Intentions for Prescribed Dhikr

Prescribed dhikr should not be done carelessly, just for the sake of it (even though dhikr does have an effect, no matter how inattentively it is done).

The intention some people have for doing dhikr is a desire to attain higher prescriptions of dhikr from their shaykh, while some do dhikr just because others do.

Your intention should be: “I am doing this special form of dhikr so that it will help me in my goal to purify my inner self and reach Allah ta’ala."

Hum Deen-e-Muhammad Ke(urdu nasheed)

Tahajjud

THE CORRECT TIME FOR TAHAJJUD

The time of Tahajjud extends from the time of Isha (MAYBE BEFORE GOING TO SLEEP e.g 11pm in WINTER) until SUBHE SADIQ [true dawn-SEHRI END TIME ON UR WALL]. Ahadith related from Hadhrat Aa'isha [radhiyallahu anha] state that Nabie [salallahu alaihi wasallam] sometimes performed Tahajjud in the early portion of the night and on occasions when half the night had passed. However, towards the latter part of his life he frequently performed it in the last portion of the night. As the night progresses, Allah Ta'ala's Mercy and Blessings increase. Hence, the last sixth of the night is most preferred. [Maktoobat Shaikh ul Islaam 77 p 202 - Fatawa Rahimiya vol 2 p 376]

DUA TO ASSIST ONE IN AWAKENING FOR TAHAJJUD

A person remarked to Abdullah bin Abbas [radhiyallahu anhu], "I always intend awakening in the last portion of the night to perform Salaat but sleep overpowers me." Ibne Abbas [radhiyallahu anhu] replied, "Before sleeping recite from "QUL LAW KAANAL BAHRU MIDADAL..." to the end of Surah Kahf. Allah Ta'ala will waken you at whatever time you intend rising." [Tha'labi-Ma'ariful Quraan vol 5]

NUMBER OF RAKAATS IN TAHAJJUD

The number of rakaats performed by Nabie [salailahu alaihi wasallam] varied according to the prevailing circumstances. Although on certain occasions sufficient time was available, Nabie [salailahu alaihi wasallam] would perform less rakaats reciting lengthy Qiraat.[Khasa'ile Nabawee p 156]

Deducing from the various narrations four to twelve rakaats(NAFLS) in units of two or four have been recommended. [Imdaadul Fatawa vol 1 -Baab finnawaafil / Maraqiyul Falah], However if two rakaats are performed in the prescribed time it will be regarded as Tahajjud.[Raddul Mukhtaar vol 1 p 715]

OCCASIONS WHEN ONE IS UNABLE TO AWAKEN FOR TAHAJJUD

Hadhrat Aa'isha [radhiyallahu anhal relates, "If for some reason Rasulullah [salallahu alaihi wasallam] was unable to perform Tahajjud, he would perform twelve rakaats during the day [at the time of Chaast - before midday". [Shamail Baab fi Ibadah]

Note: Hadhrat Umar [radhiyallahu anhu] relates that Rasulullah [salallahu alaihi wasallam] said, "Whoever was unable to complete his devotions at night should complete it in the morning before noon. It will be regarded as though he had completed it at night." [Muslim]. One should not overlook it because of the time passing by, otherwise the nafs will become accustomed to omitting it. [Khasail p 156]

The Deobandis are followers of Sufism

Elders of the Deobandi school of thought, from among who is Moulana Zakariyah (RA); the author of Fazaail-e-Aamaal, have testified to the fact that their Manhaj (way) is that of the Sufis and take pride in it. Mufti Abdur-Rahim Lajpuri quoted in his book of Fatawa, the words of Qaree Mohammed Tayyib (the rector of the Darul-Uloom, Deoband) as, “Religiously, the Ulema of Deoband are Muslims, as a sect they belong to the Ahl us-Sunnah wal-Jamaah, by Madhhab they are Hanafee, in conduct they are Sufis, scholastically they are Maturidi and in Sulook they are Chisti[1]- rather they combine all Sufi orders... And in nisbat they are Deobandi.
”[2] “In essentials and beliefs, they (the Deobandis) follow Imam Abul Hasan Ash’aree and Imam Abu Mansoor Maturidi; and in sub-principles Imam Abu Haneefah. They are initiates of the Chistiyyah, Naqshbandiya, Qadriyah and Soharwardiyah Sufi orders.”[3]

