KOONDE

What does Ulema say about permissibility of Fateha of Imam Jafar Sadiq RA on 22 RAJAB which is termed as KOONDE?

A) It is definitely permissible to do this Fateha of Imam Jafar Sadiq RA in the holy month of Rajab.

Faqih e Azam e Hind, Khalifa e Alahazrat , Hazrat Sadr us Sharia RA wrote :

"MAH E RAJAB ME HAZRAT IMAM JAFAR SADIQ RA KO EESAL E SAWAB KELIE POORIO KE KOONDE BHARE JAATE HAIN OR FATEHA DILA KAR KHILATE HAIN , YE JAAIZ HAI " (Bahar e Shariat)

Which means: In Holy month of Rajab it is permissible to this specific Fateha Shareef. But Instead of doing this fateha on 22nd , do it on 15 because Hazrat Imam Jafar Sadiq RA demised on 15 Rajab. Whereas Hazrat Amir Muawia RA demised on 22 Rajab. Shias do this on 22nd and celebrate it as a Day of Happiness and michievously call it as NIAZ of Hazrat Imam Jafar Sadiq RA.

Therefore, its necessary for Sunnis that try to avoid similarity with Shias. And DO IT ON 15 rather than on 22nd, because 22nd is NOT the date of Wisaal of Imam Jafar Sadiq RA.

Allah knows Best

Fateha and Esaale Sawaab is permissible in Islam :::
1. All the Ulama-e-Haq and the Buzrugaan-e-Deen hold the belief that to send Esaale Sawaab to the souls of the deceased is permissible.

2. It is permissible for a Muslim to send the Sawaab of his deeds, such a Salaah, Saum, Zakaah, Hajj, Sadaqa, etc. to others. (Hidaya)

3. If a person kept Fast, performed his or her Salaah, or gave Sadaqa and then sent this Sawaab to another person, either living or deceased, then to do so is permissible, and that Sawaab reaches the said person. (Bahrur Raa'iq)

4. Hazrat Anas (radi Allahu anhu) asked the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam): "If we send Sawaab to the deceased, give Sadaqa and Khayraat and ask Du'a for them, does this reach them?" The Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) said: "Verily it reaches them. Read Salaah for them as you read for yourself and fast for them as you fast for yourself. In other words, make Esaale Sawaab of Salaah and Saum for them." The meaning of this Hadith Shareef is that we should send the Sawaab of our actions to the deceased, since in reality one cannot perform Salaah and keep fast for another person or on his behalf, but we can send the Sawaab of our actions to them.

5. Hazrat Abdullah ibn Abbas (radi Allahu anhu) has stated: "On the Days of Eid, the 10th of Muharram, the first Friday of Rajab, on Shabbe Baraat, and on Thursday nights, the souls of the deceased are left free to go to their homes, wherein they go and ask for Sadaqa and Khayraat. If they do not receive any Du'a or Fateha, then they return to their graves saddened and disappointed and they say, 'O Allah! They have deprived us, You deprive them'".

6. The Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) as said: "When a person passes away and the family of the deceased gives Sadaqa, Khayraat and makes Du'a for him, then Sayyiduna Jibraeel (alaihis salaam) takes it to them in their graves on a tray that is beautifully decorated. When they receive this, they become so pleased as if someone in the world becomes pleased on receiving a gift, and his neighbour who has not received any Sawaab becomes sad".

7. Hazrat Sa'ad ibn Ubaadah (radi Allahu anhu) once came to the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) and said: "Ya Rasoolallah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)! My mother has passed away. What can I do for Esaale Sawaab?" The Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) said: "Prepare a well for water". When the well was prepared, Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) went close to the well and made Du'a: "This is for the Esaale Sawaab for the mother of Saad". While making this Du'a, he raised his hands high, and after Du'a, he turned his hands over his blessed face.

8. For those who object to Fateha and Du'a, the following is for their perusal:-

8.1 It is allowed to make Du'a in front of the Niyaz (offering), as this is what the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) did by coming close to the well to make Du'a.

8.2 It is allowed to lift up the hands for Du'a and to end the Du'a by turning the hands over the face.

8.3 It is preferable to call a pious person to make the Du'a.

8.4 To make Fateha on Niyaz is allowed. If it were not, then the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) would not have made Du'a near the water, but would have said that the intention was sufficient.

8.5 For the person to obtain the Sawaab, it is not necessary to feed the Niyaz first, but Du'a can be made before this since the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) made Du'a even before any person drank out of the well.

9. Whosoever makes Khatam of the Holy Quran and then makes Du'a, 4 000 Angels say Aameen on his Du'a. They then continue making Du'a for him and they continue asking blessings for him until the morning or afternoon. (Tafseer Roohul Bayaan)

10. At the time of Khatam Shareef, there is a flow of mercy and to make Du'a after completing the Quran is Mustahab.

11. When Hazrat Anas (radi Allahu anhu) used to complete the Holy Quran, then he would call all his family and friends and make Du'a. (Jila'ul Afhaam)

12. When making Fateha, one should follow the proceedure of the pious Saints. When making the Fateha, send the Sawaab to the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), the pious servants, the Companions, and then through their blessing, ask for it to be sent to the soul of the deceased. This is the prescribed method, and this is the method that the Ahle Sunnah has always followed.

13. By making Esaale Sawaab, it gives comfort to the deceased, pleases them, saves them from the torment of the grave, elevates their status and causes benefit to the sender as well as the receiver.

PROOFS FROM HOLY QUR’AN

Verse 1

And those who came after them say, “O our Lord! Forgive us, and our brothers who accepted faith before us, and do not keep any malice in our hearts towards the believers – O our Lord! Indeed You only are the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful.”. (Surah Hashr 59:10)

Note that the above verse is a very strong evidence of the practice of the Sahaba, which was so loved by Allah that it is part of the Holy Qur’an. Why would the Sahaba pray for the deceased people if their prayer was of no benefit? And to top it all, Allah the Almighty has approved and praised their action!

Verse 2

"O our Lord! And forgive me, and my parents, and all the Muslims on the day when the account will be established." (Surah Ibrahim 14:41)

The benefit of the above verse is obvious. The prayer of Prophet Syedna Ibrahim (peace be upon him), includes all believers – right from the beginning i.e. those before him, and till the end of this world i.e. even those who are not yet born. Al Hamdo Lillah! And this prayer is often made in the last part (Qaadah) of our Salaat.

Verse 3

And those who believe and whose families follow them in Faith, -- to them We shall join their families: nor shall We deprive them of the fruit of anything of their works: yet each individual is in pledge for his deeds. (Surah Toor 52:21).”

This verse says that children will be admitted into Paradise because of the righteousness of the parents.

Verse 4

And lower your wing humbly for them, with mercy, and pray, "My Lord! Have mercy on them both, the way they nursed me when I was young." (Surah Bani Israel 17:24)

This verse is in fact a command from Allah for all believers to seek mercy for their parents. So what is your opinion? Will not the command of Allah hold any benefit for the deceased parent?? It certainly does.

Also note that there are several other verses from the Holy Qur’an that teach us to pray, and the prayer includes all Muslim brothers & sisters (living, passed away or yet to be borne).

Readers are requested to reflect on the fact that the above verses are part of the Holy Qur’an – they are read perhaps millions of times every day all over the world, as part of regular recitation, and also as Qirat within Salaat, and also as prayer in the last part (Qaadah) of Salaat.

PROOFS FROM THE HADEETH

GENERAL PERMISSIONS (HADEETH # 1 - 4)

Hadeeth 1

Abu Huraira (Allah be well pleased with him) reported Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) as saying: When a man dies, his acts come to an end, but three, recurring charity, or knowledge (by which people) benefit, or a pious son, who prays for him (for the deceased). (Muslim)

Hadeeth 2

The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)said, "What is credited to a believer of his action and good deed after his death is any useful knowledge he might have taught or spread, a Allah-fearing child he might have left behind, a copy of the Qur'an he might have left to an heir, a mosque he might have built, a house he might have dedicated for use by travelers, a stream or river he might have caused to run, a donation to charity (i.e. sadaqah) he might have set aside when he was enjoying good health. All that catches up with him after his death." (Ibn Majah)

Hadeeth 3

Narrated Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-'Aas (Allah be well pleased with him): Al-'As ibn Wa'il left his will that a hundred slaves should be emancipated on his behalf. His son Hisham emancipated fifty slaves and his son Amr intended to emancipate the remaining fifty on his behalf, but he said: I should ask first the Apostle of Allah . He, therefore, came to the Holy Prophet and said: Apostle of Allah, my father left in his will that a hundred slaves should be emancipated on his behalf and Hisham has emancipated fifty on his behalf and fifty remain. Shall I emancipate them on his behalf? The Apostle of Allah said: Had he been a Muslim and you had emancipated slaves on his behalf, or given sadaqah on his behalf, or performed the pilgrimage, that would have reached him. (Abu Daud)

Hadeeth 4

Abu Huraira (Allah be well pleased with him) reported Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) as saying: He who alleviates the suffering of a brother out of the sufferings of the world, Allah would alleviate his suffering from the sufferings of the Day of Resurrection, and he who finds relief for one who is hard pressed, Allah would make things easy for him in the Hereafter, and he who conceals (the faults) of a Muslim, Allah would conceal his faults in the world and in the Hereafter. Allah is at the back of a servant so long as the servant is at the back of his brother, and he who treads the path in search of know- ledge, Allah would make that path easy, leading to Paradise for him and those persons who assemble in the house among the houses of Allah (mosques) and recite the Book of Allah and they learn and teach the Qur'an (among themselves) there would descend upon them the tranquility and mercy would cover them and the angels would surround them and Allah makes a mention of them in the presence of those near Him, and he who is slow-paced in doing good deeds, his (high) lineage does not make him go ahead. (Muslim)

FUNERALS (HADEETH # 5 - 9)

When a Muslim dies, it is a duty on the community of Muslims to offer a special prayer for him during which they pray Allah to forgive him and admit him into heaven. The funeral prayer is Fard Kifayah for the living Muslim brothers i.e. if just one person offers it, the entire community is absolved of this duty. But see the importance attached to the more and more people joining the prayer. And the benefit reaching the deceased person is obvious.

Hadeeth 5

Syeda 'A'isha (Allah be well pleased with her) reported Allah's Apostle (peace and blessings be upon him) saying: If a company of Muslims numbering one hundred pray over a dead person, all of them interceding for him, their intercession for him will be accepted. (Muslim)

Hadeeth 6

'Abdullah b. 'Abbas (Allah be well pleased with him) reported that his son died in Qudaid or 'Usfan. He said to Kuraib to see as to how many people had gathered there for his (funeral). He (Kuraib) said: So I went out and I informed him about the people who had gathered there. He (Ibn 'Abbas) said: Do you think they are forty? He (Kuraib) said: Yes. Ibn 'Abbas then said to them: Bring him (the dead body) out for I have heard Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) as saying: If any Muslim dies and forty men who associate nothing with Allah stand over his prayer (they offer prayer over him), Allah will accept them as intercessors for him. (Muslim)

Hadeeth 7

Narrated Syedna Uthman ibn Affan (Allah be well pleased with him): Whenever the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) became free from burying the dead, he used to stay at him (i.e. his grave) and say: “Seek forgiveness for your brother, and beg steadfastness for him, for he will be questioned now”. (Abu Daud)

Hadeeth 8

It is narrated on the authority of Abu Huraira that a dark-complexioned woman (or a youth) used to sweep the mosque. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) missed her (or him) and inquired about her (or him). The people told him that she (or he) had died. He asked why they did not inform him, and it appears as if they had treated her (or him) or her (or his) affairs as of little account. He (the Holy Prophet) said: Lead me to her (or his) grave. They led him to that place and he said prayer over her (or him) and then remarked: Verily, these graves are full of darkness for their dwellers. Verily, the Mighty and Glorious Allah illuminates them for their occupants by reason of my prayer over them. (Muslim, Bukhari, Mishkaat)

Hadeeth 9

Reported S. Jaber (Allah be well pleased with him): We came out with the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to Saa’d bin Muaz when he expired. When the Holy Prophet performed his funeral prayer, and he was buried in his grave and the earth was levelled upon him, the Holy Prophet read “Tasbeeh” and we also recited “Tasbeeh” for a long time. Then he recited “Takbeer”, so we too recited “Takbeer”. It was asked “O the Messenger of Allah! Why have you recited “Tasbeeh” and “Takbeer”? He said, “The grave became too narrow for this pious man till Allah made it spacious because of it (the recitation).” (Ahmed, Mishkaat)

VISITING GRAVEYARDS. (HADEETH # 10 - 11)

Hadeeth 10

Sulaiman b. Buraida (Allah be well pleased with him) narrated on the authority of his father that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) used to teach them when they went out to the graveyard. One of the narrators used to say this in the narration transmitted on the authority of Abu Bakr:" Peace be upon the inhabitants of the city (i. e. graveyard)." In the hadeeth transmitted by Zuhair (the words are):" Peace be upon you, the inhabitants of the city, among the believers, and Muslims, and Allah willing we shall join you. I beg of Allah peace for us and for you." (Muslim)

Hadeeth 11

Narrated Abu Huraira (Allah be well pleased with him): The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)said while standing near the graves of the martyrs of Uhud, “I bear witness that you are alive in the sight of Allah.” Then turning towards those present he said, “So visit them, and greet them – I swear by the One in whose power lies my life, they will answer back to whoever greets them until the Last Day.” (Hakim, Baihaqi)

There are numerous Ahadeeth about supplications to be made when visiting the graveyard – the benefit of which to one’s self and to the deceased, it quite evident.

Also note that there are several other Ahadeeth that teach us to pray, and the prayer includes all Muslim brothers & sisters (living, passed away or yet to be borne).

PERFORMING HAJJ (HADEETH # 12 - 13)

Ahadeeth in support of offering the pilgrimage on behalf of a deceased person or one who is unable to undertake the journey are numerous. Also note that performing Hajj includes Umrah, Tawaf of the Ka’ba, and also Salaat (after Tawaf) – all these are credited to the deceased.

Hadeeth 12

"A woman came to the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and said, 'I have given charity on behalf of my dead mother by giving away her female servant.' The Holy Prophet answered, 'You will have its reward [and so will she] but return the female servant so that the inheritance [may be properly divided].' The woman then said, 'She used to owe fasts, can I fast on her behalf?' He answered, 'You may fast on her behalf.' The woman then said, 'She did not perform Hajj, can I perform on her behalf?' The Holy Prophet answered, 'Yes. You may perform Hajj on her behalf." (Tirmizi)

Hadeeth 13

A woman from the tribe of Juhaina came to the Holy Prophet and said, "My mother had vowed to perform Hajj but she died before performing it. May I perform Hajj on my mother's behalf?" The Holy Prophet replied, "Perform Hajj on her behalf. Had there been a debt on your mother, would you have paid it or not? So, pay Allah's debt as He has more right to be paid." (Bukhari)

GIVING OF CHARITY / SADAQAH (HADEETH # 14 - 18)

Hadeeth 14

Abu Huraira (Allah be well pleased with him) reported that a person said to Allah's Apostle (peace and blessings be upon him): My father died and left behind property without making any will regarding it. Would he be relieved of the burden of his sin if I give sadaqah on his behalf? He (the Holy Prophet) said: Yes. (Muslim)

Hadeeth 15

Syeda A'isha (Allah be well pleased with her) reported that a man said to Allah's Apostle (peace and blessings be upon him): My mother died all of a sudden, and I think if she (could have the opportunity) to speak she would have (made a will) regarding Sadaqah'. Will I be entitled to reward if I give charity on her behalf? He (the Holy Prophet) said: “Yes”. (Muslim)

Hadeeth 16

Anas b. Malik (Allah be well pleased with him) is reported as saying: Abu Talha was the one among the Ansar of Medina who possessed the largest property and among his property he valued most was his garden known as Bairaha' which was opposite the mosque, and the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) often visited it and he drank of its sweet water. When this verse was revealed:" You will never attain righteousness till you give freely of what you Have" (iii. 91), Abu Talha got up and, going to Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him), said: Allah says in His Book:" You will never attain righteousness till you give freely of what you love," and the dearest of my property is Bairaha' so I give it as Sadaqah to Allah from Whom I hope for reward for it and the treasure with Allah; so spend it, Messenger of Allah, on whatever purpose you deem it proper. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Bravo! That is profit earning property. I have heard what you have said, but I think you should spend it on your nearest relatives. So Abu Talha distributed it among the nearest relatives and his cousins on his father's side. (Muslim, Bukhari). It is said that Abu Talha donated it on behalf of his mother.

Hadeeth 17

Narrated Sa'd ibn Ubadah (Allah be well pleased with him): Sa'd asked: Apostle of Allah, Umm Sa'd has died; what form of sadaqah is best? He replied: Water (is best). He dug a well and said: It is for Umm Sa'd. (Abu Daud, Mishkaat)

Hadeeth 18

Narrated Ibn `Abbas (Allah be well pleased with him): The mother of Sa`d bin 'Ubada died in his absence. He said, "O Allah's Apostle! My mother died in my absence; will it be of any benefit for her if I give Sadaqah on her behalf?" The Prophet said, "Yes," Sa`d said, "I make you a witness that I gave my garden called Al Makhraf in charity on her behalf." (Bukhari)

SETTLING OF DEBTS. (HADEETH # 19 - 20)

It is unanimously agreed by scholars that if a person dies without settling an outstanding debt, leaving no money to settle it, anyone (whether related to him or not) could pay it on his behalf, and the deceased would be absolved of the burden. The benefit from a living person to the deceased is very apparent. If the case is such and the deceased person may benefit by a financial payment, why should he not benefit by a gift made of the reward for a good action?

Hadeeth 19

Narrated Abu Huraira (Allah be well pleased with him): The Holy Prophet said, "I am more closer to the believers than their own selves, so whoever (of them) dies while being in debt and leaves nothing for its repayment, then we are to pay his debts on his behalf and whoever (among the believers) dies leaving some property, then that property is for his heirs." (Bukhari)

Hadeeth 20

Narrated Salama bin Al-Akwa (Allah be well pleased with him) : Once, while we were sitting in the company of Holy Prophet, a dead man was brought. The Holy Prophet was requested to lead the funeral prayer for the deceased. He said, "Is he in debt?" The people replied in the negative. He said, "Has he left any wealth?" They said, "No." So, he led his funeral prayer. Another dead man was brought and the people said, "O Allah's Apostle! Lead his funeral prayer." The Holy Prophet said, "Is he in debt?" They said, "Yes." He said, "Has he left any wealth?" They said, ''Three Dinars." So, he led the prayer. Then a third dead man was brought and the people said (to the Holy Prophet), Please lead his funeral prayer." He said, "Has he left any wealth?" They said, "No." He asked, "Is he in debt?" They said, ("Yes! He has to pay) three Diners.', He (refused to pray and) said, "Then pray for your (dead) companion." Abu Qatadah said, "O Allah's Apostle! Lead his funeral prayer, and I will pay his debt." So, he led the prayer. (Bukhari)

FASTING (HADEETH # 21 - 24)

Hadeeth 21

Ibn Abbas (Allah be well pleased with him) reports that a woman traveled in a boat and pledged that should Allah save her life, she would fast for a month. She was saved but she did not fast before she died. Her daughter or her sister asked the Holy Prophet about that and he ordered her to fast on behalf of the deceased woman. (Abu-Daud, Nasai, Ahmad and others).

Hadeeth 22

"A woman came to the Holy Prophet (May Allah bless him and give him peace) and said, 'I have given charity on behalf of my dead mother by giving away her female servant.' The Holy Prophet answered, 'You will have its reward [and so will she] but return the female servant so that the inheritance [may be properly divided].' The woman then said, 'She used to owe fasts, can I fast on her behalf?' He answered, 'You may fast on her behalf.' The woman then said, 'She did not perform Hajj, can I perform on her behalf?' The Holy Prophet answered, 'Yes. You may perform Hajj on her behalf." (Tirmizi)

Hadeeth 23

Narrated `Aisha (Allah be well pleased with her): Allah's Apostle said, "Whoever died and he ought to have fasted (the missed days of Ramadan) then his guardians must fast on his behalf." (Bukhari)

Hadeeth 24

Narrated Ibn `Abbas (Allah be well pleased with him): A man came to the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and said, "O Allah's Apostle! My mother died and she ought to have fasted one month (for her missed Ramadan). Shall I fast on her behalf?" The Holy Prophet replied in the affirmative and said, "Allah's debts have more right to be paid." In another narration a woman is reported to have said, "My sister died..." (Bukhari)

READING OF QUR’AN AND ZIKR (HADEETH # 25 - 30)

Hadeeth 25

Narrated Abdullah Bin Umar (Allah be well pleased with him) that our beloved Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) has said, "that if anyone dies amongst you then do not keep it, send it towards the Kabr, and after burying it, Stand before its head side and recite the first Ruku of "Surah Bakarah", i.e. from Alif Laam Meem Zaalikal Kitaab to Humul Muflihoon; and recite by it's feet side the last Ruku of "Surah Bakarah", i.e. From Aamanar rasoolu till the end of the Surah, Fansurna alal qumil kaafireen. (Mishkaat).

Hadeeth 26

The Holy Prophet said: "Recite Ya Seen [Qur'an 36] over your dead." (Abu Daud, Nasai, Ibn Majah)

Hadeeth 27

Ata' ibn Abi Rabah (Allah be well pleased with him) said: I heard Ibn `Umar (Allah be well pleased with him) say: I heard the Holy Prophet say: "When one of you dies do not tarry, but make haste and take him to his grave, and let someone read at his head the opening of Surah Baqarah, and at his feet its closure when he lies in the grave." (Tabarani)

Hadeeth 28

The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "What is credited to a believer of his action and good deed after his death is any useful knowledge he might have taught or spread, a Allah-fearing child he might have left behind, a copy of the Qur'an he might have left to an heir, a mosque he might have built, a house he might have dedicated for use by travelers, a stream or river he might have caused to run, a donation to charity (i.e. sadaqah) he might have set aside when he was enjoying good health. All that catches up with him after his death." (Ibn Majah).

The underlined words “a copy of the Qur'an he might have left to an heir” are an ample proof that when the heir will read from it, the reward will be passed on to the deceased.!!!

Hadeeth 29

Jaber reported: We came out with the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to Saa’d bin Muaz when he expired. When the Holy Prophet performed his funeral prayer, and he was buried in his grave and the earth was levelled upon him, the Holy Prophet read “Tasbeeh” and we also recited “Tasbeeh” for a long time. Then he recited “Takbeer”, so we too recited “Takbeer”. It was asked “O the Messenger of Allah! Why have you recited “Tasbeeh” and “Takbeer”? He said, “The grave became too narrow for this pious man till Allah made it spacious because of it (the recitation).” (Ahmed, Mishkaat)

Hadeeth 30

Narrated on the authority of Ibn Shamasa Mahri : He said: We went to Amr b. al-As and he was about to die. He said: When I die, let neither female mourner nor fire accompany me. When you bury me, fill my grave well with earth, then stand around it for the time within which a camel is slaughtered and its meat is distributed so that I may enjoy your intimacy and (in your company) ascertain what answer I can give to the messengers (angels) of Allah. (Muslim – part of a longer Hadeeth.)

It is desirable that after burial the people sit at graveside for the duration of slaughtering a camel and distributing its meat, and that during that time the sitters busy themselves with reciting Qur'an, supplicating for the deceased, exhortation, and the stories of the Holy Prophets etc. Imam Shafie said that it is better to recite the Holy Qur’an and all those present should also recite – and it is better if the entire Qur’an is recited. Also documented by Imam Nawawi in Riyadh-us-Saleheen.

It is the opinion of most scholars that when visiting the graveyard, a person should recite the following Surahs because of their individual excellence, and then convey the reward of recitation: Surah Fateha (one of the best prayers), Surah Yaseen (the heart of the Holy Qur’an), Surah Ikhlas (equal to one third of Holy Qur’an in reward) and Surah Mulk (intercedes for the reader till the reader is forgiven).

PLANTING OF TREES (HADEETH # 31)

Hadeeth 31

Ibn Abbas (Allah be well pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) happened to pass by two graves and said: They (their occupants) are being tormented, but they are not tormented for a grievous sin. One of them carried tales and the other did not keep himself safe from being defiled by urine. He then called for a fresh twig and split it into two parts, and planted them on each grave and then said: Perhaps, their punishment way be mitigated as long as these twigs remain fresh.(Muslim)

Imam Nawawi said in commenting on the above in his Sharh Sahih Muslim (al-Mays ed. 3/4:206): "The scholars have declared desirable -- mustahabb -- the recitation of the Qur'an over the grave due to the above Hadeeth, because if relief from punishment is hoped for through the glorification of date-palm stalks, then the recitation of the Qur'an is more deserving yet, and Allah knows best." This Hadeeth also constitutes a legal basis for the planting of trees at the site of graves.

Among the Companions Hazrat Abu Barza al-Aslami (Allah be well pleased with him) and Hazrat Burayda (Allah be well pleased with him) asked to be buried together with two fresh stalks. Imam Suyuti mentioned this in “Sharh al-sudur”.

PERFORMING SACRIFICE (HADEETH # 32 - 33)

Hadeeth 32

Reported S. 'A'isha (Allah be well pleased with her) : Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) commanded that a ram with black legs, black belly and black (circles) round the eyes should be brought to him, so that he should sacrifice it. He said to ‘A’isha: Give me the large knife, and then said: Sharpen it on a stone. She did that. He then took it (the knife) and then the ram; he placed it on the ground and then sacrificed it, saying: Bismillah, Allah-humma Taqabbal min Muhammadin wa Al-i-Muhammadin, wa min Ummati Muhammadin (In the name of Allah,” O Allah, accept on behalf of Muhammad and the family of Muhammad and the Umma of Muhammad”). (Muslim)

The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) slaughtered 100 sheep during his farewell Hajj and made intention for himself and all those (alive, deceased and to come) who bring faith on his Holy Prophethood. (Nasbur Raaya, Allama Zailee)

The evidence here is that the Holy Prophet sacrificed animals and donated its reward to his entire Ummah – which includes both the living and the dead – i.e. all those who existed in his time and to all those who were to come after him, until the last day.

Hadeeth 33

Hazrat Hanash (Allah be well pleased with him) said: I saw Ali (Allah be well pleased with him) sacrificing two rams; so I asked him: What is this? He replied. The Apostle of Allah enjoined upon me to sacrifice on his behalf, so that is what I am doing. (Abu Daud)

Whilst most Muslims do offer sacrifice for themselves, their relatives (alive and deceased) etc., they should also remember the above Hadeeth, and offer a sacrifice on behalf of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). May Allah grant us Tawfeeq - Aameen.

GATHERING FOR QUR’AN RECITATION & ZIKR (HADEETH # 34 - 36)

Reciting the Holy Qur’an carries great reward, is one of the best Sunnahs, and the number of Ahadeeth describing its merits are numerous. The intention here is to list only the merits of gathering to recite the Qur’an and supplicate – not to list the merits of reading the Holy Qur’an itself.

Hadeeth 34

Abu Huraira (Allah be well pleased with him) reported Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) as saying: He who alleviates the suffering of a brother out of the sufferings of the world, Allah would alleviate his suffering from the sufferings of the Day of Resurrection, and he who finds relief for one who is hard pressed, Allah would make things easy for him in the Hereafter, and he who conceals (the faults) of a Muslim, Allah would conceal his faults in the world and in the Hereafter. Allah is at the back of a servant so long as the servant is at the back of his brother, and he who treads the path in search of know- ledge, Allah would make that path easy, leading to Paradise for him and those persons who assemble in the house among the houses of Allah (mosques) and recite the Book of Allah and they learn and teach the Qur'an there would descend upon them the tranquility and mercy would cover them and the angels would surround them and Allah makes a mention of them in the presence of those near Him, and he who is slow-paced in doing good deeds, his (high) lineage does not make him go ahead. (Muslim)

It is mentioned in Tafseer Rooh-ul-Bayan that when the recitation of the Qur’an is completed, 4000 angels say Aameen on the supplication after it, and they pray for the forgiveness of the reader(s).

Imam Nawawi mentions in “Al Azkaar” that the famous Sahabi Syedna Anas (Allah be well pleased with him) used to call people to his house to attend the supplication after the completion of Holy Qur’an’s recitation.

Hadeeth 35

Abu Huraira (Allah be well pleased with him) reported Allah's Apostle (peace and blessings be upon him) as saying that Allah has mobile squads of angels, who have no other work (to attend to) but to follow the assemblies of Zikr and when they find such assemblies in which there is Zikr (of Allah) they sit in them and some of them surround the others with their wings till the space between them and the sky of the world is fully covered, and when they disperse (after the assembly of Zikr is adjourned) they go upward to the heaven and Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, asks them although He is best informed about them: Where have you come from? They say: We come from Your servants upon the earth who had been glorifying You (reciting Subhan Allah), uttering Your Greatness (saying Allah o-Akbar) and uttering Your Oneness (La ilaha ill Allah) and praising You (uttering al-Hamdu Lillah) and begging of You. He would say: What do they beg of Me? They would say: They beg of You the Your Paradise. He (Allah) would say: Have they seen My Paradise? They said: No, our Lord. He would say: (What it would be then) if they were to see My Paradise? They (the angels) said: They seek Your protection. He (Allah) would say: Against what do they seek My protection? They (the angels) would say: Our Lord, from the Hell-Fire. He (Allah) would say: Have they seen My Fire? They would say: No. He (Allah) would say: What it would be if they were to see My Fire? They would say: They beg of You forgiveness. He would say: I grant pardon to them, and confer upon them what they ask for and grant them protection against which they seek protection. They (the angels) would again say: Our Lord, there is one amongst them such and such simple servant who happened to pass by (that assembly) and sat there along with them (who had been participating in that assembly). He (Allah) would say: I also grant him pardon, for they are a people the seat-fellows of whom are in no way unfortunate –(Muslim, Bukhari, Tirmizi, and Nasa'i)

Hadeeth 36

Reported Abu Huraira (Allah be well pleased with him), that the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “When you pray for a dead man, make your prayer sincere for him” (Abu Daud, Ibn Majah)