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| Wow. I haven't updated in FOREVER. I have so much work at school to do and my GCSE's are really hard studying for. Inshallaj I'll make time to post somehtign new.
Salam. | | |
| In the month of Ramadaan it is very important that we spent a few moments to understand some of the wisdoms and lessons that we can learn from this month of fasting.
Unfortunately, many Muslims come in to this month and they are as a companion of the Prophet, peace be upon him, said: "Let it not be that the day that you fast and the day that you break fast be equal." Meaning, one's behaviour, attitude and outlook are the same whether one fasts or not, i.e. fasting has no effect upon that person. This is why we need to reflect on some of these lessons.
LESSON 1: Gaining Taqwaa
Allaah legislated fasting for gaining taqwaa, "O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed upon you as it has been prescribed upon those before you, so that you may attain taqwaa." (meaning of Soraatul Baqarah (2):183)
Taqwaa in this case means to make a shield between oneself and Allaah’s anger and Hellfire. So we should ask ourselves, when we break our fasts, ‘Has this fasting day made us fear Allaah more? Has it resulted that we want to protect ourselves from the hellfire or not?
LESSON 2: Drawing closer to Allaah
This is achieved by reciting and reflecting on Al-Qur’aan during night and day, attending the taraaweeh prayers, remembering Allaah, sitting in circles of knowledge and, for those who can, making `umrah. Also for those who can, making I`tikaaf (seclusion) in the last ten nights of Ramadaan, so as to leave all worldly pursuits and seclude oneself in a masjid just thinking of Allaah, so as to bring oneself closer to Allaah (SWT). When one sins, one feels distant from Allaah. That is why one might find it heard to read the Qur’aan and come to the masjid. However, the obedient worshipper feels closer to Allaah and wants to worship Allaah more, because he is not shy from his sins.
LESSON 3: Acquiring patience and strong will
Allaah has mentioned patience more than seventy times in the Qur’aan and has commanded patience in more than sixteen ways in His Book. So when one fasts, and gives up one’s food and drink, and one’s marital sexual relations for those hours, one learns restraint and patience. This Ummah needs man and women that are strong willed, who can stand upon the Sunnah and the Book of Allah and not waver in front of the enemies of Allaah. We do not need emotional people, who just raise slogans and shout, but when the time comes to stand upon something firm, they cannot do so, they waver.
LESSON 4: Striving for Ihsaan (righteousness and sincerity) and staying away from riyaa’ (showing off)
Ihsaan means to worship Allaah as if one seeks Him, and even though one does not see Him, He sees all. Hasan al-Basree said, "By Allaah, in the last twenty years, I have not said a word or taken something with my hand or refrained to take something with my hand or stepped forth or stepped back, except that I have thought before I have done any action, ‘Does Allaah love this action? Is Allaah pleased with this action?' So when one is fasting, one should gain this quality of watching oneself and also staying away from riyaa’ (showing off). That is why Allah said in a hadeeth qudsee, "Fasting is for Me and I reward it." (al-Bukhaaree) Allaah singles out fasting from all other types of worship saying, "Fasting is for Me", because no one knows whether you are fasting or not, except Allaah. For example, when one is praying or giving charity or making tawaaaf, one can be seen by the people, so one might do the action seeking the praise of the people.
Sufyaan ath-Thawree used to spend the nights and the days crying and the people used to ask him, "Why do you cry, is it due to the fear of Allaah? He said, ‘No.’ They said, "Is it due to the fear of the Hellfire?" He said, ‘No. It is not the fear of Hellfire that makes me cry, what makes me cry is that I have been worshipping Allaah all these years and doing scholarly teaching, and I am not certain that my intentions are purely for Allaah.’"
LESSON 5: Refinement of manners, especially those related to truthfulness and discharging trusts.
The Prophet (may Allaah send His blessing and peace upon him) said, "Whoever does not abandon falsehood in word and action, then Allaah (SWT) has no need that he should heave his food and drink." (al-Bukhaaree) What we learn from this, is that we must pay attention to the purification of our manners.
The Prophet (may Allaah send His blessing and peace upon him) said, "was sent to perfect good manners." (Maalik) So we must check ourselves, are we following the behaviour of the Prophet (may Allaah send His blessing and peace upon him)? For example: Do we give salaam to those we don’t know and those we do know? Do we follow the manners of Islaam, by telling the truth and only telling the truth? Are we sincere? Are we merciful to the creation?
LESSON 6: Recognizing that one can change for the better
The Prophet (may Allaah send His blessing and peace upon him) said, "Every son of Adam sins and the best of the sinners are those who repent." (Ibn Maajah) Allaah provides many opportunities to repent to Him and seek His forgiveness. If one was disobedient they can become obedient.
