8. The Book of Virtues

The Excellence of Reciting the Qur'an

Abu Umamah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saying, "Read the Qur'an, for it will come as an intercessor for its reciters on the Day of Resurrection."[Muslim]. An-Nawwas bin Sam'an (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saying, "The Qur'an and its people who applied it, will be brought on the Day of Resurrection preceded with Surat Al-Baqarah and Surat Al-'Imran arguing on behalf of those who applied them."[Muslim]. 'Uthman bin 'Affan (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "The best amongst you is the one who learns the Qur'an and teaches it."[Al-Bukhari]. 'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "The one who is proficient in the recitation of the Qur'an will be with the honourable and obedient scribes (angels) and he who recites the Qur'an and finds it difficult to recite, doing his best to recite it in the best way possible, will have two rewards."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "The believer who recites the Qur'an is like a citron whose fragrance is sweet and whose taste is delicious. A believer who does not recite the Qur'an is like a date-fruit which has no fragrance but has a sweet taste. The hypocrite who recites the Qur'an is like basil whose fragrance is so sweet, but its taste is bitter. The hypocrite who does not recite the Qur'an is like a colocynth which has no fragrance and its taste is bitter."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. 'Umar bin Al-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Verily, Allah elevates some people with this Qur'an and abases others."[Muslim]. Ibn 'Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "Envy is justified in regard to two types of persons only: a man whom Allah has given knowledge of the Qur'an, and so he recites it during the night and during the day; and a man whom Allah has given wealth and so he spends from it during the night and during the day."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Al-Bara' bin 'Azib (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: A man was reciting Surat Al-Kahf, and a horse was tied with two ropes beside him. As he was reciting, a cloud overshadowed him, and as it began to come nearer and nearer, the horse began to trample voilently. The man came to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) in the morning and mentioned the incident to him. He (ﷺ) said, "That was tranquillity which descended as a result of the recitation of the Qur'an."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Ibn Mas'ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Whoever recites a letter from the Book of Allah, he will be credited with a good deed, and a good deed gets a ten-fold reward. I do not say that Alif-Lam-Mim is one letter, but Alif is a letter, Lam is a letter and Mim is a letter."[At- Tirmidhi]. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "He who does not memorize any part from the Qur'an he is like the ruined house.''[At-Tirmidhi]. 'Abdullah bin 'Amr bin Al-'As (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "The one who was devoted to the Qur'an will be told on the Day of Resurrection: 'Recite and ascend (in ranks) as you used to recite when you were in the world. Your rank will be at the last Ayah you recite."'[Abu Dawud and At- Tirmidhi].

Warning against forgetting the Qur'an

Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Read the Qur'an regularly. By the One in Whose Hand Muhammad's soul is, it escapes from memory faster than a camel does from its tying ropes."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Ibn 'Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "The parable of one who knows the Qur'an by heart is as the parable of an owner of hobbled camel. If he remains vigilant, he will retain it; and if he neglects it, it will go away."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

The Merit of Recitation of the Noble Qur'an in a Pleasant Voice

Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saying, "Allah does not listen so attentively to anything as He listens to the recitation of the Qur'an by a Prophet who recites well with a melodious and audible voice."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said to him, "You have been given a Mizmar (sweet melodious voice) out of the Mazamir of Prophet Dawud (David)."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].And in a version narrated by Muslim "If you would have seen me, as I was listening to your recitation last night." Al-Bara' bin 'Azib (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: I heard the Prophet (ﷺ) reciting Surat Wat-Teen Waz-Zaitun (Chapter 95) during the 'Isha' prayer. I have never heard anyone reciting it in a more beautiful voice than his.[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Abu Lubabah Bashir bin 'Abdul-Mundhir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "He who does not recite the Qur'an in a pleasant tone is not of us."[Abu Dawud]. Ibn Mas'ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) said to me, "Recite the Qur'an to me." I said: "O Messenger of Allah! Shall I recite it to you when it was revealed to you?" He (ﷺ) said, "I like to hear it from others." Then I began to recite Surat An-Nisa'. When I reached the Ayah: 'How will it be when We shall bring a witness from every people and bring you as a witness against them?' (Having heard it) he said, "Enough! Enough!" When I looked at him, I found his eyes were overflowing with tears.[Al- Bukhari and Muslim].

Inducement towards the Recitation of some Special verses and Surah of the Noble Qur'an

Abu Sa'id Ar-Rafi' bin Al-Mu'alla (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Shall I teach you the greatest Surah in the Qur'an before you leave the mosque?" Then he (ﷺ), took me by the hand, and when we were about to step out, I reminded him of his promise to teach me the greatest Surah in the Qur'an. He (ﷺ) said, "It is 'Alhamdu lillahi Rabbil 'Alamin (i.e., Surat Al-Fatihah) which is As-Sab' Al-Mathani (i.e., the seven oft- repeated Ayat) and the Great Qur'an which is given to me."[Al-Bukhari]. Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported about Surat Al-Ikhlas (Chapter 112): The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "By Him in Whose Hand my soul is, it is equivalent to one-third of the Qur'an."According to another version, he (ﷺ) said to his Companions, "Is anyone of you incapable of reciting one-third of the Qur'an in one night?" They considered it burdensome and said: "O Messenger of Allah, which of us can afford to do that?" He (ﷺ) said, "Surat Al-Ikhlas [Say: He is Allah (the) One] is equivalent to one-third of the Qur'an."[Al- Bukhari]. Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A man heard another reciting Surat Al-Ikhlas repeatedly. The next morning he came to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and informed him about it as if he considered it to be of little reward. On that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "By Him in Whose Hand my soul is, this Surah is equal to one-third of the Qur'an."[Al- Bukhari]. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Surat Ikhlas is equivalent to one-third of the Qur'an."[Muslim]. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A man said: "O Messenger of Allah! I love Surat-Al-Ikhlas [Say: He is Allah, (the) One]." He (ﷺ) said, "Your love for it will admit you to Jannah."[At-Tirmidhi]. 'Uqbah bin 'Amir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "Do you not know that last night certain Ayat were revealed the like of which there is no precedence. They are: 'Say: I seek refuge with (Allah) the Rubb of the daybreak' (Surah 113), and 'Say: I seek refuge with (Allah) the Rubb of mankind' (Surah 114)."[Muslim]. Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to seek protection against the evil of jinn and the evil eyes till Surat Al-Falaq and Surat An-Nas were revealed. After they were revealed, he took to them for seeking Allah's protection and left everything besides them.[At- Tirmidhi]. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saying, "There is a Surah in the Qur'an which contains thirty Ayat which kept interceding for a man until his sins are forgiven. This Surah is 'Blessed is He in Whose Hand is the dominion.' (Surat Al-Mulk 67)."[At-Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud]. Abu Mas'ud Al-Badri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Prophet (ﷺ) saying, "He who recites the two Ayat at the end of Surat Al-Baqarah at night, they will suffice him."[Al- Bukhari and Muslim]. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saying: "Do not turn your houses into graveyards. Satan runs away from the house in which Surat Al-Baqarah is recited."[Muslim]. Ubayy bin Ka'b (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "Abu Mundhir! Do you know which Ayah in Allah's Book is the greatest?" I replied: "It is 'Allah la ilaha illa Huwal-Haiyul-Qayum (Allah! none has the right to be worshipped but He, the Ever Living...)'." (2:256) Thereupon he (ﷺ) patted me in the chest and said, "Rejoice by this knowledge, O Abu Mundhir!"[Muslim]. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) put me in charge of charity of Ramadan (Sadaqat-ul- Fitr). Somebody came to me and began to take away some food-stuff. I caught him and said, "I must take you to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ)." He said, "I am a needy man with a large family, and so I have a pressing need." I let him go. When I saw the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) next morning, he asked me, "O Abu Hurairah! What did your captive do last night?" I said, "O Messenger of Allah! He complained of a pressing need and a big family. I felt pity for him so I let him go." He (ﷺ) said, "He told you a lie and he will return." I was sure, according to the saying of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) that he would return. I waited for him. He sneaked up again and began to steal food-stuff from the Sadaqah. I caught him and said; "I must take you to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ)." He said, "Let go of me, I am a needy man. I have to bear the expenses of a big family. I will not come back." So I took pity on him and let him go. I went at dawn to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) who asked me, "O Abu Hurairah! What did your captive do last night?" I replied, "O Messenger of Allah! He complained of a pressing want and the burden of a big family. I took pity on him and so I let him go." He (ﷺ) said, "He told you a lie and he will return." (That man) came again to steal the food-stuff. I arrested him and said, "I must take you to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), and this is the last of three times. You promised that you would not come again but you did." He said, "Let go of me, I shall teach you some words with which Allah may benefit you." I asked, "What are those words?" He replied, "When you go to bed, recite Ayat-ul- Kursi (2:255) for there will be a guardian appointed over you from Allah, and Satan will not be able to approach you till morning." So I let him go. Next morning the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) asked me, "What did your prisoner do last night." I answered, "He promised to teach me some words which he claimed will benefit me before Allah. So I let him go." The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) asked, "What are those words that he taught you?" I said, "He told me: 'When you go to bed, recite Ayat- ul-Kursi from the beginning to the end i.e.,[ Allah! none has the right to be worshipped but He, the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except with His Permission? He knows what happens to them (His creatures) in this world, and what will happen to them in the Hereafter. And they will never compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Kursi encompasses the heavens and the earth, and preserving them does not fatigue Him. And He is the Most High, the Most Great].' (2:255). He added: 'By reciting it, there will be a guardian appointed over you from Allah who will protect you during the night, and Satan will not be able to come near you until morning'." The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Verily, he has told you the truth though he is a liar. O Abu Hurairah! Do you know with whom you were speaking for the last three nights?" I said, "No." He (ﷺ) said, "He was Shaitan (Satan)."[Al-Bukhari]. Abud-Darda' (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "Whoever commits to memory the first ten Ayat of the Surat Al-Kahf, will be protected from (the trial of) Ad-Dajjal (Antichrist)."[Muslim].In another narration, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "(Whoever commits to memory) the last ten Ayat of Surat Al-Kahf, he will be protected from (the trial of) Ad-Dajjal (Antichrist)." Ibn 'Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: While Jibril (Gabriel) was sitting with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), he heard a sound above him. He lifted his head, and said: "This is a gate which has been opened in heaven today. It was never opened before." Then an angel descended through it, he said: "This is an angel who has come down to earth. He never came down before." He sent greetings and said: "Rejoice with two lights given to you. Such lights were not given to any Prophet before you. These (lights) are: Fatihah-til-Kitab (Surat Al-Fatihah), and the concluding Ayat of Surat Al-Baqarah. You will never recite a word from them without being given the blessings it contain s."[Muslim].

