The Relief After Hardship

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Some years ago, a certain `Aalim requested me to translate a very beneficial Kitaab of Imaam as-Suyooti, named "al-Araju fil-Faraji" into the English language. The Kitaab itself is in Arabic, and in fact, it is a commentary of a Kitaab written quite a while before by Imaam ibn Abi-d Dunyaa, who had named his Kitaab: "Al-Faraju ba`dash Shiddah" (The Relief After Hardship).

This Kitaab itself is written as a kind of "Tasliyah" (consolation), you could say. It provides an abundance of Ahaadeeth, Du`aas, even poetry, and the subject is about giving the Mu'min hope; increasing his Tawakkul in Allaah Ta`aalaa; assisting him in having Sabr and Shukr; inspiring him; motivating him; freeing him from depression, anxiety, worries and sorrows, etc.

The reason this particular `Aalim had suggested I translate the Kitaab is because he said that, in these times, depression and anxiety have become very common, even among the Muslims (which should never be the case), and so he suggested that this Kitaab be translated which can act - In Shaa Allaah - as a kind of comfort for those who read it. That, after reading it, Allaah Ta`aalaa will remove all of their sorrows, grief and worries and replace it with happiness, Aameen. That was the intention of the respected authors, namely, Imaam ibn Abi-d Dunyaa رحمة الله عليه, and later on, Imaam as-Suyooti رحمة الله عليه.

It was only recently, though, that I decided to start with the translation of this Kitaab, and Allaah Ta`aalaa granted me the Tawfeeq to begin, Alhamdulillaah. The translation is still in process. What I will do in this thread, In Shaa Allaah, is that, every time a new page is translated, I will post it here. The original Arabic Kitaab is only 86 pages.

May Allaah Ta`aalaa make it a means of benefit to myself first of all and to all those who read it, Aameen.

For today, I will post what has been translated thus far.

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

The Relief after Hardship

الفَرَجُ بَعْدَ الشِّدَّةِ

Author: Imaam ibn Abi-d Dunyaa رحمة الله عليه

Commentary by: Imaam Jalaalud-ud-Deen as-Suyootiعليه رحمة الله, and his commentary is named الأَرَجُ فِيْ الفَرَجِ



Translator: Muhammad Huzaifah ibn Adam aal-Ebrahim

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Our leader, the Shaykh, the Imaam, the `Aalim, the one who acted upon his `Ilm, the Haafiz, the `Allaamah, Shaykh-ul-Islaam wal-Muslimeen, the Mujtahid of his era, the reliance of the Fuqahaa and Muhadditheen, Abu’l Fadhl Jalaal-ud-Deen as-Suyooti ash-Shaafi`ee تَغَمَّدَهُ اللهُ بِرَحْمَتِهِ وَأَسْكَنَهُ فَسِيْحَ جَنَّاتِهِ, آمين, said:

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

لا إله إلّا الله الحليم الكريم, سبحان الله وتبارك الله رب العرش العظيم, والحمد لله رب العالمين

This is an intricate writing of Abu Bakr ibn Abi-d Dunyaa, known as “al-Faraju ba`d-ash-Shiddah”, which I have summarised whilst adding some good and beneficial additions from my own side, and I have named it, “al-Araj fil-Faraj” (The Fragrance in the Relief).

- 1 –

أخرج ابن أبي الدنيا عن علي بن أبي طالب رضي الله عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: إنتظار الفرج من الله عبادة

Imaam ibn Abi-d Dunyaa narrates from Hadhrat `Ali ibn Abi Taalib رضي الله عنه, who said, “Rasoolullaah صلى الله عليه وسلم said, ‘Waiting for relief (from distress) from Allaah Ta`aalaa is `Ibaadah.”

- 2 -

وأخرج الترمذي وابن أبي الدنيا عن عبد الله بن مسعود قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: سلوا الله من فضله فإن الله يحبّ أن يسأل من فضله, وأفضل العبادة انتظار الفرج

Imaam at-Tirmidhee and Imaam ibn Abi-d Dunyaa narrate from Hadhrat `Abdullaah ibn Mas`ood رضي الله عنه that he said, “Rasoolullaah صلى الله عليه وسلم said, ‘Ask Allaah for His Fadhl (Bounty), for indeed Allaah loves being asked for His Fadhl, and (know that) the best `Ibaadah is waiting for relief (from hardship, from Allaah Ta`aalaa).”

- 3 -

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

وأخرج ابن أبي الدنيا عن سهل بن سعد الساعدي أنّ رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال لعبد الله بن عباس: واعلم أنّ النصر مع الصبر, وأنّ الفرج مع الكرب, وأنّ مع العسر يسراً

Imaam ibn Abi-d Dunyaa narrates from Hadhrat Sahl ibn Sa`d as-Saa`idee رضي الله عنه who said that Rasoolullaah صلى الله عليه وسلم said to Hadhrat `Abdullaah ibn `Abbaas رضي الله عنهما, “Know that Nasr (help and victory) comes with Sabr (patience), that relief comes with hardship, and that with difficulty comes ease.”

- 4 -

وأجرج ابن أبي الدنيا عن أسلم أنّ أبا عبيدة حصر فكتب إليه عمر يقول: مهما ينزل بامرئٍ من شدّة يجعل الله له بعدها فرجاً وإنه لن يغلب عسر يسرين

Imaam ibn Abi-d Dunaa narrates from Aslam, who said that Hadhrat Abu `Ubaydah رضي الله عنه (and the Muslim army) were once surrounded (by the enemy), so Hadhrat `Umar رضي الله عنه wrote to him, saying, “Whatever difficulty befalls a person (who is a Mu’min), Allaah will grant him relief from it thereafter, and (know that) one hardship will never ever defeat two periods of ease.”

- 5 -

وأخرج أبو داود والنسائي وابن ماجه وابن أبي الدنيا عن ابن عباس عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم أنه قال: من أكثر من الإستغفار جعل الله له من كلّ همّ فرجاً, ومن كلّ ضيق مخرجاً, ورزقه من حيث لا يحتسب

Imaam Abu Daawud, Imaam an-Nasaa’i, Imaam ibn Maajah and Imaam ibn Abi-d Dunyaa narrate from Hadhrat `Abdullaah ibn `Abbaas رضي الله عنهما that he said, “Whosoever makes Istighfaar (seeks forgiveness from Allaah Ta`aalaa) in abundance, Allaah will grant him relief from every single worry, anxiety and distress, will make a way out for him from every difficulty, and will grant him Rizq (sustenance) from whence he had never even imagined.”

- 6 -

وأخرج ابن أبي الدنيا عن أبي هريرة قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: لا حول ولا قوّة إلَا بالله دواء من تسعة وتسعين داءً أيسرها الهمّ

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[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

Imaam ibn Abi-d Dunyaa narrates from Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah رضي الله عنه who said, “Rasoolullaah صلى الله عليه وسلم said, ‘Laa Howla wa Laa Quwwata Illaa Billaah' is a cure for 99 illnesses, the lightest of which is anxiety.”

- 7 –

وأخرج الترمذي والنسائي وابن أبي الدنيا والحاكم عن سعد بن أبي وقّاص أنّ رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: ألا أخبركم بشيء إذا نزل برجل منكم كرب أو بلاء من أمر الدنيا دعا به ربّه ففرّج عنه؟ قالوا: بلى, قال: دعاء ذي النون: لا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ سُبْحَانَكَ إِنِّيْ كُنْتُ مِنَ الظَالِمِيْنَ

Imaam at-Tirmidhee, Imaam an-Nasaa’i, Imam ibn Abi-d Dunyaa and Imaam al-Haakim narrate from Hadhrat Sa`d ibn Abi Waqqaas رضي الله عنه that Rasoolullaah صلى الله عليه وسلم said, “Shall I not inform you of something (i.e. a Du`aa) which, if any hardship or calamity from the affairs of the Dunyaa afflicts one of you, and he makes Du`aa to his Rabb with it (i.e. this Du`aa), He (Allaah) will grant him relief (from it)?’ They (the Sahaabah) said, ‘Most definitely.’ He said, “It is the Du`aa of Zhun Noon: Laa Ilaaha Illaa Anta Sub-haanaka Innee Kuntu minazh-Zhaalimeen.”

- 8 -

وأخرج البخاري ومسلم والترمذي والنسائي وابن ماجة وابن أبي الدنيا عن ابن عباس قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: كلمات الفرج لَا إِلهَ إِلَّا اللهُ الحَلِيْمُ الكَرِيْمُ, لَا إِلهَ إِلَّا اللهُ العَلِيُّ العَظِيْمُ, لَا إِلهَ إِلَّا اللهُ رَبُّ السَّمَاوَات السَّبْعِ وَرَبُّ العَرْشِ الكَرِيْمِ

Imaam al-Bukhaari, Imaam Muslim, Imaam at-Tirmidhee, Imaam an-Nasaa’i, Imaam ibn Maajah and Imaam ibn Abi-d Dunyaa narrate from Hadhrat `Abdullaah ibn `Abbaas رضي الله عنهما that Rasoolullaah صلى الله عليه وسلم said, “The words (i.e. Du`aa) for relief (from hardship) is: Laa Ilaaha Illallaahul Haleemul Kareem, Laa Ilaaha Illallaahul `Aliyyul `Azheem, Laa Ilaa Illallaahu Rabb-us-Samaawaat-is-Sab`i wa Rabb-ul-`Arshil Kareem.”

- 9 -

وأخرج النسائي وابن أبي الدنيا وابن حبّان والحاكم وصحّحه عن علي بن أبي طالب رضي الله عنه قال: لقّنني النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم هؤلاء الكلمات وأمرني إن نزل بي كرب أو شدّة أن أقولها: لَا إِلهَ إِلَّا اللهُ الحَلِيْمُ الكَرِيْمُ سُبْحَانَ اللهِ وَتَبَارَكَ اللهُ رَبُّ العَرْشِ العَظِيْمِ وَالحَمْدُ للهِ رَبِّ العَالَمِيْنَ

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

Imaam an-Nasaa’i, Imaam ibn Abi-d Dunyaa, Imaam ibn Hibbaan and Imaam al-Haakim narrate - and Imaam al-Haakim declares it to be Saheeh - from Hadhrat `Ali ibn Abi Taalib رضي الله عنه that he said, “Nabi صلى الله عليه وسلم taught me the following words, and commanded me to say them should any difficulty or hardship befall me: Laa Ilaaha Illallaahul Haleemul Kareem, Sub-haanallaahi wa Tabaarakallaahu Rabb-ul-`Arshil `Azheem wal-Hamdu Lillaahi Rabb-il-`Aalameen.”

- 10 -

وأخرج أبو داود والنسائي وابن أبي الدنيا عن أبي بكر عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: دعوات المكروب: اللهُمَّ رَحْمَتَكَ أَرْجُوْ فَلَا تَكِلْنِيْ إِلَى نَفْسِيْ طَرْفَةَ عَيْنٍ وَأَصْلِحْ لِيْ شَأْنِيْ كُلَّهُ لَا إِلهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ

Imaam Abu Daawud, Imaam an-Nasaa’i, and Imaam ibn Abi-d Dunyaa narrate from Hadhrat Abu Bakr رضي الله عنهما that Nabi صلى الله عليه وسلم said, “The Du`aa of the person undergoing difficulty is: Allaahumma Rahmataka Arjoo falaa Takilnee Ilaa Nafsee Tarfata `Ayn, wa As-lih lee Sha’nee Kullahu Laa Ilaaha Illaa Anta. (O Allaah! It is Your Rahmah (Mercy) that I seek, so do not leave me to myself for the blink of an eye; and correct all of my affairs. There is no Ilaah besides You.)”

- 11 -

وأخرج ابن أبي الدنيا والحاكم وصحّحه عن ابن مسعود قال: كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم إذا نزل به همّ أو غمّ يقول: يَا حَيُّ يَا قَيُّوْمُ بِرَحْمَتِكَ أَسْتَغِيْثُ

Imaam ibn Abi-d Dunyaa and Imaam al-Haakim narrate - and Imaam al-Haakim declares it to be Saheeh - from Hadhrat `Abdullaah ibn Mas`ood رضي الله عنه that he said, “Whenever any worry or sadness would afflict Rasoolullaah صلى الله عليه وسلم, he would say, ‘Yaa Hayyu Yaa Qayyoom! Bi-Rahmatika Astagheeth.’ (O (Allaah) Who is Ever Living and the Sustainer (of all creation)! I seek aid in Your Rahmah.)”

- 12 -

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

وأخرج ابن أبي الدنيا عن أسماء بنت عميس قالت: سمعت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يقول: من أصابه غمّ أو همّ أو سقم أو شدّة أو أزل أو لأوَاء فقال: اللهُ اللهُ رَبِّيْ لَا شَرِيْكَ لَهُ, كشف ذلك عنه

Imaam ibn Abi-d Dunyaa narrates from Hadhrat Asma bint `Umays رضي الله عنها that she said, “I heard Rasoolullaah صلى الله عليه وسلم saying, ‘Whosoever is afflicted by sadness, or worry, or sickness, or difficulty, or distress, or any hardship in life, or adversity, and says, ‘Allaah, Allaahu Rabbee, Laa Shareeka Lahu’, it will be removed from him.”

- 13 -

وأخرج ابن أبي الدنيا والطبراني والحاكم عن ابن مسعود قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: ما أصاب مسلماً قطّ همّ ولا حزن فقال: اللهُمَّ إِنِّيْ عَبْدُكَ وَابْنُ عَبْدِكَ وَابْنُ أَمَتِكَ, نَاصِيَتِيْ فِيْ يَدَيْكَ, نَافِذٌ فِيَّ حُكْمُكَ, عَدْلٌ فِيَّ قَضَاؤُكَ, أَسْأَلُكَ بِكُلِّ اسْمٍ هُوَ لَكَ سَمَّيْتَ بِهِ نَفْسَكَ أَوْ أَنْزَلْتَهُ فِيْ كِتَابِكَ أَوْ عَلَّمْتَهُ أَحَداً مِنْ خَلْقِكَ أَوِ اسْتَأْثَرْتَ بِهِ فِيْ عِلْمِ الْغَيْبِ عِنْدَكَ أَنْ تَجْعَلَ الْقُرْآنَ الْعَظِيْمَ رَبِيْعَ قَلْبِيْ, وَنُوْرَ بَصَرِيْ, وَجَلَاءَ حُزْنِيْ, وَذَهَابَ هَمِّيْ, إلا أذهب الله همّه وأبدله مكان حزنه فرحاً. قالوا: يا رسول الله, أفلا نتعلم هذه الكلمات؟ قال: بلى, ينبغي لمن سمعهن أن يتعلمهن

Imaam ibn Abi-d Dunyaa, Imaam at-Tabraani, and Imaam al-Haakim narrate from Hadhrat `Abdullaah ibn Mas`ood رضي الله عنه that he said, “Rasoolullaah صلى الله عليه وسلم said, ‘No Muslim is ever afflicted with any worry or sadness, and then says, ‘Allaahummaa Innee `Abduka wab-nu `Abdika wab-nu Amatika, Naasiyatee bi-Yadayka, Naafidhun fiyya Hukmuka, `Adlun fiyya Qadhaa’uka, As’aluka bi-Kulli Ismin Huwa Laka Sammayta Bihee Nafsaka Aw Anzaltahu fee Kitaabika Aw `Allamtahu Ahadam min Khalqika Aw Ista’tharta Bihee fee `Ilm-il-Ghaybi `Indaka, an Taj`alal Qur’aanal `Azheema Rabee`a Qalbee, wa Noora Basaree, wa Jalaa’a Huznee, wa Dhahaaba Hammee’ (O Allaah, I am your slave, the son of your male slave, the son of your female slave. My forelock is in Your Hands (i.e. You have absolute control over me). Your Judgement upon me is assured and Your Decree upon me is just. I ask You by every Name which You possess; every Name You have named Yourself, or revealed in Your Kitaab, or taught anyone from Your creation, or kept unto Yourself in the knowledge of the unseen that is with You, that You make the Qur’aan `Azheem the spring of my heart, the Noor of my sight, the expeller of my sadness and the remover of my worry), except that Allaah will remove his worries and will replace his sadness with joy.” They (the Sahaabah) asked, “Should we not learn these words?” Rasoolullaah صلى الله عليه وسلم said, “Definitely. Whosoever hears these words should learn them.”

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

- 14 -

وأخرج ابن أبي الدنيا من طريق الخليل بن مرة عن فقيه أهل الأردن قال: بلغنا أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم كان إذا أصابه غم أو كرب يقول: حَسْبِيَ الرَّبُّ مِنَ العِبَادِ, حَسْبِيَ الخَالِقُ مِنَ المَخْلُوْقِيْنَ, حَسْبِيَ الرَازِقُ مِنَ المَرْزُوْقِيْنَ, حَسْبِيَ الَّذِيْ هُوَ حَسْبِيْ, حَسْبِيَ اللهُ وَنِعْمَ الوَكِيْلُ, حَسْبِيَ اللهُ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا هُوَ عَلَيْهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَهُوَ رَبُّ العَرْشِ الْعَظِيْمِ

Imaam ibn Abi-d Dunyaa narrates from al-Khaleel ibn Murrah, from a Faqeeh (Jurist) from the people of Jordan, that he said, “It has reached us that whenever any sadness or difficulty afflicted Rasoolullaah صلى الله عليه وسلم, he would say, ‘Hasbiyar Rabbu minal `Ibaad, Hasbiyal Khaaliqu minal Makhlooqeen, Hasbiyar Raaziqu minal Marzooqeen, Hasbiyal-ladhee Huwa Hasbee, Hasbiyallaahu wa Ni`mal Wakeel, Hasbiyallaahu Laa Ilaaha Illaa Hoo, `Alayhi Tawakkaltu wa Huwa Rabbul `Arshil `Azheem.’ (My Rabb is sufficient for me against (His) slaves; al-Khaaliq (the Creator) is sufficient for me against (His) creation; ar-Raaziq (the Provider) is sufficient for me against those (He) provides for. The One Who is sufficient for me, suffices me. Allaah is sufficient for me, and He is the best disposer of affairs. Allaah is sufficient for me; there is no Ilaah besides Him. Upon Him I have Tawakkul (I put my trust), and He is the Rabb of the Magnificent Throne.)”

- 15 -

وأخرج ابن أبي الدنيا عن إسماعيل بن أبي فديك قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: ما كربني أمر إلا تمثّل لي جبريل فقال: يا محمّد, قل: تَوَكَّلْتُ عَلَى الحَيِّ الَّذِيْ لَا يَمُوْتُ, وَالحَمْدُ لِلهِ الَّذِيْ لَمْ يَتَّخِذْ وَلّداً وَلَمْ يَكُنْ لَهُ شَرِيْكٌ فِيْ المُلْكِ وَلَمْ يَكُنْ لَهُ وَلِيٌّ مِنَ الذُّلِّ وَكَبِّرْهُ تَكْبِيْراً

Imaam ibn Abi-d Dunyaa narrates from Ismaa`eel ibn Abi Fadeek, who said, “Rasoolullaah صلى الله عليه وسلم said, ‘Never was I afflicted with any difficulty or grief except that Jibreel came to me and said, ‘O Muhammad! Say: Tawakkaltu `alal Hayyil-ladhee Laa Yamoot, wal-Hamdu Lillaahil-ladhee lam Yattakhidh Waladaa, wa lam Yakul lahu Shareekun fil Mulk, wa lam Yakul lahu Waliyyum minadh Dhulli wa Kabbir-hu Takbeeraa.’ (I put my Tawakkul (trust) upon al-Hayy (the Ever-Living), who will never die. All praises are due to Allaah (Alone), the One who has not taken any son, nor does He have any partner in the Dominion, nor does He require any Wali (protector; helper; guardian) to help Him from adh-Dhull (being lowered, i.e. He can never be lowered, and thus is not in need of any helper). And, glorify and revere Him with a complete reverence.)”

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

- 16 -

وأخرج ابن أبي الدنيا عن محمد بن علي بن علي أن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم علّم عليّاً دعوة يدعو بها عند كل ما أهمّه, فكان عليّ ععلّمها ولده: يَا كَائِناً قَبْلَ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ, وَيَا مُكَوِّنَ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ, وَيَا كَائِناً بَعْدَ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ, إِفْعَلْ بِيْ كَذَا وَكَذَا

Imaam ibn Abi-d Dunyaa narrates from Muhammad ibn `Ali ibn `Ali that Nabi صلى الله عليه وسلم taught Hadhrat `Ali رضي الله عنه a Du`aa which he was to make Du`aa unto Allaah Ta`aala with whenever he was afflicted with any worries or anxiety. Thus, Hadhrat `Ali رضي الله عنه used to teach this Du`aa to his children. (The Du`aa is): ‘Yaa Kaa’inan Qabla Kulli Shay’, wa Yaa Mukawwina Kulli Shay’, wa Yaa Kaa’inan Ba`da Kulli Shay’, If`al bee Kadhaa wa Kadhaa.’ (O One Who existed before everything! O Creator of everything! O One Who will exist after everything! Do with me such and such.)”

- 17 -

وأخرج ابن أبي الدنيا عن الضحاك قال: دعاء موسى عليه السلام حين توجّه إلى فرعون, ودعاء رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يوم حنين, ودعاء كل مكروب: كُنْتَ وَتَكُوْنُ وَأَنْتَ حَيٌّ لَا تَمُوْتُ, تَنَامُ العُيُوْنُ, وَتَنْكَدِرُ النُّجُوْمُ, وَأَنْتَ حَيٌّ قَيُّوْمٌ لَا تَأْخُذُهُ سِنَةٌ وَلَا نَوْمٌ, يَا حَيُّ يَا قَيُّوْمُ

Imaam ibn Abi-d Dunyaa narrates from Imaam ad-Dahhaak, who said, “The Du`aa of Moosaa عليه السلام when he headed to Fir`own, and the Du`aa of Rasoolullaah صلى الله عليه وسلم on the day of (the Battle of) Hunayn, and the Du`aa of every person in distress is: ‘Kunta wa Takoonu wa Anta Hayyun laa Tamoot. Tanaamul `Uyoon wa Tankadirun Nujoom wa Anta Hayyun Qayyoom, laa Ta’khudhuhu Sinatuw wa laa Nawm, Yaa Hayyu Yaa Qayyoom.’ (You were, and You will be, and You are the Ever-Living, You will never die. The eyes sleep, the starts (will) fall, but You are the Ever-Living, the Sustainer, Who is not overtaken by slumber or sleep. O Ever-Living, O Sustainer (of everything)!”

- 18 -

وأخرج ابن أبي الدنيا عن يحيى بن سليم أنه بلغه أن ملك الموت استأذن ربّه أن يسلّم على يعقوب عليهما السلام فأذن له فأتاه فقال: ألا أعلّمك كلمات لا تسأل الله شيئاً إلا أعطاك؟ قال: بلى, قال: قل: يا ذَا الْمَعْرُوْفِ الَذِيْ لَا يَنْقَطِعُ أَبَداً وَلَا يُحْصِيْهِ غَيْرُهُ, فَمَا طَلَعَ الْفَجْرُ حَتَّى أُتِيَ بِقَمِيْصِ يُوْسُفَ

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

Imaam ibn Abi-d Dunyaa narrates from Yahyaa ibn Saleem that it reached him that Malak al-Mawt (the Angel of Death) once sought permission from Allaah Ta`aalaa to send Salaam to Nabi Ya`qoob عليهما السلام, so permission was granted to him. He came to him and said, "Should I not teach you some words which, you will not ask Allaah for anything (using these words) except that He will grant you?" He said, "Definitely." He said: "Say: 'Yaa Dha'l Ma`roofilladhee laa Yanqati`u Abadaa wa laa Yuhseehi Ghayruh' (O (Allaah), the One of Goodness which never ends and none but Him can encompass it). (Nabi Ya`qoob عليه السلام made Du`aa with these words) and Fajr did not come in but he was already presented with the Qamees (Kurtah) of Yusuf عليه السلام.

- 19 -

وأخرج ابن أبي الدنيا عن إبراهيم بن خلّاد قال: نزل جبريل على يعقوب عليهما السلام فشكا إليه ما هو فيه فقال: ألا أعلّمك دعاء إذا دعوت به فرّج الله عنك؟ قال: بلى, قال: قل: يا من لا يعلم كيف هو إلا هو, ويا من لا يبلغ قدرته غيره فرّج عنّي, فأتاه البشير

Imaam ibn Abi-d Dunyaa narrates from Ibraaheem ibn Khallaad who said: Jibreel عليه السلام visited Ya`qoob عليه السلام, so he (Nabi Ya`qoob) complained to him about what he was in, so he said: "Should I not teach you a Du`aa which, when you make Du`aa to Allaah with it, Allaah will relieve you (of that problem)?" He said: "Definitely". He said: "Say: 'Yaa Man Laa Ya`lamu Kayfa Huwa illaa Hu, wa Yaa Man laa Yablughu Qudratahu Ghayruhu Farrij `Annee' (O Allaah, the One Who none knows how He is except Himslef, and the One Who none can reach His Qudrah (Power) except Him, relieve me (from all difficulties, troubles, problems and worries)." (Nabi Ya`qoob عليه السلام made this Du`aa) and the glad-tidings came to him (of Yusuf عليه السلام).

- 20 -

وأخرج ابن أبي الدنيا عن محمد بن عمر عن رجل من أهل الكوفة أن جبريل دخل على يوسف عليهما السلام السجن فقال قل: اللهُمَّ يَا شَاهِداً غَيْرَ غَائِبٍ, وَيَا قَرِيْباً غَيْرَ بَعِيْدٍ, وَيَا غَالِباً غَيْرَ مَغْلُوْبٍ, إِجْعَلْ لِيْ مِنْ أَمْرِيْ فَرَجاً وَّمَخْرَجاً, وَارْزُقْنِيْ مِنْ حَيْثُ لَا أَحْتَسِبُ

Imaam ibn Abi-d Dunyaa narrates from Muhammad ibn `Umar, from a man from the people of Kufah, that Jibreel عليه السلام visited Nabi Yusuf عليه السلام when he was in prison and said to him: "Say: 'Allaahumma Yaa Shaahidan Ghayra Ghaa'ib, wa Yaa Qareeban Ghayra Ba`eed, wa Yaa Ghaaliban Ghayra Maghloob, Ij`al lee min Amree Farajaw wa Makhrajaa, Warzuqnee min Haythu laa Ahtasib' (O Allaah, the One Who is Always Present and never absent, Who is Most Near and never distant, Who Overpowers and is never overpowered, grant for me a relief and way out from this affair (difficulty) of mine, and grant me sustenance from whence I do not even imagine.)"

