Ramadaan Series {Day 30} – Things We Need to Continue Doing After Ramadaan

The good habits that we developed we need to continue to work on them and persevere in them. For example:

• Praying salaah in the musjid (especially Esha and Fajr)
• To read Qur’an every single day
• To continue with night prayer and make du’a in our sujood.
• To make du’a every day that Allah keeps us on the Straight Path
• To check ourselves on a daily basis and accuse ourselves of the sins we have committed and repent from them.
• To continue working on our character by pinpointing what can be improved about ourselves and working on it.
• To read and ponder over the Qur’an. To learn a portion of it by heart and recite it in our prayers. To also apply it to our lives as much as possible.
• To ensure all the fard duties are completed on time and to the best of our ability.
• To continue to give charity every single day
• To continue building our relationship with Allah by learning about Him. Knowing who He is through His Lofty names and attributes. Using those names in du’a to call upon Him.
• To continue praying extra salaah such as the 12 Sunnah and qiyaam.
• To fast regularly such as Mondays and Thursdays and the three white days of the month.
• To make du’a regularly and during special times.
• To appreciate what we have.
• To eat less and not over indulge.
• To try and finish the Qur’an minimum once a month which is a juz (chapter) a day.
• To memorise more and ponder over the words of Allah.
• To encourage family to do the same.
• To make du’a your Ramadaan is accepted and to make du’a you reach the next Ramadan.
• To lower your gaze.
• Longer sujoods.
• Have a separate portion for contemplation of the Qur’an even if it’s just a Verse a day.

Ramadaan Series {Day 29} – Finish Ramadan Strong

Ibn al-Jawzi (rh) said:

“When the race horse knows that it is nearing the end of the track it exerts all of its effort to win the race. Do not allow the race horse to be more clever than you. For verily, deeds are judged by their conclusions. So, if you didn’t do well with welcoming Ramadan then perhaps you will do better bidding it farewell.”

Ibn Taymiyyah (rh) said:

“The lesson lies in perfection of the conclusion of a thing, not in the shortcomings of the beginning of it.”

Hasan al-Basri said:

“Improve your performance in what is left (of time) and you will be forgiven for that which has already passed. So, take special care of the time you have left because you do not know when your soul will be turned over to Allah’s Mercy.”

Ramadaan Series {Day 28} – Hide Your Good Deeds as You Hide Your Sins

When hiding your deeds, Allah will expose them to reveal the good side of a person.

The person who does good deeds for the people, his good deeds have no value and will have no effect.

To test yourself: look at how you are in public, in private, when people are asleep or when you are alone.

Some would fast for 40 years and their own wives wouldn’t even know about it. They would take the lunch she made and give it to the poor.

Keep the good deeds you are doing like Qiyaam, fasting, weekly charity, and do it in private after Ramadan.

Ramadaan Series {Day 27} – Prolonged Du’a in Sujood and Tashahud in The Last 10 Nights of Ramadaan

Du’a in sujood and du’a after tashahud should be prolonged in these nights. If you don’t know Arabic then any du’as you have memorised, the du’a of Laylatul Qadr, istighfar and anything else you know should be used.

Ramadaan Series {Day 26} – How to Make the Most of the Last Ten Nights

The following will, insha’Allah, help someone make the absolute most of these blessed nights.

– The time for laylatul Qadr is from Maghrib until Fajr.

– Get rid of distractions during the day including phone calls, bills etc.

– Sleep after Dhuhr so you’re fresh at night.

– Ask family if they need anything before Maghrib and sort it out then so you can dedicate the night to Allah.

– Try to leave the phone off as much as possible: you’re trying to get 1,000 months worth of good deeds!

– Have a quick suhoor with dates and water and if not, then anything else will do.

– Go to the Musjid for salah, home is better for women. Do adkhar after salah fully and then pray the Sunnah.

– Come home after salaah and avoid pleasure eating. Eat less these days and you’ll see you can cry so much more in your du’a and sujood.

A number of the scholars like Anas ibn Malik would say there is a type of night prayer between Maghrib and Esha so pray at that time. Give charity at this time too whether it’s online or some other way. Give someone a reminder even via text and text relatives. These are all good deeds.

Make sure you make the intention to sit in itikaaf, as according to the majority there is no set time, then go to the Musjid and stay there from Esha till tarawih. Concentrate totally in salah and stay with the imam, whether he prays 11, 20 or whatever other amount of rakah so you get the reward for praying the whole night!

Come home and spend the rest of the night in du’a, dhikr, Qur’an and optional prayers.

Dhikr includes salat upon the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم , SubhanAllah, Alhumdulillah, Allahuakbar, istighfaar, SubhanAllah wa bihamdihi, and everything else you know.

In the time just before Fajr, do lots of istighfar and du’a.

