Ramadan - Fasting and its benefits
Mon, 24/08/2009 - 11:53
1 -
Al-Baqarah [2:183]
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ
O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint,
Sat, 29/08/2009 - 09:15
#2
Al-Baqara
[Observing Saum (fasts)] 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. And as for those who can fast with difficulty, (e.g. an old man), they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a Miskîn (poor person) (for every day). But whoever does good of his own accord, it is better for him. And that you fast, is better for you if only you know.[] (184)
Fri, 04/09/2009 - 15:00
#3
Assalamou Alaikoum, I was sent this by one of my friends and think it is a wonderful article.
O my Servants who have transgressed against their souls! Despair not of the Mercy of Allah: for Allah forgives all sins: for He is Oft-Forgiving Most Merciful.(Quran39:53)
Days of forgiveness are here in Ramadan.
There is nothing more rewarding in Ramadan then connecting with our Creator and talking to him. While talking we must follow the model of the first chapter of the Quran. First thanking Him, recognizing His capacities of mercy and forgiveness and then asking.
Just like our faith, forgiveness is built on the twin connections of Creator and Creation.
Our faith is incomplete unless we are connected with the Creator in worship-AND-connected with His creation in service. (Quran 107).
Similarly seeking forgiveness from God and giving forgiveness to His creation are twin connections which will help us spiritually and communally. It is a part of building personal faith, becoming a better human being, but also of establishing strong communities.
A number of people have and continue to stop assisting in a cause, be it the building of a Masjid, Islamic school or other community institution or project, because of their inability to forgive someone who hurt them who is also involved in the work. This is a tremendous loss for the Muslim community, which is always in need of those willing to offer their time, talents and skills to its betterment.
Forgiveness allows us to move on, to continue working together for the benefit of all, despite the frequent differences and hurts we encounter that are a natural part of human relationships. Forgiveness allows us to see the bigger picture and strive towards that which is noble instead of succumbing to that which is petty.
This Ramadan, let us renew our relationships with each other, not just among our family and friends, but with fellow Muslims and our neighbors who we may have hurt or been hurt by. Let forgiveness be the balm that allows us to refresh our commitment to personal faith, but also, serving humanity together as a community.
Remember, God forgives everything. He loves to forgive. He even loves who even asks for it (Quran 11:90).
He is so Merciful and Mercigiving that the Prophet told us that just one percent of His mercy He has given to all the forgiving mothers on the earth. The rest of all Mercy He has kept for Himself to give. Allahu Akbar.
Peace,
Abdul Malik Mujahid
Abdul Malik Mujahid
Muhammad: the Prophet of Hope and Forgiveness
The two men raced out of the city, the hooligans at their heels. They hatefully hurled rocks at the two lone travelers, furiously chasing them out of the city, showing no mercy.
By the time the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, and his adopted son Zaid bin Harithah had made it out of Taif, the Prophet was bleeding and miserable. Zaid, may God be pleased with him, noticed that there was so much blood in the Prophet’s shoes that his feet were stuck. His visit to the city had garnered no new support for his cause. In fact, the Taifites had treated him with utter disrespect and disgust. Rejection is always painful. But this came at a time when he no longer had the support of his beloved wife Khadija or of his uncle Abu Talib, both of whom had died that same year. It was hard not to feel hopeless, dejected and demoralized. ...more
Why forgive others this Ramadan?
You know you're right.
You know what I'm referring to - those times when you get into an argument(s) with a family member, friend, boss, employee, coworker, classmate, teacher or whoever. You know your facts are right or that you've been wronged with an insulting remark, sarcastic comment or rudeness.
And so, you choose to hold a grudge. After all, you've got a right to. Nobody should be treated this way. Why should you forgive? You're not the one who started this. You're not the one who doesn't have the facts straight.
True. You may be right. You may be in that position of power mentioned in the Hadith above. But forgiving others, apart from positively affecting our health (less stress) and our minds (one less negative thing to focus on), is a necessary step to closeness to God.
How can we move up the ladder of spiritual development when we hold bitterness and anger towards another person? While we may have been in the right, is it worth sacrificing our energy on a grudge instead of on growth? ...more
May Allah keep us all steadfast and in good health during this blessed month and may He shower us all with peace and blessings.
Make this the best Ramadan of your life and treat it as if it was your last Ramadan.
UmHaytham
Remembering Yusef
www.yusefabubaker.org.uk
info@yusefabubaker.org.uk