The rewards that Allah gives to martyrs and good Muslims

When the Prophet (Pbuh) first arrived in Medinah, the Jews who were living there had welcomed him. The Prophet (Pbuh) had returned their greeting, as he wished to be on good terms with them. An agreement was also reached between the Muslims and the Jews, which gave the Jews the freedom to practice their religion and which also set out their rights and their duties. Among these duties was that in the case of war with Quraysh, the Jews would fight on the side of the Muslims.
Despite this agreement, however, some of the Jewish tribes, who resented the Prophet's presence in Medinah, soon began to cause trouble amongst the Muslims.

They tried to set the Muslim Emigrants from Mecca and the Ansar against each other. The troublemakers were given many warnings but they continued to be a nuisance. In the end, the Muslims had no choice but to drive them from Medinah. A new agreement was offered those Jews who remained but the trouble did not end there. One of the Jewish tribes, the Bani Nadir plotted to murder the Prophet (Pbuh) but their plan was discovered and they, too, were exiled from the city. Knowing that they could not defeat the Muslims themselves, some of the leaders of the exiled Jews secretly went to Mecca to enlist the help of Quraysh. Knowing what the Meccans would like to hear, they pretended to believe in the same things. They said that they thought that the old Arab tradition was better than the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (Pbuh) and that they believed that the Quraysh religion of worshipping many idols was better than the Prophet's with only one God. Then the Jews told them that if all the Arab tribes attacked Medinah, the Jews inside the city would help to defeat the Prophet (Pbuh) and Islam once and for all.

The leaders of Quraysh were pleased to hear all this and seizing on what seemed to them a very good opportunity, agreed to the plan and began to gather together a formidable army. In the meantime in Medinah, only one Jewish tribe, the Bani Quraydhah, refused to betray the Muslims.

Eventually the Muslims learned of the preparations being made for war in Mecca and of the plotting of the Jews within Medinah itself. The betrayal of the Muslims by the Jews did not surprise the Prophet (Pbuh), who said of them: 'The hearts of the Jews have become closed to the truth. They have forgotten what Moses taught them long ago that there is only one God.'
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
"The likeness of those who are entrusted with the Law of Moses, yet apply it not, is as the likeness of the ass carrying books.

Evil is the likeness of the people who deny the revelations of Allah. And Allah guideth not wrongdoing folk". (Koran lxii.5)
The Muslims wondered how they could defend Medinah. They heard that Abu Sufyan was coming to attack them with an enormous army which included many other Arab tribes, as well as Quraysh. What were they to do with only a single week to prepare? The Prophet (Pbuh) and his men knew that it would be impossible for them to fight off all these tribes! The only thing they could do was to stay inside the city and try to defend it as best they could. Now among the people of Medinah was a Persian named Salman, who had to live in the city some time before the Prophet's arrival there. As a convert to Christianity he had traveled to Medinah after Christian sages had told him that a Prophet would be born in Arabia. On arriving at Madinah he was, however, sold into slavery by the merchants with whom he had traveled. Later he became a Muslim, gained his freedom and became a member of the Prophet's household.


When the people gathered to discuss a plan of action against the approaching enemy, Salman was present and it was he who suggested that they should dig a trench around the city. The Prophet (Pbuh) thought this a good idea, so the Muslims set to work, although it was in the middle of winter. They worked day and night, digging the trench as quickly as possible. The Prophet (Pbuh) himself carried rocks and when the men were tired he gave them the will to carry on. Someone later recalled how beautiful he looked, dressed in a red cloak with dust upon his breast and his dark hair nearly reaching his shoulders. There was little food at this time and the men were often hungry as they worked.
On one occasion, however, a little girl gave some dates to the Prophet (Pbuh), which he spread out on a cloth. The men were then called to eat and the dates kept increasing in number until everyone had been fed. Even after everyone had eaten their fill, the dates continued to increase so that there were more than the cloth could hold.

Similarly, there is the story of the lamb, that has come down to us from one who was there: 'We worked with the Apostle at the trench. I had a half-grown lamb and I thought it would be a good thing to cook it for Allah's Messenger. I told my wife to grind barley and make some bread for us. I killed the lamb and we roasted it for the Prophet (Pbuh). When night fell and he was about to leave the trench, I told him we had prepared bread and meat and invited him to our home. I wanted him to come on his own, but when I said this he sent someone to call all the men to come along. Everyone arrived and the food was served. He blessed it and invoked the Name of Allah over it. Then he ate and so did all of the others. As soon as one lot were satisfied, another group came until all the diggers had eaten enough, but still there was food to spare.
On March 24, 627 A.D, Abu Sufyan arrived with more than ten thousand men. The Muslims numbered only three thousand.

Quraysh and their allies surrounded Medinah but between the two armies was the long, wide trench.

The Prophet (pbuh) and his men stayed behind this trench for nearly a month defending the city against their more powerful enemy. Many times warriors tried to cross the trench and enter the city, but each time they were pushed back by the Muslims. The Muslims were afraid that if any did manage to cross over, the Jews inside Medinah would join forces with them and the Muslims would be beaten. The Jewish tribe of Bani Quraydhah, who had stood by the, agreement with the Muslims, were pressed by a Jewish emissary from the enemy, to break their promise. Eventually they agreed to do so and when the news of this reached the Prophet (pbuh) and his companions they were greatly troubled. Sa'd ibn Mu'adh, the leader of the tribe of Aws, was sent by the Prophet (pbuh) with two other men to find out if this were true. When they arrived in the part of Medinah where the Jews lived, they found that it was even worse than they had previously thought.

Sa'd ibn Mu'adh, whose tribe was closely allied with the Bani Quraydhah, tried to persuade their leader not to break the treaty with the Muslims, but he refused to listen. This meant that the Muslims could not relax their guard for one moment, for they were now threatened not only by the enemy beyond the trench, but by the Bani Qurayzah, within the walls of the city.
Things became more difficult for the Muslims day by day. It was extremely cold and food began to run out. To make matters worse, the Bani Qurayzah began openly and actively to join forces with the other Jews and cut off all supplies to the Muslims, including food. The enemies of Islam then planned how to capture Medinah.
The situation looked desperate and the Prophet (pbuh) prayed to Allah to help the Muslims defeat their enemies. That very night a sandstorm blew up which buried the tents of Quraysh. The storm continued for three days and three nights making it impossible for the enemy to light a fire to cook a meal or warm themselves by.


