tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73172559729977064072024-03-14T06:16:32.697-07:00E ISLAMIslam is not just a Religion....but the Most Beautiful Way of Life!!!E ISLAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02354917230047087296noreply@blogger.comBlogger645125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7317255972997706407.post-18845471752246763572023-06-19T23:45:00.001-07:002023-06-19T23:45:53.537-07:00Don't miss out on the 10 blessed days<div dir="ltr"><h3 class="gmail-post-title entry-title" style="margin:0px;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-weight:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:22px;line-height:normal;font-family:Georgia,Utopia,"Palatino Linotype",Palatino,serif;color:rgb(213,42,51);background-color:rgb(254,253,250)">Don't miss out on the 10 blessed days</h3><div class="gmail-post-header" style="line-height:1.6;margin:0px 0px 1em;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Arial,Tahoma,Helvetica,FreeSans,sans-serif;font-size:13px;background-color:rgb(254,253,250)"><div class="gmail-post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="gmail-post-body entry-content" id="gmail-post-body-1280079796759075854" style="width:586px;line-height:1.4;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Arial,Tahoma,Helvetica,FreeSans,sans-serif;font-size:13px;background-color:rgb(254,253,250)"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman";font-size:small"></span><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman";font-size:small"></span><br><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman";font-size:small"><div class="MsoNormal" style="background:white;line-height:normal;margin:7.5pt 0cm"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:rgb(0,51,204);font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:13.5pt">Ten Blessed Days: Don't Miss Out!</span></b></div> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2VhFYQDTY6jh7oIsyJTvRc_8eEgEOOgJb_cMaszcJDE0Ow6zt54Tjvil8m5jbUO0u_InWRTnAOCSvwr9PBCXlEJ2Y4WDL9g0-UAeqjCgSOWM0j2F_5lr6VVfu_vaLRvxwx_vDoBN4mcpqhiYP1Sdu0Xt-gr_EyIxsx-0Nuj6TpYd2yJPRlS6FRAudtv4"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2VhFYQDTY6jh7oIsyJTvRc_8eEgEOOgJb_cMaszcJDE0Ow6zt54Tjvil8m5jbUO0u_InWRTnAOCSvwr9PBCXlEJ2Y4WDL9g0-UAeqjCgSOWM0j2F_5lr6VVfu_vaLRvxwx_vDoBN4mcpqhiYP1Sdu0Xt-gr_EyIxsx-0Nuj6TpYd2yJPRlS6FRAudtv4=s320" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7246655881960218594" /></a><br><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman";font-size:small"><div class="MsoNormal" style="background:white;line-height:normal;margin:7.5pt 0cm"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background:white;line-height:normal;margin:7.5pt 0cm"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">By His wisdom, Allah Ta'ala gave preference to some places and times over others. For Muslims, Friday is the best day of the week, Ramadan is the best month of the year, "</span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">Laylat al-Qadr"</span></i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt"> is the best night in Ramadan, the day of "Arafah" is the best day of the year. Likewise the first ten days of the month of "Dhul-Hijjah" are the blessed days for Muslims.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background:white;line-height:normal;margin:7.5pt 0cm"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">Allah Ta'ala says in the Quran what means: </span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">{By the daybreak, by the ten nights,<i> </i>by the even and the odd,<i> </i>by the passing night – is this oath strong enough for a rational person?}</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt"> (Al-Fajr 89:1-5)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background:white;line-height:normal;margin:7.5pt 0cm"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">Early Muslim scholars differed on what is meant by the "ten nights". But most of them agreed that the ten nights refer to the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background:white;line-height:normal;margin:7.5pt 0cm"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">In another verse Allah Ta'ala says: </span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">{… to attain benefits and mention Allah Ta'ala's name, on specified days.} </span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">(Al-Hajj 22:28)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background:white;line-height:normal;margin:7.5pt 0cm"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">Most of the Quran commentators view that the specific days are the ten days of Dhul-Hijjah.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background:white;line-height:normal;margin:7.5pt 0cm"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">What a great virtue attached to those days which pass unnoticed by many people nowadays.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background:white;line-height:normal;margin:7.5pt 0cm"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">On the merits of the first ten days, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is reported to have said: "</span><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">" The people asked, "Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah?" He said: "Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah, except in the case of a man who went out to fight, giving himself and his wealth up for the cause, and came back with nothing." (Al-Bukhari)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background:white;line-height:normal;margin:7.5pt 0cm"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">In what follows are suggested ideas on how to make the best use of the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background:white;line-height:normal;margin:7.5pt 0cm"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:maroon;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">Repent to Allah</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background:white;line-height:normal;margin:7.5pt 0cm"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">Make a sincere repentance to Allah Ta'ala and promise Him that you will not do bad deeds again. This may be your last chance. You are not sure if you will live till next year.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background:white;line-height:normal;margin:7.5pt 0cm"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:maroon;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">Pray at the Mosque</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background:white;line-height:normal;margin:7.5pt 0cm"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">Try to perform the five daily prayers in the mosque. If you have time after Fajr prayer, try to sit in the mosque, read a </span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">juz'</span></i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt"> (part) of the Quran, make </span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">duaa</span></i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">, or recite some </span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">Adhkar</span></i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt"> (remembrance of Allah). Then offer two </span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">rakahs</span></i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt"> before you go home. If you do so, you are reviving a tradition that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to do, a tradition which these days has been neglected by many Muslims.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background:white;line-height:normal;margin:7.5pt 0cm"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:maroon;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">Observe Fasting in the First Nine Days</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background:white;line-height:normal;margin:7.5pt 0cm"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">Abu Sa`id al-Khudri said: I heard the Prophet saying, "Indeed, anyone who fasts for one day for Allah's Pleasure, Allah will keep his face away from the (Hell) fire for (a distance covered by a journey of) seventy years." (Muslim)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background:white;line-height:normal;margin:7.5pt 0cm"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">Do not observe fasting on the tenth day because it is an `Eid day and it is prohibited to fast that day.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background:white;line-height:normal;margin:7.5pt 0cm"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">Good deeds are rewarded abundantly in these first ten days; and as fasting is a good deed, it is recommended to fast these nine days.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background:white;line-height:normal;margin:7.5pt 0cm"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:maroon;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">Do not Miss Fasting the Day of Arafah</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background:white;line-height:normal;margin:7.5pt 0cm"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">On the day of </span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">Arafah</span></i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">, non-pilgrims are highly recommended to maintain fasting. It is reported that the Prophet was asked about fasting on the day of </span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">Arafah</span></i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">, whereupon he said: "It expiates the sins of the preceding year and the coming year." (Muslim)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background:white;line-height:normal;margin:7.5pt 0cm"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">He also said: "There is no day in which Allah frees a greater number of His slaves from the Hellfire than the Day of </span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">Arafah</span></i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">." (Muslim)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background:white;line-height:normal;margin:7.5pt 0cm"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:maroon;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">Make a Lot of Supplications (<i>duaa</i>) on the Day of <i>Arafah</i></span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background:white;line-height:normal;margin:7.5pt 0cm"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">The Prophet said: "The best supplication is that of the Day of `Arafah, and the best thing that I and other Prophets before me said, is: </span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">La ilaha illa allahu wahdahu la sharika lah, lahu al-mulku wa lahu al-hamdu wa huwa `ala kulli shai'in qadeer</span></i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt"> (There is no Allah Ta'ala but Allah alone. He has no partners. To Him belong the sovereignty and all praise. He has power over all things.) (Al-Tirmidhi)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background:white;line-height:normal;margin:7.5pt 0cm"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:maroon;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">Try to Do Something New this Year</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background:white;line-height:normal;margin:7.5pt 0cm"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">If you used to recite a part of the Quran last year, try to finish reading the whole Quran this year. Try to pick some verses everyday and check the books of </span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">Tafsir</span></i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt"> (exegesis of the Quran) to reflect on their meaning in order to derive lessons from them in your daily life.</span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background:white;line-height:normal;margin:7.5pt 0cm"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:maroon;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">Maintain your Family Relations</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt"></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="background:white;line-height:normal;margin:7.5pt 0cm"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">Visit your relatives even for a few minutes. If they live far away, give them a call. Do not forget your parents. Be kind to them, visit them, and attend to their needs. Some new Muslims think that after their conversion, they should cut off their family members. Allah Ta'ala orders Muslims to be kind to their parents even if they are non-Muslims. This occasion might be a good opportunity to talk about Islam to your non-Muslim parents.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background:white;line-height:normal;margin:7.5pt 0cm"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:x-small"></span> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background:white;line-height:normal;margin:7.5pt 0cm"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:maroon;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">Give to Charity</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background:white;line-height:normal;margin:7.5pt 0cm"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">Make it a daily habit to help the needy. Look for humanitarian organizations in your neighborhood and help them in any way you can.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background:white;line-height:normal;margin:7.5pt 0cm"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:x-small"></span> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background:white;line-height:normal;margin:7.5pt 0cm"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:maroon;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">Don't Miss Offering at Least Two Rakahs of "<i>Tahajjud"</i> at Night</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background:white;line-height:normal;margin:7.5pt 0cm"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">Offer many extra prayers, as much as you can. Allah Ta'ala promised a great reward for offering extra acts of worship. The Prophet said: "Allah said, 'I will declare war against him who shows hostility to a pious worshipper of Mine. And the most beloved things with which My slave comes nearer to Me, is what I have enjoined upon him; and My slave keeps on coming closer to Me through performing </span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">Nawafil</span></i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt"> (praying or doing extra deeds besides what is obligatory) till I love him, so I become his sense of hearing with which he hears, and his sense of sight with which he sees, and his hand with which he grips, and his leg with which he walks; and if he asks Me, I will give him, and if he asks My protection (refuge), I will protect him; (i.e. give him My refuge) and I do not hesitate to do anything as I hesitate to take the soul of the believer, for he hates death, and I hate to disappoint him." (Al-Bukhari)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background:white;line-height:normal;margin:7.5pt 0cm"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:maroon;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">Reciting the <i>Takbir</i></span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background:white;line-height:normal;margin:7.5pt 0cm"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">It is an act of Sunnah to say "</span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">Takbir"</span></i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt"> (Allah is the Greatest) in the first ten days.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background:white;line-height:normal;margin:7.5pt 0cm"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">The "</span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">Takbir"</span></i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt"> should be pronounced as much as possible in the mosque, at home, in the streets, etc. It is reported that: "Ibn `Umar and Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with them) used to go out in the marketplace during the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, reciting </span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">Takbir</span></i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">, and the people would recite </span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">Takbir</span></i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt"> when they heard them." (Al-Bukhari)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background:white;line-height:normal;margin:7.5pt 0cm"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">There are many forms of </span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">Takbir</span></i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">, but the most common one is: </span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">Allahu akbaru, Allahu akbaru, Allahu akbaru, la illaha illa Allah, Allahu akbaru, Allahu akbar, wa lillahi al-Hamd</span></i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background:white;line-height:normal;margin:7.5pt 0cm"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">In another version of the Hadith mentioned above on the merits of the ten days, there is this addition: "… so increase saying </span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">Tahlil</span></i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt"> (saying </span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">la-illah illa Allah</span></i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">)</span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">, Takbir</span></i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt"> (saying </span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">Allahu akbar</span></i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">), </span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">and Tahmid</span></i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt"> (saying </span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">Al-hamdullilah</span></i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">)" (Ahmad) Therefore, these kinds of "</span><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">dhikr"</span></i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt"> should be recited day and night.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background:white;line-height:normal;margin:7.5pt 0cm"><b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:maroon;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">The Best Good Deed in These Days is to Offer Hajj</span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background:white;line-height:normal;margin:7.5pt 0cm"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">Go to Hajj, if you are physically and financially able to perform it. If not, try to offer a sacrifice (qurbani) if you have the means. By doing this you are commemorating the story of sacrifice of both prophet Ibrahim and his son Ismail (peace be upon them). The poor and the needy have a share in the sacrifice and feeding them is one of best deeds that can be done on the day of `Eid.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background:white;line-height:normal;margin:7.5pt 0cm"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color:black;font-family:Verdana,"sans-serif";font-size:10pt">I pray to Allah to accept our good deeds in these days of Dhul-Hijjah and throughout the year. When our good deeds are accepted by Allah Ta'ala, we will be admitted to Paradise, by His Mercy.</span></div></span></div></div> E ISLAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02354917230047087296noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7317255972997706407.post-62490802055088173832023-06-19T23:41:00.001-07:002023-06-19T23:41:57.894-07:00The Virtues of the Month of Zil Hijjah<div dir="ltr"><h3 class="gmail-post-title entry-title" style="margin:0px;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-weight:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:22px;line-height:normal;font-family:Georgia,Utopia,"Palatino Linotype",Palatino,serif;color:rgb(213,42,51);background-color:rgb(254,253,250)">The Virtues of the Month of Zil Hijjah</h3><div class="gmail-post-header" style="line-height:1.6;margin:0px 0px 1em;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Arial,Tahoma,Helvetica,FreeSans,sans-serif;font-size:13px;background-color:rgb(254,253,250)"><div class="gmail-post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="gmail-post-body entry-content" id="gmail-post-body-9029518019075655467" style="width:586px;line-height:1.4;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Arial,Tahoma,Helvetica,FreeSans,sans-serif;font-size:13px;background-color:rgb(254,253,250)"><div class="gmail_quote"><div><font face="Calibri"><b><span style="color:rgb(0,0,153);font-size:14pt">THE VIRTUES MONTH OF ZIL HIJJAH</span></b></font></div><div></div><div style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"><font face="Calibri"><b><i><span style="font-size:12pt">By E ISLAM TEAM</span></i></b></font></div><div></div><div style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"> </div><div></div><ul type="disc" style="padding:0px 2.5em;margin:0cm 0px 0.5em;line-height:1.4;list-style-position:initial"><li style="padding:0.25em 0px;margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;color:green;border:none;line-height:normal"><b><span style="color:black;font-size:12pt"><font face="Calibri">Importance of First 10 Days of Zil Hijjah</font></span></b><span style="font-family:Arial,"sans-serif";font-size:9pt"></span></li><li style="padding:0.25em 0px;margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;color:green;border:none;line-height:normal"><b><span style="color:black;font-size:12pt"><font face="Calibri">The Takbeeraat of Tashreeq</font></span></b><span style="font-family:Arial,"sans-serif";font-size:9pt"></span></li><li style="padding:0.25em 0px;margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;color:green;border:none;line-height:normal"><b><span style="color:black;font-size:12pt"><font face="Calibri">Fasting on the day of Arafah(9 Zil Hijjah)</font></span></b><span style="font-family:Arial,"sans-serif";font-size:9pt"></span></li><li style="padding:0.25em 0px;margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;color:green;border:none;line-height:normal"><b><span style="color:black;font-size:12pt"><font face="Calibri">Qurbani / Udhiyya</font></span></b><span style="font-family:Arial,"sans-serif";font-size:9pt"></span></li></ul><p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;color:green;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial,"sans-serif";font-size:9pt"></span> </p><ul type="disc" style="padding:0px 2.5em;margin:0cm 0px 0.5em;line-height:1.4;list-style-position:initial"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEgBT6Tusf4hs6M1RaLZ4nUgD5RFVww2AoWQ2Jgtnyotvwb4QxcXToKOHoaB7FuaxpETMHIbeCLdv2I2Fm_2TZGG1K5NxR7fbHXz6sEzlVzw6FZwGhhm4KY0BT9GiuZ89s-1uV-yeGzlE7DPEzwekFHGKuZ-dh_BcpOgQi8mDu2QLo4bnkC7pKDx9KCV4YqhNVOSVuG9HW64QLHbySCc1YKomA=s0-d" style="padding: 8px; background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 20px; border-radius: 5px;"></ul><div></div><p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"><b><span style="color:blue;font-size:12pt"><font face="Calibri">IMPORTANCE OF FIRST TEN DAYS OF ZIL-HIJJAH</font></span></b></p><div></div><p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"> </p><div></div><p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"> </p><div></div><p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"><font face="Calibri"><b><span style="font-size:12pt">The first ten days of Zul Hijjah are among the most magnificent days in Islamic calendar. The Messenger of Allah, Sallallaahu Alayhi Wa Sallam said: </span></b><b><i><span style="color:green;font-size:12pt">"There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days."(</span></i></b><b><span style="font-size:12pt">Hadith -Bukhari)</span></b></font></p><div></div><p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"> </p><div></div><p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"> </p><div></div><p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"><font face="Calibri"><b><span style="font-size:12pt">Almighty Allah Ta'ala says, </span></b><b><i><span style="color:rgb(0,51,0);font-size:12pt">(By the dawn; by the ten nights)</span></i></b><b><span style="font-size:12pt"> (Quran-Al-Fajr 89: 1-2). Ibn `Abbas, ibn az-Zubayr, Mujahid and others of the earlier and later generations are of the opinion that this refers to the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. Ibn Kathir said: "This is the correct opinion." (<i>Tafsir Ibn Kathir</i>, 8/413)</span></b></font></p><div></div><p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"> </p><div></div><p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"> </p><div></div><p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"><font face="Calibri"><b><span style="font-size:12pt">The Messenger of Allah, Sallallaahu Alayhi Wa Sallam, has said</span></b><b><i><span style="color:green;font-size:12pt">, "One fast during these days is equal to the fasting of one complete year, and the worship of one night during this period is equal to the worship of "Lailatul-Qadr".</span></i></b><b><span style="font-size:12pt">(Hadith-Tirmizi)</span></b></font></p><div></div><p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"> </p><div></div><p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-size:12pt"><font face="Calibri">Every Muslim should avail oneself of this wonderful opportunity by performing as much Ibadah (acts of worship) as he or she can during this period.</font></span></b></p><div></div><p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"> </p><div></div><p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"> </p><div></div><p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"> </p><div></div><p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"><font face="Calibri"><b><span style="color:navy;font-size:12pt">THE TAKBEERAAT OF TASHREEQ</span></b></font></p><div></div><div style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"> </div><div></div><div style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12pt"><font face="Calibri">It is Wajib (incumbent) for every adult Muslim male to recite the Takbeeraat of Tashreeq after every Fardh Salaat-performed with Jamaat or individually from the Fajr of the 9th of Zul-Hijjah to the Asr of the 13th of Zul Hijjah. The Takbeeraat should be recited once only.</font></span></div><div></div><div style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12pt"><font face="Calibri"><p>The words of the Takbeeraat of Tashreeq are as follows:</p><p><b>اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ لَا إلَهَ إلَّا اللَّهُ وَاَللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ وَلِلَّهِ الْحَمْدُ</b></p><p><i>Transliteration: Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar laa ilaha illallahu wallahu akbar. Allahu Akbar walillaahil hamd.</i></p><p align="center"><font color="#000099">Translation:</font> "<i>Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest. There is no deity besides Allah and Allah is the Greatest. Allah is the Greatest and all praises belong to Him Alone."</i></p></font></span></div><div></div><div style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"><font face="Calibri"><b><span style="color:navy;font-size:12pt">NB</span></b><span style="font-size:12pt">. Men should recite this Takbeer audibly whilst females should do so softly.</span></font><span style="font-family:Arial,"sans-serif";font-size:9pt"></span></div><div></div><div style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt;line-height:normal"> </div><div></div><div style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt;line-height:normal"><font face="Calibri"><b><span style="color:navy;font-size:12pt">FASTING ON THE DAY OF ARAFAH (9 ZIL HIJJAH)</span></b></font></div><div></div><p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12pt"><font face="Calibri">It was reported from Abu Qutaadah that the Messenger of Allah(peace be upon him) was asked about <b><span style="color:green">fasting on the Day of 'Arafah </span></b>( 9 Zil Hijjah). He said, <strong><span style="color:green">"It atones for the sins of the previous year and of the coming year."</span> (Hadith-Muslim)</strong></font></span></p><div></div><p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"> </p><div></div><p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"> </p><div></div><p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"> </p><div></div><p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"><font face="Calibri"><b><span style="color:navy;font-size:12pt">QURBANI / UDHIYYA</span></b></font></p><div></div><p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"> </p><div></div><p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"><font face="Calibri"><span style="font-size:12pt">Hazrat Zaid bin Arqam (R.A.) reports that the Companions of Rasulullah (Sallalaho alihe wassallam) asked him:</span></font></p><div></div><p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"> </p><div></div><p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"><font face="Calibri"><span style="font-size:12pt">" Oh Prohpet of Allah (pbuh), what is this sacrifice?" He said: "It is the way of your forefather Ibrahim(AS) ." They asked:<b><span style="color:green">"What (reward) is for us therein?" </span></b>He replied: "<b><span style="color:green">There is a reward for every hair</span></b> (i.e. the reward for meat and useful parts of the animal's body will be very lofty in merit, but there will also be a great reward for the parts which are useless and thrown away such as the hair)." They asked: "For the wool, Ya Rasulullah?" He replied: <b><span style="color:green">"There is one reward for every strand of wool."