Ramadan 2011 benefits and calendar
Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic lunar calendar. The word Ramadan is derived from the arabic word 'al-Ramz' which signifies "to burn." Ramadan burns the sins of the one who fasts in it, and who engages in pious deeds in abundance. This helps to burn the sins, hence the name given to this month is Ramadan.
This important holy month begins with the sighting of the new moon after which all physically mature and healthy Muslim's are obliged to abstain from all food, drink and tobacco between dawn and sunset. However, that is merely the physical component of the fast; the spiritual aspects of the fast include refraining from gossiping, lying, slandering and all traits of bad character. All obscene and irreligious sights and sounds are to be avoided. Purity of thought and action is paramount. Ordained in the Noble Quran, the fast is an exacting act of deeply personal worship in which Muslims seek a raised level of God-consciousness. The act of fasting redirects the hearts away from worldly activities, towards The Divine.
The month of Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, prayer, doing good deeds and spending time with family and friends. The fasting is intended to help teach Muslims self-discipline, self-restraint and generosity. It also reminds them of the suffering of the poor, who may rarely get to eat well. It is common to have one meal (known as the Suhoor), Sehri just before sunrise and another (known as the Iftar), directly after sunset. This meal will commonly consist of dates, following the example of the Beloved Prophet Muhammad, Salla Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam. Because Ramadan is a time to spend with friends and family, the fast will often be broken by different Muslim families coming together to share in an evening meal. This important holy month begins with the sighting of the new moon after which all physically mature and healthy Muslim's are obliged to abstain from all food, drink and tobacco between dawn and sunset. However, that is merely the physical component of the fast; the spiritual aspects of the fast include refraining from gossiping, lying, slandering and all traits of bad character. All obscene and irreligious sights and sounds are to be avoided. Purity of thought and action is paramount. Ordained in the Noble Quran, the fast is an exacting act of deeply personal worship in which Muslims seek a raised level of God-consciousness. The act of fasting redirects the hearts away from worldly activities, towards The Divine.
Muslims believe that Allah (God) began revealing the Noble Qur'an to the Beloved Prophet Muhammad Salla Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam during Ramadan (in the year 610 C.E.). The Qur'an commands: "O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint...Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting..." (Chapter 2, verses 183 and 185). Fasting during Ramadan did not become an obligation for Muslims until 624 C.E., at which point it became the third of the Five Pillars of Islam. The others are faith (Shahadah); prayer (Salah); charitable giving (Zakah); and the pilgrimage to Makkah (Hajj).
Another aspect of Ramadan is that it is believed that one of the last few odd-numbered nights of the month is the Laylat al-Qadr, the "Night of Power" or "Night of Destiny." It is the holiest night of the holiest month; it is believed to be the night on which Allah first began revealing the Qur'an to the Prophet Muhammad Salla Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam through the angel Jibril (Gabriel) Alayhi Sallam. This is a time for especially fervent and devoted prayer, and the rewards and blessings associated with such are manifold. Muslims are told in the Qur'an that praying throughout this one night is better than a thousand months of prayer. This night is believed to be the 27th night of Ramadan. Additionally, Muslims are urged to read the entire Qur'an during the month of Ramadan, and its 114 chapters have been divided into 30 equal parts for this purpose.
When the first crescent of the new moon has been officially sighted by a reliable source, the month of Ramadan is declared over, and the month of Shawwaal begins. The end of Ramadan is marked by a special day known as Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Fast-breaking." It is a joyous time beginning with a special prayer, and accompanied by celebration, socializing, festive meals and sometimes very modest gift-giving, especially to children.
When Ramadan ends, Muslims give charity in a locally prescribed amount, calculated to feed one poor person in that region for one day. This is known as fitra, and is meant as another reminder of the suffering endured by many. Many Muslims also take this occasion to pay the annual alms which are due to the poor and needy, known as Zakaah (2.5% of assets).
At the beginning of Ramadan, it is appropriate to wish Muslims "Ramadan Mubarak" which means "Blessed Ramadan." At its conclusion, you may say "Eid Mubarak.
Virtues
Virtues and Excellence of Ramadan
The Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam delivered a thought provoking sermon on the last day of Sha'baan in which he said : " Oh Believers ! Be alert ! An auspicious month is about to dawn upon you , whose greatness and sanctity is not easy to comprehend. There comes to you a magnificent month, a blessed month, a month wherein is a night (Laylat al-Qadr) which is better than thousand months. Almighty Allah has made it's Fast's compulsory upon you, and the standing in its nights (Tarraweeh) a means of obtaining countless blessing's. Whoever sincerely makes an effort to seek the nearness of Allah in it, is like a person who has offered seventy obligatory deeds in other months. It is a month of patience, and the rerward of patience is Paradise. It is a month to show compassion to others. In it sustenance is increased. In this month the doors of Paradise are opened and the doors of Hell are barred (shut). Fasting is a shield against the fire of Hell. Hence it is important for the one who is fasting to abstain from uttering anything shameful or doing anything based on ignorance. If anyone tries to enter into a quarrel with him or swears him he should twice say " I am fasting. " The Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam further said : "I swear on Him in whose Hands is my life ! The breath emanating from the mouth of the observer of fasts is more beloved to Allah than the fragrance of musk. The observer of fasts abstains from eating and drinking, and from all sensual pleasures for My (Allah's) sake. Fasting is for Me and I alone shall give its rewards. "
The reward of every good deed is tenfold but the reward for fasting will be given by Allah alone. In short, this month is a treasure house of blessings and mercy. Therefore it is obligatory upon every Muslim to show this month the highest form of respect and at all times uphold its sanctity and dignity. Be firm and punctual in discharging one's obligation in respect of Namaaz, Fasting, Hajj, Zakaah and other commandments of Allah Almighty. Spend maximum time in the recitation of the Qur'an al-kareem, in Dhikr-Allah, in reciting Durood Shareef and offering sincere prayers for the betterment of one's Muslim brother's and for forgiveness of one's sins.
Reality
Reality and Facts about Fasting
After Namaaz and Zakaat became obligatory, Fasting in the month of Ramadan became obligatory on the 10th of Sha'baan in the second year of Hijra. In accordance with Shariah (Islamic Law), fasting is abstention from eating, drinking and all forms of sensual pleasures from before true dawn until sunset with the sincere intention of doing it as an act of worship. For a woman it is a pre-requisite to be out of menstruation (Haiz) and bleeding after child birth (Nifaas). A woman will have to fast for the days she missed while in Haiz or Nifaas.
