Signs of Puberty in Islam

Islamically, one is considered pubescent/adolescent if one of the following things happen:

1. Pubic hair, which is the growth of coarse hair around the private part (Not according to the madhâhib ash-Shâfi`i and Abû Hanîfah)
2. Emission of maniyy from the private part
3. Menstruation [for a woman]
4. If none of the above happen, then when he/she turns 15 lunar years old

Maniyy for a man is semen, which is a thick, white liquid that gushes.

Maniyy for a woman is a thin and yellow fluid.

Imâm an-Nawawi said about maniyy: "The scholars said: When a man is healthy, his semen is white and thick, and gushes out in spurts accompanied by feelings of pleasure. After it has come out, it is followed immediately by a feeling of being drained and exhausted. Its smell is like that of palm tree pollen, which in turn resembles the smell of dough [...] Each one of these three characteristics is sufficient for it to be defined as semen; it is not necessary for all three features to be present. If none of them are present, the substance cannot be described as semen and in all likelihood it is not.
"All of the above applies to the maniyy of men; in the case of women, their maniyy is thin and yellow, although it could become white if the woman is strong. It has two distinguishing characteristics, either of which is sufficient to class the substance as maniyy: firstly, it smells like the maniy of men, and secondly, its emission is accompanied by feelings of pleasure and is immediately followed by exhaustion."

It is also worth noting that the one who is insane is not considered mukallaf.

The Day of `Âshûrâ'

بسم الله والحمد لله, والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله

The day of `Âshûrâ' is the tenth day of the month of Allâh, al-Muharram.

Fasting

It is a confirmed sunnah to fast on both Tâsû`â' and `Ashûrâ', which are the ninth and tenth days of Muharram.

The evidence for fasting on `Âshûrâ' is the the hadîth in which Ibn `Abbâs (رضي الله عنه) says: "When the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) came to Madînah, he found (the Jews) fasting on the day of `Âshûrâ' (i.e. 10th of Muharram). They used to say: 'This is a great day on which Allâh saved Mûsâ and drowned the folk of Pharaoh. Mûsâ observed the fast on this day, as a sign of gratitude to Allâh.' The Prophet said, 'I am closer to Mûsâ than they.' So, he observed the fast (on that day) and ordered the Muslims to fast on it." [Narrated by al-Bukhâriyy, 4/609]

The evidence for fasting on Tâsû`â' is in the hadîth related by Ibn `Abbâs (رضي الله عنه), who reported the following: "[When] the Messenger of Allâh (صلى الله عليه وسلم) fasted on the day of `Âshûrâ' and commanded that it should he observed as a fast, they (his Companions) said to him: 'Messenger of Allâh, it is a day which the Jews and Christians hold in high esteem.' Thereupon the Messenger of Allâh said: 'When the next year comes, Inshâ'allâh, we would observe fast on the 9th.' But the Messenger of Allâh died before the advent of the next year." [Narrated by Muslim, 2528]

Imâm an-Nawawi (رحمه الله) said: The scholars among our companions and others said that there are several reasons for recommending fasting on the ninth day (Tâsû`â'):

1. The intention behind it is to be different from the Jews who limit their fasting to the tenth day.
2. The intention was to join the fast of `Âshûrâ' to another day, just as it is not allowed to fast on a Friday on its own [but it is allowed if one fasts the day before or the day after as well].
3. The idea is to be on the safe side and make sure one is fasting on the tenth, in case the moon sighting was not accurate and what people think is the ninth is actually the tenth.

In another hadîth, the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said: "...and I seek from Allâh that fasting on the day of `Âshûrâ' may atone for the sins of the preceding year." [Narrated by Muslim, 2602; Abî Dâwûd, 2419]

However, the atonement and expiation of sins from fasting `Âshûrâ', as well as fasting Ramadân, fasting `Arafah, etc. applies to minor sins only. Major sins need separate repentance.

