“…Let Not The Rooster Be Cleverer Than You” – Imam Ghazaali’s رحمه الله

Imam Ghazaali’s Naseehat to a Fortunate Student and Disciple

The Virtue of Istighfaar, Thikr and Ibaadat in the Late Hours of the Night

Son! If mere knowledge was sufficient for you without the need for practical implementation then the Call of: “Is there anyone who is asking? Is there anyone seeking forgiveness? Is there anyone repentant?” would be futile. (This Call is sounded from the heavens during the late part of the night and on certain nights such as Lailatul Qadr, the whole night.)

It is reported that a group of Sahaabah (Ridhwaanullahi alaihim ajma’een) spoke of Abdullah Bin Umar (Radhiyallahu anhu) by Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam). Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said; “Abdullah is a good person; if only he offers Salaat during the night.”

Son! “And for a portion of the night offer Tahajjud Salaah” is an Amr (command of the Qur’aan), “During the pre-dawn moments they supplicate for forgiveness” is Shukr (gratitude) and “Those who engage in istighfaar pre-dawn” is Thikr. (In other words, you are required to engage in Salaat, Thikr and Shukr during the dark hours of the night.)

Nabi (Alaihis Salaam) said: “Allah Ta’ala loves three sounds; the cock’s crow, the sound of the Qur’aan being recited and the sound of those engaged in istighfaar during the hours preceding dawn.”

Sufyaan Thauri (Rahmatullahi alaih) said: “Allah Tabaaraka wa Ta’ala has created a breeze which blows before dawn and which carries istighfaar and athkaar to Al-Malikul Jabbaar (the Mighty King – Allah Ta’ala).

He also said:

“At the onset of the night a Caller calls out from beneath the Arsh: ‘Listen! Let the Aabidoon (Worshippers of Allah) stand in prayers. ‘Thus they stand and offer Salaat as much as Allah Ta’ala wills. Then a Caller calls out in the middle of the night: ‘Listen! Let the Qaanitoon (Obedient) stand in prayers. Thus they stand up and offer Salaat till the time before dawn. When the time preceding dawn (sahar) sets in the Caller calls out: ‘Listen! Let the Mustaghfiroon (those seeking forgiveness) stand.’ Thus they wake up and engage in istighfaar. When Fajr time sets in the Caller calls out: ‘Let the ghaafiloon (dreamy/forgetful ones) stand.’ Thus they get up from their beds like dead people being resurrected from their graves.”

Son! It is reported in the wasaaya (legacy) of Luqmaan the Wise that he said to his son: “O My Beloved Son! Let not the rooster be cleverer than you. It calls out before dawn whilst you are sleeping.”

(From Ayyuhal Walad)