In the Name of Allâh, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
The Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) said: "Every innovation is misguidance and going astray" Reported by Abu Daawood (no. 4607), at-Tirmidhee (no. 2676) and it is saheeh. Ibn Hajr authenticated it Takhreej Ahaadeeth Ibn ul-Haajib (1/137).
And he (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) also said: "… and every innovation is misguidance and all misguidance is in the Hellfire." Reported by an-Nasaa'ee (1/224) from Jaabir bin Abdullaah and it is saheeh as declared by Shaikh ul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah in Majmoo' ul-Fataawaa (3/58).
Misconception # 1:
The night of the 15th of Shabaan should be singled out for worship, prayer, etc.
Clarification:
Our best example and role model is the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) and he never, ever singled out this night for worship or qiyaam nor did his Sahaba.
Shaykh Ibn Baaz said:"There is no saheeh hadeeth concerning the night of the fifteenth of Shabaan. All the ahaadeeth that have been narrated concerning that are mawdoo (fabricated) and daeef (weak), and have no basis. There is nothing special about this night, and no recitation of Quraan or prayer, whether alone or in congregation, is specified for this night. What some of the scholars have said about it being special is a weak opinion. It is not permissible to single it out for any special actions. This is the correct view."
(Fataawa Islamiyyah, 4/511)
Misconception # 2:
There are special prayers to be offered on this night.
Clarification:
The truth of the matter is that there are NO special prayers to be offered on this night specifically. And all those ahaadeeth giving you long lists of special formulas that are "supposed to guarantee you Allaahs forgiveness and Jannah" are all fabricated, false and innovations in our Deen. If there were such prayers, the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) would have told us about them and we would have had evidence of him and the Sahaba doing it.
Misconception # 3:
Allaah descends to the first heavens on this night to forgive us.
Clarification:
Allaah’s descending to the first heaven does not only happen on the night of the fifteenth of Shabaan. Rather it happens every single night of the year.
The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said: "Every night when it is the last third of the night, our Lord, the Superior, the Blessed, descends to the nearest heaven and says: Is there anyone to invoke Me that I may respond to his invocation? Is there anyone to ask Me so that I may grant him his request? Is there anyone asking My forgiveness so that I may forgive him?. " (Bukhaari)
Thus, when Abd-Allaah ibn al-Mubaarak was asked about the descent of Allaah on the night of the fifteenth of Shabaan, he said to the one who asked him: “O weak one! The night of the fifteenth?! He descends every night!”
Misconception # 4:
This is the night when our fate, lifespan, and provisions are decreed.
Clarification:
Some people think that the "blessed night" (laylatim-mubarakah) mentioned in Surah ad-Dukhaan (44): 3, refers to the night of 15th Shabaan, when Allah decrees our lifespan, provisions and fate. In fact, they even pray 6 rakahs, 2 for each of these things. However, all that is fabricated and far, far away from the Sunnah. And, in reality, the "blessed night" mentioned in Surah ad-Dukhaan, actually is referring to Laylatul Qadr that comes in Ramadhaan. (Tafseer Ibn Kathir of Surah al-Qadr)
Misconception # 5:
One should fast on the day of the fifteenth.
Clarification:
Here again, there is no saheeh reports that tell us that the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) or his Sahaabah ever picked this day specifically to fast. The Sunnah of the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) was to fast most of this month and not just the 15th. However, if the fifteenth of Shabaan coincides with a Monday or Thursday, or with the three white days or if a person is generally fasting, without associating seeking extra rewards to fasting this specific day, then it is allowed. (Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid)
Misconception # 6:
This is the night when the souls of departed ones return to their families.
Clarification:
Here again, some people misunderstand the ayaat in Surah al-Qadr and think that the "sending down of the Ruh" as mentioned in this Surah refers to the souls of dead people returning to see their families, even though it refers to Jibreel (Tafseer Ibn Kathir). And that is why we see women preparing the sweets, the Halwas and other "goodies" for the souls of their loved ones.
Not only is that in itself an erroneous, deviant belief and bidah, but to believe that the souls of the dead can return back to the world and meet/see their relatives is also totally incorrect and false. The teachings of the Quraan and the Sunnah clearly state that the souls of the dead do not return back to the world. Besides, they dont even eat the Halwas. It is actually you who eats it!
Misconception # 7:
Visiting graveyards especially this night is something good.
Clarification:
Although the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) encouraged visiting graves, he forbade singling out any day or night for any kinds of good deeds if it is not prescribed in the Shareeah. And he did not specifically visit the graveyard on the night of the 15th of Shabaan. The hadeeth of Aisha that mentions that the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) visited the graveyard this night is not authentic and thus does not have any proof for visiting graves specifically on this night of Shabaan.
Misconception # 8:
Even if the ahaadeeth about worship on this night are weak, one can still do it.