Moulana Mohammad Zakariyah, whose book ‘Fazaail-e-Aamaal’ is revered and used as a training guide by the workers of the ‘Jamaat Tableegh’ highly praises this Fatawa collection (Fatawa Rahimiyyah) of Mufti Lajpuri and approves of the views mentioned in it.[4]
[1] A Soofi order i.e. Tareeqah
[2] Quoted in Fatawa Rahimiyyah, (Eng. Trans.), vol.1, p.9-10 from Ulama-e-Deoband ka Maslak.
[3] Fatawa Rahimiyyah (Eng. Trans.), vol.1, p.58.
[4] Moulana Zakariyah says, “The humble writer prays most sincerely for (success of) the Fatawa Rahimiyyah. May Allah make it the lot of the people to avail themselves more and more of and derive benefit from it and make it a Sadaqah-e-Jariah (continuous charity) for you (the author), for the printer and publisher and for everyone who may have in any way endeavored for the publication of this work and bestow upon you (all) its best rewards in both the worlds.” [Quoted from the first page of ‘Fatawa Rahimiyyah’ vol.1, published by the Islamic Book Printers, edition: Feb. 1997]


But In Reality The Practice Is Not What The Elders Say Or Have Set Down For Them To Follow....Remember There Are Branches Of The Deoband Sect, ie Tabligh Jamaat etc. Which Many Dop Not Believe In The Concept Of Sufism (Nisbat With A Shaikh)

The Dhikr of Khatm e-Khawajgan.

The practise of a special type of group Dhikr known as Khatm al-Khawajkan is something that is permissible and experienced to be useful in removing difficulties and calamities, and helpful in the acceptance of supplication (dua).

It can not be deemed as impermissible or Bid’a, for it only consists of the recitation of Surah al-Inshirah (alam nashrah), the Dhikr “la hawla wa la quwwata illa billah la malja’a wa la manja’a min Allah illa ilayh” and sending blessings on the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace), all of which are permitted and established recitals from the Qur’an and Sunnah.

The method or order of its recitation is undoubtedly something that is not established through the Sunnah, but it was something that many great scholars and Imams found to be beneficial through the ages and eras.

Similarly, the numeral specifications are also not proven from the Sunnah, but again, it is something that was felt very beneficial through the experiences of many great servants of Allah Almighty.

Therefore, the following should be kept in mind with regards to this Dhikr:

a) The special method of this Dhikr (Khatm al-Khawajkan) is not proven from the Sunnah, neither is this the claim of those who practise it. It is merely something that was felt to be immensely beneficial by many great scholars of Tasawwuf out of their personal experience. As such, it can not be deemed to be a Sunnah, rather only permissible or mandub.

b) The prescribing of certain numbers is also through experience, thus this also can not be deemed as an established Sunnah, rather Mandub.

c) Similarly, there is no fixed reward for its recitation, thus it is improper to fix a specific reward for it.

d) There is nothing wrong in regularly practising it or carrying this type of Dhikr at specific times, as long as it is not thought to be necessary.

e) It is improper to insist (israr) on others to take part in this type of Dhikr. If insistence takes place, or those who do not take part are considered to be blameworthy, then this will fall into the category of Bid’a.

In conclusion, the Dhikr of Khatm al-Khawajkan is permissible in itself, for it only consists of the recitation of established things, such as Surah al-Inshirah. It was prescribed by many great early scholars, especially those who were active in a technical term known as Tasawwuf. It was experienced by them to be immensely beneficial and helpful for the removing of calamities and the acceptance of Duas.

The method of this Dhikr

There is no exact method for this type of Dhikr, for (as you have seen that its method is not established through Sunnah) the experiences of different Masha’ikh differed from one another. This is the reason why one should abstain from regarding a specific method to be necessary.

Different Sufi orders (tariqas) have different ways and methods of carrying out this Dhikr. Below is one of the methods normally practiced by the Chishtiyya spiritual order:

1) Sending blessings and salutations (salat wa salam) on the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace),

2) Recitation of the Dhikr “la hawla wa la quwwata illa billah la malja’a wa la manja’a min Allah illa ilayh” 360 times,

3) Recitation of Surah al-Inshirah (alam nashrah) completely 360 times,

4) One again, recitation of “la hawla wa la quwwata illa billah la malja’a wa la manja’a min Allah illa ilayh” 360 times,

5) Sending blessings and Salutations (salat wa salam) on the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace),

Thereafter one should supplicate to Allah Almighty (dua) and ask Him for all of one’s needs and the removing of difficulties and calamities.

Note that, the number of 360 is not needed from every individual, rather when it is performed collectively, it is sufficient to reach 360 by the collective recitation.

Hafiz Muhammad Ishfaq

Signs of Qiyaamah: Dajjal

DAJJAL
Hadhrat Imraan bin Husain (R.A.) relates that, "I heard Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) saying: "That since the birth of
Adam (A.S.) till the advent of Qiyamah there is no fitnah (evil, test) much greater than that of Dajjal."
Hadhrat Huzaifah (R.A.) says, Dajjal will be blind in his left eye. He will have very thick hair on his body and he will also have
Jannat and Jahannam with him. Though his Jannat will appear as Jannat, in reality it will be Jahannam and likewise though his
Jahannam will appear to be Jahannam, in reality it will be Jannat.
(Muslim)
Imraan bin Husain (R.A.) says Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said: "Those who hear about Dajjal should stay far from
him. By Allah! A person will approach him thinking him to be a Believer, but on seeing his amazing feats he will become his
follower".
(Abu Dawood)
Ubadah bin Saamit (R.A.) says, Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) once said, "I have explained Dajjal to you, but I fear
that you might not have understood. Maseeh Dajjal will be short, and his legs will be crooked. The hair on his head will be
extremely twisted. He will have one eye (with which he can see, and this is the protruding eye about which other ahadeeth
inform us), while his other eye will be totally flat. It will neither be deep (in its socket) nor protruding.
If you still have any doubt regarding him then remember that your Sustainer (Rabb) is not one-eyed. (Because Dajjal will
eventually claim to be Allah). In a lengthy Hadeeth narrated by Abu Saeed (R.A.), Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) is
reported to have said: "Dajjal will come but it will be prohibited and impossible for him to enter Madina. He will set up camp in
a barren land outside Madina. One person who will be the best of persons will confront him by saying: "I bear witness that you
are the very Dajjal about whom Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) has informed us".
Dajjal will say to his followers, "If I kill this person and then revive him will you people still doubt me?" They will reply, "No". He
will then kill this person, (according to another narration he will split this person in two) and thereafter revive him. This person
will say, "I am now totally convinced more than ever before that you definitely are Dajjal." Dajjal will attempt to kill this person
again but his efforts will now be in vain. (According to a Hadeeth after this incident, Dajjal will not be able to harm anyone).
Hadhrat Anas (R.A.) says that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said: "Dajjal will come and finally reach the outskirts of
Madina. There will be three tremors. At that time all the disbelievers and hypocrites will flee (from Madina).
In this way Madina Munawwarah will be purified of all the evil hypocrites. Hadhrat Asma bint Yazeed (R.A.) narrates that
Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) once came to my house and there he spoke about Dajjal. He said that before the
emergence of Dajjal there will be three spells of drought. In one year the skies will withhold one third of its rains, causing the
earth to withhold one third of its produce. In the second year the skies will withhold two thirds of its rain causing the earth to
withhold two thirds of its produce. In the third year the skies will withhold all its water and there will be no crops that year. All
animals, be they hooved or toothed will die as a result. The greatest evil of Dajjal will be to approach anyone and ask him: "If I
bring your camel back to life, will you then believe that I am your Rabb"? This person will reply, "most certainly". Thereafter
Shaytaan (from the many Shayateen who will always accompany Dajjal) will appear before this person in the form of his camel
with a fat hump and fully laden udders.
Likewise Dajjal will appear before another person whose father and brother have long passed away and ask him, "If I bring
your father and brother back to life will you believe that I am your Rabb?" The person will reply, "Why not"? Shaytaan will one
again take on the appearance of his brother and father..."
(Ahmad)
Hadhrat Mughira ibn Shu’ba (R.A.) says that, "No one asked Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) about Dajjal as much as
myself. Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said to me, "How can he possibly harm you"? I said: "People are saying that he
will have with him a mountain of bread (provisions) and a river of water". Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said: "In the
sight of Allah he is much more disgraced than that. (i.e. Allah knows full well that in reality Dajjal has nothing with him, and all
that which appears to be with him is but deception).
(Bukhari and Muslim)
Other Ahadeeth regarding Dajjal inform us that: He will emerge between Shaam and Iraq, and his emergence will become
known when he is in Isfahaan at a place called Judea; (Yahudea) He will be of Jewish origin;
The Jews of Isfahaan will be his main followers; Apart from having mainly Jewish followers he will have a great number of
women followers as well; He will have with him fire and water, but in reality the fire will be cold water, while that what appears
to be cold water will in reality be a blazing fire; Those who obey him will enter his "Jannat’ while those who disobey him will
enter his Jahannam; There will be a thick fingernail-like object in his left eye; The letters "Kaa" "Faa" "Raa" will appear on his
forehead and will be deciphered by all Mu’mineen regardless of them being literate or not; He will have a wheatish complexion;
He will travel at great speeds and his means of conveyance will be a gigantic mule. It is said that he will play beautiful Music
which will attract the music lovers.
Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) has exhorted the regular recital of Suratul Kahf which will most certainly save one from
the Evils of Dajjal.
· Dajjal will lay claim to Prophethood.
· He will then lay claim to Divinity.
· He will perform unusual feats.
· He will travel the entire world. He will send down rains upon those who believe in him, which in turn will cause good
crops to grow, trees to bear fruit and cattle to grow fat.
· He will cause drought to those who disbelieve in him, causing starvation and hardship for them.
· During those trying times the Mu’mineen will satiate their hunger through the recitation of Subhan Allaah and La’ilalha
llallahu. The hidden treasures of the earth will spill forth at his command. He will stay on this Earth for a period of forty
days; the length of the first day will be one year, the second day will be equal to one month, the third day will be equal
to a week and the remaining days will be normal.
· He will be unable to enter Makkah because the Malaikah will be guarding the Holy City and nor will he be able to enter
Madina because there will be Malaikah guarding each of the seven entrances to Madina; From Madina he will proceed
towards Shaam where Imaam Mahdi will be stationed;
· Finally Eesa (A.S.) will descend from the heavens and pursue him and eventually kill him at Baab Lud. (Present day
Lydda)
(Bukhari)

Staying away from sin..

“The following points will (inshallah) help one to stay away from sins:

1) Stay away from company which will entice you to commit sin

2) Stay away from environments which encourage sin

3) Make it a point to stay in the company of pious, god-fearing people.

4) Take out time once a week and remember death, the stages preceding it and the punishments of the hereafter

5) Choose a qualified person as your Shaykh and take guidance from him when you find difficulty in abstaining from sin

6) Earnestly and continuously ask Allah ta’ala for His help and for protection from Shaytan and the Nafs”

shaykh,org

Gatherings of Dhikr are described as gardens of Jannah

Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) said, "When you pass the gardens of Paradise, graze to your heart's content." Someone asked, "O Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam), what is meant by the gardens of Paradise?" he replied, "Gathering for performing Dhikr."

Following the Sunnah..

The Prophet Muhammad S.A.W said:

"He who follows one of my sunnah will get the reward of 100shaheed"

SubhanAllah...look how easy it is to get this much reward just by following ONE sunnah e.g Eating with the right hand..