A little Housekeeping

"In the name of God, most Gracious, most Compassionate"

I finally did it- I changed the layout of my blog!!!

It was a bit of a heartache at first when I changed it... but now I feel that it's more... me.

I love a good cup of coffee anytime and it also represents me sitting down, pondering and musing over stuffs. Coffee as a stimulant for my musings. Heh. 

I also added a few more blogs to my following. I'm really happy to be able to have access to all the other muslimahs out there; tap on their wisdom and experiences. Alhamdulillah.

The house is finally in a clean condition- windows cleaned, toilets scrubbed, floors vacuumed and mopped, mirrors and ornaments wiped, bedsheets changed and curtains hung. Truth is, it is tiring to do all these by myself but I do it because of Allah and I do not whine when my mother asks me to do it. I only get angry when my brothers and my dad are sleeping away or watching tv and not helping out. But then again, more pahala for me!

It's 6.15pm and my mother has finally finished cooking. Alhamdulillah. She has to cook for my grandma too since everyone will be congregating there tomorrow. She's been up for 48 hours straight but I know she's doing this for her family and for Allah. May Allah reward her for her efforts.

I am hoping perhaps I could go for Eid prayers tomorrow morning. My dad wants to leave home after subuh prayers. I would love to go but I am not sure if the mosque they are going to will have space for females to pray (sometimes the men use the female area too) and also, my mom might need my help tomorrow to iron the clothes and prepare lunch for everyone. But I will ask her later.

I am quite upset that I missed the last 7 days of Ramadan because of my monthly crimson visit. I felt so lost, being unable to perform my solat, my terawih and even the qiamulail prayers at night. So maybe that's why I turn to doing housework and helping my mother out as much as I can to make up for it.

As Ramadan finally comes to an end, I feel very sad knowing that the spirits of our dead have to return to their graves to continue with their torture. When the takbir is sound on the last day of Ramadan, it brings tears to my eyes- for those who have passed on and for myself.

These past two Ramadan I have asked myself what have I done this year that was different and better from the last?

Alhamdulillah, I think this year I have become a better person; always in remembrance of Allah and slowly relearning as much as I can about my religion. Insyaallah, next year will be better.

May we begin this Syawal with much forgiveness for our past sins to each other.

Amin.

Laylatul-ala-Qadar

"In the name of God, most Gracious, most Compassionate"

I apologize that this entry is mostly written in Malay. But the tagline is an interesting twist on the Malay idea of 'ala-kadar' meaning doing things half heartedly or not putting real effort into something.

A friend shared this note on Facebook, so here it is:

Sangat mencabar nak memberikan pemahaman yang mudah bagi sekumpulan belia tentang malam LaylatulQadar. Saya nekad mulakan dengan analogi berbentuk cerita.

Tersebut alkisah sekumpulan pekerja berkumpul di meja Iftar. Salah seorang dari mereka pun bersuara.

“Kau tau tak, Bos kata siapa yang overtime hujung bulan ni dia nak kasi bonus!” “betul ke?”

“Betul! Tapi yang menjadi musykilnya sekarang ini, bos kata siapa yang datang satu hari dari hari-hari tersebut saja yang dia akan beri bonus ni!” “eh, pelik betullah, kenapa begitu syaratnya, ini dah kira siapa nasib baik dia dapat la eh?”

Begitulah manusia, apabila sesuatu ganjaran itu dirahsiakan cara meraihnya, tentu sekali usaha untuk mendapatkannya akan dikira sebagai NASIB. Ertinya tiada perlulah sebarang usaha tambahan melainkan sekadar menanti keputusannya dihujung nanti, kalau kena, kenalah.

Sebenarnya malam penuh ganjaran itu kekal rahsia berabad lama adalah kerana menjadi bukti keadilan dan kasih sayang Tuhan.

Keadilan dan kasih sayang?

Iya, Bayangkan kamu ambil bahagian dalam lumba maraton, beratus pelari yang lain turut ambil bahagian, dihujung sana siap menanti ganjaran bagi yang menghabiskan larian, bahkan jalanraya dibersihkan dan ditutup agar para pelari mudah berlari dan tiada halangan.

Maka begitulah Ramadhan, dihujungnya menanti banyak ganjaran bagi yang menginginkan. Bagi memudahkan kita, Tuhan yang Maha pengasih pun menggari Syaitan dari mengusik agar tidak mengganggu konsentrasi ibadah. Jadi apa alasannya untuk kita tidak memecut lari?

“Mungkin ada dari mereka yang rasa penat.” Sahut seorang dari mereka mungkin memahami perumpaan analogi tersebut.

“Betul tu, maka syukurlah kita tuhan kurniakan 10 malam terakhir sebagai jarak bagi kita mulakan pecutan, dan pasti dihujung nanti ramai yang tercungap kepenatan kan? Oleh itu hanya yang besungguh-sungguh dan yang bersiap fizikal dan mental sahaja yang mampu memelihara stamina mereka hingga ke akhir garisan. Sekaligus meraih hadiah yang layak bagi mereka atas usaha dan kesungguhan yang ditunjukkan.

Soalannya adakah mereka yang tidak bersiap dan bersungguh akan gagal mendapat ganjaran?”

Jawapannya tidak, pasti ada juga yang sampai kegarisan penamat cuma bezanya adalah mereka tidak akan mendapat kedudukan yang baik dalam perlumbaan tersebut.

“hah, tak apalah asalkan kita dapat kan dah cukup baik tu Ustaz!”

“ Kalau begitu awak dah berjaya menanam niat mengejar laylatul-ala-kadar namanya”

“haha, dan bos tu pun tak rugi apa-apa kan Ustaz?” kata temannya.

“Tau takpe.” Jawab Ustaz.

Mistakes during Ramadhan

"In the name of God, most Gracious, most Compassionate"

My father is back from Korea and it feels good to hear his voice again when he's praying and doing his wirid. It's comforting... when I was really young I used to be waken up by his voice during subuh but then I'd just lie and listen to him. His intonation of his surahs and all never change one bit.

Anyway, here's a post I saw on Facebook and the lady said we should share it, so I will. =)

Mistakes during Ramadhan

Taking Ramadaan as a ritual.

For many of us Ramadaan has lost its spirituality and has become more of a ritual than a form of Ibaadah. We fast from morning to night like a zombie just because everyone around us is fasting too. We forget that its a time to purify our hearts and our souls from all evil....we forget to make dua, forget to beseech Allaah to forgive us and ask Him to save us from the Fire. Sure we stay away from food and drink but that's about all.Although the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: "Jibreel said to me,'May Allaah rub his nose in the dust, that person to who Ramadaan comes and his sins are not forgiven,' and I said, 'Ameen'. Then he said, 'May Allaah rub his nose in the dust, that person who lives to see his parents grow old, one or both of them, but he does not enter Paradise (by not serving them) and I said, 'Ameen'.Then he said, 'May Allaah rub his nose in the dust, that person in whose presence you are mentioned and he does not send blessings upon you,' and I said, 'Ameen.'" (Tirmidhi, Ahmad, others. Saheeh by al-Albaani)

Too much stress on food and drink.

For some people, the entire month of Ramadaan revolves around food. They spend the ENTIRE day planning, cooking, shopping and thinking about only food, instead of concentrating on Salaah, Quraan and other acts of worship. All they can think of is FOOD. So much so that they turn the month of 'fasting' into the month of 'feasting'. Come Iftaar time, their table is a sight to see, with the multitudes and varieties of food, sweets and drinks. They are missing the very purpose of fasting, and thus, increase in their greed and desires instead of learning to control them. It is also a kind of waste & extravagance.'.....and eat and drink but waste not by extravagance, certainly He (Allaah) likes not Al-Musrifoon (those who waste by extravagance)' [al-Araaf :31]

Spending all day cooking

Some of the sisters (either by their own choice or forced by their husbands) are cooking ALL day and ALL night, so that by the end of the day, they are too tired to even pray Ishaa, let alone pray Taraweeh or Tahajjud or even read Quraan. This is the month of mercy and forgiveness. So turn off that stove and turn on your Imaan!

Eating too much

Some people stuff themselves at Suhoor until they are ready to burst, because they think this is the way to not feel hungry during the day and some people eat at Iftaar, like there is no tomorrow, trying to 'make up for the food missed.' However, this is completely against the Sunnah. Moderation is the key to everything. The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: 'The son of Adam does not fill any vessel worse than his stomach; for the son of Adam a few mouthfuls are sufficient to keep his back straight. If you must fill it, then one-third for food, one-third for drink and one-third for air.' (Tirmidhi, Ibn Maajah. saheeh by al-Albaani). Too much food distracts a person from many deeds of obedience and > worship, makes him lazy and also makes the heart heedless. It was said to Imam Ahmad: Does a man find any softness and humility in his heart when he is full? He said, I do not think so.

Sleeping all day

Some people spend their entire day (or a major part of it) 'sleeping away their fast'. Is this what is really required of us during this noble month? These people also are missing the purpose of fasting and are slaves to their desires of comfort and ease. They cannot 'bear' to be awake and face a little hunger or exert a little self-control. For a fasting person to spend most of the day asleep is nothing but, negligence on his part.

Wasting time

The month of Ramadaan is a precious, precious time, so much so that Allaah calls this month 'Ayyamum Ma'doodaat' (A fixed number of days). Before we know it, this month of mercy and forgiveness will be over. We should try and spend every moment possible in the worship of Allaah so that we can make the most of this blessing. However, there are some of us who waste away their day playing video games, or worse still, watching TV, movies or even listening to music. Subhaan Allaah! Trying to obey Allaah by DISOBEYING him!

Fasting but not giving up evil

Some of us fast but do not give up lying, cursing, fighting, backbiting, etc. and some of us fast but do not give up cheating, stealing, dealing in haraam, buying lotto tickets, selling alcohol, fornication, etc. and all kinds of impermissible things without realizing that the purpose of fasting is to not stay away from food and drink; rather the aim behind it is to fear Allaah. "O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious)" [al-Baqarah 2:183] The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: 'Whoever does not give up false speech and acting upon it, and ignorance, Allaah has no need of him giving up his food and drink.' (Bukhaari)

Smoking

Smoking is forbidden in Islam whether during Ramadaan or outside of it, as it is one of al-Khabaa'ith (evil things). And this includes ALL kinds of 'smoking material' eg.cigars, cigarettes, pipes,'Sheesha', hookah etc. 'he allows them as lawful At Tayyibaat (all good and lawful things), and prohibits them as unlawful Al Khabaa'ith (all evil and unlawful things) [al-A'raaf :157] It is harmful, not only to the one smoking, but also to the ones around him. It is also a means of wasting ones wealth. The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: 'There should be no harming or reciprocating harm.' This is especially true during fasting and it invalidates the fast.(Fatwa -Ibn 'Uthaymeen)

Skipping Suhoor

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: 'Eat suhoor for in suhoor there is blessing.'(Bukhaari, Muslim). And he (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: 'The thing thatdifferentiates between our fasting and the fasting of the People of the Book is eating suhoor.' (Muslim) Some people are too scared to fast if they miss Suhoor. However, this is a kind of cowardice and love of ease. What is the big deal if you missed a few morsels of food? It's not like you will die. Remember, obedience to Allaah overcomes everything.

Delaying breaking fast

Some people wait until the adhaan finishes or even several minutes after that, just to be 'on the safe side'. However, the Sunnah is to hasten to break the fast, which means breaking fast whenever the adhaan starts, right after the sun has set. Aa'ishah (RA) said: This is what the Messenger of Allaah (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) used to do. (Muslim) The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: 'The people will continue to do well so long as they hasten to break the fast.' (Bukhaari, Muslim) Determine to the best of your ability, the accuracy of your clock, calendar, etc. and then have tawakkul on Allaah and break your fast exactly on time.

Eating continuously until the time for Maghrib is up

Some people put so much food in their plates when breaking their fast and continue eating, enjoying dessert, drinking tea, etc., until they miss Maghrib. That is obviously not right. The Sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh) was that once he broke his fast with some dates, them he would hasten to the prayer. Once you are done with the prayer, you can always go back and eat some more if you wish.The prayer of the fasting person is guaranteed to be accepted at the time of breaking fast.The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: 'Three prayers are not rejected: the prayer of a father, the prayer of a fasting person, and the prayer of a traveler.' (al-Bayhaqi, saheeh by al-Albaani). Instead of sitting down and making Dua at this precious time, some people forego this beautiful chance, and are too busy frying samosas, talking, setting the food, filling their plates and glasses, etc. Think about it....Is food more important than the chance to have your sins forgiven or the fulfillment of your Duas.

Fasting but not praying

The fasting of one who does not pray WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. This is because not praying constitutes kufr as the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: 'Between a man and shirk and kufr there stands his giving up prayer.' (Muslim) In fact, NONE of his good deeds will be accepted; rather, they are all annulled. 'Whoever does not pray 'Asr, his good deeds will be annulled.' (Bukhaari)

Fasting and not wearing Hijaab

Not wearing the Hijaab is a major sin as it is obligatory for Muslim women. (See Surah Nur, Surah Ahzaab). So fasting and not wearing hijaab certainly takes away enormously from the rewards of fasting, even if does not invalidate it.

Not fasting because of exams or work

Exams or work is NOT one of the excuses allowed by the Shariah to not fast. You can do your studying and revision at night if it is too hard to do that during the day. Also remember that pleasing and obeying Allaah is much more important than 'good grades'. Besides, if you will fulfil your obligation to fast, even if you have to study, Allaah will make it easy for you and help you in everything you do. 'Whosoever fears Allah, He will appoint for him a way out and provide for him from where he does not expect, Allah is Sufficient for whosoever puts his trust in Him.' (Surah at-Talaaq 2-3)

Mixing fasting and Dieting

DO NOT make the mistake of fasting with the intention to diet. That is one of the biggest mistakes some of us make (esp. sisters). Fasting is an act of worship and can only be for the sake of Allah alone. Otherwise, mixing it with the intention of dieting may become a form of (minor) Shirk. There is no specific number of rak'ahs for Taraweeh prayer, rather it is permissible to do a little or a lot. Both 8 and 20 are okay. Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen said: 'No one should be denounced for praying eleven or twenty-three (raka'ah), because the matter is broader in scope than that, praise be to Allaah.

Praying ONLY on the night of the 27th

Some people pray ONLY on the 27th to seek Lailat ul-Qadr, neglecting all other odd nights, although the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: 'Seek Lailat ul-Qadr among the odd numbered nights of the last ten nights of Ramadaan.' (Bukhaari, Muslim).

Wasting the last part of Ramadaan preparing for Eid

Some people waste the entire last 10 days of Ramadaan preparing for Eid, shopping and frequenting malls, etc. neglecting Ibadah and Lailatul Qadr. although, the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) used to strive the hardest during the last ten days of Ramadaan in worship (Ahmad, Muslim) and not in shopping. Buy whatever you need for Eid before Ramadaan so that you can utilize the time in Ramadaan to the max. Aa'ishah (RA) said: "When the (last) ten nights began, the Messenger of Allaah (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam)) would tighten his waist-wrapper (i.e., strive hard in worship or refrain from intimacy with his wives), stay awake at night and wake his family." (Bukhaari and Muslim).

Iftaar parties

Although inviting each other for breaking fast is something good and encouraged, some people go to extremes with lavish 'Iftaar parties' with all sorts of disobedience to Allaah, from flirting, mixing of the sexes and hijaab-less women, to show-off and extravagance, to heedlessness to Salaah, and Taraweeh to even music and dancing.

I hope the above serves as a reminder for us...

Wallahualam Bissawab

Night Prayers; Qiamulaill

"In the name of God, most Gracious, most Compassionate"

The uncertainty of how to perform these night prayers for the last 10 days or better known as Qiamulaill has made me restless and unable to sleep thus I went online to search for some answers.

But before I begin this long entry, I just want to sedekah an Al-Fatihah to an old friend of mine from way back in secondary school who has recently met with a sad incident. Inalillah... I told him that it is still Ramadhan and Allah has taken something away from him for a reason and he should redha and not be angry at his fate.

Alright, so to begin this 'lesson' proper, I'd like to quote some verses from Surah Al-Muzzammil ayat 1-8:

يَا أَيُّهَا الْمُزَّمِّلُ

O thou folded in garments!.

قُمِ اللَّيْلَ إِلَّا قَلِيلًا

Stand (to prayer) by night, but not all night,-

نِّصْفَهُ أَوِ انقُصْ مِنْهُ قَلِيلًا.

Half of it,- or a little less,

أَوْ زِدْ عَلَيْهِ وَرَتِّلِ الْقُرْآنَ تَرْتِيلًا.

Or a little more; and recite the Qur'an in slow, measured rhythmic tones.

إِنَّا سَنُلْقِي عَلَيْكَ قَوْلًا ثَقِيلًا.

Soon shall We send down to thee a weighty Message

إِنَّ نَاشِئَةَ اللَّيْلِ هِيَ أَشَدُّ وَطْئًا وَأَقْوَمُ قِيلًا.

Truly the rising by night is most potent for governing (the soul), and most suitable for (framing) the Word (of Prayer and Praise).

إِنَّ لَكَ فِي النَّهَارِ سَبْحًا طَوِيلًا

True, there is for thee by day prolonged occupation with ordinary duties:

وَاذْكُرِ اسْمَ رَبِّكَ وَتَبَتَّلْ إِلَيْهِ تَبْتِيلًا

But keep in remembrance the name of thy Lord and devote thyself to Him whole-heartedly.

And that... is in essence what Qiamulaill is really about. The later part of the night (1/2am till sahur time) should be spent in ibadah with the sole purpose of pleasing Allah and seeking forgiveness and kindness from Him. In addition to reading the Quran, here are the prayers that can be performed accordingly:

1. Solat Sunat Tahajjud
2. Solat Sunat Hajat
3. Solat Sunat Taubat
4. Solat Sunat Tasbih
5. Solat Sunat Witir

Here are some sites that came in useful for me:
http://www.epondok.com.my/index.php?p=mutiarailmu/qiamullail.php
http://www.scribd.com/doc/5462255/Panduan-Solat-Tarawih-Witir-Tahajjud-Qiamullail-yang-Benar

It's quite alot for a first timer like me... but insyaallah I will be able to do it.

A meaningful Fast =)

"In the name of God, most Gracious, most Compassionate"

I'm currently exhausted and waiting for my hair to dry before I perform my Asr prayers. Today has been a whirlwind of housework- laundry, cleaning and clearing. Heh heh.

When I was younger, I used to hate doing the cleaning and will always lament that my brothers are useless and do not help with the chores. I still do think that and I have made it a point that when I have sons, I will make sure they know how to cook, bake and clean just like the girls.

So after doing handwashing of laundry, I sorted out my past years' worth of readings and notes; dug out what I may need for this semester and chased away the dust mites and god knows what else inside that cupboard of mine.

After that, its cleaning the windows. But by the 4th room, my hands were having blisters and rashes and I had to stop. =( Sensitive skin with no more natural protection.

But the day feels very meaningful because I've done all these with the intention of pleasing Allah and I feel very contented.

Alhamdulliah...

Ramadan around the world

"In the name of God, most Gracious, most Compassionate"

A friend of mine shared this link with us on Facebook and I really love the pictures!

Here it is: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/gallery/2010/aug/11/ramadan-around-the-world#/

I hope the photographers doesn't mind that I put some of their photos up here. All courtesy to guardian.co.uk for compiling the photos:

Here's a picture of Friday prayers in Jakarta. Masyaallah...

Delhi: A man and child break their fast after sunset on the first day of Ramadan at Jama mosque



Nairobi: Children read the Qur'an in a madrasa



They didn't have any pictures of Singapore though! So I'm going to put my own. =)

These are just some pictures I took from a relative were taken of the Geylang Bazaar during Ramadan. It's always almost the same every year... but the atmosphere is different. I hope someday, I would be able to experience Ramadan in other countries as well; do terawih in their mosques and eat the food the Muslims eat over there. Insyaallah, if God willing.

Contemplative Conundrums

"In the name of God, most Gracious, most Compassionate"

Last night, I saw a friend commenting that she despises people who do eat, smoke and drink in front of others during the fasting month. She also goes on to further point out that these people are not muslims and are despicable.

So, she has contemplated the situation and came out with a conclusion- all of which are really conundrums to her of course.

It is not in our place to question the WHY in people's actions or inactions. We should leave it up to Him to ascertain accordingly. Similarly, we have no right to judge if someone is a bad muslim or if that person is a muslim at all. So it was very disheartening for me to see such a post on Facebook. She has made this issue her problem and in that process riddle herself with the conundrum that can never be answered except by Allah.

But the irony is... fasting is the 3rd pillar of our rukun Islam... so before you begin to judge others, you should see if you yourself have fulfilled the first and second requirements- which are, proclaiming the syahadah and doing your five prayers. Many of us, have been fasting but all we get out of it is the feeling of hunger, thirst and fatigue... because our fast had been nullified when we leave out our obligations to pray.

-sigh-

Then there's the issue of he-who- shall- not-be-named-because-I'm- so-annoyed-at-you. Please do not take 8 years to complete your Honours because procrastination is a sin. (see here)

Ibnul-Qayyim said, ‘There is nothing that Allah has enjoined, but Shaytan has ways of dealing with it, either by inclining (people) towards falling short and being negligence or excessive and exaggeration. He does not care which of these two mistakes a person makes. So he may come to a person’s heart and check it out, and if he finds that he is lazy, negligent and looking for concessions, then he goes along with that. He holds him back and stops him from doing things; he makes him lazy, indifferent and negligent, and encourages him to seek alternative interpretations and hope for forgiveness etc., until a person may give up doing all things that have been enjoined.

One of the ways in which Shaytan does this is mentioned in the hadith recorded in Saheeh al-Bukharee from Abu Hurayrah (radhi allahu anhu), who said that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said,

‘Shaytan puts three knots at the back of the head of any of you if he is asleep. On every knot he reads and exhales the following words, ‘The night is long, so stay asleep.’ When one wakes up and remembers Allah, one knot is undone; and when one performs ablution, the second knot is undone, and when one prays the third knot is undone and one gets up energetic with a good heart in the morning; otherwise one gets up lazy and with a mischievous heart.’ [Saheeh al-Bukharee (21/243)]

Therefore, seek refuge in Him whenever you feel lost because I can't always give you the right answers...

Allahumma innee a`dhu bika mina al-‘ajzi wa al-kasal wa al-jubun wa al-bukhl wa ghalabati al-dayni wa qahri al-rrijaal

(O Allah, I seek refuge in You from helplessness, sloth, cowardice, niggardliness, and burden of debts and domineering men.)

Laa ilaaha illa Allaahu al-`azeem al-haleem, la ilaaha illa Allaahu rabbu al-`arshi al-`azeem, laa ilaaha illa Allaahu rabbu al-ssamaawaati wa al-ardhi wa rabbu al-`arshi al-kareem

(There is no god but Allah, the Glorious and Clement; there is no god but Allah, Lord of the Great Throne; there is no god but Allah, Lord of the heavens and earth and the Noble Throne).”

Living by example

"In the name of God, most Gracious, most Compassionate"

Before I begin, just wanted to share that my father replied my short email with a very lengthy one! It seems my brothers haven't been emailing him much and worst of all, he doesn't get to talk to us much because this month we're always at terawih when he calls. I miss him very much and I really pray that he will be home with us for Hari Raya. Insyaallah... if God willing...

Actually, the purpose of this entry is to write about the three levels of fasting that I've learnt these past few days during the short takzirah after terawih. And again I read it this morning on 'Happy muslim husband and wife'. So I guess that's a sign that I should write what I learnt.

From their website:

Three Grades:-

It should be known that there are three grades of Fasting: ordinary, special and extra-special.

Ordinary Fasting means abstaining from food, drink and sexual satisfaction.

Special Fasting means keeping one's ears, eyes, tongue, hands and feet -- and all other organs -- free from sin.

Extra-special Fasting means fasting of the heart from unworthy concerns and worldly thoughts, in total disregard of everything but Allah, Great and Glorious is He. This kind of Fast is broken by thinking of worldly matters, except for those conducive to religious ends, since these constitute provision for the Hereafter and are not of this lower world. Those versed in the spiritual life of the heart have even said that a sin is recorded against one who concerns himself all day with arrangements for breaking his Fast. Such anxiety stems from lack of trust in the bounty of Allah, Great and Glorious is He, and from lack of certain faith in His promised sustenance.

To this third degree belong the Prophets, the true awliya and the intimates of Allah. It does not lend itself to detailed examination in words, as its true nature is better revealed in action. It consists in utmost dedication to Allah, Great and Glorious is He, to the neglect of everything other than Allah, Exalted is He. It is bound up with the significance of His words: 'Say: "Allah (sent it down)": then leave them to play in their vain discussions.' [al-An'am,6:91]

The above is just a segment of it. But it is something that is often repeated during Ramadhan by our ustads and ustazahs...

It makes you think doesn't it... at which level are you fasting at right now? And how many days were you able to sustain that level? Did you try for the extra-special fast and do you think you succeeded?

But something Ustad said last night, really resonated within me. He said that Nabi Muhammad s.a.w, despite being the key opener of syurga, still sets an example by spending his days fasting and his nights praying. In fact he had asked permission from his wives to excuse him during Ramadhan to allow him to be only with Allah. I was truly touched by that...

And yet, here we are, as his ummah, taking for granted that we'd go to heaven too eventually and we do not put in much effort into our ibadah. Ustad reminded us that Ramadhan is our practicing ground. If we do something during Ramadhan (like night prayers), then we should continue with it throughout the year; not just be good during Ramadhan. Insyaallah... I will try...

However, I must say that sometimes other worldly concerns are more applicable to men than women. Women still have to concern themselves with worldly considerations... like cooking for the breaking of fast, laundry, taking care of the children and keeping the house clean so it is more conducive for ibadah. But I am sure that if they do it with the sincerest of hearts, to seek His pleasure, then I'm sure He will reward these women for always remembering Him.

As much as we can, we must follow the examples set by our Prophet s.a.w, his companions and his wives.

Wallahualam Bissawab...

Adventure Saturday!

"In the name of God, most Gracious, most Compassionate"

Although it was a long, hot and humid day, I seemed to get alot of things done and 2/3 of it was spent on ibadah. Alhamdulillah...

Speaking of Alhamdulillah... today me and Hubtobe were exploring mosques and chanced upon Masjid Omar Kampong Melaka, near Havelock Road and it is so beautiful and so clean and so comfortable... almost like my other favourite mosque- Abdul Hamid Mosque. Oh yeah, and when I entered the female prayer room and saw that it was fully air conditioned, I smsed Hubtobe and said 'Hurray!' to which he chided me "Mane keSyukuran? Bukan cakap Hurray..." (where's your sense of gratefulness... not say hurray)

Ooops... I was just so happy and excited that I was going to enjoy peace and quiet in a comfortable mosque that I forgot for a moment. Apparently they've revamped the place and it looks really lovely now. Here's a photo I took from Wikipedia:



Prior to our visit to this mosque, we went to Funan to get Hubtobe's antivirus for his computer. It's been quite some time since we walked in town and especially now that it's Ramadan, walking in town isn't such a good thing. Hubtobe mentioned that town is not really a muslim-friendly place. Yes there is Al-Falah mosque and other musollah's here and there but the people who crowd the streets can really challenge one's iman.

I think for him, he has to lower his gaze more than I do because the women on the streets are quite scantily clad at times and it's hard to keep your eyes on the floor especially in a crowded area. Unlike me, I'm quite oblivious to my surroundings at times. Heh heh.

Well... that aside... I'm so happy I finally got a new foundation powder, eyeliner and lipstick (basic makeup really). I seem to have lost mine somehow. Hubtobe helped to choose the lipstick colour. He was so funny and so choosy! I prefered the neutral tones but he said he wanted something red and an image of a pin-up girl came to my head. But eventually we compromised to a colour called chestnut that was a mix of reddish brown. =)

Alright, to top it all, we did terawih at Masjid Sultan... it was lovely... The second Imam drove me to tears. Well... sniffles more like it. I was touched by his rendition of the surahs. He sounded like the Imam from Al-Khair though. Plus Masjid Sultan is spacious and it wasn't so crowded. I know its best if the mosque is filled to the brim... but sometimes I appreciate some space too... coz we always end up sitting on each other's feet during tahiyat akhir. -laughs-

Well... a day with Hubtobe is always a day well spent and although I'm really tired from all the walking and standing, I am grateful that Allah has given me the strength and the health to still persevere through the day. Alhamdullillah.

Also, at the end of the day, I know you know, Lihub Billah...

Terawih Prayers!

"In the name of God, most Gracious, most Compassionate"

Alhamdulillah, we've made it through the first day of Ramadhan. Allah had been kind and merciful to us for making it a cool breezy and rainy day, making it easier to get through the day.

But today is very hot and even though I am indoors, there's alot of work to do! Laundry, cleaning up the cupboards and finally, checking emails and writing an entry. Heh heh.

Well, today I want to write about my first terawih prayer for the year.

Unlike many people, I do my first two weeks of terawih at my ustad and ustazah's house and over the years, they have become very like family to me and my family. Its been over 10 years since we've known them and alhamdulillah, I am still learning something new from them each week.

Terawih prayers when I was younger was more fun because ustad and ustazah's kids were still young and we'd all pray together, along with our other friends. But now that we're all grown up, it is very hard to get all the kids together. But, at least the youngest two and the eldest are still around.

Terawih prayers at their house is always very meaningful to me because I see a father who has raised 7 children as a sole breadwinner and yet, very humble and simple. Their house is simple and the most important part of the house is the hall because that's where it's most spacious for prayers. =) On one side of the wall, there are books on religion and alot of Qurans. It's actually very beautiful and like I said before, I am going to buy more books to make a library like that.

Well, but on weekends, I hope to ask Hubtobe to let me follow him to terawih.

This year, I am hoping to go for the Qiyamul Layl. I'm not sure how possible is that, considering that the last week of Ramadan is my first week of school... but I will try my best, insyaallah.

Oh yes, and I am going for that forum on knowledge at Sultan Mosque! I am so excited!

Welcoming the Month of Ramadan; Happy Husband and Wife

"In the name of God, most Gracious, most Compassionate"

These days when I go on facebook, I visit pages which help me to become a better muslimah and refrain from engaging in the gossip and bad talking which is rampant in some of my circles. I am trying to close off that connection and only look to the good ones in hopes to establish a better self in the name of Allah.


Happy Muslim Husband and Wife is one of the pages which I do visit. Although it is aimed at those who are already married, it also touches on other aspects of life such as Ramadan, Women's rights in islam and also tips on how to make a better relationship with your spouse and family. Even if you're not married yet, I think the page provides a wonderful source of information as well as a network of people to whom you can seek knowledge and advice from.

At the same time, there's also the Ideal Muslimah which is another place I visit, along with Daily Reminders. And last of all... Without Allah, I am nothing. =)

But today, I want to share something I read about Ramadhan from Happy Muslim Husband and Wife. I took this from their page, so all credits to them:

Welcoming the Month of Ramadan

Ramadan is derived from ramdaa' which means "sun-baked," perhaps a reference to the pangs of fasting.

Anas (r) said that when the month of Ramadan came the Prophet (s) said: "Glory to Allah! What are you facing now! What is coming ahead!" `Umar ibn al-Khattab (r) said: "My father's life for you, and my mother's! O Prophet of Allah, what is it? Did you receive revelation, or is an enemy coming?" He replied: "No, but the month of Ramadan has come, in which Allah forgives all the people of this Community." He also said: "If Allah's servants knew what Ramadan was, they would have wished it lasted for the whole year."

The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur'an is a time of tremendous blessings and the gate of repentance and return to Allah.

The Prophet (s) also said: "The month of Ramadan has come to you, a blessed month for the duration of which Allah has prescribed fasting for you. In it the gates of the heaven are open and the gates of Gehenna are shut." Another version adds: "And devils are put in chains."

The Prophet (s) named fasting "the poor-tax of the body" (zakat al-jasad) and he named it "a shield" (al-siyamu junnah) and also "half of restraint" (al-sabru nisfu al-sawm), and he named restraint "pure light" (al-sabru diya'). When asked who were the wanderers in the verse:

التَّائِبُونَ الْعَابِدُونَ الْحَامِدُونَ السَّائِحُونَ الرَّاكِعُونَ السَّاجِدونَ الآمِرُونَ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَالنَّاهُونَ عَنِ الْمُنكَرِ وَالْحَافِظُونَ لِحُدُودِ اللّهِ وَبَشِّرِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ

Those that turn to Allah in repentance;
that serve Him, and praise Him;
that wander in devotion to His cause (al-sa'ihun);
that bow down and prostrate themselves in prayer;
that enjoin good and forbid evil;
and observe the limits set by Allah --
these do rejoice!
So proclaim the glad tidings to the believers. (9:112)

The Prophet (s) said: "The wanderers in the cause of Allah (al-sa'ihun) are those who fast" (hum al-sa'imun). Thus a true dervish fasts, and many of the great shaykhs said that the path consists in hunger. The Prophet (s) also said: "There is no conceit in fasting."

The month of Ramadan is a tremendous witness on the Day of the judgment, and the Prophet (s) said: "I declare myself clear of them whose detractor is Ramadan." It brings immense rewards as he said: "Those who fast the month of Ramadan believing (in Allah and his Messenger) and seeking a reward, all their past sins are forgiven." Another version adds: "and pray (the voluntary night-prayer) in it" and in the end: "he comes out of his sins as on the day his mother gave birth to him."

According to the Companion `Ubadah ibn al-Samit the Prophet (s) used to say upon entering this month:

Allahumma sallimnee li ramadana wa sallim ramadana
wa sallimhu minnee mutaqabbilan.

"O Allah, greet and save me for Ramadan; greet and save Ramadan;
greet and save Ramadan on my behalf, and grant me its acceptance."

Wisdom Behind Fasting- The purpose of Fasting

Firstly we must note that one of the names of Allah is al-Hakim (the Most Wise). The word Hakim is derived from the same root as hukm (ruling) and hikmah (wisdom). Allah alone is the One Who issues rulings, and His rulings are the most wise and perfect.

Secondly: Allah does not prescribe any ruling but there is great wisdom behind it, which we may understand, or our minds may not be guided to understand it. We may know some of it but a great deal is hidden from us.

Thirdly: Allah has mentioned the reason and wisdom behind His enjoining of fasting upon us, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):

O you who believe! Observing As-Sawm (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqun (the pious)

[Noble Quran 2:183]

Fasting is a means of attaining taqwa (piety, being conscious of Allah), and taqwa means doing that which Allah has enjoined and avoiding that which He has forbidden.

Fasting is one of the greatest means of helping a person to fulfill the commands of Islam.

The scholars have mentioned some of the reasons why fasting is prescribed, all of which are characteristics of taqwa, but there is nothing wrong with quoting them here, to draw the attention of fasting people to them and make them keen to attain them.

Among the reasons behind fasting are:-

Fasting is a means that makes us appreciate and give thanks for pleasures. For fasting means giving up eating, drinking and intercourse, which are among the greatest pleasures. By giving them up for a short time, we begin to appreciate their value. Because the blessings of Allah are not recognized, but when you abstain from them, you begin to recognize them, so this motivates you to be grateful for them.

Fasting is a means of giving up haram things, because if a person can give up halal things in order to please Allah and for fear of His painful torment, then he will be more likely to refrain from haram things. So fasting is a means of avoiding the things that Allah has forbidden.

Fasting enables us to control our desires, because when a person is full his desires grow, but if he is hungry then his desire becomes weak. Hence the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: O young men! Whoever among you can afford to get married, let him do so, for it is more effective in lowering the gaze and protecting one's chastity. Whoever cannot do that, let him fast, for it will be a shield for him.

Fasting makes us feel compassion and empathy towards the poor, because when the fasting person tastes the pain of hunger for a while, he remembers those who are in this situation all the time, so he will hasten to do acts of kindness to them and show compassion towards them. So fasting is a means of feeling empathy with the poor.

Fasting humiliates and weakens the Shaytan; it weakens the effects of his whispers (waswaas) on a person and reduces his sins. That is because the Shaytan "flows through the son of Adam like blood as the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said, but fasting narrows the passages through which the Shaytan flows, so his influence grows less.

[Shaykh al-Islam said in Majmu' al-Fatawa, 25/246


Undoubtedly blood is created from food and drink, so when a person eats and drinks, the passages through which the devils flow - which is the blood - become wide. But if a person fasts, the passages through which the devils flow become narrow, so hearts are motivated to do good deeds, and to give up evil deeds.

The fasting person is training himself to remember that Allah is always watching, so he gives up the things that he desires even though he is able to take them, because he knows that Allah can see him.

Fasting means developing an attitude of asceticism towards this world and its desires, and seeking that which is with Allah.

It makes the Muslim get used to doing a great deal of acts of worship, because the fasting person usually does more acts of worship and gets used to that.

These are some of the reasons why fasting is enjoined. We ask Allah to help us to achieve them and to worship Him properly.

And Allah knows best.