ummtaalib

Before the month starts (inshaAllah) 1. I will count my time by minutes, not hours or days for the time in Ramadan is so valuable. 2. I will make sure I go over this plan enough before Ramadan and have the strong determination to implement it. 3. I will keep thinking of Ramadan from now. I will long for it and I will keep asking Allah to enable me to reach it, “O Allah, allow me to live until Ramadan. O Allah, grant me in it fasting and Salah and accept them from me.” 4. I will give charity BEFORE Ramadan as Anas Ibn Malik reported. He said that the companions of the Prophet used to do that to help the poor enter the month of Ramadan being ready. 5. I will start paying extra attention to the Qur’an BEFORE Ramadan starts to ramp up to something better in Ramadan. I am very encouraged to do so knowing that this was the attitude of the companions during Sha’ban as Anas reported. 6. I will look for some educational material to share with my non-Muslim friends if they need to know more about Ramadan, and I will make them available with me all the time. On the first night of Ramadan 7. I will reflect on the hadith in which the Prophet said about this particular night. He said, “When the first night of Ramadan comes, the gates of heavens are open and not a single gate is closed, and the gates of the hell are closed not a single gate is open. The devils are chained. A caller will call, ‘O you who want to do good, come forth; O you who want to do evil stop.’ And Allah sets people free from hell every single night.” 8. I will make the duaa (supplication) which the Prophet (pbuh) used to make, “O Allah, start this month with good and Iman, safety and Islam,” I will then address the crescent and say, “Your lord and my lord is Allah.” 9. I will gather all my family and share with them this remarkable moment. I will remind them with these universal changes and we will all get excited about the month of Ramadan. We will try to celebrate by hanging some decoration. We will try to feel the difference of this beloved month. 10. I will make phone calls to my extended family. I will call my parents and congratulate them. I will remind them to benefit from the blessed month and I will ask them to make duaa for me. 11. I will send emails to all my friends congratulating them with the blessed month. I will ask them to remember me in their duaa while worshipping Allah in these beautiful moments. I will post the congratulation on my Facebook, my blog and my google talk picture. I will change my status to, “blessed with the blessed month, in a dire need of Allah mercy.” This will help reminding everyone with the moment. 12. I will use the moment to repent to Allah expecting his great forgiveness to cover me in these remarkable moments. I will make a strong determination to quit all my sins and come out of Ramadan a different man. 13. I will not FORGET to make Taraweeh at this night which is the night BEFORE the first day of fasting and is almost forgotten by many people. 14. I will NOT get into long disputes about the method of deciding the beginning of Ramadan and I will follow my local community if they adopt any of the legitimate scholars’ opinions in their decision. I will explain briefly to those who waste their time in this dispute that it is better to spend our time worshipping Allah rather than disputing about something which Allah will not hold us accountable for. I will try to foster unity in my community and between local communities as much as I can. 15. I will make a list of my friends and colleagues who may not know much about the blessings of Ramadan and try to make a plan of how to get them closer to Allah in this blessed opportunity. Every single day Before Fajr 16. I will start my day a while before fajr. The time before fajr is so valuable. The Prophet (pbuh) said that Allah (swt) descends to the lowest heaven in the last third of the night calling upon his creation, “Is there anyone who wants to ask for something so I give him? Is there anyone seeking forgiveness so I forgive him? Is there anyone who wants to repent so I accept his repentance?” Allah praised high quality believers by the practice of “asking forgiveness during this time.” 17. I will make sure I have suhur, the meal before fajr. The Prophet (pbuh) said, “Have suhur for there is a blessing in suhur.” 18. I will take 10-15 minutes before fajr sitting alone asking Allah for forgiveness and calling upon him in response to His call. The Prophet said when asked about which part of the night is better in accepting duaa, “The last part of the night.” I will also make a short night prayer during which I will prostrate and get even closer to Allah as the Messenger said, “The closest the servant of Allah will be is when he is in the state of prostration.” I will glorify Allah in my sujud and call upon Him. I will seek His guidance, help, and support in this beautiful time. Fajr Time 19. I will try my best to make salat al-Subh (This is the name used for the morning Salah. Fajr salah is often used to mean the two optional salah before Salat Al-Subh) in the masjid. I will go to the closest masjid to my house even if it is a little far. I will consider my steps an elevation in my degrees and an expiation of my sins as the Prophet promised. I will feel the happiness and the gratitude of praying in congregation during fajr time, an act which makes me pure of hypocrisy as the prophet mentioned. 20. I will remember to make the optional fajr salah which is 2 Rak’at before Salah for the Prophet (pbuh) said, “The two raka’at of fajr are better than this life and what is in it.” 21. If I reach the masjid before Iqamah time, I will sit and make duaa for the Messenger (pbuh) said, “duaa between Adhan and Iqamah is not rejected.” 22. I will make sure I do “Khitam Al-Salah,” for the Prophet said, “Whoever says Subhana Allah 33 times, Alhamdu Lellah 33 times, Allahu Akbar 33 times, and then completed the 100 by saying “La Ilaha Illah Allah, Wahdahu La sharika lah lahu alMulk walau Al-Hamd wa howa ‘ala koli shai’ quadir,” his sins will be wiped out even if they are like the foam of the sea. 23. I will remember to say “Ayat al-Kursi,” for the Prophet said if you say it after Salah there is nothing between you and Paradise except death. 24. I will try, especially during weekends, to stay after fajr in the masjid remembering Allah, reciting some Qur’an until 15 minutes after sunrise. I will then make a 2,4,6, or 8 raka’at of Duha salah. I will feel the reward of a complete Hajj and Umra as the Prophet (pbuh) promised. After Fajr 25. I will try to sleep a little before going to work. 26. I will go to work and will do my best to excel in my job. I will try to remove the misconception that Ramadan is a month of laziness. I will consider my job an act of worship, simultaneously worshipping Allah by fasting and working. 27. I will get a few minutes in the office where I will relax and try to close my eyes in a half-sleeping mode for that gives me energy as if I really slept for some time. I will need it to resume my day and to relax in preparation for a long night. 28. I will try my best to make Dhur and Asr Salah on time and I will make them in congregation during the weekends. Iftar time 29. I will make my Iftar most of the time in the masjid as my community always does. When it is our turn to prepare Iftar, I will take the intention for giving Iftar to all those who are fasting for there is an immense reward in it. The Prophet mentioned, “whoever gives Iftar to a fasting person, will get a similar reward.” 30. I will try to go a few minutes before Maghreb so I can spend sometime in the masjid remembering Allah and making duaa. 31. I will break my fasting feeling the happiness the Prophet mentioned. The happiness of someone who was allowed to complete his day of fasting and was given the opportunity to eat. I will recall the other part of the happiness the Prophet mentioned when I meet Allah with this day of fasting. These are the two pieces of happiness the Prophet mentioned in his hadith, “the one who fasts has two happiness: one when he breaks his fast and the other when he meets his Lord.” 32. I will remember to make duaa at this very moment of breaking my fasting for this is a time the duaa is accepted as the Prophet mentioned. I will remember my family, my parents, my brothers and sisters, and all Muslims during my duaa. 33. I will not eat a lot to prepare myself for taraweeh and I will make sure I eat healthy food. After Iftar 34. I will take a short relaxation before taraweeh. 35. I will try my best to make taraweeh in the masjid, every day and I will feel the blessing of praying with the whole Qur’an during the whole month. 36. I will go to sleep after taraweeh and will make a strong intention that my sleep is an act of worship preparing myself for a new day of comprehensive worship. Last 10 Days 37. I will try to take a couple of days off from work so I can put more effort in the last 10 days 38. I will make I’tikaf, if not the whole 10 days, as much as I can especially during the weekends. During my I’tikaf, I will increase the night prayer and the amount of Qur’an I recite. (Iʼtikaf is an act of worship where one spends time in the Masjid praying, reading Qurʼan and remembering Allah (swt). The Prophet (pbuh) used to do that in the last 10 days of Ramadan. However, it can be done at any time.) 39. I will try to invite my family and friends to I’tikaf since it is really a nice time and a very blessed one. 40. I will try my best in the last ten days to reach the night of Al-Qadr. I will keep doing my best for the whole 10 nights and I will never stop after the 27th. Last moments 41. In the last few moments before Ramadan is over, I will reflect on my heart. I will feel the happiness of completing a whole month of comprehensive worship. I will feel the happiness of Eid coming tomorrow. I will also feel the sadness that this great opportunity is about to end and will not come again except in a year or may not come again ever. 42. I will have the hope that Allah accepted from me and forgave my sins. I will feel the hope that I am set free from the hell. I am going to feel the fear that I may not be forgiven or my deeds are not accepted. 43. I will get prepared for the Eid and prepare my family for it. I will do my best to make the day of Eid a day of great happiness and joy to my family and my community. I will help in organizing the Eid salah in my community. 44. I will remember to pay Zakat Al-Fitr before Eid salah for it is an obligation upon every member of the household and it helps our brothers and sisters enjoy their Eid without having to ask for charity. Community work 45. I will never forget my family from all this work. I will involve them in all that I do and will encourage them to join the reward. 46. I will be as charitable as I can even if I donate a little, for the Messenger (pbuh) was extra- charitable in the days of Ramadan. 47. I will join my community in organizing charitable campaigns to feed the hungry and give charity to the poor. I will promote these projects and campaigns. 48. I will join my community in organizing open houses during Ramadan, for people are so curious to visit the Islamic centers and meet Muslims during this month 49. I will respond to the invitation of schools to come and share some thoughts and presentations about the month of Ramadan with Muslim and non-Muslim students. I will offer my presentation even if not requested. A token of sincerity 50. I will do something I did not share with you and will not share with anyone that only Allah knows about as a token of pure intention and sincere worship. I ask Allah to help and I ask you to have a similar plan. “O Allah, make us reach Ramadan!” Source

Profit from Ramadhaan by Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorta (Hafizahullah): PDF - Read Here

The blessed & most beautiful month is near and what better time to prepare for it than right now. Some of us deceive ourselves into thinking that when Ramadan comes we will suddenly change and worship Allah night and day but we are only decieving ourselves in thinking like this. The Sahaaba used to prepare for Ramadan six months in advance. So if we really want to make the best of this Ramadan then we need to prepare for it now! This may be our last Ramadan for life is so uncertain. Then there is NO doubt that we must make the best of it for the Reward of EVERY good act in the month of Ramadan is multiplied many times over: 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) If there was a 75% sale on in the shops surely people would go crazy and even cue all night outside in order to be the first in the store to take advantage of this special offer. So in the same way why should we not take advantage of the immense rewards that are available in Ramadan? The best way we can make the best of this Ramadan and grab the immense rewards that are available is to prepare for it NOW. The following are 10 ways in which we can prepare for this beautiful month starting from NOW: 1. Voluntary Fasts What better way of preparing ourselves to fast for 30 consecutive days in Ramadan than to fast the voluntary fasts. Fasting Monday and Thursday: Abu Hurairah reported that the most the Prophet, (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasalam) 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) Another is to fast the white days (13, 14 & 15th of each Islamic month): Abu Tharr Al-Ghefari said: “The Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) 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 & at-Tirmithi; Sahih) Therefore we should fast these days in order to prepare for the fasting of Ramadan and even after Ramadan we should continue to do so for fasting will intercede for us on the day of judgement: Rasulallah (Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: "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 `Alaihi Wasallam) said: ‘And they will (be allowed to) intercede.’” (Ahmad, at-Tabarani, Al-Hakim, Sahih) 2. Reciting Qur’an Allah the exalted says: “The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Quran was sent down, a guidance for mankind, clear proofs for the guidance, the Criterion; so whoever amongst you witnesses this month, let him fast it." (Surah al-Baqarah 2:185) Ramadan was the month in which the Qur'an was first revealed so it is the month of the Qur'an. We should devote much of this blessed month reciting the Qur'an. 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.” But for many of us the Qur'an has gathered a lot of dust since the last time we picked it up. As Ramadan is fast approaching we must blow off the dust and start to build a close relationship with the Qur'an for it will intercede with us on the day of judgement: "Recite the Holy Qur’an as much as we can for It will come as an intercessor for its reciter’ on the Day of Judgement" (Muslim) The Recitor will be in the company of Angels: ‘Aa'ishah related that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Indeed the one who recites the Quran beautifully, smoothly, and precisely, will be in the company of the noble and obedient angels. As for the one who recites with difficulty, stammering or stumbling through its verses, then he will have twice that reward.” (Al-Bukhaari & Muslim) There are Ten Rewards for Every Letter Recited from the Quran in normal times but in Ramadan these rewards are multiplied: “Whoever reads a letter from the Book of Allaah, he will have a reward, and this reward will be multiplied by ten. I am not saying that 'Alif, Laam, Meem' (a combination of letters frequently mentioned in the Holy Quran) is a letter, rather I am saying that 'Alif' is a letter, 'Laam' is a letter and 'Meem' is a letter.” (At-Tirmithi) So what better time for us to get into the habit of reciting the Qur'an than to begin to do so right now. We should recite the Qur'an with its meanings and try to understand and implement it into our daily lives. We should set ourselves realistic targets for how much we should begin to recite each day for e.g. we will recite 1 or 2 pages a day, half a juz (chapter), or 1 juz etc. We should recite however much we can manage and then build up gradually. 3. Praying Superogatory (Nafil) prayers In Ramadan every voluntary prayer carries the reward of a Fard prayer in normal times and there is nothing more rewarding than a Fard prayer so one can imagine the immense rewards that are available in Ramadan for every voluntary prayer we pray. 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) In order for us to take advantage of these immense rewards we should start begin now by praying all of the daily Sunnah and Nafil prayers so by the time Ramadan comes we will already be in the habit of praying all of our Sunnah and Nafils and so we cna increase our voluntary prayers even more so during Ramadan. This would be difficult if we were not in the habit of praying Sunnah and Nafil prayers in normal times. By increasing our voluntary worship we can gain closeness to Allah as well as the company of Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) in Jannah: Rabi'ah ibn Malik al-Aslami reported that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: "Ask (anything)." Rabi'ah said: "I ask of you to be your companion in paradise." The Prophet (Sallallahu ALaihi Wasallam) said: "Or anything else?" Rabi'ah said: "That is it." The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said to him: "Then help me by making many prostrations (i.e., supererogatory prayers)." 4. Making Dua Many of us do not spend as much time as we should do in Dua. Even if we do we rush our dua and our hearts and minds are not present whilst supplicating to Allah. Many of us rush our Dua's and our hearts are often not present whilst we are supplicating to Allah. Therefore we lose out on much of the benefits and blessings of Dua. We must give more attention to our Dua's and try to concentrate more and be more sincere in our Dua's imagining Allah watching us supplicate to him. We should humble ourselves making ourselves low and not worthy in front of Allah. We should try to cry if we can and have FULL hope that Allah will accept our Dua's if not in this world then in the hereafter. 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." The place of Dua is so honourable to Allah that the Prophet (Sallallahu AlaIhi Wasallim) said: "Nothing is more honourable to Allah the Most High than Du`a." (Sahih al-Jami` no.5268). It is the most excellent of worship: He also said: "The most excellent worship is Du’a." (Sahih Al-Jami` no. 1133) So let us get into the habit of making sincere Dua's from deep within our hearts and let us not be heedless when supplicating to Allah. What better time than now for us to get into the habit of making more intense and sincere Dua's. So by the time Ramadan arrives we would have already got into the habit of making the long, sincere and intense Dua's which will readily be accepted during this blessed month especially whilst we are fasting and in the latter part of the nights during Tahajjud. It may help to make a list of what we should ask of Allah suring dua's which we can refer to as a reminder as this may help us to make our dua's longer and more sincere covering everything we want to ask of Allah. 5. Sincere Repentance Ramadan is the month where we can gain mercy and forgiveness from Allah for all of our sins past and present. We should know that Allah is most merciful and most forgiving and loves to forgive: Allah says: O son of Adam, if your sins were to reach the clouds of the sky and you would then seek My forgiveness, I would forgive you. When a person sins and then sincerely turns to Allah for forgiveness, one will find Allah ready to accept his repentance and to forgive him, as this verse indicates: And whoever does a wrong or wrongs himself, but then seeks forgiveness from Allah, he will find Allah forgiving and merciful. (Surat an-Nisaa 4:110) Allah loves repentance and loves those who turn to him in repentance: Truly Allah loves those who turn [to Him] in repentance, and He loves those who keep themselves in purity. (Qur'an 2:222) Therefore we should get into the habit now of repenting to Allah so that in Ramadan we will make the best of repenting to Allah and continue to do so throughout everyday of our lives. How unfortunate is a person who after the end of Ramadan does not gain any forgiveness of his sins from Allah but ends up piling more sins onto his account. 6. Generosity & Charity Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) became even more generous in Ramadan than he already was. Ramadan is a time for generosity and giving. It is a time when we think about those who have less than us as well as thank Allah for everything he has given us. Ramadan is an honourable and blessed month, and the rewards for generosity are multiplied in it. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam) said, “The best charity is that given in Ramadan.” (At-Tirmithi). Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam) said, “He who feeds a fasting person will gain the same reward as he will, without decreasing from the fasting person’s rewards.” (Ahmad). Therefore we should get into the habit of giving in charity now so by the time Ramadan arrives we would increase in our generosity, giving to those less fortunate than ourselves. We should give whatever we can afford as Allah looks at our intentions. Surely in there hereafter we will regret that which we did not spend in the path of Allah. 7. Controlling the tongue Ramadan is a time where we must control our desires (nafs) aswell as our tongues: Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Fasting is not (abstaining) from eating and drinking only, but also from vain speech and foul language. If one of you is being cursed or annoyed, he should say: ‘I am fasting, I am fasting.” (Ibn Khuzaimah, Ibn Hibban) Therefore we must protect our tongue from vain speech and foul language. Protecting the tongue is preventing it from lying, back-biting, slander, tale-carrying, false speech and other things that have been forbidden in the Qur'an & Sunnah. Those who control their tongues are of the best of Muslims: The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) was asked: “Which Muslim is best?” He responded, “One who the other Muslims are safe from his tongue and his hand.” (Tirmidhi, #2504) We must not deceive ourselves into thinking that by the time Ramadan comes we will all of a sudden break a lifetime habit and control our tongues. Again this is another big deception. We must start controlling our tongues now for we cannot for changing lifetime bad habits is not an overnight process. So how can we begin to control our tongues? This can be done by "THINKING BEFORE SAYING ANYTHING". Not just talking without even thinking what we are going to say. We must think before we speak and before saying anything we should think whether or not what we are going to say is going to please or displease Allah. If we doubt that what we are about to say may anger or displease Allah then we should refrain from saying it. If we have nothing good to say then surely it is better NOT to say anything at all. Remember we WILL be accountable for everything we said in our lives so we MUST start taking responsiblity for what comes out of our mouths NOW otherwise we will regret it later when it is too late. Therefore we must get into the habit of "thinking before speaking". So let us begin to control our tongues now so that by the time Ramadan comes we would have adopted good habits and would have been used to controlling our tongues and refraining from saying anything which may anger or displease Allah. REMEMBER: If we do not protect our tongues then our fasts will be in vain: Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Allah does not need the fast of one who does not abandon false speech or acting according to his false speech.” (Sahih Bukhari) 8. Improving Character & manners Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) came to perfect the character of man and the best of this Ummah are those wioth the best of characters: Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alahi Wasallam) used to say: "The best amongst you are those who have the best manners and character.” (al-Bukhari) Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: "There is none heavier in the scales of the Hereafter than good character (Tirmidhi & Abu Dawud). 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) Again as with making any big change perfecting our character and manners cannot be done overnight but we must make a start now so that by the time Ramadan comes we would have gained momentum in making the necessery changes to our characters in order for us to be the best of this Ummah and those closest to Allah. Surely if good character and manners are the heaviest on the scales then can you imagine how much more heavier they will be if we behave with good character and manners during Ramadan? So let us strive to perfect our manners, character and conduct towards others and know that these good deeds will be of the heaviest on the scales and will enable us to reach the highest ranks of Jannah and the closest to Allah. 9. Moderation in eating On the authority of Al-Miqdaam ibn Maadiy-Karib who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah saying: "No human ever filled a vessel worse than the stomach. Sufficient for any son of Adam are some morsels to keep his back straight. But if it must be, then one third for his food, one third for his drink and one third for his breath." (Ahmad, At-Tirmidhi, An-Nasaa’I, Ibn Majah ) Ibrahim al-Nakha’i, on of the teachers of Imam Abu Hanifa, may Allah have mercy on them both, mentioned: “The people ruined before you were done in by three characteristics: too much talking, too much eating, and too much sleeping.” There is no doubt that excessive eating is not only a cause of many diseases but is also a major factor in stopping us from maximising our worship to Allah. Ash-Shafi’I said: I have not filled myself in sixteen years because filling oneself makes the body heavy, removes clear understanding, induces sleep and makes one weak for worship. Many of us fast during Ramadan fast during the day and after Iftaar make up for all the food we missed throughout the day by binge eating. Surely this goes against the very purpose of Ramadan which is to be moderate in eating and to remember those who have less than us. How will we remember the unfortunate when we constantly over eating before and after our fasts? By controlling what we eat now we will not only benefit our health in the short and long term but moderate eating will make us less heavier and enable us to maximise the amount of worship we do everyday during Ramadan and the rest of our lives. Al-Hassan Al-Basri: “The test of Adam (AS) was food and it is your test until Qiyamah. And, it used to be said: Whoever takes control of his stomach gets control of all good deeds. And: Wisdom does not reside in a full stomach. One day, Al-Hassan offered some food to his companion who said: I have eaten until I am no longer able to eat. To which Al-Hassan said: Subhaana Allah! Does a Muslim eat until he is no longer able to eat? 10. Implementing Sunnah's into Daily life Following the Sunnah is a command from Allah: "Say (O Muhammad to mankind): "If you (really) love Allah, then follow me (i.e. accept Islamic monotheism, follow the Quran and the Sunnah), Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (Quran: 3:31) Surely if we follow the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) in every aspect of our lives then everything that we do will become a worship to Allah, even going to the toilet, having a bath, dressing and undressing etc Reviving the Sunnah into our daily lives: Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Whoever revives an aspect of my Sunnah that is forgotten after my death, he will have a reward equivalent to that of the people who follow him, without it detracting in the least from their reward.” (Tirmidhi) The best habit we can ever have in our lives is to implement the Sunnah into EVERY aspect of our lives so that our whole life and everything we do during it can become a worship to Allah. We can do this by gradually learning all of the Sunnah's and dua's of every aspect of our day waking up, leaving and entering the Masjid and house, dressing and undressing etc. So let us get into the habit right now of implementing every Sunnah's into our daily lives so by the time Ramadan comes we can continue to implement Sunnah's and gain even more rewards for them. Download Comprehensive Sunnah collection to implement everyday of our lives: http://www.scribd.com/doc/26863499/B...to-Do-Everyday May Allah enable us to make the best of this Ramadan and make it a salvation for us in the Hereafter. Ameen sunniforum.com

(1894 AD – 1975 AD) Sheikhul al-Islam Hadhrat Maulana Sayyid Hussein Ahmad Madani Sahib (Rahmatullahi Alayhi) was a descendant of Rasulullah (Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam). His father’s name was Sayyid Habibullah Sahib. He was a headmaster of a school. Hadhrat Maulana Hussein Ahmad Madani (Rahmatullahi Alayhi) commenced his Nazirah (reading of Quran) at a very early age. He completed approximately five juz of his Nazirah by his mother. Hadhrat Maulana Hussein Ahmad Madani’s mother was a very pious woman. She would recite Surah Ikhlas 200 times daily and offer that as Isaale Thawab to Rasulullah (Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam). He completed the remainder of his Nazirah by his father. Hadhrat Maulana Hussein Ahmad Madani (Rahmatullahi Alayhi) had two brothers, Maulana Ahmad and Maulana Muhammad Siddique. They were elder than Hadhrat Maulana and were already studying in Darul Uloom Deoband. His father decided to send Hadhrat Maulana Hussein Ahmad Madani (Rahmatullahi Alayhi) to Darul Uloom Deoband with his two brothers to study there. Hadhrat Maulana studied his Darsi Nizami (general syllabus) in Darul Uloom Deoband and qualified at the very young age of 21. Maulana’s Father, Sayyid Habibullah Sahib, was bayat to Hadhrat Maulana Fazlurahman Ganj Moradabadi (Rahmatullahi Alayhi). Allah Ta’ala had blessed Hadhrat Maulana Fazlurahman Sahib with a very long life. He had passed away at the age of 105. He was a very great saint and pious person. When Maulana Fazlurahman passed away, Sayyid Habibullah said, “Now there is no enjoyment for us to stay in India” and made the intention to migrate to Madinah Munawwarah. That was the place where they originally came from because they are Sayyids, descendants of Rasulullah (Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam), and for 19 generations they were in Hindustan. When they left for Madinah Munawwarah, Sheikhul Hind (Rahmatullahi Alayhi) and the ustadh of Hadhrat Maulana Hussein Madani (Rahmatullahi Alayhi), went to leave him at the station. At the time of leaving him he emphasized, “Never ever leave dars and tadrees (teaching)!” When Hadhrat Maulana Hussein Madani (Rahmatullahi Alayhi) came to Madinah Munawwarah, upon the instruction of his ustadh, he started teaching. Initially he had difficulty in the Arabic language. This was due to him not being an Arab, but within a short period of time, he got a grip of the Arabic language and slowly his class began expanding. Ulama from different places such as Madinah Munawwarah, Syria, Yemen etc. started sitting in his discourses. Hadhrat Maulana conducted lessons in Hadith for approximately 18 years in Masjid Nabawi (Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam). Once he and his brother decided to go to Gangoh to visit Hadhrat Maulana Rashid Ahmad Gangohi (Rahmatullahi Alayhi). It was during this visit that Hadhrat Maulana Rashid Ahmad Gangohi (Rahmatullahi Alayhi) bestowed them with khilaafat. They then returned to Madinah Munawwarah. Hadhrat Maulana Hussein Madani (Rahmatullahi Alayhi) continued with his discourses in Masjid Nabawi (Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) and it was during this time that Sheikhul Hind (Rahmatullahi Alayhi) came for Hajj. He stayed in Madinah Munawwarah by Hadhrat Maulana Hussein Madani (Rahmatullahi Alayhi). It was only then that Hadhrat Maulana Hussein Madani (Rahmatullahi Alayhi) came to learn of Sheikhul Hind’s plan to liberate India. Sheikhul Hind (Rahmatullahi Alayhi) was then arrested thereafter and taken to Jeddah and thereafter taken to Malta. Hadhrat Maulana Hussein Madani (Rahmatullahi Alayhi) had so much love and reliance upon his ustadh that he was prepared to sacrifice his comfort teaching in Madinah Munawwarah and handed himself over voluntarily to be arrested in order to be with his ustadh so that he could make the khidmat of Sheikhul Hind (Rahmatullahi Alayhi). He remained with Sheikhul Hind in Malta for approximately three years. One can imagine what a great sacrifice this was. With such a sacrifice how could such a person not get barakah in his uloom? Hadhrat Maulana Hussein Madani (Rahmatullahi Alayhi) and Sheikhul Hind (Rahmatullahi Alayhi) were freed together from Malta. After Sheikhul Hind passed away, Hadhrat Maulana Hussein Madani (Rahmatullahi Alayhi) was in the forefront of the liberation struggle. He was the essence of this entire movement. Sheikhul Hind started this struggle at an old age towards the end of his life and thereafter Hadhrat Maulana Hussein Madani (Rahmatullahi Alayhi) followed it up until India was liberated. When India was liberated, Hadhrat Maulana Hussein Madani (Rahmatullahi Alayhi) left everything aside but he carried on with his Dars and Tadrees. Normally what happens after a person takes part in a liberation struggle and they achieve their objective is that the issue of position and status plays its role. However, Maulana wasn’t interested in such things. His objective was the liberation of India and since it was liberated his objective was achieved. If he wanted he could have received the highest position that any person could have received but Maulana left all of that and went to Darul Uloom Deoband and dedicated himself to teaching. When the time came for distribution of awards and honors to those who partook in the liberation struggle, then the call was also made for Hadhrat Maulana Hussein Madani (Rahmatullahi Alayhi). This was a very prestigious honor whereby his name would have become elevated throughout the world. Yet, Maulana declined to go forward to accept such an award. He explained his refusal by simply mentioning that this was against the way of our pious predecessors. This is a prime example of Ikhlas (sincerity). He took part in the struggle solely for the pleasure of Allah and not because of attaining a position in society. Hadhrat Maulana Hussein Madani’s (Rahmatullahi Alayhi) very outstanding quality was hospitality. One person had observed that on an average there would be at least 50 people in the house of Hadhrat Maulana Hussein Madani (Rahmatullahi Alayhi). In 1946, one person by the name of Sanul Haqq Siddiqui met Hadhrat Maulana. While staying at Maulana Madani’s home, Sanaul Haqq Siddiqui mentions regarding the first night that while he was trying to sleep, at about midnight the people were waking up and the sounds of “Allah, Allah” could be heard from Maulana’s house. The following morning he had mentioned to Maulana, “It’s a real pleasure for me to stay here. My islah could be made very quickly and I could inculcate all the good habits and qualities that all those people who stay around you have; waking up for tahajjud in the middle of the night, making zikr and so forth but the only thing is that my nature can not tolerate it. I must have my sleep at night. By everyone waking up in the middle of the night, I can’t sleep and I can not keep up to their standards.” So Maulana understood and arranged a separate room for him to sleep. Maulana did not impose upon him the trend that was taking place there. He then stated that one night a very strange thing happened. He says that he happened to be walking around the whole day and thus he became very tired and went to sleep. And whilst he was sleeping he noticed that someone was pressing his legs. He was in the midst of enjoying this treatment when suddenly he just happened to turn and he saw none other than Hadhrat Maulana Hussein Madani (Rahmatullahi Alayhi) himself pressing his legs. He woke up in a shock and actually held Maulana’s hand and said, “What are you doing!” Hadhrat Maulana replied and said, “You are tired. The whole day your were walking around. I feel pity for you and here I got a chance to make some khidmat for you and here you are stopping me for which I am very upset because you are depriving me of thawaab.” Here Sheikhul Islam is making the khidmat of an ordinary visitor who can’t even wake up for tahajjud and zikr whereby separate arrangements had to be made for him and still too with all that comfort Sheikhul Islam goes to press his legs. Hadhrat Maulana Hussein Madani (Rahmatullahi Alayhi) was the Sheikhul Hadith of Darul Uloom Deoband for approximately 28 years. One can imagine the level of his discourses especially after having taught in Masjid un Nabawi (Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) for 18 years before that. There, different types of students would come to him from the different parts of the world and after that he taught at Darul Uloom Deoband for another 28 years. He was accustomed to a hectic way of life. As a politician he would travel the length and breadth of India and when he would reach Deoband, no matter what time of the day or night, be it the middle of the night, when the bell would ring then the students of Daur-e-Hadith would have to come to attend their classes. After his long arduous journeys as a politician, without any sleep, he would come to the classroom and conduct his lesson on Bukhari Sharif. Considering all this it is mentioned that his lessons were a detailed Dars. Even after the lesson he would conduct a question and answer session for the students in case they had any question to ask. Then too, very patiently he would listen to the students and answer them in complete detail. Once the students were completely satisfied and contented only then would he terminate the lesson and go. How fitting is the poem of the poet boasting about his forefathers, Oh Jareer, these are my forefathers, So bring forth of their likeness When the assemblies unite us. One noteworthy point about Hadhrat Maulana Hussein Madani (Rahmatullahi Alayhi) is that whenever he would travel around India he would never travel in first class or second class. He would always travel in the third class. One can imagine how often he would have to travel as a politician, continuously traversing the different regions of India for years on end. Some allegations were made that the Congress was paying Hadhrat Maulana but this is incorrect, as Maulana wouldn’t take even a single cent. It was Hadhrat Maulana’s habit to always travel in the third class compartment and would never travel in the first class or second class. This in itself is proof because if one has to see the conditions of the third class compartments then they would understand the reality of this situation. In the third class compartment, rarely does a person find a seat. For hours on end he would have to remain standing. Then to he would be lucky to find a sufficient place to stand comfortably being surrounding by hoards of people. If Hadhrat Maulana wished, he could have booked first or second-class tickets at the expense of the Congress, but he never did that. Hadhrat Maulana reached a high position in regards to Sulook as well. In spite of him being a great politician, many people had ascended the heights of spirituality under his guidance. When he passed away, he had approximately 167 khulafaa. It is also mentioned that one of his habits were that whenever he was invited for any program, he would make sure that there were no acts of Bid’ah or un-Islamic activity taking place. If he were invited to a Nikah also, he would make sure that no innovated traditions taking place there. This was especially rampant in the customs of India. Upon witnessing such nikahs in India one would wonder if the participants were Muslim or not. It was also special habit that he would only attend such a Nikah where the husband agreed to give the wife Mehr Fatimi. Hadhrat Maulana Hussein Madani (Rahmatullahi Alayhi) passed away in 1975 at the age of 81. He was buried in Darul Uloom Deoband next to his ustadh Sheikhul Hind (Rahmatullahi Alayhi). The name of the graveyard there is Maqbar-e-Qasimi. (Taken from: http://forum.cordobaacademy.com/2011/10/06/bio-shaykh-hussain-ahmed-al-madani/)

How beautifully described! May Allah ta'ala fill Hadhrat's (Raheemahullah) grave with noor upon noor!

Q. I have a query regarding a woman in Haidh. Can a woman in this state sit on a Musalla at a Jamaat Khana – one that is within a shopping mall / restaurant etc? A. It is permissible for a female in Haidh (menses) to enter a Jamaat Khana or Musalla as the laws of the Musjid do not apply. (al-Fatawa al-Hindiyyah, Vol: 1, Pg: 38, Dar Ihya-it Turath al-Arabi) It is not permissible for a female in Haidh or an impure person to enter a Musjid. (al-Fatawa al-Hindiyyah, Vol: 1, Pg: 38, Dar Ihya-it Turath al-Arabi) And Allah Knows Best Mufti Suhail Tarmahomed Checked and Approved: Mufti Ebrahim Desai Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

<QUESTION> If one has Asthma and must use an inhaler, then in such a case does one have to fast? Note that the drug particles in the asthma pump are very small. <ANSWER> In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful, As explained in an earlier post, using an asthma pump and inhaling its gas will invalidate one’s fast. As such, if one used an asthma pump for a genuine medical need, one will have to make up the fasts missed (qadha), although expiation (kaffara) will not be necessary. You state that the drug particles in the asthma gas are very small and minute. However, the ruling of the fast being invalidated is not based on the drug particles being present or otherwise; rather, one’s fast is invalidated by inhaling something that has a perceptible body such as smoke or gas. (See: Maraqi al-Falah with Hashiya al-Tahtawi, P: 660) Note that, in order for one’s fast to become invalid, one has to inhale the smoke or gas intentionally and deliberately. If the smoke entered one’s nose or throat unintentionally, then one’s fast will not break. (Maraqi al-Falah, P: 660) Therefore, if an individual was to enter a room full of smoke and he was to intentionally inhale the smoke, whilst the smoke having a perceptible body, then his fast would become invalid. Hence, inhaling gas from an asthma pump will invalidate the fast, regardless of whether there is any nutritional value in the inhalers or otherwise, for the gas has a perceptible body which enters one’s body through a normal channel. Those who need to use an asthma pump many times a day and find it difficult to fast, have the dispensation of not fasting and paying the Fidya instead. Islam is a religion of mercy and does not order its followers to do something that is beyond their capability. Therefore, chronic asthmatics need not suffer by fasting; rather, if they are genuinely not able to keep a fast or make it up later, they may pay the expiatory payment instead. However, it should be remembered that if one becomes capable of fasting again, one will have to make up for the missed fasts despite paying the Fidya. (al-Fatawa al-Hindiyya, 1/207 and others) And Allah knows best [Mufti] Muhammad ibn Adam Darul Iftaa Leicester , UK

<QUESTION> Can you please answer the questions below with regards to fasting? <ANSWER> In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful, Q: Is taking a meal before commencing a fast (suhur) necessary in order for a fast to be valid? A: No, Suhur is not necessary. However, it is a virtuous act of Sunnah that should not be missed unnecessarily. Q: What time does Suhur begin? A: One can take Suhur any time after midnight, but it is more advisable to take it in the latter hours of the night, preferably just before the break of true dawn (al-Fajr al-Sadiq). Q: Is an intention for fasting necessary and when should one make the intention (niyyah) for the fast of Ramadhan? A: The intention for fasting is necessary but very simple: It is to know in your heart that you will fast that day. It is valid to have this intention any time from Maghrib the night before up to the Islamic midday of the actual day of fasting, for current Ramadhan fasts and voluntary fasts. The Islamic midday is half way between the beginning of Fajr and Maghrib times. (al-Fatawa al-Hindiyya) Q: Can a man have sexual intercourse with his wife during the nights of Ramadhan? A: Yes, it is permitted to have sexual intercourse with one’s spouse during the nights of Ramadhan. However, one must stop before the break of dawn (al-Fajr al-Sadiq). It will also be permitted to take the obligatory ritual bath of purification after one has started one’s fast. Q: Is it permissible to kiss and caress one’s wife whilst fasting? A: Non-sexual affectionate kissing, from which there is no fear of leading to intercourse or ejaculation, will be allowed and not disliked. However, if one fears that kissing will lead to ejaculation or sexual intercourse, then it will be disliked (makruh) to kiss, but one’s fast will remain valid as long as kissing does not lead to actual sexual intercourse or does not result in ejaculation. If kissing resulted in ejaculation, one’s fast would become invalid and hence will have to be made up (qadha), without having to expiate for it (kaffara). Passionate kissing when saliva is exchanged will invalidate one’s fast, with both Qadha and Kaffara necessary. (al-Fatawa al-Hindiyya, 1/200 & 1/204) Q: Does a fast break when one swallows the saliva of one’s spouse? A: Yes, if one is certain of swallowing one’s spouse’s saliva, then this would invalidate one’s fast and necessitate both a Qadha and Kaffara. Q: If one kisses or caresses one’s spouse and consequently ejaculates, is one’s fast broken? A: Yes, the fast is invalidated. However one will only have to make up for the fast (Qadha), and there will be no expiation (Kaffara) in this situation. Q: What is the difference between a Qadha and Kaffara? A: Qadha (makeup) means to keep another fast in order to make up for the fast which was invalidated, whilst Kaffara (expiation) means to perform an act to expatiate the sin of having broken a fast. Q: In what way is a Kaffara fulfilled? A: A Kaffara may be given in the following two ways: 1) Fasting for two months consecutively without missing a single fast, 2) Feeding sixty poor people. It should be remembered that if one has the ability to fast then one cannot adopt the second method; rather, one will have to fast for sixty days continuously. Q: Does an injection invalidate one’s fast? A: No, it does not invalidate one’s fast, although it is better to avoid taking injections whilst fasting unnecessarily. Q: Does taking out blood or a blood test invalidate one’s fast? A: No, a blood test does not invalidate the fast, as it is merely the taking out of blood. However, it will be disliked if it could weaken one from being able to maintain the fast. Q: Does smoking invalidate one’s fast? A: Yes, it does invalidate one’s fast. (Ramadhan is a good time to quit smoking forever!). Q: Is it allowed to use an Asthma Pump during the Fast? A: If one has a genuine medical need for an asthma pump that cannot be otherwise fulfilled, then it would be permitted to use it. However, it would break the fast and require that the fast be made up later (Qadha). This is because anything that has a perceptible body breaks the fast if it enters the body through a normal channel. Q: When does vomiting break one’s fast? A: Vomiting only breaks one’s fast if: a) one returns and swallows the vomit down the throat, or b) one vomits a mouthful intentionally. It is not broken by non-deliberate vomiting or (deliberately) vomiting less than a mouthful. If one’s fast is broken by vomiting, then one will only have to make up (qadha) for the fast, a Kaffara will not be necessary. Q: How does one decide when vomiting is a mouthful? A: The definition of “mouthful vomiting” is that which one cannot hold back in one’s mouth without difficulty. Q: Can one fast whilst travelling? A: Yes, one may fast while travelling. However one should not burden oneself if the journey is long and difficult, for in such situations it is advisable not to fast. Q: Can a woman on menstruation (haydh) or post-natal bleeding (nifas) fast? A: No, she cannot fast. It will be unlawful (haram) for her to do so. Q: Does a woman on menstruation (Haydh) or post-natal bleeding (Nifas) have to make up for the fasts missed? A: Yes, she will have to make Qadha for the missed fasts. Q: Does one have to perform the Qadha fasts immediately after Ramadhan? A: No, it is not necessary. However, it is recommended to complete the missed fasts of Ramadhan as soon as possible. Q: When can a sick person break his/her fast on the opinion of a doctor? A: When a competent Muslim doctor says that if he/she continues fasting, it will bring danger to his/her life or severely effect the health, then in such a situation it will be permitted to break one’s fast. One will not be liable for a Kaffara but will only have to make up for the fast (Qadha). Q: Is it permissible to insert medicine through a female’s vagina during a fast? A: Any form of medicine inserted into the internal part of a woman’s vagina will invalidate her fast. And Allah knows best [Mufti] Muhammad ibn Adam Darul Iftaa Leicester , UK

Not Fasting Due To Illness QUESTION Due to the illness of diabetes, I missed many fasts. Do I have to make qadha now or a kaffara is necessary? ANSWER In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful, It is a well-established principle of Shariah that, it is permissible not to fast or break an already kept fast due to reasons that are beyond one’s control, such as travelling, illness, pregnancy, breastfeeding, etc, although a traveller may not enter into a fast, but it will not be permissible for him to break an already kept fast. (See: Radd al-Muhtar, 2/421) Allah Most High says: “(Fasting) for a fixed number of days; but if any of you is ill or on a journey, the prescribed number (should be made up) from days later.” (al-Baqarah, 184) Regarding illness, the great Hanafi jurist, Imam al-Haskafi (Allah have mercy on him) states in the chapter of “excuses that permit not to fast” in his excellent work Durr al-Mukhtar: “(It is permissible not to fast) for an individual who is ill and fears that his/her illness will increase, or a healthy person who fears that he will become ill due to fasting.” (Radd al-Muhtar ala al-Durr al-Mukhtar, 2/422) Thus, there is no sin for not fasting or breaking a fast that was already kept due to illness such as diabetes in your case. The compensation will be (as mentioned in the verse of the Qur’an quoted earlier) making up for the fast on another day (qadha) when you are reasonably able to do so. And Allah Knows Best [Mufti] Muhammad ibn Adam Darul Iftaa Leicester , UK

<QUESTION> My mother has been prescribed Morphine patches which she has to wear during Ramadhan. She must keep the patch on for seven days and then replace it with a new one. Is her fast valid with her wearing the patch? <ANSWER> In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful, In the Hanafi School, the basic criterion for things invalidating one’s fast is that anything that has a perceptible body invalidates the fast if it reaches the body cavity through a normal channel/opening, such as the mouth or nose. The renowned classical Hanafi jurist, Imam al-Kasani (may Allah have mercy on him) explains in his Bada’i al-Sana’i: “That which reaches the body cavity [i.e. stomach] (jawf) or the brain through normal channels (makhariq al-asliyya) such as the nose, ears and backside (dubur), in that one snuffed [something through the nose], entered something through the rear hole or infused drops in the ear, and it reached the stomach or the brain, then one’s fast will be invalidated.” (Bada’i al-Sana’i 2/93) In other words, there are two conditions in order for one’s fast to be invalidated: 1) That which enters the body reaches the stomach (jawf) or brain (dimagh). 2) This “reaching” is via the normal channels/openings of the body. If any one of the above-mentioned two conditions is not met, the fast will not be invalidated. As such, even if a substance was to reach the stomach or brain, but it did not enter through a direct normal channel, such as the mouth, nose, ear, or rear hole of the private parts, then the fast would remain as valid. This is the reason why injections and drips (even those that have nutritive value) do not invalidate the fast according to the Hanafi School. (See: Mufti Muhammad Shafi’s A’lat al-Jadida ke Shar’i Ahkam P: 156) Therefore, morphine or other medical patches do not invalidate one’s fast, since the drug is injected into the body through the skin and not through the mouth or any other normal channel/opening of the body. The ruling is the same with regards to other patches used, such as nicotine patches and birth control patches. And Allah knows best [Mufti] Muhammad ibn Adam Darul Iftaa Leicester , UK

By Shaykh Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat ḥafiẓahullāh 1. We must wake up for suḥūr as it is a sunnah of our Rasūl s. He has informed us that the food of suḥūr is full of barakah: “Eat suḥūr, because in it lie great blessings.” (Bukhārī, Muslim) We should arrange our time for suḥūr in such a way that we are also able to perform at least 4 to 8 raka‘āt of tahajjud together with du‘ā for about 15 minutes or more. Rasūlullāh s has said that the du‘ā in the darkness of the night (after tahajjud) is readily accepted by Allāh. (Tirmidhī) 2. The ideal way to perform tahajjud with suḥūr is to wake up early and perform tahajjud and make du‘ā before suḥūr. Everyone in the house should wake up and engage in ‘ibādah in the darkness and isolation of their own rooms. Shed tears and ask Allāh S for your needs just as a small child cries and gets his needs fulfilled. Rasūlullāh s has encouraged his followers to cry when making du‘ā. Crying and weeping attracts mercy. Just as a mother who, upon seeing her child crying for a sweet, will succumb at the sight of the child’s crying and treat it with mercy, similarly when one sheds tears whilst beseeching his Lord, the Mercy of the Lord will enshroud him. 3. After tahajjud and suḥūr, we must pray our Fajr Ṣalāh with congregation. Ladies should also perform their obligatory Ṣalāh. 4. After Fajr remain engaged in ‘ibādah till 15-20 minutes after sunrise and perform 4 raka‘āt ishrāq. 5. Before zawāl, perform Ṣalāt-ad-Ḍuḥā (chāsht). Rasūlullāh s said, “There is charity due upon you in lieu of every joint that exists in your body. To say sub’ḥānallāh is a form of charity, to say alḥamdulillāh is also a charity, to say lā ilāha illallāh is also a charity, to command goodness and forbid evil is also a charity, and two raka‘āt at the time of ḍuḥā (chāsht) is sufficient for all this charity (i.e. to compensate the favour of every joint that Allāh S has given you).” (Muslim) 6. Perform Ẓuhr with congregation. If possible, engage in ‘ibādah for a while and have a short rest with the intention of qaylūlah – a Sunnah of our beloved Prophet s. 7. Perform ‘Aṣr. The time between ‘Aṣr and Maghrib is very valuable especially for du‘ā. We must make the effort to perform our ‘Aṣzr with congregation and then remain in the masjid until Maghrib. Unfortunately, Shayṭān and nafs have deceived us so much that many of us cannot do without food in the masjid at the time of ifṭār. My friends, we should try to change our habits and keep the Ākhirah in our minds. Shayṭān and nafs will take us home for some food, which should only take a few minutes, and will not let us come to the masjid until just before Maghrib. This is the best part of the day, which we do not value, only because of our desire for food. Rasūlullāh s said, “There are three groups of people whose du‘ā is not rejected; the fasting person until he breaks the fast........” (Aḥmad) When Allāh S has made a promise through His Prophet s, there is no doubt in the acceptance of these supplications. In spite of this, we find some people whose prayers are not answered. This does not mean that their prayers have been rejected. It is Allāh S’s Favour upon us that should He find that granting us what we ask from Him is in our interest, He grants, otherwise not. Another point to remember is that there are certain conditions in the absence of which they may be rejected. Among these is ḥalāl food and making du‘ā with attention and concentration. If our hearts and minds are not in our du‘ās, then they may not be answered. My friends, we must make the habit of bringing a few dates with us at the time of ‘Aṣr, and after ‘Aṣr we must engage in dhikr, tilāwah, tasbīḥ, etc. until just 10-15 minutes before Maghrib, when we should raise our hands in du‘ā until Adhān. In this way, everyone will be engrossed in their own ‘ibādah and we will find that if some of the individuals are crying, others will also get the inclination to do the same. Therefore value this time between ‘Aṣr and Maghrib and do not waste it in worrying about food. The saintly people are such that not even gold and silver will distract them from the Worship of Allāh S, let alone food. Their concentration in their du‘ā is not affected even if heaps of treasure were to be placed before them, whereas, we would not be able to concentrate if only a small morsel was to be put in front of us. I would request my sisters not to spend the time between ‘Aṣr and Maghrib in the kitchen. 8. After performing Maghrib, we should perform 6 raka‘āt of awwābīn after the two raka‘āt sunnah and two raka‘āt nafl of Maghrib. However; those who do not feel inclined to do this, some ‘ulamā have said that two raka‘āt sunnah and two raka‘āt nafl of Maghrib can also become part of the 6 raka‘āt awwābīn. Hence, performing only two raka‘āt after the sunnah and nafl of Maghrib will suffice. 9. After food prepare for ‘Ishā Ṣalāh and go to the masjid. Perform ‘Ishā Ṣalāh and tarāwīh. The sisters should note that 20 raka‘āt tarāwīh is sunnah mu’akkadah for them too. They must perform tarāwīh after ‘Ishā. 10. After tarāwīh, go straight home. Do not loiter around outside the masjid wasting time. At home, remain in ‘ibādah until you go to sleep. Sleep with the intention of waking up for tahajjud and suḥūr. 11. Apart from the above, we know that in Ramaḍān there are always various programmes taking place in the masājid led by our ‘ulamā. These are for our own benefit. There are many of us who are very sinful and during this month our hearts are softened and more receptive; by listening to the wise words of our ‘ulamā the chances of bringing good deeds into practice are greater. Although the month of Ramaḍān is solely for ‘ibādah, we should try and attend these programmes in the masājid because by listening to these discourses, inshā’allāh, changes will come into our lives for the better. Our hearts are blackened by and full of sins and by listening to these discourses and sitting in the company of the ‘ulamā and the pious, change will definitely occur in our hearts, inshā’allāh. notes: • The household should sit together daily at a specified time and read from Virtues of Ramaḍān compiled by Shaykh-al-Ḥadīth Muḥammad Zakariyyā v for at least 15 minutes. This will create a good atmosphere and environment in our homes and at the same time Ramaḍān will pass joyfully with an abundance of barakah in the home, inshā’allāh. • Whilst in the masjid engage yourself in ‘ibādah. Take great care not to get involved in any worldly talk. It is very upsetting and disheartening to see people wasting their time in futile talk in the masjid, even during the month of Ramaḍān. Try and restrain yourself and remain engaged in ‘ibādah. • Perform i‘tikāf of the last ten days in the masjid. Sisters may perform i‘tikāf in their homes. Rasūlullah s used to perform i’tikāf in the final ten days of Ramaḍān. (Bukhārī, Muslim) • Recite as much Qur’ān as possible during the month of Ramaḍān • Du‘ā, istighfār and tawbah should be made in abundance throughout the blessed month. • Intermingling with people should be decreased to a minimum. • Everyone should try to take rest in order to conserve energy for the compulsory ‘ibādah. There is no point in remaining in nafl ‘ibādah and not getting rest, which will result in tiredness and laziness at the time of compulsory ṣalāh, etc. Allāh S’s Mercy is in abundance throughout the year, but especially during this month. We should yearn in our hearts for this Mercy because we need mercy, blessing and forgiveness from Allāh S. We are sinful and in this month we want to win Allāh S’s Attention so that we can become His Beloved Slaves. If we are eager to perform good deeds then, inshā’allāh this month will become a month of great blessing for us. May Allāh S accept our efforts and make every moment of this month a means of receiving His Mercy, Blessing and Forgiveness. May we all be granted a place in Jannah. Āmīn. © Islãmic Da‘wah Academy

Shaikh Shah Wasiullah Allahabadi (Allah have mercy on him) quotes many predecessor masters of the path (of Tasawwuf). In conclusion he writes, ‘It is evident from these quotes that the goals of these masters were reformation of the lower-self (islah e nafs), performance of the commandments of Shariah with sincerity and abstention from the prohibited.’ Tarbiyet us Salik, The Introduction, volume 1, page Ashrafiya

All of the spiritual seekers aspire to do good and abstain from sinful actions However, most of us harbor a misconception regarding the means to achieve this goal. We wish for a overpowering and overwhelming state that facilitates this for us by itself. Automatically. A kind of fairy tale magic spell. Moreover, we assume that making supplications or reciting a particular litany (wadhifa) or associating with a pious individual or a group or reading classical spiritual text or visiting a holy site (like the revered Makkah and radiant Medinah) or worshiping in the blessed times (like the night of power) will create this ‘state’ for us. This will never happen! Hakim al Ummah Mujaddid Mawlana Ashraf Ali Thanawi (Allah have mercy on him) has repeatedly made this very clear in his works. Self determination, self restraint and earnest hard work is needed to do good and abstain from sinful actions. There is no other way around. It is not easy. Initially it is tough. This is the spiritual struggle (mujahida ). It brings the reward and its blessings in the here-after. This is the norm in all the things we aspire to achieve. No school or work project is successfully completed just by supplicating, reading or associating with the experts. One has to toil and labor sincerely and put up his best effort in an organized manner to do it. Therefore, praying the salah on time with the congregation, especially Fajr or having khushoo in salah or controlling anger or quit listening to music or watching the obscene on internet or ending free intermingling with opposite sex , etc. will never ever be achieved until we make a firm resolve to do so and use the self determination and restraint powers, bestowed to us by Allah, earnestly. May Allah make this clear to us. Amin! Ashrafiya

1-Great relationships don't just happen; they are created. You have to work at it. 2-If your job takes all of your best energy, your marriage will suffer. 3-One of the greatest gifts you can give your spouse is your own happiness. 4-It is possible to love and hate someone at the same time. 5-When you complain about your spouse to your friends, remember that their feedback can be distorted. 6-The only rules in your marriage are those you both choose to agree with. 7-It is not conflict that destroys marriage; it is the cold, smoldering resentment that you hold for a long time. 8-It's not what you've got, it's what you do with what you have. 9-If you think you are too good for your spouse, think again. 10-Growing up in a happy household doesn't ensure a happy marriage, or vice versa. 11-It's never too late to repair damaged trust. 12-The real issue is usually not the one you are arguing about. 13-Love isn't just a feeling; it is expressed through our actions. 14-Expectations set us up for disappointment and resentment. 15-Arguments cannot be avoided, but destructive arguments can be avoided. 16-One of the greatest gifts you can give your spouse is focused attention. 17-Even people with happy marriages sometimes worry that they married the wrong person. 18-Your spouse cannot rescue you from unhappiness, but they can help you rescue yourself. 19-The cost of a lie is far greater than any advantage you gain from speaking it. 20-Your opinion is not necessarily the truth. 21-Trust takes years to establish and moments to destroy. 22-Guilt-tripping won't get you what you really want. 23-Don't neglect your friends. 24-If you think, "You are not the person I married," you are probably right. 25-Resisting the temptation to prove your point will win you a lot of points. 26-Generosity of spirit is the foundation of a good marriage. 27-If your spouse is being defensive, you might be giving them reasons to be like that. 28-Marriage isn't 50/50; it's 100/100. 29-You can pay now or pay later, but the later you pay, the more interest and penalties you acquire. 30-Marriage requires sacrifice, but your benefits outweigh your costs. 31-Forgiveness isn't a one-time event; it's a continuous process. 32-Accepting the challenges of marriage will shape you into a better person. 33-Creating a marriage is like launching a rocket: once it clears the pull of gravity, it takes much less energy to sustain the flight. 34-A successful marriage has more to do with how you deal with your current reality than with what you've experienced in the past. 35-Don't keep feelings of gratitude to yourself. 36-There is no greater eloquence than the silence of real listening. 37-One of the greatest questions to ask your spouse is "How best can I love you?" 38-Marriage can stay fresh over time. 39-Assumptions are fine as long as you check them before acting upon them. 40-Intention may not be the only thing, but it is the most important thing. 41-Good sex won't make your marriage, but it'll help. 42-Privacy won't hurt your marriage, but secrecy will. 43-Possessiveness and jealousy are born out of fear, not love. 44-Authenticity is contagious and habit-forming. 45-If your spouse thinks something is important, then it is. 46-Marriage never outgrows the need for romance. 47-The sparkle of a new relationship is always temporary. 48-There is violence in silence when it's used as a weapon. 49-It's better to focus on what you can do to make things right, then what your partner did to make things wrong. 50-If you think marriage counseling is too expensive, try divorce. EISLAM

This story was written by a Muslim doctor who worked in Africa. One night I had worked hard to help a mother in the maternity ward; but in spite of all we could do she died leaving us with a tiny premature baby and a crying two-year-old daughter. We would have difficulty keeping the baby alive, as we had no incubator. (We had no electricity to run an incubator.) We also had no special feeding facilities. Although we lived on the equator, nights were often chilly with treacherous drafts. One student midwife went for the box we had for such babies and the cotton wool the baby would be wrapped in. Another went to stoke up the fire and fill a hot water bottle. She came back shortly in distress to tell me that in filling the bottle, it had burst. Rubber perishes easily in tropical climates. And it is our last hot water bottle!" she exclaimed. It is no good crying over spilled milk, so in Central Africa it might be considered no good crying over burst water bottles. They do not grow on trees, and there are no medicine stores down forest pathways. "All right," I said, "put the baby as near the fire as you safely can, and sleep between the baby and the door to keep it free from drafts."Your job is to keep the baby warm." The following noon, as I did most days, I went to have prayers with any of the orphanage children who chose to gather with me. I gave the youngsters various suggestions of things to pray about and told them about the tiny baby. I explained our problem about keeping the baby warm enough, mentioning the hot water bottle. The baby could so easily die if it got chills. I also told them of the two-year-old sister, crying because her mother had died. During the prayer time, one ten-year-old girl, prayed with the usual blunt conciseness of our African children. "Please, Allah," she prayed, "Send us a water bottle. It'll be no good tomorrow, Allah, as the baby will be dead, so please send it this afternoon." While I gasped inwardly at the audacity of the prayer, she added by way of a corollary, "And while You are about it, would You please send a dolly for the little girl so she'll know You really love her?" As often with children's prayers, I was put on the spot. Could I honestly say, "Ameen?" I just did not believe that Allah could do this. Oh, yes, I know that He can do everything. The Holy Quraan says so. But there are limits, aren't there? The only way Allah could answer would be for a package to arrive from the homeland. I had been in Africa for almost four years at that time, and I had never, ever received a parcel from home. Anyway, if anyone did send me a parcel, who would put in a hot water bottle? I lived on the equator! Halfway through the afternoon, while I was teaching in the nurses' training school, a message was sent that there was a car at my front door. By the time I reached home, the car had gone, but there, on the veranda, was a large twenty-two pound parcel. I felt tears pricking my eyes. I could not open the parcel alone, so I sent for the orphanage children. Together we pulled off the string, carefully undoing each knot. We folded the paper, taking care not to tear it unduly. Excitement was mounting Some thirty or forty pairs of eyes were focused on the large cardboard box. From the top, I lifted out brightly colored, knitted cotton jerseys. Eyes sparkled as I gave them out. Then there were the knitted bandages for the leprosy patients, and the children looked a little bored. Then came a box of mixed raisins and sultanas that would make a batch of buns for the weekend. Then, as I put my hand in again, I felt the...could it really be? I grasped it and pulled it out -- yes, a brand-new, rubber hot water bottle, I cried. I had not asked Allah to send it; I had not truly believed that He could. The ten year old was in the front row of the children. She rushed forward, crying out, If Allah has sent the bottle, He must have sent the dolly, too!" Rummaging down to the bottom of the box, she pulled out the small, beautifully dressed dolly. Her eyes shone! She had never doubted. Looking up at me, she asked: "Can I go over with you, Mummy, and give this dolly to that little girl, so she'll know that Allah really loves her?" That parcel had been on the way for five whole months. Packed up by my former school class, whose leader had heard and obeyed Allah's prompting to send a hot water bottle, even to the equator. And one of the girls had put in a dolly for an African child- five months before -- in answer to the believing prayer of a ten- year-old to bring it "that afternoon." "Before they call for prayer, I will answer all prayers!" Allah wants us to ask of Him…and he will surely answer. Please share this amazing story with as many others as you can. Our Allah really is………AWESOME !!!! EISLAM

It just seems that recently all around me I am hearing the same thing being spoken about. Somehow, everyone (sisters) seems to be looking for an answer with regards the important aspect of Purdah/wearing of the niqaab. It seems that some are finding it difficult on wearing the niqaab and maintaining segregation whilst others want segregation but experience resistance from either in-laws or their families. I am not a scholar in any way but just felt the need to share some advices from someone who has been in a similar position and can understand the dilemma that a woman faces and the way such a battle can cause such hostility. Let us first and foremost look at what Shariah demands from us. What does our Rabb Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala and our beloved Nabi (salallahu alayhi wasallam) ask of us. In the Quraan we are told:” ‘And when ye ask of them (the wives of the Prophet Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam) anything, ask it of them from behind a curtain. That is purer for your hearts and for their hearts.’ (Verse 53 Surah Ahzaab). There are many more Quraanic Aayaat and Ahaadeeth that apply to this issue. The ones who are asking questions or are having problems with issues relating to the wearing of the Niqaab are often those who are already wearing the niqaab (Alhamdulillah) and understand the importance of this beautiful injunction of the Shariah. They wholeheartedly accept that every law and command of Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala is there to protect one and all. Where the problem/hardship comes along is that others who are around us do not understand the whole concept of donning the niqaab. They view Purdah as merely the covering of the face along with the rest of the body. They assume that once a woman dons the niqaab she is now in “Purdah” and free to live life as she may have been doing before. However the mere donning of the niqaab does not fully fulfil the obligation of Purdah. True Purdah is that we keep within our homes and only emerge out of necessity. Allah Ta’ala states in the Quraan “And remain within your homes and do not make an exhibition (of your selves) like the displays (of the immoral women) of former times of ignorance." (Verse 33, Surah Ahzaab). Here we are commanded by Allah Ta’ala that the best place for a woman is her home. And when a woman does need to go out then she should be keeping herself modest and away from men as much as she can. So how much importance do we give to this command of Allah Ta’ala? Are we wearing the niqaab but still going to study in a mixed gender environment? Are we wearing the niqaab but still attending all weddings and immoral functions that are held today? Are we wearing the niqaab but still working alongside other men? I have no intention to insult or upset anyone but the truth of the matter is that we have all (myself included) steered very far away from what true Purdah for a woman is, i.e. that she stays away from men completely! Hazrat Anas Ibn Malik (radiallahu anhu) says that the Holy Prophet (sallalahu alayhi wasallam) said, “Verily, there is a (special) morality of every religion. And the (special) morality of Islam is modesty."(Ibn Majah). We have also been advised in the Hadeeth that once you lose modesty, then do as you wish. May Allah Ta’ala enable us all to inculcate within ourselves the beautiful quality of true modesty which is a quality that both beautifies as well as protects a woman. And when a woman wishes to follow the commands of Allah Ta’ala and stay away from weddings and immoral functions then she is frowned upon by her family and friends and is accused of not maintaining family ties or of “trying to be too strict”!!! Remember my sisters who are facing this dilemma, bring to mind that there is no obedience to the creation in the disobedience of our Creator Allah Ta’ala. Our first “worry” should be “Is my Allah Ta’ala pleased?” If we just keep this in mind when making a decision on whether we should attend a function or not, then immediately the answer is self evident. People do not understand or do not want to understand that good family ties can only be established when the laws of Shariah are upheld. We fool ourselves into thinking that good and happy families with a strong bond of muhabbah can only be achieved when we all are able to sit together as a family and eat together as a whole family, i.e. brothers and sisters-in-law all eating together. We feel that by everyone getting together, sitting together and having a good laugh etc, then we are one big happy family. No, how can true happiness ever come our way when Allah Ta’ala’s laws are being violated? We are only fooling ourselves. There is absolutely no need for a woman to maintain any ties with a ghair mahram man. In fact we learn from the Hadeeth that the brother-in-law is like death for a woman. Her duty is to maintain good relations with the women folk of the household and by doing this she is fulfilling her duties of Silah Rahmi (keeping good family ties). We cannot and should not give in to the unislamic expectations of those around us. Just ponder and reflect that we are answerable for our deeds and they are for theirs. No one is going to stand up for us when we are questioned by Allah Ta’ala. What we should keep in mind is that any refusal of attending any unislamic function should be done with the best character being displayed. One should not present a harsh, proud or arrogant attitude. Rather, one should humble oneself and make effort to draw the next person into admiring this most beautiful institution of Purdah. What one can achieve through good character and kind words is amazing! Who knows, perhaps the family member or friend may be so affected by the polite manner in which one maintains one’s principle that she also begins to adopt Purdah. Once a person makes a firm resolve not to attend, she must understand that criticism will come her way. Turn to Allah Ta’ala for help; cry out to Him to aid us when the criticism comes our way. Always maintain good character and make effort to show others that you are ever so willing to maintain family ties but not in a mixed environment. For example, the Ulema suggest that we visit the relatives whose functions we cannot attend prior to or after the function. Take a gift or something small. Share kind words with them and ask if you can help them in any way. Keep in mind that people will criticise and accuse us but focus on the fact that one is keeping Allah Ta’ala happy and nothing else matters. Just remember “You can’t please everyone”!! Many of us find the criticism very difficult to handle, but reflect and realise that we are not here to please people, for whatever we do we will still not make others happy. Also from my own experience and that of others, remember if we are consistent in staying away from Haraam functions, then eventually people will leave us alone and in fact they will admire our commitment. Also, if we are mothers then aren’t we showing a beautiful example to our children? We are making the pathway for the children to practice on Deen easier Insha Allah by our small efforts. Also reflect and ponder on what sacrifices the Sahabah (radiallahu anhuma) made for Deen. They sacrificed their lives and their families; they shed their blood and at times parted with their loved ones just so that Allah Ta’ala and His beloved Nabi (salallahu alayhi wasallam) were pleased. What little sacrifice are we making in comparison? Just staying away from a Haraam environment? Just putting up with a bit of criticism? Just missing out on a bit of fun? A very good thing was said to me when I was once faced with alot of hostility and verbal abuse from family members and I could not believe the things that were being said about me and about Purdah and many of the things that were said were totally unislamic and against Shariah. At that time I spoke to an Alim and he said we should think that the Sahabah use to fight with their lives to protect the Sunnah and they valiantly fought so that Nabi (salallahu alayhi wasallam) would not get injured. By us taking all this verbal abuse, we should think that we are shielding our beloved Habib (salallahu alayhi wasallam) from these arrows of what they are saying against his beautiful Sunnah. How beautifully put!!! I certainly do not advocate the breaking up family ties or the development of hostility, but my intention is purely to give little encouragement for those who want to strive in maintaining segregation and adopt true and pure Purdah. The two aims can be jointly achieved if the correct limits are maintained. Remember our akhlaq (good character) should be kept foremost in mind when we deal with others. As well as Akhlaq, remember that we should never be apologetic about the beautiful Laws of Allah Ta’ala; they are there for our protection. May Allah Ta’ala be pleased with us all and enable us to practice upon what has been written. Ameen uumyusuf

اِنَّا لِلّهِ وَاِنَّا اِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُوْنَ This is a sad day where we have to bear the loss of a great Wali (friend) of Allah subhaanahu wata'ala, Shaykh Hakeem Muhammad Akhtar Sahib (Raheemahullaah). May Allah subhaanahu wata'ala grant him Maghfirat and high stages and may He grant Sabr to his family and associates, aameen. A short biography. His books and his ash-aar (Poetry) are full of a deep love for Allah subhaanahu wata'ala which touches the heart. A great loss!

Abdullah came home after Esha and started going through his papers. Finally, he found the Nikah certificate sat down and started looked at it. Aisha asked, "What are you looking for?" Abdullah, "The Expiration date!"

What's for Dinner? A common conversation. For Urdu speakers (however with translation) Husband: Aaj khane mein kya banaogi? What will you cook tonight? Wife: Jo aap kaho !!! What ever you say!!! H: Dal chawal bana lo. Make Rice with Dal. W: Abhi kal hi to khaye the. We had it yesterday. H: Toh sabji roti bana lo. Then make some vegtables. W: Bacche nahi khayenge. The kids wont eat it. H: Toh chhole puri bana lo. Then make chickpeas with puri. W: Mujhe heavy heavy lagta hai. I find that too heavy to eat. H: Paraanthe? Paratha? W: Raat ko paraanthe kaun khata hai?? Who eats Parathas at night?? H: Hotel se mangwa lete hain? We'll order somthing? W: Roz-roz hotel ka nahi khana chahiye. Its not good having take aways everyday. H: Kadhi chawal? Spicy Yoghurt with Rice? W: Dahi nahi hai. Theres no Yoghurt. H: Idly sambar? Traditional Gujarati dish, Idli Sambar? W: Usme time lagega.pehle bolna chahiye tha na!!. That will take too long, you shaould have said that earlier!!. H: Dal hi bana lo, usme time nahi lagega. Make lentil soup, that wont take time. W: Woh koi meal thodi hai? Thats not a meal? H: Phir ab kya banaogi? So what will you cook tonight? W: Wo jo aap kaho !!! What ever you say!!! muftisays (The Light Side)

Advice to the Husband & Wife advice to wives:if hubby not talking to you, hide something necessary and he'll come and ask if you've seen it advice to husbands:if wifey not talking to you, tighten all the jars in the kitchen and she'll come and ask you to open them

Good News & Bad News Here is the story of an Imam who got up after Friday prayers and announced to the people:"I have good news and bad news. The good news is, we have enough money to pay for our new building program. The bad news is, it's still out there in your pockets."

So here's a few marraige one liners which will bring a smile * We always hold hands. If I let go, she shops. * A successful husband is one who makes more money than his wife can spend. A successful woman is one who can find such a man! * Before marriage, a man yearns for the woman he loves. After marriage, the "y" becomes silent Source

This thread is to provide a little bit of light relief to bring a smile inshaAllah! It is an idea taken from the Muftisays.com "The Light Side" Islam is not devoid of humour. Our beloved Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam enjoyed humour. On some occasions he himself would make humorous remarks however, even in humour, he always spoke the truth. He smiled often but it was not his habit to laugh out loud. His Companions followed his example and refrained from bursting into laughter in an amusing situation. His remarks cheered the audience but never made the meeting a place of fun and frolic. His assembly always remained a place of learning, understanding and spiritual fulfilment. As long as the correct Islamic code of behaviour is maintained where no harm is caused to another person through humiliation and insensitivity, there is no lewdness and only truth is spoken, jokes and a good sense of humour will be permitted. Feel free to add however please note that anything unsuitable will be removed...

Mufti Muhammad ibn Adam al-Kawthari (db) Question: I have read one of your recent articles and I wanted to know, what is the legal requirement for someone to be considered a knowledgeable scholar whom we can take knowledge from? Is Isnad(chain of transmission) one of the requirements and is there any evidence for this deduced from the sources? Also, I have noticed that Isnad is not usually mentioned by the scholars as a prerequisite for someone to be considered a Mujtahid. Can one therefore be self taught? Answer: In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful, There are two aspects to your question. The first is regarding the importance of the chain of transmission (Isnad/Sanad) in relating Islamic knowledge, and the second concerns the status of learning from a qualified teacher. I will attempt to shed some light, Insha Allah, on both of these topics in the light of the Qur'an, Sunnah and the statements of classical scholars. Isnad (chain of transmission) of knowledgeAllah Almighty has honoured the Ummah of the best of creation, our master Muhammad (Allah bless him & give him peace) with many special characteristics that were not given to any other nation before us. From among these favours is the unrivalled and unique feature of Isnad in relating the various sciences of Islamic knowledge. Isnad was regarded by the early Muslims (salaf) as the first and primary condition in relating any aspect of Shariah even if it was merely relating one word. With this, Allah Most High fulfilled his promise of preserving the Deen which includes the book of Allah, Sunnah of the beloved of Allah and the various Islamic sciences that are indispensable in understanding the former two. Allah Most High says: “We have without doubt, sent down the Message; and we will assuredly guard it.” (Surah al-Hijr, V.9) The “message” here refers to the book of Allah and also the Sunnah of his blessed Messenger (Allah bless him & give him peace), for whatever the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) says is from Allah Almighty, as Allah Most High says: “Nor does he (the Messenger of Allah) say (aught) of (his own) desire. It is no less than revelation (wahi) sent down to him.” (al-Najm, V. 3-4) The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) explained both verbally and practically the contents of the book of Allah. The Qur’an is quite ambiguous and limited in stating the laws of Shariah, and the Messenger of Allah’s (Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) duty was to explain these injunctions. Allah Most High says to his Messenger (Allah bless him & give him peace): “And We have sent down unto you the Message (Qur’an); that you may explain clearly to men what is sent for them.” (al-Nahl, V. 44) So the promise of preserving the Deen is not restricted to the Qur’an, rather it encompasses the Sunnah and also the Companion’s (Allah be pleased with them all) understanding of the Sunnah and the understanding of those who took from them. Isnad is a unique feature of the Messenger of Allah’s (Allah bless him & give him peace) Ummah. No other nation, religion or community can claim or boast to have such rigorous analysis of the various aspects of their faith. Early Muslim scholars examined and analysed each and every statement that came to them, whether it was the statement of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace), his companions (Allah be pleased with them all) or anyone else. They studied the life and character of those who were part of the transmitting chain (isnad) in the strictest way possible. Thus, the Ummah witnessed an amazing introduction of the “science of studying the reporters of Hadith” (rijal al-Hadith) which was unprecedented and is unrivalled till today. The recording of the names, dates of birth, dates of demise, qualities and characteristics of thousands and thousands of people is something that only Muslims possess. Books such as, Tahzib al-Kamal by al-Mizzi, Tahzib al-Tahzib by Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani, Mizan al-I’tidal by Dhahabi and Lisan al-Mizan by Ibn Hajar are just some examples of this amazing phenomenon. There are also books that are dedicated to preserving the biographies of the Sahaba, such as Tabqat of Ibn Sa’d, al-Isti’abby Ibn Abd al-Barr, Usd al-Ghaba by Ibn al-Athir and al-Isaba by Ibn Hajar, in which the biographies of approximately ten thousand companions (Allah be pleased with them all) have been covered. Imam Abd Allah ibn al-Mubarak (Allah be pleased with him) said: “Isnad is part of religion (deen), and if it was not for Isnad, one would have said whatever one desired. When it is said (to the one who speaks without an Isnad): “Who informed you? He remains silent and bewildered.” (See: Introduction to Sahih Muslim, 1/87, al-Jami’ li akhlaq al-rawi wa adab al-sami’ and others) He (Abd Allah ibn al-Mubarak) also stated: "The one who seeks matters of his deen without an Isnad is similar to the one who climbs to the roof without a ladder.” Sufyan al-Thawri (Allah have mercy on him) said: “Isnad is the weapon of a believer. When one does not possess a weapon, then with what will he combat?.” Sayyiduna Imam Shafi'i (Allah have mercy on him) says: “The example of the one who seeks Hadith without an Isnad is of a person who gathers wood in the night. He carries a bundle of sticks not knowing that there is a snake in it.” (meaning, he gathers and collects all types of narrations, the genuine and spurious, ). Baqiyya ibn al-Walid (Allah have mercy on him) once related to Hammad ibn Zaid (Allah have mercy on him) certain narrations that were void of Isnad. So Hammad said: “If only they had wings.” Imam Ibn Taymiyya (Allah have mercy on him) states: “Isnad is a unique feature of this Ummah and Islam. Then from among the Muslims, it is a specialty of the Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama’ah.” (The above statements have been recorded by Shaykh Abd al-Fattah Abu Ghudda [Allah have mercy on him] in his excellent work, al-Isnad min al-Din P. 18-20) These and many other similar statements of the predecessors imply that the early Muslims held Isnad to be indispensable in order to acquire Knowledge. So much so, that in order to relate even one word in their books, they would mention a whole chain of transmission that covered three or four lines. Isnad was not only mentioned in order to narrate Prophetic traditions (hadith), rather, it was related for every form of knowledge, such as the exegesis (tafsir) of the Qur’an, stories of the pious and worshippers, incidents of history, etc. After the Prophetic traditions were gathered in the great compilations, such as Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim and others, and other compilations in various other Islamic sciences, it was not deemed necessary to relate every statement with a chain of transmission going back to its original authority. Rather, it was sufficient to have an Isnad or Sanad going back to the author. The Isnad of the author going back to the original authority would be mentioned in his book. Till this very day, we have scholars from around the globe relating Prophetic traditions and other branches of Islamic knowledge with a chain that goes all the way back to the authors of the respective books. The six major books of Hadith are generally taught with an Isnadthat goes back to their authors, and from them to the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace). Many scholars are seen to travel and make distant journeys in order to acquire Ijazah[authorization] and a higher form of Isnad. In terms of Isnad with regards to prophetic traditions (hadith), the scholars of the Indian subcontinent are (perhaps) at the forefront. The science of Hadith is given special attention there and almost every student that studies in the various Islamic institutions (Dar al-Ulooms) is blessed with an Isnad in each of the major books of Hadith. Even major Arab scholars are seen to travel to Indo/Pak in order to acquire Ijazah and Isnad from the great Hadith masters. In terms of other branches of knowledge, such as the science of Tajweed, Fiqh, etc, we see the Arab scholars at the forefront in relating and teaching the various books with Isnad. Major scholars in Syria and elsewhere have a chain in the recitation and memorization of the Qur’an that goes back to the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) via the angel Jibril to Allah Almighty Himself. The major books in Hanafi Fiqh (and other Madhhabs) are taught with a Isnad/Sanad going back to their authors and to Sayyiduna Imam Abu Hanifa (Allah be pleased with him) himself. Books in other sciences are also taught and related in a similar manner. In conclusion, Isnad (or Sanad) is a unique feature with which our Ummah has been blessed. It has always been regarded to be indispensable in teaching and seeking knowledge. Scholars mention, that even today, one should acquire knowledge from a scholar who has an Isnad or at least a teacher who he studied with. Having a complete chain of transmission is not a pre-requisite for teaching. However, what is necessary, is that the one from whom one takes his/her knowledge, is amongst those who studied by other shuyukh. This is discussed further in the following section. Learning from a qualified teacher Allah Most High created man different from animals. Animals are not in need of a teacher or trainer in a way man is. We see for example that, when a fish is born, it automatically begins to swim without being taught how to do so. If a man was to take the example of the fish and throw his new-born baby into the river thinking that he will swim, then he is without doubt insane, for a fish is not in need of an instructor who instructs it how to swim, while a man needs a tutor to teach him to swim. Take the example of the new-born chick; the moment it comes out of the egg, it begins to nibble at food without being taught. However, a human baby will not know how to eat unless it is taught practically how to consume the various types of foods. It is the Sunnah (way) of Allah Almighty that he fashioned human beings in such a way that they are in need of practical instruction from a teacher in order to learn any science, technique or craft. From the moment one is born, one is in need of practical teaching and guidance in all aspects of life. There is almost consensus on the fact that it is virtually impossible for one to master any science or art in the world without the guidance and tutelage of a qualified teacher under whom one practically learns the fundamentals of that science. It is not possible to gain expertise in any field unless one submits himself to the guidance of a teacher. Take for example the science of medicine. If one was to think that I will read and study the books on medical science in the comfort of my home, thus become a medical practitioner, then he will be considered to be insane by almost everybody. If this individual was to perform surgery on a patient or begins to treat people, then his patients will not end up anywhere other than the graveyard! Even if this individual is very talented and knowledgeable, the guidance of a tutor is indispensable. Suppose this individual is able to understand the books of medical science and he masters the language in which the books are written, he will still not be permitted to work as a physician or surgeon unless he studies under the guidance of a qualified person in the field of medical science. No government will ever allow this individual to take up the medical profession, due to the fact that he did not pursue the method necessary in order to take up this profession. It is the same with all the other sciences of the world in that the guidance of a teacher is necessary. No body would allow you to practice law until you don’t attend a law school and learn form a qualified barrister. Let alone the major sciences, even the simple art of cooking is not achieved by merely reading a book. There are several books published explaining the methods of cooking different types of food. If an individual who had never cooked in his life before, cooked by merely reading the procedure of cooking mentioned in the book, then you can imagined what the outcome would be! So, it is the nature of man that he can not acquire knowledge merely from books unless he has a teacher and mentor to train and guide him. He needs to stay in the company of a qualified teacher who will help and assist him on every step and save him from the errors that may be committed. This applies to every science, art and craft, and sacred and religious knowledge is of no exception. It is not possible for one to acquire sacred knowledge unless one is trained by a qualified teacher and mentor. This is the secret behind a book or scripture never being revealed except Allah Almighty sent a Messenger to explain its contents. There are many examples where a Prophet was sent by Allah Almighty and no book or scripture was revealed unto him, but there is not a single case where a book was revealed without a Prophet carrying it. The simple reason behind this is that if a book was sent on its own, man would not possess the capability to understand it without the teaching of a Prophet. If Allah wished, He could have sent the book on its own. Every individual could have found a book when he woke up in the morning, and a voice from the heavens would have declared: “Obey what is in this book” but Allah, the Creator of mankind, who is fully aware of the human instincts, chose to send the book with a teacher who would explain the contents of the book, both practically and verbally. Allah Most High explains this concept in the following verse: “Allah did confer a great favour on the believers when He sent amongst them a Messenger from among themselves, reciting upon them verses (of the book), sanctifying them, and teaching them the scripture (book) and wisdom, while before that, they had been in manifest error.” (Surah Ali Imran, V. 164) Similarly, Allah Most High says: “And We have sent down unto you (O Messenger) the message, that you may explain clearly to men what is sent for them.” (al-Nahl, V. 44) Therefore, it is the Sunnah of Allah Almighty that He has kept two means for the guidance of mankind. One is through the medium of His books (kitab Allah) and the other is the Prophets and their successors. Hence, both, the book of Allah (kitab Allah) and men of Allah (rijal Allah) are necessary for one’s guidance. Sufficing with one of the two will surely lead to deviation. At this point, it would be useful to quote the great scholar of Usul, Imam al-Shatbi (Allah have mercy on him). The following is the crux of what he stated on this issue in his renowned treatise al-Muwafaqat: “The most beneficial and effectual way of gaining knowledge is by learning it from those who are masters in their fields. It is necessary to have a teacher in aspects of knowledge that need explanation and interpretation. It is not impossible for one to gain knowledge without a teacher; however, normally it is observed that a teacher is of utmost importance. This is, somewhat, agreed upon by the scholars. Scholars said: “Sacred knowledge was in the hearts of men, then it moved into the books and the keys to these books are in the hands of scholars (rijal).” This implies the necessity of acquiring knowledge from the people who master it. The basis for this is the Hadith which states: “Verily Allah does not take away knowledge by snatching it from the people but He takes away knowledge by taking away the scholars, so that when He leaves no learned person, people appoint ignorant as their leaders. They are asked to deliver religious verdicts and they deliver them without knowledge, they go astray, and lead others astray.” (Sahih al-Bukhari & Sahih Muslim) If this is so, then the scholars are without doubt the keys for this knowledge.” (al-Muwafaqat) Imam al-Shatbi (Allah have mercy on him) further mentions three signs and characteristics of a expert qualified teacher: 1) He practices what he teaches, 2) He himself has been trained by a qualified scholar, 3) His students follow and pursue in his footsteps, for if his students generally tend to not follow him, then this is a sign that there is something inherently wrong with him. (ibid) There are many benefits and wisdoms in learning from a teacher:Sound understanding of the texts, its correct interpretation, being saved from making errors in understanding the texts (for each science has its own special terminologies) , getting questions and queries that may arise answered, practical application of the knowledge and obtaining the Baraka and light of guidance from that special teacher-student relationship are just a few to mention. In conclusion, it is necessary for one that he learns his knowledge from a scholar of knowledge, piety and wisdom, and who himself has been taught and trained by a similar scholar. That does not mean it is incumbent for an individual that each time he picks up a book, he must find a scholar to teach him, rather one needs to study the fundamentals of each science with those who are qualified, thus become acquainted with the different terminologies, terms and expressions used. Thereafter, one may study a book on his own with always referring to senior scholars whenever something is unclear. And Allah Knows Best Mufti Shaykh Muhammad ibn Adam Al Kawthari Darul Iftaa Leicester , UK

The blessings of Miswaak Moulana Ruhullaah Naqshbandi Ghafoori Translation edited by Mufti A. H. Elias (May ALLAAH protect him) Allaamah Sayyid Thahthawie Hanafi (A.R) has written in 'Hashiyatut Thahthawie'; "The virtues of Miswaak which the Aimah have reported from Hadhrat Ali (RA), Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas (RA) and Hadhrat At'aa (A.R) are as follows; Hold fast onto the Miswaak and do not be negligent regarding it. Be regular with its use as it earns the pleasure of ALLAAH Ta'ala The reward of Salaah increases by ninety-nine or by four hundred. Regular use of the Miswaak makes ones Rizq (Sustenance) easier and increases its blessings. It cures headache and calms the nerves; if a nerve is stationary then it brings it into motion or calms a pulsating nerve. It reduces phlegm. It strengthens the eyesight. It cleans the intestines. It improves eloquence in speech. It increases energy. It improves the memory and understanding. It cleanses the heart. It increases performance of virtuous deeds. It pleases the angels, who greet him on account of the radiance of his face. When he exits the Masjid the angels follow him. The Ambiyaa supplicate for his forgiveness. Miswaak angers Shaytaan and wards him off. It i mproves digestion. It increases fertility. It delays old age. It removes excess heat from the body. It strengthens the back. It grants the body strength for Ibaadat (worship). It eases the pangs of death and reminds one of the Kalimah at the time of death. It result in one being awarded his Book of Deeds in his right hand on the Day of Qiyaamah. One will cross the bridge of Siraat with the speed of lighting. It causes the Qabr (grave) to be widened. It grants ease in the Qabr (grave). One who is habitual with using the Miswaak will be rewarded even when he forgets to use it. The Doors of Jannat are opened for him. The angels announce that he is the follower of the Ambiyaa. He adheres to the Sunnat of the Ambiyaa. The Day supplicates for his guidance. The doors of Jahannam are closed for him. He eaves this world purified from sin. The angel of death takes the form of a friend when removing his soul and in some narrations it is mentioned takes the same form that he appears in when taking the souls of the Ambiyaa. The greatest benefit of all is that the pleasure of ALLAAH is attained.1 Definition of Miswaak according to the Fuqahaa The opinion of Hanafi scholars السواك اسم لخشبة معينة للاستاك "Miswaak is a specific wooden stick used to assist in brushing."2 The opinion of the Maaliki scholars سواك اى استياك بعود اراك او نحوه "To brush the teeth with a wooden stick or similar is called Miswaak."3 The opinion of the Shaafie scholars استعمال عود او نحوه فى الاسنان و ما حولها لاذهاب التغيير ونحوه "Using a wooden stick or similar item to remove the dirt, etc around the teeth is called Miswaak."4 The opinion of the Hanbali scholars السواك و المسواك اسم للعود الذى يتسوك به "Siwaak and Miswaak is the name of the wooden stick with which the teeth are brushed." In all these definitions the Fuqahaa are unanimous and it is proven that the use of a wooden stick to remove the foul odour of the mouth is called Miswaak. Removal of this odour is possible with any item that has the capability of clearing the teeth by scraping it. What to observe when using a Miswaak? In essence any branch can be used as a Miswaak as long as it is not harmful, such as when it is very small. "It has been said that any branch can be used as a Miswaak."However there are some trees which contain beneficial properties and are therefore better to use as a Miswaak. Those aspects which one should take note of when using a Miswaak are; 1) It should not be a poisonous tree. 2) The wood should not be hard. 3) It should not be a thorny tree. 4) It should not be a bitter tree. 5) It should be soft wood. 6) It should be moist wood. 7) It should be a straight branch. 8) It should be as thick as a finger. 9) It should be one hand span in length. 10) Its bristles should be made thin and softened. 11) It should be held in the right hand. 12) One should begin brushing from the right side. 13) The Miswaak should be washed before use. 14) The Miswaak should be washed after use. 15) It should not be sucked. 16) It should not be thrown away as ordinary things would. 17) The necessary Duas (supplications) should be recited while using it. 18) The Miswaak should be discarded once it is shorter than four fingers. Times when Miswaak is Mustahab 'Ghaayatul Idraak" claims that the times when using a Miswaak are Mustahab (preferable) are so numerous that it is impossible to list and explain them all. However this is an exaggeration and the majority of them actually refer to the same instance. We will now quote these instances in the same manner as he had listed it, 1) It is Sunnat to use the Miswaak while making Wudhu. It is mentioned in 'Siraajuth Thullaam' that Miswaak should be made in Wudhu as according to us it is of the Sunnats of Wudhu. 2) It is Sunnat to use the Miswaak when the mouth contains a foul odour. This is then divided into many categories the summary of which is that it is Sunnat to use the Miswaak after consuming or eating anything that may leave a foul odour in the mouth. 3) When one wakes as a foul odour emanates from the mouth after sleep. 4) When entering the home. 5) When meeting someone. 6) While reciting the Quraan. 7) While studying Hadeeth. 8) When the teeth are stained. 9) When beginning to talk especially after a long silence. 10) When rising for Tahajjud. 11) When a foul odour emanates from the teeth. 12) Before taking a bath. 13) Between each two Rakaats of Tahajjud Salaah. 14) Miswaak should be made repeatedly on the day of Jumu'ah. 15) Before sleeping 16) After Salaatul Witr. 17) At the time of Sehri. 18) When standing for Salaah. و فى امدادالفتاح و ليس السواك من خصائص الوضوء فانها يستحب فى حالات منها تغير الفم والقيام من النوم و الى الصلوة و دخول البيت و اجتماع الناس و قراءة القران و الحديث لقول ابى حنيفة ان السواك من سنن الدين و يستوى فيه الاحوال كلها و قال عليه السلام السواك مطهرة للفم و مرضات للربّ "It is written in 'Imdaadul Fataah' that the use of Miswaak is not restricted to Wudhu only but is Mustahab in many situations such as when a foul odour emanates from the mouth, when awakening, when intending to perform Salaah, when entering the home, when meeting people, when reciting the Quraan or studying Hadeeth. This is also because Imaam Abu Hanifah (A.R) has stated that Miswaak is among the Sunnats of Deen and everytime is the same as the other. Rasulullaah  has said, "Miswaak purifies the mouth and earns the pleasure of ALLAAH." All the occasions mentioned above have been reported in various Ahaadeeth, the references of which can be found in reliable works of Fiqh. Since some of these occasions are obvious and do not need further investigation, to report the Hadeeth relating to each occasion would only unnecessarily lengthen this treatise. This is why we have sufficed with only a few. If each of these occasions were to be discussed in depth then this short sub-section would consist of more than a hundred pages. Nevertheless we should endeavour to make using the Miswaak a habit and remain steadfast upon the Sunnat of Rasulullaah (SAW) so that it s rewards can be benefitted from. Each Sunnat has its own unique position and reward which can only be attained when one abides to it strictly. Those people who claim that it is merely a Sunnat and is therefore permissible to discard, will be told on the Day of Qiyaamah that this is a stage of Jannat and it is permissible for you to be deprived of it. Ibn Qaasim bin Qusay (A.R) has clearly stated this in his book, 'Dhal'ut Ta'alain'. 1 'Haashiyatut Thahthawie ala Maraaqiyul Falaah' 2 'Sharhul Inaayah alal Hidaayah' by Imaam Akmaludeen Muhammad bin Mahmood al-Baabarti', 'Sharah Fathul Qadeer' page 24 3 'Jawaahirul Ikleel' volume 1 page 17 4 'Haashiyatul Jamal ala Sharhul Manhaj' volume 1 page 116