When fasting in the blessed month of Ramadan it is incumbent upon its observer that he should not merely abstain from eating, drinking and sexual relations, but he must not indulge in any sinful activity through speech, action, trade and other daily routine. This is made clear by the Quranic injunction: " So that you may become pious " (2: v183). While in the state of fasting a person must not move his hands or feet towards any evil activity. He should not utter anything vulgar, back-bite, swear etc. nor should he allow his ears to hear such obscenities. His eyes too should not fall on anything which is religiously made unlawful. Instead, we must make every effort to become a practical example of piety. If one fasts strictly by observing the above restrictions and conditions, then only will he be able to inculate in himself piety at the end of Ramadan.
Moon
Sighting of the New Moon
Islam has given great credance for sighting of the new moon which should be proven without any shadow of a doubt, or related by witnesses satisfying religious conditions for it. The testimony of sighting the new moon should be presented to the Muslim Judge (Qadi) or if it is not a Muslim ruled country then to the authoritative Alim (learned person) of the town. If the moon is not sighted on the 29th of Sha'baan then 30 days of Sha'baan should be completed. Likewise, if the new moon is not visible on the 29th of Ramadan, and no religiously reliable news about it is obtained, 30 days of Ramadan should be completed and then Eid al-Fitr should be celebrated. However, it is sinful to fast when in doubt.
Islam has given great credance for sighting of the new moon which should be proven without any shadow of a doubt, or related by witnesses satisfying religious conditions for it. The testimony of sighting the new moon should be presented to the Muslim Judge (Qadi) or if it is not a Muslim ruled country then to the authoritative Alim (learned person) of the town. If the moon is not sighted on the 29th of Sha'baan then 30 days of Sha'baan should be completed. Likewise, if the new moon is not visible on the 29th of Ramadan, and no religiously reliable news about it is obtained, 30 days of Ramadan should be completed and then Eid al-Fitr should be celebrated. However, it is sinful to fast when in doubt.
Hadiths on moon sighting
The Beloved Rasool Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa sallam said, "See the moon and commence fasting and see the moon and end fasting (make Eid) and if the skies are overcast, then complete the counting of thirty (days)."
Hadrat Ibn Umar Radi Allahu anhu reported, I heard the Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa sallam saying, "When you see the crescent (of the month of Ramadan), start fasting, and when you see the crescent (of the month of Shawwal), stop fasting; and if the sky is overcast (and you can't see It) then regard the crescent (month) of Ramadan (as of 30 days, in other words complete 30 days)". [Bukhari]
Hadrat Abdullah bin Umar Radi Allahu anhu reported that the Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa sallam said, "The month (can be) 29 nights (i.e. days), and do not fast till you see the moon, and if the sky is overcast, then complete Sha'ban as thirty days." [Bukhari]
Hadrat Abu Hurayrah Radi Allahu anhu reported tha the Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa sallam said, "Start fasting on seeing the crescent (of Ramadan), and give up fasting on seeing the crescent (of Shawwal), and if the sky is overcast (and you cannot see it), complete thirty days of Sha'ban." [Bukhari]
Hadrat Huzayfah Radi Allahu anhu reported that the Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa 'aalihi wa sallam said, “Do not fast (for Ramadan) before the coming of the month until you sight the moon or complete the number (of thirty days); then fast until you sight the moon or complete the number (of thirty days). [Abu Dawood]
3 Categories
The Three Categories of Fast
Imam Ghazzali Rehmatullahi alaih has divided fasting into three categories :
1.) In the first group is the fast of those who merely abstain from food, drink and sensual activities from before true dawn (Fajar al-Sadiq) until after sunset, as is the case with the common people.
2.) In the second group is the fast of special people who protect their ears, eyes, tongue, hands, feet and other limbs from sin. This can be achieved by the following six things :
2.1 The person should protect his eyes from seeing all that is contemptible and undesirable as well as from anything that would distract him from the rememberance of Allah. The Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam said :
" An evil gaze is a poisonous arrow from the poisonous arrow's of the devil. Thus he who abstains from an evil gaze due to the fear of Allah Almighty, will be granted Faith (Iman) by Allah Almighty, whose sweetness will be felt in every part of the heart. "
2.2 The tongue should be protected from uttering worthless abusive talk, lies, back-biting, etc. During the time of the Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam two women were observing fast. At the latter part of the day they were much troubled by hunger and thirst which threatened their lives. A message was sent to the Messenger of Allah Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam to seek permission for them to break their fast. The Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam sent a cup and asked them to spew out whatever they had eaten into it. When the first woman spewed, it contained half blood and half flesh. The second woman too spewed the same. On seeing the astonishment of the people, the Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam said that although these two women fasted, they merely abstained from things which are made lawful by Allah Almighty but perpetrated that which was forbidden by Allah. They sat together and were back-biting about people. Back-biting about a person is like eating his flesh.
2.3 Ears should be protected from hearing every sound which is forbidden to hear. If back-biting takes place in any gathering one should walk out of it. It is reported in a Hadith that the one who back-bites and the one who listens to it are both sinners. One should save oneself from hearing this type of evil and listen to that which is good according to Shariah.
2.4 At the time of Iftaar do not over eat which would make a person indolent.
2.5 After Iftaar let your heart remain between fear and hope. We are not certain whether our fast has been accepted although we should not despair of the Mercy of Allah Almighty.
2.6 Refrain from walking to any place or gathering in which anything un-Islamic is said or done; e.g. cinema, dance hall, gambling places, etc.
3.) In the third category is the fast of those very special and selected persons who, in addition to, abstaining from the above keep their hearts aloof from all wordly thought's. They spend every moment of it in total meditation of Allah Almighty and do not think of anything besides Him. They spend every moment of the day and the night in the remembrance and contemplation of Allah Almighty. This type of fast is observed by the Prophet's of Allah, the Faithful servants of Allah and those who have obtained nearness to Him.
Niyyat
Niyyat : Intention for fasting
The time for the intention (Niyyat) for fasting begins anytime after sunset until midday. Intention is obligatory and it is Sunnat to recite it verbally each day. Even if the intention is made before midday the fast will be valid. Recite Durood Shareef before and after making the intention.
