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What Good Habits Should I Develop During Ramadan?
Discipline is the “spirit of order” one must obtain to become a balanced person.
A disciplined person is thus one who lives within the parameters of certain rules and principles and is sensitive to order and regulations.
The life of a believer should always be in balanced harmony.
The believer should always know what to do and when they should do it.
The believer should determine his/her duties and responsibilities towards their Creator, to other people, and to themselves; being aware all the time of when they should perform these acts in an organized predetermined manner, always displaying exemplary order and structure.
In fact, prescribed prayers provide us with a timetable to organize our days.
Believers map out their time frame saying, “after the noon prayer (zuhr) . . . before the evening prayer (maghrib)”.
Discipline is the “spirit of order” one must obtain to become a balanced person.The life of a believer should always be in balanced harmony.
The believer should always know what to do and when they should do it.
The believer should determine his/her duties and responsibilities towards their Creator, to other people, and to themselves; being aware all the time of when they should perform these acts in an organized predetermined manner, always displaying exemplary order and structure.
In fact, prescribed prayers provide us with a timetable to organize our days.
Ramadan Discipline
Ramadan is a response to the carnal desires for eating, drinking, sleeping, etc, and in this way, it instills discipline into our lives, ensuring that these needs are met according to our basic requirements and within the parameters of gratitude.
Through seeking refuge in the spiritual atmosphere of the heart and soul against one’s carnal desires, Ramadan teaches us that we must maintain this discipline.
It ensures that the desire to eat and drink is constrained and under control, disciplined.
Of course, we need to eat and drink to live. However, not only is it unhealthy for the body to eat and drink without taking into account basic nutrition; it is also a catastrophe if the stomach is allowed to dominate the heart and soul, causing a person to plummet into the pits of material and carnal desires.
Indeed, to eat in an unregulated manner in which the stomach is always full is not only harmful to the body, it is also an act not condoned by God.
The fasting that is carried out during Ramadan serves to limit the times for the intake of food, thus avoiding an overloading of the stomach, as well as avoiding those things that are harmful to both the body and soul; in addition one is able to ensure that one always stays within the parameters of what is permitted.
Indeed, to eat in an unregulated manner in which the stomach is always full is not only harmful to the body, it is also an act not condoned by God.
Ramadan’s Fruits
People who undergo the Ramadan fast gain a disciplined spirit.
Each believer who fasts and who is able to discover the hidden meaning will not only be awarded with God’s blessing, but will also be loyal and virtuous in their dealings with their community.
It will not be enough for them just to worship at certain times, but they will walk towards the horizon of integrity by making use of their whole day with this consciousness, living as if in worship each moment.
When they are able to free themselves from worldly and material inclinations, the objective of becoming a symbol of truth and devotion to God will appear before them.
With the purpose of achieving this aim, they, in the words of Bediuzzaman Said Nursi, will start to think for the sake of God, speak for the sake of God, love for the sake of God, aiming to always be surrounded by God’s approval; each day this intention brings them closer to success, and one day they become a person of loyalty and devotion.
For Muslims, one of the important aspects of the relationship with the Creator is reading the Quran and praying to God, seeking refuge in Him at all times.
It is unfortunate that often it is only during Ramadan that the Quran is liberated from the carved chests and embroidered silk cases.
This holy month puts the flavor of the Quran into the mouth and instills in people the discipline of the daily religious tasks.
Ramadan’s Long-Term Impact
Those whose lives become regulated in Ramadan-eating, sleeping, praying, etc.- should ensure that they are able to protect and continue the worship and religious obligations that they fulfilled for the entire month in an orderly fashion after Ramadan has finished.
For example, those believers who interrupt their sleep during the month to benefit from the blessings of pre-dawn meal (sahur) and who have a reunion with their prayer should consider these thirty nights as a stepping stone that enables them to see each night of the year as a night of reunion, and enlighten their nights with a few cycles of prayer (tahajjud).
Disciplined people predetermine how they shall live and act; they carve a path for themselves with certain principles and proceed carefully. Islam has already determined the color, shape and design of our actions.
At the same time, we distinguish between being a disciplined person and being bound by regulations that lead to inflexibility; we take into account the circumstances which we find ourselves in at the same time as safeguarding our cultural realities and enlightening those around us in an appropriate manner.
To reach the heights of discipline requires a long time and serious commitment. But it is enough to say that Ramadan is a beginning and that it is a fruitful time to sow these virtues so that they may be reaped later.
Actually, for those who believe, a person’s life is Ramadan, adolescence is when the fasting begins, and death is the breaking of the fast. One month of Ramadan is like a rehearsal for a fast that will last a lifetime.
Those who know how to continue to enjoy the virtues gained in this month are aware that the remuneration of staying thirsty and hungry in this world will come to them when they break the fast with God’s words:
{My servants, I used to see you off color, with your eyes and cheeks sunken and you used to endure this for Me. Eat and drink to your hearts’ content for all that you sent ahead in advance in days past.} (Al-Haaqqah, 69:24)
Reference:
Extracted with some edits from the Q & A section of “The Fountain Magazine”: “The Month of Ramadan and Discipline” by Hikmet Isik – Issue 60 / October – December 2007
(From Ask About Islam archives)
Sadaqah: The Productive Investment of a Lifetime
What if I told you about an offer where you can get the product, plus double your money back, plus extra prizes? What would you do? You’d probably immediately text all your friends to tell them about it and then rush down to the shop to make the purchase.
While many of us tend to chase after special offers and reduced prices in this dunya (world), we often overlook the fact that Allah has offered us an even better deal that will benefit us both in this dunya and the akhira (hereafter). What deal am I talking about? It’s Sadaqah (voluntary charity).
The following points show how this noble act can increase our productivity in this life and in preparing for the next
What if I told you about an offer where you can get the product, plus double your money back, plus extra prizes? What would you do? You’d probably immediately text all your friends to tell them about it and then rush down to the shop to make the purchase.
While many of us tend to chase after special offers and reduced prices in this dunya (world), we often overlook the fact that Allah has offered us an even better deal that will benefit us both in this dunya and the akhira (hereafter). What deal am I talking about? It’s Sadaqah (voluntary charity).
The following points show how this noble act can increase our productivity in this life and in preparing for the next
1. Sadaqah is a guaranteed investment.
‘Who is he that will loan to Allah a beautiful loan which Allah will double unto his credit and multiply it many times?’ [2:245].
The above verse teaches us that by generously giving to the poor and needy, Allah will increase our wealth and blessings in this life, wipe out sin, increase reward and provide shade on the Day of Judgment and more insha’Allah!
‘Who is he that will loan to Allah a beautiful loan which Allah will double unto his credit and multiply it many times?’ [2:245].
The above verse teaches us that by generously giving to the poor and needy, Allah will increase our wealth and blessings in this life, wipe out sin, increase reward and provide shade on the Day of Judgment and more insha’Allah!
What more could we ask for?
Money back, profit, good health, barakah (blessings) in our wealth, shade on the Day of Judgement, sadaqah is definitely the best investment for our dunya (life) and akhira (The hearafter).
Forget special offers, reduced prices and buy one get one free deals – a productive Muslim knows the ultimate best way to spend his/her wealth – in the way of Allah.
Money back, profit, good health, barakah (blessings) in our wealth, shade on the Day of Judgement, sadaqah is definitely the best investment for our dunya (life) and akhira (The hearafter).
Forget special offers, reduced prices and buy one get one free deals – a productive Muslim knows the ultimate best way to spend his/her wealth – in the way of Allah.
