Chapter Fourteen

The Chapter Concerning The Fervour the Sahabah '~,G5W had for Dhikr and the Encouragement they Gave Towards it f This chapter highlights the tremendous fervour that Nabi and the Sahabah W W j had for the Dhikr of AIIaah 3,%&30. It further discusses how they were regular with it every morning and evening, during the days and the nights and on journey and a t home. Further discussed is how they prompted and encouraged others towards Dhikr and what forms of Dhikr they engaged in. \ J ' 9l'C The Encouragement Rasulullaah k&% Gave towards The Dhikr of Allaah $LGj$P Rasulullaah @@ says, "One should adopt a tongue that engages in Dhikr" Hadhrat Thowbaan t = narrates that they were once on a journey with Rasulullaah @& when some of the Muhaajireen said, "If only we knew what type of wealth is good now that Allaah has revealed verses of the Qur'aan about gold and silver (condemning those who hoard it without paying the zakaah due on it)." Hadhrat Umar 4 - said, "If you wish, I can ask Rasulullaah on your behalf." With their permission, Hadhrat Umar $i%%G went off and Hadhrat Thowbaan 4-4. followed him hurriedly on his camel. "0 Rasulullaah m!" Hadhrat Umar WW started, "Since Allaah has revealed verses about gold and silver, the Muhaajireen are asking, 'If only we knew what type of wealth is good now that Allaah has revealed verses of the Qur'aan about gold and silver."' Rasulullaah @%$ replied by saying, "One should adopt (as the best of wealth) a tongue that engages in Dhikr, a grateful heart and a Mu'min wife who will help one in (carrying out acts of) Imaan." Another narration states that Rasulullaah @% said, "...and a wife that will assist one in (prospering one's life in) the Aakhirah." (') Hadhrat Ali %Wj reports that Rasulullaah @@ thrice repeated the words, "Destruction to gold! Destruction to silver!" This he said after Allaah had revealed (1) Abu Nu'aym in his HiIya (Vol.1 Pg.182). Ahmad, Tirmidhi and Ibn Maajah have reported a similar narration.

THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH (Vol-3) the verse: Verily those who hoard gold and silver and do not spend it in the way of Allaah, then give them the good news of a painful punishment. (Surah Taubah, verse 34) Because this weighed heavily on the Sahabah $4EXw, they asked, 'What type of wealth should we then adopt?" It was then that adhrat Umar !jiU@& offered to pose the-question to Rasulullaah @&, as mention \ d in the narration above. The rest of the narration is the same as the one above, only in greater brevity. The meaning of Rasulullaah W ' s Words: "The Mufarridoon are in the Lead" Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah 3.- narrates that Rasulullaah @& was travelling on the road to Makkah when he passed by a mountain called Humdaan. Rasulullaah @@ then said, "This is Humdaan. Continue travelling because the Muhrriddon are in the lead." "0 Rasulullaah w!" the Sahabah ~ , W S enquired, "Who are the Muhrridoon?' Rasulullaah replied, "Those who abundantly engage in Dhikr." ('1 Another narration states that when the Sahabah $&3!Zw asked who the Muhrridoon were, Rasulullaah @& replied, "Those who are intoxicated by the Dhikr of Allaah.

Dhikr then unburdens them of their sins so that they meet Allaah without any burden on the Day of Qiyaamah." (3) Rasulullaah k@% says, "Whoever wishes to Eat from the Gardens of Jannah should engage in Dhikr in Abundance" Hadhrat Mu'aadh bin Jabal - reports that as they were once travelling with Rasulullaah @@, he asked, "Where are those in the lead?" The Sahabah M,W replied, "While some people have gone ahead, others are still at the back." Rasulullaah @% explained by saying, "Where are those in the lead who are intoxicated by the Dhikr of Allaah? Whoever wishes to eat from the gardens of Jannah should engage in Dhikr in abundance." (4) Rasulullaah @$% Informs us that the Best of Allaah's Servants are those who Engage Abundantly in Dhikr Hadhrat Abu Sa'eed Khudri - narrates that Rasulullaah @% was once ( I ) Abdur Razzaaq, as quoted in the Taheerof Ibn Katheer (Vo1.2 Pg.351). (2) Muslim. (3) Tirmidhi, as quoted in Targheeb war Tarheeb (Vo1.3 Pg.59). Tabraani has reported a similar narration from Hadhrat Abu Dardaa !&W%, as quoted in Majma'uzZawaa'id(vol,lO Pg.75). (4) Tabraani.

Haythami (Vol.10 Pg.75) has commented on the chain of narrators. THE LIVES OF THE SNIABAH W,Wj' (VOZ-3) asked, "Which of Allaah's servants shall have the highest status with Allaah on the Day of Qiyaamah?" Rasulullaah t%# replied, "Those who engage abundantly in Dhikr." "0 Rasulullaah m!" Hadhrat Abu Sa'eed Khudri 9,- asked, "Are they even better than the person who fights in the path of Allaah?" Rasulullaah @%'s reply was, "Even if the warrior has to strike the Kuffaar and Mushrikeen with his sword until it breaks and he is dyed in blood, those who abundantly engage in Dhikr will still be a stage above him." ( I ) The Dhikr of Allaah Earns the Greatest rewards and is Most Effective in Securing Deliverance from Jahannam Hadhrat Jaabir 3MWj reports that Rasulullaah m said, "A man can do no action more effective in saving him from Jahannam than Dhikr." Someone asked, "Not even Jihaad in the path of Allaah?" Rasulullaah @!@ replied, "Not even Jihaad in the path of Allaah unless one fights until his sword breaks." (2) Hadhrat Mu'aadh bin Anas SCw narrates that someone once asked Rasulullaah k%!& which form of Jihaad carried the most reward. Rasulullaah @% replied, "(The Jihaad of) Those people who engage most in the Dhikr of Allaah 2Ja%3C." The Sahabi %'JGWj then asked Rasulullaah @# about whose salaah, zakaah, Hajj and Sadaqah carried the most reward. Each time Rasulullaah replied that it was the action of those people who engage most in the Dhikr of Allaah $,@$C. Hadhrat Abu Bakr %'JG& then said to Hadhrat Umar %,Wj, "0 Abu Hafs! Those who engage in Dhikr have taken all the good." Rasulullaah @% himself confirmed this statement saying, "Yes (that it true)." (3) Rasulullaah says, "Let your tongue remain Moist with the Dhikr of Allaah" Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Busr ?3Gw reports that a man once came to Rasulullaah @?% saying, "0 Rasulullaah @&!

The (Nafl) actsoflslaamaretoomanyforme. Inform me of something that I may assiduously adhere to." Rasulullaah replied, "Let your tongue remain moist with the Dhikr of Allaah." (4) Hadhrat Maalik bin Makhaamir reports that Hadhrat Mu'aadh bin Jabal S,= once said to them, "The last words with which I parted from Rasulullaah k%?@ (as I left for Yemen) were that Iasked, 'Whichdeedsaremostbe1oved to Allaah?' Rasulullaah @?% replied, 'That you die while your tongue is moist with the Dhikr of ~ l a a h . ' " ( ~ ) Another narration states that Hadhrat Mu'aadh 3 G W j asked, "Tell ( I ) Tirmidhi and Bayhaqi, as quoted in Targheeb wat Tarheeb(Vo1.3 Pg.56). (2) Tabraani in his Sagheer and Awsat, reporting from reliable sources as confirmed by Mundhirir (Vo1.3 Pg.56) and Haythami (Vol.10 Pg.74). Tabraani has reported a similar narration from Hadhrat Mu'aadh bin Jabal SG@j, as quoted in Majma'uzZawaa'id(Vol.10 Pg.73). (3) Ahmad.

A narration of Tabraani states that the Sahabi !33G@kj asked, "Which Mujaahid shall receive the most reward?" Haythami (Vol.10 Pg.74) has however commented on the chain of narrators. (4) Tirmidhi, Haakim, Ibn Maajah and Ibn Hibbaan, as quoted in Targheeb wat Tarheeb (Vo1.3 Pg.54). (5) Tabraani. Haythami (Vol.10 Pg.74) has commented on the chain of narrators. 3 18 THE LIVES OF THE SRHABAH @,G$&!&!5 (Vol-3) me which deed is best and which takes one closest to Allaah." ('1 The Encouragement the Sahabah @,G#@5 Gave Towards Dhikr The Encouragement Hadhrat Umar % Hadhrat Uthmaan %UW and Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood !&Wwj Gave Towards Dhikr Hadhrat Umar ?ZWW$ said, "Do not preoccupy yourself with discussing people because it is a cause of misfortune. You had rather engage constantly in the Dhikr of Allaah." (2) Another narration states that Hadhrat Umar 4 ! i i j said, "Engage assiduously in the Dhikr of Allaah because it is a cure. At the same time, avoid discussing people because it is a disease." (3) Hadhrat Uthmaan WYw said, "Had our hearts been pure, we would never tire with the Dhikr of Allaah." (4) Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood Ww said, "Engage abundantly in the Dhikr of Allaah $,%$G and it matters not if you do not associate with anyone apart from those who can assist you in Dhikr." (5) The Encouragement Hadhrat Salmaan %Ww and Hadhrat Abu Dardaa $&U@!& Gave Towards Dhikr Hadhrat Salmaan Ww once said that if a man spends an entire night giving away slave women with fair complexions and another man spends the night reciting the Book of Allaah 3,%$G and engaging in ~ h i k r , the latter is the better of the two. 6) Hadhrat Ahmad bin Habeeb bin Ubayd narrates that a man approached Hadhrat Abu Dardaa 3,Gm and asked for some advice.

Hadhrat Abu Dardaa ~7' said, "Remember Allaah during times of ease and Allaah will remember you during your times of hardship. Whenever you are impressed by anything of this world, consider what it is soon to become." (7) Hadhrat Abu Dardaa % , G B once said, "Shall I not inform you of the best of all deeds, which is most beloved to your Master and will elevate your rank the most? It is better than being killed and killing the enemy in Jihaad and even better than giving Dirhams and Dinaars in charity." When the people begged to know what it was, Hadhrat Abu Dardaa 9.36?$3 said, "The Dhikr of Allaah because the Dhikr of (1) Bazzaar. Ibn Abi Dunya and Ibn Hibbaan have reported a similar narration, as quoted in Targheeb wat Tarheeb (Vo1.3 Pg.55). Ibn Najjaar has also reported a similar narration, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal (Vol. l Pg.208). (2) Ibn Abi Dunya.