Niyyat
" I have made the intention of obligatory fast for this day of Ramadan for the sole pleasure of Allah Almighty."
Wa-be Sawme Ghadin Nu-Wei Tu Min Shah re-Ramadan.
" I have intended the fast of the month of Ramadan for tomorrow."
Sehri
Laws pertaining to Sehri
To partake the Sehri meal is Sunnat. Our Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam said: " Do take your Sehri meal, because this meal has many blessings in it. Sehri should be taken even if it be one mouthful or a draught of water. " It is recommended to delay the Sehri, but not that late that one begins to doubt its time. If one is hard pressed for time one can have one's Sehri in an unclean state e.g. Janabat (after having sexual relation with one's wife) Ihtilaam (experiencing a wet dream). However, one should not delay the Janabat Ghusal unnecessarily.
Reasons
Religious reasons for not obtaining the Fast
It is permissible for a person to avoid fasting if he is so ill that by fasting it will endanger his life, worsen his illness or there is a fear of becoming physically disabled. Such a person should keep the missed fast's after regaining his health. A person who becomes extremely weak due to old age and who has no strength to fast at that time, and who has no hope of gaining enough strength to fast in the future is required to give Fidya (atonement) for each fast, i.e. feed one person daily. However if such a person does gain strength to fast, his Fidya given would be regarded as voluntary, as it would be obligatory upon him to observe fasts for all the days he has missed.
Pregnant women or suckling mothers who run the risk of endangering their lives and the lives of their babies are also exempted by Shariah from fasting, but the Qaza of missed fasts would be obligatory upon them.
Sin
To break the Fast is a sin
Makrooh
Factors which render the Fast defective (Makrooh) 1. To taste or chew anything without a valid reason.
2. Telling lies, back-biting, tale-bearing, using obscene language, cursing someone, to cause harm or injury to anyone unjustly, to use worthless or abusive language, to scream, to quarrel or get into a fight.
3. To engage oneself in any irreligious work.
4. To accumulate saliva in the mouth which is then swallowed.
5. To gargle or rinse the nose excessively, etc.
Dont Nullify
Factors which do not nullify the Fast 1. To eat or drink unintentionally, in a state of forgetfulness.
2. To swallow a particle of dust, a fly, or a mosquito.
3. Falling of water into the ear at the time of taking a bath.
4. To vomit involuntarily, even a mouthful.
5. To insert medicine into the eyes.
6. To experience seminal discharge while sleeping during the day.
7. To swallow a particle from the crevices of the teeth which is smaller in quantity than a gram (chana).
While in a state of fasting if one applies antimony (soormah) to the eyes, massages oil on the head or body, makes use of the miswak, smells perfume etc. it will neither nullify the fast nor render it defective.
Nullify
Factors which nullify the Fast
The following acts will nullify the fast :
1. When water enters the gullet while gargling.
2. When water enters the grey matter of the brain at the time of inserting it in the nose.
3. When a person vomit's intentionally a mouthful of food, blood, bile, etc.
4. Swallowing from a mouthful of involuntary vomit in quantity of a gram or more.
5. Swallowing food from the crevices of the teeth in quantity of a gram.
6. Inserting medicine in the nose.
7. Inserting medicine or oil in the ears.
8. To take an enema.
9. To indulge in sensual activities forgetfully at the time of dawn.
10. Seminal discharge due to passionate fondling and kissing.
11. To smoke cigarette, cigar, hookkah, etc.
12. Chewing betel-leaf, even though its discharge is spat out and does not reach the throat.
If all the above factors take place in a conscious state of fasting, the fast will be nullified and its re-observance will be compulsory.
13. Blood from the teeth enters the throat. If the saliva content is greater than the blood, the fast will not be nullified, but if the blood content is greater, the fast will be nullified.
14. Swallowing coloured saliva as a result of placing coloured string in the mouth.
15. Taking snuff in the mouth, etc.
Religious issue's :
If one inserts drops of oil in the ear, or inserts medicine for a wound on the membrane of the brain which reaches the brain, or to take in medicine through the nose or through a clyster, or swallow a stone, pebble, cotton, paper, grass, etc. which is distasteful to people, or to remain in the month of Ramadan as if in a state of Fasting without having recited its niyyat, or eating after having recited the niyyat of fasting in the morning or before zenith time (zawwal), or reciting the niyyat of fasting but not for the fast of Ramadan, or if drops of rain or hail, or swallowed many drops of tears or sweat only Qaza of the fast is necessary not the Kaffarah- (expiation).
Fast does not break by taking an injection. However, if the medicine being taken by injection gives strength to the body via the brain and stomach then such an injection would break the fast. If food or medicine is fed intravenously to the brain or the stomach, the fast will break.
If the person does not stop eating or does not abstain from sensual activities after remembering that he is fasting or continues eating and drinking after the time of Sehri in the month of Ramadan, his fast will be nullified. He will have to re-observe the fast and give Kaffarah. Similarly those who are in the habit of smoking cigarettes, etc. and do this while they are fasting, their fasts will be nullified for which Qaza (repitition of fasts) and Kaffarah (expiation) will be incumbent upon them.
Fidya
Fidya (compensation) for the Fast
For every fast a person breaks or misses for a Shar'ee reason he has to feed a poor Muslim with two meals per day equal in value to ones own meal for each fast he has missed. This is called Fidya.
Kaffarah
Kaffarah (expiation) for the Fast
For every fast broken deliberately one has to free one slave or one maid (this is not possible nowadays) or keep sixty consecutive fasts, and if you are unable to do this then feed sixty needy persons with two meals for the day. This is called Kaffarah.
Iftaar
Iftaar
To make haste in breaking the fast is Sunnat and a means of obtaining blessing from Allah Almighty. One should break ones fast when one thinks the sun has set. However, one must not be too hasty on an overcast day. Iftaar should be made before performing Maghrib Salah. Iftaar should be made with dates and if this is not available, with water. After Iftaar one should not waste unnecessary time eating and delay the Maghrib Salah. Men should not miss the Jama'at (congregation) because of eating.
Iftaar Niyyat
Dua for ending the Fast :
At the time of Iftaar read the following dua :
Allah Humma inni Laka Soom-Tu wah Bikka aa-Mantu wa-Ilayka Tawak' Kalto,
Wah Ala Rizke-Ka Af-Tar-tu Fahtaqab al-Minnee
"Oh Allah I have fasted for You, believed in You, relied on You, and with your sustenance i break it. Therefore forgive me my past and future sins."
