Cincin Tunangan Bagi Laki-laki

Cincin Tunangan Bagi Laki-laki

Syaikh Ibnu Baz

 

Pertanyaan:

Bagaimanakah hukum memakai perhiasan emas dalam segala bentuknya. Dalam hal ini ada keyakinan bahwa jika cincin tunangan (di mana cincin itu terbuat dari emas) dicopot, niscaya pernikahan akan batal?

 

Jawaban:

Emas adalah perhiasan yang tidak diperbolehkan bagi kaum laki-laki mukmin dan memakainya termasuk perbuatan munkar bagi mereka baik emas yang dipakai itu berupa cincin, jam tangan atau kalung, karena sabda Nabi صلی الله عليه وسلم yang berkenaan dengan larangan tentang pemakaiannya bagi kaum laki-laki mukmin itu bersifat umum, di mana Nabi صلی الله عليه وسلم bersabda,

 

"Emas dan sutera dihalalkan bagi kaum wanita dari kalangan umat kami, dan diharamkan bagi kaum laki-lakinya." (An-Nasai, bab perhiasan (5148); Ahmad (19008-19013))

Nabi صلی الله عليه وسلم telah melarang kaum laki-kaki memakai cincin emas.(Al-Bukari, bab meminta izin (6235); Muslim, bab pakaian (2066)). Al-Bukhari dan Muslim telah meriwayatkan sebuah hadits di dalam kitab Shahihnya masing-masing dari al-Bara' bin 'Azib -rodliallaahuanhu-, bahwa ketika Nabi صلی الله عليه وسلم melihat seorang laki-laki memakai cincin emas di tangannya, maka beliau memintanya supaya mencopot cincinnya, kemudian melemparkannya ke tanah, seraya bersabda,

"Salah seorang dari kalian sengaja mengambil bara api neraka dan meletakkannya di tangannya."(HR. Muslim dalam kitab Shahihnya, bab pakaian (2090))

Dari hadits Ibnu Abbas -rodliallaahu'anhu-. Adapun cincin tunangan yang terbuat dari emas, maka keberadaannya sama dengan cincin emas lainnya dan tidak bedanya, serta orang laki-laki yang memakainya wajib mencopotnya, dan mencopotnya tidak ada pengaruhnya terhadap suatu pernikahan. Barangsiapa meyakini bahwa hal itu akan mempengaruhi suatu perkawinan, maka ia telah keliru. Selain itu memakai cincin tunangan termasuk hal yang baru di dalam masalah agama dan tidak memiliki dasar hukum, sehingga wajib bagi kaum muslimin meninggalkannya, atau paling tidak hukumnya adalah makruh. Seraya saya memohon kepada Allah bagi segenap kaum muslimin, semoga Allah memberi petunjuk dan pengampunan dari segala penyimpangan yang bertentangan dengan ketentuan syara' yang suci.

 

Sumber:

Syaikh Ibn Baz, Majalah ad-Da'wah, edisi no. 1044.

Disalin dari buku Fatwa-Fatwa Terkini Jilid 3, penerbit Darul Haq.

Alasan Diharamkannya Emas Bagi Laki-laki

Alasan Diharamkannya Emas Bagi Laki-laki

Syaikh Ibnu Utsaimin

 

Pertanyaan:

Apakah alasan diharamkannya memakai emas bagi kaum laki-laki, karena kita mengetahui bahwa agama Islam tidak mengharamkan atas seorang muslim kecuali segala suatu yang mengandung madharat (bahaya), jadi apakah madharat yang terkandung dalam pemakaian perhiasan emas bagi kaum laki-laki?

 

Jawaban:

Perlu diketahui oleh penanya dan setiap orang yang mendengar acara ini bahwa alasan hukum dalam menetapkan hukum-hukum syari'at bagi setiap orang mukmin adalah firman Allah dan sabda RasulNya. Hal itu berdasarkan firman Allah سبحانه و تعالى,

"Dan tidaklah patut bagi laki-laki yang mukmin dan tidak (pula) bagi perempuan yang mukminah, apabila Allah dan RasulNya telah menetapkan suatu ketetapan, akan ada bagi mereka pilihan (yang lain) tentang urusan mereka." (Al-Ahzab: 36).

Siapa saja yang bertanya kepada kami tentang pewajiban atau pengharaman sesuatu, niscaya kami akan menunjukkan hukumnya berdasarkan al-Qur'an dan as-Sunnah. Karena itu, berkenaan dengan pertanyaan tersebut di atas, maka dapat kami katakan, "Alasan diharamkannya emas bagi kaum laki-laki yang mukmin adalah firman Allah سبحانه و تعالى dan sabda RasulNya صلی الله عليه وسلم, dan alasan tersebut sudah dianggap cukup bagi setiap orang mukmin. Karena itu, ketika Aisyah رضي الله عنها ditanya, 'Kenapa wanita yang haid diperintahkan mengqadha puasa dan tidak diperintahkan mengqadha shalat?' Ia menjawab, 'Allah telah menentukan kita mengalami hal tersebut, kemudian kita diperintahkan mengqadha puasa dan kita tidak diperintahkan mengqadha shalat, Karena nash hukum dari Kitab Allah (al-Qur'an) dan Sunnah RasulNya menjadi alasan diwajibkannya hal tersebut bagi setiap orang mukmin. Tetapi tidak menjadi masalah bagi seseorang untuk mencari hikmah yang terkandung dalam hukum-hukum Allah, karena hal itu dapat menambah ketentraman bathin, menjelaskan ketinggian syari'at Islam karena ketentuan-ketentuan hukumnya sesuai dengan alasannya dan memungkinkan dilakukan qiyas (analogi), jika alasan hukum yang dinashkan itu memiliki kepastian terhadap masalah lain yang belum memiliki ketetapan hukum. Jadi tujuan mengetahui hikmah yang terkandung dalam ketentuan hukum syari'at adalah tiga faidah tersebut.

Kemudian dapat kami katakan juga berkenaan dengan pertanyaan saudara, bahwa Nabi صلی الله عليه وسلم telah menegaskan tentang haramnya memakai emas bagi kaum laki-laki, tidak bagi kaum wanita. Alasannya; karena emas itu termasuk perhiasan yang memiliki nilai tinggi dalam mempercantik dan menghiasi seseorang, sehingga dikategorikan sebagai hiasan dan perhiasan, sedangkan orang laki-laki bukanlah peminat hal tersebut, yakni bukan sosok manusia yang menyempurnakan diri atau disempurnakan dengan sesuatu yang di luar dirinya, melainkan sempurna dengan sesuatu yang terdapat di dalam dirinya, karena ia mempunyai sifat kejantanan atau kelaki-lakian; sehingga ia tidak membutuhkan perhiasan untuk menarik perhatian lawan jenisnya. Jadi seorang suami tidak membutuhkan perhiasan untuk menarik perhatian isterinya supaya mencintainya. Berbeda sekali dengan wanita, karena ia memiliki kekurangan; sehingga ia membutuhkan berbagai perhiasan yang bernilai tinggi, di mana perhiasan itu dibutuhkannya hingga di dalam pergaulan di antara mereka dan di depan suaminya. Karena itu, maka wanita diperbolehkan memakai perhiasan emas dan tidak bagi laki-laki. Allah سبحانه و تعالى berfirman dalam menyifati keberadaan wanita,

"Dan apakah patut (menjadi anak Allah) orang yang dibesarkan dalam keadaan berperhiasan sedang dia tidak dapat memberi alasan yang terang dalam pertengkaran." (Az-Zukhruf: 18).

Dengan demikian, jelaslah mengenai hikmah syara' (agama) mengharamkan memakai perhiasan emas bagi kaum laki-laki.

Berkaitan dengan hal itu, maka saya nasehatkan kepada kaum mukminin yang memakai perhiasan emas, bahwa mereka telah berbuat maksiat kepada Allah dan RasulNya dan menjadikan diri-nya sebagai bagian dari kaum wanita serta mereka telah meletakkan bara api neraka di atas tangannya, kemudian memakainya sebagai perhiasan; sebagaimana hal itu ditegaskan oleh Nabi صلی الله عليه وسلم. Karena itulah, hendaklah mereka bertaubat kepada Allah سبحانه و تعالى

Sedangkan jika mereka memakai perhiasan dari perak dengan memperhatikan batas-batas ketentuan syari'at, maka hal itu tidak menjadi masalah dan tidak berdosa. Demikian juga; tidak berdosa dan tidak menjadi masalah memakai perhiasan dengan sejumlah barang tambang yang lainnya selain emas di mana mereka tidak berdosa memakai cincin dari barang-barang tambang tersebut, jika dilakukan tanpa melebihi batas-batas kewajaran dan tidak menimbulkan fitnah.

Segala puji bagi Allah, Tuhan semesta alam. Shalawat dan salam semoga dicurahkan kepada Nabi kita Muhammad صلی الله عليه وسلم, kepada keluarganya serta para sahabatnya seluruhnya.

Sumber:

Syaikh Ibn Utsaimin, As'ilah Fi Bai' Wa Syira' adz-Dzahab, hal. 38.

Disalin dari buku Fatwa-Fatwa Terkini Jilid 3, penerbit Darul Haq.

Hukum Menggantung Kertas-kertas yang Bertuliskan Ayat-ayat dan Selainnya Pada Leher Anak-anak

Hukum Menggantung Kertas-kertas yang Bertuliskan Ayat-ayat dan Selainnya Pada Leher Anak-anak

Lajnah Daimah

Pertanyaan:

Apa hukum orang-orang yang melakukan sihir? Yakni, orang-orang yang menulis ayat-ayat al-Quran dan Asma Allah سبحانه و تعالى serta menjualnya kepada khalayak seraya mengatakan, "Inilah yang akan memeliharamu"; atau ketika anak dilahirkan atau sakit, mereka menulis pada kertas dan menggantungkan di lehernya; atau memberikan kepada pelajar (seraya mengatakan), "Inilah yang akan membuatmu cerdik dan berakal" terutama di tanah air kami, Afrika, dan beberapa negara Arab.

Jawaban:

Diharamkan menulis sesuatu dari selain al-Qur'an dan Asma' Allah pada kertas atau selainnya untuk digantungkan di leher anak-anak yang sakit, binatang ternak, atau sejenisnya, karena mengharapkan kesembuhan; menggantungkan pada mereka karena berharap terjaga dari berbagai penyakit, tipu daya musuh atau tertimpa penyakit 'ain dan kedengkian; atau digantungkan pada para penuntut ilmu karena mengharapkan kecerdasan, cepat hapalan, kepahaman dan selainnya. Nabi صلی الله عليه وسلم telah menyebutnya sebagai kesyirikan, dengan sabdanya,

مَنْ عَلَّقَ تَمِيْمَةً فَقَدْ أَشْرَكَ

"Barangsiapa menggantungkan tamimah, maka ia telah syirik." [1]

Diharamkan pula menjualnya serta menggantungkannya, dan harga yang diperoleh dari menjual kertas-kertas ini adalah haram. Para pejabat berwenang wajib mencegahnya dan menghukum para pelakunya serta siapa saja yang pergi kepada mereka, dan menjelaskan bahwa ini termasuk tamimah yang diharamkan oleh Rasulullah صلی الله عليه وسلم, agar mereka tertuntun kepada kebenaran dan berhenti dari keharaman-keharaman.

Adapun menulis ayat-ayat al-Qur'an, Asma' Allah dan sejenisnya berupa dzikir-dzikir dan doa-doa yang shahih, maka ini diperselisihkan di kalangan ulama. Di antara mereka ada yang mengharamkannya dari kalangan ulama salaf dan di antara mereka ada yang memberi keringanan. Dan, yang benar, bahwa itu tidak boleh, berdasarkan keumuman hadits-hadits yang melarang menggantungkan tamimah, dan menutup jalan dari menggantungkan tamimah dari selain al-Qur'an serta melindungi al-Qur'an dan Asma Allah dari segala yang tidak pantas. Semoga shalawat dan salam senantiasa Allah limpahkan atas Nabi kita, Muhammad, keluarganya dan para sahabatnya.

Footnote:

[1] HR. Ahmad dalam al-Musnad, no. 16969.

Rujukan:

Fatwa-Fatwa al-Lajnah ad-Da'imah, jilid 1, hal. 207-208.

Disalin dari buku Fatwa-Fatwa Terkini Jilid 3, penerbit Darul Haq.

Beberapa Pertanyaan Seputar Kafarat Sumpah dan Persaksian

 Beberapa Pertanyaan Seputar Kafarat Sumpah dan Persaksian

Syaikh Ibnu Jibrin

Pertanyaan: 

- Jika saya tidak mendapatkan sepuluh orang miskin di ne-geri di mana saya tinggal, apakah boleh memberikannya kepada seorang saja seukuran memberi makan sepuluh orang yang ber-hak menerima kafarat? - Dengan apa kafarat diukur- Dalam artian, apakah boleh membayar kafarat dengan beras karena ia merupakan makanan pokok negeri kami? Dan bila harta (uang) lebih banyak berguna bagi seorang miskin, apakah boleh menyedekahkan harga kafarat sebagai ganti barangnya? Berapa Riyalkah per orangnya diberikan? - Bila ada seorang ibu yang banyak bersumpah terhadap anak-anaknya agar mereka mau melakukan tugas dan biasanya anak-anak tersebut melanggar perintahnya sehingga otamatis dia (sang ibu) melanggar sumpahnya tersebut, apakah dia wajib membayar kafarat? Ataukah sumpahnya itu dianggap tidak ada/berlaku (al-Laghw)? - Terjadi perselisihan pendapat antara seorang temanku sesama wanita dan seorang ibu guru. Temanku yang murid ini ber-bicara dengan si ibu guru dengan suara keras tanpa seizinnya. Lalu ibu guru ini memintaku bersaksi kontra temanku itu namun aku justru bersaksi untuknya (pro/berpihak kepadanya). Aku katakan bahwa dia telah meminta izinnya padahal aku tahu bahwa dia tidak pernah meminta izin kepadanya. Hal ini aku lakukan karena rasa grogiku di hadapan direktur (wanita) dan kekhawatiranku atas (sanksi yang akan dikenakan terhadap) temanku itu. Setelah itu, aku sangat menyesali perbuatanku tersebut dan aku ingin meminta maaf kepada si ibu guru akan tetapi dia keburu meninggalkan Kerajaan Arab Saudi; apakah tindakan yang harus aku lakukan?

Jawaban:

- Anda harus mencari orang-orang miskin di negeri anda. Bila tidak menemukannya, maka carilah di negeri lain yang lebih dekat dan bila anda hanya menemukan seorang miskin saja, maka boleh anda memberinya makan untuk sepuluh hari.

- Ya, anda boleh membayar kafarat-kafarat kepada beberapa lembaga kebajikan (amal) yang menghimpun harta sedekah, sum-bangan dan semisalnya serta mengalokasikannya kepada orang yang berhak menerimanya. Sehingga kaum lemah yang memerlu-kannya bisa datang ke sana, lalu lembaga ini memberikan masing-masing sesuai haknya atau meringankan hajatnya.

- Boleh hukumnya mengumpulkan orang-orang miskin dan memberi makan mereka hingga mereka kenyang, baik makan siang atau malam. Bila seseorang lebih memilih untuk langsung menye-rahkannya, maka dia boleh memberikan kepada mereka konsumsi makanan yang biasa disediakan untuk dirinya dan keluarganya. Bila kebanyakan makanan yang mereka konsumsi adalah beras dan daging, maka dia harus memberikan hal itu kepada mereka untuk kebutuhan semalam. Sedangkan membayarnya dengan harga (uang), maka hal itu tidak sah sekalipun lebih menyentuh dan bermanfaat bagi mereka, sebab biasanya mereka memang tidak mengetahui apa jenis memberi makan yang sesuai dengan yang telah disyari'atkan Allah.

- Kami berpendapat bahwa sumpah yang banyak terjadi dari para ibu-ibu tersebut dan semisal mereka ini masih termasuk ke dalam kategori sumpah yang tidak dianggap ada (al-Laghw) karena hal itu tidak disertai dengan niat yang kuat atasnya. Se-mentara Allah berfirman,

"Allah tidak menghukum kamu disebabkan sumpah-sumpahmu yang tidak dimaksud (untuk bersumpah)." (Al-Ma'idah:89).

Yakni, yang telah dicamkan oleh hati dan diniatkan dengan kuat. Sedangkan sumpah-sumpah yang banyak tersebut, biasanya diucapkan hanya dalam rangka menakut-nakuti dan mengancam saja, sehingga tidak perlu membayar kafarat.

- Anda telah terjerumus ke dalam kesalahan ketika persaksian anda tersebut bertentangan dengan realitas yang ada. Akan tetapi kafarat atas hal itu hanyalah bertaubat, istighfar dan memohon maaf kepada direktur sekolah serta berdoa untuk si ibu guru tersebut dan memohonkan ampunan untuknya bila tidak memungkin-kan lagi secara langsung meminta maaf kepadanya. Wallahul Muwaffiq.

Rujukan:

Fatawa al-Mar'ah, dari fatwa Syaikh Ibn Jibrin, h.69-70.

Disalin dari buku Fatwa-Fatwa Terkini Jilid 2, penerbit Darul Haq.         

Hukum Memukul Isteri Dan Batas-batasnya Menurut Syariat

Hukum Memukul Isteri Dan Batas-batasnya Menurut Syariat

Syaikh Ibnu Utsaimin

Pertanyaan: 

Apa hukum memukul isteri dan apa batasan-batasan syariat tentang hal ini? Semoga Allah memberikan balasan kebaikan pada anda.

Jawaban:

Allah سبحانه و تعالى berfirman,

‏

"Dan bergaullah dengan mereka secara patut." (An-Nisa': 19).

Dalam ayat lain disebutkan,

"Dan para wanita mempunyai hak yang seimbang dengan kewajibannya menurut cara yang ma'ruf." (Al-Baqarah: 228).

Seorang laki-laki tidak boleh memukul isterinya kecuali dalam batas-batas syariat yang dibolehkan Allah سبحانه و تعالى, sebagaimana disebutkan dalam firmanNya,

"Wanita-wanita yang kamu khawatirkan nusyuznya, maka nasehatilah mereka dan pukullah mereka. Kemudian jika mereka mentaatimu, maka janganlah kamu mencari-cari jalan untuk menyusahkannya. Sesungguhnya Allah Mahatinggi lagi Mahabesar." (An-Nisa': 34).

Kemudian dari itu, seseorang tidak boleh tergesa-gesa bertindak dalam perkara ini, karena memukul isteri bisa menimbulkan hubungan yang buruk di antara keduanya, bahkan bisa jadi perpisahan. Ini perkara yang tidak pantas dilakukan oleh orang yang berakal.

Rujukan:

Dari fatwa-fatwa Syaikh Ibnu Utsaimin yang beliau tanda tangani.

Disalin dari buku Fatwa-Fatwa Terkini Jilid 1, penerbit Darul Haq.         

Nasihat Buat Suami yang Melarang Istrinya Berpakaian Islami

Nasihat Buat Suami yang Melarang Istrinya Berpakaian Islami

Syaikh Ibnu Utsaimin

Pertanyaan: 

Ada seorang laki-laki yang telah menikah dan mempunyai anak, yang mana isterinya ingin mengenakan pakaian syari tapi malah ditentangnya. Apa nasehat Syaikh untuknya? Semoga Allah memberkahi Syaikh.

Jawaban:

Kami nasehatkan kepadanya agar bertakwa kepada Allah سبحانه و تعالى dan memuji Allah yang telah memberikan kemudahan tersebut, yaitu isteri yang ingin melaksanakan perintah Allah berupa pakaian syar'i yang menutup seluruh badannya demi keselamatan-nya dari berbagai fitnah, sementara Allah سبحانه و تعالى telah memerintahkan para hambaNya yang beriman untuk memelihara diri dan keluarga merkea dari ancaman api neraka, sebagaimana disebutkan dalam firmanNya,

"Hai orang-orang yang beriman, peliharalah dirimu dan keluarga-mu dari api neraka yang bahan bakarnya adalah manusia dan batu; penjaganya malaikat-malaikat yang kasar, yang keras, yang tidak mendurhakai Allah terhadap apa ang diperintahkanNya kepada mereka dan selalu mengerjakan apa yang diperintahkan." (At-Tahrim: 6)

Sementara itu, Nabi صلی الله عليه وسلم pun telah memikulkan tanggung jawab keluarga di pundak laki-laki, sebagaimana sabdanya,

وَالرَّجُلُ فِيْ أَهْلِهِ رَاعٍ وَهُوَ مَسْؤُوْلٌ عَنْ رَعِيَّتِهِ

"Dan laki-laki pemimpin keluarganya dan akan diminta pertanggungjawaban terhadap yang dipimpinnya." (HR. Al-Bukhari dalam Al-Istiqradh (2409), Muslim dalam Al-Imarah (1829))

Sungguh tidak pantas seorang laki-laki memaksa isterinya untuk meninggalkan pakaian syar'i dan menyuruhnya mengenakan pakaian yang haram yang bisa menyebabkan timbulnya fitnah ter-hadap dirinya atau dari dirinya. Maka hendaklah ia bertakwa kepada Allah terhadap dirinya dan keluarganya dan hendaklah ia memuji Allah atas ni'matNya yang telah menganugerahinya wanita shalihah itu.

Bagi sang isteri, sama sekali tidak boleh mematuhinya dengan bermaksiat terhadap Allah, karena tidak boleh menaati makhluk dengan berbuat maksiat terhadap Khaliq.

Rujukan:

Nur ala Ad-Darb, hal. 80. Disalin dari buku Fatwa-Fatwa Terkini Jilid 2, penerbit Darul Haq.         

Pahala Bagi Orang yang Silaturahmi

Pahala Bagi Orang yang Silaturahmi

Syaikh Ibnu Utsaimin

Pertanyaan: 

Apa hukum silaturahmi, dan apa pahala bagi orang yang bersilaturahmi? Jazakumullah.

Jawaban:

Silaturahmi hukumnya wajib. Dalam silaturahmi terkandung keutamaan yang besar, yaitu Allah سبحانه و تعالى menjamin melalui rahim, bahwa Allah menyambung hubungan dengan orang yang menyambungnya (yaitu yang memelihara hubungan kekerabatan) dan memutuskan hubungan dengan orang yang memutuskannya (yaitu yang memutuskan hubungan kekerabatan).

Nabi صلی الله عليه وسلم mengabarkan, bahwa barangsiapa yang ingin dipanjangkan umurnya dan dilapangkan rizkinya, hendaklah ia memelihara hubungan kekerabatan. Memutuskan hubungan kekerabatan adalah penyebab timbulnya laknat Allah, sebagaimana tersirat dalam firman Allah,

"Maka apakah kiranya jika kamu berkuasa kamu akan membuat kerusakan dimuka bumi dan memutuskan hubungan kekeluargaan." (Muhammad: 22).

Juga menjadi sebab putusnya hubungan Allah dengan hamba, karena Allah telah berfirman kepada rahim,

أَقْطَعُ مَنْ قَطَعَكَ

"Aku memutuskan (hubungan) dengan orang yang memutuskan hubungan denganmu."

Karena itu, orang yang telah memutuskan tali hubungan kekerabatan, hendaknya ia bertakwa kepada Allah سبحانه و تعالى dan kembali menjalin hubungan sehingga namanya kembali baik dan dilapangkan rizkinya serta disambung pula oleh para kerabatnya. Demikian itu karena balasan itu setimpal dengan perbuatan.

Rujukan:

Fatwa Syaikh Ibnu Utsaimin yang ditandatanganinya.

Disalin dari buku Fatwa-Fatwa Terkini Jilid 3, penerbit Darul Haq.         

Durhaka: Anak Mendiamkan Ibunya

Durhaka: Anak Mendiamkan Ibunya

Syaikh Ibnu Baz

Pertanyaan: 

Saya mempunyai seorang anak laki-laki yang telah berusia 20 tahun, ia belajar di sebuah perguruan tinggi. Ia selalu bertengkar dengan ibunya dengan alasan bahwa ibunya berbicara keras terhadap saudara-saudaranya di rumah. Kini ia enggan mengucapkan salam kepadanya dan tidak menegurnya selama dua bulan terakhir. Sampai sekarang ia biasa masuk rumah, makan, minum dan tidur, tapi tidak pernah mengucapkan salam kepadanya. Bagaimana sikap saya sebagai ayahnya? Saya telah menasehatinya berkali-kali, tapi ia tetap menolak dan tetap dalam kebutaannya. Mohon pencerahan. Jazakumullah.

Jawaban:

Ini kebodohan kwadrat. Ia telah melakukan kemungkaran dan kedurhakaan yang besar, semoga Allah memberi petunjuk kepada kita dan dia.

Semestinya, anda memperingatkannya atas hal tersebut, mencegahnya melakukan kedurhakaan itu walaupun harus dengan pukulan, atau melarangnya datang ke rumah sama sekali, atau dengan hukuman-hukuman lainnya yang sesuai.

Jika perkataan sudah tidak mempan, tidak ada salahnya masalah ini diadukan ke Lembaga Amar Ma'ruf Nahi Mungkar atau pengadilan jika sang ayah tidak mampu mengatasinya. Semoga Allah memperbaiki sikapnya, menyadarkan, menunjuki dan membimbingnya serta memeliharanya dari keburukan perbuatannya.

Rujukan:

Majmu' Fatawa wa Maqalat Mutanwwi'ah, juz 5, hal. 78-79, Syaikh Ibnu Baz.

Disalin dari buku Fatwa-Fatwa Terkini Jilid 3, penerbit Darul Haq.         

Bersedekah Untuk Ibu atau Bapak yang Telah Meninggal

Bersedekah Untuk Ibu atau Bapak yang Telah Meninggal

Syaikh Ibnu Utsaimin

Pertanyaan: 

Apakah boleh saya bersedekah dari harta saya atas nama ibu saya? Dan apakah pahala sedekah itu akan sampai kepadanya -semoga Allah mengasihinya-?

Jawaban:

Boleh. Seseorang boleh bersedekah atas nama ibunya atau ayahnya yang telah meninggal dunia dan pahalanya akan sampai kepada yang diatasnamakan. Dalilnya adalah hadits yang disebutkan dalam Shahih al-Bukhari, bahwa seorang laki-laki datang kepada Nabi صلی الله عليه وسلم dan berkata, ibuku meninggal tiba-tiba, dan aku lihat, seandainya ia sempat bicara, tentu ia akan bersedekah. Bolehkah aku bersedekah atas namanya?" Beliau menjawab, "Boleh." (HR. Al-Bukhari dalam al-Jana'iz (1388); Muslim dalam al-Washiyah (1004)).

Juga berdasarkan izin Nabi صلی الله عليه وسلم kepada Sa'd bin Ubadah yang hendak menjadikan pohon kormanya di Madinah sebagai se-dekah atas nama ibunya yang telah meninggal. (HR. Al-Bukhari dalam al-Washaya (2760)).

Namun demikian, perlu diketahui, bahwa yang lebih utama bagi seseorang adalah mendoakan ibu bapaknya dan menjadikan pahala amal shalihnya untuk dirinya sendiri, karena seperti itulah yang dilakukan oleh para pendahulu umat ini, bahkan itulah yang tersirat dari sabda Nabi صلی الله عليه وسلم,

إِذَا مَاتَ اْلإِنْسَانُ اِنْقَطَعَ عَنْهُ عَمَلُهُ إِلاَّ مِنْ ثَلاَثَةٍ إِلاَّ مِنْ صَدَقَةٍ جَارِيَةٍ أَوْ عِلْمٍ يُنْتَفَعُ بِهِ أَوْ وَلَدٍ صَالِحٍ يَدْعُوْ لَهُ

"Jika seorang manusia meninggal, terputuslah semua amalnya kecuali dari tiga; Shadaqah jariyah, atau ilmu yang bermanfaat, atau anak shalih yang mendoakannya." (HR. Muslim dalam al-Washiyah (1631)).

