Spreading kindness in the home


Aishah (RA) said: "The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said:


'When Allah (SAW) wills some good towards the people of a household, He introduces kindness among them.'" (Reported by Imam Ahmad in al-Musnad, 6/71; Sahih al-Jami, 303)


According to another report:


"When Allah loves the people of a household, He introduces kindness among them." (Reported by Ibn Abi al-Dunya and others; Sahih al-Jami, 1704)


In other words, they start to be kind to one another. This is one of the means of attaining happiness in the home, for kindness is very beneficial between the spouses, and with the children, and it brings results that cannot be achieved through harshness, as the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) said:


"Allah loves kindness and rewards it in such a way that He does not reward for harshness or for anything else." (Reported by Muslim, Kitaab al-Birr wa'l-Sillah wa'l-Aadaab, 2592)


Helping one's wife with the housework


Many men think that housework is beneath them, and some of them think that it will undermine their status and position if they help their wives with this work. The Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.), however, used to sew his own clothes, mend his own shoes and do whatever other workmen do in their homes. (Reported by Imam Ahmad in al-Musnad, 6/121; Sahih al-Jami, 4927).


This was said by his wife Aishah (RA), when she was asked about what the Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.) used to do in his house; her response described what she herself had seen. According to another report, she said:


"He was like any other human being: he would clean his clothes, milk his ewe and serve himself." (Reported by Imam Ahmad in al-Musnad, 6/256; al-Silsilat al-Saheehah, 671)


She (RA) was also asked about what the Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.) used to do in his house, and she said, "He used to serve his family, then when the time for prayer came, he would go out to pray." (Reported by al-Bukhari, al-Fath, 2/162).


If we were to do likewise nowadays, we would achieve three things:


* We would be following the example of the Prophet (p.b.u.h.).


* We would be helping our wives.


* We would feel more humble, not arrogant.


Some men demand food instantly from their wives, when the pot is on the stove and the baby is screaming to be fed; they do not pick up the child or wait a little while for the food. Let these Hadith be a reminder and a lesson.


Being affectionate towards and joking with the members of the family


Showing affection towards one's wife and children is one of the things that leads to creating an atmosphere of happiness and friendliness in the home. Thus, the Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.) advised Jabir (RA) to marry a virgin, saying:


"Why did you not marry a virgin, so you could play with her and she could play with you, and you could make her laugh and she could make you laugh?" (The Hadith is reported in a number of places in the Saheehayn, such as al-Bukhari, al-Fath, 9/121)


The Prophet (p.b.u.h.) also said:


"Everything in which Allah's name is not mentioned is idleness and play, except for four things: a man playing with his wife." (Reported by al-Nasa’I in 'Ushrat al-Nisa', p. 87; Sahih al-Jami)


The Prophet (p.b.u.h.) used to treat his wife Aishah (RA) affectionately when doing ghusl with her, as she (RA) said:


"The Messenger of Allah and I used to do ghusl together from one vessel, and he would pretend to take all the water so that I would say, 'Leave some for me, leave some for me,'" - and both of them were in a state of janaabah (impurity). (Muslim bi Sharh al-Nawawi, 4/6).


The ways in which the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) showed affection towards young children are so famous, but still need mentioning. He often used to show his affection towards Hasan and Husain, as mentioned above. This is probably one of the reasons why the children used to rejoice when he came back from traveling; they would rush to welcome him, as reported in the Sahih Hadith:


"Whenever he came back from a journey, the children of his household would be taken out to meet him." He (p.b.u.h.) used to hug them close to him, as Abdullah Ibn Jafar (RA) said:


"Whenever the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) came back from a journey, we would be taken out to meet him. One day we met him, Hasan, Husain and I. He carried one of us in front of him, and another on his back, until we entered Madinah." (Sahih Muslim, 4/1885-2772; see the commentary in Tuhfat al-Ahwadhi, 8/56).


Compare this with the situation in some miserable homes where there are no truthful jokes [i.e., jokes that do not involve lying], no affection and no mercy. Whoever thinks that kissing his children goes against the dignity of fatherhood should read the following Hadith:


From Abu Hurayrah (RA) who said:


"The Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.) kissed al-Hasan Ibn Ali, and al-Aqra Ibn Haabis while al-Tamimi was sitting with him. Al-Aqra' said: 'I have ten children and I have never kissed any one of them.' The Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.) looked at him and said: 'The one who does not show mercy will not be shown mercy.'"


Source: jannah.org

The major sins are those acts which have been forbidden by Allah in the Quran and by His Messenger (p.b.u.h.) in the Sunnah (practice of the Prophet), and which have been made clear by the actions of of the first righteous generation of Muslims, the Companions of the Prophet (p.b.u.h.).


Allah Most High says in His Glorious Book:


"If you avoid the major (part) of what you have been forbidden (to do), We will cancel out for you your (other) evil deeds and will admit you (to Paradise) with a noble entry." (al-Nisa 4:31)


Thus, by this verse, Allah Most High has guaranteed the Garden of Paradise to those who avoid the major sins. And Allah Most High also says:


"Those who avoid the greatest of sins and indecencies, and forgive when they are angry." (al-Shura 42:37) "Those who avoid the greatest sins and indecencies, except for oversights, (will find that) surely your Lord is ample in forgiveness." (Al-Najm 53:32)


The Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.) said: "The five (daily) prayers, Friday to Friday, and Ramadan to Ramadan make atonement for what has happened since the previous one when major sins have been avoided." It is therefore very important to determine exactly what the greatest vices, technically called "the major sins" (Kaba'ir), are, in order that Muslims should avoid them.


There is some difference of opinion among scholars in this regard. Some say these major sins are seven, and in support of their position they quote the tradition: "Avoid the seven noxious things"- and after having said this, the prophet (p.b.u.h.) mentioned them: "Associating anything with Allah, magic, killing one whom Allah has declared inviolate without a just case, consuming the property of an orphan, devouring usury, turning back when the army advances, and slandering chaste women who are believers but indiscreet." (Bukhari and Muslim)


Abdullah Ibn Abbas said: "Seventy is closer to their number than seven." and indeed that is correct. The above tradition does not limit the major sins to those mentioned in it. Rather, it points to the type of sins which fall into the category of "major." These include those crimes which call for a prescribed punishment (HADD; plural, HUDUD), such as theft, fornication or adultery (ZINA), and murder; those prohibited acts for which a warning of a severe punishment in the next world is given in the Quran or the tradition; and also those deeds which are cursed by our Prophet (p.b.u.h.). These are all major sins.


Of course, there is a gradation among them, since some are more serious than others. We see that the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) has included SHIRK (associating someone or something with Allah) among them, and from the text of the Quran we know that a person who commits SHIRK will not his sin be forgiven and will remain in Hell forever.


Allah Most High says:


"Surely, Allah does not forgive associating anything with Him, and He forgives whatever is other than that to whomever He wills." (al-Nisa 4:48 and 116)


1. Associating anything with Allah.


2. Murder.


3. Practicing magic.


4. Not praying.


5. Not paying Zakat.


6. Not fasting on a day of Ramadan without excuse.


7. Not performing Hajj while being able to do so.


8. Disrespect to parents.


9. Abandoning relatives.


10. Fornication and adultery.


11. Homosexuality (sodomy).


12. Interest (Riba).


13. Wrongfully consuming the property of an orphan.


14. Lying about Allah and His Messenger.


15. Running away from the battlefield.


16. A leader's deceiving his people and being unjust to them.


17. Pride and arrogance.


18. Bearing false witness.


19. Drinking Khamr (wine).


20. Gambling.


21. Slandering chaste women.


22. Stealing from the spoils of war.


23. Stealing.


24. Highway robbery.


25. Taking false oath.


26. Oppression.


27. Illegal gain.


28. Consuming wealth acquired unlawfully.


29. Committing suicide.


30. Frequent lying.


31. Judging unjustly.


32. Giving and accepting bribes.


33. Woman's imitating man and man's imitating woman.


34. Being cuckold.


35. Marrying a divorced woman in order to make her lawful for the husband.


36. Not protecting oneself from urine.


37. Showing-off.


38. Learning knowledge of the religion for the sake of this world and concealing that knowledge.


39. Betrayal of trust.


40. Recounting favors.


41. Denying Allah's Decree.


42. Listening (to) people's private conversations.


43. Carrying tales.


44. Cursing.


45. Breaking contracts.


46. Believing in fortune-tellers and astrologers.


47. A woman's bad conduct towards her husband.


48. Making statues and pictures.


49. Lamenting, wailing, tearing the clothing, and doing other things of this sort when an affliction befalls.


50. Treating others unjustly.


51. Overbearing conduct toward the wife, the servant, the weak, and animals.


52. Offending one's neighbors.


53. Offending and abusing Muslims.


54. Offending people and having an arrogant attitude towards them.


55. Trailing one's garment in pride.


56. Men's wearing silk and gold.


57. A slave's running away from his master.


58. Slaughtering an animal which has been dedicated to anyone other than Allah.


59. To knowingly ascribe one's paternity to a father other than one's own.


60. Arguing and disputing violently.


61. Withholding excess water.


62. Giving short weight or measure.


63. Feeling secure from Allah's Plan.


64. Offending Allah's righteous friends.


65. Not praying in congregation but praying alone without an excuse.


66. Persistently missing Friday prayers without any excuse.


67. Usurping the rights of the heir through bequests.


68. Deceiving and plotting evil.


69. Spying for the enemy of the Muslims.


70. Cursing or insulting any of the Companions of Allah's Messenger.


By: Muhammad Bin Uthman Adh-Dhahabi


Source: jannah.org

Many years ago, during the time of the Taabi'een (the generation of Muslims after the Sahabah), Baghdad was a great city of Islam. In fact, it was the capital of the Islamic Empire and because of the great number of scholars who lived there, it was the center of Islamic knowledge. One day, the ruler of Rome at that time sent an envoy to Baghdad with three challenges for the Muslims. When the messenger reached the city, he informed the Khalifah that he had three questions which he challenged the Muslims to answer.


The Khalifah gathered together all the scholars of the city and the Roman messenger climbed upon a high platform and said, "I have come with three questions. If you answer them, then I will leave with you a great amount of wealth which I have brought from the king of Rome.


As for the questions, they were:


'What was there before Allah?'


'In which direction does Allah face?'


'What is Allah engaged in at this moment?'"


The great assembly of people were silent. (Can you think of answers to these questions?) In the midst of these brilliant scholars and students of Islam, there was a man looking on with his young son. "O my dear father! I will answer him and silence him!" said the youth.


So the boy sought the permission of the Khalifah to give the answers and he was given the permission to do so.


The Roman addressed the young Muslim and repeated his first question, "What was there before Allah?" The boy asked, "Do you know how to count?"


"Yes," said the man.


"Then count down from ten!" So the Roman counted down, "ten, nine, eight, ..." until he reached "one" and he stopped counting. "But what comes before 'one'?" asked the boy.


"There is nothing before one- that is it!" said the man. "Well then, if there obviously is nothing before the arithmetic 'one', then how do you expect that there should be anything before the 'One' who is Absolute truth, All-Eternal, Everlasting the First, the Last, the Manifest, the Hidden?"


Now the man was surprised by this direct answer which he could not dispute.


So he asked, "Then tell me, in which direction is Allah facing?"


"Bring a candle and light it," said the boy, "and tell me in which direction the flame is facing."


"But the flame is just light- it spreads in each of the four directions, North, South, East and West. It does not face any one direction only," said the man in wonderment.


The boy cried, "Then if this physical light spreads in all four directions such that you cannot tell me which way it faces, then what do you expect of the Nur-us-Samawati-wal-'Ard: Allah - the Light of the Heavens and the Earth!? Light upon Light, Allah faces all directions at all times."


The Roman was stupefied and astounded that here was a young child answering his challenges in such a way that he could not argue against the proofs.


So, he desperately wanted to try his final question. But before doing so, the boy said, "Wait! You are the one who is asking the questions and I am the one who is giving the answers to these challenges. It is only fair that you should come down to where I am standing and that I should go up where you are right now, in order that the answers may be heard as clearly as the questions.


"This seemed reasonable to the Roman, so he came down from where he was standing and the boy ascended the platform. Then the man repeated his final challenge, "Tell me, what is Allah doing at this moment?" The boy proudly answered, "At this moment, when Allah found upon this high platform a liar and mocker of Islam, He caused him to descend and brought him low. And as for the one who believed in the Oneness of Allah, He raised him up and established the Truth. Every day He exercises (universal) power (Surah 55 ar-Rahman, Verse 29)."


The Roman had nothing to say except to leave and return back to his country, defeated. Meanwhile, this young boy grew up to become one of the most famous scholars of Islam. Allah, the Exalted, blessed him with special wisdom and knowledge of the Deen (religion). His name was Abu Hanifah (rahmatullah alayhi- May Allah have mercy on him) and he is known today as Imam Abu Hanifah (Imam-e-Azam), the Great Imam and scholar of Islam.


By: Imam Muwaffaq Ibn Ahmad al-Makki


Source: rahmah.net

Assalamu alaikum Akhee's & Ukhtee's (brothers and sisters).


I came across this nice article and decided to forward it because it is worth reflecting how is it exactly that we are spending our time. How are we going to account for what we did? We must start preparing now, so that we don't get stuck in that hour where no one will help one other. Anyway here's the article.


I decided to be mindful of how I spend my time......


Since last night my young son has been unwell. When I got back from work this evening, I decided to take him to hospital despite my exhaustion. Indeed, fatigue for his sake is rest. There were many waiting; perhaps we will be delayed by more than an hour. I took my number and sat down in the waiting room. There were many faces, young and old, but all silent. Some brothers made use of the many booklets available in the waiting room. Some of those waiting had their eyes closed, while others were looking around. Most were bored.


Once in a while the long silence was broken by a nurse calling out a number. Happiness appears on the one whose turn it is, and he gets up quickly; then silence returns.


A young man grabbed my attention. He was reading a pocket-sized Quran continuously; not raising his head even once. At first I did not think much about him. However, after one hour of waiting my casual glances turned into a deep reflection about his lifestyle and how he utilizes his time. One hour of life wasted!


Instead of making benefit of that hour, it was just a boring wait. Then the call for prayer was made. We went to prayer in the hospital's mosque. I tried to pray close to the man who was reading the Holy Quran earlier in the waiting room.


After the prayer I walked with him. I informed him of how impressed I was of him and how he tries to benefit from his time. He told me that most of our time is wasted without any benefit. These are days that go from our lives without being conscious of them or regretting their waste. He said that he started carrying the pocket-sized Quran around when a friend encouraged him to make full use of his time. He told me that in the time other people waste he gets to read much more of Quran than he gets to read either at home or in the mosque. Moreover, besides the reward of reading Quran, this habit saves him from boredom and stress.


He added that he has now been waiting for one and a half hours. Then he asked, when will you find one and a half hours to read Quran? I reflected; how much time do we waste? How many moments of our lives pass by, and yet we do not account for how they passed by? Indeed, how many months pass by and we do not read Quran? I came to respect my companion, and I discovered that I am to stand for account and that time is not in my hand; so what am I waiting for?


My thoughts were interrupted by the nurse calling out my number; I went to the doctor. But I want to achieve something now. After I left the hospital, I quickly went to the bookshop and bought a pocket-sized Quran. I decided to be mindful of how I spend the time. That was my intention when I put that Quran in my pocket. How many people will do this?


And what great reward is for the one who guides others to this idea?


By: Sister Maymuna Hasan


Source: groups.msn.com

Has not the time come for the hearts of those who believe to be affected by Allah's Reminder and that which has been revealed of the truth, lest they become as those who received the Scripture before, and the term was prolonged for them and so their hearts were hardened? And many of them were rebellious, disobedient (faasiqoon)." (Al-Hadeed, 57/16)


Allah sent to us Quran and "the skins of those who fear their Lord shiver from it (when they recite it or hear it). Then their skin and their heart soften to the remembrance of Allah." (Az Zumar/23)


He mentioned in Quran the promise and the threat, and made clear that His believing servants are fearful and shivering from the punishment of their Lord. Our Lord, the Exalted elucidated to us that the believer, whenever his Iman strengthens and his certainty increases, becomes more fearful of Allah.


Weeping of the Prophet (p.b.u.h.)


The Prophet (p.b.u.h.), said to Abdullah Ibn Mas'ood, "Read to me Quran." He said, 'O Messenger of Allah! Should I recite to you and it was revealed to you?' He said, "Yes, for I like to hear it from others." 'I recited Soorat an-Nisaa until I reached the ayah,


"How (will it be) then, when We bring from each nation a witness and We bring you (O Muhammad) as a witness against these people?" (An-Nisaa/41)


He then said, "Stop now." I found that his eyes were tearful.' (Fath al-Baari 8/712)


Abdullah Ibn ash-Shikhkheer (May Allah be pleased with him) said: "I saw the Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.) praying with us, and I heard the sound of his weeping coming out of his chest, which was like the sound of a boiling pot." (Abu Dawood, An-Nasaa'i, and At-Tirmidhi in ash-Shama'il, authenticated by Ibn Khuzaymah, Ibn Hibban and Al-Hakim)


Weeping of Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him)


Aaisha said, "During his illness, the Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.) said: 'Order Abu Bakr to lead the prayer.' I told the Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.) that, 'Indeed, if Abu Bakr stands in your place the people will not be able to hear him due to his (excessive) weeping.'" (al-Bukhari)


Our weeping


The righteous have cried, the worshippers have cried and the believers have cried. And in this time there are people by whom a complete year passes and they do not drop a single tear from the fear of Allah.


O Allah we seek refuge with you from hard hearts. O Allah soften our hearts to Your remembrance!


"Those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah - Islamic Monotheism), and whose hearts find rest in the remembrance of Allah, Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest." (Ar-Ra'd/28)


"The believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, feel a fear in their hearts and when His Verses (this Quran) are recited unto them, they increase their Faith; and they put their trust in their Lord (Alone)." (Al-Anfaal/2)


So why do we not cry today? We do not cry from the strength of the hardness of our hearts and our hearts' attachment to this world. So our hearts have hardened and our eyes have dried.


We are distant from our Lord. Had we been close our hearts would not have hardened. So he, who spends a whole week without his eye dropping a tear, let him sit and supplicate and humble himself. Maybe his heart would soften and his eye would drop a tear. And if his heart doesn’t drop a tear, then let him open the Book of Allah and read its ayat with contemplation, humility and submissiveness. So if his eye cries, his heart fears and his soul humbles he has succeeded; and if he continues in the state of the hardened heart, let him sit in a dark room and weep over his state, for his heart has died.


By: Sh. Waheed Abdussalam Baali


Source: islaam.com

Sawm, or ritual fasting is the third pillar of Islam. This fast takes place each year during Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. The fast of Ramadan lasts for the whole month. From dawn to sunset we are required to refrain from all types of food and drink. If one is sick or on a journey, one is allowed not to fast. But the missed fast has to be made up by fasting the same number of days afterwards.


According to Quran, the main purpose of fasting is to attain Taqwa or God-consciousness. Thus, fasting brings us closer to God.


Fasting, according to the Prophet, is a shield, which guards us from evil ways. In Ramadan, extra salah in performed. There is extra Sunnah salah on Ramadan nights called salat-ut-Tarawih. In the last ten days of Ramadan, some retreat to the mosque to perform Itikaaf, to pray and to read Quran as much as they can.


Ramadan is a blessed month. The Holy Quran was revealed in this month. Ramadan is also called the month of the Quran.


Benefits of Fasting


1. There is a feeling of togetherness, as all Muslims, rich and poor, fulfill the same demands of the fast and then share their food together at night.


2. The rich gain a better understanding of what it must be like for the poor who can not always eat when they want to. This should make them more generous towards them.


3. Muslims will learn to appreciate all the good things they have each day, and to thank Allah for them, instead of just taking them for granted.


4. Muslims learn self control.


5. Muslim learn how to endure hardship.


Ramadan thus brings us closer to the path of goodness and God-consciousness.


By: Dr. Farida Khanam


Source: alrisala.org

This article provides useful advice on how to avoid some common problems encountered in Ramadan. If followed, it would enable one to fast comfortably and enjoy fully the spiritual benefits of Ramadan.


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, marrow, spinach, and other herbs like the leaves of beetroot (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.


AVOID


* Fried and fatty foods.


* Foods containing too much sugar.


* Over-eating especially in Suhoor (Sahari).


* Too much tea in Suhoor (Sahari). 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


EAT


* Complex carbohydrates in Suhoor (Sahari) so that the food lasts longer making you less hungry.


* Haleem is an excellent source of protein and is a slow-burning food.


* Dates are excellent source of sugar, fiber, carbohydrates, potassium and magnesium.


* Almonds are rich in protein and fiber with less fat.


* Bananas are a good source of potassium, magnesium and carbohydrates.


DRINK


As much water or fruit juices as possible between Iftar and bedtime so that your body may adjust fluid levels in time.


CONSTIPATION


Constipation can cause piles (hemorrhoids), fissures (painful cracks in anal canal) and indigestion with a bloated feeling.


Causes: Too much refined foods, too little water and not enough fiber in the diet.


Remedy: Avoid excessive refined foods, increase water intake, use bran in baking, brown flour when making bread.


INDIGESTION AND WIND


Causes: Over-eating. Too much fried and fatty foods, spicy foods, and foods that produce wind e.g. eggs, cabbage, lentils, carbonated drinks like Cola also produce gas.


Remedy: Do not over-eat, drink fruit juices or better still drink water. Avoid fried foods.


LETHARGY (low blood pressure)


Excessive sweating, weakness, tiredness, lack of energy, dizziness, especially on getting up from sitting position, pale appearance and feeling faint are symptoms associated with "low blood pressure". This tends to occur towards the afternoon.


Causes: Too little fluid intake, decreased salt intake.


Remedy: Keep cool, increase fluid and salt intake.


Caution: Low blood pressure should be confirmed by taking a blood pressure reading when symptoms are present. People with high blood pressure may need their medication adjusted during Ramadan. They should consult their doctor.


HEADACHE


Causes: Caffeine and tobacco-withdrawal, doing too much in one day, lack of sleep, hunger usually occur as the day goes by and worsens at the end of the day. When associated with "low blood pressure", the headache can be quite severe and can also cause nausea before Iftar.


Remedy: Cut down caffeine and tobacco slowly starting a week or two before Ramadan. Herbal and caffeine-free teas may be substituted. Reorganize your schedule during the Ramadan so as to have adequate sleep.


LOW BLOOD SUGAR


Weakness, dizziness, tiredness, poor concentration, perspiring easily, feeling shaky (tremor), unable to perform physical activities, headache, palpitations are symptoms of low blood sugar.


Causes in non-diabetics: Having too much sugar i.e. refined carbohydrates, especially in Suhoor (Sahari). The body produces too much insulin causing the blood glucose to drop.


Remedy: Eat something in Suhoor (Sahari) and limit sugar-containing foods and drinks.


Caution: Diabetics may need to adjust their medication in Ramadan, consult your doctor.


MUSCLE CRAMPS


Causes: Inadequate intake of calcium, magnesium and potassium foods.


Remedy: Eat foods rich in the above minerals e.g. vegetables, fruit, dairy products, meat and dates.


Caution: Those on high blood pressure medication and with kidney stone problems should consult their doctor.


PEPTIC ULCERS, HEART BURN, GASTRITIS AND HIATUS HERNIA


Increased acid levels in the empty stomach in Ramadan aggravate the above conditions. It presents as a burning feeling in the stomach area under the ribs and can extend up to the throat. Spicy foods, coffee, and cola drinks worsen these conditions.


Medications are available to control acid levels in the stomach. People with proven peptic ulcers and hiatus hernia should consult their doctor well before Ramadan.


KIDNEY STONES


Kidney stones may occur in people who have less liquids to drink. Therefore, it is essential to drink extra liquids so as to prevent stone formation.


JOINT PAINS


Causes: During Ramadan, when extra salah are performed the pressure on the knee joints increases. In the elderly and those with arthritis this may result in pain, stiffness, swelling and discomfort.


Remedy: Lose weight so that the knees do not have to carry any extra load. Exercise the lower limbs before Ramadan so that they can be prepared for the additional strain. Being physically fit allows greater fulfillment, thus enabling one to be able to perform salah with ease.


By: Dr. Farouk Haffejee


Source: msapubli.com

How to take full advantage and benefit from the last part of Ramadan?


Though all parts of Ramadan are full of blessings and rewards, its last ten days hold a special status reflected in the recommendations and practices of the Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.) and his companions. I will focus here on three major practices of the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) and his companions during these days.


1-Praying in the last ten nights of Ramadan


Al-Bukhari and Muslim record from Aishah that during the last ten days of Ramadan, the Messenger of Allah would wake his wives up during the night and then remain apart from them (that is, being busy in acts of worship). A narration in Muslim states: "He would strive (to do acts of worship) during the last ten days of Ramadan more than he would at any other time."


Aishah reported that with the start of the last ten days of Ramadan, the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) used to tighten his waist belt (i.e. work hard) and used to pray all the night, and used to keep his family awake for the prayers. (Bukhari)


2-Performing I`tikaf in the Masjid (seclusion in the Mosque)


Before going to the essential of this last section, let us stop by one of the great Imams of Ahl Assunnah wal Jama`ah, one of the greatest revivers of the Dawah and the methodology of the Salaf, Shaikh ul-Islam Shamsuddeen Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah who will give us a brain storming admonition.


He says (May Allah be pleased with him) in Zaad al Ma`aad fi hadyi khairi al `ibaab :


"Since the hearts' rectitude and firmness upon the path towards Allah, the Most High, rests upon directing it solely upon Allah and causing it to turn and give all its attention to Allah, the Most High. Since the disorder of the heart cannot be rectified except by turning to Allah, the Most High, and its disorder will be increased by eating and drinking too much, mixing with the people excessively, speaking profusely and sleeping too much. These will cause it to wander into every valley, and cut it off from its path to Allah, weaken it, divert it or put a halt to it.


From the mercy of the Mighty and Most Merciful is that He has prescribed for them fasting, which will cut off the excesses of eating and drinking, and empties the hear of its desires which divert it on its journey to Allah the Most High. He prescribed it in due proportion as will be appropriate and will benefit the servant, with regard to this world and the Hereafter, and does not harm him, nor damage what is beneficial for him.


He also prescribed I`tikaf for them, by which is intended that the heart is fully occupied with Allah, the Most High, concentrated upon Him alone, and cut off from preoccupation with the creation. Rather it is engrossed with Him alone, the One free of all defects, such that remembering Him, loving Him and turning to Him takes the place of all anxieties of the heart and its suggestions, such that he is able to overcome them. Thus all his concerns are for Him. His thoughts are all of remembrance of Him, and thinking of how to attain His Pleasure and what will cause nearness to Him. This leads him to feel contented with Allah instead of the people, so that prepares him for being at peace with Him alone on the day of loneliness in the grave, when there is no one else to give comfort, nor anyone to grant solace except Him. So this is the greater goal of I`tikaf."


I`tikaf is the seclusion and staying in the mosque with the intention of becoming closer to Allah. This was the practice of the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) during the last ten days of Ramadan especially. He would do it during other months as well.


Aishah reported that the Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.) used to practice I`tikaf in the last ten nights of Ramadan and used to say, "Look for the Night of Qadr in the last ten nights of the month of Ramadan." (Bukhari)


Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) said: "Allah's Messenger (p.b.u.h.) used to perform I`tikaf for ten days every Ramadan, then when it was the year in which he was taken (died), he performed I`tikaf for twenty days. (Bukhari)


Aishah reported that the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) used to practice I`tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan till he died and then his wives used to practice I`tikaf after him. (Bukhari)


Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) also reported that the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) used to perform I`tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan until Allah the Mighty and Majestic, took him. (Bukhari and Muslim)


Al-Bukhari records from Abu Said that the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) said: "Whoever makes I`tikaf with me is to make I`tikaf during the last ten (nights)."


This Sunnah of the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) has been abandoned by many Muslims and it is worth reviving it in this era.


Aishah related that if the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) intended to make I`tikaf, he would pray the morning prayer and begin it. One time he wanted to make I`tikaf during the last ten nights of Ramadan, and he ordered his tent to be set up. Aishah reported: "When I saw that, I ordered my tent to be set up, and some of the Prophet's wives followed suit. When he (the Prophet) prayed the morning prayer, he saw all of the tents, and said: 'What is this?' They said: 'We are seeking obedience (to Allah and His Messenger). Then he ordered his tent and those of his wives to be taken down, and he delayed his I`tikaf to the first ten days of Shawwal)." (Bukhari)


The fact that the Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.) ordered (his and) his wives' tents to be struck down and (he himself left and) asked them to leave the I`tikaf after they have made the intention for it shows that they discarded the I`tikaf after they had begun it. (in this small paragraph are some additional comments to clarify things).


It is preferred for the one who is making I`tikaf to perform many supererogatory acts of worship and to occupy himself with prayers, reciting Quran, glorifying and praising Allah, extolling His oneness and His greatness, asking His forgiveness, sending salutations on the Prophet (p.b.u.h.), and supplicating Allah - that is, all actions that bring one closer to Allah. Included among these actions is studying and reading books of Tafsir and Hadith, books on the lives of the Prophets (p.b.u.t.), books of Fiqh, and so on. It is also preferred to set up a small tent in the courtyard of the mosque as the Prophet did.


3-Seeking Lailatul-Qadr (the Night of Decree)


It is the greatest night of the year like the Day of Arafah is the greatest day of the year. It is a night about which Allah reveled a full Surah, Suratul-Qadr (Al Qadr/1-5) and (ad-Dukhan/3-6)


It is the night when Quran was reveled.


It is the night when the Message sent to Mohammad, (p.b.u.h.) started.


It is the night when the light that would illuminate mankind to the end of life, started.


It is the night when every matter of ordainment is decreed.


Allah says in what can be translated as:


"Verily! We have sent it (this Quran) down in the Night of Decree (Lailatul-Qadr). And what will make you know what the Night of Decree is? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. Therein descend the angels and the Rooh (i.e.. Jibreel [Gabriel]) by Allah's Permission with all Decrees, Peace! until the appearance of dawn." (Al Qadr/1-5)


and in Surat ad-Dukhan:


"We sent it (this Quran) down on a blessed Night. Verily, We are ever warning (mankind of Our Torment). Therein (that Night) is decreed every matter of ordainment. Amran (i.e. a command or this Quran or His Decree of every matter) from Us. Verily, We are ever sending (the Messenger). (As) a Mercy from your Lord. Verily! He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower. (ad-Dukhan/3-6)


A person who misses Lailatul-Qadr is really a deprived person!


Abu Hurairah reported that the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) said " The blessed month has come to you. Allah has made fasting during it obligatory upon you. During it the gates to Paradise are opened and the gates of Hellfire are locked, and the devils are chained. There is a night (during this month) which is better than a thousand months. Whoever is deprived of its good is really deprived (of something great). (Ahmad, an-Nisa'i and al-Bayhaqi)


What happens to the person who witnesses Lailatul-Qadr? and what should one do?


Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.) said : "Whoever stands (in prayer) in Lailatul-Qadr out of Eemaan (faith and sincerity) and seeking reward then his previous sins are forgiven". (Bukhari)


It is recommended to supplicate a lot during this night, it is reported from our mother Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) that she said: "O Messenger of Allah! What if I knew which night Lailatul-Qadr was, then what should I say in it?" He said.- "Say.- (Allahumma innaka 'affuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'annee.)


"O Allah You are The One Who pardons greatly, and loves to pardon, so pardon me.". (at-Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah with a Sahih Isnad)


When is Lailatul-Qadr?


It is preferred to seek this night during the last ten odd nights of Ramadan, as the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) strove his best in seeking it during that time. We have already mentioned that the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) would stay up during the last ten nights, would wake his wives, and then would remain apart from them to worship.


Ibn Abbas reported that the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) said, "Look for the Night of Qadr in the last ten nights of Ramadan, on the night when nine or seven or five nights remain out of the last ten nights of Ramadan (i.e. 21, 23, 25, respectively)." (Bukhari)


Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) said: "Allah's Messenger (p.b.u.h.) used to practice I`tikaf in the last ten nights and say: 'Seek out Lailatul-Qadr in the (odd nights) of the last ten of Ramadan.'" (Bukhari and Muslim)


However, if the servant is too weak or unable, then he should at least not let the last seven pass him by, due to what is reported from Ibn Umar, who said: "Allah's Messenger (p.b.u.h.) said: 'Seek it in the last ten, and if one of you is too weak or unable, then let him not allow that to make him miss the final seven.'" (Bukhari and Muslim)


This explains his saying: "I see that your dreams are in agreement (that it is in the last seven), so he who wishes to seek it out then let him seek it in the last seven." (Bukhari and Muslim)


It is known from the Sunnah, that knowledge of the exact night upon which Lailatul-Qadr falls was taken up because the people argued, Ubaadah Ibn as- Saamit (May Allah be pleased with him) said: "The Prophet came out intending to tell us about Lailatul-Qadr, however two men were arguing and he said: 'I come out to inform you about Lailatul-Qadr but so and so, and, so and so were arguing, so it was raised up, and perhaps that is better for you, so seek it on the (twenty) ninth and the (twenty) seventh and the (twenty) fifth.'" (Bukhari)


Some of the Ahadith indicate that Lailatul-Qadr is in the last ten nights, while others indicate that it is in the odd nights of the last ten, so the first are general and the second more particular, and the particular has to be given priority over the general. Other Ahadith state that it is in the last seven - and these are restricted by mention of one who is too weak or unable. So there is no confusion, all the Ahadith agree and are not contradictory.


In conclusion: The Muslim should seek out Lailatul-Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten: the night of the twenty-first, the twenty-third, the twenty-fifth, the twenty-seventh and the twenty-ninth. If he is too weak or unable to seek it out in all the odd nights, then let him seek it out in the odd nights of the of seven: the night of the twenty-fifth, the twenty-seventh and the twenty-ninth. And Allah knows best.


What are the signs of Lailatul-Qadr?


Allah's Messenger (p.b.u.h.) described the morning after Lailatul-Qadr, so that the Muslim may know which day it is. From Ubayy (May Allah be pleased with him) who said: that he (p.b.u.h.) said: "On the morning following Lailatui-Qadr the sun rises not having any rays, as if it were a brass dish, until it rises up." (Muslim, Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah)


Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) said : "We were discussing Lailatul-Qadr in the presence of Allah's Messenger (May Allah be pleased with him) so he said: 'Which of you remembers (the night) when the moon arose and was like half a plate?'" (Muslim)


Ibn Abbas (May Allah be pleased with him) said: Allah's Messenger (May Allah be pleased with him) said: "Lailatul-Qadr is calm and pleasant, neither hot nor cold, the sun arises on its morning being feeble and red.'' (at-Tayaalisee, Ibn Khuzaimah and al-Bazzaar with a Hasan Isnad)


We pray to Allah, Almighty, Most Merciful to bless us this Ramadan by witnessing Lailatul-Qadr.


Source: www.quraan.com

Shawwal is the tenth month in the lunar calendar. The first of Shawwal is Eid ul Fitr. After the festivity of Eid it is recommended to observe six days of fast. This fast may be observed continuously non-break, or it may be observed one day at a time. If you observe it continuously, you may start on the fourth day and end on the ninth of day Shawwal, or you may select days at random, provided you complete six days before the end of Shawwal. For instance, you may observe the 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, 14th and 15th days. Abu Ayyub Al-Ansari (May Allah be pleased with him) related the Messenger of Allah, (p.b.u.h.), said: "Whoever observes the Ramadan fast and follows it with six days of fast in Shawwal, it is as if he has fasted Dahr (the whole year or possibly forever)." (Bukhari)


Analyzing this Hadith, our jurists (Ulama) explained how according to this Hadith, a Muslim who fasts during Ramadan every year and follows it with six days fast of Shawwal, will be credited for fasting a whole lifetime. The Jurists correctly said: "A good deed (Hasanah) is rewarded a minimum of ten times its equivalent. It follows, then, that one Ramadan is equivalent to ten months of fasting, and the clincher, six days, is equal to two months, (6x10=60)." That undoubtedly completes the year's twelve months. Thus, we see the wisdom and the reason why the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) mentioned six days after Ramadan in Shawwal, not five or seven.


Source: Jannah.org

Know, O dear readers, that the medicine of a disease is to remove the root cause of that disease. Isa (Jesus Christ) (p.b.u.h.) was once asked: "What thing is difficult?" He said: "God's wrath." Prophet Yahya (John the Baptist) (p.b.u.h.) then asked: "What thing takes near the wrath of God?" He said:" Anger". Yahya (p.b.u.h.) asked him:" What thing grows and increases anger?" Isa (p.b.u.h.) said:" Pride, prestige, hope for honor and haughtiness."


The causes which cause anger to grow are self-conceit, self-praise, jests and ridicule, argument, treachery, too much greed for too much wealth and name and fame. If these evils are united in a person, his conduct becomes bad and he cannot escape anger. So these things should be removed by their opposites. Self-praise is to be removed by modesty. Pride is to be removed by one's own origin and birth. Greed is to be removed by remaining satisfied with


necessary things, and miserliness by charity.


The prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) said: "A strong man is not he who defeats his adversary by wrestling, but a strong man is he who controls himself at the time of anger."


We are describing below the medicines of anger after one gets angry. The medicine is a mixture of knowledge and action. The medicine based on knowledge is of six kinds:


1) The first medicine of knowledge is to think over the rewards of appeasing anger, that have come from the verses of the Quran and the sayings of the Prophet (p.b.u.h.). Your hope for getting rewards of appeasing anger will restrain you from taking revenge.


2) The second kind of medicine based on knowledge is to fear the punishment of God and to think that the punishment of God upon me is greater than my punishment upon him. If I take revenge upon this man for anger, God will take revenge upon me on the Judgment Day.


3) The third kind of medicine of anger based on knowledge is to take precaution about punishment of enmity and revenge on himself. You feel joy in having your enemy in your presence in his sorrows. You yourself are not free from that danger. You will fear that your enemy might take revenge against you in this world and in the next.


4) Another kind of medicine based on knowledge is to think about the ugly face of the angry man, which is just like that of the ferocious beast. He who appeases anger looks like a sober and learned man.


5) The fifth kind of medicine based on knowledge is to think that the devil will advise by saying: "You will be weak if you do not get angry! "Do not listen to him!


6) The sixth reason is to think: "What reason have I got to get angry? What Allah wishes has occurred!"


Medicine based on action


When you get angry, say: I seek refuge in God from the accursed evil (A'oudhou billaahi min as shaytaan ir rajeem). The prophet (p.b.u.h.) ordered us to say thus.


When Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) got angry, he dragged her by the nose and said: " O dear Aaisha, say: O God, you are the Lord of my prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.), forgive my sins and remove the anger from my heart and save me from misguidance."


If anger does not go by this means, you will sit down if you are standing, lie down if you are sitting, and come near to earth, as you have been created of earth. Thus, make yourself calm like the earth. The cause of wrath is heat and its opposite is to lie down on the ground and to make the body calm and cool.


The prophet (p.b.u.h.) said: "Anger is a burning coal. Don't you see your eyebrows wide and eyes reddish? So when one of you feels angry, let him sit down if standing, and lie down if sitting."


If still anger does not stop, make ablution with cold water or take a bath, as fire cannot be extinguished without water.


The prophet (p.b.u.h.) said: "When one of you gets angry, let him make ablution with water as anger arises out of fire. "In another narration, he said: "Anger comes from the devil and the devil is made of fire."


Ali (May Allah be pleased with him) said: "The prophet (p.b.u.h.) did not get angry for any action of the world. When any true matter charmed him, nobody knew it and nobody got up to take revenge for his anger. HE GOT ANGRY ONLY FOR TRUTH."


By: Imam al Ghazali


Source: jannah.org