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It seems that everyone is not happy with Muslims. The Hindu Indians that used to kiss the hands of a great Muslim leader, Dr. M. is now recommending that they should put necklace of slippers on his pictures, before this, flowers of course, just 4 expressing his opinions 4 their own good. Typical Hindu Indians. Talk first, think later. Luckily, not all of them are like that. A wise Hindu elder reminded the assembly not to forget who is the man that they are mocking at. No, no riot occured.
No Hindus were chopped to pieces n burnt in mass like in Naroda Patiya. Endorsed by the government. What do U take us for? Brainless killers? We are Malay Muslims. We are the members of the followers of the ways of Muhammad, the union of Muslims. Ahlul Sunnah wal Jama'ah.
We don't like to kill n shed bloods. We don't even like to argue with others. We usually hold our tongues when we are mocked n ridiculed by unConfucious Chinese n ungrateful Hindu Indians that the Brahmans won't even considered of touching them. But here, in the lands of the Malay, we treat them as our equals, only to be back-stabbed by some of the unthankful lots of course. We would never shed the first blood. Come on, have U already forgot Rambo: First Blood. Well, maybe it could portray the Muslims, but we would be more merciful to our enemies of course.
In Britain, some loony toons are trying to intimidate the Muslims there. I hope my Muslim brothers would show wisdom n restraint themselves. Don't get angry. Remember what has been advised by our beloved teacher, the holy prophet Muhammad s.a.w.
Allah is watching us. He is with us all the time. Don't fall into their traps. Remember Boudica. Her larger armies were annihilated by the much smaller Roman armies, by falling to their traps n provocations. N caused the spread of the cross, not true Christian, all over the lands of not so Christian. Check out the history folks. Europe was never a Christian land. The Christian Romans that presecuted the true followers of Jesus Christ that brought the cross to Europe.
I think even the Germans had forgotten their ancient wars with the Roman armies. Well, if U have been following me, history is not a favourite subject among the wise, highly intellect white Westerners. Of course. It would show them the truth that is as hard as steel, that would show them the truth apart from the lies of the centuries. Ask my friend, the Preacher from Cranmer if U don't believe me. For him, there's only the present tense. The past tense is not important. The future tense is senseless. Hmm..
Hold back. Remember wisdom. It is the same in Xinjiang, South Thailand, South Philippines, n almost everywhere the Muslims are, well, luckily, not all Muslims suffer the same provocation n resentment. Alhamdulillah. N I hope the Malay Muslims in Selangor would take my advice too. We are Malays remember? Don't get carried away. Show our Malay's wisdom of ways n wits. Being emotional is typical Hindu Indians. Even though some are showing more wisdom than the Malays themselves.
There is a saying in Malay, a dog that barks at a mountain would be meaningless. The dog would soon die out of exhaustion. The mountain would still be standing as tall n as strong as ever. I hope I got it right in translating its meaning in English.
N I hope the Indo Malays don't have this saying back in Indonesia too. I don't want to be accused of stealing their luck, ops sorry, their sayings, songs, labourers, housemaids, their bloodline n etc. etc. that they claimed so rightfully are theirs, exclusively. Well, maybe we should go Chinese eh? To make things easier for the lazy to think but so readily to go to war loony toons. Don't they know, war is hell?
Don't they know that it is forbidden to kill their own brothers in faith? Don't they know it is considered mad to kill their own blood brothers? Well, by the looks of it, they say it is only a small group of 'a in the holes'. I hope it's true. Truly I hope.
I still can't forget the faces of the victims of Indonesian gangs raid that mercilessly robbed, chopped to pieces n even raped helpless Malaysians, Muslims or Non Muslims in my homeland. No, we don't go out in the street, sweeping the rest of the Indonesians, legal or illegal. We just kill the killers, remember?
In the last days of Ramadhan, when Muslims should be more focused on his or her last chance of meeting with a time of Lailatul Qadr, a blessings n mercy from Allah s.w.t. that would mean that for that particular moment alone of remembering Allah in zikir or praying or reading the Koran, it would be as if he or she had been devoting his or her entire life, every second of it, in submission to Allah s.w.t.
It is equivalent to a tedious work, non stop without sleeping n stopping for anything, literally, for a thousand months. Do U want to know my favourite zikir? It's Allah, Allah, Allah, Allah. Yes, following the rhythm of the heartbeat. As many as possible. It is the simplest zikir, or remembrance of my God. My Creator. My everything. In whose hands lies my destiny, my fate, my life n death. My happiness n even my sorrow. My pleasures n my pain. To whom I would be brought to when I die. So, I'm not like U, O atheists. I have a place to go after I decomposed n being brought back in flesh n blood just like before. When I didn't even existed. I was created by him. In the form of a spirit. Gathered. N swore an alliegence to Him. Reborn in flesh n blood. Out of love n purity of the bond of Adam n Eve. This is me. I'm not U. I would never be like U.
Look deep inside yourself man. The emptiness. The Nothing. It's eating U inside out. I hope U would be brave enough to abandoned the whiskey, the sleeping pills n whatever you are using to fill the void. U are smarter than this. U are way much smarter than me. Listen to yourself. Don't listen to me. What do U got to loose?
I still can't forget the words from my brother that said he won't pleasure himself with illegal sex by igniting the wrath of Allah. Instead, he prefers to pleasure himself of this worldly attractions that would not incur the wrath from his Creator. A wise 101% Muslim. Oh, before that, he wasn't a Muslim, well not after being born to this world of course. In the spirit world, he was just like all of us. Muslims. Returned to his original faith. Much, much better than born Muslims. Well, not like Ali Sina of course.
Back to Lailatul Qadr. A blessings of a thousand months. Have U seen anyone at all, ever, that can focus all his time n energy in doing good to himself, others, praying, prostrating, helping others, spending money n his wealth in the way of Allah, fighting the enemies of Allah in the battlefield, dying n bleeding continuously for a thousand months? U don't do U, N U won't. So that is why it is very important for Muslims to be among those who are awake in the stillness of the night, tired n sleepy, alone with Allah. One by One. With a tongue, heart n mind, body n soul, in remembrance of the true one God. The One n Only.
I'm having difficulties in accessing my emails n also this blog. I hope U have patience in waiting 4 my reply. I'm very happy to receive your emails. I just got some problems of responding 2 U. Don't give up on me yet, kind readers. May God bless U always n shows U to the truth, whatever it is 4 U. Be kind, be good. N U R not alone n sonner or later, U will discover what everyone is looking 4, for all of his or her life. The truth, nothing but the truth. God willing. Insya Allah.
Showing posts with label The Last Ten Days of Ramadhan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Last Ten Days of Ramadhan. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Lailatul Qadr
Taken from http://www.readingislam.com/servlet/Satellite?c=FatwaE&cid=1119503544644&pagename=IslamOnline-English-Ask_Scholar%2FASELayout
Last Update: 05:58 GMT, Thursday, Sep. 10, 2009
Living Shari`ah > Ask The Scholar
Question and Answer Details
Name of Questioner
Wa'il - Egypt
Title
I`tikaf in the Last Third of Ramadan
Question
As-salaamu `alaykum wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh.
