Tag: Ramadan
Hilaal Conference Press Release – 2009
In the Name of Allah 
, the Gracious, the Merciful.
Islamic Council of New England, Imams Shura Council
Hilaal Conference Press Release – August 2009
“Calculations are a deviation from the Sunnah and must be rejected” Imam Nawawi
ICNE Hilaal Conference Press Release Click here to download
You can also see read the Fatwa from Muslim World League 1981 Hilal Sighting Locality (Saudi Arabia) – click here to read
Assalamu Alaykum,
My beloved respected Brothers and Sisters in Islam: I pray that you as individuals and as communities are doing well, and that Allah is pleased with us and is forgiving of our short comings.
I am writing on behalf of more than two dozen Imams and leaders in the Greater Boston area and New England Muslim community with whom I’ve had consultations regarding the assumption that astronomical calculations is an accepted means for determining our lunar months. Although we agreed that calculations are an excellent scientific tool; it cannot be used to replace the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah of sighting the crescent moon. Therefore we rejected by an overwhelming majority this new innovation. Here is a summary of the evidences to prove that position.
Zakat ul-Fitr
None of us can escape not saying a few misplaced words during Ramadhan. It is from the
Mercy of Allah SWT that He prescribed on us Zakat al-Fitr to get rid of the bad effect of vain
talks and useless speeches in Ramadhan, as well as to feed the needy on the day of `eid and
make him happy on that day as well.
Zakat al-Fitr is mandatory on every Muslim on his behalf and on the behalf of all people he
is in charge of. “The Muslim gives it for himself and for those whom he takes care of-. young
or old, male or female, free or slave – due to the hadeeth of Ibn ‘Umar, radiyallaahu
‘anhuma: “Allah ’s Messenger ordered Sadaqatul-Fitr on behalf of the young and the old,
and the free and the slave – whom you provide for.” [ad-Daraqutni and al-Baihaqui :
Hasan]“(1)
Also Ibn `Umar said “Allah ’s Messenger, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, obligated Zakat al-Fitr
[for Ramadan upon the people]“.[Bukhari and Muslim]
Another Hadith gives more details :
Ibn ‘Umar said, “The Prophet made incumbent on every male or female, free man or slave,
the payment of one Saa` of dates or barley as Sadaqat-ul-Fitr (or said Sadaqa-Ramadan).”
The people then substituted half Sa’ of wheat for that. Ibn ‘Umar used to give dates (as
Sadaqat-ul-Fitr). Once there was scarcity of dates in Medina and Ibn ‘Umar gave barley.
‘And Ibn ‘Umar used to give Sadaqat-ul-Fitr for every young and old person. He even used
to give on behalf of my children. Ibn ‘Umar used to give Sadaqatul-Fitr to those who had
been officially appointed for its collection. People used to give Sadaqat-ul-Fitr (even) a day
or two before the ‘Eid. [Bukhari]
Ibn’Abbaas, radiyalloahu’anhu, that he used to say: “He who brings wheat it will be
accepted from him, whoever brings barley it will be accepted from him whoever brings
dates it will be accepted from him, whoever brings rye it will be accepted from him, and
whoever brings raisins it will be accepted from him, and I think he said : whoever brings
(barley) gruel it will be accepted from him. [Ibn Khuzaimah with a Sahih Isnad]
Zakat al-Fitr has to be given in the form of food. That is the practice of the Messenger of
Allah salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam and the practice of the Sahabah. It also has to be given to
the poor before Eid Prayer.
Ibn `Abbas reported that the Messenger of Allah , salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, enjoined
Zakat al-Fitr on the one who fasts to shield one’s self from any indecent act or speech and
for the purpose of providing food for the poor. It is accepted as zakah for the person who
pays it before the `Eid Salah, and it is a mere sadaqah for one who pays it after the Salah”
[Abu Dawud, an-Nasa'i and Ibn Majah : Hasan]
It can be given a day or two before Eid as well and [Shaikh Ali Hasan and Shaikh Salim al-
Hilali say :] it is from the Sunnah that there should be a person with whom it is gathered
just as the Prophet entrusted Abu Hurairah, radiya Allahu ‘anhu, who said: “Allah ’s
Messenger entrusted me to look after the zakah of Ramadan.” [Bukhari]
Also, Ibn ‘Umar, radiya Allahu ‘anhu, used to give some of it to those who would collect it -
and they were those whom the imam sent to collect it, and that was a day or two before
`Eidul-Fitr. It is reported by Ibn Khuzaimah by way of ‘Abdul-Waarith from Ayyoob: I said:
“When did Ibn ‘Umar used to give the saa’?” He said: “When the collectors had finished.” I
said: “When did the collectors finish?” He said: “A day or two days before the day of Fitr.”
