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Be Humble by Mufti Menk - Day 8 Ramadan

Be Humble by Mufti Menk - Day 8 Ramadan

Wednesday, June 07, 2017

The Shaping of the Modern Muslim World - History

The Shaping of the Modern Muslim World - History

Part 1 Part 2

Sunday, June 04, 2017

Several European countries have banned full-face veils since France's controversial law in 2011

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Angela Merkel has called for a burqa ban in Germany while making her pitch for a fourth term as Chancellor.<br />
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“The full-face veil is not acceptable in our country,” she told members of the CDU party. “It should be banned, wherever it is legally possible.”<br />
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Thomas de Maizière, the German interior minister and one of Ms Merkel’s closest allies, previously proposed a partial burqa ban in August and called the veils “contrary to integration”.<br />
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He said the law would apply in “places where it is necessary for our society's coexistence” including government offices, schools and universities, courtrooms and demonstrations.<br />
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Here is the status of the garment in other European countries:<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Netherlands</li>
<li>France </li>
<li>Belgium </li>
<li>Bulgaria </li>
<li>Italy</li>
<li>Switzerland</li>
<li>more ..</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>Read More to find out details country by country:</b><br />
<a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/burqa-ban-niqab-veil-law-netherlands-france-uk-britain-germany-spain-belgium-bulgaria-switzerland-a7446246.html" target="_blank">Here</a><br />
and<br />
<a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/austria-burqa-ban-parliament-fines-150-full-face-veils-muslim-islam-niqabs-public-transport-a7742981.html" target="_blank">Here</a><br />
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Several European countries have banned full-face veils since France's controversial law in 2011

Angela Merkel has called for a burqa ban in Germany while making her pitch for a fourth term as Chancellor. “The full-face veil is not...

Saturday, June 03, 2017

The Basis of Superiority by Maulana Ebrahim Bham

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حَدَّثَنَا وَكِيعٌ عَنْ أَبِي هِلَالٍ عَنْ بَكْرٍ عَنْ أَبِي ذَرٍّ أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ لَهُ انْظُرْ فَإِنَّكَ لَيْسَ بِخَيْرٍ مِنْ أَحْمَرَ وَلَا أَسْوَدَ إِلَّا أَنْ تَفْضُلَهُ بِتَقْوَى<br />
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Hadrat Abu Hurairah R.A says that Rasulullah Salallahu Alaihi Wasallam  told him, “You are not superior due to being red or black in complexion, except that you attain superiority on the basis of Taqwa. <br />
<br />
 ‘Black’ refers to the non-Arabs whilst ‘Red’ refers to the Arabs. The meaning of the Hadith is that superiority is not based on one’s colour, physical features, or family lineage, that so and so is a Sayyid and so and so is a Pataan. The most superior amongst people is the one that possesses more fear of Allah Ta'ala.<br />
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The Basis of Superiority by Maulana Ebrahim Bham

حَدَّثَنَا وَكِيعٌ عَنْ أَبِي هِلَالٍ عَنْ بَكْرٍ عَنْ أَبِي ذَرٍّ أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ لَهُ انْظُ...

Friday, June 02, 2017

Access the Quran in many languages easily across mobile and PC platforms.

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<b>Press Release</b>:<br />
<b>Access the Quran in many languages easily across mobile and PC platforms.</b><br />
<a href="http://quranreciter.org/" target="_blank">QuranReciter.org</a><br />
<br />
With more and more people from across the globe wanting to know about Islam it was imperative that a resource would be available that would provide them opportunity to read the Quran in their native language.<br />
QR provides an extensive set of Quran translation in many languages (audio and text).<br />
<br />
The easy to use  <a href="http://quranreciter.org/">QuranReciter.org</a> website reader allows you to read the Quran without having to download the entire kitab. The audio stream provides instant access to Quran recitations and translations. You can read and listen on your mobile, tablet and PC.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://quranreciter.org/">QuranReciter.org</a> website is great resource for Muslims to send the Quran to friends with just a link (no need to download).<br />
<br />
Although many Quran resources are available across the web, many still use flash technology that is now not supported to deliver content. With QR we are using the latest HTML5 technology to deliver audio and text. What this means is that users will have access to web content across both mobile and PC platforms and will work with the latest web browsers.<br />
<br />
<b>Summary</b><br />
A simple easy to use portal for you to listen and read the Quran in many different languages. The audio player allows instant streaming of audio, while the Quran kitab can be read easily without having to download the entire file.<br />
<br />
<b>Visit <a href="http://www.quranreciter.org/" target="_blank">www.QuranReciter.org</a> today and take a test drive.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Contact: info@QuranReciter.org</b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>

Access the Quran in many languages easily across mobile and PC platforms.

Press Release : Access the Quran in many languages easily across mobile and PC platforms. QuranReciter.org With more and more people fr...

Thursday, June 01, 2017

Remember that you are only a visitor

Remember that you are only a visitor

‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu a’laihi wa sallam) took hold of his sho...

Thursday, June 01, 2017

Prepare for the destination

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Allah Almighty says, “Every self will taste death. You will be paid your wages in full on the Day of Rising. Anyone who is distanced from the Fire and admitted to the Garden, has triumphed. The life of this world is only the enjoyment of delusion,” (3:185)
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<br />
<b>Prepare for the destination - Listen ></b>
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<br />
<b>Reminders ></b><br />
and the Almighty says, “No self knows what it will earn tomorrow and no self knows in what land it will die.” (W31:33; H31:34)<br />
<br />
The Almighty says, “When their specified time arrives, they cannot delay it for a single hour nor can they bring it forward,” (16:61)<br />
<br />
and the Almighty says, “O you who believe! Do not let your wealth or children divert you from the remembrance of Allah. Whoever does that is lost. Give from what We have provided for you before death comes to one of you and he says, ‘O Lord, if only you would give me a little more time so that I can give sadaqa and be one of the righteous.’ Allah will not give anyone more time, once their time has come. Allah is aware of everything you do.” (63:9-11)<br />
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The Almighty says, “Until, when death comes to one of them, he says, ‘My Lord, send me back again. so that perhaps I may act rightly regarding the things I failed to do!’ No indeed! It is just words he utters. Before them there is an interspace until the day they are raised up. Then when the Trumpet is blown, that Day there will be no family ties between them, they will not be able to question one another. Those whose scales are heavy, they are the successful. Those whose scales are light, they are the losers of their selves, remaining in Hell timelessly, forever. The Fire will sear their faces making them grimace horribly in it, their lips drawn back from their teeth. ‘Were My Signs not recited to you and did you not deny them?'” to His words, “‘How many years did you tarry on the earth?’ They will say, ‘We tarried for a day or part of a day. Ask those able to count!’ He will say, ‘You only tarried for a little while if you did but know! Did you suppose that We created you for amusement and that you would not return to Us?'” (W23:100-116; H23:99-115)<br />
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The Almighty says, “Has the time not arrived for the hearts of those who believe to yield to the remembrance of Allah and to the Truth He has sent down, and not to be like those who were given the Book before for whom the time seemed over long so that their hearts became hard. Many of them are degenerate.” (W57:15; H57:16)<br />
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574. Ibn ‘Umar said, “The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, took me by the shoulder and said, ‘Be in this world as if you were a stranger or a traveller on the road.”<br />
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Ibn ‘Umar used to say, “In the evening, do not anticipate the morning, and in the morning do not anticipate the evening. Take from your health for your illness and from your life for your death.” [al-Bukhari]<br />
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575. Ibn ‘Umar reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “It is not right for a Muslim man who has anything to bequeath to spend two nights with having a written will in his possession.” [Agreed upon. This is the variant in al-Bukhari]<br />
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In a variant of Muslim, “To spend three nights.” Ibn ‘Umar said, “Not a night has passed since I heard the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, say that without my having had my will with me.”<br />
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576. Anas said, “The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, drew some lines and said, ‘This is man and this is end of his lifespan. That is how he is when this nearest line comes upon him.” [al-Bukhari]<br />
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577. Ibn Mas’ud said, “The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, drew lines making a square and then drew a line in the middle which extended beyond it. He drew some small lines up to this middle line from the side within the square and said, ‘This is man, and this is end of his lifespan which encircles him – or by which he is encircled – and this which goes beyond it is his hope and these small lines are things that happen. If this one misses him, that one gets him, and if that one misses him, this one gets him.'” [al-Bukhari]<br />
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578. Abu Hurayra reported the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “Race to good actions as fast as you can. What are you waiting for except delayed poverty, oppressive wealth, debilitating illness, dottering senility, a swift death or the Dajjal? Or are you waiting for an unseen evil, or the Last Hour? The Last Hour will be most bitter and terrible.” [at-Tirmidhi]<br />
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579. Abu Hurayra reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “Remember frequently the thing that cuts off pleasures,” i.e. death.” [at-Tirmidhi]<br />
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580. Ubayy ibn Ka’b said, “When a third of the night had passed, the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, stood up and said, ‘O people! Remember Allah! The first blast has come and it will be followed by the second blast. Death has come with all that it involves. Death has come with all that it involves.’ I said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, I do a lot of prayer on you. How much prayer should I allot for you?’ He said, ‘However much you like.’ I said, ‘A quarter?’ He said, ‘However much you like, but if you do more, it will be better for you.’ I said, ‘A half?’ He said, ‘However much you like, but if you do more, it will be better for you.’ I said, ‘Two-thirds?’ He said, ‘However much you like, but if you do more, it will be better for you.’ I said, ‘I will allot all my prayer for you.’ He said, ‘Then you will be spared from worry and forgiven your wrong action.'” [at-Tirmidhi]<br />
<br />
<b>Source: </b><br />
<u>Text: </u><br />
Gardens of the Righteous By: <b>Al Imam Al Nawawi</b><br />
<br />
<u>Audio:</u><br />
<a href="http://mhmic.org/fajrreminders/prepare-for-the-destination/" target="_blank">http://mhmic.org/fajrreminders/prepare-for-the-destination/</a><br />
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Prepare for the destination

Allah Almighty says, “Every self will taste death. You will be paid your wages in full on the Day of Rising. Anyone who is distanced fro...

Thursday, June 01, 2017

Ramadan – Maximizing Benefits

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We are about to enter once again into the blessed month of Ramadan. I remind myself not to be among those who enter Ramadan but to be among those who Ramadan enters. For the one who enters Ramadan will leave it 30 days later and return to a life unchanged by the Grace, Majesty and Forgiveness of Allahجل جلاله. While the one who Ramadan enters will keep it for the rest of the year and with it, the Grace, Majesty and Forgiveness of Allahجل جلاله.<br />
<br />
<b>Ramadan – Maximizing Benefits  - Listen ></b><br />
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His Grace which presented us with this opportunity to turn towards Him and seek His pleasure in all that we say and do in preparation for our meeting with Him. A meeting about which there is no doubt. His Grace which stacked the odds in our favor by giving us multiple rewards for the same actions. His Grace which chained the Shayateen and opened the doors of Tawba (repentance) for those who seek to change themselves and their lives. His Grace which multiplied the reward of all Fara’aidh seventy times that of the same deed at other times and of the Nafl, equal to the Fardh in other times. Ramadan is the biggest sign of His Grace, which He sends us, every year of our lives.<br />
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His Majesty, feeling the awe of which is the root of all goodness, the foundation of all good actions, the purpose of our lives – to recognize our Creator, Owner, Provider and whose Law we follow (Al Khaliq wal Malik, wal Raziq, wal Haakim). It is this feeling of the Majesty of Allahجل جلاله in the heart which is called Taqwa – the fear of displeasing the One we love the most. Allahu Rabbul A’alameen – Allahجل جلاله, the Rabb of the worlds (all those He created, sustains and protects). It is when the slave feels this connection, that he makes the changes he needs to make in his/her life to become obedient to Allahجل جلاله. It is when he/she feels this awe of Allahجل جلاله’s Majesty that the slave becomes a Muttaqi and thereby eligible for the promises of Allahجل جلاله’s help in every aspect of his life. Remember that all the promises of Allahجل جلاله are for the Muttaqoon and Muhsinoon. Ramadan comes to help us to become Muttaqeen. Allahجل جلاله said about this:<br />
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ<br />
تَتَّقُون<br />
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Baqara 2:183. O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqoon<br />
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His Forgiveness is the biggest gift that Ramadan brings. A month in which Allahجل جلاله frees slaves from the Fire. A month when shuts the door of Jahannam and opens the doors of Jannah. A month in which Allahجل جلاله prescribed fasting and said, ‘The fast is for me and I will reward it.’ He didn’t specify what the reward would be. He merely said that He would reward it. One can only imagine (in reality beyond imagination), what that reward would be; a reward in keeping with the Majesty and Grace of Rabbul A’alameen.<br />
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Taqwa is to be obedient to Allahجل جلاله. To be concerned with His pleasure and to fear His displeasure. To always ask the question, ‘Will Allahجل جلاله be pleased with this?’, before every action or speech. To do what Allahجل جلاله permitted and to shun what He prohibited. And to seek clarification in all matters of doubt. Taqwa is to leave the doubtful. Taqwa is to remember and recall that one day soon we will meet Allahجل جلاله and that every action of this life will be judged on the scale of the pleasure of Allahجل جلاله alone. Taqwa is to give precedence to and to His will and pleasure over the will, pleasure and approval of everyone else, including and most of all, one’s own self. It is one’s own self which is the greatest enemy of Taqwa and which needs to be disciplined by reinforcing the message, ‘It doesn’t matter what you like to do. What matters is what Allahجل جلاله wants you to do.’<br />
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It is precisely to reinforce this message that Ramadan comes every year. A training period to remind us to do only what Allahجل جلاله ordered, only because He ordered it. So, in Ramadan, that which is normally Halaal, also becomes Haraam for a period of time every day; for no reason, other than that Allahجل جلاله ordered it. This is the principle behind every Ibaadah (act of worship). Why do we pray (Salah) in a certain way and not in a different way which may be more convenient or ‘logical’? Why do we give a certain amount of charity as Zakat and not more or less? Why is Zakat obligatory on certain forms of wealth and not on others, even if the others may be more valuable? Why do we dress in a certain way in Hajj? Why do we call standing in Arafah, Hajj, instead of Tawaf of the Ka’aba?<br />
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I can mention more but these examples will suffice to show that we do all these things for one reason only, i.e. because Allahجل جلاله ordered us to do so. This is to reinforce the concept of Taqwa which is the brand of the Muslim. In Ramadan, as I mentioned, even the Halaal becomes Haraam because Allahجل جلاله ordered it. Only to emphasize the importance of leaving the Haraam at all times for the same reason, i.e. because Allahجل جلاله ordered it. It is our Nafs (self, desire) which comes in the way of this, aided and abetted by Shaytaan and his cohorts and gets us to disobey Allahجل جلاله to please ourselves and our foolish friends. Ramadan comes to bring us all back on track so that we leave these habits of ignorance. Ramadan comes to teach us to say, ‘I am fasting’, if we are faced with something that goes against the spirit of obedience to Allahجل جلاله. Ramadan comes to teach us to say, ‘I am fasting’, in spirit, in the rest of the year for the same reason to every form of disobedience to Allahجل جلاله. That is the purpose of every training course, to bring about behavioral change. Psychologists tell us that habit change takes 21 days. Ramadan gives us 30. Let us pray that Allahجل جلاله enables us to change our habits and become obedient to Him. I remind myself that one Ramadan will be our last. Let us make use of this one as if it is our last for it may well be. I ask Allahجل جلاله for His help.<br />
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When the slave becomes conscious of Allahجل جلاله and of His presence in his life, he asks about Him. He wants to know his Rabb better and to get closer to Him. Allahجل جلاله says:<br />
وَإِذَا سَأَلَكَ عِبَادِي عَنِّي فَإِنِّي قَرِيبٌ أُجِيبُ دَعْوَةَ الدَّاعِ إِذَا دَعَانِ فَلْيَسْتَجِيبُواْ لِي<br />
وَلْيُؤْمِنُواْ بِي لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْشُدُونَ<br />
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Baqara 2: 186. And when My slaves ask you (O Muhammadصلى الله عليه وسلم) concerning Me, then (answer them), I am indeed near. I respond to the dua (plea) of the supplicant when he calls on Me (directly). So, let them obey Me and believe in Me, so that they may be rightly guided.<br />
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How can we thank our Rabb enough for being so responsive to us? Remember that the Qur’an is the living speech of Al Hayyul Qayoom – The Ever Living and the Established (who establishes everything but needs nothing for His own establishment). The Ayaat are speaking to us in real time. They were revealed to Rasoolullahصلى الله عليه وسلم in the 7th century but speak to us in real time across the centuries and will continue to do so until the earth exists. To every Muslim, the Qur’an is his or her personal revelation. To be read and understood as Rasoolullahصلى الله عليه وسلم read and taught it and to be practiced as he practiced it. He is the touchstone, the criterion for right and wrong in terms of understanding and practice of the Qur’an and its commandments. That is the importance of the Sunnah and the reason Allahجل جلاله sent His Messengerصلى الله عليه وسلم, so that His Word may be recited, explained and demonstrated as a standard and benchmark for all time. The Qur’an and Sunnah are intertwined, supporting one another and reflecting one another. The Kitab (Book) of Allahجل جلاله and the Sunnah (Way) of His Messengerصلى الله عليه وسلم<br />
is the foundation of Islam.<br />
<br />
That is why in the middle of the Ayaat relating to Ramadan and fasting, Allahجل جلاله<br />
revealed this Ayah about dua. When the slave becomes conscious of his Rabb and becomes concerned about pleasing Him, he asks about Him. And Allahجل جلاله says, ‘When my slave asks about me, I am indeed near him. I respond to his dua (supplication). So, let him obey me and have faith in me so that he may be rightly guided.’ The promises of Allahجل جلاله are conditional upon our actions. For dua to be answered, one must be obedient and have faith in Allahجل جلاله.<br />
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Therefore, I remind myself and you to make a lot of dua in Ramadan. It is the month for dua. Allahجل جلاله  promised to accept our dua. Let us become obedient to Him and have faith in His power and generosity and ask Him for all our needs. Ask Him also for the needs of the Ummah of Muhammadصلى الله عليه وسلم for that was his greatest Sunnah, making dua for his Ummah. Ask Allahجل جلاله for His help, protection, support, correction (Islaah) and guidance for the Ummah of Muhammadصلى الله عليه وسلم. Ask Allahجل جلاله for relief from sin, disobedience and oppression. Ask Allahجل جلاله directly because He told us to do so and His Messengerصلى الله عليه وسلم taught us to do so. Ask Him and He will give, because He said, ‘I respond to his dua (dua of the supplicant).’<br />
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Truly the Mercy of Allahجل جلاله is boundless because as the month progresses and the slaves fast and fill the Masaajid and stand in the night in Taraweeh, Allahجل جلاله  opens the doors of His bounty even wider. We come to the last third of the month, the last ten days. In the nights of these days, Allahجل جلاله concealed the gift of Laylatul Qadr (Shab-e-Qadr, Night of Decree). About this night and the reward of worship during it, Allahجل جلاله said:<br />
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إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْر وَمَا أَدْرَاكَ مَا لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْر لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌ مِّنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ<br />
تَنَزَّلُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ وَالرُّوحُ فِيهَا بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهِم مِّن كُلِّ أَمْرٍ<br />
سَلَامٌ هِيَ حَتَّى مَطْلَعِ الْفَجْرِ<br />
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Qadr 97: 1. Verily! We have sent it (this Qur'an) down in the night of Al-Qadr (Decree). 2. And what will make you know what the night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is? 3. The night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is better than a thousand months (i.e. worshipping Allah in that night is better than worshipping Him a thousand months, i.e. 83 years and 4 months). 4. Therein descend the angels and the Ruh [Jibreel] by Allah's Permission with all Decrees, 5. Peace! (safety, blessings, all goodness) until the appearance of dawn.<br />
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One night, the worship during which is more rewarding than worshipping Allahجل جلاله continuously for 1000 months (83 years and 4 months). How much more? As much as is in keeping with the Grace and Majesty of my Rabb. Rasoolullahصلى الله عليه وسلم told us to search for this night in the last ten nights of Ramadan and more specifically in the odd nights. It is for this reason that he used to make Itikaaf (seclusion) in the masjid during the last ten nights of Ramadan. This is something he did without fail and the purpose of it was to find and benefit from Laylatul Qadr. Following this Sunnah of Itikaaf, is something that has become more widespread of late but it is for each of us to ask this question to himself, ‘What is the value of 83 years and 4 months of accepted worship of Allahجل جلاله on a day when one single good deed and its reward can spell the difference between Jannah and Jahannam?’ And since we don’t know if this will be our last Ramadan and since we claim to have Imaan on Allahجل جلاله and on the Day of Judgment, let us decide what to do in the last ten nights of Ramadan.<br />
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The biggest reward of Itikaaf is that the Mu’takif (one making Itikaaf) is sure to get Laylatul Qadr (Insha’Allah) because the entire period of Itikaaf and all Halaal actions in it, including sleeping are considered to be worship. So, if one is in Itikaaf in the masjid and asleep during Laylatul Qadr he would still get the reward of the night as a mercy from Allahجل جلاله. This alone should be enough to bring anyone into the masjid for Itikaaf in Ramadan. I am trying to make the decision point as clear as possible since we are all susceptible to Shaytaan who will try to convince us that the world will come to a halt if we make Itikaaf. I ask Allahجل جلاله to help us to prove our Imaan with our actions, because that is the only form of proof that will work on the Day of Judgment.<br />
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Our mother, Sayyida Ayesha Siddiqa (RA) asked Rasoolullahصلى الله عليه وسلم what dua she should make if she found Laylatul Qadr. Heصلى الله عليه وسلم taught her this dua.<br />
اللهم إنك عفو تحب العفو فاعفو عنى<br />
Allahumma innaka `afuwwun, tuhibbul-`afwa, fa`fu `anni<br />
O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness; so forgive me.<br />
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Remember that this dua was given by Rasoolullahصلى الله عليه وسلم to one of the most beloved of all people to him, Ayesha (RA) when she asked him what dua to make in this time (Sunan Tirmidhi and others). So that makes the dua extra special. Some other things that make this du'aa special: ‘afoo means to wipe away without a trace, meaning that the sins will not be mentioned on the Day of Judgement, as if we never committed them (unlike Maghfirah which means to forgive the sin but it will still be documented and presented on the Day of Judgement). Al-’Afuw is also is one of the majestic names of Allahجل جلاله.<br />
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I ask Allahجل جلاله to give us all Ramadan Al Kareem in good health and Iman and in safety and security and enable us to take full advantage of its blessings. I ask Allahجل جلاله  to save us from temptation, laziness, lies, greed and all evil. I ask to inspire us to change our lives to become obedient to Him and on the Sunnah of His Beloved Messengerصلى الله عليه وسلم. I ask Allahجل جلاله to inspire you to make dua that He wants you to make and which are best for you in this Dunya wal Aakhira (this life and the hereafter). I ask Allahجل جلاله to grant safety and security to those who don’t have it so that they can practice Ramadan in peace and harmony. I ask Allahجل جلاله to be pleased with you and never be displeased.<br />
<br />
Ramadan – Maximizing Benefits<br />
by Mirza Yawar Baig<br />
<a href="http://mhmic.org/jumakhutbas/ramadan-maximizing-benefits/" target="_blank">http://mhmic.org/jumakhutbas/ramadan-maximizing-benefits/</a><br />
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Ramadan – Maximizing Benefits

We are about to enter once again into the blessed month of Ramadan. I remind myself not to be among those who enter Ramadan but to be ...

Thursday, June 01, 2017

The Confused Muslim Today - Mufti Menk

The Confused Muslim Today - Mufti Menk

Monday, May 29, 2017

This Muslim-Run Clinic Offers Free Health Care To Those In Need

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<a href="https://vimeo.com/199414978">AMCC Clinic</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/amccenters">AMCC</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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The American Muslim Community Center in Orlando, Florida (USA), has converted an old doctor’s office into a free clinic for uninsured families and people in need.<br />
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“Our goal is to serve humanity — no strings attached. Everyone is welcome,” Atif Fareed, AMCC chairman, told the Orlando Sentinel. “We have over 40 physicians who come to our mosque, and we have 11 of them signed up to volunteer here. So we are very, very blessed.”<br />
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The facility, which will only be open on Fridays for the time-being, will offer general health care to anyone who lives in Central Florida who is uninsured and lives below 200 percent of the federal poverty line. This equates to individuals who make $23,760 or families that make $48,600 or less a year.<br />
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<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/muslim-americans-open-free-clinic-orlando_us_587fa8c8e4b01cdc64c9085e" target="_blank">Read more here</a><br />
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This Muslim-Run Clinic Offers Free Health Care To Those In Need

AMCC Clinic from AMCC on Vimeo . The American Muslim Community Center in Orlando, Florida (USA), has converted an old doctor’s offic...

Sunday, May 28, 2017

Saudi Arabia announces Saturday for commencement of 2017 Ramadan

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Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam, has announced that the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan will begin on Saturday (May 27), state media said on Thursday.<br />
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Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting (Sawm) to commemorate the first revelation of the Quran to Prophet Mohammed according to Islamic belief.<br />
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This annual observance is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam.<br />
According to numerous biographical accounts compiled in the hadiths, Ramadan lasts 29 to 30 days based on the visual sightings of the crescent moon.<br />
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The beginning and end of Islamic months are determined by the sighting of the new moon.<br />
Lebanon’s top Islamic authority, the mufti, said Ramadan would also begin in the country on Saturday.<br />
A similar statement was made by officials in Iraq’s Muslim Sunni minority.<br />
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The President of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Sultan Saad Abubakar, has asked Muslims in Nigeria to look out for the new moon from Friday, May 26.<br />
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<a href="http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/232203-saudi-arabia-announces-date-for-commencement-of-2017-ramadan-fast.html" target="_blank">Source click here</a><br />
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Saudi Arabia announces Saturday for commencement of 2017 Ramadan

Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam, has announced that the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan will begin on Saturday (May 27), state med...

Thursday, May 25, 2017

‘Sadness in the air’ across Syria as 7th wartime Ramadan approaches

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AMMAN: Muslims across Syria will begin the month-long Ramadan fast this weekend, the seventh since the start of the war.<br />
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With Islam’s holiest month approaching, Syria Direct asked five residents about their preparations for and reflections on the start of Ramadan. Their stories traverse political, geographic and socioeconomic lines—from a government employee in Damascus, to a farmer in the capital's besieged, rebel-held eastern suburbs, to a 22-year-old student in the northeast Kurdish heartland.<br />
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Despite their diverse perspectives, a common narrative shines through each of their stories: Ramadan in wartime is a shadow of a once-festive, communal experience.<br />
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“There is sadness in the air with the start of Ramadan this year,” says Abu Zainab, a 27-year-old motorcycle repairman in the rebel-encircled Idlib town of al-Fuaa. “So many families are split up right now, and what makes Ramadan so beautiful is having family together in the same place.”<br />
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A strong sense of nostalgia runs through each of the following stories, a longing not just for a time before the bombing and the displacement but also for a return of the small comforts: large family meals, Ramadan television shows, pushcarts in the streets overflowing with sweets for the holiday.<br />
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Today, there is little fanfare in the lead-up to Ramadan, the five Syrians say.<br />
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“Frankly, it’s not just Ramadan,” says Abu Mazen, 40, an employee at the Syrian Ministry of Education in Damascus. “We’ve lost our excitement for virtually every month.”<br />
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<a href="http://syriadirect.org/news/%E2%80%98sadness-in-the-air%E2%80%99-across-syria-as-7th-wartime-ramadan-approaches/" target="_blank">Read entire article here click</a><br />
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‘Sadness in the air’ across Syria as 7th wartime Ramadan approaches

AMMAN: Muslims across Syria will begin the month-long Ramadan fast this weekend, the seventh since the start of the war. With Islam...

Thursday, May 25, 2017

30 Short Friday Khutbah

30 Short Friday Khutbah<br />
Collected by : Ali Ateeq Al‐Dhaheri<br />
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<b>The Value of Words in Islam</b><br />
All praise for Allah Who has honored man and has created him in the best of forms. Praise for Allah Who has endowed man with the ability to speak with his tongue as one of His greatest bounties. I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, the only God Who has no partner. In the Divine Book, Allah says:”See you not how Allah sets forth a parable? A goodly word like a goodly tree, whose root is firmly fixed, and its branches (reach) to the heavens (i.e. very high). It brings forth its fruits at all times, by the leave of its Lord. Allah sets forth parables for mankind in order that they may receive admonition (remember).”(14:24‐25). I also bear witness that our Master Muhammad, servant of Allah is His beloved messenger and the noblest of all mankind. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his family, his companions, and all those who follow them in righteousness till the Day of Judgment.<br />
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Read the book and/or download it in pdf format.<br />
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30 Short Friday Khutbah

30 Short Friday Khutbah Collected by : Ali Ateeq Al‐Dhaheri The Value of Words in Islam All praise for Allah Who has honored man and ...

Thursday, May 25, 2017

How Do We Receive Ramadan?

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How Do We Receive Ramadan?<br />
Book by: Muhammad AI-Hashimy Mustafa<br />
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<u>Exert from the book</u><br />
The Prophet (u1Ia AI1ahu alaihi wuan.m) said: "The reward of every good deed is multiplied by ten to seven hundred folds depending on one's intention and sincerity, but with respect to the reward of fasting, Allah proclaims : "Fasting is for me and I myself shall bestow the reward. Whoever fasts foregoing his desires of eating and drinking for My sake will be entitled for two occasions of joy : one when he breaks his fast, and the other when he meets his Rubb "1<br />
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<i>1- Rubb means, among other things,the Creator, the Owner, the Sustainer,the Provider, and the One in whose hand is the disposal of all affairs.</i><br />
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"0 Allah! Lead me to the true faith with those You have guided. Pardon me with those You have pardoned. Protect me with those You have protected. Bless me with what You have given. Keep me safe from the evil You have ordained, for You decree and none decrees upon You. No-one who is in Your care is brought down and no-one is rewarded to whom You show enmity. o Rubb! You are most praised, most sublime."<br />
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Read the book and/or download it in pdf format.<br />
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<br /></div>

How Do We Receive Ramadan?

How Do We Receive Ramadan? Book by: Muhammad AI-Hashimy Mustafa Exert from the book The Prophet (u1Ia AI1ahu alaihi wuan.m) said: ...

Thursday, May 25, 2017

Ramadhan and the universality of fasting

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By Dr M. Haris Z Deen<br />
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As the merciful month of Ramadhan descends upon us yet again during the last week of May, we must reflect on its virtues and remind ourselves of the conditions of observance of the fast, its restrictions and constraints and prepare ourselves to benefit from it.<br />
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With the advent of the new moon ushering in the lunar month of Ramadan, Muslims all over the world will commence the ritual of fasting. In the context of the Islamic religion, fasting is not just a ritual. It is a religious duty enjoined on those entering the fold of Islam. As much as observing the compulsory prayers, giving the compulsory Zakath tax and undertaking the journey to the Holy City of Makkah for performing Haj, fasting is required to be observed with equal reverence because it is an act of worship. The Arabic word for this act of worship is SIYAAM and the person who undertakes the fast is called a SA’AYIM. In the context of the religious fast these two words do not signify mere abstention from food and drink, but also complete abstention from evil thoughts and actions and harmful acts towards others (including animals and plants).<br />
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<b>The ever Merciful Allah says in His Holy Book:</b><br />
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"O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqun (the pious)…"<br />
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Allah in His absolute Mercy does not wish hardships on His creations. Therefore Allah iterates in the foregoing verse of the Quran that this fasting is not peculiar to Muslims only. It had been ordained on people who followed other Prophets prior to Allah sending the last and seal of the Prophets, Prophet Muhammad (On whom be peace).<br />
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The Jews are required to fast for sixty days during Passover and a strict observance of the fast on the day of atonement (Jeremiah 36:6), also see the Fast (Acts 27:9)<br />
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Moses fasted during the 40 days and 40 nights he was on Mount Sinai receiving the law from God (Exodus 34:28). King Jehoshaphat called for a fast in all Israel when they were about to be attacked by the Moabites and Ammonites (2 Chronicles 20:3). In response to Jonah’s preaching, the men of Nineveh fasted and put on sackcloth (Jonah 3:5). Prayer and fasting was often done in times of distress or trouble. David fasted when he learned that Saul and Jonathan had been killed (2 Samuel 1:12). Nehemiah had a time of prayer and fasting upon learning that Jerusalem was still in ruins (Nehemiah 1:4). Darius, the king of Persia, fasted all night after he was forced to put Daniel in the den of lions (Daniel 6:18).<br />
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<b>Fasting in different situations</b><br />
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Christians are required to fast for 40 days during the period of lent and the New Testament records fasting in different situations. Anna "worshipped night and day, fasting and praying" at the Temple (Luke 2:37). John the Baptist taught his disciples to fast (Mark 2:18). Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights before His temptation by Satan (Matthew 4:2). The church of Antioch fasted (Acts 13:2) and sent Paul and Barnabas off on their first missionary journey (Acts 13:3). Paul and Barnabas spent time in prayer and fasting for the appointment of elders in the churches (Acts 14:23). Thus the Quran explains that fasting is not a new act imposed upon Muslims.<br />
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Buddhists are known to fast on Poya days when they observe Sil. An article on the Washington Post's "On Faith" website says that "In Buddhism, fasting is central to the journey to Enlightenment".<br />
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Fasting is a very important aspect of Hinduism. Hindus observe fast in the name of God every once, twice, or more times a week.<br />
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Fasting is very common among Jains and as a part of Jain festivals. Most Jains fast at special times, during festivals, and on holy days. Paryushan is the most prominent festival, lasting eight days in Svetambara Jain tradition and ten days in Digambar Jain tradition during the monsoon. The monsoon is a time of fasting. However, a Jain may fast at any time, especially if he or she feels some error has been committed. Variations in fasts encourage Jains to do whatever they can to maintain whatever self-control is possible for the individual. Bahá'u'lláh designated a nineteen-day period each year when adult Bahá'ís fast from sunrise to sunset each day.<br />
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Sikhism is the only philosophy that does not promote fasting except for medical reasons.<br />
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People fast for various reasons but the religious fast enjoined in all religions is summarised in the Qur’anic verse as "that you may become Al-Muttaqun (the pious)…" There is no other reason that can be attributed to a religious fast as such fasts are observed particularly during periods of religious significance. Generally all religions are united in this respect.<br />
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Others who do not observe religious practices also fast for reasons other than ‘to become righteous’. Dr. Michael Mosely conducted an experiment on himself, fasting two days a week intermittently and declared that such fasting promotes good health and weight loss and longevity. (see Michael Mosely-"The Fast Diet: The Secret of Intermittent Fasting - Lose Weight, Stay Healthy, Live Longer").<br />
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As explained in the foregoing paragraphs each religion has different number of days of fasting and different manners of fasting.<br />
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<u>For Muslims Allah continues in the same verse quoted above as follows:</u><br />
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"…(Fasting) for a fixed number of days, but if any of you are ill or on a journey, the same number (should be made up) from other days. And as for those who can fast with difficulty, (i.e. an old man, etc.), they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a poor person (for every day). But whoever does good of his own accord, it is better for him. And that you fast, it is better for you if only you know." (2:183-84)<br />
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While there are no difficulties about the number of days for the Fast and the times between which abstention from food and some other permitted acts on other times are forbidden, there are controversies, confusion and contradiction with respect to commencement and conclusion of the Fast.<br />
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<b>The Month</b><br />
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The month prescribed for the compulsory Fasting is the ninth month in the Islamic Lunar Calendar called in Arabic Ramadan (Quran 2:185). However, unlike the days in the Julian Calendar, the days in a Lunar month can differ from year to year, but the difference is never more than one day – that is the lunar month in either 29 days or 30 days depending on the cycle of the moon (Quran 55:5, 10:5, 36:39-40). According to the Islamic Calendar months are to be counted by new moons (Quran 2:189, 10:5).<br />
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Allah in His absolute wisdom clarifies in the Quran that when someone sights the crescent of the month (of Ramadan) must commence the fast as follows:<br />
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"The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan), he must fast that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number (of days which one did not fast must be made up) from other days. (Emphasis mine).<br />
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Thus sighting of the moon for commencement of the fast is not just from Ahadith but contained in the Quran as cited herein.<br />
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"Allah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you. (He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allah for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him" (2: 185)<br />
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In authentic Ahadith in Imam Malik’s Muwatta and the two Sahihs Bukhari and Muslim, it has been reported on the authorities of Ibn Umar (RA) and Ibn Abbas (RA). I cite these Ahadith with the full chain of narration in order to avert any controversy as to authenticity:<br />
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1. Yahya related to me from Malik from Nafi‘ from ‘Abd Allah bin' Umar that the Messenger of God once mentioned Ramadan and said: "Do not begin the fast until you see the hilal and do not break the fast until you see it. If it is obscured from you (ghumma ‘alaykum), fa aqduru la hu." (Muwatta).<br />
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 In explanations of the transliterated Arabic words (fa aqaduru la hu) in the above Hadith, Islamic Scholars derive an interpretation from the Quran itself that it can mean a set limit (Quran 77:22-23, 6:96) or evaluate or estimate or measure (Quran 6:91). Applying either meaning to the stated words, Ulemas interpret this as if the crescent moon cannot be seen by being obscured by cloud, dust etc. then calculate or estimate the length of the month of Ramadan or restrict the month to twenty nine days.<br />
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2. Abu Bakr bin Abi Shaybah related to us: Abu Usamah related to us: ‘Ubayd Allah related to us from Nafi‘ from Ibn ‘Umar that the Messenger of God once mentioned Ramadan, made a gesture by his hands and said: "A month is like this and this and this," folding his thumb the third time. Then he said: "Start fasting when you see it and end fasting when you see it. If it is obscured from you (ughmiya ‘alaykum), fa aqduru la hu thalathin (count for it 30 (days)). (Muslim)<br />
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3. Zuhayr bin Harb related to us: Isma‘il related to us from Ayyub from Nafi‘ from Ibn ‘Umar that the Messenger of God said: "A month rather (innama) is 29 days. Do not begin the fast until you see it and do not break the fast until you see it. If it is obscured from you, fa aqduru la hu. (Muslim)<br />
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4. Hajjaj bin al-Sha‘ir related to me: Hasan al-Ashyab related to us: Shayban related to us from Yahya who said: Abu Salamah informed me that he heard Ibn ‘Umar say: I heard God’s Messenger say: "A month is twenty-nine (days)." (Muslim 13/11)<br />
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5. Abu al-Walid related to us: Shu ‘bah related to us from Jabalah bin Suhaym who said that I heard Ibn ‘Umar saying that the Prophet said (showing his ten fingers thrice): "The month is like this and this" and left out (khanasa) one thumb the third time (Bukhari 3/132)<br />
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The above authentic citations from the Holy Quran and Ahadith unequivocally establishes the requirement for sighting the crescent moon of the month of Ramadan at the end of the 29th day of the previous month Sha’ban. If the moon has not been sighted due to haze, cloud, dust storms etc., then complete thirty days of Sha’ban and commence the fast for Ramadan irrespective of whether the crescent moon is sighted or otherwise. Similarly, after observing the fast for 29 consecutive days look out for the birth of the new moon of the succeeding month Shawwal and if the moon is similarly obscured by cloud, haze, storms etc., then complete thirty days of fasting and celebrate the joyous occasion of Eid. This is simple clear and concise, but then why is the controversy and confusion? There is no evidence that such confusion or controversy existed during the life time of the Holy Prophet (Sal.,) or during the period of the Thabi-een, or Thabi-ith-Thabieen (the successive generations of followers of the Holy Prophet (Sal) footsteps, with connections to the one who had been with the Prophet (Sal) or immediate companions. They followed what was stated in the Quran and by the Prophet (Sal) and did not go further. Therefore to understand the nature and extent of the controversy let us analyse another Hadith from Sahih Muslim, which will shed some light.<br />
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Abu Bakr bin Abi Shaybah related to us: Ghundar related to us from Shu‘bah: (Also, related to us Muhammad bin al-Muthanna and Ibn Bashshar; Ibn al-Muthanna said: Muhammad bin al-Ja‘far related to us Shu‘bah related to us) from al-Aswad ibn Qays who said: I heard Sa‘id ibn ‘Amr bin Sa‘id (say) that he heard Ibn ‘Umar report from the Prophet who said: "We are an unlettered people. We neither write nor calculate. A month is thus and thus and thus, folding his thumb the third time and a month is thus and thus and thus (not folding his thumb the third time), that is, (ya‘ni) 30 (days).<br />
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Opponents of the requirement of moon sighting and proponents of the Nujoomi calculation method quote the above Hadith in support of their opposition or proposition. They use the terms "We are an unlettered people. We neither write nor calculate…" to relate the Hadith to a particular period of time. That is the period during the lifetime of the Holy Prophet (Sal) and the Thabieen, the immediate followers of the Prophet (Sal). They argue that in the context of this Hadith, the people were illiterate at the time the Prophet (Sal) said this (NaoozuBillah) and did not know astronomical calculations and also did not have the means to verify. However, it is submitted that they cannot argue against the Quranic statement cited at the beginning of this section where God commands the faithful to "Fast when you see it" meaning the moon. (Allah Knows Best)<br />
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Having read translations of the Holy Quran by renowned scholars and the 9 volumes of Sahih Bukhari, 4 volumes of Sahih Muslim, and Imam Malik’s Muwattha, I could not find any support for differing from the Quran and the Ahadith’s in respect of sighting the new moon with the naked eye or completing the month in question as thirty days (when the moon is not visible). I will conclude this part by citing the following Ahadith by Abu Hurairah (RA) in Sahih Muslim and Bukhary:<br />
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1. Yahya bin Yahya related to us: Ibrahim bin Sa‘d related to us from ibn Shihab from Sa’id bin al-Musayyab from Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of God said: "When you see the new moon, start fasting, and when you see it, end fasting. But if it is obscure for you, fast for 30 days sumu thalathin yawman." (Muslim)<br />
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2. ‘Abu Bakr bin Abi Shaybah related to us: Muhammad bin Bishr al-‘Abdi related to us: ‘Ubayd Allah bin ‘Umar related to us from Abu Zinad from al-A‘raj from Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of God mentioned the hilal and said: "When you see it, start fasting, and when you see it, end fasting. But if it is obscure for you, and if it is obscure for you, count 30 (fa ‘uddu thalathin)." (Muslim)<br />
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3. ‘Abd al-Rahman bin Sallam al-Jumahi related to us: al-Rubay‘, that is, Ibn Muslim related to us from Muhammad (who is Ibn Ziyad) from Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet said: "Start fasting on seeing it, and end fasting on seeing it, and if it is obscure for you, complete the number (akmilu al-‘adad)." (Muslim 13/2/18)<br />
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4. ‘Ubayd Allah bin Mu‘adh related to us: My father related to us: Su‘bah related to us from Muhammad bin Ziyad who said: I heard Abu Hurayrah saying that the Messenger of God said: "Start fasting on seeing it, and end fasting on seeing it, and if the month is obscure for you, count 30 (fa ‘uddu thalathin)." (Muslim 13/2/19)<br />
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5. Adam related to us: Shu‘bah related to us: Muhammad bin Ziyad related to us saying: I heard Abu Hurayrah say: The Prophet said or, (I heard him say) Abu al-Qasim said: "Start fasting on seeing it, and end fasting on seeing it, and it is obscure for you, complete thirty days of Sha‘ban (fa akmilu ‘idda Sha‘ban thalathin)." (Bukhari 3/133)<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "youtube noto" , "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">London Central Mosque Friday Sermon Urging Musims to Vote in the 2015 UK Elections clip.</span><br />
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Tafheem-ul-Quran - (30 years in the making) by Syed Abul Ala Moududi<br />
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Tafheem-ul-Quran - A complete Qur’an with Urdu translations & tafseer by Moulana Syed Abul Ala Moududi in MP3 / Audio / CD format. It took him 30 years from 1942 - 1972 to complete this great mission. Maududi's translation and commentary on the Qur'an, "Tafheem-ul-Quran" in easy to understand Urdu, ranks as one of the best such works in existence today. Tafheem-ul-Quran is now available for the first time in MP3 / audio / CDs. Introduction to each surah (voice of Radio Pakistan's famous broadcaster, Azeem Sarwar) follows the Arabic recitation (Sh. Abdul Rehman Huzaify, Imam, Masjid-e-Nabvi) of the verses.<br />
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<a href="http://www.thechoice.com/" target="_blank">www.TheChoice.com</a><br />
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Quran Tafseer in Urdu by Syed Abul Ala Moududi

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