Bismillahi rahmani rahim

Assalam alaikum warahmatullah wabarakatu

Alhamdulillahi rabbil-'alamin was salatu was salamu 'ala ashrifil-anbiya wa'l-mursalin nabiyina Muhammad wa 'ala alihi wa sahbihi ajma'in. Amma ba'ad.

To many of you reading this the title may seem absurd, and may have even caught you off-guard, as love generally is not associated with the month of worship and blessing. Yet, if we were to contemplate the actions that we partake during this blessed month we would see that the vast majority of them revolve around love.

"We are often people that just fail to reflect."

The first thing that is needed to actually conceptualize where I am coming from would be to understand what love really is, or at the very least how it is being defined in this treatise. We all know that love has many manifestations, degrees, and types. The way a child loves his or her parents is not the same as the way a woman may love her husband, and likewise, the way a person may love chocolate, per se, is not the same way a person would love his or her Lord (or at least we hope not). 

However in all of these types of love there is a common and key theme, that of sacrifice and fulfilment. The more we love something, the more we are willing to sacrifice for it, and the more we will strive to fulfil the every command and wish of our beloved. This should not be misunderstood as sacrifice and fulfilment being the only components of love, but rather they are from amongst the essential components that make up love, along with longing and cherishing. And this is why we should see that love, along with hope and fear, is a pillar of our worship. Our worship will not be complete nor acceptable until it encompasses the right amounts of love, hope, and fear. After having comprehended this, we can see how shirk can be performed even in love, yet most of mankind knows not.

If we were to take just a moment to reflect what Islam means linguistically (let alone conventionally), we would see that submission (the true linguistic definition of Islam, and not peace contrary to common belief), entails a common theme with love and that being sacrifice. When we truly submit to Allah we are willing to sacrifice anything and everything for Him. This can be seen in one of the most fundamental mottos of a Muslim: "Say: Indeed my prayer, and my sacrifice, and my living, and my dying are for none other than Allah, Lord of all that exists." [ Al-Qur'an 6:162]

So when one goes about sacrificing and fulfilling the wants of other than Allah, just as much or, more than what he does for Allah then such an individual has fallen into shirk . And if one fails to meet the necessary sacrifices and falls short in fulfilling the required obligations then such an individual has fallen into disbelief. It is in light of these words that we understand the verse: "From mankind are those people who have taken deities other than Allah, they love them as they love Allah, and those who have faith (i.e. are Muslims) are stronger in their love for Allah." [ Al-Qur'an 2:165]

We are now beginning to get a clearer picture of how love is associated with this blessed month. It is a woman's love for her child and husband that will make her wake up in the late hours of the night to prepare a nice meal for suhur (the pre-dawn meal). It is a man's love for his community that will drive him to take time off of work to ensure his fellow Muslims have sufficient food for iftar (the meal at sunset). And it is our love for Allah, as Muslims, which drives us to sacrifice the two pinnacles of desire, food and marital relations, for no other reason than the pleasure of our very Creator.

Our love for Allah ( glorified and praised is He ) does not stop here but, rather, merely just begins. One of the key pillars of loving Allah lies in following the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him , and an exemplary role model he is, as can be seen by Allah's statement, "Say (O Muhammad to the people): 'If you really love Allah, then follow me. And He (Allah) in return will love you, and will forgive you for you sins, and indeed Allah is oft-forgiving and most merciful.' Say: 'Obey Allah and the Messenger', and if they turn away, then verily Allah does not love the disbelievers." [ Al-Qur'an 3:31-32]

So what are some of the traditions that we have been left with to follow?

01. Waking up to have suhur , even if it is something little. The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him , said: "Eat suhur for in suhur there is blessing." [Narrated by al-Bukhari and by Muslim]

02. Not delaying the iftar. The Messenger of Allah, upon whom be peace , said: "The people will remain upon goodness as long as they hasten in breaking their fasts." [Narrated by al-Bukhari and by Muslim]

03. Supplicating throughout the day and night, especially during iftar time. The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said: "Three prayers are not rejected: the prayer of a father, the prayer of a fasting person, and the prayer of a traveller." [Narrated by al-Bayhaqi 3/345 and classified as authentic in Silsilat al-Ahadith as-Sahihah #1797] "Indeed there is for the fasting person, when he breaks his fast, a supplication which is not rejected." [Narrated by Ibn Majah and al-Hakim] And upon breaking his fast, "The thirst is gone, the veins have been moistened and the reward is assured, if Allah wills." [Narrated by Abu Dawud, al-Bayhaqi and classified as hasan in Irwa al-Ghalil 4/39] 'A'ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, reported that Allah's Messenger, peace be upon him , instructed her to say: "O Allah indeed you are one that pardons, and you love to pardon, so pardon me." [Narrated by Ahmad, at-Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah]

