by Asma bint Shameem
Summer is here and yet you’re fasting.
The sun is right above you.
Your throat is parched and the scorching heat of the sun is burning down your back.
As you lose a few drops of sweat, remember our pious predecessors and take heart.
☀️Someone said to Abu Musa al-Ash'ari radhi Allaahu anhu:
"Let me tell you of a rule that Allaah made upon Himself:
whoever makes himself thirsty for Allaah's sake on a hot day has the right upon Allaah to have his thirst quenched on the Day of Resurrection."
☀️ And Abu ad-Darda' radhi Allaahu anhu used to say:
"Fast the very hot days in anticipation of the Day of Resurrection, and pray two rak'at in the darkness of night in anticipation of the darkness of the grave."
☀️And Ma’dhaad used to say:
"Were it not for three things, I would not mind if I were an insect:
-the thirst while fasting in the midday summer sun,
-the standing for prayer during the winter nights,
-and the sweetness of reciting the Book of Allaah during the night prayer"
(Lataa’if al-Maʿaarif, pg. 327).
☀️Ibn Rajab said:
“When the fasting people remained patient for the sake of Allaah in the heat upon the severity of thirst and of thirstiness, He designated for them a gate from the gates of Paradise – and it is the gate of Ar-Rayyaan.
Whoever enters (from it) takes a drink, and whoever drinks will not be thirsty ever again after that.
So when they have entered, it will be closed upon those after them, so no one other than them shall enter from it.”
(Lataa’if al-Ma’aarif p.431)
☀️ Shaikh Salih al-Fawzaan said:
"No doubt there is a reward for fasting, whether it is in the winter or the summer, as long as the intention of the fasting person is correct and they have have sincerity towards Allaah the Exalted.
But if they face difficulty during their fast, such as thirst, hunger or severe heat, then the reward is more because they were patient upon obedience and they were patient with the difficulty.
Thus their reward will be more."
So don't let the long summer day daunt you and don't let its heat faze you.
Remember that Allaah is preparing YOU for the PLACE that He has prepared FOR you.
لِيُوَفِّيَهُمْ أُجُورَهُمْ وَيَزِيدَهُم مِّن فَضْلِهِ إِنَّهُ غَفُورٌ شَكُورٌ
"That He may pay them back fully their rewards, and give them (even) more, out of His Grace.
Verily! He is OftForgiving, Most Ready to appreciate (good deeds and to recompense)."
(Surah Faatir: 30)
May Allaah accept our fasting in this heat.
And Allaah knows best
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