As for its wisdom, “It has been prescribed by the Wise Legislator as a purification for those
who fasted, from loose and indecent talk, and to feed the poor Muslims so that they have
enough provision for that day – as is shown by the previous hadeeth of Ibn ‘Abbaas, radiya
Allahu ‘anhuma.”
O Allah , we ask you by Your Beautiful Names and Attributes of higher rank, and by all the
sincere deeds we have done, do not deprive us from their company, and do not deprive us
from looking at you in Paradise. Aameen
Suhaib radhiya Allahu `anh relates that the Messenger of Allah (S) said: When the inmates
of the Paradise will have entered the Paradise, Allah , the Master of Honor and Glory, will
ask them: Do you want anything more that I should give you? They will submit: (O Allah )!
Have you not made our faces shining? Have you not admitted us to the Paradise and saved
us from the Hell? (What else is left to be desired?) Thereupon, the veil will be withdrawn,
and the inmates of the Paradise will not have known anything dearer to them than looking
at their Lord. [Muslim].
Seeking Laylatul-Qadr (the Night of Decree)
Seeking Laylatul-Qadr (the Night of Decree)
- It is the greatest night of the year like the Day of `Arafah is the greatest day of the year.
- It is a night about which Allah reveled a full Surah, Suratul-Qadr [97:1-5] and the 3rd to the 6th verses of Surat ad-Dukhan [44:3-6]
- It is the night when the Qur’an was revealed.
- It is the night when the Message (the Final and seal of all messages) sent to Mohammad, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, started
- It is the night when the light, that would illuminate mankind to the end of life, started
- It is the night when every matter of ordainment is decreed Allah says in what can be translated as :
“Verily! We have sent it (this Qur’aan) down in the Night of Decree (Lailatul-Qadr). And
what will make you know what the Night of Decree is? The Night of Decree is better than a
thousand months. Therein descend the angels and the Rooh (ie. Jibreel [Gabriel]) by
Allaah’s Permission with all Decrees, Peace! until the appearance of dawn.” [97:1-5]
and in Surat ad-Dukhan :
“We sent it (this Qur’aan) down on a blessed Night. Verily, We are ever warning (mankind
of Our Torment). Therein (that Night) is decreed every matter of ordainment. Amran (i.e. a
command or this Qur’aan or His Decree of every matter) from Us. Verily, We are ever
sending (the Messenger). (As) a Mercy from your Lord. Verily! He is the All-Hearer, the All-
Knower. [44:3-6]
A person who misses Laylatul-Qadr is really a deprived person!
Abu Hurairah reported that the Prophet, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, said ” The blessed
month has come to you. Allah has made fasting during it obligatory upon you. During it the
gates to Paradise are opened and the gates of Hellfire are locked, and the devils are
chained. There is a night [during this month] which is better than a thousand months.
Whoever is deprived of its good is really deprived [of something great]. [Ahmad, an-Nisa'i
and al-Bayhaqi]
One who misses this blessed night then he has missed much good for no one misses it
except one from whom it is withheld. Therefore it is recommended that the Muslim who is
eager to be obedient to Allaah should stand in Prayer during this night out of Eemaan and
hoping for the great reward, since if he does this, Allaah will forgive his previous sins (1).
What happens to the person who witnesses Laylatul-Qadr? and what
should one do?
Abu Hurairah Radhiya Allahu `anhu reported that the Messenger of Allah , salla Allahu alaihi
wa sallam, said : “Whoever stands (in prayer) in Lailatul-Qadr out of Eemaan (faith and
sincerity) and seeking reward then his previous sins are forgiven”. [Bukhari]
It is recommended to supplicate a lot during this night, it is reported from our mother
‘Aishah radhiya Allahu `anha, that she said: “O Messenger of Allah ! What if I knew which
night Lailatul-Qadr was, then what should I say in it?” He said.- “Say.- (Allahumma innaka
‘affuwwun tuhibbul ‘afwa fa’fu ‘annee.)
“O Allaah You are The One Who pardons greatly, and loves to pardon, so pardon me.”. [at-
Tirmithi and Ibn Majah with a Sahih Isnad]
When is Laylatul-Qadr ?
It is preferred to seek this night during the last ten odd nights of Ramadan, as the Prophet
salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam,, strove his best in seeking it during that time. We have already
mentioned that the Prophet would stay up during the last ten nights, would wake his wives,
and then would remain apart from them to worship.
Ibn Abbas reported that the Prophet,salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, said, “Look for the Night
of Qadr in the last ten nights of Ramadan ,’ on the night when nine or seven or five nights
remain out of the last ten nights of Ramadan (i.e. 21, 23, 25, respectively).” [Bukhari]
`Aishah radhiya Allahu `anha said: “Allah ’s Messenger used to practice I`itikaf in the last ten
nights and say: ‘Seek out Lailatul-Qadr in the (odd nights) of the last ten of Ramadan.”
