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Shortage of domestic aides as Ramadan approaches

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Ramadan is around the corner and with it comes an increased demand for and black-marketeering of domestic helpers.
According to Abdullah Nashmi, director of a recruitment office in Jeddah, before Ramadan, the demand for domestic workers increases so much that the transfer of a housemaid can reach up to SR50,000, and domestic workers also demand increases in their salaries. Sometimes they seek more than SR6,000 during Ramadan.
He also said they picked up few messages on social networking sites where availability of housemaids is advertised for work during Ramadan. Such messages are showing up on social networking sites such as WhatsApp where a broker puts mobile phone numbers to communicate with an agent to provide housemaids for Ramadan.
According to Yahya Al-Maqbool, chairman of another recruitment agency in Jeddah, majority of the domestic workers, local brokers, sponsors and relatives exploit the season.
He stressed that such people who exploit the season should be punished and tough sanctions should be applied on practitioners, and the ministry should monitor such behavior, which is harming the area of recruitment and work in Saudi Arabia.

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Ramadan, a precious gift for Muslims

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The Meaning of Umrah in Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj

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Umrah in the holy month of Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj in merit and excellence. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) himself insisted on the importance of the performance of Umrah during the holy month of Ramadan for that month has got various virtues  Umrah in the holy month of Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj in merit and excellence.
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) himself insisted on the importance of the performance of Umrah during the holy month of Ramadan for that month has got various virtues
Al-Bukhari (1782) and Muslim (1256) narrated that Ibn Abbaas said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said to a woman from among the Ansaar – Ibn Abbaas mentioned her name but I forgot it – “What kept you from performing Hajj with us?” She said: We only have two camels and the father of her son and her son had gone for Hajj on one camel, and he left us the other camel so that we could carry water on it. He said: “When Ramadan comes, go for Umrah, for Umrah in (that month) is equivalent to Hajj.”
The scholars differed concerning the one who attains the virtue mentioned in the hadeeth. There are three opinions:
That this hadeeth applies only to the woman who was addressed by the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). Among those who favored this view was Sa’eed ibn Jubayr among the Taabi’een, as was narrated from him by Ibn Hajar in Fath al-Baari (3/605). Among the evidence quoted in support of this view is the hadeeth of Umm Ma’qil who said: Hajj is Hajj and ‘Umrah is ‘Umrah. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said this to me and I do not know whether it was just for me or for all people. Narrated by Abu Dawood (1989), but this version is da’eef (weak); it was classed as such by al-Albaani in Da’eef Abi Dawood.
That this virtue is attained by the one who intends to perform Hajj but is unable to do it, then he makes up for it by performing Umrah in Ramadan. For by combining the intention to perform Hajj with the performance of Umrah in Ramadan, he attains the reward of doing a complete Hajj with the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).
The view of the scholars of the four madhhabs and others, that the virtue mentioned in this hadeeth is general in meaning and applies to everyone who performs umrah in the month of Ramadan. Umrah at that time is equivalent to Hajj for all people, not just for a few people or in certain circumstances.
The most correct of these opinions – and Allah knows best – is the last one, and the virtue is general in meaning and is attained by all those who perform Umrah in Ramadaan. This is indicated by the following:
The hadeeth was narrated from a number of the Sahaabah (companions). Al-Tirmidhi said: Concerning this topic (reports were narrated) from Ibn ‘Abbaas, Jaabir, Abu Hurayrah, Anas, and Wahb ibn Khanbash. Most of the reports make no mention of the woman who asked the question.
The action of people throughout the ages, namely the Sahaabah (companions), Taabi’een, scholars and righteous people, who have always been eager to perform Umrah in Ramadan so that they may attain this reward.
Moreover, there remains the question about what is meant by the virtue mentioned, and that umrah in Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj. That may be explained as follows:
Undoubtedly umrah during Ramadan does not take the place of the obligatory Hajj, i.e., the one who does ‘Umrah in Ramadan has not discharged the duty to perform the obligatory Hajj for the sake of Allah.
What is meant by the hadeeth is that they are alike in terms of reward, not in terms of fulfilling the duty?
Nevertheless, what is meant by equivalency between the reward for ‘umrah in Ramadan and the reward for Hajj is equivalency in terms of amount, not in terms of type. Undoubtedly Hajj is superior to Umrah in terms of the type of action.
The one who performs Umrah in Ramadan will attain a reward equal in amount to that of Hajj, but the action of Hajj brings special virtues and status that are not present in umrah, such as du’aa’ in ‘Arafah, stoning the jamarat, offering the sacrifice and so on. Although they are equal in terms of the amount – or number – of reward, they are not equal in terms of type or nature.
Ibn Taymiyah said in Majmoo’ al-Fataawa (26/293-294):
It is well known that what is meant is that your umrah in Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj with me because she wanted to perform Hajj with him but was not able to. So he told her of what would take the place of that. The same applied to others among the Sahaabah (companions) who were in the same position as her. No wise man would say what some ignorant people think, that the umrah of one of us from the meeqaat or from Mecca is equivalent to Hajj with him, because it is obvious that a complete Hajj is better than umrah in Ramadan, and even if one of us does the obligatory hajj it cannot be like Hajj with him, so how can umrah be like that? The most that can be understood from the hadeeth is that the umrah of one of us from the meeqaat in Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj. End quote.

