If you sit and contemplate what Ramadan is for the soul you will find that Ramadan is a discipline of the soul.
We discipline ourselves by not eating or drinking, by abstaining from sexual intercourse with our spouse and by disciplining our eyes and tongues.
It is to help us get closer to Allah and develop tawakkul.
The post Ramadan is a Discipline of the Soul appeared first on About Islam.
Do you need some tips to help you stay motivated in Ramadan? We all go through a slump at some point during this Holy month.
Here are 4 tips to help you stay motivated in Ramadan!
Check them out here!
The post 4 Tips to Help you Stay Motivated in Ramadan! appeared first on About Islam.
God created human beings to worship Him and a practising Muslim in, essence, should be able to worship God in every second, of every hour of every day. Islam is a way of life and it means nothing more, or less, than submission to the One God.
{And I (God) created not the jinn and humans except they should worship Me Alone.} (Quran 51:56)
The concept of God in Islam describes Him as the most Merciful and the most Loving and whatever He prescribes for humankind is in the best interest of humankind. Submission to the will of God is a pathway to purity, to peace and ultimately to Paradise.
The word Quran most frequently uses to describe worship as Ibadah. Ibadah is the root of the word ‘ubudiyyah, which means to express ones humility or humbleness, and as with most Arabic words there are many shades of meaning. Ibadah involves more than an awareness of humility. It is the complete sense of humbleness that overcomes one who is totally submitted to the will of God, the Almighty. Worship is submission to God, the essential part of submission is humility.
{So glorify the praises of your Lord and be of those who prostrate themselves (to Him).} (Quran 15:98)
Humility can guide us to Paradise, just as its opposite, arrogance can only lead us into Hell. It is Satan’s arrogance that caused his expulsion from Paradise; when he refused to humbly obey God’s command and prostrate before Adam, the father of mankind, he condemned himself and his followers to Hell. Satan’s lack of submission, or humility, resulted in one of the most pious of God’s creatures falling into the abyss.[1]
{Except Satan, he refused to be among the prostrators. God said, ‘O Satan! What is your reason for not being among the prostrators? ‘Satan said: ‘I am not the one to prostrate myself to a human being, whom You created from sounding clay…} (Quran 15:30-35)
No one who behaves arrogantly or who acts as if he or she has power over others is capable of true submission. All power and strength is from God Alone. All human beings are equal in the sight of God and the distinctions between nations, tribes, and families are only to know each other and not for the sake pride.
{O mankind! We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily, the most honourable of you with God is that (believer) who has At-Taqwa (God consciousness). Verily, God is All-Knowing, All-Aware.} (Quran 49:15)
Humility is Piety
The main pillar of worship, Ibadah, is the prayer. The congregational prayer is performed in rows where all men stand before God as equals.[2] There is no special place for the rich or powerful, the meek and poor are not relegated to the back lines. Each man bows his head in humility knowing that his brothers, on either side of him are equally important in the sight of God. Only one thing raises one man or woman above another – piety. True piety or righteousness is not achievable without cultivating a sense of humility.
{And turn not your face away from men with pride, nor walk in insolence through the earth. Verily, God likes not each arrogant boaster.} (Quran 31:18)
Humility comes from knowing about God and recognizing His greatness, venerating Him, loving Him and being in awe of Him; and it comes from knowing about oneself and one’s own faults, and weaknesses. God gives this characteristic to those who struggle to become close to Him through deeds of piety and righteousness.[3] A companion close to the Prophet Muhammad heard him say:
“Wealth does not decrease because of charity, and God increases His slave in honor when he forgives others. And no one humbles himself before God but God will raise him (in status).” (Muslim)
Humility is one of the greatest blessings God can bestow on a human being. It allows one to achieve genuine submission. Prophet Muhammad was truly submitted to God; his character was one of complete humility and based on sincere trust in God. He was a model of kindness and humbleness. In fact, the characteristics displayed by Prophet Muhammad were the exact opposite of pride and arrogance. Every aspect of his life reflected humbleness, even his walking, talking, sitting or eating.
The Prophet did not behave towards others as if he was better than they were, nor did he spurn manual work. One of his companions reported that Prophet Muhammad worked happily with servants or workers. Other companions related that the Prophet tidied his house, tied camels, feed animals, ate meals with his servants, and helped them in kneading dough and bringing provisions from the market. It was also reported that he used to visit the sick, attend funerals, ride on a donkey, slow down his pace for the sake of the weak and accept invitations from the poor.
The companions of Prophet Muhammad and the early generations of Muslims understood the concept of humility. They behaved humbly towards God and mankind because of their love for God, and their fellow man, and fear of punishment in the Hereafter.
During his Caliphate, Omar ibn Al Khattab was marching upon Damascus with his army. Abu Ubayda was with him. They came upon a little lake. Omar descended from his camel, took off his shoes, tied them together, and hung them on his shoulder. He then took the halter off his camel and they entered the water together. Seeing this in front of the army, Abu Ubayda said:
“O Commander of the Believers! How can you be so humble in front of all your men?”
Omar answered:
“Woe to you, Abu Ubayda! If only anyone else other than you thought this way! Thoughts like this will cause the downfall of the Muslims. Don’t you see we were indeed a very lowly people? God raised us to a position of honor and greatness through Islam. If we forget who we are and wish other than the Islam which elevated us, the One who raised us surely will debase us.”
The one who is truly humble is the one who is truly blessed. Every time he feels superior to others, he remembers God, the Most Great and Omnipotent, and humbles himself in true submission.
{And the slaves of God are those who walk on the earth in humility and calmness, and when the foolish address them (with bad words) they reply back with mild words of gentleness.} (Quran 25:63)
Source: NewMuslims.com
________
Footnotes:
[1]Satan was a being from among the Jinn. His level of piety was so high he was eligible to worship with the Angels.
[2]In congregational prayer, men and women are separated. Women often have their own separate area.
[3]Ibn ul Qayyim
The post Humility – The Path to God appeared first on About Islam.
The next inspiring journey to Allah is the journey of Nichola. Nichola had a very happy childhood and lived a normal life being no different to her family and friends.
Nichola explains how she was very skeptical at first of Islam when she found out about Ramadan from a colleague in Cairo.
After many questions and interactions from Muslim colleagues it took reading a chapter from an Islamic book that made her see the truth!
The post Inspiring Journeys to Allah – The Journey of Nichola appeared first on About Islam.
Ningún libro ha ejercido una influencia más amplia o más profunda sobre el espíritu del hombre que el Corán. Aprovecha esta oportunidad para leer una copia del Corán gratis en español.
Para los musulmanes es la Revelación de Dios. Se usa en las oraciones públicas y privadas, y se recita en festivales y ocasiones familiares. Es la base de la creencia de los musulmanes, sus rituales y su ley; la guía de su conducta, tanto pública como privada.
Moldea el pensamiento de los musulmanes y sus frases entran en la literatura y en el habla cotidiana.
Un libro que es respetado, reverenciado y seguido por más de 1.800 millones de personas, un cuarto de la humanidad, es como menos, digno de atención. También exige un estudio serio; porque no es un libro fácil de entender. Por eso, es una lectura que no puedes ignorar, seas musulmán o no. Aprovecha esta oportunidad para descargarte una copia del Corán gratis en español.
El idioma original del Corán es el árabe, pero esta traducción al español de Shaij Isa Garcia te ayudará comprenderlo.
El Corán no es un tratado de teología, ni un código de leyes, ni una colección de sermones, sino más bien una mezcla de los tres. Su Revelación se extendió durante un período de veintitrés años, en el curso del cual el Profeta Muhammad, que la paz sea con él, emigró de Meca a Medina y fundó allí la primera comunidad musulmana.
El Corán está dividido en 114 capítulos y cada capítulo consta de versos individuales. Los Capítulos (llamados Surah en árabe) son de diferentes longitudes, algunos constan de unas pocas líneas, mientras que otros tienen muchas páginas. El texto del Sagrado Corán no ha cambiado durante los últimos 1500 años. Los millones de copias del Corán que circulan en el mundo hoy en día son idénticas en una sola letra. Y esto no es extraño ya que Dios dice en el Sagrado Corán que Él mismo protegerá este libro:
Nosotros hemos hecho descender el Recuerdo (el Corán) y somos sus guardianes.
Corán, 15:9
Para los musulmanes, el Corán es la Palabra de Dios y contiene una guía completa para la humanidad. Gran parte del Corán trata sobre Dios, sus atributos y la relación del hombre con él. Pero también contiene directivas para sus seguidores, relatos históricos de ciertos profetas y pueblos, argumentos para aceptar a Muhammad como un profeta genuino y buenas noticias para los creyentes y advertencias para los incrédulos.
Si eres musulmán, no puede presecindir de su lectura. Será un beneficio incalculable para ti en esta vida y en la próxima y fuente de conocimiento continuo.
Si no eres musulmán, tampoco debes de prescindir de su lectura, en ella encontrarás muchas sabiduría y te permitirá entender mejor a los musulmanes.
No desaproveches esta oportunidad de descargarte una copia del Corán gratis.
The post Consigue tu copia del Corán gratis en español appeared first on About Islam.
Frère Rachid Eljay nous parle d’une sœur qui est tombée dans une dépression, et après avoir interrogé et réfléchi à son problème, il a trouvé la cause, qui était ses cauchemars. Combien d’entre nous ont eu des cauchemars qui affectent notre bien-être? Si vous en avez eu, vous pouvez également vous demander si vous êtes autorisé à interpréter ces rêves. Si en tant que musulmans nous sommes autorisés, alors comment interpréter.
Dans le Hadith, rapporté Abu Qatada: Le Prophète a dit: Un vrai bon rêve vient d’Allah, et un mauvais rêve vient de Satan.
L’interprétation n’est pas une science exacte. Afin d’interpréter les rêves que nous avons, nous devons d’abord avoir une connaissance approfondie et précise du Coran, deuxièmement une forte compréhension de la Sunna, troisième une influence clairvoyante, et quatrième est une compréhension de la personne et de sa situation. L’interprétation d’un même rêve parmi des personnes différentes peut produire des réponses différentes.
Le sommeil est le frère de la mort. C’est pourquoi nous disons des prières avant de nous coucher parce que Dieu a le contrôle de savoir si nous nous réveillerons ou non de ce sommeil. Quand nous mourons, nos âmes quittent notre corps, et quand nous dormons, elles ne le font pas, mais le sommeil est sur la ligne de la vie et de la mort. Sur cette ligne, c’est quand notre âme est capable de voir certaines choses. C’est pourquoi en ce moment les gens rêvent.
Le Prophète a dit: Un bon rêve fait partie des quarante-six parties de la prophétie. Lorsque vous avez un bon rêve, il est important de remercier Dieu pour eux.
Il est important de demander à quelqu’un d’interpréter votre rêve qui est pieux et pas rempli de jalousie envers vous. La façon dont cette personne décidera d’interpréter votre rêve sera la façon dont vous déciderez de porter cette interprétation dans votre vie quotidienne.
Les rêves reposent dans un lieu de réalité et de délire. Il y a une partie qui est réelle et une partie qui est le délire. Il est important de séparer la vérité et ce qui n’est pas vrai.
The post Interprétation Des Rêves appeared first on About Islam.
For the past few months, I’ve been traveling through Pakistan working on a film project. During this time, I’ve also managed to find myself working during Ramadan.
As a non-Muslim working during the Holy month, I’ll admit this has been challenging: blood sugars are low, many people frankly go on vacation- either in reality or in their ‘cognitive workspace’, plus the weather has been very hot in most parts of the country.
Frankly, I’ve questioned the wisdom in trying to complete any project during the holiday. So in a quest to set aside my partial disdain for less-than-optimal working conditions, I’ve decided to utilize my time by going on a bit of a spiritual journey.
Now, I know that Ramadan is a time to focus on fasting, prayer, charity and devotion to faith. But if I’m completely honest, I’ve frequently questioned the need (and wisdom) for fasting: “Where is the practicality of Muslims fasting during Ramadan?” I just didn’t get it.
So instead of being frustrated and run the risk of misjudging others, I’ve tried to get a better understanding of Ramadan and the reasons for fasting, by fasting myself. It hasn’t been easy. Even as I write this, my stomach is protesting due to lack of food.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve continuously questioned the rational behind depriving one’s body of the basics: I’m thirsty during the day and ravenous as we get closer to Iftar. As I become more irritable, I ask myself: Why do this? Why should I voluntarily make myself miserable? What good could this possibly do me?
So I decided to do some research.
It turns out that there are evidence-based health benefits for fasting, but I’ll leave that up to discriminating internet gurus to search the benefits for themselves.
More importantly, there are spiritual benefits of fasting, of which I will briefly share here. And even though this is the holy month of Ramadan for Muslims, as a Christian I thought it’s also important to note that fasting is actually a Bible-based discipline and spiritual tool that Jesus and others used.
The Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) also makes the case for fasting:
“The Bible also gives us examples of people who fasted and prayed, using different types of fasts for different reasons, all of which are very positive results. Jesus fasted and prayed. Jesus’ disciples fasted and prayed after the Resurrection. Many of the Old Testament heroes and heroines of the faith fasted and prayed. The followers of John the Baptist fasted and prayed.Many people in the early church fasted and prayed… Fasting is a means of bringing the flesh into submission to the Lord so He can strengthen us in our mastery over our own selves. Fasting in the flesh makes us stronger to stand against the temptations of the flesh.”
My parents, devout Christians, raised me to be respectful of all faiths, to ask questions when I don’t understand, and stressed the importance of experiential learning- learning by doing. So for this Ramadan, I’ve successfully managed to fast for several days, as well as focus on volunteerism and charity (such as seen in the images provided- partnering with Clean And Green Pakistan’s anti-littering campaign and Iftar).
The lessons I learned during Ramadan are: If I can reject the essentials for living, such as food and water, this will make it easier to reject evil or unwholesome things as well. Fasting from food and other less important things, has allowed me more time to focus on others instead of self and increased prayer and meditation. Some of the more tangible benefits I’ve received so far are: my skin has a healthier glow and I’m more focused than before.
The truth is, by immersing myself into Pakistani culture, and observing Islamic teachings, I’ve been reminded of spiritual lessons I’d long forgotten. And even though the Holy month of Ramadan was a bit challenging for me at first, this time has helped me grow as a person. Some of the spiritual benefits I’ve received are: I’m more empathic, less self-centred, and more grateful to God for the many blessings He has bestowed upon us.
In my fasting and prayers, I’ve found an increased sense of peace and happiness.
Ramadan Mubarak!
This article was originally published in Mvslim.com
The post Ramadan from a Christian’s Point of View appeared first on About Islam.
Ayant commis beaucoup de péchés, tu en as gros sur le cœur. Tu te sens coupable, angoissé et dépressif. Dans cette vidéo, Prof Ismaël Mounir nous enseigne la meilleure manière de demander pardon à Allah. Ainsi, on atteint l’apaisement et on se sent le cœur libéré de tout mauvais sentiment.
Le Prophète, de par son extrême bonté et de sa miséricorde exceptionnelle, nous a enseigné une invocation. Il s’agit de « Sayyidou Al-‘Istighfâr » qui est la meilleure manière de demander pardon à Allah. Lorsqu’on récite cette invocation au matin après avoir accompli la prière de Fajr et avant le lever du soleil, s’il arrive que l’on meure en ce jour avant la prière de Maghrib, on fera partie des gens du paradis.
De même, si l’on récite cette invocation à l’après-midi, entre la prière de `asr et avant celle du maghrib, et qu’il arrive qu’on meure dans la nuit, on ira au paradis tout de même. Cette invocation s’avère donc être d’une importance grandiose.
Pourtant, il ne suffit pas tout simplement de répéter ces paroles. Celles-ci doivent, en fait, résonner en le for intérieur du croyant.
