O you who believe! Observing al-sawm (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become al-muttaqoon (the pious). (Qur’an al-Baqarah 2:183)

Ramadan is the ninth month in the Muslim calender. The month of Ramadan is to pure ourselves physically and spiritually.  Fasting is obligatory upon all Muslims who have reached the age of maturity. Ramadan is a holy month, which is full of divine blessings and mercy. This month is a gift from Allah (the creater of all creatures) to the followers of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. Therefore, we should value this gift that comes along once a year. We Muslims should show more gratitude and gratefullness to Allah s.w.t in this month.

Physically, we are encouraged to fast the VOLUNTARY fast in the months of Rejab and Syaaban. Allah has given us the opportunity to the highest degree reward if we fast during the months of Rejab and Syaaban two months before Ramadan. It has been reported that Rasulullah s.a.w had fasted for the whole month of Rejab, Syaaban and Ramadan, three consecutive months. If we are not able to fast during the months of Rejab and Syaaban, there are those who fast three days each month and fast the whole month of Ramdan. In fact, by fasting in the months of Rejab and Syaaban we are training ourselves to fast before going through the fasting month of Ramadan; we are actually preparing our physical self to face the one month fast of Ramadan.

In the month of Ramdan we cleanse our soul and our heart from every bad intention. In addition, in this holy month we Muslims correct our perception so that we can follow with the teachings of Islam. It is our heart that Allah s.w.t looks at, not our expensive clothing or our physical beauty. The heart is where our Iman (faith) lies. If our heart is pure, our faith will shine over us. If our heart is impure, it may be difficult for us to receive guidance and accept Islamic teachings.

To purify our heart and to prepare ourselves to face the month of Ramadan with complete faith and hope in Allah (swt), we have to improve our behavior by not acting arrogant, stingy, proud, and by feeling that we are better that others, etc. These inappropriate characters are the one that can impure our heart.

Inaddition, we have to avoid all forms of immorality, doesn’t matter if it is minor or major immoral behavior. Alhamdulillah, we have been prevented by Allah (swt) from performing major immoral behaviors like stealing, killing, drinking alcohol, gambling and others. On the other hand, we have to avoid committing minor sins. These are the few minor sins that we commit involuntarily. Immorality of the ears includes listening to backbiting, gossips, and disparageing others, music that is forbidden and songs that use bad language will make you forget your concentration. Have we taken care of our mouth and tongue from immorality? Mostly human beings commit sins by there tongue. This includes talking about others, backbiting, slandering, and lying with the intention of making the story more interesting to others, criticizing, cursing and so forth. We have to try to prevent ourselves from doing all this. Among all the major sins committed, it is the sin by eyes where one looks at their opposite sex with a desire. For example when men look at women who are not mehram is comitting a sin. Rasulullah s.a.w has reminded his followers that among the causes of people being thrown into hell fire is, because they do not take care of their sight. We need to lower our gaze and not steal glances, looking at women that are being exposed around us. Allah s.w.t has stated in surah An-Nur, verse 30: “Tell the believing men to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and to protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts). That is purer from them. Verily, Allah is All-Aware of what they do.”

(May peace, blessings, and mercy of Allah (swt) be upon all of You)

1. Do You know what will be the first thing that will be asked from this Ummah?

• The Five Daily Prayers   

2. Do you know what was the first prayer offered By Mohammad S.A.W?

• It Was Duhr Prayer   

3. Do you know who will be the first one entering Jannah (heaven)?

• Our Beloved and Holy Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W)   

4. Do you know who will be the first Ummah Entering Jannah Inshallah?  

• It will be Ummah of Prophet Mohammad S.A.W   

5. Do you know who is the first one to say Azan in heaven?

• He was Jibrail A.S   

6. Do you know who first predicted the hours to be twelve?

• It was Prophet Noah (A.S) who did this when he was on boat to find out the times for prayers. 

7. Do you know who was the first person who said SUBHANA RABBI AL-AALA?

• He was Israfeel (A.S)   

8. Do you know what was the first ayah revealed from?

 Al-Quran

• It was Surah Al-Alaq (Iqrah) Ayah: 1    

9. Do you know who first wrote with a pen?

• He was Idrees (A.S)   

10. Do you know what was the last ayah revealed from Al-Quran?

• It was Al-Baqarah Ayah 281   

11. Do you know what was the fist verse revealed from Torah?

• It was Bismillah ahrehman nir-raheem 

12. Do you know what is the most Supreme Ayah in Quran?

• Its Ayat Al-Kursi ——-Surah Al-Baqara Ayah 255   

13. Whoever said SUBHAN ALLAHI WA BIHAMDIHI hundred 100 times,

• All his sins will be forgiven even if they are as much as foam of the sea   

14. Whoever will say LAILLAHA ILLA ANTA SUBHANAKA INNI KUNTU MINAZ ZALIMEEN?

• Whenever he is in sorrow, Allah will take away all his sorrows just like he saved YUNUS (A.S), when he was inside the fish.   

15. The Prophet S.A.W said, “(There are) two words which are dear to the Beneficent (Allah) and very light (easy) for the tongue (to say), but very heavy in weight in the balance.

• They are: Subhan Allah wa-bi hamdihi Subhan Allah Al-’Azim.”   

16. Ibn-al Qayyaum R.A said: the things that make the body sick are:

• Too much talking,
• Too much sleeping,
• Too much Eating    

17. Jabir reported that the Prophet, peace be upon him, said, whoever says Subhan-Allah- al-Azim wa bihamdihi (Glorified is Allah, the Great, with all praise due to Him)

• will have a palm tree planted for him in paradise.’ Reported by Tirmidhi Juwairiyah bint Al-Harith (May Allah be pleased with her) reported, the Mother of the Believers:   

18. The Prophet (PBUH) came out from my apartment in the morning as I was busy in performing the dawn prayer. He came back in the forenoon and found me sitting there. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Are you still in the same position as I left you.” I replied in the affirmative. Thereupon the Prophet S.A.W said,

• “I recited four words three times after I had left you. If these are to be weighed against all you have recited since morning, these will be heavier. These are: Subhan-Allahi wa bihamdihi, `adada khalqihi, wa rida nafsihi, wa zinatah `arshihi, wa midada kalimatihi

O  Lord! Let our entry be by the Gate of Truth & Honor and our exit by the Gate of Truth and Honor; and grant us from Thy Presence an authority to aid (us)…Ameen

(May peace, blessings, and mercy of Allah (swt) be upon all of you) 

THE GRANDCHILDREN OF HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS FROM WORLD WAR II ARE DOING TO THE PALESTINIANS EXACTLY WHAT WAS DONE TO THEM BY NAZI GERMANY…

BUILDING WALLS & FENCES TO KEEP PEOPLE IN PRISONS   

CHECK POINTS NOT TO ALLOW PEOPLE BASIC FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT

ARRESTS & HARASSMENTS

DESTROYING HOMES & LIVELIHOODS

GIFTS (WITH LOVE) FROM THE CHILDREN OF PEACE-LOVING & CIVILIZED COUNTRIES

THE CLASSIC PROPAGANDA MACHINE – YOU WILL FIND THE PICTURE IN BLACK & WHITE IN ALL AMERICAN AND SOME OTHER WESTERN COUNTRIES HISTORY BOOKS, ENCYCLOPAEDIAS, LIBRARIES, MUSEUMS… THAT DEPICTS A YOUNG JEWISH BOY WITH HIS HANDS UP WHILE NAZI TROOPS POINT THEIR GUNS AT HIM AND HIS FAMILY IN ORDER TO EXPEL THEM FROM THEIR HOMES… (IT’S SUPPOSED TO MAKE YOU SYMPATHIZE WITH THE VICTIMS & TO SUPPORT THEIR CAUSE FOR JUSTICE  & A HOMELAND)

THE ISRAELIS PRACTICE THE SAME TACTICS

(May peace, blessings, and mercy of Allah (swt) be upon all of you)

In Islam, Muslims have to take shahada, pray 5 times a day, give zakat (giving charity to the poor and needy), Sawm (Fasting in the month of Ramadan), and pilgrimage to Mecca.

• Shahada- Faith

When a Muslim is declaring his faith, it is called Shahada. “There is no god, but Allah and Muhammad is his Messenger.” In Arabic we say “La illaha illallah Muhammad dun Rasullallah” We recite this Shahada in public. When a Muslim says these words, he is rejecting to worship any other god except Allah. In addition, Mohammad (PBUH) was sent amongst us as a prophet to deliver his message of Islam and to guide us to the straight path. It is a path towards the light where surely Allah (swt) has promise to reward his believers. Allah (swt) says: “Whoever obeys the Prophet obeys God” Quran chapter 4 verse 80. The declaration of faith provides the base for a complete system of life for a Muslim. Therefore, a Muslim must practically perform the understanding of the declaration of faith and all its characteristics; and a Muslim who does not translate this declaration into practice is not a true Muslim. Without securing this base first, this way of life can’t come into being. If the system of life is build upon some other base, or other sources are mixed with this base, then that person can not be considered as a Muslim. Allah (swt) says; “The command belongs to God alone. He commands you not to worship anyone except Him. This is the right way of life” Quran chapter 12 verse 40.

• Prayer – Salat

Performing Salat 5 times a day is mandatory for every Muslim. Accompanying compulsory prayers include the Friday congregational prayer, Eid prayers and the funeral prayer. Women are exempt from offering salat in their menstruation and child birth. However, women have to make it up later when they are able to.

In order to perform salat one has to first make wudu: cleaning the body clothes and ground used for prayer. Second, one has to cover in a certain way according to their gender. For men they wear a turban and usually wear white clothing. For women they have to wear clothes that cover their full hands and body. The hijab must be long enough to cover them until their ribs and should cover their hair completely. Thirdly one should face towards the Kiblah (Kabba). Fourthly, one has to make an intention that he is attempting to pray in front of Allah almighty, and imagine that Allah swt is watching us pray and He knows what is in our hearts and in our minds. In addition, we have to imagine our death, and think how many good and bad deeds we have done in our life. Moreover, imagine that this is our last prayer. Therefore, when praying, we will never be distracted. The timings for the prayers are:

1.  Fajr-Before sunrise.
2. Duhr-After the sun begins to decline from its zenith.
3. Asr-Mid-afternoon.
4. Magrib-Just after sunset.
5. Isha-night.

• Zakat – Charity

Giving charity to poor and needy is also an act of worship in front of Allah (swt). We might think why we give (2.5%) 1/40 of our wealth to poor and needy people; we do this because we are investing that money. You might say how? When Allah swt gives his believers wealth and that believer spends it on other people who are in need Allah swt will again give that believer back what he had return to Him. Ask yourself a question? Who is the one provides us with sunlight, grows herbs and shrubs, who created everything and destroy it? Do you have the answer? Yes! It is Allah (swt) when He gives us so many things without even asking, why do we hesitate to give back what belongs to Him. Zakat does not only help in increasing ones wealth, but also it helps the believer cleanse his heart with greed. Zakat not only helps the person who is giving the zakat, but it also helps the person who is receiving it. The believer who is receiving the zakat, his heart will cleanse from jealousy, loathing and uneasiness. Instead, the receiver’s heart will be filled with good wishes and prayers for the contributor. Zakat also help the society from economy crisis and corruption. Zakat is paid after we have taken care of our personal and family expenses, debts, taxes and etc. In addition paying taxes CANNOT be substituted with zakat.

People who are eligible to receive the zakat are:

1. The poor, the needy,
2. Muslims reverts,
3. Muslims who became prisoners in the war (give Zakat to release them)
4. Muslims in debt,
5. Employees appointed to collect Zakat,
6. Muslims in service of research or study or propagation of Islam,

7. Wayfarers who are foreigners in need of help.

·  Sawn – Fasting in the month of Ramadan

Muslims fast in the month of Ramadan to cleanse their souls. Annually in the month of Ramadan, we Muslims fast from the break of dawn till the sunset. In addition, all Muslims refrain from food, drinks, and physical relations. Muslims, who are ill, aged, or traveling and women who are pregnant or nursing are permitted to break the fast and make up an equal number of days later in the year. If for a health reason or not physical capable of keeping fast, then one has to feed poor and needy person for every day they have missed. Did you know fasting is very beneficial to health and it also help in self purification. Fasting help us grow in our spiritual life which is much peaceful and comforting. By fasting a person realize how others are surviving with no food to eat and water to drink. Therefore, we Muslims thank Allah (swt), for all the Naimath (Allah’s Blessings) that He had showered us with.

      It is mentioned in a Hadith that on the Day of Judgment, three persons will not have to give an account of the food that they ate, immaterial of what they ate as long as it is halal. They are: the fasting person, the person who makes sehri (Food we eat before we start the fast), and the person who is stationed on the borders of the Islamic state safeguarding it from being invaded by the kuffaar (Non-Believer). This is a great concession for these three persons that they have been absolved from giving an account of their eating. It should be borne in mind that despite this concession, one should not spend a lot of money and time in preparing very exquisite meals. Spending a lot of time in preparing delicacies turns one away from the remembrance of Allah (swt) and gives impetus to one’s power of committing sins. This should always be borne in mind. One should value the bounties that Allah (swt) has blessed one with. The best way of showing gratitude to Allah (swt) is that one should obey all His commands and orders.

2. It is mentioned in a Hadith that the person who feeds a fasting person at the time of opening fast will receive the same reward as that of the fasting person without there being any decrease in the reward of the fasting person. In other words, through the mercy and generosity of Allah (swt), both of them will receive the same reward. This will apply even if the person feeds him with a very simple or insignificant meal. Even if he merely gives him some water to drink.

3. It is mentioned in a Hadith that Allah (swt) multiplies the rewards of His pious servants by ten times up to 700 times except for the reward of fasting. In other words, there is no limit for the reward of fasting. As regards to fasting, Allah (swt) says: “It is for Me alone and I will give the reward for it.” From this we can gauge how great the reward of fasting is that there is no limit to the rewards. In addition to this, Allah (swt) will give the reward for fasting Himself and will not delegate this task to the angels. Glory be to Allah (swt) for attaching such importance to this little effort on our part. However, it should be borne in mind that all these virtues and benefits of fasting will only come into effect when we fulfill this duty as it ought to be fulfilled, and only when we abstain from speaking lies, backbiting, and all other sins. In the month of Ramadan, some people leave out their Salat completely while others miss out the fajr Salat. In doing so, they are depriving themselves of the numerous blessings and rewards of fasting. Furthermore, by reading this Hadith, one should not have this misconception that fasting is more virtuous than Salat because Salat is the most virtuous of all the different acts of ibaadah. The meaning of this Hadith is that there is a very great reward for fasting and it does not mean that fasting is the most virtuous act of ibaadah. The above-mentioned Hadith continues that there are two times of extreme happiness for the fasting person. The first time of happiness is when he opens his fast and the second time is on the Day of Judgment. That is, when he meets Allah (swt), as mentioned in other Ahaadith.

·  Pilgrimage to Mecca

Pilgrimage to Mecca, we Muslims call it a “Hajj”. It is essential for those who are physically and financially are capable to perform. Every year Millions of people go to Mecca from all over the world where Muslims from different background get an opportunity to meet one another and pray together. Annual Hajj takes place in the 12^th month of lunar Islamic calendar. Pilgrims wear special clothes: simple garments: for men it is one large cloth which they rap it around them in a certain way. Everyone looks alike in Hajj and this clothing strips away the difference of class and culture, so that all stand equal before Allah almighty. The rites of the Hajj, which are of Abrahamic origin, include circling the Kabba seven times, and going seven times between the mountains of Safa and Marwa as did by Bibi Hajera (May Allah bless her) during her search for water. Then the pilgrims stand together on the wide plain of Arafa and join in prayers for Allah (swt) forgiveness, in what is often thought of as a preview of the Last Judgment. The close of the Hajj is marked by a festival, the Eid al-Adha, which is celebrated with prayers and the exchange of gifts in Muslim communities everywhere. This, and the Eid al-Fitr, a feast-day commemorating the end of Ramadan, are the main festivals of the Muslim calendar.

(May peace, blessings, and mercy of Allah (swt) be upon all of you)

          As Muslims we all know, we have to pray five times a day. This is for those who is having a hard time finding the Prayers which are performed in a certain order. Offering salat (The prayer) is the most important and it is one of the five pillars. Therefore, Salat is the most virtuous of all the different acts of ibaadah (worship).

In general there are four categories of Namaz:
Farz, Wajib, Sunnath and Nafil.

1. Farz means duty. It is compulsory and should not be avoided. It has two sub-divisions:

a) Farz-i-ayn; which is compulsory on all Muslims, for example offering Namaz five times a day, fasting during the month of Ramadan etc. One who performs it gets the reward but one who does not perform it is a sinner, liable to be punished. One who rejects it altogether is a kafir (Unbeliever).

b) Farz-i-kifayah; which is not compulsory on all Muslims and even if a group of Muslims perform it the responsibility of all Muslims would be fulfilled, for example Namaz-i-janazah (Namaz for the dead).

2. Wajib: means essential or necessary. It is next to Farz in importance., for example Namaz-i-Idd. One who performs it gets the reward but one who does not perform it is a sinner liable to be punished.

3. Sunnah: means that which Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) did. There are two types of sunnaths: a) Sunnath-i-muakkadah: that which Prophet Muhammed (SAWS) always did and ordered his followers to do. One who does it gets the reward and one who does not do, is a sinner liable to be questioned. Sunnath-i-ghair muakkadah ; that which Prophet Muhammed (SAWS) did occasionally and which is optional on his followers. One who does it gets a reward.

4. Nafil: means extra. One who does it gets a reward but one who does not do/ is not liable to be punished. 

Prayer-5 times a day

1. Fajar is a total of 4 rakat

• 2 Sunnath
• 2 Faraz

2. Duhur is a total of 12 rakat

• 4 Sunnath
• 4 Faraz
• 2 Sunnath
• 2 Nafeel

3. Asar is a total of 8 rakat

• 4 Sunnath
• 4 Faraz

4. Magrib is a total of 7 rakat

• 3 Faraz
• 2 Sunnath
• 2 Nafeel

5. Isha is a total of 17 rakat

• 4 Sunnath
• 4 Faraz
• 2 Sunnath
• 2 Nafeel
• 3 Wajibul-Vitr (in the third rakat of vitr prayer we read Dua-e-Qunoot)
• 2 Nafeel

Here are details how to perform 2 rakat Sunnath and Farz Namaz (prayer) 

First Rakath

Surah Al Fatiha 

Al-hamdu lillahi Rabb il-’alamin
Ar-Rahman Ar-Raheem
Maliki yawmi-d-Din
Iyya-ka na’budu wa iyya-ka nasta’in
Ihdina-sirat al-mustaqim
Sirat al-ladhina an’amta ‘alai-him
Ghair il-Maghdubi ‘alai-him wa la-d-dallin” Ameen.

Surah Ikhlas

Qul Huw-Allahu Ahad
Allah-us-Samad
Lam yalid wl lam yulad
Wa lam yakul lahu kufuwan ahad”

• Then you go in Rukoo and read “Subhanna RabillAzeem” 3 times
• Then stand up straight while saying “Allah hu Akbar”
• Then go in “Sajda” and read ” Subhanna Rabillallah” 3 times
• Say “Allah Hu Akbar” and sit up then go back into the sajda for the second time and read “Subhanna Rabillallah”
• Then Say “Allah hu Akbar” when standing up 

2nd and Final Rakath

 Surah Al Fatiha 

Al-hamdu lillahi Rabb il-’alamin
Ar-Rahman Ar-Raheem
Maliki yawmi-d-Din
Iyya-ka na’budu wa iyya-ka nasta’in
Ihdina-sirat al-mustaqim
Sirat al-ladhina an’amta ‘alai-him
Ghair il-Maghdubi ‘alai-him wa la-d-dallin” Ameen.

Surah Quraish 

Li-eelafi qurayshin

Eelafihim rihlata alshshita-iwaalssayfi

FalyaAAbudoo rabba hatha albayti

Allathee atAAamahum min jooAAin waamanahum min khawfin

• Then you go in Rukoo and read “Subhanna RabillAzeem” 3 times
• Then stand up straight while saying “Allah hu Akbar”
• Then go in “Sajda” and read ” Subhanna Rabillallah” 3 times
• Say “Allah Hu Akbar” and sit up then go back into the sajda for the second time and read “Subhanna Rabillallah”
• Then Say “Allah hu Akbar” and sit up
• Then read Attaiyath “ 

1. Attaiya tou lillahi

wasal wa tou watea bato

As-salam aleika

Aiu han nabio wa rehmatillahi wa barkata hu

As salam aleina wa-alla ibadil- lahi salehin

NOW RAISE YOUR FINGER 

2. Ashadun- laillaha illallahu

wa-da-hu la shari-ka-la-hu

washa du anna

Mohammadan abda hu wa rasullahu

NOW PUT YOUR FINGER DOWN

3. Allah Huma Saleh allah Syed na mohammadun

wala ale mohammadun kama Salehta

Alla Ibrahima wallah alle Ibrahima

Inna ka hamidum majid

4. Allah Huma Barik allah mohammadun

wala ale mohammadun kama Barikta

Alla Ibrahima wallah alle Ibrahima

Inna ka hamidum majid.

5. Allah Huma ini zalam tu nafsi

Zulman kacira

wala iq-fir-rus zunuba

la illa anta faq-fir-li

maqfiratan min-in-di-ka

war-ham-ni Innaka antal gaffoor-ror- raheem.

NOW TRUN TO YOUR RIGHT SHOULDER AND SAY “As salam alekum wa rhematillah”

THEN TURN TO YOUR LEFT SHOULER AND SAY “As salam alekum wa rehmatillah”

This video shows how we are suppose to postrate in front of Allah (swt). In addition, this video has subtitles in Arabic; therefore we can follow and learn tajweed (the accent).

The one who disdains prayers (Salat) will receive Fifteen punishments from Allah…

• Six punishments in this lifetime
• Three while dying
• Three in the grave &
• Three on the Day of Judgment.

The Six Punishments of Life:

1. Allah takes away blessings from his age (makes his life misfortunate)

2. Allah does not accept his plea (Dua’s)

3. Allah erases the features of good people from his face.

4. He will be detested by all creatures on earth.

5. Allah does not reward him for his good deeds. No thawab- No remorse

6. He will not be included in the Dua’s of good people.

The  Three Punishments while Dying:

1. He dies humiliated.

2. He dies hungry.

3. He dies thirsty. Even if he drinks the water of all seas he will still be thirsty.

The Three Punishments in the Grave:

1. Allah tightens his grave until his chest ribs collapse over each other.

2. Allah pours on him fire with embers.

3. Allah sets on him a snake called ‘the brave’, ‘the bold’ which hits him from morning until afternoon for leaving Fajr prayer, from the afternoon until Asr for leaving Dhuhr prayer and so on. With each strike he sinks 70 yards under the ground.

The Three Punishments on The Day of Judgement:

1. Allah sends who would accompany him to hell pulling him on the face.

2. Allah gives him an angry look that makes the flesh of his face fall down.

3. Allah judges him strictly and orders him to be thrown in hell.

In addition, those who do not say their prayers of:

• FAJR : the glow of their face is taken away.
• DUHUR : the blessing of their income is taken away.
• ASR : the strength of their body is taken away.
• MAGHRIB : they are not benefited by their children.
• ‘ISHA : the peace of their sleep is taken away.

http://english.islamway.com/prayer/BegSound.htm (Please visit this website, it is very helpful)

The Holy Quran:

“Say Your Prayers Before Prayers For You Are Said.

(May peace, blessings, and mercy of Allah (swt) be upon all of you)

Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihe wasallam) said: “When a man dies and his relatives are busy in funeral, there stands an extremely handsome man by his head. When the dead body is shrouded, the man gets in between the shroud and the chest of the deceased.

When after the burial, the people return home, 2 angels, Munkar and Nakeer(names of two special Angels), come in the grave and try to separate this handsome man so that they may be able to interrogate the dead man in privacy about his faith. But the handsome man says, “He is my companion, he is my friend. I will not  leave him alone in any case. If you are appointed for interrogation, do your job. I cannot leave him until I get him admitted into Paradise.”

Thereafter he turns to his dead companion and says, “I am the Qur’an, which you used to read, sometimes in a loud voice and sometimes in a low voice. Do not worry. After the interrogation of Munkar and Naker, you will have no grief.” When the interrogation is over, the handsome man arranges for him from Al-Mala’ul A’laa (the angels in Heaven) silk bedding filled with musk. Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihe wasallam) said: “On the Day of Judgement, before Allah, no other Intercessor will have a greater status than the Qur’an, neither a Prophet nor an angel.”

May Allah bestow his favour on all of us.

Ameen!

(May peace, blessings, and mercy of Allah (swt) be upon all of you) 

Sunnahs of Eating:

• Sit and eat on the floor.
• Spread out a cloth on the floor first before eating.
• Wash both hands up to the wrists.
• Recite “Bismillah wa’la barakatillah’ aloud.
• Eat with the right hand.
• Eat from the side that is in front of you.
• If a morsel of food falls down, pick it up, clean it and eat it.
• Do not find fault with the food.
• When eating, sit with either both knees on the ground or one knee raised or both knees raised.
• Clean the plate and other utensils thoroughly after eating.
• By doing this, the utensils make dua for one’s forgiveness.
• Recite dua after eating. ( Al hamdu lillahi lazi atamana saqana wo jaalna minal musalamin )
• After meals wash both the hands.
• Eat with three fingers if possible.
• One should not eat very hot food.
• Do not blow on the food.
• After eating one should lick his fingers.

Sunnahs of drinking:

• A Muslim should always drink with the right hand. Shaytaan Drinks with the left hand.
• Sit and drink.
• Recite “Bismillah” before drinking.
• After drinking say “Alhamdullilah”.
• Drink in 3 breaths removing the utensil from the mouth after each sip.
• Do not drink directly from the jug or bottle. One should pour the contents into a glass first and then drink.

Sunnahs of Sleeping:

• To sleep in the state of Wuzu.
• To make the bed yourself.
• Dust the bed thrice before retiring to bed.
• One should change into some other clothes (eg. pyjamas) before going to sleep.
• It is Sunnah to sleep immediately after Isha Salaah.
• To apply surmah in both the eyes.
• To brush the teeth with a miswaak.
• To sleep on the right hand side.
• To sleep with the right palm under the right cheek.
• To keep the knees slightly bent when sleeping.
• To sleep on a bed or to sleep on the floor are both sunnah.
• To face Qiblah. If possible.
• To recite Surah Mulk, before sleeping.
• To recite Ayatul Kursi.
• To recite Surah Ikhlaas, Surah Falaq and Surah Naas before sleeping 3 times and thereafter blow over the entire body thrice.
• Recite Tasbeeh-e-Fathima before sleeping. (i.e. 33 X Subhan Allah 33 X Alhamdulillah and 34 X Allahu Akbar).
• To recite the dua before sleeping. ( i.e. Be ismik allahumma amutu wo ahya )
• To wake up for Tahajjud Salaah.

Sunnahs on Awakening:

• On awakening rub the face and the eyes with the palms of the hands in order to remove the effects of sleep.
• Thereafter recite the dua on awakening. ( i.e. Al hamdu lillahi allazi ahyana badama amatana wo ilaihunushur )
• On awakening cleanse the mouth with a miswaak.

Sunnahs when wearing clothes:

• Rasulullah (S.a.w.) loved white Clothing.
• When putting on any garment Rasulallah (S.A.W) always began with the right limb.
• When removing any garment Rasullallah (S.A.W) always removed the left limb first.
• Males must wear the pants above the ankles. Females should ensure that their lower garment covers their ankles.
• Males should wear a “topee” or turban. Females must wear scarves at all times.
• When wearing shoes, first wear the right shoe then the left.
• When removing them first remove the left and then The right.

Sunnahs of the Toilet:

• Enter the toilet with your head covered.
• To enter the toilet with shoes.
• Recite the dua before entering the toilet.( i.e. Allahumma inni auzbeka minal qubs wal qabaes )
• Enter with the left foot.
• To sit and urinate. One should never urinate whilst Standing.
• To leave the toilet with the right foot.
• To recite the dua after coming out of the toilet ( i.e. Ghufranaka, Alhamdulillahil lazee as sabaa ani’l azaa wa afuanee)
• One should not face Qiblah or show his back towards the Qiblah.
• Do not speak in the toilet.
• Be very careful of the splashes of urine (being unmindful in this regard causes one to be punished in the grave).
• After relieving oneself, to cleanse oneself using water.

Sunnahs of the Home:

• To recite the dua before entering the home.
• To greet those who are in the house with “Assalaamu Alaykum”. Even though it may be your own house.
• To announce ones arrival by coughing, greeting, etc.

Other Sunnahs of High Importance:

• Using a miswaak is a great Sunnah of Rasulullah (S.A.W.) One who makes miswaak when making wuzu and thereafter performs salaah will receive 70 times more reward. It will also enable one to easily recite the kalima at the time of death.
• To take a Ghusl bath on a Friday.
• To apply itar (applies to men only).
• To show mercy to those that are younger than you.
• To respect your elders.
• It is sunnah to ponder over Allah Ta’ala and His Creation.
• For men to keep a beard that is one fist in length.
• To visit a Muslim when he is sick.
• To be good towards ones neighbor.
• To meet a Muslim with a cheerful face.
• To care for the poor and the needy. To keep good relations with all your relatives.
• To honor a guest even though he may not be of a very high position.
• To greet all Muslims by saying ” Assalaamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakaatuhu” .
• To keep the gaze on the ground whilst walking.
• To speak softly and politely.
• To command people to do good.
• To forbid them from doing evil.
• To carry ones shoes in the left hand.
• To make wuzu at home before going to the Masjid.
• To enter the Masjid with the right foot.
• To leave the Masjid with the left foot.
• To recite some portion of the Quran Shareef daily.
• To be hospitable towards one’s guest.
• To exchange gifts with one another.
• To make dua to Allah Ta’ala for the fulfillment of one’s needs in what ever language one desires.
• To consult with one’s parents, teachers or elders before doing any work.
• To respect one’s parents.

Work cited

1. www.islamicity.com

As salam alekum wa rehmatillahi wa barkatahu!

(May peace, blessings, and mercy of Allah (swt) be upon all of you)

       Athan (Azan) means call to Prayer. 

It is better to listen to the Azan with understanding, and we can enjoy it while we make ourselves more knowledgeable.

Azan – call to prayer

Allah hu Akbar, Allah hu Akbar

Allah is Great, Allah is Great

Ashadu-Allah-Illaha Illallah, Ashadu- Allah-Illaha Illallah

I bear witness that there is no god, but Allah. I bear witness that there is no god, but Allah

Wa Ashadu-ana Mohammadur-rasullallah, Wa Ashadu-ana Mohammadur-rasullallah

I bear witness that Mohammad (PBUH) is the Messenger of Allah. I bear witness that Mohammad (PBUH) is the Messenger of Allah

Haiya-Alas-Salah, Haiya-Alas-Salah

Come to prayer. Come to prayer

Haiya-Alall-Falah, Haiya-Alall-Falah

Come to Sucess. Come to Sucess

Allah hu Akbar, Allah hu Akbar

Allah is Great, Allah is Great

La-Illaha Illallah

There is no god, but Allah.

Book 4, Number 0747:

‘Abdullah b. Amr b. al-As reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: When you hear the Mu’adhdhin, repeat what he says, then invoke a blessing on me, for everyone who invokes a blessing on me will receive ten blessings from Allah; then beg from Allah al-Wasila for me, which is a rank in Paradise fitting for only one of Allah’s servants, and I hope that I may be that one. If anyone who asks that I be given the Wasila, he will be assured of my intercession.

Book 4, Number 0748:

‘Umar b. al-Khattab reported: The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: When the Mu’adhdhin says: Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, and one of you should make this response: Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest; (and when the Mu’adhdhin) says: I testify that there is no god but Allah, one should respond: I testify that there is no god but Allah, and when he says: I testify that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, one should make a response: I testify that Muhammad is Allah’s Messenger. When he (the Mu’adhdhin) says: Come to prayer, one should make a response: There is no might and no power except with Allah. When he (the Mu’adhdhin) says: Come to salvation, one should respond: There is no might and no power except with Allah, and when he (the Mu’adhdhin) says: Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, then make a response: Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest. When he (the Mu’adhdhin) says: There is no god but Allah, and he who makes a response from the heart: There is no god but Allah, he will enter Paradise. 

          When there is only a single star left in the sky. At that very moment, the path of forgiveness will close. The writing in the Quran will vanish. The sun will lower itself with the earth. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Who ever delivers this news to someone else, I will on the Day of Judgment make for him a place in Jannat (Heaven).”  If Allah (swt) fulfill one’s Dua (prayer), that means He is making our Iman strong. If He fulfill one’s Dua (prayer) after sometime, that means He is checking his/her patients. If He doesn’t fulfill one’s Dua (prayer) at all, that means He is checking one’s Iman. However, that mean the person whose dua (prayers) weren’t answer, his/her prayers will be answered on the day of judgement.Therefore, my brothers and sisters no matter what happens always say “Allhamdullilah” show gratitude towards Allah (swt). He only knows what is best for his believers.

According to an Hadith, There are certain times when we make Dua (pray), it will be fulfilled by Allah (swt)

1. After Farz prayer (Namaaz)
2. Between Azan or Aqamat

3. At the time of Tahajjud
4. At the time of Rain
5. When we travel from one place to another
6. At the time of Iftar
7. Anytime in Friday prayer (Jummah)
8. In Shab-e-Qadar
9. While drinking Zam Zam (Holy water)
10. The day of Arafat in the ground of Arafat (Maidan-e-Arafat)
11. After reading Quran.  

(May peace, blessings, and mercy of Allah (swt) be upon all of you)

           Islam is the “Submission or surrender of one’s will to Allah” and those people are called “Muslims.” Our Iman is “Believing in the unseen.” In Islam we believe that this life is for worship. We were sent to this world to obey Allah and his commands.  We Muslims also believe in Heaven and Hell. If we chose to worship and obey Allah in this earthly life, we will be rewarded in the hereafter by Allah (swt), which is going into Heaven. If we chose to enjoy the earthly life, and think of it as heaven then for them the life after that will be in Hell!  For Muslims this earthly life is nothing more than exam hall. If we live in an illusion that this earthly life is all we have and this earth is the Heaven, then we are Wrong!!! Allah alone has the knowledge of everything that He has created. Surah Al-Baqarah chapter 2 verse 212 ” The life of this world is alluring to those who reject faith, and they scoff at those who believe. But the righteous will be above them on the Day of Resurrection; for Allah bestows His abundance without measure on whom He will.”

        I agree it is really easy to follow a wrong path. However, it is twice as hard to follow a right path. Just take an example of a regular student and a teacher, when a teacher tells a student this is the material you have to study for the final exam and the teacher advice her student to study hard and read the book and group study with one of his classmate. If that boy wants’ to pass the class with a higher grade, he will do exactly what his teacher has asked him to do. On the other hand, if he is a bad student, he will do opposite of what his teacher asked him to do and waste his time instead of studying. Guess who is going to get all the fruits at the end? The boy who worked really hard to get the higher grade. Furthermore, we humans are afraid of a teacher who is going to just yell at us or will punish us for sometime and will give us a re-exam.

We think about what is going to happen if we don’t listen to our teacher. Then why are we forgetting that Scholars of Scholars of Scholar Allah (swt) who is beyond compare is showing us what is right and what is wrong for us to pass this exam, he gave us two cheatings one is the Holy book Quran! Where we can open it and read it everyday and apply it in our daily life. Second is our beloved Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), the perfect student where we can just copy from him and pass the exam. In other word, just by following what he did, we can be successful in our life.  We have an open book and a perfect “A” student who we can copy from and our teacher is so lenient that He doesn’t mind us cheating from the student sitting next to us and cheat from the Holy Book Quran. Can anyone tell me which teacher is that lenient? Allah (swt) is that teacher who is very lenient with His believers. Even though, we have Open book in front of us and we have our Idol Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), why are we not doing what we are suppose to do. Just imagine what our punishment will be if we disobey Allah (swt) and it will not be a temporary punishment, it will be forever!!! There will be no re-takes, we can’t escape or run away from it. We have to remember that one day or the other we are going to die, and no one will come along with us except our deeds (good and bad). Start Now!!! We don’t know when we are going to die, perhaps! While reading this blog, or in a minute, or in an hour, or maybe when we go to bed tonight. Prepare our Tiffin‘s and our luggage now, which we are going to take with us in our grave. Do as many good deeds as possible, never think this is a small deed someone else can do it.

(May peace, blessings, and mercy of Allah (swt) be on all of you)

I have met many good Muslims who believe in every word of Allah (swt) who had inspired me. When I look at them, I want people to be inspired by me and I would like to see this chain of inspiration going all over the world which gives one another an eagerness to learn more about our Deen (Islamic Teachings). As we all know that Allah (swt) has given us a soul which is pure and innocent; however, that soul knows what is right and wrong. Therefore, when we raise our foot towards a wrong path, the inner voice that stops us from doing that bad deed is our soul. In addition, we eat nutritious food to keep us healthy, we take vitamins and good carbs etc to keep our body functioning in a right way; however, what happens when we don’t take the right diet? Our body collapse and we get sick, tired, and we don’t feel good. Do we ever think about our soul, what nutrients we can give to our soul? Food for our soul is nothing but Allah’s Zikr, doing good deeds, helping others out, obeying Allah (swt), following our beloved Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) (PBUH), and doing every possible good deed that comes in front of us these are the nutrients that our soul requires. Our soul attracts good things.

What happens when we don’t feed our soul right? Our Iman gets weak, everything will go wrong, we feel tired, exhausted, we get frequent head aches, body aches, we will be unsatisfied with whatever we have, we will always be looking for more, nothing will be enough for us, we will feel humiliated and we will feel restless at all the time. There won’t be any peace in our lives. This will happen when we stop giving our soul the right nutrient which is to do Allah’s Zikr. Furthermore, when we die if we have done bad deeds all our life and made our soul suffer; by making our soul do all the possible bad things when the soul leaves our body, it will hurt us. The pain of soul leaving the body will stay until the Day of Judgment. How long are we going to stay in this world? Nobody knows except Allah (swt). If we pray Fajr, we don’t know if we will be alive by Duhur Prayer. Therefore, whenever I go to masjid (Mosque) after Salah, I lean over and take the person’s hand sitting to my right then the person sitting to my left and say Allhamdulliah because we made it till Duhur. I always ask myself a question, am I ready to die? I constantly want to do more because I don’t know if that is enough, I don’t want to go to hell because I am lacking of one “Hasana” (good deed). However, when this question is asked Are we ready to die? Every Muslim is supposed to answer Yes I am ready to die! We Muslims shouldn’t be scared of dying because we prepare for this day all our life, where our soul is desperate to meet Allah (swt). Except those people who will be scared to die are the ones who had done bad things all their lives and who has listen to Shaytan and violated Allah (swt’s) Laws. When they see the Angel of death, they ask him to give them extra time so they can make it up for what they have lost by listening to Shaytan, but there is no extra time because the Angel of Death will not listen to them. The angel of death obeys Allah (swt) and will not break His Laws. In Surah Al-Baqarah chapter 2 verse 281 “[281] And fear the Day when ye shall be brought back to Allah. Then shall every soul be paid what it earned, and none shall be dealt with unjustly.”