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Article by: go-makkah.com

Rajab: An ideal time to gear-up for Ramadan

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Rajab: An ideal time to gear-up for Ramadan

As the blessed month of Ramadan is on us, many of us are aiming to spend this Ramadan with a great spiritual effort and sincerity. To turn that intention into reality the Month of Rajab is an ideal time to prepare for the month of Ramadan.
Starting to gear ourselves up from now (in the month of Rajab), when the month of Ramadan dawns upon us we will be able to benefit completely. So in this manner the holy month of Rajab is our first step towards the blessed month of Ramadan.
Allah’s Messenger pbuh said, Rajab is the month of Allah, Shaaban is my month and Ramadan is the month of my followers (i.e. Muslim)
Scholars say: Rajab is the Allah’s month of repentance (istighfar), Shaaban is the month of sending peace and mercy (salawat/durood shareef ) upon the Prophet, and Ramadan is the month of Qur’an.
The month of Rajab is one of the four sacred months mentioned in the Quran,
Rajab is a month in which worship is rewarded magnificently – especially fasting and seeking repentance (Istighfar). Also, making Dua during the first eve of Rajab is highly recommended. In these blessed days of Rajab,
With this in mind, if we don’t want to waste our valuable time of Ramadan and want to get most out of Ramadan then here are some ways to prepare ourselves for Ramadan.
We should increase our Ibaad’ah in this month of Rajab. Then by the time we get into gear, blessed days of Ramadan will approach. This is why the Prophet would recite the following Du‘a after the month of Rajab would commence
O Allah! Bless us in the months of Rajab and Shaaban, and make us reach Ramadan (by granting us life until then) It is mentioned on the authority of Anas Bin Malik (May Allah be pleased with him) that when the Holy Prophet (saw) sighted the moon of Rajab, he used to pray to Allah in the following words:
‘Allahuma Barik lana fi Rajaba wa Sha’bana wa ballighna Ramadhan’
“O Allah, make the months of Rajab and Sha’ban blessed for us, and let us reach the month of Ramadan (i.e. prolong our life up to Ramadan, so that we may benefit from its merits and blessings).”
One of the greatest virtue of the holy month is 27th night of Rajab, the Prophet, peace and mercy be upon him, was taken on the Isra wa Mi’raj (The Night Journey and Ascension to the Heavens).
As most of us aware that there was a great and glorious night, in which the Prophet, peace and mercy be upon him, met his Lord and was given the commandment to perform the 5 daily prayers.
To get most out of this holy month we can improve our relationship with the Qurān by increasing the amount we read and seeking to acting upon it.
Being consistent in reading our Adhkār in the morning and evening also a chance of seeking repentance (Istighfar).
Fasting whatever days you are able to, especially Monday and Thursday and the 13th, 14th and 15th days of this month are highly recommended.
Giving charity and doing what you can to help those in need or treating them kindly is a way to put our great efforts in this month.
Worshipping Allah in these nights, especially in the last portion of the night.  Being so particular in night prayers so as to enter into those who Allah praises in the Qur’ān: Those who spend their wealth (in charity) and seek forgiveness in the last portion of the night.
Ask Allah to give us a great portion of the gifts bestowed in this month and that He makes us among those who attain acceptance and felicity in this life and the next.

O Allah, bless us in Rajab and Shaaban, allow us to reach Ramadan and assist us in fasting and praying in the night.(Ameen).

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Source: Saudi Gazette

The four sacred months

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The four sacred months

The four sacred months

Among the twelve lunar months in the Hijri calendar, some months are favored over all other months, like Ramadan because it is the month of mercy, the month of Qur’an, and the month of forgiveness. Four other months are also favored in the Islamic tradition and are called the Sacred Months.
The sanctity of these months was established long time ago, even before the birth of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The four sacred months were known since the time of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him).
The main purpose of the sanctity of these months was to ban battles and make the Haj journey, the pilgrimage, towards the Kaabah safe. In addition to the month of Haj (Dhul Hijja), a month preceding it (Dhul Qidah) and a month succeeding it (Muharram), and also the month of Rajab were specified as being sacred.

The following verse in the Holy Qur’an:

The following verse in the Holy Qur’an mentions that there are four sacred months in the year.
{Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve (lunar) months in the register of Allah (from) the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred. That is the correct religion (i.e. way), so do not wrong yourselves during them. And fight against the disbelievers collectively as they fight against you collectively. And know that Allah is with the righteous (who fear Him)} (Chapter 9, verse 36)
In these four sacred months, people could travel and move about in safety and without fear. People performed Haj or Umrah during these months. Another major benefit experienced by the people during these months was that the trade caravans moved about their business, crossing the Arabian Desert towards Syria in the north and Yemen in the south.
A historical incident took place in the sacred month of Rajab in the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), two years after migration. This incident was mentioned in the Holy Qur’an.
{They ask you about the sacred month – about fighting therein. Say, “Fighting therein is great [sin], but averting [people] from the way of Allah and disbelief in Him and [preventing access to] al-Masjid al-Haram and the expulsion of its people therefrom are greater [evil] in the sight of Allah. And fitnah is greater than killing}. (Chapter 2, verse 217)
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) sent a small detachment of eight men to a place called ‘Nakhlah’, a valley midway between the cities of Makkah and Taif.  The Prophet (peace be upon him) had given clear instructions to the detachment to only watch the movement of the enemy, Quraish, and their allied camps and try to find out if they had any plans to attack Muslims in Madinah. It was supposed to be an exploratory expedition.
Although this detachment had not been given permission to fight, a skirmish and ambush resulted. They erroneously assumed that the sacred month of Rajab was over. They attacked a small caravan of the Quraish, killed one amongst them, and took the rest as prisoners, and brought them to the Prophet (peace be upon him) in Madinah along with their merchandise.
Quraish, the Jews, and even the hypocrites of Madinah made a huge hue and cry. They raised an extremely strong objection over the whole of Arabia against the Muslims and the Prophet (peace be upon him) for fighting and shedding blood in a sacred month.
Because the Prophet (peace be upon him) had not given permission to the detachment to fight or kill or violate the sanctity of the Sacred Month, it was indeed considered an unlawful and unauthorized act of the over-zealous detachment.  The Prophet (peace be upon him) set those prisoners taken in the ambush at Nakhlah free, gave them back their goods, and even paid the blood-money to the heirs of the one who was killed in the ambush; and thus reaffirmed the sanctity of the prohibition of fighting and war in the four Sacred Months.
Meaning of the Sacred Months

Muharram:

It is the very first month in the Hijri calendar. The literal meaning of Muharram is ‘forbidden’. It has always been considered a holy period in which Arabs used to avoid fighting with each other.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to fast in this month. It is reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “The best of fasts besides the month of Ramadan is the fasting of Allah’s month of Muharram.” (Muslim)

Rajab:

It is the seventh and sacred month meaning ‘to respect’, as it was always considered as a sacred time. It falls between Jumada Al-Akhir and Shabaan. In the month of Rajab, even in pre-Islamic times, there was a ceasefire among the Arabs to permit people to peacefully travel and perform Umrah.

Dhul Qidah:

It is the eleventh month, which was always a sacred time of the year and was the first one in which the Arabs avoided fighting.

Dhul Hijja:

It is the last and one of the most auspicious months of the Hijri calendar, which is named so because Haj (pilgrimage), the fifth pillar of Islam is performed in this month.
Abu Hurairah narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) once said, “Whoever performs Haj and does not commit any obscenity or transgression shall return [free from sins] as he was on the day his mother gave birth to him.” (Al-Bukhari)
These four months were called sacred for the gravity of committing a sin during them and for the position Allah gave them. Sinning during the sacred months is more evil than sinning during the other months. Likewise, the reward for righteous deeds is greater in these four sacred months.

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Article by: saudigazette.com.sa

Ramadan in Madinah

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Ramadan in Madeenah

Al-Medinah Al-Munawwarah (the LightedCity) becomes livelier during the month of Ramadan. During this blessed month, all the markets and shopping centers around the Prophet’s Mosque are crowded with visitors and are opened till late at night.
Ramadan in Madeenah, the blessed city of the Prophet is truly amazing. Imagine this, everyone around you tries his utmost to be as nice as possible, as generous as possible.
Muslims standing at the gates of the Prophet’s Mosque inviting strangers to break the fast with them, others handing out water and dates to those leaving the Mosque, people telling each other that they love them for the Sake of Allaah.
Quran is heard from all corners of the city: from offices, from stores, from homes, from cars, all day long. All this signals the arrival of the blessed month of Ramadan. Then, in the evenings, the most beautiful recitations emanate from the sacred mosque for Taraweeh prayers.
Finally, every night, in the last ten nights of Ramadan, everyone joins the night prayer at the sacred mosque striving to have their sins forgiven, and hoping to catch the Night of Decree (Laylatul-Qadr).

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Ramadan in Makkah

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Wherever in the world they may be, when the sun sets at the end of the day, those who have fasted turn to face one location: the Sacred Ka’bah in the city of Makkah. The crystal-clear “Allaahu Akbar” of the familiar Makkan Athaan rings through the city where the Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) spent so much happiness and sorrow.

In Makkah, the spirit of giving and remembering Allaah, is truly manifested during Ramadan. The emphasis remains on worship and not on food and festivities as in many other places. It is an amazing sight to see thousands upon thousands of people be all accommodated with dates and water (and even more) for the breaking of the fast. And as the Athaan is called, one cannot escape the sheer generosity of Makkans, offering food and water to all.
It is not unusual to see a man with a pick-up van full of cooked rice and chicken dishing food out to everyone who passes by. The wealthy provide Iftaar and clothes for the poor, and organizations are active in giving huge amounts of charity.
Makkah in Ramadan is filled with visitors performing ‘Umrah or spending a vacation of their lifetime. For them, it is the Ramadan of a lifetime. For residents of the normally quiet city, however, the place is turned upside down.
“The traffic really picks up, and the routine of the city is reversed,” said one resident of Makkah. “Day becomes night and night becomes day. People sleep in late and the shops stay open late.”
Also, locals are flanked by visitors who are in the city for the month; a year’s supply of houseguests comes all at once for them.
During Ramadan, there is much reading of the Quran in the city in which it was first revealed and the true spirit of Ramadan prevails.
Makkans usually break their fast in homes, often in big gatherings with families and friends. The breakfast usually begins with soups of all kinds, then with the traditional Samboosah and Soubia.
A common tradition of Makkaans is that bringing food to the mosque in their local area becomes a noticeable phenomenon during this month, to the point that hardly any Muslim is left hungry during this blessed month.
Families will bring their food to Al-Masjid Al-Haraam (the Sacred Mosque) to break fast there and then offer the Maghrib Prayer together. Later at night, during Taraaweeh Prayer, Al-Masjid Al-Haraam will be as bright as daytime, and nearly as full as it does during Hajj.
It is amazing to think it, but in nearly every place on earth someone from our Ummah will be fasting Ramadan. No other religion could claim such a united and unanimous act of worship amongst its believers. So in the spirit of this joyous and blessed month, let us not forget our brothers and sisters in every part of the world. Let us make the effort to remember them in our supplications, because no matter where we reside on this planet we share something very special. We will always be a single Ummah under the mantle of Islam.

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Umrah in Ramadan is Equivalent to Hajj

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Umrah in Ramadan is Equivalent to Hajj

Al-Bukhaari (1782) and Muslim (1256) reported that Ibn ‘Abbas said: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said to a woman from Ansaar – Ibn ‘Abbas, stated her name but I fail to recall it

“What kept you from performing Hajj with us?”

She replied: We only have two camels and my husband and my son had gone for Hajj on one camel, and he left us the other camel so that we could carry water on it. He said:

“When Ramadaan comes, go for Umrah, for Umrah in (Ramadan) is equivalent to Hajj.”

The scholars have varied opinions regarding the one who reaches the virtue declared in the hadith. There are three sentiments:

  1. That this hadith relates only to the woman who was spoken to by the Prophet (PBUH). Among those who preferred this understanding was Sa’eed ibn Jubayr among the Taabi’een, as was described from him by Ibn Hajar in Fath al-Baari (3/605). Among the evidence mentioned in support of this opinion is the hadith of Umm Ma’qil who said: Hajj is Hajj and ‘Umrah is ‘Umrah. The Messenger of Allaah (PBUH) said this to me and I do not know whether it was just for me or for all people. Told by Abu Dawood (1989), but this version is da’eef (weak); it was ranked as da’eef by al-Albaani in Da’eef Abu Dawood.
  2. That this virtue is reached by the one who plans to do Hajj but is unable to perform Hajj, then he makes up for it by doing Umrah in Ramadan. For by merging the intent to do Hajj with performance of Umrah in Ramadan, he achieves the reward of performing one Hajj with the Prophet (PBUH).Ibn Rajab said in Lataa’if al-Ma’aarif (p. 249). It should be eminent that the one who is unable to do a good deed and repentances and desires that he could do it will get the reward same of the one who does it – and he mentioned a few instances of that – Some women missed out on doing Hajj with the Prophet (PBUH), and when he came they asked him about what would constitute for that Hajj, and he said:

    “Do Umrah in Ramadan, for ‘Umrah in Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj or to Hajj with me (The Prophet).”

