~Can You have sexual act with your slaves and captives?~

InshaAllah I share an excerpt email that I ever composed for a Christian friend.

Bismillahirrohmannirrohim
[in the name of Allah the Most Gracious and the Most Merciful]

Dear Mr Christian ….

May you are health… and alwasy in the state of highest spirit to searching of the truth …

From your profile you seem are very devote Christian.. Perhaps a missionary… as far as what I know…. Your people are very good trained to achieve the missions… very persistence [in preaching… approaching.. etc etc]..…

Never will the Jews or the Christians be satisfied with thee unless thou follow their form of religion……[Qur'an Al Baqaraah 2: 120]

But Since my friend has spoken about you, especially that she told me how she esteem and value you having the qualities of a devote and a respectable Christian.. So I hope you among one of Christian with all quality which Allah [God] has described in Holy Qur’an.

Strongest among men in enmity to the believers wilt thou find the Jews and Pagans; and nearest among them in love to the believers wilt thou find those who say, "We are Christians": because amongst these are men devoted to learningand men who have renounced the world, and they are not arrogant. [Qur’an Al Ma-idah 5:82]

Lets me recall and write here your question. You said…..

[Mr Christian]:
I have a question about a verse in the quran that i got in an email
[Mr Christian]:
"And those who guard their chastity (i.e. private parts, from illegal sexual acts). Except from their wives or (the captives and slaves) that their right hands possess, - for them, they are free from blame. But whoever seeks beyond that, then those are the transgressors." [23.5-7]
[Mr Christian]:
does that mean you can actually have sexual acts with captives and slaves?

The short answer of that question is “yes”. Man can have sexual act with the captives and slaves they have.

If then you may ask … Why? How come?

The short answer of that is “because that what Allah says in Qur’an and that what our prophet Muhammad [peace be upon him] has taught us”

But I believe you will not satisfy with those short answers. You may wondering how Islam allow such of things…it seem Islam is immoral religion, support the slavery… etc etc..

This is very common perceptions of non Moslem about Islam. Some of them who call themselves as very honorable with high moral people, they use this verse to attack and mock Islam… astaghfirullah…

Actually to talk about this topic in this modern world where most of countries have been in agreement to refuse, to forbid any kind of slavery is seemed not relevent anymore….

I believe you asked me this question because you have some knowledge about slavery in this world. So that InshaAllah I will focus more to what the meaning of slave in Islam perspective.

Slavery had been appeared thousands year before Islam came. There were a lot of wars which cause some people being captured and then trapped in slavery to serve the people who won the battle.

People who had been trapped in slavery had to live miserable; no different like animal. [Even worse], they lost their freedom… they like human without wishes… their life fully belong to their master….

Slavery also happened at the glory of time in Jew and Christian people….Right ???

So, Islam came at the time when slavery was very acceptable, very common; as part of tradition, costume, life style…

At that time, in order to defense the religion… our prophet [peace and blessing of Allah be upon him] and his companions [peace be upon them] had to go war… If Allah enabled the Muslim to defeat unbeliever in wars, then the man may be killed, some being captured [man, woman and children]..

The leader/ruler of Moslem would decide what would do with those captivates….some were killed… some were released for ransoms… some who did not have any family to pay their ransoms they remained stay with Moslem as slaves… the Moslem ruler shared them out among Moslem people [who joined the battle].

May be you will ask…. if Islam indeed a honor, compassion and generous religion why they did not just let free all those captivates instead made them as slaves…?

The logic answer is…..

I think you agree…. This would sound very STUPID war strategy if Moslem people just let them free that way..…in fact in another side if Moslem was being defeated, the unbeliever would capture their people and made them slaves…

Above all it doesn’t mean Islam support slavery….

Islam limited the sources of slaves which existed before the mission of the Prophet [peace and blessing of Allah be upon him] to just one source, namely slavery resulting from capturing prisoners from among unbeliever, including woman and children.

So the reason why a person may be taken as a slave is his being an unbeliever and waging war against Allah and His Messenger.

A free woman can not become a slave unless she is an unbeliever woman from a state that at war with the Muslim and the Muslim have captured her.

[This opinion of the majority Islamic scholars – in interpretation of Holy Quran and the teaching of the prophet [peace and blessing of Allah be upon him]]…

wallahu alam bishshowab [Allah knows the best]

It’s rare nowadays to find slaves in above sense…that because Moslem has long since given up the obligation of jihad for the sake of Allah [I meant the jihad like what happened in the time of prophet and companions]

Nowadays… most of Islamic countries have signed the agreement that expressly forbids slavery. Even the king Faishal in year 1964 he announced very strict rule no slavery in Saudi Arabia. There was very big manumission in all over Saudi….even the king used kingdom money to pay the manumission of slaves…

Based on that …nowadays….Moslem has to careful in examining any case where people are bought and sold as slaves….

Before I come to the main topic why it’s allowed for Moslem man to have intimate with their slaves…. Lets me share you how Moslem should treat their slaves…

Allah and the prophet [Peace and the blessing of Allah be upon him] order Moslem to treat their slaves nicely. Even, having good attitude toward slaves is considered as one of the best righteous deeds….

It is not righteousness that ye turn your faces Towards east or West; but it is righteousness- to believe in Allah and the Last Day, and the Angels, and the Book, and the Messengers; to spend of your substance, out of love for Him, for your kin, for orphans, for the needy, for the wayfarer, for those who ask, and for the ransom of slaves; to be steadfast in prayer, and practice regular charity; to fulfil the contracts which ye have made; and to be firm and patient, in pain (or suffering) and adversity, and throughout all periods of panic. Such are the people of truth, the Allah.fearing. [Qur'an Al Baqaarah 2: 177]

I asked the Prophet, "What is the best deed?" He replied, "To believe in Allah and to fight for His cause."

I then asked, "What is the best kind of manumission (of slaves)?" He replied, "The manumission of the most expensive slave and the most beloved by his master." I said, "If I cannot afford to do that?" He said, "Help the weak or do good for a person who cannot work for himself."

I said, "If I cannot do that?" He said, "Refrain from harming others for this will be regarded as a charitable deed for your own good." [Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith 3.694 Narrated by Abu Dhar]

Here some of the teaching our prophet [peace and the blessing of Allah upon him] how we should treat slaves:

Allah's Apostle said, "He who has a slave-girl and educates and treats her nicely and then manumits and marries her, will get a double reward." [Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith 3.720, Narrated by Abu Musa]

I saw Abu Dhar Al-Ghifari wearing a cloak, and his slave, too, was wearing a cloak. We asked him about that (i.e. how both were wearing similar cloaks). He replied, "Once I abused a man and he complained of me to the Prophet. The Prophet asked me, 'Did you abuse him by slighting his mother?' He added, 'Your slaves are your brethren upon whom Allah has given you authority. So, if one has one's brethren under one's control, one should feed them with the like of what one eats and clothe them with the like of what one wears. You should not overburden them with what they cannot bear, and if you do so, help them (in their hard job).' " [Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith 3.721, Narrated by Al Marur bin Suwaid]

The Prophet said, "When your servant brings your meals to you then if he does not let him sit and share the meals, then he should at least give him a mouthful or two mouthfuls of that meal or a meal or two meals, as he has prepared it." [Sahih Al-Bukhari HadithHadith 3.732, Narrated byAbu Huraira]

The Prophet said, "If somebody fights (or beats somebody) then he should avoid the face." [Sahih Al-Bukhari HadithHadith 3.734, Narrated byAbu Huraira]

Islam even elevates the value of believer slave higher than unbeliever free people…

Do not marry unbelieving women (idolaters), until they believe: A slave woman who believes is better than an unbelieving woman, even though she allures you. Nor marry (your girls) to unbelievers until they believe: A man slave who believes is better than an unbeliever, even though he allures you. Unbelievers do (but) beckon you to the Fire. But Allah beckons by His Grace to the Garden (of bliss) and forgiveness, a nd makes His Signs clear to mankind: That they may celebrate His praise. [Qur'an Al Baqaarah 2: 221]

Slaves is one of them who have right accept alms to help them free from any bondage,…

Alms are for the poor and the needy, and those employed to administer the (funds); for those whose hearts have been (recently) reconciled (to Truth); for those in bondage and in debt; in the cause of Allah. and for the wayfarer: (thus is it) ordained by Allah, and Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom. [Qur'an At Taubah 9:60]

………. if any of your slaves ask for a deed in writing (to enable them to earn their freedom for a certain sum), give them such a deed if ye know any good in them: yea, give them something yourselves out of the means which Allah has given to you. [Qur'an An Nuur 24:33]

Islam does not support slavery, the otherwise Islam is a religion that tries to dismiss slavery in this world.

