Beautiful Sunnah's To Do Everyday of Our Lives!

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30. Maghrib Salah

1. After the Adhaan for Maghrib and before Fard of Maghrib no Sunnah Salah should be read.

One should however recite the following:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّ هَذَا إِقْبَالُ لَيْلِكَ وَإِدْبَارُ نَهَارِكَ وَأَصْوَاتُ دُعَاتِكَ فَاغْفِرْ لِي

Allaahummah haadha iqbaalu laylaka Wa id baaru nahaarik wa aswaathu dhu ‘aathika faghfirlee.
“Oh Allah this is the hour of the advent of Your night and the retreat of Your Day and the cry of your petitioners. So grant me forgiveness.” (Mishkaat)

2. During sunset children should be brought it as Shaythaan is out at that time. After Maghrib when darkness has set in then it is safe for them to go out inshallah.

3. Reading the 2 Sunnah’s of Maghrib is Sunnah (Tirmidhi)

4. After the Maghrib Prayer:Muslim Taimi narrates from Prophet Mohammad (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) to recite the following seven times before speaking to anyone:

اللَّهُمَّ أَجِرْنِي مِنَ النَّارِ

Allaahumma Ajirnee minannaar

"O Allah, save me from the fire (Jahannam)."

If a person recites the above dua and dies the same night, he will be saved from Jahannam and if he recites it seven times after Fajr Salaat before speaking to anyone and if he dies on that same day, he will be saved from Jahannam. (Mishkaat from Abu Dawood)

4. Salaatul Awwabeen (Nafl prayers of Maghrib)

After the 3 Fard and 2 Sunnah of Maghrib, performance of the minimum of 6 to a maximum of 20 rakaats is called Salaatul Awwabeen.

1. Awwabeen is the six Rakaats of Salaat after the Maghrib Salaat. It is established from the Hadith:

Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) mentioned,"Whoever performs 6 Rakaats after Maghrib Salaat will earn the reward of 12 years of Nafl Ibadah." (Tirmidhi)

Note: The Sunnah’s of what to recite after the completion of Salah should be read. These Sunnat’s should be conveyed to as many people as possible so that they may benefit too inshallah

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31. Sunnat’s regarding entering the house



1. To recite any Dhikr whilst entering ones home. (Muslim)


2. Enter the home with the right foot and Recite the following:

Allãhumma inni as’aluka khayral mawliji wa khayral makhraji, bismillâh walajnâ wa bismillâhi kharajnâ wa-alallahi rabbinâ tawakkalnâ.

O Allah, I beg of you the blessing of entering and leaving With Allah‘s name do we enter and with Allah’s name do we leave, and upon Allah, our Lord, do we rely. (Abu Dawud)

Also recite:

"بِسْمِ اللهِ وَلَجْنَا، وَ بِسْمِ اللهِ خَرَجْنَا، وَعَلَى رَبِّنَا تَوَكَّلْنَا".

Bismillaahi walajnaa, wa bismillaahi kharajnaa, wa 'alaaRabblnaa tawakkalnaa

In the Name of Allah we enter, in the Name of Allah we leave, and upon our Lord we depend [then say Asalaamu 'Alaikum to those present]. (Abu Dawud 4/325)

3. To greet those present at home with the Islamic greeting whether it be parents, wife, children etc (Abu Dawud)

4. To announce ones arrival at home by knocking or coughing etc (Nisaa’i)

Note: Reason being that incase one enters home or room where ones family member maybe sitting in an embarrassing position etc.

5. One should not sleep before praying Isha Salah (Mishkaat)

This may cause one missing Isha Salah with Jamaat or even miss it altogether if one ends up sleeping throughout the night.

Note: One should spend this time in the evening teaching children about Islam and doing taleem (Teaching) at home even if it’s for a short while as this will bring peace and blessings into the house.

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32. Isha Salaat


Note: It is far better to perform Isha in the first third portion of the night rather than the second or third portion.

1. It is Sunnah to read the 4 rakaat sunnah before the Fard of Isha (Mishkaat)

2. To read 2 Rakaat Sunnah after the Fard of Isha (Mishkaat)

3. If a person performs four Rakaats (two Sunnats and two Nafl) after Isha in the Masjid, he will receive the reward of performing these Salaat on Laylatul Qadr. This has been mentioned by various Sahaaba (Radhiyallahu Anhum) – (refer to Nasbul-Raayah vol. 1 pg. 112)

4. There are Glad tidings of Jannah on the person who performs Isha Salaat with Jamaat on time and on the first takbir (Takbir Oola) (Attargheeb)

5. The person who performs 4 rakaat of Nafl instead of 2 rakaat Nafl after performing 2 rakaat sunnah will receive the reward is if they worshipped on the night of Laylatul Qadr (Attargheeb)

6. One should try not to arrive too late and not too miss Takbir Oola which is the first takbir (Attargheeb)

7. After the 2 rakaat Nafl after the Witr in the first rakaat recite Surah Zilzilah and in the second rakaat recite Surah Kaafirun. The recital of these two rakats will now stand in the place of tahajjud salaat. (Attargheeb)

8. It is disliked (Mukruh) to speak of worldly affairs after Isha unnecessarily. (Mishkaat)

9. There are glad tidings on a person who even though it is a dark and moonless light still goes out to perform Isha in the Masjid (Ibn Majah)

10. In the first Rakaat of Witr after Surah Fatiha recite:

Sabbihissmirabbikal a’alaa (Para 30, Surah No 87)

And in the second Rakaat:

Surah Kaafiroon

In the third Rakaat:

Surah Ikhlaas

Note: Sometimes these Sura’s should be changed so as to not let it be assumed that this is Fard to read it this way all the time.

11. After the three Witr To recite:

Subhaanal Malikil Qudoos

Glory is to the King, the Holy.

12. Three times audibly but not so audibly so as to disturb others and to stretch the last word on the third one recites this. (Mishkaat)

Then to recite: Rabbil-malaa'ikati warroohi.

Lord of the angels and the Spirit. (An-Nasa'i 3/244)

13. Invocation for Qunut in the Witr prayer:
"اللَّهُمَّ إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ، وَلَكَ نُصَلِّي وَنَسْجُدُ، وَإِلَيْكَ نَسْعَى وَنَحْفِدُ، نَرْجُو رَحْمَتَكَ، وَنَخْشَى عَذَابَكَ، إِنَّ عَذَابَكَ بِالْكَافِرِينَ مُلْحَقٌ. اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّا نَسْتَعِينُكَ، وَنَسْتَغْفِرُكَ، وَنُثْنِي عَلَيْكَ الْخَيْرَ، وَلَا نَكْفُرُكَ، وَنُؤْمِنُ بِكَ وَنَخْضَعُ لَكَ، وَنَخْلَعُ مَنْ يَكْفُرُكَ".

Allaahumma 'iyyaaka na'budu, wa laka nusallee wa nasjudu, wa 'ilayka nas'aa wa nahfidu, narjoo rahmataka, wa nakhshaa 'athaabaka, 'inna 'athaabaka bilkaafireena mulhaq. Allaahumma 'innaa nasta'eenuka, wa nastaghfiruka, wa nuthnee 'alaykal-khayr, wa laa nakfuruka, wa nu'minu bika, wa nakhdha'u laka, wa nakhla'u man yakfuruka.

