Jumu’ah Khutbah: THE HIJRAH AND ITS NECESSITY
13th Muharram 1446AH
Assalamu alaykum warahmatullahi wabarakaatuhu
الْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ ٱلَّذِى جَعَلَ ٱلشَّمْسَ ضِيَآءً وَٱلْقَمَرَ نُورًا وَقَدَّرَهُۥ مَنَازِلَ لِتَعْلَمُوا۟ عَدَدَ ٱلسِّنِينَ وَٱلْحِسَابَ مَا خَلَقَ
ٱللَّهُ ذَٰلِكَ إِلَّا بِٱلْحَقِّ يُفَصِّلُ ٱلْـَٔايَـٰتِ لِقَوْمٍ يَعْلَمُونَ
All praise is for Allah Who made the sun a shining glory and the moon as a light and measured out for it stages that you might know the number of years and the count of time. He (SWT) is the one Who made the day and the night alternate in succession so that you may know the count of the years (by the passing of months) and calculation (of time). Allah has not created these except for the truth. He explains the Aayaat for people of knowledge (so that they can ponder about these Aayaat and learn lessons from them).
أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَاْ إِلَهَ إِلَّاْ اَللهُ وَحْدَهُ لَاْشَرِيْكَ لَهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدَاً عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُوْلُهُ I bear solemn witness that nothing, absolutely nothing, deserves to be worshipped besides Allah and Muhammad (SAW) is His servant and messenger.
اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَىٰ سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ صَلَاةً تُنْجِينَا بِهَا مِنْ جَمِيعِ الْأَهْوَالِ وَالْآفَاتِ ❁ وَتَقْضِى لَنَا بِهَا جَمِيعَ الْحَاجَاتِ ❁ وَتُطَهِّرُنَا بِهَا مِنْ جَمِيعِ السَّيِّئَاتِ❁ وَتَرْفَعُنَا بِهَا عِنْدَكَ أَعْلَى الدَّرَجَاتِ ❁ وَتُبَلِّغُنَا بِهَا أَقْصَى الْغَايَاتِ ❁ مِنْ جَمِيعِ الْخَيْرَاتِ ❁ فِي الْحَيَاةِ وَبَعْدَ الْمَمَاتِ O Allah, send upon our master Muhammad a prayer through which You deliver us from all terrors and tribulations; and through which You fulfil for us every need; and through which You purify us from every sin; and through which You raise us to the loftiest of degrees in Your Presence; and through which You cause us to reach the furthest limit, in all forms of goodness, in this life and after death.
O servants of Allah! Allah requires our total dedication to His service and compliance with His rules and as such will not accept any excuse from any servant. Hijrah provides the way out for movement from a location that is not convenient for the worship of Allah to another where the constraints are not present. Allah declares: قُلْ يَـٰعِبَادِ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ ٱتَّقُوا۟ رَبَّكُمْ لِلَّذِينَ أَحْسَنُوا۟ فِى هَـٰذِهِ ٱلدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةٌ وَأَرْضُ ٱللَّهِ وَٰسِعَةٌ
إِنَّمَا يُوَفَّى ٱلصَّـٰبِرُونَ أَجْرَهُم بِغَيْرِ حِسَابٍ‘O servants of Mine who believe! Fear your Lord, [that is to say, fear His chastisement by being obedient to Him]. For those who are virtuous in this world [through obedience] there will be good [and that is Paradise in the Hereafter], and Allah’s earth is vast [so emigrate throughout it, away from the company of disbelievers and the sight of indecencies]. Truly the steadfast [in their obedience of Allah and in enduring whatever hardship they may be tested with] will be paid their reward in full without reckoning’ [without any measure or any scales to work it out] (Q39:10).
In ensuring that the message of Islam is propagated and Allah is worshipped as He has command, the Prophet (SAW) had allowed the migration of persecuted and weak Muslims to Abyssinia, the land of the Negus. He (SAW) said to the Muslims: ‘Why don’t you go to Abyssinia, for in (that land) there is a righteous king in whose land no one is wronged.’ So, from Shariah consideration, Hijrah is migration from the land of disbelief to the land of Islam. Hijrah may be embarked upon for the following reasons:
1. When Muslims are in need of security in the practice of their faith, they migrated to a country where it is safe, even if that land is a non-Muslim country as well. Muslims migrated from Makkah to Abyssinia, even though it was a Christian kingdom, because it was a place where they would be safe. The Muslims who migrated there remained for nearly ten years. This can be applied in our current context where many people seek asylum from dictatorships in non-Muslim countries, where they are freer to practice their faith than in many so-called Muslim countries.
