحتسب على الله أن يكفر السنة التى قبله والسنة التى بعده
“I seek from Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala that fasting on the day of ‘Arafah may atone for the sins of the preceding and the coming year.” [Sahih al-Muslim, Vol. 1, Page 367]

It is disliked for a Haji, who is in the plain of ‘Arafah on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, to fast on that day [so that he can perform worship and engage himself in the remembrance of Allah to his maximum).

13. Hadrat Hafsah Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anha reported,

أربع لم يكن يدعهن النبى -صلى الله عليه وسلم- صيام عاشوراء والعشر وثلاثة أيام من كل شهر وركعتين قبل الفجر
“There were four things which the Holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam) never omitted: fasting on ‘Ashurah (10th of Muharram), the first nine days of Dhul-Hijjah and three days (13th, 14th and 15th) every (Islamic) month and praying two rak’ats before the Fard prayers of Fajr.” [Nasa’i, Vol. 1, Page 328]

14. Hadrat Abu Dhar Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu reported that the Messenger of Allah (SallAllahu Alaihi wa Sallam) has said,

يا أبا ذر إذا صمت من الشهر ثلاثة أيام فصم ثلاث عشرة وأربع عشرة وخمس عشرة
“O Abu Dhar (Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu)! When you intend to fast three days in a month, fast on the thirteenth, fourteenth and the fifteenth.” [Nasa’i, Vol. 1, Page 328 and Tirmidhi, Vol. 1, Page 159]

Important Notes:

1. It is Makruh-e-Tehrimi (strongly disliked) and not permissible to fast on the 1st of Shawwal and the 10th, 11th, 12th or the 13th of Dhul Hijjah. [al-Tahtawi Page 387, Radd al-Muhtar Vol. 2 Page 86]

2. A person who woke up in the state that Ghusl was wajib upon him due to ihtilam (nocturnal emission) or after having intercourse, and stay in that state for the whole duration of the day, then he/she is very sinful due to missing the prayers, but the fast kept shall have to be kept (as fast does not break due being in a defiled state). [al-Bahr al-Ra’iq Vol. 2 Page 273, and Fatawa-e-‘Alamgiri – Vol. 1, Page 187]

3. If an ill person has a strong chance that his/her illness shall increase or shall heal after a long period of time or a healthy person has the chances of becoming ill, then these persons are allowed to break their fast.

4. There are 3 conditions needed in order to establish a strong estimation of something happening:

a) There are visible signs present.
b) The person has their own experience.
c) A Sunni Muslim doctor who is an expert in the field and who is Mastur-ul-Hal (not a fasiq) has informed the patient of this.

5. If there are no visible signs, nor is there any experience nor has he/she been informed by a Sunni Muslim expert doctor; but rather on the informing of a Non-Muslim, a fasiq, a misguided doctor or a physicist, the person broke his fast, then they are obliged to give a kaffara (atonement) for it. [Radd al-Muhtar Vol. 2 Page 120 and Bahar-e-Shari’at]

6. A person who purposely eats in front of people, then the Islamic Sultan (ruler) should kill him.

7. It is not permissible for people other than the Mu’takif to break their fast (do Iftari), eat or drink in the Masjid. Hence, all those besides the mu’takif, who want to eat, drink or break their fast in the Masjid should make the intention of I’itikaf, then enter the Masjid. Now, after performing some dhikr and having recited Durud, one is permitted to eat and drink. However, even in this situation, it is necessary to take into consideration the cleanliness of the mosque. We see many people who disrespect the mosque; making it unclean by eating and drinking in it. This is strictly forbidden and Haram. People who have responsibilities and have authority should pay attention to this and prevent such disrespect to the mosque.

— — —
Extracted From
Anwaar al-Hadith, Chapter 6, Pages 235 to 242
by Hadrat Allama Mufti Jalal al-Din Qadiri al-Amjadi
English Translation: Mawlana Kalim al-Qadiri [Bolton – U.K.]

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Sighting of the Crescent

Hadrat Sayyiduna Ibn-e-‘Umar Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu reported that the Messenger of Allah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam has said,

لا تصوموا حتى تروا الهلال ، ولا تفطروا حتى تروه ، فإن غم عليكم فاقدروا له
“Do not commence fasting (Ramadan) till you see the new moon, and do not cease fasting (perform Eid) till you see it. But if the weather is cloudy, or there is a smog in the sky (which prevents sighting of the moon), then complete 30 days of the month.” [Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 1, Page 256]

In another narration, the Messenger of Allah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam said,

الشهر تسع وعشرون ليلة ، فلا تصوموا حتى تروه ، فإن غم عليكم فأكملوا العدة ثلاثين
“The month sometimes is of twenty-nine days, but do not fast till you see the moon. But if the weather is cloudy or there is a smog, then complete thirty days of the month.” [Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 1, Page 256]

Hadrat Shaykh ‘Abd al-Haq Muhaddith-e-Dehwli Alaihir raHmah states:

According to the Islamic Law (Shari’ah), what the astrologers say or inform is not accepted and is unreliable. Neither the Messenger of Allah, his companions, their followers, nor the pious predecessors followed their utterances, and nor did they act upon them. [Ashi’ah al-Lam’at]

Hadrat Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu reported that the Messenger of Allah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam has said,

صوموا لرؤيته وأفطروا لرؤيته فإن غم عليكم فأكملوا العدة شعبان ثلاثين
“Commence the fast when you see it (the moon) and cease fasting (perform Eid) when you see it. But if the weather is cloudy, complete thirty days of Sha’ban.” [Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 1, Page 256]

Hadrat Sayyiduna Ibn ‘Abbas Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu reported that:

جاء أعرابي إلى النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم فقال إني رأيت الهلال يعني هلال رمضان، فقال أتشهد أن لا إله إلا الله؟ قال نعم، قال أتشهد أن محمدا رسول الله؟ قال نعم، قال يا بلال، أذن في الناس أن يصوموا غدا
A desert Arab came to the Holy Prophet and said, “I have seen the new moon i.e. the new moon of Ramadan.” He asked, “do you testify that there is no god but Allah?” he said: yes. He then asked: do you testify that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah?” He said, “Yes.” So, the Messenger of Allah said, “O Bilal, announce to the people that they must fast tomorrow.” [Sunan Abi Dawud, Vol. 1, Page 320 and Tirmidhi, Vol. 1, Page 148]

Hadrat Shaykh ‘Abd al-Haq Muhaddith-e-Dehlwi Alaihir raHmah states:

It has been proven from the Hadith that a person who is Mastur-ul-Haal i.e. whose being a fasiq is not apparent, then his report or testimony is accepted for the beginning of the month of Ramadan. Stating the words of “Shahadah” (bearing witness) is not a condition. [Ashi’ah al-Lam’at]

..:: Important Notes on Sighting of the Moon ::..

