Sabr/Patience is an extremely important virtue for a believer

Alhamdu lillahi Rabbil ‘Aalameen. Was-salatu was-salaamu alaa Khayril mursaleen. Muhammadin-nabeey-yil Ummiy-yee, wa-‘alaa aalihee, wa sahbihee, aj-ma’een.

Ammaa ba’ad:

Innalláha wa malaaikata yusallúna alan nabi. Yá ay yuhal latheena ámanu sallú alayhi wasalli mú tas leema. Allahumma Salli alá Muhammad, WA ala áli Muhammad, Kama salayta ala Ibrahim, WA ala ali Ibrahim. Allahumma barik ala Muhammad, wa alaa áli Muhammad, kama barakta ala Ibrahim, wa ala ali ibrahim. Fil ála meen, innaka hameedun majeed.”

 Ramadan patience

Sabr/Patience is an extremely important virtue for a believer

  Sabr is an extremely important virtue for a believer.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) talking to some poor Muslims from Ansar whom he had given whatever he had, said:

"Whoever practices Sabr, Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’aala gives him Sabr.

 And no one can be given anything better or more far-reaching (comprehensive) than Sabr”: Bukhari and Muslim.

   In This month of Ramadan patience has been the most important lesson for all of us.

Like it or not we have all been applying patience in our daily life in Ramadan.

Those who have not have lost out. (Why be a loser? pray more).

     My dear friend we are all tested by Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) in numerous ways in this dunya and it all depends on how we handle it...

Life comes and goes just as quickly for those who live morally as for those who do not.

Those who exhibit impatience when facing the tests that Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) creates while they are in this world, who revolt against them by becoming impatient, and who are not constant in their morality and worship one day will die and find themselves between Heaven and Hell.

Those who choose patience and surrender to Destiny spend their temporary life here in the finest possible way

And will enter Paradise due to their trust in Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD).

Those who spend their life being impatient,

And complaining about their difficulties and troubles will find them in the darkness of Hell, just as they lived here in the darkness of irreligion, and will realize that they have sacrificed eternal life for a short temporary life on Earth.

Hardships and ease are a trial for you.

 Everything Allah chooses for you; from good or evil, is for your benefit.

Whatever occurred to you could not have missed you and what missed you could never have reached you.

Rewards are only for those who are patient with the Decree of Allah.

Panic and impatience cannot prevent Allah’s Decree. Shakwah, Shikwa etc (complaining) is contradictory to Sabr (patience).
 Allah alone can protect you from harm and ease your difficulties. Sabr is obligatory!

If the affliction results from acts of obedience to Allah, such as injury on the battlefield, losing money during Hijra
(migrating for the sake of Allah), losing a job because of accepting Islam or because one attempts to follow the Sunnah of Allah’s Messenger (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) like growing the beard, wearing the lower garment above the ankles, etc, then the affliction is a trial. Whoever bears it with patience will be rewarded and whoever exhibits annoyance may invoke the wrath of Allah upon himself.

If the affliction befalls due to sinful actions, such as illnesses caused by drinking alcohol and using drugs etc,
 then the affliction is a punishment from Allah. Hasten to avoid all sinful acts and turn towards Allah in repentance and ask his forgiveness. Otherwise, know that the punishments of the Hereafter are far more severe and unbearable.

If the affliction is neither connected to neither a good deed nor a sin, such as other kinds of disease and sickness, losing a child, or failing in business, then you should evaluate your actions.
 If you are involved in some kind of disobedience to Allah then the affliction is a punishment for you and a reminder to leave your evil deeds. Otherwise, Allah has caused this affliction to test your patience. The Messenger of Allah (Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said: “One amongst the inhabitants of Hell, who had lived a
 life of ease and pleasure in the world, would be made to dip in the Hell Fire only once on the Day of Resurrection.
 Then he would be asked: ‘O son of Adam, Did you find any comfort. Did you get any blessing?’ He would say: ‘By Allah, no, my Lord!’ Then a person, from the inhabitants of Paradise, who had led the most miserable life (in the world), would be made to dip once in Paradise and it would be said to him: ‘O son of Adam, did you face any hardship or experience any distress?’ he would say: ‘By Allah! No never have I experienced any hardship or distresses.” (Saheeh Muslim, No. 6738)

  “And certainly, we shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad
 tidings to as-Saabireen (the patient ones).
 Who, when afflicted with calamity, say: “Inna Ilahi WA Inna Ilaihi Raaji’un (Verily to Allah we belong and verily, to Him we shall return).”
 They are those on whom are the Salawaat (i.e. who are blessed and will be forgiven) from their Lord, and (they are
 those who) receive His Mercy, and it is they who are the guided-ones.” (2:155-157)

    But Do You Know What Sabr/patience really is?

 It implies patience, forbearance, perseverance, determination, fortitude, constancy and steadfastness.

Sabr/patience assumes different dimensions depending upon which aspect of life is the point of reference:

Here is one example:-Our Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) demonstrated best of Sabr/patience in all of the situations

 Described below giving us a vivid picture of what a perfect and ideal Sabr/patience looks like.

The most outstanding example of Sabr/patience in the way of Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) demonstrated

In the face of persecutions from non-Muslims was that of our Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam)'s 13 years in Makkah and his experience in Taaif.

 That was humanity at its best, Sabr/patience par excellence and Ihsan without a parallel. (Sunna in operation)

To prepare for this, he was admonished at the very outset of the mission,

"And practice Sabr for the sake of your Lord." Al-Mudaththir 74:7

And then he (Holy Prophet Muhammad Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) was reminded,

"Rejected were the messengers before you and they continued to practice Sabr while they were being rejected and persecuted, until Our help reached them?" Al-Anam 6:34

"And practice Sabr; certainly Allah does not let the reward of the Muhsineen be lost." Younus 11:115

He (Holy Prophet Muhammad Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) indeed excelled in what he was commanded.

The same is expected from us.

Although we may not be able to reach that level of excellence, our goal is to strive towards that level.

