MUSJIDUL HAQ

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Hadrat Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah – may Allah be pleased with him – narrates that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him – has stated that, “Look, if there is a river which is flowing at the doorway of someone and he bathes in this river five times a day, will there remain any dirt on him?” They answered, “No”. He then explained, “In like manner, this is the example of the five daily Salaah in that through the Divine Barakah of Allah Almighty, the sins of the person are cancelled.” (Jamia Tirmidi, Sahih Bukhari Shareef, Nisaa’i Shareef, Daarimi, etc)

 

Imam Baghwi – may Allah be pleased with him – mentions, “I once heard Ubaidulllah Al Qawaariri mention that, ‘My ‘Isha Salaah with congregation was never missed. However, one day, I received some visitors and I became busy taking care of them. I then left my house so that I could perform my Salaah with certain tribes in Basrah. When I saw the people, I realized that they had completed the Salaah. I then said to myself, ‘Sayyiduna Rasoolullah – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him – has stated that, “Reading Salaah in congregation is twenty five times more superior than reading Salaah alone.’ And he had also stated that, ‘Reading Salaah with congregation is twenty seven times greater in reward than reading Salaah alone.’ (Sahih Bukhari Shareef).

“I then returned home and I performed the ‘Isha Salaah twenty seven times that evening. In my dream, I noticed that I was on the company of people who were racing their horses. Each one was racing against the other. However, their horses were always before me. I then began to whip my horse so that it could go faster. However, the last person among them turned around and said to me, ‘Do not tire your horse, you will not be able to catch us.’ I asked the person why I would not be able to catch them, he replied, ‘We had performed our ‘Isha Salaah with congregation and you had not done so.’” (As Sayr)

 

It is mentioned that Nabi Sulayman – peace be upon him – was extremely fond of making Jihad in the Path of Allah Almight and because of this, he used to love horses. He had very powerful and speedy horses and one of the amazing attributes of these horses is that it had wings on their side. This meant that they could also fly. They also numbered about twenty thousand.

 

It is reported that once while he was busy inspecting these horses which were necessary for battle and Jihad in the path of Allah Almighty, he missed the Asr Salaah. Bear in mind that this was not done deliberately because we all know that the Prophets are sinless. However, he was extremely embarrassed and sad about what had happened. He realised that it was through his attention for his horses that he had missed his Salaah. He then made a promised to himself that from today, these horses would never become an obstacle in his Ibadah. He had their heads and feet cut with a sword.

 

In Surah Saad, verse 30 to 33, the Qur’an states:

 

وَ وَہَبْنَا لِدَاوٗدَ سُلَیۡمٰنَ ؕ نِعْمَ الْعَبْدُ ؕ اِنَّہٗۤ اَوَّابٌ ﴿ؕ۳۰﴾ اِذْ عُرِضَ عَلَیۡہِ بِالْعَشِیِّ الصّٰفِنٰتُ الْجِیَادُ ﴿ۙ۳۱﴾ فَقَالَ اِنِّیۡۤ اَحْبَبْتُ حُبَّ الْخَیۡرِ عَنۡ ذِکْرِ رَبِّیۡ ۚ حَتّٰی تَوَارَتْ بِالْحِجَابِ ﴿۳۲﴾۟ رُدُّوۡہَا عَلَیَّ ؕ فَطَفِقَ مَسْحًۢابِالسُّوۡقِ وَالْاَعْنَاقِ ﴿۳۳﴾

And We bestowed Sulaiman to Dawud; what an excellent bondsman! He is indeed most inclined. When eager, fast footed steeds were presented to him at evening. Therefore Sulaiman said, “I cherish the love of these horses *, out of remembrance of my Lord”; he then ordered them to be raced until they vanished in a curtain out of sight. (To be used in holy war.) He then ordered, “Bring them back to me”; and he began caressing their shins and necks.

 

When Allah Almighty saw that Nabi Sulayman – peace be upon him – was extremely regretful and sad at what had happened and he was also extremely fearful of the Divine Punishment of Allah Almighty, Allah Almighty blessed him with the power of being able to control the wind and air. The Jinns were also placed under his command. Wherever Nabi Sulayman – peace be upon him – wanted to go anywhere, these elements were ever ready to transport him. Such was his power after that, that he could complete a month’s journey in only one day. This was certainly mightier and speedier than the horses he once cherished.

