Chill Yo Islam Yo

Salam,

Quran Recitation then hit the dance floor, Astugfurillah. It appears as if a year hasn’t changed much. Entertainment groups who throw party’s are doing it for the Muslims again, to celebrate the end of Ramadan and begin the new month, Haramadan. I actually wrote about this last year, but I wanna polish it up a bit again.

Now look, every time we make a judgment on any issue, we should be clear of what is backwards and what we think about it. In the end, we don’t say we are better than other Muslims, those of us who are concern about the security of our actions and others wish to address certain rituals which are not a part of Eid. We want God Almighty to guide us all and we make dua all of us get to heaven with ease. Ameen.

Now to bring out the reality, the next level bida seems like it is getting upgraded every year. It’s not hard to see that some people are waiting for shatan to get out, he just got unchained, at least let him breathe. Reality check, what did Ramadan do for you?

Anyways, the blessed Ramadan has passed us by but obviously it hasn’t struck the hearts of those that are caught up in the dunya. Sadly, it seems some Muslims within our ummah are transgressing.

I’m actually getting to the Chand Raat Party’s that take place by some entertainment groups every year, from what I know Hindu’s and Muslims that team up to celebrate the welcoming of a new month, and a disappointing goodbye of a month that is greater than any month you would possibly want to live in. Who knows it might have been your last.

See throughout the year, we act up no doubt. Everyone has there up’s and down’s on the emaan rush elevator but because of our weaknesses some of us let the negative spheres of influences overpower us, more dangerously at the wrong time.

In a month, where Allah swt has hooked us up with a chance to rectify ourselves and completely transform our souls. The hype and pleasures hit us again and I don’t know why but Muslims attend these party’s and find it acceptable in our tradition or with accordance to Quran and Sunnah. But we need to wake up, seriously.

Now of course, everything I’m saying is a view of my own. You might not agree, but we all make our own decisions towards our own afterlife at the end. So do you, and I’ll make dua for you! As we say in Brooklyn.

All I’m saying is if you wanna do something in the name of Islam, that is not from Islam, then don’t do it!

Okay not everything is bad at the Chaand Raat party’s, like mehndi and the halal food and the family getting together. However, all these energys can be directed in a more cleaner halal environment. Just eliminate the cultural mix.Instead of Music, you can have Nasheeds or Recitation of the Quran. You can even have a creative and educating speech on the importance of Eid. Keep it Real!

We all know how to celebrate eid and if you do not, I don’t blame you, Inshallah go make moves seek some knowledge. Read about the Sunnah, maybe you have been bought up to celebrate like this so you don’t know.

So Here is a video glimpse of the Chaand Raat Festival for Eid al Fitr, tell me what you think.

May Allah swt guide us all, keep us modest, keep our hearts clean, protect us and give us success in this life and in the hereafter. Ameen!

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Salam,

Firstly I would want to thank the Boston Globe for putting together such a great News Story Article with photographs that are worth way more than a thousand words. I highly recommend you guys peep this article from the Boston globe titled ” Observing Ramadan”.

It’s the most beautiful Article I’ve seen so far this month, with captivating pictures from all around the world of Muslims in the Ramadan Spirit. Mashallah it’s very amazing to see the diversity and humanizing elements within these pictures. Islam is truly a priceless jewel from Allah (swt). May Allah (swt) forgive all of us and guide us and make us all righteous representatives of the Deen, Ameen!