Wah Ala Rizke-Ka Af-Tar-tu Fahtaqab al-Minnee
"Oh Allah I have fasted for You, believed in You, relied on You, and with your sustenance i break it. Therefore forgive me my past and future sins."
Taraweeh
Laws pertaining to Taraweeh Prayer
To offer twenty Rakaats of Taraweeh Prayer on each night of Ramadan is Sunnat al-Mu'akkidah on every healthy male and female. Our Beloved Nabi Salla Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam said :
" The one who offers Taraweeh Prayer at night during Ramadan with complete faith and devotion only for the recompense of the Hereafter will have all his previous sins forgotten by Allah " (Bukhari Shareef).
Abdur Rahman bin Ouf RadiAllahu'anhu reports that Rasoolullah Salla Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam said:
"Verily Allah has made the fast of Ramadan compulsory upon you, and I have made its Salah (at night) Sunnat for you. Therefore, whosoever fasts and performs Taraweeh in this month with faith and hope for reward, emerges from his sins like the day he was born." (Nasaai 239/1)
This Hadith proves that Taraweeh salah is the Sunnat of Rasoolullah Salla Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam. In addition to this verbal injunction of The Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam we also have his practice on the Taraweeh Salah, which further emphasises the Sunnat nature of Taraweeh.
Women should offer this prayer at home, while for men to offer it in the Mosque in congregation is Sunnat-e-Kefaya. Intention should be made for the Sunnat of Taraweeh. The time for Taraweeh Prayer starts after Isha Salah and lasts till the break of dawn. It should be offered after the Fard and Sunnat of Isha, but before the Witr Salah. After every four Rakaats it is Mustahab (desirable) to sit for a duration to recite this Tasbeeh three times : " All Glory and Perfection belong to Allah and free is He (from all defects), the Sovereign of the Seen and the Unseen Kingdom. All Glory and Perfection is due to Allah and free is the Lord's Might, Greatness, Reverence, Power, Majesty and Omnipotence from all defects. All Glory and Perfection belong to Him and Free is He the Sovereign who does not sleep neither die from all defects. He is verily the all Gracious and the most Holy, the all perfect, the Lord of the Spirit and Angels. "
" Subhaana Dhil-Mulke w'al-Ma'lakoot, Subhaana Dhil-izate w'al-Azamate w'al-Haybate w'al-Qudrate w'al-Kibriyaa-ai w'al-Jaba'root, Subhaa'nal ma-li-kil Hayyil'Ladhi La'Yanaa-mu Wa'la yamootu Subbu Hun Quddu-sun Rab'onaa wa-Rabbul ma-'Laa'-i-kati War'ruh, Alla-Humma A'Jirnaa Mi'Nan'naar, Yaa Mujeero Ya Mujeero Ya Mujeer.
If one is unable to recite the above then he should glorify Allah Almighty, recite Durood Shareef and offer a du'a.
Miscellaneous Issues
1. If Taraweeh Prayer is offered in congregation at home one will receive the reward of Jama'at, but will be deprived of the reward of the Mosque.
2. It is permissable to offer Taraweeh Parayer in another Mosque other than the Mosque in one's own area if the entire Qur'an Shareef is not recited in your own Mosque, provided the Imam there recites the Qur'an correctly and sweetly and is of correct Sunni beliefs.
3. If the Imam of your area is not of the beliefs of the Ahl as-Sunnat w'al Jama'at, it is imperative that you should perform Taraweeh in another Mosque.
4. It is commendable to perform your entire Taraweeh behind one Imam.
5. If a person has not offered his Isha Salah in congregation, then it is Makrooh (undesirable) for him to offer his Witr Salah in congregation, although if he does so his Witr will be accepted.
I'tikaaf
I'tikaaf - if you think about it deeply and if it is done perfectly it is a most positive and hygienic act. Staying in the mosque for ten days spending time in worship, reading al Qur'an, positive thinking of Allah and His creation charges our spirits and empowers our bodies and thinking and teaches us how to be self-disciplined and have full control over ourselves.
How to measure out the real value of life and to make sure that we are on the right track, to shake off the dust of sins of our souls, to enrich and deepen our spiritual sense, to sharpen our vision, to look forward towards Life After before it is eminent for us. I'tikaaf does not mean to be negative to perform your duties in life or to run away from people and live by your own. This is not in any sense the aims of i'tikaaf.
As you know not all Muslims are able to do i'tikaaf but some of them do, and it is done inside the mosque so you are still with Muslims not away from them. You have a spiritual and hygienic environment around yourself, you are not isolated or neglected. If i'tikaaf can affect your living standard or affect the work in general or harm the society in any way it is not obligatory to do it in this case.
I'tikaaf can provide you with great happiness, tranquility, stability in mind and soul with hardly little cost.
Laws pertaining to I'tikaaf
To sit for I'tikaaf from the Asr Salah of 20th Ramadan until the Eid moon is sighted is Sunnat-e-Mu'akkidah Kefaye e.g. if only one person from the entire city or an area sits for I'tikaaf the rest of the people of that place will be relieved of their responsiblity, though they will be deprived of its rewards, but will not be regarded as omitters of this particular Sunnat.
1. One must sit for I'tikaaf in such a Mosque wherein the Five Daily Prayers are offered.
2. It is unlawful to leave the Mosque or its precints after having made the intention for I'tikaaf unless for relieving oneself or for religious necessities.
3. Human wants will include relieving oneself of urine or stool, to take a bath, if it is necessary, Istinja and Wudu.
4. If there is no one to bring food to him it would be permissable for him to bring his food from home. It is better for him to take the food to the Masjid and eat it there.
5. Religious needs will include going for Jum'ah Prayer to the central Mosque if Jum'ah is not offered in the Mosque in which he is sitting for I'tikaaf. In this case he should go to the Mosque at such a time which would allow him to offer his four Rakaats Sunnat, listen to the two Khutbah's, offer the two Rakaats Fard in congregation, offer his six Rakaats after Fard and immediately return to his Mosque. It is Makrooh for him to leave the precints of the Mosque without any valid reason. While in I'tikaaf he can eat, drink, sleep, read or teach from religous books, explain religious issues, talk on the lives and incidents of the Prophet's and Saints (Wali) of Allah in the Mosque.
