The Signs are listed in roughly chronological order, although the order is not necessarily precise, especially for those in the future.


This is a brief summary of the signs; there are many books, articles, and cassettes etc., which discuss these in greater detail. May Allah enable us to recognize and heed the Signs, and strengthen us in the times of tribulation.


"Are they waiting for anything except the Hour, to come to them suddenly? But its Signs have already come!" (Al-Quran, Surah Muhammad)


Past


1. Splitting of the Moon.


2. Death of the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace.


3. A form of death, which will kill thousands of Muslims. (Understood to refer to the plague of Amwas during the caliphate of ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab.)


4. A major fighting in Madinah (understood to refer to the battle of al-Harrah during the caliphate of Yazid, 63 AH).


5. The Muslim conquest of Jerusalem.


6. The Muslim conquest of Constantinople.


7. Two large groups of Muslims will fight in war.


8. A war between the Muslims and a reddish people with small eyes, wearing sandals made of hair (understood to refer to the Mongol Tatar invasion of the Islamic lands.)


9. A peace agreement between the Muslims and non-Muslims from the yellow race (Chinese, Mongols, etc.)


10. Thirty impostors (Dajjaal) will appear, each thinking he is a prophet.


Present


11. Naked, destitute, barefoot shepherds will compete in building tall buildings.


12. The slave-woman will give birth to her master or mistress.


13. A trial (fitnah), which will enter every Arab household.


14. Knowledge will be taken away (by the death of people of knowledge), and ignorance will prevail.


15. Wine (intoxicants, alcohol) will be drunk in great quantities.


16. Illegal sexual intercourse will become widespread.


17. Earthquakes will increase.


18. Time will pass more quickly.


19. Tribulations (fitan) will prevail.


20. Bloodshed will increase.


21. A man will pass by the grave of another and wish he was in the latter’s place.


22. Trustworthiness will be lost, i.e. when authority is given to those who do not deserve it.


23. People will gather for prayer, but will be unable to find an imam to lead them.


Future


24. The number of men will decrease, whilst the number of women will increase, until for every man there are 50 women.


25. The Euphrates will reveal a treasure of gold, and many will die fighting over it, each one hoping to be the one who gains the treasure.


26. The Romans (Europeans) will come to a place called A’maq or Wabiq, and an army of the best people will go forth from Madinah to face them.


27. The Muslim conquest of Rome.


28. The Mahdi (guided one) will appear, and be the Imam of the Muslims.


29. Jesus Christ will descend in Damascus, and pray behind the Mahdi.


30. Jesus will break the cross and kill the swine, i.e. destroy the false Christianity.


31. The Antichrist (al-masih al-dajjal, the false Christ) will appear, with all his tools of deception, and be an immense trial. He will be followed by 70,000 Jews from Isfahan (present-day Iran).


32. The appearance of Ya’juj and Ma’juj (Gog and Magog), and the associated tribulations.


33. The emergence of the Beast from the Earth, carrying the Staff of Moses and the Seal of Solomon, who will speak to the people, telling them they did not believe with certainty in the Divine Signs.


34. A major war between the Muslims (including Jews and Christians who truly believe in Jesus after his return) led by the Imam Mahdi, and the Jews plus other non-Muslims led by the Antichrist.


35. Jesus will kill the Antichrist at the gate of Ludd (Lod in present-day Israel, site of an airport and a major Israeli military base).


36. A time of great peace and serenity during and after the remaining lifetime of Jesus.


37. Wealth will come so abundant that it will become difficult to find someone to accept charity.


38. Arabia will become a land of gardens and rivers.


39. Society will then decay.


40. The buttocks of the women of the tribe of Daws will again sway in circumambulation (tawaf) around the idol Dhul-Khulsah.


41. A great fire in the Hijaz, seen by the inhabitants of Busra.


42. Three major armies will sink into the earth: one in the east, one in the west, and one in Arabia.


43. An Abyssinian leader with thin shins will destroy the Ka’bah.


44. The huge cloud of smoke.


45. The sun will rise from the west (its place of setting).


46. A gentle wind, which will take the souls of the believers.


47. There is no-one left on the earth saying, "Allah, Allah" or "There is no god except Allah."


48. Eventually the Day of Judgment is established upon the worst of the people, who copulate like donkeys in public.


49. The blowing in the Trumpet by the Angel Israfil, upon which everyone will faint except as Allah wills.


50. The second blowing in the Trumpet, upon which everyone will be resurrected.


By: Dr. Suhaib Hasan


Source: ahlussunnah.net

Of the many beings created by God, the angels are of special importance. They have been invested by God with the supernatural power to keep order in the functioning of the universe. They do not, however, deviate in the slightest from the path of God, for all their functioning is in complete obedience to His will.


Diverse and numerous events are taking place at every moment in the universe, for instance, the movement of the stars, the shining of the sun and moon, the falling of the rain, the alternation of the seasons, and so on. All of these, and many other continually recurring events are attended to by the angels. Working in the universe as extremely faithful and obedient servants of God, they ensure the continued existence of the human and animal species on earth.


As well as running the world’s systems, these angels, a numerous band, take charge of all matters in heaven and hell.


The role of the angels can be understood by the example of a large factory. In any such factory, there are many big and complex machines which produce the goods for which the factory has been established. But these machines do not run on their own. To facilitate their smooth running many human hands are required. Therefore, in every factory there are always a number of people whose duty it is to attend constantly to their proper and efficient functioning. Similarly, countless angels are appointed to ensure the proper functioning of the great factory of the universe.


The difference between the two factories is only that in the material one, the human hands are visible, while in the metaphorical one—the great mechanism of the universe—the angels remain invisible to the naked eye.


Man may not be able to see the angels, but the angels can certainly see man, and keep a watch on him on behalf of God. It is these very angels who take man’s soul away after death.


By: Maulana Wahiduddin Khan


Source: alrisala.org

From Nawfal Ibn Mu`aawiyah, radhiallahu anhu, that the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) said: "Whoever missed the prayer, then it is as if he had lost his family and his wealth." (Ibn Hibban in his Sahih and it occurs in Saheehut-Targheeb 576)


How would you feel, O Muslim brother, if you were to lose your precious son? How would you feel if you lost your wife? What pain would you feel if you lost your family? What would your grief be like if you lost both your family and your wealth? Indeed it would be an agonizing blow and terrible grief that a person should lose his family and wealth. Losing his family with whom he lived with and experienced such joy. The spacious earth would seem constricted for one who lost his family. He would experience distress, grief and agony. Then how about one who in addition lost his wealth? Fresh and sweet wealth which Allah made a support for us, how would you feel if that occurred, too? Then know that one who misses the prayer has indeed suffered a huge loss. (End of the chapter)


Summarized notes from the chapter on "The excellence of the prayer and its wiping away of sins and evil deeds":


1. Allah wipes away sins through the five daily prayers.


2. Prayer is an expiation of what is committed between them, as long as major sins are avoided.


3. Sins destroy a person and ignite a fire for him which he must extinguish with prayers.


4. The Muslim may reach the station of the sincere, the truthful and the martyrs through prayer, Zakat and fasting.


5. Prayer's excellence over other actions.


6. Allah the Most High blessed the companion by entering him into Paradise before his brother, the martyr, and that was because he performed more prayers than him.


7. Prayer is a light which will make the way clear for the servant in this life and the Hereafter.


8. The way to achieve companionship of the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) in Paradise is to increase in performance of prostration and prayer.


9. Performance of two Rak'ahs (units) would be more beloved to a deceased person than the world and all that it contains.


10.Turning with one's heart to Allah in the prayer fully and sincerely, causes the Muslim to be as he was on the day his mother gave birth to him (i.e. free from sin).


By: Shaikh Husayn al Awaaishah


Source: islaam.com

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