We all have an obligation to revive Islam (Dawa), and we are bound to face all kind of difficulties requiring us to exhibit appropriate Sabr in response to all of those circumstances.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) did warn us about this situation,

"A time is going to come on people when remaining steadfast on Deen will be like holding a burning coal in one's hand." Anas R.A. in At-Tirmizi

…….Lowest level of Sabr:-

One of the best qualities of our Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) was his inexhaustible Sabr/patience,

 Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) was always with Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) because Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) is always with those who patiently persevere.

Tears or Sadness is not against the spirit of the patience.

When the grandson of Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam), (son of Zainab R.A.), was taking his last breath in the Prophet's lap, tears came down from Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam),’s eyes.

When Sad R.A. wondered, the Prophet Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam explained,

 "This is an expression of mercy that Allah has put in the hearts of people.”. : Bukhari and Muslim.

This kind of patience is the lowest level of Sabr expected of the believers and is one of the qualities emanating from the Taqwa in the heart.

The test of the patience is at the initial shock. With time, everyone cools down.

The patient person controls his/her reactions at the very outset.

Reacting emotionally in the beginning and then cooling off is indicative of lack of patience.

The Messenger of Allah Holy Prophet Muhammad Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) told a women crying over the grave of her husband, "Maintain Taqwa and be patient.

“Later on he explained to her, "The real Sabr (patience) is that which is demonstrated at the initial shock.Bukhari and Muslim.

The Messenger of Allah Holy Prophet Muhammad Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) said, "Allah Tabaaraka WA Ta’aala says: O son of Adam!

If you remained patient restraining yourself and expecting my reward at the initial shock,

I will not be happy without rewarding you with Jannah.” Ibn Majah.

The complementary quality for this Sabr is Shukr (gratitude) which means thanking Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala for any good things,

Happy occasions, successes, health, profitability, good harvest and prosperity we enjoy in our life.

Because all of these things depend, in addition to our hard work, on many favorable circumstances and conditions that are beyond our control,

A believer thanks Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala for providing the ability to work hard and making our efforts fruitful through all those favorable circumstances and conditions.

This is what is alluded to in the following Ahadith:

The Messenger of Allah Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) said, "Wondrous are the believer's affairs.

For him there is good in all his affairs, and this is true only for a believer. If he encounters something troubling, he remains steadfast with patience, and that is good for him.

If he experiences something pleasing, he thanks Allah, and that is good for him. : Muslim.

    “   O ye believe! Endure and out-do all others in endurance: [3: 200]

      And surely We shall try you with something of fear and hunger, and loss of wealth and lives and crops: but give glad tidings to the steadfast. [2: 155]]
       Seek help in steadfastness and prayer. Lo! Allah is with the steadfast. [2: 153]

  Abu Sayed Khudri [RA] related that some people from among the Ansar requested the Holy Prophet Muhammad Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) to give them something and he gave them; they asked again and he gave them till he exhausted all that he had. Then he Holy Prophet Muhammad Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) said to them:  ''Whenever there is anything with me, I do not hesitate to give it to you. Remember: One who desires chastity, Allah makes him chaste; one who wants contentment, Allah makes him content; and the person who aspires for steadfastness, Allah bestows steadfastness upon him. No one has been awarded a better bounty than patience and submission.''  (Bukhari and Muslim)
Our Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam)  demonstrated best of Sabr in all of the situations giving us a vivid picture of what a perfect and ideal Sabr looks like.

The most outstanding example of Sabr in the way of Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala demonstrated in the face of persecutions from non-Muslims was that of our Prophet Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam 13 years in Makkah and his experience in Taaif. That was humanity at its best, Sabr par excellence and Ihsan without a parallel. To prepare for this, he was admonished at the very outset of the mission,

"And practice Sabr for the sake of your Lord." Al-Mudaththir 74:7

And then he was reminded,

"Rejected were the messengers before you and they continued to practice Sabr while they were being rejected and persecuted, until Our help reached them." Al-Anam 6:34

"And practice Sabr; certainly Allah does not let the reward of the Muhsineen be lost." Yunas 11:115

"The fair settlement for a wrong is equal retribution.

However, whoever forgives and reconciles his reward is due on Allah, and Allah does not like the unjust.

 And whoever avenges himself after being wronged, they are not to be blamed.

The blame is on those who oppress people and wrongfully rebel in the land.

For them, there will be a painful punishment.

And indeed whoever practices Sabr and forgives that is a highly resolute, top-notch behaviour" Ash-Shuraa Quran: 42:40

    Once, a person was verbally abusing Abu Bakr while the Prophet Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam was curiously watching with a smile. After taking much abuse quietly, Abu Bakr responded to a few of his comments. At this, the Prophet Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam exhibited his disapproval, got up and left. Abu Bakr caught up with the Prophet Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam and wondered, "O Messenger of Allah, he was abusing me and you remained sitting. When I responded to him, you disapproved and got up." The Messenger of Allah Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam responded,

"There was an angel with you responding to him. When you responded to him, Shaitan took his place."

He then said,

"O Abu Bakr, there are three solid truths: If a person is wronged and he forbears (without seeking revenge) just for the sake of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’aala, Allah will honor him and give him upper hand with His help; if a person opens a door of giving gifts for cementing relationships with relatives, Allah will give him abundance; and, if a person opens a door of seeking charity for himself to increase his wealth, Allah will further reduce his wealth." Abu Hurairah R.A. in Musnad Ahmad.

The prime example for practicing Sabr, forbearing and then forgiving is the behaviour of Yusuf in response to his brothers' wrongs. The Holy Qur’an observes:

"Indeed, whoever maintains Taqwa and practices Sabr, Allah does not let the reward of the Muhsineen be lost." Yusuf 12:90

The above two dimensions of Sabr were purely from the perspective of the personal life of a Muslim. The third and fourth dimensions cover the kind of Sabr needed in the Islamic work. No matter what dimension of sabr we talk about, we must always remember, that our Prophet Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam provided the best examples in all of them.

        He indeed excelled in what he was commanded. The same is expected from us.

