ummtaalib

The Night Before Eid Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) has said; The night of Eidul Fitr, the night that is called Laylatul Jaa’izah (The night of prize giving), comes along. On the morning of Eid, Allah Ta’ala sends down the Malaaikah, to all the lands of the earth, where they stand at the entrance of roads, calling out with a voice that is heard by all except man and jinn: “O Ummah of Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), come out of your houses towards a Lord that is noble and gracious, who grants much and pardons the big sins.” When they go towards the places for their Eid Salaah, Allah Ta’ala says to the Malaaikah: “What is the reward of that worker who has completed his work?” The Malaaikah reply: “O Lord and master, it is only right that he should receive his reward in full.” Allah Ta’ala then says: “I call you to witness, O My Malaaikah, that for their having fasted during the month of Ramadhaan, and for their having stood before Me in prayer by night, I have granted to them as reward My pleasure and have granted them forgiveness.O My servants ask now of Me, for I swear by My honour and My greatness, that whatsoever you shall beg of Me this day in this gathering of yours for the needs of the Hereafter, I shall grant you, and whatsoever you shall ask for your worldly needs, I shall grant it. I swear by My honour that, as long as you shall obey My com­mands, I shall cover up your faults. By My Honour and My Greatness do I swear that I shall never disgrace you together with the sinful people and disbelievers. Go now from here, you are forgiven. You have pleased Me and I am pleased with you.” The Malaaikah on seeing this great reward given by Allah Ta’ala upon the ummah of Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) on the day of Eidul Fitr become greatly pleased and happy. (As reported in Targheeb.)

Guidance and advice for the Blessed Month from Shaykh-ul-Hadīth, Hadrat Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh News of ‘Īd The following two advices will help to maintain the momentum of Ramadān and safeguard us from wasting the remaining precious moments of Ramadān, due to the excitement of the advent of ‘Īd. 1) On the 29th of Ramadān remain occupied in devotions to Allāh ta‘ālā, as the precious moments are slipping away quickly. Do not endeavour to find out before Maghrib whether the moon has been sighted or not. 2) If however you learn before Maghrib that the moon has been sighted, then do not inform others until after Maghrib so that they are not distracted and become negligent. Keep yourself engaged in ‘ibādah (worship), as for you it is still Ramadān until Maghrib. Presentation Night (Laylat-ul-Jā’izah) The whole of Ramadān was a spiritual tournament and the night of ‘Īd (i.e. the night before ‘Īd day) is when the winning team is awarded their prize. If you are given the ability to worship Allāh ta‘ālā during this auspicious night then it is an indication that you are in the winning team. In order to be eligible for a prize the least we should do is to refrain from every sin and engage in a little bit of extra ‘ibādah for a while during this night. © At-Tazkiyah

Should Women attend the Eid prayer? Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakaatuh Respected Brothers and Sisters in Islam There is a trend starting in various places to have Family Eidgaahs and women are being encouraged to attend the Eid Salaah. Those that encourage women to go to the Musjid and to attend the Eid Salaah, generally do so based on the narrations stating that in the time of the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam, women used to attend the congregational prayer in the Musjid and the Eid Prayer as well. In this regard, it is important to take note of the following: Women in the time of the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) were not prevented from going to the Musjid. This was primarily due to the fact that they had the unique opportunity of praying behind the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) Himself. That was an act that cannot be paralleled today. Secondly, they used to observe all the requirements of Shariah including those of proper covering (hijab), hence they were not prohibited from attending the congregational prayers. Despite this, the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) still advised and encouraged them to pray in their homes. Sayyida Umm Salama (R.A) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said, “The best Musjid for a woman is the inner part of her home.” (Musnad Ahmad & Tabrani) Sayyida Umm Salama (R.A) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said, “A woman’s prayer in her inner room is better than her prayer in the outside room, and her prayer in the outside room is better than her prayer in the courtyard, and her prayer in the courtyard is better than her prayer in the Musjid.” (Mu’jam of Imam Tabrani) Sayyida A’isha (R.A) said, “If the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) was alive to see what women are doing now (in that period of time), he would surely have prevented them from attending the prayers in the Musjid just as the women of Banu Isra’il were prevented.” (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim) The renowned Hadith scholar and Hanafi jurist, Imam Badr al-Din al-Ayni (Allah have mercy on him) states whilst commentating on the above statement of Sayyida A’isha (Allah be pleased with her): “Had Sayyida A’isha (R.A) witnessed what women are involved in the various types of innovations and wrongdoings these days, she would have been even more extreme in her preventing women from entering the Musjids… Also the fact that there had not been a long time between her statement and the demise of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace), and also the fact that women in her time were not involved in even one portion of a thousand of what women are up to these days.” (Umdat al-Qari, 3/230) The scholars of Islam always considered this aspect of the fitna and therefore many of them ruled that women should not attend the Salaah, neither at the Musjid nor at the Eid Gaah (Musallah). After quoting the hadeeth regarding women attending the Eid Salaah in the time of the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam, Imam Tirmidhi (R.A) has reported from Imaam Abdullah ibn Mubarak (R.A) and Sayyiduna Sufyaan As Thawri (R.A) that they considered it makrooh for the women to attend the Eid Salaah. Imam Tirmidhi (R.A) also made reference to the statement of Sayyidatuna Ayesha (R.A) that was quoted above. (Sunan Tirmidhi Vol.2 Pg.430 #539-40). Hereunder is a short list of the scholars of the past who also discouraged/prevented women from attending either the five Salaahs in Masajid or the Eid Salaah: Sayyidatuna Ayesha (R.A) (Sahih Al Bukhari) Sayyiduna Abdullah b. Mas’ood (R.A) (Majma’uz Zawaahid) Sayyiduna Abdullah b. Umar (R.A) (Musannaf ibn Abi Sheyba #5845) Sayyiduna Urwa b. Zubayr (R.A) (Musannaf ibn Abi Sheyba #5846) Sayyiduna Qasim b. Mohammed b. Abi Bakr Faqih Al Madinah (R.A) (Musannaf ibn Abi Sheyba #5847) Sayyiduna Ibraheem Nakh’ee (R.A) (Musannad ibn Abi Sheyba #5844, #5848) Sayyiduna Abdullah b. Al-Mubarak (R.A) (Sunan Tirmidhi #539-40 Vol.2 Pg.420) Imaam Malik (R.A) (Umdatul Qari Vol.3 Pg. 305) Sayyiduna Sufyaan As Thawri (R.A) (Sunan Tirmidhi) Imam Abu Yusuf (R.A) student of Imaam Abu Hanifa (R.A) (Umdatur Qari Vol.3 Pg. 305) There are various other references that can be cited as well from the books of Hadith and Fiqh. Thus, based on the above, women should not go to the Masjid for Salaah or attend the Eid Salaah as it is strongly discouraged in light of the fitna that is prevalent. And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best Mufti Taahir Hansa Confirmation: Mufti Ismaeel Bassa Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

