Clarifying the Evidence in Referencing and Verifying the Hadeeth: "There is no 'Itikaaf except in the Three Mosques"

Clarifying the Evidence in Referencing and Verifying the Hadeeth: "There is no 'Itikaaf except in the Three Mosques"

AUTHOR:	Shaikh Muhammad bin 'Abdil-Wahhaab Al-Wassaabee
TRANSLATED:	Al-Ibaanah Book Publishing
PRODUCED BY:	Al-Ibaanah.com

About the Book: This book is a complete translation of a small booklet entitled: Eedaah-ud-Dalaalah fee Takhreej wa Tahqeeq "Laa 'Itikaaf Illaa fil-Masaajid ath-Thalaathah¡¨(Clarifying the Evidence in Referencing and Verifying the Hadeeth: "There is no 'Itikaaf except in the Three Mosques") printed by Dar-ul-Athaar, San'aa in 2003H.

In this brief discussion, the author, Shaikh Muhammad bin ¡¥Abdil-Wahhaab Al-Wasaabee, presents the references and grading of the hadeeth: "There is no 'Itikaaf except in the Three Mosques" through a discourse on the hadeeth's narrators and sources. He also alludes to points of benefit drawn from the discussion on the verification of the hadeeth and presents the readers with advice concerning 'Itikaaf.

'Itikaaf is an important topic, especially in this month of Ramadaan, due to the many blessings and rewards contained within it. The matter of it being legislated in just the three mosques, i.e. Masjid al-Haraam in Makkah, Masjid an-Nabawee in Madeenah and Masjid Al-Aqsaa in Jerusalem, or in every mosque in which the Jumu'ah Prayer is established is an issue that has long been in debate. However, through the presentation of the evidence in this treatise, it is hoped that the readers may gain insight on the correct position with regard to this tremendous act of worship. It is also hoped that this book will aid the one who reads it into preserving and abiding by this sacred practice of Islaam, by which one¡¦s heart grows attached to the masjid and the servant dedicates himself entirely for a specified amount of time to the service and worship of His Lord.

About the Author: Shaikh Muqbil bin Haadee Al-Waadi¡¦ee said in his introduction to the book: "As for the author of these three treatises, then he is Shaikh Muhammad bin 'Abdil-Wahhaab - the teacher of Tawheed and Fiqh, and of good manners, abstinence and piety; the compassionate educator; the caller to Muslim unity; the warner against repulsive partisanship; the one who is extremely patient with poverty and difficulties, and the one who is wise with regard to the field of Da'wah (Calling to Allaah). He loves the predecessors (i.e. Salaf) of this ummah and hates the innovators - each one according to the form of his innovation."

Quotes from the Book: "In the report of Sa¡¦eed, there occurs the wording: "...or a congregational masjid." This addition has not been mentioned by those who reported it in marfoo' form or those who reported it in mawqoof form. Yes, the addition occurs in some of the paths of narration from Ibraaheem bin Yazeed An-Nakha¡¦ee. However, you have already read that the path of narration from Ibraaheem bin Yazeed is broken."

"When a Companion states: "Such and such is from the Sunnah...", the hadeeth takes on the ruling of being raised to a statement of the Prophet. This has been agreed upon in the books on Principles of Hadeeth. So based on this hadeeth, 'Itikaaf is therefore permissible in every masjid in which the Jumu'ah prayer is established. However, performing it in the Three Mosques is better and more complete."

"The summary of this study is that 'Itikaaf is prescribed in every masjid in which the Jumu'ah Prayer is established. However, performing it in one of the Three Mosques is better and more perfect. This was the favored opinion of our teacher, the great scholar, the Muhaddith, the Faqeeh, Abu 'Abdir-Rahmaan Muqbil bin Haadee Al-Waadi'ee, may Allaah have mercy on him."

 Clarifying the Evidence in Referencing and Verifying the Hadeeth: "There is no 'Itikaaf except in the Three Mosques"