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

- 21 -

وأخرج ابن أبي الدنيا عن رجل أخذه الحجاج فقيّده وأدخله بيتاً وأغلق عليه, قال: فسمعت منادياً ينادي في الزاوية يا فلان أدع بهذا الدعاء: يَا مَنْ لَا يَعْلَمُ كَيْفَ هُوَ إِلّا هُوَ وَيَا مَنْ لَا يَعْرِفُ قُدْرَتَهُ إِلّا هُوَ فَرِّجْ عَنِّيْ مَا أَنَا فِيْهِ, قال: فوالله ما فرغت منها حتى تساقطت القيود من رجلي, ونظرت إلى الأبواب مفتّحة فخرجت

Imaam ibn Abi-d Dunyaa narrates from a man who said that Hajjaaj caught him, imprisoned him and locked all the doors (of the jail). He says: "I heard a caller saying (and the voice came from) a corner (of the jail): "O so-and-so! Call upon Allaah with this Du`aa: 'Yaa Man laa Ya`lamu Kayfa Huwa illaa Hu, wa Yaa Man laa Ya`rifu Qudratahu illaa Hu, Farrij `Annee maa Ana Feehi' (O Allaah, the One Who no one knows how He is except Himself, and the One Who no one knows His Power except Him, relieve me from (the difficulty) which I am in.) He says: By Allaah! No sooner had I completed it, then the shackles fell off from my feet, and I looked at the doors (of the jail) and they were open, so I left."

- 22 -

وأخرج ابن أبي الدنيا عن عبد الملك بن عمير قال: كتب الوليد ابن عبد الملك إلى عثمان بن حيان المزني: أنظر الحسن بن الحسن فاجلده مائة جلدة وأوقفه للناس يوماً ولا أراني إلا قاتله, فبعث إليه فجيء به والخصوم بين يديه, فقام إليه علي بن الحسين فقال: أيا أخي تكلم بكلمات الفرج يفرّج الله عنك, لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللهُ الْحَلِيْمُ الْكَرِيْمُ, سُبْحَانَ رَبِّ السَّمَاوَاتِ السَّبْعِ وَرَبُّ الْعَرْشِ الْعَظِيْمِ, الْحَمدُ للهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِيْنَ, فقالها فانفرجت الخصوم فرآه فقال: أرى وجه رجل قد اقترفت عليه كذبة, خلّوا سبيله

Imaam ibn Abi-d Dunyaa narrates from `Abdul Malik ibn `Umayr, who said: al-Waleed ibn `Abdil Malik wrote to `Uthmaan ibn Hayyaan al-Muzani, saying: "Find al-Hasan ibn al-Hasan, flog him 100 times and present him in front of the people one day, and I do not think except that I am going to kill him." So he (al-Hasan ibn al-Hasan) was sent for, and they came back with him, and all of the opponents (of al-Hasan ibn al-Hasan) were in front of him, so `Ali ibn al-Hasan went up to him and said, "O my brother, speak the words of relief (from distress). Allaah will relieve you from (this difficulty): ‘Laa ilaaha illallaahul Haleemul Kareem, Sub-haana Rabbis Samaawaatis Sab`i wa Rabbil `Arshil `Azheem, Alhamdulillaahi Rabbil `Aalameen’ (There is no Ilaah except Allaah, the Most Forbearing, the Most Generous. Glory be to the Rabb of the Seven Heavens, the Rabb of the Great Throne. All praises belong only to Allaah, the Rabb of all that exists." (When he recited this,) all of the opponents dispersed, and he (al-Waleed ibn `Abdili Malik) saw him and said, "I see the face of a man who has been lied against." (He then said to the guards) "Let him go."

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

- 23 -

A poet says:

إِذَا تَضَايَقَ أَمْرٌ فَانْتَظِرْ فَرَجاً فَأَصْعَبُ الْأَمْرِ أَدْنَاهُ مِنَ الْفَرَجِ

"When times get tough, await relief; for indeed, the hardest time is the closest to the relief."

- 24 -

Another poet says:

يَا صَاحِبَ الْهَمِّ إِنَّ الْهَمَّ مُنْقَطِعٌ لَا تَيْأَسَنَّ كَأَنْ قَدْ فَرَّجَ اللهُ

"O person suffering from worry, (know that) worry comes to an end! Do not despair; it is as though Allaah has already granted the relief."

- 25 -

Another poet says:

مِفْتَاحُ بَابِ الْفَرَجِ الصَّبْرُ وَكُلُّ عُسْرٍ مَعَهُ يُسْرُ
والدَّهْرُ لَا يَبْقَى عَلَى حَالَةٍ وَالْأَمْرُ يَأْتِيْ بَعْدَهُ الْأَمْرُ
وَالْكَرْبُ تُفْنِيْهِ اللَيَالِيْ الَّتِيْ يُفْنَىْ عَلَيْهَا الْخَيْرُ وَالشرُّ

"The key to the door of relief is Sabr; every difficulty is followed up by ease.

Time does not remain upon one state; after one state of affairs comes another.
Difficulties are wiped out by the many nights; the (nights) over which both good times and bad times are wiped out."

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

- 26 -

Another poet says:

عسى الكرب الذي أمسيت فيه يكون وراءه فرجٌ قريبُ
فيأمن خائفٌ ويفكّ عانٍ ويأتيَ أهلَه النائي الغريبُ

"Soon the difficulty which you find yourself in, there will be after it a relief near at hand. Thus, the fearful one will attain security and the one undergoing hardship will be freed, and the distant stranger will return to his family.”

The poet, Abu'l `Ataahiyyah said:

هي الأيام والعبر وأمر اللهِ يُنْتظرُ
أتيأس أن ترى فرجاً فأين الله والقدرُ

"(These) are the days and lessons, and the Command of Allaah is awaited. Do you despair of seeing relief (from difficulty)? Then where is Allaah, and where is destiny?”

- 27 -

And the poet, al-Farazdaq said:

ولما رأيت الأرض قد سدّ ظهرها ولم يك إلا بطنها لك مخرجاً
دعوت الذي ناداه يونس بعدما ثوى في ثلاثٍ مظلمات ففرّجا

"When you saw that the back of the earth had closed up (on you), and there remained for you nothing but the belly of the earth (i.e. death) as an exit, you called upon the One Whom Yunus (عليه السلام) called upon when he was thrown into three layers of darkness and thus was granted relief."

- 28 -

Abu `Amr ibn al-`Alaa said: "We were running away from Hajjaaj (ibn Yusuf) when I heard someone reciting this verse of poetry:

ربما تكره النفوس من الأم رِ له فرجة كحلّ العقال

"Many a time the souls dislike a matter, the relief of which is like the untying of the rope (around the neck of the camel)."

I liked this verse of poetry very much and regarded it as a sign that relief is near, and I was still in this state when I heard someone shout: "Hajjaaj has died!" So I don't know which of the two gave me greater joy and happiness: the death of Hajjaaj, or that verse of poetry."

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

- 29 -

Another poet says:

عسى ما ترى أن لا يدوم وأن ترى له فرجاً مما ألمّ به الدهر
عسى فرج يأتي به الله إنه له كلّ يومٍ في خليقته أمرُ
إذا لاح عسر فارج يسراً فإنه قضى الله أن العسر يتبعه اليسر

"Perhaps that (hardship) which you see will not remain, and you will see a relief from that which had caused pain for a time.

Perhaps a relief will come from Allaah; He passes a Command every day among His creation.

When hardship emerges, await easiness; for verily, it is the Decree of Allaah that hardship will always be followed up by ease."

- 30 -

Imaam ad-Daylami narrates in Musnad al-Firdows from Hadhrat Husain ibn `Ali رضي الله عنهما - in a Marfoo` form - that Sabr is the key to relief (from hardship).

- 31 -

Imaam Ahmad narrates in "az-Zuhd" from Hadhrat Abu-d Dardaa رضي الله عنه:

إذا جاء أمر لا كفاء لك به فاصبر وانتظر الفرج من الله عزّ وجلّ

"When a matter comes to you (i.e. a hardship) which you are not equal to, then await the relief from Allaah `Azza wa Jall."

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

- 32 -

وأخرج المنذري في تاريخه عن محمد بن عبد الوارث بن جرير قال: كنا عند الحارث بن مسكين فأتاه على بن أبي القاسم بن محرز الكوفي المقري قال: رأيت عمر بن الخطاب رضي الله عنه في النوم فقال: إذهب إلى الحارث فأقرئه السلام وقل له: يقضي بين الناس بأمارة أنك كنت في الحبس بالعراق, فقمت بالليل فعثرت فنكبت إصبعى فدعوت بذلك الدعاء فخليت في الغد, فقال له الحارث: صدقت, وهذا شيء ما اطّلع عليه أحد إلا الله تعالى, فقال له: فالدعاء ما هو؟ قال قلت: يَا صَاحِبِيْ عِنْدَ كُلِّ شِدَّةٍ, وَيَا غِيَاثِيْ عِنْدَ كُلِّ كُرْبَةٍ, صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ, وَاجْعَلْ لِيْ مِنْ أَمْرِيْ فَرَجاً وَمَخْرَجاً, فحدّثت بذلك إبنه أحمد بن الحارث فاستحسنه وكتبه عني

Imaam al-Mundhiri narrates in his "Taareekh" from Muhammad ibn al-Waarith ibn Jareer, who said: We were with al-Haarith ibn Miskeen when `Ali ibn Abi-l Qaasim ibn Muhriz al-Kufi al-Muqri came to him and said: I saw (Hadhrat) `Umar ibn al-Khattaab رضي الله عنه in a dream, and he said: "Go to al-Haarith and convey (my) Salaam to him, and tell him that he should judge (i.e. act as the Qaadhi) between the people, with the sign that you (i.e. al-Haarith) had been in imprisonment in Iraq, and you stood up at night, and you tripped and injured your toes, and you called (upon Allaah Ta`aalaa) with that Du`aa, and you were freed in the morning." So al-Haarith said to him: "You have spoken the truth, and this is something which no one knew about except Allaah Ta`aalaa." So he said to him: "And what was the Du`aa?" He said: "I said to him:‘Yaa Saahibee `inda Kulli Shiddah, wa Yaa Ghiyaathee `inda Kulli Kurbah, Salli `alaa Muhammad wa `alaa Aali Muhammad, Waj`al lee min Amree Farajaw wa Makhrajaa.’ (O my Companion at every time of difficulty; O the One Whom I call upon in every calamity; send salutations upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad, and make for me a relief and way out from this affair (i.e. difficulty) of mine.”

I narrated that to his son, Ahmad ibn al-Haarith, so he liked it and wrote it down from me.”

- 33 -

وأخرج الدينوري في المجالسة عن عبد الجبار بن كليب قال: كنا مع إبراهيم بن أدهم رضي الله عنه في سفر فعرض لنا الأسد فقال إبراهيم: قولوا: اللهُمًّ احْرُسْنَا بِعَيْنِكَ الَّتِيْ لَا تَنَامُ, وَاحْفَظْنَا بِرُكْنِكَ الَّذِيْ لَا يُرَامُ, وَارْحَمْنَا بِقُدْرَتِكَ عَلَيْنَا, لَا نَهْلِكُ وَأَنْتَ رَجَاؤُنَا يَا اللهُ يَا اللهُ يَا اللهُ, قال: فولّى الله الأسد عنا, قال: وأنا أدعو به عند كلّ مخوف فما رأيت إلا خيراً

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

And ad-Deenawri narrates in al-Mujaalasah from `Abdul Jabbaar ibn Kulaib, who said: We were with Ibraaheem ibn Ad-ham رضي الله عنه on a journey when a lion blocked our path, so Ibraaheem said: Say: 'Allaahummah-rusnaa bi-`Aynikallatee laa Tanaam, Wah-fazhnaa bi-Ruknikalladhee laa Yuraam, War-hamnaa bi-Qudratika `Alaynaa, laa Nahliku wa anta Rajaa'unaa, Yaa Allaah, Yaa Allaah, Yaa Allaah.' (O Allaaah, guard us with Your Eyes which do not sleep, and protect us with Your Support which does not depart, and have mercy upon us by Your Power over us. We will not be destroyed so long as You are our hope, O Allaah, O Allaah, O Allaah.)

He said: So the lion left. He said: "So I have made this Du`aa at every time of fear and have not seen anything (as a result) except goodness."

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

- 34 -

وذكر أبو بكر محمد بن الوليد الطرطوشي في كتاب الدعاء عن مطرف بن عبد الله بن مصعب المدني قال: دخلت على المنصور فرأيته مغموماً فقال لي: يا مطرف طرقني من الهم ما لا يكشفه إلا الله فهل من دعاء أدعو به عسى يكشفه الله عني؟ قلت: يا أمير المؤمنين, حدثني محمد بن ثابت عن عمرو بن ثابت البصري قال: دخلت في أذن رجل من أهل البصرة بعوضة حتى دخلت إلى صماخه فأنصبته وأسهرته, فقال له رجل من أصحاب الحسن البصري: أدع بدعاء العلاء بن الحضرمي صاحب رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم الذي دعا به في المفازة وفي البحر فخلصه الله تعالى. قال: وما هو؟ قال: بعث العلاء بن الحضرمي إلى البحرين اسم مكان فسلكوا مفازة, وعطشوا عطشاً شديداً حتى خافوا الهلاك فنزل فصلى ركعتين ثم قال: يَاحَكِيْمُ يَاعَلِيْمُ يَاعَلِيُّ يَاعَظِيْمُ اسْقِنَا, فجاءت سحابة فأمطرت حتى ملأوا الآنية وسقوا الركاب, ثم انطلقوا إلى خليج من البحر ما خيض قبل ذلك اليوم فلم يجدوا سفناً, فصلى ركعتين ثم قال: يَاحَكِيْمُ يَاعَلِيْمُ يَاعَلِيُّ يَاعَظِيْمُ أَجِرْنَا, ثم أخذ بعنان فرسه ثم قال: جوزوا باسم الله, قال أبو هريرة: فمشينا على الماء فوالله ما ابتل لنا قدم ولا خف ولا حافر, وكان الجيش أربعة آلاف. فدعا الرجل بها فوالله ما خرجنا حتى خرجت من أذنه لها طنين حتى صكّت الحائط وبرأ, فاستقبل المنصور القبلة ودعا بهذا الدعاء ساعة ثم انصرف بوجهه إليّ وقال: يا مطرّف قد كشف الله عني ما كنت أجده من الهم

Abu Bakr Muhammad ibn al-Waleed at-Tartooshi mentions in "Kitaab ad-Du`aa", from Mutarrif ibn `Abdillaah ibn Mus`ab al-Madani, who said: I entered upon (the Khaleefah) al-Mansoor, and I saw him burdened with sorrows. He said to me: "O Mutarrif, I have been afflicted with such worries which none but Allaah is able to remove. Is there any Du`aa which I can make by which Allaah will remove (these worries and this anxiety) from me?" I said: "O Ameer-ul-Mu'mineen, Muhammad ibn Thaabit narrated to me from `Amr ibn Thaabit al-Basri, who said: A mosquito entered the ear of a man from the people of Basrah, (so it started to bother him) and tired him out and gave him sleepless nights. A man from the companions of Hasan al-Basri said to him: "Make the Du`aa of al-`Alaa al-Hadhrami, the companion of Rasoolullaah صلى الله عليه وسلم. The Du`aa he made on land and on sea, (and through which) Allaah Ta`aalaa would take him out (from the difficulty)." He asked: "And what is it (this Du`aa)?" He said: "al-`Alaa ibn al-Hadhrami was sent to al-Bahrain - the name of a certain place - and so they (he and the Muslim army with him) passed by a desert, and they suffered severe thirst, so much so that they thought they would perish. He (Hadhrat `Alaa ibn al-Hadhrami) performed two Rak`ats of Salaah and then said: 'Yaa Hakeemu Yaa `Aleemu Yaa `Aliyyu Yaa `Azheem, Asqinaa' (O Most Wise, O All-Knowing, O Most High, O Most Mighty, grant us water.) So a cloud came and rained until they filled their containers and they and their animals drank. Thereafter, they went to the shore of a sea into which no one had waded prior to that day, and they found no ships (by which to traverse it). Thus, he (Hadhrat `Alaa ibn al-Hadhrami رضي الله عنه) performed two Rak`ats of Salaah and then said: 'Yaa Hakeemu Yaa `Aleemu Yaa `Aliyyu Yaa `Azheem, Ajirnaa' (O Most Wise, O All-Knowing, O Most High, O Most Mighty, save us.) Thereafter, he took hold of the reins of his horse and said: "Cross, with the Name of Allaah!" Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah رضي الله عنه said: "So we walked upon the water, and Wallaahi (By Allaah), not a single foot, or Khuff (leather sock), or hoof became wet, and the army numbered 4,000." So, the man (who was affected by the mosquito) made this Du`aa, and Wallaahi (By Allaah) we had not left but the mosquito came out from his ear, buzzing, until it knocked into the wall and he (the man) recovered. (Hearing this narration), al-Mansoor faced the Qiblah and made this Du`aa for a while, and thereafter he turned to face me and said: "O Mutarrif, Allaah has removed from me the worries which I had been experiencing."

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وفي الصحيح وغيره أن أعرابية كانت تخدم نساء النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم وكانت كثيراً ما تقول:

ويوم الوشاح من تعاجيب ربنا على أنه من ظلمة الكفر أنجاني

فسألتها عائشة عن ذلك فقالت: شهدت عروساً لنا تجلى ودخلت مغتسلا وعليها وشاح فوضعته, فجاءت الحديّا فأخذته ففقدوه فاتهموني به ففتشوني حتى قبلي, فدعوت الله أن يبرأني, فجاءت الحديّا بالوشاح حتى ألقته بيهم

وفي رواية: فرفع رأسي وقلت: يا غياث المستغيثين

And in as-Saheeh and other than it, it is mentioned that there was an Arab woman who was a bedouin, and who used to serve the wives of Rasoolullaah صلى الله عليه وسلم. Very frequently she used to say (this verse of poetry):

ويوم الوشاح من تعاجيب ربنا على أنه من ظلمة الكفر أنجاني

"The Day of the Scarf was from the Wonders of our Rabb, that from the darkness of Kufr, He saved me."

Hadhrat `Aa'ishah رضي الله عنها asked her concerning this, so she said: "(One day), I witnessed a bride of ours removing her garments and entering into the place of bathing, and she had been wearing a scarf which she placed down (before entering). A kite came along and took it, so they (the people, later on) searched for it and couldn't find it, so they accused me (of stealing it). Thus, they searched me, even my private parts, so I made Du`aa to Allaah to exonerate me (from this blame), so the kite came with the scarf and threw it among them.

In another narration, it appears: "So I raised my head and said: 'Yaa Ghiyaathal Mustagheetheen' (O Help of those who seek for help)."

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

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Imaam al-Bayhaqi narrates in Fadhaa'il al-A`maal from Hammaad ibn Salamah, that `Aasim ibn Abi Is-haaq - the Shaykh of the Qurraa' during his time - said: "I was afflicted by poverty, so I went to one of my brothers and informed him of my state of affairs, and I saw some dislike in his face. Thus, I left his house and went to the graveyard. There, I performed Salaah as much as Allaah Ta`aalaa willed, then placed my forehead on the ground and said:

يَامُسَبِّبَ الْأَسْبَابِ يَامُفَتِّحَ الْأَبْوَابِ وَيَاسَامِعَ الْأَصْوَاتِ يَامُجِيْبَ الدَّعْوَاتِ يَاقَاضِيَ الْحَاجَاتِ أَكْفِنِيْ بِحَلَالِكَ عَنْ حَرَامِكَ وَاغْنِنِيْ بِفَضْلِكَ عَمَّنْ سِوَاكَ

Yaa Musabbib al-Asbaab, Yaa Mufattihal Abwaab, wa Yaa Saami`al Aswaat, Yaa Mujeebad Da`waat, Yaa Qaadhiyal Haajaat, Akfinee bi-Halaalika `an Haraamik, Waghninee bi-Fadhlika `amman Siwaak.

(O Creator of causes, O Opener of all doors, O Hearer of all voices, O Answerer of all supplications, O Granter of requests; let those things which You have made Halaal suffice me from those things which You have made Haraam, and grant me independence - by Your Bounty - from all those besides You.)

He says: Wallaahi (By Allaah), I had not yet raised my head but I heard something fall near to me. I looked up and saw that it was a kite, and it had thrown down a red pouch. I picked up the pouch and found inside it 80 Dinars (gold coins) and a gem wrapped up in cloth. I exchanged the gem for a great deal of money, and from the Dinars I bought a property, and I praised Allaah Ta`aalaa for that."

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

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Imaam Abu Na`eem narrates in al-Hilyah, from Yahyaa ibn `Abdil Hameed al-Himmaani, who said: I was in a Majlis (gathering) of Sufyaan ibn `Uyaynah, and approximately 1,000 people gathered around him. At the end of the Majlis, he turned towards a man who was sitting on his right side and said to him, "Stand up and narrate to the people the story of the snake." The man said: "Give me something to recline against." So we reclined him against something. His eyelids rose, and he said: "Take note. Listen and comprehend. My father narrated to me from my grandfather, that there was a man who was known as Muhammad ibn Himyar, and he was a pious man who used to fast the days and stand in Salaah at night, and he was a man who was very skilful in hunting with the bow. One day, he went out hunting, and he came across a snake. The snake said to him: "O Muhammad ibn Himyar, save me, may Allaah save you." He said to the snake: "(Save you) from whom?" The snake said: "From an enemy of mine who is looking for me." He said to it: "Where is this enemy of yours?" The snake said: "Behind me." He said to it: "Which Ummah are you from?" It said: "From the Ummah of Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم. We testify that there is no Ilaah except Allaah." He said: "So I opened my cloak and said to it, enter inside of it." The snake said: "My enemy will see me." He said: "I opened my garments and said: Enter between my garments and my stomach." The snake said: "My enemy will see me." I said to it: "What should I do with you, then?" It said: "If you wish to do good, then open your mouth so that I may flow into it." He said: "I fear that you will kill me." The snake said: "No, by Allaah, I will not kill you. Allaah is a Witness upon me with regards to that, and so are His Malaa'ikah, and His Ambiyaa, and the Bearers of His `Arsh (Throne), and the inhabitants of His Heavens, were I to kill you." I was thus contented with the oath it had taken, so I opened my mouth and it flowed inside. I then carried on and a man bumped into me, and with him was a Samsaamah (certain kind of sword). He said to me, "O Muhammad!" I asked him: "What do you want?" He asked: "Have you encountered my enemy? I asked: "And who is your enemy?" He said: "A snake." I said: "O Allaah, no." So I sought Istighfaar from my Rabb 100 times for saying that despite knowing where the snake is. Thereafter, I carried on for a little while, when suddenly the snake put its head out of my mouth and said: "Look and see if this enemy has passed." I looked and did not see anyone. I said: "I don't see anyone. If you intend to leave, then leave." It said: "Now, O Muhammad, choose one of two choices: Either I rip up your liver, or I pierce your heart and leave you without a Rooh." I said: "Sub-haanallaah! Where is the pledge which you had taken with me and the oath which you took? How quickly you have forgotten them!" It said: "O Muhammad, why have you forgotten the enmity which exists between me and your father, Aadam, since I led him astray and took him out from the paradise? How can you intend to do good to other than its people (i.e. people who are not deserving of good)?" I said to it: "Is it necessary for you to kill me?" It said: "It is necessary." I said to it: "Then give me a little while so that I can go to the bottom of this mountain and prepare a place for myself?" It said: "Go ahead." Muhammad (ibn Himyar) said: "So I carried on, intending to head to the mountain and I had despaired of life. I raised my eyes to the heavens and said:

يَالَطِيْفُ يَالَطِيْفُ يَالَطِيْفُ أُلْطُفْ بِيْ بِلُطْفِكَ الخَفِيِّ يَالَطِيْفُ, بِالْقُدْرَةِ الّتِيْ اسْتَوَيْتَ بِهَا عَلَى الْعَرْشِ فَلَمْ يَعْلَمِ الْعَرْشُ أَيْنَ مُسْتَقَرُّكَ مِنْهُ إِلّا كَفَيْتَنِيْ هَذِهِ الحَيَّةَ

Yaa Lateef, Yaa Lateef, Yaa Lateef, Ultuf bee bi-Lutfikal Khafiyy, Yaa Lateef, bil-Qudratillatis-tawayta bihaa `alal `Arsh fa-lam Ya`lamil `Arshu Ayna Mustaqarruka minhu, illaa Kafaytanee Haadhihil Hayyah.

(O One Who is most subtle and most kind, O One Who is most subtle and most kind, O One Who is most subtle and most kind, confer Your most subtle kindness upon me, O One Who is most subtle and most kind, by the Power through which You had Istiwaa over the `Arsh, and the `Arsh did not know where You are with regards to it, I ask that You suffice me from this snake." Thereafter, I continued walking and a man bumped into me who was clean in body and had a pleasant scent. He said to me, "Salaamun `Alayk." I said: "Wa `Alaykas Salaam, brother." He asked me: "Why do I see that your colour has changed?" I said: "Because of an enemy that has wronged me." He asked: "And where is your enemy?" I said: "In my stomach." He said to me: "Open your mouth." I opened it, and he placed something inside which was like the leaf of an olive tree, green, and then he said: "Chew and swallow." I chewed and swallowed, and very shortly thereafter, my stomach started to pain, and it (the snake) moved around in my stomach, and I began to vomit it out, piece by piece." I hugged the man and said: "Brother, who are you, that Allaah has favoured me through you?" He laughed and then said, "Do you not recognise me?" I said, "O Allaah, no." He said, "O Muhammad ibn Himyar, when the incident that took place between you and the snake happened, and you called upon Allaah Ta`aalaa with that Du`aa, the Malaa'ikah of the seven heavens called out to Allaah `Azza wa Jall, and He said: "By My Honour and My Majesty, and by My Generosity and My Loftiness in the Loftiness of My Place, I have seen everything which the snake did with My slave." Allaah Sub-haanahu wa Ta`aalaa then commanded me, and I am known as al-Ma`roof (the one of goodness), and I live in the fourth heaven, that: 'Go to Jannah, take from it a green leaf, and take it to My slave, Muhammad ibn Himyar.' O Muhammad ibn Himyar, always do good (to others), because it saves one from an evil death, and (know that) even if (the good you have done) is lost to the one to whom it was done, it is not lost to Allaah `Azza wa Jall."

