Fasting on the Day of Doubt with the intention of making up a missed Ramadaan fast

I know that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)
did not allow fasting on the Day of Doubt, and he forbade fasting two
days before Ramadaan, but is itpermissible for me to make up missed
Ramadaan fasts on these two days?.
Praise be to Allaah.
Yes, it is permissible to make up missed Ramadaan fasts on the day of
doubt and one or two days before Ramadaan.
It was proven that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon
him) forbade fastingthe day of doubt, and he forbade anticipating
Ramadaan by fasting one or two days before it begins, but this
prohibition does not apply to a person who has a habitual pattern of
fasting, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon
him) said: "Do not anticipate Ramadaan by fasting one or two days
before it begins, but if a man habitually fasts, thenlet him fast."
Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1914; Muslim,1082. So if a person is used to
fasting on Mondays, for example, and that coincides with the last day
of Sha'baan, then it is permissible for him to observe that as a
voluntary fast and it is notforbidden for him to do so.
If it is permissible to observe a voluntary fast that one does
regularly, then it is more appropriate that it should be permissible
to make up a missed Ramadaan fast, because that is obligatory, and
because it is not permissible to delaymaking up missed fasts until
after the following Ramadaan.
Al-Nawawi said in al-Majmoo', 6/399:
Our companions said: It is not correct to fast on the day of doubt
when it is uncertain that Ramadaan has begun, and there is
nodifference of scholarly opinion on this point… But if a person fasts
it to make up for a missed fast,or in fulfillment of a vow, or as an
act of expiation (kafaarah), then it is permissible, because if it is
permissible to observe a voluntary fast on that day for one who has a
reason to do so, then it is more appropriate that one should be
allowed to observe an obligatory fast. This is like the time when it
is forbidden to pray (when one may nevertheless offer a prayer for
which there is areason). And if a person still owes some missed
Ramadaan fasts, then he has to observe those fasts,because the time
for making it up has become very short.

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Do the thirty juz’ of the Qur’aan have special names?

Is there are any title nameof all 30 juz. Like we always called # 30
as juz AMMA. How about the other 29? Do they have name?if do then what
arethose.
Praise be to Allaah.
The thirty juz' of the Holy Qur'aan do not have special names by which
they are known. This is indicated by two important matters:
1.
The division of the Qur'aan into thirty juz' and sixty hizb – as is
well known in the Mushafs that are widely available nowadays – is not
something that was narrated from the Prophet (blessings and peace of
Allah be upon him) and his Companions. Rather it is something worked
out by al-Hajjaaj ibn Yoosuf al-Thaqafi (d. 110 AH), as it says in the
history books, and it was implemented in the Mushafs, as he was in
power at the time, and it has abided until the present day. It is a
matter that some may have many reservations about, but it has to do
with a minor matter and does not have to do with worship or beliefs.
We have previously discussed this point in detail on our website, in
the answer to question no. 109885 .
The Standing Committee for Issuing Fatwas stated:
We do not know of any textual evidence for the system of division that
appears in the margins of the Mushafs that people have in their hands
nowadays. End quote.
'Abd al-'Azeez ibn Baaz, 'Abd al-Razzaaq 'Afeefi, 'Abd-Allah ibn
Ghadyaan, 'Abd-Allah ibn Qa'ood
Fataawa al-Lajnah, 4/30
2.
There is no report from the Sahaabah or from the Taabi'een of special
names for the thirty juz' of the Holy Qur'aan. Indeed we have not
found that in the books on the sciences of the Qur'aan. Rather the
namesthat are well known nowadays for some juz' are something that has
been invented by those who memorised the Holy Qur'aan and by seekers
of Qur'aanic knowledge, as akind of shorthand and to make things
easier. They are not names that have been narrated in reports. These
names are: Juz' 'Amma, Juz' Tabaarak, Juz'Qad Sami'a, Juz'
al-Dhaariyaat and Juz' al-Ahqaaf; beyond that, the other juz' are not
known by special names because the juz' often begins in the middle of
a soorah and not at the beginning.
To sum up, there are no special names for the juz' of the Holy Qur'aan
that have been narrated in reports by the scholars.
And Allah knows best.

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Allah Prepared the Earth for Us

"As the pregnant mother excitedly prepares the cradle for the arrival
of hernew baby, Allah also prepared the earth for us before He sent
Adam and Hawaa. He set all in place for us: the earth as a soft bed,
the heavens as a canopy, the rain, the fruits,the stars, even
companions and love. He (SWT) gave us everything we need to live and
fulfill our needs. It's truly amazing."