2. Sadaqah is a means of gaining barakah in your wealth.
It may be hard for us to give sadaqah when we are barely able to make ends meet. However, it is reported in Sahih Muslim that the Prophet(pbuh) said:
Charity does not decrease the wealth and the servant who forgives, Allah adds to his respect; and the one who shows humility, Allah elevates him in the estimation (of the people).”
Another hadith reported by Sahih Muslim:
”There is not a day in which the obedient slaves rise in the morning except that two angels descend, and one of them says: ‘O Allaah! Compensate the one who spends.’ The other angel says: ‘O Allaah! Destroy the wealth of the one who is niggardly.”
If we truly believe and apply these hadiths, we will come to learn that we can never lose from giving sadaqah, but instead we gain immensely from it.
However, gaining from sadaqah may not always be in a physical form. When we give sadaqah, it doesn’t necessarily mean that our salaries will increase or we will miraculously stumble upon a goldmine. It may mean that Allah will put barakah into our wealth and possessions instead. By regularly giving sadaqah, we will quickly notice that although we are still spending the same amount of money on the same expenses, we will still have plenty left insha’Allah.
Giving sadaqah can also put barakah in our time and personal matters. We may find that after giving sadaqah, Allah will ease all our affairs.
If you have been trying to save up for something, or if you have debt that you haven’t been able to repay, or if you have a goal that you just haven’t been able to achieve; as a productive Muslim you should set aside a portion of your salary every month for sadaqah – even if it’s a very small amount. The difference it will make in your life will be worth it insha’ Allah.
It may be hard for us to give sadaqah when we are barely able to make ends meet. However, it is reported in Sahih Muslim that the Prophet(pbuh) said:
Charity does not decrease the wealth and the servant who forgives, Allah adds to his respect; and the one who shows humility, Allah elevates him in the estimation (of the people).”
Another hadith reported by Sahih Muslim:
”There is not a day in which the obedient slaves rise in the morning except that two angels descend, and one of them says: ‘O Allaah! Compensate the one who spends.’ The other angel says: ‘O Allaah! Destroy the wealth of the one who is niggardly.”
If we truly believe and apply these hadiths, we will come to learn that we can never lose from giving sadaqah, but instead we gain immensely from it.
However, gaining from sadaqah may not always be in a physical form. When we give sadaqah, it doesn’t necessarily mean that our salaries will increase or we will miraculously stumble upon a goldmine. It may mean that Allah will put barakah into our wealth and possessions instead. By regularly giving sadaqah, we will quickly notice that although we are still spending the same amount of money on the same expenses, we will still have plenty left insha’Allah.
Giving sadaqah can also put barakah in our time and personal matters. We may find that after giving sadaqah, Allah will ease all our affairs.
If you have been trying to save up for something, or if you have debt that you haven’t been able to repay, or if you have a goal that you just haven’t been able to achieve; as a productive Muslim you should set aside a portion of your salary every month for sadaqah – even if it’s a very small amount. The difference it will make in your life will be worth it insha’ Allah.
3. Sadaqah serves as a means of reaping continuous rewards after your death.
When we work for something that will grant us benefit in this worldly life (e.g. a promotion, etc.), we tend to put in a lot of time, effort and sometimes money in order to achieve our goals.
A productive Muslim does the same for the akhira. He/she invests time, hard work and money in activities that will bring great reward, and some that will continue to benefit him even after death.
Why not invest money in building a mosque, digging a well, opening a school, planting a tree or any other form of sadaqah jariyah (ceaseless charity)?
“When a man dies, his acts come to an end, but three, recurring charity, or knowledge (by which people) benefit, or a pious son, who prays for him (for the deceased)” [Muslim].
If you’ve provided money to build a well, you will be rewarded for every single drop of water drunk from it while you’re alive and after your death until the Day of Judgment insha’Allah. If you contribute to building a mosque, you will be rewarded for every single prayer performed in it. If you put in the time and effort to teach someone Qur’an or some form of knowledge, you will be rewarded every time that person recites the Qur’an or shares the knowledge with someone else.
SubhanAllah. Imagine the reward you will find reserved for you in the akhira, perhaps it will take you to higher and higher stations of Jannah by His Mercy!
Sadaqah is a special offer from Allah that stands as long as we’re alive. Make sadaqah a productive habit this Ramadan, and a habit throughout your life before it’s too late!
”And hasten to forgiveness from your Lord and a garden as wide as the heavens and earth, prepared for the righteous; Who spend [in the cause of Allah] during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people – and Allah loves the doers of good” [3:133-134]
May Allah, The Most Generous, make us from those who give regular sadaqah and may He accept it from us. Ameen.
Courtesy: productivemuslim.com
Last 10 nights of Ramadan (Make Every Night Count)
1. Do not be like the majority of people who wait for the 27th to spend a night in worship. The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa salam) stayed in I’itikaf (seclusion) for all 10 nights seeking Allahs pleasure. We have no guarantee that laylatul qadr will be the 27th night and in fact with moon sighting issues (yes i'm bringing it back up) we don’t even know for a fact which night is the 27th. So seek laylatul qadr every night and you will certainly catch it. Not only that, but you would have spent the other 9 nights conversing with your Creator, receiving His mercy, and elevating your status.
2. Catch Fajr and Isha in congregation. `Uthman bin `Affan (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying: "One who performs `Isha' prayer in congregation, is as if he has performed Salat for half of the night. And one who performs the Fajr prayer in congregation, is as if he has performed Salat the whole night.''[Muslim]
3. Pray the entire set of taraweeh with the Imam. Taraweeh is qiyaamul layl. Yes its permissible to pray as little or as much of it as you want on any given day. But the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa salam) said that whoever prays with the Imam “until he leaves” would receive the full reward of qiyaamul layl for the whole night. No one of us will be able to spend the entire night praying so this, along with tip 3, is a good way to ensure that you get the entire credit.
4. Spend the night in different forms of worship so that you don’t get bored. You don’t have to spend the whole night in prayer. Instead you can take breaks and just make dua. You can also specify a certain number of chapters of the Quran you want to ready every night. You can also read a translation of Quran or some ahadeeth as a break between prayers. Just keep yourself engaged. It’s also good to give charity and perform any extra good deeds in these nights.
5. Plan your duas. This is the night in which the entire next year will be decreed. So choose your duas wisely and make sure that you make them with a clean heart.
Courtesy: Islam Practice
10 TIPS ON HOW TO CONCENTRATE DURING SALAT (PRAYERS)
1. Before standing up for Prayer, try to deal with all the minor urgent matters which demand your attention. If you are pressed by hunger, eat first; if you are pressed to attend to the call of nature, relieve yourself; if you are the parent of an infant, feed him or her, or keep him or her busy.
Ameen!
Courtesy: Islam Practice
10 Things You Should Do During Ramadan
1.Read Quran daily
2. Pray #Sunnah Salah before and/or after #Salah
[Tirmidhi]
3. Increase your remembrance of #Allah
{Surat Al-‘Aĥzāb33: Verse 41}
The stated reward for this one is that your scales will be tipped in your favour on the Day of Judgment.
This is commonly said after all salah and before you go to sleep.
4. Give extra charity
5. Do not engage in unnecessary talk
6. Visiting a sick #Muslim
7. Providing food for breaking the fast
[Tirmidhi & Ibn Majah]
8. Standing in prayer on Laylatul Qadr
{Surat Al-Qadr 97: Verse 3}
9. Asking Allah to forgive ALL Muslims
10. Attend lectures and events in the #Masjid
[Tabarani]
I hope that these 10 things inspire you to make the utmost best of your Ramadan. Remember that the little things add up and every little bit you do counts. Rome was not built in a day, so don’t expect your #Imaan to either. Patience and consistency will get you where you want to go in-sha'-Allah.
Courtesy: Islamic quotes N sayings
When we work for something that will grant us benefit in this worldly life (e.g. a promotion, etc.), we tend to put in a lot of time, effort and sometimes money in order to achieve our goals.
A productive Muslim does the same for the akhira. He/she invests time, hard work and money in activities that will bring great reward, and some that will continue to benefit him even after death.
Why not invest money in building a mosque, digging a well, opening a school, planting a tree or any other form of sadaqah jariyah (ceaseless charity)?
“When a man dies, his acts come to an end, but three, recurring charity, or knowledge (by which people) benefit, or a pious son, who prays for him (for the deceased)” [Muslim].
If you’ve provided money to build a well, you will be rewarded for every single drop of water drunk from it while you’re alive and after your death until the Day of Judgment insha’Allah. If you contribute to building a mosque, you will be rewarded for every single prayer performed in it. If you put in the time and effort to teach someone Qur’an or some form of knowledge, you will be rewarded every time that person recites the Qur’an or shares the knowledge with someone else.
SubhanAllah. Imagine the reward you will find reserved for you in the akhira, perhaps it will take you to higher and higher stations of Jannah by His Mercy!
Sadaqah is a special offer from Allah that stands as long as we’re alive. Make sadaqah a productive habit this Ramadan, and a habit throughout your life before it’s too late!
”And hasten to forgiveness from your Lord and a garden as wide as the heavens and earth, prepared for the righteous; Who spend [in the cause of Allah] during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people – and Allah loves the doers of good” [3:133-134]
May Allah, The Most Generous, make us from those who give regular sadaqah and may He accept it from us. Ameen.
Courtesy: productivemuslim.com
Last 10 nights of Ramadan (Make Every Night Count)
1. Do not be like the majority of people who wait for the 27th to spend a night in worship. The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa salam) stayed in I’itikaf (seclusion) for all 10 nights seeking Allahs pleasure. We have no guarantee that laylatul qadr will be the 27th night and in fact with moon sighting issues (yes i'm bringing it back up) we don’t even know for a fact which night is the 27th. So seek laylatul qadr every night and you will certainly catch it. Not only that, but you would have spent the other 9 nights conversing with your Creator, receiving His mercy, and elevating your status.
2. Catch Fajr and Isha in congregation. `Uthman bin `Affan (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying: "One who performs `Isha' prayer in congregation, is as if he has performed Salat for half of the night. And one who performs the Fajr prayer in congregation, is as if he has performed Salat the whole night.''[Muslim]
3. Pray the entire set of taraweeh with the Imam. Taraweeh is qiyaamul layl. Yes its permissible to pray as little or as much of it as you want on any given day. But the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa salam) said that whoever prays with the Imam “until he leaves” would receive the full reward of qiyaamul layl for the whole night. No one of us will be able to spend the entire night praying so this, along with tip 3, is a good way to ensure that you get the entire credit.
4. Spend the night in different forms of worship so that you don’t get bored. You don’t have to spend the whole night in prayer. Instead you can take breaks and just make dua. You can also specify a certain number of chapters of the Quran you want to ready every night. You can also read a translation of Quran or some ahadeeth as a break between prayers. Just keep yourself engaged. It’s also good to give charity and perform any extra good deeds in these nights.
5. Plan your duas. This is the night in which the entire next year will be decreed. So choose your duas wisely and make sure that you make them with a clean heart.
Courtesy: Islam Practice
Courtesy: Islam Practice
10 TIPS ON HOW TO CONCENTRATE DURING SALAT (PRAYERS)
1. Before standing up for Prayer, try to deal with all the minor urgent matters which demand your attention. If you are pressed by hunger, eat first; if you are pressed to attend to the call of nature, relieve yourself; if you are the parent of an infant, feed him or her, or keep him or her busy.
2. Perform your wudu’ (ablution) well, paying ...due care and attention.
3. Approach the Prayer with zest and passion as if it is the last prayer in your life before dying. Actually the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) taught us that we could do nothing in this world that could ever surpass Prayer in merit and excellence.
4. Visualize that in your Prayer you are going to have a special audience with Allah, Lord of the worlds, and that you are enjoying a direct communion with Him—which, in fact, is true.
5. Think of the Prayer you are performing as if it were the last Prayer of your life. In fact, it could very well be the last one, since no one is given a guarantee that he would live to perform another Prayer.
6. Picture the scene of the Last Day when people will be lined up into two groups, one destined for Heaven, and another for Hell, and ask yourself where you would be placed.
7. Focus your mind on what you are reading in your Prayer and recite simple surah that you understand it's meaning and ponder on the meaning whiles u recite.
8. If, in spite of your best efforts, your mind is still wandering, seek refuge in Allah and bring your mind back to Prayer.
9. Pray to Allah and beg Him to grant you true the joy of concentrating in your Prayer and protection against the wanderings of your mind.
10. Place your eyesight to the one spot where you will be making your sujud while you recite and avoid taking your eyes from that spot.
May Allah protect us from the tricks of shaitan during prayers and forgive us our mistakes.
Ameen!
Courtesy: Islam Practice
Ameen!
Courtesy: Islam Practice
10 Things You Should Do During Ramadan
1.Read Quran daily
You will be rewarded 10 rewards for every letter you read. This prize basically illustrates the weight of the Quran in terms of where it should be in your life.
Ramadan is the perfect opportunity for us to develop a routine, so why not make reading the Holy Quran part of our daily lifestyle choices and why not start in this month?If you read one juz (part) of Quran each day, by the end of the month, you would have completed the entire Quran!
I find it most peaceful to do these recitations after Fajir Salaat in the morning. It is also common to recite Quran between Asr and Maghrib Salaat. Find what works for you, and stick to it.
Reading Quran is more effective in Ramadan because as we fast, we strengthen our consciousness of Allah which allows us to better internalise the teachings of the Quran and align our behavior to these teachings.
2. Pray #Sunnah Salah before and/or after #Salah
“Allah will build house in Jannah for whoever is diligent in observing 12 sunnah rakat (as follows) 4 rakat before and 2 after Dhur, 2 after the Maghrib, 2 after Ishaa, and 2 before Fajr.”
[Tirmidhi]
[Tirmidhi]
During this month, there are so many extra blessings we can attain and praying our voluntary prayers before and/or after our obligatory salah is an easy way to gain these. If we give ourselves the time to pray these extra salah for this month, then during the rest of months, it would become like second nature to us. Make this a habit, and you would soon feel incomplete in your salah without your voluntary prayers, and feel so much more spiritual when you complete them; not to mention, your blessings would be increasing and you would feel more accomplished.
3. Increase your remembrance of #Allah
“O You who believe! Remember Allah with much remembrance”
{Surat Al-‘Aĥzāb33: Verse 41}
{Surat Al-‘Aĥzāb33: Verse 41}
This could be as simple as doing #dikhr (remembrance) while you’re in the car going to work, or in the check-out line at the grocery. Any and all free time could be the vehicle you use to develop your dikhr of Allah.
A few common things you can say are:
– #SubhanAllah or SubhanAllahwabihamdihi (“I praise Allah (or All praise if to Allah) above all attributes that do not suit His Majesty.”)
It is recorded that the reward for saying this is that a tree will be planted for you in Paradise. Another hadith records that whoever says this 100 times a day, his/her sins will be forgiven even if they were as much as the foam of the sea [Bukhari].
– #Alhamdulillah (“All praise is for Allah.”)
The stated reward for this one is that your scales will be tipped in your favour on the Day of Judgment.
The stated reward for this one is that your scales will be tipped in your favour on the Day of Judgment.
– La hawlawa la quwwataillabillah (“There is no power or might except (by) Allah.”)
You will enter through a special door in Paradise if you oft use this remembrance.
– SubhanAllah (x33), Alhamdulillah (x33), Allahuakbar (x34) “I praise Allah (or All praise if to Allah) above all attributes that do not suit His Majesty. All praise is to Allah. Allah is Great.”)
This is commonly said after all salah and before you go to sleep.
This is commonly said after all salah and before you go to sleep.
4. Give extra charity
In addition to your #Zakah (obligatory charity) you should find a way every day to give extra charity. Feed a hungry child or family; give away some of your clothes to needy people; or even help an elderly person cross the road. The possibilities for charity are limitless. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (salallahualeyhiwasallam), has said that even a smile is charity.
The little things would add up and would be a great source of your blessings. Further, the satisfaction you will get from being kind and charitable to others would be a fulfilling experience.
5. Do not engage in unnecessary talk
It has been reported that if someone approaches you and engages in nonconstructive talk, then you say ‘I am fasting, I am fasting’ and stop it in its tracks. This is a good way to cleanse your thoughts as well. Think positively and talk positively.
6. Visiting a sick #Muslim
“There is no Muslim who visits a sick Muslim early in the morning but 70 thousand angles send blessings upon him until evening comes, and if he visits him in the evening, 70 thousand angles send blessings upon him until morning comes, and he will have a garden in paradise.” [Tirmidhi]
7. Providing food for breaking the fast
“Whoever provides food for breaking of the fast for a fasting person receives the reward of the fasting person, without the reward of the fasting person being reduced in any way.”
[Tirmidhi & Ibn Majah]
[Tirmidhi & Ibn Majah]
This is an easy way to receive more blessings during this month, while increasing our spirituality.
8. Standing in prayer on Laylatul Qadr
“LaylatulQadr is better than a thousand months.”
{Surat Al-Qadr 97: Verse 3}
{Surat Al-Qadr 97: Verse 3}
The rewards from prayers of this night is equivalent to a thousand months. This is a great opportunity to get closer to Allah and build up your spirituality.
9. Asking Allah to forgive ALL Muslims
“Whoever seeks forgiveness for believing men and believing woman, Allah will write for him a good deed for each believing man and believing woman.” [Tabarani]
This is a powerful way to make the best out of our Ramadan.
10. Attend lectures and events in the #Masjid
“Whoever goes to the mosque not desiring except to learn or teach what is good has the reward of a pilgrim who completed his Hajj”.
[Tabarani]
[Tabarani]
I hope that these 10 things inspire you to make the utmost best of your Ramadan. Remember that the little things add up and every little bit you do counts. Rome was not built in a day, so don’t expect your #Imaan to either. Patience and consistency will get you where you want to go in-sha'-Allah.
Courtesy: Islamic quotes N sayings
Some of the lessons from Qur'an that apply to our general living!
From Surat Al-Baqarah:
1. Do not mix the truth with falsehood (2:42)
2. Order righteousness to people only after practicing it yourself (2:44)
3. Do not commit abuse on the earth (2:60)
4. Do not prevent people from mosques (2:114)
5. Do not follow anyone blindly (2:170)
6. Do not break the promise (2:177)
7. Do not engage in bribery (2:188)
8. Fight only with those who fight you (2:190)
9. Keep the etiquette of war (2:191)
10. Protect orphans (2:220)
11. Do not have sexual intercourse during menstrual period (2:222)
12. Breast feed your children for two complete years (2:233)
13. Choose rulers by their merit (2:247)
14. No compulsion in religion (2:256)
15. Do not invalidate charity with reminders (2:264)
16. Help those in need by finding them (2:273)
17. Don’t consume interest (2:275)
18. Grant more time to repay if the debtor is in hard time (2:280)
19. Write down the debt (2:282)
20. Keep the trust (2:283)
21. Do not spy and backbite (2:283)
22. Believe in all prophets (2:285)
23. Do not burden a person beyond his scope (2:286)
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From Surat 'Āli `Imrān:
24. Do not become divided (3:103)
25. Restrain Anger (3:134)
26. Do not be rude in speech (3:159)
27. Think deeply about the wonders and creation of this universe (3:191)
28. Men and Women have equal rewards for their deeds (3:195)
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From Surat An-Nisā':
29. Wealth of the dead should be distributed among his family members (4:7)
30. Women also have the right for inheritance (4:7)
31. Do not devour the property of orphans (4:10)
32. Do not marry those in your blood relation (4:23)
33. Do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly (4:29)
34. Family should be lead by men (4:34)
35. Be good to others (4:36)
36. Do not be miserly (4:37)
37. Do not keep envy (4:54)
38. Judge with justice between people (4:58)
39. Do not kill each other (4:92)
40. Do not be an advocate for deceitful (4:105)
41. Standout firmly for justice (4:135)
-----
From Surat Al-Mā'idah:
42. Cooperate in righteousness (5:2)
43. Do not cooperate in sin and aggression (5:2)
44. Dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine are prohibited (5:3)
45. Be just (5:8)
46. Punish for crimes in an exemplary way (5:38)
47. Strive against sinful and unlawful (5:63)
48. Avoid intoxicants and alcohol (5:90)
49. Do not gamble (5:90)
-----
From Surat Al-'An`ām:
50. Do not insult others’ deities (6:108)
51. ’Having majority’ is not a criterion of truth (6:116)
52. Don’t reduce weight or measure to cheat people (6:152)
-----
From Surat Al-'A`rāf:
53. Do not be arrogant (7:13)
54. Eat and Drink, But Be Not Excessive (7:31)
55. Wear good cloths during prayer times (7:31)
56. Forgive others for their mistakes (7:199)
-----
From Surat Al-'Anfāl:
57. Do not turn back in battle (8:15)
-----
From Surat At-Tawbah:
58. Protect and help those who seek protection (9:6)
59. Keep Purity (9:108)
----
From Surat Yūsuf:
60. Never give up hope of Allah’s Mercy (12:87)
-----
From Surat An-Naĥl:
61. Allah will forgive to those who have done wrong out of ignorance (16:119)
62. Invitation to God should be with wisdom and good instruction (16:125)
-----
From Surat Al-'Isrā':
63. No one will bear others’ sins (17:15)
64. Be dutiful to parents (17:23)
65. Do not say a word of disrespect to parents (17:23)
66. Do not spent money extravagantly (17:29)
67. Do not kill your children for fear of poverty (17:31)
68. Do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse (17:32)
69. Do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge (17:36)
------
From Surat Ţāhā:
70. Speak to people mildly (20:44)
------
From Surat Al-Mu'minūn:
71. Keep aloof from what is vain (23:3)
-----
From Surat An-Nūr :
72. Do not enter others’ house without seeking permission (24:27)
73. Allah will provide security for those who believe only in Allah (24:55)
74. Do not enter parents’ private room without asking permission (24:58)
-----
From Surat Al-Furqān:
75. Walk on earth in humility (25:63)
-----
From Surat Al-Qaşaş:
76. Do not neglect your portion of this world (28:77)
77. Invoke not any other god along with Allah (28:88)
-----
From Surat Al-`Ankabūt:
78. Do not engage in homosexuality (29:29)
-----
From Surat Luqmān :
79. Enjoin right, forbid wrong (31:17)
80. Do not walk in insolence through the earth (31:18)
81. Lower your voice (31:19)
-----
From Surat Al-'Aĥzāb:
82. Women should not display their finery (33:33)
----
From Surat Az-Zumar:
83. Allah forgives all sins (39:53)
84. Do not be despair of the mercy of Allah (39:53)
-----
From Surat Fuşşilat:
85. Repel evil by good (41:34)
86. Decide on affairs by consultation (42:38)
-----
From Surat Al-Ĥujurāt:
87. Try for settlement between people (49:9)
88. Do not ridicule others (49:11)
89. Avoid suspicion (49:12)
90. Do not spy or backbite (49:12)
91. Most noble of you is the most righteous (49:13)
92. Honor guests (51:26)
93. Spent wealth in charity (57:7)
94. No Monasticism in religion (57:27)
95. Those who have knowledge will be given a higher degree by Allah (58:11)
96. Treat non-Muslims in a kind and fair manner (60:8)
97. Save yourself from covetousness (64:16)
98. Seek forgiveness of Allah. He is Forgiving and Merciful (73:20)
99. Do not repel one who asks (93:10)
100. Encourage feeding poor (107:3)
25 Advice's for Ramadan
1. Fast Ramadhan with belief and truly seeking the reward of Allah the Most High so that He may forgive you your past sins.
Blessings In The Foods
MILK:
The Prophet (SAW) said that milk wipes away heat from the heart just as the finger wipes away sweat from the brow. It strengthens the back, increases the brain, augments intelligence, renews vision and drives away forgetfulness.
HONEY:
Considered to be the best remedy for diarrhea when mixed in hot water. It is the food of foods, drink of drinks and drug of drugs. It is used for creating appetite, strengthening the stomach, eliminating phlegm as meat preservative, hair conditioner, eye salve and mouthwash. It is extremely beneficial in the morning in warm water and is also a Sunnah.
OLIVE OIL:
MUSHROOM:
GRAPES:
DATES:
FIGS:
BARLEY:
POMEGRANATE:
MELON:
WATER:
WE NEED A RAMADAN
In few weeks’ time, we will be, with the grace of Allah, blessed with the holy
and noble month of Ramadan. And, unfortunately to a lot of the Muslims, this
beautiful month is perceived as a month of thirst and hunger, and is also
perceived as a month where people get tired and they become lazy and they sleep
most of the day and play most of the night. Ramadan is unlike this.
Some of the lessons from Qur'an that apply to our general living!
From Surat Al-Baqarah:
1. Do not mix the truth with falsehood (2:42)
2. Order righteousness to people only after practicing it yourself (2:44)
3. Do not commit abuse on the earth (2:60)
4. Do not prevent people from mosques (2:114)
5. Do not follow anyone blindly (2:170)
6. Do not break the promise (2:177)
7. Do not engage in bribery (2:188)
8. Fight only with those who fight you (2:190)
9. Keep the etiquette of war (2:191)
10. Protect orphans (2:220)
11. Do not have sexual intercourse during menstrual period (2:222)
12. Breast feed your children for two complete years (2:233)
13. Choose rulers by their merit (2:247)
14. No compulsion in religion (2:256)
15. Do not invalidate charity with reminders (2:264)
16. Help those in need by finding them (2:273)
17. Don’t consume interest (2:275)
18. Grant more time to repay if the debtor is in hard time (2:280)
19. Write down the debt (2:282)
20. Keep the trust (2:283)
21. Do not spy and backbite (2:283)
22. Believe in all prophets (2:285)
23. Do not burden a person beyond his scope (2:286)
------
From Surat 'Āli `Imrān:
24. Do not become divided (3:103)
25. Restrain Anger (3:134)
26. Do not be rude in speech (3:159)
27. Think deeply about the wonders and creation of this universe (3:191)
28. Men and Women have equal rewards for their deeds (3:195)
-----
From Surat An-Nisā':
29. Wealth of the dead should be distributed among his family members (4:7)
30. Women also have the right for inheritance (4:7)
31. Do not devour the property of orphans (4:10)
32. Do not marry those in your blood relation (4:23)
33. Do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly (4:29)
34. Family should be lead by men (4:34)
35. Be good to others (4:36)
36. Do not be miserly (4:37)
37. Do not keep envy (4:54)
38. Judge with justice between people (4:58)
39. Do not kill each other (4:92)
40. Do not be an advocate for deceitful (4:105)
41. Standout firmly for justice (4:135)
-----
From Surat Al-Mā'idah:
42. Cooperate in righteousness (5:2)
43. Do not cooperate in sin and aggression (5:2)
44. Dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine are prohibited (5:3)
45. Be just (5:8)
46. Punish for crimes in an exemplary way (5:38)
47. Strive against sinful and unlawful (5:63)
48. Avoid intoxicants and alcohol (5:90)
49. Do not gamble (5:90)
-----
From Surat Al-'An`ām:
50. Do not insult others’ deities (6:108)
51. ’Having majority’ is not a criterion of truth (6:116)
52. Don’t reduce weight or measure to cheat people (6:152)
-----
From Surat Al-'A`rāf:
53. Do not be arrogant (7:13)
54. Eat and Drink, But Be Not Excessive (7:31)
55. Wear good cloths during prayer times (7:31)
56. Forgive others for their mistakes (7:199)
-----
From Surat Al-'Anfāl:
57. Do not turn back in battle (8:15)
-----
From Surat At-Tawbah:
58. Protect and help those who seek protection (9:6)
59. Keep Purity (9:108)
----
From Surat Yūsuf:
60. Never give up hope of Allah’s Mercy (12:87)
-----
From Surat An-Naĥl:
61. Allah will forgive to those who have done wrong out of ignorance (16:119)
62. Invitation to God should be with wisdom and good instruction (16:125)
-----
From Surat Al-'Isrā':
63. No one will bear others’ sins (17:15)
64. Be dutiful to parents (17:23)
65. Do not say a word of disrespect to parents (17:23)
66. Do not spent money extravagantly (17:29)
67. Do not kill your children for fear of poverty (17:31)
68. Do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse (17:32)
69. Do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge (17:36)
------
From Surat Ţāhā:
70. Speak to people mildly (20:44)
------
From Surat Al-Mu'minūn:
71. Keep aloof from what is vain (23:3)
-----
From Surat An-Nūr :
72. Do not enter others’ house without seeking permission (24:27)
73. Allah will provide security for those who believe only in Allah (24:55)
74. Do not enter parents’ private room without asking permission (24:58)
-----
From Surat Al-Furqān:
75. Walk on earth in humility (25:63)
-----
From Surat Al-Qaşaş:
76. Do not neglect your portion of this world (28:77)
77. Invoke not any other god along with Allah (28:88)
-----
From Surat Al-`Ankabūt:
78. Do not engage in homosexuality (29:29)
-----
From Surat Luqmān :
79. Enjoin right, forbid wrong (31:17)
80. Do not walk in insolence through the earth (31:18)
81. Lower your voice (31:19)
-----
From Surat Al-'Aĥzāb:
82. Women should not display their finery (33:33)
----
From Surat Az-Zumar:
83. Allah forgives all sins (39:53)
84. Do not be despair of the mercy of Allah (39:53)
-----
From Surat Fuşşilat:
85. Repel evil by good (41:34)
86. Decide on affairs by consultation (42:38)
-----
From Surat Al-Ĥujurāt:
87. Try for settlement between people (49:9)
88. Do not ridicule others (49:11)
89. Avoid suspicion (49:12)
90. Do not spy or backbite (49:12)
91. Most noble of you is the most righteous (49:13)
92. Honor guests (51:26)
93. Spent wealth in charity (57:7)
94. No Monasticism in religion (57:27)
95. Those who have knowledge will be given a higher degree by Allah (58:11)
96. Treat non-Muslims in a kind and fair manner (60:8)
97. Save yourself from covetousness (64:16)
98. Seek forgiveness of Allah. He is Forgiving and Merciful (73:20)
99. Do not repel one who asks (93:10)
100. Encourage feeding poor (107:3)
25 Advice's for Ramadan
1. Fast Ramadhan with belief and truly seeking the reward of Allah the Most High so that He may forgive you your past sins.