</span></b><span style="color:green"> </span><strong>(Hadith:Ahmed, Ibn Majah)</strong></span></font></p></div></div></div> E ISLAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02354917230047087296noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7317255972997706407.post-66417365216001148102023-05-31T12:44:00.001-07:002023-05-31T12:44:41.664-07:00THE COVER GIRL<div dir="auto"><div><div class="gmail_quote"><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_attr"><span style="color:rgb(255,102,255);font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:26pt">THE COVER GIRL</span></div><div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_quote"><div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_quote"><h2><div><div><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin:auto 0cm 6pt"> <div> <div><span style="color:rgb(255,102,255);font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:26pt"><img width="259" height="194" style="width:119px;min-height:109px" src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQzCpZoz-s3UPFH6dS7j1u3kLXoIKSu-becXuY--OCNXd_y0UOR"> <img width="166" height="131" style="width:114px;min-height:78px" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTqh1uhadjCFn0REqi1wP_3pnxpTc9kqmSIJ6IzZnN99mJPLHY_3w"></span></div> </div></div></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin:auto 0cm 6pt"></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin:auto 0cm 6pt"><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt">Walking down the road, sporting the latest handbag , designer shoes and the trendiest figure hugging abayah….Wow is she turning heads around here! Is this our new cover girl?</span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin:auto 0cm 6pt"><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt"><span> </span>The Beloved Messenger of Allah( S.A.W ) said: There are two types of people who will be punished in hell and whom I've not seen:(the second type)Women will be dressed but appear to be naked, they will attract others to themselves, and they themselves will be<span> </span>attracted to others. Their heads will appear like the humps of the camels, they will not enter Paradise and they will not smell its fragrance which can be smelt from such and such a distance.</span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin:auto 0cm 6pt"><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt">Shaytaan's ambition is to mislead. When a muslimah makes a niyyah to wear the hijaab he jumps into action.</span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin:auto 0cm 6pt"><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt">Plot 1: He tries to stop her. If he fails…</span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin:auto 0cm 6pt"><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt">Plot 2:Misleads her in donning hijaab. She thinks she is covering,but chooses a figure hugging abayah or she lifts the jalabeeb instead of lowering….</span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin:auto 0cm 6pt"><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt">So lets ask ourselves,are we really covered girls or do we want to be "cover girls?"</span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin:auto 0cm 6pt"><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt">There is a parable of a flower and a pearl both striking in their beauty, lets ponder and take a lesson, which one do we want to be? </span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin:auto 0cm 6pt"><span style="color:black;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt">Suddenly, a tinge of distress appeared on the flower. "Nothing accounts for sorrow in your talk; so why are u depressed?" The pearl asked."Human beings deal with us carelessly; they slight us. They don't grow us for our sake but to get pleasure from our fragrance and beautiful</span><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt"> <span style="color:black">appearance. They throw us on the street or in the garbage can after we are</span> <span style="color:black">dispossessed of the most valuable properties; brilliance and fragrance" </span></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin:auto 0cm 6pt"><span style="color:black;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt">The flower sighed. And then<span> </span>the flower said to the pearl: "Speak to me about your life! How do</span><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt"> <span style="color:black">you live? How do you feel it? You are buried in the bottom of the sea. "</span></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin:auto 0cm 6pt"><span style="color:black;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt">The pearl answered: "Although I have none of your distinctive </span><span style="color:black;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt">colours</span><span style="color:black;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt"> and</span><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt"> <span style="color:black">sweet scents, humans think I am preci</span></span><span style="color:black;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt">ous. They do the impossible to </span><span style="color:black;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt">procure me. They go on long journeys, dive deep in the seas searching for me. You might be astounded to know that the further I lay, the more beautiful and brilliant I become. That's what upraises my value in their thought. I live</span><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt"> <span style="color:black">in a thick shell isolated in the dark seas. However, I'm happy and proud to be in a safe zone far from wanton and mischievous hands and still the humans</span> <span style="color:black">consider me highly valuable" Do you know what the flower and the pearl symbolize?</span></span><span style="color:black;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt"></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin:auto 0cm 6pt"><span style="color:black;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt"><span> </span>Think </span><span style="color:black;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt">..</span><span style="color:black;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt">Think</span><span style="color:black;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt">..</span><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt"></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin:auto 0cm 6pt"><span style="color:black;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt">You will find that</span><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt"> <span style="color:black">The flower is the </span></span><span style="color:black;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt">woman </span><span style="color:black;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt">who shows her charms</span><span style="color:black;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt"> </span><span style="color:black;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt">and the pearl is the veiled woman</span><span style="color:black;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt"> </span><span style="color:black;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt">who conceals her beauties</span><span style="color:black;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt">.</span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin:auto 0cm 6pt"><span style="color:black;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt">Ponder </span><span style="color:black;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt"><span> </span>about it!</span><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt"></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin:auto 0cm 6pt"><strong><span style="color:rgb(0,102,0);font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt">"O Prophet(pbuh)! Say to your wives and your daughters and the women of the faithful to draw their outer garments (jilbabs) close around themselves; that is better that they will be recognized and not annoyed. And Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful.</span></strong><strong><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt">(Al Quran Al-Ahzab:59)</span></strong></div> </div></div></h2> </div><br></div> </div><br></div> </div></div></div> E ISLAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02354917230047087296noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7317255972997706407.post-60341123898480163252023-05-13T03:45:00.000-07:002023-05-13T03:46:11.070-07:00The Smoke Signal<div dir="ltr"><p align="left" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:auto 0cm"><b><span style="color:gray;font-size:14pt">The Smoke Signal<u></u><u></u></span></b></p><p align="left" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:auto 0cm"><i><span style="font-size:10pt">By Abu Muhammad Yusuf</span></i></p><p align="left" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:auto 0cm"><i><span style="font-size:10pt"></span></i> </p><p align="left" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:auto 0cm"><i><span style="font-size:10pt"><u></u><u></u></span></i> <a href="http://www.google.co.za/url?url=http://desertislandbrooklyn.com/smokesignal.html&rct=j&frm=1&q=&esrc=s&sa=U&ved=0ahUKEwiOqeS1srPMAhUiJcAKHQ9TDSYQwW4IJzAJ&sig2=kFpFqNLAkUztv7AwPPokmA&usg=AFQjCNF6IMsz9lPIUVTmch0WLNUd3sw3tg" target="_blank"><img alt="Image result for smoke signal" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRLP5fW5hD3jFTSEExm6jdeJAPj-XnU0R3DlL-yKxeSACZjsZgtqySMli8" width="129" height="65" class="gmail-CToWUd"></a></p><div><p align="left" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:auto 0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><font face="verdana, sans-serif"><b>The journey of life can be like a roller coaster. We often experience extreme conditions which create despondency and hopelessness. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) is reported to have said: "<i><span style="color:rgb(0,51,204)">Verily, if Allah loves a people, He makes them go through trials. Whoever is satisfied, for him is contentment, and whoever is angry upon him is wrath."</span></i> (Hadith-Tirmidhi)<u></u><u></u></b></font></span></p><p align="left" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:auto 0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><font face="verdana, sans-serif"><b><u></u> <u></u></b></font></span></p><p align="left" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:auto 0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><font face="verdana, sans-serif"><b>We have to try hard to embrace the struggles of life and Trust in Allah. There's no development without pain. Life's difficulties are necessary for our own development, so when they come along, accept them, embrace them and never ever lose hope and always place complete Reliance and Trust in Allah. Problems are to the mind what exercise is to the muscles; they toughen and make you strong.<u></u><u></u></b></font></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt;line-height:normal"><font face="verdana, sans-serif"><b><u></u><font size="3"> </font><u></u></b></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt;line-height:normal"><font size="3" face="verdana, sans-serif"><b>The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for Allah to rescue him, and every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. He nevertheless remained hopeful of Allah's help and continued his praying every day.<br><br>Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements and to store his few possessions. But then one day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, the smoke rolling up to the sky.<u></u><u></u></b></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt;line-height:normal"><font face="verdana, sans-serif"><b><u></u><font size="3"> </font><u></u></b></font></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt;line-height:normal"><font size="3" face="verdana, sans-serif"><b>The "worst" had happened; everything was lost. He was stunned with grief. "Allah, how could this happen to me!" he cried. Early the next day, just before Fajr Salaah (early morning prayer) he was awakened by the sound of a ship that was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him. "How did you know I was here?" the man asked the sailors on the ship. "We saw your smoke signal," they replied.<u></u><u></u></b></font></p><p align="left" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:auto 0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><font face="verdana, sans-serif"><b><u></u> <u></u></b></font></span></p><p align="left" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:auto 0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><font face="verdana, sans-serif"><b>Allah says <i><span style="color:rgb(0,51,204)">"...Bear with patience whatever befalls you</span></i><span style="color:rgb(0,51,204)">...."</span> (Qur'an 31:17) and <i><span style="color:rgb(0,51,204)">"Be not sad, surely Allah is with us."</span></i> (Qur'an 9:40)<u></u><u></u></b></font></span></p><p align="left" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:auto 0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><font face="verdana, sans-serif"><b><u></u> <u></u></b></font></span></p><p align="left" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:auto 0cm"><span style="font-size:11pt"><font face="verdana, sans-serif"><b>It is easy to get discouraged when things are going badly. But we shouldn't lose heart, because Allah is at work in our lives, even in the midst of pain and suffering. Allah Ta'ala says <i><span style="color:rgb(0,51,204)">"Verily, with hardship there is relief"</span></i> (Qur'an 94:6) and <i><span style="color:rgb(0,51,204)">"And whosoever puts his trust in Allah, then He will suffice him"</span></i>. ( Qur'an 65:3)<u></u><u></u></b></font></span></p><p align="left" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:auto 0cm"><i><span style="color:green;font-size:11pt"><font face="verdana, sans-serif"><b><u></u> <u></u></b></font></span></i></p><p align="left" style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial;margin:auto 0cm"><i><span style="color:green;font-size:11pt"><font face="verdana, sans-serif"><b>Remember, next time your little hut is burning to the ground--it just may be a smoke signal that summons The Grace and help of Allah!</b></font></span></i></p></div><div><br></div></div> E ISLAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02354917230047087296noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7317255972997706407.post-10199636980071846132022-04-27T01:04:00.001-07:002022-04-27T01:04:11.527-07:00The Day of Eid!<div dir="ltr"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%"><font color="#0000ff">The Day of Eid!</font><span style="color:rgb(102,102,102)"></span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><i><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;color:rgb(102,102,102)">By Umm Muhammad Yusuf</span></i></b><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;color:rgb(102,102,102)"></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><i><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;color:rgb(102,102,102)"><br></span></i></b></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj688ehVIGZxk9CCyym4s1gnOmbNx9A40kbFL0mTqPjTYNP_Htzj2WwWEHCzzTfcs85_vMYFMAtklhehw-IWc8-xq4uRd2DBkEFtPfprm9cc-kVO7qsDs6_DhkFYWmLIi2P20h8jAYKyi6r0XIG7ZG4UpRg7iu1CFIPb9Zdh2bWKkuLbS_WGRJpocju"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj688ehVIGZxk9CCyym4s1gnOmbNx9A40kbFL0mTqPjTYNP_Htzj2WwWEHCzzTfcs85_vMYFMAtklhehw-IWc8-xq4uRd2DBkEFtPfprm9cc-kVO7qsDs6_DhkFYWmLIi2P20h8jAYKyi6r0XIG7ZG4UpRg7iu1CFIPb9Zdh2bWKkuLbS_WGRJpocju=s320" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7091191374256535746" /></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><br></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;color:rgb(102,102,102)">The Month of Ramadaan is coming to an end and the transition from Ramadaan to Eid and thereafter should be a path the that brings us closer to our Creator and a path that treads the Sunnah i.e. The way of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) .</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;color:rgb(102,102,102)">After a month of sacrifice, Allah Ta'ala takes it upon Himself to reward His faithful servants. Allah Ta'ala is the Most Generous and Most Benevolent. Indeed Allah Ta'ala's Generosity multiplies in Ramadaan. When Allah Ta'ala sees His servants carry out all their duties faithfully and strive to gain closeness to Him through fasting ,salaat (prayer) ,patience ,recitation of Quraan ,zikr ,dua ,and controlling of even permissible desires and needs like food, drink etc. then Allah Ta'ala bestows on His faithful servants a special prize on the night preceding the day of Eid…</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%"><font color="#0000ff">THE PRIZE GIVING NIGHT:</font><span style="color:rgb(102,102,102)"></span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;color:rgb(102,102,102)">Allah Ta'ala bestows the rewards on those who have spent the month in His obedience and all their Du'as (prayers) on such an occasion are indeed accepted. It has been the practice of The Messenger of Allah Ta'ala (pbuh)that he would not sleep during the night preceding Eid-ul –Fitr, this night has been named </span></b><b><i><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Laylatul Jaaiza</span></i></b><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;color:rgb(102,102,102)"> (The Prize Giving night). The night when the faithful and obedient servants of Allah Ta'ala are given the true reward. To benefit from this opportunity, one should exert in prayer and ask Allah Ta'ala for all our needs.Our Beloved Rasulullah (Salallaho alaihe wassallam) said:</span></b><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;color:blue"> </span></b><b><i><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">"The person who stays awake on the nights preceding the two Eids occupying himself with ibâdah(worship), his heart will not die on the day when everyone's heart will perish." </span></i></b><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;color:rgb(102,102,102)">(his heart will not die during the time of evil and corruption). It could also mean that with the blowing of the trumpet his soul will not become unconscious. (Hadith –Ibn Majah)</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;color:rgb(102,102,102)">The then comes the joyous day of…</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">EID-UL-FITR:<span style="color:rgb(102,102,102)"></span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">C<span style="color:rgb(102,102,102)">elebrated on the first day of Shawwaal, at the completion of Ramadhaan. Shawwaal is the 10th month of the Islamic calendar. Eid-al-Fitr is a very joyous day for the believing men and women. On this day Muslims show their real joy for the many blessings Allah Ta'ala has given to them to fulfil their obligation of fasting and other good deeds during the blessed month of Ramadhaan.</span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;color:rgb(102,102,102)">Indeed this joyous day can cannot pass by without remembering the poor and destitute…</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%"><font color="#0000ff">SADAQTUL FITR:</font><span style="color:rgb(102,102,102)"></span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;color:rgb(102,102,102)">Islam has prescribed a simple yet graceful way to observe this happy day. First of all well off Muslims start their day by giving charity </span></b><b><i><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Sadaqtul Fitr</span></i></b><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;color:rgb(102,102,102)"> to the poor of their society, so that the less endowed can also enjoy their day along with others. </span></b><b><i><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Ibn Abbas(RA) said that the</span></i></b><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;color:rgb(102,102,102)"> </span></b><b><i><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">Messenger of Allah Ta'ala (pbuh) enjoined Sadaqatul Fitr so that those who fasted may be purified of idle deeds and shameful talk committed during Ramadaan and so that the poor may be fed. Whoever gives it before salaah( even days before) will have his obligation accepted, and whoever gives it after salaah it will be an ordinary charity</span></i></b><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">.(<i>Hadith -Abu Dawood</i>)<span style="color:rgb(102,102,102)"></span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;color:rgb(102,102,102)">This day of Eid should be spent in the way shown to us by The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him)…</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">SUNNAH ACTS ON THE DAY OF EID:<span style="color:rgb(102,102,102)"></span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;color:rgb(51,51,51)">· </span></b><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;color:rgb(102,102,102)">Wake up early.</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;color:rgb(51,51,51)">· </span></b><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;color:rgb(102,102,102)">Take a Ghusl (bath) before Eid Salaah</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;color:rgb(51,51,51)">· </span></b><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;color:rgb(102,102,102)">Brush your teeth (use Miswaak)</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;color:rgb(51,51,51)">· </span></b><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;color:rgb(102,102,102)">Dress up, putting on best clothes available.</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;color:rgb(51,51,51)">· </span></b><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;color:rgb(102,102,102)">Use itr (perfume)</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;color:rgb(51,51,51)">· </span></b><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;color:rgb(102,102,102)">Eat something sweet before proceeding to the Eid Musallah e.g. Dates etc.</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;color:rgb(51,51,51)">· </span></b><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;color:rgb(102,102,102)">Pay <a href="http://eislaminfo.blogspot.com/2011/08/sadaqatul-fitr_26.html" target="_blank"><span style="color:rgb(0,102,153)">Sadaqatul Fit r</span></a> before Salaatul-Eid (on Eid-al-Fitr).</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;color:rgb(51,51,51)">· </span></b><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;color:rgb(102,102,102)">Go to Eid Musallah (Eid Gah/prayer ground) early.</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;color:rgb(51,51,51)">· </span></b><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;color:rgb(102,102,102)">Offer Salaah-al-Eid in congregation in an Eid Musallah except when weather is not permitting like rain, snow, etc.</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;color:rgb(51,51,51)">· </span></b><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;color:rgb(102,102,102)">Use different roads en route to the Eid Musallah and back home.</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;color:rgb(51,51,51)">· </span></b><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;color:rgb(102,102,102)">Recite the following Takbir on the way to Eid Musallah :</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;color:green">Allahu-Akbar, Allahu-Akbar. La ila-ha illallahu Allahu-Akbar, Allahu-Akbar. Wa-lillahil hamd.</span></b><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;color:rgb(102,102,102)"> (Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest. There is no god but Allah. Allah is Greatest, Allah is Greatest. And all praises are for Allah)</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%"><font color="#0000ff">THE EID PRAYER</font>-<span style="color:rgb(102,102,102)">And then comes along the morning of Eid, Allah Ta'ala sends down the angels to all the lands in the earth, where they take their positions at access points of roads calling out with a voice that is heard by all accept man and jinn. Allah Ta'ala then says: I call you to witness, Oh my Angels that for their having fasted during the month of Ramadaan ,and for their having stood before me in prayer by night, I have granted to them as reward My pleasure and have granted them </span><i>forgiveness.</i><span style="color:rgb(102,102,102)">-Allah Ta'ala will then say…,Oh my servants ask now of Me, for I swear by My honour and My Greatness, that whatsoever you shall beg of me this day in this assembly of yours for the needs of the Hereafter ,I shall grant you, and what so ever you shall ask for your worldly needs shall look at you favourably.<i> (Hadith-Targheeb)</i></span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><i><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;color:rgb(51,51,51)">Jubayr ibn Nufayr (RA) said: </span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">'When the companions of Allah Ta'ala's Messenger (peace be upon him) met on the day of `Eid, they would say to each other, 'TaqaballAllahu Ta'ala minna wa minkum (may Allah Ta'ala accept from you and us )."<span style="color:rgb(51,51,51)"> (Fathul Bari ).</span></span></i></b><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;color:rgb(102,102,102)"></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%"> <span style="color:rgb(102,102,102)"></span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%"><font color="#0000ff">TIPS ON HOW TO SPEND THE DAY OF EID:</font><span style="color:rgb(102,102,102)"></span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;color:rgb(51,51,51)">· </span></b><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;color:rgb(102,102,102)">Keep in mind the pleasure of Allah and uphold Shari'ah at ALL times.</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;color:rgb(51,51,51)">· </span></b><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;color:rgb(102,102,102)">Adorn yourself and your family modestly in the best of garments (not necessarily new).</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;color:rgb(51,51,51)">· </span></b><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;color:rgb(102,102,102)">Avoid over eating and other festivities that have no benefit.</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;color:rgb(51,51,51)">· </span></b><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;color:rgb(102,102,102)">Visit the poor, needy, orphans, elderly and sick.</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;color:rgb(51,51,51)">· </span></b><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;color:rgb(102,102,102)">Should Eid be made at "my mum or your mum or wherever?" This requires Shura/Mashurah (mutual consultation). Shurah is a Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (Sallalaho alaihe wassallam).Try to compromise and accommodate each other.</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;color:rgb(51,51,51)">· </span></b><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;color:rgb(102,102,102)">Maintain and strengthen family bonds- Rasulullah (Salallaho alaihe wassallam) is reported to have said, </span></b><b><i><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">"Anyone who wishes to have his means of livelihood enlarged and a prol onged life, should treat his relatives with kindness</span></i></b><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;color:rgb(102,102,102)">."(Hadith)</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;color:rgb(102,102,102)">· Don't forget the suffering, oppressed, poor and needy Muslims in all parts of the world in your du'as and charity.</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;color:rgb(102,102,102)">· Be punctual with our acts of worship and on this joyous day.</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%"><font color="#0000ff">BE CAUTIOUS!-</font><span style="color:rgb(102,102,102)"> Avoid excessive indulgence of any kind and stay away from places where the laws of Islam are violated. It is a joyous occasion indeed and let it be spent in ways that are pleasing to our Creator. Use the day profitably to earn the pleasure of Allah Ta'ala and continue to do so everyday!</span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><i><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;color:rgb(102,102,102)">"</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;color:rgb(0,32,96)">A Muslim is a Muslim for life and not just during Ramadaan!"</span></i></b><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;color:rgb(102,102,102)"></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%"><font color="#0000ff">WHAT NOW AFTER RAMADAAN</font>…<span style="color:rgb(102,102,102)">We leave the month Ramadaan, its beautiful days and nights, we leave the Month of Mercy wherein we excelled in recitation of the Quraan , Taqwa and Ibadat, sympathy ,forgiveness...we need to ask ourselves: </span><span style="color:rgb(0,32,96)">Ramadaaan is over and what have we gained?</span><span style="color:rgb(102,102,102)"></span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%;color:rgb(102,102,102)">Ramadaan was a 30 day course on self-restraint and piety , have we graduated from the course having learnt to fight our desires and defeat them..? Have we recharged our spiritual batteries and gained Taqwa (Allah consciousness)? If we have …then </span></b><b><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:107%">ALHAMDULILLAH <span style="color:rgb(102,102,102)">(Praise be to Allah)…now let us continue to obey Allah Ta'ala and ask Allah Ta'ala to keep us steadfast. Ramadaan is over and Shawwal has come, let us save the changes that we all made in our lives during the month of Ramadaan. Let Ramadaan not be a final destination but a stepping stone to greater good from now on. We need to make a firm resolution to continue with the momentum and lead a life of piety and free of sins. We now face another eleven months after this training. Let it be that we come out stronger and better servants of Allah Ta'ala…AMEEN!</span></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 8pt;line-height:107%;font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> </p></div> E ISLAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02354917230047087296noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7317255972997706407.post-31219073956234335952021-07-13T11:23:00.001-07:002021-07-13T11:23:17.476-07:00The Dirty Laundry…(motivational)<div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_quote"><div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_quote"><div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_quote"><div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_quote"><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;line-height:normal"><span style="color:rgb(153,51,0);font-size:20pt"><font face="Calibri">The Dirty Laundry…</font></span></p> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;line-height:normal"><b><i><span style="color:rgb(0,51,204)"><font face="Calibri"><font size="3">By Abu Muhammad Yusuf</font></font></span></i></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;line-height:normal"><b><i><span style="color:rgb(0,51,204)"><font face="Calibri"><font size="3"><img width="200" height="209" style="width:200px;min-height:209px" alt="" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT-b4g8kaDXyx3GMdiuHvJoy91VeUckdpS8R-8I_OxPKiDx5mAT"></font></font></span></i></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;line-height:normal"><b><i><span style="color:rgb(0,51,204)"><font face="Calibri"><font size="3"></font></font></span></i></b> </div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;line-height:normal"><font size="3"><font face="Calibri"><span>In life we often tend to be judgmental and very often look down upon others without exploring deeper as to why the person is behaving in such a way. The Beloved Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) is reported to have said</span><span><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";font-weight:normal"> </span></span><em><b><span lang="EN" style="color:rgb(0,51,204);font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">"It is enough of evil for a person to hold his brother Muslim in contempt. All of a Muslim is sacred to another Muslim: his blood, his wealth and his honour."</span></b></em><span lang="EN" style="color:rgb(0,51,204)"> </span><span lang="EN" style="color:rgb(51,51,51)">(Hadith- Muslim)</span><span></span></font></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;line-height:normal"><span><font size="3"><font face="Calibri">A young couple moves into a new neighborhood. The next morning while they are eating breakfast, the young woman sees her neighbour hanging the laundry outside. "That laundry is not very clean", she said. "She doesn't know how to wash correctly. Perhaps she needs better laundry soap. "Her husband looked on, but remained silent. Every time her neighbour would hang her washing to dry, the young woman would make the same comments.<br> <br>About one month later, the woman was surprised to see a nice clean laundry on the line and said to her husband: "Look, she has learned how to wash correctly. I wonder who taught her this." <br><br>"The husband said, "I got up early this morning and cleaned our windows"</font></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;line-height:normal"><font face="Calibri"><b><span style="color:teal"><font size="4">Lesson:</font></span></b><span><font size="3"> If our windows are dirty so will we see others as dirty too. What we see in others is indeed a reflection of our inner-selves! So it is with life that what we see when watching others depends on the purity of the window through which we look. It is easy for us to discuss other people, their lives & things that really doesn't even concern us and we tend to forget - our windows may not be that clean after all! If we good we will see good…</font></span></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;line-height:normal"><span><font face="Calibri" size="3">The Beloved Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) is reported to have said:</font></span><b><span lang="EN" style="color:seagreen"><br> </span></b><font size="3"><font face="Calibri"><b><span lang="EN" style="color:rgb(0,51,204)">"A Muslim is a mirror to another Muslim"</span></b><span lang="EN">(Hadith_Abu Dawud)</span></font></font><span></span></p> <div style="clear:both"></div></div> </div><br></div> </div><br></div> </div><br></div> </div></div> E ISLAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02354917230047087296noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7317255972997706407.post-34048035390899583262021-07-13T11:21:00.000-07:002021-07-13T11:22:01.936-07:00If the finger feels the pain...<div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_quote"><div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_quote"><div><p style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt"><b><span style="color:rgb(0,51,204);line-height:115%;font-size:14pt"><font face="Calibri">If the finger feels the pain…<u></u><u></u></font></span></b></p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt"><i><span style="line-height:115%;font-size:12pt"><font face="Calibri">By Abu Muhammad Yusuf</font></span></i></p><p style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt"><i><span style="line-height:115%;font-size:12pt"><font face="Calibri"><u></u><u></u></font></span></i> <img style="width:266px;height:177px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-left:0px" name="m_6073467055741012563_DwmH5tXDmNXE-M:" src="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS-eIGQAyXqi5DPuWXXs5F6kCyci8vbbgSn3Yb41cC_YN4VvIsp"></p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt"><font face="Calibri"><span style="line-height:115%;font-size:12pt">Globally the Muslim Ummah is in crisis. From Australia in the south to Canada in the north, from China in east to USA in the west we find Islamophobia raising its venomous head. "War on Terror", persecution, oppression, discrimination, etc against innocent and peace loving Muslims has become the order of the day. The raining of missiles on families in Palestine-Gaza , the merciless killing of innocent civilians in Syria and Egypt, ethnic cleansing in Myanmar, torture and rape in Afghanistan and Iraq, war in Somalia, Chechnya etc. The list is extensive.</span><b><span style="color:rgb(0,51,204);line-height:115%;font-size:14pt"><u></u><u></u></span></b></font></p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt"><span style="line-height:115%;font-size:12pt"><font face="Calibri">As Muslims we should not turn a blind eye and be apathetic to the sufferings of millions of our fellow brothers and sisters globally. We should not only feel the pain in our hearts, but should constructively engage ourselves in physically assisting the Ummah with whatever means we have at our disposal.<u></u><u></u></font></span></p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt"><span style="line-height:115%;font-size:12pt"><font face="Calibri">Allah Ta'ala says in the Noble Qur'aan: <span style="color:rgb(0,51,204)">" Indeed, Muslims are brothers."(</span>Qur'an: Al Hujurat:10)<u></u><u></u></font></span></p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt"><font face="Calibri"><span style="line-height:115%;font-size:12pt">The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) has emphatically stated that </span><span style="color:rgb(0,51,204);line-height:115%;font-size:12pt" lang="EN-GB">"No one of you becomes a true believer until he likes for his brother what he likes for himself".(</span><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:115%;font-size:12pt" lang="EN-GB">Hadith-Bukhari & Muslims)</span><span style="line-height:115%;font-size:12pt"><u></u><u></u></span></font></p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt"><span style="line-height:115%;font-size:12pt"><font face="Calibri">We are <span style="color:rgb(0,51,204)">ONE UMMAH</span>, if the finger feels a pain the whole body feels the pain. It is our duty to share the pain, responsibilities, burdens and needs of our fellow brothers and sisters. <span style="color:rgb(51,51,51)"><span> </span></span>The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) <span style="color:rgb(51,51,51)">said: "The example of Muslims in their mutual love, mercy and sympathy is like that of a body</span><span style="color:rgb(0,102,204)">; if one of the organs is afflicted, the whole body responds with sleeplessness and fever."</span><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51)">(Hadith-Muslim)</span><u></u><u></u></font></span></p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt"><span style="color:rgb(62,62,62);line-height:115%;font-size:12pt"><font face="Calibri">Our ancestors in Islam, the esteemed Companions of Muhammad Salallaho alaihe wassallam demonstrated practically what was meant by true love for our brothers(sisters) in Islam. Hadhrat Abu-Jahm-bin-Huzaifah (Radhiyallaho anho) narrates:</font></span><font face="Calibri"><span style="color:rgb(62,62,62);line-height:115%;font-size:12pt">"During the battle of Yarmuk, I went out in search of my cousin, who was in the forefront of the fight. I also took some water with me for him. I found him in the very thick of battle in the last throes of death. I advanced to help him with the little water I had. But, soon, another sorely wounded soldier beside him gave a groan, and my cousin averted his face, and beckoned me to take the water to that person first. I went to this other person with the water. He turned out to be Hishaam bin Abil Aas (Radhiyallaho anho). But I had hardly reached him, when there was heard the groan of yet another person lying not very far off. Hisham (Radhiyallaho anho) too motioned me in his direction. Alas, before I could approach him, he had breathed his last. I made all haste back to Hishaam and found him dead as well. Thereupon, I hurried as fast as I could to my cousin, and, lo! in the meantime he had also joined the other two."<br> <br> Many an incident of such self-denial and heroic sacrifice is recorded in the books of Hadith. This is the last word in self-sacrifice, that each dying person should forego slaking his own thirst in favour of his other needy brother. <span>May Allah bless their souls with His choicest favours for their sacrifice for others even at the time of death, when a person has seldom the sense to make a choice.</span></span><span style="line-height:115%;font-size:12pt"><u></u><u></u></span></font></p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt"><b><span style="color:rgb(0,102,204);line-height:115%;font-size:12pt"><font face="Calibri">WHAT CAN WE DO TO HELP THE UMMAH?<u></u><u></u></font></span></b></p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt"><span style="line-height:115%;font-size:12pt"><font face="Calibri">Every little bit of help counts! No single piece of assistance no matter how minute or what form it may take is insignificant. There was a King who had a festival. He asked everyone to bring a jug of milk that evening and pour it into a huge container so everyone, even the poor, could enjoy it the next day.<span> </span>A certain man thought that if he poured a jug of water instead of milk into the container it won't be noticed in the dark and he really thought that it won't make a significant difference. So he poured a jug of water. When he came the next day he surprisingly witnessed that the huge container was almost full of water. It was quite clear that in his community everyone thought the same. <u></u><u></u></font></span></p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt"><span style="line-height:115%;font-size:12pt"><font face="Calibri">All we need as an Ummah is to play our "small" part. If we each do our "little" then combined it will Insha Allah be a lot! The "little" we do will Insha Allah go a long way. Here are some practical ways we can show our genuine love for the Allah Ta'ala, Muhammad (peace be upon him) and our fellow Muslims who are suffering.<u></u><u></u></font></span></p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt"><span style="line-height:115%;font-size:12pt"><span><font face="Calibri">1.</font><span style="font:7pt/normal "Times New Roman";font-size-adjust:none;font-stretch:normal"> </span></span></span><font face="Calibri"><b><span style="color:rgb(0,102,204);line-height:115%;font-size:12pt">DU'AA(SUPPLICATION):</span></b><span style="line-height:115%;font-size:12pt"> Indeed no condition or situation can ever improve without the Help of Allah. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) is reported to have said that; <span style="color:rgb(0,51,204)">"Dua is a weapon of a believer."</span> (Hadith-Al Hakim). Du'aa should be made individually and collectively. Do it at home with the family and also in the Masjid. Children should be encouraged to also join in. </span><span style="line-height:115%;font-size:12pt" lang="EN-US">The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him) encouraged the Ummah to read Qunoot-e-Naazilah supplication (dua) at the time of distress and calamity. (Hadith- Abu Dawood). </span><span style="line-height:115%;font-size:12pt">Imaams of Masjids should also read the Qunoot-e-Naazilah </span><span style="line-height:115%;font-size:12pt" lang="EN-US">in the congregational prayers of Fajr and to ask the Almighty's Guidance and intervention to save and protect the Ummah. Also keep fast and perform optional prayer.</span><span style="line-height:115%;font-size:12pt"><u></u><u></u></span></font></p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt"><span style="line-height:115%;font-size:12pt"><u></u><font face="Calibri"> </font><u></u></span></p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt"><span style="line-height:115%;font-size:12pt"><span><font face="Calibri">2.</font><span style="font:7pt/normal "Times New Roman";font-size-adjust:none;font-stretch:normal"> </span></span></span><font face="Calibri"><b><span style="color:rgb(0,102,204);line-height:115%;font-size:12pt">CONTRIBUTE:</span></b><span style="line-height:115%;font-size:12pt"> <span> </span>We should generously contribute in whatever way possible. The Messenger of Allah Ta'ala (peace be upon) said that: <span style="color:rgb(0,51,204)">"Charity (Sadaqah) does not decrease the wealth" </span>(Hadith-Muslim) and he (pbuh) also said that daily </span><span style="line-height:115%;font-size:12pt" lang="EN">two angels offer Du'aa,<span style="color:rgb(0,51,204)"> "O Allah, compensate those who spend, and bring ruin to those who withhold".</span></span><span style="color:rgb(0,51,204);line-height:115%;font-size:12pt" lang="EN"> </span><span style="line-height:115%;font-size:12pt">(Hadith- Bukhari). Encourage our children to contribute from their own savings even if it just a few cents. In this way the worry and concern for the Ummah will be inculcated in them. Search for credible Islamic relief organisations operating in areas where our funds are most needed. Be wary of bogus collectors. <span> </span>Be pro-active in raising funds. The Messenger of Allah Ta'ala (peace be upon) is reported to have said: <span style="color:rgb(0,51,204)">"Indeed, Allah blesses certain people with special bounties for the benefit of other people. As long as they benefit others, Allah continues His bounties upon them but when they stop benefitting others, Allah takes these bounties back from them and transfers to others</span><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51)">." (Hadith-Tabarani)</span><u></u><u></u></span></font></p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt"><b><span style="color:rgb(0,102,204);line-height:115%;font-size:12pt"><u></u><font face="Calibri"> </font><u></u></span></b></p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt"><span style="line-height:115%;font-size:12pt"><span><font face="Calibri">3.</font><span style="font:7pt/normal "Times New Roman";font-size-adjust:none;font-stretch:normal"> </span></span></span><font face="Calibri"><b><span style="color:rgb(0,102,204);line-height:115%;font-size:12pt">JOIN:</span></b><span style="line-height:115%;font-size:12pt"> We need to be as much as possible physically involved. The best is to be at your Muslim brother's or sister's side when they really need you the most. Distance, race, colour, social status etc should never be a barrier in assisting the Ummah. Join and engage ourselves in those activities that will support and bring genuine relief to the distressed Ummah. Be cautious that our activities are always in compliance with the Laws of Allah Ta'ala.<u></u><u></u></span></font></p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt"><b><span style="color:rgb(0,102,204);line-height:115%;font-size:12pt"><u></u><font face="Calibri"> </font><u></u></span></b></p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt"><span style="line-height:115%;font-size:12pt"><span><font face="Calibri">4.</font><span style="font:7pt/normal "Times New Roman";font-size-adjust:none;font-stretch:normal"> </span></span></span><font face="Calibri"><b><span style="color:rgb(0,102,204);line-height:115%;font-size:12pt">EDUCATE:</span></b><span style="line-height:115%;font-size:12pt"> Be pro-active and educate yourself. Be knowledgeable on the subject. Our families and communities should be educated about the plight of the Ummah. Masjids, media, schools etc should be used to for this purpose.</span><span style="line-height:115%;font-size:12pt" lang="EN-US"> Keep a vigilant eye on the news outlets; magazines etc. and respond timeously to their bias comments and views.</span><span style="line-height:115%;font-size:12pt" lang="EN-US"> </span><span style="line-height:115%;font-size:12pt" lang="EN-US">Forward pertinent and relevant articles you come across to the International and local media outlets.</span><span style="line-height:115%;font-size:12pt">Using the world atlas or internet, show our children where the affected part of the Ummah is. Do not support those that directly or indirectly assist the oppression and persecution of the Muslim Ummah. <u></u><u></u></span></font></p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt"><span style="line-height:115%;font-size:12pt"><u></u><font face="Calibri"> </font><u></u></span></p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt 18pt"><span style="line-height:115%;font-size:12pt"><span><font face="Calibri">5.</font><span style="font:7pt/normal "Times New Roman";font-size-adjust:none;font-stretch:normal"> </span></span></span><font face="Calibri"><b><span style="color:rgb(0,102,204);line-height:115%;font-size:12pt">HOPE:</span></b><span style="line-height:115%;font-size:12pt"> Always be hopeful and never be despondent. Allah Ta'ala will help even though it may be after some time.</span><span style="line-height:115%;font-size:12pt"> <span lang="EN-US"><span> </span>Often the media tries to create hopelessness and many Muslims are left in despair. It may seem that the death of millions of innocents is now inevitable, but we must continue to strive our utmost to defend them and to spread the truth about these immoral actions perpetrated against innocent Muslims. Above all, we must remember that Allah Most High has control over all things and can provide Help in ways we could never imagine. Not even the 'greatest' superpower can overpower Him! No falsehood is to remain forever. No oppression is to remain forever. After hardship comes ease. Insha Allah the difficulty of the Muslim nation will come to end and tomorrow will be definitely better than today. We should have <span style="color:rgb(0,51,204)">HOPE</span> in the ALL encompassing MERCY and HELP of Allah Most High under all circumstances, whether it be in victory, defeat, happiness or sadness.</span></span><span style="line-height:115%;font-size:12pt"><u></u><u></u></span></font></p> <p><font size="3"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"" lang="EN-US">The Messenger of Allah(peace be upon him) has said that <font color="#0000ff">whosoever helps a Muslim at the time of loss of honour and humility; will receive Help from Allah when he is in need of help</font>.(Hadith-Abu Dawood)</span><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif""><u></u><u></u></span></font></p> <p><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif""><font size="3">Most importantly remember the Muslim Ummah is <span style="color:rgb(0,51,204)">ONE</span>! Let us not forget that behind every dark cloud there is a silver lining…</font></span></p> </div></div></div> </div></div> E ISLAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02354917230047087296noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7317255972997706407.post-23499450799261285862021-07-13T09:27:00.000-07:002021-07-13T09:28:03.776-07:00THE VIRTUES MONTH OF ZIL HIJJAH<div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_quote"><div><p><b style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,153);font-size:14pt">THE VIRTUES MONTH OF ZIL HIJJAH</span></b></p> <div style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"><font face="Calibri"><b><i><span style="font-size:12pt">By E ISLAM TEAM</span></i></b></font></div> <div style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"> </div> <div style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"> </div> <ul type="disc" style="margin-top:0cm"> <li style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;color:green;line-height:normal"><b><span style="color:black;font-size:12pt"><font face="Calibri">Importance of First 10 Days of Zil Hijjah</font></span></b><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";font-size:9pt"> </span></li> <li style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;color:green;line-height:normal"><b><span style="color:black;font-size:12pt"><font face="Calibri">The Takbeeraat of Tashreeq</font></span></b><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";font-size:9pt"> </span></li> <li style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;color:green;line-height:normal"><b><span style="color:black;font-size:12pt"><font face="Calibri">Fasting on the day of Arafah(9 Zil Hijjah)</font></span></b><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";font-size:9pt"> </span></li> <li style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;color:green;line-height:normal"><b><span style="color:black;font-size:12pt"><font face="Calibri">Qurbani / Udhiyya</font></span></b><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";font-size:9pt"> </span></li> </ul> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"><b><span style="color:blue;font-size:12pt"><font face="Calibri">IMPORTANCE OF FIRST TEN DAYS OF ZIL-HIJJAH</font></span></b></p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"> </p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"> </p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"> </p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"> </p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"><font face="Calibri"><b><span style="font-size:12pt">The first ten days of Zul Hijjah are among the most magnificent days in Islamic calendar. The Messenger of Allah, Sallallaahu Alayhi Wa Sallam said: </span></b><b><i><span style="color:green;font-size:12pt">"There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days." </span></i></b><b><span style="font-size:12pt">(Hadith -Bukhari)</span></b></font></p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"> </p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"> </p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"> </p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"> </p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"><font face="Calibri"><b><span style="font-size:12pt">Almighty Allah Ta'ala says, </span></b><b><i><span style="color:rgb(0,51,0);font-size:12pt">(By the dawn; by the ten nights)</span></i></b><b><span style="font-size:12pt"> (Quran-Al-Fajr 89: 1-2). Ibn `Abbas, ibn az-Zubayr, Mujahid and others of the earlier and later generations are of the opinion that this refers to the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. Ibn Kathir said: "This is the correct opinion." (<i>Tafsir Ibn Kathir</i>, 8/413)</span></b></font></p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"> </p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"> </p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"><font face="Calibri"><b><span style="font-size:12pt">The Messenger of Allah, Sallallaahu Alayhi Wa Sallam, has said</span></b><b><i><span style="color:green;font-size:12pt">, "One fast during these days is equal to the fasting of one complete year, and the worship of one night during this period is equal to the worship of "Lailatul-Qadr".</span></i></b><b><span style="font-size:12pt">(Hadith-Tirmizi)</span></b></font></p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"> </p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"> </p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"> </p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"><b><span style="font-size:12pt"><font face="Calibri">Every Muslim should avail oneself of this wonderful opportunity by performing as much Ibadah (acts of worship) as he or she can during this period.</font></span></b></p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"> </p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"> </p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"> </p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"> </p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"> </p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"><font face="Calibri"><b><span style="color:navy;font-size:12pt">THE TAKBEERAAT OF TASHREEQ</span></b></font></p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"> </p> <div style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"> </div> <div style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12pt"><font face="Calibri">It is Wajib (incumbent) for every adult Muslim male to recite the Takbeeraat of Tashreeq after every Fardh Salaat-performed with Jamaat or individually from the Fajr of the 9th of Zul-Hijjah to the Asr of the 13th of Zul Hijjah. The Takbeeraat should be recited once only.</font></span></div> <div style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12pt"><font face="Calibri"> <p>The words of the Takbeeraat of Tashreeq are as follows:</p> <p><b>اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ لَا إلَهَ إلَّا اللَّهُ وَاَللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ وَلِلَّهِ الْحَمْدُ</b></p> <p><i>Transliteration: Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar laa ilaha illallahu wallahu akbar. Allahu Akbar walillaahil hamd.</i></p> <p align="center"><font color="#000099">Translation:</font> "<i>Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest. There is no deity besides Allah and Allah is the Greatest. Allah is the Greatest and all praises belong to Him Alone."</i></p> </font></span></div> <div style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"><font face="Calibri"><b><span style="color:navy;font-size:12pt">NB</span></b><span style="font-size:12pt">. Men should recite this Takbeer audibly whilst females should do so softly.</span></font><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";font-size:9pt"> </span></div> <div style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt;line-height:normal"> </div> <div style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt;line-height:normal"><font face="Calibri"><b><span style="color:navy;font-size:12pt">FASTING ON THE DAY OF ARAFAH (9 ZIL HIJJAH)</span></b></font></div> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12pt"><font face="Calibri">It was reported from Abu Qutaadah that the Messenger of Allah(peace be upon him) was asked about <b><span style="color:green">fasting on the Day of 'Arafah </span></b>( 9 Zil Hijjah). He said, <strong><span style="color:green">"It atones for the sins of the previous year and of the coming year."