Laylat al-Qadr
Laylat al-Qadr - The Night of Power
Laylat al-Qadr enjoys superiority over all the nights of the year. This night should be sought in one of the odd nights of the last nine/ten nights of Ramadan. According to most narrations it falls on the 27th night of Ramadan. Surah al-Qadr has hinted towards it in that "Laylat al-Qadr" has 9 letters in which Laylat al-Qadr is repeated thrice. Thus if you multiply 9 by 3 you will get 27. According to Imam al-A'zam Abu Hanifa (Radi Allahu' Anhu) Laylat al-Qadr in most instances falls on the 27th night of Ramadan, though it is most certainly in the last nine/ten odd nights of this blessed month. On this blessed night especially the Mercy and Blessings of Allah pour upon the earth in great abundance.
Therefore, one should keep oneself engaged in the recitation of the Glorious and Noble Qur'an, in Dhikrullah (Zikr) in reciting Durood Shareef and Istighfaar. Offer as many Nafl Rakaats as you possibly can. Recite the following Wazeefah in abundance as it was taught to Hadrat Ayesha RadiAllahu' Anha) by the Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu ta'ala alayhi wa Sallam :
" O Allah ! You are forgiving, and you love forgiveness, So forgive me. "
" Allah-humma innaka Afuwwun-tuh, ibbul Afwa fa-fu Annee "
(Timidhi Shareef)
" Allah-humma innaka Afuwwun-tuh, ibbul Afwa fa-fu Annee "
(Timidhi Shareef)
Because its exact night is not mentioned in any Hadith Shareef, the Companions of the Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam and the learned scholars have according to their own estimation mentioned different nights for it from the last nine/ten odd nights of Ramadan.
The reason for calling it Laylat al-Qadr is because the sincere worship of a believer in this night is better than the worship of a thousand months.
Hadrat Ali (Radi Allahu' Anhu) states that on the Night of Power any person who after Isha Prayer recites Surah al-Qadr seven times, Allah will protect him from all calamites and 70 thousand angels will pray for Jannat for him. If a person on a Friday recites this Surah three times before the Jum'ah Prayer, Allah Almighty will enter in his Book of Deeds rewards for him equal to the people who have offered Jum'ah Namaaz on that day.The reason for calling it Laylat al-Qadr is because the sincere worship of a believer in this night is better than the worship of a thousand months.
Some scholars have written that if any person who on the night of Qadr offers Four Rakaats Nafl in the following manner : After Surah Fateha recites Surah Takathur once and Surah Ikhlaas three times, Allah Almighty will ease for him the pangs of death, remove from him the punishment of the grave and grant him numerous mansions in Paradise.
It is stated in one Hadith Shareef that on the Night of Qadr groups of Angels descend upon the earth one after the other. Hadrat Jibrael Alayhis Sallam too descends. These angels bring with them four flags : one is set up on the Roza al-Mubarak (shrine) of our Most Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu ta'ala alayhi wa Sallam) one is placed on the Ka'bah, the third on Bait al-Muqaddas and the fourth on Mount Sinai. They then enter the homes of every Muslim male and female and extend greetings to them. But the habitual alcoholic, those who consume pork, and those who cut off relationship with their fellow Muslims are deprived of these greetings. Other angels too greet all those are engaged in the remembrance of Allah Almighty.
What to pray
Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem
Laylat al qadr is the most excellent night of the whole year, it is better then a thousand months, one nights worship is equivalent to the worship of a life time. The night occurs during one of the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan, most likely to be on the 27th Ramadan.
The Most Beloved of Allah, Huzur Nabi Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam said ''People who won't be able to benefit on this blessed night are listed as follows, unless these people ask for forgiveness for their sins : Muslim enemies, people who don't give zakaat and encourage people not to either, people who break relationships, laugh at the facts of the grave, people who back bite, being lazy to pray salaat, not talking to a muslim brother for more than three days, including haram, shirk, kufar, nazayess.''
On this blessed night pray the follwoing: the Qur'an al kareem, nafil salaat, tasbih, du'as, astagfar, kalma-e tamjid, Surah ikhlas and plenty of darood shareef as often as you can. Whoever prays by heart "Laa elaahaa el-lal laahu Muham-madur rasulul-laah" by praying first time you will be clean of sins, praying second time you will be clear of hell, and praying third time you will be accepted in Paradise. It is quoted in the Hadith sharif that whoever prays from the heart and with intention, will be forgiven for all their sins.
Huzur Nabi-e-paak Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam said on the night of Laylat aI qadr you must pray this du'a as much as possible:
" ALLAAHUMMA INNAKA AFUWUN TUHIBBUL AFWA F-AFL' ANNAA"
(0 Allah, you are the one who grants pardon for sins, you love to pardon so pardon us)
(0 Allah, you are the one who grants pardon for sins, you love to pardon so pardon us)
Astagfar:
'' ASTAG FIRULLAA HULLAZI LAA-E-LAAHAA ILLAA HUWAL HAIYUL KAIYUM V-A-TUBU ILAIH''
(I seek forgiveness from Allah, the Almighty, there is no god but He,
He is the Self-existent, the eternal and I turn to Him)
(I seek forgiveness from Allah, the Almighty, there is no god but He,
He is the Self-existent, the eternal and I turn to Him)
Whoever on this night prays :
"Innaa anzalnaahu fee lailatil qadr. Wa maa adraaka maalailatul qadr. LailatuI qadri khairum min alfi shahr. Tanazalul malaa ikatu varroohu fee haa bi-izni rabbihim min kulli amr. Salaamun heeyaa hattaa matlaeel fajr."
If they pray ''Innaa anzalnaahu'' (above) 700, or 70, or 7 times at least, Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala will forgive that person's sins, save them from all their troubles and ghosts, also 70,000 angels will pray for that person to go to Jannat (Paradise).
Nafil Salaat :
* Pray four rakats nafil salaat, in every rakat after ALHAMDU SHARIF (Surah Fateha) pray INNAA ANZALNAHU three times, and KULHUVLLAH SHARIF (surah ikhlas) seven times, this will decrease the pains and agonies of death, and will protect you from the torments of the grave.
* Pray four rakats nafil salaat, in every rakat after ALHA MDU SHARIF pray INNAA ANZALNAHU once and KULHUVLLAH SHARIF 27 times, Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala will forgive your sins.
* Pray two rakats nafil salaat, in every rakat after ALHAMDU SHARIF pray INNA ANZALNAHU seven times KULHUVLLAH SHARIF seven times, then pray Astagfar and Darood shareef, Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala will forgive you and your parents.
* Pray four rakats nafil salaat, in every rakat after ALHAMDU SHARIF pray INNAA ANZALNAHU three times KULHUVLLAH SHARIF five times, and after salaat pray Kalma-e tamjid 41 times, Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala will accept all your du'as.
* Pray 20 rakats nafil salaat with intervals after every two rakats, in every rakat after ALHAMDU SHARIF Pray KULHUVLLAH SHARIF 21 times, you will be clean of all your sins, as if you were just born.
* Pray 20 rakats nafil salaat with intervals after every two rakats, in every rakat after ALHAMDU SHARIF pray AAYTUL KURSI three times and KULHUVLLAH SHARIF 25 times, after salaat pray KALMA-E TAMJID 100 times, you will get Haj-e makbul's thawaab.
* Pray 10 rakats nafil salaat with intervals after every two rakats, in every rakat after ALHAMDU SHARIF pray KULHUVLLAH SHARIF 3 times, after namaz pray Darood shareef 11 times and Du'a, you will get lots of thawaab.
* Pray 10 rakats nafil salaat with intervals after every two rakats, in every rakat after ALHAMDU SHARIF pray any surah, then make your du'as, Insha-Allah they will be accepted.
* Pray 12 rakats nafil salaat with intervals after every two rakats, in every rakat after ALHAMDU SHARIF pray KULHUVLLAH SHARIF five times, you will get lots of thawaab.
* Pray 2 rakats nafil salaat, in every rakat after ALHAMDU SHARIF, pray KULHUVLLAH SHARIF seven times, after salaat pray darood shareef 100 times and Astagfar 100 times, you will get lots of thawaab.
* Pray four rakats nafil salaat, in every rakat after ALHAMDU SHARIF pray ALHA KUMUT-TAKAASUR once and KULHUVLLAH SHARIF three times, this will avoid problems, and will protect you from the torments of the grave.
* Pray 2 rakats nafil salaat, In every rakat after ALHAMDU SHARIF, pray KULHUVLLAH SHARIF seven times, after salaat pray astagfar 70 times, before you get up from your prayer mat Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala will forgive your sins and your parents sins and Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala will say to the angels to make sweet (meva) trees in Jannat as well as make you a palace. Until you will not see this in your dream you will not die.
Subhaana rabbika rabbil ezzati ammaa yasifun va salaamun al-l mursalin,
val hamdu lil-laahi rabbil aalamin
May Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala make all your Du'as come true. (Aamin)
Virtues of Laylat al-Qadr
Laylat al-Qadr - The most precious and virtuous Night
Nights are the time which Allah 'azza wa jall has designated for the attainment of spiritual blessing and power. Allah told His Beloved in the Qur'an al-kareem: ''Rise to pray in the night except a little'' (73:1)
Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala ordered the Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa aalihi wa Sallam) to spend most of the night in worship in order to prepare his heart for the tremendous revelation of Qur'an al kareem. This night worship was the means for the Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa aalihi wa Sallam) to ascend and to attain more and more power. His Companions would join him for the night prayer and would be rising up in station and spirituality:
| ''Surely We will make to descend on you a weighty Word. Surely the rising by night is the firmest way to tread and the best corrective of speech'' (al Qur'an 73, 1-5) |
| In the name of God, the Beneficent the Merciful Indeed We sent it [al-Qur'an] down on the Night of Power. What will convey to you what the Night of Power is like! Better is the Night of Power than a thousand months in that Night the angels and the Spirit descend by the permission of their Lord for every affair. Peace it is, till the break of dawn.[al-Qur'an, Chapter 97] |
It is just such a mighty night which is highly respected and given such a high value by the Lord Almighty. It is so mighty that it is said that it is the most mighty night, that Night of Power. Allah Almighty puts in it power for His servants to come closer to His Divine Presence. In a short time a that great power adorns worshippers in this night and they may be able to penetrate through the entire heavens and reach the Divine Presence.
People on this night are going to be on several different levels. No doubt we are on the lowest level, so we are hoping in this night to attain the honor and illumination granted in it. When we reach a higher level and as it is a holy night in the heavens as well, we will begin to sense something [of the great power being manifested] on this night. Whoever is at the highest spiritual level must be present for this night in the Divine Presence of the Lord.
That appearance will occur in a matter of seconds, perhaps within a single second. Perhaps one second is an enormous unit of time [in comparison] to that moment. It may be more than a second or much less, but it is an instant in time when an appearance from Divine Presence is manifested to creation. When that Divine Appearance manifests (Ar. tajalli), no one will remain standing throughout the heavens and the earth. Everything falls into prostration, throwing themselves down in prostration for that moment. That manifestation of Divine Power--that Divine Light--appears, and whoever is prepared and who has also been invited to attend that appearance sees it and falls in prostration. Everything in that moment falls in prostration (Ar. sajda): all animals--even ants, even elephants, even giraffes, even dogs--on that night they are not sleeping but are hurrying to make prostration on experiencing that divine manifestation. All trees-- even buildings--bow down in prostration and then rise up to their original positions. This is mentioned in Qur'an:
| 'And unto Allah falleth prostrate whosoever is in the heavens and the earth, willingly or unwillingly, as do their shadows in the morning and the evening hours'. (ar-R'ad, 15) |
| 'Hast thou not seen that unto Allah payeth adoration whosoever is in the heavens and whosoever is in the earth, and the sun, and the moon, and the stars, and the hills, and the trees, and the beasts, and many of mankind, while there are many unto whom the doom is justly due. He whom Allah scorneth, there is none to give him honour. Lo! Allah doeth what He will'. (al-Hajj, 18) |
For his honour, may God forgive us and take away our bad states. May Allah change our conditions from bad to good and change everything in us to be for His Sake. May we be good servants, obedient servants, beloved servants, respected servants, praised servants. Try to be servants such as this. For that reason, attend humbly to worship on that night as our Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa aalihi wa Sallam) directed us:
| "Whosoever offers voluntary prayers during the Night of Power out of belief and expecting from Allah its reward will have his past sins forgiven." [Bukhari and Muslim] |
Allah Allah...Karim Allah...Aziz Allah...Subhan Allah...Sultan Allah, Oh our Lord You are the only Sultan. Raise up Your Work and bring down the work of destructive disbelief and evil which seeks to harm Your human beings and all other creations by means of a destined appointed and authorized sultan from your Divine Presence.