1. There are a few ways of proving the sighting the moon:

A. News of sighting the moon – on the night of the 29th of Sha’ban when the sky is not clear (cloudy), then the news of sighting the moon given by a Muslim male or female, equitable or Mastur-ul-Haal (a person who’s inward state is concealed – whose fisq is not apparent) shall prove the beginning of Ramadan. In the case when the sky is clear, it is sufficient for a person who fulfills the above mentioned criterions to see the moon outside the place where inhabitants are, such as in an open field, or on a high place. Otherwise, there should be such a great number of people, who witness the sighting of the moon with their naked eye. For the rest of the 11 months, in the case of the sky not being clear, then there should be two (2) witnesses who are equitable (‘Aadil). In the case of the sky being clear, there should be such a great number of people giving witness (bearing testimony for their sighting of the moon) whose unanimity on speaking falsehood is merely impossible rationally. [Radd al-Muhtar – Vol. 2, Page 94-95, and in al-Bahr al-Ra’iq – Vol. 2, Page 269]

B. Shahadat ‘ala al-Shahadah (witness upon witness) - this is when the witnesses have not seen the moon themselves. However, those who did see the moon bore witness in front of them of their sighting, and made them witnesses upon this. So, in this way the sighting of the moon is proven, only on the condition that the people who saw the moon are unable and incapable to be present in order to give their witness directly [to the Qadhi or the ‘Alim if there is no Qadhi]. The way to give witness in this situation is that each person from the people who saw the moon with their naked eyes, makes 2 persons their witness and ask them to become their witness that, “I saw the moon on the night of such and such a day, and such and such a month of such and such a year.” Then each person from the secondary witnesses testify that, “Such and such a person, the son of such and such a person has made me a witness on their sighting of the moon on the night of such and such day, of such and such a month of such and such a year, and they have asked me to become their witness on this sighting.” [Radd al-Muhtar, Vol. 4, Page 409 and also in Fatawa al-Hindiyyah (‘Alamgiri), Vol. 3, Page 410]

C. Shahadah ‘ala al-Qada’ (giving witness in front of an Islamic Judge) - this means that in another city there came witnesses in front of an Islamic Judge or a Mufti who bore witness of their sighting of the moon, and the Judge or the Mufti has passed a verdict that the moon has been seen, and in the time of giving the witness there were 2 reliable, trustworthy, righteous men present in the Dar-ul-Qada (the Islamic Court) who saw and heard the witnesses giving their witness. These 2 witnesses came to a different city or town and bore witness that, “In such and such a city in front of us and in the presence of the Judge (or the Mufti) there came witnesses who testified that they saw the moon on the night of such and such a day and the Mufti has declared sighting of the moon on such and such a day”, then this shall also be proof of sighting of the moon. [Fatawa al-Imam al-Ghuzza, Page 6 and Fath al-Qadir, Vol. 2, Page 243]

D. Istifadah (well-circulated reports) – when there is such a Grand-Mufti in an Islamic city to whom the mass majority of people flock towards in order to gain Islamic rulings pertaining their everyday issues; and by whose fatwa the verdicts are given as regards to the beginning and the end of Ramadan and ‘Eidayn; and in such a city the general public do not start or terminate fasting according to themselves, then if numerous groups of people come from that city to another and bear witness all at once that upon the sighting of the moon on such and such a day, the fasting of Ramadhan has commenced or that Eid was made, then this testimony shall also prove the sighting of the moon. However, if it is only rumours and no one knows who said it or on being asked how they knew the sighting of the moon, they say, “we heard” or “other people have said it”, then there is absolutely no Istifadah upon such reports. Also, in a city where there is no Islamic mufti or there is but he is incapable of issuing a Fatwa or is reliable and trustworthy but the general public in that city decide for themselves when to start and end Ramadan and Eid, (as is quite common nowadays,) then the unanimity or even the tawatur (mass-transmitted reports) from this city in this news can in no way prove the sighting of the moon. [Radd al-Muhtar, Vol. 2, Page 97 and Fatawa-e-Radawiyyah, Vol. 4, Page 553]

E. Termination of the number of days in a month - when 30 days of a month have passed then the sighting of the moon for the next month is proven. However, if upon the witness of one person the starting of Ramadan was accepted, and by this calculation 30 days of Ramadan had passed, but because of the sky not being clear the moon could not be seen, then the termination of the number of days in the month does not suffice, but in fact another fast should be kept. [Radd al-Muhtar, Vol. 2, Page 97]

2. If the moon has been sighted according to the Shari’ah rules and conditions, then the sighting of people in the west is a certain proof of sighting of the moon for people living in the east. [Fatawa al-Imam al-Ghuzza Pg. 5]

3. A calendar or a timetable does in no way prove the sighting of the moon. [Radd al-Mohtar, Vol. 2, Page 94]

4. Media reports do not in any way prove the sighting of the moon. Most of the time newspaper reports or reports from TV or the radio are just guesses and no more than rumours here and there. And even if the news is correct, but because of the sighting of the moon not being proven by Shari’ah rules and regulations it cannot be accepted in anyway. [Radd al-Muhtar, Vol. 2, Page 97]

5. Letters also do not prove sighting of the moon, as one person’s handwriting can be identical to another. Hence there is doubt and it does benefit any knowledge of full certainty. [al-Durr al-Mukhtar and also in al-Hidayah]

6. News given via a telephone (or mobile) telegram or any satellite link is more unreliable than a letter as in a letter the addressee recognises the signature, writing and the stamp of the writer. Also in a letter, there is even a slight indication that the handwriting is of the actual writer, which is not present in the news given by a telephone or another satellite link. Furthermore, when the witness is behind a veil then their witness is not reliable as one voice is identical to another, then how is it possible that the sighting of the moon be reliable or even accepted when this news has reached via telephone, telegram (or similar) technological equipment?! Plus the fact that in worldly matters and affairs, news received via the telephone is not accepted, nor is it reliable, then how can it be reliable in matters related to the religion; where one has to be extremely careful. [Fatawa-e-‘Alamgiri, Vol. 3, Page 357]

7. Radio or Television: there are much more complexities and difficulties in receiving the news and accepting its reliability from a radio or a television than to receive it from a telegram or a telephone, as one can ask questions and receive answers via a telephone or a telegram whereas this is not the case on the radio or the television (when the news is given, discussions and debates are a different matter).

