Al-Mahdi

The Mahdi will come at the end of times, in a period when the world is full of trials, wrongdoing and lacking justice. He will set aright the affairs of the Muslims and lead the believers in a number of battles. He will come in the years preceding the Dajaal.

Ibn Mas’ud (ra) narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Even if only one day was left of this world, Allah Would Make that day long so that He Could Send a man who is of me or of my family, whose name is the same as my name and whos father’s name is the same as my father’s name.” [At-Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud]

Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri (ra) narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) said, “The Mahdi is of me. He has a high forehead and a prominent nose. He will fill the world with fairness and justice as it was filled with wrongdoing and injustice, and he will rule for seven years.” [Abu Dawud]

Ali (ra) narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) said, “The Mahdi is one of us, from our family; Allah Will Prepare him in one night.” [Al-Musnad]

The Mahdi is from the lineage of the Prophet (ﷺ), a descendant of his daughter, Fatima (ra), through Al-Hasan ibn Ali (ra). His name will be Muhammad ibn Abd’Allah.

Where will the Mahdi appear?

Thawbaan (ra) narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Three will fight one another for your treasure, each one of them being the son of a caliph but none of them will gain it. Then the black banners will come from the east and they will kill you in an unprecedented manner.” Then he mentioned something that I [Thawbaan] do not remember, then he said, “When you see him, then pledge your allegiance to him even if you have to crawl over the snow.” [Ibn Maajah]

Umm Salamah (ra) that the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Disagreement will occur at the death of a caliph and a man from Madeenah will flee to Makkah. Some of the people of Makkah will come to him, bring him out against his will and give bay’ah to him between the Rukn (Black Stone) and the Maqaam. An expeditionary force will then be sent against him from Syria but will be swallowed up in Al-Bayda’, between Makkah and Madeenah. When the people see that, the devoted worshippers from Syria and the best people of Iraq will come to him and swear allegiance to him. Then there will arise a man of Quraysh whose maternal uncles are from Kalb. He will send an army against [the Mahdi] and [the Mahdi’s followers] will prevail over them. That [defeated army[ will be the force of Kalb. The real loser will be the one who is not present when the wealth of Kalb is divided. He [the Mahdi] will divide the wealth, and will rule the people by the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him). Islam will be established on Earth and he will remain seven years, then he will die and the Muslims will offer the funeral prayer for him.” [At-Tabarani] According to another narration the length of his rule will be 9 years [Abu Dawud]

What the Mahdi is NOT

He is not the claimed mahdi of the Ahmadiyya (Qadiyani, also known as Mirzaiy) – Mirza Ghulam Ahmad is one of the lesser dajaals.

He is not the claimed mahdi of the Shia, who say that he is the 12th imam of a chain of imams, who has been living in the tunnel of Samurra for more than 1000 years, since the year 260AH.

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Other related articles:

Al-Mahdi

The Fitna of the Dajaal: The Followers of the Dajaal

The Fitna of the Dajaal: The Deceit of the Dajaal

The Fitna of the Dajaal: The Tribulations of the Dajaal

The Fitna of the Dajaal: The Appearance of the Dajaal

The Fitna of the Dajaal: The Description of the Liar

The Fitna of the Dajaal: The Hadith of Tameem Ad-Daree

The Fitna of the Dajaal: The Tribulations of the Dajaal

There is no fitna that we have been warned against more than the Fitna of the Dajjaal. It will be such that many people, Muslims included, will fall prey to it. So you need to be on your guard against this.

The Tribulations of the Dajaal

‘Abd Allaah ibn ‘Umar said, “The Prophet (ﷺ) said, ‘While I was asleep, I saw myself in a dream performing Tawaaf around the Ka’bah. I saw a ruddy man with lank hair and water dripping from his head. I said, “Who is he?” and they said, “The son of Mary.” Then I turned around and saw another man with a huge body, red complexion, curly hair and one eye. His other eye looked like a floating grape. They said, “This is the Dajjaal.” The one who most resembles him is Ibn Qatan, a man from the tribe of al-Khuzaa’ah’.’ ” [Bukhaaree, Muslim]

Jaabir ibn ‘Abd Allaah said, “The Prophet (ﷺ) said, ‘The Dajjaal will appear at the end of time, when religion is taken lightly. He will have 40 days in which to travel throughout the earth. One of these days will be like a year, another will be like a month, a third will be like a week, and the rest will be like normal days. He will be riding a donkey; the width between its ears will be 40 cubits. He will say to the people: “I am your lord.” He is one-eyed, but your Lord is not one-eyed. On his forehead will be written the word Kaafir and every believer, literate or illiterate, will be able to read it.

He will go everywhere except Makkah and Madeenah, which Allaah has forbidden to him; angels stand at their gates. He will have a mountain of bread, and the people will face hardship, except for those who follow him. He will have two rivers, and I know what is in them. He will call one Paradise and one Hell. Whoever enters the one he calls Paradise will find that it is Hell, and whoever enters the one he calls Hell will find that it is Paradise.

Allaah will send with him devils who will speak to the people. He will bring a great tribulation; he will issue a command to the sky and it will seem to the people as if it is raining. Then he will appear to kill someone and bring him back to life. After that he will no longer have this power. The people will say, “Can anybody do something like this except the Lord?”

The Muslims will flee to Jabal al-Dukhaan in Syria, and the Dajjaal will come and besiege them. The siege will intensify and they will suffer great hardship. Then Jesus son of Mary will descend, and will call the people at dawn. “O people, what prevented you from coming out to fight this evil liar?” They will answer, “He is a Jinn.” Then they will go out, and find Jesus son of Mary. The time for prayer will come, and the Muslims will call on Jesus to lead the prayer but he will say, “Let your Imaam lead the prayer.” Their Imaam will lead them in praying Salaat al-Subh (Morning prayer) then they will go out to fight the Dajjaal.

When the liar sees Jesus, he will dissolve like salt in water. Jesus will go to him and kill him, and he will not let anyone who followed him live.’ ” [Ahmad]

Protection against Dajjaal

The Prophet (ﷺ) has ordered us to run away from the Dajjaal, not to confront him, and to memorise the first or last 10 verses of Surat Al-Kahf, or to live in either Makkah or Madeenah (as the Dajjaal cannot enter these two places).

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Other related articles:

Al-Mahdi

The Fitna of the Dajaal: The Followers of the Dajaal

The Fitna of the Dajaal: The Deceit of the Dajaal

The Fitna of the Dajaal: The Tribulations of the Dajaal

The Fitna of the Dajaal: The Appearance of the Dajaal

The Fitna of the Dajaal: The Description of the Liar

The Fitna of the Dajaal: The Hadith of Tameem Ad-Daree

The Fitna of the Dajaal: The hadith of Tameem Ad-Daaree

We have been warned about the greatest fitna that we will be tested on. No one is immune against this fitna and should this fitna appear in our lifetimes, we have been instructed by the Prophet (ﷺ) to run away from it.

That fitna is THE DAJAAL.

It is a fitna because some of us will not realise that we are in the fitna. Some of us will think we are on the right side but it will turn out to be the side of the Dajaal. He will have many followers, so he will appear to be fair-seeming to the people; he will seem to be good and many will look up to him (including some Muslims). The Muslims will have difficulty in realising that the people they think are the enemy, are actually those Muslims who are on the straight path – this is part of the fitna! There will be some Muslims who are fighting against the Dajaal but they will be seen to be the enemy.

