Ramadan For Children September 29, 2007
Posted by aymenmd in Blogroll.add a comment
Ramadhan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur‘an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (Should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful.
(Al-Qur‘an, 2:185 (Al-Baqara [The Cow])
Practical Guide to Ramadan for Children
The blessed month of Ramadan is a gift from Allah for the Muslims to purify themselves from their all past sins and negligent actions. Various authentic hadith states that all our past sins are forgiven in this month. We also have the blessed Night of Power (Laylatul Qadr) to earn virtues of 1000 months during Ramadan. Much has been written about the virtues of this month and we all possess considerable knowledge as well.
I want to discus some pratical things we can do with our children. Far too often, when it comes to religious matters, we get very serious, especially with our children. We tend to separate religion from rest of our lives, forgetting that our beloved Prophet Muhammad (saw) never taught us to have double life; one religious and one secular. Because how we portray religious affairs to our children, they often view complying with them more as punishment from parents than our duty toward Allah. I have seen parents making their children doing extra prayer or recitation of Quran as a form of punishment for something he/she may have done. No wonder so many children grow up viewing praying/reciting as punishment!
On the contrary, that was not how our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing of Allah upon him) was. He was a jolly person who often laughed and even made jokes, even with children!
Narrated Anas bin Malik (r), The Prophet (s) used to mix with us to the extent that he would say to a younger brother of mine (he had a bird called Umair), “O father of Umair! What you did to the Nughair (a kind of bird)?” [Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 8, #150]
The hadith doesn’t sound “funny” if you do not know the background of the hadith. Anas bin Malik (r) himself was quite young and he is referring to a younger brother of his who had a bird called Umair. However Umair died and the younger brother would not stop crying. When the prophet came, he jokingly addressed the younger brother as “father of Umair” (or father of the bird!) and rhymed Nughair with Umair. Now, of course we are dealing with translation here, also what was said was at a different time and different geographical place. So the humor may be lost a bit in translation.
The fact, however remains, that our prophet had a sense of humor. So did his companions.
Narrated ‘Uqba bin Al-Harith: I saw Abu Bakr carrying Al-Hasan and saying, “Let my father be sacrificed for you; you resemble the Prophet and not ‘Ali,” while ‘Ali was laughing at this. [Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 5, 93]
There are many other Hadiths out there that shows the sense of humor, jolly nature of the Prophet of Allah and his companions and the love and compassion between them.
The Prophet also advised us to speak to people at their level. Therefore it is only normal that we should communicate with our children at their level. We should try to raise their interest about Islam and not try to shove it down their throat. Unless the children develop genuine interest in Islam, the long-term outlook is not good. How long can you really force them to pray or fast, if they do not develop any understanding or desire for those themselves?
Last year, while I was still in USA, we were trying to convince my then 8-year-old nephew to fast only half a day. We temped him with different things if he fasts for half a day, yet he wouldn’t fast! He had some fear inside about going without food for much of the day and he just wasn’t ready for it. We of course didn’t push him anymore to fast. This year things were different. Before Ramadan, he asked my mother to know when is Ramadan starting, and when my mother asked him, if he would fast, he said yes. For whatever reason he was just ready this time around. He has already fasted the first few days of Ramadan and ready to fast some more, Alhamdulillah! So instead of pushing our children to do something that they are not ready, it is always best to be a good role model for them to emulate. If we carry ourselves like the way we should as a good Muslim (I mean a good Muslim in the complete sense), then rest assured that chances are your children will follow your footsteps sooner or later.
I want focus here on our children and how we can engage them during Ramadan, making things interesting, fun and joyous, even if they are not fasting. They need to understand Ramadan is not only abstaining from food (the adults need to understand it even more!) but there is much more about Ramadan.
The ideas below are not all my; some are mine, some I have modified; the original is from www.soundvision. com.
1. Hold a family meeting about Ramadan
A week before Ramadan, hold a family meeting to explain what Ramadan is, that the sighting of the moon indicates it’s beginning, what Muslims do and how the family’s schedule will change. Also ask for suggestions of what everyone would like to do during the month. For instance, may be set up a specific goal for the month such as fasting a certain number of days, or memorize few suras, etc. Be creative and let the children speak!
2. Welcome the month with balloons, banners and more
Say “Ramadan Mubarak” with the standard party fare: balloons, a great banner and decorations galore. Get the kids to help decorate the house and ask for their ideas and suggestions so they feel included. People decorate the house for many occasions, so why not for Ramadan!
3. Tell a Ramadan story during bedtime every night
Don’t just rely on children’s books about Ramadan to share stories. Describe what Ramadan was like when you were a kid. You can also make some tales up with your child as the main character in a Ramadan adventure!
4. Let them fast even a quarter of the day and celebrate
Kids often want to fast as they see their parents and older siblings do. This year, let them fast for a couple of hours. Prepare a special “Iftar” for them when they break fast with a couple of their favorite foods. In time, the couple of hour of fasting will turn into a complete fasting. So many of us started our fasting that way. I know I have!
5. Make Ramadan arts and crafts at home
Art is a great way to learn more about Ramadan. Have the kids make the different shapes of the moon and show which one indicates the beginning of the month, which one the middle and which one the end; have them make special Ramadan placemats for the dinner table.
6. Remember the poor
Explain to the children that there are many poor and less fortunate ones out there that are fasting everyday of their life! For them Ramadan is year around, 365 days a year, not just a special month where special foods are served. Have the children involved in donating food, money and clothing to the poor and needy.
7. Spend time with the children
Do not spend all your time outside the house at Masjid or other places. Spend time with your children for some time every single day. Have a family gathering each night (even a 10-15 minute one is great) and discuss how their day went and share some information about Ramadan or any Islamic topic. Remember, you are dealing with children. Speak at their level. Make it enjoyable and fun for them. Make sure that they enjoy this and not consider it as a punishment.
8. Make and send homemade Ramadan cards
Before the month starts, have an arts and crafts session to make Ramadan Mubarak cards for siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles. Send the cards soon though, time‘s running out!
9. Take them to Tarawih prayer
Nothing teaches community spirit like congregational prayer. Take the kids with you to the mosque for Tarawih prayer occasionally, even if they stay for only few Rakats.
10. Help them understand the true meaning of Ramadan
Children need to understand that Ramadan is not just abstaining from food during the daytime, and then having a HUGE meal for Iftar or the typical shopping spree that everyone gets into in this month. Help them see the true beauty of Ramadan (and Islam). The only way you can do it if YOU are doing it yourself.
These are just some suggestions. They can be modified to adjust to the family needs. I would like to hear from you, if you have more practical tips for children during Ramadan.
Remember, you are dealing with children. Make things interesting, fun, and joyous for them. And always speak at their level!
AB Withheld62@yahoo. com “For to us will be their return; then it will be for us to call them to account.” (Holy Quran 88:25-26)
Depression?No Way!! September 29, 2007
Posted by aymenmd in Blogroll.1 comment so far
Be not sad, surely Allah is with us
[Shaykh Aaid Al-Qarni]
Allah has asked us not be sad.
He says:
“So do not become weak [against your enemy], nor be sad…”
[surah Al-Imran - Ayah 139].
“And grieve not over them, and be not distressed because of what they plot.”
[surah An-Nahl - Ayah127].
“Be not sad, surely Allah is with us.”
[surah At-Taubah - Ayah 40].We are informed in the following verse about the believers that:
“…upon such shall come no fear, nor shall they grieve.”
[surah Al-Baqarah - Ayah 38].Sadness enervates the spirit’s will to action, paralysing the body into inactivity. The secret of this is that sadness prevents one from action instead of compelling one towards it. The heart benefits nothing through grief.
The most beloved thing to the Devil is to make the worshiper sad in order to prevent him from continuing on his path.
Allah says:
“Secret counsels [conspiracies] are only from Shaytaan (Satan), in order that he may cause grief to the believers.”
[surah Al-Mujadilah – Ayah 10].In the following hadith, the Prophet (Sallalahu Alayhi Wasalam) said:
‘In a company of three, it is forbidden for two to hold secret counsel while excluding the third, as this will be a cause of sadness for him.’
Contrary to what some believe (those who have an extreme ascetic bent), the believer should not seek out sadness, because sadness is a harmful element that afflicts the soul.
The Muslim must repel sadness, fighting it in any way that is permissible in our Religion.
There is no real benefit in sadness; the Prophet Muhammad (Sallalahu Alayhi Wasalam) sought refuge from it in the following supplication:
‘O’ Allah, I seek refuge in you from anxiety and grief.’Grief is coupled with anxiety in this hadith. The difference between the two is that if a bad feeling that pervades the heart is related to what is going to happen in the future, then it is anxiety. And if the cause of this feeling concerns the past, then it is grief. Both of them weaken the heart, causing inactivity and a decrease in will power.
Grief may sometimes be both inevitable and necessary. When they enter Paradise, its dwellers will say:
“All the praises and thanks be to Allah, Who has removed from us [all] grief.”
[surah Fatir – Ayah 34].This verse implies that they were afflicted with grief in this life, just as they were afflicted with other forms of hardship, both of which were out of their control.
So whenever one is overcome by grief and there is no way to avoid it, one is rewarded, because grief is a form of hardship, and the believer is rewarded for going through hardship.
Nonetheless, the believer must ward off grief with supplication and other practical means.
As for the saying of Allah:
“Nor [is there blame] on those who came to you to be provided with mounts, and when you said: ‘I can find no mounts for you’, they turned hack, while their eyes overflowing with tears of grief that they could not find anything to spend.”
[surah At-Taubah – Ayah 92].
They were not praised for their grief in itself but for what that grief indicated and pointed to – namely, strong faith. This occurred when they remained behind during one of the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam’s) expeditions, due to their inability to find the necessary resources needed to make the trip. Hence the hypocrites are exposed, because they did not feel grief when they remained behind.Therefore the good kind of grief is that which is occasioned when one misses out on an opportunity to do a good deed, or when one performs a sin. When one feels sad because he was negligent in fulfilling the rights of Allah, he shows a characteristic of a person who is on the right path.
***
‘Alahumma infa`ni bima `allamtani wa `allamni ma yanfa`uni!OH ALLAH! Make useful for me what You taught me and teach me knowledge that will be useful to me!
How perfect You are O Allah, and I praise You.
I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped except You. I seek Your forgiveness and turn to You in repentance.‘Our Lord, give us good in this world, and good in the hereafter, and safeguard us from the punishment of the Fire.’ (Qur’an, 2:200-201)
(AAMEEN)
With kind and humble regards,
Umme Safoora
Ramadan-The Excuse Killer September 29, 2007
Posted by aymenmd in Blogroll.add a comment
Ramadan kills all the excuses we make for ourselves throughout the year, and allows us to soar to new heights of eman!
If someone said to you, “let’s go to the masjid every day,” you’d say “we can’t do it!” but, in Ramadan, you do it! If someone said “let’s play Qiyam al-Layl all night,” you’d say “we can’t do it!” but, in Ramdan, you do it! Subhanallah, in Ramadan, wishes and hopes and dreams can become reality!
But why does this happen? Is it because of the well-known hadith that when Ramadan arrives, the gates of Paradise open, the gates of Hell lock, and the devils are shackled? [Bukhari 3/31/123, Muslim 6/2361] Undoubtedly that’s part of it! But beyond that, we all raise our standards and transform things we should do into things we must do!
What are some common excuses that die gruesome deaths in Ramadan?
· I can’t visit the masjid every day! (Taraweeh, anyone?)
· I can’t pray long prayers regularly! (Taraweeh, anyone?)
· Qiyam-al-Layl tires me out! (But you do it, for a whole month!)
· Fasting Mondays and Thursdays is too hard! (But fasting one month straight isn’t?)
· I can’t live without my coffee! (But you do, don’t you?)
· I need [beer/alcohol/ cigarettes/ other haraam goods or activities] to survive! (But you survived fine without them!)
· I can’t control my anger! (In ramadan, you don’t even argue!)
· I don’t get much time to read Qur’an! (In Ramadan, your recite the full quran!)
· I can’t wake-up for Fajr! (In Ramadan, not only do you pray Fajr on time, but you also wake up at the prime tahajjud time–the last third of the night!)
· I can’t tell my friends about Islam! (Was it so hard to tell them about fasting?)
· Post the many excuses you killed in comments!
Interestingly, anything you do consistently for about 21 days becomes a habit–and the effort you need to keep doing it drops dramatically!
So this Ramadan, purge yourself of some limiting excuses and enjoy the new heights of eman they can bring!
“Sure,” you might say, “but what about ‘Eid and beyond? How do I make sure I don’t backslide?”
If you do backslide, don’t beat yourself up–after all, everyone makes mistakes. Remember–you completed one month without giving in! There’s no reason why you can’t do it again! So refine your action plan, remember your goal, and start over. And make lots of du’a, because the help of Allah (ÓÈÍÇäå æÊÚÇáì) is always near!
May Allah (ÓÈÍÇäå æÊÚÇáì) give us all success in reaching the highest peaks of eman through Ramadan and beyond, ameen!
References
Muhammad Alshareef. Lecture. AlMaghrib. Rizq Management. University of Toronto, Toronto. June 2006.