Kendati begitu, tidak apa-apa seseorang melakukan amal-amal shalih dengan niat atas nama ayahnya atau ibunya yang telah meninggal.

Rujukan:

Kitab ad-Da'wah (5), Syaikh Ibnu Utsaimin, 2/151.

Disalin dari buku Fatwa-Fatwa Terkini Jilid 3, penerbit Darul Haq.         

Batasan Berbakti Kepada Orang Tua

Batasan Berbakti Kepada Orang Tua

Syaikh Ibnu Utsaimin

Pertanyaan: 

Sebagian orang beranggapan bahwa berbakti kepada kedua orang tua adalah dalam segala hal. Kami mohon perkenan Syaikh untuk menjelaskan batasan-batasan berbakti kepada kedua orang tua.

Jawaban:

Berbakti kepada kedua orang tua adalah berbuat baik kepada keduanya dengan harta, bantuan fisik, kedudukan dan seba-gainya, termasuk juga dengan perkataan. Allah سبحانه و تعالى telah menjelaskan tentang bakti ini dalam firmanNya,

"Jika salah seorang di antara keduanya atau kedua-duanya sampai berumur lanjut dalam pemeliharaanmu, maka sekali-kali janganlah kamu mengatakan kepada keduanya perkataan 'ah' dan janganlah kamu membentak mereka dan ucapkanlah kepada mereka perkataan yang mulia." (Al-Isra': 23).

Demikian ini terhadap orang tua yang sudah lanjut usia. Biasanya orang yang sudah lanjut usia perilakukanya tidak normal, namun demikian Allah menyebutkan

"Maka sekali-kali janganlah kamu mengatakan kepada keduanya perkataan 'ah'." 

yakni sambil merasa tidak senang kepada keduanya,

"Dan janganlah kamu membentak mereka dan ucapkanlah kepada mereka perkataan yang mulia."

Bentuk perbuatan, hendaknya seseorang bersikap santun di hadapan kedua orang tuanya serta bersikap sopan dan penuh ke-patuhan karena status mereka sebagai orang tuanya, demikian berdasarkan firman Allah سبحانه و تعالى,

"Dan rendahkanlah dirimu terhadap mereka berdua dengan penuh kesayangan dan ucapkanlah, 'Wahai Rabbku, kasihilah mereka keduanya, sebagaimana mereka berdua telah mendidik aku waktu kecil'." (Al-Isra': 24).

Lain dari itu, hendaknya pula berbakti dengan memberikan harta, karena kedua orang tua berhak memperoleh nafkah, bahkan hak nafkah mereka merupakan hak yang paling utama, sampai-sampai Rasulullah صلی الله عليه وسلم pernah bersabda,

"Engkau dan hartamu adalah milik ayahmu. " (HR. Abu Daud dalam al-Buyu’ (3530); Ibnu Majah dalam at-Tijarah (2292) dari hadits Ibnu Amr, Ibnu Majah (2291) dari hadits Jabir).

Lain dari itu, juga mengabdi dengan bentuk berbuat baik, yaitu berupa perkataan dan perbuatan seperti umumnya yang berlaku, hanya saja mengabdi dalam perkara yang haram tidak boleh dilakukan, bahkan yang termasuk bakti adalah menahan diri dari hal tersebut, berdasarkan sabda Nabi صلی الله عليه وسلم,

"Tolonglah saudaramu baik ia dalam kondisi berbuat aniaya maupun teraniaya."

Ditanyakan kepada beliau, "Begitulah bila ia teraniaya, lalu bagaimana kami menolongnya bila ia berbuat aniaya? " beliau menjawab,

"Engkau mencegahnya dari berbuat aniaya." (HR. Al-Bukhari dalam al-Mazhalim (2444) dari hadits Anas, Muslim meriwayatkan seperti itu dalam al-Birr (2584) dari hadits Jabir, Ahmad (12666) dari anas. Lafazh di atas adalah riwayat Ahmad).

Jadi, mencegah orang tua dari perbuatan haram dan tidak mematuhinya dalam hal tersebut adalah merupakan bakti terha-dapnya. Misalnya orang tua menyuruhnya untuk membelikan sesuatu yang haram, lalu tidak menurutinya, ini tidak dianggap durhaka. Bahkan sebaliknya, ia sesungguhnya telah berbuat baik, karena dengan begitu ia telah mecegahnya dari yang haram.

Rujukan:

Dari Fatwa Syaikh Ibnu Utsaimin.

Disalin dari buku Fatwa-Fatwa Terkini Jilid 3, penerbit Darul Haq.         

Bagaimana: Orang Tua Melarang Jihad?

Bagaimana: Orang Tua Melarang Jihad?

Syaikh Ibnu Baz

Pertanyaan: 

Saya ingin turut serta berjihad, hal itu telah membahana di lubuk hati saya, rasanya sudah tidak sabar lagi. Saya telah mencoba meminta restu ibu saya, tapi beliau tidak setuju. Karena itu, sering kali hal ini membuat saya kecewa dan saya tidak bisa men-jauhkan diri dari jihad .. Syaikh yang mulia, angan-angan saya dalam hidup ini adalah jihad fi sabilillah dan terbunuh di jalan Allah, tapi ibu saya tidak menyetujui. Tolong beri saya petunjuk ke jalan yang sesuai. Jazakumullah khairan.

Jawaban:

Jihad anda dengan berbakti (mematuhi) ibu anda adalah jihad yang besar. Berbaktilah kepadanya dan berbuat baiklah ter-hadapnya, kecuali bila penguasa menugaskan anda untuk ber-jihad, maka sambutlah, berdasarkan sabda Nabi صلی الله عليه وسلم,

"Dan jika kalian diperintahkan untuk pergi berperang, maka berangkatlah." (HR. Al-Bukhari dalam Jaza' ash-Shaid (1834); Muslim dalam al-Hajj (1353)).

Selama penguasa tidak memerintahkan anda, maka tetaplah anda berbuat baik kepada ibu anda dan menyayanginya. Perlu diketahui, bahwa berbakti kepadanya termasuk jihad yang agung yang lebih didahulukan oleh Nabi صلی الله عليه وسلم daripada jihad fi sabilillah, sebagaimana disebutkan dalam sebuah hadits shahih dari Rasulullah صلی الله عليه وسلم, bahwa seseorang berkata kepada beliau, "Wahai Rasulullah, amal apakah yang paling utama?" Beliau menjawab,

إِيْمَانٌ بِاللهِ وَرَسُوْلِهِ

"Beriman kepada Allah dan RasulNya. "

Ditanyakan lagi, 'Lalu apa lagi? "Beliau menjawab,

بِرُّ الْوَالِدَيْنِ

"Berbakti kepada kedua orang tua. " 

Ditanyakan lagi, 'Lalu apa lagi? " Beliau menjawab,

اَلْجِهَادُ فيِ سَبِيْلِ اللهِ

"Jihad di jalan Allah." (Disepakati keshahihannya. HR. Al-Bukhari dalam Mawaqit ash-Shalah (527); Muslim dalam al-Iman (58) dengan sedikit perbedaan).

Beliau mendahulukan berbakti kepada kedua orang tua daripada jihad. Pernah seorang laki-laki menghadap Rasulullah صلی الله عليه وسلم, untuk meminta izin, laki-laki tersebut berkata,

"Wahai Rasulullah, aku ingin berjihad bersamamu." Beliau bertanya, "Apakah kedua orang tuanya masih hidup?" Ia menjawab, "Masih." Beliau bersabda, "Kalau begitu, berjihadlah pada keduanya." (HR. Al-Bukhari dalam al-Jihad (3004); Muslim dalam Al-Birr (2549)).

Dalam riwayat lain disebutkan, bahwa beliau bersabda,

اِرْجِعْ إِلَيْهِمَا فَاسْتَأْذِنْهُمَا فَإِنْ أَذِنَا لَكَ فَجَاهِدْ وَإِلاَّ فَبِرَّهُمَا

"Kembalilah kepada mereka berdua lalu mintalah izin dari mereka. Jika mereka mengizinkanmu, maka berjihadlah, tapi jika tidak, maka berbaktilah kepada mereka. " (HR. Abu Daud dalam al-Jihad (2530); Ahmad (27320) dari hadits Abu Sa'id).

Sementara anda, itu adalah ibu anda, maka sayangilah ia dan berbuat baiklah kepadanya sampai ia rela terhadap anda. Ini berlaku untuk jihad karena keinginan sendiri dan selama penguasa/pemerintah tidak memerintahkan untuk berangkat.

Namun bila datang serangan menghampiri anda, maka pertahankanlah diri anda atau saudara-saudara anda seiman, tidak ada daya dan kekuatan kecuali dari Allah. Begitu juga bila penguasa memrintahkan anda untuk berangkat berperang, walau-pun tanpa restu ibu anda, hal ini berdasarkan firman Allah سبحانه و تعالى,

"Hai orang-orang yang beriman, apakah sebabnya apabila dikatakan kepada kamu, 'Berangkatlah (untuk berperang) pada jalan Allah' kamu merasa berat dan ingin tinggal ditempatmu. Apakah kamu puas dengan kehidupan di dunia sebagai ganti kehidupan di akhirat? padahal kenikmatan hidup di dunia (dibandingkan dengan kehidupan) di akhirat hanyalah sedikit. Jika kamu tidak berangkat untuk berperang, niscaya Allah akan menyiksa dengan siksa yang pedih dan digantinya (kamu) dengan kaum yang lain, dan tidak akan dapat memberi kemudharatan kepadaNya sedikitpun. Allah Maha Kuasa atas segala sesuatu. " (At-Taubah: 38-39).

Dan sabda Nabi صلی الله عليه وسلم,

"Dan jika kalian diperintahkan untuk pergi berperang, maka berangkatlah. " (Disepakati keshahihannya. HR. Al-Bukhari dalam Jaza' ash-Shaid (1834); Muslim dalam al-Hajj (1353)).

Semoga Allah menunjukkan semuanya kepada apa yang dicintai dan diridhaiNya.

Rujukan:

Majalah al-Buhuts, nomor 34, hal. 146-147, Syaikh Ibnu Baz.

Disalin dari buku Fatwa-Fatwa Terkini Jilid 3, penerbit Darul Haq.         

5 Perkara Termasuk Berbakti Kepada Kedua Orang Tua Setelah Meninggal

5 Perkara Termasuk Berbakti Kepada Kedua Orang Tua Setelah Meninggal

Syaikh Ibnu Utsaimin

Pertanyaan: 

Bagaimana caranya berbakti kepada kedua orang tua? Dan apakah boleh mengumrahkan untuk salah seorang mereka walaupun pernah melaksanakannya?

Jawaban:

Berbakti kepada kedua orang tua adalah berbuat baik kepada mereka dengan harta, wibawa dan bantuan fisik. Ini hukumnya wajib. Sedangkan durhaka kepada kedua orang tua termasuk perbuatan yang berdosa besar, yaitu tidak memenuhi hak-hak mereka. Berbuat baik kepada mereka semasa hidup, sudah maklum, sebagaimana kami sebutkan tadi, yaitu dengan harta, wibawa (kedudukan) dan bantuan fisik. Adapun setelah meninggal, maka cara berbaktinya adalah dengan mendoakan dan memohonkan ampunan bagi mereka, melaksanakan wasiat mereka, menghor-mati teman-teman mereka dan memelihara hubungan kekerabatan yang ada tidak akan punya hubungan kekerabatan dengan me-reka tanpa keduanya. Itulah lima perkara yang merupakan bakti kepada kedua orang tua setelah mereka meninggal dunia.

Bersedekah atas nama keduanya hukumnya boleh. Tapi tidak harus, misalnya dengan mengatakan kepada sang anak, "Bersedekahlah." Namun yang lebih tepat, "Jika engkau bersedekah, maka itu boleh." Jika tidak bersedekah, maka mendoakan mereka adalah lebih utama, berdasarkan sabda Nabi صلی الله عليه وسلم,

إِذَا مَاتَ اْلإِنْسَانُ اِنْقَطَعَ عَنْهُ عَمَلُهُ إِلاَّ مِنْ ثَلاَثَةٍ إِلاَّ مِنْ صَدَقَةٍ جَارِيَةٍ أَوْ عِلْمٍ يُنْتَفَعُ بِهِ أَوْ وَلَدٍ صَالِحٍ يَدْعُوْ لَهُ

"Jika seorang manusia meninggal, terputuslah semua amalnya kecuali dari tiga; Shadaqah jariyah, atau ilmu yang bermanfaat, atau anak shalih yang mendoakannya." (HR. Muslim dalam al-Washiyah (1631)).

Nabi صلی الله عليه وسلم menyebutkan bahwa doa itu berstatus memperbaharui amal. Ini merupakan dalil bahwa mendoakan kedua orang tua setelah meninggal adalah lebih utama daripada bersedekah atas nama mereka, dan lebih utama daripada mengumrahkan mereka, membacakan al-Qur'an untuk mereka dan shalat untuk mereka, karena tidak mungkin Nabi صلی الله عليه وسلم menggantikan yang utama dengan yang tidak utama, bahkan tentunya beliau pasti menjelaskan yang lebih utama dan menerangkan bolehnya yang tidak utama. Dalam hadits tadi beliau menjelaskan yang lebih utama.

Adapun tentang bolehnya yang tidak utama, disebutkan dalam hadits Sa'd bin Ubaidillah, yaitu saat ia meminta izin kepada Nabi صلی الله عليه وسلم untuk bersedekah atas nama ibunya, lalu beliau mengizinkan. (HR. Al-Bukhari dalam al-Washaya (2760)).

Juga seorang laki-laki yang berkata kepada Nabi صلی الله عليه وسلم, "Wahai Rasulullah, ibuku meninggal tiba-tiba, dan aku lihat, seandainya ia sempat bicara, tentu ia akan bersedekah. Bolehkah aku bersedekah atas namanya?" Beliau menjawab, "Boleh." (HR. Al-Bukhari dalam al-Jana'iz (1388); Muslim dalam al-Washiyah (1004)).

