Its Ramadan!! :D

[Ummati]

Ramadan Mubarak to all of you

[Ummati]

And whosoever is conscious of Allah and keeps his duty to Him, He (Allah) will make a way for him to get out (from) every (difficulty), and He will provide him from (sources) he could never imagine." [Quran 65:2-3]

You CAN do it!!!

The Messenger of Allah Muhammad[peace be upon him] has said,"Almighty Allah says, 'I treat my slave (man) according to his expectations from Me, and I am with him when he remembers me. If he remembers Me in his heart, I remember him in My heart…. if he walks towards Me, I run unto him."[Hadith-Qudsi]

Make this Ramadan the month of “Change”..
Are You Ready for it???

"Change" is the vogue today. "Change" is being chanted by the Presidents to rally up public support; "Change" is being demanded by the masses suffering due to skyrocketing fuel and commodity prices; "Change", a drastic one indeed, is what we are witnessing with awe in the global weather patterns.

For Muslims, Ramadan is the prime time for change. This month dramatically alters our routines and schedules. From tight sleep schedules, to hunger for extended hours, to reduction in consumption of junk foods, to a technology diet; to withdrawal from caffeine addiction, to lengthy standing in Taraweeh prayers at night, to extensive listening to the Quran. What a change indeed!

Beyond Routines and Rituals

The real change, however, Ramadan demands of us is the internal change – a change that positively transforms our lifestyle, character, attitudes, conversations, and habits. Allah has described this change in the month of Ramadan as follows: "O you who believe, fasting has been ordained on you as it was decreed upon those before you so that you may adopt Taqwa[Taqwa is Allah consciousness ]" (2:183 [Quran 2:183].

Slavery to Ramadan?

If our change is limited to outer physical practices only, we become slaves to Ramadan, instead of being servants to Ar-Rahman (Allah, the Merciful).

Prophet Muhammad[peace be upon him] has warned us about those who don't fast from bad behaviour:

"Allah has no interest in any person's abstention from eating and drinking, if that person does not give up lying and dishonest actions" [Sahih al-Bukhari].

Ramadan Resolutions

Every Ramadan we make resolutions and tell ourselves: "This Ramadan will be different. I'm going to change my ______ habit." "I will give up ………", "I will take my practice of Islam to the next level". But how many of us are really able to follow through? Plenty of good intentions, many amazing wishes, but sadly enough, life goes on as usual the morning of Eid.

Ask yourself, how is my fasting benefitting my spiritual connection with Allah? How is my extensive worship in Ramadan helping me discipline my tongue (taste and speech), eyes, ears, and habits?

Are you ready to take that first step to transform your bad habits into good ones?

Ways to Kick out the Bad Habits

Few things are more demanding than eliminating bad habits, since they are part of our daily routines and personality. It takes days of patience and practice to break old habits.

However, the good news is, Ramadan offers a perfect and natural environment for moral training. Interestingly, researches from "positive psychology" (scientific study of successful people) have repeatedly shown it takes between 30 to 40 days to kick a bad habit and develop a new one.

In addition to the physical discipline during the month of Ramadan, the increased spiritual exercise and connection with Allah, can transform your habits for life.

Try these proven techniques for a successful positive change in your habits during Ramadan and beyond!

1. Acknowledge and Identify your bad habits: First step is to admit you need to change. If you are in a state of denial, you won't recognize that you have a bad habit to change.

2. Pick a habit for this month: Prioritize your bad habits and focus on one for this month. If you are committed to changing at least one habit, you will see remarkable results, Allah-willing.

3. Realize that it's in us to change: Don't believe the old saying, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks." You can break a bad habit if you really want to. No one else can change your habits, if you don't want to.

4. Remember, Allah loves those who commit mistakes and repent: Prophet Muhammad[peace be upon him] said:

"By Him in Whose Hand is my life, if you were not to commit sin, Allah would sweep you out of existence and He would replace (you by) those people who would commit sin and seek forgiveness from Allah, and He would have pardoned them." [Sahih Muslim]

5. Intention & Plan to change: "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail." A healthy process of change in character requires a gradual pace, which entails planning. Develop concrete milestones to measure your progress.

6. Replace a bad habit with a good one: Completely eliminating a habit is more challenging than replacing it with a more productive habit. Moreover, it's crucial to replace the lost natural needs, such as the need to socialize and to be entertained with something healthy.

For instance, it's easier to replace or balance your addiction to TV with a physical workout or reading, than to suddenly remove the TV from your life. Interestingly, Prophet Muhammad[peace be upon him], the greatest 'psychologist' of humanity, illustrated this principle in these words:

"Fear Allah wherever you may be; follow up an evil deed with a good one which will wipe (the former) out, and behave good-naturedly towards people." [At-Tirmidhi]

7. Change your Environment: Resist the negative peer pressure by finding a better company of friends. Collective action to change is very powerful. Prophet Muhammad [peace be upon him] explained this peer pressure effect with this analogy:

"A good friend and a bad friend are like a perfume-seller and a blacksmith: The perfume-seller might give you some perfume as a gift, or you might buy some from him, or at least you might smell its fragrance. As for the blacksmith, he might singe your clothes, and at the very least you will breathe in the fumes of the furnace." [Sahih al-Bukhari & Muslim]

8. Exercise: Spiritual exercise is important for lasting change. You may not realize that by exerting your yourself in spiritual exercises like the reading of Quran and Hadith, fasting, giving charity, Zikr[remembering Allah] etc helps in eliminating a number of bad habits. Through the spiritual light of doing noble deeds evil ones will gradually be eradicated from your life. Allah says : “Indeed, Salah restrains from Shameful and unjust deeds” [Quran:29:45]. A person complained to the Prophet Muhammad [peace be upon him] about someone who read salaah and also committed theft .The Prophet Muhammad [peace be upon him] said “His salaat will very soon wean him off that sin.' This shows that the evil habits can be got rid of by adhering to good practises. The doing of good deeds such as remembering Allah cleanses the heart. A clean heart encourages a person to do good deeds and refrains one from evil habits!

Moreover, exercising your will power (struggle to fight temptations) for this month helps you kick all kinds of bad habits and form new good ones. Willpower is like a muscle; the more you exercise it, the more you strengthen it.

9. Think of yourself as a changed, different, new person. This simple psychological shift in your thinking about your own image can do wonders. Tell yourself, "I can't continue this ill-behaviour. I am better than that. I am stronger. I am wiser."

10. Reward success: The most fundamental law in all of psychology is the "law of effect." It simply states that actions followed by rewards are strengthened and likely to recur. Unfortunately, studies show that people rarely use this technique when trying to change personal habits.

Setting up formal or informal rewards for success greatly increases your chances of transforming bad habits into good ones, and is far more effective than punishing yourself for bad habits or setbacks. As Muslims we should also remember that the ultimate reward is Allah's Pleasure and Paradise in the Hereafter.

11. Get help: Tell someone about your effort to change if it helps. He or she may keep you on track and may offer some good advice. Read books that will encourage you to do virtues actions. Join programs in your local Mosque. Ladies should endeavour to join their local Taalimi Halqas. There are good and sincere people who are ready to assist. We are not an island- We are an Ummah!

12. Boost your spiritual immune system: By fasting,doiung good actions, spending time in the Mosque or going in the path of Allah will boost your Imaan[faith] which will provide you with internal strength to overcome temptations to reverting to old bad habits.

13. Remind yourself of Death and Hereafter often: "Remember often the terminator (or destroyer) of all the pleasures [i.e. death]," the Prophet [peace be upon him]once stated. [At-Tirmidhi.]

14. Resolve to continue on and follow up: Giving up bad habits or learning good habits requires regular maintenance and determination. It is a long, ongoing process, also known as "Tazkiyyah" in Islamic terminology. It's more difficult than the first few steps of change. ("How many times have I dieted, for example, only to gain the weight back?"). So ensure that you follow up. Link yourself to a good Allah-fearing Islamic Scholar and make a habit of spending time in Allah path.

15. Develop a relapse strategy: How do you ensure not to return to your bad habit you are trying to change? Some people donate money to a good cause every time they return to sinning or a bad habit. This reminds them of the 'cost' of going back to old bad habits. Others try physically demanding acts to deter them from reverting to old ways. For example that if you do___ act than you will keep three fast or pay so much sadaqah[charity] etc

16. Ask Allah for Help: MOST IMPORTANT!-Make Asking for Allah's Help an integral part of the overall change process. Ask for Allah's Help before, during and after every attempt at kicking a bad habit. Do so sincerely, even begging and crying, like a child does when he or she really wants something. Allah is Ever-Willing to Help and to Respond to our needs, but it is us who must take the first step towards Him. Allah will NEVER disappoint us!

Hey, we can do this Muslims .

Allah believes in you.

Believe in yourself.

[Ummati]

I got this in a forward mail, so thought i'd post it up here-
if we're making any of these mistakes, lets try our best to eliminate them insha Allah

Common Mistakes Made During Ramadan ~!~

Most Muslims who fast in Ramadan focus on the benefits and rewards of it. But in doing so, we often make mistakes that instead of adding to our experience actually detract from it. Mistakes that can make us commercialize Ramadan as so many other religions have commercialized their sacred days. Insha'Allah the following will serve as a reminder to, first, myself and then to all Muslims. May Allah help us in spending our time wisely this Ramadan and help us in avoiding these mistakes. Ameen!

1. Taking Ramadan as a Ritual

For many of us Ramadan has lost its spirituality and has become more of a ritual than a form of Ibaadah. We fast from morning to night like a zombie just because everyone around us is fasting, too. We forget that it's a time to purify our hearts and our souls from all evil. We forget to beseech Allah SWT to forgive us and ask Him to save us from the Hell-Fire. Surely, we stay away from food and drink but that's about it.

Although the Prophet (s.a.w.w.) said: Jibra'eel said to me, 'May Allah rub his nose in the dust, that person to who Ramadan comes and his sins are not forgiven,' and I said, 'Ameen'. Then he said, 'May Allaah rub his nose in the dust, that person who lives to see his parents grow old, one or both of them, but he does not enter Paradise (by not serving them) and I said, 'Ameen'. Then he said, 'May Allaah rub his nose in the dust, that person in whose presence you are mentioned and he does not send blessings upon you,' and I said, 'Ameen." [Tirmidhi, Ahmad and others. It is classified as Saheeh by al-Albaani]

2. Too much stress on food and drink

For some people, the entire month of Ramadan revolves around food. They spend the eintire day planning, cooking, shopping and thinking only about food, instead of concentrating on Salah, Quraan and other acts of worship. They think so much about food that they turn the month of 'fasting' into the month of 'Feasting'. Come Iftar time, their table is a sight to see, with the multitudes and varieties of food, sweets and drinks.

They are missing the very purpose of fasting, and thus, increase in their greed and desires instead of learning to control them. Besides, it leads to wastage of food and extravagance. ...and eat and drink but waste not by extravagance, certainly He (Allaah) likes not Al-Musrifoon (those who waste by extravagance) [Qur'an, al-Araaf :31]

3. Spending all day cooking

Some of the sisters (either by their own choice or forced by their husbands) are cooking all day and all night, so that by the end of the day, they are too tired to even pray Ishaa, let alone pray Taraweeh or Tahajjud or even read the Qur'an. This is the month of mercy and forgiveness. So turn off that stove and turn on your Imaan!

4. Eating too much

Some people stuff themselves at Saher until they are ready to burst, because they think this is the way to not feel hungry during the day and some people eat at Iftaar, like there is no tomorrow, trying to 'make up for the food missed'. However, this is completely against the Sunnah. Moderation is the key to everything.

The Prophet (s.a.w.w.) said: 'The son of Adam does not fill any vessel worse than his stomach; for the son of Adam a few mouthfuls are sufficient to keep his back straight. If you must fill it, then one-third for food, one-third for drink and one-third for air.' [Tirmidhi, Ibn Maajah. Classified as saheeh by al-Albaani]

Too much food distracts a person from many deeds of obedience and worship, makes him lazy and also makes the heart heedless. It was said to Imam Ahmad: Does a man find any softness and humility in his heart when he is full? He said, I do not think so.

5. Sleeping all day

Some people spend their entire day (or a major part of it) 'sleeping away their fast'. Is this what is really required of us during this noble month? These people are also missing the purpose of fasting and are slaves to their desires of comfort and ease. They cannot 'bear' to be awake and face a little hunger or exert a little self-control. For a fasting person to spend most of the day asleep is nothing but negligence on his part.

6. Wasting time

The month of Ramadan is a very precious time, so much so that Allaah SWT calls this month 'Ayyamum Ma'doodaat' (A fixed number of days). Before we know it, this month of mercy and forgiveness will be over. We should try and spend every moment possible in the worship of Allah so that we can make the most of this blessing. However, there are some of us who waste away their day playing video games, or worse still, watching TV, movies or even listening to music to occupy their mind so that they won't feel the hunger pangs. Subhaan Allah! Trying to obey Allah by DISOBEYING Him!?

7. Fasting but not giving up bad deeds

Some of us fast but do not give up lying, cursing, fighting, backbiting, etc. and some of us fast but do not give up cheating, stealing, dealing in haraam activities, buying lottery tickets, selling alcohol, fornication, etc. and all kinds of impermissible things without realizing that the purpose of fasting is to not stay away from food and drink; rather the aim behind it is to fear Allaah, to increase our Taqwa.

'O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious)' [Qur'an, al-Baqarah :183]

The Prophet (s.a.w.w.) said: 'Whoever does not give up false speech and acting upon it, and ignorance, Allaah has no need of him giving up his food and drink.' [Bukhaari]

8. Skipping Saher (sehri)

The Prophet (s.a.w.w.) said: 'Eat Saher for in suhoor there is blessing.' [Bukhaari, Muslim] and he (s.a.w.w.) said: 'The thing that differentiates between our fasting and the fasting of the People of the Book is eating suhoor.' [Muslim]

9. Not fasting if they missed Saher

Some people are too scared to fast if they miss Saher. However, this is an act kind of cowardice and love of ease. Missing a few morsels in the morning will, insha'Allah, not lead to death. Remember, obedience to Allaah overcomes everything. Saying the intention for fast out loud or saying a specific dua'a to start fasting are bid'ah. The intention is an action of the heart. We should resolve in our heart that we are going to fast tomorrow. That is all we need. It is not prescribed by the Shari'ah for us to say out loud. Also, there is no specific dua'a to be recited at the time of starting the fast in the Sunnah. Whatever 'dua'a' one may see on some papers or Ramadan calendars, etc. is Bid'ah.

10. Delaying opening fast

Some people wait until the adhaan finishes or even several minutes after that, just to be 'on the safe side'. However, the Sunnah is to hasten to open the fast, which means opening fast whenever the adhaan starts, right after the sun has set (and not before). Aa'ishah (RA) said: This is what the Messenger of Allaah (s.a.w.w.) used to do. [Muslim]

The Prophet (s.a.w.w.) said: 'The people will continue to do well so long as they hasten to open the fast.' [Bukhaari, Muslim]

Determine to the best of your ability, the accuracy of your clock, calendar, etc. and then have tawakkul (trust) on Allaah SWT and break your fast exactly on time.

11. Eating continuously until the time for Maghrib is up

Some people put so much food in their plates when breaking their fast and continue eating, enjoying dessert, drinking tea, etc., until they miss the Maghrib prayer. That is obviously not right. The Sunnah of the Prophet (s.a.w.w.) was that once he broke his fast with some dates, them he would hasten to the prayer. Once you are done with the prayer, you can always go back and eat some more if you wish.

12. Missing the golden chance of having your Dua'a accepted

The prayer of the fasting person is guaranteed to be accepted at the time of breaking fast.

The Prophet (s.a.w.w.) said: 'Three prayers are not rejected: the prayer of a father, the prayer of a fasting person, and the prayer of a traveler.' [al-Bayhaqi, classified as saheeh by al-Albaani]

Instead of sitting down and making Dua'a at this precious time, some people forego this beautiful chance, and are too busy frying samosas, talking, setting the food, filling their plates and glasses, etc. Think about it...Is food more important than the chance to have your sins forgiven or the fulfillment of your Dua'as.

13. Fasting but not praying

The fasting of one who does not pray WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. This is because not praying constitutes kufr as the Prophet (s.a.w.w.) said: 'Between a man and shirk and kufr there stands his giving up prayer.' [Muslim]

In fact,none of his good deeds will be accepted; rather, they are all annulled.

'Whoever does not pray 'Asr, his good deeds will be annulled.' [Bukhaari]

14. Fasting and not wearing Hijaab

Not wearing the Hijaab is a major sin as it is obligatory for Muslim women. (See Surah Nur, Surah Ahzaab). So fasting and not wearing hijaab certainly takes away, enormously, from the rewards of fasting.

15. Not fasting because of exams or work

Exams or work is not one of the excuses allowed by the Shariah to not fast. You can do your studying and revision at night if it is too hard to do it during the day. Also remember that pleasing and obeying Allaah is much more important than 'good grades'. Besides, if you will fulfill your obligation to fast, even if you have to study, Allaah will make your studies and other activities easy for you and help you in everything you do. 'Whosoever fears Allah, He will appoint for him a way out and provide for him from where he does not expect, Allah is Sufficient for whosoever puts his trust in Him. [Qur'an, Surah at-Talaaq :2-3]

16. Mixing fasting and dieting

Do Not make the mistake of fasting with the intention to diet. That is one of the biggest mistakes some of us make (especially sisters). Fasting is an act of worship and can only be for the sake of Allah alone. Otherwise, mixing it with the intention of dieting may become a form of (minor) Shirk.

17. Praying only on the night of the 27th Ramadan

Some people pray only on the 27th to seek Lailat ul-Qadr, neglecting all other odd nights, although the Prophet (s.a.w.w.) said: 'Seek Lailat ul-Qadr among the odd numbered nights of the last ten nights of Ramadaan.' [Bukhaari, Muslim]

18. Wasting the last part of Ramadan preparing for Eid

Some people waste the entire last 10 days of Ramadan preparing for Eid, shopping and frequenting malls, etc. neglecting Ibadah and Lailatul Qadr. Even though, the

Prophet (s.a.w.w.) used to strive the most during the last ten days of Ramadan in worship [Ahmad, Muslim] and not in shopping. Buy whatever you need for Eid before Ramadan so that you can utilize the time in Ramadan to the utmost.

Aa'ishah (RA) said: 'When the (last) ten nights began, the Messenger of Allaah (s.a.w.w.) would tighten his waist-wrapper (i..e., strive hard in worship or refrain from intimacy with his wives), stay awake at night and wake his family.' [Bukhaari and Muslim]

19. Iftaar parties

Although inviting each other for breaking fast is good and encouraged, some people go to extremes with lavish 'Iftaar parties' with all sorts of disobedience to Allah, from flirting, gender-mixing and hijaab-less women to show-off and extravagance, to heedlessness to Salaah, and Taraweeh to even music and dancing.

It's not too late to rectify ones mistake and do good for the sake of Allah.

Inform My servants that I am the Forgiver, Most Merciful. [Qur'an, al-Hijr:49]

[Ummati]

[Ummati]

Dawra Tafsir, English

By Shaykh Kamaluddin

www.islamicspirituality.org/lectures/tafsir/english-dawra

Dawra Tafsir, Urdu

By Maulana Safiur Rahman

www.islamicspirituality.org/lectures/tafsir/urdu-dawra

[Ummati]

[iloveAllah]

A Time for Healing

Posted by IGIC

The following is based on a video talk, “In The Shade of Ramadan: A Time for Healing,” by sister Muslema Purmul. Ramadan is a time for spiritual growth and repentance to Allah – why not also make it a time for healing?

We share the transcript of Muslema Purmul’s words below:

Assalamu alaikum, and welcome to this episode of “In the Shade of Ramadan.”

Insha’Allah today, we’re going to be talking about utilizing the month of Ramadan as a month of healing and recovery. It has been a very long year, and some of us have experienced all sorts of trials – from divorce, to death in the family, to maybe falling out with some friends. Maybe people are having issues in this economy finding good employment, or they’re having issues with their kids. Maybe people are suffering from different types of addiction. Maybe they’re just unhappy.

And subhanAllah, this is the time of year to really look into that and try to heal from a lot of the injuries we’ve experienced, heal from a lot of the experiences that have caused pain. And by healing, I’m referring to a spiritual healing such that a person can come out of a situation and still feel whole, and not be traumatized by whatever it was that they’ve gone through.

And the first thing I want us to think about is that this life was not meant to be easy. Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala mentioned in the Quran, “Verily, we have created man in toil” [90:4], in struggle, in trial. This is something we expect from this life. But at the same time, we’re supposed to face those struggles and trials with faith; and in such a way that we can walk away from them gracefully, even; with compassion; becoming a better person instead of becoming worse.

So the first thing I want us to think about in regards to this is to forgive yourself, and to forgive others. And I say “forgive yourself” because sometimes, we think the problem is with others, but in reality, it’s a strong level of discontentment with one’s own self that’s nagging the person and causing them to feel pain. So realize that you have the ability to forgive yourself. And Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala mentions in the Qur’an, “Say, ‘O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful” [39:53].

Never despair from the mercy of Allah. Whatever it is that you’ve done or gone through, don’t despair from His mercy. The other thing is: sometimes, the person has been traumatized by what someone has done to them. Forgive them as well. This is the time for forgiveness.

And the Prophet salla Allahu alayhi wasallam told us that if a person ever suffers an injury from someone else and they forgive that person, then Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala will raise that person’s rank, and will forgive the forgiver’s own sins. SubhanAllah, your forgiveness is a reason to be forgiven. So practice forgiveness inshAllah, and also remember that the person who does not show mercy is not shown mercy. Practice forgiveness of yourself and practice the forgiveness of others.

And it’s easier said than done. It’s something that I know will take me five minutes to say, but it will probably take days to actually think about, reflect on, and do. But make that a goal for yourself.

The second step is to appeal to Allah subhanhu wa ta’ala as a means of getting through whatever it is that you’ve gone through. And He has many names that we can reflect on. One of the names that we can appeal to Him through that will help us, insha’Allah, is His name “As-Salam.” The Giver of Peace. Appeal to Allah subhanhu wa ta’ala, The Giver of Peace, to give you peace again; to give your heart peace, to give your mind peace.

You can also appeal to His other beautiful name “Ash-Shafee,” The Healer, and ask Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala to heal the wounds that you don’t see; to heal the wounds that you know are there, but you don’t even know how they’ve affected you.

And the third one is to appeal to Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala as “Al-Hadee,” The Guide, The Ultimate Guide. Because a lot of times when people go through something difficult, it affects their understanding. The experience somehow leaves them scarred in such a way that they leave confused.

There’s a line from a cartoon movie that I remember, “The Tale of Despereaux” – it’s a cartoon movie, and yet it has a lot of really interesting, adult lessons. One of the lines that struck me is “Sometimes when a heart breaks, it grows back crooked.” SubhanAllah, it’s natural for people to experience difficult trials and to feel their heart break in the midst of those trials, especially things that include feeling betrayed by someone else, or let down by someone else.

In these situations, it’s easy to be shaped in a bad way. Someone has a bad marriage experience, so they go and hate all men; or someone has a bad experience with a woman, and they start to see all women in a bad way. Whatever the case is, we ask that Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala allows us to not walk away from those experiences scarred and crooked, but rather we want to come back whole and better.

So appeal to Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala, “Al-Hadee,” to guide us, and to guide us in our understanding, as He is the Supreme Guide.

The third thing is to not just use becoming close to Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala as a means to get through the difficulties; He’s also the goal. He’s not just the means, He’s also the goal. So at the end of the road, you want to go back to Him.

The Prophet salla Allahu alayhi wasallam has a beautiful statement where he basically says that: if someone is seeking the dunya [this world], then he’ll find all of his affairs scattered, as though he can’t collect them; and if someone is seeking Allah subhanu wa ta’ala and the akhirah [the Hereafter], he’ll find that all of his affairs are gathered, and the dunya will actually come after him, even though he’s not seeking it.

And it requires of us to have a certain degree of zuhd [asceticism] – to have things physically around us, but those things are not in our hearts, because our hearts are actually filled with the love of Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala Himself.

Sometimes a lot of the experiences people go through in terms of addictions is because they’re looking for that acceptance or that validation through something; or they’re filling their heart with something because they feel that emptiness. And what their heart is really seeking is Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala. And your heart will never be satisfied with anything – not with television, not with addictions, not with any of the things you’re doing (or we’re doing) – your heart will never be satisfied except by Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala Himself.

And the fourth step is that sometimes the problems are bigger than just praying and going back to Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala in terms of worship, but we actually have to go and get professional help. Professional help should not be seen as a taboo, it shouldn’t be seen as if you’re crazy or something – it’s something that you should see as a means of tazkiya, of purifying your heart from ills. So go and get professional help if that’s the next step for you, if you’ve experienced something that’s traumatizing or something that you feel will affect you later in life in terms of marriage or family.

This is a time to recover and heal, so go and get professional help. You’ve taken the first step by [reading this]. And we know the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad salla Allahu alayhi wasallam that someone who takes a step towards Allah, Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala goes to them an arms length; and if you go to Him an arm’s length, He comes to you a fathom’s length; and if you go to Him walking, then He comes to you rushing.

So be happy that you’ve taken the first step. Now take the second and third and fourth and fifth step to really try to recover and heal from whatever you’ve experienced. And remember that you’re worth it, and you’re not beyond recovery. Don’t think, “I’m so screwed up right now, nothing can help me.” That’s not true. That’s the Shaytaan and his waswasa [whispers]. You can easily get out of whatever situation you’re in, you just have to be willing to struggle a little bit longer, a little bit harder to get through it.

And choose this month, this year, this Ramadan to really heal and recover from whatever you have experienced, insha’Allah.

May Allah subhanau wa ta’ala grant you a blessed Ramadan, and may He grant you a blessed healing and recovery.

[iloveAllah]

Unlike prayers, charity, and pilgrimage, fasting is an invisible act. Only Allah and the person who is fasting know whether he or she is fasting or not. One may quietly eat or drink something and no one will notice and no one can find out.

However, the fasting person has made this commitment for the sake of Allah and he or she wants to guard the purity of his or her fast for the sake of Allah. Fasting thus teaches sincerity, and it helps a person learn to live by the principles of his or her faith regardless whether others know or do not know. This is the very purpose and essence of taqwa.

[iloveislam]

[Ummati]

Let our hearts submit!

ramadanprep.ummahnow.org/Day%201%20of%20Ramadan%20Prep%20-%20Omar%20Soleiman.pdf

amazing, amazing article masha Allah.

do take out the time to read it!

may Allah bless the person who wrote this, the person who guided me to this article, and may Allah SWT grant us all a qalb un saleem. Ameen.

Website: ramadanprep.ummahnow.org/

[iloveislam]

Cleanse Your Hearts

Something that we don’t understand very well about the month of Ramaḍān is that it cures the heart. Ramaḍān is a time to cure the heart and clean it and purify our souls and our hearts. The heart is a container. There are numerous aḥadīth that tell us the heart is like a container. Purifying the heart is similar to purifying a container.

Let’s say you have a bowl or cup and have some dirt in there. You want to drink cool, pure water out of this cup or this bowl. What is the very first thing that you have to do before you can drink water out of it? You have to empty it out and dump the dirt somewhere.

Our hearts are full of a lot of unfortunate things, whether it be certain sins or attachment to certain sins or jealousy or hatred or enmity or lust. We have to clean it out and wash it out. This is what fasting is about. We literally deprive ourselves and deny ourselves those things that are permissible for us. Eating ḥalāl food and drinking ḥalāl things are permissible. Engaging in physical intimacy with one’s own spouse is permissible and ḥalāl for us. We deprive ourselves of these permissible things to empty out the heart and train the nafs.

Once you have emptied out the cup and rinsed it out, if you want to quench your thirst, you have to fill it with water. In Ramaḍān, we fast and empty out the cup, but if we really want to improve ourselves with lasting improvement and benefits, we have to fill up the cup with something and quench the spiritual thirst we have. This is the second component of the month of Ramaḍān, which is prayer and recitation of the Qur’ān. Too often when we talk about ṣalāt’l-tarawīḥ, the first question asked is, “Is it farḍ?” No one will tell you that it is farḍ. There is a very explicit and clear ḥadīth where the Prophet says that he did not want it to be farḍon his ummah.

As soon as we hear that tarawīḥ is not farḍ, we say that we are going to fast and do what we have to do, and that’s it. I want to recommend to you that Ramaḍān is not a time to look at the bare minimum but is a time to excel. SubḥānAllāh, what a tragedy if we are looking for the bare minimum during Ramaḍān, then what is going to happen after Ramaḍān is gone and the blessing of Ramaḍān is gone and the shayāṭīn are unleashed? This is something to really think and ponder on. Ramaḍān is a time to excel and to try to be the best that we can be and do the most that we can do so that we have something left over to show for.

Prayer at night and the recitation of the Qur’ān is the filling of the cup. Don’t deprive yourself. You’ve emptied the cup all day long, fill it. I understand that there are certain practicalities of life. Life happens and life comes up. Having said that, at a minimum, pray something and read some Qur’ān. If you can’t fill it up all the way to the brim, fill it up halfway.

Our Goals & Intentions

The last and final thing I want to share is a very important component of the ṣalāh is one of the prerequisites to prayer according to many fuqahā’, and that is niyyah (intention). It is a requirement in prayer to make an intention. Based on that, we understand that similarly in all other acts of ‘ibādah, fasting has an intention as well. According to many of the fuqahā’ and scholars, the intention for fasting is a requirement and prerequisite for fasting. The Prophet (ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) told us, إ نَّما اَّلأ عَّما لَّ بَّالنيات “Actions are based on the intentions.” The benefit of this ḥadīth is that the letter ب ba can also serve the meaning of benefit, consequence, or result. The actions are the outcome of the intentions. The actions will benefit according to the intentions.

