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| Week 1, 14 September 2007; 2 Ramadan 1428 |
| Week 2, 21 September 2007; 9 Ramadan 1428 |
| Week 3, 28 September 2007; 16 Ramadan 1428 |
| Week 4, 05 October 2007; 23 Ramadan 1428 |
| Week 5, 12 October 2007; 01 Shawwal 1428 |
| Week 6, 19 October 2007; 08 Shawwal 1428 |
| Week 7, 26 October 2007; 15 Shawwal 1428 |
| Week 8, 2 November 2007; 22 Shawwal 1428 |
| Week 9, 9 November 2007; 29 Shawwal 1428 |
| Week 10, 16 November 2007; 06 Dhul-Qadah 1428 |
| Week 11, 23 November 2007; 13 Dhul-Qadah 1428 |
| Week 12, 30 November 2007; 20 Dhul-Qadah 1428 |
| Week 13, 07 December 2007; 27 Dhul-Qadah 1428 |
| Week 14, 14 December 2007; 05 Dhul-Hijjah 1428 |
| Week 15, 21 December 2007; 12 Dhul-Hijjah 1428 |
| Week 16, 28 December 2007; 19 Dhul-Hijjah 1428 |
| Week 17, 04 January 2007; 26 Dhul-Hijjah 1428 |
| Week 18, 11 January 2007; 02 Muharram 1428 |
| Week 19, 18 January 2007; 09 Muharram 1428 |
| Week 20, 25 January 2007; 16 Muharram 1428 |
| Week 21, 01 February 2007; 23 Muharram 1428 |
| Week 22, 08 February 2007; 29 Muharram 1428 |
| Week 23, 15 February 2007; 06 Safar 1428 |
| Week 24, 22 February 2007; 13 Safar 1428 |
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Weekly Section week 1, 14 September 2007; 2 Ramadan 1428
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Hadith
Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, reported:
Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: The rider should first
greet the pedestrian, and the pedestrian should first greet the one who
is seated and the small group should first greet the larger group (with Al-Salamu 'Alaikum).
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Kalam-e-Bahu
Roman English of Kalam-e-Bahu
Alif-Allaah chambe dee bootee,
Murshid man wich laaee hoo
Nafee asbaat daa paanee milia,
Har rage har jaaee hoo
Andar bootee Mushk machaayaa,
Jaan phullan te aaee hoo
Jeeve murshid kaamil Baahoo, Jain eh bootee laaee hoo
English translation of Kalam-e-Bahu
My Master has planted in my heart
The jasmine of Allah’s Name.
Both my denial that the Creation is real
And my embracing of God, the only reality, Have nourished the seedling down to its core.
When the buds of mystery unfolded
Into the blossoms of revelation,
My entire being was filled with God’s Fragrance.
May the perfect Master
Who planted this jasmine in my heart
Be ever blessed, O Bahu!
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Saif-ul-Malook
Roman English of Saif-ul-Malook
Awwal hamd sanaa Ilaahi
Jo maalik har har daa
Uss da naam chataaran waala
Har maidaan na har daa
English translation of Saif-ul-Malook
First, all praise is for Allah
Who is the Lord of all
He who recites his Name
Never will lose in any field!
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Article
The Prophet’s Khutbah for Ramadhan
It was narrated by Salman Al-Farisi that the Messenger of Allah (Sall Allahu Alaihi Wasallam) delivered a khutbah on the last day of Sha’ban. The Prophet said:
“O you people! A great and a blessed month have arrived for you. A month there in a night is better than onethousand months. The fasting during this month is an obligation, and the extra prayers during its nights are voluntary. Anyone who comes closer to Allah through good deeds during this month is as if heperformed an obligatory duty during times other than Ramadhan, and he who fullfills an obligatory duty in it would be like one who fullfills seventy obligatory duties in another month. It is the month of patience, and there ward of patience is Paradise. It is the month of visiting the poor, the sick and the needy so as to share their sorrows. It is the month in which the nourishment, sustenance and income of the believing Muslim increase and they are blessed. Anyone who invites others to break their fast at Iftar will be provided with forgiveness of his sins and besaved from hell, and will receive reward equal to the fasting person without reducing his own reward in any respect.”
Some of the followers of the Prophet (Sall Allahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Not all of us may find food to share with one so that he can break his fast.” The Prophet said: “Allah will reward you even if you help the fasting Muslim to break his fast with a date, a sip of water, or a drink of milk…It is a month: its beginning is mercy (rahmah), and its middle part is forgiveness (maghfirah) and its last part is freedom from hellfire. Anyone who helps a slave to be freed, Allah will forgive him and free him from Hell. Increaseingly yourselves four characteristics: two by which you will please your Lord, and two others by which you can not live without it. The first two qualities to please Allah are to bear witness that there is no one worthy of worship except Allah, and to ask forgiveness from Allah. However, the other two things that you can not live without are: to ask Allah for Paradise and to ask Him to protect you from hellfire. Anyone who gives water to a Muslim at Iftar, Allah will give him water on the Day of Judgment from the fountain of the Prophet Muhammad (saw) which will make him not feel thirsty till he enters Paradise.”
We hope and pray to Almighty Allah that we will benefit from the above hadith and will act according to the teachings of Muhammad (Sall Allahu Alaihi Wasallam).
May Allah (SWT) help us to live according to the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah so that Allah and His Messenger will be pleased with us all.
By Br. Muhaemin Karim (Hong Kong)
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The Spirit of al-Faqr
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Weekly Section week 2, 21 September 2007; 9 Ramadan 1428
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Hadith
Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, reported:
Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: Five are the rights
of a Muslim over his brother:
- responding to salutation.
- saying "Yarhamuka Allah" when he sneezes and says-Al-Hamdu Lillah.
- accepting
the invitation.
- visiting the sick.
- following the funeral procession.
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Kalam-e-Bahu
Roman English of Kalam-e-Bahu
Allaah pahhion haafiz hoion,
Na giaa hijaabon pardaa hoo
Parhh Parhh aalim faazil hoion,
Taalib hoion zar daa hoo
Lakh hazaar kitaabaan parhiaan,
Zaalim nafs na mardaa hoo
Baajh faqeeraan kise na mareya,
Eho chor andar daa hoo
English translation of Kalam-e-Bahu
You have read the name of God over and over,
You have stored the holy Qur’an in your memory,
But this has still not unveiled the hidden mystery.
Instead, your learning and scholarship
Have sharpened your greed for worldly things,
None of the countless books you’ve read in your life
Has destroyed your brutal ego.
Indeed, none but the Saints can kill this inner thief, For it ravages the very house in which it lives.
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Saif-ul-Malook
Roman English of Saif-ul-Malook
Mard Allah day sirr e Ilaahi
Ay kooii bhaid niraala
Ikko nazroon saaf banaway
Mera murshid damree waala
English translation of Saif-ul-Malook
(Real) Men are the Divine Secret
This is a strange mystery
With one gaze he can purify—
My Spiritual Guide the Damri Wala
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Article
The Ramadan Checklist
When starting on a journey, most people like to have a list of items that they will need. Before departure they make sure they have all the items. That is to ensure they do not spoil their trip by forgetting something, or not being well equipped for the trip. A journey is usually exciting, and travellers like to make the most of the opportunity to enjoy themselves.
Ramadhan is a spiritual journey for the believer. For the whole month, he travels to get nearer to Allah. On the way he will pass many obstacles and diversions which may hinder and slow his passage. To make sure that his journey is swift and progressive, he needs many items. Preparing for Ramadhan means to ensure one has the necessary equipment for the journey.
The following are some of the necessary items for a believer's trip towards Allah.
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An Attitude of Anticipation and Enthusiasm
A believer looks forward to the month of Ramadhan. He enjoys the beauty of spirit that Ramadhan begins, the warmth of carrying out the orders of Allah, the hope of achieving His pleasure, and the happiness at being able to obey the commands of Allah. He is happy when the month arrives and sad when it departs. |
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Flexible Time and Schedule
Ramadhan requires that we set aside more time than normal for worship and prayers. A believer plans his time in such a way that in Ramadhan he is not overwhelmed by the demands of the world. He lessens work if possible and cuts down on activities which can be put to a halt for a little while. The chance to earn rewards and blessings from Allah in this special time will only last a limited time. Believers must make sure their daily schedules allow maximum benefit of this special time. |
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Qur'an with a good translation
An important part of worship in Ramadhan includes reciting the Qur'an regularly. A Hadith tells us, Ramadhan is the Spring of the Qur'an. Understanding the word of Allah, and pondering over it should be daily activities in this holy month. A believer makes sure he has a copy of the Qur'an which is easy to read, and which has a simple translation which he can understand. If time permits, he should also read the commentary of the Qur'an. It is also important to have the right books for the Duas and A`amaals for this month. |
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Donation to a Worthwhile Charity
Ramadhan is the best time to donate in the way of Allah. To feed the hungry or give to the needy is an act of great reward, especially during the holy month. Before the month of Ramadhan, a believer decides how much he can afford to give, chooses a worthwhile charity and sends his donation. This is a recommended charity, different from the Zakatul Fitra which is obligatory for Eid. Hadith tells us that charity cools the anger of Allah and brings down many blessings on the giver. In the month of Ramadhan this rewards is multiplied many times. |
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A Determination to Avoid Sins
Fasting is not mere abstinence from food and drink, as we have heard many times. It is also staying away from all sins. While fasting, all the organs of the body fast, and refrain from doing anything which would displease Allah. A believer makes a firm decision to avoid all sins that he commits most often, and plans how he will stay away from them during the month. This conscious preparation of a war against sins is a very necessary item in the baggage of a believer in his journey towards Allah. |
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A Desire to Help Others
In his sermon at the approach of the holy month of Ramadhan, the Prophet (s) said: Whoever lightens the work of his workers in this month, Allah will make easy his accounting on the Day of Judgement. This does not only apply to those who have workers working for them. To help and lessen the work of others: parents, siblings, relatives, friends, etc. during the holy month is an act of great virtue. It eases the load of the other person, and brings about kindness and affection. Cooperating and assisting one another is greatly loved by Allah. |
These and other similar important items are necessary for a successful journey during the month of Ramadhan. Each believer must try to be prepared as possible, lest the opportunity to redeem himself pass away. It is a great loss for the believer if the whole month of mercy and blessings passes, and he has not been able to achieve forgiveness of his sins, and has not won the pleasure of Allah, and the rewards that He gives so abundantly during Ramadhan. To avoid such a failure, it is necessary to keep a Ramadhan checklist that is regularly updated.
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The Spirit of al-Faqr
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Weekly Section week 3, 28 September 2007; 16 Ramadan 1428
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Hadith
Ibn 'Umar, may Allah be pleased with them, reported:
Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: When
the Jews offer you salutations, some of them say Al-Samu 'Alaikum (death be upon you).
You should say (in response to it): Let it be upon you.
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Kalam-e-Bahu
Roman English of Kalam-e-Bahu
Alif-aihad jad dittee wiskaalee,
Az khud hoiaa faanee hoo
Qurb, wisaal, maqaam na manzil,
Na uth jism na jaanee hoo
Na uth ishq muhabbat kaaee,
Na uth kaun makaanee hoo
Aino-ain theeose Baahoo, Sirr wahadat subhaanee hoo
English translation of Kalam-e-Bahu
When the one Lord revealed himself to me,
I lost myself in him.
Now there is neither nearness nor union.
There is no longer a journey to undertake,
No longer a destination to reach.
Love attachment, my body and soul
And even the very limits of time and space
Have all dropped from my consciousness.
My separate self has merged in the Whole: In that, O Bahu, lies the secret of the unity that is God!
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Saif-ul-Malook
Roman English of Saif-ul-Malook
Har mushkil dee kunjii yaaro
Hath mardaan day aayii
Mard nigaah karan jis vialay
Mushkil raway na kaarii
English translation of Saif-ul-Malook
The key to every difficulty
Is in the hands of such men
When they look at you just once
Difficulties no longer exist!
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Article
Important du’as in Ramadhan
The Prophet, Muhammad (Sall Allahu Alaihi Wasallam), said:“Three people will not have their supplications rejected: a fasting person until he breaks his fast, a just ruler and an oppressed person.” (Tirmidzi)
The above hadith tells us that making supplications while fasting and while breaking the fast is recommended. Below are recommended dua’s to be read while fasting, breaking the fast and at night time:
- It is reported that the Prophet, Muhammad (Sall Allahu Alaihi Wasallam), would say:“Allahumma laka sumtu, wa’ala rizqika aftortu.” (O Allah! for You I have fasted and with Your provisions do I break my fast.)
- “Allahumma inna nas aluka ridhoka wal jannah, wa nu’uzu bika min sakhatika wannar.” (O Allah! We ask You to be pleased with us, reward us with Paradise, and we seek Your refuge from Your anger and the punishment of the Fire.)
- “Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun, tuhibbul ‘afwa fa’fu ‘anna.”(O Allah! Forgive us because You love forgiving and You are All-Forgiving.)
- “Allahummakhtim lana shahra Ramadhana biridh wanika, wa ajirna min ‘uqubatika waniranika, waj’al ma-alana ila jannatika” (O Allah! Let us complete the month of Ramadhan in such a manner to meet Your satisfaction; spare us from Your punishment and the Hell Fire; and let our final abode be in Your Paradise.)
- “Allahumma a’id ‘alaina Ramadhana a’waman ‘adidah, wa azminatan madidah.”(O Allah! Let us live to fast Ramadhan for many years to come and many times to elapse.)
- “Allahummaj’alna mimman qabilta siyamahu wa qiyamahu, wa ghafarta zalalahu wa ijramahu, wa waffaqtahu litha’atika fasta’adda lima amamahu.”(O Allah! Accept our fasting and prayers during the holy month of Ramadhan; forgive our mistakes and sins; and help us observe Your commands to be prepared for what is to come.)
- “Allahummarzuqnal istiqamata ‘ala dinika fi kulli zaman, fi Ramadhana wa fi ghairi Ramadhan.”(O Allah! Let us be steadfast in the right path all the time, whether during Ramadhan or other than Ramadhan.)
- “Allahummaj ‘alna mimman da’aka fa ajabtahu, wastahdaka fahadaitahu, wastansaraka fanasartahu, watawakkala ‘alaika fakafaitahu, wataba ilaika faqabiltahu.”(O Allah! Let us be among those who called You and had their calls accepted, those who asked for Your guidance and were guided, who sought Your victory and were given, who relied on You and were sufficed, and those who repented and got their repentance accepted.)
May Allah accept our du’a and ibadah.
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The Spirit of al-Faqr
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Weekly Section week 4, 05 October 2007; 23 Ramadan 1428
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Hadith
'A'ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, reported:
A group of the Jews came to Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him)
and sought his audience and said: Al-Samu 'Alaikum. 'A'ishah said in response:
Al-Samu 'Alaikum (death be upon you) and curse also,
whereupon Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) said:
'A'ishah, verily Allah loves gentleness in every matter.
She said: Did you hear what they said? Thereupon he said:
Did you not hear that I said (to them): Wa 'Alaikum (and the same to you).
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Kalam-e-Bahu
Roman English of Kalam-e-Bahu
Allaah sahee keetose jis dam,
Chamkiaa ishq agohaan hoo
Raat dihaan de taa tikhere,
Kare agohaan soohaan hoo
Andae bhaaheen, andar baalan,
Andar de wich dhoohaan hoo
Shaah rag theen Rabb nerhe laddhaa,
Ishq keetaa jad soohaan hoo
English translation of Kalam-e-Bahu
The moment I realized the oneness of God,
the flame of his love shone within, to lead me on.
