Sayyidah Fatimah Az-Zhara relates

Fatimah Az-zahra’(daughter of the prophet s.a.w ) said:

“One night the prophet came to me and said,
“Oh Fatimah, do not sleep before you have completed the four tasks:

1. To finish reciting the whole Al-Quran
2. Have the prophets to intercede for you in the Hereafter
3. Have all the believers to be pleased with you
4. Perform your hajj and ‘umrah”

I (Fatimah Az-zahra’) then said to Rasulullah s.a.w, “Oh Rasulullah, you ask me to perform tasks, but which I would not be able to accomplish!”

Rasulullah s.a.w smiled and said:

1. If you recite Surah Al-Ikhlas(3 times), it’s as though you have completed the whole Qu’ran.
2. If you say salawat upon me and upon all the other prophets, we will intercede for you on the Day of Judgement.
3. If you ask for forgiveness for the believers, they will be pleased with you.
4. And if you read “subhaanAllah, walHamdulillah, walaa-ilaha- illallah,-wallaahu akbar”, it’s as if you have performed your hajj and umrah.”

Eid Takbir

اللهُ أَكبرُ اللهُ أَكبرُ اللهُ أَكبر , لا إله إلا الله , الله أكبر الله أكبر ولِلَّهِ الحَمْد (3x)

الله أكبرُ كَبيرا والحمدُ لله كثيرا وسُبْحانَ اللهِ بُكْرَةً وأَصيلاَ .

لا إله إلا الله لا نَعْبُدُ إلا إِيَّاهُ مُخْلِصِين لَهُ الدِّينَ وَلَوْ كَرِهَ الكافِرون .

لا إله إلا الله  وَحْدَه صَدَقَ وَعْدَه ونَصَرَ عَبْدَه  وأَعَزَّ جُنْدَه وهَزَمَ الأَحْزَابَ وَحْدَه

لا إله إلا الله واللهُ أكبرْ ولِلَّهِ الحَمْد

“Allah is most great, there is no god but Him, all praise belongs to Him.

There is no god but Him and we worship none but Him in complete sincerity even if the disbelievers dislike it.

There is no god but Him alone. He fulfilled His promise, gave victory to His slave, made mighty His forces and He alone destroyed the Confederates. Allah is most great, there is no god but Him, all praise belongs to Him.”

The scholars say that whenever it is recommended to remember Allah it is also recommended to mention His Messenger e. Had it not been for him there would be no `Arafat or Eid or takbir. For this reason we should add, in honour of our Messenger, his Companions, wives and progeny:

اللهُمَّ صلِّ على سَيِّدِنا مُحمد

وعلى آلِ سَيِّدِنا مُحمد

وعلى أَصْحابِ سَيِّدِنا مُحمد

وعلى أَنْصَارِ سَيِّدِنا مُحمد

وعلى أَزْواجِ سَيِّدِنا مُحمد

وعلى ذُرِّيِّةِ سَيِّدِنا مُحمد

وسلِّمْ تَسْليماً كثيراً

Seeing the Prophet Muhammad (saw) in your dreams - Sheikh Muhammad al Yaqoubi

The Virtues of Surah Mulk

1. Hazrat Abu Hurairah radiyallahu anhu reported Allah Ta’ala’s Messenger sallallahu alaihe wasallam as saying, "A Surah in the Qur’aan containing thirty verses interceded for a man till his sins were forgiven. It was Tabaarakallazi Biyadihil Mulk."
(Tirmizi, Abu Dawood, Nasai and Ibn Majah)

2. Hazrat Ibn Abbas radiyallahu anhu said that one of the Prophet’s sallallahu alaihe wasallam companions set up his tent over a grave without realising that it was a grave and it contained a man who was reciting the Surah Tabaarakallazi Biyadihil Mulk up to the end. He went and told the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam who said, "It is The Defender; it is The Protector which safeguards from Allah Ta’ala’s punishment."
(Tirmizi)

3. Hazrat Jabir radiyallahu anhu said it was the custom of the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam not to go to sleep until he had read Tabaarakallazi Biyadihil Mulk and Alif Laam Meem Tanzeel.
(Ahmad, Tirmizi and Daramee)

4. Hazrat Anas radiyallahu anhu reported Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam as saying, "There is a Surah which will plead for its reciter till it causes him to enter paradise (Tabaarakallazi Biyadihil Mulk)."
(Tabrani)

5. Hazrat Ibn Abbas radiyallahu anhu told a man, "Shall I not give you as gift a Hadith with which you will rejoice." 

The man replied, "Why not!"

Hazrat Ibn Abbas radiyallahu anhu said, "Recite Surah Tabaarakallazi Biyadihil Mulk and teach it to your household and all your children and the children of your house and your neighbours for it is ‘The Protector and The Defender (or Hazrat Ibn Abbas radiyallahu anhu said) it will plead with its Lord for its reciter and it will intercede for its reciter to protect him from the punishment of the fire and to save its reciter from the punishment of the grave. Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam has said, ‘It is my hearts desire that this Surah be present in the heart of every person of my Ummah’."

The Virtues of Surah Waqi’ah

Hazrat Uthman radiyallahu anhu went to Hazrat Ibn Mas’ood radiyallahu anhu paying him a visit in his sickness in which he passed away.

He asked, "What illness do you have?"

Hazrat Ibn Mas’ood radiyallahu anhu replied, "My sins."

He inquired, "What do you desire?"

He replied, "The mercy of my Lord."

He asked, "Shall we not call someone to bring a doctor for you?"

Hazrat Ibn Mas’ood radiyallahu anhu replied, "It is a doctor that has made me sick."

Hazrat Uthman radiyallahu anhu asked again, "Shall I give order for your payment to be given."

He replied, "I have no need of it, you withheld it from me during my lifetime and at my death you are giving it to me."

Hazrat Uthman radiyallahu anhu said, "After you it will remain for your daughters."

Hazrat Ibn Mas’ood radiyallahu anhu said, "Do you fear poverty over my daughters, I have instructed them to recite every night Surah Waqi’ah for I have heard Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam say, ‘He who recites Surah Waqi’ah every night, poverty will never afflict him."

The Virtues of Surah Dukhan

1. Hazrat Abu Hurairah radiyallahu anhu reported Allah’s Messenger sallallahu alaihe wasallam as saying, "If anyone recites Ha-mim Al-Dukhan any night, seventy thousand angels will ask forgiveness for him in the evening."
(Tirmizi)

2. Hazrat Abu Rafi radiyallahu anhu said, "Whoever will recite Surah Dukhan on the eve of Friday, by morning he is forgiven and he will be wed to a huri (damsel of paradise) with wide lovely eyes."
(Darimi)

3. The same Hadith is reported by Hazrat Abu Hurairah radiyallahu anhu that Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam said, "Whoever shall recite Surah Dukhan on the eve of Friday, he is forgiven in the morning."

4. Hazrat Abu Umamah radiyallahu anhu has said: I have heard the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam saying, "Whoever prays Surah Dukhan on the eve of Friday or on Friday Allah Ta’ala makes for him a home in paradise."

The Virtues of Surah Yaseen

1. Hazrat Anas radiyallahu anhu reported Allah’s Messenger sallallahu alaihe wasallam as saying, "Everything has a heart and the heart of the Holy Qur’aan is Yaseen. Allah Ta’ala will record anyone who recites Yaseen as having recited the Holy Qur’aan ten times."
(Tirmizi, Darimee)

2. Hazrat Ata ibn Abu Rabah radiyallahu anhu told of hearing that Allah Messenger sallallahu alaihe wasallam said, "If anyone recites Yaseen at the beginning of the day, his needs will be fulfilled."
(Darimee)

3. Hazrat Maqil ibn Yasaar Muzani radiyallahu anhu reported the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam as saying, "If anyone recites Yaseen for Allah’s pleasure, his past sins will be forgiven; so recite it on those who are dying."
(Baihaqi)

4. Hazrat Anas radiyallahu anhu reported Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam as saying, "Whoever goes to the graveyard and reads Surah Yaseen Allah Ta’ala gives them (the grave dwellers) ease that day, and the reciter receives spiritual blessings equivalent to the amount of letters of Surah Yaseen."
(Qurtubi)

5. Hazrat Maqil ibn Yasaar radiyallahu anhu reports that the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam has said, "Recite Surah Yaseen on those who are dying."
(Abu Dawood)

6. Hazrat Ummud Darda radiyallahu anhu reports the Noble Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam saying, "Over no person who is about to die and Surah Yaseen is read upon them but Allah Ta’ala lightens the difficulties of death for him."
(Qurtubi)

7. Hazrat Abu Hurairah radiyallahu anhu says that the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alaihe wasallam has said, "Whoever recites Surah Yaseen at night seeking the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala, that night he will be forgiven."
(Abu Nuaym)

8. Hazrat Aisha radiyallahu anhu reports Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam saying, "Indeed in the Noble Qur’aan there is a Surah, for its reading will intercede and will be a means of forgiveness for its listener. Listen carefully, it is Surah Yaseen, in the Torah it is called Muimmah."

It was enquired, "O’ Messenger of Allah, what is Muimmah?"

Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam replied, "It contains for its reader the benefits of this world, it removes from him the dread of the next life, and it is called Dafiah and Qadhiyah."

Again it was enquired, "How is this Surah Dafiah and Qadhiyah?"

Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam replied, "It takes away from its reader all afflictions and fulfills his need. Whoever recites it, it will be made equal to twenty pilgrimages. Whoever shall listen to it, it will be as thousand dinars, which he has given as charity in the path of Allah. And whoever shall write it and then drink it, it will enter into his heart a thousand cures, a thousand radiant lights, a thousand times more increase in belief, a thousand mercies, a thousand blessings, a thousand times more increase in guidance, and will remove from him all gall and disease."
(Al-Tha’labi, Hakeem Tirmizi in Nawadrul Usoos)

9. Hazrat Abu Hurairah radiyallahu anhu reports the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alaihe wasallam saying, "Whoever recites Surah Yaseen on the eve of Friday he will be forgiven by morning."
(Qurtubi)

10. Hazrat Abu Hurairah radiyallahu anhu reports the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam saying, "Whoever recites Surah Yaseen at night he will be forgiven in the morning, and whoever recites that Surah Haameen in which Dukhaan is mentioned he will be forgiven in the morning."
(Abu Ya’la)

11. Hazrat Jundub ibn Abdullah radiyallahu anhu narrates that the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam has said, "Whoever reads Yaseen at night seeking the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala he is forgiven."
(Ibn Habbaan)

12. Hazrat Ibn Abbas radiyallahu anhu reports Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam saying, "My heart’s desire is that Surah Yaseen should be present in the heart of every individual of my Ummah."
(Al-Bazzaar)

13. Yaha ibn Abi Kathir says, "This narration has reached me that whoever shall recite Yaseen at night, he remains content till morning and whoever shall recite it in the morning, he remains content till evening. And that person who has related this to me has also experienced this." Thalabi said, and Ibn Atiyah has mentioned this and Ibn Atiyah says, "Experience confirms this."
(Qurtubi)

The Virtues of Surah Sajdah

1. Hazrat Jabir radiyallahu anhu narrates that the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam would not retire to bed until he had read Alif Laam Tanzeel and Surah Tabaarak.
(Tirmizi)

2. Hazrat Khalid ibn Ma’dan radiyallahu anhu said, "Recite the Deliverer, which is Alif Laam Tanzeel, for I have heard that a man who had committed many sins used to recite it and nothing else. It spread its wing over him and said, ‘O’ My Lord, forgive him, for he often used to recite me.’ So the Lord Most High made it an intercessor for him and said, ‘Record for him a good deed and raise him a degree in place of every sin." Hazrat Khalid radiyallahu anhu also said, "It will dispute on behalf of the one who recites it when he is in his grave saying, ‘O’ Allah, if I am part of Thy Book, make me an intercessor for him. But if I am not a part of Thy Book, blot me out of it.’ It will be like a bird putting its wing on him, it will intercede for him and will protect him from the punishment in the grave." He said the same about Tabaarakallazi (Surah Mulk). Hazrat Khalid radiyallahu anhu did not go to sleep at night till he had recited them. Taus said that they were given sixty virtues more than any other Surah in the Holy Qur’aan.
(Darimee)

The Virtues of Surah Kahf

1. Hazrat Al Baraa said that when a man was reciting Surah Kahf with a horse tied with two ropes at one side. Suddenly a cloud overshadowed him, and as it began to come nearer and nearer, his horse began to take fright. He went and mentioned it to the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam in the morning and he said, "That was tranquillity which came down by reason of the Qur’aan."

2. Hazrat Abu Darda radiyallahu anhu reported Allah’s Messenger sallallahu alaihe wasallam saying, "If anyone memorises ten verses from the beginning of Surah Kahf, he will be protected from the Dajjal (Anti-Christ)."
(Muslim)

3. Hazrat Abu Darda radiyallahu anhu reported Allah’s Messenger sallallahu alaihe wasallam saying, "Anyone who reads the first three verses of Surah Kahf, he will be protected from the trial of the Dajjal (Anti-Christ)."
(Tirmizi)

The Virtues of Aayatul Kursi

The Verse of The Throne

1. It is narrated from Hazrat Ubay ibn Ka’b radiyallahu anhu that the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam asked, "Abu Mundhir, do you know which verse of Allah’s book that you have is greatest?"

I replied, "Allah and His Messenger know best." He repeated his question and I said, "Allahu La ilaha illa Huwal Hayyul Qayyum."

Thereupon he struck me on the chest and said, "May Knowledge be pleasant for you Abu Mundhir!"
(Muslim)

2. Hazrat Abu Hurairah radiyallahu anhu said, "Allah’s Messenger appointed me to take charge of the Zakah of Ramadhaan, hence someone came to me and began to take up handfuls of the food. I seized him and told him I was certainly going to take him to Allah’s Messenger sallallahu alaihe wasallam . However, when he said, "I am needy, I have children dependent on me, and I have a pressing need." I let him go.

In the morning the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam asked, "What happened to your prisoner last night, Abu Hurairah?"

I replied, "O’ Messenger of Allah, he complained of great need and of having children dependant on him, so I had pity on him and let him go."

He said, "He lied to you and he will come back." I realised that he would return because Allah’s Messenger sallallahu alaihe wasallam had told me so. Therefore, I lay waiting for him. When he came and began to take up handfuls of food, I seized him and told him I am certainly going to take you before Allah’s Messenger.

He said, "Let me go, for I am needy with children dependant on me, and I shall not return." I had pity on him and let him go.

In the morning, Allah’s Messenger sallallahu alaihe wasallam asked me, "What happened to your prisoner, Abu Hurairah?"

I replied, "Messenger of Allah, he complained of great need and of having children dependent on him, so I had pity on him and let him go."

Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam said, "He has certainly lied to you, and he will come back."

So, I lay in wait for him, and when he came back and took up handfuls of food I seized him and said, "I am certainly going to take you before Allah’s Messenger sallallahu alaihe wasallam , for this is third instance you are asserting you will not return but you always do."

He said, "If you let me go I will teach you some words by which Allah will reward you. When you go to your bed recite the Verse of the Throne, till you finish the verse, for a guardian from Allah will then remain over you and no devil will come near you till the morning."

Therefore, I let him go, and in the morning Allah’s Messenger sallallahu alaihe wasallam asked me, "What happened to your prisoner."

I replied, "He asserted that he would teach me some words by which Allah will benefit me."

He said, "He certainly told you the truth though he is a great liar. Do you know whom you have been talking to for three nights?" When I replied that I did not, he said, "That was a devil."
(Bukhari)

3. Hazrat Abu Hurairah radiyallahu anhu reported Allah’s Messenger sallallahu alaihe wasallam as saying, "If anyone recites in the morning, Ha-Meem (of Surah Mumin) to Ilayhil Maseer (3rd aayah of the surah) and Aayatul Kursi, he will be guarded (from all kinds of evil) by them till the evening. And if anyone recites them in the evening he will be guarded by them till the morning."
(Tirmizi)

4. Hazrat Abu Umamah radiyallahu anhu relates that Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam has said, "Whoever recites Aayatul Kursi after every obligatory prayer nothing except death prevents him from entering heaven." (That is say that the only thing that is preventing him from entering heaven is death. When it will come, he will go straight into paradise).
(Nasai)

5. Hazrat Umar radiyallahu anhu one day came out towards people who were in an orderly line and asked, "Who will tell me the greatest verse in the Qur’aan?" Hazrat Abdullah ibn Mas’ood radiyallahu anhu replied, "You have come across somebody who is acquainted with this, for I have heard Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam saying, "The greatest verse in the Qur’aan is Allahu La ilaha illa Huwal Hayyul Qayyum."
(Ibn Mardawayh)

6. Hazrat Asma binte Yazid radiyallahu anhu has been reported to have said, "I have heard Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam saying, ‘In these two verses; Allahu La ilaha illa Huwal Hayyul Qayyum and Alif Laam Meem Allahu La ilaha illa Huwal Hayyul Qayyum (Surah Ale-Imran) is Allah’s greatest name."
(Ahmad)

7. Hazrat Abu Umamah radiyallahu anhu reports this Hadith from Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam Hazrat Umamah radiyallahu anhu says, "Allah’s greatest name when asked by and supplicated by grants the prayer is in three Surahs: Surah Baqarah; Surah Ale-Imran and Surah Ta-Ha."
(Ibn Kathir)

Note: The narrator of the above hadith is referring to the verse; Allahu La ilaha illa Huwal Hayyul Qayyum in Surah Baqarah, Alif Laam Meem Allahu La ilaha illa Huwal Hayyul Qayyum in Surah Ale-Imran and Wa Anatil Wujoohu Lil Hayyul Qayyum in Surah Ta-Ha.

8. Hazrat Muhammad ibn Hanafiyyah rahmatullahi alaihe reports that when the Verse of the Throne was revealed all the idols in the world fell to the ground. Likewise every king of the world went into prostration, and their crowns fell off from their heads and the satans fled toppling over each other until they came to Iblees and informed him of the strange happenings. Iblees ordered them to go in search for this. So they came to Madinah and discovered the revelation of Aayatul Kursi.
(Qurtubi)

9. It is reported that once Hazrat Umar radiyallahu anhu confronted a jinn and overcame him in combat, upon this the jinn pleaded, "Let me go, and I will teach you something through which you can gain protection from us." Hazrat Umar radiyallahu anhu let him go and asked the jinn about this. The jinn replied, "You people can gain protection from us through Aayatul Kursi."
(Qurtubi)

10. Hazrat Ali radiyallahu anhu says, "I heard the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam saying from the pulpit, ‘Whoever recites the Verse of the Throne after every prayer nothing save death prevents him from entering paradise. Only a Siddiq or a worshipper will be constant in its reading. And who ever shall recite it when he retires to bed, Allah Ta’ala will grant him, his neighbour, his neighbour’s neighbour and the surrounding houses safety and protection."
(Qurtubi)

11. When Hazrat Abdur Rahman ibn Awf radiyallahu anhu used to enter his house, he used to recite Aayatul Kursi in all four corners of the house, to keep satan away.
(Qurtubi)

12. Hazrat Anas radiyallahu anhu says that Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam asked one of his companions, "Are you married?"

The companion replied, "No! In fact I don’t possess enough wealth with which to carry out my marriage."

Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam asked, "Do you know Surah Iklaas (Qul huwallahu ahad)?"

The companion replied, "Yes."

The Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam said, "It is equal to one fourth of the Qur’aan." Then the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam enquired, "Do you know Surah Zil-Zal (Iza zul zilatil ardhu)?"

The companion replied, "Yes, I do."

The Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam said, "It is equal to one fourth of the Qur’aan." The Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam again asked, "Do you know iza ja’a nasrullah?"

The companion replied, "Indeed."

The Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam said, "It is equal to one fourth of the Qur’aan." The Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam again asked, "Do you know Aayatul Kursi?"

The companion replied, "Indeed."

The Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam said, "It is equal to one fourth of the Qur’aan."

The Virtues of Surah Baqarah

This Surah has excellent qualities and it gains great reward for its reader, it is called the pavilion of the Qur’aan. Khalid ibn Ma’dan has said that, the reason of this is that, this Surah has great virtues and contains law, commands and advice in abundance. Hazrat Umar radiyallahu anhu learnt this Surah along with acquiring its understanding in 12 years and his son Hazrat Abdullah radiyallahu anhu in 8 years.

1. Hazrat Abu Saeed Khudri radiyallahu anhu relates from Usaid ibn Hudhair radiyallahu anhu saying that one night he was reciting Surah Baqarah with his mare tied beside him. It began to run round in circles so he stopped reciting due to which the mare stopped moving. He resumed his recitation and again it went round in circles, so he stopped reciting and it stopped moving. Once more he recited and even on this occasion the mare moved round in circles, so he terminated his Qur’aanic recital, 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 towards the sky and saw something like a canopy, which appeared to have lamps in it. When he told the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam of it in the morning, he said, "You should keep on reciting Ibn Hudhair, you should keep on reciting Ibn Hudhair."

He replied, "I was afraid, O’ Messenger of Allah sallallahu alaihe wasallam , that it might trample on Yahya who was near by. Therefore, I went to him, and when I raised my head to the sky and saw something like a canopy, which appeared to have lamps in it. I went out but could not see them."

The Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam asked whether he knew what it was and when he replied in the negative, 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 they would not have concealed themselves from them."

Muslim has narrated, "They went up into the air" instead of "I went out."

2. Hazrat Abu Hurairah radiyallahu anhu reported Allah’s Messenger sallallahu alaihe wasallam to have said, "Do not make your houses graveyards. The devil flees from the house in which Surah Baqarah is recited."
(Muslim)

3. Hazrat Abdullah ibn Mas’ood radiyallahu anhu has been reported to have said that, "Everything has a hump and the hump of the Qur’aan is Surah Baqarah. Everything has a core and the core of the Qur’aan is Surah Al-Mufassal."
(Da’ramee)

4. Hazrat Abu Hurairah radiyallahu anhu has said that Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam sent a large army in a Jihad campaign, thereupon he asked every one of them to read that much Qur’aan which one knew. Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam happened to pass by the most elderly in age, so he asked how much Qur’aan he knew. The man replied this much and this much and Surah Baqarah. Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam said, "Now go, for you are their Ameer (Leader)."

Upon this a noble man said, "Nothing prevented me from learning Surah Baqarah but I was afraid that I could not keep its commandments."

Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam further stated, "Learn the Qur’aan and keep reciting it. Because the similitude of the Qur’aan for one who learns, recites and uses it in prayer at night is a bag filled with Musk whose fragrance diffuses itself everywhere; and he who learns it and goes to sleep having it within him is like a bag with Musk tied up in it."

The Virtues of Surah Fatihah

1. Hazrat Abu Saeed ibn Al-Mu’alla radiyallahu anhu said, "While I was praying in the Masjid, the Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam called me. I did not answer him then, but went to him afterwards and explained that I had been praying, whereupon he asked me whether Allah Ta’ala had not said, ‘Respond to Allah and to the Messenger when he calls you.’ adding, ‘Let me teach you the greatest Surah in the Qur’aan before you leave the Masjid.’ He then took me by the hand and when we were about to go out I reminded him of his promise to me that he would teach me the greatest Surah in the Qur’aan. He said, Surah Fatihah which is the seven oft-repeated verses in the Mighty Qur’aan which has been given to me."

2. Hazrat Abu Hurairah radiyallahu anhu reported that when Allah’s Messenger sallallahu alaihe wasallam once asked Ubayy ibn Ka’ab radiyallahu anhu, what he recited in his prayers. He replied Umm-ul Qur’aan (Surah Fatihah) the Holy Prophet radiyallahu anhu proclaimed, "By Him in whose dominion my soul is, nothing like it has been revealed in the Torah, the Gospel, the Psalms, or the Qur’aan and it is seven of the oft-repeated verses in the Mighty Qur’aan which I have been given."

3. Hazrat Abu Hurairah radiyallahu anhu reported Allah’s Messenger sallallahu alaihe wasallam as saying, "If anyone observes a prayer in which he does not recite Umm-ul Qur’aan, it is deficient (he said this three times) and incomplete."

When someone said to Abu Hurairah radiyallahu anhu that we remain behind the Imaam, he replied, "Recite it inwardly," for he had heard Allah’s Messenger sallallahu alaihe wasallam declare that Allah Most High had said, "I have divided the prayer into two halves between Me and My servant, and My servant will receive what he asks.’

When the servant says, ‘Praise be to Allah Lord of the Universe.’

Allah most high says, ‘My servant has praised Me.’

When he says, ‘The Compassionate the Merciful.’

Allah most high says, ‘My servant has lauded Me.’

When he says, ‘Possessor of the Day of Judgement.’

He says, ‘My servant has glorified me,’

When he says, ‘Thee do we worship and of Thee do we ask help.’

He says, ‘This is between Me and My servant, and My servant will receive what he asks.’

Then when he says, ‘Guide us in the straight path, the path of those whom thou hast favoured; not of those with whom Thou art angry nor of those who go astray.’

He says, ‘This is for My servant, and My servant will receive what he asks."

4. Hazrat Abdul Malik ibn Umair radiyallahu anhu reports that Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam said, "In Surah Fatihah there is a cure for all ailments."

5. Ambari in his ‘Kitaabur-Rad’ through his own chain of narrators has mentioned from Mujahid ibn Jabr rahmatullahi alaihe that Iblees the accursed of Allah Ta’ala lamented on four occasions: first when he was cursed; secondly when he was cast out of Heaven to the Earth; thirdly when Hazrat Muhammad sallallahu alaihe wasallam was given the Prophethood; fourthly when Surah Fatihah was revealed and it was revealed in Madinah.

6. Hazrat Abu Saeed radiyallahu anhu has said, "We were out on a journey. After a while we stopped to camp. Suddenly a girl came along saying that the chief of the clan has been bitten by a snake (or stung by a scorpion) and our menfolk are away from home. Is there anybody amongst you who can recite Ruqyah (incantations)? Whereupon a man stood up with her, we never used to cast any suspicion on him regarding him reciting Ruqyah (incantations). Nevertheless, he recited some charm on the chief and he was healed. Then the chief ordered 30 goats to be given to him, and he gave us milk to drink. When he returned we inquired, "Do you really know this science (or we inquired, were you reading spells)?"

