Laylatul Qadr 'Night of Decree/Power’

LAILATUL-QADR

Its excellence is great, since in this night the Noble Qur'aan was sent down, which leads one who clings to it, to the path of honour and nobility, and raises him to the summit of distinction and everlasting life. The Muslims who adhere strictly to the Sunnah of Allaah's Messenger SAW do not raise flags on this night, nor suspend colourful decorations. Rather they vie in standing during it (Lailatul-Qadr) in Prayer out of sincere faith and hoping for reward. Here, O Muslim, are the Qur'aanic Aayaat and authentic prophetic ahaadeeth referring to this night: 



* Its excellence
As regards its excellence it is more than sufficient to mention that Lailatul-Qadr is better than a thousand months, He, the Mighty and Majestic, says:
" Verily! We have sent it (this Qur'aan) down in the Night of Decree (Lailatul-Qadr). And what will make you know what the Night of Decree is? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. Therein descend the angels and the Rooh (i.e. Gabriel) by Allaah's Permission with all Decrees, Peace! until the appearance of dawn." (Al-Qadr 97: 1-5)
And in it every decreed matter for the year is conveyed, He, the Most High says:
" We sent it (this Qur'aan) down on a blessed Night. Verily, We are ever warning (mankind of Our Torment). Therein (that Night) is decreed every matter of ordainment. Amran (i.e. a command or this Qur'aan or His Decree of every matter) from Us. Verily, We are ever sending (the Messenger). (As) a Mercy from your Lord. Verily! He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower." (Ad-Dukhaan 44: 3-6)

* When is it?
It is reported from the Prophet SAW that it is within the twenty-first, twenty-third, twenty-fifth, twenty-seventh, twenty-ninth or the last night of Ramadhan.
Imaam ash-Shaafi'ee, rahimahullaah, said: To me it is as the Prophet SAW used to answer according to the question posed, it would be said to him: "Shall I seek it in such and such night?" So he would reply: "Seek it in such and such night." And Allaah knows best. (Reported from him by al-Baghawee in Sharhus-Sunnah)
The most correct saying is that it occurs in the odd nights of the last ten nights of Ramadhan and this is shown by the hadeeth of 'Aa'ishah, RA, who said: "Allaah Messenger SAW used to practice I'tikaaf in the last ten nights and say: 'Seek out Lailatul-Qadr in the (odd nights) of the last ten days of Ramadhan." (Bukhari, Muslim )
However if the servant is too weak or unable, then he should at least not let the last seven days pass him by, due to what is reported from 'Ibn 'Umar, who said: Allaah's Messenger SAW said: "Seek it in the last ten, and if one of you is too weak or unable then let him not allow that to make him miss the final seven." (Bukhari, Muslim)

This explains his, SAW saying: "I see that your dreams are in agreement (that it is in the last seven) so he who wishes to seek it out then let him seek it in the last seven." (Bukhari)
It is also known from the Sunnah, that knowledge of the exact night upon which Lailatul-Qadr falls was taken up because the people argued, 'Ubaadah ibn as-Saamit, RA said: The Prophet SAW came out intending to tell us about Lailatul-Qadr, however two men were arguing and he said: "I came out to inform you about Lailatul-Qadr but so and so, and, so and so were arguing, so it was raised up, and perhaps that is better for you, so seek it on the (twenty) ninth and (twenty) seventh and the (twenty) fifth." (Bukhari)
Some ahaadeeth indicate that Lailatul-Qadr is in the last ten nights, while others indicate that it is in the odd nights of the last ten, so the first are general and the second more particular, and the particular has to be given priority over the general. Other ahaadeeth state that it is in the last seven - and these are restricted by mention of one who is too weak or unable. So there is no confusion, all the ahaadeeth agree and are not contradictory.
In conclusion: The Muslim should seek out Lailatul-Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten: the night of the twenty-first (the night before the twenty-first day), the twenty-third, the twenty-fifth, the twenty-seventh and the twenty-ninth. If he is too weak or unable to seek it out in all the odd nights, then let him seek it out in the odd nights of the last seven: the night of the twenty-fifth, the twenty-seventh and the twenty-ninth. And Allaah knows best.

* How should a Muslim seek Lailatul-Qadr?
One who misses this blessed night then he has missed much good for no one misses it except one from whom it is withheld. Therefore it is recommended that the Muslim who is eager to be obedient to Allaah should stand in Prayer during this night out of Eemaan and hoping for the great reward, since if he does this, Allaah will forgive his previous sins.

He SAW said: "Whoever stands in (Prayer) in Lailatul-Qadr out of Eemaan and seeking reward then his previous sins are forgiven." (Bukhari)
It is recommended to supplicate a great deal in it, it is reported from 'Aa'ishah, RA that she said: "O Messenger of Allaah! What if I knew which night Lailatul-Qadr was, then what should I say in it?" He said: "Say: Allaahumma innaka 'affuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'annee." (O Allaah you are the one who pardons greatly, and loves to pardon, so pardon me.) (at-Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah)
O brother! You know the importance of this night, so stand in Prayer in the last ten nights, in worship, detaching oneself from the women, ordering your family with this, and increasing in actions of obedience and worship in it.

From 'Aa'ishah, RA who said: "The Prophet SAW used to tighten his waist-wrapper (izaar) - (meaning detached himself from his wives in order to worship, and exerted himself in seeking Lailatul-Qadr), spend the night in worship, and wake the family in the last ten nights." (Bukhari, Muslim)
From 'Aa'ishah, RA: "Allaah's Messenger SAW used to exert himself in the last ten nights more than he would at other times." (Muslim)

* Its sign
[Many people believe in all sorts of superstitions about Lailatul-Qadr, and false beliefs from them are that the trees prostrate, and buildings sleep! And these things are clearly futile and baseless.] Allaah's Messenger SAW described the morning after Lailatul-Qadr, so that the Muslim may know which day it is. From Ubayy, RA who said: that he SAW said: "On the morning following Lailatul-Qadr the sun rises not having any rays, as if it were a brass dish, until it rises up." (Muslim, Abu Dawood, at-Tarmidhi, Ibn Majah)
From Abu Hurairah, RA who said: "We were discussing Lailatul-Qadr in the presence of Allaah's Messenger SAW, so he said: 'Which of you remembers (the night) when the moon arose and was like half a plate?'" (Muslim) [Qaadi 'Iyaad said: "It contains an indication that it was towards the end of the month - since the moon does not appear like that when it arises except towards the end of the month."]
From Ibn 'Abbaas, RA who said: Allaah's Messenger SAW said: "Lailatul-Qadr is calm and pleasant, neither hot nor cold, the sun arises on its morning being feeble and red." (at-Tayaalisee, Ibn Khuzaimah, al-Bazzaar with hasan isnaad)

Let us seek abundance rewards from our Creator by performing extra actions in these last few days of the noble month of Ramadhan as it could be our last...

THE WISDOM BEHIND FASTING

There is a wisdom behind every act in Islam, no matter how big or small. In time we may know the wisdom behind some acts, and for others we may never know. Salaat, the five daily prayers for instance, is a daily training for purifying a believer and reminding him that he is a member in a community of believers. Fasting, on the other hand, is an annual institution containing all conceivable attributes for human excellence. It is a training for the body and soul, a renewal of life, encouraging the spirit of sharing and giving.


The following are some of the general benefits:

Self-Restraint (Taqwaa)
Allah (SWT) states: "O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you that you may (learn) self restraint." (Al-Qur`an, 2:183)
This verse indicates the first lesson or wisdom to be gained by fasting:

Self-restraint, (Taqwa) or the fear of Allah (SWT). That is to say, fasting instills in the heart the essence of consciousness of the Creator. Which leads to a moral courage both in secret and in public by guiding the heart (the seat of emotions) from spoilage and moral indecency.
Fasting instills Taqwaa, and does so by controlling two aspects of the human body, which are the root causes of human downfall. Namely the stomach and the private parts. The human body is constructed with the need to please the two of them and, in the process, man transgresses the rights of other fellow human beings, and even violates Allah's (SWT) Commandments. Fasting raises the level of Taqwaa, thus, eliminating the chances to commit sins, which are detrimental to life itself.


Behavior Modification
One of the most benefiting factors of fasting is that its observer is able to control or change his or her old or so called 'unbreakable' habits. The reason being is that human life is an embodiment of acquired habits. To change or control a habit is to wage a war on oneself. If Jihad is mandatory on every believer because it is the peak of the essence in Islam, and it entails changing habits, then fasting is the training ground for the inevitable that will occur. The believer cannot wage a war and hope to defeat an enemy if he cannot even wage a war against his own desires. Thus, the fasting person is admitted to the compulsory training opened only in Ramadan. The learning in this school is obligatory and succeeding or scoring high is mandatory, otherwise it is like one has never entered. The Prophet (PBUH) said: "Many a faster receives naught from his fast except the pain of hunger and thirst." And how does Ramadan fasting helps control habits? The answer is simple. The two most important habits are eating and drinking. An average person eats three meals a day, 21 meals a week. The way the fast is structured, with its basic and drastic alteration of eating habits, a fasting person takes only light meals early in the morning and late in the evening. If a believer can do that then it will undoubtedly be easy for him or her to control other habits, including the habit of smoking, drug abuse and illicit sex. If one can control his tongue, hands, and all the other parts of the body for a month then it will be easy for him to apply the same training for the rest of the year.

Health Care
Fasting is a sentinel against disease, provided that the faster follows the strict dietary rule: eat during fast breaking and avoiding over-eating. Allah (SWT) States: "...Eat and drink, but waste not by excess, for Allah loves not the wasters." (Al-Qur`an, 7:31) A great deal of ailments originates from stomach indigestion. This is why the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) says: "The son of Adam will never fill a container with something worse and evil than his stomach. It will suffice him some morsels (food) that will keep him on his feet, otherwise, he should divide his stomach into three parts: one-third for his food, the other for his drink and the other third for his breath." (Ibn Hibban) This hadith indicates that the stomach is the origin of harmful bacteria. Even in the age of sophisticated machines, you can hardly find a machine so fragile but yet so remarkably durable and efficient like the stomach. This is the machine that receives food particles, processes and refines them, and distributes the products to different parts of the body. This is a lifelong operation. For the non-faster, the stomach will have no chance for rest.
When the stomach is empty, as a result of fasting, it gets well-desired rest, to renew and rejuvenate its energy. With the fasting, the stomach is forced to go through a discharge whereby harmful residues are eliminated through perspiration as the body searches for food during fast. During fast, the system of secretion is organized, and this in turn benefits the blood pressure, inhibiting hardening of the arteries. The heart and kidney functions are enhanced as the workload tapers off. Fasting helps to correct the problem of obesity and diabetes. Doctors over the years have used fasting as a prescription for certain ailments.There was a discussion between Ali Bin Husain bin Waquid (RAA) and Caliph Haroon Ar-Rasheed's Christian physician about Islam's outlook on the science of medicine and health care. The physician said to Ibn Waquid: "There is not in your Book, Al-Qur`an, anything about medicine. For if Al-Qur`an is a book of science, what about this science? Aren't there two kinds of sciences: the science of the body and the science of the soul?" Ibn Waquid responded:
"Allah, the Most High has combined both sciences in half of a verse, when He states: "...Eat and drink but waste not by excess, for Allah loves not the
wasters." (Al-Qur`an, 7:31) The physician said: "Why, then, has nothing been mentioned about medicine from the mouth of your Messenger?" Ibn Waquid replied: "Our Messenger (PBUH), has combined the sciences about medicine in a few words when he
says: "The stomach is the house for disease and prevention is the essence of medicine." The Christian physician then said: "Then your book, Al-Qur`an, and your Prophet Muhammad left nothing about medicine for Jalienas (a famous physician of the ancients)." (Arkanul Arba`ah by Abul Hasan Nadwi)
An American physician published a report on fasting and its benefits saying:
"It is mandatory on every person who is sick to restrain from food certain days in a year whether he be wealthy or poor. Because if bacteria can find food in abundance in the body, it will grow and multiply. But with fasting it becomes weak.'' He then praised Islam. It should be considered as the wisest religion, for as it mandated fasting it has mandated health care. He continued: "Indeed, Muhammad, who brought this religion, was the best physician who succeeded in his teachings, for he called for prevention before ailment. That is apparent in fasting and the nightly prayer (Taraweeh) that Muslims observe after breaking the fast every day in Ramadan. These physical acts contain big benefits in digesting food." (Arkanul Arba`ah by Abul Hasan (Nadwi)

Patience
Fasting helps in conditioning the heart, the soul, and the body on the virtues of patience, tenacity, and firmness in the face of adversity.
Patience is the pinnacle of self-mastery, discipline and spiritual agility. Patience is to turn the phrase "I can't" into "I can." It is to say the difficult is easy. It is an inner and psychological demolition of things perceived by others as impossible. Fasting helps in all these shades for the virtuous and patient person. Because the conditioning is that if a believer can exercise patience and forsake gourmet food and drink and all its
exhilaration, as well as marital association, for a month with the realization that the barrier between you and food is the consciousness of his Creator then he is able to exercise patience in virtually everything in
life.

Social Outlook
Socially, fasting is an expression of solidarity with the poor, the family and the whole society. This is a period in which the rich have first-hand experience of what it is to be poor. The pains that indigents suffer in normal living conditions. The process of disciplining resulting from Islamic fasting instills in the rich the virtue of mercy, which is very important in terms of social well being, and proliferation of harmony. Allah (SWT)
Bestows His mercy upon those who themselves are merciful to others. The Messenger (PBUH) said "Those who are merciful to others, the Merciful will have mercy upon them," He continued, "Have mercy upon those on earth, and those in heaven will have mercy upon you." (Abu Dawud/Tirmidhi)

Family Ties
Fasting strengthens family ties, especially in that the family is an endangered institution in the western society. It helps the family gather together to break fast at Iftar, and then eat sahuur (food before fasting)
together at least twice a day for a month. The family even makes Salaat together with normally the head of the family as an Imam.
Fasting enhances and energizes friendship, as Ramadan is known as the month of invitations and visitations. Friends, family members, and neighbors
extend invitations to each other to come to their homes to have Iftar together. The Messenger (PBUH) said, "When a believer invites you, you should respond." Beside that, the Muslims gather together in the Masajid for the Taraweeh prayers every night for a month.

Night Prayer During Ramadan (Taraweeh)

Allah (S.W.T) has legislated different forms of worship so that we do not continuously perform only one which would lead us to get tired of it, and as a consequence, halt performing that kind of worship.


Allah (S.W.T) made certain forms of worship obligatory that we may not fall short of performing. He (S.W.T) also prescribed the recommended acts of worship that would increase the rewards. In a Qudsi hadith reported by Imam Bukhari, The Prophet (saws) said: "Allah (S.W.T.) said:' My servant draws not near to Me with any thing more loved by Me than the religious duties I have enjoined upon him, and My servant continues to draw near to Me with supererogatory works so that I shall love him. When I love him I am his hearing with which he hears, his seeing, with which he sees his hand with which he strikes and his foot with which he walks. Were he to ask [something] of Me, I would surely give it to him, and were he to ask Me for refuge, I would surely grant him it."

The prayer is one of these forms. Allah (S.W.T) prescribed upon us five in a day and a night. Five to perform, and fifty in rewards in the scale on the Day of Judgment. Allah (S.W.T) recommended us to increase our non-obligatory prayers so that they can make up for the less perfect obligatory prayer. In an authentic hadith reported by Imam At-Tirmithi, Abu-Dawud, An-Nisai and others that the Prophet Muhammad said: "The first of his actions for which a servant of Allah will be held accountable on The Day Resurrection will be his prayers. If they are in order, then he will have prospered and succeeded; and if they are wanting, then he will have failed and lost. If there is something defective in his obligatory prayers, the Lord (S.W.T) will say: see if my servant has any voluntarily prayers with which may complete that which was defective in his obligatory prayers. Then the rest of his religious duties will be judged in like fashion."

From the recommended prayers that accompany the obligatory ones are: the two Rak’ahs before Fajr, four before Thuhr, two after it, two after Al-Maghrib, and two after Al’isha’.

And from the recommended ones are special ones that are greatest after the obligatory prayers. This is the night prayer. Imam Muslim reported that the prophet (saws) said: "The best prayer after the obligatory is the night prayer."

From the night prayer is the Witr prayer which is an emphatic Sunnah according to the opinion of the major scholars and obligatory according to Imam Abu Hanifah. The least Witr prayer is one Rak’ah and eleven Rak’ah is the most it can get. All this is evidenced from the sayings and actions of the prophet (saws).

The night prayer in Ramadan has a special consideration different from any other time of the year. Imams Bukhari and Muslim reported that the Prophet Muhammad (saws) said: "Whoever offers optional prayers (like Taraweeh prayers) throughout the nights of Ramadan, believing in Allah and seeking His rewards, will have his previous sins forgiven."

Qi-yam of the nights of Ramadan includes the early as well as the late night. So, the Taraweeh is considered from the Qi-yam of Ramadan so we should perform it. It was called Taraweeh because the Companions of the prophet and the successors to the Companions used to make a lengthy standing in them and they would take rest after offering every four Rak'ah. This is how these came to be named Taraweeh (Rest prayer). (Four Rak'ah are called Tarweehah).

The prophet (saws) was the first who made praying the Taraweeh in congregation Sunnah (recommended), and then he left it fearing that it may become obligatory upon his Ummah. Imams Bukhari and Muslim have reported that A’eeshah (R.A.) said that the prophet (saws) prayed once in the Masjid in one of the night of Ramadan. People joined him, and then more people joined him in the next night. Then more people waited for the prophet (saws) in the third and the fourth (night), but the prophet (saws) did not come out to them. In the next morning, the prophet (saws) said: "I have seen what you did, nothing had prevented me from coming out to you except that I feared that it may become obligatory upon you."

Then, during the rule of Umar Ibn Al-Hkattab (R.A.), he saw the companions praying in the Masjid individually, or in different congregation so he ordered them to prayer behind one Imam. During his caliphate, In an authentic narration reported by Imam Malik "Umar (R.A.) ordered Ubayy bin K'ab and Tamim Ad-Dari (R.A.) to offer them in congregation. He enjoined them to offer eight Rak'ah Tarawih and three Rak'ah witr. This practice has been going on ever since."

The scholars have different opinions about the number of Rak’ahs of Taraweeh prayer along with the Witr. Some said: forty-one Rak’ahs, some said: thirty-nine, some said: twenty-nine, some said: twenty-three, some said: nineteen, some said: thirteen, and some said: eleven. The strongest opinions are those who said: eleven according to Imams Bukhari and Muslim that A’eeshah (R.A.) was asked about the night prayer of the prophet (saws) in Ramadan, she replied: "He did not pray it more than eleven Rak’ahs." Also Imam Bukhari reported that A’eeshah (R.A.) said: "The prophet used to offer thirteen Ruk'at of the night prayer and that included the Witr and two Ruk' at Sunnah of the Fajir prayer." Also Imam Bukhari reported that Ibn' Abbas (R.A.) said: "The Salat (prayer) of the prophet used to be of thirteen Rak'at, i.e. of the night prayer". Which included the Witr and two Ruk'at Sunnah of the fajir prayer.

The early Muslims from the used to pray the Taraweeh prayer. Assae’eb bin Yazeed said: "The Imam used to read hundreds of verses and we used to use the staff to help us stand up from the lengthy standing." This is contrary to what many Muslim do these days. The people today pray the Taraweeh with great speed so that the recitation is almost not understood. So we should be really cautious.

Since Ramadan is coming soon, we should prepare ourselves for it. We should prepare ourselves to pray the Taraweeh in the Masjid in congregation with the Imam and not to leave until the Imam has finished it and finished the Witr prayer so that we all gain the rewards of praying the whole night. The prophet (saws) said: "Whoever prays with the Imam until he leaves, it is considered as Qi-yam of one night."

The scholars have a consensus that women are allowed to come to pray the Taraweeh in the Masjid with men if they are wearing the Hijab, and men should not prevent the women from coming to the Masjid. Imams Bukhari and Muslim reported that the Prophet Muhammad (saws) said: "Do not prevent women from coming to the Massajid."

It is a must that women should have a designated place in the Masjid in the back of it like it was during the life of the prophet (saws) and that they start with the last row unlike men. Imam Muslim reported that the Prophet Muhammad (saws) said: "The best of the men's rows [In salat (prayer)] is the first row and the worst row is the last; but the best of the women's row is the last row and the worst of their rows is the first."

For those women who come to the Masjid for the congregation prayer, they should leave the Masjid as soon as the Imam makes Tasleem, or they should have special doors for them to leave the Masjid from so that they would not mingle with men. Imam Bukhari reported that Umu Salamah (R.A.) said: "When the prophet (saws) used to make Tasleem, the women got up and left while the prophet (saws) remained shortly in his place before he got up. She said: this is (Allah knows best) because the prophet (saws) wanted the women to leave before the men can catch up with them."

What Is Ramadan... The Islamic Month Of Fasting?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is a time of fasting for the Islamic people. Each day during this month, Muslims all over the world abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, as well as participating in anything that is ill-natured or excessive; from dawn until the sun sets. Fasting is intended to educate the Muslim in spirituality, humility and patience. It is a time to cleanse the soul, focus attention on God, and put into practice selflessness. Ramadan is a time for Muslims to fast for the sake of God and to put forward more prayer than is customary.

Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of the Islam religion, and one of the main types of Islamic worship. Restraint from everyday enjoyment and curbing wicked intentions and cravings are considered as an act of compliance and obedience to God, as well as amends for sins, faults, and mistakes. Ramadan is also called Ramazan. During Ramadan, Muslims request forgiveness for sins in the past, pray for direction and assistance in abstaining from everyday troubles, and endeavor to cleanse themselves through self-control and great acts of faith.

In comparison to the solar calendar, the Ramadan dates differ, moving forward approximately ten days every year due to the fact that it is a moving holiday which is dependent on the moon. Ramadan was the month in which the initial verses of the Qur'an were said to be shown to Muhammad, the Islamic Prophet.

The name "Ramadan" had been the name of the ninth month in Arabian tradition prior to the onset of Islam; the word itself originated from an Arabic root “rmd”, in words like "ramida" or "ar-ramad” which means severe heat, burnt ground as well as shortness of provisions. Individuals say it is named Ramadan because it burns out the sins with good deeds, as the sun scorches the ground. In the Qu'ran, God declares that "fasting has been written down upon you, as it was upon those before you". In accordance with the first hadith, this is in reference to the Jewish custom of fasting on Yom Kippur.

The lunar cycle determines the Islamic calendar, therefore the month of Ramadan, which is the ninth month commences with a mixture of the sighting of the new moon as well as astronomical calculations. The precise time of Ramadan will at times vary from place to place because some depend a great deal on moon sightings, while others rely on science. An Imam which is a Muslim holy man will make known the correct time of Ramadan right before it begins. The fasting phase finishes upon the sighting of the next new moon, which take place after 29 or 30 days.

Ramadan conveys an extraordinary sense of emotional enthusiasm and religious eagerness among Muslims of all ages. Even though fasting is compulsory for adults alone, children as young as eight readily watch fasting with their elders. Children look forward to the thrill of the moon sighting and eating unique meals with their relatives. Adults are grateful for the chance to double their rewards from God and ask for pardon for their past sins. Ramadan highlights Muslim brotherhood and customs and brings about a special feeling of closeness.

What is Ramadan? An Explanation by Yusuf Islam

Sha'ban - A Month of Bounties and Blessings

"Rajab is the month of Allah, Shaban is my month and Ramadan is the month of the Nation". -Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him

Shaban is the 8th month in the Islamic calendar and is considered one of the meritorious months for which we find particular instructions in the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). The Arabic word Sha`ban is derived from the word ‘tash`aba’, which means "to go in different directions." It is said that Sha`ban takes such a name because the Arabs used to go in different directions fighting their enemies.

It is reported that Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), used to fast most of the month in Shaban except the last few days of the month. These fasts are supererogatory (nafl). Shaban is the month immediately preceding the month of Ramadan.   




1. The blessed companion Usama ibn Zaid , reports that he asked Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) : "Messenger of Allah, I have seen you fasting in the month of Shaban so frequently that I have never seen you fasting in any other month." Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), replied: "That (Shaban) is a month between Rajab and Ramadan which is neglected by many people. And it is a month in which an account of the deeds (of human beings) is presented before the Lord of the universe, so, I wish that my deeds be presented at a time when I am in a state of fasting."

2. Ummul Mu'mineen 'Aishah (r), says, "Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) ,used to fast for most of Shaban. I said to him, 'Messenger of Allah, is Shaban your favorite month for fasting?' He said, 'In this month Allah prescribes the list of the persons dying this year. Therefore, I like that my death comes when I am in a state of fasting.' "

These reports indicate that fasting in the month of Shaban, though not obligatory but is very deserving and that Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) did not like to miss it.

Various Islamic scholars have recommended special worshiping during the night of 15th of Shaaban. This is based on the saying (Hadith) of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), the meaning of which is that during the night of 15th of Shaaban, A reported by Ibn Majah. Allah will say "is there any person repenting so that I forgive him, and any person seeking provision so that I provide for him, and any person with distress so that I relieve him, and so on until dawn."

This is the night occurring between 14th and 15th day of Shaban. Traditions of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), show that it is a meritorious night in which the people of the earth are attended by special Divine Mercy.

On the Night of 15th Shaban, after Maghrib or Isha prayer it is traditional practice to read Surah Yasin and make special supplications for good health, protection from calamities and increased Iman.

According to tradition this night has special blessings that are directed towards the faithful. Therefore, as much as possible, this night should be spent in worship and total submission to Allah Almighty. Also, fasting is recommended on the day immediately following this Night, i.e. the 15th day of Shaban.

The blessed companion Anas (radiAllahu anhu) reports that Prophet Muhammad (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) was asked, "Which fast is the most meritorious after the fasts of Ramadan?" He replied, "Fasts of Shaban in honor of Ramadan."

Ummul Mu'mineen A'isha (radiAllahu anha) says "Prophet Muhammad (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) would sometimes begin to fast continuously until we thought he would not stop fasting, and sometimes he used to stop fasting until we thought he would never fast. I never saw the Messenger of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) fasting a complete month, except the month of Ramadan, and I have never seen him fasting in a month more frequently than he did in Sha'ban."

It should be kept in mind that the fasts of Sha'ban are for those persons only who are capable of keeping them without causing deficiency in the obligatory fasts of Ramadan. Therefore, if one fears that after fasting in Sha'ban, he will lose strength or freshness for the fasts of Ramadan and will not be able to fast in it with freshness, he should not fast in Sha'ban, because the fasts of Ramadan, being obligatory, are more important than the optional fasts of Sha'ban. That is why Prophet Muhammad (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) himself has forbidden the Muslims from fasting one or two days immediately before the commencement of Ramadan. The blessed Companion Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) reports Prophet Muhammad (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) to have said, "Do not fast after the first half of the month of Sha'ban is gone."

According to another report Prophet Muhammad (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) has said: "Do not precede the month of Ramadan with one or two fasts."

The essence of the above-quoted ahadith is that Prophet Muhammad (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) himself used to fast most of the month of Sha'ban, because he had no fear of developing weakness or weariness before the commencement of Ramadan. As for others, he ordered them not to fast after the 15th of Sha'ban for the fear that they would lose their strength and freshness before Ramadan starts, and would not be able to welcome the month of Ramadan with enthusiasm.

Sha'ban is a month for seeking nearness to Allah and preparing for the height of opportunity in the month of Ramadhan. It is full of opportunity in itself, and this first week of many birth dates is a string of opportunities to begin to renew ourselves spiritually. Commemorating birth dates and other historical occasions is a means to an end – it is a method mentioned by the Ahlul Bayt (peace be upon them) in sayings such as, "May Allah have mercy on those who remember us", to seek spiritual growth and nearness to Allah.

May Allah(swt) guide is all and bless us with his abundant blessings..ameen

Qur'an Recitation (Ar-Rahman) -The Most Gracious -

THE HOLY QURAN

(Yusuf Ali Translation)

SURAH INDEX :Surah 55. Ar-Rahman (The Beneficent, The Mercy Giving)

In the name of Allah (God), Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

1. ((Allah))God Most Gracious!

2. It is He Who has taught the Qur'an.

3. He has created man:

4. He has taught him speech (and intelligence).

5. The sun and the moon follow courses (exactly) computed;

6. And the herbs and the trees - both (alike) bow in adoration.

7. And the Firmament has He raised high, and He has set up the Balance (of Justice),

8. In order that ye may not transgress (due) balance.

9. So establish weight with justice and fall not short in the balance.

10. It is He Who has spread out the earth for (His) creatures:

11. Therein is fruit and date-palms, producing spathes (enclosing dates);

12. Also corn, with (its) leaves and stalk for fodder, and sweet-smelling plants.

13. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?

14. He created man from sounding clay like unto pottery,

15. And He created Jinns from fire free of smoke:

16. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?

17. (He is) Lord of the two Easts and Lord of the two Wests:

18. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?

19. He has let free the two bodies of flowing water, meeting together:

20. Between them is a Barrier which they do not transgress:

21. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?

22. Out of them come Pearls and Coral:

23. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?

24. And His are the Ships sailing smoothly through the seas, lofty as mountains:

25. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?

26. All that is on earth will perish:

27. But will abide (for ever) the Face of thy Lord,- full of Majesty, Bounty and Honour.

28. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?

29. Of Him seeks (its need) every creature in the heavens and on earth: every day in (new) Splendour doth He (shine)!

30. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?

31. Soon shall We settle your affairs, O both ye worlds!

32. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?

33. O ye assembly of Jinns and men! If it be ye can pass beyond the zones of the heavens and the earth, pass ye! not without authority shall ye be able to pass!

34. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?

35. On you will be sent (O ye evil ones twain!) a flame of fire (to burn) and a smoke (to choke): no defence will ye have:

36. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?

37. When the sky is rent asunder, and it becomes red like ointment:

38. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?

39. On that Day no question will be asked of man or Jinn as to his sin.

40. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?

41. (For) the sinners will be known by their marks: and they will be seized by their forelocks and their feet.

42. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?

43. This is the Hell which the Sinners deny:

44. In its midst and in the midst of boiling hot water will they wander round!

45. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?

46. But for such as fear the time when they will stand before (the Judgment Seat of) their Lord, there will be two Gardens-

47. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?-

48. Containing all kinds (of trees and delights);-

49. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?-

50. In them (each) will be two Springs flowing (free);

51. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?-

52. In them will be Fruits of every kind, two and two.

53. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?

54. They will recline on Carpets, whose inner linings will be of rich brocade: the Fruit of the Gardens will be near (and easy of reach).

55. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?

56. In them will be (Maidens), chaste, restraining their glances, whom no man or Jinn before them has touched;-

57. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?-

58. Like unto Rubies and coral.

59. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?

60. Is there any Reward for Good - other than Good?

61. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?

62. And besides these two, there are two other Gardens,-

63. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?-

64. Dark-green in colour (from plentiful watering).

65. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?

66. In them (each) will be two Springs pouring forth water in continuous abundance:

67. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?

68. In them will be Fruits, and dates and pomegranates:

69. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?

70. In them will be fair (Companions), good, beautiful;-

71. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?-

72. Companions restrained (as to their glances), in (goodly) pavilions;-

73. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?-

74. Whom no man or Jinn before them has touched;-

75. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?-

76. Reclining on green Cushions and rich Carpets of beauty.

77. Then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?

78. Blessed be the name of thy Lord, full of Majesty, Bounty and Honour.

Curse of the Consumer Society - Abdur Raheem Green

Bilal Philips - Avoiding the Unlawful Part 1 & 2

Beauties of Islam: Who is Allah (GOD)? [epi 1/3]

Patience - Dr. Bilal Philips

Marriage in Islam

And among His signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may dwell in tranquillity with them, and He has put love and mercy between your hearts. Undoubtedly in these are signs for those who reflect. (30:21)

Ingredients For A Happy Family

Rewards of Reading Quran with understanding as compare to Receiting

HIJAAB A MOMENT OF THOUGHT

The commandments of hijab are of great importance. Though it is true that they are in fact somewhat difficult to follow. But one thing is true beyond doubt, and that is whosoever succeeds in following these commandments will have less difficulty in obeying other commandments of Allah. This is the most bitter pill to swallow, in terms of obedience, but it is most beneficial in that it makes it quick and easy for a Muslim to be close to Allah.

Today, our standards of piety have become limited to reciting endless incantations and rosaries, praying extra Salat, reciting the books of prayers, fasting when possible, giving alms and charity and obeying those commands which may be followed with ease. But we readily ignore and reject all those rules and prohibitions which interfere in any way with our lifestyle, nafs and desires.
We profess deep love for Allah, but do not refrain from disobeying Him, even though it is obligatory on us to refrain from all that He has declared haram.


The foundation of piety is built on seeking Allah's forgiveness for all our disobedience and rebelliousness against Him. Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wasallam has said, "Refrain from sinning and you will become the most pious of worshippers."

The sin of refusing to observe hijab is more severe than other sins, which is why it is critical to immediately desist from it and to sincerely resolve not to repeat it. The reasons for this are as follows:

1. It is a sin which is committed in the open for all to see. The one committing this sin, without saying a word, is openly declaring to everyone that she/he has no regard for Allah's commands, and that she/he has revolted against Allah. Our Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam has said: "All of my ummah is worthy of forgiveness, except those who have openly sinned."

This is true not only for religion, but even under the laws of any government of this world, those who openly betray their governments are not forgiven, and what is the punishment for betrayal, but death?

2. The sinful consequences of refusing to observe hijab are not limited only to the one committing this sin; since it encourages and spreads lewd and shameful behaviour, it ultimately affects the entire society which thus gets caught in Allah's punishment in this world and in the hereafter. It is commonly observed that such a sin also paves the way for all kinds of other mischiefs, even murder. Those women who do not observe purdah should ask themselves why are they doing so. Is it the temporary pleasures and fulfilment of desires which is keeping them from it? They should realise that life in this world is short while life in the hereafter is forever. They should also realise that by not observing hijab they are embittering their lives here as well as condemning themselves to the punishment of hell-fire in the hereafter. We are not able to bear, even for a second, the heat of a burning coal placed on the palm of our hand. And yet we never think, how will we be able to bear the severe torment and fires of hell? If we worry that our father or husband or other relatives will not approve and will be displeased with our following Allah's commands, then we should also think whether this will be an acceptable excuse to present to Allah on the Day of Judgement. Will He forgive us if we say that we did not follow His orders because we feared displeasing our family and friends. Even though it is Allah's absolute and unalterable law that 'obeying anyone while disobeying Allah is forbidden'. That is, if someone asks us to disobey Allah, we are forbidden to obey him. We should simply cast this person aside. We should consider whether this person whom we are pleasing by disobeying Allah will be willing to receive and bear the punishment in our place on the Day of Judgement?
Allah clearly states in the noble Qur'an:

Then would those who are followed clear themselves of those who follow (them); they would see the penalty and all relations between them would be cut off. And those who followed would say: "If only we had one more chance we would clear ourselves of them as they have cleared themselves of us." Thus will Allah show them (the fruits of) their deeds as (nothing but) regrets nor will there be a way for them out of the fire. (2:166-167)

Ponder on this verse, and it becomes clear that on the Day of Judgement, those people who disregarded the commands of Allah and disobeyed Him to follow and please others, will be enemies unto each other and all relations between them will be severed. On that day, the young will blame their elders for not letting them obey Allah and observe hijab, while the elders will say that they had no control over them, they only asked them to disobey, but did not force them. Then, how frustrated and helpless will those feel who had disobeyed Allah to please others around them. How sorry and miserable will those feel when they realise that the people they had tried to please and on whose account they were to endure such grave punishment, were denying all responsibility for their wrong doing and were accusing them of being guilty instead. Let alone men, even Shaytan, on the Day of Judgement, will say:

And Shaytan will say when the matter is decided: It was Allah Who gave you a promise of truth: I too promised but I failed in my promise to you. I had no authority over you except to call you but you listened to me: then reproach me not, but reproach your own souls. I cannot listen to your cries nor can you listen to mine. I reject your former act in associating me with Allah. For wrongdoers there must be a Grievous Penalty. (14:22)

So, we know that on this day no one will come to anyone else's aid, and every human being will be left alone to answer for his own deeds. Even the Shaytan will say to those who followed him: "I had no real power over you, all I could do was to tempt and preach you; you chose to follow me and committed sins of your own free will. I am disgusted with you for associating me with Allah and obeying me in His stead. You were with me in life, and you will be with me now. We will go to hell and abide there together."

For the sake of Allah, think! Is the goal in life to gain Allah's Pleasure, or the pleasure of a few relatives? By Allah, those who sever their worldly relations in this life for the sake of Allah, will attain heaven right here on earth. He, who turned away from people and cut his relations with them solely to gain Allah's Pleasure and to avoid punishment in his final and everlasting abode in the hereafter, has attained true success. He will be rewarded with such joy and pleasure that all the joys of this world will seem insignificant and worthless by comparison. As a poet has said:

You shouldn't care if the entire world is unhappy with you; As long as your beloved is pleased with you; Keep this in mind as you decide; What should you do and what shouldn't you do.

Let us pray to Allah to grant us great courage and fortitude, to bless us with complete Iman, unwavering trust and belief in the noble Qur'an, and the ability to obey his commandments as they should be obeyed. May Allah shower salat and salam in great abundance, on our beloved Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam, the best of creation, and upon his family and his companions.
[Source: Islamic Da'wah Academy]

Q&A Ahmed Deedat - Women and the wearing of Hijab (Head Scarf)

Time is of the essence by Khalid Yasin

Judgement Day: How the Sun Will Rise in the West

The Fast of ‘Ashura (The 10th of Muharram)

The Fast of ‘Ashura (The 10th of Muharram)

Mu’awiyah ibn Abu Sufyan (Radiyallahu 'anh) relates: I heard the Messenger of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) say: "It is the day of ‘Ashura. Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) has not made fasting obligatory for you. But I am fasting. He who likes to observe fast among you should do so, and he who likes not to observe it (does not have to) observe it." [Sahih Muslim]

Abu Qatada (Radiyallahu 'anh) relates that the Holy Nabi (Sall Allahu alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallim) said that the fast on the 10th of Muharram atones for the sins of the preceding year. [Sahih Muslim]
Abu Huraira (Radiyallahu 'anh) reports that the Holy Nabi (Sall Allahu alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallim) said that after Ramadan, the fasts of Muharram have the greatest excellence. [Sahih Muslim]
Alhamdulillah, Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) has blessed us to see another year. The first month of this year is Muharram. In this month is an excellent day—the day of ‘Ashura—which falls on the 10th of Muharram. The Holy Nabi (Sall Allahu alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallim) recommended that we fast on this day, by his Sunnah. He also indicated how we should observe the fast of ‘Ashura.
Hakam ibn Al-Arat (Radiyallahu 'anh) relates: I went to Ibn Abbas (Radiyallahu 'anh)… I said to him: Tell me about fasting on ‘Ashura. He said, "When you seen the new moon of Muharram count the (days) and (begin to) observe fast on the 9th." I said to him: "Is it how the Holy Messenger of Allah (Sall Allahu alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallim) observed the fast?" He said, "Yes." [Sahih Muslim]
Hazrat Ibn Abbas (Radiyallahu 'anh) relates that when the Holy Nabi (Sall Allahu alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallim) said: "If I survive till next year, I will definitely observe fast on the 9th of Muharram (as well)." [Sahih Muslim]
(Note: What the Holy Nabi (Sall Allahu alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallim) meant was that he would also fast on the 9th as well as the 10th to which he was accustomed. We also should try fasting on the 9th and the 10th of Muharram.)



The Historical Significance of ‘Ashura


Hazrat Ibn Abbas (Radiyallahu 'anh) reports that the Holy Nabi (Sall Allahu alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallim) arrived in Madinah and found the Jews observing fast on the day of ‘Ashura… They said: "It is the day of great (significance) when Allah delivered Hazrat Musa ('Alaihis-Salaam) and his people and drowned Pharoah and his people, and Sayyidina Musa ('Alaihis-Salaam) observed fast out of gratitude. And we also observe it." The Holy Messenger of Allah (Sall Allahu alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallim) responded: "We have more right, and we have closer connection with Sayyidina Musa ('Alaihis-Salaam) than you have"; so Allah’s Messenger (Sall Allahu alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallim) observed fast (on the day of ‘Ashura) and gave us orders to observe it. [Sahih Bukhari and Muslim]

‘Ashura is a day of great historical significance. On this day: Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) accepted the repentance of Sayyidina Adam ('Alaihis-Salaam) after his exile from Paradise; Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) saved Sayyidina Nuh ('Alaihis-Salaam) and his companions in the ark; Allah extinguished the fire in which Sayyidina Ibrahim ('Alaihis-Salaam) was thrown by Nimrod; And Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) spoke directly to Sayyidina Musa ('Alaihis-Salaam) and gave him the Commandments. On this same 10th of Muharram, Sayyidina Ayyub ('Alaihis-Salaam) was restored to health (from leprosy); Sayyidina Yusuf ('Alaihis-Salaam) was reunited with his father Ya’qub ('Alaihis-Salaam); Sayyidina Yunus ('Alaihis-Salaam) was taken out from the belly of the fish; and the sea was divided as the nation of israel was delivered from captivity and Pharoah’s army was destroyed. ‘Ashura is also the day when  the kingdom of Sulaiman ('Alaihis-Salaam) was restored; Sayyidina Isa ('Alaihis-Salaam) was raised to Jannah; and Sayyidina al- Imam Husayn (Radiyallahu 'anh) (the Holy Nabi’s, Sall Allahu alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallim, grandson) achieved the honor of Martyrdom.
Worship Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) as much as you can on ‘Ashura. Whoever fasts on this day is like one who fasts all his life. Whoever clothes a naked person Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) will release him from a painful punishment. He who visits a sick person, Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) will grant him a reward that will not be decreased. Whoever places his hand on an orphan’s head, or feeds a hungry person or gives water to a thirsty man, Allah will feed him a feast from Paradise and will quench his thirst with Salsabil (a wine that does not intoxicate). And who ever takes a Ghusl on this day will enjoy excellent health and freedom from sickness and indolence. Whoever provides generously for his family on this day, Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) will be generous to him throughout this year. And whoever applies Kuhl to his eyes will never suffer from eye-sore again, Insha’Allah al-Aziz
O’ Allah! Bless us to perform good deeds and gain their reward on ‘Ashura. Make the new year one of unity, cooperation and success for Muslims in this city and around the world. Ameen.

FASTING ONLY ONE DAY = FORGIVENESS FOR WHOLE YEAR'S SINS
Days of Tasu'a and Ashura this year is on December 26th and 27th 2009

Jesus in Islam and Christmas: How Much Did You Know?

Many Christians are unaware that the true spirit of reverence which Muslims display towards Jesus  and his mother Mary spring from the fountainhead of their faith as prescribed in the Holy Quran. Most do not know that a Muslim does not take the name of Jesus , without saying Eesa alai-hiss-salaam i.e. (Jesus peace be upon him).
Many Christians do not know that in the Holy Quran Jesus  is mentioned by name twenty-five times.  For example: We gave Jesus the son of Mary Clear (Signs) and strengthened him with the holy spirit. .. Quran 2:87
Behold! the angels said: "O Mary! Allah gives thee glad tidings of a Word from Him: his name will be Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, held in honor in this world and the Hereafter and of (the company of) those nearest to Allah. Quran 3:45
Christ Jesus the son of Mary was (no more than) an apostle of Allah .. Quran 4:171
 And in their footsteps We sent Jesus the son of Mary, confirming the Law that had come before him .. Quran 5:46 And Zakariya and John, and Jesus and Elias: all in the ranks of the righteous: Quran 6:85

The Quranic Titles of Jesus
 Though Jesus is mentioned by name in twenty-five places in the Holy Quran he is also addressed with respect as: "Ibne Maryam" - son of Mary; as Masi (Heb) Messiah - translated as Christ; "Abd-ullah" servant of Allah; "Rasul -Ullah" - Messenger of Allah.
He is spoken of as "the word of God", as "the spirit of God", as a "Sign of God", and numerous other epithets of honor spread over fifteen different chapters. The Holy Quran honors this great Messenger of God, and over the past fourteen hundred years Muslims continue to hold Jesus as a symbol of truth.

Christmas and 25th of December
Jesus  is commonly considered to have been born on the 25th of December. However, it is common knowledge among Christian scholars that he was not born on this day. It is well known that the first Christian churches held their festival in May, April, or January. Scholars of the first two centuries AD even differ in which year he was born. Some believing that he was born fully twenty years before the current accepted date. So how was the 25th of December selected as the birthday of Jesus ?
Grolier's encyclopedia says: "Christmas is the feast of the birth of Jesus Christ, celebrated on December 25 ... Despite the beliefs about Christ that the birth stories expressed, the church did not observe a festival for the celebration of the event until the 4th century.... since 274, under the emperor Aurelian, Rome had celebrated the feast of the "Invincible Sun" on December 25. In the Eastern Church, January 6, a day also associated with the winter solstice, was initially preferred. In course of time, however, the West added the Eastern date as the Feast of the Epiphany, and the East added the Western date of Christmas".
So who else celebrated the 25th of December as the birth day of their gods before it was agreed upon as the birth day of Jesus ? Well, there are the people of India who rejoice, decorate their houses with garlands, and give presents to their friends on this day. The people of China also celebrate this day and close their shops. Buddha is believed to have been born on this day. The great savior and god of the Persians, Mithras, is also believed to have been born on the 25th of December long before the coming of Jesus .
The Egyptians celebrated this day as the birth day of their great savior Horus, the Egyptian god of light and the son of the "virgin mother" and "queen of the heavens" Isis. Osiris, god of the dead and the underworld in Egypt, the son of "the holy virgin", again was believed to have been born on the 25th of December.
The Greeks celebrated the 25th of December as the birthday of Hercules, the son of the supreme god of the Greeks, Zeus, through the mortal woman Alcmene Bacchus, the god of wine and revelry among the Romans (known among the Greeks as Dionysus) was also born on this day.
Adonis, revered as a "dying-and-rising god" among the Greeks, miraculously was also born on the 25th of December. His worshipers held him a yearly festival representing his death and resurrection, in midsummer. The ceremonies of his birthday are recorded to have taken place in the same cave in Bethlehem which is claimed to have been the birth place of Jesus .
The Scandinavians celebrated the 25th of December as the birthday of their god Freyr, the son of their supreme god of the heavens, Odin.
The Romans observed this day as the birthday of the god of the sun, Natalis Solis Invicti ("Birthday of Sol the invincible"). There was great rejoicing and all shops were closed. There was illumination and public games. Presents were exchanged, and the slaves were indulged in great liberties. These are the same Romans who would later preside over the council of Nicea (325 CE) which lead to the official Christian recognition of the "Trinity" as the "true" nature of God, and the "fact" that Jesus  was born on the 25th of December too.
In Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, Gibbon says: "The Roman Christians, ignorant of his (Christ's) birth, fixed the solemn festival to the 25th of December, the Brumalia, or Winter Solstice, when the Pagans annually celebrated the birth of Sol " vol. ii, p. 383.
Christians opposed to Christmas
There are several Christian groups who are opposed to Christmas. For example, they take the verse from the Bible in Jeremiah 10:2-4 as an admonition against decorating Christmas trees.
The King James Version reads: "Thus saith the Lord, Learn not the way of the heathen.... For the customs of the people are vain: for one cutteth a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with the axe. They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not."
In order to understand this subject, it is helpful to trace some of the history of Christmas avoidance, particularly its roots in Puritanism.
The Puritans believed that the first-century church modeled a Christianity that modern Christians should copy. They attempted to base their faith and practice solely on the New Testament, and their position on Christmas reflected their commitment to practice a pure, scriptural form of Christianity. Puritans argued that God reserved to himself the determination of all proper forms of worship, and that he disapproved of any human innovations - even innovations that celebrated the great events of salvation. The name Christmas also alienated many Puritans. Christmas, after all, meant "the mass of Christ." The mass was despised as a Roman Catholic institution that undermined the Protestant concept of Christ, who offered himself once for all. The Puritans' passionate avoidance of any practice that was associated with papal Rome caused them to overlook the fact that in many countries the name for the day had nothing to do with the Catholic mass, but focused instead on Jesus' birth. The mass did not evolve into the form abhorred by Protestants until long after Christmas was widely observed. The two customs had separate, though interconnected, histories.
As ardent Protestants, Puritans identified the embracing of Christianity by the Roman Emperor Constantine in the early 300s CE as the starting point of the degeneration and corruption of the church. They believed the corruption of the church was brought on by the interweaving of the church with the pagan Roman state. To Puritans, Christmas was impure because it entered the Roman Church sometime in this period. No one knows the exact year or under what circumstances Roman Christians began to celebrate the birth of their Lord, but by the mid-300s CE, the practice was well established.
Islam requires Muslims to respect the faith of others
Regardless of historical facts and theological differences that Christians may have among themselves or theological differences Muslims may have with Christianity we cannot disregard the sentiments of practicing Christians who use this occasion to revere Jesus .
Prophet Muhammad  was always very respectful towards the Christians. According to Islamic historians, Ibn e Saad and Ibn e Hisham, once there was a delegation of Byzantine Christians, who were traveling from Yemen to Madinah. The delegation was lead by a bishop by the name of Zqyd al-Usquf, who came to discuss a number of issues with Prophet Muhammad . When the time of their prayer came, they asked the Prophet if they could do their worship in the mosque of the Prophet. He answered, "Conduct your service here in the mosque. It is a place dedicated to God."
We should never ridicule the religious beliefs of others, no matter how much we disagree with them. God says in the Quran: "And insult not those whom they worship besides God, lest they insult God wrongfully without knowledge. Thus We have made fair-seeming to each people its own doings; then to their Lord is their return and He shall then inform them of all that they used to do".  Quran, 6:108

Q&A

A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND GOOD DEEDS

The Blessed Days of Dhul-Hijjah

Take advantages of these days. May Allah accept all of our good deeds and accept our repentance.

For more information on this topic please go to this article:
http://islamicemirate.com/index.php?o...

Inside Mecaka (Part 1-5)

: Part 1 of 5

Part 2 of 5

Part 3 of 5



Part 4 of 5



Part 5 of 5

5th Pillar of Islam: Pilgrimage (Hajj)

A chance to do something good.

All praise and thanks belong to Allah, the Lord of all the Worlds. May His peace and blessings be upon His Final Prophet and Messenger, Muhammad, his family, his Companions and all those who follow him until the Day of Judgement.

Asalaamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu,

The month of Dhu’l-Hijjah is upon us; the month of the Hajj. For those of us not performing the pilgrimage this year, there are many ways in which we can remember Allah, ta’ala, follow the sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad, sallAllahu alayhi wa salaam, and thereby perform good and noble deeds.

1. Fast the first nine days (of Dhu’l-Hijjah)... The Prophet, sallAllahu alayhi wa salaam, said: “There are no days in which good deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.” They said: O Messenger of Allah, not even jihad for the sake of Allah? The Messenger of Allah, sallAllahu alayhi wa salaam, said: “Not even jihad for the sake of Allah, unless a man goes out with his self and his wealth and comes back with neither.” [al-Bukhari & at-Tirmidhi]

2. Fast the Day of ‘Arafah – which is the 9th day of Dhu’l-Hijjah... Allah’s Messenger, sallAllahu alayhi wa salaam, said (of fasting the day of ‘Arafah): “It is an expiation for the sins of the preceding year and the current year.” [Muslim]

3. Make Takbeer from the 1st to the 13th of the month (of Dhu’l-Hijjah)... Allah says:

“That they may witness things that are of benefit to them (i.e. reward of Hajj in the Hereafter, and also some worldly gain from trade), and mention the Name of Allah on appointed days” [Qur’an 22:28]

“And remember Allah during the appointed Days” [Qur’an 2:203]

The Prophet sallAllahu alayhi wa salaam, said: “The days of Tashreeq are the days of eating, drinking and remembering Allah.” [Muslim].

Ibn ‘Umar and Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with them both) used to go out to the market-place on the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah, reciting Takbeer, and the people used to recite Takbeer because of their Takbeer. [Bukhari]

Umar ibn al-Khattaab and his son ‘Abd-Allaah (may Allah be pleased with them both) used to recite Takbeer during the days of Mina in the mosque and in the camps, and they would raise their voices until Mina echoed with their Takbeer.

4. Recite Takbeer after each of the 5 daily prayers from Fajr on the Day of ‘Arafah until ‘Asr on the 13th... The Prophet sallAllahu alayhi wa salaam, and a group of the Sahaabah (may Allah be pleased with them) used to recite Takbeer following each of the five prayers from Fajr on the day of ‘Arafah until ‘Asr on the thirteenth day of Dhu’l-Hijjah.

In al-Musnad it is narrated from Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet sallAllahu alayhi wa salaam, said: “There are no days on which good deeds are greater or more beloved to Allah than on these ten days, so recite much Tahleel (saying Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah), Takbeer (saying Allaahu akbar) and Tahmeed (saying al-hamdu Lillaah).”

Men should recite out loud and women should recite quietly.

The takbeer is as follows:

“Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, laa ilaaha ill-Allaah, Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, wa Lillaah il-hamd (Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, there is no god but Allah; Allah is Most Great and to Allah be praise)”. [The Allaahu akbar may be recited two or three times].

5. Offer a sacrifice... ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “The Prophet sallAllahu alayhi wa salaam stayed in Madinah for ten years, offering sacrifice (every year on Eid).” [Ahmad; at-Tirmidhi; and classed as hasan by al-Albaani in Mishkaat al-Masaabeeh, 1475].

And once you have made your intention to sacrifice refrain from cutting hair and nails...Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her) said the Prophet sallAllahu alayhi wa salaam, said: “When you see the new moon of Dhu’l-Hijjah – according to another version, When the ten days (of Dhu’l-Hijjah) begin – and any one of you wants to offer a sacrifice, let him refrain (from cutting) his hair and nails.” [Ahmad & Muslim]. According to another version, “Let him not remove anything from his hair and nails until he has offered the sacrifice.” And according to yet another version, “He should not touch his hair or skin.”

6. Make Tawbah...Abu Hurairah may Allah be pleased with him said that the Prophet sallAllahu alayhi wa salaam, said: "Verily Allah has a sense of 'Ghayrah' (honour, prestige and anger over its violation), and Allah's sense of Ghayrah is provoked when a person does that which Allah has made prohibited." [Bukhari & Muslim].

Reviving Sunnahs that have been forgotten brings a great deal of reward, as is indicated by the words of the Prophet sallAllahu alayhi wa salaam: “Whoever revives one of my Sunnahs that has died out after I am gone, will have a reward like that of everyone who does it, without that detracting from their reward in the slightest.” [at-Tirmidhi (hasan because of corroborating reports].

Let us hasten to make the most of these great days, before the negligent regrets what he did, and before he asks to go back and receives no response.

It seems Eid will fall on Friday this year inshAllah and so here is the following reply to a question many ask:

“What should be done if Eid coincides with Friday? If Eid al-Fitr coincides with Friday, is it permissible for me to pray the Eid prayer and not to pray Jumu’ah or vice versa?

Praise be to Allaah.

If the day of Eid coincides with Friday, then whoever prays Eid with the imaam does not have to attend Jumu’ah (it is not obligatory on him); in his case it becomes Sunnah. If he does not pray Jumu’ah, he has to pray Zuhr. This is in the case of people other than the imaam. As for the imaam, he has to be present for Jumu’ah and lead those Muslims who attend the prayer. The Jumu’ah prayer should not be forsaken completely on this day.

Shaykh Saalih ibn Fawzaan al-Fawzaan”

May Allah purify our hearts, invigorate our efforts, accept our repentance and be pleased with our deeds.

Wasalaam.

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Reading the Sacred Koran, according to Sheikh Ahmad Bamba.

The advantages of reading the Koran are numerous. The Honorable Al Yadali claimed that he who wants to be close to Allah, must always read the Koran . I, Ahmad Bamba,say that he who wants to be honored by Allah, must read the Koran and meditates about it. O you believer! Read at least 3 hibz of the Koran every day. Abandon not the Book of Allah as some so called Sufis did. These people have abandoned reading the Book; as an excuse they claim that the books they are reading are more creditable. They are wrong! They have been fooled by Satan! O you believer! Never stop reading the Koran.
The Sacred Book is the source of all sciences. Abandon it not, read it permanently; you will acquire knowledge. Respect the divine order. Use the Koran as a guide. Restrain yourself from what is prohibited in the book, and accomplish what is recommended. Truly, the Koran was revealed for the true believers, for those who will respect Allah’s commandments. Try your best to be counted among the sincere believers. Try hard to seize the meanings of the verses; and this can be achieved through meditation. Some dignified scholars assert that reading one single with understanding is more meritorious than reading many verses without comprehension. They claim that he who reads the Koran without understanding will not be rewarded. Other honorable scholars say that, this theory is not applicable to a student who is reading the Koran in order to memorize it. O you believer forget not what Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, has said! He stated that praying two raka with concentration is far better than praying during the entire night with distraction. He also taught us the commendable manners when reading the Koran. When you are reading the Koran, you must face the Kaaba, humble yourself, and fears Allah. Avoid reading the Koran as if you were singing. O believer, if you are a man avoid reading the Koran with a feminine voice. Bin Abbas, may All be pleased with him, also taught us that the believer must read the Koran for only Allah’s face, and without ostentation. He must read it as if he is seeing Allah, All Glory to him, Our Unique Lord. You surely cannot see the Lord with your eyes, but, Him, He can see all creatures.

The Koran can be read at any time. Listen not to he who says that it is forbidden to read the Koran after ASR just because the Jews used to worship at this time. O you believer refute this thesis! However the best time to read to the Koran is during the last part of the night. It is also good to read it between Maghreb and Isha and after Fajr. Furthermore, it is best to read the Koran on Monday, Thursday, and Friday and on the Day of Arafat. The Ulemas recommend reading the Koran in a Mushaf; every time you do so, Allah will ease you’re the suffering of your parents in their tombs. Moreover, it eases their sufferings even if they were infidels. Twelve apostles of the Prophet (PBUH) have unanimously affirmed that the reading of the Sacred Book is a way of accomplishing various good deeds. Some prefer the reading the Koran on a Mushaf audibly, because it will help you concentrate more. It will occupy your heart, your eyes and your legs. On the other hand if you are more concentrated by reading the Koran in silence, then do so. It is deplorable to stay one day without reading the Koran or even taking a look at it. One look at a mushaf containing the sacred book is considered as an act of devotion. Whether you read it slowly or fast, the main objective is to understand. Kissing it also is creditable. It is highly recommended taking good care of the Mushaf, by placing it on a clean surface and by perfuming it. It is strictly forbidden to use a mushaf as a pillow or a seat. Do not place anything but the Koran on the Mushaf.

The best of the believers is who after learning the Koran, teaches it to other believers. Within a group, if there are enough members who are proficient in the Koran, it becomes an obligation for them to teach it to other believers. Any reasonable compensation gained from teaching the Koran is also considered lawful according to Imam Al Malick. "

Sheikh Ahmad Bamba.

Laylat-al-Qadr - The Night of Power

On the 27th night of the fasting month of Ramadan, the Prophet is said to have received from the angel Gabriel the first of the many revelations that made up the Q'uran.

Muslims throughout the world venerate this day as the holiest night of the year, the Night of Power and Revelation. Also known as the Night of God's Decree, Laylat Al Qadr is described in the Koran as a night "which is better than a thousand months, in which the angels descend to earth with God, the Almighty's permission. Peaceful the night is until dawn." (Sura 97)

The greatest night of the Muslim year, this is the sanctified night when the history of Islam began. The gates of heaven are opened wide, angels walk the earth and the demons of Hell are chained in their fiery pits.

It is also a night of forgiveness, when good deeds performed are "better than the deeds of 1000 months which do not contain a Night of the Decree." The faithful Muslim can hope not only to have his sins forgiven by Allah if he spends the night in prayer, but to have his death-throes eased, and to receive "four pillars of light upon which rest 1000 palaces."

While the majority of commentators date this night to the 27th day of Ramadan, there is some controversy. The day may be taken to fall on the 25th or the 29th, or at other times, depending on how the Quran and the sayings of the Prophet are interpreted. Whichever way, it almost always falls within the last ten days of Ramadan.

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Poem/Prayer written by Sheikh Ahmad Bamba Al Mbacki also known as Serign Touba.

As Sindidou
The Generous Chief

In the name of Allah the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful


O Allah! I beseech in the name of the Elected Mohamed), the Noble and Generous, and in the name of your Friend Abraham, O Allah!

In the name of Your Interlocutor, Moses, and in the names of Salih, Khadir, Chouaib and Ismael, O Allah!

In the name of Aaron, Jonah, Elias, Adam, David, Zhul Kifl, Jesus, Loth; O Allah!

In the name of Joseph, Isaac and the rest of the prophets and apostles, who belong unto You, O Allah!

In the names of all angels, in the name of their chief, Gabriel, in the name of Michael, o Allah!

In the name of the Trumpet Blower, Israfil and in the name of the angel of death, Israel, O Allah!

In the name of the companions of the Prophet, then in the name of the saints and the honorable doctors of Islamic law, O Allah!

By Abu Bekr the Truthful, By Omar the Separator of Right and Wrong, by Othman, the man of the two lights, by Ali, the father of the prophet’s saint grand sons

By malik bin Anaas the most Distinguished, by Mohamed Bin Idris, by Abu Manifa, by Ahmad Bin Man’ Hal the Dignified,

By the Sacred Table and the Sacred Pen, by the Sacred Throne, O Allah!

By the Koran, the Torah, the Psalms and the Gospel of Jesus

O you my Lord, bestow your Divine Light upon the Prophet Mohamed, his spouses, his loved ones and his companions, on my behalf.

Lord! Bestow upon us, a veil of good health, satisfy our wishes here and in the hereafter. O Allah!

Open all gates of favors that You only open for the men of virtue. O Allah!

Put us on the Right path; Preserve us from stumbling, Chase Satan and other evil creatures away. O Allah!

Make us obtain what we desire; help us attain our goals; Help us make good choices. O Allah

Make easy what is difficult and complicated. Solve our problems. O Allah!

Grant us a long life; Give us a strong health; Show us the Right Path and the Road to felicity. O Allah!

Dominate the enemies who want to harm us before they attain us. O Allah! O Allah!

Be our protector against what bring forth death; Preserve us from all kind of woes. O Allah!

Preserve us from disasters, from earthquakes, from unhappiness and poverty. O Allah!

Preserve us from degradation, from penuries, from defeats, from misery, from hunger and thirst. O Allah!

Preserve us from epidemics, fires, drowning, from tornadoes, from theft and pains. O Allah!

Preserve us from heat, cold, calamities, lootings, revenge, perdition and sorrow. O Allah!

Preserves us from the insects, the sins, stumbling, and the libelous, from the monsters, O Allah!

Preserve us from insanity, leper, and physical handicaps. O Allah!

Preserve us from the ugliness of this world and of the hereafter. O Allah!

O you the Omnipotent! O you who sit on an immense Throne! O Allah!

I beg for you to bless me with a useful knowledge; give me humility and a pure heart. O Allah!

Accept my repentance and elevate my soul. Give me a pious and virtuous wife. O Allah!

Be He, who will protect me against the evil of the Jealous, the mischief of the evil whisperer, from the mischief of the envier when he envies. O Allah!

Be my refuge against the evil of the magic, against the evil of the Jinn, and other venomous creatures. O Allah!

I trust in You, You are a safe shelter in the here and in the hereafter. O Allah!

Abandon not me, I will perish. Be there for me every time I cry for help. O Allah!

When I die, make my heart and tongue say your Name. O Allah!

Make my death be a source of rest and joy. O Allah!

Take good care my body when my soul abandons me. O Allah!

Be my aid and companion when I will be interred. O Allah!

Do not envelop me what is frightening, protect me against what I fear. O Allah

Save me, save all Muslims, save my mother. Amen. O Allah!

Forgive us, forgive my mother. Hide our vices. Be a Kind to us and to her. O Allah

Do not punish us; do no punish her for her sins. She has no one but You. O Allah!

In the tomb and on the Day of Judgment; Be our shield. Save us from distress. O Allah

Do not put my mother through a hardship she cannot endure; Do not break my hope. O Allah!

Allow her to drink in the fount of abundance that you have created for the Elected (Mohamed)! O Allah!

It is he, who guided mankind unto the right path; he, who vanquished the infidels; he who helped the god-fearing believers. O Allah!

I named Mohamed, the seal of the elected, our guide to the eternal Paradise on the day of the gathering. O Allah!

Bestow all blessings forever upon Him, and upon those who follow him. O Allah!

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Shaykh Ahmadou Bamba was a mystic and religious leader who produced a prodigious quantity of poems and tracts on meditation, rituals, work, and Qur'anic study. A religious prayer leader, poet and monk, Ahmadou Bamba founded the Mouride brotherhood in 1883 and the city of Touba in Senegal West Africa. In one of his numerous writings, 'Matlabul Fawzeyni' (the quest for happiness in both worlds), Sheikh Ahmadou Bamba describes the purpose of the city which he founded in 1887. In his concept, Touba should reconcile the spiritual and the temporal. Sheikh Ahmadou Bamba intended to have the spiritual capital of his brotherhood showing all the characteristics of a Muslim city. Reuters translated a notable phrase attributed to him, "Work as if you will live forever and pray as if you will die tomorrow."