 Although we may not be able to reach that level of excellence, our goal is to strive towards that level.

 We all have an obligation to revive Islam as a movement and we are bound to face all three kind of difficulties mentioned in this section requiring us to exhibit appropriate Sabr in response to all of those circumstances. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) did warn us about this situation,

"A time is going to come on people when remaining steadfast on Deen will be like holding a burning coal in one's hand." Anas R.A. in At-Tirmizi

This world my friend is but a believer’s prison.Gather all the strength at your command and be patient/Sabr and forbearing throughout its ups and downs. With courage and fortitude, stand against adversities and calamities. Make yourself understand that the agitation and anguish inside you, aside from involving a great disgrace by them, are futile in confrontation with sufferings and calamities.

Be happy with Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) and don’t complain in front of creatures about His irresistible decrees and inevitable ordainments. During the times of hardships, turn your heart's attention to the focal point of Absolute Perfection (Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD)  and you will witness its effects in this world itself and your heart will attain such an expanse that it will become the realm of the manifestation of Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) 's sovereignty. Richness and contentment will then pervade your heart such that everything related to this world will become worthless in your eyes. Sabr, forbearance and restraint bring fair, plentiful rewards and have sublime and beautiful forms in the world of Barzakh (purgatory).

If you have faith in Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) and you believe that all the affairs lie in His mighty hands,

You will not complain before Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) of the hardships of life and the adversities that strike you.

 Rather, you will accept them willingly, fulfill your duties and thank Him gratefully for His bounties.

 If there's one thing I've really learned from studying Islam and is now definitely part of my being is Sabr/patience.

Once you get it's a treasure to hold tight .It's not easy, but it's possible! I Pray to our creator Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) grant all of us Sabr/patience. Amen.

"It is Allah Who has created me, and it is He Who guides me; and when I am ill, it is He who cures me

"And it is He Who feeds me and gives me to drink..."And who will cause me to die, and then will bring me to life (again);

"And Who, I hope will forgive me my faults on the Day of Recompense, (the Day of Resurrection)" (Surah Al Shuraa)

And remember what our beloved prophet Muhammad SAW saying: Whoever remains patient,

Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) will make him patient.

Nobody can be given a blessing better and greater than patience. Sahih Bukhari.

Anas bin Malik [R.A...] related that the Holy Prophet Muhammad Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) said:  '' No one should wish for death because of misfortune that befalls him. If any body should be so hard up with life he could say: Allah, keep me alive as long as life is good for me, and I may die when death is better for Me.'': [Bukhari and Muslim].

My beloved Brothers and Sisters,

 I ask Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) to grant us Sabr /patience,

I ask Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) to grant us Sabr/ patience,

I ask Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) to grant us Sabr/ patience.

Ya Allah, we ask you to relieve the suffering of all those who are under the oppression, and to heal those that are sick, and to help us in gaining a part of your knowledge in our studies and to use that knowledge for the benefit of all his creation.

Ya Allah please guide our footsteps to the right path and forgive us our mistakes and shortcomings.

 Allahumma ighfirlana wa irhamna

WA ‘fina wa afu ‘anna

WA tawalana wa tub ‘layna

WA arina al Haq haqan warzookna atiba’a

WA arina al baatila baatilan warzookna ijtinaba

WA unsor illah hum ill muslimeen

WA akhir da’wana wal hamdu illah rab il ‘Aalameen

WA salamun ‘al mursaleen

WA aqim al salah…

The big Question is can keep your Sabr going?

What has Ramadan done for you?

What where the lesson learnt?

Take stoke of your life now, if you have not done so by now, Do it my friend...

I’d like to pray for all of us to be included in the group of persons who are being rewarded by the virtue of sabr.

If I said anything correct, then it is from Allah (Subhanahu WA Ta’aala),

      And if I erred, then that is from me and Shaitan.

May Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) make us from the Companions of His Book and unite us with His righteous slaves in the highest gardens of Paradise. Amen.

May Allah Subhanahu wata`aalaa grant us what is best in this world and the next!

Action speaks louder then words my friend’s practice Islam the way of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) did.

 May Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) help us to do that which He loves and which pleases Him?

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

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

The Qur’an was revealed to be recited, respected, understood and internalized.

I Seek refuge in Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD), from the Shaitan.

      In the name of Allah, the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful.

         Islam has two primary sources, the Qur’an, and (Sunna) the authentic Traditions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam), that explain and sometimes expand on that of the Qur’an.

         

Bismillah Al-Hamdulillah WA salatu WA Salamu 'ala RasulAllah

Amma ba'd

The HOLY QURAN IS SIMPLE TO UNDERSTAND IMPOSSIBLE TO IMITATE.

The Qur’an was revealed to be recited, respected, understood and internalized.
Are you learning Qur’an this Ramadan? Are you reading more then last Ramadan? Have you improved on it this Ramadan?
The Holy Qur'an says that no man will be able to forge even a part of it and that no corruption shall touch it from any side. It is a miracle that the Holy Qur'an has remained unchanged and unaltered during all these 1400 years and it shall remain so till the Day of Resurrection, for Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD), has taken it on Himself to protect it.
The Book of Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) is like an ocean. The less learned, like children, collect pebbles and shells from its shores. The scholars and thinkers, like pearl divers, bring out from it the highest philosophy, wisdom and rules of a perfect way of living. For easy daily recitation, the Qur'an is divided into thirty equal parts. One part takes only twenty-four reading minutes, and the whole Book requires twelve reading hours. There are 114 chapters, and 6,226 verses, containing 99,464 words made up of 330, 113 letters.
.The first chapter is recited in every prayer.
   It is important to Muslims. It can be translated as follows:
    Surah Al-Fatiha (The Opening)

   Praise is only for Allah, Lord of the Universe.

The most Kind, the most Merciful.

The master of the Day of Judgment.

You alone we worship and to you alone we pray for help.

Show us the straight way, the way of those whom you have blessed.

Who have not deserved your anger? Nor gone astray.

