Ramadaan Series 1442

 

A Compassionate Mother to All

(Mother of Mufti Ebrahim Salejee [daamat barakaatuhum] – Part One)

Makkiyyah Aapa (rahimahallah) would show great affection to young children and was always concerned about their wellbeing and progress. Hence, she would show deep consideration for children and would continuously monitor them, guiding and correcting them with love. She would even share valuable parenting tips with the parents. Furthermore, she was blessed with a sense of humour due to which children would feel comfortable in her company.

The extent of consideration which she showed to young children can perhaps be gauged by the fact that during the annual jalsah of Madrasah Ta’leemuddeen (for which the ladies are hosted at her home), she would ensure that fruit would be cut and served during the programme. She knew that the jalsah program is lengthy and realized that children become hungry very quickly. Hence, she did this to ensure that the children would be comfortable and would not be inconvenienced.

Allah Ta‘ala had blessed her with a good understanding of ‘child psychology’ (i.e. the temperament of a child and the manner in which a child thinks, etc.). It was in light of this that she would caution mothers against continuously reproaching and scolding their children. She would explain to them that doing so causes the children to become more obstinate, stubborn and rebellious. Likewise, she would advise that when conducting ta’leem at home with the children, then more focus should be on Jannah and reward than on Jahannum and punishment, as children become easily scared and despondent.

She also stressed upon the importance of instilling hayaa and the qualities of imaan into children right from their childhood. Hence, in regard to clothing, she disliked children wearing branded clothing, especially when it had writing, logos, etc. on it. Likewise, she disliked boys wearing red or shiny clothing. She would advise the mothers to get kurtas sewn for the boys using cool, dark-coloured, cotton fabric, and loose-fitting, modest dresses for girls. She abhorred tight-fitting, body-hugging clothing, and insisted that all women dress modestly with long flowing garments.

In fact, if she saw anyone in the family wearing incorrect clothing such as short sleeves or short dresses, she would immediately reprimand them and ask them to go and change their clothing. She would also instruct the females to wear a long and broad scarf so that their chests would not become exposed. Furthermore, she did not like young girls to ride bicycles, and would emphasize upon young children covering their heads while eating.

It was due to this very same concern of hers (i.e. that the upbringing of the children should not be spoiled and they should not be exposed to unsuitable influences) that she would discourage that children be sent on holidays without their parents – even to family homes. Rather, she would explain that the parents must remain with their children.

Through her experience and foresight, she understood the future needs of a young girl in making a home and marriage. With this in mind, she would encourage those mothers who had daughters of marriageable age to entrust all the domestic duties to them (the cooking, cleaning of the house, etc.). This was to train them to run their own home. It was in light of this that she would say, “If a woman is proficient in two things, cooking and sewing, then she will be a queen in her home.”

There were two further aspects that she would encourage regarding children. The first was that mothers awaken their young children (seven years and older) for Fajr Salaah. She would explain that when this is the best part of the day and it contains abundant blessings, then children should not be deprived of these blessings. The second was the importance of children becoming fluent in speaking their mother-tongue. She would explain that there is no need to teach them to speak English as they will automatically learn English through interacting with others.

Lessons:

1. A person’s childhood is the period in which one is moulded for life. Understanding this, Makkiyyah Aapa (rahimahallah) was very particular regarding the upbringing of children. She remained vigilant at all times and constantly corrected the children when they erred. However, she did not continuously scold the children, but rather corrected them with compassion.

2. Parents are cautioned to always keep their children under their watchful gaze, as a kidnapping can occur in mere seconds. Similarly, the kidnapping of the imaan can also take place in mere seconds, through exposure to unsuitable influences, and this is why she was concerned about the children being under the constant supervision of their parents.

3. Every person is born with the quality of hayaa i.e. it is intrinsic and instinctive in each person. However, due to upbringing, many people are sadly stripped of their hayaa and are taught to behave in an immodest manner. Hence, Makkiyyah Aapa (rahimahallah) ensured that the hayaa of the children was safeguarded from their infancy, as it is very difficult to instil hayaa into the child when he/she is older. For example, if the girl grew up wearing short-sleeve t-shirts, she may find it difficult to leave this type of clothing later on.

4. The wise parent is that parent who equips their child for all that he/she will require in life. Hence, Makkiyyah Aapa (rahimahallah) placed emphasis on young girls gaining proficiency in running a home, as this will be her primary responsibility after marriage.

Ramadaan Series 1442

Du‘aa Series – Part One

As we traverse the journey of life, we find that the entire road is not scenic and picturesque. Rather, the road is intermittently dotted with various hurdles and challenges. In these moments of difficulty, each person looks around him, imploring assistance and seeking a helping hand.

When we ask any person for help, then it always has disadvantages. He may assist us, but it may be done grudgingly. If he assists us happily and wholeheartedly, then he may be prepared to render assistance once, twice or maybe thrice. If we thereafter implore him for further assistance, he may become irritated, or may even lack the means and resources to help us further. At times, we wish to ask a person for help, but the person is inaccessible and cannot be contacted. Often, a person renders assistance, but thereafter reminds you of his favour and regards you to be indebted to him. Sometimes, we mention our problems to a person, hoping to garner sympathy, but instead receive harsh criticism and a stern rebuke.

There is only One whom we can continue to ask, and the more we ask Him, the happier He becomes. He rewards us for asking Him, and also fulfils our requests. He can be ‘contacted’ 24/7, from any portion of the earth, sky or even from space. Even a person who is totally helpless can reach out to Him for assistance. His treasures are never depleted and He is always prepared to shower His blessings on us. Never does He give grudgingly and never does He become irritated by us begging Him for help. When we ‘offload’ our problems and burdens by speaking to Him, He fills our hearts with solace and peace that cannot be described. That Most-Generous and Most-Kind Being is Allah Ta‘ala, and it is through du‘aa that we turn to Him and beg Him for help.

Du‘aa has been described in the hadeeth as being the weapon of a believer, as through turning to Allah Ta‘ala in du‘aa and securing His divine assistance, one is able to overcome any obstacle, hurdle or difficulty. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) once said to the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum), “Shall I not show you something that will save you from your enemies and increase your sustenance? Make du‘aa to Allah Ta‘ala day and night, for indeed du‘aa is the weapon of a believer.” (Majma‘uz Zawaaid #17153)

As an Ummah, many of us have lost the habit of engaging in du‘aa. If we understood the powerful effect of du‘aa, the dynamic results it produces and the immense rewards we receive for it, we would strive to engage in du‘aa at every available opportunity.

Such is the blessing of du‘aa that it costs us nothing and our ‘connection’ to Allah Ta‘ala is instant. Furthermore, the results of the du‘aa are GUARANTEED to never disappoint.

In one hadeeth, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) explained that when a person makes du‘aa to Allah Ta‘ala, then it is not necessary that Allah Ta‘ala will grant him exactly what he asked for. However, this does not mean that his du‘aa went unanswered. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) mentioned that on making du‘aa, Allah Ta‘ala will grant a person one of three things. The first is that Allah Ta‘ala will grant him what he had asked for quickly. The second is that Allah Ta‘ala will (not grant him what he requested, but will) instead keep the reward of the du‘aa for him in the Aakhirah. The third is that Allah Ta‘ala (will not grant him what he wished for, but) will avert from him a calamity (that was otherwise meant to afflict him) equal to what he had asked for. (Musnad Ahmad #11133)

Hence, though it may outwardly appear that the du‘aa has not been answered, the reality is that Allah Ta‘ala knows what is best for us and thus deals with us with more love and compassion than even parents shows their beloved child.

The month of Ramadaan is the ideal time for us to reconnect with Allah Ta‘ala through the blessing of du‘aa. The du‘aa of a fasting person is accepted, the du‘aa at the time of sehri is accepted and the du‘aa at the time of iftaar is accepted. Likewise, the du‘aa made after the fardh salaah is accepted. We should thus avail of these golden moments and stretch our hands forth, begging Allah Ta‘ala and placing all our needs before Him – needs of this world and the next. We should call our young children, make them sit beside us and teach them to make du‘aa as well. In this way, the habit of turning to Allah Ta‘ala in du‘aa will insha-Allah become firmly entrenched in their hearts.

Insha-Allah, in the weeks to come, we will discuss various aspects relating to du‘aa, so that we can inculcate within ourselves the noble habit of constantly turning to Allah Ta‘ala in the correct manner.

Keys to the Special Mercy of Allah

Series on the Speciality of Each Ten Days of Ramadhaan – Part Two

It is the belief of every single Muslim that the entire universe, and every creation in existence, is completely dependent upon Allah Ta‘ala, at every moment, for its continuity, while Allah Ta‘ala is absolutely independent of the creation. Everything that happens in the world only occurs with the permission of Allah Ta‘ala and through His power. Hence, not even a leaf can fall from a tree without the power and permission of Allah Ta‘ala.

