Ramadan Lessons

What I Learned During The Month of Ramadan

The month of Ramadan has come to an end. Certain habits that we have inculcated during this blessed month will also come to an end - waking up for early morning meals, not eating or drinking during the day, gathering to break the fast with the family at an appointed time and attending the teraweeh prayers. Such acts we usually reserve for Ramadan.

But the other habits that we have formed during this month, such as reading the Quran, positive behavior modification (habit of avoiding lies, vain talk and foul languages), acts of charity and kindness to the less fortunate, and being tolerant and patient, are habits that we should retain. We should do these all year round because they help us better ourselves as Muslims.

Each of us will learn something new each year as we perform our fasts during Ramadan; our spiritual development will evolve and progress with the increasing level of our maturity as well as with the amount of effort we put into understanding our religion (and ourselves consequently).

Here is what I learnt during Ramadan 2008.

1) Human Emotions - Despair

We are told that human beings are emotional creatures. As human beings, we have feelings; positive and negative emotions that can make us happy or plague us.

Positive feelings and emotions can be a motivational factor for us to want to continue to do good things in life. For instance, I think one of the reasons why Muslims (or anyone else) pray is that we attain a positive sense of well-being, and this is one of the driving factors for us to continue to pray. God does not need our prayers, we are the ones who need them - to keep us well-adjusted in this world, and also for the next world. "But those will prosper who purify themselves, And glorify the name of their Guardian-Lord, and (lift their hearts) in prayer" (Quran 87:14-15). The key is obviously to start - and once we do, it positively reinforces us to continue to do so.

Negative feelings and emotions though can be destructive. In today's society, we see many people troubled deeply by life's problems - financial problems, relationship problems, psychological troubles etc. People allow these problems to become their primary focus - day in and day out, worrying about how to resolve it, at the expense of doing anything (or something)else. That's why there are so many depressed people around. They are stuck in cyclical warp. Life passes them by, and they move from one life's problem to the next.

But all of such negative emotion is unnecessary, and also a huge waste of time and energy. We will, of course, face obstacles in life. No one is immune to them. But that should not be an occasion to be wallowing in despair and forget our spiritual obligations.

God has revealed that in return for the good effort believers will enjoy peace, blessings and happiness in this world and the hereafter: “What is with you runs out but what is with Allah goes on for ever. Those who were steadfast will be recompensed according to the best of what they did. Anyone who acts rightly, male or female, being a believer, We will give them a good life and We will recompense them according to the best of what they did.” (Surat an-Nahl, 96-97)

It follows then that in times of difficulties, we should be continuing our spiritual obligations, and asking for help from God so that our troubles may be eased.

Anything else is simply unislamic. Why? Because if we are on the right path (by keeping up with our spiritual obligations) then we should also realise that God does everything for a purpose, and we should try to look for meaning in the things that cause us problems. And we should also realise that God can do whatever He wishes whenever He wishes, and that He will heed people’s prayers.

So is there really any need for despair when faced with obstacles, and to even dare to proclaim that all in this life for yourself (because of whatever problems) is only blackness, doom and gloom? Such people are caught in their own self-reinforcing cycle of negativity; and they worsen their situations by putting a halt to any activities in their lives that may bring light and clarity because they are too focused on the negative state of their lives.

2) Remembrance of Frailty of Human Life and the Hereafter

Career and ambition is all good, so long it does not detract us from spiritual obligations. A lot of people in the West delay getting married and starting a family because they are so focused on creating a "proper environment" for their children. Funny thing is, this was never a reason not to marry four or fifty years ago. Why? Because back then even in the West, the family dynamic was still strong, so too was the moral structures that prohibited cohabitation and such things outside of marriage. Not so today. Prophet Muhammad said that " Marriage is my tradition who so ever keeps away there from it is not from amongst me". It is also said that when a man marries, he has fulfilled half of his religion, so let him fear for the remaining half. There must be a reason why Islam places so much importance on marriage. And the continued avoidance of it (especially those people in Western societies who are avoiding marriage for various reasons) will only be detriment to their spiritual development. And that affects society, social norms and a negative destructive cycle begins.

So we do not know what exactly the future holds despite all of our massive plans. With one stroke, God can disrupt even the best of plans. So what is this human propensity to plan every minute detail of our life, as if only we with our own powers of planning can determine what happens in our lives.

This is not to say, we cannot plan for the future. We can and should; otherwise, we would be all leading directionless lives. But since we cannot fully foresee the outcome of our plans, we should act now and be hoping for the best.

That leads to the second realization - we may not be around to see the result of our plans because we do not know when our time may come. Reading of Surah 67 (Al-Mulk) of the Quran reinforces the frailty of our human state; it reminds us what we will all have to face eventually - that is, God's judgement.

Would we want be saying the below when we meet our Maker?

'They will further say: "Had we but listened or used our intelligence, we should not (now) be among the Companions of the Blazing Fire!"' (Quran 67:10).

If we cannot comprehend our religion, it would be better to listen to the more knowledgable. And if we are blessed with intelligence, we should use it rightly so that we are not placed in a situation where we will feel regret at not having done so.

So those are the lessons I had during Ramadan. And probably I will have more understanding as time progresses.

What were your Ramadan lessons?

Eid Mubarak

May Allah accept all of our prayers and good deeds
during the blessed month of Ramadan.

Eid Takbeer from Mecca

How to Say the Eid Takbir

The day of Eid starts with the chanting of the takbir. On the way to the Eid ground, it is takbir. On the way back it is takbir.