[Bukhari and Muslim]
However if the servant is too weak or unable, then he should at least not let the last seven
pass him by, due to what is reported from Ibn ‘Umar, who said: Allah ’s Messenger said:
“Seek it in the last ten, and if one of you is too weak or unable then let him not allow that to
make him miss the final seven.’ [Bukhari and Muslim]
This explains his saying: “I see that your dreams are in agreement (that it is in the last
seven) so he who wishes to seek it out then let him seek it in the last seven.’ [Bukhari and
Muslim]
It is known from the Sunnah, that knowledge of the exact night upon which Lailatul-Qadr
falls was taken up because the people argued, ‘Ubaadah ibn as- Saamit, radiyalloahu ‘anhu,
said: The Prophet came out intending to tell us about Lailatul-Qadr, however two men were
arguing and he said: “I come out to inform you about Lailatul-Qadr but so and so, and, so
and so were arguing, so it was raised up, and perhaps that is better for you, so seek it on the
(twenty) ninth and the (twenty) seventh and the (twenty) fifth.’[Bukhari]
Some of the ahadeeth indicate that Lailatul-Qadr is in the last ten nights, while others
indicate that it is in the odd nights of the last ten, so the first are general and the second
more particular, and the particular has to be given priority over the general. Other
ahadeeth state that it is in the last seven – and these are restricted by mention of one who is
too weak or unable. So there is no confusion, all the ahadeeth agree and are not
contradictory.
In conclusion: The Muslim should seek out Lailatui-Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten:
the night of the twenty-first, the twenty-third, the twenty-fifth, the twenty-seventh and the
twenty-ninth. If he is too weak or unable to seek it out in all the odd nights, then let him
seek it out in the odd nights of the of seven: the night of the twenty-fifth, the twentyseventh
and the twenty-ninth And Allah knows best. (1)
What are the signs of laylatul-Qadr?
Allaah’s Messenger , salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, described the morning after Lailatul-
Qadr, so that the Muslim may know which day it is. From Ubayy, radhiya Allahu ‘anhu, who
said: that he, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, said: “On the morning following Lailatui-Qadr
the sun rises not having any rays, as if it were a brass dish, until it rises up.”[Muslim, Abu
Dawud, Tirmithi and Ibn Majah]
Abu Hurairah, radhiya Allahu ‘anhu, said : “We were discussing Lailatul-Qadr in the
presence of Allah ’s Messenger so he said : ‘Which of you remembers [the night] when the
moon arose and was like half a plate?… [Muslim]
Ibn ‘Abbaas, radhiya Allahu ‘anhuma, said: Allaah’s Messenger, salla Allahu alaihi wa
sallam, said: “Lailatul-Qadr is calm and pleasant, neither hot nor cold, the sun arises on its
morning being feeble and red.” [at-Tayaalisee, Ibn Khuzaimah and al-Bazzaar with a Hasan
Isnad]
We pray to Allah All Mighty Most Merciful to bless us this Ramadan by witnessing Laylatul-
Qadr.
Performing I`tikaf in the Masjid (seclusion in the Mosque)
I`tikaf is the seclusion and staying in the mosque with the intention of becoming closer to
Allah . This was the practice of the Prophet, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, during the last ten
days of Ramadan especially. He would do it during other months as well.
‘Aisha reported that the Messenger of Allah , salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, used to practice
I`tikaf in the last ten nights of Ramadan and used to say, “Look for the Night of Qadr in the
last ten nights of the month of Ramadan” [Bukhari]
Abu Hurairah, radiyallahu ‘anhu said: “Allah ’s Messenger, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam,
used to perform i`tikaf for ten days every Ramadan, then when it was the year in which he
was taken (died), he performed I`tikaf for twenty days. [Bukhari]
‘Aisha reported that the Prophet,salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, used to practice I`tikaf in the
last ten days of Ramadan till he died and then his wives used to practice I`tikaf after him.
[Bukhari]
`Aishah radhiya Allahu `anha also reported that the Prophet, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam,
“Used to perform i’tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan until Allah the Mighty and Majestic,
took him. [Bukhari and Muslim]
Al-Bukhari records from Abu Said that the Prophet (S) said: “Whoever makes I`tikaf with
me is to make I’tikaf during the last ten [nights].”
This Sunnah of the Prophet, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, has been abandoned by many
Muslims and it is worth reviving it in this era.
The sunnah or preferred i`tikaf has no specific time limit. It can be fulfilled by staying in the
mosque with the intention of making i`tikaf for a long or short time. The reward will be
according to how long one stays in the mosque. If one leaves the mosque and then returns,
he should renew his intention to perform itikaf.
Ya’la ibn Umayyah said: “I secluded myself in the mosque for some time for I`tikaf.” ‘Ata
told him: “That is I`tikaf, as long as you secluded yourself there.”
One who is performing Sunnah (like in Ramadan) i’tikaf (i.e. not the obligatory one that is
made after a vow) may end his i`tikaf at any time, even if it is before the period he intended
to stay.
It is preferred for the one who is making I`tikaf to perform many supererogatory acts of
worship and to occupy himself with prayers, reciting the Qur’an, glorifying and praising
Allah , extolling His oneness and His greatness, asking His forgiveness, sending salutations
on the Prophet, upon whom be peace, and supplicating Allah – that is, all actions that bring
one closer to Allah . Included among these actions is studying and reading books of tafsir
and hadith, books on the lives of the Prophets, upon whom be peace, books of fiqh, and so
on. It is also preferred to set up a small tent in the courtyard of the mosque as the Prophet
did.
Permissible Acts for the Mu`takif (the person performing I`tikaf)
The following acts are permissible for one who is making I’tikaf
(1) The Person may leave his place of I`tikaf to bid farewell to his wife and a Woman can
visit her husband who is in I`tikaf} Safiyyah, radhiya Allahu `anha said : The prophet
salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, was making i`tikaf [in the last ten nights of Ramadan],
so I came to visit him at night [and his wives were with him and then departed]. I
talked with him for a while, then I stood up to leave, [so he said:"Do not hurry for I
will accompany you",. He stood along with me to accompany me back -and her
dwelling was in the house of Usaamah Ibn Zayd [until when he came to the door of
the mosque near the door of Umm Salamah], two men of the Ansaar were passing
by, when they saw the Prophet, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, they hastened by, so
the Prophet, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, said : “Be at your ease for she is Safiyyah
bintu Huyayy.” So they said:” ‘SubhanAllah, O Messenger of Allah ! [we did not have
any doubt about you].’ He said: “Indeed Shaytan circulates in the son of Adam just as
blood circulates, and I feared that he would insert an evil thought” -or he said :
“something – into your hearts” [Bukhari and Muslim, in [] are additional narrations
from Abu Dawud]
(2) Combing and cutting one’s hair, clipping one’s nails, cleaning one’s body, wearing
nice clothes or wearing perfume are all permissible. ‘Aishah reported: “The Prophet
was Performing itikaf and he would put his head out through the opening to my
room and I would clean [or comb in one narration] his hair. I was menstruating at
the time.” [al-Bukhari, Muslim, and Abu Dawud].
(3) The person may go out for some need that he must perform. ‘Aishah reported:
“When the Prophet Performed I`tikaf, he brought his head close to me so I could
comb his hair, and he would not enter the house except to fulfill the needs a person
has.” [al-Bukhari, and Muslim]. Ibn al-Mundhir says: “The scholars agree that the
one who performs itikaf may leave the mosque in order to answer the call of nature,
for this is something that he personally must perform, and he cannot do it in the
mosque. Also, if he needs to eat or drink and there is no one to bring him his food, he
may leave to get it. If one needs to vomit, he may leave the mosque to do so. For
anything that he must do but cannot do in the mosque, he can leave it, and such acts
will not void his itikaf, even if they take a long time. Examples of these types of acts
would include washing one’s self from sexual defilement and cleaning his body or
clothes from impurities.”
(4) The person may eat, drink, and sleep in the mosque, and he should also keep it
clean.
Actions that Nullify the I`tikaf
If a person performs one of the following acts, his I`tikaf will be nullified:
(1) Intentionally leaving the mosque without any need to do so, even if it is for just a
short time. In such a case, one would not be staying in the mosque, which is one of
the principles of I`tikaf.
(2) Abandoning belief in Islam, as this would nullify all acts of worship. If you ascribe a
partner to Allah , your work will fail and you will be among the losers.
(3) Losing one’s reason due to insanity or drunkenness, or the onset of menstruation or
post-childbirth bleeding, all of which disqualifies a person for itikaf.
(4) Sexual intercourse. Allah says [in meaning]: “But do not associate with your wives
while you are in seclusion (I`tikaf) in the mosques. Those are Limits (set by) Allah .
Approach not nigh thereto. Thus does Allah make clear His Signs to men: that they
may learn self-restraint. [al-Baqara; 2:187]
I`tikaf is not restricted to men only, women also can do it :
‘Aisha (the wife of the Prophet) reported that the Prophet, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam,
used to practice I`tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan till he died and then his wives used
to practice I`tikaf after him.[Bukhari]. Dear Sister! when reading this do not forget the
modesty and the Hijab of the wife of the Prophet (S) that you should observe if you intend
to perform I`tikaf.
