Tahajjud Salah (Prayer at Night) in Islam

The dearest deeds to Allah Ta’ala are to perform the obligatory Salah at the appointed time and to abstain from sinful deeds. Many activities can be done to get nearness to Allah after the obligatory prayers. One of them is to perform the Nafl (additional) prayer at night. And it is also very important to perform Nafl prayers regularly at night and to keep one’s good deeds hidden from people. One of the Nafl prayers at night is the Tahajjud Salah. Surely it (Prayer at Night) is an act towards which Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) has encouraged his ummah very much. There are many rules and regulations of Islam involved in it.

So I will tell you about Tahajjud Salah and various important things related to it. And I will try to mention some rules and regulations of Islam on every subject of the Night Prayer. So let’s first know what Tahajjud Salah (Prayer at Night) in Islam is?

What is Tahajjud Salah (Prayer at Night) in Islam?

In this regard, Imam Al Khatib Al Shirbini (Rh) has mentioned in his book that “Tahajjud Salah is a nafl Salah (additional prayer) of the night after waking up.” [Mughni Al-Muhtaj, volume 1, page 463]

Remember, the night prayer is a broad semantic word, which includes all the Nafl prayers which are performed from after the Isha Salah until the time for the Fajr Salah begins. Such as Witr prayer, Taraweeh prayer, Tahajjud prayer, and any Nafl prayer before going to bed at night or the Nafl prayer after waking up from sleep, etc.

I mean, the Witr prayer is one kind of night prayer. Taraweeh prayers are also one kind of night prayer. Tahajjud prayer (Prayer at Night) is one of the night prayers. Even performing any Nafl Salah in the middle of the night is considered a night prayer. And in this regard, in the famous reliable book of Fiqh, Al-Mausu’ah Al Fiqhiyyah has been mentioned that,

“And the night prayer; is performed after the Isha Salah, Sometimes sleep comes before it (i.e., sometimes night prayer is performed after sleep). And sometimes sleep does not come before it (i.e., sometimes night prayer is performed before sleep). But Tahajjud prayer; is not performed but (only) after sleep.” [Al-Mausu’ah Al Fiqhiyyah, volume 14, page 86]

Generally, the purpose of the night prayer is only Tahajjud Salah (Prayer at Night). In this regard, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “O people! Spread (the greeting of) Salam, feed others, uphold the ties of kinship, and pray during the night when people are sleeping, and you will enter Paradise with Salam (safely).” [Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith No. 3251]

What is the ruling on Tahajjud Salah (Prayer at Night)?

Tahajjud Salah is an important Sunnah deed for all Muslims. Since Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) used to perform it regularly, he never gave it up intentionally. And Amr bin Abasah (RA) reported that he heard the Prophet (peace be upon him) say:

“The Lord (Allah Ta’ala) becomes closest to the servant in the middle of the night. Hence, if you are able to be of those who remember Allah in that hour, then do so.” [Jami’ at-Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 3579]

Remember, the Tahajjud prayer is a Nafl (additional) prayer. If a Muslim abandons this prayer, he will not be worthy of punishment. But of course, he will be deprived of high status and great rewards. Verily, Allah Ta’ala said about the Tahajjud prayer (Prayer at Night):

“And from (part of) the night, pray with it (i.e., arise from sleep for prayer and recite the Quran in Salah. And this Salah is) as additional (worship) for you; it is expected that your Lord will resurrect you to a praised station.” [Surah Al-Isra’, verse 79]

When does Tahajjud prayer time begin?

Usually, the time of Tahajjud prayer begins after the Isha prayer and it remains valid till the time of the Fajr prayer begins. In this regard, Shaikh Al-Sayyid Sabiq (Rh) has mentioned in his book that,

“Time of Tahajjud: It is permissible to perform the night prayer at the beginning of the night, in the middle of the night, and at the end of the night, as long as the time for prayer continues after the Isha prayer.

Anas (RA) said about the narration of the night prayer of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him): Every time we wanted to see the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) praying at night, we saw him, and every time we wanted to see him sleeping, we saw him. He (peace be upon him) used to fast in the month till we spoke he would not stop fasting at all in that month, and He (peace be upon him) used to not fast in the month till we spoke that he would not fast in that month. 

Narrated it by Ahmad, Al-Bukhari, and Al-Nasa’i.

Hafiz (Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani) said: There was no fixed time for the Tahajjud prayer of Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him). Rather, whenever it was easy for him to perform the prayer, he performed the prayer in that accordingly.” [Fiqh-Us-Sunnah, volume 1, page 203]

However,

the best time to perform the Tahajjud prayer is from midnight until the time for the Fajr prayer begins. In this regard, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:

“When half of the night or two-thirds of it is over. Allah, the Blessed, and the Exalted descends to the lowest heaven and says: Is there any beggar so that he be given? Is there any supplicator so that he be answered? Is there any beggar of forgiveness so that he be forgiven? (And Allah continues it saying) till it is daybreak.” [Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 758 c]

The virtue of Tahajjud prayer in Islam

There are many sayings of Allah Ta’ala and His Messenger (peace be upon him) in this regard. Some of the notable sayings are: –

Allah Ta’ala said: “Their sides part separates (i.e., they arise) from (their) beds; they supplicate their Lord in fear and aspiration, and from what I have provided them, they spend. And no soul knows what has been hidden for them of comfort for eyes (i.e., satisfaction) as reward for what they used to do.” [Surah As-Sajdah, verses 16 – 17]

“Is one who is devoutly obedient during periods of the night, prostrating and standing (in prayer), fearing the Hereafter and hoping for the mercy of his Lord, (like one who does not)? Say, Are those who know equal to those who do not know? Only they will remember (who are) people of understanding.” [Surah Az-Zumar, verse 9]

“Indeed, the righteous will be among gardens and springs, Accepting what their Lord has given them. Indeed, they were before that doers of good. They used to sleep but little of the night. And in the hours before dawn, they used to ask forgiveness.” [Surah Adh-Dhariyat, verse 15 – 18]

And the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:

“The most excellent prayer after the obligatory prayers is the Prayer offered in the middle of the night, and the most excellent fast after (fasting) in the month of Ramadan is the fast in Allah’s month Al-Muharram.” [Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 1163 b]

“Hold fast to night prayer, for it is the practice of the righteous before you, it is a means of nearness to Allah for you, an expiation for bad deeds, and a means of prevention from sin.” [Al-Mustadrak ala al-Sahihayn, Hadith No. 1156]

The number of rak’ah of Tahajjud Salah (Prayer at Night)

The minimum rak’ah of Tahajjud prayers is two rak’ahs. In this regard, Abu Huraira (RA) reported Allah’s Prophet (peace be upon him) as saying: “When any one of you gets up at night, he should begin the prayer with two short rak’ahs.” [Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 768]

Tahajjud prayer is an additional prayer and Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) did not determine the maximum number of rak’ahs for this prayer. Verily, Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said: “The prayer is a good deed that has been formed (by the order of Allah). So whoever wants to increase it, he should increase it.” [Al-Mu’jam Al-Awsat, Hadith No. 243]

However, most of the time, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) used to offer eight rak’ahs of Tahajjud prayers. In this regard, Ayesha (RA) said:

“Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) never exceeded eleven rak’ah in Ramadan or in other months (at night); he used to offer four rak’ah (of Tahajjud)– do not ask me about their beauty and length, then four rak’ah (of Tahajjud), do not ask me about their beauty and length, and then he used to offer three rak’ah (of Witr).” [Sahih Bukhari, Hadith No. 1147]

And when Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) used to add two rak’ahs of Nafl prayers with eleven rak’ahs, then it would have been thirteen rak’ahs of Tahajjud with Witr. [Nail Al-awtar Sharh Muntaqa Al-akhbar, volume 3, page 73]

Our supplication to Allah

Allah Ta’ala gives us the grace to perform the regular Tahajjud prayers (Prayer at Night) properly, to keep our good deeds secret, and to do good deeds only for the pleasure of Allah. Ameen.

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Belief in the angels of Allah in Islam

There are innumerable honorable servants of Allah in the heavens and the earth who do not disobey Allah’s command for one moment, and they are always steadfast in obedience to Him. Whatever Allah Ta’ala tells them to do, they do it perfectly. They will not disobey Allah even for a second till the Day of Resurrection. They are the angels of Allah. Verily, Allah Ta’ala has made it obligatory on every Muslim to believe in the angels. Undoubtedly, belief in the angels of Allah is an important pillar of Iman (faith). If a Muslim does not believe in the angels, he will become a disbeliever. Of course, believing in them is also considered a matter of believing in Allah. 

So I will mention to you about the belief in the angels of Allah and some things related to it which will help you to know a lot. And of course, I will present strong evidence in favor of each subject which will increase your reliance on the information. So let’s first know what means the belief in the angels of Allah.

What is the belief in the angels of Allah?

There are four main points in the belief in the angels of Allah. Namely: (1) Believing in the existence of the angels. (2) To believe in all of the angels whose names have been mentioned and whose names have not been known. (3) Believing in what Allah Ta’ala and His Messenger (peace be upon him) have said about their qualities and shapes. (4) Believing in their duties which they do by command of Allah. Such as Reciting tasbih and worshiping Allah day and night without any annoyance or neglect.

And regarding the identity of the angels, Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani (Rh) has mentioned in his book that

The majority of Muslim theologians said the angels are subtle bodies that have been given the power to take on different shapes and sizes. And their abode is the heavens. [Fath al-Bari, volume 6, page 306]

What did Allah Ta’ala say about the belief in the angels of Allah?

Allah Ta’ala said: “The Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him from his Lord, and (so have) the believers. All of them have believed in Allah and His angels and His books and His messengers.” [Surah Al-Baqarah, some parts of verse 285]

“Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but (true) righteousness is (in) one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets.” [Surah Al-Baqarah, some parts of verse 177]

“O you who have believed, believe in Allah and His Messenger and the Book that He sent down upon His Messenger and the Scripture which He sent down before. And whoever disbelieves in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, and the Last Day has certainly gone far astray.” [Surah An-Nisa, verse 136]

“Allah chooses from the angels messengers and from the people (messengers). Indeed, Allah is Hearing and Seeing.” [Surah Al-Hajj, verse 75]

“The day they (the criminals) see the angels – no good tidings will there be that day for the criminals, and (the angels) will say, All kinds of glad tidings are forbidden to you.” [Surah Al-Furqan, verse 22]

The importance of the belief in the angels of Allah

After the belief in Allah, one of the most significant and important pillars in all the pillars of Iman (faith) is the belief in the angels of Allah. If a Muslim does not believe in the angels of Allah, and he knowingly denies one of the angels of Allah or makes fun of an angel, his Iman (faith) will be ruined. And verily, whoever harbors animosity towards one of the angels of Allah, then he is like those who have animosity towards Allah. In this regard, Allah Ta’ala said,

“Whoever is an enemy to Allah and His angels and His messengers and Gabriel and Michael – then indeed, Allah is an enemy to the disbelievers.” [Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 98]

Allah Ta’ala has mentioned angels repeatedly along with His own saying in different places in the Qur’an which strengthens the matter of the belief in angels. Some of Allah’s sayings are:

“Do they await but that Allah should come to them in covers of clouds and the angels (as well) and the matter is (then) decided? And to Allah (all) matters are returned.” [Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 210]

Allah Ta’ala also said: “Allah witnesses that there is no deity except Him, and (so do) the angels and those of knowledge – (that He is) maintaining (creation) in justice. There is no (worthy of worship) deity except Him, the Exalted in Might, the Wise.” [Surah Ali ‘Imran, verse 18]

Allah Ta’ala further said:

“But Allah bears witness to that which He has revealed to you. He has sent it down with His knowledge, and the angels bear witness (as well). And sufficient is Allah as Witness.” [Surah An-Nisa, verse 166]

There are many more verses that make clear the dignity of angels and the belief in angels. If one does not acknowledge the existence of angels and doubts their qualities and duties, then he will not be considered a believer. Surely, Allah Ta’ala has sent down many verses of the Quran about the angels. So whoever does not believe in the angels but denies them, then he is like those who deny the verses of Allah. And whoever denies the verses of Allah, indeed will be the loser. Verily, Allah Ta’ala said:

“And be not one of those who deny the Ayat (proofs, evidence, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allah, for then you shall be one of the losers.” [Surah Yunus, verse 95]

The existence of the angels

Angels are a kind of Allah’s creation. Allah Ta’ala created them before creating Mankind and Jinn. He created them from light. In this regard, Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said: “The Angels were created from light, the Jinns were created from the spark of fire, and Adam was created as he has been defined (in the Quran) for you (i.e., he is created from sounding clay like the clay of pottery).” [Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 2996]

The angels are the creation of Allah such as whose no human being can see in their real shapes and sizes. Allah Ta’ala has given them the power to take different shapes and sizes. However, those whom Allah Ta’ala gives the power to see only can see them in their real shapes and sizes. In this regard, Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said: 

“Indeed I see what you do not see, and I hear what you do not hear. The Heavens moan, and they have the right to moan. There is no spot, the size of four fingers in them, except that there is an angel placing his forehead in it, prostrating to Allah. By Allah! If you knew what I know, then you would laugh a little and you would cry much. And you would not taste the pleasures of your women in the beds, and you would go out beseeching Allah.” [Jami’ At-Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 2312]

The Angels are the honored servants of Allah. Their number is innumerable. No one knows their true number except Allah Ta’ala. Verily Allah Ta’ala said: “And none can know the hosts of your Lord but He. And this (Hell) is nothing else than a (warning) reminder to mankind.” [Surah Al-Muddaththir, some parts of verse 31]

Belief in all of the angels of Allah

Allah Ta’ala has created innumerable angels. The names of some of the angels are known with certainty. And there are many angels whose names are not known. Every Muslim must believe in all the angels. Verily, it is one kind of Kufr to praise only those angels who bring good things and to deny and blame those who bring the punishment of Allah. Because all the angels do whatever they do only because of Allah’s command. Every angel, known and unknown, obeys the command of Allah properly and correctly.

The names of some famous angels are

Gabriel (AS), Mika’il (AS), and Israfil (AS). In this regard, Aishah (RA) said: When Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) got up at night he would commence his prayer with these words: “O Allah, Lord of Gabriel, and Mika’il, and Israfil, the Creator of the heavens and the earth, Who knowest the unseen and the seen; Thou decidest amongst Thy servants concerning their differences. Guide me with Thy permission in the divergent views (which the people) hold about Truth, for it is Thou Who guidest whom Thou wilt to the Straight Path.” [Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 770]

The names of the two angels engaged in very important work are Malik (AS) and Malak Al-Maut (AS). Verily, Malik (AS) is the name of one of the Nineteen angels engaged in Hell. Allah Ta’ala has mentioned his name in the Quran and said: “And they (disbeliever) will call, O Malik, let your Lord put an end to us! He will say, Indeed, you will remain (in the punishment forever).” [Surah Az-Zukhruf, verse 77]

The name of the chief angel who captures the soul is Malak Al-Maut (The angel of death). And Allah Ta’ala said about him: “Say, The angel of death, who is set over you, will take your souls. Then you shall be brought to your Lord.” [Surah As-Sajdah, verse 11]

Qualities and shapes of the Angels

Allah Ta’ala has made them winged. Some of them have two wings, some have three, some have four, and some have many wings. In this regard, Allah Ta’ala said: “(All) praise is (due) to Allah, Creator of the heavens and the earth, (who) made the angels messengers having wings, two or three or four. He increases in creation what He wills. Indeed, Allah is the Most Capable of all things.” [Surah Fatir, verse 1]

Zir bin Hubaish (Rh) said, “Ibn Mas’ud (RA) informed us that the Prophet (peace be upon him) had seen Gabriel (AS) having six hundred wings.” [Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 3232]

The angels who are near Allah Ta’ala, their size is so big that it is beyond human imagination. In this regard, Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said: “I have been permitted to tell about one of Allah’s angels who bear the throne that the distance between the lobe of his ear and his shoulder is a journey of seven hundred years.” [Sunan Abi Dawud, Hadith No. 4727]

They are neither men nor women.

Only Allah knows well their true condition. That is why Allah Ta’ala said: “So inquire of them, (O Muḥammad), Does your Lord have daughters while they have sons? Or did I create the angels as females while they were witnesses? Unquestionably,  it is one of their fabrications when they say, ‘Allah has begotten,’ and indeed, they are liars. Has He chosen daughters over sons? What is (wrong) with you? How do you judge? Then will you not be reminded? Or do you have any clear proof? Then bring your scripture, if you are truthful.” [Surah As-Saffat, verses 149 – 157]

They do not eat, they do not drink, they do not marry, and they do not wish to do any evil. In this regard, Shaykh ‘Umar bin Sulayman al-Ashqar has mentioned in his book that

And Imam Al-Suyuti (Rh) narrated from Al-Fakhr Ar-Razi (Rh): Surely the scholars have agreed that the angels do not eat, they do not drink, and they do not get married. [Alem Al-Malaikah Al-Abrar, page 15]

They are engrossed in obeying Allah’s commands and worshipping Him 24 hours, and they do not get tired or bored while worshiping Allah. In this regard, Allah Ta’ala said: “But if they are arrogant – then those who are near your Lord (i.e., the angels) exalt Him by night and by day, and they do not become weary.” [Surah Fussilat, verse 38]

Allah Ta’ala further said: “To Him belongs whoever is in the heavens and the earth. And those near Him (i.e., the angels) are not prevented by arrogance from His worship, nor do they tire. They exalt (Him) night and day (and) do not slacken (in worshipping Him).” [Surah Al-Anbiya, verse 19 – 20]

What are the duties of the angels?

They are always obedient to Allah. They never disobeyed Allah, never sinned. And they will never disobey him, they will never sin. Verily, they do what Allah Ta’ala tells them to do, and they will continue to obey Allah forever. In this regard, Allah Ta’ala said: “And they (the polytheists) say, ‘The Most Merciful has taken a son.’ Exalted is He! Rather, they (i.e., the angels) are honored servants. They cannot precede Him in word, and they act by His command.” [Surah Al-Anbiya, verses 26 – 27]

Allah Ta’ala has engaged different angels in different duties. So I am presenting to you the duties of some angels.

Conveying the revelation

Verily, Allah Ta’ala entrusted Gabriel (AS), and many angels with him responsible for conveying the revelation to the Prophets and Messengers on His behalf. Allah Ta’ala said: “He (Allah) sends down the angels, with the inspiration (i.e., revelation) of His command, upon whom He wills of His servants, (telling them), Warn that there is no deity except Me; so fear Me.” [Surah An-Nahl, verse 2]

Allah Ta’ala further said: “Say, (O Muḥammad), The Pure Spirit (i.e., Gabriel) has brought it down from your Lord in truth to make firm those who believe and as guidance and good tidings to the Muslims.” [Surah An-Nahl, verse 102]

Provision-related tasks

Allah Ta’ala has entrusted Mika’il (AS) with the task of sending down rain and provision-related tasks for the servants. In this regard, Imam Jalaluddin Suyuti (Rh) has mentioned in his Tafsir Book that,

“And Mika’il (AS); He is Responsible for every drop of (rain) that falls (from the sky to the ground), every leaf that rises, and every leaf that falls.” [Tafsir Al-Durr al-Mansur, volume 1, page 230]

To blow in the Horn

Allah Ta’ala has appointed Israfil (AS) to destroy and revive everything in the heavens and the earth by blowing the Horn. In this regard, Allah Ta’ala said: “And the Horn will be blown, and whoever is in the heavens and whoever is on the earth will fall dead except whom Allah wills. Then it will be blown again, and at once they will be standing, looking on.” [Surah Az-Zumar, verse 68]

Capturing the soul

Allah Ta’ala has appointed Malakul Maut (AS) and many of his associate angels to capture the soul of everyone at an appointed time. Verily, Allah Ta’la said: “And He (Allah) is the subjugator over His servants, and He sends over you guardian angels until, when death comes to one of you, My messengers (i.e., the angels of death) take him, and they do not fail (in their duties). Then they (i.e., Allah’s servants) are returned to Allah, their true Lord. Unquestionably, His is the judgment, and He is the swiftest of accountants.” [Surah Al-An‘am, verses 61 – 62]

Protecting the people

Allah Ta’ala has appointed many angels to protect the people from harm, who come to the people day and night continuously. In this regard, Allah Ta’ala said: “For him (i.e., humankind) are successive (angels) before and behind him who protect him by the decree of Allah. Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves. And when Allah intends for a people ill, there is no repelling it. And there is not for them besides Him any patron.” [Surah Ar-Ra’d, verse 11]

Recording all deeds

Allah Ta’ala has appointed two angels on each person’s two shoulders to record the good deeds and bad deeds of human beings. Verily, Allah Ta’ala said: “And I have already created man and know what his soul whispers to him, and I am closer to him than (his) jugular vein. When the two receivers (i.e., recording angels) receive, seated on the right and on the left. He (i.e., man) utters no word except that with him is an observer prepared (to record).” [Surah Qaf, verses 16 – 18]

Testing everyone in the grave

Allah Ta’ala has appointed two angels to test the believer and the disbeliever in the grave. Of course, Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said:

“When the dead body – or he (peace be upon him) said when one of you – is buried, two angels, black and blue-eyed, come to him. One of them is called Al-Munkar, and the other An-Nakir. They (AS) will say: ‘What did you use to say about this man?’ So he says what he was saying (before death) ‘He is Allah’s slave and His Messenger. I testify that there is no (worthy of worship) deity except Allah and that Muhammad is His slave and His Messenger.’

So they (AS) will say: ‘We knew that you would say this.’ Then his grave is expanded to seventy by seventy cubits, then it is illuminated for him. Then it is said to him: ‘Sleep.’ So he said: ‘Can I return to my family to inform them?’ They (AS) will say: ‘Sleep as a newlywed, whom none awakens but the dearest of his family.’ Until Allah resurrects him from his resting place. If he was a hypocrite he would say: ‘I heard people saying something, so I said the same; I do not know.’ So they (AS) will say: ‘We knew you would say that.’ So the earth would be told: ‘Constrict him.’ So it will constrict around him, then his ribs will squeeze together. He continues being punished like that until Allah resurrects him from his bed.” [Jami’ at-Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 1071]

Creating shape and writing prophecy

When semen is placed in the mother’s womb, Allah Ta’ala has appointed an angel to create the human shape and to write prophecy about it. In this regard, Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said: 

“When forty-two nights pass after the semen gets into the womb, Allah sends the angel and gives him shape. Then he creates his sense of hearing, sense of sight, his skin, his flesh, his bones, and then says: My Lord, would he be male or female? And your Lord decides as He desires and the angel then puts down that also and then says: My Lord, what about his age? And your Lord decides as He likes it and the angel puts it down. Then he says: My Lord, what about his livelihood? And then the Lord decides as He likes and the angel writes it down, and then the angel gets out with his scroll of destiny in his hand and nothing is added to it and nothing is subtracted from it.” [Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 2645 a]

Carrying the throne of Allah

Allah Ta’ala has appointed some angels to carry His Throne. Four angels are carrying the throne of Allah right now, and on the Day of Resurrection, eight angels will carry the Throne. In this regard, Allah Ta’ala said: “And the angels will be at its (i.e., the heavens) edges. And there will bear the Throne of your Lord above them, that Day, eight (of them).” [Al-Haqqah, verse 17]

And in the interpretation of this verse, Imam Muhammad ibn Jarir al-Tabari (Rh) has mentioned many hadiths in his Tafsir book. One of them is,

Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said, “Today four angels are carrying the Throne and on the Day of Resurrection eight angels will carry it.” [Tafsir al-Tabari, volume 23, page 583]

To follow the assemblies of Dhikr

Allah Ta’ala has created many angels who roam the earth. When they get a gathering to remember Allah, they join there. In this regard, Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said:

“Allah has wanderer angels, who have no other work (to attend to but) to follow the assemblies of Dhikr, and when they find such assemblies in which there is Dhikr (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 Dhikr is finished) they go upward to the Heaven.” [Sahih Muslim, Some parts of hadith No. 2689]

Managing mountain-related work

Allah Ta’ala has appointed an angel to manage all the work related to the mountains. It is said of him that,

Narrated Aisha (RA), that she asked the Prophet (peace be upon him), ‘Have you encountered a day harder than the day of the battle of Uhud?’ The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied, “Your tribes have troubled me a lot, and the worse trouble was the trouble on the day of ‘Aqaba when I presented myself to Ibn Abd-Yalail bin Abd-Kulal and he did not respond to my demand. So I departed, overwhelmed with excessive sorrow, and proceeded on, and could not relax till I found myself at Qarnath-Tha’alib where I lifted my head towards the sky to see a cloud shading me (unexpectedly).

I looked up and saw Gabriel (AS) in it. He called me saying, ‘Allah has heard your people’s saying to you, and what they have replied back to you, Allah has sent the Angel of the Mountains to you so that you may order him to do whatever you wish to these people.’ The Angel of the Mountains called and greeted me, and then said, ‘O Muhammad! Order what you wish. If you want, I will let Al-Akh-Shabain (i.e. two mountains) fall on them.’ The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, No but I hope that Allah will let them beget children who will worship Allah Alone, and will worship None besides Him.” [Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 3231]

Visiting Al-Bayt Al-Ma’mur

Allah Ta’ala has created innumerable angels to visit Al-Bayt Al-Ma’mur. As Allah Ta’ala has established the Ka’bah for the people of the earth to circumambulate it and to turn their face toward it in Salah; similarly Allah has established Al-Bayt Al-Ma’mur for the angels to circumambulate it and to turn their face toward it in prayer. And of course, The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:

“(On the night of Mi’raj) Then I was taken up to the Oft-Frequented House (Al-Bayt al-Ma’mur) and I asked Jibra’il (AS) about it, and he said: This is Al-Bayt al-Ma’mur in which seventy thousand angels pray every day, and when they leave it they never come back. And it is their last visit on them.” [Sunan an-Nasa’i, some parts of Hadith No. 448]

Lining up all time for worshipping Allah

Allah Ta’ala has created innumerable angels who are always in line up to worship Allah, to glorify Him. Many of them are standing, many are in the state of bowing, and many are in the state of prostration. And Allah Ta’ala said about them:

“(The angels say) There is not among us any except that he has a known position. And indeed, we are those who line up (to worshipping Him). And indeed, we are those who exalt Allah.” [Surah As-Saffat, verses 164 – 166]

In this regard, Imam Ibn Kathir (Rh) has mentioned a hadith in his Tafsir book that:-

The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “Surely Allah has angels whose flesh of shoulders tremble with fear of Allah. The tears that flow from the eyes of the angel among them, fell on another angel who is in the prayer. Among them are angels who are in a state of prostration since the creation of the heavens and the earth; they did not raise their heads from prostration. And they will not raise their heads till the Day of Resurrection.

And among them are angels who are in a state of bowing since the creation of the heavens and the earth; they did not raise their heads from bowing. And they will not raise their heads till the Day of Resurrection. So when they would raise their heads, they look at the face of Allah and say, (O Allah,) Exalted are You. We could not worship you by fulfilling your right of worship.” [Tafsir Ibn Kathir, volume 8, page 272]

Effecting in good deeds

Allah Ta’ala has appointed an angel for every human being who inspires him in good deeds. In this regard, Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said:

“Indeed Satan has an effect on the son of Adam, and the angel also has an effect. As for Satan, it is by threatening evil repercussions and rejecting the truth. As for the effect of the angel, it is by his promise of a good end and belief in the truth. Whoever finds that, let him know that it is from Allah, and let him praise Allah for it. Whoever finds the other, then let him seek refuge with Allah from Satan. Then He (peace be upon him) recited: Satan threatens you with poverty and orders you to commit obscenity.” [Jami’ at-Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 2988]

Bringing Allah’s mercy

Allah Ta’ala has created many angels who enter people’s houses by bringing Allah’s mercy. But they do not enter the house in which there is a picture of the animal and human and the house where the dog lives. Of course, Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said: “Angels do not enter a house in which there is a dog or there are pictures.” [Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 5949]

Keeping of Paradise

Allah Ta’ala has appointed many angels as keepers of Paradise. They too are always obedient to the command of Allah. And Allah Ta’ala said about them: “And those who feared their Lord will be driven to Paradise in groups until, when they reach it while its gates have been opened and its keepers say, Peace be upon you; you have become pure; so enter it to abide eternally therein.” [Surah Az-Zumar, verse 73]

Punishment

Allah Ta’ala has appointed innumerable harsh and severe angels to punish the sinners in Hell. And nineteen of them are chief angels. In this regard, Allah Ta’ala said: “And do you know what is Saqar? It lets nothing remain and leaves nothing (unburned). Burning and blackening the skins. Over it appointed are nineteen (angels).” [Surah Al-Muddaththir, verses 27 – 30] 

Our Dua to Allah Ta’ala

May Allah Ta’ala grant us the grace to always obey Him and save us from the punishment of Him in this world and in the Hereafter. Ameen.

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Shab E Barat (the night of the middle of Sha’ban)

Allah Ta’ala has sent down the last divine book Al-Quran to guide every human being toward the truth. And Allah Ta’ala has sent the last Messenger to teach Muslims how to implement every ruling of the Qur’an and every matter of Islam. Verily, there are many important things in Islam. One of the important things is Shab E Barat (the night of the middle of Sha’ban). Many Muslims are involved in exaggeration and extreme laxity with the matter of Shab E Barat. There is a class of people who do things that are clearly Bid’ah and illegitimate. On the other hand, another class of people devalues the night of the middle of Sha’ban. Denies its existence and virtue. Indeed, Islam does not support this exaggeration and laxity.

So I will present to you some information about ‘Shab e Barat’ which will help you to know a lot. And at the same time, I will try my best to present clear evidence for each subject. So let’s first know the identity of Shab E Barat.

What is Shab E Barat?

Shab is a Persian word. This means night. And Barat is an Arabic word. And that means impunity. Shaban is the name of a month of Arabic 12 months. And the 15th night of that Shaban month is called Shab e Barat. In this regard, Abul Ala Muhammad Abdur Rahman Al Mubarakpuri (Rh) said,

“Shab e Barat is the 15th night of the month of Shaban. It is called Lailatul Barat.” [Tuhfatul-Ahwazi, volume 3, page: 364]

Originally in Arabic, this night is called ‘Layla Al Nisf Min Shaban’ (ليلة النصف من شعبان). Many years after the age of the Companions of Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) and the Tabi’ins, this night became known as Shab e Barat (Lailatul Barat).

Is there any virtue in Shab E Barat (Lailatul Barat)?

Many hadiths have been narrated about Lailatul Barat which point to the virtues of this night. However, many scholars have criticized the authenticity of those hadiths. I am quoting three famous hadiths about Shab e Barat.

It was narrated from Abu Musa Al-Ash’ari (RA) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “Allah looks down on the night of the middle of Sha’ban and forgives all His creation, apart from the idolater and the Mushahin (Hostile to one another).” [Sunan ibn Majah, Hadith No. 1390]

Aishah (RA) narrated: She said, I could not find the Messenger of Allah one night. So I left and found him at Al-Baqi. He (peace be upon him) said: “Did you fear that you had been wronged by Allah and His Messenger?” I said: ‘O Messenger of Allah! I thought that you had gone to one of your wives.’ Then he (peace be upon him) said: “Indeed Allah, Mighty, and Sublime is He, descends to the world Heavens during the night of the middle of Sha’ban, grants forgiveness to more (people) than the number of hairs on the sheep of (Banu) Kalb.” [Jami’ at-Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 739]

Narrated by Abu Salabah (RA), The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Allah Ta’ala looks to His servants. So He forgives the believers and gives respite to the disbelievers and keeps the Hostiles because of their hostility (in their own state. He withholds the forgiveness upon them) until they give up their hostility.” [Musnad Al-Bazzar, volume 1, page: 157]

What is the ruling on fasting on the occasion of Lailatul Barat?

If you say, I will fast on the occasion of Lailatul Barat because I have got a Hadith which describes clearly fasting on the occasion of Lailatul Barat. The hadith is:

It was narrated that Ali bin Abu Talib (RA) said, The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “When it is the night of the middle of Sha’ban, spend its night in prayer and observe a fast on that day. For Allah descends at sunset on that night to the world heaven and says: Is there no one who will ask Me for forgiveness, that I may forgive him? Is there no one who will ask Me for provisions, that I may provide for him? Is there no one who is afflicted by trouble, that I may relieve him? And so on; until dawn comes.” [Sunan ibn Majah, Hadith No. 1388]

Then We will say about this hadith which you have presented as evidence; This hadith’s value is Dhaif Jiddan (very weak) according to the previous and the present many wise scholars of Hadiths. This hadith cannot be acted upon. In this regard, Abul Ala Muhammad Abdur Rahman Al Mubarakpuri (Rh) said,

“Another caveat: I did not find any authentic Marfu’ Hadith about fasting on the day of the night of the middle of Sha’ban.”