LESSON 7: Being more charitable
Ibn `Abaas said, "The Prophet (may Allaah send His blessing and peace upon him) was the most charitable amongst the people, and he used to be more so in the month of Ramadaan when Jibreel used to meet him on every night of Ramadaan till the end of the month…" (al-Bukhaaree) The Prophet (may Allaah send His blessing and peace upon him) said, "He who gives food for a fasting person to break his fast, he will receive the same reward as him, without nothing being reduced from the fasting person’s reward." (at-Tirmidhee)
LESSON 8: Sensing the unity of the Muslims
The Prophet (may Allaah send His blessing and peace upon him) said, "…Those of you who will live after me will see many differences.
Then you must cling to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly guided khaleefahs. Hold fast to it and stick to it." (Aboo Daawood) In this month we sense that there is a possibility for unity, because we all fast together, we break fast together, we all worship Allah together, and we pray Salaatul-`Eid together. Therefore we sense that the unity of possible. It is possible for Muslims to be a single body, but this will only be achieved when obedience is only to Allaah and His Messenger.
LESSON 9: Learning discipline
The Prophet (may Allaah send His blessing and peace upon him) made us adhere to discipline and strictness, strictness that does not lead to fanaticism or going outside the bounds that Allaah has laid down. One cannot knowingly break the fast before the sunset, as this will not be accepted by Allaah.
Muslims should learn to be very strict in their lives, because they are people of an important message, which they mold their lives around.
LESSON 10: Teaching the young to worship Allaah
It was the practice of the people of Madeenah, that during the fast of `Aashooraa (which is now a recommended fast of one day) to get their children to fast with them. When the children would cry of hunger and thirst, their parents would distract their attention by giving them some sort of toy to play with. The children would break their fast with their parents. (as mentioned in al-Bukhaaree).
So the young should be brought to the masjid and they should pray with their parents, so that they are able to get into the habit of becoming worshippers of Allaah. If one does not encourage children to fast when they are young, they will find it very difficult to fast for thirty days at the age of puberty. This is why the Prophet (may Allah send His blessing and peace upon him) said, "Command your children to pray at the age of seven and beat them at the age of ten (if they do not pray." (Haakim)
LESSON 11: Caring for one’s health
Fasting has many medical benefits and it teaches Muslims to take care of their health and too build strong bodies. The Prophet (may Allaah send His blessing and peace upon him) said, "A strong believer is better and is more beloved to Allah than a weak believer, and there is good in everyone." (Muslim)
Ramdan Kareem! | | |
| Yike I havent updated in FOREVER! I am so sorry. Well I am back Yippy! And school started 2 weeks ago. Its okay this year. Ramadan is SO close! And inshallah I might go do Umra. 
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How to Prepare For Ramadhan – Some useful points
1. Fasting
It is recommended to fast some days in Shabaan(but not the end of the month), as it is the time during which an individual’s acts or deeds are presented before Allah. Fasting will also get the body accustomed to the physical and mental strain of fasting during the entire month of Ramadan.
2. Praying Nawafil and Tahajud
Praying Nawafil and Tahajood will get one used to standing for long periods of time as is the case with Taraweeh prayers. This extra worship draws a believer closer to Allah.
3. Reading Qur’an
Reading Qur’an is a good practice as it helps the believer come closer to Allah, subhana wa talla, through understanding and implementing His commandments.
4. Giving Sadaqah(Charity)
Giving sadaqah has a high reward and helps create positive feelings within the ummah as the poor feel that they are looked after.
Remember, giving salaam is a charity!
5. Sleeping Earlier
Sleeping earlier will make it easier for the individual to get up before fajr prayer to have suhur, in preparation for the day long fast.
6. Refraining from Gossip, Slander, Backbiting
Controlling the tongue is important as backbiting is not encouraged in Ramadan or in any other month. (O ye who believe!...And do not speak ill of each other Behind their backs. Would any Of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? Nay ye would abhor it..But fear God: For God is Oft-Returning Most Merciful). Surat Al-Hujurat: Verse 12
7. Calling and Visiting Relatives
It is important to create positive feelings within the extended family, so taking the time to make a phone call or visiting a relative will be much appreciated.
8. Read Ahkam(Rules & Regulations) of Fasting
Education of the principles of fasting including what nullifies the fast.
9. Be Patient
Fasting teaches one patience as anger must be controlled and tempers soothed because Ramadan is a month of mercy.
10. Make a lot of Dua
Make a habit of making dua especially during the accepted & other times ie after adhan, during the third part of the night etc. The blessed month of Ramadhan is a month worship and dua is the backbone of worship.
Note:
Salmaan Faarsi( radhiy Allahu anhu) said: "O people, there comes upon you now a great month, a most blessed month, in which lies a night greater in worth than a thousand months."
The sacred month of Ramadan has come to visit us once again. The Qur’an reminds us that the purpose of Ramadan is to increase our Taqwa (Allah consciousness) through increased acts of worship.
The Messenger of Allah (salla Allahu alhi wasallam), has informed us that life is but a fleeting moment and therefore it should be rightfully spent in the obedience of Allah. This state of obedience should regulate all our affairs every single day of our lives.