04. Spending the nights in prayer, as well as encouraging the family to do so. The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him , said: "Whoever stands in prayer with the Imam until its conclusion, will be like the one who prayed the whole night." [Narrated by at-Tirmidhi (who graded it as sahih ), Abu Dawud, an-Nisa'i, and Ibn Majah] "Whoever establishes prayers during the nights of Ramadhan out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah's rewards, all his past sins will be forgiven." [Narrated by al-Bukhari]

05. Being generous and feeding the people iftar . The Messenger of Allah said: "Whoever gives iftar to one who is fasting will have a reward like his, without detracting from the reward of the person fasting." [Narrated by al-Bukhari and by Muslim] He was also described as "being the most generous of people, and he was at his most generous during Ramadhan ." [Narrated by at-Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah, and Ibn Hibban]

06. Staying away from all immoral acts, especially those of the tongue. The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said: "Fasting is not abstaining from eating and drinking alone, but it is also abstaining from vain speech and foul language. If one of you is being cursed or annoyed, he should say: I am fasting, I am fasting." [Narrated by al-Bukhari and by Muslim] "Allah does not need the fast of the one who does not abandon falsehood in speech or in action." [Narrated with this wording by Ibn Khuzaymah, Ibn Hibban, and al-Hakim. The key portion of the hadith can also be found in al-Bukhari and Muslim] "Perhaps a fasting person will get nothing from his fast except hunger, and perhaps the one who stands to pray at night will get nothing from his prayer except tiredness." [Narrated by an-Nisa'i, Ibn Majah, and al-Hakim]

Lastly, it is not hidden from anyone that indeed Ramadhan is a month of blessings. In it everything is blessed from, our food to our actions. It is in this very month that we should plant the seeds for goodness that we hope will last us throughout the year. It was the Prophet, peace be upon him , who said: "The best of deeds are the most consistent of them." [Narrated by at-Tirmidhi]

So we should always be looking for self-improvement, and enrichment, and not just in Ramadhan. At the end of the day we have enough ' Ramadhan Muslims', now we are in need of Muslims who live in Ramadhan all year long.

And Allah knows best.

- Adopted -

With all the best wishes of a blessed, beneficial, benevolent, and fruitful Ramadhan.

Your Brother : Abu 'Abdir-Rahman Muhammad Navaid Aziz

From the Holy City of Al-Madinah

                                     

Assalam alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatu

Bismaillahi Rahmani Rahim

Transcribed by A Muslim Everyday
From Ustadh Wahaj Tarin - YouTube.

In the time of Zainul-Abidin a man came to a Sheikh he said, "Sheikh we suffer from drought, their is no rain, give us a solution." So Sheikh said, "Increase the saying of Astighfirullah - increase Istighfar." So the person went.

And another person came and he said, "Their is poverty - poverty has struck our land. Give as a solution."  and the Sheikh said, "Increase Istighfar."

So the people came and the Sheikh is giving Nasiha, Istighfar, Istighfar. A man sitting with the Sheikh says, 'What is this..you know everyone comes, you give the same medication, if it were flue or whatever.' So the Sheikh says, "It's from the Quraan." Where Allah Rabbul-Izza narrates the story of Nuh alayhi salatu wasalam. "..Saying, 'Ask forgiveness from your Lord; for He is Oft-Forgiving. He will send rain to you in abundance. Give you increase in wealth and sons; and bestow on you gardens and bestow on you rivers (of flowing water).." [An-Nuh 71:10-12]

So the benefits of Istighfar increases and saves us from the Adhab of Allah. Allah Rabbul-Izza says, [Al-Anfal 8:33] "..But Allah would not punish them while you, [O Muhammad], are among them, and Allah would not punish them while they seek forgiveness.."

So busy yourself with Istighfar.

Bismillahi rahmani rahim

Assalam alaikum warahmatullah wabarakatu 

I was a merchant who used to go through one, city to the other as a tradesman. And I used to pass through this valley... One day I passed through the valley holding my merchandise on top of my camel, when suddenly a thief stops me...in the middle of the valley. Alone. There was no one around. He puts the sword to my neck and he says... I am going to kill you, then take your merchandise. 

The companion said to him, please take everything but spare my life. And the thief said to him, No! I am going to take your merchandise and I'm going to kill you. When the companion found that the thief was insisting on killing him, he said to him... Okay! You can kill me and take my merchandise, but please allow me to do one thing, and then after that you can kill me.