(3) Ibn Abi Dunya, Ahrnad and Hannaad, as quoted in KanzulUmmaal(Vol.l Pg.207). (4) Ibn Mubaarak in his Zuhd; as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vol. l Pg.218). (5) Bayhaqi, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal (Vol. l Pg.208). (6) Abu Nu'ayrn in his Hilya (Vol.1 Pg.204). (7) Ahmad, as quoted in Safwatus Safwah (Vol.1 Pg.258). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH BLEW (Vo1-3) Allaah is the greatest act." It was also Hadhrat Abu Dardaa =Wj who said, "Those whose tongues are ever moist with the Dhikr of Allaah 3,G25G will enter Jannah laughingly." (2) The Encouragement Hadhrat Mu'aadh bin Jabal %%h!%?j and Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Amr $&$@@+j Gave towards ~hikr Hadhrat Mu'aadh bin Jabal WSj said, "A person can do no action more effective in saving himself from Allaah's punishment than engaging in Allaah's Dhikr." "0 Abu Abdur Rahmaan!" someone asked, "Not even Jihaad in the path of Allaah?" "No," Hadhrat Mu'aadh 3,Wj replied, "unless he fights until even his sword breaks.

This is because Allaah says in His Book: Without doubt, the Dhikr of Allaah is greatest (greater than other forms of worship that are devoid of Affaah's remembrance). (Surah Ankaboot, ~erse.45)(~) Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Arnr ~ , W j said, "Engaging in the Dhikr of Allaah in the mornings and evenings is better than breaking swords in the path of Allaah and giving donating large sums of wealth in charity." (4) Rasulullaah @@'s Fervour for Dhikr Rasulullaah Prefers the Dhikr of Allaah to Setting Slaves Free Hadhrat Anas Wm narrates that Rasulullaah @@ said, "I prefer sitting with a group of people engaged in Allaah's Dhikr between Fajr and sunrise to setting free four slaves from the progeny of Ismaa'eel @W, even though the blood money of each one of them is worth twelve thousand. Similarly, I prefer sitting with a group of people engaged in Allaah's Dhikr between Asr and sunset to setting free four slaves from the progeny of Ismaa'eel @@, even though the blood money of each one of them is worth twelve thousand." (5) Hadhrat Anas %lGw also narrates that Rasulullaah said, "The person who performs his Asr salaah and then remains sitting to dictate words of worth until the evening is better than the one who frees eight slaves from the progeny of Ismaa'eel B.W."(6) Another narration states that Rasulullaah @$% said, "I prefer sitting with a group of people engaged in Allaah's Dhikr between Fajr and sunrise to everything upon which the sun rises." (7) (1) Abu Nu'aym in his Hilya (Vol.1 Pg.219). (2) Abu Nu'aym in his Hilya (Vol.1 Pg.219). (3) Abu Nu'aym in his Hilya (Vol.1 Pg.235). (4) Ibn Abi Shaybah, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaaf (Vol. 1 Pg.207).

(5) Abu Ya'la. Haythami (Vol.10 Pg.105) has commented on the chain of narrators. (6) Ahmad and Abu Ya'la. (7) AbU Ya'la. Haythami (Vol.10 Pg.105) has commented on the chain of narrators. THE LIVES OF THE SiVIABAH @%&@ (Vol-3) Rasulullaah @@ Prefers Dhikr to Donating Thoroughbred Horses to Mujaahideen and to Setting Slaves Free Hadhrat Sahl bin Sa'd Saa'idi WeW narrates that Rasulullaah @% said, "More than providing thoroughbred horses to be used in the path of Allaah, 1 would love to rather attend the Fajr salaah and then sit to engage in the Dhikr of Allaah 3,@5F until sunrise." (1) Hadhrat Abbaas bin Abdul Muttalib !&GWj narrates that Rasulullaah @?# said, "I prefer sitting (to engage in Allaah's Dhikr) from the time of the Fajr salaah until sunrise to setting free four slaves from the progeny of Ismaa'eel Another narration states that Rasulullaah @& said, "I prefer performing the Fajr salaah and then sitting to engage in Allaah's Dhikr until sunrise'rather than racing a horse in the path of Allaah until sunrise." (3) Rasulullaah @@ Ranks the Recitation of "Subhaanallaah", "A1 Hamdulillaah", "Laa Ilaaha Illallaah" and "Allaahu Akbar" Higher than Everything in the World Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah B,G,w narrates that Rasulullaah @% said, "Rather than having everything over which the sun rises, I prefer reciting 'Subhaanallaah', 'A1 Hamdulillaah', 'Laa llaaha Illallaah' and 'Allaahu Akbar'." (4) Hadhrat Abu Umaamah ~ , ~ ~ j reports that Rasulullaah said, "I prefer sitting and reciting 'Allaahu Akbar', 'Al Hamdulillaah', 'Subhaanallaah', and 'Laa Ilaaha Illallaah' until sunrise rather than setting free two slaves from the progeny of Ismaa'eel %,!A$.

I also prefer reciting them aRer Asr until sunset rather than setting free four slaves from the progeny of Ismaa'eel c@&.$."(~) Anotehr narration states that Rasulullaah &$?% said, "I prefer sitting until sunrise and engaging in the Dhikr of Allaah by reciting 'Allaahu Akbar', 'Laa Ilaaha Illallaah' and 'Subhaanallaah' rather than setting free four slaves from the progeny of Ismaa'eel @.!&. 1 also prefer engaging in Allaah's Dhikr from the Asr salaah until sunset rather than setting free so many slaves from the progeny of Ismaa'eel B,w."(~) The Fervour that the Sahabah '@ THE LIVES OF 7TlE SAHABAH -5 (Vol-3) thoroughbred horses (for Jihaad) from morning to night, 1 prefer engaging in the Dhikr of Allaah from morning to night." ('1 Hadhrat Abu Ubaydah bin Abdullaah bin Mas'ood says, "It was difficult for Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood W,- to say anything that was not the Dhikr of Allaah." ('1 Another narration states that it would upset Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood ?&l!%BG to hear anyone talking between dawn and the Fajr salaah. Yet another narration states that it was after the Fajr salaah that Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood 4 - approached a group of people who were busy talking (in the Masjid). He forbade them from talking saying, You have come here to perform salaah. You may therefore either perform your salaah or remain silent." (3) The Fewour Hadhrat Abu Dardaa %,2%wj and Hadhrat Mu'aadh ~L%&& had for Dhikr Hadhrat Abu Dardaa - said, "I love more to recite 'Allaahu Akbar' a hundred times than spending a hundred gold coins in Sadaqah." (4) Hadhrat Mu'aadh bin Jabal 4 ? % j said, "Rather than providing thoroughbred horses (for Jihaad) in the path of Allaah from morning to night, I prefer engaging in the Dhikr of Allaah from morning to night." (5) The Fervour Hadhrat Anas B,Gw, Hadhrat Abw Moosa hh'ari %$3lEj and Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Umar. B%&> had for Dhikr Hadhrat Anas bin Maalik %%@!2j reports that they were on a journey with Hadhrat Abu Moosa Ash'ari !i%$%5 when he heard people talking and having eloquent discussions. "0 Anas," he said, "what benefit is there for me in that.

Come, let us engage in the Dhikr of our Rabb because it seems like those people can even skin a person with their tongues." The rest of the narration has passed in the chapter discussing lmaan in the Aakhirah. Hadhrat Mu'aadh bin Abdullaah bin Raafi reports that he was once present in a gathering with Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Umar h a , Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Ja'far W%!G and Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abu Umayrah -. Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abu Umayrah ?&WZG related to them that he had heard Hadhrat Mu'aadh bin Jabal?%@3j say that he heard Rasulullaah @@ say, "There are two phrases, one of which rises no less than the height of Allaah's throne, while the other fills the atmosphere between the heavens and the earth. They are 'Laa Ilaaha Illallaah' and 'Allaahu Akbar'." Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Umar %!S!G then confirmed with Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abu Umayrah w3&5 saying, "Did you really hear him say that?" "Yes,'' came the (I) Tabraani. Haythami (Vol.10 Pg.75) has commented on the chain of narrators. (2) Tabraani in his Kabeer.

Haythami (Vo1.2 Pg.219) has commented on the chain of narrators. (3) Tabraani. Haythami (Vo1.2 Pg.219) has commented on the chain of narrators. (4) Abu Nu'aym in his Hilya (Vol.1 Pg.219). (5) ~ b u Nu'aym in his HJ&~ (Vol.1 Pg.235). (6) Abu Nu'aym in his Hi&a Wol. 1 Pg.259).

THE LIVES OF THE SAHAL3AH @g&3 (Vol-3) reply. Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Umar Ww then started weeping so much that his beard was drenched in his tears. Thereafter, he said, "These are two phrases that are very dear to me and which I recite very often." Hadhrat Jareeri reports, 'When Hadhrat Anas ~ , G W entered into the state of Ihraam from Dhaatul Irq, we heard him say nothing other than the Dhikr of Allaah until he came out of Ihraam. Thereafter, he said to me, 'Dear son of my brother! That is what Ihraam is like."'(2) Gatherings of Dhikr The Virtue on the Day of Qiyaamah of those Participating in the Gatherings of Dhikr Hadhrat Abu Sa'eed Khudri - narrates from Rasulullaah @% that on the Day of Qiyaamah, Allaah will say, "The people of this assembly will soon learn who the people of honour are." "0 Rasulullaah m!" someone asked, "Who are the people of honour?" Rasulullaah @% replied, "Those who participate in the gatherings of Dhikr." (3) The Incident of an Expedition that Rasulullaah @%@ dispatched and how he rated People Engaged in Dhikr above them Hadhrat Umar %Gm narrates that Rasulullaah once dispatched an expedition to Najd that won a large booty and returned very quickly. Someone who was not part of the expedition remarked, "I have never before seen any expedition return so quickly and win so much booty as this expedition did!" To this, Rasulullaah said, "Should I not inform you of people who return even quicker with and even greater booty?

They are people who attend the Fajr salaah and then remain seated in their places, engaging themselves in Dhikr until sunrise. Thereafter, they perform two Rakaahs salaah before returning home. Such people have a quicker return and a greater booty than those of the expedition." (4) Rasulullaah Sits with People Engaged in Dhikr after the Revelafion of a verse of the Qur'aan Hadhrat Abdur Rahmaan bin Sahl bin Hunayf W5w narrates that Rasulullaah @& was in one of his rooms when Allaah revealed the verse: (1) Tabraani. Mundhiri (Vo1.3 Pg.94) and Haythami (Vol.10 Pg.82) have commented on the chain of narrators (2) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.7 Pg.22). (3) Ahmad, Abu Ya'la, Ibn Hibbaan, Bayhaqi and others, as quoted in Targheeb wat Tarheeb (Vo1.3 Pg.63). H~ythami (Vol.10 Pg.72) has commented on the chain of narrators.

(4) Ibn Zanjway and Tirmidhi, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal (Vol.1 Pg.298). Bazzaar has reported a similar narration from Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah !&lWj with slight additions. Haythami (Vol.10 Pg.107) has however commented on the chain of narrators. THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH m%%j' (Vol-3) .3 2.3 (0 Rasufuffaah @&%) Restrain yourself with (in the company 04 those who, seeking His pleasure, call to their Rabb morning and evening, .. (Surah Kahaf, verse 28) Rasulullaah then left the room in search of such people and found a group engaged in the Dhikr of Allaah. Amongst the group were some men who had dishevelled hair, others whose skin was chapped and others with only one cloth to wear.

When he saw them, Rasulullaah @%# sat with them saying, "All praise is for Allaah who has created within my Ummah people with whom 1 have been instructed to remain with." ('1 Rasulullaah @$@ Sits with a Gathering that Included Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Rawaaha BPw Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas !B!.%%Zj narrates that Rasulullaah @@ once passed by Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Rawaaha - as he was busy advising some of his companions. Rasulullaah '&% said, "Listen well! You are the people with whom Allaah has instructed me to remain with." Rasulullaah @%$ then recited the verse: (0 RasuMaah m) Restrain yourself with (in the company 04 those who, seeking His pleasure, call to their Rabb morning and evening. Do not shift your attention from them with the intention of acquiring the adornment of this worldly life. (Therefore,) Do not obey him whose heart We have made heedless of Our remembrance, who pursues his passions and whose (every) affair entails transgressing (the laws of Nfaah). {Surah Kahaf, verse 28) Rasulullaah @%9! then continued, "Behold! As many of you are sitting here, so many angels are also present with you.

When you say 'Subhaanallaah', they also say 'Subhaanallaah'. When you say 'Al Hamdu Lillaah', they also say 'Al Hamdu Lillaah' and when you say 'Allaahu Akbar', they also say 'Allaahu Akbar'. They then ascend to their Rabb and although He knows more than them, they say, '0 our Rabb! When Your servants said 'Subhaanallaah', we also said 'Subhaanallaah'. when they said 'Allaahu Akbar', we also said 'Allaahu Akbar' and when they said 'A1 Hamdu Lillaah', we also said 'A1 Hamdu Lillaah'. Allaah then says, '0 my angels! I make you witness that I have forgiven them.' 'But some of them were sinners,' the angels add.

Allaah then says, 'They are a group with whom no (1) Tabraani, as quoted in the Tafseerof Ibn Katheer (Vo1.3 Pg.81). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH e,- (Vol-3) associate is deprived."'(') Rasulullaah k%@ Sits with a Group that Included Hadhrat Salmaan Hadhrat Thaabit Bunaani narrates that Hadhrat Salmaan Ww was part of a group engaged in Dhikr when Rasulullaah @%% passed by. When they stopped, Rasulullaah @I% asked them what they were saying. "0 Rasulullaah m!" they submitted, "We were engaged in Dhikr." Rasulullaah @%! then said, "Continue saying what you had been saying. When I noticed Allaah's mercy descending on you, I wished to join you." Rasulullaah then added, "All praise is for Allaah who has created within my Ummah people with whom I have been instructed to remain with." (2) Rasulullaah @$@ Sits in a Gathering of Dhikr and Tells the Participants to Eat from the Gardens of Jannah Hadhrat Jaabir - reports that Rasulullaah @%$ once came to them and said, "0 people! Verily Allaah has many groups of angels who descend and remain with the gatherings of Dhikr on earth.

You should therefore eat from the gardens of Jannah." "Where are the gardens of Jannah?" the Sahabah i4iWiN asked. Rasulullaah @%% replied, "They are the gatherings of Dhikr. You should therefore spend your mornings or evenings in the Dhikr of Allaah and constantly remind yourselves about Him. The person who wishes to know his status in Allaah's estimation should see what Allaah's status is in his estimation. This is because Allaah grants a servant only that status in His sight that the servant grants to Allaah in his sight." (3) Hadhrat Jaabir bin Samurah %.W&G5 reports that after performing the Fajr salaah, Rasulullaah @% used to sit and remain engaged in Dhikr until sunrise. i4) Rasulullaah w ' s Statement Concerning the rewards of the Gatherings of Dhikr Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Amr ?&W&G narrates that he once asked Rasulullaah @.@ what the rewards would be for the gatherings of Dhikr. Rasulullaah @$% replied, "The rewards for the gatherings of Dhikr shall be Jannah; Jannah." (5) Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood - said, "The gatherings of Dhikr are the life of knowledge and create humility in the heart." (6) (1) Tabraani in his Sagheer.

Haythami (Vol.10 Pg.76) has commented on the chain of narrators. (2) Abu Nu'aym in his Hilya (Vol. 1 Pg.342). (3) Ibn Abi Dunya, Abu Ya'la, Bazaar, Tabraani, Haakim and Bayhaqi, as quoted in Targheeb war Tarheeb (Vo1.3 Pg.65). Haythami (Vol.10 Pg.77) has commented on the chain of narrators. (4) Tabraani in his Sagheer, reporting from reliable sources as confirmed by Haythami (Vol.10 Pg.107). (5) Ahmad and Tabraani, reporting from reliable sources as confirmed by Haythami (Vol.10 Pg.78) and Mundhiri (Vo1.3 Pg.56).

(6) Ibn Asaakir, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal (Vol. 1 Pg.208). THE LlVES OF THE SAHABAH p - (Vol-3) Expiation for the Sins of a Gathering Rasulullaah @%% says that Expiation for the sins of a gathering Is to Recite "Subhaana Kallaahumma wa Bihamdik" Hadhrat Aa'isha - narrates that after every gathering and salaah, Rasulullaah @@ used to say something. When I asked him about it, he said, 'If what you spoke was good, these words shall seal (preserve) them until the Day of Qiyaamah and if you spoke evil, they shall serve as expiation; (The'words are:) 0 ,h.

I 9 ¶ I .

I ¶I 6 . I 6 0 b 0. .,J I , u y J .I LJ&I . &I YI 31 4 &wP I . I a 'You are Pure, 0 Allaah and it is Your praisds that we sing. There is none worthy of worship but You, I beg Your forgiveness and repent to You." Hadhrat A ~ U Barzah %.W&% reports that at the end of every gathering just before he stood up, Rasulullaah would recite: 'You are Pure, 0 Allaah and it is Your praises that we sing. I testify there is none worthy of worship but You, I beg Your forgiveness and repent to You.'' "0 Rasulullaah @%%" someone asked, 'You are saying something that you had not been saying previously." Rasulullaah && replied, "It is expiation for the sins of a gathering." (2) Another narration quotes the dua with additional words: "You are Pure, 0 Allaah and it is Your praises that we sing ...! ,testify there is none worthy of worship but You, I beg Your forgiveness and repent to You. I have sinned and wronged myself, so forgive me because none but You can forgive sins." (3) Rasulullaah and Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Amr !&%w Encourage the recitation of the dua after a Gathering Hadhrat Zubayr bin ~wwiam WW$j reports that they once said, "0 Rasulullaah @8%!

When we leave your gatherings, we find that we-start discussing matters of the Period of Ignorance." Rasulullaah @&% advised them saying, 'Whenever you sit in gatherings in which you fear for yourselves (that you may have discussed (1) Ibn Abi Dunya, Nasa'ee, Haakim and Bayhaqi. (2) Abu Dawood. (3) Nasa'ee, Haakim and Tabraani, as quoted in Targheeb war Tarheeb (Vo1.3 Pg.72). THE LlVES OF THE SAHABAH @gb&%3 (Vol-3) what was wrong), then ensure that you recite at the end: 9 9.. 0 9 Y,,. ,e 6 6 ' 9 . 5 . , , I,) "&jl'&l, . dl Yl , a\ # y &b" ' , 'You are Pure, 0 Allaah and it is Your praises that we sing. I testify there is none worthy of worship but You, I beg Your forgiveness and repent to You.' By reciting this, the sins you may have committed in the gathering will be atoned for." ( I ) Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Amr bin A1 Aas MG= said, "There are certain words that, if recited thrice after a gathering, will atone for anything wrong said in the gathering, whether the gathering be bne of righteousness or not. When they are recited after a Dhikr gathering or any other gathering of virtue, they serve as a seal, just as a letter is sealed." He then continued to mention the words, which are the same as the dua stated in the above-mentioned narration of Hadhrat ~ ~ ' i ~ . , ~ -5, (2) Recitation of the Qur'aan The Advice Rasulullaah @@$f! gave Hadhrat Abu Dharr %$3w about Reciting the Qur'aan Hadhrat Abu Dharr B3,W2i narrates that when he once asked Rasulullaah for advice, Rasulullaah @%$ said, "Hold fast to Taqwa because it is the basis of every a c t .

" ' ~ h e n Hadhrat Abu Dharr requested for more advice, Rasulullaah %@ added, "Be particular about reciting the Qur'aan because it is a light for you on earth and a treasure for you in the heavens." (3) Rasulullaah Recites a Portion of the Qur'aan every Night Hadhrat Aws bun Hudhayfah Thaqafi Qmj says, "When we came to Rasulullaah %@ as a delegation from the Thaqeef, those of us who belonged to the Ahlaaf stayed with Hadhrat Mughiera bin Shu'ba - while those who belonged to the Banu Maalik were accommodated in Rasulullaah k%%'s tent. Rasulullaah &%% would come to address us every day after the Isha salaah arid because he remained standing for so long, he would lean on one leg and then on the other. Much of b h a t he told us concerned the problems he experienced with the Quraysh. He said, We were regarded as weaklings in Makkah, but we had our own back from them after coming to Madinah. Victory theh took turns between our and their camps.' One night however, Rasulullaah &%% came to us later than he usually did. '0 Rasulullaah &%%!I we asked, 'Tonight you have come to us later than you usually do?' Rasulullaah &%% explained, 'Because I was unable to complete my fixed daily portions of the Qur'aan, I did jot want to leave until I had completed.' The (1) Tabtaa%f in his Sagheer and Awsat.

Haythami (Vol.10 Pg.142) has commented on the chain of Mrrators. (P'Abu Dawood and Ibn Hibbaan, as quoted in Targheeb wat Tarheeb (Vo1.3 Pg.72). ,131 Ibn Hibbaan, as quoted in Targheeb wat Tarheeb (Vo1.3 Pg.8). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @,gb@& (Val-3) 32 7 following morning, we asked Rasulullaah m ' s companions about how Rasulullaah &?@ divided the portions of the Qur'aan that he recited. They explained to us that Rasulullaah @$% divided the Qur'aan into (seven parts, consisting of) three Surahs (Faatiha to Aal Imraan), five Surahs (Nisaa to Anfaal), seven Surahs (Taubah to Hijr), nine Surahs (Nahl to Noor), eleven Surahs (Furqaan to Faatir), thirteen Surahs (Yaaseen to Fatah) and the Mufassal Surahs (Hujuraat to Naas)." (I) Hadhrat Mughiera bin Shu'ba W E narrates that Rasulullaah @@ was once at a place between Makkah and Madinah when a man sought permission to see him. Rasulullaah @% (did not grant permission immediately and) explained, '1 did not complete the daily fixed portion of the Qur'aan that I always recite and am unable to give anything else preference over it (he may therefore see me after I have completed)." (2) The Fervour Hadhrat Umar %Gwj had for the' Recitation of the Qur'aan and How he used to Ask Hadhrat Abu Moosa Ash'ari %Gwj to Recite the Qur'aan Hadhrat Abu Salamah reports that when Hadhrat Umar bin Khattaab ?38JW@G used to say to Hadhrat Abu Moosa Ash'ari @,W, "Remind us about our Rabb", he would start reciting the Qur'aan. (3) Hadhrat Habeeb bin Abu Marzooq says, "The report reached us that Hadhrat Abu Moosa Ash'ari wM used to recite the Qur'aan in a most excellent voice and would do so when Hadhrat Umar 3 G S j would sometimes say to him, 'Remind us of our Rabb."' Hadhrat Abu Nadhrah narrates that Hadhrat Abu Moosa Ash'ari %lGSj used to start reciting the Qur'aan when Hadhrat Umar %lGw would say to him, "Make us yearn for our Rabb." When the people reminded him that i t was time for salaah, Hadhrat Umar ?@3Wj would say, "Are we not in salaah already (because just like this, the purpose of salaah is also to remember Allaah)?" Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas BGw reports that whenever Hadhrat Umar %SWj entered the house he would open up the pages of the Qur'aan and recite it.(4) The Fervour Hadhrat Uthmaan %GW had for Reciting the Qur'aan Hadhrat Uthmaan WGw used to say, "I ymld n~1'ike a single day or night to pass without looking into the B o 9 df $laah i,.e. to recite the Qur'aan by ,A looking into it." Hadhrat Uthmaan ?Bw also said, "Had your hearts been pure, you would never (1) Tayaalisi, Ahmad, Ibn Jareer, Tabraani and Abu Nu'aym, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal (Vol.1 ~~12.32).

Abu Dawood (Vo1.2 Pg.310) has reported a simihr narraiion. (2) Ibn Abu Dawood in his Masaahif, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vol.1 Pg.226). (3) Abu Nu'aym in his HI&^ (Vol.1 Pg.258). Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.4 Pg.109) has rep0rted.a similar narration. (4) Ibn Abu Dawood, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vol.1 Pg.224). (5) Ahmad in his Zuhdand Ibn Asaakir, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vol.1 Pg.225).

THE LlVES OF THE SAHABAH @%$%!&> (Vol-3) get enough of the speech of Allaah 3,@5~."(') ~adhrat Hasan says, "Ameerul Mu'mineen Hadhrat Uthmaan bin Affaan - said, 'Had our hearts been pure, we would never get enough of the speech of Allaah ajG5F and I would not like a single day pass by without looking into the Qur'aan.' When Hadhrat Uthmaan %i13W passed away, the pages of his Qur'aan were in tatters because he was always looking into it so often." (2) The Fervour that Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood %!%%%, Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Umar %E&i&$j and Hadhrat Ikrama bin Abu Jahal @g&i&$j had for Reciting the Qur'aan Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood %.W% said, "Always look into the Qur'aan (when reciting because it facilitates easier contemplation)." (3) Hadhrat Habeeb bin Shaheed narrates that when Hadhrat Naafi was asked about what Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Umar %.W% used to do at home, he replied, "Something that others would not manage. He would perform wudu for every salaah and recite from the Qur'aan between every two salaahs." (4) Hadhrat Ibn Abu Mulaykah narrates that Hadhrat lkrama bin Abu Jahal - used to place the Qur'aan on his face and weep saying, "The speech of my Rabb! The Book of my Rabb!" (51 Hadhrat Abdullaah bis Umar SW@G said, 'The reward of ten good deeds are recorded every time0a person sends !salutations to Nabi w. Now, when any of you returns home from the marketplace, he should open the Qur'aan and recite it because for every letter that he recites, he will receive the reward of ten good deeds." According to another narration, he stated, "Verily for every letter Allaah shall record for him the reward of ten good deeds. 1 am not saying that this reward is for A1 (Alif-Laam-Meem), but the reward of tengood deeds are recorded for the Alif(l), another ten for the Laam (J) and another ten for the Meem (A)." (6) Reciting Specific Surahs of the Qur'aan During the Day and Night and while at Home and on Journey Rasulullaah @%&'! Advises Hadhrat Uqba bin Aamir Juhani %Ww to recite Surah Ikhlaas and the Mu'a~wadhatayn(~) every Night Hadhrat Uqba bin Aamir Juhani 3.iW&% narrates that he once met Rasulullaah (1) Ahmad in his Zuhdand Ibn Asaakir, as quoted in Kantul Ummaal(Vol.l Pg.218). (2) Bayhaqi in his Asmaa was Sifaat (Pg. 182).

(3) Ibn Abu Dawood, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vo1.2 Pg.61). (4) Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.4 Pg.170). (5) Haakim (Vo1.3 Pg.243). (6) Ibn Abu Dawood, as quoted in kZnzul Ummaal(Vol.1 Pg.219). (7) 'The two Surahs of protection", namely Surah Falaq and Surah Naas. 7 X E LIVES OF THE SAHABAH -5 (Vol-3) m, who said to him, "0 Uqba bin Aamir! Maintain ties of kinship with those who sever them, give to those who deprive you and forgive those who do you wrong." When he met Rasulullaah again afterwards, Rasulullaah said, "0 Uqba bin Aamir!

Should I not inform you of a few Surahs, the likes of which Allaah has neither revealed in the Torah, the Zaboor or in the Injeel. Not a single , ,. .' ., ,, night should pass you by without you reciting them. They are(uldJl11ga $1 surah .rr, ", > ,I 3 ) , ,r 3 , h Ikhlaas) (&dl +J* +I #)(Surah Falaq) and ( (&!I +> JIXSurah Naas) ." Hadhrat Uqba !&&% says, "After Rasulullaah -W had instructed me to do this, not a night has passed by without me reciting these Surahs because it is only appropriate that I should never omit them after receiving the instruction from Rasulullaah @@%."(I) Hadhrat Aa'isha W3W4-3 reports that whenever Rasulullaah @@ lay down to sleep, he would place his palms next to each other, recite Surah Ikhlaas and Surah Falaq and then blow into them. Thereafter, he would pass his hands over as much of his body as he could reach, bkginning with his head, face and front portion of his body. This he would repeat thrice. (2) According to another narration, when he lay down to sleep, Rasulullaah @@ used to blow into his palms after reciting the complete Surahs Ikhlaas, Falaq and Naas.

He would then pass his hands over his face, his arms, his chest and as far over his body as his arms would reach. Hadhrat Aa'isha @%Wj reports further that when his illness intensified, Rasulullaah @@ would ask her to do it for him. (3) What Rasulullaah Used to Recite Before Going to Sleep Hadhrat Jaabir - narrates that Rasulullaah @& would not go to sleep until he had recited Surah Alif Laam Meem Sajdah and Surah Mulk Hadhrat Tawoos mentioned that these two Surahs rate seventy virtues higher than the other Surahs of the Qur'aan. (4) Hadhrat lrbaadh bin Saariya !BW% narrates that when he lay down, Rasulullaah @%% would recite the Musabbihaaat before sleeping. He would say, "In these Surahs is a verse that is better than a thousand verses." (6) Hadhrat Aa'isha liW3W reports that Rasulullaah @?% would not go to sleep until he had recited Surah Zurnar and Surah ~ a n i Israa'eel. (7) Hadhrat Farwah bin Naufal %lEW6 reports that he once approached Rasulullaah @@ with the request, "0 Rasulullaah @@!

Teach me something to recite when I lie down to sleep." Rasulullaah k%.% said, " ~ e c i t e ( ~ & k h ~ ~ j j ) (Surah (1) Ibn Asaakir, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vol.1 Pg.223). (2) Nasa'ee. (3) Ibn Najjaar, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal (Vo1.8 Pg.68). Jam'ul Fawaa'id (Vol. Pg.) has reported a similar narration from Bukhaari, Muslim, AbuDawood, Tirmidhi and Ibn Maajah. (4) Tirmidhi, as quoted in Jam'ul Fawaa'id (Vo1.2 Pg.76).

(5) Those Surahs that begin with the words "Sabbaha" () or 'Yusabbihu" 0. (6) Tirmidhi and Abu Dawood. (7) Tirmidhi, as quoted in Jam'ul Fawaa'id (Vo1.2 Pg.260). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @gw (VOI-3) mafiroon) because it is an exoneration from Shirk." (I) The Statement of Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood S E W Concerning the Recitation of Surah Mulk and The Statement of Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Umar %%SWj Concerning the Recitation of Surahs Baqara, Aal Imraan and Nisaa Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood ?BW6 said, 'When the angels of 'punishment approach a person in the grave from his feet, the feet will say, You have no approach from our side because he used to recite Surah Mulk.' When they then approach him from'his chest, the chest will say, 'You have no approach from my side because he used to recite Surah Mulk.' Thereafter, when they approach him from his head, the head will say, You have no approach from my side because he used to recite Surah Mulk.' In this manner, Surah Mulk protects a person from punishment in the grave. In fact, the Torah states that whoever will recite Surah Mulk at night has multiplied his rewards and'carried out an act of extreme virtue." (2) Another narration briefly states that Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood !8Gh% said, I1Allaah will protect from the punishment in the grave every person who recites Surah Mulk every night. During the time of Rasool &%%, we used to call it the 'protector' and ii is also stated in one of the scriptur& of Allaah that whoever will recite Surah Mulk at night has multiplied his rewards and carried out an act of extreme virtue." (3) Hadhrat Umar !2iG4% said, "The person who recites Surah Baqarah, Surah Aal Imraan and Surah Nisaa in a single night shall be recorded as one of the obedient ones." (4) Rasulullaah @%& Teaches Hadhrat Jubayr bin Mut'im !8@Wj to Recite the Five Last Surahs of the Qur'aan Hadhrat Jubayr bin Mut'im ?&%% narrates that Rasulullaah once said to him, ''0 Jubayr!

When you travel on a journey, would you like your position to be the best from all your companions and would you like to be the one with the most provisions?" "Certainly!" Hadhrat Jubayr WWj replied, "May my parents be sacrificed for you!" Rasulullaah @?&$ said, "Then recite these five Surahs, (GjwlI.& $1 (Surah Kaafiroon), (($1 j ;GI$) (Surah ~ a s r ) , $1 3 $1 J J . , J 6s J J. * J (x (Surah ~khlaas),(gl$> . . i>lJ.i) (Surah Falaq) and(&Jl . +J+ . 5;flJ.i) (Surah Naas). (1) Tirmidhi (Vo1.2 Pg.176). (2) Haakim. (3) Nasa'ee, as quoted in Targheeb wat Tarheeb (Vo1.3 Pg.38). Bayhaqi has reported a similar narration in greater detail in his Kitaab Adhaabil Qabr, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal (Vol.1 Pg.223). (4) Abu Ubaydah, Sa'eed bin Mansoor, Abd bin Humayd and Bayhaqi in his Shu'abul Imaan, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal (Vol. 1 Pg.222).

THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH '@G$&&j ( ~ ~ 1 - 3 ) Begin each Surah with(+>\ $ & > I 41 +) and end your recitation with."kl A) , . (+>I $&>I Hadhrat Jubayr #,EWj continues the narration saying, "Although I was a wealthy person, I was always the most poorly clad on a journey and with the least provisions. However, ever since I started reciting what Rasulullaah k$'@ taught me, I was always in the best position and with the most provisions until I returned from the journey." ('I Rasulullaah @@ Teaches Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Khubayb BSZWj to Recite Surah Ikhlaas and the Mu'awwadhatayn every Morning and evening Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Khubayb #,Wj narrates, "ltwasanextremelydark and rainy night when we went out in search of Rasulullaah %'@ to lead us in salaah. When we met him, he said, 'Recite!' When 1 said nothing, Rasulullaah @g repeated, 'Recite!' When I again failed to respond, he said for the third time, 'Recite!' '0 Rasulullaah m!' I submitted, 'What should I recite?' Rasulullaah @.%$ replied, *.,A ., , Y 'Recite (b1 $)(Surah Ikhlaas) and the Mu'awwadhatayn (Surahs Falaq and Naas). Recite them thrice every morning and evening and they will protect you from everything."'(') The Statement of Hadhrat Ali B G W Concerning the Recitation of Surah Ikhlaas after the Fajr Salaah Hadhrat Ali WWj said, 'When a person recites ((x &I$ 3)surah Ikhlaas) ten times after the Fajr salaah, he will commit no sin all of that day even though Shaytaan may try his utmost (to get him to sin)." (3) Reciting Specific Verses of the Qur'aan During the Day and Night and while at Home and on Journey What Rasulullaah and Hadhrat Ali BGIXu@j Said About Aayatul Kursi (4) Hadhrat Ali 4 - reports, "Rasulullaah @?% was on the wooden step of that pulpit when I heard him say, 'When a person recites Aayatul Kursi after every salaah, there is nothing but death that prevents him from entering Jannah. When a person recites it when he goes to bed, Allaah will safeguard his house, the houses of his neighbours and all the houses in his vicinity."'(5) (1) Abu Ya'la.

Haythami (Vol. 10 Pg. 134) has commented on the chain of narrators. (2) Abu Dawood and Tirmidhi, as quoted in the Adhkaar of Nawawi (Pg.96). (3) Sa'eed bin Mansoor and Ibn Darees, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vo1. l Pg.223). (4) Literally translated as 'Verse of the Throne', this is the name of verse 255 of Surah Baqarah. (5) Bayhaqi in his Shu'abul lmaan, as quoted in Kantul Ummaal(Vol.1 Pg.221). THE LIVES OF THE S A M A H @g&> (Vd-31 Hadhrat Ali W'W also said, "1 do not think that.a person born as a Muslim or who has any intelligence would ever spend the night without reciting the verse > &., 6 . 9 . ., 6 (,&I\ &I '9 Y! a! 3 (Aayatul Kursi).

If only you people knew its worth! It has been granted to your Nabi @?% from the treasures.beneath the very Throne of Allaah and no Nabi @& before him has ever received it. I never pass a single night without reciting it thrice, once in the two Rakaahs after Isha, once in my Witr salaah and once when I lie down to sleep." (') The statements of Hadhrat Ali BEw, Hadhrat Uthmaan w&2j and Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood ~ E w j Concerning the Recitation of Certain Verses of Surah Baqarah and Surah Aal Imraan Hadhrat Ali ww said, "I do not think that a person who has any intelligence would ever spend the night without reciting the concluding verses of Surah Baqarah because they are from the treasures beneath the very Throne of laa ah."(^) Hadhrat Uthmaan wWj said, "Whoever recites the concluding verses of Surah Aal Imraan a t night shall receive the reward of spending the night in ~baadah."(~) Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood @,w said, "1; a person recites ten verses of Surah Baqarah in his home, no Shaytaan shall ever enter that home all pight. The verses are the four verses at the beginning, Aayatul Kursi together with the two verses that follow it and the concluding (three) verses of Surah Baqarah." (4) The Incident of Hadhrat Ubay bin Ka'b ~,G%Bj and a Jinn CONCERNING Aayatul Ybrsi Hadhrat Ubay bin Ka'b %!3&22 had two silos of dates and in keeping check on them, he discovered that the dates were decreasing. When he stood on guard one night, he discovered a creature that resembled a young boy. When Hadhrat Ubay - greeted him with Salaam, the creature replied to the Salaam.

"Give me you hand," Hadhrat Ubay Ww instructed. When the creature did so, Hadhrat Ubay !BZWG saw that its hand was that of a dog's and was also covered with dog's hair. "Such is the appearance of the Jinn," Hadhrat Ubay @%%j said. The Jinn said, "All of the Jinn world know well that there is none more powerful than I." Hadhrat Ubay 33M% asked, "Then what makes you do this (steal from my silo)." The ]inn replied, "I have heard that you are a person who loved to give Sadaqah, so I wished to have some of your food." Hadhrat Ubay @,Wj asked further, "What can protect us (humans) from the likes of you?" The Jinn replied, (1) Abu Ubayd, Ibn Abi Shaybah, Daarmi and others, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vol.1 Pg.221). (2) Daarmi, Musaddad, Muhammad bin Nasr, Ibn Dar'ees and Ibn Mardway, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal (Vol. 1 Pg.222). (3) Daarmi, as quoted in mnzul Ummaal(Vol.1 Pg.222).

(4) Tabraani. Haythami (Vol.10 Pg.118) has commented on the chain of narrators. THE LNES OF THE SAHABAH @,g@!$!3 (Vol-3) "It is that verse called Aayatul Kursi which appears in Surah Baqarah. Whoever recites it in the evening shall be protected from us until the morning and whoever recites it in the morning shall be protected from us until the evening." Hadhrat Ubay %.$G= went early the next morning to Rasulullaah i!$@ and informed him about the incident. Rasulullaah remarkkd, "The wretch actually spoke the truth." ('1 The Incident of Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Busr %,EM and a Group of Jinn and the verse of the Qur'aan he Recited Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Busr w says, "When I left Hims, the night gave me shelter on a piece of ground where the Jinn of the area came to me. I however recited the verse of Surah A'raaf: I J l , ~d I 1 1 8 3 C y J J ~ I I 0 6 - ,C ~ ' ~ ~ ~ ; ~ # . ~ l j ~ 1 ~ ; 2 1 l 3 ' I , , l&&,~lJJl&'"- Undoubtedly your Rabb is Allaah, Who has created the heavens and the earth in six days and then turned His attention to the Throne.

He covers the day with the night, (each one) hurrying to follow the other. The sun, moon and the stars are all subjugated (made to be obedient, by IIis command (power). Behold! Creation and command belong to Him. Blessed is Allaah, the Rabb of the (entire) universe. {Surah A'raaf, verse' 54) Some of fhem then said to the others, 'Look after him until the morning.' The following morning, I ' then took to my conveyance and left.' .2) What Hadhrat Alaa bin Jalaaj instructed his Sons to do when they Place him in his Grave Hadhrat Alaa bin Jalaaj once said to his sons, "When you place me to rest in my grave, please say: I .$+I J>, I 5L: Ji j;; &I ' I 'In the name of Allaah and upon the creed of Rasulullaah m' Thereafter, I want you to gently cover me with sand and recite the beginning and the end of Surah Baqarah at my head-side. I have seen that Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Umar %%@%j liked to do this." (3) The Statement of Hadhrat Ali Ww Concerning the Verse "& $1 $4; L& (1) Nasa'ee, Haakim, Tabraani, Abu Nu'aym, Bayhaqi, Sa'eed bin Mansoor and others, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal (Vol. 1 Pg.221).

Tabraani has reported a similar narration from reliable sources as confirmed by Haythami (Vol. 10 Pg. 1 18). (2) Tabraani. Haythami (Vol.10 Pg.133) has commented on the chain of narrators. (3) Ibn Asaakir, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal (Vol.8 Pg.119). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH *@,)%!&%3 (Vol-3) &" and Hadhrat Ibn Awf @Gw Recites Aayatul Kursi in all the Corners of his House Hadhrat Ali $W&Z said, "Whoever wishes to have his deeds weighed in a large scale should thrice recite: I ) Y , (MY b ! ~ . ~ l : u b b i ~ ~ ) (@ w\ +j I , Your Rabb, the Rabb of all honour is Pure (free) from what (partners and children) they attribute to Him, peace be upon the Arnbiyaa and all praise belongs to Allaah, the Rabb of the universe. (Surah Saaffaat, verses 180-182)(~) Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Ubayd bin Umayr narrates that whenever Hadhrat Abdur Rahmaan bin Auf %%W3 entered his house, he would recite Aayatul Kursi in all the corners of the house." (2) Dhikr of the Kalimah "Laa Ilaaha Illallaah" Rasulullaah @f@ says that the Person most Fortunate to Receive his Intercession will be the One who Recites the Kalimah cib~$ill!

THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH (VoI-3) exclusively for myself." Allaah then said, "0 Moosa! If all the seven heavens and seven earths are placed on one pan of the scale and (&I $$! State that (2~14 . 817)is . "The Word of Taqwa" 6 .' -. When Hadhrat Umar bin Khattaab %W% once saw some people reciting Y! d!

Y) ,,$. >L.

(bland (A1 Lul)('Allaahu Akbar'), he exclaimed, "That's it! I swear by the Rabb of the Kabah! That's it!" "What is it?" someone asked. Hadhrat Umar - replied, "That is the 'word of Taqwa that they (the Sahabah i49@&3) were most deserving and worthy of (3)."(4) Hadhrat Ali also stated that it was the Kalimah (hl;! a!$that Allaah refers to in the verse: ... and Allaah stuck the word of Taqwa onto them.. . {Surah Fatah, verse 26p) Another narration adds that the words ('Allaahu Akbar') are also part of the 'word of Taqwa'. (6) Dhikr of c &I ('subhaanallaah'), t i t I. m) ('A1 ~amdulillaah'), 41 I 31-51 I ('Laa Ilaaha Illallaah'), ;iti) C I G ) , (g('A.llaahu Akbar') and ($5 Y! i$ Y; ('Laa Howla wa Laa Quwwata Illa Billaah') Rasulullaah Mentions that these Adhkaar are the 'Everlasting Good Deeds' Hadhrat Abu Sa'eed Khudri %!S&j narrates that ~asuiullaah once said to (1) Tabraani and others, as quoted in Targheeb wat Tarheeb (Vo1.3 Pg.75). Haythami (Vol.10 Pg.81) has commented on the chain of narrators.

(2) Ahmad. Haythami (Vol.10 Pg.81) has commented on the chain of narrators. (3) A s referred to in verse 26 of Surah Fatah. (4) Ibn Khusru, as quoted in Kanzul Umrnaal(Vol.1 Pg.207). (5) Abdur Razzaaq, lbn Jareer, Ibn Mundhir, Ibn Abi Haatim, Haakim and Bayhaqi in his Asmaa, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal (Vol. 1 Pg.265). (6) Ibn Jareer and others, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vol.1 Pg.265).

THE LlVES OF THE SAHABAH @,EM (Vol-3) them, "Carry out the everlasting good deeds in abundance." When someone asked Rasulullaah @%% what the everlasting good deeds are, Rasulullaah @?@ replied, "Recitation of (3 &)('~llaahu Akbar'), (&I i! ill!$ ('Laa Ilaaha Illallaah'), 6 .', ., , , -. ($1 ;&)('Subhaanallaah'), ( A u ) ( ' A l ~amdulillaah') and ($b Y! i$ YJ J+ Y)('Laa Howla wa Laa Quwwata Illa Billaah')." Rasulullaah @@ Mentions that these Adhkaar Serve as Protection from Jahannam Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah %GWj reports that Rasulullaah said, "Take up your shields." "0 Rasulullaah m!" the Sahabah @.- asked, "Has the enemy come?" "No," Rasulullaah @@ replied, "I am referring to your shields against Jahannam. You should recite ($l~&)(('~ubhaanallaah'), ( A u ) ( ' ~ l Hamdulillaah') and(% &) ('Allaahu Akbar') because they shall be ahead of you and behind on the Day of Qiyaamah (to protect you) and they are the 'everlasting good deeds"'.(2) Another narration states that Rasulullaah &% mentioned, 'They 5 r ' , r are the saviours." (3) Yet another narration adds the words (&L! Y! i$ Y; & I' I I. , ) / ,¶ y "&I$$! &G Y! i3 YJ J$ YJ ~ L J I +J , ' I , ' ' , The man said, "That was for my Rabb. Now what about myself?" Rasulullaah @%% then told him to recite: ' 0 Allaah! Forgive me, shower Your mercy on me, guide me and provide for me.' Another narration adds the words(&l;j) ('and grant me safety').

Another narration states that Rasulullaah 5 also said, "These words combine both your life in this world as well as your life in the Aakhirah. (4) ( I ) Ibn Maajah and Haakim, as quoted in Targheeb wat Tarheeb (Vo1.3 Pg.84). (2) Tirmidhi, as quoted in Targheeb Waf Tarheeb (Vol.3 Pg.97). (3) Ahmad, reporting from reliable sources as confirmed in Wrgheeb wat Tarheeb (Vo1.3 Pg.93). Tirmidhi has reported a similar narration. (4) Muslim.

THE LIVES OF THE S,UfABAH @g!@&%2 (Vol-3) Another narration states that the Bedouin asked, "0 Rasulullaah B&! I have done my best to memorise the Qur'aan but am unable to do so. Please tell me of something that will earn me the same rewards of learning the Qur'aan." Rasulullaah &?%% then told him to recite: The Bedouin said the words, counting them with his fingers. He then said, "0 Rasulullaah @%$! This is for my Rabb, but what about me?" Rasulullaah then told him to recite: '0 Allaah! Forgive me, shower Your mercy on me, grant me safety, provide for me and guide me' When the Bedouin had left, Rasulullaah remarked, "The Bedouin has left with his hands full of good." ('1 Another' narration states that Rasulullaah @% also added the words$$.j;& 5) (44.

(2) Rasulullaah @@& informs Hadhrat Abu Dharr %Z3i3 About the Words that are Most Beloved to Allaah Hadhrat Abu Dharr B,G= narrates that Rasulullaah &%$! once said to him, "Should I not inform you of those words that Allaah loves most?" "0 Rasulullaah @@!I' Hadhrat Abu Dharr S,G%+ submitted, "Please do inform me of the words that Allaah loves most." Rasulullaah @@ said, "The words that Allaah loves most are:(?+; &I L g ) ( ('Subhaanallaahi wa Bihamdihi')." (3) Anpther narration states that the'words are:cf-;41LG) ('Subhaana Rabbi wa Bihamdihi'). (4) Yet another narration states (hat when Rasulullaah was asked about which words Allaah loves most, he replied, "The words that Allaah chose for His angels or for His bondsmen; (?+&;&lLG&)(('Subhaanallaahi wa Bihamdihi')." (5) Rasulullaah eB Speaks About the Tremendous reward of Reciting the Kalimah Hadhrat Abu Talha 33.W reports that ~asulullaah &%?@ said, "Whoever says d!T) &I ;!('~aa Ilaaha Illallaah') shall enter Jannah or (Rasulullaah said) Jannah shall become binding on him. As for the one who recites ?jlll~G) (t&&;('Subhaanallaahi wa Bihamdihi') a hundred times, Allaah shall record for him > hundred and twenty four thousand good deeds." "0 Rasulullaah the Sahabah @.GW said, "In that case, none of us will ever be destroyed." "Why not," (1) Ibn Abi Dunya. (2) Bayhaqi. a s quoted in Targheeb wat Tarheeb (Vo1.3 Pg.90). Abu Dawood has reported a similar narration. (3) Muslim and Nasa'ee.

(4) Tirmidhi. (5) Muslim. THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @!%%%j' (Vol-3) Rasulullaah @& said, "when one of you will appear (on the Day of Qiyaamah) with so many good deeds that would crush a mountain beneath its weight, but then the bounties he enjoyed will come and claim all of it (as repayment). Thereafter, it will only be for Allaah to extend His mercy (by which the person will be able to enter Jannah)." Hadhrat Sa'd ?%5Wj narrates that Rasulullaah @% once asked, "Is any of you unable to earn the reward of a thousand good deeds every day?" One of the Sahabah W,GWj sitting there asked, "How can any of us earn the reward of a thousand good deeds?" Rasulullaah k%@ replied, "When he recites &$) c$l('~ubhaanallaah') a hundred times, the reward of a thousand good deeds is recorded to his credit or a thousand sins are written off." (2) Rasulullaah @@ Speaks about the Tremendous Virtue of Reciting c$c$i2 9; &-S) ('Laa Howla wa Laa Quwwata Illa Billaah') Hadhrat Qais bin Sa'd bin Ubaadah @Gw relates, "My father placed me in the care of Rasulullaah @& to be of service to him. One day after I had performed two Rakaahs salaah, Rasulullaah @ once came to me and, nudging me with his foot, said, 'Should I not inform you of a door from amongst the doors of Jannah?' When I asked to be informed, Rasulullaah @I% said, '(It is to recite) 3) (+ 4, c u .. . ~JY, J$ ('Laa Howla wa Laa Quwwata Illa ~illaah')."'(~) ~ a d h r a t Abu Dharr ~ G E narrates, "I had been walking behind Rasulullaah k$%! when he said to me, 'Should I not inform you of a treasure from amongst the treasures of Jannah?' When I asked to be informed, Rasulullaah @@ said, 5 4, r '(It is to recite) (&c y!aJ Y; &s) ('Laa Howla wa Laa Quwwata llla ~illaah')."'(~) Hadhrat ~bdullaai bin Sa'd bin Abi Waqqaas "'I 9,Wj "'*" narrates that Hadhrat Abu Ayyoob Ansaari %lW32j once said to him, "Should I not teach you some words that Rasulullaah %??% taught me?" "Certainly, dear uncle," Hadhrat Abdullaah replied. Hadhrat Abu Ayyoob W%?%j then said, "When Rasulullaah came to stay with me, he once asked me, '0 Abu Ayyoob!

'Should I not inform you of some words from the treasures of Jannah?' 'Why, of course,' I replied, 'May my r 5 f r, r parents be sacrificed for you!' Rasulullaah @& said, 'Abundantly recite aJ Y, J$Y) (&\ 4) ('Laa Howla wa Laa Quwwata llla ~illaah').'"(~) The Statement of Hadhrat Ibraheem %%$ 6 ' 6 ) ., . regarding (&c 9\19 Y.J J ~ J ) ('Laa Howla wa Laa . 4 ' Quwwata Illa Billaah') Hadhrat Abu Ayyoob Ansaari 8Sm reports that when Rasulullaah @%$ was (1) Haakim, as quoted in Targheeb wat Tarheeb(Vo1.3 Pg.81). (2) Muslim, Tirrnidhi and Nasa'ee, as quoted in Targheeb wat Tarheeb (Vo1.3 Pg.83). Ibn Abi Shaybah, Ahmad, Abd bin Humayd, Ibn Hibbaan and Abu Nu'aym have all reported a similar narration, as quoted in Kanzul Urnrnaal(Vol.1 Pg.211). (3) Haakim, as quoted in Targheeb wat Tarheeb (Vo1.3 Pg. 104). (4) Ibn Maajah, Ibn Abi Dunya and Ibn Hibbaan, as quoted in Targheeb wat Tarheeb (Vo1.3 Pg.105). (5) Tabraani, reporting from reliable sources as confirmed by Haythami (Vol.10 Pg.98).

THE LWES OF THE SAHMAH '@&?&@3 (Vol-3) taken on the journey of Mi'raaj, he passed by Hadhrat Ibraheem &&%, who asked, "Who is this with you, 0 Jibra'eel @+kb?" "This is Muhammad m," Hadhrat Jibra'eel &&% replied. Hadhrat Ibraheem &&G then said, "0 Muhammad @%%! Inform your Ummah to acquire the plants of Jannah in abundance because the soil of Jannah is extremely fertile and its land is very vast." 'What are the plants of Jannah?" Rasulullaah &@% asked. Hadhrat Ibraheem &@$ replied, "3) C .CJ r , . (A! Y! 13 YJ J;i ('Laa Howla wa Laa Quwwata Illa Billaah')." (') Another adds that before addressing Rasulullaah @@, Hadhrat Ibraheem &%I!+& first greeted Rasulullaah I)$%$ and welcomed him.

