Q & A’s – Hillside Islamic Center http://hillsideislamiccenter.org Fri, 02 Nov 2018 14:00:16 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.6.12 http://hillsideislamiccenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/cropped-HIC-Logo-shadow-512-WEB-32x32.png Q & A’s – Hillside Islamic Center http://hillsideislamiccenter.org 32 32 Tahajjud Q & A http://hillsideislamiccenter.org/tahajjud-q-a/ Thu, 20 Oct 2016 17:49:16 +0000 http://hillsideislamiccenter.org/?p=1715 Tahajjud (تهجد‎‎), also known as the “night prayer” is a voluntary prayer. It is not one of the five obligatory prayers required of all Muslims, although Muhammad (PBUH) performed the tahajjud prayer regularly himself and encouraging his companions too.

Here are some common Questions and Answers regarding this topic:

What is the difference between Qiyamul Lail and tahajjud Salat?

Qiyamul Lail is a general term used to describe nafl salat performed after ‘Isha, either before or after sleeping, while tahajjud salat is specifically performed after sleeping. [ ‘Umdatul Qari ]

Is it preferable to perform tahajjud salat in sets of two rakats, four rakats, or to perform it all together in eight rakats?

Hazrat Ibn ‘Umar (R) asked Rasul Allah ( ) about the night vigil. He ( ) replied, “two rakats by two rakats.” [ Nasai ]

Is it recommended to wake up other family members for tahajjud?

Hazrat ‘Umar Bin Khatab ( R ) relates that he ( ) would perform salat as long as the Lord willed, and would even wake up his noble wives and say, “Salat! Salat!” Then the Holy Prophet ( ) would recite the verse, Wa’ mur ahlaka bissalaati was tabir alayha. (Command your household towards salat and to remain steadfast on it.) [ Istiskaar, Ibn ‘Abdur Razzaaq ] Hazrat ‘Umar ( R ) would read tahajjud all night and would wake his wives up during the last part of the night. [ Qiyamul Lail ] Muhammad Bin Talha says that his father would wake his wives, daughters, and servants for tahajjud salat and would say, “Pray two rakats at least.” [ Qiyamul Lail ]

What is the reward for waking up other family members for tahajjud?

Hazrat Abu Hurairah and Hazrat Abu Sa’ed ( R ) narrate that he ( ) said, “When a man wakes his family in the night and they pray salat together, they are written among the zakireen and zakiraat. [ Nasai, Ibn Maja, and Targheeb ]

During which part of the night did Rasul Allah ( ) usually pray tahajjud?

Hazrat Aswad ( R ) asked ‘Aisha ( R ) about Holy Prophet’s ( ) praying habit during the night. Hazrat ‘Aisha ( R ) said, “He ( ) would sleep during the beginning of the night and would perform his salat in the last part of the night.” [ Musnad Tiyalsi ]

Is it permissible to repeat one verse while praying tahajjud?

Hazrat ‘Aisha ( R ) is reported to have said that sometimes the Holy Prophet ( ) would spend the entire night (in tahajjud) repeating one verse.” [ Tirmizi ]

What are the benefits for praying tahajjud?

Hazrat Salman ( R ) says that he ( ) said, “Tahajjud is incumbent upon you. It was the habit of the righteous before you. It is a means to get closer to the Lord, to please the Lord, to have the sins forgiven, to keep away from sins, and to protect the body from sickness. [ Kanzul ‘Ummaal ]
]]> Shawwal Q&A http://hillsideislamiccenter.org/shawwal-qa/ Wed, 12 Oct 2016 18:08:31 +0000 http://new.hillsideislamiccenter.org/?p=1606 The first day of Shawwāl is Eid al-Fitr. Some Muslims observe six days of fasting during Shawwāl beginning the day after Eid ul-Fitr since fasting is prohibited on this day. These six days of fasting together with the Ramadan fasts, are equivalent to fasting all year round.

Here are some common Questions and Answers regarding this topic:

How severe is it to miss a fast in the month of Ramadan without a valid reason?

It is related by Abu Hurayrah (RA) that the Messenger of Allah Ta’ala (SAW) said, “Whoever omits even a single fast of Ramadan without a legal excuse, such as travel or illness, amends cannot be made for the omission even if he observes fasting throughout the life.” (Musnad Ahmad, Tirmizi, Abu Dawood, Ibn Majah and Daarami)

During which days in Ramadan did the Holy Prophet (SAW) exert himself more in worshipping Allah Ta’ala?

