Assalamo Alaykum,
Here is a thought provoking message re: celeberation of “Shab-e-Baraat” by millions of ignorant Muslims around the world. 15 Shabaan will be next week. Try to spread this message to maximum Muslims in order to convey them the facts, based on Quran-o-Sunnah.
Here is the message:
Quote:
In the name of Allah, Most Beneficent, Most Merciful
THE MONTH OF SHA’BAN
Muslims celebrate a night during the month of Sha’ban and
refer to it as “shab-barat” or “layla-tul-bara” in various parts of the
world. It is a significant night. However, there are some popular
beliefs and practices amongst the Muslims relating to this night which
have no place in Islam. Examples of these are as follows:
-
Some Muslims believe that the spirit of the dead comes back to
them during this night. They cook sweets and distribute to others. It is
totally unislamic. We, as true Muslims, are not supposed to worship the
dead but rather pray for them. -
According to another superstition, some Muslims believe that
the decisions of life and death are made by Allah (SWT) during this
night or on the 15th day of Sha’ban. It is true that Allah makes these
decisions of life and death. However, these decisions were made before
we were even created. -
Another prevalent story is that there is a celestial or
heavenly tree and people’s names are written on the leaves of this tree.
During this night, this tree is shaken and leaves would fall symbolizing
the people who are going to die. -
Another wrong practice which goes on during this night is that
people display fireworks. Allah only knows for what purpose they do
this. This is due to the influence of some other cultures, like Hindus
or Buddhists. We get very used to these wrong practices year after year,
and, hence, we get very comfortable with these wrong practices. We do
not even care to go to the learned people amongst us for fact-finding.
The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “I am leaving behind me two things
for you, The Quran and my Sunnah. If you adhere to these, you will not
go astray.”
An obvious question is, what is the position of the Quran and the sunnah
about this night of Sha’ban?
There is no reference to this night in the Quran, although very few
commentators say that it is mentioned in Surah Ad-Dukhan, # 3-4
We revealed it during the blessed night, and we are ever warning. That
night is decreed every matter of ordainments.
Most of the commentators believe that this verse is also mentioning
“layla-tulqadr”, or the Night of Power, which falls in the month of
Ramadan.
As we notice in the translation, Allah (SWT) says in Surah Al-Dukhan that, “I revealed it during the blessed night.”
Allah (SWT) also says in Surah Al-Qadr # 1 “We revealed it during the
Night of Power.”
Finally, Allah (SWT) says in Surah Al-Baqarah # 185 “I revealed the Qur’an during the month of Ramadan.”
Hence, verses of Surah Al-Dukhan refer to Layla-tulqadr and not to the
middle of sha’ban.
In his book “Targheeb wa-Tarheeb”, Imam Al-Mundhiri has given fourteen
sayings of Prophet Mohammad (SAW) about the month of Sha’ban. Some of them are as follows.
The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “Pay special attention to the month
of Sha’ban, because it comes before the month of Ramadan. Month of
Ramadan is the sacred month in which Quran was revealed. During the
month of Ramadan, Muslims observe mandatory fasting. Prepare yourself
for the month of Ramadan during the month of Sha’ban. As an example,
you make all sort of preparations before an honored guest arrives.
Similarly, you make preparations during the month of Sha’ban for the
sacred month of Ramadan.”
According to another Hadith, the Messenger of Allah (SAW) used to fast
very often during the month of Sha’ban. Aisha (RU) said, “Prophet
Mohammad (SAW) used to fast the most during the month of Sha’ban.
Sometimes, he would fast continuously during Sha’ban and it appeared
that he would omit no day for fasting. At other times he did not fast
for a long time during Sha’ban, teaching us that these fastings are only
voluntary and for extra credit.”
According to another Hadith, the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “Allah
(SWT) takes account of his creatures during this night.” What does this
mean? It means Allah (SWT) gives a special chance to his creatures,
especially rational creatures to repent, correct their behavior and
lifestyle. Allah (SWT) says, “Is there somebody who asks for forgiveness so
that I may forgive him? Is there somebody who asks me for help so that
I may help him? Is there somebody who has a difficulty or a need and
asks me so that I may remove his difficulty?”
Hence, divine power is open to all, and there is an open invitation to
all, especially during this month of Sha’ban.
According to another Hadith, the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “Visit
cemeteries during the month of Sha’ban, since the cemetery is a
significant and sufficient reminder.” The Messenger (SAW) added, “If somebody does not learn a lesson about this life and the hereafter by visiting the cemetery, he has no other hope of having true guidance.”
I pray that Allah (SWT) guides us according to the Quran and the Sunnah
and keep us on his true path. Ameen.
Source: http://www.imtiazahmad.com
Ur Brother In Islam
Mirza Kashif Ali Baig
Unqoute.
Note: For further reading on this subject, please visit the following links:
http://www.islamhelpline.com/view_answers.asp?QAID=396
http://www.islamhelpline.com/view_answers.asp?QAID=570
http://www.islamhelpline.com/view_answers.asp?QAID=635
http://www.islamhelpline.com/view_answers.asp?QAID=4398
http://www.islamhelpline.com/view_answers.asp?QAID=4546
Wassalam.
WA MA ALAYNA ILLAL BALAAGH.
Wassalam.