2. When Muslims are in need of those who are to migrate to them. This was the situation in Madinah (following the acceptance of Islam by some key members of the Yathrib community) at the time of the Prophet (SAW). Therefore, Hijrah [from Makkah] to Madinah was prescribed for all the Muslims. This is applicable where there is an Islamic state or an evolving Islamic state. Consequently, Allah declares:
I. “Verily, those who believed and left their homes (i.e. emigrated) and strove hard and fought with their wealth and their lives for the cause of Allah, and those who took them in (by providing asylum) and helped them; these are protecting friends one of another. And those who believed but did not leave their homes (by emigrating to meet the Prophet in Madina), you have no duty to protect them till they leave their homes; but if they seek help from you in the matter of religion then it is your duty to help (them) except against a folk between whom and you there is a treaty. Allah is All-Seer of what ye do Q8:72.
II. Verily! As for those whom the angels take (in death) while they are wronging themselves (as they stayed among the disbelievers even though emigration was obligatory for them), they (angels) say (to them): “In what (condition) were you?” They reply: “We were weak and oppressed on earth.” They (angels) say: “Was not the earth of Allâh spacious enough for you to emigrate therein?” Such men will find their abode in Hell – What an evil destination! Except the weak ones among men, women and children who cannot devise a plan, nor are they able to direct their way. These are they whom Allah is likely to forgive, and Allah is Oft-Pardoning, Oft-Forgiving (Q4:97-99).
III. Allah promised great reward for those who suffer the inconvenience and migrated for His sake thus: “He who emigrates (from his home) in the cause of Allah will find on earth many dwelling places and plenty to live by. And whosoever leaves his home as an emigrant to Allah and His Messenger (SAW) and death overtakes him, then his reward is certainly incumbent upon Allah. And Allah is Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful” (Q4:100).
IV. The Prophet (SAW) is reported to have said, “I am free of every Muslim who lives among the Mushrikin.” When asked, “Why is that, O Messenger of Allah?” The Prophet replied, “Their fires should not be visible to one another” (Abu Dawud). This should be interpreted, as explained by the scholars, as a special or unique incident. It was a case where some Muslims, who were living among a Mushrik (polytheist) tribe which Muslims were at war with, were inadvertently killed by the Muslim army. This and other similar Hadiths prohibiting Muslims living among non-Muslims should be looked at from their proper political and historical context and not as a general rule.
O people of understanding! Fear Allah and emulate the character of the Noble Prophet (SAW) as commanded by Allah when He said: “Indeed in the Messenger of Allah (Muhammad, SAW) you have a perfect example to follow for him who hopes for Allah and the Last Day, and remembers Allah much.” (Q33:21)
The Hijrah of the Noble Prophet (SAW) from Makkah to Madinah about 622CE is certainly one of the greatest events in the history of Islam. When the polytheists of Makkah increased their opposition and harm to the Messenger (SAW), he started calling other tribes during the Hajj season to protect and assist him until he delivered the message of his Lord. He did not receive any positive response to his call until the Khazraj tribe of Madinah came for Hajj. The Jews of Madinah used to relate to its Arab residents that a new Messenger was about to be sent. The Jews threatened them that they would follow that Prophet and fight them under his leadership, just as Allah described of them:
“And when there came to them (the Jews), a Book (the Qur’an) from Allah confirming what is with them, although aforetime they had invoked Allah (for coming of Muhammad, SAW) in order to gain victory over those who disbelieved, then when there come to them that which they had recognized, they disbelieved in it. So let the curse of Allah be on the disbelievers.” Q2:89
This verse attests to the fact that the Jews were fully briefed in their Torah of the coming of the Prophet (SAW) and the land where his government will be established. This prompted the migration of several Jews into Madinah and they used to invoke Allah for his coming so that they would gain victory against their enemies, saying: “O Allah! Aid us with the Prophet who will be sent just before the end of time and whose description we find in the Torah.”
