Keeping the Ramadan Spirit Alive

~Keeping the Ramadan Spirit Alive~

●Remaining Steadfast After Ramadan

●Infusing Vigor into the Muslim Ummah

●Keeping Ramadan Alive Year Round

●Lord of Ramadan, Lord of the Entire Year

●Your Stomach After Ramadan

Q: Now, Ramadan is over, we’re bustling going to work, going to school… how do we maintain what we’ve achieved in Ramadan as we go about in our daily lives?

Dr. Shabir: We have to reflect back on the main principals that governed our activities during the month of Ramadan. We were driven by the desire to be close to God and that let us to fast a lot, to pray at night and to read the Quran a lot.

So that very principal should motivate us now in our dealings with other people, in our fairness, in our transactions, our satisfying our commitments to others and so on… All of this should be driven by the same principal of trying to be close to God.

Q: In Ramadan, we intensify our worship and we intensify our desire to become closer to God. What do we do afterwards to keep up that intensity? Is it even possible to keep up that intensity?

Dr. Shabir: Yes it is possible, and at the same time we should recognize that we will obviously not have the same fever of faith as we had during the peak time that is Ramadan.

That fever will drop a little bit to be sure, but it is possible to maintain the lessons that we come out of Ramadan with, and some of the practices that we were accustomed in Ramadan can actually continue with us even after Ramadan.

So we were reading Quran a lot in Ramadan, now perhaps not with the same intensity but certainly we can consistently read let’s say a page a day of the Quran. Some copies of the Quran have something like 600 pages. If one reads two pages a day then with some days to spare, one would have finished the whole Book within a year so by the next Ramadan we have the message of the Quran alive in our minds because we’ve been reading it constantly.

Q: I guess we want to make sure that we’re improving as every day goes by and not just waiting for the month of Ramadan to draw closer to God.

Dr. Shabir: Exactly. We fasted a lot in Ramadan and it is also possible to fast after Ramadan is over but voluntary fasts, and not thirty days in a row but a few days here and there.

Q: What is some of the recommended fasts?

Dr. Shabir: Well, six days in the month immediately following the month of Ramadan, that is called Shawwal in Arabic. It begins in the day of Eid, but the day of Eid (the festival) is a day in which Muslims are forbidden to fast, it’s a day of festival not fasting; but six other days of that month is recommended for fasting and it is even narrated in a Prophetic saying that if a Muslim were to fast in the month of Ramadan and then six days in the following month, then he or she will be rewarded as if he fasted continuously throughout life, and apparently the reason for this is that each deed is rewarded ten times over.

So if one fasts the thirty days of Ramadan plus six days in the month following, times ten, when it is rewarded times ten, the rewards turn to be a great number of days than even the lunar year contains.

Q: What is your advice for somebody who might not be fulfilling all the duties of a Muslim and has started to do that during the month of Ramadan, what should they do after Ramadan?

Dr. Shabir: Definitely to continue with those duties of a Muslim. It so happens your question is well-put because there are some Muslims who perhaps did not pray a lot but it came to the month of Ramadan, they were in the mosques, and they were listening to the Quran… Well, continue that after the month of Ramadan, there are five prayers in Ramadan which are obligatory for Muslims. So we should maintain those five prayers and they’re not difficult to perform.

You pray before you go out to work, you take a break for lunch, you pray during the break, you have an afternoon coffee break, you pray again, you get home from work, that’s a time you come home, you relax before you start cooking dinner or perhaps after you cook dinner depending on the season, you pray again. And lastly before you retire to bed at night, you offer prayers before your Lord, thanking Him for all of the good things you’ve enjoyed during the day and asking Him for His blessings for the new day coming up and God willing, we could actually pass away during the night in which case the last thing we have done is a prayer before God.

We should in fact keep our priorities in order and balance the two: this world and the life hereafter.

So this is easily doable and should continue after the month is over.

Q: Now in Ramadan, we sacrifice many worldly things, we try to draw away from our needs and desires. How do we avoid after Ramadan being overly immersed in the world?

Dr. Shabir: It’s a matter of attitude. In Ramadan, we have learned to recognize that life in hereafter is the most precious part of our existence, so after Ramadan that should not change. It shouldn’t be that now suddenly we’ve re-oriented ourselves and give maximum importance or sole importance to the physical world in which we now live.

We should in fact keep our priorities in order and balance the two: this world and the life hereafter. Work for this world, certainly, but also keep our life hereafter in view knowing that that ultimately is where we’re going to spend eternity and that is what we need to make better rather than the temporary life that we now enjoy.

Q: Now, we’ve talked a lot about worship but in Ramadan we also become aware of the fact that we don’t need to sleep as much, we don’t need to eat as much and fulfill other base desires. What are your thoughts on that?

Dr. Shabir: Definitely that attitude should continue after the month of Ramadan because we find often that people are driven by the need for food and just the luxury of over-sleeping, but we need to regulate our time; time is precious so we sleep as needed but we also get active and work and study and make good use of our awaking hours.

Eating is important, nourishment of the body is essential, but at the same time we should not be over-eating. A recent report showed that 34% of the people in the USA are obese and some people are morbidly obese. These are terrible statistics to work with.

By fasting during the month of Ramadan, we learn that our bodies do need nourishment but we can survive on a lot less than we normally do, and we then just realize that we don’t need to eat on instinct, just impulsive type of eating whenever we feel like eating. No, you eat when you are hungry and you can stop eating before you start feeding full.

Q: There are some good habits that we develop during Ramadan, you mentioned keeping time; we regulate when we eat, when we stop eating, when we pray, when we stop praying… and other things like patience and honesty that we develop during Ramadan. I guess these are important to cultivate as well during the rest of the year?

Dr. Shabir: In fact, if we did not cultivate these things during the rest of the year then our whole observation of Ramadan is questionable. What was the benefit of Ramadan then? If we have come out of the school and we were not obviously aware of the lessons that are taught in that school then something is really questionable about our very presence in that school.

Ramadan is like a school. It’s supposed to train us and we are supposed to emerge as graduates with the degrees to show for it, and the degrees will show not written on a piece of paper but in our actions, the way we deal with others, the patience we show in the face of hardship and difficulty… all of this will register that we have come out of the school of Ramadan.

Q: Do you think it’s important to set a plan to come up with a sort of a timetable of things that you want to achieve during the year or something like this?

Dr. Shabir: It’s always good to have a plan and to work that plan and to revise it as needed, but to have a plan. Without a plan, one might have great ideas and good intentions but things do not materialize.

A recent sermon I heard affected me a lot. The sermonizer was saying that if one were thinking “I’m going to read a few pages of the Quran every day.” Well that’s vague “every day” but when in the day?

Unless you anchor it to something, it will just float about and never get done because the time for it will always seem to be sometime later; but you have to anchor it to something and say “ok, when I get up, before I do anything else, I read my few pages” or “immediately after dropping my kids off to school, that’s when I read my few pages” and sometimes we think we can’t when we return home but then when we return home and we get toppled with other things.

If you find that happening you say to yourself “well, when I stop in the school parking lot and there I will read my few pages before leaving the school parking lot so I don’t get toppled with something else”.

So this becomes your plan and you have anchored what you needed to with something which is concrete and you make sure now that it’s not floating about, it’s a vague idea, with the hope that we get that.

Fasting 6 days of Shawaal

Sunnah Practices On the Day of Eid

Eid-ul-Fitr has been officially endorsed as an Islamic festival by the Shariah*. It is a day when Muslims express happiness and joy in fulfilling their duties unto Allah Ta’aala.

Sunnah practices on the day of Eid

 To wake up as early as possible.
 To take Ghusl (Bath).
 To use the Miswaak.
 To apply Itr (perfume)
 To wear one’s best clothes (not necessarily new), ensuring that it conforms to the Shariah (Sunnah dress).
 To eat something sweet (such as dates) before departing for Eid Salaah.
 To perform Eid Salaah at the “Eid Gah*” .
 To discharge “Zakat al-Fitr” before the Eid Salaah.
 To choose a separate route when returning from the Eid Gah.
 To walk to the Eid Gah. However, there is no harm in using a conveyance if the Eid Gah is at a distance.
 To recite Takbeer en route to the Eid Gah (softly for Eid ul- Fitr; loudly for Eid ul - Adha)


The Nights of Eid

Rasoolullah Sallallaahu Alayhi Wa Sallam said, “The heart of the person who remains awake (in worship) during the night of Eid-ul-Fitr and Eidul-Adha will not die (on the Day of Qiyaamah) when all hearts will be dead.” (Targhib)

The nights of Eid are auspicious occasions which should be spent in Ibadah (worship) and Dua. The special Rahmat (mercy) of Allah Ta’aala engulfs those who spend the night or part of this night in Ibadah. These auspicious occasions should, therefore, not be allowed to pass by while we are indulging in idleness, futility and sinful activities. Excessive repentance and fervent Dua for the suffering Ummah should be observed during these valuable opportunities. May Allah Ta’aala grant us Taufeeq (ability). Aameen.

>Terms:

*Sharia (Arabic: شريعة‎ šarīʿah, IPA: [ʃaˈriːʕa], is the moral code and religious law of Islam. Sharia deals with many topics addressed by secular law, including crime, politics, and economics, as well as personal matters such as sexual intercourse, hygiene, diet, prayer, and fasting. Though interpretations of sharia vary between cultures, in its strictest definition it is considered the infallible law of God—as opposed to the human interpretation of the laws.

