ummtaalib

Things to be done During Ramaḍān besides Proactive Acts of ‘ibādah: As fasting is an act of ‘ibādah in itself, just keeping the fast means you are in a state of ‘ibādah. If you can do any other ‘ibādah at the same time, that is very good. If you cannot do any proactive ‘ibādah you should not feel guilty about it as you are already in a state of ‘ibādah. However, it is important that the fast we keep adheres to the spirit of fasting. (Excerpt from a Spiritual Gathering held by Shaykh Riyadh ul Haq)

The Hadīth of Salmān radiyallāhu ‘anhu [Part4] (04/06/13) Sabr & Fasting At-Tazkiyah

The Hadīth of Salmān radiyallāhu ‘anhu [Part3] (28/05/13) Farā'idh and Different A'māl At-Tazkiyah

The Hadīth of Salmān radiyallāhu ‘anhu [Part2] (21/05/13) Ramadhān, Tahjjud & Tarawīh At-Tazkiyah

Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat (Hafizahullah) Consolidate your preparation for Ramadhan by studying The Hadīth of Salmān radiyallāhu ‘anhu [Part1] (14/05/13) Ramadhān & Laylah-Al-Qadr Listen online at At Tazkiyah

Purchasing Hampers using Zakat Funds Q: Is it permissible to use zakaat funds to purchase hampers and feed poor people? Similarly, is it permissible to provide Iftaar for the poor in the month of Ramadhaan using Zakaat funds? A: It will be permissible to use Zakaat funds to feed poor people provided the requirement of tamleek is found. Tamleek means to transfer ownership of the wealth to someone who is eligible for zakaat. Therefore if the poor people were given the Zakaat hampers, the Zakaat will be discharged. And if the poor were not given the Zakaat hampers but were merely invited for a meal and were allowed to partake of it, then zakaat will not be discharged since the requirement of tamleek was not found. Similar is the case regarding the Iftaar food in the month of Ramadhaan, if the poor were given an Iftaar hamper the Zakaat will be discharged. And if the poor were not given the Zakaat hampers but were merely invited to partake of the food provided, then zakaat will not be discharged since the requirement of tamleek was not found. قوله ( تمليكا ) فلا يكفي فيها الإطعام إلا بطريق التمليك ولو أطعمه عنده ناويا الزكاة لا تكفي (شامي 2/344) Answered by: Mufti Zakaria Makada Checked & Approved: Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)

Alhamdulillah we once again find ourselves in this beautiful month of Ramadhaan; an opportunity for us to strengthen the bond with our Creator by sacrificing our most primal human needs, those of food and drink for a designated period of the day. Of course, Ramadhaan is about so much more than just not eating and drinking (although judging by the frantic preparations that precede this holy month, one not knowing any better would beg to differ) this article will focus on just the nutritional aspects, Insha-Allah. As a health fanatic with a passion for food, I am well aware that it is a some what delicate processtrying to strike a healthy balance; because let’s face it, our regular iftar menu doesn’t exactly make it to the top of the healthy foods list. And while I am working on a spiritual connection, the thought of my arteries making a connection with the cholesterol from those deep fried samoosas and springrolls is rather alarming to say the least. Not to mention all the weight we seem to pick up in a month where we literally (or at least are supposed to) reduce the quantity we consume by half. Nevertheless this love for food forces one to find alternative ways to enjoy the foods we love without any of the negative side effects; or at least ways to minimize these. With this in mind, I share with you my top tips for enjoying your favorite Ramadhaan treats without compromising your health. I make Dua that, properly implemented, they will benefit you as much as they have me, Insha-Allah. 1. When preparing pastry items such as pies, sausage rolls, etc. substitute the white butter pastry with brown pastries. This will already reduce the cholesterol and fat content, while at the same time adding some nutritional value to an otherwise unhealthy choice of food. Andthey taste just as good! 2. Where possible, bakeinstead of fry your savouries (samoosas, spring rolls, etc.). Place them on a baking sheet, spray on both sides with a good cooking spray (preferably cholesterol free), or brush LIGHTLY with olive oil and pop them in the oven. You will be amazed at the difference in taste! 3. If you must fry, then opt for shallow frying rather than deep frying. Take care not to pierce the foods with a fork while still in the oil, as this allows the food to absorb more oil than it would otherwise. 4. Savouries that are normally dipped in egg and deep fried can still be dipped in egg and then dry-toasted (without butter, oil, etc.). A small amount of cooking spray will ensure they don’t stick to the pan. 5. Try to get at least 1-2 servings of fresh fruit and/or veggies in daily. 6. Hydrate properly with water, not coffee or fizzy drinks, between sunset and suhoor. 7. Take a good multivitamin daily (preferably at suhoor).Alternatively, a teaspoon of black seed honey a day is an excellent tonic. 8. Try to include more low GI foods into your meal at suhoor. The energy from these foods is absorbed into the bloodstream more slowly, stabilizing blood sugar levels and keeping you feeling fuller for longer. 9. Don’t overeat! You are not a bear preparing for hibernation. In the words of Mufti Ismail Menk, “the lighter the pre-dawn meal, the easier the fast”. Your organs need the break and will thank you for it in the long run, Insha-Allah! 10. Most importantly, share. Ramadhaan is a time for us to reflect on the bounties bestowed upon us by Allah Ta’ala and to learn compassion by putting ourselves in the shoes of those less fortunate. Baihaqi reported on the authority of Salman Al-Farsi (radi Allahu anhu) that the Prophet Sallallāhu Alayhi Wasallam delivered a sermon on the last day of the month of Sha’baan. In it the prophet Sallallāhu Alayhi Wasallam said, “O people!, if anyone among you arranges for iftar for any believer, Allah will reward him as if he had freed a slave, and Allah will forgive him his sins. A companion said: “but not all of us have the means to do so”. The Prophet Sallallāhu Alayhi Wasallam replied: Keep yourself away from hell-fire though it may consist of half a date or even some water if you have nothing else." Written by: Sister Fiyona Valli for Idealwoman.org

Salmaan al Faarsi (Radhiyallahu ‘Anhu) Salmaan the Persian (radhiyallahu anhu) relates: I grew up in the town of Isfahaan in Persia in the village of Jayyan. My father was the Dihqan or chief of the village. He was the richest person there and had the biggest house. Since I was a child my father loved me, more than he loved any other. As time went by his love for me became so strong and overpowering that he feared to lose me or have anything happen to me. So he kept me at home, a veritable prisoner, in the same way that young girls were kept. I became devoted to the Magian religion so much so that I attained the position of custodian of the fire which we worshipped. My duty was to see that the flames of the fire remained burning and that it did not go out for a single hour, day or night. My father had a vast estate which yielded an abundant supply of crops. He himself looked after the estate and the harvest. One day he was very busy with his duties as dihqan in the village and he said to me: “My son, as you see, I am too busy to go out to the estate now. Go and look after matters there for me today.” On my way to the estate, I passed a Christian church and the voices at prayer attracted my attention. I did not know anything about Christianity or about the followers of any other religion throughout the time my father kept me in the house away from people. When I heard the voices of the Christians I entered the church to see what they were doing. I was impressed by their manner of praying and felt drawn to their religion. “By God,” I said, “this is better than ours. I shall not leave them until the sun sets.” I asked and was told that the Christian religion originated in Ash Shaam (Greater Syria). I did not go to my father’s estate that day and at night, I returned home. My father met me and asked what I had done. I told him about my meeting with the Christians and how I was impressed by their religion. He was dismayed and said: “My son, there is nothing good in that religion. Your religion and the religion of your forefathers is better.” “No, their religion is better than ours,” I insisted. My father became upset and afraid that I would leave our religion. So he kept me locked up in the house and put a chain on my feet. I managed however to send a message to the Christians asking them to inform me of any caravan going to Syria. Before long they got in touch with me and told me that a caravan was headed for Syria. I managed to unfetter myself and in disguise accompanied the caravan to Syria. There, I asked who was the leading person in the Christian religion and was directed to the bishop of the church. I went up to him and said: “I want to become a Christian and would like to attach myself to your service, learn from you and pray with you.” The bishop agreed and I entered the church in his service. I soon found out, however, that the man was corrupt. He would order his followers to give money in charity while holding out the promise of blessings to them. When they gave anything to spend in the way of God, however, he would hoard it for himself and not give anything to the poor or needy. In this way he amassed a vast quantity of gold. When the bishop died and the Christians gathered to bury him, I told them of his corrupt practices and, at their request, showed them where he kept their donations. When they saw the large jars filled with gold and silver they said. “By God, we shall not bury him.” They nailed him on a cross and threw stones at him. I continued in the service of the person who replaced him. The new bishop was an ascetic who longed for the Hereafter and engaged in worship day and night. I was greatly devoted to him and spent a long time in his company. (After his death, Salmaan (radhiyallahu anhu) attached himself to various Christian religious figures, in Mosul, Nisibis and elsewhere. The last one had told him about the appearance of a Prophet in the land of the Arabs who would have a reputation for strict honesty, one who would accept a gift but would never consume charity (sadaqah) for himself. Salmaan (radhiyallahu anhu) continues his story… A group of Arab leaders from the Kalb tribe passed through Ammuriyah and I asked them to take me with them to the land of the Arabs in return for whatever money I had. They agreed and I paid them. When we reached Wadi al Qura (a place between Madinah and Syria), they broke their agreement and sold me to a Jew. I worked as a servant for him but eventually he sold me to a nephew of his belonging to the tribe of Banu Qurayzah. This nephew took me with him to Yathrib, the city of palm groves, which is how the Christian at Ammuriyah had described it. At that time the Prophet was inviting his people in Makkah to Islam but I did not hear anything about him then because of the harsh duties which slavery imposed upon me. When the Prophet reached Yathrib after his hijrah from Makkah, I was in fact at the top of a palm tree belonging to my master doing some work. My master was sitting under the tree. A nephew of his came up and said: “May God declare war on the Aws and the Khazraj (the two main Arab tribes of Yathrib/Madinah). By God, they are now gathering at Quba to meet a man who has today come from Makkah and who claims he is a Prophet.” I felt hot flushes as soon as I heard these words and I began to shiver so violently that I was afraid that I might fall on my master. I quickly got down from the tree and spoke to my master’s nephew. “What did you say? Repeat the news for me.” My master was very angry and gave me a terrible blow. “What does this matter to you’? Go back to what you were doing,” he shouted. That evening, I took some dates that I had gathered and went to the place where the Prophet had alighted. I went up to him and said: “I have heard that you are a righteous man and that you have companions with you who are strangers and are in need. Here is something from me as sadaqah. I see that you are more deserving of it than others.” Rasoolullah (Sallallu Alayhi wa Sallam) ordered his companions to eat but he himself did not eat of it. I gathered some more dates and when the Prophet left Quba for Madinah I went to him and said: “I noticed that you did not eat of the sadaqah I gave. This however is a gift for you.” Of this gift of dates, both he and his companions ate. The strict honesty of the Prophet was one of the characteristics that led Salmaan (radhiyallahu anhu) to believe in him and accept Islam. Salmaan (radhiyallahu anhu) was released from slavery by the Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) who paid his Jewish slave-owner a stipulated price and who himself planted an agreed number of date palms to secure his manumission. After accepting Islam, Salmaan would say when asked whose son he was: “I am Salmaan, the son of Islam from the children of Adam.” Salmaan (radhiyallahu anhu) was to play an important role in the struggles of the growing Muslim state. At the battle of Khandaq/Ahzaab (Trench), he proved to be an innovator in military strategy. He suggested digging a ditch or khandaq around Madinah to keep the Quraysh army at bay. When Abu Sufyan, the leader of the Makkans, saw the ditch, he said, “This stratagem has not been employed by the Arabs before.” Salmaan (radhiyallahu anhu) became known as “Salmaan the Good”. He was a scholar who lived a rough and ascetic life. He had one cloak which he wore and on which he slept. He would not seek the shelter of a roof but stayed under a tree or against a wall. A man once said to him: “Shall I not build you a house in which to live?” “I have no need of a house,” he replied. The man persisted and said, “I know the type of house that would suit you.” “Describe it to me,” said Salmaan (radhiyallahu anhu). “I shall build you a house which if you stand up in it, its roof will hurt your head and if you stretch your legs the wall will hurt them.” Later, as a governor of al Madaa’in (Ctesiphon) near Baghdad, Salmaan (radhiyallahu anhu) received a stipend of five thousand dirhams. This he would distribute as sadaqah. He lived from the work of his own hands. When some people came to Madaa’in and saw him working in the palm groves, they said, “You are the amir here and your sustenance is guaranteed and you do this work?!” “I like to eat from the work of my own hands,” he replied. Salmaan (radhiyallahu anhu) however was not extreme in his asceticism. It is related that he once visited Abu Dardaa (radhiyallahu anhu) with whom the Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) had joined him in brotherhood. He found Abu Dardaa’s (radhiyallahu anhu) wife in a miserable state and he asked, “What is the matter with you?” “Your brother has no need of anything in this world,” she replied. When Abu Dardaa (radhiyallahu anhu) came, he welcomed Salmaan (radhiyallahu anhu) and gave him food. Salmaan (radhiyallahu anhu) told him to eat but Abu Dardaa (radhiyallahu anhu) said, “I am fasting.” Salmaan (radhiyallahu anhu) replied, “I swear to you that I shall not eat until you eat also.” Salmaan (radhiyallahu anhu) spent the night there as well. During the night, Abu Dardaa (radhiyallahu anhu) got up but Salmaan (radhiyallahu anhu) got hold of him and said: “O Abu Dardaa, your Lord has a right over you. Your family has a right over you and your body has a right over you. Give to each its due.” In the morning, they prayed together and then went out to meet the Prophet, peace be upon him. Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) supported Salmaan (radhiyallahu anhu) in what he had said. As a scholar, Salmaan (radhiyallahu anhu) was noted for his vast knowledge and wisdom. Ali (radhiyallahu anhu) said of him that he was like Luqman the Wise. And Ka’b al Ahbar (radhiyallahu anhu) said: “Salmaan is stuffed with knowledge and wisdom – an ocean that does not dry up.” Salmaan (radhiyallahu anhu) had a knowledge of both the Christian scriptures and the Qur’an in addition to his earlier knowledge of the Zoroastrian religion. Salmaan (radhiyallahu anhu) in fact translated parts of the Qur’aan into Persian during the lifetime of Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) . He was thus the first person to translate the Qur’aan into a foreign language. Salmaan (radhiyallahu anhu), because of the influential household in which he grew up, might easily have been a major figure in the sprawling Persian Empire of his time. His search for truth however led him, even before the Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) had appeared, to renounce a comfortable and affluent life and even to suffer the indignities of slavery. He lived a long life. According to the most reliable account, he died in the year thirty five after the hijrah, during the caliphate of Uthmaan (radhiyallahu anhu), at Ctesiphon (Madaa’in). May Allah grant us his zeal and enthusiasm for the Deen of Islam and may Allah ‘Azza wa Jall grant him high stages in Jannatul Firdaus.

Abu ad Dardaa (Radhiyallahu ‘Anhu) Early in the morning, Abu Dardaa (so named as he had a daughter named ad Dardaa) awoke and went straight to his idol which he kept in the best part of his house. He greeted it and bowed in homage to it. Then he anointed it with the best perfume from his shop and adorned it with silk which a merchant had brought to him from Yemen. When the sun was high in the sky he left his house for his shop. On that day the streets and alleys of Madeenah were crowded with the followers of Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) returning from Badr. With them were several prisoners of war. Abu Dardaa went up to a Khazraji youth and asked about the fate of ‘Abdullah ibn Rawaahah (radhiyallahu anhu). 

”He was put through the most severe tests in the battle,” “but he emerged safely…” 

Abu Dardaa was clearly anxious about his close friend, ‘Abdullah ibn Rawaahah (radhiyallahu anhu). Everyone in Madeenah knew the bond of brotherhood which existed between the two men from the days of Jahiliyyah, before the coming of Islam to Madeenah. When Islam came to the city, Ibn Rawaahah embraced it but Abu Dardaa rejected it. This however did not change the nature of their friendship. ‘Abdullah kept on visiting Abu Dardaa and tried to make him see the benefits and the excellence of Islam. But with every passing day, while Abu Dardaa remained a mushrik. Abu Dardaa began trading and giving instructions to his assistants unaware of what was going on at his house. For at that very time, ‘Abdullah ibn Rawaahah (radhiyallahu anhu) had gone to the house. There he saw that the main gate open. Umm Dardaa was in the courtyard and he said to her “As salaamu alayki” She said “Wa alaykas salaam O brother of Abu Dardaa”. 
”Where is Abu Dardaa?” he asked. “He has gone to his shop. It won’t be long before he returns”. “Would you allow me to come in?” he asked. “Make yourself at home,” she said and went about busying herself with her household chores and looking after her children. 

’Abdullah ibn Rawaahah (radhiyallahu anhu) went to the room where Abu Dardaa kept his idol. He took out a chisel which he had brought with him and began gouging pieces of the idol saying “Isn’t everything baatil which is worshipped besides Allah?” When the idol was completely destroyed, he left the house. Abu Dardaa’s wife entered the room shortly afterwards and was horrified at what she saw. She beat her face in anguish crying “You have brought ruin to me, Ibn Rawaahah!” When Abu Dardaa returned home, he saw his wife sitting at the door of the room where he kept his idol. She was weeping loudly and she looked absolutely terrified. “What’s wrong with you?” he asked. “Your brother ‘Abdullah visited us in your absence and did with your idols what you see”. Abu Dardaa looked at the broken idol and was horrified. He was consumed with anger and determined to take revenge. After a while his anger subsided and thoughts of avenging the idol disappeared. Instead he reflected on what had happened and said to himself “If there was any good in this idol, he would have defended himself against any injury”. He then went straight to ‘Abdullah ibn Rawaahah (radhiyallahu anhu) and together they went to Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam). There he recited the shahaadah. He was the last person in his district to become a Muslim. From this time onwards, Abu Dardaa (radhiyallahu anhu) devoted himself completely to Islam. He deeply regretted every moment he had spent as a mushrik and the opportunities he had lost to do good. He realised how much his friends had learnt about Islam in the preceding few years. He made every effort, day and night to try to make up for what he had missed. ‘Ibaadah occupied his days and his nights. His search for knowledge was restless. Much time he spent memorising the words of the Qur’aan. When he saw that business and trade disturbed the sweetness of his ‘ibaadah and kept him away from the circles of knowledge, he reduced his involvement therein. Someone asked him why he did this and he replied “I was a merchant before my pledge to Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam). When I became a Muslim, I wanted to combine trade (tijaarah) and worship (‘ibaadah) but I did not achieve what I desired. So I abandoned trade and inclined towards ‘ibaadah. “By Him in whose hand is the soul of Abu Dardaa, what I want to have is a shop near the door of the masjid so that I would not miss any Salaah with the congregation. Then I shall sell and buy and make a modest profit every day.” “I am not saying,” said Abu Dardaa (radhiyallahu anhu) to his questioner, “that Allah Great and Majestic has prohibited trade, but I want to be among those whom neither trade nor selling distracts form the remembrance of Allah”. Abu Dardaa (radhiyallahu anhu) did not only become less involved in trade but he abandoned his luxurious lifestyle. He ate only what was sufficient to keep him upright and he wore clothes that was simple and sufficient to cover his body. Rasoolullah (Sallallhu Alayhi wa Sallam) made a bond of brotherhood (muaakhaat) between Salmaan al Faarsi and Abu ad Dardaa (radhiyallahu anhum). Salmaan (radhiyallahu anhu) paid a visit to Abu Dardaa (radhiyallahu anhu) and found Umm Dardaa (radhiyallahu anhaa) dressed in shabby clothes and asked her why she was in that state. She replied, “Your brother Abu Dardaa is not interested in (the luxuries of) this world.” In the meantime Abu Dardaa (radhiyallahu anhu) came and prepared a meal for Salmaan. Salmaan (radhiyallahu anhu) requested Abu Dardaa (radhiyallahu anhu) to eat (with him), but Abu Dardaa (radhiyallahu anhu) said, “I am fasting”. Salmaan (radhiyallahu anhu) said, “I am not going to eat unless you eat”. So Abu Dardaa (radhiyallahu anhu) ate (with Salmaan [radhiyallahu anhu]). When it was night and (a part of the night passed), Abu Dardaa (radhiyallahu anhu) got up (to offer the night [tahajjud] prayer), but Salmaan (radhiyallahu anhu) told him to sleep and Abu Dardaa (radhiyallahu anhu) slept. After sometime Abu Dardaa (radhiyallahu anhu) again got up but Salmaan (radhiyallahu anhu) told him to sleep. When it was the last hours of the night, Salmaan (radhiyallahu anhu) told him to get up then, and both of them offered the prayer. Salmaan (radhiyallahu anhu) told Abu Dardaa (radhiyallahu anhu), “Your Lord has a right on you, your soul has a right on you, and your family has a right on you; so you should give the rights of all those who has a right on you”. Abu Dardaa (radhiyallahu anhu) came to Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) and narrated the whole story. Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, “Salmaan has spoken the truth”. [sahih al Bukhari, Volume 3, Book 31, no. 189] A youth once came up to Abu Dardaa (radhiyallahu anhu) and said “Give me advice, O companion of the Messenger of Allah,” and Abu Dardaa (radhiyallahu anhu) said to him, “My son, remember Allah in good times and He will remember you in times of misfortune. “My son, be knowledgeable, seek knowledge, be a good listener and do not be ignorant for you will be ruined. “My son, let the masjid be your house for indeed I heard the Messenger of Allah say: The masjid is the house of every person who is wary of Allah (has taqwa) and Allah Almighty has guaranteed serenity, comfort, mercy and staying on the path leading to His pleasure, to those for whom masjids are their houses”. While Abu Dardaa (radhiyallahu anhu) was still in Syria, the Caliph Umar ibn al Khattab (radhiyallahu anhu) came on an inspection tour of the region. One night he went to visit Abu Dardaa (radhiyallahu anhu) at his home. There was no light in the house. Abu Dardaa (radhiyallahu anhu) welcomed the Caliph and sat him down. The two men conversed in the darkness. As they did so, Umar felt Abu Dardaa’s (radhiyallahu anhu) “pillow” and realised it was an animal’s saddle. He touched the place where Abu Dardaa (radhiyallahu anhu) lay and knew it was just small pebbles. He also felt the sheet with which he covered himself and was astonished to find it so flimsy that it couldn’t possibly protect him from the cold of Damascus. Umar (radhiyallahu anhu) asked him, “Shouldn’t I make things more comfortable for you? Shouldn’t I send something for you?” 

”Do you remember, Umar,” said Abu Dardaa (radhiyallahu anhu), “a hadith which Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) told us?” 

”What is it?” asked Umar al Faarouq (radhiyallahu anhu). 

”Did he not say Let what is sufficient for anyone of you in this world be like the provisions of a rider?” 

”Yes,” said Umar (radhiyallahu anhu). 

”And what have we done after this, O Umar?” asked Abu Dardaa (radhiyallahu anhu). 

Both men wept no doubt thinking about the vast riches that had come to the Muslims with the expansion of Islam and their preoccupation with amassing wealth and worldly possessions. With deep sorrow and sadness, both men continued to reflect on this situation until the break of dawn.

Allāh ta‘ālā has made certain things obligatory. He first gave humans the ability to carry them out, and then ordered them to do them. lf it wasn't possible to do them, he would not have made them obligatory. Shaykh Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh

Dyslexia is a common learning difficulty that mainly affects the way people read and spell words. Signs and symptoms Dyslexia is a spectrum disorder, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. People with dyslexia have particular difficulty with: phonological awareness verbal memory rapid serial naming verbal processing speed These terms are explained in more detail below. Phonological awareness Phonological awareness is thought to be a key skill in early reading and spelling development. It is the ability to identify how words are made up of smaller units of sound, known as phonemes. Changes in the sounds that make up words can lead to changes in their meaning. For example, a child with a good level of phonological awareness would understand that if you change the letter "p" in the word "pat" to "s", the word becomes "sat". Verbal memory Verbal memory is the ability to remember a sequence of verbal information for a short period of time. For example, the ability to remember a short list such as "red, blue, green", or a set of simple instructions, such as "Put on your gloves and your hat, find the lead for the dog and then go to the park." Rapid serial naming This is the ability to name a series of colours, objects or numbers as fast as possible. Verbal processing speed Verbal processing speed is the time it takes to process and recognise familiar verbal information, such as letters and digits. For example, someone with a good verbal processing speed has the ability to quickly write down unfamiliar words when they are spelled out, or write down telephone numbers they are told. Read more about the symptoms of dyslexia. Dyslexia and intelligence Dyslexia only affects some skills and abilities, and is not linked to a person's general level of intelligence. Children of all intellectual abilities, from low to high intelligence, can be affected by dyslexia. Similarly, the difficulty a child with dyslexia has with reading and spelling is not determined by their intelligence, but by how severe their dyslexia is. Children with average intelligence and mild dyslexia are likely to be more skilled at reading and writing than children with high intelligence and more severe dyslexia. How common is dyslexia? Dyslexia is thought to be one of the most common learning difficulties. It's estimated that up to 1 in every 10 people in the UK has a certain degree of dyslexia. Dyslexia affects people of all ethnic backgrounds, and has even been shown to affect languages based on symbols rather than letters, such as Cantonese. However, a person’s native language can play an important role in the condition. For example, dyslexia is less problematic in languages with consistent rules around pronunciation, such as Italian and Spanish. Languages such as English, where there is often no clear connection between the written form and sound (for example, words such as "cough"and "dough"), can be more challenging for a person with dyslexia. What causes dyslexia? The exact cause of dyslexia is unknown, but it's seen more commonly in families. Six genes have been identified that may be responsible for the condition, four of which affect the way the brain is formed during early life. Specialist brain scans (functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans) also show there is reduced function of one area towards the back of the brain, called the occipito-temporal cortex. Read more about the causes of dyslexia. Identifying dyslexia It can be difficult to diagnose dyslexia in young children as the signs are not always obvious. If you think your child has dyslexia, the first step is to speak to their teacher or the school’s special needs coordinator. Identifying your child’s strengths (such as picture puzzles or maths) as well as their difficulties can be helpful. Many schools identify children who are having difficulty learning in particular areas and offer additional support. If your child does not make progress when offered this support, the school may request a more in-depth assessment from either a specialist teacher or educational psychologist. It is also possible to request private assessments, either directly from an educational psychologist or through voluntary organisations such as Dyslexia Action. Adults who wish to be assessed for dyslexia can visit their local Dyslexia Action Centre. Read more about how dyslexia is diagnosed. Treating dyslexia Although dyslexia is a lifelong problem, a range of educational programmes and interventions are often effective in improving reading and writing skills in many children with the condition. Research has shown that the earlier appropriate interventions are adopted, the better. Most children respond well to educational interventions and go on to make progress with reading and writing, although some children continue to find reading and writing difficult and will require more intensive support and long-term assistance to help them learn strategies for managing their difficulties. Children with dyslexia face challenges on a day-to-day basis, but even children who have severe dyslexia can go on to lead full and productive lives. NHS UK

Dyslexia Muallimah Kaashifa Dyslexia is the most common learning disability in children and persists throughout life. It is a neurological problem of genetic origin which makes the acquisition of language skills extremely difficult. The condition is sometimes referred to as word blindness, specific language based disability, developmental dyslexia and mirror reading. Dyslexia is not a disease, but a specific language difficulty characterised by problems in expressive or receptive, oral or written language. It is usually recognised when a child is of school age. If the child is bright, dyslexia can go unrecognised by teachers and parents for years as was the case with one of my learners. The sooner dyslexia is treated, the more favorable the outcome. However, it is never too late for people with dyslexia to learn to improve their language skills. Children with dyslexia have difficulty in learning to read despite traditional instruction. It is caused by an impairment in the brain’s ability to translate images received from the eyes or ears into understandable language. It does not result from vision or hearing problems. It is not due to mental retardation, brain damage, or a lack of intelligence. True dyslexia is much broader than simply confusing or transposing letters, for example mistaking ”b” and “d.” Now if you think that teaching English to a dyslexic child is a task, wait till you teach Arabic! Arabic is arguably one of the most difficult languages in the world for many, can you imagine how tough this is for a dyslexic child? Yet my learners don’t give up which is why I say, they are my provision when the road seems so long and arduous. Their spirit breathes in me the courage to hang on, to keep going when I am worn to the bone. There are different types of dyslexia, “Trauma dyslexia” usually occurs after some form of brain trauma or injury to the area of the brain that controls reading and writing. It is rarely seen in today’s school-age population. “Primary dyslexia.” This type of dyslexia is a dysfunction of, rather than damage to, the left side of the brain (cerebral cortex) and does not change with age. Individuals with this type are rarely able to read above a fourth-grade level and may struggle with reading, spelling, and writing as adults. Primary dyslexia is passed in family lines through their genes (hereditary). It is found more often in boys than in girls. “Secondary” or “developmental dyslexia” and is felt to be caused by hormonal development during the early stages of foetal development. Developmental dyslexia diminishes as the child matures. It is also more common in boys. Dyslexia may affect several different functions. Visual dyslexia is characterized by number and letter reversals and the inability to write symbols in the correct sequence. Auditory dyslexia involves difficulty with sounds of letters or groups of letters. The sounds are perceived as jumbled or not heard correctly. Many subtle signs can be observed in children with dyslexia. Children may become withdrawn and appear to be depressed. They may begin to act out, drawing attention away from their learning difficulty. Problems with self-esteem can arise, and peer and sibling interactions can become strained. These children may lose their interest in school-related activities and appear to be unmotivated or lazy. The emotional symptoms and signs are just as important as the academic and require equal attention.

What to do when some one praises you- Mufti Taqi Usmani (reported from Imam Auza’i in Shu’ab al -iman of Imam Baihaqi) Imam Baihaqi reported in Shu'ab al-Iman from Imam Auza’i (R.A) “When some one praises a person infront of him, he should say: Allahumma anta a’alamu bee minnafsee wa ana a’alamu binafsee minan naas Allaahumma laa tu'aakhidhnee bimaa yaqooloona, waghfir lee maa laa ya'lamoona” " Oh Allah! You know me better than myself and I know about myself better than what the people know about me. Oh Allah do not call me to account for what they say & forgive me for what they have no knowledge of (i.e. my faults and defects)." The praise of people is not less than a fitnah for those who serve the deen by speech or writing. So, praising in front of the person is prohibited as it gives rise to the disease of vanity. Imam Auza’i has prescribed this du’a to cure it. Shaykh Dr. Abdul Hai Arifi (R.A)'s advise: Shaykh Dr. Abdul Hai Arifi (R.A) used to say that if someone praises you, then say in your heart, “Oh Allah! All thanks be to you that you have shown only my virtues to this person, for, if you were to expose my weaknesses and defects, he would hate me.” He would also say, “ Desire for fame and praise cannot be satisfied by one’s own effort but it is up to others to fulfill it. Even if it is fulfilled, it is very short lived. Man should think, “what is the benefit achieved from this praise”? Source

The Reply

".........Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) asked, "Have you informed him?'' He said, "No". Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) then said, "Tell him (that you love him)". Tell the person you love that you love them!

I Love you for the sake of Allah Abu Karima al-Miqdad ibn Ma'dikarib reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "If a man loves his brother, he should tell him that he loves him." [Abu Dawud and at-Tirmidhi] Anas bin Malik (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A man was with the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) when another man passed by and the former said: "O Messenger of Allah! I love this man (for Allah's sake)". Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) asked, "Have you informed him?'' He said, "No". Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) then said, "Tell him (that you love him)". So he went up to the man and said to him, "I love you for the sake of Allah;'' and the other replied, "May Allah, for Whose sake you love me, love you.'' [Abu Dawud].

Love for the sake of Allah Abu Hurayra reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "Allah Almighty will say on the Day of Rising, 'Where are those who loved one another for the sake of My majesty? Today, on the day when there is no shade but My shade, I will shade them.'" [Muslim] Abu Hurayra reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "A man visited a brother of his in another village and Allah positioned an angel to wait for him on his way." He mentioned the hadith to his words, "Allah loves you just as you love him for His sake." [Muslim] Mu'adh said, "I heard the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, say, 'Allah, the Mighty and Exalted, says, "Those who love one another for My majesty will have minbars of lights. The Prophets and martyrs will envy them."'" [at-Tirmidhi] Hadith Collection from Sunnipath

Cannot resist posting one of favourites! RAABI’AH BASRIYYA This great saintly woman was once seen walking the streets carrying a pail of water in one hand and a fire in the other. On being asked the reason she replied, “I wish I could burn the gardens of Jannat with this fire and put out the fire of Jahannam with this water. Then people will worship Allah subhaanahu wata’ala for His pleasure alone and not for entry into Jannat or for safety from the fire of Jahannam”.

A Despicable Man Posted by: TheMajlis “And if you decide to change one wife for another wife (i.e. divorce a wife to marry another woman), and you had already given one of them abundant wealth (by way of gifts), then do not take back from her anything. What! Do you repossess it by way of usurpation and flagrant transgression? And how indeed can you take it back after having mutually met (i.e. after having consummated the marriage), and after they (women) have obtained from you a sacred pledge (of Nikah)?” (Surah Nisaa’) A very common reaction of spiteful men of low moral calibre and defective intelligence, when the marriage ends, is to demand that his ex-wife returns all the expensive gifts which he had given her at a time of mutual enjoyment and pleasure. USURPATION The Qur’aan Majeed describes such repossession of gifts as usurpation. It is unjust, despicable and totally unbecoming of a honourable man to degenerate to the low ebb of reclaiming gifts from a woman who was his lawful wife and with whom he had enjoyed conjugal relations. VOMIT Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said that a person who repossesses a gift is like a dog which laps up its own vomit. In many cases when the marriage collapses, the husband goaded on by his parents or bristling with malice, demands that his ex-wife returns all the expensive gifts he had given her in happier times. UNLAWFUL This attitude is abominable and totally at variance with Muslim moral character. Besides the morality of the issue, reclaiming gifts from a wife is not permissible nor valid. If by pressure, the man manages to take possession of the gifts, he does not become the owner. The gifts remain in the ownership of the woman who was once upon a time his wife. The excuse that the jewellery, etc. were given to the wife on loan is not valid after the marriage ends in divorce unless the man can prove with acceptable evidence that he had made such a declaration to the woman at the time when he gave her the assets. CUSTODY The husband’s or his parents’ custody of the items do not make him the owner thereof. It is normal for the wife to leave her expensive jewellery in her husband’s custody for safe-keeping. He holds it as an amaanat for her. As long as she had taken possession of the gifts, she remains the owner. When the heart-breaking event of divorce takes place, the husband should acquit himself honourably by softening the blow. He should not compound the tragedy for the sake of finding gratification for his spiteful and malicious attitude. The assets should be given to her without any problem or hassling. Many Sahaabah lauded their wives with substantial gifts on the occasion of divorce. Acrimony and malice did not feature in the dissolution of their marriages. Divorce at times becomes necessary. When the tragedy occurs, Allah Ta’ala should not be obliterated from the mind.

Assisting one's father with Zakaat Q. My father is battling and I know for a fact that he is always short every month as he is a pensioner and does not have any other source of income. Can I give him my Zakaat? (Query published as received) Answer A child cannot give his/her parents Zakaat and vice versa. You cannot assist your father with Zakaat funds. You can assist him with funds with the intention of optional Sadaqah if you wish or other family members (eg, his brothers, nephews etc) can assist him with Zakaat. A wife may not giver her Zakaat to her husband and vice versa. And Allah Knows Best Mufti Suhail Tarmahomed Fatwa Department Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

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