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Jamiatul Ulama (Council of Muslim Theologians), Johannesburg |
| Title: | An Epistle Detailing The Great Splendour of Makkah |
| Date: | July 2000 |
| Author: | Hasan Basrî (Rahimahullâh) |
| Agency: | Madrasah Arabia Islamia |
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The Virtues of Makkah Hasan Basrî ABOUT THE AUTHOR Sheikh Hasan Al‑Basrî Rahimahullâh was born during the Khilâfat of Hazrat Umar Radhi Allâhu anhu. At his birth, Hazrat Umar Radhi Allâhu anhu personally performed the tahnîk with his blessed hands. His respected mother was a personal attendant to Hazrat Umme Salmah Radhi Allâhu anha the wife of Rasulullâh Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam. In his mother’s absence, Hazrat Umme Salmah Radhi Allâhu anha regularly breast‑fed him. Milk flowed miraculously from her breast and Hasan Basrî Rahimahullâh drank copiously. It is said that the wisdom which Hasan Basrî Rahimahullâh acquired in later years was due to the blessings of this miraculous act. (Allama Zahabi in his Târikh) Sheikh Hasan Al‑Basrî Rahimahullâh ranks indisputably as one of the most eminent Tâbi’în (i.e. a successor of the Sahâbah Radhi Allâhu anhum. He was regarded as an eminent Mufassîr, Muhaddith, jurist and a high‑ranking Sûfî Sheikh of that glorious era. This book is therefore highly recommended and is one of the earliest Islamic classical works. Ibn Jauzi writes: “Imâm Sheikh‑ul‑lslâm Abfi Said Hasan Al‑Basrî Rahimahullâh was born in Madinah and completed the Hifz of the Qur’ân during the Khilafat of Hazrat Uthmân. He narrated Hadith from Hazrat Abû Bakr, Hazrat Umar, Hazrat Uthman, Hazrat Ali, Hazrat A’ishah, Hazrat Mughirah bin Shubah, Hazrat Abdur Rahman bin Samurah, Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbds, Hazrat Ibn Umar, Hazrat Jâbir and many other Sahâbah Radhi Allâhu anhum. Eminent scholars of the calibre of Qatadah, Ayûb, Ibn Aun, Hisham bin Hisķn, Jarîr bin Hâzim, Mubarak bin Fudhala, Shaibân Nahwi and other Imams in the field of Dînî Ulûm narrated Hadîth from him.” Ibn Sa’d Rahimahullâh said: “He was an authority in Ulûm, a highly respected Hâfiz of Hadîth, an authoritative jurist of Islâm and an exceptionally pious person. He passed away in the year 110 A.H. at the age of eighty eight.” Yunus Rahimahullâh narrated: “Hasan Basrî once said: “I fear, lest Allâh casts a glance at our deeds and declares: “I will not accept any deed from you.” Hakim Ibn Jafar narrated that Masma told him: “If you saw Hasan Basrî, you would have thought that the entire creation’s grief was poured on him due to his lengthy weeping and heartbreaking sobs.” Yazid Ibn Haushab said: “I have not met anyone more fearful of Allâh than Hasan Basrî and Umar ibn Abdul Aziz. It seemed as if the fire of Jahannam was not created for anyone except these two.” Yusuf ibn Absât said: “Hasan Basrî passed thirty years without ever laughing and forty years without ever joking.” Humaid said: “One day, Hasan Basrî started breathing heavily while seated in the Masjid. He broke out sobbing until his sides started shaking uncontrollably. He then said: “If only the hearts were alive! If only the hearts were reformed, people would have cried through the night till the morning of the Day of Qiyâmah.” Abû Ubaidah reported that he heard Hasan Basrî saying: “O children of Adam! You will never obtain the real essence of lmân until you stop seeing faults in people while you have a fault within yourself and until you do not commence reforming your own faults. If you will do so, then before you complete the reformation of one fault, you will find another, which you had not yet reformed. If you will do so, then you will be wholly dedicated towards self‑reformation. The most beloved servant in the eyes of Allâh is one who practices on this.” Yahya ibn Al‑Mukhtâr narrated that Hasan Basrî said: “Verily a Mumin is placed in authority over his Nafs. He takes a reckoning of his Nafs for Allâh Subhanahu wa Ta’âla. The easiest reckoning on the Day of Qiyâmah will be for those who took a reckoning of their Nafs in this world. And the most difficult reckoning on the day of Qiyâmah will be for those who took this responsibility without any reckoning. Verily a Mumin is one who when he suddenly acquires something which he is impressed by says: “By Allâh! Indeed I do desire you and do need you. But Allâh has not made any link between you and me. It is therefore impossible for us to have any connection whatsoever.” He then abandons that object and looks into himself and says: “What intentions did you have? What connection is there between this object and me? By Allâh! I will not return to this at all, insha‑Allâh.” Verily the Believers are a community who are firm on the Qur’ân. It is a barrier between them and their destruction. Indeed the Believer walks in this world striving to liberate his neck from the bondage of this world. He does not rest until he meets Allâh Subhanahu wa Ta’âla knowing that He can seize his hearing, sight, speech and movement at anytime.” Yunus Rahimahullâh said: “If a person merely saw Hasan Basrî without hearing anything from him or witnessing any action from him, then too he would have benefited immensely.” Rabî ibn Anas Rahimahullâh said: “I followed Hasan Basrî Radhi Allâhu anhu for ten years or more. Not a day passed without me hearing something of ilm from him which I had never heard before.” Abû Zur’ah Rahimahullâh) stated: “I found every statement which Hasan Basrî narrated from Rasulullâh Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam as authentic and verified except four narrations which I could not source.” Prior to his death, a man informed Ibn Sirin that he saw a dream in which a bird picked the most beautiful pebble from the Masjid. Ibn Sirin replied: “If what you say is true, then Hasan Basrî will die very soon.” Hasan Al‑Basrî passed away on a Thursday night. He was in acute pain when he suddenly sat up and said: “I am seeing gardens, fountains and elevated places.” His Salât‑ul‑Janâzah was performed after the Jumu’ah Salâh. A large crowd followed his bier till his resting abode. From Allâh we came and to Him is the return May Allâh Subhanahu wa Ta’âla grant us the Taufiq to benefit from the exceptional ilm that flows in the ensuing pages. Âmîn.
Certificate of
Authenticity We were informed by Abûl Qasim Ubaidullah Muhammad ibn Muhammad who said: We were informed by Muhammad Al‑Muzafar ibn Ahmad Al‑Muzafar Al‑Ashmuni who said: We were informed by Muhammad ibn lbrâhim Nisapuri who said: We were informed by Muhammad Ibn Ali Al‑Hanafi who narrated from Abû Hubairah Al‑Bâji who said: “Hasan Ibn Abil Hasan Al‑Basrî Rahimahullâh wrote the following epistle to a very pious man whose name was Abdur Rahim or Abdur Rahmân ibn Anâs Ar‑Ramadi who lived in Makkah (May Allâh enhance its honour) and who was blessed with excellence in knowledge, piety and dhikr. He had no other occupation in this world except the ‘ibadâh of Allâh Subhanahu wa Ta’âla. He intended to relocate from Makkah to Yemen. This news reached Hasan Basrî. He had a brotherly love for this man for the sake of Allâh He wrote this letter to him encouraging him to remain in Makkah (May Allâh enhance its honour). An Epistle Detailing The Great Splendour of Makkah
by May Allâh protect you, O my brother with the protection He accords to the Believers. May He save you from that which He detests. May He accord you the opportunity to do good deeds. May He shower His choicest blessings upon you in every matter. May He join you and, us in the Abode of Peace (Jannah) as neighbours to Ar‑Rahmân [The Merciful]. For verily that is all in His power alone. There is no power to do good nor any power to refrain from evil except with Allâh, The Mighty. (After the Customary Salutations and Praises) O my brother! Verily I am writing this letter to you out of concern. Both I and those who preceded me from the fraternity of bestowers, pious and brothers invite you to that which is far more superior to that which you prefer. Our Rabb is Praised. May Allâh shower His choicest blessings and peace on our august master, Muhammad A and on his family and companions. Note well my brother, May Allâh preserve you! You have resolved to leave the Sacred Haram of Allâh Subhanahu wa Ta’âla and its sanctity and surroundings to relocate to Yemen. Indeed, by Allâh, I detest this. Your decision causes me immense grief I greatly dread the consequences of this decision, lest Shaitân distracts you from the Haram of Allâh Subhanahu wa Ta’âla and causes you to slip. I am shocked at your intelligence for even entertaining the idea of relocating from Makkah after Allâh had granted you residence here. If only you chose to praise Allâh Subhanahu wa Ta’âla for elevating and blessing you in His Sacred Haram and making you amongst its residents. It is obligatory on you to render gratitude for this great blessing as long as you live. You should remain engaged in worshipping Allâh Subhanahu wa Ta’âla abundantly in appreciation for making you a resident of the Sacred Haram and blessing you with its sanctuary and making you a neighbour of His house. Be cautious of feeling uncomfortable or discontented in the Haram. Patience, silence and compassion are binding upon you. Through these qualities, you will be victorious over Shaitân, the accursed. My Brother! Be careful! Be careful of being desirous to leave this Place or feeling restless here for verily you are in the best, most beloved, the most superior, the most elevated and the most noble part of the earth in Allâh’s sight. We beseech Allâh to grant you and us the opportunity to do good deeds. Verily He is Al‑Hannân and Al‑Mannân. There is no power to do good nor any power to refrain from evil except with Allâh, the mighty. Note well, my brother! Verily Allâh granted superiority to Makkah over all cities. He mentions this city in numerous places in His divine revelations as recorded in His honoured book (the Qur’ân). Allâh Subhanahu wa Ta’âla states: “Verily the first house established for mankind (to worship Allâh) was in Bakkah (Makkah). A blessing and guidance for all the worlds. In it are many clear signs. (One of them being) the Maqâm‑e‑lbrâhim (place of Ibrâhim). Whoever enters it has attained safety.” (Sûrah Âl‑‘Imrân, Verses 96-97) Allâh Subhanahu wa Ta’âla states: “And recall when lbrâhim Alayhis Salâm beseeched: ‘O my Rabb! Make this city safe and grant its residents fruits, those amongst them who believe in Allâh and the last day.’” (Sûrah Al Baqarah verse 126) Allâh Subhanahu wa Ta’âla states: “They should complete the prescribed rites (of Hajj) and fulfil their vows and they should make tawâf [circumambulate] around the ancient house.” (Sûrah Al‑Hajj verse 29) Allâh Subhanahu wa Ta’âla states: “And recall, when we showed lbrâhim Alayhis Salâm the site of the (sacred) house, (we said): ‘Do not associate anything with me and keep My house clean for those who make tawâf around it and for those who stand, bow and prostrate in prayer.” (Sûrah Al-Hajj, verse 26) Allâh Subhanahu wa Ta’âla states: “And recall when We made the (sacred) house an established place for mankind and (a haven of) safety. So adopt Maqâm‑e‑Ibrâhim as a place of salâh [prayer].” (Sûrah Al‑Baqarah, verse 125) Allâh Subhanahu wa Ta’âla states: “And while Ibrâhim Alayhis Salâm and his son Ismail Subhanahu wa Ta’âla were raising the foundation for the (sacred) house (they were praying): ‘O our Rabb! Accept (this service) from us. Verily You are all hearing, all knowing.’” (Sûrah Al‑Baqarah, verse 127) Allâh Subhanahu wa Ta’âla states: “(Say) I have been commanded to worship only the Lord of this city, He who sanctified it.” (Sûrah An‑Naml verse 91) Allâh Subhanahu wa Ta’âla states: “A pure land and a forgiving Lord.” (Sûrah Saba, verse 15) Allâh Subhanahu wa Ta’âla states: “Verily Safâ and Marwah are from the symbols of Allâh. Thus it is not a sin on one who performs the Hajj or Umrah of the (sacred) house to make tawâf between them. And verily Allâh is appreciative and fully cognisant of one who performs good deeds voluntarily.” (Sûrah Al‑Baqarah verse 158) Allâh Subhanahu wa Ta’âla states: “When you depart from Arafat, remember Allâh at the Mash’arul Harâm (Muzdalifah). And remember Him as He has guided you.” (Sûrah Al‑Baqarah, verse 198) Allâh Subhanahu wa Ta’âla states: “Have we not settled them in a sacred sanctuary to which fruits of every type are brought. A provision from us.” (Surah Al‑Qasas, Verse 57) These verses, my brother, were all revealed with specific reference to for Makkah alone. They were not revealed in reference to any other city. I hereafter wish to grant you benefit with statements that were narrated from Nabî Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam about the virtues of Makkah and its residents and surroundings. Note well, my brother! While departing from Makkah, Rasulullâh Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam halted on a plateau, faced the Qibla and said: “By Allâh! You are the most beloved portion of Allâh’s earth to me and verily you are the most beloved portion of the earth to Allâh Subhanahu wa Ta’âla too. Verily you are the best, spot on the face of the earth and the most beloved to Allâh Subhanahu wa Ta’âla. If your people did not expel me, I would not have departed from you.” (AI‑Muwattâ) Rasulullâh Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam stated in another Hadîth: “The best and the most beloved city on the face of this earth to Allâh Subhanahu wa Ta’âla is Makkah.” (Sahih A‑Bukharî) Rasulullâh Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam stated: “The earth was rolled out from Makkah. Allâh Subhanahu wa Ta’âla stretched (the earth) from underneath it. Thus it is called the mother of all cities.” (Sahih Al‑Bukharî) “The first mountain that was placed on the earth was Abû Qubais.” (ibn Abi Shiba, ibn Abi Hatim and Dailmi from ibn Abbas.) (Abû Qubais is the name of a mountain near Makkah.) “The angels were the first beings to circumambulate around the sacred house, two thousand years before Allâh created Adam, Alayhis Salâm.” (ibn Abi Duniya from Anas ibn Abi Shiba from ibn Abas I Shafi from Ka‑ab Alqirti) “Any angel who is sent by Allâh to the earth for any task, first bathes under the Throne and then dons the ihrâm and commences by making tawâf of Allâh’s House seven times. Then he offers two raka’ât of salâh behind the Maqâm‑e-lbrâhim. They then complete the task (they were sent for). They were not specifically sent to make tawâf of the sacred house.” (ibn Zahira’s Jami‑ul‑Latif) “Whenever any Nabi Alayhum Salâm from (the galaxy of) the Ambiyâ Alayhis Salâm was falsified by his people, he left them and departed for Makkah. Every Nabi Alayhis Salâm who was forced to flee from his people, fled to Makkah. They remained engaged in the worship of Allâh at the Ka’bah until they were faced with certainty and that is death.” (AI‑Fâkihi, Al‑Azraqi) “Around the Ka’bah lies the graves of three hundred prophets.” (Sahih Muslim, Bayhaqî) “Between the Rukn‑ul‑Yamâni and the Rukn‑ul‑Aswad lies the graves of seventy prophets. Each of them died in poverty and lice‑infection (due to non‑availability of water).” (Ibn Abû Zahira’s Jâmi‑ul‑Latîf) “The qabar of Isma’îl and his mother Hajirah’ Alayhum Salâm lies in the Hajar under the Mizâb.” (Azraqi’s A khbâr‑ul‑Makkah) “The graves of Nûh, Hud, Shuaib and Salîh Alayhum Salâm lie between the Zamzam and the Maqâm.” (Azraqi’s Akhbâr‑ul‑Makkah) “There is no city on earth to which all the prophets, the angels, the holy messengers and all the pious servants of Allâh, who reside in the heavens and on earth, including the jinnât, flocked to, except Makkah.” (Sunan ibn Mâjah) “There is no city on earth through which Allâh Subhanahu wa Ta’âla multiplies one good deed by a hundred thousand except Makkah.”(Sahîh Bukharî ibn Hibbân) “Whosoever offers a salâh therein, then that salâh is enhanced a hundred thousand fold over.” (Sahîh Muslim Sunan Nâsa’î) “Whosoever fasts for one day therein, for him is written a hundred thousand fasts.” (Azraqi) “Whosoever gives one dirham therein in charity, Allâh writes for him the reward of having spent a hundred thousand dirhams in charity.” (Ibn Abi Zubair in the Jâmiul Latif quoting from Sunan Tirmidhî) “Anyone who completes the recitation of the full Qur’ân once therein, Allâh records for him the reward of a hundred thousand recitations.” (Baihaqi/ibn Mâjah) “Whosoever glorifies Allâh Subhanahu wa Ta’âla once therein, for him is recorded the rewards of having glorified Allâh Subhanahu wa Ta’âla a hundred thousand times elsewhere. Every good deed which a servant enacts in the haram is equivalent to a hundred thousand deeds enacted elsewhere.” (Sunan Nasa’î) “Each pious deed performed therein is multiplied a hundred thousand fold.” (Sunan Abû Dâwûd) “It is not known of any other city from which Allâh Subhanahu wa Ta’âla, on the day of Qiyâmah, resurrect as many Ambiya, Sufîs, Allâh‑fearing souls, pious people, truthful ones, martyrs, religious people, ‘Ulamâ, jurists, sages, ascetics, devotees, pilgrims, chosen ones and mystics, both males and females as Makkah. Verily they will be resurrected in a state wherein they will be safe from Allâh’s punishment.” (Sahîh Bukharî, Sahîh Muslim) “A day spent in the sanctity of the sacred haram [sanctuary] of Allâh Subhanahu wa Ta’âla is far more superior for you than fasting for an entire year and keeping awake at night in worship for an entire year, in any other city.” (Azraqi) Indeed it is reported that Rasulullâh Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam said: “Do not load your mounts to journey (for the purposes of ibâdah [worship]) except to three places of worship: this Masjid of mine, the Masjid‑ul‑Harâm and the Masjid‑ul‑Aqsa.” (Sahih Muslim, Abu Dâwûd and Muwattâ) Rasulullâh Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam did not specify any other Masjid besides these three. Rasulullâh Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam stated: “A salâh performed in this Masjid of mine is enhanced a thousand times more than performing salâh anywhere else except in the Masjid‑ul‑Haram. Verily a salâh offered therein is enhanced a hundred thousand times.” (Muwattâ) In another narration we read: “A salâh offered in Masjid‑ul‑Aqsa is enhanced fifty thousand times.” “There is no place on earth on which Allâh sends down one hundred and twenty mercies daily except in Makkah. Sixty mercies descend on those engaged in tawâf. Forty on those engaged in salâh. And twenty descend on those who gaze at the Ka’bah. Gazing at the Ka’bah is an act of worship.” (Sahih Bukharî, Tirmidhî, ibn Mâjah) Rasulullâh Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam said: “Whosoever looks at the House of Allâh with faith, hopeful of rewards and acknowledgment, will have all his past and future sins forgiven. He will be resurrected on the day of Qiyâmah with those who have attained salvation. Allâh Subhanahu wa Ta’âla will resurrect its residents on the day of Qiyâmah safe from punishment.” (Azraqi’s Akhbâr‑ul‑Makkah, Jâmiul Latif) “There is no place on earth towards which all the doors of Jannah are opened except Makkah.” (Muwattâ, Musnad Imâm Ahmad) “Indeed Jannah has eight doors. All these eight doors remain permanently opened towards Makkah till the day of Qiyâmah. One of its doors is through the Ka’bah. One door is situated under the Mizâb. One door is situated at the Ruknul Yamani. One door is situated at the Ruknul Aswad. One door is situated behind the Maqâm‑e‑lbrâhim. One door is at Zamzam. One door is at Safâ. One door is at Marwah. Nobody enters the Ka’bah without the mercy of Allâh and nobody departs from there without the forgiveness of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’âla.” (Jâmiul‑Latîf) Allâh Subhanahu wa Ta’âla states: “Whosoever enters it has attained safety (from the fire.)” (Âl‑-Imrân) “There is no place on earth in which du’â is granted at fifteen places except in Makkah. (1) the first is within the precincts of the Ka’bah. A du’â made therein is granted. (2) a du’â made at the Hajre‑Aswad is granted. (3) a du’â made behind the Maqâm‑e‑lbrâhim is granted. (4) a du’â made at the Multazam is granted. (5) a du’â made at the well of Zamzam is granted. (6) a du’â made at Marwah is granted. (7) a du’â made at Minâ is granted. (8) a du’â made between Safâ and Marwah is granted. (9) a du’â made between Marwah and the Maqâm is granted. (10) a du’â made at Arafât is granted. (11) a du’â made at the Mash’arul Harâm is granted. (Sahîh Bukharî, ibn Hibbân, Nasa’î Tirmidhî, Baihaqî, Mustadrak) So my brother, take advantage of making du’â at these ‘places. For verily no du’â is rejected at these places. These are great witnesses where one can be hopeful of forgiveness. Thus strive, my brother, to make dud at these great witnessing places. For verily should you leave Allâh’s sanctuary and safety, you will be deprived of the blessings of these auspicious witnesses. Rasulullâh Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam stated: “Indeed the best, purest, holiest and closest spot to Allâh Subhanahu wa Ta’âla is the place between the Marwah and the Maqâm.” (Sahîh Bukharî, Sunan ibn Mâjah) Rasulullâh Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam stated: “The space between the Ruknul Yamâni and the Hajre Aswad is a garden from the gardens of Jannah.” (Sahih Muslim, Sunan Tirmidhî) Rasulullâh Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam stated: “A du’â made at the Rukn‑ul‑Aswad is most assuredly granted. Similarly at Rukn-ul-Yamâni.” (Azraqi’s Akhbârul Makkah) O my brother, realise that nobody leaves here except with regret. Rasulullâh Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam stated: “Residence in Makkah is a great fortune. And leaving here is a great misfortune.” So stay firm in your place. Beware of feeling uneasy and restless here. For verily uneasiness and restlessness here are indeed the promptings of Shaitân. So do not leave. “Indeed, if you are able to earn two fils (one thousandth of a dinâr) in a halâl way here, that will be better and far more superior for you than two thousand dirhams acquired anywhere else.” (Azraqi’s Akhbâr‑ul‑Makkah) Rasulullâh Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam stated: “A person who passed away while performing the Haj or Umrah will not be questioned (in the qabr) nor will any reckoning be taken from him (on the day of Qiyamah). He will be told: “Enter Jannah in peace with those who have attained salvation.” (Baihaqî) Rastilullah Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam stated: “Anyone who observes the fasts of the month of Ramadân in Makkah, Allâh records for him the reward of a hundred thousand months of fasting in any other city.” (Sunan ibn Mâjah) “The salâh offered in Masjid‑ul‑Harâm is increased by a hundred thousand salâh. For verily one obtains one hundred and fifty million (150,000,000) rewards for a salâh offered therein. (Sahîh Bukharî, Sahîh Muslim) “Anyone who falls ill in Makkah for one day, Allâh Subhanahu wa Ta’âla renders his body and his flesh harâm [forbidden] from the fire of Jahannam.” (Sahîh Bukharî) Rasulullâh Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam stated: “Anyone who falls ill in Makkah for one day, Allâh records for that person the rewards of having done good deeds equivalent to sixty years worship in any other place.” (Muwattâ) “Anyone who endures the heat of Makkah with patience for an hour of the day, Allâh Subhanahu wa Ta’âla will distance that person from the fire of Jahannam by a distance of a journey of five hundred years and bring him closer to Jannah by a distance of a journey of two hundred years. Indeed Makkah and Madinah eject any impurities within them like flames eject rust from iron. Understand carefully! Difficulties and calamities abounded in Makkah right from its inception. Great stages are realised by enduring these difficulties.” (Sahîh Muslim) “Anyone who endures any difficulty experienced in Makkah (with patience), I will intercede and bear witness for him on the day of Qiyâmah.” (Sunan ibn Mâjah) “Anyone who dies in Makkah or in Madinah, will be resurrected by Allâh on the day of Qiyâmah safe from punishment. There will be no reckoning, no fear and no punishment for him. He will enter Jannah in peace. I will intercede for him on the day of Qiyâmah. Know that verily the residents of Makkah are Allâh’s family and they are the neighbours of His sacred house. In no city on the face of this earth will you find the drink of the pious and the musallâh [place of worship] of the chosen except in Makkah.” (Musnad of Imâm Ahmad) Ibn Abbas Radhi Allâhu anhu was asked: “Where is the musallâh of the chosen?” He replied: “Under the mizâb.” He was asked: “What is the drink of the pious?” He replied: “The water of Zamzam.” Hadrat Abdullah ibn Abbâs Radhi Allâhu anhu was the son of Abbâs Radhi Allâhu anhu the uncle, of Rasulullâh Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam and he was the grandson of Abdul Muttalib, the grandfather of RasuluIlâh Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam Rasulullâh Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam, made a du’â that Allâh should grant him a thorough understanding of Dîn and bless him with knowledge of tafsîr and interpretation. He passed away in Tâif in the sixty-eighth year of hijrah. (Tazkiratul Huffâz vol 1, page 40) “The best valley on the face of this earth is the valley of Ibrahim Alayhis Salâm. (Sahih Bukharî, Sunan Tirmidhî) “The best well on the face of this earth is the well of Zamzam.” (Sahîh Muslim) “There is no city in the world in which one finds an object, which when touched by any human being, cleanses him of his sins and leaves him in. the same state as he was on the day his mother gave birth to him, except Makkah.” (Muwattâ) “For verily, anyone who touches the Hajre Aswad is cleansed of his sins just as he was on the day his mother gave birth to him.” (Musnad Imâm Ahmad) “There is no place on the face of this earth about which a divine command was issued that salâh must be performed therein, except Makkah.” (Azraqi’s Akhbârul Makkah) “There is no city on the face of this earth in which a person offers a salâh in accordance with a command which Allâh issued to his Nabî Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam except Makkah.” (Sunan Ibn Mâjah) “For verily the august master Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam narrated that Allâh Subhanahu wa Ta’âla states: ‘Adopt Maqâm‑e‑lbrâhim as a musallâh.” (Sûrah Baqarah) “Anyone who offers salâh behind the Maqâm has attained safety.” (Sahîh Bukharî, Sunan Nasa’î) Rasulullâh Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam said: “All the past and future sins of a person who offers two raka’ât salâh behind the Maqâm‑Ibrâhim are forgiven. And anyone who offers two raka’ât salâh behind the Mizâb is cleansed of all his sins just as he was on the day his mother gave birth to him.” “Anyone who offers two raka’ât salâh around the Ka’bah is relieved of all his sins just as he was on the day his mother gave birth to him.” (Sunan ibn Mâjah) “The most beloved spot to Allâh R is the area between the Maqâm‑e‑lbrâhim and the Multazam.” (Sunan of Tirmidhî and Abû Dawûd) “Gazing at the Ka’bah is ibâdah [worship] and safety from hypocrisy.” (Azraqi) “There is no city on earth in which the rites of tawâf, Hajj and Umrah are all fulfilled except in Makkah. Gazing into the well of Zamzam is worship.” (Jâmiul‑Latif) “One who circumambulates (makes tawâf) around the Holy House is like one who circumambulates around the throne of Rahmân.” (Sunan Dâre Qutni) “The Hajre Aswad is the hand of Allâh Subhanahu wa Ta’âla on His earth. He shakes hands through it with whoever He chooses from His servants.” (Muwattâ) “The Hajre Aswad and the Maqâm‑e‑lbrâhim will be brought on the day of Qiyâmah. Each will be the size of Mount Abû Qubais. They will have eyes, a tongue and lips. They will bear witness for each one who met them in a dignified and respectable way.” (Ibn Hibbân’s Sahîh) It is reported that Rasulullâh Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam said: “Verily the most honoured angels in Allâh’s judgment are those who are engaged in circumambulating (making tawâf) around His throne. Verily the noblest offspring of Adam Alayhis Salâm in Allâh’s judgment are those who are engaged in tawâf [circumambulating] around His Holy House. Anyone who casts one glance at the Holy House will have all his sins forgiven, even though his sins may be as much as the foam of the oceans.” (Qarshi’s Jâmiul Latif) Rasulullâh Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam stated: “Verily Allâh Subhanahu wa Ta’âla has a tablet made of red pearls. Allâh Subhanahu wa Ta’âla looks into it three hundred and sixty times daily. One hundred and eighty gazes are gazes of mercy and one hundred and eighty gazes are gazes of punishment. Indeed the first people Allâh Subhanahu wa Ta’âla looks at with mercy are those who are in His holy sanctuary (the Haram). He forgives whomsoever He sees offering salâh standing. He forgives whomsoever He sees making tawâf. He forgives whomsoever He sees facing the Qiblah sitting. The angels then say (and Allâh has full knowledge) “O our Rabb! Only those who are sleeping remain.” Allâh Subhanahu wa Ta’âla then says: “I include (in My forgiveness) those who are sleeping around My house with those who are forgiven.” (Sunan of Dâre Qutni) Rasulullâh Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam said: “Whosoever makes tawâf around the Holy House seven times, for every step he takes, Allâh Subhanahu wa Ta’âla elevates his stages seventy thousand times and grants him seventy thousand rewards (in lieu of every step). He also grants him the opportunity to intercede on behalf of seventy thousand Muslims from his family. If Allâh wishes, He will accede to his request in this world and if He wishes, He will store it for him in the hereafter.” (Sunan Nasa’î) Rasulullâh Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam said: “If the angels were to shake hands with anyone, then they would have shaken hands with: (1) a warrior in the path of Allâh. (2) one who treats his parents kindly. (3) one who makes tawâf around the house of Allâh.” (Sahîh Muslim, Sahîh Bukharî) Rasulullâh Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam said: The Ka’bah is surrounded by seventy thousand angels. They seek forgiveness and blessings for those who make tawâf.” (Ibn Mâjah) Rasulullâh Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam said: “One who makes tawâf, dives into the mercy of Allâh. Allah lauds those who make tawâf in the celestial circles of the angels. “ (Muwattâ) Rasulullâh Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam said: “Exert yourself in increasing the tawâf of this. (Sacred House) before a barrier is placed before you and it. For verily I can see a man from Africa, bald‑headed, the inner part of his Boot is flat, bow‑legged and flat‑footed, sitting on the Ka’bah and demolishing it brick by brick.” (Sunan Tirmidhî, Nasa’î) Rasulullâh Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam said: “The hujjâj [pilgrims] and the ummâr (people performing umrah) are the deputation of Allâh He grants them whatever they ask of Him. He accepts their dud when they beseech Him. He compensates them for whatever they spend. For each dirham that they spend, He compensates them with seven hundred thousand dirhams.” Another narration states: “For each dirham spent, they are compensated one million seven hundred thousand dirhams in return.” “I swear by Him in whose hands lies my life. The muhill (one who says Lâilâha ila Allâh) does not utter his tahlil (Lâildha illAllâh) nor does the mukabbir (one who says Allâhu Akbar) utter his takbir (Allâhu Akbar) except that everything utters the tahlil and takbir with him including every grain of sand.” A man asked: “O Rasulullâh! When will this increase be realized?” Rasulullâh Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam replied: “I swear by Him in whose hands lies my life. Allâh will most assuredly follow it up with seven hundred thousand dinâr in this world before they depart from here. And the one million will be stored for them in the hereafter. I swear by Him in whose hands lies my life, verily that dirham is weightier than this mountain of theirs.” At this juncture, Rasulullâh Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam pointed towards Mount Abû Qubais. (Jâmiul Latif) Rasulullâh Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam stated: “If it is possible for anyone to die in any one of the two Harams, then let him die there. For I will be the first to intercede on their behalf. They will be safe from the punishment of Allâh It on the day of Qiyâmah. No reckoning will be taken from them nor will they be punished.” (Sunan Tirmidhî, ibn Mâjah, Musnad Imâm Ahmad) Rasulullâh Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam said: “One umrah to the next umrah is a compensation for all sins committed in between. The reward for a hajj‑ul‑mabrûr (a hajj performed with the utmost piety) is Jannah.” (Sunan ibn Mâjah) Rasulullâh Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam said: “An Umrah performed in Ramadân is equivalent to a Hajj.” (Sunan ibn Mâjah) Another narration reads: “A Hajj performed with me.” Rasulullâh Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam said: “No deed is greater than a haj‑e‑mabrûr.” (Sunan Bayhaqi) Rasulullâh Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam said: “The reward for a hajj‑ul‑mabrûr is Jannah.” (Muwattâ) Rasulullâh Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam said: “Whosoever performs the Hajj and does not commit any obscenities nor any sins (during the hajj), will be cleansed of his sins just as the day his mother gave birth to him.” (Musnad Imâm Ahmad) “In the event of anyone bequeathing an amount for a Hajj, the reward of three Hajj is obtained: (1) a Hajj for one who records the bequest. (2) a Hajj for one makes the bequest. (3) a Hajj for one who dons the ihrâm (performs the Hajj.)” (Sunan Nasa’î, ibn Mâjah) “Whosoever performs the Hajj on behalf of his parents, receives the reward for two Hajj. A Hajj for himself and the Hajj of his parents.” (Sahih Bukharî, Muslim, Nasa’î Tirmidhî, Bayhaqî) “Anyone who performs a Hajj on behalf of a deceased person without being bequeathed to do so, then one Hajj is recorded for the deceased, and the reward for seventy Hajj is written for one who performs the hajj on behalf of the deceased. On the night of Arafat, Allâh descends to the skies of this world, looks at His devoted servants and lauds them in the celestial circles of the angels. Allâh declares: “O my angels, do you see My devoted servants? They have arrived from all directions, disheveled and dust‑laden. They are hopeful of My mercy. I call you to bear witness, O my angels, that I have granted (My forgiveness) to the sinners amongst them too. Due to the presence of their pious, I have forgiven them all. O my servants, you have all gained abundantly by having all your past sins forgiven whether they be minor or major, old or new.” A Hajj that was not accepted is better than this world and all that it contains. Those whose Hajj was not accepted are told: “Your sins have left you.” Those whose hajj Allâh accepted, have attained great success.” It was reported that Rasulullâh Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam said: “Anyone who visits me after my death, it is as if he has indeed visited me in my lifetime. And whosoever could not meet me and could not take the Bayat [pledge of allegiance] at my hands, then comes to Madinah after my death, and offers the salân to me and visiting me at my qabr, and offers salâm to Abû Bakr and Umar Radhi Allâhu anhum has indeed taken the bayat by me.” (Musnad Imâm Ahmad) “Anyone who comes to the Ruknul‑Aswad and kisses it, it is as if he has taken the bayat [pledge of allegiance] to Allâh At and His Rasul Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam. ” (Sunan Tirmidhî, ibn Mâjah) Rasulullâh Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam said: “Verily the Marwah (Hajre Aswad) is the right hand of Allâh on earth. Through it, He shakes hands with His devoted servants just as you shake hands with your brother. Anyone who was unable to pledge the bay’at [of allegiance] to Rasulullâh A and makes istilâm [kisses it or touches it] of the Hajre Aswad has indeed pledged the bay’at to Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’âla and His Rasul Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam. (Sahih Bukharî, Sahih Muslim) Rasulullâh Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam said: “Nothing of Jannah remains (in this world) except the Hajr‑e‑Aswad. If it was not for it being polluted by the filth and impurities of the idolaters, then no ill people would have touched it seeking a cure for an ailment except that they would have been cured.” (Muwattâ) “Anyone who died in the Haram is like one who died in the fourth heaven.” (Sahih Bukharî, ibn Hibbân) “One who died in Bait‑ul‑Maqdis, is as if he died in the sky of this world.” (Sahih Muslim) “Anyone who made Hajj of the house of Allâh walking, every time he raises his foot and lowers it to complete his step, he receives seventy thousand rewards from the rewards of the haram.” (Muwatta) Ibn Abbâs Radhi Allâhu anhu commented: “The reward of the Haram is equivalent to a hundred thousand rewards.” Rasulullâh Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam said: “Indeed, for a pilgrim who is mounted, for every stride he takes with his mount, he receives seventy rewards. And the pilgrim who walks, for every step which he takes, he receives seven hundred rewards from the rewards of the haram.” He was asked: “O Rasulullâh Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam what are the rewards of the haram?” Rasulullâh Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam replied: “Each reward is multiplied a hundred thousand times.” (Sahih Muslim ibn Hibbân) It is reported that Rasulullâh Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam said: “From the graves of Makkah, Allâh Subhanahu wa Ta’âla will resurrect seventy thousand martyrs who will enter Jannah without any reckoning. Their faces will shine like the full‑moon. Each of them will intercede on behalf of seventy thousand males.” It was asked: “Who are they, O Rasulullâh?” Rasulullâh Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam replied: “The poor.” (Azraqi) “On the day of Qiyâmah, Allâh will resurrect one who died in the sacred Haram of Allâh Subhanahu wa Ta’âla or in the Haram of Rasulullâh Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam or died between Makkah and Madinah, on Hajj or on Umrah, amongst those who have attained salvation. Indeed love for the water of Zamzam is safety from hypocrisy.” (Sahîh Bukharî, Sahîh Muslim) “Anyone who offers two raka’ât salât near the Hajr‑e‑aswad [black stone] facing the Ruknus Shâmi, it is as if he remained awake (to worship) for seventy thousand nights. And he receives the reward of the worship of all believing men and women. It is also as if he performed forty accepted hajj‑e‑mabrûr.” (Sunan Ibn Mâjah) “Anyone who offered four raka’ât salâh in front of the door of the Ka’bah, it is as if he worshipped Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’âla as much as the worship of His entire creation. Seventy thousand angels send salutations on him.” (Muwattâ) “Anyone who offered two raka’ât salâh behind the Maqâm‑e-lbrâhim, all his past sins are forgiven. And he is granted rewards much more than the combined rewards of all those who offered a salâh behind it (Maqam‑e‑Ibrâhim) Allâh will keep him safe from the great anxiety on the day of Qiyâmah. And Allâh instructs Jibra’îl Alayhis Salâm and Mikâ’îl Alayhis Salâm and all the angels to seek forgiveness for him till the day of Qiyâmah.” (Jâmiul‑Latif)
So take advantage
of all these immense benefits, my brother. And be
careful not to lose them. |
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| Source: | Madrasah Arabia Islamia |
http://www.islamsa.org.za