Virtues of Hijaab

Dear Readers, As Salaamu Alaikum!

 ALL PRAISES AND THANKS TO ALLAH, LORD OF THE WORLDS!!

Hijaab for women is mentioned in the following verse:


"And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands’ fathers, their sons...."
[Al-Qur’an 24:31]

The extent of hijaab for a woman is that her complete body should be covered. The only part that can be seen, are the face and the hands up to the wrists. If they wish to cover, they can even cover these parts of the body. However some Islamic scholars insist that even the face should be covered.

But one important point is Hijaab is not only meant for women, it for men too!

"Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty: that will make for greater purity for them: and Allah is well acquainted with all that they do."

[Al-Qur’an 24:30]

Let us read the following important virtues of Hijaab which make it so important:

1. An act of obedience.
The hijab is an act of obedience to Allah and to his Prophet (Salallahu Alaihi wa Sallam), Allah says in the Qur'an:
 'It is not for a believer, man or woman, when Allâh and His Messenger have decreed a matter that they should have any option in their decision. And whoever disobeys Allâh and His Messenger, he has indeed strayed in a plain error.' (33:36).
 Allah also said:
And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts, etc.) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent (like palms of hands or one eye or both eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer dress like veil, gloves, head-cover, apron, etc.), and to draw their veils all over Juyubihinna ( i.e. their bodies, necks and bosoms, etc.)....... '(24:31)

Importance of In sha Allah

Dear Readers, As Salaamu Alaikum!

Today we will explain to you the importance of saying “In sha Allah” when intending to do something in future. We all make future plans and intend to do such and such activities in future, but do we always say, “In sha Allah”? If not, then this is where we are lacking. Also when some friend of ours is explaining his/her future plans and if he/she forgets to say “In sha Allah” then we must add to it, in this way it will remind “him/her” to say In sha Allah.

The Holy Qur’an says:

"AND NEVER SAY OF ANYTHING, 'I SHALL DO SUCH AND SUCH THING TOMORROW.? EXCEPT (WITH THE SAYING): 'IF ALLAH WILLS!'? AND REMEMBER YOUR LORD WHEN YOU FORGET" [SOORAH AL-KAHF (18): 23]

Today we will share with one of the incidence of Prophet Sulayman’s (peace be on him)’s  life in which he had intended to do something but did not say In sha Allah.

The Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “Sulaymaan the son of Dawood (alaihim as-salaam) said, ‘Tonight I will go to one hundred women, everyone of whom will give birth to a male child who will fight in Allah’s Cause.’ On that an angel said to him, ‘Say, If Allah Wills.’ But Sulaymaan did not say it, he forgot to say it. Then he had relations with them but none of them gave birth to any child except one who gave birth to a half child.” The Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “If Sulaymaan had said ‘Insha-Allah (If Allah Wills),’ Allah would have fulfilled his desire and that saying would have made him more hopeful.” [Bukhari]

This hadith holds many lessons for us:

Ramadan and Eemaan

The following lecture was given  by by Imâm al-Madîna al-Munawarrah 'Alî Abd-ur-Rahmân al-Hudhaifî on a Friday, 12 th of Ramadaan 1421 H i.e on 8 December 2000:

Brethren in faith, always be conscious of Allah by doing good deeds and abstaining from forbidden acts for, it is only through fear of Allah that you can attain prosperity in this world and the pleasure of Allah in the hereafter.

Fellow Muslims, it should be known to you that acts of worship that Allah ordained on His servants have two aims:

First: To purify Muslim’s soul in order to make it elligible for dwelling in the everlasting Paradise. Allah says:

“Indeed, whoever purifies himself (by avoiding polytheism and accepting Islamic monotheism) and remembers (glorifies) the name of his Lord and prays will have success.” (Al-A‘laa 87:14-15).    

Second: To make all the mankind benefit therefrom. This is evident in this verse:     

“You are the best of peoples ever raised up for the mankind; you enjoin all that is good and forbid all that is evil and you believe in Allah.” (Aal ‘Imraan 3:110)    

Ibn Katheer, while commentig on this verse said that Muslims are the most beneficial to the mankind by virtue of their enjoining good, forbidding evil and belief in Allah. In a Hadeeth, the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said: “Mankind are Allah’s dependents and the dearest of all His servants to Him are the most beneficial to His dependents.”

Furthermore, abstaining from forbidden acts drives away impending evils and puts an end to continuous ones. Allah says:

   
“Truly, Allah defends those who believe. Verily, Allah loves not any treacherous ingrate to Allah.” (Al-Hajj 22:38.)    

Ramadan is a month of blessing and good deeds. Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) honored it and blessed its nights and days rather, every hour of it. He ordaines fasting during its days and enjoins prayers and supplication during its nights. He made it a period in which good deeds earn multiple reward. He makes a ‘Umrah that is performed in this month as equivalent in reward to a Hajj. It is in this noble month that many great events occured in the history of Islam like the victory of Eemaan over Kufr in the Battle of Badr, the conquest of Makkah, Battle of ‘Ayn Jaaloot and other decisive battles.

During this month, Muslims by their fasting have spiritual gains and avert retributions that usually accompany the commitment of forbidden and destructive acts. This meaning is manifested in the verse:


“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).    

Among the merits of this month also is that it puts demarcation between one and Satan, so that he is no more capable of doing what he easily does in other months. This fact is explained by the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) when he said:

“When Ramadan comes, gates of Paradise are opened, gates of Hell are closed and devils are chained.”

You are therefore obliged dear brethren, to praise Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) for this great favor with your hearts, tongues and limbs and thank Him for all good things that He facilitates for you. Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala says:

    

Tips for Ramadan Taraweeh Prayers

Today we will share with you some tips which will help you to perform your Taraweeh prayers effectively, In sha Allah.

Tip number one: Do not fill your belly to bursting point at iftaar time! I'm sure you've heard that many times already, but it's worth repeating; it's that important to remember. If the masjid is too warm, you'll get sleepy during Qiyam. If you go for all 20 rakaat, you'll likely get a stitch! Would you eat a full meal an hour before swimming? The same logic applies here.

Tip number two: Try to avoid spicy/smelly foods at iftaar time. Instead, indulge your chilli and garlic tastebuds when you return home. Even if you brush your teeth real well before leaving for the masjid, your breath will still smell of digesting curry, and it's simply not good manners to inflict others with that kinda hardship! Especially when they're trying to worship Allāh (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) in peace.

Tip number three: Don't sit or lie down after Iftaar. Get ready to leave for the Masjid straight away, as otherwise you'll just get lazier, and more tired as the seconds tick by. Also, leave the dishes and cleaning until you return home, because it's just a waste of your precious time at that moment, and it will make you late to get that good spot in the front row!

Patience in Islam (The Story of Zainab bint Muhammad)

This is a must read story of Zainab bint Muhammad, the eldest daughter of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her). The story shows the importance of having a great Patience in Islam.

Abu al-’As ibn Rabi’ was the husband of Zainab and was loved by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) very much. One day Abu al-’As ibn Rabi’ went to the Prophet (pbuh) before he had received his mission of Prophethood and said: “I want to marry your eldest daughter”. So the Prophet(pbuh) replied: “I must ask her first”. He went to Zainab and asked her: “Your cousin came to me and he wishes to marry you, do you accept him as your husband?” Her face turned red with bashfulness and she smiled.

So Zainab married him, the beginning of a great love story! They had two children; Ali and Omama. Then Muhammad ibn Abdullahi became a Prophet of Allah while Abu al-’As ibn Rabi’ was away from Makkah. When he returned he saw Zainab had become a Muslim. When he first came back, his wife said “I have great news for you”. He stood up and left her. Zainab was surprised and followed him as she said, “My father became a Prophet (pbuh) and I have become a Muslim”.

Fasting in Hadith

Dear Readers,
Assalam o Alikum!

Muslims all over the world celebrate their holiest month of Ramadan every year. It is an obligation on every adult and healthy Muslim to fast during the month of Ramadan. Fasting is a total abstention from eating, drinking, and sexual relations from dawn to dusk for 29 or 30 days of the month of Ramadan. Also, avoiding immoral behavior and anger and showing compassion is part of the requirements of the fasting. The month of Ramadan is also the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in piecemeal basis over a period of 23 years. It is a very joyous occasion for the Muslims of the world. Muslims fast during the day and pray and read Quran during the part of the night.

A few hadith on Fasting:

Sahih Bukhari :: Book# 31 :: Hadith# 115

Narrated Talha bin ‘Ubaid-Ullah: A bedouin with unkempt hair came to Allah’s Apostle and said, “O Allah’s Apostle! Inform me what Allah has made compulsory for me as regards the prayers.” He replied: “You have to offer perfectly the five compulsory prayers in a day and night (24 hours), unless you want to pray Nawafil.” The bedouin further asked, “Inform me what Allah has made compulsory for me as regards fasting.” He replied, “You have to fast during the whole month of Ramadan, unless you want to fast more as Nawafil.” The bedouin further asked, “Tell me how much Zakat Allah has enjoined on me.” Thus, Allah’s Apostle informed him about all the rules (i.e. fundamentals) of Islam. The bedouin then said, “By Him Who has honored you, I will neither perform any Nawafil nor will I decrease what Allah has enjoined on me. Allah’s Apostle said, “If he is saying the truth, he will succeed (or he will be granted Paradise).”

Sahih Bukhari :: Book# 31 :: Hadith# 118

Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Apostle said, “Fasting is a shield (or a screen or a shelter). So, the person observing fasting should avoid sexual relation with his wife and should not behave foolishly and impudently, and if somebody fights with him or abuses him, he should tell him twice, ‘I am fasting.” The Prophet added, “By Him in Whose Hands my soul is, the smell coming out from the mouth of a fasting person is better in the sight of Allah than the smell of musk. (Allah says about the fasting person), ‘He has left his food, drink and desires for My sake. The fast is for Me. So I will reward (the fasting person) for it and the reward of good deeds is multiplied ten times.”

Sahih Bukhari :: Book# 31 :: Hadith# 120

Narrated Sahl: The Prophet said, “There is a gate in Paradise called Ar-Raiyan, and those who observe fasts will enter through it on the Day of Resurrection and none except them will enter through it. It will be said, ‘Where are those who used to observe fasts?’ They will get up, and none except them will enter through it. After their entry the gate will be closed and nobody will enter through it.”

Health Benefits of Dates during Ramadan Iftar

Dear Readers,

Assalam o alaikum!

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) recommended us to break fasting during Ramadan (iftar) with dates. Research study has proven that having dates after fasting has got great benefits for our nutrition and health!

Following are the 6 health benefits of eating dates after fasting:

1. Dates are easy to digest so they don’t exhaust the fasting person stomach.
2. Dates decrease the great hunger feeling of the fasting person and so he doesn’t rush into excessive food eating which causes digestion disorders.
3. Dates prepare the stomach to receive the food after being inactive through out the day with activating the release of digestive secretions and juices.
4. Dates are very rich with sugary energy and so the body is supplied with the most important nutrients which is sugar that is irreplaceable as a nutrient for the brain cells and nerves.
5. Dates protect the fasting person from having constipation as a result of changing meals times or as a result of having low fiber amounts in meals.
6. The alkaline salts in dates adjust the acidity of blood which result from excessiveness eating of meat and carbohydrates which causes a lot of hereditary diseases as diabetes, gout, renal stones, gall bladder inflammations, high blood pressure and hemorrhoids).

We know that whatever Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) recommend us to do are from Allah SWT, our Creator who knows what is good and bad for a human body! If we fully follow the sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in all aspects of life, health benefits is just one of the numerous benefits we are going to have insha Allah. Islam is indeed the beautiful way of life!

Five Gifts given to this Ummah in Ramadhaan

Abu Hurairah says that Rasulullah(saw)said, “My ummah has been given five special things that were not given to anyone before them. The smell from the mouth of a fasting Muslim is sweeter for Allah than the sweet smell of musk. The fish in the sea ask for forgiveness for them until they break their fast. Allah prepares and decorates His special Jannah every day and then says: “The time is near when My loyal servants shall put away the load (of the world) and come to you.” The evil shayateen are chained in this month of Ramadhaan so as not to take people towards evils which they normally do during other months. On the last night of Ramadhaan, the fasting Muslims are forgiven. The Sahaabah then asked, “O Rasulullah(saw) is that the night of Laylatul Qadr?” Rasulullah(saw)replied, “No, But it is only right that a servant should be given his reward on having completed his duty.”

Note: These five gifts from Allah were not granted to the (fasting) people before Islam. If only we could truly appreciate how great this gift from Allah really is, we will sincerely try to get these special favours.

How to Get a Ramadan Full of Blessings?

A month full of enormous spiritual wealth and reward, Ramadan is an incredible opportunity that we shouldn’t lose out on.

However, many of us often suffer from lack of productivity during Ramadan and not making the most of the special blessed month.

With the start of Ramadan, I have put together eight steps that will help us reap the benefits of the special month and allow us to experience a spiritual transformation this coming Ramadan Insha’Allah.

1. Be Prepared

The key to a productive Ramadan is to prepare for it well in advance. God encouraged us to fast and do extra good deeds during the months of Rajab and Sha`ban as a means of preparing ourselves for Ramadan. Rajab and Sha`ban can be considered the months of sowing, while Ramadan the month of reaping. To really have good harvest in Ramadan plant your seeds in those months; train your body to wake up one hour before fajr prayer, read more Qur’an during the day; fast on the preferred days, such as Mondays and Thursdays; and practice doing extra good deeds.  By doing this, you will ease your way into Ramadan and performing those extra‘ibadat (acts of worship) during Ramadan will become very easy for you Insha’Allah.

If you haven’t prepared for this Ramadan, make the intention to do it next Ramadan.

2. Be Realistic, Consistent

We usually enter Ramadan with very high aspirations and make promises to ourselves that we often can’t keep due to the impracticality of our goals. If you haven’t trained yourself before Ramadan for the ‘ibadat you wish to carry out, you will most likely not be able to sustain them. Trying to finish the Qur’an three or four times during Ramadan when you barely read a page a day before Ramadan or wanting to pray tahajjud (extra night prayers) every single night when you’ve been struggling with waking up for fajr, will put too much physical and psychological pressure on you. This will most probably result in you slipping after the first week, losing hope and then giving up entirely. Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said:

“The best deeds are those which are consistent even if they are small.” (Al-Bukhari)

10 Points to Remember in Ramadan.. (Part 1)

 As  Salaamu Alaikum!

There are important points to understand while fasting the month of Ramadan in order to take the maximum benefit from the wisdom and teachings we gain in this blessed month, in which Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala sent down His last revelation, the Quran.
Consider first an important statement of our prophet Muhammad, (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam), when he said, "Don't let the day of fasting be the same as the day you don't fast." He was talking about our behavior and attitude being the same whether we are fasting or not fasting and not having an effect on us. Let us keep this in mind while we consider the following ten points of fasting Ramadan, Insha'Allah.
One of our beloved teachers of Islam, Dr. Tamimi, a student of knowledge of Madinah and Dr. Jafar Idris, produced interesting and beneficial lectures about the importance and rewards of fasting Ramadan. The following is based on some of this excellent knowledge:
(The article has 10 points. Due to the length of the article, we have divided the topic in two parts. In our e-mail today, we will mention the first five. In our next email , In sha Allah tomorrow, we will mention the remaining Five...)
POINT 1: Gaining Taqwa
Allah legislated fasting for gaining taqwa,
"O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed for you as it has been prescribed for those before you, so that you may attain taqwa." [Noble Quran 2:183]
Taqwa in this case means to make a shield between oneself and Allah's anger and Hellfire. So we should ask ourselves, when we break our fasts, ‘Has this fasting day made us fear Allah more? Has it resulted that we want to protect ourselves from the hellfire or not?
POINT 2: Drawing closer to Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala
This is achieved by reciting and reflecting on Al-Quran during night and day, attending the taraweeh prayers, remembering Allah, sitting in circles of knowledge and, for those who can, making ‘umrah. Also for those who can, making I'tikaf (seclusion) in the last ten nights of Ramadan, so as to leave all worldly pursuits and seclude oneself in a masjid just thinking of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala, so as to bring oneself closer to Allah. When one sins, one feels distant from Allah. That is why one might find it hard to read the Quran and come to the masjid. However, the obedient worshipper feels closer to Allah and wants to worship Allah more, because he is not shy from his sins.

Du'a (prayer) in the month of Ramadan Karim:

The month of Ramadan Kareem is an opportunity given by the gracious Creator for His servants to come close to Him, seek forgiveness for their sins, and fulfillment of their needs. In the Glorious Qur'an, amidst an important discussion on the month of Ramadan Karim, the following ayat (verse), which apparently has no direct connection with Ramadan Kareem, is included: "And when my servants ask you about me, then surely I am near. I answer the prayer of the supplicant when he calls upon me, so respond to me, and believe in me, so that they may be led right." (2:186) Commentators agree that this is the most poignant of all the verses on the Divine human connection. The whole verse is based on the singular first person pronoun, which is repeated seven (7) times. It is a confirmation of the close relationship between man and His creator, and an assurance that he will be listened to when he calls upon Him. That such a verse should be included among the ayats discussing the importance of Ramadan Kareem, and some of its rules (see 2:183-187), are an indication of the important role of Du'a in the month of Ramadan Kareem. Abstaining from fulfillment of physical desires stimulates an increase in spirituality, and creates an inclination for prayers and worship. Believers feel close to Allah (SWT), and Allah (SWT) reminds them that He too is close, and will answer their prayers. The nights of Ramadan Kareem are spent in prayers and supplications. Even those believers, who normally do not have much time for prayers, try to do so during this month. This is because of the emphasis on the sanctity of the month, the promise of multiplied rewards, as well as the assurance of a favorable response. Says the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh): ". . . do supplicate with your hands raised . . . as these are the best of times, during which the Almighty looks at His servants with mercy, answers if they supplicate, responds if they call, grants if they ask, and accepts if they plead . . ." (Prophet's sermon welcoming the month of Ramadan Al-Mubarak). The best thing a believer can pray for during this month is forgiveness for his past sins. Many of the Du'as special to the month of Ramadan Kareem plead for forgiveness of the huge burden of sins which man carries. Ramadan Al-Mubarak is a glorious chance given to him to have his sins erased, and gain a higher position in the eyes of Allah (SWT). So many people are forgiven in this month that it is only the unfortunates who are deprived. Says the Prophet in the same sermon: "Indeed, miserable is he who is deprived of Allah's forgiveness in this great month." Other things to pray for include fulfillment of needs, removal of afflictions, and success in the hereafter.

First Ten Days of Ramadan: A Shower of Mercy

Ramadan is known to be broken down into thirds. The first ten days of Ramadan are known as the “Ten Days of Mercy”.Muslims are aware that Ramadan is a month of spiritual opportunities, but what does the “mercy” really mean to Muslims?One of God’s names is Ar-Rahman, the Most Merciful, and Muslims call upon God using this name in nearly everything they do. Thus, there is no surprise that Mercy manifests itself in the month that God created for Himself.In the sacred hadith below, God says:“O son of Adam, as long as you call upon Me and put your hope in Me, I have forgiven you for what you have done and I do not mind. O son of Adam, if your sins were to reach the clouds of the sky and then you would seek My forgiveness, I would forgive you. O son of Adam, if you were to come to Me with sins that are close to filling the earth and then you would meet Me without ascribing any partners with Me, I would certainly bring to you forgiveness close to filling it.” (Authenticated by Al Albani)Imagine entering Ramadan in full reflection of wrong doings. Many believers worry of the sins that they incurred along the way – the ones that were committed conscientiously and without realizing it. Yet God promises forgiveness. There is no similar attribute to anyone or anything in this world, hence the reminder to remove idolatry from one’s beliefs.Through this hadith alone, God reminds that He is Ar-Rahman, the Most Compassionate, and Ar-Raheem, the Most Merciful. Basking in God’s Mercy – and finitely – the Mercy of Paradise – is something that every believing Muslim prays for. And with this fear of God’s punishment that is close to the heart of the believer, God says:

{Say: O My servants who have transgressed against their own souls, despair not of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Truly, He is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful.} (Az-Zumar 39: 53)

Ramadan Tips for Western Muslims

Allah the Almighty has blessed us with special hours such as the pre-dawn hours (sahar); with special days such as Friday, the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah and the Day of `Arafah; with special nights, such as the last ten nights of Ramadan and the night of Power (Laylat Al-Qadr) and with special months like the month of Ramadan.Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. It is the most blessed month of the year. Since it is around the corner and as it is the case with respectful and dear guests that we get ourselves ready to receive them, we have to show Ramadan that it is the long-awaited-for guest.In the rest of this article, we will try to pin down some practical tips to make the most use of this blessed time. We can make use of Ramadan to uplift our personality on three levels:

On the Individual Level

1. Start your day with light rak`ahs after Suhur and before Fajr Prayer.
2. Make sure to pray Fajr in congregation to be given complete light in the Day of Judgment that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) promised those who pray Fajr in the mosque.
3. Have a daily Qur’an reading assignment (wird). Reading one Juz’ (part) is the minimum that you can do in Ramadan. If you really cannot, then try to read as much as you can. If you have a recitation group after Fajr, this will help tremendously to make the task easy.
4. Assign to yourself that task of reading the tafseer of one juz’; knowing the meaning of the vocabulary and the context.
5. Try not to eat much. Follow the Sunnah (one third for food, one third for water and one third for air). This will help a lot in being attentive and not being lethargic during the Tarawih Prayer.

6. Challenge yourself to observe Duha Prayer. The Prophet said that this Salah is the one of the sincere and pious people.
7. Each day in Ramadan, teach yourself the meaning of Allah beautiful Names.
8. Take a nap to be able to stay focused during `Isha’ and Tarawih prayers.

I would like to finish this section by saying that the ultimate goal of Ramadan for a  Muslim is to reorient and redirect his/her interests, change the things that keep the heart busy with material life.

Three Simple Steps to have a Better Ramadan

Dear Readers, As  Salaamu Alaikum!

When we know we are to attend a wedding, we begin to plan and prepare from days and even weeks in advance. We pay much attention to detail so that we arrive to the function on time, are dressed up smartly with clean/ new shoes, have organised a place to stay, eat carefully so as not to ruin our clothing and so on. In a similar way we prepare and plan for other important events, functions, interviews etc.

However, when it comes to approaching our Islamic duties/ obligations we do so little in advance, especially for Ramadan. For some reason we feel we can flick a switch and become great pious personalities overnight. In fact, while this may work short term, in the long term you will more likely ‘burn out’ and return to your former self or in a worse condition. Is it not true afterall that in the middle of the month Ramadan the Masjid halls during taraweeh are at half capacity to what they were in the first few days??

Therefore it is much better we prepare and plan for our deeni activity, much like we do for the dunya ones and In sha Allah in this manner we can make the most of the blessed month of Ramadan and remain consistent upon the a’maal we adopt.

Ramadan is a month wherein it is easy to perform good deeds. We observe the fast on a daily basis for the sake of our Lord. It is a time when worship and the remembrance of Allah become a believer's habit. The fast schedules our daily activities. We start our day with our pre-dawn meal and end it by breaking our fasts. We balance out our bodily nourishment with our spiritual enrichment.

Ramadan is a practical course for us in moral development, charity, and good conduct. We are reminded to help the less fortunate and to strive against our selfish tendencies. We must make sure to make use of what we learn in this course after the course comes to an end.

Ibn Rajab identifies two kinds of resolve: The first is the resolve we have to undertake a course of action. This is the resolve that gets things going. The second kind of resolve is the resolve to persevere. This is the resolve that gets us to our goals.

The devils are chained for a whole month. In this time, we can accustom ourselves to improving our religious observance and our character. We should keep in mind that our Lord is our Lord in Ramadan and throughout the year. What we achieve in Ramadan is a real achievement when it becomes part and parcel of our lives.

There are three simple steps we should take if we wish to make Ramadan a starting point to bettering our lives.

Only a Very Unfortunate Person would not get forgiveness in Ramadhaan

 

Kaab Ibn Ujrah says that Rasulullah (SAW) said, “Come near to the mimbar” and we came near the mimbar. When He climbed the first step of the mimbar, He said “Aameen”, When He climbed the second step, He said “Aameen”, When He climbed the third step, He said “Aameen” When He came down, We said “O Rasul of Allah (SAW), today we have heard from you something which we had never heard before.” Rasulullah (SAW) said, “When I climbed the first step, Jibraeel

appeared before me and said, “Destruction to the person who found the blessed month of Ramadhaan and let it pass by without gaining forgiveness,” then, I said ‘Aameen.’ When I climbed the second step, he said, “Destruction to the person before whom your (i.e. Nabi’s (SAW)) name is taken and he does not send Durood and Salaam on you (for example by saying, Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam).” I replied ‘Aameen.’ When I climbed the third step, he said “Destruction on that person in whose lifetime both his parents or either one of them reaches old age, and (because of not serving them) he is not allowed to enter Jannah.” I said ‘Aameen.’

Note: In this Hadeeth, Jibraeel made three curses, upon which Rasulullah said “Aameen” every time.

Suhoor Guide for Ramadan

Dear Readers, As  Salaamu Alaikum !

The countdown for Ramadan has begun and preparations have almost started. Today in our e-mail we will mention to you, one of the basic thing which is often neglected in Ramadan- Suhoor! Some people avoid the Suhoor because they cannot get up early in the morning. But do not do that- Suhoor has lot of benefits. Also care must be taken to plan the Suhoor meal properly so that you are energized throughout the day and do not feel much hungry or thirsty in the rest of the day and are able to focus on your worship. Do not just eat Suhoor for the sake of it and just do not eat whatever you find! Plan your meals and the article below will In sha Allah serve as a guide for you to prepare an Effective suhoor!

Ramadan is one of the months with countless blessings bestowed by Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) on this Ummah. An entire month to ask for forgiveness, learn about self control and become a better human being spiritually, physically and emotionally; Ramadan is a truly unique month.

The well known verse about Ramadan states: “O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous” [2.183].

Whilst Ramadan is about spiritual re-connection, there is a huge need to link it to our physical routine. Consuming the right types of food in the right amount is important. A few think that fasting would exhaust them completely and hinder their work output and others look at Ramadan as an excellent opportunity to lose some quick pounds and get their desired weight and figure! Surprisingly, both notions are incorrect. 

The pre-dawn meal (suhoor) is not obligatory, but it is a blessed part of fasting we shouldn’t abandon. Amr ibn al – Aas (may Allāh be pleased with him) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said:

“The difference between our fasting and that of the people of the Book is eating shortly before dawn” [Muslim].

Anas bin Malik (may Allāh be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said:

“Take suhoor as there is a blessing in it” [Bukhari and Muslim].

Aboo Saeed al–Khudree narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said:

“Taking the pre-dawn meal in Ramadan is a blessing, so do not leave it, be it just drinking a mouthful of water. For Allah the Noble and the Mighty, and His angels send blessings over those who have taken the pre-dawn meal” [Ahmad].

Skipping suhoor these days has become a norm amongst some. Some complain about lack of time, others are negligent and simply choose to ignore this huge blessing. However, here are some useful tips to plan a nutritious suhoor meal well in advance.

1. Begin With Remembrance of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala)

It is a beautiful Imaan boost, and what better way to start off your day; you’re starting off your day on the right foot, marked by spirituality and productivity. Shun lethargy and sleep with wudhu. It is one of the most effective ways to wash away your sins, and your sleep as well! Begin with the precious tahajjud prayer. This is one of the easiest ways to start your day “early”, giving you enough time to wake up and remain alert. 

2. Start With Dates

Start your meal with dates. Our Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said: ”How excellent are dates as the believer’s suhoor” [Abu Dawood, Ibn Hibban and al-Baihaqee; Sahih].

3. Include Whole-Wheats in Your Meal

Oats are one of the easiest foods to cook. They have numerous health benefits as well and are filled with complex carbohydrates. These take time to break up inside your body. This is amazingly useful in releasing the right amount of calories at a slow rate, giving you energy throughout the day. This will prevent a quick burn up of calories, preventing you from feeling lethargic and tired during the day. Refined products on the other hand release calories at an extremely faster rate, making you feel hungry quickly, in turn making you tired and worn out. 

Pre-Ramadan Checklist

Just in case you are not missing out on any crucial thing in Ramadan, a small checklist for you. Hope this will help, In sha Allah.

1) Ask Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) to enable you to reach Ramadan and continue till the end : to get the most out of it as the Salaf used to do.

2) Prepare Eid Clothes (so you don't waste time in Ramadan shopping for them)

3) Prayer Clothes (Buy/ make new ones or wash, iron existing ones)

4) Prayer Place (Dedicate a space in your home for your daily worship - clean,it, and stock it up with all you need for your ibadah) For sisters in particular!

5) Menu! (Plan meals, whose turn it is to cook, and who you will be doing iftar for on different days)

6) Ibadah schedule/ targets (plan your qada, your daily schedule - plan how to fit it in, so that you will fit it in)

7) Du’a List (make a list of who you need to make du’a for during the month so during those busy days you don’t forget any one)

Show Allah Your Good deeds in Ramadhaan

Ubaadah Ibn Saamit reports that, one day when Ramadhaan had come near, Rasulullah(saw) said: “Ramadhaan, the month of blessings has come upon you, wherein Allah turns towards you and sends to you His special blessings, forgives your faults, accepts your duas, appreciates your competing for the greatest good and boasts to the Malaaikah about you. So show to Allah your good deeds; for truly, the most pitiful and unfortunate one is he who is deprived of Allah’s

mercy in this month.”

Note: In this Hadeeth, we read, about the spirit of competition among the believers, each one trying to do more good deeds than the other. In our home, I am greatly very happy at seeing how the women compete with each other, each one trying to recite more Qur’aan than the others, so that together with housework, each one reads half to two thirds of the Qur’aan daily. I mention this only out of a sense of gratitude to Allah , indicating His favour and not to boast of it. May Allah accept their and our actions, and increase our ability for good actions.

Healthy Eating in Ramadhan

• 
  
  
  Have a Happy and Healthy Ramadan
• As Ramadan is approaching and all of us are preparing ourselves to greet this Holy month, i thought i should share some tips for healthy eating in Ramadan.
• Islamic View of Healthy Eating
• The blessed prophet MUHAMMAD (P.B.U.H) said
• “The children of Adam fill no vessel worse than their stomach. Sufficient for him is a few morsels to keep his back straight. If he must eat more, than a third should be his food, a third for his drink and a third left for air. (SUNAN AL-TIMIDHI)”
• Our body is a gift from ALLAH. It is His "ammant" and we have to take care of it for a fixed period of time. The size, amount and type of food we eat have direct impact on our body. The food we consume affects our behaviour and personality. Overeating is long been disliked by ISLAM. Overeating increases the worldly appetite and makes our body sluggish and lazy which directly results in dulling our soul and spiritual growth.
• Changes That Occur In Our Body during Ramadan
• Changes that occur in the body depend on the length of fast-day. Technically our body enters into a fasting state eight hours or so after our last meal, when our gut finishes the absorption of nutrients from the food.
• First Stage
• In normal state the glucose is the main source of energy which is stored in liver and muscles. During a fast this store of glucose is used initially, in order to provide energy.

How to Get a Ramadan Full of Blessings?

A month full of enormous spiritual wealth and reward, Ramadan is an incredible opportunity that we shouldn’t lose out on.

However, many of us often suffer from lack of productivity during Ramadan and not making the most of the special blessed month.

With the start of Ramadan, I have put together eight steps that will help us reap the benefits of the special month and allow us to experience a spiritual transformation this coming Ramadan Insha’Allah.

1. Be Prepared

The key to a productive Ramadan is to prepare for it well in advance. God encouraged us to fast and do extra good deeds during the months of Rajab and Sha`ban as a means of preparing ourselves for Ramadan. Rajab and Sha`ban can be considered the months of sowing, while Ramadan the month of reaping. To really have good harvest in Ramadan plant your seeds in those months; train your body to wake up one hour before fajr prayer, read more Qur’an during the day; fast on the preferred days, such as Mondays and Thursdays; and practice doing extra good deeds.  By doing this, you will ease your way into Ramadan and performing those extra‘ibadat (acts of worship) during Ramadan will become very easy for you Insha’Allah.

If you haven’t prepared for this Ramadan, make the intention to do it next Ramadan.

2. Be Realistic, Consistent

We usually enter Ramadan with very high aspirations and make promises to ourselves that we often can’t keep due to the impracticality of our goals. If you haven’t trained yourself before Ramadan for the ‘ibadat you wish to carry out, you will most likely not be able to sustain them. Trying to finish the Qur’an three or four times during Ramadan when you barely read a page a day before Ramadan or wanting to pray tahajjud (extra night prayers) every single night when you’ve been struggling with waking up for fajr, will put too much physical and psychological pressure on you. This will most probably result in you slipping after the first week, losing hope and then giving up entirely. Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said:

“The best deeds are those which are consistent even if they are small.” (Al-Bukhari)

If you don’t want to suffer from lack of consistency this Ramadan and end up feeling guilty about it, then be realistic in your expectations. Stick to a few `ibadat that you know you will be able to perform and be consistent with them. For example, if you decide to complete the Qur’an only once during the month and pray only two rak`aat (units) tahajjud (late night prayers) every night, and actually sustain this throughout the entire month, it will be much greater in the eyes of Allah than if you put pressure on yourself to do more `ibadat than you can handle and then find you cannot follow through with them.

How can children get used to fasting?

Just a few days remaining for Ramadaan and preparations have already started!  There is energy, excitement and vigor amongst the Muslims and everybody is eagerly waiting for this blessed month. Ramadaan is a month of Opportunities. In this month, the Shaytaan is chained and blessings are increased. So we must aim to increase our good deeds and strive hard to make full use of this blessed month.

Not only adults, but children are excited too. Adults also expect their children to follow their footsteps and participate in doing good deeds in this month. The main focus here is their getting habituated to fasting. Parents even expect children to fast and make very small kids also keep fast. But know that children who have not reached puberty are NOT accountable for fasting according to sharee’ah. But Allah has enjoined parents to raise their children to do acts of worship. Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala commands them to teach their children the prayer when they are seven years old, and to smack them if they do not do it when they are ten years old. The Sahaabah (may Allah be pleased with them) used to make their children fast when they were small so as to make them get used to this great act of worship. All of that is indicative of great concern to raise one's children with the best of attributes and deeds.

With regard to prayer: 

The Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said: “ Teach your children to pray when they are seven years old and beat them if they do not pray when they are ten years old, and separate them in their beds.” Narrated by Abu Dawood (495) and classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood.

Ramadhan: Benefits of fasting

The event of Ramadan brings the annual debate about the effects of fasting on one's health.

But doctors and nutritionists agree that if Muslims do all they are supposed to, the month becomes one that is both physically and spiritually cleansing.

Daylight in the first few days of fasting this year will last almost 15 hours. Even by the end of the month, the days will be 14 hours long, with temperatures of 45°C or possibly higher.

"This means that people have to make a real effort not to revert to the typical bad habits in Ramadan and try to do it right in order to stay healthy," said Dr Sulaiman Habib, a family doctor in Abu Dhabi.

Gorging on food as soon as the sun sets, then spending the evening snacking on nuts that are high in calories and make you thirsty is bad for anyone's health, Dr Habib said.

Kindness for the poor & unfortunate - Al lesson of Ramadhan

The Hadeeth  says that Ramadhan is the month of sympathy and kindness, especially for the poor and needy. Sympathy should be of a practical nature. When ten things are placed before us for iftaar, at least two or four of them should be set aside for the poor and needy. They should be treated more favourably, if not then at least equally and should certainly be remembered. The Sahaabah were living examples in showing sympathy for the poor, it is our duty to follow or at least try to follow them.

In the matter of sacrifice and sympathy, only the brave can follow the examples of Sahaabah . There are many instances which will leave one in amazement if mentioned.

Let us see the following example, Abu Jahm relates that, during the battle of Yarmouk, he went in search of his cousin, taking with him a water bag to give him to drink and also wash his wounds if he was found alive or wounded. He found him lying among the wounded. When I asked him whether he wanted some water, he said