More Lectures:

As-Salaamu 'Alaykum. Paltalk Class: Islam/Masjid as-Sahaaba each Fri & Sat, (Eng/Arabic); Sun (Somali) 4pEST . . . Paltalk Class: Masjid Ibad-ur-Rahman. Sundays 11-12pEST Topic: Family / Sister Class with Abu Muhammad Al-Maghribee

*

2009 August 7
by حديقة أزهار

Navigate all Ramadhan Planner Sites:

Articles/Q&AAudio | Family/Children | HealthKitchen

*             Great Reads           Listen In       Fun & Activities         Fasting       Recipes/Crafts

Use the menu on the right to find recent posts within this section –>>

http://translate.google.com

Beautifying the Masjid for ‘Eid

2009 October 20
by حديقة أزهار
The ruling on beautifying and decorating the Masjids during special occasions and ‘Eid celebrations
Question:

There is a custom that occurs in some of the Masjids during the days of ‘Eidul-Fitr and during other days of special religious occasions. That custom is that the Masjids are beautified with different kinds and colours of lights and flowers. Does Islam permit this action or not? What is the proof of its permissibility or prohibition?

Answer:

The Masjids are the Houses of Allah and they are the best places on earth. Allah has ordered that they be raised and honoured with the Tawhid of Allah (i.e.,monotheistic belief in Him) and his remembrance, and that prayer be established in them. In them the people learn the affairs of their religion and they are guided to what it (Islam) contains of happiness and righteousness for them in this life and the hereafter. He ordered them to be cleansed from disgraceful things, idols, acts of shirk, innovations and superstitions. He also ordered that they be cleansed from dirt, filth and impurities. He ordered that they be protected from frivolous activities, play, noise and raised voices.Even calling out for a lost item, asking about lost articles and similar acts that make them like the public roads and business markets are not allowed. He prohibited the burial of people inside of them and building them over graves. He prohibited the hanging of pictures in them or drawing them on their walls, and other similar thing that are a means that lead to shirk, cause distractions to those worshipping Allah in them and contradicts whey they were built for. The prophet gave special attention to this as is well known in his seerah (life history) and his actions. He explained this to his ummah so that they would traverse upon his path and be guided by his guidance in respecting the Masjids and maintaining them with that which elevates them, such as establishing the symbols of Islam in them. In doing so, they (his ummah) would be following the trustworthy messenger. It is not confirmed from the Prophet that he honoured the Masjids by lighting them and placing flowers on them during the ‘Eids and the special occasions. This was also not known from the rightly guided Caliphs or the guided Imams from the first generations that the messenger of Allah testified for as being the best of generations. This was the case even with the advancement of the people, and their abundance of wealth and their taking a large amount from the cultures and civilizations and availability of various kinds of beautification and colours in the first three generations. Thus, all good is in following the Prophet’s guidance, the guidance of his rightly-Guided Caliphs and those who traversed upon their path from the Imams of the religion after them.

Also, in lighting lights on the Masjids and hanging electrical lamps above them or around them or above their minarets, and hanging flags, and placing flowers on them during the ‘Eids and special occasions for beautification and magnification is an imitation of the disbelievers. This is imitating them in what they do at their synagogues and churches, and the Prophet forbade imitating them in their celebrations and their acts of worship.

Permanent Committee for Research and Verdicts
Fatawa Islamiyah, Vol.3, p.g 54,55, DARUSSALAM.

Source: http://fatwaislam.com/fis/index.cfm?scn=fd&ID=929

Dua’ : Keeping Your Good Habits

2009 October 14
by حديقة أزهار

A while back (during Ramadhan), I wrote a post (Dunya-Akhira ) about a lecture given by Mustafa George. He explains many useful ways for us to prepare for the Month of Ramadhaan.

One of the things George mentions in his lecture (Practical Way to Benefit from Ramadhaan) is for us to write a list of what we want to ask Allah for in our dua’ to Him.  After hearing that, I wanted to make such a list for myself. So I created one and made it available to readers. One half of the sheet is for dunya related dua’; the other half is for akhira related dua’.

We can use this idea of writing a list for our dua’ even when it is not Ramadhaan since we should be making dua’ in other than Ramadhaan. So please, print one of these out and use it. Encourage children to use it also.

List with Nice ClipArt:

List For Those Who Like to Color and Decorate:

My “Other” Job

2009 October 1
by حديقة أزهار

demsel bannerNow that the month of Ramadhan is over and my regular schedule is returning, please come and see the other thing I love to do. It’s all about saving money.

While men have the main job of bringing in the dollars, women can make life a little easier by being mindful of her own financial habits/practices. So, strike up a deal with the hubster; he gives you a household allowance and whatever you manage to save is YOURS!

If you follow along with me over at PrettyMoney, you will see how easy it can be!

Eid Khutbah: The Importance of Volunteerism

2009 September 30
by حديقة أزهار

arab news logoSheikh Saleh Bin-Humaid, the imam and khateeb of the Grand Mosque, led the prayers. In his Eid sermon, the imam urged Muslims to spread love and affection among them and improve their relations with others.

He highlighted the importance of volunteerism, saying it would help lessen the suffering of other people and that it purifies minds, prevents people from becoming stingy, gets rid of disappointment.

“Such volunteer work should not be limited to the times of natural calamities,” the imam said.

He said spreading happiness among members of society was essential to strengthening social bonds. Such cohesiveness, he said, is essential to safeguard internal security, prevent crimes and reduce poverty and corruption.

“We should compete with one another in charitable and voluntary work,” he added. “It promotes popular partnership. Being a strong means of reforms, it also strengthens states and governments and bridges the gap in extending services.”

Read Full Article Work to End Suffering

There are Muslims who have plenty of needs that they are not able to meet by themselves. There are school children who need help with reading, math, and homework. There are Muslims who need transportation to medical appointments or to markets to buy food and other essentials. There are new Muslims who need someone to talk to because they do not have supportive family members. There is no shortage of volunteer opportunities. What volunteer project will you decide to take up this year? Give it some serious thought!

Late Night Lectures

2009 September 27
by حديقة أزهار

Masjid as-Sahaaba of Columbus Ohio will broadcast tonight the pre-recorded classes on “The Explanation of 40 Hadeeth”

Time: 11pm EST until…..

Location: Paltalk room “Masjid as-Sahaaba Columbus Ohio Live Duruus”

**Note. Masjid as-Sahaaba will play pre-recorded classes and telelinks from 11pm EST until 6am EST every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday

Topics will vary

border blk-white

QA Fasting Shawwal

2009 September 25
by حديقة أزهار

The following is from TROID.org

By the Standing Committee of Major Scholars
Answering queries related the six fasts of Shawwaal and the priority in respect to making up the missed fasts of Ramadaan.

If someone has missed some of the days of Ramadaan, he should fast them first, then fast six days of Shawwaal, because he cannot follow the fast of Ramadaan with six days of Shawwaal unless he has completed his Ramadaan fast.

Image


DO THE FASTS HAVE TO BE DONE IMMEDIATELY AFTER RAMADAAN?


[Q]:
‘Should fasting the six days be done immediately after Ramadaan, following the day of ’Eed or is it permissible to do it a few days after ’Eed in the month of Shawwaal or not?’


[A]:
‘‘These days do not have to be fasted immediately after ’Eedul-Fitr; it is permissible to start fasting them one or more days after ’Eed, and they may be done consecutively or separately during the month of Shawwaal, according to what is easier for a person. There is plenty of room for maneuver in this matter, and this is not obligatory, it is Sunnah. And Allâh is the Source of strength. May Allaah bless our Prophet Muhammad and his Family and Companions and grant them peace.’’  [1]


THE FASTS OF SHAWWAAL OR THE FASTS OF RAMADAAN?


[Q]:
‘If a person fasts six days of Shawwaal after Ramadaan when he has not yet completed the Ramadaan fast – because he did not fast ten days of Ramadaan for a legitimate reason – will he have the same reward as a person who fasted all of Ramadaan and followed it with six days of Shawwaal. Meaning, will he be like a person who fasted for a lifetime? Please explain to us, may Allaah reward you with good?’