O Allah, You alone do we worship and to You we pray and bow down prostrate. To You we hasten to worship and to serve. Our hope is for Your mercy and we fear Your punishment. Surely, Your punishment of the disbelievers is at hand. O Allah, we seek Your help and Your forgiveness, and we praise You beneficently. We do not deny You and we believe in You. We surrender to You and renounce whoever disbelieves in You. (Al-Baihaqi)

14. To perform every Fard Salah with Jamaat with ‘Takbeere Oola’. (Attargheeb)

15. If one usually wakes up for Tahajjud then one should pray the Witr Salah after the Tahajjud Salah but if there is risk that one will not wake up then it is best to pray the Witr Salah before going to sleep as well as praying Tahajjud Salah.

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33. Sunnah’s of Dua (Supplication)


1. To abstain from haraam (forbidden) food, clothing and earnings. (Muslim, Tirmidhi)

2. To make Dua with sincerity. In other words, one should firmly believe that nobody but Allah Ta’ala will fulfil his objectives. (Hakim)

3. One should perform a good deed prior to making the Dua & he should mention this during the course of the Dua. For e.g. He should say, “O Allah! I had performed so & so deed solely for Your pleasure. O Allah! accept my Dua due to the barkah (blessings) of that deed.” (Muslim, Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud).

4. To make Dua whilst one is Paak & clean. (Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah, Nasai, Ibn Hibbaan, Mustadrak).

5. To make Wudhu before the Dua (All six major hadith collections)

6. To face the Qiblah (All six major hadith collections)

7. To sit as in the Tashahhud position (Abu Awanah)

8. To praise Allah Ta’ala at the beginning as well as at the end of Dua (All six major hadith collections)

9. To convey Durood upon Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) at the beginning as well as the end. (Abu Dawud, Musnad-Ahmad)

10. To spread out both the hands. (Tirmidhi, Mustadrak)

11. To raise both the hands up to the shoulders (Abu Dawud, Musnad-Ahmad)

Note: The hands should be raised to the shoulders in front forming a bowl shape with a slight gap between the palms/hands

12. To sit with humility and respect. (Muslim, Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud)

13. To mention ones helplessness and dependence. (Tirmidhi)

14. To abstain from raising the eyes towards the sky whilst making Dua (Muslim)

15. To mention the Asmaal-Husnaa (the names of Allah Ta’ala) and the sublime qualities Of Allah Ta’ala. (Ibn Hibbaan and Mustadrak)

16. To abstain from ceremonies rhyming of the Dua phrases (Bukhari)

17. To abstain from saying the Dua in a "sing-song" tone if the Dua is in a poetic form (Hisnul Hasin)

18. One should make Dua through the medium of the Ambiyaa (alayhimus-salaam) and other Pious servants. (For e.g. He should say. O Allah! Accepts my Dua through The good offices of these saintly people). (Bukhari, Bazaar, Hakim)

19. To make the Dua in a soft voice (All six major hadith collections on the authority if Abu Musa)

20. To utter the Dua phrases transcribed from Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) because Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) didn’t leave out a single need of the Deen nor of the dunya whilst teaching us how to make Dua (Abu Dawud, Nasai)

21. To make a Dua that encompasses most of the needs of Deen and the dunya. (Abu Dawud)

22. To make Dua in favour of oneself first, thereafter ones parents and to include the other Muslims in the Dua as well (Muslim)

23. If the Imam is making Dua, he should not make Dua for himself only but he should Include all the congregants in the Dua (Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi, and Ibn Majah)

24. Abu Dawud narrates that Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) Said: “the Imam, who makes Dua for himself only, has betrayed the people." In other words, the Imam should not Make a Dua that is restricted to him alone. For e.g. He should not say, "O Allah! cure my son." or "O Allah! Return my lost item." etc. but he should make a Dua that includes the entire congregation for e.g. He may say "O Allah! Forgive us and have mercy upon us."

25. To make Dua with firm conviction (for e.g. he should not say: "O Allah! If you wish fulfil so and so task of mine." (All six major hadith collections)

26. To make Dua with enthusiasm & yearning. (Ibn Hibban & Abu Awanah).

27. As far as possible endeavour to bring about a "presence of heart and mind" and cherish a high hope of the Dua being accepted. (Hakim)

28. To make Dua repeatedly. (Bukhari, Muslim)

29 This repetition should be at least thrice (Abu Dawud)

Note: One may repeat the Dua thrice in none sitting or he may repeat it on three different occasions. The "repetition of the Dua" can be interpreted in both ways.

30. To make Dua earnestly and insistently. (Nasai, Hakim, Abu Awanah)

31. To abstain from making Dua of severing family ties or other sins. (Muslim, Tirmidhi)

32. Avoid making Dua’s of pre-determined and fixed things (for e.g. woman should not make a dua of being transformed into a man or a tall person shouldn't make Dua saying "O Allah! Make me short." etc) (Nasai).

Note: The dua should be made for permissible things.

33. Don't Make Dua for impossible things. (Bukhari)

34. Don't make a Dua in which you ask Allah Ta’ala to confine His mercy to yourself Only (Bukhari, Abu Dawud, Nasai, and Ibn Majah)

35. Ask only Allah Ta’ala alone for all your needs. Do not depend upon His creations. (Tirmidhi/Ibn Hibbaan)

36. The one making the Dua as well as the person listening to it, both should say Ameen at the end. (Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawud, Nasai)

37. Rub both hands over the face at the termination of the Dua (Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi, Ibn Hibbaan, Majah, and Hakim)

38. Don't be impatient over the acceptance of Dua’s. In other words, don't say: "I've made Dua repeatedly but to no avail." (Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawud, Nasai, Ibn Majah)

39. Try to cry whilst making dua to Allah as he attends to his servants quicker when they are crying with meekness and humility just as a mother tends to her baby quickly when it cries out for its mother. If one cannot cry then one must at least try and simulate the act of crying.

Note: The dua should be concluded with Durood and Ameen.

40. When dua’s are answered Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) has taught us to be thankful and appreciative by saying:-

Alhamdulillaahilladhee be ‘izzathihee wa jalaa lihee tha thimmuswaaleehaath

“Praise be to Allah that good works have been accomplished by his Power and Glory.” (Hakim)

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34. Recitation of the Qur'an

Etiquette of reciting the Qur’an

1. Firstly to ensure that ones body and clothes are clean.

2. To make Wudhu before reciting the Qur’an

3. To make sure that the surroundings and the area where one is going to recite the Qur’an is clean.

4. To use Miswaak before reciting the Qur’an

5. To sit facing the Qiblah.

6. To place the Qur’an in a slightly elevated position.

7. Not to feel the urge and need to hasten or finish recitation quickly.

8. To be emotional and weep when reading certain verses like verses of fear and Jahannam and to express happiness and jot when reading the verses of Jannah and glad tidings.

9. One has to imagine, according to Imam Al-Nawawi, that he is talking with Allah, since one recites His Real Words, and He sees us.

10. To read with Tajweed (correct pronunciation).

11. To read “A’oozu Billaahi minashaythanirajeem” and “Bismillah” at the beginning of recitation of each Surah.

12. To read with a sweet distinct and pleasing voice and not a “singing” tone.

13. To read in a loud voice but if one fears insincerity or risk of Showing off or disturbing others then one should read in a low tone especially as not to disturb those who are praying Salah

14. To refrain from idle talk whilst reading the Qur’an. However if one is compelled to talk or answer Salaam then one can do so and start again with “A’oozu Billahi” and “Bismillah”.

15. Rasulallah did not finish the whole Qur’an in less than 3 days. (Ibn Saad)

16. One should not use saliva on the fingers to turn the pages of the Qur'an.

17. When one fears that a Qur'an may burn, get soaked, that a non-Muslim may touch it, or that it may come into contact with some filth, then one must pick it up if there is no safe place for it, even if one is not in the state of Wudhu or is in need of the obligatory bath, though performing the dry ablution (Tayummum) is Waajib if possible.

