The feast actually is supposed to be Eid at the end of Ramadan

      

 Those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) - Islamic Monotheism), and whose hearts find rest in the remembrance of Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD), Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest. (Rad 13:28)

  Iftar parties have become an important part of Muslim culture       

          

Is it time for iftar, (An Iftar party).

"Where is the meat? We aren't going to have enough for everyone."

His/Her eyes fell on Coconut dates, Kebab, biryani, samusa, huge chocolate cake, Jalebi and some sandwiches, Prawn Tandoori, roasted

Duck, ‘pi pak’, ketam goreng berempah and laksa johor, Gullah (fish balls), kulhi boakibaa (fishcake), and foniboakiba (a flour cake), hot dogs,

 Pizza, chicken nuggets. (Stop! is this iftar or parting)?

(time of the year to gain more weight lol).

Iftar party eating

Iftar parties have become an important part of Muslim culture, which unfortunately encourages the following

    Too much food

    Too much preparation time

    Insisting that guests eat more by almost harassing them

    Overeating

    Wastage of food since no food rescue programs are organized

 Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu-alaihi-wasallam) encouraged us to invite each other for Iftar and he was a generous man.

He was not always poor. Initially he was married to the richest lady of Makkah and in the later part of his life,

He had enough wealth to sacrifice as much as 70-plus camels during his last Hajj. But he chose to live simply and eat less.

 An Iftar party must not defy Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu-alaihi-wasallam) and the spirit of Ramadan.

Those of us blessed to enjoy a table full of a variety of foods when we break our fasts perhaps don’t consider this.

Maybe we feel entitled to eat our fill. But for many, this is clearly not an option.

Feed those in need. Muslims are made to create a bond between them and Allah. They are encouraged to do good deeds like helping the poor and the needy by giving them food, care, and love. Muslims often relish buying gifts for their family and friends.

Ramadan, in which we are supposed to experience hunger to achieve a better connection with Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD)’s Creation and with the Creator Himself, somehow has become a marathon feast. It is self-defeating. Those who cook are overburdened and do not have enough energy left for extra worship recommended for Ramadan. There is no Hadith about feasting at Iftar. There is no Sunnah of food celebrations and special cooking at Iftar throughout the life of the Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu-alaihi-wasallam), and his Companions. May Allah be pleased with all of them? The feast actually is supposed to be Eid at the end of Ramadan not at the end of each day of fasting.

Ramadan is an honorable and blessed month, and the rewards for generosity are multiplied in it. Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu-alaihi-wasallam) said,

“The best charity is that given in Ramadan.”

It is a time for spiritual renewal through fasting, a time to remember the poor and hungry, and a time to come together as a community

Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu-alaihi-wasallam) who encouraged us to fill only one-third of our stomachs even on normal days, ate far less in Ramadan.

Do a family Shura (consultation) before Ramadan and develop a menu of simplicity. Reduce the burden of cooking and divide it up across all family members.

"The Messenger of Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) would break his fast with ripe dates before he would pray.

If those were not available, he would eat dried dates. If those were not available, he would drink some water."

            Through fasting, a Muslim experiences hunger and thirst, and sympathizes with those in the world who have little to eat every day.

   

           Through increased devotion, Muslims feel closer to their Creator, and recognize that everything we have in this life is a blessing from Him.

   

          Through increased charity, Muslims develop feelings of generosity and good-will toward others. Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu-alaihi-wasallam) once said, "A man's wealth is never diminished by charity."

   

         Through self-control, a Muslim practices good manners, good speech, and good habits.

   

       Through changing routines, Muslims have a chance to establish healthier lifestyle habits -- particularly with regards to diet and smoking.

   

      Through family and community gatherings, Muslims strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood, in their own communities and throughout the world.

Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu-alaihi-wasallam) said: "love for your brother what you love for yourself".

It was the day of celebration and a day of rejoicing. There was an air of festivity in the streets of Madina. All the people, both young and old were dressed in their best clothes, especially for this special day of Ramadan Eid.

As it was time for early morning Ramadan Eid prayers everyone made their way to an open piece of land on the outskirts of the city of Madina. Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu-alaihi-wasallam) arrived and led the prayers. After they had finished they all greeted each other and everyone was walking back home.  Children where playing, without a care in the world.

As Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu-alaihi-wasallam) walked back home, he suddenly became aware of a little boy (Zuhair Bin Saghir) sitting by himself on the side of the path. The little boy was crying and looked very sad. Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu-alaihi-wasallam)) bent down and patted him on the shoulders and asked 'why are you crying?' 'Please leave me alone' sobbed the little boy. The boy didn't even see who was talking to him. The Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu-alaihi-wasallam) ran his fingers through the boy's hair and very gently and kindly asked him again why he was crying. This time the boy said, 'My father was martyred fighting, and now my mother has married again and my stepfather does not want me to live at home any more. Today is Ramadan Eid and everyone is happy. All the children have new clothes and nice things to eat, but I don't have any clothes except what I am wearing. I have no food and I don't even have a place to live.

Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu-alaihi-wasallam)) said to him, 'I know how you feel, I lost both my mother and father when I was a little boy.' The boy was surprised to hear that it was an orphan who was comforting him, and when he looked up to his great surprise it was the Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu-alaihi-wasallam)and he immediately jumped up to his feet out of love and respect.

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said to him 'If I were to become your new father and my wife you new mother, and my daughter your new sister, would that make you feel better?' 'Oh yes, that would be the best thing in the world!' The boy started smiling. Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu-alaihi-wasallam) took him home and gave him new clothes and good food on this beautiful day of Ramadan Eid. The boy indeed had a wonderful Ramadan Eid that day.

Imam Ali (R.A) Says: "He who helps you in your time of trouble is your brother."

There are seven people whom Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) will draw under His own shadow, on the day when there will be no other shadow; one of them a man who hath given alms and concealed it, so that his left hand knew not what his right hand did.

Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu-alaihi-wasallam)said, "It is indispensable for every Muslim to give alms." The companions asked, "But if he hath not anything to give?" He said, "If he hath nothing, he must do a work with his hand, by which to obtain something and benefit him; and give alms with the remainder." They said, "But if he is not able to do those work, to benefit him and give alms to others?" Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu-alaihi-wasallam) said, "Then he should assist the needy and the oppressed." They asked, "What if he is not able to assist the oppressed?" He said, "Then he should exhort people to do well." They asked, "And if he cannot?" He said, "Then let him withhold himself from doing harm to people; for verily that is as alms and charity for him."

The people of the Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu-alaihi-wasallam) 's house killed a goat, and the Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu-alaihi-wasallam) enquired, "What remaineth of it?" Aisha R.A. said, "Nothing but its shoulder; for we have sent the rest to the poor and neighbors." Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu-alaihi-wasallam) said, "The whole goat remaineth except its shoulder; that is, that remaineth which ye have given away, and what ye have kept in the house is frail."

The angels asked, "O Allah (God)! Is there anything of Thy creation stronger than rocks?" Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) said, "Yes; iron is stronger than rocks, for it breaketh them." The angels said, "O Lord! Is there anything of Thy creation stronger than iron?" Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) said, "Yes; fire is stronger than iron, for it melteth it." And the angels said O defender! Is there anything of Thy creation stronger than fire?" God said, "Yes; water overcometh fire; it killeth it and maketh it cold." Then the angels said, "O Lord! Is there anything of Thy creation stronger than water?" Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) said, "Yes; wind overcometh water: it agitateth it and putteth it in motion." They said, "O our cherisher! Is there anything in Thy creation stronger than wind?" Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) said, "Yes, the children of Adam, giving alms; that is, those who give with their right hands and conceal if from their left, they overcome all."