"Shahru ramadaanal-lathi unzila feehil-Quraana huda linnaasi wa bay-yinaatim-minal hudaa wal furqaan. Fa man shahida minkumu shahra fal yasumhu" Qur’an (2:185).

"Ramadan is the (month) in which the Qur'an was sent down, 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."

This Quranic verse explains the inseparable link between the Qur’an and the month of Ramadan

The Qur’an is characterized by a unique phenomenon never found in any human authored book.

Every element of the Qur’an is mathematically composed - the Surah, the verses, the words, the number of certain letters, the number of words from the same root, the number and variety of divine names, the unique spelling of certain words, the absence or deliberate alteration of certain letters within certain words, and many other elements of the Qur’an besides its content. There are two major facets of the Quran’s mathematical system: (1) The mathematical literary composition, and (2) The mathematical structure involving the numbers of Surah and verses. Because of this comprehensive mathematical coding, the slightest distortion of the Quran’s text or physical arrangement is immediately exposed.

"Verily! We have sent it (this Qur’an) down in the night of Al-Qadr.

And what will make you know what the night of Al-Qadr is?

The night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months

Therein descend the angels and the Ruh (Gabriel) by Allah's Permission with all Decrees,

Peace! Until the appearance of dawn (97:1-5)

"O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious).

(Fasting) for a fixed number of days, but if any of you is 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 well 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)

"The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an, 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.

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).

The relationship between the Month of Fasting and the Book of Guidance (Al-Qur'an) are tied in the heavens.

 It is well acknowledged that the revelation of the Qur'an to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) began in the month of Ramadan in the Cave of Hira where he used to make an annual retreat.

"The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong)…." (Qur'an 2 verse 185).

The importance of this relationship is further strengthened with the knowledge that Angel Jibril Alayhi salaam would visit the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) every night in Ramadan to recite the Qur'an together: "…in the month of Ramadan when Jibril visited him, and Jibril used to meet him on every night of Ramadan till the end of the month. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) used to recite the Qur'an to Jibril, and when Jibril met him, he used to be more generous than a fast wind (which causes rain and welfare)." (Bukhari)

The more reason we are encouraged to read and study the Qur'an in this blessed month is because Ramadan intends to make us closer to the Qur'an. It wants to make us a part of their union because whoever studies and abide by the Qur'an will no doubt attain the goal of Ramadan (self-restraints, piety and noble conducts. This is because the Qur’an is guidance, mercy and protection all packed for the adornment of the believer. "And We have sent down to you the Book (the Qur’an) as an exposition of everything, a guidance, a mercy, and glad tidings for those who have submitted themselves (to Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) as Muslims)." (Qur'an 16 verse 89)

The month of Ramadan should be filled with the recitation of the Qur’an and reflection on its meaning. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) said: "Verily, Allah elevates some people with this Qur'an and humiliates others by it." (Muslim)

The Qur'an will also elevate its reciters on the Day of Judgment. Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD)'s Messenger, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) said: "The one who was devoted to the Qur'an will be told on the Day of Judgment: ‘Recite and ascend (in Ranks) as you used to recite when you were on earth. Your rank (station) will be at the last verse you recite." (Abu Dawud & Tirmidhi)

Further, it will also intercede for its reciters on the day when we would require all help. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam): "Recite the Qur’an for indeed it will come on the Day of Judgment as an intercessor for its Ashhab (those who read memorize and implement it)". (Muslim)

In order to benefit from the gift of the Qur'an, we have to recite it (avoid reading too fast, remember we have been instructed to "…recite the Qur’an (aloud) in a slow, (pleasant tone and) style." (Qur'an 73 verse 4). Follow the etiquettes of reciting it, which includes being in a state of wudu, correct pronunciation, seeking refuge from Shaitan). Then we have to memorize it .The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) said: "The best amongst you is the one who learns the Qur’an and teaches it" [Bukhari]).

For those who are already in the habit of reading the Qur'an every Ramadan,

Try and make sure to complete the entire Qur'an, if you have not been doing so in the past.

 Also, take this as an opportunity to get into the habit of reading the Qur'an daily even when Ramadan is over.

If you have not been reading the Qur'an during Ramadan in the past,

Then decide how much time you can reasonably take out of your schedule to read Qur'an on a daily basis.

 Don't push yourself to do too much,

Otherwise you'll end up right back where you started: not reading the Qur'an at all. Also remember,

“The most beloved deeds to Allah are those done regularly, even if they are small.

” Therefore, it's very important that you make a Ramadan schedule that you can stick to.

Is There A Minimum One Should Read?

Well, some scholars – such as Imam Ahmad and others –

Have disliked for a person to not complete the Qur'an at least every 40 days,

 Based on a Hadith of `Abdullah b. `Amr in which the Prophet the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) Instructed him to recite the Qur'an in forty days. Another narration gives the minimum as once a month.

However, this should not be taken as something obligatory,

 Particularly for those: who are not in the habit of reading Qur'an at all, or are not proficient in reciting the Qur'an, such as new Muslims.

 For them to attempt, all at once, to start reading the entire Qur'an once a month would probably become a barrier to them reading the Qur'an at all.

 As a bare minimum, one should study ten verses a day. This is based this on the narration of ibn Masud that the Companions used to learn the Qur'an ten verses at a time.

Since the hunger and thirst brought on by fasting softens the heart and makes it more receptive, this is an excellent time to try and read and contemplate the Qur'an. For that reason, I would highly recommend not merely reading the Qur'an, but studying it. It was the Sunnah of The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) to study the Qur'an nightly with Jibril. It was this sort of thoughtful study of the Qur'an that had an impact on the quality of The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) deeds. He was already the most generous of all human beings, yet study of the Qur'an in this month increased him in generosity.

The Messenger of Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) (prayers of Allah be upon him and his family) has said: “These hearts rust just as iron rusts; and indeed they are polished through the recitation of the Qur’an.”

We have to live the Qur'an (the Holy Prophet Muhammad Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) he was described as the Walking Qur'an by his wife, Aishah (RadiAllahu anha). The Qur’an was revealed to be recited, respected, understood and internalized. So, don’t just recite the Qur’an in Ramadan, memorize it, digest it and live it!

Set of rules for dealing with the Qur’an.

   Before one touches the book one must perform ritual washing or ablution i.e. beginning with the intention of ablution and the washing of the face, followed by the washing of 2 hands up to the elbows, to be followed by washing part of the head and finally the washing of the 2 legs up to the ankles.

 The Qur'an itself states that only those who are clean and pure should touch the sacred text: "This is indeed a Holy Qur'an, in a book well-guarded, which none shall touch but those who are clean..." (56:77-79). The Arabic word translated here as "clean" is mutahiroon, a word that is also sometimes translated as "purified".

   Some argue that this purity or cleanliness is of the heart, i.e. that only Muslim believers should handle the Qur'an. However, the majority of Islamic scholars interpret these verses to also refer to a physical cleanliness or purity, which is attained by making formal ablutions (wudu). Therefore, most Muslims believe that only those who are physically clean through formal ablutions should touch the pages of the Qur'an.   

Muslims are to listen in attentively whilst the Qur'an is being read.

    For the ease of reading so that we can pay attention to the meanings of the Qur’an) a special book stand (rihal) is used to keep it of the floor in respect of the Holy Book.

    There are various customs in different areas - these include:  The Qur'an is covered with cloth to keep it clean and protect it.

      It is kept on a high shelf with nothing above it. Before some readers will read it they touch their forehead with the book and kiss the cover.

The Qur’an was given to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) over 23 years (13 years whilst he was in Makkah and 10 years while he was in Madinah).  The longest chapters are at the beginning of the Holy Book and the shorter ones at the end of the Qur’an.

Children start with memorizing the smaller chapters at the end.

  

Tajweed

The word "Tajweed" means to improve, make better.

   Tajweed of the Holy Qur'an is the knowledge and application of the rules of recitation so the reading of the Qur'an is as the Holy Prophet Muhammad Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam), recited.

Tajweed and its application can only be learned with a qualified teacher.

The rules themselves can be studied independently, but their correct application can only be done by listening to, reciting to, and being corrected by, a qualified teacher of the Qur'an.

Do all Arabs know how to recite the Qur'an with proper Tajweed? (Simple answer is NO)

Unfortunately many do not know proper Tajweed. 

In the days of the Holy Prophet Muhammad Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam), there was no need for the study of Tajweed because they talked with what is now known as Tajweed; in other words, it was natural for them.

 Now, over 14 centuries later, colloquial Arabic has changed radically from the classical Arabic with which the Qur'an was revealed, and Arabs have to study Tajweed, just in the same way that non-Arabs do.

Do you want to learn the Qur’an?

I want to learn to recite the Qur'an with proper Tajweed, but don't know where to start.

The first step is finding a qualified Qur'an teacher who will listen to you and point out your mistakes, and help you practice fixing them. 

You will need to learn the Arabic letters and vowels too.

What if there aren't any qualified teachers where I live?

Then your task is going to be a little harder, but certainly not impossible.

 You need to work with tapes of good reciters. That allows the student to repeat what the reciter has just read.

You will need to work on the pronunciation of letters by getting a description of the articulation points and practice placing your tongue, lips, or finding the place in your throat where the letter is articulated from, and compare it to the letter when recited by the Sheikh.

My friends do not lose heart. Keep the following Hadith in the back of your mind:

“Recite the Qur'an, for on the Day of Resurrection, it shall come as an intercessor for its companion.” [Muslim]

The Messenger of Allah (blessings of Allah be upon him and his family) has said:

 “The best of those amongst you is the one who learns the Qur’an and then teaches it to others.”

May Almighty Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) give us the Tufiq to be able to study the Qur’an and implement it in our daily lives in accordance to the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet Muhammad Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam?)

If I said anything correct, then it is from Allah (Subhanahu WA Ta’aala),

      And if I erred, then that is from me and Shaitan.

May Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) make us from the Companions of His Book and unite us with His righteous slaves in the highest gardens of Paradise. Amen.

May Allah Subhanahu wata`aalaa grant us what is best in this world and the next!

Action speaks louder then words my friend’s practice Islam the way of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) did.

 May Allah Subhanahu WA Ta’aala (GOD) help us to do that which He loves and which pleases Him?

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

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

ZAYNAB (r.a) – DAUGHTER OF MUHAMMAD(pbuh)

  Ramadan
ZAYNAB (r.a) – DAUGHTER OF MUHAMMAD(pbuh)

This is the love story between Zainab bint Muhammad and Abu El'Ass ibn Rabee'; Zainab was the daughter of the Prophet (PBUH) and her cousin Abu El'Ass, was Khadeeja's (RA) nephew. He was one of the nobles of the Quraish, and the Prophet (SAW) loved him very much.

One day Abu El'Ass went to the Prophet (SAW) before he had received his mission of Prophethood and said: "I want to marry your eldest daughter". So the Prophet replied: "I must ask her first". He (SAW) went to Zainab R.A and asked her: "Your cousin came to me and he wishes to marry you, do you accept him as your husband?" Her face turned red with bashfulness and she smiled.

(This day I will marry my friend, the one I laugh with, live for, dream with, love).
So Zainab married Abu El'Ass, the beginning of a great love story. They had two children; Ali and Omama.

Then Muhammad became a Prophet while Abu El'Ass was away from Makkah. Abu El'Ass returned to find his wife a Muslim. When he first came back, his wife said "I have great news for you". He stood up and left her. Zainab R.A was surprised and followed him as she said, "My father became a Prophet and I have become a Muslim". He replied, "Why didn't you tell me first?" Hence a big problem began between the two; a problem of religion and belief.

She told him, "I wasn't going to disbelieve in my father and his message, he is not a liar, and he is "The Honest and Trustworthy". I'm not the only believer; my mother and my sisters became Muslims, my cousin Ali ibn Abi Talib R.A became a Muslim, your cousin Othman ibn Affan R.A. became a Muslim, and your friend, Abu Bakr, became a Muslim".