Desirability of Assembling for the Recitation of the Noble Qur'an

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Any group of people that assemble in one of the Houses of Allah to recite the Book of Allah, learning and teaching it, tranquility will descend upon them, mercy will engulf them, angels will surround them and Allah will make mention of them to those (the angels) in His proximity."[Muslim].

The Merits of Ablutions (Wudu')

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saying: "On the Day of Resurrection, my followers (or Ummah) will be summoned 'Al-Ghurr Al-Muhajjalun' from the traces of Wudu'. Whoever can increase the area of his radiance should do so."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard my Khalil (the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ)) as saying, "The adornment of the believer (in Jannah) will reach the places where the water of Wudu' reaches (his body)."[Muslim]. 'Uthman bin 'Affan (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "He who performs the Wudu' perfectly (i.e., according to Sunnah), his sins will depart from his body, even from under his nails."[Muslim]. 'Uthman bin 'Affan (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I saw the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) performing Wudu' the way I have just done it and said, "He who performs Wudu' like this, his previous sins will be forgiven and his Salat and walking to the mosque will be considered as supererogatory act of worship."[Muslim]. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "When a Muslim, or a believer, washes his face (in the course of Wudu'), every sin which he committed with his eyes, will be washed away from his face with water, or with the last drop of water; when he washes his hands, every sin which is committed by his hands will be effaced from his hands with the water, or with the last drop of water; and when he washes his feet, every sin his feet committed will be washed away with the water, or with the last drop of water; until he finally emerges cleansed of all his sins."[Muslim]. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) went to the (Baqi') cemetery and said, "May you be secured from punishment, O dwellers of abode of the believers! We, if Allah wills, will follow you. I wish we see my brothers." The Companions said, "O Messenger of Allah! Are not we your brothers?" He (ﷺ) said, "You are my Companions, but my brothers are those who have not come into the world yet." They said; "O Messenger of Allah! How will you recognize those of your Ummah who are not born yet?" He (ﷺ) said, "Say, if a man has white-footed horses with white foreheads among horses which are pure black, will he not recognize his own horses?" They said; "Certainly, O Messenger of Allah!" He (ﷺ) said, "They (my followers) will come with bright faces and white limbs because of Wudu'; and I will arrive at the Haud (Al-Kauthar) ahead of them."[Muslim]. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Shall I not tell you something by which Allah effaces the sins and elevates ranks (in Jannah)?" The Companions said; "Certainly, O Messenger of Allah." He (ﷺ) said, "Performing the Wudu' thoroughly in spite of difficult circumstances, walking with more paces to the mosque, and waiting for the next As- Salat (the prayer) after observing Salat; and that is Ar-Ribat, and that is Ar-Ribat."[Muslim]. Abu Malik Al-Ash'ari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "Purification is half the Iman."[Muslim]. 'Umar bin Al-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Whoever of you performs Wudu' carefully and then affirms: 'Ash-hadu an la ilaha illallahu Wahdahu la sharika Lahu, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan 'abduhu wa Rasuluhu [I testify that there so no true god except Allah Alone, Who has no partners and that Muhammad ((ﷺ) is His slave and Messenger],' the eight gates of Jannah are opened for him. He may enter through whichever of these gates he desires (to enter)."[Muslim].In the narration in At- Tirmidhi, it is added: "Allahummaj-'alni minat-tawwabina, waj-'alni minal-mutatahhirin (O Allah make me among those who repent and purify themselves)."

The Excellence of Adhan

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "Were people to know the blessing of pronouncing Adhan and the standing in the first row, they would even draw lots to secure these privileges. And were they to realize the reward of performing Salat early, they would race for it; and were they to know the merits of Salat after nightfall ('Isha') and the dawn (Fajr) Salat, they would come to them even if they had to crawl."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Mu'awiyah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saying: "The Mu'adhdhinun (callers to prayer) will have the longest necks on the Day of Resurrection."[Muslim]. 'Abdullah bin 'Abdur-Rahman reported: Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) said to me: "I see that you like living among your sheep in wilderness. So whenever you are with your sheep or in wilderness and you want to call Adhan, you should raise your voice because whoever hears the Adhan, whether a human or jinn or any other creature, will testify for you on the Day of Resurrection." Abu Sa'id added: "I heard this from the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ)."[Al-Bukhari]. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "When Adhan for Salat is pronounced, the devil takes to his heels and breaks wind with noise so as not to hear the call. When the Adhan is finished, he returns. When the Iqamah is announced, he turns his back, and after it is finished, he returns again to distract the attention of one and makes him remember things which he does not recall in his mind before the Salat, and says 'Remember this, and this,' and thus causes one to forget how many Rak'at he performed."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. 'Abdullah bin 'Amr bin Al-'As (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saying, "When you hear the Adhan, repeat what the Mu'adhdhin says. Then ask Allah to exalt my mention because everyone who does so will receive in return ten rewards from Allah. Then beseech Allah to grant me Al-Wasilah, which is a high rank in Jannah, fitting for only one of Allah's slaves; and I hope that I will be that man. If any one asks Al-Wasilah for me, it becomes incumbent upon me to intercede for him."[Muslim] Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "When you hear the Mu'adhdhin (pronouncing the call to Salat), repeat after him what he says."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "He who says upon hearing the Adhan: 'Allahumma Rabba hadhihid-da'wati-ttammati, was-salatil-qa'imati, ati Muhammadanil-wasilata wal-fadhilata, wab'athu maqaman mahmuda nilladhi wa 'adtahu [O Allah, Rubb of this perfect call (Da'wah) and of the established prayer (As-Salat), grant Muhammad the Wasilah and superiority, and raise him up to a praiseworthy position which You have promised him]', it becomes incumbent upon me to intercede for him on the Day of Resurrection."[Al- Bukhari]. Sa'd bin Abu Waqqas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "He who says after the Adhan: 'Ash-hadu an la ilaha illallah Wah-dahu la sharika Lahu; wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan 'abduhu wa Rasuluhu, radhitu Billahi Rabban, wa bi Muhammadin Rasulan, wa bil Islami Dinan [I testify that there is no true god except Allah Alone; He has no partners and that Muhammad (ﷺ) is His slave and Messenger; I am content with Allah as my Rubb, with Muhammad as my Messenger and with Islam as my Deen],' his sins will be forgiven."[Muslim]. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "The supplication made between the Adhan and the Iqamah is never rejected."[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

The Excellence of As-Salat (The Prayer)

Abu Hurairahu (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saying, "Say, if there were a river at the door of one of you in which he takes a bath five times a day, would any soiling remain on him?" They replied, "No soiling would left on him." He (ﷺ) said, " That is the five (obligatory) Salat (prayers). Allah obliterates all sins as a result of performing them."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Jabiru (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "The similitude of the five (obligatory) Salat is like a river running at the door of one of you in which he takes a bath five times a day."[Muslim]. Ibn Mas'ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A man kissed a woman. So he came to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and informed him about it. Then Allah revealed this Ayah: "And perform the Salat, between the two ends of the day and in some hours of the night. Verily, the good deeds efface the evil deeds (i.e., minor sins)." (11:114) The man asked the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) whether this applies to him only. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "It applies to all of my Ummah."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "The five (daily) Salat (prayers) and the Friday (prayer) to the Friday (prayer) expiate whatever (minor sins) may be committed in between, so long as major sins are avoided."[Muslim]. 'Uthman bin 'Affan (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saying, "When the time for a prescribed Salat is due and a Muslim performs its Wudu' and its acts of bowing and prostration properly, this Salat will be an expiation for his past sins, so long as he does not commit major sins, and this applies for ever."[Muslim].

Excellence of the Morning (Fajr) and 'Asr Prayers

Abu Musa (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "He who The observes Al-Bardan (i.e., Fajr and 'Asr prayers) will enter Jannah."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Abu Zuhair 'Umarah Ruwaibah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saying: "He who performs Salat (prayers) before the rising of the sun and before its setting, will not enter the Hell."[Muslim]. Jundub bin Sufyan (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "He who offers the dawn (Fajr) prayers will come under the Protection of Allah. O son of Adam! Beware, lest Allah should call you to account in any respect from (for withdrawing) His Protection."[Muslim]. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "There are angels who take turns in visiting you by night and by day, and they all assemble at the dawn (Fajr) and the afternoon ('Asr) prayers. Those who have spent the night with you, ascend to the heaven and their Rubb, Who knows better about them, asks: 'In what condition did you leave My slaves?' They reply: 'We left them while they were performing Salat and we went to them while they were performing Salat."'[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Jarir bin 'Abdullah Al-Bajali (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: We were sitting with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) when he looked at the full moon and observed, "You will see your Rubb in the Hereafter as you see this moon having no difficulty in seeing it. So try your best to perform the prayers before the rising of the sun and that before its setting."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Buraidah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "He who misses the 'Asr Salat (deliberately), his deeds will be rendered nul and void."[Al- Bukhari].

