Al-Muhajiroon Magazine’s Ramadan issues
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Assalamu Alaikum.
“Magazine?”
Somehow, I knew that word would catch your eye.
What is “Al-Muhajiroon”?
Well, that’s the name of a bi-monthly magazine run by the sisters at the Enlightened into Islam Center in Kuwait. [Here’s their blog.]
And it’s quite nice indeed. [Those of you who want to know more about the Names of Allah will REALLY like it. They have an article on a Name in each issue.]
You can download all the previous issues here.
Here are the Ramadan issues:
[Click on the picture to download the issue.]
1) Servitude in Fasting (Year 1429 AH)
2) What is after Ramadan? (Year 1430 AH)
3) Two Occasions of Joy for the Person Observing Saum (Fasting) (Year 1431 AH)
4) Patience and Gratitude during the Month of Ramadan (Year 1432 AH)
5) Lailatul Qadr – The Night of Decree (Year 1433 AH i.e. this year’s edition)
The Centre has also produced a couple of books. You can find them all online here.
Two of them are related to Ramadan:
[Click on the picture to download the book.]
1) The Verdicts of Fasting
2) Zakaat-ul-Fitr (The Breaking Fast Charity)
PS. It’s a total coincidence that three of the last four posts (including this one) have links to Islamic magazines.
Project “Recover Ramadan” – Step 17: Remember that zakaah and sadaqah are not limited to Ramadan…
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Assalamu Alaikum.
Remember this series? The last part discussed khushoo (humility) in prayer.
Salaah (prayer) is the second pillar of Islam. After this comes the zakaah (the obligatory charity).
[Note: It is zakaah and not zakaat. And while we’re having a language lesson, I’d also like to point out that “namaz” is an Urdu/Farsi/Turkish word, not an Arabic word so could we please stop using it in the English language? Baarakallahu feekum.]
Prayer is the right of Allah, whereas zakaah is the right of the slaves of Allah.
Allah has mentioned salaah and zakaah together 82 times in the Quran (according to Shaikh Saleh Al-Fawzan), thereby showing how intertwined these two really are.
So it’s strange to find people who pray but do not give zakaah. [Of course, it’s even stranger to find people who give zakaah but do not pray!]
If one wants to be a complete Muslim, one should fulfill both the rights of Allah and the rights of creation. Safeguarding one’s prayers and paying the zakaah are the first steps towards that.
I’m completely useless with the fiqh (jurisprudence) of zakaah so I won’t even go there. [I studied it 4 times and it just keeps going above my head.] You may find many resources here though.
However, I’d like to point out the following important points:
1) Zakaah is obligatory but sadaqah (charity) isn’t.
Zakaah is a bit like the five obligatory prayers and sadaqah is a bit like the voluntary prayers, in the sense that you have the obligatory part for everyone and you also have the voluntary part for those that want to go the extra mile.
2) Zakaah is not necessarily due in Ramadan. It is due when one (lunar) year passes on the wealth.
You might have multiple times where you pay zakaah during the year as you might have zakaah due on different things.
4) Zakaah and Zakaatul fitr are two totally different things.
The former is due after one (lunar) year. The latter is due at the end of Ramadan and is paid in the form of food.
5) Zakaah is not due on everybody. It is only due on those who fulfill the required conditions .
6) The one who doesn’t pay the zakaah out of stinginess is a major sinner. However, the one who doesn’t pay the zakaah because he doesn’t think it it obligatory is a disbeliever.
7) Zakaah can only be given to one of eight categories of people, whereas there is no restriction on who sadaqah can be given to.
Apart from the fasts and the night prayers, what also distinguishes Ramadan from the other months is the brotherhood (which is shown through the zakaah and sadaqah). So we need to extend this brotherhood to the other months as well.
Unfortunately, one of the issues that we’re facing today as an ummah (nation) is that the money flows in during Ramadan and all the people in need get enough.
However, in the other 11 months, the well seems to dry up.
Why is that? Well, I guess it’s the same reason that some people pray only in Ramadan but not outside of it.
The reason is that they don’t understand the Names and Attributes of Allah, nor do they know about His Rights. Due to this, they cheat themselves by only worshipping Him during Ramadan.
So, it is incumbent for the one who is truly sincere in worshipping Allah that he does so 12 months a year, not just one!
So we not only need to work on improving our prayers but we also need to be more consistent in giving charity.
An amazing story of consistency in giving charity would be Shaikh ibn Baz (rahimahullah). I heard that he gave so much charity that he never paid zakaah (because his wealth did not fulfill the conditions as he gave it away before the year passed), subhan Allah.
Insha-Allah, in the next post of this series, I’ll clear up some misunderstandings that people have about charity.
Some resources for the Last Ten Days and Eid
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Assalamu Alaikum.
Yes, they’re almost upon us – the best nights of the year.
No more napping. We need to take some action.
This Ramadan, I haven’t posted many resources because I did that last year.
I thought I would just link to the useful ones:
[All of these link to the post which contains the resource.]
Last Ten Days, Laylatul Qadr, Itikaf, Zakaatul Fitr and Eid
Articles / Books
1) When is Laylatul Qadr? [Don’t forget to read this one!]
2) The Excellence of the Night of Qadr
3) The Last Ten Days of Ramadan
4) A Guide to the Last Ten Days
5) Why have the Muslims forsaken Itikaaf?
6) Resources for Itikaf – Umm Muawiyah’s very own guide as to what you REALLY need for itikaf.
7) “There is no Itikaf except in the three Masjids”
[Note: It seems that some people get confused between Zakaah and Zakaatul Fitr. They are two totally different things.]
10) Some more Resources for Eid
Lectures
1) Making the Most of the End of Ramadan
2) Focusing on Laylatul Qadr and Itikaaf
3) Rulings and Virtues of Itikaf
4) Zakaatul Fitr – Is it money or food?
Is this the last post for this Ramadan, you ask?
I wish but no. A few more to go, insha-Allah…
An Introduction to the Lord of the Worlds – Day 10
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Assalamu Alaikum.
[This post picks up from where yesterday’s post left off.]
6) There is a difference between the Names of Allah and His Attributes.
[Note: I’m translating this portion from my teacher Ustadh Azeez Farhan’s class notes on Aqeedah Al-Wasitiyyah.
Haven’t heard of him, say the UAE folks? That’s sad because he’s one of the most knowledgeable people in the country.
Obviously, he lectures in Arabic. Here’s his website.]
What is the difference?
Article: Farewell Ramadan
Assalamu Alaikum.
Another day, another article.
[The Learning Arabic Post will be continued tomorrow, insha-Allah.]
You know what makes me sad? Let me tell you.
This blog got a whole lot more visitors during Ramadan.
Am I sad because my blog traffic went down? No, because ultimately blog popularity is not at all important.
I’m sad because people seemed to have lost their enthusiasm for Ramadan a mere two weeks after it has ended. If this is what happens a few weeks after Ramadan, then what will happen after a few months??? Subhan Allah, it’s really sad.
What’s also sad is that we do things the wrong way around. We start advertising Ramadan a few weeks before it starts (rather than a few months ahead as it should be done) and then after the last day of Ramadan, we hear one or two lectures on steadfastness and that’s it.
The early generations prayer for Ramadan for 6 months in advance and prayed to get Ramadan 6 months after it ended.
[Actually, it should be 5.5 months if you do the math, but anyway…]
Here’s another Adios Ramadan article:
[This lecture seems to have been right at the end of one of the previous Ramadans, hence he mentions zakaatul fitr, etc.]
[Note: I has some issues formatting the article so it looks a bit strange in some places. My apologies.]
____________________________________________________________
http://www.alminbar.com/khutbaheng/2260.htm
Farewell Ramadan
Abdur Rahman As-Sudais
Summary
1) The course of life.
2) The anguish at the end of Ramadaan.
3) Those who rejoice during Ramadaan.
4) Acceptance of good deeds was the greatest concern of the salaf.
5) Acts of worship performed during Ramadaan.
6) The wonderful opportunity that Ramadaan represents
7) Persistence on obedience.
8) The effects of Ramadaan upon the soul.
9) The painful predicament of our Ummah.
10) Propaganda against Islaam and Muslims.
11) Salvation is achieved through sound faith.
12) Good deeds at the end of Ramadaan.
13) Zakaatul-Fitr (charity paid at the conclusion of Ramadaan).
All praise is due to Allaah, Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allaah, his household and companions.
Fellow Muslims! Fear Allaah, for that is the most trustworthy handhold that will never break. It is the best provision for the Abode of Peace and whoever possesses it will prosper and be saved from all evils.
Fellow Muslims! When one ponders over the history of nations, they will realise that all are in the process of constant change. This is the course destined for them by Allaah and nothing can change that.
Brothers in Islaam! Tell me, if an honourable guest visits you in your dwellings, showers you with goodness and loves you – which you reciprocate; then the time for his departure arrives, how are you going to bid him farewell and how are you going to feel? What separation is then greater and more emotional than that from the beloved guest of the Muslims, the blessed month of Ramadaan?
Article: Wealth is for Establishment of Prayer and Payment of Zakaah
Assalamu Alaikum.
I know, I know. You’re like “Wealth is for the establishment of prayer?”
I was confused too. Did the author mean building masjids, I wondered?
Nope. He was actually quoting a hadeeth qudsi* with this wording. Subhan Allah.
[This is when the Prophet (salallahu alaihi wasallam) says “Allah says….”]
Read the article to find out what this means: Wealth is for Establishment of Prayer and Payment of Zakaah by Shaikh Hussain Al-Awaayishah.
Book: Zakaatul Fitr
Assalamu Alaikum.
Here’s a short treatise by Shaikh Muhammad Saalih Al-Munajjid about Zakaatul Fitr.
Of course, there are some difference of opinions in the various issues mentioned. If you aren’t sure what to do, then please consult a person of knowledge.
Lecture: Zakaatul Fitr – Is it money or food?
Assalamu Alaikum.
Zakaatul Fitr is a charity that is due at the end of Ramadan. A few points regarding it:
1) It is an obligation according to the majority of scholars.
2) It is paid by the head of the household for ALL those under his care.
3) It is to be paid in the form of 1 saa (Don’t ask me for the measurement. I always get confused.) of dates, barley, cheese or wheat, according to the majority.
Brother Abu Taubah (in the lecture below) says that it’s an innovation to pay cash instead of money. I wouldn’t go that far because there is a group of scholars (a minority) that say it is allowed. While I don’t agree with them (the evidence doesn’t support their view), I wouldn’t call it a innovation, just a mistaken ijtihaad on their part (in my view).
Unfortunately, the “zakaatul fitr can be money” view is very popular with the laymen although it was NOT the practice of the early generations.
Do people give zakaatul fitr as money because they believe that it is the right view or because it is easier than giving food? Allah knows better.
[I think the cost of 1 saa of rice is something like AED 15. I’d advise all the brothers and sisters to encourage their children to pay it from their own pocket money. This will instill in them a sense of responsibility.]
4) It HAS to be paid before the Eid prayer.
How long before the Eid prayer? Some scholars said any time before Ramadan but many of then said it should be within the last two days and not before that. So it’s best not to pay it too early.
You can delegate someone to do it though. For example, Dar Al Ber offers zakaatul fitr services. If you pay AED 10 or 15 (I can’t remember the amount), they’ll buy the food on your behalf and feed the poor person towards the end of Ramadan.
5) The recipients are the same as the 8 categories of people who can receive zakaah.
6) Like zakaah, it is better to pay it in one’s own place of residence.
I’ll put up some resources on Zakaatul Fitr, insha-Allah.
Here’s the first one:
Zakaatul Fitr – Is it money or food? By Abu Taubah
Teensie-Weensie Reminder (Day 8): Time to assess our Ramadan…- Part 1
Assalamu Alaikum.
[Okay, a little apology before I begin. It seems that some people really liked the last couple of reminders. However, one should not have high expectations for every post.
This is going to be a simple, possibly drab post and might be more negative as compared to the earlier ones. I say what I have to say and I’m not going to go out of my way just to please any readers who might be expecting great posts.]
[A note: I haven’t added any references for some of the things that I’ve mentioned because: 1) It’s already late and I’m tired and 2) These things are well-known. However, if you want the references then please feel free to ask because it is your right to do so.]
So, we’ve finished 8 days of Ramadan now (less if you’re in other countries).
8 days.
8 days.
8 days.
Is it just me or does that sound like far too much considering the fact the Ramadan seemed to start just yesterday?
I had all these high aims but the first week of Ramadan has been a disappointment for me. I didn’t do all the things that I set out to do. Perhaps some of you might have the same issue.
So, what do we need to do?
We need to check and see what we did do, what we didn’t do, and what we need to do in the next 21-22 days.
If you’ve skimmed my blog, you might have noticed a category that states “Ramadan: Month of…”. There are lots of subcategories below that.
So, insha-Allah, I thought I would review our Ramadan in the context of these subcategories:
[Note: the subcategories are in alphabetical order but my list is not.]
[I’m just going to list a whole lot of questions that we need to ask ourselves.]
The Greatest Month 