On one of these dark nights the Prophet (pbuh) asked one of his men, Hudhayfah Ibn al-Yaman, to go on a dangerous mission. The Prophet (pbuh) told him to make his way across the trench to the enemy camp where he should find out what they were doing. With much difficulty Hudhayfah crossed the trench and made his way to a circle of Quraysh warriors talking in the darkness. He sat near them, but as there was no fire, no one noticed him. He then heard Abu Sufyan's voice: 'Let us go home!' he said. 'We have had enough. The horses and camels are dying, the tents keep blowing away, most of the equipment has been lost, and we can not cook our food. There is no reason to stay!'
Shortly after hearing this Hudhayfah made his way quickly and quietly back across the trench and the next morning the Muslims rejoiced to find that what he had overheard had come true-Quraysh and their allies had gone away!

The siege of Medinah had ended in a great victory for Islam. But this was not to be the end of the difficulties, for the Archangel Gabriel the Prophet (pbuh) and told him that he should punish the Bani Qurayzah for betraying him and the Muslims.
On hearing this, the Prophet (pbuh) ordered the Muslims to march against the Bani Qurayzah as they hid in their fortress. The Muslims besieged them for twenty-five days until they finally gave in. On surrendering, they asked the Prophet (pbuh) to let someone judge their case, and he agreed. He also allowed them to choose who would give the ruling. The man chosen to judge the Bani Qurayzah was Sa'd ibn Mu'adh, leader of the Aws, a tribe which had always protected the Qurayzah in the past. Sa'd ibn Mu'adh who had himself been wounded in the battle, decided that the Jews should be tried by their own Holy Law, according to which anyone who broke a treaty would be put to death. As a result all the men of the Bani Qurayzah were executed and the women and children made captive.

If the Jews had succeeded in their pact, Islam would have been destroyed. Instead from that day on, Medinah became a city where only Muslims lived.
Very soon after peace had been restored to Medinah, Sa'd ibn Mu'adh died of his wounds. It was said that the Archangel Gabriel came in the middle of that night and said to the Prophet (pbuh) Ɔ Muhammad, who is this dead man? When he arrived, the doors of heaven opened and the Throne of Allah shook.' The Prophet (pbuh) got up as soon as he heard this, but found that Sa'd was already dead. Although he had been a heavy man, the men who carried his body to the grave found it quite light. They were told that the angels were helping them. When he was buried, the Prophet (pbuh) said three times 'Subhan Allah!' (Glory be to Allah!), and 'Allahu Akbar!' (Allah is Most Great!). When asked why he did this, he replied, 'The grave was tight for this good man, until Allah eased it for him.' This is one of the rewards that Allah gives to martyrs and good Muslims.

The difference between punishments and trials

Question: Allah mentions in the Quran that when an evil befalls us it is due to what our own hands have earned. Also our beloved Messenger, Muhammad (sallalahu 'alayhi wassallam) said in a hadith that the most tried are the Prophets, then those in piety after those. So therefore in our day to day life when things go wrong in our lives how do we decide whether it is due to our sinfulness or that Allah loves us . and therefore sends a trial upon us
Jazakallahu khairun

Answer: Praise be to Allaah.

Punishments are what happen to people in return for their evil deeds. Trials are tests which are sent to try people, and people may be tested by good things or by bad.

Concerning punishments, Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “Whatever of good reaches you, is from Allaah, but whatever of evil befalls you, is from yourself…” [al-Nisa’ 4:79]

Concerning the phrase “is from yourself”, Qutaadah said: “[It means] the punishment is for you, O son of Adam, because of your sin.” Abu Saalih said that “whatever of evil befalls you, is from yourself” means “because of your sin, and I [Allaah] am the One Who decreed it for you.” (Tafseer Ibn Katheer).

Allaah also says (interpretation of the meaning): “And whatever of misfortune befalls you, it is because of what your hands have earned. And He pardons much.” [al-Shoora 42:30]

Ibn Katheer, may Allaah have mercy on him, said: “[It means] whatever misfortune happens to you, O people, is because of evil deeds that you have already done, and ‘He pardons much’ refers to evil deeds – He does not punish you for them but He pardons them. ‘And if Allaah were to punish men for that which they earned, he would not leave a moving (living) creature on the surface of the earth…’ [Faatir 35:45 – interpretation of the meaning].”

Concerning trials, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “If Allaah loves a people, He tries them, and whoever has patience will have patience, and whoever is anxious will be anxious.” (Reported by Imaam Ahmad; Saheeh al-Jaami’, 1706).

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) also said: “The extent of the reward will be in accordance with the extent of the trial. If Allaah loves a people, He tries them, and whoever is content will have contentment, and whoever is angry will have anger.” (Reported by al-Tirmidhi, 2320; Saheeh al-Jaami’, 2210).

The following outlines how one may tell whether a given event is a punishment or a trial:

If the misfortune results from doing an act of obedience to Allaah, such as being wounded in jihaad, or losing money when migrating for the sake of Allaah, or losing a job because of becoming Muslim or increasing one’s commitment to Islam, then this is a trial. Whoever bears it with patience will be rewarded, but if one reacts angrily then one will earn the wrath of Allaah. If the misfortune results from sin, such as sexually-transmitted diseases or illnesses caused by drinking alcohol and taking drugs, and so on, then this is the kind of punishment that comes in this world (as opposed to being deferred until the Hereafter). If the misfortune is connected neither to a good deed nor a sin – such as other kinds of disease and sickness, losing a child, or failing in business – then it depends on the person’s situation. If he is good and devout, it is a trial, and if he is sinful, it is a punishment.

The misfortune may be a punishment to atone for sins, or it may be a trial aimed at raising a person’s status and increasing his hasanaat (good deeds/rewards) – this may be determined by whether a person is obedient or disobedient. A person should not praise himself, rather he should criticize himself for his shortcomings and strive to attain perfection. He will benefit from misfortunes in any case, if he has patience and hopes for reward.

And Allaah knows best.

Islam Q&A

Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid

The Special Traits of our beloved Nabi Muhammad Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam.

Bismillaah, Alhamdulillaah, Was salaatu was salaamu ala Rasoolillaah, Wa ba'ad,

As salamu alaykum warahmathullaahi wabarakathuh ya ikhwaan wa akhawaat,

I have appended 22 beautiful special traits of our beloved Nabi Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam from Ibn Mulaqqin's Ghayahtus Sul fee Khasa’is Ar Rasul book.


The Special Traits of our beloved Nabi Muhammad Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam.



1. He (peace blessings be upon him) could offer prayer after sleeping without making Wudu.



2. He ( peace and blessings be upon him) was allowed to have more than four wives at a time.



3. He (peace and blessings be upon him) was given legislations which invalidated all previous laws.



4. He (peace and blessings be upon him) was ordered to line up for prayer the same way as Angels do.



5. He (peace and blessings be upon him) will have the largest amount followers on the Day of Judgement.



6. He (peace and blessings be upon him) is the final Messenger.



7. He (peace and blessings be upon him) was allowed to fast continuously.



8. He (peace and blessings be upon him) has a nation which was selected by Allah as the best ummah.



9. He (peace and blessings be upon him) has been given the right for intercession on the Day of Judgement.



10. He (peace and blessings be upon him) is the first one who will knock on the door of Paradise.



11.He (peace and blessings be upon him) could see those behind him during prayer.



12. He (peace and blessings be upon him) was given the earth as a place for purification and prayer.



13. He (peace and blessings be upon him) was given the Quran, which is safeguarded by Allah.



14. He (peace and blessigs be upon him) can be seen in dream without Shaytaan taking his image.



15. He (peace and blessings be upon him) was given the comprehensive speech thats few in words, but vast in meaning.



16. He (peace and blessings be upon him) is able to receive the salaams from the people after his death.



17. He (peace and blessings be upon him) narrated that lying upon him earns a person Hell. Therefore lying on him is a major sin.



18. He (peace and blessings be upon him) was given the permission to keep the spoils and booty.



19. He (peace and blessings be upon him) and his ummah can offer voluntary prayers sitting without an excuse. These voluntary prayers have the same status as praying while standing.

20. He (peace and blessings be upon him) could take a person’s food and drink, although they might need it.



21. He (peace and blessings be upon him) was allowed to deliver judgment for himself.



22. He (peace and blessings be upon him) was helped with the ability to strike fear in his enemies from a month journey distance.


Taken from [ Ghayahtus Sul fee Khasa’is Ar Rasul by Ibn Mulaqqin 804 H]

Powerful words in Islam [For Reward]

"Engage in the Dhikr of Allah in such abundance that people comment that 'you are insane'."

Eid Mubarak and Stay Safe :)

And indeed it (this Quran) will be an anguish for the disbelievers (on the Day of Resurrection).And Verily, it (this Quran) is an absolute truth with certainty.So glorify the Name of your Lord, the Most Great.(69:50-52)~Surat Al-Ĥāqqah
(The Reality)

Eid Mubarak and Stay Safe :)

Assalamualaikum Dear Brothers and sisters in Islam,

Sending you Eid wishes!

May Allah’s Peace, Mercy, and Blessings be with you all. May Allah let you have a happy Eid ul fitr. May He allow you to live many Eids with your family, friends, and other loved ones with health and happiness. May He give you Eids in this world and hereafter.

Ameen!

EID MUBARAK

The Prophet (s.a.w) said: “Every nation has its festival, and this is your festival.”

Narrated Anas (ra) : “The Messenger of Allah (s) came to Al-Madinah, the people of Madinah used to have two festivals. On those two days they had carnivals and festivity. The Prophet Muhammad (s) asked the Ansar (the Muslims of Madinah) about it. They replied that before Islam they used to have carnivals on those two joyous days. The Prophet Muhammad (s) told them: “Instead of those two days, Allah has appointed two other days which are better, the days of `Eid al-Fitr and `Eid al-Adha.” (Reported by Abu Dawud)

Changing Face Of America - Invitation To Islam

switsilence.blogspot.com

Eid mubarak to the entire Muslim Ummah

Eid mubarak to the entire Muslim Ummah. May Allah have mercy on our brothers and sisters in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Somalia, Chechnya, Kashmir, Iraq, Gaza, and all of Palestine. Ameen, Ameen, Ameen.

May Allah accept our good deeds during this Holy month of Ramadan, and forgive us for any sins we may have fallen into. Ya Allah, answer our dua during this month of Ramadan, and allow us to come out of this blessed month stronger Muslims than before. Ameen, Ameen, Ameen.

Eid mubarak to all my brothers and sisters in Islam.

Early Eid Mubarak to every one!

Early Eid Mubarak to every one!

Taqabala'Allahu Minna wa Minkum (May Allah accept it from us and you)

Zionist Settlers: A Long History of Terrorism

Zionist Settlers: A Long History of Terrorism

What should be done if Eid coincides with Friday

What should be done if Eid coincides with Friday
Praise be to Allah.

If the day of Eid coincides with Friday, then whoever prays Eid with the imaam does not have to attend Jumu'ah (it is not obligatory on him); in his case it becomes Sunnah. If he does not pray Jumu'ah, he has to pray Zuhr. This is in the case of people other than the imaam. As for the imaam, he has to be present for Jumu'ah and lead those Muslims who attend the prayer. The Jumu'ah prayer should not be forsaken completely on this day.


- Answered by Shaykh Saalih ibn Fawzaan al-Fawzaan

Al Widaa, Al Widaa Yaa Shahru Ramadaan

Salaam To All our Dear Families, Friends


As we bid farewell to this auspicious month of the Glorious Quran, we ask Almighty ALLAH to accept all our sacrifices, our siyaam, our ibaadah, our istighfaar during this holy month Insha ALLAH. May Allah bestow on all of us His mercy, forgive all our sins & protect us from the Fire of Jahannam Insha Allah. May ALLAH in His Infinite Mercy, accept this siyaam of ours Insha ALLAH.

Al Widaa, Al Widaa Yaa Shahru Ramadaan, Al Widaa Yaa Shahru Siyaam, Al Widaa Yaa Shahru Maghfirah, Al Widaa Yaa Shahru Taraweeh, Al Widaa Yaa Shahru Suhur, Al Widaa Yaa Shahru Iftaar, Al Widaa Yaa Shahru Layla Tul Qadr, Al Widaa Yaa Shahru I’tikaaf …..

"Whoever believes in ALLAH and the Last Day, let him maintain the bonds of kinship" [Bukhari]

May we all use this day to unite broken family ties and bonds of friendship
If the beginning of Ramadan is Mercy, its middle forgiveness, and it’s ending liberation from the Hellfire; its aftermath should be thankfulness.
Therefore we should be thankful for all we have and always spare a thought for those less fortunate than ourselves whose daily existence could be a continuous fast.

Eid is a day of Joy, day of Celebration. But should we swim in the sea of entertainment leaving our own brothers and sisters in a state of Humiliation? We really don't know the answer. Anyways, wishing Eid Mubarak to all of you. May this Eid bring Happiness and Prosperity for all of us or for none of us.


Messenger of Allaah {Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam} said, "The Muslims are like a body, if one part of the body hurts, rest of the body will also suffer."


Meaning that the Muslims, whether they are of Chinese, African or Arabian or European origin, are one Ummah and they cannot be separated from each other. And whenever one of them is hurt, others should feel the pain. And if they don't feel the grief, they are not part of the body, part of Muslim ummah.

and Allaah knows the Best

May we take this opportunity to wish all of you a Happy, Peaceful and Blessed Eid – ul – Fitr, filled with joyous celebration, Insha ALLAH. Have a joyous day in the company of your families and friends Insha ALLAH.

Zakaah al-Fitr

Zakaah al-Fitr by Dr. Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips
Assalaamu alaykum wr wb ikhwaty fillaahi.
Zakaah al-Fitr
by Dr. Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips

1. MEANING
Zakaah al-Fitr is often referred to as Sadaqah al-Fitr. The word Fitr means the same as Iftaar, breaking a fast and it comes from the same root word as Futoor which means breakfast. Thus, Islamically, Zakaah al-Fitr is the name given to charity which is distributed at the end of the fast of Ramadaan.

2. CLASSIFICATION
Sadaqah al-Fitr is a duty which is Waajib on every Muslim, whether male or female, minor or adult as long as he/she has the means to do so.

The proof that this form of charity is compulsory can be found in the Sunnah whereby Ibn `Umar reported that the Prophet (sallallaahu `alaihi wa sallam) made Zakaah al-Fitr compulsory on every slave, freeman, male, female, young and old among the Muslims; one Saa` of dried dates or one Saa` of barely. [collected by Bukhaaree - Arabic/English, vol. 2, p. 339, no. 579]

The head of the household may pay the required amount for the other members. Abu Sa'eed al-Khudree said, "On behalf of our young and old, free men and slaves, we used to take out during Allaah's Messenger's (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) lifetime one Saa` of grain, cheese or raisins". [collected by Muslim - English transl. vol. 2, p. 469, no. 2155]

3. SIGNIFICANCE
The significant role played by Zakaah in the circulation of wealth within the Islamic society is also played by the Sadaqah al-Fitr. However, in the case of Sadaqah al-Fitr, each individual is required to calculate how much charity is due from himself and his dependents and go into the community in order to find those who deserve such charity. Thus, Sadaqah al-Fitr plays a very important role in the development of the bonds of community. The rich are obliged to come in direct contact with the poor, and the poor are put in contact with the extremely poor. This contact between the various levels of society helps to build real bonds of brotherhood and love within the Islamic community and trains those who have, to be generous to those who do not have.

4. PURPOSE
The main purpose of Zakaah al-Fitr is to provide those who fasted with the means of making up for their errors during the month of fasting. Zakaah al-Fitr also provides the poor with a means with which they can celebrate the festival of breaking the fast (`Eed al-Fitr) along with the rest of the Muslims.

Ibn Abbaas reported, "The Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) made Zakaah al-Fitr compulsory so that those who fasted may be purified of their idle deeds and shameful talk (committed during Ramadaan) and so that the poor may be fed. Whoever gives it before Salaah will have it accepted as Zakaah, while he who gives it after the Salaah has given Sadaqah." [collected by Abu Dawood - Eng. transl. vol. 2, p. 421, no. 1605 - rated Saheeh by Shaikh Naser Al-Albanee]

Hence, the goal of Sadaqah al-Fitr is the spiritual development of the Believers. By making them give up some of their wealth, the believers are taught the higher moral characteristics of generosity, compassion (sympathy for the unfortunate), gratitude to God and the righteousness. But, since Islaam does not neglect man's material need, part of the goal of Zakaah al-Fitr is the economic well-being of the poorer members of society.



5. CONDITIONS
Zakaah al-Fitr is only Waajib for a particular period of time. If one misses the time period without a good reason, he has sinned and can not make it up. This form of charity becomes obligatory from sunset on the last day of fasting and remains obligatory until the beginning of Salaah al-'Eed' (i.e. shortly after sunrise on the following day). However, it can be paid prior to the above mentioned period, as many of the Sahaabah (companions of the Prophet(sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) ) used to pay Sadaqah al-Fitr a couple days before the `Eed.

Naafi reported that the Prophet's companion Ibn `Umar used to give it to those who would accept it and the people used to give it a day or two before the `Eed. [collected by al-Bukhaaree - Arabic/English, Vol. 2, p.339, no. 579]

Ibn `Umar reported that the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) order that it (Zakaah al-Fitr) be given before people go to make the Salaah (al-'Eed).

And Ibn `Abbaas reported that the Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said, "Whoever gives it before the Salaah will have it accepted as Zakaah, while he who gives it after the Salaah (will not, for it will only be considered as) ordinary charity. Therefore, one who forgets to pay this Zakaah al-Fitr on time should do so as soon as possible even though it will not be counted as Zakaah al-Fitr.

6. RATE
The amount of Zakaah is the same for everyone regardless of their different income brackets. The minimum amount is one Saa` (two handfuls ) of food, grain or dried fruit for each member of the family. This calculation is based on Ibn `Umar's report that the Prophet(sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) made Zakaah al-Fitr compulsory and payable by a Saa` of dried dates or a Saa` of barley.

The Sahaabee, Abu Sa`eed al-Khudree said, "In the Prophet's time, we used to give it (Zakaah al-Fitr) as a Saa` of food, dried dates, barley, raisins or dried cheese". [collected by al-Bukhaaree - Arabic/English vol. 2, p. 340, no. 582]

Wabillaahi Tawfiq.

Ramadhan: A Beautiful Reminder

Here we are; yet another Ramadan has past us by, yet another Ramadan we find ourselves bidding farewell to. Farewell to the month of good manners, farewell to the month of kindness, farewell to the month of generosity, farewell to the month of mercy, farewell to the month of discipline.

Ramadan to us was nothing but a school and a teacher. We all attended this school whether we wanted to or not. Some of us achieved great marks during it, some accomplished average marks, and some, and Allah is the source of all strength and mercy, attained failing marks.

Unfortunately, I am finding myself realizing a disturbing trend amongst us Muslims that we take astonishing steps forward during Ramadan. Our manners improve without borders; our worship is both increased in amount and in sincerity and our generosity is unsurpassed. But as we takes these great steps forward during Ramadan, we seem to end up taking far more steps backwards as the year progresses. For every step forward during Ramadan, we’ll take two steps backwards during the rest of the year, and that is undoubtedly a major problem from the problems plaguing our honorable nation.

So I can’t help but take it as a personal obligation to remind my fellow Muslims, just like Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) reminded them when he said:


O People! If anyone among you worshipped Muhammad (peace be upon him), let him know that Muhammad is dead. But those who worshipped Allah let them know that He lives and will never die.


So O Muslims! If anyone among you worshipped Ramadan, then know that Ramadan is dead. But those of you who worshipped Allah, then know that Allah lives and will never die. Indeed Allah created Ramadan and He also, in truth, created Shawaal, Dhul Qidah, Dhul Hijjah, and all the rest of the Months.

Rise in the last third of the night and pray like you prayed in Ramadan. Fast with the same strong-willed conscious effort as you did during Ramadan (eg, 6 fasts of Shawwal; fast of every Monday and Thursday; the 13th,14th and 15th of each lunar month; or that of 9th and 10th Muharram, as per the Sunnah). Fill the Masjids like you did during Ramadan. Let the Ummah boast huge numbers during Salatul Fajr as we do during Salatul Jum’ah. And always, always, remember that you may not see the next Ramadan.

Ramadan came to us as a school, one to renew and recharge our Eman. Now that it has completed its objective and given us a graceful and beautiful uplifting of Eman, it is now upon is to remain constant upon what it has given us.

{And verily, I am indeed Forgiving to him who repents, believes (in My Oneness, and associates none in worship with Me) and does righteous good deeds, and then remains constant in doing them , (till his death).} (Taha, 82)

by Ibn El-Sheikh El-Misri

DEAR BROTHERS & SISTERS IN ISLAM JUST DONT LET GO! MAKE SURE U ALWAYS REMAIN IN A STATE OF FASTING EVEN AFTER RAMADAN!!

How can you Disobey Allah

Chastising Those Who disobey Allah and stop giving Charity

Allah the Exalted chastises those who turn away from His obedience,

[فَلاَ صَدَّقَ وَلاَ صَلَّى - وَلَـكِن كَذَّبَ وَتَوَلَّى ]

(So he (the disbeliever) neither believed nor prayed! But on the contrary, he belied and turned away!)(75:31-32),

[وَأَعْطَى قَلِيلاً وَأَكْدَى ]

(And gave a little, then stopped) Ibn `Abbas said, "Gave a little, then stopped giving.'' Similar was said by Mujahid, Sa`id bin Jubayr, `Ikrimah, Qatadah and several others. `Ikrimah and Sa`id said: "Like the case of a people who dig a well, during the course of which they find a rock preventing them from completing their work. So they say, `We are finished' and they abandon the work.''

Allah's statement,

[فأَعِندَهُ عِلْمُ الْغَيْبِ فَهُوَ يَرَى ]

(Is with him the knowledge of the Unseen so that he sees) means, does this person, who stopped giving for fear of poverty and ended his acts of charity have knowledge of the Unseen and thus knows that if he does not stop giving, his wealth will go away No. Such a person has stopped giving in charity for righteous causes and did not keep relations with kith and kin because of his miserliness, being stingy and out of fear of poverty.

Stinginess
Jabir reported that the Prophet said: Avoid doing injustice to others, for on the Day of Judgment, it will turn into manifold darkness, and safeguard yourself against miserliness, for it ruined those who were before you. It incited them to murder and treating the unlawful as lawful. (Muslim)

The Last Ten Nights and Days of Ramadan

In this blessed month of Ramadan, we have now come to the grand finale – the last ten days of Ramadan that are even more blessed than the rest of Ramadan. In it is a night that Quran tells us is better than 1000 months (yes, months – not days).


The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

There has come to you Ramadan, a blessed month which Allah has enjoined you to fast, during which the gates of heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed, and the rebellious devils are chained up. In it there is a night which is better than a thousand months, and whoever is deprived of its goodness is indeed deprived.” Narrated by al-Nasa’i, 2106; Ahmad, 8769. classed as saheeh by al-Albani in Saheeh al-Targheeb, 999.

So, in preparation for the grand finale, here is a checklist of some of the things that we can all do to make the remaining days of Ramadan work to our advantage –

1) Get in high gear for the next 10 nights and days –

Time is of the essence. Every moment counts. Whatever you need to do for the next ten days to make the most in Ibada, good deeds, reciting Quran, dhikr, making dua, etc., rewards are going to be multiplied. No one knew about the importance of these days more than the prophet (saws). Al-Bukhari and Muslim narrated from ‘Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) that when the last ten days of Ramadan began, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) would stay up at night, wake his family and tie his lower garment tight. According to Ahmad and Muslim: he would strive hard in worship during the last ten nights of Ramadan as he did not do at other times.

Imam Ahmad recorded that Abu Hurayrah said “When Ramadan would come, the Messenger of Allah would say,

Verily, the month of Ramadan has come to you all. It is a blessed month, which Allah has obligated you all to fast. During it the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are shackled. In it there is a night that is better than one thousand months. Whoever is deprived of its good, then he has truly been deprived.)” An-Nasa’i recorded this same Hadith.


If we lose this opportunity, we get our next opportunity next year – assuming we are still around and are in good health and shape to make use of it. Even if we are – we have the past years’ sins on our shoulders and life’s normal trials and tribulations to face the coming year. So, there is no better time to ask Allah to make all that easier than NOW.


2) Get a Quran and recite as often as you can –

A few lines on this post can’t even come close to explaining the benefits and virtues of Quran. It is proven in the saheeh Sunnah that the Quran will intercede for those who read it at night, as Ahmad (6626) narrated from ‘Abd-Allah ibn ‘Amr that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

Fasting and the Quran will intercede for a person on the Day of Resurrection. Fasting will say, ‘O Lord, I deprived him of his food and his desires during the day, so let me intercede for him.’ And the Quran will say: ‘I deprived him of his sleep at night so let me intercede for him.’ Then they will intercede.” Narrated by Ahmad; classed as saheeh by al-Albani in Saheeh al-Jami’, no. 3882.

Narrated Abu Musa: The Prophet said,

The example of a believer who recites the Qur’an is that of a citron (a citrus fruit) which is good in taste and good in smell. And the believer who does not recite the quran is like a date which has a good taste but no smell. And the example of an impious person who recites the Qur’an is that of Ar-Rihana (an aromatic plant) which smells good but is bitter in taste. And the example of an impious person who does not recite the quran is that of a colocynth which is bitter in taste and has no smell.” (Book #93, Hadith # 649)

As is stated in the hadeeth narrated by ‘Abd-Allah ibn ‘Amr ibn al-‘Aas (may Allah be pleased with them both), in which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

Whoever recites ten aayaat (verses) in qiyaam will not be recorded as one of the forgetful. Whoever recites a hundred aayaat (verses) in qiyaam will be recorded as one of the devout, and whoever prays a thousand aayaat (verses) in qiyaam will be recorded as one of the muqantareen (those who pile up good deeds).” (Reported by Abu Dawood and Ibn Hibbaan. It is a hasan report. Saheeh al-Targheeb, 635).


3) If your sins are holding you to move forward, this is the time to get them forgiven –

First the bad news – In Musnad Ahmad it is narrated that Thawbaan said: The Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said:

A man is deprived of provision (Rizq) because of the sins that he commits.’” (Narrated by Ibn Maajah, 4022, classed as hasan by al-Albaani in Saheeh Ibn Maajah).

And now for the good news –

It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

Whoever spends the night of Laylat al-Qadr in prayer out of faith and in the hope of reward, will be forgiven his previous sins.”


4) What to say on Laylat al-Qadr –

One of the best dua’s that can be recited on Laylat al-Qadr is that which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) taught ‘A’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her). It was narrated by al-Tirmidhi, who classed it as saheeh, that ‘A’ishah said: I said: “O Messenger of Allah, If I know which night is Laylat al-Qadr, what should I say?” He said: “Say: Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibb al-‘afwa fa’fu ‘anni (O Allah, You are All-Forgiving and You love forgiveness so forgive me).”


5) Get in the class of the Pious People –

Allah has described the pious as follows (interpretation of the meaning):

They used to sleep but little by night (invoking their Lord (Allah) and praying, with fear and hope). [Quran: Surah Adh-Dhariyat (17)]

And in the hours before dawn, they were (found) asking (Allah) for forgiveness, [Quran: Surah Adh-Dhariyat (18)]


6) Finally……

Think of all that you need to ask Allah for and ask Him now. If you haven’t before, this is the time to connect with Him and feel closer to Him. And when you do during these last ten nights and days of this Ramadan, you would want to do this again and again – even after the month is over.

And finally, when you are in a state of prayers and worship, please open your heart for others as well and please do remember your brothers and sisters in your prayers. Remember what the Prophet said:

“The supplication that gets the quickest answer is the one made by one Muslim for another in his absence.” Reported by Abu Daw’ud and Tirmidhi

May we all make the most of the last ten nights and days of Ramadan…

The night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months

By Muhammad Alshareef

It was narrated that in the days that Musa (Alahi salaam) wandered with Bani Israel in the desert an intense drought befell them. Together, they raised their hands towards the heavens praying for the blessed rain to come. Then, to the astonishment of Musa (Alahi salaam) and all those watching, the few scattered clouds that were in the sky vanished, the heat poured down, and the drought intensified.

It was revealed to Musa that there was a sinner amongst the tribe of Bani Israel whom had disobeyed Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) for more than forty years of his life. "Let him separate himself from the congregation," Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) told Musa (Alahi salaam). "Only then shall I shower you all with rain."

Musa (Alahi salaam) then called out to the throngs of humanity, "There is a person amongst us who has disobeyed Allah for forty years. Let him separate himself from the congregation and only then shall we be rescued from the drought." That man, waited, looking left and right, hoping that someone else would step forward, but no one did. Sweat poured forth from his brow and he knew that he was the one.

The man knew that if he stayed amongst the congregation all would die of thirst and that if he stepped forward he would be humiliated for all eternity.

He raised his hands with a sincerity he had never known before, with a humility he had never tasted, and as tears poured down on both cheeks he said: "O Allah, have mercy on me! O Allah, hide my sins! O Allah, forgive me!"

As Musa (Alahi salaam) and the people of Bani Israel awaited for the sinner to step forward, the clouds hugged the sky and the rain poured. Musa (Alahi salaam) asked Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala), "O Allah, you blessed us with rain even though the sinner did not come forward." And Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) replied, "O Musa, it is for the repentance of that very person that I blessed all of Bani Israel with water."

Musa (Alahi salaam), wanting to know who this blessed man was, asked, "Show him to me O Allah!" Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) replied, "O Musa, I hid his sins for forty years, do you think that after his repentance I shall expose him?"

Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) revealed the Qur’an in the most blessed month; the month of Ramadan, the month in which the Qur’an was sent down.


On the most blessed night, the Grand night: Laylatul Qadr; "Verily, we revealed the Qur’an on the night of Qadr."

Ibn Jareer narrates, on the authority of Mujaahid that there was a man from Bani Israel who used to spend the night in prayer. Then in the morning he would fight the enemy in the Way of Allah during the day, until the evening and he did this for a thousand months.

And so Allah revealed the Surah: "Verily, We sent it down in the night of Al-Qadr" until the verse "The night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months" That is, standing in prayer on that night is better than the actions of that man.

Sufyaan ath-Thawree reports, on the authority of Mujaahid (also), that the night of Al-Qadr being better than a thousand months means that the good deeds performed on it, fasting on it, and standing in prayer on it are better than a thousand months’ good deeds, prayers and fasting. (Narrated by Ibn Jareer)

It is reported from Abu Hurairah that he said: "When the month of Ramadan came, the Messenger of Allah said: ‘The month of Ramadan has come, a blessed month in which Allah has made it obligatory for you to fast; in it the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained. In it is a night better than a thousand months, whoever loses the benefit of it has lost something irreplaceable.’" (Narrated by Imam Ahmad and An-Nasaa'i).

It is reported on the authority of Abu Hurairah, that Allah’s Messenger (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said: "Whoever stood in prayer on the night of Al-Qadr, in faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, he will have all of his previous sins forgiven." (Narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

This one night surpasses the value of 30,000 nights. The sincere believer who worries day and night about his sins and phases of neglect in his life patiently awaits the onset of Ramadan. During it he hopes to be forgiven by Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) for past sins, knowing that the Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) promised that all who bear down during the last ten days shall have all their sins forgiven. To achieve this, the believer remembers the Prophet’s (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) advice in different sayings wherein he used words like "seek", "pursue", "search" and "look hard" for Laylatul Qadr.

Laylatul Qadr is the most blessed night. A person who misses it has indeed missed a great amount of good. The Mu’min should search for it in the last ten nights of Ramadan, passing the nights in worship and obedience.

For those who catch the opportunity, their gift is that of past sins wiped away.

The Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) illustrated for us some of the things we should be doing on this Grand Night. From his blessed Sunnah we find the following:


Praying Qiyaam (night prayer)

It is recommended to make a long qiyaam prayer during the nights on which Laylatul Qadr could fall. This is indicated in many ahadeeth, such as "Whoever stands (in qiyaam) in Laylatul Qadr [and it is facilitated for him] out of faith and expectation (of Allah’s reward), will have all of his previous sins forgiven." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim; the addition "and it is facilitated for him" is recorded by Ahmad from the report of ‘Ubaadah Bin as-Samit; it means that he is permitted to be among the sincere worshippers during that blessed night.]


Making SupplicationsIt is also recommended to make extensive supplication on this night. ‘A'ishah reported that she asked Allah’s Messenger (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) "O Messenger of Allah! If I knew which night is Laylatul Qadr, what should I say during it?" And he instructed her to say: "Allahumma innaka `afuwwun tuhibbul `afwa fa`fu `annee - O Allah! You are forgiving, and you love forgiveness. So forgive me." [An authentic Hadith recorded by Ahmad, Ibn Majah and at-Tirmidhi.]

Abandoning Worldly Pleasures for the Sake of Worship: It is further recommended to spend more time in worship during the nights on which Laylatul Qadr is likely to fall. This calls for abandoning many worldly pleasures in order to secure the time and thoughts solely for worshipping Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala).‘A'ishah reported: "When the (last) ten started, the Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) would tighten his izaar (i.e. he stayed away from his wives in order to have more time for worship), spend the whole night awake (in prayer) and wake up his family." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

And she said: "Allah’s Messenger (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) used to exert more (in worship) on the last ten than on other nights." [Muslim]

Have we estimated Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) correctly?

The opportunity of Laylatul Qadr is coming in the next few days. Life is about people that take advantage of their opportunities to win the love of Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala), and this is indeed one of those chances. Abu Dah Daah was one of those who found an opportunity and won that which is greater than the heavens and the earth. An adult companion of the Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) cultivated his garden next to the property of an orphan. The orphan claimed that a specific palm tree was on his property and thus belonged to him. The companion rejected the claim and off to the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) went the orphan boy to complain. With his justness, the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) measured the two gardens and found that the palm tree did indeed belong to the companion. The orphan erupted crying. Seeing this, the Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) offered the companion, "would you give him the palm tree and to you is a palm tree in Jannah?" However, the companion in his disbelief that an orphan would complain to the Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) missed the opportunity and went away angry.

But someone else saw the opportunity, Abu Dah Daah - radi Allahu ‘anhu. He went to the Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) and asked, "Ya Rasul Allah, if I buy the tree from him and give it to the orphan shall I have that tree in Jannah?" The Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) replied, "Yes."

Abu Dah Daah chased after the companion and asked, "Would you sell that tree to me for my entire garden?" The companion answered, "Take it for there is no good in a tree that I was complained to the Prophet about."

Immediately, Abu Dah Daah went home and found his wife and children playing in the garden. "Leave the garden!" shouted Abu Dah Daah, "we’ve sold it to Allah! We’ve sold it to Allah!" Some of his children had dates in their hand and he snached the dates from them and threw them back into the garden. "We’ve sold it to Allah!"

When Abu Dah Daah was later martyred in the battle of Uhud, Rasul Allah (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) stood over his slain body and remarked, "How many shady palm trees does Abu Dah Daah now have in paradise?"

What did Abu Dah Daah lose? Dates? Bushes? Dirt? What did he gain? He gained a Jannah whose expanse is the heavens and the earth Abu Dah Daah did not miss his opportunity, and I pray to Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) that we do not miss our opportunity of standing to Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) on Laylatul Qadr.

Dear brothers and sisters, we do not obey, worship and revere Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) in a way befitting of His Majesty.Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) revealed: "No just estimate have they made of Allah, such as is due to Him. On the Day of Resurrection the whole of the earth will be but His handful, and the heavens will be rolled up in His right hand: Glory to Him! High is He above the partners they attribute to Him" (Surat al-An’aam, Ayat 91).

Everything that we have belongs to Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala). When someone dies we say, Inna lillaahi wa inna ilayhi raaji’oon, Indeed to Allah we belong and indeed to Him we shall return. This is not a supplication just for when a soul is lost. It is a supplication for every calamity that befalls a believer, even if his sandal were to tear. Why? Because everything belongs to Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) and everything shall come back to him. Sit and try to count the blessings Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) has bestowed upon you. Have you ever tried to count stars?

"And He giveth you of all that ye ask for. But if ye count the favors of Allah, never will ye be able to number them. Verily, man is given up to injustice and ingratitude" (Surat Ibrahim, Ayat 34).

We have not understood the weight of this Qur’an that we rest on our high shelves, this Noble book that was sent to give life to the dead. For even if our hearts were as solid as rock they would have crumbled to the ground in fear and hope of Allah’s (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) punishment and Mercy. Could it be that our hearts are harder than that mountain?

"Had We sent down this Qur’an on a mountain, verily, thou wouldst have seen it humble itself and split asunder in fear of Allah (Surat al-Hashr, Ayat 21).

Dear brothers and sisters, as you fill the Masajid for Qiyamul Layl in the last ten nights of Ramadan, remember what Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) wants you to know:

"Know ye that Allah is strict in punishment and that Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful."

There shall be a night, some night in your life that you shall awaken in Jannah or Hell fire. Anas ibn Malik, on his deathbed, prayed to Allah, (Subhanahu wa ta’ala), "O Allah, protect from a night whose morning brings a journey to hell fire." Think about that morning.

Peace shall descend on Laylatul Qadr until the dawn. It may be that you shall leave the Masjid after Fajr one day soon forgiven by Allah, Glorious and Most High.


--
Allah, The most high says:

"And those who came after them say: ‘Our Lord! Forgive us and our brethren who have preceded us in Faith and put not in our hearts any hatred against those who have believed. Our Lord! You are indeed full of kindness, Most Merciful.”
[Qur’an 59:10]

This is a dua that we should recite often, that Allah does not place into our hearts any hatred towards any of the believers, those who have passed and those who are amongst us, as Allah favours some more than others, but this should not lead us to hate those who are more favoured.

- Explanation from tafsir ibn Kathir

'I am observing fast.'

Abu Hurairah (Radi-Allahu Anhu) reported:

The Messenger of Allah (Sall-Allahu Alaihi Wasallam) said,

"When any one of you is observing fast on a day, he should neither indulge in obscene language nor should he raise the voice; and if anyone reviles him or tries to quarrel with him he should say,'I am observing fast.'"



- Al-Bukhari and Muslim


___Commentary___

This Hadith has already been mentioned and is repeated here for its being relevant to this chapter. We learn from it that during the fasting not only food, drink and sex are prohibited but the improper use of the tongue and the other organs of the body as well. When one is observing fast, he should neither use abusive language nor talk foolishly nor tell lies nor make obscene conversation nor indulge in backbiting nor quarrel with anyone. If someone provokes him, he should keep himself quiet and remember that he is observing fast and he has to abstain from such things. As far as possible, he should keep his tongue engaged in the remembrance of Allah and recitation of the Qur'an.

Laylatul-Qadr-the most blessed night

The meaning of "Qadr" is veneration or honour, i.e. it is a night that is venerated because of its special characteristics, and because the one who stays up during this night becomes a man of honour

Laylat ul-Qadr is the most blessed night. A person who misses it has indeed missed a great amount of good. If a believing person is zealous to obey his Lord and increase the good deeds in his record, he should strive to encounter this night and to pass it in worship and obedience. If this is facilitated for him, all of his previous sins will be forgiven.


Abu Hurayrah (radhiallahu 'anhu) narrated that the Messenger (sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam) said:

"Whoever stands (in qiyaam) in Laylat ul-Qadr [and it is facilitated for him] out of faith and expectation (of Allah's reward), will have all of his previous sins forgiven." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim; the addition "and it is facilitated for him" is recorded by Ahmad from the report of 'Ubaadah Bin as-Samit; it means that he is permitted to be among the sincere worshippers during that blessed night.]

Preparation of the Winners in Ramadan

The following is a reminder of some matters that help one to be among the winners in Ramadan by using its days and nights properly. “Remind, for indeed reminding benefits the believers.” [Adh-Dhaariyat 51:55]

{وَذَكِّرْ فَإِنَّ الذِّكْرَىٰ تَنفَعُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ} الذاريات: 55


Transliteration: Wathakkir fainna alththikra tanfaAAu almumineena

1. Mujaahadah (struggling against the nafs)

“As for those who strive hard in Our Cause, We will surely guide them to Our Paths.” [Al-Ankaboot 29:69]

{وَالَّذِينَ جَاهَدُوا فِينَا لَنَهْدِيَنَّهُمْ سُبُلَنَا ۚ وَإِنَّ اللَّـهَ لَمَعَ الْمُحْسِنِينَ} العنكبوت: 69


Transliteration: Waallatheena jahadoo feena lanahdiyannahum subulana wainna Allaha lamaAAa almuhsineena

Do you want guidance? Do you want steadfastness? Struggle against your soul, for if we bring ourselves closer to Allah, Allah will come closer to us.

2. Having high aspiration and determination

Ibnul Jawzi said, "The sign of completion of the mind is high aspiration, for he who is satisfied with low aspiration is disgraceful, and I didn't see a severer shortcoming than that of people who are capable of completion yet don't aspire for it."

3. Knowing the virtues of the month and its distinguishing characteristics

He who knows something develops interest in it and preserves it. Even if there was nothing in Ramadan but Laylat ul-Qadr (the Night of Power), which is better than one thousand months, that would suffice.

4. Recognizing Ramadan's few days and its speed of departure

“A fixed number of days…” From the verse, “(Observing fast is) for a fixed number of days, but if any of you is ill or on a journey, the same number (should be made up) from other days” [Al-Baqara 2:184]

{أَيَّامًا مَّعْدُودَاتٍ ۚ فَمَن كَانَ مِنكُم مَّرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ...} البقرة: 184


Transliteration: Ayyaman maAAdoodatin faman kana minkum mareedan aw AAala safarin faAAiddatun min ayyamin okhara…

Yesterday we were congratulating each other for the beginning of Ramadan and today we give each other condolences for its departure. This is how both days and life are; passing quickly. So hurry up to benefit in Ramadan.

5. Competition of the righteous people in doing good deeds

The righteous people compete for good deeds, while the others are captives of their lusts and slaves to their desires.

“Then We gave the Book (the Qur'an) for inheritance to such of Our slaves whom We chose. Then of them are some who wrong their ownselves, and of them are some who follow a middle course, and of them are some who are, by Allah's Leave, foremost in good deeds. That is indeed a great grace.” [Fatir 35:32]

}ثُمَّ أَوْرَثْنَا الْكِتَابَ الَّذِينَ اصْطَفَيْنَا مِنْ عِبَادِنَا ۖ فَمِنْهُمْ ظَالِمٌ لِّنَفْسِهِ وَمِنْهُم مُّقْتَصِدٌ وَمِنْهُمْ سَابِقٌ بِالْخَيْرَاتِ بِإِذْنِ اللَّـهِ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ هُوَ الْفَضْلُ الْكَبِيرُ } فاطر: 32


Transliteration: Thumma awrathna alkitaba allatheena istafayna min AAibadina faminhum thalimun linafsihi waminhum muqtasidun waminhum sabiqun bialkhayrati biithni Allahi thalika huwa alfadlu alkabeeru

6. Remembering death and bewaring its suddenness

You might not reach another Ramadan, so watch for yourself!

Adapted by islaam.com from the lecture "The Winners in Ramadan" by Sh. Ibrahim ad-Duwaysh

http://www.islaam.com/Article.aspx?id=657