Bihurmat al habeeb wa bi hurmat al fatiha.
[for the sake of the Beloved, for his sake we recite the Opening Chapter of al-Qur'an]
Friday
Last Friday of Ramadan
Our Beloved Prophet, the Prince of the Universe, the Light Personified Salla Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam said that Friday is the Prince of all days and more blessed than all the days. He who spends this day in worship, and in devotional prayers, Allah Almighty will protect him from the calamites of the entire week. In another Hadith Shareef it is stated : " Friday is the Day of Eid for the Believers. " There are many similarities of deeds between Friday and Eid. On Friday it is Sunnat to take a Ghusal, wear clean clothes and apply perfume, all of which are Sunnat on the day of Eid as well. On both these days two Rakaats Namaaz are offered congregationally, on both these days congregation and Khutbahs are incumbent. There is no Qaza for Jum'ah Prayer nor for Eid Prayer. If a person misses Jama'at for the Friday Prayer he cannot read this on his own. If Jum'ah is missed the person has to offer Dho'har (Zohr) Namaaz instead. The Noble Qur'an has mentioned the laws pertaining pertaining to Friday in Surah 'Jumuah'. The Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam said there comes a moment on Friday during which every du'a made is accepted. The Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam also said that the one who comes first to the Mosque for Friday Namaaz receives the reward of the charity of a camel, the second person will be rewarded with the charity of a cow, the third will receive the reward of a sheep, the fourth the charity of a chicken, the fifith charity of an egg. When the Khateeb (Imam) stands on the Mimbar to recite the Khutbah, Angels enter the Mosque to listen to him. The above reward is only for going early to the Mosque, while the reward for the Namaaz is different and in abundance. The Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam said that Allah Almighty forgives the sins commited between two Fridays of the one who performs his Friday Namaaz regularly.
While the Friday of any week is a source of blessings, mercy, forgiveness and salavation for the Believers, the Last Friday of Ramadan popularly known as 'Jummat'al-Wida', is light upon light and felicitation of the Noble Qur'an. It is the symbol of splendour, dignity and greatness for the Believers. It is a supreme expression of awe and majesty. On this day people walk towards the Central Mosque proclaiming the Glory and Praise of Almighty Allah aloud. On the way they are surrounded by the Angels and from the boundary of the Ka'abah pours in joyous torrents of mercy and forgiveness.
Without any shadow of a doubt the Last Friday of Ramadan is the day for the acceptance of du'as. Thus it is absolutely important that on this great day sincere prayers should be offered for the success, well-being and victory of the Muslim Ummah.
Sadaqat
Sadaqat al-Fitr
The wisdom in Sadaqat al-Fitr is that it cleanses one's fasting from shameless talk and the foul acts of indecency as it rids the poor of the need to beg on the day of Eid.
1. Hadrat Ibn Abbas (Radi Allahu ta'ala anhu) states, '' To purify one's fasting from shameless talk and indeceny and to provide the poor with food, the Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa aalihi wa Sallam) stated the importance of Sadaqat al-Fitr. Thus whoever pays Sadaqat al-Fitr before Eid prayer it is Zakaah worthy of acceptance. And whoever pays Sadaqat al-Fitr after Eid prayer his Sadaqat is like ordinary Sadaqat.'' (Ibn Maajah)
2. Hadrat Ibn Umar (Radi Allahu ta'ala anhu) narrates : The Most Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa aalihi wa Sallam) stated Sadaqat al-Fitr to be Waajib (compulsory). He (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa aalihi wa Sallam) said, '' The Fast of Ramadan remains suspended between the earth and the sky and it is only Sadaqat al-Fitr that takes it up. ''
The wisdom in Sadaqat al-Fitr is that it cleanses one's fasting from shameless talk and the foul acts of indecency as it rids the poor of the need to beg on the day of Eid.
1. Hadrat Ibn Abbas (Radi Allahu ta'ala anhu) states, '' To purify one's fasting from shameless talk and indeceny and to provide the poor with food, the Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa aalihi wa Sallam) stated the importance of Sadaqat al-Fitr. Thus whoever pays Sadaqat al-Fitr before Eid prayer it is Zakaah worthy of acceptance. And whoever pays Sadaqat al-Fitr after Eid prayer his Sadaqat is like ordinary Sadaqat.'' (Ibn Maajah)
2. Hadrat Ibn Umar (Radi Allahu ta'ala anhu) narrates : The Most Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa aalihi wa Sallam) stated Sadaqat al-Fitr to be Waajib (compulsory). He (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa aalihi wa Sallam) said, '' The Fast of Ramadan remains suspended between the earth and the sky and it is only Sadaqat al-Fitr that takes it up. ''
Ruling
The Ruling on Sadaqat al-Fitr
Sadaqat al-Fitr is Waajib on every free Muslim who, after the requirements of his fundamental needs, is the owner of Nisaab, irrespective of whether a year has passed or not (on his ownership of the Nisaab). Such a person must give Sadaqat al-Fitr on his own behalf, on behalf of his minor children and the slaves in his service.
The time for when Sadaqat al-Fitr becomes Waajib is the time of the dawn (Fajr Saadiq) on the day of Eid al-Fitr. Sadaqat al-Fitr is not Waajib on the person who dies before this time. Similarly the person who is born or accepts Islam after this time, Sadaqat al-Fitr is not Waajib upon him.
It is Mustahabb (desirable) that people should pay Sadaqat al-Fitr before setting off for Eid prayer on the day of Eid al-Fitr. It is permissible to pay Sadaqat al-Fitr before the day of Eid al-Fitr. If people do not pay it on Eid day they will still have to pay it after wards, the responsibilty does not drop.
Amount
The Amount of Sadaqat al-Fitr
The amount of Sadaqat al-Fitr is half of a Saa' of wheat or one Saa' of dates, barley or fig.
It is permissible to give the monetary equivalent of these commodities. However it is better to pay it in cash for this is more beneficial for the poor.