“Then there is the hadith of Ali (RA) which has narrated Imam Ibn Majah (Rh) by the word “When it is the night of the middle of Sha’ban, spend its night in prayer and observe a fast on that day.” So you must know that the hadith is Dhaif Jiddan (very weak).” [Tuhfatul-Ahwazi, volume 3, page: 368]

Remember

If you fast on the occasion of Lailatul Barat, then you have done the work which goes against the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah. This is because the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and his Companions (RA) did not fast on the occasion of Lailatul Barat.

But if you fast for three days every month, you observe a Sunnah of Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him). There are many hadiths narrated in this regard. So I am mentioning two hadiths about it.

Mu’adhah Al-Adawiyyah reported that she asked A’isha (RA), the wife of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), Would the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) fast three days every month? She (RA) said: Yes. I said to her: Which were (the particular) days of the month on which he observed fast? She said: He did not care which days of the month he fasted. [Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 1160]

Narrated Abdullah bin Amr (RA): The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said to him, “Fast for three days a month, for the reward of a good deed is multiplied by ten times, and so the fasting of three days a month equals the fasting of a year.” [Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 3418]

Fasting on the 13th, 14th, and 15th of the Arabic month

If you want, you can fast on the 13th, 14th, and 15th of Shaban, and other months. Verily, there is no problem with it. In this regard,

Abu Dharr (RA) narrated that The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “O Abu Dharr! When you fast three days out of a month, then fast the thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth.” [Jami’ At-Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 761]

Worshipping on the occasion of Lailatul Barat

On the occasion of Shab E Barat, Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) did not perform and did not teach any special worship, special Salah, or any special Dua or Dhikr. However, there is no obstacle to performing more and more Nafl Salah personally, praying to Allah, reciting Qur’an in proportion to one’s ability, etc.

But of course, gathering in a mosque or any other place to perform Nafl worship in groups is definitely an evil deed. Because the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and his Companions (RA) did not all gather in the mosque on this night to perform Nafl worship. In this regard, Imam Ibn Taymiyyah (Rh) said:

And there is the virtue of Shab e Barat. Many of the Salaf used to perform Nafl prayers on this night. But on this night, it is a Bid’ah to gather in the mosque to wake up at night for worship. Similarly, performing As-Salah Al-Alfiyah (i.e., 100 rak’ah salah which requires recitation of Surah Ikhlas 10 times per rak’ah) is also Bid’ah. [Al-fatawa Al-kubra of Shaykh Al-islam Ibn Taymiyyah, volume 5, page: 344]

Similarly, in centering on Shab E Barat going to more graveyards, visiting graves, lighting graveyards with lamps, etc. are also considered Bid’ah. [Al-Madkhal li-ibn Al-Ḥajj, volume 1, page 311]

Our Dua to Allah

May Allah Ta’ala grant us the grace to always abandon all kinds of Bid’ah and may He also grant us Tawfiq to always follow the Sunnah of Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him). Ameen.

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The Messenger of Allah Muhammad (peace be upon him)

Allah Ta’ala sent many Prophets and Messengers to guide the right way the people and warn them of Hell, the abode of eternal punishment. After a specific time, when Allah wanted to stop sending the Prophets and Messengers, then He sent the last and final messenger and stopped the continuity of sending them. And the name of the last and final Allah’s Messenger is Muhammad (peace be upon him). After Him, no Prophet and Messenger will come into the world until the Day of Resurrection. But Isa (peace be upon him) will come into the world as an Ummah of Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him). Indeed, he will not appear as a Prophet or Messenger.

So now, I will present a brief description of the last Messenger of Allah and some of his deeds. At the same time, I will mention some of his dignity, characteristics, and contribution, which will give you some basic idea about him. So before discussing these matters, let’s know first what is difference between the Prophet and the Messenger of Allah.

What is the difference between a prophet and a messenger?

Allah’s Messenger is an independent man to whom Allah Ta’ala sent revelation about the new Shari’ah and other matters. Allah Ta’ala ordered him to convey the rules and regulations of the new Shari’ah to all.

And the Prophet of Allah is an independent man to whom Allah Ta’ala sent revelation about various things. Allah didn’t give him a new Shari’ah or a new book. Prophet usually follows the Shari’ah of his previous Allah’s Messenger and the previous heavenly book. And he also called the people to the previous Shari’ah and the Heavenly book. Verily, Allah used to send revelation to both the Prophet and the Messenger.

Short description of the differences between them

• Allah’s Messenger used to invite people to the rules and regulations of the new Shari’ah from Allah. And the Prophet of Allah used to invite the people to follow the rules and regulations of his previous Allah’s Messenger.
• Allah’s Messenger receives a new book from Allah. And the Prophet of Allah doesn’t get any new book from Allah. Rather, he used to follow the previous heavenly book.
• Every Allah’s Messenger was a prophet of Allah. On the other hand, every prophet of Allah was not Allah’s Messenger. That is, the Prophet of Allah is the chosen person of Allah. And Allah’s Messenger is the specially chosen person of Allah.

Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and a short description of him

His famous name is Muhammad. He also has some more names. Namely: Abul Qasim, Ahmad, Mustafa, etc. He was born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. He was a man like us. But Allah Ta’ala has kept him free from all kinds of sins from birth to death. He never harmed anyone. He was not educated in worldly matters. But Allah has given him knowledge about the necessary things of the world. He used to earn money halal and spend money on the right path. Allah Ta’ala has sent down to him the last heavenly book Al-Quran. He was steadfast in obeying every command of Allah till his death.

Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and What are his works?

He always called people to the truth. And he only commanded them to worship Allah and not to associate anyone with Him. He maintained kinship relations. And He was a pioneer in all good deeds. He managed himself all his life according to the Book of Allah. He also called all people to the Book of Allah.

Of course, he described what is good for them and warned them repeatedly to stay away from what is evil. And he has done exactly as Allah Ta’ala told him to do. He showed us how to obey every command of Allah.

Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and What are his qualities?

He is the source of all the good qualities in the world. So I will mention a few of his qualities here. He himself has encouraged everyone to acquire these qualities, and he has given good news to those who possess these qualities. These are:

Truthfulness

He never told a lie from birth to death. Did not break the promise. He was steadfast in speaking the truth even in times of great danger. He has encouraged everyone to speak the truth.

In this regard, Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said: “Truthfulness leads to the good deed, and Good deed leads to Paradise. And a man keeps on telling the truth; eventually, he becomes a truthful person (before Allah). Falsehood leads to Al-Fajur (i.e. wickedness, evil-doing), and Al-Fajur (evil deed) leads to the Fire (of Hell), and a man may keep on telling lies; eventually, he is written as a liar to Allah.” [Sahih Bukhari, Hadith No. 6094]

Patience

The patience of anyone on earth can’t be compared with his patience. He was very patient. And he patiently worshipped Allah and did so regularly. He faced many harsh words, obstacles, and oppression of the people while carrying out the commandments of Allah. And he resisted everything with patience. He was patient strongly in times of danger and advised others to be patient.

Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said: “How wonderful is the case of a believer; All his things are good for him, and this applies only to a believer. If prosperity attends him, he expresses gratitude to Allah, and that is good for him; and if adversity befalls him, he endures it (patiently), and that is better for him”. [Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 2999]

Gratitude

He was a grateful servant of Allah. He used to express his gratitude to Allah the most and in all circumstances. If anyone helped him, he would thank him and reward him well. There was no sign of ungratefulness in him until he died. He never gives reminders to anyone after benefiting them. And his gratitude to Allah was evident in his every action.

In this regard, Allah Ta’ala said: “What would Allah do with your punishment (i.e., Why should Allah punish you) if you are grateful and believe? And ever is Allah Appreciative (i.e., The best Rewarder abundantly) and Knowing.” [Surah An-Nisa, verse 147]

Shyness

He was extremely shy. Because of his shyness, he never approached any sinful deed. And he kept all his limbs away from sinful deeds. He did not sin himself and did not allow others to sin. No woman’s shame could be compared to his shyness. Shame was on him for the rest of his life. He encouraged others to be shy.

Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said: “Iman has over seventy or sixty branches, the most excellent of which is the declaration that there is no god but Allah. The lowest of which is removing what is harmful from the path, and the shyness is a branch of Iman.” [Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 35]

Beautiful character

His best quality was his character. His character was so beautiful that Allah Ta’ala himself praised him and said, “Surely you are on a noble character.” [Surah Al-Qalam, Verse 4]

Allah Ta’ala knows well the character of every human being. So no one can be more beautiful than the one he calls beautiful. There was no sign of arrogance in him. Humility was always his dress. He never spoke a painful word to anyone. Fascinated by his character, non-Muslims also became Muslims.

In addition to these, he has many other qualities, the description of which will overtake thousands of pages. Here I have mentioned very few qualities.

The dignity of Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him)

Allah Ta’ala has chosen him as the last and greatest prophet and messenger. No prophet or messenger will come to this world after his death till the Day of Resurrection. Allah Ta’ala has accepted him as his dearest friend. In the Hereafter, He will place him in a place of praise.

His Ummah is the greatest Ummah in this world and in the Hereafter. The number of his ummah will be more than the number of the ummah of Musa (peace be upon him). He will be the first to open the gates of Paradise.

In this connection, it is narrated from Anas (R.) that Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said, “On the Day of Resurrection, I will come to the door of Paradise, and I will want to open it. Then the gatekeeper of Paradise will say, ‘Who are you?’ Then I will say, ‘I am Muhammad. Thereafter he will say, I have been instructed that I will not open (the gates of Paradise) for anyone before you.” [Sahihul Ja’me Lil Albani, Hadith No. 1]

Many more of his dignity is mentioned in the books of Seerat-un-Nabi written about him. You can study those books of Seerat-un-Nabi for more details.

What are the features of Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him)?

• Allah Ta’ala helped him (peace be upon him) with such an effect that even if his enemy stays a month away from him, that effect is reflected on his enemy.
• Allah Ta’ala will allow him to recommend different matters in the Hereafter.
• When he is in sleep, his heart stays awake.
• Allah Ta’ala did not send him to guide a particular nation. Rather, Allah Ta’ala has sent him as a mercy and a guide for the whole nation.
• Allah Ta’ala has given him strength in the body, like at least the strength of 30 strong people.

He also has many more features. I have avoided mentioning them to summarize the description.

What is the contribution of Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him)?

He has made many contributions to save people from Hell and guide them to the path to Paradise. He has always called people to the path of Allah through his words and deeds. So that they may follow him and come to the Hereafter with the pleasure of Allah. He has spoken many vital words to get rid of the temptation of the fleeting worldly life and attain eternal peace.

The words and deeds narrated from him are called his Sunnah. He will recommend in the Hereafter for those who believe in him and die as believers. Those who believe in Allah and the Hereafter and follow Him will enter Paradise. He has repeatedly warned people about Hell and described what needs to be done to save them from Hell.

And He has left good news for those who will die as his genuine followers. He has made every effort to uphold the religion of Allah. And in his absence, he has entrusted his ummah with the responsibility of keeping up the religion of Allah and various deeds. And he has left the book of Allah and His Sunnah for the guidance of all. At last, he will enter Paradise with his ummah. So his contribution will not end described. I have mentioned just some matters here.

Supplication to Allah

May Allah grant us Tawfiq to follow and believe the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) correctly, Ameen.

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