*Today is 23rd of Sha'ban 1446AH (22 February 2025)* *Pre-Ramadhan Nuggets 1446AH* *The gates of heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed* Narrated Abu Hurairah: Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “ *When the month of Ramadhan starts, the gates of the heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained*.” Reference: Bukhari-1899 عَن أَبي هُرَيْرَةَ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ يَقُولُ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم‏:‏ إِذَا دَخَلَ شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ فُتِّحَتْ أَبْوَابُ السَّمَاءِ، وَغُلِّقَتْ أَبْوَابُ جَهَنَّمَ، وَسُلْسِلَتِ الشَّيَاطِينُ‏۔ *NOTES 📝* 1. This hadith about Ramadhan describes how, upon the arrival of the blessed month, the gates of Paradise are opened as a manifestation of Allah's mercy, while the gates of Hell are closed, signifying the removal of punishment from believers. The devils, particularly the most rebellious among them, are chained, limiting their ability to mislead people. This restriction does not mean the complete absence of sins or evil, as human desires and bad habits also contribute to wrongdoing. The hadith highlights the immense virtue of Ramadhan and affirms the existence of Paradise, Hell, and devils, reinforcing the reality of the unseen world. 2. Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen said while commenting on the chaining of the devils: This is a way in which Allah helps the Muslims, for He restrains their enemy who calls his party to be among the people of the blazing fire. Hence you will find among the righteous the desire to do good and refrain from evil during this month more than at other times. - Majaalis Sharh Ramadhan, Ibn ‘Uthaymeen 3. The hadith teaches valuable lessons, highlighting the significance of Ramadhan and emphasizing beliefs in Heaven, Hell, and existence of devils and especially the rebellious jinn among them, and the most hostile and aggressive of them - as stated in some narrations by Al-Tirmidhi and Al-Nasa’i. During Ramadhan, certain devils are chained to protect fasting individuals' deeds. This shows Allah's kindness and generosity, preserving fasting and shielding worshippers from rebellious devils. *O Allah, keep us safe until Ramadhan, keep Ramadhan safe for us, accept it from us. Indeed You are the All-Hearing and All-Knowing ... Ãmeen*