Hadrat Abdullah ibn Umar (Radi Allahu ta'ala anhu) narrates that at the completion of the fasting of Ramadan, the Most Beloved Messsenger (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa aalihi wa Sallam) made Waajib one Saa' of dates or barley in terms of Sadaqat al-Fitr. Irrespective of whether one is a free Muslim or a slave : male or female ; young or old.
Hadrat Ibn Umar (Radi Allahu ta'ala anhu) states, '' Then the people deemed half a Saa' of wheat as its equivalent and then they deemed two Mud of wheat as equivalent to half a Saa'. ''
Entitled
Those Entitled to Sadqat al-Fitr
Those entitled to Zakaah are those also entitled to Sadqat al-Fitr, those which have been mentioned in Surah Tauba, verse 60.
" Zakaah is only for those who are poor and needy and those who are employed to administer it, and for those attracted to Islam, and for the freeing of slaves, and for debtors and for the cause of Allah and for the traveller. That is the duty enjoined by Allah, He is knowing, Wise. '' (Al-Quran 9 : 60 )
For further reading please visit : Zakaah
Sunnat of Eid
Sunnat Acts of Eid
The following was the practice of our Most Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu ta'ala alayhi wa Sallam) on the day of Eid :
1. To take Ghusal
2. To use the miswaak
3. To apply perfume
4. To wear one's best clothes - preferably new
6. To walk to the Eid Ghah using separate routes for going and returning
6. On the day of Eid al-Fitr to eat something sweet, like dates, etc. before proceeding to the Eid Ghah, while not to eat anything before Namaaz on the day of Eid al-Adha
Desirable
Desirable Acts of Eid
1. To increase the giving of charity
2. To meet collectively and reciprocate Eid greetings
3. To show expression of Joy
4. To hug and shake hands with one another
Time
Time of Eid Namaaz
Namaaz
Namaaz of the two Eids
The two Rakaats of Eidain are Wajib on every sane and mature Muslim who is healthy and resides in a town or city. Eid and Jum'ah Prayers are not permissable in very small villages. However big villages which have the status of a town in terms of Islamic Law would be regarded as suitable places for these prayers. The conditions for the validity of Jum'ah and Eid Prayers are similar, but with some minor differences. While the Khutbah for Jum'ah Namaaz is compulsory (fard) the Khutbah for Eid Namaaz is Sunnat. The Khutbahs for Jum'ah Prayer are recited before the Namaaz while for Eid the Khutbahs are given after the Namaaz. If any person did not recite the Khutbah after the Eid Namaaz or he recited it before the Namaaz, the Namaaz itself will be valid but such a person will be a sinner.
Takbeer
Takbeer for Ayyam-e-Tashreeq
" Allaho-Akhbar, Allaho-Akhbar, la-illahaa il-lallaho'-w'allaho-Akhbar, Allaho-Akhbar w'alilaa-hil Hamdh "
From the Fajr of the ninth of Dhil-Hajj to the Asr of the 13th Dhil-Hajj it is Wajib to recite the above Takbeer once, and commendable to recite it three times immediately after every Fard Namaaz.
Method
Method of Performing Eid Namaaz
1. Make your Niyyat
2. After making your Niyyat follow the Imam by raising your hands upto your ears and reading Takbeer-e-Tahreema and then fold the hands below the navel
3. Thana will then be recited and thereafter the Imam will read three extra Takbeers. The Muqtadees at each Takbeer follow the Imam by raising their hands to the ears reciting 'Allahu Akhbar' and then dropping their hands to their sides
4. At the call of the third Takbeer, the hands will be folded. The Rakaat will then be completed as normal
5. In the second Rakaat after Surah Fateha and Qirat, the Imam will call out three extra Takbeers, and at the call of the fourth Takbeer all will go into Ruku and complete the rest of the Namaaz as usual
6. After the Namaaz, the Imam will give two Khutbahs in Arabic
7. After the Khutbahs, a talk will be given to highlight important issues facing the Muslims and pertinent aspects of the particular Eid.
8. At the end of the talk Salat-o-Salaam will be sent upon the Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam. To recite the Salat-o-Salaam collectively while standing is a means of obtaining Mercy and Blessings of Allah Almighty.
9. Then the Imam will make the final du'a for the general well being of the Muslim Ummah.
10. It is Mustahab to hug and shake hands with fellow Muslim bretheren.
Shawwaal
Fasts of Shawwaal
Hadrat Abu Ayyub Ansari (Radi Allahu' Anhu) reported that the Beloved Messenger of Allah (Salla Allahu ta'ala alayhi wa Sallam) said: " The one who observes the fasts of Ramadan and follows this with six voluntary fasts of Shawwaal will be regarded as though he had fasted perpetually " (Muslim Shareef). In another Hadith, Hadrat Jabir bin Abdullah (Radi Allahu'Anhu) reported that the Messenger of Allah (Salla Allahu ta'ala alayhi wa Sallam) said: " The one who observes six fasts of Shawwaal after Eid al-Fitr will be regarded as though he has fasted the entire year."
It is excellent to keep these six fasts on six different days in Shawwaal but if kept consecutively there is no harm in it.
May Allah Almighty give us the guidance and Tawfiq to act upon what we learn. Ameen.
Poem
In the name of Allah, the most Merciful, the most Compassionate
A blessed month is casting its shadow upon us
A night of this month is better than a thousand months
Bear with patience for the sake of Ar-Rahman
Its a continuous training to strengthen our Imaan.
Glory be to Allah who sent Ramadan as a mercy to mankind
Its a purification of our soul, our heart, and our mind
With the most sincere devotion and love we fast
To be cleansed and free from sins of the past
Glorified is He, who choseth this holy month,
To test our sabr and fill our hearts with warmth
Of his Divine Light, His blessings shall glow,
The Seer of the unseen, all He does know
Ya Allah! For thee, let my breath be more pleasant than musk
Ya Allah! For thee, let me be thankful when day turns to dusk
My thoughts and heart are purified, my eyes truly see
This blessed month, the month of spiritual rhapsody!
Ya Allah! For thee, my life I shall live!
Ya Allah! For thee, my soul I shall give!
In the name of Allah, the most Merciful, the most Kind,
Praise be to Allah, who sent Ramadan as a gift to mankind
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