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Friday 19 July 2013

RECOVERY OF ZAM ZAM

Recovery of Zam-Zam

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By: Muslim

Abdul Mutthalib loved to be near the Ka'bah. He would sometimes have a couch spread beside it to sleep at night. On one such night when he was sleeping, he saw a vision. The vision said,
"Dig sweet clarity." 
"What is sweet clarity?" Abdul Mutthalib asked in wonderment. 
But the image had vanished. Although he did not understand it but he felt such peace by the incidence that the next night he again slept on the same spot. The second night the vision appeared again,
“Dig beneficence." It said and disappeared again leaving the chief bewildered.
The third night a similar thing happened and the command was, 
"Dig the treasure hoard!" and again there was no chance of a reply.
But the fourth night, when the directive came, "Dig Zam-zam!", Abdul Mutthalib asked, "What is Zam-zam?" and he got the answer,
"Dig her you shall not regret
For she is your inheritance
From your greatest ancestor
Dry she never will, nor fail
To water all the pilgrim throng."
The people of Makkah had forgotten about this holy water from heaven and the vision or angel was making him remember the gift of Allah. Then the speaker told him to look for a place where there was blood, dung, an ants’ nest and pecking ravens. Finally he was told to pray for clear water that would water the pilgrims throughout their pilgrimage. 
The dawn was breaking as 'Abdul al-Mutthalib rose. He performed the tawaf (seven rounds of the Ka'bah). After the last round he went to the door of the Ka'bah and prayed for what he had been ordered. As he turned after finishing his prayer, he saw ravens fly down to the spot, nearly opposite to the door of the Ka'bah, where sacrifices to the idols were made. There would be blood there, and dung from the sacrificial animals…..ravens had just alighted….he went and yes! There was also an ant's nest. So this must be the place!
He went home and brought back his only son, Harith, and a pickaxe. He started digging while his son guarded him. The guarding was necessary because although he was a most loved leader, this was also sacred ground. Maybe he did not want to tell people of what he was doing until he had solid proof. The sound of the digging soon attracted the attention of the people. They gathered round in surprise at what Abdul Mutthalib was doing. Some tried to interfere but he ignored them. At last he struck the stone covering the well. The people were even more amazed. More of them came to look as Abdul Mutthalib lifted the stone. Now the onlookers realized that here was something important going on and they wanted a share in it. Abdul Mutthalib refused on the grounds that he alone had been singled out for this honorable task. They insisted, and it was agreed to consult a diviner of Bani Sa'ad. As they left Makkah Allah Ta'ala showed some signs that confirmed that He had chosen Abdul Mutthalib for the honored job.
So he continued digging and found the buried treasure….swords, armor and two deer made of gold. The treasure was a moot point. Lots were cast as was the custom as to whom it should belong. It was to be decided whether the treasure would go to the tribe, to Abdul Mutthalib personally, or to the Sanctuary. As it were, none of it went to the tribe but was divided between the latter two. The care of Zam-zam was given to Abdul Mutthalib as he was in charge of watering the pilgrims anyway.
The Vow:
When Abdul Mutthalib had been digging the Well with unapproving people all around and only one son to protect him, he had felt the shortage of sons acutely. In those times, more sons meant more power of protection from hostile groups.
He felt much honored that Allah had chosen him out of all others as the instrument to the recovery of Zam-zam. Feeling close to Allah he prayed that if He would give him 10 sons who all grew to manhood, he would sacrifice one of them to Allah.
It seemed a far off possibility to have ten sons when he made this vow. But as the years passed Allah Ta'ala did bless him with 9 more boys. The youngest of these was Abdullah. Abdullah was the most handsome and noblest of all his sons; he was also his father's favorite.
The time came when Abdul Mutthalib could no longer delay his promise to Allah as all his sons were young men now. Because he was a man of his word, it never entered his head to break his vow. So one day he gathered all his sons and told them of his pledge. All of them agreed, their fathers vow was theirs even if it meant their life was at stake. Lots were to be cast as to which of the sons was to be sacrificed. They marked their arrows for the lots and proceeded to the Ka'bah. The lots driver cast the arrows and lo! Who should be chosen but the most adored one, Abdullah!
Abdul Mutthalib and Abdullah were ready for the sacrifice but Abdullah's mother and her tribe interfered; the sons also added their voice and it was demanded that Abdul Mutthalib renounce his vow and offer expiation instead. 
After a long discussion it was decided that they go and ask for a solution from a wise woman residing in Yathrib, the land of the birth of Abdul Mutthalib. Father and son set forth and found the woman in Khayber a place near Yathrib. She told them to put 10 camels besides Abdullah and cast lots between them; adding 10 more camels each time the arrow was against Abdullah until the camels were accepted and the son acquitted.
They came back to Makkah and did as they were told. The lots were cast; 10, 20, 30 camels; still the arrow chose Abdullah. At last when the number of camels rose to a 100, then only were the animals chosen. Just to be very sure in his heart, Abdul Mutthalib did this 3 times before the camels were finally sacrificed instead of his son. After this the blood-money changed from 10 camels to 100 camels in Arabia. This tradition of a deet (blood money) of a hundred camels for a human life has been kept on by Islam. This is also why our Holy Prophet sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam was called the son of the “Slaughtered Two"……once after his ancestor, Hadhrat Isma'eel alaihis salaam, and then after his father, Abdullah bin Abd al-Mutthalib.