Sayyidah Ayshah (RA) related to us that the Messenger of Allah Ta’ala (SAW) strove harder and took greater pains to observe prayer (Salah) etc., during the last ten days of Ramadan than during the other days.” (Muslim)

When should we look for Laylatul Qadr (Night of Power)?

It is related by Sayyidah Ayshah (RA) that the Messenger of Allah Ta’ala (SAW) said, “Seek the Night of Power in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan.”

What is the best dua that we can make in Laylatul Qadr?

Sayyidah Ayshah (RA) realted, “I asked the Messenger of Allah Ta’ala (SAW) if I came to know which was Laylatul Qadr, what should I make in it. The Prophet (SAW) replied, ‘Say: اللهم انك عفو كريم تحب العفو فاعف عنى Allahumma innaka ‘afuwun kareemun tuhubbul ‘afwa fa’fu ‘anni (O Allah! You are, indeed the Most Forgiving, the Most Merciful, You love to forgive; so forgive me).” (Musnad Ahmad, Tirmizi and Ibn Majah)

Since moon sighting has become such a controversial issue today, is it okay for me to fast a day before Ramadan just to be on the safe side?

It is related by Abu Hurayrah (RA) that the Messenger of Allah Ta’ala (SAW) said, “None of you should keep fast a day or two before the commencement of Ramadan except if he habitually fasts on that day, so then should he fast on that day. (For instance, a person usually fasts on every Monday or Thursday; so, if a Monday or Thursday occurs on the 29th or 30th of Sha’ban, he is permitted to keep a fast on that day).”(Bukhari and Muslim) Ammar bin Yasir (RA) related to us, “Whoever kept a fast on the day of doubt, he failed to obey Abul Qasim, the Messenger of Allah Ta’ala (SAW).” (Abu Dawood, Tirmizi, Nasai, Ibn Maja and Daarami)

How significant is it to eat Sahri?

It is related by Amr bin al-‘Aas (RA) that the Messenger of Allah Ta’ala (SAW) said, “That which distinguishes our fast from the fast of the other people of the Scripture is the eating of Sahri.” (Muslim)

What is the recommended amount of time that should be kept between Sahri and the azan for Fajr?

Sayyidina Anas (RA) relates to us, saying that Zayd bin Thabit (RA) told him, “We took Sahri with the Prophet (SAW) and then, he (quickly) stood up for the Fajr prayer.” Anas (RA) asked Zayd (RA), “How much time would have passed between the eating of Sahri and the Azan of Fajr. Zayd (RA) replied, “It was equal to what was needed for the recitation of fifty verses of the Qur’an.” (Bukhari and Muslim

If dates are not available, what is the preferred way to break ones fast?

Sayyidina Anas (RA) relates to us that the Prophet (SAW) used to break the fast with a few fresh dates before the Maghrib prayer, and if fresh dates were not available at that time, with dry dates, and if that too was unavailable, he drank a few sips of water. (Tirmizi and Abu Dawood)

Is it permissible to fast while traveling?

Sayyidah Ayshah (RA) narrated that Hamzah bin ‘Amr Al-Aslami (RA) who used to fast much and often, once asked the Prophet (SAW), “Should I keep the fasts on a journey?” The Prophet (SAW) replied, “You may keep it if you like and you may not if you do not.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

If the journey I am going to undertake during the month of Ramadan requires a great deal of physical labor, should I still fast? Will this yield greater reward?

It is related by Jabir (RA), “The Messenger of Allah Ta’ala (SAW) was on journey and he saw a crowd and a man for whom a shade had been provided to guard against the sun. ‘What is the matter?’ enquired the Prophet (SAW). ‘This man is fasting,’ replied the men. ‘His condition is giving anxiety, therefore, a shade is being provided and the crowd has collected.’ ‘To fast during a journey is not an act of virtue,’ remarked the Prophet (SAW).” (Bukhari and Muslim)

Should women make up their missed prayers in Ramadan just as they make up their missed fasts of the month?

Sayyidah Muazah Adaviya a taba’ee lady narrated that she enquired from Sayyidah Ayshah (RA), “How is it that a menstruating women will make up her fasts but she will not make up her prayers?” Ayshah (RA) replied: “When we had our menses in the time of the Prophet (SAW), we were ordered to make up the fasts and were not ordered to make up the prayers (due to menstruation).” (Muslim)

Is it okay to embrace ones wife while fasting?

Abu Hurayrah (RA) narrated that a man came to the Prophet (SAW) and enquired about lying down with his wife and embracing her in the state of fasting. The Prophet (SAW) told him that it was allowed. Then another came and asked the same question, but the Prophet (SAW) did not permit him. The man whom the Prophet (SAW) had allowed was advanced in years while the other who was forbidden was young.” (Abu Dawood)

Is it permissible to apply kohl while fasting?

It is related by Anas (RA) that a person came to the Prophet (SAW) and asked, “There is some trouble in my eye. May I apply Collyrium (kohl) on it while fasting?” “Yes, you may.” replied the Prophet (SAW). (Tirmizi)

Should we use miswak while fasting?

‘Aamir bin Rabee’ah said, “I have seen the Prophet (SAW) using miswak in the state of fasting on innumerable occasions.” (Tirmizi and Abu Dawood)
]]> Salat Q&A http://hillsideislamiccenter.org/salat-qa/ Wed, 12 Oct 2016 16:29:26 +0000 http://new.hillsideislamiccenter.org/?p=1603 Salat is one of the Five Pillars in the faith of Islam and an obligatory religious duty for every Muslim. It is a physical, mental, and spiritual act of worship that is observed five times every day at prescribed times.

Here are some common Questions and Answers regarding this topic:

Where should men place their hands while standing in salat?

Hazrat Abu Hurairah (R) is reported to have said that the hands should be placed below the navel, one hand over the other. [Abu Dawud] Hazrat Ali (R) is reported to have said that the sunnah is that while in salat, place one hand over the other below the navel. [Abu Dawud, Dar Qutni]

Should ameen be recited loudly or softly in salat?

Hazrat Wail bin Hajr said, “I performed salat behind Rasul Allah ( ). When he ( ) read gharil makhdubi alayhim waladualeen, he ( ) said ameen and said it softly. [Dar Qutni , Hakim] Hazrat Ibn Masood (R) has stated that in four things the Imam recites softly: Ta’awaz, Bismillah, Ameen, and Rabana Lakalhamd.” [As-siayah]

What harm is there in looking around while in salat?

Hazrat Jabir (R) narrates that Rasul Allah ( ) said, “When man stands in salat, Allah Ta’ala becomes attentive towards him. When his eyes begin to wander, Allah Ta’ala says, “O, Children of Adam! Towards what have you turned your attention? Who is there better than me?” When his eyes begin to wander again, then Allah Ta’ala replies in the same manner. When he does this the third time, then Allah Ta’ala completely turns away from him.

Does one have to stand up completely from ruku’ before going into sajdah?

A’isha (R) reported: “When he ( ) raised his head after bowing he did not prostrate himself till he had stood erect.” [Muslim] Hazrat Anas (R), while describing the salat of Rasul ( ), says, “He ( ) would perform salat and when he (S) would raise his head from ruku’ and stand, we would think he ( ) has forgotten (to go in sajdah).”

How much more reward is there for praying salat with a Jamath?

Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar (R) narrates that he heard the Prophet ( ) saying: “A salat with Jamath is twenty-seven times superior to salat performed individually.” [Bukhari, Muslim]

What is the benefit for praying the Fajr and Isha salat in the masjid for men?

Hazrat Sahl bin Sa’d (R) narrates the he heard the Prophet ( ) saying, “Give glad tidings to those who go to the musjid frequently during hours of darkness, for they will have perfect light on the Day of Judgment.” [Ibn Maja] Hazrat Abu Hurairah (R) narrates that he heard the Prophet ( ) saying, “Isha and Fajr Jamath are very difficult on the hypocrites. I wish I could ask the boys to collect a huge quantity of firewood for me and then I would go around and set fire to the dwellings of those who say their salat at their house without any excuse.” [Muslim]
]]> Salaam Q & A http://hillsideislamiccenter.org/salaam-q-a/ Mon, 10 Oct 2016 20:44:23 +0000 http://new.hillsideislamiccenter.org/?p=1434 As-salāmu ʿalaykum is a Muslim greeting in Arabic that means “Peace be upon you”. The greeting is the standard salutation among Muslims and is routinely used whenever and wherever Muslims gather and interact, whether socially or within worship and other contexts. The response to the greeting is Waʿalaykumu s-salām (“and upon you, Peace”)

Here are some common Questions and Answers regarding this topic:

My friends and I exchange greetings before we all get into the car. Should we exchange greetings after we are in the car again?

It is related by Abu Hurayrah (RA) that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: “When anyone of you meets a Muslim brother, he should offer salaam, and if after it, a tree, or a wall, or a rock comes between them, (and they cannot see each other for some time), and then he meets him, he should offer him salaam once more.” [Abu Dawood]

Usually we don’t send salutations to our family members because we see each other numerous times throughout the day or maybe because we take each other for granted. Is there a hadith to ecoursege us in this regard?

It is related by Sayyidina Anas (RA) that the Prophet (SAW) said: “Son, make salutation when you go to your family. It will be a source of blessing to you as well as to the members of the family.” [Tirmizi]

Should one say salaam before sitting in a gather or after being seated?

It is related by Abu Hurayrah (RA) that the Prophet (SAW) said: When anyone of you arrives at a gathering (or assembly), he should (first of all) greet those who are present and then sit down if he wishes. Afterwards, he should salute again on leaving. The first salutation is not superior to the second salutation i.e., the salutation of farewell is of the same value or grade as the salutation of arrival, and not inferior to is in any way.” [Tirmizi]

If I happen to pass by a group of brothers sitting, should I initiate the salutations or should they?

Abu Hurayrah (RA) related that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: “The younger person should salute the elder person; he who is passing on (the road) should salute those who are sitting; and (men of) smaller group should salute (men of) the larger group.” [Bukhari]

If I greet a group of brother, do all of them have to reply to my salaam?

Sayyidina Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) related to us that the Prophet (SAW) said: “If anyone belonging to a group that is passing by salutes, it will suffice for the entire group. If anyone belonging to the group that is sitting acknowledges, it will suffice for the entire group.” [Baihaqi]

If I come home in the night, and I’m not sure if anyone in my family is up, should I say still say salaam out loud?

Miqdad ibn al-Aswad (RA) relates in the course of a long narrative, then when the Messenger of Allah (SAW) came to Ahl-us-Suffa (people of the platform) in the night, he used to wish them in such a low voice that those who were asleep did not wake up and those who were awake heard the salutation. [Tirmizi]

Can you mention a hadith that mentions the reward for those who say salaam to each other?

It is related by Bara’ ibn ‘Aazib (RA) that the Prophet (SAW) said: “When two Muslims meet, and shake hands with each other, and glorify the Lord, and beg forgiveness for themselves, they will be forgiven.” [Abu Dawood]
]]> Ramadan Q & A http://hillsideislamiccenter.org/ramadan-q-a/ Mon, 10 Oct 2016 15:58:21 +0000 http://new.hillsideislamiccenter.org/?p=1429 Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting to commemorate the first revelation of the Quran to Muhammad (PBUH). This annual observance is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

Here are some common Questions and Answers regarding this topic:

How severe is it to miss a fast in the month of Ramadan without a valid reason?

It is related by Abu Hurayrah (RA) that the Messenger of Allah Ta’ala (SAW) said, “Whoever omits even a single fast of Ramadan without a legal excuse, such as travel or illness, amends cannot be made for the omission even if he observes fasting throughout the life.” (Musnad Ahmad, Tirmizi, Abu Dawood, Ibn Majah and Daarami)

During which days in Ramadan did the Holy Prophet (SAW) exert himself more in worshipping Allah Ta’ala?

Sayyidah Ayshah (RA) related to us that the Messenger of Allah Ta’ala (SAW) strove harder and took greater pains to observe prayer (Salah) etc., during the last ten days of Ramadan than during the other days.” (Muslim)

When should we look for Laylatul Qadr (Night of Power)?

It is related by Sayyidah Ayshah (RA) that the Messenger of Allah Ta’ala (SAW) said, “Seek the Night of Power in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan.”

What is the best dua that we can make in Laylatul Qadr?

Sayyidah Ayshah (RA) realted, “I asked the Messenger of Allah Ta’ala (SAW) if I came to know which was Laylatul Qadr, what should I make in it. The Prophet (SAW) replied, ‘Say: اللهم انك عفو كريم تحب العفو فاعف عنى Allahumma innaka ‘afuwun kareemun tuhubbul ‘afwa fa’fu ‘anni (O Allah! You are, indeed the Most Forgiving, the Most Merciful, You love to forgive; so forgive me).” (Musnad Ahmad, Tirmizi and Ibn Majah)

Since moon sighting has become such a controversial issue today, is it okay for me to fast a day before Ramadan just to be on the safe side?

