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Fasting, Ramadhan & Eid ul-Fitr Thread, The Official Ramadan Thread. Ramadan 1430 A.H/August 2009 in Worship in Islam; Ramadhan = Taraweeh. Taraweeh = I lead. I lead = frantically nervous. That's my mathematical equation. Though, when it's over, ...
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    Default Re: The Official Ramadan Thread. Ramadan 1430 A.H/August 2009

    Ramadhan = Taraweeh. Taraweeh = I lead. I lead = frantically nervous. That's my mathematical equation. Though, when it's over, it is depressing.

    -----
    A hafidh reflects on Taraweeh
    By Hafidh Raakin Hossain & Rashad Abdullah

    Just as any company or business, a Muslim also has a peak season wherein much opportunity and success lies. I completed the memorization of the Qur’an from the Institute of Knowledge in Walnut, Calif. just about five months ago and will be leading Taraweeh prayers for the first time this Ramadan.

    I’ve been revising and strengthening my Qur’an, attending the morning sessions offered at the institute.

    Though a lot of my pressure has been eased through the efforts of my teacher, Mufti Ridwan Ahmed, I still feel the phobia of the “stage,” or in this case, the prayer rug.

    The pressure doesn’t start when the prayer begins, but rather with every step taken from the time you leave the house.

    The thought of leading a congregation, both with a mix of people you know and don’t know, and those who have come from afar to listen to your recitation, does not make it any easier.

    However, it’s a package deal which must be accepted, especially when leading Taraweeh for the first time.

    The true honor is in the reward granted in the hereafter, but there is also a sense of pride when leading a group that ranges from all different age groups.

    Being 15 and my first time, I suppose that thought occurs to me more than it would to those who are much older or experienced in years.

    There is a list of preparations and precautions when taking on the responsibility of Imam.

    These points start from not eating gassy or oily foods to strengthening your share of the recitation in that day’s session.

    For the imams, the month of Ramadan is “samosa-less” and every free minute is the most ideal time to practice your day’s part of Taraweeh.

    Sometimes when the day’s session is difficult, the leaders perform simulations either individually or with their partners and family.

    As for myself, I find the individual simulations and constant recitation to be of a tremendous amount of benefit.

    The main factor that had motivated me to both initiate and complete my memorization of Qur’an was the encouragement of my mother.

    That encouragement had kept me steadfast to my ultimate goal alongside pursuing my secular education.

    Juggling both balls was, of course, quite a project alone.

    With every difficult situation comes ease, and that is a promise from Allah which I had put my trust in.

    There is a saying by one of my previous scholars that one may read hours on end about a mango, but the true taste can only be experienced after physically trying that fruit.

    In that very same way, one cannot imagine such a position of leading Taraweeh until they perform it in the exact scenario themselves.

    Before concluding, it is my desire to mention one point on behalf of the millions of imams that will be leading this year.

    When the Imam makes a mistake, it is said that it is due to the lack of concentration in the attendees.

    That major point could be of much use to those who blame the imams for not practicing to their maximum ability.

    I would also wish those who will be behind me this year to keep this in mind as well, so as to remain free of fault and guilt.

    ---

    lol @ Raakin's Samosa-less addition.


    Visit my blog: www.InvalidTruth.com

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    Default Re: The Official Ramadan Thread. Ramadan 1430 A.H/August 2009

    The Muslim in Ramadaan

    Praise be to Allaah.

    Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

    “The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’aan, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan i.e. is present at his home), he must observe Sawm (fasts) that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days which one did not observe Sawm (fasts) must be made up] from other days. Allaah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you. (He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allaah [i.e. to say Takbeer (Allaahu Akbar: Allaah is the Most Great)] for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him.”
    [al-Baqarah 2:185]

    This blessed month is a great opportunity for goodness, barakah (blessing), worship and obedience towards Allaah.


    It is a great month, a noble season, a month in which hasanaat (rewards for good deeds) are multiplied and in which committing sayi’aat (bad deeds) is more serious than at other times. The gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of Hell are shut, and the sinners’ repentance to Allaah is accepted. It is a month whose beginning is mercy, its middle is forgiveness and its end is redemption from the Fire.


    So give thanks to Him for the season of goodness and blessing that He has bestowed upon you, and for the means of bounty and various kinds of great blessings for which He has singled you out. Make the most of this blessed time by filling it with acts of worship and forsaking haraam things, so that you may attain a good life in this world and happiness after death.


    For the sincere believer, every month is an occasion for worship and his whole life is spent in obeying Allaah, but in the month of Ramadaan he has even more motives to do good and his heart is even more focused on worship, and he turns even more to his Lord. By His grace, our generous Lord bestows His bounty upon the fasting believers and multiplies the reward for them on this blessed occasion, so He gives abundantly and rewards generously for righteous deeds.

    Time passes quickly

    Days pass so quickly, as if they were mere moments. We welcomed Ramadaan, then we bade it farewell, and only a short period of time passed and we are welcoming Ramadaan again. So we should hasten to do good deeds in this month and strive to fill it with that which Allaah is pleased with and with that which will help us on the Day when we meet Him.


    How can we prepare for Ramadaan?


    We can prepare for Ramadaan by taking stock of ourselves and recognizing our shortcomings in living up to the Shahaadatayn, or our shortcoming in fulfilling our duties, or our shortcomings in not keeping away from the desires and doubts that we may have fallen into…


    We should set ourselves straight so that in Ramadaan we will have a higher degree of faith. For faith increases and decreases. It increases through obedience to Allaah and it decreases through disobedience and sin. The first act of obedience that a person should achieve is that of being a true slave of Allaah and believing that there is none that is rightfully worshipped except Allaah, so he directs all kinds of worship to Allaah and does not associate anyone else in worship with Him. Each of us should realize that whatever has befallen him could not have missed him, and whatever missed him could not have befallen him, and that everything happens by the will and decree of Allaah.


    We should avoid everything that could undermine our commitment to the Shahaadatayn. This means keeping away from bid’ah (innovations) and things that have been introduced into the religion. We should also follow the principle of al-walaa’ wa’l-bara’ (loyalty and friendship vs. disavowal and enmity), by taking the believers as our friends and by regarding the kaafirs and hypocrites as enemies, and we should rejoice when the Muslims gain a victory over their enemies. We should follow the example of the Prophet () and his companions and adhere to the Sunnah of the Prophet () and the way of the Rightly-Guided Khulafa’ who came after him. We should love the Sunnah and love those who adhere to it and defend it, in whatever country they are and whatever colour or nationality they are.


    After that we should take stock of ourselves and recognize our shortcomings in doing acts of worship such as praying in congregation, remembering Allaah (dhikr), paying attention to the rights of neighbours, relatives and the Muslims, spreading the greeting of salaam, enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil, urging one another to follow the truth and be patient and steadfast in doing so, being patient in avoiding evil actions and in doing good deeds, and accepting the decree of Allaah with patience.


    Then we should take stock of ourselves and our sins and our following whims and desires. We should stop ourselves from persisting in that, whether the sin is great or small, whether it is a sin of the eye, by looking at that which Allaah has forbidden; or by listening to music; or by walking to things of which Allaah does not approve; or by using one's hands to srike in a manner with which Allaah is not pleased; or by consuming things that Allaah has forbidden such as riba (usury) and bribes, or any other means of consuming people’s wealth unlawfully.


    We should never forget that Allaah stretches forth His hand during the day to accept the repentance of those who sinned at night, and He stretches forth His hand at night to accept the repentance of those who sinned during the day. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
    “And march forth in the way (which leads to) forgiveness from your Lord, and for Paradise as wide as the heavens and the earth, prepared for Al-Muttaqoon (the pious).

    Those who spend (in Allaah’s Cause) in prosperity and in adversity, who repress anger, and who pardon men; verily, Allaah loves Al-Muhsinoon (the good‑doers).

    And those who, when they have committed Faahishah (illegal sexual intercourse) or wronged themselves with evil, remember Allaah and ask forgiveness for their sins; — and none can forgive sins but Allaah — and do not persist in what (wrong) they have done, while they know.

    For such, the reward is forgiveness from their Lord, and Gardens with rivers flowing underneath (Paradise), wherein they shall abide forever. How excellent is this reward for the doers (who do righteous deeds according to Allaah’s Orders)” [Aal ‘Imraan 3:133-136]
    “Say: “O ‘Ibaadi (My slaves) who have transgressed against themselves (by committing evil deeds and sins)! Despair not of the Mercy of Allaah, verily, Allaah forgives all sins. Truly, He is Oft‑Forgiving, Most Merciful” [al-Zumar 39:53]
    “And whoever does evil or wrongs himself but afterwards seeks Allaah’s forgiveness, he will find Allaah Oft‑Forgiving, Most Merciful” [al-Nisa’ 4:110]

    By taking stock, repenting and seeking forgiveness, this is how we should welcome Ramadaan. “The smart man is the one who takes stock of himself and strives to do that which will benefit him after death, and the helpless one is the one who follows his own whims and desires and engages in wishful thinking, (assuming that Allaah will forgive him regardless of what he does and that he does not need to strive to good deeds).”


    The month of Ramadaan is the month of great gains and profits. The smart trader is the one who makes the most of special occasions to increase his profits. So make the most of this month by doing lots of acts of worship, praying a great deal, reading Qur’aan, forgiving people, being kind to others and giving charity to the poor.


    In the month of Ramadaan the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of Hell are shut. The devils are put in chains and a caller cries out each night, O seeker of good, proceed, O seeker of evil, desist.


    So, O slaves of Allaah, be among the people of good, following the path of your righteous forebears who were guided by the Sunnah of your Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), so that we may end Ramadaan with our sins forgiven and our righteous deeds accepted.


    We should note that the month of Ramadaan is the best of months.


    Ibn al-Qayyim said:
    Another of example of that – i.e., of the differentiation between the things that Allaah has created – is the fact that the month of Ramadaan is superior to all other months, and the last ten nights are superior to the other nights.” Zaad al-Ma’aad, 1/56

    This month is superior to others in four things:


    1 – In it there is the best night of the year, which is Laylat al-Qadr. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
    “Verily, We have sent it (this Qur’aan) down in the Night of Al‑Qadr (Decree).

    And what will make you know what the Night of Al‑Qadr (Decree) is?

    The Night of Al‑Qadr (Decree) is better than a thousand months (i.e. worshipping Allaah in that night is better than worshipping Him a thousand months, i.e. 83 years and 4 months).

    Therein descend the angels and the Rooh [Jibreel (Gabriel)] by Allaah’s Permission with all Decrees,

    (All that night), there is peace (and goodness from Allaah to His believing slaves) until the appearance of dawn” [al-Qadar 97:1-5]

    So worship on this night is better than worshipping for a thousand months.


    2 – In this month was revealed the best of Books to the best of the Prophets (peace be upon them). Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
    “The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’aan, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong)” [al-Baqarah 2:185]
    “We sent it (this Qur’aan) down on a blessed night [(i.e. the Night of Al‑Qadr) in the month of Ramadan — the 9th month of the Islamic calendar]. Verily, We are ever warning [mankind that Our Torment will reach those who disbelieve in Our Oneness of Lordship and in Our Oneness of worship].

    Therein (that night) is decreed every matter of ordainments.

    As a Command (or this Qur’aan or the Decree of every matter) from Us. Verily, We are ever sending (the Messengers)” [al-Dukhaan 44:3-5]

    It was narrated by Ahmad and by al-Tabaraani in al-Mu’jam al-Kabeer that Waathilah ibn al-Asqa’ (r) said: The Messenger of Allaah () said: “The Scriptures of Ibraaheem were sent down on the first of the month of Ramadaan. The Tawraat was sent down on the sixth of Ramadaan. The Injeel was sent down on the thirteenth of Ramadaan. The Zaboor was sent down on the eighteenth of Ramadaan, and the Qur’aan was sent down on the twenty-fourth of Ramadaan.
    [Classed as hasan by al-Albaani in al-Silsilah al-Saheehah, 1575.]


    3 – In this month the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of Hell are shut, and the devils are chained up.


    It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “When Ramadan comes, the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are put in chains.” (Agreed upon).


    Al-Nasaa’i narrated from Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allaah () said: “When Ramadaan comes, the gates of mercy are opened and the gates of Hell are shut, and the devils are put in chains.


    Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami’, 471.


    Al-Tirmidhi, Ibn Maajah and Ibn Khuzaymah narrated in one report: “When the first night of the month of Ramadaan comes, the devils and rebellious jinn are chained up and the gates of Hell are closed, and not one gate of it is opened. The gates of Paradise are opened and not one gate of it is closed. And a caller cries out: ‘O seeker of good, proceed; O seeker of evil, desist. And Allaah has those whom He redeems from the Fire, and that happens every night.[
    Classed as hasan by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami’, 759.]


    If it is asked, how come we see many evil actions and sins committed in Ramadaan, for if the devils are chained up that would not happen?