It was reported that Sa`id ibn Jubayr said, "Three things are Sunnah (prophetic traditions, preferred to be followed by Muslims) on Eid: to walk (to the place of prayer), to take a bath, and to eat before coming out (if it's Eid al-Fitr)." People should exchange greetings on Eid. They walk to prayer wearing their best clothes and change their route on returning. It is also considered a good Islamic practice to visit one another and exchange gifts.

How to Perform the Eid Prayer

Muslims have no public celebrations apart from Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. The Prophet said what means: "Every nation has its festival, and this is your festival." Here, he referred to the fact that these two Eids are exclusively for the Muslims.

The time for Eid Prayer is when the sun has risen about three meters (10 feet) above the horizon. Eid Prayers cannot be said after midday. It is better to hold Eid Prayers in the open if there is no rain or bad weather. The Prophet never performed Eid Prayers in the mosque except once due to rain.

There is neither Adhan (call to prayer) nor Iqamah (second call to prayer) for these prayers, which consist of two rak`ahs with twelve takbirs (Allahu Akbar); seven in the first rak`ah and five in the second. After performing prayer, the imam delivers a khutbah (sermon, speech) just like Friday khutbah.

The following is the Eid Takbir:

"Allahu Akbar
Allahu Akbar,
La Ilaha Il-Allah.
Allahu Akbar,
Allahu Akbar
wa Lillahil Hamd!"

Translates to:
"Allah is the Greatest!
Allah is the Greatest!
Allah is the Greatest!
There is none worth worhsipping except Allah!
Allah is the Greatest!
Allah is the Greatest!
And to Allah is all gratification!"





The Prophet (pbuh) prayed: 'O Allah! Grant us so much (Thy) fear that it may serve as a barrier between us and our sins; and bestow upon us Thy obedience that it may help us to reach Thy Paradise; and grant us so much faith that it may help us to face the misfortunes of this world easily. O Allah! bless us to benefit from our powers of hearing and seeing and vigour so long as Thou does grant us life and make our heirs (beneficiaries) of them; and afflict with our rancour those who oppress us, and help us against those who hate us; do not entangle us in the difficulties of our religion; and do not make the world our main object, and the extent our knowledge; and do not appoint over us persons who will not show mercy to us.' (Tirmidhi)

Ramadan Message 2008 - Day 30 (What To Do After Ramadan?)

“He who observed the fast of Ramadan and then followed it with six (fasts) of Shawwal, it would be as if he fasted perpetually.” (Muslim)

WHAT NEXT AFTER RAMADAN?

For the next few days after Ramadan, we will feel like we are still fasting - avoiding munching and not eager to have a drink. This is normal and natural. After all, we ahve conditioned our bodies not to take food or drink during the day time.

But it is only only in visible in our food habits. We changed our behavior as well during Ramadan - the habit of avoiding lies, vain talk and foul languages, the small sadaqah, tolerance, paying attention to others’ needs and seeking opportunities to help out in our own small ways.

Some psychologists have opined that a good habit takes about three weeks for most people to imbibe. Hence, all the dos and don’t in Ramadan should be easy to keep up after those 4 weeks of intensive Ramadan training, if we have a strong will.

For many millions of Muslims, Ramadan is their month of Islamic identity. This is when they get to show that they are Muslims. This is when they get to do their best in the practise of their deen. They get seen in the mosque in this month more than the whole of the remaining months put together. They are motivated by the rewards accruable therein. Some will thereafter, keep the spiritual goodies of Ramadan long after Ramadan, while others return to their old way of life the moment Ramadan ends. But that is not the purpose of Ramadan. Ramadan is instituted to teach us how to live our lives during the remaining eleven months.

It has been said that the early Muslims would spend the next 6 months after Ramadan, morning its departure, holding unto the lessons derived therein, and sustaining the good deeds and the rewarding actions they picked up in the blessed month. Then they would spend the next five months preparing for the next Ramadan by guarding their actions and maintaining a taqwah state of mind.

With Allah’s guidance, we have been able make some progress this Ramadan, we need to beseech Allah to help us sustain this progress in the months after Ramadan. As with all our efforts in life, we rely on Allah to help in its constant and correct performance that will meet His acceptance.

Even the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) used to supplicate after every salaah: “O Allah, help me to keep Your remembrance, and in thanking You, and in keeping up with my acts of worship.” (Allahumma aa’ini, ala dhikrika, wa shukrika, wa uzni iba’datik.)

After pleading for Allah’s help in keeping up these Ramadan habits, we need a conscious effort on our part not to retreat from this progressive campaign. The best way to do this is to make it regular and constant. In fact, make it daily. Such efforts as: nawafil, sadaqah and recitation of the Qur'an should become part and parcel of our daily activities.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Do good deeds properly, sincerely and moderately and know that…the most beloved deed to Allah is the most regular and constant even though it were little.” (Bukhari) Also fast at least three days in a month if we cannot keep up with the Monday and Thursday weekly fasts.

Then we should make it a duty to evaluate ourselves. Make a list of the habits you have picked up in Ramadan. Then decide on how much and how often you want to carry on with these habits outside Ramadan. With this checklist, you can monitor yourself. Daily could be too cumbersome, but a daily thought about yourself before you sleep is helpful. Weekly is more ideal.

Evaluating oneself is the most difficult job. Most such checklist of goals and plans rarely get written down, and they are hardly regularly checked or evaluated. However, we can achieve this in a group of two close friends watching over each other, comparing notes and activities in a sincere and healthy way. Furthermore, neighbourhood groups dedicated to Qur'an memorisation and knowledge sharing could help to maintain some habits well beyond Ramadan.

Finally, live in fear and hope. Live in fear of death claiming your life and you may meet Allah with loads of shortcomings and inadequacy of good deeds. Live in hope that Allah will reward all your efforts and good intentions. This should keep you going and ensuring that your habits are never abandoned for you do not know which actions of yours will meet with Allah’s mercy, or which inaction of yours could cause your disgrace in the Hereafter. Live with the thoughts of standing before Allah to account for how you always lose your habit immediately after Ramadan and never delivering the goods as expected of you. May Allah save us from such accountability.

Ramadan Message 2008 - Day 29 (Day of Eid)

WHAT TO SAY ON EID DAY?

WHAT TO SAY ON EID DAY? The day of Eid starts with the chanting of the takbir. On the way to the Eid ground, it is takbir. On the way back it is takbir. From 'Umar and ibn Mas'ud gave the following narration for the takbir: "Allahu akbar. Allahu akbar. La ilaha illallah. Allahu akbar. Allahu akbar wa lillahil-hamd." Translation: Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest. There is no God but Allah. Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest. All praise belongs to Allah.

The Day of Eid starts with the chanting of the takbir. On the way to the Eid ground, it is takbir. On the way back it is takbir. From 'Umar and ibn Mas'ud gave the following narration for the takbir: "Allahu akbar. Allahu akbar. La ilaha illallah. Allahu akbar. Allahu akbar wa lillahil-hamd." Translation: Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest. There is no God but Allah. Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest. All praise belongs to Allah.

We praise and thank Allah for sparing our lives to witness this year's Ramadan. Most Muslims today would be happy to see the end of Ramadan, but our seniors in faith used to be sad. First, because they were not very sure their if all of their efforts would be acceptable to Allah. Then, they were not sure if they were able to witness the Night of Power. Further, a month of mercy is going, what joy is in that. Then they would feel sad that they may never be able to see another Ramadan again. We pray Allah give us such iman, piety and understanding.

On the Eid day, we must not fast. Even if we start the day fasting, once it is announced that the moon has been sighted in your community, we are to break that fast, and proceed to perform Eid (if it is still morning) or prepare the next day for Eid.

We must not fast on Eid day even if we vow to fast that day or it is customary for us to fast on that particular day, which now happens to be Eid. "A man vowed to fast one day (possibly a Monday), and that day happened to be Eid day." Ibn 'Umar said, "Allah orders vows to be fulfilled and the Prophet forbade the fasting on this day (i.e. Eid)." (Bukhari)

The Eid of the next few days is Eid-il-Fitr, which the Prophet used to eat before going for the Eid prayers (whereas he doesn't eat for the Eid of the Adha [Sacrifice]). Buraidah reports: "The Prophet would not go out on the day of breaking the fast (Eid-il-Fitr) until he had eaten and on the day of sacrifice (Eid-il-Adha) he would not eat until he had returned [from salaah]." (Tirmidhi)

He encouraged people to wear the best of their clothing. Therefore, we are encouraged to give the Eid our best appearance, with perfumed (the men) and in gold or other jewelry(the women). We are advised to go out in multitude, with all our families and chanting the dhikr.

On your way to and from Eid prayers, you should greet with the salaam and offer a congratulatory prayer to people. "When the companions of the Prophet met each other on the day of 'id, they would say to each other, 'taqabbal minna wa minka [May Allah] accept it from us and you.'" (Ibn Hajar)

There is no nawafil prayer before and after the Eid prayers. Ibn 'Abbas reports: "The Messenger of Allah went out to the site of the E'id prayer and prayed two rakaah of the Eid prayer without praying anything before or after it." (Bukhari) It is usually performed on an open ground on. However, if for some reason we are not able to do this, we are allowed to use the mosque. "The rain fell on the day of 'Id (festival), so the Prophet (peace be upon him) led them (the people) in the Eid prayer in the mosque." (Abu Dawud) After the prayer comes the sermon, both are obligatory for us to consciously observe.

However, if you get to the Eid ground late, do not panic, remember it is a festive day. "If one misses the Eid prayers, he may pray two raka’ah and the same is the case for the women or people in their houses or in the countryside. This is based on the Prophet's words: "O Muslims, this is our festival." Anas ibn Malik ordered his protege (Ibn abi-'Utbah), [who lived] in a remote area, to gather his family and children and to pray [the Eid prayer] like the people in the city and with takbirat similar to theirs. 'Ikrimah said: "The people of the country should gather for the 'id and pray two rakaah as the imam does." 'Ata says: "If you miss the Eid [salaah], pray two rakaah." (Bukhari)

It is also important for women to attend the Eid prayer, even if they are off salaah or poor. They should be dressed up for the day and they are allowed to enjoy the day. Once she asked, "O Allah's Messenger! If a woman has no veil, is there any harm if she does not come out (on 'Id day)?" The Prophet said, "Her companion should let her share her veil with her, and the women should participate in the good deeds and in the religious gatherings of the believers."' (Bukhari 2:96)

Ramadan Iftar Recipes | Tasty Food From Malaysia

Today, we feature a recipe for a steamed almong cake, which is a popular way of making a cake in Malaysia. People use a large bamboo steamer or a large vegetable metal steamer over simmering water. The steamer should be large enough to hold the baking pan.

Steamed Almond Cake Recipe

Metal Steamer

Bamboo Steamer

Ingredients:

2 cups flour
0.5 tsp. baking powder
6 eggs
1.5 cups castor sugar
3 tbs. almonds (cut into strips)

Method:

1) Put flour in a bowl and steam for 10 mins. Remove and spread on a piece of paper to cool.

2) Mix baking powder with flour and sift twice.

3) Beat eggs for 30 mins, adding sugar gradually.

4) Fold in flour and mix well.

5) Grease and line a round baking tin with greaseproof paper, cut larger than the bottom of tin.

6) Pour mixture into the tin and steam covered for 10 mins. Remove cover and sprinkle top with almonds. Cover again and steam for another 10-20mins.

7) Remove cake from tin. Cut into neat slices and serve hot or cold.

Almond Cake Batter

Steamed Almond Cake

Ramadan Message 2008 - Day 28 (Reminders Before Eid)

“That which you give in usury in order that it may increase on (other) people's property has no increase with Allah; but that which you give in charity, seeking Allah's countenance, has increase manifold. It is Allah Who has created you: further He has provided for your sustenance; then He will cause you to die; and again He will give you life. Are there any of your (false) "Partners" who can do any single one of these things? Glory to Him! And High is He above the partners they attribute (to Him)!"
(Qur'an 30 Verses 39-40)

The spirit of sharing and selflessness should be second nature to a Muslim. For a Muslim, the best way to get is by giving. The notion of social welfare for those on the lower ramp of the wealth ladder is directly entrenched in the pillars of Islam.

The zakaah, the 3rd pillar, is obligatory tax from the wealth for the poor and needy. However, there are other subtle means of encouraging the not so wealthy to give too. Generally, we are encouraged to be generous.

This is perfectly exemplified by our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who said: “O son of Adam, it is better for you if you spend your surplus (wealth), but if you withhold it, it is evil for you. There is (however) no reproach for you if you must withhold necessarily for survival. And begin (charity) with your dependants; and the upper hand is better than the lower hand.” (Muslim)

Fellow feeling and sharing is also an important lesson of Ramadan. The Prophet (peace be upon him) “…was the most generous amongst the people, and he used to be more so in the month of Ramadan when Angel Jubril visited him, …he used to be more generous than a fast wind (which causes rain and welfare).” (Bukhari)

This spirit of fellow feeling and selfless generosity strengthens our communal life. We look out for one another. We live for one another; like bricks supporting one another, forming a solid building.

Sadaqatul Fitr (sometimes called Zakatul-Fitr) is the obligatory material help extended to the poor of the society. It is given within a few days to the Eid day or on the day but before going for the Eid Prayer. (Bukhari) The recipient of the money is then able to prepare for the Eid celebration like the rest of the people. If we give Sadaqatul-Fitr early, the recipient is also able to plan early for the Eid celebration.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) made it incumbent upon the head of every able household to give the Sadaqatul-Fitr on all Muslim male and female members of the household (young or old, those who were able to fast and those who did not fast). Ibn Umar reported: “Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) ordered Sadaqatul-Fitr on behalf of the young and the old and the free and the slave –whoever you provide for.” (Baihaqi)

Sadaqatul Fitr is not a substitute for zakaah. Rather, it complements it. Sadaqatul-Fitr is obligatory even on those who may not be qualified to pay the Zakaah. Ramadan season is rounded up with the Sadaqatul-Fitr and the Eid prayer.

Four (4) handful (both hands cupped together) scoops of grain is the recommended quantity of Sadaqatul-Fitr per person. This is approximated as the equivalent to 1.75 kilograms of wheat or about 2.50%.

You may seek a poor household to benefit from your Sadaqatul-Fitr or you may give it to the designated body (charity groups) or the Imam of your local masjid to dispense on your behalf.

By helping the poor, we also help ourselves to gain Allah’s boundless bounty and infinite mercy, insha’Allah.

Ibn Abbas reported: “The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) enjoined Zakatul Fitr on the one who fasts to shield himself from any indecent act or speech, and for the purpose of providing food for the poor. It is accepted as Zakatul-Fitr for the person who pays it before the Eid salaah and it is a mere sadaqah for one who pays it after the salaah.” (Abu Dawud, Nasai & Ibn Majah).

Ramadan Message 2008 - Day 27 (Gift For Eid)

Gift for Eid

Let us make the Eid a real memorable day. How about some Eid (festival) gifts for all the children in the house or neighbourhood? This is indeed a great time for them to be rewarded for their Ramadan participation and support. It is also a good time to reward them for their studies and domestic contribution.

We should make it a wholesome and weighty gift, a charitable act to look forward to every year.

“The upper hand is better than the lower hand (i.e. he who gives in charity is better than him who takes it). One should start giving first to his dependents…” (Bukhari)

The Eid day is the day of happiness and efforts should be geared towards making it so. Even the Rasul allowed the children to sing and dance around his house. He told Abu Bakr not to caution them, because “It is the day of Eid –Celebration.” What arrangement can you make to make this Eid memorable for the kids around you? What entertainment do you have in stock for them?

Our spouses should also be generously rewarded. One way or another they must have made our Ramadan eventful. Perhaps it could be a motivation to do more next year. It could even be in form of a surprise between couples. It is a great day for the Muslim women. Such that the Prophet encouraged them to go for the Eid even if they are menstruating, they are encouraged to be there, to have fun and feel the celebration. Even if they have no dress, they should borrow some and have a happy outing.

Umm Atiya narrated that, “We were ordered to bring out our menstruating women and the veiled virgin women into the gatherings of the two 'Id festivals. These menstruating women were to keep away from their Musalla (prayer ground). A woman asked, "O Allah's Messenger, what about one who does not have a veil?" He (peace be upon him) said, "Let her share the veil of her companion."

We should also extend the gift to our neighbours and friends. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Give presents to one another, for a present removes rancour from the breast, and a woman should not despise even the gift of half a sheep's trotter from her neighbour."

In our celebration, let us not forget that we are Muslims. We are still bounded to the injunctions of Allah about what is halal and what is haram. We do not celebrate with whatever Allah has declared as unlawful (for instance, intoxicants, zina –adultery or fornication, gambling, etc.)

In fact, it is a grievous sin to commit an act of disobedience of Allah on an Eid day. It lays to waste our struggles and strivings in Ramadan. If we do so, it goes to show that we have learnt nothing from the purposes of Ramadan.

So celebrate in all ways, but avoid the haram. Remember the shari’ah principle: All good and pure things are halal (permissible) for Muslims, except those which Allah and His Messenger have delineated as haram or makruu (forbidden or disliked).

Ramadan Bazaar | Eid Preparations in Singapore

With Eid fast approaching, people are trying to find time to make last minute purchases from home funishings to new clothes for the big celebration. Today, we feature some pictures taken at a Ramadan Bazaar in Singapore where people are busy shopping.


Eid Clothes in Singapore




Malay Muslim families in Singapore like to dress in the same color theme for Eid. So many clothings stores actually sell family Eid clothes in the same color, such as in the pictures above. It is a common sight to see an entire family alll decked out in the same color as they go visiting homes on Eid day. It cute to see this phenomenon - and it is not commonly seen in other Muslim cultures. Please correct me if I am wrong!



This is the baju kebaya, which is worn by the younger female members of the family. The top is usually single colored, and the bottom is a sarong, traditionally made of batik material, but these days you can find the sarong made in a variety of materials.



This is a baju kurung, a loose flowing top, worn with a tailored straight skirt.

Eid Home Decorations in Singapore



Artifical flowers of all kinds and in a variety of colors are found at the bazaar, which are used to enliven a home. And there is no need for maintenance - no need for daily waterings.



Colorful curtains abound in the bazaars.

Ramadan Message 2008 - Day 26 (The Muslim Character)

Is he, then, to whom the evil of his conduct is made alluring, so that he looks upon it as good, (equal to one who is rightly guided)? For Allah leaves to stray whom He wills, and guides whom He wills. So let not thy soul go out in (vainly) sighing after them: for Allah knows well all that they do!
(Quran, Surah 35 Verse 8)

The character of a Muslim are laid out clearly in the Qur'an and is amply illustrated in the personality of the Prophet as told in the Hadith. We are genetically fashioned to have distinct characteristics. However, the Muslim will consciously groom his character; he does not allow it to flourish waywardly, untrimmed and unguarded. Below are a few highlights, which characterises the nature and orientation of the believer.

 A Muslim is a person, man or woman, who submits him to Allah, believing in His Oneness and in His Messengers. He has no doubt therein. [Are you an all-weather believer? Do you mix your faith with culture, nationalism or racism?]

 He is obedient to Allah and to Prophet Muhammad. He does not pick and chose when to obey. His is a wholehearted submission (Quran 2 Verse 208).

 He is conscientious with his Salaah, generous in giving of Sadaqah & Zakaah, fasts regularly and most especially in the month of Ramadan; and he behold the hajj no grudge. [Did you fast at least 10 days in the months aside from Ramadan?]

 He is truthful in speech and in deed (Qur'an 33 Verse 70-71). He is patient and humble in his disposition. (Qur'an 2 Verse 45) [Are you able to control your anger even outside Ramadan?]

 He guards strictly his chastity and remembers Allah abundantly and regularly with his tongue and his hearts. Hence his inward acclimatisation translates to an outward healthy disposition.

 He does not argue with revelation, nor does he alter (or seek to undermine) that which Allah and His Prophet have decided (Qur'an 33 Verse 36). [Do you refer to the Qur'an and Sunnah as against conjecture, common sense or cultural practises when guidance is required?]

 He is conscious of his nature and the nature of all the things around him. He seeks not to change the fair nature of what Allah has created (Qur'an 30 verse 30). Otherwise he would be competing with Allah in His attributes of being the Maker, Creator, Fashioners and Moulder.

 He has a good family and sex orientation. He seeks not to destroy the family by engaging in or promoting fornication and adultery, nor does he seek to evil relationships, which led to the destruction of people before us. Hence, he does not partake in sex outside marriage, or sex with same sex or an unnatural sexual acts.

 He is patient with people, not aggressive; he is understanding and tolerating. He does not judge people by their appearance, nor is he prejudiced. He believes in the humane and just treatment of everyone, Muslims and non-Muslims, knowing that Allah is the ultimate judge.

 He hopes and prays for Paradise and does not attribute Paradise to himself or assure others of their Hell-Fire destination.

