islam

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2005-09-26T13:32:00.002-07:00

Ramadhan is fast aproaching today being Sha'aban 21st(ramadhan is next month) .we should begin prepirations shortly.

The Meaning of Ramadan By Khalid Baig, Albalagh
Fasting during Ramadan was ordained during the second year of Hijrah. Why not earlier? In Makkah the economic conditions of the Muslims were bad. They were being persecuted. Often days would go by before they had anything to eat. It is easy to skip meals if you don’t have any. Obviously fasting would have been easier under the circumstances. So why not then?
The answer may be that Ramadan is not only about skipping meals. While fasting is an integral and paramount part of it, Ramadan offers a comprehensive program for our spiritual overhaul. The entire program required the peace and security that was offered by Madinah.
Yes, Ramadan is the most important month of the year. It is the month that the believers await with eagerness. At the beginning of Rajab --- two full months before Ramadan --- the Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, used to supplicate thus: "O Allah! Bless us during Rajab and Sha’ban, and let us reach Ramadan (in good health)."
During Ramadan the believers get busy seeking Allah’s mercy, forgiveness, and protection from Hellfire. This is the month for renewing our commitment and re-establishing our relationship with our Creator. It is the spring season for goodness and virtues when righteousness blossoms throughout the Muslim communities. "If we combine all the blessings of the other eleven months, they would not add up to the blessings of Ramadan," said the great scholar and reformer Shaikh Ahmed Farooqi (Mujaddad Alif Thani). It offers every Muslim an opportunity to strengthen his Iman, purify his heart and soul, and to remove the evil effects of the sins committed by him.
"Anyone who fasts during this month with purity of belief and with expectation of a good reward (from his Creator), will have his previous sins forgiven," said Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. "Anyone who stands in prayers during its nights with purity of belief and expectation of a reward, will have his previous sins forgiven." As other ahadith tell us, the rewards for good deeds are multiplied manifold during Ramadan.
Along with the possibility of a great reward, there is the risk of a terrible loss. If we let any other month pass by carelessly, we just lost a month. If we do the same during Ramadan, we have lost everything. The person who misses just one day’s fast without a legitimate reason, cannot really make up for it even if he were to fast everyday for the rest of his life. And of the three persons that Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam cursed, one is the unfortunate Muslim who finds Ramadan in good health but does not use the opportunity to seek Allah’s mercy.
One who does not fast is obviously in this category, but so also is the person who fasts and prays but makes no effort to stay away from sins or attain purity of the heart through the numerous opportunities offered by Ramadan. The Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, warned us: "There are those who get nothing from their fast but hunger and thirst. There are those who get nothing from their nightly prayers but loss of sleep."
Those who understood this, for them Ramadan was indeed a very special month. In addition to fasting, mandatory Salat, and extra Travih Salat, they spent the whole month in acts of worship like voluntary Salat, Tilawa (recitation of Qur’an), Dhikr etc. After mentioning that this has been the tradition of the pious people of this Ummah throughout the centuries, Abul Hasan Ali Nadvi notes: " I have seen with my own eyes such ulema and mashaikh who used to finish recitation of the entire Qur’an everyday during Ramadan. They spent almost the entire night in prayers. They used to eat so little that one wondered how they could endure all this. These greats valued every moment of Ramadan and would not waste any of it in any other pursuit…Watching them made one believe the astounding stories of Ibada and devotion of our elders recorded by history."
This emphasis on these acts of worship may sound strange --- even misplaced --- to some. It requires some explanation. We know that the term Ibada (worship and obedience) in Islam applies not only to the formal acts of worship and devotion like Salat , Tilawa, and Dhikr, but it also applies to worldly acts when performed in obedience to Shariah and with the intention of pleasing Allah. Thus a believer going to work is performing Ibada when he seeks Halal income to discharge his responsibility as a bread-winner for the family. However a distinction must be made between the two. The first category consists of direct Ibada, acts that are required for their own sake. The second category consists of indirect Ibada --- worldly acts that become Ibada through proper intention and observation of Shariah. While the second category is important for it extends the idea of Ibada to our entire life, there is also a danger because by their very nature these acts can camouflage other motives. (Is my going to work really Ibada or am I actually in the rat race?). Here the direct Ibada comes to the rescue. Through them we can purify our motives, and re-establish our relationship with Allah.
Islam does not approve of monasticism. It does not ask us to permanently isolate ourselves from this world, since our test is in living here according to the Commands of our Creator. But it does ask us to take periodic breaks from it. The mandatory Salat (five daily prayers) is one example. For a few minutes every so many hours throughout the day, we leave the affairs of this world and appear before Allah to remind ourselves that none but He is worthy of worship and of our unfaltering obedience. Ramadan takes this to the next higher plane, providing intense training for a whole month.
This spirit is captured in I’tikaf, a unique Ibada associated with Ramadan, in which a person gives up all his normal activities and enters a mosque for a specific period. There is great merit in it and every Muslim community is encouraged to provide at least one person who will perform I’tikaf for the last ten days of Ramadan. But even those who cannot spare ten days are encouraged to spend as much time in the mosque as possible.
Through direct Ibada we "charge our batteries"; the indirect ones allow us to use the power so accumulated in driving the vehicle of our life. Ramadan is the month for rebuilding our spiritual strength. How much we benefit from it is up to us.

