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: 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

 

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TRUMP: The Racist

If there was ever an example of the ignorant leading the blind, Trump is it. His inflammatory, outrageous and deliberate attempts to create a society of inequality and second class citizens are a disgrace to all mankind.

With a history of looking down on fellow countrymen as well as people from different nationalities and faiths, he cannot be solely held responsible. How can a person like this be allowed to speak in such a horrendous and offensive way and in such a public manner? Why has he not been arrested for inciting hatred?

If the tables were turned and it was a Muslim acting in this way, you can be sure that he would have been heading to Guantanamo Bay within a matter of minutes. He is denounced by the majority but is still left to stir up trouble, offend people and create a society of division.

Not only that, he is being allowed to run for President! Is that what it takes to run the country? Become a figurehead for hatred? This exposes the deep racism that exists today and those who follow Mr. Trump should be ashamed.

 

 

Stand Up 4 Islam!

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The Holy Qur’an Experiment

Here is an example of prejudices, islamophobia and media influence against Islam.

 

Stand Up 4 Islam!

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