    Ibn Katheer said something related in his Tafseer (1/531). This view was cited by Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah as something possible in Majmoo’ al-Fataawa (26/293-294).

  3. The view of the scholars of the four madhhabs and others, that the virtue stated in this hadith is general in sense and relates to everyone who does umrah in the month of Ramadan. Umrah at that time is equal to Hajj for all people, not only for a few people or in certain conditions.

Reference: Radd al-Muhtaar (2/473); Mawaahib al-Jaleel (3/29); al-Majmoo’ (7/138); al-Mughni (3/91); al-Mawsoo’ah al-Fiqhiyyah (2/144). The most precise of these opinions – and Allah knows best – is the last one, and the virtue is general in sense and is achieved by all those who do umrah in Ramadan. This is specified by the following:

  1. The hadith was told from a number of the Sahabah. Al-Tirmidhi believed regarding this issue from Ibn ‘Abbas, Jaabir, Abu Hurayrah, Anas and Wahb ibn Khanbash. Maximum accounts of this hadith does not report the name of woman who asked the question.
  2. The act of individuals throughout the periods, namely the Sahabah, Taabi’een, scholars and righteous people, who have always been keen to perform umrah in Ramadan so that they may achieve this reward.

As for the notion that the virtue could only be achieved by one who was unable to perform Hajj that year because of some obstacle, it may be said that if a person sincerely planned and determined to do Hajj, and acquired the proper resources, then was barred by something that was beyond his control, then Allah will declare the reward for that deed because of his intent. So how the Prophet (PBUH) could mark the reward restricted upon doing some supplementary act, namely performing umrah in Ramadan, when the genuine intent is adequate to achieve the reward?

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Going to Umrah in Ramadan

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Ibn-i Abbas, may Allah be pleased with them both, narrates:
When Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, wanted to go to the Farewell Hajj (His last Hajj-Pilgrimage to Mecca), a woman said to her husband: “Send me, too, on the camel to Hajj with the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him.”
Her husband replied: “I don’t have a camel with me to give you for Hajj.”
The woman said: “Send me to Hajj on that male camel.”
The man said: “It is under protection to be used on the way of Allah.” And he went to the Prophet.
“My wife sent her salaam (greetings) and Allah’s mercy (As-Salam wa Rahmatullah). She wanted me to send her to Hajj with you. She said: ‘Send me to Hajj with the Messenger of Allah.’ And I said I didn’t have a camel with me to give her for Hajj.
But my wife said: ‘Send me to Hajj with that camel.’
And I replied: ‘That camel is under protection to be used on the way of Allah.’
Thereupon, the Prophet said: “If you send your wife to Hajj on that camel, then the camel will be on the way of Allah.”
The man said: “My wife wanted me to ask what the equivalent deed is to the Hajj with you.”
The Messenger of Allah replied: “Convey to your wife my salaam, Allah’s mercy and barakat/blessings and tell her that Umrah (the lesser pilgrimage performed in Mecca. Unlike hajj, ‘umrah can be performed throughout the year.) in Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj with me.” (Abu Dawud, Manasik: 80; Muslim, Hajj: 221)
Umra in Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj
Abdullah ibn-i Abbas, may Allah be pleased with them both, narrates:
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) told a woman from Ansar (The Believers in Madinah who helped and hosted the migrating Believers from Makkah):

Go to Umrah when the month of Ramadan comes. This is because the reward of Umrah performed in this month is equal to Hajj. (Nasai, Siyam: 6)

The Reward of Umrah in Ramadan
Ibn-i Abbas, may Allah be pleased with them both, narrates:
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:

Whoever reaches makkah in the month of Ramadan and fasts and passes his/her night worshipping as much as he can, Allah writes for him/her the reward of a hundred thousand fasting of the month of Ramadan performed outside of Makkah and Allah bestows on him/her for each day and night the reward of freeing a slave.
For each day, He writes the reward of a horse’s attack against the enemy on the way of Allah. And He writes for day a hasana (good deed), and for night a hasana. (Ibn Majah, Manasik: 106.)

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Reward of Hajj

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We are about to enter the blessed month of Dhu`l-Ḥijjah. The Messenger of Allah(Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him)there are no days in which righteous actions are more beloved to Allah than the first ten days of this month.

1. For that reason some scholars have ruled that these days are better than the final ten days of Ramaḍān, although the nights of Ramaḍān are superior to these nights. Allah Himself swears by “the Ten Nights” in Sūrat al-Fajr, which is sufficient evidence of their greatness. Most of the scholars say that these are the first ten nights (and days) of Dhu’l-Ḥijjah.The Prophet(Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him) one of these days is equal to the reward of fasting for a whole year and standing in one of these nights in prayer is equal to standing in prayer on Laylat al-Qadr.

2. It has also been narrated that the reward for actions in these days is multiplied seven hundred times.
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Image source

This is not to mention the Day of Arafat (the 9th of Dhu’l-Ḥijjah) which is the greatest day of the year. Fasting that day wipes out the sins of the previous year and the year to come. We will mention more about this day closer to the time inshallah.
If we are unable to fast the first nine days of the month, we should at least fast the Day of Arafat. If we are able to fast two or three days then by fasting Monday or Thursday or both we will gain the reward of following the Sunnah. Likewise by fasting three of these days we will have performed the Sunnah of fasting three days in every month.
These are days in which we should remember Allah abundantly. Allah says that they remember the name of Allah on well-known days.3 These “well-known days” according to the majority of scholars are the ten days of Dhu’l-Ḥijjah. This is why the Prophet said(Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him)s we should make abundant tahlīl (saying lā ilāha ill’Allāh), takbīr (saying Allāhu akbar) and taḥmīd (saying alḥamdulillāh).4 Sayyidunā `Abdullāh Ibn `Umar and Sayyidunā Abū Hurayrah would go into the marketplace in these days and raise their voices with the takbīr. The people in the marketplace would then raise their voices with the takbīr in response. Thus the most hated place to Allah, a place where most people are heedless of Him, was filled with His remembrance.
Whether it be prayer, fasting, charity, remembrance, seeking knowledge, helping people, any righteous actions we do will be greatly rewarded and beyond that are beloved to Allah. This is also a time when prayers are answered by Allah.
Sayyidī al-Ḥabīb `Umar bin Ḥafīẓ (may Allah preserve him and benefit us by him) reminds us that the linguistic meaning of Ḥajj is seeking or intending. Thus the people of Allah are constantly performing Ḥajj because they are constantly seeking Allah. Just as their whole year is Ramaḍān, likewise their whole year is Ḥajj. Just as those performing Ḥajj respond to the call of Allah by saying “labbayk” they are swift to respond to the call of Allah. They take themselves to account and leave that which is disliked and dubious in all their states and actions. They reject the desires of their lower selves and they are the furthest of people from that which is prohibited. They constantly receive new blessings from their Lord so they constantly renew their iḥrām.5 Day and night they make ṭawāf around the House of their Lord, the One to Whom they turn themselves with absolute sincerity until nothing remains in them which is directed to other than Allah.
Actions that Carry the Reward of Ḥajj
Nothing of course can equal actually performing the Ḥajj and worshipping Allah in those blessed places. Allah knows that many people long to make Ḥajj every year but are unable to do so. Out of His generosity, He made the reward for certain actions similar to the reward of a supererogatory Hajj.
1. Remembering Allah from Fajr until Ishrāq. The Messenger of Allah(Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him)o prays Ṣubḥ (Fajr) in congregation and then sits in the place where he prayed remembering Allah until the sun rises and then prays two rakats has the reward of a complete Ḥajj and `Umrah.” He repeated “complete” three times.6
2. Attending a gathering of knowledge. The Messenger of Allah(Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him)o goes out to the mosque wanting only to learn good or teach it has the reward of a complete Ḥajj.”7
3. Going to the mosque for the congregational prayer. The Prophet(Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him)rforms ablution in his house and then goes out to perform the obligatory prayer in the mosque has a reward similar to the reward of a Hajj pilgrim. Whoever goes out to perform the mid-morning prayer (Ḍuḥā) has a reward similar to the reward of the one performing `Umrah.”8
4. Performing the Friday Prayer. Sa`īd Ibn al-Musayyib said performing the Friday Prayer is “more beloved to me than a supererogatory Ḥajj.”
5. Performing the `Īd Prayer. One of the Companions said: “Going out to pray `Īd al-Fiṭr is equal to performing `Umrah and going out to pray `Īd al-Aḍḥā is equal to performing Ḥajj.”
6. Fulfilling the needs of your brother or sister. Ḥasan al-Baṣrī said: “Going to fulfill the need of your brother is better for you than performing Ḥajj after Ḥajj.”
7. Being good to your parents. The Prophet(Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him)the Companions to be good to his mother. If you do so, he said: “You are a Hajj pilgrim, a person performing `Umrah and someone striving for the sake of Allah (mujāhid).”
8. Performing obligatory actions. The slave can only draw near to Allah by performing supererogatory actions after first having performed that which is obligatory. This includes purifying one’s heart from forbidden attributes and guarding one’s tongue and limbs from committing forbidden actions. All of this is much harder on the lower self than many supererogatory acts of worship.
Finally there is no action more beloved to Allah on the Day of `Īd than making a sacrifice. The Messenger of Allah(Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him)daughter Sayyidah Fāṭimah al-Zahrā’ that she would be forgiven for her previous wrongdoings with the first drop of blood to be shed from the sacrificed animal. She asked if this reward was specifically for the household of the Prophet and he replied: “For us and for all the Muslims.

Article source MuslimVillage.com

Good deeds in Ramadan

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As the end of Ramazan approaches, it is good to remember that our deeds will be weighed and not counted. Many Muslims find the answer to ‘which deed will carry the greatest weight?’ surprising. First, it is not necessarily the big deeds, like spending one’s whole life on good causes, such as the search for knowledge, or spending generously on others in need. As a well-known Hadith states, these deeds will go to waste if they are done for seeking fame and popularity. In contrast, a very small deed, such as giving a date to the needy, if done with a sincere desire to please Allah, will carry great weight. This is why it is important to work on our sincerity, to ensure that our deeds are not contaminated with the desire for fame, popularity, or the seeking of any kind of reward in this world. This understanding illuminates the Hadith: Do not regard any good deed as insignificant, even meeting your brother with a cheerful face.

The contrast between the teachings of Islam and the current understanding of piety appears to be very large. The Companions of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) asked about a woman who would fast every day, and stand up in worship every night. Upon being informed that her housework was done by friendly neighbors, to allow her to do this, he said that the neighbors were superior since, by their act of service, they received the rewards of the worship performed by her, in addition to the rewards of serving others. Service to others is a deed of great value. On many occasions, the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) himself did many acts of service towards his companions, stating that the leader of the people is their servant.

Small acts of kindness towards others receive great emphasis in the teachings of Islam. In another striking narration, Hazrat Ibn Abbas, a paternal uncle of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him), was sitting Aitkaf (seclusion for the sake of worship) in the Mosque in Medina. He saw another man come into the Mosque and said that he appears to be worried. The man said that he had a debt to pay, but had no means to pay it. Hazrat Ibn Abbas offered to go and talk to the person to whom the debt was owed. The man accepted the offer, but asked: “Have you forgotten that you are sitting in Aitkaf?” Hazrat Ibn Abbas said that the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) had stated that to take a few steps to help a brother in need was superior to 10 years of Aitkaf. This is true even though Aitkaf is a highly recommended and extremely valuable deed of worship. Note that the man did not ask for help; rather, Hazrat Ibn Abbas noticed his worry from his appearance. In addition to service, being sensitive to the concerns of others is an important part of Islamic teachings. Causing distress to a fellow Muslim is considered to be even worse than destroying the Ka’aba, the sacred house of God. A Hadith states that if you buy fruit, share them with your neighbor. If you cannot afford to do so, then bury the peel so that the neighbor will not know and feel regret. Verse of the Holy Quran asks us to respond to evil with good acts, as that will turn enemies into friends.
It was prophesied that Islam came as a stranger, and will become a stranger. Today these teachings are barely remembered, let alone acted upon. Yet, these small acts of kindness and service have a powerful effect and can transform our homes, families and ultimately society. In each meeting with our near and dear ones, let us avoid saying anything which is hurtful, and make an effort to say something kind and appreciative. Children are powerfully affected by encouragement, and equally powerfully hurt by unkind words. If someone has 99 faults and one virtue, we should praise the virtue, and ignore the faults. Appreciating the good in others, and looking at our own faults, has a transformative effect. It encourages others to acquire virtues and motivates us to shed our faults. Seemingly insignificant acts, like appreciating the gifts we enjoy instead of grousing about what we lack, can enrich our hearts and bring about the big changes that we all want to see.

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Article source The Express Tribune

Ramadan a time to know God and each other

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Ramadan is a month of fasting, practiced as a spiritual discipline to demonstrate one’s devotion to God. As the rest of the world becomes familiar with this Pillar of Islam, questions arise as to how people of other faiths and even no faiths can enrich their experience of life.

There are five pillars of Islam that shape the life of every Muslim. They are the creed, prayer, charity, fasting, and pilgrimage.
The creed (“Shahada”) is recited daily: “There is no god but God, and Muhammad is the messenger of God.” Prayer (“salat”) is practiced five times daily, facing Mecca, using words from the Qur’an while in a posture of obeisance; the Qur’an is recited in Arabic, while personal prayers can be said in one’s native language. Charity (“zakat”) requires the believer to share at least 2.5 percent of one’s assets with those in need. Fasting (“sawm”) includes forfeiting food, drink, and sex between dawn and sunset; accommodations are made for those for whom this may be difficult—the young, aged, pregnant or ill. Pilgrimage (“hajj”) encourages every Muslim to travel to Mecca at least once in a lifetime as they are physically and financially able.
Since the Muslim calendar is based on the lunar cycle, Ramadan (as well as the time for the hajj) moves around the Gregorian calendar, which is used by most of the world. This means whereas Ramadan begins in June this year, in 2010 it began in August and in 2020 it will begin in April. There are years when it will occur in the fall and winter.
When it occurs is not as important as observing a lengthy time of fasting. This provides ample opportunity to demonstrate one’s devotion to God, which can then be remembered and rendered throughout the year in other ways. It also helps one become sensitive to the needs of those who do not have ample food and drink as one experiences hunger and thirst especially, which are not immediately satisfied. This discipline can open one’s heart to more readily give zakat.
The feast of Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, whereby one can once again enjoin the joys of life on a regular basis with renewed appreciation, having deepened one’s communion with God (Allah is the Arabic word for God.) through the fast.
What disciplines, dear reader, are you committed to that deepen your spirituality and broaden your humanity? What is it that uniquely defines you and how you relate to the mystery, the majesty and the meanness of life? What are you able to appreciate other traditions that may help enlighten your experience and nurture appreciation in your heart for others?
In Surah 49:13, the Qur’an says: “O mankind! We created you from a single soul, male and female, and made you into nations and tribes, so that you may come to know one another.” Let us use our brief time on earth wisely in getting to know one another, especially the beliefs, rituals, and disciplines that nurture our faith and shape the ethics by which we live—so that we may live together in peace with understanding and compassion as the many who were created by the One.

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Article source Wisc News

14 Tips for the Last 10 Nights of Ramadan

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1. Do not let your ‘performance’ until now affect your last 10 days. The moment of forgiveness could be today or anytime in the coming days! It is not all lost! If you sincerely wish it could have been better – Chin up and get ready to make it your best yet! Start with a positive, sincere intention!

2. Today, take a little time to read the Tafseer of Surah al-Qadr to understand what actually happens this night! You will feel its power & greatness so much more!

3. Do not wait for the 27th Night to give it your “all”. The entire last 10 days should be your target. Stay up each night! Would you want to miss Laylatul Qadr even “by chance”?

4. Do not fall into any innovations/celebrations any Masjid or culture might try to promote. Follow the Sunnah! The Prophet (ﷺ) guided us simply: “Whoever stays up and prays on Laylat al-Qadr out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.”

5. Memorize and keep asking the dua’ taught by Rasulullah (ﷺ): Allaahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibb al-‘afwa fa’affu ‘anni (O Allaah, You are forgiving and You love forgiveness, so forgive me).

6. Prepare a short dua’ list. Remember this is as awesome as it ever gets for a servant of Allah! The Night of Qadr, of Destiny! Consciously pick each and everything you crucially wish for in this Dunya, in your deen, family, and in your aakhirah! Don’t forget to include the brothers and sisters around the world who are suffering and in grief!

7. Take brief naps during the day, if possible. Keep your stomach light and sleep as soon as you have prayed ‘isha. Do not delay! After a brief nap, refresh yourself and get ready for worship.

8. Don’t neglect your family! Rasulullah (ﷺ) made it a point to wake up his wives throughout these nights! And yes, your children are not too young to stay up some part of the night – if they can be allowed to play video games or watch TV, they can be inspired to be up at least for some time! Prepare them, make them excited, plan some activities for them to do!

9. Look the Part: The way we dress and prepare has a big effect on our psychology. Wear your best, perfume yourself, and feel the energy!

10. Choose a spot, whether in the Masjid or in your home, where you can have peace and solitude. Keep your mushaf, praying mat, and water at hand so that you are not distracted by constantly getting up for this or that.

11. This is not the night to tweet pics or update FB statuses about how amazing the night is and how you are feeling & worshipping Allah! Let that be a secret between you & your Rabb! So switch off those phones, WiFi, laptops, and computers. Disconnect with the world, and connect with al-‘Afuww!

12. If you find yourself feeling sleepy, vary your acts of worship. Alternate between qiyaam, heartfelt dua’a, reading the Qur’an. Do not spend the night listening to lectures or recitations. Or do it only for a short while when you feel the sleep coming on!

13. Patience is the Key: The last 10 days might be tiring. You might still have work or school. This is the time to bear all that hardship, and keep firm sabr. Think how Allah has blessed you with this tremendous opportunity that might NEVER come again in your life again. If you knew for sure that this was your last Ramadan if you knew certainly that Jannah was up for grabs, wouldn’t you sprint for it no matter what it takes?

14. This is most important: Keep Husn adh-dhann bi Allāh (good expectations from Allah). When you ask, remember you are asking the Most Generous King. If you hope for the best, He will give you the best. Don’t hold back. Trust in Him, pour out your heart in front of Him, and let no doubt, no barrier, no evil thoughts keep you away from ar-Rahman, ar-Raheem!

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Article source mslimwords.com