The Creator of the Universe tells us in the Holy Qur’an that he who >will stand in front of Allah on Judgment Day with a pure heart will be successful. The attainment of this elevated status can only be achieved by instilling Taqwa in our hearts.
Prophet Muhammed (salla Allahu alhi wasallam), said regarding the Day of Judgment, that a person’s judgment begins the moment he or she enters the grave. As the body is being carried to its grave, the Ruh (soul) of the dead person is suspended above the body and it is at this point, that the final destination will be known. The Ruh that has led a life of obedience to Allah will request that those carrying it to the grave rush as it longs for the pleasure of the Hereafter. And the Ruh that has lead a life of disobedience will cry out and beg to return to the world.
We should use Ramadan as a golden opportunity to fill our hearts with Taqwa and carry it throughout every day of our lives so that we may attain the satisfaction of our Holy Creator.
Salam.. | | |
| I am in Morocco now. It is alright.
This country is sooo bad. No deen nothing. Seriously. The believe in magic and stuff. Sheeshh. I even witnessed a ritual. Scared the ife outta me. I was reading quran to myself over and over.
I even came here and found it hard to pray. But inshallah I wont miss any. I miss hearing the athan from the mosque infront of my house. I dont knoa th ename cuz there are like 2 mosques by my house and my dad keeps saying all these names. But I will make sure when I come back.
How sad..  | | |
| Salam!
School and exams are finally over! Inshallah on the 17th I am going to Morocco for 2 months to visit my moms family.
I had to wake up at 4:30 this morning to take my aunt to the airport.. And I still cant sleep. :(
A 91-year-old woman died after living a very long dignified life. She met a wise man, she asked him something that had really bothered her for a very long time.
"If Man was created in God's image, and if all men are created equal, why do people treat each other so badly?" the wise man replied that each person who enters our life has a unique lesson to teach us. It is only through these lessons that we learn about life, people and our relationships with God. This confused the woman, so the wise man began to explain:
"When someone lies to you, it teaches you that things are not always what they seem. The truth is often far beneath the surface. Look beyond the masks people wear if you want to know what is in their hearts. Remove your own masks to let people know who you really are.
When someone steals from you it teaches you that nothing is forever. Always appreciate what you have. You never know when you might lose it. Never take your friends or family for granted, because today and sometimes only this very moment is the only guarantee you may have.
When someone inflicts injury upon you, it teaches you that the human state is a very fragile one. Protect and take care of your body as best as you can, it's the one thing that you are sure to have forever.
When someone mocks you, it teaches you that no two people are alike. When you encounter people who are different from you, do not judge them by how they look or act, instead base it on the contents of what is in their hearts.
When someone breaks your heart, it teaches you that loving someone does not always mean that the person will love you back. But don't turn your back on love, because when you find the right person, the joy that one person brings you will make up for all of your past hurts. Times a thousand fold.
When someone holds a grudge against you, it teaches you that everyone makes mistakes. When you are wronged, the most virtuous thing you can do is forgive the offender without pretence. Forgiving those who have hurt us is often the most difficult and painful of life's experiences, but it is also the most courageous thing a person can do.
When a loved one is unfaithful to you, it teaches you that resisting temptation is Man's greatest challenge. Be vigilant in your resistance against all temptations. By doing so, you will be rewarded with an enduring sense of satisfaction far greater than the temporary pleasure by which you were tempted.
When someone cheats you, it teaches you that greed is the root of all evil. Aspire to make your dreams come true, no matter how lofty they may be. Do not feel guilty about your success, but never let an obsession with achieving your goals lead you to engage in malevolent activities.
When someone ridicules you, it teaches you that nobody is perfect. Accept people for their merits and be tolerant of their flaws. Do not ever reject someone for imperfections over which they have no control.
" Upon hearing the Lord's wisdom, the old woman became concerned that there are no lessons to be learned from man's good deeds. The wise man replied that Man's capacity to love is the greatest gift he has. At the root of kindness and love, and each act of love also teaches us a lesson. The woman's curiosity deepened. The wise man, once again began to explain:
"When someone loves us, it teaches us love, kindness, charity, honesty, humility, forgiveness, acceptance, and all of these can counteract all the evil in the world. For every good deed, there is one evil deed. Man alone has the power to control the balance between good and evil, but because the lessons of love are not taught often enough, the power is too often abused.
When you enter someone's life, whether by plan, chance or coincidence, consider what your lesson will be. Will you teach love or a harsh lesson of reality?
When you die, will your life have resulted in more loving or more hurting? More comfort or more pain? More joy or more sadness? Each one of us has the power over the balance of the love in the world. Use it wisely!" Don't miss an opportunity to nudge the world's scale in the right direction!
This is the Mosque right infornt of my house it is beautiful mashallah. I think is it called Masjid Al Noor.
<333naima | | |
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