Posts Tagged ‘Qur’an’

Bismillah-hir Rahman-nir Raheem (in the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful)

Another year passes and we’re again approaching Christmas time. I’ve previously posted about the fact that many Muslims around the world will be actually taking part in these festivities and that taking part in these festivities is wrong and haraam. This then provokes a defensive stance with those Muslims, who then cry out ‘extremism!’ The simple fact is this, Islam allows things and doesn’t allow things. If you don’t like the rulings about things that are not allowed, then you really need to check yourself, not lash out at what Islam says. The second fact is this – I am supplying the reader with the sources from Qur’an and hadith. These are not my rulings – these are Islamic rulings that have come down from scholars, the sahabas and the Prophet (pbuh) himself. In the end, we are Muslims and we shouldn’t have one foot in Islam and another in Christianity or Hinduism or any other religion. If that’s difficult to get your head around, then you probably need some more grounding in Islamic knowledge – especially issues of Aqeedah (belief/creed).

Here are some good links to Shaikh Al-Munajjid’s website that explain these issues:

http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/69811/christmas

http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/85108/christmas

http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/7876/christmas

http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/161539/christmas

http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/947/celebrating%20Christmas

http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/101347/celebrating%20Christmas

http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/12777/celebrating%20Christmas

http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/45200/imitating

http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/21694/imitating

http://www.islam-qa.com/en/ref/108996/imitating

Think of it this way, if you’re a Muslim that celebrates Christmas, can you cite any hadith that shows the Prophet (pbuh) celebrating Christmas? The answer is no – and the below hadith explains why we do not partake in any celebrations other than Eid. When the Prophet (pbuh) was young, he was inclined to go into Makkah and partake of the celebrations, however Allah Caused him to sleep instead – these are not fairy tales – they are serious learning points for Muslims today!

The fact is that Muslims should not be taking part in Christmas or other festivals that are not based in Islam, that do not uphold the Islamic Principles that we have been taught by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). But many Muslims do. A sad fact and one that undermines the establishing of Islam and a united Ummah.

Why does it undermine things?

Firstly, we are Muslims and we distinguish ourselves as being Muslims and following Islam. There is no need to follow the tradition of another religion, especially if we have been Commanded by Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him) not to. Allah Has Prescribed for us the festivities we should follow and there is no need to add to this by following something else. If celebrating Christmas was allowed, it would have been stated in hadith or the Qur’an. If doing this was ok, then would there be a need for Islam? Isn’t Islam enough for the Muslims?

“Whoever seeks a religion other than Islaam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers.” [Aal ‘Imraan 3:85]

Secondly, Christmas is a pagan festival – it has NOTHING to do with Christianity. It isn’t the birthday of Isa/Jesus (as) and many Christians know this. Christmas is depicted as being lots of snow, Christmas trees, Santa Claus, Reindeers, magical things – nothing to do with Christianity. It doesn’t snow in the Middle East, there’s no Christmas trees there, no such thing as Santa Claus, no such things as flying reindeers – absolutely nothing to do with Isa/Jesus (as). So what we are actually engaging in has no basis in any religion and as Muslims are supposed to be religious, then this is a bit hypocritical. Christmas has nothing to do with Allah or the Prophets, so as Muslims, it has nothing to do with us.

Even if Christmas WAS the birthday of Isa/Jesus (as), this is not something to be celebrated as, in Islam, Muslims are not supposed to celebrate birthdays. We do not celebrate the Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) birthday and this was not done by the Sahabas (Companions) either. Those Muslims who do celebrate birthdays need to check their beliefs and look into why Islam does not allow this.

Another point is that Christmas is a commercial affair these days. It’s all about selling presents, making money out of Christmas and this in itself is wrong. Many families are put under stress and the financial burden of trying to keep up with Christmas. People in the UK even start buying for Christmas months in advance to help with the finances. And if you cannot give presents, then how does this make you look? Any festivity that puts this kind of pressure and adversity on people is wrong. Even Eid is starting to go this way and Muslims need to wake up to this and not let festivities get out of hand.