It is related by Abu Hurayrah (RA) that the Messenger of Allah Ta’ala (SAW) said, “None of you should keep fast a day or two before the commencement of Ramadan except if he habitually fasts on that day, so then should he fast on that day. (For instance, a person usually fasts on every Monday or Thursday; so, if a Monday or Thursday occurs on the 29th or 30th of Sha’ban, he is permitted to keep a fast on that day).” (Bukhari and Muslim) Ammar bin Yasir (RA) related to us, “Whoever kept a fast on the day of doubt, he failed to obey Abul Qasim, the Messenger of Allah Ta’ala (SAW).” (Abu Dawood, Tirmizi, Nasai, Ibn Maja and Daarami)

How significant is it to eat Sahri?

It is related by Amr bin al-‘Aas (RA) that the Messenger of Allah Ta’ala (SAW) said, “That which distinguishes our fast from the fast of the other people of the Scripture is the eating of Sahri.” (Muslim)

What is the recommended amount of time that should be kept between Sahri and the azan for Fajr?

Sayyidina Anas (RA) relates to us, saying that Zayd bin Thabit (RA) told him, “We took Sahri with the Prophet (SAW) and then, he (quickly) stood up for the Fajr prayer.” Anas (RA) asked Zayd (RA), “How much time would have passed between the eating of Sahri and the Azan of Fajr. Zayd (RA) replied, “It was equal to what was needed for the recitation of fifty verses of the Qur’an.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

If dates are not available, what is the preferred way to break ones fast?

Sayyidina Anas (RA) relates to us that the Prophet (SAW) used to break the fast with a few fresh dates before the Maghrib prayer, and if fresh dates were not available at that time, with dry dates, and if that too was unavailable, he drank a few sips of water. (Tirmizi and Abu Dawood)

Is it permissible to fast while traveling?

Sayyidah Ayshah (RA) narrated that Hamzah bin ‘Amr Al-Aslami (RA) who used to fast much and often, once asked the Prophet (SAW), “Should I keep the fasts on a journey?” The Prophet (SAW) replied, “You may keep it if you like and you may not if you do not.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

If the journey I am going to undertake during the month of Ramadan requires a great deal of physical labor, should I still fast? Will this yield greater reward?

It is related by Jabir (RA), “The Messenger of Allah Ta’ala (SAW) was on journey and he saw a crowd and a man for whom a shade had been provided to guard against the sun. ‘What is the matter?’ enquired the Prophet (SAW). ‘This man is fasting,’ replied the men. ‘His condition is giving anxiety, therefore, a shade is being provided and the crowd has collected.’ ‘To fast during a journey is not an act of virtue,’ remarked the Prophet (SAW).” (Bukhari and Muslim)

Should women make up their missed prayers in Ramadan just as they make up their missed fasts of the month?

Sayyidah Muazah Adaviya a taba’ee lady narrated that she enquired from Sayyidah Ayshah (RA), “How is it that a menstruating women will make up her fasts but she will not make up her prayers?” Ayshah (RA) replied: “When we had our menses in the time of the Prophet (SAW), we were ordered to make up the fasts and were not ordered to make up the prayers (due to menstruation).” (Muslim)

Is it okay to embrace ones wife while fasting?

Abu Hurayrah (RA) narrated that a man came to the Prophet (SAW) and enquired about lying down with his wife and embracing her in the state of fasting. The Prophet (SAW) told him that it was allowed. Then another came and asked the same question, but the Prophet (SAW) did not permit him. The man whom the Prophet (SAW) had allowed was advanced in years while the other who was forbidden was young.” (Abu Dawood)

Is it permissible to apply kohl while fasting?

It is related by Anas (RA) that a person came to the Prophet (SAW) and asked, “There is some trouble in my eye. May I apply Collyrium (kohl) on it while fasting?” “Yes, you may.” replied the Prophet (SAW). (Tirmizi)

Should we use miswak while fasting?

‘Aamir bin Rabee’ah said, “I have seen the Prophet (SAW) using miswak in the state of fasting on innumerable occasions.” (Tirmizi and Abu Dawood)
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