Some of the Sunnahs of fasting

What are the Sunnahs of fasting?.
Praise be to Allaah.
There are many Sunnahs of fasting, including the following:
1 – It is Sunnah if someone insults you to respond in a better manner
and say, "I am fasting," because of the report narrated by al-Bukhaari
and Muslim from Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him), that
the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)
said: "Fasting isa paradise so there shouldbe no obscene or offensive
talk or behaviour. If a person fights him or insults him, let him say,
'I am fasting,' twice. By the One in Whose hand is my soul, the smell
coming from the mouth of the fasting person is better before Allaah
then the fragrance of musk. [Allaah says:] 'He gives up his food,
drink and desire for My sake. Fasting is for Me and I willreward for
it, and a good deed receives the reward of ten like it.'" Al-Bukhaari,
no. 1894; Muslim, 1151.
2 – It is Sunnah for the fasting person to eat suhoor, because it was
proven in al-Saheehayn that Anas ibn Maalik (may Allaah be pleased
with him) said: The Prophet the Messenger of Allaah (peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "Eat suhoor for in suhoor there
is blessing." (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1923; Muslim, 1059).
3 – It is Sunnah to delay suhoor because of the report narrated by
al-Bukhaari from Anas from Zayd ibn Thaabit (may Allaah be pleased
with him) who said: "We ate suhoor with the Messenger of Allaah (peace
and blessings of Allaah be upon him), then he got up to pray." I said:
"How much time was there between the adhaan and suhoor?" He said: "The
time it takes to recite fifty verses." (Narrated by al-Bukhaari,
1921).
4 – It is Sunnah to hasten to break the fast because the Prophet
(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "The people will
continue to befine so long as they hasten to break the fast."
(Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1957; Muslim, 1098). See also question no.
49716 )
5 – It is Sunnah to break the fast with fresh dates; if none are
available then with dry dates; if none areavailable then with water –
because of the hadeeth of Anas (may Allaah be pleased with him) who
said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon
him) used to break his fast with fresh dates before praying; if there
were no (fresh dates) thenwith dry dates, and if there were no (dried
dates) then he would takea few sips of water.
(Nararted by Abu Dawood, no. 2356; al-Tirmidhi, 696; classed as hasan
in al-Irwa', 4/45)
6 – It is Sunnah when breaking the fast to say what is narrated in the
hadeeth, which is to say Bismillaah. This is obligatory according to
the correct view because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be
upon him) enjoined that. The words "Allaahumma laka sumtu wa 'ala
rizqikaaftartu, Allaahumma taqabbal minni, innaka antaal-samee'
al-'aleem (O Allaah, for You I have fasted and with Your provision I
have broken my fast, O Allaah accept (this fast) from me for Youare
the All-Hearing, All-Knowing) are da'eef (weak), as stated by Ibn
al-Qayyim (Zaad al-Ma'aad, 2/51). There is also another report:
"Dhahaba al-'zama' wa abtallat al-'urooq wa thabata al-ajr in sha
Allaah (the thirst is gone, the veins have been moistened and the
reward is assured, if Allaah wills)." (Narrated by Abu Dawood, 2357;
al-Bayhaqi, 4/239; classedas hasan in al-Irwa', 4/39).
There are ahaadeeth which speak of the virtue of the du'aa' of the
fastingperson, such as the following:
(i) It was narrated from Anas (may Allaah be pleased
with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)
said: "Three prayers are not rejected: the prayer of a father, the
prayer of a fasting person, and the prayer of a traveler." Narrated by
al-Bayhaqi, 3/345; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in al-Saheeh1797.
(ii) It was narratedfrom Abu Umaamah in a marfoo' report:
"Every time the fast is broken Allaah has people whom He ransoms."
Narrated by Ahmad, 21698; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh
al-Targheeb, 1/491.
(iii) It was narrated from Abu Sa'eed al-Khudriin a marfoo'
report: "Allaah ransoms people every day and night – i.e., in Ramadaan
– and every day and night the Muslim has a prayer that is answered."
Narrated by al-Bazzaar; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh
al-Targheeb,

