WELCOME RAMADAN

• RAMADAN
• ROYAL INVITATION
• GOALS OF FASTING
• Medical Benefits of Fasting (Ramadan)
• RAMADAN DUA's
• ITEKAF & NIGHT OF POWERS
• THE EID
• ONLINE QURAN & BOOKS
• RAMADAN Saur, Iftar TIMINGS

ROYAL INVITATION

This is an announcement from the Emperor of Emperors the King

of Kings and the One who is in supreme control of the universe.

All believers are invited to be the guests of Allah (SWT) during the month of Holy Ramadan. Allah (SWT) invites them to a divine feast and gives them glad tiding of blessings and forgiveness.

The Holy month of Ramadan is where Allah (SWT) is the HOST, we are his GUESTS and the Holy Quran is His BANQUET

This invitation is to tell you how much your Lord loves you and wants you to be close to Him. He has invited you to remember Him so He may remember you.

To ask from Him so He may grant you. He wants you to rid yourself of the burden of sins so that you may be lighter when you return to Him. He has prepared for you special gifts and rewards and stored for you precious robes. He has asked you to seek Him so you can be from among His friends.

Such a royal invitation must be accepted with a lot of enthusiasm and excitement. Preparations must be made to attend the royal feast in an appropriate manner. Please make haste as the opportunity for accepting the invitation will soon be over.

Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) reports that Holy Prophet Mohammad (saw) has said that Sha'ban is my month and Ramadan is the month of Allah (SWT). Therefore, if anyone observers one day of fasting during Sha'ban, I will do his/her "Shafaat" on the day of judgment, and one who observers two days of fasting then his/her previous sins would be forgiven and if someone observers three days of fasting then it would be just like all the sins have been washed away.



Allah (SWT) said: "Fasting leads to wisdom, enables you to understand my signs and ways that will elevate you to a stage of certitude. And when a person has reached the stage of certitude, he or she cares not whether the days pass in plenty or scarcity".

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We pray to the Almighty Allah (SWT) to make us his blessed guests and, in turn, we can gain the utmost from his banquet, as the spiritual container, unlike the physical container, never gets full.

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RAMADAN

What is Ramadan.....?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is a time of fasting for the    Islamic people. Each day during this month, Muslims all over the world abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, as well as participating in anything that is ill-natured or excessive; from dawn until the sun sets. Fasting is intended to educate the Muslim in spirituality, humility and patience. It is a time to cleanse the soul, focus attention on God, and put into practice selflessness. Ramadan is a time for Muslims to fast for the sake of God and to put forward more prayer than is customary.

Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of the Islam religion, and

one of the main types of Islamic worship. Restraint from everyday enjoyment and curbing wicked intentions and cravings are considered as an act of compliance and obedience to God, as well as amends for sins, faults, and mistakes. Ramadan is also called Ramazan. During Ramadan, Muslims request forgiveness for sins in the past, pray for direction and assistance in abstaining from everyday troubles, and endeavor to cleanse themselves through self-control and great acts of faith.

The name "Ramadan" had been the name of the ninth month in Arabian tradition prior to the onset of Islam; the word itself originated from an Arabic root “rmd”, in words like "ramida" or "ar-ramad” which means severe heat, burnt ground as well as shortness of provisions. Individuals say it is named Ramadan because it burns out the sins with good deeds, as the sun scorches the ground. In the Qu'ran, God declares that "fasting has been written down upon you, as it was upon those before you". In accordance with the first hadith, this is in reference to the Jewish custom of fasting on Yom Kippur.  Ramadan was the month in which the initial verses of the Qur'an were said to be shown to Muhammad, the Islamic Prophet.

In comparison to the solar calendar, the Ramadan dates differ, moving forward approximately ten days every year due to the fact that it is a moving holiday which is dependent on the moon.

The lunar cycle determines the Islamic calendar, therefore the month of Ramadan, which is the ninth month commences with a mixture of the sighting of the new moon as well as astronomical calculations. The precise time of Ramadan will at times vary from place to place because some depend a great deal on moon sightings, while others rely on science. An Imam which is a Muslim holy man will make known the correct time of Ramadan right before it begins. The fasting phase finishes upon the sighting of the next new moon, which take place after 29 or 30 days.

Ramadan conveys an extraordinary sense of emotional enthusiasm and religious eagerness among Muslims of all ages. Even though fasting is compulsory for adults alone, children as young as eight readily watch fasting with their elders. Children look forward to the thrill of the moon sighting and eating unique meals with their relatives. Adults are grateful for the chance to double their rewards from God and ask for pardon for their past sins. Ramadan highlights Muslim brotherhood and customs and brings about a special feeling of closeness.

Medical Benefits of Fasting (Ramadan)

Most Submitters (Muslims) do not fast because of medical benefits but because it has been ordained to them in the Quran. The medical benefits of fasting are as a result of fasting.
Fasting in general has been used in medicine for medical reasons including weight management, for rest of the digestive tract and for lowering lipids. There are many adverse effects of total fasting as well as so-called crash diets. Islamic fasting is different from such diet plans because in Ramadan fasting, there is no malnutrition or inadequate calorie intake. The caloric intake of Muslims during Ramadan is at or slightly below the national requirement guidelines. In addition, the fasting in Ramadan is voluntarily taken and is not a prescribed imposition from the physician.
Ramadan is a month of self-regulation and self-training, with the hope that this train ing will last beyond the end of Ramadan. If the lessons learned during Ramadan, whether in terms of dietary intake or righteousness, are carried on after Ramadan, it is beneficial for one’s entire life. Moreover, the type of food taken during Ramadan does not have any selective criteria of crash diets such as those which are protein only or fruit only type diets. Everything that is permissible is taken in moderate quantities.
The only difference between Ramadan and total fasting is the timing of the food; during Ramadan, we basically miss lunch and take an early breakfast and do not eat until dusk. Abstinence from water during this period is not bad at all and in fact, it causes concentration of all fluids within the body, producing slight dehydration. The body has its own water conservation mechanism; in fact, it has been shown that slight dehydration and water conservation, at least in plant life, improve their longevity.
The physiological effect of fasting includes lower of blood sugar, lowering of cholesterol and lowering of the systolic blood pressure. In fact, Ramadan fasting would be an ideal recommendation for treatment of mild to moderate, stable, non-insulin diabetes, obesity and essential hypertension. In 1994 the first International Congress on "Health and Ramadan," held in Casablanca, entered 50 research papers from all over the world, from Muslim and non-Muslim researchers who have done extensive studies on the medical ethics of fasting. While improvement in many medical conditions was noted; however, in no way did fasting worsen any patients’ health or baseline medical condition. On the other hand, patients who are suffering from severe diseases, whether diabetes or coronary artery disease, kidney stones, etc., are exempt from fasting and should not try to fast.
There are psychological effects of fasting as well. There is a peace and tranquility for those who fast during the month of Ramadan. Personal hostility is at a minimum, and the crime rate decreases. ... This psychological improvement could be related to better stabilization of blood glucose during fasting as hypoglycemia after eating, aggravates behavior changes. ... Similarly, recitation of the Quran not only produces a tranquility of heart and mind, but improves the memory.

[2:185] Ramadan is the month during which the Quran was revealed, providing guidance for the people, clear teachings, and the statute book. Those of you who witness this month shall fast therein. Those who are ill or traveling may substitute the same number of other days. GOD wishes for you convenience, not hardship, that you may fulfill your obligations, and to glorify GOD for guiding you, and to express your appreciation.

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GOALS OF FASTING

 

Achieving Taqwa: 

is one of the most important wisdom of fasting. Fasting brings on Taqwa as it lessens the desire of the stomach and mutes the sexual appetite. Whoever fasts frequently would overcome these two desires more easily. This deter against committing abominations and sins and assist in controlling life leading to Taqwa.

Strengthening willpower and acquiring patience: 

The Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam called Ramadhan the month of patience as it increases one's will power to control his desire and the selfishness of his soul. This training allows him to be strong in following Allah's commands. The most important being to carry the Message and propel it forward. The person trains himself to be patient in obeying Allah by stopping at the limits set by Allah both by way of action and abstention. Allah said:

"These are the limits set by Allah, so approach them not." (Al-Baqarah 2:187)

Fasting is pure worship:

  The fact that he is abstaining from food and drink both in public and in secret shows his honest faith and strong love of Allah, and his knowledge and feeling that Allah is all-knowing of everything. For this reason Allah has made the reward for fasting greater than for any other type of worship. 

Allah said in the hadith Qudsi:

"Every deed of the son of Adam will be multiplied [in rewards], the good deed by ten of its like, up to seven hundreds, up to whatever Allah wills, except fasting, it is for Me and I will reward it. He abandons his desire and his food for My sake.." (Related by Muslim) lbn al-Qayyim said: "...And people may see that a person is not eating in front of them, but the fact that he is really abandoning his food and his desire for the sake of God is a thing that nobody can find out about, and that is the essence of fasting." (Zaad al-Ma'ad 2/29). 

Relieving Muslims from life's distractions: 

Eating, drinking, and socializing all distract a person and weaken ties with Allah. It is by the Mercy of Allah that Muslims are ordered to fast so as not to be bothered by the intrusion of these activities. Nor by the thought about them nor the anticipation for them when devoting themselves to the all types of worship Either reading the Qur'an, offering additional prayer or making I'tikaf. For this reason the Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam said:

"Fasting is a shield, and a secure fortress against Hell fire" (Related by Ahmad). 

Discovering Allah's Blessings: A person experiences the hardship of the poor. He should then be thankful to Allah Who has blessed him with His bounty while others are deprived. This should make him more sympathetic and willing to share this bounty. The poor rediscovers that fasting helps a person be more devoted to worship. More able to concentrate and meditate. He should then be able of this devotion all year long, a blessing he should thank Allah for.

Acquiring strength and endurance: 

It has been discovered that depriving the body of food for a period of time helps its defense and endurance mechanism. This in turn this protects the body from certain diseases.

Remember that fasting is not only dependent on abstentions: Many believe that fasting consist only of certain abstentions, forgetting that Allah established certain acts of worship with fasting. Among which are:

Qiyamul-layl: The Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam said: "Whoever performed the night prayer during Ramadhan out of belief and anticipating God's rewards, will be forgiven his previous sins."(Related by Muslim).Performing Umrah: The Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam said: "An Umrah during Ramadhan is like a Hajj with me." (Related by al-Hakim).

Offering Iftar (meal) to those who fasted. The Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam said: "Whoever feeds a fasting person has the same reward as him, except that the reward of the fasting person will not be diminished." (Related by Ahmad).

Reading and completing the Qur'an: The Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam said: 

"Fasting and [reading] Qur'an will intercede for the person: fasting will say: O Lord I forbade him eating and drinking so let me intercede for him, and the Qur'an will say: I deprived him from his night sleep so let me intercede for him," he then said: "So they will intercede." (Related by Ahmad). The Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam used to recite the whole Qur'an to Angel Jibreel each Ramadhan.

Giving in charity: Ibn Abbas radhiallahu anhu said: "The Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam was the most generous among people, and he was more generous during the month of Ramadhan." (Related by Muslim).

I`tikaaf: which is to confine oneself in the masjid for prayer and invocation leaving the worldly activities. Ibn Abbas radhiallahu anhu said: "The Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam used to perforrn I'tikaf during the last ten days of Ramadhan." (Related by Muslim). It is surprising that many people have abandoned I'tikaf though the Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam never abandoned it from the time he arrived to Madinah until he died.

Supplication: In the verses dealing with fasting, Allah said: "And when My slaves ask you (O Muhammad) concerning Me, then answer them, I am indeed near to them. I respond to the invocations of the supplicant when he calls on Me." (Al-Baqarah 2: 186). This is an encouragement for the fasting person to increase his invocation. The Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam said: "Three invocations will be answered: The invocation of the fasting person, the invocation of the oppressed, and the invocation of the traveler." (Related by Muslim).

Repentance: Ramadhan is the time of repentance and return to Allah, for it is a time when the devils are chained, and when many people are saved from hell fire every night by the grace of Allah.

Applying oneself in all good deeds in the last ten days of Ramadhan: 

Aysha radhiallabu anha said: "When the last ten days come, he sallallahu alayhe wa sallam would pray most of the night and wake his family, and apply himself, and tighten up his loincloth.", and she also said: "The Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhe wa sallam used to strive in the last days of Ramadhan more than he did during the other days." (Related by Muslim).

Abstaining from vain talk: Sins decrease the reward of fasting although they do not annul it. The Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam said: "Fasting is not [only] abstaining from eating and drinking, but abstaining from vain and obscene talk, so if someone insulted you or wronged you say: I am fasting." (Related by al-Hakim) and he also said: 'Whoever does not abandon lying, then Allah does not need him to abandon his food and drink." (Related by al-Bukhari).

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Days to Remember in Ramadhaan-ul- Mubarak Dua for Sehar and Iftaar

Did You Know This ?

(1) In 2nd Hijri, Fasting was made Obligatory and Sadaqah-e-Fitr Wajib on Muslims.

(2) Among the names of the months,only Ramadhan has come in the Quraan.

(3) Regarding 30 days for Farz Fasting,some Awlmas derives this Hiqmat, that the Fruit which Hazrat Adam ate,remained in his stomach for 30 days and when Tauba of Hazrat Adam was accepted,Allah ordered the fasting of 30 days in which fasting in night was also included but for the Ummat of Prophet Muhammad only fasting during Day remained Obligatory.

(4) Rasulallah said ,"One who attended the gathering of Deen in the month of Ramzaan,he will be rewarded with the reward equal to the Ibaat of 1 year for his every single step and He will be with me under the Arsh.SubhaanAllah

(5) During Ramzaan,one who performs his prayer regularly with congregation,On the Day of Qiyamah,For his every Rakaat Allah(Subhaanwataala) will give him a City(place) filled with his bounties.

(6) One who fulfils the need of a Muslim in the month of Ramzaan,On the Day of Qiyamah,Allah will fulfil his 1000 needs.

(7) In one of the Narrations ,it is said that during Ramzaan,Allah orders the Angels holding the Asrh to leave their Ibaadat and Say Aameen on the Dua of fasting people.

(8) The Year in which Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa passed away ,He performed Itikaaf(Seclusion) for 20 days of fasting.

(9) According to Imam Shafi ,During fast,it is not allowed to do Miswaak after Noon and it is MAkrooh.And according to Imam Abu Hanifait is permissible to do Miswaak anytime even after Noon and it is one of the sunnah of Wudhu(Ablution).

(10) Namaaz,Sajdah etc is performed by Angels,humanbeings and every Makhlook but Fasting is the only Ibaadat for Humanbeings which is not Fardh on any Makhlook,not even on Angels and Jinns.

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Ramadan is a month of countless blessings and virtues. The word Ramadhaan is derived from "ramdh' which means "burning of the feet from heat" This is because of the fast, which burns the sins of a Muslim into ashes.

Ramadhaan has been given the name of blessed month because:

1. In this month, the whole Qur'aan was sent down to the first sky from Lawhe Mahfooz.
2. In this month, there is the night of Qadr which is better than 1000 months.
3. In this month, the thawaab of good deed is equal to the fardh of another month.
4. This is the month of patience and the reward of this patience is Jannah.
5. This month teaches the lesson of kindness towards others.
6. In this month, the daily-bread of Muslims is increased.
7. In this month, the first ten days are of mercy, second ten days are of forgiveness and the last ten days are of being freed from Hell.
8. The month of Ramadhaan is a month in which the Mercy and Blessings of Allah Ta'ala descend upon us continuously.

This month is so precious that one should fast, recite Qur'aan and keep himself engaged in worship (Ibaadah) day night. One should perform Taraaweeh, Nafl Salaat, make du'aa, etc. In this way, by giving preference to religion over self-desires, a person can acquire the Pleasure and Nearness of Allah. Each day and night of this blessed month can bring the reward of Ibaadah of years.

RAMADHAAN IN THE LIGHT OF AHAADEETH

Ka'b Ibne 'Ujrah radhiyallahu anhu relates that the Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam said, "Come near the pulpit," and we came near the pulpit. When he ascended the first step of the pulpit, he said, "Aameen." When he ascended the second step, he said, "Aameen." When he ascended the third step, he said, "Aameen." When he descended, we said, "O Prophet of Allah sallallahu alayhi wasallam, we have heard from you today something which we never heard before." He said, "When I ascended the first step, jibra'eel appeared before me and said, 'Woe to him who found the blessed month of Ramadhaan and let it pass by without gaining forgiveness.' Upon that I said: Aameen. When I ascended the second step, he said, 'Woe to him before whom your name is mentioned and he does not read Durood (Salaat) on you. 'I replied: Aameen. When I ascended the third step he said, 'Woe to him in whose presence his parents or either one of them attains old age, and (through failure to serve them) he is not allowed to enter Paradise.' I said: Aameen." (Bukhaari)

Salmaan radhiyallahu anhu relates that Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam said, "Ramadhaan is a blessed month. In this month is a night better than a 1000 months. Fasting has been made compulsory and Taraaweeh Sunnah. Whosoever tries drawing nearer to Allah by performing any virtuous deed in this month, for him shall be such reward as if he had performed a 'Fardh' in any other time of the year. And whoever performs a 'Fardh' for him shall be the reward of seventy 'Fardh' in any other time of the year. This is indeed the month of patience, and the reward for patience is Paradise; it is the month of sympathy with one's fellowmen; this is the month wherein a true believer's Rizq is increased." Bayhaqi

In this month the doors of Paradise are opened and the doors of hell are closed. And the Shayaateen are chained. Bukhaari, Muslim

This is a month, the first part of which brings Allah's Mercy, the middle of which brings His forgiveness and the last part of which brings emancipation from the fire of Hell. Bayhaqi

During each day and night of this month, Allah sets free a great number of souls from Hell. And for every Muslim during each day and night, at least one prayer is certainly accepted. (Bazzaa)

In this month, the Ummah of Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam are given these things specially.

1. The smell from the mouth of a fasting person is more sweeter in the sight of Allah than the fragrant smell of musk.
2. On their behalf the fish in the sea seek forgiveness until they break their fast.
3. For them, paradise is decorated everyday.
4. For them, the evil minded shaytaan is chained.
5. On the last night of Ramadhaan they are forgiven.

THINGS TO DO IN THIS MONTH

Four things have been instructed in the Hadeeth which one should continue to practice in abundance:

1. Recite the Kalimah Tayyibah.
2. Make Istighfaar.
3. Ask for Jannah.
4. Seek refuge in Allah from Hell.

In this month one should fast, perform all Salaat with congregation, engage in recitation of the Qur'aan, perform Taraaweeh, give charity and do whatever is possible to acquire the Pleasure of Allah. One should make sure that he does not do anything contrary to the Command of Allah and the teachings of His beloved Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam.

FASTING

In Ramadhaan, Allah has made fasting compulsory. It is one of the five pillars of Islaam. Just like the flower which outsmarts other flowers in its smell and colour, and like the fruit which surpasses the other fruits in its taste, the Ibaadah of fasting outweighs the other forms of devotions in reward. A person gives up everything whilst fasting, only to please his Almighty Creator. It is one of the most accepted forms of Ibaadah, because Allah Himself will give the reward for fasting.

SEHRI

Allah and His Angels send Mercy upon those who eat Sehri. Allah has made Sehri full of mercy and blessings. People of other religions also fast, but they do not eat Sehri, therefore, to differ from them, it is advisable to have at least a sip of water with the intention of Sehri

IFTAAR

Many virtues have been narrated for those who feed others when breaking fast. A person who feeds another who fasted in order to break the fast (at sunset), for him there shall be forgiveness and emancipation from the fire of Hell. Allah grants the same reward to him who gives a fasting person a mere date or a drink of water to break his fast.

TARAWEEH

In Ramadhaan, Allah has made w0 Rak'at Taraaweeh Sunnah. It is also Sunnah to complete the full Qur'aan in Taraaweeh. Taraaweeh is Sunnah for women too.

LAYLATUL QADR

This is a night of great blessings. It is better than a thousand months. The people of the past had very long lives compared to the much shorter lives of this Ummah. If this Ummah then wished to compete with them in doing of the good deeds, it would mean that because of the shorter lives it would be impossible for this Ummah to either emulate or surpass them. For this reason, Allah in His Infinite Mercy granted this Ummah, this night of great blessing. This night has great virtues i.e.

1. The Qur'aan was revealed in this night.
2. The reward of worship in this night is better than the reward of 1,000 months.
3. On this night, Jibraeel descends to the earth with a group of angels, reciting salaam and praying for the blessings for those they see in Worship and Praises Allah.
4. This is a night of peace. The blessings and mercy descends right until the break of day.

The author of Mazahir-e-Haqq states the following significance and virtues of this auspicious night:

* On this night, the angles were created.
* On this night, the matter from which Adam alayhis salaam was created had been collected.
* On this night, Jannah and Jahannan were created.
* On this night, 'Eesaa alayhis salaam was raised up bodily into the heavens.
* On this night, the repentance of Banoo Israa'eel was accepted.
* It is stated in a Hadeeth: "Whosoever stands in Ibaadah on this night with sincere faith and with genuine hopes of gaining reward, his previous sins will be forgiven." Bukhaari, Muslim

WHICH NIGHT IS LAYLATUL QADR

There is a difference of opinion amongst the Ulamaa about this night. According to the vast majority of them, the Laylatul Qadr falls on the odd dates of the last ten days of the month of Ramadhaan - i.e. 21, 23, 25, 27, 29. However, one should strive to search for this great night in all nights of the month of Ramadhaan, particularly in the last ten nights.

I'TIKAAF

It was the general practice of Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam to perform I'tikaaf in the last ten days of Ramadhaan. The women should also try to perform I'tikaaf in their homes. It is stated in a Hadeeth: Whoever performs I'tikaaf in the final ten days of Ramadhaan, for him is the reward of Hajj and Umrah.

Muslims are encouraged to fast six days in Shawwal, the month following Ramadan that begins after Eid ul-Fitr; these days need not be consecutive. According to hadith, one who fasts the month of Ramadan and six days during Shawaal will be rewarded as though he fasted the entire year.

Days to Remember in Ramadhaan-ul- Mubarak

· 1st Ramadhaan: Birth Date of "Sheikh Abdul Qaadir Jilani Ghous-e-Azam" in Baghdad Shareef.

· 3rd Ramadhaan: Death anniversary of "Khatoon-e-Jannat Fatima Zahra" in Medina Munawwarah.

· 10th Ramadhaan: Death anniversary of "Hazrat Khadija- tul- Kubra ".

· 13th Ramadhaan: Death anniversary of "Hazrat Sirri Saqti" in Baghdad Shareef.

· 14th Ramadhaan: Death anniversary of "Hazrat Sayed Shah Ale Hamza Rehmatullahi tala aleh" in Mahrerah Shareef.

· 16th Ramadhaan: Death anniversary of "Hazrat Syed Shah Ale Muhammad Rehmatullahi tala aleh" in Mahrerah Shareef.

· 17th Ramadhaan: Death anniversary of "Sayyida Aisha Siddiqua" in Medina Munawwarah.

· 17th Ramadhaan: Shuhada -e-Badar.

· 21st Ramadhaan: Death anniversary (Shahadat) of "Hazrat Ali Murtuza" in Najf (Iraq).

· 21st Ramadhaan: Death anniversary of "Imam Ali bin Musa Raza" in Baghdad Shareef.

· 27th Ramadhaan: Expected Laylatul Qadr.

ITEKAF & NIGHT OF POWERS

 I'TIKAF

Itikaf is a form of worship. It is formed by staying in a Mosque for a certain time. It is Ehtiyat that one should stay with the intention to worship Allah by praying formal or informal prayers although prayer is not a condition therein.
The time for this form of worship could be anytime when one is allowed to fast. The best time is the month of Ramadan, especially, the last ten days.
Conditions for I'tikaf during Ramadhan:
1. Intention as in the rest of the worship acts. It is necessary that the intention be made at the beginning of Itikaf so that the rule, requiring the worship act to be completed with intention, be followed thoroughly from the beginning to the end. The decision made at the beginning of the night to start Itikaf from the beginning of the following day will be open to objection. However, if one decides to start it from the beginning of the night it is not an offense to do so.
One is not allowed to change one's mind from one Itikaf to another of the same qualities or different.
2. Belief in Islam.
3. Freedom from mental illness.
4. Fasting; thus the Itikaf of one who cannot fast for some reason is not valid.
5. Duration; which is three continuous days at least. It could be more but not less than three days.
If it is started from the beginning of a day the two nights in between will be part of the duration. Less than three days is not considered Itikaf.
That it must take place in one of these Mosques: (a) The holy Mosque in Makkah, (b) the holy Mosque of the Prophet in Medina, (c) the holy Mosque of Kufa, (d) the holy Mosque of Basrah, and (e) the Mosque which is assigned for the Friday prayer in any town or city. It is Ehtiyat, however, to complete it in any of the first four Mosques.
The roof and basement of a Mosque is part of the same and it is valid to complete Etikaf in such places of a Mosque.
Permission of the people whose permission are required such as the master for the slave, husband and parents for the wife and children if this will be against the right of the husband or causes trouble to the parents.
6. Completing it in the Mosque where it was started. Thus, going out of the Mosque without an acceptable reason will invalidate the Itikaf, regardless, one knows the rule or is ignorant or has gone out because of forgetfulness, except in the case of an emergency or one being forced or it is because of some need such as using wash room or having Taharat.
One is allowed to come out of the Mosque during Itikaf to take part in the burial of a deceased or to visit an ailing one; Going out of the Mosque for a time long enough to cause the Itikaf to become as non-existing will be considered as invalidating the same, even if one has not done it out of one's own choice.
If one needs to have Ghusl/bath during the Itikaf and it is possible for him to have it inside the Mosque, and is not allowed to go out unless the reason for Ghusl requires him not to stay inside the Mosque.
Etikaf is originally an optional worship act but it may become obligatory because of a vow etc.
Things to avoid during Itikaf:
1. Having sexwith Wife.
2. According to a necessary Ehtiyat causing a semen discharge,
3. And smelling perfumes for enjoyment; it is not an offense if one cannot enjoy the perfume because of some defect in his smelling ability.
4. Selling or buying in the form of a business deal, according to a necessary Ehtiyat; there is no offense to be occupied with allowable activities as sewing or writing etc., although it is a Mustahab Ehtiyat to avoid them too.
If one needs to buy something for food and there is no one to do the buying for him, it is not an offence for him to do it.
5. Expressing bitterness in talking about worldly or religious matters in order to prove one's ability, not the truth which is one of the best worships.
The contracts of buying or selling during Itikaf invalidate Itikaf, but such contracts will be valid.
If Itikaf is invalidated because of having sex even, during the night, expiation will be due; if it is invalidated by other things, there will be no expiation, although it is a Mustahab Ehtiyat in this case too.
The expiation for invalidating an Itikaf is to set free a slave or if this is not possible, fast for two consecutive months or if this also is not possible, feed sixty poor people.

 LAYLATUL QADR

In order to answer this, let us define what the word 'PREPARE' means? Simply, put it means to make ready or fit, to bring into a suitable state, to make one ready for, e.g. when we want to prepare a meal, or go out for an event, we must have a GOAL in mind.
As in what is my end result, the final dish or my final destination where I wish to end up. And as per the subject under discussion i.e. "Preparing for Laylatul Qadr" our GOAL is to take full benefit/make full use of the BOUNTIES and RAHMA that Allah (SWT) bestows opens us in this night of LAYLATUL QADR.

It is important that we first understand the significance of LAYLATUL QADR in order that we know what sort of 'ingredients' are required for our preparation to reach the Ultimate Goal which is earning the pleasure of Allah (SWT).

How should we observe Laylat al-Qadr and when is it ?

Praise be to Allaah.
Firstly:
The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to strive hard in worship during the last ten days of Ramadaan as he never did at any other time, praying, reading Qur’aan and making du’aa’. Al-Bukhaari and Muslim narrated from ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) that when the last ten days of Ramadaan came, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) would stay up at night and would wake his family up, and would abstain from marital relations. Ahmad and Muslim narrated that he used to used to strive hard in worship during the last ten days of Ramadaan as he never did at any other time.
Secondly:
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) enjoined staying up and praying on Laylat al-Qadr out of faith and in the hope of reward. It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever stays up and prays on Laylat al-Qadr out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” Agreed upon. This hadeeth indicates that it is prescribed to observe Laylat al-Qadr by spending the night in prayer.
Thirdly:
One of the best du’aa’s that may be recited on Laylat al-Qadr is that which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) taught to ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her). Al-Tirmidhi narrated, and classed the report as saheeh, that ‘Aa’ishah said: “I said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah, if I know which night is Laylat al-Qadr, what should I say on that night?’ He said, ‘Say: Allaahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibb al-‘afwa fa’affu ‘anni (O Allaah, You are forgiving and You love forgiveness, so forgive me).”
Fourthly:
With regard to specifying which night of Ramadaan is Laylat al-Qadr, this needs specific evidence, but the odd-numbered nights during the last ten nights are more likely than others, and the night of the twenty-seventh is the most likely to be Laylat al-Qadr, because that is mentioned in the ahaadeeth.
Fifthly:
With regard to innovations, they are not permissible during Ramadaan or at other times. It was proven that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever innovates anything in this matter of ours that is not part of it will have it rejected.” According to another report, “Whoever does any action that is not part of this matter of ours will have it rejected.”
We know of no basis for the celebrations that are held during some nights of Ramadaan. The best of guidance is the guidance of Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and the worst of matters are those which are innovated (bid’ah).
And Allaah is the Source of strength. May Allaah send blessings and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad and his family and companions.
Standing Committee for Academic Research and Issuing Fatwas , 10/413

 

 RAMADAN DUA's

    DUA OF SEHRI

 




DUA OF IFTARI

DUA FOR 3 ASHRA

DUA FOR TIRAWI

Ramadan Supplications (Dua / Duaen)

Below are a beautiful collection of duas for Ramadan in particular, also, the article contains the Nwafil and Wazaif for Laila’t-al-Qadr in urdu.
This article contains: Dua for Having Seen Ramadan Crescent, Sehr and Aftar Dua’s, First Ashra Dua, Second Ashra Dua, Third Ashra Dua, Nwafil & Wazaif for Lailat-al-Qadr, Miscellaneous Duas

I hope this is helpful to you.

Dua for Having Seen Ramadan Crescent:

Miscellaneous Dua’s:

Translation: Our Lord! Grant us good in this world and good in the life to come and keep us safe from the torment of the Fire (2:201)

Translation: Our Lord! Bestow on us endurance and make our foothold sure and give us help against those who reject faith. (2:250)

Translation: Our Lord! Take us not to task if we forget or fall into error. (2:286)

Translation: Our Lord! Place us not among the people who have been guilty of evildoing. (7:47)

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·  What can a women on her menses do during Ramadan?


Almighty Allah has made it easy for women during her menses and NOT difficult for women are still able to get the same rewards as men whilst they are in their menses. The good deed accounts don't stop when menstruation begins for the angels are continuing to write rewards down and women can still keep up with men in regards to good deeds.

It is only shaythan who is wanting to confuse a women on her menses and make her feel that she cannot do any good whilst in that state in order that she stops from doing any good acts. Therefore one must disregard the evil whispers of our eternal enemy Satan and continue to do good actions in order to please Allah.

Here are 7 good deeds women can do whilst on their menses during Ramadan and throughout the year:

1. Listen to Qur'an recitation: Almighty Allah knows your intention so if you are wanting to recite the Qur'an but are not able to then by listening to recitation you are still able to gain the abundant rewards just as one who recites it as Allah knows your intentions and your eagerness to earn rewards from reciting the Qur'an and he will reward you accordingly as he is the most generous and loves to reward his slaves.

2. Doing Dhikr of Allah: You can do ANY dhikr of Allah during menses for dhikr of Allah is the BEST of all deeds and this is a way of gaining COUNTLESS rewards. Here are some VERY rewarding dhikr you can do:



3. Make dua: You can make as much dua as you want day and night which can include ANY dua from the Qur'an as long as it is meant as a dua and not as tilawat of Qur'an. This will enable one to continue to build a strong and close relationship with Allah and one can still repent and ask for his mercy, forgiveness and anything one desires.

Narrated ‘Ubaadah that the Messenger of Allah said, “Whoever seeks forgiveness for the believing men and believing women, Allah will write for him a good deed for EACH believing man and believing woman.” (Tabarrani)

Subhanallah this deed can be done in EVERY dua and can you imagine how many rewards can be gained for each and every Muslim you make dua for from Adam (As) until now and the last Muslim on earth. This is the easiest way to earn rewards that go into the billions and the more you make these dua's then the more your good deed account wil get filled!

Every night in the last ten nights the following dua should be recited abundantly:

Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, said: I asked the Messenger of Allah (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallim):: 'O Messenger of Allah, if I know what night is the night of Qadr, what should I say during it?' He said: 'Say: "Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'annee"

O Allah, You are pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.' " (Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and Tirmidhi).


4. Read Islamic literature and dua books: You can read any Islamic literature and dua books even if it has some ayah's of the Qur'an. This will enable one to continue to be able to gain knowledge and act upon it.

5. Serve your parents: A man once asked the Prophet Muhammad (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallim):

"'Should I join the jihad?' He asked, 'Do you have parents?' The man said, 'Yes!' The Prophet (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallim) said, 'Then strive by serving them!'" (Sahih Al-Bukhari, No. 5972)

Therefore serving one's parents is even better than jihad so serve your parents as much as you can and gain rewards you can NEVER imagine!

6. Give dawah: You can give dawah to Muslim and non Muslim as the speech of the da'ee is the best of all speeches.

"And who is better in speech than he who invites to Allah and does righteous deeds, and says: 'I am one of the Muslims.'" [al-Qur'aan, Fussilat(41):33]

7. Sadaqa: You can still give to charity and also do any good act which can be a sadaqa jariya for you which means that it can be a continuous reward like doing a charitable act or forwarding a ayah of the Qur'an, hadith or a beneficial article by text, e mail etc

Hope this helped and make the best of these remaining few days and do not let shaythan confuse you or make you feel inferior in good deeds because you are on your menses for this is a way of him stopping you from pleasing Allah. Please remember me in your dua's to.

And Allah knows best in all matters

The following is a more detailed explanation in regards to rules concerning post-natal bleeding (nifas) and haid taken from (From The Basic Fiqh of Menstruation) :

1. The woman who is in haid or post-natal bleeding (nifas) and bathing is wajib on her, then it is not permissible for her to enter a mosque, to make tawaaf of the Ka'bah, to read the Quran or to touch it. However, if the Quran is in a casing, or wrapped in a cloth, or covered with a cloth jacket which is not stitched to the Quran and which can be removed; then in such a case, the Quran could be touched and could also be carried.

2. The person who does not have wudu, even he cannot touch the Quran. However, he could recite it out of memory.

3. Touching a coin, saucer, amulet (ta'wiz), etc. on which some Quranic verse is written is also not permissible for the above mentioned persons. However, if these things are kept in a packet or container, it is permissible to carry that packet or container.

4. It is not permissible to hold or carry the Quran with the sleeve of the kurta or the edge of a scarf. However, if it is a cloth that is not attached to the body, it will be permissible to carry it with that cloth.

5. It is permissible to read a word from a verse (ayat) or half a verse. However, that half verse should not equal any full verse in length.

6. If the entire Surah Fatihah is recited with the intention of dua, or if any other duas in the Quran are recited with the intention of dua and not with the intention of tilaawat (recitation); then it will be permissible and there is no sin in this. For example, the dua:

"Rabbana aatina fid dunya hasanataw wa fil aakhirati hasanataw wa qinaa adhaaban naar."

and the dua:

" "Rabbana la tu'aakhidhna in naseena aw akhta'naa... till the end which is towards the end of Surah Baqarah or any other dua which is in the Quran. It will be permissible to read all such verses with the intention of dua.

7. It is also permissible to read Dua-e-Qunoot. (the dua which is read in Witr prayer).

8. If a woman is teaching the Quran to girls, then in such a case it will be permissible for her to spell out the words. When she is teaching them to read with fluency, she should not recite the entire verse, but should read one or two words at a time and after every word or two, she should break her breath. She should teach them to read fluently by stopping regularly.

9. It is permissible to read the kalimah, durood, to take the name of Allah, to read istighfaar (repentance), or any other remembrance (dhikr) such as:

"La hawla wa la quwwata illa billahi al-aliyyil azeem."

10. In the period of haid, it is mustahab for a woman to make wudu at the time of prayer, to sit in a clean place and take the name of Allah Ta'ala so that she does not forget the habit of offering her prayer, and when she gets pure she is not reluctant to offer her prayer.

(From The Basic Fiqh of Menstruation)

It's known that during the period women can't pray, touch qur'an and other duties. But sure they can say any blessing verbally (subhan allah- alhamdulelah- allah akbar- la elah ella allah- etc).

Better to ask Shaikh for more details.

Good luck

(If you pray, touch qur'an, and perform other duties during the period, you're going to hell, especially if you don't ask Shaikh for more details.)
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During menstruation, Only DUA is allowed, I mean you only ask DUA to GOD, but not able to perform NAMAZ or Reading Quran, untill you finally take Bath.

(If you perform NAMAZ or reading Quran before taking a bath, you're going to hell.)
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A woman always can make dua, but when menstruating she cannot perform salat. That's also something to be thankful about, because I always feel horrible when I'm menstruating...

(If you perform salat when menstruating, you're going to hell.)
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yes we can make dua in our hearts , but we cant pray

(If we pray, we are going to hell.)

Of course during menstruation a woman can make a dua and also hold or bring a Qur'an as it is stated in hadits of Muhammad pbuh. But a woman could not recite/read Qur'an and make shalat during her monthly period. If she has finished her menstruation and has taken a bath, she should make mandatory shalat and sunnah shalat and also read Qur'an. She can make a zikkir such as say Allahu akbar, subhanallah, alhamdulillah and laillah ha ilallah while she is in her menstruation. But it is better if the zikkir is not saying while you enter or going in and going out of the toilet. Going into a toilet you better say audzubillah hi minasyaitaniroziim while you step in first with the left leg and when you are going out of toilet you say alhamdulillah while you step out first with right leg.
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CAUTION! If you menstruating women get your legs mixed up when stepping in or stepping out of the toilet, you're going to hell.

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Can someone please clarify what we are allowed to do when we are menstruating?  I know we cant offer Salaah or fast, but what can we do in terms of worshipping Allah?  Can we still offer supplication, tasbeeh, read the Quran?  Also, where can we NOT enter when we are menstruating?  Clarfication is urgently needed.  Thanks.  

One more thing that Im not clear of.  We arent supposed to touch the verses of the Quran without wudhu, does this apply to supplication books as well? I need clarification on this as well?

You can still do dhikr, sis, and pray (make dua). If you read more than 7 verses of the Quran, there is less reward in it. You're not prohibited from reading it.

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It is Makrooh for a haaez to read the holy Qur'an, or keep it with herself, or touch with any part of her body the space between its lines. It is also Makrooh for her to dye her hair with "henna" or any other thing like it.

Makrooh meaning less reward, not displeasing to Allah (swt).

In addition to not touching the words of the Quran, I expect you can't touch words like Allah (swt) and the names of the Holy Prophets, ayat that appear in other forms (whether it's supplication or another text).

You can't enter prayer areas (like the spots designated for salat)

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Prayers and other similar acts of worship for which Wudhu or tayammum or Ghusl is necessary. However, there is no harm in her performing those acts of worship for which Wudhu, tayammum or Ghusl are not obligatory (e.g. Namaz-e-Mayyit).
* All those acts which are forbidden to a junub (see rule no. 361).
* Having sexual intercourse; it is Haraam for man as well as for woman even if only the penis glans may penetrate, and even if semen may not be discharged. In fact, the obligatory precaution is that the male should refrain from insertion even to an extent lesser than the point of circumcision. Anal intercourse with the wife is forbidden regardless of whether she is in Hayz or not.