In conclusion, good intentions (ikhlas niyyah), true faith, devotion to worship, and a good exposure to the nature of the Rasul define a beautiful character. This will translate into kindness, understanding, politeness, a belief in Allah’ Justice, fair dealing in action, a love for all things created by Allah, a capacity for mercy & forgiveness, and a desire to be clean. Your character is yours and it is a result of your values and perceptions. But just like your body, your character is an amanah (trust upon you by Allah); you are accountable to Allah about what you did to it.

Ramadan Message 2008 - Day 25 (What Type of Muslim Am I?)

“Do you enjoin right conduct on the people and forget (to practice it) yourselves and yet you study the Scripture? Will you not understand?” (Qur'an 2 Verse 44)

“When the Hypocrites come to you, they say: 'We bear witness that you are indeed the Messenger of Allah.' Yea Allah knows that you are indeed His Messenger and Allah bears witness that the Hypocrites are indeed liars.” (Qur'an 63 Verses 1)


We are usually concerned about the believer and the unbelievers. But there is a third group. The hypocrites.

The Prophet said, "Whoever has the following four (characteristics) will be a pure hypocrite and whoever has one of them will have one characteristic of hypocrisy until he gives it up: one, whenever he is entrusted, he betrays; two, whenever he speaks, he tells a lie; three, whenever he makes a covenant, he proves treacherous; and finally, whenever he quarrels, he behaves in a very imprudent, evil and insulting manner." (Bukhari)

The complete hypocrites are difficult to identify. He may come as a scholar or learned person, with beard, quoting fluent Arabic and his presentation is good.

Allah confirms this: "When you look at them their exteriors (appearances) please you; and when they speak, you listen to their words..." (Qur'an 63 Verse 4).

But indeed they are nothing and their words are nothing "…they are as (worthless as hollow) pieces of timber propped up (but unable to stand on their own)." (Qur'an 63 Verse 4)

All they seek is to undermine Islam, or its unity, so their tactics is to make "… their oaths a screen (for their misdeeds): thus they obstruct (men) from the Path of Allah: truly evil are their deeds." (Qur'an 63 Verse 2)

Hypocrisy means having a double face. Some people said to Ibn 'Umar, "When we are in the presence of our rulers we say their praise which is contrary to what we say when we leave them." Ibn 'Umar said, "We used to consider this as hypocrisy." (Bukhari Vol.9 #289)

Hence they have a face with Islam and another against it. Further, their salaah is for show off. Their salaah in public is different from their salaah in private. "Lo! The hypocrites seek to beguile (deceive) Allah, but it is Allah who beguiles them. When they stand up to worship they perform it languidly and to be seen of men, and are mindful of Allah but little; swaying between this (and that), (belonging) neither to these nor to those. …" (Qur'an 4 Verses 142-143)

Some other types of hypocrites refer to Muslims who appear to always put Islam before all else as fools and extremists.

"Lo! the hypocrites and those in whose hearts is a disease say: 'these people--their religion has misled them'." (Qur'an 8 Verse 49) They are not satisfied with position, so they mock and dishonour Islam to get honour from their friends.

"Yea to those who take for friends unbelievers rather than believers: is it honour they seek among them? Nay all honour is with Allah. Already has He sent you word in the Book that when you hear the signs of Allah held in defiance and ridicule you are not to sit with them unless they turn to a different theme: if you did you would be like them. For Allah will collect the Hypocrites and those who defy faith all in hell." (Qur'an 4 Verses 138-140)

This group of hypocrites is opposed to everything Islam. They seek to contradict it and Shaytan is their guide. Allah captures their efforts thus, "the hypocrites, men and women…enjoin the wrong, and they forbid the right, and they withhold their hands (from spending for the cause of Allah). They forget Allah, so He has forgotten them. Lo! the hypocrites, they are the transgressors…." (Qur'an 9 Verses 67-68)

We shall not be cowed by their strength, affluence and efforts, we shall not be conquered by their 'da'wah of negativity', Allah urges us, "and incline not to the disbelievers and the hypocrites. Disregard their noxious talk, and put your trust in Allah. Allah is sufficient as Trustee." (Qur'an 33 Verse 48)

Their abode is not only Hell (Qur'an 9 verse 73), but "the lowest deep of the fire, and you will find no helper for them; save those who repent and amend and hold fast to Allah and make their religion pure for Allah (only). Those are with the believers. And Allah will bestow on the believers an immense reward." (Qur'an 4 verses 145-146)

Do you think you have been described in these paragraphs? Beware, the Prophet said, during the last days, a man will go to bed as a believer and will wake up (in the morning) as a disbeliever. Mind the gap! Take care of your deen.

Reading The Quran When You Do Not Understand Arabic

Can You Benefit if You Read The Quran in English?

This is the question that many Muslims who are English speakers struggle with. Traditionally, all Muslims are taught to read the Quran in Arabic. The great majority of the Muslim world consists of non-Arabic speaking people (only 20% of the Muslim world constitutes of Arabic speakers). Therefore, a vast number of Muslims are taught to read the Quran in a language they do not understand. But in every community, a number of them will learn the Arabic language, and they become Islamic leaders in their communities.

This is very different from the Christian world where the religion is localised to the community - translations of the Bible in various languages abound. No Christian reads the Bible in its original language.

There are also translations of the Quran in many languages so that the Message is comprehensible to people in their native language. But the Muslim prayer is conducted in Arabic (always), congregational prayers are also in Arabic, people gather to recite the Quran in Arabic. People who memorise and recite the Quran in Arabic are respected and envied. And it is commonly held that reading the Quran is beneficial to the one who reads is.