</span> (Hadith-Muslim)</strong></font></span></p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"> </p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"> </p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"> </p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"> </p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"> </p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"><font face="Calibri"><b><span style="color:navy;font-size:12pt">QURBANI / UDHIYYA</span></b></font></p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"> </p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"><font face="Calibri"><span style="font-size:12pt">Hazrat Zaid bin Arqam (R.A.) reports that the Companions of Rasulullah (Sallalaho alihe wassallam) asked him:</span></font></p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"> </p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"> </p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"><font face="Calibri"><span style="font-size:12pt">" Oh Prohpet of Allah (pbuh), what is this sacrifice?" He said: "It is the way of your forefather Ibrahim(AS) ." They asked:<b><span style="color:green">"What (reward) is for us therein?" </span></b>He replied: "<b><span style="color:green">There is a reward for every hair</span></b> (i.e. the reward for meat and useful parts of the animal's body will be very lofty in merit, but there will also be a great reward for the parts which are useless and thrown away such as the hair)." They asked: "For the wool, Ya Rasulullah?" He replied: <b><span style="color:green">"There is one reward for every strand of wool."</span></b><span style="color:green"> </span><strong>(Hadith:Ahmed, Ibn Majah)</strong></span></font><strong> </strong></p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal"> </p></div> </div></div> E ISLAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02354917230047087296noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7317255972997706407.post-83315561302324721512020-07-27T12:40:00.001-07:002020-07-27T12:40:51.533-07:00A touch of care and love!<div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_quote"><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_attr"><b><font size="4">A touch of care and love!</font></b><br></div><div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_quote"><div class="gmail_attr"><b><i>By Umm Muhammad Yusuf</i></b></div><div class="gmail_attr"><b><br></b></div><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_attr"><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLbS1UfYgdYLtXrs-AFhuprkHnvOJSCA54IsirCgtFlUI3hmeCwbU_f5-b1czD-0xY9w-pyDC_b1-VVjlCwW57Rzs3TRYRl2fbGbKqOLiSTO6IQjJMIQCX9ppwkX1uoqgFMCWNl_4WayA/s1600/image-751570.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLbS1UfYgdYLtXrs-AFhuprkHnvOJSCA54IsirCgtFlUI3hmeCwbU_f5-b1czD-0xY9w-pyDC_b1-VVjlCwW57Rzs3TRYRl2fbGbKqOLiSTO6IQjJMIQCX9ppwkX1uoqgFMCWNl_4WayA/s320/image-751570.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6854247476094062610" /></a><br></div></div><div dir="auto"><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto"><i>Out of sight, does not need to be out of mind.</i></div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">During this trying and testing time of the Covid 19 pandemic, we can still make an effort to strengthen our community bonds.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">With many families in isolation, unwell and in quarantine, sending family and friends <b><i>a gift or touch of care and love </i></b>during these difficult times can be a meaningful expression of kindness.Indeed small and unexpected surprises can go a long way.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">Remember to always mindfully focus on the pleasure of Allah, and to renew and purify our intentions. It comes in a hadith, <b><i>"Every deed is judged by its intention." </i></b></div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto"><b>Here is a short list of some ideas:</b></div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto"><b>*#1 Keep in touch*</b></div><div dir="auto"><b><br></b></div><div dir="auto">Make a call or send a small message to at least one different person from your friends, family or contacts lists every day, especially the elderly, and don't forget your neighbours!</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto"><b>*#2 Reach out*</b></div><div dir="auto"><b><br></b></div><div dir="auto">Reach out to people in isolation, those that are sick and those in quarantine, in a safe way, through phone calls, WhatsApp, etc.</div><div dir="auto">It is said in a Hadith, <b><i>"Whoever relieves a Muslim in distress in this world, Allah will remove his difficulties in the Hereafter."</i></b></div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto"><b>*#3 Volunteer time*</b></div><div dir="auto"><b><br></b></div><div dir="auto">Volunteer to do a friend's shopping errands or their buying of milk and bread.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto"><b>*#4 Meals and snacks*</b> </div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">Try making some extra soup or prepare a special meal if you can and let the sick person know you will be dropping it off </div><div dir="auto">Don't ask "Can I cook for you?" as people will feel shy to ask for help.Try cooking or preparing something at least once a week for the next month or two to share with others. Remember to send it in disposable containers, making it easier for yourself, as well as the sick.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto"><b>*#5 Snack packs and gifts*</b></div><div dir="auto"><b><br></b></div><div dir="auto">Send a small snack pack, a little gift with a small note of encouragement, an uplifting Hadith or inspirational aayah of the Quraan. Small and unexpected surprises can go a long way.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto"><b>*#7 Cheer people up* </b></div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">Make people happy. Be a means of a smile on someone's face.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto"><b>*#8 Inspire*</b></div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">Share positive news or some inspirational one liners that will uplift the person and make them feel better. Be careful not to be negative.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto"><b>*#9 Dawah and uplifting Imaan*</b></div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">Remind them and ourselves about the beautiful rewards that Allah has in store in exchange for patience during difficulty, and encourage them to make zikr and read duas etc.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">_Soul food is just as important as is food for the body_</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto"><b>*#10 Self care*</b></div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">Selfcare is of utmost importance. Take care of yourself so that you are able to help others too. </div><div dir="auto"><b><br></b></div><div dir="auto"><b>*#11 Dua*</b></div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">Make special dua for yourself and all the family and friends, especially for those that are ill or have lost loved ones. Take people's names when they do not know that you are making dua for them, then it is more likely to get accepted by Allah. It comes in a Hadith, "<b><i>When a person makes dua for a Muslim, an Angel is appointed to say aameen to his dua, and to make dua for him in return by saying may you be granted the same." </i></b>(Muslim)</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">It comes in a Hadith that the best people are those that benefit others the most.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">If you would like to join in this touch of love initiative, take out your diaries and save the weekly dates that you would like to prepare a meal or gift something. Also make a list of the people you would like to enquire about or drop a call or message to. Send out weekly reminders and together we can make a difference! </div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto">Remember the most important thing is to make the correct intention.</div><div dir="auto"><br></div><div dir="auto"><b><i>_www.eislam.co.za_</i></b></div></div></div></div> </div></div> E ISLAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02354917230047087296noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7317255972997706407.post-74251598512021305622019-10-01T07:16:00.001-07:002019-10-01T07:16:21.780-07:00The Smoke Signal...<div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_quote"><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_attr"><b><span style="color:gray;font-size:14pt">The Smoke Signal</span></b><br></div><div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_quote"> <p style="background:white;margin:auto 0cm;text-align:left" align="left"><i><span style="font-size:10pt">By Abu Muhammad Yusuf</span></i></p><p style="background:white;margin:auto 0cm;text-align:left" align="left"><i><span style="font-size:10pt"></span></i> </p><p style="background:white;margin:auto 0cm;text-align:left" align="left"><i><span style="font-size:10pt"><u></u><u></u></span></i> <a href="http://www.google.co.za/url?url=http://desertislandbrooklyn.com/smokesignal.html&rct=j&frm=1&q=&esrc=s&sa=U&ved=0ahUKEwiOqeS1srPMAhUiJcAKHQ9TDSYQwW4IJzAJ&sig2=kFpFqNLAkUztv7AwPPokmA&usg=AFQjCNF6IMsz9lPIUVTmch0WLNUd3sw3tg" target="_blank"><img alt="Image result for smoke signal" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRLP5fW5hD3jFTSEExm6jdeJAPj-XnU0R3DlL-yKxeSACZjsZgtqySMli8" width="129" height="65"></a></p> <p style="background:white;margin:auto 0cm;text-align:left" align="left"><span style="font-size:11pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></p> <p style="background:white;margin:auto 0cm;text-align:left" align="left"><span style="font-size:11pt">The journey of life can be like a roller coaster. We often experience extreme conditions which create despondency and hopelessness. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) is reported to have said: "<i><span style="color:rgb(0,51,204)">Verily, if Allah loves a people, He makes them go through trials. Whoever is satisfied, for him is contentment, and whoever is angry upon him is wrath."</span></i> (Hadith-Tirmidhi)<u></u><u></u></span></p> <p style="background:white;margin:auto 0cm;text-align:left" align="left"><span style="font-size:11pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></p> <p style="background:white;margin:auto 0cm;text-align:left" align="left"><span style="font-size:11pt">We have to try hard to embrace the struggles of life and Trust in Allah. There's no development without pain. Life's difficulties are necessary for our own development, so when they come along, accept them, embrace them and never ever lose hope and always place complete Reliance and Trust in Allah. Problems are to the mind what exercise is to the muscles; they toughen and make you strong.<u></u><u></u></span></p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt;line-height:normal" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""><u></u><font size="3"> </font><u></u></span></p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt;line-height:normal" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""><font size="3">The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for Allah to rescue him, and every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. He nevertheless remained hopeful of Allah's help and continued his praying every day.<br> <br> Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements and to store his few possessions. But then one day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, the smoke rolling up to the sky. <u></u><u></u></font></span></p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt;line-height:normal" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""><u></u><font size="3"> </font><u></u></span></p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt;line-height:normal" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""><font size="3">The "worst" had happened; everything was lost. He was stunned with grief. "Allah, how could this happen to me!" he cried. Early the next day, just before Fajr Salaah (early morning prayer) he was awakened by the sound of a ship that was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him. "How did you know I was here?" the man asked the sailors on the ship. "We saw your smoke signal," they replied.<u></u><u></u></font></span></p> <p style="background:white;margin:auto 0cm;text-align:left" align="left"><span style="font-size:11pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></p> <p style="background:white;margin:auto 0cm;text-align:left" align="left"><span style="font-size:11pt">Allah says <i><span style="color:rgb(0,51,204)">"...Bear with patience whatever befalls you</span></i><span style="color:rgb(0,51,204)">...."</span> (Qur'an 31:17) and <i><span style="color:rgb(0,51,204)">"Be not sad, surely Allah is with us."</span></i> (Qur'an 9:40)<u></u><u></u></span></p> <p style="background:white;margin:auto 0cm;text-align:left" align="left"><span style="font-size:11pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></p> <p style="background:white;margin:auto 0cm;text-align:left" align="left"><span style="font-size:11pt">It is easy to get discouraged when things are going badly. But we shouldn't lose heart, because Allah is at work in our lives, even in the midst of pain and suffering<b>.<span> </span></b>Allah Ta'ala says <i><span style="color:rgb(0,51,204)">"Verily, with hardship there is relief"</span></i> (Qur'an 94:6) and <i><span style="color:rgb(0,51,204)">"And whosoever puts his trust in Allah, then He will suffice him"</span></i><span>. ( Qur'an 65:3)</span><u></u><u></u></span></p> <p style="background:white;margin:auto 0cm;text-align:left" align="left"><b><i><span style="color:green;font-size:11pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></i></b></p> <p style="background:white;margin:auto 0cm;text-align:left" align="left"><b><i><span style="color:green;font-size:11pt">Remember, next time your little hut is burning to the ground--it just may be a smoke signal that summons The Grace and help of Allah!<u></u><u></u></span></i></b></p> <p style="background:white;margin:auto 0cm;text-align:left" align="left"><b><i><span style="color:green;font-size:11pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></i></b></p> </div></div><div id="m_-3793610981647053539DDB4FAA8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2"><br> <table style="border-top:1px solid #aaabb6"> <tbody><tr> <td style="width:55px;padding-top:13px"><a href="https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=webmail" target="_blank"><img src="https://ipmcdn.avast.com/images/2016/icons/icon-envelope-tick-round-orange-v1.png"></a></td> <td style="width:470px;padding-top:15px;color:#41424e;font-size:13px;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;line-height:18px">Virus-free. <a href="https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=webmail" style="color:#4453ea" target="_blank">www.avast.com</a> </td> </tr> </tbody></table><a href="#m_-3793610981647053539_DDB4FAA8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2" width="1" height="1"></a></div> </div></div> E ISLAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02354917230047087296noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7317255972997706407.post-23886643799715630542019-10-01T07:15:00.001-07:002019-10-01T07:15:38.720-07:00Slow down!<div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_quote"><div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_quote"><div class="gmail_quote"><div><span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt;line-height:normal"><b><span style="color:rgb(54,95,145);font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";font-size:16pt">Slow down !</span></b><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";font-size:12pt"><u></u><u></u></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt;line-height:normal"><i><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";font-size:10pt">By:Abdur Rahman Umar </span></i></p></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt;line-height:normal"> <i><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";font-size:10pt"><a href="http://www.google.co.za/imgres?imgurl=https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDPLkwQwgX6eaQKDzvSqlxf1CM8rSmk9jo4njD7Yp1wMxhudhUbqfjlFaMwTKDkRZpzMQ3JCjKbqQRtUkl7-6tFT6dE589QvorigjX3Mwwg3MZ46rdoWNEYCLCUj60C8yLeSaGEdbl4gg/s320/Just+Slow+Down.jpg&imgrefurl=http://adventuresofaybe.blogspot.com/2011/05/slow-down.html&usg=__Rb14g511JIMaty3DR66-Ma5UUEk=&h=154&w=200&sz=11&hl=en&start=6&zoom=1&tbnid=ht9ndmqubcLnxM:&tbnh=80&tbnw=104&ei=m1bIUKrPCM61hAeLmYDYBQ&prev=/search%3Fq%3DSLOW%2BDOWN%26num%3D10%26hl%3Den%26tbo%3Dd%26biw%3D1081%26bih%3D566%26site%3Dimghp%26tbm%3Disch&itbs=1" target="_blank"><img width="104" height="80" src="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR3CX7ra28MAEJ8xFO3kHaIZly0OpMdvKG0O0_kJ5HX1I1NzzK7cAP9AQ"></a></span></i><i><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";font-size:12pt"><u></u><u></u></span></i></p><span> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12pt"><font face="Calibri">"Can you believe this!" lamented Yusuf as he looked sadly at his leg covered from foot to knee in a thick white plaster cast leaving his plaster stained toes exposed. <u></u><u></u></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12pt"><font face="Calibri">"This is so frustrating!" he continued, addressing his exposed toes who had now become his captive audience, "Just when everything was going perfectly. Now this! Like I needed it in my life?"<u></u><u></u></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12pt"><font face="Calibri">Ridwaan stood idly by, adding little to the lament being addressed to the toes. He fidgeted wearily with his cell phone paying little attention to the monologue until Yusuf turned to him and asked:<u></u><u></u></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12pt"><font face="Calibri">"Did you hear what I said? I really didn't need this in my life. Not at any time, and definitely, definitely not now. I mean..."<u></u><u></u></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12pt"><font face="Calibri">"What's so special about now?" enquired Ridwaan not bothering to look up from his cell phone.<u></u><u></u></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12pt"><font face="Calibri">Yusuf ignored his question, shifted painfully in his chair and struggled to get his leg into a comfortable position. He stared at some of the graffiti on his plaster cast "Mojo was here!" "Oops. My brain just hit a bad sector" "On the other hand, you have different fingers" and some other writings that became a bit smudgy with the first attempt at taking a shower.<u></u><u></u></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12pt"><font face="Calibri">"I mean how does someone rupture an Achilles tendon playing tennis? It must be a one in a million thing, and I am the one! So now I sit – six weeks with this thing on my leg. Six weeks! and at a time when the business is going so well. Just when we got the Department of Education tender for printing. There's so much to do .... preparation, layout, design. Yo! It was going crazy at work."<u></u><u></u></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12pt"><font face="Calibri">Ridwaan stopped fidgeting with his cell phone long enough to exclaim, "So what's the hassle. You get a nice break and fully paid on top of it!" <u></u><u></u></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12pt"><font face="Calibri">"You don't understand, do you!" said Yusuf, glaring at him. An uncomfortable frown crossed his forehead, "You don't know what it means. I really didn't even have enough time to eat let alone take a six week break. We were working 12 hours a day to get that tender out. So what happens now?"<u></u><u></u></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12pt"><font face="Calibri">"I know exactly what it means," replied Ridwaan, "It means you were moving too fast so Allah put down a speed breaker"<u></u><u></u></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12pt"><font face="Calibri">"What!" he exclaimed, "What you mean...speed breaker?"<u></u><u></u></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12pt"><font face="Calibri">"You see, sometimes when we rush through life and we forget the important things then Allah puts down a speed bump so we can slow down and reflect. Maybe a little sickness or a small problem. Just to ponder on what we're doing and what we should be doing. And that's it! You were chasing like a madman so you got hit with a speed bump."<u></u><u></u></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12pt"><font face="Calibri">He paused allowing his words to sink in then continued, "You know most of us get so caught up in life then we forget about Allah, our salaah becomes just a ritual and the family ...well, they even forget who we are. I bet your kids call you Uncle by now?"<u></u><u></u></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12pt"><font face="Calibri">"Hey, it's not that bad," said Yusuf struggling to find a comfortable position for his plastered leg, "But I hear what you saying. Things were getting a bit out of hand. I missed my daughter's pre-school jalsa, my son's graduation and dropped a couple of salaahs on the way and jip, Allah knows what else I gave up for this tender...."<u></u><u></u></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12pt"><font face="Calibri">Yusuf fell silent pondering on his situation, a thin smile broke on his lips and his face lit up with this new found understanding, "So this wasn't all bad then. Actually...."<u></u><u></u></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12pt"><font face="Calibri">"It was for you own good," Ridwaan completed the sentence for him, "Too often we forget the real things in life...our Allah, our Deen, our families and those so called little things we tend to forget."<u></u><u></u></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-size:12pt"><font face="Calibri">"Yup," chorused Yusuf, "I remember a clever guy telling me once, pay attention to the little things in life, for one day you may find out they were actually the big things. Really can't believe Allah's mercy and kindness upon us. It is, as they say, more than that of a mother. He cares for us and even what I thought was a horrible misfortune was actually an act of kindness from Him."<u></u><u></u></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt;line-height:19.2pt"><span style="font-size:12pt"><font face="Calibri">Allah, The Most Wise, says:<b><i>"…<span style="color:rgb(0,0,153)">and it may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you and that you like a thing which is bad for you. Allah knows but you do not know." </span></i></b><span>( Qur'an-</span>Surah Baqarah: 216)<u></u><u></u></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt;line-height:19.2pt"><i><span style="color:rgb(0,0,153);font-size:12pt"><font face="Calibri">A calamity that makes you turn to Allah is better for you than a blessing which makes you forget the remembrance of Allah.<u></u><u></u></font></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt;line-height:19.2pt"><font face="Calibri"><i><span style="color:rgb(0,0,153);font-size:12pt"><span> </span>Let us <b>slow down</b> and ponder of the journey of life and make more calculated decisions that will not only benefit us in the transitory life of this world but more so in the eternal life of the Hereafter.</span></i></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt;line-height:19.2pt"> </p></span></div></div> </div><br></div> </div></div> E ISLAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02354917230047087296noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7317255972997706407.post-85583703671583355722019-10-01T07:14:00.001-07:002019-10-01T07:14:54.126-07:00THE COVER GIRL<div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_quote"><div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_quote"><div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_quote"><h2><div><div><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin:auto 0cm 6pt"><h3><span style="color:rgb(255,102,255);font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:26pt">THE COVER GIRL</span><br></h3> <div> <div><span style="color:rgb(255,102,255);font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:26pt"><img width="259" height="194" style="width:119px;min-height:109px" src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQzCpZoz-s3UPFH6dS7j1u3kLXoIKSu-becXuY--OCNXd_y0UOR"> <img width="166" height="131" style="width:114px;min-height:78px" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTqh1uhadjCFn0REqi1wP_3pnxpTc9kqmSIJ6IzZnN99mJPLHY_3w"></span></div> </div></div></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin:auto 0cm 6pt"></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin:auto 0cm 6pt"><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt">Walking down the road, sporting the latest handbag , designer shoes and the trendiest figure hugging abayah….Wow is she turning heads around here! Is this our new cover girl?</span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin:auto 0cm 6pt"><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt"><span> </span>The Beloved Messenger of Allah( S.A.W ) said: There are two types of people who will be punished in hell and whom I've not seen:(the second type)Women will be dressed but appear to be naked, they will attract others to themselves, and they themselves will be<span> </span>attracted to others. Their heads will appear like the humps of the camels, they will not enter Paradise and they will not smell its fragrance which can be smelt from such and such a distance.</span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin:auto 0cm 6pt"><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt">Shaytaan's ambition is to mislead. When a muslimah makes a niyyah to wear the hijaab he jumps into action.</span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin:auto 0cm 6pt"><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt">Plot 1: He tries to stop her. If he fails…</span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin:auto 0cm 6pt"><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt">Plot 2:Misleads her in donning hijaab. She thinks she is covering,but chooses a figure hugging abayah or she lifts the jalabeeb instead of lowering….</span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin:auto 0cm 6pt"><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt">So lets ask ourselves,are we really covered girls or do we want to be "cover girls?"</span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin:auto 0cm 6pt"><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt">There is a parable of a flower and a pearl both striking in their beauty, lets ponder and take a lesson, which one do we want to be? </span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin:auto 0cm 6pt"><span style="color:black;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt">Suddenly, a tinge of distress appeared on the flower. "Nothing accounts for sorrow in your talk; so why are u depressed?" The pearl asked."Human beings deal with us carelessly; they slight us. They don't grow us for our sake but to get pleasure from our fragrance and beautiful</span><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt"> <span style="color:black">appearance. They throw us on the street or in the garbage can after we are</span> <span style="color:black">dispossessed of the most valuable properties; brilliance and fragrance" </span></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin:auto 0cm 6pt"><span style="color:black;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt">The flower sighed. And then<span> </span>the flower said to the pearl: "Speak to me about your life! How do</span><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt"> <span style="color:black">you live? How do you feel it? You are buried in the bottom of the sea. "</span></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin:auto 0cm 6pt"><span style="color:black;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt">The pearl answered: "Although I have none of your distinctive </span><span style="color:black;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt">colours</span><span style="color:black;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt"> and</span><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt"> <span style="color:black">sweet scents, humans think I am preci</span></span><span style="color:black;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt">ous. They do the impossible to </span><span style="color:black;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt">procure me. They go on long journeys, dive deep in the seas searching for me. You might be astounded to know that the further I lay, the more beautiful and brilliant I become. That's what upraises my value in their thought. I live</span><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt"> <span style="color:black">in a thick shell isolated in the dark seas. However, I'm happy and proud to be in a safe zone far from wanton and mischievous hands and still the humans</span> <span style="color:black">consider me highly valuable" Do you know what the flower and the pearl symbolize?</span></span><span style="color:black;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt"></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin:auto 0cm 6pt"><span style="color:black;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt"><span> </span>Think </span><span style="color:black;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt">..</span><span style="color:black;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt">Think</span><span style="color:black;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt">..</span><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt"></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin:auto 0cm 6pt"><span style="color:black;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt">You will find that</span><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt"> <span style="color:black">The flower is the </span></span><span style="color:black;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt">woman </span><span style="color:black;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt">who shows her charms</span><span style="color:black;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt"> </span><span style="color:black;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt">and the pearl is the veiled woman</span><span style="color:black;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt"> </span><span style="color:black;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt">who conceals her beauties</span><span style="color:black;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt">.</span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin:auto 0cm 6pt"><span style="color:black;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt">Ponder </span><span style="color:black;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt"><span> </span>about it!</span><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt"></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin:auto 0cm 6pt"><strong><span style="color:rgb(0,102,0);font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt">"O Prophet(pbuh)! Say to your wives and your daughters and the women of the faithful to draw their outer garments (jilbabs) close around themselves; that is better that they will be recognized and not annoyed. And Allah is ever Forgiving, Merciful.</span></strong><strong><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:12pt">(Al Quran Al-Ahzab:59)</span></strong></div> </div></div></h2> </div><br></div> </div><br></div> </div></div> E ISLAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02354917230047087296noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7317255972997706407.post-74732479190848602602019-01-05T12:37:00.001-08:002019-01-05T12:37:48.502-08:00Back to School<div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_quote"><div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_quote"><div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_quote"><div><span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 6pt;line-height:normal"><font face="Calibri"><b><span style="font-size:14pt">Back to School</span></b><span style="font-size:14pt"><u></u><u></u></span></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 6pt;line-height:19.2pt"><font size="3"><font face="Calibri"><b><i><span>By Umme Ammarah</span></i></b><b><span> </span></b></font></font></p><font size="3"><font face="Calibri"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 6pt;line-height:19.2pt"><br></p><span style="font-size:12pt"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 6pt;line-height:19.2pt"><img width="407" height="295" style="width:238px;padding-top:8px;padding-right:8px;padding-bottom:8px;min-height:156px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd-lIEzhUzJttEoPC9pz9sAQ1unaRNVmP1FiTqNs2hLPHKZ57jNQxMfjJdFT5p_-KJU0J6zlpxSX9D4NwZs1hlTqvwmASa-CO5xATBrbPc0dMbITNDDwo8zIk6oOyQuEb9zFf_fe7RZ1Y/s1600/Back-to-school12.jpg"></p><div dir="ltr"><div id="m_-5122916695318864957:2sv"><div></div></div></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 6pt;line-height:19.2pt"><br></p></span></font></font><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 6pt;line-height:19.2pt"><span><font size="3"><font face="Calibri">Schools are about to open and you're probably feeling excited and maybe a little sad that holidays are just about over.</font></font></span></p></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 6pt;line-height:19.2pt"><span><font size="3"><font face="Calibri"><b>Back to School</b> comes with a barrage of projects, homework, sports practice and of course a day filled with pickups and drop offs. In life all achievements come with some sacrifice.</font></font></span></p><span> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 6pt;line-height:19.2pt"><font size="3"><font face="Calibri"><b><i><span style="color:rgb(0,0,153)">"The roots of education may be bitter, but the fruit is sweet</span></i></b><b><span style="color:rgb(0,0,153)">"</span></b><b><span style="color:rgb(0,0,153)"><u></u><u></u></span></b></font></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 6pt;line-height:19.2pt"><span><font size="3"><font face="Calibri">Back to school time also means adjustments for children and families; the first day of grade one, new schools, new classrooms, new teachers and for adults sometimes new jobs.<u></u><u></u></font></font></span></p> </span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 6pt;line-height:19.2pt"><span><font size="3"><font face="Calibri">Change is sometimes exciting and sometimes frightening, but this can also be an opportunity to set new goals. It's is a new year, 1437 of the Hijri Calendar and each year goes so fast like a quick turn of a page. This is why planning and setting goals is so important. As Muslims all our plans should be aimed at achieving our final goal which is to please our Creator Allah Ta'ala. We need to plan ahead.</font></font></span></p><span> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 6pt;line-height:19.2pt"><font size="3"><font face="Calibri"><b><i><span style="color:rgb(0,0,153)">"He who fails to plan, plans to fail!"</span></i></b><span style="color:rgb(0,0,153)"><u></u><u></u></span></font></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 6pt;line-height:19.2pt"><font size="3"><font face="Calibri"><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51)">Here are a few points to keep in mind when planning for this year. </span><span><u></u><u></u></span></font></font></p> </span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;line-height:19.2pt"><span><font size="3"><font face="Calibri">· <b><span style="color:rgb(0,51,204)">Niyyah (intention)</span></b><span style="color:rgb(0,51,204)">: </span><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51)">Our intention before doing anything is very important. The Messenger of Allah(peace be upon Him) has said </span><i><span style="color:rgb(0,0,153)"><strong>"Every deed is judged by its intention."</strong></span></i><span style="color:rgb(0,0,153)">(</span>Hadith-Bukhari)<i><span style="color:rgb(0,51,204)"> </span></i><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51)">Plan and do lots…but it must be ONLY to please our Creator.<u></u><u></u></span></font></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;line-height:19.2pt"><span><u></u><font face="Calibri" size="3"> </font><u></u></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;line-height:19.2pt"><span><font size="3"><font face="Calibri">· <b><span style="color:rgb(0,51,204)">Dua (Prayer)</span><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51)">: </span></b><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51)">Everyone of us needs to ask and pray to Allah Ta'ala daily for all our needs as He is indeed in control of our destiny . A very beautiful dua that The Beloved Messenger of Allah(Peace be upon Him) made </span><i><span style="color:rgb(0,51,204)">whenever</span></i><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51)"> he left his home </span><i><span style="color:rgb(0,0,153)">" In the name of Allah,I trust in Allah, oh Allah I seek refuge in You from straying or being led astray or against slipping or being caused to slip or doing injustice or injustice being done on me or doing wrong or having wrong done to me."</span></i><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51)"> (Hadith-Abu Dawud)<u></u><u></u></span></font></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;line-height:19.2pt"><span><u></u><font face="Calibri" size="3"> </font><u></u></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;line-height:19.2pt"><span><font size="3"><font face="Calibri">· <b><span style="color:rgb(0,51,204)">Make mashwera/shura (mutual consultation):</span></b><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51)"> To consult with your family is important as it unites the heart on a common purpose. All activities whether big or small should be discussed. Sit with the family daily at a mutually convenient time and plan our activities. See where we are and where we want to reach in this coming year. Check our level of Deen and plan to improve upon it. Discuss our day to day affairs. We may even discuss and allocate turns for household chores, or even who sits where in car, etc…this can save a lot of time and arguments early in the morning. To make Mashwera is a sunnah and will bring great barakah(blessings) in our home. It will also grant us an opportunity to plan our lives productively and Islamically.</span></font></font></span><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51)"><font face="Calibri" size="3"> </font><u></u></span></p><span> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;line-height:19.2pt"><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51)"><u></u><font face="Calibri" size="3"> </font><u></u></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;line-height:19.2pt"><span><font size="3"><font face="Calibri">· <b><span style="color:rgb(0,51,204)">Make attainable goals</span></b><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51)">: Sets goals realistically and intelligently. Set goals that are attainable. Most important Make Deen the priority in our lives. Monitor your progress and place reminders and back your resolutions with planning.<u></u><u></u></span></font></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;line-height:19.2pt"><span><u></u><font face="Calibri" size="3"> </font><u></u></span></p> </span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;line-height:19.2pt"><span><font size="3"><font face="Calibri">· <b><span style="color:rgb(0,51,204)">Family time: </span></b><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51)">Set aside quality time for the family. Be interactive, listen and pay attention to them especially when they call on you. Engage them in Taleem (Educational programs), for the smaller ones also read Islamic stories and even make it a practice to discuss the day's events with them. There is </span><b><span style="color:red">NO SUBSTITUTE</span></b><span style="color:red"> </span><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51)">for parental guidance and supervision.<u></u><u></u></span></font></font></span></p><span> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;line-height:19.2pt"><font size="3"><font face="Calibri"><b><i><span style="color:rgb(0,51,204)">"</span></i></b><b><i><span>Your children need your<span style="color:rgb(0,51,204)"> </span><span style="color:rgb(0,0,153)">presence</span><span style="color:rgb(0,51,204)"> </span>more than your<span style="color:rgb(0,51,204)"> </span><span style="color:rgb(0,0,153)">presents</span>"<span style="color:red"><u></u><u></u></span></span></i></b></font></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;line-height:19.2pt"><span><u></u><font face="Calibri" size="3"> </font><u></u></span></p> </span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;line-height:19.2pt"><span><font size="3"><font face="Calibri">· <b><span style="color:rgb(0,51,204)">Homework: </span></b><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51)">Turn off the T.V, BBM, WhatsApp, Facebook and other social networks…put away your concerns and concentrate on being a parent. Look through your child's homework diary as your child's teacher uses this as a main connection between you and the school. <u></u><u></u></span></font></font></span></p><span> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;line-height:19.2pt"><font size="3"><font face="Calibri"><b><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51)">"Don't do homework </span></b><b><i><span style="color:rgb(0,51,204)">f<u>or</u></span></i></b><b><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51)"> them, Do it </span></b><b><i><u><span style="color:rgb(0,51,204)">with</span></u></i></b><b><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51)"> them!"<u></u><u></u></span></b></font></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;line-height:19.2pt"><span><u></u><font face="Calibri" size="3"> </font><u></u></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;line-height:19.2pt"><span><font size="3"><font face="Calibri">· <b><span style="color:rgb(0,51,204)">Daily routines:</span></b><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51)"> Let your child be involved in the small things like packing lunch, laying out clothes(uniforms) etc this teaches them responsibility. Start bed time routines a week before school starts. Ensure punctuality in Salaah(prayers). Read your duas together in the morning and evening. Make going to and from school educational by reciting duas collectively in the car. In a short time they will memorize the duas of travelling.<u></u><u></u></span></font></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;line-height:19.2pt"><span><u></u><font face="Calibri" size="3"> </font><u></u></span></p> </span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;line-height:19.2pt"><span><font size="3"><font face="Calibri">· <b><span style="color:rgb(0,51,204)">Educational goals:</span></b><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51)"> Plan big! Enrol your kids for the best available education…enrol your kids for Hifdh (memorisation of the Qur'an).You may have also realised how weak your Islamic knowledge is. Make time to attend some Islamic classes, or sit for Taleem Halqa at the Masjid. Ladies can join the weekly taleem (educational) programs in their area. Consult with your local Islamic Scholars regarding suitable Islamic educational programs.<u></u><u></u></span></font></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;line-height:19.2pt"><span><u></u><font face="Calibri" size="3"> </font><u></u></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;line-height:19.2pt"><span><font size="3"><font face="Calibri">· <b><span style="color:rgb(0,51,204)">Identify your career goals</span></b><span style="color:rgb(0,51,204)">:</span><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51)"> Choose your curriculum carefully and wisely. Maybe you always talked about making the career switch to a more Halaal(Pure) source of income or adjusting your work times for salaat with jamaat (congregation). You may need to adjust your times so as to spend some quality time with your family. Whatever your reasons maybe, identify a career that will benefit your family both in this world and the akhirah(hereafter).<u></u><u></u></span></font></font></span></p><span> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;line-height:19.2pt"><span><u></u><font face="Calibri" size="3"> </font><u></u></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;line-height:19.2pt"><span><font size="3"><font face="Calibri">· <b><span style="color:rgb(0,51,204)">Wake up every day with a purpose:</span><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51)"> </span></b><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51)">We wake up often knowing we should be doing something important today, but have failed to plan! Prepare for our higher purpose otherwise our day will become less productive.<u></u><u></u></span></font></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;line-height:19.2pt"><span><u></u><font face="Calibri" size="3"> </font><u></u></span></p> </span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;line-height:19.2pt"><span><font size="3"><font face="Calibri">· <b><span style="color:rgb(0,51,204)">Uniforms and Stationery</span></b><span style="color:rgb(0,51,204)">:</span><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51)"> Make sure uniforms are purchased timeously and that it conforms to Islamic requirements. If your kids encounter any resistance from the educational institution regarding their Islamic attire or other Islamic practices then be diplomatic and discuss and resolve the matter with management respectfully. Also ensure that you obtained a list of stationery required early so that it could be budgeted for and purchased well before hand.<u></u><u></u></span></font></font></span></p><span> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;line-height:19.2pt"><span><u></u><font face="Calibri" size="3"> </font><u></u></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;line-height:19.2pt"><span><font size="3"><font face="Calibri">· <b><span style="color:rgb(0,51,204)">Lunch boxes, breakfasts and diets</span><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51)">: </span></b><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51)">Research shows that breakfast eaters have better concentration and muscle co-ordination. Kids need healthy lunch box snacks that maintain blood glucose levels which help concentration, so keep away from fuzzy drinks, chips and chocolates for lunch. A good idea is to plan a lunch box menu for the week.<u></u><u></u></span></font></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;line-height:19.2pt"><span><u></u><font face="Calibri" size="3"> </font><u></u></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;line-height:19.2pt"><span><font size="3"><font face="Calibri">· <b><span style="color:rgb(0,51,204)">Take account of yourself daily</span></b><span style="color:rgb(0,51,204)">:</span><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51)"> We need to be alert of our development so that we progress. Therefore we need to daily reflect on our progress or a lack of it. </span></font></font></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;line-height:19.2pt"><span><font size="3"><font face="Calibri"><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51)"><br></span></font></font></span></p></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;line-height:19.2pt"><span><font size="3"><font face="Calibri"><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51)">The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) has said</span><i><span style="color:rgb(0,0,153)">" the feet of the son of Adam will not move on the Day of Judgement until he is asked about five things: how he spent his life, how he spent his youth, from where he acquired his wealth and how he spent it, and what he did with his knowledge."</span><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51)"> </span></i><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51)">So we need to be conscious on how profitably we use every second of our lives. <u></u><u></u></span></font></font></span></p><span> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt 36pt;line-height:19.2pt"><span><u></u><font face="Calibri" size="3"> </font><u></u></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 6pt;line-height:19.2pt"><font size="3"><font face="Calibri"><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51)">Remember that a Muslim sets goals that are in harmony with our accountability in the Aakhirah (Hereafter)... so take pen to paper and plan for a better life, seeking Allah Ta'ala's Guidance, Help and Forgiveness. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) has encouraged us to make the following du'a </span><span style="color:rgb(0,0,153)">"Oh our Lord, give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and save us from the torment of the fire."<u></u><u></u></span></font></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 6pt;line-height:19.2pt"><font size="3"><font face="Calibri"><span>Back to School may be demanding and at times stressful but</span><span> keep in mind that an <b><i><span style="color:rgb(0,0,153)">investment in knowledge always pays the best interest!</span></i></b></span><b><i><span style="color:rgb(0,0,153)"><u></u><u></u></span></i></b></font></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 6pt;line-height:19.2pt"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,153)"><u></u><font face="Calibri" size="3"> </font></span></p></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 6pt;line-height:19.2pt"><br></p></div></div></div></div></div> </div></div> E ISLAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02354917230047087296noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7317255972997706407.post-28476504018320607072019-01-05T12:36:00.001-08:002019-01-05T12:36:43.259-08:00The Dirty Laundry…(motivational)<div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_quote"><div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_quote"><div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_quote"><div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_quote"><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;line-height:normal"><span style="color:rgb(153,51,0);font-size:20pt"><font face="Calibri">The Dirty Laundry…</font></span></p> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;line-height:normal"><b><i><span style="color:rgb(0,51,204)"><font face="Calibri"><font size="3">By Abu Muhammad Yusuf</font></font></span></i></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;line-height:normal"><b><i><span style="color:rgb(0,51,204)"><font face="Calibri"><font size="3"><img width="200" height="209" style="width:200px;min-height:209px" alt="" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT-b4g8kaDXyx3GMdiuHvJoy91VeUckdpS8R-8I_OxPKiDx5mAT"></font></font></span></i></b></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;line-height:normal"><b><i><span style="color:rgb(0,51,204)"><font face="Calibri"><font size="3"></font></font></span></i></b> </div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;line-height:normal"><font size="3"><font face="Calibri"><span>In life we often tend to be judgmental and very often look down upon others without exploring deeper as to why the person is behaving in such a way. The Beloved Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) is reported to have said</span><span><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";font-weight:normal"> </span></span><em><b><span lang="EN" style="color:rgb(0,51,204);font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">"It is enough of evil for a person to hold his brother Muslim in contempt. All of a Muslim is sacred to another Muslim: his blood, his wealth and his honour."</span></b></em><span lang="EN" style="color:rgb(0,51,204)"> </span><span lang="EN" style="color:rgb(51,51,51)">(Hadith- Muslim)</span><span></span></font></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;line-height:normal"><span><font size="3"><font face="Calibri">A young couple moves into a new neighborhood. The next morning while they are eating breakfast, the young woman sees her neighbour hanging the laundry outside. "That laundry is not very clean", she said. "She doesn't know how to wash correctly. Perhaps she needs better laundry soap. "Her husband looked on, but remained silent. Every time her neighbour would hang her washing to dry, the young woman would make the same comments.<br> <br>About one month later, the woman was surprised to see a nice clean laundry on the line and said to her husband: "Look, she has learned how to wash correctly. I wonder who taught her this." <br><br>"The husband said, "I got up early this morning and cleaned our windows"</font></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;line-height:normal"><font face="Calibri"><b><span style="color:teal"><font size="4">Lesson:</font></span></b><span><font size="3"> If our windows are dirty so will we see others as dirty too. What we see in others is indeed a reflection of our inner-selves! So it is with life that what we see when watching others depends on the purity of the window through which we look. It is easy for us to discuss other people, their lives & things that really doesn't even concern us and we tend to forget - our windows may not be that clean after all! If we good we will see good…</font></span></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0in 0in 10pt;line-height:normal"><span><font face="Calibri" size="3">The Beloved Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) is reported to have said:</font></span><b><span lang="EN" style="color:seagreen"><br> </span></b><font size="3"><font face="Calibri"><b><span lang="EN" style="color:rgb(0,51,204)">"A Muslim is a mirror to another Muslim"</span></b><span lang="EN">(Hadith_Abu Dawud)</span></font></font><span></span></p> <div style="clear:both"></div></div> </div><br></div> </div><br></div> </div><br></div> </div></div> E ISLAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02354917230047087296noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7317255972997706407.post-75375737298327866842019-01-05T12:35:00.001-08:002019-01-05T12:35:28.526-08:00The Smoke Signal...<div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_quote"><div dir="ltr"><b><span style="color:gray;font-size:14pt">The Smoke Signal</span></b><br></div><div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_quote"><div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_quote"> <p align="left" style="background:white;margin:auto 0cm;text-align:left"><i><span style="font-size:10pt">By Abu Muhammad Yusuf</span></i></p><p align="left" style="background:white;margin:auto 0cm;text-align:left"><i><span style="font-size:10pt"></span></i> </p><p align="left" style="background:white;margin:auto 0cm;text-align:left"><i><span style="font-size:10pt"><u></u><u></u></span></i> <a href="http://www.google.co.za/url?url=http://desertislandbrooklyn.com/smokesignal.html&rct=j&frm=1&q=&esrc=s&sa=U&ved=0ahUKEwiOqeS1srPMAhUiJcAKHQ9TDSYQwW4IJzAJ&sig2=kFpFqNLAkUztv7AwPPokmA&usg=AFQjCNF6IMsz9lPIUVTmch0WLNUd3sw3tg" target="_blank"><img width="129" height="65" alt="Image result for smoke signal" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRLP5fW5hD3jFTSEExm6jdeJAPj-XnU0R3DlL-yKxeSACZjsZgtqySMli8"></a></p> <p align="left" style="background:white;margin:auto 0cm;text-align:left"><span style="font-size:11pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></p> <p align="left" style="background:white;margin:auto 0cm;text-align:left"><span style="font-size:11pt">The journey of life can be like a roller coaster. We often experience extreme conditions which create despondency and hopelessness. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) is reported to have said: "<i><span style="color:rgb(0,51,204)">Verily, if Allah loves a people, He makes them go through trials. Whoever is satisfied, for him is contentment, and whoever is angry upon him is wrath."</span></i> (Hadith-Tirmidhi)<u></u><u></u></span></p> <p align="left" style="background:white;margin:auto 0cm;text-align:left"><span style="font-size:11pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></p> <p align="left" style="background:white;margin:auto 0cm;text-align:left"><span style="font-size:11pt">We have to try hard to embrace the struggles of life and Trust in Allah. There's no development without pain. Life's difficulties are necessary for our own development, so when they come along, accept them, embrace them and never ever lose hope and always place complete Reliance and Trust in Allah. Problems are to the mind what exercise is to the muscles; they toughen and make you strong.<u></u><u></u></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""><u></u><font size="3"> </font><u></u></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""><font size="3">The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for Allah to rescue him, and every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. He nevertheless remained hopeful of Allah's help and continued his praying every day.<br> <br> Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements and to store his few possessions. But then one day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, the smoke rolling up to the sky. <u></u><u></u></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""><u></u><font size="3"> </font><u></u></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt;line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""><font size="3">The "worst" had happened; everything was lost. He was stunned with grief. "Allah, how could this happen to me!" he cried. Early the next day, just before Fajr Salaah (early morning prayer) he was awakened by the sound of a ship that was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him. "How did you know I was here?" the man asked the sailors on the ship. "We saw your smoke signal," they replied.<u></u><u></u></font></span></p> <p align="left" style="background:white;margin:auto 0cm;text-align:left"><span style="font-size:11pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></p> <p align="left" style="background:white;margin:auto 0cm;text-align:left"><span style="font-size:11pt">Allah says <i><span style="color:rgb(0,51,204)">"...Bear with patience whatever befalls you</span></i><span style="color:rgb(0,51,204)">...."</span> (Qur'an 31:17) and <i><span style="color:rgb(0,51,204)">"Be not sad, surely Allah is with us."</span></i> (Qur'an 9:40)<u></u><u></u></span></p> <p align="left" style="background:white;margin:auto 0cm;text-align:left"><span style="font-size:11pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></p> <p align="left" style="background:white;margin:auto 0cm;text-align:left"><span style="font-size:11pt">It is easy to get discouraged when things are going badly. But we shouldn't lose heart, because Allah is at work in our lives, even in the midst of pain and suffering<b>.