The Prophet said, "Whoever frees a Muslim slave, Allah will save all the parts of his body from the (Hell) Fire as he has freed the body-parts of the slave." [Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith 3.693, Narrated byAbu Huraira]

Al-Bara' reported: "A man came to the Prophet, upon whom be peace, and said to him: 'Guide me to a deed that makes me close to Heaven and far from Hell.' The Prophet, upon whom be peace, said: 'Free a person and redeem a slave.' [Fiqh-us-Sunnah, Fiqh 3.67]

Any slaves woman who have been freed can chose to stay with her husband [her husband is a slave] or leave him…

I bought Buraira but her masters put the condition that her Wala' would be for them. I told the Prophet about it. He said (to me),"Manumit her as her Wala' will be for the one who pays the price." So, I manumitted her. The Prophet called Buraira and gave her the option of either staying with her husband or leaving him.

She said, "Even if he gave me so much money, I would not stay with him," and so she preferred her freedom to her husband. [Sahih Al-Bukhari HadithHadith 3.713, Narrated byAisha]

A woman slave who gives birth to a child by her master, not allowed to be sold anymore…

Malik related to me from Nafi from Abdullah ibn Umar that Umar ibn al-Khattab said, "If a slave-girl gives birth to a child by her master, he must not sell her, give her away, or bequeath her. He enjoys her and when he dies she is free ." [Al-Muwatta Hadith 38.6]

A woman slave who gives birth to a child by her master, her child will have same status/right/position like other master’s child… You may not believe if in the time of Abassiyah Dynasty….most of the khalifah [ruler/kings] were born from slave women /concubines… [You can check it…inshaAllah]…

The Prophet (peace be upon him) decided regarding one who was treated as a member of a family after the death of his father, to whom he was attributed when the heirs said he was one of them, that if he was the child of a slave-woman whom the father owned when he had intercourse with her, he was included among those who sought his inclusion, but received none of the inheritance which was previously divided; he, however, received his portion of the inheritance which had not already been divided; but if the father to whom he was attributed had disowned him, he was not joined to the heirs.

If he was a child of a slave-woman whom the father did not possess or of a free woman with whom he had illicit intercourse, he was not joined to the heirs and did not inherit even if the one to whom he was attributed is the one who claimed paternity, since he was a child of fornication whether his mother was free or a slave. [Sunan of Abu-Dawood Hadith 2258, Narrated byAbdullah ibn Amr ibn al-'As]

'Utba bin Abi Waqqas said to his brother Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas, "The son of the slave girl of Zam'a is from me, so take him into your custody." So in the year of Conquest of Mecca, Sa'd took him and said. (This is) my brother's son whom my brother has asked me to take into my custody."

'Abd bin Zam'a got up before him and said, (He is) my brother and the son of the slave girl of my father, and was born on my father's bed." So they both submitted their case before Allah's Apostle. Sa'd said, "O Allah's Apostle! This boy is the son of my brother and he entrusted him to me."

'Abd bin Zam'a said, "This boy is my brother and the son of the slave girl of my father, and was born on the bed of my father." Allah's Apostle said, "The boy is for you, O 'Abd bin Zam'a!" Then Allah's Apostle further said, "The child is for the owner of the bed, and the stone is for the adulterer." [Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith 9.293, Narrated byAisha]

Islam made setting of freeing slaves as obligation in the case of some kinds of expiation (kafaarah), such as

The expiation because have sexual intercourse with my wife on Ramadan (while fasting)

A man came to the Prophet and said, "I had sexual intercourse with my wife on Ramadan (while fasting)." he Prophet asked him, "Can you afford to manumit a slave?"

He replied in the negative. The Prophet asked him, "Can you fast for two successive months?"
He replied in the negative. He asked him, "Can you afford to feed sixty poor persons?" He replied in the negative.

(Abu Huraira added): Then a basket full of dates was brought to the Prophet and he said (to that man), "Feed (poor people) with this by way of atonement." He said, "(Should I feed it) to poorer people than we? There is no poorer house than ours between its (Medina's) mountains." The Prophet said, "Then feed your family with it." [Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith 3.158, Narrated byAbu Huraira]

The expiation for accidental killing,

Never should a believer kill a believer; but (If it so happens) by mistake, (Compensation is due): If one (so) kills a believer, it is ordained that he should free a believing slave, and pay compensation to the deceased's family, unless they remit it freely. If the deceased belonged to a people at war with you, and he was a believer, the freeing of a believing slave (Is enough). If he belonged to a people with whom ye have treaty of Mutual alliance,compensation should be paid to his family, and a believing slave be freed. For those who find this beyond their means, (is prescribed) a fast for two months running: by way of repentance to Allah.for Allah hath all knowledge and all wisdom. [Qur'an An Nisaa' 4:92]

The expiation for zihaar (a jaahili form of divorce in which a man said to his wife, “You are to me as my mother’s back”),

But those who divorce their wives by Zihaar, then wish to go back on the words they uttered,- (It is ordained that such a one) should free a slave before they touch each other: Thus are ye admonished to perform: and Allah is well-acquainted with (all) that ye do. [Qur'an Al Mujaadilah 58:3]

The expiation for breaking oaths.

Allah will not call you to account for what is futile in your oaths, but He will call you to account for your deliberate oaths: for expiation, feed ten indigent persons, on a scale of the average for the food of your families; or clothe them; or give a slave his freedom. If that is beyond your means, fast for three days. That is the expiation for the oaths ye have sworn. But keep to your oaths. Thus doth Allah make clear to you His signs, that ye may be grateful. [Qur'an Al Maa'idah 5:89]

Let’s now move to main topic regarding your question about it being permissible for a master to be intimate with his slave woman,

Like I have told you earlier …the short answer of this question is that because Allaah [God] has permitted it.

Who abstain from sex, Except with those joined to them in the marriage bond, or (the captives) whom their right hands possess,- for (in their case) they are free from blame, [ Qur'an Al Mu'minuun 23: 6-6]

And those who guard their chastity, Except with their wives and the (captives) whom their right hands possess,- for (then) they are not to be blamed, [Qur'an Al Ma'aarij 29-30]

This slave woman has to belong to him, either because he has paid money to buy her or he has fought for the sake of Allaah [and acquired her among the war booty]. And also this slave woman has not been given by her master in marriage to another man to whom she is still married.

These slaves woman only belong to their master, the master are not allowed to share their slave women [that they have intimated] to other people…..nor force them into the prostitution…even not allowed to share them to his own sons….

…..But force not your maids to prostitution when they desire chastity, in order that ye may make a gain in the goods of this life….. [Qur'an An Nuur 24:33]

Yahya related to me from Malik that he had heard that Umar ibn al-Khattab gave his son a slave-girl and said, "Do not touch her, for I have uncovered her." [Al-Muwatta Hadith Hadith 28.36]

Yahya related to me from Malik from Yahya ibn Said that Abu Nahshal ibn al-Aswad said to al-Qasim ibn Muhammad, "I saw a slave-girl of mine uncovered in the moonlight, and so I sat on her as a man sits on a woman. She said that she was menstruating, so I stood up and have not gone near her after that. Can I give her to my son to have intercourse with?" Al-Qasim forbade that. [Al-Muwatta Hadith Hadith 28.37]

All above explanations… give the impression that actually the teaching of Islam was trying to dismiss slavery step by step…. Allah often teaches us by this ways [step by step….by wisdom and compassion]….. All those rules are available in The Qur’an and The hadith, it is showing us Islam indeed a comprehensive religion…

I don’t hink there are any religions… books… which elevate the status and treat slaves like Islam do…

Wallahu alam bishshowab…

I end the topic of slaves in Islam here….