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

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Imaam ibn an-Najjaar narrates in his Taareekh with his chain of narrators, from Hadhrat Anas رضي الله عنه, that he said: I was sitting with (Hadhrat) `Aa'ishah (رضي الله عنها), giving her the glad-tidings of exoneration from blame, and she said: By Allaah, both near and far ones had deserted me, so much so that even the cats had deserted me. No food or drink was presented to me, so I was sitting, and I was hungry, so I saw in my dream a youngster, and he said to me: "What is wrong with you?" I said: "I am sad because of what the people have said." He said: "Call upon Allaah with this Du`aa, and He will grant you relief." I asked: "And what is it?" He said: "Say:

يَاسَابِغَ النِعَمِ, وَيَادَافِعَ النِقَمِ, وَيَافَارِجَ الغُمَمِ, وَيَا كَاشِفَ الظُلَمِ, وَيَا أَعْدَلَ مَنْ حَكَمَ, وَيَا حِسِيْبَ مَنْ ظَلَمَ, وَيَا وَلِيَّ مَنْ ظُلِمَ, وَيَا أَوَّلاً بِلَا بِدَايَةٍ, وَيَا آخِرَ بِلَا نِهَايَةٍ, وَيَا مَنْ لَهُ اسْمٌ بِلَا كُنْيَةٍ, إِجْعَلْ لِيْ مِنْ أَمْرِيْ فَرَجاً وَمَخْرَجاً,

Yaa Saabighan Ni`am, wa Yaa Daafi`an Niqam, wa Yaa Faarijal Ghumam, wa Yaa Kaashifazh Zhulam, wa Yaa A`dala man Hakam, wa Yaa Haseeba man Zhalam, wa Yaa Waliyya man Zhulim, wa Yaa Awallan bilaa Bidaayah, wa Yaa Aakhiram bilaa Nihaayah, wa Yaa Man Lahus-mun bilaa Kunyah, Ij`al lee min Amree Farajaw wa Makhrajaa.

(O One Who pours down favours; O Repeller of harms; O Reliever from all sorrows; O Dispeller of all darkness; O Most Just of all who judge; O Reckoner of the one who oppresses; O Helper of the one who is oppressed; O One Who is First without a beginning; O One Who is the Last without an end; O One Who has a Name without an agnomen: Make for me a relief and a way out from this affair of mine."

She said: "So I awoke, and I was full, and my thirst was quenched, and Allaah Ta`aalaa had sent down my relief (i.e. exonerated me from the accusations)."

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

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Ibn Bashkuwaal narrates with his chain of narrators leading up to Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn al-`Attaar, from his father, who said: We had a neighbour who was imprisoned, and remained in prison for 20 years, and he despaired of ever again seeing his family. He said: "One night, while I was thinking about those of my children that I had left behind and crying, suddenly a bird descended above the wall of the prison, making this Du`aa, so I learnt it from him and thereafter called upon Allaah Ta`aalaa with it for three nights consecutively, after which I slept, and when I woke up, I was in my city, above the roof of my house. I then went to my family, and they were pleased to see me after first being afraid of me (i.e. when they first saw me). That year, I performed Hajj, and while I was performing Tawaaf and calling (upon Allaah Ta`aalaa) with this Du`aa, suddenly there was an old man who struck his hand upon mine and said to me: "From where did you get this Du`aa? For verily, this Du`aa is not made except by a bird in the lands of the Romans, connected to the winds." I told him my story, about how I had been a prison in the Roman lands, and I learnt this Du`aa from a bird, and he said: "You have spoken the truth."

I asked the old man about his name, and he said: "I am al-Khidhr."

And this is the Du`aa:

اللهُمَّ إِنِّيْ أَسْأَلُكَ يَامَنْ لَا تَرَاهُ الْعُيُوْنُ, وَلَا تُخَالِطُهُ الظُنُوْنُ, وَلَا يَصِفُهُ الوَاصِفُوْنَ, وَلَا تُغَيِّرُهُ الْحَوَادِثُ وَلَا الدُهُوْرُ, يَعْلَمُ مَثَاقِيْلَ الْجِبَالِ وَمَكَايِيْلَ البِحَارِ, وَعَدَدَ قَطْرِ الْأَمْطَارِ, وَعَدَدَ وَرَقِ الْأَشْجَارِ, وَعَدَدَ مَا يُظْلِمُ عَلَيْهِ اللَيْلُ وَيُشْرِقُ عَلَيْهِ النَهَارُ, وَلَا تُوَارِيْ مِنْهُ سَمَاءٌ سَمَاءً, وَلَا أَرْضٌ أَرْضاً, وَلَا جَبَلٌ إِلَّا يَعْلَمُ مَا فِيْ وَعْرِهِ, وَلَا بَحْرٌ إَلَّا يَعْلَمُ مَا فِيْ قَعْرِهِ, اللهُمَّ إِنِّيْ أَسْأَلُكَ أَنْ تَجْعَلَ خَيْرَ عَمَلِيْ خَوَاتِمَهُ, وَخَيْرَ أَيَّامِيْ يَوْمَ أَلْقَاكَ فِيْهِ, إِنَّكَ عَلْ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيْرٌ, اللهُمَّ مَنْ عَادَانِيْ فَعَادِهِ وَمَنْ كَادَنِيْ فَكِدْهُ, وَمَنْ بَغَى عَلَيَّ بِهَلَكَةٍ فَأَهْلِكْهُ, وَمَنْ نَصَبَ لِيْ فَخَّهُ فَخُذْهُ, وَأَطْفِ عَنِّيْ نَارَ مَنْ أَشَبَّ إِلَيَّ نَارَهُ, وَاكْفِنِيْ هَمَّ مَنْ أَدْخَلَ عَلَيَّ هَمَّهُ, وَأَدْخِلْنِيْ فِيْ دِرْعِكَ الْحَصِيْنَةِ, وَاسْتُرْنِيْ بِسِتْرِكَ الوَاقِيْ, يَامَنْ كَفَانِيْ كُلَّ شَيْءٍ أَكْفِنِيْ مَا أَهَمَّنِيْ مِنْ أَمْرِ الدُنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ وَصَدِّقْ قَوْلِيْ وَفِعْلِيْ بِالتَّحْقِيْقِ يَاشَفِيْقُ يَارَفِيْقُ, فَرِّجْ عَنِّيْ كُلَّ ضِيْقٍ, وَلَا تَحَمِّلْنِيْ مَا لَا أُطِيْقُ, أَنْتَ إِلَهِي الْحَقُّ الْحَقِيْقُ, يَامُشْرِقَ الْبُرْهَانِ, يَاقَوِيَّ الْأَرْكَانِ, يَامَنْ رَحْمَتُهُ فِيْ كُلِّ مَكَانٍ, وَفِيْ هَذَا الْمَكَانِ, يَامَنْ لَا يَخْلُوْ مِنْهُ مَكَانٌ, أُحْرُسْنِيْ بِعَيْنِكَ الَّتِيْ لَا تَنَامُ, وَاكْفِنِيْ بِرُكْنِكَ الَّذِيْ لَا يُرَامُ, إِنَّهُ قَدْ تَيَقَّنَ قَلْبِيْ أَنَّهُ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ, وَأَنِّيْ لَا أُهْلِكُ وَأَنْتَ مَعِيْ يَا رَجَائِيْ, فَارْحَمْنِيْ بِقُدْرَتِكَ عَلَيَّ يَاعَظِيْماً يُرْجَى لِكُلِّ عَظِيْمٍ, يَاعَلِيْمُ يَاحَلِيْمُ أَنْتَ بِحَاجَتِيْ عَلِيْمٌ وَعَلَى خَلَاصِيْ قَدِيْرٌ, وَهُوَ عَلَيْكَ يَسِيْرٌ, فَامْنُنْ عَلَيَّ بِقَضَائِهَا, يَا أَكْرَمَ الْأَكْرَمِيْنَ وَيَا أَجْوَدَ الْأَجْوَدِيْنَ, وَيَا أَسْرَعَ الْحَاسِبِيْنَ, يَارَبَّ الْعَالَمِيْنَ, إِرْحَمْنِيْ وَارْحَمْ جَمِيْعَ الْمُذْنِبِيْنَ مِنْ أُمَّةِ مُحَمَّدٍ صَلّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ, إِنَّكَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيْرٌ. اللهُمَّ اسْتَجِبْ لَنَا كَمَا اسْتَجَبْتَ لَهُمْ بِرَحْمَتِكَ, وَعَجِّلْ عَلَيْنَا بِرَفَجٍ مِّنْ عِنْدِكَ, بِجُوْدِكَ وَكَرَمِكَ, وَارْتِفَاعِكَ فِيْ عُلُوِّ سَمَائِكَ يَا أَرْحَمَ الرَاحِمِيْنَ, إِنَّكَ عَلَىْ مَا تَشَاءُ قَدِيْرٌ, وَصَلَّى اللهُ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ خَاتَمِ النَّبِيِّيْنَ وَعَلَى آلِهِ وَصَحْبِهِ أَجْمَعِيْنَ

Allaahumma Innee As'aluka Yaa Man Laa Taraahul `Uyoon, wa laa Tukhaalituhuzh Zhunoon, wa laa Yasifuhul Waasifoon, wa laa Tughayyiruhul Hawaadithu wa lad Duhoor, Ya`lamu Mathaaqeelal Jibaali wa Makaayeelal Bihaar, wa `Adada Qatril Amtaar, wa `Adada Waraqil Ashjaar, wa `Adada laa Yuzhlimu `Alayhil Laylu wa Yushriqu `Alayhin Nahaar, wa laa Tuwaaree minhu Samaa'un Samaa'aa, wa laa Ardhun Ardhaa, wa laa Jabalun illaa Ya`lamu laa fee Wa`rih, wa laa Bahrun illaa Ya`lamu maa fee Qa`rih. Allaahummaa innee As'aluka an Taj`ala Khayra `Amalee Khawaatimahu, wa Khayra Ayyaamee Yowma Alqaaka feeh, Innaka `alaa Kulli Shay'in Qadeer. Allaahumma man `Aadaanee fa `Aadih, wa man Kaadanee fa Kidhu, wa man Baghaa `Alayya bi-Halakatin fa Ahlik-hu, wa man Nasaba lee Fakh-khahu fa Khudh-hu, Watfi `annee Naara man Ashabba ilayya Naarahu, Wak-finee Hamma man Adkhala `Alayya Hammahu, Wad-khilnee fee Dir`ikal Haseenah, Wasturnee bi-Sutrikal Waaqee, Yaa Man Kafaanee Kulla Shay', Akfinee maa Ahammanee min Amrid Dunyaa wal Aakhirah, wa Saddiq Qowlee wa Fi`lee bit-Tahqeeqi Yaa Shafeequ Yaa Rafeeq, Farrij `Annee Kulla Dheeq, wa laa Tuhammilnee maa laa Uteeq, Anta Ilaahil Haqqul Haqeeq, Yaa Mushriqal Burhaan, Yaa Qawiyyal Arkaan, Yaa Man Rahmatuhu fee Kulli Makaan, wa fee Haadhal Makaan, Yaa Man Laa Yakhloo minhu Makaan, Uhrusnee bi-`Aynikallatee laa Tanaam, Wakfinee bi-Ruknilalladhee laa Yuraam, Innahu Qad Tayaqqana Qalbee Annahu Laa Ilaaha Illaa Anta, wa Annee laa Uhliku wa Anta Ma`ee Yaa Rajaa'ee, Far-hamnee bi-Qudratika `Alayya Yaa `Azheeman Yurjaa li-Kulli `Azheem, Yaa `Aleemu Yaa Haleemu Anta bi-Haajatee `Aleem wa `alaa Khalaasee Qadeer, wa Huwa `Alayka Yaseer, Famnun `Alayya bi-Qadhaa'ihaa, Yaa Akramal Akrameen, wa Yaa Ajwadal Ajwadeen, wa Yaa Asra`al Haasibeen, Yaa Rabbal `Aalameen, Irhamnee war-ham Jamee`al Mudhnibeena min Ummati Muhammad Sallallaahu `Alayhi wa Sallam, Innaka `alaa Kulli Shay'in Qadeer. Allaahummas-tajib lanaa Kamas-tajabta Lahum bi-Rahmatik, wa `Ajjil `Alaynaa bi-Farajim min `Indik, bi-Joodika wa Karamik, Wartifaa`i Makaanik fee `Uluwwi Samaa'ik, Yaa Arhamar Raahimeen, Innaka `alaa Maa Tashaa'u Qadeer, wa Sallallaahu `alaa Muhammad Khaatamin Nabiyyeen wa `alaa Aalihee wa Sahbihee Ajma`een.

(O Allaah, I ask You, O One Who is not seen by the eyes (of His creation), and with Whom the thoughts (of His creation) cannot mix, and Whom the describers cannot describe. The One Who does not change with happenings nor with time. He knows the weight of the mountains and the measurements of the seas. He knows the number of drops of rain, the number of leaves on all trees, the number of everything over which the night darkens and the day brightens. No sky covers any sky from Him, nor any earth covers any earth. There is no mountain except that He knows what is in inside its unevenness, nor any sea except that He knows what is in its depth. O Allaah, I ask that You make the best of my deeds the last of them, and the best of my days the day in which I meet You. Indeed, You have power over all things. O Allaah, whosoever has enmity towards me, have enmity towards him; whosoever plans against me, plan against him; whosoever desires to destroy me, destroy him; whosoever lays a trap for me, seize him; whososever lights a fire against me (i.e. to harm me), extinguish it. Suffice me the worry of those who enters his worry upon me. Enter me into Your impenetrable armour. Cover me with Your protective covering. O One Who suffices me from everything, suffice me against that which worries me from the affairs of the Dunyaa and the Aakhirah, and let my words and deeds be true and come true. O Most Kind and Most Compassionate, grant me relief from every constriction, and do not place upon me what I cannot bear. You are My Ilaah, the All-Truth. O One Whose evidence is most clear and Whose support is most strong. O One Whose Mercy is in every place, and in this place. O One Who, there is no place empty of Him, safeguard me with Your Eyes which do not sleep, and suffice me with Your Support which does not depart. My heart has conviction that there is no Ilaah except You, and that I will never be destroyed while You are with me, O One in Whom I have placed my hope. Have mercy upon me with Your Power over me, O One Who is Most Great Whose (Help) is sought for every great thing. O Most Knowing, O Most Tolerant, You are All-Knowing regarding my needs, and are All Powerful over removing me (from all difficulties), and it is very easy upon You, so bestow (Your Bounty) upon me by fulfilling (my needs), O Most Noble of all those who are noble, O Most Generous of all those who show generosity, O Most Swift of all those who take to account, O Rabb of all that exists, have mercy upon me and upon all of the sinners from the Ummah of Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم, for verily You are All-Powerful over all things. O Allaah, accept our (Du`aas) as You had accepted theirs, and grant us swift relief from You, by Your Generosity and by Your Nobility, and by Your Loftiness in the loftiness of Your Heaven, O Most Merciful of all those who show mercy. You are All-Powerful over whatever You desire. May Allaah send salutations upon Muhammad, the Seal of the Prophets, and upon all of his family and companions.)

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

- 40 -

A portion of this Du`aa has also been narrated by Imaam at-Tabaraani, from Hadhrat Anas رضي الله عنه, that Nabi صلى الله عليه وسلم passed by a Bedouin who was performing Salaah, and in his Salaah he was making the following Du`aa:

يَامَنْ لَا تَرَاهُ الْعُيُوْنُ, وَلَا تُخَالِطُهُ الظُنُوْنُ, وَلَا يَصِفُهُ الوَاصِفُوْنَ, وَلَا تُغَيِّرُهُ الْحَوَادِثُ وَلَا الدُهُوْرُ, يَعْلَمُ مَثَاقِيْلَ الْجِبَالِ وَمَكَايِيْلَ البِحَارِ, وَعَدَدَ قَطْرِ الْأَمْطَارِ, وَعَدَدَ وَرَقِ الْأَشْجَارِ, وَعَدَدَ مَا يُظْلِمُ عَلَيْهِ اللَيْلُ وَيُشْرِقُ عَلَيْهِ النَهَارُ, وَلَا تُوَارِيْ مِنْهُ سَمَاءٌ سَمَاءً, وَلَا أَرْضٌ أَرْضاً, وَلَا جَبَلٌ إِلَّا يَعْلَمُ مَا فِيْ وَعْرِهِ, وَلَا بَحْرٌ إَلَّا يَعْلَمُ مَا فِيْ قَعْرِهِ, اللهُمَّ إِنِّيْ أَسْأَلُكَ أَنْ تَجْعَلَ خَيْرَ عَمَلِيْ خَوَاتِمَهُ, وَخَيْرَ أَيَّامِيْ يَوْمَ أَلْقَاكَ فِيْهِ

Yaa Man Laa Taraahul `Uyoon, wa laa Tukhaalituhuzh Zhunoon, wa laa Yasifuhul Waasifoon, wa laa Tughayyiruhul Hawaadithu wa lad Duhoor, Ya`lamu Mathaaqeelal Jibaali wa Makaayeelal Bihaar, wa `Adada Qatril Amtaar, wa `Adada Waraqil Ashjaar, wa `Adada laa Yuzhlimu `Alayhil Laylu wa Yushriqu `Alayhin Nahaar, wa laa Tuwaaree minhu Samaa'un Samaa'aa, wa laa Ardhun Ardhaa, wa laa Jabalun illaa Ya`lamu laa fee Wa`rih, wa laa Bahrun illaa Ya`lamu maa fee Qa`rih. Allaahummaa innee As'aluka an Taj`ala Khayra `Amalee Khawaatimahu, wa Khayra Ayyaamee Yowma Alqaaka feeh.

(O One Who is not seen by the eyes (of His creation), and with Whom the thoughts (of His creation) cannot mix, and Whom the describers cannot describe. The One Who does not change with happenings or with time. He knows the weight of the mountains and the measurements of the seas. He knows the number of drops of rain, the number of leaves on all trees, the number of everything over which the night darkens and the day brightens. No sky covers any sky from Him, nor does any earth cover any earth. There is no mountain except that He knows what is inside its unevenness, and there is no sea except that He knows what is in its depth. O Allaah, I ask that You make the best of my deeds the last of them, and the best of my days the day in which I meet You.)

So Rasoolullaah صلى الله عليه وسلم appointed a man over this Bedouin, saying to him: "When he has completed his Salaah, then come to me with him." So once he had completed his Salaah, he came, and Rasoolullaah صلى الله عليه وسلم had been gifted some gold, so when the Bedouin came, he gave the gold to him as a gift. The Bedouin asked: "Is this because of the family ties between us and you, Yaa Rasoolallaah?" He said: "Family ties have their right, but I gave you the gold because of your beautiful praise of Allaah Ta`aalaa."

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

- 41 -

Ibn Bashkuwaal narrates in "Kitaab al-Mustagheetheen Billaah" from Hadhrat `Abdullaah ibn al-Mubaarak, who said: "I went out in Jihaad and with me was a horse. While I was on the road, the horse fell down. A man passed by me whose face was good-looking and who had a pleasant scent. He said to me: "Do you wish to get on the horse?" I said: "Yes." So he placed his hand on the forehead of the horse until it ended by the back of the horse, and he said (this Du`aa):

أَقْسَمْتُ عَلَيْكِ أَيَّتُهَا الْعِلَّة بِعِزَّةِ اللهِ, وَبِعَظَمَةِ عَظَمَةِ اللهِ, وَبِجَلَالِ جَلَالِ اللهِ, وَبِقُدْرَةِ قُدْرَةِ اللهِ, وَبِسُلْطَانِ سُلْطَانِ اللهِ, وَبِلَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللهُ, وَبِمَا جَرَى بِهِ الْقَلَمُ مِنْ عِنْدِ اللهِ, وَبِلَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللهِ إِلّا انْصَرَفْتِ

Aqsamtu `Alayki Ayyatuhal `illah, bi-`Izzatillaah, wa-bi `Azhamati `Azhamatillaah, wa bi-Jalaali Jalaalillaah, wa bi-Qudrati Qudratillaah, wa bi-Sultaani Sultaanillaah, wa bi-Laa Ilaaha Illallaah, wa bimaa Jaraa bihil Qalamu min `Indillaah, wa bi-Laa Howla wa Laa Quwwata illaa Billaah, illansaraft.

"O sickness, I ask you by the Might of Allaah, by the Honour of the Honour of Allaah, by the Majesty of the Majesty of Allaah, by the Power of the Power of Allaah, by the Authority of the Authority of Allaah; (I ask you) by Laa Ilaaha Illallaah; (I ask you) by whatever The Pen has written with Allaah (i.e. by the Command of Allaah), and (I ask you) by Laa Howla wa Laa Quwwata illaa Billaah, to leave."

The horse began to shake, so the man took hold of my saddle and said, "Get on." So I got on the horse and met up with my companions. When it was early morning of the following day, and the enemy appeared, suddenly, he (this man) was in front of us. I asked him: "Are you not my companion of yesterday?" He said: "Most certainly." I said: "I ask you by Allaah: who are you?" So he sprang up and the earth beneath him shook and turned into greenery, and he was Khidhr عليه السلام.

Imaam ibn al-Mubaarak said: "So I never said these words over any ailing person except that he was cured with the Permission of Allaah."

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

- 42 -

Imaam Abu Nu`aym narrates in "al-Hilyah" from Mis`ar, that a man went out to sea (on a ship), but the ship broke and he ended up on an island. He remained there for three days and three nights, not seeing anyone and not eating or drinking. He began to imagine (things), so he said (this verse of poetry):

إذا شاب الغراب أتيت أهلي وصار القار كاللبن الحليب

"When the crow becomes white-haired, I will return to my family, and when tar turns into fresh milk."

Someone he could not see responded (with this verse of poetry):

عسى الكرب الذي أمسيت فيه يكون وراءه فرج قريب

"Perhaps the hardship you have entered into by night, there will be, after it, a relief near at hand."

So he looked, and a ship had approached, so he called out to them, and they (rescued) him, and he acquired a lot of good.

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

- 43 -

Imaam ibn `Asaakir narrates from Muhammad ibn `Umar, who said: al-Hajjaaj ordered that a certain prisoner be brought (before him), and when the prisoner was brought, he gave the order that his neck should be struck. So, the prisoner said: "O Ameer, give me respite until tomorrow." Hajjaaj said to him: "Woe to you! What relief will there be for you in delaying for a day?" Nevertheless, he ordered that he be returned to the prison. (As he was returning to the prison,) Hajjaaj heard (him) reciting the following verse of poetry:

عسى فرج يأتي به الله إنه له كلّ يوم في خليقته أمر

"Perhaps a relief will come from Allaah; every day, He causes a (new) affair to come to pass among His creation."

(When Hajjaaj heard this), he said: "By Allaah, he did not take this except from the Qur'aan.

كُلَّ يَوْمٍ هُوَ فِيْ شَأْنٍ

{"Every day, He has a matter to bring forth (i.e. such as giving life to some, giving death to others, giving bounties to some, removing them from others, raising some, lowering others)..."} [Soorah ar-Rahmaan, 55:29]

Thus, Hajjaaj ordered that he be set free.

- 44 -

Imaam ibn `Asaakir narrates from Sa`eed ibn Junaadah that he said: "A legal case was presented to me that was very difficult upon me, and it was the most I had ever struggled (with any case), so I was sitting and looking through my notebooks when the following verse of poetry passed me:

يستصعب الأمر أحياناً بصاحبه وربّ مستصعِب قد سهّل الله

"At times, a matter becomes difficult upon its companion; but how many a difficulty has been eased by Allaah."

So Allaah granted me relief (from this problem).

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

- 45 -

Abu `Ali at-Tanookhi narrates in his Kitaab, "al-Faraju ba`dash Shiddah", and ibn an-Najjaar narrates from Ayyoob ibn al-`Abbaas ibn al-Hasan, the one whose father was the Wazeer (vizier) of al-Muktafee (the Abbasid Khaleefah). He said: Abu `Ali ibn Hammaam narated to us with an Isnaad which I did not memorise, from a Bedouin, that he (the Bedouin) complained to (Hadhrat) `Ali ibn Abi Taalib (رضي الله عنه) about difficulties that had afflicted him, and that his condition had changed to one of poverty, and that he had many dependants. So he said to him: "Perform Istighfaar (seek forgiveness from Allaah) in abundance, for indeed, Allaah `Azza wa Jall says:

فَقُلْتُ اسْتَغْفِرُوا رَبَّكُمْ إِنَّهُ كَانَ غَفَّارًا

يُرْسِلِ السَّمَاءَ عَلَيْكُمْ مِدْرَارًا

وَيُمْدِدْكُمْ بِأَمْوَالٍ وَبَنِينَ وَيَجْعَلْ لَكُمْ جَنَّاتٍ وَيَجْعَلْ لَكُمْ أَنْهَارًا

{"I (i.e. Nooh عليه السلام) said to them: 'Ask forgiveness from your Rabb; indeed, He is Most Forgiving. He will send down the rain upon you in abundance and give you an increase in wealth and children, and He will make for you gardens and He will make for you rivers."} [Soorah Nooh, 71:10-12]

The man returned to him and said: "O Ameer al-Mu'mineen, I have made Istighfaar (sought forgiveness from) Allaah in abundance, and I do not see a relief from what I am in." He (Hadhrat `Ali رضي الله عنه) said to him: "Perhaps you are not performing Istighfaar in a goodly way." He said: "Teach me (how to do so)." He said: "Purify your intention, and obey your Rabb (i.e. carry out all obligatory duties and abstain from sins including those repented from), and say:

اللهُمَّ إِنِّيْ أَسْتَغْفِرُكَ مِنْ كُلِّ ذَنْبٍ قَوِيَ عَلَيْهِ بَدَنِيْ بِعَافِيَتِكَ, أَوْ نَالَتْهُ قُدْرَتِيْ بِفَضْلِ نِعْمَتِكَ, أَوْ بَسَطْتُ إِلَيْهِ يَدِيْ بِسَابِغِ رِزْقِكَ, أَوِ اتَّكَلْتُ فِيْهِ عِنْدَ خَوْفِيْ مِنْهُ عَلَى أَمَانِكَ أَوْ وَثِقْتُ فِيْهِ بِحِلْمِكَ, أَوْ عَوَّلْتُ فِيْهِ عَلَى كَرِيْمِ عَفْوِكَ, اللهُمَّ إِنِّيْ أَسْتَغْفِرُكَ مِنْ كُلِّ ذَنْبٍ خُنْتُ فِيْهِ أَمَانَتِيْ, أَوْ بَخَسْتُ فِيْهِ نَفْسِيْ, أَوْ قَدّمْتُ فِيْهِ لَذَّتِيْ أَوْ آثَرْتُ فِيْهِ شَهْوَتِيْ, أَوْ سَعَيْتُ فِيْهِ لِغَيْرِيْ, أَوِ اسْتَغْوَيْتُ فِيْهِ مَنْ تَبِعَنِيْ, أَوْ غَلَبْتُ فِيْهِ بِفَضْلِ حِيْلَتِيْ, أَوْ أَحَلْتُ فِيْهِ عَلَيْكَ مَوْلَايَ فَلَمْ تَغْلِبْنِيْ إِذْ كُنْتَ سُبْحَانَكَ كَارِهاً لِمَعْصِيَتِيْ, لَكِنْ سَبَقَ عِلْمُكَ فِيَّ بِاخْتِيَارِيْ وَاسْتِعْمَالِيْ مُرَادِيْ وَإِيْثَارِيْ, فَحَلِمْتَ عِنِّيْ فَلَمْ تُدْخِلْنِيْ فِيْهِ جَبْراً, وَلَمْ تَحْمِلْنِيْ عَلَيْهِ قَهْراً, وَلَمْ تَظْلِمْنِيْ شَيْئاً يَاأَرْحَمَ الرَاحِمِيْن, يَاصَاحِبِيْ عِنْدَ شِدَّتِيْ, يَامُؤْنِسِيْ فِيْ وَحْدَتِيْ, يَاحَافِظِيْ فِيْ غُرْبَتِيْ, يَاوَلِيِّيْ فِيْ نِعْمَتِيْ, يَاكَاشِفَ كُرْبَتِيْ, يَمُسْتَمِعَ دَعْوَتِيْ, يَارَاحِمَ عَبْرَتِيْ, يَامُقِيْلَ عَثْرَتِيْ, يَاإِلَهِيْ بِالتَحْقِيْقِ, يَارُكْنِيْ الْوَثِيْقُ, يَاجَارِيْ الَّصِيْقُ, يَامَوْلَايَ الشَّفِيْقُ, يَارَبَّ الْبَيْتِ الْعَتِيْقِ, أَخْرِجْنِيْ مِنْ حَلَقِ الْمَضِيْقِ, إِلَى سَعَةِ الطَرِيْقِ, وَفَرَجٍ مِنْ عِنْدِكَ قَرِيْبٌ وَثِيْقٌ, وَاكْشِفْ عَنِّيْ كُلَّ شِدَّةٍ وَضِيْقٍ, وَاكْفِنِيْ مَا أُطِيْقُ وَمَا لَا أُطِيْقُ. اللهُمَّ فَرِّجْ عَنِّيْ كُلَّ هَمٍّ وَغَمٍّ, وَأَخْرِجْنِيْ مِنْ كُلِّ حُزْنٍ وَكَرْبٍ, يَافَارِجَ الْهَمِّ, وَيَاكَاشِفَ الغَمِّ, وَيَا مُنْزِلَ الْقَطْرِ, وَيَامُجِيْبَ دَعْوَةِ الْمُضْطَرِّ, يَارَحْمَنَ الدُنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ وَرَحِيْمَهُمَا, صَلِّ عَلَى خِيْرَتِكَ مِنْ خَلْقِكَ مُحَمَّدٍ النَبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم وَآلِهِ الطَيِّبِيْنَ الطَاهِرِيْنَ, وَفَرِّجْ عَنِّيْ مَا قَدْ ضَاقَ بِهِ صَدْرِيْ, وَعِيْلَ مَعَهُ صَبْرِيْ, وَقَلَّتْ فِيْهِ حِيْلَتِيْ, وَضَعُفَتْ لَهُ قُوَّتِيْ, يَاكَاشِفَ كُلَّ ضُرٍّ وَبَلِيَّةٍ, وَيَا عَالِمَ كُلَّ سِرٍّ وَخَفِيَّةٍ, يَاأَرْحَمَ الرَاحِمِيْنَ

وَأُفَوِّضُ أَمْرِيْ إِلَى اللهِ إِنَّ اللهَ بَصِيْرٌ بِالْعِبَادِ

وَمَا تَوْفِيْقِيْ إِلَّا بِاللهِ عَلَيْهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَهُوَ رَبُّ الْعَرْشِ الْعَظِيْمِ

Allaahumma Innee Astaghfiruka min Kulli Dhambin Qawiya `Alayhi Badanee bi-`Aafiyatik, aw Naalathu Qudratee bi-Fadhli Ni`matik, aw Basattu Ilayhi Yadee bi-Saabighi Rizqik, Awit-takaltu feehi `Inda Khawfee minhu `alaa Amaanik, Aw Wathiqtu feehi bi-Hilmik, aw `Awwaltu feehi `alaa Kareemi `Afwik. Allaahumma Innee Astaghfiruka min Kulli Dhambin Khuntu feehi `alaa Amaanatee, aw Bakhastu feehi Nafsee, aw Qaddamtu feehi Laddhatee aw Aathartu feehi Shahwatee, aw Sa`aytu feehi li-Ghayree, Awistagh-waytu feehi man Tabi`anee, aw Ghalabtu feehi bi-Fadhli Heelatee, aw Ahaltu feehi `Alayka Mawlaaya falam Taghlibnee `alaa Fi`lee idh Kunta Sub-haanaka Kaarihan li-Ma`siyatee, laakin Sabaqa `Ilmuka Fiyya bikhtiyaaree was-ti`maalee Muraadee wa-Eethaaree, fa-Halimta `annee falam Tudkhilnee feehi Jabran, wa lam Tahmilnee `alayhi Qahran, wa lam Tazhlimnee Shay'an Yaa Ar-hamar Raahimeen. Yaa Saahibee `inda Shiddatee, Yaa Mu'nisee fee Wahdatee, Yaa Haafizhee fee Ghurbatee, Yaa Waliyyee fee Ni`matee, Yaa Kaashifa Kurbatee, Yaa Mustami`a Da`watee, Yaa Raahima `Abratee, Yaa Muqeela `Athratee, Yaa Ilaahee bit-Tahqeeq, Yaa Ruknil Watheeq, Yaa Jaaril Laseeq, Yaa Mawlaayash Shafeeq, Yaa Rabbal Baytil `Ateeq, Akhrijnee min Halaqil Madheeq, ilaa Sa`atit Tareeq, wa Farajim min `Indika Qareebun Watheeq, Wakhshif `annee Kulla Shiddatin wa Dheeq, Wakfinee maa Uteequ wa maa laa Uteeq. Allaahumma Farrij `annee Kulla Hammin wa Ghamm, wa Akhrijnee min Kulli Huznin wa Karb, Yaa Faarijal Hamm, wa Yaa Kaashifal Ghamm, wa Yaa Munzilal Qatr, wa Yaa Mujeeba Da`watil Mudhtarr, Yaa Rahmaan-ad-Dunyaa wal-Aakhirah wa Raheemahumaa, Salli `alaa Kheeratika min Khalqika Muhammadini Nabiyyi Sallallaahu `Alayhi wa Sallam, wa Aalihit Tayyibeenat at-Taahireen, wa Farrij `Annee maa qad Dhaaqa bihee Sadree, wa `Eela Ma`ahu Sabree, wa Qallat feehi Heelatee, wa Dha`ufat lahu Quwwatee, Yaa Kaashifa Kulli Dhurrin wa Baliyyah, wa Yaa `Aalima Kulli Sirrin wa Khafiyyah, Yaa Ar-hamar Raahimeen.

Wa Ufawwidhu Amree ilallaah, Innallaaha Baseerum bil-`Ibaad.

Wa Maa Tawfeeqee Illaa Billaah, `Alayhi Tawakkaltu wa Huwa Rabbul `Arshil `Azheem.

O Allaah, I seek Your Forgiveness for every sin which my body was strong enough to commit through Your keeping it safe, or I was able to do it because of the bounty of Your Favour (upon me), or I stretched my hand towards it because of the downpour of Your Rizq (sustenance) upon me, or I relied upon it at the time of my fearing from it upon Your Safety (which you have granted me), or I became confident (i.e. in committing the sin) because of Your Tolerance, or I resolved upon (doing it) because of the generosity of Your Pardoning. O Allaah, I seek forgiveness from you from every sin (I committed) in which I betrayed my trust, or lowered myself, or put forward my pleasures or preferred my desires, or I committed for the sake of someone else, or I misguided thereby whosoever follows me, or I was successful in by virtue of my plot, or I committed it and - O my Master - You did not overpower me (i.e. did not destroy me) because of my action, even though You - Glory be unto You - disliked my disobedience, but in Your Knowledge, You knew that I would choose (it) and that I would use my choice, so You were tolerant concerning me and did not force me into doing it, and did not cause me to do it by subjugating me, and did not wrong me in any way, O Most Merciful of all those who show mercy. O my Companion at the time when things are going hard for me; O the One Who consoles me when I am lonely; O Protector of me when I am alone as a stranger; O Safeguarder of me in the favours (I enjoy); O Remover of my harms; O Hearer of my supplications; O One Who has mercy upon my tears; O One Who forgives me when I fall; O my true Ilaah; O my most powerful Support; O my closest Neighbour; O my Kindest Master; O Rabb of the Ancient House: take me out from constraint into the vastness of the path, and into a strong relief from You that is near at hand, and remove from me every difficulty and hardship, and suffice me for that which I am capable of and for that which I am not capable of. O Allaah, grant me relief from every worry and sadness, and take me out from every grief and difficulty. O Reliever from worry, O Remover of grief, O Sender of the rain, O Answerer of the call of the oppressed one, O Rahmaan of the Dunyaa and the Aakhirah, and the Raheem of both of them, send salutations upon the best from Your creation, Muhammad the Nabi, Sallallaahu `Alayhi wa Sallam, and upon his pure family, and grant me relief from that which has caused my chest to tigthen, and my patience to wane, and my plan to lessen, and my power to weaken. O Remover of every harm and affliction, O Knower of every secret and hidden thing, O Most Merciful of all those who show mercy.

{"And I entrust my affair to Allaah; indeed, Allaah is All-Seeing over His slaves."}

{"And my capability is only with Allaah. Upon Him I place my trust and He is the Rabb of the Majestic Throne."}

The Bedouin said: "So I sought forgiveness from Allaah Ta`aalaa with that Istighfaar a number of times, so Allaah removed from me the sorrow and grief, and made my sustenance vast for me, and removed the trial from me.”

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

- 46 -

Imaam ibn an-Najjaar narrates from al-Hasan ibn Ahmad ibn as-Saydalaani who said: My mother informed me that once, when she was pregnant, she said: I asked Allaah to grant me relief, so I saw Nabi صلى الله عليه وسلم in a dream, and he said to me: O Umm Habeeb, say:

يَامُسَهِّلَ الشَدِيْدِ, وَيَا مُلِيْنَ الْحَدِيْدِ, وَيَا مُنْجِزَ الْوَعِيْدِ, وَيَا مَنْ هُوَ كُلَّ يَوْمٍ فِيْ أَمْرٍ جَدِيْدٍ, أَخْرِجْنِيْ مِنْ حَلَقِ الْمَضِيْقِ, إَلَى أَوْسَعِ الطَرِيْقِ, بِكَ أَدْفَعُ مَا لَا أَطِيْقُ, وَلَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللهِ الْعَلِيِّ الْعَظِيْمِ

Yaa Musahhil-ash-Shadeed, wa Yaa Muleen-al-Hadeed, wa Yaa Munjizal Wa`eed, wa Yaa Man Huwa Kulla Yowmin fee Amrin Jadeed, Akhrijnee min Halaqil Madheeq, ilaa Awsa`it Tareeq, bika Adfa`u maa laa Ateeq, wa laa Howla wa laa Quwwata illaa Billaahil `Aliyyil `Azheem.

"O Easer of harships, O Softener of iron, O Fulifller of threats, O One Who everyday is in a new matter; take me out from constraint into the most spacious of paths. By You I repel that which I am incapable of, and there is no power or might except with Allaah, the Most High and the Most Great."

- 47 -

Imaam al-Haakim narrates in the dictionary of his Shaykhs, and ibn an-Najjaar narrates from Abu-l Mundhir ibn Hishaam ibn Muhammad, from his father, who said: Once, (Hadhrat) Hasan ibn `Ali رضي الله عنه faced some (financial) constraint. He used to get 100,000 every year, but (Hadhrat) Mu`aawiyah (رضي الله عنه) kept it one year, so he faced a severe (financial) difficulty. He said: So I called for a pot of ink in order to write to (Hadhrat) Mu`aawiyah (رضي الله عنه) to remind him of myself. However, I hesitated (in sending the letter), and then saw Nabi صلى الله عليه وسلم in a dream. He said to me: "How are you, O Hasan?" I said: "I am well, my beloved father." And I complained to him about the delay in the money, so he said: "Did you call for a pot of ink to write to a creation like yourself, reminding him of that?" I said: "Yes, Yaa Rasoolallaah. So how should I do?" He said: Say:

اللهُمَّ اقْذِفْ فِيْ قَلْبِيْ رَجَاءَكَ, وَاقْطَعْ رَجَائِيْ عَمَّنْ سِوَاكَ حَتَّى لَا أَرْجُوَ أَحَداً غَيْرَكَ, اللهُمَّ وَمَا ضَعُفَتْ عَنْهُ قُوَّتِيْ وَقَصُرَ عَنْهُ أَمَلِيْ وَلَمْ تَنْتَهِ إِلَيْهِ رَغْبَتِيْ, وَلَمْ تَبْلُغْهُ مَسْأَلَتِيْ, وَلَمْ يَجْرِ عَلَى لِسَانِيْ مِمَّا أَعْطَيْتَ أَحَداً مِّنَ الْأَوَّلِيْنَ وَالْآخِرِيْنَ مِنَ الْيَقِيْنِ فَخُصَّنِيْ بِهِ يَارَبَّ الْعَالَمِيْنَ.

Allaahummaq-dhif fee Qalbee Rajaa'aka Waqta` Rajaa'ee `amman Siwaaka Hattaa laa Arjuwa Ahadan Ghayrak. Allaahumma wa maa Dha`ufat `anhu Quwwatee, wa Qasura `anhu Amalee wa lam Tantahi ilayhi Raghbatee, wa lam Tablugh-hu Mas'alatee, wa lam Yajri `alaa Lisaanee mimmaa A`tayta Ahadam minal Awwaleen wal Aakhireen minal Yaqeeni fa-Khussanee bihee Yaa Rabbal `Aalameen.

"O Allaah, cast Your Hope in my heart and cut off my hope from everyone besides You, so that I do not hope from anyone except You. O Allaah, and whatever my power was too weak for, or my aspirations were too low for, or my desire did not reach it, or my asking did not attain it, or it never passed my tongue, from anything which You had given the first ones or the last ones from Yaqeen (conviction in You), then grant it to me, Yaa Rabb-al-`Aalameen."

He said: By Allaah, not even a week had passed (of me saying it) but (Hadhrat) Mu`aawiyah (رضي الله عنه) sent 1,000,000 and 500,000 to me, so I said: "All praise belongs to that Allaah Who does not forget those who remember Him, and does not disappoint those who call upon Him."

Thereafter, I saw Nabi صلى الله عليه وسلم in a dream, and he said: "O Hasan, how are you?" I said: "I am well, Yaa Rasoolallaah." And I narrated my story to him. He said: "O my son, this is how it is for the one who hopes from Allaah and does not hope from the creation."

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

- 48 -

Imaam ibn an-Najjaar narrates from Ma`roof al-Karkhi who said: Whosoever says three times, while being in a state of sorrow, Allaah will grant him relief:

اللهُمَّ احْفَظْ أُمَّةَ مُحَمَّدٍ صلى الله عليه وسلم, اللهُمَّ ارْحَمْ أُمَّةَ مُحَمَّدٍ صلى الله عليه وسلم, اللهُمَّ عَافِ أُمَّةَ مُحَمَّدٍ صلى الله عليه وسلم, اللهُمَّ أَصْلِحْ أُمَّةَ مُحَمَّدٍ صلى الله عليه وسلم, اللهُمَّ فَرِّجْ عَنْ أُمَّةِ مُحَمَّدٍ صلى الله عليه وسلم

Allaahummah-fazh Ummata Muhammad Sallallaahu `Alayhi wa Sallam, Allaahummar-ham Ummata Muhammad Sallallaahu `Alayhi wa Sallam, Allaahum `Aafi Ummata Muhammad Sallallaahu `Alayhi wa Sallam, Allaahumma Aslih Ummata Muhammad Sallallaahu `Alayhi wa Sallam, Allaahuma Farrij `an Ummati Muhammad Sallallaahu `Alayhi wa Sallam.

"O Allaah, protect the Ummah of Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم. O Allaah, have mercy upon the Ummah of Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم. O Allaah, protect, heal and grant safety to the Ummah of Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم. O Allaah, rectify the Ummah of Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم. O Allaah, grant relief to the Ummah of Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم."

And Imaam ibn an-Najjaar narrates from al-Hasan ibn Turaab, who said: There was an old man with us by the name of Haytham. He was a pious slave (of Allaah). Ma'moon (the Abbasid Khaleefah) had ordered that no Amr bil-Ma`roof or Nahi `anil Munkar is to be done. So, Haytham got in a boat (and sailed to the door of Ma'moon). When he reached the door of Ma'moon, the boatman said to him, "Ameer-ul-Mu'mineen (the commander of the believers, i.e. Ma'moon) is sitting." Haytham said to him: "He's not the Ameer-ul-Mu'mineen." The man asked: "Why?" He said: "Because Allaah Ta`aalaa said to Ibraaheem (عليه السلام):

إِنِّيْ جَاعِلُكَ لِلنَّاسِ إِمَاماً, قَالَ وَمِنْ ذُرِّيَتِيْ, قَالَ لَا يَنَالُ عَهْدِيْ الظَّالِمِيْنَ

{"I am making you an Imaam (leader) for mankind." He asked: "And from my progeny?" He (Allaah) said: "My Covenant does not include the oppressors; wrong-doers."}

Ma'moon heard this, so he called for him (Haytham) and said, "How have I become from the Zhaalimeen (oppressors; wrong-doers) when I cal for Salaah five times a day?" He said: "Your announcers announced: "The Dhimmah (state protection) is removed from whosoever does Amr bil-Ma`roof (Commands Good) or Nahi `anil Munkar (Forbids Evil), whereas Allaah Ta`aalaa said:

لُعِنَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا مِنْ بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ عَلَى لِسَانِ دَاوُودَ وَعِيسَى ابْنِ مَرْيَمَ ذَلِكَ بِمَا عَصَوْا وَكَانُوا يَعْتَدُونَ (78) كَانُوا لَا يَتَنَاهَوْنَ عَنْ مُنْكَرٍ فَعَلُوهُ لَبِئْسَ مَا كَانُوا يَفْعَلُونَ

{"Those who committed Kufr from Bani Israa'eel were cursed at the tongue of Daawood and (at the tongue of) `Eesaa ibn Maryam; that is because they disobeyed and were from the transgressors. They used to not forbid one another from the evil which they committed. Evil indeed is that which they used to do."}

Ma'moon said: "I'm not going to kill you except with a clear proof." So he (Haytham) was imprisoned and taken to the jail. He slept there, and when he woke up, he said: "A servant entered upon me and said: O Haytham, have glad-tidings, because Allaah `Azza wa Jall has sent Salaam to you, and He says: By My Honour and My Loftiness, I will rescue you (from what you are in) and I will come between him and you. I have sent to you a gift of Words from beneath My `Arsh (Throne). Seek protection using these words at every time of difficulty, and by every Sultaan and by every Shaytaan, and snake, and scorpion, for verily they will not reach you:

اللهُمَّ يَا مُجَلِّيَ الْعَظَائِمِ مِنَ الْأُمُوْرِ, وَيَا مُنْتَهَى هَمِّ الْمَهْمُوْمِ, وَيَا مُفَرِّجَ الْكَرْبِ الْعَظِيْمِ, وَيَا مَنْ إَذَا أَرَادَ أَمْراً فَحَسْبُهُ أَنْ يَقُوْلَ لَهُ: كُنْ فَيَكُوْنُ, أَحَاطَتْ بِيَّ الذُنُوْبُ وَأَنْتَ الْمَدْحُوْرُ لَهَا وَلِكُلِّ شَدِيْدَةٍ يَا لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ يَا لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ,

Allaahumma Yaa Mujalliyal `Azhaa'ima minal Umoor, wa Yaa Muntahaa Hammil Mahmoom, wa Yaa Mufarrijal Karbil `Azheem, wa Yaa Man Idhaa Araada Amran Fa-Hasbuhu ay Yaqoola lahu: Kun, fa-Yakoon. Ahaatat biyyadh Dhunoob wa Antal Mad-hooru lahaa wa likulli Shadeedah, Yaa Laa Ilaaha Illaa Anta, Yaa Laa Ilaaha Illaa Anta.

“O Allaah, the Dispeller of hardships; O One who ends the worry of the anxious one; O Granter of relief from great difficulties; O One Who, when He desires somethings, simply says to it "Be" and it is. My sins have surrounded me, and You are the One Who drives it away and drives away every harship. O One Who there is no Ilaah besides You, O One Who there is no Ilaah besides You."

So I had not yet completed the words but already I was released."

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

- 49 -

And Imaam al-Khateeb (al-Baghdaadi) and Imaam ibn an-Najjaar narrate from `Abu `Eesaa `Abdur Rahmaan ibn Zaadhaan who said: I was with Ahmad ibn Hanbal when a man came to him and said something to him which I did not understand, and then he said to him: "Have Sabr (patience), for indeed, help (and victory) is with Sabr." Then he said: "I heard `Affaan ibn Muslim saying: Hammaam ibn Thaabit narrated to me from Anas, from Nabi صلى الله عليه وسلم, that he said: "Nasr (help and victory) is with Sabr (patience), and relief is with hardship, and verily with hardship is ease, verily with hardship is ease."

- 50 -

Imaam at-Tabaraani narrates in al-Kabeer, and Imaam Abu Nu`aym, both of them narrate from Hadhrat `Abdullaah ibn `Abbaas رضي الله عنهما, who said: "(One day), al-`Abbaas visited Nabi صلى الله عليه وسلم at an hour which he usually didn't visit him in. It was said: "Yaa Rasoolallaah, this is your uncle, al-`Abbaas, by the door." He said: "Give him permission (to enter) for he has come with a matter (i.e. an important matter)." So when he entered, Rasoolullaah صلى الله عليه وسلم asked him: "What has brought you at this hour, O uncle?" He said: "O son of my brother, I remembered (the time of) Jaahiliyyah and its Jahl (ignorance), so the Dunyaa - vast as it is - became narrow for me, so I said (to myself): "Who will grant me relief?" And I knew that no one can grant me relief except Allaah Ta`aalaa, and then you." Rasoolullaah صلى الله عليه وسلم said: "All praise is due to Allaah Who has placed this in your heart. (Do) I (not) love you?" He said: "Yes." Rasoolullaah صلى الله عليه وسلم asked: (Do) I (not) give you?" He said: "Yes." Rasoolullaah صلى الله عليه وسلم said: "Then, when it is an hour wherein Salaah may be performed, (but) not after `Asr and not after the rising of the sun, (rather) in the time that is between that (i.e. other than those two times), then make a complete purification (i.e. a complete Wudhoo), then stand up for Allaah `Azza wa Jall (i.e. in Salaah), and recite Faatihatul Kitaab (the Opening of the Book, i.e. Soorah al-Faatihah), and a Soorah along with it, and if you wish, this Soorah may be from the first of the Mufassal (Soorahs) [1]. Once you have completed the Soorah, say: Sub-haanallaah, wal-Hamdu lillaah, wa Laa Ilaaha Illallaah, Wallaahu Akbar, 15 times. When you perform Rukoo`, say it 10 times. When you stand up from Rukoo`, say it 10 times. When you perform Sajdah, say it 10 times. When you get up from Sajdah, say it 10 times. When you perform Sajdah (the second time), say it 10 times. When you get up from Sajdah and are sitting (Jalsah position), say it 10 times. This makes up 75 times. Thereafter, get up and perform another Rak`ah, and do in it the same as you had done in the first, and then say it (this Dhikr) 10 times before the Tashahhud. This makes up 150. Thereafter, perform another two Rak`ats like this, making up 300. Once you have completed this, then even if your sins are like the number of stars in the sky, Allaah Ta`aalaa will wipe all of them out, and even if they are like the sand (of the desert), and even if they are like the foam of the sea. If you are able to, then perform it (this Salaah) once every day. If you can't do that, then once every Jumu`ah. If you can't do that, then once every month. If you can't do that, then once every year, for as long as you are alive."

He said: "May Allaah grant you relief like how you have granted me relief, O son of my brother, straigthened my back (i.e. you have lifted a burden off my back)."

Imaam Abu `Uthmaan al-Himyaree az-Zaahid said: "I have not seen anything (as effective in removing) hardships and sorrows like Salaat-ut-Tasbeeh (i.e. this Salaah described above)."

---

[1] The Mufassal Soorahs, according to the Hanafi Madh-hab, are in three categories:

1. The Tuwaal-ul-Mufassal (Lengthy ones from al-Mufassal), which is from Soorah al-Hujuraat to Soorah al-Burooj.

2. The Awsaat-ul-Mufassal (Medium ones from al-Mufassal), which is from Soorah al-Burooj to Soorah al-Bayyinah.

3. The Qisaar-ul-Mufassal (Short ones from al-Mufassal), which is from Soorah al-Bayyinah to Soorah an-Naas.

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

- 51 -

The Haafizh, Abu-l Hasan `Ali ibn Hamdaan narrates in "Manaaqib ash-Shaafi`ee", from Imaam al-Muzani, who said: I heard ash-Shaafi`ee saying: "One night, Haaroon ar-Rasheed sent ar-Rabee` to me, so he read out a poem (he had written) satirizing me, and thereafter he said to me: "Respond (to this)." I asked him: "At this time, and without permission? (i.e. you enter my house without permission at a time like this.)" He said: "I have been commanded to do that." Then (he left) and I left with him. When we went to the door (of the palace of Haaroon ar-Rasheed), he said to me: "Sit." And he entered. Ar-Rasheed asked: "What did Muhammad ibn Idrees do?" He said: "I've brought him." He said: "Bring him in." So he brought me. He (Haaroon ar-Rasheed) considered me for a while, and then said: "O Muhammad, we were thoughtless with you, so go in goodness." (Then he said): "O Rabee! Send with him a bag of Dirhams (silver coins)." So when I left, ar-Rabee` asked me: "I ask you by the One Who subjugated this man for you, what did you say? Because I had presented you to him, and I saw the place of his sword from your neck (i.e. I saw that he was about to kill you.)" I said: "I heard Maalik ibn Anas رضي الله عنه saying: I heard Naafi` saying: I heard `Abdullaah ibn `Umar رضي الله عنهما saying: On the Day of Ahzaab, Rasoolullaah صلى الله عليه وسلم made this Du`aa and it sufficed him, and that Du`aa is:

اللهُمَّ إِنِّيْ أَعُوْذُ بِكَ وَبِنُوْرِ قُدْسِكَ, وَبَرَكَةِ طَهَارَتِكَ, وَعِظَمِ جَلَالِكَ مِنْ كُلِّ طَارِقٍ إِلَّا طَارِقاً يَطْرُقُ بِخَيْرٍ, اللهُمَّ أَنْتَ غِيَاثِيْ فَبِكَ أَغُوْثُ, وَأَنْتَ عِيَاذِيْ فَبِكَ أَعُوْذُ, وَأَنْتَ مَلَاذِيْ فَبِكَ أَلُوْذُ, يَا مَنْ ذَلَّتْ لَهُ رِقَابُ الْجَبَابِرَةِ, وَخَضَعَتْ لَهُ مَقَالِيْدُ الْفَرَاعِنَةِ, أَجِرْنِيْ مِنْ خِزْيِكَ وَعُقُوْبَتِكَ, وَاحْفَظْنِيْ فِيْ لَيْلِيْ وَنَهَارِيْ وَنَوْمِيْ وَقَرَارِيْ, لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ تَعْظِيْماً لِوَجْهِكَ, وَتَكْرِيْماً لِسُبُحَاتِ عَرْشِكَ, فَاصْرِفْ عَنِّيْ شَرَّ عِبَادِكَ, وَاجْعَلْنِيْ فِيْ حِفْظِ عِنَايَتِكَ وَسُرَادِقَاتِ حِفْظِكَ, وَعُدْ عَلَيَّ بِخَيْرٍ يَا أَرْحَمَ الرَّاحِمِيْنَ

Allaahumma Innee A`oodhu bika wa bi-Noori Qudsik, wa Barakati Tahaaratik, wa `Izhami Jalaalika min Kulli Taariqin Illaa Taariqan Yatruqu bi-Khayr. Allaahumma Anta Ghiyaathee fa-bika Aghoothu, wa Anta `Iyaadhee fa-bika A`oodhu, wa Anta Mulaadhee fa-bika Aloodhu, Yaa Man Dhallat lahu Riqaabul Jabaabirah, wa Khadha`at lahu Maqaaleedul Faraa`inah, Ajirnee min Khizyika wa `Uqoobatik, Wah-fazhnee fee Laylee wa Nahaaree wa Nowmee wa Qaraaree, Laa Ilaaha Illaa Anta Ta`zheeman li-Wajhika wa Takreeman li-Subuhaati `Arshik, Fasrif `annee Sharra `Ibaadik, Waj`alnee fee Hifzhi `Inaayatik wa Suraadiqaati Hifzhika wa `Ud `Alayya bi-Khayrin Yaa Ar-hamar Raahimeen.

"O Allaah, I seek protection with You and with the Noor of Your Holiness, and the blessings of Your Purity, and the greatness of Your Loftiness, from every night-comer except a night-comer who brings goodness. O Allaah, You are the One I seek help from, You are the One I seek protection in, You are the One I seek refuge with. O (Allaah), to You the knees of the arrogant, tyrannical kings are brought low, To You, the governments of the Faraa`inah (sing. Fir`own) surrender. Save me from Your punishment and from being disgraced, and protect me by night and by day, while I am asleep and while I am awake. There is no Ilaah besides You, Most Honourable is Your Face, and Most Noble are the (Malaa'ikah) who make Tasbeeh around Your `Arsh (Throne), thus, repel from me the evil of Your slaves, and place me under Your care and the canopies of Your protection, and increase goodness upon me, O Most Merciful of all those who show mercy."

- 52 -

Imaam ad-Daylami narrates from the path of `Abdul A`laa, from Hammaad, from al-Fadhl ibn ar-Rabee`, from ash-Shaafi`ee, from Maalik, from Naafi`, from ibn `Umar, that Nabi صلى الله عليه وسلم made this Du`aa on the day of (the battle of) Ahzaab.

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

- 53 -

Imaam Abu Nu`aym narrates from al-Fadhl ibn ar-Rabee`, the chamberlain of Haaroon ar-Rasheed, who said: "(One day), I entered upon Haaron ar-Rasheed, and in front of him were swords and various types of torture (methods)." He said to me: "Sort out this Hijaazi, i.e. ash-Shaafi`ee." I said: "Indeed, to Allaah we belong and to Him we shall return. This man is gone." I went to ash-Shaafi`ee and said to him: "Respond to (the call of) Ameer-ul-Mu'mineen." He said: "I will perform two Rak`ats of Salaah (first)?" He said: "Perform them." Thereafter, he headed to the palace of ar-Rasheed. When we entered into the first hallway, ash-Shaafi`ee moved his lips (i.e. he recited something). When we entered into the second hallway, again ash-Shaafi`ee moved his lilps. Once we reached the presence of ar-Rasheed, he (Haaroon ar-Rasheed) stood up and made him (ash-Shaafi`ee) sit in his place, and all the while the confidantes of ar-Rasheed were looking at the various kinds of torture he (ar-Rasheed) had prepared for him. After some time, he gave him (i.e. ash-Shaafi`ee) permission to leave, and he said to me: "O Fadhl, send him with a bag (i.e. of coins)." So I did so. Once we were back in the hallway, I asked him: "I'm asking you by the One Who changed the anger (of ar-Rasheed) against you into pleasure, tell me what it is you recited in the face of Ameer-ul-Mu'mineen that caused him to become pleased?" He said:

شَهِدَ اللهُ أَنَّهُ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا هُوَ

اللهُمَّ إِنِّيْ أَعُوْذُ بِنُوْرِ قُدْسِكَ, وَبَركَةِ طَهَارَتِكَ, وَبِعَظَمَةِ جَلَالِكَ مِنْ كُلِّ عَاهَةٍ وَآفَةٍ وَطَارِقِ الجِنِّ وَالْإِنْسِ إِلَّا طَارِقاً يَطْرُقُنِيْ بِخَيْرٍ يَا أَرْحَمَ الرَاحِمِيْنَ, اللهُمَّ بِكَ مَلَاذِيْ قَبْلَ أَنْ أَلُوْذَ, وَبِكَ غِيَاثِيْ قَبْلَ أَنْ أَغُوْثَ, يَا مَنْ ذَلَّتْ لَهُ رِقَابُ الْفَرَاعِنَةِ, وَخَضَعَتْ لَهُ مَقَالِيْدُ الْجَبَابِرَةِ. اللهُمَّ ذِكْرُكَ شِعَارِيْ وَدِثَارِيْ, وَنَوْمِيْ وَقَرَارِيْ, أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ, إِضْرِبْ عَلَيَّ سُرَادِقَاتِ حِفْظِكَ, وَقِنِيْ بِرَحْمَتِكَ يَا رَحْمَنُ

Shahidallaahu Annahu laa Ilaaha Illaahoo,

Allaahumma Innee A`oodhu bi Noori Qudsik, wa Barakati Tahaaratik, wa bi `Azhamati Jalaalik, min Kulli `Aahatin wa Aafatin wa Taariqil Jinni wal Insi Illaa Taariqan Yatruqunee bi-Khayr Yaa Ar-hamar Raahimeen. Allaahumma bika Mulaadhee Qabla an Aloodha, wa bika Ghiyaathee Qabla an Aghootha. Yaa Man Dhallat lahu Riqaabul Faraa`inah, wa Khadha`at lahu Maqaaleedul Jabaabirah. Allaahumma Dhikruka Shi`aaree wa Dithaaree, wa Nawmee wa Qaraaree, Ash-hadu al laa Ilaaha Illaa Anta, Idhrib `alayya Suraadiqaati Hifzhik, wa Qinee bi-Rahmatika Yaa Rahmaan.

{“Allaah testifies that there is no Ilaah besides Him…”}

“O Allaah, I seek protection with the Noor of Your Holiness, and with the blessings of Your Purity, and with the greatness of Your Loftiness, and from every disability and every calamity, and from every night-comer from the Jinn and mankind except a night-comer who brings goodness, O Most Merciful of all those who show mercy. O Allaah, You are the One I seek refuge with before I seek refuge; You are the One I seek help from before I seek help. O One to Whom the knees of the Faraa`inah are humbled, and to Whom the governments of the arrogant, tyrannical kings surrender. O Allaah, Your Dhikr is my slogan and my garment, and my sleep and my wakefulness. I testify that there is no Ilaah except You. Grant me the canopies of Your Protection, and save me by Your Rahmah (Mercy), O Rahmaan (Most Merciful).”

Al-Fadhl said: "So I wrote down (this Du`aa) and I placed it in my cloak, and, ar-Rasheed used to get angry at me very often, and whenever he would get angry, I would recite it in his presence, and (his anger would change to) pleasure."

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

- 54 -

Al-Khateeb narrates with a chain of narrators in which there are some Majaaheel (unknown narrators), from Hadhrat Anas رضي الله عنه in a Marfoo` form that he said: When the Jews gathered around `Eesaa عليه السلام, to kill him, Jibreel عليه السلام came to him and said: "Say:

اللهُمَّ إِنِّيْ أَسْأَلُكَ بِاسْمِكَ الْوَاحِدِ الأَحَدِ, أَدْعُوْكَ اللهُمَّ بِاسْمِكَ الصَمَدِ, أَدْعُوْكَ اللهُمَّ بِاسْمِكَ الْعَظِيْمِ الْوِتْرِ الَّذِيْ مَلَأَ الْأَرْكَانَ كُلَّهَا إِلَّا مَا فَرَّجْتَ عَنِّيْ مَا أَمْسَيْتُ فِيْهِ وَمَا أَصْبَحْتُ فِيْهِ

Allaahumma Innee As'aluka Bismikal Waahidil Ahad, Ad`ookal-laahumma Bismikas Samad, Ad`ookal-laahumma Bismikal `Azheemil Witril-ladhee Mala'al Arkaana Kullahaa Illaa maa Farrajta `annee maa Amsaytu feehi wa maa Asbahtu feehi.

"O Allaah, I ask You by Your Name which is One and Unique, I call upon You, O Allaah, by Your Name which is as-Samad (the Independant), I call upon You, O Allaah, by Your Greatest and Most Unique Name which fills up all corners (of existence), that You grant me relief from (the difficulties) which I am in."

So (Nabi) `Eesaa عليه السلام made this Du`aa, and Allaah `Azza wa Jall sent Wahi (revelation) to Jibreel عليه السلام, saying, "Raise My slave up to Me."

- 55 -

Al-Qaasim ibn Sasaree narrates in his "Amaali" from Hadhrat `Abdullaah ibn `Abbaas رضي الله عنهما that he said to Wahb ibn Munabbih: "From the books which you have read, have you found a Du`aa that is Mustajaab (accepted) and which you use at the time of difficulty?" He said: "Yes. (It is):

اللهُمَّ إِنِّيْ أَسْأَلُكَ يَا مَنْ يَمْلِكُ حَوَائِجَ السَائِلِيْنَ, وَيَعْلَمُ ضَمَائِرَ الصَامِتِيْنَ, فَإِنَّ لِكُلِّ مَسْأَلَةٍ مِنْكَ سَمْعاً حَاضِراً, وَجَوَاباً عَتِيْداً, وَلِكُلِّ صَامِتٍ مِنْكَ عِلْماً مُحِيْطاً بَاطِناً, مَوَاعِيْدُكَ الصَادِقَةُ وَأَيَادِيْكَ الْفَاضِلَةُ, وَرَحْمَتُكَ الْوَاسِعَةُ أَنْ تَفْعَلَ بِيْ كَذَا وَكَذَا,

Allaahumma Innee As'aluka Yaa May Yamliku Hawaa'ijas Saa'ileen, wa Ya`lamu Dhamaa'iras Saamiteen, fa-Inna li-Kulli Mas'alatim minka Sam`an Haadhiraa, wa Jawaaban `Ateedaa, wa li-Kulli Saamitim minka `Ilmam Muheetam Baatinaa, Mawaa`eedukas Saadiqah wa Ayaadeekal Faadhilah, wa Rahmatukal Waasi`ah, an Taf`ala bee Kadhaa wa Kadhaa.

"O Allaah, I ask You, the One Who carries the needs of those who ask, and Who knows the innermost thoughts of those who are silent. For everything that is asked of You, You hear it, and You have a response prepared, and for every silent one, there is, from you, a complete, secret, encompassing `Ilm (Knowledge) of it. Your Promises are truthful, and You are Most Generous, and Your Rahmah (Mercy) is most vast. (I ask You, O Allaah) that you do such-and-such for me."

Hadhrat `Abdullaah ibn `Abbaas رضي الله عنهما said: "This is a Du`aa which was taught to me while I was asleep. I didn't think that anyone else knew it."

- 56 -

I saw in the Majmoo` of Abu-l Husayn Ahmad ibn al-Qaadhee Abu-l Hasan `Ali ibn ar-Rasheed ibn az-Zubayr, the text of which was: "The Salaah of Relief. When any difficulty afflicts you, perform a (fresh) and perfect Wudhoo, and then perform either two or four Rak`ats of Salaah, and at the end of your Salaah say:

اللهُمَّ يَا مَوْضِعَ كُلِّ شَكْوَى, وَيَا سَامِعَ كُلِّ نَجْوَى, وَيَا شَاهِدَ كُلِّ بَلْوَى, يَا عَالِمَ كُلِّ خَفِيَّةٍ, وَيَا كَاشِفَ كُلِّ بَلِيَّةٍ, يَا مُنْجِيْ مُوْسَى صلى الله عليه وسلم, وَمُصْطَفَى مُحَمَّدٍ صلى الله عليه وعلى آله, أَدْعُوْكَ دُعَاءَ مَنِ اشْتَدَّتْ فَاقَتُهُ, وَضَعْفَتْ قُوَّتُهُ, وَقَلَّتْ حِيْلَتُهُ, دُعَاءَ الْغَرِيْبِ الْغَرِيْقِ الْمُضْطَرِّ الَّذِيْ لَا يَجِدُ لِكَشْفِ مَا هُوَ فِيْهِ إِلَّا أَنْتَ, يَا أَرْحَمَ الرَاحِمِيْنَ, أَكْشِفْ مَا بِيْ وَادْفَعْ عِنِّيْ كَذَا وَكَذَا

Allaahumma Yaa Mawdhi`a Kulli Shakwaa, wa Yaa Saami`a Kulli Najwaa, wa Yaa Shaahida Kulli Balwaa, Yaa `Aalima Kulli Khafiyyah, wa Yaa Kaashifa Kulli Baliyyah, Yaa Munjee Moosaa Sallallaahu `Alayhi wa Sallam wa Mustafaa Muhammad Sallallaahu `Alayhi wa `alaa Aalih, Ad`ooka Du`aa man Ishtaddat Faaqatuh, wa Dha`ufat Quwwatuh, wa Qallat Heelatuh, Du`aa'al Ghareeb-il-Ghareeq al-Mudhtarr alladhee Laa Yajidu li-Kashfi maa Huwa Feehi Illaa Anta, Yaa Ar-hamar Raahimeen, Akshif maa bee Wadfa` `Annee Kadhaa wa Kadhaa.

"O Allaah, the One to Whom every complain is addressed, the One Who hears every conversation, the One Who witnesses every calamity, the One Who knows every hidden thing, the One Who Removes every hardship, the One Who saved Moosaa صلى الله عليه وسلم and Mustafaa Muhammad صلى الله عليه وعلى آله. I call upon You with the Du`aa of the one whose poverty and need has become severe, whose strength has become weak, whose means has become little, the Du`aa of the stranger who is drowning, the one who is forced and in distress, the one who finds no way for the removal of what he is in except You, O Most Merciful of all those who show mercy. Remove from me whatever (difficulties are afflicting me) and repel from me such-and-such."

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

Note: With this, more than half of the Kitaab has been translated. There are now only about 33 pages left, more or less. Alhamdulillaah.

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

- 57 -

I saw in the biography of the Imaam, Muhyi-yuddeen `Abdul Qaadir al-Qurashi al-Hanafi, in his handwriting, the following text:

"Whosoever is in difficulty, and his means are cut off, then let him write his request to Allaah Ta`aalaa (on a paper) and cast it into the sea, after Salaat-ul-`Asr on the day of Jumu`ah. And on this (paper) he should write the following:

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَحْمَنِ الرَحِيْمِ

مِنَ الْعَبْدِ الذَلِيْلِ إِلَى الْمَلِكِ الْجَلِيْلِ

الحَمْدُ للهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِيْنَ سَلَامٌ عَلَى إِلْيَاسِيْنَ مَسَّنِيَ الضُّرُّ وَأَنْتَ أَرْحَمُ الرَاحِمِيْنَ, لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ سُبْحَانَكَ إِنِّيْ كُنْتُ مِنَ الظَالِمِيْنَ فَاسْتَجَبْنَا لَهُ وَنَجَّيْنَاهُ مِنَ الْغَمِّ وَكَذَلِكَ نُنْجِيْ المُؤْمِنِيْنَ, اللهُمَّ إِنَّكَ تَعْلَمُ مَا نَزَلَ بِيْ مِنْ أَمْرِ كَذَا وَكَذَا فَاجْعَلْ لِيْ مِنْهُ فَرَجاً وَمَخْرَجاً إِنَّكَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيْرٌ وَصَلَّى اللهُ وَسَلَّمَ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَآلِهِ,

Bismillaahir Rahmaanir Raheem.

Minal `Abdidh Dhaleel ilal Malikil Jaleel,

Alhamdulillaahi Rabbil `Aalameen. Salaamun `alaa Ilyaaseen. Massaniyadh Dhurru wa Anta Ar-hamur Raahimeen. Laa Ilaaha Illaa Anta Sub-haanaka Innee Kuntu minazh Zhaalimeen. Fastajabnaa lahu wa Najjaynaahu minal Ghamm, wa Kadhaalika Nunjil Mu'mineen. Allaahumma Innaka Ta`lamu maa Nazala bee min Amri Kadhaa wa Kadhaa, faj-`al lee minhu Farajaw wa Makhrajaa, Innaka `alaa Kulli Shay'in Qadeer, wa Sallallaahu wa Sallama `alaa Muhammad wa Aalih.

"In the Name of Allaah, the All-Merciful, the Very Merciful.

From the lowly slave, to the Most Glorious King,

All praises belong solely to Allaah, the Rabb of all the worlds. Peace be upon Ilyaaseen. Harm has afflicted me, and You are the Most Merciful of all those who show mercy. There is no Ilaah besides You, glory be unto You, indeed, I have been from the wrong-doers. So We responded to him and We saved him from the Ghamm (sorrow; grief), and thus do We save the Mu'mineen. O Allaah, You know of such-and-such difficulty which has afflicted me, so make for me from it a relief and a way out, for indeed You are All-Powerful over all things. And, salutations and peace of Allaah be upon (our Nabi) Muhammad and upon his family."

And at the time of throwing it into the sea, he must say:

"This is the request of Fulaan ibn Fulaan, and Laa Howla wa Laa Quwwata Illaa Billaah (There is no force or might except with Allaah)."

He must say this three times.

[Translator's Note: In place of Fulaan ibn Fulaan, one must write his name and the name of his father, e.g. "Muhammad ibn `Abdillaah", "Muhammad ibn Idrees", etc. In the place of the first "Fulaan" he will mention his own name, and in place of the second, he will mention his father's name.]

- 58 -

In it (that same biography, it is narrated that) al-Hajjaaj said to Hasan al-Basri: "What do you say about `Ali and `Uthmaan?" He said: I say: "I say the statement of one who is better than me in the presence of the one who is worse than you. Fir`own said to Moosaa (عليه السلام): "What about the generations of old?" He said: "The knowledge of it is with my Rabb in a Kitaab. My Rabb does not err, nor does He forget."

The knowledge of (the matter of Hadhrat) `Ali and (Hadhrat) `Uthmaan (رضي الله عنهما) is with Allaah Ta`aalaa."

So al-Hajjaaj said to him: "You are the leader of the `Ulamaa, O Abu Sa`eed." Thereafter he (Hajjaaj) called for some expensive perfume, and applied it to the beard of (Imaam Hasan al-Basri).

When (Imaam) Hasan, the chamberlain (of Hajjaaj) followed him and asked him: "O Abu Sa`eed, by Allaah, he (Hajjaaj) had called you for a reason other than this (i.e. he called summoned you to kill you), and he had prepared the leather rug and the sword. When you came, I saw your lips moving (reciting) something, so what was it?" He said: "I said:

يَا غِيَاثِيْ عِنْدَ كُرْبَتِيْ, وَيَا صَاحِبِيْ عِنْدَ شِدَّتِيْ, وَيَا وَلِيَّ نِعْتَمِيْ, وَيَا إِلَهِيْ وَإِلَهَ إِبْرَاهِيْمَ وَإِسْمَاعِيْلَ وَإِسْحَاقَ وَيَعْقُوْبَ ارْزُقْنِيْ مَوَدَّتَهُ, وَاصْرِفْ عَنِّيْ أَذَاهُ وَمَعَرَّتَهُ,

Yaa Ghiyaathee `inda Kurbatee, wa Yaa Saahibee `inda Shiddatee, wa Yaa Waliyya Ni`matee, wa Yaa Ilaahee wa Ilaaha Ibraaheema wa Ismaa`eela wa Is-haaqa wa Ya`qoobar-zuqnee Mawaddatah, wasrif `annee Adhaahu wa Ma`arratah.

"O (Allaah), the One I seek help from during hardships, my Companion during difficulties, the Granter and Protector of my favours, my Ilaah and the Ilaah of Ibraaheem, Ismaa`eel, Is-haaq and Ya`qoob, grant me his love and affection, and avert from me his harm and his disgrace."

So my Rabb, `Azza wa Jall, granted me that (which I asked for).

- 59 -

In it (that biography), it is also narrated from `Ataa as-Sulaymee, who said: I used to ask Allaah, my Rabb, that He teaches me such a Name from His Names that I may make Du`aa to Him using at the time of my need. So one night, whilst I was in the Masjid, a brightness entered upon me and took shape in my heart, and it was:

يَا اللهُ يَا اللهُ يَا اللهُ يَا رَحْمَنُ يَا نُوْرُ يَاذَا الجَلَالِ وَالْإِكْرَامِ

Yaa Allaah,Yaa Allaah, Yaa Allaah, Yaa Rahmaan, Yaa Noor, Yaa Dhal Jalaali wal-Ikraam.

Whenever I used to make Du`aa using this, I would be granted relief.

- 60 -

It is also mentioned therein (i.e. in that biography) that the time the slave (of Allaah) is the closest to (being granted) relief is when the difficulty becomes most severe.

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

- 61 -

From the sayings that are well-known is:

"When the the crisis becomes most severe, you will be granted relief.”

Relief from hardships and distress comes when the difficulty has reached its most severe point; at this stage, one becomes distressed, and the Creator, Sub-haanahu wa Ta`aalaa has promised those in distress that He will answer (their Du`aas) and remove the harm from them, and He promised those who make Du`aa with a general answering (of their Du`aas).

- 62 -

In the Kitaab, "Misbaah azh-Zhulaam fil-Mustagheetheena bi-Khayril Anaam" of Abu `Abdillaah ibn an-Nu`maan, it is mentioned: (Once), while al-Mahdi (the Abbasid Khaleefah) was sleeping at night, he awoke very suddenly, in fright. He called his officer in charge of the police force and ordered him to go to the jail and release the `Alawi, so he did so. When (the prisoner left) and was about to mount (the conveyance), he (the officer) asked him: "I ask you by the One Who granted you relief: do you know what caused Ameer-ul-Mu'mineen to set you free?" He said: "By Allaah, I had been sleeping tonight, and I saw Rasoollullaah صلى الله عليه وسلم in a dream. He said to me: "O my son, they oppressed you?" I said: "Yes, O Rasoolullaah." He said: "Then stand up and perform two Rak`ats (of Salaah), and thereafter say:

يَا سَابِقَ الْفَوْتِ, وَيَا سَامِعَ الصَوْتِ, وَيَا كَاسِيَ الْعِظَامِ بعد الموت صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آل مُحَمَّدٍ, وَاجْعَلْ لِيْ مِنْ أَمْرِيْ فَرَجاً وَّمَخْرَجاً, إِنَّكَ تَعْلَمُ وَلَا أَعْلَمُ وَتَقْدِرُ وَلَا أَقْدِرُ, وَأَنْتَ عَلَّامُ الْغُيُوْبِ

Yaa Saabiqal Fawt, wa Yaa Saami`as Sawt, wa Yaa Kaasiyal `Izhaami ba`dal Mawt, Salli `alaa Muhammad wa `alaa Aali Muhammad, waj-`al lee min Amree Farajaw wa Makhrajaa, Innaka Ta`lamu wa laa A`lamu wa Taqdiru wa laa Aqdiru wa Anta `Allaamul Ghuyoob.

"O One Whom none can escape from; O Hearer of all voices; O One Who covers the bones with flesh after (the) death (of the people); send salutations upon Muhammad and upon the family of Muhammad, and for for me a relief and a way out from the difficulty that I am in, for verily You know whilst I do not know and You are All-Powerful whilst I am powerless, and You are the Knower of the unseen."

I had stood up and was repeating it when you called me (i.e. to be released from prison).”

- 63 -

It is narrated that once, al-Azeez Bilaah (an Abbasid Khaleefah) imprisoned ash-Shareef ibn Tabaatabaa and appointed a guard over him. That night, he (ash-Shareef) saw Nabi صلى الله عليه وسلم in a dream, and he said to him: "Al-`Azeez appointed (a guard) over you?" He said: "Yes, O Rasoolullaah." He asked: "Where are you with regards to the five (Aayaat) by which Allaah will grant you relief?" He said: I said: "O Rasoolullaah, what are they?" He said: "The Saying of Allaah Ta`aalaa:

وَبَشِّرِ الصَّابِرِينَ
الَّذِينَ إِذَا أَصَابَتْهُمْ مُصِيبَةٌ قَالُوا إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ
أُولَئِكَ عَلَيْهِمْ صَلَوَاتٌ مِنْ رَبِّهِمْ وَرَحْمَةٌ وَأُولَئِكَ هُمُ الْمُهْتَدُونَ

{"And give glad-tidings to the patient ones. Those who, when they are afflicted by any calamity they say: "Indeed, to Allaah we belong and to Him we shall return." They, upon them are salutations from their Rabb, and Mercy, and they are the ones who are rightly guided."}

And the Saying of Allaah Ta`aalaa:

الَّذِينَ قَالَ لَهُمُ النَّاسُ إِنَّ النَّاسَ قَدْ جَمَعُوا لَكُمْ فَاخْشَوْهُمْ فَزَادَهُمْ إِيمَانًا
وَقَالُوا حَسْبُنَا اللَّهُ وَنِعْمَ الْوَكِيلُ
فَانْقَلَبُوا بِنِعْمَةٍ مِنَ اللَّهِ وَفَضْلٍ لَمْ يَمْسَسْهُمْ سُوءٌ وَاتَّبَعُوا رِضْوَانَ اللَّهِ وَاللَّهُ ذُو فَضْلٍ عَظِيمٍ

{"Those who, when the people said to them, "Indeed, the people (i.e. the Kuffaar) have gathered against you, so fear them." They said: "Allaah is sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs." So they returned with a Ni`mah (Favour) from Allaah Ta`aalaa and His Bounty; evil did not touch them. And, they followed the Pleasure of ALlaah, and Allaah is the Owner of Great Bounty."}

وَأَيُّوبَ إِذْ نَادَى رَبَّهُ أَنِّي مَسَّنِيَ الضُّرُّ وَأَنْتَ أَرْحَمُ الرَّاحِمِينَ
فَاسْتَجَبْنَا لَهُ فَكَشَفْنَا مَا بِهِ مِنْ ضُرٍّ وَآتَيْنَاهُ أَهْلَهُ وَمِثْلَهُمْ مَعَهُمْ رَحْمَةً مِنْ عِنْدِنَا وَذِكْرَى لِلْعَابِدِينَ

{"And (remember) Ayyoob, when he called upon his Rabb, saying: "I have been touched by harm, and You are the Most Merciful of all those who show mercy." So We responded to him and removed what was with him of harm, and We granted him his family and a like thereof along with them, as a Mercy from Us and a Reminder for the worshippers."}

وَذَا النُّونِ إِذْ ذَهَبَ مُغَاضِبًا فَظَنَّ أَنْ لَنْ نَقْدِرَ عَلَيْهِ فَنَادَى فِي الظُّلُمَاتِ أَنْ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ سُبْحَانَكَ إِنِّي كُنْتُ مِنَ الظَّالِمِينَ
فَاسْتَجَبْنَا لَهُ وَنَجَّيْنَاهُ مِنَ الْغَمِّ وَكَذَلِكَ نُنْجِي الْمُؤْمِنِينَ

{"And (remember) Dhan Noon (i.e. Nabi Yunus عليه السلام) when he left (from his people) in a state of anger, and imagined that We shall not decree upon him (i.e. the imprisonment in the belly of the whale), so he called out in the darkness, saying: "There is no Ilaah besides You! Glory be unto You! Verily, I was from the wrong-doers." So We responded to him and We saved him from the Ghamm (sorrow; grief), and thus do We save the Mu'mineen."}

فَسَتَذْكُرُونَ مَا أَقُولُ لَكُمْ وَأُفَوِّضُ أَمْرِي إِلَى اللَّهِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ بَصِيرٌ بِالْعِبَادِ
فَوَقَاهُ اللَّهُ سَيِّئَاتِ مَا مَكَرُوا وَحَاقَ بِآلِ فِرْعَوْنَ سُوءُ الْعَذَابِ

{"So you will remember what I say to you, and I entrust my affair to Allaah. Indeed, Allaah is All-Seeing with regards to His slaves." So Allaah saved him from the evil which they were planning, and the evil torment surrounded the family of Fir`own."}

So I woke up and I had memorised that, and after I awoke, I was released and thus I knew the Barakah (blessings) of those five Aayaat."

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

- 64 -

Imaam ibn `Asaakir narrates in his Taareekh from Ja`far ibn Muhammad ibn `Ali ibn al-Husain, that al-Mansoor once oppressed him, so he performed two Rak`ats of Salaah and then made the following Du`aa:

اللهُمَّ بِكَ أَسْتَفْتِحُ وَبِكَ أَسْتَنْجِحُ وَبِمُحَمَّدٍ عَبْدِكَ وَرَسُوْلِكَ أَتَوَسَّلُ اللهُمَّ سَهِّلْ حَزُوْنَتَهُ وَذَلِّلْ لِيْ صُعُوْبَتَهُ وَأَعْطِنِيْ مِنَ الْخَيْرِ أَكْثَرَ مِمَّا أَرْجُوْ وَاصْرِفْ عَنِّيْ مِنَ الشَّرِّ أَكْثَرَ مِمَّا أَخَافُ


Allaahumma bika Astaftihu wa bika Astanjihu wa bi-Muhammadin `Abdika wa Rasoolika Atawassalu, Allaahumma Sahhil lee Hazoonatah, wa Dhallil lee Su`oobatah, wa A`tinee minal Khayri Akthara mimmaa Arjoo Wasrif `Annee minash Sharri Akthara mimmaa Akhaaf.

“O Allaah, through You I seek victory and through You I gain success, and (O Allaah) it is through Your slave and Rasool, Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) that I make Tawassul. O Allaah, ease for me its grief and its difficulty, and grant me more goodness than (even) what I hope for, and avert from me more than just the evil that I fear.”


So when he entered upon al-Mansoor, he (al-Mansoor) met him and honoured him.

[M.I.A.]

:|

..thats amazing! i would have just got internally angry.. although i dont know if it counts as back biting.

subhanAllah

edit..

couple days later..

amazing stuff..

honestly.

its like wow..

why make things harder?

subhanAllah

...it was yesterday :/ lol

[M.I.A.]

bump for amazin post..

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

- 65 -

Imaam ad-Daylami and Imaam ibn `Asaakir narrate from Ja`far ibn Muhammad, who said: My father narrated to me from his grandfather, that whenever Nabi صلى الله عليه وسلم would be troubled by any matter, he would make the following Du`aa which was said to be the Du`aa of Relief (from difficulties):

اللهُمَّ احْرُسْنِيْ بِعَيْنِكَ الَّتِيْ لَا تَنَامُ, وَاكْنُفْنِيْ بِرُكْنِكَ الَّذِيْ لَا يَضَامُ, وَارْحَمْنِيْ بِقُدْرَتِكَ عَلَيَّ, وَلَا أَهْلُكُ وَأَنْتَ رَجَائِيْ, فَكَمْ مِنْ نِعْمَةٍ أَنْعَمْتَ بِهَا عَلَيَّ قَلَّ لَكَ عِنْدَهَا شُكْرِيْ, وَكَمْ مِنْ بَلِيَّةٍ إِبْتَلَيْتَنِيْ بِهَا قَلَّ لَكَ عِنْدَهَا صَبْرِيْ, فَيَا مَنْ قَلَّ عِنْدَ نِعْمَتِهِ شُكْرِيْ فَلَمْ يَحْرِمْنِيْ, وَيَا مَنْ قَلَّ عِنْدَ بَلِيَّتِهِ صَبْرِيْ فَلَمْ يَخْذُلْنِيْ, وَيَا مَنْ رَآنِيْ عَلَى الْخَطَايَا فَلَمْ يَفْضَحْنِيْ, أَسْأَلُكَ أَنْ تُصَلِّيَ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ وَبَارَكْتَ وَرَحِمْتَ عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيْمَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيْدٌ مَجِيْدٌ. اللهُمَّ أَعِنِّيْ عَلَى دِيْنِيْ بِدُنْيَايَ, وَعَلَى آخِرَتِيْ بِتَقْوَايَ, وَاحْفَظْنِيْ فِيْمَا غِبْتُ عَنْهُ, وَلَا تَكِلْنِيْ إِلَى نَفْسِيْ فِيْمَا حَضَرْتُهُ, يَامَنْ لَا تَضُرُّهُ الذُنُوْبُ وَلَا تَنْقُصُهُ الْمَغْفِرَةٌ, هَبْ لِيْ مَا لَا يَضُرُّكَ, وَاغْفِرْ لِيْ مَا لَا يَنْقُصُكَ:. اللهُمَّ إِنِّيْ أَسْأَلُكَ فَرَجاً قَرِيْباً, وَصَبْراً جَمِيْلًا, وَأسْأَلُكَ الْعَافِيَةَ مِنْ كُلِّ بَلِيَّةٍ, وَأَسْأَلُكَ دَوَامَ عَافِيَتِكَ, وَأَسْأَلُكَ الْغِنَى عَنِ النَاسِ وَأَسْأَلُكَ السَلَامَةَ مِنْ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ, وَلَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلّا بِاللهِ الْعَلِيِّ الْعَظِيْمِ

Allaahummah-rusnee bi-`Aynikallatee laa Tanaam, Wak-nufnee bi-Ruknikalladhee laa Yudhaam, Warhamnee bi-Qudratika `alayya, wa laa Ahluku wa Anta Rajaa'ee, fakam min Ni`matin An`amta bihaa `Alayya Qalla laka `Indahaa Shukree, wakam min Baliyyatin Ibtalaytanee bihaa Qalla laka `Indahaa Sabree, fa Yaa Man Qalla `Inda Ni`matihee Shukree falam Yahrimnee, wa Yaa Man Qalla `Inda Baliyyatihee Sabree falam Yakhdhulnee, wa Yaa Man Ra'aanee `alal Khataayaa falam Yaf-dhah-nee, As'aluka an Tusalliya `alaa Muhammad wa `alaa Aali Muhammad kamaa Sallayta wa Baarakata wa Rahimta `alaa Ibraaheem, Innaka Hameedum Majeed. Allaahumma A'innee `alaa Deenee bi-Dunyaay, wa `alaa Aakhiratee bi-Taqwaay, Wah-fazhnee feemaa Ghibtu `anhu wa laa Takilnee ilaa Nafsee feemaa Hadhartuhu. Yaa Man laa Tadhurruhudh Dhunoob wa laa Tanqusuhul Maghfirah, Hab lee maa laa Yadhurruk, Waghfir lee maa laa Yanqusuk. Allaahumma Innee As'alauka Farajan Qareebaa, wa Sabran Jameelaa, wa As'alukal `Aafiyat min Kulli Baliyyah, wa As'alauka Dawaama `Aafiyatik, wa As'alukal Ghinaa `anin Naas, wa As'alukas Salaamata min Kulli Shay', wa laa Howla wa laa Quwwata illaa Billaahil `Aliyyil `Azheem.

"O Allaah, guard me with Your Eyes which do not sleep, and guard me with Your Protection which does not go harm, and have mercy upon me by Your Power over me. I will not perish so long as You are my hope. How many a favour You have bestowed upon me, yet my gratitude for it was very little. How many a test You tested me with, yet my patience at that time was very little. So (O Allaah), O One Who, despite my gratitude for His Favours being very little, He did not deprive me, and despite my patience over His tests being very little, He did not abandon me, and O One Who sees me upon sins and yet He does not disgrace me, I ask that You send salutations upon Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, like how You sent salutations, blessings and mercy upon Ibraaheem. Verily, You are the Praiseworthy, the Majestic. O Allaah, help me on my Deen through my Dunyaa, and my Aakhirah through my Taqwaa. Protect me from that which I am absent from and do not leave me to myself in those things wherein I am present. O One Who is not harmed by sins and Who is not diminished by forgiving, grant me (my Du`aa, for verily granting) does not harm You, and forgive me (for verily forgiving me) does not diminish You. O Allaah, I ask You for a relief that is near, and beautiful patience, and I ask You for safety from every affliction, and I ask You for the permanence of the safety You grant me, and I ask You for independance from people, and I ask you for safety from everything, and there is no force or power except with Allaah, the Most High and the Most Great."

- 66 -

Imaam al-Kharaa'iti narrates in "Makaarim al-Akhlaaq", from Hadhrat `Abdullaah ibn `Alqamah at-Taa'i, that Hadhrat Jibreel عليه السلام came to Nabi Yusuf عليه السلام whilst he was in jail and said to him, "I have come to teach you some words which perhaps Allaah Ta`aalaa may grant you benefit through. Say:

اللهُمَّ اجْعَلْ لِيْ مِنْ كُلِّ هَمٍّ يُهِمُّنِيْ فَرَجاً وَمَخْرَجاً وَارْزُقْنِيْ مِنْ حَيْثُ لَا أَحْتَسِبُ

Allaahummaj-`al lee min Kulli Hammin Yuhimmunee Farajaw wa Makhrajaa, Warzuqnee min Haythu laa Ahtasib.

"O Allaah, grant me relief and a way out from every worry which worries me, and grant me Rizq (sustenance) from whence I do not even imagine."

[ZeeshanParvez]

- 57 -

I saw in the biography of the Imaam, Muhyi-yuddeen `Abdul Qaadir al-Qurashi al-Hanafi, in his handwriting, the following text:

"Whosoever is in difficulty, and his means are cut off, then let him write his request to Allaah Ta`aalaa (on a paper) and cast it into the sea, after Salaat-ul-`Asr on the day of Jumu`ah. And on this (paper) he should write the following:

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَحْمَنِ الرَحِيْمِ

مِنَ الْعَبْدِ الذَلِيْلِ إِلَى الْمَلِكِ الْجَلِيْلِ

الحَمْدُ للهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِيْنَ سَلَامٌ عَلَى إِلْيَاسِيْنَ مَسَّنِيَ الضُّرُّ وَأَنْتَ أَرْحَمُ الرَاحِمِيْنَ, لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ سُبْحَانَكَ إِنِّيْ كُنْتُ مِنَ الظَالِمِيْنَ فَاسْتَجَبْنَا لَهُ وَنَجَّيْنَاهُ مِنَ الْغَمِّ وَكَذَلِكَ نُنْجِيْ المُؤْمِنِيْنَ, اللهُمَّ إِنَّكَ تَعْلَمُ مَا نَزَلَ بِيْ مِنْ أَمْرِ كَذَا وَكَذَا فَاجْعَلْ لِيْ مِنْهُ فَرَجاً وَمَخْرَجاً إِنَّكَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيْرٌ وَصَلَّى اللهُ وَسَلَّمَ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَآلِهِ,

Bismillaahir Rahmaanir Raheem.

Minal `Abdidh Dhaleel ilal Malikil Jaleel,

Could you please provide the Sunnah or action of a Companion with a complete chain of narrators who did this ever???????????????

[ZeeshanParvez]

- 64 -

Imaam ibn `Asaakir narrates in his Taareekh from Ja`far ibn Muhammad ibn `Ali ibn al-Husain, that al-Mansoor once oppressed him, so he performed two Rak`ats of Salaah and then made the following Du`aa:

اللهُمَّ بِكَ أَسْتَفْتِحُ وَبِكَ أَسْتَنْجِحُ وَبِمُحَمَّدٍ عَبْدِكَ وَرَسُوْلِكَ أَتَوَسَّلُ اللهُمَّ سَهِّلْ حَزُوْنَتَهُ وَذَلِّلْ لِيْ صُعُوْبَتَهُ وَأَعْطِنِيْ مِنَ الْخَيْرِ أَكْثَرَ مِمَّا أَرْجُوْ وَاصْرِفْ عَنِّيْ مِنَ الشَّرِّ أَكْثَرَ مِمَّا أَخَافُ


Allaahumma bika Astaftihu wa bika Astanjihu wa bi-Muhammadin `Abdika wa Rasoolika Atawassalu, Allaahumma Sahhil lee Hazoonatah, wa Dhallil lee Su`oobatah, wa A`tinee minal Khayri Akthara mimmaa Arjoo Wasrif `Annee minash Sharri Akthara mimmaa Akhaaf.

“O Allaah, through You I seek victory and through You I gain success, and (O Allaah) it is through Your slave and Rasool, Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) that I make Tawassul. O Allaah, ease for me its grief and its difficulty, and grant me more goodness than (even) what I hope for, and avert from me more than just the evil that I fear.”


So when he entered upon al-Mansoor, he (al-Mansoor) met him and honoured him.

Brother, is this the sixth Shia Imaam you have posted about because this website here has the same incident and refers to him as Imaam al-Saadiq?


اعتقال- الإمام- الصادق- عليه- السلام- ودعاؤه- بالخلاص-

أرسل- إلیه- ( إلی- الإمام- الصادق- ) أبو جعفر ( المنصور ) ذات- يوم- رزام- بن- قيس- يدعوه- للقائه-، ففصلا عن- المدينة-، حتّي- بلغا النجف-. فنزل- جعفر عن- راحلته-، فأسبغ- الوضوء وصلّي- ركعتين-، ثمّ رفع- يديه- وهو يقول-: اللَهُمَّ بِكَ أَسْتَفْتِحُ، وَبِكَ أَسْتَنْجِحُ، وَبِمُحَمَّدٍ عَبْدِكَ وَرَسُولِكَ أَتَوَسَّلُ. اللَهُمَّ سَهِّلْ حُزونَتَهُ، وَذَلِّلْ لِي- صُعُوبَتَهُ، وَأَعْطِنِي- مِنَ الخَيْرِ أَكْثَرَ مِمَّا أَرْجُو، وَاصْبِفْ عَنِي- مِنَ الشَّرِّ أَكْثَرَ مِمَّا أَخَافُ.
ثمّ ركب- راحلته- حتّي- إذا بلغا قصر المنصور، أعْلَمَ المنصور بمكانه-. فلم- يحجبه- قليلاً أو كثيراً، بل- تفتّحت- الابواب-، ورفعت- الستر. فلمّا قرب- من- المنصور قام- إلیه- فتلقّاه-، وأخذ بيده- وماشاه-، حتّي- نتهي- به- إلی- مجلسه-، ثمّ أقبل- عليه- يسأله- عن- حاله-!


Reference(s):

http://motaghin.com/ar_Articlepage_4371.aspx?gid=45

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

It is the same person. That is because we regard him as being one of the great A'immah, whereas the vile Shi`a Kaafirs take him as some kind of god. He was an Imaam in Fiqh. So when Ahlus Sunnah wal-Jamaa`ah say, "Imaam Ja`far as-Saadiq", they mean Imaam in Fiqh, whereas when the Raafidhah say it, they mean a "demi-god". Our definition of Imaam differs entirely from their definition of Imaam. Ja`far as-Saadiq was the son of Imaam Baaqir, who was one of the Asaatidhah of Imaam Abu Haneefah. Imaam Ja`far as-Saadiq was a "Saathi" (like they say in Urdu) of Imaam Abu Haneefah. They studied together.

والله تعالى أعلم

والسلام

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

- 67 -

Imaam al-Khateeb al-Baghdaadi and Imaam ibn `Asaakir both narrate from Hadhrat `Aa'ishah رضي الله عنها that she said: "Be more hopeful of what you had not hoped for than you are for what you hope for, for verily Moosaa ibn `Imraan had gone out in search of fire and returned with Nubuwwah."

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

- 68 -

Wahb ibn Naajiyah al-Murree wrote the following poem:

كن لما لا ترجو من الأمر أرجى منك يوماً لما له أنت راجي
إن موسى مضى ليقبس ناراً من ضياء رآه والليل داجي
فأتى أهله وقد حكم الل ه وناجاه وهو خير مناجي
وكذا الأمر ربما ضاق بالمر ء فيتلوه سرعة الإنفراج

"Be, towards a matter you do not have hope for, more hopeful than you are to a matter you hope to attain one day.

Moosaa went out in search of fire, from a light he saw in the darkness of the night.

Thus, he returned to his family, but Allaah had passed His Judgement and had conversed privately with him in speech, and He is the best of those who converse.

(In life), many a time affairs become constricted for a man, but it's followed up by a swift granting of relief."

[Serinity]

JazakAllah khayr, brother. you can't imagine how happy I am to read this.

This reminds me of the Mercy of Allah :swt: .

And if I may add. There is always relief in reading the Qur'aan. Read as much as you can, because you never know when you will need it. The knowledge of the Qur'aan is of huge benefit.

The knowledge of the Qur'aan will grant you relief, In shaa' Allah. It is a Mercy to the believers.

And it increases the believers in Faith whenever the Quran is recited (there is an ayaat about this) but it increases the Kuffaar in aversion of it.

And SubhanAllah. When I read the Qur'aan, weeks later, I see sometimes through real life that what is happening is what Allah told me in the Qur'aan. It made my belief in the Qur'aan even more firm, and made me love Allah even more.

Such experiences come only if you read Qur'aan. I think. Cause I would have maybe overlooked such things, if I didn't read it in the Quraan.

Say:

Allah says in the Qur'aan that there are Kuffaar who stretch out their hands, wanting you to be like them. And SubhanAllah, that is true.

And you are like whom you imitate and are with. So if one's close friends are kuffaar, sooner or later, one will conform to their norms or them to ours.

you know sociology? Socialisation? Conformity? As humans we like to be like those whom we are with, and comfortable with.

And the hadith about being in good company, and bad company, resonates soo good with this. (correct me if I am wrong here)

Please correct me if I said anything wrong.

And may Allah forgive all of us.
Allahu alam.

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

- 69 -

Abu-l Qaasim ibn Bishraan narrates in his Amaali, saying: Abu-l `Abbaas Ahmad ibn Ibraaheem ibn `Ali al-Kindi informed us that Muhammad ibn Ja`far as-Saamarree recited this poem to us, saying: Some of our companions asked me to recite this poem to Abu Mihjan ath-Thaqafi:

عسى فرج يأتي به الله إنه له كل يوم في خليقته أمر
عسى ما ترى أن لا يدوم وأن ترى له فرجاً مما ألحّ به الدهر
إذا اشتد عسر فارج يسراً فإنه قضى الله أن العسر يعقبه يسر

"Perhaps a relief will soon be forthcoming from Allaah; verily, everyday He brings about a new matter among His creation.

Perhaps that which you see will not last, and you do not see the relief for such a difficulty which had been carrying on for a long time.

When the difficulty becomes severe, have hope for ease, for verily, it is the Decree of Allaah that difficulty will be followed up by ease."

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

- 70 -

Some of them said:

عادني الهم واعتلج كل هم إلى فرج

"Anxiety and worries visited me, but each worry turned into a relief (from Allaah Ta`aalaa)."

- 71 -

Ibn an-Najjaar narrates in Taareekh Baghdaad from the chain of Ahmad ibn al-Qaasim ar-Rayyaan al-Misri, who said: Ahmad ibn Is-haaq ibn Ibraaheem ibn Nubayt al-Ashja`e narrated to us in Egypt, saying: My father narrated to me from his father, from his grandfather who said: `Ali ibn Abi Taalib رضي الله عنه said (in poetry):

إذا اشتملت على اليأس القلوب وضاق لما به الصدر الرحيب
وأوطنت المكاره واطمأنت وأرست في أماكنها الخطوب
ولم تر لإنكشاف الضر وجهاً ولا أغني بحيلته الأريب
أتاك على قنوط منك غوث يجيء به القريب المستجيب
وكل الحادثات إذا تناهت فموصول بها الفرج القريب

"When the hearts fill with despair, and become constricted after their spaciousness;

And when the disliked matters take root and become firm and contented, and the troubles and misfortunes become anchored and take their place;

And you do not see any way for the removal of these harms, nor any cunning scheme to suffice you from them;

There comes to you, in your state of despondency, a help brought by the One Who is Most Near and Who answers the calls (of those who ask from Him).

All difficulties, upon reaching their conclusion, are followed up by a relief near at hand."

These verses of poetry have been narrated by Imaam ibn Abi-d Dunyaa without any chain of narrators leading up to Hadhrat `Ali رضي الله عنه.

- 72 -

Abu-l `Abbaas Ahmad ibn Abi-l Qaasim ibn `Iyaal recited this poem to me, saying: the Faqeeh, Abu-l Qaasim `Abdur Rahmaan ibn Salaamah al-Qadhaa`ee recited this poem to me in a gathering in which he taught, saying: Imaam Maalik used to recite these two verses of poetry:

درّج الأيام تندرج وبيوت الهم لا تلج
رُبّ شيء عز مطلبه قرّبته ساعة الفرج

"Let the days pass on their course, and do not enter into the houses of grief.

Many a sought-after thing is brought nigh by the hour of relief."

- 73 -

Hadhrat `Abdullaah ibn az-Zubayr al-Asadi recited the following poem:

لا أحسب الشر جاراً لا يفارقني ولا أحزّ على ما فاتني الودجا
وما نزلتُ من المكروه منزلة إلا وثقت بأن ألقى لها فرجا

"I do not regard evil and misfortune as a neighbour that shall not depart from me, nor do I cut the jugular vein on account of what has passed me by.

Never have I descended into any difficulty except that I had firm conviction that I would meet up with a relief from it."

- 74 -

Muntajab ad-Deen Abu-l Futooh al-`Ajali recited this poem:

إذا ما رأيتَ فنون البلاء وعزّ المحيص لفرط الحرج
فلا تحظ إلا بصبر جميل فعند اصطبارك يأتي الفرج

"When you witness a plethora of difficulties headed your way, and any way of escaping from harm becomes rare;

Do not react except with beautiful patience, for at the time of you patiently persevering shall come the relief."

- 75 -

Muhammad ibn `Abdillaah ibn `Abdil Hakam recited this poem:

إذا ضقتَ فاصبر يفرج الله ما ترى ألا رُبَّ ضيق في عواقبه سعه

"When you are put into difficulty, have patience; Allaah will grant you relief from all that you see of hardships.

Take note! Many a difficulty has ease following closely in its wake."

- 76 -

Jahzhah recited this poem:

فلا تيأس وإن صحت عزيتهم على الدلج
فإن إلى غداة غد سيأتي الله بالفرج

"So do not ever despair, even if the (difficulties) resolve to reach the darkest hour of the night, for indeed, by tomorrow morning Allaah will bring the relief."

- 77 -

Another poet recited this poem:

ويومٍ كأن المصطلين بحرّه وإن لم تكن نار وقوف على الجمر
صبرنا له حتى تجلّى وإنما تفرّج أيام الكريهة بالصبر

"By a day which, it is as though those who warm themselves draw from its heat, though there may be no fire standing upon the coals.

We will have patience until it appears; indeed, the unpleasant days are only passed through with patience."

- 78 -

Another poet said:

إسترزق الله واطلب من خزائنه ولا تكونن مما ضقت في حرج
فأبعد الأمر يامولاي أقربه وأضيق الحال أدناه من الفرج

"Seek sustenance from Allaah, and seek from His treasure troves, and do not be from those who become constricted due to difficulty;

For indeed, the furthest part of a difficulty is its closest part, O my master, and the most constrained of circumstances are the closest to relief."

- 79 -

As-Sam`aani narrates from his father, who said: I heard Sa`dullaah ibn Nasr al-Waa`izh saying: I was running from the Khaleefah due to something which had happened, and their pursuit of me became very intense, so one night, I saw in a dream that I was in a room and that I was writing something. A man came and stood in front of me, and he said: "Write down what I am about to dictate to you." And he then recited this poem:

إدفع بصبرك حادث الأيام وترجّ لطف الواحد العلّام
لا تيأسن وإن تضيق كربها ورماك ريب صروفها بسهام
فله تعالى بين ذلك فرجة تخفى على الأبصار والأوهام
كم من نجيّ بين أطراف القنا وفريسة سلمت من الضرغام

"Through your patience, repel the difficulties of the days ahead, and place your hope in the Kindness of the One Who is Unique, All-Knowing.

Do not ever despair no matter how difficult things may become, and the doubts of the hardships of the times shoot you with their arrows; Allaah Ta`aalaa has prepared for you, out of all of that, a relief; one that is hidden to the eyes and the imaginations.

How many a person is saved despite being between the ends of the spears, and how many a prey escapes from the lion."

- 80 -

Ja`far ibn Shams al-Khaleefah recited this poem:

هي شدة يأتي الرخاء عقيبها وأسى يبشر بالسرور العاجل
وإذا نظرت فإن بؤساً زائلاً للمرء خير من نعيم زائل

"It is a hardship that will be followed up by ease, and a sadness that gives the glad-tidings of a joy swiftly approaching.

When you look, (you will understand) that a hardship that will leave a person is better than a transient blessing."

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

- 81 -

He also read the following poem:

سأصبر حتى يأتي الله بالذي يشاء وحتى يعجب الدهر من صبري
فكم فاقة بات الغنى من خلالها يلوح وكم عسر تكشّف عن يسر

"I will patiently persevere until Allaah brings that which He wills, and until time itself is amazed at my patience.

For, how many a rich man has come through poverty, gleaming, and how many a difficulty, after being uncovered, reveals ease."

- 82 -

Abu-l Fadhl al-`Abbaas ibn `Umar as-Sarraaj ad-Dimashqi recited the following poem:

فخفّف عن القلب الهموم مسليّاً لعل الذي تخشاه ليس يكون
وكن واثقاً بالله في كل حالة فما شدة إلا وسوف تهون

"Lighten the burden of worries from your heart, and grant it consolation; perhaps that which you fear may never come to be.

Have conviction in Allaah in every situation, for there is no hardship except that soon it shall become easy."

- 83 -

Abu Ja`far Muhammad ibn Basheer al-Himyari recited the following poem:

لا تيأسن وإن طالت مطالبة إذا استعنت بصبر أن ترى فرجا
أخلق بذي الصبر أن يحظى بحاجته ومدمن القرع للأبواب أن يلجا

"If you have sought help in patience, then never fall into despair no matter how long the asking (i.e. Du`aa) has been.

What a great characteristic he has, the one who possesses patience! He shall attain his request, just as the one who knocks on the doors shall enter."

- 84 -

Al-Hasan ibn Wahb recited this poem, addressing his brother:

إصبر أبا أيوب صبراً يرتضى وإذا جزعت من الخطوب فمن لها
إن الذي عقد الذي انعقدت به عقد المكاره فيك يملك حلّها
الله يفرج بعد ضيق كربها ولعلّها أن تنجلى ولعلّها

"Have patience, O father of Ayyoob - a patience that is pleasing, and when you fall into worries on account of the difficulties in your life, understand that there is no one (to remove it) except Allaah.

Indeed, the One Who tied the knots of unpleasant things upon you is the only One capable of untying them.

Allaah will grant relief to you after the constricting hardships, and perhaps very soon those hardships will be driven away."

- 85 -

Muhammad ibn al-Fadhl al-Jurjaani, the author, recited this poem:

تعجل إذا ما كان أمن وغبطة وأبطء إذا ما استعرض الخوف والهرج
ولا تيأسن من فرجة أن تنالها لعل الذي ترجوه من حيث لا ترجو

"When it comes to matters of safety and happiness, hasten; and when what is presented is fear and confusion, slow down.

Do not despair of acquiring a relief from Allaah; perhaps that which you are hoping for shall come to you from such avenues as you had never hoping for."

- 86 -

Abu Is-haaq Ibraaheem ibn al-`Abbaas as-Sooli recited this poem:

ولربّ نازلة يضيق بها الفتى ذرعاً وعند الله منها مخرج
كملت فلما استحكمت حلقاتها فرجت وكان يظنها لا تفرج

"Many a hardship may cause the youngster to feel his life straitened; however, with Allaah is the way out.

When the hardship achieved completion and the last of its links had solidified, it was removed - and he had been thinking that it would never be removed."

As-Salaah as-Safadi said in his Taareekh: Whosoever reads these couplets at a time a difficulty has befallen, he will be granted relief by Allaah Ta`aalaa.

- 87 -

Ar-Rabee` ibn Sulaymaan al-Muraadee, the companion of Imaam ash-Shaafi`ee said, and the Haafizh, Zakiyy-ud-Deen al-Mundhiri narrated this from him, and Imaam ibn `Asaakir narrated it in his Taareekh, from ar-Rabee`, from Imaam ash-Shaafi`ee that he said:

صبراً جميلاً ما أسرع الفرجا من صدق الله في الأمور نجا
من خشي الله من ينله أذى ومن رجا الله كان حيث رجا

"Exercise a beautiful patience, for how swiftly comes the relief!

Whosoever is truthful with Allaah in all matters, he is saved; whosoever fears Allaah, he will not be overtaken by harm; whosoever places his hope in Allaah, he will be wherever he hopes to be."

- 88 -

Laqeet ibn Zuraarah recited this poem:

قد عشت في الدهر أطواراً على طرق شتّى وقاسيت فيه اللين والفظعا
كلَّا لبست فلا النعماء تبطرني ولا تخشّعت من لأوائها جزعا
ما سدّ مطلع ضاقت ثنيّته إلا وجدت وراء الضيق متّسعا

"In life, time and again I lived on different paths, and during that time, I endured both kindness and harshness. Both of these garments I have worn; thus, neither does favour spoil me, nor do I fear from hardships.

The opening to any dawn never became constricted to me, except that I saw, beyond the constriction, a vast expanse.”

- 89 -

Abu `Abdillaah Muhammad ibn `Abdillaah al-Khazrajee recited this poem:

لا تجزعن إذا نالتك موجعة واضرع إلى الله يسرع نحوك الفرج
ثم استعن بجميل الصبر محتسباً فصبح يسرك بعد العسر ينسلج
فسوف يدلج عنك الهم مرتحلاً وإن أقام قليلاً سوف يدلج

"Do not fall into worry when some pain overtakes you; humble yourself to Allaah, for He will swiftly send relief your way. Take help from a beautiful patience, expecting relief from Allaah; verily, the morning of your ease will dawn immediately after (the night of) your hardship has passed.

The worries that are afflicting you shall soon depart; even if they remain for a little while, very soon they shall depart."

- 90 -

Some of them narrate that ibn an-Najjaar recited this poem:

لا تيأسن إذا ما ضقت من فرج يأتي به الله في الروحات الدلج
وإن تضايق باب عنك مرتتج فانظر لنفسك باباً غير مرتتج
فما تجرّع كأس الصبر معتصم بالله إلا أتاه الله بالفرج

"Do not fall into despair when matters are hard and relief seems far; Allaah will bring it in the afternoons and in the darkest hours of the night.

If one door becomes constricted upon you, find for yourself another door that is not constricted.

None swallows the cup of patience, holding firmly to Allaah, except that Allaah brings him the relief."

[Indefinable]

Can I compile this altogether as a PDF please? Is that permissible?

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

Can I compile this altogether as a PDF please? Is that permissible?

You are free to do that, respected sister. However, that is currently my plan, In Shaa Allaah. You see, all of this that I am translating, as I explained in the first post, is from the Kitaab الفرج بعد الشدة of Imaam ibn Abi-d Dunyaa and then Imaam as-Suyooti. As I have translated each page of the Kitaab, I have been posting it here. At the same time, I have been compiling it together. So, once the translation is complete, I will be bringing it out as a Kitaab, In Shaa Allaah.

Was-Salaam.

[Indefinable]

You are free to do that, respected sister. However, that is currently my plan, In Shaa Allaah. You see, all of this that I am translating, as I explained in the first post, is from the Kitaab الفرج بعد الشدة of Imaam ibn Abi-d Dunyaa and then Imaam as-Suyooti. As I have translated each page of the Kitaab, I have been posting it here. At the same time, I have been compiling it together. So, once the translation is complete, I will be bringing it out as a Kitaab, In Shaa Allaah.

Was-Salaam.

Insha'Allaah.

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

- 91 -

Al-`Atawi recited this poem:

مستشعر الصبر مقرون به الفرج يبكي ويصبر والأشياء تبتهج
حتى إذا بلغت مقدور غايتها جاءتك تضحك عن ظلمائها السرج
فاصبر ودم واقرع الباب الذي طلعت به المطالع والمغري به يلج
بقدرة الله فارج الله وارض به ففي إرادته الغمّاء تنفرج

"The one experiencing patience is connected with the relief; he sheds tears, he has patience, and very soon the conditions change to one of joy.

When the difficulty reaches the end of its journey, the relief comes to you, laughing away the darkness into the brightness of many suns.

Therefore, have patience, persevere, and continue to knock at the door by which is the sunrise, and the enticed one enters by the Power and Decree of Allaah.

Thus, have hope in Allaah and be pleased with Him; for indeed, through His Will all the dark clouds of sorrow and difficulty shall disperse."

- 92 -

Ali ibn `Abdillaah ibn Muhammad ibn Daawud at-Tabari recited this poem:

يامن ألحّ عليه الهم والفكر وغيّرت حاله الأيام والغير
أما سمعت بما قد قيل في مثل عند الإياس فأين الله والقدر
نم للخطوب إذا أحداثها طرقت واصبر فقد فاز أقوام لها صبروا
وكلّ ضيق سيأتي بعده سعة وكلّ فوت وشيك بعده الظفر

"O one who is besieged by worries and anxiety, and his condition has changed due to the hardships of the days gone by:

Have you not heard of what was spoken in the parable at the time of despondency, "Where is Allaah and al-Qadr (destiny, i.e. have you forgotten about Allaah?)"

Take rest when the hardships and difficulties strike; have patience, for the people who had patience were successful.

Every hardship shall be followed up by ease, and every imminent loss shall be followed up by victory."

- 93 -

At-Taghraa'i recited this poem:

لا تجزعنّ إذا ما الأمر ضقت به ذرعاً ونم وتوسد فارغ البال
وما اهتمامك والمجدي عليك وقد جرى القضاء بأرزاق وآجال

"Do not fall into anxiety when circumstances become difficult; take rest, sleep with peace of mind.

Of what benefit to you is your anxiety and worrying, when the Divine Decree (of Allaah) has already passed the provisions and lifespans?"

- 94 -

Abu Taalib Sa`d ibn Muhammad al-Waheed said:

يا نفس كوني لرَوح الله ناظرة فإنه للأماني طيّب الأرج
كم لحظة لك مخلوس تقبّلها كانت مدى لك بين اليأس والفرج

"O Nafs, await the relief from Allaah, for it is a most pleasing relief for the hopes.
How many a moment of yours has been stolen, which had been alternating for you, during that time, between despondency and the granting of relief."

- 95 -

Some of them recited this poem:

إذا الحادثات بلغن المدى وكادت تذوب لهن المهج
وحل البلاء وعزّ العزاء فعند التناهي يكون الفرج

"When the hardships reach the end of their course, almost having caused the hearts to melt;

The knot of affliction is untied and consolation comes, for indeed, at the end of difficulties comes the relief."

- 96 -

Ibn an-Najjaar said: Muhammad ibn Sakeenah recited this poem to me:

كن بلطف الله ذا ثقة وارض بالجاري من القسم
واصطبر للأمر تكرهه فلعل البرء في السقم

"Have full conviction in the Kindness of Allaah, and be content with what has been alotted to you.

Patiently persevere over matters you dislike, for perhaps the cure may lie hidden in the illness."

- 97 -

Ibn an-Najjaar said: `Abdul Wahhaab ibn `Ali al-Ameen narrated to us, saying: I read in the presence of Abu-l Qaasim `Abdullaah ibn al-Qaasim ibn `Ali al-Hareeree, the author of al-Maqaamaat, and he said: My father recited the following poem to us:

لا تيأسن عند النوب من فرجة تجلو الكرب
فلكم سموم هب ث م جرى نسيماً وانقلب
وسحاب مكروه تنشّ أ فاضمحل وما سكب
ودخان خطب خيف من ه فما استبان له لهب
ولطالما طلع الأسى وعلى بقيّته غرب
فاصبر إذا ما ناب رو ع فالزمان أبو العجب
وترجّ من رَوح الإل ه لطائفاً لا تحتسب

"Do not become despondent at the time of difficulty, from receiving a relief that will disperse the harms.

The simoom that rages turns into a gentle breeze. Clouds of worries form, then they disappear and there is no downpour.

The smoke emitted by the firewood is feared from, but no flames appear from it.

The sun of a hardship may rise (in the heart), but after completing its course, it shall set.

Hence, have patience when fear and panic strikes, for time is the father of surprises!

Have hope in receiving relief from Allaah; such subtle kindnesses as cannot be imagined."

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

- 98 -

Imaam ibn an-Najjaar narrates that Abu `Ali Muhammad ibn Muhammad ibn ash-Shaatir al-Anbaari recited this poem:

إذا ما ألمّت شدة فاصطبر لها فخير سلاح المرء في الشدة الصبر
وإني لأستحيي من الله أن أُرى إلى غيره أشكو وإن مسّني الضر
عسى فرج يأتي به الله إنه له كلّ يوم في خليقته أمر

"When a difficulty becomes painful, patiently persevere; for verily, the best weapon of a person at the time of difficulty is patience.

Indeed, I am ashamed to be seen by Allaah whilst complaining to other than Him, though harm may touch me.

Relief will soon be forthcoming from Allaah; indeed, every day He brings about a new matter among His creation."

- 99 -

Al-Buhtari recited this poem to al-Mu`tazz prior to him (al-Mu`tazz) acquiring the Khaleefah:

جعلت فداك الدهر ليس بمنفكّ من الحادث المشكو والنازل المشكي
وما هذه الأيام إلا منازل فمن منزل رحب إلى منزل ضنك
وقد هذّبتك الحادثات وإنما صفا الذهب الأبريز قبلك بالسبك
أما في رسول الله يوسف أسوة لمثلك محبوساً على الظلم والإفك
أقام جميل الصبر في الحبس برهة فآل به الصبر الجميل إلى الملك

"May I be ransomed for you! Truly, time will never cease to be troubled by difficulties and afflictions bringing complaints...

The days are nothing but stages - sometimes a stage of spaciousness and ease, sometimes a stage of constriction.

The afflictions have purified you, and indeed pure gold only becomes pure through smelting.

Is there not, for you, a perfect example in the Rasool of Allaah, Yusuf? Like you, he was imprisoned wrongly and falsely accused. He exercised a beautiful patience under imprisonment for a period of time; thereafter, that beautiful patience took him to kingship."

- 100 -

Ibraaheem ibn Ghaanim ibn `Abdoon, the writer, wrote this poem:

ربما كانت الخلائق إن ضا قت بخطب معدودة في الخطوب
وتهون الأحداث عند معان بفؤاد شهم وصدر رحيب
ورجاء الميسور يثمر في الأن فس يسراً تناله عن قريب
والصبور الداعي إلى الله محب وّ مجاب من السميع المجيب
فتوكل عليه يكفيك والزم حكم ذي حكمة ورأي مصيب

"Many a time the creations are constrained by difficulties, but the afflictions become easy when assisted by a magnanimous heart and spacious chest.

The hoping for easiness (from Allaah) causes the fruits of ease to grow in the souls, and very soon you shall pluck it.

The one who is patient and who calls upon Allaah is beloved by Him and answered by the One Who is All-Hearing, the Answerer of supplications.

Therefore, place your trust in Him; He shall suffice you, and hold firmly to the ruling of He Who is Most-Wise and most correct in view."

- 101 -

Abu-l Hasan Zaid ibn Muhammad ibn Zayd al-`Alawi recited this poem:

وراء مضيق الخوف متَّسع الأمن وأول مفروج به آخر الحزن
فلا تيأسن فالله ملّك يوسفاً خزائنه بعد الخلاص من السجن

"After every difficulty of fear, there is the spaciousness of safety; the first of the relief comes at the end of the grief.

Thus, do not be despondent, for indeed Allaah gave Yusuf kingship over His treasure troves after removing him from the prison."

- 102 -

Abu `Imraan Moosaa ibn Muhammad at-Towlaqi, the poet, recited this poem:

تصبّر إن عقبى الصبر خير ولا تجزع لنائبة تنوب
فإن اليسر بعد العسر يأتي وعند الضيق تنفرج الكروب
وكم جزعت نفوس من أمور أتى من دونها فرج قريب

"Have patience, for indeed the end result of patience is goodness, and never worry about a hardship that afflicts you.

Indeed, ease comes after hardship, and at the constriction of difficulty, relief disperses the difficulties.

How often the souls have worried about a hardship, the relief from which came very soon after."

- 103 -

Ja`far ibn Warqaa ash-Shaybaani recited this poem:

الحمد لله على ما قضى في المال لما حفظ المهجه
ولم تكن من ضيقة هكذا إلا كانت بعدها فرجه

"All praises belong to Allaah for whatever has been decreed concerning wealth, when one's life is safe.

There is no hardship like this except that after it comes relief."

- 104 -

Ja`far ibn Makki al-Baghdaadi recited this poem:

إلهي يا مولى الموالي وخير من تمد إليه الراح عند سؤال
قطعت رجائي عن سواك لأنني رجوتك إذ كنت العليم بحالي
ومن يك في كل الأمور مفوِّضاً إليك فقد حاز المنى بكمال

"O my Ilaah, Master of all my masters, the Best in whom to place one's reliance at the time of asking;

I have cut off hope from everyone besides You, for I have placed my hopes in You alone, as You are All-Knowing regarding my conditions.

Whosoever entrusts his affairs unto You in all circumstances shall indeed acquire in totality all of what he desires."

- 105 -

Abu-l Qaasim al-Hasan ibn Muhammad ibn Habeeb, the Mufassir, the orator, recited this poem:

وصائب الأيام إن عاديتها بالصبر رُدّ عليك وهي مواهب
لم يدج ليل العسر قط بغمة إلا بدا للسير فيه كواكب

"Oppose the hardships of the days with patience, and they shall turn into gifts.

No night was ever dark and cloudy except that the stars appear to the one travelling therein."

- 106 -

Abu Mansoor `Abdullaah ibn Sa`eed al-Khawaafi recited this poem:

فلا تيأس إذا ما سد باب فأرض الله واسعة المسالك
ولا تجزع إذا ما اعتاص أمر لعل الله يحدث بعد ذلك

"Never become dispondent when a door is closed to you; the earth of Allaah is most vast and the roads are many.

Do not fall into worry when a matter becomes difficult upon for, for perhaps Allaah will bring about a new matter very soon thereafter."

- 107 -

Abu-l Hasan `Ali ibn Muhammad ibn an-Nadhr al-Asnawi recited this poem:

يا نفس صبراً واحتساباً إنها غمرات أيام تمرّ وتنجلي
في الله هلكك إن هلكت حميدة وعليه أجرك فاصري وتوكلي
لا تيأسي من رَوح ربك واحذري أن تستفزّي بالقنوط فتخذلي

"O Nafs, have patience and expect reward (from Allaah); the diffiulties of shall pass by and disperse.

In you perish for Allaah, your death will be praiseworthy, and upon Him shall be your reward; thus, be patient and trust in Him.

Do not despair from relief from your Rabb, and beware of irritation (at your circumstances) and despairing, for then you shall be forsaken."

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

- 108 -

Hadhrat `Uthmaan ibn `Affaan رضي الله عنه recited this poem:

غنى النفس يغني النفس حتى يكفّها وإن عضّها حتى يضرّ بها الفقر
وما عسرة فاصبر لها إن تتابعت بباقية إلا سيتبعها يسر

"Contentment of the soul enriches one and protects him, even if poverty bites onto him until it gets hurt.

Have patience over hardship until the remainder of it has passed; it shall be followed up by ease."

- 109 -

`Ali ibn al-Jahm as-Saami recited this poem:

لا يؤيسنّك من تفرج كربة خطب رماك به الزمان انكد
كم من عليل قد تخطّاه الردى فنجا ومات طبيبه والعوّد

"Do not despair of relief from a hardship thrown at you by a miserable time; how many a sick person was bypassed by death, thus he was saved and his doctor and those who visited his sick-bed passed away."

- 110 -

Abu Yusuf as-Suhayli recited this poem:

لا البؤس يبقى ولا النعيم ولا حلقة ضيق ستفرج الحلقه
صبراً على الدهر في تحيّفه كم فتح الصبر مرة غلقه

"Hardship shall not remain (in this life) and nor shall pleasure; no constriction of circumstances is there except that relief from it shall come.

Have patience over the hardships of the time; how often has patience opened up the locks of difficulty."

- 111 -

Ali ibn Muhammad ibn `Abdillaah ibn Hasan ibn Hasan ibn `Ali ibn Abi Taalib رضي الله عنهم recited this poem:

عسى منهل يصفو فيروي ظمأة أطال صداها المنهل المتكدر
عسى جابر العظم الكسير بلطفه سيرتاح للعظم الكسير فيجبر
عسى صور أمسى لها الجور دافناً سيبعثها عدل يجيء فتظهر
عسى الله لا تيأس من الله إنه يسير عليه ما يعزّ ويعسر

"Perhaps the watering-hole shall become pure, thus it shall quench the thirst of the thirsty one; a muddy watering-hole only intensifies the thirst.

Perhaps the bonesetter of broken bones - in his kindness - shall give rest to the broken bone in its splint, thus it shall heal.

Performs the forms and voices which were buried unjustly shall be brought out with justice, and thus shall emerge once again.

Do not become despondent with regards to Allaah; what is difficult to others is easy for Him."

- 112 -

Another poet said:

إذا ما رماك الدهر منه بنكبة فهيّء لها صبراً وأوسع لها صدرا
فإن تصاريف المزان عجيبة فيوماً ترى عسراً ويوماً ترى يسرا

"When time throws a difficulty your way, prepare patience for it and let your chest be vast. Indeed, the changes of time are strange; one day you will see difficulty, one day you will see ease."

- 113 -

Another poet said:

دع المقادير تجري في أزمتها ولا تبيتنّ إلا خالي البال
ما بين رقدة عين وانتباهتها يغير الدهر من حال إلى حال

"Let destiny runs its course, with its difficulties, and do not sleep except with peace of mind. Between the resting of the eyes and awakening again, time changes from one condition to another."

- 114 -

Another poet said:

إذا ضاق بك الصدر ففكر في ألم نشرح
فإن العسر مقرون بيسر قط ما يبرح

"When your chest becomes tight from hardships, contemplate (Soorah) Alam Nashrah.

Indeed, a hardship connected to ease can never ever remain."

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

- 115 -

Hilaal ibn al-`Alaa ar-Raqqi recited this poem:

الناس في الدين والدنيا ذوو درج والمال ما بين موفور ومختلج
من ضاق عنه فأرض الله واسعة لكل وجه مضيق وجه منفرج
قد يدرك الراقد الهادي برقدته وقد يخيب أخو الروحات الدلج
خير المذاهب في الحاجات أنجحها وأضيق الأمر أدناه من الفرج

"People, with regards to their Deen and their worldly life are on differing stages. Some have wealth in abundance, whilst the minds of others are engrossed with worry (over acquiring some).

Whoever is experiencing difficulty, (he should know) that the earth of Allaah is most spacious; for every difficulty there is a relief.

A calm, sleeping person might acquire wealth despite his sleep, while the one who turns days into nights (searching for wealth) may be unsuccessful.

The best of ways with regards to needs is that which is safest, and the most difficult part of an affliction is the closest part to the relief."

- 116 -

Shaykh `Alaa-ud-Deen al-Qoonawi recited the following poem:

يا بعيد الفهم للحجج وقريب الشبه للهمج
لا تبت للخوف من بشر رُبَّ صدر ضيق حرج
تحسب الأشياء من حمق بإرادات الأنام تجي
كل خلق الله لو طلبوا منك ما لم يقض لم يرج
فاستقم واضرع لربك في دفع ما تخشى من الحرج
وارج من ألطافه فرجاً فهو المرجوّ للفرج

"O one far from understanding the proofs, bearing a resemblance to the savages. Do not spend a night in fear of any person. Many a chest there is, constricted with worries.

Foolishly, you think that those things which occur are through the wills of the created beings.

All of the creation of Allaah, were they to seek from you something whih has not been decreed (by Him), it shall not transpire.

Hence, be steadfast and humble yourself before your Rabb, in repelling the harm which you fear.

Rather, hope in relief from His subtle kindnesses, for He Alone is sought after for the granting of relief."

- 117 -

Al-`Utbi said:

"One day, I I was travelling in the desert in a state of Ghamm (severe sorrow and grief) when the following verse of poetry was cast into my mind:

أرى الموت لمن أصب ح مغموماً له أروح

"I see that death is a relief for the one who has been afflicted with Ghamm."

When the night came, I heard a voice in the air reciting this poem:

ألا يا أيها المرء ال ذي الهم به برّح
وقد أنشد بيتاً لم يزل في فكره يسنح
إذا اشتدت بك العسرى ففكر في ألم نشرح
فعسر بين يسين إذا كررته فافرح
فإن العسر مقرون بيسرين فلا تترح

"Take note, O man who has been tormented and exhausted by worries, and who has recited a verse in poetry that has not ceased passing through his thoughts:

When difficulty and affliction becomes severe upon you, contemplate (the Soorah) Alam Nashrah. Indeed, a hardship that is between two periods of ease; when you contemplate upon this, and repeat it, you shall rejoice.

Indeed, any difficulty is joined with two periods of ease, so be not grieved nor brokenhearted."

He said: "So I memorised these verses of poetry, and Allaah granted me relief (from the Ghamm)."

- 118 -

Another poet said:

مغيث أيوب والكافي لذي النون ينيلني فرجاً بالكاف والنون

"He Who helped Ayyoob and sufficed Dhun-Noon, He shall grant me a relief from distress, by the Kaaf and the Noon (i.e. by His Saying, 'Kun')."

- 119 -

Abu-l Hasan `Ali ibn Haaroon al-Munajjim recited this poem:

لا تأس من رَوح الإله فربما يصل القطوع ويحضر الغياب

"Do not despair of relief from Allaah, for many a times we reconnect with one cut off from us, and the one who was absent returns."

- 120 -

Mukaarim ibn Wazeer recited this poem:

ألطاف ربك في الضراء كامنة فكن لغائبة السراء منتظرا
فغاية الليل فجر والسهاد كرى ومن أجاب دواعي صبره قدرا
ورُبَّ راج أتاح الله بغيته عفواً وغارس آمال جنى الثمرا

"The subtleties of your Rabb are hidden during times of hardship; hence, await the time of ease that is hidden from sight.

The end of the night is dawn, and the end of sleeplessness is sleep. The one who responds to the requirements of patience, becomes capablen (of lasting the difficulty).

Many a person hoping (in Allaah) is granted by Allaah that which he desires immediately, and many a planter of hopes there is, the fruits of which are hidden."

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

- 121 -

Shaykh `Alam-ud-Deen al-`Iraaqi, the Mufassir said, and this is narrated from him by Imama Abu Hayyaan:

"While I was sleeping, I thought up this poem regarding the Qaadhi al-Qudhaat (Chief Judge), ibn Razeen, after he had been dismissed:

يا سالكاً سبل السعادة منهجا يا موضح الخطب البهيم إذا دجا
يا ابن الذين رسب قوعد مجدهم وسنا ثناهم عاطراً فتأرّجا
لا تيأسن من عود ما فارقته بعد السرار يُرى الهلال تبلّجا
وابشر وسرّح ناظراً فلقد ترى عما قليل في العدى متفرجا
وترى وليّك ضاحكاً مستبشراً قد نال من تدميرهم ما يرتجى

"O traverser of the paths of happiness; O clarifier of the blackest dangers when the night is dark; O son of those who, the pillars of their glory is established and their praise gleams brightly, perfumed, emitting a wonderful scent:

Do not ever despair of reuniting with that which you parted from; after the moonless night, the new cresent appears, gleaming bright.

Have glad-tidings; look freely in awaiting relief, for very soon you shall see it in the horizons. You shall see your Wali laughing, with glad-tidings, having acquired from their destruction that which is hoped for."

- 122 -

Ibn Baakawayh narrates in his Kitaab, "Hikaayaat as-Saaliheen", from Ja`far ibn Muhammad who said: "I was with al-Junaid when a man came to him, complaining of an affliction, so Junaid said, "In one place, I found a stone on which was inscribed the following:

هوّن عليك فإن الأمر منقطع وخلّ عنك عنان الهم يندفع
فكل هم له من بعده فرج وكلّ أمر إذا ما ضاق يتّسع

"Take it easy, for verily the affliction shall come to an end; unfetter yourself from the fetters of worry. Every worry shall be followed up by a relief, and every difficulty, after it becomes most constrained, widens."

- 123 -

Ash-Shihaab ibn Fadhlillaah recited the following poem:

عجباً لمنتظر الفرج أنَّى يضيق من الحرج
والله يفعل ما يشا ء وما يغالط بالحجج

"Amazing is the one who awaits relief; how would such a person ever be troubled by harm.

Allaah shall do whatever He wishes, and He is not deceived through arguments."

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

There are now only ten pages remaining, Alhamdulillaah. So, within the next ten posts the translation of the Kitaab will be completed In Shaa Allaah.

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

- 124 -

Ibn al-Mu`tazz recited this poem:

إصبر لعلك عن قليل بالغ بتفضل المنان ذي الإحسان
فرجاً يضيء لك انفتاق صباحه متبلجاً في ظلمة الأحزان

"Have patience, for perhaps you shall soon reach - by the bounty of the Bestower of Favours, the Most Kind - a relief, and the rendering asunder of the clouds of difficulty shall light up for you (the sun) of relief, shining brightly through the darkness of sorrows."

- 125 -

Another poet said:

لا تضيقن بما نا لك من أمرك صدرا
وإذا مسّك دهر بالذي ساء فصبرا
فلعل الله أن يح دث بعد الأمر أمرا
وعد الله تعالى أنّ بعد العسر يسرا

"Let your chest not become tight for a hardship that afflicts you, and when time touches you with something bad, adopt patience. Perhaps Allaah will bring about a new state of affairs after this one; it is the Promise of Allaah that after difficulty shall come ease."

- 126 -

Another poet said:

هوّن عليك فإن الأمر منقطع وخلّ عنك عنان الهم يندفع
فكلّ همّ له من بعده فرج وكلّ أمر إذا ما ضاق يتسع
إن البلاء وإن طال الزمان به فالموت يقطعه أو سوف ينقطع

"Take it easy, for indeed the difficulty shall come to an end, and unfetter yourself from the fetters of worry. Every worry shall be followed up by relief, and when a matter becomes most constricted, it widens.

Indeed, any affliction, no matter how long it may last, shall either come to pass or be ended by death."

- 127 -

Muhammad ibn `Ali ibn Abi-l `Ashaa'ir recited this poem:

ما الهم ضاق به الرحيب تكفّل كشفه فرج قريب
عرم الزمان على كريم أماط عرامه الداعي المجيب

"No worry tightens the chest that is wide (with patience) except that it is removed by a relief near at hand.

If the times become difficult upon a noble person, the Caller, the Answerer (of supplications) shall remove the difficulty."

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

- 128 -

Imaam Abu `Ali al-Husain ibn Muhammad al-Marwurroodhi recited this poem:

إذا ما رماك الدهر يوماً بنكبة فأوسع لها صدراً وأحسن لها أمرا
فإنّ الإله العالمين بفضله سيعقب بعد العسر من فضله يسرا

"When time throws a difficulty your way one day, widen your chest (with patience) and deal with it with goodness. Indeed, the Ilaah of the worlds - by His Bounty - shall follow up that difficulty with ease."

- 129 -

Imaam Abu Is-haaq ath-Tha`labi, the Mufassir, recited this poem:

وإني لأغضي مقلتيّ على القذى وألبس ثوب الصبر أبيق أبلجا
وإني لأدعو الله والأمر ضيّق علىّ فما ينفكّ أن يتفرّجا
ورُبَّ فتى سُدّت عليه وجوهه أصاب لها في دعوة الله مخرجا

"Indeed, I close my eyes to the hardship, and I don the white, glimmering garment of patience.

I call upon Allaah whenever things become difficult upon me, and the relief never ceases to come.

Many a youngster whose means have been blocked off, shall find a way out by calling upon Allaah."

- 130 -

Another poet said:

يا منن إذا اشتد البلا وتضايقت حلق الدواهي
وتيقنت نفسي الهلا ك وأيقنت عند التناهي
فرجتها بلطيفة من حسن برّك يا إلهي

"O One Who, when the difficulty beomes severe, and the chains of misfortune tighten, and my soul becomes convinced of destruction as the difficulty reaches its peak, suddenly You grant relief from it with a suble kindness from Yourself, through Your kindness, O my Ilaah."

- 131 -

Another poet said:

إن عضّك الدهر فانتظر فرجاً فإنه نازل بمنتظره
أو مسّك الضر أو بليت به فاصبر عليه فاليسر في أثره

"If time bites onto you with a hardship, await a relief (from Allaah); indeed, it shall descend upon the one who waits for it. Or if harm touches you, or you are afflicted with a difficulty, have patience; indeed, ease is following swiftly in its footsteps."

[Serinity]

:salam:

If I may share...

It may be that Allah cures the sick and brings death to the healthy and cures the sick. What I mean is. It does not matter whether you are sick or healthy. It is important, but regardless, it is Allah who wills when one dies.

It may be that a sick person who can't even walk without collapsing, has a relative who is worried about this sick person. This healthy relative worries a lot, and soon after the sick person begins to walk again and become healthy, and moments after, the healthy collapses while the sick became healthy..

Morale of the story: Sick or healthy, strong or weak, poor or rich, kafir or Muslim, death comes to all. And many times unexpected. The healthy may die before the sick, and the rich before the poor. or the Muslim before the Kafir.

it does not matter when you die, but how you die. What you have done in life.

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

- 132 -

Another poet said:

يا غافلاً والمنون يطلبه من نصح الله نفسه نصحا
ومن تسلى بذكر خالقه عوّضه من همومه فرحا

"O negligent one while death is seeking him: the one who is sincere to Allaah shall be sincere to his own self, and the one who finds consolation in the Dhikr of his Creator, He (Allaah) shall replace his worries with joy."

- 133 -

Abu Di`bil al-Jumahi recited the following poem:

عسى كربة أمسيت فيها مقيمة يكون لنا منها رجاء ومخرج
فتكبت أعداء ويجذل وامق له كبد من لوعة البين تلعج

"Perhaps, for the difficulty you have entered into, there will be a hope for us from it, and a way out, such as will cause the enemies to be suppressed and the friend to rejoice, whose liver burns with the anguish of separation.”

- 134 -

Zayd ibn `Umar al-Haarithee recited the following poem:

إذا مذهب سدت عليك فروجه فإنك لاق لا محالة مذهبا
فلا تجعلن كرب الخطوب إذا عرت عليك رتاجاً لا يزال مصعبا
وكن رجلاً جلداً إذا ما تقلّبت به صيرفيات الأمور تقلّبا

"When one path becomes sealed to you, you shall definitely encounter another path. The hurt of difficulties shall not be placed as a lock upon you, never ceasing to be difficult. Be a man of patience with the changings of circumstances from one to another."

- 135 -

Al-Husain ibn Mutair al-Asadi recited the following poem:

إذا يسر الله الأمور تيسرت ولانت قواها واستقام عسيرها
فكم طامع في حالة لن ينالها وكم آيس منها أتاه بشيرها
وكم خائف صار المخوف ومقتر تموّل والأحداث يحلو مريرها
وقد تغدر الدنيا فيمسي غنيّها فقيراً ويغني بعد بؤس فقيرها
وكم قد رأينا من تكدّر عيشة وأخرى صفا بعد اكدرار غديرها

"When Allaah makes matters easy, they become easy; their power weakens and their difficulty is removed.

How many a person covets a condition which he shall never obtain; yet, it came to many a person who had despaired of attaining it.

How many a scared person became one who is feared; how many a stingy person beame one who is wealthy. Circumstances change, the bitter things turning sweet.

The world proves treacherous; the rich man becomes poor, and the poor man - after the hardship of poverty - becomes rich.

How many a troubled and muddy life we have seen, but many a stream runs pure after the muddiness."

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

- 136 -

Another poet said:

إلى الله الأمر في الخلق كله وليس إلى المخلوق شيء من الأمر
إذا أنا لم أقبل من الدهر كل ما تكرّهت منه طال عتبي على الدهر
ووسّع صدري بالأذى الأنس بالأذى وإن كان أحياناً يضيق له صدري
وصيّرني يأسي من الناس راجياً لحسن صنيع الله من حيث لا أدري

"To all belongs all of the affairs of the creation; nothing and no authority in it belongs to them.

If I do not accept, from time, everything which I dislike from it, my rebuke upon time would be prolonged.

My chest became vast through the harm (of people) despite (my) cordiality, though at times it may have caused by chest to constrict. My losing hope in people has caused me to have hope (in Allaah Alone), for the wonderful favours of Allaah which comes from whence I do not even know."

- 137 -

Another poet said:

تخطي النفوس مع العيا ن وقد تصيب مع المظنه
كم من مضيق في الفضا ء ومخرج بين الأسنة

"People may walk through seeing and viewing, though they may hit the mark through assumption.

How many may get captured despite the open space, and yet how many may escape despite between the heads of the spears."

- 138 -

Another poet said:

هل الهمّ إلا فرجة تتفرّج لها معقب يجري إليه ويزعج
ألا ربما ضاق الفضاء بأهله وأكمن من بين الأسنة مخرج

"What is worry, except something a relief shall disperse; it has something in its trail that catches up to it and vexes it.

Take note, many a time people may be caught despite the open air, yet escape may be possible despite being between the heads of the spears."

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

- 139 -

Another poet said:

لا يرعك الشر إن ظهرت بتأويل مخائله
رُبَّ أمر سر آخره بعد ما ساءت أوائله

"Evil shall not harm you if you overcome it through awaiting the signs (of being saved from it).

The end part of many a matter may be pleasing, though its beginning had been bad."

- 140 -

Another poet said:

قد يصح المريق من بعد يأس كان منه ويهلك العواد
ويصاد القطا فينجو سليماً بعد هلك ويهلك الصياد

"The sick person may become healthy after having given up hope, and those who visit him perish.

A sand grouse may be hunted yet gets away safely after the certitude of death, and the hunter may perish in his stead.”

- 141 -

Another poet said:

الصبر مفتاح ما يرجّى كل خير به يكون
فاصبر وإن طالت الليالي فربما ساعد الحرون
وربما نيل باصطبار ما قيل هيهات لا يكون

"Patience is the key to whatever is hoped for; with it, every good thing shall come to be. Therefore, be patient though the nights may drag on long; many a time the obstinate one may lend his help. Many a time, through patience one may acquire that of which was said, "Far-fetched be it; never shall it happen!"

[Serinity]

:salam:

What does "patience" mean?

[Zeal]

:salam:

What does "patience" mean?

Read patience and gratitude by ibn qayyim al-jawziyyah (ra)

Sabr has so much depth to it alahmdulillah

[Serinity]

Read patience and gratitude by ibn qayyim al-jawziyyah (ra)

Sabr has so much depth to it alahmdulillah

I think I am doing it wrong. Cuz I have gone through 1 or almost 2 years of hardship.

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

- 142 -

It is narrated that Hadhrat `Ali ibn Abi Taalib رضي الله عنه said:

كم نعمة لا أستقل بشكرها لله في جنب المكاره كامنه

"There is many a favour which I do not deem the gratitude towards as being light; (sometimes) Allaah conceals (goodness) in the side of things which are disliked."

- 143 -

Ibn al-Mu`tazz recited this poem:

خليلي إن الدهر ما تريانه فصبراً وإلا أي شيء سوى الصبر
عسى الله أن يرتاح لي منه فرجة تجيء بها الأيام من حيث لا أدري

"My friend, the times are as you see, thus, exercise patience; for, what else is there besides patience?

Perhaps Allaah will grant me a relief from Him, which shall be brought by the days from whence I do not expect."

- 144 -

`Abdullaah ibn al-Hurr al-Ju`fi recited this poem:

لم يجعل الله قلبي حين ينزل بي همّ يضيقني ضيقاً ولا حرجا
ما أنزل الله بي همّاً فأحرهه إلا سيجعل لي من بعده فرجا

"Allaah has not made my heart one which worries at the time of affliction by difficulties, nor one which becomes constricted. Never does any difficulty befall me which I dislike, except that Allaah will grant me a relief after it."

- 145 -

Another poet said:

إن يكن يومي تولى سعده وتداعي لي بنحس ونكد
فلعل الله يقضي فرجا في غد من عنده أو بعد غد

"If the fortune of my day should change to one of misfortune and misery, (I shall not worry); perhaps Allaah shall decree a relief soon after - tomorrow, or the day after tomorrow."

- 146 -

Al-Mu`arree recited this poem:

لا تشك فالأيام حبلى ربما جاءتك من أعجوبة بجنين
وكذا تصاريف الزمان مشقة في راحة وخشونة في لين
ما ضاع يونس بالعراء مجرداً في ظلّ نابتة من اليقطين

"Do not complain, for indeed the days are pregnant; at times they may come to you with the marvel of a foetus. Similarly, is the changing of the times; difficulty within rest, roughness within easiness.

Yunus (عليه السلام) was not left exposed on the shore; he was covered by the shade of a plant of gourd."

[Zeal]

I think I am doing it wrong. Cuz I have gone through 1 or almost 2 years of hardship.

https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&so...YyPc7VOzS7-NQg

Read and reflect Inshallah


Add: Patience and gratitude go hand in hand so while you may seem to have the capabilities for one you can never truly reach the highest levels without the other, evaluate yourself to see what you are deficient in

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

- 147 -

Ibn Nubaatah as-Sa`dee recited this poem:

تربّص بومك ما في غد فإن العواقب قد تعقب
لعل غداً من أخيه حمى يلمّ لك الصدع أو يرأب

"Await today what lies within tomorrow; perhaps (different) outcomes shall follow up these ones.

Perhaps the one whose brother is angry (at him), tomorrow he may reconcile with you."

- 148 -

At-Tughraa'i recited this poem:

رويدك فالهموم لها رتاج وعن قرب يكون لها انفراج
ألم تر أن طول الليل لمّا تناهى كان للصبح انبلاج

"Wait patiently, for worries have a lock, and soon they shall be dispersed. Have you not seen the brightness of dawn after the lengthy night has passed?"

- 149 -

Abu Firaas ibn Hamdaan recited this poem:

خفّض عليك ولا تكن قلق الحشى مما يكون وعلّه وعساه
فالدهر أقصر مدة مما ترى وعساك أن تكفى الذي تخشاه

"Reduce (your worrying) and do not be ill at ease from 'perhaps' and 'maybe'; the time will last much shorter than what you see, and perhaps you shall be sufficed against what you are worried about."

- 150 -

Another poet said:

أبى لي إغضاء الجفون على القذى يقيني أن لا ضيق إلا سيفرج
ألا ربما ضاق الفضاء بأهله وأمكن من بين الأسنة مخرج

"For me is to shut my eyelids over the difficulty; my conviction is that there is no hardship except that it shall be removed.

Many a times people are caught despite the open, and many a times escape is possible despite being between the heads of the spears."

- 151 -

Another poet said:

كن عن همومك معرضا وكل الأمور إلى القضا
وابشر بخير عاجل تنسى به ما قد مضى
فلرُبَّ أمر مسخط لك في عواقبه رضا

"Turn away fro your worries and entrust your affairs to the Divine Decree (of Allaah). Have glad-tidings for a goodness soon to come, which shall cause you to forget all of the difficulty that has passed. Many a matter unpleasing to you shall be followed up by one which shall please you."

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

- 152 -

Qaadhi Abu-l Hasan `Ali ibn Muhammad ibn an-Nadhr, well-known by the name of al-Areeb, recited this poem at a time when he was afflicted by a calamity:

يا مستجيب دعاء المستجير به ويا مفرج ليل الكربة الداجي
قد أرتجت دوننا الأبواب وانغلقت وجلّ بابك عن منع وإرتاج
نخاف عدلك أن يمضي القضاء به ونرتجيك فكن للخائف الراجي

"O Answerer of the Du`aa of the one who seeks protection with Him, and Who disperses the dark night of hardships. The doors have been closed and locked unto us, but Your door is greater than to be blocked or locked.

We fear Your Justice, that the Divine Decree should pass according to it; we place our hopes in You, so (O Allaah) be help the who fears and hopes in You."

- 153 -

In one of the Tafaaseer it is is mentioned that a man visited one of the Khulafaa and found him to be filled with worries, so he said to him:

الهمّ فصل والقضا غالب وكائن ما خطّ في اللوح
فانتظر الرَوح وأسبابه أيس ما كنت من الرَوح

"Worry shall pass and the Divine Decree shall overpower, and whatever has been written in the Lowh (Protected Tablet) shall come to pass.

Await for relief (from Allaah) and its means, at the time when you are most despairing of relief."

- 154 -

Al-Hasan Buraik recited this poem:

قابل البلوى إذا حل ت بصبر ومسرّه
فلعل الله أن يو ليك بعد العسر يسره
كم عهدنا نكبة ح لّت فولت بعد فتره

"When affliction strikes, meet it with patience and happiness; perhaps Allaah will grant you ease after the hardship. How many a difficulty we have seen leaving after a short while."

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

- 155 -

Another poet said:

علام يسعى الحريص في طلب ال رزق بطول الرواح الدلج
يا دافع الباب رُبّ مجتهد قد أدمن القرع ثم لم يلج
ورُبّ مستفتح على مهل لم يشق في قرعه ولم يهج
فاطو على الهم كشح مصطبر فآخر الهم أوّل الفرج

"For what does the greedy one engross himself, throughout the days and into the darkest hours of the night, in search of provision?

O person shoving against the door! Many a hard-worker had knocked persistently on the door, yet was not allowed entry; and many a person who asked (permission) to enter with calmness and ease, was not disappointed in (the result) of his knocking and was not agitated.

Therefore, fold up your worries and adopt patience, for indeed the last part of worry is the first part of the relief."

- 156 -

As-Salaah as-Safadi recited this poem:

بالله لا تأس على فائت مضى ولا تيأس من اللطف
فقد يجيء الدهر مع قوة فيه بيوم لين العطف

"By Allaah, do not despair over anything which passed you by, and do not despair of (receiving) kindness (from Allaah); for indeed, time - with the power in it - may come forth with a day that is easy."

- 157 -

He also recited the following poem:

لزمت بيتي مثل ما قيل لي ولم أعاند حادث الدهر
علماً بأن اليأس رهن الرجا وغاية العسر إلى اليسر
وليس لي درع ترد الردى أستغفر الله سوى الصبر
فقد يسل السيف من غمده ويخرج الدر من البحر
وتبرز الصهباء من دنّها ويرجع النور إلى البدر

"I attached myself to my house as was said to me, and did not oppose the affliction of the time, knowing that despondency is set aside for hope, and that the end of hardship is ease.

I had no shield capable of defending against death - I seek forgiveness from Allaah - except to exercise patience. For indeed, the sword has been drawn from its sheath, and the pearl has emerged from the sea. The wine has emerged from its cask, and the light returns to the full moon."

- 158 -

Ash-Shihaab al-Baa`ooni recited the following poem:

سلّم إلى الله ما قضاه لا بدّ أن ينفذ القضاء
سيجعل الله بعد عسر يسراً به يذهب العناء
يدبر الأمر منه جمعاً ويفعل الله ما يشاء

"Submit to Allaah in that which He has decreed; whatever has been decreed shall most certainly occur. Allaah shall grant, after hardship, such ease as shall do away with the pains.

All affairs are managed by Him, and Allaah does whatever He wishes."

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

- 159 -

Abu Nasr Muhammad ibn Ahmad ibn al-Husain al-Farwaji, the writer, wrote the following poem:

إذا المرء ضاق به ذرعه وعزّت عليه وجوه الطلب
وعزّ المساعد في دهره فلا ذو إخاء ولا ذو حسب
وأصبح من فرج مؤيساً ولم يبق غير حلول العطب
أتاه القضاء بلطف الإله ففرّج من حيث لا يحتسب

"When man is placed into difficulty, and the means of seeking become rare to him, and the helpers become few in his time (of difficulty), and he has no brethren (to help him out) and he has no standing (in society), and he becomes despondent of receiving any relief, and nothing remains except destruction and ruin: the Divine Decree, bringing a kindness from the Ilaah comes to him, and he is granted relief from whence he had not even imagined.”

- 160 -

On the back of one Kitaab, I found the following two verses of poetry inscribed, and underneath were the following words:

"It is said that no person will recite these two verses during a time of difficulty except that Allaah will grant him relief from it and will remove his Ghamm (sadness and grief), and in place of the Ghamm, Allaah will grant him joy, and will remove from him all worries, anxiety, hardships and despondency and broken-heartedness."

I have tried it out and found it to be as has been said. These two verses are:

يا رب ما زال لطف منك يشملني وقد تجدد لي ما أنت تعلمه
فاصرف عني كما عودتي كرماً فمن سواك لهذا العبد يرحمه

"O my Rabb, Your Kindness has never ceased to encompass me, and has revived for me that which You know; therefore, avert from me (this difficulty) as You always do, out of Your Generosity, for who is there to have mercy upon this slave besides You?"

- 161 -

Ibn Habeeb recited the following poem:

ولرب نازلة يضيق لها الفضا ذرعاً وعند الله منها المخرج
عظمت فلما استحكمت حلقاتها فرجت وكان يظنها لا تفرج
لا تيأسن فكل عسر بعده يسر يسر به الفؤاد المحرج
واصبر فإن الصبر في الدنيا إلى نيل المنى والقصد نعم المنهج

"Many a difficulty causes the open space to become constricted (upon the sufferer), yet with Allaah lies the way out. The difficulty became big, and when the last of its links had become established, relief was granted, and he had been thinking that the difficulty would never be removed.

Do not despair, for indeed every hardship shall be followed up by ease; an ease that shall happiness to the suffering heart.

Have patience, for indeed having patience in this world for attaining one's desires and goals is a most excellent way of life."

تم وكمل

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

With that, the translation of the Kitaab has been completed.

الحمد لله رب العالمين

[Zeal]

Alhamdulillah:))))))


:jz:و

[Zeal]

With that, the translation of the Kitaab has been completed.

الحمد لله رب العالمين

What are your favourite quotes from this book

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

What are your favourite quotes from this book

وأخرج أبو داود والنسائي وابن ماجه وابن أبي الدنيا عن ابن عباس عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم أنه قال: من أكثر من الإستغفار جعل الله له من كلّ همّ فرجاً, ومن كلّ ضيق مخرجاً, ورزقه من حيث لا يحتسب

Imaam Abu Daawud, Imaam an-Nasaa’i, Imaam ibn Maajah and Imaam ibn Abi-d Dunyaa narrate from Hadhrat `Abdullaah ibn `Abbaas رضي الله عنهما that he said, “Whosoever makes Istighfaar (seeks forgiveness from Allaah Ta`aalaa) in abundance, Allaah will grant him relief from every single worry, anxiety and distress, will make a way out for him from every difficulty, and will grant him Rizq (sustenance) from whence he had never even imagined.”

--------

عسى الكرب الذي أمسيت فيه يكون وراءه فرجٌ قريبُ
فيأمن خائفٌ ويفكّ عانٍ ويأتيَ أهلَه النائي الغريبُ

"Soon the difficulty which you find yourself in, there will be after it a relief near at hand. Thus, the fearful one will attain security and the one undergoing hardship will be freed, and the distant stranger will return to his family.”

-------

"O Muhammad ibn Himyar, always do good (to others), because it saves one from an evil death, and (know that) even if (the good you have done) is lost to the one to whom it was done, it is not lost to Allaah `Azza wa Jall."

------

لا تجزعنّ إذا ما الأمر ضقت به ذرعاً ونم وتوسد فارغ البال
وما اهتمامك والمجدي عليك وقد جرى القضاء بأرزاق وآجال

"Do not fall into anxiety when circumstances become difficult; take rest, sleep with peace of mind.

Of what benefit to you is your anxiety and worrying, when the Divine Decree (of Allaah) has already passed the provisions and lifespans?"

[Indefinable]

With that, the translation of the Kitaab has been completed.

الحمد لله رب العالمين

May Allaah subhanahu wa ta'ala reward you immensely for this achievement. Ameen.

Alhamdulillaah.

Have you compiled it altogether yet?

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

May Allaah subhanahu wa ta'ala reward you immensely for this achievement. Ameen.

Alhamdulillaah.

Have you compiled it altogether yet?

Yes, Alhamdulillaah. In fact, I just uploaded it a few minutes ago. Here is the link:

https://archive.org/details/TheReliefAfterHardship


I must say: Jazaakumullaahu Khayran to all of the readers for taking the time out to read this book as it was being translated, a little bit at a time. May Allaah Ta`aalaa make it a means of benefit to myself in this Dunyaa and the Aakhirah, and make it a means of benefit to all those who read it,

آمين يا رب العالمين

والسلام

['Abd-al Latif]

:salamext:

Mankind comes across many afflictions and trials, sometimes in overwhelming sequences. Removing the darkness of these worries, distresses, depression and grief is a very important matter to which Islām gives serious attention...

No amount of guilt can change the past, and no amount of worrying can change the future. Go easy on yourself, for the outcome of all affairs is determined by Allāh’s decree.

Abdullah ibn 'Abbas رضي الله عنه related one day he was riding behind Allah's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم who said: Distresses, depression and grief is a very important affair

"Young man, if you are mindful of Allāh (of His commands and prohibitions), He will be mindful of you, and if you are mindful of Allah you will find Him before you. When you ask for anything ask it from Allah, and if you seek help, seek help from Allāh. Know that if the people were to unite to do you some benefit they could benefit you only with what Allāh had decreed for you, and that if they were to unite to do you some injury they could injure you only with what Allāh had recorded for you. The pens have been lifted and the pages are dry."

Ahmad, Tirmidhi - An-Nawawi's Forty Hadith

So with this knowledge that no harm or good can touch a servant of Allāh except with the permission of the All-Knower and All-Wise, the hearts find tranquillity and contentment. This therefore encourages the Muslim to patientiently persevere during an affliction and motivates him to praise Allāh when He bestows some portion of good upon him. Whatever his situation, if the Muslim acts accordingly he has only rewards to gain and nothing to lose...

[Indefinable]

Yes, Alhamdulillaah. In fact, I just uploaded it a few minutes ago. Here is the link:

https://archive.org/details/TheReliefAfterHardship


I must say: Jazaakumullaahu Khayran to all of the readers for taking the time out to read this book as it was being translated, a little bit at a time. May Allaah Ta`aalaa make it a means of benefit to myself in this Dunyaa and the Aakhirah, and make it a means of benefit to all those who read it,

آمين يا رب العالمين

والسلام

Alhamdulillaah.

I will be using this In Sha Allaah - to encourage those who are going through trials. I am in touch with Muslims in various Prisons, and sometimes they are disheartened of their situation, this will surely uplift them.

May Allaah azza wa jal reward you.

[Huzaifah ibn Adam]

Alhamdulillaah.

I will be using this In Sha Allaah - to encourage those who are going through trials. I am in touch with Muslims in various Prisons, and sometimes they are disheartened of their situation, this will surely uplift them.

May Allaah azza wa jal reward you.

آمين يا رب العالمين

وجزاك الله خيراً كثيراً

[Zeal]

:jz: