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: Boycott Israeli Dates

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

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

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

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

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

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

Volunteer Ambassador

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

Check The Label

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

Making Money from the Occupation

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

You can order your FREE Check The Label literature here

The Palestinian Call for Boycott Divestment and Sanctions

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

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

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

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

Click here for the full text and endorsements

Palestinian Workers

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

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

Alternatives to Israeli Dates

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

Another provider is Zaytoun, www.zaytoun.org

Get Involved

There are two stages to this campaign:

Stage 1 – Contact and inform the wholesalers and shops.

Stage 2 – Contact and inform consumers.

Stage One

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

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

Preparation:

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

Method:

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

Stage Two

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

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

Preparation:

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

Method:

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

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

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

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

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

Benefits of Fasting and Ramadan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Free Campaign Literature

              

Check the Label Campaign Video

Coverage of Last Years Campaign:

• Guardian
• Press TV
• TV Advert

Supporters

                                      

Stand Up 4 Islam!

Other Ramadan Posts:

Ramadan: Fasting Basics

Ramadan: 100 Ramadan Tips & Suggestions

Ramadan: Boycott Israeli Dates

Ramadan: A dua for Ramadan

Ramadan: Some Do’s and Don’ts

Ramadan: Benefits of Fasting

Ramadan: Make a change in this month of fasting

 

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Ramadan: A dua for Ramadan

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

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

I make dua that Allah Forgives me for my arrogance.

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

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

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

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

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

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

I make dua that Allah Provides me with righteous offspring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I make dua that Allah Strengthens me against my weaknesses.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I make dua that Allah Grant me a righteous lineage.

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

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

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

I make dua that Allah Grants me an accepted Hajj.

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

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

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

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

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

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

I make dua fot reliable transport and a good neighbour.

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

… Stand Up 4 Islam!

Some other Ramadan posts:

Ramadan: Fasting Basics

Ramadan: 100 Ramadan Tips & Suggestions

Ramadan: Boycott Israeli Dates

Ramadan: A dua for Ramadan

Ramadan: Some Do’s and Don’ts

Ramadan: Benefits of Fasting

Ramadan: Make a change in this month of fasting

 

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Ramadan 2015: 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!

Some other Ramadan posts:

Ramadan 2015: Some Questions and Answers on Fasting

Ramadan 2015: Some Do’s and Don’t’s

Ramadan 2015: 100 Ramadan Tips and Suggestions

Ramadan 2015: Benefits of Fasting

Ramadan 2015: Boycott Israeli Dates

Ramadan 2015: Make a change this month of Ramadan

 

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Ramadan 2015: 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 2015: Some Questions and Answers on Fasting

Ramadan 2015: Some Do’s and Don’t’s

Ramadan 2015: 100 Ramadan Tips and Suggestions

Ramadan 2015: Benefits of Fasting

Ramadan 2015: Boycott Israeli Dates

Ramadan 2015: Make a change this month of Ramadan

Ramadan 2015: Fasting Basics

 

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Ramadan 2015: 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 2015: Some Questions and Answers on Fasting

Ramadan 2015: Some Do’s and Don’t’s

Ramadan 2015: 100 Ramadan Tips and Suggestions

Ramadan 2015: Benefits of Fasting

Ramadan 2015: Boycott Israeli Dates

Ramadan 2015: A dua for Ramadan

Ramadan 2015: Fasting Basics

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Ramadan 2015: Boycott Israeli Dates

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

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

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

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

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

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

Volunteer Ambassador

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

Check The Label

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

Making Money from the Occupation

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

You can order your FREE Check The Label literature here

The Palestinian Call for Boycott Divestment and Sanctions

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

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

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

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

Click here for the full text and endorsements

Palestinian Workers

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

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

Alternatives to Israeli Dates

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

Another provider is Zaytoun, www.zaytoun.org

Get Involved

There are two stages to this campaign:

Stage 1 – Contact and inform the wholesalers and shops.

Stage 2 – Contact and inform consumers.

Stage One

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

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

Preparation:

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

Method:

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

Stage Two

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

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

Preparation:

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

Method:

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

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

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

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

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

Benefits of Fasting and Ramadan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Free Campaign Literature

              

Check the Label Campaign Video

Coverage of Last Years Campaign:

• Guardian
• Press TV
• TV Advert

Supporters

                                      

Stand Up 4 Islam!

Other Ramadan Posts:

Ramadan 2015: Some Questions and Answers on Fasting

Ramadan 2015: Make a change in this month of fasting

Ramadan 2015: Some Do’s and Don’t’s

Ramadan 2015: 100 Ramadan Tips and Suggestions

Ramadan 2015: Benefits of Fasting

Ramadan 2015: Fasting Basics

Ramadan 2015: A dua for Ramadan

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Fortress of the Muslim: Beneficial Duas Part 5

I hope that, In Sha Allah, many Muslims will benefit from the following authentic duas, taken from the book, Fortress of the Muslim.

