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10 Reasons We Should Memorise the Qur'anAllah the exalted says:Indeed those who recite the Book of Allah and establish prayer, and spend (in His cause] out of what We have provided them, secretly and publicly, [can] expect a Transaction [i.e., profit] that will never perish” (Surah 35. Fatir, Verse 29)Reciting the book of Allah is mentioned alongside establishing Salaah and spending in the way of Allah. This clearly shows us that reciting the book of Allah is among the best of good deeds.Aboo Moosaa al-Asha'aree reported that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said, "The believer who recites the Qur'aan is like a citrus fruit - its fragrance is pleasing and its taste is sweet. The believer who does not recite the Qur'aan is like a dry date - it has no fragrance but its taste is sweet. The hypocrite who recites the Qur'aan is like a basil - its fragrance is sweet, but its taste is bitter. The hypocrite who does not recite the Qur'aan is like a colocynth - it has no smell, and its taste is bitter" (Muslim)Aboo Moosaa al-Ash'aree reported that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said, "Part of Showing glory to Allaah is to show respect to a white-haired Muslim, and a carrier of the Qur'aan who does not exaggerate in it (i.e., overstep its bounds) nor ignore it (i.e., leave it), and a just ruler" (Aboo Dawoood)Clearly from this hadith we can see that part of showing glory to Allah is to show respect to the memoriser of the Qur'an who is mentioned alongside a just ruler who is of the best of people.The following are 10 reasons why we should all recite, practise upon and memorise the Qur'an as much as we can until our last breath:1. Highest ranks of Jannah for the Memoriser of the Qur'an:Ibn 'Amr reported that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said:"It will be said to the companion of the Qur'aan after he has entered Paradise, 'Recite, and rise!' For every verse he recites he will rise one level (in Paradise), until he recites the last verse with him (i.e., in his memory)." (Aboo Dawood)This Hadith mentions the merit of those who memorize part or all of the Qur’an. Some scholars, in explaining this Hadith, have mentioned that the number of ranks (levels) in Paradise is equal to the number of ayahs (verses) in the Qur’an, and that a believer will rise one rank for each ayah (verse) that he or she memorizes. Obviously, the one who memorised the whole Qur'an will stop at the last verse of the Quran meaning they will be of those among the highest ranks of paradise.Whoever memorizes Quraan and acts upon it, Allaah will reward him and honour him greatly for that, so that he will rise in status in Paradise to a level commensurate with what he memorized of the Book of Allaah.Subhanallah! We should all memorise as much of the Qur'an as we can until our last breath for every ayah we memorise will result in higher ranks in Jannah!2. The Highest Honour for the Parents of the Memoriser of the Qur'an“Mu'aadh al-Juhani narrates that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said: 'Whosoever recites the Quran and practices upon its injunctions, the reciter's parents will be given a crown on the day of Qiyaamat. The brightness of that crown will be more intense than the brightness of the sun in your actual house.'The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) further said: 'What do you think will be given to the Hafiz (reciter) of the Quran himself?'” (Mishkaat Vol I.)So not only will the Hafiz recieve rewards beyond comprehension but it will also mean the highest honour for the parents who will wear a crown on Qiyamat. We try so hard to make our parents proud in this world but imagine how proud they will be on that day. Subhanallah!It was narrated that Buraydah said: “The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said: ‘Whoever reads the Qur’aan, learns it and acts in accordance with it, on the Day of Resurrection his parents will be given a crown to wear whose light will be like the light of the sun, and his parents will be given garments which far surpass everything to be found in this world. They will say, “Why have we been given this to wear?” It will be said, “Because your child learned the Qur’aan.”’”(Narrated by al-Haakim, 1/756)So let us ALL be of those who are given such high honour on the day of judgement and encourage our children to become memorisers of the Qur'an. But those parents who prevented their child from learning the Qur’aan will be of those who lost out for eternity!3. The best person is he who learns the Qur'an & teaches itThe Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said: The best amongst you is the one who learns the Qur’an and teaches it. (Sahih Al-Bukhari)4. The memoriser of the Qur'an is worthy of envy in this worldThe memoriser of the Qur'an will is of two people who we should be envious of in this world:Ibn 'Amr reported that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said, "There is no cause to be envious except in two cases: (the first is of a) person whom Allaah has taught the Qur'aan, and he recites it in the day and night, and one of his neighbours hears him and says, 'Woe to me! I wish I had been given what he has been given, then I would do what he is doing! (The second is of a) person whom Allah has blessed with wealth, and he spends it in good causes, so a person (who sees him) says, 'Woe to me! I wish I had been given what he has been given, then I would do what he is doing!" (al-Bukhaaree)5. Every letter the Memoriser of the Qur'an recites is rewarded ten times or moreThe Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said: “Whoever recites one Word from the Book of Allah will be rewarded for a good deed and ten more like it; and I don’t say that Alif Lam Mim is a letter but Alif is a letter and Lam is a letter and Mim is a letter” (Tirmidhi & Al-Dareemi)So for every letter of the Qur'an the memoriser recieved a minimum or ten rewards and of course Allah can reward a person much more if he wants to. The Qur'an has over 6000 verses and each verse has many alphabets. So can you imagine the number of alphabets the memoriser of the Qur'an recites. He will recite one verse again and again and has to continuously recite the Qur'an to keep it fresh in his heart. Surely he would have gained millions of rewards by completing the Qur'an just once. Thereafter he will go over a verse again and again in his mind and he would have recited the Qur'an again and again resulting in rewards beyong mathamatical calculations and our limited comprehension.6. The Qur'an will intercede for the Memoriser of the Qur'an:It was narrated that Abu Umaamah al-Baahili said:“I heard the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) say: ‘Recite the Qur’aan, for it will come on the Day of Resurrection to intercede for its companions. Recite the two bright ones, al-Baqarah and Soorat Aal ‘Imraan, for they will come on the Day of Resurrection like two clouds or two shades or two flocks of birds in ranks, pleading for those who recite them. Recite Soorat al-Baqarah for to take recourse to it is a blessing and to give it up is a cause of grief, and the magicians cannot confront it.” (Muslim: 804, Al-Bukhaari).A day when we will be in great need of an intercession the Qur'an will intercede for the memoriser of the Qur'an.7. Jannah for the one who memorised the Qur'anHadrat Ali (RA) reports that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said:“Anyone who knows the Quran by heart and follows the lawful and the prohibited according to it, he will be sent to Heaven by Allah U.” (Tirmidhi).As long as the memoriser of the Qur'an following the lawful and kept away from the prohibited then he will be granted Jannah.8. A crown and garment of honour for the Memoriser of the Qur'anAboo Hurayrah reported that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said, "The Qur'aan will be brought on the Day of Judgement, and it will say, 'O My Lord! Adorn him (the one who read and practised it)!' So he will be adorned with the crown of glory and honour . It will then say, 'O My Lord! Increase this!' So he will be clothed with the clothes of glory and honour. Then it will say, 'O My Lord! Be pleased with Him! So He (Allaah) will be pleased with him. It will be said, 'Recite! And rise!' and every verse he recites will bless him with a good deed" (at-Tirmidhee)What an honour it would be when on such a day of terror the memoriser of the Qur'an would be given such a high honour and adorned with a crown and garment of glory and honour.9. The Memoriser of the Qur'an will be saved from the fire'Ismah Ibn Maalik reported that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said: "If the Qur'aan is enclosed by skin (i.e., if a person memorises the entire Qur'aan), then Allaah will never burn it in the Fire (of Hell) (al-Bayhaqee)10. Double reward for those who try hard to memorise the Qur'anAaishah that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said: The likeness of the one who reads Quraan and memorizes it is that he is with the righteous honourable scribes. The likeness of the one who reads it and tries hard to memorize it even though it is difficult for him, he will have (at least) a double reward. (Al-Bukhaari, 4937)So we must NEVER give up memorising the Qur'an even though we may struggle to learn a single verse for it maybe that shaythan will try hard to make a person give up knowing that he will recieve double rewards for it if he continues.Allah rewards a person according to their intention and sincerety so if one is sincere and intends to learn the Qur'an and dies whilst doing so then it maybe that Allah may raise such a person amongst those who actually memorised the Qur'an. Subahanallah!We must NEVER think we cannot do it because we can accomplish anything we want to accomplish. The only thing stopping us is ourselves! If an 82 year old Grandmother can memorise the entire Qur'an then why can't any of us?Please read the follwong story of an 82 year old Grandmother who managed to memorise the entire Qur'an:An Interview with Umm Saalih, A Grandmother Who Completed Memorizing the Qur’an at 82 Years Oldhttp://www.muftisays.com/forums/du-aas-supplications/5389/an-interview-with-umm-saalih,-a-grandmother-who-completed-memorizing-the-qur%92an-.htmlMay Allah enable us and our children to learn the Qur'an and implement it into our daily lives. Ameen

VERY Rewarding Nafl Salaahs we can Pray Everyday this Ramadan!EVERY SECOND IS SO PRECIOUS THIS RAMADAN! SO LETS GET GOING AND PRAY THESE NAFLS THROUGHOUT THE DAY EVERYDAY THIS RAMADAN AND BEYOND AND OUR GOOD DEED ACCOUNTS WILL FILL WITH GOOD DEEDS INSHALLAH!!!1.TAHIYATUL WUDHU (Nafl prayer after doing Wudu)Abu Hurairah (Ra) narrates that once The Prophet (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) asked Bilal (Ra) at Fajr Salat:O Bilal! Tell me that deed of yours which is most hopeful (for reward) after embracing Islam, for I heard your footsteps in front of me in Paradise (in my dream).Bilal (Ra) replied:I have not done anything extroadinary except that whenever I perform Wudu during the day or night, I Salat (Tahiyatul-Wudu) after that, as much as was written or granted for me.(Bukhari)Abu Huraira (Ra) narrated that the Prophet (Salallahu ‘alaihi wa Salam) said to Bilal (Ra) “Tell me about the most hopeful act (i.e one which you deem the most rewarding with Allah) you have done since your acceptance of Islam because I heard the sound of the steps of your shoes in front of me in paradise.” Bilal (Ra) said : “I do not consider any act more hopeful than that whenever I make ablution (wudoo) at any time of night or day, I offer salah (prayer) for as long as was destined for me to offer.” (Al-bukhari and Muslim).After completion of the wudhu of two Rakaats is full of blessings (sawaab). It is related in the Hadith that performance of the two Rakaats of Tahiyatul wudhu Namaaz makes paradise obligatory (wajib) for the performer (Muslim) There are also many other benefits.It should not be performed during the Improper (makruh) times. (When the sun rises, when it is at Zenith and when it sets.)2. Prayer of Ishraq (Sunrise prayer)The beloved Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) has said: Those who perform the Fajr prayer in congregation (Jamaa’at), read the Zikr (remembrance of Allah) till the sun has completely arisen (length of a spear from the horizon, after 20 minutes of sunrise) and read 2 Raka-at Nafil prayer, will have the benedictions (sawaab) equal to those of Haj-Umrah. It is recommended to read the Surah Fateha and Ayyat-uk-Kursi till Khaalidoon, in the first Raka-at, and in the second Raka-at to read, after Surah Fateha, Aamanar Rasul till the end of Suratul Baqarah. In the case that this verse cannot be read from memory, one can recite any other verse and then ask Duas. Woman should read all prayers of Farz and Nafil at home and will derive the same benefits (sawaab) that accrue from prayer performed at the Mosque (Tirmidhi Shareef).The Prophet (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) is reported to have said that Whoever, after finishing Fajr salat, kept sitting at the place of prayer, and prayed the Ishraq salat before getting up from there, provided he did not engage in any worldly act or conversation during that time, and instead, remained in Allah's Zikr (remembrance), then all his sins are forgiven, even if they are as much as the foarn of the ocean. [Abu Da'ud] The scholars have written that during this time, the person should take care to sit facing the Qiblah. Sheikh Shahabuddin Soharwardi (R.A.) used to say that the action whose reward is obtained right away in this world, is that a person, after Fajr salat, facing Qiblah, does Zikr of Allah until Ishraq. After a few days the person will gain inner spiritual light (Nuraniyat).The Prophet (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) is reported to have said that Allah says, 'O son of Aadam, perform 4 Rakaats of Salat (Ishraaq) in the early part of the day. I shall help you in accomplishing all your responsibilities during the rest of the day.' (Mishkaat pg.116)In another narration of Tirmidhi, The Prophet (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) is reported to have said, 'He who performs Fajr Salat with Jamaat and remains seated in the same place while engaging in Dhikr until after sunrise and thereafter performs 2 Rakaats Nafil Salat, (Ishraaq), he will obtain the Thawaab of one Hajj and one Umrah.' (Tirmidhi).From the above Ahaadith, we learn that the number of Rakaats to be performed are 2 or 4 Rakaats, and the Mustahabb method of performing it is to remain seated in your place of Salat after Fajr and engage in Dhikr, etc. until sunrise. Then, approximately, 10-15 minutes after sunrise perform 2-4 Rakaats. 'If a person gets occupied in some worldly activity after the Fajr Salat, and after sunrise he offers Ishraaq Salat, this will also be permissible although the reward will be less.' (Bahishti Zewar part2 pg.30)3. Dhuhaa Salaat (Breakfast prayer)When the sun has risen high and there is heat in its rays, the performance of 2,4, 6,8 or 12 rakaats is called Namaaz-e-Chaast. This is full of countless rewards.The Traditions says that the performance of 2 rakaats wipes away all ones sins. There are 360 joints in our body and to pay Sadakah for each is Wajib (obligatory) The 2 rakaaats is enough to pay all the Sadakah. Performance of 4 rakaats places the performer's name among the Abids and is the Sunnat of Saliheen and promise the performer protection until the evening. The performer of 6 rakaats is relieved of his day's worries. Performance of 8 rakaats places his name among the Parhezgaars and the performer of 12 rakaats ensures a Golden Mansion or castle for himself in Paradise. (Ref : Tirmidhi, Ibne Majah, Ahmad and Abu Yala)The Mustahabb (preferred) time of performing Salat al-Dhuhaa is after 1/4 of the day has passed. This is deduced from a Hadith of Muslim. (Halabi; Sharah Kabeer pg.390). From many Ahaadith, we understand that Salat al-Dhuhaa should be performed after the sun has risen quiet high. Because the Fuqahaa and Muhadditheen are of the opinion that the commencement of the time of Salat al-Dhuhaa is the same as that of Ishraaq (i.e. immediately after sunrise), the Ulama have stated that 'if due to lack of time, one performs the Salat of Ishraaq and Dhuhaa together at one time, that too will be correct.' (Our Namaas pg.44)The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) is reported to have said, 'Whoever offers 2 Rakaats of Salat al-Dhuhaa, all his sins will be forgiven even though they are as much as the foam of the sea.' (Ibid)It is reported that Sayyidna Aaisha (Radhiallaahu Anha) used to perform 8 Rakaats of Salat al-Dhuhaa. She said that even if her parents arose from the grave, she would not leave Salat al-Dhuhaa to go and meet them. (Ibid).'Salat al-Dhuhaa consists of 2 - 12 Rakaats and it is preferable to perform 8 Rakaats.' (Raddul Mukhtaar vol.1 pg.505)The Prophet (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) is reported to have said that Whoever prayed twelve rakaats at the time of Chasht, then Allah will, as reward, prepare a palace of gold for him in Paradise. [Mishkat, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah]4. Virtues of the Four Rak'aah Sunnah of ZuhrThe Prophet (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) is reported to have said that Whoever performs the four rakaats before and after the Zuhr salat with constancy, Allah Ta'ala makes the fire of Hell haram (forbidden) for him. [Mishkat, p. 104; Tirmidhi, Abu Da'ud, Nisai, Ibn Majah]The Prophet (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) is reported to have said that after the worshipper prays the four rakaats of Zuhr salat, the doors of heaven are opened, i.e. the salat becomes accepted by Allah, and the cause of its acceptance comes down on the worshipper as rays of mercy. [Mishkat, p. 104]5. Virtues of the 4 Rak'aah Sunnah of AsrThe Prophet (sallallaahu 'alayhe wa sallam) said: "May Allaah have Mercy on the one who offers four (rak'ahs) before 'Asr prayer." (Abu Dawud)6. Salatul Awwabeen (Nafl prayers of Maghrib)After the Farz and Sunnat of Magrib, performance of the minimum of 6 to a maximum of 20 rakaats is called Salatul Awwabeen.Rasulallah (sallallaahu 'alayhe wa sallam) has said that the one who performs six Rak'aahs after Maghrib without uttering an evil word between these rak'aahs, then these six rak'aah's will be equivalent to 12 years devotion for that person.7.Prayer of Tahajjud (Night prayer)The beloved Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) has said: In Paradise there is a castle reserved for those who read Tahajjud and the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) further adds, those who pray at night will enter paradise without having to account for their acts in this life.The Nafils of Tahajjud are read after the Esha prayer, but it is important to sleep before performing Tahajjud. The prayer consists of a minimum of 2 Raka-ats, and a maximum of 8 or 12 Raka-ats (to be read according ones capacity).After Esha prayers sleep for some time, then wake up any time during the night before the rise of morning for Tahajjud prayers. With the performance of 2 Rakats you have duly achieved your Tahajjud. However, the performance of 8 Rakats in Sunnat, and complying with the practice of the Holy Saints of Islam and performing 12 Rakats is commendable.It is recommended that you recite in your prayers as much of the Sacred Quran as you know. If you happen to know by heart the whole of the Sacred Quran you may, in at least 3 nights or most 4 nights of Tahajjud effectuate the complete reading of the Sacred Quran.Otherwise, you may recite 3 Surah Ikhlas (Qul Hu Allahu Ahad) after your "Alhamdu..." in every Rakat and you will thus derive full benefits of the full recital of the Sacred Quran in every Rakat.During the month of Ramadan one should awake a little earlier for Sehri and make time to pray Tahajjud Salaah for the reward is magnified so much more in Ramadan and duas are even more readily accepted than at any other time of the year.The dua's at the time of Tahajjud are very readily accepted by Almighty Allah and one should repent and ask of Allah and try to cry in their dua's at this time, if one cannot cry due to the hardness of ones heart due to sin then at least one should make the face as if one is crying. Just as a mother tends to her baby quickly and promptly when it cries the same way Allah attends to his servant quicker when they are crying.8.Salaatul TasbihOur beloved Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) had taught this Nafil prayer to his Uncle, Hazrat Abbas (RA) and told him; He who performs this prayer will have his past and future sins forgiven.The Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) has recommended to read this prayer daily on each Friday or once a month or once a year, in case of this not being possible, to read it even once in one’s life. This Nafil prayer provides limitless benefits both in the material and spiritual life.How to perform this Nafil:After having pronounced one’s intention (Niyat), say Allaho-Akbar, read "Subhanaka-Alla humma" completely (Sana), read now 15 times "Subhaanallahi wal hamdu Lillaahi wala illaha Illallah Wallah-o-Akbar." Then read Aoozu billah and Bismillah (completely) and Surah Fateha. Then recite 10 times the Tasbih mentioned above and go to Ruku. Here also recite 10 times the Tasbih before raising yourself to read another 10 times the same Tasbih, this time in a standing position. Then prostrate (Sajdah) and read 10 times the Tasbih, sit now and read again 10 times this Tasbih (Jalsa) and prostrate again, Tasbish 10 times in the 2nd Raka-at begin by reading 15 times this Tasbih before reading "Bismillah" and Surah Fateha. After that read 10 times the Tasbih and then proceed as in the first Raka-at. To end the second Raka-at, read as usual "Attahiyat", "Durood" and "Duas".Then read 2 other Raka-ats. As in each Raka-at the Tasbih is recited 75 times, it means that in all 4 Raka-at the Tasbih is read 300 times. In the other 2 Raka-at, after "Subhana Rabbiyal-azeem",read the Tasbih 75 times and in the Sajdah (prostrations after Subhaan Rabbiyal-ala) read again 75 times the Tasbih.Note: No fixed time has been prescribed for this prayer, a fact, which means that besides any time prohibited this prayer, can be read at any time.9. Salatul Hajaat (When wanting help from Allah)In case of difficulty, illness or of authorized necessity this prayer is read. The beloved Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) had taught this to a blind person who, as soon as he performed it, regained his eyesight. (Tirmidhi, Tibrani)To perform this prayer it is recommended to wear one’s best and clean clothes and to perform pleasingly one’s ablution (Wudu). Then 2 Raka-ta Nafil is read in the usual way, after salaam this dua is read:Allahuma Inni As-aloka wa (Atawassalo) Wa Atawajjaaho ilaika be nabbiyeka Muhammadin nabi yir Rahmate ya Rasullulah. Inni tawajjahto be ka ila Rabbi fi hajaati haa-zehi (here we make our requests (le tuqza li) Allahumma fashaffiho fiyaTranslation: O Allah I implore You and I come near You through the intermediary of Your Prophet (Nabee) Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) who is the Prophet of Grace. Ya Rasullullah, through your intercession I implore Allah to accept my request. O Allah grant the intercession of your Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) in my favor.10.Salaatul Tawbah (Prayer for Repentance for sin)If one has done committed any sinful act which is contrary to the Shariat then one should perform 2 rakaats of Nafil and humble themselves before Allah and sincerely repent, feel ashamed for their sins and ask Allah for forgiveness and make a firm intention never to commit such act again in the future. By the Grace of Allah the sins would then be forgiven (Ref: Shami)Ameerul Mumineen Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A.) relates that the Holy Prophet ( Sallaallahu Alayi Wasallam) said that whenever one has done a sinful act he should make wudhu , perform 2 rakaats Nafil and thereafter sincerely repent and seek Almighty's forgivness. Allah pardons all sins. After relating this , the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) then read the following from the Quran:"And those who have done something to be ashamed of or wronged their own souls. Earnestly bring Allah to mind and ask for forgiveness of their sins, and who can forgive sins except Allah" (Sura 3-135)11.Virtues of walking to the MasjidAbu Hurayra (Ra) reported that the Prophet (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said,"Anyone who purifies himself in his house and then goes to one of the houses of Allah to fulfil one of the obligations of Allah, one step removes an error and the other raises him a degree." [Muslim]12. Virtues of Praying in the MasjidThe Prophet (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) is reported to have said that The person who, from morning to evening, goes towards the Masjid to perform salat, every time he goes to the Masjid, Allah Ta'ala prepares the Paradise for his welcome. [Mishkat]13. Tahiyyatul Masjid (Nafl prayer when entering Masjid)Abu Qatada (Ra) narrated that the Prophet (Salallahu ‘alaihi wa Salam) said : “If any one of you enters a mosque, he should pray two raka’ats before sitting.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).This is a 2 Rak'aah Nafl prayer which one should perform as one enters the Masjid. It is very rewarding.14. Reward of Salaah multiplied 70 times or more by use of Miswaak‘Aisha (Ra) has reported that,“The prayer before which the Miswak is used is seventy times more excellent than that before which it is not used.”Ibn Abbas, ‘Ali and Ata (Ra) state that,“But it increases to 99 or 400 times.”Reward for every action is based on sincerity, the more sincerity we are the the more reward we'll get! It may be that we could get 70, 99 or even 400 times or more rewards for every action depending on how sincere we are in doing the action. Subhanallah!PLEASE FEEL FREE TO DOWNLOAD THIS PAGE

3 ways of attaining focus in our Salaah (prayer) - You will be amazed!How many of us pray our Salaah day in and day out yet we feel nothing. We pray like robots and we gain nothing from our Salaah except wanting it to end as quickly as possible. We still continue to sin like as if we never prayed Salaah in the first place. Many of us who pray even go days without even thinking of Allah during the prayer. This is because our Salaah has been stolen from us by our own negligence and a heedless heart and mind.Therefore we must put a stop to this at once. How can we continue to pray in such a way when we are missing out on experiencing the true sweetness of Salaah. We are missing out on such great things which can only be experienced by being able to fully concentrate in Salaah with a focused mind.So we must make a firm intention and internalise in our minds that we will strive to do our very best to concentrate and focus in our Salaah so that we may connect with Allah in our Salaah. Once we have connected with Allah in our Salaah then our lives will change for the better and will never be the same again!The following are just three steps for us to be able to attain proper focus in Salaah!: 1. Do not overeat:By overeating our mind cannot remain focused as we feel discomfort from a bloated stomach. We can hardly stand still in our prayer as we ate so much. Therefore we must not overeat before our Salaah but eat until we are satisfied and NOT until we are so full that we cannot even move! 2. Prepare for the Salaah:When we are prepare to go to an interview then many of us will shower, make sure we smell good, put on our best clothes etc. But why is it when we prepare to meet with Allah in our prayers then we go to our prayer in our pyjamas? We pray in clothing that we would not even imagine wearing outside of the house. This is a pathetic state of affairs we are in. We dress so smartly and look our best when we go to an interview to see a creation of Allah yet when we go to see our creator we dress in our worst clothes!Who is higher than our creator? Who deserves from us that we be in our cleanest state and very best clothing than our Master the lord of the worlds?Therefore whenever we approach our prayer then we must ensure that we are in the very cleanest state preferably making fresh Wudu before each Salaah and in our best clothes so that our minds are prepared for the meeting with Allah as the Salaah is a meeting with our creator.3. Focus on Allah:Before commencing our Salaah we may have all kinds of thoughts in our minds like work, family, finances, food, our past and future events in our lives and even sinful thoughts. So we must not go into the prayer like this otherwise we will be thinking about all of these things during our Salaah and our mind will be distracted and occupied with all kinds of thoughts. Therefore we must take out a little time even a minute or two to try to focus our minds towards Allah. If it helps to close the eyes briefly then do it. Do the following exercise:Just before your Salaah:- Imagine your mind is wiped clean like a sheet of paper. There is nothing in your mind for it is wiped clean. Now focus and Imagine that you are laying on the death bed and you see around your that your family are mourning you. But you cannot respond to them for your are dead. No one else can help you except Allah. Focus on Allah. Only Allah can help you.- Now imagine that you are being lowered into the grave and when you are put onto the dirt then people start dropping the dirt onto you until your grave is filled. Now who can help you except Allah. Focus on Allah.- Now imagine that you have been raised up on the day of resurrection onto the plains of Arafat. You are running to the central area for Judgement. People around you are also running and they are screaming and panicking like you have never seen before. No one can help you now. Even your Mother does not look at you because she is in fear. Who will come to your aide except Allah. Only Allah. Focus on Allah- Now imagine that you are in front of Allah on the day of Judgement and he asks you to show him your prayer. What will you show him as you never even focused properly in your Salaah. You always thought of other things when you should have focused on your creator. So you feel utterly ashamed of showing your worthless prayers to Allah. Therefore you beg Allah for one more chance to perfect your prayer. You ask Allah to return you to the Earth so that you may do your prayer properly. Almighty Allah grants you just one chance to go back to the Earth to show him that you can do your prayer properly.- Now start your prayer and focus on Allah as you are in the present. Do not think of your past and do not think of your future. Keep imagining to yourself: "I have no past, I have no future, I am in the present and Allah is watching me".When you recite Surah Fathiha and any other Surah then imagine you are reciting it to Allah. When you go down to Ruku (bent position) then focus on Allah. When you go to Sajda (prostration) then focus on Allah, When you come up to Tashahud then focus on Allah. Each and everything you recite and every position you go into in Salaah then focus on Allah as he is watching you and the Angel of Death is behind you waiting for you to finish your prayer so that he may take your soul! This is how we should concentrate in every Salaah because each and every Salaah may be our last.So keep repeating this concentration and focus exercise before each Salaah until your focus becomes 100%. It may begin to be less at first but it will improve gradually. Even if we trip and fall then keep gong until you achieve 100% focus every time. Spend however long it takes before each Salaah so that you can focus before you begin. It will not necessarily be an over night change but gradually you will be able to focus more and more in your Salaah and this focus will also help you to focus in other aspects of your life inshaAllah. Ask of Allah to help you focus in each Salaah to give you the true sweetness of the Salaah.May Allah enable us to pray each Salaah with full focus and concentration so that we may attain the true sweetness of Salaah!

The Best Opportunity to Change Our Lives Forever! Have you ever felt like having fresh new start again in life? Have you ever wished that all of your past sins were wiped out like you were a new born baby?Have you ever felt like you just have not done enough for the Hereafter and that you have an empty good deed account that needs filling?Have you also ever wanted to really get closer to Allah and to renew & strengthen your faith?Well now is that opportunity. This is the perfect opportunity for us not only to have a fresh new start again in our lives but to have our entire lifetime sins wiped away like a new born baby and to have our good deed accounts filled to the brim! Want to make up for lost time? Well there is no better opportunity than this!This could be our last chance!We should firstly thank Allah that he has given us such an amazing unique opportunity. This is a favour upon us like no other. But this my be our last chance to change. We may well not see another Ramadan. We may never get an opportunity to change ourselves for the better.We keep procrastinating and deceiving ourselves into thinking "I got plenty of time, I'm still only young with my whole life ahead of me". Or we want to sort our careers out first, or go Hajj or Umrah first or do this first or that first.But how can we guarantee that we will be alive to see tomorrow let alone next week, next month, next year or the next few decades? How many of us know of people who have passed away this year of all ages, situations and circumstances? How many of us know of Muslims who did not make it to Ramadan? Therefore how can we guarantee that we will be alive next year to see another Ramadan and have another amazing opportunity like this?Utter regret if we do not take this opportunity now!The fact is that we CANNOT afford to miss this unique opportunity. This is an opportunity for redemption. A chance to change our lives for the better forever. All of us who know we have to change and want to change then this is that opportunity. If we don't take this opportunity now then we WILL regret it forever!When we see what we could have had in the Hereafter we will beg Allah: "Please oh Lord I did not know, I was too consumed into the dunya (Worldly life). Please send me back so that I may worship you properly and live my life devoted to you."But we will be rejected because we only have this ONE chance! Once this chance is over then we will NEVER be able to get it back again. Therefore we CANNOT miss this one opportunity to change our lives forever. If we ever wanted to have a fresh start and get ALL of our sins wiped out then this is our chance.If we ever wanted to gain immense rewards to fill up our good deed accounts then this is our chance.If we ever wanted the chance to renew & strengthen our imaan (faith) and get closer to Allah then this is our chance!So we CANNOT afford to miss this opportunity for we may never get this chance again!So let us make the commitment!So we must make a firm commitment to change. We must look at ourselves and this life and think what is the point of chasing the worldly life when it may end any second? Will we take our possessions and hoards of wealth with us? The fact is this life compared to the Hereafter is like comparing a droplet to an ocean. There is absolutely NO comparison!Therefore let us at this moment cleanse ourselves and fall into prostration (Sajda) to Almighty Allah and cry and beg of him for forgiveness. Let us ask of him and I promise you he will never turn you away. He is waiting for us to turn to him so patiently. So how can we make him wait any longer. How can we risk losing this opportunity that we may NEVER get back again.Therefore let us repent for our past and present sins right this moment and make a firm commitment to Allah that we will devote ourselves to him and to his worship and that we will try our best to fulfil our obligations unto him and that we will try our best to do everything that pleases him and avoid anything that may anger or displease him.Then let us devote ourselves in worship in this blessed month and cleanse our heart and souls with the worship and remembrance of Allah and recitation of the Qur'an and glorification of our Lord. Let us control our tongues and stop or significantly limit anything which may hinder our worship such as TV, social networks such as Facebook and Twitter and anything else that may waste a precious second in this most blessed month.Let us worship Allah with full sincerity, hope for immense reward, forgiveness and mercy from Allah for an entire lifetime of sins and make a firm commitment that we will change ourselves for the better for the rest of the year as Ramadan is for life not just for one month.We must remember that our time is very short and that this may well be our very last Ramadan as it was the last Ramadan for so many who thought they would make it!So let us grab this opportunity with both hands! If we walk towards Allah then he will run towards us!May Allah enable us to make the best of this most blessed month and enable us to gain the maximum rewards an so that we may change our lives for the better FOREVER! Ameen

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Asalaamu Alaikum, I have made posts on some of my threads which still have not been approved. Jazakallahu Khayran

5 things to do on Laylatul Qadr So valuable is this Night of Qadr that the Quran devotes a special surah to it“Lailatul Qadr is better than a thousand months”[97:3] This one night surpasses the value of 30,000 nights. The most authentic account of the occurrence of the Night indicates that it can occur on any one of the last ten, odd numbered nights of Ramadan, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29. We should strive to stay up at least on the odd numbered nights of the last ten days. If we can't manage that then let us pray at least on the 27th night. If one prays on all of the last odd numbered nights then there is more chance that one may have caught this most powerful night and the reward is of over 83 YEARS OF WORSHIP! Subhanallah! Most will not even live upto that age! It is a night that we CANNOT miss out on so here is how we can maximise this blessed night: 1. Recite the Qur’an abundantly Az-Zuhri used to say upon the coming of Ramadan, “It is only about reciting the Qur’an and feeding the poor.” Abdur-Raziq said, “When Ramadan came, Sufyan Ath-Thawri would give up all acts of (voluntary) worship and devote himself to the recitation of the Qur’an.” Laylatul Qadr is the night the Qur'an was revealed so we should spend much of the night reciting it for we will gain 700 hasanah or more by reciting each letter! 2. Strive to gain forgiveness One should strive and do their utmost to gain the mercy of Allah especially in the odd numbered nights of the last ten days. If one leaves Ramadan without gaining the mercy of Allah then surely they are the most unfortunate ones and are the biggest losers in this world and the next. The main Dua for Laylatul Qadr is the following: Aisha (Ra) said: “I asked the Messenger of Allah: 'O Messenger of Allah, if I know what night is the night of Qadr, what should I say during it?' He said: 'Say: O Allah, You are pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.' “ "Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'annee" (Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and Tirmidhi). Gaining forgiveness on laylatul Qadr Abu Huraira narrated that the Messenger said: “Whoever stands (in prayer) in Laylatul Qadr while nourishing his faith with self-evaluation, expecting reward from Allah, will have all of his previous sins forgiven.” (Bukhari and Muslim). We should sincerely repent for past and present sins with the intention of not repeating them again and ask of Allah Ta’aala to help us prevent ourselves from doing them again and ask Allah to perfect our characters and to help us improve ourselves in everyway possible. 3. Do much Superogatory Prayers (Nafil) Rabi'ah ibn Malik al-Aslami reported that the Prophet sallallahu alehi wasallam said: "Ask (anything)." Rabi'ah said: "I ask of you to be your companion in paradise." The Prophet said: "Or anything else?" Rabi'ah said: "That is it." The Prophet sallallahu alehi wasallam said to him: "Then help me by making many prostrations (i.e., supererogatory prayers)." (Muslim) The Prophet peace be upon him said: “Whoever draws near to Allaah during it (Ramadaan) with a single characteristic from the characteristics of (voluntary) goodness, he is like whoever performs an obligatory act in other times. And whoever performs an obligatory act during it, he is like whoever performed seventy obligatory acts in other times.” – Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah, no. 1887. In this most blessed month of Ramadhan all good deeds are multiplied by 70 or more. Every Nafil one prays one will gain the reward of a Fard Salaah and every Fard Salah is the reward of 70 Fard salaah. Subhanallah what other time of the year is this possible? NONE! So let us make the best of these precious seconds and pray as many Nafil prayers as is possible! Here are some Nafil prayers we can pray on Laylatul Qadr: 1. Two Rakat after performing Wudu (Ablution) Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said to Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him): “Tell me about the best of your deeds (i.e. one which you deem the most rewarding) since your embracing Islam because I heard your footsteps in front of me in Paradise.” Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him) replied: “I do not consider any act of mine more rewarding than that whenever I make ablution at any time of night or day, I perform Prayer for as much as was destined for me to do.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)” 2. Tahajjud Imam Abu Sa'id al-Khadimi said, "There is scholarly consensus (ijma`) that among the best of virtuous acts is the night vigil prayer." [al-Bariqa al-Mahmudiyya Sharh al-Tariqa al-Muhammadiyya] The scholars derived the following in regards to Tahajjud from the Qur'an and prophetic hadiths: 1. The minimal night vigil prayer is 2 rakats. [Hindiyya, quoting Fath al-Qadir] 2. Its optimal recommended amount is 8 rakats, because this was the general practice of the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him, his family, and companions). [Hindiyya, quoting Fath al-Qadir] 3. Lengthier recitation is superior to a larger number of rakats prayed. [Durr al-Mukhtar, Radd al-Muhtar] 4. It is recommended to start the night vigil with two short rakats, because of the hadith of Abu Hurayra that the Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, "It you get up for night prayer, start with two short rakats." [Muslim, Ahmad, Abu Dawud] Ibn Mas`ud (Allah be pleased with him) was asked, "I cannot pray at night." He said, "Your sins have prevented you." 3. Salaatul Tasbih This is a very rewarding prayer that we should pray on each of the odd numbered nights. Ibn al Mubarak says: “The tasbih prayer is a greatly desired act and it is desirable that one should punctually observe it and never neglect it. How to perform this Salaah ‘Ikrimah reports from Ibn ‘Abbas that the Messenger of Allah said to ‘Abbas ibn ‘Abdal-Mutalib: “O ‘Abbas, O Uncle, shall I not give you, shall I not present to you, shall I not donate to you, shall I not tell you ten things which, if you do, Allah will forgive your first and last sins, past and present sins, intentional and unintentional sins, private and public sins? The ten actions are: pray four rak’at, reciting in every rak’ah al-Fatihah and a surah. And when you finish the Qur’anic recitation of the first rak’ah, say, while standing, ‘Subhanallah, al-hamdulillah, wa la ilaha illallah, wa Allahu Akbar‘ ['Glory be to Allah. All praise is due to Allah. There is no God except Allah. Allah is the greatest.'] Fifteen times. Then make ruku’, and while you are in ruku’, say the same ten times; then stand, and say the same ten times. Then go down and make sajdah, and while you’re in sajdah, say the same ten times. Then sit after the sajdah, and say the same ten times. Then make sajdah, and say the same ten times. Then sit after the second sajdah, and say the same another ten times. That is seventy-five [repetitions of the phrases] in each rak’ah. Do that in each of the four rak’at. If you can pray it once a day, do so. If you cannot, then once every Friday. If you cannot do that, then once a year. And if you cannot do that then once in your life. “ 4. Increase in Dhikr (Rememberance of Allah) We should glorify Allah night and day, especially in the last odd nights. Here are some easy and very beneficial Dhikr and glorification we can do throughout the last ten odd nights: 1. Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'annee 2. Subhanallah 3. Alhamdulillah 4. Allahu Akbar 5. Laa ilaha ilallah 6. LA HAWLA WA LA QUWWATA ILLA BILLAH 7. Asthaghfirullah 8. SUB-HAN'ALLAH HIL AZEEM WA BI-HAM'DIHI, 9. Subhāna-llāhi, wa-l-hamdu li-llāhi, wa lā ilāha illā-llāhu, wa-llāhu akbar. Wa lā hawla wa lā quwwata illā bi-llāhi-l-aliyyi-l-azīm 10. Lā ilāha illā-llāhu waḥdahu lā sharīka lahu lahu-l-mulku wa lahu-l-ḥamdu yuhyi wa yumītu wa huwa ḥayyu-llā yamūtu abadan abada, ḏū-l-jalāli wa-l-ikrām, biyadihi-l-khayr, wa huwa alā kulli Shay-in qadīr Or the shortened version: 11. Laa ilaaha illal-laahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa huwa ‘alaa kulli shay-in qadeer One can also recite the durood that one recites in one's Salaah or a Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallim 5. Make much Dua We should be very busy in Dua as much as we can especially in the last 10 odd numbered. Allah Almighty says in the Qur'an: "When my servants ask you concerning me, (tell them) I am indeed close (to them). I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calls on me." [2:186] The place of duaa is so high to Allah, that the Prophet(Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallim) had said: "Nothing is more honourable to Allah the Most High than du`a." [Sahih al-Jami` no.5268]. Almighty Allah also said: "The most excellent worship is du`a." [Sahih Al-Jami` no. 1133] Therefore let us devote much of the night of Qadr in dua asking of Allah for his mercy and forgiveness for all of our past sins and making firm intentions to Allah that we will change for the better and strive to become closer to him as well as make our deen a FULL part of our lives and not just a little part of our life as Allah says: Allah tells us In the Qur'an to enter fully into our deen and not partly: O believers enter into Islam completely and do not follow the footsteps of Shaitan, surely he is your clear-cut enemy.... (Surah Al-Baqara, Ayah 208-210) So then will we not make Islam a FULL part of our lives? This is our best opportunity and if we don't take it and death comes to us then surely we will regret it for ETERNITY! And Allah knows best in all matters

The Best Sale in the Universe is on Now! This is it. The best sale in the Universe is on NOW but it only lasts for 30 days each year so grab what you can now before it is too late!!! It is a forgiveness and good deed free for all like at no other time of the year!!! Opportunity of a lifetime! Imagine you were given an opportunity to go through a huge Supermarket and everything in store was 70% or more off. People would go crazy at such an amazing opportunity to grab the cheapest goods at ridiculous prices. This same sort of analogy applies to the blessed month of Ramadan but this sale is far better than any other and there are far more generous rewards up for grabs not only for the benefit of this world but most of all that which wiull benefit us for the rest of eternity. This is an opportunity to gain a lifetimes of forgiveness, immense rewards for even the smallest of deeds and Allah has made it easier for us to do good deeds in this blessed month! So we have a once in a year opportunity for just 30 days to grab as much forgiveness and immense rewards as possible aswell as freedom from the fire, entry into Jannah and best of all an opportunity to please Allah and get closer to him. Reward of 1000 months (83 years) and entire lifetime forgiveness in one night: There is a night in the last 10 nights of Ramadan where we have the opportunity to grab 83 years of worship reward and an entire lifetime of sins in just one night. It is none other than in the night of power (Laylatul Qadr). Summary of the special offers available in this blessed month only: Forgiveness for an entire lifetime of sins An opportunity to please Allah and get closer to him An opportunity to do more good deeds more so than in any other month EVERY Nawafil (Voluntary) prayer rewarded like a Fard (obligatory) prayer!!! Every Fard prayer rewarded like 70 fard prayers!!! Every letter of the Qur'an rewarded a minimum of 700 good deeds and double for those who struggle reciting who get minimum of 1400 for each letter!!! These are just minimum as EVERY good deed could be multiplied from 70 to 700 or more! Allah is most generous!!! Act fast as the sale ends soon! So come on what are you waiting for? GRAB as much forgiveness and as many good deeds as you can before its too late. This may be our last chance ever to have such an amazing opportunity as we may not be alive to see next Ramadan just as many others who thought they would be alive this Ramadan were taken by death. Surely on the day of judgement we will BEG each other for just one good deed but we will not be able to obtain any because we will all be in need on that day. So grab what you can now before its too late!!! Offer ends very shortly at the end of Ramadan!

40 Quick, Easy & Rewarding Good Deeds to do Everyday in Ramadhan! In this most blessed month of Ramadhan ALL good deeds are multiplied: The Prophet peace be upon him said: “Whoever draws near to Allaah during it (Ramadaan) with a single characteristic from the characteristics of (voluntary) goodness, he is like whoever performs an obligatory act in other times. And whoever performs an obligatory act during it, he is like whoever performed seventy obligatory acts in other times.” – Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah, no. 1887. Therefore all of the following good deeds are worth COUNTLESS more rewards in the month of Ramadaan who's reward ONLY Allah knows and he will reward for them how he likes: 1. Earn a thousand good deeds in Minutes Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said: "Is anyone of you incapable of earning one thousand Hasanah (rewards) a day?" Someone from the gathering asked, "How can anyone of us earn a thousand Hasanah?" Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said: "Glorify Allah a hundred times by just saying “Subhanallah” and a Good deeds will be written for you, or a thousand sins will be wiped away.” (Muslim 4:2073) 2. One of the Rare Treasures of Paradise Hadhrat Abu Dharr [Ra] narrated that Rasulallah [Saw] said: “Should I not tell you of one treasure of the unlimited treasures of Paradise?” I replied spontaneously “Oh Rasulallah (Peace be upon him) that would be an honour indeed!” Rasulallah (Saw) said: “That rare treasure is LA HAWLA WA LA QUWWATA ILLA BILLAH.” (“The strength to do good and to refrain from evil comes from the grace and mercy of Allah!”) -(Ibn Majah) Hadrat Abu Dharr al-Ghifari (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that "my beloved friend” (the Holy Prophet Muhammad, may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) has enjoined five things upon me. He has commanded me to love and be close to the poor and the downtrodden, and he has commanded me to look at those in the world who are of lower rank than me, and not at those who are of higher rank, and he has commanded me to be kind to the kinsman and to preserve and keep intact the bond of kinship, and he has commanded me not to ask for anything from anyone as a favour and he has commanded me to speak the truth at all times though it may be bitter for others, and he has commanded me to care nothing for the rebuke of those who revile and villify in the path of Allah, and he has commanded me to recite much the Kalima of: Laa Hawla wa laa Qawwuta Illaa Billah (there is no power or strength but in Allah) because all these things are from the treasure-house (of Allah) which is under the ninth heaven. (Ahmad) 3. A Date Palm planted in Paradise for the one who Recites this Hadhrat Jaa'bir [Ra] narrated that Rasulallah(Peace be upon him) said: “For the person who recites SUB-HAN'ALLAH HIL AZEEM WA BI-HAM'DIHI, [Pure and perfect is Allah in his glory and praise], - A date palm will be planted for him in Paradise” (Tirmidhi) Another Narration says: 4. Forgiveness for Sins Even Though they are like the Foam of the Sea: Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Apostle said, “Whoever says, ‘Subhan Allaahi Wa bihamdihi, {Allah is free from imperfection and His is the praise}. One hundred times a day, will be forgiven all his sins even if they were as much as the foam of the sea. (Bukhari, Book #75, Hadith #414) 5. We Can Earn Over a BILLION Rewards in Just a Few Seconds! Narrated ‘Ubaadah that the Messenger of Allah said, “Whoever seeks forgiveness for the believing men and believing women, Allah will write for him a good deed for each believing man and believing woman.” (Tabarrani) 6. That Which Shall Have no Equal on the Day of Resurrection: Narrated Abu Huraira:Allah’s Apostle said, ”Whoever says one hundred times in a day: “Laa ilaaha illallaah wahdahuu laa shareeka lahu, lahu-l-mulk wa lahu-l-hamd wa huwa ‘alaa kulli shai’in qadeer,” (“None has the right to be worshipped but Allah, the Alone Who has no partners, to Him belongs Dominion and to Him belong all the Praises, and He has power over all things (i.e. Omnipotent)”,} he will get the same reward as given for manumitting ten slaves; and one hundred good deeds will be written in his accounts, and one hundred sins will be deducted from his accounts, and it (his saying) will be a shield for him from Satan on that day till night, and nobody will be able to do a better deed except the one who does more than he.” (Bukhari, Book #75, Hadith #412) 7. Four Phrases that are Heavier on the Scales than an Entire Morning of Dhikrullah (Remembrance of Allah): The Mother of the Believers, Juwairiyah bint Al-Harith reported that the Prophet came out from my apartment in the morning as I was busy in performing the dawn prayer. He came back in the forenoon and found me sitting there. The Prophet said, ”Are you still in the same position as I left you.” I replied in the affirmative. Thereupon the Prophet said, “I recited four phrases three times after I had left you. If these are to be weighed against all you have recited since morning, these will be heavier. These are: Subhan-Allah Wa bihamdihi, ‘adada khalqihi, wa rida-a nafsihi, wa zinatah ‘arshihi, wa midada kalimatihi (Allah is free from imperfection and I begin with His praise, as many times as the number of His creatures, in accordance with His Good Pleasure, equal to the ink that may be used in recording the words (for His Praise).” (Muslim) 8. A Phrase that Comes with Rewards in the MILLIONS: On the authority of Abdullah ibn ‘Umar that the Prophet said: “Whoever enters a market and says: ‘Laa ilaaha ill Allah Wahdahu laa shareeka lah, lahul Mulku Wa lahul Hamdu yuhyi Wa yumeetu Wa huwa Hayyun laa yamoot, bi yadihil khayr, wahuwa ‘alaa kulli shay’ in qadeer’ {There is nothing worthy of worship but Allah, He is alone without partner, to Him belongs the dominion and the praise, he causes life and death and He is the Living One and will never die. In His Hand is all good, and He is over all things capable.) Allah will write for him a million good deeds erase a million of his bad deeds and build for him a house in Jannah.” And in another narration, instead of mentioning that Allah will build a house in Jannah, it states, “and he will be raised one million levels.” (Tirmidhi). 9. Reciting Tasbeeh, (Subhanballah), Tahmeed (Alhamdolillah) and Takbeer Allahu Akbar), and enjoining what is Good and forbidding what is evil, and praying Salaatul Duha (Breakfast prayer)., It was narrated from Abu Dharr that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “For every bone of the son of Adam a charity must be given each day. Every Tasbeehah (saying Subhaan Allah -Glory be to Allah) is a charity, every Tahmeedah (saying Al-hamdu Lillaah -praise be to Allah) is a charity, every tahleelah (saying Laa ilaaha ill-Allah -There is no god but Allah) is a charity, every takbeerah (saying Allaahu akbar -Allah is Most Great) is a charity, enjoining what is good is a charity, forbidding what is evil is a charity, and two Rak’ahs (Nafil) offered in the mid-morning (Duha) is sufficient.” (Muslim, 720) 10. The Virtues of Reciting Tasbih at-I-Fatima A well-known Tradition of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) has it that the Prophet's beloved daughter (and Hazrat Ali's (Ra) wife), Hazrat Fatima (Ra), used to perform all the domestic duties with her own hands. She had even to draw water from the well and to carry it home and to grind the corn in the millstone. One day she begged the holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) to provide her with a domestic servant upon which the Prophet (Peace be upon him) observed, "I will tell you of something that will serve you better than a domestic servant. Recite Subhaa-nallaah 33 times, Alhamdu lillaah 33 times, and Allahu Akbar 34 times after each Salaah and on retiring to bed. This will be of greater value to you than a servant." Another Tradition says, "Whoever will recite after each Salaah 33 times Subhaa-nallaah, 33 times Alhamdu lillaah, and 34 times Allahu Akbar, and, at the end of it, the Kalima of ‘Laa ilaaha illal laahu wahdahu laa sharika lahu lahul mulku wa-lahul hamdu wa huwa alaa kulli shay-in qadeer’. (There is no Allah but one Allah. He is alone. No partner hath. He Him belongs sovereignty and unto Him belongs Praise and He is all-Powerful) all his sins will be forgiven even if they be as profuse as the foam of the sea." 11. How to Erase 2500 Sins in 5 minutes! Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Amr (may Allah be pleased with him) who said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: ‘There are two qualities, no Muslim man acquires them but he will enter Paradise, and they are simple and easy. He should glorify Allah (say Subhaan Allah) ten times immediately after each prayer, and praise Him (say Al-hamdu Lillaah) ten times and magnify Him (say Allaahu Akbar) ten times.’ I saw the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) counting this on his fingers. He said: ‘That makes one hundred and fifty on the tongue and one thousand five hundred (hasanaat) in the scales. [Translator’s note: each of three phrases repeated ten times makes thirty; multiplied by the number of daily prayers, which is five, makes one hundred and fifty. Each of these good deeds of the tongue will be rewarded with ten hasanaat which will be added to the total of good deeds to be weighed in the balance or scales on the Day of Judgement]. 12. Glorifying Allah 100 times when one goes to bed When you go to bed, glorify Him and praise Him and magnify Him One hundred times: that will be one hundred on the tongue and a thousand in the scales. Who among you does 2,500 bad deeds in one day?’ They said: ‘How could we not count (our sins)?’ He said: ‘The Shaytaan comes to any one of you whilst he is praying and says, Remember this, remember that, until he finishes his prayer and does not do (this dhikr), or he comes to him when he is lying down and makes him sleepy, until he falls asleep (without doing this dhikr).’” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, 3332). 13. Earning a 1000 good deeds and wiping away a 1000 bad deeds in Minutes If a person says "Subhanallah" (glory be to Allah) 100 times, a thousand good deeds are recorded for him and a thousand bad deeds are wiped away. (Muslim) 14. Jannat becomes obligatory for the one who Recites the following Abu Sa’id (Ra) said that Rasullallah (Peace be upon him) said, “Whoever says: Radeetu billahi rabban, Wa bil-Islaami deenan, Wa bi-Muhammadin rasoolan Jannah becomes obligatory for him (to enter). (Abu-Dawud) - Best said in Morning and Evening with "Nabiyan wa rasoolan" 15. The Virtues of Reciting the First Kalimah The declaration of belief in the oneness of Allah or kalimah tayyibah Laa ilaaha ill-Allah (There is no worthy of worship except Allah) Hadrat Zaid bin ‘Arqam (Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever says Laa ilaaha illal-laah…sincerely will enter the Paradise.” It was said: And what is the [sign of] sincerity? He said: “That this kalimah stops him from those things which Allah has forbidden.” (Tabaraani in Awsat-ul-Kabeer) “Do you not see how Allah puts forth the likeness of a good word (kalimah tayyibah)? It is like a good tree, whose root is firmly fixed and whose branches reach to the sky. It brings forth its fruit in all seasons by the command of its Lord. And Allah sets forth parables for men, so that they may take heed. And the likeness of an evil word (kalimah khabeetha- a word of shirk) is like an evil tree, which is uprooted from the face of the earth, and has no stability.” (Qur’an: 24-26) 16. Virtues of Reciting the Third Kalimah: The word of glorification or the Kalima-e-Tamjeed Subhāna-llāhi, wa-l-hamdu li-llāhi, Wa lā ilāha illā-llāhu, wa-llāhu akbar. Wa lā hawla Wa lā quwwata illā bi-llāhi-l-‘aliyyi-l-‘azīm (Glory be to Allah. And praise be to Allah. And there is no god except Allah. And Allah is the Greatest. And there is no power and no strength except with Allah, the Most High, And Most Great) Ibn Mas’ood (Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “When I met Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) in the night of Mi’raaj (Night of ascension) he asked me to convey his Salaam to my Ummah and to tell them that the Paradise has a fertile soil and sweet water, and is like a vast field. And its plants are [the words above].” Another version says: “Whoever recites the words above, a tree in Paradise is planted for him for each word he says.” (Virtues of Dhikr; Tirmidhi) 17. Virtues of reading the Fourth Kalimah: The word of Oneness of Allah or the Kalima-e-Tawhid: Lā ilāha illā-llāhu waḥdahu lā sharīka lahu lahu-l-mulku Wa lahu-l-hamdu yuḥyi Wa yumītu Wa huwa ḥayyu-llā yamūtu abadan abada, ḏū-l-jalāli wa-l-ikrām, biyadihi-l-khayr, wa huwa ‘alā kulli Shay’in qadīr. (There is no god except Allah, Who is Alone and has no partners. For Him is the Dominion and for Him is all praise. He gives life and causes death. And He is living and will never ever die. Owner of Majesty and Honour: In His Hands is all goodness. And He has power over all things) Abu Hurairah (Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “A person who recites: Laa ilaaha illal-laahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa huwa ‘alaa kulli shay-in qadeer, a hundred times daily will have reward equal to that of freeing ten slaves and one hundred good deeds will be written for him, and one hundred of his sins will be lifted from him, and for the whole day, he will remain immune from the Shaytaan until the evening, and on the Day of Judgment, no one will exceed him in merit except one who has done [these phrases] more.” (Agreed Upon) 18. Virtues of Reciting AYAT UL KURSI after Salaat Rasulallah (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever recites Aayatul Kursi after every Fard (Fard Salat). Only death is keeping him/her from entering Jannah. (As soon as he/she dies, will enter Jannah) (Nisa'i, Ibne Habban, Ibnelsani A'n Abi Amatah Albahili Radiallah Anhu) Another Hadith states that Reciting Ayatul Kursi after one Fard (Fard Salat) will cause a person to stay in Allah's protection until the next Salat. (Tibrani Fil Kabeer) 18.1 Recite Ayatul Kursi for protection Imam Bihaqi (Ra) States: The one who recites Ayatul Kursi before falling asleep, Allah gives protection to his/her home and his/her Family. (Marqat Sharah Mishkaat, Mulla Ali Qaderi, vol. 2 pp. 583) In another Hadith the Jinn and Shaithaan do not come close to the house in which Ayatul Kursi is recited. (Tirmizi Altargheeb Wal Tarheeb Lilmanzari vol.2 pp.631) 18.2 Recite Ayatul Kursi for blessing in ones food Hadrat A'isha Radiallah Anha states that a person arrived in the court of Rasulallah (peace be upon him)and complained that there is no Barakat (Blessings) in anything in his home. Rasulallah (peace be upon him)said, “You do not recite Ayatul Kursi, whichever Food and Curry you will recite Ayatul Kursi on, Allah will give Blessings on that Food and Curry. (Tafseer Dar Manshoor vol. 1 pp. 323) 19. Visiting a sick Muslim. "There is no Muslim who visits another sick Muslim early in the morning but 70 thousand angels send blessings upon him until evening comes, and if he visits him in the evening, 70 thousand angels send blessings upon him until morning comes, and he will have a garden in paradise." [Tirmidhi] 20. Going to the Masjid in order to learn or teach Attending lectures in the Masjid. "Whoever goes to the Masjid not desiring anything except to learn or teach what is good has the reward of a pilgrim who completed his Hajj" (Tabarrani) 21. Praying the 12 Sunnah Rakats each day "Allah will build house in Jannah for whoever is diligent in observing 12 Sunnah rakat (as follows) 4 rakat before and 2 after Dhur, 2 after the Maghrib, 2 after Ishaa, and 2 before Fajr." (Tirmidhi) 22. Praying Fajr then worship until after Sunrise (15-20 min after sunrise) "Whoever prays Fajr Salaat in congregation, then sits remembering Allah until sunrise, then prays 2 Rakats of Salat has a complete reward of Hajj and Umrah. (the Prophet (Peace be upon him) repeated the word 'complete' 3 times for emphasis) (Tirmidhi) 23. Reward for Reciting each letter of Holy Qur’aan. It was narrated that ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Mas’ood said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever reads a letter of the Book of Allah will be credited with a good deed, and a good deed gets a tenfold reward. I do not say that Alif-Laam-Meem is a letter, rather alif is a letter, laam is a letter and meem is a letter.” (Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 2910) 23.1 Surah Fathiha The Mother of the Qur’an and a cure for every disease Abu Sulaiman says that once a group of Companions were in an expedition (ghazwa) when they happened to come across an epileptic person, who was unconscious. One of the Companions recited Surah Al-Fatiha and blew in his ear. The epileptic person immediately cured. When Sayyidana Muhammad (Peace be upon him) was informed of this, he said: “It (Surah Al-Fathiha) is “The Mother of the Qur’an” (Umm al-Qur’an) and is a cure for every disease.” [This narration has been recorded by Ath-Thua’lbi from Abu Sulaiman, who narrated it from Muawiya bin Saleh (RA), Tafseer Mazhari 1:31] 23.2 Surah Mulk which protects one from the Torment of the Grave It was narrated that Abdullah ibn Mas’ud said: Whoever reads Tabarakallahi Biyadihil Mulk [i.e. Surah al-Mulk] every night, Allah will protect him from the torment of the grave. At the time of the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) we used to call it al-mani’ah (that which protects). In the Book of Allah it is a surah which, whoever recites it every night has done very well. (an-Nasa’i) 23.3 Surah Zilzalah worth half of the Qur’an Abdullah Ibn ‘Abbas and Anas Ibn Malik (Ra) reported that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said, ‘Whoever recited Surah Zilzilah (99) would get the reward of reciting half the Qur’an. Whoever recited Surah al Kaafirun (109) would get a reward as if reading a quarter of the Qur’an. Whoever recited Surah al Ikhlas (112)would get a reward as if reading one third of the Qur’an’. (At-Tirmidhi 2818/A) 23.4.1 Surah Iklhas worth a third of the Qur’an Abu Sa’id al-Khudri (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) said to his Companions, “Are any of you unable to recite a third of the Qur’an in a night?” That was difficult for them and they said, “Which of us is able to do that, Messenger of Allah?” He said, “[The surah] ‘Say: He is Allah, Absolute Oneness, Allah, the Everlasting Sustainer of all’ (112) constitutes a third of the Qur’an.’” (Sahih al-Bukhari 6:61 #534, Riyad as-Salihin by Imam an-Nawawi Ch.183 #1010) 23.4.2 Surah Iklhas recited 200 times daily gets forgiveness of 50 years of sin Anas ( RA) reported the Prophet (Peace be upon him) as saying, “If anyone recites two hundred times daily, Qul huwallahu ahad the sins of fifty years will be wiped out, unless he is in debt.” (At-Tirmidhi and Darami). The latter version has ‘fifty times’ and he did not mention ‘unless he is in debt’ 23.5 Surah al Falaq and An Naas protection from Jinn and evil eye The Prophet (Peace be upon him) used to seek refuge from the jinn as well as from the evil eye until Surah al Falaq and An Naas were revealed. When they were sent down, he utilised them and left other things. [At-Tirmidhi #1984, Riyad as-Salihin by Imam an-Nawawi Ch.183 #1014] 24. 5 Reciting Qur’an whilst in Qiyaam (Standing in prayer) Abd-Allah ibn ‘Amr ibn al-‘Aas (may Allah be pleased with them both), narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: Whoever recites ten aayaat (verses) in qiyaam will not be recorded as one of the forgetful. Whoever recites a hundred aayaat (verses) in qiyaam will be recorded as one of the devout, and whoever prays a thousand aayaat (verses) in qiyaam will be recorded as one of the muqantareen (those who pile up good deeds).” (Reported by Abu Dawood and Ibn Hibbaan. It is a hasan report. Saheeh al-Targheeb, 635). 24. Good manners are the Heaviest on the good deed scales Abu Darda (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said, "Nothing will be heavier on the Day of Resurrection in the Scale of the believer than good manners. Allah hates one who utters foul or coarse language.'' 25.1 Dhikir of Allah during business or whilst working Dhikir of Allah at intervals while engaged in business is a source of great reward and merit. It is mentioned in hadith that in a place where people are oblivious to dhikir, remembrance of Allah is like being steadfast in jihad, when others are running away. (Targhib, p. 193, vol. 3 ref. Bazar and Tibrani) 25.2 We will regret the Seconds we wasted without remembering Allah Hadhrat Mu'az [RA] narrated Rasulallah (Peace be upon him) said: “The Inhabitants of Paradise will not be grief stricken or sorrowful about anything they did in the life of the world except for the time they spent without being in the remembrance of Allah” (Tabaraani) 26.1 Do Dhikr of Allah even if its on Comfortable beds Hadhrat Abu Saeed Khudri (Ra) narrates that Rasulullah (Peace be upon him) said: “There are many people reclining on comfortable beds and making the Dhikr of Allah on earth. Allah will grant them elevated ranks (in the Aakhirah).” (Ibn Habbaan) Those indulging in luxury should not abstain from Dhikrullah. They too should be constantly engaged in the remembrance of Allah whilst enjoying the comforts of the bounties which whilst enjoying the comforts of the bounties which Allah has bestowed on them and Allah will give them elevated ranks in the hereafter. 26.2 Do so much Dhikr that people think your mad Hadhrat Abu Saeed Khurdi (Ra) also narrates that Rasulullah (Peace be upon him) said: “Engage in the Dhikr of Allah in such abundance that people comment that ‘you are insane’.” (Ahmed, Abu Ya’la, Ibn Habbaan) 26.3 Remember Allah in the places where people don’t usually remember Allah It is mentioned in hadith that in a place where people are oblivious to dhikir, remembrance of Allah is like being steadfast in jihad, when others are running away. (Targhib, p. 193, vol. 3 ref. Bazar and Tibrani) 27. Always thank Allah for EVERYTHING A’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said, I asked, “Messenger of Allah, why do you exert yourself so much while all your sins have been forgiven?” To this he replied, “`A’ishah, should I not be a grateful servant of Allah?” (Muslim). Anas bin Malik (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Allah is pleased with His slave who says: `Al-hamdu lillah (praise be to Allah)’ when he takes a morsel of food and drinks a draught of water.” (Muslim) 28. Praising Allah upon Sneezing and its Response Abu Hurairah has related a Prophetic saying: "Allah likes sneezing and dislikes yawning. When anyone of you sneezes he should say “Alhamdulillah” and the hearer thereof should respond “Yar hamakullah” as it is a right of the one who sneezes." (Sahih Bukhari). 29. Allah will increase us the more thankful we are to him -Allah likes those who are thankful [39:7] -Allah rewards those who are thankful [3:144] -Allah gives more benefits and blessings to those who are thankful [14:7] -Allah protects those from harm who render Him thankfulness [54:34-35] 29.1 Dua to make in every dua to become of the appreciative Allahumma a-inni ala Zikrika wa shukrika wa husni ibadatik (O Allah! Help me to remember you, to thank you, and to worship you in the best of manners) 29.2 Thanking people The Prophet (Peace be upon him)said, Whoever has a favour done for him and says ‘Jazaak Allahu khayran‘ has done his utmost to thank him. (At-Tirmithi) 30. Meet Your Brother with a happy face Abu Dharr said, "The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, told me, 'Do not consider anything correct insignificant, even meeting your brother with a happy face." (Muslim) 31. Even Moving obstacles from peoples paths is a great reward Abu Hurairra reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "A man passed by a fallen branch in the middle of the road and said, 'By Allah, I will remove this from the path of the Muslims so that it does not inconvenience them' and he was admitted into the Garden." (Muslim) 32. Being kind to Parents is the best deed after Salat It is narrated on the authority of Abdullah bin Mas'ood (may Allah be pleased with him), who observed: "I asked Allah's Messenger (May peace be upon him) which deed was the best." He (the Holy Prophet) replied: 'The Prayer at its appointed hour.' I (again) asked: "Then what?" He (the Holy Prophet) replied: 'Kindness to the parents… (Sahih Muslim: 120) 33. Sending Darud and Peace on the blessed Prophet (Peace be upon him) The Holy Prophet as saying that "One sent by my Sustainer came to me and told me that 'Whoever from your ummah sends darud on you once ten good deeds are recorded on his behalf, his ten (minor) sins are pardoned and he is elevated by ten stages" (Sunan Nisai and Musnad Ahmed, AI-targhib li al Mundhari, P.157 volume 3) And Anas (RA) a companion, has said that the eternally blessed Prophet said that "When my name is mentioned before anyone it is incumbent upon him to, send darud on me, and whosoever sends darud once, Allah sends His Mercy on him ten times (ibid.) The best Darud is that which we read in our Salah and the shortest is to say "Salallahu Alaihi Wasallim" 34. Seeking forgiveness as much as possible everyday Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) was free of all sin, but even then he has said that "I beg for Allah's forgiveness seventy times or more every day" (Bukhari) The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: "Whosoever regularly seeks Allah's pardon, Allah makes for him a way out of all tight corners, removes all his worries and grants him sustenance from sources he had never imagined." (Abu Damd, Kitab-al-Satat, Bab-al-Istighfar). 35. Planting Trees is like giving Sadaqa and a means of great Reward] Planting plants and trees in appropriate places is an act of great merit Anas (RA) has quoted Rasulallah (Peace be upon him): "A man plants a tree or sows a field and a man or bird eats from it, the tree or field becomes a source of sadaqah for him." (Bukhari and Muslim) 36. Teach others beneficial Islamic things and have mercy of Allah and all creatures Abu Umama has quoted the following words of our Prophet (Peace be upon him) “Allah the Most High and His Angels and all creatures of the Heavens and earth even the ants inside their ant-holes shower mercy one those who teach things of benefit to others.” (Jame-Tirmidhi) 37. Greet your Muslim brother whether you know them or not Our holy Prophet (Peace be upon him), was asked as to which actions are good for Muslims. Among the actions which he enumerated was this: "You should greet people whether you know them or not." It is reported about Abdullah bin Omar that sometimes he went out of the house only to greet any Muslims he met and thus to increase his merit. (Muvatta Imam Malik) 37.1 When entering ones house greet with salaam even when entering empty house Our holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) instructed his personal servant Anas as follows, “Oh son! When you enter (your) house, greet your family members; this act shall be of benefit for both you and your family members." (Tirmidhi) Even when entering an empty house one should greet with the intent that angels are being greeted. 37.2 Reward for giving FULL salaam is 30 good deeds Imran bin Husayn(RA) recounts that once he and others were in the presence of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) when a man came and said, "Assalamu alaikum", to which the blessed Prophet (Peace be upon him) responded and said, "Ten" (i.e. the person who had greeted him had earned ten merits); then another man came and he "Assalamu alaikum wa Rahmatullah", to which the Prophet (Peace be upon him) responded and said "Twenty" (i.e. the person had earned twenty merits). Finally a third man came and said "Assalamu alaikum wa Rahmatullah wa Barakatu", to which the exalted Prophet (Peace be upon him) responded and said, "Thirty" (i.e. the person had earned thirty merits) (Abu Daud, Tirmidhi, Jami al Usul, p. 602. vol 6) 38. Love for the sake of Allah and be under his shade One hadith says, “Allah shall ask on the Day of Judgement, ' Where are those who loved for the sake of my Greatness? Today when there is no shade save Mine, I shall have them in My Shade.'" (Sahih Muslim: Kitab al Birr wa al Silah) Another tells us that "On the Day of Judgement, those who had mutual love for the sake of Allah's Greatness shall be on pulpits of light and all shall envy them." (Jami' Tirmidhi, Kitab al Zuhd) 39. We will be with those whom we love even the Prophet (Peace be upon him) Anas (RA) Quotes that someone asked our blessed and exalted Prophet,"When shall come the Day of Judgement?" Our Prophet asked him "What preparation have you made for the Day?" The man said, "Nothing, but I have love for Allah and for His Messenger." The Prophet said, "You shall be (on that Day) with whom you love." Anas (RA) says that these words of the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) so pleased us as nothing had ever done. He further said, "I have great love for the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) and with Abu Bakr (RA) and Umar(RA), may Allah be pleased with them, and because of this love, I shall be in their company, even though my deeds are not equal to theirs." (Sahih Bukhari, kitab-al-Adab, chapter Alamah al Hubb fi Allah). 40. Magnify ones intention and get even MORE reward doing good deeds! Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "Deeds (their correctness and rewards) depend upon intentions, and every person gets but what he has intended." (Agreed upon) Ibn Al-Mubarak said: "May a small deed be magnified by the sincere intention; and may a great deed be diminished by the insincere intention" If we do not correct our intention before doing a good act or deed then we will not get rewarded our deeds even if it is a great one, while we can magnify our humble deeds by a sincere intention. Conclusion Once we realise the greatness of fasting and what achievement it leads to, we must put all our efforts in performing fasting in the best manner possible. And since fasting is worship, it must be done solely for Allah's sake, and no intention is accepted, other than pleasing Allah and seeking His Face with all one's sincerity. Without a correct intention, no deed is of any value in the Hereafter. We Muslims must constantly verify our intentions and consider why we perform fasting. Do we do so merely because it is the practice of our parents and friends, or do we do so because it is part of our tradition, or perhaps because we simply want to conform to our environment in order to avoid any problems? A Muslim who realises that only that which is with Allah remains, and that He (Swt) is the only One who grants and withholds, would not be of those to which the Prophet (s.a.w.) alluded in the Hadeeth: "On the Day of Judgement, a caller will cry out, 'Whoever performed a deed for someone other than Allah may seek his reward from that for which he performed the deed' " [Saheeh al-Jami]. May Allah increase us in good in this most blessed of months and give us the ability to do excessive good deeds all throughout the year so that we may please Almighty Allah and get the closest to him and make him the happiest in order that we achieve the highest ranks of Paradise. Ameen PLEASE FEEL FREE TO DOWNLOAD, COPY, PRINT AND FORWARD THIS ARTICLE

12 Hugely Rewarding Dhikr's to keep repeating in Ramadan The following is a list of 12 daily Dhikr we should keep repeating during Ramadan. Set yourself a target. 100 of each in the morning and evening or however much you can manage: 1. Subhaanallah - Glory be to Allah 2. Alhamdulillah - All praise be to Allah 3. Allahu Akbar - Allah is the greatest 4. Laa ilaaha illallah - There is no worthy of worship except Allah 5. La hawla wa la quwatta illah billah-Hil aliyyil adheem - There is no power or might except with Allah 6. Asthaghfirullah-halladhee Laa ilaaha illa-huwal Hayyul Qayyuumu Wa athoobu Ilay - ‘I ask forgiveness from Allah the One whom there is no deity worthy of worship except He, the Ever-Living and Sustainer and I repent to Him’ three times, Allah would forgive his sins even if they were as much as the foam of the sea. Or the shorter version: Asthaghfirullah - I seek Allah's forgiveness 7. Sub-Haan'Allahi Wa bi-ham'dihi Sub-haan'Allah-IL Adheem - Glory be to Allah and Praise Him, Glory be to Allah, The Supreme, and Praise Him Or shorter version: Sub-Haan'Allahi Wa bi-ham'dihi - Glory be to Allah and Praise Him 8. SubhÄna-llÄhi, wa-l-hamdu li-llÄhi, wa lÄ ilÄha illÄ-llÄhu, wa-llÄhu akbar. Wa lÄ hawla wa lÄ quwwata illÄ bi-llÄhi-l-aliyyi-l-azÄ«m - Glory be to Allah, All Praise is for Allah, There is No God but Allah, Allah is the Greatest 9. LÄ ilÄha illÄ-llÄhu waḥdahu lÄ sharÄ«ka lahu lahu-l-mulku wa lahu-l-ḥamdu yuhyi wa yumÄ«tu wa huwa ḥayyu-llÄ yamÅ«tu abadan abada, á¸Å«-l-jalÄli wa-l-ikrÄm, biyadihi-l-khayr, wa huwa alÄ kulli Shay-in qadÄ«r - (There is) none worthy of worship except Allah. He is only One. (There is) no partners for Him. For Him (is) the Kingdom. And for Him (is) the Praise. He gives life and acuses death. And He (is) Alive. He will not die, never, ever. Possessor of Majesty and Reverence. In His hand (is) the goodness. And He (is) the goodness. And He (is) on everything powerful. Or the shorter version: Laa ilaaha illal-laahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa huwa ‘alaa kulli shay-in qadeer - There is No God But Allah Alone, who has no partner. His is the dominion and His is the raise, and He is Able to do all things 10. Astaghfirullah al-'Adheemal-ladhi la ilaha illa Huwal-Hayyul-Qayyum wa atubu ilaih (I seek the forgiveness of Allah the Mighty, Whom there is none worthy except Him, the Living, The Eternal, and I repent unto Him) 11. Allahumma anta Rabbi la ilaha illa anta, Anta Khalaqtani wa ana abduka, wa ana 'ala ahdika wa wa'dika mastata'tu, A'udhu bika min Sharri ma sana'tu, abu'u Laka bini'matika 'alaiya, wa Abu Laka bidhanbi faghfirli innahu la yaghfiru adhdhunuba illa anta (O Allah! You are my Lord! None has the right to be worshipped but You. You created me and I am Your slave, and I am faithful to my covenant and my promise as much as I can. I seek refuge with You from all the evil I have done. I acknowledge before You all the blessings You have bestowed upon me, and I confess to You all my sins. So I entreat You to forgive my sins, for nobody can forgive sins except You.) 12. Recite the following abundantly especially during the last ten nights of Ramadan. Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'annee - 'Say: O Allah, You are pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.' NOTE: We should also send much salutations to our beloved Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), especially on Jummah. The best way of doing this is to recite much of Durood e Ibrahim which is what we recite during every Salaah just before we finish: ALLAHUMMA SALLI ALA MUHAMMADIW WA ALA AALI MUHAMMADIN KAMAA SALLAITA ALA IBRAHIMA WA ALA AALI IBRAHIMA INNAKA HAMIDUM MAJID. ALLAHUMMA BAARIK ALA MUHAMMADIW WA ALA AALI MUHAMMADIN KAMAA BAARAKTA ALA IBRAHIMA WA ALA AALI IBRAHIMA INNAKA HAMIDUM MAJID. Oh Allah! Send blessings upon (Holy Prophet) Muhammad and upon the followers of (Holy Prophet) Muhammad as You sent blessings upon Ibraheem and upon the followers of Ibraheem; indeed, You are praiseworthy and glorious. Oh Allah! Bless (Holy Prophet) Muhammad and the follower of (Holy Prophet) Muhammad as You blessed Ibraheem and the follower of Ibraheem; indeed, You are praise worthy and glorious. Or the shortest Durood is: Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallim - Blessings of Allah be upon him and peace May Allah enable us to say and do that which pleases him the most. Ameen

15 Easy Good deeds to do throughout Ramadan! 1. Sitting after Fajr remembering Allah until sunrise: “Whoever prays fajr in congregation, then sits remembering Allah until sunrise, then prays 2 rakats of salat has a complete reward of (Nafil) Hajj and Umrah. (The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) repeated the word ‘complete’ 3 times for emphasis) [Tirmidhi] 2. A house in Jannah for praying 12 Sunnah each day: “Allah will build house in Jannah for whoever is diligent in obsering 12 sunnah rakat (as follows) 4 rakat before and 2 after Dhur, 2 after the Maghrib, 2 after Ishaa, and 2 before Fajr.” [Tirmidhi] 3. Attending lectures in the Masjid. “Whoever goes to the mosque not desiring except to learn or teach what is good has the reward of a pilgrim who completed his Hajj” [Tabarani] 4. Visiting a sick Muslim. “There is no Muslim who visits a sick muslim early in the morning but 70 thousand angles send blessings upon him until evening comes, and if he visits him in the evening, 70 thousand angles send blessings upon him until morning comes, and he will have a garden in paradise.” [Tirmidhi] 5. Providing food for breaking the fast. “Whoever provides food for breaking of the fast for a fasting person receives the reward of the fasting person, without the reward of the fasting person being reduced in any way.” [Tirmidhi & Ibn Majah] 6. Standing in prayer on Laylatul Qadr. “Laylatul Qadr is better than a thousand months.” [Quran 97:3] So it is, superior to approx 83 years of worship! Subhaanallah most do not even live for that long! 7. Millions of Good deeds remembering Allah whilst shopping: “Whoever enters a market and says: ‘Laa ilaha illallah wahdahu la shareeka lah, lahul mulku wa lahul hamdu yuhyi wa yumeetu wa huwa hayyun laa yamoot, bi yadihil khair, wa huwa ‘ala kulli shayin qadeer’ [There is nothing worthy of worship except Allah, alone without partner, to Him belongs dominion and praise, He causes life and feath and He is the Living and does not die. In His Hand is all the good, and He is over all things competent] … Allah will write for him/her a million good deeds and erase a million bad deeds and raise him a million levels.” [Tirmidhi] 8. That Which Shall Have no Equal on the Day of Resurrection: Abu Huraira (RA) narrated that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said:” Whoever says one hundred times in a day: “La ilaha illal-lah wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahu-l-mulk wa lahu-l-hamd wa huwa ‘ala kulli shai’in qadir,” {”None has the right to be worshipped but Allah, the Alone Who has no partners, to Him belongs Dominion and to Him belong all the Praises, and He has power over all things (i.e. Omnipotent)”,} he will get the same reward as given for manumitting ten slaves; and one hundred good deeds will be written in his accounts, and one hundred sins will be deducted from his accounts, and it (his saying) will be a shield for him from Satan on that day till night, and nobody will be able to do a better deed except the one who does more than he.” [Bukhari,Book #75, Hadith #412] 9. Asking Allah to forgive ALL Muslims. “Whoever seeks forgiveness for beleiving men and believing woman, Allah will write for him a good deed for each believing man and believing woman.” [Tabarani] That is a reward for EVERY believer we make dua for. Since it is Ramadan then we get 70 good deeds for every believer we make dua for. So for simple dua taking a few seconds will give us BILLIONS of good deeds! Subhaanallah! 10. Forgiveness like the foam of the sea: - Abu Hurayrah (RA) narrated that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: ‘Whoever says: Subhanallah wa bi hamdih (Praise and glory be to Allah) 100 times, morning and evening, his sins will be erased even if they are like the foam on the sea.” [Bukhari] - Jaa’bir (RA) narrated that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “For the person who recites: SUB-HAN’ALLAH HIL AZEEM WA BI-HAM’DIHI, (Pure and perfect is Allah in his glory and praise) – A date palm will be planted for him in Paradise” [Tirmidhi] 11. Thousand Good deeds in 2 Minutes If a person says “Subhanallah” (glory be to Allah) 100 times, a thousand good deeds are recorded for him and a thousand bad deeds are wiped away. [Muslim] 12. Being pleased on the Day of Resurrection: Allah has promised that anyone who says this three times every morning or evening will be pleased on the Day of Resurrection: “رَضِيتُ باللهِ رَبَّاً، وَبِالْإِسْلَامِ دِيناً، وَبِمُحَمَّدٍ صَلَى اللهُ عَلِيهِ وَسَلَّمَ نَبِيَّاً”. Radheetu billaahi Rabban, wa bil-’Islaami deenan, wa bi-Muhammadin (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallama) Nabiyyan. I am pleased with Allah as my Lord, with Islam as my religion and with Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) as my Prophet. [Fortress of the Muslim] 13. Reciting three phrases heavy on the scales: Juwairiyah bint Al-Harith reported: The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) came out from my apartment in the morning as I was busy in performing the dawn prayer. He came back in the forenoon and found me sitting there and said,”Are you still in the same position as I left you.” I replied in the affirmative. Thereupon the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, “I recited four phrases three times after I had left you. If these are to be weighed against all you have recited since morning, these will be heavier. These are: Subhan-Allah wa bihamdihi, ‘adada khalqihi, wa rida-a nafsihi, wa zinatah ‘arshihi, wa midada kalimatihi {Allah is free from imperfection and I begin with His praise, as many times as the number of His creatures, in accordance with His Good Pleasure, equal to the ink that may be used in recording the words (for His Praise).” [Muslim] 14. A Rare treasure of Paradise: Abu Dharr (RA) narrated that Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Should I not tell you of one treasure of the unlimited treasures of Paradise?” I replied spontaneously “Oh Rasulallah that would be an honour indeed!” Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said: “That rare treasure is: LA HAWLA WA LA QUWWATA ILLA BILLAH.” (“The strength to do good and to refrain from evil comes from the grace and mercy of Allah!”) [Ibn Majah] 15. Beautiful Supplication for Forgiveness: Shaddad bin Aus (RA) narrates that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “The best supplication for seeking forgiveness (Syed-ul-Istighfar) is to say: `Allahumma Anta Rabbi, la ilaha illa Anta, khalaqtani wa ana `abduka, wa ana `ala `ahdika wa wa`dika mastata`tu, a`udhu bika min sharri ma sana`tu, abu‘u laka bini`matika `alayya, wa abu‘u bidhanbi faghfir li, fa innahu la yaghfirudh-dhunuba illa Anta. (O Allah! You are my Rubb. There is no true god except You. You have created me, and I am Your slave, and I hold to Your Covenant as far as I can. I seek refuge in You from the evil of what I have done. I acknowledge the favours that You have bestowed upon me, and I confess my sins. Pardon me, for none but You has the power to pardon).’ He who supplicates in these terms during the day with firm belief in it and dies on the same day (before the evening), he will be one of the dwellers of Jannah; and if anyone supplicates in these terms during the night with firm belief in it and dies before the morning, he will be one of the dwellers of Jannah.” [Al-Bukhari]. So let us not be in UTTER regret on the day of judgement: Hadhrat Mu’az (RA) narrated that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “THE INHABITANTS OF PARADISE WILL NOT BE GRIEF-STRICKEN OR SORROWFUL ABOUT ANYTHING THEY DID IN THE LIFE OF THE WORLD EXCEPT FOR THE TIME THEY SPENT WITHOUT BEING IN THE DHIKR-(REMEMBRANCE) OF ALLAH.” – [Tab’raani] Therefore let us act upon these EASY good deeds throughout Ramadan and until our very last breath! May Allah give us the ability to do everything to please him and refrain from anything which angers or displeases him. Ameen

10 Hugely Rewarding Good Deeds to do in Ramadan During this blessed month the reward of good deeds are increased significantly: The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said:“Whoever draws near to Allah during it (Ramadan) with a single characteristic from the characteristics of (voluntary) goodness, he is like whoever performs an obligatory act in other times. And whoever performs an obligatory act during it, he is like whoever performed seventy obligatory acts in other times.” (Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah, no. 1887) So let us look at some of the heaviest good deeds we can all do in Ramadan to maximize this blessed month: 1. Billions of Good deeds in seconds. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Whoever seeks forgiveness for believing men and believing woman, Allah will write for him a good deed for each believing man and believing woman.” [Tabarani] So each time we pray for every believer from the first until the last we will gain a reward for each believer, which is billions of rewards in just a few seconds! So lwet us make this a habit in EVERY DUA! 2. Hugely rewarding Dhikr to do each day: 2.1 Millions of Good deeds in seconds: “Whoever enters a market and says: ‘Laa ilaha illallah wahdahu la shareeka lah, lahul mulku wa lahul hamdu yuhyi wa yumeetu wa huwa hayyun laa yamoot, bi yadihil khair, wa huwa ‘ala kulli shayin qadeer’ There is nothing worthy of worship except Allah, alone without partner, to Him belongs dominion and praise, He causes life and feath and He is the Living and does not die. In His Hand is all the good, and He is over all things competent … Allah will write for him/her a million good deeds and erase a million bad deeds and raise him a million levels.” [Tirmidhi] 2.2 That Which Shall Have no Equal on the Day of Resurrection: Abu Huraira (Ra) narrated that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: ”Whoever says one hundred times in a day: “La ilaha illal-lah wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahu-l-mulk wa lahu-l-hamd wa huwa ‘ala kulli shai’in qadir,” None has the right to be worshipped but Allah, the Alone Who has no partners, to Him belongs Dominion and to Him belong all the Praises, and He has power over all things (i.e. Omnipotent) he will get the same reward as given for manumitting ten slaves; and one hundred good deeds will be written in his accounts, and one hundred sins will be deducted from his accounts, and it (his saying) will be a shield for him from Satan on that day till night, and nobody will be able to do a better deed except the one who does more than he.” [Bukhari, Book #75, Hadith #412] 2.3 Huge rewards for reciting dhikr after prayers: Abu Hurayrah (Ra) narrated that a group of destitute people came to the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), and said, “O Messenger of Allah, the wealthy people will have higher grades and will have permanent enjoyment in high levels in Paradise. They pray like us and fast as we do, but they have more money by which they perform the Hajj, ‘Umrah, participate in Jihaad and give in charity.” The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), replied: “Shall I not tell you something upon which if you acted you would catch up with those who have surpassed you? Nobody would surpass you and you would be better than the people amongst whom you live except those who would do the same. Say: ‘Subhaan Allaah’, ‘Alhamdulillaah’ and ‘Allaahu Akbar’ thirty-three times each after every (compulsory) prayer.’" [Al-Bukhari] 2.4 Guaranteed place in Paradise: The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: "Whoever recites Aayatul Kursi after every Fard (Fard Salah). Only death is keeping him/her from entering Jannah. (As soon as he/she dies, will enter Jannah) [Nisa'i, Ibne Habban] 2.5 Reciting 3 heavy phrases: Juwairiyah bint Al-Harith (Ra) reported: The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) came out from my apartment in the morning as I was busy in performing the dawn prayer. He came back in the forenoon and found me sitting there and said, “Are you still in the same position as I left you.” I replied in the affirmative. Thereupon the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, “I recited four phrases three times after I had left you. If these are to be weighed against all you have recited since morning, these will be heavier. These are: Subhan-Allah wa bihamdihi, ‘adada khalqihi, wa rida-a nafsihi, wa zinatah ‘arshihi, wa midada kalimatihi Allah is free from imperfection and I begin with His praise, as many times as the number of His creatures, in accordance with His Good Pleasure, equal to the ink that may be used in recording the words (for His Praise).” [Muslim] 2.6 The Virtues of reciting "Subhanallah": The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: "Is anyone of you incapable of earning one thousand Hasanah (rewards) a day?" Someone from the gathering asked, "How can anyone of us earn a thousand Hasanah?" Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: "Glorify Allah a hundred times by just saying “Subhanallah” and a Good deeds will be written for you, or a thousand sins will be wiped away.” [Muslim 4:2073] Another version says: ...a thousand good deeds are recorded for him and a thousand bad deeds are wiped away. [Muslim] When you go to bed, glorify Him and praise Him and magnify Him One hundred times: The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: "Who among you does 2,500 bad deeds in one day?’ They said: ‘How could we not count (our sins)?’ He said: ‘The Shaytaan comes to any one of you whilst he is praying and says, Remember this, remember that, until he finishes his prayer and does not do (this dhikr), or he comes to him when he is lying down and makes him sleepy, until he falls asleep (without doing this dhikr).’” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, 3332). 2.7 A tree in Paradise for each word: The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Whoever recites the folllowing words, a tree in Paradise is planted for him for each word he says.” Subhāna-llāhi, wa-l-hamdu li-llāhi, Wa lā ilāha illā-llāhu, wa-llāhu akbar. Wa lā hawla Wa lā quwwata illā bi-llāhi-l-‘aliyyi-l-‘azīm (Glory be to Allah. And praise be to Allah. And there is no god except Allah. And Allah is the Greatest. And there is no power and no strength except with Allah, the Most High, And Most Great) [Tirmidhi] 2.8 Forgiveness like foam of the Sea: Abu Hurayrah (Ra) narrated that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: ‘Whoever says: Subhanallah wa bi hamdih (Praise and glory be to Allah) 100 times, morning and evening, his sins will be erased even if they are like the foam on the sea.” [Bukhari] 2.9 Most pleased on the day of Judgement: Allah has promised that anyone who says this three times every morning or evening will be pleased on the Day of Resurrection: Radheetu billaahi Rabban, wa bil-’Islaami deenan, wa bi-Muhammadin (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallama) Nabiyyan. I am pleased with Allah as my Lord, with Islam as my religion and with Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) as my Prophet. [Fortress of the Muslim] Another version says: Jannah becomes obligatory for him (to enter). [Abu-Dawud] 3. Reward for Obligatory & Voluntary prayers increased significantly The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “...And whoever performs an obligatory act during it, he is like whoever performed seventy obligatory acts in other times.” [Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah, no. 1887] 3.1 Pray 12 Raka'ahs of Sunnah daily: - 2 Sunnah of Fajr, 4 Sunnah & 2 Sunnah of Dhuhr and 2 Sunnah of Maghrib Umm Habibah Ramilah bint Abu Sufyan (RA) narrated she heard the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) saying: “A house will be built in Paradise for every Muslim who offers twelve units of Prayers other than the obligatory ones in day and night, to seek pleasure of Allah.” [Muslim] 3.2. Salaatul Duhaa (Can be prayed from 20 mins after sunrise up until 20 minutes before Dhuhr begins) So we should remain seated after Fajr prayer & recite the Qur'an or do Dhikr up until 20 minutes after Sunrise and pray Salaatul Duhaa. If not then we can pray it anytime before midday. 'Salat al-Dhuhaa consists of 2 - 12 Rakaats and it is preferable to perform 8 Rakaats.' [Raddul Mukhtaar vol.1 pg.505] The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) is reported to have said: Whoever prayed twelve rakaats (before midday), then Allah will, as a reward, prepare a palace of gold for him in Paradise. [Mishkat, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah] 3.3. 4 Sunnah, 2 Sunnah & 2 Nafil of Dhuhr Umm Habibah (RA) narrated that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Whoever sticks to the habit of offering four rak`ahs before Noon Prayer and four rak`ahs after it, Allah will shield him against the Hell-Fire.” [Abu Dawud & At-Tirmidhi] 3.4. Raka'ahs Sunnah of Asr The Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi wa sallam) said: "May Allaah have Mercy on the one who offers four (Raka'ahs) before 'Asr prayer." [Abu Dawud] 3.5. Two Raka'ahs Sunnah after entering Masjid Abu Qatadah (RA) narrated the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) as saying: “If any one of you enters a mosque, he should pray two rak`ahs before sitting.” [Al-Bukhari & Muslim] 3.6. Tahiyyatul Wudu - 2 Raka'ahs Voluntary prayer after doing Wudu (Ablution) Abu Hurayrah (RA) reported the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) saying to Bilal (RA): “Tell me about the best of your deeds (i.e. one which you deem the most rewarding) since your embracing Islam because I heard your footsteps in front of me in Paradise.” Bilal (RA) replied: “I do not consider any act of mine more rewarding than that whenever I make ablution at any time of night or day, I perform Prayer for as much as was destined for me to do.” [Al-Bukhari & Muslim] 3.7 Tahajjud - The Night Vigil Prayer The MOST REWARDING Voluntary prayer after the Obligatory prayers is Tahajjud: Abu Hurairah (Ra) reported that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, “The best fast after the fast of Ramadan is the fast of Muharram and the best Salaah after the obligatory prayers is the prayer performed at night.”[Muslim] Allah listens to the prayers at night: Jaabir (RA) says that he heard the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) saying,“Certainly in the night, there is a moment in which, if coincided by a submissive person asking Allah of the good of this world and the hereafter, Allah gives him whatever he asks for, and that is the entire night. [Muslim] Those who had the habit of praying Tahajjud will enter Paradise: Asmaa binte Yazeed (Ra) narrates that The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, “On the day of resurrection, the people will be gathered upon one plain field and an announcer will proclaim saying, “Where are those who separated their sides from their beds? A little amount of people will stand up. They will enter paradise without reckoning, and then it will be ordered that the remaining people be taken to reckoning”. [Baihaqi] The Tahajjud prayer can be prayed After Isha but is best to pray it after sleeping and then awakening in the third part of the night before Fajr begins. It is between 2 - 12 Raka'hs. Then let us pray all of our Obligatory prayers on time (congregation for men) and increase in doing volntary prayers especially during this blessed month for every voluntary prayer is rewarded like that of an Obligatory prayer! 4. Charity & Feeding a fasting person: 4.1 The best charity is given in Ramadan: The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam) said, “The best charity is that given in Ramadan.” (At-Tirmithi). 4.2 Charity extinguishes sins, and expiates evil deeds The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), said:“Charity extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire.” [At-Tirmithi] 4.3 Charity increases wealth: The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), said: “Allah The Almighty Says, ‘O son of Adam, spend and I will spend on you.” [Muslim] Therefore let us give as much as we can in the way of Allah and know that it is an expiation of sin and will cause a long term increase in our wealth in this world and immense good deeds in the next world! 4.4 Gaining the reward of a fasting person: “Whoever provides food for breaking of the fast for a fasting person receives the reward of the fasting person, without the reward of the fasting person being reduced in any way.” [Tirmidhi & Ibn Majah] Then let us feed as many people as we can, whether it is our family, relatives and friends, people at the local Masjid and especially the poor and destitute. 5. Rewards of Hajj & Umrah 5.1 Remaining seated, worshipping from Fajr until after Sunrise: From `Abdullah bin `Aamir (Ra) that Abu Umaamah and `Utbah Bin `Abd (Ra) who related that the Prophet, (Sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) said: “Whoever prays as-Subh. (I.e. fajr prayer) in congregation then sits until he prays for Allah the prayer of Dhuha (2x2 Raka'ah 20 mins after sunrise) has the reward like that of a Hajj (pilgrim performing Hajj) and a mu`tamir (pilgrim peforming `Umrah), complete reward of his Hajj and his `Umrah” [Tirmidhi, Tabarani]. 5.2 Praying Fajr & Isha in congregation: Abu Tharr (Ra) narrated that a group of the Companions came to the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), and said, “O Messenger of Allah, the wealthy people will have higher grades and will have permanent enjoyment and they pray like us and fast as we do. They have more money, which they give in charity. “The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), replied: “Has Allah not rendered for you the ‘Isha’ prayer in congregation equal to Hajj, and the Fajr prayer in congregation equal to ‘Umrah?” [Muslim] 5.3 Walking to the Masjid: The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Whoever walks to [perform] an obligatory prayer in congregation, it is like Hajj [in terms of rewards], and whoever walks to [perform] a voluntary prayer, it is like a voluntary ‘Umrah [in terms of rewards].” [Hasan] 5.4 Attending lectures in the Masjid: “Whoever goes to the mosque not desiring except to learn or teach what is good has the reward of a pilgrim who completed his Hajj” [Tabarani] 5.5 Observing the 10 days of I'tikaf: Ali Ibn Hussain (RA) narrates from his father that Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “He who observes the ten days I’tikaf during Ramadhan will obtain the reward of two Hajj & two Umrah.” (Bayhaqi) Attending the ‘Eed prayers (both ‘Eed Al-Adh-ha and ‘Eed Al-Fitr): Ibn Rajab (Ra) narrated that the Companion Mikhnaf ibn Sulaym (Ra) said, “The reward for attending ‘Eed Al-Fitr prayer is equal to the reward of performing ‘Umrah and the reward for attending ‘Eed Al-Adh-ha Prayer is equal to that of performing Hajj.” 6. Treating Parents the best Almighty Allah says in the Qur'an: "And We have enjoined on man to be dutiful and kind to his parents." (46:15), Kindness to parents best deed: It is narrated on the authority of Abdullah bin Mas’ood (may Allah be pleased with him), who observed:”I asked Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) which deed was the best.” He (the Holy Prophet) replied: ‘The Prayer at it’s appointed hour.’ I (again) asked: “Then what?” He (the Holy Prophet) replied: ‘Kindness to the parents.’ I (again) asked: “Then what?” He replied: ‘Earnest struggle in the cause of Allah (Jihad).’ I refrained from asking any more questions for fear of annoying him. (Sahih Muslim: 120) Therefore let us make this Ramadan the best opportunity for us to be the best towards our parents and treat them with kindness, love, compassion and affection regardless of how they are towards us or whether they do the same in return or not, as our reward is with Allah alone! 7. Standing in prayer on Laylatul Qadr. Better than 1000 months: Almighty Allah tells us in the Qur'an: “Laylatul Qadr is better than a thousand months.” [Quran 97:3] Forgiveness of all sins on this special night: Prophet (Sallallahu `Alayhi wa sallam) said: “Whosoever worshipped on Laylatul-Qadr, with faith and with a sincere intention, all of his previous sins are forgiven.” [al-Bukhârî and Muslim] Repenting & asking for forgiveness on the night of power: Aisha (RA) said: I asked the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam): ‘O Messenger of Allah, if I know what night is the night of Qadr, what should I say during it?’ He said Say: “Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibbul ‘afwa fa’fu ‘annee ‘Say: O Allah, You are pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.’ ” [Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and Tirmidhi]. We cannot afford to miss out on this auspicious night. It is a truly blessed night worth the equivalent to 83 years of worship. Subhaanallah! Most of us do not even live for that long! The best way to find this blessed night is to search for it in any of the last 10 nights. If we cannot then the odd numbered nights. If we still cannot then at least the 27th night. 8. Huge rewards for reciting each letter of Holy Qur’an. It was narrated that ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Mas’ood (Ra) said: The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Whoever reads a letter of the Book of Allah will be credited with a good deed, and a good deed gets a tenfold reward. I do not say that Alif-Laam-Meem is a letter, rather alif is a letter, laam is a letter and meem is a letter.” [al-Tirmidhi, 2910] The company of angels for the recitors and double reward for those who struggle: Aa’ishah (Ra), relates that the Prophet (Sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: Verily the one who recites the Qur’an beautifully, smoothly, and precisely, he will be in the company of the noble and obedient angels. And as for the one who recites with difficulty, stammering or stumbling through its verses, then he will have TWICE that reward.” [Al-Bukhari, Muslim] During Ramadan the reward for reciting each letter of the Qur'an is increased significantly from upto 700 rewards for each letter and double to 1400 rewards for those who struggle to recite the Qur'an! Surah’s worth an entire Qur’an:Abdullah Ibn ‘Abbas & Anas Ibn Malik (Ra) reported that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, ‘Whoever recited Surah Zilzilah (99) would get the reward of reciting half the Qur’an. Whoever recited Surah al Kaafirun (109) would get a reward as if reading a quarter of the Qur’an. Whoever recited Surah al Ikhlas (112) would get a reward as if reading one third of the Qur’an’. [At-Tirmidhi 2818/A] As Ramadan is the month of the Qur'an we should devote as much time as possible in reciting the Qur'an and know that for each letter we recite we ill gain 700 rewards or more for each letter and tose who struggle to recite the Qur'an will receive double the rewards of 1400 good deeds or more. 9. Good manners amongst the Heaviest on the scales Good character heaviest on the scales: The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “There is none heavier in the scales of the Hereafter than good character" [Tirmidhi & Abu Dawud] The one with best manners will be nearest to the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) on the day of judgement: Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) also said: “The best loved by me and the nearest to me on the seats on the Day of Resurrection are those who have the best manners and conduct amongst you, who are intimate, are on good terms with others and are humble, and the most hated by me and who will be on the furthest seats from me are those who are talkative and arrogant.” [Tirmidhi] So by having good manners and being polite and the best towards others regardless of how they are towards us, we will gain unimaginable rewards on the day of judgement which will tip the scales in our favour inshallah! 10. Magnifying intentions to gain unimaginable rewards! The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: "Deeds (their correctness and rewards) depend upon intentions, and every person gets but what he has intended." [Agreed upon] Ibn Al-Mubarak (Ra) said: "May a small deed is magnified by the sincere intention; and may a great deed be diminished by the insincere intention" So by taking our a few seconds to make even small changes to our intentions we can gain even bigger rewards this Ramadan for even the smallest acts. Even daily routines like eating, sleeping & going to the toilet can all become acts of worship by having the right good intentions. Conclusion: Therefore we must try our utmost to maximise the amount of good deeds we do during this blessed month so that we may take advantage of this amazing opportunity to have our good deeds rewarded significantly more than usual. We should also realise that it may well be our last Ramadan just as previous Ramadan was the last for many others who thought they would make it to this Ramadan. So must act now otherwise we will be in eternal regret in the Hereafter for missing such an opportunity! Almighty Allah says in the Qur'an: “Surely Allah does not do injustice so much as an atom’s weight, and in case it is a fair deed, He will double it and bring from very close to Him a magnificent reward.” (4:40) May Allah increase us in good and give us the ability to do everything to please him and make him the happiest & to achieve the highest ranks of Paradise. Ameen

Billions of Rewards in just a few Seconds! Narrated ‘Ubaadah that the Messenger of Allah said, “Whoever seeks forgiveness for the believing men and believing women, Allah will write for him a good deed for EACH believing man and believing woman.” (Tabarrani) There are around 1.5 billion Muslims in this world. Every good deed in Ramadan is multiplied by 70 so every time we make a Dua for every Muslim we will gain 105 billion good deeds. Subhaanallah! But can you imagine how many good deeds we can gain if we made Dua for every Muslim that ever lived from Adam (As) until the last Muslim on this Earth. Subhaanallah! The rewards will go into the trillions! Remember: On the day of judgement we will beg each other for just one good deed but no one will give us any. This is our chance to gain trillions of good deeds in just seconds. We need these deeds! How generous is Allah? For he LOVES to reward his servants abundantly. So let us make a habit of making sincere Dua for each Muslim from Adam (As) until the very last Muslim on this Earth and we can gain trillions of good deeds for each and every Dua!

7 Deeds in Ramadan that carry the Reward of Hajj & Umrah! How generous is Allah that he gives to his without measure. O mankind, what has deceived you concerning your Lord, the Generous, (Surat Al-’Infitar 82:6) He is even more generous during the blessed of Ramadan by which he will reward his slaves whatever he likes. The following are 7 ways of earning the rewards of (Voluntary) Hajj & Umrah's during the blessed month of Ramadan: 1 - Performing the obligatory prayers in congregation: Abu Tharr narrated that a group of the Companions came to the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), and said, “O Messenger of Allaah, the wealthy people will have higher grades and will have permanent enjoyment and they pray like us and fast as we do. They have more money, which they give in charity."The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), replied:“Has Allaah not rendered for you the‘Ishaa’ prayer in congregation equal to Hajj, and the Fajr prayer in congregation equal to ‘Umrah?” [Muslim] The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), said: “Whoever walks to [perform] an obligatory prayer in congregation, it is like Hajj [in terms of rewards], and whoever walks to [perform] a voluntary prayer, it is like a voluntary ‘Umrah [in terms of rewards].” [Hasan] 2 - Reciting Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah) after the five daily prayers: Abu Hurayrah (Ra) narrated that a group of destitute people came to the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), and said, “O Messenger of Allaah, the wealthy people will have higher grades and will have permanent enjoyment in high levels in Paradise. They pray like us and fast as we do, but they have more money by which they perform the Hajj, ‘Umrah, participate in Jihaad and give in charity.” The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), replied: “Shall I not tell you something upon which if you acted you would catch up with those who have surpassed you? Nobody would surpass you and you would be better than the people amongst whom you live except those who would do the same. Say ‘Subhaan Allaah’, ‘Alhamdulillaah’ and ‘Allaahu Akbar’ thirty-three times each after every (compulsory) prayer.’" [Al-Bukhaari] 3 - Praying Fajr with congregation & remaining seated in worship until after Sunrise: The Prophet (Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: 'He who performs Fajr Salat with Jamaat and remains seated in the same place while engaging in Dhikr until after sunrise and thereafter performs 2 Rakaats Nafil Salat, (Ishraaq), he will obtain the Thawaab of one Hajj and one Umrah.' [Tirmidhi] From `Abdullah bin `Aamir (Ra) that Abu Umaamah and `Utbah Bin `Abd (Ra) related that Allah’s Messenger, (Sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) said: “Whoever prays as-S.ubh. (i.e. fajr prayer) in congregation then sits until he prays for Allah the prayer of Dhuha has the reward like that of a haajj (pilgrim performing Hajj) and a mu`tamir (pilgrim peforming `Umrah), complete reward of his Hajj and his `Umrah” [Tabarani] 4 - Observing the 10 days of I'tikaf: Ali Ibn Hussain (RA) narrates from his father that Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “He who observes the ten days I’tikaf during Ramadhan will obtain the reward of two Hajj & two Umrah.” [Bayhaqi] 5 - Attending the ‘Eed prayers (both ‘Eed Al-Adh-ha and ‘Eed Al-Fitr): Ibn Rajab (Ra) narrated that the Companion Mikhnaf ibn Sulaym (Ra) said, “The reward for attending ‘Eed Al-Fitr prayer is equal to the reward of performing ‘Umrah and the reward for attending ‘Eed Al-Adh-ha Prayer is equal to that of performing Hajj.” 6 - Going to the Masjid to teach and learn carry's the reward of Hajj Abu Umamah al-Bahili (Ra) that the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: من غدا إلى المسجد لا يريد إلا أن يتعلم خيرا أو يعلمه كان له كأجر حاج تاما حجته "Whoever goes to the masjid, wanting nothing except to teach what is good or to learn, will have the reward of a completed Hajj." [Tabarani, Mu'jam al-Kabeer, 7348 and others] 7 - Performing Umrah in Ramadan Ibn `Abbas (Ra) said that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said to a woman from among the Ansar — Ibn `Abbas 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 the other camel so that they could carry water on it. He said, "When Ramadan comes, go for ‘Umrah, for ‘Umrah in (Ramadan) is equivalent to Hajj." [Al-Bukhari (1782) and Muslim (1256)] May Allah enable us to implement these good acts and may he the majesty of honour and generosity reward us without measure. Ameen

Immense Rewards for Reciting the Qur'an in Ramadan Quran has even more of an important significance in the month of Ramadan, the month of fasting. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong) [Quran al-Baqarah 2:185] Jibreel used to come to the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) every night in Ramadaan, and study the Quran with him. (al-Bukhaari, 5; Muslim, 4268) 10 rewards for each letter of the Qur'an outside Ramadan: Outside of Ramadan there are 10 rewards for reciting each letter of the Qur’an: Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) says: ”Whoever reads a letter from the Book of Allah will receive a hasanah (good deed) from it (i.e. his recitation), and the hasanah is multiplied by ten. I do not say that Alif-Laam-Meem is (considered as) a letter, rather Alif is a letter, Laam is a letter, and Meem is a letter.” [At-Tirmidhi, Ad-Darimi] Good deeds multiplied by 70 in Ramadan But in Ramadan ALL good deeds are multiplied by 70 or more: The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Whoever draws near to Allah during it (Ramadan) with a single characteristic from the characteristics of (voluntary) goodness, he is like whoever performs an obligatory act in other times. And whoever performs an obligatory act during it, he is like whoever performed seventy obligatory acts in other times.” (Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah, no. 1887) Each letter of Qur'an rewarded 700 good deeds or more So for each letter of the Qur’an we recite we will gain a minimum of 700 good deeds or more. The greater our intentions and the more sincere we are then our rewards will be multiplied even more! Those who struggle to read get DOUBLE THE REWARD! But for those who struggle with reciting the Qur'an they will recieve double the reward of a minimum of 1400 good deeds for each letter: Aa’ishah (RA), relates that the Prophet (sallAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: Verily the one who recites the Qur’an beautifully, smoothly, and precisely, he will be in the company of the noble and obedient angels. And as for the one who recites with difficulty, stammering or stumbling through its verses, then he will have TWICE that reward.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim] This hadith proves that people who are not well versed in the Arabic languge or have other difficulties in reciting the Quran, get even a higher reward for reciting the Quran in Arabic for their extra effort. So they should never feel down about not being able to recite as well for they will be given double the reward. No time to waste! Can you imagine how much reward we would gain for reciting the entire Qur’an just once? How about twice or more? Subhaanallah! So let us recite as much of the Qur'an as we can during Ramadan and the rerst of our lives until our last breath. Let us get going and grab these immense rewards and the pleasure of Allah. For there is no time to waste!

VERY Rewarding Nawafil Salaahs we can Pray Everyday this Ramadan! EVERY SECOND IS SO PRECIOUS THIS RAMADAN! SO LETS GET GOING AND PRAY THESE NAFLS THROUGHOUT THE DAY EVERYDAY THIS RAMADAN AND BEYOND AND OUR GOOD DEED ACCOUNTS WILL FILL WITH GOOD DEEDS INSHALLAH!!! 1.TAHIYATUL WUDHU (Nafl prayer after doing Wudu) Abu Hurairah Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that once Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam asked Bilal (Radiyallahu 'anhu) at Fajr Salat: O Bilal! Tell me that deed of yours which is most hopeful (for reward) after embracing Islam, for I heard your footsteps in front of me in Paradise (in my dream). Bilal (Radiyallahu 'anhu) replied: I have not done anything extroadinary except that whenever I perform Wudu during the day or night, I Salat (Tahiyatul-Wudu) after that, as much as was written or granted for me.(Bukhari) Abu Huraira Radhiallahu ‘anhu narrated that Allah’s Messenger Shalallahu ‘alaihi wa Salam said to Bilal Radhiallahu ‘anhu “Tell me about the most hopeful act (i.e one which you deem the most rewarding with Allah) you have done since your acceptance of Islam because I heard the sound of the steps of your shoes in front of me in paradise.” Bilal said : “I do not consider any act more hopeful than that whenever I make ablution (wudoo) at any time of night or day, I offer salah (prayer) for as long as was destined for me to offer.” Narrated by Al-bukhari and Muslim. After completion of the wudhu of two Rakaats is full of blessings (sawaab). It is related in the Hadith that performance of the two Rakaats of Tahiyatul wudhu Namaaz makes paradise obligatory (wajib) for the performer (ref:Muslim Sharif) There are also many other benefits. It should not be performed during the Improper (makruh) times. (When the sun rises, when it is at Zenith and when it sets.) 2. Prayer of Ishraq (Sunrise prayer) The beloved Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) has said: Those who perform the Fajr prayer in congregation (Jamaa’at), read the Zikr (remembrance of Allah) till the sun has completely arisen (length of a spear from the horizon, after 20 minutes of sunrise) and read 2 Raka-at Nafil prayer, will have the benedictions (sawaab) equal to those of Haj-Umrah. It is recommended to read the Surah Fateha and Ayyat-uk-Kursi till Khaalidoon, in the first Raka-at, and in the second Raka-at to read, after Surah Fateha, Aamanar Rasul till the end of Suratul Baqarah. In the case that this verse cannot be read from memory, one can recite any other verse and then ask Duas. Woman should read all prayers of Farz and Nafil at home and will derive the same benefits (sawaab) that accrue from prayer performed at the Mosque (Tirmizi Shareef). The Prophet (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) is reported to have said that Whoever, after finishing Fajr salat, kept sitting at the place of prayer, and prayed the Ishraq salat before getting up from there, provided he did not engage in any worldly act or conversation during that time, and instead, remained in Allah's Zikr (remembrance), then all his sins are forgiven, even if they are as much as the foarn of the ocean. [Abu Da'ud] The scholars have written that during this time, the person should take care to sit facing the Qiblah. Sheikh Shahabuddin Soharwardi (R.A.) used to say that the action whose reward is obtained right away in this world, is that a person, after Fajr salat, facing Qiblah, does Zikr of Allah until Ishraq. After a few days the person will gain inner spiritual light (Nuraniyat). Rasulullah is reported to have said that Allah Ta'ala says, 'O son of Aadam, perform 4 Rakaats of Salat (Ishraaq) in the early part of the day. I shall help you in accomplishing all your responsibilities during the rest of the day.' (Mishkaat pg.116) In another narration of Tirmidhi, Rasulullah is reported to have said, 'He who performs Fajr Salat with Jamaat and remains seated in the same place while engaging in Dhikr until after sunrise and thereafter performs 2 Rakaats Nafil Salat, (Ishraaq), he will obtain the Thawaab of one Hajj and one Umrah.' (Tirmidhi). From the above Ahaadith, we learn that the number of Rakaats to be performed are 2 or 4 Rakaats, and the Mustahabb method of performing it is to remain seated in your place of Salat after Fajr and engage in Dhikr, etc. until sunrise. Then, approximately, 10-15 minutes after sunrise perform 2-4 Rakaats. 'If a person gets occupied in some worldly activity after the Fajr Salat, and after sunrise he offers Ishraaq Salat, this will also be permissible although the reward will be less.' (Bahishti Zewar part2 pg.30) 3. Dhuhaa Salaat (Breakfast prayer) When the sun has risen high and there is heat in its rays, the performance of 2,4, 6,8 or 12 rakaats is called Namaaz-e-Chaast. This is full of countless rewards. The Traditions says that the performance of 2 rakaats wipes away all ones sins. There are 360 joints in our body and to pay Sadakah for each is Wajib (obligatory) The 2 rakaaats is enough to pay all the Sadakah. Performance of 4 rakaats places the performer's name among the Abids and is the Sunnat of Saliheen and promise the performer protection until the evening. The performer of 6 rakaats is relieved of his day's worries. Performance of 8 rakaats places his name among the Parhezgaars and the performer of 12 rakaats ensures a Golden Mansion or castle for himself in Paradise. (Ref : Tirmizi, Ibne Majah, Ahmad and Abu Yala) The Mustahabb (preferred) time of performing Salat al-Dhuhaa is after 1/4 of the day has passed. This is deduced from a Hadith of Muslim. (Halabi; Sharah Kabeer pg.390). From many Ahaadith, we understand that Salat al-Dhuhaa should be performed after the sun has risen quiet high. Because the Fuqahaa and Muhadditheen are of the opinion that the commencement of the time of Salat al-Dhuhaa is the same as that of Ishraaq (i.e. immediately after sunrise), the Ulama have stated that 'if due to lack of time, one performs the Salat of Ishraaq and Dhuhaa together at one time, that too will be correct.' (Our Namaas pg.44) Rasulullah is reported to have said, 'Whoever offers 2 Rakaats of Salat al-Dhuhaa, all his sins will be forgiven even though they are as much as the foam of the sea.' (Ibid) It is reported that Sayyidna Aaisha (Radhiallaahu Anha) used to perform 8 Rakaats of Salat al-Dhuhaa. She said that even if her parents arose from the grave, she would not leave Salat al-Dhuhaa to go and meet them. (Ibid). 'Salat al-Dhuhaa consists of 2 - 12 Rakaats and it is preferable to perform 8 Rakaats.' (Raddul Mukhtaar vol.1 pg.505) The Prophet (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) is reported to have said that Whoever prayed twelve rakaats at the time of Chasht, then Allah will, as reward, prepare a palace of gold for him in Paradise. [Mishkat, Tirmizi, Ibn Majah] 4. Virtues of the Four Rak'aah Sunnah of Zuhr The Prophet (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) is reported to have said that Whoever performs the four rakaats before and after the Zuhr salat with constancy, Allah Ta'ala makes the fire of Hell haram (forbidden) for him. [Mishkat, p. 104; Tirmizi, Abu Da'ud, Nisai, Ibn Majah] The Prophet (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) is reported to have said that after the worshipper prays the four rakaats of Zuhr salat, the doors of heaven are opened, i.e. the salat becomes accepted by Allah, and the cause of its acceptance comes down on the worshipper as rays of mercy. [Mishkat, p. 104] 5. Virtues of the 4 Rak'aah Sunnah of Asr Messenger (sallallaahu 'alayhe wa sallam) said: "May Allaah have Mercy on the one who offers four (rak'ahs) before 'Asr prayer." (Abu Dawud) 6. Salatul Awwabeen(Nafl prayers of Maghrib) After the Farz and Sunnat of Magrib, performance of the minimum of 6 to a maximum of 20 rakaats is called Salatul Awwabeen. Rasulallah (sallallaahu 'alayhe wa sallam) has said that the one who performs six Rak'aahs after Maghrib without uttering an evil word between these rak'aahs, then these six rak'aah's will be equivalent to 12 years devotion for that person. 7.Prayer of Tahajjud (Night prayer) Our Master, the beloved Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) has said: In Paradise there is a castle reserved for those who read Tahajjud and the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) further adds, those who pray at night will enter paradise without having to account for their acts in this life. The Nafils of Tahajjud are read after the Esha prayer, but it is important to sleep before performing Tahajjud. The prayer consists of a minimum of 2 Raka-ats, and a maximum of 8 or 12 Raka-ats (to be read according ones capacity). After Esha prayers sleep for some time, then wake up any time during the night before the rise of morning for Tahajjud prayers. With the performance of 2 Rakats you have duly achieved your Tahajjud. However, the performance of 8 Rakats in Sunnat, and complying with the practice of the Holy Saints of Islam and performing 12 Rakats is commendable. It is recommended that you recite in your prayers as much of the Sacred Quran as you know. If you happen to know by heart the whole of the Sacred Quran you may, in at least 3 nights or most 4 nights of Tahajjud effectuate the complete reading of the Sacred Quran. Otherwise, you may recite 3 Surah Ikhlas (Qul Hu Allahu Ahad) after your "Alhamdu..." in every Rakat and you will thus derive full benefits of the full recital of the Sacred Quran in every Rakat. During the month of Ramadan one should awake a little earlier for Sehri and make time to pray Tahajjud Salaah for the reward is magnified so much more in Ramadan and duas are even more readily accepted than at any other time of the year. The dua's at the time of Tahajjud are very readily accepted by Almighty Allah and one should repent and ask of Allah and try to cry in their dua's at this time, if one cannot cry due to the hardness of ones heart due to sin then at least one should make the face as if one is crying. Just as a mother tends to her baby quickly and promptly when it cries the same way Allah attends to his servant quicker when they are crying. 8.Salaatul Tasbih Our beloved Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) had taught this Nafil prayer to his Uncle, Hazrat Abbas (RA) and told him; He who performs this prayer will have his past and future sins forgiven. The Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) has recommended to read this prayer daily on each Friday or once a month or once a year, in case of this not being possible, to read it even once in one’s life. This Nafil prayer provides limitless benefits both in the material and spiritual life. How to perform this Nafil: After having pronounced one’s intention (Niyat), say Allaho-Akbar, read "Subhanaka-Alla humma" completely (Sana), read now 15 times "Subhaanallahi wal hamdu Lillaahi wala illaha Illallah Wallah-o-Akbar." Then read Aoozu billah and Bismillah (completely) and Surah Fateha. Then recite 10 times the Tasbih mentioned above and go to Ruku. Here also recite 10 times the Tasbih before raising yourself to read another 10 times the same Tasbih, this time in a standing position. Then prostrate (Sajdah) and read 10 times the Tasbih, sit now and read again 10 times this Tasbih (Jalsa) and prostrate again, Tasbish 10 times in the 2nd Raka-at begin by reading 15 times this Tasbih before reading "Bismillah" and Surah Fateha. After that read 10 times the Tasbih and then proceed as in the first Raka-at. To end the second Raka-at, read as usual "Attahiyat", "Durood" and "Duas".Then read 2 other Raka-ats. As in each Raka-at the Tasbih is recited 75 times, it means that in all 4 Raka-at the Tasbih is read 300 times. In the other 2 Raka-at, after "Subhana Rabbiyal-azeem",read the Tasbih 75 times and in the Sajdah (prostrations after Subhaan Rabbiyal-ala) read again 75 times the Tasbih. Note: No fixed time has been prescribed for this prayer, a fact, which means that besides any time prohibited this prayer, can be read at any time. 9. Salatul Hajaat (When wanting help from Allah) In case of difficulty, illness or of authorized necessity this prayer is read. The beloved Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) had taught this to a blind person who, as soon as he performed it, regained his eyesight. (Tirmizi Shareef Tibrani) To perform this prayer it is recommended to wear one’s best and clean clothes and to perform pleasingly one’s ablution (Wudu). Then 2 Raka-ta Nafil is read in the usual way, after salaam this dua is read: Allahuma Inni As-aloka wa (Atawassalo) Wa Atawajjaaho ilaika be nabbiyeka Muhammadin nabi yir Rahmate ya Rasullulah. Inni tawajjahto be ka ila Rabbi fi hajaati haa-zehi (here we make our requests (le tuqza li) Allahumma fashaffiho fiya Translation: O Allah I implore You and I come near You through the intermediary of Your Prophet (Nabee) Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) who is the Prophet of Grace. Ya Rasullullah, through your intercession I implore Allah to accept my request. O Allah grant the intercession of your Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) in my favor. 10.Salaatul Tawbah (Prayer for Repentance for sin) If one has done committed any sinful act which is contrary to the Shariat then one should perform 2 rakaats of Nafil and humble themselves before Allah and sincerely repent, feel ashamed for their sins and ask Allah for forgiveness and make a firm intention never to commit such act again in the future. By the Grace of Allah the sins would then be forgiven (Ref: Shami) Ameerul Mumineen Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A.) relates that the Holy Prophet ( Sallaallahu Alayi Wasallam) said that whenever one has done a sinful act he should make wudhu , perform 2 rakaats Nafil and thereafter sincerely repent and seek Almighty's forgivness. Allah pardons all sins. After relating this , the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) then read the following from the Quran: "And those who have done something to be ashamed of or wronged their own souls. Earnestly bring Allah to mind and ask for forgiveness of their sins, and who can forgive sins except Allah" (Sura 3-135) 11.Virtues of walking to the Masjid Abu Hurayra رضى الله تعالى عنه reported that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "Anyone who purifies himself in his house and then goes to one of the houses of Allah to fulfil one of the obligations of Allah, one step removes an error and the other raises him a degree." [Muslim] 12. Virtues of Praying in the Masjid The Prophet (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) is reported to have said that The person who, from morning to evening, goes towards the Masjid to perform salat, every time he goes to the Masjid, Allah Ta'ala prepares the Paradise for his welcome. [Mishkat] 13. Tahiyyatul Masjid (Nafl prayer when entering Masjid) Abu Qatada Radhiallahu ‘anhu narrated that the Prophet Shalallahu ‘alaihi wa Salam said : “If any one of you enters a mosque, he should pray two raka’ats before sitting.” Narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim. This is a 2 Rak'aah Nafl prayer which one should perform as one enters the Masjid. It is very rewarding. 14. Reward of Salaah multiplied 70 times or more by use of Miswaak ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) has reported that, “The prayer before which the Miswak is used is seventy times more excellent than that before which it is not used.” Ibn Abbas, ‘Ali and Ata (may Allah be pleased with them all) state that, “But it increases to 99 or 400 times.” Reward for every action is based on sincerity, the more sincerity we are the the more reward we'll get! It may be that we could get 70, 99 or even 400 times or more rewards for every action depending on how sincere we are in doing the action. Subhanallah! PLEASE FEEL FREE TO DOWNLOAD THIS PAGE

10. Putting our trust in Allah They only are the (true) believers whose hearts feel fear when Allah is mentioned, and when the revelations of Allah are recited unto them they increase their faith, and who trust in their Lord. (Qur'an; Al-Anfaal; 8:2) Increasing iman through trusting Allah: One of the most important things we should be aware of when trying to increase our iman is the vastness of Allahs mercy, compassion, and love. Therefore we should put our hope's and trust in Him and completely submit our will upon him. If Allah helps you, none can overcome you: If He forsakes you, who is there, after that, that can help you? In Allah, then, Let believers put their trust. 3:160 We should have patience and accept Allah's Decree and accept that it is for the best and is meant to happen because he is the knower of all things and the Almighty and we should always realise that no matter what trials or hardships we face in this World, one day we will be called to account for our deeds which will hopefully be sent forth on theday of reckoning with much goodness and patience. Almighty Allah says: "Say: 'Nothing will happen to us except what Allah has decreed for us: He is our protector': And on Allah let the Believers put their trust." (Qur'an; At-Tauba: 51) "And put thy trust on the exalted in Might, The Merciful." (Qur'an; Ash-Shu'araa: 217) "...Then, when thou hast taken a decision, put thy trust in Allah. For Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him)." (Qur'an; Al-Imran: 159) Whatever is meant for us will reach us: Therefore whatever happens will happen by the decree of Allah and we cannot change that no matter what we do. So the best we can do is to accept it and to be patient and know that Allah is the all knowing and our creator so surely he knows what is best for us. It does not matter what we do, the result will be that we will receive what Allah has ordained for us. We can not add to it or subtract from it. What we do is either to benefit ourselves with the blessings of patience and obedience or harm ourselves with the consequances of our impatience and disobedience. Whatever is meant for us will reach us even if the whole world was to try and stop us from getting it, and what is not meant for us will not reach us even if the whole world was to help us to try and get it. So surely we should put our full trust in Allah. Allah provides for all of his creations: Each morning the birds go out to seek the provision Allah has given provided for them, and every night they comes home with what was meant for them. For Allah provides for ALL of his creation. Allah has also promised us our provision: Umar Ibin Al Khattab (Ra) narrated that he heard the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) say, "If you were to trust in Allah genuinely, He would give you provision as He does for the birds which go out hungry in the morning and come back full in the evening. (Tirmidhi & Ibin Majah). We listen, obey and trust in Allah: Trusting in Allah also means that when we hear or read of the commandments of Allah in the Qur'an or Sunnah that we obey it without question. We also recognise that we are limited, weak and vulnerable but Allah has no limits and he is all powerful. He knows what we do not know and knows us better than we know ourselves. We do not try to explain away the commands of Allah by saying that it is for another time or another people. We do not say that what Allah has commanded for us is oppressive. We accept and obey. This is faith and trust in that we realise that because he created us then surely he knows what is best for us in whatever he has ordained upon us. Therefore the reward for putting our FULL trust in Allah can only be - Paradise. So we must stop resorting to our limited vision, knowledge and insight when it comes to certain matters and realise that Allah is the ONLY one who knows everything regarding every single aspect of our lives. Not a leaf falls without him knowing about it. Not a particle of dust that he does not know about. Not a single atom, proton or electron that he is not aware of. Therefore he knows best in ALL and EVERY matter while we know not, even though we may think we know. Therefore let us have full trust in Allah, because when we put our trust in a human then they may let us down simply because they are human. But Allah will NEVER let us down so we can rest assured when we put our full trust in him! I pray to You, O Allah, to make us trust you and only you. May you make us of the Trusting and keep us from trusting or worshipping our minds before you. Ameen.

9. Making Dua (Supplication) Verily every Dua is answered by Allah: Dua is defined as an invocation, supplication or prayer that one make's directly to Allah. But many of us are negligent when it comes to making Dua. We find reasons not to make Dua when we really should be turning to Allah. When we do make Dua then we lose hope thinking why our Dua's are not being answered. As Muslims there is something very wrong when we believe our Duas won't be answered. We do not turn to Allah in our times of need and instead put our trust, dependence and hopes on worldly things that we think will help us. But what we should do as believers is to ask of Allah with meekness and humility and put all of our hopes, trust , faith and reliance upon him. We should never think that our Dua's are not being answered as it maybe that Allah will answer it in ways we never imagined by opening other doors or giving us better in return whether in this world, the Hereafter or both. Aisha (Ra) said, "No believer makes Dua and it is wasted. Either it is granted here in this world or deposited for him in the Hereafter as long as he does not get frustrated." So we must have firm conviction when making dua that it will be accepted somehow or another: No Muslim ever makes Dua with it but Allah answers it." [Tirmidhi] And let not there be anyone who says: "... my Lord won't answer my prayer, because of this and that.. or because of so and so..". No! Indeed Allah is the Most Generous King. Is there anyone who met a king, and praised and glorified him, and then asked, yet the request was not granted? So what about Allah, the King of the Heavens and the Earth - who has total control over your life, your wealth and your future. Why would He not grant you your request? Indeed, our beloved Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) has said: "Verily your Lord is the One modest and Generous, and when His servant raises his hands to Him in supplication, He is diffident (in some wordings, shy or hesitant) from returning them empty handed." [Ahmad, Abu Dawud and at-Tirmidhi - Hasan] Strengthening our iman through Dua: Through Dua, we strengthen our Imaan and our relationship with Allah, as well as heighten our awareness of cause and effect that can help inspire and motivate us to be closer to our deen (way of life) and closer to our creator, in our lives. We find many reassurances throughout the Quran for those who make Dua. Allah the Exalted, has said: "And your Lord says: Pray unto me: and I will hear your prayer" (Quran 40:60), "Call upon your Lord Humbly and in secret" (Quran 7:55), "When My servants question thee concerning Me, I am indeed close (to them): I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calleth on Me" (Quran 2:186), "Is not He (best) who listens to the (soul) distressed when it calls on Him, and who relieves its suffering." (Quran 27:62) In fact, it is disliked by Allah never to make Dua: "Whosoever does not supplicate to Allah, He will be angry with Him."[Saheeh Jaami`as-Sagheer #2414] In order to warn those who are arogant, or careless in making duaa, the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: "The most incapable person is the one who does not make du`a, and the most miserly person is the one who does not give salaam." [Sahih Al-Jami` no. 1055] Make Dua in every condition: We can and should make Dua in every condition, i.e. in hardship and in prosperity. If we just make Dua to Allah in hardship and trials then why should he answer us when we don't make Dua to him when we are happy and prosperous? Therefore let us turn to him in Dua in every condition. There are also some special times to make Dua where it is more likely to be accepted: 1. When one is oppressed 2. Between the time of Athan and Iqama 3. At the time of the call for prayer 4. At the time of fighting when warriors are engaged with each other 5. When it is raining 6. When one is sick 7. The last third of the night 8. Ramadan (especially during the night of Lailatul Qadr) 9. After the Fard part of prayer 10. When traveling 11. When breaking fast 12. In Sujood (prostration) 13. Fridays, some say on Friday after Asr prayer 14. While drinking the water from the well of Zamzam 15. At the start of prayer (Dua of Istiftah) 16. When one begins the prayer, i.e. with "all praise be to Allah, the Pure and the Blessed one" 17. While one recites al-Fatiha (which is a Dua) 18. When Ameen is said in the prayer (also relating to Fatiha) 19. At the time of raising the head after the Rukoo 20. In the last part of the prayer after conveying blessings unto the Prophet (SAW) 21. Before finishing the prayer (before Tasleem (saying the Salaam to the angels)) 22. At the end of Wudu 23. On the day of Arafah 24. On waking up from sleep 25. At times of adversity 26. Prayer after the death of a person 27. Dua when someone's heart is filled with sincerity and when it is focused on Allah 28. Dua of the parent against or for his children 29. When the sun moves from its meridian but before the Dhuhr prayer 30. The Dua of a Muslim for his brother without the latter's knowledge 31. At the time the army advances to fight in the way of Allah. Dua can be beautified and perfected by certain actions: 1. Have Wudu, face Qibla, be neat and clean 2. Raise both hands up to the shoulder with palms open facing up 3. Use the words of Allah and the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)-i.e. Duas found in Quran and Hadith 4. Ask by Asma alHusna- Allah's Beautiful Names 5. Ask Allah by your good deeds 6. Be insistent-repeat (i.e. 3x's) 7. Glorify Allah and recite Durud for the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) at both the beginning and end. 8. Show humility, entreaty, desire and fear while making Dua 9. Repent and try to make amends where one has wronged 10. Confess mistakes, shortcomings, and sins 11. Keep voice between a whisper and speaking aloud 12. Show the need for Allah's help and implore Him for release from weakness, hardship and tribulation. 13. Seize the opportunity of time, situation and circumstance in which prayers are answered 14. Avoid rhymed prose to keep concentration 15. Crying when making Dua 16. The Dua of Dhun-Nun (Prophet Yunus (As)) by which he invoked Allah from within the belly of the whale was: "La ilaaha illa Anta, Subhaanaka innee kuntu min aDH-DHaalimeen." 17. End with "Alhamdulillah rabbil alameen" So let us make sincre Dua in every condition and never think that it will not be accepted. Let us also make build a close relationship with Allah through Dua by which we ask of him, crying and begging of him in meekness, humility, humbling ourselves before him, especially in the latter portions of the night after Tahajjud time when most are asleep, as well as making Dua every chance we can get in order that we can increase our Imaan on a daily basis by getting closer to Allah.

8. Gaining knowledge Knowledge is one of the most essential key factors in increasing ones iman. It leads to certainty in the heart, assurance in the mind, and peace felt by the soul. Almighty Allah has said: It is only those who have knowledge among His slaves that fear Allah. (Qur'an; al-Malaaikah; 35:28) To seek knowledge is a sacred duty: To seek knowledge is a sacred duty, it is obligatory on every Muslim, male and female. The first word revealed of the Qur’an was "Iqra" - READ! Seek knowledge! Educate yourselves! Be educated. Knowing Allah through his beautiful names: An increase in knowledge leads to acknowledging Allah in every moment of one's life through taqwa (fearful awareness of Allah), which leads to a firm iman. The type of knowledge we are discussing is knowing that Allah is One and has no partners, wives, children, or equals. It is knowing Allah through His beautiful Names and Attributes; that Allah is the Creator of the heavens and the earth and all that it contains. He is the Preserver, as well as the One Who destroys. He gives life and takes it whenever He wills. His knowledge encompasses all things and nothing can ever be hidden from Him. And with Him are the keys of the invisible. None but He knows them. And He knows what is in the land and the sea. Not a leaf falls but He knows it, not a grain amid the darkness of the earth, nor anything wet or dry but (it is noted) in a Clear Record. (Qur'an; al-Anaam 6:59) He hears the cries of His servants all at once and is not confused by the countless different number of voices and languages and He is Ever Responding. He is the Compassionate, the Merciful, the Giver of Bounties. He forgives whomever He wills and punishes whomever He wills. He is the Just, the Merciful, and does no wrong to His creation. He sees all things. Not a black ant on a black stone on a black moonless night is hidden from His sight. To Him belongs all praise and glory! He is the Most Great, the Incomparable! A person of knowledge is not equal to a person without knowledge: A person who has knowledge of Allah is not like a person who simply states "La ilaha illallah" and knows nothing else about its meaning and its impact in the life of a true believer. Likewise, a person who has knowledge about Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaiyhi wa sallam) and his life, noble characteristics, truthful teachings, and exemplary actions and has faith in what he informed his Ummah concerning the torment and bliss in the grave, the Last Day, the Reckoning, the questioning of ones deeds, the scale, the bridge, the rewards of Paradise, and the torments of Hellfire is unlike the person who has no such knowledge or belief. A person with this knowledge will have a purpose and goal in life, which is to obey Allah to the best of his ability and remind himself of the rewards and punishments he may earn depending upon his iman and his deeds. There is no doubt that knowledge plays a big role in increasing the iman of a weak heart and Allah says it beautifully: Are those who know, equal to those who know not? (Qur'an; az-Zumar; 39:9) The second key factor, which affects the iman are ones deeds. They can either decrease the iman and weaken the heart and soul or increase it, as well as strengthening the heart and soul. Once a person gains knowledge about something, he should accept it and put it into practice. If a person accepts the forbidden as forbidden and the permissible as permissible, but refuses to act upon it, thereby disobeying Allah and committing sin, not to mention hurting his own soul, he has suppressed his iman. The basis of iman is to accept and practice. So learn, learn and act upon what you learn!

7. Remembering death and the Hereafter "Every soul shall taste death, and We shall make a trial of you with evil and good, and to Us you will return." (Qur'an; 21:35) Nothing an escape death: From the above verse it is clear that we cannot escape from death. Even if we were in the far reaches of the Earth hidden away in a remote valley or deep within a cave, death shall find us. It matters not if we are baby's, toddlers, teenagers, adults, elderly, ill, healthy, leaders, kings, Death does not distinguish us from our position or status in this world. It will never arrive late nor will it be delayed in anyway but it will take us at the exact time it was appointed for. The problem for us is that we do not know when our time is up and it maybe that death arrives for any of us at any second. The realisation that death can take us at any second: The realisation that death can take us at any second should shock us into immediate action. It should make us realise that we have no time to waste as each second that goes by could be our very last. Therefore we must prepare for our deaths NOW and we should realise that we are on borrowed time. This life is merely a journey until we reach our final destination in the hereafter. Abu Hurairah (Ra) narrated that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said,“Hasten to do good deeds before six things happen: the rising of the sun from the west, the smoke, the Dajjal, the beast and (the death) of one you or the general turmoil.” (Muslim 7039) Therefore on a daily basis we should contemplate, ponder and reflect upon this realisation and it will have a significant impact upon our iman, as it will make us realise the temporary nature of this life and the fact that the real life is that of the hereafter which is for eternity. It will also make us realise that each second that goes by can NEVER be regained. Daqaq (Ra) says, 'Who ever remembers death frequently, will benefit in three ways: he will hasten to repent, he will become content, and he will be active in worship. Whoever forgets death will be punished in three ways: he will delay repentance, he will no longer be content with what is sufficient, and he will be lazy in worship.' Remembering death and the Hereafter to cure a weak iman: The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: "You should remember the reality that brings an end to all worldly joys and pleasures, namely, death.” (Tabarani) Remembering the Hereafter is also a cure for weak iman. When one is one hundred percent certain of the Last Day, Paradise, and Hellfire and feels fear of the mere thought of standing before the All-Powerful Creator and be questioned and judged for each of his thoughts, sayings and deeds, he is bound to think twice before committing an act of disobedience. One should remember the Day of Judgement often, which is repeatedly mentioned in the Quran to remind mankind that he will surely be returned to his Lord. So we must remember, ponder, reflect and contemplate frequantly the reality of the Hereafter and the breaker of worldly pleasures i.e. death. One way of doing this is to visit the graves, for it is a means of remembrance of death and the hereafter, and it guides a slave to the Straight Path. We must fear the miserable end to our lives; the remembrance of death is the destroyer of pleasures. Prepare for death now: Therefore it is only logical that a wise person would begin by making preperations for death now, for if we are unprepared and taken by death then what good will we have to show when we face Allah? What investments have we made for the hereafter? Have we fulfilled our obligations unto Allah? Have we done the best we can to please Allah and refrain from that which he forbade from us? If the answer is no then we must act right now and not delay another second!

6. Increase in Good deeds It is a simple equation: Our Iman (faith) is increased by doing good deeds and actions and is decreased by committing bad deeds. So in order for us to increase our Iman on a daily basis we must: Increase in doing good deeds and actions and refrain from committing sins particularly major sins - as major sins have a negative effect on one's level of Iman. The best deeds are those done consistantly: One good deed leads to another good deed. Allah will make the way easy for someone who gives charity and also make it easy for them to do good deeds. Good deeds should be done continuously, not in spurts. As the best action is that which is done consistantly even if it is small: The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “The best deeds are those we are consistent with, even if they are small deeds.” (Bukhari) Abu Dhar (Ra) narrates that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, “Do not disdain any good deed, even your meeting with your Muslim brother with a cheerful face.” (Muslim) Doing good deeds increases imaan: By increasing in good deeds and obedience, one nears himself to Allah, increases his iman, and purifies himself. He is less likely to fall into his base desires and worldly pleasures, keeping himself safe from the evils of society by strengthening his soul and weakening his nafs. A person with low iman should begin by performing the obligatory duties imposed on him, such as performing the five daily prayers at their fixed times and fasting. He should stop committing major sins and eventually begin performing more voluntary and permissible acts of worship and obedience and refrain from minor sins and disliked acts to the best of his ability. When a person refrains from as many sins as possible and does as many good deeds as he can, most importantly his obligatory duties, he weakens Satan against him, which gives him a bigger chance of success. Allah says: O you who believe! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and do not make your deeds vain. (Surah Muhammad 47:33) One should make sure that everything he does that which will only benefit him both in this world and in the hereafter. There is no point in doing something that will cause hurt to ones soul and add more weight to ones evil deeds. It is very important and beneficial to follow the Sunnah. The Prophet (sallallahu alaiyhi wa sallam) was the best of mankind and Allah chose him to show us our ways. If we follow him, we are sure to succeed in both worlds, Insha Allah. But if we reject his way and follow our own lusts or the way of the disbelievers then we will only destroy ourselves. To be sure that ones deeds will increase the iman, one should do only that which Allah and His Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wa sallam) have taught and in that way, one can be safe from bidah and misguidance. Then, as for those who have faith and do good deeds, He will pay them fully their rewards and give them more out of His grace and as for those who disdain and are proud, He will punish them with a painful doom. And they shall not find for themselves besides Allah any guardian or helper. (Surat an-Nisaa 4:173) In the following verse, Allah emphasises the importance of iman and doing good deeds along with ones belief: There shall be no sin unto those who believe and do good deeds for what they may have eaten (in the past); so be mindful of your duty (to Allah) and do good deeds and again be mindful of your duty and believe and once again, be mindful of your duty and do good deeds. Allah loves the good! (Surat al-Maidah 5:93) The life of the world is only a test for the creation and one day this test will end. It is the responsibility of each human and jinn to prepare themself for the final scoring of the test by being mindful of one's duty towards Allah by following the guidance of the Quran and the Sunnah and keeping ones iman high. A weak iman will lead one to the Hellfire, while a strong one will lead one to the Gardens of Delight. The reason is because it is the iman that determines the actions of a person. A person with weak or even no iman will commit sin and cause Allah to be displeased, causing him to be thrown into the Hellfire to be punished. But a person with a strong faith will refrain from sins and perform good deeds, which will be the cause of Allahs pleasure and his entrance into Paradise. May Allah enable us to increase in good deeds and refrain from minor and major sins so that our iman can be high at all times. Ameen

5. Voluntary Fasting The benefits of fasting are both physical and spiritual: There are many benefits to fasting both physical and spiritual. It is an act of obedience, love and submission to Allah. This submission and commitment is based upon the love of Allah and the earnest effort to gain His pleasure and to avoid His displeasure. Fasting trains the believer in taqwa (being mindful of Allah). If a person, willingly, refrains from lawful food and conjugal relations during the fasting period, he/she is likely to be in better position to refrain from the unlawful. Fasting increases sincerety: Fasting also trains the believer in sincerity (Ikhlaas). Unlike other acts of worship it is entirely based on self-restraint. Others can never know for sure whether the person is fasting or pretending to do so pretending to do so [while eating or drinking in secret]. Fasting is striving in the path of Allah and teaches self-discipline and enhances one’s ability to master his/her appetites and desires rather than being enslaved by them. Fasting not limited to Ramadan: Fasting is not limited to Ramadan as one may fast voluntarily throughout the year to gain the above benefits to the heart and soul. Voluntary fasting can be done all year around apart from the few times when it is prohibited or disliked. Fasting Mondays and Thursdays: `Aa'ishah said: The Messenger of Allah, salla Allahu alaihi wa salam, used to fast Mondays and Thursdays". [An-Nasaa’i; Sahih] Abu Hurairah reported that the most the Prophet, salla Allahu alaihi wa salam, would fast would be Monday and Thursday. He was asked about that and he said: "The deeds of people are presented to Allah on every Monday and Thursday. Allah forgives every Muslim except for those who are deserting each other. He says: "leave them for later." [Ahmad; Hasan] Intention for voluntary fasting As opposed to Ramadan, the intention does not have to be made before dawn. The person can intend fasting [and start fasting] after dawn any time [even after noon] given that he did not eat anything. `Aa'ishah said : The Prophet, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, came to us one day and said, "Do you have any [food]?" We said "No". He said: Therefore, I am Fasting". [Muslim and Abu Dawood] Fasting three days of every month(White days): Abu Tharr Al-Ghefari said: "The Messenger of Allah, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, said "O Abu Tharr! if you fast three days of every month, then fast the 13th, the 14th and the 15th [these are call the al-ayaam al-beedh, the white days]". [Ahmad, an-Nasaa'i and at-Tirmithi; Sahih] “Fasting and the Qur’an will intercede for the slave on the Day of Resurrection. Fasting will say: ‘O My Rabb! I prevented him from food and desires, so accept my intercession for him.’ And the Qur’an will say: ‘I prevented him from sleep during the night, so accept my intercession for him.’ He (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) said: ‘And they will (be allowed to) intercede.’” [Ahmad, at-Tabarani, Al-Hakim, Sahih] Fasting to increase Iman: Therefore we should try and fast every Mondays and Thursdays, if not then at least 3 days each month which fall on the 13th, 14th and 15th of each Islamic month. This will have a very positive effect on our levels of imaan as we fast purely for the pleasure of Allah and in turn cleanse and illuminate our hearts and souls with iman, peace and tranquility.

4. Engaging in Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah) When the signs of the Gracious Allah are recited unto them, they fall down, prostrating themselves before Allah weeping.(19:59) Increasing iman by remembering Allah: Iman comes from the heart. Therefore the best way of increasing our iman is to give the heart what it needs at all times. So what does our heart need? What does it crave for? What is the food of the heart? It is the remembrance of Allah: "…Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest." (13:28) Surely then if we want our iman to be high at all times then we must try our best to remember Allah at all times. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) used to make remembrance of Allah at all times and also encouraged us to do the same. When a man complained, "The laws of Islam are too heavy for me, so tell me something that I can easily follow," the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) told him, "Let your tongue be always busy with the remembrance of Allah." (Ahmad). Hearts of those who remember Allah : Abu Musa Al-Ash`ari (Ra) reported: The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, "The similitude of one who remembers his Lord and one who does not remember Him, is like that of the living and the dead.'' [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Remembering Allah through acts of dhikr brings much peace and tranquility to the heart. It also gives us a sense of taqwa (fear of allah), a consciousness that makes us realise that Allah Almighty is ever near and watching us at all times and that we should always strive to please Him and refrain from anything which angers and displeases him. Remembering Allah night & day: O ye who believe, remember Allah much. And glorify Him morning and evening (33:42-43) The more we remember Allah the more our hearts and souls will be kept well fed and illuminated with iman, peace and tranquility. Therefore the following are 10 short Dhikr we can recite everyday. One can recite each 100 times which makes a total of 1000 Dhikr a day minimum as a target: 1) Subhaanallah 2) Alhamdulillah 3) Allahu Akbar 4) Laa ilaaha illallah, 5) La hawla Wala Quwwata Illah Billah-Hil Aliyyil Adheem, 6) Asthaghfirullah-halladhee Laa ilaaha illa-huwal Hayyul Qayyuumu Wa athoobu Ilay, Short version: Asthaghfirullah 7) SUB-HAAN'ALLAAHi WA BI-HAM'DIHI SUB-HAAN'ALLAH-IL ADHEEM Short version: SUB-HAAN'ALLAAHi WA BI-HAM'DIHI 8) Subhāna-llāhi, wa-l-hamdu li-llāhi, wa lā ilāha illā-llāhu, wa-llāhu akbar. Wa lā hawla wa lā quwwata illā bi-llāhi-l-aliyyi-l-azīm 9) Lā ilāha illā-llāhu waḥdahu lā sharīka lahu lahu-l-mulku wa lahu-l-ḥamdu yuhyi wa yumītu wa huwa ḥayyu-llā yamūtu abadan abada, ḏū-l-jalāli wa-l-ikrām, biyadihi-l-khayr, wa huwa alā kulli Shay-in qadīr Short version: Laa ilaaha illal-laahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa huwa ‘alaa kulli shay-in qadeer 10) Subhan Allahi wa bi hamdihi `adada khalqihi wa rida nafsihi wa zinata `arshihi wa midada kalimatihi Do so much Dhikr that people think you are insane: The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Engage in the Dhikr of Allah in such abundance that people comment that ‘you are insane’.” (Ahmed) Utter regret for each second wasted without remembering Allah: Mu`adh Ibn Jabal (RA) said that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: "The People of Paradise will not regret anything except one thing alone: the hour that passed them by in which they made no remembrance of Allah." (Bayhaqi in Shu`ab al-iman (1:392 #512-513)) Dhikr done in places where others don't remember Allah: Remember:in a place where people are oblivious to dhikir, the remembrance of Allah is like being steadfast in jihad, when others are running away. (Targhib, p. 193, vol. 3 ref. Bazar and Tibrani) Dhikr can be done anywhere and anytime: "Celebrate God's praises, standing, sitting down, or lying on your sides." (Qur'an;Nisaa:103). During night or day, on firm ground or on in the sea, on a trip or at home, in wealth or poverty, in sickness or in health, in secret or announced, in all situations. SO the more we remember Allah the more our iman will increase each and everyday and the more our hearts and souls will be illuminated in peace and tranquility!

3. Reciting the Qur'an The psysiological effects of the Qur'an: Medical studies have shown that simply listening to the recitation of the Holy Qur’an has a positive physiological effect on our bodies. Research has also proven that the Qur’an has healing qualities on the body, mind and spirit. Reflecting upon the verses of the Qur'an: So the best way to increase our imaan is to recite the Qur'an and reflect, ponder and contemplate over its meanings and implement whatever Allah has ordained in the Qur'an. "Those to whom We gave the book (the Qur’an) recite it as it should be recited, they are the ones that believe therein. And who disbelieves in it (the Qur’an), those are the losers." (Qur'an, Baqarah: 121) Umar (Ra), said about reciting the Qur’an the way it should be recited: "They (the ones who really recite Qur’an) are the ones who, when they pass by a verse of mercy, asked it from Allah, and when they pass by a verse of punishment, they seek refuge from it, like the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) used to do. Almighty Allah stresses that the purpose of revealing the Qur’an to the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) is to help mankind to reflect upon his verses and to understand them, so the verses will be a reminder for them. Allah says: "(This is) a book (the Qur’an) which We have sent down to you, full of blessings that they may ponder over its verses, and that men of understanding may remember." (Qur'an, Saad:29) Allah scorns those who do not reflect upon Qur’an and do not understand its meanings. Allah says: "Do they not then think deeply in the Qur’an, or are their hearts locked up (from understanding)?" (Qur'an, Muhammad:24) Reflecting over the verses of the Qur'an increases the imaan of the believers: Therefore every verse in the Qur’an should increase the iman of the believers, while at the same time it increases the ungratefulness of the non-believers. Allah says: "And whenever there comes down a surah, some of them say: "Which of you has his iman increased by it ? As for those who believe, it has increased their iman, and they rejoice. But as for those in whose hearts is a disease, it will add suspicion and doubt to their suspicion, disbelief and doubt, and they die while they are disbelievers." (Qur'an;Tawbah: 124,25) So what better way to increase our own Iman than to recite the verses of the Qur'an and to reflect, ponder and contemplate over its meanings by reading its translation, comentar and tafseer in order to delve into its deeper meanings. Although reciting the Qur'an ourselves is far better and far more reward, we can also listen to the recitation of the Qur'an on an audio device! Listening to the melodious rhythm of the Qur’an and while doing so try to reflect upon its meanings by reading the translation or tafseer of the verses alongside it. Acting upon the verses of the Qur'an: It is also important to act upon what we have read as we will be accountable on the day of judgement for not acting upon the verses of the Qur'an. The Sahaba used to reflect upon the verses of the Qur'an and apply them in their lives, verses of the Qur'an were instructions for them to be acted upon and not merely to be read or memorised. Therefore, when the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) mentioned the virtues of reciting the Qur'aan, he encouraged the Sahabah to read the Qur'an as much as they could, and act according to its instructions. So in order to gain the rewards of reciting Qur'an and to benefit from reflecting over the meanings of its verses, it is also important that we act in accordance to its commandments. Allah says: "Verily, there is indeed a reminder for him who has a heart or gives ear while he is heedful." (Qur'an; Qaf (50): 37)

2. Perform Salah Regularly Allah Almighty says in the Holy Qur’an: The believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, feel a fear in their hearts and when His Verses -this Qur’an- are recited unto them, they (i.e. the Verses) increase their Faith; and they put their trust in their Lord (Alone); Who perform salah and spend out of that We have provided them. It is they who are the believers in truth. For them are grades of dignity with their Lord, and Forgiveness and a generous provision (Paradise)” (Qur'an, Al-Anfal: 2-4). Prayer: the most important aspect of faith after the Shahada: Having faith in the Shahada is the most fundamental aspect of the Islamic faith. The second most fundamental aspect of our faith is the Salaah (prayer). Surely then with this being one of the most important and practised acts of faith, then it must have a very strong connection with our level of iman on a day to day basis. The prayer: A daily meeting with the creator of the Universe: The prayer is a sacred act by which a slave meets with his lord 5 times a day. This is meeting is direct without any intermediary. It is us standing in front of our lord talking to him DIRECTLY! We are asking of his help and mercy. We are conversing with the creator of the universe. Which president or leader of this world would ever give us the time of day that our creator does? The lord of universe pays each one of us invidual special attention when we stand in front of him. NOTHING can be as special as that. Concentrating in prayer: But in order for us to feel such a special feeling then we have to ensure that we not only pray our 5 daily prayers on time but that we clear our minds of all worldly things and stand in front of him and imagine him watching us and reflect over the words that we are reciting. The Salaah is a coolness for our eyes and it connects us with our creator on a daily basis, therefore having a significant impact on our level of imaan on a daily basis. So if we want to increase our level of imaan then nothing will increase it more than praying the 5 daily Salaah. Nothing brings us closer to Allah than when we are in prostration: The Prophet (sallallahu alaihe wa-sallam) said: “The closest the slave will draw to his Lord, is when he is performing Sujood (prostrating while praying)” [Saheeh Muslim] It is also a means of forgiveness of sins: Jabir ibn Abdullah (RA) narrates that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: The similitude of five prayers is like an overflowing river passing by the gate of one of you in which he washes five times daily. Hasan said: No filthiness can remain on him. (Muslim 4: 1411) But for the people who don’t pray: Informing us about the inhabitants of Hell, Almighty Allah says "(The people in Hell will be asked "What has caused you to enter Hell? They will say: "We were not of those who used to offer their Salât (prayers). Nor did we feed the poor. And we used to talk falsehood (all that which Allaah hated) with vain-talkers. And we used to belie thc Day of Recompense. Until there came to us that which is certain (i.e., death). So no Intercession of intercessors will benefit them. (Qur'an,Al-Muddaththir: 42-48) There is no guarantee for the person who does pray: Abu Qatada, Bin Rab’i (Ra) narrated that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) , said, "Allâh the Exalted said: ‘I made five times (daily) prayers obligatory on your people. And I took a guarantee that if anyone observes them regularly at their times, I shall admit him to Paradise. If anyone does not offer them regularly, there is no such guarantee of Mine for him." (Abu Dawood 430) The prayer distinguishes between a believer and a disbeliever: The Prophet (Sallallahu Aiahi Wasallam) said "The covenant between us and them is prayer, so if anyone abandons it he has become a disbeliever." (Agreed upon by Ahmad, Tirmidhee & Nasaa'ee) In an other Hadith, the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said "What lies between a man and disbelief is the abandonment of prayer." (Muslim, Abu Dawood & Nasaa'ee) Therefore there is no choice in the fact that we must pray because it is an obligation upon us and what more beautiful act than that which enables us to meet with our Lord, converse with him, ask of his help and mercy 5 times daily. So let us establish the prayer and NEVER abandon it!