After tarawih, some musjids offer Qiyam Ul layl; go to this if you can, especially if you don’t think you can do the same amount at home or will be lazy.

Do not take a long time with your suhoor and iftar, during these ten days sacrifice your food!

Finally, forgive anyone that has done anything bad to you in your du’a. Imagine if you were to die, what would you have wanted to achieve? Sweetness in the prayer? A legacy? Hajj? In your du’a ask for anything and everything, now is the time to ask.

Please forward as most don’t know what they are supposed to do or end up wasting time doing other things.

Ramadaan Series {Day 25} – Tips for The Last 10 Nights of Ramadaan

Laylatul Qadr is in the last 10 nights of Ramadaan and the correct view is that it changes each year and Allah Knows Best. So strive hard in each of these nights.

It starts from Maghrib until Fajr time so busy yourself with acts of worship!

It’s better than 1,000 months as in your action will be multiplied by 1,000 months reward.

Ibn Abbas (ra) said on this night, everything that is going to be decreed for the next year will be written such as rizq, lives, deaths.

The best of actions are to pray Salaah, read Qur’an and make du’a. One can also do dhikr, give sadaqa and other good actions.

There is a difference of opinion if the multiplication is for all actions or just Salaah.

• Pray tarawih with the imam and stay with him until he leaves and do not leave half way through! Make the intention that you’re standing with firm belief and expecting reward from Allah and your (minor) sins will all be forgiven! Major sins require tawbah so repent too!
• Some musjids do another qiyam shortly after tarawih, go to that too in order to maximise reward.
• Pray Fajr and Esha in the Musjid as it will be a whole night’s reward.
• Keep your family awake as the Prophet (saw) would.
• The Hadith which mentions the Prophet (saw) would tie his belt means to work hard or not having intercourse as mentioned by some scholars.
• Pay your zakat ul fitr before Eid by a day or two! Ask your local Musjid how much it is.
• Read this du’a a lot as mentioned by the Prophet (saw) to A’aisha (ra) – اللهم انك تحب العفو فافع عني
• Remember, as some of the scholars said, if a person can’t strive for 10 nights out of an entire year, then they really need to question themselves!

Additional points of benefit:

Ibn Rajab (rh) mentions some of the people of the past would have a shower after Maghrib so they are at their most beautiful for these more beautiful nights and some would wear their best clothes and look their best, buying special clothes for these nights! So make an effort for Allah, insha’Allah!

Ramadaan Series {Day 24} – Praying Maghrib and Esha in Jamaat in The Last 10 Nights of Ramadaan

Saeed Ibn al Musayyib would say, the one who prays Maghrib and Esha in jamaat has caught Laylatul Qadr! So, strive to pray them in jamaat!

Ramadaan Series {Day 23} – Doing Good Deeds in The Last 10 Blessed Days of Ramadaan

Shaykh Khalid al Sabt mentions that those who don’t find the urge to strive to do good deeds in these nights then when will they strive?

Ramadaan Series {Day 22} – Signs of Laylatul Qadr

“I asked Ubayy ibn Ka`b, saying: Your brother Ibn Mas`ood says: Whoever stands in (Night) Prayer throughout the whole year will attain Laylatul-Qadr (The Night of Decree). So, he said: “May Allaah have mercy upon him! He intended that the people should not just rely (upon a single night). Indeed, he knew that it was in Ramadaan; and that it is in the last ten; and that it was the twenty seventh night.” Then he swore an oath, without exception that it was the twenty seventh night.” So, I said:” O Abul-Mundhir! Upon what basis do you say that?” He said: “Based upon the sign which Allaah’s Messenger (saw) informed us of: that it [i.e. the sun] will rise on that day having no rays.”

Imaam an-Nawawee (rh) said in his explanation of Saheeh Muslim: “…al-Qaadee `Iyaad said:

It is said that the meaning of its having no rays is that this was just a distinctive sign which Allaah -the Most High – made for it [that year]. He said: Or it is otherwise said: Rather it is on account of the great number of Angels coming and going on its night; and their descending to the earth, and their ascending, with that which they descended with. So, their wings and their subtle/ethereal bodies screen the light of the sun and its rays, and Allaah knows best.”

Imaam Aboo Daawood (rh) reported the hadeeth (The Book of the Prayer: Chapter 319: What occurs regarding the Night of Decree), (no. 1378), with the wording:

“…On the morning following that night the sun enters the morning like a brass dish, having no rays, until it has risen higher.”

[Declared “hasan saheeh” by Shaikh al-Albaanee -rahimahullaah.]