--
- - - - - - -

Taking pictures of women in Qur’aan teaching centres and showing them on satellite channels

What is the ruling on photographers entering Qur'aan teaching centres
to take pictures of a lesson given by one of thefemale daa'iyahs,
knowing that the photographer will move among the women who are
listening to the lesson,so that they can show their pictures in a
lesson that will be broadcast on an Islamic satellite channel?.
Praise be to Allaah.
Women are obliged to cover their entire bodies in front of non-mahram
men, because of evidence that we have quoted previously in the answers
to questions no. 11774 and 92801
It is not permissible to allow anyone to take pictures of women when
their faces are uncovered or to transmit these pictures on satellite
channels or otherwise.
We have previously discussed the negative consequences of women
participating in satellite channels -- even if they wear niqaab.
Please see the answer to question no. 134785
Shaykh 'Abd ar-Rahmaan ibn Naasir al-Barraak (may Allah preserve him)
was asked: What is the ruling on a female daa'iyah appearing on TV in
full shar'i hijab for the purpose of da'wah and fatwas?
He replied:
Praise be to Allah. To proceed:
The basic principle is that the woman is fitnah in her image and her
voice. The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: "I
am not leaving behind me any fitnah more harmful to men than women."
(Agreed upon). Hence those who follow their whims and desires are very
keen to introduce women into all media programming, both audioand
video. Based on that, it is not permissible for a woman to appear on
TV, even if she is wearing hijab, in the name of da'wah and giving
fatwas,because innumerable menwill listen to her even if she only
appears on the channel on the basis of teaching women. Moreover, there
is no need for her to undertake da'wah and issue fatwas via TV
channels. The basic principle is that that is to be done by men, and
menare more suited to that. Throughout Islamic history men have been
the ones to teach, call people to Islam and issue fatwas in the
mosques and so on. They are the khateebs and imams. It is not
permissible for women to do any of thesethings unless it is among
other women.
Moreover it is well knownthat women's participation in video and audio
media results in things that are contrary tosharee'ah, such as their
going out unnecessarily, mixing with men, making images of them even
if they do wear hijab. This results in negative consequences that
Islam came to prevent, as Allah, may He be exalted, says
(interpretation of the meaning):
"O wives of the Prophet! You are not like any otherwomen. If you keep
your duty (to Allah), then be not soft in speech, lest he in whose
heart is a disease (of hypocrisy, or evil desire for adultery, etc.)
should be moved with desire, but speak in an honourable manner.
And stay in your houses, and do not display yourselves like that of
thetimes of ignorance"
[al-Ahzaab 33:32-33].
A woman may be making a display of herself in her clothing even if she
wearshijab.
Based on the above I say: It is not permissible for a woman to appear
on satellite TV channels as a daa'iyah, mufti or teacher.Rather she
should restrict her da'wah activities to her fellow women at home or
in a school or in the women's prayer spacein the mosque.
On this occasion we advise our sisters who arein charge of Islamic
channels to fear Allah and not to be deceived by the words of those
who have wrong views and do not see anything wrong with women
appearing on Islamic channels and evenpromote that and supportit with
specious arguments. It is sufficient to note that this is in
accordance with the whims and desires of modernists, who do not care
about anything but falsehood or that which leads to falsehood. Hence
they like the Islamic channels on which women appear and they regard
them as keeping pace with modern times, and they do not like the
channels on which no women appear and they regard them as backward and
describe the people incharge of them as being extremists. These people
are like those of whom Allah, may He be exalted, says (interpretation
of themeaning):
"but those who follow their lusts, wish that you (believers) should
deviate tremendously away from the Right Path"
[an-Nisa' 4:27].
We ask Allah to guide us to the straight path and to keep us away from
the path of those who earnedHis Anger and of those who went astray.
End quote from Shabakat Noor al-Islam.
And Allah knows best.

--
- - - - - - -

Aa] I want to be a devoted slave of Allaah … ten pointers

Aa]
And whoever desires the Hereafter and strives for it, with the necessary effort due for it (i.e. does righteous deeds of Allaah’s obedience) while he is a believer (in the Oneness of Allaah Islamic Monotheism) — then suchare the ones whose striving shall be appreciated, (thanked andrewarded by Allaah)”
[al-Isra’ 17:18-19]
My brother, if you want tohave a high position in all kinds of good deeds, to bea devoted slave of Allaah and to honour your parents, and you are seeking Paradise, then you have to do the following:
1 – You have to revive thefaith in your heart. Faith iswhat will bring the Muslim everything he seeks in this world and in the Hereafter. Faith is the key to all goodness and locks the door to all evil. The means of reviving and strengthening faith inone’s heart are many and varied, including doing a lot of acts of worship and righteous deeds.
2 – You must turn to your Lord sincerely, as it says in the report: “If My slave turns to me inwardly and outwardly, Iwill turn the hearts of My slaves to him with love and mercy.”
Allaah has made worship the ultimate aim and loftiest purpose of man:
“And I (Allaah) created notthe jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone)”
[al-Dhaariyaat 51:56 – interpretation of the meaning)]
3 – You should always setyour sights on the highestdegrees, and make your goal in life to earn the pleasure of Allaah, and strive to attain the victoryof Paradise, or to attain the highest Firdaws. You should strive as hard as you can to achieve these lofty aims.
4 – You should follow the example of historical Muslim figures such as theSahaabah, Taabi’een and righteous forebears (the salaf).
5 – You should make the most of every minute, every moment and every heartbeat to use it in sucha way as to increase your faith.
6 – You should try to keepcompany with righteous people, because the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “A man will follow the religion of his close friend,so let each one of you look at whom he befriends.” Narrated by Abu Dawood and al-Tirmidhi with a hasan isnaad. Good friends are one of the best means of helping you to obey Allaah and to avoid sin and error.
7 – Doing a lot of righteous deeds which will bring you happiness in this world and in the Hereafter.
8 – Praying qiyaam al-layl, making du’aa’ in the time just before dawn. The feet of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to swell because of his desire to be a thankful slave, even though Allaah had forgiven his previous and future sins.
9 – Persisting in reading aportion of Qur’aan daily, and other dhikr that helpsyou to think and ponder the meanings of the Qur’aan.
10 – Striving to spread the word and make da’wah for the sake of Allaah, and working for Islam as much as possible.
If you want to reach the status of devoted slave for which you long, then be as Allaah commanded His Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him):
“Say (O Muhammad): Verily, my Salaah (prayer), my sacrifice, my living, and my dying are for Allaah, the Lord of the ‘Aalameen (mankind, jinn and all that exists)”
[al-An’aam 6:162]
Being a devoted slave of Allaah means declaring one’s devotion and belonging to the Lord, which can only be achieved by applying this aayah, so that we are for Allaah, the Lord of the Worlds, in all our affairs.
Being a devoted slave of Allaah can only be fully achieved in this manner; it can only be achieved byworshipping Allaah in the fullest sense of the word, which means making our living and dying, and all our movements, for Him alone. So we only speak that which is pleasing to Allaah; we only do that which is pleasing to Allaah; we focus our intention in these words and deeds only on Allaah. Worship should not be reduced to merely raising and lowering our heads atcertain times, or giving a few pennies every once ina while, or fasting a few days each year, or movingour lips to say a few words and dhikrs.
Hence the deeds that leadto this status – of being a devoted slave – are innumerable and may take many shapes in all aspects of our lives and the places where we live. This is by the bounty of Allaah towards us and towards all people.
Just look, in every place where you find yourself and every moment that comes to you, for that which will please Him, and what you think He wants to see you doing, and do it. Then you will be a devoted slave.
Finally, we ask Allaah to accept righteous deeds from us and from you, and to gather us and you in His mercy with the Prophets, siddeeqs, martyrs and righteous, and those are the best of companions.
/ - - - :-> Transtors: 1.http://free-translation.imtranslator.net/lowres.asp 2.http://translate.google.com/m?twu=1&hl=en&vi=m&sl=auto&tl=en

A] I want to be a devoted slave of Allaah … ten pointers

A]
My question is short. I want to enter Paradise, I want to strive to control my self (my nafs), I want to kiss my mother’s hand every day, I want to keep away from whims and desires and from the Shaytaan, I want Allaah to call me a devoted slave on the Day of Resurrection, in sha Allaah, I want to love my brothers, and I want my faith to keep increasing. What should I do?.
Praise be to Allaah.
We ask Allaah to make yousteadfast in adhering to the truth, and to make your hopes come true, andto make you one of those who turn to Him and who know the truth, defend it and adhere to Islam.
The things you mention in your question indicate thatyou have a sound and pure nature, and a great desire to achieve great things and to give everyone his rights. These are great hopes that can be achieved through faith, as it was narrated that Sufyaan al-Thawri said: Faith is not wishes or pretence, rather it is what settles in the heart and is proven by actions.” So we will discuss the matter of faith and how important itis in becoming a devoted slave, pleasing and honouring one’s parents and achieving the victory of Paradise.
Whoever seeks to achieve great things has to stay upat night (worship).
Hence al-Fudayl said: “You hearts can never taste the sweetness of faith until they shun worldly pleasures.” And he also said, “If you cannot pray qiyaam at night and fast during the day, then knowthat you are deprived.”
The sincere believer has a heart like a burning coal, hence it was narrated by al-Haakim in his Mustadrakand al-Tabaraani in his Mu’jam with a saheeh isnaad that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “Faith wears out in your heart as clothes wear out, so ask Allaah to renew the faith in your hearts.”
The believer’s heart may sometimes feel overwhelmed by clouds of sin. This was portrayed to us by the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) when he said: “There is no heart that does not have clouds like the clouds that cover the moon. When the cloud covers it, it is dark, and when the cloud moves away it shines.” Narrated by al-Tabaraani in al-Awsat, and classed as saheeh by al-Albaani. So the believer’s heart is sometimes covered with a cloud and its light is hidden, and it remains dark and lonely, but if he strives to increase his storeof faith and seeks the help of Allaah, that cloud goes away and the light in his heart starts to shine again.Hence one of the salaf said: “It is part of a person’s smartness to c heck on his faith and be aware of what affects it.” It is also part of a person’s smartness “that he recognizes how the Shaytaan whispers to him.”
So he has to come back to faith. If you come back to faith and do as it requires, then you will achieve whatyou want. We will tell you of a basic principle which will let you know when faith is present and when it is not. Imam Ibn al-Jawzisaid: “O you who are turned away, O you who are deprived of meeting your loved ones, if you want to know how you stand before the king, thenlook at how you are spending your time and what work you are assigned to do. How many people stand at the door of the king, but no one enters except the one whom he cares for. Not every heart is fit to draw close, not every heart can be filled with love, not every wind is like the morning breeze.”
If a person want to know how he stands before Allaah and how he stands in relation to His commands and prohibitions, let him look at himself and see what heis preoccupied with. If he isbusy with da’wah and with saving people from the Fire, striving to attain Paradise, helping the weakand needy, honouring his parents, then let him rejoice in the fact that he isclose to the King of kings, for Allaah does not help anyone to do good except those whom He loves.
But if he is has no interest in da’wah, dislikes the daa’iyahs and does not do good things, if he is preoccupied with this world and its gains, and with gossip and asking toomany questions, whilst notdoing much or following his whims and desires, let him know that he is far from Allaah and has been deprived of that which willbring him closer to Paradise, because Allaah says in His holy Book (interpretation of the meaning):
“Whoever desires the quick-passing (transitory enjoyment of this world), We readily grant him whatWe will for whom We like. Then, afterwards, We haveappointed for him Hell; he will burn therein disgracedand rejected ( far away from Allaah’s 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