The Transformative Power of Sunnah-Inspiring Speeches & The Sanctity of Ramadan

Blessings of Sunnah-Inspiring speeches

The following is a summary of the statement a Pakistani Islamic brother made under oath: From 1987 to 1990 I was affiliated with a political movement. Due to escalating corruption and political unrest in Pakistan, my family talked me into leaving the country, so I ended up travelling to Oman. On November 3, 1990 I joined a garment factory in Muscat.

In 1992 an Islamic brother of Dawat-e-Islami joined our factory as a labourer. As a result of his individual effort, I began to offer Salah اَلْحَمْدُ لِلّٰه. The environment in the factory wasn't good at all. In our department, there were about 8 or 9 cassette players, and songs used to be played all the time in several different languages including Urdu, Punjabi, Pashtu, Hindi, Bengali etc., with the volume always turned up. اَلْحَمْدُ لِلّٰه, due to the blessings of the company of this devotee of Rasool, I began to hate music, so we both decided to buy the cassettes of Sunnah-Inspiring speeches released by Maktaba-tul-Madinah and play them in the factory.

In the beginning we faced objections and criticism, but we didn't give up courage. اَلْحَمْدُ لِلّٰه, These Sunnah-Inspiring speeches had a strong positive effect on me. The speeches that inspired me the most included, 'The First Night in Grave', 'Reality of the World', 'Unfortunate Groom', 'The Talking Grave' and 'Three Graves'.

I developed a mindset of hating sins and pondering over my Hereafter. The speeches also inspired a few others who began to support us. The devotee of Rasool, who created this Madani transformation in my heart, left his job and returned to Pakistan. We managed to get 90 more cassettes of Sunnah-Inspiring speeches from Pakistan.

At first, there were only 50 or 60 men in the factory who would offer Salah but as a result of listening to these speeches this number increased up to 250 اَلْحَمْدُ لِلّٰه. We contributed and bought an expensive 400 watt speaker that was installed to the wall so that we could listen to the speeches easily. We made a schedule of listening to the recitation of Quran from 7:00 to 8:00 in the morning, Na'ts of our Beloved and Blessed Rasool صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم from 8:00 to 9:00 and then a Sunnah-Inspiring speech from 9:00 to 10:00.

Gradually, we collected 500 cassettes. Along with me, five other Islamic brothers also joined Dawat-e-Islami. اَلْحَمْدُ لِلّٰه we began Masjid Dars and gradually started a Sunnah-Inspiring weekly Ijtima' in our factory which would be attended by more or less 250 Islamic brothers. Then we started a Madrasa-tul-Madinah (for adults). Islamic brothers (of the factory) began to act upon Sunnah; several of them adopted the blessed Sunnah of growing a beard, a symbol of devotion to our Beloved and Blessed Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم and 20 to 25 Islamic brothers began to wear the blessed turban.

At first, our manager used to object to us for listening to the cassettes, but the sound of the speeches eventually changed his frame of mind. اَلْحَمْدُ لِلّٰه, impressed and inspired by listening to the Sunnah-Inspiring speeches, he also began to offer Salah and grew a fist-length beard.

The Islamic brother further said: I have returned to Pakistan where I am currently trying to spread Sunnah as a Nigran (responsible person) of the Mushawarat of a division in Karachi. As Sunnah-Inspiring cassettes released by Maktaba-tul-Madinah caused an enormous change in my life I wish every Islamic brother and sister listen to at least one Sunnah-Inspiring speech or Madani Muzakarah (i.e. question-answer session) daily, اِنْ شَآءَ اللّٰه this will bring about huge blessings in the world as well as the Hereafter.

Dear Islamic brothers! Did you see the blessings of the cassettes of Sunnah-Inspiring speech released by Maktaba-tul-Madinah! This brother was very fortunate; there are many other people who have been attending the weekly Ijtima' for years yet they do not seem to have changed their lives positively to a great extent. This might be because they do not listen to the speeches attentively. How will someone be able to gain the blessings of religious speeches by listening to them inattentively, looking around or talking during the speech? Listening to advice inattentively is a trait of the unbelievers and therefore Muslims must avoid it. Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ says in verses 2 and 3 of Surah Ambiya (part 17):

مَا يَأْتِيْهِمْ مِّنْ ذِكْرٍ مِّنْ رَّبِّهِمْ مُّحْدَثٍ اِلَّا اسْتَمَعُوْهُ وَهُمْ يَلْعَبُوْنَۙ ﴿٢﴾ لَاهِيَةً قُلُوْبُهُمْ ؕ

When any new advice comes to them from their Creator they do not listen to it but inattentively, their hearts are in heedlessness. [Kanz-ul-Iman (Translation of Quran)] (Part 17, Anbiya, verse 2)

So please make a habit of listening to Sunnah-Inspiring speeches. اِنْ شَآءَ اللّٰه عَزَّوَجَلَّ You will be surprised to see the blessings¹.

Whole year’s deeds ruined

Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah Ibn ‘Abbas رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمَا has narrated that the Prophet of mankind, the Peace of our heart and mind, the most Generous and Kind صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم has stated, ‘Verily, Heaven is adorned for the month of Ramadan from one year to the next. When Ramadan comes, Heaven says, ‘Ya Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ! In this month, give me the people from amongst Your servants who will live in me.’ The Heavenly maidens say, ‘Ya Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ in this month, give us our husbands from amongst Your servants.’ Then the Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said, ‘In this month, if anyone protects his Nafs avoiding intoxicant, refraining from laying a false blame on a Muslim and all type of sins, Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ will marry him to 100 heavenly maidens every night, and He عَزَّوَجَلَّ will make for him a palace of gold, silver, rubies and emeralds in Heaven. This palace will be so enormous that even if the whole world is placed into it, the world would take up only as much amount of space as a herd of sheep takes up in the world. If anyone drinks an intoxicant or falsely accuses a Muslim or commits a sin, Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ will ruin his one year’s (good) deeds.

Therefore, refrain from heedlessness in Ramadan because it is the month of Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ. Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ has given you eleven months to take advantage of His bounties and enjoy them, and He عَزَّوَجَلَّ has specified one month for Himself, so fear (Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ) concerning Ramadan.’ (Mu’jam Awsat, pp. 414, vol. 2, Hadees 3688)

Dear Islamic brothers! We have learnt that as there are glad tidings of reward and mercy for those who honour Ramadan, there are warnings as well for those who disrespect it by indulging in sins.

The foregoing Hadees specifically mentions drinking intoxicant and laying a false blame on a Muslim. Remember! Alcohol is the mother of all evils, drinking it is Haraam and will lead to Hell. Sayyiduna Jabir رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ has narrated that the Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم has stated, ‘It is Haraam to consume even a small amount of the thing that intoxicates in large amount.’ (Sunan Abi Dawood, pp. 459, vol. 3, Hadees 3681)

Blood and pus of Hell-dwellers

Laying a false blame on a Muslim is also Haraam and leads to Hell. A Hadees states, ‘If anyone lays a false blame on a Muslim, Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ will keep him in Radgha-tul-Khabal until he is relieved of (the harm of) what he said.’ (Sunan Abi Dawood, pp. 427, vol. 3, Hadees 3597)

Radgha-tul-Khabal is the part of Hell where the blood and pus of Hell-dwellers accumulate. (Mirat-ul-Manajih, pp. 313, vol. 5) Commenting on the part of the Hadees ‘Until he is relieved of (the harm of) what he said’ Shah ‘Abdul Haq Muhaddis Dehilvi رَحْمَةُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْه has stated, ‘It implies that he will be cleansed of this sin either by repenting of it or by suffering its punishment.’ (Ashi’at-ul-Lam’at, pp. 290, vol. 3)

The Wake-Up Call of the Grave: Shaking Off Ramadan Heedlessness

Conversation with the deceased

Dear Islamic brothers! Ameer-ul-Mu`mineen Sayyiduna ‘Ali رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ was blessed with a high spiritual status. By the grace of Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ he رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ was able to talk with the dead.

Here is another parable: ‘Allamah Jalaluddin Suyuti Shafi’i رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْه has narrated that Sayyiduna Sa’id Bin Musayyab رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ has said, ‘We passed by a cemetery in the company of Amir-ul-Muminin, Sayyiduna ‘Ali كَرَّمَ اللّٰهُ وَجْهَهُ الْكَرِيم. He رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ said, ‘اَلسَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ يَا اَهْلَ الْقُبُوْرِ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهٗ. Will you tell us about your state or shall we tell us about ours?’ The narrator said, ‘We heard a voice from inside one of the graves, ‘وَعَلَيْكُمُ السَّلَامُ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهٗ O Ameer-ul-Mu’mineen رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ! Please, tell us what happened in the world after we left.’ He رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ replied, ‘Your wives have remarried, your wealth has been distributed, your children have become orphans and your enemies are now living in the strong houses you built. Now tell us about your state.’

A voice from within one of the graves said, ‘Our shrouds are torn, our hair is messy, our flesh has torn to pieces, our eyes have fallen out onto our cheeks, our nostrils are full of pus, we reaped what we sowed, we suffered loss in what we left behind, and now we are with our deeds. (In other words, the one with righteous deeds will find peace in Heaven, and the evil doer will suffer the consequences of his deeds).’ (Sharh-us-Sudoor, pp. 209)

Amusement in nights of Ramadan

Dear Islamic brothers! These two parables should serve as an eye-opener for us. Man makes merry so long as he is alive, but when he dies, his eyes do not close, in actual fact, they open. Righteous deeds and the wealth spent in the path of Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ benefit the deceased, but it is unlikely that the wealth the deceased leaves behind will be spent wisely. There is just a little hope that the heirs of the deceased will spend his wealth in the path of Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ for the betterment of his afterlife. If the deceased left unlawful (Haraam) wealth and instruments of sins such as musical instruments, a game shop, a music centre, a cinema, a pub, a casino, an illegal business etc. he would face severe and unimaginable suffering in his grave.

