Masnoon Dua for Rajab

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

Hazrat Anas Ibn Malik (Radiyallaahu’anhu) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) would recite the following supplication when the Month of Rajab would commence:

Exceptional Rewards

Bismillahir Rahmaanir Raheem

 by Hazrat Maulana Yunus Patel Saheb (Rahmatullahi 'alayh)

RASULULLAH ﷺ said: “Whoever holds onto my Sunnah, at the time of corruption (Fasaad) of my Ummah, will get the reward of a hundred martyrs.”^[1]

Sahib-e-Mirqaat, Mullah Ali Qaari^[2] رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْهِ explained Fasaad as: When sins will be very dominant; when there will be violation of the laws of Allah Ta’ala and when it will be difficult to tell others what is Halaal and Haraam. In another explanation, it is explained that Fasaad is when there will be an abundance of Kufr and Shirk.

Fasaad has also been described as a predominance and prevalence of:

1.)  Bid’aat (Innovations) …There is no reward in Bid’aat but people will make certain actions compulsory and attribute rewards to them.

2.)    Jahalat (Ignorance) … This is also a sign of the nearness of Qiyamah.

3.)    Fisq (open sin and transgression)

Were we to consider our present condition, in the light of these commentaries, we will find that we are in the midst of Fasaad. All around us – and sometimes, even within us – there is this Fasaad. If, in these times, we hold fast onto Deen and the noble Sunnah, then the rewards are exceptional; the rewards are very, very great – because the Mujahadah (striving) and effort in practising upon Deen is much more, due to the environment of Fasaad and Fitan.

…For anyone to say that in these days we cannot follow and we cannot practise Islam, is Kufr. Instead of acknowledging our weaknesses in not practising, many place the blame on Shari’ah. By doing so, a person is asserting and claiming that Nabi ﷺ was sent for only a short period of time and that Islam is not practical – نَعُوْذُ بِاللّٰه. This beautiful Deen and the noble Sunnah can be practised in a hut and in a palace, in every era. It is for all people and for all times.

In regard to the Hadīth: “Whoever holds onto my Sunnah, at the time of corruption (Fasaad) of my Ummah, will get the reward of a hundred martyrs.”, Hazrat Shah Wasiyyullah رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْهِ had said that we take, following the Sunnah, to mean the Sunnats relating to eating, drinking, sleeping, using the Miswaak, etc. – all of which will draw the promised rewards. However, this also refers to those Sunnats in the Faraa’idh – for example, Salaah. There is a Sunnah method of Salaah. Thana, Ta’awwuz, Tasmia, reading with Khushoo^[3], etc. are Sunnah in Salaah – and usually neglected. We also have the Sunnat-e-Muakkadah Salaah – which many people do not perform. If we bring these Sunnats into Salaah and read the Sunnah Salaah, we will be reviving the Sunnah.

…Similarly, there is a Sunnah method of performing Wudhu, but many people are content with only fulfilling the four Faraa’idh of Wudhu, leaving off the many Sunnats that accompany Wudhu and which carry great rewards. In the same way, there is also a Sunnah way for conducting our Nikahs and our Walimahs … but how many endeavour to bring alive the Sunnah in their Nikahs? …Both Nikah and Walimah are simple and easy, with minimum expense. Unfortunately, we are so carried away by the concept of a fantasy, glamourous, dazzling and fairy-tale wedding that we choose to follow in the way of the disbelievers, and have made our own weddings, extremely costly, lavish and elaborate – far from what is Sunnah and far from what is pleasing to Allah Ta’ala. In the name of the Sunnah, Hollywood and Bollywood weddings are organised. It is Nikah in name but devoid of the Noor, Barakaat, Rahmah and rewards that accompany the Sunnah.

Shaykhul Hadīth, Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Zakariyyah رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْهِ would say that Nikah is as easy as performing two Rakaats of Salaah. Hazrat Maulana رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْهِ had said that there is no need for the formalities that we have introduced into Nikah. Nikah is an Ibaadah and does not require unnecessary expenses. Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Zakariyyah رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْهِ practically implemented the Sunnah in the marriages of his daughters, maintaining the simplicity as is found in the Nikahs of Rasulullah ﷺ and the Sahaba-e-Kiraam رَضِىَ الله عَنْهُمْ, and setting an excellent example for others to follow.

These days, we rival and compete with each other as to whose wedding is more extravagant, more lavish, more glamourous and costlier. Instead, we should try to outdo each other, as to who can be closest to the Sunnah, who can secure the most rewards and earn the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul ﷺ. Take the wonderful Nikah of Hazrat Faatima رَضِىَ الله عَنْهَا and Hazrat ‘Ali رَضِىَ الله عَنْهُ … there was no fanfare … but their Nikah is a blueprint and model example for a very blessed, successful and happy marriage.

The Walimahs of Rasulullah ﷺ were no different. They were so simple that Rasulullah ﷺ would request his companions to bring whatever food they had … which was very simple as well, like Khajoor (dates), butter, etc. The food items would be spread out on a Dastarkhan^[4] and all would eat. …In comparison, our Nikahs and Walimahs are generally the opposite. Whereas an Ibaadah should be incurring rewards, nowadays, many Nikahs and Walimahs incur Allah Ta’ala’s Wrath, due to the sins that we engage in, which contaminate the pure Sunnah and destroy the rewards.

Hazrat Maulana Abrarul Haq رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْهِ had said that every Sunnat is:

 اَسْهَلْ (most simple),

 اَكْمَلْ (perfect) and

 اَجْمَلْ (most beautiful)

Hazrat Maulana ‘Umar Palanpoori رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْهِ had mentioned that on practising and living the Sunnah, a person becomes a recipient of Rahmah (Mercy), Barakah (Blessings), Hidayah (Guidance) and Muhabbah (he becomes beloved to Allah Ta’ala and to people).

Imam Maalik رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْهِ had said: “The Sunnah is like the Ark of Nooh. Whoever embarks upon it will attain salvation and whoever refuses, will drown.” … The Fasaad and Fitan that we see around us are like floods … like a tsunami. Those who board the ship of the Sunnah will reach safety and attain Najaat (salvation), Insha-Allah.

Our Shaykh, Hazrat Maulana Shah Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Saheb رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْهِ had related a Hadīth, which offers additional and wonderful incentive and encouragement for whoever will hold fast onto Deen and do good deeds. Rasulullah ﷺ said: “….For verily ahead of you are such (difficult) days, staying steadfast on Deen will be like holding onto burning cinders. Those who do good deeds, in those days, will receive the reward of fifty people who carry out deeds like you.”

It was asked: “O Rasulullah! Will they receive the reward of fifty people like them or fifty of us?”

Rasulullah ﷺ replied: “Fifty of you!”^[5]

It should go without saying that a person who makes the effort to remain steadfast on the teachings of the Qur’aan Shareef and Sunnah, does not become better or higher in status than the Sahabah-e-Kiraam رَضِىَ الله عَنْهُمْ. It is the reward that is being spoken about. …Not only does one get the reward of one hundred martyrs by practising upon the Sunnah, one also secures the reward of fifty Sahaba-e-Kiraam رَضِىَ الله عَنْهُمْ on doing good actions. These are such rewards that should eagerly be sought.

No matter what the person is labelled and no matter how much the person is criticised, he takes courage and comfort by the fact that he is following in the footsteps of the Beloved Nabi ﷺ earning the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala and acquiring great rewards. Allah Ta’ala promises His Love and Forgiveness for the one who follows His Beloved ﷺ:

“Say (O Muhammad ﷺ): If you do love Allah, follow me. Allah shall love you and forgive you your sins; And Allah is Most-Forgiving, Very-Merciful.” 

[Surah Aal-Imraan 3 : 31]

Practising upon the Sunnah invites honour in both worlds! …My Shaykh رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْهِ said very beautifully in poetry form:

“The footprints of the Beloved of Allah,

Nabi Muhammad (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam),

is the road to Jannah;

The Sunnats of Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam)

connect one with Allah Ta’ala.”

Glad tidings have been given to the one who maintains steadfastness upon Deen in these times of Fasaad. Rasulullah ﷺ said: “Islam began as something strange and it will return strange as it began, so glad tidings for the strangers.”^[6]

May Allah Ta’ala grant us the Taufeeq of being sincere ambassadors of the Sunnah, that we revive it, in these trying times, for it is a Noor that lights up our lives and it is protection from all forms of Fitnah and Fasaad. May Allah Ta’ala grant us the honourable rewards that accompany the Sunnah, in both worlds, and be pleased with us.

---

[1] Al-Bayhaqi

[2] The compiler of the Kitaab, Mirqaat, which is the commentary of the Hadith Kitaab, Mishkaat

[3] Khushoo: concentration with full devotion

[4] Dastarkhan: floor mat for eating

[5] Sunan Tirmidhi and Sunan Abi Dawood

[6] Sahih Muslim