Here are a few ahadith about the Dajaal. In Sha Allah I will post more later.

Here is a hadith related by Faatimah bint Qays (ra):

‘Aamir ibn Sharaaheel Sha’bi Sha’b Hamdaan reported that he asked Faatimah bint Qays, the sister of Dahhaak ibn Qays,who was one of the first Muhaajiraat, “Tell me a Hadeeth which you heard directly from the Prophet (ﷺ) with no narrator in between.” She said, “I can tell you if you like.” He said, “Yes, please tell me.” She said, “I married Ibn al-Mugheerah, who was one of the best of the youth of Quraysh in those days. But he fell in the first Jihaad on the side of the Prophet (ﷺ).

“When I became a widow, ‘Abd al-Rahmaan ibn ‘Awf, one of the companions of the Prophet (ﷺ) sent me a proposal of marriage. The Prophet (ﷺ) also sent me a proposal of marriage on behalf of his freedman Usaamah ibn Zayd. I had been told that the Prophet (ﷺ) had said, ‘He who loves me should also love Usaamah.’ When the Prophet (ﷺ) spoke to me, I said, ‘It is up to you: marry me to whomever you wish.’

“The Prophet (ﷺ) said, ‘Go and stay with Umm Shareek.’ Umm Shareek was a rich Ansaaree (Muslim originally from Madeenah) woman, who spent much in the way of Allaah and entertained many guests. I said, ‘I will do as you wish.’ Then he said, ‘Don’t Umm Shareek has many guests, and I would not like it if your head or leg were to become uncovered accidentally and people saw something you would not wish them to see. It is better if you go and stay with your cousin ‘Abd Allaah ibn ‘Amr ibn Umm Maktoom’ (Abd Allaah was of the Banoo Fihr of Quraysh, the same tribe as that to which Faatimah belonged).

“So I went to stay with him, and when I had completed my ‘Iddah (period of waiting), I heard the Prophet’s (ﷺ) announcer calling for congregational prayer. I went out to the mosque and prayed behind the Prophet (ﷺ). I was in the women’s row, which was at the back of the congregation. When the Prophet (ﷺ) had finished his prayer, he sat on the pulpit, smiling, and said, ‘Everyone should stay in his place.’ Then he said, ‘Do you know why I had asked you to assemble?’ The people said, ‘Allaah and His Messenger know best.’

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, ‘By Allaah, I have not gathered you here to give you an exhortation or a warning. I have kept you here because Tameem ad-Daaree, a Christian man who has come & embraced Islaam, told me something which agrees with that which I have told you about the Dajjaal.

“He told me that he had sailed in a ship with thirty men from Banoo Lakhm and Banoo Judhaam. The waves had tossed them about for a month, then they were brought near to an island, at the time of sunset. They landed on the island, and were met by a beast who was so hairy that they could not tell its front from its back.

“They said, “Woe to you! What are you?” It said, “I am al-Jassaasah.” They said, “What is al-Jassaasah?” It said, “O people, go to this man in the monastery, for he is very eager to know about you.” Tameem said that when it named a person to us, we were afraid lest it be a devil.

“Tamim said, ‘We quickly went to the monastery. There we found a huge man with his hands tied up to his neck and with iron shackles between his legs up to the ankles. We said, “Woe to you, who are you?” He said, “You will soon know about me. Tell me who you are.” We said, “We are people from Arabia. We sailed in a ship, but the waves have been tossing us about for a month, and they brought us to your island where we met a beast who was so hairy that we could not tell its front from its back. We said to it, “Woe to you! What are you?” and it said, “I am al-Jassaasah.” We asked, “Whatis al-Jassaasah?” and it told us, “Go to this man in the monastery for he is very eager to know about you.” So we came to you quickly, fearing that it might be a devil.’

“The man said, ‘Tell me about the date-palms of Baysaan.’ We said, ‘What do you want to know about them?’ He said, ‘I want to know whether these trees bear fruit or not.’ We said, ‘Yes.’ He said, ‘Soon they will not bear fruit.’ Then he said, ‘Tell me about the lake of at-Tabariyyah [Tiberias, in Palestine].’ We said, ‘What do you want to know about it?’ He asked, ‘Is there water in it?’ We said, ‘There is plenty of water in it.’ He said, ‘Soon it will become dry.’ Then he said, ‘Tell me about the spring of Zughar.’ We said, ‘What do you want to know about it?’ He said, ‘Is there water in it, and does it irrigate the land?’ We said, ‘Yes, there is plenty of water in it, and the people use it to irrigate the land.’

“Then he said, ‘Tell me about the unlettered Prophet – what has he done?’ We said, ‘He has left Makkah and settled in Yathrib.’ He asked, ‘Do the Arabs fight against him?’ We said, ‘Yes.’ He said, ‘How does he deal with them?’ So we told him that the Prophet (ﷺ) had overcome the Arabs around him and that they had followed him. He asked, ‘Has it really happened?’ We said, ‘Yes.’ He said, ‘It is better for them if they follow him.

“Now I will tell you about myself. I am the Dajjaal.

“I will soon be permitted to leave this place: I will emerge and travel about the earth. In 40 nights I will pass through every town, except Makkah and Madeenah, for these have been forbidden to me. Every time I try to enter either of them, I will be met by an angel bearing an unsheathed sword, who will prevent me from entering. There will be angels guarding them at every passage leading to them.’

Fatimah said “The Prophet ﷺ striking the pulpit with his staff said: ‘This is Tayyibah, this is Tayyibah, this is Tayyibah [ie. Madeenah]. Have I not told you something like this?’ The people said, ‘Yes.’ He said, ‘I liked the account given to me by Tameem because it agrees with that which I have told you about the Dajjaal, and about Makkah and Madeenah. Indeed he is in the Syrian sea or the Yemen sea. No, on the contrary, he is in the East, he is in the East, he is in the East’ and he pointed towards the East. Faatimah said: I memorised this from the Prophet (ﷺ).” [Muslim]

Another hadith:

‘Abd Allaah ibn ‘Umar said, “The Prophet (ﷺ) said, ‘While I was asleep, I saw myself in a dream performing Tawaaf around the Ka’bah. I saw a ruddy man with lank hair and water dripping from his head. I said, “Who is he?” and they said, “The son of Mary.” Then I turned around and saw another man with a huge body, red complexion, curly hair and one eye. His other eye looked like a floating grape. They said, “This is the Dajjaal.” The one who most resembles him is Ibn Qatan, a man from the tribe of al-Khuzaa’ah’.’ ” [Bukhaaree, Muslim]

 Another hadith:

Jaabir ibn ‘Abd Allaah said, “The Prophet (ﷺ) said, ‘The Dajjaal will appear at the end of time, when religion is taken lightly. He will have 40 days in which to travel throughout the earth. One of these days will be like a year, another will be like a month, a third will be like a week, and the rest will be like normal days. He will be riding a donkey; the width between its ears will be 40 cubits. He will say to the people: “I am your lord.”

He is one-eyed, but your Lord is not one-eyed. On his forehead will be written the word Kaafir and every believer, literate or illiterate, will be able to read it. He will go everywhere except Makkah and Madeenah, which Allaah has forbidden to him; angels stand at their gates. He will have a mountain of bread, and the people will face hardship, except for those who follow him. He will have two rivers, and I know what is in them. He will call one Paradise and one Hell. Whoever enters the one he calls Paradise will find that it is Hell, and whoever enters the one he calls Hell will find that it is Paradise. Allaah will send with him devils who will speak to the people. He will bring a great tribulation; he will issue a command to the sky and it will seem to the people as if it is raining. Then he will appear to kill someone and bring him back to life. After that he will no longer have this power. The people will say, “Can anybody do something like this except the Lord?”

The Muslims will flee to Jabal al-Dukhaan in Syria, and the Dajjaal will come and besiege them The siege will intensify and they will suffer great hardship. Then Jesus son of Mary will descend, and will call the people at dawn, “O people, what prevented you from coming out to fight this evil liar?” They will answer, “He is a Jinn.” Then they will go out, and find Jesus son of Mary. The time for prayer will come, and the Muslims will call on Jesus to lead the prayer but he will say, “Let your Imaam lead the prayer.” Their Imaam will lead them in praying Salaat al-Subh (Morning prayer) then they will go out to fight the Dajjaal. When the liar sees Jesus, he will dissolve like salt in water. Jesus will go to him and kill him, and he will not let anyone who followed him live.’ ” [Ahmad]

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Other related articles:

Al-Mahdi

The Fitna of the Dajaal: The Followers of the Dajaal

The Fitna of the Dajaal: The Deceit of the Dajaal

The Fitna of the Dajaal: The Tribulations of the Dajaal

The Fitna of the Dajaal: The Appearance of the Dajaal

The Fitna of the Dajaal: The Description of the Liar

The Fitna of the Dajaal: The Hadith of Tameem Ad-Daree

Eid Mubarak – Shawwaal 1438/2017

Eid Mubarak to all my brothers and sisters in Islam!

I ask forgiveness from all of you for any wrongdoing on my behalf and I ask Allah that He Shower us all with His Bounties and Mercy, even though we haven’t done enough to deserve it and will never have done enough to deserve. Surely Allah is Almighty, All-Powerful, the Beneficent, the Most Merciful! May Allah Guide Us and Protect Us and Show us the straight path. All we need to do is choose the straight path.

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Terrorist Darren Osborne shows society’s deep intolerance and hypocrisy

 

Darren Osborne, the killer and attacker at FInsbury Park Mosque, shows the utmost intolerance for peace-abiding Muslims

It’s finally happened? Actually no! Muslims have been suffering from Islamophobia, fuelled by the media and intolerant sections of society, for almost two decades now. The sickening and revengeful attack by Darren Osborne upon innocent, peace-abiding worshippers at Finsbury Park Mosque, is just a high profile reminder of what Muslims in the UK have had to deal with for many years.

This is just an open example of what many Muslims, and other people from a minority background, have known existed in UK society – a deep and indiscriminate hatred for Muslims; a villifying sentiment that has run through society and been allowed, by the Government, to grow and grow. The media has fuelled this and, with their constant negative portrayal of Muslims, the media should shoulder some of the responsibility of what has happened at Finsbury Park Mosque.

It’s the inaction of the government and the demonisation of Muslims by the media that has led to this tragedy. Why wasn’t this man even on the terrorist squad’s radar? That’s just totally unacceptable and only goes to show that the government’s agenda has been primed against Muslims, and a token gesture to any other form of terrorism from white extremists.

This approach by the media and government is what seeds discord and divides communities – not the innocent Muslims!! It’s time people realised the hypocrisy of what is going on.

The face of a murderer, who planned his attack against innocents – will he be seen as a hero or terrorist?

Not only did this man live next to Muslims, he harboured his desire to harm others and planned his way to destroying the lives of not only those who died and were injured in the attack, but the lives of their families, friends and their communities.

This man is a coward! And those who support him cannot be described as anything but the worst of society.

There are many who support this coward’s actions – just visit Twitter and you will see the reaction of those who have hate flowing in their veins. Are they rounded up? Arrested? Thrown into prison for their intolerance and their inciting hatred?

And look at the response of those within the community!

Has the community around the Muslims come to their defence as readily as for any other attack we have witnessed on our screens recently? Are there hundreds and thousands of people crying for the injured and the dead in this attack?

Will the non-Muslim communities be pressured by the authorities to monitor individuals, and report them to the Counter Terrorism Squad?

Will the non-Muslim communities be made to speak out and denounce the actions of this terrorist, Darren Osborne?

Has the media covered the story with the same drive for justice as they had in previous incidents? Are their news-streams littered with analysis and constant reporting of eyewitnesses? Is their tone as serious as for other incidents?

Did the government’s counter-terrorist squad shoot down this Darren Osborne, as they have done with all the other attacks? Have they questioned the community at length and gone into the community, investigating and looking for further perpetrators, asking people to spy on their neighbours?

Did the Police ask for eyewitnesses to send in their videos to them?

Was the response of those who have been so vocal in the past, anywhere near as vocal as when a tragedy hits Muslims?

One of the homes connected to Darren Osborne under investigation by the Police. Was anyone raided in the middle of the night and women left terrified by strange, intimidating police officers banging the door down?

The answer, unfortunately, is No! No! No!

Only a few honest and kind-hearted individuals have come to the assistance of this Muslim community, who have suffered abuse and intolerance and racial undertones for many a year.

Only a few. Where are the rest of you good people?

Stand Up 4 Islam!

 

Ramadan: Fasting Basics

Fasting during Ramadan is one of the key obligations upon every male and female Muslim who has come of age. Fasting carries great benefits for your health, your mental state, removing attachments to the duniya, preparing for the hereafter, being a better person, improving your character, being an expiation for your sins… the list goes on.

STEP 1: MAKE INTENTION

Before the start of each fast, you must make intention to fast. This doesn’t need to be said out loud but should be firm in your mind. This can be done at any time during the night, even if it is just a moment before Fajr.

“There is no fast for the person who did not intend to fast from the night before.” [Abu Dawud]

STEP 2: TAKE SUHOOR

The Prophet (pbuh) said, “Have suhoor, for in suhoor there is baraqah.” [Bukhari]

STEP 3: FAST DURING THE SPECIFIED TIMES

All Muslims who are fasting should stop eating and drinking at the time when Fajr begins. This includes smoking, drugs, medication. This is also a time to refrain from committing any sins.

There are exceptions – if fasting would result in a serious deterioration of health of a person, then that person should not be fasting and should break their fast. Likewise pregnant women are not permitted to fast. Those on medication, should seek advice from Islamic Scholars.

Menstruating women should not fast during their menstruation cycle.

STEP 4: BREAK YOUR FAST AT MAGHRIB TIME – TAKE IFTAR

You are not meant to delay breaking your fast. The Sunnah is to hasten in breaking the fast.

The Prophet (pbuh) said, “The people remain upon goodness so long as they do not delay iftaar.” [Bukhari]

“The Prophet (pbuh) used to break his fast with fresh dates before praying; if fresh dates were not available, he would eat (dried) dates; if dried dates were not available, he would have a few sips of water.” [At-Tirmidhi]

The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Once night comes from there and the day disappears from there, and the sun has set, the fasting person should break his fast.” [Bukhari]

The Prophet (pbuh) would not pray Maghrib until he had broken his fast, if only with a sip of water. [Al-Haakim]

After iftaar, it is Sunnah to recite the words reported in the hadeeth narrated by Ibn ‘Umar (ra), according to which the Prophet (pbuh), when he broke his fast, would say, “Dhahaba adh-dhama’, wabtallat il-‘urooq, wa thabat al- ajru in shaa Allaah (The thirst has gone, the veins are flowing again, and the reward is confirmed, in shaa Allah).” [Abu Dawud]

 

… Stand Up 4 Islam!