Refutation of What the Shî`ah Do On `Âshûrâ'

With regard to what the Shî`ah do on `Âshûrâ' of slapping their cheeks, striking and cutting their heads, shedding their blood and making special foods, this is all bid`ah (objectionable innovation). It is not permissible to take part in that, or to help those who do it, or to eat this food that they have prepared for their innovation and misguidance, because that is cooperating in sin and transgression.

It was reported from `Abdullâh bin Mas`ûd (رضي الله عنه) that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said, "He who slaps his cheeks, tears his clothes and follows the ways and traditions of the Days of Ignorance is not one of us." (Narrated by al-Bukhâri, 2/382) A similar hadîth was narrated by Muslim (184)

The day of `Âshûrâ' is regarded by the Shî`ah as the day of mourning the martyrdom of Husayn (رضي الله عنه), and they mark this by harming themselves and shedding their blood. To attribute the significance of `Âshûrâ' to Husayn's martyrdom is totally baseless because the sanctity of `Âshûrâ' was proven, beyond doubt, from the time of the Messenger of Allâh (صلى الله عليه وسلم), whilst Husayn was martyred fifty years after the Prophet left this earth. The fact that the martyrdom of Husayn occurred on the day of `Âshûrâ' has absolutely no bearing on the significance of this day, nor is the sanctity of this day derived from this event. On the contrary, it is one of the merits of Husayn that he was martyred on the day of `Âshûrâ'.

Al-Hâfiz ibn Kathîr said (رحمه الله): Every Muslim should mourn the killing of al-Husayn (رضي الله عنه), for he is one of the leaders of the Muslims, one of the scholars of the Sahâbah, and the son of the daughter of the Messenger of Allâh, who was the best of his daughters. He was a devoted worshipper, and a courageous and generous man. But there is nothing good in what the Shî`ah do of expressing distress and grief, most of which may be done in order to show off. His father was better than him and he was killed, but they do not take his death as an anniversary as they do with the death of al-Husayn. His father was killed on a Friday as he was leaving the mosque after Fajr prayer, on the 17th of Ramadân in 40 AH. [...] The Messenger of Allâh (صلى الله عليه وسلم) is the leader of the sons of Adam in this world and the Hereafter, and Allâh took him to Him as the Prophets died before him, but no one took the dates of their deaths as anniversaries on which they do what these ignorant Raafidis (Shi`ahs) do on the day that al-Husayn was killed.

والله أعلم و أحكم

The Month of Muharram

بسم الله والحمد لله, والصلاة والسلام على رسول الله

The first month of the Islamic year 1433 has arrived. Indeed, month of Muharram is one that has virtues in it. This is explained below.

Muharram -- One of the Four Sacred Months of Allâh

Allâh (سبحانه وتعالى) says in the Qur'ân:

"Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve [lunar] months in the register of Allah [from] the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred. That is the correct religion, so do not wrong yourselves during them." (TMQ at-Tawbah 9:36)

It was narrated from Abî Bakrah (رضي الله عنه) that the Messenger of Allâh (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said: "Time has come back to its original state which it had on the day Allah created the Heavens and the Earth. The year is twelve months, four of which are sacred, three of them are in succession, namely Dhu-l-Qa`dah, Dhu-l-Hijjah and Muharram, [the fourth being the] Rajab of [the tribe of] Mudar which is between Jumadâ [ath-Thâni] and Sha`bân. (Narrated by al-Bukhâri (7/458) and Muslim (4160))

Allâh’s (سبحانه وتعالى) words (interpretation of the meaning): “do not wrong yourselves during them…” mean do not wrong yourselves by sinning in these sacred months, because sin in these months is worse than in other months. It was reported that Ibn `Abbâs said that this phrase (do not wrong yourselves during them…) referred to all the months, then these four were singled out and made sacred, so that sin in these months is more serious and good deeds bring a greater reward.