Best Times to make Du’a September 29, 2007
Posted by aymenmd in Blogroll.1 comment so far
Source: www.geocities. com/mutmainaa
-
- There are certain times dua (supplication) is more likely to be accepted by Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) as mentioned by Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam). These times are as follows:
1. The Last Third Of The Night
Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said: ‘In the last third of every night our Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) (Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala)) descends to the lowermost heaven and says; “Who is calling Me, so that I may answer him? Who is asking Me so that may I grant him? Who is seeking forgiveness from Me so that I may forgive him?.”‘
[Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith Qudsi]Amr ibn Absah narrated that the Prophet said: ‘The closest any worshipper can be to His Lord is during the last part of the night, so if you can be amongst those who remember Allah at that time, then do so.’
[at-Tirmidhi, an-Nasa'i, al-Hakim - Sahih]2. Late at night
When people are sleeping and busy with worldly pleasures Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) gives the believers an opportunity, or an answer hour if they can fight sleep and invoke Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) for whatever they need.
The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said: ‘There is at night an hour, no Muslim happens to be asking Allah any matter of this world or the Hereafter, except that he will be given it, and this (occurs) every night.’
[Muslim #757]3. Between Adhan and Iqamah
Anas (radiAllahu anhu) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said: ‘A supplication made between the Adhan and Iqama is not rejected.’
[Ahmad, abu Dawud #521, at-Tirmidhi #212, Sahih al-Jami #3408, an-Nasai and Ibn Hibban graded it sahih (sound)]4. An Hour On Friday
Narrated Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu): Allah’s Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) talked about Friday and said:
‘There is an hour on Friday and if a Muslim gets it while offering Salat (prayer) and asks something from Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala), then Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) will definitely meet his demand.’ And he (the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) pointed out the shortness of that particular time with his hands.
[Sahih al-Bukhari]Some have said that this hour is from the time the Imam (prayer’s leader) enters the mosque on Friday’s prayer until the prayer is over (ie between the two khutbahs), whereas others have said that it is the last hour of the day (ie after the Asr prayer until the Maghrib prayer).
(Note: when we say an hour here we do not mean the hour everyone knows (60 minutes) but an unspecified period of time because the time counters which we use today came after the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) had died.5. While Drinking Zamzam Water
Jaber (radiAllahu anhu) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said: ‘Zamzam water is for what it is drunk for.’
[Ahmad 3: 357 and Ibn Majah #3062]This means that when you drink Zamzam water you may ask Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) for anything you like to gain or benefit from this water such as healing from illness…. etc.
6. While Prostrating
Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wasalam), said:
‘The nearest a slave can be to his Lord is when he is prostrating, so invoke (supplicate) Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) much in it.
[Muslim, abu Dawud, an-Nasa'i and others, Sahih al-Jami #1175]When a Muslim is in his Salat (prayer) he is facing Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) and when he prostrates he is the nearest he can be to Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) so it is best to invoke Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) at this time.
It is said that while in prostration, one should not ask for worldy needs (ie a nice car, a new job, etc), but for the Hereafter.7. When Waking Up at Night
Narrated Ubada Bin As-Samit that Allah’s Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said: ‘Whomever wakes up at night and says La ilaha illallahu wahdahu la shrika lahu lahulmulku, wa lahul hamdu, wa huwa ala kulli shai’in qadir. Alhamdu lillahi, wa subhanallahi wa la ilaha illallahu, wallah akbir, wa la hawla wala quwata illa billah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) He is the only one who has no partners. His is the kingdom and all the praises are for Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) All the glories are for Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) And none has the right to be worshipped but Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) and Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) is the most Great and there is neither might nor power except with Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) and then says, Allahumma ighfir li (O Allah! Forgive me) or invokes Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala),
he will be responded to and if he makes ablution and performs Salat (prayer), his Salat (prayer) will be accepted.
[Sahih al-Bukhari]8. At The End Of The Obligatory Salat:
Narrated Abu Omamah (radiAllahu anhu): that Allah’s Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) was asked, O Messenger of Allah, which supplication is heard (by Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala), he said the end of the night and at the end of the obligatory Salat (prayer)
[at-Tirmidhi]This time is after saying ‘At-tahyat’ , and before making Tasleem (finishing prayer)
9. The Night Of ‘Qadr’ (Decree)
This night is the greatest night of the year. This is the night which the almighty Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) said about it, “The night of Al-Qadar (Decree) is better than a thousand months.”
[Surah al-Qadr, 97: 3]The Night of Decree is one of the odd nights of the last ten nights of the blessed month of Ramadan. The angels descend down to the earth, and the earth is overwhelmed with peace and serenity until the break of dawn and when he doors of Paradise are opened, the worshipper is encouraged to turn to Allah to ask for his needs for this world and the Hereafter.
10. During The Rain
Narrated Sahel Ibn Sa’ad (radiAllahu anhu): that the Messenger of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said: ‘Two will not be rejected, Supplication when the Adhan (call of prayer) is being called, and at the time of the rain’.
[Al-Hakim 2: 114, and Abu Dawud #2540, ibn Majah]‘Seek the response to your du’as when the armies meet, and the prayer is called, and when rain falls’
[reported by Imam al-Shafi' in al-Umm, al-Sahihah #1469]The time of the rain is a time of mercy from Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) so, one should take advantage of this time when Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) is having mercy on His slaves.
11. At the Adhan
‘Seek the response to your du’as when the armies meet, and the prayer is called, and when rain falls’
[reported by Imam al-Shafi' in al-Umm, al-Sahihah #1469]In another hadith; ‘When the prayer is called, the doors of the skies are opened, and the du’a is answered’
[al-Tayalisi in his Musnad #2106, al-Sahihah #1413]12. The One Who Is Suffering Injustice and Opression
The Messenger of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said to Mua’ad Ibn Jabal (radiAllahu anhu), ‘Beware of the supplication of the unjustly treated, because there is no shelter or veil between it (the supplication of the one who is suffering injustice) and Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala)’
[Sahih Al-Bukhari and Muslim]The prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) declared,
‘Three men whose dua is never rejected (by Allah) are: the fasting person until he breaks his fast (in another narration, when he breaks fast), the just ruler and the one who is oppressed.’
[Ahmad, at-Tirmidhi - Hasan]In another hadith; The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) declared:
‘Three du’as are surely answered: The du’a of the oppressed, the du’a of the traveler, and the du’a of the father/mother (upon their child)’The One who is suffering injustice is heard by Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) when he invokes Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) to retain his rights from the unjust one or oppressor. Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) has sworn to help the one who is suffering from injustice sooner or later as the Messenger of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said.
13. The Traveler
The Messenger of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said; Three supplications will not be rejected (by Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala)), the supplication of the parent for his child, the supplication of the one who is fasting, and the supplication of the traveler.
[al-Bayhaqi, at-Tirmidhi - Sahih]During travel supplication is heard by Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) if the trip is for a good reason, but if the trip is for a bad intention or to perform illegal things (making sins) this will not apply to it.
14. The Parent’s Supplication for their Child
The Messenger of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said; Three supplications will not be rejected (by Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala)), the supplication of the parent for his child, the supplication of the one who is fasting, and the supplication of the traveler.
[al-Bayhaqi, at-Tirmidhi - Sahih]15. Dua after praising Allah and giving salat on the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) in the tashahhud at the end of salat.
Narrated Faddalah ibn Ubayd (radiAllahu anhu): that the Messenger of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
‘When anyone of you makes du’a, let him start by glorifying his Lord and praising Him, then let him send blessings upon the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam), then let him pray for whatever he wants’
[abu Dawud #1481, at-Tirmidhi #3477]In another hadith; Baqiy ibn Mukhallid (radiAllahu anhu) narrated that that the Messenger of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
‘Every du’a is not responded to until one sends blessings upon the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam)’
[al-Bayhaqi]In another hadith; Umar (radiAllahu anhu) narrated that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
‘Du’a is detained between the heavens and the earth and no part of it is taken up until you send blessings upon your Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam)’
[at-Tirmidhi #486]After a person has finished his tashahhud and before saying the ’salam’, supplication at this time is one likely to be responded to.
Ibn Mas’ud narrates: I was once praying, and the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam), Abu Bakr and Umar (were all present). When I sat down (in the final tashahhud), I praised Allah, then sent salams on the Prophet, then started praying for myself. At this, the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
‘Ask, and you shall be given it! Ask, and you shall be given it!’
[at-Tirmidhi #593 - hasan, Mishkat al-Misbah #931]16. The dua of a Muslim for his absent brother or sister Muslim stemming from the heart.
The prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
‘There is no believing servant who supplicates for his brother in his absence where the angels do not say, ‘the same be for you”
[Muslim]17. Dua on the Day of Arafat
The Messenger of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said: ‘The best supplication is the supplication on the day of Arafat’.
[at-Tirmidhi and Malik]The day of Arafat is the essence and pinnacle of Hajj. On this great and momentous day, millions of worshippers gather together on one plain, from every corner of the world, with only one purpose in mind – to respone to the call of their Creator. During this auspicious day, Allah does not refuse the requests of His worshippers.
18. Dua during the month of Ramadan
Ramadan is month full of many blessings, thus the du’a of Ramadan is a blessed one. This can be inferred from the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) saying:
‘When Ramadan comes, the Doors of Mercy (another narration says Paradise) are opened, and the doors of Hell are closed, and the Sahitans are locked up’
Thus, it is clear that du’a during Ramadan has a greater chance of being accepted, as the Gates of Paradise and Mercy are opened.
[Sahih al-Bukhari #1899, Muslim #1079 and others]19. Dua when the Armies meet
When the Muslim is facing the enemy in battle, at this critical period, the du’a of a worshipper is accepted.
Sahl ibn Sa’d (radiAllahu anhu) narrtaed the the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
‘Two duas are never rejected, or rarely rejected: the du’a during the call for prayer, and the du’a during the clamity when the two armies attack each other’
[abu Dawud #2540, ibn Majah, al-Hakim]In another narration: ‘Seek the response to your du’as when the armies meet, and the prayer is called, and when rain falls’
[reported by Imam al-Shafi' in al-Umm, al-Sahihah #1469]20. When Muslims gather for the purpose of invoking and remembering Allah (Dhikrullah) .
The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
If a group of people sit together remembering Allah, the angels will circle them, mercy will shroud them, peace will descend onto them and Allah will remember them among those with Him.
[Muslim]21. First Ten days of Dhul-Hijjah
The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
‘There are no days during which good deeds are more beloved to Allah than during these ten days’
[Sahih al-Bukhai #969 and others]22. Dua when the heart reaches out to Allah and is ready to be totally sincere
23. At Midnight
Abu Umamah (radiAllahu anhu) said, the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) was questioned; ‘Which du’a is heard (by Allah)?’ He answered,
‘At midnight and at the end of every obligatory prayer.’
[at-Tirmidhi - Hasan]25. Dua of people after the death of a person
In a long hadith, Umm Salamah (radiAllahu anha) narrated that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said, when Abu Salamah had just passed away, and had closed his eyes,
‘Do not ask for yourselves anything but good, for the angels will say ‘Ameen’ to all that you ask for. O Allah, forgive Abu Salamah, and raise his ranks among those who are guided.’
[Muslim, abu Dawud, Ahmad]26. Dua of the one fasting until he breaks his fast.
The Messenger of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said; Three supplications will not be rejected (by Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala)), the supplication of the parent for his child, the supplication of the one who is fasting, and the supplication of the traveler.
[al-Bayhaqi, at-Tirmidhi - Sahih]27. Dua of the one fasting at the time of breaking fast
The prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) declared,
‘Three men whose dua is never rejected (by Allah) are: when a fasting person breaks fast (in another narration, the fasting person until he breaks his fast), the just ruler and the one who is oppressed.’
[Ahmad, at-Tirmidhi - Hasan]29. Dua of a just Ruler
The prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) declared,
‘Three men whose dua is never rejected (by Allah) are: the fasting person until he breaks his fast (in another narration, when he breaks fast), the just ruler and the one who is oppressed.’
[Ahmad, at-Tirmidhi - Hasan]30. Dua of a son or daughter obedient to his or her parents
It is well known in the story narrated in hadith os three men who were trapped by a huge stone in a cave. One of them who was kind to kis parents asked Allah to remove the stone, and his du’a was answered.
[Sahih al-Bukhari 3:36 #472]31. Dua immediately after wudu
Umar ibn Al-Khattab reported that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
‘There is not one of you that makes wudu, and does it perfectly, then says: I testify that there is no diety worthy of worship except Allah. he is Alone, having no partners. And I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and messenger’, except that the eight gates of Paradise are opened for him, and he can enter into it through whichever one he pleases’
[Muslim #234, abu Dawud #162, Ahmad, an-Nasa'i]
Saying what has been mentioned in the hadith that is directly related to it (ablution)32. Dua after stoning the Jamarat at Hajj
The stoning of the small Shaitan (jamrat sugra), or the middle Shaitan (jamrat wusta) pillars during Hajj.
It is narrated that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) would stone the small Jamarah (one of the three pillars that is stoned in the last days of Hajj), then face the qiblah, raise his hands, and make du’a for a long time. He would then stone the middle Jamarah and do the same. When he stoned the large Jamarah, he would depart without making any du’a.
[Sahih al-Bukhari #1753 and others]33. At the Crowing of a Rooster
Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) narrated that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
‘When you hear a rooster crowing, then ask Allah for His bounties, for it has seen an angel, and when you hear a donkey braying, then seek refuge in Allah from Shaitan, for it has seen a Shaitan’
[Sahih al-Bukhari, Muslim, Ahmad, Sahih al-Jami #611]34. Du’a made inside the Ka’bah
The Ka’bah is a sanctuary that has no comparison in the entire world. The du’a of one who prays inside the hijr is considered as being made inside the ka’bah, as it is part of the house (Baitullah). [This is the semicircle to the right of the Ka'bah if you face the door, opposite to the Yemeni corner and the Black stone wall.]
Usamah ibn Zayd narrated, ‘When the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) entered the House (Ka’bah), he made du’a in all of its corners
[Muslim 2: 968 and others]35. Du’a on the mount of Safa or Marwah during Umrah or Hajj
It is narrated that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) would make long du’as at Safa and Marwah.
[Muslim #1218 and others]36. Dua at any of the holy sites.
37. While reciting Surah al-Fatihah
The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said that Allah the Exalted had said:
‘ I have divided the prayer into two halves between Me and My servant, and My servant will receive what he asks for. When the servant says: Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the universe, Allah the Most High says: My servant has praised Me. And when he (the servant) says: The Most Compassionate, the Merciful, Allah the Most High says: My servant has lauded Me. When he (the servant) says: Master of the Day of Judgment, He remarks: My servant has glorified Me, and sometimes He will say: My servant entrusted (his affairs) to Me. When he (the worshipper) says: Thee do we worship and of Thee do we ask help, He (Allah) says: This is between Me and My servant, and My servant will receive what he asks for. Then, when he (the worshipper) says: Guide us to the straight path, the path of those to whom Thou hast been Gracious — not of those who have incurred Thy displeasure, nor of those who have gone astray, He (Allah) says: This is for My servant, and My servant will receive what he asks for.
[Muslim 4: 395]38. Saying ‘Ameen’ during prayer
After finishing the recitation of al-Fatihah, the saying of’Ameen’ in congregation.
The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said: ‘When the Imam says ‘Ameen’, then recite it behind him (as well), because whoever’s Ameen coincides with the Ameen of the angels will have all of his sins forgiven.’
[Sahih al-Bukhari #780, Muslim #410 and others]39. While visiting the sick, and dua made by the sick
Umm Salamah narrated that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
‘When you visit the sick, or the dead then say good, because the angels say ‘Ameen’ to whatever you say
[Muslim #2126]Ali (radiAllahu anhu) reported that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said:
‘When a Muslim visits his sick Muslim brother in the morning, seventy thousand angels make dua for his forgiveness till the evening. And when he visits him in the evening, seventy thousand angels make dua for his forgiveness till the morning, and he will be granted a garden for it in Jannah.’
[at-Tirmidhi, abu Dawud]
Reality & Obligation in Ramadan September 29, 2007
Posted by aymenmd in Blogroll.add a comment
During this Ramadhan do not let the sweetness of our deeds vansh into the night, leaving only emptiness.
When one contemplates the texts on fasting, its wisdom and goals in Shariah, and looks at the reality of the Muslim communities, one realizes a wide gap between the reality and our obligations.
Remember that Ramadhan is a bounty that Allah blessed His servants with, to strengthen their faith, and increase their piety (Taqwa). Allah said: “O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become pious.” (Al-Baqarah 2:183).
This is an attempt to present the essential causes of this gap, and to some remedies. primary reason for the gap is ignorance about the goals of fasting and the wisdom behind it. Many Muslims ignore the purpose and wisdom of fasting. Fasting is done merely to conform to the social environmet without contemplation. If one is not aware of the divine wisdom of Shariah and its fruits in this world and in the hereafter, one will not apply it in the right way.
Goals of Fasting:
Achieving Taqwa: is one of the most important wisdom of fasting. Fasting brings on Taqwa as it lessens the desire of the stomach and mutes the sexual appetite. Whoever fasts frequently would overcome these two desires more easily. This deter against committing abominations and sins and assist in controlling life leading to Taqwa.
Strengthening willpower and acquiring patience: The Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam called Ramadhan the month of patience as it increases one’s will power to control his desire and the selfishness of his soul. This training allows him to be strong in following Allah’s commands. The most important being to carry the Message and propel it forward. The person trains himself to be patient in obeying Allah by stopping at the limits set by Allah both by way of action and abstention. Allah said: “These are the limits set by Allah, so approach them not.” (Al-Baqarah 2:187)
Fasting is pure worship: The fact that he is abstaining from food and drink both in public and in secret shows his honest faith and strong love of Allah, and his knowledge and feeling that Allah is all-knowing of everything. For this reason Allah has made the reward for fasting greater than for any other type of worship. Allah said in the hadith Qudsi: “Every deed of the son of Adam will be multiplied [in rewards], the good deed by ten of its like, up to seven hundreds, up to whatever Allah wills, except fasting, it is for Me and I will reward it. He abandons his desire and his food for My sake..” (Related by Muslim) lbn al-Qayyim said: “…And people may see that a person is not eating in front of them, but the fact that he is really abandoning his food and his desire for the sake of God is a thing that nobody can find out about, and that is the essence of fasting.” (Zaad al-Ma’ad 2/29).
Relieving Muslims from life’s distractions: Eating, drinking, and socializing all distract a person and weaken ties with Allah. It is by the Mercy of Allah that Muslims are ordered to fast so as not to be bothered by the intrusion of these activities. Nor by the thought about them nor the anticipation for them when devoting themselves to the all types of worship Either reading the Qur’an, offering additional prayer or making I’tikaf. For this reason the Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam said: “Fasting is a shield, and a secure fortress against Hell fire” (Related by Ahmad).
Discovering Allah’s Blessings: A person experiences the hardship of the poor. He should then be thankful to Allah Who has blessed him with His bounty while others are deprived. This should make him more sympathetic and willing to share this bounty. The poor rediscovers that fasting helps a person be more devoted to worship. More able to concentrate and meditate. He should then be able of this devotion all year long, a blessing he should thank Allah for.
Acquiring strength and endurance: It has been discovered that depriving the body of food for a period of time helps its defense and endurance mechanism. This in turn this protects the body from certain diseases.
Remember that fasting is not only dependent on abstentions: Many believe that fasting consist only of certain abstentions, forgetting that Allah established certain acts of worship with fasting. Among which are:
Qiyamul-layl: The Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam said: “Whoever performed the night prayer during Ramadhan out of belief and anticipating God’s rewards, will be forgiven his previous sins.” (Related by Muslim).Performing Umrah: The Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam said: “An Umrah during Ramadhan is like a Hajj with me.” (Related by al-Hakim).
Offering Iftar (meal) to those who fasted. The Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam said: “Whoever feeds a fasting person has the same reward as him, except that the reward of the fasting person will not be diminished.” (Related by Ahmad).
Reading and completing the Qur’an: The Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam said: “Fasting and [reading] Qur’an will intercede for the person: fasting will say: O Lord I forbade him eating and drinking so let me intercede for him, and the Qur’an will say: I deprived him from his night sleep so let me intercede for him,” he then said: “So they will intercede.” (Related by Ahmad). The Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam used to recite the whole Qur’an to Angel Jibreel each Ramadhan.
Giving in charity: Ibn Abbas radhiallahu anhu said: “The Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam was the most generous among people, and he was more generous during the month of Ramadhan.” (Related by Muslim).
I`tikaaf: which is to confine oneself in the masjid for prayer and invocation leaving the worldly activities. Ibn Abbas radhiallahu anhu said: “The Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam used to perforrn I’tikaf during the last ten days of Ramadhan.” (Related by Muslim). It is surprising that many people have abandoned I’tikaf though the Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam never abandoned it from the time he arrived to Madinah until he died.
Supplication: In the verses dealing with fasting, Allah said: “And when My slaves ask you (O Muhammad) concerning Me, then answer them, I am indeed near to them. I respond to the invocations of the supplicant when he calls on Me.” (Al-Baqarah 2: 186). This is an encouragement for the fasting person to increase his invocation. The Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam said: “Three invocations will be answered: The invocation of the fasting person, the invocation of the oppressed, and the invocation of the traveler.” (Related by Muslim).
Repentance: Ramadhan is the time of repentance and return to Allah, for it is a time when the devils are chained, and when many people are saved from hell fire every night by the grace of Allah.
Applying oneself in all good deeds in the last ten days of Ramadhan: Aysha radhiallabu anha said: “When the last ten days come, he sallallahu alayhe wa sallam would pray most of the night and wake his family, and apply himself, and tighten up his loincloth.”, and she also said: “The Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhe wa sallam used to strive in the last days of Ramadhan more than he did during the other days.” (Related by Muslim).
Abstaining from vain talk: Sins decrease the reward of fasting although they do not annul it. The Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam said: “Fasting is not [only] abstaining from eating and drinking, but abstaining from vain and obscene talk, so if someone insulted you or wronged you say: I am fasting.” (Related by al-Hakim) and he also said: ‘Whoever does not abandon lying, then Allah does not need him to abandon his food and drink.” (Related by al-Bukhari).
Common errors made during Ramadhan:
Excessive spending: Ramadhan should be a time to avoid being wasteful, and learning to be prepared in facing harder times by distinguishing the needs from the luxuries. Unfortunately, many people go beyond their limits to spend during Ramadhan. Whether in the varieties of food that they savor each night, or by the other types of spending.
Staying awake during the night and sleeping during the day: Some people sleep during most of the day when they are fasting. Ramadhan is not a time of being lazy, and this do not allow the full benefit from the experience of fasting. It is as if they have only inverted their nights into days and vice versa. In addition, some may spend a great portion of the night indulging in eating and drinking and socializing
Spending more time in socializing: Because people invite each other more often during Ramadhan they do tend to spend more time socializing with friends, and relatives. While it is a good deed to feed the fasting person, this should not result in precious time lost in vain talk. Use the occasion for remembering Allah and offering additional prayers, and for the Da’wah to Allah.
Insisting on performing a certain number of Rakaas during the Tarawih (night) prayer to the point of not praying behind the Imam and thus forfeiting the benefit of congregational prayer. This might also bring hatred and disagreement between the Muslims of one community.
Reading Qur’an too fast: Some insist on finishing the whole Qur’an once or more, even if they have to read very fast. Although reading the Qur’an many times is desirable, this should not be done hastily, especially during the Tarawih prayer without pondering upon its meaning. Allah ta’ala said: “This is a Book which We have sent down to you, full of blessings that they may ponder over its verses,” (Saad 38:29), and the Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam said: “Those who read the Qur’an in less than three days do not grasp [its meaning]”
Socializing in l’tikaf: Many people are eager to do I’tikaf but some confine themselves in the masjid not to pray and worship Allah but to talk and socialize.
The ways of doing good are numerous in Ramadhan Many people try to perform more than they are able to. By going beyond their capabilities, they end up not performing any deed in the desired way.
Scholars and Dai’ahs should assume a more prominent role in educating the people – both by talking to them and by giving the best example in their behavior which should comply to the Shariah and following the Sunnah.
The Muslim should realize that his priorities dictate that he does what benefits him in the Hereafter and should not put worldly interests first.
The Muslim should apply himself to deepen his sense of following the Sunnah of the Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, in every aspect of his life, at all times and especially during the month of Ramadhan. This necessitates seeking more knowledge about the Fiqh of fasting and its etiquette, assimilating the wisdom and goals of fasting, and facilitating the means that allow all the Muslims to benefit from their fasting.
We ask Allah to accept our fast and our good deeds.
Source Undisclosed
Mistakes to Avoid during Ramadhaan September 29, 2007
Posted by aymenmd in Blogroll.add a comment
By Shaykh Salman Al-Oadah
Muslims make a number of mistakes during this auspicious month. These mistakes vary from country to country and from culture to culture, and there are many reasons why they happen. Sometimes they can be attributed to local customs and traditions. Sometimes they occur because of a misapplication of Islamic Law. At other times, the reason for the mistake is the desire to express happiness and joy during this blessed month. At other times, simple ignorance is to blame. Whatever the reason, the outcome is the same: a violation of Islamic teachings in a matter of worship. This is serious, since matters of worship in Islam are established and defined by the sacred texts.
The Prophet sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “Whoever introduces something new into this matter of ours will have it rejected.” [Saheeh al-Bukhaari (2550) and Saheeh Muslim (1718)]
Some of the mistakes people make in Ramadhaan are serious enough to be violations of Islamic Law. Some mistakes are innovations. Other mistakes are less serious, causing the person who errs to act in a way that is undesirable. These mistakes can relate to the fast itself or to other customs and practices associated with it.
We will now turn our attention to some of these mistakes:
Neglecting Congregational Prayer
Many people increase their worship in Ramadhaan and frequent the mosques more that usual. However, some people fall short during this month of their observance of congregational prayer and neglect the mosque. This is a mistake, for there is a hadeeth that reads: “Whoever hears the call to prayer but does not hearken to it, then he has no prayer.” [Sunan al-Tirmidhi (217)]
‘Alî b. Abî Tâlib said: “There is no prayer for the neighbour of the masjid except in the mosque.” [Musannaf ‘Abd al-Razzaaq (1915) and Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah (3469)]
No doubt, neglect congregational prayer is something serious. It is even more serious to neglect prayer altogether. A hadeeth reads: “The covenant between us and them is prayer. Whoever abandons it has disbelieved.” [Sunan al-Tirmidhî (2621)]
The Prophet sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “Whoever abandons the ‘Asr prayer, his deeds are lost.” [Saheeh al-Bukhaari (528)]
There are numerous other hadeeth that stress the importance of prayer. May Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala protect us from neglecting our prayers.
A Muslim should safeguard his worship and be steadfast in prayer. Ramadhaan should be an opportunity for us to change for the better and habituate ourselves to doing good deeds.
Backbiting & Rumour-Mongering
Speaking badly about other people is a way to seriously compromise one’s fasting. The Prophet sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam defined backbiting in the following way:
He said: “Do you know what backbiting is?”
They said: “Allaah and His Messenger know best.”
He said: “It is to mention about your brother something that he would dislike having mentioned about him.” [Saheeh Muslim (2589)]
Someone enquired: “O Messenger of Allaah! How do you see it if what I said about him is true?”
He replied: “If what you said about him is true, then you have backbitten him. If what you said about him is false, then you have slandered him.” [Saheeh Muslim (2589)]
Another evil is to spread what people say about each other in order to bring about problems. This rumour-mongering also includes divulging secrets and exposing people’s faults.
Hudhayfah heard about a man who was spreading rumours and he said: “I heard Allaah’s Messenger say: ‘A rumour-monger will not enter Paradise .” [Saheeh al-Bukhaari (6056) and Saheeh Muslim (105)]
Vulgar Speech and Bad Manners
Aboo Hurayrah relates that the Prophet sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “Whoever does not abandon false speech and acting falsely, then Allaah has no need of his abandoning food and drink.” [Saheeh al-Bukhaari (1903)]
The Prophet sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “Fasting is a shield, so the one who fasts should avoid obscene speech and ignorant behavior. If someone abuses him or starts to fight with him, he should reply by saying: ‘I am fasting. I am fasting’.” [Saheeh al-Bukhaari (1795)]
Ibn Hajar writes in Fath al-Baari (4/105)]:
The hadeeth means that the fasting person should not respond to the one who abuses him with the same kind of behavior. He should restrain himself by saying: “I am fasting.”
Laziness and Listlessness
Some people take the Ramadhaan fast as an excuse for laziness. In this, they behave in stark contrast to the ways of our Pious Predecessors, who had no qualms with working hard in Ramadhaan and even rallying to the defense of the faith. They definitely did not become lax in their regular, daily worship. Indeed, they would increase their religious observances in this month.
Some people justify their laziness with the weak hadeeth that reads: “The sleep of the fasting person is worship.” If, for the sake of argument, we assume that the hadeeth is authentic, it does not justify laziness. It certainly does not pardon the practice of those who sleep all day in Ramadhaan and then spend the nights in feasting and merriment. The hadeeth refers to the normal sleeping habits of the person, like the person’s usual daily nap. This normal sleep helps invigorate the person for further acts of worship.
It is necessary for a person to capitalize on the opportunity for blessings that the month of Ramadhaan has to offer. A Muslim should strive to the utmost to earn Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala’s reward during this month, keeping in mind that there is no guarantee of his living to see another Ramadhaan.
Excessive Eating and Drinking
Some people spend their nights in Ramadhaan filling their stomachs with all types of food and drink, sometimes indulging in delicacies that they do not ever eat outside of Ramadhaan. This practice, without doubt, contradicts the very essence of Ramadhaan and the wisdom behind our fasting.
It is related from al-Miqdâm b. Ma‘di Yakrib that the Prophet sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “The human being does not fill up any vessel worse than his stomach. It is sufficient for a person to eat just enough to keep his back straight. If he must eat more, then he can fill a third with food, a third with drink, and leave a third for air.” [Sunan al-Tirmidhî (2380)]
How can a person learn to subdue his base impulses and desires through fasting, when he makes up for it all by indulging his every whim at night, eating even more during Ramadhaan than he does during the rest of the year? In some places, people have a custom of storing food and reserving it for Ramadhaan, so that they consume in Ramadhaan the quantity of food that would usually take them months to eat.
We all know that the purpose of fasting is to rein in our passions and break our desires in order to grow in piety. If we allow our hunger to build in strength from dawn to dinner time only to then indulge our hunger with greater gusto, this merely magnifies the pleasure of eating. It strengthens our passions more than if we had been left to our normal eating patterns.
Getting Angry
Some people seem to think that their bad tempers are excused because they are fasting. They allow their anger its full spectrum of expression, saying the most horrible things and doing the most preposterous deeds.
A fasting person needs to adorn his fast with magnanimity and good manners. He should remind himself that the Prophet sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “The strong person is not the one who can wrestle someone else down. The strong person is the one who can control himself when he is angry.” [Saheeh al-Bukhaari (5763) and Saheeh Muslim (2609)]
Abandoning Fasting Without an Excuse
Abandoning a Ramadhaan fast without a valid excuse is a major sin. A person who falls into this sin must repent sincerely and earnestly to his Lord. He must also make up the days that he missed later. He must also provide a meal for a poor person for each day that he missed if he is financially able to do so.
Fasting is one of the five pillars of the religion of Islam. A person who openly abandons the Ramadhaan fast should be rebuked for doing so and not left to be a bad example for others.
Women Putting on Perfume to Go to the Masjid
Some women put on attractive perfumes to when they go to the mosque at night in Ramadhaan. This is a mistake.
The Prophet sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “Any woman who dons perfume should refrain from attending the ‘Ishaa’ congregation with us.” [Saheeh Muslim (444)]
The Prophet sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam also said: “Any woman who puts on perfume and then walks by people so they can get a whiff of her perfume is a wanton woman.” [Sunan al-Tirmidhi (2786) and Sunan al-Nasaa’i (5126)]
Staying Up Late
This is a mistake if it leads to bed consequences. Some people stay up late at night and then sleep through the Fajr prayer. Some even sleep through the Zuhr and ‘Asr prayers. If they force themselves to get up during the day, they can suffer extreme fatigue on account of it. If they are employees, their performance at work suffers.
Such people need to keep cognizant of the blessings of this month that they lose out on because of these consequences.
http://islamtoday. net/english/ showme2.cfm? cat_id=35&sub_cat_id=847
The Many Levels In Ramadan September 29, 2007
Posted by aymenmd in Blogroll.add a comment
There are as many levels of fasting as there are facets to being human. Proper fasting should encompass all dimensions of human existence for it to have the divinely intended effect. The following are some of the major levels of fasting:
The Ritual Level:
This level of fasting requires that the basic rules for fasting be fulfilled, which are avoiding food, drink and sexual intercourse between dawn and sunset for 29 or 30 days each year. On this level, one is basically following the letter of the laws regarding fasting without particular consideration for the spirit of fasting. It is the entrance level which must be fulfilled for the fast to be Islamically correct, but the other levels must be added for the fast to have any real impact on the fasting person. Fasting on this level alone will not benefit one spiritually, except from the perspective of submission to divine instructions, if one chooses to follow the ritual consciously and not merely according to tradition. Thus, by itself, the ritual level will not purify one of sin or atone for sin.
The Physical Level:
Fasting on the “physical” level causes the fasting person to experience the pangs of hunger and thirst – when the prophetic (Sunnah) way of fasting is observed. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to consume a very light meal before the dawn (suhoor) and moderate meal (iftaar) to break the fast at sunset, while scrupulously avoiding filling his stomach. He is reported to have said, “The worst container a human being can fill is his stomach. A few morsels of food to keep a person’s back straight are sufficient. However, if his desire overcomes him, then let him eat a third, drink a third and leave a third for breathing.”[6] The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to break his fast with a few fresh or dried dates and a glass of water just before beginning the sunset prayer.[7] This level allows the fasting person to experience the pangs of hunger and thirst and thereby develops sympathy in him or her for those starving and dying of thirst in other parts of the world.
Medical Benefits: On the physical level, some chemicals in the brain that transmit messages and create feelings, called neurotransmitters, are affected by fasting. Fasting encourages the endorphin neurotransmitter system, related to the feeling of well being – and euphoria, to produce more endorphins and, in fact, makes us ‘feel’ better. This is similar to the effect of exercise (but without the physical work).It has also been noted by medical experts that fasting improves the physical health in numerous ways. For example, during the fast the body uses up stored cholesterol (fat) that is often deposited in the blood system, as well as in other fatty areas of the body. Thus, it helps to keep the body firm and minimizes the danger of heart attacks. The difference between the ritual level 1 and the physical level 2 is that a person dong only ritual fasting may eat large meals prior to beginning the fast and immediately upon ending the fast, and thus not feel any hunger or thirst throughout the whole month. However, like level one, if the fasting person does not incorporate the other levels of fasting, the fast will only be physically exhausting. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Perhaps a fasting person will gain nothing but hunger and thirst from fasting.”[8]
The Libidinal Level:
The sexual instinct and drives (libido) are harnessed on this level of fasting. In these times where the media continually plays on sexual desires to promote and sell products, the ability to control these powerful desires is a plus. Fasting physically reduces sexual desires and the fact that the fasting person has to avoid anything which could stimulate him psychologically helps to further lower the libido. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “O youths, whoever among you is able to marry let him do so, for it restrains the eyes and protects the private parts. He who is unable to marry should fast, because it is a shield.”[9] By restraining oneself from sexual acts which are permissible, the fasting person makes it easier for himself to restrain himself from forbidden sexual acts when he is not fasting.
The Emotional Level:
Fasting on this level involves controlling the many negative emotions which simmer in the human mind and soul. For example, among the most destructive emotions is anger. Fasting helps to bring this emotion under control. Prophet Muhammad, (peace be upon him) said: “When one of you is fasting, he should abstain from indecent acts and unnecessary talk, and if someone begins an obscene conversation or tries to pick an argument, he should simply tell him, “I am fasting.”[10] Thus, on this level, whatever negative emotions challenge the fasting person must be avoided. One must abstain from lewd conversation and heated arguments. Even when one is in the right, it is better to let that right go and keep one’s emotional fast intact. Likewise, the negative emotion of jealousy is reduced, as every fasting person is reduced to the common denominator of abstinence; no one is externally superior to another in this regard.
The Psychological Level:
This level helps the fasting person psychologically to control evil thoughts and trains him or her, to some degree, how to overcome stinginess and greed. The Prophet (peace be upon him) was reported to have said, “Allaah has no need for the hunger and the thirst of the person who does not restrain himself from telling lies and acting on them even while observing the fast.”[11] In this age of immediate gratification, when the things of the world are used to fulfill human needs and desires almost as soon as they have them – the ability to delay gratification is an important skill. What is between immediate gratification and delayed gratification is patience. During the fast, the believers learn patience – and the benefits of it.
From a psychological perspective, it is good to be somewhat detached from the things of the world. There is nothing wrong with enjoying a good and full life – in fact, one can and should expect that. However, it is important that people are able to detach ourselves from material things so that they do not become the most important part of their lives. Fasting gives one the opportunity to overcome the many addictions which have become a major part of modern life. Food, for many people, provides comfort and joy –and the ability to separate oneself from it gives the fasting people the psychological benefit of knowing that they do have some degree of control over what they do and what they do not do.
The Spiritual Level:
In order to establish this, the highest and most important level of fasting, the level of God-consciousness, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) made the renewal of the intention for fasting a requirement before every day of fasting. He was reported to have said, “Whoever does not intend to fast before Fajr (the dawn) will have no fast.”[12] The daily renewal of intention helps to establish a spiritual foundation of sincerity essential for the spiritual cleansing effects of fasting to operate. Sincere fasting purifies and atones for sin, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever fasts Ramadaan out of sincere faith and seeking his reward from God, his previous sins will be forgiven.” He was also reported to have said, “From one Ramadaan to the next is atonement for the sins between them.” Sincere fasting brings one closer to Allaah and earns a special reward. The Prophet (peace be upon him informed that there is a gate in paradise called Rayyaan reserved for those who fast and he also said, “When Ramadaan comes, the gates of Paradise are open.”[13] Fasting is primarily between the person and God, as no one can be sure that any person is actually fasting. Because of this intimate aspect of fasting, Allaah was quoted by the Prophet (peace be upon him) as saying, “Every act of Aadam’s descendants is for themselves, except fasting. It is meant for Me alone, and I alone will give the reward for it.”[14] When combined with the previous levels of fasting, this level transforms a person from within. It restores, revives and regenerates the fasting person’s spirituality and radically modifies his or her personality and character. These are the precious products of a heightened state of God-consciousness.
Source:Not Disclosed
Muslims Go Green September 15, 2007
Posted by aymenmd in Blogroll.add a comment
By Anayat Durrani, Contributing Writer
Southern California Infocus, September 2007
TORRANCE, Calif. – Every morning, Wasi Ahmed Yousaf, 37, of Manhattan Beach, Calif., puts on his sneakers and helmet and commutes to work on his bicycle.
Yousaf ditched his car two months ago in favor of a more eco-friendly mode of transportation.
Across the nation, Americans are replacing their gas-guzzling SUVs for fuel-efficient hybrids, recycling, conserving water, saving energy and making other lifestyle changes to help the environment.
Going green can improve your health and standard of living, save you money and ensure that you are helping reverse rather than contribute to environmental decline,” said Zoë Chafe of the Worldwatch Institute, an environmental research organization that provides information on how to build a sustainable society.
Environmentally- sustainable living, more popularly known as “going green,” means being a conscious consumer in all aspects of daily life, including transportation, energy, food and shelter.
Yousaf, a practicing Muslim, embraced the green lifestyle after watching several solutions-focused messages during the Live Earth series of worldwide concerts on July 7. Live Earth started a multi-year campaign to fight climate change and promote environmentally- sustainable living. (MORE)