Othe Ramadan Posts:

Ramadan: Fasting Basics

Ramadan: 100 Ramadan Tips & Suggestions

Ramadan: Boycott Israeli Dates

Ramadan: A dua for Ramadan

Ramadan: Some Do’s and Don’ts

Ramadan: Benefits of Fasting

Ramadan: Make a change in this month of fasting

 

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Ramadan: Make a change in this month of Fasting

Another Ramadan is upon us, Alhamdulillah. The timetables are distributed, food is being prepared. We get the duas out, the Qur’ans, the nasheeds and qiraats. We know our routines, so let’s not spend this post discussing that. Instead, let’s look at what’s going to change. Change? What do you mean ‘change’?

Ramadan is a Blessed Month; one where we can get into new and good habits, get rid of bad habits and move the ummah forward. It’s not just about doing some extras for one month and then back to our old ways. Ramadan cleanses you, increases your imaan and should mean that you come out stronger than when you started.

Here are a few suggestions for you, on what you can do:

ESTABLISH YOUR PRAYERS

What good is your fast without the most essential act, after your shahadah.. the 5 daily prayers.

• If you aren’t praying regularly, then use Ramadan to get into the habit of praying ALL your five prayers.
• If you are praying regularly, then try to do more sunnah prayers and nawafil prayers. These make up for any deficiencies in your obligatory prayers and also gain you more rewards.
• If you are praying alone, then try to pray in Jama’at (a group).
• If you are praying in Jama’at (a group) then pray in a Jama’at in the masjid.

After 30 days of this, you should start to establish a habit that will keep going after Ramadan, insha’ Allah.

If you don’t know how to pray, it’s never too late to start. Don’t get put off by Shaytaan whispering that it’s too late for you, you’re too old now etc. Just go ahead and learn. I’ve written a couple of posts on how to pray:

• How to pray part 1: Cleanliness
• How to pray part 2: Getting ready for prayer
• How to pray part 3: The call to prayer
• How to pray part 4: Performing the prayer

GIVE IN CHARITY

Giving in charity during Ramadan, multiplies your rewards and connects us with those less fortunate than ourselves. Charity need not necessarily be financial – even a smile is charity, removing harmful things from the road is charity. Sadaqah is that charity which is not obligatory, so give your sadaqah. Zakat is charity which is obligatory and is based on your wealth. There are many people who are in great need of your charity. Look at Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia, Iraq, Pakistan, Yemen, Syria, Sudan, Palestine, and so on – millions of people without food, water, medicine, shelter, homes, fresh clothing. Why should we ignore these people who are suffering without, when we have plenty. I recommend Ummah Welfare Trust as a trusted charity that you can give your sadaqah and zakat to.

FAST FROM SINFUL ACTIONS

‘He who does not desist from obscene language and acting obscenely (during the period of fasting), Allah Has No Need that he did not eat or drink.’ [Bukhari and Muslim]

Fasting of the tongue – Stop the following: saying harmful things (eg. backbiting, slander, swearing, lying, being rude, arguing)

Fasting of the eyes – Stop the following: looking at sinful things (eg. looking at the opposite sex with desire)

Fasting of the ears – Stop the following: listening to sinful things (eg. music, slander and backbiting, listening to gossip)

Fasting of the limbs – do not walk towards sin, carry out sinful acts,

MAKE THE BEST OF THE LAST TEN DAYS OF RAMADAN & SEEK LAYLATUL-QADR

Laylatul-Qadr (The Night of Decree) is better than 1000 months. Acts of worship done on this night are multiplied as though you were performing those acts for 1000 months! Laylatul-Qadr is one of the odd nights of the last 10 days of Ramadan but no one knows which night it falls on. It could be either the 21st night, 23rd night, 25th night, 27th night or 29th night. So seek out the Night of Decree as your acts will bring you a huge amount of reward.

The last 10 days of Ramadan are full of reward and it is a sunnah to perform I’tikaaf for the last 10 days of Ramadan (I’tikaaf is seclusion in the masjid – or in your home – for 10 days and devoting this time to remembering Allah and acts like additional voluntary prayers, reading Qur’an, gaining Islamic knowledge etc).

ESTABLISH GOOD HABITS

If you’re not wearing hijab, why not start to wear it now, during Ramadan? It’s a good time to establish this – both Muslims and non-Muslims know it’s the month of Ramadan and this could relieve you from the pressure of people staring at you and making comments which may put you off wearing hijaab. Regardless, wearing hijaab is mandatory for a Muslim woman (in front of non-Mahram men) and so why not take the opportunity of gaining rewards (not sins) by starting to do this.

Read more of the Qur’an and try to get into the habit of reading at least a little each day. Contemplate on the Qur’an, gain some understanding of it, learn and read tasfir.

Start to memorise Surahs of the Qur’an. It’s a real good feeling when you can add more and more surahs to those that you have memorised.

Give da’wah. Ramadan is a thing that is known not only to Muslims, but to non-Muslims too. It’s an ideal opportunity to spread the message of Islam as the whole world becomes aware of Ramadan.

Unite the Muslims. Muslims are divided on many things, most of which come out of actions that are not established in Islam and cannot be attributed to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). One of the best ways to do unite the Muslims, is to start learning Islam based on Qur’an and authentic hadith, and by authentic, I mean that you can actually trace things back to the Prophet (pbuh). Start following the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and look into anything that does not go back to the Prophet (pbuh) – if it is not an action/saying of the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) then why follow it? Pirs and Maulvis and other ‘religious figures’ are not the way to Islam – these people can make mistakes, as can everyone (except the Prophet, pbuh) – so do not follow blindly. If you are sincere, and always wanting the truth, then this should not be a big deal for you to do. If it is, then you need to question your intentions.

Remember Allah. Dhikr of Allah is a great thing. However, do not fall into extremes and ensure that they way YOU remember Allah, is the way the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) remembered Allah. Repeating ‘Allah-hu’, over and over again is not the dhikr of the Prophet (pbuh) – if you learn the arabic language, you will soon realise that Allahu is a grammatical thing, not a dhikr thing.

Learn arabic. What better way to learn Islam than by understanding the language of the Qur’an.

Show good character. One of the best things about a Muslim is their character. If your character shows a lot of bad habits, then it puts the whole Ummah down and can even put people off from becoming Muslim. Yet who can not smile at good characteristics? Who doesnt want to be around someone who has some really good Islamic traits?

Be amongst good and strong Muslims. You cannot underestimate the boost that you get by being around other good Muslims. This may mean frequenting the masjid to do so. Sisters, keep good company and keep at a distance, those who have bad habits that could rub off on you.

Look Muslim, Act Muslim. Act Muslim, Look Muslim. How you look has a direct impact on your Imaan. If you look Islamic this can strengthen your Islamic character. Other Muslims are quicker to give you salaams and you are more inclined to hide your sins from public (it doesn’t mean that you won’t sin but it does help to repress sins). If you act like a Muslim, then you can do worse than starting to look like a Muslim. Be proud of being a Muslim and a servant and slave of Allah. Don’t be afraid of people – growing a beard, wearing hijab and jilbaab, wearing islamic clothing sends a big signal to everyone. Imagine how many Muslims are there in your country. If all of the Muslims looked like Muslims, you would gain in strength in your Imaan, you would feel like one ummah and the non-Muslims would benefit from this. It’s a big sign of unity.

Stand up against wrongdoings. Being a good Muslims doesn’t mean that your good actions are restricted to the masjid or your home. There are many people who are suffering at the hands of others, around the whole world. Act now and help them.

GET RID OF BAD HABITS

Use the time of Ramadan to start to remove your bad habits. Stop smoking, drugs and drinking alcohol (yes, there are Muslims who do this). Cut down on the television and replace that time with some of the good acts mentioned above. Stop wasting so much time on that games console. Music is from shaytaan so refrain from that. Move away from those whose bad habits influence you. Reduce the idle chit chat and gossip.

Make this Ramadan one that increases you in Imaan and reward and one in which Allah is pleased with you. Strengthen your Islam. In doing so you will… Stand Up 4 Islam!

Some other Ramadan posts:

Ramadan: Fasting Basics

Ramadan: 100 Ramadan Tips & Suggestions

Ramadan: Boycott Israeli Dates

Ramadan: A dua for Ramadan

Ramadan: Some Do’s and Don’ts

Ramadan: Benefits of Fasting

Ramadan: Make a change in this month of fasting

 

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Ramadan: Benefits of Fasting

Ramadan is the 9^th month of the Islamic calendar. It is during this month that the Shayateen are locked away in chains, that the first verses of the Qur’an were revealed and Laylat-ul-Qadr is to be found:

‘The month of Ramadan, in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the  criterion (between what is right and wrong)’ Surat Al-Baqarah v185

‘Verily! We have sent it (the Qur’an) down in Laylat-ul-Qadr (the Night of Decree). And what will make you know what the Night of Decree is? The Night of Decree is better than one thousand months..’ Surat Al-Qadr, v1-3

‘When the month of Ramadan arrives, the doors of Heaven are opened, the doors of Hell are closed and the devils put under chains.’ [Bukhari and Muslim]

Benefits of Fasting and Ramadan

Allah Commanded us to fast. It’s the one deed that is purely for Allah alone. And the benefits of fasting are many:

The Prophet (pbuh) said that Allah said: ‘The Fast is for Me and I will give the reward for it, as he (the one who observes the fast) leaves his sexual desire, food and drink for My Sake. Fasting is a screen (from hell), and there are two moments of pleasure (moments of happiness or joys) for a fasting person, one at the time of breaking his fast and the other at the time when he will meet his Lord. And the smell of the mouth of a fasting person is better in Allah’s Sight than the smell of musk.’ [Bukhari]

Allah declared: ‘O you have believed! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was ordained for those before you, so that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious).’ Surat Al-Baqarah v183

‘Whoever observes (fasts) during the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah’s Rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven.’ [Bukhari & Muslim]

Abu Ayyoob al-Ansaari narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Whoever fasts Ramadaan then follows it with six days of Shawwaal, it will be like fasting for a lifetime.” [Sahih Muslim]

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “Whoever fasts Ramadaan, a month is like ten months, and fasting six days after al-Fitr will complete the year.” [Ahmad]

‘Allah’s Messenger (pbuh) said: My nation is given 5 privileges in the month of Ramadan that no nation was given before:

• The khaloof (odour of the mouth of a fasting person) is sweeter in the sight of Allah than the fragrance of musk
• The angels keep praying to Allah to forgive the fasting people until they break their fast
• Allah decorates Paradise every day saying to it ‘My righteous slaves are about to be comforted of their burdens and sufferings and enter you’
• The Shayateen are chained during this month
• Sins of the believers are forgiven  by the last night of Ramadan. [Muslim]

Stand Up 4 Islam!

Other Ramadan Posts:

Ramadan: Fasting Basics

Ramadan: 100 Ramadan Tips & Suggestions

Ramadan: Boycott Israeli Dates

Ramadan: A dua for Ramadan

Ramadan: Some Do’s and Don’ts

Ramadan: Benefits of Fasting

Ramadan: Make a change in this month of fasting

 

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Ramadan: Some Do’s and Don’t’s

DO…	make intention before the start of each fast.	This is obligatory
DO…	take suhoor (the meal before fasting starts). The difference between the fast of a Muslim and the fast of others is the taking of suhoor (from Muslim)	This is recommended
DO…	delay the suhoor to as close to Fajr as possible.	This is recommended
DO…	hasten to break the fast at Maghrib time	This is recommended
DO…	try to break your fast with dates, as this is a sunnah. If dates aren’t available, break your fast with water	This is recommended
DO…	make a dua at the time of breaking the fast, eg. ‘O Allah, for you I have fasted and on Your Provision I have broken the fast’ [Abu Dawud]‘The thirst is gone, the veins are moisten and the reward is certain, insha’Allah’ [Au Dawud]‘Indeed there is for the fasting person, when he breaks his fast, a supplication which is not rejected.’ [Ibn Majah, al-Hakim]	This is recommended
DO…	Use a miswak during fasting, as this is sunnah	This is recommended
DO…	Exercise patience
DO…	Ask Allah for His Mercy and Forgiveness
DO…	Engage in Islamic acts of worship and good, eg. Give in charity, be good to your neighbour, show good character
DO…	Read the Qur’anThe Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: ‘The best among you is he who learns the Holy Qur’an and teaches it.’	From Bukhari & Muslim
DO…	Increase your Islamic knowledge
DO…	Get rid of any innovated practices from your habits
DO…	Make dua to Allah frequently during the day and night
DO…	Be generous. ‘The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) was the most generous of men and he was the most generous during Ramadan when Jibreel would visit him every night and recite the Holy Qur’an to him.’	From Bukhari & Muslim
DO…	Provide something to a person who is fasting, to break his fast‘He who provides something to the observer of fast for breaking the fast earns the same reward as the one who observes the fast, without diminishing.’	From Ahmad & Tirmidhi
DO…	Pray the night prayer
DO…	Practice I’tikaf (seclusion in the masjid) in the last 10 days of RamadanAishah (ra) reported that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) used to perform I’tikaf during the last ten days of Ramadan until Allah the Mighty and Majestic, took away his life, then his wives  followed this practice after him.’	From Bukhari & Muuslim
DO…	Seek Laylatul Qadr in the last 10 days of Ramadan
DO…	Give your Zakat-ul-Fitr before Eid	This is obligatory
DON’T…	Deliberately eat anything during the fast, unless you are not physically able to complete the fast . You are forgiven if you have forgotten you were fasting	This breaks the fast
DON’T…	Deliberately drink anything during the fast, unless you are not physically able to complete the fast. You are forgiven if you have forgotten you were fasting	This breaks the fast
DON’T…	Deliberatley engage in sexual intercourse during the fast. You are forgiven if you have forgotten you were fasting	This breaks the fast
DON’T…	lie	From Bukhari & Muslim
DON’T…	Slander	From Bukhari & Muslim
DON’T…	Backbite	From Bukhari & Muslim
DON’T…	Swear or use other bad language	From Bukhari & Muslim
DON’T…	Raise your voice or argue	From Bukhari & Muslim
DON’T…	Engage in indecent actions	From Bukhari
DON’T…	Forget that if you are travelling, you have the option to not fast and make up for that fast later on.Aisha reported that Hamzah Ibn Amr Al-Aslamee (ra) asked: ‘O Messenger of Allah (pbuh) I am a person who fasts often, so should I fast while travelling?’ Allah’s Messenger (pbuh) replied, ‘Fast if you wish and refrain from fasting if you wish.’	From Bukhari & Muslim
DON’T…	Fast if you are on your menstrual cycle (women). You must make up for this fast later
DON’T…	Deliberately make yourself vomit	This breaks the fast
DON’T…	Take injections  or drugs that are used instead of food	This breaks the fast
DON’T…	Delay breaking your fast
DON’T…	Smoke or take drugs
DON’T…	Worry about the following: swallowing saliva, putting on perfume, gargling water in your mouth and nose for things like cleaning and wudhu, putting eye drops in your eyes putting kohl on eyelashes having a bath/shower tasting food whilst cooking (as long as nothing goes down the throat) – see the following links on IslamQA: http://islamqa.info/en/49658 http://islamqa.info/en/20518 bleeding (unless it is menstrual)	These acts do not break the fast
DON’T…	Fast on Eid
DON’T…	Forget that if you are very ill, you are excused from fasting and can make up the fast later or give fidyah (a compensation to feed people)
DON’T…	Forget that if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you do not need to fast, although you can if you feel able to and it won’t harm the baby.
DON’T…	Worry, it is not a sin to not perform taraweeh. However, praying is of great benefit

Stand Up 4 Islam!