*In Islamic culture, an Eidgah or Idgah (Urdu: عید گاہ‎) is an open-air mosque usually outside the city (or at the outskirts) to perform the Salat al Eid (Eid prayers) for Eid ul-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. It is usually a public place. At the end of the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate by first offering prayers at an Eidgah. It is a large open ground for people to assemble and offer their prayers early in the morning on the Eid day. It was a practice of the Prophet Muhammad to perform the Eid salaah (prayer) in an Eidgah at the outskirts of the city. Hence, it is considered a sunnah to perform Eid salaah at the Eidgah. The very first Eidgah was at the outskirts of Medina nearly 1000 footsteps from Masjid al Nabawi.

There are several guidelines for Eidgahs in Sharia:  Complying to the Sunnah, performing of the Eid Salaah on the outskirts of the town is better and more virtuous, than performing it in the town.The Eid Salaah performed in the Masjid is complete, but performing it in the Eidgah is Sunnah. The Eid Salaah should be a huge gathering on the outskirts of the town. In this way the brotherhood of Islam is manifested. In the big cities it is difficult to make Eidgah on the outskirts of the city, therefore a huge open plain should be chosen for the Eidgah or according to the need, it can be performed in the Masjid, which will be correct. But as far as possible, one huge gathering is more superior compared to many small Eidgahs. Performing of the Eid Salaah in the Eidgah is Sunnat-e-Muak'kadah. Without any valid excuse, the one who does not perform his Eid Salaah in the Eidgah is worthy of being reprimanded and taken to task and this kind of a person is a sinner. If the Eidgah is a distance away and it is inconvenient for the old and sickly, then the Jurists have given permission for them to perform Eid Salaah in the Masjid.

Al-Qadr (The Night of Decree)

Jumu'ah-Tul-Wida – The Last Friday of Ramadan

Jumu'ah-tul-Wida 

Juma-tul-Wida is the Last Friday of Ramadan. The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) said” any one who worships Allah in Friday will receive protection from Allah for the entire week”. The importance of Friday is more then other days of the week. The Prophet Mohammad said: “Allah Almighty forgives the sins committed between two Fridays of the one who performs his Friday Namaaz regularly”. Juma-tu-Wida is the day of acceptance of prays (Dua).

In Arabic: جمعة الوداع‎ meaning Friday of farewell, also called al-Jumu'ah al-Yatimah Arabic: الجمعة اليتيمة‎ or orphaned Friday) occurs on the last Friday in the month of Ramadan before Eid-ul-Fitr. Some Muslims regard this jumu'ah as the second holiest day of the month of Ramadan and one of the most important days of the year. Some Muslims spend a large part of their day on Jumu'ah-tul-Wida doing ibadah.

Friday is like day of Eid for Muslims because there are much similarity between Eid and Friday. On both days Muslims offer prayer 2 Rakat namaz and they listen Khutbah of Immam. Both Namaz can not be Qaza.

The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) said” the first person who enter the mosque for Friday prayer will get the reward of the charity of a camel, the second person will be rewarded with the charity of a cow, the third person will receive the reward the charity of a sheep, the fourth person the charity of a chicken, the fifth person charity of an egg”.



*The Arabic word ibadah (عبادة) or ibada usually translated "worship", is connected with related words literally meaning "slavery", and has connotations of obedience, submission, and humility. The word linguistically means "obedience with submission".

In terms of Islam, ibadah is the obedience, submission, and devotion to Allah (God) along with the ultimate love for Him. Muslims believe that ibadah is the reason for the existence of all humanity. That is, Muslims believe that all people exist only to submit to Allah. Ibadah consequently means following Islamic beliefs and practices – its commands, prohibitions, the halal, and the haram. For Muslims, ibadah is also something that comes from the heart, or sincerity, as a result of belief in Islam. Therefore, ibadah is something that can not be forced upon another person.

Powerful Tips for the Last 10 Nights

Powerful Tips for the Last 10 Nights

1. Do not let your 'performance' until now affect your last 10 days. The moment of forgiveness could be today or anytime in the coming days! It is not all lost! If you sincerely wish it could have been better - Chin up and get ready to make it your best yet! Start with a positive, sincere intention!

2. Today, take a little time to read the Tafseer of Surah al-Qadr to understand what actually happens this night! You will feel its power & greatness so much more!

3. Do not wait for the 27th Night to give it your "all". The entire last 10 days should be your target. Stay up each night! Would you want to miss Laylatul Qadr even "by chance"?

4. Do not fall into any innovations/celebrations any masjid or culture might try to promote. Follow the Sunnah! The Prophet (sallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam) guided us simply: "Whoever stays up and prays on Laylat al-Qadr out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.”

5. Memorize and keep asking the dua' taught by Rasulullah (sallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam): Allaahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibb al-‘afwa fa’affu ‘anni (O Allaah, You are forgiving and You love forgiveness, so forgive me).

6. Prepare a short dua' list. Remember this is as awesome as it ever gets for a servant of Allah! The Night of Qadr, of Destiny! Consciously pick each and everything you crucially wish for in this dunya, in your deen, family, and in your aakhirah! Don't forget to include the brothers and sisters around the world who are suffering and in grief!

7. Take brief naps during the day, if possible. Keep your stomach light and sleep as soon as you have prayed 'isha. Do not delay! After a brief nap, refresh yourself and get ready for worship.

8. Don't neglect your family! Rasulullah made it a point to wake up his wives throughout these nights! And yes, your children are not too young to stay up some part of the night - if they can be allowed to play video games or watch TV, they can be inspired to be up at least for sometime! Prepare them, make them excited, plan some activities for them to do!

9. Look the Part: The way we dress and prepare has a big effect on our psychology. Wear your best, perfume yourself, and feel the energy!

10. Choose a spot, whether in the Masjid or in your home, where you can have peace and solitude. Keep your mushaf, praying mat, and water at hand so that you are not distracted by constantly getting up for this or that.

11. IMP: This is not the night to tweet pics or update FB statuses about how amazing the night is and how you are feeling & worshipping Allah! Let that be a secret between you & your Rabb! So switch off those phones, wifi, laptops and computers. Disconnect with the world, and connect with al-'Afuww!

12. If you find yourself feeling sleepy, vary your acts of worship. Alternate between qiyaam, heartfelt dua'a, reading the Qur'an. Do not spend the night listening to lectures or recitations. Or do it only for a short while when you feel the sleep coming on!

13. Patience is the Key: The last 10 days might be tiring. You might still have work or school. This is the time to bear all that hardship, and keep firm sabr. Think how Allah has blessed you with this tremendous opportunity that might NEVER come again in your life again. If you knew for sure that this was your last ‎Ramadan‬, if you knew certainly that Jannah was up for grabs, wouldn't you sprint for it no matter what it takes?

14. This is most important: Keep husn adh-dhann bi Allah (good expectations from Allah). When you ask, remember you are asking the Most Generous King. If you hope for the best, He will give you the best. Don't hold back. Trust in Him, pour out your heart in front of Him, and let no doubt, no barrier, no evil thoughts keep you away from ar-Rahman, ar-Raheem!




*One night from Maghrib till Fajr which is less than 12 hrs is equivalent to 83 years and 4 months of your life.

*Verily We had sent down This Book, revealed this Qur'an during the Night of Power"

"Prophet (SAWW) used to take care of last 10 nights, utilize not every hour but also every second, He (SAWW) treats every single night as if it was Laylatual Qadr becoz He (SAWW) didn't wanna miss out what ALLAH (SWT) gives on Laylatul Qadr.

*Seek it in the last 10 days, on the odd nights, but there are many Hadith that indicate that it is most likely on the 27th night.

*The most important thing you should do on that night is that you sincerely ask ALLAH (SWT) from your heart, making Du'a (supplication, worship), reading Qur'an and praying to ALLAH (SWT)

*"Peace! Until the appearance of dawn."

The Last Ten Days of Ramadan

The Last Ten Days of Ramadan

~How to take full benefit from the last part of Ramadan~

Though all parts of Ramadan are full of blessings and rewards, its last ten days hold a special status reflected in the recommendations and practices of the Messenger of Allah, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, and his companions. I will focus here on three major practices of the Prophet, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, and his companions during these days.


1-Praying in the last ten nights of Ramadan

Al-Bukhari and Muslim record from 'Aishah that during the last ten days of Ramadan, the Messenger of Allah would wake his wives up during the night and then remain apart from them (that is, being busy in acts of worship). A narration in Muslim states: "He would strive [to do acts of worship] during the last ten days of Ramadan more than he would at any other time." Aisha reported that With the start of the last ten days of Ramadan, the Prophet used to tighten his waist belt (i.e. work hard) and used to pray all the night, and used to keep his family awake for the prayers. [Bukhari]



2-Performing I`tikaf in the Masjid (seclusion in the Mosque)

I`tikaf is the seclusion and staying in the mosque with the intention of becoming closer to Allah. This was the practise of the Prophet, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, during the last ten days of Ramadan especially. He would do it during other months as well. Aisha reported that the Messenger of Allah, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, used to practice I`tikaf in the last ten nights of Ramadan and used to say, "Look for the Night of Qadr in the last ten nights of the month of Ramadan" [Bukhari] Aisha reported that the Prophet,salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, used to practice I`tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan till he died and then his wives used to practice I`tikaf after him. [Bukhari]

Sayyid Sabiq says in Fiqhus-Sunnah : The sunnah or preferred i`tikaf has no specific time limit. It can be fulfilled by staying in the mosque with the intention of making i`tikaf for a long or short time. The reward will be according to how long one stays in the mosque. If one leaves the mosque and then returns, he should renew his intention to perform itikaf. Ya'la ibn Umayyah said: "I secluded myself in the mosque for some time for I`tikaf." 'Ata told him: "That is I`tikaf, as long as you secluded yourself there." One who is performing Sunnah (like in Ramadan) i'tikaf (i.e. not the obligatory one that is made after a vow) may end his i`tikaf at any time, even if it is before the period he intended to stay.

●The following acts are permissible for one who is making I'tikaf :

(1) The Person may leave his place of I`tikaf to bid farewell to his wife and a Woman can visit her husband who is in I`tikaf}

(2) Combing and cutting one's hair, clipping one's nails, cleaning one's body, wearing nice clothes or wearing perfume are all permissible. 'Aishah reported: "The Prophet was Performing itikaf and he would put his head out through the opening to my room and I would clean [or comb in one narration] his hair.

(3) The person may go out for some need that he must perform. 'Aishah reported: "When the Prophet Performed I`tikaf, he brought his head close to me so I could comb his hair, and he would not enter the house except to fulfill the needs a person has." [al-Bukhari, and Muslim].

Ibn al-Mundhir says: "The scholars agree that the one who performs itikaf may leave the mosque in order to answer the call of nature, for this is something that he personally must perform, and he cannot do it in the mosque. Also, if he needs to eat or drink and there is no one to bring him his food, he may leave to get it. If one needs to vomit, he may leave the mosque to do so. For anything that he must do but cannot do in the mosque, he can leave it, and such acts will not void his itikaf, even if they take a long time. Examples of these types of acts would include washing one's self from sexual defilement and cleaning his body or clothes from impurities."

(4) The person may eat, drink, and sleep in the mosque, and he should also keep it clean.


●Actions that Nullify the I`tikaf, If a person performs one of the following acts, his I`tikaf will be nullified:

(1) Intentionally leaving the mosque without any need to do so, even if it is for just a short time. In such a case, one would not be staying in the mosque, which is one of the principles of I`tikaf.

(2) Abandoning belief in Islam, as this would nullify all acts of worship. If you ascribe a partner to Allah, your work will fail and you will be among the losers.

(3) Losing one's reason due to insanity or drunkenness, or the onset of menstruation or post-childbirth bleeding, all of which disqualifies a person for itikaf.

(4) Sexual intercourse. Allah says [in meaning]: "But do not associate with your wives while you are in seclusion (I`tikaf) in the mosques. Those are Limits (set by) Allah. Approach not nigh thereto. Thus does Allah make clear His Signs to men: that they may learn self-restraint. [al-Baqara; 2:187]

I`tikaf is not restricted to men only, women also can do it :

'Aisha (the wife of the Prophet) reported that the Prophet, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, used to practice I`tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan till he died and then his wives used to practice I`tikaf after him.[Bukhari]

3-Seeking Laylatul-Qadr (the Night of Decree)

It is the greatest night of the year like the Day of `Arafah is the greatest day of the year. It is a night about which Allah reveled a full Surah, Suratul-Qadr [97:1-5] and the 3rd to the 6th verses of Surat ad-Dukhan [44:3-6]

It is the night when the Qur'an was reveled.

It is the night when the Message (the Final and seal of all messages) sent to Mohammad, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, started

It is the night when the light, that would illuminate mankind to the end of life, started

It is the night when every matter of ordainment is decreed

Allah says in what can be translated as :

"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 (ie. Jibreel [Gabriel]) by Allaah's Permission with all Decrees, Peace! until the appearance of dawn." [97:1-5]

and in Surat ad-Dukhan :

"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. [44:3-6]

A person who misses Laylatul-Qadr is really a deprived person!

Abu Hurairah reported that the Prophet, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, said " The blessed month has come to you. Allah has made fasting during it obligatory upon you. During it the gates to Paradise are opened and the gates of Hellfire are locked, and the devils are chained. There is a night [during this month] which is better than a thousand months. Whoever is deprived of its good is really deprived [of something great]. [Ahmad, an-Nisa'i and al-Bayhaqi]

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.

●What happens to the person who witnesses Laylatul-Qadr? and what should one do?

Abu Hurairah Radhiya Allahu `anhu reported that the Messenger of Allah, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, said : "Whoever stands (in prayer) in Lailatul-Qadr out of Eemaan (faith and sincerity) and seeking reward then his previous sins are forgiven". [Bukhari] It is recommended to supplicate a lot during this night, it is reported from our mother 'Aishah radhiya Allahu `anha, that she said: "O Messenger of Allah! What if I knew which night Lailatul-Qadr was, then what should I say in it?" He said.- "Say.- (Allahumma innaka 'affuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'annee.) "O Allaah You are The One Who pardons greatly, and loves to pardon, so pardon me.". [at-Tirmithi and Ibn Majah with a Sahih Isnad]

●When is Laylatul-Qadr ?

It is preferred to seek this night during the last ten odd nights of Ramadan, as the Prophet salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam,, strove his best in seeking it during that time. We have already mentioned that the Prophet would stay up during the last ten nights, would wake his wives, and then would remain apart from them to worship.

Ibn Abbas reported that the Prophet,salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, said, "Look for the Night of Qadr in the last ten nights of Ramadan ,' on the night when nine or seven or five nights remain out of the last ten nights of Ramadan (i.e. 21, 23, 25, respectively)." [Bukhari]

`Aishah radhiya Allahu `anha said: "Allah's Messenger used to practice I`itikaf in the last ten nights and say: 'Seek out Lailatul-Qadr in the (odd nights) of the last ten of Ramadan." [Bukhari and Muslim]

However if the servant is too weak or unable, then he should at least not let the last seven pass him by, due to what is reported from Ibn 'Umar, who said: Allah's Messenger 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 and Muslim]

This explains his 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 and Muslim]

The Muslim should seek out Lailatui-Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten: the night of the twenty-first, 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 of seven: the night of the twenty-fifth, the twenty-seventh and the twenty-ninth And Allah knows best. 

●What are the signs of laylatul-Qadr?

Allaah's Messenger , salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, described the morning after Lailatul-Qadr, so that the Muslim may know which day it is. From Ubayy, radhiya Allahu 'anhu, who said: that he, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, said: "On the morning following Lailatui-Qadr the sun rises not having any rays, as if it were a brass dish, until it rises up."[Muslim, Abu Dawud, Tirmithi and Ibn Majah]

Abu Hurairah, radhiya Allahu 'anhu, said : "We were discussing Lailatul-Qadr in the presence of Allah's Messenger so he said : 'Which of you remembers [the night] when the moon arose and was like half a plate?... [Muslim]

Ibn 'Abbaas, radhiya Allahu 'anhuma, said: Allaah's Messenger, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, 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 and al-Bazzaar with a Hasan Isnad]

We pray to Allah All Mighty Most Merciful to bless us this Ramadan by witnessing Laylatul-Qadr

The history of Ramadan

● What is the history of Ramadan?

Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar. The term Ramadan literally means scorching in Arabic. It was established as a Holy Month for Muslims after the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad in 610 CE on the occasion known as Laylat al-Qadr, frequently translated as "the Night of Power".

Observance of Ramadan is mandated in the Quran, Surah 2, Ayah 185:
“The month of Ramadhan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur'an, guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey - then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful.

● What are the dates of Ramadan?

Because the cycle of the lunar calendar does not match the solar calendar, the dates of Ramadan shifts by approximately 11 days each year. In 2011, Ramadan began on August 1st. In 2012 Ramadan is likely to begin on July 20th.

The ending of Ramadan is marked by the holiday of Eid ul-Fitr, which takes place either 29 or 30 days after the beginning of the month. On Eid ul-Fitr, morning prayers are followed by feasting and celebration among family and friends. This year Eid ul-Fitr will most probably fall on Sunday, August 19th.



● What are the daily fasting requirements?

During the month of Ramadan, most Muslims fast from dawn to sunset with no food or water. Before sunrise many Muslims have the Suhur or predawn meal. At sunset families and friends gather for Iftar which is the meal eaten by Muslims to break the fast. Many Muslims begin the meal by eating dates as the Prophet used to do.

This ritual fast known as, Sawm, is one of the five pillars of Islam, and requires that individuals abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual intercourse.



● What are the expectations towards charity?

Charity is an important part of Ramadan. The fast emphasizes self-sacrifice and using the experience of hunger to grow in empathy with the hungry. During Ramadan, Muslim communities work together to raise money for the poor, donate clothes and food, and hold iftar dinners for the less fortunate.



● What scriptural study do Muslims take part in?

Many Muslims use Ramadan to read the entire Quran or read the Quran daily. Many communities divide the Quran into daily reading segments that conclude on Eid ul-Fitr at the end of Ramadan.



● Can non-Muslims participate?

Non-Muslims are free to participate in Ramadam. Many non-Muslims fast and even pray with their Muslim friends or family members. Non-Muslims are often invited to attend prayer and iftar dinners.

Those wishing to be polite to someone who is fasting for Ramadan may greet them with Ramadan Mubarak or Ramadan Kareem, which mean Have a Blessed or Generous Ramadan.
Should Muslims with diabetes fast?

Fasting during Ramadan is discouraged for patients with diabetes by the American Diabetes Association.