2. Beware of breaking your fast during the days of Ramadhan without a valid Islamic excuse, for it is from the greatest of sins.
3. Pray Salat ut-Taraweeh and the night prayer during the nights of Ramadhan – especially on Layatul-Qadr – based on belief and truly seeking the reward of Allah, so that Allah may forgive you your past sins.
4. Make sure that your food, your drink and your clothing are from halal means, in order that your actions be accepted, and your supplications answered. Beware of refraining from the halal while fasting and breaking your fast with the haram.
5. Give food to some fasting people to gain a reward similar to theirs.
6. Perform your five prayers on time in congregation to gain the reward and Allahs protection.
7. Give a lot of charity for the best charity is that of Ramadhan.
8. Beware of spending your time without performing righteous deeds, for you will be responsible and reckoned for it and will be rewarded for all you do during your time.
9. Perform `umrah in Ramadhan for `Umrah in Ramadhan is equal to Hajj.
10. Seek help for fasting during the day by eating the sahoor meal in the last part of the night before the appearance of Fajr.
11. Hasten breaking your fast after the sun has truly set in order to gain the love of Allah.
12. Perform ghusl before fajr if you need to purify yourself from the state of major impurity so that you are able to do acts of worship in a state of purity and cleanliness.
13. Cease the opportunity of being in Ramadhan and spend it with the good that has been revealed in it – by reciting the noble Quran and pondering and reflection of its meanings so that it be a proof for you with your Lord and an intercessor for you on the Day of Reckoning.
14. Preserve your tongue from lying, cursing, backbiting and slander for it decreases the reward of fasting.
15. Do not let fasting cause you cross your boundaries by getting upset due to the slightest of reasons. Rather, fating should be a cause of peacefulness and tranquility of your soul.
16. Upon completion of fasting, be in a state of taqwa of Allah the Most High, being aware of Allah watching you in secret and in public, in thankfulness for His favors, and steadfastness upon obedience of Allah by doing all what He has ordered and shunning all that He has prohibited.
17. Increase in remembrance of Allah, seeking of forgiveness, asking for Paradise and protection against the Fire, especially when fasting, while breaking the fast and during suhoor, for these actions are among greatest causes of attaining Allahs forgiveness.
18. Increase in supplication for yourself, your parents, your children and Muslims, for Allah has ordered making of supplications and has guaranteed acceptance.
19. Repent to Allah with a sincere repentance in all times by leaving sins, regretting those that you have done before and firmly deciding not to return to them in the future, for Allah accepts repentance of those who repent.
20. Fast six days of Shawwal, for whoever fasts Ramadhan and then follows it with six days of Shawwal, it is as if he fasts all the time.
21. Fast on the Day of `Arafah, the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, to attain success by being forgiven your sins of the last year and the coming year.
22. Fast on the day of `Aashuraa, the 10th of Muharram, along with the 9th, to attain success by being forgiven your sins of the past year.
23. Continue being in a state of iman and taqwa and perform righteous actions after the month of Ramadhan, until you die. And worship your Lord until there comes to you the certainty (i.e. death). [Quran 15:99]
24. Ensure that you attain the positive effects of your acts of worship such as prayer, fasting, zakat and hajj, sincere repentance and leaving of customs that are in variance with the Sharee`ah.
25. Invoke a lot of salawat and salam upon the Messenger of Allah, may Allahs blessings and peace be upon him, his Companions and all those who follow them until the Day of Judgment.
O Allah make us and all Muslims of those who fast and stand in prayer during the month of Ramadhan based on belief and truly seeking Your reward so that we are forgiven our past and future sins.
O Allah make us of those who fasted the month, attained full reward, witnessed Layatul-Qadr and attained success by permission of the Lord, Blessed and Most High.
O Allah, verily you are Forgiver, like to forgive, so forgive us.
O Lord, accept from us, verily you are the All-Hearing, all-Seeing, O Living, O Independent, O Owner of all majesty and honor.
And may Allah's blessings and peace be upon Muhammad, his family and his Companions.
Blessings In The Foods
MILK:
The Prophet (SAW) said that milk wipes away heat from the heart just as the finger wipes away sweat from the brow. It strengthens the back, increases the brain, augments intelligence, renews vision and drives away forgetfulness.
HONEY:
Considered to be the best remedy for diarrhea when mixed in hot water. It is the food of foods, drink of drinks and drug of drugs. It is used for creating appetite, strengthening the stomach, eliminating phlegm as meat preservative, hair conditioner, eye salve and mouthwash. It is extremely beneficial in the morning in warm water and is also a Sunnah.
OLIVE OIL:
Excellent treatment for skin and hair, delay old age, treats inflammation of the stomach.
MUSHROOM:
The Prophet (SAW) said that mushroom is a good cure for the eyes; it also serves as a form of birth control and arrests paralysis.
GRAPES:
The Prophet (SAW) was very fond of grapes; it purifies the blood, provides vigor and health, strengthens the kidneys and clears the bowels.
DATES:
The Prophet (SAW) said that a house without dates has no food, also to be eaten at the time of childbirth.
FIGS:
It is a fruit from paradise and a cure for piles.
BARLEY:
Good for fever in a soup form.
POMEGRANATE:
The Prophet (SAW) said it cleanse you of Shaytaan and evil aspirations for 40 days.
MELON:
Melon contains 1000 blessings and 1000 mercies, The Prophet (SAW) said, "None of your women who are pregnant and eat of water melon will fail to produce off spring who is good in countenances and good in character.
WATER:
The Prophet (SAW) said the best drink in this world and the next is Water, when you are thirsty drink it by sips and not gulps, gulping produces sickness of the liver.
Praise and blessings be upon the beloved Prophet (SAW) who provided us with such knowledge.
WE NEED A RAMADAN
In few weeks’ time, we will be, with the grace of Allah, blessed with the holy
and noble month of Ramadan. And, unfortunately to a lot of the Muslims, this
beautiful month is perceived as a month of thirst and hunger, and is also
perceived as a month where people get tired and they become lazy and they sleep
most of the day and play most of the night. Ramadan is unlike this.
Ramadan is a season where
Muslims should prepare themselves before entering this season. This is what the
prophet (salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam) used to do. He used to fast most of the
month that comes before Ramadan, which is the month of Sha’ban, and when he was
asked, ‘Oh Prophet of Allah, why do you fast this month?’ He said that it is a
month between the month of Rajab and the month of Ramadan.
A lot of the Muslims seem to
ignore or neglect it and that is why I would love to remember Allah, and be grateful
to Him by fasting this month of Sha’ban. So this is one means of preparation
for the month of Ramadan, which is by fasting the month that precedes it, so
that it would be like a training session for you.
The month of Ramadan this
year means to a lot of Muslims living in the west, especially in Europe, that
they may have to fast for eighteen or nineteen hours and this is a lot. But
those who were blessed by Allah, those who are blessed by Allah, to look at it
as a season of opportunities, for them only to seek and please, they would not
feel a thing at all. This life is a test, and every single form of worship we
offer to Allah is also a test. It might be difficult in the beginning but when
we reap the fruit of it, we find that all what we have done, all the effort,
all the times that we have been tired, hungry or thirsty, it has all gone, and
nothing remains except a beautiful memory and a great reward at the side of
Allah.