The Excellence of Proceeding towards the Mosque Walking

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "He who goes to the mosque in the morning or in the evening, Allah prepares for him a place in Jannah whenever he goes to the mosque in the morning and returns from it in the evening."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "He who purifies (performs Wudu') himself in his house and then walks to one of the houses of Allah (mosque) for performing an obligatory Salat, one step of his will wipe out his sins and another step will elevate his rank (in Jannah)."[Muslim]. Ubayy bin Ka'b (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: There was a man of the Ansar whose house was the farthest from the mosque. As far as I know, he never missed Salat (in congregation). It was said to him: "If you buy a donkey, you may ride upon it in the dark nights and in the hot days." He said: "I do not like that my house should be situated close to the mosque. I desire that my walking towards the mosque and returning home be recorded to my credit." Upon this the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Allah has gathered all (rewards) for you."[Muslim]. Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: There were some plots of land lying vacant around the mosque. The people of Banu Salamah decided to move to this land and come nearer to the mosque. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) heard about it and said to them, "I have heard that you intend to move near the mosque." They said: "Yes, O Messenger of Allah! We have decided to do that." Thereupon the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "O Banu Salamah! Stay in your houses, because your footprints (when you come to the mosque) will be recorded." He said this twice. They said: "We would not have liked it, had we moved near the mosque."[Muslim]. Abu Musa (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "The person who will receive the highest reward for Salat (prayer) is the one who comes to perform it in the mosque from the farthest distance. And he who waits for Salat to perform it with the Imam (in congregation) will have a greater reward than the one who observes it alone and then goes to sleep."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Buraidah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Convey glad tidings to those who walk to the mosque in the darkness. For they will be given full light on the Day of Resurrection."[At-Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud]. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Shall I not tell you something by which Allah effaces the sins and elevates the ranks (in Jannah)." The Companions said: "Yes (please tell us), O Messenger of Allah." He said, "Performing the Wudu' properly in spite of difficult circumstances, walking with more paces to the mosque, and waiting for the next Salat (prayer) after a observing Salat; and that is Ar-Ribat, and that is Ar-Ribat."[Muslim]. Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "When you see a man frequenting the mosque, testify that he is a believer because Allah says: 'Allah's mosques are visited only by those who believe in Allah and the Last Day."'[At-Tirmidhi].

The Excellence of waiting for As-Salat (The Prayer)

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Everyone among you will be deemed to be occupied in Salat (prayer) constantly so long as Salat (the prayer) detains him (from worldly concerns), and nothing prevents him from returning to his family but Salat."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "The angels supplicate in favour of one of you so long as he remains in the place where he has performed Salat (prayer) in a state of Wudu'. They (the angels) say: 'O Allah! Forgive him, O Allah! Have mercy on him."'[Al- Bukhari]. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Once the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) delayed the night prayer ('Isha') till midnight. He (ﷺ) turned to us after Salat (prayer) and said, "The people slept after performing their Salat, but you who waited, will be accounted as engaged in Salat throughout the period of your waiting."[Al-Bukhari].

The Excellence of Performing Salat (Prayers) in Congregation

Ibn 'Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Salat in congregation is twenty-seven times more meritorious than a Salat performed individually."[Al- Bukhari and Muslim]. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "A man's Salat in congregation is twenty-five times more rewarding than his Salat at home or in his shop, and that is because when he performs his Wudu' properly and proceeds towards the mosque with the purpose of performing Salat in congregation, he does not take a step without being raised a degree (in rank) for it and having a sin remitted for it, till he enters the mosque. When he is performing Salat, the angels continue to invoke Blessings of Allah on him as long as he is in his place of worship in a state of Wudu'. They say: 'O Allah! Have mercy on him! O Allah! Forgive him.' He is deemed to be engaged in Salat as long as he waits for it."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A blind man came to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and said: "O Messenger of Allah! I have no one to guide me to the mosque." He, therefore, sought his permission to perform Salat (prayer) in his house. He (ﷺ) granted him permission. When the man turned away, he called him back, and said, "Do you hear the Adhan (call to prayer)?" He replied in the affirmative. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) then directed him to respond to it.[Muslim]. 'Abdullah bin Umm Maktum, the Mu'adhdhin (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I said to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ): "There are many poisonous insects and wild beasts in Al-Madinah, and I am blind. Please grant me permission to perform Salat at home." He (ﷺ) enquired whether he could hear the call: Hayya 'alas-Salah; Hayya 'alal-Falah (Come to the prayer, come to the salvation). When he replied in affirmative, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) directed him to come (to mosque) for prayer."[Abu Dawud]. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "By Him in Whose Hand my life is, I sometimes thought of giving orders for firewood to be collected, then for proclaiming the Adhan for Salat. Then I would appoint an Imam to lead Salat, and then go to the houses of those who do not come to perform Salat in congregation, and set fire to their houses on them."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Ibn Mas'ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: He who likes to meet Allah tomorrow (i.e., on the Day of Requital) as a Muslim, should take care and observe the Salat when the Adhan is announced for them. Allah has expounded to your Prophet (ﷺ) the ways of right guidance, and these (the prayers) are part of the right guidance. If you have to perform Salat in your houses, as this man who stays away (from the mosque) and performs Salat in his house, you will abandon the Sunnah (practice) of your Prophet (ﷺ), and the departure from the Sunnah of your Prophet (ﷺ) will lead you astray. I have seen the time when no one stayed behind except a well-known hypocrite. I also saw that a man was brought swaying (on account of weakness) between two men till he was set up in a row (in the mosque).[Muslim]. Abud-Darda' (May Allah be pleased with him)reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saying, "If three men in a village or in the desert, make no arrangement for Salat in congregation, Satan must have certainly overcome them. So observe Salat in congregation, for the wolf eats up a solitary sheep that stays far from the flock."[Abu Dawud].

Urging to Observe 'Isha' and Fajr Prayers in Congregation

'Uthman bin 'Affan (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saying: "One who performs 'Isha' prayer in congregation, is as if he has performed Salat for half of the night. And one who performs the Fajr prayer in congregation, is as if he has performed Salat the whole night."[Muslim]The narration of At-Tirmidhi says: 'Uthman bin Affan (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated that he had heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saying: "He who attends 'Isha' in congregation, is as if he has performed Salat for half of the night; and he who attends 'Isha' and Fajr prayers in congregation, is as if he has performed Salat for the whole night." Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him)reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "If they knew the merits of Salat after nightfall ('Isha') and the morning (Fajr) Salat, they would come to them even if they had to crawl to do so."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]This is part of a long Hadith which has already been mentioned. See Hadith No. 1033. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "No Salat is more burdensome to the hypocrites than the Fajr (dawn) prayer and the 'Isha' (night) prayer; and if they knew their merits, they would come to them even if they had to crawl to do so."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Strict Orders for Observance of Obligatory Salat

Ibn Mas'ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I asked the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ): "Which act is the best?" He (ﷺ) said, "As-Salat at their fixed times." I asked, "What next?" He (ﷺ) said, "Being dutiful to parents." I asked, "What next?" He (ﷺ) said, "Striving (Jihad) in the way of Allah."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Ibn 'Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Islam is based on five (pillars): testifying that there is no true god except Allah and that Muhammad (ﷺ) is His slave and Messenger; performing of Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat); the payment of Zakat; performing Hajj (pilgrimage) to the House [of Allah (Ka'bah)]; and Saum (fasting) during the month of Ramadan."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Ibn 'Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "I have been commanded to fight against the people till they testify La ilaha illAllah (There is no true god except Allah) and that Muhammad (ﷺ) is His slave and Messenger, and to establish As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat), and to pay Zakat; and if they do this, then their blood and property are secured except by the rights of Islam, and their accountability is left to Allah."[Al- Bukhari and Muslim]. Mu'adh (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) sent me as a governor to Yemen and (at the time of departure) he instructed me thus: "You will go to people of the Scripture (i.e., the Jews and the Christians). First of all invite them to testify that La ilaha ill Allah (There is no true god except Allah) and that Muhammad (ﷺ) is His slave and Messenger; and if they accept this, then tell them that Allah has enjoined upon them five Salat (prayers) during the day and night; and if they accept it, then tell them that Allah has made the payment of Zakat obligatory upon them. It should be collected from their rich and distributed among their poor; and if they agree to it, don't take (as a share of Zakat) the best of their properties. Beware of the supplications of the oppressed, for there is no barrier between it and Allah."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Between a man and disbelief and paganism is the abandonment of Salat (prayer)."[Muslim]. Buraidah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "That which differentiates us from the disbelievers and hypocrites is our performance of Salat. He who abandons it, becomes a disbeliever."[At-Tirmidhi]. Shaqiq bin 'Abdullah reported: The Companions of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) did not consider the abandonment of any action as disbelief except neglecting Salat.[At- Tirmidhi]. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "The first of man's deeds for which he will be called to account on the Day of Resurrection will be Salat. If it is found to be perfect, he will be safe and successful; but if it is incomplete, he will be unfortunate and a loser. If any shortcoming is found in the obligatory Salat, the Glorious and Exalted Rubb will command to see whether His slave has offered any voluntary Salat so that the obligatory Salat may be made up by it. Then the rest of his actions will be treated in the same manner."[At- Tirmidhi].

The Excellence of Standing in the First Row (In Salat)

Jabir bin Samurah (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) came out to us (once) and said, "Why do you not stand in rows as the angels do before their Rubb?" We asked: "O Messenger of Allah! how do the angels stand in rows before their Rubb?" He (ﷺ) replied, "They complete each row beginning with the first and filling all the gaps."[Muslim]. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "If people came to know the blessing of calling Adhan and the standing in the first row, they could do nothing but would draw lots to secure these privileges."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "The best of the men's rows (in Salat) is the first row and the worst is the last; but the best of the woman's row is the last and the worst of their rows is the first."[Muslim]. Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) perceived a tendency among his Companions to stand in the back rows, he said to them, "Come forward and be close to me and let those who come after you, follow your lead. If people continue to fall behind (i.e., in acquiring virtues), Allah puts them behind."[Muslim]. Abu Mas'ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to gently pat our shoulders when we were standing in rows at the time of Salat and say, "Keep (the rows) straight; do not differ from each other lest your hearts should suffer from discord. Let those of you who are mature and prudent be nearer to me, and then those who are next to them."[Muslim]. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Keep your rows straight (during Salat in congregation), for keeping the rows straight is part of the perfection of Salat."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: When the Iqamah had been announced, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) turned his face towards us and said: "Make your rows straight and stand close together, for I can see you from behind my back."[Al- Bukhari]. An-Nu'man bin Bashir (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saying, "Straighten your rows; otherwise, Allah will create dissension among you."[Al- Bukhari and Muslim].The narration in Muslim is: An-Nu'man bin Bashir (May Allah be pleased with them) said: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) directed us to keep our rows as straight as arrows. He continued stressing this until he realized that we had learnt it from him (recognized its significance). One day he came into the mosque and stood up. He was just about to say Takbir (Allah is Greater) when he noticed a man whose chest was projected from the row, so he said, "O slaves of Allah, you must straighten your rows or Allah will certainly put your faces in opposite directions." Al-Bara' bin 'Azib (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to pass between the rows from one end to the other, touching our chest and shoulders (i.e., arranging the rows) in line and saying, "Do not be out of line; otherwise your hearts will be in disagreement". He would add, "Allah and His angels invoke blessings upon the first rows."[Abu Dawud]. Ibn 'Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Arrange the rows in order, stand shoulder to shoulder, close the gaps, be accommodating to your brothers, and do not leave gaps for Satan. Whoever joins up a row, he will be joined to Allah (i.e., to the Mercy of Allah); and whoever cuts off a row, he will be cut off from Allah (i.e., from His Mercy)."[Abu Dawud]. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Stand close together in your rows, keep nearer to one another, and put your necks in line, for by Him in Whose Hands my soul is, I see the Satan entering through the opening in the row like Al- hadhaf (i.e., a type of small black sheep found in Yemen)."[Abu Dawud]. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Fill (complete) the first row, then the one next to it; and if there is any deficiency (incompleteness), it should be in the last row."[Abu Dawud]. 'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Allah and His angels invoke blessings upon those who are on the right side of the rows."[Abu Dawud]. Al-Bara' (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Whenever we performed Salat behind the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), we liked to be on his right side so that his face might turn towards us (at the end of the Salat). One day, I heard Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) supplicating, "O my Rubb! Shield me from Your Torment on the Day when You will gather (or said, 'resurrect') Your slaves."[Muslim]. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him)reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Let the Imam stand in the middle (so that those praying behind him should be standing both on his right and his left) and close the gaps."[Abu Dawud].