The Fiqh of Eid al-Fitr Download the above article as a pdf file here

ADOPT 5 QUALITIES OF A CHILD Allama Jalal Uddin Suyuti r.a, a great scholar born in 849 A.H and passed away in 911 A.H, said: قال الإمام السيوطي: خمس خصال في الاطفال لو كانت في الكبار مع ربهم لكانوا أولياء. لا يهتمون بالرزق. ولا يشكون من خالقهم إذا مرضوا . ويأكلون الطعام مجتمعين. واذا خافوا جرت عيونهم بالدموع. واذا تخاصموا تسارعوا إلى الصلح He said there are 5 qualities children have which we should embed within ourselves to become awliya of our time. There are many things we can learn from children. The 5 qualities children have that we should adopt, are as follows: 1. لا يهتمون بالرزق Children are not concerned about when their next meal will come. Allamah Ibn Battal Maliki (RA) used to say, ‘You really are your imaan and your tawwakkul’. Your tawwakul is not complete until you have true faith on the ayah ‘There is no creature on earth whose sustenance is not on Allah’ [11:6]. وَمَا مِن دَابَّةٍ فِي الْأَرْضِ إِلَّا عَلَى اللَّهِ Allah has control over every single creature and He looks after everyone. Our Imaan and our reliance on this verse is more than the money we have in our pocket. Children do not worry about their next meal, they rely on Allah. This does not mean, that we should sit at home and rely on Allah rather we must adopt the means like the way you tie a camel, thereafter, have tawakkul in Allah. We should not be overindulged in the dunya where our entire focus is dunya, dunya, dunya whereby we neglect the aakirah. 2. ولا يشكون من خالقهم إذا مرضوا When children are unwell they do not do not complain about Allah. Qadhi Shurayh (RA) saw an individual complaining to his friend of a headache so the Qadhi said ‘Never complain to anyone else of Allah. I have not been able to see with one eye of mine for the past 15 years. I have not seen a human being with this eye and have not seen a path for the past 15 years but I have never told anyone to this day. I told you only to teach a lesson. So, the second quality we learn is not to complain about Allah. 3. يأكلون الطعام مجتمعين Children sit down and eat together. Friends normally try to sit and eat together, the sahaba complained to Rasulullah (s.a.w) that ‘Oh Messenger of Allah! We eat but our bellies are not satisfied’ Rasulullah (s.a.w) replied ‘maybe you are eating separately’.1 Nowadays there is no love at home. There was a time when everyone used to sit together and eat from one platter. That time we used to have the bowl of curry in the centre with rice around it and people used to sit and eat from that one platter. Today let alone eating from one plate, even our times of eating is not the same. Our homes have become hotels, everyone checks in at different times and checks out at a different time. Unfortunately, this is why we don’t have the love we used to have in those days. Children are an example of the lesson for us to sit together and eat. 4. واذا خافوا جرت عيونهم بالدموع When children fear, they tear. Hadrat Mawlana Masehullah Jalalabadi (RA) mentioned to us many years ago when we were there in Jalalabad. He used to tell us ‘try and learn how to cry before Allah and if you cannot cry, at least make the face of a crying individual’ Cry! If you can’t then at least make the face of a crying individual. Saalih al-Muzani (RA) was reading the Quran in a dream in front of Rasulullah (s.a.w), who said to him ‘Oh Saalih! You are reciting the Quran but where are the eyes that are swelling with tears?’ Rasulullah (s.a.w) told Abdullah ibn Masood (r.a) to read from surah Nisaa and he started reading until he came to the verse of the Quran, فَكَيْفَ إِذَا جِئْنَا مِنْ كُلِّ أُمَّةٍ بِشَهِيدٍ, ‘What will happen when we will bring you in front of the entire community and you will be witness over everyone’. He was told to stop and saw Rasulullah (s.a.w) crying.3 This is why it is important we understand the words of the Quran, otherwise, we are reciting about Jahannam and we are smiling because we don’t understand the message. We should take a lesson from children who cry when in fear, we too should cry in front of Allah. 5. واذا تخاصموا تسارعوا إلى الصلح When children quarrel or get into an argument they reconcile very fast. We should ponder on this. There are people we do not speak to in our life and then we don’t speak to them for years and years. Thereafter it continues to the next generation. We even write a will saying make sure you don’t speak to his family because I didn’t speak to his family. These are few lessons we can learn from children. [The above is an edited transcript from a lecture by Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Nawab حفظه الله] To listen to the audio or check out other articles click here www.saleemnawab.com Source

Valuing the Last Ten Days of Ramadān By Shaykh-ul-Hadīth, Hadrat Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh The month of Ramadān is full of blessings. Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam said: And it is a month the first part [first ten days] of which is mercy, the middle part [middle ten days] is forgiveness and the last part [last ten days] is emancipation from the Fire (of Jahannam). (Ibn Khuzaymah) Having passed through the first ten days of ‘mercy’, we find ourselves in the second ten days of ‘forgiveness’ and approaching the last ten days, wherein Allāh ta‘ālā emancipates His servants from the Fire of Jahannam. Now, we will find people with different mind-sets; some will count down the days in eager anticipation of ‘Īd after which they will not have to stay hungry and thirsty for long hours anymore; some will have spent the major part of Ramadān exerting much effort in devotion to Allāh ta‘ālā and thus feel that they can now relax in the last ten days as they have, in their opinion, carried out much ‘ibādah already; and some will not have done anything of note until now and feel that there is no point of doing anything in these remaining days. All these mind-sets are incorrect, as the last ten days of Ramadān hold great significance and virtue over the first twenty days of Ramadān. One only needs to examine the conduct of Nabī sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam during the last ten days to understand their virtue. The Conduct of Nabī sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam during the Last Ten Days Sayyidah ‘Ā’ishah radhiyallāhu ‘anhā reports that when the last ten days of Ramadān would enter, Nabī sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam would tighten his waist belt, stay awake at night and awaken his family. (Al-Bukhārī) In this hadīth, Sayyidah ‘Ā’ishah radhiyallāhu ‘anhā has mentioned three things: 1. Nabī sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam would tighten his waist belt, which refers to preparation for exerting himself in ‘ibādah. 2. Nabī sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam would stay awake throughout the nights of the last ten days of Ramadān and worship Allāh ta‘ālā. 3. Nabī sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam would awaken his family also for ‘ibādah and tahajjud so that they too can acquire the blessings of the blessed nights. The fact that Nabī sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam would especially exert much effort in devotion during the last ten days of Ramadān, shows the virtue and significance of these last ten days. And why would Nabī sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam not exert effort during these last ten days, when they have been specified for the Night of Qadr. Nabī sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam said, Seek Laylat-ul-Qadr during the last ten days of Ramadān. (At-Tirmidhī) The Virtues of Laylat-ul-Qadr Laylat-ul-Qadr is a night full of blessings and goodness. ‘Ibādah carried out on Laylat-ul-Qadr is better than ‘ibadah carried out continuously for a thousand months (83 years and four months). Allāh ta‘ālā says: Verily! We revealed it (the Qur’ān) during the Night of Qadr (from Al-Lawh Al-Mahfūz to the first heaven). Do you know what is the Night of Qadr? The Night of Qadr is much better than a thousand months. The angels and the Rūh (Sayyidunā Jibra’īl ‘alayhis salām) descend in it by the Command of their Rabb with every decision. It (this night) is full of peace. And (all of this) remains (from sunset) until the break of dawn. (97:1-5) Nabī sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam said: During the Night of Qadr, Jibra’īl ‘alayhis salām descends with a group of angels and they make du‘ā of mercy for every servant who stands or sits remembering Allāh ta‘ālā (engaged in worship). (Al-Bayhaqī) Nabī sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam also said: Whoever stands in worship during the Night of Qadr with Īmān and hope of reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven. (Al-Bukhārī) If we understood the virtues and the blessings of this great night, we too would exert great effort towards acquiring these blessings just as our pious predecessors did. It is reported regarding Qatādah rahimahullāh that he would complete the entire Qur’ān every three nights during the first twenty days of Ramadān and every night during the last ten days. In order to become deserving of the virtues of Laylat-ul-Qadr, one must exert every effort and do everything he can. One easy way of becoming deserving of the blessings of the Night of Qadr is to observe the i‘tikāf of the last ten days of Ramadān. Sayyidunā Abu Sa‘īd Al-Khudrī radhiyallāhu ‘anhu narrates that Nabī sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam said, Verily, in search of Laylat-ul-Qadr I performed i‘tikāf of the first ten days and then extended it to the next ten days for the same purpose; then I was told that this night is in the last ten days; so those who are performing i‘tikāf with me should perform the i‘tikāf of the last ten days. (Al-Bukhārī, Muslim) The Importance and Virtue of I‘tikāf We learn from the Sīrah of our beloved Nabī sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam that the i‘tikāf of the last ten days of Ramadān was a practice that he sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam would not miss. Sayyidah ‘Ā’ishah radhiyallāhu ‘anhā said that Nabī sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam would observe i‘tikāf in the last ten days of Ramadān until he passed away. (Al-Bukhārī, Muslim) Sayyidunā Anas radhiyallāhu ‘anhu said that Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam observed i‘tikāf during the last ten days of Ramadān. One year he could not observe the i‘tikāf, so the following year he observed i‘tikāf for twenty days. (At-Tirmidhī) Mentioning the virtues of i‘tikāf, Sayyidunā Ibn ‘Abbās radhiyallāhu ‘anhu says that Nabī sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam said, He (the one observing i‘tikāf) refrains from sins (as he confines himself to the boundary of the masjid) and is rewarded for all good deeds (that he cannot do due to being in i‘tikāf e.g. visiting the sick or participating in janāzah salāh) like that person who carries out good deeds. (Ibn Mājah) The one performing i‘tikāf, through the blessing of staying within the confines of the masjid, is able to refrain from sins which he may have committed outside of the masjid. Along with this, he is able to engage in so many worships e.g. salāh, dhikr, tilāwat, du‘ā. Moreover, every moment of his is a means of reward as i‘tikāf in itself is also a worship; hence the one performing i‘tikāf gains the reward of i‘tikāf even whilst eating and sleeping. I‘tikāf: A Fortune The one observing i‘tikāf is extremely fortunate for he disassociates himself from everything and throws himself into the Court of His Lord and Creator. He remembers Him, praises Him, glorifies Him and sincerely seeks His Forgiveness; he cries over his past mistakes and beseeches His Creator for His Mercy and seeks nothing but His Pleasure. His days and nights are spent only in this pursuit. The author of Marāqī-Al-Falāh states that if i‘tikāf is observed with sincerity, then it is amongst the most virtuous deeds. Our Task in Hand So if one is able to perform i‘tikāf during the last ten days, he should most definitely do so. The ladies should also perform i‘tikāf at home. If one is not able to perform i‘tikāf for all of the last ten days, he should perform i‘tikāf for however many days he is able to. And if one is so busy that he cannot spend even one day in i‘tikāf then the least he should do is value each and every moment of the last ten days, especially the nights. He should refrain from every minor and major disobedience to Allāh ta‘ālā carry out actions which please Him to acquire Divine Pleasure. May Allāh ta‘ālā grant us the tawfīq to value the remaining days of Ramadān, especially the last ten days. May He bless us with the virtue of Laylat-ul-Qadr. May He accept those who have intended to carry out the Sunnah i‘tikāf and may Allāh ta‘ālā make this Ramadān a turning point in our lives and enable us to live a life of obedience until we depart from this world. Āmīn. © Riyādul Jannah (Vol. 27 No. 5/6, May/June 2018)

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Pearls of Wisdom: No.58 “Food for the Soul” SUBJECT: TRIALS & TRIBULATIONS Allaah, The Most Exalted, says: “Do people think that they will be left alone because they say, we believe, and will not be tested? And indeed We tested those who were before them” (Quran:29: 2-3) The Messenger of Allaah (peace be upon him) is reported to have said; "Whenever an affliction strikes a Muslim and he says, as Allaah commanded him, "Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi rajiun. Allahumma ajirni fi musibati, wa akhlif li khayran minha - To Allaah we belong, and to Him will we return - O Allaah, reward me for my affliction and replace it for me with that which is better," Allaah will then surely replace it for him with that which is better." (Hadith Muslim) Note: Don’t let trials blow you down; instead let them lift you up! A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor. Every hardship and suffering is an opportunity because it is more than what you see. A moment of hardship is an opportunity to earn higher ranks, it is an opportunity to be patient and earn Allah’s mercy and blessing and Allah’s regard for you. The more the suffering and your patience, the more the blessing. Sometimes Allaah tests His slaves with calamities in order to raise t hem in status and to expiate for their sins, as the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “No misfortune or disease befalls a Muslim, no worry or grief or harm or distress – not even a thorn that pricks him – but Allaah will expiate for some of his sins because of that.” (Hadith Bukhari) Therefore, we should endure trials and be patient. Remember Allah Ta’ala sometimes grants the toughest battles to the s trongest soldiers and very often violent storms paint the loveliest of rainbows! For a motivational article on Patience in Adversity visit : http://eislaminfo. blogspot.com/2016/07/the-smoke-signal.html

|| Let Those Getting On With Ramadān Anticipate Great Good, But What About Those Who Are Not? || More than anything else, the month of Ramadān is about hope and anticipating immense good from God. Ibn Rajab al-Hanbalī wrote: ‘The month, all of it, is mercy, forgiveness and freedom [from the Fire]. This is why it says in an authentic hadīth that the gates of mercy are flung open during it; and in a hadith in Al-Tirmidhī and others: “Indeed, Allāh frees [people] from the Hellfire every night [of Ramadān].”1 Be that as it may, the first part of [the month] is dominated by mercy – particularly to the God-fearing who act with excellence (li’l-muhsinin al-muttaqīn). Allāh, exalted is He, says: “Surely, the mercy of Allāh is near to those who act with excellence.” [7:56] And: “My mercy embraces all things, therefore I shall ordain it for those who fear [God] and pay the zakāt.” [7:156] At the month’s commencement there is an unbounded outpouring of mercy and good pleasure upon the God-fearing, whilst the people of excellence are treated with grace and eminence. ‘As for the middle of the month, forgiveness dominates it. During it, those who fast are forgiven, even if they are guiltily of committing some minor sins – for even that shall not bar them from being forgiven. In this respect, Allāh, exalted is He, said: “Truly your Lord is forgiving to people despite their evil-doing.” [13:6] ‘As for the latter part of the month, those whose evil deeds and major sins would have necessitated residing in the Hellfire, are freed and liberated.’2 But what about the sinners who continue to lead wayward lives and neglect their duties to Allāh, even in the blessed month of Ramadān? Well even they needn’t despair! Ibn Rajab went on to say: ‘Just because Allāh’s mercy has been specified for the doers of excellence, it doesn’t mean sinners should despair of receiving it. Just because forgiveness is ordained for the God-fearing, those who wrong themselves [by sinning] are not veiled from it … “Say: ‘O my servants who have transgressed against their own souls! Do not despair of Allāh’s mercy! For Allāh forgives all sins.’” [39:53] So, O sinner – and we are all sinners – let not your wrong deeds make you despair of Allāh’s mercy. How many like you have been liberated from the Fire during these days. So entertain a good opinion of your Protecting Lord and turn in repentance to Him. For no one is damned with Allāh, save he who damns himself.’3 ------------------------ 1 - Al-Tirmidhī, no.682; al-Hākim, al-Mustadrak, no.1532, where he said: ‘The hadith is sahih as per the conditions of Al-Bukhārī and Muslim.’ 2 - Latā’if al-Mā‘arif (Riyādh: Dār Ibn Khuzaymah, 2007), 479 3- ibid., 481. t.me/NaseehaChannel/816

RAMADAAN: Endless Opportunity…Limited Time We all know time is a limited commodity. Every second that passes can never be retrieved, it is the drop lost into the sea of eternity. We have limited time to make the best of the endless opportunities that the month offers us. Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam said, “Take advantage of five matters before five: your youth before you become old, your health, before you fall sick, your wealth before you become poor, your free time before you become preoccupied, and your life before your death.” (Ahmed) We may be in very different circumstances next Ramadaan. We may not have the health, the time or the life to take advantage of another Ramadaan. Now is the time, we have to act with a sense of urgency. Ask for Allah’s Forgiveness: Never let a day of Ramadaan pass that you have not asked for Allah’s forgiveness. Seeking forgiveness not only erases your sins, it also removes anxiety, opens the doors of sustenance, attracts the mercy of Allah and draws us closer to Allah. Read the Quran: If you want to speak to Allah engage in Salaah, if you want Allah to speak to you read the Quran. “Verily the one who recites the Qur’an beautifully, smoothly, and precisely, will be in the company of the noble and obedient angels. And as for the one who recites with difficulty, stammering or stumbling through its verses, he will have twice that reward.” (Bukhari) Spend time making Dua: If it is not in the nature of a mother to turn her child away empty handed no matter how disobedient a child may be, how is it possible that the One who is the Most Merciful and who has placed mercy in the hearts of all mothers turns away His slave, empty handed? How is it possible for the One Who becomes angry when His slaves do not supplicate to Him, not to be happy when they do. Dua is our intimate conversation with Allah; it is uplifting, liberating and empowering. Safeguard your sight: "The glance is a poisoned arrow of Shaytaan. Whoever lowers his gaze for (the pleasure of) Allah, Allah will bestow upon him a refreshing sweetness which he will find in his heart on the day that he meets Him.” (Tabraani) Be generous: The Prophet’s Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam charity in Ramadaan is described as abundant as ‘the free blowing wind.” There is no better exercise for the heart than lifting people up! Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam said, “Guard yourselves against the fire (of hell) even if it be with half a date (given in charity); and if you cannot afford even that, then at least say a good word.” (Bukhari) Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

Taqwā The common definition of Taqwā is to abstain from the disobedience to Allāh ta‘ālā be it minor or major. In the initial stages this will seem difficult. However, if one strives and compels his nafs to stay away from the disobedience to Allāh ta‘ālā, then Allāh ta‘ālā will honour him with true Taqwa by enlightening his heart with the nūr (light) of Taqwā. Once this happens, one will no longer have to struggle to avoid sins as before; rather the heart will develop a disliking for them. His condition will become like that of a person who has to walk through a path with filth all around. He will be repulsed at the very thought and will try his utmost to avoid that route. However, if he is compelled then he will be very careful as not to let the filth dirty him or his clothes. If by chance some filth does dirty his clothing, he will not be able to rest in peace until it is washed off. Similar is the case of that person whose heart is enlightened with the nūr (light) of Taqwā. He will have an aversion to sins, and if he was to slip and commit a sin, he will not be able to rest in peace until he makes Tawbah (repentance) and cleans his heart from the filth of sinning. By Hadrat Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh

Ramadaan: The Month of Dua Allah Ta’ala loves to be asked, and He encourages us to do so frequently. Allah Ta’ala says, “Invoke Me, I will respond to your (invocation).” (Ghaafir 40:60) The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, “‘Dua is worship.” (Tirmidhi, 3372) The etiquette of making Dua: 1. Ask of Allah by His most beautiful names “And the Most Beautiful Names belong to Allaah, so call upon Him by them.” (al-A’raaf 7:180) 2. Praise Allah before we call upon Him Fadaalah ibn ‘Ubayd (Radhiyallahu Anhu) said, "Whilst the Messenger of Allaah (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) was sitting, a man came in and prayed and said, “O Allaah, forgive me and have mercy on me.” The Messenger of Allaah (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, “You have been too hasty, O worshipper. When you have prayed and are sitting, praise Allaah as He deserves to be praised, and send blessings upon me, then call upon Him.” (Tirmidhi) 3. Sending blessings upon the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, “Every Dua is kept back until you send blessings upon the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him).” (Tabraani) 4. Raising the hands Maalik ibn Yasaar (Radhiyallahu Anhu) narrated that the Messenger of Allaah (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, “When you ask of Allaah, ask of Him with the palms of your hands, not with the backs of them.” (Abu Dawood) 5. Having conviction that Allaah will respond The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, “Call upon Allah when you are certain of a response, and remember that Allaah will not answer a Dua’ that comes from a negligent and heedless heart.” (Tirmidhi) 6. Asking frequently A person should ask Allah for whatever he wants of the good things in this world and the Hereafter, and not seek a hasty response, because the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said, “The slave will receive a response so long as his Dua does not involve sin or severing of family ties, and so long as he is not hasty.” It was asked, “What does being hasty mean?” He said: “When he says, ‘I made Dua and I made Dua, and I have not seen any response,’ and he gets frustrated and stops making Dua.” (Bukahari) 7. Beseeching with humility, hope and fear Allah says, “Invoke your Lord with humility and quietly.” (al-A’raaf 7:55) “Verily, they used to hasten on to do good deeds, and they used to call on Us with hope and fear, and used to humble themselves before Us.” (al-Anbiya’ 21:60) 8. Ensuring that one’s food and clothing are Halaal The Prophet Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam mentions of a person who travels for a long distance and is dishevelled and dusty, and he stretches forth his hands towards the heaven saying, "O Lord, O Lord,’ but his food is Haraam, his drink is Haraam, his clothing is Haraam, he has been nourished with Haraam, so how can he be responded to?" (Muslim) Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

Fasting for one Commencing a Journey in Ramadhaan Q: A person intends travelling during the course of the day and at the time of Subah Sadiq (when the fast commences) he is still in his hometown? Is it permissible for him not to fast? A: It is compulsory for a person who is present in his hometown at the time of Subah Sadiq to fast. Since he only intends travelling during the course of the day the concession of not fasting does not apply to him. Hence, if he does not keep the fast he will be sinful. ومنها السفر الذي يبيح الفطر وهو ليس بعذر في اليوم الذي أنشأ السفر كذا في الغياثية فلو سافر نهارا لايباح له الفطر في ذلك اليوم وإن أفطر لا كفارة عليه بخلاف ما لو أفطر ثم سافر كذا في محيط السرخسي (الفتاوى الهندية ج1 ص206) (وللمسافر الذي أنشا السفر قبل طلوع الفجر إذ لايباح له الفطر بإنشائه بعد ما أصبح صائما بخلاف ما لو حل له مرض بعده فله (الفطر) لقوله تعالى فمن كان منكم مريضا أو على سفر فعدة من أيام أخر … (وصومه) أي المسافر (أحب إن لم يضره) لقوله تعالى: ,أن تصوموا خير لكم (مراقي الفلاح ص686) Ahsanul Fataawa vol.4 pg. 447 Answered by: Mufti Zakaria Makada Checked & Approved: Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach) ************************************************************************* BREAKING FAST AFTER EMBARKING ON A JOURNEY Question: When one has done Shehri and has intention to fast and is on Fardh fast and then later in the day, he embarks on a journey. Does he have the option of breaking the fast in Safar on that day ? And if he breaks the fast on that day in safar, is it Gunaah Answer: In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh. Shariah has granted concession for a person not to fast if he is a musafir at the time of Subah Saadiq (true dawn) If he undertakes a journey of 48 miles or more after Sehri time, he will have to continue his fast. It is not permissible for him to break his fast. If he does so, he will be sinful. He will have to make Qadha (make up) for the broken fast. There is no Kaffarah for breaking such a fast. However, the person must repent for his sinful act and make Istighfaar. And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best Huzaifah Deedat Student Darul Iftaa Lusaka, Zambia Checked and Approved by, Mufti Ebrahim Desai. الفتاوى الهندية - ط. دار الفكر (1/ 206) فلو سافر نهارا لا يباح له الفطر في ذلك اليوم وإن أفطر لا كفارة عليه تحفة الفقهاء (1/ 358) والأعذار التي تبيح الإفطار للصائم ستة السفر والمرض الذي يزداد بالصوم أو يقضي إلى الهلاك وحبل المرأة وإرضاعها إذا أضر بها أو بولدها والعطاش الشديد والجوع الذي يخاف منه الهلاك والشيخ الفاني إذا كان لا يقدر على الصوم وأصله قوله تعالى { فمن كان منكم مريضا أو على سفر فعدة من أيام أخر } ثم السفر المبيح للفطر هو السفر المبيح للقصر وهو مسيرة ثلاثة أيام ولياليها سير الإبل ومشي الأقدام ويستوي الجواب بين أن يسافر قبل رمضان وبين أن يسافر بعد دخول رمضان سافر بعدما أهل في الحضر هلال رمضان والصحيح قول عامة الصحابة وعامة العلماء لأن النص مطلق وهو قوله تعالى { أو على سفر } وكذلك الداعي إلى الرخصة وهو المشقة عام شامل مراقي الفلاح شرح نور الإيضاح (ص: 258) وللمسافر" الذي أنشأ السفر قبل طلوع الفجر إذ لا يباح له الفطر بإنشائه بعد ما أصبح صائما بخلاف ما لو حل به مرض بعده فله "الفطر" الفتاوى السراجىة ص163 زم زم الدر المختار شرح تنوير الأبصار وجامع البحار (ص: 149) صل في العوارض المبيحة لعدم الصوم وقد ذكر المصنف منها خمسة، وبقي الاكراه وخوف هلاك أو نقصان عقل ولو بعطش أو جوع شديد ولسعة حية (لمسافر) سفرا شرعيا ولو بمعصية Fatawa Mahmoodiyyah Volume 15 Page 221 Maktaba Mahmoodiyyah Fatawa Rahimiiyah Volume 7 Page 269 Darul Isha`at Aap Ke Masail Volume 3 Page 307 Maktaba Ludhyanwi Ahsanul Fatawa Volume 4 Page 447 H.M.Saeed Kitabul Fatawa Volume 3 Page 401 Zam Zam Fatawa Darul Uluum Deoband Volume 1 Page 391

Leaking bucket! By Abdurrahmaan Umar “I’m going to complete three Qurans”, said Omar, folding his mouth into a tight-lipped smile. “Insha Allah!” he added as an afterthought, “That’s my goal for this Ramadaan!” Shaheed rubbed his temples, contemplating his words carefully as if they would turn into a promise if they escaped his lips, “I think I am going to focus on Zikr. Sheikh is always talking about the value of zikr, so I decided…” he ruminated a little more, “I am going to praise Allah by reading at least 500 times ‘La illaha ilallah’ every day, and I will increase that, Allah willing.” “Guys, guys!” shouted Moosa as he clambered over the shoulders of those at the back struggling to get to the center of the discussion, “Ramadaan is a month of caring, a month when we supposed to feel empathy for our fellow Muslims,” pointing an accusing finger at Shaheed, he blurted out, “You can’t just worry about your own self and your Ibadat(worship). You have to worry about others…. that’s Ramadaan.” Omar leant forward, almost crouching, “Yeh, yeh, but what about earing rewards in this month. We all know the amount of extra reward we get in this month” “I can see the Shaytaan (devil) is still not tied up. Look at us! Having a squabble on the virtues of deeds right in front of Sheikh. Let’s ask Sheikh.” Cried Shaheed as he turned to Sheikh Hammad, lowered his voice and asked, “Sheikh, what would be the best action to do in the month of Ramadaan?” Some of the group floated away from the front, embarrassed that they had forgotten that Sheikh was still sitting in his regular place sipping his jasmine tea. Sheikh Hammad smiled broadly and continued quietly reciting on his Tasbih (Praising Allah). “How long does it take to fill a bucket with holes?” Sheikh asked softly, stroking his now almost white beard. His hands bore the hallmarks of his aging body, the skin soft and wrinkled, the veins that once stood taut, were now tortuous lines of blue. Farid shifted his thick spectacles as he pondered the question, he glanced around to see if anyone else was going to venture a reply. The rest of the group sat silent, trying to fathom the reasoning in the question. He adjusted his specs once more and ventured, “Sheikh, it depends on how big the holes are…big holes then it will never fill. Small holes…well maybe it will fill, but won’t stay filled. So, we have to see the holes, and, oh yes, the rate of flow of …” Omar rolled his eyes and nudged Farid into silence. They waited in anticipation for Sheikh to explain. “You see, Ramadaan is not only about filling our buckets of deeds with lots of Qur’an, zikr, extra Salaah, charity and all the other good things you mentioned. If we do these deeds, and they are all beneficial and valuable, but we often forget to plug the holes in the bucket.” Scratching his head, Farid began, “But... Sheikh…why….” Omar didn’t allow him to carry on before nudging him hard enough to understand that continuing may be harmful to his health. “Before you ask me what are the holes in the bucket,” Sheikh continued, taking a long sip of his tea, “Our sins are the holes! If we do all the good that we intend to do, but don’t make efforts to avoid sins then it’s like trying to fill a holey bucket,” Sheikh’s lips creased into a faint smile at his little pun. “Together with doing good, we have to,” Sheikh emphasised, “we have to…., have to, give up sin. Any sin, small sin, big sin, open sin, secret sin, Allah knows them all! This is a month of Taqwa – as Allah mentioned in Surah Baqarah in the Qur’an: “O You who have attained to faith! Fasting is ordained for you as it was ordained for those before you, so that you may become of those who have Taqwa.” Sheikh took another small sip of his tea, and continued, “Taqwa is many things, and the one definition that applies here is to get close to Allah. Ramadaan is a month of drawing close to Allah. And for that…Allah removed all the obstacles that obstruct us on this noble path – so the Shayateen, the rebellious devils, are locked up; and our base desires are suppressed through fasting. We just have to give up sinning, do good deeds and we will move closer to Allah.” Farid nodded his head energetically in support of what Sheikh was saying, almost dislodging his topee from his head until a sharp nudge from Omar steadied him. “It doesn’t help we read lots of Qur’an and then spend the rest of our time backbiting others or swearing or lying…then we lose out on the benefit of the Quran... it just leaks out of the holes and we don’t get the “Taqwa” that Allah Ta’ala wanted us to get in this blessed month.” “And… this is the what Rasulallah, Salallahu Alaihi wa salam meant when he said as recorded by Imam Bukhari (RA): "Whoever does not give up false statements (i.e. telling lies), and evil deeds, and speaking bad words to others, Allah is not in need of his (fasting) leaving his food and drink.” Shiekh a long sip of his tea, watching as the young men nodded to one another as the cloud of puzzlement lifted from their heads. Farid chirped, “Got it! Stop the sins, plug the holes… and we fill the bucket and get to Allah. Easy peasy!” He scurried out of the way before Omar’s nudge could reach him. “So now you understand why you have to plug the holes,” Sheikh emphasised, “Don’t just do good – avoiding sin as important, if not more important.” www.eislam.co.za

Covering Feet Hanafi Fiqh > Tafseer Raheemi Question: Salam mufti Saab, When women pray salah do they have to cover their feet. I.e. with socks Kind regards Jazakhalah Answer: No, they don’t have to wear socks. However, if the feet can be covered by wearing a long cloak, it would be better. This is due to showing respect to the opinion of the other madhaahib. The Madhahib (on this mas’alah) go as follows: 1) Imam Shafiee, Imam Malik and Imam Ahmed ibn Hanbal (Rahimahumullah) class the feet (of women) as satr and according to their research, they have to be covered in Salah. 2) Imam Abu Hanifa’s Mufta bihi Qawl (the opinion upon which the ruling has been given) is that they don’t have to be covered. Al-Fiqh Alal Mazahib al-Arba’ah lil Jaziry p.167/1 It is also stated in Nurul-Idah (The Light of Clarification) p.159: ’Her feet are not awrah, according to the most correct of two narrations, whether the surface or the sole, because of the general nature of the necessity.’ Source

Women: Covering Feet Hanafi Fiqh > Qibla.com Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani When do we have to cover feet? Answer: The fatwa position in the Hanafi school is that a woman’s feet are not `awra. As such, it is not legally obligatory to cover them in the prayer or outside the prayer. [As mentioned in Radd al-Muhtar and elsewhere.] However: 1. Caution and scrupulousness would entail covering the feet, because it is obligatory according to other sunni schools (such as the Shafi`is), and it is a strong position within the Hanafi school that they are `awra. This is especially true for prayer, but it is best even outside the prayer when in the presence of those one must cover in front of. 2. It is only allowed to uncover the feet up to the ankles. Anything above the ankles is from one’s `awra. Many women wear skirts or dresses (such as jilbabs) that normally cover the ankles, but reveal the leg area above this while walking (especially in the wind, etc). There is nothing like safety. In general, the scholars remind us that one should not apply the Shariah as a dry list of do’s and don’ts. Rather, we should have the intention that we are following Allah’s commands and the guidance of His Messenger (Allah bless him & give him peace), out of love and thanks. And Allah alone gives success. Wassalam, Faraz Rabbani Source

I would not have a clue of the interpretations sis and as for the fatwa, I'm not at all sure how to react ) :

Wa'alaykumus salaam warhamtullaah the one saying feet (up to ankle) are not part of awrah in or out of salaah..

Sterling advices of Sayyiduna 'Umar (radiyallahu 'anhu) on interaction In the following report, Sayyiduna 'Umar (radiyallahu'anhu) has offered sterling guidelines on interaction with fellow humans. Lets read them carefully with the intention of implementing. The famous Tabi’i; Sayyiduna Sa’id ibn Musayyab (rahimahullah) reports that Sayyiduna ‘Umar (radiyallahu ‘anhu) laid eighteen guidelines for the people, each one filled with wisdom: 1. When someone disobeys Allah in matters that impacts on you, you can retaliate in no better way than obeying Allah in matters that impact on him. 2. Always assume the best about your brother unless you learn something about him that you cannot reconcile. 3. Never assume the worst about any statement that a Muslim makes as long as you are able to make a good interpretation. 4. One who exposes himself to suspicion must never blame anyone who holds a bad opinion of him. 5. Whoever guards his secrets will retain the choice [and control of it] in his hands. 6. Ensure that you keep true friends to stay under their wings because they are a source of beauty during times of prosperity and a means of protection during times of hardship. 7. Ensure that you speak the truth even if it leads to your death. 8. Never delve into matters that do not concern you. 9. Do not ask about matters that have not occurred because that which has already taken place is enough to keep you occupied from that which has not. 10. Never seek your needs from one who does not love to see your success. 11. Never keep the company of a sinner, as you will learn his sinful ways. 12. Keep away from your enemy. 13 & 14. Beware even of your friends, except for the trustworthy one and none can be trustworthy unless he fears Allah. 15. To be humble in speech. 16. Lower yourself in obedience of Allah. 17. Stand firm against His disobedience. 18. Consult in your matters those who fear Allah, indeed Allah says: انما يخشى الله من عباده العلماء It is those who have knowledge among His slaves that fear Allah. (Surah Fatir, Verse: 28) (Rawdatul ‘Uqala of Imam Ibn Hibban (rahimahullah), pg.82-83 with a chain of reliable narrators) Each of these advices are of much pertinence on our era. May Allah Ta'ala guide us to implement them. And Allah Ta’ala Knows best al-miftah

Q. If a woman performs Salaah with a few strands of her hair open, is her Salaah valid? (Question published as received) A. In order for a women’s Salaah to be valid,it is a prerequisite that her Awra is covered for the duration of the Salaah. The Awrah of a woman includes her entire body excluding her hands, feet and face. If a few strands of woman’s hair is exposed during Salaah, her Salaah will remain valid if the exposed area is less than one fourth of her head/hair. If however, the exposed area is one forth or more of her head/hair, and remains exposed for a duration of a posture in Salaah i.e. the duration it takes to recite the three Tasbeehs (approximately 3-5 seconds), her Salaah will be invalid. (Ahsanul Fataawa 3/402) And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best Mufti Ismaeel Bassa Confirmation: Mufti Ebrahim Desai (The answer hereby given is specifically based on the question asked and should be read together with the question asked. Islamic rulings on this Q&A newsletter are answered in accordance to the Hanafi Fiqh unless otherwise stated.) Fatwa Department Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

Loyalty Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Daamat Barakaatuhu) mentioned: In this world, different types of temptations are put before us, such as women, wealth, peer pressure, etc. Allah Ta‘ala wants to see our loyalty to Him and our perseverance. This is the test of sabr and this is what Ramadhaan teaches us when we are ordered to resist from permissible temptations in this month. On the other hand, Jannat is a place free from the test of temptations and sabr.

Honouring the Knowledge of Deen Haaroon Rasheed was an ‘Abbaasi Khaleefah who ruled over the Muslim empire from 170 A.H until his demise in 193 A.H at the age of forty-five. On one occasion, when Haaroon Rasheed came to Madeenah Munawwarah, he sent a messenger to Imaam Maalik (rahimahullah) with the following message: “Come to me and bring the hadeeth kitaab (Al-Muwatta) which you have compiled so that I may hear the ahaadeeth from you.” On receiving this message, Imaam Maalik (rahimahullah) was upset and disappointed. He said to the messenger, “Convey my salaam to him, and tell him that people should travel to the knowledge of Deen, the knowledge of Deen should not travel to people. People should come to obtain the knowledge of Deen, it should not have to come to them.” When the reply of Imaam Maalik (rahimahullah) reached Haaroon Rasheed, he became angry. His messenger fuelled his anger further saying, “It will reach the people of Iraq that you summoned Imaam Maalik (rahimahullah), yet he defied you! Force him to come to you!” In the interim, many students of Imaam Maalik (rahimahullah) suggested to him that he go to Haaroon Rasheed and explain to him the correct manner of acquiring the knowledge of Deen. Hence, Imaam Maalik (rahimahullah) came to Haaroon Rasheed and entered with salaam. However, he did not bring his kitaab of hadeeth with him. When Haaroon Rasheed asked him why he had come without the kitaab, Imaam Maalik (rahimahullah) replied: “O Ameerul Mu-mineen! Allah Ta‘ala sent Nabi Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) to us and commanded us to obey him, follow his blessed sunnah and show him utmost respect and honour, during and after his lifetime. Allah Ta‘ala has perhaps granted you the position of khaleefah on account of you having some knowledge of Deen. Hence, when you have been blessed with this knowledge, then you should not disrespect it and fail to honour it, as doing so will cause Allah Ta‘ala to strip you of your respect and honour. Fear Allah! Fear Allah! I have seen people who were not of your standing and lineage, some were freed slaves and there were others as well, yet they all showed the highest level of respect to the knowledge of Deen and honoured the ‘Ulama who bore this knowledge. When these people had shown respect to the knowledge of Deen, then surely you are more worthy of honouring the knowledge of Deen!” Imaam Maalik (rahimahullah) continued to advise Haaroon Rasheed in this manner until he eventually began to weep. Imaam Maalik (rahimahullah) continued further until Haaroon Rasheed relented and said, “Let us proceed to your home.” On arriving, Imaam Maalik (rahimahullah) entered, performed ghusl, donned new clothing, applied ‘itr and burned some fragrant ‘oud (to honour the blessed ahaadeeth). Thereafter, as they sat, Imaam Maalik (rahimahullah) said to Haaroon Rasheed, “Commence reciting.” Haaroon Rasheed responded, “You should recite to me.” However, when Imaam Maalik (rahimahullah) excused himself from reciting, Haaroon Rasheed was left with no choice but to recite, and thus said, “Tell all the people to leave so that I can recite to you in privacy.” Imaam Maalik (rahimahullah) responded, “When the knowledge of Deen is withheld from the general people for the sake of influential people who wish to be exclusive, then these influential people will never benefit from the knowledge.” Imaam Maalik (rahimahullah) then instructed one of his students to recite the Ahaadith. When the student commenced reciting, Haaroon Rasheed was at the side of Imaam Maalik (rahimahullah) and was seated in a reclining position. Imaam Maalik (rahimahullah) said to him, “O Ameerul Mu-mineen! The one who lowers and humbles himself for Allah Ta‘ala, Allah Ta‘ala will elevate and honour him.” Haaroon Rasheed immediately awoke and sat before Imaam Maalik (rahimahullah), only returning to his side after the ahaadeeth were recited. Sometime later, Haaroon Rasheed said to Imaam Maalik (rahimahullah), “We lowered ourselves and expressed humility before the knowledge of Deen which you possessed, and hence Allah Ta‘ala blessed us to benefit from the knowledge.” (Tarteebul Madaarik vol. 2, pg. 21) Lesson: We all wish and desire to acquire the knowledge of Deen and benefit from the blessed Ahaadith of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). However, there are many people who fail to show the knowledge of Deen due respect and honour. Instead of going to the ‘Ulama and expressing humility before the knowledge of Nubuwwah, they want to acquire knowledge on ‘their own terms’. Instead of sitting with respect, they lie on their beds and surf the net. Instead of dressing with respect and performing wudhu, they acquire the knowledge of Deen in a casual manner, dressed as they please, sometimes in an environment of free-intermingling between males and females! The outcome is that they acquire mere ‘information’, not the knowledge of Deen. The knowledge of Deen creates a Noor (light) in the heart and guides a person to Allah Ta‘ala. alhaadi.org

8 Simple Steps to Help You Prepare for Ramadan Have you ever wondered why it is difficult to concentrate in your prayer? Or why your faith throughout the year is not on a high like it is during Ramadan or through Hajj? Maybe it is because we usually jump straight from a phone conversation into Takbeer or because we just go with the flow in Ramadan and are influenced by the environment around us and not our own ‘real’ feelings. A lot of us usually live life and have our faith dependent on an upcoming major event i.e. “I’m going to start reading a page of Quran a day as soon as Ramadan starts; I’m going to start praying Qiyam every night when I come back from hajj; or, I’m going to stop smoking when my child is born.” And because of this way of thinking we usually end up with an anti-climax; we don’t end up giving up smoking, we don’t end up praying Qiyam and we start reading Quran but then get back to our normal old self after a few days or weeks. This is because these ‘statements’ or ‘feelings’ are based on impulse and not a real thought out plan. We usually don’t prepare for Ramadan or hajj or have a plan for our faith to stay at the increase; we just go with the flow and expect it all to happen. Well, it doesn’t! Wouldn’t you love to enter the month of Ramadan on a real high and have the effects of this beautiful month be a permanent impact on your life thereafter? How can this be done? Below are the 8 steps for a Legacy of a Ramadan. Step 1 – Create a Ramadan Count Down Counting down for Ramadan (whether it is done mentally or by keeping physical signs around the home or office) will help create a hype and buzz in your mind and amongst the people around you. When you and others are counting down to the same event, it becomes part of regular conversation and excitement spreads. Step 2 – Seek knowledge about Ramadan This will help you ensure you will do things correctly and perfectly for Ramadan, it will create a hype as there are many motivational aspects and events in the month to look forward to and finally it is a reward reaper. The more you know about Ramadan the more you can apply, hence multiplying your rewards. Step 3 – Make a Ramadan plan Be it reading the entire Quran or ensuring you pray Taraweeh every night; make a list of things you would like to achieve in the month and then how you plan on achieving these goals. It is important that goals are realistic and it is better that your life doesn’t need to entirely take a different road in this month (i.e. take the month off work or change work hours etc.) so that you may continue to do these deeds after Ramadan. Knowing what you want to achieve in the month will help you stay focused. Ensure you plan your day every night before you sleep when Ramadan starts (try to continue this even after Ramadan). Step 4 – Know your life Be aware if Ramadan affects anything that is happening in the month or shortly after. Do you have exams during Ramadan? Or is there a major family wedding after Ramadan within a short time? Moving house? If so, plan for these events from now. Study now so that you are prepared for the exams before the month starts. If moving house, Be packed and ready to go before Ramadan or plan that you do it after so that it doesn’t take time away from your worship. The last thing you want to do is spend Ramadan at the shopping centres. Buy any Eid presents and prepare for any wedding before the month starts. Step 5 – Prepare spiritually We all know that Ramadan is about Fasting, Praying, Reading Quran and giving in charity. Start these worships early; don’t expect to just click into it as soon as the first day of Ramadan starts. Start doing extra prayers from now, start revising and regularly reading Quran now, get used to being generous and follow the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) and fast during Sha’baan. Step 6 – Prepare your mind Fasting is to refrain from more than just what we consume in our mouth. Start working on your patience, be extra vigilant with your conversations: ensure you are not backbiting, slandering or talking about useless things. Step 7 – Say ‘good riddance’ to bad habits Know what bad habits you have and stop them from now, don’t wait until Ramadan begins. If you sleep late, start sleeping early, if you are a Facebook junky start cutting down, have a coffee craze, slow it down etc. It might sound much easier said than done, but once you’ve committed yourself, purified your intentions – make sincere Dua for guidance. Insha’Allah, these bad habits will be easier to do away with than you ever expected. Step 8 – Plan your life around your worship For instance, instead of working through your prayer or setting up meetings etc. at prayer times, plan that you have a break at prayer time. Don’t take your phone with you to the place you pray at. Rather, forget the world around you as you stand before the Lord of the worlds. May Allah Ta’ala grant us all the ability to reap maximum benefit from this beautiful month, and not be from those who are deprived from seizing this glorious opportunity. Ameen. Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians