A Poem on Ramadhan that is worth reading and understanding

Ramadhan… The most important month of the Islamic year,
You shouldn't just let it pass; u should always have fear,
Adhere to The Qur'an and Sunnah, which is absolutely clear,

You never know, there may not be another,
So make the most of this blessed month,
Keep all your fasts, read Qur'an and encourage your fellow brother,
Spend time with family, especially suhoor and iftaar,
Capture these precious moments,
As many people would want to be where you are,
Don't complain about the things that you may not have,
But be thankful to Allah for what you have,
Eat as much as to fulfill your hunger but don't overload and be too greedy,
Instead go out there and give to the needy,
This Holy month is one of the most important pillars of Islam,
Stay strong during this time and remain calm.
Steer yourself away from temptations or going astray,
Stand strong in your faith, praying Salaat five times a day,
At times you may find it hard, but the struggles you go through are all a test,
If you work to your peek to acquire what is best, Allah will make it
easier for you in this quest.
It's the time to ask for forgiveness and wash away your sins
Become like a new born baby and have a new life that begins
Outweigh your bad deeds with your good,
Make sure you take in knowledge from others and nothing is misunderstood,
During this time the gates of heavens are opened and the gates of
hellfire closed,
Don't delay brothers and sisters, take advantage before your sins are exposed,
Alhumdulilah, Masha'Allah, do everything in the name of your Lord,
Thinking of the Hereafter and your reward.

Reference: http://writers.oneummah.net/content/view/646/12/

The Likeness of Ramadan and Prophet Yusuf (PBUH)

“The month of Ramadan to the other months is like Yusuf to his brothers. So, just like Yusuf(PBUH) was the most beloved son to Ya’qub(PBUH), Ramadan is the most beloved month to Allah.

A nice point for the nation of Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم) to ponder over is that if Yusuf had the mercy and compassion to say {“There is no reproach for you today…”} [Yusuf; 92], Ramadan is the month of mercy, blessing, goodness, salvation from the Fire, and Forgiveness from the King that exceeds that of all the other months and what can be gained from their days and nights.

Another nice point to think about is that Yusuf’s brothers came to rely on him to fix their mistakes after all those they had made. So, he met them with kindness and helped them out, and he fed them while they were hungry and allowed them to return, and he told his servants: “Carry their belongings with you so that they don’t lose them.” So, one person filled the gaps of eleven others, and the month of Ramadan is likewise one month that fills the gaps of our actions over the other eleven months. Imagine the gaps and shortcoming and deficiency we have in obeying Allah!

We hope that in Ramadan, we are able to make up for our shortcomings in the other months, to rectify our mistakes, and to cap it off with happiness and firmness on the Rope of the Forgiving King.

Another point is that Ya’qub had eleven sons who were living with him and whose actions he would see at all times, and his eyesight did not return because of any of their clothing. Instead, it returned due to Yusuf’s shirt. His eyesight came back strong, and he himself became strong after he was weak, and seeing after he was blind. Likewise, if the sinner smells the scents of Ramadan, sits with those who remind him of Allah, recites the Qur’an, befriends on the condition of Islam and faith, and avoids backbiting and vain talk, he will (by Allah’s Will) become forgiven after he was a sinner, he will become close after he was far, he will be able to see with his heart after it was blind, his presence will be met with happiness after it was met with repulsion, he will be met with mercy after he was met with disdain, he will be provided for without limit or effort on his part, he will be guided for his entire life, he will have his soul dragged out with ease and smoothness when he dies, he will be blessed with Forgiveness when he meets Allah, and he will be granted the best levels in the Gardens of Paradise.

So, by Allah, take advantage of this greatness during these few days and you will soon see abundant blessing, high levels of reward, and a very long period of rest and relaxation by the Will of Allah.

By Allah, this is the true relaxation…”

['Bustan al-Wa'idhin wa Riyad as-Sami'in'; p. 213-214]

Reference: http://iskandrani.wordpress.com/2008/08/25/the-likeness-of-ramadan-and-prophet-yusuf/

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PBUH - Peace and blessing of ALLAH be upon him

Prophet Ya’qub (PBUH), known in the Bible as Jacob

Prophet Yusuf (PBUH), known in the Bible as Joseph

Forgiveness in Islam

- by Dr. Shahid Athar

Allah (swt),who named Himself Ar-Rahman (The Beneficent) and Ar-Rahim (The Merciful) is also Al-Ghafoor (The Forgiving).  His Mercy overtakes His punishment and anger.  He is more merciful to His creations than a mother can be to her infants.

He created "man with weakness"; thus He knows and we should know that "to err is human," and "no one is perfect."

Iblis (Satan), the cursed one, out of envy to Adam, has promised to himself "to attack children of Adam on their way to their journey toward God, so that those who fall prey to his attack will also have the same fate as himself (I'll take you down with me!).  So he says, "I'll attack men from the front, behind and sides."  (7:17)  This means he will disguise himself as our friend, as our opponent, and side distractions of the world.  He will then make us do wrong by presenting evil as good (poison candy in a nice wrapper), making us angry, jealous, envious, just "follow-the-leader" type, and we wrong ourselves and fall prey to his temptation. 

Iblis and his followers have a feast of joy and laugh at man's foolishness, until the man realizes his mistakes, repents and asks for forgiveness and he is forgiven, and then Iblis cries again.

Giving up Hope of the Mercy of Allah is a Crime in Itself

"Say:  'O my Servants who have transgressed against their souls!  Despair not of the Mercy of God:  for God forgives all sins (except shirk):  for He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.'"  (39:53)

"And it is He who accepts repentance from His servants and pardons the evil deed and knows what you do."  (42:25)

In order for forgiveness to be accepted, these conditions should be met:  (1) The crime is committed out of ignorance, not with the intention that, "Let us go ahead and commit this crime as Allah is forgiving, so He will forgive us."; (2) quickly turn into shame and repentance after committing a crime out of ignorance; (3) After asking for forgiveness, make a promise or pledge to "mend his ways", and to stick to his promise.  Let us examine verses of Quran.

"...if any of you did evil in ignorance, and thereafter repented and amended (your conduct), lo! Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."  (6:54)

"Forgiveness is only incumbent on Allah towards those who do evil out of ignorance and then turn quickly (in repentance) to Allah.  Toward them will Allah turn in mercy; for Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom."  (4:17)

"Forgiveness is not for those who do ill until death faces one of them, who then says, 'Lo!  I repent now, nor for those who die as disbelievers, for such was have prepared a painful doom.'"  (4:18)

IS ANY CRIME OR TOO MANY CRIMES TOO BIG TO BE FORGIVEN?

Let us examine two Hadith.

1)  Hadith Qudsi:

Allah, the Almighty, has said:  O Son of Adam, so long as you call upon Me and ask of Me, I shall forgive you for what you have done, and I shall not mind.  O Son of Adam, were your sins to reach the clouds of the sky and were you then to ask forgiveness of Me, I would forgive you.  O Son of Adam, were you to come to Me with sins as great as the earth, and were you then to face Me ascribing no partners to Me, I would bring you forgiveness nearly as great as it.

2) Prophet (SW) has said:

 A certain person had committed 99 murders.  He went to a scholar and asked, is there any chance of my being forgiven?  The scholar said no, you have committed too many    crimes.  The man killed the scholar too, but his heart was restless, so he went to another scholar and asked the same question.  He was told yes, but you must leave this town of bad people and go live in the next town in the company of good people. 

 

So the man set out to the town he was told to go to.  On the way he died.  A man passing by saw two angels arguing over his dead body.  The Angel from Hell said, 'His body belongs to me as he had not done any good in his life.'  The Angel from Heaven said, 'His body belongs to me as he had repented and was set out to be with good people.'  The man who was the passer-by said, 'Let us measure the distance of his body from the town he left and the town he was going to.'

This was done.  He was found to be nearer to the town he was going to.  In another version, the earth was ordered by Allah to shrink and make the distance smaller, so that he was admitted to Heaven.

How does Allah forgive us?

When we commit a sin, four (4) witnesses are established against us.

a)         The place we did the crime (i.e., scene of the murder).

"On that day, the earth will reveal all its secrets."  (99:4)

b)         The organ we used to commit the crime. 

"When their ears, their eyes, their skin will testify against them."  (41:21)

"That day we seal up mouths, and hands speak out and feet bear witness to all that they did."  (36:65)

c)         The Angels who record the deeds (Kiraman Katebeen).

"The honored writers know what you do."  (82:11)

d)         "We record that which they send before them, and their footprints,

and all things we have kept in a clear register."  (36:12)

         Now, with four such strong witnesses, how can we present ourselves to Allah?  So He (the Al-Wakeel--the Defender), like a smart lawyer, removes all the witnesses against those whose repentance has been accepted, so that we present ourselves with a clean record.  Case dissolved due to lack of witnesses.

        Hadith is like this.  "When Allah accepts repentance and forgives His servant, then recording angels erase their records, organs lose their memories, and earth removes its stains of evidence so that when that person appears before Allah, there is no one to be a witness against him.  Subhan Allah.

How to Ask for Forgiveness

When Adam and Eve realized they had done wrong but did not know how to ask for forgiveness:

Then learnt Adam from his Lord words of forgiveness, and his Lord  turned toward him, for He is Oft-Forgiving and Most Merciful.  (2:37)

What were those words taught to Adam?

They said, "Our Lord, we have wronged our souls and if you forgive us not, and bestow not upon us your mercy, we shall be losers.  (7:23)

How did the Prophet Muhammad (AS) teach Aisha (RA) to ask for forgiveness in Ramadan?

O my Lord, forgive me, because you love to forgive, thus forgive me, O you Merciful!

Remember, asking for forgiveness is not just for our sins, but also for our needs as well.

And I have said!  Seek forgiveness from your Lord.  Lo!  He is oft-forgiving (if you ask for forgiveness).  He will give you plenty of rain, He will give you wealth and sons, and assign you Heaven and Rivers in the Heaven.  (Surah Nuh:10-12)

Thus after repenting and asking for forgiveness, we must mend our ways and not go back to Kufr and fall prey to the tactics of Satan (Iblis) again.  While we expect Allah to be kind and merciful and forgive our major and minor sins, we are unforgiving towards our fellow human beings!

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(Published in the journal "SUFISM" official publication of the International Association of Sufism (www.ias.org) May 2002. Dr Athar's email sathar3624@aol.com and web page www.islam-usa.com)

Reprint Requests:

Shahid Athar, MD
8424 Naab Road
Suite 2D
Indianapolis, IN 46260

Importance of Ramadan

- A short commentary

Ramadan speciality is that in the The Month of Ramadan is also when it is believed the Holy Quran "was sent down from heaven.

Ramadan derives from the Arabic root: ramida or ar-ramad, meaning scorching heat or dryness. Since Muslims are commanded to fast during the month of Ramadan, it is believed that the month's name may refer to the heat of thirst and hunger, or because fasting burns away one's past sins. Muslims believe that God began revealing the Qur'an to the Prophet Muhammad during Ramadan (in the year 610 C.E.). The Qur'an commands: "O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint...Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting..." (Chapter 2, verses 183 and 185). Fasting during Ramadan did not become an obligation for Muslims until 624 C.E., at which point it became the third of the Five Pillars of Islam. The others are faith (Shahadah); prayer (Salah); charitable giving (Zakah); and the pilgrimage to Makkah (Hajj).

Another aspect of Ramadan is that it is believed that one of the last few odd-numbered nights of the month is the Laylat ul-Qadr, the "Night of Power" or "Night of Destiny." It is the holiest night of the holiest month; it is believed to be the night on which God first began revealing the Qur'an to the Prophet Muhammad through the angel Jibril (Gabriel). This is a time for especially fervent and devoted prayer, and the rewards and blessings associated with such are manifold. Muslims are told in the Qur'an that praying throughout this one night is better than a thousand months of prayer. No one knows exactly which night it is; it is one of God's mysteries. Additionally, Muslims are urged to read the entire Qur'an during the month of Ramadan, and its 114 chapters have been divided into 30 equal parts for this purpose.

When the first crescent of the new moon has been officially sighted by a reliable source, the month of Ramadan is declared over, and the month of Shawwal begins. The end of Ramadan is marked by a three-day period known as Eid ul-Fitr, the "Festival of Fast-breaking." It is a joyous time beginning with a special prayer, and accompanied by celebration, socializing, festive meals and sometimes very modest gift-giving, especially to children.

When Ramadan ends, Muslims give charity in a locally prescribed amount, calculated to feed one poor person in that region for one day. This is known as fitra, and is meant as another reminder of the suffering endured by many. Many Muslims also take this occasion to pay the annual alms which are due to the poor and needy, known as Zakah (2.5% of assets).

 During the Fast of Ramadan strict restraints are placed on the daily lives of Muslims. They are not allowed to eat or drink during the daylight hours. At the end of the day the fast is broken with prayer and a meal called the iftar.THe good that is acquired through the fast can be destroyed by five things -

1. the telling of a lie

2. slander

3. denouncing someone behind his back

4. a false oath

5. greed or covetousness

Reference: http://arshad.blogspirit.com/archive/2006/09/24/importance-of-ramadan.html

15 Ways to Make the Most of Ramadan

- Published by Al-Habib Publications

“Whoever fasts the month of Ramadan, recognises its boundaries and safeguards that which he should safeguard will have his previous sins expiated.” (Ibn Hibban)

Allah Most High says, “O you who believe, fasting has been ordained upon you as it was ordained upon those before you so that you become god-fearing” (Qur’an 2:183). We ascertain from this verse that the wisdom behind the fast is attainment of taqwa, which essentially means to refrain from anything that will tarnish one’s relationship with Allah in any way or form.

Unfortunately, Ramadan has become a ritual for many of us, empty of true spirit and essence, and we end up leaving the month of Ramadan the same way we entered it. Hence, it is necessary that we work towards making this Ramadan different to previous Ramadans and achieve the quality of taqwa, making us better Muslims and adherents to the Shari'a. Below are fifteen ways we can employ to gain maximum benefit from Ramadan. Some of them may seem obvious and simple, but more than often, the very basics are our biggest weaknesses.

1. Remove the distractions

If we look at the lives of the pious predecessors and see how they spent Ramadan, we will realise that they used to leave all preoccupations to solely focus themselves on worshipping Allah and exerting themselves in this holy month, to the extent that they would even stop the noble act of imparting Islamic knowledge.

Hence, it is evident how important it is for us to cut out the television, radio, internet, lengthy conversations over the phone, newspapers and magazines, even though their content may be of a lawful nature. All these things, amongst others, only serve to distract us from our goal in Ramadan and burn away precious time that can never be recovered. Talking beyond necessity and needless socialising with friends and colleagues should be avoided too. This is going to be the first step towards making the most of Ramadan and will definitely help the other pieces of the jigsaw come into place.

2. Educate yourself about Ramadan

Learn the legal rulings of Ramadan and the fast (i.e. the obligations of fasting, that which invalidates the fast or renders it makruh (reprehensible) etc.), to ensure that one does not do anything contrary to the teachings of the Shari'a, a situation that can easily be avoided by educating oneself properly beforehand. Likewise, read books detailing the virtues of Ramadan and performing various good deeds therein. Insha-Allah, this will help one understand and appreciate the message of Ramadan and encourage one to work acts of righteousness throughout the month.

3. Kicking out the bad old habits

With the dawn of Ramadan, the atmosphere almost instantly becomes vibrant with the colour of iman (faith) and good deeds, and a Muslim finds himself surrounded by things to aid his journey towards Allah the Almighty. This is the perfect time to kick out those bad habits, which have probably hindered a person’s spiritual progress during the previous eleven months.

Ramadan brings one’s defects to the surface and forces a person to admit to weaknesses hitherto unnoticed. Every man is his own best judge; use this opportunity to say goodbye to everything that undermines your Muslim character, such as foul language, backbiting, listening to music, smoking, looking at that which Allah has forbidden, and other detrimental sins. Be honest to yourself and face up to these habits with courage and determination, all the time seeking assistance from Allah against falling into the snares of Satan and the enticement of the lower desires after the month of Ramadan has passed.

The core lesson of Ramadan is purity and control of one’s desires, and this is what we have to aim for in this holy month. The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, “Whoever does not abandon false utterances and practicing upon them [while fasting], Allah cares not that the person abandons his food and drink” (Bukhari). In another narration, he (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, “If someone swears at you or behaves in an ignorant manner with you, say, ‘I am fasting, I am fasting’” (Ibn Khuzaima, Ibn Hibban).

4. Salah

It is much easier for a person to excel in worship during Ramadan, so make full use of this spirit and ensure you perform salah in the masjid with the imam’s takbir and likewise, perform all the sunan and nawafil prayers with each salah. Thirty days of constancy upon this will, insha-Allah, enable one to maintain this even after the passing of the month.

Women while performing their salah at home should be mindful of salah times and should ensure they perform their salah at the correct time, and not let anything preoccupy them from this obligation. It has been noticed that some women become engrossed in preparing food for iftar and id celebrations, losing track of time and thus delaying salah; this should be rectified. Furthermore, if there has previously been a deficiency in performing salah, resolve now to amend this.

5. Recitation of the Qur’an

Ramadan has a unique relationship with the Qur’an, which no other time of the year can parallel. Allah says in the Qur’an, “The month of Ramadan is that wherein the Qur’an was revealed” (Qur’an 2:185). Every year, the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) would revise the Qur’an with Jibril (alayhis salaam) during the month of Ramadan. In light of this, every Muslim should make an effort to increase the recitation of the Qur’an during the holy month and make at least one complete recitation in Ramadan. At the same time, we should make use of this time to seriously contemplate our relationship with the Qur’an and reflect over how much we recite the Qur’an out of Ramadan. Are we in a habit of reciting daily or is it a case of the Qur’an gathering dust from one Ramadan to the next? What effort have we made to ensure our pronunciation of the Qur’an is correct? How zealous are we to understand the meanings of the Qur’an, and learn what the Qur’an commands and prohibits?

6. Charity

Fasting throughout the day naturally makes a person feel compassion and mercy towards the poor and destitute, and encourages one to spend generously on the less fortunate. We also learn that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was extremely generous in the month of Ramadan (Bukhari, Muslim). In another narration, the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said that the best charity is in the month of Ramadan (Tirmidhi). Thus, spend in the path of Allah throughout the month of Ramadan and seek to spend in different avenues of good (zakah, sadaqa, sponsoring an orphan, building a masjid, general charity, providing iftar etc.), expecting reward only from Allah.

7. Earn the reward of more than one fast

Yes, one can earn the reward of more than one fast and it is really quite simple. Zayd bin Khalid Juhani (radhiallahu anhu) narrates that the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, “Whoever feeds a fasting person will receive the same reward as him without the reward of the fasting person being decreased at all” (Tirmidhi). Furthermore, this reward is not only for providing a full meal; the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, “Whoever feeds a fasting person therein (i.e. Ramadan), it will be a means of forgiveness for his sins, freedom from the Hellfire and he will receive the same reward without his (i.e. the fasting person’s) reward being decreased at all.” The Companions (radhiallahu anhum) said, “Not all of us have the means to feed a fasting person.” The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, “Allah grants this reward to one who gives the fasting person a date, a drink of water or a sip of milk” (Ibn Khuzaima). Thus, endeavour to provide whatever you can to those who are fasting, be it a single date, and Allah, out of His infinite and limitless treasures, will grant you their reward too.

8. Supplications at the time of iftar

As the fast approaches its end, it also reaches its pinnacle and Allah’s special mercy is directed towards His servants who lift their hands in supplication unto Him, humbling themselves and expressing their utter indigence towards their Creator and Master. The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said that there are three people whose supplication is not rejected; one of them is the fasting person when he breaks his fast (Ahmad, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah and others).

Many people do not appreciate these invaluable moments and waste them in futile talk, gossip and other useless pursuits. The servant who takes the saying of the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) into consideration will ensure that he turns to Allah in supplication before the time of iftar and will not let such an opportune moment go in vain.

9. Tarawih and Qiyam al-Layl

The tarawih prayers need no introduction to any Muslim, and we all see how the masjids are brimming with people as the Qur’an is melodiously recited; alhamdulillah. However, more than often, our perception of the tarawih prayers is tainted and instead of viewing it as a great act of worship, we consider it a burden. It is not uncommon to hear complaints at the conclusion of the tarawih prayers over how extremely tiring and lengthy the prayers were, and within a week or so into Ramadan, people have already started comparing which masjid has the quickest tarawih prayers.

The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, “Whoever stands (in the night prayer) during Ramadan with faith and expecting reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven” (Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawud and Tirmidhi). It is this “expecting reward” we must keep in mind, so that our tarawih prayers are a means of forgiveness from Allah, as mentioned by the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

And it does not end with the tarawih prayers. Wake up a little early before the pre-dawn meal and perform at least two rak'ats of prayer (qiyam al-layl or tahajjud), placing your needs before Allah Most High and seeking forgiveness from Him.

10. Pre-dawn meal (suhur)

Partaking of the pre-dawn meal is not only a means of providing much-needed strength and energy throughout the the day, but it is also a source of immense reward and blessings. The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, “Partake of the pre-dawn meal, because there is blessing in the pre-dawn meal” (Bukhari, Muslim). In another narration, he (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, “Verily, Allah and His angels confer blessings on those who partake of the pre-dawn meal.” Laziness should not be shown in this regard by eating before going to sleep at night without making the intention of waking up for the pre-dawn meal. Worse still is to do so and sleep through fajr prayers. Furthermore, just as it is a sunna to eat dates for iftar, it is also a sunna to eat dates in the pre-dawn meal. The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, “How excellent are dates as the pre-dawn meal of the believer” (Abu Dawud, Ibn Hibban).

11. Miswak

The miswak (or siwak) is a strongly emphasised sunna of the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), even more so during the month of Ramadan. Amir bin Rabi'a (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) says, “I saw the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) on countless occasions using the siwak whilst he was fasting” (Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud). However, this is one of the sunnas often neglected in Ramadan. One should revive this forgotten sunna and likewise, use this perfect season to learn the other beloved sunnas of the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and follow his complete example.

12. I'tikaf

Whosoever has the opportunity to engage in this great act of worship during the last ten days of Ramadan should do so, for the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) performed i'tikaf of the last ten days of Ramadan until his demise (Bukhari, Muslim). In a narration reported by Ibn Majah, the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said that the person performing i'tikaf receives the reward of the actions he cannot perform due to being secluded in the masjid (such as performing janaza prayers and visiting the ill). It is also a way of ensuring one attains Laylatul Qadr, a night better than a thousand months, which the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) ordered to be sought in the odd nights of the last ten days. Those who cannot perform i'tikaf should at least endeavour to spend as much time as possible in the masjid, or even attend to the needs of and serve those who perform this act of worship.

13. Serving others

Although we must exert ourselves fully in the month of Ramadan, this does not mean that we retire from our responsibilities towards others, especially our parents, families and those in need. In fact, fulfilling these rights in this month will be a means of greater reward from Allah, as it is said, “Through serving others you will find Allah.” The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, “On the Day of Judgment, Allah will say, ‘O son of Adam! I was ill but you did not visit me.’ He [i.e. the servant] will say, ‘How could I have visited you when you are the Lord of the Worlds?’ He will reply, ‘Did you not know that such-and-such servant of mine was ill, but you did not visit him? Did you not know that had you visited him, you would have found me with him?’” (Muslim)

14. Supplications and Dhikr

The doors of mercy are opened in the month of Ramadan, the doors of Hellfire are closed and the devils are chained (Muslim), and Allah accepts supplications in this month (Tabrani). Thus, supplicate unto Allah Most High with humility and conviction of acceptance, because supplication is a powerful weapon in the hands of the believer. Ask Him for His pleasure and entry into Paradise, security from His wrath and Hellfire, for every good in this life and the Hereafter, and for Him to keep you firm and steadfast on the teachings of Islam. Moreover, do not forget to keep a share in your supplications for your Muslim brothers and sisters across the globe and the deceased of the umma of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

Along with supplications, keep yourself occupied with the remembrance of Allah Most High, in particular la ilaha illallah, istighfar (seeking forgiveness) and other forms of dhikr mentioned in the hadiths. In this manner, every second of Ramadan will be appreciated by Allah and become a means of proximity with Him.

15. The spirit of Ramadan in the home

Just as it is a duty upon a Muslim to work upon correcting his or her own relationship with Allah, it is important to ensure that the fruits of Ramadan blossom within the home too. One cannot become so absorbed in one’s own worship without paying attention to what happens within the four walls of one’s home. Thus, parents have an extra responsibility of encouraging their children to recite the Qur’an and worship Allah in this blessed month, and of training them to fast from a young age. The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, “Verily, each of you is a shepherd, and each of you will be questioned [on the Day of Judgment] regarding his sheep” (Bukhari, Muslim).

May Allah enable us all to earn His pleasure and forgiveness, reap the benefits of Ramadan and make that change in our lives we so need. Amin.

© All rights reserved. Compiled under the instruction of Hadhrat Maulana Bahauddin Sayed (hafizahullah) by Javed Iqbal.

Published by Al-Habib Publications
info@alhabibpublications.co.uk

SHURA: The Lost Essense of Islamic Organizations

- By Uwaymir Anjum

The concept of Shura, literally consultation, in the Qur'an is widely misunderstood and underestimated, and worse yet, misapplied or ignored by many Muslim collectivities. Allah the Exalted has commanded Shura not merely as a thing to do, but as a way of life for all forms of Muslim organizations. I use the word collectivity because it applies to all groupings:wherever there are more than one Muslim involved in any decision-making process, there is the domain of Shura, be it a family, a committee, an entire local community, or an entire country or a political arrangement. Let us ponder the oft-quoted verse of the Qur'an about the concept of Shura: "And their affairs are (a matter of) Shura among them." [42:38]

While describing some of the salient attributes of believing Muslims, the Qur'an has described Shura as an attitude as being essential to the constitution of any Muslim gathering.

The misunderstanding or abuse of Shura has deep roots and has had disastrous consequences in our history as well as in contemporary Islamic world. Shura exists nominally, as a committee, like a Shura Council or a Shura Committee or a Majlis Shura, in various Muslim countries today, which are nonetheless horrific examples of autocratic one-man rule, be it monarchies or military dictatorships.The same gloomy and deceptive pattern is repeated, though the problem is less severe and situation perhaps more easily fixable, in Muslim organizations, be they businesses, voluntary organizations or masajid.

The settling of a large number of Muslim immigrants in the Western world during the last few decades has allowed an opportunity to these Muslims to establish, for the first time in centuries, communities and organizations from scratch. The structures of custom, economic and political hierarchies that have long constrained the Muslim communities in the Muslim world have been absent in this new world. Even in the traditionally Muslim countries, the old structures of tradition and custom are increasingly breaking down, sometimes with disastrous consequences, but not without some benefits.

This has brought great opportunities and responsibilities to the Muslims today, particularly in the West.Two features of these immigrant Muslims, particularly in the United States, are undeniable: one, they are among the most qualified and prosperous communities of Muslims anywhere in the world, and two, they, on the whole, are also the most culturally and linguistically diverse community. As a result, the potential for experimentation with new forms and habits of organization and creation of truly participative and consultative, that is, Shura-based, communities and organizations on a local scale, is great.

This great diversity in cultures and ideologies or orientations has, naturally, given rise to conflict, which, when resolved successfully, through proper Shura and sincere dedication, has begun to give birth to improved forms and habits of organization. Such successful Muslim communities in the Unites States, to take an example I am more familiar with, are diverse, participative and egalitarian, and hence active, productive and efficient, in achieving their goals. Of course, the prospects of this success are constantly limited and challenged but at the same time also helped by the non-Muslim host societies.

The threat of assimilation into a non-Muslim and secular culture, of losing the truth of our faith in the struggle to maintain a luxurious life or even to merely survive, is substantial.

We are helped, on the other hand, by being a minority in the West in a number of ways.A common threat unites us and gives us a sense of urgency and mission. Most of us truly come to value Islam after we observe non-Islam more closely. Organizationally, the successful examples of functioning democracies in the West, however imperfect, furnish us with reasons to start looking more closely at our own tradition, at the Message of Allah, to find sources and inspirations for more participative ways of organization. It is in this context that this article hopes to encourage the Muslim communities, the leaders and the followers, the Imams and the rest, members of councils, committees and scholarly bodies, to pay attention to the lost essence of Islamic organizations.

The consequences of autocratic, non-participative and stratified societies and cultures have been devastating in Islamic history.We observe this problem in all aspects of Muslim societies: parents and particularly fathers fail to encourage participation and self-esteem in their children, religious leaders fail to eliminate or at least assuage the disparity between themselves and the less advantaged masses, Sufi Shaikhs demand absolute and unthinking obedience from their followers, and worst of all, political leaders act as opportunists and autocrats thus creating desperation, and passivity or violent reaction in the societies. Shura, therefore, is an attitude and a way of life in Islam whose proper understanding holds the key to solving our most pressing problems as the Muslim ummah.

Taken from Al-Jumuah Magazine (All rights belong to the Magazine)

Outside, In: From Public School to Home-school

- By Sakina Binti Erik Marx

As parents, we worry about many things for our children. Their health, social skills, and provision are of great concern to us.

However, the greatest concern which plays into many of our decisions regarding our children is their education. As our children grow, we fantasize about what profession they will work at when they are adults.We make great sacrifices and even relocate to different places around the world to facilitate what we believe is the best way for our children to learn. The concern in the Muslim ummah for education resulted in a world conference in 1977, in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

"The aims and objectives of Islamic education have been defined in the Recommendation of the Committee of the First World Conference on Muslim Education (Makkah, 1977) as:

"Education should aim at the balanced growth of the total personality of man through training of the human spirit, intellect, rational self, feelings and senses. The training imparted to a Muslim must be such that faith is infused into the whole of his/her personality and creates in him/her an emotional attachment to Islam and enables him to follow the Qur'an and Sunnah and be governed by Islamic system of values willingly and joyfully so that he or she may proceed to the realization of his/her status as Khalifatullah to whom God has promised the authority of the universe." "(Dr. Ibrahim B. Syed, Education of Muslim Children: Challenges and Opportunities)

For most Muslim parents around the world, schooling starts with the memorisation of the Qur'an. Then we teach our children what we know until we think it is time they learn from someone else. However, there are a greater and greater number of Muslims worldwide that have taken charge of their children's education. After having had their children in the public schools system, they have become disillusioned and untrusting of the school system's ability to deliver the best education for their children. After having bad experiences of varying types and degrees they have pulled their children from public schools to take on the job themselves.

There are two main areas of trouble that have prompted Muslim parents to make the decision: suffering scholastically, and most prevalent, crisis in the child's Islamic identity, which often results in motional problems.

A Lesson Learned

Um Ahmed's* decision had been finalized by the fact that her son's schoolwork was suffering. Placing him in the first grade not because of his skills but his age, she recalls,"When my son started first grade his reading level and math skills were above first grade level. He became very unhappy in the class room. He felt his teacher did not like him. One day my son came to the clinic sobbing in tears.They had to call me to come and get him. He felt picked on by the teacher. I made several conferences with the teacher and the school administration. Everyone was all smiles. Nothing really changed." Um Ahmed had an instinct that something else was wrong. Allah allowed her to see after a short time that Ahmed was not receiving the proper education that would stimulate him to learn even though the school she had sent him to had been reputed as "the best school in the county."

She waited patiently for her son to adapt to the school environment, but since her other children were homeschooled, she may have been just waiting for a valid enough reason to pull him from school altogether. Um Ahmed received such a signal in the midyear progress report. The teacher reported that her son, although above grade level, had not made any progress at all. So, she thought to herself, ‘My son is suffering emotionally and he is also not progressing'. Um Ahmed pulled her son out of school right away. Ahmed is now progressing happily at home.

Education or Indoctrination

If you are a parent or the relative of a Muslim child in the public schools system, you have no doubt observed for yourself the fitnah (trials) that can happen to them. Our way of life dictates that we try as much as we can to protect our children from corruption and danger when they are at a young age.

A friend told me that she overhead her public-schooled niece talking about a public school subculture surrounding colored plastic bracelets. Cheap and colorful, I remembered collecting, wearing and trading them as a schoolgirl. I learned from my friend's report that they meant more than this in the current schoolgirl's mind, and the minds of boys who would snatch them from the girl's arms. The color he snatched had a shocking code, and a peer-pressured act resulting from it. The second conversation reaffirmed my decision to home-school my children, and became the last straw for Um Abdullah* who had her children in a public school. A mother of four, she spoke to me about how her daughter was asked by the school principal that day to remove her plastic bracelets and put them in her bag.These bracelets were banned from school, from now on, said her principal. My friend was confused at why the principal should make such a strict and seemingly ridiculous rule about a girl's play jewelry.When I told her what my other friend explained to me about the bracelets,my friend with four kids took them all out of public school. She told me then and there that she had now heard enough; this subculture that the principal could do nothing about other than banning the bracelets demonstrated to her that she should home-school. She felt that her daughters were obviously not safe in that environment. Um Abdullah felt guilty to continue to allow her children to be in a) an un-Islamic environment and b) a place where lack of supervision and discipline can have dangerous results.

Um Hadiya* told me a story about her daughter at the age of five. She had been the only Muslim in her whole classroom, and the children were given a Christmas-themed page to color. Little Hadiya stood up, and in her highpitched voice, announced, "I'm a Muslim. I am not going to do this. Give me something else to do." Apparently, her teacher ran to give her another type of coloring page and the issue was settled.

However, years later, Um Hadiya still has to remind her daughter's teachers to avoid assigning projects or inclass work which has an obvious Christian theme. She is among those unsettled about the constant attacks on her daughter's religious identity.

For Um Ahmed, her son's teacher's inability to respond to her input was the straw that broke the camel's back. She became involved when the class was assigned world holidays projects. The teacher assigned the first of Muharram for the Islamic holiday (apparently in an imitation of the New Year's holiday). Um Ahmed explained to the teacher that the first of the lunar year is not an Islamic religious holiday, and suggested Ramadhan and Eidul Fitr. Even though Eidul Fitr was at the same time as Christmas that year, the teacher firmly refused. Um Ahmed remembers, "As I looked around the classroom I saw a Christmas Tree and Christmas decorations. I thought, "Is this worth it?" Evidently, Um Ahmed answered herself in the negative.

Um Marwa's* daughters were in grades four and seven when she realized that their Islamic identity was at stake.What her daughters brought home of sex education, music, and drama assignments disturbed her. Um Marwa felt that the curriculum at the school was geared towards stripping her daughters of their Muslim identity. She has now been home-schooling them for five years. The influences at public schools can take a nasty and more personal attack, aimed at the Muslim parents.

Cynthia Sulaiman, the founder of

MHSNR (Muslim Home-school Network and Resource) writes about the issues Muslim parents face in religious practices clashing with public school:

"Attendance at Salatul-Jumuah has become doubly important for Muslim children in this country to reinforce Islam and the Muslim identity.This can often be a source of trouble between parents and school administrators who see attendance at Friday salah as a truancy issue. Participating in Ramadhan can be fraught with problems too. Many parents report that school administrators have told them they consider the fast as child abuse.As parents know, when a teacher or administrator levels a charge of child abuse, action is often taken very quickly. Muslim parents, knowing this, hold their breath during Ramadhan."

So it is clear the answer to the question, "Why?" After the decision has been made, what are the steps that homeschoolers then make to transform home into school?

Do you homework

Advising the pre-home-schooling Muslim parent, Um Marwa says that doing your homework is key to succeeding, both educationally and emotionally in making this monumental move. Researching the governmental and school board protocol is important.

Certain areas around the world and around your country will have laws set in place, papers to fill out. There is generally more paperwork and hassle when your children have been in public school, then home-schooled, than if you start off home-schooling before your children go to school. Um Marwa also advises that you should not make a hasty exit from your children's school without having something in place at home to teach your children. Turning the home environment into a school environment comes with a lot of research, collecting materials, and making connections in your community and city. Internet is handy, but you will need to reach beyond the World Wide Web to arrange interesting and curriculumbased field trips, tutoring in the areas that you find you will need help, and activities for socialization.

For pre-home-schooling Muslim parents in the United States, Cynthia Sulaiman advises, "If a parent does choose home-schooling, it is important for him/her to find out about the laws of the state where he/she resides. This can be done without contacting the state itself, but by contacting Homeschool Legal Defence Association (HSLDA).The tradition of homeschooling has long been practised throughout different countries in the world. Individual states, provinces, and cities are sure to have support groups set up for home-schoolers, serving all faiths.

There are many supplies found in alternative locations for resourceful homeschoolers, which will cost them less money than the popular but often expensive educational supply stores. While it will not be necessary to build a whole classroom identical to the one their children are about to leave, Muslim home-schooling parents are going to have to prepare in order to facilitate the learning experience at home. It is about doing their homework and exploring their options, of budget, time, and facilities.

Home Sweat Home

“According to Dr. Muhammad Wasiullah Khan, there are basically four institutions through which education takes place.These are the family, the mosque, schools and the media. For Muslims in the West or in any region where they may be in minority, the only institutions that can be controlled are the family and the mosque, the other two being subject to local secular forces. It is through the family and the mosque that education which places Islam as a frame of reference can be imparted. The family and the mosque should indulge in an interactive program where proper moral, spiritual and religious education should be imparted.”( Munsif Bhimani, “Arise and Think”)

As a home-schooler, I know the special secret that seems to astonish other parents in popular new board games that help children learn various curriculum areas.They are designed and promoted to be played as a family.The game may have special, well-researched methods incorporated into it, but the real reason these kinds of games work with kids and learning is because they are played at home, with their family. The learning that goes on at home reaches several layers in a child’s mind and that knowledge sinks the deepest.

1. The child is comfortable at home, and feels he or she can be themselves without ridicule and relax.

2. The child feels safe and so the brain is open to new ideas and challenges instead of self-defense.

3. The child feels the love from the parents when they are teaching him a thing, because he is sure they are teaching him because they care for his wellbeing. For Muslim parents who have made this decision, there is a familiar theme as regards influence and care: they wanted to be the primary influences on their children. Only a child's parent can truly have the child's best interests at heart.

Common complaints in public schools are, "The teacher doesn't have time to help me," and "I don't think my teacher likes me." It could be a personal problem with the teacher, but more likely than that, the structure of the school system doesn't allow the teacher to do what they might really like to achieve with the students. Muslim parents these days are not waiting for the teacher to get to that point. They are concerned that such an environment will stifle their children's love of learning.

Children are under a lot of other influences in our societies. Parents tend to take a back seat to teachers, coaches, sports stars, etc. Muslim parents make the decision to home-school, because they want to take back the front seat in their children's minds.They want to be considered an authority and a source of knowledge and guidance for their children. "A school administrator who objected to home-schooling told a Christian parent who did home-school, ‘If you educate your children at home you will give them your values.' If school administrators object to Christian parents giving their children Christian values, one can imagine how much they object to Muslim parents giving their children Islamic values.'" (Cynthia Sulaiman, "Home-schooling: The Muslim Alternative")

Get a Life!

Often the first thing that people think of when they hear,‘home-schooling', is ‘alienation.' One of Um Marwa's daughters'complaints when their mother pulled them from public schools was that they wouldn't have any socialization. A good parent realizes that a child cannot be content to stay with their family constantly and not need friends. In a public school, a child may accept any kind of person as a friend and be open to their influences. A home-schooling parent can guide their children through planning social activities to the kind of people appropriate for his or her children with whom to associate. Muslim home-schooling parents are more aware of who are their children's influences. Um Marwa is active in her community, organizing events and camps not only for her daughters, but for the benefit of the community as well.

Home-school organizations are regular in arranging outings and gatherings. Because of the movement of Muslim children from public school to homeschool, many cities around the world have well-organized, consistent Muslim home-school support groups for socialization and field trips.

The Learning Never Stops

When asked if they would ever send their children back to public schools, the sisters interviewed gave a firm and unanimous, "Never, InshaAllah!". The rewarding experience of teaching their children themselves and tailoring subjects and curriculum is not something that could be achieved any other way. While the Muslim families that homeschool may outsource with tutors or private classes for specific subject areas beyond their capacity, the sisters who home-school could never hand their children back to the public schools system. For home-schooling families, the learning never stops.A question asked while at the sink may become a whole area of study in home-school. An outing to the grocery store can become a health science field trip.Anything you say to your child is a learning experience for him or her. Whether you know it or not, you are probably already home-schooling to some extent any time you take the time to explain a thing, any thing, to your child.

Home-schooling is an option, of the options out there for Muslim parents today.We have seen in recent times a gradual and steady rise in the number of Muslims making the choice to homeschool their children.They are all from varying educational levels, from university graduates to those who have not completed secondary school. They are converts to Islam as well as Muslims born in Muslim countries. They share, however, the strong desire to replace their children's present education with a better one, one found right at home.

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Taken from Al-Jumuah Magazine (All rights belong to the Magazine)