Most of us have debts, have
problems, have illnesses, have needs, and we don’t seem to get the answers to
our problems because we are not asking the right questions, and we are not
asking the people, or we are not asking those who can answer our problems. In
Ramadan, it is a gift from Allah, where you can find all the solutions for your
problems and all the answers for your questions. If you knock on Allah’s door,
eventually it will be opened and your request will be answered, only in the
month of Ramadan. Write a list of what you want. Try to gain your thoughts and
gather them so you that know what to seek from your Lord. Because in Ramadan
you have to be certain that this is the time for your wishes and hopes and
prayers to be answered.
The prophet said (salla
Allahu alaihi wa sallam) that among those whom Allah answers their prayers and
supplications, among them is a person who is fasting when he breaks his fast.
So imagine yourself, a few minutes before sunset, before breaking your fasting,
few minutes before your iftar, imagine yourself with all the burdens and
troubles you carry on your shoulder, when you sit there, in humility, when you
sit there in poverty to Allah’s generosity, raising your hands, praising Allah,
giving salutations to the prophet (salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam) and asking
Allah for whatever you want, knowing that Allah will answer your call. Knowing
that Allah will give you what you have asked for. If you do this every single
day until the month of Ramadan is over, by the grace of Allah your call will be
answered, your problems will be solved, and your questions, in sha’Allah, with
the grace of Allah, would find an answer to them.
This month of Ramadan is a
month of worship, of giving charity, of night prayer. Not only that, it is a
month of forgiveness, it is a month of pardoning others. It is a month of
excelling and doing your best at your work and in your studies so that
non-Muslims would look and say ‘SubhanAllah, he is hungry and thirsty and he
did not have a bite for twelve or fourteen hours and look at him, ma sha’Allah
he is doing his level best to improve and to excel in his job. This is a
wonderful religion.’ Compare this man to that who comes to work late and leaves
from work early, and whenever he is assigned to do something, he complains that
he is fasting and you people do not have any mercy.
What kind of an impression he
would leave about Islam in their sight? So, this is an opportunity for us to
take, I know that we are a month ahead but you cannot go in the field and
expect to do good results in the match if you did not have the proper training.
The month of Sha’ban is a suitable month for you to train by fasting as many
days as you can, by dedicating more minutes and hours to your night prayer at
night, so that when Ramadan comes you are feeling at home and you will utilise
it to the very best.
I pray to Allah that we reach
Ramadan in piety, in righteousness and in fear of Allah and that Allah will
grant us the full utilisation of our time to recite the Qur’an, to make dhikr,
to fast as Allah loves us to do, and to give charity and to pray night prayer
in taraweeh and in tahajjud and with the grace of Allah we will be able to
attain night prayer in the night of decree, Laylat al Qadr, which is better
than a thousand months of worship, and whoever does this, Allah will forgive
their sins. And I pray to Allah that we will be among those who their sins will
be forgiven. And Allah knows best.
- Sheikh
Assim Al-Hakeem
There are the 17 types you can take out Sadaqah;
1. Dua.
If you are just praying for the person who you care about or any person who has asked for you dua.
Spreading knowledge among the people who can’t afford it.
Giving wise advice to your younger siblings or people who are younger than you.
Talking, meeting and greeting the people you meet.
Help the poor and help the people who cannot help themselves. Solving people problems can also be the thing you can do.
Taking time out for the parents and your wife/husband is also a sadaqah.
Nurture (Tarbiyyah), growing up your kids well-mannered is also a sadaqah.
Be very patient, do not yell about your problems to anyone. Allah will solve them for you.
Advice your misguided friends to be on the Path of Allah.
Do not plan the bad thing, do not hurt or kill any living thing.
Do not be harsh and Rude, Allah does not like Arrogant people.
Forgive the people who ask for your forgiveness.
Giving respect to elders and youngsters as well as giving credit to the people who deserve it.
Being happy in someone else’s happiness, DO NOT BE JEALOUS!
Visiting the sick is also the sunnah of our beloved Prophet (SAWW)
Such as removing the stone that comes to your way.
Guiding means, if someone you see is misguided, then guiding that person to right path.
Courtesy : The Islamic Information
- Sheikh
Assim Al-Hakeem
There are the 17 types you can take out Sadaqah;
If you are just praying for the person who you care about or any person who has asked for you dua.Courtesy : The Islamic Information
20 Common Mistakes People Make in Ramadan
1. Focusing on Food
To focus to the extent that people begin to worry about eating more than actually fasting. This also goes along with spending heaps of money on iftars even though a person does not need to eat that much food.
2. Making Sahoor much before Fajr
2. Making Sahoor much before Fajr
Eating sahoor a few hours after Tarawih or Isha prayer is wrong. It should be taken closer to the time of Fajr.
3. Forgetting Intention of Fasting
There are people who don’t make niyyah (intention) for fast, as they think this is something which is in heart and doesn’t need to be verbal. They also think the intention needs to be made once at the beginning of Ramadan and not every single day, which is wrong.
4. First Day Fasting
If you find out late that Ramadan has started, you should stop eating and fast for that day, making that day up after Ramadan/Eid ends.
5. Tarawih Prayer
About Tarawih, some think that it is not prayed on the first night of Ramadan, believing it should be started after the first day of fasting. They forget that the Islamic calendar runs on the moon, Maghrib is the start of the new day.
6. Eating or Drinking by Mistake
Many people believe if you eat or drink by mistake this breaks your fast. This is false. If you happen to eat or drink by mistake then you continue fasting and do not need to make up for the day.
7. Using Miswak or Toothbrush
7. Using Miswak or Toothbrush
Many people think you cannot use a miswak or toothbrush during Ramadan. This is false, for the Prophet (peace be upon him) would use miswak during Ramadan. Also you can use toothpaste; the reasoning by the scholars is that the miswak has flavor, thus toothpaste is okay to use [if you are not eating it].
8. Intimacy
Many believe sleeping with spouse during the whole month of Ramadan is forbidden. This is false, you cannot do this only during the times when you are fasting. Between Maghrib and Fajr it is permissible to do.
9. After Menses
Many women believe that if their period has just ended and they did not make ghusl, they cannot fast that day (considering their period ended at night, and they went to bed without ghusl, waking up without having a chance to make it). This is incorrect, if a women has not made ghusl she can still fast.
10. After Intercourse
Many men believe that if he has had intercourse with his wife and did not make ghusl (similar to the above) then he cannot fast the next morning. This is also incorrect, for he can fast even if he has not made ghusl.
11. Prayer Times
Some people pray Dhur and Asr prayers together during Ramadan. This is incorrect and should be avoided.
12. When to Start Eating
Some people believe you cannot eat until the caller to prayer is done calling the Maghrib Adhan. This is incorrect, as soon as he starts a person can break their fast.
13. Making Dua
Many people don’t take advantage of making dua before they break their fast. This is one of the three times when Allah accepts a person dua.
14. Last Days of Ramadan
Many people make the mistake of spending the later part of Ramadan preparing for Eid, neglecting Ramadan. This is incorrect and these people lose the concept of what Ramadan is about.
15. Manners
Some people think Ramadan is just about refraining from eating and that it is nothing to do with one’s behavior. In fact we are supposed to control our tempers and badmouthing more during Ramadan.
16. Wasting Time
People often waste their time. They tend to sleep the whole day and doing nothing. Ramadan however provides us opportunity to take advantage of this blessed month by doing more worship.
17. Fasting While Traveling
Some people travel much during in this month thinking they will have to break their fast while traveling. This is in fact optional. If someone wants to break fast while traveling one can (with making it up later), otherwise one can continue fasting.
18. Swallowing Saliva
Some say you cannot swallow your spit during Ramadan. This too is false. However you cannot swallow mucus that has entered your mouth.
19. Using scents
Some say you cannot use scented oils or perfumes during Ramadan. This too is false.
20. During Ablution
Putting water inside nose and mouth during wudu would break fast is another wrong perception.
Source: Ummah.comHOW TO PREPARE FOR #RAMADAN :
1. Making the Intention
Simple to do and has a powerful impact. Maybe you want to prepare for Ramadan, but between school, work, family, and any other activities, you just have no idea how to fit in ‘Preparing for Ramadan’ time. Instead of making ‘preparing for Ramadan’ something separate from your daily activities, MAKE your daily activities a means of preparation for Ramadan.
For example, perhaps your mom asked you to pick up your brother from school on the day you finally had time to read a few extra pages of Qur’an. Instead of feeling upset and feeling like you have lost a great preparation for Ramadan opportunity, make the intention that you are picking up your brother to please Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala and prepare for Ramadan by obeying your mother, helping your family members, building ties of kinship… and the list continues.
The point is that preparing for Ramadan does not have to be some magnificent, enormous, extra-special thing that needs to be done at a certain time of the day. Many of your daily actions can be turned into Ramadan preparation actions with a sincere intention, insha’Allah.
2. Do these easy-to-reap-reward actions:
a. Asking Allah to forgive your brothers and sisters. “Whoever seeks forgiveness for believing men and believing woman, Allah will write for him a good deed for each believing man and believing woman.” [at-Tabarani, classed as hasan by al-Albani]
b. It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah (May Allah be pleased with him) said “The Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said: ‘Whoever says subhanAllah wa bi hamdih (praise and glory be to Allah) 100 times, morning and evening, his sins will be erased even if they are like the foam on the sea.” [Narrated by al-Bukhari, 6042; Muslim 2691]
c. If a person says “SubhanAllah” (glory be to Allah) 100 times, a thousand good deeds are recorded for him and a thousand bad deeds are wiped away. Narrated by Muslim 2073
d. Remember Allah when you go shopping : “Whoever enters a market and says:
‘Laa ilaha illallah wahdahu la shareeka lah, lahul mulku wa lahul hamdu yuhyi wa yumeetu wa huwa hayyun laa yamoot, bi yadihil khair, wa huwa ‘ala kulli shayin qadeer..
"there is nothing worthy of worship except Allah, alone without partner, to Him belongs dominion and praise, He causes life and death and He is the Living and does not die. In His Hand is all the good, and He is over all things competent]Allah will write for him/her a million good deeds and erase a million bad deeds and raise him a million levels.” [at-Tirmidhi, classed as hasan by al-Albani]
3. Up your worship
To help condition your heart for this blessed month, intensify your worship before Ramadan begins. Just a small, consistent amount is enough. The Prophet, sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam told us:
“The deeds most loved by Allah are those done regularly, even if they are small.”
4. Make a du'a(supplication) list today
This is THE MONTH to ask for EVERYTHING, both related to this life and the Next. Let us not wait until the last 10 nights to make special du'as, and then once Eid passes realize that we had completely forgotten about fifty other things we needed to make du'a for. Let us start making our lists now, and add to it as more things come our way. Insha’Allah this should help us remember to make constant du'a in this month where du'a is accepted, and help our hearts pour out to the One Who can make those du'as happen, subhanahu wa ta’ala.
5. Write out your objectives for Ramadan
Praying all of your fard prayers? Praying all of your sunnahs? Reading the entire Qur’an? Giving $1 charity a day? Making itikaaf in the masjid? Leaving one serious sin that you’ve been trying to get away from for some time now? Sincerely turning completely back to Allah?
Write out a list, put them somewhere you will see them, and make du'a for your success in fulfilling these objectives.
6. Make a plan!
Look at your objectives, and try to make a plan on how to actualize those objectives in this month.
For example, perhaps you are really struggling to pray your sunnah prayers. In this month, realize the enormity of the ajr(reward) of praying the sunnah prayers… think that perhaps these sunnahs will be the deeds that will be so heavy on your scale of good deeds when you are intense need of them- on yowm al qiyamah. Therefore, fight to keep doing them all throughout Ramadan. If you can’t pray your 2 rakats after dhur right away, make sure to do them as soon as you get a chance.
Thus, your plan might look something like this:
Objective: Pray all of my fard prayers.
Method: Envision myself on the day of judgment seeing the insha’Allah weight of praying my sunnah consistently during this month. Make sure to pray sunnah salah immediately after salah. If I cannot, do it as soon as the opportunity arises… don’t let myself put it off!
So many Muslims have passed away since last month. So many people have not made it to Ramadan this year. Last year was their very last Ramadan. Will you make it to this Ramadan? Will this be your last Ramadan?
Aim to strive in this Ramadan. With a very small amount of effort, such as just making a small intention, or adding a few extra acts of worship, we pray that Allah will help our hearts soften and honor us with making it easy to turn to Him and open up to Him.
May Allah make us of the successful in Ramadan, and make it easy for us to turn to Him completely and perpetually. Aameen.
Coutesy : Islam practice
MISCONCEPTIONS REGARDING (SHAB-E-BARAAT)
IMPORTANT QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THIS ISSUE
👉Misconception 1:*
Allah descends to the first heavens on this night to forgive us.
ANSWER:
The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said: "Every night when it is the last third of the night, our Lord, the Superior, the Blessed, descends to the nearest heaven and says: Is there anyone to invoke Me that I may respond to his invocation? Is there anyone to ask Me so that I may grant him his request? Is there anyone asking My forgiveness so that I may forgive him?. "
[Bukhari 1145, Muslim 1261].
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👉Misconception 2:*
This is the night when our fate, lifespan, and provisions are decreed.
ANSWER:
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “When the drop of (semen) remains in the womb(of mother) for forty (days) or forty nights, the angel comes and says:
“My Lord, will he be good or evil?” And both these things would be written.
Then the angel says: “My Lord, would he be male or female?” And both these things are written.
And his deeds and actions, *his death*, his livelihood; these are also recorded. [Sahih Muslim Hadith 6392]
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👉Misconception 3:*
Deeds are shown (to Allah) on 15th Shaban
ANSWER:
Prophet (peace be upon him) said “Deeds are shown (to Allah) on Mondays and Thursdays, and I like my deeds to be shown when I am fasting.” [Tirmidhi, 747; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Targheeb, 1041. ]
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👉Misconception 4:*
The night of the 15th of Shabaan should be singled out for special kinds of worship, prayer, etc. and they have a great reward
ANSWER :
There is no saheeh hadeeth concerning the night of the fifteenth of Shabaan.So this night is ordinary like other nights and the reward for praying/worshiping in this night will be the same as other nights
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👉Misconception 5:*
Fasting on the day of 15th shaban has a special and great reward
ANSWER:
Fasting on 13th 14th 15th of every month is recommended not only on 15th shaban
Prophet (peace be upon him) said “If you fast any part of the month, then fast the thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth.”
[Tirmidhi, 761; al-Nasaa’i, 2424; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Targheeb, 1038.]
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👉Misconception 6:*
This is the night when the souls of departed ones return to their families.
ANSWER:
This thing has no basis in Quran or ahadith…. The souls can never return to this world. This is a fabrication and lie invented by people
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👉Misconception 7:*
Look at all those people doing it. How can they all be wrong?
ANSWER:
Allah says, “And if you obey most of those in the earth, they will lead you astray from Allah's way; they follow but conjecture and they only lie.” [Al Qur’an 6:116].
So this is a weak argument that the majority of people do it and believe in it so it is true.