The Excellence of Optional Prayers (Sunnah Mu'akkadah) along with the Obligatory Prayers

Umm Habibah (May Allah be pleased with her) the Mother of the Believers reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saying, "A house will be built in Jannah for every Muslim who offers twelve Rak'ah of optional Salat other than the obligatory Salat in a day and a night (to seek the Pleasure of Allah)."[Muslim]. Ibn 'Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: I performed along with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) two Rak'ah of optional prayers before Zuhr and two after the Zuhr (noon prayer), and two after the Friday prayer, and two after the Maghrib (evening) prayer, and two after the 'Isha' (night) prayer."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. 'Abdullah bin Mughaffal (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "There is a Salat (prayer) between every Adhan and Iqamah; there is a Salat between every Adhan and Iqamah." (While saying the same for the) third time (he (ﷺ) added), "It is for him who desires (to perform it)."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Emphasis on Performing two Rak'ah Sunnah before Dawn (Fajr) Prayer

'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) never omitted four Rak'ah prayer before the Zuhr prayer and two Rak'ah prayers before dawn (Fajr) prayer.[Al- Bukhari]. 'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) did not attach more importance to any Nawafil prayer than the two Rak'ah of prayer before dawn (Fajr) prayer.[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. 'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "The two Rak'ah before the dawn (Fajr) prayer are better than this world and all it contains."[Muslim]Another narration goes: "The two Rak'ah before the dawn (Fajr) prayer are dearer to me than the whole world." Abu 'Abdullah Bilal bin Rabah (May Allah be pleased with him) the Mu'adhdhin of Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) reported: I went to inform the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) about the time of the dawn (Fajr) prayer, and 'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) kept me busy and began to ask me about something till the day grew bright. Then I got up and informed the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) of the time of Salat. I informed him again but he did not came out immediately to lead As- Salat. When he came out, he led As-Salat. I said to him: 'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) kept me busy and thus diverted my attention by asking about something and the morning grew bright. You also came out late. Upon that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "I was engaged in performing two Rak'ah of Fajr prayer." Bilal (May Allah be pleased with him)said: "O Messenger of Allah! You delayed As-Salat so long as the morning grew bright." He (ﷺ) replied, "Even if the morning had become brighter than it had, I would have performed two Rak'ah of prayer in an excellent manner."[Abu Dawud].

Briefness to be Adopted in Performing the two Rak'ah Sunnah before Fajr Prayer, their time and the Surah to recite in them

'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) used to perform two Rak'ah short prayer between the Adhan (call to prayer) and the Iqamah of the dawn (Fajr) prayers.[Al- Bukhari and Muslim]In another narration, 'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) said: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to perform two supererogatory Rak'ah prayer of Fajr and make them so short in duration that I used to think whether he (ﷺ) had recited Surat Al-Fatihah (in it) or not.[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]In the narration of Muslim, 'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) said: When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to hear the Adhan (of Fajr prayer) he would perform two supererogatory Rak'ah prayer and would make them short. Hafsah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to perform two short Rak'ah prayer when it was dawn and the Mu'adhdhin had called Adhan (for the Fajr prayer).[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Ibn 'Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to perform his optional night prayers at night, two Rak'ah followed by two Rak'ah, and at the end he would conclude with an odd Rak'ah (Witr). Then he would perform two Rak'ah prayer before the dawn (Fajr) prayer after hearing the Adhan, and he would make them so brief as if he could hear the Iqamah being called.[Al- Bukhari and Muslim]. Ibn 'Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to recite during the two Rak'ah of Fajr prayer: "Say (O Muslims): We believe in Allah and that which has been sent down to us..." (2:136) which is in Surat Al-Baqarah in the first Rak'ah and the Verse: "We believe in Allah, and bear witness that we are Muslims (i.e., we submit to Allah." (3:52) in the second Rak'ah.According to another narration, he (ﷺ) recited from Surat Al-'Imran the Verses: "Come to a word which is just between us and you..." (3:64).[Muslim]. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) recited in the two supererogatory Rak'ah of the Fajr prayer Surat Al-Kafirun (No. 109) [in the first Rak'ah], and Surat Al-Ikhlas (No. 112) [in the second Rak'ah].[Muslim]. Ibn 'Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: I observed the Prophet (ﷺ) for one month reciting in the two supererogatory Rak'ah of the Fajr prayer Surat Al-Kafirun (No. 109) [in the first Rak'ah], and Surat Al-Ikhlas (No. 112) [in the second Rak'ah].[At-Tirmidhi].

Desirability of Lying down on one's right side after the Sunnah of Fajr Prayer

'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: When the Prophet (ﷺ) had performed two Rak'ah before the Fajr prayer, he would lie down on his right side.[Al-Bukhari]. 'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: When the Prophet (ﷺ) finished the 'Isha prayer, he would perform eleven Rak'ah before the Fajr prayer, concluding each two Rak'ah with Taslim (i.e., saying As-Salamu 'Alaikum) and observing the Witr (odd) at the end. When the Mu'adhdhin finished proclaiming Adhan for the Fajr prayer and it was dawn, he would rise and perform two short Rak'ah, and then would lie down on his right side till the Mu'adhdhin came to (inform) him about Iqamah.[Muslim]. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "When anyone of you has performed two of Sunnah before the Fajr prayer, he should lie down on his right side."[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

Sunnah of Zuhr Prayer

Ibn 'Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: I performed with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) two Rak'ah before and two after Zuhr prayers.[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. 'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) never omitted four Rak'ah supererogatory prayer before Zuhr prayers.[Al-Bukhari]. 'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: Whenever the Prophet (ﷺ) stayed in my house, he would perform four Rak'ah (supererogatory prayer) before Zuhr prayer. Then he would go out and lead Salat. He (ﷺ) would then come back and perform two Rak'ah (supererogatory prayer). He would lead the Maghrib prayer and come back and perform two Rak'ah (supererogatory prayer). When he (ﷺ) had led the 'Isha' prayer, he would enter the house and perform two Rak'ah (supererogatory prayer).[Muslim] Umm Habibah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Whoever observes the practice of performing four Rak'ah before Zuhr prayer and four after the Zuhr prayer, Allah will shield him against the Fire (of Hell).[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi]. 'Abdullah bin As-Sa'ib (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to perform four Rak'ah prayer after the declining of the sun before Zuhr prayer and would say, "This is an hour at which the gates of heaven are opened, and I like that my good deeds should rise to heaven at that time."[At- Tirmidhi]. 'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: If the Prophet (ﷺ) could not perform four Rak'ah before Zuhr prayer, he would perform them after it (i.e., after the obligatory prayer).[At-Tirmidhi].

Sunnah of the 'Asr Prayer

'Ali bin Abu Talib (May Allah be pleased with him)reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) used to perform four Rak'ah before the 'Asr prayer, separating them with Taslim (i.e., offering blessings) on the favourite angels who are near Allah's proximity and the Muslims and the believers who come after them.[At- Tirmidhi]. Ibn 'Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "May Allah have mercy on a man who performs four Rak'ah before the 'Asr prayer."[Abu Dawud and At- Tirmidhi]. 'Ali bin Abu Talib (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) used to perform two Rak'ah before the 'Asr prayer.[Abu Dawud].

'Abdullah bin Mughaffal (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Perform two Rak'ah before Maghrib prayer." He (ﷺ) repeated it twice; when repeating it for the third time he added: "He who may so wish."[Al- Bukhari]. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I saw the principal Companions of Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) rushing to the pillars (of the mosque) to perform two Rak'ah prayers behind them before the Maghrib prayer.[Al-Bukhari]. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: In the lifetime of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), we used to perform two Rak'ah (optional prayer) after sunset before the Maghrib prayer. It was asked: "Did Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) perform them?" He replied: "He saw us performing it, but he neither ordered us to perform them nor did he forbid us from doing so."[Muslim]. Anas bin Malik (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: When we were in Al-Madinah, the moment the Mu'adhdhin finished the Adhan of the Maghrib prayer, the people hastened to the pillars of the mosque and performed two Rak'ah prayer behind them. A stranger coming into the mosque would think that the obligatory prayer had already been performed because of the number of people performing them.[Muslim].

Sunnah of Friday Prayer

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him)reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "If anyone of you performs the Friday prayer, he should perform four Rak'ah (Sunnah) after it."[Muslim]. Ibn 'Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) would not perform any Salat (in the mosque) after the Friday prayer till he had returned to his house. He would then perform two Rak'ah there.[Muslim].