Muslims are not Christians, pagans, jews, buddhists, hindus, sikhs, atheists or belonging to any other religion or way of life. Muslims are Muslims and follow Islam. By celebrating Christmas you are actually following something else. And this undermines the strength of the Ummah. This is one of the reasons why the Ummah is weak – we do not adhere to Islam and only Islam. There is nothing wrong with saying that you are a Muslim and so do not celebrate Christmas. Non-Muslims respect this but it seems that Muslims do not want to feel like they are upsetting others.

The following hadiths are examples of how Muslims should not imitate the actions of non-Muslims.

On the authority of Abdullah ibn Amr ibn Aas who said: “The Messenger of Allah saw me wearing two saffron garments and he said: ‘Indeed these are from the dress of the Kuffaar so do not wear them.’ [Collected by Muslim (1/144), An-Nisaaee (2/298), Al-Haakim (4/190), and Ahmad in his Musnad (2/172, 164, 193, 207, and 211)]

At-Tirmidhi narrated that Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنه reported that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم said: “He is not one of us who imitates other than us. Do not imitate the Jews or the Christians.”

At-Tabarani and Abu Dawud narrated that Ibn Umar and Hudhayfah رضي الله عنه reported that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم said: “Whoever imitates a people, he is one of them.”

Al-Bayhaqi reported in his Sunan that Anas Bin Maalik رضي الله عنه said: “When the Prophet صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم came to Medina, the people had two holidays from the days of Jahiliyyah.”

He صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم said: “When I came to you, you had two days which you used to celebrate in Jahiliyyah. Allah سبحانه وتعالى has replaced them for you with better days, the days of slaughter (Adhaa) and the day of fitr.”

What does Christmas mean to most people? Well most people are not devout Christians and do not even believe Christmas to be connected to Isa/Jesus (as). For these people, Christmas is just a time to feel good, have parties, have a good time. And that’s about it. This is not what Muslims are about or should be about.

Muslims need to start standing up for Islam and stop acting like non-Muslims. We are not Christians and do not hold to those beliefs, unless they coincide with what is from Qur’an and Sunnah. We are not pagans, taking part in rituals that have no significance with Allah.

This is not about Muslims being segregated from society but more the opposite. This is about Muslims standing up and being identified as Muslims – not as though they have some confused fusion of identities. Islam is clear and Muslims need to be also. By being identified as Muslims, what Muslims stand for, what Islam stands for, you will gain respect from other Muslims, gain understanding and respect from non-Muslims and start to create societies where Muslims can be seen to have their place. This is about societies welcoming Muslims and Islam – it isn’t about eating into Islamic identity, which is what those Muslims are doing who are taking part in Christmas, Easter, Diwali, Hannukah and other non-Islamic festivals.

What should Muslims do?

Muslims need to stop engaging in Christmas festivities, parties, the giving of presents, sending cards, giving Christmas greetings. This is not Islamic so don’t have one foot in Islam and one foot in something else – that is a hypocritical stance to have. Instead, celebrate Islam – you have two Eids and can make the most of this. Be devout and upstanding Muslims that non-Muslims can respect for their Islamic values and morals and beliefs. If you don’t then what do you stand for?

Muslims need to come to terms with an Islamic identity and the fact that we are ordered by Allah not to imitate the kufaar – the non-Muslims. If anything, the non-Muslims have much to gain by imitating Muslims and learning from Muslims. We should be the role models, not the other way round. How will non-Muslims learn the errors of their ways, if we imitate them? Also, if we imitate the non-Muslims in the things they do, then where do you draw the line? Would you take part in Diwali which celebrates the many gods of the hindus? This would be committing shirk – the worst sin in Islam. The fairest and most just way is to not engage in festivities that are not Islamic.

Muslim parents need to explain to the schools that their children attend about Islamic values and why their children shouldnt take part in Christmas plays. This increases their understanding about Islam and helps future Muslims. Whenever I have explained things to non-Muslims, they have never looked at me in a bad way but respected me for my beliefs.

Explain to non-Muslims about Islamic values and how we celebrate on Eid. They are not aliens and will understand.

Muslims… you need to act like Muslims and BE Muslims, following Islam and showing everyone the beauty of Islam.

Christmas and Islam: Christmas Advice to Muslims

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Bismillah-hir Rahman-nir Raheem (in the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful)

Fasting during the month of Shawwal is a great benefit to Muslims and Muslims are encouraged to do the Six Days of Fasting. These six days of fasting are voluntary fasts and so there is no harm if you do not do it but you would miss out on some major Rewards and Blessings from Allah.

Abu Ayyub (ra) reported that the Prophet of Allah (pbuh) said: Whoever fasts Ramadan and then follows it up with six (days of fasting) from Shawwal, then it is as if he fasted the entire time (ie. year)” [Muslim]

You can fast the six days of Shawwal consecutively (ie. one day after each other, until you have completed six days) or separately. This is because the Prophet (pbuh) didn’t make any mention of doing the fasts in any particular way during Shawwal – the normal rules of voluntary fasting applies. When doing separately you can fast any six days, as long as they are within the month of Shawwal. But remember, if you are fasting on a Friday, you should also fast either on the day before (Thursday) OR the day after (Saturday).

The Rules for Voluntary Fasts

  • You do not have to make intention the night before but can intend to fast when you wake up. You must make intention before Dhuhr
  • If you are a married woman, you must take permission from your husband before doing a voluntary fast
  • You cannot fast on the first day of Shawwal, which is actually Eid-ul-Fitr
  • You cannot single out Friday for fasting nor Saturday for fasting. Rather it is better to fast Thursday AND Friday. Or you can fast Friday AND Saturday.
  • It is not sinful to break a voluntary fast, although it is better to complete the fast
  • If you have Ramadan fasts that you need to make up, due to not being able to do them in Ramadan, you must do these first before fasting a voluntary fast (like the six days of Shawwal)

{Books used as reference for this blog post:
Ramadan Fataawa Volume One – Shaykhul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah and others, including Permanent Committee for Islamic Research and Fataawa
Fatawa regarding Fasting and Zakat – Shaykhs Bin Baz, Al-Uthaimin, Al-Jibreen, Darussalam publishers}

Benefits of Fasting

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

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]

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Stand Up 4 Islam!

Bismillah-hir Rahman-nir Raheem (in the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful)

Here are the questions asked in the Qur’an quizzes I have held so far. Questions are on a separate post.

Learn Islam! In doing so, you will… Stand Up 4 Islam!

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QUIZ 64: JUZ TWENTY-ONE

  1. Be moderate in your walking and lower your voice
  2. We Let them enjoy for a little while, then in the end We Shall Oblige them (to enter) a great torment
  3. The Knowledge of the Hour, He Sends down the rain, what is in the womb, what a person will earn tomorrow and in which land he will die
  4. The Rich, Free from all needs
  5. Nay, we shall follow that which we found our fathers following
  6. The Promise of Allah
  7. It is as easy as creating and resurrecting a single person
  8. “And whoever disbelieves, let not his disbelief grieve you…”
  9. That the ships sail the seas by Allah’s Grace
  10. “…yet the Words of Allah would not be exhausted. Verily Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise.”

