A Glimpse Of The Truth

Dear Shaitan,

I'm not afraid of you, even though you have me trapped in a pattern of missed prayers, the dear of punishment overwhelms me.
However, I seen a glimpse of the truth when I was reminded by singing the birds that it was time for fajr.

I'm not malicious like you, even though the voice of hatred is heard when I yell at my kids their overcome with fear.
I seen a glimpse of the truth when I was reminded to repent overcome with remorse I dropped the switch and embraced them with love.

I'm not inspired by you, even though I constantly eat poisons when I drive up to fast food because I am too lazy to cook.
I seen a glimpse of the truth when my children smiled at dinner knowing the Muslim caterer said salawat over our meal 1,000 times.

I'm not destructive like you, even though my tongue lashes ill words to my husband or kids.
I see a glimpse of the truth, when opportunity arises to forgo my rights to please them only, as a servant I will gain jennah.

I’m not deliberately wayward like you, even though I worship new clothes, fine jewelry and money.
I seen a glimpse of the truth, when I beautify my dress in the night prayers or give away my possessions privately.

I’m not characterized as a harmful person like you, even though harm comes to those I backbite.
I seen a glimpse of the truth, when I take a chance and ask them for forgiveness our sisterhood bond increases.

I am not committed to the fire like you, although my sins weighed would certainly earn me jahanam.
I seen a glimpse of truth when I read in a hadith that those who love the Prophet will be with the one they love.

I am not connected to you, even though I fall into your traps repeatedly.
I seen a glimpse of the truth, when I choose to repent and renew my intention to please Allah, He takes two steps towards me.


Halima Nalo A

To my Muslim Sister, with Love

I pray everyone is making the most of these middle ten days of Ramadan--the days of Forgiveness. Please remember us all in your du'aas

This is truly a beautiful article to read written by a Christian
woman.

Also check this site out : Crescent and Cross

To My Muslim Sister.

Between the Israeli assault on Lebanon and the Zionist "war on
terror," the Muslim world is now center stage in every American
home. I see the carnage, death and destruction that have befallen
Lebanon, but I also see something else: I see you. I can't help but
notice that almost every woman I see is carrying a baby or has
children around her. I see that though they are dressed modestly,
their beauty still shines through. But it's not just outer beauty
that I notice. I also notice that I feel something strange inside me:
I feel envy. I feel terrible for the horrible experiences and
war crimes that the Lebanese people have suffered, being targeted by
our common enemy. But I can't help but admire your strength, your
beauty, your modesty, and most of all, your happiness. Yes, it's
strange, but it occurred to me that even under constant bombardment,
you still seemed happier than we are, because you were still living
the natural lives of women. The way women have always lived since
the beginning of time. It used to be that way in the West until the
1960s, when we were bombarded by the same enemy. Only we were not
bombarded with actual munitions, but with subtle trickery and moral
corruption.

They bombarded us Americans from Hollywood, instead of from fighter
jets or with our own American-made tanks. They would like to bomb
you in this way too, after they've finished bombing the
infrastructure of your countries. I do not want this to happen to
you. You will feel degraded, just like we do. You can avoid this
kind of bombing if you will kindly listen to those of us who have
already suffered serious casualties from their evil influence.
Because everything you see coming out of Hollywood is a pack of
lies, a distortion of reality, smoke and mirrors. They present
casual sex as harmless recreation because they aim to destroy the
moral fabric of the societies into which they beam their poisonous
programming. I beg you not to drink their poison. There is no
antidote for it once you have consumed it. You may recover
partially, but you will never be the same. Better to avoid the
poison altogether than to try to heal from the damage it causes.

They will try to tempt you with their titillating movies and music
videos, falsely portraying us American women as happy and satisfied,
proud of dressing like prostitutes, and content without families.
Most of us are not happy, trust me. Millions of us are on
anti-depressant medication, hate our jobs, and cry at night over the
men who told us they loved us, then greedily used us and walked
away. They would like to destroy your families and convince you to
have fewer children. They do this by presenting marriage as a form
of slavery, motherhood as a curse, and being modest and pure as
old-fashioned. They want you to cheapen yourself and lose your
faith. They are like the Serpent tempting Eve with the apple. Don't
bite.

I see you as precious gems, pure gold, or the "pearl of great value"
spoken of in the Bible (Matthew 13: 45). All women are pearls of
great value, but some of us have been deceived into doubting the
value of our purity. Jesus said: "Give not that which is holy unto
the dogs, neither cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample
them under their feet, and turn again and rend you" (Matthew 7: 6).
Our pearls are priceless, but they convince us that they're cheap.
But trust me; there is no substitute for being able to look in the
mirror and seeing purity, innocence and self-respect staring back at
you. The fashions coming out of the Western sewer are designed to
make you believe that your most valuable asset is your sexuality.
But your beautiful dresses and veils are actually sexier than any
Western fashion, because they cloak you in mystery and show
self-respect and confidence. A woman's sexuality should be guarded
from unworthy eyes, since it should be your gift to the man who
loves and respects you enough to marry you. And since your men are
still manly warriors, they deserve no less than your best. Our men
don't even want purity anymore. They don't recognize the pearl of
great value, opting for the flashy rhinestone instead. Only to leave
her too.

Your most valuable assets are your inner beauty, your innocence, and
everything that makes you who you are. But I notice that some Muslim
women push the limit and try to be as Western as possible, even
while wearing a veil (with some of their hair showing). Why imitate
women who already regret, or will soon regret, their lost virtue?
There is no compensation for that loss. You are flawless diamonds.
Don't let them trick you into becoming rhinestones. Because
everything you see in the fashion magazines and on Western
television is a lie. It is Satan's trap. It is fool's gold.

I'll let you in on a little secret, just in case you're curious:
pre-marital sex is not even that great. We gave our bodies to the
men we were in love with, believing that that was the way to make
them love us and want to marry us. Just as we had seen on television
growing up. But without the security of marriage and the sure
knowledge that he will always stay with us, it's not even enjoyable!
That's the irony. It was just a waste. It leaves you in tears.
Speaking as one woman to another, I believe that you understand that
already. Because only a woman can truly understand what's in another
woman's heart. We really are all alike. Our race, religion or
nationalities do not matter. A woman's heart is the same everywhere.
We love. That's what we do best. We nurture our families and give
comfort and strength to the men we love. But we American women have
been fooled into believing that we are happiest having careers, our
own homes in which to live alone, and freedom to give our love away
to whomever we choose. That is not freedom. And that is not love.
Only in the safe haven of marriage can a woman's body and heart be
safe to love. Don't settle for anything less. It's not worth it. You
won't even like it and you'll like yourself even less afterwards.
Then he'll leave you.

Sin never pays. It always cheats you. Even though I have reclaimed
my honor, there's still no substitute for having never been
dishonored in the first place. We Western women have been
brainwashed into thinking that you Muslim women are oppressed. But
truly, we are the ones who are oppressed; slaves to fashions that
degrade us, obsessed with our weight, begging for love from men who
do not want to grow up. Deep down inside, we know that we have been
cheated. We secretly admire and envy you, although some of us will
not admit it. Please do not look down on us or think that we like
things the way they are. It's not our fault. Most of us did not have
fathers to protect us when we were young because our families have
been destroyed. You know who is behind this plot. Don't be fooled,
my sisters. Don't let them get you too. Stay innocent and pure. We
Christian women need to see what life is really supposed to be like
for women. We need you to set the example for us, because we are
lost. Hold onto your purity.

Remember: you can't put the toothpaste back in the tube. So guard
your "toothpaste" carefully!

I hope you receive this advice in the spirit in which it is
intended: the spirit of friendship, respect, and admiration. From
your Christian sister – with love.

© 2006+ Joanna Francis
http://joannafrancis.wordpress.com

Actions are According to Intentions

Qisas.com

A person once got angry when he saw people worshipping a tree. He grabbed hold of an axe and intended to cut it down. On the way, he met Shaytaan. He told Shaytaan that he intended to cut the tree down. The Shaytaan told him to leave it and let the tree worshippers face the consequences. Due to this disagreement, the pair wrestled twice. Shaytaan being beaten each time.

As Shaytaan soon realized this person is strong in his belief, he began to change his approach by saying that if you leave this tree, you will find 4 dirhams under your pillow. The person hesitated for a while and thereafter agreed.

The person returned home and found 4 dirhams daily under his pillow every morning. Once, for two consecutive days, he never found the dirhams that were meant to be under his pillow. He proceeded again to the tree in a fit of anger. On the way, he met Shaytaan. Shaytaan asked, “Where are you going?” He replied, “To cut the tree down.”

Iblees (Shaytaan) then told him to return back as he was not going to allow him to proceed. Iblees said, “On the first occasion, you wanted to cut down the tree for Allah, I couldn’t have stopped you but this time you are going due to the 4 dirhams i.e for yourself, I will stop you.”

The moral to this story is that the actions which are done for Allah are difficult for Shaytaan to obstruct. When actions are done for yourself i.e. worldly things, then Shaytaan can win easily.

The Prophet said:

‘..Actions are according to intentions’

May Allah grant us the ability to maintain good intentions. Ameen

Can the Pope be Reformed?

By Khalid Baig
Posted: 29 Shaban 1427, 23 September 2006

When Pope Benedict XVI was installed last year, Jerusalem Post predicted a radical change in Vatican's relations with Islam: "The era of subtle, discreet, yet firm confrontation has begun." It noted with joy that in his greeting the new pope welcomed fellow Catholics, other Christians, and Jews --- but not Muslims.

There was nothing subtle or discreet in the Pope's calculated diatribes against Islam in his University address this month, but there were indications that these may have been opening salvos in the Pope's predicted crusade. He was fulfilling the expectations of Islamophobes of all persuasions. This includes Oriana Fallaci, an author with a venomous pen, who dedicated her life to slandering and vilifying Muslims. The Pope --- considered to be occupied with the issues of faith --- had no problem granting a secret audience to this self declared atheist. This was in August, a month before her death. It is difficult to imagine what brought her and the Pope together except their common hatred of Islam. The racist author, who said "Muslims multiplied like rats," was all praise for the new pope, who in her words was urging Europe to value their Christian (read: medieval) roots. Interesting that an atheist should be jubilant over Christian roots. Hatred, it seems, can produce hypocrisy.

We can gain further insight into the mindset of the new pope by listening to Father Joseph Fessio, a student and friend of Pope Benedict XVI, who gave an hour long interview on the Hugh Hewitt Show (January 2006) on the problems Christianity, especially in Europe, faced with the spread of Islam. Read this:


Hugh Hewitt: Great to have you. I wanted to talk to you today, because Mark Steyn, a tremendous writer, wrote a piece yesterday on the loss of the West, because of depopulation, and because of a lack of seriousness. And I believe that this has been a theme in your teacher, Benedict XVI's first nine months as Pope. Am I right about that?

Joseph Fessio: Absolutely right, Hugh.

The problems mentioned above are diminishing Western populations and their decreasing faith in Christianity. In contrast Muslims are both increasing in numbers as well as in their faith in Islam. Later in the interview Joseph Fessio makes it explicit: "[in] 2005, there were more Muslims born in France than people of traditional French background. Within four years, the top four cities in Holland will be...most populous cities, will have a Muslim majority. I mean, if we look at the demographics, which can change, but they change slowly, I don't see any other issue for Europe, or any result, than looking like North Africa, you know? Algeria, Morocco, Libya, Egypt."

So Muslims are a problem. But the bigger problem is their faith. Benedict XVI himself sees that as a major challenge. In his interview based book, Salt of the Earth: The Church at the End of the Millennium (1997), written when he was Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, he notes that in the post colonial world (since 1960 in his words) Muslims have been coming back to Islam:


So the Muslims now have the consciousness that in reality Islam has remained in the end as the more vigorous religion and that they have something to say to the world, indeed, are the essential religious force of the future. Before, the shariah and all those things had already left the scene, in a sense; now there is a new pride. Thus a new zest, a new intensity about wanting to live Islam has awakened. This is its great power: We have a moral message that has existed without interruption since the prophets, and we will tell the world how to live it, whereas the Christians certainly can't. We must naturally come to terms with this inner power of Islam. [emphasis added]

Unfortunately, this inner strength of Islam leads to rage rather than reflection in the Islamophobic quarters. Hence the campaign to vilify Islam.

Apparently, the Pope's address was his way of coming to terms with the inner power of Islam.

It is interesting that Benedict XVI chose the issue of faith and reason for his attack on Islam. For unlike Christianity, Islamic faith contains no mysteries or perplexing constructs like Trinity or the dual nature of Jesus, peace be upon him (at once human and divine). Ask those who are coming back to Islam in the Western world and on the top of their list you will find the simplicity and reasonableness of Islamic teachings and doctrines. They find here a belief system that immediately resonates with their own intellect. That is why the Qur'an repeatedly urges its readers to think and reflect, and says that those who will face eternal doom in the Hereafter will be the ones who failed to use their intellect.


They will further say: 'Had we but listened or used our intelligence, we should not (now) be among the Companions of the Blazing Fire!' [Al-Mulk 67:10]

The Pope managed to use the issue of faith versus reason to attack Islam not by reading the Qur'an or listening to the Prophet, Sall-Allahu Alayhi wa sallam, but by invoking a medieval emperor's polemics against Islam. (The emperor had been defeated by the Ottomans and it stands to reason that he was bitter.)

The propaganda machine that immediately rushed to his aid stated that the Pope had not approved the statement. He was clumsy, but he committed no offence. As if quoting a diatribe without clearly rejecting it can have some purpose other than propagating it. But here the Pope had done more. He called Manuel II erudite --- a clear word of praise --- and approvingly reported the conclusion he drew, implying the validity of the emperor's reasoning.

Then came the explanations. First there was the Pope's disingenuous regret over the "reaction" of Muslims. Not over his words or actions but their reactions. A few days later the Pope justified his slander by asserting that it was a necessary rhetorical device. He said the offending quote was necessary "to introduce the audience to the drama and relevance" of his talk, reported Stacy Meichtry, of Religion News Service on 21 September 2006. Interestingly the media machine kept on berating Muslims for not accepting an apology that had never been offered.

In the midst of all this the Vatican condemned those who were misinterpreting the Papal quote. We need to ask them, in how many different ways can one interpret a quote like the following: "Show me just what Christianity brought, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, like inquisitions, forced conversions of millions of aborigines in America and Australia, and a brutal slave trade that decimated Africa."

Although the media machine cleverly missed it completely, the real issue is Islamophobia. This is not an issue that can be swept under the rug. The currents of Islamophobia are strong in the West today; especially so in Europe. And with the Pope putting the weight of his office behind this, it can only get uglier.

This ominous development threatens not only Muslims. Muslims have been natural allies of Catholics on moral issues like abortion. But by pointing its guns at them, the Vatican is going to weaken its own position. For those who value that alliance as well as tolerance and peace in the world, the big question remains: Can this Pope be reformed? Can he be made to see reason?

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Zakat Calculator!

Don't neglect this important Fardh and pillar of our faith!

Defining Zakat

Zakat is a levy on the property of the wealthy for distribution to society's poor. The Arabic word "zakat" has connotations of purity, increase and blessing, and paying it purifies, increases and blesses the remainder of one's wealth.

Zakat purifies your wealth, this money is entrusted to you by Allah to be passed on to the needy.

"Of their goods, take zakat, so that you might purify and sanctify them." (Qur'an 9:103)

Zakat is 2.5% of all zakatable wealth that has been in your possession for a lunar year. If your wealth amounts to less than a MINIMUM figure, termed the nisab, then no zakat is payable. This threshold limit is 87.48g (3oz) of gold, or its equivalent in cash (about $1700).

To find out how much this is, open the Online Zakat Calculator which is regularily updated with the latest gold prices.

If you do not know where to give your zakat, you can give to Islamic relief by going here: https://www.irw.org/donate/ -- on the drop down menu, select zakah, its as easy as a click of a mouse.

The Crow

An 80 year old man was sitting on the sofa in his house along with his 45 year's old highly educated son. Suddenly a crow perched on their window.

The Father asked his Son, "What is this?"

The Son replied "It is a crow".

After a few minutes, the Father asked his Son the 2nd time, "What is this?"

The Son said "Father, I have just now told you "It's a crow."

After a little while, the old Father again asked his Son the 3rd time, "What is this?"

At this time some expression of irritation was felt in the Son's tone when he said to his Father with a rebuff.

"It's a crow, a crow".

A little after, the Father again asked his Son the 4th time, "What is this?"

This time the Son shouted at his Father, "Why do you keep asking me the same question again and again, although I have told you so many times 'IT IS A CROW'. Are you not able to understand this?"

A little later the Father went to his room and came back with an old tattered diary, which he had maintained since his Son was born. On opening a page, he asked his Son to read that page. When the son read it, the following words were written in the diary:

"Today my little son aged three was sitting with me on the sofa,when a crow was sitting on the window. My Son asked me 23 times what it was, and I replied to him all 23 times that it was a Crow. I hugged him lovingly each time he asked me the same question again and again for 23 times. I did not at all feel irritated. I rather felt affection for my innocent child."

While the little child asked him 23 times "What is this", the Father had felt no irritation in replying to the same question all 23 times and when today the Father asked his Son the same question just 4 times, the Son felt irritated and annoyed.

So...

If your parents attain old age, do not repulse them or look at them as a burden, but speak to them a gracious word; be cool, obedient,humble and kind to them. Be considerate to your parents.

From today say this aloud,
"I want to see my parents happy forever. They have cared for me ever since I was a little child. They have always showered their selfless love on me. They crossed all mountains and valleys without seeing the storm and heat to make me a person presentable in the Society today".

Say a prayer to God,
"I will serve my old parents in the BEST way.

I will say all good and kind words to my dear parents, no matter how they behave. When I am old, I do not want my child to repeat the words when the crow perches on my window."

Dialogue between a traveler and the Prophet (saw)

Salam to All

A friend sent this to me without a reference--so at least we can read it and take a moral from it, insha'Allah.

Dialogue between a traveler and the prophet (saw)

A traveller once came to the mosque to see the prophet. After
greeting the prophet he was asked where he was from. The traveller
replied that he came from very far just to get a few questions
answered. Following is the dialogue between the traveller and the
prophet.


Traveler: I want to always be honored.
Prophet: never humiliate or put down anyone.

Traveler: I don't want to be squeezed by fishare qabr. ( squeezing
in the grave)
Prophet: recite surah Al-Mulk often.

Traveler: I want my wealth to increase.
Prophet: recite sura Al Waqia every night.


Traveler: I do not want adhaab to be written in my account.
Prophet: behave well with your parents

Traveler: I want to be known amongst people as an intelligent
person.
Prophet: fear Allah always.

Traveler: I want to be counted amongst Allah's favorites.
Prophet: recite quran every morning and evening.

Traveler: I want my heart to always be enlightened [roshan and
munawer]
Prophet: never forget death

Traveler: I never want to be away from Allah's blessing.
Prophet: always treat fellow creatures well.

Traveler: I never want to be harmed by my enemies.
Prophet: always have faith in only Allah.

Traveler: I never want to be humiliated.
Prophet: be careful of your actions.

Traveler: I wish to live long.
Prophet: always do sulah rahm. ( goodness towards blood relations)

Traveler: I want my sustenance to increase.
Prophet: always be in the staet of wudhu.

Traveler: I wish to stay free of adhaab (punishment) in the grave.
Prophet: always wear pure (taahir/paak) clothes.

Traveler: I never want to burn in hell.
Prophet: control your eyes and tongue.

Traveler: how do I get my sins forgiven.
Prophet: always ask forgiveness from Allah with a lot of humility.

Traveler: I want people to respect me always.
Prophet: never extend your hands of need to people.

Traveler: I want to be safe and at peace on day of judgement.
Prophet: do zikr of Allah from dusk to night.

Traveler: I want to have full attention and concentration during salaah (prayers).
Prophet: always do wudhu with concentration and attention

Tips to Help Wake You for Fajr/Tahajjud!

A helpful email I received:

Tips to help you wake up for Fajr, InshaAllah:

1. Keep Away from Ma'aasi (acts of disobedience).
2. Avoid eating too much food.
3. Drink one or two glasses of water before going to bed.
4. Perform Wudhu (ablution) before going to bed.
5. Go to bed early.
6. Make an intention in your heart to get up for Fajr.
7. Set your alarm.
8. Establish Fajr wake up calling system with family and friends e.g. friends/family members calling, texting etc each other to help one another wake up for fajr.
9. Say prescribed supplications (dua) before sleeping
10. Once awake, do not linger lazily in bed.
11. Go to your local masjid to pray

Also... one thing that helps that I do when I study late and stuff is put my alarm clock (which is very loud) in the bathroom... thus forcing you to get up and go to the bathroom to shut it off. While you're there in the bathroom, just splash yourself with water and walaa! You are awake and ready for Fajr.

Okay... so you dont have to do the splashing part, but try it.. it works Inshallah.

And the 2 advices above about staying away from sins and sleeping early is very important. It is from the Rizk (provision/bounty) of Allah that He allows you to get up for Fajr, and when you start sinning and things, He may keep you away from Fajr because of your sins.

Do NOT sleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep after Fajr.

Memorize the Qur'an or Recite It...(the angels gather to witness your recitation in the early morning)

How to get the BEST out of Ramadan!!

Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatulahi wa barakatuh,

TIPS:

1. Clean up the time:

a) Telephone: Try to minimize your chat on the telephone. If you are used to chat with your friends on a regular basis, try to make it short. Share with her the importance of this month & tell her that you want to devote yourself for Ibaadah in order to get the maximum reward in this month. Try to share with her these tips.

b) Cooking: Try to cook something simple during Ramadan as this is a month of Ibaadah & Quraan, not a month of food. There are some husbands who push their wifes to cook different varieties of food & sisters have to spend their time in the kitchen. If its very necessary, keep a tape of Quraan in the kitchen & listen to it while you are busy in Kitchen, or keep your toungue moist with the Zikr. [Try to find out some short cut & tips to prepare the food quickly]

C) Shopping: Try to get all your shopping done before Ramadan. Make a list of the things/grocery/ items, that is enough for one month & buy it all together.

Important: Try to do the Eid shopping NOW. The last ten days of Ramadan when we have to be doing more Ibaadah & spend our time in doing good deeds, most of the muslims are busy in doing shopping for Eid & their kids.

Sisters! These ten days, we has to exaggerate ourself in doing more ibaadah & to catch Laila-ul_qadr. Try to make this Ramadan a very different from all the previous ramadaans.

D) Dinner Party/Iftaar: Iftaar parties during ramadan are getting very common now. This is the Month for you sisters. we have the rest of the full year to do parties & to get socialize. Indeed its a great reward to break someone's fast but try to give food to people who are needy & poor. The prophet Sallalahu alaihi wasallam said,

�Whoever gives food to a fasting person with which to break his fast, will have a reward equal to his, without it detracting in the slightest from the reward of the fasting person.� (Reported by al-Tirmidhi, 3/171; Saheeh al-Targheeb, 1/451).

E) Sleeping: Cut less the time of sleep during this month. Its a month of Ibaadha, doing good deeds. Who knows this could be our last ramadan. try to reduce your sleeping hours. Its only one month & then you can get back to your normal routine.

F) Computer & Internet: this is my personal request.I am spending lot of time on the internet, though visiting Islamic sites & checking & sending emails. Try to spend less time on the internet.

Now when we have cleaned up a big amount of time, lets schedule it for Ibaadhah.

1) Fard: Pray the Obligatory salah on time with Khushoo. Get yourself ready as soon as the salah comes in. Make duaa to Allah to give you Khushoo. & try to get rid of all the thoughts & waswaas that comes in the mind. Think of that you are standing infront of your LORD the Almighty.

2) Sunnah: If you are already praying the 12 sunnah, continue them & add the 2 rak'ah of sunnah after Zuhr. [making them 14 altogether].

The prophet Sallalahu alaihi wasallam said,

�Whoever maintain 4 rak'ah before Zuhr & 4 rak'ah after zuhr, Allah will make the fire Haram on that person" [Ibn-Majah]

4 rak'ah before Asr: The prophet Sallalahu alaihi wasallam said,

�may Allah have mercy on him who prays 4 rak'ah before Asr". [Tirmidi]

Salah Al-Duha: Increase the no. of Rak'ah if you are already in a habit of praying salah al-Duha.

3) Qur'aan: Ramadaan is the month of Quraan. Try to schedule it all the moments you have. If you are working, try to keep a pocket size Quraan with you & read it whenever you get the time,like, coffee break, lunch break, etc

Try to read with reflection. Read slowly in a beautiful voice & reflect on its meaning. Try to read this time, with translation & tafseer.

3) Traweeh & Qiyaam-ul-lail: Try to read the traweeh in the mosque where the Imaam is doing long Qiyaam.

4) Tahajjud: Try to get up little earlier to pray 2 rak'ah & make duaa. Its the best time for making duaa & accepntance of duaa.

5) Du'aa: Write all the duaa you want to make for yourself, your children, family or any duaa that you want to make. Each day try to focus on duaa, & keep on repeating it throughout the day & at times when the duaa is accepted. Make duaa to Allah to give you Ikhlaas, khushoo, make duaa that you catch lailat-ul-Qadr. make duaa for the whole Ummah.

[repeat the duaa that are important to you,during the last ten days of Ramadan]

6) Zikr: Select one zikr for a day & focus on it daily, reflecting on its meaning & thinking about its reward. [ get the Duaa book "Hisn-ul-muslim or hisn-ul haseen from any store]

7) Charity: Try to give as much charity as you can, as the reward gets more during the month of ramadan. Give food to the poor & needy people & help those in need.

8) Last 10 days: Double & triple the amount of Ibaadah you are doing during the last ten days of Ramadan. Sleep less & worship more.. pray as much as you can & make a lot of duaa.

sisters and brothers! let us get ready to make this ramadaan a very different than all the previous ramadan. do as much as you can & inshaAllah Allah will help you. ameen

Do remember us in your Duaas.

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May Allah accept our fasting, accept our tears, forgive our sins, and extend our years. May this blessed month be a source of mercy, guidance, unity, and peace that permeates throughout the world. Ameen.