But for many of us non-Arabic speakers, learning the Arabic language can be an uphill task. The Arabic language script is not Romanized making it all the more harder for the English speaker to learn it.

Since Arabic is so prevalent in Islam, I think it should be necessary that all Muslim children, be initiated into Arabic language classes. This will facillate them understanding the Quran as it was meant to be understood as they grow older - not merely relying on an English interpretation of the Quran.

Nevertheless, for those of us who are already older, and want to take some meaning from the Quran without painful Arabic language classes, we have no choice but to rely on the English translations. That would be better than nothing.

For those of us more motivated, we can enroll in Arabic language classes. After all, non-Muslims are motivated to do it for monetary or educational reasons, so why not Muslims motivated by spirituality?

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Here is what I found in a book:

Reward for reading the Qur'aan in translation

Question:

Asalamu-Alaikum,

This is in regards to Question 2237 `Reading Soorat Yaa-Seen in congregation on Friday nights'. Actually I am referring to the hadeeth you mentioned where The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever reads one letter of the Book of Allaah will have one hasanah (reward) for doing so, and every hasanah will be multiplied by 10. I do not say that `Alif, laam, meem' is one letter, but `Alif' is a letter, `laam' is a letter and `meem' is a letter.'"
I was wonderring if this hadith was also true if one is reading the Qur'an in a different language (i.e. English Translation) in order to actually understand what he is reading?

Thank You, Allahu-Akbar

Answer:

Praise be to Allaah. We ask Allaah to reward you for your keenness. In response to your question, the reward mentioned in this hadeeth is only for the one who reads the Qur'aan as it is in Arabic, not for the one who reads the interpretation of the meanings in any other language. However, if a person reads a translation of the meanings in order to understand the meaning and benefit from what the aayaat are saying, then he will be rewarded for doing this, and his reward is with Allaah, because the Muslim will be rewarded for reading tafseer (explanation and commentary), and a translation is tafseer. But there is no indication that the person who reads a translation will earn the reward mentioned in the hadeeth. The bounty of Allaah is immense. And Allaah knows best.

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But the following story I found recently shows that there is benefit from God's words even if we do not always comprehend it.

Story:

An old man lived on a farm in the mountains of eastern Kentucky with his young grandson. Each morning Grandfather was up early sitting at the kitchen table reading his Qur'an. His grandson wanted to be just like him and tried to imitate him in every way he could.

One day the grandson asked, 'Grandfather! I try to read the Qur'an just like you but I don't understand it, and what I do understand I forget as soon as I close the book. What good does reading the Qur'an do?'

The Grandfather quietly turned from putting coal in the stove and replied, 'Take this coal basket down to the river and bring me back a basket of water.'

The boy did as he was told, but all the water leaked out before he got back to the house. The grandfather laughed and said, 'You'll have to move a little faster next time,' and sent him back to the river with the basket to try again. This time the boy ran faster, but again the basket was empty before he returned home. Out of breath, he told his grandfather that it was impossible to carry water in a basket, and he went to get a bucket instead. The old man said, 'I don't want a bucket of water; I want a basket of water. You're just not trying hard enough,' and he went out the door to watch the boy try again.

At this point, the boy knew it was impossible, but he wanted to show his grandfather that even if he ran as fast as he could, the water would Leak out before he got back to the house. The boy again dipped the basket into river and ran hard, but when he reached his grandfather the basket was again empty. Out of breath, he said, 'See Grandfather, it's useless!' 'So you think it is useless?' The old man said, 'Look at the basket.'

The boy looked at the basket and for the first time realized that the basket was different. It had been transformed from a dirty old coal basket and was now clean, inside and out.

'Son, that's what happens when you read the Qur'an. You might not understand or remember everything, but when you read it, you will be changed, inside and out.

Ramadan Iftar Recipes | Tasty Food From Saudi Arabia

Saudia Arabia is the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad. The King of Saudi Arabia acts as the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. As such, Saudi Arabia tries to fulfill its responsibility of defending Islam and striving to serve Muslim interests. It also has been conducting dialogues with other cultures and religions with the aim of driving deep the principles of peace, justice and universal human welfare.

In Ramadan, adult Muslims, except the sick and those traveling, abstain from food, drink, smoking and sex between dawn and sunset. After breaking their fast, Muslims attend Tarawih, a special nightly prayers. Muslims are also encouraged to read the Quran and engage in spiritual remembrances.

Today, we feature a Ramadan iftar dessert recipe from Saudi Arabia called Sambosa Helwa (Mini Sweet Sambosa). It is somewhat similar to the savoury Indian samosas that is filled with meat or vegetables, but in the Saudi Arabian version it is sweet. There is also a Saudi Arabian savoury version that is deep-fried.


Sambosa Helwa (Mini Sweet Sambosa) Recipe


Recipe By Arabic Bites.

Ingredients:

1 package mini sambosa pastry leaves.

For the filling:
1 cup of finely chopped pistachios.
1/2 cup sugar.
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom.
2 to 4 tablespoons rose water.
1/8 teaspoon blossom water.
Pinch of saffron threads (crushed).

Method:

1) To seal the dough, mix 2 tablespoon of flour with water to make a sticky paste.

2) Mix all of the filling ingredients.

3) Place the pastry in your hand, take the left edge and fold it to the right side, next fold it to the left side to get a cone shape.