Questions can be found here

QUIZ 65: JUZ TWENTY-ONE

  1. Alif Lam Mim. None knows the meaning except Allah
  2. Jinn and mankind
  3. “Taste you the torment of the Fire which you used to deny”
  4. He Created the heavens and the earth and all that is in between
  5. He Rose over the Throne (in a manner that suits His Majesty)
  6. So that they will repent and return to Islam
  7. No person knows what is kept hidden for them of joy as a reward for what they used to do
  8. One Day is equal to 1000 years
  9. The Scripture (Taurat)
  10. Say: “The angel of death , who is set over you, will take your souls. Then you shall be brought to your Lord.
  11. They fall down prostrate, Glorify the Praises of Allah and are not proud
  12. Gardens of Paradise
  13. He is reminded of the Ayat of his Lord and then turns aside
  14. The Day of Decision (Day of Judgement)
  15. That dry land is brought to life with vegetation through water

Questions can be found here

QUIZ 66: JUZ TWENTY-ONE

  1. The disbelievers and hypocrites
  2. The Messenger of Allah, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)
  3. Nuh (as), Ibrahim (as), Isa (as), Musa (as)
  4. He Brought them down from their forts and Cast terror into their hearts
  5. And follow that which is revealed to you from your Lord. Verily Allah Is Well Acquainted with what you do
  6. The good-doers
  7. The Prophet’s (pbuh) wives
  8. A Wind and Forces that could not be seen (ie. Angels)
  9. Al Ghafoor (The Oft-Forgiving), Ar-Raheem (The Most Merciful), Al-Qaweeyan (The Ever All Strong), Al-Azeez (The All-Mighty)
  10. And put your trust in Allah, and Sufficient is Allah as a Wakil

Questions can be found here

QUIZ 67: JUZ TWENTY-TWO

  1. He (pbuh) is not the father of any of the men
  2. He (pbuh) is the Messenger of Allah and the Last of the Prophets
  3. It is not for a believer, man or woman, when Allah and His Messenger Have Decreed a matter that they should have any option in their decision
  4. Allah and His Angels
  5. Allah, Al-Wakeel
  6. Zaid Bin Harithah
  7. He (pbuh) was sent as a witness, a bearer of glad tidings and as a warner
  8. O you who believe! Remember Allah with much remembrance
  9. In that which Allah Has Made Legal for him.
  10. Salaam

Questions can be found here

QUIZ 68: JUZ TWENTY-TWO

  1. Allah Has Cursed them in this world and the Hereafter and Prepared for them a painful torment
  2. Whether you reveal anything or conceal it, Verily, Allah is Ever All-Knower of everything
  3. Keep our duty to Allah, Fear him and always speak the truth
  4. The Way of Allah Does Not Change
  5. Mankind took on Al-Amanah (trust of all the duties Allah Ordained); the heavens, earth and mountains declined it
  6. Their crime is that of slander and plain sin
  7. The true believers, men and women
  8. Righteous good deeds
  9. Allah Alone
  10. They must draw their cloaks (veils) all over their body so that they may be known (as respectable women) so as not to be annoyed

Questions can be found here

QUIZ 69: JUZ TWENTY-TWO

  1. The mountains and the birds
  2. Say (O Muhammad (pbuh)) “You will not be asked about our sins, nor shall we be asked of what you do”
  3. Sail Al-‘Arim (flood from the dam)
  4. The jinn
  5. The wind, a fount of molten brass, jinn to work for him
  6. Whatever they spend in Allah’s Cause will be Replaced by Allah
  7. No
  8. “Taste the torment of the Fire which you used to belie”
  9. That the jinn do not know the Unseen
  10. Belief in Allah and righteous deeds

Questions can be found here

QUIZ 70: JUZ TWENTY-TWO

  1. Two, three or four
  2. “O mankind! It is you who stand in need of Allah. But Allah Is Rich (Free of all needs), Worthy of all praise.”
  3. Bracelets of gold and pearl and their garments will be of silk
  4. It will not have a complete killing effect on the disbelievers, nor shall its torment be lightened for them
  5. Shaytaan
  6. Clear Signs, the Scriptures and the book giving light
  7. The All-Knowing, the All-Omnipotent (Aleemun Qadeerun)
  8. One is fresh. Sweet and pleasant to drink. One is salty and butter
  9. No
  10. Surat Fatir v6: “Surely Shaytaan is an enemy to you, so take him as an enemy…”

Questions can be found here

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Bismillah-hir Rahman-nir Raheem (in the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful)

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 2012: Benefits of Fasting

Ramadan 2012: Boycott Israeli Dates

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Bismillah-hir Rahman-nir Raheem (in the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful)

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)
  • 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 2012: Benefits of Fasting

Ramadan 2012: Boycott Israeli Dates

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Bismillah-hir Rahman-nir Raheem (in the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful)

Ramadan is the 9th 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 2012: Some Do’s and Don’t's

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Bismillah-hir Rahman-nir Raheem (in the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful)

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.

Check The Label postcard back

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.

Check The Label cartoon strip

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 9th 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    Check The Label poster       Check The Label postcard1    Check The Label cartoon strip

Check the Label Campaign Video

Coverage of Last Years Campaign:

Supporters

Zaytoun     Palestine Solidarity Campaign        MDUK     Islamic Forum of Europe    FOSIS   Jews for boycotting Israeli goods    Holborn Muslim Circles    Britih Muslim Initiative   Muslimaat    Young Muslim Organisation

Stand Up 4 Islam!

Other Ramadan Posts:

Ramadan 2011: Make a change in this month of fasting

Ramadan 2011: Some Do’s and Don’t's

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Bismillah-hir Rahman-nir Raheem (in the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful)

I’ve come to a point where I am wondering to myself, is all this effort worth it? Is it actually a good idea to try and use social network sites like Twitter to spread Islam, connect with Muslims and encourage unity? I started out online for a variety of reasons but the main things were this: I wanted to express myself and In Sha Allah start to help guide Muslims towards practising Islam that is rooted firmly in Qur’an and authentic sunnah. I wanted to help unite Muslims and somehow bring them together, move them away from non-Islamic practises and help build the ummah.

So after a year of being on twitter, I’m looking at myself and wondering, am I putting in effort in a good way, or am I actually wasting effort on twitter? Have I gotten anywhere with uniting Muslims and helping to spread knowledge and bring Muslims into practising authentically, rather than culturally or following blindly? Am I actually carrying out deeds and actions that would please Allah, or am I displeasing him because I am wasting my time and energy? This might sound silly but I can give you an example.

Some Muslims are of the opinion that democracy (in the Western sense) is good and that they should take part in the political system, in a non-Muslim country, to try and influence it towards Islam. They go into this with the best of intentions – to promote Islam and try and do something good. However, history and experience tells us that this will not work and is an unrealistic goal. There have been many cases where Muslims have won elections but then that power was taken from them or the rules have been changed to prevent Muslims from taking office (eg. Algeria, Turkey). There have been Muslim MPs in UK for decades but the system doesn’t allow them to change anything unless it’s a majority vote and they have achieved little in those decades – should these Muslims have spent their efforts to promote Islam in other ways?

So here I am wondering whether my efforts are being channelled correctly.

Add to that the issue of the fitna on twitter, and the fitna I’m talking about is from Muslims only, because I try to keep my following to Muslims. There is a lot of free-mixing between Muslim brothers and sisters and it’s all too easy to get drawn into that. There are a lot of comments that are unbecoming of a Muslim’s character. And when I try to explain things in Islam in a simple way and according to Qur’an and authentic sunnah, I get challenged, I get drawn into arguments and I face people who seem to have opinions on Islam as though they are scholars! I don’t want to get angry and cause upset and I don’t want my Eemaan to be wrongly affected by twitter or that I should be the cause of affecting other Muslims’ Eemaan in a bad way.

On the positive side, I do run a Qur’an Quiz and that has been masha’Allah great! Muslims seem to benefit from it, Alhamdulillah, and I wouldn’t want to lose any Blessings here for myself and for others. But is this enough? Or does the bad side of twitter outweigh the good side of twitter?

So here I am, asking for advice. What do you, the reader, think?

I’m not looking for compliments and I don’t want to feel ‘bigged up’ and that I’m special in any way whatsoever – this is not what I’m looking for. I’m not seeking attention from others. I’m just trying to assess whether it’s worthwhile spending time on twitter for Islam and Muslims, or whether there is a better way to achieve unity, brotherhood and a return to authentic Islam.

I really would appreciate your comments.

Jazak’Allah khayr.

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Bismillah-hir Rahman-nir Raheem (in the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful)

I’m sure I’m not the only one to have noticed but these days the Muslimah seem to have taken on a trend that is more fashion than Islam. There are Islamic principles to follow and this really goes against those principles. I’m talking about the way Muslimahs are wearing their hijaabs, which actually does the opposite of what it is intended for – it attracts attention rather than protect the dignity of a woman. But that’s not the only thing that needs addressing – wearing hijaab with leggings and tight fitting clothes is not what you would imagine the wives of the Prophet (pbuh) to have done. So why are Muslimah of today doing this?

Sadly, our younger sisters are mistakenly thinking that, by wearing hijaab in this fashion, (without thinking about the rest of their attire), they are fulfilling one of their Islamic duties. Don’t get me wrong, it’s good to see more and more sisters wearing hijaab. But it’s time we got this right and looked at hijaab in the way the Wives of the Prophet (pbuh) adopted it – they are our role models.

Don’t make Hijaab trendy

The Islamic principles of Hijaab include protecting the dignity of women and saving her beauty for her husband – not for every hot-blooded guy in the vicinity. I think it’s great that more Muslimah are wearing the hijaab but which do you think is better? Wearing hijaab and loose clothing that does not reveal the shape of a woman? Or wearing hijaab and tight clothing, such as leggings, which reveals the shape (and which attracts a man’s attention)?

Above I have drawn two figures – on the right is a drawing of hijaab (with loose clothing), on the left is a drawing of hijaab (with tight clothing). I didn’t want to put an actual picture up of a woman in leggings or tights or jeans, and so this is the best alternative I could come up with. The drawing on the right is the better way to adopt hijaab, not the one on the left. Sisters, reflect on the following:

“O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks (veils) all over their bodies. That will be better, that they should be known so as not to be annoyed.” [Surat Al-Ahzab v59]

“And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things) and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent (like both eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer palms of of hands or one eye or dress like veil, gloves, head-cover, apron), and to draw their veils all over Juhubihinna (ie. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms) and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, or their fathers,or their husband’s fathers, or their sons, or their husband’s sons, or their brothers, or their brother’s sons, or their sister’s sons, or their (Muslim) women (ie. their sisters in Islam), or the (female) slaves whom their right hands possess, or old male servants who lack vigour, or small children who have no sense of feminine sex. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. All all of you beg Allah to forgive you, O believers, that you may be successful.” [Surah 24 (An-Nur), verse 31]

Narrated Safiyah bint Shaibah: ‘Aishah used to say: ‘When the Verse: “And to draw their veils all over Juhubihinna (ie. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms)” (V24:31) was revealed, (the ladies) cut their waist sheets at the edges and covered their heads and faces with those cut pieces of cloth. [Sahih Bukhari, Vol 6, Hadith No. 282]

Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “There are two types of the people of Hell whom I have not seen: men with whips like the tails of cattle with which they strike the people, and women who are clothed but naked, walking with an enticing gait, with something like the humps of camels on their heads. They will not enter Paradise nor even smell its fragrance, and its fragrance can be smelled from such and such a distance.” [Sahih Muslim]

Sisters, the evidence above is clear (although there are even more evidences that go into this issue in more detail). For those who still may feel like questioning this, then please do look further inot the issue. But once you realise the evidences, I remind you of the verse in the Qur’an:

“It is not fitting for a believer, man or woman, when a matter has been decided by Allah and His Messenger, to have any option about their decision. If anyone disobeys Allah and His Messenger, he is indeed on a clearly wrong path.” [Surat Al-Ahzaab v36]

Further information on the ruling of hijaab and it’s conditions

Come on sisters, you’ve already taken one step to wearing the hijaab – now go one step more and do away with the leggings and tight clothing, wear full hijaab and be a real role model for the Ummah. And if you think that wearing hijaab with tight clothes is fulfilling your duty and not attracting men, then why not ask (in a halaal manner) brothers themselves? I am sure they will tell you what they find attractive (you might be surprised).

Other posts for Sisters

Sisters are proud to be Identified as Muslimah!

We don’t need to be saved from the Burka!

Stand Up 4 Islam!

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Bismillah-hir Rahman-nir Raheem (in the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful)

It saddens me to think that we are living in times when the Muslims are being misled, not only by the Cristians and Hindus and Buddhists and those from other faiths – they are being misled by other Muslims! Celebrating festivals like Easter is haraam.

Although it may be viewed as harmless fun, having an easter egg, sending easter greeting cards, wishing Christians a Happy easter, you are (as a Muslim) doing more harm than good. The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) never adopted the ways of Jahiliyyah (ignorance) to try and bring people to Islam. And even if you’re just trying to be polite and neighbourly, you are actually undermining the principles of Islam and keeping people in misguidance.

Other than that, there is the added problem of imitating the kuffaar. We are Muslims and we distinguish ourselves as being Muslims and following Islam. There is no need to follow the tradition of another religion, especially if we have been Commanded by Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him) not to. Allah Has Prescribed for us the festivities we should follow and there is no need to add to this by following something else. If celebrating easter or any other festival was allowed, it would have been stated in hadith or the Qur’an.

“Whoever seeks a religion other than Islaam, it will never be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers.” [Aal ‘Imraan 3:85]

The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever imitates a people is one of them.” [Abu Dawud]

“You must keep to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly-guided Caliphs; cling to it firmly. Beware of newly invented matters, for every new matter is an innovation, and every innovation is misleading.” (Bukhari)

The following hadiths are examples of how Muslims should not imitate the actions of non-Muslims.

Al-Bayhaqi reported in his Sunan that Anas Bin Maalik رضي الله عنه said: “When the Prophet صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم came to Medina, the people had two holidays from the days of Jahiliyyah.” He صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم said: “When I came to you, you had two days which you used to celebrate in Jahiliyyah. Allah سبحانه وتعالى has replaced them for you with better days, the days of slaughter (Adhaa) and the day of fitr.”

This is not about Muslims being segregated from society but more the opposite. This is about Muslims standing up and being identified as Muslims – not as though they have some confused fusion of identities. Islam is clear and Muslims need to be also. By being identified as Muslims, what Muslims stand for, what Islam stands for, you will gain respect from other Muslims, gain understanding and respect from non-Muslims and start to create societies where Muslims can be seen to have their place.

What should Muslims do?

Muslims need to stop engaging in non-Muslim festivities, parties, the giving of presents, sending cards, giving greetings. This is not Islamic so don’t have one foot in Islam and one foot in something else. Instead, celebrate Islam – you have two Eids and can make the most of this. Be devout and upstanding Muslims that non-Muslims can respect for their Islamic values and morals and beliefs. If you don’t then what do you stand for?

Muslims need to come to terms with an Islamic identity and the fact that we are ordered by Allah not to imitate the kuffaar – the non-Muslims. If anything, the non-Muslims have much to gain by imitating Muslims and learning from Muslims. We should be the role models, not the other way round. How will non-Muslims learn the errors of their ways, if we imitate them? Also, if we imitate the non-Muslims in the things they do, then where do you draw the line? The fairest and most just way is to not engage in festivities that are not Islamic.

Explain to non-Muslims about Islamic values and how we celebrate on Eid. They are not aliens and will understand.

Muslims… you need to act like Muslims and BE Muslims, following Islam and showing everyone the beauty of Islam.

Other similar topics:

Halloween and Islam

Diwali and Islam

New Year’s and Islam

Christmas and Islam

The Royal Wedding or Day of Judgement – Which event is more important to you?

Al-Mawlid: Celebrating the Prophet’s (pbuh) birthday – why is it a big NO?

Valentine’s Day and Islam

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