Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Zakat


Zakat is the one of the fundamental pillar of Islam with out which a person can not called him or her self a Muslim. As every Muslim believes that every thing belongs to GOD and the wealth is just been to human as a trust to give it back in the way of GOD. The word Zakat means both 'purification' and 'growth' Zakat is the amount of money that every adult, mentally stable, free, and financially able Muslim, male and female, has to pay to support specific categories of people.


This category of people is defined in surah at-Taubah (9) verse 60: "The alms are only for the poor and the needy, and those who collect them and those whose hearts are to be reconciled, and to free the captives and the debtors, and for the cause of Allah, and (for) the wayfarers; a duty imposed by Allah. Allah is knower, Wise." (The Holy Qur'an 9:60).

It is agreed between Muslims in all the centuries the obligatory nature of paying Zakat for gold and silver, and from those the other kinds of currency, Islam has set some standard for paying ZAKAT which is defined by many Islamic scholars and Islamic ulemah with the guidance of hadith and Quran according to hadith and Quran Zakat is obligatory when a certain amount of money, called the nisab is reached or exceeded. Zakat is not obligatory if the amount owned is less than this nisab. The nisab (or minimum amount) of gold and golden currency is 20 mithqal, this is approximately 85 grams of pure gold. One mithqal is approximately 4.25 grams. The nisab of silver and silver currency is 200 dirhams, which is approximately 595 grams of pure silver. The nisab of other kinds of money and currency is to be scaled to that of gold, 85 grams of pure gold. This means that the nisab of money is the price of 85 grams of 999-type (pure) gold, on the day in which Zakat is paid. (Current Gold Prices)
 
Zakat is due on every adult Muslim after a time span of one lunar year passes with the money in the control of its owner. Then the owner needs to pay 2.5% (or 1/40) of the money as Zakat. (A lunar year is approximately 355 days).

Ramadan in 2011

The holy month of Ramadan in 2011 will start on Monday, the 1th of August and will continue for 30 days until Tuesday, the 30th of August (tentative dates). Dates will be confirmed when the new moon is actually sighted.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Muslims consider this whole month as a blessed month. They fast during the days of this month and make special prayers at night. People also give more charity and do extra righteous deeds. Also, in this Holy Month, The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) received the first revelation of Al-Qur'an (in one of the last ten odd nights of Ramadan). Ramazan/Ramadan is the month of celebration as well as the month of discipline and self-control. It is mandatory for very Muslim (medically fit) adult to fast in the month of Ramadan and pray in the holy nights of the month.

The month of Ramadan can be of 29 or of 30 days it depend on the moon of shawl which is the 10 month of Islamic calendar and in which Muslims are asked to celebrate EID_UL_FITR after sighting of Ramadan moon.

The month of Ramadan has an important level in Islam and there are many surats and hadith regarding the importance of Ramadan according to Quran "the fasting in the month of Ramadan is imposed on every adult as it was imposed on people earlier then you"

Diet during Ramadan

The holy month of Ramadan is a month in which Muslims all around the world fast as it is the obligatory pillar of Islam. In Ramadan it is very important for everyone to manage his diet as he can enjoy the holy month without any problems during the holy month of Ramadan; our diet should not differ very much from our normal diet and should be as simple as possible. The diet should be such that we maintain our normal weight, neither losing nor gaining.

However, if one is over-weight, Ramadan is an ideal time to normalize one’s weight. In view of the long hours of fasting, we should consume slow digesting foods including fiber containing-foods rather than fast-digesting foods. Slow digesting foods last up to 8 hours, while fast-digesting foods last for only 3 to 4 hours. Slow-digesting foods are foods that contain grains and seeds like barley, wheat, oats, millet, semolina, beans, lentils, whole meal flour, unpolished rice, etc. (called complex carbohydrates).  Fast-burning foods are foods that contain sugar, white flour, etc. (called refined carbohydrates).  Fiber-containing foods are bran-containing foods, whole wheat, grains and seeds, vegetables like green beans, peas, sem (papry), marrow, mealies, spinach, and other herbs like methie, the leaves of beet root (iron-rich), fruit with skin, dried fruit especially dried apricots, figs and prunes, almonds, etc. The foods eaten should be well-balanced, containing foods from each food group, i.e. fruits, vegetables, meat/chicken/fish, bread/cereals and dairy products. Fried foods are unhealthy and should be limited. They cause indigestion, heart-burn, and weight problems.