O servants of Allah! Know that hijrah is a process of transfer to a better situation. It is not meant to find a comfortable place where one would relax and stop struggling or making efforts; rather, it is a search for an environment more favourable to continuous and constructive effort. Consequently, upon reaching Madinah, the Prophet immediately sat up to face the challenges that the new environment had thrown up.
From the events of the Hijrah we can see the activities that pre-occupied the minds/times of the Prophet (SAW) and his Sahabah were:
1. Building a Masjid (mosque): Before entering the city of Madinah, the Prophet (SAW) rested at Quba and at that place he built the first Muslim Ummah Masjid. This masjid is what Allah alludes to in Surah at-Tawbah (Q9:107) when He said: لَّمَسْجِدٌ أُسِّسَ عَلَى ٱلتَّقْوَىٰ مِنْ أَوَّلِ يَوْمٍ [Surely the Masjid that was established on Taqwa from the first day]. When he eventually reached Madinah, he first established NOT a house for himself but a masjid for the worship of Allah. He himself worked in carrying the stones and building that small, humble but most powerful structure. This was the beginning, but soon other masajid (mosques) were established in Madinah.
2. Establishment of Madrasah (Islamic Training & Learning Centre): the first school under the supervision of the prophet (SAW) was the school of suffah. Later many other schools were opened. From this mosque, the professionals that ran the Muslim economy and those who propagated the deen got their training directly from Rasulullah.
3. Mu’akhah (Brotherhood of Muslims): The Prophet (SAW) established the brotherhood of Islam that had no parallel in the past nor thereafter. The muhajirun (muslims who migrated from makkah) and the ansar (residents of madinah who helped the prophet and his companions) were united seamlessly and the likely problem of destitution and associated challenge which could have erupted in the new city was averted. The Masjid and Madrasah were not enough; what was also important was to have good relations between muslims; they should have their brotherhood on the basis of faith, not on the basis of tribes as they used to have prior to Islam.
4. Intercommunity and interfaith relations: Prophet (SAW) also established good relations with other communities living in madinah. There was a large Jewish community as well as some other Arab tribes who had not accepted Islam. the Prophet (SAW) prepared a mithaq (a covenant or a constitution) for relations between these communities. This is the first constitution known to humankind!
The constitution of Madinah consists of a series of agreements drawn up by the Prophet during the two or three years following the Hijra. These agreements were made between the Muhajirun and the important tribes of Yathrib (Madinah), including Jews, Christians, and the newly-converted Muslims known as the Ansar. The Constitution of Madinah establishes the Umma as a community united across tribal boundaries and separate from pagan society. It also incorporates the Muhajirun into Madinan tribal structure, as the Muhajirun had abandoned the security of their Meccan clan links and were concerned about their future in Medina. Several clauses also deal with the relationship between the Muslim community and the Jewish tribes, stating that each group has a right to practice its religion freely.
5. Cleaning the city: Yathrib (previous name of Madinah) was a dirty city. When the sahabah came from makkah to madinah, many of them got sick and did not like that city. The Prophet (SAW) asked them to clean the city and remove its dirt and filth. `Aishah, RA, said: “we came to madinah and it was the most polluted land of Allah. The water there was most stinking. (al-Bukhari, 1756)
6. Water system in the city: the Prophet (SAW) asked the sahabah to dig wells in different parts of the city. It is mentioned that more than 50 wells were opened in the city of madinah and there was enough clean water for everyone.
7. Agriculture and gardening: the Prophet (SAW) encouraged the sahabah to cultivate the land and make gardens. He told them that anyone who would cultivate any dead land, would own it. Many people started working and cultivating and soon there was enough food for everyone. Meaning, laziness and resorting to begging is not what the Prophet encouraged.
Land ownership and land use were issues that the Prophet dealt with decisively. The one who cultivates the land owns it. This policy ensures productivity as the landlordship, which we see everywhere in the world today, has deprived common folks access to land and its usage.