Click Here to View the Article

Sample Pictures Below

Symbolizing the faith of Islam, the crescent moon is seen at sunset on top of the Faisal Mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2008. (AP Photo/Wally Santana) 

Israeli border police hold back Palestinians on their way to pray for the holy fasting month of Ramadan at the Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem’s Old City, at Kalandia checkpoint, between the West Bank town of Ramallah and Jerusalem, Friday, Sept. 12, 2008. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)

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Salam Believers,

Our Beloved Prophet Muhammad (s) said:

“Verily this month has come to you; and therein is a night which is better than a thousand Months. Whosoever is deprived of it, is deprived of all good; and none is deprived of its good except a totally unfortunate person”. (Ibn Majah)

 “Whosoever stands up (in prayer) at the Night of Power out of faith and hopeful of reward, all his past sins will be forgiven.”(Targhib)

The last nights are gradually coming to an end, which means it’s crunch time. 2/3 of the blessed month of Ramadan is finished, we are fortunate to have made it this far so let’s awaken and make sincere dua’s and prayers to Allah. Some people have died before these last 10 days have came, so it’s only right we go into the highest efforts of Ibadah. Give your soul a makeover, an extreme makeover.

Facts and Tips for the Night of Power.

1) The Holy Quran was revealed on the odd nights, this event changed the world forever.

2) It’s better than a thousand months, which is equivalent to 83 Years and 4 Months. 

3) Our Beloved Prophet said “Laylatul Qadr has been bestowed by Allah to my Ummah (People). It was not given to any people before this.” (Dur-Mansoor).

4) Repeat the Dua, “Allahumma innaka `afuwwun tuh.ibbul `afwa fa`fu `annee - O Allah! You are
forgiving, and you love forgiveness. So forgive me. As Our beloved Prophet Muhammad advised Aisha ( radhiallahu `anh) to do so.

5) Read Quran, Read Quran, Read Quran! Our Beloved Prophet Muhammad said: “Verily the one who recites the Qur’an beautifully, smoothly, and precisely, he will be in the company of the noble and obedient angels. And as for the one who recites with difficulty, stammering or stumbling through its verses (because he doesn’t know how to read it but is trying to), then he will have TWICE that reward.”

Well that was a quick post, Inshallah write again soon, stay up, Wasalaam.

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Salam,

Don’t confuse the topic with going on a date with the opposite gender. This one brother had a joke, he said ” you know it’s Ramadan when brothers and sisters are giving each other dates”, haha. Interesting, anyways  I want to just tell you real quick some of the benefits of Eating Dates. Which include not only rewards because it is a sunnah, but because their are health benefits.

I never was never aware of the multiple benefits until I read about them, much of which comes from the Sunnah and a bit from the Holy Quran and of course Nutritional research.

I don’t live in a desert climate, but when it’s time to break your fast at sunset, the Date fruit gives a rush of energy. Unlike the Pizza Hut Pan Pizza that has a waterfall amount of oil which I often break my fast with at work. Yea it tastes delightful, it’s definitely America’s number one Pizza in my opinion, but I was checking out the Amount of calories it contains and it’s about 620. That’s mad crazy. I guess that’s part of what Ramadan is about, giving up your instant gratification grabbing habits.

So let’s give some Hadith from our Beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) first in case your wondering why Almost all Muslim’s break their fast with it. Thanks to the Age of Jahiliyah Blog, I was able to get alot of important information.

1. The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Break your fast by eating dates as it is purifying.” (Narrated by Ahmad)
2. The Prophet (PBUH) said: “ Whoever finds dates should break his fast with them and the one who does not should break his fast with water because it is pure”

From the Quran: (below are two, I believe there are much more speaking about date trees)

One Real Quick look from the Quran, in Surah Maryam (19), verse number 23 ..

1. In the Qur’an when Maryam(as) the mother of Prophet Jesus(as) was giving birth to him and she was experiencing pain, she was told to: ” Shake the trunk of the palm towards you and fresh, ripe dates will drop down onto you.”

2.  

   And in the earth are tracts (diverse though) neighboring, and gardens of vines and fields sown with corn, and palm trees - growing out of single roots or otherwise: watered with the same water, yet some of them We make more excellent than others to eat. Behold, verily in these things there are signs for those who understand! (Qur’an, 13:4)

Now for the Nutrtional and Health Benefits: ( I was able to find a bunch from running a search in Google, just type in “benefits of eating dates”

1.  Dates are rich in several vitamins and minerals. When the level of trace elements falls in the body, the health of the blood vessels is affected leading to an increased heart-rate and a consequent inability to perform its function with normal efficiency.
2.  Dates are also rich in calcium, they help strengthen the bones. When the calcium content in the body decreases, children are affected with rickets and the bones of adults become brittle and weak.
3. Modern dietary institutes now recommend dates to be given to children suffering from a nervous nature or hyperactivity.
4.  Modern medicine has shown that they are effective in preventing abdominal cancer
5. Dates are rich in natural fibers, they also surpass other fruits in the sheer variety of their constituents. They contain oil, calcium, sulphur, iron, potassium, phosphorous, manganese, copper and magnesium.

Mashallah, look at that, that’s official and the list goes on. So want a date? I’m sure you do after reading all this, nourish your body and soul. Go to the Whole Foods Market and grab some, or go to Atlantic Ave in Brooklyn. The finest date fruits, fresh and straight from Saudi =P.

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Salam,

It must suck being an impulse buyer and swiping your credit card like a black card when your broke. It must suck even more to pretend you can afford certain things when you really can’t.

Why can’t we Americans keep it real when it comes to financial matters. Well not all of us, but alot of us, in fact the average American household, according to many statistics, is over $8,000 (if not 9,000) just in credit card debt.

Which is why I love debit cards, buying a service or product when you have the money for it then acting like you do makes life alot easier. Well now if you live in the UK you can get your first ‘Shariah Compliant’ Mastercard. 

Hate Receiving or Giving Interest? Well if your a Muslim you certainly do. If your not, then you still should because if by any chance we fall in debt and sink deeper into it, we become financially enslaved to the ones we owe. It’s strictly prohibited in Islam and you can read a great article on a guide to debt here from MuslimMatters.org.

So what is this shariah complaint MasterCard and what’s the big deal? Here is an excerpt from Islamic Times discussing the benefits. I’ll sum up the points.

• The Cordoba Gold MasterCard does not charge or receive interest as this is in direct conflict with shariah Law.
• The company also donates at least 10% of its profits to registered charities in the UK and abroad
• The Cordoba Gold card is available to UK residents aged 18 and over, and is being launched in London.
• The UK’s Muslim population totals about two million and fully sharia-compliant banks have more than 30,000 customers across the UK

Sweet like halal marshmallows right? Yea I thought so, Continue Reading…

Salam,

I just came across some news on MujahideenRyder’s website of a Muslim Sister that is missing in New York, and her family is in desperate need of help. This is extremely sad to hear especially in the holy month of Ramadan.

Since it’s the month full of Allah mercy, we should all make Dua specifically for this incident and pray her family finds her in the best pf health. Further Information is provided below from the action alert website the family has arranged at www.findmydaughter.org

Friends and family of 21-year-old Etidal Abdullah are asking your help in finding the missing woman.

She was last seen on September 5, 2008 around 2:30 pm in the Save-A-Lot parking lot on Abbott Road in Lackawanna, NY.

Etidal is described as being 5 feet tall and an approximately 95 lbs.

Her family is offering a $20,000 reward for any information leading to her whereabouts.

  Anyone with information is asked to call the

Lackawanna Police Department at 716-822-4900 or the tip-line at 716-563-0081

or email at findmydaughter@gmail.com

News Articles:

• WIVB News 4 - Search for missing woman continues
• Buffalo News - Police can’t rule out foul play in case of missing Lackawanna woman
• WKBW News 7 - Missing Lackawanna Woman May Have Called Dad After Abduction
• WGRZ News 2 - Lackawanna Police Searching for Missing Woman

Join the Facebook Group Now:

The dua for lost or misplaced things is:

Allahuma ya jami’a an-nas liyaumin la raiba fih ijma baini wa baina dhaliti.

اللهم يا جامع الناس ليوم لا ريب فيه اجمع بيني وبين ضالتي

Keep the dua’s inshallah and spread the WORD. I’m out, Wasalaam.

