WEBVTT 00:00:00.780 --> 00:00:09.779 *Riyad al-Salihin* (The Meadows of the Righteous) from the Words of the Master of the Messengers, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. 00:00:09.779 --> 00:00:15.570 Chapter: Istikharah (Seeking Allah’s Counsel) and Consultation. 00:00:15.570 --> 00:00:22.300 Allah Almighty said: "And consult them in the matter." 00:00:22.300 --> 00:00:27.420 And Almighty Allah said: "And whose affair is [determined by] consultation among themselves." 00:00:27.420 --> 00:00:30.420 That is: they consult with one another regarding it. 00:00:30.420 --> 00:00:34.899 On the authority of Jabir, may Allah be pleased with him, who said: 00:00:34.899 --> 00:00:37.899 The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 00:00:37.899 --> 00:00:40.899 used to teach us Istikharah in all matters, 00:00:40.899 --> 00:00:43.899 just as he would teach us a surah from the Qur'an. 00:00:43.899 --> 00:00:47.899 He would say: "When one of you intends to undertake a matter, 00:00:47.899 --> 00:00:50.899 let him offer two non-obligatory units of prayer, 00:00:50.899 --> 00:00:52.899 and then say: 00:00:52.899 --> 00:00:55.899 'O Allah, I seek Your counsel by Your knowledge, 00:00:55.899 --> 00:00:58.899 and I seek strength through Your power, 00:00:58.899 --> 00:01:01.899 and I ask You of Your tremendous bounty. 00:01:01.899 --> 00:01:04.900 For You have power, while I have none; 00:01:04.900 --> 00:01:06.900 and You know, while I do not know; 00:01:06.900 --> 00:01:09.900 and You are the Knower of all the unseen. 00:01:09.900 --> 00:01:13.019 O Allah, if You know that this matter 00:01:13.019 --> 00:01:16.019 is good for me in my religion, my livelihood, 00:01:16.019 --> 00:01:18.019 and the outcome of my affair'— 00:01:18.019 --> 00:01:22.019 or he said: 'in my immediate affair and its end'— 00:01:22.019 --> 00:01:24.019 'then decree it for me, make it easy for me, 00:01:24.019 --> 00:01:27.019 and then bless it for me. 00:01:27.019 --> 00:01:30.219 But if You know that this matter 00:01:30.219 --> 00:01:33.219 is bad for me in my religion, my livelihood, 00:01:33.219 --> 00:01:35.219 and the outcome of my affair'— 00:01:35.219 --> 00:01:39.219 or he said: 'in my immediate affair and its end'— 00:01:39.219 --> 00:01:42.219 'then turn it away from me and turn me away from it, 00:01:42.219 --> 00:01:45.219 and decree for me the good wherever it may be, 00:01:45.219 --> 00:01:47.219 and then make me pleased with it.'" 00:01:47.219 --> 00:01:50.310 He said: "And he should name his specific need." 00:01:50.310 --> 00:01:53.409 Recorded by al-Bukhari. 00:01:53.409 --> 00:01:56.079 Istikharah is 00:01:56.079 --> 00:02:00.079 seeking the better of two choices for the one who needs it. 00:02:00.079 --> 00:02:02.689 Points of benefit from the hadith: 00:02:02.689 --> 00:02:08.169 Istikharah is not performed for obligatory or recommended acts, 00:02:08.169 --> 00:02:10.169 because the fundamental rule regarding them is to perform them. 00:02:10.169 --> 00:02:14.169 Likewise, one does not perform Istikharah to refrain from forbidden or disliked acts. 00:02:14.169 --> 00:02:17.169 Therefore, the statement of Jabir: 00:02:17.169 --> 00:02:20.169 "The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 00:02:20.169 --> 00:02:23.169 used to teach us Istikharah in all matters" 00:02:23.169 --> 00:02:25.169 refers to a specific scope, 00:02:25.169 --> 00:02:28.169 meaning all permissible matters. 00:02:28.169 --> 00:02:31.710 Istikharah is recommended in every matter, 00:02:31.710 --> 00:02:33.710 even if it seems trivial in the estimation of the person, 00:02:33.710 --> 00:02:36.710 for a minor thing may become significant, 00:02:36.710 --> 00:02:39.710 and major consequences may result from it. 00:02:39.710 --> 00:02:43.159 It demonstrates the profound eagerness of the Prophet, peace be upon him, 00:02:43.159 --> 00:02:46.159 to teach his Companions this prayer, 00:02:46.159 --> 00:02:50.159 due to the great benefit and goodness it contains. 00:02:50.159 --> 00:02:54.669 The command to perform the Istikharah prayer is not obligatory, 00:02:54.669 --> 00:02:57.669 due to his statement, peace be upon him: 00:02:57.669 --> 00:03:00.669 "Let him offer two non-obligatory units of prayer." 00:03:00.669 --> 00:03:04.219 The supplication is to be made after the prayer, 00:03:04.219 --> 00:03:07.219 due to his statement, peace be upon him: 00:03:07.219 --> 00:03:09.219 "Then let him say." 00:03:09.219 --> 00:03:13.729 A servant must refer all matters back to Allah 00:03:13.729 --> 00:03:16.729 and absolve himself of any reliance on his own power and might, 00:03:16.729 --> 00:03:20.729 for there is no power or might except with Allah. 00:03:20.729 --> 00:03:23.020 Some of the common people mistakenly believe 00:03:23.020 --> 00:03:26.020 that it is necessary after Istikharah 00:03:26.020 --> 00:03:30.020 for the person to see a dream indicating what they should do, 00:03:30.020 --> 00:03:33.719 but this is a false assumption. 00:03:33.719 --> 00:03:37.719 What is apparent is that the supplication of Istikharah should follow two units of prayer 00:03:37.719 --> 00:03:40.719 performed specifically for the purpose of Istikharah and nothing else; 00:03:40.719 --> 00:03:47.259 thus, one should not recite the Istikharah supplication after an obligatory prayer or a regular Sunnah prayer. 00:03:47.259 --> 00:03:51.259 The person seeking guidance should proceed with the matter for which he sought Allah's counsel; 00:03:51.259 --> 00:03:53.259 so he embarks upon it, 00:03:53.259 --> 00:03:56.259 and if he finds ease, facilitation, and success, 00:03:56.259 --> 00:03:58.259 he continues, 00:03:58.259 --> 00:04:00.259 otherwise he refrains and desists. 00:04:00.259 --> 00:04:05.080 And Allah knows best. 00:04:05.080 --> 00:04:08.080 Chapter: The Recommendation to Go to the Eid Prayer, 00:04:08.080 --> 00:04:10.080 Visit the Sick, 00:04:10.080 --> 00:04:14.080 Perform Hajj, Military Expeditions, Funerals, and the Like 00:04:14.080 --> 00:04:18.079 by One Route and Return by Another, 00:04:18.079 --> 00:04:22.259 to Multiply the Places of Worship. 00:04:22.259 --> 00:04:25.259 On the authority of Jabir, may Allah be pleased with him, who said: 00:04:25.259 --> 00:04:29.259 On the day of Eid, the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 00:04:29.259 --> 00:04:31.259 would take alternate routes. 00:04:31.259 --> 00:04:33.259 Recorded by al-Bukhari. 00:04:33.259 --> 00:04:36.420 His statement: "He would take alternate routes" 00:04:36.420 --> 00:04:40.420 means he would go by one path and return by another. 00:04:40.420 --> 00:04:45.019 Points of benefit from the hadith: 00:04:45.019 --> 00:04:51.379 It is recommended to take an alternate route when returning on the day of Eid, both for the imam and the congregation. 00:04:51.379 --> 00:04:55.379 The path will testify for the person on the Day of Resurrection. 00:04:55.379 --> 00:04:59.430 And on the authority of Ibn Umar, may Allah be pleased with them both: 00:04:59.430 --> 00:05:02.430 The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 00:05:02.430 --> 00:05:05.430 used to leave via the road of al-Shajarah 00:05:05.430 --> 00:05:08.430 and enter via the road of al-Mu'arras; 00:05:08.430 --> 00:05:10.430 and when he entered Mecca, 00:05:10.430 --> 00:05:12.430 he entered from the upper pass (al-Thaniyyah al-'Ulya) 00:05:12.430 --> 00:05:15.430 and left from the lower pass (al-Thaniyyah al-Sufla). 00:05:15.430 --> 00:05:17.459 Agreed upon. 00:05:17.459 --> 00:05:21.579 Points of benefit from the hadith: 00:05:21.579 --> 00:05:26.779 The recommendation to take alternate routes when going and coming during Hajj, 00:05:26.779 --> 00:05:32.430 in order to multiply the paths of goodness. 00:05:32.430 --> 00:05:35.430 Chapter: The Recommendation of Prioritizing the Right Hand 00:05:35.430 --> 00:05:38.430 in Everything Involving Honor and Dignity, 00:05:38.430 --> 00:05:40.430 such as performing Wudu, Ghusl, and Tayammum, 00:05:40.430 --> 00:05:42.430 putting on garments, sandals, 00:05:42.430 --> 00:05:44.430 leather socks, and trousers, 00:05:44.430 --> 00:05:46.430 entering the mosque, 00:05:46.430 --> 00:05:48.430 using the tooth-stick (siwak), applying kohl, 00:05:48.430 --> 00:05:50.430 trimming the nails, 00:05:50.430 --> 00:05:52.430 clipping the mustache, 00:05:52.430 --> 00:05:54.430 plucking the armpit hair, shaving the head, 00:05:54.430 --> 00:05:56.430 giving the greeting of salam to end the prayer, 00:05:56.430 --> 00:05:58.430 eating, drinking, 00:05:58.430 --> 00:06:00.430 shaking hands, 00:06:00.430 --> 00:06:02.430 touching the Black Stone, 00:06:02.430 --> 00:06:04.430 exiting the lavatory, 00:06:04.430 --> 00:06:06.430 giving and receiving, 00:06:06.430 --> 00:06:09.430 and other similar dignified actions. 00:06:09.430 --> 00:06:13.430 It is also recommended to prioritize the left side in the opposite cases, 00:06:13.430 --> 00:06:16.430 such as blowing the nose, spitting to the left, 00:06:16.430 --> 00:06:18.430 entering the lavatory, 00:06:18.430 --> 00:06:20.430 exiting the mosque, 00:06:20.430 --> 00:06:24.430 taking off leather socks, sandals, trousers, and garments, 00:06:24.430 --> 00:06:26.430 leaving the mosque, 00:06:26.430 --> 00:06:31.620 and handling impurities and the like. 00:06:31.620 --> 00:06:33.779 Allah Almighty said: 00:06:33.779 --> 00:06:37.779 "So as for him who is given his record in his right hand, 00:06:37.779 --> 00:06:41.779 he will say, 'Here, read my record!'" 00:06:41.779 --> 00:06:43.779 to the end of the verses. 00:06:43.779 --> 00:06:45.779 And Almighty Allah said: 00:06:45.779 --> 00:06:47.779 "Then the companions of the right— 00:06:47.779 --> 00:06:49.779 what are the companions of the right? 00:06:49.779 --> 00:06:51.779 And the companions of the left— 00:06:51.779 --> 00:06:56.120 what are the companions of the left?" 00:06:56.120 --> 00:06:59.120 On the authority of Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, who said: 00:06:59.120 --> 00:07:02.120 The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 00:07:02.120 --> 00:07:05.120 liked to prioritize the right side in all his affairs: 00:07:05.120 --> 00:07:09.120 in his purification, combing his hair, and putting on his sandals. 00:07:09.120 --> 00:07:11.120 Agreed upon. 00:07:11.120 --> 00:07:14.339 *Al-Tayammun* 00:07:14.339 --> 00:07:16.339 means beginning with the right side. 00:07:16.339 --> 00:07:18.339 *Tana'uluh* 00:07:18.339 --> 00:07:20.370 means putting on his sandals. 00:07:20.370 --> 00:07:21.370 *Tarajjuluh* 00:07:21.370 --> 00:07:24.370 means combing and oiling his hair. 00:07:24.370 --> 00:07:27.100 Points of benefit from the hadith: 00:07:27.100 --> 00:07:31.420 The recommendation to begin with the right-side limbs 00:07:31.420 --> 00:07:33.420 during Wudu and Ghusl. 00:07:33.420 --> 00:07:36.899 The recommendation to begin with the right side of the head 00:07:36.899 --> 00:07:39.899 when combing, washing, and shaving. 00:07:39.899 --> 00:07:44.319 The recommendation to begin with the right foot when putting on sandals. 00:07:44.319 --> 00:07:49.500 And on the authority of Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, who said: 00:07:49.500 --> 00:07:53.500 The right hand of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 00:07:53.500 --> 00:07:54.500 was used 00:07:54.500 --> 00:07:56.500 for his purification and his food, 00:07:56.500 --> 00:08:01.500 while his left hand was for his toilet and anything unclean. 00:08:01.500 --> 00:08:03.699 Recorded by Abu Dawud. 00:08:03.699 --> 00:08:07.560 Points of benefit from the hadith: 00:08:07.560 --> 00:08:12.779 The left hand is not used except in removing impurities 00:08:12.779 --> 00:08:15.779 and for everything that does not involve dignity. 00:08:15.779 --> 00:08:19.810 And on the authority of Umm 'Atiyyah, may Allah be pleased with her: 00:08:19.810 --> 00:08:22.810 The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 00:08:22.810 --> 00:08:27.810 said to them regarding the washing of his daughter Zaynab, may Allah be pleased with her: 00:08:27.810 --> 00:08:32.809 "Begin with her right side and the parts washed in Wudu." 00:08:32.809 --> 00:08:34.809 Agreed upon. 00:08:34.809 --> 00:08:38.769 Points of benefit from the hadith: 00:08:38.769 --> 00:08:41.899 Women are to undertake the washing of a deceased female, 00:08:41.899 --> 00:08:44.899 and it is not permissible for men to wash her, 00:08:44.899 --> 00:08:47.899 with the exception of spouses, 00:08:47.899 --> 00:08:52.899 for it is permissible for either spouse to wash the other. 00:08:52.899 --> 00:08:55.440 The Sunnah in washing the deceased 00:08:55.440 --> 00:08:59.440 is to begin with the right side and the areas washed in Wudu. 00:08:59.440 --> 00:09:04.919 It highlights the honor of the limbs of Wudu over the rest of the body. 00:09:04.919 --> 00:09:08.980 On the authority of Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him: 00:09:08.980 --> 00:09:12.980 The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: 00:09:12.980 --> 00:09:17.100 "When one of you puts on sandals, let him start with the right foot; 00:09:17.100 --> 00:09:21.100 and when he takes them off, let him start with the left foot. 00:09:21.100 --> 00:09:24.100 Let the right foot be the first to be shod 00:09:24.100 --> 00:09:27.100 and the last to be barefoot." 00:09:27.100 --> 00:09:29.200 Agreed upon. 00:09:29.200 --> 00:09:32.970 Points of benefit from the hadith: 00:09:32.970 --> 00:09:35.129 The recommendation to put on sandals with the right foot 00:09:35.129 --> 00:09:37.129 and take them off with the left. 00:09:37.129 --> 00:09:41.129 This demonstrates that honor belongs to the right side, 00:09:41.129 --> 00:09:45.129 so one begins with it and ends with it. 00:09:45.129 --> 00:09:49.279 And on the authority of Hafsah, may Allah be pleased with her: 00:09:49.279 --> 00:09:52.279 The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 00:09:52.279 --> 00:09:57.279 used his right hand for his food, drink, and dressing, 00:09:57.279 --> 00:10:01.279 and used his left hand for other than that. 00:10:01.279 --> 00:10:04.759 And on the authority of Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him: 00:10:04.759 --> 00:10:08.759 The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: 00:10:08.759 --> 00:10:11.759 "When you dress and when you perform Wudu, 00:10:11.759 --> 00:10:14.759 begin with your right side." 00:10:14.759 --> 00:10:17.889 Recorded by Abu Dawud and al-Tirmidhi. 00:10:17.889 --> 00:10:21.340 And on the authority of Anas, may Allah be pleased with him: 00:10:21.340 --> 00:10:24.340 The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 00:10:24.340 --> 00:10:26.340 came to Mina; 00:10:26.340 --> 00:10:29.340 he went to the Jamrah and stoned it, 00:10:29.340 --> 00:10:32.340 then went to his lodging in Mina and slaughtered the sacrifice. 00:10:32.340 --> 00:10:34.340 He then said to the barber: 00:10:34.340 --> 00:10:38.340 "Shave," and gestured towards the right side of his head, 00:10:38.340 --> 00:10:40.340 and then the left side, 00:10:40.340 --> 00:10:42.340 and then he began distributing it among the people." 00:10:42.340 --> 00:10:44.340 Agreed upon. 00:10:44.340 --> 00:10:46.370 In another narration: 00:10:46.370 --> 00:10:48.370 "When he stoned the Jamrah, 00:10:48.370 --> 00:10:50.370 slaughtered his sacrificial animal, and exited the state of ihram, 00:10:50.370 --> 00:10:53.370 he presented the right side of his head to the barber, 00:10:53.370 --> 00:10:55.370 who shaved it. 00:10:55.370 --> 00:10:59.429 Then he called Abu Talhah al-Ansari (may Allah be pleased with him) 00:10:59.429 --> 00:11:01.429 and gave it to him. 00:11:01.429 --> 00:11:03.460 Then he presented the left side, 00:11:03.460 --> 00:11:05.460 saying, 'Shave,' 00:11:05.460 --> 00:11:07.460 and he shaved it, 00:11:07.460 --> 00:11:09.460 and he gave it to Abu Talhah, 00:11:09.460 --> 00:11:11.460 saying, 00:11:11.460 --> 00:11:13.460 'Distribute it among the people.'" 00:11:13.460 --> 00:11:16.299 "His sacrificial animal" (nusukahu) 00:11:16.299 --> 00:11:19.299 refers to the sacrificial offering (hady) that he had brought with him, 00:11:19.299 --> 00:11:22.299 peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, on his Pilgrimage. 00:11:22.299 --> 00:11:26.000 Among the benefits derived from this hadith: 00:11:26.000 --> 00:11:28.320 the recommendation of instructing the barber 00:11:28.320 --> 00:11:30.320 where to begin shaving 00:11:30.320 --> 00:11:32.320 and where to finish; 00:11:32.320 --> 00:11:36.799 that whatever separated from the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 00:11:36.799 --> 00:11:38.799 is permissible to seek blessings (barakah) from; 00:11:38.799 --> 00:11:42.799 and this is exclusive to the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 00:11:42.799 --> 00:11:46.799 with no one else from the Ummah sharing in it; 00:11:46.799 --> 00:11:50.279 the permissibility of singling out certain individuals for good 00:11:50.279 --> 00:11:52.279 over others, 00:11:52.279 --> 00:11:55.279 which is why the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, called 00:11:55.279 --> 00:11:58.279 Abu Talhah al-Ansari, 00:11:58.279 --> 00:12:00.279 gave him his hair, 00:12:00.279 --> 00:12:03.279 and commanded him to distribute it among the people. 00:12:04.279 --> 00:12:08.409 Riyad al-Salihin.