Invocation to say if you stir in the night

Laa ‘ilaaha ‘illallaahul-Waahidul-Qahhaaru, Rabbus-samaawaati wal’ardhi wa maa baynahumal-‘Azeezul-Ghaffaaru.

There is none worthy of worship but Allah , the One , the Victorious , Lord of the heavens and the earth and all that is between them, the All-Mighty, the All-Forgiving.

Reference: This is to be said if you turn over in bed during the night. Al-Hakim graded it authentic and Ath-Thahabi agreed 1/540. Also see An-Nasa’i, ‘Amalul-Yawm wal-Laylah, and Ibn As-Sunni. See also Al-Albani, Sahihul-Jami’ As-Saghir 4/ 213.

 

What to say if you are afraid to go to sleep or feel lonely and depressed

‘A’oothu bikalimaatil-laahit-taammaati min ghadhabihi wa ‘iqaabihi, wa sharri ‘ibaadihi, wa min hamazaatish-shayaateeni wa ‘an yahdhuroon.

I seek refuge in the Perfect Words of Allah from His anger and His punishment, from the evil of His slaves and from the taunts of devils and from their presence.

Reference: Abu Dawud 4/12. See also Al-Albani, Sahih At- Tirmithi 3/171

 

What to do if you have a bad dream or nightmare

Spit to your left (three times).¹

Seek refuge in Allah from the Devil and from the evil of what you have seen (three times).²

Do not speak about it to anyone.³

Turn over on your other side.⁴

Reference:
¹ Muslim 4/1 772.
² Muslim 4/1 772, 3.
³ Muslim 4/1772.
⁴ Muslim 4/1773.

 

Get up and pray if you desire to do so.

Reference: Muslim 4/1773.

 

Supplication for anxiety and sorrow (ways to deal with stress)

Allaahumma ‘innee ‘abduka, ibnu ‘abdika, ibnu ‘amatika, naasiyatee biyadika, maadhin fiyya hukmuka, ‘adlun fiyya qadhaa’uka, ‘as’aluka bikulli ismin huwa laka, sammayta bihi nafsaka, ‘aw ‘anzaltahu fee kitaabika, ‘aw ‘allamtahu ‘ahadan min khalqika, ‘awista’tharta bihi fee ‘ilmil-ghaybi ‘indaka, ‘an taj’alal-Qur’aana rabee’a qalbee, wa noora sadree, wa jalaa’a huznee, wa thahaaba hammee.

O Allah, I am Your slave and the son of Your male slave and the son of your female slave . My forehead is in Your Hand (i.e. you have control over me) . Your Judgment upon me is assured and Your Decree concerning me is just . I ask You by every Name that You have named Yourself with , revealed in Your Book , taught any one of Your creation or kept unto Yourself in the knowledge of the unseen that is with You , to make the Qur’an the spring of my heart, and the light of my chest, the banisher of my sadness and the reliever of my distress.

Reference: Ahmad 1/391, and Al-Albani graded it authentic.

 

Allaahumma ‘innee ‘a’oothu bika minal-hammi walhazani, wal’ajzi walkasali, walbukhli waljubni, wa dhala’id-dayni wa ghalabatir-rijaal .

O Allah , I seek refuge in you from grief and sadness, from weakness and from laziness, from miserliness and from cowardice, from being overcome by debt and overpowered by men (i .e . others).

Reference: Al-Bukhari 7/158. See also Al-Asqalani, Fathul-Bari 11/173.

 

Invocation for Anguish

Laa ‘ilaaha ‘illallaahul-‘Adheemul-Haleem, laa ‘ilaaha ‘illallaahu Rabbul-‘Arshil-‘Adheem, laa ‘ilaaha ‘illallaahu Rabbus-samaawaati wa Rabbul-‘ardhi wa Rabbul-‘Arshil-Kareem .

There is none worthy of worship but Allah the Mighty, the Forbearing. There is none worthy of worship but Allah, Lord of the Magnificent Throne. There is none worthy of worship but Allah, Lord of the heavens and Lord of the earth, and Lord of the Noble Throne.

Reference: Al-Bukhari 8/154, Muslim 4/2092

 

Allaahumma rahmataka ‘arjoo falaa takilnee ‘ilaa nafsee tarfata ‘aynin, wa ‘aslih lee sha’nee kullahu, laa’ilaaha ‘illaa ‘Anta.

O Allah , I hope for Your mercy . Do not leave me to myself even for the blinking of an eye (i.e. a moment) . Correct all of my affairs for me . There is none worthy of worship but You.

Reference: Abu Dawud 4/324, Ahmad 5/42. Al-Albani graded it as good in Sahih Abu Dawud 3/959.