“In keeping with this, a large epidemiological study conducted in 13 Islamic countries on 12,243 individuals with diabetes who fasted during Ramadan showed a high rate of acute complications.”
However, the study says this was not conclusive. Many diabetic patients fasted with no complications. Patients with diabetes should work with their doctors to figure out a strategy if they choose to fast.



● What is the 'goal' of Ramadan?

In general, the practices of Ramadan are meant to purify oneself from thoughts and deeds which are counter to Islam. By removing material desires, one is able to focus fully on devotion and service to God. Many Muslims go beyond the physical ritual of fasting and attempt to purge themselves of impure thoughts and motivations such as anger, cursing, and greed.



● Do all Muslims take part in Ramadan fasting?

Most Muslims believe Ramadan fasting is mandatory, but there are some groups that do not. Pregnant or breastfeeding mothers, people who are seriously sick, travelers, or those at health risk should not fast. Children that have not gone through puberty are also not required to fast during the month Ramadan.

The Importance of Miswak

A group of dentists at King Saud University in the Saudi Arabia have studied the medicinal properties of the miswak, or teeth cleaning sticks, commonly used in Arab and Asian countries, and have concluded that the beneficial effects of the miswak for oral hygiene and dental health are equal to, if not greater than, those of a toothbrush and toothpaste.

The research identified a total of 19 natural substances found within the miswak that benefit dental health. It contains a number of natural antiseptics that kill harmful microorganisms in the mouth; tannic acids that protect the gums from disease; and aromatic oils that increase salivation. Because of its built-in antiseptics, the miswak needs no cleaning, and because its bristles are parallel to the handle rather than perpendicular, it can reach more easily between the teeth, where a conventional toothbrush often misses.

"The Prophet said, "It (i.e. Siwak) is a purification for the mouth and it is a way of seeking Allah's pleasures." 

Dr. Hani Saeed, a dentist and a professor at Dhamar University, believes the miswak has benefits, but can be over used. “I am against the daily use of the miswak because it can grind down the enamel of teeth,” he said. “If it is used no more than once per week, the stick is fine, but I discourage people from using it any more than that.”

“I always clean my teeth using the miswak after every prayer during Ramadan month. It gives me a fresh and good breath, and I feel better to have clean teeth and healthy gums,” said Malika Farah, 22, student at Sana’a University.

Many Muslims use the miswak on the recommendation of the Prophet Mohammed, who said, “Siwak cleanses the mouth and pleases the Lord”, and “if I had not found it hard for my followers or the people, I would have ordered them to clean their teeth with siwak for every prayer.” 

“I use the miswak during Ramadan more than during other months of year because I heard an advisory opinion warning Muslims not to use toothpaste during fasting since it nullifies fasting,” said Sana’a University student, Umm Anas, 23. “I also use this stick to clean my teeth during Ramadan because I like to do what our Prophet used to do during his life,” she said. 

By contrast with the conventional plastic toothbrush, the miswak can be used any time, anywhere. It completely eliminates the need for toothpaste squeezing, vigorous brushing, foaming at the mouth or spitting.

●Miswaak Quick View of Benefits:

1. Miswaak strengthens the gums and prevents tooth decay.

2. Miswaak assists in eliminating toothaches and prevents further increase of decay which has already set in.

3. Miswaak creates a fragrance in the mouth.

4. Miswaak is a cure for illness.

5. Miswaak eliminates bad odors and improves the sense of taste.

6. Miswaak sharpens the memory.

7. Miswaak is a cure for headaches.

8. Miswaak creates lustre (noor) on the face of the one who continually uses it.

9. Miswaak causes the teeth to glow.

10. Miswaak strengthens the eyesight.

11. Miswaak assists in digestion.

12. Miswaak clears the voice.

13. The greatest benefit of using miswaak is gaining the pleasure of Allah.

14. The reward of Salaah (Prayers) is multiplied 70 times if Miswaak was used before it.

●Times when usage of Miswaak is Sunnah:

1. For the recitation of the Qur'an.

2. For the recitation of Hadith.

3. When the mouth emits and odor.

4. For the learning or teaching of virtues of Islam.

5. For making Dhikrullah (Remebrance of Allah, meditation).

6. After entering ones home.

7. Before entering any good gathering.

8. When experiencing pangs of hunger and thirst.

9. After the signs of death are evident.

10. At the time of Sehri.

11. Before meals.

12. Before undertaking a journey.

13. On returning from a journey.

14. Before sleeping.

15. Upon awakening.

●How long should a Miswaak be?

A Miswaak should not be longer than a "span" i.e. the maximum distance between the tips of the thumb and little finger, and it should not be thicker than a finger's breadth.

●How should it be used?

A Miswaak should be held in such a manner that the small finger and thumb is below the miswaak and the remaining fingers on its upper side.

The Spirit of Fasting

RAMADAN

The Blessings of Suhoor (Sehri)

When Dua is Readily Accepted

20 Remarkable Points EXCLUSIVE to RAMADAN

20 Remarkable Points EXCLUSIVE to RAMADAN

1. The only month mentioned by name in the Qu'ran
2. Fasting Ramadan is one of the 5 pillars of Islam
3. The month Allah chose to reveal the Qu'ran
4. The only month that includes one night whereby the worship throughout it is better than a 1000 months (83.3 years)of worship – Laylatul Qadr (Night of Decree)
5. The only month that wipes away the sins of the one who spends its nights in Taraaweeh or Qiyaam/Tahajjud
6. The only month in which the gates of Jannah (Paradise) are open
7. The only month in which the gates of Jahannam (Hell-Fire) are closed
8. The only month in which the chiefs of the devils are chained
9. The only month that every night Allah redeems people from the fire at every Iftaar (Break fast)
10. The only month that motivates millions of Muslims to recite the entire Qu'ran from cover to cover
11. The only month that gives you the opportunity to feed a fasting person and earn their rewards also without that fasting person’s reward being reduced
12. The only month the Prophet (peace be upon him) encouraged through his actions that we increase our giving of Sadaqah (charity)
13. The only month that wipes away all of the minor sins of the one who fasts it out of faith and seeking its reward
14. The only month that offers you the reward of having prayed the 29/30 entire nights as long as you pray in congregation with the Imaam until he finishes leading
15. The only month that guarantees the one who performs ‘Umrah during it reward equivalent to performing Hajj with the Prophet (peace be upon him)
16. The only month Itikaaf during its last 10 days is stressed upon more than any other month
17. The only month that guarantees you the reward of having fasted everyday of the year if you follow it up with the fasting of any 6 days in the month after it – Shawwaal
18. The only month millions of Muslims wake up for the Sunnah of Suhoor (The Pre-Dawn meal)
19. The only month tonnes of dates are consumed at Iftaar in light of the Prophetic Sunnah
20. The only month millions of people engage in Duaa on a daily basis for 29/30 days

There you have it. 20 Reasons Muslims celebrate Eidul-Fitr.

Prohibition of Uninterrupted Fasting (Wisal)

Prohibition of Uninterrupted Fasting (Wisal)

There are several authentic Hadiths that prohibit Al-Wisal, which means performing Iftaar as Sehri, continuing the fast through the night to the next night, without eating. The Prophet would fast from one Sehri to the next, he prohibited the companions from performing the fast of Wisaal but allowed them to extend their fast till Sehri. Imam Ahmad recorded Abu Hurayrah saying that Allah's Messenger said:

«فَإِنِّي لَسْتُ مِثْلَكُمْ إِنِّي أَبِيتُ يُطْعِمُنِي رَبِّي وَيَسْقِينِي»

The Prophet said, “Do not practice Al-Wisal in fasting.” So, they said to him, "But you practice Al-Wisal, O Allah's Messenger!'' The Prophet replied, "I am not like you, I am given food and drink during my sleep by my Lord.” ,So, when the people refused to stop Al-Wisal, the Prophet fasted two days and two nights (along with those who practiced Wisal) and then they saw the crescent moon (of the month of Shawwal). The Prophet said to them (angrily): “If the crescent had not appeared, I would have made you fast for a longer period.” That was as a punishment for them when they refused to stop practicing Al-Wisal. This Hadith is also recorded in the Sahihayn. The prohibition of Al-Wisal was also mentioned in a number of other narrations. It is a fact that practicing Al-Wisal was one of the special qualities of the Prophet, for he was capable and assisted in his practice of it. It is obvious that the food and drink that the Prophet used to get while practicing Al-Wisal was spiritual and not material, otherwise he would not be practicing Al-Wisal. We should mention that it is allowed to refrain from breaking the fast from sunset until before dawn (Suhur). A Hadith narrated by Abu Sa`id Khudri states that Allah's Messenger said:

«لَا تُوَاصِلُوا فَأَيُّكُمْ أَرَادَ أَنْ يُوَاصِلَ فَلْيُوَاصِلْ إِلَى السَّحَر»

“Do not practice Al-Wisal, but whoever wishes is allowed to practice it until the Suhur.” They said, "You practice Al-Wisal, O Messenger of Allah!'' He said: “I am not similar to you, for I have One Who makes me eat and drink during the night.”

«إِنِّي لَسْتُ كَهَيْئَتِكُمْ، إِنِّي أَبِيتُ لِي مُطْعِمٌ يُطْعِمُنِي وَسَاقٍ يَسْقِينِي»

7 Excellences of Ramadan Fasting

Ramadan

Pre-Ramadhan Warm up

Ramadhan Quick Notes

 

RAMADHAAN High-Way Code