In fact, when we look at the blessed words of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him – the meaning of this would become apparent and clear. He has stated that, “If you restrict yourself from anything out of the fear for Allah Almighty, then Allah Almighty would give you something better in return.” (Musnad Imam Ahmed; Bahiqi Shareef)

 

It is reported that when Nabi Moosa – peace be upon him – departed from this world, the Bani Israel were then led by Nabi Yusha bin Nun – peace be upon him. He took them from the valley of Tayh until they crossed the river of Jordan. He reached a place called Areeha. This city was surrounded by strong walls. There were also large mansions and houses within the city. The population was also very large. Nabi Yusha bin Nun – peace be upon him – besieged this city for nearly six months.

 

One day, Nabi Yusha bin Nun – peace be upon him – brought the people together and educated them on the power of Takbeer. When they shouted out the Takbeer, no wall could stand against them no matter how strong that wall was built. When they sounded the Takbeer, they entered this city and untold wealth came into their possession. It is said that nearly twelve thousand people were killed on that day.

 

Nabi Yusha bin Nun – peace be upon him – also established himself in power and brought twelve cities in Syria under one central command. Bear in mind that this siege started on Friday after the Asr Salaah. Obviously, as the sun began to set, it meant that Saturday was approaching and therefore, they were not allowed to perform any activity on this day. He then made Du’a to Allah Almighty to stop the movement of the sun so that they could complete their task. Allah Almighty then stopped the movement of the sun until the city was captured. He also commanded the moon to cease its movement as well. (Al Bidaayah wan Nihaayah)

 

Hadrat Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah – may Allah be pleased with him – narrates that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him – has stated that, “Until this time, the movement of the sun was never stopped for anyone except Yusha bin Nun – peace be upon him. This pertains to those times when he had gone to Baitul Muqaddas for Jihad.”

 

Hadrat Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah – may Allah be pleased with him – also admits that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him – once explained, “Once, there was a Prophet who had called people towards a certain war. He also made an announcement that those people who have all the items for marriage and wish to leave their wives, (in other words, if they have just married), that person should not travel with him and not join him. He who is preparing a building and until now the roof has not been placed should not leave with him. Whoever has camels or goats which are about to give birth, he should for these animals to give birth.

“This Prophet then prepared for battle and when he reached the city, the Asr Salaah was performed or the time for Asr was near. This Prophet then turned to the sun and said, ‘O sun! you are obedient (to Him) and I am also obedient. O Allah Almighty, please stop its movement above me’. The sun then stopped until this Prophet had achieved victory. He then collected all the booty so that a fire would appear and destroy of all of this, (as used to happen in previous times). However, the fire refused to burn these items.

 

“The Prophet then mentioned that there was someone who had been dishonest, (in other words, he had kept some items with him without bringing them forward). He then asked the entire tribe to swear allegiance to him. When they performed Bayat with him, the hand of one person stuck to the hand of this Prophet. The Prophet mentioned, ‘You have been dishonest and certain war booty is still in your possession.’

 

“He then asked all the tribe members of this tribe to swear allegiance to him. When this happened, the hands of two or three members stuck to the hand of the Prophet. The Prophet then declared, ‘There is still dishonesty and you people have been dishonest.’ They then handed the gold which they had hidden which was equal in size to the head of a cow. After this, the fire appeared from the heavens and consumed all of this war booty.

 

“If the fire had done so at the beginning, some of this captured wealth would have still remained. At the beginning, the war booty was permissible upon us, however after seeing our weakness and poverty, Allah Almighty has made this Halaal upon us.” (Sahih Bukhari Shareef; Sahih Muslim Shareef)

 

When they had defeated the forces which were in the Baitul Muqaddas, they lived for many years in that place under the command of Yusha bin Nun – peace be upon him. He used to rule and give decision according to the Taurah. He lived for one hundred and twenty seven years. In fact, the verse which describes the passing of Nabi Moosa – peace be upon him – also equates to twenty seven.