    The answer is that evil actions become less for those who observe the conditions and etiquette of fasting;


    or that the ones who are chained up are some of the devils – namely the rebellious ones – not all of them;


    or that what is meant is that evil is reduced in Ramadaan, which is a proven fact. If evil happens at this time, it is still less than at other times. Even if all of them (the devils) are chained up, that does not necessarily mean that no evil or sin will happen, because there are other causes of that besides the devils, such as evil souls, bad habits and the devils among mankind. Al-Fath, 4/145


    4 – There are many kinds of worship in Ramadaan, some of which are not done at other times, such as fasting, praying qiyaam, feeding the poor, i’tikaaf, sadaqah, and reading Qur’aan.


    I ask Allaah, the Exalted, the Almighty, to help us all to do that and to help us to fast and pray qiyaam, and to do acts of worship and to avoid doing evil. Praise be to Allaah, the Lord of the Worlds.


    Islam Q&A
    http://www.islamqa.com/en/ref/12468


    And verily for everything that a slave loses there is a substitute, but the one who loses Allah will never find anything to replace Him.”
    [Related by Ibn al-Qayyim in ad-Dâ' wad-Dawâ Fasl 49]



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    Default Re: The Official Ramadan Thread. Ramadan 1430 A.H/August 2009



    And verily for everything that a slave loses there is a substitute, but the one who loses Allah will never find anything to replace Him.”
    [Related by Ibn al-Qayyim in ad-Dâ' wad-Dawâ Fasl 49]



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    Default Re: The Official Ramadan Thread. Ramadan 1430 A.H/August 2009

    cant wait till ramadan this year......iA i will live to complete this years fasts! it just brings the hole of the muslim community together and increases your imaan greatly. im very grateful to allah swt for this blessed month! ameen

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    Default Re: The Official Ramadan Thread. Ramadan 1430 A.H/August 2009

    Spreading the Good News of Ramadaan


    AUTHOR: 'Abdullaah bin Saalih Al-Fawzaan
    SOURCE: Ahaadeeth As-Siyaam: Ahkaam wa Adaab (pg. 13-15)
    PRODUCED BY: Al-Ibaanah.com (Link)


    Abu Hurairah reported that the Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: "Ramadaan has come to you - a blessed month. Allaah has made it obligatory on you to fast in it. During this month, the gates of heaven are open, the gates of the Hellfire are closed and the evil devils are chained. To Allaah belongs a night in it, which is better than a thousand months. Whosoever is prevented from its good, then he has been deprived." [1]

    The hadeeth is a glad tiding to the righteous servants of Allaah, of the coming of the blessed month of Ramadaan. The Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) informed his Companions of its coming and it was not just a simple relaying of news. Rather, his intent was to give them the glad tidings of a magnificent time of the year, so that the righteous people who are quick to do deeds can give it its due estimate. This is because the Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) explained in it (the hadeeth) what Allaah has prepared for His servants from the ways towards gaining forgiveness and His contentment - and they are many. So whoever has forgiveness escape him during the month of Ramadaan, then he has been deprived with the utmost deprivation.

    From the great favors and bounties that Allaah has bestowed upon His servants is that He has prepared for them meritous occasions so that they may be of profit to those who obey Him and a race for those who rush to compete (for good deeds). These meritous occasions are times for fulfilling hopes by exerting in obedience and uplifting flaws and deficiencies through self-rectification and repentance. There is not a single occasion from these virtuous times, except that Allaah has assigned in it works of obedience, by which one may draw close to Him. And Allaah possesses the most beautiful things as gifts, which He bestows upon whomsoever He wills by His Grace and Mercy.

    So the one who achieves true happiness is he who takes advantage of these virtuous months, days and hours and draws closer to His Guardian in them, by doing what is prescribed in them from acts of worship.

    Thus perhaps he will be showered with one of the many blessings of those occasions and be helped by it, with an assistance that is enough to save him from the Fire and what it contains, such as its blazing heat. [2]

    Being able to reach Ramadaan is itself a magnificent bounty that is bestowed on the one who reaches it and rises to its occasion, by standing in prayer during its night and fasting during its day. In it, he returns to his Protector -- from disobeying Him to obeying Him, from neglecting Him to remembering Him, from remaining distant from Him to turning towards Him in submissive repentance.

    A Muslim must be conscious of this bounty and acknowledge its magnitude. For indeed, many people are prevented from fasting, either because they die before they reach it, or because they are not capable of observing it or because they oppose and turn away from it. Thus, the one who fasts must give praise to his Lord for this bounty and should welcome this month with joy and delight that a magnificent time of the year out of all the occasions for performing obedience is welcomed. He should exert himself deeply in doing good deeds. And he should invoke Allaah to grant him the ability to fast and stand in night prayer, and that He provide him with seriousness, enthusiasm, strength, and energy in that month. And that He awaken him from heedless oversleeping so that he may take advantage of these virtuous times of good.

    It is unfortunate to find that many people do not know the value of this virtuous occasion, nor do they consider it to be sacred. So the month of Ramadaan no longer becomes a significant time for obedience, worship, reciting the Qur'aan, giving in charity and making remembrance of Allaah. Rather, to some people, it becomes a signifcant time to diversify their foods and drinks and to prepare different types of meals before the month begins. Some other people do not know Ramadaan except as a month of sleeplessness and constant recurring gatherings, while sleeping by day. This is to the point that some among them sleep past the time of the obligatory prayers, thus not praying them in congregation or in their proper times. Other people do not know Ramadaan except as a signifcant time for conducting worldly affairs, not as a significant time for conducting affairs for the Hereafter. Thus, they work busily in it, buying and selling, and they stay in the market areas, consequently abandoning the masaajid. And when they do pray with the people, they do so in such a hurried manner. This is because they find their pleasure in the market places. This is the extent that the notions and views (of Ramadaan) have been changed.

    Some of the Salaf used to say: "Indeed Allaah, the Most High, has made the month of Ramadaan as a competition for His creatures, in which they may race with one another to His pleasure, by obeying Him. Thus, one group comes first and so they prosper and another group comes last and so they fail." [3]

    Also, the individual does not know if this is perhaps the last Ramadaan he will ever see in his life, if he completes it. How many men, women and children have fasted with us the past year, and yet now they lie buried in the depths of the earth, relying on their good deeds. And they expected to fast many more Ramadaans. Likewise, we too shall all follow their path. Therefore, it is upon the Muslim to rejoice at this magnificent occasion for worship. And he should not renounce it, but instead busy himself with what will benefit him and what will cause its effect to remain. For what else is it, except numbered days, which are fasted in succession and which finish rapidly.

    May Allaah make us, as well as you, from among those who are foremost in attaining good deeds.




    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Footnotes:

    [1] This hadeeth is reported by Ahmad and An-Nasaa'ee. See Ahmad Shaakir's checking of the Musnad (no. 7148) and Saheeh at-Targheeb wat-Tarheeb of al-Albaanee (1490) as well as Tamaam-ul-Mannah (395)

    [2] These are the words of Ibn Rajab in Lataa'if-ul-Ma'aarif: pg. 8

    [3] Lataa'if-ul-Ma'aarif of Ibn Rajab: page 246


    And verily for everything that a slave loses there is a substitute, but the one who loses Allah will never find anything to replace Him.”
    [Related by Ibn al-Qayyim in ad-Dâ' wad-Dawâ Fasl 49]



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    Default Re: The Official Ramadan Thread. Ramadan 1430 A.H/August 2009

    Toward an Outstanding Ramadan



    By Muhammad al-Shareef. "O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed upon those before you in order that you may attain taqwaa [in general, it means 'God consciousness,' 'God awareness,' 'fear of God,' and so on]." [Soorah al-Baqarah (2):183]



    And verily for everything that a slave loses there is a substitute, but the one who loses Allah will never find anything to replace Him.”
    [Related by Ibn al-Qayyim in ad-Dâ' wad-Dawâ Fasl 49]



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    Default Re: The Official Ramadan Thread. Ramadan 1430 A.H/August 2009

    Reaping the benefits of Ramadan

    Dr. Ali Al-Timimi

    Adopted from a lecture


    In the month of Ramadaan it is very important that we spent a few moments to understand some of the wisdoms and lessons that we can learn from this month of fasting.

    Unfortunately, many Muslims come in to this month and they are as a companion of the Prophet, peace be upon him, said: "Let it not be that the day that you fast and the day that you break fast be equal." Meaning, one's behaviour, attitude and outlook are the same whether one fasts or not, i.e. fasting has no effect upon that person. This is why we need to reflect on some of these lessons.

    LESSON 1: Gaining Taqwaa

    Allaah legislated fasting for gaining taqwaa, "O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed upon you as it has been prescribed upon those before you, so that you may attain taqwaa." (meaning of SoraatulBaqarah (2):183) Taqwaa in this case means to make a shield between oneself and Allaah’s anger and Hellfire. So we should ask ourselves, when we break our fasts, ‘Has this fasting day made us fear Allaah more? Has it resulted that we want to protect ourselves from the hellfire or not?

    LESSON 2: Drawing closer to Allaah

    This is achieved by reciting and reflecting on Al-Qur’aan during night and day, attending the taraaweeh prayers, remembering Allaah, sitting in circles of knowledge and, for those who can, making `umrah. Also for those who can, making I`tikaaf (seclusion) in the last ten nights of Ramadaan, so as to leave all worldly pursuits and seclude oneself in a masjid just thinking of Allaah, so as to bring oneself closer to Allaah (SWT). When one sins, one feels distant from Allaah. That is why one might find it heard to read the Qur’aan and come to the masjid. However, the obedient worshipper feels closer to Allaah and wants to worship Allaah more, because he is not shy from his sins.

    LESSON 3: Acquiring patience and strong will


    Allaah has mentioned patience more than seventy times in the Qur’aan and has commanded patience in more than sixteen ways in His Book. So when one fasts, and gives up one’s food and drink, and one’s marital sexual relations for those hours, one learns restraint and patience. This Ummah needs man and women that are strong willed, who can stand upon the Sunnah and the Book of Allah and not waver in front of the enemies of Allaah. We do not need emotional people, who just raise slogans and shout, but when the time comes to stand upon something firm, they cannot do so, they waver.

    LESSON 4: Striving for Ihsaan (righteousness and sincerity) and staying away from riyaa’ (showing off)


    Ihsaan means to worship Allaah as if one seeks Him, and even though one does not see Him, He sees all. Hasan al-Basree said, "By Allaah, in the last twenty years, I have not said a word or taken something with my hand or refrained to take something with my hand or stepped forth or stepped back, except that I have thought before I have done any action, ‘Does Allaah love this action? Is Allaah pleased with this action?' So when one is fasting, one should gain this quality of watching oneself and also staying away from riyaa’ (showing off). That is why Allah said in a hadeeth qudsee, "Fasting is for Me and I reward it." (al-Bukhaaree) Allaah singles out fasting from all other types of worship saying, "Fasting is for Me", because no one knows whether you are fasting or not, except Allaah. For example, when one is praying or giving charity or making tawaaaf, one can be seen by the people, so one might do the action seeking the praise of the people. Sufyaan ath-Thawree used to spend the nights and the days crying and the people used to ask him, "Why do you cry, is it due to the fear of Allaah? He said, ‘No.’ They said, "Is it due to the fear of the Hellfire?" He said, ‘No. It is not the fear of Hellfire that makes me cry, what makes me cry is that I have been worshipping Allaah all these years and doing scholarly teaching, and I am not certain that my intentions are purely for Allaah.’"

    LESSON 5: Refinement of manners, especially those related totruthfulness and discharging trusts.


    The Prophet (may Allaah send His blessing and peace upon him) said, "Whoever does not abandon falsehood in word and action, then Allaah (SWT) has no need that he should heave his food and drink." (al-Bukhaaree) What we learn from this, is that we must pay attention to the purification of our manners. The Prophet (may Allaah send His blessing and peace upon him) said, "was sent to perfect good manners." (Maalik) So we must check ourselves, are we following the behaviour of the Prophet (may Allaah send His blessing and peace upon him)? For example: Do we give salaam to those we don’t know and those we do know? Do we follow the manners of Islaam, by telling the truth and only telling the truth? Are we sincere? Are we merciful to the creation?

    LESSON 6: Recognizing that one can change for the better


    The Prophet (may Allaah send His blessing and peace upon him) said, "Every son of Adam sins and the best of the sinners are those *****pent." (Ibn Maajah) Allaah provides many opportunities to repent to Him and seek His forgiveness. If one was disobedient they can become obedient.

    LESSON 7: Being more charitable


    Ibn `Abaas said, "The Prophet (may Allaah send His blessing and peace upon him) was the most charitable amongst the people, and he used to be more so in the month of Ramadaan when Jibreel used to meet him on every night of Ramadaan till the end of the month…" (al-Bukhaaree) The Prophet (may Allaah send His blessing and peace upon him) said, "He who gives food for a fasting person to break his fast, he will receive the same reward as him, without nothing being reduced from the fasting person’s reward." (at-Tirmidhee)

    LESSON 8: Sensing the unity of the Muslims


    The Prophet (may Allaah send His blessing and peace upon him) said, "…Those of you who will live after me will see many differences. Then you must cling to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the rightly guided khaleefahs. Hold fast to it and stick to it." (Aboo Daawood) In this month we sense that there is a possibility for unity, because we all fast together, we break fast together, we all worship Allah together, and we pray Salaatul-`Eid together. Therefore we sense that the unity of Muslims is possible. It is possible for Muslims to be a single body, but this will only be achieved when obedience is only to Allaah and His Messenger.

    LESSON 9: Learning discipline


    The Prophet (ma Allaah send His blessing and peace upon him) made us adhere to discipline and strictness, strictness that does not lead to fanaticism or going outside the bounds that Allaah has laid down. One cannot knowingly break the fast before the sunset, as this will not be accepted by Allaah. Muslims should learn to be very strict in their lives, because they are people of an important message, which they mold their lives around.

    LESSON 10: Teaching the young to worship Allaah


    It was the practice of the people of Madeenah, that during the fast of `Aashooraa (which is now a recommended fast of one day) to get their children to fast with them. When the children would cry of hunger and thirst, their parents would distract their attention by giving them some sort of toy to play with. The children would break their fast with their parents. (as mentioned in al-Bukhaaree).

    So the young should be brought to the masjid and they should pray with their parents, so that they are able to get into the habit of becoming worshippers of Allaah. If one does not encourage children to fast when they are young, they will find it very difficult to fast for thirty days at the age of puberty. This is why the Prophet (may Allah send His blessing and peace upon him) said, "Command your children to pray at the age of seven and beat them at the age of ten (if they do not pray." (Haakim)

    LESSON 11: Caring for one’s health


    Fasting has many medical benefits and it teaches Muslims to take care of their health and too build strong bodies. The Prophet (may Allaah send His blessing and peace upon him) said, "A strong believer is better and is more beloved to Allah than a weak believer, and there is good in everyone." (Muslim)

    http://www.islaam.com/Article.aspx?id=142


    And verily for everything that a slave loses there is a substitute, but the one who loses Allah will never find anything to replace Him.”
    [Related by Ibn al-Qayyim in ad-Dâ' wad-Dawâ Fasl 49]



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    Default Re: The Official Ramadan Thread. Ramadan 1430 A.H/August 2009

    I have just learned from a scholar on Peace tv that there is Sunnah to fast a further 6 days (non work days) after Ramadan, it is apparently equivelant to fasting a whole year. Can someone please post any hadith related to this. Many thanks in advance, peace


    "O ye who belive! Endure, outdo all others in endurance, be ready, and observe your duty to Allah, in order that you may succeed"

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    Default Re: The Official Ramadan Thread. Ramadan 1430 A.H/August 2009

    Concerns of the Islamic Scholar During Month of Ramadan

    http://www.islaam.com/Article.aspx?id=515

    Shaykh `Aa'id Abdullah al-Qarnee
    Thirty Lessons for those who Fast
    © 1999 Message of Islam



    Allah Almighty declares in the Quran: 'Verily, [O you who believe in Me,] this community of yours is one single community, since I am the Sustainer of you all: worship, then Me [alone]' (21:92).

    He further explains: 'All believers are but brethren' (49:10).

    As for the Prophet sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam, he clarified the nature of the relationship between Muslims in this famous hadith: 'The example of the Muslims in their love and mercy for each other is like the body. If one part is afflicted, all the other parts rally to its aid with fever and sleeplessness.'

    Today Muslims pass this month of Ramadan in transgression and crises.

    Capitalism is rife with greed. It directs its hostility against the Islamic world with intellectual onslaughts. The foremost means toward this is through women, wine and other enticements, distractions, luxuries and unlawful amusements.

    Secularism calls for the separation between the religion and worldly affairs. It seeks to oust Islam from life's stage on the pretext that religion distinguishes between people. In effect, secularism is an atheist ideology that disregards all religions and, therefore, excludes Islam in its entirety from playing any role in human life.

    Freemasonry, the Jewish creation, has come to destroy religions including Islam. On the surface it appears to be calling for the unity of all people. It has its own means, taboos, emblems and cliques. It operates in secret, has world-wide influence and springs from Zionist origins.

    Hence today the Islamic nation suffers from intense wounds:

    Palestine has been stolen from it, Al Aqsa mosque remains a hostage while old men, women and children are slaughtered morning and evening. Yet, Palestine will never be returned to the Muslim lands except by an Islam with the rage of Umar ibn al Khattab, the boldness of Salah al Din and the sincerity of Ibn Taymiya.

    The Muslim woman is fought against because of her covering, modesty, purity and religion.

    Our young men are seduced by destructive means, satanic enticements and sensual delights.

    Evangelism is penetrating the Islamic world from all four directions.

    Divisions and schisms are widespread among Muslims except those whom Allah has shielded.

    In the circumstances, what is required is that the Muslim should live for these great issues with his sentiments, wealth and prayers. He should strive to increase awareness among his Muslim brothers of these dangers. The Muslim should work relentlessly to bring about unity within the ranks of his own community. More importantly, the Islamic nation must avoid disputes and internal wrangling that only cause failure; particularly when the news of these calamities that afflict the Islamic world are exposed and become the issues of the day. As a result, no Muslim should despise himself because in every Muslim there is good.

    Indeed, every Muslim is expected to struggle if he or she is able and to stop making excuses. They must strive with their persons and their wealth. If not, with their wealth and the support of others who spend of their wealth to advance the cause of Islam. They should, at the end of each prayer, in the early hours of the morning, and other times when prayers are answered, implore Allah to establish and grant victory to the Muslims. We must, moreover, all call upon Allah to increase us in piety and God-consciousness because the disasters and calamities that have befallen us are all on account of our sins and shortcomings. 'And do you, now that a calamity has befallen you after you had inflicted twice as much [on your foes], ask yourselves,

    "How has this come about?" Say: "It has come from your own selves"' (3:165).


    And verily for everything that a slave loses there is a substitute, but the one who loses Allah will never find anything to replace Him.”
    [Related by Ibn al-Qayyim in ad-Dâ' wad-Dawâ Fasl 49]



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    Default Re: The Official Ramadan Thread. Ramadan 1430 A.H/August 2009

    Quote Originally Posted by Tony View Post
    I have just learned from a scholar on Peace tv that there is Sunnah to fast a further 6 days (non work days) after Ramadan, it is apparently equivelant to fasting a whole year. Can someone please post any hadith related to this. Many thanks in advance, peace


    From islamqa.com:

    The virtue of fasting six days of Shawwaal



    Q.What is the ruling on fasting six days of Shawwaal? Is it waajib (obligatory)?