Clarification:
The correct scholarly view is that weak ahaadeeth should not be followed at all, even if they speak of righteous deeds or of targheeb and tarheeb (promises and warnings). The saheeh reports are sufficient and the Muslim has no need to follow the daeef reports.
Shaykh Ahmad Shaakir said: "There is no difference between rulings or righteous deeds; we do not take any of them from daeef reports, rather no one has the right to use any report as evidence unless it is proven to be soundly narrated from the Messenger of Allaah (Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) in a saheeh or hasan hadeeth."
Misconception # 9:
Look at all those people doing it. How can they all be wrong?
Clarification:
The Muslim is supposed to refer to Allaah and His Messenger (Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) Sunnah, if there is any confusion or dispute about matters and NOT what the rest of the world is doing.
“O you who believe! Obey Allaah and obey the Messenger and those of you who are in authority. (And) if you differ in anything amongst yourselves, refer it to Allaah and His Messenger, if you believe in Allaah and in the Last Day. That is better and more suitable for final determination" [al-Nisaa 4:59]
Shaykh Ibn Jibreen said: "These reports (about worship and fasting an the 15th of Shabaan) became very well known in some countries which were overwhelmed by ignorance; One should not be deceived by the large numbers of ignorant people who do these things."
The REAL Sunnah regarding Shabaan :
If you truly and sincerely want to please Allaah and do deeds that will be acceptable to Him, then follow the REAL Sunnah of the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam). Here is what is proven in the authentic sunnah:
1. Fast most of this month as much as you can.
Aaishah RA said: “I never saw the Messenger of Allaah fasting for an entire month except in Ramadaan, and I never saw him fast more than he did in Shabaan.” (Bukhaari, Muslim).
2. However, if you are weak or do not fast habitually and feel that this nafil fasting may be a hindrance to your obligatory fasting in the month of Ramadhaan, then the person may stop the nafil fasting in the last few days of this month. And for that person, the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said:
“When Shabaan is half over, do not fast.” (Saheeh al-Tirmidhi).
3. If you have fasts left over from last Ramadhaan to make up, then hurry up and do so in this month of Shabaan before the next Ramadhaan comes. It is not permissible to delay missed fasts until after the following Ramadhaan, except in cases of necessity (such as a valid excuse that continues between the two Ramadaans).
Aaishah RA said: 'It used to be that I had days to make up for Ramadhaan and I would not be able to do so except in Shabaan.” [Bukhaari]
The Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) said: "Every innovation is misguidance and going astray" Reported by Abu Daawood (no. 4607), at-Tirmidhee (no. 2676) and it is saheeh. Ibn Hajr authenticated it Takhreej Ahaadeeth Ibn ul-Haajib (1/137).
And he (sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) also said: "… and every innovation is misguidance and all misguidance is in the Hellfire." Reported by an-Nasaa'ee (1/224) from Jaabir bin Abdullaah and it is saheeh as declared by Shaikh ul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah in Majmoo' ul-Fataawaa (3/58).
Ruling On Celebrating The Birthday Of The Prophet
The subject of celebrating the Prophets' (peace be upon him) is a hotly disputed one.
Ruling on celebrating the birthday of the Prophet
Praise be to Allaah the Lord of the Worlds, and blessings and peace be upon our Prophet
Muhammad and all his family and companions.
The commands mentioned in the Qur’aan and Sunnah to follow the laws of Allaah and
His Messenger, and the prohibitions on introducing innovations into the religion are quite
clear. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Say (O Muhammad to mankind): ‘If you (really) love Allaah, then follow me (i.e. accept
Islamic Monotheism, follow the Qur’aan and the Sunnah), Allaah will love you and forgive
you your sins’”
[Aal ‘Imraan 3:31]
“Follow what has been sent down unto you from your Lord (the Qur’aan and Prophet
Muhammad’s Sunnah), and follow not any Awliyaa’ (protectors and helpers who order
you to associate partners in worship with Allaah), besides Him (Allaah). Little do you
remember!”
[al-A’raaf 7:3]
“And verily, this is My straight path, so follow it, and follow not (other) paths, for they
will separate you away from His path”
[al-A’naam 6:153]
And the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The most truthful of
speech is the Book of Allaah and the best of guidance is the guidance of Muhammad, and
the most evil of things are those which are newly-invented.” And he (peace and blessings
of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever innovates anything in this matter of ours (i.e.,
Islam), that is not part of it will have it rejected.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, no. 2697;
Muslim, no. 1718). According to a version narrated by Muslim, “Whoever doe anything
that is not in accordance with this matter of ours (i.e., Islam), will have it rejected.”