Constantly it burns in my heart with intense heat,
Revealing the mysteries along my path.
This fire of love burns inside me with no smoke,
Fuelled by my intense longing for the Beloved.
Following the Royal Vein,*
I found the Lord close by.
My love has brought me face to face with him.
* The Royal Vein or shah rag is the central current in the subtle body, starting from the eye centre and leading up to the highest spiritual regions. It is located and followed by means of the spiritual practise taught by a perfect Master. The hindu’s call it sushmana or sukhmana nadi. It is the Royal Highway to the court of the Lord. It is not to be confused with the sushmana naadi of the yogis, which runs up the spinal column.
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Saif-ul-Malook
Roman English of Saif-ul-Malook
Vah kareem Ummat da waali
Mehr shifaat kardaa
Jibrail jiehay jisday chaakar
Nabiyaan da Sarkar da
English translation of Saif-ul-Malook
Bravo O you gracious protector of your Ummah
A sun which intercedes
The likes of Gabriel are his servants
-The Chief of all the Prophets!
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Article
Laila-tul-Qadr (the Night of Power)
Allah (SWT) says: “We have indeed revealed this (message) in the Night of Power. And what will explain to you what the Night of Power is? The Night of Power is better than a thousand months. Therein come down the angles and the Spirit by God’s permission, on every errand: Peace! This until the rise of Morn.” (Al-Qadr: 1-5)
The above Surah tells us that Laila-tul-Qadr is the most virtuous night of the year. Any action during this night, for example, reciting the Qur’an, doing remembrance of Allah, and so on, is better than acting for one thousand months of our personal life. Even if we were to live one thousand months (83.3 years) with sincerity, dedication, sacrifices and with good intentions and deeds, the Night of Power is still far better for us to live and to enjoy.
The Night of Power is a night of blessings. Allah has blessed this night. Therefore whoever wishes to receive the blessings of Allah may look forward to the Night of
Power. Anyone who seeks the Night of Power and lives it, all his sins will be erased.
This is, as if, he is born again now free of all sins and mistakes.
Indeed, every one of us would like to live a life free of sins and mistakes. Everyone would like to meet Allah on the Day of Judgment without sins. All of us wish to rejuvenate ourselves, and to start a new year with a fresh outlook and a fresh life. The
Night of Power is one of the best ways in which a person is to achieve all these ideals.
Therefore, we should start looking for it so we will be able to observe it and enjoy it.
When is Laila-tul-Qadr? It was reported to be one of the odd-numbered nights of the last ten days of Ramadhan, i.e., 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or 29th. It was emphasized that it is most likely to be the 27th night.
It is recommended to spend the Night of Power doing the following:
1. Reciting the Holy Qur’an and doing remembrance of Allah (Dhikr).
2. Praying Nafl after Tarawih and supplicating.
3. Pondering on the universe, the creation of the heaven and the earth.
4. Reading books of Tafseer and Hadith.
5. Giving charity.
6. Doing I’tikaf in the mosque.
Let us stay awake in the Night of Power to do our best to please Allah. May Allah give
us the courage and the strength to obey His command and to follow His teachings in our daily life. Ameen.
Wallahu A’lam.
Prepared by Br. M. Karim (Hong Kong)
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The Spirit of al-Faqr
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Weekly Section week 5, 12 October 2007; 01 Shawwal 1428
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Hadith
'Uqbah bin 'Amir, may Allah be pleased with him, reported:
Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: Beware of getting into the houses
and meeting women (in seclusion). A person from the Ansar asked: Allah's Messenger,
what about a husband's brother? Whereupon he said: A husband's brother is like death.
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Kalam-e-Bahu
Roman English of Kalam-e-Bahu
Alif alast suniaa dil mere, jind balaa kookendee hoo
HUbb watan dee ghaalib hoee,
Hik pal saun na dendee hoo
Qaihar pave is raazan duneeaa,
Haqq daa raah marendee hoo
Aashiq mool qabool na Bahoo, zaaro zaar ruvendee hoo
English translation of Kalam-e-Bahu
When, at the time of Creation,
God separated me from himself,
I heard him say: “Am I not your God?”*
“Indeed you are,” cried my soul, reassured.
Since then has my heart flowered.
With the inner urge to return Home,
Giving me not a moment of calm here on earth.
May doom strike this world!
It robs souls on their way to God.
The world has never accepted his lovers;
They are persecuted and left to cry in pain.
* According to the Qur’an, God created souls and decided to send them down to inhabit the creation. When he saw them in torment at the prospect of their separation from him, he reassured them by asking, “Am I not your God?” meaning that he was not deserting them for good, and that he would call them back.
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Saif-ul-Malook
Roman English of Saif-ul-Malook
Nur Muhammad roshan aaha
Aadam jaddoon na hoya
Awwal aakhir doway paasay
Oho mal khalooiya!
English translation of Saif-ul-Malook
The Light of Muhammad shone
When Adam was still uncreated
Both stations of First and Last
He alone occupies alone!
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Article
The meaning of celebrating Eid-al-Fitr
The celebration of Eid-al-Fitr is a kind of appreciation and praise to Allah who gave Muslims the opportunity to improve themselves -- their moral consciousness and
behaviour.
The celebration of Eid-al-Fitr is a token of praise to Almighty Allah who gave Muslims the opportunity to obliterate their sins and mistakes which had accumulated throughout the year. It is during Ramadhan that Muslims try their best to atone for their sins and mistakes.
The celebration of Eid-al-Fitr is a sign of unity of the Muslim Ummah throughout the world under the banner of La ilaha illallah Muhammadun Rasulullah. All Muslims must fast during the month of Ramadhan at the prescribed time, and they have to break their fast at the prescribed time as well. No one can begin his fast after dawn, and no one has the right to break his fast before sunset. This type of unity is the unity of Muslims. No single Muslim is exempted from the fasting of Ramadhan on the basis of his wealth or for his position, or his status in the society. Muslims all over the world are equal in the sight of Allah.
The celebration of Eid-al Fitr is a Thanksgiving Day when Muslims assemble in a brotherly and joyful atmosphere to express their gratitude to Allah for helping them to fulfill their spiritual obligations prior to the Eid. This form of thanksgiving is not confined to spiritual devotion and verbal expressions. It goes far beyond that to manifest itself in a handsome shape of social and humanitarian spirit. The Muslims who have completed the fasting of
Ramadhan express their thanks to Allah by means of distributing alms among the poor and the needy on the first day of Shawwal.
The celebration of Eid-al-Fitr is a Day of Remembrance. Muslims make a fresh start of the day by performing various forms of worship to Allah. They pray to Him and glorify His name to demonstrate their remembrance of His favors. At the same time, they remember the deceased by praying for their souls, the needy by extending a hand of help, the grieved by showing them sympathy and consolation, the sick by cheerful visits and utterances of good wishes, the absentees by cordial greetings and sincere considerateness, etc.
The celebration of Eid-al-Fitr is a Day of Victory. The individual, who succeeds in securing his spiritual rights and growth, receives the Eid with a victorious spirit. The individual, who faithfully observes the duties which are associated with the Eid, is a triumphant one.
The celebration of Eid-al-Fitr is a Day of Harvest. All the good workers in the service of Allah, all the faithful believers reap the fruits of their good deeds on that day, as Allah grants His mercy and blessings abundantly.
That is the proper meaning of an Islamic Eid: a Day of Peace and Thanksgiving, a Day of
Forgiveness and Moral Victory, a Day of Harvest and Achievements, and a Day of Festive
Remembrance.
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The Spirit of al-Faqr
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Weekly Section week 6, 19 October 2007; 08 Shawwal 1428
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Hadith
Safiyah bint Huyai (the wife of Allah's Messenger), may Allah be pleased with her, reported:
While Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) had been observing I'tikaf, I came to visit
him one night and talked with him for some time. Then I stood up to go back and he (Allah's Messenger)
also stood up with me in order to escort me home. She was at that time residing in the house of Usamah bin Zaid.
Two persons from the Ansar happened to pass by him (the Prophet). When they saw Allah's Messenger
(may peace be upon him), they began to walk swiftly, thereupon Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him)
said to them: Wait, she is Safiyah bint Huyai. Both of them said: Messenger, Glorified be Allah,
(we cannot conceive of anything doubtful even in the remotest corners of our minds), whereupon he said:
Satan circulates in the body of man like the circulation of blood and I was afraid lest it should instill
any evil in your hearts or (he said) something (in your hearts).
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Kalam-e-Bahu
Roman English of Kalam-e-Bahu
Oho nafs asaada belee,
jo naal asaade siddhaa hoo
Zaahid aalim aan nivaae, tukrha wekhan thiddhaa hoo
Jo koee usdee kare savaaree,
Naam Allaah us laddhaa hoo
Raah faqar daa mushkil Baahoo,
Ghar maan na seeraa riddha hoo
English translation of Kalam-e-Bahu
Only the mind that works in harmony with my spirit
is my friend.
Only the person who has so tamed his mind
Can realize the Name of God.
This same mind forces the abstinent and the devout
To grovel before greed and temptation,
Tough is the path to God, O Bahu,
It is not a bowl of your mother’s pudding.
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Saif-ul-Malook
Roman English of Saif-ul-Malook
Kee kuchh naat tussadee aakhaan
Khalqat day sardaara
Laakh salaat salaam teray tay
Laakh durood hazaaraa
English translation of Saif-ul-Malook
How can I laud you?
O Best of all Creation!
Millions of blessings upon you!
Billions of salutations upon you!
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Article
Deeds to be performed before going to bed.
It was reported once the beloved Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wassalam said to Hazrat Ali Radi Allahu Anhu: Oh Ali, perform the following five deeds before you go to bed at night:
- Give 4000 Dinars as charity
- Read the whole Quran Sharif
- Give the price of Paradise.
- Reconcile two brothers who are not in good term with each other.
- Perform one hajj.
Hazrat Ali Radi Allahu Anhu asked: “Oh Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihe Wasallam) how is it possible to accomplish these deeds you have recommended?”
The holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihe Wasallam) answered:
- Read 4 times Surah Fatiha ie. Alhamd Shareef.. Its reward is equivalent to giving 4000 dinars as charity and this reward will be recorded in your register (Naama e Amaal)
- Read 3 times Surah Ikhlas ie. Qulhuwala Hu Ahad.. You will receive the reward for reading the whole Quran.
- Read 3 times Darood Shareef and pay the price of Paradise.
- Ask ALLAH for forgiveness (Istaghfaar) – Astaghfir allahu Rabbi min kulli Zanbew wa-atubu ileyhi.. 10 times and receive the reward of having reconciled 2 2 brothers who are not in good terms with each other.
- Read 4 times third kalima and you will receive the reward of performing one hajj.
Hazrat Ali Radi Allahu Anhu promised the holy Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam that every night before going to bed he will perform these deeds.
After Farz Namaaz., for example 2 farz Fajar, 4 Farz Zohr, 4 Farz Asr, 3 Farz Maghrib and 4 Farz Isha pray the following:
| Ya Nooro |
11 |
Recite and blow on the back of thumbs and rub them on the eyes |
Protects the Eyesight. |
Ya Sameeo |
11 |
Recite |
Protects the hearing |
Ya Kaweeo,
Ya Hafizo |
11 |
Recite with Right hand on forehead – Left hand on heart and pray in one breath |
Protects brain (Ya Hafizo)and heart (Ya Kavee-o). |
Ayatul Kursi |
1 |
Recite |
Saves you from every eventuality except death |
Ayatul Kursi |
1 |
Recite |
Saves you from every eventuality except death |
Allah Humma A-Jirna Mi-nanar |
7 |
Recite after Farz of Fajar and Maghrib. |
If the reciter dies during the day or night he will receive a certificate pardoning him from hell |
Milaad House, 300 Whalley Range, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB1 6NL
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The Spirit of al-Faqr
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Weekly Section week 7, 26 October 2007; 15 Shawwal 1428
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Hadith
'A'ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, reported:
Saudah (Allah be pleased with her) went out (in the fields) in order to answer the call of
nature even after the time when veil had been prescribed for women. She had been a bulky lady,
significant in height among the women, and she could not conceal herself from him who had known her.
'Umar bin Al-Khattab saw her and said: Saudah by Allah, you cannot conceal from us. Therefore, be careful
when you go out. She ('A'ishah) said: She turned back. Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) was at that
time in my house having his evening meal and there was a joint in his hand. She (Saudah) came and said:
Allah's Messenger, I went out and 'Umar said to me so and so. She ('A'ishah) reported: There came to him the
revelation and when it was over; the joint was still in his hand and he had not put it down and he said:
Permission has been granted to you that you may go out for your needs.
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Kalam-e-Bahu
Roman English of Kalam-e-Bahu
Azal abad noon sahee keetose, wekh tamaashe guzre hoo
Chaudaan tobaq dile de andar, Aatish laae hujre hoo
Jinhaan haqq na haasil keetaa, Doheen jahaaneed ujrhe hoo
Aashiq gharq hoe wich wahadat, Wekh tinhaan de mujre hoo
English translation of Kalam-e-Bahu
I have, at last, grasped the beginning and the end: I have seen the whole sectacle of past, present and future Pass before my eyes.
Within my heart are fourteen realms.* Chambers of light – ablaze With the profusion of God’s light.
Those who have not realized God will wander, Homeless in this world, destitute in the next.
But watch the lovers dance with ecstasy, As they merge into the oneness of God.
* Some sufi mystics divide the inner journey into fourteen stages or realms, Hu symbolizes the resonant Sound, Word or Kalma; it also stands for God, who pervades the universe in the form of that Sound or Word. The name Bahu is made up of ba (with) and Hu, and therefore means ‘one who abdies in God’
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Saif-ul-Malook
Roman English of Saif-ul-Malook
Bahut izzat lawlaakii tehnoo
Kii main sift sunaawaa
Aal Ashaab samait salaama
Hor durood puchaavaa
English translation of Saif-ul-Malook
”But for thee” is enough praise for thee
Which qualities of thine can I add?
Millions of blessings be upon you
And upon your Progeny and Companions!
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Article
A Clever King
I will share with you a story which shows the clever decision of a youth on how to live this life. This story is only an example.
There was a country long time ago where the people would change a king every year. The person who would become the king had to agree to a contract that he will be sent to an island after his one year of being a king. So, one king finished his term and it was time for him to go to the island and live there. The people dressed him up in expensive clothes and put him on an elephant and took him around the cities to say goodbye to all the people. This was the moment of sadness for all the kings who ruled for one year. After saying goodbye, the people took the king with a boat to the remote island and left him there. On their way back, they discovered a ship that had sunk just recently. They saw a young man who survived by holding on to a floating piece of wood. As they needed a new king, they picked up the young man and took him to their country. They requested him to be a king for a year. First he refused but later he agreed to be a king. People told him about all the rules and regulations and that how he will be sent to an island after one year.
