Khalifatullah Mehdi AS


2:183 O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint,- 2:184 (Fasting) for a fixed number of days; but if any of you is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed number (Should be made up) from days later. For those who can do it (With hardship), is a ransom, the feeding of one that is indigent. But he that will give more, of his own free will,- it is better for him. And it is better for you that ye fast, if ye only knew. 2:185 Ramadhan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (Should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful.

44:1 Ha-Mim. 44:2 By the Book that makes things clear;- 44:3 We sent it down during a Blessed Night: for We (ever) wish to warn (against Evil). 44:4 In the (Night) is made distinct every affair of wisdom, 44:5 By command, from Our Presence. For We (ever) send (revelations), 44:6 As Mercy from thy Lord: for He hears and knows (all things);

97:1 We have indeed revealed this (Message) in the Night of Power: 97:2 And what will explain to thee what the night of power is? 97:3 The Night of Power is better than a thousand months. 97:4 Therein come down the angels and the Spirit by Allah's permission, on every errand: 97:5 Peace!...This until the rise of morn!

Ahadith on the merits of Ramadan and Layl al-Qadr

Abu Huraira^RZ related that the Prophet^SAS said: Whoever fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven. Whoever prays during the nights in Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven. And he who passes Lailat al-Qadr in prayer with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven (Bukhari, Muslim).

Abu Huraira^RZ related that Rasulullah^SAS said: If anyone omits his fast even for one day in Ramadan without a concession or without being ill, then if he were to fast for the rest of his life he could not make up for it (Bukhari).

Abu Huraira^RZ related that the Prophet^SAS said: Allah the Majestic and Exalted said: "Every deed of man will receive ten to 700 times reward, except Siyam (fasting), for it is for Me and I shall reward it (as I like). There are two occasions of joy for one who fasts: one when he breaks the fast and the other when he will meet his Lord" (Muslim).

Anas related that Rasulullah^SAS said: Take the Suhoor meal, for there is blessing in it (Bukhari, Muslim).

Ibn Umar related that the Prophet^SAS said: Do not start fasting unless you see the new moon, and do not end fasting until you see it. If the weather is cloudy then calculate when it should appear (Bukhari, Muslim).

Salman ibn Amir Dhabi related that the Prophet^SAS said: Break your fast with dates, or else with water, for it is pure (Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi).

Abu Huraira^RZ related that the Prophet^SAS said: If a person does not avoid false talk and false conduct during Siyam, then Allah does not care if he abstains from food and drink (Bukhari, Muslim).

Abu Huraira^RZ related that Rasulullah^SAS said: Many people who fast get nothing from their fast except hunger and thirst, and many people who pray at night get nothing from it except wakefulness (Darimi).

Zaid ibn Khalid Juhni^RZ related that the Prophet^SAS said: He who provides for the breaking of the Siyam of another person earns the same merit as the one who was observing Siyam diminishing in any way the reward of the latter (Tirmidhi).

Anas ibn Malik^RZ related that Rasulullah^SAS said: When Lailat al-Qadr comes Gabriel descends with a company of angels who ask for blessings on everyone who is remembering Allah, whether they are sitting or standing (Baihaqi).

Naqliyat on Ramadan and Laylatul Qadr

Once, Imam Mahdi AS said, "Necessary knowledge is needed, so that they know the practice of prayers and fasting (etc.) and perform their namaz correctly." (Naql #164, Naqliyat-e-Bandagi Miyan Abdur Rasheed RZ).

Imam Mahdi AS is narrated to have said his Isha prayers with sunnat-e-muakkada (sure tradition) on the Night of Glory (Lailatul-Qadr). After this, he also said two cycles of prayer (dogana) in congregation in his own leadership (imamat) with all his companions. Then the Imam AS supplicated, "O Allah! Make me live among the humble, make me die among the humble and judge (hashr) me on the Day of Resurrection among the group of the humble, by Your Grace and Mercy, O the Great Merciful." At this point of time, Miyan Syed Salamullah RZ said, "Miranji! You forgot us. We remained unlucky in being deprived of this invocation." Then Imam Mahdi AS recited the invocations in this manner: "O Allah! Make me live among the humble, make me die among the humble and judge me on the Day of Resurrection among the group of the humble, by Your Grace and Mercy, O the Great Merciful. O Allah! Make the world small and insignificant in our eyes and increase Your grandeur and majesty in our hearts. O Allah! Help us to live and work in accordance with your Pleasure and keep us steadfast on Your religion and in obedience to You. O Allah! Show us the Truth in its Truthfulness and make us emulate it and show us falsehood in its falseness and protect us from it by Your Mercy. O the Great Merciful." Further, Hazrat Miyan Syed Khundmir RZ too always performed this dogana (Lailatul Qadr) in congregation in his leadership in emulation of Hazrat Imam Mahdi AS. All the companions too used to attend and follow him in the prayers. (Naql #301, Naqliyat-e-Bandagi Miyan Abdur Rasheed RZ).

Bandagi Miyan Syed Khundmir (RZ) has said that during the Night of Glory (Shab-e-Qadr), Imam Mahdi (AS) performed two cycles (dogana) of prayers under his own leadership (imamat) after the obligatory and Sunnat prayers of 'Isha. And after the dogana, the Imam (AS) recited this supplication: "O Allah! Make us live among the humble, make us die among the humble and on the Day of Resurrection, resurrect us among the group of the humble, by Your Grace and Mercy. O the greatest among the Merciful and by your Kindness, O the greatest of the Compassionate." (Naql #24, Chp. Sanctified Left-Over, Insaaf Nama)

Further, Bandagi Miyan Syed Khundmir (RZ) too did the same (on the Night of Glory), his supplications too were the same and he said his prayers in congregation. (Naql #25, Chp. Sanctified Left-Over, Insaaf Nama)

Bandagi Miyan Syed Khundmir (RZ) narrates that after saying his night prayers, Imam Mahdi (AS) looked at the skies and said: "Tonight is Ramazan." After this, at around midnight, the Qazi sent two witnesses to confirm (that the Ramazan moon had been sighted). The Imam (AS) said his taraveeh prayers. For the next thirty days Ramazan was observed. There was no indication on the sky (when the Imam (AS) looked at the skies on the first night of Ramazan). (Naql #26, Chp. Sanctified Left-Over, Insaaf Nama)

It was the month of Ramazan. Imam Mahdi (AS) is narrated to have been traveling. His companions who were fasting were in difficulty. The Imam (AS) had gone ahead of the companions. The companions told each other, "We do not have the strength to continue fasting. We will give up fasting." However, some of them suggested that they should consult the Imam (AS)." Some others said that they did not have the strength to go to the Imam (AS). One of them came forward to say, "I will go and ask the Imam (AS)." The companion told the Imam (AS), "Your companions have become very weak. They would break the fast if you permit." The Imam (AS) asked him to call the companions to come to him. They came. The Imam (AS) asked, "What is the matter?" The companions said, "We have become very weak." The Imam (AS) said, "You have become very weak for the sake of water. Did you ever become so weak in the desire (talab) for Allah?" On listening to this question, the companions started crying and lamenting. Tears rolled down their cheeks. Then the Imam (AS) resumed his journey. The companions did not break their fasts. They continued their fasts despite their hunger and thirst. (Naql #380, Hashia IV, Hashia Insaaf Nama)

Imam Mahdi (AS) used to sit in I'tikaf (retirement for prayers in a mosque) during the last ten days of the month of Ramazan. And all the companions of the Imam (AS) have also followed this practice. (Naql #508, Hashia VI, Hashia Insaaf Nama)

Prophet Muhammad (SLM) is narrated to have asked his companions, "What date is it of the month of Ramazan today?" The companions said, "Twentieth" The Prophet (SLM) said, "I have no privacy here. Take my charpoi (bedstead) to the jama'atkhana (mosque). This servant (of Allah) has recited the niyat of i'tikaf (seclusion)." The Prophet (SLM) further said, "There is no believer (mumin) except he who is fond of Allah. A servant of Allah has no concern with any disturbance and mischief where he sits" (Naql #730, Hashia X, Hashia Insaaf Nama)

In the daira of Miyan Syed Nur Muhammad RH, Ladh Bi gave birth to a child in the month of Ramazan. She asked Miyan RH about the rule (hukm) (on her situation). Miyan RH told her not to observe the Ramazan fast and instead donate thirty paili of wheat (as charity). Ladh Bi said that she had the means to give sixty paili, so, what was the ruling. Miyan said there was no need (to give sixty paili). Ladh Bi said there was one more reason. Miyan said that it was up to her. Then Ladh Bi gave sixty paili.(Naql #6, Naqliyat-e-Bandagi Miyan Syed Alam RH)

During the time of Miyan Syed Mahmood RH (at the time of migration) the Ramazan moon was seen on the way. The news came that the moon was not seen that day. Miyan gave the order to eat. When they sat down to eat, some had food. Bubu had food but did not drink water. Then the news came through a reliable witness that it was confirmed that the (crescent) moon had been sighted. Later, because Bubu had to drink water, Miyan ordered Bubu to give sixty paili of wheat and then drink water. She did so. (Naql #23, Naqliyat-e-Bandagi Miyan Syed Alam RH)

Hazrat Mahdi AS was traveling during the month of Ramazan. The brothers became restless due to extreme thirst. They thought of abandoning the fast. One brother said that they should ask Hazrat Mahdi AS about it. He came running to Hazrat AS and described the situation. Hazrat Mahdi AS said, "This servant is seated here. Tell the brothers to come here." When they came, Hazrat Mahdi AS said, "You have become so weak for water. Have you ever become so weak for Allah?" On hearing this, the brothers cried and forgot the desire for water and did not abandon the fast. That day Mahdi AS stayed at the same place and did not travel. (Naql #56, Naqliyat-e-Bandagi Miyan Syed Alam RH)

Hazrat Mahdi AS was ill during the month of Ramazan. One day Hazrat AS inquired the lunar date. Brothers said that it was the sixth. Hazrat AS said, "I am not healthy. Put me on a cot and take me to the Jama'at Khana. This servant intends to remain in I'tikaf." (Naql #203, Naqliyat-e-Bandagi Miyan Syed Alam RH)

Bandagi Malik Ilahdad RZ emphasised a lot on giving fitra and sought it. Once, there was great distress. Two hundred people had died of starvation. At that time, Malik RZ borrowed money and gave the Fitra to his people and acted upon the command of Allah. (Naql #269, Naqliyat-e-Bandagi Miyan Syed Alam RH)