Niyaaz or Fatiha is a practice in Islamic tradition where food is prepared, Qur'an is recited, and prayers are offered to seek Allah's blessings, for gaining spiritual reward (sawaab), and for the intention of gifting this reward (isaale sawaab) to the souls, including Prophets, righteous individuals, and loved ones.
Let me explain each step in detail:
1. **Recitation of the Qur'an**
- In a Niyaaz or Fatiha gathering, recitation from the Qur'an (the verses of the Qur'an) are recited with the intention of seeking blessings from Allah. Reciting the Qur'an is believed to bring immense barakah (blessings) and reward to the one reciting as well as those listening.
- The Qur'an is the word of Allah, and its recitation purifies the environment and the hearts of people present. It is often believed that the sound of the Qur'an can bring peace to both the living and the souls of the departed.
- Specific chapters or verses may be recited, such as Surah Al-Fatiha, Surah Yaseen, Surah Ikhlas, or any part of the Qur'an.
2. Making Dua (Supplication)
- After the Qur'an recitation, a dua is made, asking Allah to accept the recitation of the Qur'an and the food that has been prepared.
- The purpose of this dua is twofold:
1. To request that Allah accepts the recitation and whatever actions are done in this gathering for His sake.
2. To seek reward (sawaab) from Allah for these good deeds and to offer this reward as a gift (isaale sawaab) to various individuals, including:
- Ambiya (Prophets): The Prophets are the best of creation, and by offering rewards to them, we seek to express love and reverence for their sacrifices and teachings.
- Siddiqueen (Truthful Ones): These are individuals who have remained steadfast in their faith and have been honored by Allah.
- Saaleheen (Righteous Ones): These are those who led pious lives and were known for their devotion to Allah.
- Awliya (Saints): Awliya refers to those close to Allah, often saints or Sufi masters, known for their spiritual wisdom and devotion.
- The Souls of the Deceased: The immediate reason for the Fatiha is often to seek forgiveness for the soul of a deceased loved one. This act helps the departed by granting them the spiritual reward of the recitation and other good deeds.
3. Recitation of Durood Shareef
- Durood Shareef is recited, which is a form of sending blessings and peace upon the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This practice is highly recommended in Islam as it is an act of love and reverence for the Prophet.
- Reciting Durood brings multiple benefits, including increasing the chances of one's prayers being accepted and gaining Allah's mercy.
- Sending blessings upon the Prophet is also a means of drawing closer to Allah, as the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ holds a unique and beloved status with Allah.
4. Serving of Food
- After the recitation and prayers, food that has been prepared is served to the family, friends, and relatives. The food is also given to the poor and needy. Feeding others is considered a virtuous act in Islam.
- Serving food in Niyaaz or Fatiha holds special significance. It is seen as an act of charity (sadaqah) and a way to express generosity. Feeding the poor in particular is encouraged in Islam as it helps build compassion and offers an opportunity to share blessings.
- In the context of the gathering, the food is not just a meal but also an extension of the offering made to Allah, with the hope that the reward from this charity will benefit the souls of the departed as well as bring blessings to those present.
- The act of feeding people creates a sense of community, and it brings barakah (blessings) into the household of the person hosting the event.
Overall Purpose:
The central purpose of Niyaaz or Fatiha is to:
- Gain Allah's pleasure by engaging in virtuous acts such as reciting the Qur'an, making dua, sending blessings upon the Prophet, and performing acts of charity (by serving food).
- Seek spiritual benefits not just for oneself but for others, especially the souls of the deceased, by sending them the reward of these good deeds.
- Strengthen bonds between family, friends, and the community, and remind participants of the virtues of generosity, compassion, and remembrance of Allah.
The entire process, from Qur'an recitation to the feeding of food, is an expression of gratitude, faith, and a desire to seek Allah's mercy for both the living and the dead.
Mercy Rehmah descends upon the mentioning of the righteous Saliheen
تَنزِلُ الرَّحْمَةُ عِنْدَ ذِكْرَ الصَّالِحِينَ
"Mercy Rehmah descends upon the mentioning of the righteous Saliheen."
وَصَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَى سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِهِ وَصَحْبِهِ أَجْمَعِينَ سُبْحَـٰنَ رَبِّكَ رَبِّ ٱلْعِزَّةِ عَمَّا يَصِفُونَ وَسَلَـٰمٌ عَلَى ٱلْمُرْسَلِينَ وَٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ ٱلْعَـٰلَمِينَ آمين بجاه النبي الكريمﷺ
Al-Fatiha!
Hadrat E Shaykh Sayyiduna Ma’roof Karkhi
Hazrat Shaykh Mohiuddin Abdul Qadir Jilani
Hazrat Shaikh Mohiuddin Ibne Arabi
Hazrat Shaikh Akil masihi
Hazrat Shaikh Hayaat Har'raafi
Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chisty
Hazrat Khwaja Qutub'uddin Bakhtiar Kaki
Hazrat Baba Fareed'udeen Ganze Shakar
Hazrat Khwaja Nizamuddin Auliya
Hazrat Makhdoom Alaauddin Haq Pandvi
Gausul Aalam, Mehboob E Yazdani Hazrat Makhdoom Ashraf Jahangir Simnani
Beautiful Hadith Quote:
وَعَنْ عَائِشَةَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهَا قَالَتْ: أَنَّ رَجُلًا قَالَ لِلنَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: إِنَّ أُمِّي افْتُلِتَتْ نَفْسَهَا وَأَظُنُّهَا لَوْ تَكَلَّمَتْ تَصَدَّقَتْ فَهَلْ لَهَا أَجْرٌ إِنْ تَصَدَّقت عَنْهَا؟ قَالَ: نعم "
Hazrat E ‘A’isha said that a man told the Prophet his mother had died suddenly adding that he thought she would have given sadaqa if she had been able to speak. He therefore asked if she would have a reward supposing he gave sadaqa on her behalf, and was told that she would.
(Bukhari and Muslim.)
Mishkat al-Masabih 1950
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