May all above explanation can give you some outlines about the position of slaves in Islam….. And May they can give you better understanding about the truth teaching of Islam…

Sorry if it becomes very big explanations …because I tried my best to provide valid evidences, arguments from the Qur’an and sahih hadist [valid saying prophet Muhammad sallahu alaihi wassalam]. I pray may they can help you to think objectively…

And those who strive in Our (cause),- We will certainly guide them to our Paths: For verily Allah is with those who do right [Qur’an Al ‘Ankabuut 29:69]

Finally I invite you to the light of Islam…

Invite (all) to the Way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious: for thy Lord knoweth best, who have strayed from His Path, and who receive guidance. [Qur'an Al An Nahl 16:125]

But it’s all up to you….. I only convey the messages

If then they run away, We have not sent thee as a guard over them. Thy duty is but to convey (the Message). And truly, when We give man a taste of a Mercy from Ourselves, he doth exult thereat, but when some ill happens to him, on account of the deeds which his hands have sent forth, truly then is man ungrateful! [Qur'an Asy Syuuraa 42:48]

No compulsion to accept Islam….

Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out clear from Error: whoever rejects evil and believes in Allah hath grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold, that never breaks. And Allah heareth and knoweth all things. [Qur'an Al Baqarah 2:256]

But I just can remind you that

The parable of those who reject their Lord is that their works are as ashes, on which the wind blows furiously on a tempestuous day: No power have they over aught that they have earned: that is the straying far, far (from the goal). [Qur'an Ibrahim 14:18]

May Allah open your heart to the light of Islam…

It is true thou wilt not be able to guide every one, whom thou lovest; but Allaah guides those whom He will and He knows best those who receive guidance. [Qur'an Al Qashash 28:56]

…..Verily never will Allaah change the condition of a people until they change it themselves (with their own souls). But when (once) Allaah willeth a people's punishment, there can be no turning it back, nor will they find, besides Him, any to protect. [Qur'an Ar Ra'du 13:11]

"…… Allaah will never change the grace which He hath bestowed on a people until they change what is in their (own) souls: and verily Allaah is He Who heareth and knoweth (all things)." [Qur'an Al Anfaal 8:53]

Please forgive me if I said something that offense you in giving explanation…. If there are any errors …they all come from me due of my shallowness… if there are the truth, they are all come from Allah the Almighty One…

wallahu alam bishshowab [Allah knows the best]

Subhanakallahumma wabihamdika ashadu ala ilaha illa anta astaghfiruka wa atubu ilaika
Regards,
Bandung 22 Maret 2005
Rytha Nur’aini

Those whom Allah (in His plan) willeth to guide,- He openeth their breast to Islam; those whom He willeth to leave straying,- He maketh their breast close and constricted, as if they had to climb up to the skies: thus doth Allah (heap) the penalty on those who refuse to believe. This is the way of thy Lord, leading straight: We have detailed the signs for those who receive admonition. For them will be a home of peace in the presence of their Lord: He will be their friend, because they practised (righteousness). [Qur’an Al An’aam 6 :125-127]

~Simple people, Simple life, Great meanings~

“Fatimah” work in 5 different places a day [everyday] to wash the clothes and iron them.. She goes every morning and back in the late afternoon. She is exhausted, as a widow who has 5 children she almost doesn’t have times for herself.... She has to work hard. She struggles… she not only just sit at home waiting perhaps a prince charming come to propose her and move all the burdens…[things that rarely happened].

She is poor but she has self esteem to not ask from other for live..For “Fatimah” the best food is the foods which earned by her own hands. As Muslimah she believe what Rasullah salalhu alaihi wassalam said if the believer’s pride is his being independent of people [1].

She is poor but she lives with dignity. She sacrifice her youth, spend whole her energy to work for her children… that’s all based on love and sincerity. She loves her children; she loves life with honor and dignity. Her sincerity and her patience make things light. She cant fine happier than see her children have proper educations by her own effort…She never regret for her life, she never consider it as sacrificing.. but it’s love….., nor she ever complain where those nice brothers.. nor she ever care if some brothers only interest to take young fresh second wife.. than a widow like her.. She just never complain!!

“Ibrahim” has been working in a company for more than 20 years. He doesn’t hold any position. He has been doing same thing all those 20 years.. He is just a cleaning service. He cleans the office before the employees come and clean it again after they go off from office. He prepares tea for all the employees, he prepares the lunch, he washes the dishes, he has to go up and down, run here and there to serve so many requests. Some ask him to bring plate down stair, another one call him to serve some tea for the guests, some ask him to go out to buy some foods, some ask to make copy some papers, etc …. I never see he refused or said something….he did all of them with silent…never grudge or show bad feeling… the amaze things.. Some employees sometimes got surprised find her cars were cleaned…. Ibrahim often wash their cars in his initiatives…. for free…

Subhanallah… it not about position or money .. but it's about a pleasure to devote and to serve other, to give the best according to his capability… No matter how small that job but he tries his best to do that portion….. His present perhaps is considered not significant… but he wants to do things that he can do.. He finds the happiness in grateful.. whenever someone fill content by what Allah grant him Allah will increase the bounties…. By the blessing and the mercy of Allah he can feed his wife and children…

“Salma” was graduated from very outstanding university…. She devote herself to teach poor children.. some people look down to her… how could smart girl from outstanding university do such low work… she doesn’t earn money at all.. because she almost does not get money from that work…

But if we do ask to the children that she has been teaching.. They must say she is an angle that Allah sends for them.

Salma work just like tiny insects that keep working silently… no matter the work will be recognized or not.. but she does make something very amazing…. However the goodness of a deed is related to the goodness of the heart. And the goodness of the heart is related to the goodness of the intention…. Her intention, her heart has all the quality of goodness… all her dream is the best reward from Allah..and the happiness to help poor children….to educate them.. to help them… then they will not spend their life in illiterate and poverty.

Mr Amir……he is very very very old man…. His body is bend.. He walks around the complex pushing his box to sell “es lilin” [kind of ice]….it’s very cheap ice compare to any kind of ice that sold in super market or restaurant…. But there is something special with his ice… because he sells that ice with his eyes sparking as the reflection of how proud and happy he is when some children always waiting him passing…he smiled shyly when they said they missed him and wondered why he didn’t pass for weeks….. He must feel honor to know his present mean something and make those little children happy…

He is very old.. I believe the money that he collect is not enough….. but he old man who want to live with dignity.. who want to keep working and doing something even if it seem small.. He choose to do something rather than sit idle at home rather than wait his sons give food for him, he does thing that he can do with his old body…. …

Fatimah, Ibrahim, Salma, Mr Amir, they are people who find the real happiness… they are simple people…. but they are happy more than any conglomerate… They do feel if the source of happiness in this world is not all about money … They have their own ways to give meaning into their life; that is to devote their life to loving others, to the community and to devote themselves to make and give something that make their life have purpose and meaning..

They are people who always move and do something.. They do not see about how big or small it is.. but they only do all things that they can do, they give the meaning for whatever they do. They do not complains about the condition instead of try to make something with all the effort that they have… with patience, content and grateful ...Allah subhana wata’ala says : "…..If ye are grateful, I will add more (favors) unto you; But if ye show ingratitude, truly My punishment is terrible indeed." [HQ: 14:7]

Rasullullasallahu alaihi wassalam said.. the best one among you is them who can give much benefit for others… If only there was a the king knew how the peace, the calm of people who find happiness in grateful, the great experiences when can bring change into others life….. The king must be very envy….

Have you ever envy with those simple people who can enjoy their life… Have you ever felt how busy we have occupied with things.. we do this and do that…we go here and go there… mostly with uncertain direction…. Busy but meaningless…. There are so many people who walk around with meaningless life, they seem half asleep, even when they are busy doing things that they think are important. This because they chasing the wrong things.

Wallahu alam bishshowab

Bandung 19 Sept 2005
Rytha

[1] [HR Hakim]

~ Farewell to meet again in better way ~

Bismillahirrohmannirrohim



Assallammu’alaikum warohmatullahi wabarokatuh

My dear sisters, my dear friends… … What I am gonna say to you … but for sure I am going to miss you all… I am very sad we are going to separate soon :(… but that’s a part of our life journey….. If we meet someone we should ready to apart from her one day …when we decide to care and love someone we should ready to lost her… Just sometimes as a weak human being we never ready for that, even we do not want to imagine them ….

If we more aware one day we are going to be away each other, perhaps we could spend better time together… to utilize every second to enjoin in just and to work together more for the Sake of Allah … then our togetherness give more meanings… then there is no regret for the time that we lost unwisely :(…

There are so many sweet memories that we have passed together…. The memory of I’tikaf in the last Ramadan..subhnallah was very great experience in my life… I still remember how Sister Efri amazed with the beauty of young families who gathered during iftar…it’s very great scene…[ I know deep down inside she is expecting to have a family soon :) ]….and I remember how Miss Kiki struggled to fight to not fallen sleep …and me who slept too much :)….At the last day of I’tikaf I remember how I left Miss Kiki in hurry….she was stunned I left her without show any guilty feelings; left her promptly after awake… in fact she had stayed there longer to accompany wait my Mom picked up me… … I am sorry my dear sis….I was very shocked, I awoke by a call on my cellular, when I checked it … it’s not the first call… My Mom had called me for several times [she must had waited outside for long time]… I was just so panic ….at that time I only thought to awake soon and run to my Mom as soon as possible…..:) I felt the greatness of sisterhood , a real sisterhood … be around sisters who care me and love me sincerely….

By the way may Allah gift Sister Efri the best husband soon… and also Miss Kiki :) The one who can accept you all your activities… I am wondering who will brave enough to marry such multi talents girls :)

My dear sisters for now, just enjoy any moment that you have, ... Don’t waste your time sitting in your room dreaming about your prince charming who will hold you hand and take you riding his white horse… :)

We never know what will be the future. For sure the more we growing up, the more responsibility that we have to face…. Time by time the challenge step up… live can’t be easier in the future…

When we were still a college student we thought live would be easier if we had graduated, we would not need stuck with assignments and exams in the Ramadan times… We thought if had graduated we could concentrate to do more ibadah, more activities. We thought we would have time to learn much about Islam… Then we graduated and then worked… things different. Even we didn’t have chance to manage our life.. Occupied more than before… sad do not have chance to even spend the last 10 day in Ramadan properly… We engaged more by strict contract to obey what the company wants from us… At work we can’t make mistake [when we were student we still can do mistake sometimes:)]… if make mistake at work it can cause the danger of other life.

Then some of us think about romantic life. Thought It would be wonderful get married [indeed it beautiful] but some of us often get amnesia about the responsibilities that come with this institution. In fact marriage is not only about beautiful moment where can share food during iftar and sahor [sorry Mbak Efri :)] …. As woman we will face a huge responsibility … we will not only responsible to take care ourself but we should responsible to our husband..our children… We will get occupied more and more..

Indeed time by time our life are getting harder and harder. the responsibilities will increase by the addtion of our ages, our position, for every steps that we choose in our life…. We should bear them well… … So that ….. lets just enjoy every moment that we have now [be grateful for our current conditions] before the responsibility come to us :)…

My dear sisters sometimes things are just not as beauty as what we thought. Remember we didn’t see one of our close friends in the last I’tikaf. We didn’t see her until the last day of i’tikaf. She said her husband was so busy at work and always back in late night. It must be difficult for her to leave the house for I’tikaf, she must wait her husband from work and prepare his need… We perhaps will face the similar situation in the future…

Lets me share you what I have seen….. Perhaps this cant be used to generalize the whole situation of our Ummah… this is just phenomenon that I have seen…. And I want we learn from this… InshaAllah we do something to change this situation….

I have lost some friends who gradually disappear from da’wah desk after their marriage. They met their spouse in the way of Allah, with the dream to build Islamic marriage for the continuity of da’wah.

But the realities are many of them forget their dreams. It seems many brothers prefer their wife leave everything after married. They prefer their wife to leave all their activities after their marriage.

It's so ironic....When they were searching for marriage they wanted a special woman who such educated, God fearing, talented and da’wah activities. When they already got one, they forget if they just married someone who already belongs to the ummah. They actually married sisters who have so much talents that needed by ummah.

They forget the consequences of marrying such sisters. They forget to act “just “ to these sisters. To be just to make them at least the same or better person who can give more benefit for ummah after their married. They turn become so possessive: possessiveness that covered by any dalil turn these brothers to be so egoist. They want to keep those sisters as their own properties… demand the totality devotion only for him and his children… even.. it like burn his heart if someone knows his wife name… astagfirullah… [You perhaps never imagine this person exist… but they do exist sis :( ]

There was a syeikh attend his student wedding. His student wondered why he was not married yet, that student asked him why he didn’t get married.. that syeikh simple answered him :…”Ya Akhi to get married I have to just, I afraid I cant be just.”

The student wonder.. “Ya Syeikh I only ask you to marry one girl not many.. why you need to be just…”

The students didn’t understand.. what his Syeikh meant actually it’s not only in the term of polygamy someone has to be just …although only marry one girl he should to be just…

What he meant by “to be just” here that he should able to make his wife become a better person after the marriage. If she smiles before marriage.. She should keep able smiling after marriage.. If she did tahajud everyday.. after marriage she should at least can do same… everything at least should be the same after marriage….not less… So if a sister cant do much after their marriage it meant there is something wrong with the marriage… there must be unjustic there.

My dear sisters….. In some culture it seem so obvious, at the time a girl got married it seem they will not able to do anything… the day their marriage will be the day when they have to say farewell to their friends… I used to hear a sister said “sister after marriage I don’t know if I will have time… I must be busy with my marriage life…” This is phenomenon growing. I still see the plan of sister who wants to resign from da’wah activities after they got married… perhaps this Allah says…

Fair in the eyes of men is the love of things they covet:
Women and sons; Heaped-up hoards of gold and silver;
horses branded (for blood and excellence);
and (wealth of) cattle and well-tilled land.
Such are the possessions of this world's life;
but in nearness to Allah is the best of the goals (To return to).
[Ali Imran 3:14]

If all “ummahat” ask to get retired from the da’wah line after they get married then who will keep working and doing something for the ummah [beside brothers]…

My Dear sisters…. I wish our brothers in Islam could understand, if they do not want their wife, their family distracts their da’wah activities after married, that also what felt by sisters. The sisters also want to keep active and doing something for the community after their marriage [well not all sisters... there are some sisters also who consider married as retired to stay at home and they do happy for that..... I think better those brother choose marry these ones rather than the active one... they can be nice match.. wallahu alam ]…

As educated woman with so many talents they also carry the responsibility to do something for the ummah. Their involvement in community will not leave their primary duty as wife and mother..

They also want to earn something from themselves…to give charity… to do more to help others… as far they do all in the scope of syari’…there is no prohibition to do that…

Many of brothers want to marry high educated woman but they take the condition if they should stay at home [stop work] at the first place of their requirement….

Dear sisters I witness some opinions who see how low the woman who do activities for the community…. These brothers considered those women not less than “wicked woman” astaghfirullah… They detest these sisters and said these sisters didn’t know what best for them [in their mindset woman should be only at home]… and They consider these sisters just stubborn woman who keep arguing… astaghfirullah [again you may never imagine these thoughts exist in our Moslem ummah… but you will see so many who proud and elevate this opinions]

I didn’t know if he understands what he said… I believe if he read the shirah nabawiyah and how the lived of woman around Rasulullah..he will not have such narrow minded set. Lahaula walla quwata illa billah

My dear sisters …I have known many sisters abroad … subhanallah sometimes I feel how lucky I am to be born and raised here… and to be surrounded with a lot of splendid active, creative young sisters like you…. All those pathetic stories that I read on the books… they are really exist in real.. it become so real when you have met them yourself… If the enemy of Islam attack us …. It’s not all their fault.. sometimes they just said what the real pathetic conditions , the abusive of the real teaching of Islam itself.. astaghfirullah…

I feel sad to see their conditions…. Many of them well educated, too high educated… But they do not use their knowledge to make change to their environment. They do not apply their talent. It like they do their education until the time of marriage, they keep continuing study if there is no marriage proposal… Perhaps that’s benefit activities that can do rather than wait at house…[especially if their parents pretty rich]. When finally they got married most of them cant do anything… they will not different like any uneducated villager girls…their knowledge just vanish….. just buried….no real contribution to apply their knowledge to give the benefit of Ummah…

Some of their husbands are so nice. Some brother married young girl, they sent them to study more more religion.. or some course … but this is not like what we think… I am not sure if their husbands will give chance to them to apply what they study outside the home… this case perhaps are not better than single girl who keep sent to schools by their parents until a proposal come… in case of married woman.. They sent to school to prevent these young wife get bore at home at least until they get pregnant, they can stop from school… [astaghfirullah…] …

The knowledge but no application… it will mean nothing… I don’t know how waste it is… but I believe they will not consider it as waste… it seem the life that they want and they even consider that what should do…

Dear sisters…. I am be a witness how a Moslem brother can be so proud to say how bless he is has an illiterate wife….because by her ignorance she will not involve in bad things… It’s very pathetic, where actually an educated woman can do many things … it’s unfair just point to the negative side the possibility if their talents will harm others. In fact a bad educated man also can harm other… therefore It’s not about the education and the knowledge but about who the person who carry the education/knowledge… ….

Alhamdulillah…be around young active sisters like both of you [sorry you not young anymore :)]… But indeed it was such great bless to be around you… I see the figure how should be a Muslimah…. through my dear sister Kiki I find a Muslimah who actually can do something. I admire your way to communicate with people; the balance in the scope of shar’I border, I admire you ideas, I admire you creativeness… I admire you real contribution to the community. Help the children who need special care indeed a noble work.

Through my dear sister Efri I see the great spirit of businesswoman… a very active woman, a struggle; a hard worker, you are a real inspiration of a true devotion for Our Lord, our parents, our Siblings. I admire your spirit in anything, your independence. Subhanallah I pray there is no one who extinct those spirit….

I just can’t imagine if one day you get married and then you leave all those work. Please choose the right person who can support your activities.. who can help to polish the diamond keep shinings…who can understand how talented you are… the one who no egoist,… the one who want to be partner to work hand in hand.. the one who have long vision the marriage to keep giving better contribution to ummah.,.. the one who can see this religion with their board heart…who can bring the peace and beautifulness… the most important things the one who can help you to be better.. not only for your life.. but also for the others life….The one who see your as a precious asset of Ummah that have to care and support...

Finally….May the distance will not less our love and support each other… inshaAllah one day we will meet each other with the better ways… with higher spirit to keep doing something for this ummah…. InshaAllah lets explore the maximum gift that Allah has blessed us in our respective field…. We do carry more responsibility for all the blessing that we have… for education that we have to apply them… to help others…to revive this Ummah… to give better picture what actually a real Muslimah…. Lets we come up the figure of Khadijah binti Kwalid…. Aishah binti Abu Bakar… and all others the great role model of Muslimah….. be istiqomah in fisabilillah.. inshaAllah.. amen

Subhanakallahumma wabihamdika ashadu ala ilaha illa anta astaghfiruka wa atubu ilaika
Fi aman Allah
Bandung, 17 February 2006
Rytha

I just reread this article again…
Sound very angry :)….and bit bias
InshaAllah..I want to give bit correction,…
This writing not encourage muslimah go outside the house without necessary …Because the honor place for woman is in her home…
I think when I wrote this article in my upset with the attitude of some muslimah and also some Moslem brother
This we should balance in all condition..
Muslimah shouldn’t abandon their main role…
Muslimah should try her best to obey her husband wishes whatever it is as far in the border of syar’i.
As good muslimah will try to less her personal ego…for the happiness of her husband..
Because her husband will be her jannah and her hell…

Wallahualam bishshowab

Rytha
Batam 14 March 2007

~ The comfort of Sister Shaz's eyes~

Bismillahirrohimannirrohim

I Dedicated this poem to my beloved sister "Shaz" and her family for her first son who born it was almost one year ago… I watched through his handsome cute pictures while composing this poem….

And now mashaAllah Sis Shaz is waiting for her second baby [it's her final month].. Please pray for her safety delivery…

"……Our Lord! Grant unto us wives and offspring who will be the comfort of our eyes, and give us (the grace) to lead the righteous."

(QS.25:74)

~ The comfort of Sister Shaz's eyes~

My dear son…...
You are the most beautiful gift that ever came in my life.
You are like cloudy shadow on a hot summer afternoon…..
Drop of water in barren desert…

My dear son….
The light of my eyes…
the comfort of my eyes…
Your small head
Your small fingers…
Your small legs…
You smooth skins
You silk hair…
Touch anyone softly…
Melt the heart of cruelness…

Your innocence face
That eyes…
Shining…
Clear…
So peace….
Twinkling…
Sparking of honesty
Crossing into the heart…
Slap of the hypocrisy

You small lips….. Smiling sweetly
Your giggle… like sweet symphony
Beautifully refresh the death of heart
Polish the dirt of heart….

My dear son…
You are so pure,
May this corrupt world will not deceive you …

You will face so many challenges…
The world where so many wolves appear like sweet sheep
The devils use the mask of the fake piousness…
The world of money oriented… power oriented…desire oriented

Temptation in everywhere …fill ever corner of people's heart

My dear son…
I dream you to be the rarest breed of man
A seed for the glory of Islam…
A shining pearl among the mud…
who will speak loudly with your beautiful character…

Man who speak straight from the heart
Eloquence speech with the soul....the spirit
Man with dignity like Prophet Yusuf Alaihiwassalam
Jail is better than wicked beautiful woman.

My Dear son…
Grow to be a real man
Follow your qudwah…Rasulullah saallahu alaihi wassalam
Follow his sunnah.. his teaching…
his beautiful characters…
The purest man
The kindest man
The most truthful and honest man
A very pleasant light-hearted man
A perfect model of modesty and humbleness
Never spoke loudly or in an unseemly manner
A loving family man with delightful humor
Always passed by the people quietly with a smile
Kept promises, never broke his word even with his enemies
The closest and The most beloved of Allah subhana wata'ala

My Dear son…
Follow the trait of his followers

Be like Umar ra.
The most consistent man…
The most honest man…
Always talk straight from the heart
Always defense the truth
Respected by his enemy
Loved by his close people..

Face turned become black due of hunger
To show the empathy to his people
A leader who not sleep before ensure the comfort of his people
Down earth man
who chased himself the run away camel

My Dear son
Be firm
But
Don't be happy to be "rude"
Nor proud to be "rude"….
Like umar ......his "rudeness"
only made evils run to pass a way than his…not his beloved ones
Man who used to be inspired with guidance
Man Allah lies the truth on his tongue and his heart

My Dear son
Be Gentle ahlul ibadah like Abu Bakar ra.
Man who will be called by all the gates of Jannah…
Be the beloved the Most beloved One…

My Dear son
Be like man in the market of Madinah
Who jump sacrifice his soul fight the man from Bani Qainuqa'
For the honor of his fellow sister
Know not her name
Know not her beauty
Know not her home

My dear son
Don't mix the sincerity…. with the Cowardice
Don't mix the real faith …with the stupidity
Grief shame lets your fellow sisters in trouble
Covered up by the lame excuse afraid of "slenderness"…

Be proud to be Moslem…
Speak loud with your beautiful character…
Man with dignity like Prophet Yusuf Alaihiwassalam
Combine the beauty figure and the beauty soul
Don't fall on the laps of beauty wicked woman
Jail is better than wicked beautiful woman….

My Dear Son
Be knowledgeable
Like Ali ra…
The mountain of the knowledge
The ocean of wisdom
The source of awesome inspirations
The leader of young
The brave soldier

My Dear son
Be sincere man
Like that "unknown" man in veil
who sacrificed his life to open the gate
To the victory of Islam
An unknown man
And still unknown
Will never be known
What does mean of name
What does mean of fame
All only the pleasure of his Lord who the best
who know the best what hidden beneath the deepest sea
who know the best what Hidden to the deepest of heart
who know the best what hidden and what concealed
His sincerity weight with jannah
His story will always be remembered
Be the mirror for them who thirst of fame

Oh My Dear son…
Am I annoying your sleep…
Forgive your mom….
You are still too small…
You world should be poured by joys and funs
With the language of simplicity
The world of innocent…
The world of purity..
The world of sincerity…
The world of honesty..
The world of serenity…
InshaAllah
When you wake up in the night
you will see your parents standing, bowing, prostrating in tahajud
you will hear only the beautiful recitation of the Holy Qur'an

when you grow up
InshaAllah
We will build our dream together

May Allah take care your heart
May Allah take care your mind
May Allah take care your eyes
May Allah take care your legs
May Allah take care your hands…

May Allah
Lighten your heart with the sweetness of faith
Strengthen you mind with the wisdom of knowledge
Make you be the one that He love
Gather you with people who love Him…..

May His Blessing always company you in ever single beat of your heart..
May He always protect you whenever you are

My prays…my mind
Will always company you in every step of you life…
Ameen


Rytha

[the one who are so happy be an aunt :)]
Bandung 18 April 2005

~Thy Lord will raise thee to a Station of Praise and Glory~

And pray in the small watches of the morning:
(it would be) an additional prayer (or spiritual profit) for thee:
soon will thy Lord raise thee to a Station of Praise and Glory!
[Qur’an Al Isra’ 17:79]

As to the Righteous, they will be in the midst of Gardens and Springs,
Taking joy in the things which their Lord gives them, because, before then, they lived a good life.
They were in the habit of sleeping but little by night,
And in the hour of early dawn, they (were found) praying for Forgiveness;
[Qur'an Az Dzariyat 51:15-18]

Some time ago I read a sister asked how to perform qiyyamul lail, InshaAllah I will share how to perform Qiyamul lail. Some of them based on personal experience and discussions and sharing of friends… Therefore Whatever that according to the truth Qur’an and Sunnah please take them…... but it oppose the Quran and Sunnah.. please leave them…

THE STEPS AND TIPS TO DO TAHAJJUD [QIYAMMUL LAIL].

1. How to wake up in the night..

How to wake up in the night is the hardest part to perform tahajud… It need struggle, the battle with the nafs [especially for them who love sleep]…. so it very important before sleep has to have firm and strong will to awake.

By the way here some tips to make you wake up

a. Set your alarm at least 1.5 to 3 hours before subuh time…

Buy loud alarm.. if one is not enough then buy 2 or 3 ….if not enough set also your cell phone alarm. Make sure they will ring at the same time.. but if you still not sure they will successfully make you wake up… set them automatically to ring again for every 10 or 15 minutes… If still you can’t hear it… please go meet the doctor and check your ears perhaps something wrong with them… or perhaps you have sleeping disorder problem. :)

b. Have good friend around you [1]

Why ?

Because if something wrong with you, like they see there is something change in the way you talk….[you too often talk nonsense, backbite, etc] or when they see something wrong with your behavior… they will ask you

“Did you perform qiyamul lail last night”…
“How your sunnah fasting this week ?”
“How your tilawah this week ?” etc etc

[You will not get offense because you know they are very sincere people who love and care you, you do understand they not try to judge you but the otherwise they have attention to you that perhaps you miss to charge your soul with some nawafil … ]

And then.. when you said…

“ Astaghfirullah.. in these week I am really messy… I hardly to wake up in the night..”

They will say you :

“Come sleep to my home inshaAllah we will try to manage wake up and pray together “

Or

“Do you need me to call you every night?”…

Note : Ukhti, don’t ask any brother to miss call you. If there is any brother happily miss call you or send you sms in the middle of night, please promptly reply “Ya Akhi, I do not need you sms to make me wake up, Afwan I do not accept sms from non mahram to make me wake up… “

Akhi if any sister sms you.. just do not response.. they will stop herself due to the hayya [shyness] that they have, inshaAllah…

I need to say for sister because most of time sister get flowering, flatteting with such attention and if they not firm, the sms will probably coming frequently :)…

Anyway.. I might be wrong… afwan…

c. When the alarms have been ringing

Sometimes the peak of temptation is when the alarms have already made you awake… There are mixed feelings there… it like you want to angry with that alarm [sometimes you are so mad that you make you kick, hit, throw and even step the alarm but it still ringing.. when you tired of it you finally realize it was just a dream that inspired by the alarm that still ringing in real ]

Mostly you failed to wake up for tahajud, not because you didn’t hear the alarm.. You did hear it, but somehow there are too many thoughts, whisperings that suddenly attack you that make you cancel to wake up

For example :

“Ugh.. it very cold… the water must be more cold… If I wake up and take abolition perhaps I will get the fever. It’s not good, I have a lot if things to do I need to be fit.. I think Allah will not angry with me, anyway He not burden me over our ability… [2] .

or

“Oh it still 2 hours remain…lets sleep for 15 minutes more… “

when 15 minutes run out…

“ Still feel sleepy…maybe I need sleep bit more… anyway Rasulullah sallahu alaihiwassalam said to Not pray when we still feel sleepy…it said if still feel sleepy have to sleep until not feel sleepy…..[3] . However…. Subuh [fajr/dawn] still long, it said the best pray is the near to fajr time….. pray 3 rakaat qiyamul lail only need maybe 10 to 15 minutes….so still more time to sleep….I will wake up more fresh “

All those thoughts just evil whisperings that will make you pull your blanket to cover you more tightly
Astaghfirullah wa atubu ilaika….

They are just lamb reasons to fine the justification to not wake up….. That’s a simple example how people who know the Qur’an and hadist but use it to justification their laziness :) …make interpretation according their wish and desire…

How to fight :

1. Always remember the evils will be laugh if you pull your blanket… Do you want to make you perpetual enemy wins ???? No way.. so don’t make them win [4]
2. It said.. if you open one your eyes against the whispering and remembering Allah...it will release one knot..[5] if you go to do ablution it will release one more knot and if you perform pray it will release all knot… and Rasulullah sallahu alaihi wassalam describe anyone who cant wake up for pray it like the syaithan urinate into his/her ear… imagine …that really disgusting… [6]
3. Remember that…you will talk with the one that you love dearly… and think that how regret what you feel if you miss it…
4. If you start your day by indiscipline action. It will be the start for other indiscipline actions…so it will make the rest of your days messy… [7]
Have trust if you start your day with tahajud… you will pass better day… you will have more time to do something.. you will be more sporty…to do some exercise.. cooking.. etc etc.. and enjoy to prepare your hectic days… you ahead than anyone…
5. Remember how regret of the salafushalih if they miss one night tahajud….and this is the tradition all the pious generation. If you want to be one of them then tahajud is one of the way… wallahu alam.. [8] We want to meet them in Jannah….but how could we could meet them if we not try our best to imitate them.[9]
6. Remember in the night Allah the closest time to His slaves….. [10] How we dream the blessing of Allah if we not try our best to always do anyway to get closer to Him.
7. Remember you never know how long you will stay in this world…. Perhaps not more than 60 year old.. if you sleep 8 hour in a day.. that mean you have spent 20 years your life time just only for sleep.
If you work for 8 hours a day then that mean you have lost more 20 years your life.. and you only have 20 years remain but some of them use to doing your daily activities…. Such as spent time with family, friends, eat, take bath, go here and there, picnic etc etc… so how many times remain that left for your Lord,…. And what ungrateful slaves if we keep trying to use silly justification to not wake up just for few minutes stand in front of my Lord…. Astaghfirullah…

How many times that we have to fight to gain the jannah… to meet our prophet… to meet great lady Khadijah…. Lahaula walla quwata illa billah….

The great scholar like Imam Syafi’i in the end of his life feel sad because he scared NOT meet [gathered] with the people that he loves.. subhanallah.. what about us…


2. When you have waken up…

Rasulullah sallahu alaihi wasslam read the 10 last verse from ali Imran [11] …. Go see the sky and read that verses ..ponder the meanings…think the creation of earth…. feel the closeness of Allah…...feel He is watching you…or feel as if you can see Him [12] … [if you not memorize it.. forget seeing the sky…. Just see your Holy Qur’an book and read it with its translation…inshaAllah if you do read it frequently you will memorize it automatically….].

Rasulullah also used to pray

‘Laa Ilaaha illallahu Wahdahuu laa syariika lahuu.
None has the right to be worshipped but Allah. He is the Only One Who has no partners.
Lahul mulku, wa lahul hamdu wa Huwa ‘alaa kulli syai’in Qadiir.
His is the kingdom and all the praises are for Him. He is Omnipotent.
Alhamdu lillaahi,
All the praises are for Allah.
wa subhaanallaahi,
All the glories are for Allah.
wa laa ilaaha illallaahu,
And none has the right to be worshipped but Allah,
wallaahu akbar,
and Allah is the Most Great
wa laa hawla wa laa quwwata illaa billaah.’
and there is neither might nor power except with Allah) [13]

3. How many rakaat

The pray tahajud [the method] is very similar like fajr pray…The number of rakaat is unlimited…[14] The simple way is do it 2 rakaat by 2 rakaat … and repeat it depends on your ability …as far the fajr pray time not come yet..

According to Asyiah radiayallah anha.. Rasulullah sallahu alaihi wassalam never perform qiyamul lail more than 11 rakaat… [15]. But don’t ask how long it is.. because Hudhayfah Radiayallah anhu ever prayed behind Rasulullah sallahu alaihi wassalam and he recited Al Baqraah to An Nisa in one rakaah.. Subhanallah… [16]

Pray 2 rakaat and 2 rakaat… preferable do it until reach 8 rakaat….[ it mean you do 2 rakaat 4 times [with 4 salam] …. 2 x 4 = 8 raka’at ]. Then close those pray with odd-numbered rakaat pray.. it said “witr”…


4. How to perform witr…

For example we do 3 raka’at of witr [to have total 11 raka’at like what Rasulullah sallahu alaihi wasslam did].

Rasulullah sallahu alaihi wassalam said .. to make it different from maghrib pray [17]. But praying three raka’at with two tasyahud like maghrib prayer also not consider as something haram [18]

So We can do 3 raka’at witr by this ways :

The First way:
Do 3 raka’ah straight away [but make it different from maghrib pray] .. in the second rakaat you do NOT sit twice.. just stand up to complete the third rakaat.. and then in this last rakaat you read the tasyahud. So we complete witr with one salaam.

The Second way:
Do 2 raka’ah and then salam. Then stand up again to complete one more raka’ah and then salam. So we complete the witr with two salam.

The third way is just exactly how we perform maghrib pray [but better to not choose this one for safe]

It sunnah to read 3 last surah from holy quran [19]

If somehow you just wake up around 10 or 15 minutes before fajr pray and the time not enough to pray…. Than just try to perform one rakaat [20].


5. What to do after complete tahajud pray ?

This is the most precious moment for ask anything… close the night with do’a [supplications] The do’a is the weapon of the believers….we are free to pray anything that we want, to share, to cry, to smiles, to express ourselves freely, just imagine you are talking with your Lord….

And never hesitate to ask anything.. Allah will never feel bored to hear our pray… He love His slaves who always pray to Him…

Abu Hurairah reported that Rasulullah sallahu alaihi wassalam said "Nothing is more dear to Allah than one's supplication to Him.'' [HR Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah]. Abu Hurairah also reported, that Rasulullah sallahu alahi wassalam, said, 'Whoever wants Allah to answer his prayers during difficult times, should supplicate to Him more and more in times of ease'.'' (Tirmidhi)

Subhanallah…

Indeed at that time Allah very close and listen to you.. and even He promised will forgive anyone who ask forgiveness and will make true anyone who ask him [21].

But It’s good to say some ma’surat doa [supplications from Qur’an and hadist].. ….When the Prophet got up at night to offer the Tahajjud prayer, he used to pray:

Allahumma lakal-hamd.
O Allah! All the praises are for you,
Anta qaiyimus-samawati wal-ard wa man fihinna.
You are the Holder of the Heavens and the Earth, And whatever is in them.
Walakal-hamd,
All the praises are for You;
Laka mulkus-samawati wal-ard wa man fihinna.
You have the possession of the Heavens and the Earth And whatever is in them.
Walakal-hamd, anta nurus-samawati wal-ard.
All the praises are for You; You are the Light of the Heavens and the Earth
Walakalhamd,
And all the praises are for You;
anta-l-haq wa wa'duka-l-haq,
You are the Truth and Your Promise is the truth,
wa liqa'uka Haq,
And to meet You is true,
wa qualuka Haq,
Your Word is the truth
wal-jannatu Haq wan-naru Haq
And Paradise is true And Hell is true
wannabiyuna Haq.
And all the Prophets (Peace be upon them) are true
Wa Muhammadun, sallal-lahu'alaihi wasallam, Haq,
And Muhammad [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] is true,
was-sa'atu Haq.
And the Day of Resurrection is true.

Allahumma aslamtu Laka wabika amantu, wa 'Alaika tawakkaltu,
O Allah ! I surrender (my will) to You; I believe in You and depend on You.
wa ilaika anabtu wa bika khasamtu, wa ilaika hakamtu faghfir li ma qaddamtu
And repent to You, And with Your help I argue (with my opponents, the non-believers)And I take You as a judge (to judge between us).
wama akh-khartu wama as-rartu wama'a lantu,
Please forgive me my previous And future sins; And whatever I concealed or revealed
anta-l-muqaddim wa anta-l-mu akh-khir,
And You are the One who make (some people) forward And (some) backward.
la ilaha illa anta (or la ilaha ghairuka).
There is none to be worshipped but you . [22]

Alhamdulillah.. now Tahajud is finish and insyaAllah you will feel sooo much clam and peace inside your heart….[especially if you can cry… that is really the most precious moment that you ever feel in your life….]


6. What to do after Tahajud?

Of course you should wait for fajr pray… the best way to waiting subuh [fajr] time is by reading Holy Qur’an, this will prevent you to fall asleep and miss your fajr pray :)…..and this is the best time to read the Qur’an as Allah emphasis how important it is even twice time in Qur’an Muzzamil 73:20.

Thy Lord doth know that thou standest forth (to prayer) nigh two-thirds of the night,
or half the night,
or a third of the night,
and so doth a party of those with thee.

But Allah doth appoint night and day in due measure
He knoweth that ye are unable to keep count thereof.
So He hath turned to you (in mercy):

read ye, therefore, of the Qur'an as much as may be easy for you.

He knoweth that there may be (some) among you in ill-health;
others travelling through the land, seeking of Allah.s bounty;
yet others fighting in Allah.s Cause,

read ye, therefore, as much of the Qur'an as may be easy (for you);

and establish regular Prayer and give regular Charity;
and loan to Allah a Beautiful Loan.
And whatever good ye send forth for your souls ye shall find it in Allah.s Presence,- yea,
better and greater, in Reward and seek ye the Grace of Allah.
for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
[Qur'an Al Muzzamil 73:20]

May Allah subhana wata'ala gives us guidance and strength to get benefit from Qiyamul lail ..inshaAllah...

All the truth comes only from Allah subhana wata’ala…. May Allah subhana wata’ala forgive me for all mistakes that I made/make….


Alhamduilllah hirrobbil alamin
Astaghfiruka wa atubu ilaika
Subhanakallahumma wabihamdika ashadu ala ilaha illa anta astaghfiruka wa atubu ilaika

Bandung 23 October 2005
Rytha



[1] The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: A man follows the religion of his friend; so each one should consider whom he makes his friend.[ HR Abu-Dawood 4815Narrated by AbuHurayrah]
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: The best friend in the sight of Allah is he who is the well-wisher of his companions….. [Al-Tirmidhi 311 Narrated by Abdullah ibn Umar]
A believer is like a brick for another believer, the one supporting the other.[HR MUSLIM]
[2] On no soul doth Allah Place a burden greater than it can bear…..[Qur’an Al Baqarah 2:286]
[3] On the authority of `A'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) who reported that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said, "When one of you feels drowsy during prayer, let him lie down till drowsiness goes away from him, because when one of you performs prayers while feeling sleepy, he does not know whether he seeks forgiveness or abuses himself." (Reported by al-- Bukhari and Muslim)
[4] Verily Satan is an enemy to you: so treat him as an enemy. He only invites his adherents, that they may become Companions of the Blazing Fire.[Qura’n : Fatir 35:6]
[5] Allah's Apostle said, "Satan puts three knots at the back of the head of any of you if he is asleep. On every knot he reads and exhales the following words, 'The night is long, so stay asleep.' When one wakes up and remembers Allah, one knot is undone; and when one performs ablution, the second knot is undone, and when one prays the third knot is undone and one gets up energetic with a good heart in the morning; otherwise one gets up lazy and with a mischievous heart." [ HR Bukhari 2.243 Narrated by Abu Huraira]
[6] A person was mentioned before the Prophet (p.b.u.h) and he was told that he had kept on sleeping till morning and had not got up for the prayer. The Prophet said, "Satan urinated in his ears." [HR Bukhari 245 Narrated by A’bdullah]
[7] “Verily , the pray prevent from Al Fassha [i.e great sins of every kind, unlawful sexual intercourse] and Munkar [i.e disbelief, polytheism and every kind of evil wicked deed) [ Qur’an Al Ankabut 29:45]
[8] Rasulullah sallahu alaihi wassalam said You should pray qiyam al layl, for it is the custom of the righteous who come before you and it brings you coser to your Lord, and expiate sins and prevent misdeeds [HR Al Tarmidhi 3549]
[9] Narrated Anas r.a.: A man asked the Prophet about the Hour (i.e. Day of Judgement) saying, “When will the Hour be” The Prophet said, “What have you prepared for it” The man said, “Nothing, except that I love Allah and His Messenger” The Prophet said, “You will be with those whom you love” We had never been so glad as we were on hearing that saying of the Prophet, i.e., “You will be with those whom you love” Hence, I love the Prophet, Abu Bakr and Umar, and I hope that I will be with them because of my love for them though my deeds are not similar to theirs.[HR Bukhari 3688 & 7153]
[10] The closest that the Lord is to His slave is the later part of the night, so if you can be one of those who remember Allah at that time, the to do so [HR Al tarmidhi and Al Nasa’i]
[11] Narrated Ibnu Abbas r.a.: Once I stayed overnight at the house of (my aunt) Maimunna (r.a. the wife of the Prophet) while the Prophet was with her, to see how was the night Salat (prayer) of Allah's Messenger. Allah's Messenger talked to his wife for a while and then slept. When it was the last third of the night (or part of it), the Prophet got up and looked towards the sky and recited the Verse:
"Verily, in the creation of the heavens and the earth (up to His Statement) there are indeed signs for the men of understanding." (V. 3:190)
Then he got up and performed the ablution, brushed his teeth and offered eleven Rak'a. Then Bilal pronounced the Adhan for As-Salat whereupon the Prophet offered a two Rak'a (Sunna) prayer and went out to lead the people in Fajr (morning compulsory congregational) Salat (prayer). [HR Bukhari 7452 Narrated Ibn Abbas]
Book 004, Number 1682:
'Abdullah b. 'Abbas reported: He spent (one night) in the house of the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him). He (the Holy Prophet) got up, brushed his teeth and performed ablution and said:" In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of the night and the day, there are indeed signs for people of understanding" (al-Qur'an, iii. 190), to the end of the Surah. ……. [HR Muslim 1682]
[12] Part hadist from Umar : "O Allah's Apostle. What is Ihsan (i.e. perfection or benevolence)?" The Prophet said, "Ihsan is to worship Allah as if you see Him, and if you do not achieve this state of devotion, then (take it for granted that) Allah sees you." [HR Bukhari 6.300 Narrated by Abu Huraira]
[13] The Prophet said, “Whoever gets up at night and says:
‘Laa Ilaaha illallahu Wahdahuu laa syariika lahuu. Lahul mulku, wa lahul hamdu wa Huwa ‘alaa kulli syai’in Qadiir. Alhamdu lillaahi, wa subhaanallaahi, wa laa ilaaha illallaahu, wallaahu akbar, wa laa hawla wa laa quwwata illaa billaah.’ And then says: ‘Allahumma, ighfir lii (O Allah! Forgive me). Or invokes (Allah), he will be responded to and if he performs ablution [and offer salat (prayer)], his Salat will be accepted.” [HR Bukhari 1154 Narrated ‘Ubada bin As-Samit r.a
[14] Once a person asked Allah's Apostle about the night prayer. Allah's Apostle replied, "The night prayer is offered as two Rakat followed by two Rakat and so on and if anyone is afraid of the approaching dawn (Fajr prayer) he should pray one Raka and this will be a Witr for all the Rakat which he has prayed before." Nafi' told that 'Abdullah bin 'Umar used to say Taslim between (the first) two Rakat and (the third) odd one in the Witr prayer, when he wanted to attend to a certain matter (during that interval between the Rakat). [Al-Bukhari 2.105 Narrated by Ibn Umar]
[15] I asked Aisha about the night prayer of Allah's Apostle and she said, "It was seven, nine or eleven Rakat besides the two Rakat of the Fajr prayer (i.e. Sunna). " [HR Bukhari 2.240 Narrated by Masruq]
I asked 'Aisha, "How is the prayer of Allah's Apostle during the month of Ramadan." She said, "Allah's Apostle never exceeded eleven Rakat in Ramadan or in other months….[HR Bukhari 2.248 Narrated by Abu Salma bin Abdur Rahman]
[16] I prayed with the Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) one night and he started reciting al-Baqarah. I thought that he would bow at the end of one hundred verses, but he continued; I then thought that he would perhaps recite the whole (surah) in a rak'ah, but he continued so I thought he would perhaps bow on completing (this surah). He then started an-Nisa', and recited it; then he started Aal-i-Imran and recited leisurely. When he recited the verse which referred to the Glory of Allah, he glorified (by saying SubhanAllah--Glory to my Lord the Great). When he recited the verses which tell (how the Lord) is to be supplicated , he (the Holy Prophet) would then supplicate (Him). When he recited the verses dealing with the protection of the Lord, he sought (His protection) and would then bow and say: Glory be to my Mighty Lord. 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: Allah listens to him who praises Him, and he would then stand about the same length of time as he had spent in bowing. He would then prostrate himself and say: Glory be to my Lord most High, and his prostration lasted nearly the same length of time as his standing. In the hadith transmitted by Jarir the words are: He (the Holy Prophet) would say: "Allah listens to him who praises Him, our Lord, praise be to Thee." [HR Muslim 1697 Narrated by Hudhayfah]
[17] Al Sharh al-Mumti 4/21
[18] It is permissible to perform the witr by praying two rak'at [and concluding them] and then praying one rak'ah with a tashahud and taslim. Likewise, it is allowed to pray all the rak'at with two tashahuds and one taslim. One may pray a number of rak'at, one after another, without making any tashahud, save in the one before the last rak'ah in which case one makes the tashahud and then stands to perform the last rak'ah wherein one will make another tashahud and end the prayer with the taslim. One may also make only one tashahud and the taslim, in the last rak'ah of witr. All of that is permissible and can be traced to the Prophet. [ Fiqh-us-Sunnah Fiqh 2.13]
[19] It is permissible to recite after al-Fatihah any surah which one wishes to recite. 'Ali says: "There is not a part of the Qur'an that is obsolete, so make the witr prayer of whatever you wish from it." However, it is preferred to recite, in the first of the three rak'at of witr, al-A'la after reciting al-Fatihah. In the second rak'ah, it is preferred to recite al-Kafirun. In the third rak'ah, it is proper to recite the last three surahs of the Qur'an. This is narrated by Ahmad, Abu Dawud and Tirmidhi, who relate from 'Aishah, on sound authority saying: The Prophet sallallahu alehi wasallam would recite Ala'la in the first rak'ah, Al-Kafirun in the second and the last three surahs in the third rak'ah. [Fiqh-us-Sunnah Fiqh 2.15 Recitation in the witr]
[20] Once a person asked Allah's Apostle about the night prayer. Allah's Apostle replied, "The night prayer is offered as two Rakat followed by two Rakat and so on and if anyone is afraid of the approaching dawn (Fajr prayer) he should pray one Raka and this will be a Witr for all the Rakat which he has prayed before." Nafi' told that 'Abdullah bin 'Umar used to say Taslim between (the first) two Rakat and (the third) odd one in the Witr prayer, when he wanted to attend to a certain matter (during that interval between the Rakat). [Al-Bukhari 2.105 Narrated by Ibn Umar]
[21] Our Lord (glorified and exalted be He) descends each night to the earth's sky when there remains the final third of the night, and He says: Who is saying a prayer to Me that I may answer it? Who is asking something of Me that I may give it him? Who is asking forgiveness of Me that I may forgive him? And thus He continues till [the light of] dawn shines. [Hadist Qudsi 35]
[22] HR Bukhari 221 Narrated Ibn Abbas