- - - - - - -
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Look to Allah with Fearand Hope
After the Fast has been broken, the heart should swing like a pendulum between fear and hope. For one does not know if one's Fast will be accepted,so that one will find favor with Allah, or whether it will be rejected, leaving one among those He abhors. This is how one should be at the end of any act of worship one performs. It is related of al-Hasan ibn Abil Hasan al-Basri that he once passed by a group of people who were laughingmerrily. He said: "Allah, Great and Glorious is He, has made the month of Ramadan a racecourse, on which His creatures compete in His worship. Some have come in first and won, while others have lagged behind and lost. It is absolutely amazing to find anybody laughing and playing about on the day when success attends the victors,and failure the wasters. By Allah, if the veil were liftedoff, the doer of good would surely be preoccupied with his good works and the evildoer with his evil deeds. I am too full of joy to indulge inidle sport, while for one who has suffered rejection laughter will be precluded by remorse."
Of al-Ahnaf ibn Qays it is reported that he was once told: "You are an aged elder; Fasting would enfeeble you." But he replied: "By this I am making ready for a long journey: Obedience to Allah, Glorified is He, is easier to endure than His punishment." Such are the inwardly significant meanings of 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
Of al-Ahnaf ibn Qays it is reported that he was once told: "You are an aged elder; Fasting would enfeeble you." But he replied: "By this I am making ready for a long journey: Obedience to Allah, Glorified is He, is easier to endure than His punishment." Such are the inwardly significant meanings of 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
How To Avoid Some Common Problems Encountered In Ramadan
This article provides useful advice on how to avoid some common problems encountered in Ramadan. If followed, it would enable one to fast comfortably and enjoy fully the spiritual benefits of Ramadan.
During the holy month of Ramadan, our diet should not differ very much from our normal diet and should be as simple as possible. The diet should be such that we maintain our normal weight, neitherlosing nor gaining. However, if one is overweight, Ramadan is an ideal time to normalize one's weight.
In view of the long hours of fasting, we should consume slow digesting foods including fibre containing-foods rather than fast-digesting foods. Slow digesting foods last up to 8 hours, while fast-digesting foods last for only 3 to 4 hours.
*. Slow-digesting foods are foods that contain grainsand seeds like barley, wheat, oats, millet, semolina, beans, lentils, wholemeal flour, unpolished rice, etc. (called complex carbohydrates).
*. Fast-burning foods are foods that contain sugar, white flour, etc. (called refined carbohydrates).
*. Fibre-containing foods are bran-containing foods, whole wheat, grains and seeds, vegetables like green beans, peas, sem (papry),marrow, mealies, spinach, and other herbs like methie, the leaves ofbeetroot (iron-rich), fruit with skin, dried fruit especially dried apricots, figs and prunes, almonds,etc.
The foods eaten should be well balanced, containing foods from each food group, i.e. fruits, vegetables, meat/chicken/fish, bread/cereals and dairy products. Fried foods are unhealthy and should be limited. They cause indigestion, heartburn, andweight problems.
AVOID
*. Fried and fatty foods.
*. Foods containing too much sugar.
*. Over-eating especially during the meal before Dawn (sehri. or suhur)
*. Too much tea during the meal before Dawn (sehri.or suhur). Tea makes youpass more urine taking with it valuable mineral salts that your body would need during the day.
*. Smoking cigarettes. If you cannot give up smoking, cut down gradually starting a few weeks before Ramadan. Smoking is unhealthy and one should stop completely.
EAT
*. Complex carbohydrates during the meal before Dawn (sehri. or suhur) so that the food lasts longermaking you less hungry.
*. Haleem is an excellent source of protein and is aslow-burning food.
*. Dates are excellent source of sugar, fibre, carbohydrates, potassium and magnesium.
*. Almonds are rich in protein and fibre with less fat.
*. Bananas are a good source of potassium, magnesium and carbohydrates.
DRINK
*. As much water or fruit juices as possible between iftar (Breaking fasting) and bedtime so that your body may adjust fluid levels in time.
Common Medical Problems:
CONSTIPATION
Constipation can cause piles (haemorroids), fissures (painful cracks in anal canal) and indigestionwith a bloated feeling.
Causes: Too much refined foods, too little water and not enough fibre in the diet.
Remedy: Avoid excessive refined foods, increase water intake, use bran in baking, brown flour when making roti.
INDIGESTION AND WIND
Causes: Over-eating. Too much fried and fatty foods,spicy foods, and foods thatproduce wind e.g. eggs, cabbage, lentils, carbonated drinks like Colaalso produce gas.
Remedy: Do not over-eat; drink fruit juices or better still drink water. Avoid fried foods and add ajmor to wind-producing foods.
LETHARGY ('low blood pressure')
Excessive sweating, weakness, tiredness, lack of energy, dizziness, especially on getting up from sitting position, pale appearance and feeling faint are symptoms associated with "low blood pressure". This tendsto occur towards the afternoon.
Causes: Too little fluid intake, decreased salt intake.
Remedy: Keep cool, increase fluid and salt intake.
Caution: Low blood pressure should be confirmed by taking a blood pressure reading when symptoms are present. Persons with highblood pressure may need their medication adjusted during Ramadan. They should consult their doctor.
HEADACHE
Causes: Caffeine and tobacco-withdrawal, doingtoo much in one day, lack of sleep, hunger, usually occur as the day goes by and worsens at the end of the day. When associated with "low blood pressure",the headache can be quite severe and can also cause nausea before Iftar (Breaking Fasting).
Remedy: Cut down caffeine and tobacco slowly starting a week or two before Ramadan. Herbal and caffeine-free teas may be substituted. Reorganize your schedule during the Ramadan so as to have adequate sleep.
LOW BLOOD SUGAR
Weakness, dizziness, tiredness, poor concentration, perspiring easily, feeling shaky (tremor), unable to perform physical activities,headache, palpitations are symptoms of low blood sugar.
/ - - - :-> 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
During the holy month of Ramadan, our diet should not differ very much from our normal diet and should be as simple as possible. The diet should be such that we maintain our normal weight, neitherlosing nor gaining. However, if one is overweight, Ramadan is an ideal time to normalize one's weight.
In view of the long hours of fasting, we should consume slow digesting foods including fibre containing-foods rather than fast-digesting foods. Slow digesting foods last up to 8 hours, while fast-digesting foods last for only 3 to 4 hours.
*. Slow-digesting foods are foods that contain grainsand seeds like barley, wheat, oats, millet, semolina, beans, lentils, wholemeal flour, unpolished rice, etc. (called complex carbohydrates).
*. Fast-burning foods are foods that contain sugar, white flour, etc. (called refined carbohydrates).
*. Fibre-containing foods are bran-containing foods, whole wheat, grains and seeds, vegetables like green beans, peas, sem (papry),marrow, mealies, spinach, and other herbs like methie, the leaves ofbeetroot (iron-rich), fruit with skin, dried fruit especially dried apricots, figs and prunes, almonds,etc.
The foods eaten should be well balanced, containing foods from each food group, i.e. fruits, vegetables, meat/chicken/fish, bread/cereals and dairy products. Fried foods are unhealthy and should be limited. They cause indigestion, heartburn, andweight problems.
AVOID
*. Fried and fatty foods.
*. Foods containing too much sugar.
*. Over-eating especially during the meal before Dawn (sehri. or suhur)
*. Too much tea during the meal before Dawn (sehri.or suhur). Tea makes youpass more urine taking with it valuable mineral salts that your body would need during the day.
*. Smoking cigarettes. If you cannot give up smoking, cut down gradually starting a few weeks before Ramadan. Smoking is unhealthy and one should stop completely.
EAT
*. Complex carbohydrates during the meal before Dawn (sehri. or suhur) so that the food lasts longermaking you less hungry.
*. Haleem is an excellent source of protein and is aslow-burning food.
*. Dates are excellent source of sugar, fibre, carbohydrates, potassium and magnesium.
*. Almonds are rich in protein and fibre with less fat.
*. Bananas are a good source of potassium, magnesium and carbohydrates.
DRINK
*. As much water or fruit juices as possible between iftar (Breaking fasting) and bedtime so that your body may adjust fluid levels in time.
Common Medical Problems:
CONSTIPATION
Constipation can cause piles (haemorroids), fissures (painful cracks in anal canal) and indigestionwith a bloated feeling.
Causes: Too much refined foods, too little water and not enough fibre in the diet.
Remedy: Avoid excessive refined foods, increase water intake, use bran in baking, brown flour when making roti.
INDIGESTION AND WIND
Causes: Over-eating. Too much fried and fatty foods,spicy foods, and foods thatproduce wind e.g. eggs, cabbage, lentils, carbonated drinks like Colaalso produce gas.
Remedy: Do not over-eat; drink fruit juices or better still drink water. Avoid fried foods and add ajmor to wind-producing foods.
LETHARGY ('low blood pressure')
Excessive sweating, weakness, tiredness, lack of energy, dizziness, especially on getting up from sitting position, pale appearance and feeling faint are symptoms associated with "low blood pressure". This tendsto occur towards the afternoon.
Causes: Too little fluid intake, decreased salt intake.
Remedy: Keep cool, increase fluid and salt intake.
Caution: Low blood pressure should be confirmed by taking a blood pressure reading when symptoms are present. Persons with highblood pressure may need their medication adjusted during Ramadan. They should consult their doctor.
HEADACHE
Causes: Caffeine and tobacco-withdrawal, doingtoo much in one day, lack of sleep, hunger, usually occur as the day goes by and worsens at the end of the day. When associated with "low blood pressure",the headache can be quite severe and can also cause nausea before Iftar (Breaking Fasting).
Remedy: Cut down caffeine and tobacco slowly starting a week or two before Ramadan. Herbal and caffeine-free teas may be substituted. Reorganize your schedule during the Ramadan so as to have adequate sleep.
LOW BLOOD SUGAR
Weakness, dizziness, tiredness, poor concentration, perspiring easily, feeling shaky (tremor), unable to perform physical activities,headache, palpitations are symptoms of low blood sugar.
/ - - - :-> 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
Glossary of Islamic Terms for the Month of Ramadhan
"O who believe, fasting is decreed for you as it was decreed for those before you;
perchance you will guard yourselves....
The month of Ramadan is the month in which the Qur'an was sent down, a guidance for the people, and clear verses of guidance and criterion." [Quran: Chapter 2, 183]
Bab Al-Raiyan
The name of one of the gates of Heavens (Jannah) through which the people who often observe fasting will enter on the Day of Judgement.
Eid Al-Fitr
Three-day festival markingthe end of Ramadan. It begins on the 1st of Shawal, the 10th month ofthe Islamic calendar.
Fidya
Compensation for missing or wrongly practicing necessary acts of worship. Fidya usually takes the form of donating money, foodstuffs, or sacrificing ananimal. Contrast with Kaffara (making amends).
Iftar or Futoor
Breaking of the fast immediately after sunset. Iftar takes place at Maghrib as soon as the Callto Prayer (Adhaan) is given.
Imsak
Start of the fasting time. Imsak begins when the first light of dawn becomes visible, and ends at Fajr when the Adhaan iscalled. Literally means"holding back."
I'tikaf
I'tikaf refers to the religious practice of spending the last ten days of Ramadan (either whollyor partly) in a mosque so as to devote oneself exclusively to worship. In this state one may go out of the mosque only for theabsolutely necessary requirements of life, but one must stay away from gratifying one's sexual desire. The minimum period for i'tikaf is twenty-four hours. I'tikaf is not valid if one is not keeping the fast or if it is done outside the month of Ramadan.
Kaffarah
Kaffarah means atonement, expiation. In Ramadhan this would refer to the expiation for breaking the fast.
Lailatul-Qadr
'The Night of Power,' concealed in one of the odd nights in the last ten days of Ramadan; the night on which the Qur'an was first revealed by Jibraeel to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and which the Qur'an itself describes as "better than a thousand months." [Al-Qadr (97:3)]
Ramadhan or Ramadhan
The ninth month of the Islamic (lunar) calendar. The month in which Muslims fast.
Sawm or Siyam
The Arabic word for fast. Plural: Siyam. Literally in the Arabic language it means "to abstain."/ - - - :-> 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
perchance you will guard yourselves....
The month of Ramadan is the month in which the Qur'an was sent down, a guidance for the people, and clear verses of guidance and criterion." [Quran: Chapter 2, 183]
Bab Al-Raiyan
The name of one of the gates of Heavens (Jannah) through which the people who often observe fasting will enter on the Day of Judgement.
Eid Al-Fitr
Three-day festival markingthe end of Ramadan. It begins on the 1st of Shawal, the 10th month ofthe Islamic calendar.
Fidya
Compensation for missing or wrongly practicing necessary acts of worship. Fidya usually takes the form of donating money, foodstuffs, or sacrificing ananimal. Contrast with Kaffara (making amends).
Iftar or Futoor
Breaking of the fast immediately after sunset. Iftar takes place at Maghrib as soon as the Callto Prayer (Adhaan) is given.
Imsak
Start of the fasting time. Imsak begins when the first light of dawn becomes visible, and ends at Fajr when the Adhaan iscalled. Literally means"holding back."
I'tikaf
I'tikaf refers to the religious practice of spending the last ten days of Ramadan (either whollyor partly) in a mosque so as to devote oneself exclusively to worship. In this state one may go out of the mosque only for theabsolutely necessary requirements of life, but one must stay away from gratifying one's sexual desire. The minimum period for i'tikaf is twenty-four hours. I'tikaf is not valid if one is not keeping the fast or if it is done outside the month of Ramadan.
Kaffarah
Kaffarah means atonement, expiation. In Ramadhan this would refer to the expiation for breaking the fast.
Lailatul-Qadr
'The Night of Power,' concealed in one of the odd nights in the last ten days of Ramadan; the night on which the Qur'an was first revealed by Jibraeel to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and which the Qur'an itself describes as "better than a thousand months." [Al-Qadr (97:3)]
Ramadhan or Ramadhan
The ninth month of the Islamic (lunar) calendar. The month in which Muslims fast.
Sawm or Siyam
The Arabic word for fast. Plural: Siyam. Literally in the Arabic language it means "to abstain."/ - - - :-> 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
Glossary of Islamic Terms for the Month of Ramadhan
before you;
perchance you will guard yourselves....
The month of Ramadan is the month in which the Qur'an was sent down, a
guidance for the people, and clear verses of guidance and criterion."
[Quran: Chapter 2, 183]
Bab Al-Raiyan
The name of one of the gates of Heavens (Jannah) through which the
people who often observe fasting will enter on the Day of Judgement.
Eid Al-Fitr
Three-day festival markingthe end of Ramadan. It begins on the 1st of
Shawal, the 10th month ofthe Islamic calendar.
Fidya
Compensation for missing or wrongly practicing necessary acts of
worship. Fidya usually takes the form of donating money, foodstuffs,
or sacrificing ananimal. Contrast with Kaffara (making amends).
Iftar or Futoor
Breaking of the fast immediately after sunset. Iftar takes place at
Maghrib as soon as the Callto Prayer (Adhaan) is given.
Imsak
Start of the fasting time. Imsak begins when the first light of dawn
becomes visible, and ends at Fajr when the Adhaan iscalled. Literally
means"holding back."
I'tikaf
I'tikaf refers to the religious practice of spending the last ten days
of Ramadan (either whollyor partly) in a mosque so as to devote
oneself exclusively to worship. In this state one may go out of the
mosque only for theabsolutely necessary requirements of life, but one
must stay away from gratifying one's sexual desire. The minimum period
for i'tikaf is twenty-four hours. I'tikaf is not valid if one is not
keeping the fast or if it is done outside the month of Ramadan.
Kaffarah
Kaffarah means atonement, expiation. In Ramadhan this would refer to
the expiation for breaking the fast.
Lailatul-Qadr
'The Night of Power,' concealed in one of the odd nights in the last
ten days of Ramadan; the night on which the Qur'an was first revealed
by Jibraeel to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and which the Qur'an
itself describes as "better than a thousand months." [Al-Qadr (97:3)]
Ramadhan or Ramadhan
The ninth month of the Islamic (lunar) calendar. The month in which
Muslims fast.
Sawm or Siyam
The Arabic word for fast. Plural: Siyam. Literally in the Arabic
language it means "to abstain."
--
- - - - - - -
Ramadaan - How to Attain Taqwaa
The concept of taqwaa is always linked to ibaadah in the Qur'an. 'Ibaadah can be defined as doing what Allah has commanded and avoiding what He has prohibited. 'Ibaadah has also been defined as a concept that includes all actions that Allah loves and approves of, whether they are actions of the heart, the toungue or the limbs. So taqwaa is linked with doing what is correct and avoiding that which is wrong. Taqwaa is the fruit of doing the actions of 'Ibaadah. In other words, ifone does what Allah has commanded him to do, and abstains from that which he has been forbidden, he will achieve taqwaa. Allah mentions in His Book (that means):
"O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become muttaqoon (those who have taqwaa or piety)." [ Al-Baqarah 2:183 ]
In this aayah and in many others, Allah has shown us that taqwaa is the result or fruit of doing actions of ibaadah.
The Meaning of Taqwaa
Now that we have clarifiedhow to achieve taqwaa, we define what the concept of taqwaa means. Taqwaa means: to cleanse or purify the heart and thesoul. This fact is proven by some ayaat in Surat Ash-Shams in which Allah (T) says (what means):
"By the sun and its brightness, by the moon asit follows it, by the day as it shows its brightness, by the night as it conceals it, by the heaven and its wondrous make, by the earth and all its expanse, and by the soul and He Who perfected it in proportion, then He showed it what is wrong for it and what is right for it - indeed he succeeds who purifies it, and he failswho corrupts it." [Ash-Shams 91:1-10]
Allah begins this soorah bytaking seven oaths. Whenever Allah begins a soorah or an ayaah with an oath, He (T) does so to bear witness to the fact that whatever follows this oath is very important andessential for us to understand. Therefore, we should pay very close attention to what is being said, and reflect upon its meanings. To cleanse one'sheart and to purify the soul, one must perform righteous actions that Allah has enjoined upon us, and our destruction liesin doing the actions that Allah has forbidden. As Allah is the Guardian and Protector of the Soul, we should do every good deed hoping for Allah's Mercy and fearing His Punishment, having full reliance and trust in Him (T).
Purification of the Soul
Among the missions of theProphet (saws), Allah sent him with the command to purify the souls of the Muslims in particular, and of mankind in general. Allah (T) says (what means):
"He it is who sent among the unlettered ones a Messenger from among themselves, reciting to them His ayaat, purifying them, and teaching them the Book and the Hikmah, while before they had been in error."
[Al-Jumu'ah 62:2]
In this ayaah the word
1. To teach the Qur'an.
2. To teach the Sunnah.
3. To show the means of purifying the soul.
This purification is obtained by doing the proper acts of 'ibaadah and by avoiding sins and disobedience.
Conditions for Attaining Taqwaa
How does a person know that his acts of 'ibaadah are helping him to achievetaqwaa? To develop taqwaa, one must fulfill the following conditions:
1) Ikhlaas, sincere intention that the act is performed purely for the pleasure of Allah, out of love for Him, while hoping for His reward and mercy, as well as fearing His anger and punishment if He is disobeyed.
2) To do the deed in accordance with the authentic Sunnah. To have the necessary knowledge of the 'ibaadah that is being performed. To knowhow the Prophet (saws) performed the action and proper times for the performance of that action.
Concerning Ikhlaas, it mustbe present both before and after performing the deed, with no riyaa or sum'ah (doing things to beseen or heard by people). For instance, after doing a good deed, one must not say to others, "Look at all the good I have been doing", or "I'm such a marvelous person because I do such and such."
This formula, if used to achieve taqwaa, is scientific, in that if you follow it, while fulfilling allof its conditions and their rights, you will achieve taqwaa insha/ - - - :-> 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! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become muttaqoon (those who have taqwaa or piety)." [ Al-Baqarah 2:183 ]
In this aayah and in many others, Allah has shown us that taqwaa is the result or fruit of doing actions of ibaadah.
The Meaning of Taqwaa
Now that we have clarifiedhow to achieve taqwaa, we define what the concept of taqwaa means. Taqwaa means: to cleanse or purify the heart and thesoul. This fact is proven by some ayaat in Surat Ash-Shams in which Allah (T) says (what means):
"By the sun and its brightness, by the moon asit follows it, by the day as it shows its brightness, by the night as it conceals it, by the heaven and its wondrous make, by the earth and all its expanse, and by the soul and He Who perfected it in proportion, then He showed it what is wrong for it and what is right for it - indeed he succeeds who purifies it, and he failswho corrupts it." [Ash-Shams 91:1-10]
Allah begins this soorah bytaking seven oaths. Whenever Allah begins a soorah or an ayaah with an oath, He (T) does so to bear witness to the fact that whatever follows this oath is very important andessential for us to understand. Therefore, we should pay very close attention to what is being said, and reflect upon its meanings. To cleanse one'sheart and to purify the soul, one must perform righteous actions that Allah has enjoined upon us, and our destruction liesin doing the actions that Allah has forbidden. As Allah is the Guardian and Protector of the Soul, we should do every good deed hoping for Allah's Mercy and fearing His Punishment, having full reliance and trust in Him (T).
Purification of the Soul
Among the missions of theProphet (saws), Allah sent him with the command to purify the souls of the Muslims in particular, and of mankind in general. Allah (T) says (what means):
"He it is who sent among the unlettered ones a Messenger from among themselves, reciting to them His ayaat, purifying them, and teaching them the Book and the Hikmah, while before they had been in error."
[Al-Jumu'ah 62:2]
In this ayaah the word
1. To teach the Qur'an.
2. To teach the Sunnah.
3. To show the means of purifying the soul.
This purification is obtained by doing the proper acts of 'ibaadah and by avoiding sins and disobedience.
Conditions for Attaining Taqwaa
How does a person know that his acts of 'ibaadah are helping him to achievetaqwaa? To develop taqwaa, one must fulfill the following conditions:
1) Ikhlaas, sincere intention that the act is performed purely for the pleasure of Allah, out of love for Him, while hoping for His reward and mercy, as well as fearing His anger and punishment if He is disobeyed.
2) To do the deed in accordance with the authentic Sunnah. To have the necessary knowledge of the 'ibaadah that is being performed. To knowhow the Prophet (saws) performed the action and proper times for the performance of that action.
Concerning Ikhlaas, it mustbe present both before and after performing the deed, with no riyaa or sum'ah (doing things to beseen or heard by people). For instance, after doing a good deed, one must not say to others, "Look at all the good I have been doing", or "I'm such a marvelous person because I do such and such."
This formula, if used to achieve taqwaa, is scientific, in that if you follow it, while fulfilling allof its conditions and their rights, you will achieve taqwaa insha/ - - - :-> 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
Diet During Ramadan
"To be healthy, one must consume food from the major food groups: bread and cereal, milk and dairy product, meat and bean, vegetable and fruit. During the month long fast of Ramadan the metabolic rate of a fastingperson slows down and other regulatory mechanisms start functioning. Body and dietary fat is efficiently utilized. Consuming total food intake that is less than the total food intake during normal days is sufficient to maintain a person's health. Intake of fruits after a meal is strongly suggested. A balanced diet improves blood cholesterol profile, reduces gastric acidity, prevents constipation andother digestive problems, and contributes to an active and healthy life style."
- (Int. J. Ramadan Fasting Research, 3:1-6, 1999)
INTRODUCTION
Fasting during the Islamic month of Ramadan can be good for one's health and personal development. Ramadan fasting is not just about disciplining the body to restrain from eating food and drinking water from predawn until sunset. The eyes, the ears, the tongue, and even the private parts are equally obligated to be restrained if a Muslim wants to gain the total rewards of fasting. Ramadan is also about restraining anger, doing good deeds, exercising personal discipline, and preparing oneself to serve as a good Muslim and a good person during and after Ramadan.
This is why the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him, Pbuh) has been attributed, by Hazrat Abu Hurairah in hadith, to say: "He who does not desist from obscene language and acting obscenely (during the period of fasting), Allah has no need that he didn't eat or drink." (Bukhari, Muslim). In another hadith by Hazrat Abu Harairah, the Prophet (Pbuh) said: "Fasting is not only from food and drink, fasting is to refrain from obscene (acts). If someone verbally abuses you or acts ignorantly toward you, say(to them) 'I am fasting; I am fasting." (Ibn Khuzaoinah). Restraint from food, water, and undesirable behavior makes a person more mentally disciplined and less prone to unhealthy behavior. In an investigation in Jordan (1), a significant reduction of parasuicidal cases was noted during the month ofRamadan. In the United Kingdom, the Ramadan model has been used by various health departments and organizations to reduce cigarette smoking among the masses, especially among Africans and Asians(2).
Ramadan fasting has spiritual, physical, psychological, and social benefits; however, manmade problems may occur, if fasting is not properly practiced. First of all, there is no need to consume excess food at iftar (the food eaten immediately after sunset to break fast), dinner or sahur ( the light meal generally eaten about half an hour to one hour before dawn). The body has regulatory mechanisms that activate during fasting. There is efficient utilization of bodyfat. [El Ati et al. (3)]. Basal metabolism slows down during Ramadan fasting. [Husain et al. (4)]. A diet that is less than a normal amount of food intake but balanced is sufficient enough to keep a person healthy and active during the month of Ramadan.
Health problems can emerge as a result of excess food intake, foods that make the diet unbalanced, and insufficient sleep (5, 6). Ultimately also, such a lifestyle contradicts the essential requirements andspirit of Ramadan.
DIET DURING RAMADAN
According to Sunna (the practices of Prophet Muhammad, Pbuh) and research findings referred in this report, a dietary plan is given:
1. Bread/Cereal/Rice, Pasta,Biscuits and Cracker Group:6-11 servings/day; 2. Meat/Beans/ Nut Group: 2-3 servings/day. 3. Milk and Milk Product Group: 2-3 servings/day. 4. Vegetable Group: 3-5 servings/day; 5. Fruit Group: 2-4 servings/day. 6.Added sugar (table sugar, sucrose): sparingly. 7. Added fat, polyunsaturated oil 4-7 table spoons.
Breakfast, iftar :
*. Dates, three
*. Juice, 1 serving (4 oz.)
*. Vegetable soup with some pasta or graham crackers, 1 cup
The body's immediate need at the time of iftar is to get an easily available energy source in the form of glucose for every living cell, particularly the brain and nerve cells. Dates and juices are good sources of sugars. Dates and juice in the above quantity are sufficient to bring low blood glucose levels to normal levels. Juice and soup help maintain water and mineral balance in thebody. An unbalanced diet and too many servings of sherbets and sweets with added sugar have been found to be unhealthy. [Gumma et al. (7)]./ - - - :-> 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
- (Int. J. Ramadan Fasting Research, 3:1-6, 1999)
INTRODUCTION
Fasting during the Islamic month of Ramadan can be good for one's health and personal development. Ramadan fasting is not just about disciplining the body to restrain from eating food and drinking water from predawn until sunset. The eyes, the ears, the tongue, and even the private parts are equally obligated to be restrained if a Muslim wants to gain the total rewards of fasting. Ramadan is also about restraining anger, doing good deeds, exercising personal discipline, and preparing oneself to serve as a good Muslim and a good person during and after Ramadan.
This is why the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him, Pbuh) has been attributed, by Hazrat Abu Hurairah in hadith, to say: "He who does not desist from obscene language and acting obscenely (during the period of fasting), Allah has no need that he didn't eat or drink." (Bukhari, Muslim). In another hadith by Hazrat Abu Harairah, the Prophet (Pbuh) said: "Fasting is not only from food and drink, fasting is to refrain from obscene (acts). If someone verbally abuses you or acts ignorantly toward you, say(to them) 'I am fasting; I am fasting." (Ibn Khuzaoinah). Restraint from food, water, and undesirable behavior makes a person more mentally disciplined and less prone to unhealthy behavior. In an investigation in Jordan (1), a significant reduction of parasuicidal cases was noted during the month ofRamadan. In the United Kingdom, the Ramadan model has been used by various health departments and organizations to reduce cigarette smoking among the masses, especially among Africans and Asians(2).
Ramadan fasting has spiritual, physical, psychological, and social benefits; however, manmade problems may occur, if fasting is not properly practiced. First of all, there is no need to consume excess food at iftar (the food eaten immediately after sunset to break fast), dinner or sahur ( the light meal generally eaten about half an hour to one hour before dawn). The body has regulatory mechanisms that activate during fasting. There is efficient utilization of bodyfat. [El Ati et al. (3)]. Basal metabolism slows down during Ramadan fasting. [Husain et al. (4)]. A diet that is less than a normal amount of food intake but balanced is sufficient enough to keep a person healthy and active during the month of Ramadan.
Health problems can emerge as a result of excess food intake, foods that make the diet unbalanced, and insufficient sleep (5, 6). Ultimately also, such a lifestyle contradicts the essential requirements andspirit of Ramadan.
DIET DURING RAMADAN
According to Sunna (the practices of Prophet Muhammad, Pbuh) and research findings referred in this report, a dietary plan is given:
1. Bread/Cereal/Rice, Pasta,Biscuits and Cracker Group:6-11 servings/day; 2. Meat/Beans/ Nut Group: 2-3 servings/day. 3. Milk and Milk Product Group: 2-3 servings/day. 4. Vegetable Group: 3-5 servings/day; 5. Fruit Group: 2-4 servings/day. 6.Added sugar (table sugar, sucrose): sparingly. 7. Added fat, polyunsaturated oil 4-7 table spoons.
Breakfast, iftar :
*. Dates, three
*. Juice, 1 serving (4 oz.)
*. Vegetable soup with some pasta or graham crackers, 1 cup
The body's immediate need at the time of iftar is to get an easily available energy source in the form of glucose for every living cell, particularly the brain and nerve cells. Dates and juices are good sources of sugars. Dates and juice in the above quantity are sufficient to bring low blood glucose levels to normal levels. Juice and soup help maintain water and mineral balance in thebody. An unbalanced diet and too many servings of sherbets and sweets with added sugar have been found to be unhealthy. [Gumma et al. (7)]./ - - - :-> 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
Pouring millions of dollars of alcohol down the Nile!
If I had the money, I would stay there!!!
Seriously, one of the thingsI hate, is having to doubt the food and stuff in a restaurant or hotel in a Muslim majority country. My friends were at a fancy hotel in just such a country, and they almost ate some halal-looking stuff, luckily one of them had the sense to ask the waiter if everything on thebuffet was halaal...turns out several were prepared with alcohol! My question was, why didnt the waiter,seeing women in hijaab, not warn them before hand?
My friend said she felt like such an idiot having to aska Muslim if the food was halaal. I think she did the right thing, and alhamdulillah, she didnt have to eat anything haraam.
Bro Khalid: Whats the name of the halaal hotel inDubai? And how expensive is it?
I think that it is a good step for a reputable hotel like the Hyatt to turn all halaal. Hopefully lots will follow suite. If you wannadrink, then don't come to aMuslim country! I think that would be a great slogan!
I get sad at thinking how much of the revenue of our very wealthy Arab nations is made on Haraam stuff. You know, wallahi, I believe that theywould make just as much if not more (with the added blessings) if they just left out all the haraamstuff, like alcohol. Thye have so many attractions, people would visit theour countries despite there notbeing alcohol/pork. May Allah swt guide us
Take care, see you all at the Grand Hyatt!! ;)
Salam
S.
Fozia :
:slm:
You know that is soo true, there is barakah in following the halal.
There's a restaurant here, and it absolutely and utterly does not allow alcohol in any shape or form and the meat is zabiha, I love it being the one place I can eat out without worrying.
You should see the barakah in this place, its always utterly packed out, the food is fabulous and the clientele range from muslims to non muslims and nobody has made a peep about the no alcohol rule. Lots of restaraunts have tried to copy them too.....
I'd stay at the grand hyatt in a heartbeat, when I'm rich inshallah I'll take my girls there, actually I'll lookaround we could prolly getvery good off peak deals there, its possible I think.
Thoroguhly agree support our brothers and sisters who are trying to live islamically.
Wassalaam
BrKhalid :
Asalaamu Alaikum :bro:
Quote
--
Whats the name of the halaal hotel in Dubai? Andhow expensive is it?
--
This is the thread we had earlier on this .,..
This one is near the beach at the marina but there is also a 5 star Coral hotel in the centre of town near to all the souqs and the old Dubai./ - - - :-> 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
Seriously, one of the thingsI hate, is having to doubt the food and stuff in a restaurant or hotel in a Muslim majority country. My friends were at a fancy hotel in just such a country, and they almost ate some halal-looking stuff, luckily one of them had the sense to ask the waiter if everything on thebuffet was halaal...turns out several were prepared with alcohol! My question was, why didnt the waiter,seeing women in hijaab, not warn them before hand?
My friend said she felt like such an idiot having to aska Muslim if the food was halaal. I think she did the right thing, and alhamdulillah, she didnt have to eat anything haraam.
Bro Khalid: Whats the name of the halaal hotel inDubai? And how expensive is it?
I think that it is a good step for a reputable hotel like the Hyatt to turn all halaal. Hopefully lots will follow suite. If you wannadrink, then don't come to aMuslim country! I think that would be a great slogan!
I get sad at thinking how much of the revenue of our very wealthy Arab nations is made on Haraam stuff. You know, wallahi, I believe that theywould make just as much if not more (with the added blessings) if they just left out all the haraamstuff, like alcohol. Thye have so many attractions, people would visit theour countries despite there notbeing alcohol/pork. May Allah swt guide us
Take care, see you all at the Grand Hyatt!! ;)
Salam
S.
Fozia :
:slm:
You know that is soo true, there is barakah in following the halal.
There's a restaurant here, and it absolutely and utterly does not allow alcohol in any shape or form and the meat is zabiha, I love it being the one place I can eat out without worrying.
You should see the barakah in this place, its always utterly packed out, the food is fabulous and the clientele range from muslims to non muslims and nobody has made a peep about the no alcohol rule. Lots of restaraunts have tried to copy them too.....
I'd stay at the grand hyatt in a heartbeat, when I'm rich inshallah I'll take my girls there, actually I'll lookaround we could prolly getvery good off peak deals there, its possible I think.
Thoroguhly agree support our brothers and sisters who are trying to live islamically.
Wassalaam
BrKhalid :
Asalaamu Alaikum :bro:
Quote
--
Whats the name of the halaal hotel in Dubai? Andhow expensive is it?
--
This is the thread we had earlier on this .,..
This one is near the beach at the marina but there is also a 5 star Coral hotel in the centre of town near to all the souqs and the old Dubai./ - - - :-> 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 Inner Dimensions of Fasting
Three Grades
It should be known that there are three grades of Fasting: ordinary, special and extra-special.
*. Ordinary Fasting means abstaining from food, drink and sexual satisfaction.
*. Special Fasting means keeping one's ears, eyes, tongue, hands and feet --and all other organs -- free from sin.
*. Extra-special Fasting means fasting of the heart from unworthy concerns and worldly thoughts, in total disregard of everything but Allah, Great and Glorious is He. This kind of Fast is broken by thinking of worldly matters, except for thoseconducive to religious ends, since these constitute provision for the Hereafter and are notof this lower world. Those versed in the spiritual life of the heart have even said that a sin is recorded against one who concerns himself all day with arrangements for breaking his Fast. Such anxiety stems from lack of trust in the bounty of Allah, Great and Glorious is He, and from lack of certain faith in His promised sustenance.
To this third degree belong the Prophets, the true awliya and the intimates of Allah. It doesnot lend itself to detailedexamination in words, asits true nature is better revealed in action. It consists in utmost dedication to Allah, Greatand Glorious is He, to the neglect of everything other than Allah, Exalted is He. It is bound up with the significance of His words: 'Say: "Allah (sent it down)": then leave them to play in their vaindiscussions.' [al-An'am,6:91]
Inward Requirements
As for Special Fasting , this is the kind practiced by therighteous. It means keeping all one's organs free from sin and six things are required for its accomplishment:
1. See Not What Displeases Allah
A chaste regard, restrainedfrom viewing anything that is blameworthy or reprehensible, or that distracts the heart and diverts it from the remembrance of Allah, Great and Glorious is He. Said the Prophet, on him be peace:
"The furtive glance is one of the poisoned arrows of Satan, on him be Allah's curse. Whoever forsakes it for fear of Allah will receive from Him, Great and Glorious is He, a faith the sweetness of which he will find within his heart."
Jabir relates from Anas that Allah's Messenger, on him be peace, said:
"Five things break a man's Fast: lying, backbiting, gossiping, perjury and a lustful gaze."
2. Speak Not What Displeases Allah
Guarding one's tongue from idle chatter, lying, gossiping, obscenity, rudeness, arguing and controversy; making (the tongue) observe silence and occupying it with remembrance of Allah, Great and Glorious is He, and with recitation of Quran. This is the fasting ofthe tongue. Said Sufyan: 'Backbiting annuls the Fast.' Layth quotes Mujahidas saying: 'Two habits annul Fasting: backbiting and telling lies.' The Prophet, on him be peace, said:
"Fasting is a shield; so when one of you is Fastinghe should not use foul or foolish talk. If someone attacks him or insults him, let him say: "I am Fasting, Iam Fasting!"'
According to Tradition:"Two women were Fastingduring the time of Allah's Messenger, on him be peace. They were so fatigued towards the end of the day, from hunger and thirst that they were on the verge of collapsing. They therefore sent a message to Allah's Messenger, on him be peace, requesting permission to break their Fast. In response, the Prophet, on him be peace, sent them a bowl and said: "Tell them to vomit into it what they have eaten." One of them vomited and half filled the bowl with fresh blood and tender meat, while the other brought up the same so that they filled it between them. The onlookers were astonished. Then the Prophet, on him be peace, said: "These two women have been Fasting from what Allah made lawful to them, and have broken their Fast on what Allah, Exalted is He, made unlawful to them. They sattogether and indulged in backbiting, and here is the flesh of the people they maligned!"'
3. Hear Not What Displeases Allah
Closing one's ears to everything reprehensible; for everything unlawful to utter is likewise unlawful to listen to. That is why Allah, Great and Glorious is He, equated the eavesdropper with the profiteer, in His words, Exalted is He: "Listeners to falsehood, consumers of illicit gain." [al-Ma'idah, 5:42] Allah, Great and Glorious is He, also said: "Why do their rabbis and priests not forbid them to utter sin and consume unlawful profit?" [al-Ma'idah, 5:63] Silence inthe face of backbiting is therefore unlawful. Allah, Exalted is He, said: "You are then just like them." [al-Nisa, 4:140] That is why the Prophet, on him be peace, said: "The backbiter and his listener are copartners in sin."....
/ - - - :-> 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
It should be known that there are three grades of Fasting: ordinary, special and extra-special.
*. Ordinary Fasting means abstaining from food, drink and sexual satisfaction.
*. Special Fasting means keeping one's ears, eyes, tongue, hands and feet --and all other organs -- free from sin.
*. Extra-special Fasting means fasting of the heart from unworthy concerns and worldly thoughts, in total disregard of everything but Allah, Great and Glorious is He. This kind of Fast is broken by thinking of worldly matters, except for thoseconducive to religious ends, since these constitute provision for the Hereafter and are notof this lower world. Those versed in the spiritual life of the heart have even said that a sin is recorded against one who concerns himself all day with arrangements for breaking his Fast. Such anxiety stems from lack of trust in the bounty of Allah, Great and Glorious is He, and from lack of certain faith in His promised sustenance.
To this third degree belong the Prophets, the true awliya and the intimates of Allah. It doesnot lend itself to detailedexamination in words, asits true nature is better revealed in action. It consists in utmost dedication to Allah, Greatand Glorious is He, to the neglect of everything other than Allah, Exalted is He. It is bound up with the significance of His words: 'Say: "Allah (sent it down)": then leave them to play in their vaindiscussions.' [al-An'am,6:91]
Inward Requirements
As for Special Fasting , this is the kind practiced by therighteous. It means keeping all one's organs free from sin and six things are required for its accomplishment:
1. See Not What Displeases Allah
A chaste regard, restrainedfrom viewing anything that is blameworthy or reprehensible, or that distracts the heart and diverts it from the remembrance of Allah, Great and Glorious is He. Said the Prophet, on him be peace:
"The furtive glance is one of the poisoned arrows of Satan, on him be Allah's curse. Whoever forsakes it for fear of Allah will receive from Him, Great and Glorious is He, a faith the sweetness of which he will find within his heart."
Jabir relates from Anas that Allah's Messenger, on him be peace, said:
"Five things break a man's Fast: lying, backbiting, gossiping, perjury and a lustful gaze."
2. Speak Not What Displeases Allah
Guarding one's tongue from idle chatter, lying, gossiping, obscenity, rudeness, arguing and controversy; making (the tongue) observe silence and occupying it with remembrance of Allah, Great and Glorious is He, and with recitation of Quran. This is the fasting ofthe tongue. Said Sufyan: 'Backbiting annuls the Fast.' Layth quotes Mujahidas saying: 'Two habits annul Fasting: backbiting and telling lies.' The Prophet, on him be peace, said:
"Fasting is a shield; so when one of you is Fastinghe should not use foul or foolish talk. If someone attacks him or insults him, let him say: "I am Fasting, Iam Fasting!"'
According to Tradition:"Two women were Fastingduring the time of Allah's Messenger, on him be peace. They were so fatigued towards the end of the day, from hunger and thirst that they were on the verge of collapsing. They therefore sent a message to Allah's Messenger, on him be peace, requesting permission to break their Fast. In response, the Prophet, on him be peace, sent them a bowl and said: "Tell them to vomit into it what they have eaten." One of them vomited and half filled the bowl with fresh blood and tender meat, while the other brought up the same so that they filled it between them. The onlookers were astonished. Then the Prophet, on him be peace, said: "These two women have been Fasting from what Allah made lawful to them, and have broken their Fast on what Allah, Exalted is He, made unlawful to them. They sattogether and indulged in backbiting, and here is the flesh of the people they maligned!"'
3. Hear Not What Displeases Allah
Closing one's ears to everything reprehensible; for everything unlawful to utter is likewise unlawful to listen to. That is why Allah, Great and Glorious is He, equated the eavesdropper with the profiteer, in His words, Exalted is He: "Listeners to falsehood, consumers of illicit gain." [al-Ma'idah, 5:42] Allah, Great and Glorious is He, also said: "Why do their rabbis and priests not forbid them to utter sin and consume unlawful profit?" [al-Ma'idah, 5:63] Silence inthe face of backbiting is therefore unlawful. Allah, Exalted is He, said: "You are then just like them." [al-Nisa, 4:140] That is why the Prophet, on him be peace, said: "The backbiter and his listener are copartners in sin."....
/ - - - :-> 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
Sports Car vs. Quraan - a nice story
A young man was getting ready to graduate college.For many months he had admired a beautiful sportscar in a dealer's showroom, and knowing his father could well afford it, he told him that was all he wanted.
As Graduation Day approached, the young man waited signs that his father had purchased the car. Finally, on the morning of his graduationhis father called him into his private study. His father told him how proud he was to have such a fine son, and told him how much he loved him. He handed his son a beautiful wrapped gift box.
Curious, but somewhat disappointed the young man opened the box and found a lovely, leather-bound Quran. Angrily, he raised his voice at his father and said "With all your money you give me a Quran?" and stormed out of the house, leaving the holy book.
Many years passed and the young man was very successful in business. He had a beautiful home and wonderful family, but realized his father was very old, and thought perhaps he should go to him. He had not seen him since that graduation day.
Before he could make arrangements, he received a telegram telling him his father had passed away, and willed all of his possessions to his son. He needed to come home immediately and take care things. When he arrived at his father's house, sudden sadness and regret filled his heart. He began to search his father's important papers and sawthe still new Quran, just ashe had left it years ago. With tears, he opened theQuran and began to turn the pages.
As he read those words, a car key dropped from an envelope taped behind the Quran. It had a tag with the dealer's name, the same dealer who had the sports car he had desired. On the tag was the date of his graduation, and the words...PAID IN FULL.
How many times do we miss ALLAH blessings because they are not packaged as we expected?/ - - - :-> 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
As Graduation Day approached, the young man waited signs that his father had purchased the car. Finally, on the morning of his graduationhis father called him into his private study. His father told him how proud he was to have such a fine son, and told him how much he loved him. He handed his son a beautiful wrapped gift box.
Curious, but somewhat disappointed the young man opened the box and found a lovely, leather-bound Quran. Angrily, he raised his voice at his father and said "With all your money you give me a Quran?" and stormed out of the house, leaving the holy book.
Many years passed and the young man was very successful in business. He had a beautiful home and wonderful family, but realized his father was very old, and thought perhaps he should go to him. He had not seen him since that graduation day.
Before he could make arrangements, he received a telegram telling him his father had passed away, and willed all of his possessions to his son. He needed to come home immediately and take care things. When he arrived at his father's house, sudden sadness and regret filled his heart. He began to search his father's important papers and sawthe still new Quran, just ashe had left it years ago. With tears, he opened theQuran and began to turn the pages.
As he read those words, a car key dropped from an envelope taped behind the Quran. It had a tag with the dealer's name, the same dealer who had the sports car he had desired. On the tag was the date of his graduation, and the words...PAID IN FULL.
How many times do we miss ALLAH blessings because they are not packaged as we expected?/ - - - :-> 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 mysterious helping hands
Iram, and her brother, Ahmed, were excited about the upcoming days.It was Ramadan, a time tolearn appreciation for the things they had, and to think of others who didn'thave as much.
They had both been saving their money all year long. Iram, who was seven years old, sat on her bed and dumped out her money jar. Coins ran all over the blanket. "This is a lot of money. Mommasays we are supposed to help someone. She wants us to think about how much we have and then think of someone who doesn't have very much, and do something nice forthem," Iram said, gathering the money into a pile. "Dump out your jar,Ahmed," she told her brother.
The coins came spilling out of his jar onto the bed. "Wow! We can do a lot for someone with all this money," Ahmed said, smiling. "This is such a special time of year. I'm glad we can help others."
"But we have to do it secretly, Ahmed, remember. We have to pick someone and do something very nice without them knowing it is from us. Who should we pick?" Iram asked.
"Let's pick our neighbors, Rashid, and Fatima. I noticed that they had holes in their shoes," Ahmed said.
"That's a good idea. We could buy some new shoes for them. They aren't as blessed as we are. We have a lot of shoes, don't we?" Iram asked with appreciation.
"I have three pair. You have more. Let's buy some new shoes for them," Ahmed said, smiling.
Iram and Ahmed found their momma. She was busy washing some dates.She saw her children come into the kitchen."I'm going to make some baklawa for tonight," she said, knowing her family loved to eat that. "Poppa is at the mosque, in prayer. When he comes home, after the sun sets, we'll have some. In the meantime, you two look like you've got somethingon your minds."
"We want to help the poor. Ahmed and I have been saving our money all year long and we wantto help Rashid and Fatima, our neighbors," Iram began.
Ahmed, with excitement, interrupted, "We want to buy them some shoes."
Momma smiled at her beautiful children. She was so proud of them.
"Aren't you hungry, Momma?" Ahmed asked. He knew she had not had anything to eat or drink since dawn that morning.
"I'm a little bit, but that is good for me. Don't worry about me. When you're older, you'll understand more and be able to fast too," she explained."Would you like me to take you to the store to buy the shoes?" she asked.
"Would you, Momma? Is that all right?" Iram begged.
"Why of course. Let's go," she said.
They walked to the shoe store and went inside. Iram picked out a pair of shoes for Fatima. Ahmed picked out a pair for Rashid. They were both soproud that they'd saved their money so they coulddo this to help. Later, theywent home and wrapped the shoe boxes in plain brown paper. They waitedanxiously for night to come. It would be dark and they could deliver their gifts.
The sun began to drop behind the horizon. A little while later, Poppa came home. He and Momma had some lentil soup, then tomato and cucumber sandwiches. Momma called to her children, "Iram. Ahmed. Come and have some baklawa, and some fresh dates." The children came running into the kitchen. Momma cut them a big piece.
They gobbled it down quickly as they were anxious to do their good deed. "Slow down, children," Poppa urged, laughing.
It was soon dark outside. Momma had the children go and get the boxes they'd wrapped so carefully. They put their coats on and walked quietly over to Rashid andFatima's house. Momma whispered, "All right, children. We must be veryquiet and very fast. Ahmed, you knock on the door and then run over here, to this bush, where Iram and I will be hiding. We'll watch as they come and find their gifts."
Iram and Ahmed giggled with delight. Iram and Momma hid, and Ahmed tiptoed up to the door. Heput both of the boxes down on the porch, and knocked hard. Then he ran, and ran, and ran, as fast as he could, to where Iram and Momma were."Shhh," Momma whispered. "Someone opened the door."
They watched as Rashid and Fatima came out ontothe porch. "Look! There are presents for us. Someone left them here," Rashid cried out with excitement. He and Fatima looked around. It was very dark and they couldn't see anyone. They picked up the boxes and took them inside.
After a minute or two, waiting to make sure theywouldn't be seen, Momma, Ahmed, and Iram, snuck quietly back to their house. Ahmed started laughing. "Poppa! Poppa! We did it! We snuck up and left the presents!"
Iram added, "They didn't see us, Poppa. They don't know it was us." She was laughing too.
Momma and Poppa stood back and looked at their children. They were so proud of them./ - - - :-> 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
They had both been saving their money all year long. Iram, who was seven years old, sat on her bed and dumped out her money jar. Coins ran all over the blanket. "This is a lot of money. Mommasays we are supposed to help someone. She wants us to think about how much we have and then think of someone who doesn't have very much, and do something nice forthem," Iram said, gathering the money into a pile. "Dump out your jar,Ahmed," she told her brother.
The coins came spilling out of his jar onto the bed. "Wow! We can do a lot for someone with all this money," Ahmed said, smiling. "This is such a special time of year. I'm glad we can help others."
"But we have to do it secretly, Ahmed, remember. We have to pick someone and do something very nice without them knowing it is from us. Who should we pick?" Iram asked.
"Let's pick our neighbors, Rashid, and Fatima. I noticed that they had holes in their shoes," Ahmed said.
"That's a good idea. We could buy some new shoes for them. They aren't as blessed as we are. We have a lot of shoes, don't we?" Iram asked with appreciation.
"I have three pair. You have more. Let's buy some new shoes for them," Ahmed said, smiling.
Iram and Ahmed found their momma. She was busy washing some dates.She saw her children come into the kitchen."I'm going to make some baklawa for tonight," she said, knowing her family loved to eat that. "Poppa is at the mosque, in prayer. When he comes home, after the sun sets, we'll have some. In the meantime, you two look like you've got somethingon your minds."
"We want to help the poor. Ahmed and I have been saving our money all year long and we wantto help Rashid and Fatima, our neighbors," Iram began.
Ahmed, with excitement, interrupted, "We want to buy them some shoes."
Momma smiled at her beautiful children. She was so proud of them.
"Aren't you hungry, Momma?" Ahmed asked. He knew she had not had anything to eat or drink since dawn that morning.
"I'm a little bit, but that is good for me. Don't worry about me. When you're older, you'll understand more and be able to fast too," she explained."Would you like me to take you to the store to buy the shoes?" she asked.
"Would you, Momma? Is that all right?" Iram begged.
"Why of course. Let's go," she said.
They walked to the shoe store and went inside. Iram picked out a pair of shoes for Fatima. Ahmed picked out a pair for Rashid. They were both soproud that they'd saved their money so they coulddo this to help. Later, theywent home and wrapped the shoe boxes in plain brown paper. They waitedanxiously for night to come. It would be dark and they could deliver their gifts.
The sun began to drop behind the horizon. A little while later, Poppa came home. He and Momma had some lentil soup, then tomato and cucumber sandwiches. Momma called to her children, "Iram. Ahmed. Come and have some baklawa, and some fresh dates." The children came running into the kitchen. Momma cut them a big piece.
They gobbled it down quickly as they were anxious to do their good deed. "Slow down, children," Poppa urged, laughing.
It was soon dark outside. Momma had the children go and get the boxes they'd wrapped so carefully. They put their coats on and walked quietly over to Rashid andFatima's house. Momma whispered, "All right, children. We must be veryquiet and very fast. Ahmed, you knock on the door and then run over here, to this bush, where Iram and I will be hiding. We'll watch as they come and find their gifts."
Iram and Ahmed giggled with delight. Iram and Momma hid, and Ahmed tiptoed up to the door. Heput both of the boxes down on the porch, and knocked hard. Then he ran, and ran, and ran, as fast as he could, to where Iram and Momma were."Shhh," Momma whispered. "Someone opened the door."
They watched as Rashid and Fatima came out ontothe porch. "Look! There are presents for us. Someone left them here," Rashid cried out with excitement. He and Fatima looked around. It was very dark and they couldn't see anyone. They picked up the boxes and took them inside.
After a minute or two, waiting to make sure theywouldn't be seen, Momma, Ahmed, and Iram, snuck quietly back to their house. Ahmed started laughing. "Poppa! Poppa! We did it! We snuck up and left the presents!"
Iram added, "They didn't see us, Poppa. They don't know it was us." She was laughing too.
Momma and Poppa stood back and looked at their children. They were so proud of them./ - - - :-> 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 Are Not Alone
Sometimes it seems like every person in this world of seven billion souls is living a quarantined, lonely experience. You take the subway to work and everyone reads her own novel, or rests his head against the seat, not meeting anyone else’s eyes. Each person is surrounded by an invisible sphere of seclusion. Or youwalk down a crowded downtown street, with thousands of people intenton their own lives and errands, disengaged from all around them…
Every one of us is the center of our own universe, living within our own skulls, constrained by the limitations of our senses. None of us can ever truly know the inner thoughts and feelings of another. This awareness can be isolating and depressing.
But let me give you a different perspective:
First, there is Allah. He knows the innermost hopes and fears of each of us. He is with us, watching us, protecting us and guiding us at all times. He loves us and wants good for us. So in a very real sense, none of us is alone. Allah is the unifying factor,the Master of all, the One who created a universe that functions in harmony and symmetry; even the chaos of nature is part of agreater pattern, and servesAllah in its way.
In fact, check this out: Abu Huraira narrated, “The Prophet said, “If Allah loves a person, He calls Gabriel saying, ‘Allah loves so and-so; O Gabriel! Love him.’ Gabriel would love him and make an announcement amongst the inhabitants of the Heaven. ‘Allah loves so-and-so, therefore you should love him also,’ and so all the inhabitants of the Heaven would love him, and then he is granted the pleasure of the people on the earth.”
(Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 4, Book 54, Hadith 431)
Wow, subhanAllah. That is a lot of love being directedyour way! That’s hardly congruous with the notionof an isolated existence.
Second, there is our noble Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Regardless of our nationalities, our schools of thought or “sects”, we are united in honoring andrevering him. We study hislife, repeat his words, and send blessings on him. We live our lives by his teachings. We look up to him and love him as we love ourselves.
Third, there is our great deen of Islam. At any givenmoment, at this very second, there are Muslims in the world standing shoulder to shoulder in prayer, all facing the same location on the earth. Islam has brought us together in a unique and unprecedented global brotherhood and sisterhood. Though we may be strangers to each other in a physical sense, spiritually we are connected. We care about each other, we feel each other’s joys and fears.
Yes, we are biological beings, each living within our own limited bodies. When you or I think, no other human hears us. When you eat, no one else tastes it. When your head hurts, no one else feels thepain. When you harbor private aspirations and terrors, no one else feels the beating of your heart.
But Allah is with you, my brother, my sister. Allah hears. Allah is always ready to comfort you, respond to your prayers, and bless you with His grace.
And the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) struggled so hard for you. Yes of course, he fought for you! You are a part of his Ummah. You are one ofhis flock. His mission was for you as much as anyoneelse. On the Day of Judgment he will intercedefor his Ummah; he will claim us, and struggle for us just as he did in his earthly life.
Lastly, we Muslims all share a spiritual bond, a common understanding ofthe world. We are family (even if some of us don’t act like it).
When the loneliness of life feels heavy on your back, remember that the isolation of human existence is an illusion. You are not alone. You are surrounded by guidance, blessings, and caring. You are loved, even when you do not see it. You are not alone./ - - - :-> 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
Every one of us is the center of our own universe, living within our own skulls, constrained by the limitations of our senses. None of us can ever truly know the inner thoughts and feelings of another. This awareness can be isolating and depressing.
But let me give you a different perspective:
First, there is Allah. He knows the innermost hopes and fears of each of us. He is with us, watching us, protecting us and guiding us at all times. He loves us and wants good for us. So in a very real sense, none of us is alone. Allah is the unifying factor,the Master of all, the One who created a universe that functions in harmony and symmetry; even the chaos of nature is part of agreater pattern, and servesAllah in its way.
In fact, check this out: Abu Huraira narrated, “The Prophet said, “If Allah loves a person, He calls Gabriel saying, ‘Allah loves so and-so; O Gabriel! Love him.’ Gabriel would love him and make an announcement amongst the inhabitants of the Heaven. ‘Allah loves so-and-so, therefore you should love him also,’ and so all the inhabitants of the Heaven would love him, and then he is granted the pleasure of the people on the earth.”
(Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 4, Book 54, Hadith 431)
Wow, subhanAllah. That is a lot of love being directedyour way! That’s hardly congruous with the notionof an isolated existence.
Second, there is our noble Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Regardless of our nationalities, our schools of thought or “sects”, we are united in honoring andrevering him. We study hislife, repeat his words, and send blessings on him. We live our lives by his teachings. We look up to him and love him as we love ourselves.
Third, there is our great deen of Islam. At any givenmoment, at this very second, there are Muslims in the world standing shoulder to shoulder in prayer, all facing the same location on the earth. Islam has brought us together in a unique and unprecedented global brotherhood and sisterhood. Though we may be strangers to each other in a physical sense, spiritually we are connected. We care about each other, we feel each other’s joys and fears.
Yes, we are biological beings, each living within our own limited bodies. When you or I think, no other human hears us. When you eat, no one else tastes it. When your head hurts, no one else feels thepain. When you harbor private aspirations and terrors, no one else feels the beating of your heart.
But Allah is with you, my brother, my sister. Allah hears. Allah is always ready to comfort you, respond to your prayers, and bless you with His grace.
And the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) struggled so hard for you. Yes of course, he fought for you! You are a part of his Ummah. You are one ofhis flock. His mission was for you as much as anyoneelse. On the Day of Judgment he will intercedefor his Ummah; he will claim us, and struggle for us just as he did in his earthly life.
Lastly, we Muslims all share a spiritual bond, a common understanding ofthe world. We are family (even if some of us don’t act like it).
When the loneliness of life feels heavy on your back, remember that the isolation of human existence is an illusion. You are not alone. You are surrounded by guidance, blessings, and caring. You are loved, even when you do not see it. You are not alone./ - - - :-> 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
For Every Trouble, Allah Helps You Double
For every setback, Allah has a comeback. For every trouble, He helps you double. Every day He shows you the way. Alhamdulillah.
Allah does not get tired of you. He does not write youoff, or forget about you, orgive up on you. In fact, when you need Him and call on Him, He comes to you quickly, at speed, rushing to help you:
The Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said, “Allah the Most High said, ‘I am as My servant thinks (expects) I am. I am with him when he mentions Me. If he mentions Me to himself, Imention him to Myself; and if he mentions Me inan assembly, I mention him in an assembly greater than it. If he draws near to Me a hand’s length, I draw near to him an arm’s length. And if he comes to Me walking, I go to him at speed.’” [Sahih Al-Bukhari]
What an amazing, benevolent, merciful God isAllah. He is Master of all: He could have been capricious, selfish, or destructive, and we would have been helpless pawns,unable to help ourselves or be helped. But that is not His nature. In hundreds of verses of the Quran, Allah Almighty describes Himself as “Ghafurun Rahim”, that is One Who forgives and has mercy./ - - - :-> 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
Allah does not get tired of you. He does not write youoff, or forget about you, orgive up on you. In fact, when you need Him and call on Him, He comes to you quickly, at speed, rushing to help you:
The Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said, “Allah the Most High said, ‘I am as My servant thinks (expects) I am. I am with him when he mentions Me. If he mentions Me to himself, Imention him to Myself; and if he mentions Me inan assembly, I mention him in an assembly greater than it. If he draws near to Me a hand’s length, I draw near to him an arm’s length. And if he comes to Me walking, I go to him at speed.’” [Sahih Al-Bukhari]
What an amazing, benevolent, merciful God isAllah. He is Master of all: He could have been capricious, selfish, or destructive, and we would have been helpless pawns,unable to help ourselves or be helped. But that is not His nature. In hundreds of verses of the Quran, Allah Almighty describes Himself as “Ghafurun Rahim”, that is One Who forgives and has mercy./ - - - :-> 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 evil of the evildoer is sufficient for him
Bakr bin 'Abdullah said:
"There was a companion of the king who visited him all the time. He would sit beside him and say, 'Treat the good-doer with good and don't treatthe evil-doer with evil for his evil will be sufficient for him.' Another man envied his position with the king and his good speech.
The envious man came to the king and related: 'Your companion that sits beside you claimed that you had a bad smell.' The king inquired, 'But how can I verify this?' The manreplied, 'Call him to you. He will put his hand on his nose as he gets closer to you.' The king said, 'Leave, and I will see! ' This man left the king andinvited the king's companion to a meal thathe had placed much garlicin. The companion ate and then went to the kingas usual and said, 'Treat the good-doer with good and don't treat the evil-doer with evil, for his evil will be sufficient for him.' The king said to him,'Get closer to me!' The man moved closer, and placed his hand over his mouth so that the king would not smell the odor of garlic. The king thoughtto himself, 'That man was truthful.' The king then hand-wrote a letter and gave it to the companion. The king never wrote anything unless he wanted to give someone a prize or gift. But this letter was written to one of his administrators and contained the following message: 'When the bearer of this letter comesto you, slaughter him and skin him. Then fill his skin with straw and send him back to me.'
Later, the envious man met the companion on hisway and asked, 'What is this letter?' The companion replied, 'The king has given me a gift.' The envious man asked, 'Would you give it to me.' The other companion said, 'It's yours.' The envious man took it and went to the administrator. The administrator said to him,'This letter is a command from the king to slaughteryou and skin you.' The envious man announced, 'This letter is not mine. I beseech you in the Name of Allah to check with the king before you do anything.'
The administrator informed him that there would be no changes to what the king had written. Then he slaughtered him, skinned him, filled his skin with straw, and sent him back to the king. In the meantime, the companionreturned to the king as usual. The king was shocked and demanded, 'What happened to the letter?' He said, 'So-and-somet me and asked me for it, so I gave it to him.' The king then challenged, 'Have you said that I have a bad smell?' The man rebutted, 'No! ' So the king asked, 'Then why didyou place your hand over your mouth?' The man answered, 'So-and-so provided me with food that had much garlic in it and I hated that you might smell it.' The king declared, 'You are truthful.The evil of the evildoer is sufficient for him.'"/ - - - :-> 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
"There was a companion of the king who visited him all the time. He would sit beside him and say, 'Treat the good-doer with good and don't treatthe evil-doer with evil for his evil will be sufficient for him.' Another man envied his position with the king and his good speech.
The envious man came to the king and related: 'Your companion that sits beside you claimed that you had a bad smell.' The king inquired, 'But how can I verify this?' The manreplied, 'Call him to you. He will put his hand on his nose as he gets closer to you.' The king said, 'Leave, and I will see! ' This man left the king andinvited the king's companion to a meal thathe had placed much garlicin. The companion ate and then went to the kingas usual and said, 'Treat the good-doer with good and don't treat the evil-doer with evil, for his evil will be sufficient for him.' The king said to him,'Get closer to me!' The man moved closer, and placed his hand over his mouth so that the king would not smell the odor of garlic. The king thoughtto himself, 'That man was truthful.' The king then hand-wrote a letter and gave it to the companion. The king never wrote anything unless he wanted to give someone a prize or gift. But this letter was written to one of his administrators and contained the following message: 'When the bearer of this letter comesto you, slaughter him and skin him. Then fill his skin with straw and send him back to me.'
Later, the envious man met the companion on hisway and asked, 'What is this letter?' The companion replied, 'The king has given me a gift.' The envious man asked, 'Would you give it to me.' The other companion said, 'It's yours.' The envious man took it and went to the administrator. The administrator said to him,'This letter is a command from the king to slaughteryou and skin you.' The envious man announced, 'This letter is not mine. I beseech you in the Name of Allah to check with the king before you do anything.'
The administrator informed him that there would be no changes to what the king had written. Then he slaughtered him, skinned him, filled his skin with straw, and sent him back to the king. In the meantime, the companionreturned to the king as usual. The king was shocked and demanded, 'What happened to the letter?' He said, 'So-and-somet me and asked me for it, so I gave it to him.' The king then challenged, 'Have you said that I have a bad smell?' The man rebutted, 'No! ' So the king asked, 'Then why didyou place your hand over your mouth?' The man answered, 'So-and-so provided me with food that had much garlic in it and I hated that you might smell it.' The king declared, 'You are truthful.The evil of the evildoer is sufficient for him.'"/ - - - :-> 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
Those who travel bynight take rest in the morning
Qasim bin Raashid (Rahmatullah alaihe) says that Sheikh Zam'ah (Rahmatullah alaihe) was staying with his wife and daughters, in their neighbourhood at Muhassab (a place near Makkah Mukarramah). They saw that the Sheikh was accustomed to stand in Salaat for long hours of the night. He used to awake his wife and children for Tahajjud in the latter part of the night, saying, "Wake up, Otravellers! Let us proceed. Will you lie sleeping the whole night through?" At his call, all of them would wake up and engage in different activities. One of them would perform Wudhu and offer Nafl Salaat, another would sit in a corner and weep from fear of Allah, still another would sit and recite from the Holy Quraan. They continued inthis state till dawn, when the Sheikh called them and said, "Rest a while, forthose who travel by nighttake rest in the morning."
How do we spend our night?/ - - - :-> 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
How do we spend our night?/ - - - :-> 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