In the parable ‘Horrific Scene of Grave’ we can imagine the horrible punishment given to the deceased who disrespects Ramadan. All of us should take some lesson from it. Unfortunately, during the sacred nights of Ramadan many youngsters play cricket, football etc. in streets. They not only waste these precious moments by depriving themselves of worshipping but disturb other people as well. They neither worship themselves nor let others do. These amusements make a Muslim heedless of Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ, therefore righteous Muslims always stay away from them. Let alone playing, the pious Muslims avoid even watching and listening to commentaries of such useless activities. Therefore, we must avoid these things, especially in the sacred moments of Ramadan.

‘Passing time’ whilst fasting

There are many such unwise people who fast but then put the honour of Ramadan aside and indulge in unlawful activities such as playing chess, cards and listening to music in the name of ‘passing time’.

Remember! Playing chess and cards is prohibited even if no money or bet is involved. A’la Hadrat رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْه has declared it Haraam to play cards because they have images of living beings printed on them. He رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْه said, ‘Ganjifah (a card game) is prohibited because it shows honour to images in addition to being a useless activity.’ (Fatawa Razawiyyah (Jadid), pp. 141, vol. 24)

What is best form of worship?

O fasting Islamic brothers! O seekers of Heaven! Never waste the precious moments of Ramadan in useless and idle activities! Life is very short, so take advantage of its precious moments. Instead of wasting your time by playing cards and listening to songs in the name of ‘passing time’ try to utilize it reciting the Holy Quran and Salat-‘Alan-Nabi and remembering Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ. The more thirst and hunger you endure the more you will be rewarded. It is narrated, ‘أَفْضَلُ الْعِبَادَاتِ أَحْمَزُهَا’ (The best worship is the one that involves more hardship). (Kashf-ul-Khifa-wa-Muzil-ul-Ilbas, pp. 141, vol. 1, Hadees 459)

Imam Sharafuddin Nawawi رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْه has said, ‘The reward and excellence of worship augments when it involves more hardships and expenses.’ (Sharah Sahih Muslim lin-Nawawi, pp. 390, vol. 1)

Sayyiduna Ibrahim Bin Adham رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْه has said, ‘The harder a deed is in the world the heavier it will be on the scales on the Judgement Day.’ (Tazkira-tul-Awliya, pp. 95)

These narrations make it clear that the harder we find it to fast and the more our Nafs resent fasting the heavier our fasts will be on the scale on the Day of Judgement, اِنْ شَآءَ اللّٰه عَزَّوَجَلَّ.

Oversleeping in fast

Hujjat-ul-Islam Sayyiduna Imam Muhammad Ghazali رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْه has stated in Kimiya-e-Sa’adat, ‘It is a Sunnah for a fasting person to avoid sleeping in excess during the day, he should remain awake so that he feels hunger and weakness.’ (Kimiya-e-Sa’adat, pp. 185) (Although it is preferable to sleep a little, if somebody passes his time sleeping he will not be a sinner, provided that he fulfils compulsory worships).

Dear Islamic brothers! It is obvious that if someone spent the whole day whilst sleeping, he would not feel any hardship in fasting. Imagine Hujjat-ul-Islam Sayyiduna Imam Muhammad Ghazali رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْه advises us to avoid even oversleeping because our time would waste, so what about the people who misuse their time playing games and committing Haraam acts. Are they not unfortunate and deprived ones? Please try to realise the significance of this month, keep fasts wholeheartedly and earn the pleasure of Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ.

Ya Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ! Grant every Muslim the blessings of Ramadan! Enable us to make the most of this month positively and save us from disrespecting it!

آمِيْن بِجَاهِ النَّبِيِ الْأَمِيْن صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالٰى عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم

Dear Islamic brothers! In order to develop the motivation of respecting Ramadan, acquiring its blessings, earning virtues and saving yourselves from sins, please join the Madani environment of Dawat-e-Islami and accompany the devotees of Rasool in Madani Qafilah to acquire knowledge of Sunnah. اِنْ شَآءَ اللّٰه, You will be amazed to see the results.

Blackened Heart: How to Avoid Ramadan Distractions and Practice Fikr-e-Madinah

Sins in Ramadan!

Sayyidatuna Umm-e-Hani رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهَا has narrated that the Beloved and Blessed Rasool صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم warned, ‘My Ummah will not be disgraced as long as it fulfils the rights of Ramadan.’ He صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم was asked as to what was meant by the disgrace of Ummah in this matter, he صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم replied, ‘Committing sins in this month.’

He صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم has further stated, ‘If anyone fornicates or drinks alcohol in this month Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ and all His angels curse him, if he dies before the next Ramadan he will not have a single virtue to save him from the fire of Hell. So fear (Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ) concerning Ramadan. As the reward of good deeds is increased in this month compared to other months, the severity of sins also increases.’ (Mu'jam Sagheer, pp. 60, vol. 9, Hadees 1488)

تُوبُوْا إِلَى اللهِ                    أَسْتَغْفِرُ الله

صَلُّوْا عَلَى الْحَبِيْب               صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَى مُحَمَّد

Beware, ungrateful ones!

Dear Islamic brothers! Tremble with fear! Don’t waste the blessed moments of Ramadan in sinful activities. As rewards for virtuous actions are increased in this month the nuisance of sins is also increased. One who fornicates or drinks alcohol in Ramadan is so unfortunate that if he dies before the next Ramadan he will not have a single virtue to save him from the fire of Hell.

Remember! The fornication of the eyes is to misuse them (by looking at Na-Mahram women etc.) and that of the hands is to touch a woman (or an attractive young boy with lust), so beware! In Ramadan, do your best to avoid misusing your eyes in any way. Do not look at women and attractive boys. Apply Madani guard to your eyes as long as possible (make every possible effort to keep your eyes lowered). Alas! Sometimes even the Muslims who offer Salah and fast face the wrath of Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ and the punishment of fire as a result of desecrating Ramadan.

Black spot on heart

A Hadees states, ‘When a person commits a sin, a black spot is marked on his heart. If he commits another sin another black spot is marked on his heart (and this carries on) until his (whole) heart becomes black. Then advice has no effect on his heart.’ (Ad-Dur-rul-Mansoor, pp. 446, vol. 8)

It’s obvious that if someone’s heart is rusty and black then how can words of piety and advice affect him? It becomes extremely difficult for such a person to avoid sins in Ramadan as well as in other months, and he finds it hard to perform good deeds. If somehow he does manage to occupy himself in acts of piety he does not enjoy himself carrying them out and tries to find the ways to avoid the Sunnah-Inspiring Madani environment. His Nafs makes him have long hopes and he becomes heedless and eventually dissociates himself from the Madani environment. Such a person wastes the blessed moments of Ramadan, playing and listening to music, playing cards and chess, gossiping, chatting etc. and thereby ruins these sacred and blessed moments.

Cure for blackness of heart

It is absolutely vital to treat this blackness of heart. An extremely effective treatment is to become the disciple of a perfect Murshid. In other words, one should become the disciple of a pious and righteous man who abides by Sunnah, whose vision makes his disciples remember Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ and His Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم, whose speech motivates his followers to offer Salah and act upon the blessed Sunnah and whose company inspires others to prepare for death and the afterlife. If one is fortunate enough to find such a competent Murshid then this blackness of heart will certainly be cured, اِنْ شَآءَ اللّٰه.

Remember! We are not allowed to pass such comments about any particular Muslim sinner as his heart is black or it has been sealed, due to which he does not accept my call to righteousness. Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ has the power to make him repent and come onto the straight path. May Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ remove the blackness of our hearts!

آمِيْن بِجَاهِ النَّبِيِ الْأَمِيْن صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم

Here is an admonitory parable, please read it and tremble with fear of Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ! Those who play cards, chess, video games, watch films and dramas, listen to music etc. despite fasting should particularly listen to it attentively.

Horrific scene of grave!

Once Ameer-ul-Mu`mineen, Sayyiduna 'Ali كَرَّمَ اللّٰهُ تَعَالٰى وَجْهَهُ الْكَرِيم went to a cemetery in Kufa to visit graves. Seeing a newly-prepared grave, he رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ desired to get to know of its internal state, so he رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ implored Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ humbly, 'Ya Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ reveal to me the condition of the deceased buried in this grave.' Immediately, all the veils between him and the deceased were lifted. What he saw was a horrific scene; the deceased was being burnt in fire and screaming out for help from Sayyiduna 'Ali رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ:

يَاعَلِيُّ! اَنَا غَرِيْقٌ فِي النَّارِ وَحَرِيْقٌ فِي النَّارِ

O 'Ali كَرَّمَ اللّٰهُ وَجْهَهُ الْكَرِيم! I am drowned in fire and I am burning in fire.

The dreadful scene of the grave and the screams of the deceased person saddened Sayyiduna 'Ali كَرَّمَ اللّٰهُ وَجْهَهُ الْكَرِيم. He lifted his hands in the court of his Merciful Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ and began to pray with utmost humility for the forgiveness of the deceased. A voice from Ghayb echoed, ‘O ‘Ali (كَرَّمَ اللّٰهُ وَجْهَهُ الْكَرِيم)! Do not intercede for him as he used to disrespect Ramadan in spite of fasting, he did not refrain from committing sins even in Ramadan, he used to fast during the day but would indulge in sins at night.’

Listening to this voice, Sayyiduna ‘Ali كَرَّمَ اللّٰهُ وَجْهَهُ الْكَرِيم became even more sad; he رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ prostrated and began to cry. (With tears in his eyes) he said, ‘Ya Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ! Please accept my supplication, this man has called out to me for help with high hopes, O Creator عَزَّوَجَلَّ do not disappoint me in front of him, have mercy on him and forgive this helpless man.’ Sayyiduna ‘Ali كَرَّمَ اللّٰهُ وَجْهَهُ الْكَرِيم continued to pray in the court of Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ. He then heard a voice say, ‘O ‘Ali (رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ)! We have forgiven him for the sake of your grieved heart.’ The man was then relieved of punishment. (Anis-ul-Wa'izin, pp. 25)

The Month of Mercy, Heaven, and Self-Reflection

Portals of Heaven are opened

Dear Islamic brothers! In Ramadan the gates of mercy and Heaven are opened, those of Hell are closed and the devils are chained. Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَنْهُ has narrated that the Prophet of Rahmah, the Intercessor of Ummah صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم  would say to his companions رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَنْهُم, ‘The month of Ramadan has arrived; it is a very blessed month. Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ has commanded you to fast in it. In this month, the gates of the skies are opened and those of Hell are closed. Satans are kept in chains. In this month there is a blessed night called Laila-tul-Qadr which is greater than a thousand months. The person who is deprived of its blessings is (completely) deprived.’ (Sunan Nasai, pp. 129, vol. 4)

Devils tied in chains

Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَنْهُ has narrated that the Prophet of Rahmah, the Intercessor of Ummah صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم has stated, ‘In Ramadan the gates of the skies are opened.’ (Sahih Bukhari, pp. 626, vol. 1, Hadees 1899)

Another narration says that the gates of Paradise are opened and those of Hell are closed (and) the devils are kept in chains. Another narration says that the gates of mercy are opened. (Sahih Muslim, pp. 543, Hadees 1079)

Why are sins committed despite Satan being in chains?

A renowned exegetist of the Quran Shaykh Mufti Ahmad Yar Khan رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه has stated, ‘In Ramadan, the gates of the skies are opened, through which special bounties of Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ  descend upon the earth. The gates of the Heaven are also opened by which the maidens of Heaven become aware that Ramadan has arrived in the world, and so they pray for the people of the world. Further, it is also said that no one is punished in his grave in Ramadan. It implies that the gates of Hell are closed in Ramadan, due to which the heat of Hell does not reach the graves of sinners and even unbelievers. Satan, along with his offspring, is chained. If anyone commits sins in this month he does so due to the evil of his Nafs, not because of Satan.’ (Mirat-ul-Manajih, pp. 133, vol. 3)

Sins are reduced to some extent

Dear Islamic brothers! It is generally observed that the Muslims get more interested in worship in Ramadan compared to other months. It becomes easier to perform righteous deeds and a reduction in sins takes place, though to some extent.

As soon as Satan is released

As soon as Ramadan ends and Satan is released, it seems as if a storm of sins has occurred. Too many sins are committed on Eid day that even the cinemas that are not filled the whole year round become full on Eid day. Fairs that are not seen all year round are held on Eid. It seems Satan is extremely annoyed as a result of being held in captivity a whole month and wants to take revenge within the day of Eid. All amusement parks fill with men and immodest women, theatres are always packed out on Eid, new films and dramas are released just for Eid, and hence countless Muslims become toys in the hands of Satan. However, there are some fortunate Muslims who are not heedless of Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ and turn down the misleading invitation of Satan.

Mercy on fire worshipper

There was a fire worshipper who lived in Bukhara. One day he was walking through a Muslim marketplace along with his son. His son began to eat something publicly. Seeing his son eating, he slapped him and scolded him saying, ‘Aren’t you ashamed of eating in the Muslims’ market in Ramadan?’ His son replied, ‘(But) Father, you also eat in Ramadan, don’t you?’ The father replied, ‘I don’t eat in front of the Muslims, I eat at home where they can’t see me, I don’t desecrate this holy month.’

After some time, this fire worshipper died. Someone had a dream in which he saw the deceased stroll in Heaven. Amazed, the dreaming person asked, ‘You were a fire worshipper; how did you get into Heaven?’ He replied, ‘You are right; I was a fire worshipper but at the time of death, Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ blessed me with faith for honouring Ramadan and granted me Heaven after death.’ (Nuzha-tul-Majalis, pp. 217, vol. 1)

Penalty for eating publicly in Ramadan

Dear Islamic brothers! Did you see? Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ not only blessed a fire worshipper with faith for honouring Ramadan but also granted him the eternal blessings of Heaven. All those heedless brothers who don’t honour Ramadan at all despite being Muslims should learn some lesson from this parable. They do not fast, dare to smoke cigarettes and chew Pan (betel) in front of fasting Muslims and some are so shameless that they even eat and drink publicly.

