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Don’t Delay Your Prayers

There were only 15 minutes left before Salat-ul Isha.

He quickly made Wudhu and performed Salat-ul Maghrib.

While making Tasbih, he again remembered his grandmother and was embarrassed by how he had prayed.

His grandmother prayed with such tranquillity and peace.

He began making Dua and went down to make Sajdah and stayed like that for a while.

He had been at work all day and was tired, so tired.

He awoke abruptly to the sound of noise and shouting.

He was sweating profusely.

He looked around.

It was very crowded.

Every direction he looked in was filled with people.

Some stood frozen looking around, some were running left and right and some were on their knees with their heads in their hands just waiting.

Pure fear and apprehension filled him as he realized where he was.

His heart was about to burst.

It was the Day of Judgment.

When he was alive, he had heard many things about the questioning on the Day of Judgment, but that seemed so long ago…

Could this be something his mind made up?

No, the wait and the fear were so great that he could not have imagined this.

The interrogation was still going on.

He began moving frantically from people to people to ask if his name had been called.

No one could answer him.

All of a sudden, his name was called and the crowd split into two and made a passageway for him.

Two angels grabbed his arms and led him forward.

He walked with unknowing eyes through the crowd.

The angels brought him to the center and left him there.

His head was bent down, and his whole life was passing in front of his eyes like a movie.

He opened his eyes but saw only another world.

The people were all helping others.

He saw his father running from one lecture to the other, spending his wealth in the way of Islam.

His mother invited guests to their house and one table was being set while the other was being cleared.

He pleaded his case,

‘I too was always on this path.

I helped others.

I spread the word of Allah.

I performed my Salah.

I fasted in the month of Ramadan.

Whatever Allah ordered us to do, I did.

Whatever he ordered us not to do, I did not.’

He began to cry and think about how much he loved Allah.

He knew that whatever he had done in life would be less than what Allah deserved, and his only protector was Allah He was sweating like never before and was shaking all over.

His eyes were fixed on the scale, waiting for the final decision.

At last, the decision was made.

The two angels, with sheets of paper in their hands, turned to the crowd.

His legs felt like they were going to collapse.

He closed his eyes as they began

To read the names of those people who were to enter Jahannam.

His name was read first.

He fell on his knees and yelled that this couldn’t be,

‘How could I go to Jahannam?

I served others all my life,

I spread the word of Allah to others.

His eyes had become blurry, and he was shaking with sweat.

The two angels took him by the arms.

As his feet dragged, they went through the crowd and advanced toward the blazing flames of Jahannam.

He was yelling and wondered if there was any person who was going to help him.

He was yelling about all the good deeds he had done, how he had helped his father, his fasts, prayers, and the Noble Qur’an that he read, he was asking if none of them would help him.

The Jahannam angels continued to drag him.

They had gotten closer to the Hellfire.

He looked back and these were his last pleas.

Had not Rasulullah [SAW] said, ‘How clean would a person be who bathes in a river five times a day, so too does the Salah performed five times cleanse someone of their sins’?

He began yelling,

‘My prayers? My prayers? My prayers.?’

The two angels did not stop, and they came to the edge of the abyss of Jahannam.

The flames of the fire were burning his face.

He looked back one last time, but his eyes were dry of hope, and he had nothing left in him.

One of the angels pushed him in.

He found himself in the air and falling towards the flames.

He had just fallen five or six feet when a hand grabbed him by the arm and pulled him back.

He lifted his head and saw an old man with a long white beard.

He wiped some dust off himself and asked him,

‘Who are you?’

The old man replied,

‘I am your prayers’.

‘Why are you so late! I was almost in the Fire!

You rescued me at the last minute before I fell in’.

The old man smiled and shook his head,

‘You always performed me at the last minute, did you forget?’

At that instant, he blinked and lifted his head from Sajdah.

He was in a sweat.

He listened to the voices coming from outside.

He heard the Adhan for Salat-ul Isha.

He got up quickly and went to perform Wudhu.

33 Blessings Of Ramadan

The Blessings and Benefits of Ramadan Fasting are too many to be counted. If one does recognize them and realizes their importance, he would wish to have the month of Ramadan throughout the entire year…!

These blessings are given by ALLAH to the fasting Muslims, [who should fast with full faith and expectation.]
These blessings and benefits of the month of fasting during Ramadan have been grouped and summarized into different categories. They are outlined here without commentary. All of these blessings were taken directly from Holy Quran and ‘Hadith’.

The following is a partial list of the blessings and benefits of Ramadan Fasting:
#1. Taqwa: “O you who believe! Observing As-Saum (the fast) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqun (the pious)” [Source: Quran 2 A # 183]

What is ‘Taqwa’?
1. Fearing Allah (SWT)
2. Practicing the Revelations of Allah (SWT)
3. Accepting the little things that one has achieved.
4. Preparing for departure from this world to the Hereafter
5. Self-discipline
6. Self-control
7. Self-restraint
8. Self-education
9. Self-evaluation
By accepting these criteria and by practicing them, the Muslim will achieve the concept of ‘Taqwa’ in his private and public life.

#2. Protection:
1. Avoiding Immorality
2. Avoiding anger/outcry/uproar
3. Avoiding stupidity
4. Avoiding all makrooh/mashbooh/haram
By achieving these good manners, a Muslim will come out of fasting a better human being in society.

#3. Revelation of Holy Quran:
The Holy Quran was revealed during the month of Ramadan.
“The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong)” [Source Quran 2 A #185]

The Holy Quran is meant to be:
1. A Guidance to mankind
2. A Manifestation of right from wrong
3. A Summation and culmination of all previous revelations
4. A Glad-tiding to the believers
5. A Healer
6. A Mercy.

#4. Doors of heaven are open (Hadith Ahmed, Nasai, Baihaqi).
#5. Doors of hell are closed (Hadith Ahmed, Nasai, Baihaqi).
#6. Devils are chained down (Hadith Ahmed, Nasai, Baihaqi)..

#7. Fasting with ‘Iman’ (faith) and expectation:
Such an intention leads to forgiveness by Allah (SWT) for the individual’s sins. (Source Hadith Ahmed, Abu Dawood, Ibn Majah).

Pointing Out 30 Mistakes

  1. Always thinking that youth and health will remain forever.
  2. Complaining and not having patience at times of hardship.
  3. Considering yourself to be the most intelligent.
  4. Considering your enemy to be inferior.
  5. Deeming an illness to be minor and not getting treatment initially.
  6. Acting upon one’s own opinion and disregarding the advice of others.
  7. Being influenced by a wrongdoer despite testing him numerous times.
  8. Remaining happy in unemployment and not seeking a livelihood.
  9. Telling someone of your secret and then telling him to keep it concealed.
  10. Spending more than you earn.
  11. Not being there for others at times of difficulty and hoping for their help.
  12. Making a good or bad judgment about a person after only meeting them once or twice.
  13. Not serving your parents and then hoping to be served by your children.
  14. Leaving a task incomplete with the thought that it will be completed at another time.
  15. Treating everyone badly and expecting people to treat you in a good manner.
  16. Sitting in the company of misguided individuals.
  17. Not paying any heed when someone invites you towards a righteous action.
  18. Not having any regard for Halal and Haram yourself, and encouraging others to do the same.
  19. Taking false oaths and deceiving people to benefit your business.
  20. Not considering Islamic knowledge and religiosity an honor.
  21. Considering yourself to be better than others.
  22. Driving beggars and the needy from your door by shoving them.
  23. Speaking unnecessarily.
  24. Not being on good terms with your neighbors.
  25. Relying on your friendship with rulers and the rich.
  26. Unnecessarily involving yourself in people’s household affairs.
  27. Speaking without thinking.
  28. Remaining someone’s guest for more than three days.
  29. Revealing the private affairs of your home to others.
  30. Mentioning your worries and concerns to everyone.

Preparing For Ramadan: The Month Of Mercy

As the dawn of Ramadan approaches, offering us glimpse of its golden rays of purity, every Muslim around the world prepares to experience the warm ambiance which only this month can bring. From Suhoor to Iftar to Taraweeh Salah, Ramadan brings together brothers, sisters, parents, and children. To derive the utmost benefit from the sacred month of Ramadan, it is crucial to recognize the spiritual significance and importance of this month. Fasting during this month should be only for ALLAH TA’ALA, and HE will give the reward for it, for the reward of ALLAH, the Bountiful, and Munificent, is greater and vaster than anyone could imagine, Subhan-ALLAH!

A Hadith so beautifully summarizes: “The reward for every good deed of Adam will be multiplied anywhere between ten and seven hundred times. ALLAH said: ‘Except for fasting because it is for ME and I MYSELF will give recompense for it. He gives up his food and his passion for ME.’ For the one who fasts, there are two times of rejoicing, one when he breaks the fast, and one when he meets his Lord. Verily, the smell that comes from the mouth of one who is fasting is more pleasing to ALLAH than the scent of musk.” (Hadith:Bukhari and Muslim)

Beloved Reader! This is a month that ALLAH TA’ALA has designated for the revitalization of the soul and one’s spiritual ascension after a year full of sin and spiritual retrogression. However, all this will only be possible if we value this precious month and prepare for it accordingly. It is reported that Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) used to commence His preparation two months before Ramadan by reciting the following supplication at the beginning of Rajab, “O ALLAH! Bless us in Rajab and Sha’ban and make us reach Ramadan”. This shows the importance of conditioning oneself mentally and spiritually for the advent of this month. Ramadan is a long-awaited celestial guest; accordingly, we ought to prepare the grandest reception in appreciation for all of its beautiful blessings and barakah. It is only through such yearning and longing that the significance of Ramadan will develop in our hearts, catalyzing us to increase our good deeds and to fulfill the objectives of Ramadan.

Therefore, we should strike a balance, during this all-too-short blessed month, between our domestic duties and the opportunity this month brings, to draw closer to ALLAH through worship and good deeds. Do not let our household chores and other work distract us from performing the obligatory Salah at the appointed times or from reading the Quran Kareem for Nafl Salah. Nor should we let traditional late-night family gatherings keep us from performing Qiyam al-Layl and making Du’a. There are three main objectives to attain from this blessed month, namely absolution of one’s sins, attainment of piety, and enhancing one’s communion with ALLAH TA’ALA. Regarding absolution of sin, Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) mentioned, “Whoever fasts and stands for worship in Ramadan out of faith and anticipation of reward, all of his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Ibn Majah)

The main element mentioned in this Hadith is that our effort and striving in worship throughout the month should be with the zest of Iman and zeal of reward. The recompense of this will be a thorough effacement of sins. The veil of inhibition that impedes a person from his or her Rabb will be removed and the doors to a life of spiritual bliss, ecstasy, and harmony will be flung open. Subhan-ALLAH!

ALLAH TA’ALA states, “O you who believe, fasting has made compulsory upon you as it made compulsory upon those before you so that you may become ALLAH fearing.” (Quran:2:183)

Alhamdulillah! Fasting is one of the best spiritual exercises to establish piety, patience, and a perpetual consciousness of ALLAH TA’ALA and the reward for true patience is Jannah. In this beautiful month four things you should continue to perform in great number, two of which shall be to please your Rabb, while the other two shall be those without which you cannot do. Those which shall be to please your Rabb, are that you should in great quantity bear witness that there is no deity to worship except ALLAH (i.e. recite the Kalimah Tayyibah Laa Ilaaha Illallaah) and make much Istighfar (beg ALLAH’S forgiveness with Astaghfirullaah).” And as for those without which you cannot do, you should beg of ALLAH, entrance into Paradise, and ask refuge in HIM from Jahannam(Hell). “Once a person feels the bliss of being completely pardoned and relieved from the burden of sins coupled with the feelings of ALLAH’S Omnipresence, he or she would have reached a very high pedestal of divine communion. This pedestal is what is referred to as the stage of Ihsaan; where a person worships ALLAH as if he or she is seeing HIM or with the full conviction and cognizance that ALLAH is watching him or her.

Beloved Reader! The Mubarak month of Ramadan requires special preparation because it requires complete dedication on the part of the Mu’min. Below are a few easy ways to Inshallah (ALLAH willing) help prepare our minds and hearts for this upcoming Month of Mercy.

1. Intention To Prepare:
One of the most essential elements of preparing for the arrival of Ramadan is to make the intention for preparation, for verily “every action judged by its intention”(Hadith-Bukhari). The preparation begins the day you start practicing humility and patience, and learn how to control your nafs (desires) and anger.

2. Perform Rewarding Actions:
In the spirit of Ramadan, it is best to start preparing for the blessed month by performing actions that are rewarding and appreciated by our beautiful ALLAH. According to a Hadith, “If a person says, “Subhanallah”(Glory be to ALLAH) 100 times, a thousand good deeds are recorded for him and a thousand bad deeds are wiped away.”

3. Increase The Worship:
To start preparing for the blessed month of Ramadan, it is best if you start increasing your worship. This will allow you to adjust your routine for the arrival of Ramadan. Increase all forms of Ibadah(worship) such Fasting, recitation of Qur’an, Zikr, Sadaqah(Charity), Nafl (voluntary) Salah etc

4. Determine Specific Days For Fasting:
To adjust your body to fasting, it is best that you start fasting beforehand. You should define specific days for fasting. For example, if you fast every Monday and Thursday, you will be more fully prepared for Ramadan making the adjustment much easier.

5. Read The Mubarak Quran Regularly:
For individuals who have not prepared to read and recite the Quran during Ramadan, Quran Kareem recitation while fasting becomes difficult. It is best if you start reading the Mubarak Quran after Fajr salah on a daily basis just to prepare for the Ramadan spirit.

6. Adjust Sleeping Habits:
Ramadan teaches us to adjust the way we lead our life. Therefore, before the arrival of Ramadan, it is ideal if you start adjusting your sleeping habits. You should start off by going to bed early and rising early. If you are used to this routine, you will not feel sleepy and tired when Ramadan arrives.

7. Define Objectives:
Ramadan is the ideal month to embark on your journey to fresh objectives. If you are a smoker and want to quit this habit, you should start off with this month. If you want to be an early riser, still Ramadan is the perfect month for you.

In essence, Ramadan is the most blessed and rewarding month. Therefore, all Muslims should try their best to prepare for this auspicious month of Ramadan. Regular recitation of the Quran, voluntary charity, and recitation and offering prayers will help you prepare for the Ramadan spirit. Inshallah!

O Beloved Reader! Let us embellish our Akhlaq (character) in this beautiful and blessed month with gifts presented by the Prophet of guidance (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Sallam). Let us make this Ramadan a means of gaining nearness to Allah Ta’ala and preparing for the eternal journey that each one of us must traverse.

By Sister S Bemath

 

Happy Ramadan

Many people often don’t get too close to religion. This is because they feel that understanding religion and then following it is very difficult. Therefore, without thinking much about right and wrong, people keep doing things they like. Many times prejudice too keeps a person away from religion.

The teacher of humanity and life among the major religions is Islam. Today we will tell you some interesting secrets of this religion that you have never heard of. This is because they feel that understanding religion and then following it is very difficult. Therefore, without thinking much about right and wrong, people keep doing things they like. Many times prejudice too keeps a person away from religion.

Who celebrates Ramadan?
More than 1 billion Muslims worldwide celebrate Ramadan, including more than 6 million in the United States. Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world, with Pakistan, Bangladesh, India and Turkey following. Islam is the fastest-growing religion in America.

When is Ramadan?
Ramadan starts at the beginning of the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Because Islam observes a lunar calendar, the official beginning occurs at different times around the globe, based on when the crescent moon is first seen. The lunar calendar is about 11 days shorter than the solar calendar.

What is the derivation of “Ramadan”?
Ramadan is derived from the Arabic word ar-ramad, meaning “parched thirst,” and is also the name of the ninth month of the lunar calendar.

How did Ramadan begin?
In approximately 610 A.D., a caravan trader named Muhammad (PBUH) began wandering the desert near Mecca (in today’s Saudi Arabia). The angel Gabriel appeared to him and told him he had been chosen to receive the world of Allah. In the days that followed, Muhammad began speaking and transcribing the words to the Quran (also spelled “Koran”), the sacred book of Islam.

Muslims consider the Quran to be God’s literal speech, recorded in the Arabic language, and transmitted through humanity via Muhammad, who is considered the last of a chain of prophets that included Adam, Abraham, Moses, David, and Jesus.

How is Ramadan celebrated?
Ramadan is a month of heightened devotion, a time when the doors of heaven are kept open, the doors of hell are closed, and Satan is kept in chains. Muslims go through a period of intense reflection and devotion, seeking guidance and forgiveness.

Muslims practice sawm, or fasting, during the entire month. This means they may eat or drink nothing, including water, while the sun shines. Married adults also refrain from marital relations during the hours of fasting (i.e. the daylight hours).

Other duties include five daily prayers and the recitation of the Taraweeh prayer, or Night prayer. At mosques during Ramadan, about one-thirtieth of the Quran is recited in prayers called tarawih. By the end of Ramadan, the entire Quran has been recited.

Why do Muslims fast during Ramadan?
Fasting is one of the Five Pillars (duties) of Islam. The Quran says that the main reason behind fasting is to attain taqwa, or God-consciousness. While they are hungry and thirsty, Muslims are reminded of the suffering of the poor. Fasting is also an opportunity to practice self-control and to cleanse the body and mind. In the Muslim world, most restaurants are closed during the daylight hours during Ramadan. Families get up early for suhoor, a meal eaten before the sun rises. After the sun sets, the fast is broken with a meal known as iftar which usually includes dates, fresh fruits, appetizers, beverages and dinner.

All Muslims partake in the customs and celebration of Ramadan, starting at approximately age 12. Exceptions include men and women who are too old to fast, those who are too ill, women in the advanced stages
of pregnancy, and women who are menstruating.

What does the Quran say about Ramadan?
“The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Quran was sent down, a guidance for mankind, clear proofs for the guidance, the Criterion; so whoever among you witnesses this month, let him fast it.” (Surah al-Baqarah 2:185)
The hadith, a collection of the sayings of Muhammad, recommends the following:
* Study the Quran.
* Come together for this purpose.
* Check your memory of the Quran.
* Increase your recitation of the Quran.

How and when does Ramadan end?
Ramadan ends with the festival of Eid al-Fitr. The “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” Eid al-Fitr, is one of the two most important Islamic celebrations (the other occurs after the Hajj or pilgrimage to Mecca). At Eid al-Fitr people dress in their finest clothes, adorn their homes with lights and decorations, give treats to children, and enjoy visits with friends and family. At the end of Ramadan, Muslims give Zakat al Fitr, a monetary contribution to the poor or their mosques.