Le Prophète a dit : « La meilleure formule d’imploration de pardon consiste à ce que le serviteur dise :
«Mon Dieu ! Tu es mon Seigneur. Il n’y a de dieu que Toi. Tu m’as créé et je suis Ton serviteur. Je demeurerai attaché à Ton pacte et Ta promesse autant que je le pourrai. Je Te demande de me préserver des méfaits que j’ai commis. Je reconnais les bienfaits dont Tu m’as gratifiés et je reconnais mes pêchés. Aussi pardonne-moi car nul autre que toi ne pardonne les pêchés!» (Boukhârî)
Par cette invocation, le Prophète voulait qu’on ressente dans notre cœur le détachement de tout péché. Pour le faire, rappelle-toi d’abord que tu as un Maître qui est Allah. Tu as donc à Lui demander toujours la permission avant d’accomplir tout acte. Avant d’entreprendre n’importe quelle démarche, demande-toi surtout si cela va t’approcher d’Allah ou bien t’éloigner de Lui ? Cette démarche suscitera-t-elle la colère d’Allah contre toi, ou bien t’apportera-t-elle Son amour ? Bref, s’agit-il d’un acte licite ou bien illicite ?
Tu sens, grâce à cette invocation, ta faiblesse comme être humain et tu avoues être pécheur. Aussi, tu reconnais par là tous les bienfaits dont Allah t’a gratifiés.
Ainsi, tu reconnais, en pleine conscience, l’unicité d’Allah en Lui demandant exclusivement pardon contre tous les péchés commis. Seul Lui pourra te libérer de tes péchés et t’absoudre.
Ayant un tel cœur rempli de piété, de crainte d’Allah, d’amour pour Lui, d’espoir en Lui ainsi que de conscience de la présence divine, du pouvoir d’Allah et surtout de Sa miséricorde, tu dis cette invocation et instantanément tu vas ressentir dans ton cœur la libération de tout péché.
The post La Meilleure Façon De Demander Pardon À Allah appeared first on About Islam.
Ramadan – Lyrics:
You lift me up high
You spread my wings
And fly me to the sky
I feel so alive
It’s like my soul thrives in your light
But how I wish you’d be
Here with me all year around
Chorus:
Ramadan Ramadan,
Ramadanu ya habib
(Ramadan, Ramadan,
Ramadan O beloved)
Ramadan Ramadan
Laytaka dawman qareeb
(Ramadan, Ramadan,
How I wish you were always near)
Love is everywhere
So much peace fills up the air
Ramadan month of the Quran
I feel it inside of me, strengthening my Iman
But how I wish you’d be
Here with me all year around
Chorus
I just love the way you make me feel
Every time you come around you breathe life into my soul
And I promise that
I’ll try throughout the year
To keep your spirit alive
In my heart it never dies
Oh Ramadan!
Lyrics: Bara Kherigi & Maher Zain
Melody & Arrangement: Maher Zain
The post Maher Zain – Ramadan appeared first on About Islam.
“This Ramadan, I will improve my prayers. I will ensure I pray on time, at the top of the hour. I will fast without complaining, and prepare simple meals for the Iftar, which include ingredients from the Qur’an.
“This Ramadan, I will keep my patience throughout the day, even if the kids break out in squabbles. Besides that, I’ll be working on meals for my children who are not fasting, and their snacks in between.
“This Ramadan, I will make sure my husband gets a good meal so that he will last the whole day without too much hardship.
The house will be spick and span to honor the month, no food on the floor, dirty laundry always cleaned by the end of the day. No room will be left unturned.
If there’s food on the floor, I will clean it up without complaining, if there’s a mess in the living room, I will put the toys away without arguing, and if fights break out, I will settle them patiently.
I definitely plan to complete reading the Qur’an before the 30 days are up, and learn 30 new du’as to boot.
I will also be helping out at the Masjid, and doing I’tikaf, along with my five children, including the nursing baby. Besides this, I’m enrolling in that online course for Tajweed and Hadith, and I hope to break my habits of procrastination and brush up on perfectionism.
I have decided to cut out all distractions and concentrate solely on Ibadah. I hope to complete my Tarawih every day and wake up for tahajjud prayers in the morning.
With the kids, I’m planning three activities per day, including arts and crafts six times a week, and hope to teach them good habits while I am at it.
I plan to drive a little more patiently, shop a little more diligently, and to be more creative in keeping up with the chores.
I plan to visit family and friends four times a week, and have guests over three times a week.
On these days, I will have to plan for larger meals. The little ones will need some attention with their tantrums.
But never mind all that, this is my ultimate Ramadan wish list and I will stick to it.”
Does that sound familiar? Or a little too idealistic? Ramadan is a wonderful month for a spiritual upgrade and it is amazing at how much we rush to reap the benefits of the Holy Month.
And while everyone is putting up their super-charged level of patience or cleanliness or ambition for change, we also have to be realistic with our selves.
As moms, we often know that we run out of steam towards the afternoons, closing in on evenings. Little tantrums can set us off.
The apple wasn’t slinked correctly, or “so-and-so took my robot and broke it.” The little things add up. And while rushing the older ones to complete their tasks, the baby wants to be carried, and dinner is still in the fridge, uncooked.
To make things worse, it is taxing when there’s a two year old who sees you as monkey bars. But that’s the reality of it. Ramadan, with fasting and keeping calm on the menu, can seem a little more daunting than just the month of blessings.
Everyone wants to make the best of it, to go over the top, and to recharge one’s faith.
But let’s be realistic, there are some things that we may do, and there are other things that may be out of our reach. But this doesn’t mean we should forgo our Ramadan.
We just need to know our own capacities and work with the resources we have. Here are a few pointers to make the best out of the holy month without buckling within the first ten days.
Sit down on a daily basis, and take time to plan. It’s no point going into Ramadan in a frenzy and then burning out on the 4th day. There’s also no point rushing into Ramadan with a mental list and getting confused and frustrated because you can’t fulfill your goals.
Write your plans out. What can you do for sure? What do you wish to do? And even list out things that you would like to do but probably can’t. What good habits do you want to cultivate – be realistic, so you have more of a chance to succeed than to fail?
What bad habits do you wish to eliminate? Write them down. Once you have a list, try to visualize the days during the month and to which points you would be able to commit to.
As you go through the month, ticking off those that you have accomplished will be highly satisfying and rewarding in itself.
The post The Ultimate Ramadan Wish List appeared first on About Islam.
“Satan rejoiced when Adam came out of Paradise, but he did not know that when a diver sinks into the sea, he collects pearls and then rises again.” (Imam ibn al-Qayyim)
Many scholars have commented on the story of Adam (peace be upon him) and Iblees and about how human beings were expelled from paradise.
There are multitudes of lessons that we can learn and should learn from that story. Today, we will focus on one specific saying of Imam Ibn al-Qayyim about the descent of mankind from Jannah to Dunya and how it affects us. It is essential in teaching us about life, our purpose and how we should view it to be. Imam ibn al-Qayyim said:
“Satan rejoiced when Adam came out of Paradise, but he did not know that when a diver sinks into the sea, he collects pearls and then rises again.”
It is a saying that is very deep and can be used to extract multiple lessons. The first that we can understand is that Satan is rejoiced in seeing us suffer. Human suffering, and in fact anything that takes us away from Allah is something that rejoices Satan. He will not stop until he can get as many of us into hell as possible. And part of doing that is to make us despair.
The word Iblees comes from balasa which means to despair. And part of his greatest mission is to make people despair in the mercy of Allah, despair in the benevolence of Allah and His forgiveness.
Many people who openly commit sins know they are committing sins but refuse to change because they feel that there is no hope of paradise for them.
The first thing we learn from this saying of Imam Ibn al-Qayyim is that one of our greatest weapons in fighting against Satan and earning the pleasure of Allah is having hope in Allah.
Because if it was not for hope then for why do we pray? If it was not for hope then why do we care to obey? We hope in Allah and we hope from Him the best. And that is exactly why we will not let Satan make us lose hope and despair.
We often know of many things that are haram, but how many of us are aware that despairing in Allah’s mercy is haram?
The second part of the saying talks about a diver diving into the sea and comes back up with pearls. There are multiple lessons we can take from it, but we will talk about four important ones here.
It is important to understand that diving is not meant to be easy. It is a difficult task and takes a lot of effort. It can be good when there are not many waves, while it can be difficult while there are more challenging waves.
Our worldly life, dunya, is like a dive. It is difficult and has difficulties during it. However, if utilized well, it can be of great use.
We are often told that trillions of dollars of treasures lie below the ocean. While it is a difficult journey and difficulties that lie all through it, there are lots of treasures that we can enjoy in the sea. There are lots of beautiful things that Allah has taught us in the dunya and given us so as to enjoy and cherish.
It is important that we remember our purpose. The diver is diving to seek out pearls, and that is important. He can enjoy the beautiful underwater life, the treasures that are around, the fish and so on, but that should not distract from the purpose.
We are allowed to enjoy our lives in the dunya as much as we want as long as we are doing it halal, but that should not distract us from the purpose of our lives- to earn Allah’s pleasure.
No matter how expert the diver becomes in the sea, he is still in an unnatural environment. The sea is not the place for human beings, neither is the dunya.
Our lives are made for Jannah, and that is why despite all we may have in this life, there is always a longing for something more. It is an inbuilt system in our hearts. And that is why no matter how well we learn to live on earth, we do need to ensure that we are ready for landfall soon Insha’Allah. We do not want to drown; we want to survive.
Imam ash-Shafi would say that Surah Al-Asr was so comprehensive that if only it was revealed in the Quran, it would have been sufficient. And Surah Al-Asr says:
By time. Most certainly mankind is drowned in loss. Except those who believe, do good deeds, call one another to the truth and call one another to patience. (Quran 103:1-3)
Allah is saying that most of mankind are drowning in loss. And then He tells us of the exception. Many people will dive into the sea, but few will come up with the pearls. Do we want to be those who find the pearls?
May Allah make us among those that He says will be saved, those who believe, do good deeds, call one another to the truth and call one another to patience.
Ameen.
(From Discovering Islam’s archive)
The post In the Ocean of the Dunya – Seeking Pearls or Drowning appeared first on About Islam.
– I will reflect on the hadith in which the Prophet said about this particular night. He said:
When the first night of Ramadan comes, the gates of heavens are open and not a single gate is closed, and the gates of the hell are closed not a single gate is open. The devils are chained. A caller will call, ‘O you who want to do good, come forth; O you who want to do evil stop.’ And Allah sets people free from hell every single night. (Al-Bukhari)
– I will make the supplication which the Prophet used to make:
O Allah, start this month with good and Iman, safety and Islam. (At-Tirmidhi)
– I will send emails to all my friends congratulating them with the blessed month. I’ll ask them to remember me in their du’a while worshiping God in these beautiful moments.
I will post the congratulation on my Facebook, my blog and my google talk picture. I’ll change my status to, “blessed with the blessed month, in a dire need of God’s mercy.” This will help reminding everyone with the moment.
– I will use the moment to repent to God expecting his great forgiveness to cover me in these remarkable moments. I’ll make a strong determination to quit all my sins and come out of Ramadan a different man.
– I will not forget to pray Taraweeh at the night before the first day of fasting and is almost forgotten by many people.
– I will not get into long disputes about the method of deciding the beginning of Ramadan and I will follow my local community if they adopt any of the legitimate scholars’ opinions in their decision.
– I will explain briefly to those who waste their time in this dispute that it is better to spend our time worshiping God rather than disputing about something which God will not hold us accountable for. And I will try to foster unity in my community and between local communities as much as I can.
– I will make a list of my friends and colleagues who may not know much about the blessings of Ramadan and try to make a plan of how to get them closer to God in this blessed opportunity.
– I will start my day a while before fajr. The time before fajr is so valuable. The Prophet said that God descends to the lowest heaven in the last third of the night calling upon his creation:
Is there anyone who wants to ask for something so I give him? Is there anyone seeking forgiveness so I forgive him? Is there anyone who wants to repent so I accept his repentance? (Al-Bukhari)
Allah praised high quality believers by the practice of “asking forgiveness during this time.”
– I will make sure I have suhur– the meal before fajr. The Prophet said:
Have suhur for there is a blessing in suhur. (Al-Bukhari)
– I will take 10-15 minutes before fajr prayer sitting alone asking God for forgiveness and calling upon Him in response to His call. The Prophet said when asked about which part of the night is better in accepting du’a:
The last part of the night.
I will also make a short night prayer during which I will prostrate and get even closer to Allah as the Prophet Muhammad said:
The closest the servant of Allah will be is when he is in the state of prostration.
I will glorify God in my sujud (prostration) and call upon Him. And I will seek His guidance, help, and support in this beautiful time.
– I will try my best to make Subh prayer (This is the name used for the morning prayer. Fajr prayer is often used to mean the two optional rak’as before Subh prayer) in the mosque.
I will go to the closest mosque to my house even if it is a little far. And I will consider my steps an elevation in my degrees and an expiation of my sins as the Prophet promised.
I will feel the happiness and the gratitude of praying in congregation during fajr time, an act which makes me pure of hypocrisy as the prophet mentioned.
– I will remember to make the optional fajr prayer which is 2 rak’as for the Prophet said:
The two rak’as of fajr are better than this life and what is in it. (Muslim)
– If I reach the masjid before Iqamah time, I will sit and make du’a. The Prophet said:
Du’a between Adhan and Iqamah is not rejected. (Abu Dawud)
– I will make sure I remember God after Prayer for the Prophet said:
Whoever says Subhana Allah 33 times, Alhamdu Lillah 33 times, Allahu Akbar 33 times, and then completed the 100 by saying “La Ilaha Illah Allah, Wahdahu La sharika lah lahu al-Mulk walau Al-Hamd wa howa ‘ala koli shai’ qadir,” his sins will be wiped out even if they are like the foam of the sea.
– I will remember to say “Ayat al-Kursi (verse 2: 255)” for the Prophet said if you say it after prayer there is nothing between you and Paradise except death.
– I will try, especially during weekends, to stay after fajr in the mosque remembering God, reciting some Quran until 15 minutes after sunrise. And I will then make a 2,4,6, or 8 raka’as . I will feel the reward of a complete Hajj and Umrah as the Prophet promised.
– I will try to sleep a little before going to work.
– I will go to work and will do my best to excel in my job. And I will try to remove the misconception that Ramadan is a month of laziness. Also I will consider my job an act of worship, simultaneously worshiping God by fasting and working.
– I will get a few minutes in the office where I will relax and try to close my eyes in a half-sleeping mode for that gives me energy as if I really slept for some time. And I will need it to resume my day and to relax in preparation for a long night.
– I will try my best to make Dhuhr and Asr prayers on time and I will make them in congregation during the weekends.
– I will make my Iftar most of the time in the mosque as my community always does. When it is our turn to prepare Iftar, I will take the intention for giving Iftar to all those who are fasting for there is an immense reward in it. The Prophet said:
Whoever gives Iftar to a fasting person, will get a similar reward. (At-Tirmidhi)
– I will try to go a few minutes before Maghrib so I can spend sometime in the mosque remembering God and making du’a.
– I will break my fasting feeling the happiness the Prophet mentioned. The happiness of someone who was allowed to complete his day of fasting and was given the opportunity to eat. And I will recall the other part of the happiness the Prophet mentioned when I meet God with this day of fasting. These are the two pieces of happiness the Prophet mentioned in his hadith:
The one who fasts has two happiness: one when he breaks his fast and the other when he meets his Lord. (Al-Bukhari)
– I will remember to make dua at this very moment of breaking my fasting for this is a time the du’a is accepted as the Prophet mentioned. And I will remember my family, my parents, my brothers and sisters, and all Muslims during my du’a.
– I will not eat a lot to prepare myself for taraweeh prayer and I will make sure I eat healthy food.
“O Allah, make us reach Ramadan!”
(From Discovering Islam archive)
Abridged from Muslim American Society.
The post On the First Night of Ramadan I Will… appeared first on About Islam.
Welcome Ramadan! We need a dua to recite for suhur (sehri) during this holy month! Check out this dua in English and Arabic!
وَبِصَوْمِ غَدٍ نَّوَيْتُ مِنْ شَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ
Wa bisawmi ghadinn nawaiytu min shahri ramadan.
I intend to keep the fast for tomorrow in the month of Ramadan.
Dua (Prayer) at the End of the Fast:
اللَّهُمَّ اِنِّى لَكَ صُمْتُ وَبِكَ امنْتُ وَعَليْكَ تَوَكّلتُ وَ عَلى رِزْقِكَ اَفْطَرْتُ
Allahumma inni laka sumtu wa bika aamantu wa alayka tawakkaltu wa ala rizq-ika-aftartu
O Allah! I fasted for You and I believe in You and I put my trust in You and I break my fast with Your sustenance.
The post Dua for Suhur (Sehri) appeared first on About Islam.
Millions of Muslims worldwide will celebrate the beginning of the holy fasting month of Ramadan on Tuesday, April 13, following the announcement that the new moon of the Hijri year was not sighted on Sunday, 29th of Shaaban.
“New moon for the month of #Ramadan is not visible from Saudi Arabia’s Hawtah Observatory – Al-Ekhbariya,” Arab News tweeted.
The kingdom’s moon sighting committee had met earlier today to spot the crescent with the naked eye.
The Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta said on Sunday that the committee for moonsighting did not sight the new moon. Therefore, Ramadan would start on Tuesday, Al-Ahram newspaper reported.
Read Also: Start With Full Speed into the First Night of Ramadan
In United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Iraq, the moon was not also sighted. Therefore, Ramadan will start on Tuesday as well.
According to the Fiqh Council of North America (FCNA), Muslims in North America start Ramadan fasting on Tuesday, April 13.
In Nigeria, Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, advised Nigerian Muslims to look out for the crescent (moon) of Ramadan 1442AH from Monday, Premium Times reported.
On the other hand, Muslims in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and other South Asian countries will sight the moon on Monday April 12.
If the new moon is sighted on Monday, Ramadan in these countries will start from Tuesday April 13, 2021. Otherwise, the holy month in the South Asian countries will start from Wednesday April 14, 2021.
Read Also: Your Guide to Revival in Ramadan
Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar.
Abdullah Bin Umar (RA) stated that: I heard Allah’s Messenger (Peace be upon him) saying:
“Fast when you see the moon (Ramadan), and cease fasting when you see it (Shawwal) but if it is cloudy for you then count the month (as thirty days).” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
In another narration, the Prophet (pbuh) said:
“If it is cloudy for you, count out thirty days.” [Muslim]
The first day of Ramadan and moon sighting have always been a controversial issue among Muslim countries. Even scholars seem at odds over the issue.
While one group of scholars maintains that Muslims in other regions and countries are to follow the same moon-sighting as long as these countries share one part of the night. Another group of scholars says that Muslims everywhere should abide by the lunar calendar of Saudi Arabia.
A third, however, disputes both views, arguing that the authority in charge of ascertaining the sighting of the moon in a given country announces the sighting of the new moon, then Muslims in the country should all abide by this.
AboutIslam.net wishes you all a happy, blessed Ramadan.
The post Moon Not Sighted, Ramadan Starts Tuesday appeared first on About Islam.
The blessed month of Ramadan is around; it is time for worship and soul purification.
Reading the Prophet’s hadiths about Ramadan and its blessings will make you more eager to enjoy the exceptionally spiritual, soul-nourishing experience of Ramadan.
So, we collected for you 15 hadtiths related to Ramadan. They highlight the status of the blessed month, its merits, rewards and special offers, as well as the Prophet’s example in Ramadan.
Read Also: Ramadan in Quarantine… 7 Tips to Make It ‘Quran Time’
1. Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“When Ramadan enters, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hellfire are closed and the devils are chained.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
2. Umm Saleem (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“(The performance of) `Umrah during Ramadan is equal (in reward) to performing Hajj with me.“(Authenticated by Al-Albani)
3. Abu Hurayrah reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
Every action a son of Adam does shall be multiplied—a good action by ten times its value, up to 700 times. Allah says: With the exception of fasting, which belongs to Me, and I reward it accordingly. For, one abandons his desire and food for My sake.
There are two occasions of joy for a fasting person: one when he breaks his fast, and the other when he meets his Lord, and the (bad) breath (of a fasting person) is better in the sight of Allah than the fragrance of musk. (Al-Bukhari)
4. Abu Ayub (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Whosoever fasts in Ramadan and then follows it with fasting six days of Shawwal, it is as if he fasts forever.” (Muslim)
The post 15 Hadiths About Ramadan appeared first on About Islam.
During the holy month of Ramadan, observant Muslims abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset.
Other devotional practices during Ramadan include reading the Qur’an, Islam’s holy book, and performing acts of benevolence to draw closer to God.
Amid preparations for the holy month, an Islamic charity in Sacramento, North California, has extended a helping hand to the needy, giving away boxes of food to sustain them during the fasting month.
The act of generosity comes as Muslims prepare to observe another Ramadan under pandemic which has put many financial strains on families, CBS Sacramento reported.
Read Also: What You Need to Know before Ramadan
“Today, in preparation of the holy month of Ramadan, where all Muslims fast from all around the world,” Imran Abedrabbo said, ”we’re giving out food boxes, hygiene boxes, a box of dates, so it can feed a whole family for an entire month.”
The Sacramento nonprofit Al-Misbaah plans to distribute those packages to more than 2,500 families.
The non-profit has been serving the vulnerable in the community for 10 years.
Read Also: Greet Ramadan with This…
The month of Ramadan is definitely a month of sharing and solidarity, and Muslims exert efforts during the holy month to give charity to the needy.
In Oxford, a local mosque has set a new goal to deliver hot meals to the needy during the holy month of fasting.
The post Sacramento Charity Helps Muslims Prepare for Ramadan appeared first on About Islam.
As Muslims worldwide observe the holy month of Ramadan, many countries will fast shorter hours than previous years, as Ramadan falls in spring this year.
Annually, Hijri years arrive 11 days earlier in respect to the solar Gregorian calendar. This yearly shift makes the holy 9th Hijri month of Ramadan move through the seasons in a 33-year cycle.
Similar to the previous year, majority of the Muslim World, located in the Northern Hemisphere, will observe Ramadan during spring.
This means that fasting hours in the North Hemisphere this year will be a few minutes shorter than 2020.
On interactivity level, we reached out to our audience, asking them how many hours their Ramadan fasting is expected to last this year, here is how some of them responded, each with his or her own location:
“Up to 18 hours on the longer days,” Suzanne Chalmers wrote.
Khalid A Khattab added, “15 – 16 hrs in Detroit, MI, USA.”
Kizaar Ahmed said he will fast for “14 hours in Chennai, Tamilnadu, India.”
Elina Afrin Liza said she will fast “about 14-15 hrs in Bangladesh.”
Muktar Musa Bichi, from Kano, Nigeria said he will fast for 14 hours.
Khuki Daud Frank added, “11-12hrs RSA”,
Adriko Musa said, “15 hours in Uganda.”
Please share with us how many hours would be your Ramadan fasting
Ramadan is the 9th month of the Hijri Islamic calendar. Muslims worldwide observe it as a month of fasting to commemorate the first revelation of the Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad.
During Ramadan fasting from dawn until sunset, Muslims refrain from consuming food, drinking liquids, smoking, and engaging in sexual relations) the same phrase.
The post How Many Hours is Your Ramadan? Our Audience Respond appeared first on About Islam.
No hay ninguna evidencia, ni en el Corán ni en la Sunnah, que diga que una persona que acepta el Islam debe cambiar su nombre.
Normalmente, cuando escribo mi nombre, escribo Jaime y, entre paréntesis, Mujahid. Pero ¿por qué tomé el nombre de Mujahid?
La gente que ha sido musulmana toda su vida creen que cuando una persona entre en el Islam, toma una nueva identidad. Por esa razón, diferentes personas, a veces son gente de conocimiento pero otras también amigos de la persona que ha entrado en el Islam, le dicen que debe cambiar su nombre.
En mi caso, yo tenía un profesor en el lugar donde estuve yendo a aprender sobre el Islam antes de hacerme musulmán, era un profesor de Tafsir, de interpretación del Corán. Este hombre era una persona de conocimiento de Argelia y tenía mucho amor por enseñar el Corán, era una persona que se llevaba muy bien con todos.
Antes de aceptar el Islam estuve yendo al centro donde él eseñaba durante un año. Y cuando me hice musulmán, me dijo que debería de elegir el nombre de Mujahid.
Yo, siendo nuevo en el Islam en ese momento, no estaba seguro de si esto era así, pero como esta persona, que era quien me estaba enseñando, me lo dijo y la gente alrededor lo apoyaba y creían que era un buen nombre, lo acepté.
Antes de aceptarlo pregunté qué significaba. Este hombre me dijo que Mujahid significa una persona que se esfuerza por encontrar la verdad y que yo llevaba un año yendo a aprender, buscando la verdad. A mi me pareció bien y acepté este nombre.
Pero ¿realmente tendría que haber cambiado mi nombre?
Cuando después de esto continué aprendiendo, me di cuenta de que no hay nada, ni en el Corán ni en la Sunna, que diga que una persona debe de cambiar su nombre cuando se hace musulmán y aceptar un nombre árabe o “islámico”.
La única razón por la que esto se debería hacerlo si el nombre que tiene esta persona va en contra de los valores o las creencias islámicas.
Por ejemplo, en el tiempo del Profeta, que la paz sea con él, había gente a la que se le daba el nombre de “sirviente de tal ídolo”. Podía ser el nombre de alguno de los ídolos alrededor de la Kaaba, como Abd ‘Uzza, que significa Sirviente de ‘Uzza.
En este caso, dado que este nombre significa que esa persona es siervo de un ídolo, entonces ahora que es siervo de Allah, no es justo que mantenga ese nombre.
Por lo tanto, no es obligatorio que una persona cambie su nombre cuando acepta el Islam si este nombre no tiene ningún significado contrario a las creencias y valores del Islam.
Esto no quiere decir que una persona no pueda adoptar un nuevo nombre por voluntad propia si así lo desea para que le recuerde, a él mismo y a los demás, que ha dado este paso tan importante en su vida. Pero no es obligatorio ni hay necesidad de ir a cambiarlo legalmente etc.
The post ¿Tiene que cambiar su nombre una persona que se convierte al Islam? appeared first on About Islam.