Yang jelas, saya sarankan kepada anda untuk banyak-banyak mendoakan mereka sebagai pengganti pelaksanaan umrah, sedekah dan sebagainya, karena hal itulah yang ditunjukkan oleh Nabi صلی الله عليه وسلم. Kendati demikian, kami tidak mengingkari bolehnya bersedekah, umrah, shalat atau membaca al-Qur'an atas nama mereka atau salah satunya. Adapun bila mereka memang belum pernah melaksanakan umrah atau haji, ada yang mengatakan bahwa melaksanakan kewajiban atas nama keduanya adalah lebih utama daripada mendoakan. Walllahu a'lam.

Rujukan:

Kitab ad-Da'wah (5), Syaikh Ibnu Utsaimin, 2/148-149.

Disalin dari buku Fatwa-Fatwa Terkini Jilid 3, penerbit Darul Haq.         

Hukum Membawa Wanita ke Dokter Untuk Memeriksa-kan Auratnya Karena Darurat

Hukum Membawa Wanita ke Dokter Untuk Memeriksa-kan Auratnya Karena Darurat

Lajnah Daimah

Pertanyaan: 

Apakah boleh seorang laki-laki membawa isterinya ke seorang dokter laki-laki muslim atau kafir untuk mengobatinya dan membukakan auratnya termasuk kemaluannya? Perlu diketahui, bahwa sebagian orang membawa putri-putrinya ke para dokter untuk memeriksakan mereka lalu para dokter itu memberikan ser-tifikat keperawanan, biasanya mereka lakukan itu ketika telah mendekati waktu pernikahan.

Jawaban:

Jika pemeriksaan dan pengobatan wanita bisa dilakukan oleh dokter wanita muslimah, maka tidak boleh memeriksakan atau meminta pengobatan kepada dokter laki-laki walaupun muslim. Tapi jika tidak bisa, dan kebutuhannya mendesak untuk segera diobati, maka dokter laki-laki yang muslim itu boleh memeriksanya dengan dihadiri oleh suaminya atau mahramnya karena khawatir terjadi fitnah atau terjadi hal-hal yang tidak terpuji. Jika tidak ada dokter muslim maka tidak apa-apa dokter kafir dengan syarat tadi. Semoga shalawat dan salam dicurahkan kepada nabi kita Muhammad, keluarga dan para sahabatnya.

Rujukan:

Majalah Al-Buhuts Al-Islamiyyah (19), Lajnah Da'imah, hal. 149.

Disalin dari buku Fatwa-Fatwa Terkini Jilid 2, penerbit Darul Haq.         

The Tafsir of Surat Al-Fatihah Parts 2

الْحَمْدُ للَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَـلَمِينَ

(2. Al-Hamd be to Allah, the Lord of all that exists.)

The Meaning of Al-Hamd

Abu Ja`far bin Jarir said, "The meaning of

الْحَمْدُ للَّهِ

(Al-Hamdu Lillah) (all praise and thanks be to Allah) is: all thanks are due purely to Allah, alone, not any of the objects that are being worshipped instead of Him, nor any of His creation. These thanks are due to Allah's innumerable favors and bounties, that only He knows the amount of. Allah's bounties include creating the tools that help the creation worship Him, the physical bodies with which they are able to implement His commands, the sustenance that He provides them in this life, and the comfortable life He has granted them, without anything or anyone compelling Him to do so. Allah also warned His creation and alerted them about the means and methods with which they can earn eternal dwelling in the residence of everlasting happiness. All thanks and praise are due to Allah for these favors from beginning to end.'' Further, Ibn Jarir commented on the Ayah,

الْحَمْدُ للَّهِ

(Al-Hamdu Lillah), that it means, "A praise that Allah praised Himself with, indicating to His servants that they too should praise Him, as if Allah had said, `Say: All thanks and praise is due to Allah.' It was said that the statement,

الْحَمْدُ للَّهِ

(All praise and thanks be to Allah), entails praising Allah by mentioning His most beautiful Names and most honorable Attributes. When one proclaims, `All thanks are due to Allah,' he will be thanking Him for His favors and bounties.''

The Difference between Praise and Thanks

Hamd is more general, in that it is a statement of praise for one's characteristics, or for what he has done. Thanks are given for what was done, not merely for characteristics.

The Statements of the Salaf about Al-Hamd

Hafs mentioned that `Umar said to `Ali, "We know La ilaha illallah, Subhan Allah and Allahu Akbar. What about Al-Hamdu Lillah'' `Ali said, "A statement that Allah liked for Himself, was pleased with for Himself and He likes that it be repeated.'' Also, Ibn `Abbas said, "Al-Hamdu Lillah is the statement of appreciation. When the servant says Al-Hamdu Lillah, Allah says, `My servant has praised Me.'' Ibn Abi Hatim recorded this Hadith.

The Virtues of Al-Hamd

Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal recorded that Al-Aswad bin Sari` said, "I said, `O Messenger of Allah! Should I recite to you words of praise for My Lord, the Exalted, that I have collected' He said,

«أَمَا إِنَّ رَبَّكَ يُحِبُّ الْحَمْدَ»

(Verily, your Lord likes Al-Hamd.)'' An-Nasa'i also recorded this Hadith. Furthermore, Abu `Isa At-Tirmidhi, An-Nasa'i and Ibn Majah recorded that Musa bin Ibrahim bin Kathir related that Talhah bin Khirash said that Jabir bin `Abdullah said that the Messenger of Allah said,

«أَفْضَلُ الذِّكْرِ لَا إِلهَ إِلَّا اللهُ، وَأَفْضَلُ الدُّعَاءِ الْحَمْدُدِلله»

(The best Dhikr (remembering Allah) is La ilaha illallah and the best supplication is Al-Hamdu Lillah.) At-Tirmidhi said that this Hadith is Hasan Gharib. Also, Ibn Majah recorded that Anas bin Malik said that the Messenger of Allah said,

«مَا أَنْعَمَ اللهُ عَلَى عَبْدٍنِعْمَةً فَقَالَ: الْحَمْدُ للهِ، إِلَّا كَانَ الَّذِي أَعْطَى أَفْضَلَ مِمَّا أَخَذَ»

(No servant is blessed by Allah and says,`Al-Hamdu Lillah', except that what he was given is better than that which he has himself acquired.) Further, in his Sunan, Ibn Majah recorded that Ibn `Umar said that the Messenger of Allah said,

«إِنَّ عَبْدًا مِنْ عِبَادِ اللهِ قَالَ:يَا رَبِّ لَكَ الْحَمْدُ كَمَا يَنْبَغِي لِجَلَالِ وَجْهِكَ وَعَظِيمِ سُلْطَانِكَ. فَعَضَلَتْ بِالْمَلَكَيْنِ فَلَمْ يَدْرِيَا كَيْفَ يَكْتُبَانِهَا فَصَعِدَا إِلَى اللهِ فَقَالَا: يَا رَبَّنَا إِنَّ عَبْدًا قَدْ قَالَ مَقَالَةً لَا نَدْرِي كَيْفَ نَكْتُبُهَا، قَالَ اللهُ، وَهُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِمَا قَالَ عَبْدُهُ: مَاذَا قَالَ عَبْدِي؟ قَالَا: يَا رَبِّ إِنَّهُ قَالَ: لَكَ الْحَمْدُ يَا رَبِّ كَمَا يَنْبَغِي لِجَلَالِ وَجْهِكَ وَعَظِيمِ سُلْطَانِكَ. فَقَالَ اللهُ لَهُمَا: اكْتُبَاهَا كَمَا قَالَ عَبْدِي، حَتَّى يَلْقَانِي فَأَجْزِيهِ بِهَا.»

(A servant of Allah once said, `O Allah! Yours is the Hamd that is suitable for the grace of Your Face and the greatness of Your Supreme Authority.' The two angels were confused as to how to write these words. They ascended to Allah and said, `O our Lord! A servant has just uttered a statement and we are unsure how to record it for him.' Allah said while having more knowledge in what His servant has said, 'What did My servant say' They said, `He said, `O Allah! Yours is the Hamd that is suitable for the grace of Your Face and the greatness of Your Supreme Authority.' Allah said to them, `Write it as My servant has said it, until he meets Me and then I shall reward him for it.)

Al before Hamd encompasses all Types of Thanks and Appreciation for Allah

The letters Alif and Lam before the word Hamd serve to encompass all types of thanks and appreciation for Allah, the Exalted. A Hadith stated,

«اللَّهُمَّ لَكَ الْحَمْدُ كُلُّهُ، وَلَكَ الْمُلْكُ كُلُّهُ، وَبِيَدِكَ الْخَيْرُ كُلُّهُ، وَإِلَيْكَ يُرْجَعُ الْأَمْرُ كُلُّهُ»

(O Allah! All of Al-Hamd is due to You, You own all the ownership, all types of good are in Your Hand and all affairs belong to You.)

The Meaning of Ar-Rabb, the Lord

Ar-Rabb is the owner who has full authority over his property. Ar-Rabb, linguistically means, the master or the one who has the authority to lead. All of these meanings are correct for Allah. When it is alone, the word Rabb is used only for Allah. As for other than Allah, it can be used to say Rabb Ad-Dar, the master of such and such object. Further, it was reported that Ar-Rabb is Allah's Greatest Name.

The Meaning of Al-`Alamin

Al-`Alamin is plural for `Alam, which encompasses everything in existence except Allah. The word `Alam is itself a plural word, having no singular form. The `Alamin are different creations that exist in the heavens and the earth, on land and at sea. Every generation of creation is called an `Alam. Al-Farra` and Abu `Ubayd said, "`Alam includes all that has a mind, the Jinns, mankind, the angels and the devils, but not the animals.'' Also, Zayd bin Aslam and Abu Muhaysin said, `Alam includes all that Allah has created with a soul.'' Further, Qatadah said about,

رَبِّ الْعَـلَمِينَ

(The Lord of the `Alamin), "Every type of creation is an `Alam.'' Az-Zajjaj also said, "Alam encompasses everything that Allah created, in this life and in the Hereafter.'' Al-Qurtubi commented, "This is the correct meaning, that the `Alam encompasses everything that Allah created in both worlds. Similarly, Allah said,

قَالَ فِرْعَوْنُ وَمَا رَبُّ الْعَـلَمِينَ - قَالَ رَبُّ السَّمَـوَتِ وَالاٌّرْضِ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَآ إِن كُنتُمْ مُّوقِنِينَ

(Fir`awn (Pharaoh) said: "And what is the Lord of the `Alamin'' Musa (Moses) said: "The Lord of the heavens and the earth, and all that is between them, if you seek to be convinced with certainty'') (26:23-24).

Why is the Creation called `Alam

`Alam is derived from `Alamah, that is because it is a sign testifying to the existence of its Creator and to His Oneness.''     

The Tafsir of Surat Al-Fatihah Parts 1

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَـنِ الرَّحِيمِ

(1. In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.)

The scholars also agree that Bismillah is a part of an Ayah in Surat An-Naml (chapter 27). They disagree over whether it is a separate Ayah before every Surah, or if it is an Ayah, or a part of an Ayah, included in every Surah where the Bismillah appears in its beginning. Ad-Daraqutni also recorded a Hadith from Abu Hurayrah from the Prophet that supports this Hadith by Ibn Khuzaymah. Also, similar statements were attributed to `Ali, Ibn `Abbas and others. The opinion that Bismillah is an Ayah of every Surah, except Al-Bara'ah (chapter 9), was attributed to (the Companions) Ibn `Abbas, Ibn `Umar, Ibn Az-Zubayr, Abu Hurayrah and `Ali. This opinion was also attributed to the Tabi`in: `Ata', Tawus, Sa`id bin Jubayr, Makhul and Az-Zuhri. This is also the view of `Abdullah bin Al-Mubarak, Ash-Shafi`i, Ahmad bin Hanbal, (in one report from him) Ishaq bin Rahwayh and Abu `Ubayd Al-Qasim bin Salam. On the other hand, Malik, Abu Hanifah and their followers said that Bismillah is not an Ayah in Al-Fatihah or any other Surah. Dawud said that it is a separate Ayah in the beginning of every Surah, not part of the Surah itself, and this opinion was also attributed to Ahmad bin Hanbal.

Basmalah aloud in the Prayer

As for Basmalah aloud during the prayer, those who did not agree that it is a part of Al-Fatihah, state that the Basmalah should not be aloud. The scholars who stated that Bismillah is a part of every Surah (except chapter 9) had different opinions; some of them, such as Ash-Shafi`i, said that one should recite Bismillah with Al-Fatihah aloud. This is also the opinion of many among the Companions, the Tabi`in and the Imams of Muslims from the Salaf and the later generations. For instance, this is the opinion of Abu Hurayrah, Ibn `Umar, Ibn `Abbas, Mu`awiyah, `Umar and `Ali - according to Ibn `Abdul-Barr and Al-Bayhaqi. Also, the Four Khalifahs - as Al-Khatib reported - were said to have held this view although the report from them is contradicted. The Tabi`in scholars who gave this Tafsir include Sa`id bin Jubayr, `Ikrimah, Abu Qilabah, Az-Zuhri, `Ali bin Al-Hasan, his son Muhammad, Sa`id bin Al-Musayyib, `Ata', Tawus, Mujahid, Salim, Muhammad bin Ka`b Al-Qurazi, Abu Bakr bin Muhammad bin `Amr bin Hazm, Abu Wa'il, Ibn Sirin, Muhammad bin Al-Munkadir, `Ali bin `Abdullah bin `Abbas, his son Muhammad, Nafi` the freed slave of Ibn `Umar, Zayd bin Aslam, `Umar bin `Abdul-Aziz, Al-Azraq bin Qays, Habib bin Abi Thabit, Abu Ash-Sha`tha', Makhul and `Abdullah bin Ma`qil bin Muqarrin. Also, Al-Bayhaqi added `Abdullah bin Safwan, and Muhammad bin Al-Hanafiyyah to this list. In addition, Ibn `Abdul-Barr added `Amr bin Dinar. The proof that these scholars relied on is that, since Bismillah is a part of Al-Fatihah, it should be recited aloud like the rest of Al-Fatihah. Also, An-Nasa'i recorded in his Sunan, Ibn Hibban and Ibn Khuzaymah in their Sahihs and Al-Hakim in the Mustadrak, that Abu Hurayrah once performed the prayer and recited Bismillah aloud. After he finished the prayer, he said, "Among you, I perform the prayer that is the closest to the prayer of the Messenger of Allah .'' Ad-Daraqutni, Al-Khatib and Al-Bayhaqi graded this Hadith Sahih Furthermore, in Sahih Al-Bukhari it is recorded that Anas bin Malik was asked about the recitation of the Prophet . He said, "His recitation was unhurried.'' He then demonstrated that and recited, while lengthening the recitation of Bismillah Ar-Rahman Ar-Rahim, Also, in the Musnad of Imam Ahmad, the Sunan of Abu Dawud, the Sahih of Ibn Hibban and the Mustadrak of Al-Hakim - it is recorded that Umm Salamah said, "The Messenger of Allah used to distinguish each Ayah during his recitation,

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَـنِ الرَّحِيمِ - الْحَمْدُ للَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَـلَمِينَ - الرَّحْمَـنِ الرَّحِيمِ - مَـلِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ

(In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise and thanks be to Allah, the Lord of all that exists, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. The Owner of the Day of Recompense.)'' Ad-Daraqutni graded the chain of narration for this Hadith Sahih Furthermore, Imam Abu `Abdullah Ash-Shafi`i and Al-Hakim in his Mustadrak, recorded that Mu`awiyah led the prayer in Al-Madinah and did not recite the Bismillah. The Muhajirin who were present at that prayer criticized that. When Mu`awiyah led the following prayer, he recited the Bismillah aloud. The Hadiths mentioned above provide sufficient proof for the opinion that the Bismillah is recited aloud. As for the opposing evidences and the scientific analysis of the narrations mentioned their weaknesses or otherwise it is not our desire to discuss this subject at this time. Other scholars stated that the Bismillah should not be recited aloud in the prayer, and this is the established practice of the Four Khalifahs, as well as `Abdullah bin Mughaffal and several scholars among the Tabi`in and later generations. It is also the Madhhab (view) of Abu Hanifah, Ath-Thawri and Ahmad bin Hanbal. Imam Malik stated that the Bismillah is not recited aloud or silently. This group based their view upon what Imam Muslim recorded that `A'ishah said that the Messenger of Allah used to start the prayer by reciting the Takbir (Allahu Akbar; Allah is Greater) and then recite,

الْحَمْدُ للَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَـلَمِينَ

(All praise and thanks be to Allah, the Lord of all that exists.) (Ibn Abi Hatim 1:12). Also, the Two Sahihs recorded that Anas bin Malik said, "I prayed behind the Prophet , Abu Bakr, `Umar and `Uthman and they used to start their prayer with,

الْحَمْدُ للَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَـلَمِينَ

(All praise and thanks be to Allah, the Lord of all that exists.) Muslim added, "And they did not mention,

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَـنِ الرَّحِيمِ

(In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful) whether in the beginning or the end of the recitation.'' Similar is recorded in the Sunan books from `Abdullah bin Mughaffal, may Allah be pleased with him. These are the opinions held by the respected Imams, and their statements are similar in that they agree that the prayer of those who recite Al-Fatihah aloud or in secret is correct. All the favor is from Allah.

The Virtue of Al-Fatihah

Imam Ahmad recorded in his Musnad, that a person who was riding behind the Prophet said, "The Prophet's animal tripped, so I said, `Cursed Shaytan.' The Prophet said,

«لَا تَقُلْ: تَعِسَ الشَّيْطَانُ، فَإِنَّكَ إِذَا قُلْتَ: تَعِسَ الشَّيْطَانُ، تَعَاظَمَ وَقَالَ: بِقُوَّتِي صَرَعْتُهُ، وَإِذَا قُلْتَ: بِاسْمِ اللهِ تَصَاغَرَ حَتى يَصِيرَ مِثْلَ الذُبَابِ»

(Do not say, 'Cursed Shaytan,' for if you say these words, Satan becomes arrogant and says, 'With my strength I made him fall.' When you say, 'Bismillah,' Satan will become as small as a fly.) Further, An-Nasa'i recorded in his book Al-Yawm wal-Laylah, and also Ibn Marduwyah in his Tafsir that Usamah bin `Umayr said, "I was riding behind the Prophet...'' and he mentioned the rest of the above Hadith. The Prophet said in this narration,

«لَا تَقُلْ هكَذَا فَإِنَّهُ يَتَعَاظَمُ حَتَّى يَكُونَ كَالْبَيْتِ، وَلكِنْ قُلْ: بِسْمِ اللهِ، فَإنَّهُ يَصْغَرُ حَتَّى يَكُونَ كَالذُبَابَةِ»

(Do not say these words, because then Satan becomes larger; as large as a house. Rather, say, 'Bismillah,' because Satan then becomes as small as a fly.) This is the blessing of reciting Bismillah.

Basmalah is recommended before performing any Deed

Basmalah (reciting Bismillah) is recommended before starting any action or deed. For instance, Basmalah is recommended before starting a Khutbah (speech). The Basmalah is also recommended before one enters the place where he wants to relieve himself, there is a Hadith concerning this practice. Further, Basmalah is recommended at the beginning of ablution, for Imam Ahmad and the Sunan compilers recorded that Abu Hurayrah, Sa`id bin Zayd and Abu Sa`id narrated from the Prophet ,

«لَا وُضُوءَ لِمَنْ لَمْ يَذْكُرِ اسْمَ اللهِ عَلَيْهِ»

(There is no valid ablution for he who did not mention Allah's Name in it.) This Hadith is Hasan (good). Also, the Basmalah is recommended before eating, for Muslim recorded in his Sahih that the Messenger of Allah said to `Umar bin Abi Salamah while he was a child under his care,

«قُلْ بِسْمِ اللهِ وَكُلْ بِيَمِينِكَ وَكُلْ مِمَّا يَلِيكَ»

(Say Bismillah, eat with your right hand and eat from whatever is next to you.) Some of the scholars stated that Basmalah before eating is obligatory. Basmalah before having sexual intercourse is also recommended. The Two Sahihs recorded that Ibn `Abbas said that the Messenger of Allah said,

«لَوْ أَنَّ أَحَدَكُمْ إِذَا أَرَادَ أَنْ يَأْتِيَ أَهْلَهُ قَالَ: بِسْمِ اللهِ اللَهُمَّ جَنِّبْنَا الشَّيْطَانَ وَجَنِّبِ الشَّيْطَانَ مَا رَزَقْتَنَا،فَإنَّهُ إِنْ يُقَدَّرْ بَيْنَهُمَا وَلَدٌ لَمْ يَضُرَّهُ الشَّيْطَانُ أَبَدًا»

(If anyone of you before having sexual relations with his wife says, 'In the Name of Allah. O Allah! Protect us from Satan and also protect what you grant us (meaning the coming offspring) from Satan,' and if it is destined that they should have a child then, Satan will never be able to harm that child.)

The Meaning of "Allah

Allah is the Name of the Lord, the Exalted. It is said that Allah is the Greatest Name of Allah, because it is referred to when describing Allah by the various attributes. For instance, Allah said,

هُوَ اللَّهُ الَّذِى لاَ إِلَـهَ إِلاَّ هُوَ عَالِمُ الْغَيْبِ وَالشَّهَـدَةِ هُوَ الرَّحْمَـنُ الرَّحِيمُ - هُوَ اللَّهُ الَّذِى لاَ إِلَـهَ إِلاَّ هُوَ الْمَلِكُ الْقُدُّوسُ السَّلَـمُ الْمُؤْمِنُ الْمُهَيْمِنُ الْعَزِيزُ الْجَبَّارُ الْمُتَكَبِّرُ سُبْحَـنَ اللَّهِ عَمَّا يُشْرِكُونَ - هُوَ اللَّهُ الْخَـلِقُ الْبَارِىءُ الْمُصَوِّرُ لَهُ الاٌّسْمَآءُ الْحُسْنَى يُسَبِّحُ لَهُ مَا فِى السَّمَـوَتِ وَالاٌّرْضِ وَهُوَ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ

(He is Allah, beside Whom La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He) the Knower of the unseen and the seen. He is the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. He is Allah, beside Whom La ilaha illa Huwa, the King, the Holy, the One free from all defects, the Giver of security, the Watcher over His creatures, the Almighty, the Compeller, the Supreme. Glory be to Allah! (High is He) above all that they associate as partners with Him. He is Allah, the Creator, the Inventor of all things, the Bestower of forms. To Him belong the Best Names. All that is in the heavens and the earth glorify Him. And He is the Almighty, the Wise) (59:22-24). Hence, Allah mentioned several of His Names as Attributes for His Name Allah. Similarly, Allah said,

وَللَّهِ الأَسْمَآءُ الْحُسْنَى فَادْعُوهُ بِهَا

(And (all) the Most Beautiful Names belong to Allah, so call on Him by them) (7:180), and,

قُلِ ادْعُواْ اللَّهَ أَوِ ادْعُواْ الرَّحْمَـنَ أَيًّا مَّا تَدْعُواْ فَلَهُ الاٌّسْمَآءَ الْحُسْنَى

(Say (O Muhammad :) "Invoke Allah or invoke the Most Gracious (Allah), by whatever name you invoke Him (it is the same), for to Him belong the Best Names.'') (17:110) Also, the Two Sahihs recorded that Abu Hurayrah said that the Messenger of Allah said,

«إِنَّ للهِ تِسْعَةً وَتِسْعِينَ اسْمًا، مِائَةً إِلَا وَاحِدًا، مَنْ أَحْصَاهَا دَخَلَ الْجَنَّةَ»

(Allah has ninety-nine Names, one hundred minus one, whoever counts (and preserves) them, will enter Paradise.) These Names were mentioned in a Hadith recorded by At-Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah, and there are several differences between these two narrations.

The Meaning of Ar-Rahman Ar-Rahim - the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Ar-Rahman and Ar-Rahim are two names derived from Ar-Rahmah (the mercy), but Rahman has more meanings that pertain to mercy than Ar-Rahim. There is a statement by Ibn Jarir that indicates that there is a consensus on this meaning. Further, Al-Qurtubi said, "The proof that these names are derived (from Ar-Rahmah), is what At-Tirmidhi recorded - and graded Sahih from `Abdur-Rahman bin `Awf that he heard the Messenger of Allah say,

«قَالَ اللهُ تَعَالى: أَنَا الرَّحْمنُ خَلَقْتُ الرَّحِمَ وَشَقَقْتُ لَهَا اسْمًا مِنِ اسْمِي، فَمَنْ وَصَلَهَا وَصَلْتُهُ وَمَنْ قَطَعَها قَطَعْتُهُ»

(Allah the Exalted said, 'I Am Ar-Rahman. I created the Raham (womb, i.e. family relations) and derived a name for it from My Name. Hence, whoever keeps it, I will keep ties to him, and whoever severs it, I will sever ties with him.') He then said, "This is a text that indicates the derivation.'' He then said, "The Arabs denied the name Ar-Rahman, because of their ignorance about Allah and His attributes.'' Al-Qurtubi said, "It was said that both Ar-Rahman and Ar-Rahim have the same meaning, such as the words Nadman and Nadim, as Abu `Ubayd has stated. Abu `Ali Al-Farisi said, `Ar-Rahman, which is exclusively for Allah, is a name that encompasses every type of mercy that Allah has. Ar-Rahim is what effects the believers, for Allah said,

وَكَانَ بِالْمُؤْمِنِينَ رَحِيماً

(And He is ever Rahim (merciful) to the believers.)' (33:43) Also, Ibn `Abbas said - about Ar-Rahman and Ar-Rahim, `They are two soft names, one of them is softer than the other (meaning it carries more implications of mercy).''' Ibn Jarir said; As-Surri bin Yahya At-Tamimi narrated to me that `Uthman bin Zufar related that Al-`Azrami said about Ar-Rahman and Ar-Rahim, "He is Ar-Rahman with all creation and Ar-Rahim with the believers.'' Hence. Allah's statements,

ثُمَّ اسْتَوَى عَلَى الْعَرْشِ الرَّحْمَـنُ

(Then He rose over (Istawa) the Throne (in a manner that suits His majesty), Ar-Rahman) (25:59),) and,

الرَّحْمَـنُ عَلَى الْعَرْشِ اسْتَوَى

(Ar-Rahman (Allah) rose over (Istawa) the (Mighty) Throne (in a manner that suits His majesty).) (20:5) Allah thus mentioned the Istawa - rising over the Throne - along with His Name Ar-Rahman, to indicate that His mercy encompasses all of His creation. Allah also said,

وَكَانَ بِالْمُؤْمِنِينَ رَحِيماً

(And He is ever Rahim (merciful) to the believers), thus encompassing the believers with His Name Ar-Rahim. They said, "This testifies to the fact that Ar-Rahman carries a broader scope of meanings pertaining to the mercy of Allah with His creation in both lives. Meanwhile, Ar-Rahim is exclusively for the believers.'' Yet, we should mention that there is a supplication that reads,

«رَحْمنَ الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ وَرَحِيمَهُمَا»

(The Rahman and the Rahim of this life and the Hereafter) Allah's Name Ar-Rahman is exclusively His. For instance, Allah said,

قُلِ ادْعُواْ اللَّهَ أَوِ ادْعُواْ الرَّحْمَـنَ أَيًّا مَّا تَدْعُواْ فَلَهُ الاٌّسْمَآءَ الْحُسْنَى

(Say (O Muhammad ): "Invoke Allah or invoke Ar-Rahman (Allah), by whatever name you invoke Him (it is the same), for to Him belong the Best Names) (17:110),) and,

وَاسْئلْ مَنْ أَرْسَلْنَا مِن قَبْلِكَ مِن رُّسُلِنَآ أَجَعَلْنَا مِن دُونِ الرَّحْمَـنِ ءَالِهَةً يُعْبَدُونَ

(And ask (O Muhammad ) those of Our Messengers whom We sent before you: "Did We ever appoint alihah (gods) to be worshipped besides Ar-Rahman (Most Gracious, Allah)'') (43:45). Further, when Musaylimah the Liar called himself the Rahman of Yamamah, Allah made him known by the name `Liar' and exposed him. Hence, whenever Musaylimah is mentioned, he is described as `the Liar'. He became an example for lying among the residents of the cities and villages and the residents of the deserts, the bedouins. Therefore, Allah first mentioned His Name - Allah - that is exclusively His and described this Name by Ar-Rahman, which no one else is allowed to use, just as Allah said,

قُلِ ادْعُواْ اللَّهَ أَوِ ادْعُواْ الرَّحْمَـنَ أَيًّا مَّا تَدْعُواْ فَلَهُ الاٌّسْمَآءَ الْحُسْنَى

(Say (O Muhammad ): "Invoke Allah or invoke Ar-Rahman (Allah), by whatever name you invoke Him (it is the same), for to Him belong the Best Names.'') (17:110) Only Musaylimah and those who followed his misguided ways described Musaylimah by Ar-Rahman. As for Allah's Name Ar-Rahim, Allah has described others by it. For instance, Allah said,

لَقَدْ جَآءَكُمْ رَسُولٌ مِّنْ أَنفُسِكُمْ عَزِيزٌ عَلَيْهِ مَا عَنِتُّمْ حَرِيصٌ عَلَيْكُمْ بِالْمُؤْمِنِينَ رَءُوفٌ رَّحِيمٌ

(Verily, there has come unto you a Messenger (Muhammad ) from amongst yourselves (i.e. whom you know well). It grieves him that you should receive any injury or difficulty. He (Muhammad ) is anxious over you (to be rightly guided) for the believers (he is) kind (full of pity), and Rahim (merciful)) (9:128). Allah has also described some of His creation using some of His other Names. For instance, Allah said,

إِنَّا خَلَقْنَا الإِنسَـنَ مِن نُّطْفَةٍ أَمْشَاجٍ نَّبْتَلِيهِ فَجَعَلْنَـهُ سَمِيعاً بَصِيراً

(Verily, We have created man from Nutfah (drops) of mixed semen (sexual discharge of man and woman), in order to try him, so We made him hearer (Sami`) and seer (Basir) (76:2). In conclusion, there are several of Allah's Names that are used as names for others besides Allah. Further, some of Allah's Names are exclusive for Allah alone, such as Allah, Ar-Rahman, Al-Khaliq (the Creator), Ar-Raziq (the Sustainer), and so forth. Hence, Allah started the Tasmiyah (meaning, `In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious Most Merciful') with His Name, Allah, and described Himself as Ar-Rahman, (Most Gracious) which is softer and more general than Ar-Rahim. The most honorable Names are mentioned first, just as Allah did here. A Hadith narrated by Umm Salamah stated that the recitation of the Messenger of Allah was slow and clear, letter by letter,

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَـنِ الرَّحِيمِ - الْحَمْدُ للَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَـلَمِينَ - الرَّحْمَـنِ الرَّحِيمِ - مَـلِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ

(In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All the praises and thanks be to Allah, the Lord of all that exists. The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. The Owner of the Day of Recompense) (1:1-4). And this is how a group of scholars recite it. Others connected the recitation of the Tasmiyah to Al-Hamd.     

The Tafsir of Surat Al-Fatihah

The Tafsir of Surat Al-Fatihah 

Which was revealed in Makkah

The Meaning of Al-Fatihah and its Various Names

This Surah is called Al-Fatihah, that is, the Opener of the Book, the Surah with which prayers are begun. It is also called, Umm Al-Kitab (the Mother of the Book), according to the majority of the scholars. In an authentic Hadith recorded by At-Tirmidhi, who graded it Sahih, Abu Hurayrah said that the Messenger of Allah said,

«الْحَمْدُ للهِ رَبَ الْعَالَمِينَ أُمُّ الْقُرْآنِ وَأُمُّ الْكِتَابِ وَالسَّبْعُ الْمَثَانِي وَالْقُرْآنُ الْعَظِيمُ»

(Al-Hamdu lillahi Rabbil-`Alamin is the Mother of the Qur'an, the Mother of the Book, and the seven repeated Ayat of the Glorious Qur'an.) It is also called Al-Hamd and As-Salah, because the Prophet said that his Lord said,

«قَسَمْتُ الصَّلَاةَ بَيْنِي وَبَيْنَ عَبْدِي نِصْفَيْنِ، فَإِذَا قَالَ الْعَبْدُ:الْحَمْدُدِلله رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ، قَالَ اللهُ: حَمِدَنِي عَبْدِي»

(`The prayer (i.e., Al-Fatihah) is divided into two halves between Me and My servants.' When the servant says, `All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of existence,' Allah says, 'My servant has praised Me.') Al-Fatihah was called the Salah, because reciting it is a condition for the correctness of Salah - the prayer. Al-Fatihah was also called Ash-Shifa' (the Cure). It is also called Ar-Ruqyah (remedy), since in the Sahih, there is the narration of Abu Sa`id telling the the story of the Companion who used Al-Fatihah as a remedy for the tribal chief who was poisoned. Later, the Messenger of Allah said to a Companion,

«وَمَا يُدْرِيكَ أَنَّهَا رُقْيَةٌ»

(How did you know that it is a Ruqyah) Al-Fatihah was revealed in Makkah as Ibn `Abbas, Qatadah and Abu Al-`Aliyah stated. Allah said,

وَلَقَدْ ءاتَيْنَـكَ سَبْعًا مِّنَ الْمَثَانِي

(And indeed, We have bestowed upon you the seven Mathani) (seven repeatedly recited verses), (i.e. Surat Al-Fatihah) (15:87). Allah knows best.

How many Ayat does Al-Fatihah contain

There is no disagreement over the view that Al-Fatihah contains seven Ayat. According to the majority of the reciters of Al-Kufah, a group of the Companions, the Tabi`in, and a number of scholars from the successive generations, the Bismillah is a separate Ayah in its beginning. We will mention this subject again soon, if Allah wills, and in Him we trust.

The Number of Words and Letters in Al-Fatihah

The scholars say that Al-Fatihah consists of twenty-five words, and that it contains one hundred and thirteen letters.

The Reason it is called Umm Al-Kitab

In the beginning of the Book of Tafsir, in his Sahih, Al-Bukhari said; "It is called Umm Al-Kitab, because the Qur'an starts with it and because the prayer is started by reciting it.'' It was also said that it is called Umm Al-Kitab, because it contains the meanings of the entire Qur'an. Ibn Jarir said, "The Arabs call every comprehensive matter that contains several specific areas an Umm. For instance, they call the skin that surrounds the brain, Umm Ar-Ra's. They also call the flag that gathers the ranks of the army an Umm.'' He also said, "Makkah was called Umm Al-Qura, (the Mother of the Villages) because it is the grandest and the leader of all villages. It was also said that the earth was made starting from Makkah.'' Further, Imam Ahmad recorded that Abu Hurayrah narrated about Umm Al-Qur'an that the Prophet said,

«هِيَ أُمُّ الْقُرْآنِ وَهِيَ السَّبْعُ الْمَثَانِي وَهِيَ الْقُرْآنُ الْعَظِيمُ»

(It is Umm Al-Qur'an, the seven repeated (verses) and the Glorious Qur'an.) Also, Abu Ja`far, Muhammad bin Jarir At-Tabari recorded Abu Hurayrah saying that the Messenger of Allah said about Al-Fatihah,

«هِيَ أُمُّ الْقُرْآنِ وَهِيَ فَاتِحَةُ الْكِتَابِ وَهِيَ السَّبْعُ الْمَثَانِي»

(It is Umm Al-Qur'an, Al-Fatihah of the Book (the Opener of the Qur'an) and the seven repeated (verses).)

Virtues of Al-Fatihah

Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal recorded in the Musnad that Abu Sa`id bin Al-Mu`alla said, "I was praying when the Prophet called me, so I did not answer him until I finished the prayer. I then went to him and he said, (What prevented you from coming) I said, 'O Messenger of Allah ! I was praying.' He said, (`Didn't Allah say),

يأَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ اسْتَجِيبُواْ لِلَّهِ وَلِلرَّسُولِ إِذَا دَعَاكُمْ لِمَا يُحْيِيكُمْ

(O you who believe! Answer Allah (by obeying Him) and (His) Messenger when he () calls you to that which gives you life) He then said,

«لَأُعَلِّمَنَّكَ أَعْظَمَ سُورَةٍ فِي الْقُرْآنِ قَبْلَ أَنْ تَخْرُجَ مِنَ الْمَسْجِدِ»

(I will teach you the greatest Surah in the Qur'an before you leave the Masjid.) He held my hand and when he was about to leave the Masjid, I said, `O Messenger of Allah! You said: I will teach you the greatest Surah in the Qur'an.' He said, (Yes.)

الْحَمْدُ للَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَـلَمِينَ

(Al-Hamdu lillahi Rabbil-`Alamin)''

«نَعَمْ هِيَ السَّبْعُ الْمَثَانِي وَالْقُرْآنُ الْعَظِيمُ الَّذِي أُوتِيتُهُ»

(It is the seven repeated (verses) and the Glorious Qur'an that I was given.)'' Al-Bukhari, Abu Dawud, An-Nasa'i and Ibn Majah also recorded this Hadith. Also, Imam Ahmad recorded that Abu Hurayrah said, "The Messenger of Allah went out while Ubayy bin Ka`b was praying and said, (O Ubayy!) Ubayy did not answer him. The Prophet said, (O Ubayy!) Ubayy prayed faster then went to the Messenger of Allah saying, `Peace be unto you, O Messenger of Allah!' He said, (Peace be unto you. O Ubayy, what prevented you from answering me when I called you) He said, `O Messenger of Allah! I was praying.' He said, (Did you not read among what Allah has sent down to me,)

اسْتَجِيبُواْ لِلَّهِ وَلِلرَّسُولِ إِذَا دَعَاكُمْ لِمَا يُحْيِيكُمْ

(Answer Allah (by obeying Him) and (His) Messenger when he () calls you to that which gives you life) He said, `Yes, O Messenger of Allah! I will not do it again.' the Prophet said,

«أَتُحِبُّ أَنْ أُعَلِّمَكَ سُورَةً لَمْ تَنْزِلْ لَا فِي التَّورَاةِ وَلَا فِي الْإِنْجِيلِ وَلَا فِي الزَّبُورِ وَلَا فِي الْفُرْقَانِ مِثْلَهَا؟»

(Would you like me to teach you a Surah the likes of which nothing has been revealed in the Tawrah, the Injil, the Zabur (Psalms) or the Furqan (the Qur'an)) He said, `Yes, O Messenger of Allah!' The Messenger of Allah said, (I hope that I will not leave through this door until you have learned it.) He (Ka`b) said, `The Messenger of Allah held my hand while speaking to me. Meanwhile I was slowing down fearing that he might reach the door before he finished his conversation. When we came close to the door, I said: O Messenger of Allah ! What is the Surah that you have promised to teach me' He said, (What do you read in the prayer.) Ubayy said, `So I recited Umm Al-Qur'an to him.' He said,

«وَالَّذِي نَفْسِي بِيَدِهِ مَا أَنْزَلَ اللهُ فِي التَّورَاةِ وَلَا فِي الْإِنْجِيلِ وَلَا فِي الزَّبُورِ وَلَا فِي الْفُرْقَانِ مِثْلَهَا إِنَّهَا السَّبْعُ الْمَثَانِي»

(By Him in Whose Hand is my soul! Allah has never revealed in the Tawrah, the Injil, the Zabur or the Furqan a Surah like it. It is the seven repeated verses that I was given.)'' Also, At-Tirmidhi recorded this Hadith and in his narration, the Prophet said,

«إِنَّهَا مِنَ السَّبْعِ الْمَثَانِي وَالْقُرْآنِ الْعَظِيمِ الَّذِي أُعْطِيتُهُ»

(It is the seven repeated verses and the Glorious Qur'an that I was given.) At-Tirmidhi then commented that this Hadith is Hasan Sahih. There is a similar Hadith on this subject narrated from Anas bin Malik Further, `Abdullah, the son of Imam Ahmad, recorded this Hadith from Abu Hurayrah from Ubayy bin Ka`b, and he mentioned a longer but similar wording for the above Hadith. In addition, At-Tirmidhi and An-Nasa'i recorded this Hadith from Abu Hurayrah from Ubayy bin Ka`b who said that the Messenger of Allah said,

«مَا أَنْزَل اللهُ فِي التَّورَاةِ وَلَا فِي الْإِنْجِيلِ مِثْلَ أُمِّ الْقُرْآنِ وَهِيَ السَّبْعُ الْمَثَانِي وَهِيَ مَقْسُومَةٌ بَيْنِي وَبَيْنَ عَبْدِي نِصْفَيْنِ»

(Allah has never revealed in the Tawrah or the Injil anything similar to Umm Al-Qur'an. It is the seven repeated verses and it is divided into two halves between Allah and His servant.) This is the wording reported by An-Nasa'i. At-Tirmidhi said that this Hadith is Hasan Gharib. Also, Imam Ahmad recorded that Ibn Jabir said, "I went to the Messenger of Allah after he had poured water (for purification) and said, `Peace be unto you, O Messenger of Allah!' He did not answer me. So I said again, `Peace be unto you, O Messenger of Allah!' Again, he did not answer me, so I said again, `Peace be unto you, O Messenger of Allah!' Still he did not answer me. The Messenger of Allah went while I was following him, until he arrived at his residence. I went to the Masjid and sat there sad and depressed. The Messenger of Allah came out after he performed his purification and said, (Peace and Allah's mercy be unto you, peace and Allah's mercy be unto you, peace and Allah's mercy be unto you.) He then said, (O `Abdullah bin Jabir! Should I inform you of the best Surah in the Qur'an) I said, `Yes, O Messenger of Allah!' He said, (Read, `All praise be to Allah, the Lord of the existence,' until you finish it.)'' This Hadith has a good chain of narrators. Some scholars relied on this Hadith as evidence that some Ayat and Surahs have more virtues than others. Furthermore, in the chapter about the virtues of the Qur'an, Al-Bukhari recorded that Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri said, "Once, we were on a journey when a female servant came and said, `The leader of this area has been poisoned and our people are away. Is there a healer among you' Then a man whose healing expertise did not interest us stood for her, he read a Ruqyah for him, and he was healed. The chief gave him thirty sheep as a gift and some milk. When he came back to us we said to him, `You know of a (new) Ruqyah, or did you do this before' He said, `I only used Umm Al-Kitab as Ruqyah.' We said, `Do not do anything further until we ask the Messenger of Allah.' When we went back to Al-Madinah we mentioned what had happened to the Prophet . The Prophet said,

«وَمَا كَانَ يُدْرِيهِ أَنَّهَا رُقْيَةٌ اقْسِمُوا وَاضْرِبُوا لِي بِسَهْمٍ»

(Who told him that it is a Ruqyah Divide (the sheep) and reserve a share for me.)'' Also, Muslim recorded in his Sahih, and An-Nasa'i in his Sunan that Ibn `Abbas said, "While Jibril (Gabriel) was with the Messenger of Allah , he heard a noise from above. Jibril lifted his sight to the sky and said, `This is a door in heaven being open, and it has never been opened before now.' An angel descended from that door and came to the Prophet and said, `Receive the glad tidings of two lights that you have been given, which no other Prophet before you was given: the Opening of the Book and the last (three) Ayat of Surat Al-Baqarah. You will not read a letter of them, but will gain its benefit.''' This is the wording collected by An-Nasa'i (Al-Kubra 5:12) and Muslim recorded similar wording (1:554).

Al-Fatihah and the Prayer

Muslim recorded that Abu Hurayrah said that the Prophet said,

«مَنْ صَلَى صَلَاةً لَمْ يَقْرَأْ فِيهَا أُمَّ الْقُرْآنِ فَهِيَ خِدَاجٌ ثَلَاثًا غَيْرُ تَمَامٍ»

(Whoever performs any prayer in which he did not read Umm Al-Qur'an, then his prayer is incomplete.) He said it thrice. Abu Hurayrah was asked, "When we stand behind the Imam'' He said, "Read it to yourself, for I heard the Messenger of Allah say,

« قَالَ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ: قَسَمْتُ الصّلَاةَ بَيْنِي وَبَيْنَ عَبْدِي نِصْفَيْنِ وَلِعَبْدِي مَا سَأَلَ فَإِذَا قَالَ:

الْحَمْدُ للَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَـلَمِينَ ، قَالَ اللهُ: حَمِدَنِي عَبْدِي وَإِذَا قَالَ:

الرَّحْمَـنِ الرَّحِيمِ ، قَالَ اللهُ: أَثْنى عَلَيَّ عَبْدِي، فَإذَا قَالَ:

مَـلِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ ، قَالَ اللهُ: مَجَّدَنِي عَبْدِي وَقَالَ مَرَّةً: فَوَّضَ إِلَيَّ عَبْدِي فَإِذَا قَالَ:

إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ ، قَالَ: هذَا بَيْنِي وَبَيْنَ عَبْدِي وَلِعَبْدِي مَا سَأَلَ، فَإِذَا قَالَ:

اهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ - صِرَاطَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ غَيْرِ الْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلاَ الضَّآلِّينَ ، قَالَ اللهُ: هذَا لِعَبْدِي وَلِعَبْدِي مَا سَأَلَ»

(Allah, the Exalted, said, `I have divided the prayer (Al-Fatihah) into two halves between Myself and My servant, and My servant shall have what he asks for.' If he says,

الْحَمْدُ للَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَـلَمِينَ

(All praise and thanks be to Allah, the Lord of existence.) Allah says, `My servant has praised Me.' When the servant says,

الرَّحْمَـنِ الرَّحِيمِ

(The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.) Allah says, `My servant has glorified Me.' When he says,

مَـلِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ

(The Owner of the Day of Recompense.) Allah says, `My servant has glorified Me,' or `My servant has related all matters to Me.' When he says,

إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ

(You (alone) we worship, and You (alone) we ask for help.) Allah says, `This is between Me and My servant, and My servant shall acquire what he sought.' When he says,

اهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ - صِرَاطَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ غَيْرِ الْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلاَ الضَّآلِّينَ

(Guide us to the straight path. The way of those on whom You have granted Your grace, not (the way) of those who earned Your anger, nor of those who went astray), Allah says, `This is for My servant, and My servant shall acquire what he asked for.').'' These are the words of An-Nasa'i, while both Muslim and An-Nasa'i collected the following wording, "A half of it is for Me and a half for My servant, and My servant shall acquire what he asked for.''

Explaining this Hadith

The last Hadith used the word Salah `prayer' in reference to reciting the Qur'an, (Al-Fatihah in this case) just as Allah said in another Ayah,

وَلاَ تَجْهَرْ بِصَلاتِكَ وَلاَ تُخَافِتْ بِهَا وَابْتَغِ بَيْنَ ذَلِكَ سَبِيلاً

(And offer your Salah (prayer) neither aloud nor in a low voice, but follow a way between.) meaning, with your recitation of the Qur'an, as the Sahih related from Ibn `Abbas. Also, in the last Hadith, Allah said, "I have divided the prayer between Myself and My servant into two halves, a half for Me and a half for My servant. My servant shall have what he asked for.'' Allah next explained the division that involves reciting Al-Fatihah, demonstrating the importance of reciting the Qur'an during the prayer, which is one of the prayer's greatest pillars. Hence, the word `prayer' was used here although only a part of it was actually being referred to, that is, reciting the Qur'an. Similarly, the word `recite' was used where prayer is meant, as demonstrated by Allah's statement,

وَقُرْءَانَ الْفَجْرِ إِنَّ قُرْءَانَ الْفَجْرِ كَانَ مَشْهُودًا

(And recite the Qur'an in the early dawn.Verily, the recitation of the Qur'an in the early dawn is ever witnessed.) in reference to the Fajr prayer. The Two Sahihs recorded that the angels of the night and the day attend this prayer.

Reciting Al-Fatihah is required in Every Rak`ah of the Prayer

All of these facts testify to the requirement that reciting the Qur'an (Al-Fatihah) in the prayer is required, and there is a consensus between the scholars on this ruling. The Hadith that we mentioned also testifies to this fact, for the Prophet said,

«مَنْ صَلَّى صَلَاةً لَمْ يَقْرَأْ فِيهَا بِأُمِّ الْقُرْآنِ فَهِيَ خِدَاجٌ»

(Whoever performs any prayer in which he did not recite Umm Al-Qur'an, his prayer is incomplete.) Also, the Two Sahihs recorded that `Ubadah bin As-Samit said that the Messenger of Allah said,

«لَا صَلَاةَ لِمَنْ لَمْ يَقْرَأْ بِفَاتِحَةِ الْكِتَابِ»

(There is no prayer for whoever does not recite the Opening of the Book.) Also, the Sahihs of Ibn Khuzaymah and Ibn Hibban recorded that Abu Hurayrah said that the Messenger of Allah said,

«لَا تُجْزِئُ صَلَاةٌ لَا يُقْرَأُ فِيهَا بِأُمِّ الْقُرآنِ»

(The prayer during which Umm Al-Qur'an is not recited is invalid.) There are many other Hadiths on this subject. Therefore, reciting the Opening of the Book, during the prayer by the Imam and those praying behind him, is required in every prayer, and in every Rak`ah.

The Tafsir of Isti`adhah (seeking Refuge)

Allah said,

خُذِ الْعَفْوَ وَأْمُرْ بِالْعُرْفِ وَأَعْرِض عَنِ الْجَـهِلِينَ - وَإِمَّا يَنَزَغَنَّكَ مِنَ الشَّيْطَـنِ نَزْغٌ فَاسْتَعِذْ بِاللَّهِ إِنَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ

(Show forgiveness, enjoin what is good, and stay away from the foolish (i.e. don't punish them). And if an evil whisper comes to you from Shaytan (Satan), then seek refuge with Allah. Verily, He is Hearing, Knowing) (7:199-200),

ادْفَعْ بِالَّتِى هِىَ أَحْسَنُ السَّيِّئَةَ نَحْنُ أَعْلَمُ بِمَا يَصِفُونَ - وَقُلْ رَّبِّ أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ هَمَزَاتِ الشَّيـطِينِ - وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ رَبِّ أَن يَحْضُرُونِ

(Repel evil with that which is better. We are Best-Acquainted with things they utter. And say: "My Lord! I seek refuge with You from the whisperings (suggestions) of the Shayatin (devils). And I seek refuge with You, My Lord! lest they should come near me.'') (23:96-98) and,

وَلاَ تَسْتَوِى الْحَسَنَةُ وَلاَ السَّيِّئَةُ ادْفَعْ بِالَّتِى هِىَ أَحْسَنُ فَإِذَا الَّذِى بَيْنَكَ وَبَيْنَهُ عَدَاوَةٌ كَأَنَّهُ وَلِىٌّ حَمِيمٌ - وَمَا يُلَقَّاهَا إِلاَّ الَّذِينَ صَبَرُواْ وَمَا يُلَقَّاهَآ إِلاَّ ذُو حَظِّ عَظِيمٍ - وَإِمَّا يَنزَغَنَّكَ مِنَ الشَّيْطَـنِ نَزْغٌ فَاسْتَعِذْ بِاللَّهِ إِنَّهُ هُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ

(Repel (an evil) with one which is better, then verily he with whom there was enmity between you, (will become) as though he was a close friend. But none is granted it except those who are patient ـ and none is granted it except the owner of the great portion (of happiness in the Hereafter, i.e. Paradise and of a high moral character) in this world. And if an evil whisper from Shaytan tries to turn you away (O Muhammad ) (from doing good), then seek refuge in Allah. Verily, He is the Hearing, the Knowing.) (41:34-36) These are the only three Ayat that carry this meaning. Allah commanded that we be lenient human enemy, so that his soft nature might make him an ally and a supporter. He also commanded that we seek refuge from the satanic enemy, because the devil does not relent in his enmity if we treat him with kindness and leniency. The devil only seeks the destruction of the Son of Adam due to the vicious enmity and hatred he has always had towards man's father, Adam. Allah said,

يَـبَنِى آدَمَ لاَ يَفْتِنَنَّكُمُ الشَّيْطَـنُ كَمَآ أَخْرَجَ أَبَوَيْكُم مِّنَ الْجَنَّةِ

(O Children of Adam! Let not Shaytan deceive you, as he got your parents Adam and Hawwa' (Eve) out of Paradise) (7:27),

إِنَّ الشَّيْطَـنَ لَكُمْ عَدُوٌّ فَاتَّخِذُوهُ عَدُوّاً إِنَّمَا يَدْعُو حِزْبَهُ لِيَكُونُواْ مِنْ أَصْحَـبِ السَّعِيرِ

(Surely, Shaytan is an enemy to you, so take (treat) him as an enemy. He only invites his Hizb (followers) that they may become the dwellers of the blazing Fire) (35:6) and,

أَفَتَتَّخِذُونَهُ وَذُرِّيَّتَهُ أَوْلِيَآءَ مِن دُونِى وَهُمْ لَكُمْ عَدُوٌّ بِئْسَ لِلظَّـلِمِينَ بَدَلاً

(Will you then take him (Iblis) and his offspring as protectors and helpers rather than Me while they are enemies to you What an evil is the exchange for the Zalimun (polytheists, and wrongdoers, etc)) (18:50). The devil assured Adam that he wanted to advise him, but he was lying. Hence, how would he treat us after he had vowed,

فَبِعِزَّتِكَ لأغْوِيَنَّهُمْ أَجْمَعِينَإِلاَّ عِبَادَكَ مِنْهُمُ الْمُخْلَصِينَ

("By Your might, then I will surely, mislead them all. Except Your chosen servants among them (i.e. faithful, obedient, true believers of Islamic Monotheism).'') (38:82-83) Also, Allah said,

فَإِذَا قَرَأْتَ الْقُرْءَانَ فَاسْتَعِذْ بِاللَّهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَـنِ الرَّجِيمِ

إِنَّهُ لَيْسَ لَهُ سُلْطَانٌ عَلَى الَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَلَى رَبِّهِمْ يَتَوَكَّلُونَ - إِنَّمَا سُلْطَـنُهُ عَلَى الَّذِينَ يَتَوَلَّوْنَهُ وَالَّذِينَ هُم بِهِ مُشْرِكُونَ

(So when you want to recite the Qur'an, seek refuge with Allah from Shaytan, the outcast (the cursed one). Verily, he has no power over those who believe and put their trust only in their Lord (Allah). His power is only over those who obey and follow him (Satan), and those who join partners with Him.) (16:98-100).

