Commentary on Hadith: How Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam received revelation - part 1

The following is a commentary I have compiled by using Fathul Baari and Kashful Baari in relation to the third hadith or Bukhari Sharif which deals with the manner in which Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam received revelation from Allah Ta'ala. There are many narrations which describe this matter but I felt that this hadith is amazing as it takes a person back to the very beginning of Rasulullah's salallahu alayhi wa salam prophethood. The hadith in itself is quite long but I have decided to break it up bit by bit in order to give a somewhat detailed but succinct commentary of it. Inshallah, I intend to continue to write more of the hadith with its commentary as time progresses. I have begun first by mentioning extremely brief notes on the people who have narrated this hadith.

حدثنا يحيى بن بكير قال: حدثنا الليث عن عقيل، عن ابن شهاب، عن عروة بن الزبير، عن عائشة أم المؤمنين أنها قالت: أول ما بدىء به رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم من الوحي الرؤيا الصالحة في النوم، فكان لا يرى رؤيا إلا جاءت مثل فلق الصبح

Yahya ibn Bukayr narrates to us, he says: Layth has narrated to us on the authority of Uqayl from Ibn Shihaab from Urwah ibn Zubair from Aishah the Mother of theBelievers radiallahu anhum that she said “The first thing by which Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam would receive revelation would be through good dreams. He would never see any dream except that it would become as clear as daylight (i.e. it would occur).”

Yahya ibn Bukayr – His full name is Abu Zakariyyah Yahya ibn Abdullah ibn Bukayr al Qurashee al Makzhoomi al Misri. Some have said he is from Egypt, Imam Bukhari rahimahullah is of the opinion he was from Syria (Tareekhul Kabeer).

Layth – His full name is Abul Harith Layth ibn Sa’d ibn Abdur Rahman Fahmi. He was from Qalqashandah or Qarqashanda which is close to Egypt. He was born in 94 AH. He was a great scholar and Imam Shafi rahimahullah says about him, “He was more learned than even Imam Malik but his students did not spread his works (by which he would be recognised further).”
Uqayl – His full name is Uqayl ibn Khalid ibn Aqeel. He was a trustworthy narration of hadith. He passed away in Egypt in the year 144AH.

Ibn Shihaab – His full name is Abu Bakr Muhammad ibn Muslim ibn Ubaydullah ibn Abdullah ibn Shihaab ibn Abdullah ibn al Haarith ibn Zuhrah ibn Kilaab ibn Murrah ibn Ka’ab ibn Lu’ee az Zuhri al Madani. He is more famously known by the name Ibn Shihaab az Zuhri. He is from the Tabi’een and his virtues are numerous. He was born in 50AH and passed away in 124AH.

Urwah ibn Zubair – He was the son of the great sahabi Zubair radiallahu anhu and Asma bint Abu Bakr radiallahu anhu. He was the only one from amongst his brothers who was a tabi’ee and not a sahabi.

Aishah, The Mother of the Believers radiallahu anha – She was the daughter of Abu Bakr radiallahu anhu and the most beloved wife of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam.

Now moving on to the hadith at hand, Aishah radiallahu anha mentions, “The first thing by which Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam would receive revelation would be through good dreams."

The dreams Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam saw were there in order to ready him for Prophethood and the Qur'an which was to be revealed to him soon. As a result of these dreams, Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam would know that something extra ordinary is occurring and thus, the coming of Jibraeel alayhis salam in Mount Hiraa would not be such a massive shock. Many things besides true dreams occurred prior to Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam embracing prophethood. In some narrations related by Imam Bayhaqi it is mentioned that Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam would be walking in Makkah and he would hear somebody greeting him with ‘salaam’ He would turn around and except stones and trees, there was nothing else there. Another narration in Muslim Sharif mention, “I recognise the stone that would greet me in Makkah before my prophethood. I can still recognise it even now.”

The point made here is that Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam was being prepared for the prophethood which was to come his way. The example of this is perhaps like a job. A person will not be thrown into the middle of the work floor straight away and be expected to deal with customers instantly but rather, he will be given some brief training and indications as to what he should be doing so that he will not get a shock when he is in on duty. Over here, we have Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam, who was coming to the age of 40; this is the age in which prophets are given their prophethood. Soon Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam would have the words of the Qur’an revealed to him by an angel in the darkness of Mount Hiraa; for this to happen straight away with no warning would leave a person stunned and thus Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam was the recipient of some extra ordinary occurrences which in turn would make him aware that something remarkable is on its way. It is for this reason Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam would be shown good dreams and would be given greetings by inanimate objects.

A Good Dream

In two different places in Bukhari Sharif (Kitab at Tafseer, Kitab at Ta’beer) The word ‘salihah (good)’ has been substituted for the word ‘saadiqah (true)’. In fact, the dreams of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam were of three types: 1) Salihah (good) 2) Saadiqah (true) 3) Waazihah (clear).

The meaning of number 3 (waazihah) is this that when Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam would have a dream it would be clear in its meaning without any ambiguity. It was completely clear and explicit in its meaning and there would be no difficult in recalling it.

In relation to number 1 & 2, the Ulama have mentioned that the true dream (saadiqah) is more general than the good dream (saalihah). This is because the dreams of all the prophets are true but not every dream would be a good dream. For example, in Bukhari Sharif it is mentioned Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam had a dream during the period of the battle of Uhud in which he saw himself making movements with a sword but that sword would break and likewise he would see that a cow was being sacrificed. Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam then gave the interpretation that both dreams meant the death and martyrdom of some of the Sahabah radiallahu anhum. Now, the dream in itself was a true dream which did occur but it is obvious, to see the Sahabah radiallahu anhum in such pain is not a good and happy dream. Thus it is established that a dream can be of a true nature but at the same time it can also be good or bad.

Imam Bayhaqi rahimahullah mentions that these dreams were continuous for the period of 6 months.

He would never see any dream except that it would become as clear as daylight (i.e. it would occur).”

The word ‘falaq’ فلق used in this hadith literally means to split, rip or tear something. For example, in the Qur’an it comes that “Verily, Allah is the One who splits seeds...” (Surah An’aam)

However the word in this hadith فلق الصبح which I have translated as ‘daylight’ is used in order to explain the clarity by which Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam would see his dreams. There would be no ambiguity, vagueness or confusion in them. The opposite to ‘daylight’ is darkness and during this time, it is hard to see anyone. Many people think that they have seen something but this is with much doubt and there is no such certainty about it. On the contrary, when something is seen in daylight, a person is certain that his eyes have not deceived him. This is what is being mentioned in this hadith that whatever Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam saw in his dream, its meaning was apparent. It was for this reason that the Sahabah radiallahu anhum mention that they would abstain from waking Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam up in his sleep because it may be the case that Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam was receiving revelation.

Hazrat Maulana Saleemullah Khan sahib has given an excellent opinion as to what is mentioned by this entire statement of Aishah radiallahu anha. He says that this entire statement is in line with the way prophethood had come to Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam and it is shown by the example of the sun rising in the morning to produce clear daylight. In the beginning there was total darkness but the rays of the sun were beginning to be seen and this is similar to the prophethood that the stones and trees were saying “Peace be upon you O Messenger of Allah” but the revelation was soon to come. Then the light of the sun became increased in its visibility and in the same way, the dreams of Rasulullah became extremely clear and positive. Then when the sun actually rises to its fullest, Muhammad alayhis salatu was salam will also emerge as the clear Prophet of Allah Ta’ala. It is for this reason Allah Ta’ala calls Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam ‘Assiraajum Muneera’ A bright, guiding light which is similar to daylight.

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Dhikr of Allah Ta'ala

Do not abandon Dhikr on account of lack of concentration. Abandoning Dhikr is worse than lack of concentration while making Dhikr. It is not far fetched to say that Allah Ta'ala may develop your Dhikr devoid of concentration to Dhikr with alertness and your Dhikr with alertness to Dhikr in the divine presence and from this Dhikr to the most lofty state of Dhikr in which everything besides Allah Ta'ala (the true object of remembrance) is annihilated. Nothing is difficult for Allah Ta'ala.


Source: Ikhmaalush Shiyam
The 7th chapter on Dhikr of Allah

How to Keep a Low Profile & Keeping Away Unwanted Attention

Many people want to keep a low profile with regards to themselves but they simply do not know how to. Some people make sincere intentions that they will keep themselves unknown only to reappear a few months later and become well-known once more. A person can get attention for a variety of reasons; sometimes a person could have done something amazingly praiseworthy which attracts the admiration of his peers and the jealousy of others. Sometimes a person could have done something shockingly inappropriate which attracts the attention of everybody around him. Similarly, a person who wears trendy and stylish clothes is immediately recognised and likewise, a person who smells and dresses up badly also gains some recognition for the wrong reasons. The basic point made here is that attention comes through various ways and finds its way to the door of a person sooner or later.

How can a person maintain a low profile? Different things apply to the two genders. Below is a list of ways a person can keep himself ‘off the radar’ so as to speak.

- Make a strong intention that you want to keep yourself to yourself and not be known among the people. The stronger your intention is, the more Allah Ta’ala will help you attain your goal.

- Get rid of your Facebook! As soon as a person signs up to Facebook, he instantly brings himself attention. It is amazing how people are willing to share there every action with people whom they may not even know properly. How is it possible that a person announces to the entire world ‘Fulan is now going to the toilet’?! And then not expect attention? It is shameful for a person to write acts about his every action! It is needless telling people all these things. If a person is going to share his life with the entire world, what remains for himself and his loved ones? Some people who have these applications on their phones then send messages from the most inappropriate of places! Is it really appropriate to write a Facebook status whilst attending somebody’s Janazah? It is for this reason one of my friends tends to call this type of behaviour ‘Shamebook’. Facebook may have benefits but its negatives are far greater. For some, closing their Facebook may be a bit extreme but for those whose hearts have been opened by guidance from Allah Ta’ala, they will immediately recognise their Facebook to be a waste of time. Note: Once it is closed, keep it that way. It can be tempting to return to it and see the latest gossip but a person must have self discipline. Constantly remind yourself what your aim is. Also, there is no need to announce on Facebook that you are leaving. Some people forget that their aim is to keep attention away from them and before deactivating their account they write a big message saying, “Fulan is now leaving Facebook! Goodbye all, it was nice knowing you!” There is no need for an announcement! This will cause a person to delay and wait to see what people have to say. When people become alerted, they will rush to send a message. The basis of all this is unwanted attention that could have been avoided. If deleting Facebook is totally out of the equation then at least limit those with whom you speak to through it. If you are using it to keep in touch with a few special friends then keep it that way. There is no need to keep 277 friends when you speak to only a handful.

- Limit your use of MSN Messenger. Sometimes, people genuinely need to use MSN to speak to family members or loved ones who may be in different countries and this is fine. However, it is important to limit the contacts who are available. Sometimes people have 200 contacts but only speak to 10. If this is the case then only keep 10. If we just sat back and had a look at our MSN Messenger contacts list, we will notice that the majority of those who we have on our account are barely spoken to anyway. If this is the case, then get rid of the excess.

- Keep your voice down when you are around others. Sometimes people are loud by tendency but caution should be taken with this. Some people on the other hand are loud because they want to be heard. How many times have we walked down a road or sat on a bus only to hear the conversation of another person without even wanting to? A person should try their utmost to socialise in a modest and humble manner. Aishah radiallahu anha would mention that Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam was not rude or vulgar and he didn’t pretend to be immoral either; neither did he shout in market places. This is a great example for us, we walk up and down the road screaming and hollering but respect is when a person is quiet. The louder a person is, the more he is considered to be bizarre by the people around him.

- The above point is especially useful for women. There are many women who tend to be loud and bubbly and as a result, they cause a lot of unneeded attention towards themselves. There was once a time where the tongues of women were eloquent and free from swearing and vulgarity. It is unfortunate to see young Muslim women openly screaming all sorts of abuse in colleges and universities. That is not to say all women are like that, there are still women today who are role models for even men because of their beautiful characteristics. A woman is most attractive when her words are of a soft and sweet nature. It does not befit a rose that it gives of stench so then how is it possible for a woman that she spits out abuse?

- Avoid going into places which will cause recognition. Many people like to go to Shisha cafes and specific clubs but what this can bring unwanted attention. Many people who go to places like these are determined to mingle with others. These places are best left alone.

- Keep a small amount of pious friends. Many people like to mix with different groups of friends during different days of the week. This is incorrect as his name becomes famed. It is better to keep a small group of friends who will come to a person’s aid. A person who is married should especially limit his friends. His best friend should be his wife. In a prior post (Click Here) we spoke of the husband being the mureed of his wife; and rightly so, it is better to be the mureed of lifelong friend than a whole host of friends. Also, when a person keeps friends who are idiots, they tend to spill his secrets and make him well known.

- Limit your time out of the house. Some people go out and loiter around shopping malls and parks just to see what is going on. This again is unnecessary and should be avoided.

- Don’t wear dazzling clothes. As a Muslim we are encouraged to dress well and wear nice clothes if we are able to do so. Allah is beautiful and He loves beauty. However, there is a huge difference between elegance and show-stopping glitz! We should be elegant in our clothing but not glamorous. Many people want to be seen as they cross the road so they will wear a shocking blue t-shirt or more jewellery then people keep in the shops! This again is incorrect. Beauty is in simplicity and we see this in the life of Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam. His attire was elegant but it was simple at the same time. It was not heavily designed but rather it was kept plain and clean. Many people will now say that they didn’t have fashionable and heavily designed material in those times but this is totally incorrect. The merchants of Arabia would constantly trade with the Romans and Persians in order to bring beautiful clothing to Arabia but this would never tempt Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam. Once Umar radiallahu anhu saw Rasulullah’s salallahu alahyhi wa salam state and began to weep. When asked as to why he cries he said, “I swear by Allah! I do not cry except that because I know that you are more exalted in the sight of Allah then the emperor of Persia and the Caesar of Rome. And they are both are enjoying in the pleasures of the world, whilst you, O Rasulullah are in this state that I am seeing you in.” Upon this Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam said, “What is with me and this world? (i.e. what do I care about this world?)”

- Sisters are also encouraged to not wear clothes which can bring attention to their beauty. Men are naturally rugged and sometimes, a person needs to look for a long time to see any beauty. On the other hand, women are naturally created with attractive features and can instantly catch eyes if attention is brought to them. This is not to say that women should not dress up and remain in a filthy state. Rather, a women should dress up well but should not make herself alluring by wearing colours which make her more luminous than the lollipop lady.

- Conceal your good deeds like the way you would conceal your bad deeds.

Our pious predecessors and elders disliked fame and glory. They were very simple people; there aim was to live a simple life on this planet and then return to Allah Ta’ala. There walking, talking and living in general was very basic and they did not have any desire to be known and celebrated. Hazrat Bishr ibn al Harith rahimahullah would say, “I do not know of a single man who loves fame except that he loses his religion and becomes disgraced. No-one who has fear of Allah, loves to be known amongst the people.” Let us ponder carefully over this statement. When a person begins to love fame and popularity, he thrives on serving the people in all affairs. When he speaks, he speaks for their praise; when he prays, he hopes for the approval; when he does any good, it is for their admiration. It is better to keep low profile and remain unknown. The more fame a person gets, the more opposition he gets. Every person would like to make the person beside him think in a similar way but this is not possible.

There are many more ways to keep low profile but the post is already long as it is. Inshallah if time permits, I will continue with this at another time.

May Allah Ta’ala give us the ability to become sincere servants of His. Ameen.

What to do upon an eclipse - Salatul Kusoof

The following has been compiled by Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Shoyaib Nurgat Sahib (DB) and this article is also available on the Masjid e Umer website.

There will be a partial solar eclipse on Tuesday 4th January 2011, Insha-Allah. In UK, the eclipse will start before sunrise (07:01 GMT) and will be seen from the eastern horizon just after 08:00 GMT. It will continue until 09:34 GMT. Below are some details as regards to Solar/Lunar Eclipse:

Hadhrat Nu'maan Ibn Bashir (Radhiyallahu unhu) narrates that Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam said: The people of Jahiliyyah (pre-Islamic era) used to say that the solar and lunar eclipse takes place upon the death of a great person. (Mishkaat pg. 131 - Qadimi). Rasulullah salallahu alayhi wa salam corrected this misconception and said: Solar and lunar eclipse does not take place upon the life or death of any person, but they (solar and lunar eclipse) are creations from His creation. Allah Ta'ala changes in His creation whatever He wishes. So whichever of the two (sun or moon) eclipse, perform Salah until it (sun or moon) brightens up, or Allah Ta'ala brings forth a big matter (Qiyaamah). (Ibid.)

Hadhrat Abu Bakra (Radhiallaahu Anhu) narrates: We were with Nabi salallahu alayhi wa salam, and then the sun eclipsed. Nabi salallahu alayhi wa salam got up dragging his clothes until he entered the Musjid so we also entered. Then Nabi salallahu alayhi wa salam performed two Rakaats of Salah with us until the sun revealed itself. Then Nabi salallahu alayhi wa salam said, 'Verily, the sun and moon do not eclipse due to the death of anyone, so when you seen an eclipse (solar or lunar), then perform Salaat and make Du'aa until the eclipse ends. (Bukhari pg.205; Darus salaam)

When Solar or Lunar Eclipse takes place What should one do?
1) It should be regarded as a manifestation of Allah Ta'ala's power.
2) Ponder upon the Greatness and Majesty of Allah Ta'ala.
3) Fear Qiyaamah (the Day of Judgement) being imminent and make Tauba (repent for one's sins).

4) It is Sunnah to offer 2 Rak’aat Salah during a solar eclipse.
 Salaatul Kusuf has to be performed in congregation on the condition it is led by the Imam of the Jumu’ah Salah. It is also permissible for the Imam of every Musjid to perform this Salah in his Musjid.
 The Qiraat should be made silently; however, it is also permissible to make it audibly.
 There is no Azaan or Iqaamah for Salaatul Kusuf.
 It is Sunnah to lengthen the Recitation in both the Rak’aats and to lengthen the Ruku and Sajdah.
 In each Rak’aat there is only 1 Ruku and 2 Sajdahs (like in a normal Salah)
 After the Salah, the Imam should occupy himself in Dua and the Muqtadi’s (those performing Salah behind him) should say Aameen. This should continue till the eclipse disappears. However, if the time of the next Salah settles in, then the Dua should be stopped and the Salah should be performed.
 Care should be taken that this Salah should not be performed in the Makrooh Times.
 If the Imam does not attend this Salah, the masses should perform their Salah individually.
(Bahishti Zewar vol.1 pg 222)

5) It is sunnah to offer 2 Rak’aat Salaah during the Lunar Eclipse. Salaatul Khusoof.
 For Salaatul Khusoof congregation is not Sunnah.
 People should perform this Salah individually in their homes.