>Memorizing the Entire Qur’an in 2 months!

>As-salaamu `alaykum

I recently heard an incredibly amazing account told by Shaykh Yasir Salamah, one of the leading Imams and recitors of Egypt. In his audio tape ‘When will I see you as a Haafidh?’ he speaks of the true account of Muhammad, a brother who after attending a workshop on memorising Qur’aan and utilising all the available mediums, went on to memorise the entire Qur’aan within just 50 days (i.e 2 months)

Within 2 months?!

Yes. Within 2 months. This is his account and he says:

“I declared a state of Jihad upon my soul and put death before my eyes. I made an intention to memorise the Noble Qur’aan. So I abandoned telephone calls and unnecessary visits, and I changed all the negative thoughts associated with hifdh (memorisation) to positive and practical ones e.g. When a thought came to me saying ‘I can’t do it!’ I’d say, ‘I can do it.’ If it said, ‘My memory is weak!’ I’d say ‘I take pleasure in having a great memory.’

I chose the masjid as the place of my hifdh as it preserves three:

1. The eyes

2. The ears

3. The tongue

I followed a specific dietary program consisting of eating dates, fruits and honey – and fasting helped me a great deal in that. I used to wake up before salaat al-Fajr by 2 and a half hours and I slept 2 hours after ‘Isha. I used to wake up for Tahajjud (the night prayer), prolonging my sujood wherein I would call upon Allaah ta’alaa to ease for me my affair. I would also seek forgiveness 100 times.

I began to memorise 5 pages and would recite them in the Sunnah prayers of Fajr. After salaat al-Fajr, I would begin the memorisation of 5 new pages and at the end, I would recite them in the 2 raka’ahs of salaat al-Duhaa, all the time thanking Allaah for easing the memorisation.

I would perfect the recitation of what I had memorised by listening to tapes of one of the recitors. I would read about the qiraa’ah in books or via the Muqaddimah al-Jazariyyah (poem on the ahkam of tajweed).

After salaat al-Dhuhr, I would repeat everything that I had memorised previously beginning from the 1st Juz, until salaat al-’Asr. After the ‘Asr prayer, I would repeat the new portion of hifdh and the juz before. After the Maghrib prayer, I would prepare the recitation of 10 new pages and it was only after salaat al-’Isha that I’d review the Qur’aan with my teacher, may Allaah reward him well.

Before retiring to bed, I would listen to all that I memorised in the day from cassettes and I would be sitting for 6 continuous hours, without any boredom or feeling tired. In the 1st week, I would sit for 6 hours, memorising and revising. In the 2nd week, I would sit for 8 hours. In the 3rd week, it was 10 hours and in the 4th week, it was 12 hours. In the last 10 days, I was sitting for 14 hours memorising and revising.

The hardest times for me were when it came to sleeping and eating. I ardently wished that the period of sleep would end quickly so that I could start my hifdh of the Noble of Qur’aan. Everytime I began to read the Qur’aan and memorise, I felt such delight and enjoyment that I had never felt before. Du’a was an important factor for me before and after hifdh. I would memorise a page whilst sitting down and then repeat it whilst walking. My teacher played an important role in encouraging me, in revision, in correcting me and benefiting me in terms of Tajweed.

In the last week, on the night of 20th Ramadan, only 4 and a half juz remained until completion of hifdh. So I turned to Allaah to open up my way and ease it for me. I went on to memorise it in 6 days with the Help of Allaah.

Laylatul-Qadr came, the night of delight and happiness – it was like a wedding night to me. My completion of hifdh took place between Maghrib and ‘Isha in the masjid with the Imam and those in I’tikaaf. We began the khatma (reciting from beginning till end of the Book). In the end, during the du’aa, my heart opened up greatly and I began to weep like never before. It was the most beautiful hour of my life. Allaah had honoured me with the memorisation of His Book.

During the du’aa, I remembered a dream I had more than 10 years ago… I was a Mu’adhin of a mosque and after Fajr salaah, I sat remembering Allaah in the mosque. I felt sleepy so I took a nap in the middle of the mosque, and behold! I found myself amidst a gathering. A powerful ray of light descended from the sky down to the middle of the masjid. From that light came many angels and between them were 2 big Angels. One of them turned towards me and took me to the light. I entered along with the 2 angels. I then found myself on top of a large green tree – I began to climb it in the companionship of the 2 angels. We found angels standing by the door of the 1st heaven. They said to me ‘Where are you going?’ They opened up a book and said, ‘We don’t have your name with us, so climb onwards to the top.’ And likewise, all the time (through each heaven), they said the same thing to me.

Upon arriving at the 7th heaven, we reached the end of the tree. I found angels standing at the door and they said, ‘Are you Muhammad?’ I said, ‘Yes.’ They said, ‘Enter, for the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) wants you.’ I said to the 2 angels that were with me ‘Come in with me.’ They said, ‘We can’t enter. But we will wait for you.’ So I entered Jannah and behold, I saw therein what no eye has seen, no ear has heard and had never entered in the heart of Man. Angels were surrounding me and there was a door, on top of it was written لا إله إلا الله محمد رسول الله. جنة الفردوس (There is no God but Allaah and Muhammad is His Messenger. Al-Firdaws Paradise).

The Angels opened the door and I entered. Before me was the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) sitting at the top end and beside him were men, some that I recognised and some that I didn’t. In front of him were a very large group of men, women and children. They wore white clothes, and they were so many that they had a beginning but no end. All of them were reciting Qur’aan.

The Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam) called me and I went up to him. He got up and made some space for me. I kissed him and he sat me down besides him. I asked him ‘Who are these people O Messenger of Allah?’ He said, ‘These are the people who have memorised the Book of Allaah `azza wa jall.’

Inshaa’Allaah ta’ala, the dream ended in truth. I never spoke to anyone about it until the night that I completed the memorisation of the Qur’aan.”

Allahu Akbar, if this is not tawfeeq from Allaah and determination… I don’t know what is!
_____________

Transcribed and edited from the audio ‘When will I see you as a Haafidh?’ by Shaykh Yasir Salamah, hafidhahullah. Rest of the series located here

>Woman dies while reading Quran – 18/1/2011

>Woman dies while reading Quran
Published Tuesday, January 18, 2011

A Saudi woman died while reading the Quran, leaving behind 11 children and 18 grandchildren, a newspaper reported on Tuesday.

The 52-year-old woman was studying at a Quran memorization centre in Makkah and had intended to memorize the whole holy book, Kabar said.

“On Friday, she turned her chair towards the Grand Mosque in Makkah and sat reading the Quran…after reading a few verses, she died,” the paper said.

“Her son said she died while her hand was gripping the holy book…a Moslem scholar told her family not to open her hand and keep the Quran with her.”

Kabar said the unnamed woman had planned to fly to the eastern region to visit her daughter on Saturday. It did not mention the reason for her death.

Woman dies while reading Quran – Emirates24|7

"O Ahmad, say in my ear: "The Qur’an is created!"

Imam Ahmad was being punished, and its narrated:

تقدم إليه ابن أبي دؤاد، وقال له: يا أحمد قل في أذني القرآن مخلوق حتى أخلصك من يد الخليفة؛ فقال له الإمام أحمد: يا بن أبي دؤاد قل في أذني القرآن كلام الله وليس بمخلوق حتى أخلصك من عذاب الله عز وجل

Ibn Abi Du’ad came to him and said, ‘O Ahmad, say in my ear: ‘The Qur’an is created,’ so that I may save you from the hand of the Caliph.’ So Imam Ahmad said to him, “O Ibn Abi Du’ad, say in my ear: ‘The Qur’an is the Speech of Allaah, it is not created,’ so that I save you from the punishment of Allah, the Mighty and Majestic!!”

["Al-Manhaj Al-Ahmad", 1/35].

O Ahmed, and does the Quraan die!?

Excerpt from ” Foundations of the Sunnah “

Imam Ahmed Ibn Hanbal died 241H

pg 93

When I arose ( the next morning ) I made my way to the door ( of al-Mu’tasim ) and the people were entering , so I entered along with them . Al Mu’tasim approached and sat on his chair and said ” Bring Ahmed ibn Hanbal “, and so he was brought. When he stood in front of him , Al Mu’tasim said to him, ” How were you in your cell yesterday, O Ahmad?.

Imam Ahmad said . ” In goodness and alhumdulillah except that in my cell, O Ameerul Mumineen, I saw something amazing “. He said to him ” And what did you see ?”. So he replied ” I arose in the middle of the night , performed ablution for the prayer and prayed two rakah. In one rakah I recited Alhumdulillah….and Qul Authoo bi rabin naas, and in the second rakah I recited Alhumdulillah….and Qul authoo bi rabil Faalaq. Then I sat down , read the tashahud and gave salutation ( to my right and left)… and then Istood again, made the takbeer and recited Alhumdulillah …and then I desired to read : Qul huwallahu ahad, And I was not able to. I tried hard to read something else from the Quran and I was not able. Then I stretched my eyes to the corner of the prison and ( behold) I saw the Quraan laid out on the floor , dead. So I washed it and shrouded it, then prayed over it and buried it.

So Al Mu’tasim said ” Woe be to you, O Ahmed, and does the Quraan die!?. So Ahmed said to him “ Well that is what you say – That is is created . And everything created dies”. Al Mu’tasim said ” AHmad has subdued us, Ahmad has subdued us”.

Then Ibn Abee Duwaad and Bishr al Mareesee said ” Kill him, so that we can rest ( in his absence”. Al Mu’tasim said ” I have pledged to Allah that I will not kill him with a sword and that I will not order for him to be killed with a sword”. Ibn Abee Dawud said to him, ” Then lash him with a whip “. So Al Mu’tasim said ” Yes “and then said ” Bring the executioners “, and so they were brought.
Al Mu’tasim said to one of them ” With how many lashes will you kill him ?’. He said ” With Ten , O Ammerul Mumineen “. Then he replied ” Take him to yourself ( beat him )”.

Sulaymaan as Sijzee continued ” So Imaam Ahmad was undressed and made to wear a garment of wool around his waist. Two new ropes were drawn tight around his hands. the man took the whip in his hand and said ” Shall I strike him O Ameerul Mumineen?”.

Al Mu’tasim said ” Strike him “, and he struck him with one lash. Imam Ahmed said ” Alhumdulillah “.The he lashed him a second time and Imam Ahmed said ” Whatever Allah wills occurs “. Then he struck him a third time and Imaam Ahmed said ” There is no movement nor power save that Allah , the Most high, the Mighty”.

When the man desired to strike him a fourth time I looked at the garment around his waist and it had become loose. He wished that he could fall to the ground, so he raised his head towards the sky and moved his lips – and Suddenly the earth shook and two hands came out of it and supported his weight by the power of Allah , the mighty, the Majestic.

When Al Mu’tasin saw this he said ” Leave him “. Then Ibn Abee Duwaad came to him and said ” O Ahmad , say in my ear The Quran is created so that I may save you from the hand of the khaleefah”. So Imam Ahmad said to him ” O Abee Duwaad, say in my ear The Quran is the Speech of Allah , it is not created, so that I may save you from the punishment of Allah , the Mighty, and Majestic”. Al Mu’tasim then said ” Place him in the prison “.

Sulaymaan said ” He was then carried to the prison and the people departed with them. Then when the next day arrived the people came to the door ( of Al Mu’tasim ) so I came with them and stood in front of the chair. Then al Mu’tasim appeared and sat in the chair and said ” Bring Ahmad ibn Hanbal “. So he was brought and when he stood in front of him Al Mu’tasim said to him ” How were you in your cell during the night, O son of Hanbal ?”.

He said ” in goodness and all praises are due to Allah “ . Al Mu’tasim said ” O Ahmed, I saw a dream yesterday”. He said ” And what did you see O Ameerul Mumineen ?”. He said ” I saw in my dream as if there were two lions approaching me and they desired to tear me apart. And then two angels appeared and repelled them from me. They gave me a book and said to me ” This written is the dream that Ahmad ibn Hanbal saw in his cell. So what is it that you saw, O son of Hanbal?’.

So Ahmed said to him ” O ameerul Mumineen, I saw as if the Day of Judgement had been established, and as if Allah had gethered the first and the last in a single plain and He was calling them to account. Whilst I was standing , I was called for, so I proceeded until I stood in front of Allah, The mIghty, the Majestic, and He said to me…O Ahmed , for what were you beaten? I said ” On account of the Quraan “. I said Your words Allah, belonging to you . He said from where do you (derive and )say this?. I said O my Lord , Abdur Razzaq narrated to me. So Abdur Razzaq was called for and he was brought , until he was made to stand in front of Allah.He said to him “ What do you say about the Quran O Abdur Razzaaq?”.

He said ” your words O Allah , belonging to you . ” So Allah said from where do you ( derive and ) say this ? He said ” Ma’mar narrated to me. So Ma’mar was called for and he was brought , until he was made to stand in front of Allah, the Mighty and the Magnificent , and He said to him ” What do you say about the Quran O Mamar?”.

He said ” Your words , O Allah, belonging to you” So Allah said from where do you ( derive and ) say this ?. He said AzZuhree narrated to me. So AzZuhree was brought and made to stand in front of Allah the Mighty the Magnificent and He said to him ” What do you say about the Quran O Zuhree?”.

He said ” your words, belonging to you “. So Allah said from where do you ( derive and ) say this ?’. He said :” Urwah narrated to me “. So Urwah was brought and made to stand in front of Allah the Mighty and the Magnificent” and He said to him “O Urwah What do you say about the Quran ?”. He said ” Your words O Allah , belonging to you “.So Allah said from where do you ( derive and ) say this ?”. He said , ” Aaisha, the daughter of Abu Bakr as Siddeeq, narrated to me “.

So Aaisha was called for and she was brought until she was made to stand in front of Allah , the Mighty, the Magnificent, and He said to her ” What do you say about the Quran ,O Aaisha?”. She said ” Your words, belonging to you O Allah “.So Allah said from where do you ( derive and ) say this ?”. She said ” Your Prophet Muhammad sallalahu alayahe was salaam narrated to me “.

He said So Muhammad was called for and he was brought, until he was made to stand in front of Allah, The Mighty and the Magnificent, and He said to him ” What do you say about the Quran O Muhammad ?”. He said ” Your words, O Allah, belonging to you “. So Allah said from where do you ( derive and ) say this ?”. So The Prophet sallallahu alayahe was salaam said ” Jibreel narrated to me “.

So Jibreel was called for and he was brought, until he was made to stand in front of Allah , The Mighty, The Magnificent, and He said to him ” What do you say about the Quraan , O Jibreel?” He said ” Your words, O Allah belonging to you.’ So Allah said ” From where has this come to you ?” He said ” Such did Israafeel narrate to me “.

So Israafeel was called for and he was brought , until he was made to stand in front of Allah, the Mighty and Magnificent, and Allah , the Sublime, said to him , ” What did you say about the Quraan , O Israafeel ? ” He said ” Your words, O Allah belonging to you.’ So Allah said ” From where has this come to you ?” He said ” I saw that in the Lawhul Mahfooz”.

So the Preserved Tablet was brought and stood in front of Allah, the Mighty and Magnificent, and He said ” O Lawh, what do you say about the Quraan ?” And it said ” Your words, O Allah , belonging to You. Then Allah the Exalted said ” From where has this come to you ?” And the Lawh said ” Such did the Qalam inscribe upon me .”

Then the Pen was brought until it stood in front of Allah, the Mighty and Majestic, so Allah , the Mighty and Majestic said to it, O Qalam , what do you say about the Quraan?” The Qalam said , ” Your words , O Allah , Belonging to you ” . So Allah said, ” From where has this come to you ?”

The Qalam said -” You dictated and I wrote “.

Then Allah the Mighty and Magnificent said ” The Qalam has spoken the truth. The Lawh has spoken the truth. Israafeel has spoken the truth. Jibreel has spoken the truth. Muhammad has spoken the truth. Aaisha has spoken the truth. Urwah has spoken the truth. Az- Zuhree has spoken the truth. Ma’mar has spoken the truth . Abdur Razzaq has spoken the truth. Ahmad ibn hanbal has spoken the truth. The Quraan is my speech , it is not created “.

Sulayman as Sijzee said ” Al Mu ‘tasim leapt upon hearing that and said ” You have spoken the truth, O son of Hanbal”. Then al Mu ‘tasim repented, oredered the necks of Bishr al Mareesee and Ibn Abee Duwaad to be beaten and revered Ahmad ibn Hanbal and bestowed upon him , But Ahmad refrained from that. He was then ordered to be taken to his house and he was taken.

Subhan Allah.

 http://www.islamicboard.com/miscellaneous/36739-o-ahmed-does-quraan-die.html

How much the Salaf read Qur’an during Ramadan.

Yes, it is mustahabb [recommended] for the Muslim to read Qur’aan a great deal during Ramadaan and to strive to complete it, but that is not obligatory, i.e., if he does not complete the Qur’aan he is not sinning, but he has missed out on a great deal of reward.

The evidence for that is the report narrated by al-Bukhaari (4614) from Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) who said: Jibreel used to review the Qur’aan with the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) once every year, and he reviewed it with him twice in the year in which he passed away.

Ibn al-Atheer said in al-Jaami’ fi Ghareeb al-Hadeeth (4/64):
i.e., he used to study with him all that had been revealed of the Qur’aan. End quote.

It was the practice of the salaf (may Allaah be pleased with them) to strive to complete the Qur’aan in Ramadaan, following the example of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him).

It was narrated that Ibraaheem al-Nakha’i said: al-Aswad used to complete the Qur’aan in Ramadaan every two nights. Al-Siyar (4/51).

Qataadah used to complete the Qur’aan in seven days, and when Ramadaan came, he would complete it every three days. When the last ten days came, he would complete it every night. Al-Siyar (5/276).

It was narrated from Mujaahid that he used to complete the Qur’aan every night in Ramadaan. Al-Tibyaan by al-Nawawi (p. 74). He said: Its isnaad is saheeh.

It was narrated that Mujaahid said: ‘Ali al-Azdi used to complete the Qur’aan every night in Ramadaan. Tahdheeb al-Kamaal (2/983).

Al-Rabee’ ibn Sulaymaan said: al-Shaafa’i used to complete the Qur’aan sixty times in Ramadaan. Al-Siyar (10/36). [One completion during the day, one completion during the night.]

Al-Qaasim ibn al-Haafiz ibn ‘Asaakir said: My father used to pray in congregation and read Qur’aan regularly. He would complete it every week, and every day in Ramadaan. Al-Siyar (20/562).

Al-Nawawi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said, commenting on how often the Qur’aan should be completed:

The best view is that that varies from one person to another. The one who is seeking to understand it and ponder its meaning should limit himself to as much as he can understand fully when he reads, and the one who is busy spreading knowledge or other religious works, or working for the public interests of the Muslims, should limit himself to what will not cause him to neglect his work.

If he is not among the categories mentioned here, then he should do as much as he can without reaching the point of boredom. End quote.

Al-Tibyaan (p. 76)

However it is mustahabb [recommended] to read Qur’aan and complete it in Ramadaan, and that remains mustahabb but it is not one of the obligatory duties and the Muslim is not sinning if he does not do it.

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) was asked: Is it obligatory for the fasting person to complete the Qur’aan in Ramadaan?

He replied:

Completing the Qur’aan in Ramadaan is not obligatory for the fasting person, but he should read the Qur’aan a great deal in Ramadaan, as that is the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), and he (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to review it with Jibreel every Ramadaan. End quote.

Majmoo’ Fataawa Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (20/516)

See also questions no. 66063 and 26327

http://ahlalhdeeth.com/vbe/showpost.php?p=37346&postcount=5

‘… Until I came to this verse.’

‘… Until I came to this verse.’

Rabi’ ibn Sulayman (a companion of Imam al-Shafi’i) said:

‘We were with al-Shafi’i one day when an old man wearing garments of wool came to us with a walking-stick in his hand. Al-Shafi’i stood up, fixed his clothes and greeted the old man. He sat down and al-Shafi’i began looking at him in admiration when the man said:

Old man: Can I ask?

Al-Shafi’i: Ask.

Old man: What is the Hujjah (evidence) in the religion of Allah?

Al-Shafi’i: The Book of Allah.

Old man: What else?

Al-Shafi’i: The Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam).

Old man: What else?

Al-Shafi’i: The consensus of the Ummah.

Old man: Where did you get ‘consensus of the Ummah’ from? (i.e. what’s your evidence).

Al-Shafi’i pondered for a moment when the old man said:

Old man: I will leave you for 3 days. If you come up with evidence from the Book of Allah, fine. If not, then repent to Allah Ta’ala.

Al-Shafi’i’s face changed colour and then he left. He didn’t come out until the third day, between dhuhr and ‘asr. His face, hands and legs had swollen and he became ill. He sat down but it was only a short while when the old man returned. He greeted him and sat down then he said,

Old man: Do you have what I asked for?

Al-Shafi’i: Yes.

أعوذ بالله من الشيطان الرجيم
I seek refuge in Allah from Satan, the outcast.
Allah, the Most High said:

وَمَن يُشَاقِقِ الرَّسُولَ مِن بَعْدِ مَا تَبَيَّنَ لَهُ الْهُدَى وَيَتَّبِعْ غَيْرَ سَبِيلِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ نُوَلِّهِ مَا تَوَلَّى وَنُصْلِهِ جَهَنَّمَ وَسَاءتْ مَصِيراً

“And whoever contradicts and opposes the Messenger after the right path has been shown clearly to him, and follows other than the way of the believers, We shall keep him on the path he has chosen, and burn him in Hell – and what an evil destination.” [al-Nisa: 115]

… And He (Allah `azza wa jall) will not burn him in Hell for opposing the believers in something except that it is something obligatory.’

Old man: You have told the truth.

Then he got up and left.

Al-Shafi’i then said to those around him: I read the Qur’an 3 times every day (in the 3 days he was given), until I came to this verse.’

- Siyar A’lam al-Nubala

It’s the case that sometimes, the Qur’an reveals its gems and answers at different times and on different occasions. Even if we may have read a particular verse many times before, it will suddenly sink in with us differently at another time.

As they say, ‘لا تنقضي عجائبه ‘ – its wonders never cease. May Allah grant us good understanding of His Book.

Imam al-Shafi’i and the Old Man |-| Fajr |-|

Ahmad Naasir the Shaheed, who said "the Qur’an is not created".

Asalaam alaikum warahmatulah wabarakatuh

Ahmad Naasir the Shaheed, who said “the Qur’an is not created”.

He is Al-Khuza’y, The Imam, The Martyr, Abu Abdulla, Ahmad ibn Nasr ibn Malik ibn Al-Haytham Al-Khuza’y Al-Marwazy and then the Baghdadi (d 231 H) [i].

Imam Al-Dhahabi (d 748 H) described him as: “He was a commander of Good, Speaker of Truth” [ii].

And even though he had all the books of Hashim, and narrations from Imam Malik he did not narrate much, and used to say out of his humbleness: “I have not reached that level yet” [iii].

The story of his Death was narrated in many books. Here is what was narrated by Imam Ibn Katheer (d 774 H) [May Allah shower him with Mercy] in “Al-Bidaya wa Al-Nihaya”:

The translation was taken (with some alterations) from At-Tibyan Publications’ – ‘Al-Imam Ahmad Ibn Nasr Al-Khuza’i A Leader of Scholars, A Leader of Martyrs (available online).

In the events of the Year 231 H:

And in this year was the killing of Ahmad ibn Nasr Al-Khuza’y, May Allah have mercy upon him, and make his abode noble.

And the reason for this man being killed, meaning Ahmad ibn Nasr Al-Khuza’y ibn Malik ibn Al-Haytham Al-Khuza’i, and his grandfather Malik ibn Al-Haytham was one of the greatest campaigners of the state of Ban Al-‘Abbas (i.e. the Abbasids), those who killed this son of his.

And Ahmad ibn Nasr had prestige and leadership, and his father Nasr ibn Malik used to be surrounded by the Ahl Al-Hadith.

Ahmad ibn Nasr was from amongst the people of knowledge, piety and justice, righteous deeds, and striving in doing good; and he was from amongst the Imams of Ahl Al-Sunnah, those who would command the good, and forbid the evil, and he was amongst those who called towards the saying that the Quran is the Word of Allah, sent down, uncreated.

Al-Wathiq (the Caliph at the time) was one of the most severe people in insisting the claim that the Quran is created. He used to call to it day and night, publicly and privately, based upon what his father and his uncle Al-Mamun were upon, void of any evidence or proof, argument or explanation, from neither the Sunnah nor Quran.

So this Ahmad ibn Nasr stood up, calling towards Allah, and to the Commanding of the Good and the Forbiddance of the Evil, and to the statement that the Quran is the Uncreated Word of Allah, and he called the people to much good.

Thus, a Jama’ah (group) gathered under him from amongst the people of Baghdad, and thousands of people joined him. Two men were appointed in propagating the Da’wah of Ahmad ibn Nasr, and they were Abu Harun as-Siraj, who called the people of the Eastern Province, and another man named Talib, who called the people of the Western Province – thus, many thousands of people and abundant crowds united under him.

So when it was the month of Sha’ban of this year, the Bay’ah was organized for Ahmad ibn Nasr al-Khuza’i in secrecy, upon Commanding the Good and Forbidding the Evil, and to rebel against the Sultan due to his bid’ah and his calling to the claim of “Khalq al-Qur’an” (Creation of the Qur’an), and due to what he, his authorities and his entourage were perpetrating of sins and immorality, and such. So they agreed on a time, that on the third night of Sha’ban – on the night of Jumu’ah – a drum would be beaten in the night, and then those who had given Bay’ah would gather together in a place which they had agreed on beforehand – and (after the agreement) Talib and Abu Harun distributed many Dinars amongst the companions. From amongst the crowd who recieved the money, were two men from Banu Ashras, and these two men used to drink wine.

So when Thursday night came, these two men drank wine amongst a group of the companions, and the two men thought it was the night of the plan to be executed – which in reality wa a night before the planned night, so the two men began to beat the drum in the night so that the people would gather with them both – but no one came. The disarray overtook the organized plan, and the guards hear this in the night time, so they notified the deputy of his borhter, Ish’haq ibn Ibrahim, due to his absence from Baghdad… and the people became hysteric and the deputy of the Sultan did his utmost to capture those two men (who beat the drum.) So when he caputed them, he tortured them until they confessed about Ahmad ibn Nasr. So they searched for him, until they wre able to capture a servant of his – and they held him (and tortured him) until he confessed with the same confession as the two men.

So he captured a number of the leaders of the companions of Ahmad ibn Nasr, along with him, and sent them to the Khalifah, – pleasing those who saw them (i.e. the captured rebels led by Ahmad ibn Nasr) in such a state – and this took place at the end of Sha’ban. So he assembled a group of spectators and the Qadhi, Ahmad ibn Abi Du’ad al Mu’tazili attended, and Ahmad ibn Nasr was brought forth – but he (Al Mu’tazili) did not display any rebuke upon Ahmad ibn Nasr. And when Ahmad ibn Nasr was made to stand in front of al-Wathiq, he did not rebuke him for anything to do with the Bay’ah which he took from the populace upon Commanding the Good and Forbidding the Evil and such – Rather, he skipped over all of that and interrogated;

A number of the leaders of the companions of Ahmad ibn Nasr, along with him were captured, and sent to the Khalifah. This took place at the end of Sha’ban.

A group of spectators were assembled, and the Qadhi, Ahmad ibn Abi Duad Al-Mu’tazili attended.

Ahmad ibn Nasr was brought forth but he (ibn Abi Duad Al-Mu’tazili) did not display any rebuke upon Ahmad ibn Nasr. And when Ahmad ibn Nasr was made to stand in front of Al-Wathiq, he did not rebuke him for anything to do with the Bay’ah which he took from the populace upon commanding the Good and Forbidding the Evil and such. Rather, he skipped over all of that, and asked him:

What do you say regarding the Quran?

He replied: It is the Word of Allah.

Al-Wathiq asked: Is it created (Makhluq)?

He said: It is the Word of Allah.

Indeed, Ahmad had just faced death without fear, and sold himself, and actually, he came wearing Hanut (i.e. a mixture of musk and camphor which is applied to a dead body before burial), and he looked fiercely radiant, and he had tightened that which was covering his private parts (so that it does not get revealed in case of torture).

Al-Wathiq again asked: What do you say about your Lord? Will you see Him on the Day of Resurrection?

So he replied: O Amir Al-Mu’mineen, that is how it has come in the Quran and the narrations, as Allah has said: {(Some) faces, that Day, will be radiant; Looking at their Lord} [Al-Qiyamah: 22-23], And the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Verily, you will see your Lord, just as you see this moon, you will not be impaired in viewing him” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. So we are upon what we have been notified (by Allah and His Messenger).

And Al-Khatib (Al-Baghdadi) added that Al-Wathiq said: Woe to you! Will He be seen as a limited body is seen?! And He will be encompassed in a place, and the spectator will be able to behold him!? I disbelieve in a Lord with such attributes!

[Ibn Kathir - May Allah have Mercy on him - comments saying]: What Al-Wathiq said, is neither permissible, nor [is what he concluded] necessary, nor can it be used to refute the authentic narrations, and Allah knows best.

Ahmad ibn Nasr replied to Al-Wathiq: Sufyan narrated to me a Hadith which he raises (Yarfa’uh) that: “The heart of the son of Adam is in between two fingers from the Fingers of Allah, He turns it however He Wills”. And the Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) used to say: “O Turner of the Hearts! Make my heart firm upon Your Deen”.

So Ishaq ibn Ibrahim said to him: Woe to you! Look at what you are saying!

He replied by saying: You ordered me to say that.

Ishaq was startled at that, and remarked: I ordered you?!

So he replied: Yes, you ordered me to give sincere advice to him.

Finally, Al-Wathiq said to those around him: So what do you say about this man (i.e. Ahmad ibn Nasr). Hence, they said many things about him.

Abdur-Rahman ibn Ishaq, who was the Qadhi of the WesternProvince until he retired, and had been a friend of Ahmad ibn Nasr before this event, said: O Amir Al-Mu’mineen, his blood is Halal.

Abu Abdillah Al-Armini, the companion of Ahmad ibn Abi Duad, said: Give me a drink from his blood, O Amir Al-Mu’mineen.

Al-Wathiq replied, saying: Definitely, what you desire will come about.

Ahmad ibn Abi Duad said: He is a kafir, he should be asked to repent. Maybe he has a disease, or loss of intellect.

So Al-Wathiq said: When you see me getting up (going) towards him, then do not stand with me, for I want to be rewarded for the steps I take (going towards to killing him).

Then he got up with a saber which was a sword belonging to ‘Amr ibn Mu’idd Yukrab Az-Zubayd, and it was given as a gift to Musa Al-Hadi during his Khilafah. There was a witchcraft inscription attached with nails at the bottom of it.

When he reached him, he struck him a blow upon his shoulder, while he was tied with ropes and standing upon a leather mat (special for executions) and then he struck him again with a blow to his head, and then he thrust the saber into his belly. He fell down dead, may Allah have mercy upon him.

Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed, to Him we will return, may Allah have mercy upon him, and pardon him.

Then the Damascene unsheathed his sword, and struck his neck, and separated his head, and hoisted it in display, till it was brought to the field which had Babak Al-Khurrami, and he was crucified therein, while his two legs were still shackled, and he was wearing a dress and trousers.

His head was carried to Baghdad, and was set and displayed in the EasternProvince for a number of days, and in the WesternProvince for a number of days, and it had guards around watching over it day and night. And attached to his head was a message, and written on it was:

“This is the head of the deviant pagan infidel, Ahmad ibn Nasr Al-Khuza’y, from amongst those who were killed at the hands of ‘Abdullah ibn Harun, the Imam, Al-Wathiq Billah, Amir Al-Mu’mineen, after he had established the argument against him regarding the Creation of the Quran and the Negation of Anthropomorphism, and he gave him the chance to repent and enabled him to return to the Truth, but he refused except to stubbornly oppose and declare openly otherwise. So all praise belongs to Allah, Who hastened him to the Fire and his Painful Torment due to his kufr; for which Amir Al-Mu’mineen permitted his blood and cursed him.

Afterwards, Al-Wathiq ordered the prosecution of the leaders of Ahmad’s companions, and captured about twenty nine men. They were sent to prisons, and they were branded as the unjust [transgressors] (ظلمة). They were prevented from being visited by anyone, and they were restrained with iron shackles, and they were not given any rations (of food) which were given to the other prisoners, and [truly] this is a great injustice.

And this Ahmad ibn Nasr was one of the great scholars, active in establishing the Commanding of the Good and the Forbidding of the Evil. He had heard Hadith from Hammad ibn Zayd and Sufyan ibn ‘Uyaynah and Hushim ibn Bashir and he had all of his writings. And he also heard a great number of traditions from Imam Malik ibn Anas.

Yahy ibn Ma’een mentioned him one day, and prayed for Allah’s mercy to be upon him, and said: Allah granted him Shahadah as an ending, and he used not to narrate traditions, and used to say I am not of that level yet [out of his humbleness].

And Yahya ibn Ma’een excelled very much in praising Ahmad ibn Nasr.

Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal mentioned him one day, and said: May Allah have mercy upon him, how generous he was with his soul for Allah! He sacrificed himself for His sake.

Ja’far ibn Muhammad As-Saaigh narrated: My two eyes witnessed and if they did not, may they be gouged out, and my two ears heard and if they did not, may they go deaf: Ahmad ibn Nasr Al-Khuza’y, when he was beheaded, his head was saying: La Ilaha Illa Allah; And some people had heard him while he was crucified on the tree trunk, his (separated) head reciting: {Alif, Lam, Meem. Do people think they will be left alone, just because they say, We believe, without being tested?} [Al-‘Ankabout: 1-2]. My skin trembled.

- End of the translation taken from At-Tibyan publications.

(to be continued later)

[i] Siyar A’laam Al-Nubala – Imam Al-Dhahabi

[ii] Siyar A’laam Al-Nubala – Imam Al-Dhahabi

[iii] Siyar A’laam Al-Nubala – Imam Al-Dhahabi

continued…

Ibn Abi Ya’la says in Tabaqat Al-Hanabilah: And he was an old man, with white hair and a white beard.

The body of Imam Ahmad ibn Nasr was left hanging for 6 years until Al-Mutawakil [a good sunni abbasid caliph] became the Caliph.

Imam Ibn Kathir narrates: And on the day of Eid Al-Fitr, Al-Mutawakil ordered the body of Ahmad ibn Nasr Al-Khuza’iy to be taken down, and sent with his head to his family.

The people were very pleased with this, and a lot of people gathered for his Janazah.

Then Al-Mutawakil wrote to all the land forbidding people from speaking about the matter of the Speech, and forbidding anyone from saying that the Quran is created. He also wrote that whoever learns ‘Ilm Al-Kalam and spoke in it then he would be imprisoned until he dies. He ordered the people to busy themselves with the Quran and the Sunnah and nothing else [1].

He also released all the people who were imprisoned because of their refusal to say that the Quran is created [2].

It is narrated that ‘Abdulaziz ib Yahya Al-Makiy told Al-Mutawakil, after he became a Caliph, O Amir Al-Mu’mineen I did not see anything stranger than the killing of Al-Wathiq to Ahmad ibn Nasr whose tongue kept reciting the Quran until he was buried.

Al-Mutawakil was saddened by what he heard of his brother, when the Minister Muhammad ibn ‘Abdulmalik ibn Al-Zayat entered. So Al-Mutawakil told him: “In my heart is something, from the killing of Ahmad ibn Nasr”.

So [ibn Al-Zayat] said: O Amir Al-Mu’mineen, May Allah cause me to be burned by fire, if Amir Al-Mu’mineen Al-Wathiq did not kill him as a Kafir.

Then Hirthimah entered, and Al-Mutawakil told him as he told ibn Al-Zayat.

So Hirthimah said: May Allah cause me to be cut into pieces if he was not killed as a Kaffir.

Then the Judge Ibn Abi Duad entered, and Al-Mutawakil told him the same thing.

So he said: May Allah cause me to get Al-Falij (Hemiplegia), if Al-Wathiq did not kill him as a Kafir.

Al-Mutawakil later narrates:

As for ibn Al-Zayaat, I burned him myself, and as for Hirthimah he escaped until he reached a place where the tribe of Khuza’ah resided. He was recognized by one of them who said: O people of Khuza’ah, that is the one that killed your cousin Ahmad ibn Nasr, so they took him and cut him into pieces. As for ibn Abu Duad, Allah imprisoned him in his own skin (since he was paralyzing by Al-Falij) until he died [3].

Some of his sayings:

1) Ahmad ibn Ibrahim said: I heard Ahmad ibn Nasr the Martyr saying:

I passed one day on a man in a state of Sara’ (epilepsy), So I came to recite Quran at his ears, but then I heard a voice saying: [Do not recite] and let me kill him, since that man claims the Quran is created [4].

2) Ibrahim Al-Harbi said in what was authentically attributed to him:

Ahmad ibn Nasr said, when asked about the Knowledge of Allah: Allah is with us by His Knowledge, and he is over his ‘Arsh (Throne).

Then he was asked about the Quran, so he replied: It is the Word of Allah. He was told: Created? He replied: No [5].

Ibn Al-Qayim [May Allah shower him with Mercy] says in his Nuniyah [6]:

ولأجله قتل ابن نصر أحمدا **ذاك الخزاعي العظيم الشان
إذ قال ذا القرآن نفس كلامه **ما ذاك مخلوق من الأكوان

And for that [reason] the son of Nasr, Ahmad was killed. ** That Khuza’I of the Great Status

When he said that the Quran is [the All-Mighty’s] Speech ** And is not a creation from among the Beings

May Allah shower him with Mercy

_____________________________
[1] Al-Bidayah wa Al-Nihayah – ibn Katheer
[2] Tareekh Al-Islam – Al-Dhahabi
[3] Al-Bidayah wa Al-Nihayah – ibn Katheer
[4] I’tiqad Ahl Al-Sunnah – Al-Lalakaey
[5] Al-‘Uloou – Al-Dhahabi
[6] Nuniyat Ibn Al-Qayim

Ahmad ibn Nasr (The Imam & The Martyr) – Multaqa Ahl al-Hadeeth
__________________

How much did the Salaf Read Quran in Ramadan?

Yes, it is mustahabb for the Muslim to read Qur’aan a great deal during Ramadaan and to strive to complete it, but that is not obligatory, i.e., if he does not complete the Qur’aan he is not sinning, but he has missed out on a great deal of reward.

The evidence for that is the report narrated by al-Bukhaari (4614) from Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) who said: Jibreel used to review the Qur’aan with the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) once every year, and he reviewed it with him twice in the year in which he passed away.

Ibn al-Atheer said in al-Jaami’ fi Ghareeb al-Hadeeth (4/64):
i.e., he used to study with him all that had been revealed of the Qur’aan. End quote.

It was the practice of the salaf (may Allaah be pleased with them) to strive to complete the Qur’aan in Ramadaan, following the example of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him).

It was narrated that Ibraaheem al-Nakha’i said: al-Aswad used to complete the Qur’aan in Ramadaan every two nights. Al-Siyar (4/51).

Qataadah used to complete the Qur’aan in seven days, and when Ramadaan came, he would complete it every three days. When the last ten days came, he would complete it every night. Al-Siyar (5/276).

It was narrated from Mujaahid that he used to complete the Qur’aan every night in Ramadaan. Al-Tibyaan by al-Nawawi (p. 74). He said: Its isnaad is saheeh.

It was narrated that Mujaahid said: ‘Ali al-Azdi used to complete the Qur’aan every night in Ramadaan. Tahdheeb al-Kamaal (2/983).

Al-Rabee’ ibn Sulaymaan said: al-Shaafa’i used to complete the Qur’aan sixty times in Ramadaan. Al-Siyar (10/36).

Al-Qaasim ibn al-Haafiz ibn ‘Asaakir said: My father used to pray in congregation and read Qur’aan regularly. He would complete it every week, and every day in Ramadaan. Al-Siyar (20/562).

Al-Nawawi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said, commenting on how often the Qur’aan should be completed:

The best view is that that varies from one person to another. The one who is seeking to understand it and ponder its meaning should limit himself to as much as he can understand fully when he reads, and the one who is busy spreading knowledge or other religious works, or working for the public interests of the Muslims, should limit himself to what will not cause him to neglect his work.

If he is not among the categories mentioned here, then he should do as much as he can without reaching the point of boredom. End quote.

Al-Tibyaan (p. 76)

However it is mustahabb [recommended] to read Qur’aan and complete it in Ramadaan, and that remains mustahabb but it is not one of the obligatory duties and the Muslim is not sinning if he does not do it.

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) was asked: Is it obligatory for the fasting person to complete the Qur’aan in Ramadaan?

He replied:

Completing the Qur’aan in Ramadaan is not obligatory for the fasting person, but he should read the Qur’aan a great deal in Ramadaan, as that is the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), and he (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to review it with Jibreel every Ramadaan. End quote.

Majmoo’ Fataawa Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (20/516)

See also questions no. 66063 and 26327

http://ahlalhdeeth.com/vbe/showpost.php?p=37346&postcount=5

>"Each verse is like a date: the more you chew it…"

>“Each verse is like a date: the more you chew it…”

http://www.kalamullah.com/al-quran.html

1 – The Messenger of Allah said:

“Whoever wants to to love Allah and His Messenger, then let him read the Mushaf.”

['Sahih al-Jami''; # 6289]

2 – Ibn ‘Abbas narrated:

“al-Walid bin al-Mughirah (a polytheist) came to the Messenger of Allah. The Messenger of Allah recited the Qur’an to him, and al-Walid seemed to become affected and softened by it. Abu Jahl came to know of this, so, he came to al-Walid and said: “Don’t you see that your people are collecting charity for you?”

He said: “And why is that?”

Abu Jahl replied: “So that they can give it to you, as they see that you went to Muhammad to get some of his food.”

al-Walid said: “Quraysh knows that I am of the wealthiest of its sons.”

Abu Jahl said: “So, say to Muhammad something that would convince your people that you oppose him.”

al-Walid replied: “And what can I possibly say? There is not a single man who is more knowledgable of poetry or prose than I, or even that of the Jinn, and by Allah, what he says bears no resemblance to these things. By Allah, what he says has a sweetness to it, and a charm upon it; the highest part of it is fruitful and the lowest part of it is gushing forth with bounty; it dominates and cannot be dominated, and it crushes all that is under it.”"

[Reported by al-Hakim in 'al-Mustadrak' (2/506-507) and at-Tabari in 'Jami' al-Bayan' (29/156), and it is authentic]

3 – Jubayr bin Mut’im said:

“I heard the Messeger of Allah recite ‘at-Tur’ in the Maghrib prayer, and when he got to the verses {“Were they created by nothing, or were they themselves the creators? Or did they create the heavens and the earth? No, but they have no firm Belief. Or are with them the treasures of your Lord? Or are they the tyrants with the authority to do as they like?”} [at-Tur; 35-37], my heart wanted to fly from my body out of awe.”

['Tafsir Ibn Kathir'; 4/309]

4 – ‘Uthman bin ‘Affan said:

“If our hearts were truly pure, we would never get enough of the Words of our Lord, and I hate that one day passes with me not looking in the Mushaf.”

['al-Bidayah wan-Nihayah'; 7/215]

5 – Ibn Abi Mulaykah narrated:

“‘Ikrimah bin Abi Jahl used to press the Mushaf to his face and cry, saying: “The Book of my Lord! The Words of my Lord!”"

[Reported by 'Abdullah bin al-Mubarak in 'al-Jihad'; # 56]

6 – Bishr bin as-Sirri said:

“Verily, each verse is like a date: the more you chew it, the more of its sweetness is released.” Abu Sulayman heard this and commented: “True. It is the case with one of you that if he begins one chapter of it, he wants to read it to the end.”

['al-Hadith fi 'Ulum al-Qur'an'; p. 70]

Translated by Abu Sabaayaa

"Each verse is like a date: the more you chew it…"

“Each verse is like a date: the more you chew it…”

http://www.kalamullah.com/al-quran.html

1 – The Messenger of Allah said:

“Whoever wants to to love Allah and His Messenger, then let him read the Mushaf.”

['Sahih al-Jami''; # 6289]

2 – Ibn ‘Abbas narrated:

“al-Walid bin al-Mughirah (a polytheist) came to the Messenger of Allah. The Messenger of Allah recited the Qur’an to him, and al-Walid seemed to become affected and softened by it. Abu Jahl came to know of this, so, he came to al-Walid and said: “Don’t you see that your people are collecting charity for you?”

He said: “And why is that?”

Abu Jahl replied: “So that they can give it to you, as they see that you went to Muhammad to get some of his food.”

al-Walid said: “Quraysh knows that I am of the wealthiest of its sons.”

Abu Jahl said: “So, say to Muhammad something that would convince your people that you oppose him.”

al-Walid replied: “And what can I possibly say? There is not a single man who is more knowledgable of poetry or prose than I, or even that of the Jinn, and by Allah, what he says bears no resemblance to these things. By Allah, what he says has a sweetness to it, and a charm upon it; the highest part of it is fruitful and the lowest part of it is gushing forth with bounty; it dominates and cannot be dominated, and it crushes all that is under it.”"

[Reported by al-Hakim in 'al-Mustadrak' (2/506-507) and at-Tabari in 'Jami' al-Bayan' (29/156), and it is authentic]

3 – Jubayr bin Mut’im said:

“I heard the Messeger of Allah recite ‘at-Tur’ in the Maghrib prayer, and when he got to the verses {“Were they created by nothing, or were they themselves the creators? Or did they create the heavens and the earth? No, but they have no firm Belief. Or are with them the treasures of your Lord? Or are they the tyrants with the authority to do as they like?”} [at-Tur; 35-37], my heart wanted to fly from my body out of awe.”

['Tafsir Ibn Kathir'; 4/309]

4 – ‘Uthman bin ‘Affan said:

“If our hearts were truly pure, we would never get enough of the Words of our Lord, and I hate that one day passes with me not looking in the Mushaf.”

['al-Bidayah wan-Nihayah'; 7/215]

5 – Ibn Abi Mulaykah narrated:

“‘Ikrimah bin Abi Jahl used to press the Mushaf to his face and cry, saying: “The Book of my Lord! The Words of my Lord!”"

[Reported by 'Abdullah bin al-Mubarak in 'al-Jihad'; # 56]

6 – Bishr bin as-Sirri said:

“Verily, each verse is like a date: the more you chew it, the more of its sweetness is released.” Abu Sulayman heard this and commented: “True. It is the case with one of you that if he begins one chapter of it, he wants to read it to the end.”

['al-Hadith fi 'Ulum al-Qur'an'; p. 70]

Translated by Abu Sabaayaa