Category: Articles

The blessed & most beautiful month is near and this is good time to remind ourselves and start preparing for this beautiful guest that visits us each year. The Sahabah (companions of Rasul (S)) used to prepare for Ramadan the months in advance. So if we really want to make the best of this Ramadan then we need to prepare for it now!

WE never know for how long we would live. Then there is NO doubt that we must make the best of it for the reward of EVERY good act in the month of Ramadan is multiplied many times over: The Prophet (S) said: “Whoever draws near to Allah during it (Ramadan) with a single characteristic from the characteristics of (voluntary) goodness, he/she is like whoever performs an obligatory act in other times. And whoever performs an obligatory act during it, he/she is like whoever performed seventy obligatory acts in other times.” (Ibn Khuzaymah)

If there was a 70% sale on in the shops surely people would go crazy and even camp all night outside in order to be the first in the store to take advantage of this special offer. So in the same way why should we not take advantage of the immense rewards that are available in Ramadan? The best way we can make the most of this Ramadan and grab the immense rewards that are available is to start preparing for it NOW not on the first day of Ramadan.

Why Ramadan is the month of opportunities? It is the best of Months; the Quran was revealed therein; it is the month of Blessing, Mercy & Forgiveness; Allah Himself gives special rewards for one who fasts in Ramadan; Doors of Heaven are opened & Doors of Hell are closed; Shayatin are chained; Rewards multiplied from 10 to 700 times; believing community is blessed in Ramadan with a Night better than 1000 months…

Five Reasons to Plan for Ramadan

Have you noticed that each year, Ramadan goes by faster and faster? Personally, I can remember details of Ramadan 30 years ago better in some ways than of Ramadan last year. It’s frightening.

This blessed month can’t be left to become a blur in our memories. It has to be more than that time of the year we squeeze in fasting amongst the other things we do daily. One way to make the most of Ramadan is to plan beforehand.

Here are five reasons why you should plan for Ramadan:

1. To be in Ramadan MODE: By planning for Ramadan before it arrives, you put your mind in “Ramadan mode”. If you plan, you will mentally prepare for it, and it will empower you to see it as the special month it is outside of your regular routine the rest of the year. Just as you plan for going back-home for a visit…at least.

2. To Adjust Your Schedule: Plan family time, Iftar time at home, traveling time, shopping time (Eid Gifts)…By planning in advance, you can adjust your work, sleep and meal schedules in such a way as to make time for Suhur, Iftar, etc. That means, for instance, that if you normally go to bed at midnight, in Ramadan you would sleep earlier in order to get up early for Suhur. Or if you usually study late, you can instead sleep earlier and start studying after Suhur in the early morning hours. Planning in advance allows you the luxury to make time for the change in schedule that Ramadan brings. Thus, here is that you could do:

a) You can plan Ramadan family time

Is dinnertime usually an individual affair in your home, as opposed to a time the whole family eats together? Are Friday evenings the time every family member goes off to his/her own social activities? Planning in advance can change this at least in Ramadan.

Calling a family meeting about a month in advance, explaining the importance of Ramadan, its implications for the family and the need to eat Iftar together when possible as well as to attend Tarawih prayers, for example, will allow all family members to adjust their work and school schedules accordingly. That will, Insha Allah, make Ramadan a blessing not just to every person in the family, but to the family as a whole.

b) To make a travel schedule

Do you know a fellow Muslim in your neighborhood who wants to get to the mosque for Tarawih every night but doesn’t have a transportation? Or do you look at your work schedule and realize you have to work overtime near the end of Ramadan, so your family will miss out on Tarawih at the mosque the last ten nights of Ramadan? Planning in advance helps you work out your daily or weekly travel schedule to attend Tarawih prayers at the mosque, or even a trip for Iftar at a friend’s place who may live farther away. Since you have the time before Ramadan begins, you can work this out with neighbors and friends.

c) You can plan “Iftar” at your home

You may have eaten fantastic Iftars at friends’ homes last year. This year, open your doors. There is blessing in feeding a fasting person other than yourself and your family. Planning in advance gives you the luxury of calling friends over the month before and setting a date, so you can “grab” them before others get an opportunity to.

d) You can squeeze in Eid shopping

Planning in advance helps you think about all of those things you wanted to do in time for the end of Ramadan or Eid last year but couldn’t. Maybe you wanted to go Eid shopping for gifts for family and friends in the last week of Ramadan but were too busy with the last ten nights of Ramadan. No problem! This year, you decide to go in the third week of Ramadan instead.

3. To Make the MENU:

While Ramadan may mean extra Ibadah to some of the brothers, it usually means extra cooking for most of the sisters. Ramadan’s blessings are for men and women. Making a Ramadan menu for Iftar and meals, and working out when you want to invite relatives, neighbors and friends for Iftar will give sisters the opportunity to catch Tarawih and various other advantageous Ibadat instead of spending Ramadan’s 29 or 30 days stuck in the kitchen. (And by the way, brothers, helping out with cooking or cleaning was a practice of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him; maybe this is a way you can increase your Sawab [rewards] this month).

4. Doing Khairat at high Thawab Times

Being generous is definitely an Islamic merit, but being generous in Ramadan is even more highly rewarded. Match Ibadat with specific times that carry more reward. Prepare to do I’tikaf, increase asking Allah for forgiveness in the last ten nights of Ramadan. Plan to give increased Sadaqa this month. Plan to visit that relative you may have not seen for months, if not years. Thinking about and arranging to do these things and finding other ways of gaining the pleasure of Allah in Ramadan will, Insha Allah, help you benefit more from it.

5. Plan Da’wah Activities During Ramadan

Some Muslims have gone to soup kitchens and made meals during Ramadan, while they were fasting. Not only will, Insha Allah, they be rewarded, but this is a great Dawa opportunity to explain what Ramadan and Islam are ALL about.

Reported by Al-Nawwaas ibn Samaan  (r) that Muhammad (S) said: “Righteousness is a good character.” (Muslim)

Transliteration: “At-Taqwa Husnul Khuluq.”

Note: The Arabic word birr translated here as ‘righteousness’ can be used in two senses.

The first is to mean treating others in a good fashion, in particular one’s parents, though more generally it means to behave well towards everyone. When birr is used in this fashion in the Qur’an it is usually used in conjunction with tawqa or awareness of God Who says in the Qur’an: “Help you one another in righteousness and awareness of God” [Surah Al Maidah:2]

The second sense in which the word birr is used is to refer to acts of worship and obedience to God both inward and outward. The concept of righteousness then, incorporates treating others in the best way possible, believing in God and all that He has revealed, giving in charity, keeping promises, being truthful, patient and performing acts of obedience and worship of God.

The concept of character (in Arabic khuluq) in Islam incorporates a combination of understanding, intention and deeds with the last two aspects playing the most important role.

If a person has good intentions followed by good deeds, it is said that they have good character.

If a person has bad intentions followed by bad deeds it is said that they have a bad character.

Reported by Abu Hurairah (r) that Muhammad (S) said: “Richness does not mean having a great amount of property (money), but richness is self-contentment (the richness of the soul/heart).” (Muslim)

Transliteration: “Laisal Gina ‘An Kathratil ‘Arad, Wa Lakinnal Ghina Ghinan Nafsi.”

Note:

We instinctively measure richness in terms of “possessions.” We envy the rich and wealthy based on their possessions. However, richness or poverty is actually a state of mind, an attitude. Very rich persons in the ordinary sense could feel themselves very poor, because they are not happy with what they have. Their insecurity does not let them enjoy what they are blessed with. Such persons despite having riches cannot be called a rich person.

For what good is wealth that does not allow its possessor to feel rich, secure or happy?

In contrast, a “not so well-to-do” person may feel rich himself or herself because of self-contentment.

However, this narration makes neither richness nor poverty a worthy pursuit.

If we live in poverty, we ought to strive toward rectifying the conditions in light of God’s practical divine guidance. If we are wealthy, we should be careful about what we have acquired and how, and furthermore, whether those possessions are helping us to seek pleasure or displeasure of God. If God has blessed us with resources, we do not have to be ashamed, but we should be conscious of our responsibilities and try to seek contentment.

We should not also despise ourselves if we are poor. Instead, we should make honest efforts to improve our conditions. God wants us to seek bounty from Him, but in His way. To be earthbound is natural for us.

According to God’s design, naturally, we are supposed to live a full life on this earth and utilize all the resources He has bestowed on humanity. In doing so, however, a person should not be a servant of the world, rather subject the worldly aspirations to higher and nobler goals. We eat to live, not live to eat.  

Allah informs us in the Qur’an: “By the Time! Insan (human being) is indeed in loss, except those who believed and did good deeds, exhorted one another to Truth, and exhorted one another to patience and constancy.”                    {Al ‘Asr 1-3}

This short Surah of the Qur’an sums up all the elements of individual and social success in life. Human being has been created in the best mold and equipped with all abilities and faculties necessary for achieving this success. But it is up to him/her to utilize these tools properly and wisely.

How important this Surah was in the sight of the companions of the Rasul (SAWS) can be judged from the tradition that says whenever any two of them met, they would not part company until they had recited this Surah to each other. Imam Shafi’I has said if the people only considered this Syrah well, it alone would be enough for their guidance.

The Surah opens with a reference to the Time, which is presented here to show that human being is a loser if he fails to realize the real significance of the time given to him before he is called back to his Lord. The message of the Surah is very clear: “Man’s single greatest asset in life is the time at his disposal.”

Whatever man achieves during his short sojourn upon the Earth is crucial for his future in the life to come. In short life of Duniya, he can achieve eternal bliss and peace, if he would use it wisely and in accordance with the laws laid down for him by his Creator. A misuse or neglect of this opportunity, on the other hand, can lead man to disaster and unhappiness.

The word time is used for the past as well as for the passing time in which the present, in fact, does not signify any long stretch of time. Every moment, when it has passed, becomes past, and every moment of the future, when it is passing, becomes present, and when it has passed, becomes past. Here, since the oath has been sworn by time absolute, both kinds of time are included in its meaning.

The oath by the time means that human history testifies that the people who were without these qualities eventually incurred loss, and in order to understand the significance of the oath by the passing time, one should understand that the time which is now passing is, in fact, the time which has been given to every single individual and every single nation to work in the world and better the world.

Bur man has no control whatsoever over the time itself. It goes away, and there is no way we can stop its flight. Man can learn a lot from the past and one has to look back into the past for the lesson and ask himself about the day (s) which passed: ‘What he did in it? What he left in it and was supposed to accomplish? Why has he done so? The Qur’an confirms it: “There have been examples that have been passed away before you (such as an example of the ancient people of ‘Ad, Thamud, the people of the Prophet Nuh), so travel through the earth, and see what was the end of those who rejected the Truth.”         {Ali ‘Imran 137}

But it is only the present time that we can usefully for the betterment of Duniya and Akhirah. Today, the present is our real hope and opportunity. Our success or our failure depends on how well we utilize it or how foolishly we waste it.

How one can utilize the asset of time properly and wisely? What does it take to succeed? In just a few words, this Surah outlines the formula of success. It gives the man the road map he must have in order to move forward and make progress.

Everyone is in loss except those who a) believe (the principles of Islam), b) do good deeds (salihat). Man’s actions are the outward expression of his belief. The light of faith shows in a believer’s deeds – in his moral character. Belief and deeds go together, and one cannot be valid in the absence of the other. A belief that fails to induce a believer to act is defective (weak) – a worthless seed that gives no produce. Like a dead seed, it cannot grow into a plant or tree.  For this reason, some commentators say that the good deeds are here mentioned as an extension of belief, a logical result that flows from belief. Good deeds are faith in action. This part of Surah deals with man’s individual life, but in the second part, we are given the rest of the formula that ensures ultimate success and salvation.

The words: Exhort one another to Truth and Patience (constancy) mention two main elements of success in social life: a) collective struggle for the establishment of the Truth, and b) patience and constancy in the difficult struggle against the forces of evil. This means that a believing and righteous people should not live as individuals but should establish a believing and righteous society by their combination and that every individual of the society must feel his/her responsibility not to let the society degenerate. Thus all its members – both men and women – are duty bound to exhort one another to Truth and patience (constancy).

Dear brothers and sisters in Islam! No matter how much we are good as individuals, if we do not serve the community, we would fail. Here is the formula which can help us save ourselves, our families and our community…and consequently the world: Believe in Allah by Ikhlas for good deeds help develop man’s physical, moral and spiritual potentials, do good deeds (salihat) in the name of Almighty Allah, join together in mutual teaching of truth – encourage your brother/sister towards this great feature that of  all prophets (‘alayhimussalam) practiced and encouraged others to do, and  encourage one another to be patient (sabirin).                                Allahumma Amin!

Canadian Muslim youth want to be recognized and acknowledged as full-fledged members and faithful citizens of their society, their Canada.

The young generation of Muslims is different from that of their parents.  Young Muslims maintain strong ties to Islam and while Islam plays an important role in forming their new-self, they are not assured that their new self-image will be accepted by the society.

During my discussions with many of the young women and men, I often hear their narrative and the message that they often want to share with the first generation Muslims as well as to society at large and that is that Canada is where they are living as Muslims, nowhere else.

A common goal of Canadian Muslim youth is to be integrated and engaged in society with a pro-active role in shaping their environment – their homeland.  Being a Canadian and being a Muslim are not contradictory to each other. Being both at the same time is a self-evident expression for them of their interests and expectations as members of the Canadian society.

They are self-aware of the message they wish to share.  They do not see themselves as a minority in any way but see themselves as full-fledged and faithful citizens of Canada with its own privileges and obligations. And yet, some people question the rights and interests they also have regarding Islam as their faith.

Canadian Muslim youth want to be visibly present and wish to participate fully in the society which differentiates them from the generation of their parents and grandparents who still hold on to cultures which come from back-home and which they hold are essential reference points in their lives.

Several studies in the West which were carried out in recent years document the significant and important place Islam and religious ideas have in the everyday lives of young Muslims.  However, the ways in which religion is lived out by these young adults is also very different from the ways religion is lived out in the cultures adhered to by their parents and grandparents.

The major shift in self-understanding and it is reflected in an openness towards issues that effects the lives of all people in society, notwithstanding the role that is played as Muslims in the Ummah (the Muslim community).  Islam and the Muslim community continue to be important points of reference for the youth without in any way causing them to withdraw their full participation in Canadian society.

Young Muslims are often irritated by those who raise the issues as to whether or not young Muslims are integrated into Canadian society and question the place of Islam and Muslims in Canada.

The reality for young Muslims is that all the fuss about integration and belonging have nothing to do with their lives. They feel quite comfortable being Muslims and at the same time being Canadians.  The self-awareness of the new-self has led young Muslims to feel most “at home” when they are referred to and called Canadian Muslims. And that is what in reality they are!

The Quran reminds the believers of ‘who’ mother is:

1. “We have enjoined on a man/woman kindness to his/her parents; in pain did his/her mother bear him/her, and in pain did she give him/her birth.” (46:15).1718

2. “Thy Lord hath decreed that ye worship none but Him and that ye be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in thy life, say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honor. And out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility, and say: ‘My Lord! Bestow on them Thy Mercy even as they cherished me in childhood.'”(17:23-24)

3. “We have enjoined on man and woman kindness to parents; but if they (either of them) strive (to force) you to join with Me anything of which you have no knowledge, obey them not.'” (29:8)

4. “We have enjoined on man and woman (to be good) to his/her parents; show gratitude to Me and to your parents; to Me is (the final) Goal. If they (parents) strive to make you join in worship with Me things of which you have no knowledge, obey them not; yet bear them company in this life with justice (and consideration) and follow the way of those who turn to Me (in love).” (31:14-15)

The Hadith also asserts mother’s position in Islam and what the believers must do in this regard:

1. The Prophet Muhammad said, may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him: Your Heaven lies under the feet of your mother. (Ahmad, Nasai)

2. A man came to the Prophet and said, ‘O Messenger of God! Who among the people is the most worthy of my good companionship? The Prophet said: Your mother. The man said, ‘Then who?’ The Prophet said: Then your mother. The man further asked, ‘Then who?’ The Prophet said: Then your mother. The man asked again, ‘Then who?’ The Prophet said: Then your father. (Bukhari, Muslim)

3. Abu Usaid Saidi said: We were once sitting with Rasulullah when a man from the tribe of Salmah came and said to him: O Messenger of Allah! do my parents have rights over me even after they have died? And Rasulullah said: Yes. You must pray to Allah to bless them with His Forgiveness and Mercy, fulfill the promises they made to anyone, and respect their relations and their friends. (Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah)

4. It is narrated by Asma bint Abu Bakr that during the treaty of Hudaibiyah, her mother, who was then pagan, came to see her from Makkah. Asma (radiyallahu ‘anha) informed the Messenger of Allah (S) of her arrival and also that she needed help. He said: “Be good to your mother.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

Transliteration: “Inna Min Akhyarikum Ahsanukum Khuluqa.”

Note: Islam is unequivocal in terms of ranking what it values most.

Within human dimension, character and personality (Akhlaq) are the highest priority. Proper belief (Iman), knowledge (Ilm), and consciousness (Taqwa) cannot lead to anything less than the best of Akhlaq.

What is routinely observed among Muslims is that rituals are emphasized more than the behavioral side.

Dedication to the ritualistic as well as the legalistic side of Islam without paying proper and adequate attention to Akhlaq is not desired by Islam.

Today it appears that many Muslims, due to their overemphasis on doctrinal, legal, or ritual matters, show indecency and intolerance toward other Muslims. It is not uncommon that some Muslims have branded others Muslims as disbelievers (Kaafir) or evildoers (Faasiq) based on their interpretation of “some” aspect of religion.

Yet, in every walk of our lives, in everything we do, at every level of our social interaction, whether with Muslims, non-Muslims, male or female, young or old, our manners are our best asset.

This does not mean, however, to exclude everything else Islam commands us to value, acquire, or practice in our lives such as ‘Ibadat (all related devotional matters).

It is no wonder that the Prophet (s) said: “I was sent to consummate Akhlaq.” [Imam Malik]

Reported by Uqbah ibn Aamr Al-Ansaari that Muhammad (S) said: “From the words of the previous prophets that the people still find are: If you feel no bashfulness, then do as you wish.” (Bukhari)

Transliteration: “Inna Mimma Adrakan Nasu Min Kalamin Nubuwwatil Ula, Idha Lam Tastahi Fasna’ Ma Shita.”

Note:

This Hadith points to one of the most important characteristics a person can possess” the bashfulness.

The virtues of bashfulness are passed on from the earliest of the prophets. The laws of the previous prophets agreed upon this principle.

Modesty is what keeps a person away from committing sinful acts.

If people have no feeling of shame, there is nothing to prevent them from doing anything they wish – any sin under the sky.

In fact, the more people commit sins, the more their feeling of bashfulness is lessened, to the point where it may cease to exist altogether.

When people reach that point, they do not care what others think of them and their sense of pride may actually come from how ‘bad’ they or others think they are.

We do not have to look far to see the effects of this loss of modesty upon societies.

When the sense of bashfulness is lost, everything becomes normal and acceptable. Like all natural characteristics, bashfulness can be nurtured or stunted through our actions.

The more that we realize the presence of God) and His blessings upon us, the more the natural bashfulness within us will grow.

The more we commit sins and indecent acts, the more it will decrease until it eventually disappears.

Muhammad (S) said: “Bashfulness is part of Faith and Faith is in Paradise. Indecency is part of hardness of heart and hardness of heart will lead to the Hellfire.” [Ahmad]