‎[FOR WOMEN ONLY] 

If you are planning to get married, are trying to smooth your relationship, have children of marriageable age, or simply want to know what the Qur’an and Sunnah have to say about this important topic, the speakers’ knowledge, insight and experience will help you get off on the right foot.

♥

ALIMAH SOBIA KAMALUDDIN AHMED was born and raised in the US and received her BA in Sociology and Arabic and Islamic Civilization with double honors from the University of Chicago and Masters of Education from the University of Illinois. She went on to study the Dars-e-Nizami course full-time for four years at Jamia Zainab, Lahore and received the Alimiyya degree. In 2005, Sobia founded Zaynab Academy in Lahore, where she teaches classes in Quran, Tafsir, Hadith, Fiqh, and Arabic. Sobia also delivers talks on Islam and drawing closer to Allah. Her students include students and alumni of leading US and Pakistani universities as well as young professional women.

Dhul Hijjah is the last month of the Islamic calendar. Literally, it means “hajj.” Obviously, the name of the month indicates that the great annual worship of Hajj is performed in it, which gives it special significance. Some specific merits and rules relevant to this month are mentioned below:

First Ten Days

The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are among the most magnificent days in the Islamic calendar. The Holy Prophet has said, “One fast during these days is equal to the fasting of one complete year, and the worship of one night during this period is equal to the worship in the Laylatul Qadr.
Every Muslim should avail of this wonderful opportunity by performing as many acts of worship (Ibadah) to Allah during this period as he or she can.
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The 9th day of Dhul Hijjah

The 9th day of Dhul Hijjah is called the Day of Arafah (Yawm al-Arafah). This is the date when the Hujjaj (the Hajj pilgrims) assemble on the plain of Arafah, six miles away from Makkah al-Mukarramah, where they perform the most essential part of the prescribed duties of Hajj, namely, the Stay in Arafah (Wuquf al-Arafah).
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The Fast of the Day of Arafah

For those not performing Hajj, it is desirable (mustahabb) to fast on this day according to their own calendar. It sometimes occurs that the 9th of Dhul Hijjah falls on different days in different countries according to the sighting of the moon. In such cases, Muslims of each country should observe the Day of Arafah according to the lunar dates of their own country.
For example, if the Day of Arafah is being observed in Saudi Arabia on Friday, and in Pakistan on Saturday, Pakistani Muslims should treat Saturday as the Day of Arafah and should fast on that day if they desire to benefit from the fast.
The fast of the Day of Arafah has been emphasized by the Holy Prophet as a desirable (mustahabb) act. According to a hadith, the fast of this day becomes a cause, hopefully so, of forgiveness for sins committed in one year.
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Takbir of Tashriq

Beginning from the Fajr of the 9th of Dhul Hijjah up to the Asr prayer of the 13th, it is obligatory on each Muslim to recite the Takbir of Tashriq after every fard prayer in the following words.
Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar,
La Ilaha Illallahu, Wallahu Akbar,
Allahu Akbar wa lillahilhamd.
(There is no god but Allah and Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest and to Allah belongs all praise.)
According to authentic Islamic sources, it is obligatory on each Muslim to recite this Takbir after every fard prayer. For women also, it is commendable though not obligatory. Whether you are performing prayer with Jama’ah (collectively) or on your own (individually) makes no difference, you must recite the Takbir. However, male Muslims should recite it in a loud voice, while females should recite it in a low voice.
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On the Eid Day

The following acts are sunnah on the day of Eid-ul Adha:
1. To wake up early in the morning.
2. To clean one’s teeth with a miswak or brush
3. To take a bath (make ghusl).
4. To put on one’s best available clothes.
5. To use perfume.
6. Not to eat before the Eid prayer.
7. To recite the Takbir of Tashriq in a loud voice while going to the Eid prayer.
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How to Perform the Eid prayers (Hanafi School)

The Eid prayer consists of two raka’ats performed in the normal way, with the only addition of six Takbirs, three of them in the beginning of the first raka’ah, and three of them just before ruku’ in the second raka’ah. The detailed way of performing the Eid prayer is as follows:
The Imam will begin the prayer without Adhan or iqamah. He will begin the prayer by reciting Takbir of Tahrimah (Allahu Akbar). You should raise your hands up to the ears, and after reciting the Takbir, you should set your hands on your navel. The Imam will give a little pause during which you should recite Thana’ (Subhanakallahumma…). After the completion of Thana’, the Imam will recite Takbir (Allahu Akbar) three times. At the first two calls of Takbir you should raise your hands up to the ears, and after reciting Takbir (Allahu Akbar) in a low voice, should bring your hands down and leave them earthwards. But, after the third Takbir, you should set them on your navel as you do in the normal prayers.
After these three Takbirs, the Imam will recite the Holy Quran, which you should listen to calmly and quietly. The rest of the raka’ah will be performed in the normal way.
After rising for the second raka’ah, the Imam will begin the recitations from the Holy Qur’an during which you should remain calm and quiet. When the Imam finishes his recitation, he will recite three Takbirs once again, but this time it will be just before bowing down for ruku’. At each Takbir you should raise your hands up to the ears, and after saying ‘Allahu Akbar’, bring them down and leave them earthwards. After these three takbirs have been called and completed, the Imam will say another takbir for bowing down into the ruku’ position. At this takbir you need not raise your hands. You just bow down for your ruku’ saying, ‘Allahu Akbar’. The rest of the salah will be performed in its usual way.
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Khutbah: The Address of Eid-ul Adha

In this prayer of Eid, Khutbah is a sunnah and is delivered after the prayer, unlike the prayer of Jumu’ah where it is fard and is delivered before the salah. However, listening to the khutbah of Eid salah is wajib or necessary and must be listened to in perfect peace and silence.
It is a sunnah that the Imam begins the first Khutbah by reciting takbir (Allahu Akbar) nine times and the second Khutbah with reciting it seven times.
Note:
The way of Eid prayer described above is according to the Hanafi school of Muslim jurists. Some other jurists, like Imam Shafi’i, have some other ways to perform it. They recite Takbir twelve times before beginning the recitations of the Holy Quran in both the raka’at. This way is also permissible. If the Imam, being of the Shafi’i school, follows this way, you can also follow him. Both ways are based on the practice of the Holy Prophet .
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Sacrifice or Qurbani: Philosophy and Rules

The Urdu and persian word Qurbani (Sacrificial slaughter) is derived from the Arabic word Qurban. Lexically, it means an act performed to seek Allah’s pleasure. Originally, the word Qurban included all acts of charity because the purpose of charity is nothing but to seek Allah’s pleasure. But, in precise religious terminology, the word was later confined to the sacrifice of an animal slaughtered for the sake of Allah.
The sacrifice of an animal has always been treated as a recognized form of worship in all religious orders originating from a divine book. Even in pagan societies, the sacrifice of an animal is recognized as a form of worship, but it is done in the name of some idols and not in the name of Allah, a practice totally rejected by Islam.
In the Shari’ah of our beloved Prophet the sacrifice of an animal has been recognized as a form of worship only during three days of Dhul Hijjah, namely, the 10th, 1lth and 12th of the month. This is to commemorate the unparalleled sacrifice offered by the Prophet Ibrahim, Alayhi Salam, when he, in pursuance to a command of Allah conveyed to him in a dream, prepared himself to slaughter his beloved son, Prophet Isma’il, Alayhi Salam, and actually did so but, Allah Almighty, after testing his submission, sent down a sheep and saved his son from the logical fate of slaughter. It is from that time onwards that the sacrifice of an animal became an obligatory duty to be performed by every well to do Muslim.
Qurbani is a demonstration of total submission to Allah and a proof of complete obedience to Allah’s will or command. When a Muslim offers a Qurbani, this is exactly what he intends to prove. Thus, the Qurbani offered by a Muslim signifies that he is a slave of Allah at his best and that he would not hesitate even for a moment, once he receives an absolute command from his Creator, to surrender before it, to obey it willingly, even if it be at the price of his life and possessions. When a true and perfect Muslim receives a command from Allah, he does not make his obedience dependent upon the command’s reasonability’ as perceived through his limited understanding. He knows that Allah is All-knowing, All-Wise and that his own reason cannot encompass the knowledge and wisdom underlying the divine command. He, therefore, submits to the divine command, even if he cannot grasp the reason or wisdom behind it.
This is exactly what the Prophet Ibrahim, Alayhi Salam, did. Apparently, there was no reason why a father should slaughter his innocent son. But, when came the command from Allah, he never asked about the reason for that command, nor did he hesitate to follow it. Even his minor son when asked by his father about the dream he had seen, never questioned the legitimacy of the command, nor did he pine or whine about it, nor did he ask for one good reason why he was being slaughtered. The one and only response he made was:
‘Father, do what you have been ordered to do. You shall find me, God willing, among the patient”.
The present-day Qurbani is offered in memory of this great model of submission set before us by the great father and the great son. So Qurbani must be offered in our time emulating the same ideal and attitude of submission.
This, then, is the true philosophy of Qurbani. With this in mind, one can easily unveil the fallacy of those who raise objections against Qurbani on the basis of economic calculations and depict it to be a wastage of money, resources and livestock. Unable to see beyond mundane benefits, they cannot understand the spirit Islam wants to plant and nourish among its followers, the spirit of total submission to Allah’s will which equips man with most superior qualities so necessary to keep humanity in a state of lasting peace and welfare.
Qurbani is nothing but a powerful symbol of the required human conduct vis-a-vis the divine commands, however “irrational” or “uneconomic” they may seem to be in their appearance. Thus, the distrustful quest for mundane economic benefits behind Qurbani is, in fact, the negation of its real philosophy and the very spirit underlying it.
No doubt, there are in every form of worship ordained by Allah, certain worldly benefits too, but they are not the main purpose of these prescribed duties, nor should they be treated as a pre-condition to submission and obedience. All acts of worship, including Qurbani, must be carried out with a spirit of total submission to Allah, irrespective of their economic, social or political benefits. This is what Ibrahim, Alayhi Salam, did, and this is what every true Muslim is required to do.
Keeping this in view, we are giving here some rules governing the worship of Qurbani in our Shari’ah according to the Hanafi School.
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The Time of Qurbani

Qurbani can only be performed during the three days of Eid, namely the 10th, 11th and 12th of Dhul Hijjah. It is only in these days that slaughtering of an animal is recognized as an act of worship. No Qurbani can be performed in any other days of the year.
Although Qurbani is permissible on each of the three aforesaid days, yet it is preferable to perform it on the first day i.e. the 10th of Dhul Hijjah.
No Qurbani is allowed before the Eid prayer is over. However, in small villages where the Eid prayer is not to be performed, Qurbani can be offered’ any time after the break of dawn on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah.
Qurbani can also be performed in the two nights following the Eid day, but it is more advisable to perform it during daytime.
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Who is Required to Perform Qurbani?

Every adult Muslim, male or female, who owns 613.35 grams of silver or its equivalent in money, personal ornaments, stock-in-trade or any other form of wealth which is surplus to his basic needs, is under an obligation to offer a Qurbani. Each adult member of a family who owns the above mentioned amount must perform his own Qurbani separately. If the husband owns the required quantity, but the wife does not, the Qurbani obligatory on the husband only and vice-versa. If both of them have the prescribed amount of wealth, both should perform Qurbani separately.
If the adult children live with their parents, Qurbani is obligatory on each one of them possessing the prescribed amount. The Qurbani offered by a husband for himself does not fulfil the obligation of his wife, nor can the Qurbani offered by a father discharge his son or daughter from their obligation. Each one of them should care for his own.
However, if a husband or a father, apart from offering his own Qurbani, gives another Qurbani on behalf of his wife or his son, he can do so with their permission.
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No Alternate for Qurbani

Some people think that instead of offering a Qurbani they should give its amount to some poor people as charity. This attitude is totally wrong. Actually, there are different forms of worship obligatory on Muslims. Each one of them has its own importance and none of them can stand for the other. It is not permissible for a Muslim to perform salah instead of fasting in Ramadan, nor is it permissible for him to give some charity instead of observing the obligatory Salah. Similarly, Qurbani is an independent form of worship and this obligation cannot be discharged by spending money in charity.
However, if somebody, out of his ignorance or negligence, could not offer Qurbani on the three prescribed days (10th, 1lth and 12th Dhul Hijjah) then, in that case only, he can give the price of a Qurbani as sadaqah to those entitled to receive Zakah. But during the days of Qurbani no Sadaqah can discharge the obligation.
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The Animals of Qurbani

The following animals can be slaughtered to offer a Qurbani:
1. Goat, either male or female, of at least one year of age.
2. Sheep, either male or female, of at least six months of age.
3. Cow, ox buffalo of at least two years of age.
4. Camel, male or female, of at least five years of age.
One head of goat or sheep is enough only for one person’s Qurbani. But as for all other animals like cow, buffalo or camel, one head of each is equal to seven offerings thus allowing seven persons to offer Qurbani jointly in one such animal.
If the seller of animal claims that the animal is of the recognized age and there is no apparent evidence to the contrary; one can trust his statement and the sacrifice of such an animal is lawful.
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Rules about Defective Animals

The following defective animals are not acceptable in Qurbani:
1. Blind, one eyed or lame animal.
2. An animal so emaciated that it cannot walk to its slaughtering place.
3. An animal with one-third part of the ear or the nose or the tail missing.
4. An animal that has no teeth at all, or the major number of its teeth are missing.
5. An animal born without ears.
The following animals are acceptable in Qurbani:
1. A castrated he-goat. (Rather, its Qurbani is more preferable).
2. An animal that has no horns, or its horns are broken. However, if the horns of an animal are uprooted totally so as to create a defect in the brain, its Qurbani is not lawful.
3. An animal the missing part of whose ear, nose or tail is less than one third.
4. A sick or injured animal, unless it has some above mentioned defects rendering its Qurbani unlawful.
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The Sunnah Method of Qurbani

It is more preferable for a Muslim to slaughter the animal of his Qurbani with his own hands. However, if he is unable to slaughter the animal himself, or does not want to do so for some reason, he can request another person to slaughter it on his behalf. In this case also, it is more preferable that he, at least, be present at the time of slaughter. However, his absence at the time of slaughter does not render the Qurbani invalid, if he has authorized the person who slaughtered the animal on his behalf. It is a Sunnah to lay the animal with its face towards the Qiblah, and to recite the following verse of the Holy Quran:
I, being upright, turn my face towards the One who has created the heavens and the earth, and I am not among those who associate partners with Allah. ( Al-An’am, 6:79)
But the most essential recitation when slaughtering an animal is: Bismillah, Allahu Akbar. (In the name of Allah, Allah is the greatest). If somebody intentionally avoids to recite it when slaughtering an animal, it does not only make his Qurbani unlawful, but also renders the animal haram, and it is not permissible to eat the meat of that animal. However, if a person did not avoid this recitation intentionally, but he forgot to recite it when slaughtering the animal, this mistake is forgiven and both the Qurbani and the slaughter are lawful.
If somebody is unable to recite “Bismillah Allahu Akbar” in the Arabic language, he can recite the name of Allah in his own language by saying, “In the name of Allah”.
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Distribution of the Meat

If an animal is sacrificed by more than one person, like cow or camel, its meat should be distributed equally among its owners by weighing the meat strictly and not at random or by mere guess. Even if all the partners agree on its distribution without weighing, it is still not permissible according to shari’ah.
However, if the actual weighing is not practicable due to some reason, and all the partners agree to distribute the meat without weighing, distribution by guess can be done with the condition that each share necessarily contains either a leg of the animal or some quantity of its liver.
Although the person offering a Qurbani can keep all its meat for his own use, yet, it is preferable to distribute one-third among the poor, another one-third among his relatives and then, keep the rest for his personal consumption.
All parts of the sacrificed animal can be used for personal benefit, but none can be sold, nor can be given to the butcher as a part of his wages. If somebody has sold the meat of the Qurbani or its skin, he must give the accrued price as sadaqah to a poor man who can receive Zakah.
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Hajj

The most important way of worship performed in this month is Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam. The Muslims from every part of the world assemble in Arabia to perform this unique way of worship. Hajj is a worship, which requires at least five days to be performed in its proper way. There are detailed rules for different acts of Hajj for which separate books are available, and the present article does not aim at explaining all these details. However, some basic information about its obligation is being given here:
1. Hajj is obligatory on every adult Muslim who can afford to go to Makkah during the Hajj season, whether on foot or by any other carriage.
2. If a person can travel to Makkah to perform Hajj, but he cannot travel to Madinah, Hajj is obligatory on him also. He can perform Hajj without visiting Madinah.
3. A Muslim woman cannot travel for Hajj unless she is accompanied by a mahram (i.e. husband or relative of a prohibited degree like son, father, brother etc.) If she does not find any mahram to accompany her, Hajj is not obligatory on her until she finds one. However, she must make a will that in case she dies before performing Hajj, his heirs should arrange for her Hajj-e-Badal out of her left over property.
4. Hajj is obligated only once in one’s life. After performing the obligatory Hajj; one is not required to perform it again. However, he can perform the nafl (optional Hajj as many times as he or she wishes.
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via Playing Power of Intention | Islamic Spirituality.

Aasiyah, the wife of Fir’own. Her Eeman in Allah thrived under the shadow of someone that said, “I am your Lord, Most High!” When news reached Fir’own of his wife’s Eeman he beat her and commanded his guards to beat her. They took her out in the scalding noon heat, tied her hands and feet and beat her perpetually. Who did she turn to? She turned to Allah! She prayed, “My lord, build for me a home with you in Paradise and save me from Fir’own and his deeds and save me from the transgressive people.”

It was narrated that when she said this, the sky opened for her and she saw her home in Paradise. She smiled. The guards watched astonished, she’s being tortured and she smiles? Frustrated, Fir’own commanded a boulder to be brought and dropped on Aasiyah, to crush her to death. But Allah took her soul before the boulder was brought and she became an example for all the believing men and women till the end of time:

[And Allah has set forth an example for those who believe: the wife of Fir'own (Pharaoh) - when she said, "My Lord, Build for me a home with You in Paradise, and save me from Fir'own and his deeds, and save me from the transgressive-disbelieving people.] -(Tahreem 66:1)

In the hadith of Jibreel, when he came to the Prophet (SAW) and asked him about Islam, Eeman, and Ihasan, the Prophet SAW said about Eeman, “Eeman is to believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His Messengers, the Final Day, and the divine decree, the good and the bad thereof.” For the past few weeks we have been reflecting on this hadith, only glimpses. Today we shall conclude with the last article of Eeman: to believe in the Divine decree, the good and the bad thereof.

As you and I travel though life we find ourselves in one of two situations. Either something good is happening in our lives and in which case – as Muslims- our role is to thank Allah for the blessing. Or something bad is happening to us, something we dislike and our role here is to be patient (Sabr). This is the formula for a happy life, a life cruising towards the pleasure of Allah. Sabr or Shukr, the worry stops here.

The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “Strange is the affair of the Mu’min (the believer), verily all his affairs are good for him. If something pleasing befalls him he thanks (Allah) and it becomes better for him. And if something harmful befalls him he is patient (Saabir) and it becomes better for him. And this is only for the Mu’mmin “

Ibn Al-Jowzee said, “If this Dunya was not a station of tests it would not be filled with sicknesses and filth. If life were not about hardship, then the Prophets and the pious would have lived the most comfortable of lives. Nay, Adam suffered test after test until he left the Dunya. Nuh cried for 300 years. Ibrahim was thrown into a pit of fire and later told to slaughter his son. Ya’qub cried until he became
blind. Musa challenged Fir’own and was tested by his people. Eeasa had no provision except the morsels his disciples provided him with. And Muhammad (SAW) met poverty with patience, his uncle – one of the most beloved relatives to him – was slain and mutilated and his people disbelieved in him … and the list of Prophets and the pious goes on and on.”

What happens to us happens by the will of Allah. It is an article of our Eeman in Qada’ and Qadr that we are pleased with Allah’s choice, Good or seemingly bad it is all the test of this Dunya. How could we imagine that we shall not be tested when those who were better than us suffered what they suffered. They however came away with the pleasure of Allah, Subhaanahu wa Ta’Aala.

Al Hasan ibn Arafah narrated, “I visited Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal after he was whipped and tortured. I said to him, “O Abu Abdillaaah, you have reached the station of the Prophets!” He said, “Keep quiet. Verily, I saw nothing more than people selling their Deen. And I saw scholars that were with me sell their Faith. So I said to myself, ‘Who am I, what am I. What am I going to say to Allah tomorrow when I stand in front of Him and He ask me, “Did you sell your Deen like the others did?” So I looked at the whip and the sword and chose them. And I said, “If I die I shall return to Allah and say: ‘I was told to say that one of Your Characteristics was something created but I did not.’ After that, it will be up to Him – either to punish me of be Merciful on me.”

Al-Hasan ibn Arafah then asked, “Did you feel pain when they whipped you?” He said “Yes, I felt the pain up to 20 lashes then I lost all feeling (They whipped him over eighty times). After it was over I felt no pain and that day I prayed Dhuhr standing.”

Al-Hasan ibn Arafah started weeping when he heard what had happened. Imam Ahmad questioned him, “Why are you crying? I did not lose my Eeman. After that why should I care if I lose my life?” They were better than us but this was how they were tested.

Let us discuss some facts about these tests of life, the good and the bad that befalls us:

§ Much of what befalls us – the hard times – is the direct result of ourown sins. Allah Ta’aala says “And whatever misfortune befalls you it is because of what your hands have earned. And He pardons much.” – (Qur’an 42:30)

Muhammad ibn Seereen used to say when his debts piled up and he felt sad, “I know that the cause of this sadness is a sin I committed over 40 years ago.”

§ People understand that when something bad happens it is a test from Allah. But dear Brothers and Sisters, the good things that happen to us are also a test.

Allah ta’aala says [And we tested them with good (blessings) and evil (calamities) in order that they might turn back] – (Al-A’raf 7:168)

Abd alMalik ibn Ishaq said, “There is no one that is not tested with health and prosperity to measure how thankful he is (Shukr).”

And the Companion – AbdurRahman ibn ‘Awf (RA) said, “We were tested with hardship and were patient. And then we were tested with prosperity and we were not patient. Because of this Allah states:

[O ye who believe! Let not your wealth or your children divert you from the remembrance of Allah. And whosoever does that, then they are the losers.] – (Al-Munafiqun 63:9)

§ Patience must happen from the beginning, not three days later or one day later, at the first news of the calamity, when it first happens. The Prophet (SAW) said, “Verily patience (is only Sabr when practiced) at the first hit (of news).”

§ There are things that contradict Sabr. Tearing ones shirt, for example, slapping ones face, slapping hands, shaving ones head, and cursing and wailing. Umm Salamah narrates: I heard the Messenger of Allah (SAW) say, “Any Muslim that says when a calamity befalls him that which Allah commanded him: To Allah we belong and to him we return. O Allah reward me in this calamity and give me better then it – (any Muslim that says this) Allah will grant him better than (that which he lost).” – Muslim

§ These tests and hardships wash our sins. Aisha (Ra) said, “Verily fever sheds sins like a tree sheds leaves.”

§ The hardships that befall us distinguish the believers from the insincere. Shumayt ibn Ajlaan said, “The pious and the ungrateful are hidden by health. Yet when calamities befall the two men are separated (by how they react).”

Allah says in the Quran “Alif/Laam/Meem..Do people think that they will be left alone because they say, “We believe,” and will not be tested? Indeed We tested those who (lived) before them” (Al-Ankaboot 29:1-3)

Towards Sabr

Ali (RA) said, “Verily Sabr is to Eeman what the head is to the body. When the head is cut off, the body falls. (He then raised his voice) Verily there is no Eeman for he who has no Sabr (patience).”

There are three types of Sabr that the Muslim must have:

1. Sabr in the obedience of allah. For example, One must be patient and perform their Fajr at it’s time.

2. Sabr in not disobeying Allah. Like someone might say, “I just have to insult him.” No, we are command by He who gave us our tongues to not follow the whispers of Shaytaan. And we must have Sabr in not disobeying Allah.

3. Sabr in what Allah Decrees on us. For example, if our child was to pass away we should be patient and seek the reward of Allah in our patience and say only that which is pleasing to Allah.

There are two keys. If we understand them we shall open the door to Sabr in our lives:

The First Key: know that our souls, families and wealth do not belong to us, they belong to Allah. He gave it to us as a loan to see what we would do with it. And when he takes it back He is taking back what belongs to Him. We had nothing before the blessing and we’ll have nothing after it. We did not create the blessing from nothing, so how can we claim that it belongs to us.

The Second Key: We are on a journey and the destination is the hereafter – Paradise or Hell. We shall be leaving the Dunya behind us and we’ll come back to Allah by ourselves. This is what needs our focus. And if Allah is pleased with us then no worry. If He is not pleased with us then all worry.

Let me draw your attention to a verse. Listen carefully. Allah revealed: “Guard strictly the (five obligatory) prayers, especially the middle Salah and stand before Allah in obedience.”- (al-Baqarah 2:238)

The verses before this deal with divorce. The verses after it deal with divorce. Why was this verse placed in the middle?

The Ulama’ have suggested, Wa Allaahu a’lam, that in the hard times that a person goes through (especially in a divorce) they should not forget the remembrance of Allah, the Salah. And it is that Salah coupled with Sabr that will pull them through.

“O you who believe! Seek Help in Patience and Salah. Truly, Allah is with those that are patient.”- (Baqarah 2:153)

In conclusion, Allah ta’ala wants us to give pass on the following good news:

[And give good news to the patient who, when afflicted with calamity say, “Truly, to Allah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return.”/They are those on whom the Salawat (i.e. the blessing and forgiveness) of their Lord is upon them, and who shall receive His Mercy, and it is they who are the guided ones” – (Baqarah 2:157)

Allah promised anyone who wants to work on his or her patience three things: Forgiveness, Mercy, and guidance. Who could ask for more?

Source

And Allaah swore by these days in His saying:
وَالْفَجْرِ * وَلَيَالٍ عَشْرٍ

“By the Dawn, and by the Ten Nights.”

And the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said:

أَفضَلُ أَيَّامِ الدُّنيَا أَيَّامُ العَشْرِ

“The best days in the dunyaa are the ten days.”

And the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said:

مَا مِنْ أَيَامٍ العَمَلُ الصَّالِحُ فَيهَا أَحَبُّ إَلَى اللهِ مِن أيامِ العَشرِ
قَالُواْ: يَا رَسُولَ اللهِ! وَ لاَ الجِهَادُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللهِ؟
قال: و لاَ الجِهَادُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللهِ؛ إِلاَّ رَجُلٌ خَرَجَ بِنَفسِهِ وَ مَالِهِ ، فَلَمْ يَرْجِعْ مِن ذَلِكَ بِشَيءٍ

” There are no days during which good righteous deeds are more beloved to Allaah than the ten days (the first ten days of Dhil-Hijjah).” So the Companions asked: “Not even Jihaad in the Path of Allaah?” He said: “Not even Jihaad in the Path of Allaah, except for a man who goes out with his person and his wealth, and comes back with nothing.”

During these days it is recommended to increase in making takbeer, tahleel, and tamheed, and to increase in all types of righteous deeds, like prayer, fasting, giving in charity and so on.

Fasting the Day of ‘Arafah

And from these righteous actions is fasting the Day of ‘Arafah. The Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said:
يُكَفَّرَ السَّنَةَ الَّتِي قَبْلَهُ ، وَ السَّنَةَ الَّتِي بَعْدَهُ

“It expiates (the sins) of the previous year, and the following year.”

And this fast is for those who remained behind, as fasting the Day of ‘Arafah by those who are at ‘Arafah is not from the guidance of the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) and his Companions. ‘Abdullaah bin ‘Umar (Radiyallaahu ‘anhumaa) was asked about fasting the Day of ‘Arafah by those at ‘Arafah. He said: “I made Hajj with the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) and he did not fast it, and with Aboo Bakr and he did not fast it, and with ‘Umar and he did not fast it, and ‘Uthmaan and he did not fast it. And I do not fast it, nor do I order it, nor do I prohibit it.”

The Sacrifice

Of these 10 blessed days is the Day of an-Nahr, or ‘Eedul-Adhaa. The Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said:

إَنَّ أَعْظَمَ الأَيَّامِ عِندَ اللهِ تَبارَكَ وَ تَعالَى يَومُ النَّحْرِ ، ثُمَّ يَومُ القَرَِّ

“Verily the greatest of Days with Allaah- the Blessed and Most High- is the Day of Sacrifice, then the Day of Rest [following it].”

