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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).

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.

Practical And Spiritual Advice For Those Going To Hajj

Alhamdulillah, we are upon that time of year once more when those who have been chosen by Allah to visit His blessed house and perform Hajj are preparing to leave by reading up on how to perform Hajj in the correct manner. Though this is good and necessary, I would like to propose some points regarding extra actions you can do to magnify your reward by the will of Allah, as well as to share with you some advice that is not commonly given.

1) From the moment you enter the state of iḥram, the best dhikr you could make is the Talbiyah,

لبيكاللهم لبيك،لبيك لا شريكلك لبيك، إنالحمدوالنعمة لكوالملك لاشريك لك

Some scholars have said that during this time, this dhikr is even better than reciting the Quran. You stop saying it when you begin umrah. You start again when you enter the state of iḥram for Hajj, and you stop once more when you throw the stones (jamarat) on the day of Eid.

It is narrated that when the saḥabah entered the state of iḥram, by the time they had traveled to الروحاء (one day’s travel from Madinah), they had lost their voices from the constant saying of the Talbiyah.[1] When saying the Talbiyah, be conscious that what you are saying is literally affirming your answer to Allah’s call so have this in the back of your mind whenever you are performing the Talbiyah so that you are constantly affirming your intention to carry out this great act of worship. What an honor it is and what a great matter you are embarking upon.

2) When you are on the plains of Arafah, sit down to conserve your energy, just as the Prophet (sall Allahu alayhi wasallam) sat on his camel, [2] and make plenty of dua, not stopping except to drink water, until the sun has set. These few hours are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so do not let them pass easily. If you ever get stuck on what to say, then constantly repeat the best dua a person can make on the best occasion for them to make a dua (at Arafah), which is to say لااله الا اللهوحده لا شريكله له الملكوله الحمد وهوعلى كل شيقدير.

Be conscious that at this very moment, Allah is showing off to the Angels telling them “Look at my slaves”.[3] He is pleased with you at this very moment so seize this moment to ask Him what you desire, and do not waste this opportunity or your time. Making dua on the plains of  Arafah is one of the greatest actions you can do in your entire life, [4] so stay away from the people and find a secluded spot or a place where no one you know is around you so there is nothing to distract you from seizing this moment.

–  When you sleep in muzdalifah, wear a face mask. Depending on where you are, it may be very dusty, which will prevent you from sleeping properly (to get energy for the most eventful day) as well as probably make you feel ill.

–  Contrary to what we are commonly told, you CAN slaughter the sacrificial animal yourself. After throwing the stones at the jamarat, follow the signs leading to the slaughterhouse (under 1hr walk). When you get near it, you will begin to see farms with animals. Pass these and go to the slaughterhouses, where you will not see any animals, just long (not tall) buildings with a booth at the front of each. Here you pay, receive a ticket and are able to enter to witness or carry out the slaughter yourself.

– Have you ever considered sacrificing a camel instead? It is the Sunnah that you sacrifice a camel, as that is the biggest and best sacrificial animal and is what the Prophet (sall Allahu alayhi wasallam) sacrificed. A few years ago this was not possible due to a disease spread within camels, but this may not be the case now.

– Have you ever considered sacrificing more than one animal? The Prophet (sall Allahu alayhi wa sallam) sacrificed 100 camels during his Hajj.[5] He knew that to sacrifice an animal is a part of Ḥajj and a form of glorification of Allah, and therefore sacrificed the best and the most he could. If you can afford it, sacrifice more than one animal, up to as many as you can afford. If you are reading this before you’ve set off, then take extra cash with you for this. Hajj is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so glorify Allah and sacrifice the best you can give. The pious people would never haggle when buying a sacrificial animal, nor allow anyone to carry the sacrificial animal for them because they wanted to glorify Allah and show Him that they were exerting their best effort for His sake regardless of the cost. Their only concern was the reward.

– Get a data pack and save your location in Mina in Google Maps. You will constantly be leaving it for either Arafah or the Jamarat, so this will help you return easily without getting lost. Google Maps will also help if you decide to go to the slaughterhouse as you may not be able to return via the same route, and you will also need it on your return from tawaf al-ifadah.

– It is the Sunnah that after you throw the first two sets of stones at the jamarat on the 11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul Hijjah that you make dua. The dua that the Prophet(sall Allahu alayhi wa sallam) made was equivalent to a person reciting Surah al-Baqarah i.e. about 1 hour.[6] The throwing of the stones is the only ritual act of Hajj made during these days so spend the extra time making dua because this opportunity only comes once in a lifetime (for most of us). Try to, at least once, make dua the length that the Prophet (sall Allahu alayhi wa sallam) used to make it and remember; dhikr of Allah is dua and you could therefore also repeat:

لااله الا اللهوحده لا شريكله له الملكوله الحمد وهوعلى كل شيقدير

– Glorify Allah and spend your time humbled before Him for choosing you to complete Hajj. When the Prophet (sall Allahualayhi wa sallam) entered Makkah as a victor, he entered with his head lowered out of humility before Allah.

– From the purposes of Hajj are to have Taqwa of Allah and to glorify Him.[7] With this in mind, do not become overwhelmed by logistics whilst neglecting the purpose of Hajj. Remember, you will not find the pleasure of Allah where you want, but rather where He wants, so even if you find yourself stuck in major congestion, or are delayed, or are prevented from making Sunnah acts such as kissing the black stone, it is all fine, as long as you are focusing on the purposes of Hajj which include glorifying Allah and having Taqwa.

– Never say, “Hajj cost me such and such”, rather glorify Allah, and be happy with what you have spent without showing any signs of displeasure. Imagine you are buying forgiveness of your sins, [8] with that money, and then ask yourself if it is not worth it.

I ask Allah to allow you to perform Hajj as He pleases, to accept it from you, and to allow us all to return to His house to perform Umrah and Hajj numerous times. Ameen.

Notes:
[1] Reported by Anas and Aisha (Radi Allahu anhuma) in al-Sunan al-Bayhaqi
[2] According to the famous hadith of Jabir in Sahih Muslim
[3] Reported by Abu Hurayrah (Radi Allahu anhu) recorded by Ahmed, Ibn Hibban andal-Hakim
[4] The Prophet (sall Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said, “The best dua is the one made on the day of Arafah.” Recorded in Tirmidhi and the Muwatta of Imam Malik
[5] Hadith of Jabir, as mentioned above
[7] Al-Quran 2:203 and 22:32
[8] Bukhari and Muslim

Importance Of Understanding Quran

​​A doctor needs a long study (minimum 6 years for a simple MBBS degree and this 6 years is after the 12 years up to college…total its 18 years)

A teacher needs at least a 10 years qualification.

An Engineer needs almost 16years (including school, college, and university)

An accountant needs at least 14 years for just simple A.C.C.A (including School College and university)

A businessman needs 16 years for his MBA.

A normal person struggles for at least 16 years for the benefit of an almost 80 years life (maximum 100 years)

Well and for the success of EVERLASTING LIFE we don’t give one hour a day.

Purpose Of the Quran:
In Holy Quran the main purpose of the Quran is…
“This is the doubtless book (sent) for the GUIDANCE of pious people” (Sura Al Bakara/Ayat 2)

“Indeed this Quran GUIDES to the path which is clearer and straighter than any other” (XVII: 9)

“Alif Laam Raa. A book which we have revealed to you (Muhammad) so that you may LEAD the people from out of the darkness into the light by their Lord’s leave to the path of the All-Mighty, the Praiseworthy.”

“And this book we sent it down blessed and a confirmation of what came before it that you may WARN the Mother of the Cities (Makka) and those around it.” (Sura Al-Inam, Ayah: 92)

“Those who are inclined away from the truth regarding our verses are not hidden from us. Is one who is thrown into the fire better or one who comes as a believer on the Day of Judgment? Do whatever you wish! He surely sees all that you do. Those that rejected the Reminder when it came to them! And it is surely a mighty book. Falsehood does not reach it from the front or from the back – a thing sent down from the Wise, the Praiseworthy.” (Sura Fusilat, Ayah: 41-43)

“Verily this Quran GUIDES to what is most upright” (Sura Al-Isra, Ayah: 9)

From the entire above Ayah’s, it is verified that the main purpose of the Quran is GUIDANCE. And in today’s life, how many people read Quran to get guidance for daily life…?? I guess only 3% of Muslim Ummah read Quran for guidance…Really 3%. You can check that out with your friends. How many of your friends, family, and classmates read Quran for guidance? Only 2 or 3% of people in your surroundings will be those.

Meaning Of Word Tilawat: The Difference Between Reciting And Reading
Before coating hadees and ayahs I would like to tell all of you the true Arabic meaning of the word TILAWAT. The root word of the word TILAWAT is “T-L-A/T-L-O”. In the Arabic language, the meaning of T-L-A is “TO FOLLOW SOMETHING.” In Arabic language following the words of the Quran (Tilawat of Quran) means

1). To read the entire words one after the other. This means that when you read Quran you must read all the words clearly. Don’t read it so fast that u miss the words or mix them in one another.

2). TO FOLLOW THE WORDS AND THEIR MEANINGS/SPIRIT. It means that the word TILAWAT/RECITATION OF QURAN itself contains the meaning of UNDERSTANDING THE MESSAGE OF QURAN/UNDERSTANDING THE SPIRIT OF QURAN.

The word used for simple reading is IQRA. It’s not Tilawat.

Importance Of Understanding the Quran
Now coming to the main topic following are the ayahs and ahadees:
Hazrat ABU-ZAR (R.A) told us that our Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) said” Nothing can take you close to Allah more than the thing that itself came from Allah means Quarn (can take u close to Allah). This Hadees is written in ABU DAUD and TIRMAZI

Hazrat ABU-ZAR (R.A) told us that He asked our Prophet to advise him on anything. Our Prophet advised, “Have Taqwa (having love and fear of ALLAH) because it is the root of all deeds.” Hazrat Abu-Zar asked for some more advice. Our prophet advised secondly ” Recite Quran because ​​it is light in the world​​ and an asset in the afterlife” This Hadees is written in IBN-HABAN

Don’t we all want to have an asset in our afterlife? REMEMBER THE WORD ‘RECITING’ IS USED HERE, NOT READING.

Hazrat ABDUL REHMAN BIN AUF (R.A) told us that our Prophet Muhammad ( S.A.W) said” On the Day of Judgment three things will be below Allah’s ARSH. One is QURAN which will fight with people, for Quran there’s one outside (the words) and one inside (the meaning or the spirit), the second thing is AMANAT and the third is SILA-REHMI (to maintain a good relationship with relatives) that will announce “May Allah bond His Mercy with the one who bonded me and may Allah separate his mercy from the one who broke me”

Hazrat ABU-ZAR (R.A) told us that our Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) said to Him (R.A) that “Oh Abu-Zar if every morning you understand one ayah/verse of Quran it is better than offering 100 NAFAL.” This hadees is written in IBN-MAJAH

“Hearts get rusted as iron gets rusted by water” Our Prophet (S.A.W) was asked how hearts are kept clean. Our Prophet replied,” By remembering death now and then and by reciting Quran.” This hadees is reported by Hazrat ABDUALLAH BIN UMAR

Hazrat ANAS (R.A) told us that our Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) said that “Among all the people, people of some houses are special for Allah” Our Prophet was asked,” Who are those people?” Our Prophet replied, ” People of the Quran (means that the people who recite and act upon Quran) are ALLAH’S FAMILY and are very special to Allah.” This Hadees is written in IBN-MAJA , NASSAI and AHMED

Hazrat Umar Bin Khataab (R.A) told us that our Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) said “Through this Quran, Allah raises many people (those who recite and act upon it) and through this Quran, Allah lays down many people” (those who don’t recite it and act upon it). This hadess is written in MUSLIM

Signs Of Kibr (Pride/Arrogance)

The Prophet (PBUH) said: “No one who has an atom’s-weight of Pride in his heart will enter Paradise.” A man said, “O Messenger of Allah, what if a man likes his clothes and his shoes to look good?” He (PBUH) said, “Allah is Beautiful and loves beauty, Pride means rejecting the truth and looking down on people”(Sahih Muslim).

Commentary:
The word or the name for arrogance/pride in Arabic is ‘Kibr’. This is the inner quality of pride. The name of the outward quality is ‘Takabbur’ which means arrogance.

Arrogance is a blameworthy characteristic that is the feature of Iblees and his followers in this world, those on whose hearts Allah Ta’ala has placed a seal.

11 Signs of a Person Having Pride/Arrogance:

  • He doesn’t like others to have what he has
  • He cannot avoid anger
  • He cannot avoid being jealous of others
  • He doesn’t accept advice from others
  • He doesn’t want to listen or accept advice from a learned person or even attend lessons
  • When advising people he always puts them down
  • When speaking he will say good remarks about himself
  • When he speaks he speaks with pride to let people know he has knowledge
  • He deals with people in a bad way
  • He walks in a bad way
  • He looks down on people because he is wealthier, or has a better appearance.

The cure for arrogance involves Knowledge and Action which involves the following remedies:
Firstly, you should know and recognize your Lord and know and recognize your own self as you should be recognized, and that you are not worthy of greatness and that true greatness and pride are only for Allah Ta’ala

Secondly, you should think of yourself as being just like other people and realize that they are like you; they were born from a mother and a father just as you were, and that Taqwa (piety, fear of Allah) is the true criterion of superiority.

Allah Ta’ala says (interpretation of the meaning): “Verily, the most honorable of you with Allah is that (believer) who has At-Taqwa [i.e. he is one of the Muttaqoon (the pious)” (Al-Hujuraat, 49:13)…

And finally, know and realize that on the Day of Resurrection the person with pride will be gathered in a small form like an ant which will be trampled underfoot as The Prophet (PBUH) said: “On the Day of Resurrection, the arrogant will be gathered like ants in the form of men. Humiliation will overwhelm them from all sides. They will be driven to a prison in Hell called Bawlas, with the hottest fire rising over them, and they will be given to drink of the juice of the inhabitants of Hell, which is teenat al-khabaal” (Narrated by al-Tirmidhi).

Arrogant people are hated by other people just as they are hated by Allah Ta’ala; people love humble, tolerant, and gentle people, and they hate those who are harsh and cruel to people.

And Allah knows best!