 

Laa ‘ilaaha ‘illaa ‘Anta subhaanaka ‘innee kuntu minadh–dhaalimeen .

There is none worthy of worship but You, glory is to You. Surely, I was among the wrongdoers.

Reference: At-Tirmithi 5/529. Al-Hakim declared it authentic and Ath-Thahabi agreed with him 1/ 505. See also Al-Albani, Sahih At-Tirmithi 3/168.

 

Allaahu Allaahu Rabbee laa ‘ushriku bihishay’an.

Allah, Allah is my Lord. I do not associate anything with Him.

Reference: Abu Dawud 2/87. See also Al-Albani, Sahih Ibn Mdjah 2/335.

 

What to say if you fear people may harm you

Allaahummak-fineehim bimaa shi’ta.

O Allah, suffice (i.e. protect) me against them however You wish.

Reference: Muslim 4/2300.

 

Invocation for when you find something becoming difficult for you

Allaahumma laa sahla ‘illaa maal ja’altahu sahlan wa ‘Anta taj’alul-hazna ‘ithaa shi’ta sahlan.

O Allah, there is no ease other than what You make easy. If You please You ease sorrow.

Reference: Ibn Hibban in his Sahih (no. 2427), and Ibn As- Sunni (no. 351). Al-Hafidh (Ibn Hajar) said that this Hadith is authentic. It was also declared authentic by ‘Abdul-Qadir Al-Arna’ut in his checking of An-Nawawi’s Kitabul-Athkarp. p106

 

What to say and do if you commit a sin

There is not any slave of Allah who commits a sin, then he performts his ablution and stands to pray two Rak’ahs of prayer, then seeks Allah’s forgiveness, except that Allah will forgive him.

Reference: Abu Dawud 2/86, At-Tirmithi 2/257. Al-Albani graded it authentic in Sahih Abu Dawud 1/283.

 

Invocation for when something you dislike happens, or for when you fail to achieve what you attempt to do

Qadarullaahi wa maa shaa’afa’ala.

It is the Decree of Allah and He does whatever He wills.

Reference: “The strong believer is better and more dear to Allah than the weak believer, and in each of them there is good. Be vigilant for what is to your benefit and seek the help of Allah and do not falter. But when you are striken by some setback, do not say: ‘If only I had done such and such,’ rather say: ‘It is the Decree of Allah and He does whatever He wills.’ For verily the saying ‘if (i.e. if only I had) begins the work of the Devil.” Muslim 4/2052.

 

Visiting the graves

Assalaamu ‘alaykum ‘ahlad-diyaari, minal-mu’mineena walmuslimeena, wa ‘innaa ‘in shaa’ Allaahu bikum laahiqoona [wa yarhamullaahul-mustaqdimeena minnaa walmusta’khireena] ‘as’alullaaha lanaa wa lakumul- ‘aafiyata.

Peace be upon you, people of this abode, from among the believers and those who are Muslims , and we , by the Will of Allah , shall be joining you . [May Allah have mercy on the first of us and the last of us] I ask Allah to grant us and you strength.

Reference: Muslim 2/671, Ibn Majah 1/494, the portion brackets is from Muslim 2/671.

 

When angry

‘A’oothu billaahi minash-Shaytaanir-rajeem .

I seek refuge in Allah from Satan the outcast.

Reference: Al-Bukhari 7/99, Muslim 4/2015.

 

Supplication said upon seeing someone in trial or tribulation

Alhamdu lillaahil-lathee ‘aafaanee mimmab-talaaka bihi wa fadhdhalanee ‘alaa katheerin mimman khalaqa tafdheela.

Praise is to Allah Who has spared me what He has afflicted you with, and preferred me greatly above much of what He has created.

Reference: At-Tirmithi 5/493,4. See also Al-Albani, Sahih At-Tirmithi 3/153.

 

Supplication said to one who does good to you

Jazaakallaahu khayran.

May Allah reward you with good.

Reference: At-Tirmithi (no. 2035). See also Al-Albani, Sahih At-Tirmithi 2/200 and Sahihul-Jami’ (no. 6244).

 

What to say if you see someone afflicted by misfortune

Alhamdu lillaahil-lathee ‘aafaanee mimmab-talaaka bihi wa fadhdhalanee ‘alaa katheerin mimman khalaqa tafdheela.

Praise is to Allah Who has spared me what He has afflicted you with, and preferred me greatly above much of what He has created.

Reference: At-Tirmithi 5/493,4. See also Al-Albani, Sahih At-Tirmithi 3/153.

 

When something happened that pleased him, the Prophet (pbuh) used to say:

Alhamdu lillaahil-lathee bini’matihi tatimmus-saalihaat.

Praise is to Allah Who by His blessings all good things are perfected .