Dear scholars, I heard that it’s part of the Prophetic Tradition to perform I`tikaf during the last third of Ramadan. Could you please clarify this issue for me?
Jazakum Allah khayran.
Date
09/Sep/2009
Name of Mufti
Muzammil Siddiqi
Topic
Spiritual Retreat in the Mosque (I`tikaf)
Answer
Wa `alaykum as-salamu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh.
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
Brother, may you have a happy and blessed Ramadan! Ramadan, as you know, is the month of worship, charity, recitation of the Qur'an, good deeds, etc. I`tikaf (spiritual retreat in the mosque) is an act of worship highly recommended for Muslims to perform during the last third of Ramadan. It is of great merits and significance in Islam.
Shedding more light on this issue, we'd like to cite for you the following fatwa issued by Dr. Muzammil H. Siddiqi, former President of the Islamic Society of North America:
I`tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan in the Masjid (mosque) is a beautiful tradition of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). It is like a spiritual retreat. It is reported by `A’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to observe I`tikaf during the last ten days of the month of Ramadan and he continued this practice until his death. After him, his wives carried on this practice of observing I`tikaf regularly. (Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
It is recommended that every Muslim make at least one I`tikaf in his/ her life. There must be at least few people in every community who should do it in every Masjid every year to keep this tradition alive. Men should do I`tikaf in the Masjid so that they can pray in Jama`ah (congregation) and also offer the Friday prayers. Women can also do I`tikaf, but theirs must be at home for reasons of modesty and for their own convenience. There is a great blessing in I`tikaf and people who do it bring blessings upon themselves, upon their families, and upon the Muslim community at large.
The Sunnah of I`tikaf is that one make the intention and begin the I`tikaf on the evening of the 20th of Ramadan from sunset time and continue until the sighting of the moon for `Edul-Fitr. During I`tikaf men should stay in the Masjid day and night and should not leave it except for the use of toilet or shower. They are allowed to eat also inside the Masjid, but if it is not convenient they may go outside and come back as soon as they finish.
During I`tikaf one should spend most of one’s time in prayer, reading the Qur’an, dhikr, and reflection. Engaging in business and other worldly conversation and activities is not allowed during I`tikaf. However, attending a Janazah (Funeral) or visiting a sick person or leaving for any emergency is permissible.
Excerpted, with slight modifications, from www.pakistanlink.com
Related Questions
- I`tikaf: Are all Mosques Proper?
- Duties of Muslims in the Last Third of Ramadan
- Means of Enhancing Faith in the Last Third of Ramadan
- I`tikaf During the Whole Month of Ramadan: Bid`ah?
- The Best Deeds We Can Do in Ramadan
Allah Almighty knows best.
Last Update: 05:58 GMT, Thursday, Sep. 10, 2009
Living Shari`ah > Ask The Scholar
Question and Answer Details
Name of Questioner
Wa'il - Egypt
Title
I`tikaf in the Last Third of Ramadan
Question
As-salaamu `alaykum wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh.
Dear scholars, I heard that it’s part of the Prophetic Tradition to perform I`tikaf during the last third of Ramadan. Could you please clarify this issue for me?
Jazakum Allah khayran.
Date
09/Sep/2009
Name of Mufti
Muzammil Siddiqi
Topic
Spiritual Retreat in the Mosque (I`tikaf)
Answer
Wa `alaykum as-salamu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh.
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
Brother, may you have a happy and blessed Ramadan! Ramadan, as you know, is the month of worship, charity, recitation of the Qur'an, good deeds, etc. I`tikaf (spiritual retreat in the mosque) is an act of worship highly recommended for Muslims to perform during the last third of Ramadan. It is of great merits and significance in Islam.
Shedding more light on this issue, we'd like to cite for you the following fatwa issued by Dr. Muzammil H. Siddiqi, former President of the Islamic Society of North America:
I`tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan in the Masjid (mosque) is a beautiful tradition of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). It is like a spiritual retreat. It is reported by `A’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to observe I`tikaf during the last ten days of the month of Ramadan and he continued this practice until his death. After him, his wives carried on this practice of observing I`tikaf regularly. (Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
It is recommended that every Muslim make at least one I`tikaf in his/ her life. There must be at least few people in every community who should do it in every Masjid every year to keep this tradition alive. Men should do I`tikaf in the Masjid so that they can pray in Jama`ah (congregation) and also offer the Friday prayers. Women can also do I`tikaf, but theirs must be at home for reasons of modesty and for their own convenience. There is a great blessing in I`tikaf and people who do it bring blessings upon themselves, upon their families, and upon the Muslim community at large.
The Sunnah of I`tikaf is that one make the intention and begin the I`tikaf on the evening of the 20th of Ramadan from sunset time and continue until the sighting of the moon for `Edul-Fitr. During I`tikaf men should stay in the Masjid day and night and should not leave it except for the use of toilet or shower. They are allowed to eat also inside the Masjid, but if it is not convenient they may go outside and come back as soon as they finish.
During I`tikaf one should spend most of one’s time in prayer, reading the Qur’an, dhikr, and reflection. Engaging in business and other worldly conversation and activities is not allowed during I`tikaf. However, attending a Janazah (Funeral) or visiting a sick person or leaving for any emergency is permissible.
Excerpted, with slight modifications, from www.pakistanlink.com
Related Questions
- I`tikaf: Are all Mosques Proper?
- Duties of Muslims in the Last Third of Ramadan
- Means of Enhancing Faith in the Last Third of Ramadan
- I`tikaf During the Whole Month of Ramadan: Bid`ah?
- The Best Deeds We Can Do in Ramadan
Allah Almighty knows best.
Lailatul Qadr
Question and Answer Details
Name of Questioner
Zainab - Angola
Title
Seizing the Opportunity of the Last Third of Ramadan
Question
As we are winding down to the end of Ramadan, sure we could gain from you some advice on how to spend these last precious days. Right?
Date
10/Sep/2009
Name of Mufti
IOL Shari`ah Researchers
Topic
Spiritual Retreat in the Mosque (I`tikaf), Virtue of Ramadan Fasting
Answer
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
Dear questioner, we really appreciate your forwarding this question to us, we hope our efforts, exerted purely for Allah’s sake, come up to your expectations.
Yes, we could provide some useful advice on how one could spend the last ten days of Ramadan, especially as these days are very special in the life of every Muslim. In fact, every day is special for Muslim, as long as he is always mindful of Allah in all what he does; every day Muslim gets increased in piety and draws closer to Almighty Allah. But these days of Ramadan are highly special in the sense of their falling in one of the most blessed months of the year; the month of Ramadan, the month of the Qur’anic revelation. May Allah Almighty help us get closer to Him in this month and may He Almighty strengthen our faith in Him in a way that Satan will not be able to drive us away from His Path, Amen!
Laylatul-Qadr (the Night of Power) is described in the Qur’an as, (better than a thousand months.) (Al-Qadr 97: 3) Any action done on this night such as reciting the Qur’an, remembering Allah, etc. is better than acting for one thousand months which do not contain the night of Qadr.
Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) used to exert himself in devotion during the last ten nights to a greater extent than at any other time.
The Prophet(peace and blessings be upon him) is reported to have said: "Whoever prays during the night of Qadr with faith and hoping for its reward will have all of his previous sins forgiven." (Reported by Bukhari and Muslim)
Here are some tips of things we can do on the Night of Power and the time before and after it:
1. Take a vacation for Allah
We take a break from our jobs for almost everything in life to focus on worshipping and thanking our Creator. If this is not possible at least take a few days off if you can. This can make it easier to stay awake at night to do extra acts of worship, not having to worry about getting to work the following day. This will also make I`tikaf easy.
2. I`tikaf
It was a practice of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to spend the last ten days and nights of Ramadan in the mosque for I`tikaf. In I`tikaf one makes a spiritual retreat in the mosque all the time, performing various forms of Dhikr (the remembrance of Allah), like doing extra Salah and recitation and study of the Qur’an. One does not go outside the mosque except in case of emergencies. I`tikaf of a shorter period of time, like one night, a day or a couple of days is encouraged as well.
3. Make this special Du`a’
`Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: I asked the Messenger of Allah: 'O Messenger of Allah, if I know what night is the night of Qadr, what should I say during it?' He said: 'Say: O Allah, You are Oft-Pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.'"(Reported by Ahmad, Ibn Majah and At-Tirmidhi).
4. Recite the Qur'an
Perhaps one can choose Surahs or passages from the Qur’an which one has heard in Tarawih this Ramadan to recite. On attending a class for Qur’anic recitation, this is a great time to put one’s knowledge into practice.
5. Get your sins wiped out
Abu Hurayrah quoted Allah’s Messenger as saying: “Whoever stands (in prayer) in Laylatul-Qadr while nourishing his faith with self-evaluation, expecting reward from Allah, will have all of his previous sins forgiven.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
6. Evaluate yourself
Ask yourself those questions that need to be asked. Do an evaluation of where you are and where you are going. Let this evaluation lead you to feel happiness for the good you have done and remorse for the bad you have done. This latter feeling should make it easier to seek Allah's sincere forgiveness when invoking Allah and supplicating to Him in these blessed nights.
7. Make long, sincere and deep Du`a’
One of the best times to do this is during the last part of the night. Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) quoted the Prophet as saying: “When the last one-third of the night remains, our Lord, the Glorious One descends towards the lower heaven and proclaims: Is there anyone supplicating to Me, so that I grant his supplication? Is there anyone begging of Me for anything so that and I grant him his wish? Is there anyone who seeks My forgiveness, so that I forgive him?” (Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim).
This means, for instance, waking up one hour before Suhur (pre-dawn meal) time to invoke Allah for anything and everything is something recommendable. This can be done using the Du`a’ (supplication) recorded in the Sunnah, but one is also allowed to say Du`a’ in one’s own language, with sincerity and conviction.
8. Have Iftar with the family
If you've spent Iftar time on weekdays at work alone with a couple of dates, now is the last few days you'll have this Ramadan to spend with your family. Use it wisely.
9. Take the family to Tarawih Prayer
Have your spouse and kids missed Tarawih most of Ramadan because you weren't there to drive them to the mosque, which is too far away to walk to? If so, do all of yourselves a favor and bring everyone for Tarawih in these last ten nights.
10. Attend the Du`a’ after the completion of the Qur’anic recitation
Almost all the mosques where the Imam aims to finish an entire reading of the Qur’an in Tarawih prayers in Ramadan will now be approaching the end of the task in these last ten nights. They may try to end on one of the odd nights and read the Du`a’ at the end of reading the Qur’an. Attend this particular night's Tarawih Prayer with your family. See if you can attend different mosques’ Tarawih Prayers the night they finish reading the Qur’an.
11. Finish reading a book on the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)
Read about the Prophet's life, which can increase your love for him and Islam by seeing how much he struggled for Allah's sake. It may inspire you to push yourself even harder during these last ten nights. This community is built on sacrifice.
All these are just some hints on what is recommended for a Muslim to do during the last ten nights of Ramadan. May Allah Almighty accept our worship and devotions, Amen!
Source: www.soundvision.com
Related Questions
- Duties of Muslims in the Last Third of Ramadan
- Means of Enhancing Faith in the Last Third of Ramadan
Allah Almighty knows best.
Name of Questioner
Zainab - Angola
Title
Seizing the Opportunity of the Last Third of Ramadan
Question
As we are winding down to the end of Ramadan, sure we could gain from you some advice on how to spend these last precious days. Right?
Date
10/Sep/2009
Name of Mufti
IOL Shari`ah Researchers
Topic
Spiritual Retreat in the Mosque (I`tikaf), Virtue of Ramadan Fasting
Answer
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
Dear questioner, we really appreciate your forwarding this question to us, we hope our efforts, exerted purely for Allah’s sake, come up to your expectations.
Yes, we could provide some useful advice on how one could spend the last ten days of Ramadan, especially as these days are very special in the life of every Muslim. In fact, every day is special for Muslim, as long as he is always mindful of Allah in all what he does; every day Muslim gets increased in piety and draws closer to Almighty Allah. But these days of Ramadan are highly special in the sense of their falling in one of the most blessed months of the year; the month of Ramadan, the month of the Qur’anic revelation. May Allah Almighty help us get closer to Him in this month and may He Almighty strengthen our faith in Him in a way that Satan will not be able to drive us away from His Path, Amen!
Laylatul-Qadr (the Night of Power) is described in the Qur’an as, (better than a thousand months.) (Al-Qadr 97: 3) Any action done on this night such as reciting the Qur’an, remembering Allah, etc. is better than acting for one thousand months which do not contain the night of Qadr.
Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) used to exert himself in devotion during the last ten nights to a greater extent than at any other time.
The Prophet(peace and blessings be upon him) is reported to have said: "Whoever prays during the night of Qadr with faith and hoping for its reward will have all of his previous sins forgiven." (Reported by Bukhari and Muslim)
Here are some tips of things we can do on the Night of Power and the time before and after it:
1. Take a vacation for Allah
We take a break from our jobs for almost everything in life to focus on worshipping and thanking our Creator. If this is not possible at least take a few days off if you can. This can make it easier to stay awake at night to do extra acts of worship, not having to worry about getting to work the following day. This will also make I`tikaf easy.
2. I`tikaf
It was a practice of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to spend the last ten days and nights of Ramadan in the mosque for I`tikaf. In I`tikaf one makes a spiritual retreat in the mosque all the time, performing various forms of Dhikr (the remembrance of Allah), like doing extra Salah and recitation and study of the Qur’an. One does not go outside the mosque except in case of emergencies. I`tikaf of a shorter period of time, like one night, a day or a couple of days is encouraged as well.
3. Make this special Du`a’
`Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: I asked the Messenger of Allah: 'O Messenger of Allah, if I know what night is the night of Qadr, what should I say during it?' He said: 'Say: O Allah, You are Oft-Pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.'"(Reported by Ahmad, Ibn Majah and At-Tirmidhi).
4. Recite the Qur'an
Perhaps one can choose Surahs or passages from the Qur’an which one has heard in Tarawih this Ramadan to recite. On attending a class for Qur’anic recitation, this is a great time to put one’s knowledge into practice.
5. Get your sins wiped out
Abu Hurayrah quoted Allah’s Messenger as saying: “Whoever stands (in prayer) in Laylatul-Qadr while nourishing his faith with self-evaluation, expecting reward from Allah, will have all of his previous sins forgiven.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
6. Evaluate yourself
Ask yourself those questions that need to be asked. Do an evaluation of where you are and where you are going. Let this evaluation lead you to feel happiness for the good you have done and remorse for the bad you have done. This latter feeling should make it easier to seek Allah's sincere forgiveness when invoking Allah and supplicating to Him in these blessed nights.
7. Make long, sincere and deep Du`a’
One of the best times to do this is during the last part of the night. Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) quoted the Prophet as saying: “When the last one-third of the night remains, our Lord, the Glorious One descends towards the lower heaven and proclaims: Is there anyone supplicating to Me, so that I grant his supplication? Is there anyone begging of Me for anything so that and I grant him his wish? Is there anyone who seeks My forgiveness, so that I forgive him?” (Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim).
This means, for instance, waking up one hour before Suhur (pre-dawn meal) time to invoke Allah for anything and everything is something recommendable. This can be done using the Du`a’ (supplication) recorded in the Sunnah, but one is also allowed to say Du`a’ in one’s own language, with sincerity and conviction.
8. Have Iftar with the family
If you've spent Iftar time on weekdays at work alone with a couple of dates, now is the last few days you'll have this Ramadan to spend with your family. Use it wisely.
9. Take the family to Tarawih Prayer
Have your spouse and kids missed Tarawih most of Ramadan because you weren't there to drive them to the mosque, which is too far away to walk to? If so, do all of yourselves a favor and bring everyone for Tarawih in these last ten nights.
10. Attend the Du`a’ after the completion of the Qur’anic recitation
Almost all the mosques where the Imam aims to finish an entire reading of the Qur’an in Tarawih prayers in Ramadan will now be approaching the end of the task in these last ten nights. They may try to end on one of the odd nights and read the Du`a’ at the end of reading the Qur’an. Attend this particular night's Tarawih Prayer with your family. See if you can attend different mosques’ Tarawih Prayers the night they finish reading the Qur’an.
11. Finish reading a book on the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)
Read about the Prophet's life, which can increase your love for him and Islam by seeing how much he struggled for Allah's sake. It may inspire you to push yourself even harder during these last ten nights. This community is built on sacrifice.
All these are just some hints on what is recommended for a Muslim to do during the last ten nights of Ramadan. May Allah Almighty accept our worship and devotions, Amen!
Source: www.soundvision.com
Related Questions
- Duties of Muslims in the Last Third of Ramadan
- Means of Enhancing Faith in the Last Third of Ramadan
Allah Almighty knows best.
Lailatul Qadr
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
Dear questioner, thanks a lot for your interesting question and we implore Allah to guide us all to the best and to accept our good deeds in these blessed days, Amen.
It is the duty of every Muslim to seize the opportunity before this month elapses by striving hard to perform as many good deeds as he/she can in an attempt to attain Allah's Reward in the Hereafter.
Responding to the question, Dr. Muhammad M. Abu Laylah, Professor of the Islamic Studies & Comparative Religions at Al-Azhar University, states the following:
Fasting in Ramadan is the best means to purify our souls and to set our thinking right. It strengthens not only our bodies but also our spirits. The purpose of fasting as Allah says in the Qur'an is to establish taqwa firmly in the heart. Allah Almighty says, (O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, even as it was prescribed for those before you, that ye may ward off evil) (Al-Baqarah 2: 183)
Taqwa (piety and being conscious of Allah) is an all-embracing concept. The word “taqwa” is derived from the Arabic verb “ittaqa” meaning to take shelter or protect oneself by any means. The verb “taqawwa” means to strengthen oneself or become more powerful or draw a force from a spiritual or material source.
As you can see, taqwa means protection and power. To have taqwa in the heart means to be strong in body and spirit and to be able to resist the temptation of evil and human desires and lust. Thus the impious person has no resistance or power to protect himself.
That is why he can easily be overcome by evil and can easily follow his whims and personal longings, which at last can lead him to destruction and agony. Taqwa, which as we said is the purpose and the fruit of fasting, is wide in its sense. It embraces everything that can harm or benefit man.
Ramadan is the month of intensive `ibadah (worship). We worship Allah in Ramadan by our bodies, spirits, hearts, souls and minds. Abstaining from food and drink is not enough to have your fast complete.
Fasting is good behavior and straightforwardness in everything. We should fast against idle talk, bad feelings towards others, backbiting, insults, (false or unfounded) accusations and any harm that can touch any Muslim or fellow human. Even if someone insults or provokes a fasting person and totally extorts him, the fasting person should ignore him and leave and seek safety by taking refuge with Allah not to answer or exchange abusive words or aggressive behavior; otherwise his fasting will be fruitless.
If we are commanded not to do evil, this means that we should do good deeds and works instead. This is because fasting teaches us to develop our conscience and how to attain self-discipline and to be aware that we are in a direct relationship with Allah. Fasting is the core and most important act among all the acts of worship.
Every day of Ramadan is honored by Allah and the Prophet because the Qur'an, which is called by Allah the spirit, guidance, light, and source of laws, was revealed in this blessed month to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).
The last ten days have a special place in Islam because among them comes Lailat Al-Qadr (Night of Power). The Prophet said about this majestic night "Any Muslim who stands in prayer during the Night of Qadr out of faith and sincerity, his/her previous sins shall be forgiven." (Reported by Al-Bukhari)
The Prophet used to enter i`tikaf (seclusion) in these last ten days, and so did his wives. I`tikaf generally means to be holy with Allah, to stay in the mosque or any place you choose for yourself and spend your time in prayer, reading Qur'an, making dhikr (remembering Allah) and glorifying Him. This definitely will help you to develop a better sense of taqwa and shake off your sins, worries and anxieties. May Allah help and guide you!
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
Dear questioner, thanks a lot for your interesting question and we implore Allah to guide us all to the best and to accept our good deeds in these blessed days, Amen.
It is the duty of every Muslim to seize the opportunity before this month elapses by striving hard to perform as many good deeds as he/she can in an attempt to attain Allah's Reward in the Hereafter.
Responding to the question, Dr. Muhammad M. Abu Laylah, Professor of the Islamic Studies & Comparative Religions at Al-Azhar University, states the following:
Fasting in Ramadan is the best means to purify our souls and to set our thinking right. It strengthens not only our bodies but also our spirits. The purpose of fasting as Allah says in the Qur'an is to establish taqwa firmly in the heart. Allah Almighty says, (O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, even as it was prescribed for those before you, that ye may ward off evil) (Al-Baqarah 2: 183)
Taqwa (piety and being conscious of Allah) is an all-embracing concept. The word “taqwa” is derived from the Arabic verb “ittaqa” meaning to take shelter or protect oneself by any means. The verb “taqawwa” means to strengthen oneself or become more powerful or draw a force from a spiritual or material source.
As you can see, taqwa means protection and power. To have taqwa in the heart means to be strong in body and spirit and to be able to resist the temptation of evil and human desires and lust. Thus the impious person has no resistance or power to protect himself.
That is why he can easily be overcome by evil and can easily follow his whims and personal longings, which at last can lead him to destruction and agony. Taqwa, which as we said is the purpose and the fruit of fasting, is wide in its sense. It embraces everything that can harm or benefit man.
Ramadan is the month of intensive `ibadah (worship). We worship Allah in Ramadan by our bodies, spirits, hearts, souls and minds. Abstaining from food and drink is not enough to have your fast complete.
Fasting is good behavior and straightforwardness in everything. We should fast against idle talk, bad feelings towards others, backbiting, insults, (false or unfounded) accusations and any harm that can touch any Muslim or fellow human. Even if someone insults or provokes a fasting person and totally extorts him, the fasting person should ignore him and leave and seek safety by taking refuge with Allah not to answer or exchange abusive words or aggressive behavior; otherwise his fasting will be fruitless.
If we are commanded not to do evil, this means that we should do good deeds and works instead. This is because fasting teaches us to develop our conscience and how to attain self-discipline and to be aware that we are in a direct relationship with Allah. Fasting is the core and most important act among all the acts of worship.
Every day of Ramadan is honored by Allah and the Prophet because the Qur'an, which is called by Allah the spirit, guidance, light, and source of laws, was revealed in this blessed month to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).
The last ten days have a special place in Islam because among them comes Lailat Al-Qadr (Night of Power). The Prophet said about this majestic night "Any Muslim who stands in prayer during the Night of Qadr out of faith and sincerity, his/her previous sins shall be forgiven." (Reported by Al-Bukhari)
The Prophet used to enter i`tikaf (seclusion) in these last ten days, and so did his wives. I`tikaf generally means to be holy with Allah, to stay in the mosque or any place you choose for yourself and spend your time in prayer, reading Qur'an, making dhikr (remembering Allah) and glorifying Him. This definitely will help you to develop a better sense of taqwa and shake off your sins, worries and anxieties. May Allah help and guide you!
Lailatul Qadr: Can U pray consistenly without stopping for a thousand months?
The Night of Power
Oh, What a Night!
By Magda Azzam
Muslims seek this night and spend it diligently in devotion
Muslims seek this night and spend it diligently in devotion.
[Lo! We revealed it on the Night of Power. Ah, what will convey unto thee what the Night of Power is! The Night of Power is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit descend therein, by the permission of their Lord, with all decrees. (That night is) Peace until the rising of the dawn.] (Surat Al-Qadr 97:1 – 5)
Muslims believe that the month of Ramadan is the holiest month of the year, the month when worshipers are closest to their Creator, and the Night of Power (Laylat Al-Qadr) is the holiest night of Ramadan. Some Islamic scholars have said that the complete Qur’an was sent down from the Preserved Tablet (Al-Lawh Al-Mahfoozh) in the night of Al-Qadr to the House of Glory (Bayt Al-`Izzah) in the lowest heaven, from whence it was revealed piecemeal to the Prophet Muhammad according to events that took place during his life over a period of twenty-three years.
What Laylat Al-Qadr Means
The night itself has two meanings. First, it is the night during which destinies are decided. Muslims believe that the revelation of the Qur’an in this night is not merely the revelation of a book, but an event that will change the destiny of the entire world.
[Therein [that night] is decreed every matter of ordainments] (Surat Ad-Dukhan 44:4)
The other meaning is that this is a night of unique honor, dignity and glory, so much so that it is better than a thousand months. Muslims believe that it was such a blessed night that what was accomplished in it for the well-being of mankind had not been accomplished during a long period of human history.
[Lo! We revealed it on a blessed night. Lo! We are ever warning.] (Surat Ad-Dukhan 44:3)
According to Muslims, Laylat Al-Qadr is the night when the gates of heaven are wide open and Allah will listen to the lucky ones who encounter it. In Islam there is no intermediary between the creation and the Creator. Whether you live in a stately mansion or in a tent in the middle of the desert, all you need to do is raise your hands towards the sky and ask Him. In your heart you know nobody can take away anything Allah has meant for you or give you anything Allah has denied you.
[And when My servants question thee concerning Me, then surely I am nigh, I answer the prayer of the suppliant when he crieth unto Me. So let them bear My call and let them trust in Me in order that they may be led aright.] (Surat Al-Baqarah 2:186)
Every day in the life of a Muslim is special if he is mindful of Allah in all that he does. Laylat Al-Qadr is even more so. For Muslims, this one night is better than a thousand months of our life, and worshiping on that one night is better than 84 years of our worship.
When Is Laylat Al-Qadr?
Muslims believe that the Lord has concealed the exact date of the Night of Power so they would worship Him fervently during the whole month of Ramadan. It was reported that the Prophet Muhammad said, “Seek it on the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari)
What Muslims Do on Laylat Al-Qadr
Muslims are encouraged to seek this night and spend it diligently in devotion including performing voluntary salah (ritual Prayer), reciting Qur’an, and supplicating. The Prophet Muhammad said, “He who spends the night in prayers on the Night of Power as a sign of his devotion and seeking rewards from Allah, his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari)
For Muslims, it is a glorious night in which angels ascend while others descend, with their Lord’s permission, saluting those who worship Allah on that night, and bringing with them a wish of safety and peace.
Oh, What a Night!
By Magda Azzam
Muslims seek this night and spend it diligently in devotion
Muslims seek this night and spend it diligently in devotion.
[Lo! We revealed it on the Night of Power. Ah, what will convey unto thee what the Night of Power is! The Night of Power is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit descend therein, by the permission of their Lord, with all decrees. (That night is) Peace until the rising of the dawn.] (Surat Al-Qadr 97:1 – 5)
Muslims believe that the month of Ramadan is the holiest month of the year, the month when worshipers are closest to their Creator, and the Night of Power (Laylat Al-Qadr) is the holiest night of Ramadan. Some Islamic scholars have said that the complete Qur’an was sent down from the Preserved Tablet (Al-Lawh Al-Mahfoozh) in the night of Al-Qadr to the House of Glory (Bayt Al-`Izzah) in the lowest heaven, from whence it was revealed piecemeal to the Prophet Muhammad according to events that took place during his life over a period of twenty-three years.