The Room By Joshua Harris
In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in a room. There were no distinguishing features save for the one wall covered with small indexcard files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endlessly in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read "People I Have Liked." I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one.
And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was.
This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory could not match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching.
A file named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I Have Betrayed." The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird. "Books I Have Read," "Lies I Have Told," "Comfort I Have Given," "Jokes I Have Laughed At."
Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: "Things I've Yelled at My Brothers."
Others I couldn't laugh at: "Things I Have Done in My Anger," "Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents." I never ceased to be surprised by the contents. Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped.
I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my 30 years to write each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.
When I pulled out the file marked "Songs I Have Listened To," I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of music, but more by the vast amount of time I knew that file represented.
When I came to a file marked "Lustful Thoughts," I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded.
An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: "No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!"
In an insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it. Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh.
And then I saw it.
The title bore "People that I Have Taught About Allah". The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.
And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that the hurt started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the over-whelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room.
I must lock it up and hide the key.

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2005-09-26T13:32:00.001-07:00

2005-09-26T13:32:00.000-07:00

islam & its glory

2005-09-13T10:47:00.000-07:00

hi,my names hannah im a 15 years old and all my life ive been against religion.my family does not feel to strongly about religion either.one day i was wondering how come muslim women cover there hair? why do we fast? why do we only eat halal meat (animal is killed in the name of god (allah))? i had a million questions and no clear answers except for things i had heard in the past in the school yard and amongst friends.my mother didnt really explain much into detail except that i should fast during the holly month of ramadam.so i did.anyways it all just seemed like a really wierd,poitless,sexist and just another this i was obligated to doing sence i was born a muslim even though until just recentley i couldnt call myself one.even if your not a muslim this is quite intresting.trust me its not just a big bore i thought it would be to but it has opened my eyes to so much in this world.i am not a true believer and proud to call myself a muslim.ISLAM IS NOT JUST A RELIGION ITS A WAY OF LIFE.following its teachings will allow you to live a pure and joyess life.i found these websites very helpful in explaining islam:http://www.themodernreligion.com/HalalHaram.htm http://www.themodernreligion.com/index2.html
An inspiring letter :
Man's Best Kept Secret: Revealed
By: Aaron Greenwich, 17, e-mail address unknown
I'm real mad. Because ever since March 3rd 1998, I've been searching for a point in my life. That day in March, I went to this party..you know, one of those parties with high power music rockin the house, plenty of booze and endless variations of drugs, and plenty of (well, to put it mildly) shameless girls and drunk boys equals? So I guess I smoked too many joints, and I ended up in the hospital for three weeks. That gave me time to think over life.
Okay, we are born, grow older, wiser, and each of us develops our own personalities for better or worse. We all try to reach the top of the world and either we do or we spend our lives trying to. Basically we live to have more, always. Don't u see? You wake up, get dressed make yourself look good, go to school come back do your homework, have some fun and to sleep. And it never changes. All right, then u graduate and go to work or raise some kids. know it scares them. Why wouldn't it? It happens to everyone and no one knows why. Well, MOST people don't know why. But I do. You think all those d*** cruel people who lived on this earth (I can name millions) will get away with everything they did? And those few good will go un-rewarded?
So anyway we die. We leave behind everything. EVERYTHING. You think that the Porsche u spent your whole life trying to get is going with u? The only things that're going with u are your burial clothes and coffin, if that even. And there is one other thing, but it's unseen. Your deeds. ALLLL the things u did in this life, good and bad, go with you. And so we're in the grave. What happens to you in the grave is another story but basically your body rots. I mean your "this life" body. The body that we had for (if we are lucky) 80 years is gone and with it our doings!
Alright so you're out of the picture. Gone. Then, fellow Americans, if we are not here to live life like a party....whats the point? WHY DO WE LIVE?
Why do so many people commit suicide? Because they never had the answer to the above question. Some people know. Some. And its man's best kept secret.
I know what your thinking. "Oh god he's gonna preach us on religion." Not exactly ;)
It's a WAY OF LIFE, and what if I told u its called ISLAM? I'm Christian. But Christianty is a RELIGION not a WAY OF LIFE. 80% of Americans are "Christians", but sad to say, look at them. Homosexuality, suicide, drugs, adultery, even among their own preachers is common. I should know.
The old pastor at my church got kicked out for molesting a child. I'm not attacking anyone. I'm saying the facts. Besides that, it doesn't make sense. Neither do the other million "religions" found on this earth. They all claim to be simple religions, usually claiming belief in one god.
But they are lacking in on truth, the facts.
Alright, Aaron get on to your point. Sure. What was my 1st sentence? I'm real mad. Why? Cause everyone knows about Islam. And they ignore it, hide it. Why did I learn everything in school except Islam? From Greek God sh** to Buddha.
If u read one verse of Islam's book you will believe me. Guaranteed. Because it is the Truth. And its man's best-kept secret. They hide it because it reminds them of the TRUE PURE REAL point of life....They want us to be just like them, monsters in disgiuse, filthy, do every sin under the sun and call it a "life". I will not fall again into that trap most of us fell into. I have a life. I have Islam.
I'm sorry Jean, Dad and mostly Gramps, a pious Christian who tried to change my views. Im stepping down from my old way of life AND my old religion. I started this letter as a Christian but I end it as a Muslim.
" I bear witness that there is no God worthy of worship except Allah and Muhammad is the last messenger.
Always, Aaron
want to become a muslim?the basic things u have to do are:
1.believe there is notgod but allah and prophet muhammad (p.b.u.h) is his messenger2.pray-5 times a day3.zakat,cherity4.preform hajj atleast one time in ur life - special prayer at the house of god5.fast during the holly month of ramadham
you want to pray but don't know how?this site tells u exactly how to pray. its REALLY easy i learnt off of it.http://www.al-slam.org/nutshell
if you dont have a prayer rug just use a clean sheet do remeber to wash before praying
1.wash right hand using left,wash from fingure tips to wrist do it 3 times do the same using your right hand to cleanse your left 3 times
2.rinse your mouth 3 times using your left hand
3.rinse your nose 3 times using your right hand
4.rinse your face with both hands 3 times
5.wash your right arm 3 times using your left hand,same to left using right hand
6.swab your forward hairs on ur head with your right hand so they are a little wet
7.wipe your right hand agaisnt your right foot,same to left foot using your left had
CONGRATULATION!!
ur done and ready to pray
CHARITYdaily cherity is not a must but is recomended & zakat is done when your an adult and support yourself it is a type of charity to.
charity in the home:this is easy take out some charity using your right hand but if your like me and my family you can keep the money in a jar and once it fills give it all in a bunch to charity
trust me it works,and brings you good luck my mom gave shabbir some money to touch with his right hand and put for chairty before one of his fights and he won!
FASTING
you don't eat from sun rise till sun set during the holy month of ramadam.once the sun had set you can eat you have to pray when fasting.theres everything you need to know about it on
http://www.ramadhanzone.com/
dont worry fasting is not as hard as it seems! and its good for your health to!ISLAM IS AGAISNT TERRORISM

islamic calender

2005-09-12T03:50:00.000-07:00

Important Dates:
Hijrah New Year (10 February 2005)
Ramadan begins (4 October 2005)
Eid Al-Fitr (3 November 2005)
Hajj begins (8 January 2006)
Eid Al-Adha (10 January 2006)

Islamic Year 1426 H.
Islamic Month
Gregorian Dates
Muharram
February 10 - March 10, 2005
Safar
March 11 - April 9, 2005
Rabia Awal
April 10 - May 8, 2005
Rabia Thani
May 9 - June 7, 2005
Jumaada Awal
June 8 - July 6, 2005
Jumaada Thani
July 7 - August 5, 2005
Rajab
August 6 - September 4, 2005
Sha'ban
September 5 - October 3, 2005
Ramadan
October 4 - November 2, 2005
Shawwal
November 3 - December 2, 2005
Dhul-Qi'dah
December 3 - December 31, 2005
Dhul-Hijjah
January 1 - January 30, 2006

Fasting in Shaban

Ayesha said: "I never saw the Messenger of Allaah fast a complete month except for Ramadan, and I have never seen him fast more in a month than he did in Shaban." [Bukhaari, Muslim]
Usamah ibn Zaid inquired: "O Messenger of Allaah, I never find you fasting in any month like you do during the month of Shaban." The Prophet responded: "That is the month the people neglect. It comes between Rajab and Ramadan. It is a month in which the deeds are raised to the Lord of the Worlds. I love that my deeds be raised while I am fasting." [An-Nasaa'i, authenticated by ibn Khuzaimah. Hasan according to al-Albaani]
Narrated Abu Hurairah, Allaah's Messenger said: "When the month of Shaban is halfway, do not fast." [Reported by the five, Ahmad disapporoved it].
As-San`aanee says in Subul us-Salaam: "One can fast provided he has to observe a compensatory fasting (in lieu of the Fard - obligatory ones) or the other prescribed ones which may be categorised as Wajib (compulsory). However, the volitional fasting is prohibited lest one should be subjected to exhaustion and weakness that may in turn render the Ramadan obligatory fasting difficult for him."

Fulfil Your Obligations
Move beyond the concern of merely not violating the rights of others; concern yourselves with how you can fulfil your obligations towards them. To start with, avoid hurting others, but don’t stop at that. Be benevolent to them, serve them, and fulfil their needs.
You cannot even imagine the rewards brought forth by god deeds that are apparently insignificant: helping someone board a vehicle, removing an obstacle from the road, helping in a chore like drawing water from the well, lending someone an item of daily use, looking at someone with a smile, treating someone with respect, striving to help a Muslim – all these acts are superior even to such meritorious acts as itikaf (confining oneself within a mosque for total religious devotion during the last ten days of Ramadan) in the Prophet’s Mosque.
As long as you are busy helping someone in the fulfilment of his needs, or serving a fellow human being, Allah will also keep meeting your needs and helping you. For your acts that alleviate the sufferings of others in this world, Allah shall remove your suffering on the Day of Judgement. If you cover someone else’s shortcomings, Allah will cover your failings on the Last Day. If you feed a hungry man or tend to the sick, you shall encounter Allah there, right beside him.