[A]:
‘‘The precise rewards for the deeds which people do for the sake of Allaah is something which is known only to Allaah. If a person seeks the reward from Allaah and strives to obey Him, his reward will not be lost, as Allaah says,

‘‘We shall not make the reward of anyone who does his (righteous) deeds in the most perfect manner to be lost.’’ [Sooratul-Kahf 18:30]


If someone has missed some of the days of Ramadaan, he should fast them first, then fast six days of Shawwaal, because he cannot follow the fast of Ramadaan with six days of Shawwaal unless he has completed his Ramadaan fast. And Allaah is the source of strength. May Allaah bless our Prophet Muhammad and his Family and Companions, and grant them peace.’’ [2]


FASTING THE SIX DAYS OF SHAWWAAL EVERY YEAR:


[Q]:
‘If someone fasts six days of Shawwaal, then one year he gets sick or something prevents him from fasting, or he is too lazy to fast, will there be any sin on him? We have heard that if a person fasts these six days one year, he must never give up this practice thereafter.’


[A]:
‘‘Fasting six days of Shawwaal after the day of ’Eed is Sunnah. It is not waajib (obligatory) on the person who does this once or more often to continue doing it. He is not guilty of a sin if he does not fast these days. And Allaah is the Source of strength. May Allaah bless our Prophet Muhammad and grant him peace.’’ [3]


Footnotes:


[1] Fataawaa al-Lajnatud-Daa‘imah (10/391)

[2] Fataawaa al-Lajnatud-Daa‘imah (10/392)

[3] Fataawaa al-Lajnatud-Daa‘imah (10/391)

Image

Last Updated ( Monday, 04 June 2007 )

Questions Concerning the Fasts of Shawwal

Stay Firm after Ramadhan

2009 September 25
by حديقة أزهار

purple corner frame The following is from AbdurRahman.org’s

Remaining Steadfast After Ramadhaan

Shaikh Saalih Al-Fawzaan hafidhahullaah
From Ahaadeeth us-Siyaam: Ahkaam wa Ada

Sufyaan ibn ‘Abdillaah radhiAllaahu ‘anhu said: “O Messenger of Allaah, tell me something about Islaam, which I cannot ask anyone else besides you.” He said: “Say: ‘I believe in Allaah’ and then be steadfast (upon that).” [Saheeh Muslim (38)]

The hadeeth is proof that the servant is obligated, after having eemaan in Allaah, to persevere and be steadfast upon obeying Him by performing the obligatory acts and avoiding the prohibited ones. This is achieved by following the Straight Path, which is the firm Religion without drifting away from it, to the right or to the left.

If the Muslim lives through Ramadhaan and spent his days in fasting and his nights in prayer and he accustomed himself to doing acts of good, then he must continue to remain upon this obedience to Allaah at all times. This is the true state of the slave, for indeed, the Lord of the months is One and He is ever watchful and witnessing over his servants at all times.

Indeed, steadfastness after Ramadhaan and the rectification of one’s statements and actions are the greatest signs that one has gained benefit from the month of Ramadhaan and striven in obedience. They are tokens of reception and signs of success.

Furthermore, the deeds of a servant do not come to an end with the end of a month and the beginning of another, rather they continue and extend until he reaches death. Allaah says:

“And worship your Lord until the certainty (death) comes to you.” [al-Hijr: 99]

If the fasting of Ramadhaan comes to an end, then indeed the voluntary fasting is still prescribed throughout the entire year. If standing in prayer at night during Ramadhan comes to an end, then indeed, the entire year is a time for performing the night prayer. And if the Zakaat-ul-Fitr comes to an end, then there is still the Zakaah that is obligatory as well as the voluntary charity that lasts the whole year. This goes the same for reciting the Qur’aan and pondering over its meaning as well as every other righteous deed that is sought, for they can be done at all times. From the many bounties that Allaah has bestowed upon his servants is that He has placed for them many different types of righteous acts and provided many means for doing good deeds. Therefore, the ardor and zeal of the Muslim must be constant and he must continue to remain in the service of his Lord.

It is unfortunate to find that some people perform worship by doing different types of righteous deeds during Ramadhaan. They guard strictly upon their five daily prayers in the masjid, they recite the Qur’aan a lot and they give in charity from their wealth. But when Ramadhaan comes to an end, they grow lazy in their worship Rather, sometimes they even abandon the obligations, both generally, such as praying in congregation, and specifically, such as praying the fajr prayer.

And they commit forbidden acts such as sleeping over the time of prayers, indulging in places of foolishness and entertainment, and mingling in parks, especially on the day of ‘Eed. Obtaining help from these evils is only through the grace of Allaah. Thus, they demolish what they have constructed and destroy what they have established. This is an indication of deprivation and a sign of perdition. We ask Allaah for His safeguarding and protection.

Indeed, this type of people take the example of turning in repentance and ceasing from committing evil deeds as something specific and restricted to the month of Ramadhaan. And they stop doing these (good) acts when the month stops. Thus, it is as if they have abandoned sinning for the sake of Ramadhaan, and not out of fear of Allaah. How terrible is the state of these people, who do not know Allaah, except in Ramadhaan!

Truly, the success that Allaah grants His servant lies in the fasting of Ramadhaan. His assisting him to do that is a great favor, thus the calls for the servant to be grateful to his Lord. This understanding can be found in the statement of Allaah after completing the favor of the month of fasting:

“(He wants that you) must complete the same number of days, and that you must magnify Allaah (by saying Allaahu Akbar) for having guided you, so that you may be grateful to Him.” [2:185]

The one who is grateful for having fasted, will remain upon that condition and continue to perform righteous deeds. Verily, the true way of the Muslim is that of one who praises and thanks his Lord for giving him the ability to fast and make qiyaam. His condition after Ramadhaan is better than it was before Ramadhaan. He is more receptive to obey, desiring to do good deeds and quick to enforce the obligatory acts. This is because he has gained benefit form this prominent institute of learning. It is that of one who fears for having his fast not accepted, for indeed Allaah only accepts from those who fear Him. The righteous predecessors would struggle to complete and perfect their deeds, hoping afterwards, that it would be accepted and fearing that it would be rejected. From the reports of ‘Alee, “Be more concerned with having your deeds accepted than the deed itself. Did you not hear Allaah say: ‘Verily Allaah, only accepts those from those who fear Him. (i.e. possess taqwaa).’ [5:27] “[Lataa'if ul Ma'aarif, p. 246]

‘Aa’ishah said: “I asked the Messenger of Allaah concerning the ayah: ‘And the one who are given what they are given and their hearts tremble with fear.’ Are they the ones who drink alcohol and steal?” He said: “No, o daughter of as-Siddeeq. Rather, they are the ones who fast and pray and give in charity yet fear that it won’t be accepted from them. They are the ones who rush to do good deeds and they are the first to do them.” [Saheeh Sunan at-Tirmidhee 3/79-80]

So be warned and again be warned of turning backward after having attained guidance of going astray after persevering. And ask Allaah to provide you with duration in doing righteous deeds and continuity in performing good acts. And ask Allaah that He grant you a good end, so that He may accept our Ramadhaan from us.

Newsletter: Special ‘Eid Issue

2009 September 24
by حديقة أزهار

albaseerah logo

AlBaseerah is pleased to bring you the latest issue of the AlBaseerah Newsletter – *its FREE and its for YOU*

Features:

Farwell to Ramadhaan
Belief in Allah
Categories of Tawheed
Building Good Character
Word Puzzle

    Questions Asked and Answered:

    The Greeting on ‘Eid Day
    Decorating and giving gifts on ‘Eid
    Playing the duff on ‘Eid
    Feeding the Poor in Another Country
    Fasting the 6 Days of Shawwal

      http://www.albaseerah.org/publication/nl/vol1iss10.pdf

      Eid Message from SoS

      2009 September 21
      by حديقة أزهار

      Video: http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1705667530?bctid=40497797001

      SECRETARY CLINTON: Hello, and Eid Mubarak. I’m delighted to celebrate the end of Ramadan by wishing all of you a happy Eid. In 1996, my husband and I were privileged to host the first ever White House Eid celebration, which has now become a tradition. And this year, I hosted an Iftar at the State Department, with Muslims and non-Muslims attending. We hope that reinforces every year that all faiths have a home here in the United States. For Muslims all over the world, Eid ul-Fitr marks the end of a holy month of fasting and prayer. This time of self-reflection reminds us that the values of Islam – charity, community, cooperation, compassion – are values which we hold dear as Americans and which have contributed so much to American culture. As President Obama said in Cairo, the United States seeks a new beginning with Muslims around the world, one based on mutual interest and mutual respect. We know there is more that unites peoples of faith than divides us. So as Ramadan draws to a close, let us hold on to that spirit of community throughout the year to achieve our common goals of peace, prosperity, and stability. And I wish all of you a very happy year as well. Thank you.

      Read this message in the following languages:

      2009 September 20
      by حديقة أزهار

      eid mubarak