EXCELLENT response and encouragement of hijab. :)
Friday, March 12, 2010
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
The Rahmah Foundation Proudly Presents a sisters-only online session:
Should I Wait For Prince Charming?
Does He Even Exist?!
The Case for Settling for Mr. Good Enough - the Islamic Take!
With Ustadha Shamira Chothia Ahmed and
Noha Alshugairi, M.S. Marriage and Family Therapist Intern
The princess is aging, society is speaking and the prince doesn't seem to exist! What should a sister do?!
Discuss practical solutions to this increasingly common scenario for single Muslimahs in the West and learn how to overcome the pre-marital roadblocks in order to live "happily ever after"!
When: Saturday March 20, 2010
Live Interactive session from 11am - 1pm P.S.T
Where: Online! (www.wiziq.com)
Deadline to register is March 17th, 2010
You will be emailed log-in information prior to the class, inshAllah!
This free-session is open to all sisters.
Please spread the word!
About the Speakers:
Noha Alshugairi received her M.S. in counseling from California State University, Fullerton, and her B.A. in Zoology from Rutgers University. She is currently a Marriage and Family Therapy Intern in private practice in Newport Beach, California. She is also the co-host of “Family Connection” an Internet Radio show on www.onelegacyradio.com. As a Certified Positive Discipline Associate, she conducts parenting classes on a regular basis. She frequently lectures on issues related to women and family. Her interests include: divorce in the American Muslim community, parent and child relationships, the intertwining of faith and culture in the American Muslim community, youth identity development, and the impact of changing women roles on the family unit.
Born and raised in Northern California, Shamira Chothia Ahmed is an emerging young female scholar of the traditional Islamic sciences. Her studies led her to seek sacred knowledge from scholars on three continents — Africa, Europe, and Asia. In England she completed the five-year, traditional alimah (Islamic studies) program, studied the ahadith collection of the Sihah Sittah and received her ijaazah (authorization) in Sahih al-Bukhari with renowned Hanafi scholars. Thereafter, Ustadha Shamira was able to continue her studies in Damascus, Syria and was later an instructor of Hanafi fiqh for women at the Zaytuna Institute in Hayward, California. She recently earned her Master's degree in Demographics and Social Analysis from the University of California at Irvine with her focus on the identity formation of the Muslim-American population. Ustadha Shamira is both a wife and mother, and enjoys giving interactive and uplifting talks to sisters across the U.S.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Celebrate Mercy, Celebrate our Prophet (saw) - Year Round insh'Allah!
Assalamualaykum!
A good article just to remind us not to do extra acts in this month (i.e., seerah readings, salawaat etc) thinking there's more reward for this month, more virtue, etc. or restricting it to this month. Check your intentions! Click here to read.
Also, Mufti Taqi Usmani mentions there is difference of opinion on which day the Prophet (saw) was actually born (some say it was the 9th of Rabial Awwal, others the 12th) and that we don't celebrate birth or death anniversaries.
The reason I'm sending it is b/c of a sister's question on which days to specifically fast this month and with which niyyah - to which I reply: there are none! (besides the sunnah year-round fasts of fasting Mondays, Thursdays and the 13,14, 15th of each lunar month) and Allah knows best
(on the other hand, its always nice to celebrate mercy!! In and out of Rabial Awwal, inshAllah! See below :))
A good article just to remind us not to do extra acts in this month (i.e., seerah readings, salawaat etc) thinking there's more reward for this month, more virtue, etc. or restricting it to this month. Check your intentions! Click here to read.
Also, Mufti Taqi Usmani mentions there is difference of opinion on which day the Prophet (saw) was actually born (some say it was the 9th of Rabial Awwal, others the 12th) and that we don't celebrate birth or death anniversaries.
The reason I'm sending it is b/c of a sister's question on which days to specifically fast this month and with which niyyah - to which I reply: there are none! (besides the sunnah year-round fasts of fasting Mondays, Thursdays and the 13,14, 15th of each lunar month) and Allah knows best
(on the other hand, its always nice to celebrate mercy!! In and out of Rabial Awwal, inshAllah! See below :))
February 25 is a live webcast celebrating the life and character of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. Please forward widely! Register at
Friday, January 22, 2010
Modesty: A Branch of Faith:: Redlands, CA
Bismillah
The Rahmah Foundation & The Redlands Peace Academy
Proudly Present:
Modesty: A Branch of Faith
The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "Modesty only brings good." [Agreed upon]
In a variant of Muslim, "Modesty is all good."
What exactly is modesty? How does it relate to ourselves, to our Creator, and to the rest of creation?
In this motivating and beneficial talk Ustadha Shamira will discuss the importance of modesty in our tradition, how it relates to us, and how we can increase in this amazing quality that is so beloved to Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala! Don't miss out!
Date: Saturday, January 30th, 2010
Time: 1:30 - 3:30pm
Venue: Peace Academy
609 Amigos drive Suite # 2
Redlands, CA 92373
Sisters only please!
Babysitting is available.
Natural Childbirth in Islam Series: Irvine, CA
Bismillahi Rahmani Raheem
Please mark your calendars!!
The Rahmah Foundation proudly presents:
A Four Week Mini-Series for Sisters
Ustadha Shamira Chothia Ahmed!!
Natural Childbirth in Islam
Mondays, Thursdays @ 6:00-7:00pm
January 4th, 11th, 18th, 28th, Feb 4th, 2010!!
At: Islamic Center of Irvine (ICOI) Masjid
In this four week series, Ustadha Shamira Ahmed will be covering what natural childbirth is in our Islamic tradition, touching upon pregnancy exercises and du'aas, relaxation techniques during labor, good nutrition, stages of labor and delivery and much more! This class is open to all sisters interested in learning about pregnancy, delivery and what our Islamic tradition mentions regarding this beautiful stage and experience in a woman's life. Everyone is welcome to attend! Sisters only!
Class 4: Thursday, January 28th:
Topics to be covered, inshaAllah:
- Releasing of fears, increasing confidence & trust in self & in our Creator (s.w.t)
- Stages of Labor - emotional/physical indicators
- Relaxation positions for first stage
- Second stage of labor discussion
- Mental/physical/emotional relaxation
- Birth Plan preferences
- Reflection/Du'as
Class 5: Thursday, Feb. 4th:
Topics to be covered, insha'Allah:
- Post-natal care
- Sunnahs of birth
- Breastfeeding in our tradition
- Practical tips
- "Best Gift to Baby"
Class 6: Thursday, Feb. 11th: TENTATIVE (if needed)
Please remember us in your du'aas
Jazakum-Allah khayrun and please spread the word!!
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Nagat's message on Farhana's passing
Assalamu alaikum.
The hadith that I am sharing is one that I heard during a class that I took back in June. Subhanallah I found it quite insightful and meaningful.
The Prophet (saw) was sitting with four of his companions (ra) -- Abu Bakr, Omar, Othman and Ali. The topic of discussion was what three things each loved most in this world. The Prophet (saw) answered first. His three were perfume, women, and prayer. Then he asked this same question of each of the companions. This is what they picked.
Abu Bakr: Looking at the Prophet's face (saw), making salawat on the Prophet (saw), and giving money to charity
Omar: Advising people, stopping wrongdoing, and saying the truth even if it's hard
Othman: Cooking and giving people food, saying salaam to others, and making the night prayer when everyone is asleep
Ali: Fasting in summer, taking care of guests, and using the sword to defend the Prophet (saw)
Then Jibril came to the Prophet (saw) and revealed the three things that he loved most. They were coming with the message to the world, coming to the Prophet (saw), and saying "alhamdulillah."
Finally, Jibril told the Prophet this. "Allah sends you salaams and to the sahaba. Allah loves these three things: a tongue always in dhikr, a heart that's grateful, and a body that's tested but patient."
What would we give to encompass just ONE of the qualities that Allah finds worthy of His love? What a great reward! And if we could be lucky enough to attain all three ... we can't even imagine the delights that await!! Subhanallah, looking over the list, it would seem as if Farhana is one of the ones who can achieve this title of "beloved."
Until the end, Farhana's tongue was always in dhikr. She urged people to recite and recite and recite. Even when her strength wasn't very strong during these last few days, she'd hold her tasbeeh beads and slowly turn one bead at a time. I can't even imagine how much strength that took from her.
And her body was definitely tested, but she remained so patient and calm. During this last year I never once heard her complain. Not once. After all the pricks and pain she had to endure, she just took it. I got a LITTLE cut on my finger tonight, and I was ready to be a baby about it. But not Farhana. I think it was during Ramadan that I was sitting with her one day and the tumor must have already been exerting pressure on her and making her tired. She didn't complain. Instead, so sweetly she said something like "May I go to sleep now?" or "I'm just going to close my eyes for a while, OK?" As if she needed to ask me for permission or was worried that I might be offended. Subhanallah.
And throughout it all she remained grateful to both Allah and those around her. She was thankful for the progress that she made during her physical therapy like walking again and being able to dress herself. She was thankful for her family who took care of her and hated to think that she was an inconvenience to them in any way. She was grateful for all the prayers that she received and how much they helped her during her struggle. She loved hearing that people all over the world were remembering her and making du'a for her.
May these three qualities endear her to Allah and allow Him to shower her with His love and reward her accordingly. And may we all strive to achieve the same. As Auntie Rabia said today we need to look at Farhana and learn a lesson. We need to realize just how short life is and how un-important all this daily stuff is that we get caught up with. Only our relationship with Allah is what is important. May we always remember Farhana in our du'as and take this lesson to heart. Ameen!
-- Nagat
The hadith that I am sharing is one that I heard during a class that I took back in June. Subhanallah I found it quite insightful and meaningful.
The Prophet (saw) was sitting with four of his companions (ra) -- Abu Bakr, Omar, Othman and Ali. The topic of discussion was what three things each loved most in this world. The Prophet (saw) answered first. His three were perfume, women, and prayer. Then he asked this same question of each of the companions. This is what they picked.
Abu Bakr: Looking at the Prophet's face (saw), making salawat on the Prophet (saw), and giving money to charity
Omar: Advising people, stopping wrongdoing, and saying the truth even if it's hard
Othman: Cooking and giving people food, saying salaam to others, and making the night prayer when everyone is asleep
Ali: Fasting in summer, taking care of guests, and using the sword to defend the Prophet (saw)
Then Jibril came to the Prophet (saw) and revealed the three things that he loved most. They were coming with the message to the world, coming to the Prophet (saw), and saying "alhamdulillah."
Finally, Jibril told the Prophet this. "Allah sends you salaams and to the sahaba. Allah loves these three things: a tongue always in dhikr, a heart that's grateful, and a body that's tested but patient."
What would we give to encompass just ONE of the qualities that Allah finds worthy of His love? What a great reward! And if we could be lucky enough to attain all three ... we can't even imagine the delights that await!! Subhanallah, looking over the list, it would seem as if Farhana is one of the ones who can achieve this title of "beloved."
Until the end, Farhana's tongue was always in dhikr. She urged people to recite and recite and recite. Even when her strength wasn't very strong during these last few days, she'd hold her tasbeeh beads and slowly turn one bead at a time. I can't even imagine how much strength that took from her.
And her body was definitely tested, but she remained so patient and calm. During this last year I never once heard her complain. Not once. After all the pricks and pain she had to endure, she just took it. I got a LITTLE cut on my finger tonight, and I was ready to be a baby about it. But not Farhana. I think it was during Ramadan that I was sitting with her one day and the tumor must have already been exerting pressure on her and making her tired. She didn't complain. Instead, so sweetly she said something like "May I go to sleep now?" or "I'm just going to close my eyes for a while, OK?" As if she needed to ask me for permission or was worried that I might be offended. Subhanallah.
And throughout it all she remained grateful to both Allah and those around her. She was thankful for the progress that she made during her physical therapy like walking again and being able to dress herself. She was thankful for her family who took care of her and hated to think that she was an inconvenience to them in any way. She was grateful for all the prayers that she received and how much they helped her during her struggle. She loved hearing that people all over the world were remembering her and making du'a for her.
May these three qualities endear her to Allah and allow Him to shower her with His love and reward her accordingly. And may we all strive to achieve the same. As Auntie Rabia said today we need to look at Farhana and learn a lesson. We need to realize just how short life is and how un-important all this daily stuff is that we get caught up with. Only our relationship with Allah is what is important. May we always remember Farhana in our du'as and take this lesson to heart. Ameen!
-- Nagat
Thursday, October 22, 2009
The passing of our sister Farhana
Bismillah
Assalamualaykum wa rahmatullah
As many may know, my cousin Farhana passed away last night after a 16 month battle with a brain tumor (in reality she was more to me than an older sister..) . She passed away peacefully last night at around 8 pm with close family around her. We ask each of you to please pray for her and the family and to ask Allah (swt) to make things easy and full of khayr.
-Shamira
In my cousin Ismail's words:
In my cousin Na'eel's words:
Assalaam alaykum wa rahmatullah,
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un. Certainly, we are from Allah and to Him we return.
After a long year of struggle, my dear cousin Farhana passed away at 7:45 PST at home in California with all her loved ones beside her. One of my beloved aunts described her last moments in this world by likening the exit of her ruh/soul to a silk thread being drawn out of a delicate flower. may Allah make that moment for us as easy as Farhana's. As Muslims, we joyously celebrate the occurrence of a beautiful death for it heralds eternal bliss. Farhana's transition between the temporal and eternal is the transplantation of a flower from a garden to the Garden.
Her short life gave her enough time to exemplify the sincerity and simplicity one can live one's live with. As she lost function of various faculties, (movement, sight and then speaking), she used what remained to bring the way of the Prophet into her life. In fact, for the past week, as she lay on her bed immobile, she used the only hand she had left to use - her right - to make dhikr/remembrance on the tasbeeh/rosary and use the miswak/toothstick. All she wanted us to recite was Ya Salamu(Oh Peace referring to Allah) and Surah Yaseen. In this world, she called with Ya Salaamu with her last breath; now she is with al-Salam. She knew where she was going and wanted to leave in the most excellent way. Ameen. Where are we? Subhanallah.
Hadith
The last thing the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) did before his death (according to Aisha): “He lay down in my lap, brushed his teeth harder than he had ever done before ”, then his eyes were fixed and he was saying “Nay, the Companion on high from paradise.” I said to myself “You were given the choice and you have chosen, by Him who sent you with the Truth.” Then, he passed away.” (Bukhari)
The passing of loved ones occasions both mourning and remembrance of what awaits us all.
If I could suggest a concrete step after reading this email, purchase Imam Ghazali's Remembrance of Death and the Afterlife and read it annually .Familiarizing yourself with death is not a morbid exercise in our Tradition; rather, its frequent remembrance will serve to make its reality the context in which we live and act.
In these moments, it is painfully obvious how we have no control over life and death. When we are reminded over who is actually in control, we must chase those opportunities to take control of what we actually can - our intention. At the end of the day and life, it is our state of being and not our actions that we die upon. Never underestimate your intention for the niyya is removed from time. That is why dying upon an intention other than worshiping the One and Only can earn perpetual punishment. may Allah save us from this end! On the other hand, leaving this world with a pious intention can facilitate eternal reward.
In this light, we have only control of our intentions and the moments ahead. The Sufi is called "ibnul waqt", the "child of the moment." Years and lifetimes are not guaranteed; neither are days, weeks, or hours. In a manner of speaking, we are guaranteed the here and now and can control what we do in that span of time. Farhana lived her life with this in mind. She took care of people and made us all smile when we were with her. She was a devoted wife, sister, daughter, and friend.
This is the legacy Farhana leaves for us - fulfilling the rights she owed to others and never expecting anything in return.. She was always described as "down-to-earth" and "sensible", always making others more important than herself. She did so because Allah gifted her, as he does with His most beloved servants, with a keen sense of what actually matters in life – and at the end of life. We thank Allah for each and every moment of Farhana's company he mercifully gave to us. We pray that he increase our resolve to adopt lifestyles like hers whose Qibla was the Aakhira. We pray that he reunite us in the highest station of Jannatul Firdaus!
Ameen!
Na'eel
PS. So often in life, we never thank those around us for being who they are. When was the last time you thanked your mother without expecting something in return?
Take this opportunity to let your grandparents, your parents, your siblings, your cousins, and your friends know how much you appreciate them. And actually call them. Email and the internet only build upon real human connections so establish those regularly first!
Assalamualaykum wa rahmatullah
As many may know, my cousin Farhana passed away last night after a 16 month battle with a brain tumor (in reality she was more to me than an older sister..) . She passed away peacefully last night at around 8 pm with close family around her. We ask each of you to please pray for her and the family and to ask Allah (swt) to make things easy and full of khayr.
-Shamira
In my cousin Ismail's words:
Our beloved sister, Farhana passed away earlier this evening (Wed., October 21st) at 7:45 pm PST. Everyone here is sad and heavy of heart. May Allah grant her Jannah – she looks so peaceful and bright with Noor.
Uncle Moosa, Aunty Rabia and Aabid are very strong and may Allah grant them sabr. The whole family is here and it’s wonderful to see the unity, love and support that our family has displayed through this trying time. May our bonds strengthen even further, InshaAllah.
In my cousin Na'eel's words:
Assalaam alaykum wa rahmatullah,
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un. Certainly, we are from Allah and to Him we return.
After a long year of struggle, my dear cousin Farhana passed away at 7:45 PST at home in California with all her loved ones beside her. One of my beloved aunts described her last moments in this world by likening the exit of her ruh/soul to a silk thread being drawn out of a delicate flower. may Allah make that moment for us as easy as Farhana's. As Muslims, we joyously celebrate the occurrence of a beautiful death for it heralds eternal bliss. Farhana's transition between the temporal and eternal is the transplantation of a flower from a garden to the Garden.
Her short life gave her enough time to exemplify the sincerity and simplicity one can live one's live with. As she lost function of various faculties, (movement, sight and then speaking), she used what remained to bring the way of the Prophet into her life. In fact, for the past week, as she lay on her bed immobile, she used the only hand she had left to use - her right - to make dhikr/remembrance on the tasbeeh/rosary and use the miswak/toothstick. All she wanted us to recite was Ya Salamu(Oh Peace referring to Allah) and Surah Yaseen. In this world, she called with Ya Salaamu with her last breath; now she is with al-Salam. She knew where she was going and wanted to leave in the most excellent way. Ameen. Where are we? Subhanallah.
Hadith
The last thing the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) did before his death (according to Aisha): “He lay down in my lap, brushed his teeth harder than he had ever done before ”, then his eyes were fixed and he was saying “Nay, the Companion on high from paradise.” I said to myself “You were given the choice and you have chosen, by Him who sent you with the Truth.” Then, he passed away.” (Bukhari)
The passing of loved ones occasions both mourning and remembrance of what awaits us all.
If I could suggest a concrete step after reading this email, purchase Imam Ghazali's Remembrance of Death and the Afterlife and read it annually .Familiarizing yourself with death is not a morbid exercise in our Tradition; rather, its frequent remembrance will serve to make its reality the context in which we live and act.
In these moments, it is painfully obvious how we have no control over life and death. When we are reminded over who is actually in control, we must chase those opportunities to take control of what we actually can - our intention. At the end of the day and life, it is our state of being and not our actions that we die upon. Never underestimate your intention for the niyya is removed from time. That is why dying upon an intention other than worshiping the One and Only can earn perpetual punishment. may Allah save us from this end! On the other hand, leaving this world with a pious intention can facilitate eternal reward.
In this light, we have only control of our intentions and the moments ahead. The Sufi is called "ibnul waqt", the "child of the moment." Years and lifetimes are not guaranteed; neither are days, weeks, or hours. In a manner of speaking, we are guaranteed the here and now and can control what we do in that span of time. Farhana lived her life with this in mind. She took care of people and made us all smile when we were with her. She was a devoted wife, sister, daughter, and friend.
This is the legacy Farhana leaves for us - fulfilling the rights she owed to others and never expecting anything in return.. She was always described as "down-to-earth" and "sensible", always making others more important than herself. She did so because Allah gifted her, as he does with His most beloved servants, with a keen sense of what actually matters in life – and at the end of life. We thank Allah for each and every moment of Farhana's company he mercifully gave to us. We pray that he increase our resolve to adopt lifestyles like hers whose Qibla was the Aakhira. We pray that he reunite us in the highest station of Jannatul Firdaus!
Ameen!
Na'eel
PS. So often in life, we never thank those around us for being who they are. When was the last time you thanked your mother without expecting something in return?
Take this opportunity to let your grandparents, your parents, your siblings, your cousins, and your friends know how much you appreciate them. And actually call them. Email and the internet only build upon real human connections so establish those regularly first!
Saturday, August 08, 2009
Shaykh Abu Hassan al-Kurdi passes
Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Illayhi Raji'un.
The Eminent Syrian Scholar, Sheikh Abu Hassan al-Kurdi has left this world.
And we are at a loss with his departure.
He leaves a great legacy for anyone who aspires to study the Qur'an and generations of men, women and children who carry his chain back to our Liege Lord Muhammad, Peace and Blessings be upon Him.
May Allah bestow His grace upon us that we reach the states of the awliyaa', who when they pass from this world, the earth itself mourns their death.
Pray for us and for him, and that we might be with him in the hereafter.
Ameen. Wa biLlahi Tawfiq.
The Eminent Syrian Scholar, Sheikh Abu Hassan al-Kurdi has left this world.
And we are at a loss with his departure.
He leaves a great legacy for anyone who aspires to study the Qur'an and generations of men, women and children who carry his chain back to our Liege Lord Muhammad, Peace and Blessings be upon Him.
May Allah bestow His grace upon us that we reach the states of the awliyaa', who when they pass from this world, the earth itself mourns their death.
Pray for us and for him, and that we might be with him in the hereafter.
Ameen. Wa biLlahi Tawfiq.
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Ramadan Resources
A number of talks preparing one for a spiritually uplifting Ramadan:
Shaykh Husain Abdul Sattar:
http://sacredlearning.org/classrooms/ramadan/index.htm
Fiqh of Fasting
1a. All of your Hanafi fiqh questions answered-- by Mufti Abdur Rahman ibn Yusuf
1b. Ramadan Fiqh by - Imam Tahir. Part 1 - Part 2
2. What do we do in Ramadan? Shaykh Nuh. A short and sweet reminder
http://www.halaltube.com/podpress_trac/web/345/0/nuh-ha-meem-keller-ramadan-halaltubecom.mp3
3. Ramadan - Shaykh Abdul Hakim Murad
http://www.halaltube.com/abdul-hakim-murad-ramadan
4. Taraweeh - 8 or 20? Shaykh Riyad ul Haq
http://hamzajennings.com//wp-content/downloads/mp3/Taraweeh%208%20or%2020.mp3
5. Moonsighting - Shaykh Hamza Yusuf
http://www.halaltube.com/moon-sighting
6. Ramadan Advice - Shaykh Hamza Yusuf
http://www.halaltube.com/ramadan-advice
7. Ramadan and Charity - Imam Zaid Shakir
http://www.halaltube.com/ramadan-and-charity
8. Lectures (19 total lectuers) by Imam Zaid Shakir entitled The Blessings of Ramadan
http://www.zaytuna.org/multimedia.asp?speaker=3
9. The Virtues of Standing in Prayer in the Month of Ramadan - Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
http://media.libsyn.com/media/seekersguidance/Understanding_Virtue_-_020-21_-_Virtues_of_Standing_in_Prayer_in_Ramadan.MP3
Shaykh Husain Abdul Sattar:
http://sacredlearning.org/
Fiqh of Fasting
1a. All of your Hanafi fiqh questions answered-- by Mufti Abdur Rahman ibn Yusuf
http://www.zamzamacademy.com/audio.php?audioDir=lessons/al- sawm/
1b. Ramadan Fiqh by - Imam Tahir. Part 1 - Part 2
2. What do we do in Ramadan? Shaykh Nuh. A short and sweet reminder
http://www.halaltube.com/
3. Ramadan - Shaykh Abdul Hakim Murad
http://www.halaltube.com/
4. Taraweeh - 8 or 20? Shaykh Riyad ul Haq
http://hamzajennings.com//wp-
5. Moonsighting - Shaykh Hamza Yusuf
http://www.halaltube.com/moon-
6. Ramadan Advice - Shaykh Hamza Yusuf
http://www.halaltube.com/
7. Ramadan and Charity - Imam Zaid Shakir
http://www.halaltube.com/
8. Lectures (19 total lectuers) by Imam Zaid Shakir entitled The Blessings of Ramadan
http://www.zaytuna.org/
9. The Virtues of Standing in Prayer in the Month of Ramadan - Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
http://media.libsyn.com/media/
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
The Sacred Month of Rajab!!
According to crescentwatch.org, the new moon of Rajab should be seen tonite. This is one of the 5 special nights where dua'a is not rejected, according to the Prophet (saw) (see below)....Please include my family and me in your dua'as insha'Allah.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
الحمد لله رب العالمين
و صلى الله على سيدنا محمد و على آله وصحبه وسلم تسليما كثيرا
الحمد لله رب العالمين
و صلى الله على سيدنا محمد و على آله وصحبه وسلم تسليما كثيرا
THE RAJAB LETTER
by Amjad Tarsin
by Amjad Tarsin
This is an excerpt from the book Kanz Al-Najah wa As-Suroor ("The Treasures of Success and Happiness"), a book highlighting the special qualities of each month. As the blessed and holy month of Rajab approaches (please check your local sightings or mosques to know when the month of Rajab begins in your area - http://www.crescentwatch.org/cgi-bin/Cw/cw.cgi ), hopefully this information will be of use in allowing us all to appreciate it and benefit from it:
[Please also read Mufti Taqi Usmani's article on the month of Rajab: http://albalagh.net/general/rajab.shtml ]
So, my dear friend, put forth a great effort in the month of Rajab, may Allah have mercy on you. It is the season of great profits, so take advantage of your time! Whoever is spiritually sick due to their sins - know that the medicine has come.
[Please also read Mufti Taqi Usmani's article on the month of Rajab: http://albalagh.net/general/
So, my dear friend, put forth a great effort in the month of Rajab, may Allah have mercy on you. It is the season of great profits, so take advantage of your time! Whoever is spiritually sick due to their sins - know that the medicine has come.
- Muslims should remember the important events that took place in the history of Islam during this month, such as the Night Journey and Ascension, the Battle of Tabuk, and the liberation of Al-Aqsa Mosque from the crusaders at the hands of Salah Ad-Din Al-Ayubi (AH 538).
- Rajab is one of the four sacred months mentioned in the Quran (the four months are : Rajab, Dhul Qi'da, Dhul Hijjah, and Muharram):
{إن عدة الشهور عند الله اثنا عشر شهرا في كتاب الله يوم خلق السموت والارض منها اربعة حرم}
(التوبة: 36)
{The number of months is twelve according to God, in the decree of God, on the day God created the heavens and the earth; and four of them are sacred} (9:36)- Observing voluntary fasting in the four sacred months, including Rajab, is recommended. (Fasting is permissible and recommended in Rajab as long as one believes that there is no extra reward for fasting in this month. Please click here.)
- Also, making du'a during the eve of the first of Rajab is highly recommended. The Prophet, peace and mercy be upon him, said, "There are five nights in which du'a (supplication) is not rejected: the eve of Rajab, the 15th night of Sha'aban, the eve of Friday, on the eve of Eid Al-Fitr, and on the eve of Eid Al-Adha." [Al-Suyuti in his Al-Jami'].
- Rajab is Allah's month in which He pours His Mercy upon the penitent and He accepts the actions that people have done for His sake. The Prophet, peace and mercy be upon him, said, "Rajab is the month of Allah, and Sha'aban is my month, and Ramadan is the month of my Ummah." (Imam Al-Suyuti in Al-Jami).
- Scholars say: Rajab is the month of repentance (istighfar), and Sha'aban is the month of sending peace and mercy (salawat/durood shareef) upon the Prophet, and Ramadan is the month of Qur'an.
- One highly recommended act to do is say 70 times after the Fajr and 'Isha prayers every morning and night of Rajab:"اللهم اغفر لي وارحمني وتب عليَّ"
Transliteration: "Allahuma ighfir li wa Arhamni wa tub 'alayya."
Translation: Oh Allah forgive me, have mercy upon me, and grant me repentance. - Sayyidna 'Ali, may Allah be well pleased with him, used to allocate extra amounts of time for worship on four nights - the first night of Rajab, the nights before the two Eids, and the 15th night of Sha'aban.
- It is also highly recommended to say the following Prophetic prayer (known as Sayyid Al-Istighfar or the Master of Repentance) 3 times every morning and every evening in Rajab:اللهم أنت ربي، لا اله الا أنت خلقتني وأنا عبدك، وأنا على عهدك ووعدك ما استطعت، أعوذ بك من شر ما صنعت، أبوء لك بنعمتك عليَّ وأبوء يذنبي فاغفر لي فإنه لا يغفر الذنوب الا أنت
Transliteration: Allahuma anta rabi la ilaha illa ant, khalaqtani wa ana 'abduk, wa ana 'ala 'ahdika wa wa'adika ma astata'at, 'authu bika min shar ma san'at, abu'u laka bi ni'matika 'allaya wa abu'u bi dhanbi, faqhfir li fa'innahu la yaghfir al-dhunub ila anta.
Translation: O Allah, you are my Lord, and there is no god but you. You created me and I am your servant, and I am upon the convenant to the best of my ability. I seek refuge in you from the evil I have brought upon myself. I admit all the blessings you have given me and I admit my sins, so forgive me, for no one can forgive sins save You.And success is from Allah!
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