<span> </span></b>Allah Ta'ala says <i><span style="color:rgb(0,51,204)">"Verily, with hardship there is relief"</span></i> (Qur'an 94:6) and <i><span style="color:rgb(0,51,204)">"And whosoever puts his trust in Allah, then He will suffice him"</span></i><span>. ( Qur'an 65:3)</span><u></u><u></u></span></p> <p align="left" style="background:white;margin:auto 0cm;text-align:left"><b><i><span style="color:green;font-size:11pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></i></b></p> <p align="left" style="background:white;margin:auto 0cm;text-align:left"><b><i><span style="color:green;font-size:11pt">Remember, next time your little hut is burning to the ground--it just may be a smoke signal that summons The Grace and help of Allah!</span></i></b></p> </div></div></div><br></div> </div></div> E ISLAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02354917230047087296noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7317255972997706407.post-32103956720107761552019-01-05T12:34:00.001-08:002019-01-05T12:34:25.859-08:00Pencil & Eraser-motivational<div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_quote"><div dir="ltr"><b style="font-family:Calibri"><span style="color:green;font-size:16pt">The Pencil and Eraser</span></b></div><div dir="ltr"><font face="Calibri"><b><span style="color:green;font-size:16pt"></span></b><span style="font-size:16pt"></span></font> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBnQsFZr0jJW7APU0ljeH9LFrzTZ0s1Vv52OSbHYHmCXZBTabt-s-s8zIeSOAtNr5GeCnIQL_SRlqbbENJrRgxnjmfJ1ZcMf6IrFVnWjyWb4QOc2-rZsvNAsjWJHGKNt8uXnFMWn02ftw/s1600/image-765896.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBnQsFZr0jJW7APU0ljeH9LFrzTZ0s1Vv52OSbHYHmCXZBTabt-s-s8zIeSOAtNr5GeCnIQL_SRlqbbENJrRgxnjmfJ1ZcMf6IrFVnWjyWb4QOc2-rZsvNAsjWJHGKNt8uXnFMWn02ftw/s320/image-765896.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6643113818688090370" /></a><br></div> <font size="3" face="Times New Roman"> </font><p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:green;font-size:12pt"><font face="Calibri">PENCIL </font></span><span style="color:navy;font-size:12pt"><br><font face="Calibri"> I'm sorry</font></span><span style="font-size:12pt"></span></p><font size="3" face="Times New Roman"> </font><p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:green;font-size:12pt"><font face="Calibri">ERASER </font></span><span style="color:navy;font-size:12pt"><br><font face="Calibri"> For what? You didn't do anything wrong.</font></span><span style="font-size:12pt"></span></p><font size="3" face="Times New Roman"> </font><p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:green;font-size:12pt"><font face="Calibri">PENCIL </font></span><span style="color:navy;font-size:12pt"><br><font face="Calibri"> I'm sorry because you get hurt because of me. Whenever I made a mistake, you're always there to erase it. But as you make my mistakes vanish, you lose a part of yourself. You get smaller and smaller each time.</font></span><span style="font-size:12pt"></span></p><font size="3" face="Times New Roman"> </font><p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:green;font-size:12pt"><font face="Calibri">ERASER </font></span><span style="color:navy;font-size:12pt"><br><font face="Calibri"> That's true. But I don't really mind. You see, I was made to do this. I was made to help you whenever you do something wrong. Even though one day, I know I'll be gone and you'll replace me with a new one, I'm actually happy with my job. So please, stop worrying. I hate seeing you sad. </font></span><span style="font-size:12pt"></span></p><font size="3" face="Times New Roman"> </font><p style="margin:0cm 0cm 12pt;line-height:normal" class="MsoNormal"><font face="Calibri"><b><span style="color:green;font-size:12pt">LESSON:</span></b><span style="color:navy;font-size:12pt"> Parents are like the eraser whereas their children are the pencil. They're always there for their children, cleaning up their mistakes. Sometimes along the way, they get hurt, and become smaller / older, and eventually pass on. Though their children will eventually find someone new (spouse), but parents are still happy with what they do for their children, and will always hate seeing their precious ones worrying, or sad….However our parents are getting smaller and smaller each day…One day, all that we would be left with will be eraser shavings and memories of what we used to have. </span><span style="font-size:12pt"></span></font></p><font size="3" face="Times New Roman"> </font><p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal" class="MsoNormal"><font face="Calibri"><span style="color:navy;font-size:12pt">Allah, Most Wise admonishes us: </span><span style="color:green;font-size:12pt">"<i>Thy Lord hath decreed that ye worship none but Him, <b>and that ye be kind to parents</b>. Whether one or both of them attain old age in thy life, say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honour. And, out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility, and say: My Lord! Bestow on them thy Mercy even as they cherished me in childhood."</i></span><i><span style="color:navy;font-size:12pt"> (Quran-17:23)</span></i><span style="font-size:12pt"></span></font></p><font size="3" face="Times New Roman"> </font> </div></div> E ISLAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02354917230047087296noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7317255972997706407.post-19128966990423517252018-06-28T12:35:00.001-07:002018-06-28T12:35:54.031-07:00E ISLAM NOW ON WHATSAPP!<div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_quote"><div><p> <b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;color:#003399">E ISLAM NOW ON </span></b><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;color:#00b050">WHATSAPP</span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;color:#00b050"></span></b></p><div><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmYL0WgINGPCUyVEJxC8YYyzo7NT-K6VXa0IqyLkC795tTNoYF358HVJW2mUyQBl23gqfLRgNJ19-fE0ivWpEmfqnuwdfMZFr8Ic0oEefLc8tMAz4Eo9PoBcy5PTflzGRQHoTzoVCd57Y/s1600/image-754033.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmYL0WgINGPCUyVEJxC8YYyzo7NT-K6VXa0IqyLkC795tTNoYF358HVJW2mUyQBl23gqfLRgNJ19-fE0ivWpEmfqnuwdfMZFr8Ic0oEefLc8tMAz4Eo9PoBcy5PTflzGRQHoTzoVCd57Y/s320/image-754033.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6572221466755548178" /></a><br></b></div><b><br></b><p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">All Praise be to Allah Ta'ala, for the past 12 years <b><span style="color:#003399">E ISLAM </span></b>has been circulating motivational messages via <em><strong>email</strong></em> to thousands of subscribers worldwide which has indeed been a great source of benefit to many. <u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br></p> <p class="MsoNormal">From feedback we have noticed how<b><span style="color:#003399"> E ISLAM's</span></b> inspirational and educational articles <span style="letter-spacing:.2pt">have an amazing ability to motivate and bring about meaningful change in attitudes and lives of people.</span><u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="letter-spacing:.2pt"><br></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Our research indicates that presently <b><span style="color:#00b050">WhatsApp</span></b> has been at the forefront in broadcasting information globally.<u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color:#003399">E ISLAM</span></b><span style="color:#003399"> </span>has therefore decided to introduce a <b><span style="color:#00b050">WHATSAPP BROADCAST SERVICE</span></b><span style="color:#00b050"> </span>to afford subscribers the opportunity of getting Inspirational Messages and Wisdom on their Mobile phones.<u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="color:#003399">It's quite simple to register!<u></u><u></u></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="color:#003399"><br></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">If you would like to receive <b><span style="color:#003399">E ISLAM</span></b><span style="color:#003399"> </span><b><span style="color:#00b050">WhatsApp Motivational Messages</span></b> please send us a message with your <b><span style="color:#003399">NAME</span></b> and<b><span style="color:#003399"> CITY / COUNTRY</span></b><span style="color:#003399"> </span>via <b><span style="color:#00b050">WhatsApp </span></b>to </p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color:red">+27 74 582 7786</span></b><u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color:red"><br></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Also please save the number on your Mobile Phone as <b><span style="color:#003399">E ISLAM</span></b>.<u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color:red">PLEASE NOTE:</span></b><span style="color:red"> </span>This is a <b><span style="color:#003399">BROADCAST LIST</span></b><span style="color:#003399"> </span>and<b><span style="color:red"> </span><u><span style="color:red">NOT</span></u></b><span style="color:red"> </span>a <b><span style="color:#00b050">WhatsApp Chat Group</span></b> <u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color:#00b050"><br></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, is reported to have said:<u></u><u></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color:#003399;letter-spacing:.25pt">"Whoever travels a path in search of knowledge, Allah makes easy for him a path to Paradise." </span></b><b><span style="letter-spacing:.25pt">(Hadith – Muslim)</span></b><span style="letter-spacing:.25pt"><u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="letter-spacing:.25pt"><br></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,51,153);border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">"Knowledge is power."<u></u><u></u></span></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"> </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"> </p></div></div></div> E ISLAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02354917230047087296noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7317255972997706407.post-58982579436685441762018-06-28T12:32:00.001-07:002018-06-28T12:32:09.357-07:00A Unique Bank Account!<div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_quote"><p><span style="color:rgb(255,0,0)"><strong><span style="font-size:12pt;line-height:115%;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">A Unique Bank Account</span>!</strong></span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(255,0,0)"><strong><br></strong></span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(255,0,0)"><strong></strong></span></p><div><strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibPS4Vc0aO8DohPkJsuoHb0kR80Nh-Vn0voqW5Cn1uBjCxO2ufyreM_kfSG9K5_I1wWtZS-zhOmoGYEtaTlZ0pHqqeExyHMluX5XlmyTsROffJKvA2O3axpSauIVWh6eKTbuqOc5h-_1o/s1600/image-729359.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibPS4Vc0aO8DohPkJsuoHb0kR80Nh-Vn0voqW5Cn1uBjCxO2ufyreM_kfSG9K5_I1wWtZS-zhOmoGYEtaTlZ0pHqqeExyHMluX5XlmyTsROffJKvA2O3axpSauIVWh6eKTbuqOc5h-_1o/s320/image-729359.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6572220499780417122" /></a><br></strong></div><strong><br></strong><p></p><p><span style="color:rgb(255,0,0)"><strong><br></strong></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:rgb(72,72,72)">Imagine you had a bank account that deposited $86,400 each morning. The account carries over no balance from day to day, allows you to keep no cash balance, and every evening cancels whatever part of the amount you had failed to use during the day. What would you do? Draw out every dollar each day!</span><br></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:rgb(72,72,72)"><br></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="box-sizing:border-box"><span style="color:#484848">We all have such a bank. Its name is Time. Every morning, it credits you with 86,400 seconds. Every night it writes off, as lost, whatever time you have failed to use wisely. It carries over no balance from day to day. It allows no overdraft so you can't borrow against yourself or use more time than you have. Each day, the account starts fresh. Each night, it destroys an unused time. If you fail to use the day's deposits, it's your loss and you can't appeal to get it back.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="box-sizing:border-box"><span style="color:#484848"><br></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="box-sizing:border-box"><span style="color:#484848">There is never any borrowing time. You can't take a loan out on your time or against someone else's. The time you have is the time you have and that is that. Time management is yours to decide how you spend the time, just as with money you decide how you spend the money. It is never the case of us not having enough time to do things, but the case of whether we want to do them and where they fall in our priorities.<u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="box-sizing:border-box"><span style="color:#484848"><br></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#484848">Allah Ta'ala, The Most Wise says:</span><span style="color:rgb(85,85,85);background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"> </span><strong style="font-variant-numeric:inherit;font-variant-east-asian:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;line-height:inherit"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(0,51,204);border:1pt none windowtext;padding:0in;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">"By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, Except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience."</span></strong><i><span style="color:rgb(0,51,204);background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"> </span></i><span style="color:rgb(85,85,85);background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">(Quran, 103: 1-3)</span><span style="color:#484848"><u></u><u></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:rgb(85,85,85);background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><br></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:#484848">The Messenger of Allah Ta'ala Muhammad (peace be upon him) is reported to have said</span><i><span style="color:#0033cc">:<span style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"> </span></span></i><span style="color:#0033cc"><span style="background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"> </span></span><strong style="font-variant-numeric:inherit;font-variant-east-asian:inherit;font-stretch:inherit;line-height:inherit"><span>"There are two blessings which many people lose: (They are) health and free time for doing good"</span></strong><i><span style="color:rgb(0,51,204);background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"> </span></i><span style="color:rgb(85,85,85);background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">(Hadith- Bukhari). </span><u></u><u></u></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:rgb(85,85,85);background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"><br></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="color:rgb(0,51,204);background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial">"I will pass this way but once, so let me do whatever good I can now for I may never pass this way again!"</span><span style="color:#0033cc"><u></u><u></u></span></i></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal"><br></p></div></div> E ISLAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02354917230047087296noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7317255972997706407.post-59000236393703635732018-06-12T23:23:00.001-07:002018-06-12T23:23:26.224-07:00The Day of Eid!<div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_quote"><div class="gmail_quote"><div><span class=""><p style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color:rgb(0,51,153);line-height:115%;font-size:14pt"><font face="Calibri">The Day of Eid!<u></u><u></u></font></span></b></p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span><font size="3"><font face="Calibri">By Umm Ammarah</font></font></span></i></b></p></span><p style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span><font size="3"><font face="Calibri"><img style="width:292px;height:173px;margin-right:0px;margin-left:0px" class="m_5129074770248411095rg_i" name="m_5129074770248411095_t8fDNiEziZndWM:" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRLZv0HhI2Tp9bEBIcVpmC4YTcw9V3BN-XVJQX6DJX3Z8QHVPay"><u></u><u></u></font></font></span></i></b></p><div><div class="h5"> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span><font size="3"><font face="Calibri">The Month of Ramadaan is coming to an end and the transition from Ramadan to Eid and thereafter <span> </span>should be a path that brings us closer to our Creator and a path that treads the Sunnah i.e. The way of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) . <u></u><u></u></font></font></span></p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span><font size="3"><font face="Calibri">After a month of sacrifice, Allah Ta'aala takes it upon Himself to reward His faithful servants. Allah Ta'ala is the Most Generous and Most Benevolent. Indeed Allah Ta'ala's Generosity multiplies in Ramadaan. When Allah Ta'ala sees His servants carry out all their duties <span> </span>faithfully and strive to gain closeness to Him through their Fasting ,Salaat ,patience ,recitation of Quraan ,zikr ,dua ,and controlling of even permissible desires <span> </span>and needs like food, drink etc. then Allah Ta'ala bestows on His faithful servants a special prize on the night preceding the day of Eid.<u></u><u></u></font></font></span></p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><font size="3"><font face="Calibri"><span><span> </span><b><span style="color:rgb(0,51,153)">THE PRIZE GIVING NIGHT:</span></b> <span> </span>Allah Ta'ala bestows the rewards on those who have spent the month in His obedience and all their Du'as (prayers) on such an occasion are indeed accepted. It has been the practice of The Messenger of Allah Ta'ala (pbuh)that he would not sleep during the night preceding<span> </span>Eid-ul –Fitr, this night has been named <i><span style="color:rgb(0,51,153)">Laylatul Jaaiza</span></i> (The Prize Giving night). The night when the faithful and obedient servants of Allah Ta'ala are given the true reward. To benefit from this opportunity, one should exert in prayer and ask Allah Ta'ala for all our needs<span>.</span></span><span lang="EN-US">Our Beloved Rasulullah (Salallaho alaihe wassallam) said:<span style="color:blue"> </span><i><span style="color:rgb(0,51,153)">"The person who stays awake on the nights preceding the two Eids occupying himself with <span>ibâdah(worship), </span>his heart will not die on the day when everyone's heart will perish." </span></i>(His heart will not die during the time of evil and corruption). It could also mean that with the blowing of the trumpet his soul will not become unconscious. (Hadith –Ibn Majah)</span><span><u></u><u></u></span></font></font></p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><font size="3"><strong><span style="color:rgb(0,51,153);font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">EID-UL-FITR: </span></strong><strong><span style="color:rgb(0,51,153);font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";font-weight:normal">C</span></strong><span><font face="Calibri">elebrated on the first day of Shawwaal, at the completion of Ramadhaan. Shawwaal is the 10th month of the Islamic calendar. <b>Eid-al-Fitr</b> is a very joyous day for the believing men and women. On this day Muslims show their real joy for the many blessings Allah Ta'ala has given to them to fulfil their obligation of fasting and other good deeds during the blessed month of Ramadhaan.<u></u><u></u></font></span></font></p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><font size="3"><font face="Calibri"><b><span style="color:rgb(0,51,153)">SADAQTUL FITR-</span></b><span>Islam has prescribed a simple yet graceful way to observe this happy day. First of all well off Muslims start their day by giving charity <i><span style="color:rgb(0,51,153)">Sadaqtul Fitr</span></i> to the poor of their society, so that the less endowed can also enjoy their day along with others. <b><i><span style="color:rgb(0,51,153)">Ibn Abbas(RA) said that the</span></i></b> <b><i><span style="color:rgb(0,51,153)">Messenger of Allah Ta'ala (pbuh) enjoined Sadaqatul Fitr so that those who fasted<span> </span>may be purified of idle deeds and shameful talk committed during Ramadaan and so that the poor may be fed. Whoever gives it before salaah( even days before) will have his obligation accepted, and whoever gives it after salaah it will be an ordinary charity</span></i></b><span style="color:rgb(0,51,153)">.(<b><i>Hadith -Abu Dawood</i></b>)</span><u></u><u></u></span></font></font></p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><font size="3"><em><b><span style="color:rgb(0,51,153);font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";font-style:normal">SUNNAH ACTS ON THE DAY OF EID:</span></b></em><span style="color:rgb(0,51,153)"><u></u><u></u></span></font></p> <ul style="margin-top:0cm" type="disc"> <li style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:normal" class="MsoNormal"><font size="3"><strong><span style="color:black;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">Wake up early.</span></strong><u></u><u></u></font></li> <li style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:normal" class="MsoNormal"><font size="3"><strong><span style="color:black;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">Take a Ghusl (bath) before Eid Salaah</span></strong><u></u><u></u></font></li> <li style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:normal" class="MsoNormal"><font size="3"><strong><span style="color:black;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">Brush your teeth (use Miswaak)</span></strong><u></u><u></u></font></li> <li style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:normal" class="MsoNormal"><font size="3"><strong><span style="color:black;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">Dress up, putting on best clothes available.</span></strong><u></u><u></u></font></li> <li style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:normal" class="MsoNormal"><font size="3"><strong><span style="color:black;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">Use itr (perfume)</span></strong><u></u><u></u></font></li> <li style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:normal" class="MsoNormal"><font size="3"><strong><span style="color:black;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">Eat something sweet before proceeding to the Eid Musallah e.g. Dates etc.</span></strong><u></u><u></u></font></li> <li style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:normal" class="MsoNormal"><font size="3"><strong><span style="color:black;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">Pay </span></strong><b><span style="color:windowtext"><a href="http://eislaminfo.blogspot.com/2011/08/sadaqatul-fitr_26.html" target="_blank"><span><font color="#006699" face="Calibri">Sadaqatul Fitr</font></span></a></span></b><strong><span style="color:black;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif""> before Salaatul-Eid (on Eid-al-Fitr).</span></strong><u></u><u></u></font></li> <li style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:normal" class="MsoNormal"><font size="3"><strong><span style="color:black;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">Go to Eid Musallah (Eid Gah/prayer ground) early.</span></strong><u></u><u></u></font></li> <li style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:normal" class="MsoNormal"><font size="3"><strong><span style="color:black;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">Offer Salaah-al-Eid in congregation in an Eid Musallah except when weather is not permitting like rain, snow, etc.</span></strong><u></u><u></u></font></li> <li style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:normal" class="MsoNormal"><font size="3"><strong><span style="color:black;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">Use different roads en route to the Eid Musallah and back home.</span></strong><u></u><u></u></font></li> <li style="margin:0cm 0cm 12pt;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:normal" class="MsoNormal"><font size="3"><strong><span style="color:black;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">Recite the following Takbir on the way to Eid Musallah :</span></strong><u></u><u></u></font></li> </ul> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt 18pt" class="MsoNormal"><font size="3"><strong><span style="color:green;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">Allahu-Akbar, Allahu-Akbar. La ila-ha illallahu Allahu-Akbar, Allahu-Akbar. Wa-lillahil hamd.</span></strong><strong><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif""> (Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest. There is no god but Allah. Allah is Greatest, Allah is Greatest. And all praises are for Allah)</span></strong><span><u></u><u></u></span></font></p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;text-align:justify;line-height:normal" class="MsoNormal"><font size="3"><font face="Calibri"><b><span style="color:rgb(0,51,153)">THE EID PRAYER-</span></b><span>And then comes along the morning of Eid, Allah Ta'ala sends down the angels to all the lands in the earth, where they take their positions at access points of roads calling out with a voice that is heard by all accept man and jinn. Allah Ta'ala then says: I call you to witness, Oh my Angels that for their having fasted during the month of Ramadaan ,and for their having stood before me in prayer by night, I have granted to them as reward My pleasure and have granted them <b><i><span style="color:rgb(0,51,153)">forgiveness.</span></i></b>-Allah Ta'ala will then say…,Oh my servants ask now of Me, for I swear by My honour and My Greatness, that whatsoever you shall beg of me this day in this assembly of yours for the needs of the Hereafter ,I shall grant you, and what so ever<span> </span>you shall ask for your worldly needs shall look at you favourably.</span><i><span> <span lang="EN-US">(Hadith-Targheeb)</span></span></i><span><u></u><u></u></span></font></font></p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;text-align:justify;line-height:normal" class="MsoNormal"><span><u></u><font size="3" face="Calibri"> </font><u></u></span></p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;text-align:justify;line-height:normal" class="MsoNormal"><font size="3"><strong><i><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";font-weight:normal"><span> </span>Jubayr ibn Nufayr (RA) said:</span></i></strong><strong><i><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif""> </span></i></strong><strong><i><span style="color:rgb(0,51,153);font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";font-weight:normal">'When the companions of Allah Ta'ala's Messenger (peace be upon him) met on the day of `Eid, they would say to each other</span></i></strong><strong><i><span style="color:rgb(0,51,153);font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">, 'TaqaballAllahu Ta'ala minna wa minkum</span></i></strong><strong><i><span style="color:rgb(0,51,153);font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";font-weight:normal"> (may Allah Ta'ala accept from you and us )."</span></i></strong><strong><i><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";font-weight:normal"> (Fathul <span> </span>Bari ). </span></i></strong><strong><span style="color:blue;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";font-weight:normal"><u></u><u></u></span></strong></font></p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;text-align:justify;line-height:normal" class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="color:blue;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";font-weight:normal"><u></u><font size="3"> </font><u></u></span></strong></p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><font size="3"><font face="Calibri"><b><span style="color:rgb(0,51,153)">TIPS ON HOW TO SPEND THE DAY OF EID:</span></b><span style="color:rgb(0,51,153)"><u></u><u></u></span></font></font></p> <ul style="margin-top:0cm" type="disc"> <li style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:normal" class="MsoNormal"><font size="3"><strong><span style="color:black;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">Keep in mind the pleasure of Allah and uphold Shari'ah at ALL times.</span></strong><u></u><u></u></font></li> <li style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:normal" class="MsoNormal"><font size="3"><strong><span style="color:black;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">Adorn yourself and your family modestly in the best of garments (not necessarily new).</span></strong><u></u><u></u></font></li> <li style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:normal" class="MsoNormal"><font size="3"><strong><span style="color:black;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">Avoid over eating and other festivities that have no benefit.</span></strong><u></u><u></u></font></li> <li style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:normal" class="MsoNormal"><font size="3"><strong><span style="color:black;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">Visit the poor, needy, orphans, elderly and sick.</span></strong><u></u><u></u></font></li> <li style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:normal" class="MsoNormal"><font size="3"><strong><span style="color:black;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">Should Eid be made at "my mum or your mum or wherever?" This requires Shura/Mashurah (mutual consultation). Shurah is a Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (Sallalaho alaihe wassallam).Try to compromise and accommodate each other.