Misconception # 1:

The night of the 15th of Shabaan should be singled out for worship, prayer, etc.

Clarification:

Our best example and role model is the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) and he never, ever singled out this night for worship or qiyaam nor did his Sahaba.

Shaykh Ibn Baaz said:”There is no saheeh hadeeth concerning the night of the fifteenth of Shabaan. All the ahaadeeth that have been narrated concerning that are mawdoo (fabricated) and daeef (weak), and have no basis. There is nothing special about this night, and no recitation of Quraan or prayer, whether alone or in congregation, is specified for this night. What some of the scholars have said about it being special is a weak opinion. It is not permissible to single it out for any special actions. This is the correct view.”

(Fataawa Islamiyyah, 4/511)

Misconception # 2:

There are special prayers to be offered on this night.

Clarification:

The truth of the matter is that there are NO special prayers to be offered on this night specifically. And all those ahaadeeth giving you long lists of special formulas that are “supposed to guarantee you Allaahs forgiveness and Jannah” are all fabricated, false and innovations in our Deen. If there were such prayers, the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) would have told us about them and we would have had evidence of him and the Sahaba doing it.

Misconception # 3:

Allaah descends to the first heavens on this night to forgive us.

Clarification:

Allaah’s descending to the first heaven does not only happen on the night of the fifteenth of Shabaan. Rather it happens every single night of the year.

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said: “Every night when it is the last third of the night, our Lord, the Superior, the Blessed, descends to the nearest heaven and says: Is there anyone to invoke Me that I may respond to his invocation? Is there anyone to ask Me so that I may grant him his request? Is there anyone asking My forgiveness so that I may forgive him?. ” (Bukhaari)

Thus, when Abd-Allaah ibn al-Mubaarak was asked about the descent of Allaah on the night of the fifteenth of Shabaan, he said to the one who asked him: “O weak one! The night of the fifteenth?! He descends every night!”�

Misconception # 4:

This is the night when our fate, lifespan, and provisions are decreed.

Clarification:

Some people think that the “blessed night” (laylatim-mubarakah) mentioned in Surah ad-Dukhaan (44): 3, refers to the night of 15th Shabaan, when Allah decrees our lifespan, provisions and fate. In fact, they even pray 6 rakahs, 2 for each of these things. However, all that is fabricated and far, far away from the Sunnah. And, in reality, the “blessed night” mentioned in Surah ad-Dukhaan, actually is referring to Laylatul Qadr that comes in Ramadhaan. (Tafseer Ibn Kathir of Surah al-Qadr)

Misconception # 5:

One should fast on the day of the fifteenth.

Clarification:

Here again, there is no saheeh reports that tell us that the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) or his Sahaabah ever picked this day specifically to fast. The Sunnah of the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) was to fast most of this month and not just the 15th. However, if the fifteenth of Shabaan coincides with a Monday or Thursday, or with the three white days or if a person is generally fasting, without associating seeking extra rewards to fasting this specific day, then it is allowed. (Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid)

Misconception # 6:

This is the night when the souls of departed ones return to their families.

Clarification:

Here again, some people misunderstand the ayaat in Surah al-Qadr and think that the “sending down of the Ruh” as mentioned in this Surah refers to the souls of dead people returning to see their families, even though it refers to Jibreel (Tafseer Ibn Kathir). And that is why we see women preparing the sweets, the Halwas and other “goodies” for the souls of their loved ones.

Not only is that in itself an erroneous, deviant belief and bidah, but to believe that the souls of the dead can return back to the world and meet/see their relatives is also totally incorrect and false. The teachings of the Quraan and the Sunnah clearly state that the souls of the dead do not return back to the world. Besides, they dont even eat the Halwas. It is actually you who eats it!

Misconception # 7:

Visiting graveyards especially this night is something good.

Clarification:

Although the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) encouraged visiting graves, he forbade singling out any day or night for any kinds of good deeds if it is not prescribed in the Shareeah. And he did not specifically visit the graveyard on the night of the 15th of Shabaan. The hadeeth of Aisha that mentions that the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) visited the graveyard this night is not authentic and thus does not have any proof for visiting graves specifically on this night of Shabaan.

Misconception # 8:

Even if the ahaadeeth about worship on this night are weak,one can still do it.

Clarification: The correct scholarly view is that weak ahaadeeth should not be followed at all, even if they speak of righteous deeds or of targheeb and tarheeb (promises and warnings). The saheeh reports are sufficient and the Muslim has no need to follow the daeef reports.

Shaykh Ahmad Shaakir said: “There is no difference between rulings or righteous deeds; we do not take any of them from daeef reports, rather no one has the right to use any report as evidence unless it is proven to be soundly narrated from the Messenger of Allaah (Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) in a saheeh or hasan hadeeth.”

Misconception # 9:

Look at all those people doing it. How can they all be wrong?

Clarification:

The Muslim is supposed to refer to Allaah and His Messenger (Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) Sunnah, if there is any confusion or dispute about matters and NOT what the rest of the world is doing.

“O you who believe! Obey Allaah and obey the Messenger and those of you who are in authority. (And) if you differ in anything amongst yourselves, refer it to Allaah and His Messenger, if you believe in Allaah and in the Last Day. That is better and more suitable for final determination [al-Nisaa 4:59]

Shaykh Ibn Jibreen said: “These reports (about worship and fasting an the 15th of Shabaan) became very well known in some countries which were overwhelmed by ignorance; One should not be deceived by the large numbers of ignorant people who do these things.”

The REAL Sunnah regarding Shabaan:

If you truly and sincerely want to please Allaah and do deeds that will be acceptable to Him, then follow the REAL Sunnah of the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam). Here is what is proven in the authentic sunnah:

1. Fast most of this month as much as you can.

Aaishah RA said: “I never saw the Messenger of Allaah fasting for an entire month except in Ramadaan, and I never saw him fast more than he did in Shabaan.” (Bukhaari, Muslim).

2. However, if you are weak or do not fast habitually and feel that this nafil fasting may be a hindrance to your obligatory fasting in the month of Ramadhaan, then the person may stop the nafil fasting in the last few days of this month. And for that person, the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said:

“When Shabaan is half over, do not fast.” (saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi)

3. If you have fasts left over from last Ramadhaan to make up, then hurry up and do so in this month of Shabaan before the next Ramadhan comes. It is not permissible to delay missed fasts until after the following Ramadhaan, except in cases of necessity (such as a valid excuse that continues between the two Ramadhans).

Aaishah RA said: “It used to be that I had days to make up for Ramadhaan and I would not be able to do so except in Shabaan.” [Bukhari]

All praises be to Allah, Lord of the worlds. He who revealed in His Glorious Quran, “Oh you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those who came before you that you may keep your duty to your Lord (having taqwa),” 2:185.

And may the blessings and peace of Allah the Almighty be upon His last Messenger Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).

Ramadhan is a sacred month wherein Almighty Allah is constantly testing His creation and giving humanity the opportunity to achieve His pleasure. One of the notable features of this blessed month, at a time when war has been declared upon Islam and the Muslims by America and Britain, is how the Imaan and understanding of the Muslims manifested itself upon the battlefield under the sincere Islamic leadership.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and his Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) passed through approximately nine Ramadhans together after the Hijrah. They were filled with decisive events that took place in Ramadhan and left us a shining example of sacrifice and submission to Allah the Most High in the cause of making His Word the highest.

I was returning from a long journey and Allah willed that I be seated next to a group of mocking,oblivious youth.Their laughs were loud and they were very noisy.They filled the air with smoke from their cigarettes.The plane was completely full and I was therefore unable to change my seat.

I tried to escape from this problem by sleeping,with no success.When I tried of all the noise,I took out my Mushaf(the Qur'an) and started reading in a low voice.After a few seconds some of the youth calmed down and started reading newspapers that were in their hands, others fell asleep.All of a sudden, one of them said loudly, and he was right next to me, "Enough,enough!"

I thought my voice was loud for him and bothered him so I apologized and went back to reading in a voice that only I could hear.I saw him placing his head between his hands, then shift and move frequently in his seat.He then turned to me and said in a very irritable way,"Please enough,enough,I can't take it anymore!

Yearly Closing Of  Bank Accounts 
  

Almost all of us have one or more Bank accounts. We either keep our money in FD (Fixed Deposit) /Savings accounts and we get interests on the capital amount .

Although the interest amount may be small or big, the question arises "what to do with the Interest money which is added by the bank into our account”?

For example I have ‘Salaried Account’ in a Savings Bank (which the employer has opened for me). If I had given the choice I would have definitely opened in ‘Current Account’ (non-interest paying account). But now what should I do ?

I am sure there will be many people ,just like me in various countries and not necessary that they may be aware of the ruling.

Allah Says in Quran,

"O you who believe! Eat not Riba (usury/interest) doubled and multiplied, but fear Allâh that you may be successful." (Aal-e-Imran, 3:130)

In that case, What I do ???

From Ibn al-Jawzi's 'Bustan al-Wa'idhin wa Riyad as-Sami'in' (p. 213-214):
"The month of Ramadan to the other months is like Yusuf to his brothers. So, just like Yusuf was the most beloved son to Ya'qub, Ramadan is likewise the most beloved month to Allah.
A nice point for the nation of Muhammad (saw) to ponder over is that if Yusuf had the mercy and compassion to say {"There is no reproach for you today..."} [Yusuf; 92], Ramadan is likewise the month of mercy, blessing, goodness, salvation from the Fire, and Forgiveness from the King that exceeds that of all the other months and what can be gained from their days and nights.
Another nice point to think about is that Yusuf's brothers came to rely on him to fix their mistakes after all those they had made. So, he met them with kindness and helped them out, and he fed them while they were hungry and allowed them to return, and he told his servants: "Carry their belongings with you so that they don't lose them." So, one person filled the gaps of eleven others, and the month of Ramadan is likewise one month that fills the gaps of our actions over the other eleven months. Imagine the gaps and shortcoming and deficiency we have in obeying Allah!

We hope that in Ramadan, we are able to make up for our shortcomings in the other months, to rectify our mistakes, and to cap it off with happiness and firmness on the Rope of the Forgiving King.
Another point is that Ya'qub had eleven sons who were living with him and whose actions he would see at all times, and his eyesight did not return because of any of their clothing. Instead, it returned due to Yusuf's shirt. His eyesight came back strong, and he himself became strong after he was weak, and seeing after he was blind. Likewise, if the sinner smells the scents of Ramadan, sits with those who remind him of Allah, recites the Qur'an, befriends on the condition of Islam and faith, and avoids backbiting and vain talk, he will (by Allah's Will) become forgiven after he was a sinner, he will become close after he was far, he will be able to see with his heart after it was blind, his presence will be met with happiness after it was met with repulsion, he will be met with mercy after he was met with disdain, he will be provided for without limit or effort on his part, he will be guided for his entire life, he will have his soul dragged out with ease and smoothness when he dies, he will be blessed with Forgiveness when he meets Allah, and he will be granted the best levels in the Gardens of Paradise.

So, by Allah, take advantage of this greatness during these few days and you will soon see abundant blessing, high levels of reward, and a very long period of rest and relaxation by the Will of Allah.

By Allah, this is the true relaxation..."

In the Name of Allâh, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful

By Shaykh Muhammed bin Naasiradeen al-Albaani

The Prophet, salaallaahu `alayhi wa sallam said, A Muslim who is killed in a battle is a martyr, (dying in) plague is artyrdom, a woman who dies while delivering a baby is a martyr. [Ahmad, Daarimee, Tiyaalisee, authenticated by Al-Albaanee]

The Prophet, salaallaahu `alayhi wa sallam said, The martyrs are seven, other than the one who is killed in the Way of Allaah, ta`aalaa: 
- One who dies of plague, 
- one who drowns, 
- one who dies of pleurisy,
- one who dies of stomach ache, 

وَإِذْ أَخَذَ اللَّهُ مِيثَـقَ النَّبِيِّيْنَ لَمَآ ءَاتَيْتُكُم مِّن كِتَـبٍ وَحِكْمَةٍ ثُمَّ جَآءَكُمْ رَسُولٌ مُّصَدِّقٌ لِّمَا

مَعَكُمْ لَتُؤْمِنُنَّ بِهِ وَلَتَنصُرُنَّهُ

قَالَ ءَأَقْرَرْتُمْ وَأَخَذْتُمْ عَلَى ذلِكُمْ إِصْرِى قَالُواْ أَقْرَرْنَا قَالَ فَاشْهَدُواْ وَأَنَاْ مَعَكُمْ مِّنَ الشَّـهِدِينَ

And (remember) when Allah took the Covenant of the Prophets,saying: "Take whatever I gave you from the Book and Hikmah (understanding of the laws of Allah), and afterwards there will come to you a Messenger[Muhammed SallAllahu alaihi wa sallam] confirming what is with you;you must,then,believe in him and help him." Allah said: "Do you agree(to it) and will you take up My Covenant (which I conclude with you)?" They said:" We agree." and I am with you among the witness (for this)." [Surah Al-Imran,verse81]

Imagine that you can hear the Qur'an recited as it was recited by the Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, and how excited you would be to hear it.Then imagine the greater thrill of being able to recite the Qur'an as it was recited by the Prophet _with proper application of the rules of recitation.

Is it possible? Yes, and there are many muslims present today who can recite this way.Of course the voice of the reciter is not that of our beloved Prophet,sallallahu alayhe wa sallam,_______but the letters, sounds, and rules applied are the same,with the recitation validated as authentic in a sound chain of transmission.

WHAT ARE YOU AFRAID OF?

There is a famous story about an emperor.This emperor was cruel and unjust to his people,so a tailor decided to play a trick on him.He went to the king and offered to make for him the finest clothes ever.But instead of making a suit, fooled the emperor into thinking that he was working hard by taking a long time.

Eventually after a long period of waiting,he gave the emperor for a handful of air and told him that it is the bet set of clothes ever made.In fact,the tailor told him the clothes are so fine that the wearer doesn't even feel that he is wearing them,unless one is too wise and have an insight to look upon the beauty of the clothes he is cladding and that a normal person may not be able to see the set of  beautiful clothes.Blinded by his own arrogance,pride and not wanting to appear dumb in the eyes of the tailor,the emperor immediately showed happiness with the 'new suit' and ordered a parade to take place in the town so that he could show his subjects the new apppearance.Of cource,everyone was too scared to tell this tyrant that he was actually naked.Instead,they salute and flatter him___all except for one boy.He was too young to know of social convention or to have fear of tyranny,thus he pointed out to the truth and said what others could not dare to express.Amazingly,this act,atleast for that moment made the fear exchange its lace.Fear so overwhelmed the emperor he became astonished,dumb founded.His surprised subjects,on the other hand,easily slid out of their worries,ridiculed him and laughed so hard at what he gotten himself into.

Praise be to Allaah.

The honourable angels accompany the children of Adam from the day they are formed in their mothers’ wombs until the day when their souls are brought forth from their bodies at the time of death. They also accompany them in their graves and in the Hereafter.

Their accompanying them in this world is as follows:

1 – They take care of him when he is created

It was reported from Anas that the Prophet SAW (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Allaah appoints an angel in the womb, who says, ‘O Lord, a nutfah (mixed drop of male and female sexual discharges)? O Lord, a ‘alaqah (a clot)? O Lord, a mudghah (lump of chewed flesh)?’ When Allaah decrees that it is to be created, (the angel) says, ‘O Lord, male or female? Doomed or blessed? What is his provision? What is his lifespan?’ And that is written in his mother’s womb.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 6595; Muslim, 2646. This version was narrated by al-Bukhaari).

Make a Dua for Yourself and Others!

Let Others Make a Dua For You…

Consider this Hadeeth of the prophet (SAWS): The Prophet (saws) said:

Whenever you make a supplication for another believer and he is not present, an angel will say ‘and same to you.’

Dear brothers and sisters: Trials, tribulations and challenges are part of every person’s life. However, to counter that, Allah has provided us a very powerful tool – and that is the tool of du’a or asking Allah for help and His mercy when we need it. And we need it all the time…. Equally importantly, we forget at times that Allah has also provided us the opportunity to dramatically increase the effectiveness of our own Dua’s by encouraging us to make dua’s for others like our family memebers,friends and relatives.