Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Though generosity and charity isn’t limited to one month of the year, it becomes even more ‘prominent’ during this Holy month. Here are some pictures from around the world that will restore your faith in humanity.

1. Saylani welfare giving free iftar and sehri to everyone who visits their trust

2. Afghan children receive free donated food by a private charity

3. ICNA Relief Chicago giving free personal hygiene products to homeless women, marking the beginning of the Holy month of Ramadan

4. Muslim students hand out free lunches to homeless men in Lansing

5. Charity organization giving hearty meals to fasting Muslims in Somalia

6. Muslims in Texas distributing free meals to homeless people

7. Saudi volunteers distribute free iftar packets to motorists at a traffic light

8. Pakistani child gives dates and sherbet to motorists in Ramadan

9. Pakistani men wake up people in Rawalpindi for Sehri

10. Christians in Gaza give water to Muslims stuck on road during Iftar

11. Sikhs reach out to Muslims during Iftar in Dubai

Were you moved by these pictures? Give to the needy and experience the immense pleasure it brings.

By Maria I. from shugal.com

8 Things Every Pakistani Guy Does Before...

AoA

... And After Their Roza In Ramadan

Not for nothing but they would neverrrrr consider Pakistani Girl in the title. Becauuuuuuse it is a country for men. Like all the islamic ones.

https://www.shughal.com/8-things-every-pakistani-guy-does-before-and-after-their-roza-in-ramadan/

18 Hilarious Things That Happen Every Ramadan

AoA

There are some things that happen every Ramadan, and we all know what they are. For the majority of the people, the story is the same each Ramadan. Starting out strong and eventually for some hitting rock bottom.

Here is my Ramadan Story.

By T. Khan

https://www.shughal.com/18-hilarious-things-that-happen-every-ramadan/

Thursday, June 9, 2016

99 names of Allah (Al Asma Ul Husna)

AoA

Prophet Muhammad PBUH said: "Verily, there are 99 names for Allah, i.e. hundred excepting one. He who enumerates them would get into Paradise" (Muslim)

And (all) the Most Beautiful Names belong to Allâh, so call on Him by them, and leave the company of those who belie or deny (or utter impious speech against) His Names. They will be requited for what they used to do. (Surat Al-A’raf 7:180)

Allâh! Lâ ilâhla illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He)! To Him belong the Best Names. (Surat Taha 20:8)

He is Allâh, the Creator, the Inventor of all things, the Bestower of forms. To Him belong the Best Names . All that is in the heavens and the earth glorify Him. And He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise. (Surat Al-Hashr 59:24)

Narrated Abu Huraira: Prophet Muhammad SAW said, “Allah has ninety-nine names, i.e. one-hundred minus one, and whoever knows them will go to Paradise.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari 50:894)

Abu Huraira reported Prophet Muhammad SAW as saying: Verily, there are ninety-nine names for Allah, i.e. hundred excepting one. He who enumerates them would get into Paradise. And Hammam has made this addition on the authority of Abu Huraira who reported it from Prophet Muhammad SAW that he said: “He is Odd (one) and loves odd number.” (Sahih Muslim 35:6476)

See the complete list here:

http://99namesofallah.name/

Halal food

AoA

What is Halal?

The Definition of Halal

The most logical place to start when discussing the Muslim experience of cooking and eating is with halal, the only type of meat that observant Muslims are allowed to eat. For meat to be halal, an Arabic word that means “permissible,” the animal that provides the meat must be raised, and then killed, according to a strict set of guidelines similar to those that govern kosher meat for Jewish eaters — in fact, when halal meat is unavailable, many Muslims feel comfortable purchasing kosher meat.

The Nitty-Gritty: Slaughter

Sensitive readers, beware — it’s impossible to talk about halal without talking about slaughter. Observant Muslims, like observant Jews, are forbidden to consume blood; therefore, the animal’s death has to result from blood loss. Most commonly, the animal is hung from its feet and then dispatched via a sharp, deep incision to its neck. The animal then has to bleed out completely, or exsanguinate, prior to cooking and eating the meat. The person making the cut does not necessarily have to be a practicing Muslim, but, according to Sunni Islam, must be a “Person of the Book” — a Muslim, Jew, or Christian — and Allah’s name must be invoked at the time of death by reciting the Arabic bismillah, “in the name of Allah.”

Which Animals are Halal?

Beef, lamb, chicken, and fish can all be halal, as well as less commonly eaten meats such as venison and game birds. The only prohibited animals are pigs and reptiles. Unlike in Judaism, Muslims may eat shellfish and crustaceans, land birds such as ostriches, and camel meat. And as anyone who’s ever tucked into a lamb shawarma with yogurt sauce knows, there aren’t any restrictions around the combination of meat and dairy.

What About the Animal’s Life?

Islamic law, or sharia, decrees that prior to being slaughtered, a halal animal must live a healthy life that’s free from suffering. Also, a halal animal’s diet must not contain any meat by-products, as the consumption of carnivorous animals is prohibited. Because the industrial meat system is so fraught with animal abuse, some Muslims advocate for a meat-free diet, arguing that the product of such a system can never be halal, no matter how the animal is slaughtered.

Controversy

These days, most commercial slaughterhouses stun animals before they’re slaughtered using a captive bolt pistol, that freaky weapon wielded by Javier Bardem in No Country for Old Men. Most animal rights activists argue that stunning an animal prior to killing it is more humane; the animal is rendered unconscious before it’s killed, so it won’t feel any pain at the moment of slaughter. However, some Muslim authorities worry that a stun gun might stop an animal’s heart prior to the ritualistic neck cut that’s supposed to kill it; such an animal would not be halal because the death must result from blood loss. As a result, some halal slaughterhouses don’t employ the pre-death stun, a practice that activists, including animal advocate and slaughterhouse designer Temple Grandin, warn can quickly veer into animal abuse. In European countries, including Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Switzerland, pre-slaughter stunning is enforced by law, even in ritual slaughterhouses.

From : www.thekitchn.com

Tuesday, June 7, 2016

8 Things I Wish Non-Muslims Knew About Ramadan

AoA

Very good article. Read more:

http://www.thekitchn.com/8-things-i-wish-non-muslims-knew-about-ramadan-231626

Rulings for Iftar

AoA

Breaking the fast after sunset

Allah(T) said: "Then complete the fasting until the night "[Baqarah 2:187]The Messenger of Allah (S) explained this to mean the coming of the night and the going away of the day and when the disk of the sun disappears.

Hastening the breaking of the fast
People of Eemaan! It is important to hasten breaking the fast as soon as the sun sets because this was the practice of the Messenger of Allah (T) and his companions.
'Amrun Ibn Maimoon Al-Awdee said: "The companions of the Messenger were the fastest people to break the fast (at Maghrib) and the last to eat the Sahoor (i.e. they used to try to take it at the last possible moment)." [Abdur Razaak in the Mussanaf]
Hastening to break the fast also has other benefits that can be included under this heading.

Hastening to break the fast earns good
Sahl Ibn Sa'd (R) said that the Messenger (S) of Allah (T) said: "The people will continue to be in good condition as long as they hasten to break the fast." [Bukhaaree and Muslim] To hasten the breaking of the fast is the Sunnah of the Messenger (S)
If the Muslims hasten the breaking of the fast this would help them to keep on the Sunnah and they would be following the Salaf (Pious Predecessors) who followed it. It is known that the person who holds unto the Sunnah will never go astray.
Sahl Ibn Sa'ad said that the Messenger (S) of Allah (T) said: "My nation would continue to be on my Sunnah as long as they do not wait for the stars to come out before breaking the fast." [Ibn Hibbaan]
Hastening the breaking of the fast is a way to he different from the Astray (the Christians) and those whom Allah is angry with (the Jews)
If people will remain on what is good because they hold on to the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (T), then if they leave this way and follow the Christians and the Jews they would definitely lose the good benefits. This is established in the following Hadeeth. Abu Huraira (R) said that the Messenger of Allah (T) said: "The Deen will be uppermost/manifest as long as the people hasten to break their fast because the Jews and the Christians delay (it)." [Abu Dawood and Ibn Hibbaan]
From the above Hadeeth we must not think that our practising this hadeeth alone would be responsible for the Deen to be manifest. This hadeeth must be understood along with all those verses from the Quraan and the Hadeeth of the Messenger (S) that deal with the issue of being different from the disbelieving people.

Breaking the fast before the Maghrib Salaat
It is reported that "The Messenger of Allah (T) used to break his fast before the Maghrib Salaat." [Ahmad and Abu Dawood]
Abu Dardaa said: "There are three signs of prophethood, hastening the breaking of the fast, delaying the Sahoor and placing the right hand on the Ieft hand in the Salaat." [Tabaraanee]

What is recommended to eat to break the fast?
The Messenger (S) of Allah (T) used to incite the breaking of the fast with dates and if he did not find any, he would then break it with water.
Anas Ibn Maalik said: "The prophet (S) used to break his fast with fresh dates before he prayed. If he did not find fresh dates then he would use dried dates. If he did not find that also he drank a few sips of water. [Ahmad and Abu Dawood]

What should be said at the time of breaking the fast?
The fasting person should know that Allah (T) listens to his supplication and
answers it.
Abu Huraira said the Messenger (S) of Allah (T) said: "The supplications of three groups of people's are not rejected; the du'aa (Supplication) of the fasting person when he is breaking his fast, the du'aa of the just Imam and the du'aa of the oppressed." [Tirmidhee, Ibn Majah and Ibn Hibbaan]
So the fasting person should make use of the time when he is breaking his fast to ask Allah (T) for all those things that would make his life easy in this world and the next. However, although any Du'aa can be made at that time the Messenger (S) also used to make a specific one which we should make sure we supplicate with, along with whatever other supplication we desire.
The Messenger of Allah (S) when he broke his fast. used to say: "The thirst has gone and the veins have recovered and the blessing is established if Allah wills" (dhahaba dhamaa'a wabtallat al-urooq wa thabatal ajr inshaa'allaah) [Ahmad, Al-Baihaaqee]

Feeding a fasting person
It is imperative for the believer to always try to do righteous deeds. From among these rightous deeds is the feeding of the fasting person because of the numerous rewards for this act.
The Prophet (S) said: "Whoever gives someone something to break the fast with, he would hove The same blessings as the fasting person and this would not reduce the blessings of the fasting person in any way " [Ahmad and Tirmidhee]
If someone is invited to break his fast then he should respond to the invitation. If he refuses then he has disobeyed the Messenger (S).
It is also recommended for the person invited to supplicate for his host after finishing eating his food as was the practice of the Messenger (S).

The Messenger (S) used to make the following supplications:
"May the righteous eat your food may the angels send salaat unto you and may the fasting person break their fast with you." [Ahmad, An-Nasaaee]
"O Allah! Feed the one who fed me and give drink to him who gave me to drink" [Muslim]
"O Allah! Forgive them and have Mercy on them and bless whatever you provide for then" [Muslim]

Iftar

AoA

Definition: A meal served at the end of the day during Ramadan, to break the day's fast. Literally, "breakfast."

Iftar is the meal served at sunset during Ramadan, as Muslims break the daily fast. Muslims traditionally first break the fast with dates and either water or a yogurt drink. After maghrib prayer, they then have a full-course meal, consisting of soup, salad, appetizers and main dishes. In some cultures, the full-course meal is delayed into later in the evening or even early morning. Traditional foods vary by country.

Iftar is very much a social event, involving family and community members. It is common for people to host others for dinner, or gather as a community for a potluck. It is also common for people to invite and share food with those less fortunate. The spiritual reward for charitable giving is considered to be especially significant during Ramadan.

For health reasons, Muslims are advised not to over-eat during iftar or at any other time. Here are some other health tips for during Ramadan. Prior to Ramadan, a Muslim should always consult with a doctor about the safety of fasting in individual health circumstances. One must always take care to get the nutrients, hydration, and rest that you need.

The other meal during Ramadan, which is taken in the morning (pre-dawn), is called suhoor.

Pronunciation: if-tar

Also Known As: fitoor

Examples: During Ramadan, we sometimes go to the mosque to have iftar, breaking the day's fast with a community meal.

http://islam.ru/en/content/story/what-iftar

Suhoor

AoA,

Suhoor generally pertains to a Muslim meal that is eaten before dawn, or before the first light of day appears. It is a traditional part of the Ramadan a period wherein Muslims usually fast as an act of purifying themselves. The pre-dawn meal is said to not be mandatory, but it is very important, as the meal helps sustain and nourish a Muslim within the fasting period of the day. In other languages, suhoor is also known as sahari, sehur, or sehri.

The literal meaning of the Arabic word “suhoor” is “of the dawn,” most probably in reference to the time of day when the meal should be eaten. In the past, the Muslims considered the daily fasting period to be more than 20 hours, but later analysis and examination of the Qur’an, Islam’s holy book, revealed a story involving the prophet Muhammad and two companions, Bilal and Ibn Umm Maktoon. The story recounts how both companions prayed before dawn, with Bilal being the first one, but Ibn Umm Maktoom’s prayer nearer the time of dawn. Muhammad then designated the latter’s prayer as the signal for the fasting to begin.

There are certain rules Muslims usually follow in having the suhoor, one of which is finishing the “breakfast” before the “fajr” or the “dawn” prayer. If a person is still eating, even just one minute after the prayer has started, the act of fasting becomes disqualified. Technically, the sehur can be eaten once midnight is over, but many Muslim authorities advise eating the meal just before the fajr prayer. Muslims are also encouraged to recite a suhoor prayer: “I intend to keep the fast for tomorrow in the month of Ramadan.”

The practice of eating the sehur also implies that a Muslim should also be able to wake up especially early during the month of Ramadan to partake of the pre-dawn meal, as eating and drinking anything is not allowed after dawn. Muslims also believe that a person abstaining from sehur may lose many blessings, as Muhammad was reported to have instructed, “Eat suhoor, for there are blessings in it.” Suhoor is typically served as large, heavy meals, given that it is the only meal Muslims are allowed to eat before sunset. It is advised, however, that the meals be kept simple, as Ramadan is a month-long reminder that Muslims ought to be purified, charitable, and humble. Many Muslims enjoy the suhoor as a family affair, inviting relatives and friends together to make for a large gathering.

Tesbih

AoA

A TESBIH CONSISTS OF

Beads : One of the main elements of the tasbih is beads. Making beads requires mastery,talent. The beads are usually round or in the shape of olive , diamond. The beads are drilled dots made of different kind of materials. You can see beads in different forms , faceted , engraved , fantasy shapes. Usually beads measure between 4-11 mm. Big sized beads (more than 11-12mm) are usually made for collection. The tasbih with very small beads , we call them as “Zenne”. It means women’s rosary. Between 8-10 mm beads are our most popular. Lighter in weight than the 11-12, the 8mm rosary is small enough for carrying in a pocket, easily manipulated in the hand, and is a more traditional size. Fingers just roll easily over these beads while the mind and heart are in the meditation of the mysteries of the most holy rosary

Stoppers (duraks) and Disks: In the 99-bead Islamic version, the tasbih consists of duraks ( stoppers) two different shaped beads put at each 1/3 of the chain, marking each 33 beads: these are called “durak” (stoppers) and not counted in the number of beads. In the 33 beads tasbih , a disc the pul (discs) , a tiny bead marking the fifth position. Usually marking 5th position , sometimes you could see that it marks 7th and 11th. They usually put disc after 5th bead as a signification of Ehl-i Beyt (family of Prophet Mohammed S.A.V) and five Pillars of Islam.

Imame : The long piece marking the beginning of the string is called “imame” (pronounced ee-mameh). It is the most important element of the tasbih. To making the elegant imame; lenght of imame should be between 4 and 6 beads lenght according to Turkish masters . It is Golden Ratio for Turkish masters.

Knot Stop : The piece right after imame. It prevents imame from moving upwards.

Small Beads ( Middle Beads) : Small beads between knot stop and tepelik

Tepelik / Taplika : The tepelik at the extremity of the imame. All these pieces must also match with each other.

Nail of Tepelik : A male thread fits with a small socket is gouged in the tepelik to conceal the knot of the string.

Ramadan Mubarak!

AoA

Ramadan Mubarak to you and your family. May you be blessed by the love of God and be guided by Him in all you do.

Patricia.

Sunday, June 5, 2016

Zakat

AoA

"True piety is this: to believe in God, and the Last Day, the Angels, the Book, and the Prophets, to give of one’s substance, however cherished, to kinsmen, and orphans, the needy, the traveler, beggars, and to ransom the slave, to perform the prayer, to pay the zakat.” (Qur’an 2:177)

The Meaning and Purpose of Zakat

The literal meaning of Zakat is ‘to cleanse’ or ‘purification’. In the Islamic faith, Zakat means purifying your wealth for the will of Allah SWT; to acknowledge that everything we own belongs to Allah SWT and to work towards the betterment of the Muslim Ummah. According to Islamic regulations, Zakat is 2.5% of one year’s total cumulative wealth. This amount is then distributed to the poor. Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) has said “Whoever pays the zakat on his wealth will have its evil removed from him” (Ibn Khuzaimah and at-Tabaraani).

Zakat as a Means of Spiritual Purification

Zakat is not only a means to purify one’s wealth but it is also a spiritual purification which serves as a means to draw an individual closer to the Creator, Allah SWT. Ibn Taimiah said that, “the soul of one who gives zakat is blessed and so is his wealth”. It is quite clear from the above narration that in addition to being a moral obligation, Zakat is also a spiritual one which is why millions of Muslims every year give Zakat to the poor.

'In their wealth there is a known share for the beggars and the destitute’ (70:24-25)

We mentioned how Zakat is a means of connection between the person and Allah SWT. It also provides a connection between the giver and the recipient. The entire concept of donating a fraction of one’s wealth to the poor is a highly honourable act; one that comes with valuable lessons as well as blessings. First and foremost, it teaches Muslims self-discipline, allowing the giver to free themselves from the love of possessions and greed.

Who Should Pay Zakat?

Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam. As such, it is compulsory on Muslims, provided they meet certain conditions and criteria. Any Muslim who possesses the required nisaab (the minimum amount of wealth that one must have before zakat is payable) for one whole year is bound to pay Zakat on that wealth. It is imperative that Muslims know exactly how much Zakat they owe and how to calculate Zakat so that the right amount can be given to the intended recipient.

A lot of people choose Ramadan as the month in which they pay their zakat and for good reasons. Ramadan is the month of blessings and the rewards for all good deeds is far greater in this blessed Ramadan that in any other month.

The Beneficiaries of Zakat?

To put it in simple terms, people who are poor and suffering are eligible to receive Zakat money. They can be any of the following:

The Poor & The Needy – these people may have some wealth and funds but it is not enough to make up for the nisaab.
The Destitute – People who have no wealth or funds. They are living their life on the very basics necessities of life.
Zakat Collectors – People who collect Zakat as well as distribute it.
Muslim Converts – This category was specifically designed to get new Muslim converts who were genuinely poor on their feet. It still exists to this day.
People in Debt – People who are in debt but cannot pay it back are eligible for Zakat.
Travellers – Muslims who are in the middle of their journey and out of money are eligible for zakat donations.

Zakat Cannot Be Used For

building mosques
to bury the deceased
to clear the debt of the deceased

Making the Intention of Zakat

Making an intention is integral in Islam. It can be found in virtually every discipline in the Islamic faith. Muslims make an intention to pray before they pray. The same goes for fasting and Hajj. It is therefore, mandatory to make intention of giving zakat, either at the time of organising the payment or at the time of payment.

Items That Fall Under the Scope of Zakat

Jewellery and Precious Metal – Case in point, Gold and Silver. Both are come under Zakat even if they are used merely for decorative purposes. The reason behind it is simple; they contribute towards your cumulative wealth and as such their worth must be tabulated when calculating Zakat.

Bank Accounts – Any cash, bonds, stock one might have in their savings account. The amount should be in the bank for one year. Loans given or funds received are also part of the Zakat process.
Cattle and Crops - Cattle and crops that are in excess of one’s need.

‘TAKE ALMS FROM THEIR PROPERTY THAT YOU MAY PURIFY AND SANCTIFY THEM AND PRAY FOR THEM. VERILY YOUR PRAYERS ARE A COMFORT FOR THEM’ (9:103)

General Conditions of Zakat

Making Niyat is only half the task. Muslims must also consider the following conditions in order to ensure their Zakat contribution is paid correctly.

Recipient’s Eligibility: It is absolutely imperative that every shred of aid given reaches only those who need it most. As such, recipients of Zakat must be sufficiently poor to receive it. In a nutshell, if they don’t have personal assets that either meet or exceed the nisab, they are eligible to receive Zakat.

Paying Zakat In Advance: People who wish to pay for Zakat for future years can certainly do so. Keep in mind that the pre-paid amount can be offset against the actual zakat liability incurred in future years.
Payment in Kind: Zakat can be paid in many ways. The ideal way for today’s fast paced world is cash or if some people prefer, they can pay in kind as long as the value of goods are equal to the cash amount and furthermore, the recipient has agreed to accept the goods in kind.

Zakat and Tax:

Some people might think Zakat is a form of tax. It is not. Zakat and tax are two entirely different things. One is a spiritual act and an obligation as a caring human being and the other is a requirement of secular law. The concept of Zakat is to assist the poor and those who are suffering in order to help them end their suffering and get back on their feet.

Saturday, June 4, 2016

How to respect people who are observing Ramadan

AoA

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/ramadan-2016-fasting-islam-muslim-islamic-holy-month-prophet-mohammed-celebration-koran-respect-a7020791.html

What is Ramadan?

AoA

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is a time of fasting for the Islamic people. Each day during this month, Muslims all over the world abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, as well as participating in anything that is ill-natured or excessive; from dawn until the sun sets. Fasting is intended to educate the Muslim in spirituality, humility and patience. It is a time to cleanse the soul, focus attention on God, and put into practice selflessness. Ramadan is a time for Muslims to fast for the sake of God and to put forward more prayer than is customary.

Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of the Islam religion, and one of the main types of Islamic worship. Restraint from everyday enjoyment and curbing wicked intentions and cravings are considered as an act of compliance and obedience to God, as well as amends for sins, faults, and mistakes. During Ramadan, Muslims request forgiveness for sins in the past, pray for direction and assistance in abstaining from everyday troubles, and endeavor to cleanse themselves through self-control and great acts of faith.

The name "Ramadan" had been the name of the ninth month in Arabian tradition prior to the onset of Islam; the word itself originated from an Arabic root “rmd”, in words like "ramida" or "ar-ramad” which means severe heat, burnt ground as well as shortness of provisions. Individuals say it is named Ramadan because it burns out the sins with good deeds, as the sun scorches the ground. In the Qu'ran, God declares that "fasting has been written down upon you, as it was upon those before you".

Ramadan conveys an extraordinary sense of emotional enthusiasm and religious eagerness among Muslims of all ages. Even though fasting is compulsory for adults alone, children as young as eight readily watch fasting with their elders. Children look forward to the thrill of the moon sighting and eating unique meals with their relatives. Adults are grateful for the chance to double their rewards from God and ask for pardon for their past sins. Ramadan highlights Muslim brotherhood and customs and brings about a special feeling of closeness.

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Menstrual hygiene

AoA

Myths associated with menstruation may be detrimental to girls' health due to the lack of awareness.
Please visit:
http://menstrualhygieneday.org/#