 

It is mentioned that when Hadrat Sayyiduna Aamir bin Abdullah bin Zubair – may Allah be pleased with him – used to hear the sound of the Adhan, it was like his soul was about to leave his body. In other words, like he was close to death. He mentioned to those around him to hold his hand. But they stated that he was very ill. He replied, “I am able to hear the sound of the Mu’azzin, why should I not reply?” The people then held his hand and led him towards the Masjid. He then joined the Imaam for the Maghrib Salaah and he only completed one rak’ah of the Salaah and passed away. (As Sayr)

 

Mohammed bin Mubaarak As Sowari – may Allah be pleased with him – mentions that, “When any Salaah of Sa’eed bin Abdul Aziz – may Allah be pleased with him – used to be missed, he used to weep constantly.” (As Sayr)

 

Hadrat Sayyiduna Ubay bin Ka’ab – may Allah be pleased with him – narrates, “That there once an Ansaari who lived so far from the Masjid that I do not think that there was anyone else who lived so far. However, he used to perform every Salaah in congregation. He was once told to purchase donkey so that he could come to the Masjid (more easily) when it was very hot or very cold. He replied, ‘I do not wish that my house be next to the Masjid. I wish that I walk towards the Masjid and when I return, this must also be recorded.’ Sayyiduna Rasoolullah – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him – also mentioned that without doubt, Allah Almighty had recorded all of this (reward) for this person.’” (Sahih Muslim Shareef)

 

Hadrat Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umme Maktum – may Allah be pleased with him – was a blind person who once approached Sayyiduna Rasoolullah – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him. Although his eyes were blind but his heart was alive and full of Imaan. This is that blessed person whom the Islamic world knows as Hadrat Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umme Maktum – may Allah be pleased with him. He is also considered a mighty pillar and symbol of Islamic sincerity. There is also a confusion about his actual name. The people in Madina Shareef recognize him as Abdulla bin Qais. The people of Iraq recognize him as Amar. Be that as it may, he is more famous through his title which is “Ibn Umme Maktum”. His mother is Umme Maktum Aatikah binte Abdullah – may Allah be pleased with her – and is considered as one of the senior members of the Muhaajireen. Hadrat Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umme Maktum – may Allah be pleased with him – was also one of the Mu’azzins of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him. During the Battle of Badr, he was nominated as the person in charge in Madina Shareef. He lost his vision when he was very young.

 

H Hadrat Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umme Maktum – may Allah be pleased with him – e was also an ardent supporter of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him – and loved him very much. He used to live with a Jewish family but the head of this family was hated Sayyiduna Rasoolullah – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him. With the result, he killed this person. This blood was cancelled by Sayyiduna Rasoolullah – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him. In other words, there was no blood money which had to be paid. He passed away in the Battle of Qaadisiyah. (Sayr ‘Alaamun Nublah)

 

Hadrat Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umme Maktum – may Allah be pleased with him – used to partake in battle even though te Allah Almighty had excused blind people from Jihad. But in spite of his state, he used to fight and also managed to kill a few disbelievers. As we have seen, he was also blessed with the position of being a Martyr himself.

 

One day Hadrat Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umme Maktum – may Allah be pleased with him – appeared in the blessed court of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him – and asked, “O Prophet of Allah, I am blind and road between my house and the Masjid is not level. There are also trees and shrubs in between which are obstacles. My house is also far from the Masjid. I also do not have anyone who can guide me by holding my hand and leading me to the Masjid, therefore, in this which I have explained, is there is any possibility that I can perform my Salaah at home (and save myself the inconvenience of coming to the Masjid).”

 

When Sayyiduna Rasoolullah – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him – heard this words and he saw the difficulty experienced by this person, he declared, “Yes, you may read your Salaah at home.”

 

However, as he was returning, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him – sent someone after him and told this person to call him back. Although Sayyiduna Rasoolullah – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him – had given him permission, but remembering the importance of Salaah with congregation, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him – asked him, “Are you able to hear the Adhan for Salaah?” Hadrat Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Umme Maktum – may Allah be pleased with him – replied that he could indeed hear the Adhan for Salaah. Sayyiduna Rasoolullah – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him – then informed him that (if that is the case), then he would have to come to the Masjid. (Sahih Muslim, ibn Maja, etc)

 

In another narration, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him – said to him, “There is no excuse for you to read your Salaah at home.” In other words, even if you are blind, even though the Masjid is far from your house, even though you have no one to guide you to the Masjid, but the moment you are able to hear the Adhan, it is necessary that you present yourself in the Masjid.