Imaam Ibn Khuzaymah (rh) reported in his Saheeh (no. 2192): “Bundaar narrated to us: Aboo `Aamir narrated to me: Zam`ah narrated to us: from Salamah – he is Ibn Wahraam-: from `Ikrimah: from Ibn `Abbaas: from the Prophet (saw) that he said regarding the Night of Decree:

“It is a pleasant night, being neither hot nor cold. The sun enters the morning of its day being red and weak.”

Some narrations mention that Laylatul Qadr is like pure and glowing as if there was a bright Moon as mentioned by Ibn Katheer (rh) as mentioned in his tafseer and Allah Knows best.

Ramadaan Series {Day 21} – When Is Laylatul Qadr?

What do we say about which night Laylatul Qadr is?

Laylatul Qadr can be in any of the last 10 nights of Ramadan. Even more specific than that, it can be in the odd numbered nights.

Ubayy Ibn Ka’b (ra) from the Sahaabah swore by Allah that it’s on the 27th night and this is in the saheeh. This is why people emphasis this night.

Can there be a variable? Is it based on the lunar calendar?

The Islamic month (lunar calendar) is 29 or 30 days. After the 30th day it is automatically the next month.

So, when it says the “odd nights” that’s put into context by sheikh ul Islam (rh). His view to combine between why the Sahaabah mentioned so many different nights is that:

It changes every year

In addition –

We don’t know if the month will be 29/30 days! So, in reality it’s any of the last ten nights.

Ibn Hajr (rh) mentions a large amount of views in fath ul Bari on when it could be and sheikh ul Islam’s view seems strong.

Allah Knows Best

Ramadaan Series {Day 20} – Bathing and Beautifying Yourself in The Last 10 Nights of Ramadaan

Ibn Jarīr al-Tabari mentioned people of the past who used to encourage bathing every night in the last ten nights of Ramadan, and Ibrāhīm al-Nakha’i was among those who bathed every night. Others used to bathe on those nights which they expected was laylat’l-qadr.

It was reported that Anas b. Mālik (ra) would bathe, apply perfume and dress in his finest on the night of the 24th of Ramadan and every night. Ayyūb al-Sukhtiyāni would bathe on the nights of the 23rd and 24th and wear new clothes for these nights and fragrance himself with incense.

It was also transmitted that Thābit al-Banāni and Hamid al-Tawil would dress in their best and apply fragrance during these ten nights.

Tamīm al-Dāri bought a cloak for one thousand dirhams to adorn himself with on the nights he hoped laylat’l-qadr might fall.

Ramadaan Series {Day 19} – Overeating During Iftar

“…One should not overeat while breaking the fast to the point that he fills his stomach, as there isn’t any container that Allah hates more than a full stomach. How can one benefit from fasting and subdue this enemy and break this desire if he breaks his fast by making up for it through eating everything that he missed out on during the day?

In fact, some even eat more than they usually would during the day! This habit has continued to the point that so many types of food are prepared for Ramadan that more food is eaten in this month than in any other month.

It is known that the whole point of fasting is discipline and to break one’s desire in order to strengthen the soul with taqwa. So, if you prevent your digestive system from food all day long until night such that its desire and longing for food goes wild, and you then feed it what it wants until it is fully satisfied, this will only increase its desire and multiply its energy, and it will manifest a longing that wouldn’t have been there had it been left to its usual intake.

So, the essence and secret of fasting is to weaken this energy that provides means for Satan to pull you towards what is bad, and this can’t happen unless you reduce your food intake. When you break your fast, eat only what you would normally eat at that specific time when not fasting.

But to break your fast by combining the amount you would’ve eaten during the day with the amount you usually eat at night will leave you having gained nothing at all from your fast.

In fact, from the etiquette of fasting is to not sleep much during the day in order to feel the hunger and thirst, and in order to weaken this energy. This will clean out the heart and keep this energy weakened every night so that it will be easier to pray at night and do your sets of Qur’an recitation and dhikr of Allah.

Maybe this will prevent Satan from approaching your heart and allow you to look to what is in the kingdom of the heavens, and the Night of Qadr is basically the night in which some of what is contained in this kingdom is shown, and this is what is meant by Allah’s Saying:

{“Indeed, We have descended it on the Night of Qadr.”}

And whoever puts a barrier of food between his heart and his chest will have a barrier put between himself and what is shown from this kingdom, and to keep your stomach free isn’t enough to lift this barrier if your mind isn’t free from anything other than Allah – and this is the entire point.

The starting point of all this is to reduce your intake of food…”

[‘Ihya’ ‘Ulum ad-Din’; 1/303]

Ramadaan Series {Day 18} – Actions to be Done During Ramadaan

Many think that reciting the Qur’an is just during the day when fasting, however the Prophet (saw) would meet Jibreel (as) in the night. So, try to read some Qur’an at night too.

Also, remember that if you can, even if it’s only 5 minutes, pray more after tarawih prayer. A person may pray tarawih, go home and miss out on the blessed last third of the night.

Finally, do some istighfar in the time just before Fajr as this was the practice of the Sahaaba and the righteous of the past.

Ramadaan Series {Day 17} – Making Sincere Du’a

Some of the people of the past would be amazed that so many people raise their hands and no reply was given. Then one of them replied with a statement of Ibn Mas’ud (ra), that Allah only responds to the du’a of the one asking firmly from his heart!

So, what of our state nowadays when one looks at the Muslim world?!

Ramadaan Series {Day 16 Bonus} – Short Itikaaf During Ramadaan

Intend itikaaf by staying in the Musjid even for a few hours as according to some scholars there is no time limit for itikaaf.

Ramadaan Series {Day 16} – Saying Mashaa’Allah Tabaarak’Allah

It’s basic etiquette to say mashaa’Allah tabaark’Allah if we see or hear of something amazing or impressive. When saying it say it loudly and don’t mumble it, as it makes a person wonder if one said it or is finding it difficult to say.

We should be happy for others and this shows our clean hearts and we should also teach our households this including our spouses and children from a young age.

This includes everything from someone’s house, something someone has achieved, getting married, finding a job, finishing their hifdh, having a ring on, a new shirt, their looking nice and so on.

Ramadaan Series {Day 15} – Being Generous in Ramadaan

In Saheeh al-Bukhari, in the Book of Wahyi (Revelation), Ibn ‘Abbaas is recorded as saying:

كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم أَجْوَدَ النَّاسِ، وَكَانَ أَجْوَدُ مَا يَكُونُ فِي رَمَضَانَ حِينَ يَلْقَاهُ جِبْرِيلُ، وَكَانَ يَلْقَاهُ فِي كُلِّ لَيْلَةٍ مِنْ رَمَضَانَ فَيُدَارِسُهُ الْقُرْآنَ، فَلَرَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم أَجْوَدُ بِالْخَيْرِ مِنَ الرِّيحِ الْمُرْسَلَةِ

The Messenger of Allah (saw) was the most generous of people, and he was even more generous in Ramadaan when Jibreel (as) used to meet him. Every night of Ramadaan Jibreel (as) used to come to him and the Messenger of Allah (saw) would study the Qur’an with him. So, the Messenger of Allah (saw) was more generous in giving good than the blowing wind.

[Saheeh al-Bukhari #6]

In part of his commentary on this Hadeeth, Ibn Hajr al-‘Asqalaani (rh) wrote:

قوله : ( فيدارسه القرآن ) ـ

His statement, “So he would study the Qur’an with him”.

قيل الحكمة فيه أن مدارسة القرآن تجدد له العهد بمزيد غنى النفس ، والغنى سبب الجود . والجود في الشرع إعطاء ما ينبغي لمن ينبغي ، وهو أعم من الصدقة . ـ

It is said that the wisdom in this is that studying the Qur’an refreshed his knowledge by increasing in a feeling of self-contentedness, and contentedness is a cause of generosity. And al-Jood (generosity) according to the religious terminology is: giving what is appropriate to whom it is appropriate, and this is more general than al-sadaqah.

وأيضا فرمضان موسم الخيرات ; لأن نعم الله على عباده فيه زائدة على غيره ، فكان النبي – صلى الله عليه وسلم – يؤثر متابعة سنة الله في عباده . ـ

And also, Ramadan is a season of goodnesses, for Allah has blessed His slaves with an increase (of good) therein compared to other times, so the Prophet (saw) imitated following Allah’s Sunnah with His slaves.

And ibn Hajr also wrote:

والمرسلة أي : المطلقة يعني أنه في الإسراع بالجود أسرع من الريح ، وعبر بالمرسلة إشارة إلى دوام هبوبها بالرحمة ، وإلى عموم النفع بجوده كما تعم الريح المرسلة جميع ما تهب عليه . ـ

And “the blowing wind” – meaning: in his hastening to be generous he was swifter than the wind. And the word choice of “blowing wind” indicates the persistence of its blowing with rahmah (mercy, kindness) and the broad impact of the benefit of his generosity, just as the wind of this type (strong blowing wind) encompasses all of whatever it reaches.

ووقع عند أحمد في آخر هذا الحديث ” لا يسأل شيئا إلا أعطاه ” وثبتت هذه الزيادة في الصحيح من حديث جابر ” ما سئل رسول الله – صلى الله عليه وسلم – شيئا فقال لا ” . ـ

And the Hadeeth comes in Ahmad and elsewhere that, “he would not be asked for anything except that he would give it,” and that addition is confirmed in the Saheeh in the hadeeth of Jaabir, “The Messenger of Allah was never asked something to which he responded, ‘no’”.

وقال النووي : في الحديث فوائد : منها الحث على الجود في كل وقت ، ومنها الزيادة في رمضان وعند الاجتماع بأهل الصلاح . وفيه زيارة الصلحاء وأهل الخير ، وتكرار ذلك إذا كان المزور لا يكرهه ، واستحباب الإكثار من القراءة في رمضان وكونها أفضل [ ص: 42 ] من سائر الأذكار ، إذ لو كان الذكر أفضل أو مساويا لفعلاه . فإن قيل : المقصود تجويد الحفظ ، قلنا الحفظ كان حاصلا ، والزيادة فيه تحصل ببعض المجالس ، وأنه يجوز أن يقال رمضان من غير إضافة وغير ذلك مما يظهر بالتأمل . ـ

And al-Nawawi (rh) said: In this Hadeeth there are a number of benefits:

• Encouragement to be generous at all times.
• Increasing in gatherings with righteous people during Ramadaan.
• Visiting the righteous people and the people of goodness, and this is emphasised if the one being visited does not mind that.
• The recommended nature of increasing in reciting the Qur’an during Ramadan and its being more virtuous than the rest of the forms of dhikr, for if dhikr had been more virtuous or equal in virtue, then he would have done that.
• And if it is said that the intended purpose [of studying the Qur’an with Jibreel (as)] was improving (his) memorisation, then we say that his memorisation was already achieved, and increasing in reciting is achieved through some gatherings.
• And that it is permitted to refer to Ramadaan without saying ‘shahr Ramadan‘ [the month of Ramadan’], as well as other benefits which would present themselves with reflection. [end quote from al-Nawawi]

Ramadaan Series {Day 14} – Seeking Forgiveness Before Dawn

وَبِالْأَسْحَارِ هُمْ يَسْتَغْفِرُونَ – 51:18

“And in the hours before dawn, they were (found) asking (Allah) for forgiveness,”

Ibn Katheer (rh) mentioned that some would use this Aayah to show the merits of seeking forgiveness just before the start of Fajr time until Fajr time actually starts.

Imaam Qurtubi (rh) said al Hasan al Basri from the pious people of the past said the “it” means seeking forgiveness for one’s sins.

The Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “The Lord descends every night to the lowest heaven when one-third of the night remains and says: ‘Who will call upon Me, that I may answer Him? Who will ask of Me, that I may give him? Who will seek My forgiveness, that I may forgive him?’”

[Sahih Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Try to be from those that take advantage of this time, even if it’s only 5 minutes before Fajr! And success is from Allah alone!

Ramadaan Series {Day 13} – Benefits of Doing a lot of Istighfar

Ibn Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) said: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:

“If anyone constantly seeks pardon (from Allah), Allah will appoint for him a way out of every distress and a relief from every anxiety, and will provide sustenance for him from where he expects not.” [Abu Dawud]

In another Hadith, Abdullah bin Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) narrates that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said:

“The one who (regularly) says Istighfaar, that is, frequently repents to Allah Ta’aala for sins committed, Allah Azza Wa-Jal will open a path from poverty and difficulties. All sorrow and hardship will be removed, and in its place prosperity and contentment granted. One will receive sustenance from unimagined and unexpected sources.”

Ramadaan Series {Day 12} – Praying Qiyaam in Ramadaan

Sheikh Ibn Jibreen (may Allah have mercy on him) said:

Praying qiyaam in Ramadan is attained by praying part of the night, such as half of it or one third of it, whether that is by praying eleven rak‘ahs or twenty-three. Qiyaam is attained by praying behind the neighbourhood imam until he finishes, even if he finishes within one hour.

Imam Ahmad (rh) used to pray with the Imam and not leave until he finished, acting in accordance with the Hadith. And whoever wants to attain this reward must pray with the imam until he finishes Witr, whether he prays a little or a lot, and whether the time taken is long or short.

End quote.

Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn Jibreen.

Ramadaan Series {Day 11} – Make Du’a Whilst Fasting

The Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “There are three whose supplication will not be rejected: the just ruler, the fasting person until he breaks his fast, and the supplication of one who has been wronged.”

Narrated by Ahmad (8043) and classed as Saheeh.

An-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) said:

It is mustahabb for the fasting person to offer supplication whilst fasting with regards to what concerns him of the Hereafter and of this world, for himself, for those whom he loves, and for the Muslims.

Ramadaan Series {Day 10} – Fasting Ramadaan Whilst Travelling or Sick

For the traveller, we say the one who has travelled 48 miles after leaving the last home of their city they become a traveller.

• If this traveller finds it difficult to fast it is an obligation not to fast
• If the fasting could lead to difficulty it is better for him not to fast
• If it creates a slight difficulty but it’s not too bad then it is better to fast.

For the sick person:

• If the fasting will harm them then it is an obligation not to fast.
• If he finds it difficult with no harm then it is better not to fast
• If they are slightly ill then he has to fast.

For both the traveller and ill person they must make these fasts up.

Ramadaan Series {Day 9 Bonus} – Great Victories in Ramadaan

This month was an opening in the Ummah with many great victories including Badr and many others so try to make this month an opening for you to do something monumental.

1. Think of something you have as a goal e.g Hifdh of the Qur’an or any other goal you have.
2. Make more du’a for it.
3. Take some sort of step towards it even if it’s a baby step!

Ramadaan Series {Day 9 Bonus} – Increasing in Dhikr

The people of the past would say that if Allah wants good for a person, He allows him to increase in dhikr.

They would say there are two types of dhikr:

• Remembering Allah with the tongue and this is good
• Remembering Allah by staying away from haraam and this is better

Let’s increase in both types of dhikr in this month insha’Allah!

Ramadaan Series {Day 9} – Acts of Worship to Do During Ramadaan

Many think that reciting the Qur’an is just during the day when fasting whereas the Prophet (saw) would meet Jibreel (as) in the night. So, try to read some Qur’an at night too.

Also, remember that if you can, even if it’s only 5 minutes, pray more after tarawih. A person may pray tarawih, go home and miss out on the blessed last third of the night.

Finally, do some istighfar in the time just before fajr as this was the practice of the Sahaabah and the righteous of the past.

Ramadaan Series {Day 8} – One Who Fasts Ramadaan His Previous Sins Will Be Forgiven

Some narrations mention that the one that fasts Ramadan, his previous and future sins are forgiven!

Is this referring to all future sins and does this include major sins?

It refers to the minor sins of the past year. Major sins require tawbah and according to some, Hajj mabrur.

As for the part which says future sins forgiven or the next year, this has been weakened by some scholars and they say any time a Hadith says sins forgiven for this year and the next, the part which says next is weak as how can a person’s sins for thr next year be forgiven in advance?

Some argue this was just for the Prophet (saw) and they also argue that the narrations in Bukhari and Muslim, which mention past sins forgiven, rarely if ever mention future sins being forgiven.

Allah knows best.

 

Ramadaan Series {Day 7} – Making Du’a for Others

The du’a of the fasting person is accepted. But here is how you make it unique:

1. Do it for someone who wouldn’t expect it from you. Don’t tell that person in order to make it even more sincere for the sake of Allah.
2. Diversify the du’as and people you make du’a for so that you can be given different things by Allah. Think of a person in each of the following categories and make du’a for them daily:

• A person who has good qualities but hasn’t been guided to faith. Make du’a for guidance for that person so that perhaps Allah grants you further guidance and keeps you on the straight path.
• A person who is involved in Islamic work, that Allah accepts from them and keeps them sincere so that perhaps Allah uses you for His cause and keeps you sincere.
• A person who is committing a public sin. Make du’a that Allah forgives that person. Imagine if the du’a is accepted for a major public sin, then the angels will say ameen for you also and perhaps Allah will forgive you for both your public and private sins.
• A person who is ill, that Allah grants him or her full health so that perhaps Allah will either heal you if you are sick or preserve your health for you if you are healthy.
• A person who is struggling financially or suffering a worldly hardship, ask Allah to help that person so that perhaps Allah will help you in that same situation.
• A person who has a particular blessing that you wish for, that Allah maintains that blessing upon that person without making it a means of taking him or her away from goodness in the Hereafter so that perhaps Allah will grant it for you or maintain your blessings upon you without making them a means of harm for you.

Ramadaan Series {Day 6} – Praying Salaah on Time

When the Prophet (saw) was asked what the MOST beloved action to Allah was, he (saw) would consistently answer, “Prayer performed on time.” (Bukhari, Nasaai).

Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) describes the later generations of Bani Israeel as having “Lost the prayer” because they stopped praying on time.

Allah says:

But there came after them successors who neglected prayer and pursued desires; so, they are going to meet evil –

(19:59)

This led them to pursue their evil empty desires and meet destruction in the Hereafter.

When one has no desire or longing to remember their Lord, they stand at the end of the time of prayer with laziness just to get it over with. This is how Allah describes the hypocrites.

Allah says:

Indeed, the hypocrites [think to] deceive Allah, but He is deceiving them. And when they stand for prayer, they stand lazily, showing [themselves to] the people and not remembering Allah except a little,

(4:142)

Let’s train ourselves to pray our salaah on time within the time frame insha’Allah.

Ramadan is the time to establish good habits and what better habit can you start than the one that is most beloved to Allah!

Ramadaan Series {Day 5} – Reconcile with Those Around You

The worst thing in the world you could do to your Ramadan is completely render it void because of a dispute you have with someone. It contradicts the entire essence of fasting and seeking the pardon of your Lord because it’s not befitting to request forgiveness if you’re unable to forgive others.

Ramadan is the best opportunity to write that email or text message to that lost family member or friend and say “it’s not worth it to lose Allah’s forgiveness over this” and “I’M SORRY.”

Even if you’ve been avoiding someone and there is an implicit, unofficial, or unspoken boycott, make sure you end that today so that you don’t jeopardize your fasting.

• Don’t do it for that person, do it for the sake of Allah.

Oh Allah clear our hearts from enmity, give us the ability to forgive, and pardon us for we have wronged ourselves. Ameen.

Ramadaan Series {Day 4} – Ramadaan Targets

Things to Give Up in Ramadaan

1. Anything that you spend too much time on e.g the phone
2. Unnecessary speech
3. Try not to get angry

Ramadan Targets

1. Make plenty of tawbah
2. Try to pray every salaah in the musjid
3. Pray with khushu
4. Finish the Qur’an slowly with contemplation and translation
5. Make a list of your worst habits and try to give them up.

Targets for The Last 10 Nights

1. Make sure you pray Isha and Fajr in jamaat without fail.
2. In the last third of the night (or when you wake up for suhoor) make sure you have a list of du’as to make.

Ramadaan Series {Day 3} – Being Generous in the Month of Ramadaan

The Prophet (saw) was the most generous of people in giving charity, but he was even more generous during the month of Ramadaan. He was more generous and faster in giving charity than a blowing wind.

Anas (ra) narrated that the Prophet (saw) said: “The best charity is the one given during Ramadan.”

[At-Tirmithi]

Charity is not limited to giving money.

• It is also helping another person in their time of need
• Donating what is beloved to you for the sake of Allah
• Designating a dwelling place (depending on your profession) to one who can’t afford it
• Smiling at your brother
• Helping your family with the chores
• Mending the ties of kinship
• Teaching your family about Islam
• Helping to lay out the food just before breaking the fast (at the musjid, at home or anywhere else you may be)

This month is an excellent opportunity for us all to gain an immense amount of reward, with the correct intention of pleasing Allah, from every day tasks that we normally do.

Set yourself a target of doing a minimum of one charity every single day, without fail, for the entire month of Ramadaan.

Ramadaan Series {Day 2} – Reading the Qur’an With Contemplation

Allah says:

Then do they not reflect upon the Qur’an, or are there locks upon [their] hearts?

[47:24]

Ramadaan is the month of the Qur’an. It is a time for Muslims to be attached to the Qur’an through recitation, contemplation and acting upon it.

Many of us will have a goal of finishing the Qur’an a set number of times this Ramadaan. This is a noble and praiseworthy goal. However, how many of us truly understand what we are reading? Truly understand what Allah is saying?

This Ramadaan lets make it a goal to ensure that we include contemplation alongside our recitation by reading a small amount of tafseer to help us understand what Allah is saying to us and what He wants from us.

Ramadaan Series {Day 1} – Why Do We Fast?

Allah says:

O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.

[2:183]

It is clear from this Verse of the Qur’an that fasting was not prescribed to just feel hungry and thirsty, rather it was prescribed by Allah for us to attain taqwa. This means to have Allah on our minds at all times. To make Allah our concern in all our matters.

This Verse is not only to be practiced in Ramadaan but also outside Ramadaan.

This month is an excellent opportunity for us all to make small changes in our lives that can be carried through the entire year, insha’Allah.

Avoid Being Stingy

Don’t be stingy with money. If a person can help someone out, then they do, if they can overlook someone’s debt, then they do, if they can increase in sadaqa, then they do.

Avoid being miserly as much as possible.

The True Haafidh

A person who has memorised the Qur’an but doesn’t understand it or act upon it is not a haafidh, rather they are a carrier of the Qur’an. The Qur’an wasn’t revealed just to be recited and memorised!

How many have beautiful voices and have memorised the Qur’an, yet its effects can’t be seen on their character nor on their actions; not praying their Sunnah prayers, constantly lying, not lowering their gaze, watching movies and many other things. The haafidh is supposed to be the best of people; a role model! It is not just a title to have or something to show off with or just for the month of Ramadan!

What is Arrogance, Its Signs and Cures?

Arrogance is:

• Looking down on others
• Looking down at the truth
• A major sin
• A characteristic of Shaytaan

Signs of an arrogant person:

• Always expecting others to give them salaam first
• Never seeking advice in matters
• Always thinking they are right and are unable to admit when they are wrong
• Thinking that they know everything and don’t need to be taught / learn (even though they have never studied)
• Remembering other’s faults and flaws and forgetting their own
• Constantly reminding others of a sin they have done, even though they have repented for it!
• Thinking they are better than others due to their wealth, background, knowledge, looks and so on.

How to cure arrogance:

• First, admit you’ve got a problem. If a person can’t do this then they’ll never improve!
• Secondly, think of all the times you’ve been arrogant, (sit in a room quietly and ponder) and then repent for it. Refer to the signs above to aid in this.
• Thirdly, remember that you are competing with Allah: Mightiness and Loftiness are for Him Alone! Learn about Him!
• Fourthly, remember that you are made from the mixing of waters. How can someone with such a lowly beginning think so highly of themselves!

Arrogance Will Prevent Access to Paradise

Abd-Allaah ibn Mas’ood said that the Prophet (sallallaahu ʻalayhi wa sallam) said: “No one who has an atom’s-weight of arrogance in his heart will enter Paradise.”

(Muslim)

The Reward of Following a Funeral Procession

The Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu ʻalayhi wa sallam) said: “Whoever attends the funeral from the house (of the deceased) [according to one report: whoever follows the funeral of a Muslim out of faith and the hope of reward] until the funeral prayer is offered will have one qeeraat, and whoever attends the funeral until the deceased is buried will have two qeeraats.” He was asked, “O Messenger of Allaah, what are the two qeeraats?” He said, “Like two huge mountains.”

(Narrated by al-Bukhaari, al-Janaa’iz, 1240)

Seeking Forgiveness for The Deceased

It is Sunnah to stand at the grave when everyone has left and seek forgiveness and steadfastness for the deceased, because they are about to be questioned.

Performing Good Deeds Within Your Capacity

A Hadith narrated by ʻAa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) said, “A woman from the tribe of Bani Asad was sitting with me, and the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu ʻalayhi wa sallam) came to my house and said, ‘Who is this?’ I said, ‘She is so-and-so; she does not sleep at night because she is engaged in prayer.’ The Prophet (sallallaahu ʻalayhi wa sallam) said, ‘Do (good) deeds within your capacity; Allaah never gets tired (of giving rewards) until you get tired (of doing good deeds).’”

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Doing Istikhaara and Consulting the People

When you are about to make any decision, big or small and it’s not related to halaal or haraam, then it’s extremely wise to do istikhaara AND consult people who have experience in the field.

As for not doing either, it usually leads to bad results. Not consulting can also be a sign of arrogance.

Benefits of Eating Less & Eating Halaal

• It is easier to shed tears for the sake of Allah
• It is easier to stand for the night prayer
• You sleep less
• It softens the heart
• A higher chance of your du’a being accepted
• It becomes easier to control your desires

Mistakes Made When Seeking Knowledge

Your main intention when teaching or reminding others should be to benefit yourself! If your main intention is to remove ignorance from others first, then you will not see barakah in your teaching and you’ll also call people to things you don’t do yourself!

The Reward for Praying ‘Isha and Fajr in the Mosque

‘Uthman bin `Affan (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying: “One who performs `Isha’ prayer in congregation, is as if he has performed Salaah for half of the night. And one who performs the Fajr prayer in congregation, is as if he has performed Salaah the whole night.”

{Muslim}

Having a Portion of the Night for Qiyaam ul Layl

Remember to have a portion of the night prayer. Even if it’s not in the last third of the night, pray qiyaam ul layl straight after ‘Isha and then sleep. Set your alarm for the last third of the night if you can get up.

How Can We Have Lofty Aspirations?

Firstly, you need to have a drive towards your goal. This can be done by reading a lot about the people of the past and how they were with ilm and getting things done.

Secondly, making lots of du’a. Du’a should never be looked down upon or belittled.

Thirdly, making a plan.

Making Tawbah Immediately After Committing Sin

Try to make tawbah immediately after any sin you commit.

The Importance of Documenting Ideas

Try your best to spend more time thinking, even if for ten minutes, about your weaknesses, thoughts and ideas. They must be written down and documented so you can return to them.

Du’a to Make When Struggling to Raise Children

Make the following du’a when you are struggling with raising children:

وعن الفضيل قال: اللهم إني أجتهدتُ أن أؤذّب عليّاً، فلم أقدر على تأديبه فأدبه أنت لي.

This du’a was made by Al-Fudayl ibn ‘Iyaad when he was struggling with raising his son. It is said that he became an amazing son after this du’a.

Oh Allah, I struggled to rectify my son Ali, and I’m not able to train him or raise him as I want. Oh Allah, you raise him and make him righteous for me.

Seek Blessings from Allah to Avoid Envy

Seek blessings from Allah when you see something that amazes you, whether it is from yourself or others.

Your inability to seek blessings from Allah when you see someone doing well or having a blessing, can indicate envy in your heart.

This usually occurs with people in the same field; seeking knowledge, profession or even with children.

Make du’a for the person instead and cleanse your heart from this jealousy.