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THE DEATH OF HAZRAT ABDULLAH علیہ السلام

The Death of Hazrat Abdullah علیہ السلام 

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Sent By: Muslim
Hadhrat Abdullah had not been present in Makkah at the Event of the Elephant. Some versions say that he had been sent by his father to buy dates in Madinah. Another account states that Abdullah went to Syria with a trade caravan. Hadhrat Aminah remained very sad and melancholic at the absence of her husband. She was living in her uncle’s house with Barakah (Umme Ayman), Abdullah’s maid.
Two months after the departure of Abdullah, Aminah called Barakah at dawn one morning and, her face beaming with joy, she said to her: "O Barakah! I have seen a strange dream." 
"Something good, my lady," Barakah said. 
"I saw lights coming from my abdomen lighting up the mountains, the hills and the valleys around Makkah.” Aminah said. 
"You shall give birth to a blessed child who will bring goodness," Barakah said.
Hadhrat Aminah did not even leave Makkah when Abrahah’s army was expected to attack. When Abdul Mutthalib came to tell her to leave for the mountains along with the others, she refused to go. She insisted that Abrahah could never enter Makkah and destroy the Ka’bah because it was protected by Allah, and she was too grief-stricken by the absence of her husband to go away from home.
Meanwhile, Hadhrat Abdullah had fallen ill on the way back. He stayed in Madinah, therefore, to recuperate at the house of his grandmother’s relative, An-Nabigha Al-Ju‘di. When Hadhrat Abdul Mutthalib got news of the poor health of his youngest, he sent his older son Harith to go and accompany him back to Makkah as soon as he was well enough to make the journey. But when Harith arrived at the house of his cousins in Madinah, he received the distressing news of his brother’s death. There was great grief in Makkah at the news of his demise. He had been the most beloved son of Abdul Mutthalib, the zabih who had been rescued by Divine Hand, the most handsome and chaste man of Makkah, the dear husband of his young and beautiful wife. Hadhrat Aminah was beside herself with grief. She said a heart-touching elegy in her husband's memory, for she loved him dearly and never remarried after his death as was the common custom in Arabia.
Hadhrat Barakah describes how the news reached Hadhrat Aminah. She was at Abdul-Muttalib's house when news came from Madinah that Abdullah had died. She said: "I screamed when I heard the news. I don't know what I did after that except that I ran to Aminah's house shouting, lamenting for the absent one who would never return, lamenting for the beloved one for whom we waited so long, lamenting for the most beautiful youth of Makkah, for Abdullah, the pride of the Quraysh. 
"When Aminah heard the painful news, she fainted and I stayed by her bedside while she was in a state between life and death. There was no one else but me in Aminah's house. I nursed her and looked after her during the day and through the long nights until she gave birth to her child, "Muhammad", on a night in which the heavens were resplendent with the light of Allah."

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KNOW ABOUT THE HIJRAH CALENDER

Know about the HIJRAH CALENDAR

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Written by: Bint Abdul Maajid
Before the advent of Islam, only the Gregorian calendar was followed. The practice of taking down dates was not at all common among Muslims.  Later on it was, during the Caliphate of Hazrat Umar رضی اللہ عنہ in 17 Hijrah, when for the first time Hazrat Abu Musa Asha’ari رضی اللہ عنہ gave the proposal of writing dates in official letters. He wrote a letter to Hazrat Umar رضی اللہ عنہ and suggested that as letters are issued time and again to different parts of the Government, it will be convenient to mention the dates as this will avoid confusion and will thus help in keeping records as to when the letter was sent, after how many days it reached its destination and when it was put into action. Hazrat Umar رضی اللہ عنہ found it to be a valuable suggestion and without delay ordered for a meeting of the akaabireen Sahabah to be held. After consultation four opinions came forth:
1.   The first category of the Sahabah opined to start the  Islamic calendar from the birth of the Holy Prophet  صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم
2.   The second party was more inclined towards having the commencement of the Islamic calendar from the year of Prophethood.
3.   The third group wanted to begin the Islamic calendar from the year of  Hijrah and
4.   Yet another group of Sahabah was of the opinion to have it from the year of the Prophet’s صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم death.
All the four views were taken in consideration and dealt with intensively and eventually Hazrat Umar رضی اللہ عنہ announced the final decision.
Marking the start of the Islamic calendar with the Year of the Prophet’s صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم birth or the year of the Prophethood could give rise to a number of differences as there were no accurate or fixed days that could be assigned for these events and commencing from the day of the Prophet’s صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم death was also not appropriate as it was a day of grief and sorrow for all the Muslims. So, naturally these three options were ruled out. And what left behind was the year of Hijrah!
Furthermore, the year of Hijrah had four distinct qualities;
1.   The Hijrah from Makkah to Madinah resulted in clear distinction between truth (haq) and falsehood (batil).
2.   This was the year which made it acceptable for the Holy Prophet صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم and the Muslims to worship Allah سحانہ وتعالیٰ at peace, without any fear.
3.   The Year of Hijrah had brought  glory and honour  to Islam
4.   The foundation stone of Masjid Nabawi was laid in the same year
So, in view of these notions, it was mutually agreed by the Sahabah رضی اللہ عنہم that the Hijrah Year will start the Islamic calendar.
The subsequent issue that arose was to determine which one of the twelve months should mark the start of the Hijrah calendar. Here again a number of views were put forward by the Sahabah رضی اللہ عنہم on demand from their Ameer Al Mu’mineen, Hazrat Umar رضی اللہ عنہ.
*   The first group recommended beginning the Islamic calendar with the month of Rajab.
*   Another opined for Ramazan, as it was the most virtuous of all months and also the month of the Holy Quran.
*   A third group of Sahabah رضی اللہ عنہم wanted to have the month of Muharram as the opening month, as the pilgrims return back to their homes after performing the rituals of Hajj in Muharram.
*   Some of them suggested that Rabi Al awwal is more appropriate to start with. The Holy Prophet صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم had started his migration in the beginning of Rabi Al Awwal and reached the city of Madinah Al Munawwarah on 8th Rabi Al Awwal.
 Once more, Hazrat Umar رضی اللہ عنہ, after going through all the views, gave the final verdict-assigning Muharram, as the first month out of the twelve lunar months. There were two major reasons:
1.   At the time of Bait Al Uqbah, that took place in Zul Hajjah, after Hajj, the Ansaar invited the Holy Prophet صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم to Madinah. The Holy Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم accepted their invitation and in the following month of Muharram, he started sending Sahabah to Madinah. Hence, it clearly meant that the  Hijrah to Madinah started in Muharram and reached its finale in Rabi Al Awwal.
2.   Secondly, after completing the rituals of the once-a-year worship of Hajj the pilgrims set off to their homes in Muharram
Eventually, due to these specialties, and under unanimous consensus of the Sahabah رضی اللہ عنہم it was decided that the Hijrah calendar will come into practice beginning from the month of Muharram al Haraam.
It is very unfortunate that, today, all our yearly activities revolve around the Gregorian calendar whereas Allah سبحانہ وتعالیٰ has made it dependant on the Islamic calendar which is based on the lunar observation. The reason why Shariah has chosen the lunar system for preservation of dates is that, it can be observed by every person living in any part of the world, be it a scholar or an ignorant, villager or a citizen, inhabitant of a desert or living in backwoods. For solar observation specially designed instruments are needed which can only be used by a professional.
Most of us are unfamiliar of this historic asset; however, by putting our little efforts we can revive one of the “symbols of Allah” (Sha’aair Allah). If we try carrying out our little trifle plans, like travelling, marriages, personal dealings, according to our Islamic dates, it will bring more spirituality in our lives plus it would earn us the reward of fulfilling a Fard Kifayah. May Allah bless us with Divine Guidance.

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THE DEATH

The Death

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Sent By: Muslim

It was Monday morning, the ninth of Rabi-ul-Awwal, the Year of the Elephant, either the twentieth or twenty-second of April, 571 years after Hadhrat Esa, when Muhammad, the Master of prophets, the reason for creation, the blessing for all the worlds, the seal of all ambassadors from Allah, was born in Bani Hashim lane in Makkah.
He was Muhammad bin ‘Abdullah bin ‘Abdul-Mutthalib (Shaybah) bin Hashim, (‘Amr) bin ‘Abd Munaf (Al-Mugheerah) bin Qussay (Zayd) bin Kilab bin Murrah bin Ka‘b bin Lo’i bin Ghalib bin Fahr (who was called Quraish and whose tribe was called after him) bin Malik bin An-Nadr (Qays) bin Kinana bin Khuzaiman bin Mudrikah (‘Amir) bin Elias bin Mudar bin Nizar bin Ma‘ad bin ‘Adnan
Hadhrat Aminah had been attended by Shafaa, the mother of Abdur Rahman for the birth. Hadhrat Aminah said, “When he (Muhammad) was born, there was a light that issued out of my womb and lit the palaces of Syria." 
Her blessed baby was delivered prostrating upon his tiny hands and knees. He then sneezed and said, "Al Hamdulillah" -- praise be to Allah -- whereupon a voice from the heavens replied, "May Allah have mercy upon you." This was the same kalimah uttered by the first man and prophet Allah ta’ala made, Hadhrat Adam alaihis salaam. And the answer too was identical.  
As Shafaa looked out into the night sky the horizon became illuminated so that the very distant castles of Greece became clearly visible to her. The beautiful baby was born without a trace of dirt upon him, and a sweet aroma caressed his perfect little body. Lady Aminah remembered the instruction she had been given in a vision she had had and supplicated to Allah with it for her little son. 
She was at her uncle's house at the time and immediately sent word to Abdul Mutthalib to come and see his grandson. He came at once and took the boy in his arms and went him to his favourite place, the Ka'bah. There he said a prayer of thanks to Allah for delivering this gift safe and sound.
Before returning his new grandson to Lady Aminah he went home to show him to his own family. Standing at the door waiting for his father's return was his three year old son Abbas. Lovingly, Abdul Mutthalib told his son, "Abbas, this is your brother, give him a kiss," so Abbas, who was in reality his uncle, bent over and kissed his new baby brother. After everyone had admired the baby, Abd Al Mutthalib returned to Lady Aminah and in accordance with her vision and a vision Abdul Mutthalib had seen, the baby was named ‘Muhammad’. When people asked why they had named him Muhammad they replied, "To be praised in the heavens and earth." Before that time the name Muhammad was little known and no other child had ever been given that special name. Abu Talib's house, the house in which the Holy Prophet sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam was born, exists even today and is used as an Islamic library. 
The first woman to nurse Muhammad sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam after his mother was Thuwaybah, the slave-girl of Abu Lahab who had also nursed his uncle Hamzah bin Abdul Mutthalib and later nursed his cousin, Abu Salamah bin 'Abdul Asad.

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FULFILLED COVENANT

Fulfilled Covenant

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Sent by: Student of Light
During the battle of Khyber which took place between the Muslims and Jews, Rasulullah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم and his Companions رضی اللہ عنہم besieged the fort of Khyber wherein the Jews were residing. A poor shepherd who was working for his Jewish master had already heard about Rasulullah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم , and upon seeing the Muslim army thought that it was a good opportunity to inquire about Islam.
He came out of the fort with the goats and sheep he was looking after and asked the whereabouts of Rasulullah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم . Upon being directed to him, he inquired about the basic teachings of Islam, and then said, "What will my status be if I accept Islam?" Rasulullah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم replied: "I will embrace you; you will become my brother and enjoy the same rights as other Muslims."
He said, "I am very poor and in a bad state. I am totally black and have bad odour coming from my body and clothes. How will you embrace me if I am in such a condition?" Rasulullah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم replied, "I shall embrace you, for all of Allah's servants are equal in His sight." He said, "If I embrace Islam, what will my fate be?" Rasulullah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم said, "I bear witness that if you accept Islam, Allah will change the darkness of your body to light, and the bad odour to good fragrance." These words of Rasulullah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم had their effect on his heart and he embraced Islam there and then.
After entering into the fold of Islam, he asked Rasulullah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم what was he obliged to do? Rasulullah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم said that they were at the moment in the midst of war, thus the obligation at this moment and time was to participate in Jihad. However, Rasulullah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم said to him: "The first and foremost thing you need to do is return these animals to their Jewish owner and then engage in Jihad."
These animals belonged to a Jew who was in the opposing army, but Rasulullah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم ordered him to go back and return them. The reason being, that he had taken these goats and sheep on a trust, and it is necessary by Shariah to return the belongings taken on trust back to their owner.
Thereafter, the shepherd participated in jihad and was amongst the martyrs. Rasulullah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم recognized his body and thus addressed his Companions, "I see with my own eyes that he has been given a bath in the sacred water of Jannah and Allah has changed his darkness to shining white and his bad foul smell to a refreshing fragrance."

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FOR THE SAKE OF ISLAM

For the Sake of Islam

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Send By: Shaheera Fatima

“What’s your final decision Ahmed? You were supposed to tell me today,” Osama asked Ahmed.
“Please Osama try to understand. It’s difficult for me to leave everything just like that.”
“But it won’t be difficult for me to leave you for the one I love the most,” Osama answered, his voice like iron. “I can’t be your friend any more. This is the last day of our friendship. So GOOD BYE for ever.”                                                                                                                                                       “But please listen to me! Why should it effect our friend ship? We will never discuss this matter again. Please don’t forget all the years we have passed together so happily,” pleaded Ahmed.
“I am already ashamed of myself for not recognizing who you really are until now. This is a matter of life and death for me. How can I forget everything just to save our friendship? From now on your path and mine is different. Friendship ends when it starts effecting our religion,” Osama turned and left the room.
Ahmed watched his friend helplessly, his eyes full of tears. Memories of the golden past came to torture him.
***********
“Why are you crying?” the teacher asked the new boy.
“My mom has gone leaving me here all alone,” the five-year old replied innocently.
“All mamas have left their children here. You have to be brave now and make some friends. Osama beta! Let him sit beside you and help him.”
“Yes miss! Come Ahmed, from now on we will be fast friends, Insha’Allah!” Osama helped his new friend wipe his tears.
That was the first day of their friendship and from that day they were known as the “best friends” in their school and then in college. They were seen together always.
***********
“Hey  Ahmed! We’ve been friends for so long now but you’ve never invited me to your home. Whenever we have decided to d combined study it has always been arranged at my home. I’ve never been to your home or met your family.” Both friends were going towards their class.
“Well … it’s just because … because my family is too big while my house is not. We can’t study there properly.”
“O.k, my friend if you say so.” Osama shrugged his shoulders.
Ahmed looked at his friend gratefully. He was really a very good friend.
***********
“Ahmed will you come to the na’at competition in the college auditorium tomorrow?” “Can’t.” “But  why? I am also participating and want you to come and hear me,” Osama said angrily. “Last time too you did not come and I kept waiting for you till the end.”
“Okay, okay, I will try,” Ahmed started thinking of an excuse which would satisfy Osama. “No not ‘try’, you have to come! Otherwise……….”
“Don’t start black mailing me. I said I will try,” Ahmed said with an uneasy laugh.
But the next day Ahmed was absent. Osama decided not to talk to him for the next three days (as a Muslim is not allowed to be angry with another Muslim for more than three days).
For the next three days the whole college was astonished to see both the friends act like the north and south pole of the magnet! Ahmed apologized for not coming to the competition but Osama refused to forgive him.
 At last, after three days Osama hugged his friend and give him a treat for he had won the competition.
***********
“Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh! Osama here,” picking up the phone Osama greeted the caller.
“Walaikum Assalam wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh! I am calling from the hospital. Osama your friend, Ahmed, is injured seriously and has been admitted in the Emergency.” Osama rushed out of the house after asking the name of the hospital.
“How is my friend now? What are the doctors saying? How did the accident happen?” Osama asked breathlessly. “He needs blood at once. Type A+,” a nurse, coming out of the operation theater, told him.
“Take mine. I will give him my blood,” Osama offered quickly.
Ahmed was safe now, but Osama visited him daily. He noticed that Ahmed’s father did not like his visits so he stopped going to the hospital and just called him on his phone to fulfill his farz of “ayadat”.
After three weeks Ahmed was able to attend the college. He thanked Osama for for giving him blood. “I gave the blood to save my friend not you Ahmed! But unfortunately you were my friend admitted there,” Osama replied with a mischievous smile.
***********
“Osama I want to tell you something!” “Carry on, I am listening.”
“Not here! I want you to come to the park at 5 p.m.” “Ok, I’ll be there.”
“Now start speaking,” both were sitting on a bench in the park eating popcorn.
“First promise you will not get angry.” “Is it something serious?”
“Yeah.” “Okay then I will try,” Osama smiled.
“Osama I … I … I am … how can I tell you?” “What’s wrong Ahmed? We are close friends, you can tell me everything.” “I am a Qadiani.”
“Whaaatt??” Osama stood up, his eyes wide with shock.
“I just wanted you to know.”
“How did you keep this a secret for so long?” Anger started building up in Osama.
“I wanted to tell you but I … I didn’t. I thought you would break off our friendship.”
“What do you think? I’m not going to do it now?” Osama fought to control himself. “Look here Ahmed, our Prophet, Rasoolullah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم is the last prophet from ALLAH and no one can come after him. It’s all written in Qur'an openly and the Qur'an is the last book revealed by Allah سبحانہ وتعالی. You should think about it and accept the truth which will save you from jahannum. I am giving you three days to think about it. I can never be  friend to a Qadiani,” Osama said in a firm voice.
“Osama please don’t leave me alone! My family will never let me accept Islam. I will be thrown out and then how will I live?”
“If you accept Islam then Allah will arrange everything for you in a way that you can never imagine.”
“But I can’t! How will I live without my parents?”
“Anyway! I am giving you three days to think about it. You have to decide if our friendship will come to an end or not. Bye.”
(to be cont.)

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THE MUBARAK MONTH OF RAMADAN (POEM)

The Mubarak Month of Ramadan (Poem)

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Written by Muhammad Umer  Grade 8  The City School  Karachi
 
The holy month of Ramadan has begun
Shaitan and his evil team are on the run

The fasting between sunset and sunrise
Earns a lot of ajr for use after our demise

Pleasures a fast brings to a Muslim’s heart
Last forever and never from us do part

The fast from Allah, upon us, is truly a gift
Which will earn thawab for our final shift

The joyful Eid-ul-Fitr after all the fasting
Shall be a just reward for us everlasting

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THIS RAMADAN, I WILL …

This Ramadan, I will …

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A personal plan for the month of Ramadan
A very important set of questions comes to my mind every time I hear the hadith of Rasoolullah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم in which he said, “The month of Ramadan has come to you, a blessed month …”
Were the several months of Ramadan I went through in my life blessed months? What kind of blessings did they bring to my life and how did they do so? The more important and more relevant question is, “How can I make this coming month of Ramadan a blessed month for me and for those around me?” I know that Rasoolullah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم said that Allah sets some people free from the hellfire in every single night in Ramadan. Was I set free at any of these numerous nights I went through in the past Ramadans? Am I going to be chosen to be set free in one of the nights of this Ramadan? I know that there is a night in the last ten days called the night of Al-Qadr that is better than a thousand months. Again, I ask myself, “Did I ever worship Allah in this night and gain the tremendous reward mentioned by Allah and his Messenger?”
Trying to answer these questions, I realized that Allah does not choose people randomly for these blessings. I am sure He does not set people free based on their gender, race, or wealth. I am of the belief that the great night of Al-Qadr is a gift Allah gives to some people who show some effort during the month and probably throughout the year. The most important question is how can I make myself subject to all these blessings? How can I make this coming Ramadan a real change in my life? In this
article, I am sharing with you my personal plan in getting the maximum out of this Ramadan for it may be the last Ramadan I ever experience.

What if I do not plan?
You may ask, what if I don’t plan for this month? The answer lies in the following few lines. One should understand that the month of Ramadan is a month of preparation for the whole year. It is a strong boost to our level of Iman that will help us move throughout the rest of the year. Missing Ramadan one year is as if we missed preparation for the whole year. Missing many Ramadans is as if we missed a portion of our life. Missing Ramadan throughout our life is as if we missed our whole life. Rasoolullah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم was once climbing his three-step minbar, when he said Amin each time he climbed a step. When asked by his companions about why he had said so, he  mentioned that Jibril had come to him and made three supplications and asked him to say Amin, confirming and joining him in these supplications. One of these three supplications was, “May Allah humiliate him who reaches Ramadan and does not get his sins forgiven.”

What is so special about Ramadan?
In the month of Ramadan, one can make all sorts of acts of worship and obedience to Allah سبحانہ وتعالی. Fasting is a very beloved deed of Allah and a sign of sincere intention. The nights of Ramadan are full of mercy and blessings for those who are living in them. Ramadan is the month of the Qur’an where extra attention should be paid to the Qur’an. The Messenger used to be more charitable in the month of Ramadan than any other times. It is a real opportunity that we can utilize and ask Allah to help us all. If all of us do the same and try to get the best out of this month, we as a community of believers will show our obedience to Allah  سبحانہ وتعالی and He may bestow His mercy upon us, our families, our society, and the whole world.
This Ramadan, I will ...

On the first night of Ramadan
1. I will reflect on the hadith in which the Prophet said about this particular night. He said, “When the first night of Ramadan comes, the gates of heavens are open and not a single gate is closed, and the gates of the hell are closed not a single gate is open. The devils are chained. A caller will call, ‘O you who want to do good, come forth; O you who want to do evil stop.’ And Allah sets people free from hell every single night.”
2. I will make the duaa (supplication) which the Prophet (pbuh) used to make, “O Allah, start this month with good and Iman, safety and Islam,” I will then address the crescent and say, “Your lord and my lord is Allah.”
3. I will gather all my family and share with them this remarkable moment. I will remind them with these universal changes and we will all get excited about the month of Ramadan. We will try to feel the difference of this beloved month.
4. I will make phone calls to my family members. I will call my parents and congratulate them. I will remind them to benefit from the blessed month and I will ask them to make duaa for me.
5. I will send emails to all my friends congratulating them with the blessed month. I will ask them to
remember me in their duaa while worshipping Allah in these beautiful moments. I will post the congratulation on my Facebook. I will change my status to, “blessed with the blessed month, in dire need
of Allah’s mercy.” This will help in reminding everyone to pray for me.
6. I will use the moment to repent to Allah expecting his great forgiveness to cover me in these remarkable moments. I will make a strong determination to quit all my sins and come out of Ramadan a different man.
7. I will not FORGET to offer Taraweeh at this night which is the night BEFORE the first day of fasting
and is almost forgotten by many people.
8. I will NOT get into long disputes about the method of deciding the beginning of Ramadan and I will follow my local community if they adopt any of the legitimate scholars’ opinions in their decision. I will explain briefly to those who waste their time in this dispute that it is better to spend our time worshipping Allah rather than disputing about something which Allah will not hold us accountable for. I will try to foster unity in my community and between local communities as much as I can.
9. I will make a list of my friends and colleagues who may not know much about the blessings of Ramadan and try to make a plan of how to get them closer to Allah in this blessed opportunity.

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