Facets of Ease in the Blessed Month of Ramadan

The objective of Allah Almighty is not to put His servants into hardship through worship. Rather, providing ease and alleviation is among the virtues of Islam and objectives of the Shariah. Similar to other acts of worship, particularly fasting, Allah Almighty has intended ease for His servants. This is a divine guidance.

شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أُنزِلَ فِيهِ ٱلْقُرْءَانُ هُدًۭى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَـٰتٍۢ مِّنَ ٱلْهُدَىٰ وَٱلْفُرْقَانِ ۚ فَمَن شَهِدَ مِنكُمُ ٱلشَّهْرَ فَلْيَصُمْهُ ۖ وَمَن كَانَ مَرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍۢ فَعِدَّةٌۭ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ ۗ يُرِيدُ ٱللَّهُ بِكُمُ ٱلْيُسْرَ وَلَا يُرِيدُ بِكُمُ ٱلْعُسْرَ وَلِتُكْمِلُوا۟ ٱلْعِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَىٰكُمْ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ

The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Qur’ān was revealed as guidance for mankind, and as clear signs that show the right way and distinguish between right and wrong. So those of you who witness the month must fast in it. But the one who is sick, or is on a journey (should fast) as much from other days (as he missed). Allah intends (to provide) ease for you and does not intend (to create) hardship for you. All this is so that you may complete the number (of fasts as prescribed) and proclaim the Takbīr of Allah for having guided you, and (so) that you may be grateful. (2:185)

Imam Mujahid (رضي الله عنه) said. The term “Li’assar” signifies the concession of breaking the fast during travel, indicating ease and leniency. Generally, it is understood that in all matters of the Islamic faith, ease is incorporated. Allah has clarified that He has granted permission for breaking the fast during illness and travel, and has commanded to make up for missed fasts later, so that you may find ease. When the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) sent Mu’adh bin Jabal and Abu Musa Ash’ari (رضي الله عنهما) to Yemen, he said:

وَعَن ابنِ أَبِي بُرْدَةَ قَالَ: بَعَثَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ جَدَّهُ أَبَا مُوسَى وَمُعَاذًا إِلَى الْيَمَنِ فَقَالَ: «يَسِّرَا وَلَا تُعَسِّرَا وَبَشِّرَا وَلَا تُنَفِّرَا وَتَطَاوَعَا وَلَا تَخْتَلِفَا»

Abu Burda* told that when the Prophet sent his grandfather Abu Musa and Mu’adh to the Yemen he said, “Make things easy and do not make them difficult; gladden and do not scare; comply with one another and do not disagree.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

Our master Anas ibn Malik (رضي الله عنه) narrates that one day, the Noble Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) came. Water droplets were falling from his blessed head due to performing ablution or ritual bathing. When you completed the prayer, people began to inquire whether there was any inconvenience upon us. You replied:

إِنَّ فی دِين اللَّهِ يُسْرا

Undoubtedly, ease is in the religion of Allah. You have mentioned this three times.” [Hasan] Musnad Abu Ya’la:6863

The word “Yusra” also conveys the meanings of assistance and ease. It is also called the left hand, because the right hand assists in all tasks. Allah does not impose commands on His servants that are beyond their capability. It is evident from the verses of the Holy Quran that the religion is very easy. The guidance is from Allah, the Most High:

وَجَـٰهِدُوا۟ فِى ٱللَّهِ حَقَّ جِهَادِهِۦ ۚ هُوَ ٱجْتَبَىٰكُمْ وَمَا جَعَلَ عَلَيْكُمْ فِى ٱلدِّينِ مِنْ حَرَجٍۢ ۚ مِّلَّةَ أَبِيكُمْ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ ۚ هُوَ سَمَّىٰكُمُ ٱلْمُسْلِمِينَ مِن قَبْلُ وَفِى هَـٰذَا لِيَكُونَ ٱلرَّسُولُ شَهِيدًا عَلَيْكُمْ وَتَكُونُوا۟ شُهَدَآءَ عَلَى ٱلنَّاسِ ۚ فَأَقِيمُوا۟ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَءَاتُوا۟ ٱلزَّكَوٰةَ وَٱعْتَصِمُوا۟ بِٱللَّهِ هُوَ مَوْلَىٰكُمْ ۖ فَنِعْمَ ٱلْمَوْلَىٰ وَنِعْمَ ٱلنَّصِيرُ

Struggle for (seeking the pleasure of) Allah, a struggle that is owed to Him. He has chosen you and did not impose any hardship on you in the religion, the faith of your father Ibrāhīm. He (Allah) named you as Muslims earlier and also in this (Qur’ān), so that the Messenger becomes a witness to you, and you become witnesses to (other) people. So establish Salāh, pay Zakāh and hold fast to Allah. He is your patron. So, how excellent He is as a patron, and how excellent as a supporter! (22:78)

لَا يُكَلِّفُ ٱللَّهُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا ۚ لَهَا مَا كَسَبَتْ وَعَلَيْهَا مَا ٱكْتَسَبَتْ ۗ رَبَّنَا لَا تُؤَاخِذْنَآ إِن نَّسِينَآ أَوْ أَخْطَأْنَا ۚ رَبَّنَا وَلَا تَحْمِلْ عَلَيْنَآ إِصْرًۭا كَمَا حَمَلْتَهُۥ عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِنَا ۚ رَبَّنَا وَلَا تُحَمِّلْنَا مَا لَا طَاقَةَ لَنَا بِهِۦ ۖ وَٱعْفُ عَنَّا وَٱغْفِرْ لَنَا وَٱرْحَمْنَآ ۚ أَنتَ مَوْلَىٰنَا فَٱنصُرْنَا عَلَى ٱلْقَوْمِ ٱلْكَـٰفِرِينَ

Allah does not obligate anyone beyond his capacity. For him is what he has earned, and on him what he has incurred.“Our Lord, do not hold us accountable, if we forget or make a mistake, and, Our Lord, do not place on us such a burden as You have placed on those before us, and, Our Lord, do not make us bear a burden for which we have no strength. And pardon us, and grant us forgiveness, and have mercy on us. You are our Lord. So then help us against the disbelieving people.” (2:286)

يُرِيدُ ٱللَّهُ أَن يُخَفِّفَ عَنكُمْ ۚ وَخُلِقَ ٱلْإِنسَـٰنُ ضَعِيفًۭا

Allah intends to make things easy on you. And man has been created weak. (4:28)

مَآ أَنزَلْنَا عَلَيْكَ ٱلْقُرْءَانَ لِتَشْقَىٰٓ

We did not reveal the Qur’ān to you to (make you) face hardship (20:2)

Syeda Aisha (رضي الله عنها) narrates that once the Noble Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) came visiting. There was a woman seated with me. He asked, “Who is she?” I replied, “She is so-and-so woman,” and also mentioned her commitment to prayer.

He (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) said:

حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْمُثَنَّى، حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى، عَنْ هِشَامٍ، قَالَ أَخْبَرَنِي أَبِي، عَنْ عَائِشَةَ، أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم دَخَلَ عَلَيْهَا وَعِنْدَهَا امْرَأَةٌ قَالَ ‏”‏ مَنْ هَذِهِ ‏”‏‏.‏ قَالَتْ فُلاَنَةُ‏.‏ تَذْكُرُ مِنْ صَلاَتِهَا‏.‏ قَالَ ‏”‏ مَهْ، عَلَيْكُمْ بِمَا تُطِيقُونَ، فَوَاللَّهِ لاَ يَمَلُّ اللَّهُ حَتَّى تَمَلُّوا ‏”‏‏.‏ وَكَانَ أَحَبَّ الدِّينِ إِلَيْهِ مَا دَامَ عَلَيْهِ صَاحِبُهُ‏.‏

Narrated ‘Aisha:
Once the Prophet (ﷺ) came while a woman was sitting with me. He said, “Who is she?” I replied, “She is so and so,” and told him about her (excessive) praying. He said disapprovingly, “Do (good) deeds which is within your capacity (without being overtaxed) as Allah does not get tired (of giving rewards) but (surely) you will get tired and the best deed (act of Worship) in the sight of Allah is that which is done regularly.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)

Syed Nahzlat-ul-Asadi recounts: Once, Abu Bakr Siddiq (رضي الله عنه) met me and said, “O Hanzala, how are you?” I replied, “Hanzala has become a hypocrite.” He exclaimed, “Subhan Allah! What are you saying?” I explained, “When we are in the company of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and he reminds us of Paradise and Hellfire, it is as if we are seeing them with our own eyes. But when we depart from the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and return to our wives, children, and wealth, we become engrossed in worldly matters and forget much.” Abu Bakr (رضي الله عنه) began weeping and said, “By Allah, we are in the same state.” Then, both of us went to see the Prophet (ﷺ) and I said, “O Messenger of Allah, Hanzala has become a hypocrite.” The Prophet (ﷺ) inquired, “What has happened?” I replied, “When we are with you, you remind us of Paradise and Hellfire, and it is as if we are seeing them with our own eyes. But when we leave your company and return to our wives, children, and wealth, we become engrossed in worldly matters and forget much.” The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

حَدَّثَنِي إِسْحَاقُ بْنُ مَنْصُورٍ، أَخْبَرَنَا عَبْدُ الصَّمَدِ، سَمِعْتُ أَبِي يُحَدِّثُ، حَدَّثَنَا سَعِيدٌ، الْجُرَيْرِيُّ عَنْ أَبِي عُثْمَانَ النَّهْدِيِّ، عَنْ حَنْظَلَةَ، قَالَ كُنَّا عِنْدَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَوَعَظَنَا فَذَكَّرَ النَّارَ – قَالَ – ثُمَّ جِئْتُ إِلَى الْبَيْتِ فَضَاحَكْتُ الصِّبْيَانَ وَلاَعَبْتُ الْمَرْأَةَ – قَالَ – فَخَرَجْتُ فَلَقِيتُ أَبَا بَكْرٍ فَذَكَرْتُ ذَلِكَ لَهُ فَقَالَ وَأَنَا قَدْ فَعَلْتُ مِثْلَ مَا تَذْكُرُ ‏.‏ فَلَقِينَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَقُلْتُ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ نَافَقَ حَنْظَلَةُ فَقَالَ ‏”‏ مَهْ ‏”‏ ‏.‏ فَحَدَّثْتُهُ بِالْحَدِيثِ فَقَالَ أَبُو بَكْرٍ وَأَنَا قَدْ فَعَلْتُ مِثْلَ مَا فَعَلَ فَقَالَ ‏”‏ يَا حَنْظَلَةُ سَاعَةً وَسَاعَةً وَلَوْ كَانَتْ تَكُونُ قُلُوبُكُمْ كَمَا تَكُونُ عِنْدَ الذِّكْرِ لَصَافَحَتْكُمُ الْمَلاَئِكَةُ حَتَّى تُسَلِّمَ عَلَيْكُمْ فِي الطُّرُقِ ‏”‏ ‏.‏

Hanzala reported: We were in the company of Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) and he delivered to us a sermon and made a mention of Hell-Fire. Then I came to my house and began to laugh with my children and sport with my wife. (Hanzala) further reported: I went out and met Abu Bakr and made a mention of that to him. Thereupon he said: I have done the same as you have mentioned. So we went to see Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) and said to him: Allah’s Messenger, Hanzala has turned to he a hypocrite. And he (the Holy Prophet) said Show respite. And then I narrated to him the story, and Abu Bakr said: I have done the same as he has done. Thereupon he (the Holy Prophet) said: Hanzala, there is a time for worldly affairs and a time for (worship and devotion), and if your state of mind is always the same as it is at the time of remembrance of Allah, the Angels would shake hands with you and would greet you on the path by saying: As-Salamu-Alaikum. (Sahih Muslim)

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) often commanded his noble companions to exercise gentleness and forbade them from engaging in harsh matters. Sayyiduna Abu Mas’ud al-Ansari (رضي الله عنه) narrates that a person came to the Noble Messenger (ﷺ) and said, “O Messenger of Allah, I come late to the morning prayer because of so-and-so imam who leads us in lengthy prayers.” Sayyiduna Abu Mas’ud (رضي الله عنه) states that on that day, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) became so angry that I had never seen him so angry before. He said:

وَحَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى بْنُ يَحْيَى، أَخْبَرَنَا هُشَيْمٌ، عَنْ إِسْمَاعِيلَ بْنِ أَبِي خَالِدٍ، عَنْ قَيْسٍ، عَنْ أَبِي مَسْعُودٍ الأَنْصَارِيِّ، قَالَ جَاءَ رَجُلٌ إِلَى رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَقَالَ إِنِّي لأَتَأَخَّرُ عَنْ صَلاَةِ الصُّبْحِ مِنْ أَجْلِ فُلاَنٍ مِمَّا يُطِيلُ بِنَا ‏.‏ فَمَا رَأَيْتُ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم غَضِبَ فِي مَوْعِظَةٍ قَطُّ أَشَدَّ مِمَّا غَضِبَ يَوْمَئِذٍ فَقَالَ ‏ “‏ يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ إِنَّ مِنْكُمْ مُنَفِّرِينَ فَأَيُّكُمْ أَمَّ النَّاسَ فَلْيُوجِزْ فَإِنَّ مِنْ وَرَائِهِ الْكَبِيرَ وَالضَّعِيفَ وَذَا الْحَاجَةِ ‏”‏ ‏.‏

Abu Mas’ud al-Ainsari reported: A person came to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and said: I keep away from the morning prayer on account of such and such (a man), because; he keeps us so long. I never saw God’s Messenger (ﷺ) more angry when giving an exhortation than he was that day. He said: 0 people, some of you are scaring people away. So whoever of you leads the people in prayer he must be brief, for behind him are the weak, the aged, and the people who have (argent) business to attend. (Sahih Muslim)

حَدَّثَنَا ابْنُ مُقَاتِلٍ، أَخْبَرَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ، أَخْبَرَنَا الأَوْزَاعِيُّ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنِي يَحْيَى بْنُ أَبِي كَثِيرٍ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنِي أَبُو سَلَمَةَ بْنُ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنِي عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ عَمْرِو بْنِ الْعَاصِ ـ رضى الله عنهما ـ قَالَ لِي رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏”‏ يَا عَبْدَ اللَّهِ أَلَمْ أُخْبَرْ أَنَّكَ تَصُومُ النَّهَارَ وَتَقُومُ اللَّيْلَ ‏”‏‏.‏ فَقُلْتُ بَلَى يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ‏.‏ قَالَ ‏”‏ فَلاَ تَفْعَلْ، صُمْ وَأَفْطِرْ، وَقُمْ وَنَمْ، فَإِنَّ لِجَسَدِكَ عَلَيْكَ حَقًّا، وَإِنَّ لِعَيْنِكَ عَلَيْكَ حَقًّا، وَإِنَّ لِزَوْجِكَ عَلَيْكَ حَقًّا، وَإِنَّ لِزَوْرِكَ عَلَيْكَ حَقًّا، وَإِنَّ بِحَسْبِكَ أَنْ تَصُومَ كُلَّ شَهْرٍ ثَلاَثَةَ أَيَّامٍ، فَإِنَّ لَكَ بِكُلِّ حَسَنَةٍ عَشْرَ أَمْثَالِهَا، فَإِنَّ ذَلِكَ صِيَامُ الدَّهْرِ كُلِّهِ ‏”‏‏.‏ فَشَدَّدْتُ، فَشُدِّدَ عَلَىَّ، قُلْتُ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ، إِنِّي أَجِدُ قُوَّةً‏.‏ قَالَ ‏”‏ فَصُمْ صِيَامَ نَبِيِّ اللَّهِ دَاوُدَ عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ وَلاَ تَزِدْ عَلَيْهِ ‏”‏‏.‏ قُلْتُ وَمَا كَانَ صِيَامُ نَبِيِّ اللَّهِ دَاوُدَ ـ عَلَيْهِ السَّلاَمُ ـ قَالَ ‏”‏ نِصْفَ الدَّهْرِ ‏”‏‏.‏ فَكَانَ عَبْدُ اللَّهِ يَقُولُ بَعْدَ مَا كَبِرَ يَا لَيْتَنِي قَبِلْتُ رُخْصَةَ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم‏.‏

Narrated `Abdullah bin `Amr bin Al-`As: Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said to me, “O `Abdullah! Have I not been informed that you fast during the day and offer prayers all the night.” `Abdullah replied, “Yes, O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)!” The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Don’t do that; fast for few days and then give it up for few days, offer prayers and also sleep at night, as your body has a right on you, and your wife has a right on you, and your guest has a right on you. And it is sufficient for you to fast three days in a month, as the reward of a good deed is multiplied ten times, so it will be like fasting throughout the year.” I insisted (on fasting) and so I was given a hard instruction. I said, “O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)! I have power.” The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Fast like the fasting of the Prophet (ﷺ) David and do not fast more than that.” I said, “How was the fasting of the Prophet (ﷺ) of Allah, David?” He said, “Half of the year,” (i.e. he used to fast on every alternate day). Afterwards when `Abdullah became old, he used to say, “It would have been better for me if I had accepted the permission of the Prophet (which he gave me i.e. to fast only three days a month). (Sahih al-Bukhari)

رمضان المبارک میں آسانی کے پہلو