How to Spend Ramadan Days, Ways to Maximise Everyday in Ramadan 2

21. Coming early to Jummah brings a great reward.

Abu Hurraira (RA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (Pbuh) said: “Whoever does Ghusl on Friday like Ghusl for janaabah, then goes to the prayer (in the first hour, i.e., early), it is as if he sacrificed a camel. Whoever goes in the second hour, it is as if he sacrificed a cow; whoever goes in the third hour, it is as if he sacrificed a horned ram; whoever goes in the fourth hour, it is as if he sacrificed a hen; and whoever goes in the fifth hour it is as if he offered an egg. When the imam comes out, the angels come to listen to the khutbah.” (Bukhari, 814 and Muslim, 850)

22. If a person walks to Jummah prayer, for every step he will have the reward of fasting and praying qiyaam for one year.

It was narrated from Aws ibn Aws al-Thaqafi that the Messenger of Allah (Pbuh) said: Whoever does Ghusl on Friday and causes (his wife) to do Ghusl, and sets out early, and comes close to the imam and listens and keeps quiet, for every step he takes he will have the reward of fasting and praying qiyaam for one year.” (al-Tirmidhi, 496)

Ibn al-Qayyim (RA) said in Zaad al-Maa’aad, 1/285:

Finally after quoting the hadith which speak of the virtues of Jummah prayer:
What we have quoted, when taken all together, indicates that the expiation of sins from one
Friday to the next is subject to all the conditions mentioned above being met, namely doing
Ghusl, cleaning oneself, putting on perfume, wearing one's best clothes, walking in a calm
and dignified manner, not stepping over people, not pushing between two people, not
offending others, praying nafil prayers, listening attentively and avoiding idle speech.


19. The Virtues of the Qur’an:


Ramadan is the month of the Qur’an so it should be recited as much as is possible. One should recite as much as is in ones capacity but one should set targets for oneself of how much one will recite for example one chapter a day etc One should at least aim to complete the whole Qur’an during the duration of Ramadan.

1. Virtues of reciting the Qur’an:

"Verily he who has nothing of the Qur'an in his heart, is like a house (which has been)
destroyed." (At-Tirmidhi)

"Read the Qur'an for verily it will come forth on the Day of Resurrection as an intercessor for its readers." (Muslim)

Tameem ad-Daaree (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah (Pbuh) said: “Whoever recites (in prayer) with a hundred verses in a night, it will be written for him as devout obedience to Allah for the night.”

2. Reward for reciting each letter of Holy Qur’an:

It was narrated that ‘Abd-Allah Ibn Mas’ood said: The Messenger of Allah (Pbuh)
said: “Whoever reads a letter of the Book of Allah will be credited with a good deed, and a
good deed gets a tenfold reward. I do not say that Alif-Laam-Meem is a letter, rather alif is a
letter, laam is a letter and meem is a letter.” (Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 2910)


3. Surah Fatiha The Mother of the Qur’an and a cure for every disease

Abu Suleiman (RA) says that once a group of Companions were in an expedition (ghazwa) when
they happened to come across an epileptic person, who was unconscious. One of the
Companions recited Surah Al-Fatiha and blew in his ear. The epileptic person immediately
cured. When Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) was informed of this, he said: “It (Surah Al-
Fathiha) is “The Mother of the Qur’an” (Umm al-Qur’an) and is a cure for every disease.”
[This narration has been recorded by Ath-Thua’lbi from Abu Sulaiman , who
narrated it from Mu’awiya bin Saleh , Tafseer Mazhari 1:31]

4. Surah Yaasin:

The Hadith mentioned by ‘Ataa bin Abi Rabaah (RA) states that the Prophet (Pbuh) said:

“Whosoever recites Surah Yaasin in the early part of the day his needs will be fulfilled.” (Mishkaat, Page 189)

Rasulallah (Pbuh) has said: "Everything has a heart; the heart of the Qur'an is Surah Yaasin. Whoever reads Surah Yaasin (once), Allah Ta’ala records for him a reward equal to that of
reading the whole Qur'an ten times." (Tirmidhi, Darami)

5 . Surah Mulk which protects one from the Torment of the Grave:

It was narrated that Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud said: Whoever reads “Tabarakalladhi
Biyadihil Mulk” [i.e. Surah al-Mulk] every night, Allah will protect him from the torment of
the grave. At the time of the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) we used to call it almani’ah(that which protects). In the Book of Allah it is a surah which, whoever recites it every night has done very well. (An-Nasai)


6. Surah Zilzilah worth half of the Qur’an

Abdullah Ibn ‘Abbas and Annas Ibn Malik reported that the Prophet said,‘Whoever recited Surah Zilzilah (99) would get the reward of reciting half the Qur’an.
Whoever recited Surah al Kaafirun (109) would get a reward as if reading a quarter of the
Qur’an. Whoever recited Surah al Ikhlaas (112) would get a reward as if reading one third
of the Qur’an’. (At-Tirmidhi 2818/A)

7. Surah Ikhlaas worth a third of the Qur’an

Abu Sa’id al-Khudri (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah (Pbuh) said to his Companions, “Are any of you unable to recite a third of the Qur’an in a night?” That was difficult for them and they said, “Which of us is able to do that, Messenger of Allah?” He said, “[The Surah] ‘Say: He is Allah, Absolute Oneness, Allah, the Everlasting Sustainer of all’ (112) constitutes a third of the Qur’an.’” (Sahih al-Bukhari 6:61 #534, Riyad as-Saalihin by Imam an-Nawawi Ch.183 #1010)

8. Surah Ikhlaas recited 200 times daily gets forgiveness of 50 years of sin

Annas (RA) reported the Prophet (Pbuh) as saying, “If anyone recites two hundred times daily, Qul huwallahu ahad the sins of fifty years will be wiped out, unless he is in debt.” (At- Tirmidhi and Daraami).

The latter version has ‘fifty times’ and he did not mention ‘unless he is in debt’

9. Surah al Falaq and An Naas protection from Jinn and evil eye

The Prophet (Pbuh) used to seek refuge from the jinn as well as from the evil eye until Surah al
Falaq and An Naas were revealed. When they were sent down, he utilised them and left
other things. (At-Tirmidhi #1984, Riyad as-Salihin by Imam an-Nawawi Ch.183 #1014)

10. The Qur’an will intercede for the one who recites it much with sincerity

"The Qur'an is an intercessor (which by Allah's permission) intercedes, and an opponent
(which is) truthful. He who appoints it as his leader, (then it) will lead him to Paradise. And he
who puts it behind him, (then it) will lead him to the Fire." (Ibn Hibban, Al-Baihaqi, At-
Tabarani, Sahih)

20. Using transport


1. When one boards any vehicle, he should read: “Bismillah”:- In the
name of Allah

2. When seated one should read: - “Alhamdulillah”:- All praise be to Allah

Thereafter one should read the following dua:

Subhaanalladhee sakharalana haadhaa wamaa kunnaa lahu muqrineen wa innaa ilaa rabinaalamun qaliboon

Purity belongs to Allah, who has subjected this conveyance for us and we were not capable
of controlling it and surely to our sustainer we are to return” (Mishkaat)

Then one should say the following three times:

Alhamdulillah: - All praise be to Allah الْحَمْدُ لِِّ
Allaahu Akbar: - Allah is the greatest الُّ أَكْبَرُ
Laa ilaaha ilallah: - There is no worthy of worship except Allah

Then follow this with dua of repentance:-

Subhaanaka innee dhalamtu nafsee fa’ghfirlee innahu laa yaghfirudhunuba illaa anth

Purity belongs to You. Surely I have wronged myself so forgive me. Indeed none forgives
sins besides You. (Mishkaat)

3. When one ascends or attempts to reach any height then one should say: “Allaahu
Akbar”:- Allah is the greatest. When descending from any height then one should say:
“Subhaanallah”:- Purity belongs to Allah. When one slips or experiences an accident they should say: “Laa ilaaha ilallaahu wallaahu akbar”:- There is no worthy of worship except Allah he is the greatest. (Hisnul Hasin)

4. Jabir (RA) , said: Whenever we went up a hill we would say Allaahu 'Akbar (Allah is the Most Great) and when we descended we would say Subhaanallah (Glory is to Allah). (Al- Bukhari)


21. Sunnats of greeting, handshake and embracing


1. When a Muslim meets another then they should greet with the Islamic greeting which is:

Asalaamu Alaikum Warahmatullaahi Wabarakaathuh

“Peace, mercy and blessings of Allah descend upon you”

That person who greets first without waiting for the other person to greet is closer to Allah.
(Bukhari)

2. One should greet every Muslim, i.e. those who one knows and those who one does not know. (Ibid)

Whilst shaking hands the following dua should be read:-

Yaghfirullaahu lanaa walakum. (Mishkaat)

3. Forgiveness for those who give salaam

Al-Bara' ibn Azib (RA) narrated that the Prophet (Pbuh) said: If two Muslims meet, shake hands, praise Allah, and ask Him for forgiveness, they will be forgiven. (Abu Dawood)

4. Both hands should be used in handshakes. It is not sufficient that ones fingers just touch the others but ones palms should be firmly grasped. However such pressure should not be applied that would cause pain or discomfort for the other.

5. Whenever the Sahaaba (RA) met, they shook hands with one another and on returning from a
journey they used to embrace one other. (Attargheeb)

6. Women should also greet each other by shaking hands. (Baihaqi)


7. Greeting during Eid:

Jabyr ibn Nufayr said: 'When the companions of Allah's Messenger met on the
day of eid, they would say to each other, 'Taqaballahu minna wa mink (May Allah accept
from us and you)." [Al Mahamiliyyat; hasan isnad; see Fath ul Bari 2:446]

8. Most miserly person is one who is miserly with greetings

Abu Hurraira (RA) said, "The most miserly of all people is one who is miserly with
greetings. The weakest of all people is a person who is weak in [making] du'a (supplication
prayer).” (Bukhari's Book of Manners #1046)

9. Giving Salaam is one of the best acts

Abdullah bin 'Umar (RA) said: A man asked the Prophet (Pbuh) , "What is the best act of Islam?" He said, "To feed others and to give greetings of Salaam (peace) to those whom youknow and to those whom you do not know.” (Al-Bukhari, Muslim 1/65)

Acting upon the Sunnah makes a person the beloved of Allah Ta’ala. That is why one should
act upon it punctually.

10. If one of the People of the Scripture (i.e. Christians and Jews) greets you saying As-
Salaamu 'alaykum, then say (to him): وعليكم

Wa 'alaykum

And upon you. (Al-Bukhari, Muslim 4/1705)


22. Sunnah’s regarding hospitality to guests during Ramadan and throughout the year


This section is split into three categories:


A) Sunnah’s regarding the unexpected guest:

1. One should avoid going to another's house at meal times. Rasulallah has mentioned
in hadith that it is forbidden to take part in a meal of another without being invited to do so.
However it is permissible and a sunnah to go to the house of ones true friend without an
invitation and to partake of meals there.

2. One may place before an unexpected visitor whatever one has available by way of food.
However one should not take a loan to obtain provisions for such visitor.
3. Rasulallah has said that it is a major sin to regard that which the host offers as little
and for the host to feel it low to offer it to one’s guest.

B) Sunnah’s regarding the invited guest:

1. The host should invite ONLY pious people and not sinners as they may spread wrong and
sin.

2. Special meals should be prepared for the first day. (Bukhari)

3. A guest may be entertained and shown hospitality for a period of three days. Beyond the
three days would be charity. (Bukhari)

4. A guest should not inconvenience the guest by overstaying. (Bukhari)

5. A guest who does not accept an invitation has disobeyed Allah and his Rasul unless
non acceptance is within the boundaries of Shari’at. (Abu Dawud)

C) Sunnah’s regarding both the unexpected and invited guests:

1. Even though ones host does not treat him with honour and respect, when he is a guest at
the host’s house then he must always treat the host with due respect and honour, should he
be a guest at his house. (Tirmidhi)

2. If a host were to ask his guest to make a choice then the easier of the options should be
chosen.

3. A guest must not request anything that will cause inconvenience to the host

4. A guest must not inconvenience his host by overstaying. (Bukhari)

5. The host must respect and honour his guest. (Bukhari)

6. A guest should be seen off at ones door. (Ibn Majah)

7. A dinner guests invocation for his host:

Allaahumma baarik lahum feemaa razaqtahum, waghfir lahum warhamhum.

O Allah, bless them in what You have provided for them, and forgive them and have mercy
on them. (Muslim 3/1615)


23. Sunnah’s of Gifts


1. Both to give and to receive gifts are Sunnah. Ramadan is also the month of generosity and Rasulallah (Pbuh) was even more generous than he already was in this blessed month.

2. The Prophet (Pbuh) said exchange gifts, as that will lead to increasing your love to one
another. (Bukhari)

3. A’ishah (RA) narrated that the Prophet (Pbuh) used to accept gifts and reward people for
giving them. (Bukhari)

Giving gifts is one way that we can become closer to our fellow Muslims, and strengthen the
bond between us. It is a great Sunnah that we can revive, inshallah.

4. If someone does give you a gift, how should you respond?

The Prophet (Pbuh) said: “Whoever has a favour done for him and says:

‘Jazaak Allaahu khayran’ has done his utmost to thank him.” (At-Tirmidhi)

Note: Care should be taken that gifts are not given on those ceremonies that are celebrated
by the kufaar like Christmas, Valentines, wedding anniversaries, birthdays etc. This is
tantamount to the emulation of the non Muslims which is prohibited by Rasulallah (Pbuh)

5. Gifts should be given in secrecy. However, the recipient of the gift has the option of
whether to mention it or not.

6. Therefore it is not permissible for the bride or bride groom’s party to display the gifts that
they intend giving to the other party during weddings.

7. If the gift is not cash then one should give such a gift that would be most useful and
beneficial for the recipient.

8. One should not mention any of ones personal needs before or even after giving a gift.

9. One should not give so much as it would become difficult for the recipient to accept.

10. One should not talk or boast of one’s gesture after giving a present.

Note: A gift does not have to be something extravagant, but a simple gift like a cup of coffee
for your friend, or a sandwich or something will soften the heart of the one who receives the
gift. It’s about quality, not quantity.

Also, we must remember that giving gifts and charity does not give us the authority to remind
people of what we gave them. This is one of the worst actions one can do, as Allah ta’ala
says: O you who have believed, do not invalidate your charities with reminders [of it] or
injury. [Suratul Baqarah, verse 264]

If someone did not acknowledge your gift or charity, do not take it upon yourself to remind
them and ruin your reward by doing so. Remember that your reward is with Allah ta’ala–they
cannot give you anything compared to what He Gives, and remember that He knows your
intentions. Wa Allahu ta’ala ‘alam.


24. Sunnah’s of Majlis (Gathering)


In Ramadan there are usually a lot of beneficial Islamic talks so one should make the best use of this and attend these gatherings for they are the places where angels also attend and one should seek to benefit from these places of the remembrance of Allah.

1. Almighty Allah should be remembered in every gathering and in every Majlis (Gathering)
and to recite durood shareef at least once. (Hisnul Hasin)

2. One should sit in any place in a gathering.

3. It is not permissible for a person to sit in a gathering between two people without their
permission. (Tirmidhi)

4. It is incorrect to remove someone from his seat and to sit in his place. (Bukhari)

5. To sit close together and not far apart. (Abu Dawud)

6. If any person comes into a gathering, then out of respect for him to move a bit to give him
some space in order for him to sit down. This shall make the newcomer feel welcomed and
accepted. It is therefore a sunnah even if there is place in the gathering. (Baihaqi)

7. If there are 3 people in a gathering, it is wrong for 2 of them to talk in a language not
understood by the other person. (Bukhari)

8. When Rasulallah (Pbuh) intended to leave any gathering in which he participated then he
would recite Asthaghfaar (asking for forgiveness) 10 to 15 times. (Ibn Sunni)

9. In one narration the Asthaghfaar was the following:

Asthaghfirullah halladhee laa ilaaha illahuwal hayyul qayyoomu wa athoobu ilayh

“I seek forgiveness of Allah, there is no deity worth of worship besides him, who is alive and
every lasting and I turn towards Him”.

10. A’isha (RA) said: "Allah's Messenger (Pbuh) did not sit in a gathering, and did not recite
the Qur'an, and did not perform any prayer without concluding by saying:

Subhaanallaahi wabihamdihee subhaanakallaahumma wa bi hamdika wa ash hadu allaah
ilaa ha illa antha asthagh firuka wa athoobu ilayk

“Glory be to Allah and Praise be to Him. Oh Allah I glorify you and praise you and testify that
there is none worthy of worship but You and I seek Your forgiveness and I turn to You”. It is
also said to be a means of forgiveness when recited before leaving a gathering. (Abu
Dawud, Ibn Majah, An-Nisaa’i)


25. Sunnah’s of visiting the Sick


Ramadan is best time than any to visit the elderly and sick and gain countless rewards and blessings as well as the dua of the sick and elderly. So make the best of this very rewarding act and visit the sick at every opportunity inshallah


1. There are great rewards in visiting the sick. Rasulallah(Pbuh) has said that whoever visits
the sick person in the morning then 70,000 angels shall be invoking mercy of Allah on the
visitor and whosoever visits a sick person in the evening the 70,000 angels will make dua for
the person for mercy until the morning and he shall also have a garden in Jannah. (Mishkaat)

According to al-Tirmidhi (2008), the Messenger of Allah(Pbuh) said: “Whoever visits a sick person or visits a brother in Islam, a caller cries out to him: ‘May you be happy, may your
walking be blessed, and may you occupy a dignified position in Paradise’.”

2. When visiting the sick one should first greet him and then enquire about his health.

3. One should not visit the sick for long (Overstay such visit) (Baihaqi)

4. One should always encourage the sick person and be careful not to speak of things which
may cause despair and loss of hope. (Tirmidhi)

5. One should recite the following dua when in the presence of the patient:

Laa ba' sa thahooran insha allaah:

“Do not be afraid if Allah wills this will be atonement for ones sins.” (Bukhari)


6. And to also make the following dua for the patient: (Repeat it 7 times):

Asalallaahal adheema rabbal arshil adheemi ayyashfeek

“I ask Allah the Great, who is the sustainer of the Great Throne to give you “Shifa”- Cure”. (At-Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud)

Benefit: Rasulallah(Pbuh) has said that whenever a Muslim visits a Muslim patient and reads
the above dua seven times then the patient will definitely recover from his illness except such illness which shall result in death. (Ahmad and Abu Dawood, 3106)

7. If it is possible then one should take a gift for the patient and if need be assist financially,
since Rasulallah (Pbuh) has said that the best person is he who benefits mankind.

8. Even when visiting the sick one’s intention should be ONLY to seek the pleasure of Allah
as is with ANY good that one does.

9. One should not force the sick person to eat or drink. (Mishkaat)

10. It is forbidden to make Taweez against Shari’at for example a taweez to create friction
between husband and wife. Similarly jadu (witchcraft) is also forbidden in Islam and against
the Sunnah. (Mishkaat)

11. To request the patient to make dua as the dua’s of the sick are readily accepted.
(Baihaqi)

12. A sick person’s dua is like that of the angels (Ibn Majah)

13. Whosoever reads the following dua upon seeing another afflicted with sickness or
difficulty shall himself be saved from it inshallah.

Alhamdulillaahilladhee aafaanee mimmab thlaa ka bihee wa faddwalanee alaa
katheerimmimman khalaqa thaf dweela

“All praise is due to Allah who has saved me from that with which He afflicted you and gave
me excellence over most of whom He created”. (Mishkaat)

14. The reward for visiting the sick: When a man goes to visit his sick Muslim brother, he
walks along a path of Paradise until he sits, and when he sits he is cloaked in mercy. If he
comes in the morning, seventy thousand angels pray for him until evening, and if he comes
in the evening, seventy thousand angels pray for him until morning. (At-Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah, Ahmad)

15. Invocations of the terminally ill:

Allaahum-maghfir lee warhamnee wa 'alhiqnee bir-rafeeqil-'a'laa.

O Allah, forgive me and have mercy upon me and join me with the highest companions (in
Paradise). (Al-Bukhari7/10, Muslim 4/1893)

As Rasulallah(Pbuh) was dying, he dipped his hands in water and wiped his face saying:

Laa 'ilaaha 'illallaahu 'inna lilmawti lasakaraatin.

There is none worthy of worship but Allah, surely death has agonies. (Al-Bukhari)

16. Invocation for when tragedy strikes:

'Innaa lillaahi wa 'innaa 'ilayhi raaji'oon, Allaahumma'-jurni fee museebatee wa 'akhliflee
khayran minhaa.

We are from Allah and unto Him we return. O Allah take me out of my plight and bring to me
after it something better. (Muslim 2/632)


26. Sunnah’s pertaining to eating at Sehri and Iftaar


The Prophet (Pbuh) said: "Whosoever fasts experiences two joys. He is joyful when he breaks his fast, and is joyful because of his fasting when he meets his Lord." [Sahih Muslim]

1. One should not miss Sehri:

Narrated Anas bin Malik (Radi-Allahu 'anhu):

The Prophet (Sallallahu 'Alaihi Wa Sallam) said, "Take Suhur as there is a
blessing in it." (Bukhari Vol. 3 : No. 146)

2. The Prophetic etiquette of breaking fast: three rutabs (moist dates), or else tamr (dry dates), or else water, mentioning Allah, using the right hand, stating the du`a that fasting was for Allah and breakfast with his rizq (provision), and asking Allah aid in fasting, night-prayer, lowering the eyes, and guarding the tongue in Ramadan. The invocation (du`a) upon breaking fast is answered.
"Break your fast with a date, or with water because it is pure." [Abu Dawud and Tirmidhi]

3. The following two dua’s should be recited after breaking the fast:

اَللّهُمَّ لَكَ صُمْتُ وَعَلى رِزْقِكَ أَفْطَرْتُ

Allahumma laka sumtu wa `alaa rizqika aftartu

O Allah! For You have I fasted and upon Your sustenance have I broken my fast. [Abu Dawud]

ذَهَبَ الظَّمَأُ وَابْتَلَّتِ الْعُرُوقُ وَثَبَتَ الأَجْرُ إِنْ شَاءَ اللهُ

Dhahab az zamaa’u wab tallatil urooqu wa thabat al-ajru Insha-Allah

The thirst has vanished, the veins have been wetted and the reward is established - InshaAllah. [Abu Dawud]


4. Hasten to break fast and do not delay:

The Messenger of Allah (Pbuh), praise and peace be upon him, said: "My nation will remain in goodness as long as they break the fast as soon as it is due." [Muslim]

5. Never overfill your stomach:

Ibn Umar (RA) Narrated Rasulallah (Pbuh) said: “A Believer eats in one intestine, whereas a non-believer eats in seven intestines,” (Muslim)

Therefore it is not for us to eat till we are completely satiated; rather we should eat such that
the hunger goes but there is still room for more.

Rasulallah (Pbuh) never ate to his fill. He only ate if he was hungry. He emphasised that one
third of the stomach should be for food and another for water and the other for the stomach itself.

Many of us over eat at Sehri and Iftaar times and this is contrary to the purpose of fasting which is to control one’s desires and not make up for not eating throughout the day by over eating .

6. To spread cloth on the floor to lay food on (Bukhari)

7. To wash hands and gargle before eating (Tirmidhi)

8. To make intention that, “I am eating to gain strength for Allah’s Ibadah (Worship)”. (Attargheeb)

9. To say Bismillah loud (Bukhari, Muslim- Shami, Vol.5)

Note: This is so as to remind others who are eating to say it as well.

10. To eat with the right hand (Bukhari, Muslim)

11. When taking food and when giving to someone then the right hand should be used. (Ibn
Majah)

12. The one who is most pious or senior from those eating should be made to commence eating first. (Muslim- Vol.2 pg. 171)

13. To eat together and not individually (Abu Dawud)

The more people eating together then the greater the blessings and reward. (Mishkaat)

14. If only one type of food is in the utensil, eat from the side in front of you. (Bukhari,
Muslim)

15. If two or more people are eating together from the same plate then each person should
eat that food which is closest to them, it is incorrect to eat that food which is in the middle or
in front of others. (Tirmidhi)

16. If a variety of dishes are served then it is permissible to partake in any of the dishes one
wishes to have and leave alone that which he does not want to partake in without passing
any remarks. (Tirmidhi)

17. If a morsel falls, pick it up, clean it and eat it. (Muslim)

18. Any fallen crumbs or pieces of food should be picked up and eaten and not left for
Shaythaan. (Ibn Majah)

19. Do not lean and eat as Rasulallah(Pbuh) never leaned on anything whilst eating. (Bukhari,
Abu Dawood)

20. Do not find fault with the food. (Bukhari, Muslim)

21. If a big chunk of meat is served then it is permissible to cut it with a knife (Bukhari,
Muslim)

22. Whilst eating if a visitor comes then he should be requested to partake in the meals (Muslim)

23. Small pieces of meat should not be cut with a knife but with the teeth as this aid with
digestion (Tirmidhi)

24. Steaming food which is too hot should not be eaten until I has cooled down (Ahmad)

25. Do not blow onto food (Tirmidhi)

26. To have vinegar and honey in the house is Sunnah (Tirmidhi)

27. Always be satisfied and content with whatever quantity or quality of food Allah has given
us as it is a bounty from Allah (Malik)

28. Remove the shoes while eating. (Mishkaat)

29. When eating, sit either with both knees raised and the posterior on the ground or by raising one knee and keeping the other on the ground. A third posture is to sit with both knees on the ground (as in the position of Qa’dah) and lean forward to eat. (Mirqaat commentary of Mishkaat)

30. If one can easily eat with three fingers then he should do so and not unnecessarily use
the fourth, so the extra fingers should be used only if needed (Attargheeb)

31. To recite the following dua before eating:

Bismilllaahi wa ‘alaa barakathillah

“In the name of Allah and with the blessings of Allah”. (Abu Dawud)

32. If one forgets to recite Bismillah before eating then once they remember then they should recite:

Bismillaahi awwalahu wa aakhirahu

In the name of Allah at the beginning and until the end of it (Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud)

33. Clean the plate and other eating utensils thoroughly after eating. The utensils will then
make dua for one’s forgiveness. (Ibn Majah)

34. When eating together one should stay and accompany the slower eaters but if this is not
possible then one can excuse themself when finished eating. (Ibn Majah)

35. If several people are eating dates and grapes or something similar then they should not
take in two’s except for the permission of their companions. (Bukhari)

36. To remove worms from dates, fruits etc before eating it. (Abu Dawud)

37. If a servant has cooked the food then he should be requested to eat with the group or at
least separately. (Ibn Majah)

38. To lick the fingers after eating. (Muslim)

39. The middle finger should be licked first followed by the index and finally the thumb, the
little finger and ring fingers should be licked. (Tabarani)

40. Recite the following dua after eating:

Alhamdulilahiladhi ath ‘amanaa wasaqaana waja’lanaa minal muslimeen.

All praise is due to Allah who has granted us food and drink and has made us Muslims.
(Tirmidhi, Abu Dawood, Ibn Majah)

41. First remove the cloth, and then get up. (Ibn Majah)

42. Recite this dua while picking up the cloth:

Alhamdulilahi hamdan kasiran touebam mubarakan feehi gaira makfieoun wala muwadeoun
wala musthagnian anho rabbana

All praise is due to Allah, such praise which is pure, full of blessings. O our Sustainer, we are
not clearing away this food due to regarding it as sufficient (that we do not require anything
more from you), nor in the manner of abandoning it, nor do we regard ourselves as not being
in need of it. (Bukhari)

43. Wash both hands. (Tirmidhi, Abu Dawood)

44. Gargle the mouth. (Bukhari)

45. The habit of gargling water together with washing hands after meals is a source of great
blessings. (Ibn Majah)

46. Invocation for someone who gives you a drink or offers it to you:

Allaahumma 'at'im man 'at'amanee wasqi man saqaanee.

O Allah feed the one who has fed me and drink to the one who has given me drink. (Muslim
3/126)

47. When dining at someone’s house then the following dua should be made for them:

Allaahumma baarik lahum feemaa razaqthahum waghfirlahum war hamhum

Oh Allah bless them in what You have given them to eat and forgive them and be merciful to
them. (Muslim)

48. It is Sunnah to partake of some vinegar. That house in which vinegar is found will not be
regarded as empty of gravy. (Ibn Majah)

49. If a person uses only wheat (to make his bread), he should also add a little barley so as
to get the Sawaab (reward) of acting on a Sunnah.

50. To eat meat is Sunnah. It is reported in a Hadith that the most superior food of this world
and the hereafter is meat. (Jaamia Sageer - Vol.2, pg. 34)

51. To accept the invitation of one’s fellow Muslim is a Sunnah. (Abu Dawood)

However if (the major portion of) his income is from interest, bribery or any other haraam
source, then his invitation should not be accepted.