Having understood that everything in existence relies upon Allah Ta‘ala, we must realize that we too are completely dependent upon Him at every moment. It is only through Allah Ta‘ala’s mercy that we breathe, that our hearts beat, that our brains function, and that our bodies and organs continue to operate correctly, ensuring our survival and comfort. If Allah Ta‘ala had to deprive us of His mercy for even a moment, we would be absolutely finished and destroyed, as we would simply cease to function.

Just as our physical continuity and progress is dependent on Allah Ta‘ala’s mercy, our Deeni and spiritual progress is likewise dependent on Him. It is only through His mercy that we feel inspired to perform salaah, feel motivated towards righteousness, feel encouraged to repent, feel inclined to obeying Him, etc. In essence, we are completely dependent on the mercy of Allah Ta‘ala, at every moment, for both our physical and spiritual continuity and progress. However, we must realize that the more we obey Allah Ta‘ala, the more He will bless us with His mercy and the more we will progress, and the more we disobey Him, the more we will be deprived of His mercy.

Nevertheless, there are certain actions which are ‘keys’ to the special mercy of Allah Ta‘ala, as Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) had himself made du‘aa for the people carrying out these actions to be blessed with Allah Ta‘ala’s special mercy.

With the first ten days of Ramadhaan being the ten days of Allah Ta‘ala’s special mercy, we should try to commence practising on these actions during these ten days, thus making them a part of our lives thereafter as well. In this way, we will hopefully attract the special mercy of Allah Ta‘ala.

Some of these actions are:

1. To awake for Tahajjud Salaah, and thereafter wake one’s spouse to perform Tahajjud Salaah as well, even if one has to assist them to awaken by sprinkling a few drops of water on their face. (Sunan Abi Dawood #1450)

2. Performing the four sunnats before the ‘Asr Salaah. (Sunan Tirmizi #430)

3. Speaking words which are rewarding (i.e. speaking any words through which one will be rewarded e.g. encouraging people towards righteousness, or speaking permissible words that bring cheer to people’s hearts, etc.). (Shu‘abul Imaan #4589)

4. Remaining silent in the case where one’s words will cause one to become sinful (e.g. not engaging in backbiting, slander, gossip, carrying tales, etc.). (Shu‘abul Imaan #4589)

5. For a woman to dress in a manner that appropriately conceals her body. (Shu‘abul Imaan #7422)

6. Bing lenient and soft when purchasing, selling and claiming payment. (Saheeh Bukhaari #2076)

May Allah Ta‘ala shower His mercy upon us all, throughout our lives, and may He assist us all to adhere to these actions, Aameen.

The Window of Opportunity

Series on the Speciality of Each Ten Days of Ramadhaan – Part One

Time, comprising of miniscule moments, has always been regarded with great importance by man. Hence, man has always sought methods and means to measure and keep track of time. From ancient sundials and historical water clocks to the modern, digital timepieces and Swiss-precision clocks that we have today – man has come a long way in perfecting instruments of time.

More important than measuring time, however, is using it productively and efficiently. In this regard, it is an accepted reality that there are certain times that are more conducive to certain activities. In other words, an effort made for a certain goal in these times will yield more results than the same effort made at other times.

A simple example of this is business during the month of December. Every shopkeeper understands that while his business may do well in other periods of the year, it is in the month of December that his business will generate the highest turnover and profits. Hence, he makes the most of this month, opening early, closing late, employing extra staff, increasing his advertising and holding massive sales.

In a similar manner, the month of Ramadhaan is the believer’s equivalent of the businessman’s December in regard to generating massive ‘profits’ in reward. In the month of Ramadhaan, a believer exerts himself more than he does at any other time, trying his best to earn forgiveness and rewards. Nevertheless, the month of Ramadhaan itself has been divided into three portions, each portion offering a window of opportunity for the believers to acquire some special benefit.

On the final day of Sha’baan, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) delivered a sermon to the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) regarding the immense virtues and importance of the month of Ramadhaan, together with advices to be followed during this blessed month. In the course of this sermon, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) mentioned the following regarding Ramadhaan, “This is a month, the first of which brings Allah Ta‘ala’s mercy, the middle of which brings His forgiveness, and the last of which brings emancipation from the fire of Jahannum.” (Saheeh Ibni Khuzaimah #1887)

Accordingly, during the first ten days of Ramadhaan, Allah Ta‘ala showers His abundant favours upon the believers. Then, those who express gratitude to Allah Ta‘ala are blessed even further, with more favours and bounties from Allah Ta‘ala. During the second ten days, Allah Ta‘ala showers His forgiveness upon His servants, and this is in reward for their fasting during the first ten days. Finally, the last ten days bring immunity from entering the fire of Jahannum.

