In the Name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.
Stay focused in Ramadhan. Don’t obsess about food and don’t let your Ramadhan revolve around the dinner/iftaar table. There are lessons to be learnt and sacrifices to be made, getting through each day just to make it to the dinner table defeats the purpose of the fast so keep that in mind and make the best of this auspicious month.
…and remember… “The deeds most loved by Allah are those done regularly, even if they are small.”
In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.
So the moon hasn’t been sighted in Australia and so by default we will begin fasting on Tuesday 2 August 2011. I was really hoping to start tomorrow, was feeling pumped and ready but there is wisdom in following the Sunnah and Allah knows best. All the best to those who have started tonight. For the rest of us, lets have an early night, tomorrow is a good opportunity to do some final preparations for the month of Ramadhan. Try to wake up early and get into a good routine. Don’t over indulge, just because we’re not fasting doesn’t mean we should be feasting so take it easy. Enjoy the day and get ready for the 1st Taraweeh tomorrow night Insha Allah!
In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.
Many of you might be familiar with the story of Musa (A.S) and His encounter with Al-Khidr. For anyone who isn’t, watch this space and Insha Allah I will summarise the story at a later time. There were 3 events that took place on this journey, in summary, they were:
In this is a great lesson for parents today. Uphold the commandments of Allah and Allah will take care of your children whether you are with them or not.
In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.
Make a habit if saying Alhamdulillah and acknowledge Allah in everything you do. It’s very easy to forget and to neglect this. Acknowledging Allah as often as possible will save you from becoming selfish, self-centered and proud.
…and remember… “The deeds most loved by Allah are those done regularly, even if they are small.”
In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.
The month of Ramadhaan is fast approaching and with only a few days to go, it’s time to consider a few Lifestyle Optimisation Strategies. Clear up the clutter now so you can take advantage of every opportunity during the month of Ramadhaan.
In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.
The night of Bara’ah is upon us. Here is a Dua to be recited on this auspicious night:
أَعُوذُ بِرِضَاكَ مِنْ سَخَطِكَ، وَأَعُوذُ بِعَفْوِكَ مِنْ عِقَابِكَ،
وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْكَ لَا أُحْصِي ثَنَاءً عَلَيْكَ أَنْتَ كَمَا أَثْنَيْتَ عَلَى نَفْسِكَ
May Allah allow us to benefit from this night and witness many more nights of Barakah!
…and remember… “The deeds most loved by Allah are those done regularly, even if they are small.”
In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.
The month of Sha’ban precedes the greatest month in the Islamic calendar and is a good opportunity to prepare for the auspicious month of Ramadhan.
The blessed companion Anas (RA) reports that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was asked, “Which fast is the most meritorious after the fasts of Ramadan?” He replied, “Fasts of Shaban in honor of Ramadan.”
Umm Salamah (RA) says: “I have never seen the Messenger of Allah fasting for two months continuously except in the months of Sha’ban and Ramadan.”
These narrations highlight the importance of fasting during the month of Sha’ban. This weekend is a great opportunity to prepare for the month of Ramadhan and earn extra rewards Insha Allah.
…and remember… “The deeds most loved by Allah are those done regularly, even if they are small.”
In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.
In “Choosing your place in a gathering”, I mentioned the importance of sitting within a gathering and suggested finding a place closest to the Imam at Jumuah Prayers. This will put things into perspective…
According to Imam Abu-Haneefa in al-Fiqh al-’Akbar: “Allah is seen in the hereafter. The believers will see Him while they are in Paradise. (They will see Him) without any likeness, ascription, and quantity and there will not be any distance between Him and His creations.”
In a lecture I recently listened to by Imam Anwar-al Awlaki, he mentions that ”The people of Jannah, every Friday, will go down to a gathering place, and they will be seated according to how close they were to the Imam in Khutbatul Jumuah, this is when people will get to see Allah. That is the greatest pleasure. People in lowest Jannah will get to see Allah every Friday, but people in Jannatul Firdous will see Allah twice each day, once in the morning and once in the evening.” This is also mentioned by Ibn Al-Qayyim in Nooniyyah.
Remember this the next time you choosing your place at the Musjid. The ultimate incentive, the ultimate reward!
…and remember… “The deeds most loved by Allah are those done regularly, even if they are small.”
In the Name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.
Prophet Musa (Moses) (A.S) often conversed with Allah at Mount Sinai, during one of these conversations, Allah asked: “Musa, what have you done for me; what good deed have you performed for My sake?”
Musa (A.S) replied: Lord, I have prayed, fasted and given alms”
Allah responded: “Prayer is the mark of religion, fasting is a shield against the fire; as for giving alms, whose property did you give and to whom did you give it?
Musa (A.S) asked to learn the deeds that would earn Allah’s pleasure and these words came from on high:
“You shall love whatever you love to please me alone; you shall likewise dislike whatever you dislike only to please me. This is the action most acceptable in My sight, the one that will earn you My good pleasure.”
Remember “…every person will earn that which he intended…” so remember Allah, make a sincere intention and do for the sake of Allah and you will earn Allah’s pleasure.
… “The deeds most loved by Allah are those done regularly, even if they are small.”
In the name of Allah, most Gracious, most Merciful.
Allah says in the Holy Quran: Call upon Me, and I will answer your prayers. Why then are some of our prayers not answered?
Ibrahim Ad’ham who was once the ruler of Khurasan was asked this question and responded with: “Because of ten things your hearts are dead; if a person has these ten bad qualities in him, how should God accept his prayer?’
The ten qualities are:
Lessons, Reminders, Reflections... 