What Laylat Al-Qadr Means
The night itself has two meanings. First, it is the night during which destinies are decided. Muslims believe that the revelation of the Qur’an in this night is not merely the revelation of a book, but an event that will change the destiny of the entire world.
[Therein [that night] is decreed every matter of ordainments] (Surat Ad-Dukhan 44:4)
The other meaning is that this is a night of unique honor, dignity and glory, so much so that it is better than a thousand months. Muslims believe that it was such a blessed night that what was accomplished in it for the well-being of mankind had not been accomplished during a long period of human history.
[Lo! We revealed it on a blessed night. Lo! We are ever warning.] (Surat Ad-Dukhan 44:3)
According to Muslims, Laylat Al-Qadr is the night when the gates of heaven are wide open and Allah will listen to the lucky ones who encounter it. In Islam there is no intermediary between the creation and the Creator. Whether you live in a stately mansion or in a tent in the middle of the desert, all you need to do is raise your hands towards the sky and ask Him. In your heart you know nobody can take away anything Allah has meant for you or give you anything Allah has denied you.
[And when My servants question thee concerning Me, then surely I am nigh, I answer the prayer of the suppliant when he crieth unto Me. So let them bear My call and let them trust in Me in order that they may be led aright.] (Surat Al-Baqarah 2:186)
Every day in the life of a Muslim is special if he is mindful of Allah in all that he does. Laylat Al-Qadr is even more so. For Muslims, this one night is better than a thousand months of our life, and worshiping on that one night is better than 84 years of our worship.
When Is Laylat Al-Qadr?
Muslims believe that the Lord has concealed the exact date of the Night of Power so they would worship Him fervently during the whole month of Ramadan. It was reported that the Prophet Muhammad said, “Seek it on the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari)
What Muslims Do on Laylat Al-Qadr
Muslims are encouraged to seek this night and spend it diligently in devotion including performing voluntary salah (ritual Prayer), reciting Qur’an, and supplicating. The Prophet Muhammad said, “He who spends the night in prayers on the Night of Power as a sign of his devotion and seeking rewards from Allah, his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari)
For Muslims, it is a glorious night in which angels ascend while others descend, with their Lord’s permission, saluting those who worship Allah on that night, and bringing with them a wish of safety and peace.
Lailatul Qadr: May we all be granted the blessing of the night of a thousand months
The Last Ten Days of Ramadan
By Magda Azzam
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “If any Muslim comes out of Ramadan without gaining forgiveness and goodness, he is a real loser.” (reported by Ibn Hibban and At-Tabarani)
The last ten days of Ramadan are very special days in the life of every Muslim. According to Muslims, they are the most blessed days in the blessed month of Ramadan, the month the Qur’an was revealed. Muslims believe that although the Prophet Muhammad was promised Paradise, he used to exert himself even more in worship during these last ten days, hoping to draw closer to Allah. The Prophet’s wife `A’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said, “With the start of the last ten days of Ramadan, the Prophet used to tighten his waist belt (i.e., work hard) and used to pray all the night, and used to keep his family awake for the prayers.” (reported by Al-Bukhari)
For Muslims, the last ten days should be a time to perfect one’s fast and avoid anything that may break it. It is a time to give more charity and to settle disputes and forgive one another. It is also a time for soul searching, evaluating one’s life, supplicating, and asking forgiveness. This should be done sincerely because if Allah accepts the supplications, the reward is the remission of one’s sins.
The best time to do it is in the last part of the night. Abu Hurayrah reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “When the last one third of the night remains, our Lord, the Glorious One, descends towards the lower heaven and proclaims: Is there anyone supplicating to Me, so that I grant his supplication? Is there anyone begging of Me for anything, so that I grant him his wish? Is there anyone who seeks My forgiveness, so I forgive him?” (reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
During the last third of Ramadan, one should read more Qur’an and remember Allah more often, even constantly.
The last ten days are also known for i`tikaf (spiritual retreat). The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to perform i`tikaf in the mosque during the last ten days of Ramadan, barely sleeping during that time. I`tikaf requires a total devotion to Allah; it is a sort of vacation with Him. The time is spent worshiping, performing extra salah (ritual Prayers), reading the Qur’an, making dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and du`aa’ (supplication). One should leave behind the cares of this world, and even eat and sleep in the mosque. Those who cannot perform i`tikaf for ten days should try to do it for a shorter time, if only for one night or a day or two.
Laylat Al-Qadr also occurs during the last ten days of Ramadan. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Any Muslim who stands in Prayer during Laylat Al-Qadr out of faith and sincerity, his previous sins will be forgiven.”
By Magda Azzam
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “If any Muslim comes out of Ramadan without gaining forgiveness and goodness, he is a real loser.” (reported by Ibn Hibban and At-Tabarani)
The last ten days of Ramadan are very special days in the life of every Muslim. According to Muslims, they are the most blessed days in the blessed month of Ramadan, the month the Qur’an was revealed. Muslims believe that although the Prophet Muhammad was promised Paradise, he used to exert himself even more in worship during these last ten days, hoping to draw closer to Allah. The Prophet’s wife `A’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said, “With the start of the last ten days of Ramadan, the Prophet used to tighten his waist belt (i.e., work hard) and used to pray all the night, and used to keep his family awake for the prayers.” (reported by Al-Bukhari)
For Muslims, the last ten days should be a time to perfect one’s fast and avoid anything that may break it. It is a time to give more charity and to settle disputes and forgive one another. It is also a time for soul searching, evaluating one’s life, supplicating, and asking forgiveness. This should be done sincerely because if Allah accepts the supplications, the reward is the remission of one’s sins.
The best time to do it is in the last part of the night. Abu Hurayrah reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “When the last one third of the night remains, our Lord, the Glorious One, descends towards the lower heaven and proclaims: Is there anyone supplicating to Me, so that I grant his supplication? Is there anyone begging of Me for anything, so that I grant him his wish? Is there anyone who seeks My forgiveness, so I forgive him?” (reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
During the last third of Ramadan, one should read more Qur’an and remember Allah more often, even constantly.
The last ten days are also known for i`tikaf (spiritual retreat). The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to perform i`tikaf in the mosque during the last ten days of Ramadan, barely sleeping during that time. I`tikaf requires a total devotion to Allah; it is a sort of vacation with Him. The time is spent worshiping, performing extra salah (ritual Prayers), reading the Qur’an, making dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and du`aa’ (supplication). One should leave behind the cares of this world, and even eat and sleep in the mosque. Those who cannot perform i`tikaf for ten days should try to do it for a shorter time, if only for one night or a day or two.
Laylat Al-Qadr also occurs during the last ten days of Ramadan. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Any Muslim who stands in Prayer during Laylat Al-Qadr out of faith and sincerity, his previous sins will be forgiven.”
Lailatul Qadr: Seeking the blessings of a thousand months in a night
Taken from an answering n questioning website at http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?cid=1119503546260&pagename=IslamOnline-English-Ask_Scholar%2FFatwaE%2FFatwaEAskTheScholar
srizals@gmail.com
If U have any questions at all, anything, on any matters that concerns U, U know U got someone's there waiting 4 U. No, U don't have to pay them, not like the shrinks that U've been seeing, it's 4 free. N they aren't the average Joes like me. U can donate to them if U like through the donate button. But it is not compulsory. Trust me.
Wa `alaykum as-salamu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh.
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
Dearest brother, thanks a lot for your question. May Allah Almighty favors you with the blessings of Ramadan and grants you the merits of observing fasting, qiyam, i`tikaf, etc.
The last third of the blessed month of Ramadan is the last chance a Muslim should seize. In these days occurs the night of qadr, which is virtuous and greatly blessed to the extent that observing worship in it is better than one thousand months. A Muslim is highly encouraged to spare no efforts in these days to gain Allah's mercy, forgiveness and redemption from the Fire.
In his response to the question, Dr. Muhammad M. Abu Laylah, professor of the Islamic Studies & Comparative Religions at Al-Azhar University, states the following:
The last third of Ramadan is the time for the release from Hell-fire, as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said in the hadith reported by Salman Al-Farisi: "O people, a great and a blessed month is approaching you. In this month there is a night that is better than one thousand months. Allah has made fasting during its daytime obligatory and prayers at night commendable during this month. Whosoever will do a voluntary good deed during this month, it is as if he performed an obligatory good deed at another time and whosoever will perform an obligatory good deed, it is as if he performed seventy obligatory good deeds at another time. This is the month of patience and the reward of patience is Paradise. This is the month of kindness and charity. In this month the believer’s provision is enlarged. Anyone who will give food to a fasting person in this month, it will bring forgiveness for his sins, will save him from the hellfire and he shall have his reward without the person who is fed losing any of his reward… The first third of the month of Ramadan is the time for rahmah (mercy), the second third is for forgiveness, the third is for the release from Hell-fire…"
The duties of the Muslim in this last third of Ramadan is to try his best to perfect his fasting, to avoid any shortcomings or sins that can harm his fasting, to offer more prayers, preferably in jama`ah (congregation), to advance in reading the Qur'an, to make dhikr (remembrance of Allah), to help others to be more committed to religion, to enter i`tikaf if it is possible for him/her, and to remember that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to give extra attention to the last ten days of Ramadan. He could hardly sleep, and his family used also to stay in vigilance with him. The Prophet's generosity in this month and particularly in the last ten days was compared to a fast wind.
We should not miss to remind you and all Muslims to try to settle disputes. It is the best occasion to forgive one another and forget about all enmities and grudges. We should come out of Ramadan in a better shape, understanding, and moral behavior. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) made it clear that "if any Muslim comes out of Ramadan without gaining forgiveness and goodness, he/she is a real loser."
Moreover, Sheikh Muhammad IqbalNadvi, Director and Imam of Al-Falah Islamic Center, Oakville, Ontario, Canada, and former Professor at King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, adds:
Some of the duties may be outlined as follows:
1. Purification of one’s soul from all sins and evaluating one’s actions to be always in accordance with the teachings of Islam.
2. Exerting much effort to elevate the soul by doing a lot of good deeds.
3. Acting seriously and using every minute to gain protection from the Hell-fire.
4. Developing a sense of determination in one’s soul that he or she will be always fearful and mindful of Allah and to continue with this spirit after Ramadan.
srizals@gmail.com
If U have any questions at all, anything, on any matters that concerns U, U know U got someone's there waiting 4 U. No, U don't have to pay them, not like the shrinks that U've been seeing, it's 4 free. N they aren't the average Joes like me. U can donate to them if U like through the donate button. But it is not compulsory. Trust me.
Wa `alaykum as-salamu wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh.
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
Dearest brother, thanks a lot for your question. May Allah Almighty favors you with the blessings of Ramadan and grants you the merits of observing fasting, qiyam, i`tikaf, etc.
The last third of the blessed month of Ramadan is the last chance a Muslim should seize. In these days occurs the night of qadr, which is virtuous and greatly blessed to the extent that observing worship in it is better than one thousand months. A Muslim is highly encouraged to spare no efforts in these days to gain Allah's mercy, forgiveness and redemption from the Fire.
In his response to the question, Dr. Muhammad M. Abu Laylah, professor of the Islamic Studies & Comparative Religions at Al-Azhar University, states the following:
The last third of Ramadan is the time for the release from Hell-fire, as the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said in the hadith reported by Salman Al-Farisi: "O people, a great and a blessed month is approaching you. In this month there is a night that is better than one thousand months. Allah has made fasting during its daytime obligatory and prayers at night commendable during this month. Whosoever will do a voluntary good deed during this month, it is as if he performed an obligatory good deed at another time and whosoever will perform an obligatory good deed, it is as if he performed seventy obligatory good deeds at another time. This is the month of patience and the reward of patience is Paradise. This is the month of kindness and charity. In this month the believer’s provision is enlarged. Anyone who will give food to a fasting person in this month, it will bring forgiveness for his sins, will save him from the hellfire and he shall have his reward without the person who is fed losing any of his reward… The first third of the month of Ramadan is the time for rahmah (mercy), the second third is for forgiveness, the third is for the release from Hell-fire…"
The duties of the Muslim in this last third of Ramadan is to try his best to perfect his fasting, to avoid any shortcomings or sins that can harm his fasting, to offer more prayers, preferably in jama`ah (congregation), to advance in reading the Qur'an, to make dhikr (remembrance of Allah), to help others to be more committed to religion, to enter i`tikaf if it is possible for him/her, and to remember that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to give extra attention to the last ten days of Ramadan. He could hardly sleep, and his family used also to stay in vigilance with him. The Prophet's generosity in this month and particularly in the last ten days was compared to a fast wind.
We should not miss to remind you and all Muslims to try to settle disputes. It is the best occasion to forgive one another and forget about all enmities and grudges. We should come out of Ramadan in a better shape, understanding, and moral behavior. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) made it clear that "if any Muslim comes out of Ramadan without gaining forgiveness and goodness, he/she is a real loser."
Moreover, Sheikh Muhammad IqbalNadvi, Director and Imam of Al-Falah Islamic Center, Oakville, Ontario, Canada, and former Professor at King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, adds:
Some of the duties may be outlined as follows:
1. Purification of one’s soul from all sins and evaluating one’s actions to be always in accordance with the teachings of Islam.
2. Exerting much effort to elevate the soul by doing a lot of good deeds.
3. Acting seriously and using every minute to gain protection from the Hell-fire.
4. Developing a sense of determination in one’s soul that he or she will be always fearful and mindful of Allah and to continue with this spirit after Ramadan.
Lailatul Qadr
The Most Precious Days
By Raya Shokatfard
Praying in a group, either in a mosque or a private residence encourages the participants to be more vigilant.
Praying in a group, either in a mosque or a private residence encourages the participants to be more vigilant.
Muslims consider the last ten days of Ramadan the most blessed days of this month or even the year. On one of these days, the Quran, which Muslims believe is the word of God, was revealed. Muslims exert more in worship in these last ten days, following the footsteps of Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him).
The chapter in the Quran referring to this blessed night is called Al-Qadr (the Night of Power) and is translated as follows:
{Surely We sent it down on the Night of Power. And what makes you realize what the Night of Power is? The Night of Power is more charitable (i.e., better) than a thousand months. The Angels and the Spirit keep coming down therein, by the permission of their Lord, with (Literally: from) every Command. Peace it is, till the rising of the dawn.} (Al-Qadr 97: 1-5)
Muslims believe that if the night of power falls on one of the nights while they were vigilant in Prayer, worship and supplications, their sins are forgiven and their supplications answered. Also, Prayer in this particular night is equal to one thousand months of Prayer.
This is also the time to be more focused on perfecting one's fast, acts of worship, charity, one's own conduct as well as special focus to spiritual purification.
So, how should a new Muslim deal with these long hours of Prayer and supplications? What may be some of the obstacles?
The famous saying: "when there is a will, there is a way" may be very relevant here. Obviously, a new Muslim has embraced Islam due to his/her own interest, knowing that they have come to the true religion. They also know that to fully embrace the religion, one would embark on various aspects of gaining knowledge as well as performing actions which would strengthen their soul and feed the spirit.
Sometimes, it may take a few steps at a time to reach a moderate level of practice in worship, which is according to the person's level of interest and availability. Prayers and supplications in these last 10 nights of Ramadan require interest, endurance and anxiousness to communicate with one's Creator.
Many mosques offer Prayers during these nights. Many men attend and women are also free to attend but are few in numbers. Praying in a group, either in a mosque or a private residence encourages the participants to be more vigilant and likely to stay awake till dawn with each other.
For those who live far from mosques, they should seek other Muslims to invite or join them for these Prayers. However, some may prefer to have their private time with their Lord alone and in the privacy of their homes – especially the females.
Realizing that this great chance comes our way only once a year, one should make prior arrangement with schedules, work attendance, family obligations, and social responsibilities in order to allow adequate time for the night Prayers and enough extra day time sleep.
The Prophet's wife Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said, "With the start of the last ten days of Ramadan, the Prophet used to tighten his waist belt (i.e., work hard) and used to pray all the night, and used to keep his family awake for the Prayers." (Al-Bukhari)
Muslims are especially aware of their shortcomings, mistakes and sins they may have committed in the past and use this great opportunity to ask for forgiveness and hope that by grace of Allah, their past sins will be washed clean and they would start with a clean record after Ramadan.
The supplications are made during most part of the night, especially the last 3rd of the night. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Any Muslim who stands in Prayer during Laylat Al-Qadr (Night of Power) out of faith and sincerity, his previous sins will be forgiven." (Muslim)
Raya Shokatfard is the Editor in Chief of Reading Islam website. She has been an activist in promoting a better understanding of Islam and Muslims in the US for more than 20 years, and in Egypt for several years.
She holds an M.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication as well as an M.A.D . in TV Journalism from the American University in Cairo. She can be reached at: mothers4peace@yahoo.com.
By Raya Shokatfard
Praying in a group, either in a mosque or a private residence encourages the participants to be more vigilant.
Praying in a group, either in a mosque or a private residence encourages the participants to be more vigilant.
Muslims consider the last ten days of Ramadan the most blessed days of this month or even the year. On one of these days, the Quran, which Muslims believe is the word of God, was revealed. Muslims exert more in worship in these last ten days, following the footsteps of Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him).
The chapter in the Quran referring to this blessed night is called Al-Qadr (the Night of Power) and is translated as follows:
{Surely We sent it down on the Night of Power. And what makes you realize what the Night of Power is? The Night of Power is more charitable (i.e., better) than a thousand months. The Angels and the Spirit keep coming down therein, by the permission of their Lord, with (Literally: from) every Command. Peace it is, till the rising of the dawn.} (Al-Qadr 97: 1-5)
Muslims believe that if the night of power falls on one of the nights while they were vigilant in Prayer, worship and supplications, their sins are forgiven and their supplications answered. Also, Prayer in this particular night is equal to one thousand months of Prayer.
This is also the time to be more focused on perfecting one's fast, acts of worship, charity, one's own conduct as well as special focus to spiritual purification.
So, how should a new Muslim deal with these long hours of Prayer and supplications? What may be some of the obstacles?
The famous saying: "when there is a will, there is a way" may be very relevant here. Obviously, a new Muslim has embraced Islam due to his/her own interest, knowing that they have come to the true religion. They also know that to fully embrace the religion, one would embark on various aspects of gaining knowledge as well as performing actions which would strengthen their soul and feed the spirit.
Sometimes, it may take a few steps at a time to reach a moderate level of practice in worship, which is according to the person's level of interest and availability. Prayers and supplications in these last 10 nights of Ramadan require interest, endurance and anxiousness to communicate with one's Creator.
Many mosques offer Prayers during these nights. Many men attend and women are also free to attend but are few in numbers. Praying in a group, either in a mosque or a private residence encourages the participants to be more vigilant and likely to stay awake till dawn with each other.
For those who live far from mosques, they should seek other Muslims to invite or join them for these Prayers. However, some may prefer to have their private time with their Lord alone and in the privacy of their homes – especially the females.
Realizing that this great chance comes our way only once a year, one should make prior arrangement with schedules, work attendance, family obligations, and social responsibilities in order to allow adequate time for the night Prayers and enough extra day time sleep.
The Prophet's wife Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said, "With the start of the last ten days of Ramadan, the Prophet used to tighten his waist belt (i.e., work hard) and used to pray all the night, and used to keep his family awake for the Prayers." (Al-Bukhari)
Muslims are especially aware of their shortcomings, mistakes and sins they may have committed in the past and use this great opportunity to ask for forgiveness and hope that by grace of Allah, their past sins will be washed clean and they would start with a clean record after Ramadan.
The supplications are made during most part of the night, especially the last 3rd of the night. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Any Muslim who stands in Prayer during Laylat Al-Qadr (Night of Power) out of faith and sincerity, his previous sins will be forgiven." (Muslim)
Raya Shokatfard is the Editor in Chief of Reading Islam website. She has been an activist in promoting a better understanding of Islam and Muslims in the US for more than 20 years, and in Egypt for several years.
She holds an M.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication as well as an M.A.D . in TV Journalism from the American University in Cairo. She can be reached at: mothers4peace@yahoo.com.
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