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Capacity and Depth of Hell

On the Day of Judgment the inhabitants of Hell willsee their destined
abode face to face and will realize the error of their ways. But, of
course, it will be too late. The Qur'an states: "No! When the earth is
pounded to powder, and your Lord comes with His angels, rank upon
rank, and Hell, that Day, is brought [face to face] - on that Day will
man remember? But how will that remembrance profit him?"
[al Fajr, 89: 21-23]
"On the Day We will say to Hellfire, 'have you beenfilled?' it will
say, 'Are there some more?'"
[Qaf, 50: 30]
Ibn Mas'ud (radiAllahu anhu) reported that the Messenger of Allah
(salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said: "Hell will be brought on that Day.
ITwill have seventy thousand reins with seventy thousand angels
drawing it by each rein."
[Muslim]
Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) reported that the Prophet (salAllahu
alayhi wasalam) said: "And his (the disbeliever's) seat in Hellfire is
as much as (the distance) between Makkah and Madinah."
[at-Tirmidhi and al-Hakim]
Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) reported: "While we were in the company
of Allah's Messenger (SAW), we heard a terriblesound. Thereupon,
Allah's Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said, 'Do you know what
that sound is?' When we answered, 'Allah and His Messenger know best.'
He said. "That is a stone which was thrown into Hell seventy years ago
and has been constantly falling until now when it finally reached the
bottom.'"
[Muslim]
Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) reported that Allah's Messenger
(salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said: "Hell and Paradise fell into a
dispute during which Hell said, 'I have been distinguished by the
proud and the haughty.' And Paradise said, 'What is the matter with me
that only the meek and the humble and the downtrodden and the simple
enter me?'
Thereupon, Allah said to Paradise, 'You are the means of My mercy
whereby I show mercy to those of My servants whom I wish.' Then HE
said to Hell, 'You are the means of punishment whereby I punish those
ofMy servants whom I wish.Both of you will be full.' Hell will not be
filled up until Allah puts His foot over it. Then Hell will say,
'Enough, enough, enough,'at which point it will be filled up, all of
its parts integrated together."
[Muslim]
Anas bin Malik (radiAllahu anhu) reported that Allah's Messenger
(salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said: "Hell will continue to ask, 'Is there
anything more?' until Allah, the Exalted, and High will place His foot
thereon, Then it will say, 'Enough, enough, by Your honor,' and some
of its parts will draw close together.'"
[Muslim]

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Levels of Hell

"To all are degrees or ranks according to their deeds."
[an-An'am, 6: 132]
"Is the man who follows the good pleasure of Allahlike the one who
draws upon himself the wrath ofAllah and whose abode is in Hell - an
evil refuge? They are varying grades in the sight of Allah, and Allah
sees well all that they do."
[ali'-Imran, 3: 162-163]
"Indeed the hypocrites are in the lowest depths of the Fire; you will
find no helper for them."
[an Nisa, 4: 145]

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Islamic joke

True Incident: During a Jumah Khutbah in a small town, an Imam talked
about the significance of saying "Insha Allah" (which means if Allah
wills) when planning to do something in the future. After a few days,
a man who had also attended the Khutbah was going to buy a cow from
the market. On the way, he met a friend who asked him where he was
going. He told him about buying the cow but did not say Insha Allah in
the end. His friend reminded him about the Khutbah and told him to say
Insha Allah. However, this individual said that he had the money he
needs and the energy to go to the market, thus, there is no point of
saying Insha Allah as he will certainly buy the cow. He thought that
saying Insha Allah will not make any difference.
When he reached the market, he found a cow that met his
expectations.He bargained with the seller and came to a reasonable
price. Finally, he decided to pay for the cow but was dumbfounded when
he discovered that his moneywas missing. A thief had stolen the money
while he was walking through the busy market. The cow seller asked him
whether he was going to buy the cow or not. "Insha Allah, I will buy
it next week," he said. When he reached home, his wife inquired about
the cow. He told her about how he forgot to say Insha Allah, and also
added, "Insha Allah, I wanted to buy the cow. But Insha Allah, my
money was stolen. Insha Allah, I will buy it next week." His wife
clarified to him that we should sayInsha Allah for things thatare yet
to happen, not for those things that had already happened. He never
forgot his "Insha Allah" again.

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Islamic Jokes

An Imam shocked his community when he announced that he was resigning
from that particular Masjid and moving to a drier climate. After the
session, a very distraught lady came to the Imam with tears in her
eyes, "Oh, Imam, we are going to miss you so much. We don't want you
to leave!" The kind hearted Imam said "Now, now, sister, don't carry
on.The Imam who takes my place might be even better than me".
"Yeah", she said, with a tone of disappointment inher voice, "That's
what they said the last time too. . . "

Islamic Jokes

Here is the story of an Imam who got up after Friday prayers and
announced to the people:"I have good newsand bad news. The good news
is, we have enough money to pay for our newbuilding program. The bad
news is, it's still out there in your pockets."

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So fond of meeting his Lord

Someone asked Junaid Baghdadi (may Allah havemercy on him), "How was
it that Abu Sa'eed Khazzaz(he was a very pious man)was in such a joy
at the point of death?" Junaid replied, "He was so fond of meeting his
Lord that one could expect his soul to fly to heavens even before the
time of death to meet his Lord." Source:"Fadhail-e-sadaqaaPart II",
translated by Prof. Abdul Karim.
My dear friends, today we are so involved with the worldly affairs
that meeting Allah is the last thing we consider.

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Fasting on the day of doubt

On the night of the thirtieth of Sha'ban we went out to sight the
crescent, but the weather was cloudy so we could not see it. Should we
fast the thirtieth day of Sha'baan, because it is a day concerning
which there is some doubt?.
Praise be to Allaah.
This is what is called the "day of doubt", because there is doubt
concerning it – is it the last day of Sha'baan or the first day of
Ramadaan? Fasting on this day is haraam because the Prophet (peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, "Fast when you see the new moon
and break your fast when you see the new moon, and if you are not
sure, then complete the number of Sha'baan as thirty days." (Narrated
by al-Bukhaari, 1909).
'Ammaar ibn Yaasir said: "Whoever fasts on the day concerning which
there is doubt has disobeyed Abu'l-Qaasim (peace and blessings of
Allaah be upon him)." Thiswas narrated by al-Tirmidhi and classed as
saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi, 553.
Al-Haafiz ibn Hajar said: "It was understood from this that it is
haraam to fast the day of doubt, because the Sahaabah would not say
such a thing based on personal opinion, so a report such as this has
the same status as a marfoo' hadeeth.
The scholars of the Standing Committee said concerning the day of
doubt, "The Sunnah indicates that it is haraamto fast this day."
(Fataawaal-Lajnah, 10/117)
Shaykh Muhammad ibn 'Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) said,
after mentioning the difference of opinion concerning the ruling on
fasting the day of doubt: "The most correct of theseviews is that it
is haraam, but if it is proven to the ruler that it is obligatory to
fast this day and he commands the people to fast, then no one should
go against his opinion, and that means that no one should show that he
is not fasting on that day, rather a person (who has a different
opinion) may not fast, but he should do so secretly."
Al-Sharh al-Mumti', 6/318.

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WOMEN'S LIBERATION THROUGH ISLAM

Published by: The Instituteof Islamic Information and education
Today people think that women are liberated in the west and that the
woman's liberation movement began in the 20 th century. Actually,
thewomen's liberation movement was not begun by women but women butwas
revealed buy god to a man in the seventh century by the name of
Muhammad (peace be upon him) who is known as the last prophet of
Islam. The Qur'an and the traditions of the prophet (Hadith or Sunnah)
are the sources from which every Muslim women derives herrights and
duties.
I. HUMAN RIGHTS:
Islam, fourteen centuries ago, made women equallyaccountable to God in
glorifying and worshipping Him setting no limits on her moral
Progress.
Also, Islam established a woman's equality in her humanity with men,
in theQur'an in the first verse of the chapter entitled"women" God
says
"O mankind! Be careful of your duty to your Lord who created you from
a single soul and from it its mate and from them both have spread
broad a multitude of men and women. Be careful of your duty toward
Allah in whom you claim (your rights) of one another and towards the
wombs (that bore you) LO! Allah has been a watcher over you"(4:1)
Since men and women both come from the same essence, they are equal in
their humanity. Women cannot be by nature evil (as some religions
believe) or them men would be evil, also. Similarly, neither gender
can be superior because it would be a contradiction of equality.
II. CIVIL RIGHTS:
In Islam, a woman has the basic freedoms of choice and expression
based on recognition of her individual personality. First, she is free
to choose her religion. The Qur'an states;
"there is no compulsion in religion. Right has been made distinct from
error". (2:256)
Women are encouraged in Islam to contribute their opinions and ideas,
There are many traditions of the Prophet (p) which indicate women
would pose questions directly to him and offer their opinions
concerning religion, economics and social matters.
A Muslim woman chooses her husband and to keep her name after
marriage. AMuslim woman's testimony is valid in legal disputes. In
fact, where women are more familiar, their evidence is conclusive.
III. SOCIAL RIGHTS:
The Prophet (s) said,"seeking knowledge is a mandate for every Muslim
(male and female )''. This includes knowledge of the Qur'an and the
Hadith as well as other knowledge. Men and women both have the
capacity for learning and understanding. Since it is also their
obligation to promote good behavior and condemn bad behavior in all
spheres of life Muslim women must acquire the oppropriate education to
perform this duty in accordance with their own natural talents and
interests.
While maintenance of a home, providing support to her husband and
bearing, raising and teaching of children are among the first and very
highly regarded roles for a women, if she has the skills to work
outside the home for the good of the community, she may do soas long
as her family obligations are met.
Islam recognizes and fosters the natural differences between men and
women despite their equality. Some types of work are more suitable
formen and other types for women. This in no way diminishes either's
effort nor its benefit. God will reward both sexes equally for the
value of their work though it may not necessarily be the same
activity.

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The Gates of Hell

"The unbelievers will be led to Hell in crowds until,when they arrive
there, itsgates will be opened.."
[az-Zumar, 39: 71]
"And verily, Hell is the promised abode for them all. It has seven
gates: to each of those gates is a specific class of sinners
assigned."
[al Hijr, 15: 43-44]
"To them will be said, 'Enter you the gates of Hell to dwell therein.
And how evil is this abode of the arrogant.'"
[az Zumar, 39: 72]
"But those who reject Our signs are the companions of the left hand -
on themwill be fire vaulted over."
[al Balad, 90: 19-20]
In Arabic, the phrase "on them will be fire vaulted over" indicates
that the gates of Hell be closed. In other words, the fire will
encompass the companions of the Fire, and the gates of Hell will
imprison them within. As well, the gates of Hell will be locked,
vaulted all around, and outstretched columns will cover the doors.
"It is the fire of Allah, kindled to a blaze, which mounts right to
the hearts. It will be a vault over them in outstretchedcolumns."
[al Humazah, 104: 6-9]
Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) narrated that Allah's Messenger
(salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said: 'When the month of Ramadan begins and
the gates of Heaven are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the
devils are chained."
[Sahih al-Bukhari]

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No choice but to regret

Once, a group of people were travelling on rocks at night. A voice
came from the sky that whosoever picks up the rocks will regret and
whosoever doesn't pick up the rocks will regret. Now, the people were
confused. How can this be? Whether you pick up the rocks or not, you
will regret! Anyway, some people picked up the rocks and some didn't.
In the morning when they reached their homes, theysaw that the rocks
turned into diamonds. Now, those people who didn't pick up the rocks
started regretting saying "If only we had picked up some rocks." Those
people who did pick some rocks also started regretting saying"Why
didn't we pick up more rocks?" Both sides ended up regretting. Dear
Muslims, this same incident will take place with us on the Day of
Judgement. Those people who spent their time in useless things will
start regretting by looking at those who achieved a great position in
Paradise by spending their time in the way of Allah. Now, those who
did achieve a position in Paradise will start regretting by looking at
those who did more than them and are higher in status. "Alas! If we
had only done more to please Allah."

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A Defective Key

Suppose, you are given a key to open a lock. What would happen if the
key is damaged or half of it is missing? Would the lock open? No. What
if you aretrying to insert the key upside down? The lock will still
remain closed.
Similarly, salat is the key to Paradise. In order to open the doors of
Paradise, we must make our salat proper. If our salat is totally
opposite tothe ways of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), then it
is as if we are trying to put the key upside down. And if we don't
have concentration and devotion in salat, then it is as if we are
planning to use a damaged key to open a very secured lock. Finally, if
we do not complete our prayers with all the necessary actions, then it
is the same as using a key which is missing parts or half broken.

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Become like flexible water

The following incident took place last year when I was travelling with
an elderly Muslim brother. We call him "Brother Wali". We met a Muslim
family and the family toldbrother Wali to give themsome advice. Here
is whatbrother Wali told them: A Muslim is like water. Water is so
flexible that where ever you place it, ittakes the shape of that
object. For example, if youput some water in a glass,it takes the
shape of the glass. If you run the waterthrough a tangled hose, itwill
take the shape of thatalso. The same way, a Muslim should be flexible
to the orders of Allah. He should fit into whatever Allah wants. If we
put an iron into the glass, then either the glass will break or the
iron will break. The same way, if we are not flexible to the orders of
Allah and become hard like iron, then either we will break or we will
break the orders of Allah.
A hadith states: The believers are very obedient (to Allah), gentle,
and kind, like an obedient camel which when led follows and when made
to sit, even though on a rock, does so obediently. (Tirmidhi).

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THE SOURCE OF MILK

"Verily in cattle, there is lesson foryou; We give you to drink of
whatis inside their bellies coming froma conjunction between the
contents of the intestine and blood, a milk, pure and pleasant for
those who drink it." (The Quran, 16:66, translation by Maurice
Bucaille)
The Holy Quran here describes the biological process in the mammals
which brings together the contents of the intestine and the blood at
the level of the intestinal wall, which produces milk. This is in
perfect harmony with recent discoveries made in physiology of the
digestive system of mammals. Such minute and specific knowledge was
totally unknown to mankind when the Holy Quran was revealed!

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I feel clean for the first time

Once a pious Muslim brother got a job in a restaurant. He took with
himself a container for water so that he can use it for toilet
purposes. So, everytime he goes to the toilet, he fills the container
with water and takes it with him. One day, a Christian man, who also
works there, saw himtaking water and asked him about the reason for
it. The Muslim brother told him that after releasing the dirty
materials, we should clean that place and that cleanliness is a major
part of Islam. The man said that why not use the toilet papers? The
brotherasked him that if such dirty thing touched his hands, would he
use a toilet paper to wipe it off or use water? The man understood and
said that he would use water. The next day, the Christian man brought
a container for himself and used it during relieving himself. When he
came out of the toilet, he was crying and tears were rolling down his
cheeks. The Muslim brother asked him about why he is crying. The
Christian man said that"For the first time in my life, I feel
completely clean." Thereafter, he accepted Islam and became a devouted
Muslim.

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The Creation of Hell Fire

"Fear the fire, which is prepared for the disbelievers."
[Ali'-Imran, 3: 131]
"Truly Hell is lying in wait-a destination for the transgressors."
(One's rejection of faith is transgression against Allah and himself).
[an-Naba, 78: 21-22]
Abdullah bin Umar (radiAllahu anhu) narrated: "Allah Messenger
(salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said, 'When someone dies, he isshown his
destination morning and evening andif he belongs to the people of
Paradise, (he will be shown his place) among the people of Paradise,
and if he is from the people of Hell, (he willbe shown his place)
among the people of Hell.'"
[Sahih al-Bukhari]
Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) reported that Allah's Messenger
(salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said: "There was a dispute between Hell and
Paradise during which Hell said, 'The haughty and the proud will find
abode in me.' And Paradise said, 'The meek and the humble willfind
their abode in me.' Thereupon, Allah, the Exalted and Glorious,
(addressing Hell) said, 'You are the means of My punishment by which I
punish those of My servants whom I wish.' (and addressing Paradise),He
said, 'You are My mercy by means of which I will show mercy to those
whom I wish. And each one of you will be full.'"
[Muslim]

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A pond full of milk

Once there was a king who told some of his workers to dig a pond. Once
the pond was dug, the king made an announcement to his people saying
that one person from each household has to bring a glass of milk
during the night and pour it into the pond. So, the pond shouldbe full
of milk by the morning. After receiving the order, everyone went home.
One man prepared to take the milk during the night. He thought
thatsince everyone will bring milk, he could just hide a glass of
water and pour inside the pond. Because it will be dark at night,
noone will notice. So he quickly went and poured the water in the pond
andcame back. In the morning, the king came to visit the pond and to
his surprise the pond was only filled with water! What has happened is
that everyone was thinking like the other man that "I don't have to
put the milk, someone else will do it."
Dear friends, when it comes to help the Religion of Allah, do not
think that others will takecare of it. Rather, it starts from you, if
you don't do it, no one else will do it. So, change yourself to the
way of Allah to serve Him and that will make the difference.

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