Ramadhaan – A Date with Dr. Zakir
Episode – 20
Lailatul Qadr
(Duration – 51 minutes)
Yusuf Chambers: Dear Brothers and sisters in Islam and humanity, As Salaamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuhu. May the peace, the mercy and the blessings of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) be upon all of you. Welcome to the show, Ramadhaan: A Date with Dr. Zakir. I’m your host Yusuf Chambers, and today we’re discussing the topic, Lailatul Qadr, the night of decree or the night of power.
Dr. Zakir, once again As Salaamu Alaikum
Dr. Zakir Naik: Wa Alaikum As Salaamu Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuhu.
Yusuf Chambers: I think it will be fitting if you begin.. Dr. Zakir by explaining the term once again for our viewers, for the viewers and myself, what does Lailatul Qadr exactly mean and what does it signify for the Muslims?
Dr. Zakir Naik: Alhumdulillah, was salaatu was salaam ala rasoolillah wa ala aalihi wa ashaabihi wa ajma’een, amma baad.
A’uzu billahi minash shaytan nir-rajeem, Bismillah hirrahman nirraheem.
Rabbish rahli Şadri Wa Yassir Li ‘Amri Wa Ahlul `Uqdatan Min Lisani Yafqahu Qawli.
The meaning of the word Lailatul Qadr, Lail means night, Qadr means decree or power or high esteem, or majesty. So Lailatul Qadr means night of power or night of decree, or night of majesty, or night of high esteem. And as far as the virtues of Lailatul Qadr is concerned it is one of the best nights in the month of Ramadhaan, rather it is the best night in the full year. And this was the night in which the Qur’an was revealed.
And Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) says in the Qur’an in Surah Qadr, Chapter No. 97, Verse No. 1 to 5,
“Inna Anzalnaa Hu fee Laylatul Qadr”
“Wa maa adraakamaa Laylatul Qadr”
“Laylatul Qadr khayrumin 'alfi shahr”
“Tanazzalul Malaa'ikatu War Roohu Feeha Bi 'Idhni Rabbihim Min kulli 'Amr”
“Salaamun Hiya Hattaa Matla’il Fajr”
Which means, that,
“Indeed, We have revealed this message, i.e. the Qur'an in the Night of Power, in the Night of Decree”
“And what will explain to thee what is the Night of Power?”
“The Night of Power is better than a thousand Months”
“Therein the Spirit and the angels they descend with the permission of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) at every errand”
“Peace!... This until the Morn!”
So from this verse of the Qur’an we come to know that this night of Lailatul Qadr, the night of power, the night of decree is the best night in the full year and this was the night in which the Qur’an was revealed and it further says that this night is of power, of majesty, of high esteem and of dignity and any good deed that is done in this night is better than what is done in a thousand months. And if you divide thousand moths by twelve, it comes to more than 83 years and that is much more than a average life of a human being. So if you do worship in this one night it is better than doing worship for your full life. And further it says that this is a night when the angels and the spirit, they descend down… with the permission of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala). And in this night there is peace till morning.
And further its mentioned in the Qur’an in Surah Dukhaan, Chapter No. 44, Verse No. 3 and 4, that
“We have revealed the message, the Glorious Qur’an in this blessed night and We warn you from the evil.”
“And in it We ordain what has been decreed”
And this night Lailatul Qadr, Qadr also means measurement and its mentioned in the Qur’an in Surah Qamar, Chapter No. 54, Verse No. 49, that,
“Verily we have created all things in due proportion and measure”
So Qadr, also means somewhat like Taqdeer, it’s a night of decree. When Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) sends down the decree, the Taqdeer, what is going to happen in the full year from this Lailatul Qadr to next Lailatul Qadr, that’s the reason our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) said, its mentioned in
Sahih Bukhari, Vol. No. 3, in the Book of Superiority of Laylatul Qadr, Hadith No. 2014, that,
“Any who prays in the night of Qadr with faith and seeking Allah’s reward all his past sins will be forgiven”
So these are the virtues of the night of Qadr.
Yusuf Chambers: Indeed a wonderful night and I pray and wish that we can all find that night this year InshaAllah, during this blessed month of Ramadhaan. Dr. Zakir several Ahadiths and historical accounts say that the Qur’an was revealed over period of 23 years. Is there an apparent contradiction between that and what the Qur’an says that we’ve revealed in one night in Lailatul Qadr?
Dr. Zakir Naik: There is no contradiction between the Hadith and the historical records and the Qur’an, because if you read the Tafseer of the Qur’an, that the Qur’an was revealed in Lailatul Qadr, it means that Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) he revealed the Qur’an from Lawh-e-Mahfooz, from the preserved tablet to the lower heaven on the night of Qadr i.e. in the night of Power in one night and then from that lower heaven parts of the Qur’an, few verses at a time was revealed whenever required in a span of 23 Hijri years, in a span of 23 lunar years or in a span of 22 and four to five solar years. So there’s no apparent contradiction, it was revealed in one night from the tablet preserved to the lower heaven and from there as and time required it was revealed in parts and verses and Surah wise in a span of 23 years.