Shaikhul Hadeeth, Moulana Muhammad Zakariyya (rahimahullah), has explained the abovementioned hadeeth in the following manner: Ramadhaan has been divided into three portions because the believers are of three types. The first type of believer is the one who is not burdened by sins. Since he is free of the obstacle of sins, the very moment Ramadhaan commences (from the first ten days), he is able to benefit from the mercy and blessings of Allah Ta‘ala. The second type of believer is the one who is burdened by sins, but his burden is not too heavy. After fasting and exerting himself in ‘ibaadah during the first ten days, he gains forgiveness from Allah Ta‘ala after the first ten days, and thus begins to receive the special mercy and bounties of Allah Ta‘ala in the second ten days. The last type of believer is the one who is heavily burdened by sins. On account of the heaviness of his burden, he only gains forgiveness after two thirds of Ramadhaan have passed, and thus he only begins to receive the special mercies during the last ten days.

From this explanation, we understand that the first type of person, who enters the month of Ramadhaan without a burden of sin to bear, is the most fortunate, as he receives the greatest amount of blessings and mercies from Allah Ta‘ala in this most sacred month. Hence, the effort should be to engage in abundant istighfaar and repentance, in the few days left until Ramadhaan, so that we can try to acquire forgiveness before the month commences. In this way, we too can commence receiving the special mercies and bounties of Allah Ta‘ala from the very beginning of Ramadhaan.

Insha-Allah, in the weeks to come, we will discuss methods through which we can achieve the aforementioned benefit for each of the ten days. Hopefully, with the help of Allah Ta‘ala, we will make this Ramadhaan the best Ramadhaan of our lives thus far, aameen.

Taqwa...& Ramadaan

Have you ever wondered what the true purpose of Ramadaan is? Why do we really fast? What are we meant to gain from fasting?

Allah says in the Quraan: "O you who have believed, fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you that you may attain Taqwa" [2:183].

But what is Taqwa?

Various translations of this aayah define Taqwa as: righteousness/piety, self restraint, fearing Allah and guarding oneself against evil.

If we think about this we do all of this in Ramadaan. We attain piety by increasing in ibaadat, making more dhikr, reading more Quraan etc. We restrain ourselves from eating even though the act of eating is halaal at other times of the year. Therefore we learn self restraint. We increase in ibaadat therefore we have a heightened awareness of Allah. People make a greater effort in Ramadaan, by wearing scarf, abstaining from watching TV and listening to music etc. thereby guarding ourselves against evil.

In this way we attain Taqwa, the true purpose of Ramadaan. So don't laugh and mock at those who practice more in Ramadaan. They actually have the right idea. The only thing is that we've got to carry these changes with us even after Ramadaan.

May Allah accept from us the efforts we make for His pleasure. Aameen

Do we owe it?

Do we owe it?

One day, a very wealthy man was walking on the road. Along the way, he saw a beggar on the sidewalk. The rich man looked kindly at the beggar and asked him why he was begging. The beggar said, "Sir, I've been unemployed for a year now. You look like a rich man. Sir, if you'll give me a job, I'll stop begging."

The rich man smiled and said, "I want to help you. But I won't give you a job. I'll do something better. I want you to be my business partner. Let's start a business together. The beggar blinked hard.

 

"What do you mean, Sir? "I own a rice plantation. You could sell my rice in the market. I'll provide you the sacks of rice. I'll pay the rent for the market stall. All you'll have to do is sell my rice. And at the end of the month, as Business Partners, we'll share in the profits. Tears of joy rolled down his cheeks.

Do I keep 5% and you get 95%? I'll be happy with any arrangement. The rich man shook his head and chuckled."No, I want you to give me the 2.5%. And you keep the 97.5%. For a moment, the beggar couldn't speak. He couldn't believe his ears. The deal was too good to be true. I want you to give me 2.5% of your profits so you grow"

The beggar now dressed a little bit better, operated a store selling rice in the market. He worked very hard. He woke up early in the morning and slept late at night and sales were brisk, also because the rice was of good quality.