And know that the sacrifice is from those actions that are highly stressed upon for those who have the ability, as the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said:

مَنْ كَانَ لَهُ سَعَةٌ وَ لَم يُضَحِّ فَلاَ يَقْرَبَنَّ مُصَلاَّنَا

“Whoever has the means, and does not sacrifice, should not approach our musallaa.”

And the one who has the ability and intends to sacrifice an animal, then he is not to cut his hair and nails, from the first day of Dhul-Hijjah up until after he sacrifices.
And Allaah has made the days of An-Nahr (the day of ‘Eed) and at-Tashreeq (the 3 days that follow it) days of eating and drinking.

The Takbeeraat

From the day of ‘Arafah (9th of Dhil-Hijjah) up until the ‘Asr prayer on the 13th day of Dhil-Hijjah, after the Salaah, we make the takbeeraat. Ibn Abee Shaybah reported that ‘Alee used to make the takbeer beginning after the Fajr prayer on the Day of ‘Arafah, up until after the ‘Asr prayer on the last day of Tashreeq (the 13th day of Dhil-Hijjah). As for the wording of the Takbeer, then there is nothing authentically reported from the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam). Rather, what we find is the ‘Abdullaah bin Mas’ood (Radiyallaahu ‘anhu) used to say:
Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar, Laa ilaaha illallaah, wallaahu akbar, Allaahu Akbar, wa lillaahil-Hamd
And Ibn ‘Abbaas (Radiyallaahu ‘anhumaa) used to say:
Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar, wa lillaahil-Hamd.
Allaahu Akbar wa ajalla, Allaahu Akbar ‘alaa ma hadaanaa.

So it is upon us to exert ourselves in obedience to Allaah during these 10 blessed days, from their beginning till their end; increasing in our salaah, trying to fast the Day of ‘Arafah, making mention of Allaah in abundance, sadaqah, sacrificing an animal on the Day of An-Nahr or the days that follow it, recitation of the Qur’aan, Repenting to Allaah, seeking His mercy and forgiveness, and so forth. For there is no time like these 10 days:

مَا مِنْ أَيَامٍ العَمَلُ الصَّالِحُ فَيهَا أَحَبُّ إَلَى اللهِ مِن أيامِ العَشرِ

” There are no days during which good righteous deeds
are more beloved to Allaah than the ten days.”

According to one Hadith: “It is from the good fortune of man that he makes Istikharah (seeks good) from Allah, and it is from his misfortune that he discards Istikharah.”

Many of us have heard of this dua but sometimes remain unsure about how to perform it, when to read it and what to expect once completed. The following video answers all these questions and dispels any misconceptions associated with Istikharah. Admittedly, the video is long(30 minutes) but definitely well-worth watching and passing on to people you know who may need this info!

Video link:

DUA:

‘O Allah, I seek Your counsel by Your knowledge and by Your power I seek strength and I ask You from Your immense favour, for verily You are able while I am not and verily You know while I do not and You are the Knower of the unseen. O Allah, if You know this affair (-and here he mentions his need-) to be good for me in relation to my religion, my life, and end, then decree and facilitate it for me, and bless me with it, and if You know this affair to be ill for me towards my religion, my life, and end, then remove it from me and remove me from it, and decree for me what is good wherever it be and make me satisfied with such.’

One who seeks guidance from his Creator and consults his fellow believers and then remains firm in his resolve does not regret for Allah has said:
(ii)

‘…and consult them in the affair. Then when you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah…”

The Prophet told his close companion: “By Allah! Whoever gives up something for the sake of Allah, Allah will replace it with something better than it!”

Are Your Friends Worth it?  Does your friend fit these traits of a sincere, loving, and true friend?

* Does he help you become a better and productive person? It’s a mistaken belief that a `good friend likes you for what you are’. A sincere friend inspires you, either with words or actions, to improve your personality and situation.

In a beautiful analogy, the Prophet likened the company of a sincere friend to visiting a perfume seller. Every time you visit the perfume seller, you benefit from his shop:

You get some perfume as a present, or you buy some from him or, at the least, you obtain a beautiful fragrance from his company.

[Bukhari & Muslim]

* Is she like a mirror to you? The Prophet stated,”The believer is like a mirror to other believers (in Truthfulness).”

[Abu Daud].

Like a mirror, your friend gives you an honest image. She forgives your mistakes, but does not hide or exaggerate your strengths and weaknesses.

* Do his manners and lifestyle remind you of Allah? Once the Prophet was asked, “What person can be the best friend?” “He who helps you remember Allah, and reminds you when you forget Him,” he counseled.

The Prophet was further asked, “Who is the best among people?” He replied, “He who, when you look at him, you remember God”. Such a friend reflects qualities of love, mercy, honesty, service, patience, optimism, professionalism, and the entire lifestyle taught by Islam.

* Does he love you solely for the sake of Allah? The bonds we form at work, school and in the neighborhood may whither over time if they are not built for the right reason. Friendship based on Islamic principles is sincere and everlasting, since it is strengthened by a higher purpose and fervent faith.

* Do you feel comfortable and secure in her presence? If your friend’s company makes you feel guilty about the things you do and thoughts you share, you must question the benefit of this relationship. Consider the wise saying: “Being alone is better than having an evil companion and having a sincere companion is better than being alone.”

If your friend does not like you for the beauty of your character, intelligence, morality, and sincerity, you deserve better!

“And keep yourself content with those who call on their Lord morning and evening, seeking His Countenance, and let not your eyes pass beyond them to those who seek the pomp and glitter of this life.” [18:28]

Error One: Paying at Eid Salah.

Some people go to Eid prayers and drop money into the donation box thinking that they have paid their Zakatul-Fitr. No, Zakat al-Fitr, which is food, must be in the hands of the needy family BEFORE Eid prayer. If someone goes to Eid prayer and pays then it is GUARANTEED that the money will NOT arrive on time. And thus the person paying is sinful for having missed the payment of Zakat al-Fitr.

Error Two: Snail mailing the money overseas

Basic principle as before: the Zakat al-Fitr, food, MUST bein the hands of the needy BEFORE Eid prayer. One cannot mai lthe money overseas and have it arrive in the hands of the needy after Eid prayer is over. However, if one is able to get the Zakah al-Fitr to then eedy overseas BEFORE Eid prayer is conducted in their locality, then in sha Allah it’s alright.

Error Three: Not paying

Yes, as simple as this error is, it is waajib (compulsory) to pay Zakat Al-Fitr, every member of the household. So if you have 8 people in your house, Zakat Al-Fitr must be paid x 8, even if the youngest member is just a few days old.

Error Four: Confusing Zakat ul-Fitr with Zakat ul-Maal

We are talking about Zakat al-Fitr here (think “Iftar”,i.e. Ramadan). Zakat Al-Maal (Maal literally means wealth), is the Zakah due on ones money – and that could be due any time during the year depending on when it was due.

Error Five: Giving one’s Zakah al-Fitr to a charitable building project

Some people mistakenly give their Zakah Al-Fitr to a charitable building project: like the building of a Masjid,or Islamic school. There is a difference of opinion on this issue, but suffice it to say that the spirit of ZakahAl-Fitr is that the needy should have plentiful food on Eid. All eight types of recipients of Zakah mentioned inthe Quran are HUMANS, not “building projects”.

Error Six: Giving Zakat ul-Fitr to non-Muslims

Charity is given to both Non-Muslims and Muslims. However,Zakah al-Fitr charity is something exclusive to the MUSLIM poor and needy. Hence, one could not give Zakah Al-Fitr to any needy person on the street. “Regular” charity canbe given to them, but not Zakah Al-Fitr.

Error Seven: Delaying distribution

Sometimes Masjids might collect Zakah Al-Fitr money and then put it in a bank. It doesn’t reach the needy for months and months. The correct method is to give ZakahAl-Fitr immediately when it is due.

“Asalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakathuhu,

Al Hamdu Lillaahi Rabbil ‘Aalameen was Salaatu was Salaamu ‘alaa Ashrafil Anbiyaa’e wal Mursaleen

All Praise is due to Almighty Allah, the Bounteous King; He is the Mighty, Omnipotent, Gracious and Obliging, Who reveals Himself everyday in a different state. I always praise Him, and am thankful
to Him secretly and openly. I bear witness that no one is worthy of worship but Almighty Allah Subhanahu Wata’ala.

He is One and has no partner. This is the testimony which I sincerely believe with my heart and tongue. I also bear witness that our  Spiritual Chief, our Apostle, and our Friend Nabee Muhammad  Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam is the Servant and True Messenger, whom Almighty Allah sent with True Guidance and explanation (of Truth).

Let us reflect and ponder upon who we are, and the great blessings that have been bestowed upon us. What lessons have we learnt from this Most Holy and Auspicious Mubarak Month? Yes my most beloved brothers and sisters! It is an open secret that we have accepted this bond as something inevitable through our submission to the Din of Al Islam. Differences, disputes, and even tensions, may cast a pall on this fact, but Alhumdolillah, they can always be washed away by recourse to wisdom, reason and forbearance.

Let us therefore view the conclusion of this most glorious month of Love and Sabir in such a spirit so as to be able to draw the benefits from it for our own selves and that of the great Islamic Ummah. Islam is the religion of humanity, Islam is the religion of moderation, wisdom, and submission to Almighty Allah Jallah Wa’ala, and without doubt all religions have been such before being subject to distortion. Islam presented to humanity the remedies of human afflictions and sufferings, remedies which were free from any form of extravagance, excess or neglect, and which were appealing and acceptable to reason. Despite what the avowed enemies of Islam have to say, Islam did it in the past and will continue to do so till the Last Day.

Alhumdolillah! Islam has been and continues to be the Only True Path leading to a new world and holding out the promise of a life of Muhabbat, understanding, felicity, morality and salvation to mankind. Islam invited humanity toward the remembrance of Almighty Rabbul Ala’meen Exalted, humility, and an inner relationship with the Most Glorious Creator and Sustainer. It taught man and exhorted him to combat evil, aggression and corruption and to a constant struggle against egotism, selfishness, the accumulation of material wealth, and the pursuit of carnal desires.

O People who are present here! The Most Glorious Month of Ramadan is coming to an end; where are the eyes that will weep and where are the hearts that will humble themselves by the fear of Almighty Allah, the Bounteous King? You have heard this so many times from the Holy Qur’an: “All the creatures will certainly die.” The time of the departure of the month of Ramadan is very near and with you it will stay just like a night-guest, or like a departing beloved. Never forget that the separation of good friends is a very bitter thing; so where are those who will perform as many good deeds in this month? Undoubtedly those who have fasted, have collected great benefits and the transgressors are the losers.

Bid farewell to this month with sighs, cries and constant weeping when you say:

“Salaam to you, O month of Revelation: Salaam to you O Month of Forgiveness (of Allah) and release from Jahannum! Salaam to you O Month of the Illumination of Hearts! Salaam to you, O Month of compensation of past sins! Salaam to you, O Sacred month, wherein lies a night which is better than a thousand months!

Salaam to you, O Honourable Visitor, whom we have welcomed (enthusiastically) . O Traveller, we bid you an honourable farewell. Salaam, Salaam, O Month of Ramadan! Blessed are you O Month of Ramadan. O Month of Ramadan! We do not know whether you will be a witness for us, or against us (on the Day of Judgement).

This is your last interview with us; we do not know whether you will return to us (in our lifetime) or whether death will overpower us. O Month of Ramadan! How fortunate is the person, to whom you will return with blessings of Almighty Allah, and how fortunate is the one, against whose misdeeds you will be a witness (on the Day of Judgement!).

May Almighty Allah Rabbul Ala’meen bless our Masaajids’ with your presence for a long time, and may He light our lamps with your divine light. The performance of Taraweeh is coming to an end, and our lamps are going to be put off (by your departure). No one will wait for Iftaar, and no one will see the stars for his or her Suhuur. For a time our bellies were under your command, and our eyes were kept awake in constant Ibadah. Undoubtedly, we are for Almighty Allah, and to Him we will all return! Oh! How sad will be your departure and separation from us. The day of your departure will be sorrowful for all of us. O Most Holy Month of Almighty Allah! We bid you our Salaam.

May Almighty Allah Most Merciful take mercy on the person who bid farewell to Ramadan with repentance and devotion. All of you should say: “O Almighty Allah!

Let us be among those who have attained salvation during the Holy month of Ramadan. Deliver us from the fire of Jahannum, by the honour of Ramadan. Pardon us with Your Mercy, O Most Merciful of those who show Mercy. And all praise is due to Almighty Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. I seek refuge in Almighty Allah, from Shaytaan the rejected one. (Says Almighty Allah in the Holy Qur’an)!

“The pious will reside in an abode of Peace, in Jannah (with) fountains; they will be dressed in brocade and silk, as they sit before each other.”

“Subahana Rabieka Rabiel Iezzatie Amma Yaseefoon Wasalamoon Alal
Moersaleem Wal Hamdoelillahi Rabbiel Ala’meen Bierahmatika Ya
Arahammar Raheemeen.”

Ameen Ya Rabbal Ala’meen.

Baarak Allaahu Feekum wa-sal Allaahu wa-Sallam ‘alaa Nabiyyina
Muhammad Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam.

Was Salamualaykum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuhu”

———————–

Some beautiful Ahadith on the subject:

* Ibn Abbaas RA says that he heard our Nabi SAW say, “Verily Jannah becomes perfumed with the sweetest fragrance in Ramadhaan.From the beginning of the year till the end,it is being brightly decorated for the coming of this blessed month.And when the first night or Ramadhaan appears,a wind blows from beneath the Arsh(throne).It is called Mutheerah,and causes the leaves of the trees of Jannah to rustle and door handles to sound,where by setting forth such a melodious sound as had never been heard before.The dark eyed damsels of Jannah then step forth till they appear in the centre of balconies of Jannah,exclaiming:Is there anyone making duaa’ to Allah for us that Allah may join us in marriage to him?”Then these damsels call out :”O Ridhwaan, keeper of Jannah, what night is this?” He replies:”Labbaik.this is indeed the first night of Ramadhaan, when the doors of Jannah are opened to those who observe the fast from among the Ummah of Muhammad SAW”.Rasulullah SAW further said, Allah says,”O Ridhwaan open the doors of Jannah, and O Maalik,(keeper of Jahanam)close the doors of Jahannam for those who fast from among the ummah of Ahmad “O Jibraeel proceed down to the earth and bind the rebellious shay’taans, put them in chains and cast them in the oceans so that they make no mischief, thereby spoiling the fast of the ummah of My beloved Muhammad SAW”.

Allah commands a caller from the heavens to call out three times on every one of the nights of Ramadhaan:”Is there anyone begging of me that I may grant him his desire?Is there anyone repenting to me that I may turn in mercy to him?Is there anyone begging for forgiveness that I may forgive him?who is there who shall give a loan to the One whose wealth does not diminish and the One who duly fulfills without unjust deductions”.

Rasulullah SAW said further, “Every day at the time of if’taar Allah sets free a thousand thousand(one million)souls from the fire of Jahannam,all of whom had already earned entrance into Jahannam.On the last night He sets free as many as had been set free throughout the month.On the night of Laylatul Qadr Allah commands Jibraeel AS to descend to the earth with the group of Malaa’ikah(angels).They descend carrying a green flag which is then planted on top of the Kaabah. Jibraeel AS himself has one hundred wings,two of which are only spread out on this night.He spreads out these wings so that their width extends from east to west.Jibraeel AS then sends out the Malaa’ikah on this night in all directions to recite salaam upon each and everybody they find in prayer or sitting,performing salaah and celebrating the praise of Allah.They shake hands with them and say Aameen to all their dua’as until dawn breaks.When dawn comes Jibraeel AS calls out;Depart O Malaa’ikah of Allah depart”

“And then night of ‘Iydul Fitr,the night that is called Lylatul Jaa’izah,(the night of prize giving),comes along .On the morning of ‘Iyd Allah sends down the Malaa’ikah to all the lands of the earth where they take their positions at access points of roads, calling out with a voice that is heard by all except man and jinn”.
“O Ummah of Muhammad SAW,come forth from your houses towards a Lord that is noble and gracious, who grants much and pardons the major sins”.When they proceed towards the places for their ‘Iyd ‘salaah, Allah says to the Malaa’ikah: “What indeed is the reward of that employee who had rendered his services?”.The Malaa’ikah replies, “O Lord and master,it is only right that he should receive his reward in full of his services”. Allah then says, “I call you to witness, O My Malaa’ikah, that for their having fasted during the month of Ramadhaan, and for their having stood before Me in prayer by night, I have granted to them as reward My pleasure and have granted them forgiveness.O My servants ask now of Me, for I swear by My honour and My greatness, that whatsoever you shall beg of Me this day in this assembly of yours for the needs of the Hereafter, I shall grant you; and whatsoever you shall ask for worldly needs, I shall look at you favourably. By My honour I swear, as long as you shall obey My commands, I shall cover your faults. By My honour and My Greatness do I swear that I shall never disgrace you among the evil-doing ones and disbelievers. Depart now from here, you are forgiven. You have pleased Me and I am pleased with you.
“The Malaa’ikah on seeing this great reward bestowed by Allah upon the ummah of Muhammad SAW on the day of I’ydul Fitr become greatly pleased and happy”.

As reported in Targheeb.

“O Allah, make us also of those fortunate ones, Aameen”.

Jazakallahukhairen.