In Ramadan it is important to avoid some foods like Fried and fatty foods. Foods containing too much sugar.  Over-eating especially at suhur (the meal before beginning the fast).  Too much tea at suhur. Tea makes you pass more urine taking with it valuable mineral salts that your body would need during the day.   Smoking cigarettes If you cannot give up smoking, cut down gradually starting a few weeks before Ramadan. Smoking is unhealthy and one should stop completely. As much water or fruit juices as possible between Iftar (breakfast) and bedtime so that your body may adjust fluid levels in time. This is the time for those who are in habit of smoking or any unhealthy activity to stop it nicely and with any problem in Ramadan a person resist for the whole day if he can resist for whole day then it will be easy to stop or leave the unhealthy things.

30 Days of Ramadan

God has gifted the month in which all ‘shieatien’ evils are been captured and mercy of God is appears for every one Muslims called this month the month of Ramadan.

The month of Ramadan has 30 days some time 29 days it depends on the sighting of moon. Muslims all around the world start fasting when they see the Ramadan moon and stop when they see the moon of shawal and prepare them self for EID_UL_FITR.

The month of Ramadan is divided into three parts which has different aspects in Islamic point of view these parts are called ‘ASHRA’ the first ashra is called the ‘ASHRA of REHMAT’ the second one is called ‘ASHRA of MUKHFIRAT’ and the last one is known as ‘ASHRA DOZAKH SY NIJJAT’ all these there Ashars have importance in Islamic point of view and Muslims all around the world pray in each Ashra.

This is mandatory on every Muslims to pray five time a day whether it is Ramadan or any other month but there is some special prayers which are arranged by Muslims in Ramadan and this prayer is called ‘TARAWHI’ in this prayer Muslims all round the world stand in front of ALLHA at the end of ‘ESHA PRAYER’ this prayer consist of ’20 rakats’ in which Muslims read Quran and pray to God to forgive them.

Ulemah give importance to reading of the Quran in Ramadan and stay awake in the nights of Ramadan especially in the last ASHRA of Ramadan, to find out the night which is better than 1000 nights, this night is known as LYLA_TUL_QADAR. Prophet Mohammad has clear words regarding the night that Prophet said ‘ In the month of Ramadan there is a night which is better then 1000 of nights so people find the night and ask forgiveness from God’.

The Moon and Eid

There is a debate among the Muslim community on just how to calculate the beginning of the month of Ramadan (or indeed any month, but Ramadan takes on special importance). The traditional methods mentioned in the Qur'an and followed by the Prophet Muhammad, is to look to the sky and visibly sight the slight crescent moon (hilal) that marks the beginning of the month. If one sees the hilal at night, the next day is the first day of Ramadan and thus the first day of fasting.  At the end of the month, when the community sights the hilal again, the Festival of Fast-Breaking (EID_UL_FITR) begins.

Over the years, various scholars and communities have answered this question in different ways. The prevailing opinion is that one should commit to a local moon-sighting, i.e. begin and end Ramadan based on the sighting of the moon in your local vicinity. Astronomical calculations can help us predict when the moon should be visible, but Muslims still tend to follow the traditional method of looking at the sky themselves and physically "sighting" the moon. Thus, the exact day of the beginning of Ramadan is not generally known until the night before the fast begins, when the moon is actually sighted and confirmed.

There are many hadith available regarding the moon sighting of Ramadan the messenger of ALLHA PROPHET MOHAMAD (PBUH) said : (HADITH_No 2378 SAHIH MUSLIM) Whenever you sight the new moon (of the month of Ramadan) observe fast, and when you sight it (the new moon of Shawwal) break it, and if the sky is cloudy for you, then observe fast for thirty days.

In another hadith PROPHET said: (SAHIH MUSLIM HADITH_No 2379) Observe fast on sighting it (the new moon) and break (fast) on sighting it (the new moon), but if the sky is cloudy for you, then complete the number (of thirty).

Islam has taught us when to start the holy month and when to end it and celebrate Eid_ul_Fitr  and we can find these teaching through different hadith and Quran. 

Preparations for Eid

Muslims all around in world celebrates Eid al-Fitr on the first of Shawwal, at the completion of the holy month of Ramadan. Shawwal is the tenth (10th) month of the Islamic Calendar. Eid al-Fitr is a very important and joyous day for all Muslims all around the world. On this day, Muslims express their joy and gratitude to Allah (SWT) for the health, strength and the opportunities He (SWT) gave to them to fulfill their obligation of fasting and perform good deeds during the blessed month of Ramadan. There is been different tradition to celebrate the Eid day in different continent but the day of Eid is start with the Eid's prayer in which all Muslims thanks God for his mercy and strength which he gives them to fulfill all deeds of the spiritual month.

In Islam there are three days of celebration of Eid in which Muslims all around world invites each other to their houses to celebrate this joyful day and congratulate each other for the big day of Eid. Giving Zakat is mandatory on every adult at Eid day it starts at the time of sunset of the night preceding Eid day whoever is adult and sane and is neither unconscious, nor poor, nor the slave of another, he should give, on his own behalf as well as on behalf of all those who are his dependents, about three kilos per head of wheat or barley or dates or raisins or rice or millet etc. It suffices if one pays the price of any one the stated items in cash.According to Ayatullah al-Seestani, it is an obligatory precaution that one should not give from that food which is not staple in his place, even if it be wheat, barley, dates or raisins.

On the big day of Eid every one wears new clothes, shoes and dressed him or herself properly. This is really important for every Muslim to Visit blood relatives to strengthen the relationship. This is also known as Sile Rahm, which is wajib and is known for changing one's destiny and life-span. There is an order of Prophet MOHAMMAD to every Muslim to visit their neighbors and friends and wish them the big day of Eid.

According to Quran  "O the believer we had made fast obligatory upon you as it was made obligatory before you. Perhaps you may become pious."

Ramdan And Itikaf

Itikaf is a form of worship, It is formed by staying in a Mosque for a certain time. It is Ehtiyat that one should stay with the intention to worship Allah by praying formal or informal prayers although prayer is not a condition therein.

The time for this form of worship could be anytime when one is allowed to fast. The best time is the month of Ramadan, especially, the last ten days. which was suggested by the prophet Mohammad (PBUH) to stay in the mosque for the last ten days of Ramadan and Prophet himself does the Itikaf many times in his life.

It is important for a Muslim to do Itikaf once in life.

The conditions regarding Itikaf have been determined by Prophet(PBUH) in his hadith and some of these are.

1. Intention as in the rest of the worship acts. It is mandatory that the intention be made at the beginning of Itikaf so that the rule, requiring the worship act to be completed with intention, be followed thoroughly from the beginning to the end.

2. Belief in Islam.

3. Freedom from mental illness.

4. Fasting; thus the Itikaf of one who cannot fast for some reason is not valid.

5. Duration; which is three continuous days at least. It could be more but not less than three days.

6. Completing it in the Mosque where it was started. Thus, going out of the Mosque without an acceptable reason will invalidate the Itikaf, regardless, one knows the rule or is ignorant or has gone out because of forgetfulness, except in the case of an emergency or one being forced or it is because of some need such as using wash room or having Taharat.

Zakat in Ramadan

Islam is the religion for all humans, in Islam their is a teaching of how to help others Financially and Morally the way which has been describe in Islam to help mankind Financially is known  as Zakat (to help the poor). Zakat is the third pillar of Islam, The system of zakat nisab of zakat on gold and other things is described in Quran and Hadith.

According to Islam, the purpose of zakat is to contribute the money among all poor members of society equally. It helps to avoid concentration of wealth in a few hands. The contribution of Zakat is define in Quran and Ahadith. Zakat is faraz (Obligatory) on every Muslim in the following conditions:
  • If he/she have sufficient amount of Gold.
  • If he/she have extra money.
  • If he/she have any other source of getting extra money including(sheep and fruits garden)
The things which has been described all have a sufficient amount of Zakat, If any Muslim have 360grams of gold he or she has to pay its 40 percent of amount to the poor people of society. There are also rules as to who is eligible for Zakat. In Islam it is describe in Quran and Hadith that who is eligible to collect Zakat, Zakat is collected by only Muslims,it should be given to orphans and poor members of society and to those who can't earn food to survive.

These are some conditions of distributing and collecting Zakat in Islamic Prospective.

Developing the Habit of Fasting in Children

Fasting is one of the most important pillar in Islam, it obtain lots of importance in the life of Muslims. The Muslims want their child to do fasting for the sake of ALLAH mercy, their are some guidelines given on how to get your child into the habit of fasting.
 
1. Encourage the child's fasting by giving the child an allowance for each day successfully fasted.

2. Do not confront the child because of the mistake. Do not call the child a liar. Instead, inform the child indirectly - by using stories of others - just how serious it is to break the Ramadan fast and to lie.

3. Do not expect a small child to fast a full day from the onset. Increase the duration of the child's fast in increments, according to the child's age and ability.

4. When the child fasts, make sure to praise the child and to give the child recognition in front of the rest of the family.

5. Encourage the child to fast by only permitting fasting people to have the privilege of sitting at the table at the time of breaking the fast. In this way, the child will understand that breaking the fast early is a big mistake.

6. Do not place sweets and displays of food within the child's line of vision before the time of breaking the fast. There is no need to weaken the child's resolve with such temptations.

7. Cultivate a religious and celebratory atmosphere at home. Let the child sense the importance of this month by making it different that the other months of the year. Ramadan should be something special.

Ramadan the Moon and Eid

Ramadan, is the month of fasting for Muslims. The end of the holy month marks the beginning of the Eid-Ul-Fitr. Eid occurs on the first day of the Shawwal, which is the tenth month of Islamic calendar. According to the Islamic guide and traditions on the last day of Ramadan after sunset, muslims start sighting the crescent moon all over the world to celebrate their holy festival. As soon as the moon (hilal) is spotted the celebrations for the Eid-ul-fitr begins for all the Muslims.

Ramadan is said to be the holy month of Muslims, it is believed that holy book Quran was revealed to prophet Muhammad during this month. It is believed that during this month the gates of hell are closed and the gates of heaven are open.

It is also believed that Ramadan is Allah’s own month. Another event which took place during the month of Ramadan was the battle of Badr, the battle between the inhabitants of Mecca and Medina. It’s the month to thank Allah for that he has given to human being. So thereby saying no to food, drink, smoking and sexual activities during daylight all the Muslims devote themselves to pray to Allah. Once the crescent moon is sighted it’s the time to break the fast and get over with the Ramadan month and celebrate Eid-Ul-Fitr.

Once the crescent moon is sighted, the Ramadan month comes to an end and its now the time for celebrations for the Muslims. Eid-Ul-Fitr means to break the fast. Eid is the time to spread happiness, love, and triumph thereby creating enthusiasm among all the family members. On the Eid day all the Muslims wear new clothes and go for special EID prayer ceremony in their near by mosque to thank Allah by reciting various prayers and Eid-Ul-Fitr Dua’s. After the prayers there is a get together at Muslims house for an Eid meal and to celebrate the occasion together.

Muslim children have a joyful Eid Celebration as they get clothes, gifts, perks, and sweets from all their relatives. Children also make special Eid greetings for their Friends and decorate their houses in their special ways to enhance the beauty of the Eid Festival. Muslims greet each other by wishing Eid Mubarak to each other, which means Happy Eid!!

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Ramadan The Concept of Qada and Kaffarah

The validity of fasting depends on the following:

Abstaining from food, liquids and sexual activity from dawn to sunset.
The intention to fast must be made every day before dawn. The intention (niyyah) may be made during night before going to sleep or it can also be made at the time of Suhoor before dawn. Suhoor is eating before fasting. It should be as close to Fajr time as possible. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

        'Partake Suhoor, for there is blessing in Suhoor.'(Bukhari, Muslim)

It is desirable to break the fast of Ramadan as soon as possible after sunset. Breaking the fast with dates or water is a tradition of the Prophet. Following is one of the Du'a for breaking fast:

        (O Allah! For You did I fast and with Your bounties did I break the fast.)

The things which invalidate fast are of two kinds. The first one requires Qada (only making up missed days), the other one not only requires Qada but also Kaffarah(a penalty).

The following are the things that require Qada only:
  • Eating or drinking intentionally. This includes non-nourishing items taken by mouth.
  • Deliberately causing oneself to throw up.
  • The beginning of menstruation or post-childbirth bleeding even in the last moment before sunset.
  • Ejaculation for reasons other than sexual intercourse.
  • Intending to break the fast before sunset even if one changes his mind, since intention is one of the pre-requisites of the validity of fasting.
  • Eating, drinking or having intercourse after dawn on the mistaken assumption that it is not dawn yet. 
Similarly, engaging in these acts before Maghrib on the mistaken assumption that it is already sunset.

Things that not only require Qada but also Kaffarah are the following:
Sexual intercourse during fasting(dawn to dusk). The penalty is to fast an additional period of 60 continuous days. If one is not able to do so then he must feed sixty poor people-one average meal each.

Before the days of the Prophet Muhammad(S.A.W.), slavery was a common practice in the Arab world. Islam eliminated slavery from the society in a very short period of time. A useful approach was to allow people free a slave as a charity or as a penalty for a sin. Thus during the time of the Prophet(S.A.W.), setting a slave free was the penalty one must pay as a kaffarah, if he or she had a slave.

Ramadan some rules

Islam is a complete religion, in Islam every thing is describe in Quran and Ahadis of Prophet. As far as Fasting in Ramadan is concerned. It is describe in Ahadis that their are some things which can not effect the fasting of a person and those are described bellow.

If anyone forgets that he is fasting and eats or drinks, he should complete his fast, for it is only Allah who has fed him and given him drink.  (A Hadith from Muslim).

  • Unintentional vomiting.
  • Swallowing things which are not possible to avoid, such as one's saliva, street dust, smoke, etc.
  • Brushing the teeth.
  • Injection or intra-venous which is solely medical and not nutritional.
  • Breaking of fast under exceptional conditions:

Muslims are permitted to break the ordained fast of Ramadan when there is danger to their health. In this situation a Muslim should make up his fast later at any other time of the year.

Who are Exempt from Fasting in Ramadan

In Islam fasting in the Religious month of Ramadan is Manadatory on every Muslim adult. The Arabic the word used to define fasting is (sawm). The word sawm (plural siyam) literally means 'to refrain', but as an Islamic term, it means refraining from food, drinks and sexual activity from dawn to sunset. Allah says in the Quran, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2-183):

'O you who believe, siyam is prescribed on you as it was prescribed to those before you so that you may become self-restrained.'

The importance of Siyam in Ramadan is clearly expressed in several sayings of the Prophet(S.A.W.). It is reported by Abu Hurairah that the Prophet said:

'He who fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeks his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven; he who prays during the night in Ramadan with faith and seeks his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven; and he who passes Lailat al- Qadr in prayer with faith and seeks his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven.'
(Bukhari and Muslim)

Fasting in Ramadan is practiced by Muslims all over the world. The most significant aspect of Siyam is the development of Allah-consciousness (Taqwa) in the heart and the soul of a fasting Muslim. One must abstain from immoral behavior and attitude as well. Refraining from food and such is essential during fast but it is not sufficient. The Prophet of Allah is reported to have said:

'If one does not abandon falsehood in words and deeds, Allah has no need for his abandoning of his food and drink.'
(Al-Bukhari)

Fasting is Compulsory on every Muslim who is sane, adult, able and resident. The following exemptions apply:

  • The insane;
  • Children who are not adolescent yet;
  • The elderly and chronically ill for whom fasting is unreasonably strenuous; Such persons are Required to feed at least one poor person every day in Ramadan for which he or she has missed fasting.
  • Pregnant women and nursing may postpone the fasting at a later time;
  • The ill and the travelers can also defer their fasting.

Allah says in the Qur'an, Surah Al-Baqara:

'But if anyone is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period should be made up by days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put you to difficulties.'

Women during the period of menstruation or of post childbirth confinement. Fasting during these periods is forbidden and should be made up later, a day for a day.

Fasting In Ramdan and Its Conditions

Islam is the religion with a complete and defined life style, it has some rules which are defined and has a solution of every problem, In the blessed month people have some problem regarding fasting so Islam has defined ways for such problems, The month of Ramadan is the most blessed month in whole year for the Muslim.

the fast of Ramadan has specific regulations and rules (fiqh).According to the Islamic scholars they have outlined the fasting conditions for the general population, and explain the accommodations that can be made when someone is unable to fast because of sickness or other health reasons.

While many of the general fasting requirements are the same for everyone, it is best to consult one of the many detailed fiqah resources for specific rules and special circumstances.

Fasting is (Farz) mandatory in month of Ramadan for every Muslim man and woman but their are some condition regarding the health issues.If a person is going through health issue so he or she can leave some days for the month but have to repay those fasting days in other month.

Islam is the religion with a complete and defined life style, it has some rules which are defined and have a solution of every problem as the Ramadan, In the blessed month some people have some problem regarding fasting so Islam has given guidance on how to handle these problems during the holy month of Ramadan.

Introduction To Ramadan

There are Five fundamentals or pillars of Islam and Ramadan is the third pillar of Islam, Which is also known as the month of fasting. Ramadan is derived from an Arabic word and it is the ninth month of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar, established in the year 638 CE. It is considered as the most venerated, blessed and spiritually-beneficial month of the Islamic year.In the month of Ramadan the Muslims all over the world pay attention towards Prayers, fasting, charity, and self-accountability. Religious observances associated with Ramadan are kept throughout the month.

The month of Ramadan has an important place in the lives of Muslims “Ramadan is the month during which the Quran was revealed to the holy prophet Muhammed, for providing guidance for the people, clear teachings, and the statute book.

The month of Ramadan has some of its attributes, for instance those who are witness this month shall fast therein. Those who are ill or traveling may substitute the same number of fasting in other days, because in Islam Allah wishes for you convenience, not hardship, that you may fulfill your obligations, and to glorify Allah for guiding you, and to express your appreciation.In the month of Ramadan there is one night which is known as Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Power) is considered the most holy night during Ramadan and the Muslims all over the world have a desire to obtain this night to ask forgiveness and mercy form Allah.

Importance of Ramadan in Muslim Life

Ramadan the blessed month, the month of Ramadan has an objective that this month has so much impotance in the life of muslims to explain lets have a Example, On a sweltering hot day your throat has become parched. You are in the privacy of your home and the refreshingly cool water is within hand’s reach. You desire to drink it, but you do not. Why? Simply because you are fasting and while fasting you cannot eat and drink.

If somebody prompts you to nevertheless drink it and says: “Nobody is watching,” you will immediately tell him no one is watching: “But Allah is watching!”

ALLAH  TA’ALA IS WATCHING!

Subhanallah! Allah Ta’ala is watching. Allahu Akbar! Allah Ta’ala is All Hearing, All Knowing, He is present every where . He sees and knows when we cheat while fasting, thus we resist all temptations of food, drink and lawful conjugal relations from dawn to dusk.In Islam We have learnt the lesson of Taqwa.

We have learnt that lesson which the fasting was meant to teach us. Allah Ta’ala is watching! Yes, Allah Ta’ala is Watching! Every time there is an urge to eat or drink while fasting, the voice from within our heart cries out: “Allah Ta’ala is watching!” Dozens of times daily for an entire month this reality is reaffirmed. Allah Ta’ala is watching.

So deeply is it embedded in the heart that by the time Ramadan is over, a person becomes conscious of Allah Ta’ala to such an extent that he is now guided by an inner force that propels him in the direction of righteousness and turns him away from sin.

Spiritual benefits of Ramadan

Ramdan the religious month in iSLAM their are many benefits related to this month of fasting.The past experience has shown that effects of ibaadat (worship)in the blessed month of Ramadan remain upon the remainder of the year. Whom so ever practices any virtue informally there in, ease of performing A’amale Salihah overtakes them there after.

Similarly, whoever prevents them self from sinning there in, for the remaining eleven months abstention will become easy. In reality, prevention from sins in Ramadhan is not too difficult because, it is established that the Shayateen are imprisoned. Consequently, less sinning occurs generally because of removal of this stimulant.

However, sins do not totally disappear because the other orchestrator: one’s nafs (self) is present. Even in this month it will instigate sins but, yes, its schemes will lesson because only one stimulant is now active.

Therefore, the impositions of this one month should be accepted. All parts (of one’s body) should be saved from sin. During the religious practice in Ramadan the human nature can also be grow towards good deeds this is how the month of Ramadan make human out of sin and close to Allah. 

Thursday, June 02, 2011

Ramadan in the UK


Ramadan comes every year in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is a time for fasting, charity and prayer, for Muslims in the United Kingdom. The initial verses of the Quran appeared to the Prophet Muhammad end three days of Ramadan, considering it a most pious period.
What is done by Muslims in Ramadan?
Many Muslims in the United Kingdom fast in the morning hours in the holy month of Ramadan. During Ramadan fasting, is one of the main pillar from the Five Pillars of Islam. It is a time of self control, added by a rise in devotion to Allah the Al-mighty. It is accepted and a tradition that only one meal is eaten at Sehri before the sun rises and one single meal (Iftar) after dusk during Ramadan. The United Kingdom’s Department has introduced a guide that shows all the Muslims to fast without harming their health which if not followed may lead to a series of complications during fasting.
Ramadan is also a time for many Muslims to donate to charity by participating in food drives for the poor, organizing a collection or charity event, and other charitable activities. Muslims are encouraged to be charitable during Ramadan. Campaigns have been promoted in the United Kingdom to raise public awareness of safe ways to donate to charity and how to avoid donating to fake charities during Ramadan. These campaigns aim to help people choose an honest charity organization when donating money and equipment.
Ramadan is additionally a time for binding the Muslims to one accord by distributing alms for food for the poor, accumulation of money or alms for the event of Ramadan, and other charitable activities. Muslims are persuaded to accommodate during Ramadan. In the United Kingdom promotions are made to raise the awareness in the common people to give or donate cheerfully and how stay away from wrong or sham charitable organizations during Ramadan. These promotions plan to advice people to accept honest alms donations of money and equipment.
Muslims who have Islamic faith are persuaded to comprehend and understand complete Quran during the month of Ramadan. Some Muslims narrate the complete Quran by the end of Ramadan through a process of unique prayers accepted as Tarawih, which take place in the mosques every night of the Holy month, during which a part of the Quran is completed. In Ramadan competitions of the recitation of the Quran are held for both kids and adults in the United Kingdom in current times
Some political leaders in the United Kingdom, including the prime minister, previously made public announcements, greeting Muslims both locally and globally for the month of Ramadan. Their messages aim to help raise an awareness of the Ramadan’s importance among Muslims both in the United Kingdom and throughout the world.
In the previous year’s public announcements by some political leaders were made in the United Kingdom, which  included the prime minister, which greeted all the Muslims around the world as well as locally for the month of Ramadan. Through their message they wanted to communicate an advice to help the Muslims of the UK to raise funds and bring awareness to the people about Ramadan both in the United Kingdom and throughout the world.
Community of the Muslims in UK
Many Islamic businesses and organizations may amend opening hours to suit prayer times during Ramadan in the United Kingdom. There may also be some congestion around mosques during prayer times, such as in the evenings.
Many Islamic businesses and organizations change and alter the hours of working to make it applicable for the Muslims to pray in the month of Ramadan in the United Kingdome. In the month of Ramadan there is a lot of rush near the mosques during adoration times, such as in the evenings.
Background
Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, which consists of 12 months and lasts for about 354 days. The word “Ramadan” is derived from an Arabic word for intense heat, scorched ground and shortness of food and drink. It is considered to be the most holy and blessed month. Fighting is not allowed during this period.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which consists of 12 months and lasts for about 354 days. The statement “Ramadan” is acquired from an Arabic statement for severe heat, parched soil and scarcity of food and water. It is taken as the month holiest of all months in the Islamic calendar and month for adoration. Fighting is prohibited during this month.

Why is Ramadan Important - I


All around the world there are many Muslims. In Pakistan Ramadan is given a lot of importance. Let me share a few experiences about how Ramadan is celebrated in Pakistan.  There is a lot of excitement on the eve of Ramadan. When it is confirmed that the following that all Muslims have to fast. There is a sudden rush on all of the shops, as people start buying things for Ramadan. Sometimes it is hard to understand that why does the prices of everything go up in Ramadan. The simply answer is that there is a sudden rise in demand. 

What I feel is that many a times the people living here in Pakistan do not realize that the basic meaning of Ramadan is sacrificing for the poor. People normally have Iftar parties during Ramadan which according to me is not correct. People drift away from the main reason why Allah has asked us to fast. If the motive is kept the blessings showered by Allah is great, but people around here don’t understand. I feel that someone should realize and make a change only then will we be able to be called true Muslims. Fasting for a duty of just because parents want us to or it is a tradition. Fasting from the heart and meaning it should be the main motive.

Many a times it is noticed that during this Holy month in order to reach home at the time of Maghrib we see people fighting. Is this what we are supposed to do? How can we fast and fight at the same time. People get so angry and things in Karachi are so expensive that a normal person can’t afford to open their fast properly. It is so sad when we see women and children begging on the road for food during this Holy month and people getting angry as they are a hindrance to them while they buy their eatables at the stall.

My view is that a single person can bring out a revolution but someone has to be willing to do so. It is necessary for each Muslim brother to understand that Ramadan is a gift from Allah to each Muslim and we should make the best of it during this month. So why not think for a while and understand the importance of Ramadan. It indeed will help us to focus on what Allah wants from us. So my brothers and sisters it’s time to look back and make a change, do something different from the others and take this opportunity to do what we have never done before.

To become angel like in Ramadan


If one tries to search for acquisition out of the causes of personal misfortunes and failures, on the basis of the final investigation one will get to know that a human is a package of assorted needs and a bound of tremendous wants. No religious, physical and concrete activity of his is liberal from desires and want. A person morality, is concerned with some extent to spirituality and when researched or looked into is based on some affection of need. Therefore all personal misfortunes and failures are basically the after effect of desires or want. If a human lets himself free of all needs again he becomes an adorable (angel like) instead of a human being.

After wiping out and abstinent from oneself of the self-made needs, maybe the accumulation of wants will compress and be confined to a couple of absolute main needs, such as food and drink, and if it is not accessible, therefore it be become difficult to survive. The religious and physical adaptation of the body depends alone on the life-breath which itself is based on a few pieces of food and a few sips of water. The accuracy is that from that point any balance in food and liquid is alone a admiration for boundless amusement and fun. On this account, if a boundary line is to be drawn creating a difference between human from an angel, this food and drink will be enough  to analyze the two and is the main basis of all the differences and distinctions among them. If all human sins are listed and if the main reason is of greed, avarice, abolition and assassination are sorted, the ultimate connection will be begin in the boundless admiration for pleasures and for these two things, namely food and water.

No hesitation about desires and wants of human beings are all-inclusive and endless, but it is an account of pondering of what and how abundant are his absolute needs. He has in his affection a collection of desires, an accumulation of wishes and self-made needs, but he has to ask himself questions whether it is accessible for him to live without new and extravagant clothes, expensive houses, luxurious and scrumptious foods and terrific cars. Will he be able to live if he is deprived of wealth, affectation and glory? There have been people who accept sacrifice of all their comforts and yet survive. Prophet Abraham and Adam, peace be upon them, were captivated and were living examples of God's best devoted people who gave up their kingship, and acquired an exulted religious life.

From this it is evidence it is clear that fasting has been made obligatory to work as a religious treatment. The object and purpose of fasting is self-control (Taqwa), i.e. to keep our desires under control and to keep oneself safe from emotional confusion.