Yusuf Chambers: Ok, thank you clearing up that apparent contradiction.. which is the…
Dr. Zakir Naik: And… and similarly as far as the Qadr is concerned that Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) has in his knowledge every thing what is going to happen, past, present, future and from that tablet he reveals in the night of Qadr to the angels whatever is going to happen in the next year, from this Lailatul Qadr to the next Lailatul Qadr. So the angels come to know everything that is going to happen in the next one year in this night. But in Allah’s knowledge it is there till eternity.
Yusuf Chambers: Ok, thank you for clearing up that apparent contradiction Dr. Zakir. Could you explain which is the night of decree or the night of power?
Dr. Zakir Naik: As far as the exact date or day of the night of power, according to Sahih Bukhari, the commentary of Sahih Bukhari, Fath-ul-Bari, it says that there are more than 40 different versions which the scholars have given regarding the day or the date of the night of power. Some say it’s the 1st night of the month of Ramadhaan, some say it’s the 7th night, some say it’s the 19th night, there are different versions, but the most authentic according to the Sahih Hadith is that it is one of the odd nights in the last ten nights of the month of Ramadhaan.
And it’s mentioned in Sahih Bukhari, Vol No. 3, in the Book of Superiority of the Night of Qadr, Hadith No. 2017,
Allah’s Messenger Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) said, that
“Seek for the night of Lailatul Qadr in the odd nights amongst the last ten days of Ramadhaan.”
So this is the most authentic and further it’s mentioned in
Sahih Bukhari, Vol No. 1, in the Book of Faith, Hadith No. 49, Allah’s Messenger Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) said, that
“He once went out to tell the Muslims the exact date of the night of Qadr, then he saw that two Muslim men they were fighting among themselves, they were quarrelling and he said “That so and so, and so and so amongst the Muslim men they were quarrelling and Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) took away the knowledge.”
That means he forgot it. And the Prophet said, “May be its better for the Muslims, so seek for the Lailatul Qadr on the 7th or the 9th or the 5th night amongst the last ten nights of Ramadhaan”
So here there’s option given by Allah’s Messenger for the Lailatul Qadr and further it’s mentioned in
Sahih Muslim, Vol No. 2, in the Book of Fasting, Hadith No. 2364,
“Ubay bin Ka’b (may Allah be pleased with him) he said, “By Allah, He heard Shu'ba saying, most probably the night of Qadr is on the 27th night, because the Prophet (Peace be upon him) he asked us to stand up in prayer in this night.”
So according to this Hadith, most probably is the 27th night of Ramadhaan. Further its mentioned in a Sahih Hadith in
Tirmidhi, (Sunan al Tirmidhi, Book of Fasting Hadith No. 794) that our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) said that,
“Seek for the night of Qadr on the 21st night, 23rd night, 25th night, on the 27th night and the last night in the month of Ramadhaan”
It’s mentioned in Sahih Bukhari, Vol No. 3, in the Book of I’tikaaf, Hadith No. 2020, that the beloved Prophet,
“He used to do I’tikaaf in the last ten days of Ramadhaan and he used to seek for the Lailatul Qadr in the last ten nights of Ramadhaan.”
It’s further mentioned in Sahih Muslim, Vol No. 2, in the Book of Fasting, Hadith No. 2621, that Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) said, that
“Seek for the night of Qadr, Lailatul Qadr in the last ten nights, but if you’re weak and if you cannot do in the early parts of the months of Ramadhaan, then seek it in the last seven nights of Ramadhaan.”
It’s further mentioned in Sahih Bukhari, Vol No. 3, in the Book of Superiority of Lailatul Qadr, Hadith No. 2015, Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) said, that
“The night of Qadr, is during the last seven nights of the months of Ramadhaan.”
So from various records we come to know that Lailatul Qadr is most probably in the last ten nights of Ramadhaan. That’s the reason most of the scholars including Shaykh Uthaymeen, Shaykh Bin Baaz.. most of the scholars they say that no one know that when is the exact date of Lailatul Qadr, when is the exact day of the night of decree, but it is in the month of Ramadhaan and most probably in the last ten nights of the month of Ramadhaan and most probably in the odd nights of the last ten nights of the month of Ramadhaan, most probably on the 27th night, but no one can pin point the exact date, but surely Insha Allah, its in the last ten nights of Ramadhaan, most probably in the odd nights in the last ten nights of Ramadhaan.
This is what the most of the scholars say.
Yusuf Chambers: Well.. may we find that night, InshaAllah.
Dr. Zakir what was the wisdom do you feel that, behind the concealment of the exact night of Lailatul Qadr.
Dr. Zakir Naik: The reason that one can think of that why Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) concealed the exact date or day of the night of Lailatul Qadr. The first that we can think of is because Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) wants us to double our effort, so that we can pray more, we can worship him more, that’s the main reason. If the exact date was known then would have only done on that day.
Number two and the reason Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) concealed is because, so that he can make out who are the serious believers and the non serious believers. A serious believer will really see to it that he does not miss the Lailatul Qadr and he will try and worship in the last ten nights of Ramadhaan. And furthermore he would even try to seek and stay awake late in the night, till early parts of dawn, so differentiate between the serious and the non serious believer.
Furthermore Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) in this manner conceals many things for example, Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) says that the prayer, the Du’a, the supplication done on Friday will be accepted, but does not tell the exact time. So a person does more supplication throughout the day of Friday.
Further it’s mentioned in Sahih Bukhari, Vol No. 3, (Book of Conditions), Hadith No. 2736, our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) said, that
“Allah has 99 names, hundred minus one, and whoever knows these names he will enter paradise.”
But Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) and the Prophet did not mention these exact 99 names so that we mention as many names of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) as possible and try to memorize them. And did not reveal which is the greatest name of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) so that we mention all the names of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala).
Further Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) has not mentioned the names of all the Awliyas, the friends of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala), he has mentioned many in the Qur’an and the Hadith, but not all of them, so that we respect all the believers of the past.
Furthermore Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) has not told us which day will we die, if we had know that, that we are going to die after may be 50 years, so he will say lets enjoy our life now, over 50 years is left and may be I’ll repent in the last few years, we don’t know when we are going to die. So we should be prepared that if we die now, our account should be in the positive and try and be prepared for the Day of Judgment. So we don’t know when we are going to die. So a person is always doing good deeds… Maximum as far as possible.
And furthermore Allah also hasn’t revealed when is the hour, when is the day of judgment as Allah says in Surah Luqmaan, Chapter No. 31, Verse No. 34, that
“No one knows the hour, when will it come.”
So that we are prepared to die today, prepared for the day of judgment so that we should always be following the commandments of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala), so that’s the reason Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) has not given the exact day and date of Lailatul Qadr.
Yusuf Chambers: Ok, well Doctor… that’s very good.. I mean the only thing that I’m little bit concerned about now is that how should the … and many viewers would be concerned about this, how exactly should you or a Muslim seek Lailatul Qadr?
Dr. Zakir Naik: There are guidelines given in the Hadith how you should seek for Lailatul Qadr.
It’s mention in Sunan Abu Dawud, Vol. No. 1, in the Book of Salaah, Hadith No. 1370,
“Abu Dhar (may Allah be pleased with him) he said that, “We used to fast along with the Messenger of Allah and he never woke us up for prayer in the night except on the 7th last remaining nights, where we prayed till 1/3rd of the night and on the 6th remaining nights he did not wake us up and again and on the 5th remaining night he woke us up and we prayed till half the night and when the Prophet was about to go he asked, why don’t you pray with us the full night till morning. So the Prophet said, that “Anyone who prays till the Imaam prays it is as though he has prayed for the full night””
And further it’s mentioned in Sahih Bukhari, Vol No. 3, in the Book of Superiority of Seeking Lailatul Qadr, Hadith No. 2014, that,
“Anyone who prays in the night of Lailatul Qadr with sincere faith and seeking Allah’s reward all his past sins will be forgiven.”
And it’s mentioned in Tirmidhi, (Book of Supplications), Hadith No. 3512, that
“Hazrat Ayesha (may Allah be pleased with her), the wife of the Prophet, she asked the Messenger of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala), that, “What if I find Lailatul Qadr, what should I do?” So the Prophet replied, that you should do Du’a and supplicate to Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) saying that, “O Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) you are most forgiving and you love forgiveness, therefore forgive me”
And it’s mentioned in Sahih Bukhari, Vol No. 3, in the Book of Fasting, Hadith No. 2024, that
“The beloved Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) , during the last ten days of Ramadhaan, he used to tighten his waist belt. That means to work harder and abstain from relationship with the wife and he used to stand in prayers in the last ten nights and he used to wake up his family.”
It’s further mentioned in Sahih Muslim, Vol No. 2, in the Book of Fasting, Hadith No. 2644, that
“Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) in the last ten nights of Ramadhaan he used to exert himself more and worship Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) more, pray more and do Dhikr more in the last ten nights.”
So this is a way how a Muslim should seek Lailatul Qadr.
Yusuf Chambers: Are there any signs of Lailatul Qadr mentioned in the Hadith or the Qur’an?
Dr. Zakir Naik: There are signs mentioned in the authentic Hadith of Lailatul Qadr. But Alhumdulillah all the signs that are mentioned they are seen after Lailatul Qadr has passed. So it’s the wisdom of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala), he does not wants us to know exact, because if we have known then we would have seen the sign and then prayed and done worship and the other nights we would have just .. you know been a bit relaxed and not worship Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala).
There’s a Hadith mentioned in Sahih Muslim, (Vol No. 1, Book of Salaah, Hadith No. 1675) that
“The following of Lailatul Qadr, the next day the Sun will be without rays, and it will appear like a dish until it rises high.”
It’s further mentioned in Sahih Muslim, Vol No. 2, in the Book of Fasting, Hadith No. 2633, that
“The day following Lailatul Qadr, the sun will not have rays.”
It’s further mentioned in Sahih Muslim, Vol No. 2, in the Book of Fasting, Hadith No. 2635, that the Prophet said that,
“On the night of Lailatul Qadr, the moon will appear like a plate towards the fag end of the month.”
And it’s mentioned in the Sahih Hadith of Tabarani and Ibn Khuzaimah, that
“The night of Lailatul Qadr will not be too hot, neither will it be too cold and it will be a generous night, night of happiness and the Sun, the next day after Lailatul Qadr will appear weak and reddish”
So these are the signs Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) has mentioned in the Sahih Hadith, but all of them they are after the Lailatul Qadr comes so that we yet seek for Lailatul Qadr.
Yusuf Chambers: Appropriate wisdom in that case. Ok.. could you tell us how the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) used to exert himself in the last ten days of the month of Ramadhaan.
Dr. Zakir Naik: As I mentioned earlier, it’s mentioned in Sahih Bukhari, Vol No. 3, in the Book of I’tikaaf, Hadith No. 2024,
“Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) during the last ten days he used to tighten his waist and he used to pray in the last ten nights of Ramadhaan and he used to wake up his family and keep his family awake and he used to exert himself.”
From the Hadith we come to know the first thing the Prophet did was tighten his waist, that means he used to work hard and secondly he used to abstain from having relationship with his wives. Because he used to be in I’tikaaf in the last ten nights. And one of the requirements of I’tikaaf is that you cannot associate with your wives as mentioned in the Qur’an in Surah Baqarah, Chapter No. 2, Verse No. 187.
Further, he used to stand up most of the nights or throughout the night in the last ten nights in Ramadhaan. He used to spend standing in Qiyaam, praying to Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala), which he loved. There is a prohibition you should not stand the full night, but that’s all the nights, every night of the year, otherwise last ten nights you can pray for most of the nights or even for the full night it’s permissible.
Further it’s mentioned that he used to wake up his family that means he used to see to it that even his wives woke up and prayed to Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) seeking Lailatul Qadr, that’s a important point to be noted.
And furthermore he used to put more effort, he used to pray more, he used to do more Du’a, do more Dhikr, trying to come closer to Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) during the last ten nights.
Yusuf Chambers: JazakAllah Khair, Ok.. Doctor, another point which is important regarding women in acts of Ibaadah during seeking Lailatul Qadr. Now if a women’s on her menses, her period, she is not able to fast or pray, how would she observe Lailatul Qadr?
Dr. Zakir Naik: As far as menstruating women are concerned they can do all acts of worship, all acts of Ibaadah during menstruation except praying, fasting, circumambulating around the Ka’baa and doing I’tikaaf. Except for these four acts of worship a women can do all acts of worship while menstruating.
The things that a women can do in the last ten nights if she’s menstruating is that surely she can do Du’a, she can do supplication, as the Prophet said, it’s a Hadith in
Tirmidhi, (Book of Supplications) Hadith No. 2370, that
“Supplication, Du’a is one of the best forms of Ibaadah and Du’a is an Ibaadah”
She can seek forgiveness by saying “Astagfirullah”, “I seek forgiveness from Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala).”
And the Hadith of Hadhrat Ayesha (may Allah be pleased with her) which is mentioned in
Tirmidhi, (Book of Supplications), Hadith No. 3512, that Hadhrat Ayesha (may Allah be pleased with her) she asked the Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) , that,
“If she knew that this was the night of Lailatul Qadr, what should she do?” So the Prophet answered, that she should pray to Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) and say that, “You are the one who is oft forgiving, you love forgiveness, so please forgive me”
So asking forgiveness is one of the best things a person can do. The other thing a women can do when she’s menstruating during these days is she can do Dhikr, for example she can read,
“Subhan Allahe Wal Hamdulillahe Wa La Ilaha Illallah Wallah Hu Akbar” which means,
“Glory be to Allah, Praise be to Allah, there is no God worthy of worship except Allah and Allah is the greatest.”
She can read “Subhan Allahi Bi Hamdi”, meaning “Glory be to Allah, and Praise be to Allah”
She can read “Subhan Allahi Wal Azeem” that,
“Praise be to Allah, Allah is the greatest.”
So one is doing Dhikr, as much as Dhikr they do its better for them and they can also do recitation of the Qur’an and they can read the Qur’an. So all these other acts of worship will get them closer to Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) during these nights.
Yusuf Chambers: JazakAllah Khair and I’d like to now put to you some of the viewer’s questions on the topic.
First question we have, if everything is destined by Allah and if I commit any sin then, who is to blame? If I am destined to commit a murder and then I commit a murder but naturally I will not be responsible for it. It is Allah who has destined it, therefore he will be responsible then why should I be punished for this?
Dr. Zakir Naik: As far as the question on the Qadr is concerned, it’s a common question asked by Muslims as well as Non Muslims about the Qadr of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) and it’s difficult to understand. I’d like to give an example, for people to know that Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) has Ilm-e-Gayb, has knowledge of the unseen, he has knowledge of the future.
I’ll give you an example that if in a class room there is a teacher, who teaches the student. After one year has passed before the examinations, the teacher predicts that this child he will come first class, first. This child, he’ll get a second class, this child ‘C’ he will fail. And once the examination takes place and when the results are out. Student ‘A’ gets a first class, first. Student ‘B’ he gets a second class. Student ‘C’ he fails. Now the question I would like to ask is that just because the teacher predicted that the student ‘C’ would fail can the student ‘C’ blame the teacher saying that because the teacher predicted that I will fail, I have failed. But natural the answer is no. The teacher predicted the student ‘A’ will get a first class first because he knew that the student was studious and he was intelligent. Student ‘B’ he was a average student. Student ‘C’ he used to pay hookey, he used to bunk school, he never used to study, never used to do the homework. So based on that the teacher predicted that student ‘C’ would fail. But student ‘C’ cannot blame the teacher, because the teacher predicted I will fail therefore I’ve failed. The student himself is responsible.
Similarly Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) has Ilm-e-Gayb. For example, when a human being comes at a crossroad, there are five roads from which he can choose. Road one, two, three, four, five. He has the free will, he can choose any. He chooses road three and that’s already mentioned in the destiny that he will choose road three. It is not because Allah has mentioned he will choose road three, that he has chosen road three, it is because he will be choosing road three Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) writes in advance… because he has Ilm-e-Gayb. Like how the teacher predicts in advance, so Allah knows this person has a choice he can choose any of the roads from the five roads available but he chooses road three. So Allah knows in advance he will be choosing road three therefore he mentions in the Qadr, in the Taqdeer that he’ll be choosing road three. Now once he goes to road three after some time he comes on another crossroad… one, two, three, he chooses road three. Now because he will be choosing road three Allah knows in advance, he has Ilm-e-Gayb, so he’s mentioned that after some time he’ll come at another crossroad and this particular person will choose again road three. It is not because Allah has mentioned in Taqdeer that he will choose road three, that he’s choosing road three. It is because he has chosen road three Allah has written in advance. It’s a but confusing but you realize that has Ilm-e-Gayb.
Same way a person if he wants to earn his livelihood, he had both choices, either he can strive hard, work hard and do a honest job and earn that money or he can rob or he can steal, the choice is his. This person prefers to steal. Now Allah knows in advance that at the age of 25 he has a option of working hard, earn a honest living or stealing. But this person steals. So Allah knows in advance he will be stealing therefore Allah has written in his Taqdeer he’ll steal. It is not because Allah has written he has stolen. It is because he will be stealing Allah has written in advance. So similarly if a person commits murder, it’s his choice. He can either not commit murder or he can commit murder, choice is his and he commits murder, who’s to blame? He’s to blame. So here we realize that Allah has Ilm-e-Gayb, so that’s the reason there’s a saying in Urdu, there was a very good couplet by Allama Iqbal which says,
“Khud Hi Ko Kar Itna Buland Ke Har Taqdeer Ke Pehle Khuda Apne Bande Se Khud Poonche Bata Teri Raza Kya Hai?”
which means that
“Make your self so great that before Allah writes the destiny he will ask you, that what is your wish.”
Yusuf Chambers: Thank you for that wisdom and offering that as an answer to that particular viewer and many others viewers that probably need it to know that as well.
Question two, how correct is the phrase which some people say in a Du’a, “O Allah I do not ask you to change your decree but I do ask you to help when it comes to pass”
Dr. Zakir Naik: I’m aware that many Muslims ask this Du’a, but this is not the right way to ask Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) because Allah has told us that we can ask Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) anything, we can ask for forgiveness, we can ask for the good things, we can even ask Him to.. even if its mentioned something in our decree that something wrong is going to happen, something bad is going to happen, we can ask Him for good. So it is wrong to say that we cannot ask you to change your decree but please help us.
Further it’s mentioned in the Qur’an in Surah Falaq, Chapter No. 113, where it says that,
“Qul Aa’udhu Bi Rabbil- Falaq”
That
“Say we seek refuge with the Lord of Dawn”
“From the mischief which has been created”
So we are asking Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) for protection, for refuge.
It’s mentioned in Sahih Bukhari, Vol. No. 9, in the Book of Qadr, Hadith No. 6616, that the Prophet said that,
“Take refuge with Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) from the severity in the calamities, from the evil end and the bad fate and from the malicious joy of the enemy”
So but natural you can ask Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) to change His Qadr. But I would like to give an example, that suppose there’s a student who appears for his examination and he hasn’t faired well and he knows that he’s going to fail. So he comes home and he prays to Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) that Ya Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) please pass me. And Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) accepts his prayer. So in the Qadr it was mentioned that this particular student he was going to fail, he comes home and he prays to Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala), Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) even knows whether the person is going to pray to him or not. And Allah even knows whether he’s going to accept his prayer or not. So in the original Qadr it was mentioned he’s going to fail the examination. Allah also knows in advance that he’ll come and pray and ask Allah to pass so that he passes in the examination. Allah even knows that he’s going to accept his prayer and pass him in the examination. So actually the Qadr is perfect, it doesn’t change, but the previous Qadr which was there that he’s going to fail is there, so when you pray the previous Qadr gets changed. But Allah also has Ilm-e-Gayb that whether you are going to pray or not. So therefore always you should pray to Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) and ask for His forgiveness and ask for help. So it’s also mentioned in the Qadr that he’s going to pray and Allah will accept his prayers and he’ll pass.
Yusuf Chamber: Ok… that’s good.. that’s very good, there’s hope for us all… in other words.
Next question what exactly is the meaning of belief in Al Qadr?
Dr. Zakir Naik: As far as belief in Qadr is concerned it is one of the pillars of Eemaan, that believing in Qadr. And there are four points that are to be noted in the belief of Qadr.
Number one, that Allah knows everything. Allah has knowledge of everything, the past, the present and the future. He has knowledge of things which are general as well as specific. He has knowledge from eternity to eternity. So Allah is the one who knows everything. He has Ilm-e-Gayb.
Point number two, Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) has written this in the Lawh-e-Mahfooz, in a tablet preserved. And both these points of belief of Qadr is mentioned in
Surah Hajj, Chapter No. 22, Verse No. 70, that
“Knowest not Thou that Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) knows everything In the heaven and the earth? And Indeed it is kept in his Record, and for Allah it is easy.”
That means, number one, that Allah knows everything and number two it’s kept in his record, it’s mentioned in Surah Hajj, Chapter No. 22, Verse No. 70.
It’s mentioned in Sahih Muslim, Vol. No. 4, in the Book of Qadr, Hadith No. 6416, that the Messenger of Allah said that,
“Allah ordained the measure of the creation of the universe, 50’000 years before the heavens and the earth were created.”
It’s further mentioned in Sunan Abu Dawud, Muslim, Vol. No. 3, (Book of Sunnah), Hadith No. 4683, that Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) first created the pen and said to it write, the pen replied, “Oh Lord what should I write?” And Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) wrote the decree, the Qadr of all the things till the beginning of the hour. Till the beginning of the Day of Judgment.
These are the first two points. The third point of Qadr is that every thing happens with the will of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala). Everything, as Allah says in the Qur’an in
Surah Qasas, Chapter No. 28, Verse No. 68,
“Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) creates and chooses as He wills.”
It’s mentioned in Surah Ibraheem, Chapter No. 14, Verse No. 27, that,
“Allah does whatever He wills”
And its also mentioned in Surah Burooj, Chapter No. 85, Verse No. 16,
“Allah is the doer of all He intends”
So here we come to know that Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) whatever He intends, He can do. Whatever he wants he can do.
And further it’s mentioned in Surah Imran, Chapter No. 3, Verse No. 6, that,
“Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) shapes you in the womb as He pleases.”
It’s mentioned in Surah Nisa, Chapter No. 4, Verse No. 90, that,
“If Allah willed He would have given power to them and they would have fought you.”
It’s mentioned in Surah An’aam, Chapter No. 6, Verse No. 112, that, Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) says, that,
“If Allah willed they would have not done it.”
The fourth point in the belief of Qadr is that all things that happen are created by Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) in the essence, in the attribute and in the movement.
As Allah says in the Qur’an in Surah Al Zumar, Chapter No. 39, Verse No. 62, that
“Allah is the creator of everything and He’s the guardian and disposer of all affairs.”
It’s further mentioned in Surah Furqaan, Chapter No. 25, Verse No. 2, that,
“Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) created the heavens and the earth in due proportion”
It’s mentioned in Surah Saaffaat, Chapter No. 37, Verse No. 96, that,
“Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) created you and your handiwork.”
And further just because Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) is the person who has created everything that happens that does not mean that it interferes with our free will. We yet have our free will and there are many verses in the Qur’an and Hadith, which talk about that, that we have our free will and the Shariah says that and we know in our day to day life that we have a free will.
Allah further says in the Qur’an in Surah Baqarah, Chapter No. 2, Verse No. 223, talking about approaching the spouses, that,
“You can approach your tilth, the way you like it and the when you like it.”
That means you have a free will. It’s further mentioned in Surah Taghaabun, Chapter No. 64, Verse No. 16, that,
“Fear Allah as much as you can, listen to Him and obey Him.”
And its mentioned in Surah Baqarah, Chapter No. 2, Verse No. 286, that,
“Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) does not lay a burden greater than a person can bear, And he earn every good that he does, And he suffers every evil that he earns.”
So based on this every human being has a free will and we see that in our day to day life. For example, there are certain things that are given by Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala), He has fixed certain things about death, about life, everything else Allah has given a free will. If I want I can lift my hand, if I want I can bring it down. If I want I can walk, if I want I can sit. It’s my will. But certain things for example, the heart beating, it beats according to the will of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala). I cant.. if I want to stop my heart from beating, I cannot do it. For example if I feel cold, I shiver; if I want also I cannot stop it. It is the will of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala). So Allah has given a free will to the human beings that’s the reason if a person does something evil or does a sin he’s responsible for it. And Allah’s given the guidance in the Qur’an what is good and what is bad.
Yusuf Chambers: JazakAllah Khair, Dr. Zakir. Next question from the viewer. He mentions, some consider worldly prosperity as seen as a sign of Allah’s pleasure, while misfortune and loss are seen as evidence of Allah’s anger. Is it always true? If yes, then why do many Non Muslims lead a prosperous life, while many Muslims lead a life of poverty and misery in this world?
Dr. Zakir Naik: It is not a thumb rule that if you’re prosperous Allah is pleased with you and if you are poor or if you have misery then Allah is not pleased with you, this is not a thumb rule. Normal rule is that when ever there is calamity, whether it be poverty, whether it be misery, it is either a test for you or it’s a punishment from Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala). Whenever there is prosperity, any good things that happens, its either a test for you or it’s a reward from Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala).
I would like to give an example. That Allah says in the Qur’an in Surah Anfaal, (Chapter No. 8, Verse No. 28) that,
“Your children and your wealth are a test for you.”
You know they’re good things, the children and the wealth is a good thing but it’s a test for you.
On the other hand it says in Surah Nisa, Chapter 4, Verse 124, that,
“Whoever does deeds of righteousness, be it a male or a female and is a believer we will put him in paradise and not the least injustice will be done to them”
A similar message is repeated in Surah Nahl, Chapter No. 16, Verse No. 97, that,
“Anyone that does deeds of righteousness, be it a man or a woman and has faith he’ll be rewarded for all the good he has done”
So here it shows that anything good that happens, the wealth, the children, it’s either a test for you or it is a reward. And the reward is talking about Jannah.
When any calamity befalls you as Allah says in the Qur’an in
Surah Baqarah, Chapter No. 2, Verse No. 115,
“Be sure, We will test you with something of fear and hunger, with loss in goods, in lives or fruits of your toils and give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere.”
Here the test is talking about loss in wealth, loss in life, it’s a calamity. Allah is testing you and those who patiently persevere they’ll be successful in this test.
On the other hand calamity is also a punishment, as Allah says in
Surah Hood, Chapter No. 11, Verse No. 82, talking about the Qaum-e-Lut, that
“Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) makes the two cities upside down, Sodom and Gomorrah and he showers brim stones, hard baked clay, layer upon layer.” So this is a punishment.
Allah says in Surah Baqarah, Chapter No. 2, Verse No. 216, that,
“You may dislike a thing which may be good for you and you may like a thing which may be bad for you. Allah knows and you don’t know.”
It’s further mentioned in Surah Naml, Chapter No. 27, Verse No. 40,
“Haaza Min Fadhl-e-Rabbi”
“This is by the grace of thy Lord. And my Lord is testing me whether I’m grateful or ungrateful”
This was mentioned by Sulaiman (Alaihis Salaam) when he, gets the throne in a wink, so he says this is by the Mercy of thy Lord. And he further says, the Lord is testing me whether I’m grateful or ungrateful. And those who are grateful they will get the reward and those who are ungrateful, Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) does not require them.
It’s mentioned in the Qur’an in Surah Nisa, Chapter No. 4, Verse No. 79,
“All the good that happens is from Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) and all that evil it takes place is because of your own self.”
That means all the good is from Allah and all the evil is from our own selves.
It’s mentioned in Surah Mulk, Chapter No. 67, Verse No. 2,
“Allazi Khalaqal Mauta Wal Hayata”
“It is Allah who has created death and life to test which of you is good in deeds.”
Allah says in Surah Ambiya’, Chapter No. 21, Verse No. 35,
“Qullu Nafsin Zai’qatil Maut”
“Every soul shall have a taste of a death. And be sure we will test you with something that is evil and something which is good by way of trial. And to Us is your return.”
So we come to know that whenever there’s a calamity, it’s either a test or a punishment. Whenever something good that happens is either a test or it’s a reward from Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala).
Yusuf Chambers: JazakAllah Khair. Dr. Zakir, next question. Doesn’t there seem to be a contradiction in the Qur’an when it mentions in several verses that everything happens by the will of Allah and in.. and furthermore in one verse, the good is from Allah and the bad or the evil is from yourself.
Dr. Zakir Naik: There are many verses in the Qur’an which mentions that everything happens with the will of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) as we discussed in the earlier answer. But it’s mentioned in Surah Nisa, Chapter 4, Verse No. 79,
“All the good that happens is from Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) and all the evil is from the human beings.”
On the face of it, it seems to be contradiction but if you realize the real meaning, there’s no contradiction at all. For example. The electricity comes from the head power station, its coming; the power is from the head station. And with that you can use good things, you can use a equipment, you can use machinery, but if you put our finger in a live wire, we’ll get a shock. So the power is from the head quarters, head electric station, but if you put a finger and do a thing which is not suppose to be done then we get a shock, so the good is from the power electric station, but if the power is cut from the head quarter, I’ll not get a shock, but we cannot blame that because the power is coming from there, they are to blame for the shock. It is me who has put the finger in live wire, so I’m to blame. But the power is coming from the head electric station.
Let me give you another simple example, that, the father is head of the family, he earns and he spends on the family, so he’s responsible for everything that is spent, but at the same time he gives pocket money to his son. Now with the pocket money what the son receives, he gambles, he has alcohol. So who’s to blame? The person to blame for doing this sin of gambling and having intoxication is the son, but the money is coming from the father. So it’s happening with the money of the father, but who’s to blame? The son. So same way everything happens with the will of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) but if anything good takes place, it’s because of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala), any bad, it is because of you.
So hope this example will make you understand that there is a co-relation between both these verses, there is not a contradiction but it’s a clarification.
Yusuf Chambers: Ok, thank you Dr. Zakir. I’m sure that solved that one out and the viewer will be suitably satisfied, InshaAllah.
Dr. Zakir, the last question we are able to fit in today is, how should a Muslim respond to the calamities that he or she faces due to what is written in his or her destiny.
Dr. Zakir Naik: As I mentioned earlier, whenever any calamity befalls on human being, it is either a test or it’s a punishment. If it’s a punishment, like it’s mentioned in Surah Hood, Chapter No. 11, Verse No. 82, that Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) turned the two cities upside down of Qaum-e-Lut and showered brim stones of hard brick, layer upon layer, that means it’s a punishment. So if it’s a punishment then that person should seek forgiveness from Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) and should repent. He should stop doing that evil act, stop doing that sin, should promise not to do it again. If he can reverse it, he should reverse it and seek for Allah’s forgiveness.
If it is a test, like Allah says in Surah Baqarah, Chapter No. 2, Verse No. 155, that,
“Surely we will test you with something of fear and hunger or loss in goods or lives, or toils of your fruit and give glad tidings to the person, who patiently perseveres.”
And further it’s mentioned in Surah Baqarah, Chapter 2, Verse No. 156, that, they are the people who say,
“Inna Lillaahi Wa Inna 'Ilayhi Raaji’un”
That,
“From Him we come and to Him is our return”
So these talks about the people that are believer, if anything calamity befalls, if he’s at fault, looking to himself, if he’s done some sin, he should immediately repent and ask for forgiveness. If it’s a test then he should patiently persevere. And he should have Sabr and say,
“Inna Lillaahi Wa Inna 'Ilayhi Raaji’un”
For example if a person falls, or if the death takes place or if a person gets sick, the right thing as the Qur’an says,
“Inna Lillaahi Wa Inna 'Ilayhi Raaji’un”
That,
“From Him we come and to Him is our return”
And it’s mentioned in Surah Tawbah, Chapter No. 9. Verse No. 51,
“Say, Nothing can happen except with the decree of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala), for Allah is our protector and tell the believers that put their trust in Allah” (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala).”
It’s further mentioned in Surah Taghaabun, Chapter No. 64, Verse No. 11, that,
“No calamity can befall us except with the leave of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala). So let us have belief in Allah. For Allah is the one who guides our heart.”
And it’s mentioned in Surah Al Zumar, Chapter 39, Verse No. 10, that,
“The reward is with those who patiently persevere, will truly have a reward.”
And it’s mentioned in Surah Baqarah, Chapter 2, Verse No. 153,
“Ya 'Ayyuhalladhina 'Aamanusta’inu Bis Sabri Was Salaah. 'Innallaaha Maa’ As Saabireen.”
That,
“O you who belief seek Allah’s help with patience, perseverance and prayer. For verily Allah with those who patiently persevere”
So a person should patiently persevere. And there’s a Hadith, it’s mentioned in
Sahih Muslim, Vol. No. 4, (Book of Zuhd), Hadith No. 7138, the beloved Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihe wa sallam) said, that,
“Strange are the ways of a believer, if anything good happens to him, he thanks Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) and if any calamity befalls he patiently persevere and yet there’s good for him in the hereafter.”
So whenever any calamity takes place, if he’s at fault, he should rectify it otherwise he should patiently persevere. For Allah says, “Seek help of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) with patience, perseverance and prayer, for verily Allah with those who patiently persevere”
Yusuf Chambers: JazakAllah Khair once again Dr. Zakir, we have come to the end of this show. Alhumdulillah, derived great benefit myself, I’m sure again the viewers once again have likewise, InshaAllah, and I pray.. you, I and they will benefit more, these wonderful answers you’ve given today. JazakAllah Khair.
So brothers and sisters I trust that you have benefited from the topic tonight and I urge you to join us tomorrow when we will be discussing the topic, “I’tekaaf”
Assalaamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuhu.