For children, - Spiritual Stories for Children: Do not Do Evil to anyoneWhat Goes Around Comes Around

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There was a man in Isfahan who used to beat his wife but unfortunately she succumbed to his beating though he had not intended to kill her. But when she was dead he became fearful of her relatives. In a state of anxiety he came out of his house and met an acquaintance to whom he posed his problem.
The friend told him to invite a young man to his house and behead him and put the severed head next to the wife's corpse. Then he would tell the wife's relatives that he had found them together in bed and was unable to control his ire, and slew them both. The man liked the idea and sat at the doorway in anticipation of a young man. After sometime a handsome youth passed by his house. He invited him inside and beheaded him.
Then he summoned the wife's relatives and told them the fictitious story. They were satisfied but the person who had devised this plan had a teenage son who did not reach home that day. The man was worried and when the son failed to turn up he came to the house of the one whom he had offered evil advice and asked him if he carried out the plan suggested by him. Yes, said he and took him near the dead bodies. He was shocked when he saw that the youth he had killed was his own son.
His evil advice caused the death of his own son.
The moral of this story is that one who digs a pit for others falls into it himself. History is replete with such incidents.
According to Tafserul Mizan the following saying was common among the Arabs: One who digs a hole for his brother; Allah throws him headlong into it. A similar proverb is present in Persian also: Do not do evil to anyone the same evil will turn towards you.
Reference: Greater Sins Vol. 3 (English) by Ayatullah Dastagaub Shirazi

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Ramadan Articles, - Recommendations for parents regarding training children to fast

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Ramadanis the best month to train your child and teach him how to overcome the desires of his body and develop his ability to shoulder responsibility.
It has been proven that the month ofRamadanis the best time to train children to perform religious obligations at an early age. Al-Bukhaari and Muslimnarrated that the honorable Companionswould train their young children to fast during this month. Likewise, modern studies and field research proves that the psychological and physical growth of those children who fast during the month ofRamadan‎is much better than those who do not and that they are therefore more responsible.
The age of ten is the best time to start training the child to fast, because at this age fasting will not cause any health problems for the child. However, we warn against training the child to fast before the age of seven because the child’s body at that time is in urgent need of certain amounts of nutrients to cope with his physical rapid growth and to protect him from diseases.
There are two ways to train the child to fast:
The first waydepends upon delaying the child’s ordinary breakfast from 7 AM to 12 PM. After having the delayed breakfast, the child should refrain from eating until theMaghribPrayer, when he would eat with his family. In this way, the child will fast 5 hours every day for a number of days. After that, we should delay the breakfast to 11 AM, then to 9 AM, and so on.
The other wayis that the child has theSuhoor)pre-dawn( meal with his family and then breaks his fast at noon )i.e., he will fast for about 7 hours( for ten days. During the second ten days of the month ofRamadan, one should increase the period of the child’s fast until the ‘AsrPrayer )about 10 hours of fasting(. During the last ten days ofRamadan, the child should fast like the rest of his family members - fromSuhooruntil theMaghribPrayer.
By the followingRamadan, the child will be able to fast the whole month with the permission of Allaah The Almighty.
How to monitor your child?
First:The mother should monitor her childduring the fast. If she feels that he is visibly tired or sick due to the fast, she must make him break his fast immediately. We must also pay attention to the fact that there are some diseases that prevent a child from fasting particularly kidney diseases, because a person suffering from such diseases needs water all the time. This also applies to those who suffer from diabetes, tuberculosis, anemia, gastric ulcers and similar diseases as diagnosed by a specialist doctor.
Second:Training the child to fast should be gradual, because increasing the hours of fasting day after day and year after year helps to create balance in the body regarding the physiological changes that happen due to the fast. Consequently, the child will be able to fast without any negative health effects or exhaustion. This will also make him taste the sweetness of fasting.
Third:The mother should not fear for her child due to the fast under the pretext that he is still young, she would be surprised when she sees his enthusiasm to imitate his parents and older brothers and sisters who fast. This will also accustom the child to the beloved traditions of this great month such as the family gathering around the table at theSuhoorandIftaarmeals, not to mention the popular traditions that distinguish every Muslim country.
Forth:We have to break our fast as early as possible by having some ripe or dried dates, fruit juice or small amounts of sweetened water slowly as the Prophet,, would do. It was narrated on the authority of Anasthat he said,“The Messenger of Allaahwould break his fast before performing the Maghrib prayer with three fresh dates; if there were no fresh dates, he would eat three dry dates; and if there were no dry date-fruits; he would take three draughts of water.”]Abu Daawood[
The child should not drink iced water immediately at the time ofIftaar)breaking fast( because this disturbs the digestive system and hinders digestion. It is preferred to have warm liquids such as soup first because such foods stimulate the stomach.
Fifth:TheIftaarmeal should be balanced and provide the child with the necessary calories. It is recommended that theIftaarcontains proteins )pulses, meat or chicken( that help in building new tissue and making up for those that have been destroyed. It should also contain vegetables, fruits, and starches )bread, rice and pasta( in addition to very few fats.
Sixth:TheSuhoormeal should be delayed as much as possible in imitation of the Prophet,, who said:“My Ummah )nation( will remain upon good so long as they hasten the Iftaar and delay the Suhoor.”]Ahmad[
This meal should be rich and satiating and it should also contain proteins, sugars and fats that can be found in eggs, beans, yoghurt, vegetables and fruits. It is also recommended to have dairy products as they contain a high percentage of the proteins, fats and liquids that secure the needs of the child. These products are also considered integrated foods and they cover a long period of fasting.
Seventh:TheSuhoormeal should not contain any pickles or spicy foods because they cause thirst. It is also recommended at that time to have small amounts of liquids repeatedly, particularly fruit juice or water, to make up for the deprivation of water during the whole day. Ifit is necessary to have some sweets )kunaafah, kadayf, and so on(, this should be after theIftaar andnot in theSuhoormeal so as not to feel thirsty the next day.
Eighth:The physical activity of the child should be reduced during the fast, but mental activities are allowed because they are not exhausting. Hence, children can study beforeIftaar.
Ninth:Finally, the mother should be keen on waking up her child to have theSuhoormeal and getting him accustomed to seeing his family members practicing this great religious rite until he himself becomes acquainted with the religious practices of this blessed month.
We should also make use of the opportunity of the month ofRamadanto train the child in observing the prayers on time in addition to the fast. We should also teach him how to recite the Quran and recognize the sublime meanings of the fast to implant the values of mercy and kindness to the poor and the needy in his soul.

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Ramadan Articles, - The fast of the pregnant woman during the summer - rules and precautions

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Pregnancy is a difficult and arduous journey that begins with good news and ends with the arrival of the newborn child that would fill the life of his parents with delight and happiness.
However, this journey is very difficult during the summer season, and enduring this while fasting is even more difficult. Doctors agree that a pregnant woman who does not suffer from any diseases or illnesses can fast. On the other hand, if she suffers from health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, inflammation of the urinary tract, anemia, or heart problems, then she is allowed not to fast because of the disease )and not due to the pregnancy itself(.
However, the fasting pregnant woman must break her fast immediately if she suffers from one or more of the following:
-Extreme hunger or thirst
-Dizziness
-Weak or slow movements of the baby
-Unconsciousness or lack of concentration.
Dear pregnant sister, here are some tips that will help you pass the month ofRamadanwith your baby safely:
-Make sure you have theSuhoor)pre-dawn( meal, but eat it as late as possible to support you for most of the day. TheSuhoormeal should contain starches and foods rich in calories such as dried dates or fruits, as well as fresh vegetables and fruits to help you withstand thirst during the fast.
-The pregnant woman needs about 2,250 calories daily and this can be obtained from foods that are rich in vitamins and mineral salts that contain iron, calcium, sodium and potassium. Hence, we recommend the pregnant woman to break her fast with a large cup of fruit juice to quench her thirst and provide her with the necessary calories rapidly.
-Normal amounts of salt in food are necessary to make up for the lost salts during sweating. The pregnant woman should refrain from having a lot of tea, coffee, soda, or ice cream.
-It is recommended to eat moderately and avoid the foods that cannot be digested easily such as fried foods, fats or fatty foods. Such things cause indigestion and acidity, which are common among pregnant women. Hence, it is preferred to boil food or grill it without any fats or oils.
-The pregnant woman should have a suitable quantity of the starches that are found in bread )one slice or piece(, macaroni and rice )7 to 8 spoons(. These foods provide the body with easily digested calories.
-Iftaar)the fast-breaking meal( should be completed with a dish of fresh vegetables and salads to help in digestion and provide the pregnant woman with vitamins.
-She should also have large amount of liquids )especially water and fresh juice( between theIftaarandSuhoormeals.
-We should not forget that the pregnant woman needs about one liter of milk and its derivatives to provide herself and her baby with calcium, which is necessary for both of them. Hence, theSuhoorandIftaarmeals should contain diary products )preferably yoghurt salad, buttermilk or skimmed milk(.
-It is advisable to eat summer fruits such as watermelon, grapes and figs as a source of liquids, vitamins and minerals that would protect the pregnant woman from constipation.
-The pregnant woman should have a light meal betweenIftaarandSuhoor. This meal should be rich in vitamins and calories. The best foods for such a meal are dried or fresh fruits that are recommended during the month ofRamadan. For example, the pregnant woman could have Qamar Ad-Deen juice. However, the amount of sugar consumed should remain within an acceptable amount so as not to cause increase in weight.
We wish you an easy pregnancy and an accepted fast by the permission of Allaah The Almighty.

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Ramadan Articles, - How we should receive Ramadan - II

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Receiving Ramadanby making the best use of time
Time is very precious because every minute that passes can never return.Ramadanis also a means of success or failure, salvation or destruction…
Amongst the obligatory and recommended acts of worship inRamadanare:
First:Fasting during the daytime:
Allaah The Almighty Says )what means(:}So whoever sights ]the new moon of[ the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey - then an equal number of other days.{]Quran 2: 185[
Moreover, the Prophet,, said:“Whoever fasts Ramadan out of faith and seeking the reward of Allaah, his previous sins will be forgiven.”]Al-Bukhaari and Muslim[
Second:Performing voluntary night prayers )theTaraaweehprayer(:
It was narrated that the Prophet,, said:“Whoever stands )in voluntary prayer at night in( Ramadan out of faith and seeking the reward of Allaah, his previous sins will be forgiven.”]Al-Bukhaari and Muslim[
Third:Reciting the Quran:
Ramadanis the month of the Noble Quran. Allaah The Almighty Says )what means(:}The month of Ramadan ]is that[ in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion.{]Quran 2: 185[
The angel Jibreel )Gabriel(would study the Quran with the Prophet,, in the month ofRamadan. Hence, our righteous predecessors would devote themselves and their time to reciting the Quran inRamadan. So would used to recite the Quran in the prayers and at other times. Az-Zuhrisaid at the advent of the blessed month ofRamadan,“It is only for reciting the Quran and giving food.”
Fourth: GivingIftaar)the fast-breaking meal( to fasting people:
It was narrated that the Prophet,, said:“Whoever gives food to someone who is fasting to break his fast with will have a reward like his, without that detracting from the fasting person’s reward in the slightest.”]Al-Bukhaari and Muslim[
Fifth:Generosity:
It was narrated that the Messenger of Allaah,, was the most generous of people, and he was the most generous duringRamadan. ]Al-Bukhaari and Muslim[.
Sixth:Performing ‘Umrah)lesser pilgrimage( inRamadan:
It was narrated that the Prophet,, said:“‘Umrah in Ramadan is equivalent )in reward( to Hajj.”In another narration:“To Hajj with me .”]Al-Bukhaari and Muslim[
Seventh:PerformingI‘tikaaf)seclusion in the mosque(:
I‘tikaafis in the last ten days ofRamadan. It was narrated that ‘Aa’ishahsaid,“The Prophetwould practice I‘tikaaf during the last ten days of Ramadan until he passed away and then his wives would practice I‘tikaaf after him.”]Al-Bukhaari and Muslim[
Eighth:Seeking the Night ofAl-Qadr)Divine decree( and spending its time in prayer:
It was narrated that the Prophet,, said:“Whoever stands )in prayer( during the Night of Al-Qadr out of faith and seeking the reward of Allaah, he will be forgiven his previous sins.”]Al-Bukhaari and Muslim[
This is is during the last ten days ofRamadan.
6. ReceivingRamadanby perfecting and excelling in deeds
Allaah The Almighty Says )what means(:
•}Indeed, We will not allow to be lost the reward of any who did well in deeds.{]Quran 18: 30[
•}For indeed, Allaah does not allow to be lost the reward of those who do good.{]Quran 11: 115[
We mentioned this because some people, may Allaah guide them, made the fast a pretext for neglecting public duties and the tasks that they are assigned. If one were to ask one of them why, he would reply, is it not sufficient that I am fasting? It is as if fasting entails laziness, neglecting public duties, and making things difficult for others. On the contrary, it calls for being active, striving, treating people kindly and making things easy for them.
7. ReceivingRamadanwith forgiveness, tolerance and good morals
It was narrated that the Messenger of Allaah,said:“If one of you is fasting, he should avoid sexual relations with his wife and quarreling, and if somebody fights or quarrels with him, he should respond: 'I am fasting.’”]Al-Bukhaari and Muslim[
Thus, we have to adhere firmly to the noble morals of Islam in this month as well as in all other months. That is to say, everyone should fulfill his obligations towards his Lord, the Prophet,and his fellow Muslims and ask for his needs kindly so that he may attain piety, which is the main aim behind fasting as Allaah The Almighty Says )what means(:}Decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.{]Quran 2: 183[
Consequently, fasting entails:
1-Refraining from satisfying the desires of the stomach and the sexual organs.
2-Restraining the eyes, tongue, feet, ears and all other organs of the body from committing sins.
3-Making the heart refrain from ill thoughts and thoughts that would direct it away from Allaah The Almighty and from thinking about anything except Allaah The Almighty.
8. ReceivingRamadanby calling oneself to account
Allaah The Almighty Says )what means(:}O you who have believed, fear Allaah. And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow - and fear Allaah. Indeed, Allaah is Acquainted with what you do. And be not like those who forgot Allaah, so He made them forget themselves.{]Quran 59:18-19[
Furthermore, ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattaab,said,“Hold yourself to account before you are held to account, and weigh yourselves before you are weighed, as reckoning yourselves today will make it easier for you to be reckoned tomorrow.”
Self-reckoning should be before and after doing any action:
Doing it before doing any action is to reckon oneself on his intention and in following the way of the Prophet,.
Reckoning after the action is of three types:
First,one should reckon his soul for its gross negligence wit respect to the acts of worshiping Allaah The Almighty which it has not performed properly, and the right of Allaah, in acts of
Worship, has six requirements:
1- Sincerity of intention in doing any action.
2- Attempting to do it perfectly and in a way that would Allaah The Almighty.
3- Doing itin accordance with the guidance of the Prophet,.
4-Worshipping Allaah as though one sees Him
5-Acknowledging the Blessings of AllaahThe Almighty upon him with regard to enabling him to do the act.
6-Acknowledging one’s shortcomings with respects to it.
Secondone should reckon his soul for any action that he has done when it would have been better for him not to have done.
Thirdone should cast a critical look back at whatever permissible acts he has done and ask himself why he did them: Were they for the sake of Allaah The Almighty and the Hereafter? If so, he will be rewarded greatly, however, if he did it for this world and its trivial gains, he will miss great rewards.
Therefore, we could receive, live, feel delighted and benefit from the blessed month ofRamadan,and if we cannot do that, we would be like the Prophet,, said:“It may be that all a fasting person gets from his fast is hunger and thirst, and it may be that all a person who prays at night gets from his prayer is sleeplessness.”]Ahmad[ ]Al-Albaani:Saheeh)Authentic([
We ask Allaah The Almighty sincerely to accept our good deeds and not to return them as empty.

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