Assalamu alaikum!
Thank you all for the Eid wishes, and those who have recently been checking my blog only to see no new updates! I really sorry...been busy with life and school that's why haven't been able to update anything new or follow any of my usual blogs. Will soon start creating new blog posts--new ideas & fun stuff! Please stay tuned. =)
Ma Salama
Monday, October 5, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Ramadan Post: #13--Akhiri Ashara (Last 10 Days of Ramadan)
Assalam u alaikum.
Since the last 10 days of Ramadan have started, I decided to post an article I found on IslamiCity.com that is about making the most of the last 10 days. InshahAllah it will be beneficial since I think the tips it gives are very doable, and will help us make the most of Ramadan in the last few days.
9/10/2009 - Religious - Article Ref: ic0610-3135
Number of comments: 40
By: Abdul Malik Mujahid
IslamiCity* -
Laylatul Qadr (the Night of Power) is described in the Quran as, "better than a thousand months" (97:3). Any action done on this night such as reciting the Quran, remembering Allah, etc. is better than acting for one thousand months which do not contain the night of Qadr.
Allah's Messenger used to exert himself in devotion during the last ten nights to a greater extent than at any other time." (Muslim). Allah's peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet.
Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, related that the Prophet said: Look for Laylatul Qadr on an odd-numbered night during the last ten nights of Ramadan (Bukhari).
The Prophet said: "Whoever prays during the night of Qadr with faith and hoping for its reward will have all of his previous sins forgiven." (Bukhari and Muslim recorded from Abu Huraira).
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. Why not this time to focus on worshiping 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 Ibadah, not having to worry about getting to work the next day. It will also facilitate doing Itikaf.
2. Do I'tikaf.
It was a practice of the Prophet to spend the last ten days and nights of Ramadan in the masjid for I'tikaf.
Those in I'tikaf stay in the masjid all this time, performing various forms of zikr (the remembrance of Allah), like doing extra Salat, recitation and study of the Quran. They do not go outside the masjid except in case of emergencies, therefore, they sleep in the masjid. Their families or the masjid administration takes care of their food needs. 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 Dua.
Aisha, 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 pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.' "(Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and Tirmidhi).
The transliteration of this Dua is "Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'annee"
4. Recite the Quran.
Perhaps you can choose Surahs or passages from the Quran, which you have heard in Tarawih this past Ramadan to recite.
If you attend a class where the recitation of the Quran is taught, this is a great time to put your knowledge into practice.
5. Reflect on the meaning of the Quran.
Choose the latest Surah or Surahs you've heard in Tarawih and read their translation and Tafseer. Then think deeply about their meaning and how it affects you on a personal level.
6. Get your sins wiped out.
Abu Huraira narrated that the Messenger said: 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. [Bukhari and Muslim).
Don't just pray using the shorter Surahs that you know. Try to make your prayers longer, deeper and meaningful. If you are familiar with longer Surahs, read the translation and explanation and then pray reciting these Surahs, carefully reflecting on the meaning while you pray.
Even if you are only familiar with the shorter Surahs, read the translation and explanation beforehand, and then pray reflecting on the message of the Surahs.
This is a good way to develop the habit of concentration, even in regular prayers, where many of us tend to be fidgety and/or easily distracted.
7. Make a personal Dua list.
Ask yourself what you really want from Allah. Make a list of each and everything, no matter how small or how big it is, whether it deals with this world or not. Allah loves to hear from us. Once this list is ready, you can do three things:
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 making the Dua mentioned in tip number one above.
9. Make long, sincere and deep Duas
One of the best times to do this is during the last part of the night.
Abu Huraira, may Allah be pleased with him, related that the Prophet said: When the last one-third of the night remains, our Lord, the Glorious One descends towards the heaven of the earth and proclaims: Who is that who supplicates for Me, and I grant his supplication? Who is that who begs Me for anything and I grant it to him? And who is that who seeks My forgiveness, and I forgive him? (Bukhari, Muslim).
That means for instance, waking up one hour before Suhoor time to ask Allah for anything and everything you want that is Halal. This can be done using the Duas of the Sunnah, but also Dua in your own language, with sincerity and conviction.
10. Memorize a different Dua every night
They don't have to be long. They can be just one line. And be sure to know what they mean generally at least, even if you don't know the exact translation in English.
You can put them on index cards (or and keep them with you during the day, glancing at them during work, while driving, waiting in line, etc.) Then practice them at night in prayer.
11. Have Iftar with the family
If you've spent Iftar time on weekdays in your cubicle 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.
12. Take the family to Tarawih
Have your spouse and kids missed Tarawih most of Ramadan because you weren't there to drive them to the Masjid, which is too far away to walk to? If so, do all of yourselves a favour and bring everyone for Tarawih in these last ten nights.
13. Attend the Dua after the completion of Quran recitation
Almost all Masjids where the Imam aims to finish an entire reading of the Quran in Tarawih prayers in Ramadan will be completing their recitation in these last ten nights. They may try to end on one of the odd nights and read the Dua at the end of a reading of the Quran. Attend this particular night's Tarawih prayer with your family. See if you can attend different Masjids' Tarawih prayers the night they finish reading the Quran.
14. Finish reading a book on the Prophet
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.
15. Plan for the next year
Once you've done a self-evaluation, you can plan on where you want to go, at least in the next 12 months. Laylatul Qadr is a great night to be thinking about this (without taking away from your worship), since you'll Insha Allah, be in a more contemplative state. You may choose to dedicate one night of power for evaluation and one night for planning for the next year.
16. To do list for the Night of Power
Make a to do checklist for each Night of Power. This should define how you would like your night, the one better than a thousand months, to be used. Pick things from this list and define the sequence you would like to do things in. This will help you avoid wasting your time in unproductive chats which common in the festive atmosphere of Masjids at the Night of Power.
Abdul Malik Mujahid, is the President and Director of Sound Vision Foundation Inc. He is an Imam in the Chicago area and the Chairperson of the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago (CIOGC).
Since the last 10 days of Ramadan have started, I decided to post an article I found on IslamiCity.com that is about making the most of the last 10 days. InshahAllah it will be beneficial since I think the tips it gives are very doable, and will help us make the most of Ramadan in the last few days.
***
Maximize the last 10 days of Ramadan 9/10/2009 - Religious - Article Ref: ic0610-3135
Number of comments: 40
By: Abdul Malik Mujahid
IslamiCity* -
 Cairo Sunset |
Allah's Messenger used to exert himself in devotion during the last ten nights to a greater extent than at any other time." (Muslim). Allah's peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet.
Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, related that the Prophet said: Look for Laylatul Qadr on an odd-numbered night during the last ten nights of Ramadan (Bukhari).
The Prophet said: "Whoever prays during the night of Qadr with faith and hoping for its reward will have all of his previous sins forgiven." (Bukhari and Muslim recorded from Abu Huraira).
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. Why not this time to focus on worshiping 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 Ibadah, not having to worry about getting to work the next day. It will also facilitate doing Itikaf.
2. Do I'tikaf.
It was a practice of the Prophet to spend the last ten days and nights of Ramadan in the masjid for I'tikaf.
Those in I'tikaf stay in the masjid all this time, performing various forms of zikr (the remembrance of Allah), like doing extra Salat, recitation and study of the Quran. They do not go outside the masjid except in case of emergencies, therefore, they sleep in the masjid. Their families or the masjid administration takes care of their food needs. 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 Dua.
Aisha, 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 pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.' "(Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and Tirmidhi).
The transliteration of this Dua is "Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'annee"
4. Recite the Quran.
Perhaps you can choose Surahs or passages from the Quran, which you have heard in Tarawih this past Ramadan to recite.
If you attend a class where the recitation of the Quran is taught, this is a great time to put your knowledge into practice.
5. Reflect on the meaning of the Quran.
Choose the latest Surah or Surahs you've heard in Tarawih and read their translation and Tafseer. Then think deeply about their meaning and how it affects you on a personal level.
6. Get your sins wiped out.
Abu Huraira narrated that the Messenger said: 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. [Bukhari and Muslim).
Don't just pray using the shorter Surahs that you know. Try to make your prayers longer, deeper and meaningful. If you are familiar with longer Surahs, read the translation and explanation and then pray reciting these Surahs, carefully reflecting on the meaning while you pray.
Even if you are only familiar with the shorter Surahs, read the translation and explanation beforehand, and then pray reflecting on the message of the Surahs.
This is a good way to develop the habit of concentration, even in regular prayers, where many of us tend to be fidgety and/or easily distracted.
7. Make a personal Dua list.
Ask yourself what you really want from Allah. Make a list of each and everything, no matter how small or how big it is, whether it deals with this world or not. Allah loves to hear from us. Once this list is ready, you can do three things:
- Ask Allah to give you those things
- Think about what actions you have taken to get those things
- Develop a work plan to get those things in future.
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 making the Dua mentioned in tip number one above.
9. Make long, sincere and deep Duas
One of the best times to do this is during the last part of the night.
Abu Huraira, may Allah be pleased with him, related that the Prophet said: When the last one-third of the night remains, our Lord, the Glorious One descends towards the heaven of the earth and proclaims: Who is that who supplicates for Me, and I grant his supplication? Who is that who begs Me for anything and I grant it to him? And who is that who seeks My forgiveness, and I forgive him? (Bukhari, Muslim).
That means for instance, waking up one hour before Suhoor time to ask Allah for anything and everything you want that is Halal. This can be done using the Duas of the Sunnah, but also Dua in your own language, with sincerity and conviction.
10. Memorize a different Dua every night
They don't have to be long. They can be just one line. And be sure to know what they mean generally at least, even if you don't know the exact translation in English.
You can put them on index cards (or and keep them with you during the day, glancing at them during work, while driving, waiting in line, etc.) Then practice them at night in prayer.
11. Have Iftar with the family
If you've spent Iftar time on weekdays in your cubicle 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.
12. Take the family to Tarawih
Have your spouse and kids missed Tarawih most of Ramadan because you weren't there to drive them to the Masjid, which is too far away to walk to? If so, do all of yourselves a favour and bring everyone for Tarawih in these last ten nights.
13. Attend the Dua after the completion of Quran recitation
Almost all Masjids where the Imam aims to finish an entire reading of the Quran in Tarawih prayers in Ramadan will be completing their recitation in these last ten nights. They may try to end on one of the odd nights and read the Dua at the end of a reading of the Quran. Attend this particular night's Tarawih prayer with your family. See if you can attend different Masjids' Tarawih prayers the night they finish reading the Quran.
14. Finish reading a book on the Prophet
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.
15. Plan for the next year
Once you've done a self-evaluation, you can plan on where you want to go, at least in the next 12 months. Laylatul Qadr is a great night to be thinking about this (without taking away from your worship), since you'll Insha Allah, be in a more contemplative state. You may choose to dedicate one night of power for evaluation and one night for planning for the next year.
16. To do list for the Night of Power
Make a to do checklist for each Night of Power. This should define how you would like your night, the one better than a thousand months, to be used. Pick things from this list and define the sequence you would like to do things in. This will help you avoid wasting your time in unproductive chats which common in the festive atmosphere of Masjids at the Night of Power.
Abdul Malik Mujahid, is the President and Director of Sound Vision Foundation Inc. He is an Imam in the Chicago area and the Chairperson of the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago (CIOGC).
Friday, September 11, 2009
Ramadan Post: #12--Abayas! Abayas! Abayas!
Assalam u Alaikum & Happy Jummah to Everyone!
Ever since Ramadan started I've been in a bit of dilemma of what to wear every time I go to the masjid for either iftars and taraweeh prayers. While I don't want to look like I'm going to a fancy party, I also don't want to look like I just just rolled out of bed. Previous years, I've mostly worn my traditional Pakistani outfits, which are loose and casual enough for a masjid, however this year I seemed to be running out of clothes faster, and my priority right now isn't trying to find the next cute outfits to wear to the masjid.
That brings me to abayas! =) I've never owned an abaya, even though I've always liked them and thought about buying one for myself. Then this year while going to a taraweeh prayers I noticed my sister started wearing a cute abaya, and of course I wanted one too. Not only because there are so many pretty abaya's out there for reasonable prices (and some very expensive ones), but because most of all it takes the guess work out of what to wear to the masjid especially in Ramadan when you don't have time to be coming up with a new outfit to wear everyday but still want to look put together.
So, while I started looking for a nice, everyday wear abaya, I noticed some were very expensive, and since I'm not employed right now I wanted something reasonably priced. I came across some in Amazon.com--Abayas
section. I had no idea they sold abaya's and actually for a reasonable price. I found five that I liked for under $40 each!
From the five below, which ones do you like and which one do you recommend I get? =)
JazzakAllah!
Ever since Ramadan started I've been in a bit of dilemma of what to wear every time I go to the masjid for either iftars and taraweeh prayers. While I don't want to look like I'm going to a fancy party, I also don't want to look like I just just rolled out of bed. Previous years, I've mostly worn my traditional Pakistani outfits, which are loose and casual enough for a masjid, however this year I seemed to be running out of clothes faster, and my priority right now isn't trying to find the next cute outfits to wear to the masjid.
That brings me to abayas! =) I've never owned an abaya, even though I've always liked them and thought about buying one for myself. Then this year while going to a taraweeh prayers I noticed my sister started wearing a cute abaya, and of course I wanted one too. Not only because there are so many pretty abaya's out there for reasonable prices (and some very expensive ones), but because most of all it takes the guess work out of what to wear to the masjid especially in Ramadan when you don't have time to be coming up with a new outfit to wear everyday but still want to look put together.
So, while I started looking for a nice, everyday wear abaya, I noticed some were very expensive, and since I'm not employed right now I wanted something reasonably priced. I came across some in Amazon.com--Abayas
section. I had no idea they sold abaya's and actually for a reasonable price. I found five that I liked for under $40 each!From the five below, which ones do you like and which one do you recommend I get? =)
JazzakAllah!
Monday, September 7, 2009
Ramadan Post: #11
Salam Readers!
This post is going to be about "intentions" a topic that has been coming up in my interaction with people several times this Ramadan.
As Muslims we always have to remember that our "intentions" matter a whole lot in everything we do. Especially when dealing with people, and with personal activities as well. If we have pure intention when starting anything--whatever it may be--Allah will bless us with something great in return.
Yesterday, while I was at the Masjid waiting for Taraweeh prayer to start a women came in with a beautiful floral, almost jasmine mixed with some other beautiful and delicious things scent that got all the ladies in the room mesmerized--literally. One lady asked the lady with the amazing scent what it was, if it was a non-alcoholic perfume or ether or splash or something else. The nice smelling lady gladly shared the perfume bottle, and very frankly said "sisters, it doesn't matter what scent it is, whether it has alcohol or not, or if it's ether or something else, what matter is the "intention" you put it on with. You need to have good intentions."
After she said that, I reflected--of course, (I know some people will argue that women shouldn't put on any kind of perfume except for the husbands--but this is not about that) that even the smallest thing you do, if you do it with pure intentions and to please Allah--and only Allah-- than Allah will greatly reward you. That's just how the blessing and mercy of Allah (swt) works. He knows what's in your hearts. Allah hu Akbar (Allah is great).
Ma Salama!
This post is going to be about "intentions" a topic that has been coming up in my interaction with people several times this Ramadan.
As Muslims we always have to remember that our "intentions" matter a whole lot in everything we do. Especially when dealing with people, and with personal activities as well. If we have pure intention when starting anything--whatever it may be--Allah will bless us with something great in return.
Yesterday, while I was at the Masjid waiting for Taraweeh prayer to start a women came in with a beautiful floral, almost jasmine mixed with some other beautiful and delicious things scent that got all the ladies in the room mesmerized--literally. One lady asked the lady with the amazing scent what it was, if it was a non-alcoholic perfume or ether or splash or something else. The nice smelling lady gladly shared the perfume bottle, and very frankly said "sisters, it doesn't matter what scent it is, whether it has alcohol or not, or if it's ether or something else, what matter is the "intention" you put it on with. You need to have good intentions."
After she said that, I reflected--of course, (I know some people will argue that women shouldn't put on any kind of perfume except for the husbands--but this is not about that) that even the smallest thing you do, if you do it with pure intentions and to please Allah--and only Allah-- than Allah will greatly reward you. That's just how the blessing and mercy of Allah (swt) works. He knows what's in your hearts. Allah hu Akbar (Allah is great).
Ma Salama!
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