</span></strong><u></u><u></u></font></li> <li style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:normal" class="MsoNormal"><font size="3"><strong><span style="color:black;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">Maintain and strengthen family bonds- Rasulullah (Salallaho alaihe wassallam) is reported to have said, </span></strong><strong><i><span style="color:rgb(0,51,153);font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">"Anyone who wishes to have his means of livelihood enlarged and a prolonged life, should treat his relatives with kindness</span></i></strong><strong><span style="color:windowtext;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"">."(Hadith)</span></strong><u></u><u></u></font></li> <li style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal" class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif""><font size="3">Don't forget the suffering, oppressed, poor and needy Muslims in all parts of the world in your du'as and charity.</font></span></strong></li> <li style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal" class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif""><font size="3">Be punctual with our acts of worship and on this joyous day.</font></span></strong></li> </ul> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;text-align:justify;line-height:normal" class="MsoNormal"><span><u></u><font size="3" face="Calibri"> </font><u></u></span></p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt;text-align:justify;line-height:normal" class="MsoNormal"><span><u></u><font size="3" face="Calibri"> </font><u></u></span></p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><font size="3"><font face="Calibri"><b><span style="color:rgb(0,51,153)">BE CAUTIOUS!</span></b><span>-</span><span lang="EN-GB"> Avoid excessive indulgence of any kind and stay away from places where the laws of Islam are violated. It is a joyous occasion indeed and let it be spent in ways that are pleasing to our Creator. Use the day profitably to earn the pleasure of Allah Ta'ala and continue to do so everyday. <span> </span>A Muslim is Muslim for life and not just during Ramadaan.</span><span><u></u><u></u></span></font></font></p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><font size="3"><font face="Calibri"><b><span style="color:rgb(0,51,153)" lang="EN-GB">WHAT NOW AFTER RAMADAAN</span></b><span style="color:rgb(0,51,153)" lang="EN-GB">…</span><span lang="EN-GB">We leave the month Ramadaan, its beautiful days and nights,we leave the<span> </span>Month of Mercy, Quraan , Taqwa and Ibadat, sympathy ,forgiveness...we need to ask ourselves: <span style="color:rgb(0,51,153)">Ramadaaan is over and what have we gained?</span><u></u><u></u></span></font></font></p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><font face="Calibri"><span lang="EN-GB"><font size="3">Ramadaan was a 30 day course on self restraint and piety , have we graduated from the course having learnt to fight our desires and defeat them..? Have we recharged our spiritual batteries and gained Taqwa (Allah consciousness)? If we have …then <span style="color:rgb(0,51,153)">ALHAMDULILLAH </span>(Praise be to Allah)…now let us continue to obey Allah Ta'ala and ask Allah Ta'ala to keep us steadfast. Ramadaan is over and Shawwal has come, <span> </span>let us save the changes that we all made in our lives during the month of Ramadaan. Let Ramadaan not be a final destination but a stepping stone to greater good from now on. We need to make a firm resolution to continue with the momentum and lead a life of piety and free of sins. We now face another eleven months after this training. Let it be that we come out stronger and better servants of Allah Ta'ala…AMEEN!</font></span><strong><i><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:115%;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";font-size:14pt" lang="EN-GB"> </span></i></strong></font><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:115%;font-family:"Segoe UI","sans-serif";font-size:9pt" lang="EN-GB"><u></u><u></u></span></p> </div></div></div></div> </div><br></div> E ISLAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02354917230047087296noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7317255972997706407.post-1252888861451730052018-06-12T23:19:00.001-07:002018-06-12T23:19:44.007-07:00The Elegant Hijab<div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_quote"><br><br><div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_quote"><font size="4"><b><font color="#009900" style="font-family:"comic sans ms",sans-serif">The <font color="#cc33cc">Elegant</font> </font><font color="#000099" style="font-family:"comic sans ms",sans-serif">Hijab</font></b></font><div class="gmail_quote"><div class="gmail_quote"><div class="gmail_quote"><span><div> <p></p> <p> </p> <div align="center"><img src="http://www.islamcan.com/images/peas.jpg"></div> <div><br><br>The pea is a splendid plant. It proudly displays its strong green Hijab. It protects it from the hot and cold weather and guards it from insects. Allah has blessed the pea with a special Hijab, because without it, the seeds would scatter, dry up and die.<br> <br></div> <div align="center"><img src="http://www.islamcan.com/images/orange.jpg"></div> <div><br><br>The orange keeps itself within its shiny orange Hijab to protect its delicious fruit. Otherwise it loses its taste too.<br><br></div> <div align="center"><img src="http://www.islamcan.com/images/banana.jpg"><img src="http://www.islamcan.com/images/coconut.jpg"><img src="http://www.islamcan.com/images/pomegranate.jpg"></div> <div><br><br>So are the banana, the coconut and the pomegranate. Each one has an elegant and unique Hijab, which protects it from disease and destruction.<br><br></div> <div align="center"><img src="http://www.islamcan.com/images/pearl.jpg"></div> <div><br><br>The jewel of the sea, the pearl, has been given a very tough and rugged Hijab - oyster shell. It protects it from sea animals and keeps it sparkling and shining inside.</div> <div><br> </div> <div> <wbr> <a href="http://www.google.co.za/imgres?imgurl=http://www.sharesomethingsweet.com/images/rocher-large.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.sodahead.com/entertainment/do-you-like-chocolate/question-890267/%3Fpage%3D2&usg=__geS6Nc7C6XQQ6IAgfcdH6NoCuKg=&h=381&w=400&sz=94&hl=en&start=39&zoom=1&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=sZOrbKottGUFtM:&tbnh=118&tbnw=124&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dferrero%2Brocher%26start%3D36%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26rlz%3D1R2_____en%26ndsp%3D18%26tbs%3Disch:1" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM:#ccc 1px solid;BORDER-LEFT:#ccc 1px solid;PADDING-BOTTOM:1px;PADDING-LEFT:1px;PADDING-RIGHT:1px;VERTICAL-ALIGN:bottom;BORDER-TOP:#ccc 1px solid;BORDER-RIGHT:#ccc 1px solid;PADDING-TOP:1px" src="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:sZOrbKottGUFtM:http://www.sharesomethingsweet.com/images/rocher-large.jpg" width="124" height="118"></a></div> <div> </div></div> </span><div> <p style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Arial;COLOR:black"><font size="3"> </font></span></p> <p style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman">The delicacies and exotic chocolates of this world are covered to protect it from bacteria and preserve their taste. Besides being so elegant it adds to its value!</font></p> </div> <div> <div> <wbr> </div> <div> <wbr> </div> <div> <img style="WIDTH:148px;HEIGHT:216px" id="m_1741309749309557476m_2154740827071516750rg_hi" class="m_1741309749309557476m_2154740827071516750rg_hi" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTcCDIJpwEyZay8z-IpX6vSk8tU83KnBQ78eP1vvovq9Xas3UnK" width="186" height="271"></div><span> <div> </div> <div><br><strong><font color="#009900" face="comic sans ms,sans-serif">However, the most beloved of Allah in all His creation is the Muslim girl who wears the Hijab. She knows it is a gift from Allah. It protects her from harm, injury and mischief. She wears it knowing it gives her dignity, beauty and respect. So precious she can be that she hides herself beneath her Hijab.</font></strong></div> <div><strong><font color="#009900" face="Comic Sans MS"></font></strong> </div> <div> <img class="m_1741309749309557476m_2154740827071516750rg_i" name="m_1741309749309557476_m_2154740827071516750_Bj7sx0el-M5UkM:" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQM5SEINWFVvJJCI6Qgj63-5Z_auqHg2rEVh7JGb4tq65VG6pfOpFHFZEu2kg" width="137" height="103"></div> <div> </div></span></div></div></div></div> </div><br></div> </div><br></div> E ISLAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02354917230047087296noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7317255972997706407.post-24028454039561142342018-06-07T01:44:00.003-07:002018-06-07T01:44:40.437-07:00The Musalli (Mosque go-er)<div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_quote"><div class="gmail_quote"><div style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Arial;COLOR:blue;FONT-SIZE:20pt"><font face="comic sans ms,sans-serif">The Musalli (Mosque go-er)</font></span></b></div> <div style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Arial;COLOR:blue;FONT-SIZE:20pt"><font face="Comic Sans MS"></font></span></b> </div> <div style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Arial;COLOR:blue;FONT-SIZE:20pt"></span></b> </div> <div style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Arial;COLOR:blue;FONT-SIZE:20pt"><img style="WIDTH:259px;HEIGHT:194px" id="m_-1010626509434941401rg_hi" class="m_-1010626509434941401rg_hi" src="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ4dxulwHfTM33qLKF1JY4VfP5aOMPnHsFB6uG9GgPPuOyarwg&t=1&usg=__dm7Y2xmIxLLJot5GLITnN0chPbc=" width="259" height="194"></span></b></div><span class=""> <div style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Arial;COLOR:blue;FONT-SIZE:20pt"></span></b> </div> <div style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Arial;COLOR:blue;FONT-SIZE:20pt"></span></b> </div> <div style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Arial;COLOR:blue;FONT-SIZE:20pt"></span></b> </div> <div style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Arial;COLOR:red;FONT-SIZE:11pt">Allah, the Exalted, says: </span></b></div> <div style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Arial;COLOR:red;FONT-SIZE:11pt"></span></b> </div> <p style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Arial;COLOR:teal" lang="EN-US"><font size="3">"The attendants of Allah's Masjid(mosque) are those who believe in Allah and the last day"</font></span></b><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Arial;FONT-SIZE:11pt" lang="EN-US"> <b>[Quran-At-Taubah 18].</b></span><b><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Arial;FONT-SIZE:11pt"></span></b></p> <p><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Arial;COLOR:black;FONT-SIZE:11pt" lang="EN-US">A Mosque go-er wrote a letter to the editor of An Islamic Journal and complained that it made no sense to go to Mosque. "I've gone for 30 years now," he wrote, "and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 Bayaans (Lectures). But for the life of me, I can't remember a single one of them. So, I think I'm wasting my time(going to the Mosque) and the Imams are wasting theirs by giving Bayaans(Lectures) at all ." </span><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Arial;FONT-SIZE:11pt" lang="EN-US"></span></p> <p><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Arial;COLOR:black;FONT-SIZE:11pt" lang="EN-US">This started a real controversy in the "Letters to the Editor" column, much to the delight of the editor. It went on for weeks until someone wise person wrote this clincher. </span><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Arial;FONT-SIZE:11pt" lang="EN-US"></span></p> <p><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Arial;COLOR:black;FONT-SIZE:11pt" lang="EN-US">"I've been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals. But I do know this: They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today. Likewise, if I had not gone to Mosque for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!"</span></p> <p style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><u><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Arial;COLOR:blue"><font size="3">The Excellence in Going to The Masjid(Mosque)</font></span></u></b></p> <p style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Arial;FONT-SIZE:11pt"> </span></p> <p style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Arial;FONT-SIZE:11pt">The Noble Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) is reported to have said:</span></b></p> <p style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Arial;FONT-SIZE:11pt"> </span></p> <p style="MARGIN-LEFT:36pt"><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Symbol;COLOR:teal;FONT-SIZE:11pt"><span>·<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman'"> </span></span></span><font face="Verdana"><b><span style="COLOR:teal;FONT-SIZE:11pt">"Whoever attends the mosque, Allah prepares a special hospitality for him" (Muslim).</span></b><b><span style="COLOR:teal;FONT-SIZE:11pt"></span></b></font></p> <p style="MARGIN-LEFT:36pt"><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Symbol;COLOR:teal;FONT-SIZE:11pt" lang="EN-US"><span>·<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman'"> </span></span></span><font face="Verdana"><b><span style="COLOR:teal;FONT-SIZE:11pt" lang="EN-US">"If anyone goes back and forth to the mosque, Allah will prepare for him a feast in paradise as often as he goes back and forth." </span></b><b><span style="COLOR:teal;FONT-SIZE:11pt" lang="EN-US"></span></b></font></p> <p style="MARGIN-LEFT:36pt"><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Symbol;COLOR:teal;FONT-SIZE:11pt" lang="EN-US"><span>·<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman'"> </span></span></span><font face="Verdana"><b><span style="COLOR:teal;FONT-SIZE:11pt" lang="EN-US">"If anyone purifies himself in his house, and then walks to one of the houses of Allah to fulfill one of the obligations laid down by Allah, then [each one] of his steps will erase one of his sins and the next will raise his degrees."</span></b><b><span style="COLOR:teal;FONT-SIZE:11pt" lang="EN-US"></span></b></font></p> <p style="MARGIN-LEFT:36pt"><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Symbol;COLOR:teal;FONT-SIZE:11pt" lang="EN-US"><span>·<span style="FONT:7pt 'Times New Roman'"> </span></span></span><b><span style="COLOR:teal;FONT-SIZE:11pt" lang="EN-US"><font face="Verdana">"The mosque is a house for every pious person, and Allah provides everyone whose house is the mosque with comfort, leisure, and a path to Allah's pleasure, to paradise." </font></span></b></p> <p style="MARGIN:0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Arial"><font size="3">"<span style="COLOR:blue">Allah makes the way to Jannah(Paradise) easy for him who treads the path in search of knowledge</span>.''</font></span></b><span style="FONT-FAMILY:Arial;FONT-SIZE:11pt">[Hadith-Muslim].</span></p> </span></div> </div><br></div> E ISLAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02354917230047087296noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7317255972997706407.post-20939850161027569472018-06-07T01:44:00.001-07:002018-06-07T01:44:08.764-07:00Checklist-Ramadhan's last 10 nights & days<div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_quote"><div class="gmail_quote"><div><p style="margin:7.5pt 0cm" class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color:blue;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:14pt">Checklist – Ramadhaan's Last Ten Nights and Days</span></b></p><p style="margin:7.5pt 0cm" class="MsoNormal"> <b><span style="color:blue;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:14pt"><a href="http://www.google.co.za/imgres?imgurl=https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisNcGrECxAKMW5rbNfV69lv2fDAUOfFP_qLRGfqMjtr5VP6fEAWzlIMrB6LcIW5waIA5uXvVO_Y9c9rVO8aMYtgqHjb4LZu171o567265fHuIg3k3-gSgnwnZVQSIWD2yNScS42nal05r7/s1600/checklist.jpg&imgrefurl=http://echrblog.blogspot.com/2011/12/admissibility-checklist.html&usg=__ITidLy1EsmBwk292akXrQya3c7c=&h=600&w=700&sz=42&hl=en&start=2&sig2=p78aGZfGRwiDAGcChUWLCQ&zoom=1&tbnid=ddLLLPNxLVxh0M:&tbnh=120&tbnw=140&ei=bX0fUMfpB4iHhQfr34DoDw&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dchecklist%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26qscrl%3D1%26nord%3D1%26rlz%3D1T4SMSN_enZA386ZA389%26biw%3D1062%26bih%3D535%26tbm%3Disch&um=1&itbs=1" target="_blank"><img src="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTqxbgY_Xx6Vx1EDAQ3rVbzGuvneHM-I2MjEZ4o5Q6PlMhPB7OOc-W2Ns8" width="140" height="120"></a></span></b><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:11pt"> <u></u></span></p><span class=""> <p style="margin:7.5pt 0cm" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:11pt">In this blessed month of Ramadan, we have now come to the grand finale – the last ten days of Ramadan that are even more blessed than the rest of Ramadan. In it is a night that Qur'an tells us is better than 1000 months (yes, months – not days).<u></u><u></u></span></p> <p style="margin:7.5pt 0cm" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:11pt">The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:<u></u><u></u></span></p> <p style="margin:7.5pt 0cm" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:teal;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:11pt">"<strong><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS"">There has come to you Ramadan, a blessed month which Allah has enjoined you to fast, during which the gates of heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed, and the rebellious devils are chained up. In it there is a night which is better than a thousand months, and whoever is deprived of its goodness is indeed deprived.</span></strong>"</span><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:11pt"> (Narrated by An-Nasaa'i, 2106; Ahmad, 8769. classed as sahih by al-Albani in Sahih At-Targheeb, 999.)<u></u><u></u></span></p> <p style="margin:7.5pt 0cm" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:11pt">So, in preparation for the grand finale, here is a checklist of some of the things that we can all do to make the remaining days of Ramadan work to our advantage:<u></u><u></u></span></p> <p style="margin:7.5pt 0cm" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:11pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></p> <p style="margin:7.5pt 0cm" class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="color:blue;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:11pt">1) Get in High Gear for the Next few Nights and Days </span></strong><span style="color:blue;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:11pt"><u></u><u></u></span></p> <p style="margin:7.5pt 0cm" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:11pt">Time is of the essence. Every moment counts. Whatever you need to do for the next ten days to make the most in <em><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS"">`<b>Ibadah</b></span></em><strong><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS"">, good deeds, reciting Qur'an, </span></strong><em><b><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS"">dhikr</span></b></em><strong><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS"">, making du`aa'</span></strong>, etc., rewards are going to be multiplied. No one knew about the importance of these days more than the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). According to Ahmad and Muslim: </span><strong><i><span style="color:teal;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:11pt">he would strive hard in worship during the last ten nights of Ramadan as he did not do at other times</span></i></strong><span style="color:teal;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:11pt">.</span><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:11pt"><u></u><u></u></span></p> <p style="margin:7.5pt 0cm" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:11pt"><u></u><u></u></span><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:11pt">If we lose this opportunity, we get our next opportunity next year – assuming we are still around and are in good health and shape to make use of it. Even if we are – we have the past years' sins on our shoulders and life's normal trials and tribulations to face the coming year. So, there is no better time to ask Allah to make all that easier than <strong><span style="color:rgb(255,0,0)"><u>NOW</u>.</span></strong><u></u><u></u></span></p> <p style="margin:7.5pt 0cm" class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p style="margin:7.5pt 0cm" class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="color:blue;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:11pt">2) Get a Copy of the Qur'an and Recite as Often as You Can </span></strong><span style="color:blue;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:11pt"><u></u><u></u></span></p> <p style="margin:7.5pt 0cm" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:11pt">A few lines on this post can't even come close to explaining the benefits and virtues of Qur'an. It is proven in the authentic Sunnah that the Qur'an will intercede for those who read it at night, as Ahmad (6626) narrated from 'Abdullah ibn 'Amr that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:<u></u><u></u></span></p> <p style="margin:7.5pt 0cm" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:teal;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:11pt">"<strong><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS"">Fasting and the Qur'an will intercede for a person on the Day of Resurrection. Fasting will say, 'O Lord, I deprived him of his food and his desires during the day, so let me intercede for him.' And the Qur'an will say: 'I deprived him of his sleep at night so let me intercede for him.' Then they will intercede.</span></strong>"</span><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:11pt"> (Narrated by Ahmad; classed as sahih by al-Albani in Sahih al-Jami`, no. 3882.)<u></u><u></u></span></p> <p style="margin:7.5pt 0cm" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:11pt">As is stated in the hadith in which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:</span><strong><span style="color:teal;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:11pt">"Whosoever reads a letter from the Book of Allah will receive a Hasanah (good deed) from it (i.e. his recitation), and the Hasanah (good deed) is multiplied by ten. I do not say that Alif-laam-meem is (considered as) a letter (in reward), rather Alif is one letter, laam is one letter, and meem is one letter."</span></strong><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:11pt"> </span><span style="color:red;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:11pt">(Reported by At-Tirmidhi, Ad-Darami)<u></u><u></u></span></p> <p style="margin:7.5pt 0cm" class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:11pt;font-weight:normal">The Messenger of Allah ! Blessings and Peace be upon him' said:</span></strong><strong><span style="color:teal;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:11pt;font-weight:normal">"</span></strong><strong><span style="color:teal;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:11pt">The best of you is he who learns the Quran and teaches it." </span></strong><span style="color:red;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:11pt">(Reported by Al-Bukhari)</span><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:11pt"><u></u><u></u></span></p> <p style="margin:7.5pt 0cm" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:11pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></p> <p style="margin:7.5pt 0cm" class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="color:blue;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:11pt">3) Get your Sins Forgiven</span></strong><span style="color:blue;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:11pt"><u></u><u></u></span></p> <p style="margin:7.5pt 0cm" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:11pt">First the bad news – In Musnad Ahmad it is narrated that Thawbaan said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:<u></u><u></u></span></p> <p style="margin:7.5pt 0cm" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:teal;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:11pt">"<strong><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS"">A man is deprived of provision (Rizq) because of the sins that he commits.</span></strong>"</span><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:11pt"> (Narrated by Ibn Majah, 4022, classed as hasan by Al-Albani in Sahih Ibn Majah).<u></u><u></u></span></p> <p style="margin:7.5pt 0cm" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:11pt">And now for the good news –<u></u><u></u></span></p> <p style="margin:7.5pt 0cm" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:11pt">It was narrated from Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:<u></u><u></u></span></p> <p style="margin:7.5pt 0cm" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:teal;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:11pt">"<strong><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS"">Whoever spends the night of Laylat al-Qadr in Prayer out of faith and in the hope of reward, will be forgiven his previous sins.</span></strong>"<u></u><u></u></span></p> <p style="margin:7.5pt 0cm" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:teal;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:11pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></p> <p style="margin:7.5pt 0cm" class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="color:blue;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:11pt">4) What to Say on Laylat Al-Qadr</span></strong><span style="color:blue;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:11pt"><u></u><u></u></span></p> </span><p style="margin:7.5pt 0cm" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:11pt">One of the best du`aa's that can be recited on Laylat Al-Qadr is that which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) taught 'A'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her). It was narrated by At-Tirmidhi, who classed it as sahih, that 'A'ishah said: I said: "O Messenger of Allah, If I know which night is Laylat Al-Qadr, what should I say?" He said: </span><span style="color:teal;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:11pt">"<strong><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS"">Say: Allaahumma innaka afuwwun tohibbul'afwa fa'fu anna (O Allah, You are All-Forgiving and You love forgiveness so forgive me).</span></strong>"<u></u><u></u></span></p><span class=""> <p style="margin:7.5pt 0cm" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:11pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></p> <p style="margin:7.5pt 0cm" class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="color:blue;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:11pt">5) Get in the Class of the Pious People</span></strong><span style="color:blue;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:11pt"><u></u><u></u></span></p> <p style="margin:7.5pt 0cm" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:11pt">Allah has described the pious as follows (interpretation of the meaning):<u></u><u></u></span></p> <p style="margin:7.5pt 0cm" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:teal;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:11pt">(<strong><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS"">They used to sleep but little by night (invoking their Lord (Allah) and praying, with fear and hope</span></strong>).</span><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:11pt"> (Adh-Dhariyat 51:17)<u></u><u></u></span></p> <p style="margin:7.5pt 0cm" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:teal;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:11pt">(<strong><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS"">And in the hours before dawn, they were (found) asking (Allah) for forgiveness,</span></strong>)</span><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:11pt"> (Adh-Dhariyat 51:18)<u></u><u></u></span></p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:11pt">Allah's Messenger(saw) said<b>:"<span style="color:teal"> There is in <u></u>Paradise<u></u> an Apartment, the exterior of which can be seen from the interior, and the interior of which can be seen from the exterior. Such apartments have been prepared for those who are Polite in their talk, Provide Food to the Needy, Fast frequently and observe the TAHAJJUD PRAYERS when people are sleep."</span> </b>(Mishkhat Al-Masabih ; Hadith No. 1232)<span><u></u><u></u></span></span></p> <p style="margin:7.5pt 0cm" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:11pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></p> <p style="margin:7.5pt 0cm" class="MsoNormal"><strong><span style="color:blue;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:11pt">6) Finally…</span></strong><span style="color:blue;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:11pt"><u></u><u></u></span></p> <p style="margin:7.5pt 0cm" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:11pt">Think of all that you need to ask Allah for and ask Him now. If you haven't before, this is the time to connect with Him and feel closer to Him. And when you do during these last ten nights and days of this Ramadan, you would want to do this again and again – even after the month is over.<u></u><u></u></span></p> <p style="margin:7.5pt 0cm" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:11pt">And finally, when you are in a state of Prayers and worship, please open your heart for others as well and </span><strong><span style="color:teal;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:11pt">please do remember your brothers and sisters who are in great difficulty all around the world in your prayers</span></strong><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:11pt">. Remember what the Prophet said:<u></u><u></u></span></p> <p style="margin:7.5pt 0cm" class="MsoNormal"><span style="color:teal;font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:11pt">"<strong><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS"">The supplication that gets the quickest answer is the one made by one Muslim for another in his absence.</span></strong>"</span><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:11pt"> (Reported by Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi)<u></u><u></u></span></p> <p style="margin:7.5pt 0cm" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Comic Sans MS";font-size:11pt"><u></u> </span></p></span></div></div> </div><br></div> E ISLAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02354917230047087296noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7317255972997706407.post-67639586050806180482018-05-29T00:49:00.001-07:002018-05-29T00:49:31.912-07:00Itikaf "The Spiritual Retreat"<div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_quote"><div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_quote"><div class="gmail_quote"><div><span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:6pt 0cm 0pt;text-align:justify"><font face="Calibri"><b><span style="color:green;font-size:24pt"> </span></b><b><span style="color:green;font-size:36pt">ITIKAF</span></b><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);font-size:36pt"><u></u><u></u></span></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:0cm 0cm 6pt;text-align:justify"><b><span style="color:green;font-size:24pt"><font face="Calibri">"The Spiritual Retreat"<u></u><u></u></font></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:auto 0cm 6pt;line-height:19.2pt"><font size="3"><font face="Calibri"><b><span style="color:rgb(21,15,145)">By E ISLAM (<a href="http://www.eislam.co.za" target="_blank">www.eislam.co.za</a>) </span></b></font></font></p> </span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:auto 0cm 6pt;line-height:19.2pt"><font size="3"><font face="Calibri"><b><span style="color:rgb(21,15,145)"><img name="m_4967467498534180200_m_-6382866562136346986_bVypGzc4vI1O8M:" style="width:324px;min-height:82px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-left:0px" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRtcej0-_hxCScfncp3rkiJ35qs4vaqpszokldrxXXmsX5JyXO1"></span></b></font></font></p><div><div class="m_4967467498534180200h5"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:auto 0cm 6pt;line-height:19.2pt"><font size="3"><font face="Calibri"><b><span style="color:rgb(21,15,145)">The meaning of Itikaf is to seclude oneself in the Masjid<span> </span>with the express niyyah (intention) of Itikaf.</span></b><span style="color:rgb(21,15,145)"> </span><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);font-size:12pt"><u></u><u></u></span></font></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:auto 0cm 6pt"><span><font size="3"><font face="Calibri">Allah Ta'ala has indeed in His perfect wisdom created humanity in a unique way. He has made it such that from time to time His creation needs a rest. We rest at night to give our bodies time to recover. Birds retire to their nests, horses to their stables, bees to their hives etc. However there comes a time when more intensive rest or a retreat is required.<span> </span>Sometimes due to a person's physical condition he is admitted into the intensive care unit allowing his body time to recover. <u></u><u></u></font></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:auto 0cm 6pt"><span><font size="3"><font face="Calibri">Likewise the soul also needs to recover from the hustle and bustle of the world, the spiritual pollution caused by evil elements of society, the rat race of wanting, desiring and acquiring more of this world and the distractions that has diverted our mind, heart and soul from the remembrance of Allah Ta'ala and His Beloved Messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him).<i><u></u><u></u></i></font></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:auto 0cm 6pt"><span><font size="3"><font face="Calibri">The Intensive Care Unit(ICU) for the soul is the Masjid and Itikaf is the feature within this ICU to allow the soul to not only recover but be spiritually rejuvenated! <i><span style="color:rgb(0,51,153)">Itikaf is indeed a Spiritual Retreat!</span></i><u></u><u></u></font></font></span></p> <p><em><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";font-size:11pt;font-style:normal">Inside each and every human being, a constant battle rages. It is like a battle between two tigers. One tiger is a manifestation of evil. It is full of hate, lust, and greed. It's fangs drip with bitterness and strife. The other tiger is an embodiment of good. It is full of love, compassion, and honesty. He never betrays his brother.</span></em><i><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";font-size:11pt"><u></u><u></u></span></i></p> <p><em><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";font-size:11pt;font-style:normal">These two tigers are constantly at war. Which tiger is going to win the battle?</span></em><em><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";font-size:11pt"><u></u><u></u></span></em></p> <p><em><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";font-size:11pt;font-style:normal">The answer is quite obvious….</span></em><strong><i><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";font-size:11pt"> </span></i></strong><em><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";font-size:11pt;font-style:normal">Whichever one you feed.</span></em><i><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";font-size:11pt"><u></u><u></u></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:auto 0cm 6pt"><span><font size="3"><font face="Calibri">Our soul is being bombarded by forces of good and evil. We need to feed it good so that it overpowers the evil….and Itikaf is indeed an excellent opportunity to achieve this by feeding and nourishing the soul with good deeds.<u></u><u></u></font></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:auto 0cm 6pt"><span><font size="3"><font face="Calibri">Since the life of the transient world keeps us busy for the whole year in studies, work, social functions, business, traveling and other such things that often causes us to be negligent of our souls and the next life, we may sometimes think that these things are the sole purpose in life and thus, we end up forgetting our true goal – Allah (Glory and Greatness be to Him). Thus, it is for this reason that I'tikaf is referred to as <u></u><u></u></font></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:auto 0cm 6pt"><font size="3"><font face="Calibri"><b><i><span style="color:rgb(0,51,153)">"The spring of life in a world struck with the drought of negligence of Allah (Glory and Greatness be to Him)."</span></i></b><span><u></u><u></u></span></font></font></p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";font-size:11pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt"><span><font face="Times New Roman" size="3">I'tikaf indeed rejuvenates the soul and gives </font></span><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";font-size:11pt">a fresh breath to life. In addition, we can once again find ourselves and our Lord Allah Ta'ala and spiritually return back to Him before we are forced to return back to Him when our soul separates from our body (death).<u></u><u></u></span></p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt"><span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";font-size:11pt"> <u></u><u></u></span></p> <p style="margin:0cm 0cm 0pt"><i><span style="color:rgb(0,0,153);font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";font-size:11pt">The period of I'tikaf is the best time to force one's self to sit and think and reflect on the self and the world around; the period of the I'tikaf is the best time to forget the worries of the transient world and to return to nurturing the soul and linking oneself with the Creator of the soul; the period of the I'tikaf is the best time to return back to Allah (Glory and Greatness be to Him) in true repentance for our sins committed through the year and to give our souls the spiritual strength desperately needed to live a spiritual and pure life in this challenging world.<u></u><u></u></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:auto 0cm 6pt;text-align:justify;line-height:19.2pt"><span><font size="3"><font face="Calibri">The Messenger of Allah ( Sallallâhu 'alayhi wasallam) observed, I'tikâf and the Muslims have on the whole adhered to it. It has become a regular feature of the month of Ramadhân and a confirmed practice with the devout and the faithful. <u></u><u></u></font></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:auto 0cm 6pt;text-align:justify;line-height:19.2pt"><span><font size="3"><font face="Calibri">Hazrat Ayesha (Radiallâhu anha) relates that <b><i><span style="color:rgb(0,0,153)">"Rasulullâh. Sallallâhu 'alayhi wasallam regularly observed I'tikâf during the last ten days of Ramadhân till the end of his life. After him, his wives maintained the tradition."</span></i></b> (Hadith-Bukhari)<u></u><u></u></font></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:auto 0cm 6pt;text-align:justify;line-height:19.2pt"><span><font size="3"><font face="Calibri">It is related by Hazrat Abû Huraira (Radiallâhu anhu) that <u></u><u></u></font></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:auto 0cm 6pt;text-align:justify;line-height:19.2pt"><font size="3"><font face="Calibri"><b><i><span style="color:rgb(0,0,153)">"Rasulullâh Sallallâhu 'alayhi wasallam observed I'tikâf for ten days every year in the month of Ramadhân. In the year he passed away he observed it for twenty days."</span></i></b><i><span style="color:rgb(0,0,153)"> </span></i><span>(Hadith-Bukhari)<u></u><u></u></span></font></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:auto 0cm 6pt;line-height:19.2pt"><font size="3"><font face="Calibri"><span>The Messenger of Allah (blessings of Allah be upon him s family) is reported to have said:</span><span> <u></u><u></u></span></font></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:auto 0cm 6pt;line-height:19.2pt"><font size="3"><font face="Calibri"><b><i><span style="color:rgb(0,0,153)">"The persons who secludes himself (in the Masjid in I'tikaf) in true faith and hope (for the reward of Allah), all of his previous sins shall be forgiven."</span></i></b><b><i><span style="color:green"> </span></i></b><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51)">(Kanzul Ummal, Hadith 24007)</span><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51)"> <u></u><u></u></span></font></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:auto 0cm 6pt;text-align:justify;line-height:19.2pt"><span><u></u><font face="Calibri" size="3"> </font><u></u></span><font face="Calibri"><b><span style="color:rgb(0,102,0);font-size:12pt">3 TYPES OF ITIKAF</span></b><span style="color:rgb(0,102,0);font-size:12pt"><u></u><u></u></span></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:auto 0cm 6pt;text-align:justify;line-height:19.2pt"><font size="3"><font face="Calibri"><b><span style="color:blue">WAAJIB (Compulsory) Itikaf<u>.</u></span></b><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51)"><u></u><u></u></span></font></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:auto 0cm 6pt;text-align:justify;line-height:19.2pt"><span><font size="3"><font face="Calibri">This <b>Itikaf</b> becomes compulsory when a person makes it obligatory upon himself. An example of this is, when a person makes a vow to Allah that if Allah fulfills a certain wish of his, he will undertake to perform so many days <b>Itikaf</b>. In this case the moment his wish is fulfilled, <b>Itikaf</b> becomes compulsory. A person may just make unconditional vow whereby he makes <b>Itikaf</b> Waajib upon himself for certain number of days. This becomes a Waajib duty on from that moment onward.<u></u><u></u></font></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:auto 0cm 6pt;text-align:justify;line-height:19.2pt"><font size="3"><font face="Calibri"><b><span style="color:blue">SUNNAH Itikaf.</span></b><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51)"><u></u><u></u></span></font></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:auto 0cm 6pt;text-align:justify;line-height:19.2pt"><span><font size="3"><font face="Calibri">This was the general practice of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) and it means to seclude oneself inside the Masjid for the last ten days of Ramadhan.<u></u><u></u></font></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:auto 0cm 6pt;text-align:justify;line-height:19.2pt"><font size="3"><font face="Calibri"><b><span style="color:blue">NAFIL Itikaf.</span></b><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51)"><u></u><u></u></span></font></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:auto 0cm 6pt;text-align:justify;line-height:19.2pt"><span><font size="3"><font face="Calibri">There is no special time or specific number of days for Nafil <b>Itikaf</b>. A person may make niyyah for any number of days at any time, even for his whole life<u></u><u></u></font></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:auto 0cm 6pt;text-align:justify;line-height:19.2pt"><span><font size="3"><font face="Calibri">Before engaging into Itikaf it is highly recommended to learn the rules relating to this important act of ibadah (worship). Please to do consult your local Ulama (Islamic Scholars) for more guidance.<u></u><u></u></font></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:auto 0cm 6pt;text-align:justify;line-height:19.2pt"><span><font size="3"><font face="Calibri">For a detailed article on Itikaf and its rules please visit :<u></u><u></u></font></font></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin:auto 0cm 6pt;text-align:justify;line-height:19.2pt"><a href="http://eislaminfo.blogspot.com/2010/08/itikaf.html" target="_blank"><span><font color="#0000ff" face="Calibri" size="3">http://eislaminfo.blogspot.<wbr>com/2010/08/itikaf.html</font></span></a></p> <p align="left"> </p></div></div></div> </div><br> </div><br></div> </div><br></div> E ISLAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02354917230047087296noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7317255972997706407.post-85533767127585262782018-05-27T23:37:00.001-07:002018-05-27T23:37:33.283-07:00Ramdhaan, a month of enormous blessings…<div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_quote"><div style="margin:6pt 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal" class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color:rgb(0,176,80);font-size:14pt"><font face="Calibri">Ramdhaan, a month of enormous blessings…</font></span></b></div><div style="margin:6pt 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal" class="MsoNormal"> <b><span style="color:rgb(0,176,80);font-size:14pt"><font face="Calibri"><img style="width:282px;height:179px;margin-top:0px;margin-left:0px" id="m_8036998950985965132ms__id1940" class="m_8036998950985965132rg_i" name="m_8036998950985965132_xqe0s_5mV6La0M:" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQDubeyE4PY82Kp-bjVCgS9EVjAh915CN-uWwJm9yPrdoSIYJzd"></font></span></b></div> <font size="3" face="Times New Roman"> </font><p style="margin:6pt 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14pt"><font face="Calibri"> </font></span></p><font size="3" face="Times New Roman"> </font><p style="margin:6pt 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal" class="MsoNormal"><span><font size="3"><font face="Calibri">We are now so fortunate that Allah Ta'ala has blessed us with this great Month of Ramadhaan. We wish to share with you some beautiful advise as passed on to us by The Greatest Teacher The Noble and Final Messenger of Allah(Peace be upon him).This message was delivered on the Last Day of Sha'baan.</font></font></span></p><font size="3" face="Times New Roman"> </font><p style="margin:6pt 0cm 0pt;line-height:normal" class="MsoNormal"><span><font size="3" face="Calibri"> </font></span></p><font size="3" face="Times New Roman"> </font><p style="margin:0cm 0cm 6pt;line-height:normal" class="MsoNormal"><font size="3"><font face="Calibri"><span style="color:blue">Salmaan (Radhiallaho Anhu) reports On the last day of Shabaan, Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) addressed us and said: </span><i><span style="color:rgb(0,102,0)">Oh people there comes over you now a great month, a most blessed month in which lies a night more greater in virtue than a thousand months. </span></i></font></font><span style="color:green"><br><font size="3" face="Calibri"> </font></span><span style="color:blue"><br><font size="3" face="Calibri"> It is a month in which Allah has made fasting compulsory by day and has made sunnah the Taraaweeh by night. Whosoever intends drawing near to Allah by performing any virtuous deed, for such person shall be the reward like the one who had performed a Fard in any other time and whoever performs a Fard, shall be blessed with the reward of seventy faraaidh in any other time. <br> <br> This is indeed the month of patience and the reward for true patience is Jannah (paradise). It is the month of sympathy with one's fellowmen. It is the month wherein a true believer's rizq is increased. <br> <br> Whosoever feeds another who fasted, in order to break the fast (at sunset), for the feeder there shall be forgiveness of sins and emancipation from the fire of Jahannam (hell) and for such feeder shall be the some reward as the one who fasted (who he fed) without that persons reward being decreased in the least. <br> <br> Thereupon we said, 'O messenger of Allah, not all of us possess the means whereby we can give a fasting person to break his fast' Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wasallam) replied Allah grants the same reward to the one who gives a fasting person to break the fast a mere date or a drink of water or a sip of milk. <br> <br> This is a month, the first of which brings Allah's mercy, the middle of which brings His forgiveness and the last of which brings emancipation from the fire of Jahannam. <br> <br> Whosoever lessens the burden of his servants (bondsmen) in this month; Allah will forgive him and free him from the fire of Jahannam. <br> <br> And in this month four things you should continue to perform in great number, two of which shall be to please your Lord, while the other two shall be those without which you cannot do. Those which shall be to please your Lord, are that you should in great quantity bear witness that there is no deity to worship except Allah (i.e. recite the Kalimah Tayibbah Laa Ilaaha illallah) and make much Istighfaar (beg Allah's forgiveness with Astaghfirullah) and as for those without which you cannot do, you should beg of Allah entrance into paradise and ask refuge in Him from Jahannam. <br> <br> </font></span><font size="3"><font face="Calibri"><i><span style="color:rgb(0,102,0)">And whoever gives a person water to drink, Allah shall grant that giver to drink from my fountain, such such a drink whereafter that person shall never again feel thirsty until he enters Jannah</span></i><i><span style="color:rgb(0,102,0)">.</span></i><span style="color:blue"> </span><span></span></font></font></p><font size="3" face="Times New Roman"> </font><p style="margin:0cm 0cm 6pt;line-height:normal" class="MsoNormal"><span><font size="3"><font face="Calibri">(HADITH-BAIHAQI)</font></font></span></p><font size="3" face="Times New Roman"> </font> </div><br></div> E ISLAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02354917230047087296noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7317255972997706407.post-80947653065059947142018-05-27T23:36:00.001-07:002018-05-27T23:36:44.238-07:00Fill the Bucket this Ramadaan<div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_quote"><p><b><span style="color:rgb(0,51,153);line-height:115%;font-size:14pt"><font face="Calibri">Fill the Bucket!</font></span></b></p><div><i><span style="line-height:115%;font-size:12pt"><font face="Calibri">By Abdur Rahmaan Umar</font></span></i></div> <div><i><span style="line-height:115%;font-size:12pt"><font face="Calibri"></font></span></i> </div><div><i><span style="line-height:115%;font-size:12pt"><img style="width:242px;height:161px;margin-top:0px;margin-right:0px;margin-left:0px" class="m_8220965737120489249rg_i" name="m_8220965737120489249_hMlsUUjyaXDIGM:" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSqo6Hb4Tzzj0MTYPReXP11HONd2dMsAX1GfiB4CuriAAPpk8Bo"></span></i></div> <p><font size="3"><font face="Calibri">"Sheikh, Ramadaan soon," said Omar, his gruff voice making him sound a lot older than his 28 years, "We will really have to exert ourselves this Ramadaan!"<b><span style="color:rgb(0,51,153);line-height:115%;font-size:14pt"></span></b></font></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Calibri">Sheik Hamaad nodded quietly, taking a sip of his favourite Jasmine tea.</font></p><p><font size="3" face="Calibri">"Yup, we really gonna have to try and do a lot this Ramadaan," chorused Ridwaan. </font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Calibri">Sheikh looked at them and whispered, "Or not to do."</font></p><p><font size="3" face="Calibri">Omar jerked his head in surprise and looked at Ridwaan, searching for an answer. Ridwaan raised his eyebrows and shrugged his shoulders. The group looked at one another with skewed glances but said little until Omar mustered the courage and broke the silence, "Did Sheikh say not to do?"</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Calibri">Sheikh nodded in silent affirmation, his long beard making little waves on his chest. </font></p><p><font size="3" face="Calibri">They looked at one another for some clue, something just wasn't right.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Calibri">Zaid, unable to contain himself and ventured softly, his voice barely audible from his usual position against the wall at the back, "But Sheikh always told us that this is the month to capitalize, to take maximum benefit of the time and to really … how you say…stock up."</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Calibri">Sheikh Hamaad's lips curled into a soft smile as he placed his tea on the little ornate wood table beside him, "True, I did say that you have to work hard and earn rewards. But let me give you an example – if you have a bucket, how long will it take to fill up?"</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Calibri">Omar's face lit up, he adjusted his specs, and in his a very professional tone said, "Depends on many factors – what's the rate of flow of the water, how big is the bucket, what is the size of the opening, and …"</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Calibri">"Let say we ignore all that," Sheikh continued, "If the bucket has a huge hole at the bottom will it remain full?"</font></p><p><font size="3" face="Calibri">"Well," began Omar, "depends on the size of the hole, and the rate of…"</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Calibri">"No ways! It will not remain full," Zaid interrupted him, and looked to Sheikh for an explanation of the analogy.</font></p><p><font size="3" face="Calibri">Sheikh surveyed the puzzled look on their faces and decided to end the suspense, "If we do a lot in Ramadaan, but fail to give up sinning then we are like people who are trying to fill a bucket that has holes."</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Calibri">"Holy bucket!" said Zaid, chuckled softly at his joke.</font></p><p><font size="3"><font face="Calibri">Sheikh smiled and continued, "Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah Radiallahu anhu narrated that the Messenger of Allah Sallalahu Alaihi wasallam said: <i><span style="color:rgb(0,51,153)">'There are many such people who fast but gain nothing from their fast except hunger, and there are many such people who stand up (in Prayer) for whom there is nothing but the (difficulty) of staying awake. </span></i>(Hadith-ibn Majah)'<i><span style="color:rgb(0,51,153)"> So….people may make a lot of effort, but gain nothing from it."</span></i></font></font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Calibri">"Holes in the bucket," acknowledged Zaid, his head nodding in affirmation, "But why?"</font></p><p><font size="3" face="Calibri">Sheikh paused to sip his tea, "Because they don't give up sinning…perhaps they break their fast with haraam provisions, or they indulged in backbiting during the day. Or they indulged in some other sin that erased the good of the fasting and prayer. "</font></p> <p style="text-align:left;direction:rtl" dir="rtl" align="right"><span dir="ltr"><font size="3" face="Calibri">In another saying of the Messenger of Allah Sallalahu Alaihi wasallam narrated by Hadhrat Abu Ubaydah( Radiallahu Anhu) that<i><span style="color:rgb(0,51,153)"> "Fasting is a shield until it's not torn"</span></i> (Hadith-Ibn Majah); which conveys a similar meaning. A shield is only useful if it's able to withstand the onslaught of the enemy. If it's damaged it's no longer a source of protection. Likewise, we have to be extra careful about not committing sins in Ramadaan.</font></span></p> <p style="text-align:left;direction:rtl" dir="rtl" align="right"><span dir="ltr"><font size="3"><font face="Calibri"><span> </span>Ridwaan leaned forward and asked, "Must we be more vigilant about sins than doing good deeds?" </font></font></span></p> <p><font size="3" face="Calibri">"Yes, you need to be more cautious, because if you do good deeds without refraining from sin then it's like filling a bucket with holes. Holy bucket!" said sheikh nodding at Zaid, whose curiosity dragged him away from the back wall.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Calibri">Sheikh paused to take drain the cup of the last drops of tea, In another Hadith it's mentioned that a person asked The Messenger Sallalahu Alaihi wasallam, just as you have asked, <i><span style="color:rgb(0,51,153)">what causes the fast to tear, and he, Sallalahu Alaihi wasallam replied</span></i> – <i><span style="color:rgb(0,51,153)">lies and backbiting</span></i>.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Calibri">Fasting is not just about giving up food and drink; it's about staying away from haraam. So the eyes have to fast by not looking at anything impermissible, the ears have to fast by not listening to haraam. So too, the mouth, by avoiding lies, backbiting, swearing and other wrongful words. Even the limbs have to fast by not going to haraam or indulging in it.</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Calibri">"That changes the whole notion of fasting," asked Zaid, now having made his way close to the front, "But that's tough…"</font></p><p><font size="3" face="Calibri">Sheikh immediately began reciting in his melodious voice: </font></p> <p style="text-align:center" align="center"><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:medium">"From Surah Baqarah (verse 185) –</span><i style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:medium"><span style="color:rgb(0,51,153)"> Allah Ta'ala desires ease for you and does not intend for you hardship. And (wants) for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that (to) which He has guided you</span></i><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:medium">;"</span><br></p> <p><font size="3" face="Calibri">"Zaid! You love your kebabs?" Sheikh asked.</font></p><p><font size="3" face="Calibri">Zaid nodded bashfully. "Would you eat any one of those lovely, tasty kebabs just before fast breaking time? Say with 30 seconds to spare?"</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Calibri">Zaid shook his head vigorously and replied, "No!" his voice a little too loud for the occasion.</font></p><p><font size="3" face="Calibri">"Why not?"</font></p><p><font size="3" face="Calibri">"Because that would be breaking Allah's command!"</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Calibri">"Even by a mere thirty seconds?" asked Sheikh and Zaid shook his head more energetically.</font></p><p><font size="3" face="Calibri">"So we have so much self-restraint about what we put in our mouths that we won't even transgress by thirty seconds, but we take very little care about what comes out of our mouths," said Sheikh, "Allah Ta'ala has given us the ability to control ourselves, we have to use this ability to avoid all those things which earn His displeasure."</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Calibri">"So what's the best thing we can do this Ramadaan? "asked Omar.</font></p><p><font size="3" face="Calibri">"The best thing to do is to avoid sinning in this blessed month, and…and...do your best to fill the bucket. By the grace of Allah Ta'ala it will be filled which much good that will remain even after Ramadaan. So, simply, do nothing <b><i><span style="color:rgb(0,51,153)">wrong</span></i><span style="color:rgb(0,51,153)"> </span></b>this Ramadaan!"</font></p> </div><br></div> E ISLAMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02354917230047087296noreply@blogger.com