After three days of being a king, he asked the ministers if they could show him the island where all the other kings were sent. They agreed and took him to the island. The island was covered with thick jungles and sounds of vicious animals were heard coming out of them. The king went little bit inside to see how it was and discovered the dead bodies of all the past kings. He understood that as soon as they were left in the island, the animals came and killed them. The king then went back to the country and requested the people to provide him with 100 strong workers. He was provided with 100 workers and he took them to the island and told them to remove all the deadly animals and to cut down all the trees. He would visit the island every month to see how the work is progressing. In the first month, all the animals were removed and many trees were cut down. In the second month, the whole island was cleaned out. The king then told the workers to plant gardens in various parts of the island. He also took with himself useful animals like chickens, ducks, birds, goats, cows etc. In the third month, he ordered the workers to build big houses and docking stations for ships. Over the months, the island turned into a beautiful place. The young king would wear simple clothes and spend very little from his earnings. He sent all the earnings to the island for storage. Nine months have passed like this. The king called the people and told them that "I know that I have to go the island after one year, but I would like to go there right now." But the people didn't agree to this and said that he have to wait for another 3 months to complete the year.
3 months passed and now it was a full year. The people dressed up the young king and put him on an elephant to take him around the country to say goodbye to others. However, this king is unusually happy to leave the kingdom. People asked him, "All the other kings would cry at this moment and why are you laughing?" He replied, "Don't you know what the wise people say? They say that when you came to this world as a baby, you were crying and everyone was smiling. Live such a life that when you are dieing, you will be smiling and everyone around you will be crying. I have lived that life. While all the other kings were lost into the luxuries of the kingdom, I always thought about the future and planned for it. I turned the deadly island into a beautiful abode for me where I can stay peacefully."
We should take a lesson from this story about how we should also live our life. The life of this world is to prepare for the life hereafter. In this life, we shouldn't get lost into the beautiful things of this world and forget about what is to come in the afterlife. Rather, even if we are kings, we should live a simple life like our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and save all our enjoyments for the hereafter. May Allah make it easy for us all.
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The Spirit of al-Faqr
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Weekly Section week 8, 2 November 2007; 22 Shawwal 1428
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Hadith
Umm Salamah, may Allah be pleased with her, reported that:
She had a eunuch (as a slave) in her house. Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) was once in the house that he (the eunuch) said to the brother of Umm Salamah: 'Abdullah bin Abi Umaiyah, if Allah grants you victory in Ta'if on the next day, I will show you the daughter of Ghailan for she has four folds (upon her body) on the front side of her stomach and eight folds on the back. Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) heard this and he said: Such (people) should not visit you.
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Kalam-e-Bahu
Roman English of Kalam-e-Bahu
Andar hoot e baahir hoo,
Hardam naal jalendaa hoo
Hoo daa daagh muhabbat waalaa,
Hardam piaa sarhendaa hoo
Jitthe hook are rushnaaee,
Chhorh andheraa vaindaa hoo
Main qurban haan tis ton Baahoo,
Jo hoo sahee karendaa hoo
English translation of Kalam-e-Bahu
Hu is within, Hu is without,
Hu always reverberates in my heart.
The wound in my heart aches constantly
With the unabating pain of Hu’s love.
The darkness of ignorance departs
From the heart lit by Hu.
I sacrifice myself to the one, O Bahu,
Who has realized the significance of Hu.
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Saif-ul-Malook
Roman English of Saif-ul-Malook
Rehmat da miinh paa khudaaya
baad sukaa kar hariya
booTa aas umeed meri da
Karde mevay bhariya
English translation of Saif-ul-Malook
Send a rain of mercy O’ Lord
Make the land verdant after being parched
Cause the plant of my hopes and desires
To become fruitful again.
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Article
Method of praying Qaza Salahs Quickly
If someone have missed Salahs in their account. Either one time's or of many years, they must pray their Qaza as soon as possible. Salah is a Fard and not forgiven. On the day of judgement Salah will be the first thing asked about.
For the people who have many years of missed Salahs. There is a way to pray them quickly. Following instructions have four exeptions and has all Fards and Wajibs for a complete Salat. Please pray your Qaza as soon as possible. Even of you could pray one day Qaza Salahs every day which are only 20 rakahs (3 wajib witr), please do it. It only takes few mins to perform 20 rakahs according to the following instructions.
- In Ruku and Sajdah instead of reciting "Subhaana Rabbiyal Azeem" and "Subhaana Rabbiyal A'la" three times, say it only once. But make sure do not leave Ruku poster untill the Meem (M) of Azeem has been said properly. Similarly do not leave the posture of Sajdah until Ala has been said completely. Just make sure to say these Tasbeehaat properly and do not rush.
- In third and four Rakah of Fard Salah instead of reciting the whole Soorah Fatiha say, "Subhan Allah" three times and go to Ruku, . Make sure "Subhan Allah" has been recited three times properly, do not rush. This exeption is only for Fard. In third rakah of Witr it's a must to recite full Soorah Fatiha followed by at least three ayahs of Quran or a soorah (as we usually do in first and second rakah).
- In last Qaidah (when we sit for Attahyyat) before Salam, after Attahyyat instead of full Durood and Dua just say, "Allah Humma Salle Ala Sayedena Mohammad Wa Aalihi", then finish the Salat with Salam. Dua is not a must here.
- In Witr, instead of full Dua-e-Qunoot just say "Rabbigh Fir Lee" one or three times.
(Fatawa Rizvia, Part 3, Page 622)
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The Spirit of al-Faqr
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Weekly Section week 9, 9 November 2007; 29 Shawwal 1428
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Hadith
Asma' bint Abi Bakr, may Allah be pleased with them, reported:
I was married to Al-Zubair. He had neither land nor wealth nor slave nor anything else like it except a horse. She further said: I grazed his horse, provided fodder to it and looked after it, and ground dates for his camel. Besides this, I grazed the camel, made arrangements for providing it with water and patched up the leather bucket and kneaded the flour, but I was not proficient in baking the bread, so my female neighbors of Al-Ansar used to bake bread for me and they were sincere women. She further said: I used also to carry on my head the stones of dates from the land of Al-Zubair which Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) had endowed him and it was at a distance of two miles (from Medina). She said: As I was one day carrying the stones of dates upon my head I happened to meet Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) along with a group of his Companions. He called me and called (the camel) to sit down so as to make me ride behind him. (I said to my husband:) I felt shy and remembered your jealousy, whereupon he said: By Allah, the carrying of the stone dates upon your head is more severe a burden than riding with him. She said: (I led the life of hardship) until Abu Bakr sent afterwards a female servant who took upon herself the responsibility of looking after the horse and I felt as if she had emancipated me.
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Kalam-e-Bahu
Roman English of Kalam-e-Bahu
Addhee laanat duneeaa taaeen,
Saaree duneeaadaaraan hoo
Jain raah sahib kharch na keetee,
Lain ghazab deeaan maaraan hoo
Peovaan kolon putt kohaava,
Bhatth duneeaa makkaaran hoo
Tark jinhaan duneeaa theen keetee,
Laisan baagh bahaaraan hoo
English translation of Kalam-e-Bahu
Accursed is life in this world;
Twice as accursed are they who are attached to it.
Those who have not dedicated their lives to God
Shall suffer the unrelenting blows of destiny.
Abominable is this sly world –
It can even prompt a father to kill his own son.
Those who have renounced this world
Will enjoy the delights of the garden That is eternally in bloom.
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Saif-ul-Malook
Roman English of Saif-ul-Malook
MiTta maiva bakhsh jiya
Qudrat dee rakh shirin
jo khaavay ro usdaa jaaway
door hovay dil geeree
English translation of Saif-ul-Malook
Give me such sweet fruits
Place natural sweetness in them
So that whoever eats thereof, his anger vanishes
And his sorrowness departs!
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Article
Small Story on Decision Making
Here is a small story on decision making. Please go through the story very carefully to get the
sense of it.
Which one will you choose?
A group of children were playing near two railway tracks, one still in use while the other disused.
Only one child played on the disused track, the rest on the operational track. The train came, and you were just beside the track interchange. You could make the train change its course to the disused track and saved most of the kids. However, that would also mean the lone child playing by the disused track would be sacrificed. Or would you rather let the train go its way? Let's take a pause to think what kind of decision we could make............
.. No cheating...
Most people might choose to divert the course of the train, and sacrifice only one child. You might think the same way, I guess. Exactly, I thought the same way initially because to save most of he children at the expense of only one child was rational decision most people would make, morally and emotionally. But, have you ever thought that the child choosing to play on the disused track had in fact made the right decision to play at a safe place? Nevertheless, he had to be sacrificed because of his ignorant friends who chose to play where the danger was.
This kind of dilemma happens around us every day. In the office, community, in politics and especially in a democratic society, the minority is often sacrificed for the interest of the majority, no matter how foolish or ignorant the majority are, and how farsighted and knowledgeable the minority are. The child who chose not to play with the rest on the operational track was sidelined. And in the case he was sacrificed, no one would shed a tear for him.
The friend who forwarded me the story said he would not try to change the course of the train because he believed that the kids playing on the operational track should have known very well that track was still in use, and that they should have run away if they heard the train's sirens. If the train was diverted, that lone child would definitely die because he never thought the train could come over to that track! Moreover, that track was not in use probably because it was not safe. If the train was diverted to the track, we could put the lives of all passengers on board at stake! And in your attempt to save a few kids by sacrificing one child, you might end up sacrificing hundreds of people to save these few kids.
While we are all aware that life is full of tough decisions that need to be made, we may not realize that hasty decisions may not always be the right one "Remember that what's right isn't always popular... and what's popular isn't always right."
"Invite all to the way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching;
And consult with them in ways that are best and most gracious."
(Al Qur'an, 16:125)
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The Spirit of al-Faqr
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Weekly Section week 10, 16 November 2007; 06 Dhul-Qadah 1428
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Hadith
Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, reported:
Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: The influence of an evil eye is a fact.
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Kalam-e-Bahu
Roman English of Kalam-e-Bahu
Imaan salaamat har koee mange,
Ishq salaamat koee hoo
Mangan imaan sharmaavan ishqon,
Dil noon ghairat hoee hoo
Jis manzil non ishq puchaave,
Imaan khabar na koee hoo
Ishq salaamat rakkheen Baahoo,
Diaan imaan dharoee hoo
English translation of Kalam-e-Bahu
Believers pray to God for the protection of faith,
But few pray for the gift of his love.
I am ashamed at what they ask for,
Even more at what they are willing to yield.
Religion is quite unaware of the spiritual plane
To which love can raise us.
O Lord, keep my love for you ever fresh, says Bahu:
I shall mortgage my religion for it.
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