52. It is Sunnah to give food to the family of the deceased. (Ibn Majah)

53. On receiving (gifts) a fruit of the season for the first time Rasulallah (Pbuh) touched his eyes
then both lips and read:

Allahumma kamaa araythanaa awwalahu fa arinaa aakhiraa

Oh Allah just as you have shown us it’s first, show us its last.

Thereafter Rasulallah(Pbuh) used to give it to any children who were close by. (Zaadul Maad)

54. Never eat with left hand:

Hadhrat Jabir (RA) Narrated the Prophet(Pbuh) said: “Do not eat with your left hand for Shaytaan eats with his left hand,” (Muslim)

55. Never waste food:

Hadhrat Jabir (RA) Narrated the Prophet (Pbuh) commanded us never to waste food, because food that we waste is eaten by Shaytaan. He said: “The Shaytaan is present with everyone of you in everything he does; he is even present when he eats food, so if any on of you drops a mouthful, he should remove away anything filthy on it and eat it and not leave it for the devil; and when he finished, he should lick his fingers for he does not know in what portion of his food the blessing ties.” (Muslim)

56. Thank Allah abundantly for providing us with food:

We have an excellent opportunity to transform an everyday practice of eating and drinking into an act of worship and a source of blessing for us. Every mouthful of food we take will serve as a reminder of Allah’s great favour upon us and His Mercy and this in turn will cause us to earn favour with Allah, for the
Prophet (Pbuh)said:

Annas (RA) narrated that Rasulallah(Pbuh) said: “Indeed Allah is pleased with His servant who, when he eats a morsel, praises Him for it, or drinks a sip and then praises Him for it.” (Muslim)


27. Sunnah’s of drink


1. To recite Bismillah- “In the name of Allah”- before drinking and Alhamdulillah - All praise be to Allah”- after drinking (Bukhari, Tirmidhi)

2. Drink with the right hand as Shaythaan drinks with the left hand. (Muslim)

3. Sit and drink as it is forbidden to drink whilst standing (Muslim)

4. To stand and drink Zamzam water and water left over after making Wudhu (Tirmidhi)

Note: It is far better to sit whilst drinking but Zamzam should be drunk standing

5. Drink in three breathes (Sips) and after each sip take away utensil from mouth. (Muslim,
Tirmidhi)

6. Avoid drinking from the side of the utensil which is chipped (Abu Dawud)

7. Do not drink directly from the chipped, the spout of a jug or from any such utensil from
which the water gushes out very quickly (causing one to choke) or from such a utensil in
which there is a possibility that a snake or scorpion etc. may have crept in. (Bukhari,
Muslim)

8. The person who serves others should himself take last. (Tirmidhi)

9. After drinking from the utensil if the water is to be passed then let it be passed from the
right who will pass it to his right and the procedure will continue till the end (Bukhari,
Muslim)

Note: The same sequence can be applied when passing around Tea or anything else

10. The following dua to be recited after drinking Milk:

Allaahummah baarik lanaa feehi wazid lanaa minhu

Oh Allah grant us abundance in it (The Milk) and increase it for us. (Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud)

After drinking water the following should be recited:

Alhamdu lillaahiladhee saqaana ‘adhban foraathan birahmathihee walam yaj’alhoo milhan
ujaajan bidhunu binaa

All praise is due to Allah who gave us fresh, sweet water to drink through his mercy and did
not make it salty or bitter due to our sins. (Roohul Ma’ani, pg.149, 27th chapter)

11. To use water that has been kept overnight providing that it had been covered. (Bukhari)

12. Rasulallah(Pbuh) had a wooden cup which had on its exterior a metal and he used to drink
liquids from this. In another narration Rasulallah also had a glass cup. (Nashrut tib)

13. Not to drink from a big container for e.g. water jug, bottle etc but rather from a tumbler or
cup.

14. Rasulallah(Pbuh) has forbidden the use of gold and silver utensils (Bukhari)


28. Praying Zuhr Salah


1. A male should pray their Dhuhr Salah at the Masjid unless he has a valid excuse.

2. Once Wudhu is made in the Sunnah way then one should offer 2 Rak’ahs Nafil Salah with
complete humility, devotion and sincerity and inshallah the minor sins of the worshipper
should be forgiven (Tirmidhi)

Note: As mentioned earlier with regard to Fajr Salah then care should be taken to follow all
of the Sunnah of Wudhu, leaving the house and proceeding to the Masjid, Entering the
Masjid and sitting in it, straightening the rows whilst reading Salah with Jamaat.

3. Virtues of the Four Rak’ahs Sunnah of Zuhr:

The Prophet(Pbuh) is reported to have said: Whoever performs the four rakaats before and
after the Zuhr salaat with constancy, Allah Ta'ala makes the fire of Hell haraam (forbidden)
for him. [Mishkaat, p. 104; Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud, Nasai, Ibn Majah]

The Prophet(Pbuh) is reported to have said: after the worshipper prays the four rakaats of
Zuhr salaat, the doors of heaven are opened, i.e. the salaat becomes accepted by Allah, and
the cause of its acceptance comes down on the worshipper as rays of mercy. [Mishkaat, p.
104]

5. Those who are more learned in the laws relating to Salah should stand behind the Imaam.
(Tirmidhi)

6. It has been narrated that Rasulallah (Pbuh) read Salah on a carpet, chatai (Thin may made of
straws and or the sand of the earth. (Tirmidhi)

7. Salah read on the sand or earth is better than read on a straw mat. Salah read on straw
mat is better than read on a Mussallah (Material) or carpet. (Sharhi- Niqayah)


29. Taking a Short nap (Qayloolah) after Dhurh Salaah


1. If one is not occupied then one can fulfil a very beneficial sunnah which is to take a short
nap before or after Zuhr which should not be more than 30 minutes.

2. This is the Sunnah: to take a nap before or after Zuhr time; a sunnah which our righteous Ulama take very seriously, as it is one of the tested means that assist in getting up for night vigil (tahajjud) prayer.

3. It is stated in al-Fatawa al-Hindiyya (also known as Alamgiriyya), “It is recommended
to take the noon nap (Qayloolah), because the Prophet said, “Take the noon nap, for the
Shaytaan does not nap.” (Tabarani (Awsat)) This was mentioned in al-Ghiyathiyya.”
[5.372]


30. Asr Salah


Virtues of the 4 Rak’ahs Sunnah of Asr

1. Messenger(Pbuh) said: "May Allah have Mercy on the one who offers four (rak'ahs) before 'Asr prayer." (Abu Dawud)

2. If a person performs four Rakaats before Asr Salaat, he will receive a house in Jannah.
(Majmauz-Zawaaid vol.2 pg.222).

3. Rasulallah(Pbuh) has made a special Du'aa for the mercy of Allah to be showered on such a
person. (Sunan Tirmidhi Hadith 430)

Note: Special care should be taken to straighten rows when praying with Jamaat.

4. After Asr Salah the following dua should be recited this will cause ones sins to be
forgiven even if they are equal to the oceans:

Athaghfirullah-allazee laa ilaha ilalla huwal hayyul qayuumu wa athubu ilaih

I seek forgiveness from Allah besides whom there is non worthy of worship, the living, the
sustainer and unto him do I repent. (Bukhari, Abu Dawood)

Note: As with Fajr salaat it is very rewarding to engage oneself in the remembrance of Allah
even if it’s for a little while.

5. Tasbih Fatima should be recited after Fard of Asr where one recites Subhaanallah 33 times, Alhamdulillah 33 times and Allaahu Akbar 34 times and then make dua.

6. One should make a habit of remaining in the Masjid after Asr Salah until Maghrib engaging oneself in Dhikrullah (Remembrance of Allah) and the recitation of the Qur’an. The result of remaining at the Masjid until Maghrib is reward of freeing four slaves from the progeny of Ismail (As). (Attargheeb)

Note: When the sun sets then children should NOT be allowed to play out and should be
brought in immediately as this is the time Shaythaan emerges and moves around. After sun
has set then it is ok to let your children out again if one so wishes.


31. Maghrib Salah


1. After the Adhaan for Maghrib and before Fard of Maghrib no Sunnah Salah should be read. One should however recite the following:

Allaahummah haadha iqbaalu laylaka Wa id baaru nahaarik wa aswaathu dhu ‘aathika
faghfirlee.

“Oh Allah this is the hour of the advent of Your night and the retreat of Your Day and the cry
of your petitioners. So grant me forgiveness.” (Mishkaat)

2. During sunset children should be brought it as Shaythaan is out at that time. After Maghrib
when darkness has set in then it is safe for them to go out inshallah.

3. Reading the 2 Sunnah’s of Maghrib is Sunnah (Tirmidhi)

4. After the Maghrib Prayer:Muslim Taimi narrates from Prophet Mohammad (Pbuh)to recite the following seven times before speaking to anyone:

Allaahumma Ajirnee minannaar

"O Allah, save me from the fire (Jahannam)."

If a person recites the above dua and dies the same night, he will be saved from Jahannam
and if he recites it seven times after Fajr Salaat before speaking to anyone and if he dies on
that same day, he will be saved from Jahannam. (Mishkaat from Abu Dawood)

4. Salaatul Awwabeen (Nafl prayers of Maghrib)

After the 3 Fard and 2 Sunnah of Maghrib, performance of the minimum of 6 to a maximum
of 20 rakaats is called Salaatul Awwabeen.

1. Awwabeen is the six Rakaats of Salaat after the Maghrib Salaat. It is established from the
Hadith: Rasulallah(Pbuh) mentioned, "Whoever performs 6 Rakaats after Maghrib Salaat will earn the reward of 12 years of Nafl Ibadah." (Tirmidhi)

Note:The Sunnah’s of what to recite after the completion of Salah should be read. These
Sunnat’s should be conveyed to as many people as possible so that they may benefit too inshallah



32. Isha Salaat


Note: It is far better to perform Isha in the first third portion of the night rather than the second or third portion.

1. It is Sunnah to read the 4 rakaat Sunnah before the Fard of Isha (Mishkaat)

2. To read 2 Rakaat Sunnah after the Fard of Isha (Mishkaat)

3. If a person performs four Rakaats (two Sunnats and two Nafl) after Isha in the Masjid, he will receive the reward of performing these Salaat on Laylatul Qadr. This has been mentioned by various Sahaaba (Radhiyallahu Anhum) – (refer to Nasbul-Raayah vol. 1 pg.112)

4. There are Glad tidings of Jannah on the person who performs Isha Salaat with Jamaat on time and on the first takbir (Takbir Oola) (Attargheeb)

5. The person who performs 4 rakaat of Nafl instead of 2 rakaat Nafl after performing 2 rakaat Sunnah will receive the reward is if they worshipped on the night of Laylatul Qadr
(Attargheeb)

6. One should try not to arrive too late and not too miss Takbir Oola which is the first takbir
(Attargheeb)


8. After the 2 rakaat Nafl after the Witr in the first rakaat recite Surah Zilzilah and in the second rakaat recite Surah Kaafirun. The recital of these two rakats will now stand in the place of tahajjud salaat. (Attargheeb)

9. It is disliked (Mukruh) to speak of worldly affairs after Isha unnecessarily. (Mishkaat)

10. There are glad tidings on a person who even though it is a dark and moonless light still goes out to perform Isha in the Masjid (Ibn Majah)

It is recommended to pray Witr late as possible but if one fears one will not be able to wake up around Tahajjud time to pray Witr then they should perform it after Isha prayer.

11. In the first Rakaat of Witr after Surah Fatiha recite:

Sabbihissmirabbikal a’alaa (Para 30, Surah No 87)


And in the second Rakaat:

Surah Kaafiroon

In the third Rakaat:

Surah Ikhlaas

Note: Sometimes these Sura’s should be changed so as to not let it be assumed that this is Fard to read it this way all the time.

12. After the three Witr To recite:

Subhaanal Malikil Qudoos

Glory is to the King, the Holy.

13. Three times audibly but not so audibly so as to disturb others and to stretch the last word
on the third one recites this. (Mishkaat)

Then to recite: Rabbil-malaa'ikati warroohi.

Lord of the angels and the Spirit. (An-Nasa'i 3/244)

14. Invocation for Qunut in the Witr prayer:

Allaahumma 'iyyaaka na'budu, wa laka nusallee wa nasjudu, wa 'ilayka nas'aa wa nahfidu,
narjoo rahmataka, wa nakhshaa 'athaabaka, 'inna 'athaabaka bilkaafireena mulhaq.
Allaahumma 'innaa nasta'eenuka, wa nastaghfiruka, wa nuthnee 'alaykal-khayr, wa laa
nakfuruka, wa nu'minu bika, wa nakhdha'u laka, wa nakhla'u man yakfuruka.

O Allah, You alone do we worship and to You we pray and bow down prostrate. To You we
hasten to worship and to serve. Our hope is for Your mercy and we fear Your punishment.
Surely, Your punishment of the disbelievers is at hand. O Allah, we seek Your help and Your
forgiveness, and we praise You beneficently. We do not deny You and we believe in You.
We surrender to You and renounce whoever disbelieves in You. (Al-Baihaqi)

15. To perform every Fard Salah with Jamaat with ‘Takbeere Oola’. (Attargheeb)

16. If one usually wakes up for Tahajjud then one should pray the Witr Salah after the Tahajjud Salah but if there is risk that one will not wake up then it is best to pray the Witr Salah before going to sleep as well as praying Tahajjud Salah.



33. The Virtues of the Taraweeh prayer:


The Prophet Muhammad(Pbuh) said:"Whoever offers optional prayers (like Taraweeh prayers) throughout the nights of Ramadan, believing in Allah and seeking His rewards, will have his previous sins forgiven." (Bukhari, Muslim)

Men should pray Taraweeh Salaah at the Masjid and should not miss it without a valid excuse for Taraweeh prayers are a very important and emphasised Sunnah Salaah in Ramadan and very great reward. Women can also attend Taraweeh at the Masjid if there is suitable segregation although it is not necessary and they can perform Taraweeh at home but they should not be stopped attending the Masjid.

For a woman, praying in the depths of her house has more reward than praying in the mosque. Some scholars mention that women attain the same reward praying at home as men get for praying in congregation. So yes definitely one can pray Taraweeh at home even when one is not a hafizah (Women who memorized the Qur’an.

According to the majority of the fuqaha, Taraweeh prayer is a confirmed Sunnah with 20 rak’ahs although respectfully there is also the opinion of praying 8 Rak’ah. Whether one prays 8 or 20 both opinions should be respected and these are trivial matters so do not waste time in debating them as we are mere lay people. Instead respect the difference of opinion and do not let it divide you or waste ones time discussing it.

All these acts of worship are just the means for us to draw closer to Allah Most High. The Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him & give him peace) said: “Anyone who stands in prayers during its nights with purity of belief and expectation of a reward, will have his previous sins forgiven." Also as other hadith’s tells us, the rewards for good deeds and acts of worship are multiplied manifold during Ramadan.

Taraweeh is prayed in sets of 2 rak’ahs. Any Qur’anic recitation one knows by heart or usually recites in obligatory and other supererogatory prayers can be recited in Taraweeh prayers as well though keeping a sequence in recitation is recommended.

The word Taraweeh means the act of taking rest. After every 4 rak’ahs, it is recommended (Musthahab) to rest and do Dhikr. Some scholars mention the duration of the rest to the extent of praying 4 rak’ahs while others say it can be shortened.

The time for Taraweeh is from after Isha prayer to just around suhur time.


34. Sunnah’s of Dua (Supplication)


1. To abstain from haraam (forbidden) food, clothing and earnings. (Muslim, Tirmidhi)

2. To make Dua with sincerity. In other words, one should firmly believe that nobody but
Allah Ta’ala will fulfil his objectives. (Hakim)

3. One should perform a good deed prior to making the Dua & he should mention this during the course of the Dua. For e.g. He should say, “O Allah! I had performed so & so deed solely for Your pleasure. O Allah! accept my Dua due to the barkah (blessings) of that deed.” (Muslim, Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud).

4. To make Dua whilst one is Paak & clean. (Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah, Nasai, Ibn
Hibbaan, Mustadrak).

5. To make Wudhu before the Dua (All six major hadith collections)

6. To face the Qiblah (All six major hadith collections)

7. To sit as in the Tashahhud position (Abu Awanah)

8. To praise Allah Ta’ala at the beginning as well as at the end of Dua (All six major hadith collections)

9. To convey Durood upon Rasulallah(Pbuh) at the beginning as well as the end. (Abu Dawud, Musnad-Ahmad)
10. To spread out both the hands. (Tirmidhi, Mustadrak)

11. To raise both the hands up to the shoulders (Abu Dawud, Musnad-Ahmad)

Note: The hands should be raised to the shoulders in front forming a bowl shape with a slight gap between the palms/hands

12. To sit with humility and respect. (Muslim, Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud)

13. To mention ones helplessness and dependence. (Tirmidhi)

14. To abstain from raising the eyes towards the sky whilst making Dua (Muslim)

15. To mention the Asmaal-Husnaa (the names of Allah Ta’ala) and the sublime qualities Of Allah Ta’ala. (Ibn Hibbaan and Mustadrak)

16. To abstain from ceremonies rhyming of the Dua phrases (Bukhari)

17. To abstain from saying the Dua in a "sing-song" tone if the Dua is in a poetic form (Hisnul Hasin)

18. To make the Dua in a soft voice (All six major hadith collections on the authority of Abu Musa)

19. To utter the Dua phrases transcribed from Rasulallah(Pbuh) because Rasulallah(Pbuh) didn’t leave out a single need of the Deen nor of the dunya whilst teaching us how to make Dua (Abu Dawud, Nasai)

20. To make a Dua that encompasses most of the needs of Deen and the dunya. (Abu
Dawud)

21. To make Dua in favour of oneself first, thereafter ones parents and to include the other
Muslims in the Dua as well (Muslim)

22. If the Imam is making Dua, he should not make Dua for himself only but he should
Include all the congregants in the Dua (Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi, and Ibn Majah)

23. Abu Dawud (RA) narrates that Rasulallah(Pbuh) Said: “the Imam, who makes Dua for himself only, has betrayed the people." In other words, the Imam should not make a Dua that is restricted to him alone. For e.g. He should not say: "O Allah! Cure my son." or "O Allah! Return my lost item." etc. but he should make a Dua that includes the entire congregation for e.g. He may say "O Allah! Forgive us and have mercy upon us."

24. To make Dua with firm conviction (for e.g. he should not say: "O Allah! If you wish fulfil so and so task of mine." (All six major hadith collections)

25. To make Dua with enthusiasm & yearning. (Ibn Hibban & Abu Awanah).

26. As far as possible endeavour to bring about a "presence of heart and mind" and cherish a high hope of the Dua being accepted. (Hakim)

27. To make Dua repeatedly. (Bukhari, Muslim)

28. This repetition should be at least thrice (Abu Dawud)

Note: One may repeat the Dua thrice in none sitting or he may repeat it on three different occasions. The "repetition of the Dua" can be interpreted in both ways.

30. To make Dua earnestly and insistently. (Nasai, Hakim, Abu Awanah)

31. To abstain from making Dua of severing family ties or other sins. (Muslim, Tirmidhi)

32. Avoid making Dua’s of pre-determined and fixed things (for e.g. woman should not make
a dua of being transformed into a man or a tall person shouldn't make Dua saying "O Allah!
Make me short." etc) (Nasai).

Note: The dua should be made for permissible things.

33. Don't Make Dua for impossible things. (Bukhari)

34. Don't make a Dua in which you ask Allah Ta’ala to confine His mercy to yourself Only
(Bukhari, Abu Dawud, Nasai, and Ibn Majah)

35. Ask only Allah Ta’ala alone for all your needs. Do not depend upon His creations.
(Tirmidhi/Ibn Hibbaan)

36. The one making the Dua as well as the person listening to it, both should say Ameen at
the end. (Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawud, Nasai)

37. Rub both hands over the face at the termination of the Dua (Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi, Ibn
Hibbaan, Majah, and Hakim)

38. Don't be impatient over the acceptance of Dua’s. In other words, don't say: "I've made Dua repeatedly but to no avail." (Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawud, Nasai, Ibn Majah)

39. Try to cry whilst making dua to Allah as he attends to his servants quicker when they are
crying with meekness and humility just as a mother tends to her baby quickly when it cries
out for its mother. If one cannot cry then one must at least try and simulate the act of crying.

Note:The dua should be concluded with Durood and Ameen.

40. When dua’s are answered Rasulallah has taught us to be thankful and appreciative
by saying:-

Alhamdulillaahilladhee be ‘izzathihee wa jalaa lihee tha thimmuswaaleehaath

“Praise be to Allah that good works have been accomplished by his Power and Glory.” (Hakim)

42. The way to do Sajdah of Tilaawat is as follows: If one hears or reads the Ayah of
Sajdah then he should stand with the intention of performing the Sajdah of Tilaawat and say
“Allaahu Akbar” and then should go straight into Sajdah and recite the Tasbih of
Sajdah at least three times. Then one should say “Allaahu Akbar” and then stand up. To
say Allaahu Akbar both times is Sunnah. Similarly, to stand before and after the Sajdah is
Musthahab (preferable). (Darr al Mukhtar)

43. Reciting Qur’an whilst in Qiyaam (Standing in prayer)

Abd-Allah Ibn ‘Amr Ibn al-‘Aas (RA) narrated that the Prophet(Pbuh) said: Whoever recites ten Aayah (verses) in qiyaam will not be recorded as one of the forgetful. Whoever recites a
hundred Aayah (verses) in qiyaam will be recorded as one of the devout, and whoever prays
a thousand Aayah (verses) in qiyaam will be recorded as one of the muqantareen (those who pile up good deeds).” (Reported by Abu Dawood and Ibn Hibbaan. It is a hasan report. Sahih al-Attargheeb, 635).


Prayers from the Qur’an to recite in each dua


44. Sami`nā Wa ‘Aţa`nā Ghufrānaka Rabbanā Wa ‘Ilayka Al-Maşīr

We hear, and we obey. (Grant us) Thy forgiveness, our Lord. Unto Thee is the journeying.
(The Holy Qur’an – Surat al Baqarah – Verse 285)

45. Rabbanā ‘Afrigh `Alaynā Şabrāan Wa Thabbit ‘Aqdāmanā Wa Anşurnā `Al. Al-Qawmi Al- Kāfirīna

Our Lord! Bestow on us endurance, make our foothold sure, and give us help against the
disbelieving folk (The Holy Qur’an – Surat al Baqarah – Verse 249)

46. Rabbanā ‘Ātinā Fī Ad-Dunyā Ĥasanatan Wa Fī Al-’Ākhirati Ĥasanatan Wa Qinā `Adhāba An- Nār

Our Lord! Grant us good in this world and good in the hereafter, and save us from the Chastisement of the fire (The Holy Qur’an – Surat al Baqarah – Verse 201)

47. Rabbanā Taqabbal Minnā ‘Innaka ‘Anta As-Samī`u Al-`Alīm

Our Lord! Accept (this worship) from us: You are the All-Hearing, the All-knowing (The Holy
Qur’an – Surat al Baqarah – Verse 127)

48. Rabbanaa zalamnaa anfusanaa wa illam taghfir lanaa wa tarhamnaa lanakoonanna minal khaasireen.

Our Lord! We have wronged our own souls: If thou forgive us not and bestow not upon us
Thy Mercy, we shall certainly be lost. (The Holy Qur’an – Surat Al Araf- Verse 23)

49. Rabbana Atmim Lana Nurana Waghfir Lana. Innaka ‘Ala Kulli Shay’in Qadir

Our Lord! Perfect for us our light and forgive us; surely You are Potent over everything. (The
Holy Qur’an – Surat At Tahrim- Verse 8)

50. Rabbish rahlee sadree Wa yassir lee amree Wahlul ‘uqdata mi lisaanee Yafqahoo qawlee

O my Lord! Expand me my breast Ease my task for me And remove the impediment from my
speech So they may understand what I say (The Holy Qur’an – Surat Ta Ha- Verse 25)

51. Rabanna hab lana min ’azwajina wadhurriyatina qurrata’a`yuniw-waj`alnalil-muttaqina imama.

Our Lord! Grant us in our wives and offspring the coolness of eyes and make us a leader of those who guard themselves against evil. (The Holy Qur’an – Surat al Furqan – Verse 74)

52. Rabbanā Lā Tu’uākhidhnā ‘In Nasīnā ‘Aw ‘Akhţa’nā Rabbanā Wa Lā Taĥmil `Alaynā ‘Işrāan Kamā Ĥamaltahu `Al. Al-Ladhīna Min Qablinā Rabbanā Wa Lā Tuĥammilnā Mā Lā Ţāqata Lanā Bihi Wa A`fu `Annā Wa Aghfir Lanā Wa Arĥamnā ‘Anta Mawlānā Fānşurnā `Al. Al- Qawmi Al-Kāfirīn

Our Lord! Condemn us not if we forget, or miss the mark! Our Lord! Lay not on us such a
burden as thou didst lay on those before us! Our Lord! Impose not on us that which we have
not the strength to bear! Pardon us, absolve us and have mercy on us, Thou, our Protector,
and give us victory over the disbelieving folk (The Holy Qur’an – Surat al Baqarah – Verse
286)


Dua’s for difficulties, hardships and grief


53. When Rasulallah(Pbuh) experienced any difficulties then he read the following dua:

Alhamdulillaahilladhee bini’imathihee thathimmuswaali haath

“All praise is due to Allah by whose grace good things reach their end”.

54. Also the following dua:

Allaahumma laa sahla 'illaa maal ja'altahu sahlan wa 'Anta taj'alul-hazna 'ithaa shi'ta sahlan.

O Allah, there is no ease other than what You make easy. If You please You ease sorrow.
(Ibn Hibban in his Sahih (no. 2427) and Ibn As- Sunni (no. 351)

Hasbunallaahu wa ni’imal wakeel

"Allah is sufficient for us and He is the Best Guardian". (Quran, Surah Al-Imraan)

Allaahu Allaahu rabbee laa ushriku bihee shay aa

"Allah is my Lord, I do not ascribe anything unto Him".(Hisnul Hasin from Abu Dawood)

Yaa hayyu yaa Qayyoomu birahmathika ashagheeth

"O Alive and everlasting One, I beseech You by Your mercy". (Mustadrak Hakim)

Laa ilaaha illa antha Subhaanaka innee kunthu minadhaalimeen

"O Allah, there is none worthy of worship besides You. You are Pure, definitely I have
oppressed my soul by sinning".

The Qur'an states that these words were recited when Yunus (A.S.) called upon Allah from
the belly of the fish. Prophet Mohammad(Pbuh) stated in a hadith that when any Muslim makes
this dua via these words to Allah, then Allah surely accepts his duas. (Tirmidhi etc)

55. It is stated in a hadith that:

La hawla walaa Quwatha illah billah

Is the medicine for 99 ailments, the least of which is depression. (Baihaqi in Dawatul
Kubra)

It means that these words are so beneficial and useful that big/great grievances, depression
and sorrow are easily removed in its stride.

56. Abdullah bin Abbas (RA) narrates that Prophet Mohammad(Pbuh) stated that if a person constantly makes "Astaghfar", then Allah removes every difficulty, frees him from every sorrow and makes a means for him to receive sustenance from places that he never thought of. (Mishkat from Ahmad)


57. When Rasulallah(Pbuh) was in a difficult situation: then he would say:

Alhamdulillaahi ‘alaa kulli haal

“Praise be to Allah in all circumstances”. (Hakim)


Dua for any anguish experienced


58. Laa 'ilaaha 'illaa 'Anta subhaanaka 'innee kuntu minadh-dhaalimeen .

There is none worthy of worship but You, glory is to You. Surely, I was among the
wrongdoers. (At-Tirmidhi 5/529)

59. When Rasulallah(Pbuh) had any worries he read the following:

Allaahu Allaahu rabbee laa ushriku bihee shay aa

“Verily Allah is my Rabb, I do not ascribe any partner unto him.”

60. At the time of grief: Rasulallah(Pbuh) took his beard in his hands and looked at it. (Shirazi)

61. When any hardship befell on Rasulallah(Pbuh) he used to lift his head to the sky and
say:

Subhaanallaahil Adheem

“Purity belongs to Allah”. (Tirmidhi)

62. If anger overcame Rasulallah(Pbuh) : whilst he was standing then he would sit down and
if anger overcame him whilst sitting then he used to lie down (In order that the anger
subsided). (Ibn Abiddunya)

63. Worldly loss: would never anger Rasulallah(Pbuh) but if there was anything said or done
against the Shari’at then it would anger him greatly.


64. When tragedy strikes then say:

'Innaa lillaahi wa 'innaa 'ilayhi raaji'oon, Allaahumma'-jurni fee museebatee wa 'akhliflee
khayran minhaa.

We are from Allah and unto Him we return. O Allah take me out of my plight and bring to me
after it something better. (Muslim 2/632)