Conclusively, these new technological equipments can be used to spread news worldwide, but they cannot be accepted in the matters as related to giving Shahadah witness. This is why in the court the judge does not give a verdict until the witnesses do not present themselves in the court to give their witness account. Telephone calls or news received from the telegram or radio, television are totally unaccepted.

The Messenger of Allah has stated: “But if the weather is cloudy, wait till thirty days of the previous month have passed.”

But it is quite a saddening and disappointing fact to see people in these days (most of them being neglectful of their prayers and the obligatory fasts) rise in uproar on receiving the news on the radio or the telephone or the television about the sighting of the moon. May Almighty Allah give them the guidance to act upon the sayings of the Beloved Prophet.

8. In a country where there is no Islamic Ruler, and nor is there any Qadhi appointed for the task (of accepting or refusing the witnesses), then the Grand-Mufti of a city who has beliefs in conformity with Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama’ah (Sunni) is the subordinate. Wherever, there is no mufti, then the witness (Shahadah) for the sighting of the moon shall be presented in front of the general public (of Muslims). [Fatawa-e-Radwiyyah – Vol. 4, Page 547]

It has been stated in “al-Hadiqah al-Nadiyyah Sharh Tariqah al-Muhammadiyyah” - by Imam al-’Allama ‘Abd al-Ghani al-Nablusi al-Dimishqi - that:

When an era is without any Islamic Ruler who suffices the Muslims for their affairs which pertain to the religion, then all the Islamic affairs and rulings shall be referred to the scholars of Islam (the ‘ulema), and in every aspect of their life, Muslims are obliged to consult these ulema. These ulema shall be considered the ‘Islamic rulers’ and the ‘Islamic judges’. Then, if it is impossible for the unanimity of the Muslims to appoint one specific scholar, then the people of each and every district or town shall follow their ‘Ulama. Then, if there are innumerable ‘Ulama in one district, then amongst them the ‘alim who has the most knowledge as regards the Islamic rulings, he shall be followed, if they are all equal (in knowledge) then a raffle should be taken (as to draw out the name of the ‘Aalim who shall be appointed as the vice of the Qadhi in that district).

9. The testimony of a Fasiq-e-Mau’lin (an open transgressor) such as the one who neglects establishing prayer, or prays the salah but frequently neglects praying with the congregation (jama’ah), shaves or trims his beard less than a fist, is not be accepted. Likewise, the evidence of an infidel (non-muslim), bad madhhab (follower of a deviant), an insane or an immature shall not be accepted.

10. On sighting the moon, the supplications as mentioned in the Ahadith should be read.

11. It is makruh (disapproved) to point finger towards the moon even though it may be to indicate to others the location of the moon. [Bahar-e-Shari’at, Chapter 5, Page 685, al-Durr al-Mukhtar and also in Fatawa-e-‘Alamgiri, Vol. 1, Page 184]

12. It is wajib (necessary) for the Muslims to follow the Islamic dates and years (which are proven by the sighting of the moon). It is not permissible to follow the dates on the calendar, whose dates have been fixed following non-Islamic rules and regulations (such as the Gregorian English calendar). [al-Tafsir al-Kabir, Vol. 4, Page 445]

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Extracted From
Anwaar al-Hadith, Chapter 6, Pages 242 to 248
by Hadrat Allama Mufti Jalal al-Din Qadiri al-Amjadi
English Translation: Mawlana Kalim al-Qadiri [Bolton – U.K.]

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Difference between the exalted titles of "Khalil - Close Friend" and "Habib - The Beloved"

There are many authenticated prophetic quotations that speak of our Prophet's (Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon Him) selection over and above all of the creation of Allah as being "The beloved of Allah" and Muslims often refer to him by this title.

There is a difference between the exalted titles of "close friend" and "beloved" and these will be explained.

The Prophet, praise and peace be upon him, spoke of his closeness to Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with Him) saying, "If I were to have taken a close friend other than my Lord, I would have taken Abu Bakr."

We are also informed that the Prophet, praise and peace be upon him, said "Your companion (referring to himself) is the close friend of Allah" and this is endorsed by the transmission from Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud (May Allah be pleased with Him)  in his narration, "Allah took your companion as a close friend."

Several of the Companions had gathered and waited for the arrival of the Prophet, praise and peace be upon him, and during this time they spoke to one another about the ranks of the prophets. Ibn Abbas' (May Allah be pleased with Him) reported that when the Prophet, praise and peace be upon him, came out he overheard their conversation, one of whom was saying, "How astounding, Allah took Ibrahim Alaihis Salam from His creation as His close friend," Another said, "It is even more astounding that He spoke directly to Moosa Alaihis Salam!" Whereupon another said, "Eisa Alaihis Salam is the word of Allah and His created spirit." And another said, "Allah chose Adam Alaihis Salam!" Having heard their comments, the Prophet, praise and peace be upon him, greeted them and told them that he had heard what they were saying and noticed that they were astounded that Allah had chosen Ibrahim Alaihis Salam as a close friend, and confirmed that this was so. He said, "You also expressed your amazement that Allah took Moosa Alaihis Salam as a close friend, and this too is so. You also spoke of Eisa Alaihis Salam as being the created spirit of Allah, and this is so, and that Adam Alaihis Salam was chosen and this is so. I am the beloved of Allah, and I am not boasting. I will be the Bearer of the Banner of Praise on the Day of Resurrection, and this is not a boast. I will be the first to intercede and the first whose intercession is accepted, and this is not a boast. I will be the first to knock at the Gate of the Garden and Allah will cause it to be opened for me and let me enter together with the poor believers, and this is not a boast. From the first to the last I am the most honored or all, and this is not a boast."

In addition to the preceding Prophetic quotation, Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah (May Allah be pleased with Him) reported that Allah said to His Prophet, praise and peace be upon him, "I have taken you for a close friend, and written in the Torah is 'the Beloved of the Merciful.'"

 

There are differences in opinion regarding the terminology "close friend" and the root word from which it is derived. There are those who say the Arabic word "khalil", meaning 'close friend', also bears the definition of "devoted to Allah." This is because people who attain such a rank of devotion or love of Allah are not detached from one another. Another opinion is that the word "khalil" can be taken as meaning "chosen", and that Allah selected this word in preference to others. It has also been said that the root of the word is derived from "taking a matter to be pure".

Prophet Ibrahim Alaihis Salam was called the close friend of Allah "Khalilullah" on account of the ultimate intensity of his devotion to Allah. The friendship of Allah to Ibrahim was that He made him victorious and a role model. On the other hand, there are those who define the root of "khalil", which is "khulla" meaning "in need" as being "a poor person in need". Ibrahim Alaihis Salam was known by this title because his need was only in his Lord and he was devotedly dependent upon Him for his needs and did not depend upon others. We recall how when Ibrahim was about to be cast into the fire, Gabriel Alaihis Salam came to him and asked, "Are you in need of anything?" whereupon he replied, "No, I am not in need of anything from you."

Ibn Abu Bakr Furack (May Allah be pleased with Him) defined the word "khulla" with the meaning of "pure love that necessitates a person being singled out for being infused by secrets."

It has also been said that the root of the word "khulla" is love, and incorporates kindness, help, raising and intercession. This is founded in the verse that reads, "The Jews and the Christians said, “We are the sons of Allah and His beloved ones”; say, “Why does He then punish you for your sins?' [5:18]. It is inconceivable that if a person is beloved, that he should be punished for his sins!

 

The Prophet-hood has perspectives between people and the prophet, whereas the friendship has a perspective between Allah and Prophet Muhammad, praise and peace be upon him, which makes it very special.

Because of their devotion to Allah, both Prophets Ibrahim and Muhammad, peace be upon them, were titled "close friends." They looked to Him for all their needs and severed themselves from needing anyone else. And, it was either because of the greatness of the concealed kindness of Allah to them, and the disclosed knowledge of the Divine secrets they received, as well as the matters of the Unseen worlds and faith with which they were infused in their inner self that they forsook other means and causes. Or, because their hearts had been purified from anything other than Him, so that love for anything else was prevented from reaching them. For this reason a scholar said, "A person who is 'khalil' is one whose heart has no room for anyone other than Him." Accordingly he is of the opinion that this is what the Prophet, praise and peace be upon him, referred to when he said, "If I were to have taken a close friend other than my Lord, I would have taken Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with Him, however, in Islam there is brotherhood."

Opinions vary among the knowledgeable masters of the matters relating to the heart as to which is the higher degree and the question arises is it the degree of close friendship, or the degree of love the higher? On the other hand there are those who consider both degrees as being equal to one another saying that the beloved is a close friend and a close friend is also the beloved. But then, Prophet Ibrahim was given the degree of close friendship and Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon them both, was given love.

In support of the opinion that the degree of friendship is higher, one of the scholars quotes the saying of the Prophet, praise and peace be upon him, that says, "If I were to have taken a close friend other than my Lord …" but he did not do so and we find him using the word 'love' to his daughter Sayyida Fatima, her sons, as well as Osama and others.

 

The consensus of most scholars is that "love" is higher than "friendship". To sustain this opinion they use as their proof that Prophet Muhammad, praise and peace be upon him, was given the title of the "Beloved" whereas Prophet Ibrahim, peace be upon him, was titled "Close Friend" .

One must examine the human basis of love and know that it is the inclination of what the beloved finds pleasing. The love of Allah is not connected to unessential matters. His love for His worshipers is comprised of happiness, protection, success, and affairs that bring him/her closer and His Mercy that overflows upon the recipient. The highest degree is reached when the veils of the heart are removed so that the worshiper sees Him with his heart and looks at Him with his inner eye. This is supported by the Divine quotation that tells us, "When I (Allah) love him I am his hearing by which he hears, the sight by which he sees, and his tongue by which he speaks." One should understand by this that there is nothing better for a worshiper other than seclusion for the sake of Allah, devotion to Him, the turning away from anything other than Allah, the purity of heart and sincerity of actions for the sake of Allah.

Sayyida Ayesha, may Allah be pleased with her, was asked about the Prophet, praise and peace be upon him, and said, "His character was the Qur’an, and his pleasure was its pleasure and his anger was its anger."

It is an undoubted fact that Prophet Muhammad, praise and peace be upon him, was blessed to be the receiver of not only the quality of close friendship but also the very special quality of love.

When the unbelievers said, "Muhammad means we should love him just as the Christians love Jesus, the son of Mary", Allah sent down the verse that reads "Proclaim, (O dear Prophet Mohammed - peace and blessings be upon him), “O mankind! If you love Allah, follow me - Allah will love you and forgive you your sins”; and Allah is Oft Forgiving, Most Merciful." [3:31]. And His anger towards them becomes apparent in the following verse that tells us, "Proclaim, “Obey Allah and the Noble Messenger”; so if they turn away - then Allah is not pleased with the disbelievers." [3:32]. In this verse Allah increased the honor the Prophet, praise and peace be upon him. Note how He issued the command to obey His Prophet, praise and peace be upon him, in connection with obedience to Himself – this is followed by the warning if they choose to turn away, "then truly, Allah does not love the unbelievers."

 

A theologian explained the difference between love and close friendship. He said that the close friend reaches Allah through an intermediary. To support his explanation he quoted the verses "And likewise We showed Ibrahim the entire kingdom of the heavens and the earth and so that he be of those who believe as eyewitnesses." [6:75] whereas He indicated that the beloved, Prophet Muhammad, reaches Him by Him in the verse "So the distance between the Spectacle and the beloved was only two arms’ length, or even less." [53:9].

It has also been said that the limit of the close friend is the desire for forgiveness. Allah quotes the saying of Ibrahim, "And the One Who, upon Whom I pin my hopes, will forgive me my mistakes on the Day of Judgement." [26:82]. Whereas the one who is the beloved is absolutely certain that he will be forgiven, and this is supported in the verse that reads, "So that Allah may forgive, for your sake, the sins of those before you and those after you, and complete His favours upon you, and to show you the Straight Path. " [48:2].

We refer back to Prophet Ibrahim whose rank is that of the close friend and the verse in which he said, "And the One Who, upon Whom I pin my hopes, will forgive me my mistakes on the Day of Judgement." [26:82] and now to the verse "on the day when Allah will not humble the Prophet and the believers along with him; their light will be running ahead of them and on their right;" [66:8].