Among the reprehensible innovations that people have invented is the celebration of the
birthday of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) in the month of
Rabee’ al-Awwal. They celebrate this occasion in various ways:
Some of them simply make it an occasion to gather and read the story of the Mawlid,
then they present speeches and qaseedahs (odes) for this occasion.
Some of them make food and sweets etc., and offer them to the people present.
Ruling on celebrating the birthday of the Prophet Page 1 of 11
http://63.175.194.25/topics/muled/muled_llfozan_eng.shtml 1/1/2005Some of them hold these celebrations in the mosques, and some of them hold them in
their houses.
Some people do not limit themselves to the actions mentioned above; they include in
these gatherings haraam and reprehensible things, such as free mixing of men and
women, dancing and singing, or committing actions of shirk such as seeking the help of
the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), calling upon him, seeking his
support against their enemies and so on.
Whatever form it takes and whatever the intentions of those who do this are, there is no
doubt whatsoever that it is an invented, haraam innovation which was introduced by the
Shi’a Faatimids after the three best centuries, in order to corrupt the religion of the
Muslims. The first person to do this after them was the king al-Muzaffar Abu Sa’eed
Kawkaboori, the king of Irbil, at the end of the sixth century or the beginning of the
seventh century AH, as was mentioned by the historians such as Ibn Khalkaan and others.
Abu Shaamah said: the first person to do that in Mosul was Shaykh ‘Umar ibn
Muhammad al-Malaa, one of the well-known righteous people. Then the ruler of Irbil and
others followed his example.
Al-Haafiz Ibn Katheer said in al-Bidaayah wa’l-Nihaayah (13/137), in his biography of
Abu Sa’eed Kazkaboori: “He used to observe the Mawlid in Rabee’ al-Awwal and hold a
huge celebration on that occasion… some of those who were present at the feast of alMuzaffar on some occasions of the Mawlid said that he used to offer in the feast five
thousand grilled heads of sheep, ten thousand chickens and one hundred thousand large
dishes, and thirty trays of sweets… he would let the Sufis sing from Zuhr until Fajr, and
he himself would dance with them.”
Ibn Khalkaan said in Wafiyaat al-A’yaan (3/274): “When it is the first of Safar they
decorate those domes with various kinds of fancy adornments, and in every dome there
sits a group of singers and a group of puppeteers and players of musical instruments, and
they do not leave any one of those domes without setting up a group (of performers)
there.
The people give up work during this period, and they do no work except going around
and watching the entertainment. When there are two days to go until the Mawlid, they
bring out a large number of camels, cows and sheep, more than can be described, and
they accompany them with all the drums, songs and musical instruments that they have,
until they bring them to the square… On the night of the Mawlid there are performances
of nasheed after Maghrib in the citadel.”
This is the origin of this celebration on the occasion of the Prophet’s birthday. More
recently idle entertainment, extravagance, and wasting of money and time have become
associated with an innovation for which Allaah has not sent down any authority.
 |
| 2 Shabaan: Misconceptions and Realities |
The night of the 15th of Shabaan should be singled out for worship, prayer, etc.
Clarification:
Our best example and role model is the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) and he never, ever singled out this night for worship or qiyaam nor did his Sahaba.
Shaykh Ibn Baaz said:"There is no saheeh hadeeth concerning the night of the fifteenth of Shabaan. All the ahaadeeth that have been narrated concerning that are mawdoo (fabricated) and daeef (weak), and have no basis. There is nothing special about this night, and no recitation of Quraan or prayer, whether alone or in congregation, is specified for this night. What some of the scholars have said about it being special is a weak opinion. It is not permissible to single it out for any special actions. This is the correct view."
(Fataawa Islamiyyah, 4/511)
Misconception # 2:
There are special prayers to be offered on this night.
Clarification:
The truth of the matter is that there are NO special prayers to be offered on this night specifically. And all those ahaadeeth giving you long lists of special formulas that are "supposed to guarantee you Allaahs forgiveness and Jannah" are all fabricated, false and innovations in our Deen. If there were such prayers, the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) would have told us about them and we would have had evidence of him and the Sahaba doing it.
Misconception # 3:
Allaah descends to the first heavens on this night to forgive us.
Clarification:
Allaah’s descending to the first heaven does not only happen on the night of the fifteenth of Shabaan. Rather it happens every single night of the year.
The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said: "Every night when it is the last third of the night, our Lord, the Superior, the Blessed, descends to the nearest heaven and says: Is there anyone to invoke Me that I may respond to his invocation? Is there anyone to ask Me so that I may grant him his request? Is there anyone asking My forgiveness so that I may forgive him?. " (Bukhaari)
Thus, when Abd-Allaah ibn al-Mubaarak was asked about the descent of Allaah on the night of the fifteenth of Shabaan, he said to the one who asked him: “O weak one! The night of the fifteenth?! He descends every night!”
Misconception # 4:
This is the night when our fate, lifespan, and provisions are decreed.
Clarification:
Some people think that the "blessed night" (laylatim-mubarakah) mentioned in Surah ad-Dukhaan (44): 3, refers to the night of 15th Shabaan, when Allah decrees our lifespan, provisions and fate. In fact, they even pray 6 rakahs, 2 for each of these things. However, all that is fabricated and far, far away from the Sunnah. And, in reality, the "blessed night" mentioned in Surah ad-Dukhaan, actually is referring to Laylatul Qadr that comes in Ramadhaan. (Tafseer Ibn Kathir of Surah al-Qadr)
Misconception # 5:
One should fast on the day of the fifteenth.
Clarification:
Here again, there is no saheeh reports that tell us that the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) or his Sahaabah ever picked this day specifically to fast. The Sunnah of the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) was to fast most of this month and not just the 15th. However, if the fifteenth of Shabaan coincides with a Monday or Thursday, or with the three white days or if a person is generally fasting, without associating seeking extra rewards to fasting this specific day, then it is allowed. (Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid)
Misconception # 6:
This is the night when the souls of departed ones return to their families.
Clarification:
Here again, some people misunderstand the ayaat in Surah al-Qadr and think that the "sending down of the Ruh" as mentioned in this Surah refers to the souls of dead people returning to see their families, even though it refers to Jibreel (Tafseer Ibn Kathir). And that is why we see women preparing the sweets, the Halwas and other "goodies" for the souls of their loved ones.
Not only is that in itself an erroneous, deviant belief and bidah, but to believe that the souls of the dead can return back to the world and meet/see their relatives is also totally incorrect and false. The teachings of the Quraan and the Sunnah clearly state that the souls of the dead do not return back to the world. Besides, they dont even eat the Halwas. It is actually you who eats it!
Misconception # 7:
Visiting graveyards especially this night is something good.
Clarification:
Although the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) encouraged visiting graves, he forbade singling out any day or night for any kinds of good deeds if it is not prescribed in the Shareeah. And he did not specifically visit the graveyard on the night of the 15th of Shabaan. The hadeeth of Aisha that mentions that the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) visited the graveyard this night is not authentic and thus does not have any proof for visiting graves specifically on this night of Shabaan.
Misconception # 8:
Even if the ahaadeeth about worship on this night are weak, one can still do it.
Clarification:
The correct scholarly view is that weak ahaadeeth should not be followed at all, even if they speak of righteous deeds or of targheeb and tarheeb (promises and warnings). The saheeh reports are sufficient and the Muslim has no need to follow the daeef reports.
Shaykh Ahmad Shaakir said: "There is no difference between rulings or righteous deeds; we do not take any of them from daeef reports, rather no one has the right to use any report as evidence unless it is proven to be soundly narrated from the Messenger of Allaah (Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) in a saheeh or hasan hadeeth."
Misconception # 9:
Look at all those people doing it. How can they all be wrong?
Clarification:
The Muslim is supposed to refer to Allaah and His Messenger (Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) Sunnah, if there is any confusion or dispute about matters and NOT what the rest of the world is doing.
“O you who believe! Obey Allaah and obey the Messenger and those of you who are in authority. (And) if you differ in anything amongst yourselves, refer it to Allaah and His Messenger, if you believe in Allaah and in the Last Day. That is better and more suitable for final determination" [al-Nisaa 4:59]
Shaykh Ibn Jibreen said: "These reports (about worship and fasting an the 15th of Shabaan) became very well known in some countries which were overwhelmed by ignorance; One should not be deceived by the large numbers of ignorant people who do these things."
The REAL Sunnah regarding Shabaan :
If you truly and sincerely want to please Allaah and do deeds that will be acceptable to Him, then follow the REAL Sunnah of the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam). Here is what is proven in the authentic sunnah:
1. Fast most of this month as much as you can.
Aaishah RA said: “I never saw the Messenger of Allaah fasting for an entire month except in Ramadaan, and I never saw him fast more than he did in Shabaan.” (Bukhaari, Muslim).
2. However, if you are weak or do not fast habitually and feel that this nafil fasting may be a hindrance to your obligatory fasting in the month of Ramadhaan, then the person may stop the nafil fasting in the last few days of this month. And for that person, the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said:
“When Shabaan is half over, do not fast.” (Saheeh al-Tirmidhi).
3. If you have fasts left over from last Ramadhaan to make up, then hurry up and do so in this month of Shabaan before the next Ramadhaan comes. It is not permissible to delay missed fasts until after the following Ramadhaan, except in cases of necessity (such as a valid excuse that continues between the two Ramadaans).
Aaishah RA said: 'It used to be that I had days to make up for Ramadhaan and I would not be able to do so except in Shabaan.” [Bukhaari]
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