Qatâdah (رضي الله عنه) said about Allâh's (سبحانه وتعالى) Statement “do not wrong yourselves during them…”: "Injustice during the Sacred Months is worse and graver than injustice in other months. Verily, injustice is always wrong, but Allah makes things graver than others as He will.''
He also said, "Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) has chosen some of His creation above others. He chose Messengers from angels and from men. He also chose His Speech above all speech, the Masâjid above other areas of the earth, Ramadan and the Sacred Months above all months, Friday above the other days and Laylatu-l-Qadr (The Night of Decree) above all nights. Therefore, sanctify what Allah has sanctified, for doing so is the practice of people of understanding and comprehension.'' (See Tafsîr Ibn Kathîr: Tafsîr of Surah at-Tawbah, âyah 36).

Fasting the Month of Muharram

During the month of Muharram, the Muslim is encouraged to fast as many days as he can. This is proven by the Hadîth reported by Abû Hurayrah (رضي الله عنه) that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said: "The most excellent fast after Ramadân is Allâh's (سبحانه وتعالى) month, al-Muharram, and the most excellent prayer after what is prescribed is prayer during the night." (Narrated by Muslim, 2611)

The fact that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) called Muharram the month of Allâh further elevates the status of this month.

However, it was proven that the only month the Messenger of Allâh (صلى الله عليه وسلم) used to fast in its entirety was Ramadân, so this hadîth is probably meant to encourage the Muslim to fast more in Muharram.

Also, it was proven that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) used to fast the most in the month of Sha`bân [apart from Ramadân], as can be seen from what `Â'ishah (رضي الله عنها) said: "I never saw Allah's Apostle fasting for a whole month except the month of Ramadan, and did not see him fasting in any month more than in the month of Sha`ban." (Narrated by al-Bukhâri, 3/190)

It is likely that the virtue of Muharram was not revealed to him until the end of his life, before he was able to fast during this month. (See Sharh Sahîh Muslim by Imâm an-Nawawi).

`Âshûrâ'

[Click here to read about the day of `Âshûrâ']

Warfare in Muharram

To initiate warfare is forbidden in all four sacred months, which includes Muharram.

Allâh (سبحانه وتعالى) says:

"They ask you concerning fighting in the Sacred Months (i.e. 1st, 7th, 11th and 12th months of the Islamic calendar). Say, "Fighting therein is a great (transgression)..."(TMQ al-Baqarah 2:217)

والله أعلم و أحكم

The First 10 Days of Dhu-l-Hijjah

Bismillâh, wal-hamdulillâh

There is no doubt that the best days of the year are the first ten days of the month of Dhu-l-Hijjah. 

It was reported from Ibn `Abbâs (رضي الله عنه) that the Prophet said, "No good deeds done on other days are superior to those done on these (first ten days of Dhu-l-Hijjah)." Then some companions of the Prophet said, "Not even Jihâd?" He replied, "Not even Jihâd, except that of a man who does it by putting himself and his property in danger (for Allâh's sake) and does not return with any of those things." [Narrated by al-Bukhâriyy 2/86]

Allâh swears an oath by them, and swearing an oath by something is indicative of its importance and great benefit. Allâh says (interpretation of the meaning): "By the dawn; by the ten nights" [TMQ al-Fajr 89:1-2]. Ibn ‘Abbâs, Ibn az-Zubayr, Mujâhid and others of the earlier and later generations said that this refers to the first ten days of Dhu-l-Hijjah, as well as the majority of the scholars. Ibn Kathîr said: "This is the correct opinion." (Tafsîr Ibn Kathîr, 8/413)

Abu Hurayrah (رضي الله عنه) relates that the Messenger of Allah (saws) said, “There are no days more loved to Allah for you to worship Him therein than the ten days of Dhu-l-Hijjah. Fasting any day during it is equivalent to fasting one year and to offer salat at-tahajjud (late-night prayer) during one of its nights is like performing the late night prayer on the night of power. [i.e., Laylat al-Qadr].” [Related by at-Tirmidhiyy, Ibn Mâjah, and al-Bayhaqiyy]

These ahâdîth and others indicate that these ten days are better than all other days of the year, with no exception, even the last ten days of Ramadân. But the last ten nights of Ramadân are better than the first ten nights of Dhu-l-Hijjah, because they include Laylat al-Qadr, which is better than a thousand months. (See Tafsîr Ibn Kathîr, 5/412)

Deeds That Can Be Performed


Among the deeds that can be performed during these blessed days are:

1. Fasting

Abu Hurayrah (رضي الله عنه) relates that the Messenger of Allâh (saws) said, “There are no days more loved to Allâh for you to worship Him therein than the ten days of Dhu-l-Hijjah. Fasting any day during it is equivalent to fasting one year and to offer salat at-tahajjud (late-night prayer) during one of its nights is like performing the late night prayer on the night of power. [i.e., Laylat al-Qadr].” [Related by at-Tirmidhiyy, Ibn Mâjah, and al-Baihaqiyy]

Hafsah reported, “There are five things that the Messenger (saws) never abandoned: fasting the day of `Âshûrâ', fasting the [first] 10 [days of Dhu-l-Hijjah] (excluding the 10th day), fasting 3 days of every month and praying two rak`ât before the dawn prayer.” [Related by Ahmad and an-Nasâ'iyy]

It was narrated from Hunaydah ibn Khâlid from his wife, that one of the wives of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to fast on the first nine days of Dhu-l-Hijjah and the day of `Âshûrâ', and three days each month, the first Monday of the month and two Thursdays. [Narrated by al-Nasâ’iyy, 4/205 and by Abî Dawûd; classed as sahîh by al-Albâniyy in Sahîh Abî Dâwûd, 2/462]


As can be seen from the above ahâdîth, it is strongly recommended to fast during the first nine of these days (It is harâm to fast on Eid al-Adhâ, the 10th day of Dhu-l-Hijjah). If one cannot fast on all nine days, then he may fast on Mondays and Thursdays, which fulfills another sunnah of the Prophet. If not, then one may fast three of the first nine days, which fulfills another sunnah of the Prophet, which was to fast three days of every month. This fast is said to also counts as perpetual fast (See Sahîh Muslim, 2602). If not, then one may fast only the ninth day, which is the day of `Arafah. The Prophet said about fasting on this day: "I seek from Allâh that fasting on the day of `Arafah may atone for the sins of the preceding and the coming years. (Narrated by Muslim, 2602)

2. Saying Tasbîh, Tahmîd, Takbîr & Tahlîl.


Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “That they may witness things that are of benefit to them (i.e. reward of Hajj in the Hereafter, and also some worldly gain from trade), and mention the Name of Allaah on appointed days, over the beast of cattle that He has provided for them (for sacrifice)” [al-Hajj 22:28]

The majority are of the view that the “appointed days” are the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah, because it was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the appointed days are the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah.

The best way to praise Allah during these days is by saying Tasbîh (Subhânallâh (How perfect Allâh is)), Tahmîd (Al-hamdulillâh (Praise be to Allâh)), Takbîr (Allâhu Akbar (Allâh is the Greatest)) & Tahlîl (Lâ ilâha illa-llâh (No one is God except Allâh)) during the first ten days of Dhu-l-Hijjah, saying these words out loud in the mosques, homes, streets and every place in which it is permissible to remember Allaah, to perform this act of worship openly and proclaim the greatness of Allaah. Men should recite out loud and women should recite quietly.

It was narrated from ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “There are no days that are greater before Allaah or in which good deeds are more beloved to Him, than these ten days, so recite a great deal of tahleel, takbeer and tahmeed during them.” [Narrated by Ahmad, 7/224; classed as saheeh by Ahmad Shaakir]

The takbîrât of Eid can be said as well

There is sound evidence that Ibn ‘Umar and Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with them) used to go out in the marketplace during the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah, reciting Takbeer, and the people would recite Takbeer when they heard them. However,the idea behind reminding the people to recite Takbeer is that each one should recite it individually, not in unison, as there is no basis in Sharee’ah for doing this.

There are many more ways to perform dhikr if one wishes to, such as istighfâr (saying astaghfirullâh (I seek forgiveness from Allâh)).

3. Performing Hajj and `Umrah.

One of the greatest deeds that can be done during these ten days is Hajj. Whoever Allaah helps to go on Hajj and do the rituals in the required manner will  in sha Allaah – be included in the words of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him): “An accepted Hajj brings no less a reward than Paradise.” [Narrated by al-Bukhâriyy, 3/1; Muslim, 3127]


4. Udhiyah (Sacrifice)

Another of the righteous deeds that bring a person closer to Allaah in these ten days is to slaughter the sacrifice and to look for a good, fat animal and to spend money on it for the sake of Allaah.

5. Performing More Good Deeds

There are many more deeds that can be performed, such as sincerely repenting to Allâh, praying extra nawâfil, reading and studying the Qur'ân, searching for beneficial knowledge and reviving the sunnah, in addition to the above.

So, as Muslims, we should welcome the ten days of Dhul Hijjah, the greatest days of the year, with the same fervor and enthusiasm as we welcome the last ten nights of Ramadan or any other blessed days in Islam. We should make the most of these days before they depart for another year.

Wallâhu A`lam wa Ahkam

Days on Which It Is Recommended to Fast

Bismillâh, wal-hamdullillâh

Apart from the month of Ramadân, there are many days on which it is encouraged to fast. Among them are:

 1. `Âshûrâ' (10th Day of Muharram), as well as Tâsû`â' (9th Day of Muharram)

The evidence for fasting on `Âshûrâ' is the the hadîth in which Ibn `Abbâs says: "When the Prophet came to Madînah, he found (the Jews) fasting on the day of `Âshûrâ' (i.e. 10th of Muharram). They used to say: 'This is a great day on which Allâh saved Mûsâ and drowned the folk of Pharaoh. Mûsâ observed the fast on this day, as a sign of gratitude to Allâh.' The Prophet said, 'I am closer to Mûsâ than they.' So, he observed the fast (on that day) and ordered the Muslims to fast on it." [Narrated by al-Bukhâriyy, 4/609]

The evidence for fasting on Tâsû`â' is in the hadîth related by Ibn `Abbâs, who reported the following: "[When] the Messenger of Allâh fasted on the day of `Âshûrâ' and commanded that it should he observed as a fast, they (his Companions) said to him: 'Messenger of Allâh, it is a day which the Jews and Christians hold in high esteem.' Thereupon the Messenger of Allâh said: 'When the next year comes, Inshâ'allâh, we would observe fast on the 9th.' But the Messenger of Allâh died before the advent of the next year." [Narrated by Muslim, 2528]

In another hadîth, the Prophet said: "...and I seek from Allâh that fasting on the day of `Âshûrâ' may atone for the sins of the preceding year." [Narrated by Muslim, 2602; Abî Dâwûd, 2419]

2. The Day of `Arafah (9th Day of Dhu-l-Hijjah)

The evidence for this is the saying of the Prophet reported by Abû Qatâdah: "I seek from Allâh that fasting on the day of `Arafah may atone for the sins of the preceding and the coming years. [Narrated by Muslim, 2602; Abî Dâwûd, 2419]

Fasting the day of `Arafah is only mustahabb for those not standing on `Arafah. This is proven by the following hadîth reported by Abî Hurayrah: "Ikrimah said: 'We were with Abû Hurayrah in his house when he narrated to us: "The Apostle of Allâh prohibited fasting on the day of `Arafah at `Arafah."'" [Narrated by Abî Dâwûd, 2434]

3. The Month of Muharram

During the month of Muharram, the Muslim is encouraged to fast as many days as he can. This is proven by the Hadîth reported by Abû Hurayrah that the Prophet said: "The most excellent fast after Ramadân is Allâh's month, al-Muharram, and the most excellent prayer after what is prescribed is prayer during the night." [Narrated by Muslim, 2611]

4. The Month of Sha`bân

It is also encouraged to fast as much as one can from the month of Sha`bân, as proven from the following Hadîth reported from `Â'ishah: "The Messenger of Allâh did not observe fast in any month of the year more than in the month of Sha`bân, and used to say: Do as many deeds as you are capable of doing, for Allâh will not become weary (of giving you reward), but you would be tired (of doing good deeds); and he also said: The deed liked most by Allâh is one to which the doer adheres constantly even if it is small." [Narrated by Muslim, 2582]

5. Six Days of Shawwâl

The one who follows up the fast of Ramadân by fasting six days of Shawwâl gains the reward of fasting the whole year, and in some narrations, fasting for one's whole life.

Abû Ayyûb al-Ansâri (Allah be pleased with him) reported Allâh's Messenger as saying: He who observed the fast of Ramadan and then followed it with six (fasts) of Shawwal. it would be as if he fasted perpetually. [Narrated by Muslim, 2614]

Thawban (Allâh be pleased with him) relates that the Messenger of Allâh (blessings and peace be upon him, his family, and companions) said, “Whoever fasts Ramadân, and then six days after Eid, it is [like fasting] an entire year. Whoever does a good deed shall have ten times its reward.” [Narrated by Ibn Mâjah, Muntaqa]

6. Fasting Three Days of Each Month

In a hadîth, Abû Hurayrah reports: My friend (the Prophet) advised me to observe three things: to fast three days a month, to pray two Rak`ât of Duhâ prayer (forenoon prayer), and to pray Witr before sleeping. [Narrated by al-Bukhâriyy, 3/202; Muslim, 1558]

It was also reported by Hafsah, Mother of the Believers that: "The apostle of Allâh used to fast three days every month: Monday, Thursday and Monday in the next week." [Narrated by Abî Dâwûd, 2445]

It was reported from Qatâdah Ibn Malhan al-Qaysi that: The Apostle of Allâh used to command us to fast the days of the white (nights): thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth of the month. He said: This is like keeping perpetual fast. [Narrated by Abî Dâwûd, 2443]

Mu'adha al-'Adawiyya reported that she asked `Â'ishah, the wife of the Apostle of Allâh, whether the Messenger of Allâh observed fasts for three days during every month. She said: "Yes." I said to her: "Which were (the particular) days of the month on which he observed fast?" She said: "He was not particular about the days of the month on which to observe fast." [Narrated by Muslim, 2600]

7. Fasting on Mondays & Thursdays

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him) was asked about fasting on Mondays and Thursdays, and he said: “Those are two days on which people’s deeds are shown to the Lord of the Worlds, and I want my deeds to be shown to Him when I am fasting.” [Narrated by an-Nasâ’iyy, 2358; Ibn Mâjah, 1740; Ahmad, 8161]

It was reported that `Â'ishah said: “The Messenger of Allâh (peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him) was keen to fast on Mondays and Thursdays.” [Narrated by an-Nasâ’iyy, 2320; at-Tirmidhiyy, 287]

8. Fasting Alternate Days (The Fast of Dâwûd)

This is the best type of fasting apart from the month of Ramadân.

It was reported from `Abdullâh ibn 'Amr ibn al-`Âs that the Messenger of Allâh said: "The most beloved prayer to Allâh is that of Dâwûd and the most beloved fasts to Allâh are those of Dâwûd. He used to sleep for half of the night and then pray for one third of the night and again sleep for its sixth part and used to fast on alternate days." [Narrated by al-Bukhâriyy, 2/231] A similar hadîth was narrated in Sahîh Muslim [2595]

Wallâhu A`lam wa Ahkam