(2) The Statement of Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas G '6) ,, , , -. Bg@& about (hb Y\ a$ YJ J+ Y) ('Laa Howla wa Laa ' I * Qgwwata Illa Billaah') and what Hadhrat Imraan ?&3@&j had to say about the Virtues of Praising Allaah Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas 3$= said, "Whoever says ($1 ,&)('Bismillaah') has thought of Allaah, whoever says(jrl!U) ('A1 ~amdulil1aah')'has thanked Allaah, whoever s a y s ( 3 ~1 ('Allaahu Akbar') has revered Allaah, whoever says3) (hl i! ?! ('Laa Ilaaha Illallaah') has expressed the oneness of Allaah and whoever c .CJ r, r says (AG Y! i# YJ JS~) ('Laa Howla wa Laa Quwwata llla Billaah') has submitted himself to Allaah and these words will be an adornment and a treasure for him in Jannah." (3) Hadhrat Mutarraf reports that Hadhrat Imraan ?31w once said to him, "Should I not inform you of a Hadith today which Allaah will make a source of benefit for you even after this day? You should note that the best of Allaah's bondsmen on the Day of Qiyaamah shall be those who praised Him most excessively." (*) Hadhrat Ali @!%!$622's Explanation of the TermsU) (h I , ('Al Harndulillaah') and(&! ('Subhaanallaah') Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas 4 - narrates that Hadhrat Umar %U.Wj once asked, "While we know what is meant by (41 LG&) ('Subhaanallaah') and;! ilrj3) ('Laa llaaha Illallaah'), what is(jrl!M) ('Al Hamdulillaah')?" Hadhrat Ali !Bw replied by saying, "It is a phrase that Allaah chose for Himself ark which He loves that it be said." (5) Hadhrat Abu Dhabyaan narrates that Ibn Kawwaa once asked Hadhrat Ali @,- about the phrase (41 Lli&) ('Subhaanallaah'), to which Hadhrat Ali W3W replied, (1) Ahmad, Ibn Abi Dunya and Ibn Hibbaan, as quoted in Targheeb wat Tarheeb (Vo1.3 Pg.105). Haythami (vol. 10 Pg.98) has commented on Ahmad's chain of narrators.

(2) Tabraani. (3) Abu Nu'aym inhis Hiha (vol.1 Pg.322). (4) Ahmad, reporting from reliable sources as confirmed by Haythami (Vol.10 Pg.95). (5) Ibn Abi Haatim. THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @g@@s (Vol-3) "It is a phrase that Allaah has chosen for Himself and which proclaims His purity . from all evil." ('1 Hadhrat Umar %WWj Lessens the Punishment for a Person who Engaged in Tasbeeh as he was being Lashed When Hadhrat Umar 4-j once had two men lashed, one of them said, "A) ($1 ('Bismillaah')" while the other said,($l;;lG&) " ('Subhaanallaah')". ad hat Umar b - exclaimed, "Shame on you! Ease the lashing of the one who said ( $ 1 ~ ~ ) ( ' ~ u b h a a n a l l a a h ' ) because Tasbeeh can find a grounding only in the heart of a Mu'min." (2) Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood ?&G5W Interprets the verse "The Pure Word climbs up to Him" Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood ~,%@!% once said, "Whenever I relate a Hadith to you, I substantiate it with a verse of the Qur'aan.

When a person recites, LG&) c&l('~ubhaanallaah'),(h u) ('A1 Hamdulillaah'), (&I $! ('Laa Ilaaha , 3. ,A. Illallaah', ($1 41) ('Allaahu Akbar') and (&I &h('~abaarakallaah'), an angel takes hold of the words, thrusts it beneath his wings and then starts ascending (to the heavens). Every group of angels he passes en route seek forgiveness for the person who recited these words. He eventually presents them before the countenance of Ar-Rahmaan." (1.1 substantiation) Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Mas'ood W,= then recited the verse: - (bo&; $&, Q,; *\w, dl) o.c;31 :+U i,r) I ' I I The Pure Word (the Kalimah as well as other forms ofDhikr) climbs up to Him, propelled by good deeds (coupled with good deeds, a Muslimb Dhikr is readily accepted byAllaah). (Surah Faatir, verse Choosing Comprehensive Adhkaar instead of Excessive Repetition Rasulullaah Teaches Hadhrat Juwayriyyah @Gw a Comprehensive Dhikr Hadhrat Juwayriyyah - narrates that Rasulullaah @?% once 1eft.her room and when he returned after midmorning, he found her still sitting where she was.

Rasulullaah @@ asked, "Did you remain sitting in this position from the time I left you?" When she informed him that she had, Rasulullaah @$$! said, "After leaving you, I recited four phrases three times, which, if weighed against what you had been reciting since the morning, it would outweigh it. (The words are:) (1) Askari in his Amthaal and Abul Hasan Bakaali, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vol.1 Pg.210). (2) Bayhaqi, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal (Vol. 1 Pg.2 10). (3) Tabraani. Haythami (Vol.10 Pg.90) has commented on the chain of narrators. Haakim has reported a similar narration, as quoted in Targheeb wat Tarheeb (Vo1.3 Pg.93).

THE LIVES OF THE S A M A H m,u&$ (vo1-3) I I 4 .I* I 0 . I 0 I,0 r 0 , ) "GOS I, l ,I&, , a> I * aj, ~ . i i I , . r b j , A& 4-2 CUI o b " , 10 I 0 , r "I express Allaah's purity and praise Him as much as all of His creation, as much as pleases Him, as much as is the weight of His throne and as much as are all of His words (attributes and bounties)." ('I Another narration quotes the words as: 'i4& ilb dl I 0 I 0 l "I express Allaah's purity as much as are His creation. I express Allaah's purity as much as pleases Him. I express Allaah's purity as much as is the weight of His throne and I express Allaah's purity as much as are all of His words (attributes and bounties)." (2) Yet another narration(3) states that the words (A L!)should be recited in the same manner (substitute the words with the words c$lc;lG&)in the above dua). A narration of ~ a s a ' e e ( ~ ) quotes the words(&u'i> of the dua as: r j j cj; A ;Lbi; fLb AY 41 CUlJ CUI $'I 31 3; .A&; &&" I 0 , I r I ' r r I 0 , r Rasulullaah Teaches a Comprehensive Dhikr to a Sahabiyyah mG(&&j' Hadhrat Sa'd bin Abi Waqqaas 3W reports that when he once accompanied Rasulullaah @%! to see a particular lady, they found her reciting Tasbeeh, using some date seeds or pebbles to count on. Rasulullaah k%% said, "Should ,I not inform you of something easier and better for you?" Rasulullaah &%$ then recited the dua: Rasulullaah @@ then told her to recite the same f o r ( 3 h b ('Allaahu ,4kbar1),(& u> ('Al Hamdulillaah'), (A\;! iJr$)('~aa Ilaaha Illallaah') and ;$$;& THE LIVES OF THE SAHilBAH $&%j' (Vol-3) Rasulullaah Teaches Hadhrat Abu Dardaa %Wwj a Comprehensive Dhikr Hadhrat Abu Dardaa !iW@.% narrates that when Rasulullaah tt%& saw him moving his lips one day, Rasulullaah asked, "0 Abu Dardaa!

What are you reciting?" "I am engaged in the Dhikr of Allaah," he replied. Rasulullaah @$% said, "Should I not inform you of a Dhikr that is better than your making Dhikr from night to day and from day to night?" When Hadhrat Abu Dardaa 3Gw asked to be informed, Rasulullaah @%% told him to recite: "I express the purity of Allaah as much as He has created. I express the purity of Allaah as much as everything on earth. 1 express the purity of Allaah as m u ~ h as everything there is. I express the purity of Allaah as much as everything that His Book counts. I praise Allaah as much as He .. has created. I praise Allaah as much as it takes to fill everything He has created.

I praise Allaah as much as it takes to fill everything that His ~ o o k counts." ( I ) Rasulullaah Praises the Words that a Sahabi %$G5&G said in a Gathering Hadhrat Anas 3i. Wh% reports that he was sitting with Rasulullaah @%$ in a > . G . gathering when a Sahabi 4W!3&G5 arrived and greeted Rasool @$% saying, ~x-ll) (6G; 41 ki; s" ('As Salaamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullaahi wa Barakaatuh'). Rasulullaah @@ replied to his greeting by saying, (6G; $I k;; :dl 3; )" ('Was Alaykumus Salaam wa Rahmatullaahi wa Barakaatuh'). When the Sahabi J then sat down, he said: a3w' IYI I Y E 0 41 6 IJ CV* ~ ~ ~ & ~ ~ ~ l ~ ~ I , I ' . I "1 praise Allaah tremendously with praises that are pure and blessed as our Rabb would like to be praised and as He deserves to be praised." 'What did you say?" Rasulullaah @%% asked.

When the Sahabah i@Gw repeated his words, Rasulullaah @% remarked, "I swear by the Being Who controls my life that ten angels raced, each one of the angels eager to record what you said. However, none of them knew how to record it, so when they took it up to the One to Whom all honour belongs, He said, 'Record it exactly as my servant said it."'(2) Another narration(" records the words of the Dhikr as: (1) Tabraani and Bazzaar. Haythami (Vol.10 Pg.94) has commented on the chain of narrators. (2) Ahmad, reporting from reliable sources as confirmed in Targheeb war Tarheeb (Vol.3 Pg. 103). (3) Nasa'ee and Ibn Hibbaan. THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @g!@> (Vol-3) . . . 4. & J lu.

" d 9 d ~ J v k ~ ~ 4 G ~ ~ ~ s ~ ~ , , . . . . Hadhrat Abu Ayyoob Ansaari 9,Wj narrates ;hat Rasulullaah k%% once heard someone recite: "4 Gg a 1% m,, I I I ' . I "Who said those words?" Rasulullaah enquired. Thinking that he had annoyed Rasulullaah k%%'s ears with something he did not like, the man remained silent. "Who was it?" Rasulullaah repeated, "Because what he said was very correct." The man then said, "It was I who said it with the expectation of being rewarded, 0 Rasulullaah w." Rasulullaah @%% then told him, "I swear by the Being Who controls my life! I saw thirteen angels racing to See which of them would be the first to present your words to Allaah." Hadhrat Umar ~,G&G's Words when he saw a Man Using a Rosary to Engage in Tasbeeh Hadhrat Sa'eed bin Jubayr reports that when Hadhrat Umar mj once saw a man reciting Tasbeeh on a rosary, he remarked, "It would suffice him to rather say: 'I express Allaah's purity as much as it takes to fill the heavens and as much as it takes to fill the earth and everything else that Allaah wills' He should also say: 'I praise Allaah as much as it takes to fill the heavens and as much as it takes to fill the earth and everything else that Allaah wills' In addition to this, he may also say: 'I express Allaah's greatness as much as it takes to fill the heavens and as much as it takes to fill the earth and everything else that Allaah wills"'(2) Adhkaar to be recited after the Salaahs and Before sleeping Rasulullaah Teaches the Poor Sahabah +&!SW3 specific Adhkaar by which to Earn Great rewards HadhratAbu HurayrahaU&!&narrates that the poor Muhaajireen once approached * - Rasulullaah @i% saying, "The wealthy ones have taken the elevated positions and everlasting bounties!" 'Why do say that?" Rasulullaah k%% asked.

They ( 1 ) Tabraani, as quoted in Targheeb wal Tarheeb (Vol.3 Pg. 102). (2) Ibn Abi Shaybah, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vol.l Pg.210). THE LIVES OF THE SAhYIBAH *&,G@%& (Vol-3) explained, "They perform salaah just as we perform salaah and they fast just as we fast, but they also donate in Sadaqah, which we cannot do, and they set slaves free, which we are also incapable of doing." Rasulullaah @@ said, "Should I then not teach you something by which you may catch up with those ahead of you and beat those who are still behind? None will then be better than you except those who do the same as you do." "Please do tell us," the Sahabah @Gw entreated. Rasulullaah @% then told them to recite ('(&I G&)subhaanallaahl) thirty-three times, ('~(3 ;li)llaahu Akbar') thirty-three times and (A u > ( ' ~ l Hamdulillaah') thirty-three times after every salaah. The poor Muhaajireen then returned to Rasulullaah (after a while) saying, "Our wealthy brothers have heard about what we are doing and they are now doing the same." To this, Rasulullaah @@$ remarked, "That is the grace of Allaah which He bestows on whomsoever He wills." (One of the narrators by the name of) Hadhrat Sumay says, "When I reported the Hadith to someone in my family, the person told me that I was mistaken because my teacher must have told me that while ($1 &I&) ('Subhaanallaah') and(& . . u) ('A1 Hamdulillaah') are to be recited thirty-three times e a c h , ( s ~ ) ('Allaahu Akbar') is to be recited thirty-four times.

I then returned to (my teacher) Hadhrat Abu Saalih and informed him about this. He took my hand and recited, '(&lG&) ('~ubhaanallaah')',(& G) ' ('A1 Hamdulillaah')' and '(3~) ('Allaahu Akbar')'. Thereafter, he again recited '(&I&&) ('Subhaanallaah')', '(& u) ('A1 Hamdulillaah')' and '(3 ~) ('Allaahu Akbar')' until he had done so thirty-three times (to indicate that each Dhikr be recited thirty-three times only)." Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah 4 = reports that Hadhrat Abu Dharr $3$G@!G once said, "0 Rasulullaah w! The wealthy ones have taken all the rewards." The narration then continues like the one above except that in this narration, Rasulullaah instructed him to recite(3 ;li) ('Allaahu Akbar') thirty-three times,(& ('A1 Hamdulillaah') thirty-three times, (&lGI&)('~ubhaanallaah') thirty-three times after every salaah. Thereafter, Rasulullaah told him that he should end off the Dhikr by once reciting: Y ~ U J 0 , J . J ' J I , J Y J ) J ~ , y O J b * 5 :p y J+, J, &I J d 42 9 ;&, UI Y! a1 3 . y ' Rasulullaah @?% further informed Hadhrat Abu Dharr ?3Gw that if he recited this, all his sins will be forgiven even if though they may be as many as the foam on the ocean.

(2) Another narration states that Rasulullaah @$% said, "Once you have performed your salaah, them to recite (41 &&) ('Subhaanallaah') thirty-three times,(& ('A1 Hamdulillaah') thirty-three times and(p&l) ('Allaahu Akbar') thirty-four times. Thereafter, recitedl1 $ 5 ~ ' ) ('Laa Ilaaha Illallaah') ten times." (3) ( I ) Bukhaari and Muslim. (2) Abu Dawood. (3) Tirmidhi, as quoted in Targheeb wat Tarheeb (Vo1.3 Pg.1 lo). Ibn Asaakir has reported a narration similar to that of Abu Dawood, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal (Vol.1 Pg.296). Tayaalisi, Ibn Asaakir and Bukhaari in his Adab has also reported a narration similar to that of Abu Dawood, as quoted in Kanzul Urnmaal (Vo1.3 Pg.315).

Bazzaar has reported a similar narration in much greater detail, as quoted in Majma'uzZawaa'id(Vol.10 Pg.101). THE LIVES OF THE SAHABAH @a&> (Vol-3) Rasulullaah Teaches Hadhrat Abu Dardaa %@&$ some Adhkaar to be Recited after Every Salaah Hadhrat Ummu Dardaa I . % - narrates that when a man once came to Hadhrat Abu Dardaa ?%XW, he asked the man, "Will you be staying over so that we may send your animal for grazing or will you be leaving, in which case we shall give it some fodder to eat?" When the man informed him that he would be leaving, Hadhrat Abu Dardaa !3IW said, "I shall then give you some provisions that had I any provisions better than them, I would have certainly given them instead. 1 once went to Rasulullaah and said, 'The wealthy ones have taken the benefits of this world as well as the Aakhirah. They perform salaah just as we perform salaah andtheyfastjustaswe fast, but they also donate in Sadaqah, which we cannot do.' Rasulullaah @% said, 'Should I then not teach you something by which anyone ahead of you will be unable to beat you again and those who are still behind you will beunabletocatchupwith you unless they do the same as you do?' Rasulullaah k%% then told me to recite (41 &G) ('Subhaanallaah') thirty-three times,(& u) ('Al Hamdulillaah') thirty-three times a n d ( 3 a) ('Allaahu Akbar') thirty-four times after every salaah." ('1 Hadhrat Qataadah reports that some poor Mu'mineen once said, "0 Rasulullaah @!%! The wealthy ones have taken all the rewards. They are able to donate in Sadaqah, while we cannot and they are able to spend in good causes, which we are also incapable of doing." Rasulullaah asked, "Tell me if the wealth of this world will be able to reach the heavens if they are stacked one on top of another?" "Certainly not, 0 Rasulullaah m," they replied. Rasulullaah then said, "Should I not inform you of something that has its roots on earth but its branches in the heavens?

It is that you recite ten times after every salaah, ' (&I ;!('ha Ilaaha 'Illallaah'), '(3 &)(~llaahu Akbar'), ('~(41 &G)ubhaanallaahl) and (A m ) ' ( ~ l ~amdulillaah')."'(~) Rasulullaah @%! Teaches Hadhrat Ali !&lGm and Hadhrat Faatima @%&#&+ a Dhikr to Recite after salaah and Before Sleeping Hadhrat Ali reports that when he married Hadhrat Faatima -, Rasulullaah &%% sent with her a blanket, a leather pillow filled with the bark of a date palm, two grinding stones, a water bag and two earthen jars. Hadhrat Ali %,Gm one day said to Hadhrat Faatima CW$W, "By Allaah! Continuously drawing water from the well has caused my chest to start hurting. Allaah has sent some prisoners to your father, so please go to him and request him for a servant." Hadhrat ~aatima GWi%S agreed saying, "By Allaah! Continuous grinding (1) Ahmad, Bazzaar and Tabraani, as quoted in Majma'uzZawaaYd(Vol.10 Pg.lOO).

Abdur Razzaaq has reported a similar narration with the addition that Hadhrat Abu Dardaa W%%j said to Rasulullaah m, "...they also strive in Jihaad'as we do and perform the Fardh salaahs." (2) Abdur Razzaaq and Ibn Zanjway, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal (Vol. 1 Pg.297). THE LIVES OF THE SAHilBAH @,g@% (Vol-3) has also caused my hands to be calloused." She therefore went to her father Rasulullaah m, who asked her, "What brings you here, dearest daughter?" Feeling too embarrassed to put her request forward, Hadhrat Faatima WGWj said, "I have come to greet you." When she returned and Hadhrat Ali 53W&G asked her what had happened, she said, "I was too shy to ask him." The couple then went together to Rasulullaah m. Hadhrat Ali %,E&!+j spoke. "0 Rasulullaah @@!" he said, "Continuously drawing water from the well has caused my chest to start hurting." Hadhrat Faatima GBGw then said, "By Allaah! Continuous grinding has also caused my hands to be calloused. Since Allaah has sent some prisoners and wealth to you, could you please give us a servant." Rasulullaah @%! said, "By Allaah!

I cannot give you something and leave the men of Suffa with their bellies caving in with hunger. Since I have nothing to spend on them, I intend selling the slaves and spending the money on the men of Suffa." The couple then returned home. Rasulullaah @'& later went to see then at a time when they had already retired to bed. Their blanket was so small that when they covered their heads, their feet would be exposed and when they covered their feet, their heads remained uncovered. They were about to jump out of bed when Rasulullaah @@ arrived, but he bade them to remain as they were. Rasulullaah asked, "Shall 1 not inform you of something better than what you asked of me today?" When they begged to know, Rasulullaah @$% said, "It is some words that Jibra'eel @,U has taught me.

After every salaah, you should recite (&I LG&)('~ubhaanallaah') ten t i m e s , ( & u ) ('A1 Hamdulillaah') ten times and ( p & ) ( ' ~ l l a a h u Akbar') ten times. Then, when you go to bed, recite (&I LG&) ('Subhaanallaah') thirty-three times, (A ~ ) ( ' A I Hamdulillaah') thirty-three times a n d ( 3 a) ('Allaahu Akbar') thirty-four times." Hadhrat Ali SGW; says, "By Allaah! I have never omitted this practice dver since 1 heard it from Rasulullaah $,%%." "Not even on the eve of the Battle of Siffeen?" Ibn Kawwaa asked. "May Allaah strike you down, 0 people of Iraq!" Hadhrat Ali Q m said, "Not even on the eve of the Battle of Siffeen." Another narration states that Rasulullaah @@ said to Hadhrat Ali %,~&!+j and Hadhrat Faatima @Ew, "Should I not tell you of something that is better for you than a servant? Recite (&I c;ll&)('~ubhaanallaah') thirty-three times,(& m) ('A1 Harndulillaah') thirty-three times a n d ( 3 ~ ) ('~llaahu Akbar') thirty-four times after every salaah. Then recite the same hundred Adhkaar when you retire to bed." (') Hadhrat Ummu Salamah @W&j narrates that Hadhrat Faatima @GWj once approached Rasulullaah @$% to tell him about the difficulty she was having with her domestic chores.

"0 Rasulullaah @$%!" she said, "My hands have developed callouses by grinding grain in the grinding stones and with making dough." ( I ) Ahmad, Bukhaari, Muslim, Abu Dawood and Tirmidhi, as quoted in Targheeb war Tarheeb (Vo1.3 Pg.112). Ibn Sa'd (Vo1.8 Pg.25) has reported a similar narration. Humaydi, Ibn Abi Shaybah, Abdur Razzaaq, Adani, Ibn Jareer, Haakim and others have also reported a similar narration, as have Nasa'ee and Ibn Maajah in brief, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal(Vol.8 Pg.66). (2) Ibn Abi Shaybah, as quoted in Kanzul Ummaal. THE LlVES OF THE S A H A B ~ @,Em> (Vol-3) Rasulullaah @& said to her, "If Allaah intends to give you something, it would come to you by itself. I shall however inform you of something better.

When you go to bed, recite ($1 &&)('~ubhaanallaah') thirty-three times,(h . . ('A1 Hamdulillaah') thirty-three times a n d ( 3 h$ ('Allaahu Akbar') thirty-four times. This makes a complete hundred and is better for you than a servant. Then after the Fajr salaah, you should recite ten times: This should again be recited ten times after the Maghrib salaah. Every time these words are recited, the reward of ten good deeds are recorded and ten sins are effaced. Each one is as virtuous as freeing a slave from the progeny of Ismaa'eel &?&% and every sin committed that day apart from Shirk will be forgiven. The words ( &> . 9 ;%;