18. It is haraam (forbidden) to use the Qur'an or any book of Islamic knowledge as a pillow.


Imam Muhammad Ibn Ahmad Qurtubi says in al-Jami' li ahkam al-Qur'an

[Taken from Reliance of the Traveller]

It is the inviolability of the Qur'an:

1. Not to touch the Qur'an except in the state of ritual purity in Wudhu, and to recite it when in a state of ritual purity;

2. To brush one's teeth with a tooth stick (Siwak), remove food particles from between the them, and to freshen one's mouth before reciting, since it is the way through which the Qur'an passes;

3. To sit up straight if not in prayer, and not lean back;

4. To dress for reciting as if intending to visit a prince, for the reciter is engaged in an intimate discourse;

5. To face the direction of prayer (Qiblah) to recite;

6. To rinse the mouth out with water if one coughs up mucus or phlegm;

7. To stop reciting when one yawns, for when reciting, one is addressing one's Lord in intimate conversation, while yawning is from the Devil;

8. When beginning to recite, to take refuge from in Allah from the accursed Devil and say the “Bismillah”, whether one has begun at the first Surah or some other part one has reached;
9. Once one has begun, not to interrupt one's recital from moment to moment with human words, unless absolutely necessary;

10. To be alone when reciting it, so that no one interrupts one, forcing one to mix the words of the Quran with replying, for this nullifies the effectiveness of having taken refuge in Allah from the Devil at the beginning;

11. To recite it leisurely and without haste, distinctly pronouncing each letter;

12. To use one's mind and understanding in order to comprehend what is being said to one;

13. to pause at verses that promise Allah's favour, to long for Allah Most High and ask of His bounty; and at verses that warn of His punishment to ask Him to save one from it;

14. To pause at the accounts of bygone peoples and individuals to heed and benefit from their example;

15. To find out the meanings of the Qur'an's unusual lexical usages;

16. To give each letter it’s due so as to clearly and fully pronounce every word, for each letter counts as ten good deeds;

17. Whenever one finishes reciting, to attest to the veracity of one’s Lord, and that His messenger (Allah bless him and grant him peace) has delivered his message, and to testify to this, saying: "Our Lord, You have spoken the truth, Your Messengers have delivered their tidings, and bear witness to this. O Allah, make us of those who bear witness to the truth and who act with justice": after which one supplicates Allah with prayers.

18. Not to select certain verses from each Surah to recite, but rather the recite the whole Surah;

19. If one puts down the Quran, not to leave it open;

20. Not to place other books upon the Quran, this should always be higher than all other books, whether they are books of Sacred Knowledge or something else;

21. To place the Quran on one's lap when reading; or on something in front of one, not on the floor;

22. Not to wipe it from a slate with spittle, but rather wash it off with water; and if one washes it off with water, to avoid putting the water where there are unclean substances (Najaasat) or where people walk. Such water has its own inviolability, and there were those of the early Muslims before us who used water that washed away Quran to affect cures.

23. Not to use sheets upon which it has been written as book covers, which is extremely rude, but rather to erase the Quran from them with water;

24. Not to let a day go by without looking at least once at the pages of the Quran;

25. To give one's eyes their share of looking at it, for the eyes lead to the soul (Nafs), whereas there is a veil between the breast and the soul, and the Quran is in the breast.

26. Not to trivially quote the Quran at the occurrence of everyday events, as by saying, for example, when someone comes, "You have come hither according to a decree, O Moses" [Qur’an 69:24],

Or,”Eat and drink heartily for what you have done aforetimes, in days gone by" [Qur'an 69:24], when food is brought out, and so forth;

27. Not to recite it to songs tunes like those of the corrupt, or with the tremulous tones of Christians or the plaintiveness of monkery, all of which is misguidance;

28. When writing the Qur'an to do so in a clear, elegant hand;

29. Not to recite it out aloud over another's reciting of it, so as to spoil it for him or make him resent what he hears, making it as if it were some kind of competition;

30. Not to recite it in marketplaces, places of clamour and frivolity, or where fools gather;

31. Not to use the Qur'an as pillow, or lean upon it;

32. Not to toss it when one wants to hand it to another;

33. Not to miniaturize the Qur'an, mix into it what is not of it, or mingle this worldly adornment with it by embellishing or writing it with gold;

34. Not to write it on the ground or on walls, as is done in some new mosques;

35. not to write an amulet with it and enter the lavatory, unless it is encased in leather, silver, or other, for then it is as if kept in the heart;

36. if one writes it and then drinks it (for cure or other purpose), one should say the Bismillah at every breath and make a noble and worthy intention, for Allah only gives to one according to one's intention;

37. And if one finishes reciting the entire Qur'an, to begin it anew, that it may not resemble something that has been abandoned.


Etiquettes and Rules of Tilaawat:


1. To memorize one Ayah of the Quran is Fard-e-Aeen on every Mukallaf Muslim; to memorize the entire Holy Quran is Fard-e-Kafyah; to memorize Surah Fatiha and a small Surah or something similar like three small Ayahs or one long Ayah is Wajib-e-Aeen. (Dar al Mukhtar)

2. To read the Holy Quran while looking at it is better then reading without looking at it because in this case one touches the Holy Quran, sees the Holy Quran, and reads the Holy Quran and all this is Ibadah. (Bahar-e-Shariat)

3. To read the Holy Quran in the restroom and such places of impurity is not allowed (Na-Jaiz)
4. If somebody is reciting the Quran incorrectly then it is Wajib to tell him/her unless if one fears jealousy and hate. (Gunyah)

5. To memorize the Holy Quran and then to forget it is a sin.

6. It is from the etiquettes of respecting the Holy Quran that one does not put their back towards the Quran or spread their legs towards the Quran or sit in a high place when the Quran is beneath. (Bahar –e- Shari’at)

7. During recitation reflect on what you are reading. For example, when reading about punishment, one should repent; when reading about paradise, one should rejoice and pray for Jannah.

8. The way to do Sajdah of Tilaawat is as follows: If one hears or reads the Ayah of Sajdah then he should stand with the intention of performing the Sajdah of Tilaawat and say “Allaahu Akbar” and then should go straight into Sajdah and recite the Tasbih of Sajdah at least three times. Then one should say “Allaahu Akbar” and then stand up. To say Allaahu Akbar both times is Sunnah. Similarly, to stand before and after the Sajdah is Musthahab (preferable). (Dar al Mukhtar)

Reciting Qur’an whilst in Qiyaam (Standing in prayer)

Abd-Allah Ibn ‘Amr Ibn al-‘Aas narrated that the Prophet (Salallahu Alaihi wasallam)said:Whoever recites ten Aayah (verses) in qiyaam will not be recorded as one of the forgetful. Whoever recites a hundred Aayah (verses) in qiyaam will be recorded as one of the devout, and whoever prays a thousand Aayah (verses) in qiyaam will be recorded as one of the muqantareen (those who pile up good deeds).” (Reported by Abu Dawood and Ibn Hibbaan. It is a hasan report. Sahih al-Attargheeb, 635).

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35. Sunnah’s of the Night


1. If after Isha one does not have anything important to do like any Religious or any other commitments then one should go early to bed and avoid useless talk and gatherings. Going to bed early assists one in waking up early for worship as well as waking up fresher for the new day in order to work or to carry out daily tasks.

2. Recite: Bismillah بِسْمِ اللَّهِ (In the name of Allah) before closing the doors of the house, before covering utensils with food in them, switch off or turn off fires, light etc (Bukhari)
If one cannot find anything with which to cover the utensil then one should place a stick across the top of the utensil. (Muslim-Vol.2, pg.170)

3. To discuss with family members matters pertaining to Islam like stories of the Sahaba’s or reminders that will help increase Imaan (faith). Or to simply talk about matters that please them without getting into useless talk. (Tirmidhi)

4. Children who are aged nine or ten years of age should be separated from females in one room and males in another. (Mishkaat)

5. Apply Surma (Kohl) in each eye three times (Mishkaat)

6. To lay or spread the bed oneself (Muslim)

7. Before climbing into bed, dust the bed thrice with the corner of your clothes. (Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawood, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah)

8. Recite ‘Bismillah’ when removing clothing as it is a cover and protection from Jinn and Shaythaan.

9. To make Miswaak before retiring to bed even if one has already made it for Isha salaat.

10. To use a pillow to rest ones head on (Muslim)

11. Rasulallah pillow was made of leather filled with palm leaves (date leaves).

12. To use leather and hide as bedding for sleeping

13. To use straw mat for sleeping

14. To sleep on a mat or carpet made of cloth

15. To sleep on the floor

16. To sleep on a bed (Nashrut Tib)


Note: To sleep on any of the above with the intention of Sunnah shall merit reward inshallah

17. If one does any of the above with the intention of sunnah then one will receive reward inshallah.

18. To sleep in a state of Wudhu, (Attargheeb)

19. It is prohibited to sleep on ones stomach as Shaythaan sleeps on his stomach (Tirmidhi)

20. It is also prohibited to sleep on the back with the one leg on top of the other (Muslim)

Note: If there is no fear of exposing ones private parts then it is permissible to sleep in this manner but one should be careful.

21. To sleep on the right side, facing towards the Qiblah (Bukhari)

22. To sleep with the right hand underneath the face like a pillow and with the knees slightly bent (Like in the recovery position)

23. One should also recite Surah Mulk before sleeping as it is saves one from the grave punishment. Surah Mulk should also be read as well as Surah Yaasin.

24. Surah Waaqi’a should be read before sleeping as it saves one from hunger and poverty (Attargheeb)

25. When one goes to bed then do the following: ‘When retiring to his bed every night, the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam)would hold his palms together, spit (A form of spitting comprising mainly of air with little spittle) in them, recite the last three chapters (Al-Ikhlaas, Al-Falaq, An-Naas) of the Quran and then wipe over his entire body as much as possible with his hands, beginning with his head and face and then all parts of the body, he would do this 3 times.’ (Tirmidhi)

26. Whoever reads this when he lies down to sleep will have a guardian from Allah remain with him and Satan will not be able to come near him until he rises in the morning:

"اللهُ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْقَيُّومُ لَا تَأْخُذُهُ سِنَةٌ وَلَا نَوْمٌ لَهُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَمَا فِي الْأَرْضِ مَنْ ذَا الَّذِي يَشْفَعُ عِنْدَهُ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِهِ يَعْلَمُ مَا بَيْنَ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمَا خَلْفَهُمْ وَلَا يُحِيطُونَ بِشَيْءٍ مِنْ عِلْمِهِ إِلَّا بِمَا شَاءَ وَسِعَ كُرْسِيُّهُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضَ وَلَا يَئُودُهُ حِفْظُهُمَا وَهُوَ الْعَلِيُّ الْعَظِيمُ".

Allaahu laa 'ilaaha 'illaa Huwal-Hayyul-Qayyoom, laa ta'khuthuhu sinatun wa laa nawm, lahu maa fis-samaawaati wa maa fil-'ardh, man thal-lathee yashfa'u 'indahu 'illaa bi'ithnihi, ya'lamu maa bayna 'aydeehim wa maa khalfahum, wa laa yuheetoona bishay'im-min 'ilmihi 'illaa bimaa shaa'a, wasi'a kursiyyuhus-samaawaati wal'ardha, wa laa ya'ooduhu hifdhuhumaa, wa Huwal- 'Aliyyul- 'Adheem.

Allah! There is no God but He, the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except with His Permission? He knows what happens to them in this world, and what will happen to them in the Hereafter. And they will never encompass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Throne extends over the heavens and the earth, and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great. (Al-Bukhari)

27. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam)said:‘whoever reads this when he lies down to sleep will have a guardian from Allah remain with him and Satan will not be able to come near him until he rises in the morning:

"آمَنَ الرَّسُولُ بِمَا أُنْزِلَ إِلَيْهِ مِنْ رَبِّهِ وَالْمُؤْمِنُونَ كُلٌّ آمَنَ بِاللهِ وَمَلَائِكَتِهِ وَكُتُبِهِ وَرُسُلِهِ لَا نُفَرِّقُ بَيْنَ أَحَدٍ مِنْ رُسُلِهِ وَقَالُوا سَمِعْنَا وَأَطَعْنَا غُفْرَانَكَ رَبَّنَا وَإِلَيْكَ الْمَصِيرُ ۞ لَا يُكَلِّفُ اللهُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا لَهَا مَا كَسَبَتْ وَعَلَيْهَا مَا اكْتَسَبَتْ رَبَّنَا لَا تُؤَاخِذْنَا إِنْ نَسِينَا أَوْ أَخْطَأْنَا رَبَّنَا وَلَا تَحْمِلْ عَلَيْنَا إِصْرًا كَمَا حَمَلْتَهُ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِنَا رَبَّنَا وَلَا تُحَمِّلْنَا مَا لَا طَاقَةَ لَنَا بِهِ وَاعْفُ عَنَّا وَاغْفِرْ لَنَا وَارْحَمْنَا أَنْتَ مَوْلَانَا فَانْصُرْنَا عَلَى الْقَوْمِ الْكَافِرِينَ"[Al-Baqarah: 285-286]

'Aamanar-Rasoolu bimaa 'unzila mir-Rabbihi walmu'minoon, kullun 'aamana billaahi wa malaa'ikatihi wa Kutubihi wa Rusulihi, laa nufarriqu bayna 'ahadim-mir-Rusulihi, wa qaaloo sami'naa wa 'ata'naa ghufraanaka Rabbanaa wa 'ilaykal-maseer. Laa yukallifullaahu nafsan 'illaa wus'ahaa, lahaa maa kasabat wa 'alayhaa mak-tasabat, Rabbanaa laa tu'aakhithnaa 'in naseenaa 'aw 'akhta'naa, Rabbanaa wa laa tahmil 'alaynaa 'isran kamaa hamaltahu 'alal-latheena min qablinaa, Rabbanaa wa laa tuhammilnaa maa laa taaqata lanaa bihi, wa'fu 'annaa, waghfir lanaa warhamnaa, 'Anta Mawlaanaa fansurnaa 'alal-qawmil-kaafireen.

The Messenger believes in what has been send down to him from his Lord, and so do the believers. Each one believes in Allah, His Angels, His Books, and His Messengers. They say: "We make no distinction between any of His Messengers," and they say: "We hear, and we obey. (We seek) Your Forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the return." Allah burdens not a person beyond what he can bear. He gets reward for that (good) which he has earned, and he is punished for that (evil) which he has earned. Our Lord! Punish us not if we forget or fall into error. Our Lord! Lay not on us a burden like that which You did lay on those before us. Our Lord! Put not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. Pardon us and grant us forgiveness. Have mercy on us. You are our Protector, and help us against the disbelieving people. (Muslim 1/554)

28. Also reciting the ten verses in Surah Baqarah at night is said to ward away Shaythaan and calamities, illnesses, worries from ones home so ones whole family is protected that night.

Those 10 verses are: The first four ayah’s of Surah Baqarah; Ayat ul Kursi and the two verses following it and the last three verses of the Surah.

29. ‘If one of you rises from his bed and then returns to it he should dust it with the edge of his garment three times for he does not know what has occurred in his absence and when he lies down he should supplicate:

بِاسْمِكَ رَبِّي وَضَعْتُ جَنْبِي، وَبِكَ أَرْفَعُهُ، فَإِنْ أَمْسَكْتَ نَفْسِي فَارْحَمْهَا، وَإِنْ أَرْسَلْتَهَا فَاحْفَظْهَا، بِمَا تَحْفَظُ بِهِ عِبَادَكَ الصَّالِحِينَ".

Bismika Rabbee wadha'tu janbee, wa bika 'arfa'uhu, fa'in 'amsakta nafsee farhamhaa, wa 'in 'arsaltahaa fahfadhhaa, bimaa tahfadhu bihi 'ibaadakas-saaliheen.

‘In Your name my Lord, I lie down and in Your name I rise, so if You should take my soul then have mercy upon it, and if You should return my soul then protect it in the manner You do so with Your righteous servants.’ (Al-Bukhari 1 1/ 126 and Muslim 4/2084)

30. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) would place his right hand under his cheek when about to sleep and supplicate:

"اللَّهُمَّ قِنِي عَذَابَكَ يَوْمَ تَبْعَثُ عِبَادَكَ".

Allaahumma qinee 'athaabaka yawma tab'athu 'ibaadaka.(Three times).

‘O Allah, protect me from Your punishment on the day Your servants are resurrected.’ (Abu Dawud 4/311)

31. Also read this dua:

"بِاسْمِكَ اللَّهُمَّ أَمُوتُ وَأَحْيَا".

Bismikal-lahumma amootu wa-ahya.

‘In Your name O Allah, I live and die.’ (Muslim 4/ 2083)

32. Recite the following Asthaghfaar three times:


Asthaghfirullah halladhee laa ilaaha ilallahuwal hayyul qayyumu wa athubu ilay

I seek forgiveness from Allah besides whom there is none worthy of worship, the living, the sustainer of life and to Him i repent. (Tirmidhi-Vol.2, pg.177)

33. ‘Shall I not direct you both (The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) was addressing Ali and Fatimah- May Allah be pleased with them) when they approached him for a servant) to something better than a servant? When you go to bed say:

سبحان الله Subhaanallah. (Thirty-three times)

Alhamdulillah. (Thirty-three times)

Allaahu Akbar. (Thirty-four times)

…for that is indeed better for you both than a servant.’

Also read Kalimah Tayyaba afterwards:

34. Before you go to bed perform ablutions as you would for prayer, then lie down on your right side and say:

"اللَّهُمَّ أَسْلَمْتُ نَفْسِي إِلَيْكَ، وَفَوَّضْتُ أَمْرِي إِلَيْكَ، وَوَجَّهْتُ وَجْهِي إِلَيْكَ، وَأَلْجَأْتُ ظَهْرِي إِلَيْكَ، رَغْبَةً وَرَهْبَةً إِلَيْكَ، لَا مَلْجَأَ وَلّا مَنْجَا مِنْكَ إِلَّا إِلَيْكَ، آمَنْتُ بِكِتَابِكَ وَبِنَبِيِّكَ الَّذِي أَرْسَلْتَ".

Allahumma aslamtu nafsee ilayk, wafawwadtu amree ilayk, wawajjahtu wajhee ilayk, wa-alja/tu thahree ilayk, raghbatan warahbatan ilayk, la maljaa wala manja minka illa ilayk, amantu bikitabikal-lathee anzalt, wabinabiyyikal-lathee arsalt.

‘O Allah, I submit my soul unto You, and I entrust my affair unto You, and I turn my face towards You, and I totally rely on You, in hope and fear of You. Verily there is neither refuge nor safe haven from You except with You. I believe in Your Book which You have revealed and in Your Prophet whom You have sent.’

The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said: "Whoever says this and dies in his sleep has died in a state of the natural monotheism (Fitrah)." (Al-Bukhari, Muslim 4/2081)

Fitrah: the religion of Islam, the way of Ibraheem.

35. To recite Bismillah 21 times is said to save ones home from theft and the evil effects of Shaythaan and sudden death. (Amal al-Yowm Wal Laylah)

36. Recite durood whilst falling asleep.

37. Dhikr is a cleanser (purifier) of the heart. (Baihaqi)

38. The remembrance of Allah just as in is about to sleep shall be a means of that person achieving high stages in Jannah. (Attargheeb)

….When you go to bed, glorify Him and praise Him and magnify Him one hundred times: that will be one hundred on the tongue and a thousand in the scales. Who among you does 2500 sayi’aat (bad deeds) in one day?’ They said:‘How could we not count (our sins)?’ He said: ‘The Shaytaan comes to any one of you whilst he is praying and says, Remember this, remember that, until he finishes his prayer and does not do (this Dhikr), or he comes to him when he is lying down and makes him sleepy, until he falls asleep (without doing this Dhikr).’” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, 3332)


39. Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam)has stated that whosoever goes to bed in a state of purity (i.e. Wudhu) and such a person remembers Almighty Allah until he falls asleep then, whatever dua such a person makes (whether pertaining to this world or the next) while asleep and turning side to side, such dua’s shall certainly be granted to him by Almighty Allah. (Mishkaat)

40. To keep the prayer mat near ones head or besides bed before sleeping (Nisaa’i)

41. Precaution should be taken that children do not notice marital relations between husband and wife (Mishkaat)

42. At the time of difficulty when Sleeping:

Zaid bin Thaabit (Ra)complained to Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam)of not being able to go to sleep at times and Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam)advised him to recite the following dua:

اللَّهُمَّ غَارَتِ النُّجُومُ وَهَدَأَتِ الْعُيُونُ وَأَنْتَ حَيٌّ قَيُّومٌ * لَا تَأْخُذُكَ سِنَةٌ وَلَا نَوْمٌ يَا حَيُّ يَا قَيُّومُ أَهْدِئْ لَيْلِي وَأَنِمْ عَيْنِي

Allahummah ghaarithinnujumu wa hadaathil uyoonu wa antha hayyun qayyumulla tha’ khudhu ka sinathuwalaa nawmun yaa hayyun yaa qayyoomu a’hde’ laylee wa anim ‘aynee

Oh Allah the stars have sunk in and the eyes have become tranquil and quite and You are alive and ever lasting neither does sleep overcome You. Oh the living and ever lasting one make my night my tranquil and give my eyes sleep. (Ibn Sunni, Hisnul Hasin)

43. If afraid to go to sleep or feeling lonely or depressed then recite:

"أَعُوذُ بِكَلِمَاتِ اللهِ التَّامَّاتِ مِنْ غَضَبِهِ وَعِقَابِهِ، وَشَرِّ عِبَادِهِ، وَمِنْ هَمَزَاتِ الشَّيَاطِينِ وَأَنْ يَحْضُرُونِ".

'A'oothu bikalimaatil-laahit-taammaati min ghadhabihi wa 'iqaabihi, wa sharri 'ibaadihi, wa min hamazaatish-shayaateeni wa 'an yahdhuroon.

I seek refuge in the Perfect Words of Allah from His anger and His punishment, from the evil of His slaves and from the taunts of devils and from their presence. (Abu Dawud 4/12, At- Tirmithi 3/171)

44. This is to be recited if you turn over in bed during the night:

"لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللهُ الْوَاحِدُ اْقَهَّارُ، رَبُّ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَا الْعَزِيزُ الْغَفَّارُ".
Laa 'ilaaha 'illallaahul-Waahidul-Qahhaaru, Rabbus-samaawaati wal'ardhi wa maa baynahumal-'Azeezul-Ghaffaaru.

There is none worthy of worship but Allah, the One, the Victorious, Lord of the heavens and the earth and all that is between them, the All-Mighty, the All-Forgiving. (See An-Nasa'i, 'Amalul-Yawm wal-Laylah, and Ibn As-Sunni)

45. If after sleeping one experiences a pleasant dream then when ones eyes open then say: “Alhamdulillah” – All Praise be to Allah, then the pleasant dream should only be revealed to trustworthy learned ones so that the dream can be interpreted correctly.

46. If one experiences an unpleasant dream then one should spit (A form of spitting comprising mainly of air with little spittle) three times on the left side and then recite three times:

“Audhobillaahi Minashaythaanirajeem”. Also change one’s position to the other side and sleep. (Muslim-Vol.2, chapter of dreams)

47. The dream should NOT be revealed to anyone then it will bring no harm to the person (Bukhari, Muslim)

48. To have water and Miswaak ready in advance for Wudhu (Muslim)

49. To sleep with the intention of getting up for Tahajjud (Nisaa’i)

50. To read Tahajjud salaat before Subho Sadiq (Dawn) (Mishkaat)

51. Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam)read long rak’ahs which caused swelling of his blessed feet. Whilst reciting Qur’an in Salaah Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam)used to cry excessively and this caused a wheezing sound coming from his blessed chest as if a pot was being boiled. This is due to the fear Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam)had of Almighty Allah.

52. It is recommended to start the night vigil with two short rakats, because of the hadith of Abu Hurraira that the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam)said, “It you get up for night prayer, start with two short rakats.” [Muslim, Ahmad, Abu Dawud]

53. Abu Hurraira (Ra)reports that the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) was asked, “What prayer is most virtuous, after the obligatory prayers?” He said, “Prayer in the depths of the night.” (Muslim, Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi, Nisaa’i, Ibn Majah)

54. For Tahajjud one should read at least 2 Rak’ahs and a maximum of 12 rak’ahs. This is Sunnah. However there is no limit for (Nafil) voluntary worship. One may also do a lot of Dhikrullah as well as recitation of the Qur’an.

55. The dua's at the time of Tahajjud are very readily accepted by Almighty Allah and one should repent and ask of Allah and try to cry in their dua's at this time, if one cannot cry due to the hardness of ones heart due to sin then at least one should make the face as if one is crying. Just as a mother tends to her baby quickly and promptly when it cries the same way Allah attends to his servant quicker when they are crying.

We should try and pray Tahajjud every night as it is one of the best and most rewarding Nafil prayers and makes it possible for one to gain the top ranks of Jannah (Heaven). If not then at least pray it as much as we can.

Ibn Mas’ud (Ra) was asked, ‘I cannot pray at night.’ He said, ‘Your sins have prevented you.’

If one is overcome by sleep then it is best to sleep but one should always ensure that one does not miss their Fajr. Men should do their best to attend Fajr with Jamaat as this is huge rewards and women get the same reward for praying at home.

[Hamza81]

36. Sunnah’s especially for females


1. If a female must set out of the house out of necessity then she should walk on the side and not the middle of any street or path way (Abu Dawud)

2. It is preferable that a female be content with silver jewellery and not demand or insist on Gold. (Ibid)

3. Whosoever out of vanity and pride wears Gold jewellery shall be punished in the hereafter. (Ibid)

4. Females should not wear jewellery or accessories that make a jingling sound with movement so as to attract attention upon herself. The same applies to wearing high heels which are wrong to attract attention and also cause a lot of noise when walking.

5. It is preferable for females to keep using mendhi (henna) on the hands. (Ibid)

6. Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) stated that the perfume used by females should not have a smell. (Ibid)

Note: The perfume that is worn out must not be so strong so that other men may be able to smell and not so much that it leaves a trail behind.

7. Females including young girls should not wear thin clothes that are see through. The clothes should be thick enough not to be see through.

8. Females should also not wear tight fitting clothes which reveal the figure and definitions. They should also not wear clothes that are too bright so as to avoid attracting attention upon herself.

9. A female should not wear so much make up when going out so as to look too done up when going out. Kohl can be applied if there is no risk of fitna but one should always be careful when going out as beautified eyes can attract a lot of attention.

Note: If front of her husband she can dress and wear as much make up as she wants.

10. If the headgear is thin then a thick scarf should be worn below it. In a similar manner if the clothes are also thin then a thick loose fitting petticoat (undergarment)should be worn below such clothing. (Ibid)

11. Females must not wear clothes which reveal the contours and shapes of their bodily definitions. For such clothing is not hijaab but shows the women wanting to actually invite attention upon herself.

12. A female must not remain at any time in the company of strangers i.e. one whom she is not prohibited from marrying.

13. The Muslim women is a beautiful jewel whose beauty should only be admired by her husband and not non mahram’s.

[Hamza81]

37. Sunnah’s when a child is born


1. It is a truly joyous occasion when parents are blessed with the birth of a child. They are truly lucky because not all parents are able to have children. However, the extent of such happiness is dependant upon the extent to which the Shari’at is observed and that all other traditions and rituals are cast aside since they are not a part of Islam.

2. Hadhrat Fatima (RA) reports: “When it was time for me to deliver my child then Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam)sent Hadhrat Umme Salma (RA) and Hadhrat Zainub (RA) to me with instruction that they read Ayat ul Kursi, Surat Al Falaq and An Naas and the following verse for an easier delivery:



Surah Al-A'raf -7:54, 55: Inna rabba kumulladhee khalaqassaamaawaathi wal arda fee sithathi ayyaamin thummas thawaa alal arsh. Yugh shillaylannahaara yath lubuhoo hatheethaa. Washamsa wal qamara wannujuma musakharaathimm bi amrih. alaa lahul khalqu wal amr. Thabaarakallaahu rabbul aalameen. Ud ‘oo rabba kum thadwarru a’wa khufyah. Innahu laa yuhibbul mu’thadeen.(Extract - Upbringing of Children, Moulana Moosa ibn Ahmad Olgar)

3. The after birth Placenta and navel cord should be buried with due care as they are parts of the human body.

4. Upon birth the newly born child should be given a proper Ghusl.

5. Thereafter the first words to reach the child’s ears should be the message of the greatness and oneness of Allah Almighty and the Prophet Hood of Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) .This is done by giving the Adhaan near the child's right ear and Iqaamah close to the child's left ear. This noble act should be done by an Aalim or pious elder of the family. If such a person is not immediately available then any Muslim male may perform this Sunnah. Vol.1, (Abu Dawood, pg. 340)

6. To perform Tahneek (placing a date softened by chewing on the tongue of the newborn). Dry dates should be given to a pious person to chew and then it should be applied in the mouth of the baby, or the baby should be made to suck it. The pious person should also be requested to make dua. (Bukhari)

7. The act of Tahneek should also be the prerogative of an aalim or pious elder of the family but as again if such person is not immediately available then it may be performed by any Muslim male.

8. Honey is substituted for dates if dates are not readily available. (Bukhari)

9. Al-Nawawi (Ra) said:

The scholars are agreed that it is Musthahab (preferable) to do Tahneek with dates for the child when he is born; if that is not possible then to use some similar kind of sweet. The dates should be chewed until they become soft enough to be swallowed, then the child’s mouth should be opened and a little of the dates put in his mouth.
(Sharh al-Nawawi ‘ala Muslim, 14/122-123)

10. The child should be given a suitable name on the seventh day. (Abu Dawood)

11. It was narrated from Naafi’ (RA) that Ibn ‘Umar (RA) said: The Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam): “The most beloved of your names to Allah are ‘Abd-Allah and ‘Abd al-Rahmaan.” (Muslim, 2132)

12. It is Musthahab (preferable) to give the child a Prophet’s (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) name: It was narrated that Annas Ibn Malik said: The Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “A child was born to me last night and I called him by the name of my father Ibraheem.” (Muslim, 2315)

13. It is Musthahab to name the child on the seventh day, but there is nothing wrong with naming him on the day of his birth, because of the hadith quoted above.

It was narrated from Samurah Ibn Jundub that the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)said: “Every child is in pledge for his ‘Aqeeqa which should be slaughtered for him on the seventh day, his head should be shaved and he should be named. (Abu Dawood, 2838)

14. Ibn al-Qayyim (RA) said:

The purpose of naming is to define the thing named, because if there is something whose name is unknown it is difficult to refer to it. So it is permissible to name him (the child) on the day he is born, and it is permissible to delay the naming until the third day, or until the day of the ‘Aqeeqa, or before or after that. The matter is broad in scope.” (Tuhfat al-Mawlood, p. 111)

15. It is Sunnah to shave the child’s head on the seventh day and to give the weight of the hair in silver in charity

It was narrated that ‘Ali Ibn Abu Taalib (RA) said: The Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)slaughtered a sheep as the ‘Aqeeqa for al-Hasan, and he said, “O Fatima, shave his head and give the weight of his hair in silver in charity.” So she weighed it and its weight was a dirham or part of a dirham.
(Tirmidhi, 1519)

16. Aqeeqa should be done on the seventh day (Abu Dawood) If it cannot be done on the seventh day, it should be done on the 14th or the 21st day.

17. The head of the baby should be shaved and silver equal to the weight of the hair should be given in charity. (Tirmidhi)

18. Saffron should be put on the head after it has been shaved. (Abu Dawood)


19. Two male goats should be slaughtered for the Aqeeqa of a boy and one male goat or female goat for the Aqeeqa of a girl. (Tirmidhi, Abu Dawood)


20. The meat of Aqeeqa can be distributed raw or cooked. Anyone may partake of the Aqeeqa animal, though they may be even one’s family members e.g. The grandparents.


21. Aqeeqa is a form of Sadaqah whereby the child is safeguarded against misfortune. Two sheep or alternatively two goats are offered in the case of a male while one goat or one sheep will suffice for a female. If for some reason the Aqeeqa was not made on the 7th day then it should be done on the 14th, the 21st, 28th or any day in multiples of seven thereafter. The sooner the Aqeeqa is performed the better.

Circumcision:

It was narrated that Abu Hurraira (RA) said: The Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said:“The fitrah is five things, or five things are part of the fitrah: circumcision, shaving the pubic hairs, plucking the armpit hairs, clipping the nails and trimming the moustache.” (Narrated by al-Bukhari, 5550; Muslim, 257)

Prescribing Salaat to ones child

1. To prescribe salaat on ones children by the time they turn seven years of age.

2. When the child attains ten years of age then the male and female siblings should be separated.

3. To chastise ones children if they do not perform salaat by the time they reach ten years of age.

4. In order to inculcate the habit of Salaah, the child should be admonished if he is negligent in its performance when he reaches the age of ten years. He should be punished if the need arises. (Mishkaat-Vol.1, pg.58)

Note: Now-a-days children are being spoilt with love and affection while the parents console themselves by saying that the child will behave when he grows up. One should remember that if the foundation is not straight, the building will also be crooked. Therefore it is necessary to inculcate good character into the child from the very beginning so that one may not regret later. It is much easier to learn good habits when your young than when you grow older. So let us instil these good habits into our children as early as possible.

[Hamza81]

38. Sunnah’s relating to Death, Mourning, shrouding and Burial


1. When it becomes apparent that the time of death is close, then those present should face the dying person towards the Qiblah. (Mustadark Haakim-Vol.1, pg.353) and they should make talqeen i.e. recite the Kalimah to encourage him to recite. (Tirmidhi-Chapter of Janaaiz)


2. The face of a dying person should be faced towards the Qiblah (Direction of the Qa’ba) and the person who is in the throes of death should recite the following:

اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَارْحَمْنِي وَأَلْحِقْنِي بِالرَّفِيقِ الْأَعْلَى لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ
Allahummagh firlee warhamnee wal hiqnee birrafeeqil a’alaa laa ilaaha illallaah

“Oh Allah, forgive me, have mercy on me and join me with the highest companion; there is none worthy of worship except Allah”. (Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmidhi)

He should also say:

اللَّهُمَّ أَعِنِّي عَلَى غَمَرَاتِ الْمَوْتُ وَسَكَرَاتِ الْمَوْتِ

“Allahumma a’innee ‘alaa ghamaraathil mawthi wasakaraathil mawth”

“Oh Allah help me at this moment of the agony of death”. (Tirmidhi)

3. The dying person should be encouraged to recite the second Kalimah which is the proclamation of the oneness of Allah and that he is the only one worthy of worship and that Rasulallah is his servant and messenger.

For the person who is at the throes of death to encourage them to say:

Whoever dies with the last words:


Laa 'ilaaha 'illallaahu.

'There is none worthy of worship but Allah," will enter Paradise. (Abu Dawud 3/190,Jami' As-Saghir 5/432)

4. Surah Yaasin could be recited besides him and the pious people should be close to him at this time. (Tirmidhi)

Inshallah by this recitation the pangs of death should be lessened.

5. The relatives of the deceased person should read the following dua when death is confirmed:


Innaa lillaahi Wa innaa ilaihee raaj’oon. Allahumma ajirnee fee museebathee wakhluflee khayrammin haa

“To Allah we belong and unto him we return. Repay me for what has befallen me and compensate me with that which is better”. (Tirmidhi)

6. After the person has passed away, the deceased’s eyes should be closed.

7. Covering the body: A sheet of cloth large enough to cover the whole body of the deceased should be drawn over the whole body.

8. Hastening the burial: It is not permissible for Muslims to delay the burial in order for the maximum number of relatives to see the deceased, as is common practice among other communities. Once death is evident, the body should be prepared and taken out of the house for prayer and burial as soon as possible. In this way, contact with the dead body is minimized, which keeps the grief and hurt of seeing the dead down to a minimum.

Abu Hurraira (RA) related that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)said"Hasten the funeral rites"

[See: Sahih Al-Bukhari vol.2, p.225, #401; Sahih Muslim, vol.2, p448, #2059]

9. Locating the burial: The dead should be buried in the same area where they died. Transporting the body to another area or another country is not permissible if it will unnecessarily delay the burial or cause financial or other hardship.

10. Paying off debts of deceased: All outstanding debts of the dead person should be repaid from the wealth that he or she left behind, even if it consumes all of the inheritance. If the dead person is without wealth or the inheritance was not sufficient to cover all of his or her debts, the Islamic state will be responsible to repay the remainder, if the dead person had made serious efforts to pay it.

11. Uncovering the face and kissing it: Those present at the individual's death or those who come to see the dead person for the last time are allowed to uncover the face and kiss it. Kissing the face of the dead is considered a part of the Sunnah of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) and his companions. (Sunan Abu Dawud vol.2,p.898,# 3157, Sunan Ibn-I-Majah vol.2,p.371 #1456)

12. When placing the deceased into the Qabr (Grave), recite this dua:

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ وَبِاللَّهِ وَعَلَى مِلَّةِ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ

Bismillahi wa billaahi wa’la millati rasoolilahi –

"In the name of Allah and with His aid and on the Madhab (deen) of the Rasul of Allah I place him in the grave". (Hisnul Hasin)

After the burial recite Surah Fatiha and the beginning of Surah Baqarah at the head side and the last ayats of Surah Baqarah at the feet. (Mishkaat)

Stay a little while at the grave side and ask Allah for forgiveness for the dead and make dua that he remains firm at the time of questioning by the angels. (Hisnul Hasin from Abu Dawood etc)

Also the following:


Bismillaahi wa 'alaa sunnati Rasoolillaahi.

With the Name of Allah and according to the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah. (Abu Dawud 3/314)

13. The deceased should be placed on his right side in such a manner that his entire chest is facing the Qa’ba and his back should be against the wall of the grave. Now-a-days, only the face is turned to the Qiblah and the deceased is made to lie on his back, resulting in the chest facing the sky. This is completely contradictory to the Sunnah method. (Tahtaawee- pg. 334)

14. To feed the family of the deceased is Sunnah. It is not permissible for all the town people and family members to partake in this food for just name and fame. whatever is available should be given to eat. (Tirmidhi-Ibn Majah)

15. After the burial, Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)would instruct his companions to make Asthaghfaar (forgiveness) for their brother and to make dua that Allah Ta’ala keeps him steadfast at the time of questioning by Munkar and Nakeer. (Abu Dawood, Mustadark, Hakim)

Note: After burial, to face the Qiblah and make dua is Sunnah. However, to make dua after Janaazah salaat, as is the custom of today is not permissible. (Mirqaat-Vol.4, pg.64, Bahrur Raiq-Vol.2, pg.183)

16. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) used to stop after burying the dead and say to the people: "Ask Allah to forgive your brother and pray for him to be strengthened, for indeed he is now being questioned by saying:

اللَّهُمَّ ثَبِّتْهُ لَهُ اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ

Allaahum-maghfir lahu Allaahumma thabbithu.

O Allah, forgive him. O Allah, strengthen him. (Abu Dawud 3/315)

[Hamza81]

39. Dua’s for difficulties, hardships and grief


1. When Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) experienced any difficulties: then he read the following dua:

Alhamdulillaahilladhee bini’imathihee thathimmuswaali haath

“All praise is due to Allah by whose grace good things reach their end”.

2. Also the following dua:


Allaahumma laa sahla 'illaa maal ja'altahu sahlan wa 'Anta taj'alul-hazna 'ithaa shi'ta sahlan.

O Allah, there is no ease other than what You make easy. If You please You ease sorrow. (Ibn Hibban in his Sahih (no. 2427) and Ibn As- Sunni (no. 351)

3. حَسْبُنَا اللَّهُ وَنِعْمَ الْوَكِيلُ

Hasbunallaahu wa ni’imal wakeel

"Allah is sufficient for us and He is the Best Guardian". (Quran, Surah Al-Imraan)

4. اللَّهُ اللَّهُ رَبِّي لَا أُشْرِكُ بِهِ شَيْئَاً

Allaahu Allaahu rabbee laa ushriku bihee shay aa

"Allah is my Lord, I do not ascribe anything unto Him". (Hisnul Hasin from Abu Dawood)

5. يَا حَيُّ يَا قَيُّومُ بِرَحْمَتِكَ أَسْتَغِيثُ

Yaa hayyu yaa Qayyoomu birahmathika ashagheeth

"O Alive and everlasting One, I beseech You by Your mercy". (Mustadrak Hakim)

6. إِنِّي كُنْتُ مِنَ الظَّالِمِينَلَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ سُبْحَانَكَ

Laa ilaaha illa antha Subhaanaka innee kunthu minadhaalimeen

"O Allah, there is none worthy of worship besides You. You are Pure, definitely I have oppressed my soul by sinning".

The Qur'an states that these words were recited when Yunus (A.S.) called upon Allah from the belly of the fish. Prophet Mohammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) stated in a hadith that when any Muslim makes this dua via these words to Allah, then Allah surely accepts his duas. (Tirmidhi etc)

7. It is stated in a hadith that:

لَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللَّهِ

La hawla walaa Quwatha illah billah

Is the medicine for 99 ailments, the least of which is depression. (Baihaqi in Dawatul Kubra)
It means that these words are so beneficial and useful that big/great grievances, depression and sorrow are easily removed in its stride.

8. Abdullah bin Abbas (RA) narrates that Prophet Mohammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)stated that if a person constantly makes "Astaghfar", then Allah removes every difficulty, frees him from every sorrow and makes a means for him to receive sustencance from places that he never thought of. (Mishkat from Ahmad)

9. When Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) was in a difficult situation: then he would say:

Alhamdulillaahi ‘alaa kulli haal

“Praise be to Allah in all circumstances”. (Hakim)

10. Dua’s for any anguish experienced:


Laa 'ilaaha 'illallaahul-'Adheemul-Haleem, laa 'ilaaha 'illallaahu Rabbul-'Arshil-'Adheem, laa 'ilaaha 'illallaahu Rabbus-samaawaati wa Rabbul-'ardhi wa Rabbul-'Arshil-Kareem .

There is none worthy of worship but Allah the Mighty, the Forbearing. There is none worthy of worship but Allah, Lord of the Magnificent Throne. There is none worthy of worship but Allah, Lord of the heavens and Lord of the earth, and Lord of the Noble Throne. (Al-Bukhari 8/154, Muslim 4/2092)


Allaahumma rahmataka 'arjoo falaa takilnee 'ilaa nafsee tarfata 'aynin, wa 'aslih lee sha'nee kullahu, laa'ilaaha 'illaa 'Anta.

O Allah , I hope for Your mercy . Do not leave me to myself even for the blinking of an eye (i.e. a moment) . Correct all of my affairs for me . There is none worthy of worship but You. (Abu Dawud 4/324, Ahmad 5/42)


Laa 'ilaaha 'illaa 'Anta subhaanaka 'innee kuntu minadh-dhaalimeen .

There is none worthy of worship but You, glory is to You. Surely, I was among the wrongdoers. (At-Tirmidhi 5/529)

11. When Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) had any worries: he read the following:


Allaahu Allaahu rabbee laa ushriku bihee shay aa

“Verily Allah is my Rabb, I do not ascribe any partner unto him.”

11. At the time of grief: Rasulallah took his beard in his hands and looked at it. (Shirazi)

12. When any hardship befell on Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) : he used to lift his head to the sky and say:

سُبْحَانَ اللهِ الْعَظِيْمِ

Subhaanallaahil Adheem

“Purity belongs to Allah”. (Tirmidhi)

13. If anger overcame Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam): whilst he was standing then he would sit down and if anger overcame him whilst sitting then he used to lie down (In order that the anger subsided). (Ibn Abiddunya)

14. Worldly loss: would never anger Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)but if there was anything said or done against the Shari’at (laws of Allah) then it would anger him greatly.

15. When tragedy strikes then say:


'Innaa lillaahi wa 'innaa 'ilayhi raaji'oon, Allaahumma'-jurni fee museebatee wa 'akhliflee khayran minhaa.

We are from Allah and unto Him we return. O Allah take me out of my plight and bring to me after it something better. (Muslim 2/632)