Desirability of offering Nawfil (Voluntary or Optional) Prayers at Home

Zaid bin Thabit (May Allah be pleased with him)reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "O people! perform your (voluntary) Salat (prayers) in your homes because the best Salat of a man is the one he performs at home, except the obligatory Salat."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Ibn 'Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Observe part of the [Nawafil (voluntary)] Salat (prayers) in your homes. Do not turn your homes into graves."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him)reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "When you have finished your (Fard) Salat (prayer) in the mosque, you should observe some of your (Sunnah and Nawafil) Salat at home; Allah will bless your homes because of your Salat (in your homes)."[Muslim] 'Umar bin 'Ata reported that Nafi' bin Jubair sent him to Sa'ib bin Ukht Namir to ask him about something that Mu'awiyah had seen him doing in Salat (prayer). He said: "Yes, I performed the Friday prayer along with him in the enclosure (Maqsurah), and when the Imam concluded the Salat with Taslim, I stood up in my place and performed the Sunnah prayer. When Mu'awiyah went home, he sent for me (and when I came) he said: "Never do again what you have done. When you have observed the Friday prayer, you must not start another Sunnah prayer till you have spoken to some one or have shifted your place; because the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) ordered us not to follow up the congregational Salat with any other Salat until we have talked (to some one) or moved from the place."[Muslim].

Witr Prayer, its Time and Ruling

'Ali (bin Abu Talib) (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Witr prayer is not obligatory as the prescribed Salat (prayers), but the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) observed it as his regular practice (Sunnah). He (ﷺ) said, "Allah is Witr (single, odd) and loves what is Witr. So perform Witr prayer. O followers of Qur'an, observe Witr (prayer)."[At-Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud]. 'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) observed Witr prayer in every part of night at the beginning, middle and at the last part. He (ﷺ), however, would finish his Witr prayer before dawn.[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Ibn 'Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Make Witr prayer the last of your Salat at night."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Perform Witr prayer before dawn."[Muslim]. 'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) used to perform his voluntary prayer at night (i.e., Tahajjud prayer) while she was sleeping in front of him; and when the Witr prayer was yet to be observed, he would awaken her to perform her Witr prayer.[Muslim]. Ibn 'Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Hasten to perform the Witr prayer before dawn."[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi]. Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him)reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "He who apprehends that he may not get up in the later part of the night, should observe the Witr prayer in the first part of it; and he who is certain to get up in the last part of it, he should observe Witr at the end of the night, because Salat at the end of the night is attended (by the angels), and that is better."[Muslim].

Merit of the (Optional) Duha (Forenoon) Prayer

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: My Khalil (the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ)) directed me to fast three days of each month, and to observe two Rak'ah Duha (optional prayer) at forenoon, and to perform the Witr prayer before going to bed.[Al- Bukhari and Muslim]. Abu Dharr (May Allah be pleased with him)reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "In the morning, charity is due on every joint bone of the body of everyone of you. Every utterance of Allah's Glorification (i.e., saying Subhan Allah) is an act of charity, and every utterance of His Praise (i.e., saying Al-hamdu lillah) is an act of charity and every utterance of declaration of His Greatness (i.e., saying La ilaha illAllah) is an act of charity; and enjoining M'aruf (good) is an act of charity, and forbidding Munkar (evil) is an act of charity, and two Rak'ah Duha prayers which one performs in the forenoon is equal to all this (in reward)."[Muslim]. 'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to perform four Rak'ah of Duha prayer (at the forenoon) and would add to them whatever Allah wished.[Muslim]. Umm Hani, daughter of Abu Talib (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: I went to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) on the day of the conquest of Makkah. He was taking a bath at that time. When he finished the bath, he performed eight Rak'ah (of optional) prayers. This was during the Duha (forenoon).[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Time for the Duha (Forenoon Optional) Prayer

Zaid bin Arqam (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I saw some people performing Duha (prayers) in the early forenoon and warned them (saying): These people must know that performing Salat a little later is better. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "The Salat of the penitent is to be observed when the young ones of camels feel the heat of the sun (i.e., when it becomes very hot)."[Muslim].

Inducement to Perform Tahiyyat-ul-Masjid (Upon Entering the Mosque)

Abu Qatadah (May Allah be pleased with him)reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "When anyone of you enters the mosque, he should perform two Rak'ah (of voluntary prayer) before sitting."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I came to the Prophet (ﷺ) when he was in the mosque, and he said to me, "Perform two Rak'ah prayer."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

The Excellence of Performing two Rak'ah of Voluntary Prayer after Ablution

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said to Bilal (May Allah be pleased with him) "Tell me about the most hopeful act (i.e., one which you deem the most rewarding with Allah) you have done since your acceptance of Islam because I heard the sound of the steps of your shoes in front of me in Jannah." Bilal said: "I do not consider any act more hopeful than that whenever I make Wudu' (or took a bath) in an hour of night or day, I would immediately perform Salat (prayer) for as long as was destined for me to perform."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

The Excellence of Friday Prayer

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "The best day on which the sun has risen is Friday. On that day Adam was created, he was admitted to Jannah, and he was expelled therefrom."[Muslim]. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "If anyone performs Wudu' properly, then comes to the Friday prayer, listens to the Khutbah (religious talk) attentively and keeps silent, his (minor) sins between that Friday and the following Friday will be forgiven, with the addition of three more days; but he who touches pebbles has caused an interruption. "[Muslim]. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him)reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "The five daily (prescribed) Salat, and Friday (prayer) to the next Friday (prayer), and the fasting of Ramadan to the next Ramadan, is expiation of the sins committed in between them, so long as major sins are avoided."[Muslim]. Ibn 'Umar and Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: We heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saying (while delivering Khutbah on his wooden pulpit), "Either some people (i.e., hypocrites) stop neglecting the Friday prayers, or Allah will seal their hearts and they will be among the heedless."[Muslim]. Ibn 'Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "When one of you intends to come for the Friday prayer, he should take a bath."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Taking a bath (before coming to Friday prayers) is obligatory on every adult."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Samurah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "It suffices to perform Wudu' properly for the Friday prayer; but it is better to take a bath."[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi]. Salman (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "If a man takes bath on Friday, (or) purifies himself as much as he can with Wudu', oils his hair, applies whatever perfume available in his house, sets forth for the mosque, does not separate two people (to make a seat for himself), performs Salat what is prescribed for him, remains silent when the Imam speaks, his (minor) sins between that Friday and the following Friday will be forgiven."[Al-Bukhari]. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "He who takes a bath on Friday, like the bath for ceremonial purity, and then goes (to the mosque), he is like one who offers a camel as a sacrifice to seek the Pleasure of Allah; and he who comes at the second hour is like one who offers a cow to win the Pleasure of Allah; and he who comes at the third hour is like one who offers a ram with horns (in sacrifice); and he who comes at the fourth hour is like one who offers a hen; and he who comes at the fifth hour is like one who offers an egg. And when the Imam ascends the pulpit, the angels (who write the names of those who come to the mosque before the coming of the Imam) close (their record) in order to listen to the Khutbah."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said while talking about the merits of Friday, "There is a time on Friday at which a Muslim, while he (or she) is performing Salat and is supplicating, will be granted whatever he (or she) is supplicating for." And he (ﷺ) pointed with his hand to indicate that this period of time is very short.[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Abu Burdah bin Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: 'Abdullah bin 'Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) said to me: "Did you hear your father narrating something from the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) about the special moment during Friday?" I said: "Yes, I heard him report from the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ): 'It occurs between the time when the Imam sits down (on the pulpit after the first Khutbah) and the time Salat is over."'[Muslim]. Aus bin Aus (May Allah be pleased with him)reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Among the best of your days is Friday. On that day pray to Allah to exalt my mention frequently, for your such supplications are presented to me."[Abu Dawud].

The Desirability of Prostrating out of Gratitude

Sa'd bin Abu Waqqas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: We left Makkah with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) for Al-Madinah, and when we were near 'Azwara,' he (ﷺ) alighted (from his riding-camel) raised his hands in supplication to Allah for a while and prostrated himself. He remained for a long time in prostration. Then he stood up and raised his hands for a while, after which he prostrated himself (again), and remained for a long time in prostration. Then he stood up and raised his hands for a while, after which he prostrated himself for the third time. Then he (ﷺ) said, "I supplicated my Rubb and made intercession for my Ummah, and He granted me one-third of them. So I again prostrated myself in gratitude to my Rubb. Then I raised my head and supplicated my Rubb for my Ummah, and He granted me another third of them. Again I raised my head and supplicated my Rubb for my Ummah and He granted me the last third of them. So I fell into prostration out of gratitude before my Rubb."[Abu Dawud].