He replied, "I merely read Surah Fatihah."

We said, "Don’t say a word about this till we return (or until we ask Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam)."

When we came to Madinah, we brought this incident to the notice of Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihe wasallam . Thus he replied, "And how did he know that Surah Fatihah is read as a Ruqyah (incantation)? Divide and assign a share for me as well."

(Sahih Al-Bukhari, Muslim and Sunan Abu Dawood)

 7. Hazrat Ibn Abbas radiyallahu anhu narrates that once Jibraeel u was sitting with the Apostle sallallahu alaihe wasallam when all of a sudden he heard a noise from above and raised his head. Thereafter he said, "This is a door of heaven which has been opened today and never has it been opened save this day, and from there has descended an angel." The Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihe wasallam further said, "This is an angel which has come down to Earth and never has he come down but this day. He has given greetings and has said, ‘Receive the good news of two lights, which have been bestowed on you, which no Prophet before you has been bestowed with. One is Surah Fatihah and the other, the concluding portion of Surah Baqarah, you will recite no word of it but you will be granted reward for it."

(Sahih Muslim)

Secrets of Surah Ikhlas

http://deenislam.co.uk/benefits%20of%20surah%20Ikhlas.htm

The Secrets of reciting Surah Ikhlas abundantly - 1,3,10,11,25,100,200, or 1,000 or 100,000 times 

by Muhammad Sajad Ali

Surah Ikhlas - Qul huwallaahu ahad Allahus samad Lam yalid wa lam yuulad Wa lamyakun lahuuu kufuwan ahad

Say: He is Allah, the One. He is Allah, the Eternal, Who was never born, nor ever gave birth. The One beyond compare.

Bismillaah ar-Rahman ar-Raheem

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.

I would like to explain the great power and benefits of reciting Surah Ikhlas, 1, 3,10,11, 25 100, 200 and 1000 times. And I’m hoping this will instil determination and Himmah-yearning to recite Surah Ikhlas, more or at least show its appreciation and its hidden secrets which are over seen by many a reciter.

The great reward of the one who increases in reciting Surah Ikhlas abundantly daily:

Reciting Surah Ikhlas is a Means of Entering Paradise, Allah creates Houses in Paradise, it is a means of attaining the love of Allah, Increasing of Rizq and reciting Surah Ikhlas when entering ones house, poverty will be eradicated, is a means of forgiveness of sins, is a means of increasing the presence of the angels at the time of death. Reciting Surah Ikhlas 10 times at the end of every Fard-compulsory prayer will enter paradise from any of its Gates.

Know that increasing recitation of Surah Ikhlas is a means of attaining the love of Allah and when Allah loves you he makes Jannah fard upon you or and makes you one of his saints. As whomever Loves Surah Ikhlas, Allah loves them. There is a Hadith of this of a Sahabah that kept on reciting Surah in every ra'kah due to his love of it and the Holy Prophet (s) was asked the man why he kept on reciting it in every rakah, and he replied, 'because it contains the attributes of the most compassionate and i love reading it. The Holy Prophet (s) then said: 'inform him that Allah loves him.

Reciting Surah Ikhlas 1 time will get the reward equal to 10 times the number of people who have believed in the Islamic teachings.

Reciting Surah Ikhlas 1 time compared to one third of complete Quran Recitation. Reciting it once is a means of blessings for the reciter.

Reciting Surah Ikhlas 2 times, the blessings are showered upon the children of the reciter.

Reciting Surah Ikhlas 3 times, brings blessings on the entire family of the reciter and compared to complete Quran Recitation.

Reciting Surah Ikhlas 11 times the reciter will have palaces built for him in Jannah.

Reciting Surah Ikhlas 100 times, all his sins for the past 25 years are forgiven(minor sins), constant recitation of this Surah will help keep the heart sincere inshallah, and Allah will also increase ur Rizq, to gain abundant wealth inshAllah. (except the sins of killing an innocent person or usurping the property of people).

Recite Ikhlas 100 Times and Enter Paradise to Your Right.

Anas (R) has reported the saying of Rasulallah(S) that, "If anyone who is about to sleep on his bed lies on his right side, then recited Al-Ikhlas 100 times, Allah will say to him on the Day of the resurrection, 'My slave, enter Paradise to your right side.'" (Tirmidhi)

Reciting Surah Ikhlas recited 200 times daily gets forgiveness of 50 years of sins-(minor); but, if he has to pay loan to anyone,that will not be forgiven." and Allah will grant him 1500 Rewards (At-Tirmidhi and Darami)

Reciting Surah Ikhlas 1,000 times will not die unless he sees his place in Jannah.

“Sins of that who recites 1,000 Ikhlas with basmala are forgiven and his dua (pray) is accepted.”

“Whoever recites Surah Ikhlas 1,000 times between the afternoon and evening on the day of Arafa, Allah bestowes him whatever he wishes.”

Recites Surah Ikhlas 100,000 times Allah will set him free!

It was narrated by anas that the Holy Prophet (s) said: "whoever reads Recites Surah Ikhlas 100,00 times would have bought himself from Allah, and a caller from Allah will announce in heaven and on earth: 'verily, so-and-so has been set free by Allah, so whoever owes him anything, let him claim it from Allah.'"

Surah Ikhlas and 'The kings of mankind'

On the authority of Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with) The Prophet (s) said “on the day of resurrection Allah will grasp the entire earth by His Hand and shall roll up the heaven with His right Hand and say “I am the king, where are the kings of the Earth?”(Sahih Al Bukhari) This hadith refers to the ayah in Surah Ikhlas which is: “The king of mankind”.

Time frame to read 100 times Surah Ikhlas about 4/5 minutes and 1,000 times Surah Ikhlas from 20/30mins to upto an hour depending on speeding thats me-(the author) others will need more time it depends on how you acustom yourself as beginners it can take up to an hour to recite 100 but someone whose is used to reciting and is fluent and after pratice and time will speed up. 

Some notes about Surah Ikhlas and One Third of Quran

The meaning of one third of Quran, Allah has divided the Qur’an into three parts: “Say: he is Allah, the one and only” is one of these parts.

The meaning of this is that Allah sent the Qur’an in three parts:
A third of it is comprised of legal rulings,
A third is comprised of exhortations of promises and warnings,
and a third is comprised of discussing Allah’s names and attributes. (Surah Ikhlas)
This chapter Surah Al-Ikhlas brings together within it those names and attributes.

"Allah's Hadra are three. His Essence, His Actions, and Attributes. This Surah is the only Surah of Quran that is exclusive to Allah's Essence. and this is why it is considered 1/3 of the Quran"- from Shaykh al Islam Ibrahim Niasse

And the sufis say 'Whoever recites this surah, must obtain the tajalli-(manifestation or Divine lights) of the two Names of Glory, al-Ahad (the One), and as-Samad (the Eternal). Anyone who reads it, must get a portion of this tajalli-(manifestation or lights)'.

Tajalli-(manifestation), which has almost the same meaning as showing itself, display, and appearance, in the language of Sufism means being favored with God's special gifts. It also denotes that the Divine mysteries have become apparent in the heart of the seeker by means of the light of knowledge of God Almighty. Every traveler to the Truth can feel this favor in the conscience according to capacity and station.

Surah Al-Ikhlas is 112th chapter of the Qur’an, and is said to be one of the earliest revelations that the Holy Prophet Muhammad received from archangel Gabriel.

The Arabic root of the word ikhlas is kh-l-s which means to be purified or refined. The very concept of refining and purifying signifies the burning away of all impurities, leaving nothing but the very essence of that which was sought, which, in this case, is Allah.

Such a purification is the burning away of all of the worldly misunderstandings, concerns and desires that separate us from the One; the One and Only upon whom we depend, the One and Only who is our foundation rock, the Eternal One and Only.

People have issues with learning Sunni Aqidah-belief, simply have to read Surah Ikhlas.
So what is our Aqidah-belief and what is the brenchmark, as to what we can say or what we shouldn't say or believe about Allah is all in Surah Ikhlas; meaning that 'He is Allah, the Eternal, Who was never born, nor ever gave birth. The One beyond compare', and the last part is what we need to remember, 'The One beyond compare', meaning whatever you try to compare him to, that isn't him simply. And this stops all silly arguments about were is Allah, can Allah lie or not and other silly questions and confusions, Surah lkhas stops all confusions about Allah, with 'The One beyond compare'. So the brenchmark is Allah is 'beyond compare' and that is who Allah is, '..the Eternal, Who was never born, nor ever gave birth.'

Surah Ikhlas mentions two names of Allah which together indicate all the Attributes of perfection. They are not mentioned in any other verse: “al-Ahad” and “al-Samad.” These two names indicate the oneness of the Sacred Being who possesses all the attributes of perfection.

Al-Ahad indicates the singularity of existence that cannot be shared by another entity.

Al-Samad implies all attributes of perfection. It means: “the One whose dignity and sovereignty reaches the extent where all other things in existence depend on for all their needs.” In other words, all needs are brought before Him. This attribute cannot be for other than the One who truly possesses complete perfection in al qualities. This cannot apply to anyone other than Allah. He is al-Ahad and al-Samad. And He 'Who was never born, nor ever gave birth.'The One beyond compare'.

This explanation makes clear that these two names possess a comprehensiveness in their indication of Allah and His attributes that are not found in any other names. And these names are not mentioned in any other chapter of the Qur’an. This shows the special value of this chapter, and why it is regarded as a third of the Qur’an.

by Muhammad Sajad Aliislam2jannat@yahoo.co.uk

0753-5654-125 UK

Some Notes:The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever recites Qul huwa Allaahu ahad ten times, Allaah will build for him a house in Paradise.” (Sahih al-Jami’ al-Saghir, 6472).

The Holy Prophet (s) once advised a poor person to always say ‘salaam’ when entering his house, even if there was nobody there, and then Recitie Surah Ikhlas. After a little while, the man became abundantly wealthy.

"whoever reads Surah Ikhlas when he enters his house, poverty will be eradicated from the family of that household and neighbours."

It is makruh to recite this surah in one breath. This surah has numerous other benefits and is a cure for many ailments. It should be recited when travelling or when facing a tyrant ruler.