Salam, I came across some artistic Ramadan graphic designs and ideas. Figured I share them with everyone.

Image via Wikipedia Salam,

I don’t really blog about news, but this was quite interesting.

Here is a letter from the President of the United States aka George Bush, to all the Muslims around the World. Taken from the official whitehouse.gov website.

Presidential Message, Ramadan 2008 

I send greetings to Muslims observing Ramadan in America and around the globe.

The holy month of Ramadan is a special time of prayer, fasting, and service. For Muslims, these days commemorate the revelation of God’s word to the prophet Muhammad in the form of the Qur’an.

I thank the men and women of the Muslim community for their contributions to America. Your love of family, and gratitude to God have strengthened the moral fabric of our country. Our Nation is stronger and more hopeful because of the generosity, talents, and compassion of our Muslim citizens.

Laura and I send our best wishes. Ramadan Mubarak.

GEORGE W. BUSH

May Allah swt guide the people and the leaders of this country, Ameen!

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Salam, 

Whether you are celebrating Eid on Monday or Tuesday, wherever you located on this planet.  I want to make dua that May Allah swt give all of you a happy, healthy, and halal Ramadan.

Shatan is finally locked up! Don’t bail him out. Ha-ha, Just playing but let me mention some dua’s that are very important. Inshallah try to keep them in your hearts and memorize it if  you already haven’t, this includes myself.

Alright Inshallah post again soon, till then time to work on the soul and step up my eman, Wasalaam.

Upon Sighting of the new Moon 

اللَّهُ اَكْبَرُ ، اَللَّهُمَّ اَهِلَّهُ عَلَيْنَا بِالآَمْنِ وَلاِيمَانِ ، وَالسَّلَامَةِ وَالاِسْلَامِ ، وَالتَّوْفِيقِ لِمَا تُحِبُّ رَبَّنَا وَتَرْضَى ، رَبُّنَا وَرَبُّكَ اللَّهُ

Allahu Akbar. Allahumma ahillahu ‘alayna bil-amni wal-imaani, was-salaamati, wal-Islami, wat-tawfeeqi lima tuhibbu Rabbana wa tardha. Rabbuna wa RabbukAllahu

Allah is the Greatest. O Allah bring us the new moon with security and faith, with peace and in Islam, and in harmony with what our Lord Loves and what pleases Him. Our Lord and your Lord is Allah
[at-Tirmidhi 5:504, ad-Darimi 1:336]

When beginning the fast- Suhur 

Wa bisawmi ghadinn nawaiytu min shahri ramadanI intend to keep the fast for tomorrow in the month of Ramadan
[abu Dawud]

When beginning the fast- Suhur

Allahumma inni laka sumtu wa bika aamantu [wa ‘alayka tawakkaltu] wa ‘ala rizq-ika aftarthu

O Allah!  I fasted for You and I believe in You [and I put my trust in You] and I break my fast with Your sustenance
[”wa ‘alayka tawakkaltu” is quoted in some books of knowledge - but not all, hence it is in brackets]
[abu Dawud]

The thrist is gone, the veins are moistened and the reward is confirmed, if Allah [Ta’ala] Wills
[abu Dawud 2:306]

O Allah, I ask You by Your mercy which envelopes all things, that You forgive me.
[a du’a that Abdullah ibn Amar (radiAllahu anhu) used to say when breaking his fast - as reported by Ibn abi Mulaykah (radiAllahu anhu)]

When someone offers you food when you are fasting and you decline 

When you are invited to eat, then reply to the invitation. if you are fasting, then invoke Allah’s blessings (on your host), and if you are not fasting then eat
[Muslim; 2:1054]

Upon reaching month of Rajab and Sha’ban 

When the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) sighted the moon of Rajab (two months before Ramadan) he used to pray to Allah in the following words:

When you are fasting, and someone is rude to you