 

Once an Ansaari mentioned to his female slave, “Bring some water so that I can complete the Salaah and then have some rest and peace.” The female was very surprised when she heard this and remarked, ‘But, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him – used to say to Hadrat Sayyiduna Bilal – may Allah be pleased with him, ‘O Bilal! Awake and allow us to become peaceful through Salaah.’” (Abu Daud)

 

Sayyiduna Talha bin Ubaidullah – may Allah be pleased with him – narrates that there was a person who came from Najd. His hair was also dishevelled and we could hear the muttering of his voice but we could not make out what he was saying. He came nearer to Sayyiduna Rasoolullah – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him – and we came to know that he was asking about Islam. Sayyiduna Rasoolullah – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him – stated that, “There are five Salaah during the night and day (which are Fard).” He then asked whether there was any other Salaah on him and Sayyiduna Rasoolullah – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him – replied, “No, but if you wish to perform Nawaafil.” (Sahih Bukhari Shareef)

 

Hadrat Sayyiduna Aanis bin Maalik – may Allah be pleased with him – narrates that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him – has stated that, (explaining the journey of Me’raj) that “Allah Almighty then made fifty Salaah Fard upon my Ummah. When I returned and appeared in front of Moosa – peace be upon him – he asked me as to what Allah Almighty had made Fard upon my Ummah. I then mentioned to him that Allah Almighty had made fifty Salaah Fard on my Ummah. He then mentioned to me that I should return to my Lord because my Ummah did not have the strength to (perform fifty Salaah). I then returned to my Lord. He then pardoned half of it. I then returned to Moosa – peace be upon him – and mentioned this to him and again he replied that I should return to my Lord as my Ummah does not have the strength (to perform twenty five Salaah a day). I again returned to my Lord and my Lord declared to me, “There are five Salaah which are Fard and it is equal (in reward) to fifty Salaah and My Divine Word does not change.” (Sahih Bukhari Shareef)

 

Allama Abu Abdullah Mohammed Al Qurtabi in the Al Jaami’a li Ahkaam Al Qur’an reports from the authority of Amar bin Dinaar that a person in Madina Shareef once lost his sister. Accidentally, the purse of this person which was filled with Dinaars had been left inside the grave of his sister. He then opened the grave and he was shocked to see that the entire grave was full of flames. He then went home and asked his mother, “How were the actions of my sister?” His mother replied, “The first is that she never used to read the Salaah on time, she used to delay it and used to perform Qada. The second thing is that when the neighbours went to sleep in their dwellings, she used to place her ears near the walls (of these houses) to hear their secrets.” This person then revealed what he had seen inside her grave and then remarked that this was the result of these (type of actions). (Tafseer Qurtabi)

 

Sayyidah Ummum Mo’mineen, Sayyidah Ayesha – may Allah be pleased with her – narrates that, “When Sayyiduna Rasoolullah – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him – became very ill, he asked, ‘Have the people completed their Salaah?’ I replied, ‘No! O Prophet of Allah! They are waiting for you.’ He then said, ‘Keep some water in a container for me (so that I can make the Ghusal and Wudu).’ She continues, “We did as we told.” After he had completed the Ghusal and wanted to stand up, he fell unconscious. When he regained consciousness, he again asked, ‘Have the people completed the Salaah?’

 

I replied, “No. O Prophet of Allah! They are waiting for you.” He then said, “Keep some water in a container for me (so that I can make the Ghusal and Wudu). She replies that this is what she did. Sayyiduna Rasoolullah – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him – then made the Ghusal and wanted to stand up, when again he lost consciousness.

 

When he regained consciousness, he asked, “Have the people completed the Salaah?” I replied, “No! O Prophet of Allah, they are waiting for you and people are waiting in the Masjid waiting for you to perform the ‘Isha Salaah.” Sayyiduna Rasoolullah – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him – then sent a message to Hadrat Sayyiduna Abu Bakr – may Allah be pleased with him – to perform the Salaah.

 

The messenger then brought the message to him which was, “Sayyiduna Rasoolullah – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him – has commanded that you should lead the people in Salaah.” The great Muslim was a very soft-hearted person and he said, “O Umar! You lead the Salaah.” But Hadrat Sayyiduna ‘Umar – may Allah be pleased with him – replied, “You are more entitled to do so.” Hadrat Sayyiduna Abu Bakr – may Allah be pleased with him – then continued to lead the Salaah for the remainder of the days while Sayyiduna Rasoolullah – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him – was ill. (Sahih Bukhari Shareef)

 

Hadrat Sayyidah Umme Habeebah – may Allah be pleased with her – narrates that the Holy Prophet – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him – has stated that, “Whoever reads twelve rak’ah of Salaah during the day and night, a mansion in Jannah will be built for him. (These are the four rak’ah before the Zohr Fard, the two after the Fard of Zohr, the two rak’ah after Maghrib, the two rak’ah after Esha Fard and the two rak’ah before the Fard of Fajr).” She also continues, “From the moment I heard these words, I have never ever missed these Sunnah.” (Sahih Muslim Shareef)