What I am trying to say is that we should make an intention for the month of Ramaḍān in general. If we go into the month of Ramaḍān with the intention of completing 29 or 30 fasts, then Ramaḍān will have come and gone and we will have gotten whatever we intended to get out of Ramaḍān, which was 29 or 30 fasts. If I made the intention that I wanted to give a little in zakāh and ṣadaqah and read a little Qur’ān here and there, then Ramaḍān will have gone and that is what I will have gotten out of it. I’m not saying it is a bad thing, but I’m pretty sure we can all agree we are looking for something more out of the month of Ramaḍān.

The Prophet (ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, “Allāh has no need for us to deprive ourselves of food and water.” The purpose of fasting is to improve ourselves and better ourselves and our character and akhlāq. Similarly, our goal in the month of Ramaḍān is not to fast a certain number of days or to read a certain amount of Qur’ān or to give a certain amount of money in charity, but our purpose is to better and improve ourselves. Have something to show for it. In order to achieve that, you have to make that intention.
The way I recommend you make the intention practically is to take a piece of paper and write a few basic things that are problems that you have and want to improve about yourselves. Maybe it’s cussing and swearing or lying or wasting time or disrespecting your parents or not being generous or kind enough. Whatever your issue or problem is, write it down. Write down what you would like to improve about yourself, and make the intention to fix these things about yourself. Have the tangible, practical goal in front of yourself. Utilize the tools that the month of Ramaḍān provides like fasting, tarawīḥ, recitation of the Qur’ān, charity, the congregation, unity, the entire environment of Ramaḍān.

Allāh (subḥānahu wa ta’āla) tells us in a ḥadīth qudsi: “I deal with My slave according to His expectations from Me.” So, write down high goals, have high intentions, expect to achieve great things this Ramaḍān. Allāh will not disappoint us and we will see the tangible and practical improvement by the time Ramaḍān is gone bi idhn illāh!

transcript of part of a lecture by Sh. Abdul Nasir Jangda

[Ummati]

RAMADAN CHANGED HISTORY
LET IT CHANGE YOU!

ramadanprep.ummahnow.org/Day%208%20of%20Ramadan%20Prep%20-%20Waleed%20Basyouni.pdf

[Ummati]

8 Recommended Acts While Fasting

1. SUHUR

The suhur is the pre‐dawn meal (which should be taken before the beginning of Fajr). Anas, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Messenger of Allah, said: “Take the suhur for there is blessing in it.” (Bukhari & Muslim)

Abu Sa’id Al‐Khudri, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Messenger of Allah, said: “The suhur is a meal of blessings, so do not leave it, even if one of you just takes a [gulp] of water, since Allah sends mercy and His angels who seek forgiveness for those who take suhur.” (Ahmad)

2. HASTENING TO BREAK THE FAST (IFTAR)

It is recommended that the person fasting breaks his fast (iftar) as soon as the sun sets. Sahl Ibn Sa’d, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Messenger of Allah, said: “The people will not cease to be upon good as long as they hasten in breaking the fast.” (Bukhari & Muslim)

3. BREAKING THE FAST WITH DATES



The Messenger of Allah, used to encourage the breaking of the fast with dates and if they were not available, then with water. Anas, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “The Messenger of Allah used to break the fast with fresh dates before praying, and if not with fresh dates then with old dates, and if not with dates then with some mouthfuls of water.” (Ahmad)

4. TO MAKE DU’A AT THE TIME OF BREAKING THE FAST

Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Messenger of Allah said: “Three supplications are answered: the supplication of the fasting person, the supplication of the one who is oppressed and the supplication of the traveller.” (Ibn Majah)

Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Messenger of Allah said: “There are three whose supplications are not rejected: the fasting person when he breaks his fast, the just ruler and the supplication of the oppressed.” (Tirmidhi)

Indeed when the Messenger of Allah broke his fast, he used to say: “The thirst has gone, the veins are moistened and the reward is certain, if Allah wills.” (Abu Dawud)

5. INVITING OTHERS TO IFTAR

The Messenger of Allah said: “He who gives food for a fasting person to break fast, will receive the same reward as him, except that nothing will be reduced from the reward of the fasting person.” (Ahmad)

6. GENEROSITY AND STUDYING THE QUR’AN

It is recommended to be generous (in spending from one’s wealth) and to read the Quran at all times but especially in the month of Ramadan. Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “The Messenger of Allah was the most generous of all people especially in Ramadan when Jibra’il used to come to him. He used to meet Jibra’il on every night of Ramadan and study the Quran with him.” (Bukhari)

7. STRIVING IN WORSHIP OF THE LAST TEN DAYS OF RAMADAN



Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, narrated that the Messenger of Allah said: “The Messenger of Allah used to exert himself in the last ten nights more than he would at other times.” (Muslim)

8. REFRAINING FROM ACTS WHICH ENDANGER THE FAST

One should refrain from every act which will endanger the fast and make it devoid of any rewards and benefits. The Messenger of Allah encouraged the Muslim who fasts to display noble manner; to be far from foul speech and evil actions; and abstain from rude and obscene talk. Two acts which should be carefully avoided in his month are falsehood and ignorant and indecent speech.

Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that the Messenger of Allah said: “Whoever does not abandon falsehood in word and action then Allah the Mighty and Majestic has no need that he should leave his food and drink.” (Bukhari)

In the context of indecent speech, Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, also narrated that the Messenger of Allah said: “Fasting is not [merely abstaining from eating and drinking, rather it is [abstaining] from ignorant and indecent speech, so if anyone abuses or behaves ignorantly with you, then say: ‘I am fasting, I am fasting.’” (Ibn Khuzaimah)


theramadanblog.blogspot.com

[iloveAllah]

When Fasting Becomes a Chore
Posted by Mehmudah Rehman

A call to overcome the Ramadan relapse that most of us tend to experience.

I click lazily at yet another Ramadan article in my inbox. It would have been a good read – except that I’ve already come across quite a few articles in the same vein. An all-consuming yawn almost knocks the computer backward, and I look wearily at the clock. Sigh. Still some eight hours to go before Maghrib.

I resist the urge to google Harry Potter or Twilight or something equally inane and wasteful of these precious Ramadan hours and I know I should be reading the Qur’an (or at least listening to it) but I’m famished and cranky and just plain tired. I know I should be kind and forbearing, and Ramadan should jolt me out of heedlessness, especially since the devil is chained up. That’s when I realize I don’t really need Shaytan to whisper stuff – I can be quite the sinner all of my own accord.

I take my pre-dawn meal pretending I am a camel, and stock up on water, only to find that my effort to sleep post-suhoor is punctuated by frequent visits to the bathroom. Furthermore, all endeavours of self-restraint go to the dogs as soon as I come face-to-face with golden brown deep fried Samosas at iftar. A chiding that goes along the lines of “avoid fried, fatty, and sugary foods” echoes in my mind but I dismiss it with a big swig of sweetened cranberry juice as I praise God for His bounty (bounty of course includes the Samosas and Co.)

Needless to say, somewhere along the line, I seem to have missed the spirit of this blessed month. I complain, and behave like a grumpy goat as I go through my chores for the day, as though the fact that I am fasting is a favour upon the world. If you’re already having a great Ramadan, the following will probably only be a reminder if you read further, but if you’re having a Ramadan that is less than perfect, I would suggest you read on.

To begin with, the hunger pangs we experience are not so we become resentful but rather Allah makes food unlawful for us so we know how people who go through extreme hunger on a regular basis feel. As we speak, the famine in Somalia is affecting millions of people, and I would never have been able to understand those people but for this abstinence.

What’s more, it’s also a great chance for the body to detoxify and cleanse itself, as we overburden it with food all the year round. But to be very honest, this month is not so much about food anyway. It’s about being in that special spiritual state, finding peace with Allah, keeping your mind busy with His Remembrance and and realizing that even for someone as sinful as yourself, there is hope. A simple thing as a sincere intention while fasting can clear us of ALL our sins regardless of how ghastly they may be.

Abu Hurairah related that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Whoever fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven. Whoever prays during the nights in Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven. And he who passes Laylat al-Qadr in prayer with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven [Bukhari, Muslim].

The promise of a night that is better than a thousand months – and telling me it will definitely occur in the odd nights of the last ten days, if only I seek it? Is Ramadan really so difficult?

Allah says in the Qur’an:

“…And it is better for you that ye fast, if ye only knew” [2:184].

“Allah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you. (He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allah for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him” [2: 185].

I don’t know about you, but the verses above give me goosebumps. It sounds like Allah is talking to me directly – which of the favours of my Lord will I deny? He guides me, makes things easy for me, gives me knowledge and provision, and I crib when I have to fast for Him? Is that how brittle my Eman is, that it crumbles with one pang of hunger? Remember how our beloved Prophet Muhammed (salAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) tied stones to his stomach to subdue his extreme hunger because they had little to eat? Why can’t I fast out of love, submission, and thanks?

Remember this:

Abu Hurairah related that the Prophet said: Allah the Majestic and Exalted said: “Every deed of man will receive ten to 700 times reward, except Siyam (fasting), for it is for Me and I shall reward it (as I like). There are two occasions of joy for one who fasts: one when he breaks the fast and the other when he will meet his Lord” [Muslim].

Let’s remember the number of times we called out to our Lord scared, worried, and frustrated in the web of life. Remember the times when we knew we didn’t stand a chance and Allah hid our ‘uyoob (faults) from the eyes of the world. Recall in how many things and in how many ways Allah has blessed you and I!

It’s only a few more days and poof! Ramadan will be over. It’s now or never. Let’s not be one of those people mentioned in the following Hadith, and let us inshaA’llah enter Paradise from Ar-Rayyan!

The Prophet Muhammad (sall Allahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “When I was climbing up the pulpit, Jibreel (‘alayhis salam) came to me and told me: O Muhammad (sall Allahu ‘alaihi wa sallam)! Anyone in your nation who manages to be alive when Ramadan comes and yet cannot get his sins forgiven, then may he perish in the fire of Hell. Say Ameen.” So the Prophet (sall Allahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said Ameen. [Ibn Hibban]

www.igotitcovered.org/2011/08/15/when-fasting-becomes-a-chore/

[Ummati]