4) Fill cone with half a teaspoon of filling, seal the cone by repeating the same moves (left and right) close the edge with the sealing dough.

5) Bake at 350 F until golden brown.

Laylatul-al-Qadr Dua By Sa'ad Al Ghamdi (The Night of Power)

The Night of Power or Destiny is an extremely important night for Muslims. It is the night in which the Holy Quran, was revealed from Allah (S.W.T.)to Prophet Muhammad (P.B.B.U.H.). It is a night worth more than 1000 days (which is more than the average lifetime of a human from his birth date to his death date).

The Quran was revealed during the month of Ramadan (2:185). Traditionally, Muslims celebrated the Night of Power on the 27th night of Ramadan, but there is a debate on which day of Ramadan is Laylatul-al-Qadr (The Night of Power).

Muslims with strong Iman pray every night of Ramadan as if it is a Laylatul-al-Qadr, others increase their prayers as Ramadan progress, and yet others observe each and every single night in the last 10 days of Ramadan. As explained in a previous article, muslims also retreat to the mosque for seclusion (I'tikaf) and pray day and night during the last 10 days.

When exactly is this glorious night? We don't really know, and the early Muslims asked the same question. The Prophet (peace be upon him) encouraged them to do I’tikaf (seclusion in the mosque away from all worldly thoughts, deeds and concerns) in the last ten days. So the last ten days of Ramadan are very important.

Please pray for us and for all muslims, and may Allah (Subhanahu Wa Taaala) accept your prayers (Dua)on this great night.

Amazing Laylatul-al-Qadr Dua by Sa'ad Al Ghamdi

Part 1


Part 2

Ramadan Message 2008 - Day 24 (Faith and Work)

“By the declining day, verily, man is in a state of loss,
save those who believe and do good works,
and exhort one another to truth
and exhort one another to endurance.”
(Qur'an 103 Verses 1-3)

Faith and Work

Faith is the oneness of Allah, which has three principal elements: (1) That we accept nobody but Allah as our God, (2) that we do not assume anyone but Allah as our protector, (3) and that we take only Allah as our judge. This is the meaning of the creed that there is no God but Allah.

After the oneness of Allah comes the second facet of faith, that is belief in the message of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and that Muhammad is His Messenger. He is neither a God, nor the son of a God, nor the Holy Spirit, nor an incarnation of God. He is only the servant of Allah and His Messenger. God Revealed His Book to him and he passed on to the people what God Revealed to him. He neither betrayed, nor did he conceal the truth, nor did he speak vainly.

"It is no less than inspiration sent down to him." (Surah 53, Verse 4)

Among the pillars of the faith that Muhammad (PBUH) received from his God, is belief in the Hereafter and in punishment, and that death is not an end in itself. There is an eternal life after our ephemera life, when each person is given everything that he has earned and thanked by his good deeds.

"And whosoever does good an atom's weight will see it then, and whosoever does ill an atom's weight will see it then." (Surah 99, Verses 7-8)

In the life of Muslims, faith is not marginal. It is the essence of our existence, the secret of our living and the gist of our message. Without it there is no sense to our life and no reason for our being.

If each personality has a key to it, and if you discover it and use it, you will be able to discover its hidden contents and unfold the secrets of its capabilities. The key to man's personality in our religion is faith.

And as it is possible to set a car, a ship or an aeroplane in motion and to set it forward just by the touch of a key, or the push of a button and to use them to travel long distances, it is also possible with the effect of faith to move the emotions of this nation and to use it to make miracles and exploits of championships which can be related like legends.

Many have struck different strings in order to move this nation, but it has neither moved nor has it responded. They have struck the nationalist string, and the socialist string, the democracy string, but have achieved nothing other than crises and catastrophes.

But when you lead this nation with the Qur'an, you hold it high and the same when you call "Allah is Great" and when you invoke the breeze of Paradise. Then you will find that the people respond in millions and are ready to die for the sake of Allah. This faith which is instilled in the innate character of the nation, and stored in its moral make-up is like a healthy seed in a healthy earth. We must take care of it, raise it, protect it and feed it. We should also covet it and preserve it from any poisonous substances or evil insects in order to allow it to grow, improve and mature so that it gives its fruit with the will of God.

The Muslim is required to work for his living and to be productive and creative, until the very end of his life. He should not procrastinate in the working of the land, and this is what Allah's Messenger (PBUH) taught us when he said: “If the world is about to end and one of you has a palm tree plant in his hand, he should plant it before he dies, if he can.”

Why should he plant it if the world is about to end? Why should he plant it if he is not going to live till he can pick its fruit? There is not even somebody who is going to live after him so that he can say: "People before us planted so that we can eat, and we are planting to provide those after us with food," because when the world ends it ends for everybody. The idea here is to glorify work for the sake of work and to keep the Muslim productive and creative until the last moment of his life, and as long as he is able to work.

If this is required for man's worldly matters, how could it be possible that the same would not be asked of his religious activity? How can religion be lower in priority than worldly matters?

The Muslim is required to observe the commands of his religion as much as he can. He should advise people to do good deeds and to be charitable and to avoid committing evil deeds. They should fight for the cause of Allah, and against evil and decadence. They should also collaborate with their brother Muslims in doing good and worshipping Allah. The texts which have come with all these commands have not been abolished, and are not specific to a particular time. They are permanent and will be there until Allah inherits the land and its inhabitants.

–Shaykh Yusuf Qaradawi, Towards A Sound Awakening.