Other Ramadan Posts:

Ramadan: Fasting Basics

Ramadan: 100 Ramadan Tips & Suggestions

Ramadan: Boycott Israeli Dates

Ramadan: A dua for Ramadan

Ramadan: Some Do’s and Don’ts

Ramadan: Benefits of Fasting

Ramadan: Make a change in this month of fasting

 

 

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Ramadan: Boycott Israeli Dates

During Ramadan and fasting, it’s Sunnah to break your fast with dates. However, there is a campaign to boycott certain dates because the manufacturers are either directly or indirectly responsible and supporting the illegal occupation of Palestine the oppression of the Palestinians. By buying their dates, you will be helping to continue the occupation of Muslim lands in Palestine.

I have copied the below article from the Friends of Al-Aqsa website:

This Ramadan, Don’t Break your Fast with an Israeli Date

Ramadan is a time of year when we remember those who are less fortunate than ourselves.  It  would be an affront if at such a time we helped support oppression

Every year, Israel exports millions of pounds worth of dates to the world, which many people unknowingly buy and use to break their fasts. These dates are grown in illegal settlements in the West Bank and the Jordan Valley, on land that has been stolen from Palestinians. By buying these dates, we are in fact helping Israel to continue its occupation and oppression of the Palestinian people.

For this reason, Friends of Al Aqsa will again be launching the ‘Check the Label’ Campaign.

Volunteer Ambassador

Volunteer to be an ambassador for the Check the Label Campaign in your area. This will mean you will help promote the campaign in your area. This will include distributing leaflets, speaking to shop owners, setting up stalls and much more. become an Ambassador and order your free literature to help spread the word.

Check The Label

Most of the major supermarkets will stock dates produced in Israel, West Bank and the Jordan Valley. Dates produced in the West Bank and the Jordan Valley are from Illegal Israeli Settlements and should also be boycotted.

Making Money from the Occupation

• Dates were Israel’s leading fruit export, most of which come to Europe
• The total income for Israel from dates in a year is approximately €80 million.

You can order your FREE Check The Label literature here

The Palestinian Call for Boycott Divestment and Sanctions

Inspired by the struggle of South Africans against apartheid and in the spirit of international solidarity, moral consistency and resistance to injustice and oppression,

We, representatives of Palestinian civil society, call upon international civil society organizations and people of conscience all over the world to impose broad boycotts and implement divestment initiatives against Israel similar to those applied to South Africa in the apartheid era. We appeal to you to pressure your respective states to impose embargoes and sanctions against Israel. We also invite conscientious Israelis to support this Call, for the sake of justice and genuine peace.

These non-violent punitive measures should be maintained until Israel meets its obligation to recognize the Palestinian peoples inalienable right to self-determination and fully complies with the precepts of international law by:

1. Ending its occupation and colonization of all Arab lands and dismantling the Wall;
2. Recognizing the fundamental rights of the Arab-Palestinian citizens of Israel to full equality; and
3. Respecting, protecting and promoting the rights of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and properties as stipulated in UN resolution 194.

Click here for the full text and endorsements

Palestinian Workers

Israelis will claim that Palestinians are allowed to work on the land of these settlers and therefore they are provided with jobs and a boycott will harm them. In actual fact, these Palestinians are employed for paltry wages, and they are required to do the back-breaking work that the Israeli settlers will not do themselves. This means the Israeli settlers reap the rewards for the harvests while doing very little of the work themselves.

Palestinian children are employed by these settlers, and they are forced to work long hours under a hot baking sun for small sums of money. This exploitation means that these children miss out on an education.

Alternatives to Israeli Dates

There are plenty of varieties of dates from various other countries to break your fast. However if you would like  Medjoul dates from Palestine and  help the Palestinian farmers they are available from  YAFFA. YAFFA source there dates from Palestine and FOA are helping YAFFA distribute dates this Ramadhan.

Another provider is Zaytoun, www.zaytoun.org

Get Involved

There are two stages to this campaign:

Stage 1 – Contact and inform the wholesalers and shops.

Stage 2 – Contact and inform consumers.

Stage One

FOA have sent letters to over 1000 wholesalers and shops but we need your help to add the personal touch as that is the best method to encourage people to join the campaign.

There are 6 steps to this stage. We would like you to:

Preparation:

1. If you can try and involve family and friends in the campaign.
2. Print letters for Wholesalers and Shop Owners: Click here for the letter.
3. Order Check the Label posters and postcards from dates@checkthelabel.org.uk so you can put poster up on shop windows and leave postcards on the counter (with permission)

Method:

1. Identify the wholesalers, importers and shops in your area hand deliver the wholesaler/shop letters supplied by FOA.  Inform them about Israeli human rights abuses (you can give them of FOA leaflets).
2. Tell wholesalers and shop owners about the concept of boycotting and how it has worked e.g. South Africa. Ask them to boycott dates from Israel, West Bank and the Jordan Valley. Explain West Bank and Jordan Valley are illegally occupied and buying dates from there would mean they are supporting the occupation of Palestine.
3. Let them know that they can buy dates from many other countries, but if they want to buy medjoul dates from Palestine they can contact medjoul@checkthelabel.org.uk, (+44) (0)116 2125 441 or Zaytoun on (+44) (0)207 609 5699
4. Keep in touch with the shops that you have approached and continue to encourage and support them to join the campaign.
5. Write down addresses of shops which agree to support the campaign so we can write a letter to them to thank them for their support.
6. Take pictures of the campaign and keep head office updated on your work in your locality.

Stage Two

Most of the people we have approached during the Check the Label campaign did not know dates are from Israel and also did not know that dates labelled West Bank or the Jordan Valley should also be Boycotted.   Once they were told, the overwhelming majority of people were happy to join the boycott.

Boycott is about people power.  We need your help to inform people they should ‘Check the Label’ and boycott dates from Israel, West Bank and Jordan Valley.

Preparation:

1. If you can try and involve family and friends in the campaign.
2. Print letters for mosques and organisations : Click here for the letter
3. Order Check the Label posters and postcards from here so you can put poster up on shop windows and leave postcards on the counter (with permission).

Method:

1. Identify Mosques and Community Centres in your area and hand deliver the Mosque/organisation letter supplied by FOA.  Inform them about Israeli human rights abuses (you can give them of FOA leaflets).
2. Tell the mosque/ community centre contact about the concept of boycotting and how it has worked e.g. South Africa. Ask them to boycott dates from Israel, West Bank and the Jordan Valley. Explain West Bank and Jordan Valley are illegally occupied and buying dates from there would mean they are supporting the occupation of Palestine.
3. Ask them if you can leave leaflets at the entrance and put up a poster
4. Organise a time with friends and family to distribute outside the mosque after prayers, especially after Friday prayers.
5. Let FOA know when you are planning to distribute outside mosques so we can try and co-ordinate with other volunteers.
6. Contact your local newspaper and your local radio Ramadhan to let them know what is happening. Take photos when it is appropriate  and send updates to info@checkthelabel.org.uk

Ramadan is the 9^th month of the Islamic calendar. It is during this month that the Shayateen are locked away in chains, that the first verses of the Qur’an were revealed and Laylat-ul-Qadr is to be found:

‘The month of Ramadan, in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the  criterion (between what is right and wrong)’ Surat Al-Baqarah v185

‘Verily! We have sent it (the Qur’an) down in Laylat-ul-Qadr (the Night of Decree). And what will make you know what the Night of Decree is? The Night of Decree is better than one thousand months..’ Surat Al-Qadr, v1-3

‘When the month of Ramadan arrives, the doors of Heaven are opened, the doors of Hell are closed and the devils put under chains.’ [Bukhari and Muslim]

Benefits of Fasting and Ramadan

Allah Commanded us to fast. It’s the one deed that is purely for Allah alone. And the benefits of fasting are many:

The Prophet (pbuh) said that Allah said: ‘The Fast is for Me and I will give the reward for it, as he (the one who observes the fast) leaves his sexual desire, food and drink for My Sake. Fasting is a screen (from hell), and there are two moments of pleasure (moments of happiness or joys) for a fasting person, one at the time of breaking his fast and the other at the time when he will meet his Lord. And the smell of the mouth of a fasting person is better in Allah’s Sight than the smell of musk.’ [Bukhari]

Allah declared: ‘O you have believed! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was ordained for those before you, so that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious).’ Surat Al-Baqarah v183

‘Whoever observes (fasts) during the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah’s Rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven.’ [Bukhari & Muslim]

Abu Ayyoob al-Ansaari narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Whoever fasts Ramadaan then follows it with six days of Shawwaal, it will be like fasting for a lifetime.” [Sahih Muslim]

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “Whoever fasts Ramadaan, a month is like ten months, and fasting six days after al-Fitr will complete the year.” [Ahmad]

‘Allah’s Messenger (pbuh) said: My nation is given 5 privileges in the month of Ramadan that no nation was given before:

• The khaloof (odour of the mouth of a fasting person) is sweeter in the sight of Allah than the fragrance of musk
• The angels keep praying to Allah to forgive the fasting people until they break their fast
• Allah decorates Paradise every day saying to it ‘My righteous slaves are about to be comforted of their burdens and sufferings and enter you’
• The Shayateen are chained during this month
• Sins of the believers are forgiven  by the last night of Ramadan. [Muslim]

Free Campaign Literature

              

Check the Label Campaign Video

Coverage of Last Years Campaign:

• Guardian
• Press TV
• TV Advert

Supporters

                                      

Stand Up 4 Islam!

Other Ramadan Posts:

Ramadan: Fasting Basics

Ramadan: 100 Ramadan Tips & Suggestions

Ramadan: Boycott Israeli Dates

Ramadan: A dua for Ramadan

Ramadan: Some Do’s and Don’ts

Ramadan: Benefits of Fasting

Ramadan: Make a change in this month of fasting

 

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Ramadan: A dua for Ramadan

Alhamdulillah, we In Sha Allah will be graced with another Ramadan; another chance for Blessings; another chance to turn away from sin and foolhardiness.

I make dua that Allah Forgives us and Has Mercy on us. (and I am in need of His Mercy)

I make dua that Allah Forgives me for my arrogance.

I make dua that Allah Has Mercy on me because He Knows my situation better than anyone.

I make dua that Allah Provides for me because He Has Done all my life.

I make dua that Allah Pardons me for I have committed wrong.

I make dua that Allah Puts me in good company because I am weak around weak people.

I make dua that Allah Places me amongst the sincere Muslims, on the Haqq and not amongst the misguided ones.

I make dua that Allah Looks after my family and Brings them into the deen and Keeps them in the deen.

I make dua that Allah Provides me with righteous offspring.

I make dua that Allah Unites the Muslims because we are divided on issues such as Eid and this splits families.

I make dua that Allah Puts Strength into the righteous scholars to stand up to oppression and wrongdoing.

I make dua that Allah Accepts my fasts because I am in need.

I make dua that Allah Accepts my prayers because I am in need.

I make dua that Allah Comforts me because I make mistakes, commit wrong and invite harm upon myself from others.

I make dua that Allah Protects me and my family because no one else can.

I make dua that Allah Allows me to play a part in spreading the deen and doing righteous deeds.

I make dua that Allah Allows my good deeds to outweigh my bad deeds.

I make dua that Allah Grants me Paradise for I am scared of the Hellfire that He Has Created and am afraid of His Punishment.

I make dua that Allah Allows me and my offspring and my family to die as righteous Muslims.

I make dua that Allah Strengthens the Muslim Ummah because we bicker and fight and we are lost.

I make dua that Allah Strengthens me against my weaknesses.

I make dua that Allah Loves me for I am in need of His Love.

I make dua that Allah Mentions me in a gathering better than the world and everything in it.

I make dua that Allah Makes things easy for me because I make things hard.

I make dua that Allah Returns Often to me for I am in need of Him.

I make dua that Allah Blesses me and my family for what are we without this?

I make dua that Allah Provides me a righteous spouse because I need good companionship and its benefits.

I make dua that Allah Grants me Knowledge that I can benefit others with.

I make dua that Allah Accepts my good deeds and Pardons and Forgives my bad deeds.

I make dua that Allah Fixes me and my life for I am broken.

I make dua that Allah Makes me not of those who are ungrateful and proud.

I make dua that Allah Grant me a righteous lineage.

I make dua that Allah Grants me the best in the duniya and the best in the Hereafter.

I make dua that Allah Replaces my anger with peace and calm and patience.

I make dua that Allah’s Mercy on me Overtakes His Anger at me.

I make dua that Allah Grants me an accepted Hajj.

I make dua that Allah Keeps me and mine in good health and in safety.

I make dua that Allah Is Pleased with me for there is nothing better.

I make dua that Allah Grants me to be in the highest gathering because that would be an honour beyond my comprehension.

I make dua that Allah Grants me the ability to explain Islam easily to people, so I can help spread the message.

I make dua that Allah Removes the ills in my heart for I do not wish to wrong others or myself.

I make dua that Allah Looks After my offspring for I am not enough.

I make dua fot reliable transport and a good neighbour.

I make dua that Allah Answers my duas for His is the best Answer.

… Stand Up 4 Islam!

Some other Ramadan posts:

Ramadan: Fasting Basics

Ramadan: 100 Ramadan Tips & Suggestions

Ramadan: Boycott Israeli Dates

Ramadan: A dua for Ramadan

Ramadan: Some Do’s and Don’ts

Ramadan: Benefits of Fasting

Ramadan: Make a change in this month of fasting

 

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Ramadan: 100 Ramadan Tips and Suggestions

100 Ramadan Tips also available on Youtube

1. Put Allah first
2. Remember Allah Much throughout the day and night
3. LEAVE RAMADAN with HIGHER EEMAAN than ENTERING RAMADAN
4. Be more patient with those who do not know better
5. Read more Qur’an AND understand its meaning
6. Don’t Lie
7. Don’t Slander others
8. Don’t Backbite
9. Don’t swear
10. Grow a beard and keep it – it’s a strong sunnah
11. Help your sister in Islam
12. Help your brother in Islam
13. Give more in Sadaqah (Charity)
14. Start to Learn and Follow Islam with Knowledge – don’t just rely on hearsay (even from a religious leader)
15. Remove yourself from bad company. Join good company
16. Become a role model Muslim
17. Pray more than the Fard (Obligatory)
18. Set achievable goals (eg. read 4 pages of the Qur’an after every salaah)
19. Try to forgive those who have hurt you
20. Lower your gaze, especially in the Summer months
21. Purify your intentions
22. Start wearing hijaab and abaya
23. Get rid of bad habits
24. Stop smoking
25. Stop Sheesha
26. Stop fighting and start uniting in Islam
27. Sisters, wear loose clothing that doesn’t reveal your beauty
28. Think of those less fortunate than yourselves
29. Frequent the masjid
30. Excel in good deeds
31. Be a good neighbour
32. Look for Laylatul Qadr on the odd nights of the last 10 days of Ramadan
33. Ask Allah regularly for His forgiveness and His Mercy
34. Don’t see yourself as being better than others
35. Don’t argue. Listen
36. Change your attitude to one that is better
37. Stop listening to music
38. Read about Islam and educate others with a pleasant approach
39. Memorise more of the Qur’an
40. Perform I’tikaaf if you are able (seclusion during the last 10 days of Ramadan)
41. Spread salaams
42. Look for the good in people rather than the bad
43. Learn about morals and manners in Islam
44. Don’t just pray the taraweeh prayers – establish your obligatory prayers
45. Try to avoid things that are not from Islam (eg. birthdays)
46. When you feel hungry, think of those who have no food and water
47. Always think of Allah in everything you do
48. Establish your day around prayer rather than prayer around your day
49. Visit your parents and be kind to them
50. Take suhoor before fasting
51. Break your fast with a date
52. Don’t over-eat when you break your fast
53. Don’t offend others
54. Always be polite
55. Be generous to others
56. Try not to waste your time
57. Take yourself away from haraam relationships (eg. boyfriend/girlfriend)
58. Recognise that there is always something you can improve in your character and in your knowledge
59. Try not to turn down an invitation to an Iftar
60. Don’t over-exert yourself during the day, so you make yourself weak or longing food and water
61. Do not engage in physical/sexual relations with your spouse during fasting hours
62. Fulfil the rights of others (your husband, wife, parents, children, neighbours etc)
63. Learn the Names & Attributes of Allah
64. Read about Paradise
65. Read about the Day of Judgement
66. Read about Hell
67. Be grateful to Allah for whatever He Has Given you
68. Do not commit shirk – if you don’t know what it is, read about it
69. Make intention to fast BEFORE you start fasting
70. Make wudhu when you wake up – it will help to fully awaken you
71. Establish Islamic gatherings
72. Try to start learning Arabic
73. Don’t waste food and water
74. Take part in a family Islamic quiz or contest – or establish one
75. Tell non-Muslims you are regularly in contact with about fasting
76. Establish Islam in your house and amongst your family
77. Rebuild bridges that you had thought you had totally burnt
78. Follow the advice of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) – eat one third, drink one third and leave one third of your stomach empty
79. Go for a short walk after Iftar – it’s sunnah to walk after eating
80. Make a list of duas and memorise them – recite them especially before breaking your fast
81. Control your tongue
82. Try to bring khushoo into your prayers
83. Make intention of what you will try to improve the next day
84. Remember death
85. Pray on time
86. Visit the sick
87. Give da’wah to others (Muslims as well as non-Muslims)
88. Don’t show off
89. Replace fizzy drinks with water and eat healthily (obviously outside of fasting hours)
90. Establish these Islamic habits with your children and family and friends
91. Learn about what is going on with other Muslims around the world
92. Do not fast if your health will seriously suffer from it
93. Break your fast if there is a danger to your health
94. Make time for Islam in your life
95. Don’t procrastinate
96. Sleep wisely – These next few years (especially in the UK) the fasting day is long, so ensure you get enough rest
97. Don’t forget to give your fitrana before Eid Salaah
98. Call for ONE EID – anyone who divides the Ummah should be challenged
99. Make Eid special so that future generations cherish it
100. Keep Islamic habits going after Ramadan has ended

Stand Up 4 Islam!

Other Ramadan Posts:

Ramadan: Fasting Basics

Ramadan: 100 Ramadan Tips & Suggestions

Ramadan: Boycott Israeli Dates

Ramadan: A dua for Ramadan

Ramadan: Some Do’s and Don’ts

Ramadan: Benefits of Fasting

Ramadan: Make a change in this month of fasting

 

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Ramadan: Fasting Basics

Fasting during Ramadan is one of the key obligations upon every male and female Muslim who has come of age. Fasting carries great benefits for your health, your mental state, removing attachments to the duniya, preparing for the hereafter, being a better person, improving your character, being an expiation for your sins… the list goes on.

STEP 1: MAKE INTENTION

Before the start of each fast, you must make intention to fast. This doesn’t need to be said out loud but should be firm in your mind. This can be done at any time during the night, even if it is just a moment before Fajr.

“There is no fast for the person who did not intend to fast from the night before.” [Abu Dawud]

STEP 2: TAKE SUHOOR

The Prophet (pbuh) said, “Have suhoor, for in suhoor there is baraqah.” [Bukhari]

STEP 3: FAST DURING THE SPECIFIED TIMES

All Muslims who are fasting should stop eating and drinking at the time when Fajr begins. This includes smoking, drugs, medication. This is also a time to refrain from committing any sins.

There are exceptions – if fasting would result in a serious deterioration of health of a person, then that person should not be fasting and should break their fast. Likewise pregnant women are not permitted to fast. Those on medication, should seek advice from Islamic Scholars.

Menstruating women should not fast during their menstruation cycle.

STEP 4: BREAK YOUR FAST AT MAGHRIB TIME – TAKE IFTAR

You are not meant to delay breaking your fast. The Sunnah is to hasten in breaking the fast.

The Prophet (pbuh) said, “The people remain upon goodness so long as they do not delay iftaar.” [Bukhari]

“The Prophet (pbuh) used to break his fast with fresh dates before praying; if fresh dates were not available, he would eat (dried) dates; if dried dates were not available, he would have a few sips of water.” [At-Tirmidhi]

The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Once night comes from there and the day disappears from there, and the sun has set, the fasting person should break his fast.” [Bukhari]

The Prophet (pbuh) would not pray Maghrib until he had broken his fast, if only with a sip of water. [Al-Haakim]

After iftaar, it is Sunnah to recite the words reported in the hadeeth narrated by Ibn ‘Umar (ra), according to which the Prophet (pbuh), when he broke his fast, would say, “Dhahaba adh-dhama’, wabtallat il-‘urooq, wa thabat al- ajru in shaa Allaah (The thirst has gone, the veins are flowing again, and the reward is confirmed, in shaa Allah).” [Abu Dawud]

 

… Stand Up 4 Islam!

Othe Ramadan Posts:

Ramadan: Fasting Basics

Ramadan: 100 Ramadan Tips & Suggestions

Ramadan: Boycott Israeli Dates

Ramadan: A dua for Ramadan

Ramadan: Some Do’s and Don’ts

Ramadan: Benefits of Fasting

Ramadan: Make a change in this month of fasting

 

[If you like this article, please share it with your friends]