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