Excellence of Standing in Prayer at Night

'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) kept standing (in prayer) so long that the skin of his feet would crack. I asked him: "Why do you do this, while you have been forgiven of your former and latter sins?" He said, "Should I not be a grateful slave of Allah?"[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. 'Ali (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) visited me and Fatimah (May Allah be pleased with her) one night and said, "Do you not observe prayer (at night)?"[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Salim bin 'Abdullah bin 'Umar bin Al-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with them) reported, on the authority of his father, that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "What an excellent man 'Abdullah is! If only he could perform optional prayers at night." Salim said that after this, (his father) 'Abdullah slept very little at night.[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. 'Abdullah bin 'Amr bin Al-'As (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said to me, "Do not be like so-and-so O 'Abdullah! He used to pray during the night, then stopped the practice."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. 'Abdullah bin Mas'ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Mention was made before the Prophet (ﷺ) of a man who slept throughout the night till morning. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) remarked, "He is a man in whose ears Satan urinated."[Al- Bukhari and Muslim].n Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "When any one of you sleeps, Satan ties three knots at the back of his neck. He recites this incantation at every knot: 'You have a long night, so sleep.' If he awakes and remembers Allah, one knot is loosened. If he performs Wudu', the (second) knot is loosened; and if he performs prayer, (all) knots are loosened. He begins his morning in a happy and refreshed mood; otherwise, he gets up in bad spirits and sluggish state."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. 'Abdullah bin Salam (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "O people, promote the greetings, feed (the poor and needy) and perform Salat when others are asleep so that you will enter Jannah safely."[At-Tirmidhi]. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "The best month for observing Saum (fasting) after Ramadan is Muharram, and the best Salat after the prescribed Salat is Salat at night."[Muslim]. Ibn 'Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Salat during the night should consist of pairs of but if you fear that morning is near, then pray one Rak'ah as Witr."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Ibn 'Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) performed the night prayer in pairs (i.e., Rak'ah) and made it odd number by observing one Rak'ah (as Witr).[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to leave off observing Saum (fasting) during a month until we thought that he would not observe Saum at all during it; and (sometimes) he would observe Saum till we began to think that he would not omit any day of that month. If one wished to see him performing Salat during the night, he could do that; and if one wished to see him sleeping at night, he could do that.[Al- Bukhari]. 'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to perform eleven Rak'ah (of Tahajjud) prayers at night. He (ﷺ) would prostrate so long as one of you might recite fifty Ayat (of the Qur'an). Thereafter, he would perform two Rak'ah before Fajr prayers and would lie down on his right side till the Mu'adhdhin would come and inform him about the time of (Fajr) prayer.[Al-Bukhari]. 'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) did not observe more than eleven Rak'ah (of Tahajjud prayers), be in Ramadan or any other month. First of all he would perform four Rak'ah. Ask not about their excellence and their length. He (ﷺ) would then perform four more Rak'ah; and do not ask about their excellence and their length. Then he would perform three Rak'ah (Witr prayer). ('Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) added) I submitted: "O Messenger of Allah! Do you sleep before performing the Witr prayer?" He (ﷺ) said, "O 'Aishah! My eyes sleep but my heart does not sleep."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. 'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) would sleep during the early part of night and stand in Salat during the latter part.[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Ibn Mas'ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: One night I joined the Prophet (ﷺ) in his (optional) Salat. He (ﷺ) prolonged the Qiyam (standing) so much that I made up my mind to commit an act of wrong. He was questioned: "What did you intend to do?" He replied: "I intended to sit down and stop following him (in Salat)."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Hudhaifah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I performed Salat with the Prophet (ﷺ) one night, and he started reciting Surat Al- Baqarah. I thought that he would go in Ruku' (bowing posture in Salat) at the end of one hundred Ayat, but he continued (reciting); and I thought that he would perhaps recite (this Surah) in the whole Rak'ah (prayer), but he continued the recitation; I thought he would perhaps bow on completing (this Surah). He (ﷺ) then started reciting Surat An-Nisa' which he followed with Surat Al-Imran. He recited leisurely. When he recited an Ayah which mentioned the tasbeeh, he would say Subhan Allah and when he recited the Ayah which tells how the Rubb is to be asked, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) would then ask from Him; and when he (ﷺ) recited an Ayah asking one to seek Protection Allah, he would seek Protection of Allah. Then he bowed and said, "Subhana Rabbiyal-Azim (My Rubb the Great is free from imperfection)"; his bowing lasted about the same length of time as his standing, (and then on returning to the standing posture after Ruku') he would say, "Sami' Allahu liman hamidah, Rabbana lakal-hamd (Allah listens to him who praises Him. Praise be to You, Our Rubb!)," and he would then stand about the same length of time as he had spent in bowing. He would then prostrate himself and say, "Subhana Rabbiyal-A'la (My Rubb the Supreme is free from imperfection)," and his prostration lasted nearly the same length of time as his standing (Qiyam).[Muslim]. Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was asked: "Which Salat is the best?" He replied, " The best Salat is that in which Qiyam (the duration of standing) is longer."[Muslim]. 'Abdullah bin 'Amr (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "The Salat which is dearest to Allah is that of (Prophet) Dawud; and As-Saum (the fasting) which is dearest to Allah is that of (Prophet) Dawud. He used to sleep half the night, get up to perform Salat for one-third of it, then sleep through the remaining one-sixth of it; and he used to observe Saum on alternative days."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saying, "Every night there is a special time during which whatever a Muslim asks Allah of any good relating to this life or the Hereafter, it will be granted to him; and this moment comes every night."[Muslim]. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "When one of you gets up at night to perform (Tahajjud) prayer, let him start Salat with two short Rak'ah."[Muslim]. 'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: Whenever the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) stood for Salat at night, he would start his prayer with two brief Rak'ah.[Muslim]. 'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: If the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) missed his night (Tahajjud) Salat because of indisposition or the like, he would perform twelve Rak'ah during the day.[Muslim]. 'Umar bin Al-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "If anyone falls asleep and therefore fails to observe his Hizb (share) or part of it, if he observes it between the Fajr and the Zuhr prayers, it will be recorded for him as though he had observed it during the night."[Muslim]. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "May Allah show mercy to a man who gets up during the night and performs Salat, awakens his wife to pray and if she refuses, he sprinkles water on her face (to make her get up). May Allah show mercy to a woman who gets up during the night and performs Salat, awakens her husband for the same purpose; and if he refuses, she sprinkles water on his face."[Abu Dawud]. Abu Sa'id and Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "When a man awakens his wife during the night and they both perform two Rak'ah Salat together, they are recorded among the men and women who celebrate remembrance of Allah."[Abu Dawud]. 'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "When one of you dozes off while performing Salat, he should lie down till his drowsiness has gone away from him. When one of you performs Salat while dozing, he may abuse himself instead of seeking pardon (as a result of drowsiness)."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "When anyone of you stands up for Salat at night and finds it difficult to recite the Qur'an accurately and he is unaware of what he is reciting, he should go back to sleep."[Muslim].

The Excellence of Optional (Tawawih) Prayer during Ramadan

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "He who observes optional prayer (Tarawih prayers) throughout Ramadan, out of sincerity of Faith and in the hope of earning reward will have his past sins pardoned."[Al- Bukhari and Muslim]. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to urge (the people) to perform (optional Tarawih) prayer at night during the month of Ramadan. He did not order them or make it obligatory on them. He (ﷺ) said, "Whosoever performs (optional Tarawih) prayers at night during the month of Ramadan, with Faith and in the hope of receiving Allah's reward, will have his past sins forgiven."[Muslim].

The Superiority of Lailat-ul-Qadr (the Night of Decree)

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Whosoever performs Qiyam during Lailat-ul-Qadr (Night of Decree), with Faith and being hopeful of Allah's reward, will have his former sins forgiven."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Ibn 'Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: Some of the Companions of the Prophet (ﷺ) saw Lailat-ul-Qadr (Night of Decree) in their dreams in the last seven nights of Ramadan, whereupon the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "I see that your dreams all agree upon the last seven nights. Whosoever seeks it, let him seek it in the last seven nights."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. 'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to seclude himself (in the mosque) during the last ten nights of Ramadan. He would say, "Search for Lailat-ul-Qadr (Night of Decree) in the last ten nights of Ramadan."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. 'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to observe I'tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan and say, "Seek Lailat-ul-Qadr (Night of Decree) in the odd nights out of the last ten nights of Ramadan."[Al- Bukhari]. 'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: When the last ten nights (of Ramadan) would begin, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) would keep awake at night (for prayer and devotion), awaken his family and prepare himself to be more diligent in worship.[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. 'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to strive more in worship during Ramadan than he strove in any other time of the year; and he would devote himself more (in the worship of Allah) in the last ten nights of Ramadan than he strove in earlier part of the month.[Muslim]. 'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: I asked: "O Messenger of Allah! If I realize Lailat-ul-Qadr (Night of Decree), what should I supplicate in it?" He (ﷺ) replied, "You should supplicate: Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun, tuhibbul-'afwa, fa'fu 'anni (O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness; so forgive me)."[At-Tirmidhi].

The Excellence of using Miswak (Tooth-Stick)

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Had I not thought it difficult for my Ummah, I would have commanded them to use the Miswak (tooth-stick) before every Salat."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Hudaifah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Whenever the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) got up (from sleep), he would rub his teeth with Miswak (tooth-stick).[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. 'Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: We used to prepare for the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) a Miswak (tooth-stick) and the water for making Wudu'. Whenever Allah wished to awaken him from sleep at night, he (ﷺ) would brush his teeth with Miswak, make Wudu', and perform Salat.[Muslim]. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him)reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "I stress upon you to use Miswak (tooth- stick)."[Al-Bukhari]. Shuraih bin Hani (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I asked 'Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her): "What was the first thing which the Prophet (ﷺ) would do when he entered his house?" She replied: "He would use Miswak (tooth-stick)."[Muslim]. Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I came to the Prophet (ﷺ) once and noticed the tip of Miswak (tooth-stick) on his tongue.[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. 'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "The Miswak (tooth-stick) cleanses and purifies the mouth and pleases the Rubb."[An-Nasa'i and Ibn Khuzaimah]. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "There are five acts which conform to the pure nature: Circumcision, removing of the pubic hair, clipping the nails, plucking the underarm hair and trimming the moustache."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. 'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "There are ten demands of pure nature: trimming the moustache, letting the beard grow, using Miswak (tooth-stick), snuffing up water into the nose (in ablution), paring the nails, washing the bases of the finger joints; plucking the underarm hair, removing of the pubic hair and removing impurities with water from the affected part after a call of nature."The subnarrator said: I forgot the tenth but it might possibly be the rinsing of the mouth (in ablution).[Muslim]. Ibn 'Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Trim the moustaches and let the beard grow."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

The Excellence and Obligation of the Payment of Zakat

Ibn 'Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "(The structure of) Islam is built on five (pillars): Testification of 'La ilaha illallah' (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah), that Muhammad (ﷺ) is his slave and Messenger, the establishment of Salat, the payment of Zakat, the pilgrimage to the House of Allah (Ka'bah), and Saum during the month of Ramadan."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Talhah bin 'Ubaidullah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A person with dishevelled hair, one of the people of Najd, came to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). We heard the humming of his voice but could not fully understand what he was saying, till he approached close to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). Then I came to know that he was asking about Islam. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "There are five (obligatory) Salat during the day and the night." He said: "Am I obliged to perform any other (Salat) besides these?" The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "No, but whatever you observe voluntarily." He (ﷺ) added, "There is the Saum of Ramadan." The inquirer asked: "Am I obliged to do anything besides this?" The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "No, but whatever you do out of your own free will. You may observe voluntary fasting." And the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) told him about the Zakat (obligatory charity). The inquirer asked: "Am I obliged to pay anything besides this?" The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "No, but whatever you pay voluntarily out of your own free will." That man turned back saying: "By Allah! I will neither make any addition to this nor will I decrease anything from it." (Upon hearing this) the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) remarked, "He is successful if he proves truthful (to what he is saying)."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Ibn 'Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) appointed Mu'adh (May Allah be pleased with him) as governor of Yemen, and at the time of his departure, he instructed him thus: "First of all, call the people to testify 'La ilaha illallah' (there is no true god except Allah) and that I (Muhammad) am the Messenger of Allah, and if they accept this (declaration of Faith), then tell them that Allah has enjoined upon them five Salat during the day and night; and if they obey you, tell them that Allah has made the payment of Zakat obligatory upon them. It should be collected from their rich and distributed among their poor."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Ibn 'Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "I have been commanded to fight people till they testify 'La ilaha illallah' (there is no true god except Allah) that Muhammad (ﷺ) is his slave and Messenger, and they establish Salat, and pay Zakat; and if they do this, their blood (life) and property are secured except when justified by law, and it is for Allah to call them to account."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: When the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) passed away, Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him) was appointed as his successor (caliph). Amongst the Arabs some men apostatised. Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him) resolved to fight them. 'Umar bin Al-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with him) said to Abu Bakr: "How can you fight them when the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) has declared: 'I have been commanded to fight people till they testify La ilaha illallah (there is no true god except Allah); and if they do it, their blood (life) and property are secured except when justified by law, and it is for Allah to call them to account." Upon this Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him) said: "By Allah, I would definitely fight him who makes distinction between Salat and the Zakat, because it is an obligation upon the rich to pay Zakat. By Allah I will fight them even to secure the piece of rope which they used to give to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ)." 'Umar (May Allah be pleased with him) said: "I realized that Allah opened the heart of Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him) for fighting those who refused to pay Zakat, and I fully recognized that Abu Bakr Abu Ayyub (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A man said to the Prophet (ﷺ): "Direct me to a deed which may admit me to Jannah." Upon this he (the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ)) said, "Worship Allah and never associate anything with Him in worship, establish Salat, pay Zakat, and strengthen the ties of kinship."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A bedouin came to the Prophet (ﷺ) and said: "O Messenger of Allah! Direct me to a deed by which I may be entitled to enter Jannah." The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Worship Allah, and never associate anything with Him, establish Salat, pay the Zakat which has been enjoined upon you, and observe Saum of Ramadan." He (the bedouin) said: "By Him in Whose Hand my soul is, I will never add anything to these (obligations)." When he turned his back, the Prophet (ﷺ) said, "He who wants to see a man from the dwellers of Jannah, let him look at him (bedouin)."[Al- Bukhari and Muslim]. Jarir bin 'Abdullah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I pledged allegiance to the Prophet (ﷺ) to establish Salat, to pay the Zakat and to have the welfare of every Muslim at heart.[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Any person who possesses gold or silver and does not pay what is due on it (i.e., the Zakat); on the Day of Resurrection, sheets of silver and gold would be heated for him in the fire of Hell and with them his flank, forehead and back will be branded. When they cool down, they will be heated again and the same process will be repeated during the day the measure whereof will be fifty thousand years. (This would go on) until Judgement is pronounced among (Allah's) slaves, and he will be shown his final abode, either to Jannah or to Hell." It was asked, "How about someone who owns camels and does not pay what is due on him (i.e., their Zakat)?" He (ﷺ) replied, "In the same way the owner of camels who does not discharge what is due in respect of them (their due includes their milking on the day when they are taken to water) will be thrown on his face or on his back in a vast desert plain on the Day of Resurrection and they will trample upon him with their hoofs and bite him with their teeth. As often as the first of them passes him, the last of them will be made to return during a day the measure whereof will be fifty thousand years, until Judgement is pronounced among (Allah's) slaves, he will be shown his final abode either to Jannah or to Hell." It was (again) asked: "O Messenger of Allah, what about cows (cattle) and sheep?" He (ﷺ) said, "If anyone who possesses cattle and sheep and does not pay what is due on them (i.e., their Zakat); on the Day of Resurrection, he will be thrown on his face in a vast plain desert. He will find none of the animals missing with twisted horns, without horns or with a broken horn, and they will gore him with their horns and trample upon him with their hoofs. As often as the first of them passes him, the last of them will be made to return to him during a day the measure whereof will be fifty thousand years, until Judgement is pronounced among (Allah's) slaves; and he will be shown his final abode either to Jannah or to Hell." It was asked: "O Messenger of Allah, what about the horses?" Upon this he (ﷺ) said, "The horses are of three types. One, which is a burden for the owner; another which is a shield, and another one which makes its owner entitled to reward. The one for whom these are a burden is the person who rears them for show or for pride or for causing injury to the sentiments of the Muslims. They will be a cause of torment for their owners. The one for whom these are a shield is the person who rears them for the sake of Allah but does not forget the Right of Allah concerning their backs and their necks (i.e., he lets a needy ride on them), and so they are a shield for him. Those which bring reward to the one who rears them in pastures and gardens are the ones that are used in the Cause of Allah (Jihad) by the Muslims. Whatever they eat from the meadows and the gardens will be recorded on his behalf as good deeds so much so that their droppings and urine will be counted for an equal number of good deeds for him. Even when they break their tying rope and every height from which they climb and every hoofprint which they leave will be counted as a good deed on behalf of the owner. When their owner leads them through a stream from which they drink, though he does not intend to quench their thirst, yet Allah would record for him the quantity (of water) of what they would drink on his behalf as good deeds." It was asked: "O Messenger of Allah, what about the donkeys?" Upon this he (ﷺ) said, "Nothing has been revealed to me in regard to the donkeys in particular except this one Verse of a comprehensive nature: "So whosoever does good equal to the weight of an atom (or a small ant) shall see it. And whosoever does evil equal to the weight of an atom (or a small ant) shall see it."' (99: 8,9).[Al- Bukhari and Muslim].

The Excellence of Observing Saum (Fasts) during Ramadan

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Allah the Exalted and Majestic said: 'Every act of the son of Adam is for him, except As-Siyam (the fasting) which is (exclusively) for Me, and I will reward him for it.' Fasting is a shield. When anyone of you is observing fast, he should neither indulge in obscene language nor should he raise his voice; and if anyone reviles him or tries to quarrel with him, he should say: 'I am fasting.' By Him in Whose Hand the soul of Muhammad is, the breath of one observing Saum is sweeter to Allah than the fragrance of musk. The one who fasts, experiences two joys: he feels pleasure when he breaks the fast. He is joyful by virtue of his fast when he meets his Rubb."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].In a narration by Al-Bukhari, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Allah says: '(The person observing Saum) has abstained from food and drink, and sexual pleasures for My sake; fasting is for Me, and I will bestow its reward. Every good deed has ten times its reward'."In a narration by Muslim, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "The reward of every (good) deed of a person is multiplied from ten to seven hundred times. Allah (SWT) says: 'The reward of observing Saum is different from the reward of other good deeds; Saum is for Me, and I Alone will give its reward. The person observing Saum abstains from food and drink only for My sake.' The fasting person has two joyous occasions, one at the time of breaking his fast, and the other at the time of meeting his Rubb. Surely, the breath of one observing Saum is better smelling to Allah than the fragrance of musk." Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "He who spends a pair in the way of Allah will be called from the gates of Jannah: 'O slave of Allah! This gate is better for you' and one who is constant in Salat (prayer), will be called from the Gate of Salat; and whoever is eager in fighting in the Cause of Allah, will be called from the Gate of Jihad; and who is regular in observing Saum will be called from Ar-Raiyan Gate. The one who is generous in charity will be called from the Gate of Charity." Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him) said: "O Messenger of Allah (ﷺ)! May my mother and father be sacrificed for you! Those who are called from these gates will stand in need of nothing. Will anybody be called from all of those gates?" He replied, "Yes, and I hope that you will be one of them."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Sahl bin Sa'd (May Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "In Jannah there is a gate which is called Ar-Raiyan through which only those who observe Saum (fasting) will enter on the Day of Resurrection. None else will enter through it. It will be called out, "Where are those who observe fasting?" So they will stand up and proceed towards it. When the last of them will have entered, the gate will be closed and then no one will enter through that gate."[Muslim]. Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Every slave of Allah who observes Saum (fasting) for one day for the sake of Allah, Allah will draw his face farther from Hell-fire to the extent of a distance to be covered in seventy years."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "He who observes fasting during the month of Ramadan with Faith while seeking its reward from Allah, will have his past sins forgiven."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "When Ramadan begins, the gates of Jannah are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Observe Saum (fast) on sighting the crescent and terminate it on sighting it (the new moon), but if the sky is cloudy before you, then complete the number (thirty days) of the month."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

The Excellence of Spending out Charity during Ramadan

Ibn 'Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was the most generous of the men; and he was the most generous during the month of Ramadan when Jibril visited him every night and recited the Qur'an to him. During this period, the generosity of Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) waxed faster than the rain bearing wind.[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. 'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: When the last ten nights (of Ramadan) would begin, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) would keep awake at night (for prayer and devotion), awaken his family and prepare himself to be more diligent in worship.[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

The Prohibition of Observing Saum (Fasting) after the Middle of Sha'ban

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Do not observe Saum (fasting) for a day or two days preceding Ramadan. However, if a person is in the habit of observing Saum on a particular day (which may fall on these dates), he may fast on that day."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Ibn 'Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Do not observe Saum (fasting) before the advent of Ramadan. Observe Saum at sighting of the crescent of Ramadan and terminate it at sighting the crescent (of Shawwal). If the sky is overcast, complete (the month as) thirty (days)."[At- Tirmidhi]. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "When there comes the middle of Sha'ban, don't observe Saum (fasting)."[At-Tirmidhi]. 'Ammar bin Yasir (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: He who observes the fast on a doubtful day, has in fact disobeyed Abul-Qasim, (i.e., Messenger of Allah (ﷺ)).[Abu Dawud and At- Tirmidhi].

Supplication at the Sight of the Crescent (At the outset of Every Lunar Month)

Talhah bin Ubaidullah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: At the sight of the new moon (of the lunar month), the Prophet (ﷺ) used to supplicate: "Allahumma ahillahu 'alaina bil-amni wal-iman, was-salamati wal-Islam, Rabbi wa Rabbuk-Allah, Hilalu rushdin wa khairin (O Allah, let this moon appear on us with security and Iman; with safety and Islam. (O moon!) Your Rubb and mine is Allah. May this moon be bringing guidance and good)."[At- Tirmidhi].

Merit of Suhur (Predawn meal in Ramadan) and the Excellence of Delaying having it till before Dawn

Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Eat Suhur (predawn meal). Surely, there is a blessing in Suhur."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Zaid bin Thabit (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: We took Suhur (predawn meal) with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and then we stood up for (Fajr) Salat (prayer). It was asked: "How long was the gap between the two?" He replied: "The time required for the recitation of fifty Ayat."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Ibn 'Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) had two Mu'adhdhin: Bilal and Ibn Umm Maktum (May Allah be pleased with them). The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Bilal proclaims Adhan [call to Salat (prayer)] at fag end of night, so eat and drink till Ibn Umm Maktum pronounces Adhan." Ibn 'Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) added: And the gap between their Adhan was not more than the time spent in one's getting down and the other's climbing (the minaret).[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. 'Amr bin Al-'As (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "The difference between our observance of Saum (fasting) and that of the people of the Scriptures is Suhur (predawn meal in Ramadan)."[Muslim].

The Superiority of Hastening to Break the Fast, and the supplication to say upon Breaking it

Sahl bin Sa'd (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "People will continue to adhere to good as long as they hasten to break the Saum (fasting)."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Abu Atiyyah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Masruq and I visited 'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) and said: "O Mother of the Believers! There are two Companions of Muhammad (ﷺ) and neither of them holds back from doing good acts; but one of them hastens to break Saum (fasting) and hastens to perform the Maghrib prayer, while the other delays breaking Saum and delays performing Salat (prayer)." She asked, "Who is the one who hastens to break Saum and perform the Maghrib prayer?" Masruq said, "It is 'Abdullah (meaning 'Abdullah bin Mas'ud)." She said, "The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to do so."[Muslim]. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Allah the Most High says: 'From amongst my slaves, the quicker the one is in breaking the Saum (fasting), the dearer is he to me."'[At-Tirmidhi]. 'Umar bin Al-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "When the night approaches from this side (i.e., the east) and the day retreats from that side (i.e., west) and the sun sets, then it is time for a person observing Saum (fasting) to break his fast."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Abu Ibrahim 'Abdullah bin Abu Aufa (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: We were with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) on a journey and he was observing Saum (fasting). When the sun set, he (ﷺ) said to a person, "Dismount and prepare the ground roasted barley drink for us." Upon this he replied, "O Messenger of Allah, there is daylight still." The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Get down and prepare barley drink for us." He said, "But it is still daytime." The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) again said to him, "Get down and prepare barely drink for us." So he got down and prepared a barley liquid meal for him. The Prophet (ﷺ) drank that and then said, "When you perceive the night approaching from that side, a person observing Saum (fasting) should break the fast." And he (ﷺ) pointed towards the east with his hand.[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Salman bin 'Amir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Prophet (ﷺ) saying, "When one of you breaks his Saum (fasting), let him break it on dates; if he does not have any, break his fast with water for it is pure."[Abu Dawud]. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to break his Saum (fasting) before performing Maghrib prayer with three fresh date-fruits; if there were no fresh date- fruits, he will eat three dry dates; and if there were no dry date- fruits; he would take three draughts of water.[At- Tirmidhi].

Safeguarding As-Saum (The Fast)

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "When any one of you is observing Saum (fasting) on a day, he should neither indulge in obscene language nor should he raise the voice; and if anyone reviles him or tries to quarrel with him he should say: 'I am observing fast."'[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "If one does not eschew lies and false conduct, Allah has no need that he should abstain from his food and his drink."[Al-Bukhari].

Matters relating to As-Saum (Fasting)

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "If any one of you forgetfully eats or drinks (while observing fasting) he should complete his Saum (fasting), for Allah has fed him and given him to drink."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Laqit bin Sabirah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I requested the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) to talk to me about ablution. He said, "Perform the Wudu' well (by washing those parts of the body, such as the face, hands and feet beyond what is required, like washing the hands up to the upper-arm instead of the elbow). Cleanse the base of your fingers and sniff water deep into the nose except when you are observing fast."[Abu Dawud and At- Tirmidhi]. 'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) would wake up at Fajr time in a state of Janabah; so he would take bath before dawn and observe fasting.[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. 'Aishah, and Umm Salamah (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) would wake during Ramadan (fasting) in a state of major impurity without a wet dream, but on account of sexual intercourse and he would take a bath before dawn.[Al- Bukhari and Muslim].

The Excellence of Observing Saum (Fasting) in the months of Muharram and Sha'ban and the Secred Months

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "The best month for observing Saum (fasting) next after Ramadan is the month of Allah, the Muharram; and the best Salat (prayer) next after the prescribed Salat is Salat at night (Tahajjud prayers)."[Muslim]. 'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) did not observe voluntary Saum (fasting) so frequently during any other month as he did during Sha'ban. He observed Saum throughout the month of Sha'ban.Another narration is: He (ﷺ) observed Saum during the whole month of Sha'ban except a few days.[Al- Bukhari and Muslim]. Reported Mujibah Al-Bahiliyah on the authority of her father or uncle that he visited the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) once and then went to see him again after a year. His appearance had totally changed. He asked the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) if he had recognized him. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) asked, "Who are you?" He replied: "I am Al- Bahili who visited you last year." The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "You were quite handsome, what has changed your appearance so much?" He replied, "Since my departure from here, I have not eaten anything except at night." The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) remarked, "You have put yourself to torture. Observe Saum (fasting) during the Month of Patience (i.e., Ramadan) and fast one day from each month." He submitted, "Permit me to observe more voluntary fasts because I have capacity to do so." The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Then observe fasts for two days in every month." He said, "Permit me to observe more." The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Observe fasts on three days in every month." He requested that he should be allowed to observe more fasts. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Fast three days during the sacred months and omit fasting for three days alternately." He (ﷺ) joined his three fingers together and left them apart while repeating this sentence thrice.[Abu Dawud].

The Excellence of As-Saum (The Fast) during the first ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah

Ibn 'Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "There are no days during which the righteous action is so pleasing to Allah than these days (i.e., the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah)." He was asked: "O Messenger of Allah, not even Jihad in the Cause of Allah?" He (ﷺ) replied, "Not even Jihad in the Cause of Allah, except in case one goes forth with his life and his property and does not return with either of it."[Al- Bukhari].

The Excellence of Observing Saum on the Day of 'Arafah, 'Ashura' and Tasu'a (i.e., 9th of Muharram)

Abu Qatadah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was asked about the observance of Saum (fasting) on the day of 'Arafah. He said, "It is an expiation for the sins of the preceding year and the current year."[Muslim]. Ibn 'Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) observed Saum (fasting) on the day of 'Ashura' and commanded us to fast on this day.[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Abu Qatadah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was asked about observing As-Saum (the fast) on the tenth day of Muharram, and he replied, "It is an expiation for the sins of the preceding year."[Muslim]. Ibn 'Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "If I remain alive till the next year, I shall also observe fast on the ninth of Muharram."[Muslim].

The Desirability of Fasting six Days in the Month of Shawwal

Abu Ayyub (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "He who observes As-Saum (the fasts) in the month of Ramadan, and also observes As-Saum for six days in the month of Shawwal, it is as if he has observed As-Saum for the whole year."[Muslim].

The Desirability of Observing Saum (Fasting) on Monday and Thursday

Abu Qatadah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was asked about fasting on Mondays. He said, "That is the day on which I was born and the day on which I received Revelation."[Muslim]. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Deeds of people are presented (to Allah) on Mondays and Thursdays. So I like that my actions be presented while I am fasting."[At-Tirmidhi]. 'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her)u reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to observe fast on Mondays and Thursdays.[At-Tirmidhi].

The Desirability of Observing Three Days of Fasting in Every Month

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: My friend (the Messenger of Allah) (ﷺ) directed me to observe fast for three days in every month, to perform two Rak'ah (optional) Duha prayer at forenoon and to perform the Witr prayer before going to bed.[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Abud-Darda (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: My friend (the Messenger of Allah) (ﷺ) directed me to observe Saum (fasting) for three days in every month, to perform two Rak'ah (optional) Duha prayer at forenoon, and to perform the Witr prayer before going to bed.[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. 'Abdullah bin 'Amr bin Al-'As (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Observing Saum (fasting) on three days of every month is equivalent to a full month's fasting."[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Mu'adhah Al-'Adawiyah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: I asked 'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her). Did the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) use to observe three days of Saum (fasting) in every month?" She replied, "Yes." I asked, "On which days in the month did he observed fast?" She replied that he did not mind on which days of the month he observed fast.[Muslim]. Abu Dharr (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "If you want to observe Saum on three days in a month, then fast on the thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth of the (lunar) month."[At-Tirmidhi]. Qatadah bin Milhan (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) directed us to observe Saum (fasting) on the thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth of the (lunar) month.[Abu Dawud]. Ibn 'Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: It was the practice of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) to not to omit fast on 'bright days' whether he was staying at a place or on a journey.[An-Nasa'i].

The Merit of Providing something to the Person Observing Saum (Fasting) for breaking the Fast

Zaid bin Khalid Al-Juhani (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "He who provides a fasting person something with which to break his fast, will earn the same reward as the one who was observing the fast, without diminishing in any way the reward of the latter."[At-Tirmidhi]. Umm 'Umarah Al-Ansariyah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: Once the Prophet (ﷺ) visited us and I served him some food. He (ﷺ) asked me to eat. I replied that I was observing (optional) fast. He (ﷺ) said, "When people eat by a person observing fast, the angels keep asking Allah's forgiveness for that person until they have had their fill."[At-Tirmidhi]. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) came to visit Sa'd bin 'Ubadah (May Allah be pleased with him) who presented bread and olive oil to him. The Prophet (ﷺ) ate it and said, "The observers of fast have broken their fast with you (this is the literal translation, but the meaning is: 'May Allah reward you for providing a fasting people with food to break their fast'); the pious people have eat your food and the angels invoked blessings on you."[Abu Dawud].