Seeking Refuge before reciting the Qur'an

Allah said,

فَإِذَا قَرَأْتَ الْقُرْءَانَ فَاسْتَعِذْ بِاللَّهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَـنِ الرَّجِيمِ

(So when you want to recite the Qur'an, seek refuge with Allah from Shaytan, the outcast (the cursed one).) meaning, before you recite the Qur'an. Similarly, Allah said,

إِذَا قُمْتُمْ إِلَى الصَّلوةِ فاغْسِلُواْ وُجُوهَكُمْ وَأَيْدِيَكُمْ

(When you intend to offer As-Salah (the prayer), wash your faces and your hands (forearms)) (5:6) meaning, before you stand in prayer, as evident by the Hadiths that we mentioned. Imam Ahmad recorded that Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri said, "When the Messenger of Allah would stand up in prayer at night, he would start his prayer with the Takbir (saying "Allahu Akbar''; Allah is Greater) and would then supplicate,

«سُبْحَانَكَ اللَّهُمَّ وَبِحَمْدِكَ، وَتَبَارَكَ اسْمُكَ، وَتَعَالَى جَدُّكَ، وَلَا إِلَهَ غَيْرُكَ»

(All praise is due to You, O Allah, and also the thanks. Blessed be Your Name, Exalted be Your sovereignty, and there is no deity worthy of worship except You.) He would then say thrice,

«لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللهُ»

ثَلَاثًا (There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah,). He would then say,

«أَعُوذُ بِاللهِ السَّمِيعِ الْعَلِيمِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ مِنْ هَمْزَهِ وَنَفْخِهِ وَنَفْثِهِ»

(I seek refuge with Allah, the Hearing, the Knowing, from the cursed Satan, from his coercion, lures to arrogance and poems.).'' The four collectors of the Sunan recorded this Hadith, which At-Tirmidhi considered the most famous Hadith on this subject. Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah recorded that Jubayr bin Mut`im said that his father said, "When the Messenger of Allah started the prayer, he said,

«اللهُ أَكْبَرُ كَبِيرًا ثَلَاثًا الْحَمْدُ للهِ كَثِيرًا ثَلَاثًا سُبْحَانَ اللهِ بُكْرَةً وَأَصِيلًا ثَلَاثًا اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ مِنْ هَمْزِهِ وَنَفْخِهِ وَنَفْثِهِ»

(Allah is the Greater, truly the Greatest (thrice); all praise is due to Allah always (thrice); and all praise is due to Allah day and night (thrice). O Allah! I seek refuge with You from the cursed Satan, from his Hamz, Nafkh and Nafth.).'' `Amr said, "The Hamz means asphyxiation, the Nafkh means arrogance, and the Nafth means poetry.'' Also, Ibn Majah recorded that `Ali bin Al-Mundhir said that Ibn Fudayl narrated that `Ata' bin As-Sa'ib said that Abu `Abdur-Rahman As-Sulami said that Ibn Mas`ud said that the Prophet said,

«اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الشَّيطَانِ الرَجِيمِ وَهَمْزِهِ وَنَفْخِهِ وَنَفْثِهِ»

(O Allah! I seek refuge with You from the cursed devil, from his Hamz, Nafkh and Nafth.) He said, "The Hamz means death, the Nafkh means arrogance, and the Nafth means poetry.''

Seeking Refuge with Allah when One is Angry

In his Musnad, Al-Hafiz Abu Ya`la Ahmad bin `Ali bin Al-Muthanna Al-Mawsili reported that Ubayy bin Ka`b said, "Two men disputed with each other in the presence of the Messenger of Allah and the nose of one of them became swollen because of extreme anger. The Messenger of Allah said,

«إِنِّي لَأَعْلَمُ شَيْئًا لَوْ قَالَهُ لَذَهَبَ عَنْهُ مَا يَجِدُ: أَعُوذُ بِاللهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ»

(I know of some words that if he said them, what he feels will go away, 'I seek refuge with Allah from the cursed Satan.')'' An-Nasa'i also recorded this Hadith in his book, Al-Yawm wal-Laylah. Al-Bukhari recorded that Sulayman bin Surad said, "Two men disputed in the presence of the Prophet while we were sitting with him. One of them was cursing the other fellow and his face turned red due to anger. The Prophet said,

«إِنِّي لَأَعْلَمُ كَلِمَةً لَوْ قَالَهَا لَذَهَبَ عَنْهُ مَا يَجِدُ، لَوْ قَالَ: أَعُوذُ بِاللهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ»

(I know of a statement which if he said it, will make what he feels disappear, `I seek refuge with Allah from the cursed Satan.') They said to the man, `Do you not hear what the Messenger of Allah is saying' He said, `I am not insane.''' Also, Muslim, Abu Dawud and An-Nasa'i recorded this Hadith. There are many other Hadiths about seeking refuge with Allah. One can find this subject in the books on supplication and the virtues of righteous, good deeds.

Is the Isti`adhah (seeking Refuge) required

The majority of the scholars state that reciting the Isti`adhah (in the prayer and when reciting the Qur'an) is recommended and not required, and therefore, not reciting it does not constitute a sin. However, Ar-Razi recorded that `Ata' bin Abi Rabah said that the Isti`adhah is required in the prayer and when one reads the Qur'an. In support of `Ata's statement, Ar-Razi relied upon the apparent meaning of the Ayah,

فَاسْتَعِذْ

(Then seek refuge.) He said that the Ayah contains a command that requires implementation. Also, the Prophet always said the Isti`adhah. In addition, the Isti`adhah wards off the evil of Satan, which is neccessary, the rule is that the means needed to implement a requirement of the religion is itself also required. And when one says, "I seek refuge with Allah from the cursed devil.'' Then this will suffice.

Virtues of the Isti`adhah

The Isti`adhah cleanses the mouth from the foul speech that it has indulged in. It also purifies the mouth and prepares it to recite the speech of Allah. Further, the Isti`adhah entails seeking Allah's help and acknowledging His ability to do everything. The Isti`adhah also affirms the servant's meekness, weakness and inability to face the enemy of his inner evil, whom Allah alone, Who created this enemy, is able to repel and defeat. This enemy does not accept kindness, unlike the human enemy. There are three Ayat in the Qur'an that affirm this fact. Also, Allah said,

إِنَّ عِبَادِى لَيْسَ لَكَ عَلَيْهِمْ سُلْطَـنٌ وَكَفَى بِرَبِّكَ وَكِيلاً

(Verily, My servants (i.e. the true believers of Islamic Monotheism) ـ you have no authority over them. And sufficient is your Lord as a Guardian.) (17:65). We should state here that the believers, whom the human enemies kill, become martyrs, while those who fall victim to the inner enemy - Satan - become bandits. Further, the believers who are defeated by the apparent enemy - disbelievers - gain a reward, while those defeated by the inner enemy earn a sin and become misguided. Since Satan sees man where man cannot see him, it is befitting that the believers seek refuge from Satan with Whom Satan cannot see. The Isti`adhah is a form of drawing closer to Allah and seeking refuge with Him from the evil of every evil creature.

What does Isti`adhah mean

Isti`adhah means, "I seek refuge with Allah from the cursed Satan so that he is prevented from affecting my religious or worldly affairs, or hindering me from adhering to what I was commanded, or luring me into what I was prohibited from.'' Indeed, only Allah is able to prevent the evil of Satan from touching the son of Adam. This is why Allah allowed us to be lenient and kind with the human devil, so that his soft nature might cause him to refrain from the evil he is indulging in. However, Allah required us to seek refuge with Him from the evil of Satan, because he neither accepts bribes nor does kindness affect him, for he is pure evil. Thus, only He Who created Satan is able to stop his evil. This meaning is reiterated in only three Ayat in the Qur'an. Allah said in Surat Al-A`raf,

خُذِ الْعَفْوَ وَأْمُرْ بِالْعُرْفِ وَأَعْرِض عَنِ الْجَـهِلِينَ

(Show forgiveness, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the foolish (i.e. don't punish them).) (7:199) This is about dealing with human beings. He then said in the same Surah,

وَإِمَّا يَنَزَغَنَّكَ مِنَ الشَّيْطَـنِ نَزْغٌ فَاسْتَعِذْ بِاللَّهِ إِنَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ

(And if an evil whisper comes to you from Shaytan, then seek refuge with Allah. Verily, He is Hearing, Knowing (7: 200).) Allah also said in Surat Al-Mu'minun,

ادْفَعْ بِالَّتِى هِىَ أَحْسَنُ السَّيِّئَةَ نَحْنُ أَعْلَمُ بِمَا يَصِفُونَ - وَقُلْ رَّبِّ أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ هَمَزَاتِ الشَّيـطِينِ - وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ رَبِّ أَن يَحْضُرُونِ

(Repel evil with that which is better. We are Best-Acquainted with the things they utter. And say: "My Lord! I seek refuge with You from the whisperings (suggestions) of the Shayatin (devils). And I seek refuge with You, My Lord! lest they should come near me.'' (23:96-98).) Further, Allah said in Surat As-Sajdah,

وَلاَ تَسْتَوِى الْحَسَنَةُ وَلاَ السَّيِّئَةُ ادْفَعْ بِالَّتِى هِىَ أَحْسَنُ فَإِذَا الَّذِى بَيْنَكَ وَبَيْنَهُ عَدَاوَةٌ كَأَنَّهُ وَلِىٌّ حَمِيمٌ - وَمَا يُلَقَّاهَا إِلاَّ الَّذِينَ صَبَرُواْ وَمَا يُلَقَّاهَآ إِلاَّ ذُو حَظِّ عَظِيمٍ - وَإِمَّا يَنزَغَنَّكَ مِنَ الشَّيْطَـنِ نَزْغٌ فَاسْتَعِذْ بِاللَّهِ إِنَّهُ هُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ

(The good deed and the evil deed cannot be equal. Repel (the evil) with one which is better, then verily he, between whom and you there was enmity, (will become) as though he was a close friend. But none is granted it (the above quality) except those who are patient ـ and none is granted it except the owner of the great portion (of happiness in the Hereafter, i.e. Paradise and of a high moral character) in this world. And if an evil whisper from Shaytan tries to turn you away (from doing good), then seek refuge in Allah. Verily, He is the Hearing, the Knowing) (41:34-36).

Why the Devil is called Shaytan

In the Arabic language, Shaytan is derived from Shatana, which means the far thing. Hence, the Shaytan has a different nature than mankind, and his sinful ways are far away from every type of righteousness. It was also said that Shaytan is derived from Shata, (literally `burned'), because it was created from fire. Some scholars said that both meanings are correct, although they state that the first meaning is more plausible. Further, Siybawayh (the renowned Arab linguistic) said, "The Arabs say, `So-and-so has Tashaytan,' when he commits the act of the devils. If Shaytan was derived from Shata, they would have said, Tashayyata (rather than Tashaytan).'' Hence, Shaytan is derived from the word that means, far away. This is why they call those who are rebellious (or mischievous) from among the Jinns and mankind a `Shaytan'. Allah said,

وَكَذَلِكَ جَعَلْنَا لِكُلِّ نِبِىٍّ عَدُوّاً شَيَـطِينَ الإِنْسِ وَالْجِنِّ يُوحِى بَعْضُهُمْ إِلَى بَعْضٍ زُخْرُفَ الْقَوْلِ غُرُوراً

(And so We have appointed for every Prophet enemies ـ Shayatin (devils) among mankind and Jinn, inspiring one another with adorned speech as a delusion (or by way of deception)) (6:112). In addition, the Musnad by Imam Ahmad records that Abu Dharr said that the Messenger of Allah said,

«يَا أَبَا ذَرَ تَعَوَّذْ بِاللهِ مِنْ شَيَاطِينِ الْإِنْسِ وَالْجِنِّ»

(O Abu Dharr! Seek refuge with Allah from the devils of mankind and the Jinns.) Abu Dharr said, "I asked him , `Are there human devils' He said, (Yes.)'' Furthermore, it is recorded in Sahih Muslim that Abu Dharr said that the Messenger of Allah said,

«يَقْطَعُ الصَّلَاةَ الْمَرْأَةُ وَالْحِمَارُ وَالْكَلْبُ الْأَسْوَدُ»

(The woman, the donkey and the black dog interrupt the prayer (if they pass in front of those who do not pray behind a Sutrah, i.e. a barrier).) Abu Dharr said, "I said, `What is the difference between the black dog and the red or yellow dog' He said,

«الْكَلْبُ الْأَسْوَدُ شَيْطَانٌ»

(The black dog is a devil.).'' Also, Ibn Jarir At-Tabari recorded that `Umar bin Al-Khattab once rode a Berthawn (huge camel) which started to proceed arrogantly. `Umar kept striking the animal, but the animal kept walking in an arrogant manner. `Umar dismounted the animal and said, "By Allah! You have carried me on a Shaytan. I did not come down from it until after I had felt something strange in my heart.'' This Hadith has an authentic chain of narrators.

The Meaning of Ar-Rajim

Ar-Rajim means, being expelled from all types of righteousness. Allah said,

وَلَقَدْ زَيَّنَّا السَّمَآءَ الدُّنْيَا بِمَصَـبِيحَ وَجَعَلْنَـهَا رُجُوماً لِّلشَّيَـطِينِ

(And indeed We have adorned the nearest heaven with lamps, and We have made such lamps Rujuman (as missiles) to drive away the Shayatin (devils)) (67:5). Allah also said,

إِنَّا زَيَّنَّا السَّمَآءَ الدُّنْيَا بِزِينَةٍ الْكَوَكِبِ - وَحِفْظاً مِّن كُلِّ شَيْطَـنٍ مَّارِدٍ - لاَّ يَسَّمَّعُونَ إِلَى الْمَلإِ الاٌّعْلَى وَيُقْذَفُونَ مِن كُلِّ جَانِبٍ - دُحُوراً وَلَهُمْ عَذابٌ وَاصِبٌ - إِلاَّ مَنْ خَطِفَ الْخَطْفَةَ فَأَتْبَعَهُ شِهَابٌ ثَاقِبٌ

(Verily, We have adorned the near heaven with the stars (for beauty). And to guard against every rebellious devil. They cannot listen to the higher group (angels) for they are pelted from every side. Outcast, and theirs is a constant (or painful) torment. Except such as snatch away something by stealing, and they are pursued by a flaming fire of piercing brightness) (37:6-10). Further, Allah said,

وَلَقَدْ جَعَلْنَا فِى السَّمَاءِ بُرُوجًا وَزَيَّنَّـهَا لِلنَّـظِرِينَ - وَحَفِظْنَـهَا مِن كُلِّ شَيْطَـنٍ رَّجِيمٍ - إِلاَّ مَنِ اسْتَرَقَ السَّمْعَ فَأَتْبَعَهُ شِهَابٌ مُّبِينٌ

(And indeed, We have put the big stars in the heaven and We beautified it for the beholders. And We have guarded it (near heaven) from every Shaytan Rajim (outcast Shaytan). Except him (devil) who steals the hearing then he is pursued by a clear flaming fire.) (15:16-18). There are several similar Ayat. It was also said that Rajim means, the person who throws or bombards things, because the devil throws doubts and evil thoughts in people's hearts. The first meaning is more popular and accurate.

Bismillah is the First Ayah of Al-Fatihah

The Companions started the Book of Allah with Bismillah: