O Muslim, Trade Earlier!

Looking at the present condition of our Muslim brothers, it is common for them to use their morning time lazily. They prefer to indolence at this graced time, until the sun rises or even  later. Whereas that was not the guidance of our Prophet Shallallaahu ‘alayh wa Sallam. He was used to make best of his early morning time, just as his devoted companions and noble scholars whom are our role models in our deeds and morals. All of them were used to use their morning time well.

Morning Time is An Appropriate Time to Perform Good Deeds

In the book named Sahih Bukharee, there is a narration from Abu Huraira, which he took from The Prophet Shallallaahu ‘alayh wa Sallam. He-Shallallaahu ‘alayhe wa Sallam stated,

“Religion is very easy and whoever overburdens himself in his religion will not be able to continue in that way. So you should not be extremists, but try to be near to perfection and receive the good tidings that you will be rewarded; and gain strength by worshipping in the mornings, the nights.” (Collected by Bukharee no. 38 and see the explanation of it in Fath-ul Bari).

trade earlier

The meaning of ‘al ghodwa’ in this hadeeth is a journey in the beginning of the noon. Al Jauhari said that the meaning of ‘al ghodwa’ is some time between the time of Fajr Prayer and the rising of the sun. (see Fath-ul Bari 1/62, Maktaba Shamila)

This is the three time claimed by Ibn Hajar in his book Fath-ul Bari as the time when our spirit is high to do good deeds.

Sheik Abdurrahman Ibn Nasheer As Sa’di explained that this is the three prime time to perform physical journey, whether it is near or far. And to perform journey to the Hereafter (in the form of pursuing good deeds). (See Bahja Qulub Al Abrar, pg. 67, Maktaba ‘Abdul Mushowir Muhammad Abdullah)

Morning Time, Full of Baraka

Time full of Baraka, means such time which is full with goodness. And morning time is the one especially invoked by The Prophet Shallallaahu’alayhe wa Sallam as the time filled with baraka.

From the authority of Shokhr al Ghomidi, The Prophet Shallallaahu’alayhe wa Sallam said,

“O Allah, bestow Your graces upon my people in their morning time.”

If The Prophet Shallallaahu’alayhe wa Sallam, wanted to send a platoon of his troop, he Shallallaahu’alayhe wa Sallam sent them early in the morning. Shokhr himself (the one who narrated this hadeeth-translator) was a businessman, He used to carried his stuffs in the early morning. Thus, he became a rich man. Abu Daud revealed that he is Shokhr Ibn Wada’a. (Collected by Abu Daud, no. 2606. The graded is sahih according to Al Albanee in his book, Sahih wa Dha’if Sunan Abi Daud)

Ibn Baththal said, “This hadith does not indicate that outside morning time are not graced. Something used to be done by The Prophet Shallallaahu’alayhe wa Sallam (at a specific time) is a Baraka time and he shallallaahu’alayhe wa Sallam is the best role model for his people and after them. He shallallaahu’alayhe wa Sallam specified morning time of Baraka (by invoke especially for it) other than the other time, since morning time is the one usually used by human to start their activities. That time is full with spirit to accomplish activities. Thus The Prophet Shallallaahu’alayhe wa Sallam prayed for this time in particular, so that all of his people can achieve the Baraka in it. ” (Syarh al Bukharee Libni Baththol, 9/163, Maktaba Shamila)

Make Best of Morning Time, a Key to Success

In Tuhfatul Ahwadzi Syarh at Tirmidhi (3/305) it is said that due to his concern upon the teaching of The Prophet Shallallaahu’alayhe wa Sallam to make best of morning time, and the effectiveness of The Prophet Shallallaahu’alayhe wa Sallam’s prayer for anyone who make best of that time, Shokhr Al Ghomidi-a trader- became prosperous.

Thus, after we realize that morning time is a time full with Baraka, are we still going to let it pass in vain? A smart one, wont of course. He will make best of it, by performing good deeds or win breads for his family.

We also advise to traders: O Muslim brother, make best use of your morning time, and don’t be lazy! It is very good if only all of us could start to trade in the morning, open open our stores or stalls even earlier in the morning (after the morning prayer). There is no doubt, we will achieve the Baraka as what promised by The Prophet Shallallaahu’alayhe wa Sallam?

May Allah make us ease in seeking guidance, performing good deeds, and obtaining a good and Baraka fortunes.

Pangukan, Sleman, 13th of Muharram 1430 H

Written by Muhammad Abduh Tuasikal, S.T.
One who always begs for forgiveness and graces of his Rabb

One thought on “O Muslim, Trade Earlier!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *