What Is Ramadan? Options

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Ramadan is derived from the Arabic root word ramida or ar-ramad denoting intense scorching heat and dryness, especially the ground. From the same root there is ramdaa, sunbaked sand, and the famous proverb: "Kal Mustajeer minar Ramadaa binnar" - to jump out of the frying pan into the fire. And in a hadith the Messenger of Allah (saas) said: "The prayer of repenters is due when the young camel can feel the sun's heat early in the morning." (Muslim)

Thus, the word Ramadan is so called to indicate the heating sensation in the stomach as a result of thirst). Others said it is so called because Ramadan scorches out the sins with good deeds, as the sun burns the ground. Some said it is so called because the hearts and souls are more readily receptive to the admonition and remembrance of Allah during Ramadan, as the sand and stones are receptive to the sun's heat. The framers of this beautiful language may have been inspired by Allah (SWT) in naming this month Ramadan. Otherwise, the relation between the heat and its properties is miraculously similar to that of Ramadan. While the heat represents the matter that helps shape, form, and mold virtually every matter - from metal and plastics, to plants and living cells - Ramadan undoubtedly helps a serious believer remold, reshape, reform, and renew his physical and spiritual disposition and behavior.

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Ask Yourself these 25 Questions

Ramadan, as usual, has flown by. Despite planning beforehand, many of us
may have got caught up in a routine after accustoming ourselves to the
change in schedule the blessed month brings.

This may have affected our initial plans to increase our worship,
contemplation and to seek Allah's Forgiveness and Mercy with greater
fervor. But the last ten days and nights of Ramadan are still ahead for
us to benefit from. Ask yourself these questions and see what you can do
to make the most of what's left of Ramadan this year.

1] Have I kept pace with the amount of Qur'an I wanted to read, or
have I fallen behind?

2] If so, how much do I have to read on a daily basis the rest of
Ramadan to catch up?

3] Have I tried to attend Taraweeh regularly, or did I use weak
excuses to get out of it?

4] Did I ever pray the night prayer?

5] Did I try praying my five daily prayers with more sincerity,
concentration, and focus than usual?

6] Did I invite anyone over for Iftaar (breaking the fast)?

7] Did I help any needy person, even a beggar, when I was fasting?

8] Did I regularly seek Allah's Forgiveness and Mercy with sincerity,
fear and hope?

9] Did I encourage my family to fast or participate in regular
opportunities for more rewards that come with Ramadan (i.e. good deeds
in general, but also Taraweeh, more reading of the Qur'an, etc).

10] Did I memorise any more Qur'an than what I knew before Ramadan started?

11] Did I try to be more patient in Ramadan than I normally am?

12] Did I try to control my anger, especially while fasting?

13] Did I try harder to avoid backbiting and slander?

14] Did I constantly check my intentions, to make sure that my good
deeds were for the sake of Allah alone, not to impress others, gain
their favour or to show off?

15] Was there even an atom of pride in my heart?

16] Was I quieter and more contemplative?

17] Did I cry in my prayers?

18] Did I read more Islamic literature apart from the Qur'an?

19] Did I make sincere repentance to Allah, really feeling sorry for my
sins?

20] Did I forgive those who hurt me?

21] Did I avoid hurting anyone with my attitude, words, intentions or
actions?

22] Did I give any more Sadaqah (charity) than I normally give?

23] Did I share the message of Ramadan and Islam with a non-Muslim?

24] Did I share the message of Ramadan and Islam with a non-practising
Muslim family member or friend?

25] Did I feel annoyed at being hungry while fasting or did I rejoice?

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Q: Why did our Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) ummat get this night of power.

A: One day prophet Mohammed (PBUH) was narrating stories about Nuh (AS), Musa (AS) and how their ummat lived for hundred of years, during this discussion one of the sahaba’s questioned then in this case, since they had long lives, they would have done more salaat, prayers and zikr and then will have loft positions in Paradise.

This lead to another question then in this case Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) ummat lives about 65/70 years and will get less time for ibbadat (therefore lesser position in Paradise ).

Our Prophet was concerned about this.

Allah then revealed the Surah (Inna anzalna hu fi laylatul-qadr)

What is laylatul-qadr (this night is better then thousands months)

Thousand Months = 1000/12 = 83.33 years

Therefore even if we get 25 such laylatul qadr nights we will have 25 X 83.33 = 2083.25 years of ibbadat.

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- Playing, recreation, and eating on the day of Eid:

These are permissible as long as they stay within the acceptable bounds of Islam. Anas said: "when the prophet (p.b.u.h.) came to madinah, they had two days for amusement. the prophet (p.b.u.h.) has exchanged these days for two better days: the day of breaking the fast and the day of sacrifice." (Nsa'i and Ibn Hibban)

- Taking women and children to the prayer area:

The prophet (p.b.u.h.) used to take his wives and daughters to the two Eids. Umm Atiyah said: "we were ordered to go out with the single and menstruating women to the two Eids in order to witness the good and the supplications of the muslims. the menstruating women though would stay away from the prayer area." (Bukhari and Muslim)

- Going to the prayer area:

The prophet (p.b.u.h.) used to go to the prayer area by walking. Jaber narrated: "on the days of Eid, the prophet (p.b.u.h.) would go to the prayer area by one route and come back by another route." (Bukhari)

- Eating before going to the prayer area:

Since Eid al-Fitr is the day on which Muslims break their Ramadhan fast, it is preferable to eat before going to the Eid prayer. It is a Sunnah of the prophet (p.b.u.h.) to eat an odd number of dates before going to pray salat al-Eid. Anas reported: "the prophet (p.b.u.h.) would not go out on the day of Eid al-Fitr without eating an odd number of dates." (Bukhari.)

- Preparation for Eid prayer:

It is preferred to make ghusl (take a bath), wear one's best clothes and, for men, to wear perfume before going to salat al-Eid. Ibn al-Qayyim said: "the prophet (p.b.u.h.) used to wear his best clothes for the Eid prayers and he had clothes that he reserved for the two Eids and Jumuah."

- Making Takbeer:

Takbeer starts from the night of Eid's eve until the imam comes out to start the prayer. Allah says: "you should complete the prescribed period and then you should glorify allah (i.e., say takbeer) for having guided you so that you may be grateful to him." the form of takbeer is related by 'umar and ibn mas`ud: "Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, la illaha illallah. Allahu Akbar. Allahu Akbar wa lillahil-hamd."

- Congratulating each other:

It has been narrated that when the prophet's companions met each other on the Eid day, they would say to each other: "may Allah accept from us and from you." (Ahmad)

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The Night Preceding 'Eid-ul-Fitr'

It had been the practice of the Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, that he would not sleep in the night preceding the day of Eid-ul-fitr. This night has been named in a Hadith as the Night of Reward (Lailatul Jaiza). Almighty bestows his rewards on those who have spent the month of Ramadan abiding by the dictates of Shari'ah, and all their prayers in this night are accepted. Therefore, it is desirable to perform nafl prayers in this night. The Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, is reported to have said:

Whoever stands up (in worship) in the nights preceding the two Eids expecting rewards from his Lord, his heart will not die when the other hearts will die. (Ibn Majah)

To benefit from this opportunity, one should perform as much worship in this night as he can, and should pray for all his needs and desires.

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The 'Eid Prayer

The second obligation on 'Eid day is to perform the 'Eid prayer. Some rules in this respect are mentioned hereunder:

1. The Eid prayer is Wajib (obligatory) on every male Muslim.

2. The Eid prayer can be performed any time between the Ishraq and Zawal.

3. It is preferable that the 'Eid prayer is performed at an open field and not in a mosque. However, if, it is difficult for any reason to perform it in an open field, it can also be performed in a big mosque.

4. It is not advisable to hold the 'Eid prayer in every mosque, rather it is preferable that the people from several small mosques get together to either perform it in an open field or, in its absence, in a big mosque which can accommodate a large number of people.

5. No Nafl Salah can be performed before the 'Eid prayer, neither in one's home, nor at the place of' Eid prayer. Similarly, Nafl prayer cannot be performed after the Eid prayer at the same place. However, it can be performed after one comes back to his home.

6. The Eid prayer has neither Adhan nor Iqamah.

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How to Perform Eid Prayer

The Eid Prayer has two rak'ah to perform in the normal way, with the only addition of six takbirs, three of them in the beginning of the first rak'ah, and three of them just before ruku' in the second rak'ah. The detailed way of performing the 'Eid prayer is as follows:

The Imam will begin the prayer without Adhan or Iqamah. He will begin the prayer by reciting takbir of Tahrimah (Allahu Akbar). You should raise your hands up to the ears, and reciting the takbir, you give a little pause during which you should recite Thana' (Subhanak Allahumma.......)· After the completion of Thana' the Imam will recite takbir (Allahu Akbar) three times, and after reciting each Takbir (Allahu Akbar) in a low voice, you should bring your hands down and leave them earthwards. But, after the third takbir, you should set them at the level of your navel as you do in the normal prayer.

After these three takbirs the Imam will recite the Holy Qur'an, which you should listen quietly. The rest of the rak'ah will be performed in the normal way.

After rising for the second rak'ah, the Imam will begin the recitations from the Qur'an during which you should remain calm and quiet. When the Imam finishes his recitation, he will recite three takbirs once again, but this time it will be before bowing down for ruku'. At each takbir you should raise your hands up to the ears, and after saying "Allahu Akbar' bring them down and leave them earthwards. After these three takbirs have been called and completed, the Imam will say another takbir for bowing down into the ruku' position. At this takbir you need not raise your hands. You just bow down for your ruku' saying, 'Allahu Akbar'. The rest of the Salah will be performed in its usual way.

Note: The way of 'Eid prayer described above is according to the Hanafi school of Muslim jurists. Some other jurists, like Imam Shafi'i, have some other ways to perform it. They recite Takbir twelve times before beginning the recitations from the Holy Qur'an in both rak'ah. This way is also permissible. If the Imam, being of the Shafi'i school, follows this way, you can also follow him. Both ways are based on the practice of the Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam.

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How to Perform Eid Prayer

The Eid Prayer has two rak'ah to perform in the normal way, with the only addition of six takbirs, three of them in the beginning of the first rak'ah, and three of them just before ruku' in the second rak'ah. The detailed way of performing the 'Eid prayer is as follows:

The Imam will begin the prayer without Adhan or Iqamah. He will begin the prayer by reciting takbir of Tahrimah (Allahu Akbar). You should raise your hands up to the ears, and reciting the takbir, you give a little pause during which you should recite Thana' (Subhanak Allahumma.......)· After the completion of Thana' the Imam will recite takbir (Allahu Akbar) three times, and after reciting each Takbir (Allahu Akbar) in a low voice, you should bring your hands down and leave them earthwards. But, after the third takbir, you should set them at the level of your navel as you do in the normal prayer.

After these three takbirs the Imam will recite the Holy Qur'an, which you should listen quietly. The rest of the rak'ah will be performed in the normal way.

After rising for the second rak'ah, the Imam will begin the recitations from the Qur'an during which you should remain calm and quiet. When the Imam finishes his recitation, he will recite three takbirs once again, but this time it will be before bowing down for ruku'. At each takbir you should raise your hands up to the ears, and after saying "Allahu Akbar' bring them down and leave them earthwards. After these three takbirs have been called and completed, the Imam will say another takbir for bowing down into the ruku' position. At this takbir you need not raise your hands. You just bow down for your ruku' saying, 'Allahu Akbar'. The rest of the Salah will be performed in its usual way.

Note: The way of 'Eid prayer described above is according to the Hanafi school of Muslim jurists. Some other jurists, like Imam Shafi'i, have some other ways to perform it. They recite Takbir twelve times before beginning the recitations from the Holy Qur'an in both rak'ah. This way is also permissible. If the Imam, being of the Shafi'i school, follows this way, you can also follow him. Both ways are based on the practice of the Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam.

Khutbah: The Address of 'Eid-ul-fitr

In this Salah, Khutbah is a Sunnah and is delivered after the Salah, unlike the Salah of Jumu'ah where it is Fard and is delivered before the Salah. However, listening to the Khutbah of 'Eid Salah is wajib or necessary and must be heard in perfect peace and silence.

It is a sunnah that the Imam begins the first Khutba by reciting takbirs 'Allahu Akbar' nine times and the second Khutbah with reciting it seven times.

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The Prophet

Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam

Is a Mercy for Al -'Alameen

By Imaam Mohamed Baianonie


Alhamdulilaah, Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala has given us the will power to fast during Ramadhaan and the strength to stand up in prayer during the Qiyaam of the nights. We are blessed to be gathered here together to pray the ‘Eid prayer and listen to the ‘Eid speech. Allaah, the Glorious, has guided us to this Deen (of Islam) and without His guidance we would be lost. We should be grateful we belong to this Ummah, the best nation that has ever existed. We have been honoured by Allaah, the Glorious, who has made us from the followers of the Prophet Muhammad sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, who was sent as a mercy for all of mankind.

Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala sent our Prophet Muhammad as a mercy for all humans in this world and on the Day of Judgment. Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala tells Prophet Muhammad sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam in the Qur’aan, in what can be translated as, “We have sent you (O Muhammad) not, but as a mercy for the Alameen (mankind, jinn, and all that exists).” [Al-Anbiyaa’ 21:107)]

The Prophet sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said, “Surely, Allaah has sent me as a mercy for all creatures and as a guide to those who are pious.” [Reported by Imaam Ahmad] He also said, “Surely, I am a gifted mercy.” [Reported by Imaam Bayhaqi] One time, the Prophet sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was asked to beg Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala to punish the idol worshippers, but instead the Prophet sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam replied, “Surely, I was not sent to curse, but surely, I was sent to be a mercy.” [Reported by Imaam Muslim]

Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala describes the Prophet sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam as a mercy, and similarly, the Prophet himself, describes himself in the same way. However, the question we should ask is, do we recognize him as a mercy and introduce him to others as a Prophet of mercy? If not, we need to teach our children, our families, all Muslims, and then non-Muslims about this remarkable man sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam.

We can start this mission by first learning about this man through focused studies on his biography. Afterwards, we need to spread this knowledge to others in the same focused manner. When we take a deeper look into the Prophet’s sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam life, we will realize how corrupt human society was before the Prophet sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, and how Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala rescued them with His Message. Allaah’s Message corrected peoples’ skewed beliefs, their acts of worship, their mistreatment of each other, and their impolite manners. With AllaahSubhaanahu wa Ta’aala’s Message, they were able to reach success in every part of this life, as well as in the Hereafter.

Our Prophet sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam practiced what he preached, and made himself the best example for everyone. If we take a close look at the Prophet sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam’s life, we will realize how great his mercy and compassion was for all people, even the worst of his enemies. His mercy was not limited to human beings; in fact, he was just as merciful and compassionate to all of Allaah’s Creation, including animals, and even plants and trees.

We must make this day of ‘Eid a starting point for fulfilling our duties to this great man sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. We must present his message to all humanity; this is the best gift that we can give to anyone. This is the best gift that we can give to anyone at this time when global corruption and destruction is at an all time high. It is the least that we can do for the man who has saved us from total destruction and will intercede for us on the Day of Judgment.

In the past, Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala totally destroyed nations who rejected their prophets ‘alayhimussalaam and stayed corrupt. Fortunately anyone, believer or not, from the time of the Prophet sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam until the end of this world, will be protected from total annihilation even if they are corrupt and do not believe.

Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala tells the Prophet sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, in what can be translated as, “We sent you not, but as mercy for the Alameen (creatures).” The companion Ibn ‘Abbass, radhiallaahu ‘anhu explained this verse and said, “Whoever believes in him (the Prophet sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) will get mercy in this life as well as in the Hereafter, and the one who does not believe (in the Prophet sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala has saved him from total annihilation in this life, since Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala used to wipe out the non-believing nations in the past.”

Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala sent this Prophet sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam as a mercy for everyone, believers and non-believers. Humans are fortunate that on that Day of Judgment, the Prophet sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam will beg Allaah, the Most Merciful, to relieve humans of the hardships that will befall them on that Day of Gathering.

Alhamdulilaah, Allaah, the Most Merciful, will accept the Prophet sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam’s intercession and will remove the hardship from people on that Day of Gathering and will allow the believers and non-believers to move on to the next event of that day.

The Prophet sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam’s message was sent as a complete system for humans. Islam is a system designed by Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala for humans. His system gives us the best recipe for attaining the pleasures of this life as well as those of the Hereafter.

Ever since humans have existed, they have faced problems and hardship because of their deviation from Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala’s guidance. However, if they had followed Allaah’s guidance, then they would have reached happiness and success in this life as well as in the Hereafter.

This is the way it has always been throughout ancient human history until today. We know this from historical evidence from the Qur’aan. Without the Message of Allaah, the Most Merciful, humans would suffer in hardship until the Day of Judgment. Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala says what can be translated as, “But whosoever turns away from My Reminder (Revelations), verily, for him is a life of hardship, and We shall raise him up blind on the Day of Resurrection.” [Ta-Ha 20:124].

In the Qur’aan, Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala describes all of His Revelations, the Torah, the Gospel, and the Qur’aan, as guidance, mercy, and light bestowed upon humanity. If we use these books of guidance then surely we will live successful lives in this world and the Hereafter.

Normally, humans must choose a way of life, some system to run their affairs. They can choose between two systems: either the system designed by Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala through His messengers or a system developed by human beings. Certainly, there is a significant difference between both types. Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala’s system and His rulings are guidance, mercy, light, and healing. On the other hand, man-made systems are full of gaps, darkness, unhappiness, and are full of disease, loss and are cursed. That’s what we will find if we examine the state of humanity in the past and present. And this fact will hold true and continue on in the future.

The question we should ask is why is there such a big difference between Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala’s system and the man-made systems? This difference is because Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala is the Creator and the Creator Alone knows what benefits His creatures and what harms them, and Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala’s Knowledge is unlimited and always right, and full of Mercy and Wisdom. On the other hand, humans are Allaah’s Creation, and their knowledge no matter how sophisticated it gets will always be limited. Human knowledge varies from time to time, and while it may be correct at one point, it may be proven false later on. As we know, there were many scientific findings that were considered facts for many years until a scholar proved them false.

Despite what humanity has accomplished in scientific advances and discoveries, it is still suffering from many serious and complicated problems that threaten human existence and stability. These problems are economical, political, social, psychological, moral etc. This suffering exists because humanity has not discovered Allaah’s system and has not applied the rules of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala in their lives.

Islam is the Deen of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala and His system is the only way to rescue humanity from problems and dangers surrounding it today. Peace be upon all of Allaah’s prophets including Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus ‘alayhimussalaam and finally, Muhammad sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam who have delivered Allaah’s message of Islam to humanity.

As Muslims today, we have a great responsibility in rescuing and saving humanity. We should begin this century by presenting the greatest gift we can give to our families, our communities and all of humanity. There is no better gift then the knowledge and practice of Islam.

We can present this gift by having correct and strong emaan (faith). We must practice good deeds and apply Islam as a total way of life. The best way to call people to Islam is to show them our Islamic manners. This was the way the Prophet sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam delivered the message of Islam to all people.

Finally, let us remember again how Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala described the Prophet Muhammad sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, “as a mercy for the Alameen (mankind, jinn, and all that exists).” And let us remember what the Prophet Muhammad sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam himself said, “Surely, Allaah has sent me as a mercy for all creatures and as a guide to those who are pious.”

I pray to Allaah to make this day of ‘Eid a good day for all of us and for all Muslims all over the world. And we ask Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala to help us fulfill our duties, and to accept our righteous deeds. We ask Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala to forgive our faults and mistakes, and we beg Him to keep us on the straight path. We ask Him to give us the strength to be good examples of Islam like the Prophet sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and his companions. May Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala bring this day every year while you are in good health and emaan. Peace, mercy, and blessings from Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala upon you all. Aameen.