He said, do whatever you like, but then I'm gonna wait for you and kill you. He said allow me to pray two rakaahs. Subhan Allah! The thief made a mistake by allowing him to pray two rakaahs. So he prayed the two rakaahs, he prayed the first rakat then he prayed the second rakah.

And in his Sujud (prostration) because Rasul said, you are closest to Allah when you are in your prostration, so ask Allah for the things you want in your prostration. In his Sujud,  he said one dua, I'm going to just mention a part of it. It is in three sections.. 

And he said, "I ask you Oh Allah, by the light of your face which has filled, the pillars of your throne.." And then he began to ask Him by Alla of His names, (by His wonderful attributes), he finally said.. Oh the One Who responds to dua of the one in need.. He says, save me from this thief. And then he said,  three times... OH THE ONE WHO SAVES, SAVE ME.

He said, he did not complete his dua, then all of a sudden he hears the galloping of a horse, racing so quickly, and so fast, on top of that horse was a man (a warrior) and he had covered his face. With a sword in his right arm, the thief looked at him,  before he could do anything (wack) he chopped and slit his throat, and the thief died. 

The companion looked up, hugged him and kissed him, and he said to him, May Allah bless you. Where you from? Where did you come from? He said.. I am an Angel from the fourth sky. You asked Allah in the first part of your dua (and we heard you). Then you asked with the second part of the dua (the  sky shook). Then you asked in the third part of the dua (we raced to Allah), so I raced and beat the other angels to Allah and said O My Lord send me, and so Allah allowed me. 

Then the Angel faded away.

The dua of a person who is in need, Allah will respond. 

[ MERCIFUL SERVANT ]

Bismillah ir-rahman ir-rahim

Assalam alaikum warahmatullah wabarakatu

The first thing that comes to mind on the mention of Eid, well in my case is fireworks (I like fireworks), my new clothes that observe the code of Hijab, how I'll be all dolled upo make up if I'll be out and in places where strange men may be, food (just enough) and all the money I plan to give to my sibling and cousins In Sha Allah. 

Then there is the how-you-can have a great Eid day under the Islamic Shariah. It is a festive day, a three day holiday actually that falls on the 1st of Shawaal that's the 10th month of the Islamic calendar. Though I find kids to be more excited about Eid than any individual because it's time for new, sparkly but decent outfits, receiving gifts and money. Kids just love money (spending it on sweets and all the junk they can get their hands on). And it's lovely how they quite understand the one side of it about togetherness and having fun in parks or fun fairs and eating out. Masha Allah may Allah instil Imaan in them. 

Family, friends and neighbours too. Even the non-muslims feel the mood of eid but most importantly Ibaadah. We, I found myself in a situation some time back, were we sleep through Fajr. It's still an obligatory Salah, don't miss it!! Then we have saying the Takbir right from when you know it's the night of Eid till when the imam arrives at the masjid and after at times. There is the eid prayer which is mandatory for every male Muslim, and since it will be a large gathering be sure to have a bath, take your time to be neat and clean it's Sunnah anyway and it is one of the manners of eid to take a bath before going out to the prayer. It is reported in a Saheeh report in al-Muwatta’ and elsewhere that ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Umar used to take a bath on the day of al-Fitr before coming to the prayer-place. [al-Muwatta’ 428] Al-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) mentioned that the scholars agreed that it is mustahabb (recommended) to take a bath before the Eid prayer. The reason why it is recommended to take a bath before Friday prayer and other public gatherings also applies in the case of Eid, only more so.

Don't forget to pay your Zakah on time, if you don't know the potion visit your Imam in your masjid for guidance. Do it early. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) enjoined that it should be paid before the Eid prayer. It is permissible to pay it one or two days before that, because of the hadeeth of Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) which was narrated by al-Bukhaari: “They used to give it one or two days before (Eid) al-Fitr.” If it is paid after the Eid prayer, it does not count as Sadaqat al-Fitr, because of the hadeeth of Ibn ‘Abbaas: “Whoever pays it before the prayer, it is Zakaat al-Fitr, and whoever pays it after the prayer, it is ordinary charity.” It is haraam to delay Zakaat al-Fitr until after the Eid prayer. If one delays it with no excuse then it is not acceptable zakaah, but if there is an excuse – such as if a person is traveling and does not have anything to give or anyone to give it to, or he is expecting his family to pay it and they are expecting him to pay it, then in this case he should pay it when it is easy for him to do so, even if that is after the prayer, and there is no sin on him because he has an excuse.

The Eid-ul-Fitr is a very joyous day; it is a true Thanksgiving Day for the believing men and women. On this day Muslims show their real joy for the health, strength and the opportunities of life, which Allah has given to them to fulfill their obligation of fasting and other good deeds during the blessed month of Ramadhan. And so... 

...It is haraam to fast on the days of eid because of the hadeeth of Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him), who said that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) forbade fasting on the day of Fitr and the day of Sacrifice (Adhaa). [Reported by Muslim, 827] It is a day of feasting, appreciating and thanking Allah Subhanahu wa ta'ala.

And my best part, second best, looking good. ‘Abd-Allah ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “Umar picked up a jubbah (long outer garment) made of silk that was for sale in the market, brought it to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and said, “O Messenger of Allah, buy this and wear it for eid and when the delegations come.” The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “This is the clothing of the one who has no share of the Hereafter…” [Reported by al-Bukhaari, 948]

 The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) approved of ‘Umar’s idea of looking one’s best, but he rejected and denounced the idea of buying this jubbah because it was made of silk. Jaabir (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) had a jubbah that he would wear on eid and on Fridays.” [Saheeh Ibn Khuzaymah, 1765] Al-Bayhaqi reported that Ibn Umar used to wear his best clothes on Eid, so men should wear the best clothes they have when they go out for eid. This is for men. With regard to women, they should not wear beautiful clothes when they go out to the eid prayer-place, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Let them go out looking decent” i.e., in regular clothes that are not fancy. It is haraam for them to go out wearing perfume and makeup.

Since it is the day of feasting and no fasting should be done, in the morning have a date or three. Something light for breakfast then head out for Salah and Takbir. It is recommended according to most scholars to come out to the prayer-place on eid ul-fitr before eating some dates, because of the hadeeth narrated by al-Bukhaari from Anas ibn Maalik who said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) would not go out on the morning of eid al-fitr until he had eaten some dates…and he would eat an odd number.” [Al-Bukhaari, 953]

It is mustahabb to eat before coming out because this confirms that we are not allowed to fast on this day, and demonstrates that the fast of the Holy month is now over. Ibn Hajar (may Allah have mercy on him) explained that this is to prevent people extending the fast and it also means obeying the commandment of Allah. [Fath, 2/446]. If a person does not have any dates, he can eat anything permissible for breakfast.

The Takbir, it just feels so great cleansing our hearts Subhana Allah. At the end of Ramadhan Allaah has prescribed that His slaves should recite takbeer. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): “(He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allah [i.e. to say Takbeer (Allaahu Akbar: Allah is the Most Great)] for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him” [al-Baqarah 2:185] “that you must magnify Allah ” means venerating Him in your hearts and on your lips, by pronouncing the takbeer. So you should say: Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, laa ilaaha ill-Allah, Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, wa Lillaahi’l-hamd (Allah is Most Great, Allaah is Most Great, there is no god except Allaah, Allaah is Most Great, Allaah is Most Great, and all praise be to Allah). Or you can say Allahu akbar three times, so you say: Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, laa ilaaha ill-Allah, Allahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, Allahu akbar, wa Lillaahi’l-hamd (Allah is Most Great, Allaah is Most Great, Allaah is Most Great, there is no god except Allah, Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great , Allah is Most Great, and all praise be to Allah). Both are permissible.

This takbeer is Sunnah according to the majority of scholars. It is Sunnah for both men and woman, in the mosque, in the home and in the marketplace. Men should say it out loud, and women should say it quietly, because women are commanded to lower their voices. 

Therefore say the Takbir aloud whilst going to the prayer for men. Al-Waleed ibn Muslim said: “I asked al-Awzaa’i and Maalik ibn Anas about saying Takbir aloud on eid. They said, ‘Yes, ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Umar used to say it aloud on the day of Fitr until the Imaam came out.’” Abu ‘Abd al-Rahmaan al-Salami said: “On eid al-Fitr they would say it louder than on eid al-Adhaa.” Wakee’ said, “i.e., the takbir.” (Irwaa’, 3/122). Al-Daaraqutni and others reported that when Ibn ‘Umar came out on eid al-fitr and eid al-Adhaa, he would strive hard in making Takbir until he reached the prayer-place, then he would continue making Takbir until the Imaam came. The time for this takbir begins when the sun sets on the night of Eid (i.e., the night before) if it is known that the new month has begun when the sun sets, such as when the people have completed thirty days of Ramadhan, or when it is proven that the new moon of Shawwaal has been sighted. And it ends when the prayer begins, i.e., when they start the Eid prayer then the time for the takbir ends.

After the Salah, do you adhkaar then listen to the khutbah. Don't rushing home or to whatever place you planned to have some 'proper' breakfast. Ibn ‘Umar narrated “that Rasul of Allah (peace and easing of Allah be upon him) then Abu Bakr, ‘Umar and ‘Uthman (may Allah be pleased with them) would pray the two eids before the khutba.” It is recommended that one gives the sermon while on the minbar, due to what Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated and said: “I attended Adha with the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) so when he finished his khutba he descended from his minbar.” And due to what was narrated from Abu Said (may Allah be pleased with him) who said: “The Prophet would go out on the day of Fitr and Adha to the musalla and the first thing he would begin with was the prayer. Then he would move to stand facing the people, and the people were sitting in their rows. He would exhort, advise and command them and if he wished to allot an expedition or to command something, he would command it, then he turns away.”

After the khutbah it's best to use another route other than the first route used. It was narrated that Jaabir ibn ‘Abd-Allaah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: On the day of Eid, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to vary his route. [Al-Bukhaari, 986] It was said that the reason for that was so that the two routes would testify for him on the Day of Resurrection, for the earth will speak on the Day of Resurrection and say what was done on it, both good and bad. And it was said that it was in order to manifest the symbols of Islam on both routes, or to manifest the remembrance of Allaah (dhikr), or to annoy the hypocrites and Jews, and to scare them with the large number of people who were with him. And it was said that it was in order to attend to the people’s needs, to answer their questions, teach them, set an example and give charity to the needy, or to visit his relatives and uphold the ties of kinship.

Eid Mubarak!! People may exchange congratulations and good greetings on Eid, no matter what form the words take. For example they may say to one another, “Taqabbal Allaahu minnaa wa minkum (May Allah accept [the fast and worship] from us and from you” or the commonly used “Eid mubarak” and other similar permissible greetings. Jubayr ibn Nufayr said: “At the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), when people met one another on the day of Eid, they would say, ‘Taqabbal Allaahu minnaa wa minka (May Allah accept from us and from you).’” [Ibn Hajar. Its isnaad is hasan. Fath, 2/446]

The practice of exchanging greetings was well-known at the time of the Sahaabah and scholars and there are reports which indicate that it is permissible to congratulate people on special occasions. There is evidence which suggests that it is prescribed to offer congratulations and good wishes on special occasions, and that the Sahaabah congratulated one another when good things happened, such as when Allaah accepted the repentance of a man, they went and congratulated him for that, and so on. Undoubtedly these congratulations are among the noble characteristics among the Muslims.

Give charity, visit the sick and pray with and for them, thank Allah every step and remember Him, there is an endless list on what to do to please Allah on this day. As we dive into this blessed day keep in mind not to waste food. If you have a lot of food in the house it is best to give it to others, share it. Don't be involved in any form of Israf (wastage) and exceeding involving all varieties of cuisines. 

And lastly our eid cannot be truly joyous. As we celebrate, many of our brothers and sisters around the world are suffering, we pray that Allah Subhanahu wa ta'ala grant them ease and more Imaan in their hearts and grant us an eid that will be under the shade of the rule of the Quran and Sunnah of our beloved Prophet.

🌸 Eid Mubarak 🌸

Bismillah ir-rahman ir-rahim

Assalam alaikum warahmatullah wabarakatu 

Alhamdhulillah for Allah grant us this chance to be and experience another Ramadhan but apart from all the Ibaadah we know we are to strive in. What should we not do? In Sha Allah Allah will grant us His Mercy and May He accept our fast.

MISTAKE #1: FASTING AND NOT PRAYING

Between a man and shirk and kufr there stands his giving up prayer.  [Muslim] The fasting of one who does not pray will not be accepted. This is because not praying constitutes kufr. In fact, it is likely that none of his good deeds will be accepted unless Allah decides to have mercy. This post will not go into any further details about "not praying", as enough has been written elsewhere about its consequences. Recommend that you take a look at the post 'SALAH'.

MISTAKE #2: TAKING RAMADHAN AS A RITUAL

For many of us Ramadhan has lost its spirituality and has become more of a ritual than a form of Ibadaah. We fast from morning to night just because everyone around us is fasting too. We forget that it’s a time to purify our hearts and our souls from all evil. We forget to make dua, forget to beseech Allah to forgive us and ask Him to save us from the Fire. We stay away from food and drinks but that's not the significant point. 

MISTAKE #3: SKIPPING SUHUR

And He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "Eat suhur for in suhur there is blessing." [Bukhari and Muslim]  The Prophet (prace and endings of Allah be upon him) said: "The thing that differentiates between our fasting and the fasting of the People of the Book (Jews and Christians) is eating suhur." [Muslim 13/56, Abu Dawud 14/31; Nasai 22/77] Some people are too scared to fast if they miss Suhur. However, this is a kind of cowardice and love of ease. What is the big deal if you missed a few morsels of food? So it's anybody's guess if you miss Suhur then you can still keep the fast. Obedience to Allah overcomes everything. If one misses Suhur but gets up before dawn, make an intent and continue your fast. With regard to saying dua everyday, there is no dua that the Muslim should say when starting to fast each day. Rather he should simply have the intention (in his heart) that he is going to fast. The intention (niyyah) is an action of the heart. The Muslim should resolve in his heart that he is going to fast tomorrow. It is not prescribed for him to utter it out loud and say, “I intend to fast” and other phrases that have been innovated by some people.

MISTAKE #4: EMPHASIS ON FOOD AND DRINKS

Allah says in Quran 7:31 says ".....and eat and drink but waste not by extravagance, certainly He (Allah) likes not Al-Musrifoon (those who waste by extravagance)". For some people, the entire month of Ramadan revolves around food. They spend the ENTIRE day planning, cooking, shopping and thinking about food, instead of concentrating on Salaah, Qur'an and other acts of worship. All they can think of is FOOD. So much so that they turn the month of 'fasting' into the month of 'feasting'. Come Iftaar time, their table is a sight to see, with the multitudes and varieties of food, sweets and drinks. They are missing the very purpose of fasting, and thus, increase in their greed and desires instead of learning to control them. It is also waste & extravagance. Some of the sisters (either by their own choice or forced by their husbands) are cooking almost ALL day and evenings so that by the end of the day, they are too tired to even pray Isha, let alone pray Taraweeh or Tahajjud or even read Qur'an. This is the month of mercy and forgiveness. So turn off that stove as much as possible and focus on reinforcing your Imaan! Remind your husbands the real intent of Ramadhan. In Sha Allah you will be rewarded for this.

MISTAKE #5: SPENDING MOST OF THE TIME COOKING

Some people stuff themselves at Suhur until they are ready to burst, because they think this is the way to not feel hungry during the day. And some people eat at Iftaar, like there is no tomorrow, trying to 'make up for the food missed.' However, this is completely against the Sunnah. Moderation is the key to everything. The two hadiths below is to be followed throughout the year, and not just in Ramadhan.

MISTAKE #6: EATING TOO MUCH IS FORBIDDEN

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "The son of Adam does not fill any vessel worse than his stomach; for the son of Adam a few mouthfuls are sufficient to keep his back straight. If you must fill it, then one-third for food, one-third for drink and one-third for air." [Ibn Majah, 4/29/3349] Too much food distracts a person from many deeds of obedience and worship, makes him lazy and also makes the heart heedless. It was said to Imam Ahmad (May Allah have mercy on him): “Does a man find any softness and humility in his heart when he is full?” He said, “I do not think so.”

MISTAKE #7: EXTRAVAGANT IFTAR PARTIES

Although, inviting each other for breaking fast is something good and encouraged. However some people go to extremes with lavish 'Iftaar parties' with all sorts of disobedience to Allah, from flirting, mixing of the gender and hijab-less women, to show-off and extravagance, to heedlessness to Salah, and Taraweeh to even music.

MISTAKE #8: SLEEPING ALL DAY

A good deed in Ramadan is multiplied 70 times. An act of worship done in Ramadhan brings a greater reward from Allah than one done at any other time. Some people spend their entire day (or a major part of it) 'sleeping away their fast'. Is this what is really required of us during this noble month? These people also are missing the purpose of fasting and are slaves to their desires of comfort and ease. They cannot 'bear' to be awake and face a little hunger or exert a little self-control. For a fasting person to spend most of the day asleep is nothing but, negligence on his part.

MISTSKE #9: NOT FASTING BECAUSE OF WORK

Fasting is Fardh, for all sane Muslims. Exams or work is NOT one of the excuses allowed by the Shari'ah to fast. You can do your studying and revision at night if it is too hard to do that during the day. Also remember that pleasing and obeying Allah is much more important. Besides, if you will fulfil your obligation to fast, even if you have to study, Allah will make it easy for you and help you in everything you do.

MISTAKE #10: WASTING TIME,  A LOT OF IT

The month of Ramadhan is a precious, precious time. Before we know it, this month of mercy and forgiveness will be over, we should try and spend every moment possible in the worship of Allah so that we can make the most of this blessing. However, there are some of us who waste away their day playing video games, or worse still, watching irrelevant programmes on TV, movies or even listening to music. A Muslim does not have any time to waste. The Quran is clear is stating that when we are brought to life once again (in Qiyamah), we will feel as if we stayed in this world only for an evening or a morning. [Al-Quran 79:46]

MISTAKE #11: NOT GIVING UP BAD HABITS

Some of us fast but do not give up lying, cursing, fighting, backbiting, etc. and some of us fast but do not give up cheating, stealing, dealing in haraam, etc. and all kinds of impermissible things without realizing that the purpose of fasting is to not stay away from food and drink; rather the aim behind it is to fear Allah. It must be noted that in Ramadhan or otherwise, all these acts are forbidden. If you particularly do it in Ramadhan, it nullifies your fast. Yes! For instance if you backbite while fasting in Ramadhan, it nullifies your fast. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "Whoever does not give up false speech and acting upon it, and ignorance, Allah has no need of him giving up his food and drink." [Sahih Bukhari 1903, 6057] One should also protect himself from the "zina of eyes" . Zina means adultery/fornication. So Zina of eyes would mean looking at those things that are forbidden; in this case would be looking at non-mahram women in a way that will arouse one's interests. Hence, the Quran commands men to lower their gaze to preserve their chastity. By the way, this commandment is not just for Ramadhan but men and women should practice this throughout the year.

MISTAKE #12: SMOKING

Smoking is forbidden in Islam whether during Ramadhan or outside of it, as it is one of evil things. And this includes ALL kinds of 'smoking material'. Example: cigars, cigarettes, pipes, Sheesha, hookah etc. It is harmful, not only to the one smoking, but also to the ones around him. It is also a means of wasting ones wealth. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "There should be no harming or reciprocating harm." [Ibn Majah 2340] This is especially true during fasting and it invalidates the fast. [Fatwa-Ibn 'Uthaymeen]

MISTAKE #13: STOPING SUHUR AT IMSAAK

Some people stop eating Suhoor 10-15 minutes earlier than the time of Fajr to observe 'Imsaak'. Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "This is a kind of bid'ah (innovation) which has no basis in the Sunnah. Rather the Sunnah is to do the opposite. Allah Subhanahu wa'taala allows us to eat until dawn.” This 'imsaak' which some of the people do is an addition to what Allah has prescribed, so it is false. It is a kind of extremism in religion, and The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "Those who go to extremes are doomed, those who go to extremes are doomed, those who go to extremes are doomed."  [Muslim 2670]

MISTAKE #14: DELAYING TO BREAK THE FAST

Some people wait until the adhaan finishes or even several minutes after that, just to be 'on the safe side'. However, the Sunnah is to hasten to break the fast, which means breaking fast whenever the adhaan starts, right after the sun has set. Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) said: "This is what the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to do." [Sahih Muslim] Determine to the best of your ability, the accuracy of your clock, calendar, etc. and then have tawakkul on Allah and break your fast exactly on time.

MISTAKE #15: DELAYING MAGHRIB

Some people put so much food in their plates when breaking their fast and continue eating, enjoying dessert, drinking tea, etc., until they miss Maghrib. That is obviously not right. Once you are done with the prayer, you can always go back and eat some more if you wish. 

MISTAKE #16: MISSING THE GOLD TICKET

The prayer of the fasting person is guaranteed to be accepted at the time of breaking fast. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "Three prayers are not rejected: the prayer of a father, the prayer of a fasting person, and the prayer of a traveller." [Al-Bayhaqi, 3/345] Instead of sitting down and making Dua at this precious time, some people forego this beautiful chance, and are too busy frying samosas, talking, setting the food, filling their plates and glasses, etc. Think about it, is food more important than the chance to have your sins forgiven or the fulfillment of your Duas.

MISTAKE #17: FASTING OR DIETING?

Do not make the mistake of fasting with the intention to diet. That is one of the biggest mistakes some of us make (especially sisters). Fasting is an act of worship and can only be for the sake of Allah alone. Always remember that 'niyaat' (intention) plays the most important part of a Muslim. A believer will be rewarded or punished based on his intention. So if dieting is the intention then you will not get any reward from Allah. Having the right intention is a boon.

MUSTAKE #18: PRAYING ONLY ON THE 27TH

Some people pray ONLY on the 27th night to seek Lailat ul-Qadr, neglecting all other odd nights in the last 10 days of Ramadhan. Who told you it's the 27th? One of the most virtuous night is 29th, the night before Eid (if the new moon is sighted on the night of 29th). Many are out in the markets or streets to shop. Since Lailat ul-Qadr is likely to be on the night before Eid, it is mustahab to be engaged in prayer and other acts of worship. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "Seek Lailat ul-Qadr among the odd numbered nights of the last ten nights of Ramadhan (means 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th and 29th)." [Bukhari 1913; Muslim 1169]

MISTAKE #19: WASTING THE LAST PART OF RAMADHAN

Some people waste the entire last ten days of Ramadhan preparing for Eid, shopping and frequenting malls, etc. neglecting ibaadah and Lailatul Qadr. Although, The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to strive the hardest during the last ten days of Ramadhan in worship. [Musnad Ahmad, Sahih Muslim] In fact you should wind-up all the worldly affairs in Shaaban, so that they can focus on Quran and Ibadah in the month of Ramadhan. The last ashra is the most crucial part of the holy month. Be on the guard !! Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) said: "When the (last) ten nights began, the Messenger of Allah would tighten his waist-wrapper (i.e., strive hard in worship or refrain from intimacy with his wives), stay awake at night and wake his family."  [Bukhari 1920 and Muslim 1174]

May Allah give us hidayat to spend time in Ramadhan the way our Prophet and Sahabas spent time. May Allah guide us to the straight path and give us the best in this world and in the Hereafter.

Bismillah ir-rahman ir-rahim

Assalam alaykum warahmatullah wabarakatu

Ever since I learnt about these beautiful supplications Subhana Allah, Alhamdhulillah, Allahu Akbar, La Illaha IlaAllah taught by the Prophet (peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) I try as much as possible to remember them in my busy life which I do Alhamdhulillah exclusive of after Swalah. You know during the day or night instead of having your headphones or earphones plugged in listening to some insignificant radio or music on your phone, these simple words hold a lot and I mean a lot of Thawab and In Sha Allah I will try to exhaust its significance.

An insight into Subhana Allah, Alhamdhulillah, Allahu Akbar will increase our understanding to draw nearer to Allah and to seek Allah's pleasure. Firstly these are one of the Adhkaars (a plural of dhikr) which means remembering, in our case remembering Allah (Subhanahu wa ta'ala) that Muslims utilize in their day to day life, if not should.

Abu Sa'id report that the Prophet (peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) said: "Perform the enduring goods more frequently" They asked, "What are these enduring good deeds?" The Prophet replied,"Takbir [Allahu Akbar] (Allah is the Greatest), Tahlil [La Illaha IlaAllah] (There is No God but Allah), Tasbih [Subhana Allah] (Glory be to Allah), Alhamdhulillah (All Praise to Allah) and La Hawla wa la Quwwata Illa Billah (There is No might or any power Except with Allah)." And the Prophet (peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) also said, "For me to say (the above) is dearer to me and all that the sun rises upon (i.e the whole world)." These are the good deeds to endure [al-baqiyaatus-salihaat].

In another narration, Abu Hurairah reported that the Prophet (peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) said: "When a servant of Allah utters the words La Illaha IlaAllah sincerely, the doors of heaven open up for these words until they reach the throne of Allah, so long as its utterer keeps away from the major sins." Subhana Allah!! can we imagine our words reaching the throne of Allah, the All Mighty? It gives me great joy in my heart. In another hadith Abu Hurairah reported that  the Prophet (peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) said: "Renew your faith." "How can we renew our faith?" they asked. The Prophet replied," Say always: La Illaha IlaAllah." What will stop you dear Muslim from uttering these words even once in a day?

Abu Hurairah (RA) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) said: "The uttering of two statements are light for tongue to remember and heavy in the scales and they are dear to the Merciful: 'Subhana-Allahi wa Bihamdihi, Subhana-Allahi-Adhim [Glory be to Allah and His is the praise, (and) Allah, the Greatest is free from imperfection]'. " (Sahih Bukhari and Muslim).

Another hadith on the same Adhkaar was reported by Jabir that the Prophet (peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) said: " For him who says: 'Subhana-Allahi wa Bihamdihi, a palm-tree will be planted for him in Jannah." (Tirmidhi). Jannah is so vast that we cannot even imagine its vastness and the planting of trees in return for the Praise and Glorifying of Allah is something not difficult, we should do it without hesitation.

I pray our tongues to remain moist with dhikr of Allah. There many mobile apps (Muslim Pro) and books (Fortress of the Muslim) that have been written by scholars that have been deduced from the Qur'an and authentic Ahadeeth encouraging Muslims certain adhkaars for different times of the day and have tremendous benefit for us.

And Allah knows best.