21 Jun 2016

How to Be a Successful Muslim Wife

How to Be a Successful Muslim Wife
How to Be a Successful Muslim Wife
In Islam, marriage is a blessed contract between a man and a woman. Each have their own role to play in making a marriage successful. It is a bit more difficult but certainly possible to make even a selected partner in a marriage a success.

1. Be the best wife you can be. Being a good Muslim wife is in many ways similar to being a good wife in other religions. Sure it has its own special features and requirements, just like any other religion. However, there are common basic methods and guidelines for being a good wife in general. Follow them.

Tips for wife to show respect for her husband


1. Express faith in his decision and ability.

2. Leave him notes (men respond better to the written words) that tell him how much you value who he is as a person (and sometimes for his work). ...

3. If he botches a task at home, don’t sigh, roll your eyes, and mutter at him; instead, thank him for trying.

Dua after Iftar



ذَهَبَ الظَّمَأُ وَ ابْتَلَّتِ الْعُرُوقُ، وَ ثَبَتَ الأجْرُ إنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ

Transliteration:
dhahabadh dhama-u wabtallatil ‘urooqu, wa tha-batal ajru insha Allah

The thrist is gone, the veins are moistened and the reward is confirmed, if Allah [Ta’ala] wills.
[Abu Dawud]

Ibadat of Iftar


A very important act related to Saum (Fasting) is Iftaar or to break the fast at its appropriate time. Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) emphasised the importance and the virtues of correct observance of Iftaar. Correct observance of Iftaar means to observe it in the Sunnat way. Although Iftaar is ostensibly a mundane act of eating some food, it is an ibaadat of much thawaab (reward) as well. However, Iftaar will be bereft of its spirituality and ibaadat dimension if it is not observed in the Masnoon manner.

Dua: When breaking the fast – Iftar

Dua: When breaking the fast – Iftar
Dua: When breaking the fast – Iftar
When breaking the fast – Iftar


اللَّهُمَّ اِنِّى لَكَ صُمْتُ وَبِكَ امنْتُ [وَعَلَيْكَ تَوَكَّلْتُ] وَعَلَى رِزْقِكَ اَفْطَرْتُ


O Allah! I fasted for You and I believe in You [and I put my trust in You] and I break my fast with Your sustenance.

Virtues of Iftari

Virtues of Iftari

Hadhrat Sahal (Radhiallaahu Anhu) narrates that the holy Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) said: “The people will remain prosperous so long as they hasten in breaking their fast (at the time of Iftaar).” [Bukhari]

Hadhrat Abu Hurayra (Radhiallaahu Anhu) narrates that the holy Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) said: “Allah Ta’ala said, ‘The most beloved of my servants in my sight are those who hasten when breaking fast’.” [Tirmidhi]

17 Jun 2016

The Sunnats of Eid–ul–Fitr



1. To awaken earlier than usual
2. To brush the teeth (miswaak)
3. To have a bath (ghusl)
4. To be well dressed in an Islamic manner
5. To dress in one’s best clothes, not necessarily new
6. To use itr
7. To perform Eid Salah at the Eidgah
8. To eat odd number of dates
9. To go for Salah early
10. To walk to the place of Eid Salah if within walking distance
11. To read the Takbeeraat of Eid silently- Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar La Ilaha Ila Allah Wa Allahu 12. Akbar Allahu Akbar Wa Lillahi Alhamd
13. To use different routes to and from the pace of Eid Salah
14. To greet one another on Eid day with the words “Eid Mubaruk”

7 Reasons to Read the Glorious Qur’an



1. Inimitable

It dares you to disprove it. How? It says that humans cannot write a book like this even if they pooled all their resources together and got help also from the spirits. The Qur’an said this fourteen hundred years ago and yet no one has been able to disprove it. Billions of books have been written-but not another one like the Qur’an.

Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) (PBUH) (2)

Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) (PBUH) (2)
Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) (PBUH) (2)
As you may recall, most of the people at the time of Ibrahim (alayhis salam) were idol worshippers. There were very few people who heeded the words of Ibrahim (alayhis salam). One of the people who did follow in the way of Allah was his wife, Sarah. She and Ibrahim (alayhis salam) had been married for many years but did not have any children. As they became more elderly, it seemed apparent that they would never have a family. Sarah therefore gave Ibrahim (alayhis salam) her slavewoman, Hajra, as a wife, in the hopes that she would be able to bear a child for him. Ibrahim (alayhis salam) prayed for a righteous son and his prayer was answered. To him and Hajra was born the son Ismail (alayhis salam).

Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) (PBUH) (1)

Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) (PBUH) (1)

Prophet Ibrahim as a role model
We often see the term “role model” in newspapers and magazines. It refers to someone who leads the sort of life that you would like to live. Many of us choose our favorite sports star or film star as our role model because we are impressed by the glitter and flair of these wealthy people. However, if we stopped to think about what kind of lives the stars really lead, perhaps we would have second thoughts about our choice of role model. How many of these stars have never known or have forgotten Allah in their quest for fame and riches! How often are they consumed by hate, envy, violence, drugs and other evils! Who really wants that kind of life? Certainly not we Muslims.

10 Ways of Developing Love For Allah

10 Ways of Developing Love For Allah
10 Ways of Developing Love For Allah
Adapted from Shaykh Ibn Qayyim’s (rah) Madarij-us-Saalikeen

Shaykh Ibn al-Qayyim (rah) says: “The reason which cause mahabbah (love) of Allaah to develop, are ten:

First: Reciting the Qur’aan, reflecting and understanding its meaning and its intent.

Second: Drawing closer to Allaah – the Most High – through optional deeds, after fulfilling the obligatory duties.

Characteristics of a Pious Husband

Characteristics of a Pious Husband
Characteristics of a Pious Husband
On the Day of Judgment :Allah will ask men if they fulfilled their obligations towards their families. They who fear Allah will do their best to direct the way his wife and children live by educating himself and his family to living according to the Sunnah of the Prophet(Sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) and the Holy Qur’an, the final word of Allah.

Characteristics of a Pious Wife


A pious woman’s priority is to seek the pleasure of Allah. She tries acquiring the qualities of a good wife by following the examples of the Prophet(Sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) and obeying what is commanded in the Book of Allah. Complete obedience and adherence to the Sunnah of the Prophet(Sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) and Quran is the best of a woman’s qualities.

Respect for Women Wearing Hijab at Olympics

Respect for Women Wearing Hijab at Olympics

Extract of an article from the Guardian by Naomi Alderman

The Greeks, as we all know, used to compete in the original Olympic games stark naked and smothered in olive oil. That’s no longer the fashion – because we have different cultural ideas about what parts of the body are suitable for public display – and, in fact, some women have taken the trend for Olympic modesty one stage further. This year, several women, including Egyptian fencer Shaimaa El Gammal and Bahraini sprinter Rakia Al Gassra, will be competing wearing the hijab.

16 Jun 2016

What every Muslim needs to know about Ramadan

What every Muslim needs to know about Ramadan


By: Bilal Abu Aisha
All praise belongs to Allah who said in His final revelation, the Qur’an: “O you who believe! Observing fast is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become pious.”1 And peace and blessings of Allah be upon the greatest of Messengers, Prophet Muhammad, his family, his companions, and upon all those who pursue his path, the path of righteousness, till the Last Day. As the noble month of Ramadan draws near, it is relevant for us to look into some of the rulings associated with fasting. 

Ramadan Mubarak: Everything You Need to Know About This Holy Month

Ramadan Mubarak: Everything You Need to Know About This Holy Month
Ramadan Mubarak: Everything You Need to Know About This Holy Month
According to Islamic tradition, Ramzan is the holiest month of the entire year, “a month of blessing” and brings with it a fresh wave of festive cheer. It lasts for 28 to 30 days depending on the sighting of the moon. The day starts at the crack of dawn by eating a meal referred to as ‘Suhoor’ or ‘Sehri’ before the Fajr prayer, and rounds off by breaking the fast after sunset, followed by an elaborate ‘Iftar’ meal eaten right before the Magrib prayer.

15 Jun 2016

Ramadan and Islam: Introduction to Ramadan, the month of fasting for muslims


Fasting during the month of Ramadan (also spelled Ramadhan, Ramzan, Ramadhaan), is one of the five pillars of Submission (Islam in Arabic). In the month of Ramadan, submitters (muslims / moslems) fast from dawn to sunset (if able). 

While fasting (seyam / saum / sawm) during Ramadan, the individual refrains from eating and drinking and practices continence. It is a time of worship and contemplation and to fulfill God's commands and grow one's soul. A time to strengthen family and community ties, and be on our best behaviour.

11 Jun 2016

Get Ready! Set! Ramadan!


By Husain Zakariyya Yawale,

Allah says:

“O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may guard (against evil).

For a certain number of days; but whoever among you is sick or on a journey, then (he shall fast) a (like) number of other days; and those who are not able to do it may effect a redemption by feeding a poor man; so whoever does good spontaneously it is better for him; and that you fast is better for you if you know.

Women in the Masjid (III)

Women in the Masjid (III)

By Husain Zakariyya Yawale,
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. All Praise is due to Allah! We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and we seek refuge in Him from our evils and bad deeds. Anyone who is guided by Allah is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship but Allah, the Only One without any partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and final messenger to mankind. May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon His last and final Apostle, his Household, his companions and all his followers until the end of time.

Women in the Masjid (II)


By Husain Zakariyya Yawale,

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. All Praise is due to Allah! We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and we seek refuge in Him from our evils and bad deeds. Anyone who is guided by Allah, is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship but Allah, the Only One without any partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and final messenger to mankind. May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon His last and final Apostle, his Household, his companions and all his followers until the end of time.

Women in the Masjid (I)


By Husain Zakariyya Yawale,

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. All Praise is due to Allah! We praise Him and we seek help from Him. We ask forgiveness from Him. We repent to Him; and we seek refuge in Him from our evils and bad deeds. Anyone who is guided by Allah, is indeed guided; and anyone who has been left astray, will find no one to guide him. I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship but Allah, the Only One without any partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and final messenger to mankind. May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon His last and final Apostle, his Household, his companions and all his followers until the end of time.

Setting up a Muslim home (II)



By Husain Zakariyya Yawale

Allah says:

“My Lord! Forgive me and my parents and him who whom enters my house believing, and believing men and believing women; and do not increase the unjust in aught but destruction!”[Nuh: 28]

ow beautiful it would if the head of the home were to gather his children and recite some verses of the Qur’aan with them, and narrate some stories of the Prophets, and thereby instil noble manners in his children.

The first priority of the Muslim home must be to cultivate its children Islamically and produce a righteous generation. This cultivation and advice will have no effect if it is not backed up by the parents setting a practical example in terms of worship, manners, words, deeds and appearance, Allaah says that which translates as: “And those who say: ‘Our Lord! Grant us from among our wives and offspring comfort to our eyes and make us a leader [i.e., example] for the righteous.” (Al-Furqaan: 74). Also, consider the Du’aa’ of ProphetIbraaheem, peace be upon him, when he said that which translates as: “My Lord! Make me an establisher of prayer, and [many] from my descendents. Our Lord, and accept my supplication.” (Ibraaheem: 40). Allaah also says that which translates as: “And enjoin prayer upon your family [and people] and be steadfast therein. We ask you not for provision; We provide for you, and the [best] outcome is for [those of] righteousness.” (Taa Haa: 132).

In the absence of tranquil Muslim homes, deviation occurs, crime spreads, drug usage increases and the percentage of suicides rapidly rises.

The home which does not instil sound beliefs and the Qur’aanic methodology, and does not live harmoniously will produce individuals who are emotionally disturbed, intellectually lost, and morally corrupted. Moreover, such homes produce undutiful children which is a common occurrence nowadays, as well as bad relations between youth who abandon their responsibilities and shun the worship of Allaah as well as rebelling against sound morals. This is a definite result of Muslims parents being heedless of purifying and properly cultivating their children, as well as not setting good examples for their children to follow.

The homes which neglect the commandments of Islaam, follow their base desires and blindly imitate other nations will naturally raise a generation who will be weak, disturbed and who will never succeed in reforming the Muslim nation and bringing back its might and honour.

One of the most important and obvious aspects of the Muslim home must be that it refers all its affairs to Allaah and His Messenger, and that all within the home accept this and submit to the rulings of Allaah. Allaah says that which translates as: “It is not for a believing man or a believing woman, when Allaah and His Messenger have decided a matter, that they should [thereafter] have any choice about their affair. And whoever disobeys Allah and His messenger has certainly strayed into clear error.” (Al-Ahzaab: 36).

The life of the Muslim home, its happiness and pleasure, lies in its remembrance of Allaah. Abu Moosaa, may Allaah be pleased with him, narrated that the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said: “The difference between a house in which the name of Allaah is mentioned and a house in which the name of Allaah is not mentioned is like the difference between a dead person and one who is alive.” (Bukhaari & Muslim). He sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam also said: “Pray some of your (optional) prayers at home and do not make your houses like graveyards.” (Bukhaari & Muslim). He sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam also said as narrated by Abu Hurayrah, may Allaah be pleased with him:”Do not make your houses like graveyards; Satan runs away from houses in which the chapter of Al-Baqarah is recited.” (Muslim). Also, he sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said as narrated by Zayd Ibn Thaabit, may Allaah be pleased with him: “Pray in your homes, for the best prayer (in terms of reward) is the prayer at home, except for the obligatory prayers.” (Muslim).

These Ahaadeeth and others show how vital it is to give life to the Muslim home with the remembrance of Allaah and His glorification, as well as with optional prayers. Homes which are devoid of remembrance and prayers are just like graveyards or ruins. Indeed these homes become a dwelling place for Satan; its inhabitants having dead hearts even if their bodies still move.

