Virtues of Ramadhaan
by Sheikhul Hadith Maulana Muhammad Zakariyya
HADITH NO. 6
Abu Hurairah (Radhiallaahu anhu) reports: Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alaihi
wasallam) said: "There are three people whose "Du'aa" is not rejected; the
fasting person until he breaks the fast, the just ruler, and the oppressed
person, whose 'Dua' Allah lifts above the clouds and opens unto it the doors of
heaven, and Allah says: "I swear by My honour, verily I shall assist you, even
though it may be after some time."
COMMENTARY
In 'Durr Manthur' it is reported from Aa'isha (Radhiallahu anha) that, when
Ramadhan appeared, the colour of Rasulullah's face used to change. He then used
to increase his "Salaat", become even more humble in his "Duaas" and exhibit
even more fear of Allah. According to another report, he hardly ever lay down
in bed until Ramadhan came to an end. Further, it is stated that the angels
carrying the Throne are commanded in Ramadhan to leave aside everything else
and recite "Aameen" to the "Duaas" of those who fast. Numerous are the Ahaadith
stating that the fasting person's 'Du'aas' are answered. When Allah has so
promised. and his truthful 'Nabi' (Sallallaaho alaihe wasallam) has informed
us, there should be no doubt whatsoever about the truth of these reports. Yet
it is strange that, in spite of this, we still find such people who apparently
do not get what they pray for. They ask and do not receive; but this does not
mean that their prayers have been rejected. One should at
this point understand the significance of a 'Dua' being answered.
Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) has informed us that, when a Muslim
prays for anything from Allah, on the condition that he does not pray for
breaking off from his near of kin or for anything sinful, he definitely
receives one out of the following three things: he gets the exact thing which
he asked. If that is not received, then Allah either removes from his path some
great calamity in exchange for what he desired, or the reward for that thing
for which he prayed is stored for him in the Hereafter. Another Hadith states
that on the day of "Qiyaamah", Allah will call his servant, and say to him: "O
my servant, I used to command you to ask of Me and promised to answer. Did you
beg of Me? The servant will answer: "Yes I did." Then Allah shall reply: "You
did not put forth any prayer which has not been accepted. You prayed that a
certain calamity should be removed, which I did for you in the wordly life. You
prayed that a certain sorrow should be cast off you, but
result of that prayer was not known to you. For that, I fixed for you such and
such a reward in the Hereafter. Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihi wasallam) says
that the man shall again be reminded of each and every prayer and he shall be
shown how it had been fulfilled in the world or else what reward had been
stored for him in the Hereafter. On seeing that reward, he shall wish that not
a single prayer of his had heen answered on Earth, so that he could receive the
full reward only in the Hereafter.
Yes, prayer is indeed very important, and to neglect it at any time is a
matter of great loss. Even when the outward signs seem to indicate that our
prayer is not answered, hope should not be lost. Even from the lengthy Hadith
at the end of this booklet, it is clear that Allah in answering prayers
considers first of all our own good and welfare. Should Allah find that
granting us what we beseech from Him is in our welfare and interest, He grants
it, otherwise not. Actually it is Allah's favour on us that we do not always
get what we ask for because very often, due to our lack of understanding, we
beg for things that are not beneficial at a particular time.
Here I must draw your attention to the fact that men as well as women suffer
from a bad habit of cursing their children in their anger and affliction.
Beware of this. As preordained by Allah, there are certain occasions when
whatever prayer be made is immediately answered. So sometimes, due to our own
stupidity, the child is cursed and when the effect of that same curse comes
upon the child and lands him into a calamity, the parents go about crying and
wailing. Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) commanded us not to curse
ourselves, our children, possessions, or servants. It is just possible that the
curse is uttered at a time when all requests are granted, especially in
Ramadhan, which is replete with such special "Mustajaab" (accepted) moments.
Hence, in this month, great care should be taken.
Ibn Masood(Radhi Allaho anho) reports that on every night of Ramadhan, a
crier from the heavens calls out: "O you seeker of good, come near; O You
seeker of evil, turn away (from evil) and open your eyes." Thereafter that
angel calls out: "Is there any seeker of forgiveness, that he may be forgiven?
Is there any one with a prayer, that his praver may be heard? Is there anyone
wanting anything, so that his wish may be fulfilled?"
Lastly, it should be borne in mind that there are certain conditions under
which prayers are accepted; in the absence of these, prayers may be often
rejected. Among these is the use of 'Halaal' food: When 'Haraam' is consumed,
the prayers are not accepted. Rasulullah said: "Many a greatly distressed
person lifts up his hands to the heavens. praying and crying: 'O Allah, O
Allah.' But the food he eats is "Haraam", what he drinks is "Haraam", his
clothes are of "Haraam"; then in such cases how can his prayer be accepted?'
A story is related about a group of people in Kufa, whose prayers used to be
always accepted. Whenever a (bad) ruler was placed over them, they used to pray
for a curse upon him, which quickly came to destroy him. When Hajjaaj became
ruler there, he invited these people amongst others, to a feast. After they had
all eaten, he said: "I am no longer afraid of the curse upon me from these
people, because "Haraam" food has now entered their stomachs." (At this stage,
let us ponder over how much "Haraam" is being consumed in these times, when
people are even trying to make permissible the taking of interest money. We
find out people going so far as to think that bribery and what is obtained
through it is permissible, while our merchants very often justify their
deceiving people when trading with them.)
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