Reciting Surah Ikhlas 10 times at the end of every Fard-compulsory prayer will enter paradise from any of its Gates. "whoever accomplishes three things with a sound iman will enter paradise from any of its Gates, and will be married to the pure wives of his choice. He who forgives a murderer of kin; he who settles debts on another person secretly; and he who recites 10 times after every Fard-compulsory prayer Surah Ikhlas." Abu Bakr said: "or even doing any of these, O Messenger of Allah?" the Holy Prophet (s) then said: "or one of them."

Some Surah Ikhlas patterns and Designs

Salat al-Tasbih

http://www.shafiifiqh.com/salat-al-tasbih/

It is recommended to pray Salat al-Tasbih once a day; however, if one is unable then one should perform it once every Friday, once a month, once a year, or at least once in a lifetime. Qadi Husayn, Imam al-Baghawi, Imam al-Mutawalli, and Imam al-Ruyani were some of the earlier imams that affirmed its recommended nature (al-Majmu 3:546). The later Shafi’is held to this view despite the fact that Imam al-Nawawi in al-Majmu’ and al-Tahqiqhad some reservations about the prayer (Nihayat al-Muhtaj 2:124).

Salat al-Tasbih consists of four rak’ats, and one can either pray all four with one closing salam or separate the four rak’ats with two closing salams. Imam Al-Ghazali mentions in al-Ihya that it is better to perform the prayer with one closing salam if offering the prayer during the day, but if one is offering the prayer at night it is better to perform it with two closing salams (ibid 2:123).

In his work al-Kalim al-Tayyib wa al-’Amal al-Salih, Imam al-Suyuti describes the method of how Salat al-Tasbih is performed:

Salat al-Tasbih consists of four rak’ats wherein surahs: al-Takathur, al-‘Asr, al-Kafirun, and al-Ikhlas are recited. After reciting a surah, one recites سبحان الله والحمدلله ولا اله الا الله والله أكبر  (Subhan Allah wal Hamdulillah wa La ilaha illa Allahu wallahu Akbar) fifteen times whilst standing, and ten times in ruku’ (bowing), ‘itidal (standing after bowing), the two prostrations, sitting between two prostrations, the brief repose after completing the prostrations (jalsat al-istirahah), and sitting for the tashahhud. One may also add ولا حول ولا قوة الا بالله (wa La Hawla wa La Quwwata illa Billah) to the above supplication.(qtd. in Shabramillisi 2:123)

In other words, one opens the prayer by intending Salat al-Tasbih, and after one recites Fatiha and a surah–Takathur in the 1st rak’at, ‘Asr in the 2nd, Kafirun in the 3rd, and Ikhlas in the 4th–one recites the above tasbih silently 15 times. Thereafter, one recites the same tasbih but only ten times in ruku’, standing after ruku’ (‘itidal), the two prostrations, sitting between the two prostrations, in the brief repose after prostrating, and in the tashahhud.

It is valid in our school to separate the four rak’ats and pray one set at night and the remaining set the following day. In such instance, the prayer will be counted as Salat al-Tasbih, even if there is a long separation between the two sets of rak’ats (Bughyat al-Mustarshidin 62).

It also should be noted that Salat al-Tasbih is a wholly supererogatory prayer–a prayer without a specific reason or allocated time–thus it severely disliked to offer the prayer in the forbidden times.

http://spa.qibla.com/issue_view.asp?HD=1&ID=1253&CATE=4

It is recorded in Sunan Abi Dawud and other books of hadith that Rasulullah (sallallahu `alayhi wasallam once said to his uncle Hadrat `Abbas (r.a.) : O Abbas!O my uncle! Shall I not give you a gift? Shall I not show you something by means of which Allah Ta`ala will forgive your sins, the first and the last of them, the past and recent, the unintentional and the intentional, the small and huge, the secret and open?

Rasulullah (sallallahu `alayhi wasallam) then taught him the Salah al-Tasbih. Furthermore he advised him that it be offered daily, if possible. If not then every Friday or once a month or once a  year or at least once in one's life time.

Salah al-Tasbih consists of 4 raka`at. It can be performed any time of the day or night except at the makruh times.

The following tasbih is recited seventy-five times in each rak`ah totalling 300 in the 4 raka`at. 

Subhaanallaahi walhamdu lillaahi walaa ilaaha illallaahu wallaahu akbar

The method of this salah is as follows:

• After beginning the salah by saying Allah-u-Akbar recite the thana ', Sura al-Fatiha and a Sura followed by the above tasbih 15 times.

• Then go into Ruku and after reciting the usual tasbih for ruku` recite the above tasbih 10 times.

• After standing up from ruku` recite the usual Rabbana Lakal Hamd and thereafter recite the tasbih 10 times.

• Then go into Sajda and after reciting the usual tasbih for sajda recite the above tasbih 10 times.

• Then sit up from sajda and recite the tasbih 10 times between the two sajdas.

• Thereafter go into sajda again and after reciting the usual tasbih for sajda recite the above tasbih 10 times.

• Then sit after the 2nd sajda (i.e. before standing up for the second rak`ah) and recite the tasbih 10 times.

This adds up to 75 times in one rak`ah. Do the same for the remaining 4 raka`at.

Why Muslims should visit Al-Aqsa

Why should Muslims visit Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa?

http://www.rissc.jo/docs/17-VisitingAqsa/120917-V isitingAqsa-EN-B.pdf

لماذا يجب أن نزور المسجد الأقصى المبارك؟
http://www.rissc.jo/docs/17-VisitingAqsa/120917-V isitingAqsa-AR-B.pdf