Last Ten Nights of Ramadan

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Hadith - Al-Tirmidhi #2102, Narrated Anas ibn Malik; Ubayy ibn Ka'b

The Prophet sallallahu alaihi wasallam was accustomed to engage in private devotion in the mosque during the last ten nights of Ramadan; but one year he sallallahu alaihi wasallam omitted it and he engaged in it for twenty nights the next year.

[Tirmidhi transmitted it, and AbuDawud and Ibn Majah transmitted it from Ubayy ibn Ka'b.]

Hadith - Al-Tirmidhi #2107, Narrated Abdullah ibn Umar [Ibn Majah transmitted it.]

When the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wasallam observed a period of private devotion in the mosque, his bedding was placed for him, or a couch was put down for him, behind the column of repentance.

The Number of Tarawih Rakat

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According to Sheikh al-Albani:

The Prophet (sallallahu aleihi wa sallam) did not pray more than eleven rak'at for qiyam (thirteen if we count the two short introductory rak'at).

'Umar (r.a.) commanded Ubayy Bin Ka'b (r.a.) and Tamim ad-Dari (r.a.) to lead the people in tarawih with eleven rak'at, in accordance with the authentic Sunnah.

All reports that the people at the time of 'Umar (r.a.), or any of the noble sahabah, prayed twenty rak'at are unauthentic and contradict the truly established reports. Similarly, all claims that the sahabah (r.a.) have made an ijma' (consensus) to pray twenty rak'at are baseless.

Even if a weak report were considered authentic by some people, one should still follow the well established authentic report, because it agrees with the number established in the Sunnah. One may not desert the Sunnah for anybody's understanding or practice.

With our certitude that the Prophet's (saaws) consistent practice is the best, it becomes obvious that one should adhere to the number established in the Sunnah, and refrain from adding to it. This has been the position of many 'ulama.

And even if we concede to the often misquoted and misunderstood statement that, "There are good innovations," we must adhere to the consensus among the scholars that following Sunnah is better that any innovation. 'Abdullah Bin Mas'ud (r.a.) said: "Doing little according to the Sunnah is better than doing much in way of bid'ah." [Authentic report recorded by ad-Darimi, al-Bayhaqi, and al-Hakim. The latter verified it to be authentic - to which ath-Thahabi agreed.]

Applying perfume while fasting

Is it permissible to wash the body with water and soap during the day of Ramadan? Does having a wet dream invalidate Sawm (Fast)? Also, does applying perfume invalidate Sawm?

Firstly: It is permissible for the fasting person to wash their body during the day of Ramadan with water and soap. Secondly: If someone has a wet dream during the day of Ramadan while fasting, this does not invalidate their Sawm; but they should perform Ghusl (ritual bath following major ritual impurity) if Maniy (sperm/vaginal secretions) is ejaculated. Thirdly: Sawm is not invalidated by applying any kind of perfume during the day of Ramadan while fasting, but one should not inhale incense or powdered perfumes such as musk.

May Allah grant us success! May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions!

Adapted from Alifta

Ramadan and Unity

Islam is a complete region and Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) told us how to live a peace full life in the world. There are two things, on which we as muslims, should emphasis and should get knowledge of; one is peace and other is unity, both of these things are clearly indicated in the teachings of Islam, when talking about Ramadan, we need to understand and study the rules of Ramadan, according to the hadith of Prophet Mohammad (pbuh), Abu Hurayrah ( radiyallaahu ’anhu ) related that the Prophet ( sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam ) said: "Fast when they fast, end the fast when they end theirs, and sacrifice the day that thy sacrifice. " [2]

Islamic scholars explained, this hadeeth by its sayings, Its meaning to fast and end the fast along with the Jamaa'ah and the majority of people." This hadeeth is a proof of the Prophet (pbuh) emphasizing on unity, in Ramadan and the celebrating of the EID festive, with all other muslims. This custom is very important in establishing the ’Eid festive, and that every individual,   who believes,in the revelence of this day, of ’Eid - based on the sighting of the moon. - It is then obligatory upon every muslim, to be in agreement with his or her fellow muslim and that the ruling of the people - concerning the Prayer, breaking the fast, and sacrificing - is binding upon that individual."

Another Islamic scholar, explained its meaning as It is said: In it is a refutation, of those scholars, whom say that whosoever, knows the positions of the moon sighting, is due to astronomical calculations, it is then permissible, for him to fast and end the fast, even if others do not know. It is also said: 'that the individual witness who sees the moon, but the qaadee (judge) has not accepted his testimony, and then there is no fasting for him, just as there is no fasting for the people." By the hadith and its meaning, which has been explained by different scholars, we can say that Islam is emphasizes on doing ‘MASHWARA’ or sitting together and solving the problem, this is how Ramadan the holy month, shows the unity in order to fast or to celebrate the Eid festive, which are the two most important occasions for Muslims.

Ramadan and the Muslims

Ramadan is a month, in which Muslims, from all over the world observe fasting, as it is one of the pillars of Islam. In  Islam  fasting in Ramadan is mandatory, but one can also observe fasting in other months, like Rajab and Shabaan as, it is the time in which an individual's deeds are presented, before the holy month of Ramadan to the creator.

Fasting during other months, will also make a persons' body accustomed, to the physical and mental strain of fasting, during the entire month of Ramadan. Ramadan is not all about fasting, this month is very much there to thank God for all his blessings and to ask forgiveness from the creator of the world. As in Ramadan muslims fast, they also perform different types of prayers like Nawafil and tahajood. People start  observing such prayers, just before Ramadan, so one can become used to standing, for the long periods of time in Ramadan and in Tarawee prayers.

Reading the, Quran is the best practice which, is mentioned by prophet Mohammad (pbuh), which is available in different kinds of Hadith, of him and even Written in the Quran. Muslims all over the world give importance to reading the Quran and it has great rewards, while reading the Quran in the holy month of Ramadan, which brings a person closer to ALLAH Subhana wa talla.

In the spiritual month of Ramadan is also about giving Sadaqah(charity), which is obligatory on everyone who can afford to, help others bringing the believer Closer to AllAH.

Controlling the tongue is most important, as backbiting is not encouraged in Ramadan or in any other month. (O ye who believe!...And do not speak ill of each other Behind their backs. Would any Of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? Nay ye would abhor it..But fear God: For God is Oft-Returning Most Merciful). Surat Al-Hujurat: Verse 12 . it is important in the month of Ramadan, to have positive feelings for one's relatives, in the holy month asking about them will be appreciated. Fasting teaches us patience, as anger must be controlled and tempers kept in check.

The Mercy Of Allah

As we live in the world, there are many returns, that most of us have experienced such as: The return of missing Child or the finding of any thing precious, these are the moments of joy and happiness, but do we know what is the Greatest Return; the greatest return of all is, when a sinful person, who has disobeyed the sayings of Allah and continuous to sin in this world, sincerely decides to do ‘Tauba’ which literally means to return, to his creator the most merciful Allah, there can never be a happier moment in the world comparable to this.

Returns to Allah Ta’ala with sincerity brings the blessings and mercy, from the most powerful personality existing in the world. Due to his mercy, those  previously known as the Faasiq(sinner), are now known as the Habibullah(the beloved of Allah). Their crying and sobbing, when begging for forgiveness, is more closer to Allah Ta'ala, than the recitation of tasbeeh of those who are busy glorifying Allah Ta'ala.
  
This return is more rewarding, when a person asks for forgiveness, in the holy month of Ramadan, the object of the holly month, is to truly return to Allah by abstaining, from all sin, adopting good deeds and transforming your life style as the teachings of Islam The Qur'an-al-Kareem declares: “O you who believe, fasting has been made mandatory upon you, just as it was prescribed upon those before you, so that you may acquire taqwa (piety)” (S2:183). Taqwa in a simple terms is, giving up every sin and performing good deeds and living ones life as the saying of the Prophet. Taqwa cannot be acquired without sincere Tauba, to have Taqwa one should do sincere Touba and promise to not commit further sins.

Abstaining from Sin

The holy month of Ramadan is declared as the month of patience, it is the month to sacrifice ones desires, to sacrifice ones time at the same time calling for much bodily exertion and striving. Islam is the religion for whole mankind and a religion who describes all his dos and don’ts, while fasting some special importance should be given to abstain from sin according to one habit of prophet(pbuh) "the person who does not abstain from evil acts and speaking lies, Allah is not in need of his fast. (Sahih Bukhari)

In the spiritual month of Ramadan we should leave some for our bad habits which we do regularly by knowing or not knowing like Backbiting, slandering, arguments, not guarding one's eyes from looking at evil, bad thoughts. We should abstain from such sins at least in Ramadan and because of the blessings of Ramadan we can leave such sin forever so Ramadan does not mean only to fast but to make ones life perfect and live our life as Islamic teachings.

The objective of fasting is to inculcate the quality of taqwa (piety) as Allah mentions in the Quran: "So that you attain piety." A person refrain from eating and drink and all sins which harm him in the month of Ramadan but how foolish is he that he does not understand that these thinks can harm them in throughout their life so why don’t we quit these sins in our routine life as well as in Ramadan.

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 forth Pillar of Islam - Ramadan

In Islam the fourth is Ramadan (fasting). This is one of the most important pillars of Islam. People do think and take care of the rest of the pillars and follow them enthusiastically but this is the only pillar which brings a lover Allah closer to his servant and not only that but it also makes him pious enough to worship and live a Godly life.

Ramadan is like a difficult task to achieve in order to pray and abstain from food. This condition makes man more weak as his worldly desires of eating and ,making merry has to be put up aside and he is to focus on the love of Allah and his divine care for us. It wouldn’t be incorrect to say that it is a tedious thing to achieve; mostly people do keep with it but the inner soul work matters which are found rarely in these days.

The HOLY PROPHET (P.B.U.H) had also coated that fasting would be a cleansing of mind and soul and it is an offering to God for his love for us. It is believed by many that due during the Holy month of Ramadan if you ask Allah to bestow your blessings on him he would surely do which is one more reason or a benefit to fast. It makes one very much strong in his ‘Ibadat” praise to Allah and not only that he or she also come really close to God.

Ramadan is know treated more like a festival and less like the way it should be treated. There are certain lines we as being Muslims are suppose to draw the line between Actual and Fictitious. By actual it means what are the real benefits to it? or What are the basics to the holy month of Ramadan? The fictitious means all kinds of fun and entertainment which takes us no where but leads to a path of disguise and a sinful nature which is prohibited in Quran.

It is know on us what do we choose and where do we Land.

Authentic Islamic Websites

Asalam Alaykum,

There are so many deviant Islamic sites online now here is a short list alhumdullah of ones that are correct with Quran and Sunnah. May Allah protect them Ameen.

Here are a few inshaa allah ta'ala..

www.AlBaseerah.org
www.SabulasSalaam.com
www.allaahuakbar.net
www,calagryislam.com
www.salaf.com
www.sunnahpublishing.net
www.therighteouspath.com
www.triod.org
www.bakkah.net
www.al-athariyyah.com
www.muttaqun.com
www.salafipublishing.com
www.masjiduthaymeen.org
www.albani.co.uk
www.binbaz.co.uk
www.fawzan.co.uk
www.rabee.co.uk
www.muqbil.co.uk
www.ubayd.co.uk
http://islaam.ae/index.php
http://www.islaam.ca/
www.calgaryislam.com
www.msoccny.org
www.spubs.com
www.fatwaislam.com
www.madeenah.com
www.thewahhabimyth.com
http://thikraa.wordpress.com/
http://bookreviewsb.yabooimraan.blogspot.com/
www.assalafi.com
www.geocities.com/quraanandsunnah
www.salafyink.com
www.al-islam.com/eng
www.freewebs.com/ahlussunnah
www.authentictranslations.com

Bidah Alert for 15th of Shaban

Specifying the day of the 15th of Sha'baan by fasting or reciting the Qur.aan or performing naafilah prayers


Question: We see some people specifying the 15th of Sha'baan with particular supplications and reciting the Qur.aan and performing naafilah prayers. So what is the correct position concerning this, and may Allaah reward you with good?

Response: That which is correct is that fasting the 15th of Sha'baan or specifying it with reciting (the Qur.aan) or making (particular) supplications has no basis. So the day of the 15th of Sha'baan is like any other 15th day of other months. So from that which is known is that it has been legislated for a person to fast the 13th, 14th and 15th of every month, however, Sha'baan is characterised unlike the other months in that (except for Ramadhaan) the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) used to fast more in Sha'baan than any other month . So he used to either fast all of Sha'baan or just a little. Therefore, as long as it does not cause difficulty for a person, it is befitting to increase in fasting during Sha'baan in adherence to the example of the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam).

Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen
al-Bid'u wal-Muhdathaat wa maa laa Asla lahu - Page 612
Fataawa Shaykh Muhammad Ibn Saalih al-'Uthaymeen - Volume 1, Page 190


Standing the night of the 15th of Sha'baan in prayer and fasting during it's day


Question: Is standing the night of the 15th of Sha'baan in prayer and fasting during it's day legislated?

Response: Nothing firm and reliable has been established on the authority of the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) that he stood in prayer in the night and fasted during the day of the 15th of Sha'baan. So the night of the 15th of Sha'baan is like any other night, and if someone is a regular worshipper during other nights, then he may stand the night in prayer on this night without assuming anything special (because of it being the night of the 15th of Sha'baan). This is because specifying a time for any act of worship requires a authentic proof, so if there is no authentic proof then the act is regarded as an innovation and all innovations are misguidance. Likewsie, regarding specifically fasting during the 15th day of Sha'baan, then no (authentic) proof has been established on the authority of the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) to indicate the legislation of fasting on that particular day.

As for that which is mentioned from the ahaadeeth regarding this subject, then all of it is weak as the people of knowledge have indicated. However, whoever has the habit of fasting the 13th, 14th and 15th (of every month), then he can continue and fast during Sha'baan as he fasts during the other months, without assuming anything special about the 15th of Sha'baan. Also, the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) used to increase in fasting during this month (Sha'baan), however, he did not particularise the 15th day, rather proceeded as per norm.

Shaykh Ibn Fowzaan
al-Bid'u wal-Muhdathaat wa maa laa asla lahu - Page 614
Noorun alad-Darb Fataawa Shaykh Saalih Ibn Fowzaan - Volume 1, Page 87


Giving sadaqah specifically on the night of 15th of Sha'baan


Question: When my father was alive, he entrusted me to give sadaqah (charity) according to my means on the 15th of Sha'baan every year, and likewise I have been doing this ever since. However, some people have admonished me for doing so saying it is not permissible. So is giving sadaqah on the night of the 15th of Sha'baan permissible according to the willment of my father or not? Kindly advise us and may Allaah reward you with good.

Response: To specify the giving of sadaqah on the night of the 15th of Sha'baan every year is an innovation, and despite your father having entrusted you with that, it is not permissible. It is befitting you give this sadaqah without specifying the night of the 15th of Sha'baan, rather do so every year and in whichever month, but without particularising any one month (on a consistent basis). However, it is permissible to do so in the month of Ramadhaan (for the evidence which indicates so).

And with Allaah lies all success and may Allaah send prayers and salutations upon our Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) and his family and his companions.

The Permanent Committee for Islaamic Research and Fataawa
al-Bid'u wal-Muhdathaat wa maa laa Asla lahu - Page 611
Fataawa al-Lajnah ad-Daa.imah lil-Buhooth al-'Ilmiyyah wal-Iftaa. - Fatwa No. 9760

Source: fatwa-online.com

Opening Doors Beyond Ramadan

I am so delighted that this blog will remain open all year around! I an extremely honored to have had the opportunity to join with a wonderful, diverse and intelligent group of individuals, in celebrating Ramadan this year. I hope to continue engaging with all of you in discussions about Islam and cultural diversity.

I would love to see this blog contribute to the discussion of a new, more equitable, analysis of Islam throughout the world, and establish a more productive and constructive lens through which to approach Islam and Muslim cultures - as opposed to the ahistorical and fossilized conceptions of Islam that is often articulated through the Western lens.

I am particularly interested in new themes arising with an eye to Islamic Feminism, as well as cross-cultural and interfaith feminist dialogue.

Any thoughts?

End of Ramadan

Today according to the sighting of the moon around various parts of the world, almost all muslims celebrated the end of the holy month of Ramadan by celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr. On behalf of all the bloggers at the Ramadan Kareem Blog I would like to wish all the visitors a very happy Eid.

The Ramadan Kareem blog has previously only been active during the muslim month of Ramadan, giving our visitors a picture of what Ramadan is like around the world, explaining in our own humble opinions the best practices for Ramadan. We have shared stories of our experiences from various parts of the globe and learnt from our fellows what we did not know. We have shared pictures and recipies for Ramadan and in the process made friends who have learnt from us and taught us. We are hoping to continue informing our visitors about Ramadan and Islam through this forum all year round instead of just during the month of Ramadan, we will try to update the blog year round with stories about Islam and informative articles that might be of interest to you. We can also offer you any particular information that you might need about Islam, email us and we will try our best to be of assistance to our reader. Hope to see you all here.

Again wishing all vistors a very happy eid!

Salams / Peace

Observing Ramadan - The Big Picture - Boston.com

The following is a link to a wonderful news story in photographs its worth a visit.

Observing Ramadan - The Big Picture - Boston.com

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What to do in the Last Ten Days of Ramadan?

Abdul Malik Mujahid


In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.

We can provide some useful advice on how one could spend the last ten days of Ramadan, especially as these days are very special in the life of every Muslim. In fact, every day is special for Muslim, as long as he is always mindful of Allah in all what he does; every day Muslim gets increased in piety and draws closer to Almighty Allah. But these days of Ramadan are highly special in the sense of their falling in one of the most blessed months of the year; the month of Ramadan, the month of the Qur’anic revelation. May Allah Almighty help us get closer to Him in this month and may strengthen our faith in Him in a way that Satan will not be able to drive us away from His Path, Ameen.

Laylatul Qadr (the Night of Power) is described in the Qur’an as, {better than a thousand months}. [Surah Al-Qadr: 3] Any action done on this night such as reciting the Qur’an, remembering Allah, etc. is better than acting for one thousand months which do not contain the night of Qadr.

Allah's Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) used to exert himself in devotion during the last ten nights to a greater extent than at any other time.

The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said: "Whoever prays during the night of Qadr with faith and hoping for its reward will have all of his previous sins forgiven."
[Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim on the authority of Abu Hurairah].


Here are some tips of things we can do on the Night of Power and the time before and after it:

1. Take a Vacation for Allah

We take a break from our jobs for almost everything in life. Why not this time to focus on worshipping and thanking our Creator.

If this is not possible at least take a few days off if you can. This can make it easier to stay awake at night to do extra acts of worship, not having to worry about getting to work the following day. This will also make I`tikaf easy.


2. I`tikaf

It was a practice of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, to spend the last ten days and nights of Ramadan in the mosque for I`tikaf.

In I`tikaf one makes a spiritual retreat in the mosque all the time, performing various forms of dhikr (the remembrance of Allah), like doing extra Salat, recitation and study of the Qur’an. One does not go outside the mosque except in case of emergencies. I`tikaf of a shorter period of time, like one night, a day or a couple of days is encouraged as well.


3. Make This Special Du'a

Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, said: I asked the Messenger of Allah: 'O Messenger of Allah, if I know what night is the night of Qadr, what should I say during it?' He said:



اَللَّهُمَّ اِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ ، تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي



Allahumma innaka 'affuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'anni' "

'Say: O Allah, You are Oft-Pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.'"
[Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and at-Tirmidhi].



4. Recite the Qur’an

Perhaps one can choose Surahs or passages from the Quran which one has heard in Taraweeh this past Ramadan to recite.

On attending a class for Qur’anic recitation, this is a great time to put one’s knowledge into practice.


5. Get Your Sins Wiped Out

Abu Hurairah quoted Allah’s Messenger as saying: “Whoever stands (in prayer) in Laylatul Qadr while nourishing his faith with self-evaluation, expecting reward from Allah, will have all of his previous sins forgiven.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim].


6. Evaluate Yourself

Ask yourself those questions that need to be asked. Do an evaluation of where you are and where you are going. Let this evaluation lead you to feel happiness for the good you have done and remorse for the bad you have done. This latter feeling should make it easier to seek Allah's sincere forgiveness when invoking Allah and supplicating to Him in these blessed nights.


7. Make Long, Sincere and Deep Du'as

One of the best times to do this is during the last part of the night.

Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) quoted the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) as saying: “When the last one-third of the night remains, our Lord, the Glorious One descends towards the lower heaven and proclaims: Is there anyone supplicating to Me, so that I grant his supplication? Is there anyone begging of Me for anything so that and I grant him his wish? Is there anyone who seeks My forgiveness, so that I forgive him?”
[Sahih al-Bukhari, Muslim]. This means for instance, waking up one hour before Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) time to invoke Allah for anything and everything is something recommendable. This can be done using the Du`as (supplications) recorded in the Sunnah, but one is also allowed to say Du`a in one’s own language, with sincerity and conviction.


8. Have Iftar with the Family

If you've spent Iftar time on weekdays in your cubicle at work alone with a couple of dates, now is the last few days you'll have this Ramadan to spend with your family. Use it wisely.


9. Take the Family to Taraweeh

Have your spouse and kids missed Taraweeh most of Ramadan because you weren't there to drive them to the mosque, which is too far away to walk to? If so, do all of yourselves a favor and bring everyone for Taraweeh in these last ten nights.


10. Attend the Du'a After the Completion of the Qur’anic Recitation

Almost all the mosques where the Imam aims to finish an entire reading of the Qur’an in Taraweeh prayers in Ramadan will now be approaching the end of the task in these last ten nights. They may try to end on one of the odd nights and read the Du`a’ at the end of reading the Qur’an. Attend this particular night's Taraweeh prayer with your family. See if you can attend different mosques’ Taraweeh prayers the night they finish reading the Qur’an.


11. Finish Reading a Book on the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam):

Read about the Prophet's life, which can increase your love for him and Islam by seeing how much he struggled for Allah's sake. It may inspire you to push yourself even harder during these last ten nights. This community is built on sacrifice.


All these are just some hints on what is recommended for a Muslim to do in during the last ten nights of Ramadan. May Allah Almighty accept our worship and devotions.
Ameen.

What is Ramadan to you?

Since Ramadan has started I have heard this very question numerous times. After pondering on it for some time I have to realize that Ramadan is so very much to all of us. As for me Ramadan is such a special time. Ramadan is the holy month that the Quran was sent to us so we should take this time to get to know our Quran. Allah (saw) has given us all a book of life, how very lucky we are. But yet I am surprised when I tell people that my Ramadan goal is to finish the entire Quran not one single person has ever read it entirely. Sadly this is the state our ummah is in this day and age. We all make time to watch movies or to read novels nevertheless we still can not seem to find time to read our Qurans, astagfurAllah even though we all know the many benefits we get from reading it.

Ramadan to me is a time when I am able to fast as Allah has commanded me to do so. During my fast I feel the struggle that the poor go through every day of their life and this alone makes me appreciate what Allah has bestowed upon me in my life, alhumdullah. During this time I am able to connect with every Muslim in the world that is fasting along with me. And during this time I am reaping the many awards that Allah gives us for obeying his awards.

Ramadan to me is a time that my family and I are able to have fatoor and iftar together. This is a time that we are able to be thankful to Allah for the food we have and a time for me to cook for the people that I love; I love these moments with my loved ones.

And lastly, Ramadan to me is a time to improve my Islamic knowledge something that we should all thrive for on a daily basis. We should all always read about our beloved prophets, our history and so much more. This is our duty as Muslims.

I urge you all to share with us what Ramadan is to you and how you celebrate this blessed month in your home/country. I leave you all with some beautiful words of Ramadan.

Aboo Umaamah said: I came to Allah’s Messenger (r) and asked, “Instruct me to do
something which will put me in paradise,” and he replied, “You should fast for there is nothing
equal to it.” When I came to him a second time, he said, “You should fast.”

"Many a one who fasts obtains nothing from his fasting but thirst, and many a one who prays during the night obtains nothing from his night prayers but wakefulness."

Allah's apostle said, "Fasting is a shield (or a screen or a shelter). So, the person observing fast should avoid sexual relation with his wife and should not behave foolishly and impudently, and if someone fights with him or abuses him, he should tell him twice, "I am Fasting." The Prophet added, "By Him in whose hand my soul is, the smell coming out from the mouth of a fasting person is better in the sight of Allah than the smell of musk." (Allah says about the fasting person) 'He has left his food, drink and desires for My sake. The Fast is for Me. So I will reward (the fasting person) for it and the reward of good deeds is multiplied ten times."

Ramadan starts in India

With the sighting of the moon on Monday evening, Ramadan starts in the Indian subcontinent from Tuesday 2nd September. Taravih Prayers started today evening and muslims were seen thronging the mosques to partake the blessings and grace Allah Almighty has proomised in this month.

"When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of the Kingdom of Heaven are opened."

"Indeed as to the one who fasts, during the blessed moment of breaking the fast, this supplication will not be turned away by God."

- from the sayings of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him

May Allah Alighty grant us the blessings in this month. And make it a month of peace, patience and spiritual growth. Amen.