Inspiration and Spirituality
Ar-Rayyan: Are you a club member?
If you are an elite status frequent flyer with one of the national airlines, you will realize the benefits of such status when you need it the most – when the airport is crowded and you need to secure your spot on the airplane. If you are a club member of any of the national or international flying programs, you will enjoy privileges not available to the public. The number one privilege is status. When passengers are called for departure they are mentioned by their flying status; first class is first and foremost, next comes the club members and then all other travelers through general boarding.
As a club member you are recognized for your hard work. You enjoy boarding earlier than others with no long delays. You even walk through a special path with a club logo on the carpet. Once you pass through it, it closes after you leaving the rest of the crowd waiting to enter later through a different path. As a club member you enjoy traveling rewards for your hard work on the journeys you had undertaken throughout your career with the carrier. You receive rewards such as, and not limited to, spontaneous upgrades, waving charges for extra baggage, and most importantly a private lounge in the busy airport. The gates of the club are opened only for members of the flying club, and if you are not a member; no entry.
“Ar-Rayyan” is a gate for exclusive heavenly elite, it is the gate of Paradise through which members of a special class will enter and once they are all in it will close. It is a gate for an exclusive club; a club for those who travel the distance with a special airline: “aS-Saa’imoon,” the fasting people.
Keep supporting MuslimMatters for the sake of Allah
Alhamdulillah, we're at over 850 supporters. Help us get to 900 supporters this month. All it takes is a small gift from a reader like you to keep us going, for just $2 / month.
The Prophet (SAW) has taught us the best of deeds are those that done consistently, even if they are small. Click here to support MuslimMatters with a monthly donation of $2 per month. Set it and collect blessings from Allah (swt) for the khayr you're supporting without thinking about it.
Narrated Sahl ibn Sa’ad, radiyallahu anh, the Messenger of Allah salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam said: “In paradise there is a gate which is called Ar-Rayyan through which the people who fasted will enter on the day of Judgment, and no one else shall enter along-side them. It will be asked, ‘where are the Saa’imoon, those who fasted?’ and they will walk through it, and upon the entry of the last of them, it will be locked, and no one else will walk through it.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
In order to enter through this gate you have to be a member of the club “Ar-Rayyan”. Membership was secured for all those who follow the rules of fasting, and privileges hence, will be provide thereafter.
What are some of the privileges of this membership?
1. Upgrade to an elite status, the status of “Muttaqeen” – Righteous.
As a club member you shall receive a status upgrade, from average to exceptional from regular worshiper to Muttaqi – righteous, all by the will of Allah.
Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala says:
“O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may become Righteous.” Al-Bakara 2:183.
It was reported that Ali ibn Abi Talib, radiyallahu anh, said: “Be concerned more over the acceptance of your deeds than over the deeds themselves for Allah does not accept deeds except from the righteous. Didn’t you read Allah’s statement: “Verily, Allah accepts only from the Muttaqeen -Righteous.” Al-Maa’iedah 5:27.
2. Earning bonus miles
As a club member you will receive thousands of miles and even more, that takes you far away from the heat of Jahannam to extremely outstanding destination, destination: Jannah.
Narrated Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri, radiyallahu anh, the Messenger of Allah salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam said: “Whoever fasts one day for the sake of Allah, Allah will remove him a distance of seventy years’ from the Hell-fire.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
3. No charges for extra load
As a club member you will not be charged for extra load and baggage. Now that is Forgiveness, and by the grace of Allah, all sins will be forgiven.
Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala says: “For Muslim men and women, for believing men and women, for devout men and women, for true men and women, for men and women who are patient and constant, for men and women who humble themselves, for men and women who give in charity, for men and women who fast, for men and women who guard their chastity, and for men and women who engage much in Allah’s praise, for them has Allah prepared forgiveness and great reward.” Al-Ahzaab 33:35.
4. Firewall protection
As a club member you shall be protected by a firewall to shield you from sins and errors in this Dunya and from the Hellfire in the Akhira.
Narrated Abu Hurayrah, radiyallahu anh, the Messenger of Allah, salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam, said: “Fasting is protecting shield, so when it is the day when one of you are fasting, let him not behave or speak indecently; if someone tries to abuse him or fight him, let him say, ‘I am fasting’.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
Ibn AbdelBarr rahimahullah said: “Protecting shield means screening from the Hellfire, and that is enough virtue for the fasting one.” Qadhi Iyaad rahimahullah says also: “Protecting shield means a screen and a deterrence from committing obscenity and sins, or could be a barrier and screen from reaching the Hellfire, or a protection from all of the aforementioned.”
5. Divine fragrance
As a club member you will enjoy acquiring a fragrance that is most beloved by the Divine, Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala.
Narrated Abu Hurayrah, radiyallahu anh, the Messenger of Allah, salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam, said: “By the One in whose hand is the soul of Muhammad, the smell emanating from the mouth of the one fasting is better with Allah than the fragrance of musk.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
6. Hotline with the Owner
As a club member you have the privilege of being rewarded directly from the Owner of the day of Judgment subhanahu wa ta’ala, and Owner of the gate “Ar-Rayyan”.
Narrated Abu Hurayrah may Allah be pleased with, the Messenger of Allah salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam said: “All of the actions of the son of Adam are for him except the fast, for that is for me and I will reward it Myself.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
7. Two special moments of joy and happiness
As a club member you will have two special moments of joy and happiness, one is in this world before departure and the other one when you reach your destination safely, in the Akhira.
Narrated Abu Hurayrah, radiyallahu anh, the Messenger of Allah salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam said: “The one fasting has two time of joy, when he breaks his fast he is happy and when he meets his lord he will rejoice at his fasting.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
8. A brand new software for your heart, called: generosity
As a club member you shall receive a special software upgrade to your already existing heartware. It is a gift of peace and serenity and the love of generosity. You shall happily rid yourself of stinginess and miserly. Enjoy your new big heart.
Narrated Ibn ‘Abbas, radiyallahu anh who said: “The Prophet, salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam, was the most generous of people, and he was even more generous during Ramadan when Jibreel met him. Jibreel used to meet him every night in Ramadan until it was over and the Prophet would go through the Qur’an with him. The Messenger of Allah was more generous with good things than the blowing wind (which brings rain and welfare).” (Bukhari)
If you would like to become a member, it’s easy. Just open an account with “aS-Saa’imoon” and become a frequent flyer i.e. fasting. Do not stop after Ramadan otherwise your account will become inactive and you lose your mileage and privileges. Keep your account active and fly the distance with “aS-Saa’imoon”. Imam An-Nawawi rahimahullah said: “Scholars say of the meaning of this (hadith Ar-Rayyan), that a person is known through his worship and deeds for frequent fasting.” Therefore it’s all about days following Ramadan until the next Ramadan. How often are you going to fly with “aS-Saa’imoon”?
Now, are you a club member? Join Now and open an account with your intention today. Become a member, club Ar-Rayyan.
Keep supporting MuslimMatters for the sake of Allah
Alhamdulillah, we're at over 850 supporters. Help us get to 900 supporters this month. All it takes is a small gift from a reader like you to keep us going, for just $2 / month.
The Prophet (SAW) has taught us the best of deeds are those that done consistently, even if they are small. Click here to support MuslimMatters with a monthly donation of $2 per month. Set it and collect blessings from Allah (swt) for the khayr you're supporting without thinking about it.
Study Classical Texts the Traditional Way | Session 4
Groundbreaking New Forensic Report Maps Israelโs Genocide On Gaza
Safeguarding Children In Todayโs World: An Islamic Perspective On Child Sexual Abuse Prevention And Protection
From Algeria to Palestine: Commemorating Eighty Years Of Resistance And International Solidarity
The Fall Of Barsisa: Lessons On Spiritual Corruption And The Abuse Of Religious Authority
MuslimMatters Official Statement On Wisam Sharieff
Statement Against Abuse: The Female Scholars Network
[Podcast] How To Free A Jinn & Other Questions | Ustadha Raidah Shah Idil
Keeping Our Children Safe From Predators: A Guide For Parents
Study Classical Texts The Traditional Way [Session 3] | Sh. Yaser Birjas
Study Classical Texts The Traditional Way [Session 1] | Sh. Yaser Birjas
Sami Hamdi: “Muslims Must Abandon Harris” | Transcript and Summary
IOK Ramadan: The Importance of Spiritual Purification | Keys To The Divine Compass [Ep30]
IOK Ramadan: The Power of Prayer | Keys To The Divine Compass [Ep29]
IOK Ramadan: The Weight of the Qur’an | Keys To The Divine Compass [Ep28]
-
Announcements4 weeks agoMuslimMatters Official Statement On Wisam Sharieff
-
#Society4 weeks ago
Statement Against Abuse: The Female Scholars Network
-
#Current Affairs1 month ago
Sami Hamdi: “Muslims Must Abandon Harris” | Transcript and Summary
-
#Culture2 weeks ago
[Podcast] How To Free A Jinn & Other Questions | Ustadha Raidah Shah Idil
Muhammad Ahmad
September 8, 2008 at 1:05 AM
Mashaa Allaah… Incredible Article!!!!
Ayesha
September 8, 2008 at 1:39 AM
amazing article!!!! May Allah bless you shaikh!
argentyne
September 8, 2008 at 1:44 AM
Jazakallah for this article. Talk about Islam and creativity :)
Yasir Qadhi
September 8, 2008 at 3:51 AM
Wallahi that was good! Talk about a fun read (and may Allah make us all members of this club!).
Keep up the good work shaykhana…
Yasir
Um Salamah
September 8, 2008 at 9:10 AM
Loved it!
Very creative mashAllah! Talk about marketing for a good cause :)
JazakAllahu khairan Sh. YB.
May Allah bless us all with this elite status and entry into club ar-Rayyan.
One question: For the nafl siyaam—–the recommended days are Mons, Thursdays and Ayaam al-bi’eed (middle days of the month), six days of shawal, and days of shabaa’n. Any else I am missing? And for the middle days of the month, does this constitute for 13,14,15 or 14,15,16?
BarakAllahu feekum.
Umm Reem
September 8, 2008 at 9:19 AM
Awesome mashaAllah!
JazakAllah khairan katheeran shaikh….
Yusuf
September 8, 2008 at 9:38 AM
seems like a cheap airline. :)
Jazakalllah Shaykh.
talwar
September 8, 2008 at 9:43 AM
Brilliant! mashaAllah..
Ibn Qays
September 8, 2008 at 10:59 AM
MashaaAllah, Sh. Yaser, that was awesome! InshaaAllah you will be the flight attendant of the plane carrying muttaqeen to jannah, or better yet – the pilot! ;) And May Allah make AlMaghrib institute one of the best airports for those aiming for Jannatul-Firdaws ameen.
Mustafa
September 8, 2008 at 11:01 AM
“Enjoy your new big heart.” :)
As one of the brothers we know said: “Sooo Mashaa Allah”
IbnAbbas
September 8, 2008 at 11:20 AM
great article! jazakallah khair shaykh
just one question: can we still keep the ar-Rayyan membership active by flying other months than Ramadhaan? coz I thought ar-Rayyan is only for those special people who fasted in the month of ramadhan.
Nusaiba
September 8, 2008 at 1:15 PM
Jazakallahu Khayran Shayk.
Ps. Um Salamah, one thing I noticed you were missing is the Day of Ashoora.
It was narrated that Ibn โAbbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: I never saw the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) so keen to make sure he fasted any day and preferring it over another except this day, the day of โAshooraโ, and this month โ meaning Ramadaan. Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1867.
Amatullah
September 8, 2008 at 2:06 PM
Jazakum Allahu khayran! I was smiling through the whole article, that was awesome shaykh!
AnonyMouse
September 8, 2008 at 2:17 PM
That was fantastic, jazaakAllahu khair!!!
Ameen @ the ad’iyah… :D
Sana K
September 8, 2008 at 2:46 PM
SubhaAllah this more encouragement to fast outside of Ramadan and a means to inspire others to do the same!
Samrina
September 8, 2008 at 4:38 PM
Masha’Allah! Great Article!
Yaser Birjas
September 8, 2008 at 4:55 PM
Sh. Yasir Q, we are learning from you and your style akhi :)
Um Salamah there is the best fasting…the fasting of Dawood alayhi as-salam as the Prophet salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam said. It’s fasting every other day, continiously.
IbnAbbas…Ar-Rayyan is for those whose most of their Ibaadah is fasting, meaning around the year not just Ramadan.
So fly high with As-Saa’imoon.
Omer
September 8, 2008 at 5:31 PM
Salamu Alaikum,
Great article Shaikh!
Shaikh I have a question, what is the minimum amount that one would have to fast to be included in this exclusive club?
jazzakallahu khair!
Yaser Birjas
September 8, 2008 at 5:51 PM
Omer,
An-Nawawi rahimahullah said: โScholars say of the meaning of this (hadith Ar-Rayyan), that a person is known through his worship and deeds for frequent fasting.โ
So there is no minimum, but there is “wa saari’uoo” -and hasten, and “wa saabi’qoo” -and compete.
Faiez
September 8, 2008 at 6:00 PM
Masha’Allah, showing your creative side Shaykh Yaser. I hope we can see more of these in the future insha’Allah.
Um Salamah
September 8, 2008 at 6:47 PM
What are some suggestions or tips for one to go about fasting on a ‘regular’ basis? Can a person train themselves to get “used” to fasting (ie: wearing hijab in warm weather—-you can never get used to it, its a natural process)?
BarakAllahu feekum
Kishwar Sheikh
September 8, 2008 at 10:29 PM
it was indeed a very good articel, thanks for sharing this with us and May Allah reward you multiple times for having spread this info to all who did not know much about it
Naaz`
September 9, 2008 at 12:35 AM
Pretty good… . i wish people understand and follow the thoughts. .
Belal
September 9, 2008 at 1:56 AM
Great article. Jazaks! We need more interesting analogies such as this. Now i know why u mentioned the Club at tonight’s lecture after taraweeh :).
-Belal
SaqibSaab
September 9, 2008 at 12:07 PM
On aS-Saa’imoon, you can also enjoy the best seating, reclining on couches inlaid with gold and precious stones. No need to worry about Jahannam’s economy class seats in the Hellfire.
And the stewards and stewardesses are the best and most nicest servants!
Mirza
September 9, 2008 at 1:30 PM
Masha Allah. The analogy is extremely creative and inspirational. I have shared with several local Muslims (in Trinidad & Tobago) in the hope that they too will be inspired to be an elite flyer with this club. Jazaakallahu Khairan.
Umm Ibrahim
September 9, 2008 at 3:48 PM
Assalaamu alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakaatuh,
Masha’Allah, fantastic article. Very creatively written for maximum impact ~ may Allah reward you.
talibilm
September 9, 2008 at 5:13 PM
salaam alaikum wr wb
great read alhamdulillah. we totally more articles like this. even my brain which has been thoroughly battered by medschool was receptive to it :D
may Allah swt make us and our families enter Jennah through Ar-Rayyan together. Ameen.
let us ask for nothing less than el-firdous el a3laa for all the muslimeen from Our Lord Most High when we all break our fasts inshaAllah. Allahumma ameeeeeen.
Wallaahu Mujeebud-Du’a wa Ghaffaaru-dh-dhunoob.
wassalaam
Omar Mumtaz
September 9, 2008 at 6:14 PM
Beautiful article ya shakhana, ahsan Allahu ilayk.
Abu Hudhayfa
September 9, 2008 at 9:52 PM
Asalamu Alaikum Fadeela Shaykh Yaser,
Hayak Allah.
Very impressive, special and unique.
Jazak Allahu Khairan.
FearAllah
September 9, 2008 at 10:36 PM
That was so nicely put masha’Allah :)
It’s one of those amthaal that will stick in your head motivating you to perform the deed… a constant reminder for the reward that awaits us insha’Allah.
BarakAllahu feek ya shaykh!
Sister
September 10, 2008 at 1:15 AM
Asslamu Alaikum,
Jaziakallah khair for the wonderful article. I love how we’re always encouraged (by the AlMaghrib Instructors) to do more than the minimum because that way I think in order to get to that ‘high’ level, I better perfect the bare minimum first. :)
May Allah SWT accept all of our deeds. Ameen.
vindicated
September 10, 2008 at 5:16 AM
JazakAllah Khair,
Amazing article! :) Very nicely linked and corelated!
zohra
September 12, 2008 at 9:50 PM
Asalaam Walaykum Shaykh Yaser,
My sister and I really enjoyed reading this article. It was very well written, mashaAllah.
We did have a question about this section of the article: โAll of the actions of the son of Adam are for him except the fast, for that is for me and I will reward it Myself.โ
Are not all our acts of worship for Allah SWT?
Jazzakh Allah Khairun.
ibnabeeomar
September 13, 2008 at 2:00 AM
although i read this before it was posted :) i haven’t had a chance to comment on it. this article really packs a big punch. jazakallahu khayr shaykh yaser – the analogy is an amazing fit. and its one of those things, that every time someone is traveling, specifically flying, and they notice any of those things around them it will automatically remind them of fasting. i really pray Allah (swt) gives us the tawfeeq to fast regularly. i think this year specifically is as good a time as any to start – now that we’re (somewhat) accustomed to the long days, fasting from here on out should be relatively easier.
also, when MM first started, one of the first articles i wrote was a review of the book Made to Stick. In it there’s a 6 point criteria to help judge how well an idea will “stick” with someone, and alhamdulillah i think this article meets all 6. every time monday or thursday rolls around now, i hope inshallah that the gut reaction in our minds will be “ar-rayyan!!” and help us combat the desire not to fast.
โO Allaah, help us to remember You, to thank You, and to worship You in the best of manners.โ
Kadijatu
September 13, 2008 at 8:19 PM
I want to be a club member, inshAllah :)
Diasy Rahman
September 16, 2008 at 11:16 PM
Very interesting article.
Pingback: Ar-Rayyan: Are you a club member? « JustQuran.com
Muslimah
October 9, 2008 at 2:52 AM
JazakAllahu Khairan. Nice articles.
Pingback: Ar-Rayyan Membership: Fast the 6 of Shawwal | MuslimMatters.org
Pingback: Ar-Rayyan Membership: Fast the 6 of Shawwal | MuslimMatters.org
Arshada
October 15, 2008 at 8:41 AM
Great combination of creativity and excellent content.
Jezkallah khair for the great reminder
h!
October 16, 2008 at 12:27 AM
Question Ya Shuyookh !
Eg. For Shawwal, can I fast on a Monday and make the intention of fasting for the 6-days-of-Shawwal as well as voluntary fast of Monday?
Is it a double reward? Or… ?
Jazaakallah Khair
Jamila
May 14, 2009 at 3:41 PM
Assalamu Alaykum Warahmatu Allah,
masha’Allah this article was amazing. Anyone who reads it will rush to become from those who fast regularly insha’Allah.
jazaka Allahu kheiran Sheikh Yaser for the reminder.
Pingback: Ramadan My Dear Guest, I’m Sorry « Shaykh Yaser Birjas
Kul
September 29, 2009 at 1:21 AM
Assalam Alaikum
Good article Maashaa Allah.
I have 2 small children and I feel for me that it will difficult for me to fast every monday and thursday. yet my heart desires to fast so much to gain a special position in Aakhirah. As I have read from several articles Allah loves those who are consistent in their good deeds even though it is minimum. Hence I would like to ask whether I can pray every 13,14, and 15th of every month. Will this type of fasting will fit it to Al Rayyan. Please answer so that my heart finds peace during my fasts.
Wassalam , May Allah bless all of you.
Kulsam
Yaser Birjas
September 29, 2009 at 10:35 AM
Maybe you meant “I can fast every 13,14, and 15th of every month” then the answer is yes. Fast as much as you can and keep it consistent. If want to maintain weekly fasting then try to fast Thursdays only or Mondays only. Chose whatever is convenient for you. And may Allah accept from you.
Yaser
Kul
September 29, 2009 at 11:34 PM
Assalam Alaikum Shaikh Yasir
Thanks for the kind reply. I am a regaular reader of this website and this site has really improved my knowledge and Eman. May Allah bless you in Dunya and Akhira. Amen.
Jazakallah Khair
รยงรยจรห รยงรโรหรล รโ รยง
March 16, 2011 at 8:44 PM
รยณรฦรยฑรโนรยง for the article. รยฌรยฒรยงรฦ รยงรโรโรโก รยฎรล รยฑรโนรยง
Pingback: MM Treasures I Ramadan, My Dear Guest, I’m Sorry - MuslimMatters.org
Pingback: Fast In Shaโban | The Ideal Muslimah
Isa Ibrahim G
July 3, 2016 at 2:50 PM
Allah loves the people who spread the teachings of his religion