He replied, "Well, as for me, I don't want people to say, 'he let down his people and his forefathers to please his wife'. And I am not accusing your father of anything". Then he said, "So will you excuse me and understand?" She replied, "Who will excuse and understand you if I don't? I will stay beside you and help you until you reach the truth." And she kept her word for 20 years.
(Love is like war, Easy to begin but hard to end) He! He! He!

Abu El'Ass remained an unbeliever, and then came the migration. Zainab went to her father and asked him for the permission to stay with her husband. The Prophet (SAW) replied, "Stay with your husband and children".

So Zainab stayed in Makkah, until the battle of Badr occurred. (The Great Battle of Badr took place on the seventeenth of Ramadan, two years after the Hijra.) . Abu El'Ass was to fight in the army of Quraish against the Muslims. For Zainab, it meant that her husband will be fighting her father, a time Zainab R.A. had always feared. She kept crying out: "O Allah, I fear one day the sun may rise and my children become orphans or I lose my father".

So the battle started, and ended in victory for the Muslims. Abu El'Ass was captured by the Muslims, and news of this reached Makkah. Zainab asked, "What did my father do?" They told her, "The Muslims won". So she prayed to Allah, thanking Him. Then she asked: "What did my husband do?" They said: "He was captured". She said, "I'll send a payment to release him". She didn't own anything of much value, so she took off her mother's necklace, (She loved the necklace very much) and sent it with Abu El'Ass's brother to the Prophet SAW.

While the Prophet (SAW) was sitting, taking payments and releasing captives, he saw Khadeeja's necklace.  He held it up and asked: "Whose payment is this?" They said: "Abu El'Ass ibn Rabee". He cried and said "This is Khadeeja's necklace". As soon as the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) saw that necklace, he had a feeling of extreme compassion and his heart palpitated for the great memory. (Love knows no limit to its endurance no end to its trust, Love still stands when all else has fallen.)

(Memories are like a blanket that keeps us warm in a lone cold starry night. You look up at the glittery stars and remember a forgotten smile. Then its dawns onto you, that the blanket itself has many memories woven into its threads. All these threads of small memories suddenly sum up moments of laughter, tears, pride and joy in your life).

 The Companions who were present there gazed in amazement having being captivated by the magnificence of the situation.

After a long silence, the Messenger of Allah (SAW) stood up and said "People, this man is my in-law, should I release him? And do you accept the return of this necklace to my daughter?" They answered in unison "Yes, Messenger of Allah".

The Prophet (SAW) gave the necklace to Abu El'Ass and said to him: "Tell Zainab not to give away Khadeeja's necklace". Then he (SAW) said, "Abu El'Ass, Can we speak privately?" He took him aside and said, "Allah has ordered me to separate between a Muslim and a disbeliever, so could you return my daughter to me?" Abu El'Ass reluctantly agreed.

Zainab stood on the gates of Makkah waiting for the arrival of Abu El'Ass. When he finally came he said, "I am going away". She asked, "Where to?" He replied, "It is not me who is going, it is you. You are going to your father. We must separate because you are a Muslim". She implored him, "Will you become a Muslim and come with me?" But he refused.

So Zainab took her son and daughter and traveled to Madinah, and for 6 years she refused to remarry, hoping that one day Abu El'Ass would come.

After 6 years, Abu El'Ass was traveling in a caravan from Makkah to Syria. During the journey, he was intercepted by some of the Prophet's companions. He escaped and asked for Zainab's home. He knocked on her door shortly before the dawn prayer. She opened the door and asked him "Did you become a Muslim?" He whispered "No, I come as a fugitive". She implored him once more "Can you become a Muslim?" Again his answer was a negative. "Do not worry." She said, "Welcome my cousin, welcome, the father of Ali and Omama".

After the Prophet (SAW) prayed the dawn prayer in congregation with the people, they heard a voice from the back of the mosque, "I have freed Abu El'Ass ibn Rabee". Zainab had granted Abu El'Ass' freedom. The Prophet (SAW) asked, "Have you heard what I heard?" They all said, "Yes, Messenger of Allah". Zainab said, "He is my cousin and the father of my children and I have freed him". The Prophet (SAW) stood up and said, "O people, I declare that this man was a very good son-in-law, he never broke his promise, and neither did he tell lies. So if you accept, I will return his money back and let him go. If you refuse it's your decision and I will not blame you for it." The companions agreed, "We will give him his money". So the Prophet (SAW) said to Zainab, "We have freed the one you have freed, O Zainab." Then he (SAW) went to her and told her "be generous to him, he is your cousin and the father of your children, but don't let him get near you, he is prohibited for you." She replied, "Sure, father, I'll do as you say".

She went in and told her husband, "O Abu El'Ass, didn't you miss us at all? Won't you become a Muslim and stay with us?" But he refused. Abu El'Ass then took the money and returned to Makkah. Once he returned he stood up and announced, "O people, here is your money. Is there anything left?" They replied, "No, Abu El'Ass, there is nothing left, thanks a lot." So Abu El'Ass said, "I testify that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His Messenger." Then he went back to Madinah and ran to the Prophet (SAW) as he said, "Dear Prophet, you freed me yesterday, and today I say that I testify there is no god but Allah and you are His Messenger." He asked the Prophet, "Will you give me the permission to go back to Zainab?" The Prophet (SAW) smiled and said, "Come with me"; he took him to Zainab's house and knocked on her door. The Prophet (SAW) said, "O Zainab, your cousin came to me and asked if he can return to you". Just like 20 years before, her face turned red with bashfulness and she smiled.

The sad thing was, a year after this incident, Zainab died. Abu El'Ass shed hot tears because of her death and drove those who were around him to tears. The Messenger of Allah (SAW) came with eyes full of tears and a heart full of sorrow. Zainab's death reminded him of the death of his wife, Khadeejah. He told the women, who gathered around Zainab's corpse, "Wash her three times and use camphor in the third wash." He performed funeral prayers on her and followed her final resting place. Abu El'Ass returned to his children, Ali and Omama. Kissing them and wetting them with his tears, he remembered the face of his departed darling.

May Allah be pleased with Zainab, the Prophet's daughter! May He reward her with Paradise for her patience, endurance and struggle!

Abu El'Ass would cry so profusely that the people saw the Prophet himself weeping and calming him down. Abu El'Ass would say, "By Allah, I can't stand life
May Allah grant us all a life changing Ramadan this YEAR? Ameen!

"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.

Fasting is Safe and Effective ---Ramadan

Well Ramadan has already come and we have only few weeks remaining! How quickly does something you love go when it has just arrived?

Millions of people overeat, and common health problems like diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol issues, heart disease and even cancer can be caused by this overload to your system. Fasting is all about restricting your dietary intake to liquids only. Fruit juice, tea, and water are the most common liquids for fasting. Some people take special supplements or eat limited kinds of food, while others swear off everything until they drop those extra pounds

There has been much contention in the scientific field about whether or not fasting is beneficial to one's health. Fasting is an integral part of many of the major religions including Islam, Judaism and Christianity. Many are dubious as to whether the physiological effects are as beneficial as the spiritual promoted by these religions. There is a significant community of alternative healers who believe that fasting can do wonders for the human body

Fasting technically commences within the first twelve to twenty-four hours of the fast. A fast does not chemically begin until the carbohydrate stores in the body begin to be used as an energy source. The fast will continue as long as fat and carbohydrate stores are used for energy, as opposed to protein stores. Once protein stores begin to be depleted for energy (resulting in loss of muscle mass) a person is technically starving.

For us who fast, we know how we benefit from the yearly abstinence. However now we see that the rest of the world has found evidence to support what we have known all our lives.

The benefits of fasting must be preceded by a look at the body's progression when deprived of food. Due to the lack of incoming energy, the body must turn to its own resources, a function called autolysis.  Autolysis is the breaking down of fat stores in the body in order to produce energy. The liver is in charge of converting the fats into a chemical called a ketone body, "the metabolic substances acetoacetic acid and beta-hydroxybutyric acid”, and then distributing these bodies throughout the body via the blood stream. "When this fat utilization occurs, free fatty acids are released into the blood stream and are used by the liver for energy.”. The less one eats, the more the body turns to these stored fats and creates these ketone bodies, the accumulation of which is referred to as ketosis.

Of course fasting has many benefit not least medical and physical ones, it is not these reasons why we fast. Fasting brings about Taqwa, fear of Allah and realization of His blessing that He has bestowed upon us. By fasting we empathize and sympathize with the one who have no food, or drink as well as those who cannot get married or those who cannot be with their spouses. In this blessed month we have the opportunity to overcome Shaitan and his hole he has on us, this month is the time we can put into practice the template of belief we want to achieve... so achieve it what you waiting for!!!

Allah has blessed His slaves with certain seasons of goodness, in which Hasanaat (rewards for good deeds) are multiplied, sayi’aat (bad deeds) are forgiven, people’s status is raised, the hearts of the believers turn to their Master, those who purify themselves attain success and those who corrupt themselves fail. Allah has created His slaves to worship Him, as He says (interpretation of the meaning): “And I (Allah) created not the jinn’s and humans except that they should worship Me (Alone).”

Is fasting beneficial for human health?

Fasting during Ramadan is one of the basic religious duties of Muslims. In the past it was thought that the benefits of fasting were limited to spiritual and emotional effects. However, recent studies indicate that a person can benefit in many physical and psychological ways from fasting. The studies reveal that the body’s immune system, blood circulation, digestive organs, reproductive and urinary systems as well as the heart may all benefit from fasting.

Many Muslims think that fasting has a detrimental effect on their physical performance. Such thinking has led many Islamic countries to decrease working hours during Ramadan.

But a new U.S. study conducted by the Institute of Islamic Medicine for Education and Research in Panama City, Florida has proven that fasting does not have a negative effect on the muscles or on physical performance. Nor does it necessarily result in tiredness or lethargy.

The study concluded that there is in fact an improvement in the body’s ability to bear physical and muscular effort and the performance of the heart is also said to improve. The study monitored the physical performance of 20 healthy people, including 12 males and 8 females, before and during fasting. The participant’s ages ranged from 12 to 52 years old.

The study found that participants’ heart rates decreased from 170 beats per minute before fasting to 159 per minute while fasting. That suggests a 6 percent improvement in heart rate. Moreover, a significant improvement in blood pressure was also recorded.

The study also found that participants noticed less breathing difficulties during Ramadan, and felt less tiredness in the legs when exercising. Muscle performance was also said to improve.

Various other studies have shown that fasting increases the amount of free fatty acids in the blood, which aside from glucose are the body’s main source of energy. Fatty acids help to reduce the depletion of glycogen in the liver and muscles during exercise, and prevent the depletion of glucose in blood. Under the normal conditions, glucose is the main source of energy. However, physical effort forces the body to use up glucose quickly, leaving a person feeling tired and exhausted.

The body’s dependence on glucose decreases during fasting since sufficient quantities of amino acids are available in the blood to supply the body with energy. The result of this is an improvement in overall muscle performance.

Another recent study, prepared by Dr. Jad al-Maula Abdul-Aziz, a professor at the Faculty of Medicine of Cairo University, concluded that fasting helps to eliminate about 35 percent of the toxins that accumulate in the body during our normal activities such as eating and breathing. Fasting helps to reduce these harmful toxins and in so doing protects the body’s cells from diseases and delays aging.

Another scientific study shows that fasting helps to regulate the blood pressure. Dr. Ibrahim Hamed, researcher in the Department of Food Sciences and Nutrition, at the National Research Center in Cairo, concluded that fasting is an effective treatment for patients suffering from arteriosclerosis, characterized by the hardening of plaque-covered arteries. During a period of fasting, which continues for more than 12 hours a day, the digestive system has nothing to do and thus stops working. This prevents the blood from gathering around the stomach and intestines and allows the circulatory system to flow freely and regularly, which as a side effect may reduce pain caused by arteriosclerosis.

He added that during a period of fasting, the body burns any stored fats in the body and converts them to energy. This, it has been found, reduces the possibility of infecting healthy people with arteriosclerosis.
There has been much contention in the scientific field about whether or not fasting is beneficial to one's health. Fasting is an integral part of many of the major religions including Islam, Judaism and Christianity. Many are dubious as to whether the physiological effects are as beneficial as the spiritual promoted by these religions. There is a significant community of alternative healers who believe that fasting can do wonders for the human body.

It sets our body clock if done regularly for a month. Being a Muslim i can say that Since Muslims fast from dawn to dusk everyday and eat at fixed times this helps the body to detoxify and rejuvenates better than other types of skipping meals whatsoever. Moreover fasting is prescribed by Allah the Almighty the creator who has more knowledge of his creations than anyone in this universe. So follow his commands and be healthy physically and spiritually, for doing this all one needs is determination.

If a person does not avoid false talk and false conduct during Fasting, then Allah (God) does not care if he abstains from food and drink.

(Prophet Muhammad as reported by Bukhari & Muslim)

Still here (http://islamicchildrenstudy.blogspot.com) He!He!He! Just joking

Make dua at times where your duas are most likely to be answered – before breaking the fast, during your Salah, Qiyam ul layl, the last 10 nights etc. May Allah answer and grant all of your duas. Please make dua for me too!

The benefits of fasting must be preceded by a look at the body's progression when deprived of food. Due to the lack of incoming energy, the body must turn to its own resources, a function called autolysis. Autolysis is the breaking down of fat stores in the body in order to produce energy. The liver is in charge of converting the fats into a chemical called a ketone body, "the metabolic substances acetoacetic acid and beta-hydroxybutyric acid”, and then distributing these bodies throughout the body via the blood stream. "When this fat utilization occurs, free fatty acids are released into the blood stream and are used by the liver for energy."  The less one eats, the more the body turns to these stored fats and creates these ketone bodies, the accumulation of which is referred to as ketosis.

Detoxification is the foremost argument presented by advocates of fasting. "Detoxification is a normal body process of eliminating or neutralizing toxins through the colon, liver, kidneys, lungs, lymph glands, and skin.”. This process is precipitated by fasting because when food is no longer entering the body, the body turns to fat reserves for energy. "Human fat is valued at 3,500 calories per pound," a number that would lead one to believe that surviving on one pound of fat every day would provide a body with enough energy to function normally.  These fat reserves were created when excess glucose and carbohydrates were not used for energy or growth, not excreted, and therefore converted into fat. When the fat reserves are used for energy during a fast, it releases the chemicals from the fatty acids into the system which are then eliminated through the aforementioned organs. Chemicals not found in food but absorbed from one's environment, such as DDT, are also stored in fat reserves that may be released during a fast. One fasting advocate tested his own urine, feces and sweat during an extended fast and found traces of DDT in each.

A second prescribed benefit of fasting is the healing process that begins in the body during a fast. During a fast energy is diverted away from the digestive system due to its lack of use and towards the metabolism and immune system.  The healing process during a fast is precipitated by the body's search for energy sources. Abnormal growths within the body, tumors and the like, do not have the full support of the body's supplies and therefore are more susceptible to autolysis. Furthermore, "production of protein for replacement of damaged cells (protein synthesis) occurs more efficiently because fewer 'mistakes' are made by the DNA/RNA genetic controls which govern this process." A higher efficiency in protein synthesis results in healthier cells, tissues and organs.  This is one reason that animals stop eating when they are wounded, and why humans lose hunger during influenza. Hunger has been proven absent in illnesses such as gastritis, tonsillitis and colds.  Therefore, when one is fasting, the person is consciously diverting energy from the digestive system to the immune system.

In addition, there is a reduction in core body temperature. This is a direct result of the slower metabolic rate and general bodily functions. Following a drop in blood sugar level and using the reserves of glucose found in liver glycogen, the basal metabolic rate (BMR) is reduced in order to conserve as much energy within the body as can be provided.  Growth hormones are also released during a fast, due to the greater efficiency in hormone production.

Finally, the most scientifically proven advantage to fasting is the feeling of rejuvenation and extended life expectancy. Part of this phenomenon is caused by a number of the benefits mentioned above. A slower metabolic rate, more efficient protein production, an improved immune system, and the increased production of hormones contributes to this long-term benefit of fasting. In addition to the Human Growth Hormone that is released more frequently during a fast, an anti-aging hormone is also produced more efficiently. "The only reliable way to extend the lifespan of a mammal is under-nutrition without malnutrition."  A study was performed on earthworms that demonstrated the extension of life due to fasting. The experiment was performed in the 1930s by isolating one worm and putting it on a cycle of fasting and feeding. The isolated worm outlasted its relatives by 19 generations, while still maintaining its youthful physiological traits. The worm was able to survive on its own tissue for months. Once the size of the worm began to decrease, the scientists would resume feeding it at which point it showed great vigor and energy. "The life-span extension of these worms was the equivalent of keeping a man alive for 600 to 700 years."

In conclusion, it seems that there are many reasons to consider fasting as a benefit to one's health. The body rids itself of the toxins that have built up in our fat stores throughout the years. The body heals itself, repairs all the damaged organs during a fast. And finally there is good evidence to show that regulated fasting contributes to longer life. However, many doctors warn against fasting for extended periods of time without supervision. There are still many doctors today who deny all of these points and claim that fasting is detrimental to one's health and have evidence to back their statements. The idea of depriving a body of what society has come to view as so essential to our survival in order to heal continues to be a topic of controversy.

When properly utilized, fasting is a safe and effective means of maximizing the body’s self-healing capacities.  The results can be truly amazing

 May Allah grant us all a life changing Ramadan this YEAR? Ameen!

"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.