Friday, July 27, 2012
Three lives and one roof
Robert Fisk-British Journalist in Kandahar province doing an interview: Out of a dust-storm came a woman in a grey shawl. "Ilost my daughter two days ago,'' she wailed."The Americans bombed our home in Kandahar and the roof fell on her.'' Amid the chaos and shouting, I did what reporters do. Out came my notebook and pen. Name? "Muzlifa.'' Age?"She was two.'' I turn away. "Then there was my other daughter.'' She nods when I ask if this girldied too. "At the same moment. Her name was Farigha. She was three.'' I turn away. "There wasn't much left of my son.'' Notebook out for the third time. "When the roof hit him, he was turned to meat and all I could see were bones. His name was Sherif. He was a year and a half old.''/ - - - :-> Transtors: 1.http://free-translation.imtranslator.net/lowres.asp 2.http://translate.google.com/m?twu=1&hl=en&vi=m&sl=auto&tl=en
When our fathers irritate us
An old man was sitting in the courtyard of his housealong with his son who had received a high education. Suddenly a crow perched on a wall ofthe house. The father asked the son: What is this? The son replied: It is a crow. After a little while the father again asked theson: What is this? The sonsaid: It is a crow.
After a few minutes the father asked his son the third time: What is this? The son said: Father, I have just now told you that this is a crow. After a little while the old father again asked his son the fourth time: what is this? By this time some statement of irritation was felt in the son's tone when he rebuffed his father: Father! It is a crow,a crow. A little after the father again asked his son: What is this? This time the son replied to hisfather with a vein of temper. Father: You are always repeating the same question, although Ihave told you so many times that it is a crow. Areyou not able to understand this?
The father went to his room and came back withan old diary. Opening a page he asked his son to read what was written. What the son read were the following words written in the diary:
'Today my little son was sitting with me in the courtyard, when a crow came there. My son asked me twenty-five times what it was and I told him twenty-five times that it was a crow and I did not at all feel irritated.I rather felt affection for my innocent child.'
The father then explained to his son the difference between a father's and a son's attitude. While you were a little child you asked me this question twenty-five times and I felt no irritation in replying to the question twenty-five times and when today I asked you the same question only five times, you felt irritated, annoyed and impatient with me.
Allah mentions in Surah Bani-Israil 17:23-24
And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And that you be dutiful to your parents. If one of them or both of them attain old age in your life, say not tothem a word of disrespect, nor shout at them but address them interms of honour.
And lower unto them the wing of submission and humility through mercy, and say: "My Lord! Bestowon them Your Mercy as they did bring me up when I was small."/ - - - :-> Transtors: 1.http://free-translation.imtranslator.net/lowres.asp 2.http://translate.google.com/m?twu=1&hl=en&vi=m&sl=auto&tl=en
After a few minutes the father asked his son the third time: What is this? The son said: Father, I have just now told you that this is a crow. After a little while the old father again asked his son the fourth time: what is this? By this time some statement of irritation was felt in the son's tone when he rebuffed his father: Father! It is a crow,a crow. A little after the father again asked his son: What is this? This time the son replied to hisfather with a vein of temper. Father: You are always repeating the same question, although Ihave told you so many times that it is a crow. Areyou not able to understand this?
The father went to his room and came back withan old diary. Opening a page he asked his son to read what was written. What the son read were the following words written in the diary:
'Today my little son was sitting with me in the courtyard, when a crow came there. My son asked me twenty-five times what it was and I told him twenty-five times that it was a crow and I did not at all feel irritated.I rather felt affection for my innocent child.'
The father then explained to his son the difference between a father's and a son's attitude. While you were a little child you asked me this question twenty-five times and I felt no irritation in replying to the question twenty-five times and when today I asked you the same question only five times, you felt irritated, annoyed and impatient with me.
Allah mentions in Surah Bani-Israil 17:23-24
And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And that you be dutiful to your parents. If one of them or both of them attain old age in your life, say not tothem a word of disrespect, nor shout at them but address them interms of honour.
And lower unto them the wing of submission and humility through mercy, and say: "My Lord! Bestowon them Your Mercy as they did bring me up when I was small."/ - - - :-> Transtors: 1.http://free-translation.imtranslator.net/lowres.asp 2.http://translate.google.com/m?twu=1&hl=en&vi=m&sl=auto&tl=en
The way he moved from here to there
Sahl Ibne Adbullah TusturiRahmatullah alaihe used to spend liberally in the path of Allah Ta'ala. His mother and brothers complained to Abdullah Ibne Mubarak Rahmatullah alihe that Sahl wanted to spend everything and they feared he would become a pauper. Abdullah Ibne Mubarak Rahmatullah alihe enquired from Sahl Rahmatullah alihe about the matter. The lattar asked Abdullah Ibne Mubarak, "If a person wanted to migrate from Madinah to the city of Rustaqq in Persia, where he had already purchased land, would he leave anything behind in Madinah?" The reply was that nothing would be left behind. Sahl Rahmatullah alaihe then said that was his real purpose. While the peoplethought he was going to migrate to another place, he had actually meant transfer to the next world.In these days, people have personal experience of it that when people who wish to move permanently from one country to another (eg. England to Canada) by their own choice, they try to transfer all their belongings and property, buildings, etc, by exchanging with those at the new locations, before actual migration. This is exactly the state of affairs of every single person leaving this world. As longas he is living, he has the power to transfer his property and belongings, etc., to the next world (Akhira).
- Virtues of Charity, by Shaikh-ul-Hadith Muhammad Zakariyya (RA.)
Such was also the case of Abu Bakr (RA) who gave away everything in the path of Allah. We can't immitate these individuals to the full extent, however we can always try. May Allah give us the ability to be generous in giving charity./ - - - :-> Transtors: 1.http://free-translation.imtranslator.net/lowres.asp 2.http://translate.google.com/m?twu=1&hl=en&vi=m&sl=auto&tl=en
- Virtues of Charity, by Shaikh-ul-Hadith Muhammad Zakariyya (RA.)
Such was also the case of Abu Bakr (RA) who gave away everything in the path of Allah. We can't immitate these individuals to the full extent, however we can always try. May Allah give us the ability to be generous in giving charity./ - - - :-> Transtors: 1.http://free-translation.imtranslator.net/lowres.asp 2.http://translate.google.com/m?twu=1&hl=en&vi=m&sl=auto&tl=en
Ruling on Musaajalah with Qur’aanic verses (i.e., where a person who has memorized Qur’aan is asked to quote a verse starting with the letter with which another verse ended)
What is the ruling on the musajalah of the Qura’anic verses in order to remember the verses and to fill the time with something of value? It is not meant by it to belittleAllah’s verses.
Praise be to Allaah.
There is nothing wrong with using means that help one to remember and properly memorize the Holy Qur’aan, such as competitions and testing those who have memorized it, and paying attention to verses that sound similar, rather these are things that are recommended (mustahabb), because they reinforce one’s memorization and help with it.
That includes what is called musaajalah, where a verse is recited to the hafiz then he is asked to recite a verse that starts with the letter with whichthe first verse ended.
And Allaah knows best./ - - - :-> Transtors: 1.http://free-translation.imtranslator.net/lowres.asp 2.http://translate.google.com/m?twu=1&hl=en&vi=m&sl=auto&tl=en
Praise be to Allaah.
There is nothing wrong with using means that help one to remember and properly memorize the Holy Qur’aan, such as competitions and testing those who have memorized it, and paying attention to verses that sound similar, rather these are things that are recommended (mustahabb), because they reinforce one’s memorization and help with it.
That includes what is called musaajalah, where a verse is recited to the hafiz then he is asked to recite a verse that starts with the letter with whichthe first verse ended.
And Allaah knows best./ - - - :-> Transtors: 1.http://free-translation.imtranslator.net/lowres.asp 2.http://translate.google.com/m?twu=1&hl=en&vi=m&sl=auto&tl=en
What does Islam sayabout abortion?
Are there any circumstances when abortion is allowed in Islam? What if pregnancy results from rape or incest?
Islam values human life. This is clearly expressed inthe Qur'an where we are told that in the sight of God killing a human is a very serious matter (see Qur'an 5:32). The Qur'an teaches that on the Day ofJudgement parents who killed their children will be under trial for that crime, and their children will be witnesses against them (see Qur'an 81:8-9).
People often fear that having more children will make them poor. In reply to that, the Qur'an says:
Do not slay your children for fear of poverty. We shall provide for them and for you (Qur'an 17:31).
Even in a case where one is already poor, the Qur'aninsists that Allah will provide sustenance for us and for our children, and furthermore that Allah has made human life sacred (see Qur'an 6:151).
The right to life is God-given. No human should take away that right. The general rule, therefore, is that abortion is not permitted in Islam. However, Islam is a very practical religion. It includes principles to deal with exceptional cases. One such principle is that when a pregnancy threatens the life of the mother, an abortion may be performed. Although the lives of both mother and child are sacred, in this case it is better to save the principal life, the life of the mother. Even in this case, it would be better if the abortion is done before the foetus is 120 days old, for that is when the soul is breathedinto the foetus. Islam does not permit abortion in other cases.
Women who have been victims of rape or incest naturally deserve sympathy and help. But a child conceived in this unfortunate manner still has a right to live. Of course this places an unwanted burden on the mother, but killing the child is not the right solution. To understand this point better, suppose someone sees the poorer sections of society as an unwanted burden on the rich. Would it be right then to kill off all the poor? Of course not. Why then should anyone decide that a child should be killed just because theyare an unwanted burden?Society as a whole should help such a mother and relieve her as far as possible. But the child should not be killed.
Furthermore, the fact thatsuch cases occur is an indication that people desperately need spiritualfood. They need the pure teachings that will help them turn their minds away from adultery, rape, and incest. People need God. Can you help someone to turn to God?/ - - - :-> Transtors: 1.http://free-translation.imtranslator.net/lowres.asp 2.http://translate.google.com/m?twu=1&hl=en&vi=m&sl=auto&tl=en
Islam values human life. This is clearly expressed inthe Qur'an where we are told that in the sight of God killing a human is a very serious matter (see Qur'an 5:32). The Qur'an teaches that on the Day ofJudgement parents who killed their children will be under trial for that crime, and their children will be witnesses against them (see Qur'an 81:8-9).
People often fear that having more children will make them poor. In reply to that, the Qur'an says:
Do not slay your children for fear of poverty. We shall provide for them and for you (Qur'an 17:31).
Even in a case where one is already poor, the Qur'aninsists that Allah will provide sustenance for us and for our children, and furthermore that Allah has made human life sacred (see Qur'an 6:151).
The right to life is God-given. No human should take away that right. The general rule, therefore, is that abortion is not permitted in Islam. However, Islam is a very practical religion. It includes principles to deal with exceptional cases. One such principle is that when a pregnancy threatens the life of the mother, an abortion may be performed. Although the lives of both mother and child are sacred, in this case it is better to save the principal life, the life of the mother. Even in this case, it would be better if the abortion is done before the foetus is 120 days old, for that is when the soul is breathedinto the foetus. Islam does not permit abortion in other cases.
Women who have been victims of rape or incest naturally deserve sympathy and help. But a child conceived in this unfortunate manner still has a right to live. Of course this places an unwanted burden on the mother, but killing the child is not the right solution. To understand this point better, suppose someone sees the poorer sections of society as an unwanted burden on the rich. Would it be right then to kill off all the poor? Of course not. Why then should anyone decide that a child should be killed just because theyare an unwanted burden?Society as a whole should help such a mother and relieve her as far as possible. But the child should not be killed.
Furthermore, the fact thatsuch cases occur is an indication that people desperately need spiritualfood. They need the pure teachings that will help them turn their minds away from adultery, rape, and incest. People need God. Can you help someone to turn to God?/ - - - :-> Transtors: 1.http://free-translation.imtranslator.net/lowres.asp 2.http://translate.google.com/m?twu=1&hl=en&vi=m&sl=auto&tl=en
The ruler and the ruled
There have been many rightly-guided khalifs in the past whose qualities were far more refined andnoble than those of today's kings, prime ministers and presidents. They lived very simply and spent very little on their own personal comfort. One of these great khalifs was called Umar ibn Abdul-Aziz. He followed the teachings of Islam with sincerity and served the people whom he ruled with humility.
One hot summer's night, Umar ibn Abdul-Aziz was lying awake in bed, too hot to sleep, but cooled a little at least by the fan with which a maidservantwas fanning him. Thanks to her efforts he at last fell asleep. After a while, however, she began to grow very tired and then finally she too fell asleep, the fan slipping from her fingers and falling to the floor.
The khalif awoke from hisslumber, and seeing that his maidservant had fallenasleep, he picked up the fan and began to fan her gently. After a while she woke up and was startledand dismayed to find the khalif fanning her. She was meant to be fanning him - what would happento her now?
"Do not worry." Said Umaribn Abdul-Aziz with a smile, "you are just as much a human being as I am. When I needed to sleep, you kept me cool, and when you needed to sleep I kept you cool. What's wrong with that?"
Story by Matina Wali Muhammad, found in the book "True stories for Children"/ - - - :-> Transtors: 1.http://free-translation.imtranslator.net/lowres.asp 2.http://translate.google.com/m?twu=1&hl=en&vi=m&sl=auto&tl=en
One hot summer's night, Umar ibn Abdul-Aziz was lying awake in bed, too hot to sleep, but cooled a little at least by the fan with which a maidservantwas fanning him. Thanks to her efforts he at last fell asleep. After a while, however, she began to grow very tired and then finally she too fell asleep, the fan slipping from her fingers and falling to the floor.
The khalif awoke from hisslumber, and seeing that his maidservant had fallenasleep, he picked up the fan and began to fan her gently. After a while she woke up and was startledand dismayed to find the khalif fanning her. She was meant to be fanning him - what would happento her now?
"Do not worry." Said Umaribn Abdul-Aziz with a smile, "you are just as much a human being as I am. When I needed to sleep, you kept me cool, and when you needed to sleep I kept you cool. What's wrong with that?"
Story by Matina Wali Muhammad, found in the book "True stories for Children"/ - - - :-> Transtors: 1.http://free-translation.imtranslator.net/lowres.asp 2.http://translate.google.com/m?twu=1&hl=en&vi=m&sl=auto&tl=en
Ramadhan in History
Such was the month of Ramadan in the time of the Prophet, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam. It was a time of purification, enjoining the good, forbidding the evil, and striving hard with one's life and wealth. After the death of the Prophet, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam, Muslims carried on this tradition and Allah used the true believers to affect the course of history.Ramadan continued to be a time of great trials and crucial events.
Ninety-two years after the Hijrah , Islam had spread across North Africa, Iran, Afghanistan, Yemen and Syria. Spain was underthe tyrannical rule of King Roderic of the Visigoths. Roderic had forced his six millions serfs and persecuted Jews to seek the aid of the Muslims of North Africa in order to be delivered. Musa ibn Husair, the Umayyad governor of North Africa, responded bysending his courageous general Tariq ibn Ziyad at the head of 12,000 Berber and Arab troops. In Ramadan of that year, they were confronted witha combined Visigoth army of 90,000 Christians led by Roderic himself, who was seated on a throne of ivory, silver, and precious gems and drawn by white mules. After burning his boats, Tariq preached to the Muslims warning themthat victory and Paradise lay ahead of them and defeat and the sea lay to the rear. They burst forth with great enthusiasm andAllah manifested a clear victory over the forces of disbelief. Not only was Roderic killed and his forces completely annihilated, but also Tariq and Musa succeeded in liberating the whole of Spain, Sicily and parts of France. This was the beginning of the Golden Age of Al-Andalus where Muslims ruled for over 700years.
In the year 582 A.H ., Salahuddin Al-Ayyubi, afterbattling with the Crusadersfor years, finally drove them out of Syria and the whole of their occupied lands in the month of Ramadan. The Muslim world was then destined to meet one of its most frightening challenges.
In the seventh century A.H . the Mongols were sweeping across Asia destroying everything thatlay in their path. Genghis Khan called himself "the scourge of God sent to punish humanity for their sins". In 617 A.H., Samarkand, Ray and Hamdan were put to the sword causing more than 700,000 people to be killed or made captive. In 656 A.H., Hulagu, the grandson of Genghis Khan, continued this destruction.Even Baghdad, the leading city of the Muslim world, was sacked. Some estimates say that as many as 1,800,000 Muslims were killed in this awesome carnage. The Christians were asked to eat pork and drink wine openly while the survivingMuslims were forced to participate in drinking bouts. Wine was sprinkled in the masjids and no Azan(call to prayer) was allowed. In the wake of such a horrible disaster and with the threat of the whole Muslim world and then Europe being subjected to the same fate,Allah raised up from the Mamluks of Egypt, Saifuddin Qutz, who unitedthe Muslim army and met the Mongols at Ain Jalut on25th of Ramadan, 658 A.H. Although they were under great pressure, the Muslims with the help of Allah, cunning strategy and unflinching bravery crushed the Mongol army and reversed this tidal wave of horror. The whole of the civilized world sighed in relief and stood in awe at the remarkable achievement of these noble sons of Islam.
This was the spirit of Ramadan that enabled ourrighteous forefathers to face seemingly impossible challenges. It was a time of intense activity, spending the day in the saddle and the night in prayer while calling upon Allah for His mercy and forgiveness.
Today , the Muslim world is faced with drought, military aggression, widespread corruption andtempting materialism. Surely we are in need or believers who can walk in the footsteps of our beloved Prophet, sallallahu`alaihi wa sallam, the illustrious Sahabah, Tariq ibn Ziyad, Qutuz, Salahuddin and the countless heroes of Islam. Surely we are in need of believers who are unafraidof the threats of the disbelievers, yet kind and humble to the believing people; Muslims whose fast is complete and not just a source of hunger and thirst.
May Allah raise up a generation of Muslims who can carry Islam to all corners of the globe in a manner that befits our age, and may He give us the strength and the success to lay the proper foundations for them. May Allah make us of those who carry out our Islam during Ramadan and after it, and may He not make us of those who say what they do not do. Surely Allah and His Angels invoke blessings and peaceupon our Prophet Muhammad. O you who believe, send blessings andpeace to him forever./ - - - :-> Transtors: 1.http://free-translation.imtranslator.net/lowres.asp 2.http://translate.google.com/m?twu=1&hl=en&vi=m&sl=auto&tl=en
Ninety-two years after the Hijrah , Islam had spread across North Africa, Iran, Afghanistan, Yemen and Syria. Spain was underthe tyrannical rule of King Roderic of the Visigoths. Roderic had forced his six millions serfs and persecuted Jews to seek the aid of the Muslims of North Africa in order to be delivered. Musa ibn Husair, the Umayyad governor of North Africa, responded bysending his courageous general Tariq ibn Ziyad at the head of 12,000 Berber and Arab troops. In Ramadan of that year, they were confronted witha combined Visigoth army of 90,000 Christians led by Roderic himself, who was seated on a throne of ivory, silver, and precious gems and drawn by white mules. After burning his boats, Tariq preached to the Muslims warning themthat victory and Paradise lay ahead of them and defeat and the sea lay to the rear. They burst forth with great enthusiasm andAllah manifested a clear victory over the forces of disbelief. Not only was Roderic killed and his forces completely annihilated, but also Tariq and Musa succeeded in liberating the whole of Spain, Sicily and parts of France. This was the beginning of the Golden Age of Al-Andalus where Muslims ruled for over 700years.
In the year 582 A.H ., Salahuddin Al-Ayyubi, afterbattling with the Crusadersfor years, finally drove them out of Syria and the whole of their occupied lands in the month of Ramadan. The Muslim world was then destined to meet one of its most frightening challenges.
In the seventh century A.H . the Mongols were sweeping across Asia destroying everything thatlay in their path. Genghis Khan called himself "the scourge of God sent to punish humanity for their sins". In 617 A.H., Samarkand, Ray and Hamdan were put to the sword causing more than 700,000 people to be killed or made captive. In 656 A.H., Hulagu, the grandson of Genghis Khan, continued this destruction.Even Baghdad, the leading city of the Muslim world, was sacked. Some estimates say that as many as 1,800,000 Muslims were killed in this awesome carnage. The Christians were asked to eat pork and drink wine openly while the survivingMuslims were forced to participate in drinking bouts. Wine was sprinkled in the masjids and no Azan(call to prayer) was allowed. In the wake of such a horrible disaster and with the threat of the whole Muslim world and then Europe being subjected to the same fate,Allah raised up from the Mamluks of Egypt, Saifuddin Qutz, who unitedthe Muslim army and met the Mongols at Ain Jalut on25th of Ramadan, 658 A.H. Although they were under great pressure, the Muslims with the help of Allah, cunning strategy and unflinching bravery crushed the Mongol army and reversed this tidal wave of horror. The whole of the civilized world sighed in relief and stood in awe at the remarkable achievement of these noble sons of Islam.
This was the spirit of Ramadan that enabled ourrighteous forefathers to face seemingly impossible challenges. It was a time of intense activity, spending the day in the saddle and the night in prayer while calling upon Allah for His mercy and forgiveness.
Today , the Muslim world is faced with drought, military aggression, widespread corruption andtempting materialism. Surely we are in need or believers who can walk in the footsteps of our beloved Prophet, sallallahu`alaihi wa sallam, the illustrious Sahabah, Tariq ibn Ziyad, Qutuz, Salahuddin and the countless heroes of Islam. Surely we are in need of believers who are unafraidof the threats of the disbelievers, yet kind and humble to the believing people; Muslims whose fast is complete and not just a source of hunger and thirst.
May Allah raise up a generation of Muslims who can carry Islam to all corners of the globe in a manner that befits our age, and may He give us the strength and the success to lay the proper foundations for them. May Allah make us of those who carry out our Islam during Ramadan and after it, and may He not make us of those who say what they do not do. Surely Allah and His Angels invoke blessings and peaceupon our Prophet Muhammad. O you who believe, send blessings andpeace to him forever./ - - - :-> Transtors: 1.http://free-translation.imtranslator.net/lowres.asp 2.http://translate.google.com/m?twu=1&hl=en&vi=m&sl=auto&tl=en
Ramadhan in History
Qur'an, "O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those who came before you that you may keep your duty to your Lord (having taqwa)." (2:185). And may blessings and peace of Allah be upon His last Messenger Muhammad ibnAbdullah, forever.
O you who believe, Ramadan is a sacred month wherein Almighty Allah is constantly testing His creation and giving humanity the opportunity to achieve infinite, endless Bliss. Fasting is a complete purification and a means to developing the consciousness of Allah's presence. The consciousness of Allah (Taqwa) is a protection against the schemes of Shaitan, and the suffering of this world. Allah has informed us that,
"Whoever keeps his duty to Allah (has taqwa), He ordains a way out for him and gives him sustenance from where he imagines not. And whoever trusts in Allah, He is sufficient for him. Surely Allah attains His purpose. Allah has appointed a measure for everything." (65:2)
Many Muslims today have a misconception about fasting and the activities ofa fasting person. They go into a state of semi-hibernation, spending most of their daylight hours in bad. If they fear Allah, they wake up for prayer, but then return to sleep immediately. This unnatural sleep makes them become lazy, dull-witted and often cranky.
Ramadan is actually a timeof increased activity wherein the believer, now lightened of the burdens of constant eating and drinking, should be more willing to strive and struggle for Allah. The Prophet, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam, passed throughapproximately nine Ramadans after the Hijrah. They were filled with decisive events and left us a shining example of sacrifice and submission toAllah.
In the first year after the Hijrah , the Prophet, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam, sent Hamza ibn Abdul Muttalib with thirty Muslim riders to Saif al Bahr to investigate three hundred riders from Quraish who had camped suspiciously in that area. The Muslims were about toengage the disbelievers, but they were separated by Majdy ibn Umar al-Juhany. The Hypocrites of Madinah, hoping to oppose the unity of the Muslims, built their own masjid (called Masjid ad-Dirar). The Prophet, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam, ordered this masjidto be destroyed in Ramadan.
On the seventeenth of Ramadan, 3 A.H ., Almighty Allah separated truth from falsehood at the Great Battle of Badr. The Prophet, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam, and 313 of his companions set out to intercept a caravan of their own goods that had been left in Makkah. It wasled by Abu Sufyan himself, and estimated at 50,000 dinars. They were met, instead, by a well-equipped army of thenobility of Quraish, intent on putting out the light of Islam. Despite being outnumbered three to oneand appearing weak and unseasoned, the Muslims defended their faith with aburning desire to protect the Prophet and meet their Lord through martyrdom. Allah gave them a decisive victory on this day of Ramadan, that would never be forgotten.
In 6 A.H ., Zaid ibn Haritha was sent to Wadi al-Qura at the head of a detachment to confront Fatimah bint Rabiah, the queen of that area. Fatimah had previously attacked a caravan led by Zaid and had succeeded in plundering its wealth. She was known to be the mostprotected woman in Arabia, as she hung fifty swords of her close relatives in her home. Fatimah was equally renowned for showing open hostility to Islam. Shewas killed in a battle against these Muslims in the month of Ramadan.
By Ramadan of 8 A.H. , the treaty of Hudaibiyya had been broken and the Muslim armies had engaged the Byzantines in the north. Muhammad, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam, felt the need to strike a fatal blow to disbelief in the Arabian Peninsula and conquer thecity of Mecca. Allah has declared His Sanctuary a place of peace, security and religious sanctity. Nowthe time had come to purify the Ka`bah of nakedness and abomination. The Prophet,sallallahu `alaihi wa sallamset out with an army having more armed men than al-Madinah had ever seen before. People were swelling the army's ranks as it moved toward Makkah. The determination of the believers, guided by the will of Allah, became so awesome that the city of Makkah was conquered without a battle, on 20 Ramadan. This was one of the most important dates in Islamic history for after it, Islam was firmly entrenched in the Arabian Peninsula. During the same month and year, after smashing the idols ofMakkah, detachments were sent to the other major centers of polytheism and al-Lat, Manat and Suwa, some of the greatest idols of Arabia, were destroyed./ - - - :-> Transtors: 1.http://free-translation.imtranslator.net/lowres.asp 2.http://translate.google.com/m?twu=1&hl=en&vi=m&sl=auto&tl=en
O you who believe, Ramadan is a sacred month wherein Almighty Allah is constantly testing His creation and giving humanity the opportunity to achieve infinite, endless Bliss. Fasting is a complete purification and a means to developing the consciousness of Allah's presence. The consciousness of Allah (Taqwa) is a protection against the schemes of Shaitan, and the suffering of this world. Allah has informed us that,
"Whoever keeps his duty to Allah (has taqwa), He ordains a way out for him and gives him sustenance from where he imagines not. And whoever trusts in Allah, He is sufficient for him. Surely Allah attains His purpose. Allah has appointed a measure for everything." (65:2)
Many Muslims today have a misconception about fasting and the activities ofa fasting person. They go into a state of semi-hibernation, spending most of their daylight hours in bad. If they fear Allah, they wake up for prayer, but then return to sleep immediately. This unnatural sleep makes them become lazy, dull-witted and often cranky.
Ramadan is actually a timeof increased activity wherein the believer, now lightened of the burdens of constant eating and drinking, should be more willing to strive and struggle for Allah. The Prophet, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam, passed throughapproximately nine Ramadans after the Hijrah. They were filled with decisive events and left us a shining example of sacrifice and submission toAllah.
In the first year after the Hijrah , the Prophet, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam, sent Hamza ibn Abdul Muttalib with thirty Muslim riders to Saif al Bahr to investigate three hundred riders from Quraish who had camped suspiciously in that area. The Muslims were about toengage the disbelievers, but they were separated by Majdy ibn Umar al-Juhany. The Hypocrites of Madinah, hoping to oppose the unity of the Muslims, built their own masjid (called Masjid ad-Dirar). The Prophet, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam, ordered this masjidto be destroyed in Ramadan.
On the seventeenth of Ramadan, 3 A.H ., Almighty Allah separated truth from falsehood at the Great Battle of Badr. The Prophet, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam, and 313 of his companions set out to intercept a caravan of their own goods that had been left in Makkah. It wasled by Abu Sufyan himself, and estimated at 50,000 dinars. They were met, instead, by a well-equipped army of thenobility of Quraish, intent on putting out the light of Islam. Despite being outnumbered three to oneand appearing weak and unseasoned, the Muslims defended their faith with aburning desire to protect the Prophet and meet their Lord through martyrdom. Allah gave them a decisive victory on this day of Ramadan, that would never be forgotten.
In 6 A.H ., Zaid ibn Haritha was sent to Wadi al-Qura at the head of a detachment to confront Fatimah bint Rabiah, the queen of that area. Fatimah had previously attacked a caravan led by Zaid and had succeeded in plundering its wealth. She was known to be the mostprotected woman in Arabia, as she hung fifty swords of her close relatives in her home. Fatimah was equally renowned for showing open hostility to Islam. Shewas killed in a battle against these Muslims in the month of Ramadan.
By Ramadan of 8 A.H. , the treaty of Hudaibiyya had been broken and the Muslim armies had engaged the Byzantines in the north. Muhammad, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam, felt the need to strike a fatal blow to disbelief in the Arabian Peninsula and conquer thecity of Mecca. Allah has declared His Sanctuary a place of peace, security and religious sanctity. Nowthe time had come to purify the Ka`bah of nakedness and abomination. The Prophet,sallallahu `alaihi wa sallamset out with an army having more armed men than al-Madinah had ever seen before. People were swelling the army's ranks as it moved toward Makkah. The determination of the believers, guided by the will of Allah, became so awesome that the city of Makkah was conquered without a battle, on 20 Ramadan. This was one of the most important dates in Islamic history for after it, Islam was firmly entrenched in the Arabian Peninsula. During the same month and year, after smashing the idols ofMakkah, detachments were sent to the other major centers of polytheism and al-Lat, Manat and Suwa, some of the greatest idols of Arabia, were destroyed./ - - - :-> Transtors: 1.http://free-translation.imtranslator.net/lowres.asp 2.http://translate.google.com/m?twu=1&hl=en&vi=m&sl=auto&tl=en
The Opening of Makkah and the Destruction of the Idols
By Ramadhan of 8 A H., thetreaty of Hudaibiyah had been broken and the Muslim armies had engaged the Byzantines in the North. Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) felt the need to strike a fatal blow to disbelief in the Arabian Peninsula and conquered the city of Makkah in Ramadhan. This was one of the most important dates in Islamic history for after it, Islam was firmly entrenched in the Arabian Peninsula. During the same month and year, after smashing the idols ofMakkah, detachments were sent to the major centres of polytheism and al-Lat, Manat and Suwa, some of the greatest idols of Arabia, were destroyed.
Such was the month of Ramadhan in the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). It was a time of purification, enjoining the good, forbidding evil and strivinghard with one’s life and wealth to make the word of Allah the highest and Islam the dominant Deen. After the death of the Prophet (saw), Muslims carried this Sunnah on andAllah the Majestic used the believers to affect the course of history. Ramadhan continued then just as we see today in Central Asia and Afghanistan, to be a time of great trials and crucial events.
The Opening of Spain
Ninety-two years after the Hijrah and in Ramadhan, Musa ibn Nusair the Umayyad governor of North Africa, and his courageous general Tariq ibn Ziyad succeeded in liberating whole of Spain, Sicily and part of France, beginning the Golden Age of Al-Andalus where Muslims ruled for over 700years.
The Victory Against the Crusaders
In the year 682 A.H., Salahuddin al-Ayyubi, afterbattling with the Crusadersfor years, finally drove them out of Syria and liberated the whole of the occupied lands in the month of Ramadhan. It was then that the Muslim world was destined to meet one of its greatest challenges.
The Victory Over the Mongols
In the seventh century A.H.the Mongols were sweeping across Asia destroying everything thatlay in their path. Genghis Khan called himself “the scourge of God sent to punish humanity for their sins. “In 617 A.H. Samarkand, Ray, and Hamdan were put to the sword causing more than 700,000 people to be killed or made captive. In 656 A.H. Hulagu, the grandson of Genghis Khan continued this destruction.Even Baghdad, the leading city of the Muslim world, was sacked. Some estimates say that as many as 1,800,000 Muslims were killed in this awesome carnage. The Christians were asked to eat pork and drink wine openly while the survivingMuslims were forced to participate in drinking bouts. Wine was sprinkled in the masjids and no Azan(call to prayer) was allowed.
In the wake of such a horrible disaster and with the threat of the whole Muslim world being subjected to the same fate,Allah the Great One raised up from the Ummah, Saifuddin Qutz, who unitedthe Muslim army and met the Mongols at Ain Jalut on26th Ramadhan, 648 A.H. Although they were under great pressure, the Muslims with the help of Allah, cunning strategy and unflinching bravery, crushed the Mongol army and reversed this tidal wave of horror. The whole of the world sighed in relief and stood in awe at the remarkable achievement of these noble sons of Islam.
This was the spirit of Ramadhan that enabled our righteous forefathers to face seemingly impossible challenges. It was a time of intense activity, spending the day in the saddle and the nightin prayer while calling upon Allah for His mercy and forgiveness.
Today
Today, the Muslim world isfaced with imperialist occupation, military aggression, widespread corruption and oppressive rulers. The War against Islam and the Muslims is infull swing. So arise O believers and walk in the footsteps of our beloved Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), the illustrious Sahabah, Tariq ibn Ziyad, Qutuz, Salahuddin and the other countless heroes of Islam. Strive to become the believers who are unafraidof the threats of the disbelievers, who are kind and humble to the believing people; Muslims whose fast is complete and not just a source of hunger and thirst.
May Allah the Most Glorious One make us that generation of Muslims who re-establish the promised Khilafah and carry Islam to the four corners of the globe, may Allah the Able give us the strength and success to laythe proper foundations of the Islamic rule for the coming generations and make us of those who carry out our Islam during Ramadhan and after it./ - - - :-> Transtors: 1.http://free-translation.imtranslator.net/lowres.asp 2.http://translate.google.com/m?twu=1&hl=en&vi=m&sl=auto&tl=en
Such was the month of Ramadhan in the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). It was a time of purification, enjoining the good, forbidding evil and strivinghard with one’s life and wealth to make the word of Allah the highest and Islam the dominant Deen. After the death of the Prophet (saw), Muslims carried this Sunnah on andAllah the Majestic used the believers to affect the course of history. Ramadhan continued then just as we see today in Central Asia and Afghanistan, to be a time of great trials and crucial events.
The Opening of Spain
Ninety-two years after the Hijrah and in Ramadhan, Musa ibn Nusair the Umayyad governor of North Africa, and his courageous general Tariq ibn Ziyad succeeded in liberating whole of Spain, Sicily and part of France, beginning the Golden Age of Al-Andalus where Muslims ruled for over 700years.
The Victory Against the Crusaders
In the year 682 A.H., Salahuddin al-Ayyubi, afterbattling with the Crusadersfor years, finally drove them out of Syria and liberated the whole of the occupied lands in the month of Ramadhan. It was then that the Muslim world was destined to meet one of its greatest challenges.
The Victory Over the Mongols
In the seventh century A.H.the Mongols were sweeping across Asia destroying everything thatlay in their path. Genghis Khan called himself “the scourge of God sent to punish humanity for their sins. “In 617 A.H. Samarkand, Ray, and Hamdan were put to the sword causing more than 700,000 people to be killed or made captive. In 656 A.H. Hulagu, the grandson of Genghis Khan continued this destruction.Even Baghdad, the leading city of the Muslim world, was sacked. Some estimates say that as many as 1,800,000 Muslims were killed in this awesome carnage. The Christians were asked to eat pork and drink wine openly while the survivingMuslims were forced to participate in drinking bouts. Wine was sprinkled in the masjids and no Azan(call to prayer) was allowed.
In the wake of such a horrible disaster and with the threat of the whole Muslim world being subjected to the same fate,Allah the Great One raised up from the Ummah, Saifuddin Qutz, who unitedthe Muslim army and met the Mongols at Ain Jalut on26th Ramadhan, 648 A.H. Although they were under great pressure, the Muslims with the help of Allah, cunning strategy and unflinching bravery, crushed the Mongol army and reversed this tidal wave of horror. The whole of the world sighed in relief and stood in awe at the remarkable achievement of these noble sons of Islam.
This was the spirit of Ramadhan that enabled our righteous forefathers to face seemingly impossible challenges. It was a time of intense activity, spending the day in the saddle and the nightin prayer while calling upon Allah for His mercy and forgiveness.
Today
Today, the Muslim world isfaced with imperialist occupation, military aggression, widespread corruption and oppressive rulers. The War against Islam and the Muslims is infull swing. So arise O believers and walk in the footsteps of our beloved Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), the illustrious Sahabah, Tariq ibn Ziyad, Qutuz, Salahuddin and the other countless heroes of Islam. Strive to become the believers who are unafraidof the threats of the disbelievers, who are kind and humble to the believing people; Muslims whose fast is complete and not just a source of hunger and thirst.
May Allah the Most Glorious One make us that generation of Muslims who re-establish the promised Khilafah and carry Islam to the four corners of the globe, may Allah the Able give us the strength and success to laythe proper foundations of the Islamic rule for the coming generations and make us of those who carry out our Islam during Ramadhan and after it./ - - - :-> Transtors: 1.http://free-translation.imtranslator.net/lowres.asp 2.http://translate.google.com/m?twu=1&hl=en&vi=m&sl=auto&tl=en
Ramadhan, the Month of Victory
All praises be to Allah, Lordof the worlds. He who revealed in His Glorious Quran, “Oh you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those who came before you that you may keep your duty to your Lord (having taqwa),” 2:185.
And may the blessings andpeace of Allah the Almighty be upon His last Messenger Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).
Ramadhan is a sacred month wherein Almighty Allah is constantly testing His creation and giving humanity the opportunity to achieve His pleasure. One of the notable features of this blessed month, at a time when war has been declared upon Islam and the Muslims by America and Britain, is how the Imaan and understanding of the Muslims manifested itself upon the battlefield under the sincere Islamic leadership.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and his Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) passedthrough approximately nine Ramadhans together after the Hijrah. They werefilled with decisive events that took place in Ramadhan and left us a shining example of sacrifice and submission toAllah the Most High in the cause of making His Word the highest.
The Incident of Masjid al-Dhirar
In the first year after the Hijrah, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) sent Hamzah ibn Abdul Muttalib with thirty Muslim riders to Saif al Bahr to investigate three hundred riders from Quraish who had camped auspiciously in that area. The Muslims were about toengage the disbelievers, but they were separated by Majdy ibn Umar al-Juhany. The Hypocrites of Al-Madinah, hoping to oppose the unity of the Muslims, built their own masjid (called Masjid al-Dhirar). The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) ordered this masjid to be destroyed in Ramadhan, after he returned from the ghazwah of Tabuk.
The Battle of Badr
On the seventeenth of Ramadhan, 2 A.H., Almighty Allah separated truth from falsehood at the Great Battle of Badr. Hethe All Powerful gave them a decisive victory on this day of Ramadhan that would never to be forgotten.
“And indeed Allah assisted you at Badr when you were weak, so be observant to your duty to Allah so that you may be of the thankful ones. Whenyou said to the believers 'Does it not suffice you that your Lord should assist you with three thousand angels sent down." Surat Aali Imran 3:123 & 124
The battle of Badr was the first of the great battles of Islam. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) left Medina with 313 men, 2 horses and 70 camels to go to Badr. On the 17th Ramadhan 2 A.H they defeated an army of 1000 men, 100 horses and700 camels that left Makkah under the leadership of Abu Jahl to go to Badr.
During the Battle of Badr, Allah the Most Strong, inspired to His Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him), "I will help youwith a thousand of the angels each behind the other in succession." [TMQ 8:9]. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) rested after the strainof this revelation and then raised his head joyfully, crying, "O Abu Bakr, glad tidings are there for you, Allah's victory has approached, by Allah, I cansee Gabriel on his mare in the thick of a sandstorm."
For us today, there are numerous ahadeeth whichindicate similar victories tocome not only over the Jews but also about Islam’s dominance extending over the entire world. We must make du'afor these victories, but not stop at that. For Islam also requires us to ensure that the actions of the Muslims collectively as an Ummah, through the establishmentof a sincere unified state, also reflect that noble purpose.
The battle of Badr strengthened the faith of the Muslims and was a decisive victory that shattered the forces of kufrand firmly established the new State in Medinah as a powerful spiritual, politicaland military force.
The Battle at Wadi al-Qura
In 6 A.H., Zaid ibn Haritha was sent to Wadi al-Qura at the head of a detachment to confront Fatimah bint Rabiah, the queen of that area. Fatimah had previously attacked a caravan led by Zaid and had succeeded in plundering its wealth. She was known to be the mostprotected woman in Arabia, as she hung fifty swords of her close relatives in her home. Fatimah was equally renowned for showing open hostility to Islam. Shewas killed in a battle against the Muslims in the month of Ramadhan.
The Opening of Makkah and the Destruction of the Idols
By Ramadhan of 8 A H., thetreaty of Hudaibiyah had been broken and the Muslim armies had engaged the Byzantines in the North. Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) felt the need to strike a fatal blow to disbelief in the Arabian Peninsula and conquered the city of Makkah in Ramadhan./ - - - :-> Transtors: 1.http://free-translation.imtranslator.net/lowres.asp 2.http://translate.google.com/m?twu=1&hl=en&vi=m&sl=auto&tl=en
And may the blessings andpeace of Allah the Almighty be upon His last Messenger Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).
Ramadhan is a sacred month wherein Almighty Allah is constantly testing His creation and giving humanity the opportunity to achieve His pleasure. One of the notable features of this blessed month, at a time when war has been declared upon Islam and the Muslims by America and Britain, is how the Imaan and understanding of the Muslims manifested itself upon the battlefield under the sincere Islamic leadership.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and his Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) passedthrough approximately nine Ramadhans together after the Hijrah. They werefilled with decisive events that took place in Ramadhan and left us a shining example of sacrifice and submission toAllah the Most High in the cause of making His Word the highest.
The Incident of Masjid al-Dhirar
In the first year after the Hijrah, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) sent Hamzah ibn Abdul Muttalib with thirty Muslim riders to Saif al Bahr to investigate three hundred riders from Quraish who had camped auspiciously in that area. The Muslims were about toengage the disbelievers, but they were separated by Majdy ibn Umar al-Juhany. The Hypocrites of Al-Madinah, hoping to oppose the unity of the Muslims, built their own masjid (called Masjid al-Dhirar). The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) ordered this masjid to be destroyed in Ramadhan, after he returned from the ghazwah of Tabuk.
The Battle of Badr
On the seventeenth of Ramadhan, 2 A.H., Almighty Allah separated truth from falsehood at the Great Battle of Badr. Hethe All Powerful gave them a decisive victory on this day of Ramadhan that would never to be forgotten.
“And indeed Allah assisted you at Badr when you were weak, so be observant to your duty to Allah so that you may be of the thankful ones. Whenyou said to the believers 'Does it not suffice you that your Lord should assist you with three thousand angels sent down." Surat Aali Imran 3:123 & 124
The battle of Badr was the first of the great battles of Islam. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) left Medina with 313 men, 2 horses and 70 camels to go to Badr. On the 17th Ramadhan 2 A.H they defeated an army of 1000 men, 100 horses and700 camels that left Makkah under the leadership of Abu Jahl to go to Badr.
During the Battle of Badr, Allah the Most Strong, inspired to His Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him), "I will help youwith a thousand of the angels each behind the other in succession." [TMQ 8:9]. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) rested after the strainof this revelation and then raised his head joyfully, crying, "O Abu Bakr, glad tidings are there for you, Allah's victory has approached, by Allah, I cansee Gabriel on his mare in the thick of a sandstorm."
For us today, there are numerous ahadeeth whichindicate similar victories tocome not only over the Jews but also about Islam’s dominance extending over the entire world. We must make du'afor these victories, but not stop at that. For Islam also requires us to ensure that the actions of the Muslims collectively as an Ummah, through the establishmentof a sincere unified state, also reflect that noble purpose.
The battle of Badr strengthened the faith of the Muslims and was a decisive victory that shattered the forces of kufrand firmly established the new State in Medinah as a powerful spiritual, politicaland military force.
The Battle at Wadi al-Qura
In 6 A.H., Zaid ibn Haritha was sent to Wadi al-Qura at the head of a detachment to confront Fatimah bint Rabiah, the queen of that area. Fatimah had previously attacked a caravan led by Zaid and had succeeded in plundering its wealth. She was known to be the mostprotected woman in Arabia, as she hung fifty swords of her close relatives in her home. Fatimah was equally renowned for showing open hostility to Islam. Shewas killed in a battle against the Muslims in the month of Ramadhan.
The Opening of Makkah and the Destruction of the Idols
By Ramadhan of 8 A H., thetreaty of Hudaibiyah had been broken and the Muslim armies had engaged the Byzantines in the North. Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) felt the need to strike a fatal blow to disbelief in the Arabian Peninsula and conquered the city of Makkah in Ramadhan./ - - - :-> Transtors: 1.http://free-translation.imtranslator.net/lowres.asp 2.http://translate.google.com/m?twu=1&hl=en&vi=m&sl=auto&tl=en
Qiyamul-layl:
The Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam said: "Whoever performed the night prayer during Ramadhan out of belief and anticipating God's rewards,will be forgiven his previous sins."(Related by Muslim).Performing Umrah: The Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam said: "An Umrah during Ramadhan is like a Hajj with me." (Related by al-Hakim).
Offering Iftar (meal) to those who fasted. The Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam said: "Whoever feeds a fasting person has the same reward as him, except that the reward of the fasting person will not be diminished." (Related by Ahmad).
Reading and completing the Qur'an: The Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam said: "Fasting and [reading] Qur'an will intercede for the person: fasting will say: O Lord I forbade him eating and drinking so let me intercede for him, and the Qur'an will say: I deprived him from his night sleep so let me intercede for him," he then said: "So they will intercede." (Related by Ahmad). The Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam used to recite the whole Qur'an to Angel Jibreel each Ramadhan.
Giving in charity: Ibn Abbas radhiallahu anhu said: "The Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam was the most generous among people, and he was more generous during the month of Ramadhan." (Related by Muslim).
I`tikaaf: which is to confine oneself in the masjid for prayer and invocation leaving the worldly activities. Ibn Abbas radhiallahu anhu said: "The Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam used to perforrn I'tikaf during the last ten days of Ramadhan." (Related by Muslim). It is surprising that many people have abandoned I'tikaf though the Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam never abandoned itfrom the time he arrived to Madinah until he died.
Supplication: In the versesdealing with fasting, Allah said: "And when My slaves ask you (O Muhammad) concerning Me, then answer them, I am indeed near to them. I respond to the invocations of the supplicant when he calls on Me." (Al-Baqarah 2: 186). This is an encouragement for the fasting person to increase his invocation. The Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam said: "Three invocations will be answered: The invocation of the fasting person, the invocation of the oppressed, and the invocation of the traveler."(Related by Muslim).
Repentance: Ramadhan is the time of repentance and return to Allah, for it isa time when the devils arechained, and when many people are saved from hellfire every night by the grace of Allah.
Applying oneself in all good deeds in the last ten days of Ramadhan: Aysha radhiallabu anha said: "When the last ten days come, he sallallahu alayhe wa sallam would pray most of the night andwake his family, and applyhimself, and tighten up hisloincloth.", and she also said: "The Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhe wa sallam used to strive in thelast days of Ramadhan more than he did during the other days." (Related by Muslim).
Abstaining from vain talk: Sins decrease the reward of fasting althoughthey do not annul it. The Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam said: "Fasting is not [only] abstaining from eating and drinking, but abstaining from vain and obscene talk, so if someone insulted you or wronged you say: I am fasting." (Related by al-Hakim) and he also said:'Whoever does not abandon lying, then Allah does not need him to abandon his food and drink." (Related by al-Bukhari).
Common errors made during Ramadhan
Excessive spending: Ramadhan should be a time to avoid being wasteful, and learning to be prepared in facing harder times by distinguishing the needs from the luxuries. Unfortunately, many people go beyond their limits to spend during Ramadhan. Whether in thevarieties of food that they savor each night, or by theother types of spending.
Staying awake during the night and sleeping during the day: Some people sleep during most of the day when they are fasting. Ramadhan is not a time of being lazy, and thisdo not allow the full benefit from the experience of fasting. It is as if they have only inverted their nights into days and vice versa. In addition, some may spend a great portion of the night indulging in eating and drinking and socializing
Spending more time in socializing: Because people invite each other more often during Ramadhan they do tend tospend more time socializing with friends, and relatives. While it is a good deed to feed the fasting person, this should not result in precious time lost in vain talk. Use the occasion for remembering Allah and offering additional prayers, and for the Da'wah to Allah./ - - - :-> Transtors: 1.http://free-translation.imtranslator.net/lowres.asp 2.http://translate.google.com/m?twu=1&hl=en&vi=m&sl=auto&tl=en
Offering Iftar (meal) to those who fasted. The Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam said: "Whoever feeds a fasting person has the same reward as him, except that the reward of the fasting person will not be diminished." (Related by Ahmad).
Reading and completing the Qur'an: The Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam said: "Fasting and [reading] Qur'an will intercede for the person: fasting will say: O Lord I forbade him eating and drinking so let me intercede for him, and the Qur'an will say: I deprived him from his night sleep so let me intercede for him," he then said: "So they will intercede." (Related by Ahmad). The Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam used to recite the whole Qur'an to Angel Jibreel each Ramadhan.
Giving in charity: Ibn Abbas radhiallahu anhu said: "The Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam was the most generous among people, and he was more generous during the month of Ramadhan." (Related by Muslim).
I`tikaaf: which is to confine oneself in the masjid for prayer and invocation leaving the worldly activities. Ibn Abbas radhiallahu anhu said: "The Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam used to perforrn I'tikaf during the last ten days of Ramadhan." (Related by Muslim). It is surprising that many people have abandoned I'tikaf though the Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam never abandoned itfrom the time he arrived to Madinah until he died.
Supplication: In the versesdealing with fasting, Allah said: "And when My slaves ask you (O Muhammad) concerning Me, then answer them, I am indeed near to them. I respond to the invocations of the supplicant when he calls on Me." (Al-Baqarah 2: 186). This is an encouragement for the fasting person to increase his invocation. The Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam said: "Three invocations will be answered: The invocation of the fasting person, the invocation of the oppressed, and the invocation of the traveler."(Related by Muslim).
Repentance: Ramadhan is the time of repentance and return to Allah, for it isa time when the devils arechained, and when many people are saved from hellfire every night by the grace of Allah.
Applying oneself in all good deeds in the last ten days of Ramadhan: Aysha radhiallabu anha said: "When the last ten days come, he sallallahu alayhe wa sallam would pray most of the night andwake his family, and applyhimself, and tighten up hisloincloth.", and she also said: "The Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhe wa sallam used to strive in thelast days of Ramadhan more than he did during the other days." (Related by Muslim).
Abstaining from vain talk: Sins decrease the reward of fasting althoughthey do not annul it. The Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam said: "Fasting is not [only] abstaining from eating and drinking, but abstaining from vain and obscene talk, so if someone insulted you or wronged you say: I am fasting." (Related by al-Hakim) and he also said:'Whoever does not abandon lying, then Allah does not need him to abandon his food and drink." (Related by al-Bukhari).
Common errors made during Ramadhan
Excessive spending: Ramadhan should be a time to avoid being wasteful, and learning to be prepared in facing harder times by distinguishing the needs from the luxuries. Unfortunately, many people go beyond their limits to spend during Ramadhan. Whether in thevarieties of food that they savor each night, or by theother types of spending.
Staying awake during the night and sleeping during the day: Some people sleep during most of the day when they are fasting. Ramadhan is not a time of being lazy, and thisdo not allow the full benefit from the experience of fasting. It is as if they have only inverted their nights into days and vice versa. In addition, some may spend a great portion of the night indulging in eating and drinking and socializing
Spending more time in socializing: Because people invite each other more often during Ramadhan they do tend tospend more time socializing with friends, and relatives. While it is a good deed to feed the fasting person, this should not result in precious time lost in vain talk. Use the occasion for remembering Allah and offering additional prayers, and for the Da'wah to Allah./ - - - :-> Transtors: 1.http://free-translation.imtranslator.net/lowres.asp 2.http://translate.google.com/m?twu=1&hl=en&vi=m&sl=auto&tl=en
Reality and Obligation in Ramadan
During this Ramadhan do not let the sweetness of our deeds vansh into the night, leaving only emptiness. When one contemplates the texts on fasting, its wisdom and goals in Shariah, and looks at the reality of the Muslimcommunities, one realizes a wide gap between the reality and our obligations.Remember that Ramadhanis a bounty that Allah blessed His servants with, to strengthen their faith, and increase their piety (Taqwa). Allah said: "O youwho believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become pious." (Al-Baqarah 2:183). This article is an attempt to present the essential causes of this gap, and to some remedies. primary reason for the gap is ignorance about the goals of fasting and the wisdom behind it. Many Muslims ignore the purpose and wisdom of fasting. Fasting is done merely to conform to the social environmet without contemplation. If one is not aware of the divine wisdom of Shariah and its fruits in this world and in the hereafter, one will not apply it in the right way.
Goals of Fasting
Achieving Taqwa: is one of the most important wisdom of fasting. Fasting brings on Taqwa as it lessens the desire of the stomach and mutes the sexual appetite. Whoever fasts frequently would overcome these two desires more easily. This deter against committing abominations and sins andassist in controlling life leading to Taqwa.
Strengthening willpowerand acquiring patience: The Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam called Ramadhan the month of patience as it increases one's will power to controlhis desire and the selfishness of his soul. This training allows him to be strong in following Allah's commands. The most important being to carry the Message and propel it forward. The person trains himself to be patient in obeying Allah by stopping at the limits set by Allah both by way of action and abstention. Allah said:"These are the limits set byAllah, so approach them not." (Al-Baqarah 2:187)
Fasting is pure worship: The fact that he is abstaining from food and drink both in public and in secret shows his honest faith and strong love of Allah, and his knowledge and feeling that Allah is all-knowing of everything. For this reason Allah has made the reward for fasting greater than for any other type of worship. Allah said in the hadith Qudsi: "Every deed of the son of Adam will be multiplied [in rewards], the good deed by ten of itslike, up to seven hundreds,up to whatever Allah wills,except fasting, it is for Me and I will reward it. He abandons his desire and his food for My sake.." (Related by Muslim) lbn al-Qayyim said: "...And people may see that a person is not eating in front of them, but the fact that he is really abandoning his food and his desire for the sake of God is a thing that nobodycan find out about, and that is the essence of fasting." (Zaad al-Ma'ad 2/29).
Relieving Muslims from life's distractions: Eating, drinking, and socializing alldistract a person and weaken ties with Allah. It is by the Mercy of Allah that Muslims are ordered to fast so as not to be bothered by the intrusion of these activities. Nor by the thought about them nor the anticipation for them when devoting themselves to the all typesof worship Either reading the Qur'an, offering additional prayer or making I'tikaf. For this reason the Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam said: "Fasting is a shield, and a secure fortress against Hell fire" (Related by Ahmad).
Discovering Allah's Blessings: A person experiences the hardship of the poor. He should then be thankful to Allah Who has blessed him with His bounty while others are deprived. This should make him more sympathetic and willing toshare this bounty. The poor rediscovers that fasting helps a person be more devoted to worship. More able to concentrate and meditate. He should then be able of this devotion all year long, a blessing he should thank Allah for.
Acquiring strength and endurance: It has been discovered that depriving the body of food for a period of time helps its defense and endurance mechanism. This in turn this protects the body from certain diseases.
Remember that fasting isnot only dependent on abstentions: Many believethat fasting consist only of certain abstentions, forgetting that Allah established certain acts of worship with fasting./ - - - :-> Transtors: 1.http://free-translation.imtranslator.net/lowres.asp 2.http://translate.google.com/m?twu=1&hl=en&vi=m&sl=auto&tl=en
Goals of Fasting
Achieving Taqwa: is one of the most important wisdom of fasting. Fasting brings on Taqwa as it lessens the desire of the stomach and mutes the sexual appetite. Whoever fasts frequently would overcome these two desires more easily. This deter against committing abominations and sins andassist in controlling life leading to Taqwa.
Strengthening willpowerand acquiring patience: The Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam called Ramadhan the month of patience as it increases one's will power to controlhis desire and the selfishness of his soul. This training allows him to be strong in following Allah's commands. The most important being to carry the Message and propel it forward. The person trains himself to be patient in obeying Allah by stopping at the limits set by Allah both by way of action and abstention. Allah said:"These are the limits set byAllah, so approach them not." (Al-Baqarah 2:187)
Fasting is pure worship: The fact that he is abstaining from food and drink both in public and in secret shows his honest faith and strong love of Allah, and his knowledge and feeling that Allah is all-knowing of everything. For this reason Allah has made the reward for fasting greater than for any other type of worship. Allah said in the hadith Qudsi: "Every deed of the son of Adam will be multiplied [in rewards], the good deed by ten of itslike, up to seven hundreds,up to whatever Allah wills,except fasting, it is for Me and I will reward it. He abandons his desire and his food for My sake.." (Related by Muslim) lbn al-Qayyim said: "...And people may see that a person is not eating in front of them, but the fact that he is really abandoning his food and his desire for the sake of God is a thing that nobodycan find out about, and that is the essence of fasting." (Zaad al-Ma'ad 2/29).
Relieving Muslims from life's distractions: Eating, drinking, and socializing alldistract a person and weaken ties with Allah. It is by the Mercy of Allah that Muslims are ordered to fast so as not to be bothered by the intrusion of these activities. Nor by the thought about them nor the anticipation for them when devoting themselves to the all typesof worship Either reading the Qur'an, offering additional prayer or making I'tikaf. For this reason the Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam said: "Fasting is a shield, and a secure fortress against Hell fire" (Related by Ahmad).
Discovering Allah's Blessings: A person experiences the hardship of the poor. He should then be thankful to Allah Who has blessed him with His bounty while others are deprived. This should make him more sympathetic and willing toshare this bounty. The poor rediscovers that fasting helps a person be more devoted to worship. More able to concentrate and meditate. He should then be able of this devotion all year long, a blessing he should thank Allah for.
Acquiring strength and endurance: It has been discovered that depriving the body of food for a period of time helps its defense and endurance mechanism. This in turn this protects the body from certain diseases.
Remember that fasting isnot only dependent on abstentions: Many believethat fasting consist only of certain abstentions, forgetting that Allah established certain acts of worship with fasting./ - - - :-> Transtors: 1.http://free-translation.imtranslator.net/lowres.asp 2.http://translate.google.com/m?twu=1&hl=en&vi=m&sl=auto&tl=en
Miscellaneous Issues Related to Dua
Making dua for others
You can make dua for Others. The Prophet, sala Allahu alaihi wa salam, said “Whenever you make a supplication for another believer and he is not present, an angel will say ‘and same to you.’” One of the ethics when making dua to others is that, if youare going to make dua to yourself and others, start with yourself first, then you make dua to others. But if you are going to make dua for others only, then you don’t have to mention yourself first. An example of starting with one’s self is seen is the verse, “And those who came after them say, ‘Our Lord! Forgive us and our brethren who were before us in the faith…’” (59:10)
Wiping the face after making dua
It was never narrated that the Messanger of Allah, sala Allahu alaihi wa salam, wiped his honorable face during Salah, such as in Witr. If itis after Salah, the scholars of Hadith have differed in the Authenticity of the Hadiths regarding this issue, the correct opinion, inshallah, is that they are all inauthentic. Therefore it is better not to wipe the face after making dua. (There is a detailed research by the MuhaddithSheikh Bakr Abu Zaid about this issue). And Allahknows best.
Making dua against oneself
Don’t make Dua’a against yourself or against your children.
The Prophet, sala Allahu alaihi wa salam, said, “Don’t make dua against yourselves. Don’t make dua against your children. Don’t make dua against your maids. And don’t make dua against your wealth. It might be in a time in which Allah answers the prayers.” (Authentic, Abu Dauood)
Dua for victory
When ye sought help of your Lord and He answered you (saying): I will help you with a thousand of the angels, rank on rank. Allah appointed it only as good tidings, and that your hearts thereby might be atrest. Victory cometh only by the help of Allah. Lo! Allah is Mighty, Wise. (8:9-10)
It’s from the Sunnah to make dua for the Muslims all over the world, especially in the month of victory, the month of Ramadhan. The Prophet, sala Allahu alaihi wa salam, made dua at the night before the Battle of Badr, which took place in the month of Ramadhan, until his upper garment fell. By dawn, he came with the glad tiding from Allah, tala, to the believers,concerning their enemies, “Their multitude will be put to flight, and they will show their backs. Nay but the Hour is their appointedtime, and the Hour will be more grievous and more bitter.” (54:45-46)
Supplication of the Prophet, sala Allahu alaihi wa salam
The prophet, sala Allahu alaihi wa sallam, said that: “Every messenger has a Supplication that will be accepted, and I have savedmy Supplication as a Shafaa Intersession for my Nation on the Day of Judgment.”
May Allah make us among those who follow and emulate His Prophet, sala Allahu alaihi wa salam, till they receive his intersession on the Day of Judgment. We beg Allah, tala, that He forgives the ones who wrote this article, and forgives the Muslims among their parents. May He benefit the readers, and guide them to the path of His beloved. We ask Allah by His most beautiful names to show mercy to those who spread guidance and stand together upon the truth. Ameen.
Subhanaka Allahumma wabehamdik. Ash’hadu a’laa ilaha illa Annt. Astaghfiruka wa atubu ilayk./ - - - :-> Transtors: 1.http://free-translation.imtranslator.net/lowres.asp 2.http://translate.google.com/m?twu=1&hl=en&vi=m&sl=auto&tl=en
You can make dua for Others. The Prophet, sala Allahu alaihi wa salam, said “Whenever you make a supplication for another believer and he is not present, an angel will say ‘and same to you.’” One of the ethics when making dua to others is that, if youare going to make dua to yourself and others, start with yourself first, then you make dua to others. But if you are going to make dua for others only, then you don’t have to mention yourself first. An example of starting with one’s self is seen is the verse, “And those who came after them say, ‘Our Lord! Forgive us and our brethren who were before us in the faith…’” (59:10)
Wiping the face after making dua
It was never narrated that the Messanger of Allah, sala Allahu alaihi wa salam, wiped his honorable face during Salah, such as in Witr. If itis after Salah, the scholars of Hadith have differed in the Authenticity of the Hadiths regarding this issue, the correct opinion, inshallah, is that they are all inauthentic. Therefore it is better not to wipe the face after making dua. (There is a detailed research by the MuhaddithSheikh Bakr Abu Zaid about this issue). And Allahknows best.
Making dua against oneself
Don’t make Dua’a against yourself or against your children.
The Prophet, sala Allahu alaihi wa salam, said, “Don’t make dua against yourselves. Don’t make dua against your children. Don’t make dua against your maids. And don’t make dua against your wealth. It might be in a time in which Allah answers the prayers.” (Authentic, Abu Dauood)
Dua for victory
When ye sought help of your Lord and He answered you (saying): I will help you with a thousand of the angels, rank on rank. Allah appointed it only as good tidings, and that your hearts thereby might be atrest. Victory cometh only by the help of Allah. Lo! Allah is Mighty, Wise. (8:9-10)
It’s from the Sunnah to make dua for the Muslims all over the world, especially in the month of victory, the month of Ramadhan. The Prophet, sala Allahu alaihi wa salam, made dua at the night before the Battle of Badr, which took place in the month of Ramadhan, until his upper garment fell. By dawn, he came with the glad tiding from Allah, tala, to the believers,concerning their enemies, “Their multitude will be put to flight, and they will show their backs. Nay but the Hour is their appointedtime, and the Hour will be more grievous and more bitter.” (54:45-46)
Supplication of the Prophet, sala Allahu alaihi wa salam
The prophet, sala Allahu alaihi wa sallam, said that: “Every messenger has a Supplication that will be accepted, and I have savedmy Supplication as a Shafaa Intersession for my Nation on the Day of Judgment.”
May Allah make us among those who follow and emulate His Prophet, sala Allahu alaihi wa salam, till they receive his intersession on the Day of Judgment. We beg Allah, tala, that He forgives the ones who wrote this article, and forgives the Muslims among their parents. May He benefit the readers, and guide them to the path of His beloved. We ask Allah by His most beautiful names to show mercy to those who spread guidance and stand together upon the truth. Ameen.
Subhanaka Allahumma wabehamdik. Ash’hadu a’laa ilaha illa Annt. Astaghfiruka wa atubu ilayk./ - - - :-> Transtors: 1.http://free-translation.imtranslator.net/lowres.asp 2.http://translate.google.com/m?twu=1&hl=en&vi=m&sl=auto&tl=en
Repenting to Allah
Telling Allah about your situation
A mention of the mercy of thy Lord unto His servant Zakhariyyah—when he cried unto his Lord a cry in secret, saying, “My Lord! Lo! The bones of me wax feeble and my head is shining with grey hair, andI have never been unblest in prayer to Thee, my Lord.Lo! I fear my kinsfolk after me, since my wife is barren. Oh, give me from Thy presence a successor who shall inherit of me and inhereit of the house of Jacob. And make him, my Lord, acceptable (unto Thee).” (Maryam:2-6)
Al-Yaqeen and full awareness (“presence of the heart”)
The Prophet (s.A.a.w.s.) said, “Ask Allah with certainty that He will answer your prayers, and know that Allah will not accept the supplication from an absent heart.” (hasan, at-Tirmidhi)
Asking Allah three times
“If you ask Allah for the jannah three times, the jannah will say, ‘O Allah, make him enter jannah.’ And if you ask Allah to protect you from hellfire three times, hellfire will say, ‘O Allah, protect him from the hellfire.’”
NB. Not every supplication should be performed thrice.
Having patience
Man prayeth for evil as he prayeth for good. [Isra:11]
Abu Hurayrah reported that the Prophet (s.A.w.s.) said, “The person’s supplication will be answered unless he asks for sin or severing the ties of kinship, except if the person is hasty.” Then the Prophet (s.A.a.w.s.) was asked about hastiness. So the Prophet (s.A.a.w.s.) described it as, “The personsays, ‘I asked, and I have not seen the answer.’ Thenhe leaves dua.” (Sahih Muslim)
NB. It is not considered haste in dua to ask for a speedy answer.
Asking with persistence (Al-Ilhah ala Allah)
The Prophet (s.A.w.s.) said, “When you ask Allah, ask with confidence.”
Some of the early Muslims used to say that the suppliant should be like a child when you ask Allah, crying until you are answered.
Asking in secret
An example of this lies in the dua of Zakariyyah,
“A mention of the mercy ofthy Lord unto His servant Zakhariyyah—when he cried unto his Lord a cry in secret.” (19:2)
Benefits of this secrecy include sincerity and beliefin Allah’s attributes (Hearing, Seeing, Closeness).
Mentioning the result you expect from the fulfillment of the du’a
As in the surah,
“(Moses) said: My Lord! Relieve my mind and ease my task for me; and loose a knot from my tongue, that they may understand my saying. Appoint for me a henchman from my folk, Aaron, my brother. Confirmmy strength with him. Andlet him share my task, thatwe may glorify Thee much,and much remember Thee.Lo! Thou art ever Seeing us.” [Ta Ha:29-34]
Omitting details in the actual request
Such as in the ayah,
“Our Lord, give us good in this world, good in the hereafter, and save us from the punishment of the fire.” (2:201)
Aisha narrated that the Prophet (s.A.a.w.s.) used tolike comprehensive supplications, and he would leave others. (Sahih,Abu Dawud)
One of the Sahaba saw his child asking, “O Allah, give me the right palace on the right side of jannah.” So hetold his child, “Do not do that. Rather, ask Allah to enter you into jannah and to protect you from the fire.”
Tahaarah
It is better to have wudu when making dua.
Facing the qiblah
The Prophet (s.A.a.w.s.), when he climbed the Saffa and the Marwa, he would face the qiblah and make du’a.
To ask Allah by His names and attributes
Allah’s are the fairest names. Invoke Him by them. (7:180)
Raising the hands
Salman narrated from the Prophet (s.A.a.w.s.), “Surely Allah is Hayyee, and He loves to conceal the shortcomings of His servants. If His servant raises his hands, He does not let him go empty handed.”
NB. It is inappropriate to raise the hands in certain occasions of dua (i.e. during Friday khutbas) andsunnah upon other occasions (i.e. the dua for rain).
Not consuming Haram
On the authority of Abu Hurairah, The Messenger ofAllah said,
“Allah the Almighty is good and accepts only thatwhich is good. Allah has commanded the faithful todo that which he commanded the messengers, and the Almighty has said: ‘O ye messengers! Eat of the good things and do right.’ And Allah the Almighty hassaid, ‘O ye who believe! Eatof the good things wherewith We have provided you.’”
Then he (s.A.a.w.s.) mentioned [the case of] a man who, having journeyed far, is disheveled and dusty and who spreads out his handsto the sky [saying] : "O Lord! O Lord!" Meanwhile, his (the traveler’s) food is unlawful, his drink unlawful, his clothing unlawful, and he is nourished unlawfully; so how can he be answered!
(Related by Muslim)
Thinking well of Allah (Husnu thun bi’llah)
When the wife of Imran said, “My Lord! I have vowed unto Thee that which is in my belly as a consecrated (offering). Accept it from me,/ - - - :-> Transtors: 1.http://free-translation.imtranslator.net/lowres.asp 2.http://translate.google.com/m?twu=1&hl=en&vi=m&sl=auto&tl=en
A mention of the mercy of thy Lord unto His servant Zakhariyyah—when he cried unto his Lord a cry in secret, saying, “My Lord! Lo! The bones of me wax feeble and my head is shining with grey hair, andI have never been unblest in prayer to Thee, my Lord.Lo! I fear my kinsfolk after me, since my wife is barren. Oh, give me from Thy presence a successor who shall inherit of me and inhereit of the house of Jacob. And make him, my Lord, acceptable (unto Thee).” (Maryam:2-6)
Al-Yaqeen and full awareness (“presence of the heart”)
The Prophet (s.A.a.w.s.) said, “Ask Allah with certainty that He will answer your prayers, and know that Allah will not accept the supplication from an absent heart.” (hasan, at-Tirmidhi)
Asking Allah three times
“If you ask Allah for the jannah three times, the jannah will say, ‘O Allah, make him enter jannah.’ And if you ask Allah to protect you from hellfire three times, hellfire will say, ‘O Allah, protect him from the hellfire.’”
NB. Not every supplication should be performed thrice.
Having patience
Man prayeth for evil as he prayeth for good. [Isra:11]
Abu Hurayrah reported that the Prophet (s.A.w.s.) said, “The person’s supplication will be answered unless he asks for sin or severing the ties of kinship, except if the person is hasty.” Then the Prophet (s.A.a.w.s.) was asked about hastiness. So the Prophet (s.A.a.w.s.) described it as, “The personsays, ‘I asked, and I have not seen the answer.’ Thenhe leaves dua.” (Sahih Muslim)
NB. It is not considered haste in dua to ask for a speedy answer.
Asking with persistence (Al-Ilhah ala Allah)
The Prophet (s.A.w.s.) said, “When you ask Allah, ask with confidence.”
Some of the early Muslims used to say that the suppliant should be like a child when you ask Allah, crying until you are answered.
Asking in secret
An example of this lies in the dua of Zakariyyah,
“A mention of the mercy ofthy Lord unto His servant Zakhariyyah—when he cried unto his Lord a cry in secret.” (19:2)
Benefits of this secrecy include sincerity and beliefin Allah’s attributes (Hearing, Seeing, Closeness).
Mentioning the result you expect from the fulfillment of the du’a
As in the surah,
“(Moses) said: My Lord! Relieve my mind and ease my task for me; and loose a knot from my tongue, that they may understand my saying. Appoint for me a henchman from my folk, Aaron, my brother. Confirmmy strength with him. Andlet him share my task, thatwe may glorify Thee much,and much remember Thee.Lo! Thou art ever Seeing us.” [Ta Ha:29-34]
Omitting details in the actual request
Such as in the ayah,
“Our Lord, give us good in this world, good in the hereafter, and save us from the punishment of the fire.” (2:201)
Aisha narrated that the Prophet (s.A.a.w.s.) used tolike comprehensive supplications, and he would leave others. (Sahih,Abu Dawud)
One of the Sahaba saw his child asking, “O Allah, give me the right palace on the right side of jannah.” So hetold his child, “Do not do that. Rather, ask Allah to enter you into jannah and to protect you from the fire.”
Tahaarah
It is better to have wudu when making dua.
Facing the qiblah
The Prophet (s.A.a.w.s.), when he climbed the Saffa and the Marwa, he would face the qiblah and make du’a.
To ask Allah by His names and attributes
Allah’s are the fairest names. Invoke Him by them. (7:180)
Raising the hands
Salman narrated from the Prophet (s.A.a.w.s.), “Surely Allah is Hayyee, and He loves to conceal the shortcomings of His servants. If His servant raises his hands, He does not let him go empty handed.”
NB. It is inappropriate to raise the hands in certain occasions of dua (i.e. during Friday khutbas) andsunnah upon other occasions (i.e. the dua for rain).
Not consuming Haram
On the authority of Abu Hurairah, The Messenger ofAllah said,
“Allah the Almighty is good and accepts only thatwhich is good. Allah has commanded the faithful todo that which he commanded the messengers, and the Almighty has said: ‘O ye messengers! Eat of the good things and do right.’ And Allah the Almighty hassaid, ‘O ye who believe! Eatof the good things wherewith We have provided you.’”
Then he (s.A.a.w.s.) mentioned [the case of] a man who, having journeyed far, is disheveled and dusty and who spreads out his handsto the sky [saying] : "O Lord! O Lord!" Meanwhile, his (the traveler’s) food is unlawful, his drink unlawful, his clothing unlawful, and he is nourished unlawfully; so how can he be answered!
(Related by Muslim)
Thinking well of Allah (Husnu thun bi’llah)
When the wife of Imran said, “My Lord! I have vowed unto Thee that which is in my belly as a consecrated (offering). Accept it from me,/ - - - :-> Transtors: 1.http://free-translation.imtranslator.net/lowres.asp 2.http://translate.google.com/m?twu=1&hl=en&vi=m&sl=auto&tl=en
The Relationship Between Supplication and Ramadhan
Making dua is a part of themonth of Ramadhan. The connection between the noble practice of supplicating to Allah and the honored month of Ramadhan is shown in the following ways.
The ayah of supplication is preceded and followed by ayaat of fasting (2:183-187).
183. O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed tothose before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint,-
184. (Fasting) for a fixed number of days; but if any of you is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed number (Should be made up) from days later. For those who can do it (With hardship), is a ransom, the feeding of one that is indigent. But he that will give more, of his own free will,- it is better for him. And it is better for you that ye fast, if ye only knew.
185. Ramadhan is the (month) in which was sentdown the Qur'an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong). So everyone of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill,or on a journey, the prescribed period (Should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful.
186. When My servants askthee concerning Me, I am indeed close (to them): I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calleth on Me: Let them also, with a will, Listen to My call, and believe in Me: That they may walk in the right way.
187. Permitted to you, on the night of the fasts, is the approach to your wives. They are your garments and ye are their garments. Allah knoweth what ye used to do secretly among yourselves;but He turned to you and forgave you; so now associate with them, and seek what Allah Hath ordained for you, and eat and drink, until the white thread of dawn appear to you distinct from its black thread; then complete your fast Till the night appears; but do not associate with your wives while ye are in retreat in the mosques. Those are Limits (set by) Allah. Approach not nigh thereto.Thus doth Allah make clearHis Signs to men: that theymay learn self-restraint.
The Prophet (s.A.a.w.s.) said that the du’a of the fasting one is accepted.
“Indeed for the fasting person, when he brakes his fast, is a supplication that will never be rejected.”
“Three people’s supplication will not be rejected: a just ruler, a fasting person until he brakes his fast, and an oppressed person.”
It is encouraged to make du’a in laylat’ul-qadr.
Aisha asked the Prophet (s.A.a.w.s.) “What should I say on Laylat’il-qadr?” Andhe replied, “O Allah, indeedyou are a Pardoner, and you love pardon; so pardon me.”
The Prophet (s.A.w.s.) supplicated all night before the battle of badr, which occurred during Ramadhan.
Manners of Supplication
Asking Allah alone
Do not make dua to anyone alongside Allah. (70:18)
Say (O Muhammad): I make dua unto Allah only, and I ascribe unto Him no partner. (70:20)
The Prophet (s.A.a.w.s.) said, “Dua is worship.” Making dua is an act of worship; and directing one’s worship to other than Allah alone is major shirk, a sin which nullifies the person’s islam altogether.
Praising Allah at the beginning of the dua
The primary example of praising Allah before beseeching Him-subhanahu wa ta’ala- is in Surah al-Fatiha,
All praise is to Allah, Lord of the Worlds
The Beneficent, The Merciful,
Owner of the Day of Judgement
You alone we worship
And You alone we ask for help
Guide us on the straight path,
The path of those You favored,
Not of the on whom is wrath, nor the astray.
The Prophet was sitting in a masjid and a man came, and prayed, “O Allah, forgive me and have mercy on me.” So the Prophet (s.A.a.w.s.) told him, “You were hasty. When you pray, praise Allah and send the salah on me, then ask Allah.” Another man came and he praised Allah and he sent the salah on the Prophet (s.A.a.w.s.); so he (s.A..a.w.s.) said, “O suppliant, ask Allah and your prayer will be answered.” (Narrated by at-Tirmidhi)
Sending the salah on theProphet (s.A.a.w.s.)
“Every supplication will be denied until the suppliant prays upon the Prophet.” (hasan) NB. Not every dua should contain the salah upon the Prophet. In fact, he (s.A.a.w.s.) instructed hiscompanions with several dua without the salah upon him (such as the dua of istikhara)./ - - - :-> Transtors: 1.http://free-translation.imtranslator.net/lowres.asp 2.http://translate.google.com/m?twu=1&hl=en&vi=m&sl=auto&tl=en
The ayah of supplication is preceded and followed by ayaat of fasting (2:183-187).
183. O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed tothose before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint,-
184. (Fasting) for a fixed number of days; but if any of you is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed number (Should be made up) from days later. For those who can do it (With hardship), is a ransom, the feeding of one that is indigent. But he that will give more, of his own free will,- it is better for him. And it is better for you that ye fast, if ye only knew.
185. Ramadhan is the (month) in which was sentdown the Qur'an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong). So everyone of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill,or on a journey, the prescribed period (Should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful.
186. When My servants askthee concerning Me, I am indeed close (to them): I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calleth on Me: Let them also, with a will, Listen to My call, and believe in Me: That they may walk in the right way.
187. Permitted to you, on the night of the fasts, is the approach to your wives. They are your garments and ye are their garments. Allah knoweth what ye used to do secretly among yourselves;but He turned to you and forgave you; so now associate with them, and seek what Allah Hath ordained for you, and eat and drink, until the white thread of dawn appear to you distinct from its black thread; then complete your fast Till the night appears; but do not associate with your wives while ye are in retreat in the mosques. Those are Limits (set by) Allah. Approach not nigh thereto.Thus doth Allah make clearHis Signs to men: that theymay learn self-restraint.
The Prophet (s.A.a.w.s.) said that the du’a of the fasting one is accepted.
“Indeed for the fasting person, when he brakes his fast, is a supplication that will never be rejected.”
“Three people’s supplication will not be rejected: a just ruler, a fasting person until he brakes his fast, and an oppressed person.”
It is encouraged to make du’a in laylat’ul-qadr.
Aisha asked the Prophet (s.A.a.w.s.) “What should I say on Laylat’il-qadr?” Andhe replied, “O Allah, indeedyou are a Pardoner, and you love pardon; so pardon me.”
The Prophet (s.A.w.s.) supplicated all night before the battle of badr, which occurred during Ramadhan.
Manners of Supplication
Asking Allah alone
Do not make dua to anyone alongside Allah. (70:18)
Say (O Muhammad): I make dua unto Allah only, and I ascribe unto Him no partner. (70:20)
The Prophet (s.A.a.w.s.) said, “Dua is worship.” Making dua is an act of worship; and directing one’s worship to other than Allah alone is major shirk, a sin which nullifies the person’s islam altogether.
Praising Allah at the beginning of the dua
The primary example of praising Allah before beseeching Him-subhanahu wa ta’ala- is in Surah al-Fatiha,
All praise is to Allah, Lord of the Worlds
The Beneficent, The Merciful,
Owner of the Day of Judgement
You alone we worship
And You alone we ask for help
Guide us on the straight path,
The path of those You favored,
Not of the on whom is wrath, nor the astray.
The Prophet was sitting in a masjid and a man came, and prayed, “O Allah, forgive me and have mercy on me.” So the Prophet (s.A.a.w.s.) told him, “You were hasty. When you pray, praise Allah and send the salah on me, then ask Allah.” Another man came and he praised Allah and he sent the salah on the Prophet (s.A.a.w.s.); so he (s.A..a.w.s.) said, “O suppliant, ask Allah and your prayer will be answered.” (Narrated by at-Tirmidhi)
Sending the salah on theProphet (s.A.a.w.s.)
“Every supplication will be denied until the suppliant prays upon the Prophet.” (hasan) NB. Not every dua should contain the salah upon the Prophet. In fact, he (s.A.a.w.s.) instructed hiscompanions with several dua without the salah upon him (such as the dua of istikhara)./ - - - :-> Transtors: 1.http://free-translation.imtranslator.net/lowres.asp 2.http://translate.google.com/m?twu=1&hl=en&vi=m&sl=auto&tl=en
The Month of Mercy
"Ramadan is a month whose beginning is Mercy, whose middle is Forgiveness and whose end is freedom from the fire."
-Hadith of the Prophet (pbuh)
Mercy > Forgiveness> Freedom from Fire
Ponder on the inherent logical sequence ( subhanAllah ) of the above! We cannot be exempt from fire without first being forgiven. And tobe forgiven, we must be graced by Allah's mercy.
The first one third of Ramadan (10days ) is MERCY from Allah
1. Can we expect to receivemercy if we only deprive our bodies of food and drink? Of course not. Because Ramadan is meant for SPIRITUAL development through fasting. Physiologically, by fasting the body eliminates toxins efficiently and the mind becomes clear for "power thinking" so that one may ponder on the meaning of the Qur'an, Hadith and the necessity of Zhikr. One must also do some self-analysis to monitor and correct one's behaviour if necessary. With meditation the mind becomes quiet and so should our tongues!
2. Allah is looking for a sincere commitment from us and not just physical starvation till sunset and then returning to the status quo. Ramadan does not end at every iftar. It ends only on sighting the hilal of Shawwal. So the hard spiritual work must carry on for the whole of the month.
3. One must plead for mercy and sincerely cry to receive it because without it, we are stuck at stage one and our prospects of"freedom from fire" will bebleak.
4. Therefore this stage oneis for sincere confession to Allah that we are weak and sinful and that we desperately need His mercy. We have only about 10 days to qualify tostage two.
The second one third of Ramadan is ----- FORGIVENESS
1. We must now beg for Allah's forgiveness becausewe have broken so many of His rules and covenants and disobeyed His commands during the year, both knowingly and unknowingly. We must sayistighfaar day and night and ask in every sajda for forgiveness. We must be afraid that if Allah does not forgive, we will surely be among the losers. Here again, Allah will be assessing the degree of sincerity in our repentance.He looks not for lip service but for soul service!
2. We must also be forgiving to other people'smistakes and tempers.
The last one third of Ramadan is ......... FREEDOM FROM FIRE
These are our last ten daysor so. Instead of just focusing on Laylat Al-Qadar (the night of power) one should intensify supplications for the whole last third of Ramadan. If possible and affordable then do go for Umrah ... it will be probably the most spiritually fulfilling experience you will have, aside from Hajj. And Umrah in Ramadan is equivalent to having done a Hajj with our Rasool pbuh! At the completion ofthe last fast, be optimistically hopeful that you will be alive to give similar pious worship during the forthcoming Ramadans. And if you remain guided in your life then you'll be will be admitted to Paradise, insha'Allah, by the Ryan gate of Paradise! Indeed Allah swt does not break His promise to his slaves.
NOTE:
The month after Ramadan is Shaw'wal .
Those who fast just 6 days of this month, get the reward of fasting the WHOLE of the year! So if one has missed fasting for 12 yrs of his/her life, just 6 days ( in any order) of Shaw'wal fasting gives onean opportunity to make upfor our past deficiency of fasting days. SubhanAllah , isn't Allah swt indeed SUPER-MERCIFUL?/ - - - :-> Transtors: 1.http://free-translation.imtranslator.net/lowres.asp 2.http://translate.google.com/m?twu=1&hl=en&vi=m&sl=auto&tl=en
-Hadith of the Prophet (pbuh)
Mercy > Forgiveness> Freedom from Fire
Ponder on the inherent logical sequence ( subhanAllah ) of the above! We cannot be exempt from fire without first being forgiven. And tobe forgiven, we must be graced by Allah's mercy.
The first one third of Ramadan (10days ) is MERCY from Allah
1. Can we expect to receivemercy if we only deprive our bodies of food and drink? Of course not. Because Ramadan is meant for SPIRITUAL development through fasting. Physiologically, by fasting the body eliminates toxins efficiently and the mind becomes clear for "power thinking" so that one may ponder on the meaning of the Qur'an, Hadith and the necessity of Zhikr. One must also do some self-analysis to monitor and correct one's behaviour if necessary. With meditation the mind becomes quiet and so should our tongues!
2. Allah is looking for a sincere commitment from us and not just physical starvation till sunset and then returning to the status quo. Ramadan does not end at every iftar. It ends only on sighting the hilal of Shawwal. So the hard spiritual work must carry on for the whole of the month.
3. One must plead for mercy and sincerely cry to receive it because without it, we are stuck at stage one and our prospects of"freedom from fire" will bebleak.
4. Therefore this stage oneis for sincere confession to Allah that we are weak and sinful and that we desperately need His mercy. We have only about 10 days to qualify tostage two.
The second one third of Ramadan is ----- FORGIVENESS
1. We must now beg for Allah's forgiveness becausewe have broken so many of His rules and covenants and disobeyed His commands during the year, both knowingly and unknowingly. We must sayistighfaar day and night and ask in every sajda for forgiveness. We must be afraid that if Allah does not forgive, we will surely be among the losers. Here again, Allah will be assessing the degree of sincerity in our repentance.He looks not for lip service but for soul service!
2. We must also be forgiving to other people'smistakes and tempers.
The last one third of Ramadan is ......... FREEDOM FROM FIRE
These are our last ten daysor so. Instead of just focusing on Laylat Al-Qadar (the night of power) one should intensify supplications for the whole last third of Ramadan. If possible and affordable then do go for Umrah ... it will be probably the most spiritually fulfilling experience you will have, aside from Hajj. And Umrah in Ramadan is equivalent to having done a Hajj with our Rasool pbuh! At the completion ofthe last fast, be optimistically hopeful that you will be alive to give similar pious worship during the forthcoming Ramadans. And if you remain guided in your life then you'll be will be admitted to Paradise, insha'Allah, by the Ryan gate of Paradise! Indeed Allah swt does not break His promise to his slaves.
NOTE:
The month after Ramadan is Shaw'wal .
Those who fast just 6 days of this month, get the reward of fasting the WHOLE of the year! So if one has missed fasting for 12 yrs of his/her life, just 6 days ( in any order) of Shaw'wal fasting gives onean opportunity to make upfor our past deficiency of fasting days. SubhanAllah , isn't Allah swt indeed SUPER-MERCIFUL?/ - - - :-> Transtors: 1.http://free-translation.imtranslator.net/lowres.asp 2.http://translate.google.com/m?twu=1&hl=en&vi=m&sl=auto&tl=en
Are we prepared forthe journey?
It is said that Sheikh Habib-Ajami Rahmatullah alaihe, who is one of the renowned spiritual leaders, looked gravely concerned at the time of death. Someone said to him, 'It is strange that a Divine like you should feelso disturbed at the hour of death; we have never seen you in such great worry.' The Sheikh replied,'The journey (to the unknown) is far too long for my scanty provisions (the store of virtues). I do not know the way, for, I have not traversed it before. I shall have to facemy Lord and Sustainer, the Master of my soul, Whose Countenance I have not seen before. I shall be laid in the grave under the ground and be there, till the Day of Resurrection, all alone, without any friend or comforter. I shall then be required to appear before Allah Ta'ala for Reckoning and, if I am told to present one act of virtue like the act of reciting 'Subhaan-Allah,' once performed during the sixty years of my life, which should be untarnished by the evil influence of Shaitan, I fearthat I may not be able to produce one.'/ - - - :-> Transtors: 1.http://free-translation.imtranslator.net/lowres.asp 2.http://translate.google.com/m?twu=1&hl=en&vi=m&sl=auto&tl=en
Ramadan: the Way to Attainment
“Fasting during Ramadan is a unique opportunity to attain both peace of mind and heart,” says Imam Gayth Nur Kashif, Director of Washington, DC’s inner city Masjid ash-Shura.
Imam Kashif, who came to Islam by way of the Black Muslim movement and was an editor of the movement’s Muhammad Speaks newspaper and a contemporary of Malcolm X, explains: “During Ramadan one concentrateson rendering good and abstaining from the wrong. Such a pursuit creates peaceful serenity inthe hearts of men and women. Ramadan fasting cannot be complete and infact, the fast can be invalidated if one fails to control his or her temper. The fasting persons are advised to refrain from argument and to inform the other party that they cannot continue the troublesome dialogue because they are engaged in the sublime obligation of fasting. Without doubt afull month of such restraint is destined to leave its mark upon our bodies and souls.”
The fasting during Ramadan that requires certain restraints from dawn to dusk, the hours when the human interaction is the greatest, is designed to mould the lives of its practitioners.
Dr. Molook Roghanizad, a member of the Curriculum Advisory Committee of theFairfax County School Board in Virginia and an educational consultant, says, “Ramadan fasting offers an opportunity for Tazkiyah , - the cleansing of the self - through its disciplinary regimen. And on another level, Ramadanoffers a unique opportunity for synthesizing with the less fortunate.”
She points out that the tazkiyah aspect is clearly emphasized by Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam) who, according to Ka’b ibn Malik,said:
“Two hungry wolves sent against a herd of sheep will not do more damage to it than a man’s eagerness for wealth and prestige does to his religion.” [Cited in Ahmad, al-Tirmidhi and Abu Yahya]
“The Quran,” she adds, “started to be revealed during Ramadan and it is recommended that during this month we concentrateon the reading of the Quran. Why? This is because during this month, we are less involved with physical needs and have a better opportunity of understanding the Message – the Quran, that is. Therefore there is a better chance of understanding the truth and reaching that spiritual elevation that we all desire.” This state of ‘special elevation’, she is says comes when we elevate ourselves through understanding the true message. “The moment you have reached the absolute truth is your Lailut ul Qadr, the Night of Power,” she stresses.
She says that the real attainment of Qadr for ordinary beings is not a physical act, nothing sort of pulling a spiritual rabbitout of a hat, but in reality that indescribable momentwhen all things become clear to you and this moment of truth is worth one thousand months, more than a lifetime. Considering the ambience of spirituality, there is a chance that is other worldly experience of a person, the Qadr, may occur in Ramadan. The Qur’an says: “But those willprosper who purify themselves and glorify of their Guardian-Lord and (lift their hearts) in Prayer.” (87:14-15)
Dr. Muhammad Hamidullah, 95, the eminent scholar and translator of the Quran into French, in his monograph Why Fast? (Centre Culturale Islamique, Wilkes Barre, PA) discusses the physical aspect of fasting. He likens fasting to the break from the ordinary to sleeping and to the weekend breaks in work and school.He points out that just as sleep renovates the body, the fast rejuvenates and invigorates the body, noting that Prophet Muhammad said, “There is a tax on everything, the tax of the body being the fast.”
What is fasting does to a Muslim is perhaps best explained by Jim Quraishi, who wrote in an internet religion forum, “I am muchmore forgiving and accepting of my coworkers. I am more liable to overlook their frailties and petty jealousies. I'm like a man who knows that at the end of the day there is a pot of gold that awaits him.”
Islam does order withdrawal nor asceticism,however those who desirecan undertake itikaf, that is to confine oneself to a secluded corner of a mosque – women can select a corner at home - during the last ten days of Ramadan to devote their full-time to prayer and remembrance of God. The itikaf experience can be likened to a retreat in a secluded camp. Ibn `Umar said, "The Messenger of Allah [Prophet Muhammad] used to seclude himself for the lastten days of the month of Ramadan."
Dr. Alija Izetbekovic, former President of Bosnia,(Islam Between East & West, American Trust Publications, p. 210) says: “The Islamic fast which is the union of asceticism and joy – and even pleasure in certain cases – is the most natural and ...
/ - - - :-> Transtors: 1.http://free-translation.imtranslator.net/lowres.asp 2.http://translate.google.com/m?twu=1&hl=en&vi=m&sl=auto&tl=en
Imam Kashif, who came to Islam by way of the Black Muslim movement and was an editor of the movement’s Muhammad Speaks newspaper and a contemporary of Malcolm X, explains: “During Ramadan one concentrateson rendering good and abstaining from the wrong. Such a pursuit creates peaceful serenity inthe hearts of men and women. Ramadan fasting cannot be complete and infact, the fast can be invalidated if one fails to control his or her temper. The fasting persons are advised to refrain from argument and to inform the other party that they cannot continue the troublesome dialogue because they are engaged in the sublime obligation of fasting. Without doubt afull month of such restraint is destined to leave its mark upon our bodies and souls.”
The fasting during Ramadan that requires certain restraints from dawn to dusk, the hours when the human interaction is the greatest, is designed to mould the lives of its practitioners.
Dr. Molook Roghanizad, a member of the Curriculum Advisory Committee of theFairfax County School Board in Virginia and an educational consultant, says, “Ramadan fasting offers an opportunity for Tazkiyah , - the cleansing of the self - through its disciplinary regimen. And on another level, Ramadanoffers a unique opportunity for synthesizing with the less fortunate.”
She points out that the tazkiyah aspect is clearly emphasized by Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam) who, according to Ka’b ibn Malik,said:
“Two hungry wolves sent against a herd of sheep will not do more damage to it than a man’s eagerness for wealth and prestige does to his religion.” [Cited in Ahmad, al-Tirmidhi and Abu Yahya]
“The Quran,” she adds, “started to be revealed during Ramadan and it is recommended that during this month we concentrateon the reading of the Quran. Why? This is because during this month, we are less involved with physical needs and have a better opportunity of understanding the Message – the Quran, that is. Therefore there is a better chance of understanding the truth and reaching that spiritual elevation that we all desire.” This state of ‘special elevation’, she is says comes when we elevate ourselves through understanding the true message. “The moment you have reached the absolute truth is your Lailut ul Qadr, the Night of Power,” she stresses.
She says that the real attainment of Qadr for ordinary beings is not a physical act, nothing sort of pulling a spiritual rabbitout of a hat, but in reality that indescribable momentwhen all things become clear to you and this moment of truth is worth one thousand months, more than a lifetime. Considering the ambience of spirituality, there is a chance that is other worldly experience of a person, the Qadr, may occur in Ramadan. The Qur’an says: “But those willprosper who purify themselves and glorify of their Guardian-Lord and (lift their hearts) in Prayer.” (87:14-15)
Dr. Muhammad Hamidullah, 95, the eminent scholar and translator of the Quran into French, in his monograph Why Fast? (Centre Culturale Islamique, Wilkes Barre, PA) discusses the physical aspect of fasting. He likens fasting to the break from the ordinary to sleeping and to the weekend breaks in work and school.He points out that just as sleep renovates the body, the fast rejuvenates and invigorates the body, noting that Prophet Muhammad said, “There is a tax on everything, the tax of the body being the fast.”
What is fasting does to a Muslim is perhaps best explained by Jim Quraishi, who wrote in an internet religion forum, “I am muchmore forgiving and accepting of my coworkers. I am more liable to overlook their frailties and petty jealousies. I'm like a man who knows that at the end of the day there is a pot of gold that awaits him.”
Islam does order withdrawal nor asceticism,however those who desirecan undertake itikaf, that is to confine oneself to a secluded corner of a mosque – women can select a corner at home - during the last ten days of Ramadan to devote their full-time to prayer and remembrance of God. The itikaf experience can be likened to a retreat in a secluded camp. Ibn `Umar said, "The Messenger of Allah [Prophet Muhammad] used to seclude himself for the lastten days of the month of Ramadan."
Dr. Alija Izetbekovic, former President of Bosnia,(Islam Between East & West, American Trust Publications, p. 210) says: “The Islamic fast which is the union of asceticism and joy – and even pleasure in certain cases – is the most natural and ...
/ - - - :-> Transtors: 1.http://free-translation.imtranslator.net/lowres.asp 2.http://translate.google.com/m?twu=1&hl=en&vi=m&sl=auto&tl=en
A pious and intelligent woman from the Banu Israil
Muhammad bin Ka'b relates that there was a great alim and abid in theBanu Israil. He loved his wife very much. Co-incidentally, she passed away. This person was so grieved by this that he locked his door and abstained from meeting and conversing with people. A woman from the Banu Israil heardabout this so she went to him. She informed those who were guarding the entrance to his house thatshe wants to ask him a mas'ala and that it can only be asked directly to him. Saying this, she sat down stubbornly by the door. The person was informed of this and eventually permitted her to enter. She said: "I want to ask you a mas'ala." He replied: "Go ahead." She said: "I have a neighbour from whom I borrowed some jewellery. I am wearing it for quite some time now. Thereafter she sent a person asking for her jewellery. The question I want to ask you is that do I have to give it back to her?" The alim replied: "Yes, you have to give it back to her." The woman replied:"That jewellery was with me for a very long time. How can I give it?" The alim replied: "In such a case, you should give it even more happily because it was out of her kindness that she allowedyou to use it for such a long time." When he said this, the woman replied:"May Allah have mercy on you? Why, then, are you so sad? Allah had loaned you something and when He wished, He took it back. (Because) it belongs to Him." Upon hearing this, the alim realized his mistake and benefited tremendously from this conversation.
Lesson: Look at how this woman put some sense into this man who was a great 'alim. O women! You should also bear this in mind when you have toencounter any difficulty orcalamity. You should also explain this to others.
Lesson: Look at how this woman put some sense into this man who was a great 'alim. O women! You should also bear this in mind when you have toencounter any difficulty orcalamity. You should also explain this to others.
The lion, rats, snake and the honey comb- a beautiful story
I heard the following story from a pious brother. Hopefully, this story will be beneficial foreveryone, Inshallah.
Once a man saw in his dream, that a lion was chasing him. The man ran to a tree, climbed on to it and sat on a branch. He looked down and saw that the lion was still there waiting for him. Theman then looked to his side where the branch he was sitting on was attached to the tree and saw that two rats were circling around and eatingthe branch. One rat was black and the other one was white. The branch will fall on the ground very soon. The man then looked below again with fear and discovered that abig black snake had come and settled directly under him. The snake opened itsmouth right under the man so that he will fall into it. The man then looked up to see if there was anything that he could hold on to. He saw another branch with a honeycomb. Drops of honey were falling from it. The man wanted to taste one of the drops. So,he put his tongue out andtasted one of the falling drops of honey. The honey was amazing in taste. So, he wanted to taste another drop and then another and as a result, he got lost into thesweetness of the honey. He forgot about the two rats eating his branch away, the lion on the ground and the snake that is sitting right under him. Suddenly when the branch broke he remembered all the dangers woke up from hissleep.
Since this was an unique dream, the man went to apious scholar of Islam to know its meaning. The scholar said "The lion you saw is your death. It always chases you and goes where ever you go. The two rats, one black and one white, are the night and the day. Black one is the night and the white one is the day. Theycircle around, coming one after another, to eat your time as they take you closer to death. The big black snake with a dark mouth is your grave. It's there, just waiting for youto fall into it. The honeycomb is this world and the sweet drops of honey are the luxuries of this world. We like to taste a little of the luxuries of this world and it's very sweet. Then we want to taste little more and then more. Meanwhile, we get lost into it and we forget about our time, we forgetabout our death and we forget about our grave."
May Allah wake us up from the sleep and save us before it's too late. Ameen.
Once a man saw in his dream, that a lion was chasing him. The man ran to a tree, climbed on to it and sat on a branch. He looked down and saw that the lion was still there waiting for him. Theman then looked to his side where the branch he was sitting on was attached to the tree and saw that two rats were circling around and eatingthe branch. One rat was black and the other one was white. The branch will fall on the ground very soon. The man then looked below again with fear and discovered that abig black snake had come and settled directly under him. The snake opened itsmouth right under the man so that he will fall into it. The man then looked up to see if there was anything that he could hold on to. He saw another branch with a honeycomb. Drops of honey were falling from it. The man wanted to taste one of the drops. So,he put his tongue out andtasted one of the falling drops of honey. The honey was amazing in taste. So, he wanted to taste another drop and then another and as a result, he got lost into thesweetness of the honey. He forgot about the two rats eating his branch away, the lion on the ground and the snake that is sitting right under him. Suddenly when the branch broke he remembered all the dangers woke up from hissleep.
Since this was an unique dream, the man went to apious scholar of Islam to know its meaning. The scholar said "The lion you saw is your death. It always chases you and goes where ever you go. The two rats, one black and one white, are the night and the day. Black one is the night and the white one is the day. Theycircle around, coming one after another, to eat your time as they take you closer to death. The big black snake with a dark mouth is your grave. It's there, just waiting for youto fall into it. The honeycomb is this world and the sweet drops of honey are the luxuries of this world. We like to taste a little of the luxuries of this world and it's very sweet. Then we want to taste little more and then more. Meanwhile, we get lost into it and we forget about our time, we forgetabout our death and we forget about our grave."
May Allah wake us up from the sleep and save us before it's too late. Ameen.
What would you do in the following case?
During a battle in the wayof Allah (swt), sayyedina Ali, found himself face to face with a kafir who attacked him violently. They were both brave andpowerful men, but the kafir was no match for sayyedina Ali, who soon was sitting astride his chest, ready to finish him off.
"I invite you to bear witness that there is no god except Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah," said Ali. "Accept Islam, and your life will be spared."
"Never!" panted the kafir.
Sayyidina Ali lifted his sword and was just aboutto plunge it into his enemy, when the kafir spat defiantly in his face.
Much to the kafir's surprise, sayyidina Ali immediately jumped away from his enemy andlowered his sword.
"Go away!" said sayyidina Ali, "I cannot kill you now."
"Why did you do that?" asked the kafir. "You could have killed me easily."
"I was fighting you purelyin the way of Allah," replied Ali, "but when youspat in my face, your insult made me angry andif I had killed you in anger, it would have taken me to the Hell Fire -so I had no choice but to let you go. To kill someone in anger or out of desire for revenge is not bravery, but the act ofa coward."
On hearing this, the kafir was so impressed by sayyidina Ali's sincerity and self-control that he embraced Islam on the spot: "I bear witness that there is no god but Allah,"he said, "and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah"
May Allah give us sincerityand clean our hearts./ - - - :-> Transtors: 1.http://free-translation.imtranslator.net/lowres.asp 2.http://translate.google.com/m?twu=1&hl=en&vi=m&sl=auto&tl=en
"I invite you to bear witness that there is no god except Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah," said Ali. "Accept Islam, and your life will be spared."
"Never!" panted the kafir.
Sayyidina Ali lifted his sword and was just aboutto plunge it into his enemy, when the kafir spat defiantly in his face.
Much to the kafir's surprise, sayyidina Ali immediately jumped away from his enemy andlowered his sword.
"Go away!" said sayyidina Ali, "I cannot kill you now."
"Why did you do that?" asked the kafir. "You could have killed me easily."
"I was fighting you purelyin the way of Allah," replied Ali, "but when youspat in my face, your insult made me angry andif I had killed you in anger, it would have taken me to the Hell Fire -so I had no choice but to let you go. To kill someone in anger or out of desire for revenge is not bravery, but the act ofa coward."
On hearing this, the kafir was so impressed by sayyidina Ali's sincerity and self-control that he embraced Islam on the spot: "I bear witness that there is no god but Allah,"he said, "and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah"
May Allah give us sincerityand clean our hearts./ - - - :-> Transtors: 1.http://free-translation.imtranslator.net/lowres.asp 2.http://translate.google.com/m?twu=1&hl=en&vi=m&sl=auto&tl=en
Fwd: Agony of a piece of wood
From: "Editor - M.Najimudeen.Bsc" <aydnajimudeen@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 27 Jul 2012 10:02:07 +0800
Subject: Agony of a piece of wood
To: aydnajimudeen.609303enmayd@blogger.com
A beautiful tradition reported by Al Hasan Al Basri on the authority
of Anas Ibn Malek is the following. He said: The Messenger of Allah
peace be upon him used to give the Friday sermon while standing near a
piece of wood against which he would lean his back. When the number of
people increased in the mosque he said: Make a pulpit of two steps for
me, which they did. Whenthe Prophet stood up to give the sermon on
Fridaythe said piece of wood moaned as if it expressed its sad feeling
of missing the Messenger of Allah peace be upon him. Anas comments: I
was in the mosque and heard the piece moan. It continued to moan until
the Prophetdescended to it and embraced it. Then it was silent. As a
matter of fact, whenever Al Hasan narrated this tradition he would cry
and say: O slaves of Allah! A piece of wood misses the Messenger of
Allah! It is you who should do so.
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- - - - - - -
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- - - - - - -
Agony of a piece of wood
of Anas Ibn Malek is the following. He said: The Messenger of Allah
peace be upon him used to give the Friday sermon while standing near a
piece of wood against which he would lean his back. When the number of
people increased in the mosque he said: Make a pulpit of two steps for
me, which they did. Whenthe Prophet stood up to give the sermon on
Fridaythe said piece of wood moaned as if it expressed its sad feeling
of missing the Messenger of Allah peace be upon him. Anas comments: I
was in the mosque and heard the piece moan. It continued to moan until
the Prophetdescended to it and embraced it. Then it was silent. As a
matter of fact, whenever Al Hasan narrated this tradition he would cry
and say: O slaves of Allah! A piece of wood misses the Messenger of
Allah! It is you who should do so.
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