8. Poverty eradication: in a short period of time, it happened that there were no poor people in Madinah. Everyone had enough and the Prophet (SAW) used to give gifts to coming delegations. The brotherhood system, the land ownership and usage policy which made land available to all who want to work, created a boost in food production.
9. Safety, security, law and order: Madinah became the safest city in the world. There were very few incidents of theft, rape, drunkenness or murder and they were immediately taken care of.
O servants of Allah! Hijrah at the time when the Muslims were few and weak was mandatory. Allah commanded His Messenger (SAW) to: قُلْ إِن كَانَ ءَابَآؤُكُمْ وَأَبْنَآؤُكُمْ وَإِخْوَٰنُكُمْ وَأَزْوَٰجُكُمْ وَعَشِيرَتُكُمْ وَأَمْوَٰلٌ ٱقْتَرَفْتُمُوهَا وَتِجَـٰرَةٌ تَخْشَوْنَ كَسَادَهَا وَمَسَـٰكِنُ تَرْضَوْنَهَآ
أَحَبَّ إِلَيْكُم مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِۦ وَجِهَادٍ فِى سَبِيلِهِۦ فَتَرَبَّصُوا۟ حَتَّىٰ يَأْتِىَ ٱللَّهُ بِأَمْرِهِۦ وَٱللَّهُ لَا يَهْدِى ٱلْقَوْمَ ٱلْفَـٰسِقِينَ “Say, ‘If your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your wives, your kinsmen, the wealth which you have acquired, the commerce in which you fear a decline, or the houses you love – if these are dearer to you than Allah and His Messenger, and striving hard and fighting in His cause, then wait until Allah brings about His Decision (Torment). Allah does not guide those who are AI-Faasiqun (the rebellious, disobedient to Allah).” [Q9:24]
Allah identified those who refuse to emigrate using one of the eight excuses (listed in Q9:24). But these excuses have already been rejected by Allah, Who has said that those who make such claims are disobedient to Him, and this was specifically with regard to those who chose to remain in Makkah which is the holiest place on earth. Allah requires the believers to quit this place, and even love for it was not an acceptable excuse for refusal. How would such an excuse fare then for places other than Makkah?
Hijrah has a comprehensive meaning as understood in Islam. It is not simply just the act of moving from one place to another; from a non-Muslim country to a Muslim country. Ibn al-Qayyim explains that it is, in fact, an emigration of the body and the spirit: a physical movement from one place to another and a spiritual migration to Allah and His Messenger (SAW). It is this second migration which constitutes the real migration, as the body simply follows the soul. Thus, the meaning of moving from one thing to something else is that the heart moves from the love of something other than Allah to love of Allah; from servitude of something or other to the service and worship of Allah; from fear of something or other to hope in and reliance upon Allah. It is Allah Who is the object of one’s hope and fear; prayers are addressed to Him; and He is the One before Whom one feels humility and awe. This is the meaning of flight which Allah mentions in the command: فَفِرُّوٓا۟ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ إِنِّى لَكُم مِّنْهُ نَذِيرٌ مُّبِينٌ “So (O Muhammad, say unto them) flee to Allah (from His Torment to His Mercy- Islamic Monotheism). Verily I (Rasulullah, SAW) am a clear warner (Nabi) to you from Him” (Q51:50).
Hijrah is a struggle to move from evil to good and therefore know and be reminded that: وَمَن يُهَاجِرْ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ يَجِدْ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ مُرَٰغَمًا كَثِيرًا وَسَعَةً وَمَن يَخْرُجْ مِنۢ بَيْتِهِۦ مُهَاجِرًا إِلَى ٱللَّهِ
وَرَسُولِهِۦ ثُمَّ يُدْرِكْهُ ٱلْمَوْتُ فَقَدْ وَقَعَ أَجْرُهُۥ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ غَفُورًا رَّحِيمًا“He who makes Hijrah in Allah’s way (for Allah’s pleasure) shall find on earth many places to emigrate to and abundance (of food and other means). Whoever leaves his home to make Hijrah towards (a place where he can fulfil the commands of) Allah and His Rasool and then death finds him (enroute for death comes at its appointed time), without doubt his reward is assured by Allah. Allah is Most Forgiving (consoling), Most Merciful” (Q4:100).
PART 2
ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ ٱلْعَلَمِينَ ٱلرَّحْمَنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ مَلِكِ يَوْمِ ٱلدِّينِ وَالصَّلَاةُ وَالسَّلَامُ عَلَى رَسُوْلِهِ الْأَمِيْنِ وعَلَى آلِهِ وأَصْحَابِهِ أَجْمَعِيْنَ
All praise belongs to Allah, the Lord of all that exist, the Beneficent, the Merciful, King of the Day of Judgement. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon His Messenger, the truthful and upon his household and all his companions.
O servants of Allah! Know that after Makkah fell, the obligation to do Hijrah from Makkah and other places where the Muslims are persecuted to Madinah was lifted and migration became once again a matter of preference. However, after the conquest of Makkah, and Islam became the official religion, Hijrah was no longer mandatory. Ibn Abbas said the Prophet (SAW) said, on the day of the conquest of Makkah, عَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ ـ رضى الله عنهما ـ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ “لاَ هِجْرَةَ بَعْدَ الْفَتْحِ وَلَكِنْ جِهَادٌ وَنِيَّةٌ، وَإِذَا اسْتُنْفِرْتُمْ فَانْفِرُوا Narrated Ibn ‘Abbas: Allah’s Messenger ﷺ said, “there is no Hijrah (migration from Makkah to Madinah) after the conquest of Makkah but Jihad and good intention remain; and if you are called (by the Muslim ruler) for fighting, go forth immediately” (Sahih al-Bukhari 2783).
Muawiyah, on the other hand, to bring home the fact that Hijrah transcends physical movement (and include psychologic shift in thought process) related that the Prophet (SAW) said: عَنْ مُعَاوِيَةَ، قَالَ سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ﷺ يَقُولُ “ لاَ تَنْقَطِعُ الْهِجْرَةُ حَتَّى تَنْقَطِعَ التَّوْبَةُ وَلاَ تَنْقَطِعُ التَّوْبَةُ حَتَّى تَطْلُعَ الشَّمْسُ مِنْ مَغْرِبِهَا “Migration will not end until repentance ends, and repentance will not end until the sun rises in the west” (Sunan Abi Dawud 2479).
O Servants of Allah! Hijrah did not remove difficulty from the ways and lives of the Muslims. Hostility against Islam and the Muslims intensified and changed dynamics. Apart from the Kaafiroon of Quraysh, Munafiqoon emerged in Madinah. There were also the Jews and Christians who came face to face with the reality of their fall and disgrace at the coming of Rasulullah (SAW) and were determined to extinguish the light of Allah. Upon them Allah said: يُرِيدُونَ لِيُطْفِـُٔوا۟ نُورَ ٱللَّهِ بِأَفْوَٰهِهِمْ وَٱللَّهُ مُتِمُّ نُورِهِۦ وَلَوْ كَرِهَ ٱلْكَـٰفِرُونَ “They (the Kuffaar) intend to extinguish Allah’s light (Islam by blowing it off) with their mouths (but this is insignificant when compared to Allah’s might). However, Allah shall bring His light to completion (so that it enters every home on earth) even though the Kafiroon hate it (Q61:8).
One of such attempts that happened early in the life of the new community of Muslims, under orders from a Christian called Abu Aamir who previously lived in Madinah, a group of Munafiqoon erected a building in Quba to gather other Munaqfiqoon and weapons so that they could assist a Roman army planning to attack Madinah. They called the building a Masjid so that suspicion would not be raised, claiming that the existing Masjid in Quba was too far for many old and sickly people and not large enough for the community of Quba. Referring to this plan of theirs, Allah revealed the following verses:
وَٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّخَذُوا۟ مَسْجِدًا ضِرَارًا وَكُفْرًا وَتَفْرِيقًۢا بَيْنَ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَإِرْصَادًا لِّمَنْ حَارَبَ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُۥ مِن قَبْلُ وَلَيَحْلِفُنَّ إِنْ أَرَدْنَآ إِلَّا
ٱلْحُسْنَىٰ وَٱللَّهُ يَشْهَدُ إِنَّهُمْ لَكَـٰذِبُونَ (Among the Munaafiqeen are) Those who built a Masjid to harm (Islam and the Muslims), for (the promotion of) kufr, to create disunity between the Mu’mineen, and to prepare for him (Abu Aamir) who fought against Allah and His Rasool (SAW) before (in the battles that the Mushrikeen fought against the Muslims). (When asked about the reason for erecting the building) They will most certainly swear (with vigour), “We only intended good.” Allah testifies (is a Witness) that they are definitely liars” (Q9:107). Rasulullah (SAW) then instructed some Sahabah to demolish this “Masjid”, which they did.
These Munaafiqeen asked Rasulullah, SAW, to perform one salaah in their “Masjid” so that others may follow. However, before Rasulullah (SAW) could do so, Allah commanded him with the following words:
لَا تَقُمْ فِيهِ أَبَدًا لَّمَسْجِدٌ أُسِّسَ عَلَى ٱلتَّقْوَىٰ مِنْ أَوَّلِ يَوْمٍ أَحَقُّ أَن تَقُومَ فِيهِ فِيهِ رِجَالٌ يُحِبُّونَ أَن يَتَطَهَّرُوا۟ وَٱللَّهُ يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُطَّهِّرِينَ
“Never ever stand in it (in this “Masjid”)! Surely the Masjid that was established on Taqwa from the first day (referring to the Masjid that Rasulullah built in Quba) is worthier for you to stand in. In it (in the Masjid founded on Taqwa) are men who love to be extremely pure. Allah loves those who are exceptionally pure (Q9:108).
Allah then asks rhetorically, أَفَمَنْ أَسَّسَ بُنْيَـٰنَهُۥ عَلَىٰ تَقْوَىٰ مِنَ ٱللَّهِ وَرِضْوَٰنٍ خَيْرٌ أَم مَّنْ أَسَّسَ بُنْيَـٰنَهُۥ عَلَىٰ شَفَا
جُرُفٍ هَارٍ فَٱنْهَارَ بِهِۦ فِى نَارِ جَهَنَّمَ وَٱللَّهُ لَا يَهْدِى ٱلْقَوْمَ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ”Which, then, is the better: he who has founded his building on God-consciousness and [a desire for] His goodly acceptance- or he who has founded his building on the edge of a water-worn, crumbling river-bank, so that it [is bound to] tumble down with him into the fire of hell? For, Allah does not grace with His guidance people who [deliberately] do wrong” (Q9:109).
We thank Allah immensely for the Hijrah which provided the foundation for Islam and for training the flagbearers (the eminent Sahabahs) that spread Islam globally for which we are beneficiaries. Allah has praised the Sahabahs thus: وَٱلسَّـٰبِقُونَ ٱلْأَوَّلُونَ مِنَ ٱلْمُهَـٰجِرِينَ وَٱلْأَنصَارِ وَٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّبَعُوهُم بِإِحْسَـٰنٍ رَّضِىَ ٱللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ وَرَضُوا۟ عَنْهُ وَأَعَدَّ لَهُمْ جَنَّـٰتٍ تَجْرِى تَحْتَهَا ٱلْأَنْهَـٰرُ خَـٰلِدِينَ فِيهَآ أَبَدًا ذَٰلِكَ ٱلْفَوْزُ ٱلْعَظِيمُ “Allah is pleased with the first to lead the way from the Muhaajireen, the Ansaar, and those who followed them with sincerity and they are pleased with Him. He has prepared for them such Jannaat beneath which rivers flow, in which they shall live forever. This is the ultimate success” (Q9:100).
O servants of Allah! You may not have had the opportunity to do the Hijrah trip with Rasulullah and qualify for the largesse offered by Allah in Q9:100 stated above. However, you can amass huge reward by engaging in frequent salawat for Rasulullah. عَنْ أُبَيِّ بْنِ كَعْبٍ قُلْتُ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ إِنِّي أُكْثِرُ الصَّلَاةَ عَلَيْكَ فَكَمْ أَجْعَلُ لَكَ مِنْ صَلَاتِي فَقَالَ مَا شِئْتَ قُلْتُ
الرُّبُعَ قَالَ مَا شِئْتَ فَإِنْ زِدْتَ فَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَكَ قُلْتُ النِّصْفَ قَالَ مَا شِئْتَ فَإِنْ زِدْتَ فَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَكَ قُلْتُ فَالثُّلُثَيْنِ قَالَ مَا شِئْتَ فَإِنْ زِدْتَ فَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَكَ قُلْتُ أَجْعَلُ لَكَ صَلَاتِي كُلَّهَا قَالَ إِذًا تُكْفَى هَمَّكَ وَيُغْفَرُ لَكَ ذَنْبُكَ
Ubayy ibn Ka’b (RA) reported: “I said, “O Messenger of Allah, I send blessings upon you often. How many of my prayers should be for blessings upon you?” The Prophet said, “As you wish.” I said, “A fourth?” The Prophet said, “As you wish, but more is better for you.” I said, “A half?” The Prophet said, “As you wish, but more is better for you.” I said, “Two-thirds?” The Prophet said, “As you wish, but more is better for you.” I said, “Should I say all of my prayers for blessings upon you?” The Prophet said, “If so, your worries will be resolved, and your sins will be forgiven.” (Source: Sunan al-Tirmidhī 2457).
وقَالَ اللَّهُ تَعَالَى إِنَّ اللَّهَ وَمَلَائِكَتَهُ يُصَلُّونَ عَلَى النَّبِيِّ يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا صَلُّوا عَلَيْهِ وَسَلِّمُوا تَسْلِيمًا Allah sends His Salat (Graces, Honours, Blessings, Mercy) on the Prophet (Muhammad SAW) and also His angels (ask Allah to bless and forgive him). O you who believe! Send your Salat on (ask Allah to bless) him (Muhammad SAW), and (you should) greet (salute) him with the Islamic way of greeting (salutation i.e. As-Salamu ‘Alaykum).
اَللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ وَسَيِّدِنَا آدَم وَسَيِّدِنَا نُوحٍ وَسَيِّدِنَا إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَسَيِّدِنَا مُوسَى وَسَيِّدِنَا عِيسَى وَمَا بَيْنَهُمْ مِن النَّبِيّين وَالمُرْسَلِين صَلَوَاتُ اللهِ وَسَلَامُهُ عَلَيهِمْ أَجْمَعِينَ. O Allah! Bestow blessings on Sayyidina Muhammad, Sayyidina Adam, Sayyidina Nuh, Sayyidina Ibrahim, Sayyidina Musa and Sayyidina `Isa and all the other Prophets and Messengers who came in between. Allah’s Blessings and His Salutations be upon them all.
O servants of Allah! May Allah have mercy on you.
Verily, Allah enjoins Al-Adl (i.e. justice and worshipping none but Allah Alone – Islamic Monotheism) and Al-Ihsan [i.e. to be patient in performing your duties to Allah, totally for Allah’s sake and in accordance with the Sunnah (legal ways) of the Prophet (SAW) in a perfect manner], and giving (help) to kith and kin (i.e. all that Allah has ordered you to give them, e.g., wealth, visiting, looking after them, or any other kind of help): and forbids Al-Fahsha’ (i.e., all evil deeds, e.g. illegal sexual acts, disobedience of parents, polytheism, to tell lies, to give false witness, to kill a life without right), and Al-Munkar (i.e., all that is prohibited by Islamic law: polytheism of every kind, disbelief and every kind of evil deeds), and Al-Baghy (i.e., all kinds of oppression), He admonishes you, that you may take heed. (Q16:90).
اُذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ الْعَظِيمَ يَذْكُرْكُمْ واشْكُرُوهُ يَزِدْكُمْ واسْتَغْفِرُوهُ يَغْفِرْ لكُمْ واتّقُوهُ يَجْعَلْ لَكُمْ مِنْ أَمْرِكُمْ مَخْرَجًا وَأَقِمِ الصّلَاة
Remember Allah, the Great – He will remember you. Thank Him for His favors – He will increase you therein. And seek forgiveness from Him – He will forgive you. And be conscious of Him – He will provide you a way out of difficult matters. And, establish the prayer.
Allahuma ij-al khaira umurana aakhirahu wa khaira a’amalana khawatimahu wakhaira ayyaamana yawma nalqaaka feehi
Wa aakhiru da’awana anil hamdu lillahi rabbil aalameen.
Suleiman Zubair