 

And if something happened that displeased him , he used to say:

Alhamdu lillaahi ‘alaa kulli haal.

Praise is to Allah in all circumstances.

Reference: Ibn As-Sunni, ‘Amalul-Yawm wal-Laylah, and Al-Hakim who graded it authentic 1/499. See also Al-Albani, Sahihul-Jami’ As-Saghir 4/201.

 

What to say when surprised or startled

Subhaanallaah!

Glory is to Allah.

Reference: Al-Bukhari, cf. Al-Asqalani, Fathul-Bari 1/210, 390, 414 and Muslim 4/1857.

 

Allaahu ‘Akbar!

Allah is the Most Great

Reference: Al-Bukhari, cf. Al-Asqalani, Fathul-Bari 8/441. See also Al-Albani, Sahih At-Tirmithi 2/103, 235, Ahmad 5/218.

 

What to say when something that pleases you happens (Upon receiving pleasant news)

Whenever something happened that pleased him or made him happy , the Prophet (SAW) used to prostrate himself in thanks to Allah, the Blessed, the All-Mighty.

Reference: Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah, At-Tirmithi. See also Al-Albani, Sahih Ibn Majah 1/233, and ‘Irwa’ul-Ghalil 2/226.

 

What to say when you feel a pain in your body

Put your hand on the place where you feel pain and say:

Bismillaah.

In the Name of Allah (three times).

 

Then say:

‘A’oothu billaahi wa qudratihi min sharri maa ‘ajidu wa ‘uhaathiru.

I seek refuge in Allah and in His Power from the evil of what I find and of what I guard against.

Reference: Muslim 4/1728.

 

What to say when you fear you may afflict someone or something with the evil eye

If you see anything of your brother that pleases you, or of his person or of his property [then ask Allah to bless him in it] for the envious eye is real, say:

Allahumma baarik ‘alayh
Ma shaa`allah laquwwata illa billah 

O Allah send blessings upon him.
(This is) that which Allah has willed, there is no power except with Allah.

Reference: Ahmad 4/447, Ibn Majah, Malik. Al-Albani graded it authentic in Sahihul-Jami’ As-Saghir 1/212. Also see Al-Arna’ut’s checking of Ibn Al-Qayyim’s Zadul-Ma’ad 4/170.

 

What to say when you feel frightened

Laa ‘ilaaha ‘illallaah!

There is none worthy of worship but Allah!

Reference: Al-Bukhari, cf. Al-Asqalani, Fathul-Bari 6/181, Muslim 4/2208.

 

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Fortress of the Muslim: Beneficial Duas Part 1

Fortress of the Muslim: Beneficial Duas Part 2
Fortress of the Muslim: Beneficial Duas Part 3; Istikharah

Fortress of the Muslim: Beneficial Duas Part 4

 

 

Stand Up 4 Islam!

I AM A MUSLIM: Free Wallpapers

I’ve designed some wallpapers for free distribution:

 

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Christmas and Islam – Son of God vs Prophet of Allah; no contest

At the time of writing, we are in the ‘festive season’ according to Christians – Christmas time. And many Muslims around the world will be actually taking part in these festivities. They will do this without really questioning what they are doing, without even asking themselves if, as Muslims, they should be partaking in this.

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 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?

Committing Shirk

Firstly, and this is the key point, Christmas is the religious festival of the Christians – this is a time that is one of the most holiest for them. It means a lot to them – it means that they are celebrating the birth of JESUS Christ, who they MISTAKENLY BELIEVE IS THE SON OF GOD. This is the worst sin that you could commit and even worse if you die believing this. This is completely incompatible with Islam. All Muslims should know that THERE IS ONLY ONE GOD – ALLAH. There is no other deity, there is nothing equal to Allah, there is nothing that can be compared to Allah – there simply is no son of God, no family of God, there is only God – Allah, The Benificent, The Most Merciful.

So why would Muslims then help support Christianity, which is based upon a false premise? Why would Muslims then go against Islam – and Allah – by wishing Christians joy and happiness in their mistaken belief? This is wrong. If anything, Muslims should be trying to give da’wah to the non-Muslims, such as the Christians.

Some Muslims say that it is a sign of respect to say “Happy Christmas”. Who is most deserving of our respect? It is Allah! Surely it is a greater deed to show respect to Allah than to misguided servants of Allah? Never forget that when you say “Happy Christmas”, you are saying it to someone who is disobeying Allah and possibly doesn’t even believe in Allah! It is not fitting for a Muslim to act in this way and any Muslim who does, should be educated upon the principles of Islam, of Tawheed and of submitting to Allah, NOT to His Creation.

Be firm in Islam, not in other religions

Secondly, 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]

Christmas is a made-up festival

Thirdly, 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.

It’s about money and materialism – not about God

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.

Evidence

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.

Stand up 4 Islam

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