Remember! The honourable scholars of Islam رَحِمَهُمُ الـلّٰـهُ تَـعَالٰی have stated, ‘If anyone eats or drinks deliberately in public during the day in Ramadan without a Shar’i exemption, his punishment is that he will be killed (by the Islamic ruler).’

(Durr-e-Mukhtar ma’ Rad-ul-Muhtar, pp. 392, vol. 3)

Are you not going to die?

Dear Islamic brothers! Please ponder! This is the punishment in this world for those who do not fast (this punishment can only be imposed by an Islamic ruler) then how horrific and severe the punishment of the hereafter will be!

O Muslims! Wake up from the sleep of heedlessness! How long will you make merry in this world? When would you realize the great loss of wasting the previous moments of your life in heedlessness? Are you not going to die?

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Remember! A day will certainly come when you will be leaving this world. Death will put an end to all of your luxuries and pleasures. It will make you rest on soil in lieu of your comfortable and cosy mattress. It will take you out of your beautifully decorated rooms full of entertainment devices and lead you to your dark grave, and then, it will be futile to regret. You have a chance now; repent sincerely of your sins and become punctual in your Salah and fasts.

Karlay Taubah Rab ki rahmat hay bari Qabr mayn warnah saza hogi kari

Repent as the mercy of Allah is immense Or else punishment in grave will be intense

Dear Islamic brothers! In order to get rid of sinful life, join the Madani environment of Dawat-e-Islami, a global & non-political movement for the propagation of the Quran and Sunnah. اِنْ شَآءَ اللہ You will succeed in the worldly life as well as in the afterlife. Here is a blessing of Dawat-e-Islami.

The Weight of Human Rights and the Blessings of Ramadan in Islam

Delay in paying debt without respite is sin

O Muslims! Tremble with fear! The matter of fulfilling the rights of other people is very crucial. Violating someone’s right, abusing him, frightening him by staring at him aggressively, threatening him, hurting his feelings by telling him off or in any other way, not paying his due debt or delaying the payment of his debt without a Shar’i exemption; these are all examples of depriving people of their rights.

Remember! If one owes someone money and is not in a position to pay it in cash but can pay it even by selling his household furniture, he must do so. If one does not pay debt without debtor’s permission despite having the means to do so, he will remain a sinner unless he pays the debt. Whether he is awake or asleep, a sin will be recorded (in his book of deeds) for each and every moment. In other words, his meter of sins will continue to tick away. It is the consequence of delaying the payment of debt, what will be the severity of the sin of not paying it at all.

Burden of three paisas

A’la Hadrat, Imam-e-Ahl-e-Sunnat, Maulana Shah Imam Ahmad Raza Khan رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه was asked a question about a (supposed) man called Zaid who delayed in paying a debt and made lame excuses without any valid reason. A’la Hadrat Imam Ahmad Raza Khan رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه answered: ‘Zaid is a sinner, corrupt, an oppressor, a liar and liable for punishment, what else does he want to be called! If he dies without paying the debt he will have to give the creditors his good deeds. He will have to give 700 Salah with Jama’at for approximately 3 paisas (that he owes). If he runs out of good deeds he will have to carry the burden of their (the creditors) sins and will be thrown into Hell.’ (Fatawa Razawiyyah (Jadid), pp. 69, vol. 25)

Dear Islamic brothers! It is impossible for the oppressor to attain salvation without satisfying the oppressed one. However, if Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ wants He عَزَّوَجَلَّ will reconcile between the oppressed and the oppressor on the Day of Judgement; otherwise, the oppressed will be given the good deeds of the oppressor. If this does not settle the case either, the sins of the oppressed will be given to the oppressor, and though this oppressor may have left the world as a pious man with heaps of good deeds, on Judgement Day he will be left empty-handed and be thrown into Hell. We seek Allah’s refuge.

Who will be destitute on Judgement Day?

The Holy Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم once asked his companions رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَنْهُم, ‘Do you know as to who a destitute person is?’ They replied, ‘Ya Rasoolallah صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم the one who does not have wealth is a destitute.’ He صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said, ‘The destitute in my Ummah is the one who will be brought on the Judgement Day with Salah, fasts and charity (in his book of deeds) but would have abused and accused someone, he would have taken wealth unlawfully and shed blood (or) beaten someone and as a result of these sins, his good deeds will be taken from him. If he runs out of good deeds and there are still claimants (against him), he would have to take the sins of the oppressed (people) and would resultantly be thrown into Hell.’(Sahih Muslim, pp. 1394, Hadees 2581)

صَلُّوْا عَلَی الْحَبِیْب صَلَّی اللّٰہُ عَلٰی مُحَمَّد

Who is an oppressor?

Remember! It is not only the murderers, robbers and gangsters that are oppressors; in fact, anyone who violates even a minor right of the other person is an oppressor (and the other is the oppressed). For example, unlawfully taking even a single rupee of the other person, unlawfully scolding someone, staring aggressively at someone, teasing him etc. are all the acts of oppression.

If the oppressed also violated the rights of the oppressor, both of them would be oppressors and the oppressed in this case. There will be many such people who will be the ‘oppressed’ in one case and the ‘oppressor’ in the other.

Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah Anis رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه has stated that on the Day of Judgement, Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ will say, ‘No one shall enter Hell or Heaven until he/she is held accountable for the rights of people.’ So if anyone has violated the rights of others he will not enter Hell or Heaven until he compensates for it. (Akhlaq-us-Salihin, pp. 55)

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In order to get detailed information about people’s rights, please read the booklet ‘Aftermath of Cruelty’ published by Maktaba-tul-Madinah. Ya Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ protect Muslims from violating each others’ rights and enable us to apologize and forgive each other for all previous mistakes in this matter!

اٰمِیْنٌ بِجَاہِ النَّبِیِّ الْاَمِیْن صَلَّی اللّٰہُ تَعَالٰی عَلَیْہِ وَاٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّم

صَلُّوْا عَلَی الْحَبِیْب صَلَّی اللّٰہُ عَلٰی مُحَمَّد

Excellence of dying in Ramadan

The fortunate Muslims who die in the blessed month of Ramadan not only remain safe from being questioned and punished in their graves, but also deserve Heaven. The honourable scholars رَحِمَهُمُ الـلّٰـهُ تَـعَالٰی have said, ‘The Muslim who dies in this month will go straight into Paradise; as if the gate of Hell is closed for him.’ (Anis-ul-Wa'izin, pp. 25)

Glad tidings of Heaven for three people

Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah Ibn Mas’ood رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَنْهُ has narrated that the Beloved and Blessed Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم has stated, ‘If anyone dies at the end of Ramadan he will enter Heaven; if anyone dies at the end of the day of ‘Arafah (9th Zul-Hajj) he will enter Heaven too, if anyone dies whilst donating (in the Here is the complete text extracted from the image:

path of Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ) he will also enter Heaven.’ (Hilyat-ul-Awliya, pp. 26, vol. 5, Hadees 6187)

Reward for fasting until Judgement Day

Mother of the believers, Sayyidatuna ‘Aaishah Siddiqah رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَنْهَا has narrated that the Noble Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم has said, ‘If anyone dies in the state of fast, Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ will bless him with the reward of fasting until the Day of Judgement.’ (Firdaus Bima Saur-ul-Khattab, pp. 504, vol. 3, Hadees 5557)

سُبْحٰنَ اللہِ عَزَّوَجَلَّ! How fortunate the fasting person is! If he dies in the state of fast, he will be granted the reward of fasting till the Day of Judgement. Sayyiduna Anas Bin Malik رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَنْهُ has said that he heard Rasoolullah صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم say, ‘Ramadan has come to you, the gates of Heaven are opened and those of Hell are closed, and the devils are held in captivity. The person who finds Ramadan but is not forgiven is a deprived one, because if he is not forgiven even in Ramadan, when will he be forgiven then?’ (Majma’-uz-Zawaid, pp. 345, vol. 3, Hadees 4788)

4 Admonitory Stories About Sinners and the Reality of the Grave

Excruciating punishment for telling tales

19.  The lips of some people were being cut; I asked Jibraeel عَلَيْهِ السَّلَام, ‘Who are these people?’ He replied, ‘They used to tell tales.’

Horrific punishment for accusing others of sins

20.  Some people were hanging by their tongues, I asked Jibraeel عَلَيْهِ السَّلَام as to who they were, he replied, ‘They used to falsely accuse others of committing sins.’ (Sharh-us-Sudoor, pp. 182)

Don’t miss any good deed

Dear Islamic brothers! Did you see! Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ blessed the people who were being punished and set them free by virtue of different deeds such as obedience to parents, Wudu, Salah, fasting, Zikr of Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ, Hajj, ‘Umrah, behaving relatives well, call to righteousness and prevention from evil, charity, good character, generosity, crying due to fear of Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ, having hope in Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ etc.

Remember! All these matters depend upon the will of Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ. He عَزَّوَجَلَّ is omnipotent, He عَزَّوَجَلَّ forgives or punishes whoever He عَزَّوَجَلَّ wants, and this is His justice. If He عَزَّوَجَلَّ wants, He عَزَّوَجَلَّ forgives by virtue of one (little) deed, but if He عَزَّوَجَلَّ wants, He عَزَّوَجَلَّ punishes for one (little) sin, and His punishment is very severe.

You have heard about the last two men mentioned in the foregoing Hadees. The Holy Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم saw the retribution being given to those who tell tales and falsely accuse people of sins. Therefore, a wise person should not miss even an apparently minor-looking good deed because that good deed might lead to absolution, and he should avoid every type of sin, no matter how minor it seems to be as that sin might lead to punishment.