    A.Praise be to Allaah.

    Fasting six days of Shawwaal after the obligatory fast of Ramadaan is Sunnah Mustahabbah, not waajib. It is recommended for the Muslim to fast six days of Shawwaal, and in this there is great virtue and an immense reward. Whoever fasts these six days will have recorded for him a reward as if he had fasted a whole year, as was reported in a saheeh hadeeth from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). Abu Ayyoob (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever fasts Ramadaan and follows it with six days of Shawwaal, it will be as if he fasted for a lifetime.” (Narrated by Muslim, Abu Dawood, al-Tirmidhi, al-Nisaa’i and Ibn Maajah).

    The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) explained this when he said: “Whoever fasts for six days after (Eid) al-Fitr has completed the year: (whoever does a good deed (hasanah) will have ten hasanah like it).” According to another report: “Allaah has made for each hasanah ten like it, so a month is like fasting ten months, and fasting six days completes the year.” (al-Nisaa’i and Ibn Maajah. See also Saheeh al-Targheeb wa’l-Tarheeb, 1/421). It was also narrated by Ibn Khuzaymah with the wording: “Fasting for the month of Ramadaan brings the reward of ten like it, and fasting for six days brings the reward of two months, and that is the fasting of the whole year.

    The Hanbali and Shaafa’i fuqaha’ explained that fasting six days of Shawwaal after fasting Ramadaan makes it as if one has fasted for an entire year of obligatory fasts, because the multiplication of the reward applies even to naafil fasts, because each hasanah brings the reward of ten like it.

    Another of the important benefits of fasting six days of Shawwaal is that is makes up for any shortfall in a person's obligatory Ramadaan fasts, because no one is free of shortcomings or sins that have a negative effect on his fasting. On the Day of Resurrection, some of his naafil deeds will be taken to make up the shortcomings in his obligatory deeds, as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The first thing for which people will be brought to account on the Day of Resurrection will be their salaah (prayer). Our Lord, may He be glorified and exalted, will say to His angels – although He knows best – ‘Look at the salaah of My slave, whether it is complete or incomplete.’ If it is perfect, it will be recorded as perfect, and if something is lacking, He will say, ‘Look and see whether My slave did any voluntary (naafil) prayers.’ If he did some voluntary prayers, [Allaah] will say, Complete the obligatory actions of My slave from his voluntary actions.’ Then all his actions will be dealt with in a similar manner.” (Narrated by Abu Dawood).

    And Allaah knows best.

    Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid

    http://www.islamqa.com/en/ref/7859


    And verily for everything that a slave loses there is a substitute, but the one who loses Allah will never find anything to replace Him.”
    [Related by Ibn al-Qayyim in ad-Dâ' wad-Dawâ Fasl 49]



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    Default Re: The Official Ramadan Thread. Ramadan 1430 A.H/August 2009

    ^^ Thanks brother, A very fast reply indeed. It appears from your answer that I should get my Namaz checked by someone who can help also, many many thanks and peace and blessings of Allah be upon you, Ameen


    "O ye who belive! Endure, outdo all others in endurance, be ready, and observe your duty to Allah, in order that you may succeed"

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    Default Re: The Official Ramadan Thread. Ramadan 1430 A.H/August 2009

    Abu Hurayrah reported that the Messenger of Allaah (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa
    sallam) said:

    “Ramadan has come to you - a blessed month. Allaah has made obligatory upon
    you its fasting. In it, the gates of heaven are open, the gates of the Hellfire are
    closed and the evil devils are chained. To Allaah belongs a night in it, which is
    better than a thousand months. Whosoever is prevented from its good, then he
    has been deprived.” (Ahmed & an-Nasaa’ee)

    The hadeeth is a glad tiding to the righteous servants of Allaah, of the coming of
    the blessed month of Ramadan. The Prophet (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam)
    informed his companions of its coming and it was not just a simple relaying of
    news. Rather, his intent was to give them the glad tidings of a magnificent time
    of the year, so that the righteous people who are quick to do deeds can give it its
    due estimate. This is because the Prophet (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam)
    explained in it (the hadeeth) what Allaah has prepared for His servants from the
    ways towards gaining forgiveness and His contentment - and there are many
    ways. So whosoever has forgiveness escaped from him during the month of
    Ramadan, then he has been deprived with the utmost deprivation.

    From the great favours and bounties that Allaah has bestowed upon His servants
    is that He has prepared for them meritous occasions so that they may be of profit
    for those who obey Him and a race for those who rush to compete (for good
    deeds). These meritous occasions are times for fulfilling hopes by exerting in
    obedience and uplifting flaws and deficiencies by self-rectification and repentance.

    There is not a single occasion from these virtuous times, except that Allaah has
    assigned in it works of obedience, by which one may draw close to Him. And
    Allaah possesses the most beautiful things as gifts, which He bestows upon
    whomsoever He wills by His Grace and Mercy.

    So the one who achieves true happiness is he who takes advantage of these
    virtuous months, days and hours and draws closer to His Guardian in them, by
    doing what is prescribed in them from the acts of obedience.

    Thus perhaps he will be showered with one of the many blessings of those
    occasions and be helped by it, with an assistance that saves him from the Fire
    and what it contains, such as its blazing heat. (These are the words of Ibn Rajab
    in Lataa’if-ul-Ma’aarif)

    Being able to reach Ramadan is a magnificent bounty in itself, bestowed upon the
    one who reaches it and rises to its occasion, by standing in prayer during its night
    and fasting during its day. In it, he returns to his Protector - from disobeying
    Him to obeying Him, from neglecting Him to remembering Him, from remaining
    distant from Him to turning towards Him in submissive repentance.

    Some of the Salaf used to say:

    “Indeed Allaah, the Most High, has made the month of Ramadan as a competition



    for His creatures, in which they may race with one another to His pleasure, by
    obeying Him. Thus, one group comes first and so they prosper and another
    group comes last and so they fail.” (Lataa’if-ul-Ma’aarif of Ibn Rajab)

    Also, the individual does not know if this is perhaps the last Ramadan he will ever
    see in his life, if he completes it. How many men, women and children have
    fasted with us the past year, and yet now they lie buried in the depths of the
    earth, depending on their good deeds. And they expected to fast many more
    Ramadan’s. Likewise, we too shall all follow their path.

    Therefore, it is upon the Muslim to rejoice at this magnificent occasion for
    obedience. And he should not renounce it, but instead busy himself with what
    will benefit him and what will cause its effect to remain. For what else is it,
    except numbered days, which are fasted in succession and which finish rapidly.