The most excellent of alms is that of a man of small property, which he has earned by Halaal labor, and from which he giveth as much as he is able.

Giving alms to the poor hath the reward of one alms; but that given to kindred hath two rewards; one, the reward of alms, the other the reward of helping relations.

A man's first duty should be to his own family, if poor.

Giving money to the poor is an emblem of Islam and a Sunna of the Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu-alaihi-wasallam) He was never asked for anything, except that he gave it, and he would give without fearing poverty. People said that he was more generous than the “sent wind” that brings the rain clouds

To benefit from the charity you give it is important to keep certain things in mind that will lead to good in this world the next.

Giving in secret

Al Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) says, "If you give alms openly, it is well, and if you hide it and give it to the poor, it is better for you" (Qur'an 2:271).

For a Muslim, charity is given to stave off miserliness and to draw nearer to Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD), if instead the donor seeks fame, then the act of charity becomes worthless.

Giving in secret is often better for the donor since it protects against insincerity, and it is better for the recipient as it maintains his dignity.

         Should we be giving openly?

          Sometimes it is better to give charity publicly, so that others will also do the same.

          However, you must be on guard against any hypocritical notions.

         Another danger of this is offending the dignity of the poor person.

         It may be hurtful to him to be seen to be needy.

Scholars say that if someone is asking for charity publicly, there is no need to worry about offending him by also giving publicly.

                And avoid taunting and hurting

        

    Any good you have earned by giving in charity can be wiped away by taunting and hurting the recipient.

Allah said, "Do not make your charity worthless by taunting and injury." (2: 264)

Taunting is to remind a person of a favour you did to them, while hurting them is making it known to others.

Some scholars say that taunting means to take advantage of a person you donated money to, and hurting them is to make them feel ashamed of their poverty.

Another view is that taunting is to make your charity an excuse for behaving arrogantly.

The cure for this is to remember that giving charity is to give what is due to Allah, as He has made it obligatory to give Zakat.

It is important to think little of your donation in order to avoid pride which will make your good deed worthless.

Zakat is only a small percentage of your wealth, and to give only this is to be content with giving the bare minimum.

Even if you give more in addition to your Zakat, it would be better to look instead at the amount of wealth you are withholding, rather than at what you are giving with pride.

Give of what is good

Charity should be taken from the best of your wealth, and from what is dearest to you. Giving in charity is like giving to Allah Most High, and so only gives Him what is good.

Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) says: "Spend (in charity) of the good things that you earn" (Quran 2:267).

If the money you donate has been acquired dishonestly, it cannot be considered a good deed.

          Ongoing charity (Sadaqah Jariya)

           These four Sayings of Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu-alaihi-wasallam) contain the summary of Islamic law.

    Actions will be judged according to intentions.

  

     The proof of a Muslim's sincerity is that he payeth no heed to that which is not his business.

   

     No man is a true believer unless he desires for his brother that which he desires for himself.

    That which is lawful is clear, and that which is unlawful likewise, but there are certain doubtful things between the two from which it is well to abstain.

   "When you see a blessing in your life, you say "Alhamdu lillah"

    And you say "Alhamdu lillah" because you just said "Alhamdu lillah"

   And you say "Alhamdu lillah" because you were able to say "Alhamdu lillah"

   And you say "Alhamdu lillah because Allah SWT God gave you a chance to say "Alhamdu lillah

   And it goes on and on and on..."

Allah the Almighty has laid down religious duties, so do not neglect them. He has set boundaries, so do not over step them. He has prohibited some things, so do not violate them; about some things He was silent-out of compassion for you, not forgetfulness, so seek not after them

"..Be mindful of Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD), you will find Him before you. Get to know Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) in prosperity and He will know you in adversity. Know that what has passed you by was not going to befall you; and that what has befallen you was not going to pass you by. And know that victory comes with patience, relief with affliction, and ease with hardship." - Muhammadur Rasulullah

  My friend We should think of others that are less fortunate than ourselves in this beautiful month of Ramadan.

 Not everyone has such a wonderful Iftar (At iftar there is no Kebab, biryani, samusa, huge chocolate cake, Jalebi and some sandwiches,

It is the month of Fasting and thinking of those less fortunate than us, please take a moment to stop and think of those who are less fortunate than ourselves by following the Sunnah of our Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu-alaihi-wasallam)

There is more joy in giving than in receiving”,

 “When we do things out of love, we express the truth of our being; indeed, we have been created not for ourselves but for the worship of Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) and our neighbour/friends/needy brothers and sisters etc.

Every time when for love of Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) we share our goods with our neighbour/friends/needy in need, we discover that the fullness of life comes from love and all is returned to us as a blessing in the form of peace, inner satisfaction and joy.”

Muslims at this time of year think about what is important to them.

Think about what is worthwhile in your life.

What gives your life meaning, what is important to you?

As Muslims think about people who do not have enough food to eat or drink, we pray for those people around the world who are hungry and thirsty all the time, because there is not enough food for them to eat, or clean water to drink.

Why are there so many poor children in the world?

Because Allah SWT (God)'s people have forgotten to give alms to the poor/needy

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

May Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) make our efforts sincere and keep us all on the straight path...........

          Feel free to Share the information here with everyone you know,

          And earn Sawab-e-Jariya...May Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) make it a source of Sawab-e-Jariya for u and me .Ameen

                

              P.S.: "Have fun praying don’t forget to make dua for me.

(Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar).

 In U.K. InshaAllah Ramadan will begin on the 1st of August 2011. It will continue for 30 days until the 30th of August

The Sahaaba in the light of the Aayaats from the Qur’aan

The Sahaaba in the light of the Aayaats from the Qur’aan


Abdullah ibn Umm MaktumR.A. was a cousin of Khadijah bint Khuwaylid R.A., Mother of the Believers, may God be pleased with her. His father was Qays ibn Said and his mother was Aatikah bint Abdullah. She was called Umm Maktum (Mother of the Concealed One) because she gave birth to a blind child.

Abdullah witnessed the rise of Islam in Makkah. He was amongst the first to accept Islam. He lived through the persecution of the Muslims and suffered what the other companions of the Prophet experienced. His attitude, like theirs, was one of firmness, staunch resistance and sacrifice. Neither his dedication nor his faith weakened against the violence of the Quraysh onslaught. In fact, all this only increased his determination to hold on to the religion of God and his devotion to His messenger.

Abdullah was devoted to the noble Prophet and he was so eager to memorize the Quran that he would not miss any opportunity to achieve his hearts desire. Indeed, his sense of urgency and his insistence could sometimes have been irritating as he, unintentionally, sought to monopolize the attention of the Prophet.

In this period, the Prophet, peace be upon him, was concentrating on the Quraysh notables and was eager that they should become Muslims. On one particular day, he met Utbah ibn Rabiah and his brother Shaybah, Amr ibn Hisham better known as Abu Jahl, Umayyah ibn Khalaf and Walid ibn Mughirah, the father of Khalid ibn Walid who was later to be known as Sayf Allah or 'the sword of God'. He had begun talking and negotiating with them and telling them about Islam. He so much wished that they would respond positively to him and accept Islam or at least call off their persecution of his companions.

While he was thus engaged, Abdullah ibn Umm Maktum came up and asked him to read a verse from the Quran. "O messenger of God," he said, "teach me from what God has taught you."

The Prophet frowned and turned away from him. He turned his attention instead to the prestigious group of Quraysh, hoping that they would become Muslims and that by their acceptance of Islam they would bring greatness to the religion of God and strengthen his mission. As soon as he had finished speaking to them and had left their company, he suddenly felt partially blinded and his head began to throb violently. At this point the following revelation came to him:

"He frowned and turned away when the blind man approached him ! Yet for all you knew, (O Muhammad), he might perhaps have grown in purity or have been reminded of the Truth, and helped by this reminder. Now as for him who believes himself to be self-sufficient, to him you gave your whole attention, although you are not accountable for his failure to attain to purity. But as for him who came unto you full of eagerness and in awe of God, him did you disregard.

Nay, verily, this is but a reminder and so, whoever is willing may remember Him in the light of His revelations blest with dignity, lofty and pure, borne by the hands of messengers, noble and most virtuous.' (Surah Abasa 8O: 116).

These are the sixteen verses which were revealed to the noble Prophet about Abdullah ibn Umm Maktum, sixteen verses that have continued to be recited from that time till today and shall continue to be recited.

From that day the Prophet did not cease to be generous to Abdullah ibn Umm Maktum, to ask him about his affairs, to fulfill his needs and take him into his council whenever he approached. This is not strange. Was he not censured by God in a most severe manner on Abdullah's account? In fact, in later years, he often greeted Ibn Umm Maktum with these words of humility:

"Welcome unto him on whose account my Sustainer has rebuked me." When the Quraysh intensified their persecution of the Prophet and those who believed with him, God gave them permission to emigrate. Abdullahs response was prompt. He and Musab ibn Umayr were the first of the Companions to reach Madinah.

As soon as they reached Yathrib, he and Musab began discussing with the people, reading the Quran to them and teaching them the religion of God. When the Prophet, upon whom be peace, arrived in Madinah, he appointed Abdullah and Bilal ibn Rabah to be muadh-dhins for the Muslims, proclaiming the Oneness of God five times a day, calling man to the best of actions and summoning them to success .

Bilal would call the adhan and Abdullah would pronounce the iqamah for the Prayer. Sometimes they would reverse the process. During Ramadan, they adopted a special routine. One of them would call the adhan to wake people up to eat before the fast began. The other would call the adhan to announce the beginning of dawn and the fast. It was Bilal who would awaken the people and Abdullah ibn Umm Maktum who would announce the beginning of dawn.

One of the responsibilities that the Prophet placed on Abdullah ibn Umm Maktum was to put him in charge of Madinah in his absence. This was done more than ten times, one of them being when he left for the liberation of Makkah.

Soon after the battle of Badr, the Prophet received a revelation from God raising the status of the mujahideen and preferring them over the qaideen (those who remain inactive at home). This was in order to encourage the mujahid even further and to spur the qaid to give up his inactivity. This revelation affected ibn Umm Maktum deeply. It pained him to be thus barred from the higher status and he said:

O messenger of God. If I could go on jihad, I would certainly do." He then earnestly asked God to send down a revelation about his particular case and those like him who were prevented because of their disabilities from going on military campaigns.

His prayer was answered. An additional phrase was revealed to the Prophet exempting those with disabilities from the import of the original verse. The full ayah became:

"Not equal are those who remain seated among the believers, except those who possess disabilities, and those who strive and fight in the way of God with their wealth and their persons . . ." (Surah an-Nisaa, 4: 95).

In spite of thus being excused from jihad, the soul of Abdullah ibn Umm Maktum refused to be content with staying among those who remained at home when an expedition was in progress. Great souls are not content with remaining detached from affairs of great moment. He determined that no campaign should by-pass him. He fixed a role for himself on the battle field. He would say: "Place me between two rows and give me the standard. I will carry it for you and protect it, for I am blind and cannot run away. "

In the fourteenth year after the hijrah, Umar resolved to mount a major assault against the Persians to bring down their State and open the way for the Muslim forces. So he wrote to his governors:

"Send anyone with a weapon or a horse or who can offer any form of help to me. And make haste."

Crowds of Muslims from every direction responded to Umar's call and converged on Madinah. Among all these was the blind mujahid Abdullah ibn Umm Maktum. Umar appointed Saud ibn Abi Waqqas commander over the army, gave him instructions and bade him farewell. When the army reached Qadisiyyah, Abdullah ibn Umm Maktum was prominent, wearing a coat of armor and fully prepared. He had vowed to carry and protect the standard of the Muslims or be killed in the process.

The forces met and engaged in battle for three days. The fighting was among the most fierce and bitter in the history of the Muslim conquests. On the third day, the Muslims achieved a mighty victory as one of the greatest empires in the world collapsed and one of the most secure thrones fell. The standard of Tawhid was raised in an idolatrous land. The price of this clear victory was hundreds of martyrs. Among them was Abdullah ibn Umm Maktum. He was found dead on the battlefield clutching the flag of the Muslims.

......The Prophet’s behavior toward disabled people.......
In our everyday lives, we often encounter handicapped people. Whether we stop to chat with them or not, many of us find ourselves thanking God for creating us free of disabilities while simultaneously uttering a prayer for them.

Interestingly enough though, whereas we may consider such people disadvantaged, there is very little evidence in the Qur’an or the traditions of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) that Islam views them in a similar fashion. For instance, the Qur’an contains hardly any direct reference to disabled people except in the context of jihad: “Not equal are those of the believers who sit (at home), except those who are disabled, and those who strive hard and fight in the Cause of Allah with their wealth and their lives.” (4:95)

In another place, when God rebukes the Prophet, pbuh, in Surah Abasa (Ch. 80) on account of his behavior toward Abdullah ibn Umm Maktum, He does not dwell on the latter’s disability except to refer to him as the “blind man.” In other words, the Prophet is not being admonished on his insensitivity towards a handicapped person, but rather on his negligence of someone who came to him to learn.

The Prophet’s behavior toward disabled people is an example par excellence for us. In addition to greeting Abdullah ibn Umm Maktum with respect and humility, the Prophet, pbuh, designated him as the Leader of Madinah many times in his own absence. As far as the Prophet was concerned, Abdullah ibn Umm Maktum’s blindness was not a hindrance in his ability to carry out his duties.

Similarly, the case of Julaybib, another companion of the Prophet, is instructive. He was thus known because of his diminutive figure. He was also described as being deformed or revolting in appearance. While many people in Madinah had made him an outcast, the Prophet, pbuh, instead approached a family to give their beautiful daughter as a bride for Julaybib. As may be expected, the parents were blinded by his apparent handicaps – yet their daughter surrendered herself to the will of the Prophet, pbuh.

These examples are important because they show that even though the Prophet, pbuh, was sensitive to their particular circumstances, he did not consider these to be things which should stand in their way of leading normal lives. Rather, he was intent upon focusing on their inner beauty and amorphous souls – just as he did with all of his companions.

Therefore, putting aside our own prejudices and assumptions, we must recognize that disability in and of itself is not necessarily a hindrance or disadvantage. No doubt, it causes the afflicted person far more difficulty than someone who is not in his/her position. This is all the more reason why we should make extra efforts to provide facilitation to our brothers and sisters by ensuring not only their physical comfort through appropriate measures but their mental and emotional ease as well. The latter can only be accomplished if we view them beyond their physical state, just as the Prophet, pbuh, did.

After all, God has promised us that our lives are a test for us. Degrees and forms of our trials vary from person to person, even family to family. However, it is up to us to have fortitude, accept our fate, and then actively work to make the best out of them. Indeed, God has promised us that “with every hardship there is relief,” (94:5) and that “no person shall have a burden laid on him greater than he can bear” (2:286).

In general, handicapped people face the challenge of normalizing their lives with patience, strength and courage. Many of them accomplish this with such flair that they no longer see themselves as “different.” May God facilitate them in their adversity and enable others of us to become a supportive force for them.

Have fun praying and getting ready for the Day of Judgment coz that day will NOT be fun :) P.S.: don’t forget to make dua  for me.