4 STORIES ABOUT SINNERS

1. Fire blazed up in grave

Sayyiduna ‘Amr Bin Shurahbil رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْه has stated, ‘Once a person who was considered very pious passed away. After his burial, the angels of punishment entered his grave and said, ‘We will hit you 100 whips as punishment.’ Frightened, he asked ‘Why will you punish me, I was a righteous person?’ They replied, ‘We will hit you 50 whips’, but he continued to argue with them. At last, they decided to hit him only one whip. So, they hit him one whip, which filled the entire grave with blazes of fire and burnt him to ashes. When he was revived, he asked shivering with pain, ‘Why was I hit this whip?’ They answered, ‘Once you offered Salah without Wudu, and once an oppressed man came to you for help, but you did not help him.’ (Sharh-us-Sudoor, pp. 165)

Dear Islamic brothers! Did you see even a pious and righteous person was punished in his grave in case of the displeasure of Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ? May Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ have mercy on us and forgive us without holding us accountable!

آمِيْن بِجَاهِ النَّبِيِّ الْاَمِيْن صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالٰى عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم

2. Unjust weighing led to divine wrath

Sayyiduna Haris Muhasibi رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْه has stated that there was a person who used to do the work of measuring grain. He left his job and occupied himself with worshipping Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ.

When he died some of his close relatives saw him in a dream and asked, ‘مَا فَعَلَ اللهُ بِكَ؟’ (How has Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ treated you?) He replied, ‘Due to my carelessness, dust had stuck onto the scale I used to use for weighing grain. I did not use to clean it because of which the amount of grain equal to the weight of the dust would reduce at the time of weighing. I am now being punished for that.’ (Akhlaq-us-Salihin, pp. 56)

3. Screams from grave

Similarly, another man who used to weigh food and sell without cleaning his scales was also punished in his grave after his death, and people even heard him screaming from inside his grave. Some pious people رَحِمَهُمُ اللهُ تَعَالٰی pitied him and prayed for his forgiveness, and by the blessing of their prayers he was relieved from his punishment. (ibid)

Where do Haraam earnings end up?

There is a lesson in these two admonitory narrations especially for those who weigh things dishonestly. O Muslims! Although, sometimes, an apparent increase takes place in the wealth due to weighing unjustly, no goodness lies in this wealth. At times, these unlawful earnings prove to be a nuisance even in this world. This income may be lost in the form of huge medical fees, expensive medicines, robbery, bribery or theft, and above all, it may well bring about punishment in the Hereafter.

Karlay Taubah Rab ki rahmat hay bari

Qabr mayn warnah saza hogi kari

Repent as the mercy of Allah is immense

Or else punishment in grave will be intense

صَلُّوْا عَلَى الْحَبِيبْ  صَلَّى اللهُ عَلٰى مُحَمَّد

تُوْبُوْا اِلَى الله  اَسْتَغْفِرُ الله

 صَلُّوْا عَلَى الْحَبِيبْ  صَلَّى اللهُ عَلٰى مُحَمَّد

Two mountains of fire

It is stated in Ruh-ul-Bayan, ‘The one weighing unjustly will be thrown into the depths of Hell on the Day of Judgement, and having been made to sit between two mountains of fire, will be commanded to weigh them. When he approaches the mountains, the fire will burn him.’ (Ruh-ul-Bayan, pp. 364, vol. 10)

Dear Islamic brothers! Ponder for a moment! The foregoing narration contains the admonition of extremely severe punishment for weighing unjustly for the sake of a few despicable coins in this short-lived life. Today, one cannot bear the heat of the world, how can one bear the scorching heat of two mountains in Hell? For the sake of Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ! Avoid greed for wealth, or else unlawful earnings will lead to ruin in the world as well as in the Hereafter.

4. Burden of a toothpick

Sayyiduna Wahb Bin Munabbeh رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْه has stated, ‘There was a young Israelite who repented of all previous sins, and spent seventy years worshipping consistently. He would fast during the day and worship at night. He was so pious that he would refrain from resting in any sort of shade and from eating delicious foods.

When he died, some of his close relatives saw him in a dream and asked, ‘مَا فَعَلَ اللهُ بِكَ؟’ (How has Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ treated you?) He replied, ‘Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ held me accountable, and forgave all of my sins, but unfortunately, I am still not allowed to enter Heaven because of using a toothpick without its owner’s permission. I had not apologized to its owner.’ (Tanbih-ul-Mughtarin, pp. 51)

After all a sin is a sin

Dear Islamic brothers! Tremble with fear! When the wrath of Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ intensifies, one can be punished even for such a sin he considers very minor, as mentioned in the previous narration that a righteous man was prevented from entering Heaven simply because he used a splinter as a toothpick without its owner’s permission and died without seeking forgiveness from the owner. Ponder for a moment! What is the worth of a splinter? These days, people defraud others of millions of dollars and feel no remorse at it.

تُوْبُوْا اِلَى الله   اَسْتَغْفِرُ الله