Another characteristic of the Muslim home is that its people co-operate to obey Allaah and worship Him; Whenever the husbands faith becomes weak in such a home, then the strength of the wife’s faith boosts him up; and if the wife were to falter then the husband would correct her with support and advice.

‘Aa’ishah, may Allaah be pleased with her, narrated that the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam used to pray during the night, and just before he prayed the Witr prayer, he would say, “O ‘Aa’ishah! Wake up and pray Witr.” (Bukhaari & Muslim). He sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam also said, as narrated by Abu Hurayrah, may Allaah be pleased with him: “May Allaah have mercy upon the man who wakes up to pray during the night and wakes his wife to pray, and if she does not wake up he splashes water on her face. May Allaah have mercy upon the woman who wakes up to pray during the night and wakes her husband to pray, and if he does not wake up she splashes water on his face.” (Ahmad, Abu Daawood, Nasaa’i & Ibn Maajah).

These two Ahaadeeth are evidence that both the man and the woman have a role to play in rectifying one another, and encouraging them to be obedient, because the relationship between them ought to be based on faith, through which they cooperate to obey Allaah. If one were to weaken then the other should support and rectify.

The Muslim home should be founded on knowledge and action; knowledge which guides to the right way and the straight path and which makes one aware of all that which leads to Hell; knowledge which educates one about the etiquettes of purity, the rulings of prayer and the lawful and unlawful, because no Muslim home should be ignorant of the basic rulings of the religion.

Chastity is another obvious characteristic of the people in a Muslim home, because this is the protection against the corruption and evil which would otherwise render the home powerless. It is to be expected that a Muslim home which was based on piety will lose its chastity and become defiled if it were to succumb to shameless pornographic movies, songs, uncovered women, or other evil forms of imitation of the disbelievers. Such things will affect a Muslim home in exactly the same manner that cavities affect ones teeth, and therefore the gates for evil would be opened and result in the ruin of the home.

From the characteristics of the people in a Muslim home is that they keep their secrets hidden and their differences concealed. Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri, may Allaah be pleased with him, narrated that the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “The most evil person in the sight of Allaah on the Day of Resurrection is a man who sleeps with his wife and then goes out and spreads her (sexual) secrets.” (Muslim).

The Muslim home builds its relationships with the community on basis of faith; it’s people increase in faith whenever they visit righteous people, because a believer is like a perfume seller, you either buy from him and receive a nice fragrance, or at the very least you smell a nice fragrance from him. Allaah says that which translates as: “My Lord! Forgive me and my parents and whoever enters my house a believer and the believing men and believing women. And do not increase the wrongdoers except in destruction.” (Nooh: 28).

No one whose religion is unacceptable may enter into the Muslim home, because the entrance of evil people brings corruption and imposes grave dangers unto ones children, indeed such visitors ruin the morals of people, they spread magic, steal, and therefore turn joy into grief and sorrow.

The bonds between the people in the Muslim home become stronger as they co-operate in performing the housework, and the best example for us in this regard is the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, when ‘Aa’ishah, may Allaah be pleased with her, was asked about the his behaviour at home, she replied: “He was a human being just like all others, he would sew his clothes, milk the sheep and serve himself food.” (Ahmad). In another narration she, may Allaah be pleased with her, said: “He would serve his family, but as soon as it was time to pray, he would rush to the prayer.” (Bukhaari).

Second Khutbah

If we were given a wish in this life which would come true, then we would certainly wish to live a happy life with our families. Such happiness for the Muslim home will never be achieved by possessing a luxury home, expensive furniture or fancy clothes; indeed that is a gross misconception of the notion of happiness.

Setting up a Muslim home (I)


To continued…

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Setting up a Muslim home (I)

Setting up a Muslim home (I)
Setting up a Muslim home (I)
By Husain Zakariyya Yawale

Allah says:

“My Lord! Forgive me and my parents and him who whom enters my house believing, and believing men and believing women; and do not increase the unjust in aught but destruction!”[Nuh: 28]

home, which means to make it look friendly and lived-in and, really, personal.

9 Jun 2016

How to Maintain Good Habits After Ramadan

How to Maintain Good Habits After Ramadan
How to Maintain Good Habits After Ramadan
Ramadan is the month of fasting for atonement of sins and purification of soul. It is a response to the carnal desires for eating, drinking and sleeping. A way that instills discipline in lives ensuring that the needs are met according to the indispensable requirements with in the pursuit of gratitude towards Allah Almighty. Fasting is the best practice of loyalty and a concurrence between creator and created.

Once done with Ramadan the spirit of sacrifice seems a daunting task to uphold. The quintessence of these sacred teachings lies in sustaining the practices that one has adopted in the month of Ramadan. The heighted feeling of Ramadan’s holiness is to continue the errands of caring for family and relatives (Haqooq ul ibaad) by reaching to all in times of need, never forgo the zeal of spirituality, thirst for donating alms and invigoration of the connection that has been built between you and Allah. Even Allah has endorsed the one who maintain harmony even in their minor deeds as narrated in Hadith:

“And the most beloved of deeds to Allah are those that are continuous, even if they are few.” [Sunan an-Nasa’i]


Sustaining the Spirit of Ramadan

The sheer fear of losing motivation and momentum one has gained in the month of Ramadan makes it arguably more difficult to sustain the practices of Ramadan for rest of the months. If we take Ramadan as a training ground and mould ourselves according to the commandments condoned by Allah Almighty only then our hearts can be liberated from the despair of losing the true essence of Ramadan afterwards.

Following are the deeds of a Muslim that can be continued to sustain the spirit of Ramadan.

1. Formation of Good Habits

Before Ramadan, we are more focused about health, wealth and stealth and in Ramadan we are concerned about Fikar and Zikar. The significant thing after Ramadan is Istiqama i.e. to hold onto the good manners adopted in Ramadan. In Hadith the value of good manners has described as:


“Nothing is weightier on the Scale of Deeds than one’s Good manners.” [Al-Bukhari]
Start from the minor possible habits like staying away From all those practices and routines that you have shunt in Ramadan from staying late till night to profane language. Once you are accustomed to it, these all practices will seem a piece of cake to observe even after the month of Ramadan. This is a psychological fact that carrying on certain habits become a part of one’s routine if practiced for certain weeks henceforth it wouldn’t be sturdy once have your hands on it.

2. Keep Up the Practice of Fasting


Fasting that too after the month of Ramadan? Most of you would have yelled a big No but in actual it is not this tough to observe the practice of fasting after Ramadan. It was the favorite custom of our prophet (PBUH) to observe fast on some specific days and many Hadiths authenticate the significance of keeping Saum on Monday and Thursday. In Hadith it is narrated that:


“The Prophet of Allah used to fast on Monday and Thursday. When he was asked about it, he said: The works of the servants (of Allah) are presented (to Allah) on Monday and Thursday.” [Sunan Abi Dawud]


Following the Sunnah to observe fasting ritual is a best way not to rust your soul until next Ramadan and to keep the soul enliven within.

3. Patching Up With Prayers and Charity

In Ramadan, we all have made ourselves punctual for offering Salah that embarks discipline in order to obtain the level of spirit for becoming a best practicing Muslim. Continual of this obligation is not tough especially when it is just a day or two of Ramadan departure. Giving donations is not specific to the month of Ramadan that too when Allah has asked His people to give alms to the needy and deserved ones. Donate for mosque construction, feed a poor or the least you can do is to teach someone something good to keep up with the pace of Zakat after Ramadan as charity is among those things that will prove to be the savior at the Day of Judgment as narrated in Hadith:


“When a man dies, his good deeds come to an end except three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, and righteous offspring who will pray for him.” [Muslim]


4. Continuation of Communal Meals

Ramadan is a social ritual to revive the communal relationship apart from spiritual practice. Muslims invite their relative for Aftar meals to break their fasts, a way to sit together and revitalize the importance of family get together. Aftar meals can be arranged for the deserved and deprived one depending on the istita’at of Muslim beings. To keep this practice intact one can arrange communal meals for family and friends or either can feed the poor, as they deemed preferable.

Concluding, month of Ramadan is over and indeed was a hard one because most of us have observed fast in the scorching and humid month of June. Despite this fact, we still can keep the essence of Ramadan alive in our soul by sustaining all the good habits that have adopted in the month of Ramadan. Work upon yourself and avoid hardships to pace up with Ramadan’s rituals because in eternity your intentions and consistent deeds will be awarded, as narrated by Hazrat Aisha (RA) that:


“Do good deeds properly, sincerely and moderately, and remember that you shall enter Paradise only through Allah’s Mercy, and also remember that the most beloved deed to Allah is that which is regular and constant even if it is little.” [Bukhari]

Five Best Tips to Eat Right & Stay Right this Ramadan

Five Best Tips to Eat Right & Stay Right this Ramadan
Five Best Tips to Eat Right & Stay Right this Ramadan
Ramadan the month of bounties and blessings has started and has already knocked our doors. Families have stocked all the essential items for the month of Ramadan so that they can utilize their productive time to seek Allah’s forgiveness and mercy.

Make Your Ramadan 2016 a Transformation Experience

Make Your Ramadan 2016 a Transformation Experience
Make Your Ramadan 2016 a Transformation Experience
We are living in the world of flamboyant glittering where the gold attracts and old nullified, where humanity has no cost but cheating makes you a millionaire, where a single blot of evil makes you a terrorist and a good virtue done is forgotten, where all Muslim rituals have become a burden rather a blessing and where Ramadan the month Allah has addressed as His own is just a duty to eat sleep and repeat rather Zikar and Fikar.

Signs Indicating That You Truly Love Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

Signs Indicating That You Truly Love Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

Love is intense in its feelings and can only be proved by actions. At times, it leads us to total maverick feelings and on the other hand dumps us in abyss. The one who love and the one who is being loved can never grasp the intimacy and loyalty encapsulated in this feeling.

Starve Your Ego, Feed your Soul!

Starve Your Ego, Feed your Soul!
Starve Your Ego, Feed your Soul!
Ego and soul are two of the attributes that comprise the distinction in a particular person. Ego tells us that “we” matter whereas soul provides us the reason to live and strive for happiness. We humans are dependent entirely upon our souls because feeding it with the right contents nurture it and in return allows us to do productive deeds.

Productive Ways Towards Good Deeds in Islam

Productive Ways Towards Good Deeds in Islam
Productive Ways Towards Good Deeds in Islam
Closing eyes and thinking about all the good deeds makes one enlighten and jubilant deep inside. You have provided someone with a helping hand or have made someone smile? Helped someone crossed the road, alleviate someone tension and helped him in getting their task accomplish? Give or donate charity for the betterment of someone? Did chores and provide few hours of ease to your mother?

Virtues of Ramadan: The Prophet’s Sermon on Ramadhan

Virtues of Ramadan: The Prophet’s Sermon on Ramadhan
Virtues of Ramadan: The Prophet’s Sermon on Ramadhan
Baihaqi reported on the authority of Salman Al-Farsi (Radhi Allah ‘Anh) that Prophet (‘Alaihi Salat was-Salam) delivered a sermon on the last day of the month of Sha’ban. In it he (‘Alaihi Salat was-Salam) said,

Virtues of Ramadan: Object of Ramadan

Virtues of Ramadan: Object of Ramadan
Virtues of Ramadan: Object of Ramadan
On a sweltering hot day your throat has become parched. You are in the privacy of your home and the refreshingly cool water is within hand’s reach. You desire to drink it, but you do not. Why? Simply because you are fasting and while fasting you cannot eat and drink. If somebody prompts you to nevertheless drink it and says: “Nobody is watching,” you will immediately rebuke him with the words: “But Allah is watching!”

7 Jun 2016

Ramadan: A Great Opportunity to Achieve Taqwa - II

Ramadan: A Great Opportunity to Achieve Taqwa - II
How to Achieve Taqwa
Let us consider the holy month of Ramadan a starting point to pursue piety. Indeed, piety is the optimal clothing [of the soul]. Allah The Exalted Says (what means):

• {…the clothing of piety - that is best.} [Quran 7:26]
• {Indeed, the pious will be among gardens and rivers,* In a seat of honor near a Sovereign, Perfect in Ability.} [Quran 54:54-55]

2 Jun 2016

Ramadan: A Great Opportunity to Achieve Taqwa - I


The month of Ramadan is approaching with its blessings of goodness and purity to inculcate in man willpower, composure, and determination.Ramadan equips Muslims with the art of endurance and stamina to face all adversities and overcome all obstacles and difficulties of life. The Prophet used to congratulate his Companions at the beginning of Ramadan, saying:


Ramadan and Behavioral Reform

Ramadan and Behavioral Reform

It is well-known that the supreme goal of fasting is to attain righteousness. In confirmation, Allah Almighty says (what means): {O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.} [Quran 2:183]

Ramadan: Its Virtues, Pillars, Benefits, Acts of the Sunnah and Disliked Issues

Ramadan: Its Virtues, Pillars, Benefits, Acts of the Sunnah and Disliked Issues

Fasting is one of the great pillars of Islam and it is an indisputably established fact of the religion. This was indicated by the Quran, the Sunnah, and the consensus (of the Muslims). Many narrations were reported about its virtue. There is no doubt that this honorable act of worship has some conditions, pillars, obligations and recommendations that Allah, the Exalted, enjoined. 

Fasting in Ramadan – Ahadith from Riyad as-Salihin

Fasting in Ramadan – Ahadith from Riyad as-Salihin
Fasting in Ramadan – Ahadith from Riyad as-Salihin
Chapters related to Fasting in Ramadan

217. Chapter: On the obligation to fast Ramadan and clarification of the excellence of fasting and what is connected to it

Allah Almighty says, “You who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you..” to His words “The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Qur’an was sent down as guidance for mankind, with Clear Signs containing guidance and discrimination. Any of you who are resident for the month should fast it. But any of you who are ill or on a journey should fast a number of other days.” (W2:182-184; H2:183-185)
1215. Abu Hurayra reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “Allah, the Mighty and Exalted said, ‘Every action of the son of Adam is for himself except for fasting. It is Mine and I repay it.’ Fasting is a shield. When someone is fasting, he should not have sexual relations nor quarrel. If someone fights him or insults him, he should say, ‘I am fasting’. By the One in whose hand the self of Muhammad is, the changed breath in the mouth of the faster is more fragrant to Allah than the scent of musk. The faster experiences two joys: when he breaks his fast he rejoices and when he meets his Lord he rejoices in his fasting.” [Agreed upon]
In one variant of al-Bukhari, “He has left his food and drink and appetites for My sake. Fasting is Mine and I repay it. Any other good deed I repay with ten like it.”
In a variant of Muslim, “Every action of the son of Adam is multiplied. A good action receives from ten to seven hundred times. Allah Almighty said, “Fasting is Mine and I repay it. He leaves his appetites and food for My sake. The faster experiences two joys: a joy when he breaks his fast and a joy when he meets his Lord. The changed breath in the mouth of the faster is more fragrant to Allah than the scent of musk.”
1216. Abu Hurayra reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “The one who spends out two kinds of actions in the way of Allah will be summoned from the gates of the Garden and told, ‘O slave of Allah this is better.’ All the people who did the prayer will be called from the gate of the prayer. All the people who did jihad will be called from the gate of jihad. All the people who fasted will be called from the gate of Rayyan. All the people who gave sadaqa will be called from the gate of sadaqa.” Abu Bakr said, “May my father and mother be sacrificed for you, Messenger of Allah. No one called from those gates will feel distress. Will anyone be called from all those gates?” He said, “Yes, and I hope that you will be among them.” [Agreed upon]
1217. Sahl ibn Sa’d reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “There is a gate in the Garden called ar-Rayyan which those who fast will enter on the Day of Rising, and none but they will enter it.” It will be said, ‘Where are the fasters?’ They will stand up and none but they will enter it. When they have entered it, it will be closed and no one else will enter it.” [Agreed upon]
1218. Abu Sa’id al-Khudri reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “No slave fasts one day in the way of Allah without Allah putting his face seventy years’ journey away from the Fire on account of that day.” [Agreed upon]
1219. Abu Hurayra reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “Anyone who prays in Ramadan motivated by belief and in expectation of the reward will be forgiven his past wrong actions.” [Agreed upon]
1220. Abu Hurayra reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “When Ramadan comes, the gates of the Garden are opened, the gates of the Fire are closed and the shaytans are chained up.” [Agreed upon]
1221. Abu Hurayra reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “Fast when you see it (the new moon) and break the fast when you see it. If it is cloudy, then make Sha’ban complete with thirty days.” [Agreed upon]
In the variant of Muslim, “If it is cloudy, you must fast thirty days.”

218. Chapter: On generosity, charity and doing much good in the month of Ramadan, and increasing that in the last ten days of the month

1222. Ibn ‘Abbas said, “The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, was the most generous of people, and he was even more generous during Ramadan when Jibril met him. Jibril used to meet him every night in Ramadan until it was over and the Prophet would go through the Qur’an with him. The Messenger of Allah was more generous with good things than the blowing wind.” [Agreed upon]
1223. ‘A’isha said, “When the last ten days of Ramadan started, the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, used to pray during the night, wake up his family and intensify his efforts.” [Agreed upon]

219. Chapter: On the prohibition against fasting before Ramadan after the middle of Sha’ban unless that fasting is connected to what is before it and coincides with his habit, like fasting Monday and Thursday

1224. Abu Hurayra reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “None of you should fast a day or two before Ramadan except for a man who customarily fasts. He should fast that day.” [Agreed upon]
1225. Ibn ‘Abbas reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “Do not fast immediately before Ramadan. Fast when you see the new moon and break it when you see it. If cloud obscures it, then complete the thirty days.” [at-Tirmidhi]
1226. Abu reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “When half of Sha’ban remains, then do not fast.” [at-Tirmidhi]
1227. Abu’l-Yaqatan ‘Ammar ibn Yasir said, “Anyone who fasts the day which is doubtful has rebelled against Abu’l-Qasim.” [Abu Dawud and at-Tirmidhi]

220. Chapter: On what one says when seeing the new moon

1228. Talha ibn ‘Ubaydullah reported that When the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, saw the new moon, he would say, “O Allah, make the new moon shine on us with security, belief, safety and Islam! My Lord and your Lord is Allah. It is a new moon of guidance and good.” [at-Tirmidhi]

221. Chapter: The excellence of suhur and delaying it as long as one does not fear the approach of dawn

1229. Anas reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “Have suhur. There is blessing insuhur.” [Agreed upon]
1230. Zayd ibn Thabit said, “We used to have suhur with the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. Then he stood up for the prayer.” Anas said, “I said, ‘How long was there between theadhan and suhur?’ He said, ‘Enough to recite fifty ayats.'” [Agreed upon]
1231. Ibn ‘Umar said, “The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, had two mu’adhdhans: Bilal and Ibn Umm Maktum. The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “Bilal calls the adhan while it is still night, so eat and drink until Ibn Umm Maktum calls the adhan.” He said, “The time between the two adhans was only long enough for the one to go up and the other to come down.” [Agreed upon]
1232. ‘Amr ibn al-‘As reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “The difference between our fasting and the fasting of the people of the Book lies in the eating of suhur.” [Muslim]

222. Chapter: On the excellence of hastening to break the fast and that with which one breaks the fast and what one says after breaking the fast

1233. Sahl ibn Sa’d reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “People will continue to be all right as long as they hurry to break the fast.” [Agreed upon]
1234. Abu ‘Atiyya said, “Masruq and I visited ‘A’isha and Masruq said to her, ‘There are two of the Companions of Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and neither of them is lacking in good. One of them hastens Maghrib and fast-breaking and the other delays Maghrib and fast-breaking.’ She said, ‘Which one hastensMaghrib and fast-breaking?’ He said, ”Abdullah – i.e. ibn Mas’ud.’ She said, ‘That is what the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, did.'” [Muslim]
1235. Abu Hurayra reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “Allah, the Mighty and Majestic said, ‘The most beloved of My slaves to Me is the quickest to break the fast.” [at-Tirmidhi]
1236. ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “When night advances from here and day retreats from there and the sun sets, then people fasting should break their fast.” [Agreed upon]
1237. Abu Ibrahim ‘Abdullah ibn Abi Awfa said, “We were with the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, on a journey while he was fasting. When the sun set, he said to someone, ‘So-and-so, get down and mix some sawiq for us’ He said, ‘Messenger of Allah, won’t you let it get dark?’ He said, ‘Get down and mix somesawiq for us.’ He said, ‘It is still daytime.’ He said, ‘Get down and mix some sawiq for us.’ So he got down and mixed it for them. The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, drank and then gestured with his hand towards the east, saying, ‘When you see the night advancing from here, then the faster should break his fast.'” [Agreed upon]
1238. Salman ibn ‘Amir ad-Dabi the Companion reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “When one of you breaks his fast, he should break it with dates. If he cannot find any. then he should break it with water. It is pure.” [Abu Dawud and at-Tirmidhi]
1239. Anas said, “The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, used to break the fast with fresh dates before he prayed, and if there were no fresh dates, then with small dry dates. If there were no dry dates, then with a few sips of water.” [Abu Dawud and at-Tirmidhi]

223. Chapter: On commanding the faster to guard his tongue and limbs from incorrect actions, verbal abuse and the like

1240. Abu Hurayra reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “When someone is fasting, he should not have sexual relations nor quarrel. If someone fights him or insults him, he should say, ‘I am fasting'” [Agreed upon]
1241. Abu Hurayra reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “Allah does not require someone who does not abandon lies, and acting by them, while fasting to abandon his food and drink.” [al-Bukhari]

224. Chapter: On questions regarding fasting

1242. Abu Hurayra reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “If someone forgets, and eats and drinks, he should complete his fast. Allah has fed him and let him drink.” [Agreed upon]
1243. Laqit ibn Sabira said, “I said, ‘Messenger of Allah, tell me aboutwudu’.’ He said, ‘Do wudu’ thoroughly letting the water run between your fingers and snuffing the water well up your nose, unless you are fasting.'” [at-Tirmidhi]
1244. ‘A’isha who said, “Fajr used sometimes to find the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, junub from one of his wives. Then he did ghusl and fasted.” [Agreed upon]
1245. ‘A’isha and Umm Salama said, “When morning found the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, junubfrom one of his wives, he would still fast.” [Agreed upon]
source: Riyad as-Salihin by Imam Nawawi. Translated by Ustadha Ayesha Bewley

Ramadan: Eighteen Reasons For Fasting

Ramadan: Eighteen Reasons For Fasting
Ramadan: Eighteen Reasons For Fasting
O ye who believe! Fasting is ordained for you, even as it was ordained for those before you, that ye may guard yourself (against evil)” Qur’an: Chapter 2, Verse 183).

Ramadan is a month of fasting and prayers for the Muslims. The fast consists of total abstinence from food and drink from dawn to dusk. There is, however, a greater significance to fasts than mere abstinence from eating and drinking.