 

After 30 days, the profits were astounding! At the end of the month, as the ex-beggar was counting the money. He told himself, Gee, why should I give 2.5% to my Business Partner? I didn't see him the whole month! I was the one who was working day and night for this business. I did all the work. I deserve 100% of the profits.

The rich man came to collect his 2.5% of the profits. The ex-beggar said, "You don't deserve the 2.5%. I worked hard for this. I deserve all of it!"

If you were his Business Partner, how would you feel?

This is exactly what happens to us!!!  ALLAH is Our Business Partner…

ALLAH gave us life, every single breath.

ALLAH gave us talents, ability to talk, to create, to earn money

ALLAH gave us a body, eyes, ears, mouth, hands, feet, a heart

ALLAH gave us a mind, imagination, emotions, reasoning, language

In fact…ALLAH gave us EVRYTHING INDEED! 

So…in giving 2.5% Zakaat  (alms/charity) is not only an important pillar of Islam but also an expression of gratitude and love  for Allah Ta’ala. May Allah make us from those that pay their Zakaat, Aameen!

Benefits of keeping Roza

What to expect during the month of fasting - benefits of keeping Roza

 

Detoxification Stage 1 (Day 1 To Day 2)

On the first day of fasting, the blood sugar level drops. The heart slows and blood pressure is reduced. Glycogen is pulled from the muscle causing some weakness. The first wave of cleansing is usually the worst. Headaches, dizziness, nausea, bad breath, and a heavily coated tongue are signs of the first stage of cleansing. Hunger can be the most intense in this period.

Detoxification Stage 2 (Day 3 To Day 7)

Fats, composed of transformed fatty acids, are broken down to release glycerol from the gliceride molecules and are converted to glucose. The skin may become oily as rancid oils are purged from the body. People with problem-free skin may have a few days of pimples or even a boil. The body embraces the fast and the digestive system is able to take a much-needed rest, focusing all of its energies on cleansing and healing. White blood cell and immune system activity increases. You may feel pain in your lungs. The cleansing organs and the lungs are in the process of being repaired. The breath is still foul and the tongue coated. Within the intestine, the colon is being repaired and impacted feces on the intestinal wall start to loosen.

Detoxification Stage 3 (Day 8 to Day 15)

You will experience enhanced energy, clear-mindedness and feel better. On the downside, old injuries may become irritated and painful. This is a result of the body's increased ability to heal during fasting. If you had broken your arm 10 years before, there is scar tissue around the break. At the time of the break, the body's ability to heal was directly related to lifestyle. If you lived on a junk-food diet, the body's natural healing ability was compromised. During fasting, the body's healing process is at optimum efficiency. As the body scours for dead or damaged tissue, the lymphocytes enter the older, damaged tissue secreting substances to dissolve the damaged cells. These substances irritate the nerves in the surrounding region and cause a re occurrence of aches from previously injured areas that may have disappeared years earlier. The pain is good as the body is completing the healing process. The muscles may become tight and sore due to toxin irritation. The legs can be the worst affected, as toxins accumulate in the legs. Cankers are common in this stage due to the excessive bacteria in the mouth. Daily gargling with salt and water will prevent or heal cankers.

Detoxification Stage 4 (Day 16 to Day 30)

The body is completely adapted to the fasting process. There is more energy and clarity of mind. Cleansing periods can be short with many days of feeling good in between. There are days when the tongue is pink and the breath is fresh. The healing work of the organs is being completed. After the detoxification mechanisms have removed the causative agent or render it harmless, the body works at maximum capacity in tissue proliferation to replace damaged tissue. After day 20, the mind is affected. Heightened clarity and emotional balance are felt at this time. Memory and concentration improve.

 

Subhaan Allah what great health benefits but think of the rewards that will really matter and given by Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala in this life and the hereafter Insha'Allah. Aameen

When making Dua'a & what to ask for

As Salaamu Alaikum Dear Reader,

 With the imminent approach of Ramadaan let us be mindful of what we make Dua'a for. One never knows when the Angels will say Aameen to you Dua'a.

Apart from asking for the usual things we often ask for at any given time, here are a few important things to include in your Dua'as:

-☆For death with imaan

-☆For good neighbours in your qabr

-☆For Allah to make questioning in the qabr easy for you

-☆For salvation from the azaab (punishment) of the qabr

-☆To be resurrected with imaan

-☆For Allah to grant you ease on the day of Qiyaamah

-☆For Allah to grant you shade under His Arsh (throne) on that day so that you do not drown in your own sweat and blood

-☆For Allah to make it such that your good deeds far outweigh your bad deeds and that no one may lay claim to your good deeds nor may they give you their bad deeds

-☆For ease when crossing the siraats (bridge that is thinner then a strand of hair and sharper then a knife)

-☆For Allah to grant you entry into Jannah and save you from the punishment of Jahannum

-☆For Allah to forgive your sins and help you to stay away from them

-☆For Allah to save you from all types of harm and from the harms of insects, animals, man, jinn, shaitaan and dajjal

-☆Don't forget to pray for our brothers and sisters in war torn countries. Pray for Allah to strengthen them in imaan and ease their sufferings.

-☆Pray for Nabi (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam), the Sahabi, the Tabi'een, the tabi-tabi'een and all of the Prophets

-☆For ease for the deceased and for forgiveness for their sins

Remember to also start / end your Dua'as by praising Allah (reciting the 99 names of Allah) and reciting Durood upon Nabi (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam).

Please aslo remember the Ummah of Nabi (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) as well as my family and I in your Dua'as, I'm always in need of it.

May this Ramadaan be all the you hoped for and more, Aameen

The Ultimate Ramadan Dua’ List – Shaykh Navaid Aziz

Bismillah

I looked at the greatest needs we have in this day and age and selected 7 dua’s from the Quran and Sunnah that I feel would be in the best interests of every Muslim.
It would be ideal to print this list (or have it on your phone) and keep it handy at the time of iftar.Likewise, please add to your list anything else that you would like, especially that which your heart desires.
For your convenience I have included the Arabic, English transliteration, and English translation.
I pray Allah accepts from us all, and makes us from those who are forgiven and pardoned this Ramadan and entered into alfirdaws in the hereafter. Ameen.

DUA 1:
للّهُـمَّ إِنِّي أَعْوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الهَـمِّ وَ الْحُـزْنِ، والعًجْـزِوالكَسَلِ والبُخْـلِوالجُـبْنِ،وضَلْـعِ الـدَّيْنِ وغَلَبَـةِ الرِّجال
Allahumma inni ‘audhubika min al-hammi wal huzani,wal ‘ajzi wal kasali, wal bukhli wal jubni, wa dala’ad-dayni wa ghalabatir-rijâl.
O Allah, I take refuge in You from anxiety and sorrow, weakness and laziness, miserliness and cowardice, the burden of debts and from being over powered by men.

DUA 2:
رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِيالدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَالنَّارِ
Rubbana aatina fid-dunya hassana,wa fil akhirati hassana, waqina ‘adhab an-nar.
Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.
{Surat Al Baqarah 2: Verse 201}

DUA 3:
رَبِّ اجْعَلْنِي مُقِيمَالصَّلَاةِ وَمِن ذُرِّيَّتِي ۚ رَبَّنَا وَتَقَبَّلْدُعَاءِرَبَّنَا اغْفِرْ لِيوَلِوَالِدَيَّ وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِينَيَوْمَ يَقُومُ الْحِسَابُ
Rubbi j’alnee muqeem as-salati wa mindhuriyyati. Rubbana, wa taqabbal dua’. Rubbana ighfir li wa li walidayya wa lilmu’mineena yawma yaqoom ul-hisab
My Lord, make me an establisher of prayer, and [many] from my descendants. Our Lord, and accept my supplication. Our Lord, forgive me and my parents and the believers the Day the account is established.
{Surat Ibrahim 14: Verse 40-41}

DUA 4:
اللّهُـمَّ إِنِّـي أسْـأَلُـكَ العَـفْوَوَالعـافِـيةَ في الدُّنْـيا وَالآخِـرَةاللّهُـمَّ إِنِّـي أسْـأَلُـكَالعَـفْوَ وَالعـافِـيةَ في ديني وَدُنْـيايَوَأهْـلي وَمالـي ، اللّهُـمَّاسْتُـرْ عـوْراتي وَآمِـنْ رَوْعاتـي،اللّهُـمَّ احْفَظْـني مِن بَـينِ يَدَيَّوَمِن خَلْفـي وَعَن يَمـينيوَعَن شِمـالي ، وَمِن فَوْقـي ، وَأَعـوذُ بِعَظَمَـتِكَأَنأُغْـتالَ مِن تَحْتـي
Allahumma inni as-alukaal-‘afwa wal ‘afiyata fid dunya wal akhira. Allahumma inni as-aluka al ‘afwa walafiyata fee deeni wa dunyaya wa ahlee wa malee. Allahumma ustur ‘awrati wa aminrow’ati. Allahumma ahfadhnee min bayni yadayya min khalfi wa ‘an yameeni wa ‘anshimali wa min fowqi wa a’oodhu bi ‘adhmatika an aghtaala min tahti.
“O Allah, I ask You for pardon and well-being in this life and the next. O Allah,I ask You for pardon and well-being in my religious and worldly affairs, and my family and my wealth. O Allah, veil my weaknesses and set at ease my dismay. O Allah, preserve me from the front and from behind and on my right and on my left and from above, and I take refuge with You lest I be swallowed up by the earth.”

DUA 5:
اللّهُـمَّ إِنِّـي أَسْأَلُـكَ عِلْمـاً نافِعـاً وَرِزْقـاً طَيِّـباً ،وَعَمَـلاًمُتَقَـبَّلاً
Allahuma inni as-aluka‘ilman nafi’an wa rizqan tayyiban wa ‘amalan matqaballa.
“O Allah, I ask You for knowledge which is beneficial and sustenance which is good, and deeds which are acceptable. [to be said after giving salam for the fajr prayer].”

DUA 6:
اللّهُـمَّ أَعِـنِّي عَلـى ذِكْـرِكَ وَشُكْـرِك ، وَحُسْـنِ عِبـادَتِـك
Allahuma a’inni ‘aladhikrika washukrika wahusni‘ibadatik.
“O Allah, help me to remember You, to thank You, and to worship You in the best of manners.”

DUA 7:
اللّهُـمَّ إِنِّـي أَسْأَلُـكَ الجَـنَّةَ وأََعوذُ بِـكَ مِـنَ الـنّار
Allahuma inni as-aluka al-jannata wa a’udhubika min an-nar.
“O Allah, I ask You to grant me Paradise and I take refuge in You from the Fire.”

Aameen

Ramadaan Ready!

Salaams & Jummah Mubarak Dear Readers,

I sadly wonder what is the preoccupation with regards to food especially with us Muslim in South Africa! Are we so taken in with these "savouries" which we only consume in Ramadaan, everyone I speak to or meet asks the same question: Have you made your savouries and Are you ready?

In all Honesty is that what Ramadaan boils down to: Food? and nothing but Food? Epic Topic in Ramadaan revolves around what savouries you made and whose daughter-in-law invented what savoury...What ever happened to simplicity?

What is your take on this?

May Allah save us from this mindset Aameen!

 

Ramadaan Ready!

“Am I ready? You really asking me... am I ready!” exclaimed Farida, her boisterous voice filling the kitchen.

She hastily dusted her hands on her well-worn apron, scattering little foggy clouds of flour around her and grabbed Aneesa’s wrist, her plump hand going almost twice around the young girls’ wrist.

“Come, come! Let me show you how ready I am,” she boomed, half dragging the delicate Aneesa out of the kitchen in to what was once a balcony now converted to accommodate two large freezers. Farida triumphantly opened the doors to a freezer stacked with plastic containers, all neatly labeled.

“See, my child, I am so ready. There we go – samoosas… chicken, mutton, vegetable, jalapeno and even tuna samoosas. And then, I have kebabs, spring-rolls and moons….vegetable and potato cutlets…pies of every kind. This time I’m ready!”

She ceremoniously closed the doors of the freezers, puzzled by the unimpressed look on Aneesa’s face.

“Er…aunty,” began Aneesa feebly, rubbing her wrist, “That’s not what I meant…”

“I know,” said Farida, who reached out for Aneesa’s wrists, but they were cautiously tucked away behind her back, “You want to see what else I got…..”

“Come, come,” she said, rushing back into the kitchen to the corner where another tall freezer hummed noisily. Whipping open the doors, she announced, “Chicken corn soup, vegetable soup, haleem (soup), pizzas, marinated chicken fillets …..you name it my darling, and I have it all ready”

Farida didn’t hear her niece’s protestations about that’s not what she meant, she continued: “You remember that dua you taught me…remember?”

Aneesa shook her head in silent defeat.

“Allahuma baarik lana fi Rajab, wa Shabaan,wa  balligna Ramadaan(Oh Allah bless in Rajab and Sha’baan and allow to reach Ramadaan), see I know it so well. I recited it all the time and Allah Ta'ala gave me sooo much Barakah (Blessings),” she said, stretching her chubby arms out wide, “and I got all this done.”

“Last year was just too terrible,” Farida lamented, tucking a few stray greying strands of hair under her scarf, “In the last ten days of Ramadaan we were out of samoosas and chicken pies, and my poor Yusuf had to do without his favourites. But not this year! This time I’m so ready for Ramadaan.”

Exasperated Aneesa held her aunt’s hefty hand in both her palms and said firmly, “No, no aunty….that’s not what I meant!”

Farida looked at her baffled and confused. Scratching her head she whispered, “Then what? What else is there to be ready for Ramadaan?”

“Yourself!” exclaimed Aneesa.

“Yourself? Myself? How do I prepare myself for Ramadaan?”

“Have you thought about how much Qur’an would you read each day, or how much time will you spend making dua, or how will you plan your days?” Aneesa asked.

Farida looked at her sheepishly and popped a freshly fried Bhajia(chilli bite) into her mouth, “No, not really…I’m so busy with all this that I don’t even have time to think about that.”

“This is the real preparation of Ramadaan!” Aneesa explained. “Last week Sheikh Hamaad was explaining that The Messenger of Allah( Peace be upon him) would increase his efforts before Ramadaan. He would fast more. Saayidah Aisha (RA) said she never witnessed him fasting as much as he did in Shabaan in preparation for the month of Ramadaan and Sheikh quoted a hadith of Umme Salamah (RA) : That she did not see The Messenger of Allah( Sallalahu Alaihi wasallam) Fasting two consecutive months except for Sha'ban and Ramadan."

Farida diverted her attention only to dip another bhajia into the red chilli sauce and pop it into her mouth. Aneesa looked at the flowery plaque on the wall that read “Never trust a thin cook” and suppressed a smile.

“Sheikh explained just how valuable this month is,” continued Aneesa gently pushing away the plate of tantalizingly hot bhajias, “That an obligatory or Fardh act in the month of Ramadaan has the reward of seventy such acts and a Nafl (Voluntary)act to gain closeness to Allah Ta'ala will get the reward of an obligatory, Fardh, act. So there’s no time to waste in this month. He explained we have to make the best of every moment of this precious month”

“Eat, child!” said Farida, pushing the plate close to Aneesa, “You’re so thin.”

Aneesa eyed the bhajias and continued, “He even told us how the pious people would spend their Ramadaan. He gave us so many examples but I only remember the on about Sheikh Abdur Rahim (rahmatullahi alaihi), who would spend his entire day in the recitation of Quran, he would not even meet anyone and even reduced his meals to the bare minimum to save time in the month of Ramadaan. And about Imaam Shafie(rahmatullahi alaihi) who would complete a Quran every day and every night during this month, plus the one he would read in the Taraweeh salaah completing 61 Qurans for the month.”

Farida let out a silent whistle, “That’s a lot. But…what am I to do. I have to see to the boys, and we usually have so many visitors in Ramadaan.”

“Just plan yourself,” advised Aneesa, “You have prepared all this foodstuff so you can steal a little time to read a little Quran every morning, and when you get up for Sehri(pre dawn meal), then get up half an hour earlier and read Tahajjud  Salaah(late night prayer) – because duas at Tahajjud time are certainly accepted. And while you are busy in the kitchen then read Durood(send blessings) on The Messenger of Allah( Sallalahu Alaihi wasallam). And before Magrib Salaah (prayer after sunset)…”

“But that’s the time I’m busy frying all the savouries and warming the food, and…” protested Farida.

“Just a few minutes before you break your fast, even five, sit down and make dua (pray) asking Allah Ta'ala for all your needs because Allah Ta'ala does not reject the dua of a fasting person at the time of breaking fast. If you plan yourself, you can achieve so much – you planned, and worked hard, and you managed to pack three freezers full of food – so you can do so much in Ramadaan if you plan your time.”

Farida smiled broadly, looking at the freezers that bore testimony to her hard work.

“Just think if you read just five pages of Quran after every salaah you will complete the whole Quran in the month.”

Farida shook her head in disbelief, “That’s all?”

“Yup, that’s all it takes,” replied Aneesa.

“You’re a special girl, now eat something, or let me make you some tea?” looking at her niece intently, “You’re so thin and we still have to find you a husband.”

Aneesa laughed, “Thanks aunty, but I’m fasting”