The "close friend" Ibrahim said, "And give me proper fame among the succeeding generations." [26:84]. Whereas Prophet Muhammad, "the beloved", was told, in the verse "And We have exalted your remembrance for you (O dear Prophet Mohammed - peace and blessings be upon him)." [94:4]. Note how the glad tiding was given to the Prophet, praise and peace be upon him, before the questioning.

 

In times of affliction note how the close friend says, "Allah is sufficient for us" [3:173]. Whereas it was said to Prophet Muhammad, the Beloved, praise and peace be upon him, "O Herald of the Hidden! Allah is Sufficient for you and for all these Muslims who follow you." [8:64]

And Ibrahim, the close friend of Allah is quoted in the Qur’an saying, "And give me proper fame among the succeeding generations." [26:84], while Allah said to Prophet Muhammad, praise and peace be upon him, "And indeed the latter is better for you than the former." [93:4]

Khalil said: "and safeguard me and my sons from worshiping idols." [14:35] while Allah said to HIS Habib. "Allah only wills to remove all impurity from you, O the People of the Household, and by cleansing you make you utterly pure. (*The Holy Prophet’s household.)" [33:33]

The preceding information is sufficient to give one a glimpse into the superiority of the rank, degrees and status of Prophet Muhammad, praise and peace be upon him, and to the inform you of the opinions of the scholars of Islam. Allah says, "Proclaim, Each one works according to his own pattern; and your Lord well knows him who is more upon guidance." [17:84]

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Extracted from
The Cure "Ash-Shifa bi Ta’rifi Huqooq al-Mustafa"
by Imaam Qadi Ayaad al-Maaliki Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho

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The Recitation of the Holy Qur'an and its Excellence!!

I. Hadrat ‘Uthman reported that the Messenger of Allah has said, “The best among you is he who learns and teaches the Qur’an.” [Sahih Bukhari, Vol 2, Page752]

II. Hadrat Mu’adh al-Juhani reported that the Messenger of Allah has said, “Whoever recited the Qur’an and acts according to its contents, on the Day of Resurrection his parents will be given to wear a crown whose light is better than the light of the sun in the dwellings of this world if it were among you. So what do you think of him who acts according to this?!” [Musnad aHmad, Vol 4, Page 446]

III. Hadrat ibn Mas’ud reported that the Messenger of Allah has said, “Whoever recites a letter of the Book of Allah (the Qur’an) he will be credited with a good deed, and a good deed gets a tenfold reward. I do not say that Alif-Laam-Meem are one letter; but Alif is a letter, Laam is a letter and Meem is a letter.” [Sunan Tirmidhi, Vol 2, Page 119 - Sunan Daarimi, Vol 2, Page 320] 

There are 361, 267 letters in total in the Holy Qur’an. Thus, upon the recitation of the whole Qur’an one shall receive 3,212,670 rewards (good deeds). 

 

IV. Hadrat Bara’ reported that when a man was reciting Surah al-Kahf, with a horse tied up with two ropes at his side, a cloud overshadowed him, and as it began to come nearer and nearer his horse began to jump. He went and mentioned that to the Holy Prophet in the morning who said, “That was the sakinah which came down because of the recitation of the Holy Qur’an.” [Sahih Bukhari, Vol 2, Page 749 - Sahih Muslim, Vol 1, Page 268]

V. Hadrat Abu Sa’id al-Khudri reported that Hadrat Usaid ibn Huzair said that one night, when he was reciting Surah al-Baqarah with his horse tied beside him, it started jumping. But when he stopped reciting it also kept quiet. When he again resumed recitation it again started jumping. So he again stopped reciting and it also kept quiet. Then he again recited and the horse again started jumping. So he finished reciting, for his son Yahya was near it and he was afraid it might injure him. When he had moved him back, he raised his head to the sky and saw something like a canopy with what seemed to be lamps in it; and when he told the Holy Prophet of it in the morning he said, “you should have kept on reciting, O Ibn-e-Huzair, you should have kept on reciting.” He said, “I was afraid, O Messenger of Allah that it might trample on Yahya who was near it, so I went to him, and when I raised my head to the sky and saw something like a canopy with what seemed to be lamps in it, I went out but could not see them.” He asked, “Do you know what it was?” He said, “I do not.” He said, “Those were the angels who had drawn near to listen to your voice. If you had continued reciting, the people would have looked at them in the morning and the angles would not have concealed themselves from the people.” [Sahih Bukhari, Vol 2, Page 750 - Sahih Muslim, Vol 1, Page 269]
VI. Hadrat Abu Hurairah reported that the Messenger of Allah asked Hadrat Ubayy ibn Ka’b, “What do you recite (from the Qur’an) in the prayer?” He recited Ummul Qur’an (Surah al-Fatiha). The Messenger of Allah said, “by Him in Whose power my soul is, nothing like it has been sent down in the Torah, the Injil (Bible), the Zabur, or the Qur’an. It is the Seven oft-repeated verses and the Mighty Qur’an which I have been given.” [Sunan Tirmidhi, Vol 2, Page 115] 

 

VII. Hadrat Anas reported that the Messenger of Allah has said, “Everything has a heart, and the heart of the Qur’an is Yasin. Allah records anyone who recites Yasin as having recited the Qur’an ten times.” [Sunan Tirmidhi, Vol 2, Page 116 - Sunan Daarimi, Vol 2, Page 336]

VIII. Hadrat ‘Ata Ibn Rabah reported, “I heard that the Messenger of Allah said, ‘Whoever recites Yasin at the beginning of the day, his desires will be fulfilled.’” [Sunan Daarimi, Vol 2, Page 336]

IX. Hadrat Ma’qal ibn Yasar al-Muzani reported that the Holy Prophet has said, “Whoever recites Yasin seeking the pleasure of Allah, his past sins are forgiven. So, recite it over those of you who are dying.” [Mishkat Sharif, Page 189]

X. Hadrat ‘Ali Hadrat reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah say, “everything has an adornment, and the adornment of the Qur’an is (Surah) al-Rehman” [Sahih Bukhari, Vol 2, Page 750 - Sahih Muslim, Vol 1, Page 271] 

 

XI. Hadrat Abu al-Darda’ reported that the Messenger of Allah asked, “Are any of you incapable of reciting a third of the Qur’an in a night?” They said, “How could we recite a third of the Qur’an?” He said, “Say, He is Allah, One” is equivalent to a third of Qur’an.” [Sahih Bukhari, Vol 2, Page 753 - Sahih Muslim, Vol 1, Page 268]

XII. Hadrat Abu Musa al-Ash’ari reported that the Messenger of Allah has said, “keep revising (the learning by heart of) the Qur’an, because I swear by Him in Whose control my soul is, it is more slipping away than a camel which is tied with a rope.” [Sunan Daarimi, Vol 2, Page 325]

XIII. Hadrat Sai’d ibn ‘Ubadah reported that the Messenger of Allah has said, “Anyone who recites (i.e. learns off by heart) the Qur’an and then forgets it will meet Allah on the Day of Resurrection in a maimed condition.” [Sunan Abi Dawood, Vol 2, Page 207] 

 

IMPORTANT NOTES: 

1. The Holy Qur’an (whether in salaah or outside) should be recited clearly, according to the rules of Tajweed. It should not be sung, as this is not allowed.

2. It is better to recite the Holy Qur’an by looking at it than off by heart. [Fatawa-e-‘Alamgiri]

3. It is Mustahab (act of great reward) to face the Qiblah, to wear nice clothes, to apply fragrance prior to the recitation of the Holy Qur’an.

4. When starting the recitation from the beginning of a Surah (outside of prayer) to recite, ‘Ta’wwuz’ (Au’dhu Billahi Minash Shaytanir Rajim – I seek the refuge of Allah from Satan, the cursed) is Mustahab.

5. When starting the recitation of the Holy Qur’an from the beginning of a Surah (outside of prayer) to recite ‘Tasmiyah’ (Bismillahir Rehmanir Raheem – Allah in the Name of, the Most Affectionate the Most Merciful) is Sunnah. 

 

6. If one has started the recitation not from the beginning of a surah but from the middle of a surah, then upon commencing the recitation to recite both ‘ta’awwuz’ and ‘tasmiyah’ is Mustahab. [Bahar-e-Shari’at – Vol. 1]

7. If one has commenced reciting from Surah al-Tawbah (al-Bara’ah) then one should recite both ‘Ta’awwuz’ and ‘Tasmiyah’. If however, surah al-Tawbah comes in the duration of one’s recitation then one should continue and not recite the Tasmiyah. The commonly misunderstood ruling that if one starts the recitation from Surah al-Tawbah (al-Bara’ah) there is still no need to pray ‘Ta’awwuz’ or ‘Tasmiyah’ is wrong. The other misunderstood ruling is that Surah al-Bara’ah (al-Tawbah) comes in the middle of one’s recitation, then one should pray ‘Ta’awwuz’ but not ‘Tasmiyah’ is also wrong. [Bahar-e-Shari’at – Vol. 1, Chapter 3, Page 309]

8. In some places, (outside of prayer) some start the recitation with: “Laqad Ja’akum Rasoolum Min Anfusikum ...” But they do not recite Tasmiyah. This is wrong, as to recite Ta’awwuz and ‘Tasmiyah’ before this ayah (if this ayah is the first to be recited) is Mustahab.

9. Likewise, some in the khatm start the recitation with either of these five verses:

“Wa Ilahukum Ilahuw Wahid...” or
“Inna RehmatAllahi Qareebum minal Muhsineen…” or
“Ma kana Muhammadun Aba Ahadim mir Rijalikum…”

…but do not recite ‘Ta’wwuz’ nor the ‘Tasmiyah’. This is wrong.

10. If all the people in a gathering recite the Holy Qur’an loudly then this is Haram. Often in an Urs or Fatiha (khatm gathering), all the people recite the Holy Qur’an aloud. This is Haram. If there are a few people in a gathering then all should recite quietly. [al-Durr al-Mukhtar, Bahar-e-Shari’at]

 

11. When the Holy Qur’an is recited loudly in a gathering then it is obligatory on all the people present to listen, if the reason for the gathering was to recite the Holy Qur’an. Otherwise, if only one person listened to the recitation, then it is sufficient regardless if the others are busy in their work or not. [al-Ghunniyah, Fatawa-e-Razawiyyah, Bahar-e-Shari’at]

12. It is Fard-e-Kifaya to memorise the whole of the Qur’an. To learn off-by-heart Surah al-Fatiha and another small surah or three short verses (ayat) equivalent in length to one short surah or one long verse equivalent to three short verses is Wajib-e-‘Ain (necessary for each person individually, to learn).

13. One should differentiate in pronunctiation the following letters, when reciting the Holy Qur’an: ARABIC LETTERS Tha, Sin, Shin, Swad, Ta’, Twa, Dha, Za, Dwa, Ża, Alif, A’ (hamza), ‘Ain, Ha (from the throat), ha (lighter), Qa’, Ka’, Da’ and Dwa’, Jim, and Za’. Otherwise, if one did not pronounce each and every letter correctly with its unique characteristic, then the prayer will not count because of the changes that shall be made in the meanings due to incorrect pronunciation. [Bahar-e-Shari’at]

14. Those who are not able to pronounce letters correctly such as Ha’ (from the middle part of the throat), Twa, ‘Ain, Swad and so on, should try their utmost best, in fact it is obligatory that they make an attempt to rectify their recitation so that the pronunciation of the letters is correct. Otherwise, namaz will be rendered void. [Fatawa-e-Radwiyyah Vol. 3 Page 95 and in Radd al-Muhtar Vol. 1 Page 409] 

 

15. We see many teachers in madressahs who have not learnt how to pronounce each and every letter of the Arabic alphabet correctly, according to its unique characteristic. Moreover, they have not acquired the knowledge pertaining to the correct way of the recitation of the Holy Qur’an, by neglecting the rules of Tajweed. [Some teachers recite the letters Arabic text dha’, za’, zwa’ asjeem; qaf as kaf; sheen as seen; ghayn as gaaf. This is an act of great sin.] Therefore, what they teach children is incorrect and they shall be held accountable on the Day of Resurrection for teaching others the incorrect manner of reciting the Holy Qur’an. In fact, some even touch the Holy Qur’an without being in the state of purification. This is indeed strictly forbidden and Haraam, as Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala has clearly stated in the Holy Qur’an:

لا يمسه إِلا المطهرون 
“which none do touch, but the purified ones.” [Surah:56 – al-Waqi’ah, Verse:79] 

16. Many who have memorised the Holy Qur’an off-by-heart (have become hafiz) recite the Holy Qur’an in such a hastily manner that one cannot differentiate between the letters, let alone the words! Such that one can only hear the ya’lamun and the ta’lamun and the rest of the words are not recited correctly. On top of this, the common folk feel pride in these huffaz saying that “such and such a person can recite the Surah in 1 minute!” to recite the Qur’an in such a hastily manner is strictly unlawful and Haram. [Bahar-e-Shari’at – Vol. 3 Page 306] 

17. It is permissible, without any disapproval, to recite the Holy Qur’an in those times in which to perform salaah is Makruh-e-Tehrimi. These times are:
 

• Approximately twenty-minutes after sunrise.
• At zawaal time (mid-day) till the beginning time for Zohar.
• Approximately twenty-minutes before sunset.

However, it is better that one does not recite the Holy Qur’an in these times. One should recite durud sharif (invoke blessings and salutations upon the Messenger of Allah) instead. [Bahar-e-Shari’at Vol. 3 Page 230, al-Bahr al-Ra’iq Vol. 1 Page 251, Radd al-Mohtar Vol. 1 Page 262]
 

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Sighting of the Moon | (Chand Dekh Kar Rozay Rakhna Or Chand Dekh Kar Eid Manana)

Hadrat ibn-e-‘Umar reported that the Messenger of Allah has said, “Do not commence fasting (Ramadan) till you see the new moon, and do not cease fasting (perform Eid) till you see it. But if the weather is cloudy, or there is a smog in the sky(which prevents sighting of the moon), then complete 30 days of the month.” [Sahih Bukhari, Vol 1, Page 256]

In another narration, the Messenger of Allah, “The month sometimes is of twenty-nine days, but do not fast till you see the moon. But if the weather is cloudy or there is a smog, then complete thirty days of the month.”

Hadrat Shaykh ‘Abd al-Haq Muhaddith-e-Dehwli states:

According to the Islamic Law (Shari’ah), what the astrologers say or inform is not accepted and is unreliable. Neither the Messenger of Allah, his companions, their followers, nor the pious predecessors followed their utterances, and nor did they act upon them. [Ashi’ah al-Lam’at]

 

Hadrat Abu Hurairah reported that the Messenger of Allah has said, “Commence the fast when you see it (the moon) and cease fasting (perform Eid) when you see it. But if the weather is cloudy, complete thirty days of Sha’ban.” [Sahih Bukhari, Vol 1, Page 256]

Hadrat Ibn ‘Abbas reported that a desert Arab came to the Holy Prophet and said, “I have seen the new moon i.e. the new moon of Ramadhan.” He asked, “do you testify that there is no god but Allah?” he said: yes. He then asked: do you testify that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah?” He said, “Yes.” So, the Messenger of Allah said, “O Bilal, announce to the people that they must fast tomorrow.” [Sunan Abi Dawud, Vol 1, Page 320 and Tirmidhi, Vol 1, Page 148]

Hadrat Shaykh ‘Abd al-Haq Muhaddith-e-Dehlwi states:

It has been proven from the Hadith that a person who is mastur-ul-Hal i.e. whose being a fasiq is not apparent, then his report or testimony is accepted for the beginning of the month of Ramadan. Stating the words of “shahadah” (bearing witness) is not a condition. [Ashi’ah al-Lam’at]

 

 

..:: Important Notes on Sighting of the Moon ::..

1. There are a few ways of proving the sighting the moon:

A. News of sighting the moon – on the night of the 29th of Sha’ban when the sky is not clear (cloudy), then the news of sighting the moon given by a muslim male or female, equitable or Mastur-ul-Haal (a person who’s inward state is concealed – whose fisq is not apparent) shall prove the beginning of Ramadan. In the case when the sky is clear, it is sufficient for a person who fulfils the above-mentioned criterions to see the moon outside the place where inhabitants are, such as in an open field, or on a high place. Otherwise, there should be such a great number of people, who witness the sighting of the moon with their naked eye. For the rest of the 11 months, in the case of the sky not being clear, then there should be two (2) witnesses who are equitable (‘adil). In the case of the sky being clear, there should be such a great number of people giving witness (bearing testimony for their sighting of the moon) whose unanimity on speaking falsehood is merely impossible rationally. [Radd al-Muhtar – Vol. 2 Pg. 94-95, and in al-Bahr al-Ra’iq – Vol. 2 Pg. 269]

B. Shahadat ‘ala al-Shahadah (witness upon witness) - this is when the witnesses have not seen the moon themselves. However, those who did see the moon bore witness in front of them of their sighting, and made them witnesses upon this. So, in this way the sighting of the moon is proven, only on the condition that the people who saw the moon are unable and incapable to be present in order to give their witness directly [to the Qazi or the ‘Alim if there is no Qazi]. The way to give witness in this situation is that each person from the people who saw the moon with their naked eyes, makes 2 persons their witness and ask them to become their witness that, “I saw the moon on the night of such and such a day, and such and such a month of such and such a year.” Then each person from the secondary witnesses testify that, “Such and such a person, the son of such and such a person has made me a witness on their sighting of the moon on the night of such and such day, of such and such a month of such and such a year, and they have asked me to become their witness on this sighting.” [Radd al-Muhtar Vol. 4 Pg. 409 and also in Fatawa al-Hindiyyah (‘Alamgiri) Vol. 3 Pg. 410.] 

 

C. Shahadah ‘ala al-Qada’ (giving witness in front of an Islamic Judge) - this means that in another city there came witnesses in front of an Islamic Judge or a Mufti who bore witness of their sighting of the moon, and the Judge or the Mufti has passed a verdict that the moon has been seen, and in the time of giving the witness there were 2 reliable, trustworthy, righteous men present in the Dar-ul-Qada (the Islamic Court) who saw and heard the witnesses giving their witness. These 2 witnesses came to a different city or town and bore witness that, “In such and such a city in front of us and in the presence of the Judge (or the Mufti) there came witnesses who testified that they saw the moon on the night of such and such a day and the Mufti has declared sighting of the moon on such and such a day”, then this shall also be proof of sighting of the moon. [Fatawa al-Imam al-Ghuzza Pg. 6 and Fath al-Qadir Vol. 2 Pg. 243]

D. Istifadah (well-circulated reports) – when there is such a Grand-Mufti in an Islamic city to whom the mass majority of people flock towards in order to gain Islamic rulings pertaining their everyday issues; and by whose fatwa the verdicts are given as regards to the beginning and the end of Ramadan and ‘Eidain; and in such a city the general public do not start or terminate fasting according to themselves, then if numerous groups of people come from that city to another and bear witness all at once that upon the sighting of the moon on such and such a day, the fasting of Ramadhan has commenced or that Eid was made, then this testimony shall also prove the sighting of the moon. However, if it is only rumours and no one knows who said it or on being asked how they knew the sighting of the moon, they say, “we heard” or “other people have said it”, then there is absolutely no istifadah upon such reports. Also, in a city where there is no Islamic mufti or there is but he is incapable of issuing a Fatwa or is reliable and trustworthy but the general public in that city decide for themselves when to start and end Ramadan and Eid, (as is quite common nowadays,) then the unanimity or even the tawatur (mass-transmitted reports) from this city in this news can in no way prove the sighting of the moon. [Radd al-Muhtar Vol. 2 Pg. 97 and Fatawa-e-Radawiyyah Vol. 4 Pg. 553]

E. Termination of the number of days in a month - when 30 days of a month have passed then the sighting of the moon for the next month is proven. However, if upon the witness of one person the starting of Ramadhan was accepted, and by this calculation 30 days of Ramadhan had passed, but because of the sky not being clear the moon could not be seen, then the termination of the number of days in the month does not suffice, but in fact another fast should be kept. [Radd al-Muhtar Vol. 2 Pg. 97]

 

2. If the moon has been sighted according to the Shari’ah rules and conditions, then the sighting of people in the west is a certain proof of sighting of the moon for people living in the east. [Fatawa al-Imam al-Ghuzza Pg. 5]

3. A calendar or a timetable does in no way prove the sighting of the moon. [Radd al-Mohtar Vol. 2 Pg. 94]

4. Media reports do not in any way prove the sighting of the moon. Most of the time newspaper reports or reports from TV or the radio are just guesses and no more than rumours here and there. And even if the news is correct, but because of the sighting of the moon not being proven by Shari’ah rules and regulations it cannot be accepted in anyway. [Radd al-Muhtar Vol. 2 Pg. 97]

5. Letters also do not prove sighting of the moon, as one person’s handwriting can be identical to another. Hence there is doubt and it does benefit any knowledge of full certainty. [al-Durr al-Mukhtar and also in al-Hidayah]

 

6. News given via a telephone (or mobile) telegram or any satellite link is more unreliable than a letter as in a letter the addressee recognises the signature, writing and the stamp of the writer. Also in a letter, there is even a slight indication that the handwriting is of the actual writer, which is not present in the news given by a telephone or another satellite link. Furthermore, when the witness is behind a veil then their witness is not reliable as one voice is identical to another, then how is it possible that the sighting of the moon be reliable or even accepted when this news has reached via telephone, telegram (or similar) technological equipment?! Plus the fact that in worldly matters and affairs, news received via the telephone is not accepted, nor is it reliable, then how can it be reliable in matters related to the religion; where one has to be extremely careful. [Fatawa-e-‘Alamgiri Vol. 3 Pg. 357]

7. Radio or Television: there are much more complexities and difficulties in receiving the news and accepting its reliability from a radio or a television than to receive it from a telegram or a telephone, as one can ask questions and receive answers via a telephone or a telegram whereas this is not the case on the radio or the television (when the news is given, discussions and debates are a different matter).

Conclusively, these new technological equipments can be used to spread news worldwide, but they cannot be accepted in the matters as related to giving shahadah witness. This is why in the court the judge does not give a verdict until the witnesses do not present themselves in the court to give their witness account. Telephone calls or news received from the telegram or radio, television are totally unaccepted.
 

The Messenger of Allah has stated: “But if the weather is cloudy, wait till thirty days of the previous month have passed.” 

But it is quite a saddening and disappointing fact to see people in these days (most of them being neglectful of their prayers and the obligatory fasts) rise in uproar on receiving the news on the radio or the telephone or the television about the sighting of the moon. May Almighty Allah give them the guidance to act upon the sayings of the Beloved Prophet.

8. In a country where there is no Islamic Ruler, and nor is there any Qadi appointed for the task (of accepting or refusing the witnesses), then the Grand-Mufti of a city who has beliefs in conformity with Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama’ah (Sunni) is the subordinate. Wherever, there is no mufti, then the witness (shahadah) for the sighting of the moon shall be presented in front of the general public (of Muslims). [Fatawa-e-Radwiyyah – V. 4 Pg. 547]

It has been stated in “al-Hadiqah al-Nadiyyah Sharh Tariqah al-Muhammadiyyah” - by Imam al-’Allama ‘Abd al-Ghani al-Nablusi al-Dimishqi - that:

When an era is without any Islamic Ruler who suffices the Muslims for their affairs which pertain to the religion, then all the Islamic affairs and rulings shall be referred to the scholars of Islam (the ‘ulema), and in every aspect of their life, Muslims are obliged to consult these ulema. These ulema shall be considered the ‘Islamic rulers’ and the ‘Islamic judges’. Then, if it is impossible for the unanimity of the Muslims to appoint one specific scholar, then the people of each and every district or town shall foloow their ‘ulema. Then, if there are innumerable ‘ulema in one district, then amongst them the ‘alim who has the most knowledge as regards the Islamic rulings, he shall be followed, if they are all equal (in knowledge) then a raffle should be taken (as to draw out the name of the ‘alim who shall be appouinted as the vice of the Qadi in that district).

 

9. The testimony of a fasiq-e-mu’lin (an open transgressor) such as the one who neglects establishing prayer, or prays the salah but frequently neglects praying with the congregation (jama’ah), shaves or trims his beard less than a fist, is not be accepted. Likewise, the evidence of an infidel (non-muslim), bad madhhab (follower of a deviant), an insane or an immature shall not be accepted.

10. On sighting the moon, the supplications as mentioned in the Ahadith should be read. 

11. It is makruh (disapproved) to point finger towards the moon even though it may be to indicate to others the location of the moon. [Bahar-e-Shari’at Chapter 5 Pg. 685, al-Durr al-Mukhtar and also in Fatawa-e-‘Alamgiri Vol. 1 Pg. 184]

12. It is wajib (necessary) for the Muslims to follow the Islamic dates and years (which are proven by the sighting of the moon). It is not permissible to follow the dates on the calendar, whose dates have been fixed following non-Islamic rules and regulations (such as the Gregorian English calendar). [al-Tafsir al-Kabir V. 4 Pg. 445]

 

 

Extracted from:

“Anwaar al-Hadith” by Hadrat Allama Mawlana Mufti Jalal al-Din
al-Qadiri al-Amjadi Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho, Chapter 6, Page 157 to 162

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