    May Allaah make us, as well as you, from among those who are foremost in
    attaining good deeds.


    Spreading The Good News Of Ramadaan
    Shaykh Abdullaah al-Fawzaan
    Source: Ahaadeeth as-Siyaam: Ahkaam wa Adaab, Pgs. 13-15
    Translator: Isma’eel Alarcon
    www.calltoislam.com

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    Default Re: The Official Ramadan Thread. Ramadan 1430 A.H/August 2009

    Ramadan: The Month of Love
    Abu 'Abdir-Rahman Navaid Aziz


    Al hamdulillaahi rabbil ‘aalameen was salaatu was salaamu ‘ala ashrifil anbiyaai
    wa al mursaleen nabeeyina Mohammad wa ‘ala aalihi wa sahbihee ajma’een.

    Amma Ba'ad:

    To many of you reading this the title may seem absurd, and may have even
    caught you off-guard, as love generally is not associated with the month of
    worship and blessing. Yet, if we were to contemplate the actions that we partake
    during this blessed month we would see that the vast majority of them revolve
    around love, we are often people that just fail to reflect.

    The first thing that is needed to actually conceptualise where I am coming from
    would be to understand what love really is, or at the very least how it is being
    defined in this treatise. We all know that love has many manifestations, degrees,
    and types [1]. The way a child loves his or her parents is not the same as the
    way a woman may love her husband, and likewise, the way a person may love
    chocolate, per se, is not the same way a person would love his or her Lord (or at
    least we hope not).

    However in all of these types of love there is a common and key theme, that of
    sacrifice and fulfilment. The more we love something, the more we are willing to
    sacrifice for it, and the more we will strive to fulfil the every command and wish
    of our beloved. This should not be misunderstood as sacrifice and fulfilment
    being the only components of love, but rather they are from amongst the
    essential components that make up love, along with longing and cherishing. And
    this is why we should see that love, along with hope and fear, is a pillar of our
    worship [2].

    Our worship will not be complete or acceptable until it encompasses the right
    amounts of love, hope, and fear. After having comprehended this, we can see
    how shirk [3] can be performed even in love [4 & 5], yet most of mankind knows
    not.

    If we were to take just a moment to reflect what Islaam means linguistically (let
    alone conventionally), we would see that submission (the true linguistic definition
    of Islaam, and not peace contrary to common belief), entails a common theme
    with love and that being sacrifice. When we truly submit to Allaah we are willing
    to sacrifice anything and everything for Him. This can be seen in one of the most
    fundamental mottos of a Muslim:

    “Say: Indeed my prayer, and my sacrifice, and my living, and my dying
    are for none other than Allaah, Lord of all that exists.” [6]

    So when one goes about sacrificing and fulfilling the wants of other than Allaah,
    just as much or, more than what he does for Allaah then such an individual has
    fallen into shirk. And if one fails to meet the necessary sacrifices and falls short
    in fulfilling the required obligations then such an individual has fallen into
    disbelief. It is in light of these words that we understand the verse:

    “From mankind are those people who have taken andaadan (deities)
    other than Allaah, they love them as they love Allaah, and those who
    have Eemaan (i.e. are Muslims) are stronger in their love for Allaah.” [7]


    We are now beginning to get a clearer picture of how love is associated with this
    blessed month. It is a woman's love for her child and husband that will make her
    wake up in the late hours of the night to prepare a nice meal for suhoor (the pre-
    dawn meal). It is a man's love for his community that will drive him to take time
    off of work to ensure his fellow Muslims have sufficient food for iftaar (the meal at
    sunset). And it is our love for Allaah, as Muslims, which drives us to sacrifice the
    two pinnacles of desire [8], food and marital relations, for no other reason than
    the pleasure of our very Creator.

    Our love for Allaah (glorified and praised is He) does not stop here but, rather,
    merely just begins. One of the key pillars of loving Allaah lies in following the
    Prophet Muhammad (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) [9], and an exemplary role
    model he is, as can be seen by Allaah's statement:

    “Say (O Mohammad to the people): ‘If you really love Allaah, then follow
    me. And He (Allaah) in return will love you, and will forgive you for you
    sins, and indeed Allaah is oft-forgiving and most merciful.’ Say: ‘Obey
    Allaah and the Messenger’, and if they turn away, then verily Allaah does
    not love the disbelievers.” [10]

    So what are some of the traditions that we have been left with to follow?

    Waking up to have suhoor, even if it is something little:

    The Messenger of Allaah (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Eat suhoor for in
    suhoor there is blessing.” [11]

    Not delaying the iftaar:

    The Messenger of Allaah (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “The people will
    remain upon goodness as long as they hasten in breaking their fasts.” [12]

    Supplicating throughout the day and night, especially during iftaar time:

    The Messenger of Allaah (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Three prayers are
    not rejected: the prayer of a father, the prayer of a fasting person, and the
    prayer of a traveller.” [13]

    The Messenger of Allaah (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Indeed there is for
    the fasting person, when he breaks his fast, a supplication which is not rejected.”
    [14]

    The Messenger of Allaah (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) used to say upon
    breaking his fast: “Dhahaba al-‘dhamaa’ wa abtallat al-‘urooq wa thabata al-ajr in
    sha Allaah.” [15] (The thirst is gone, the veins have been moistened and the
    reward is assured, if Allaah wills).

    'Aa’ishah (May Allaah be pleased with her) reported that Allaah's messenger (sall-
    Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) instructed her to say:

    “Allaahumma innaka ‘affoowun tuhibbul ‘afwa fa’foo ‘annee.” [16] (O Allaah
    indeed you are one that pardons, and you love to pardon, so pardon me).

    Spending the nights in prayer, as well as encouraging the family to do so:



    The Messenger of Allaah (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Whoever stands in
    prayer with the Imaam until its conclusion, will be like the one who prayed the
    whole night.” [17]

    The Messenger of Allaah (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Whoever
    establishes prayers during the nights of Ramadan out of sincere faith and hoping
    to attain Allaah's rewards, all his past sins will be forgiven.” [18]

    'Aa’ishah (May Allaah be pleased with her) narrated that the messenger of Allaah
    (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) used to spend the whole night in prayer, and used
    to awake his family to do so as well. [19]

    Being generous and feeding the people iftaar:

    The Messenger of Allaah (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Whoever gives
    iftaar to one who is fasting will have a reward like his, without detracting from the
    reward of the person fasting.” [20]

    The Messenger of Allaah (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) has been described as:
    “Being the most generous of people, and he was at his most generous during
    Ramadan.” [21]

    Staying away from all immoral acts, especially those of the tongue:

    The Messenger of Allaah (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Fasting is not
    abstaining from eating and drinking alone, but it is also abstaining from vain
    speech and foul language. If one of you is being cursed or annoyed, he should
    say: ‘I am fasting, I am fasting’.” [22]

    The Messenger of Allaah (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Allaah does not
    need the fast of the one who does not abandon falsehood in speech or in action.”
    [23]

    The Messenger of Allaah (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Perhaps a fasting
    person will get nothing from his fast except hunger, and perhaps the one who
    stands to pray at night will get nothing from his prayer except tiredness.” [24]

    Performing ‘Umrah (the minor pilgrimage):

    The Messenger of Allaah (sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Perform ‘Umrah
    when Ramadan comes, for ‘Umrah in Ramadan is equal to Hajj (in reward).” [25]

    Like all things in life, this treatise has come to an end. But prior to concluding it
    is only befitting that we be reminded of a plague that lies in the hearts and minds
    of many Muslims today. And that is one of affirming words but not affirming their
    respective meanings [26]. How often do we hear Muslims cry and shout of their
    love of Allaah, yet it is a love that has no meaning as their actions show likewise.
    This is something that Allaah (glorified and praised is He) warns us of Himself
    when He says:

    “O you who believe, why do you say that which you do not do? Most
    hateful to Allaah is that you should say that which you do not do.” [27]

    As Muslims we are to be people whose actions speak louder than their words. If
    we truly love Allaah then we need to show it with our actions. As everyone
    claims love but very few go about proving it.


    Lastly, it is not hidden from anyone that indeed Ramadan is a month of blessings.
    In it everything is blessed from, our food to our actions. It is in this very month
    that we should plant the seeds for goodness that we hope will last us throughout
    the year. It was the Prophet (Sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) who said:

    “The best of deeds are the most consistent of them.” [28]

    So we should always be looking for self-improvement, and enrichment, and not
    just in Ramadan. At the end of the day we have enough “Ramadan Muslims”,
    now we are in need of Muslims who live in Ramadan all year long.

    Wallaahu ta'aalaa 'aalam.

    With all the best wishes of a blessed, beneficial, benevolent, and fruitful
    Ramadan,

    Your Brother
    By Abu 'Abdir-Rahman Navaid Aziz
    Al-Madeenah an-Nabaweeyyah
    The 1st of Ramadan, 1426

    Footnotes:

    [1] Refer to the respective chapters in Ibn Hazm's Al-Akhlaaq was-Siyar and
    Tawq al-Hamaamah
    [2] Refer to the respective chapters in Ibn al-Qayyim's Madaarij us-Saalikeen
    [3] Directing an action, statement, or emotion, that should be specific to Allaah to
    other than Allaah
    [4] Refer to the respective chapters in Suleymaan ‘Abdullah's Tayseer ul-'Azeez
    il-Hameed
    [5] One need go no further than Browning's famous poem: “How do I love thee,
    let me count the ways.”
    [6] 6:162
    [7] 2:165
    [8] Refer to the respective chapters in Abu Haamid al-Ghazzaali's Ihyaa ‘Uloom
    id-Deen
    [9] The phrase “sall-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam” is commonly mistranslated as:
    “May Allaah's peace and blessings be upon him”, where as the terms Salaah and
    salaam are more encompassing in meaning than can possibly be translated, thus
    it is preferred to leave it in its original Arabic. Refer to Ibn al-Qayyim's Jalaa ul-
    Afhaam for further details
    [10] 3:31-32
    [11] Narrated by Bukhaaree & Muslim
    [12] Narrated by Bukhaaree & Muslim
    [13] Narrated by al-Bayhaqi (3/345) and classified as Saheeh in Silsilat ul-
    Ahaadeeth as-Saheehah (#1797)
    [14] Narrated by Ibn Maajah & al-Haakim
    [15] Narrated by Aboo Daawood, al-Bayhaqi and classified as hasan in Irwaa ul-
    Ghaleel (4/39)
    [16] Narrated by Ahmed, Tirmidhee & Ibn Maajah
    [17] Narrated by Tirmidhee (who graded it as Saheeh), Aboo Daawood, Nasaa’ee
    & Ibn Maajah
    [18] Narrated by Bukhaaree
    [19] Narrated by Bukhaaree & Muslim
    [20] Narrated by Tirmidhee, Ibn Maajah & Ibn Hibbaan
    [21] Narrated by Bukhaaree & Muslim
    [22] Narrated with this wording by Ibn Khuzaymah, Ibn Hibbaan, and al-Haakim.
    The key portion of the hadeeth can also be found in Bukhaaree & Muslim
    [23] Narrated by Bukhaaree
    [24] Narrated by Nasaa’ee, Ibn Maajah & al-Haakim
    [25] Narrated by Bukhaaree.
    [26] Refer to Ahmed al-Qaadhi's Madhabu Ahli-Tafweedh
    [27] 61:2-3
    [28] Narrated by Tirmidhee

  14. #29
    Proud LI Member Na7lah is just really nice Na7lah is just really nice Na7lah is just really nice Na7lah is just really nice Na7lah is just really nice Na7lah is just really nice Na7lah is just really nice Na7lah is just really nice Na7lah is just really nice Na7lah is just really nice Na7lah is just really nice Na7lah's Avatar
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    Default ..*!*.. The 2009 Ramadan Countdown Thread ..*!*..





    Ramadan is just around the corner, so Are You Ready?





    Some things to get you ready:







    That which is measured improves.
    A 30-Day Tarbiyah Journal designed by Muhammad Alshareef.

    Download it Here

    Ramadaan Checklist


    How To Make This Your Best Ramadan Ever





    Sheikh Waleed Basyouni
    We all want to make sure we put our best effort out for Ramadan and this lecture tells you how to accomplish the goal.

    2:183 O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint.




    2:184 (Fasting) for a fixed number of days; but if any of you is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed number (should be made up) from days later. For those who can do it (with hardship), is a ransom, the feeding of one that is indigent. But he that will give more, of his own free will, it is better for him. And it is better for you that ye fast, if ye only knew.





    Download the Lectures:


    Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9





    CountdowN

    25 More Days
    (inshallah)

    Feel Free to share any video's, pictures, articles, poems, lectures, and anything else that has anything to do with Ramadan!

    Last edited by Na7lah; 07-26-2009 at 10:52 PM.


    Learn silence as you have learned speech.
    Speech will guide you, and silence will protect you.

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    Default Re: ..*!*.. The 2009 Ramadan Countdown Thread ..*!*..




    Recharge your batteries!


    Learn silence as you have learned speech.
    Speech will guide you, and silence will protect you.

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