Day 10 of Ramadan Blogs: Time for forgiveness

                                     Time for Forgiveness

  Assalam Alaikum my dear brothers and sisters today is the 10th day of Ramadan. We have completed 1/3rd of Ramadan. Ramadan is divided into three parts and each of those 10 days have something special attached to it. The first 10 days of Ramadan is the time for the mercy of Allah, the second 10 days of Ramadan is the time for forgiveness; which I will discuss today and the last 10 days of Ramadan is the time of salvation. Before I discuss about the time for forgiveness I will like to share a hadith: Ibn Abbas (RA) said The Prophet (PBUH) said "If anyone constantly seeks pardon from Allah (S.W.T.) Allah (S.W.T.) will appoint for him a way out of every distress and a relief from every anxiety, and will provide sustenance from where he expects not" (Hadith). Now I will discuss about forgiveness during Ramadan.

 Forgiveness leads a telling tale in the hearts of the believers. As believing in Allah says that Allah will forgive whether we do wrong, only if we ask for forgiveness. Allah provides these special 10 days to go ahead and repent from our sins in order to be forgiven. From the Prophet (PBUH) we are reminded that forgiveness is one of the gems that builds a strong relationship between a believer and Allah. Jibreel (Angel Gabriel) (AS) appeared to the Prophet (PBUH) are saying "Woe to Him who found the blessed month of Ramadan and let is pass by without gaining forgiveness". The Prophet (PBUH) replied "Ameen". So by almost entering the middle of Ramadan it is all about forgiveness. Forgiveness is a liberating feeling especially if it comes from Allah. So as Ramadan rolls on lets find time to forgive others and ourselves. We should apologize to those whom we have wronged and to ask Allah to forgive us for doing wrong to others and ourselves. In this blessed month of Ramadan Allah (S.W.T.) "I AM TAU-BAH and AR RAHEEM". The first part means Allah accepts Tau-bah of the people who turn to him.  Tau-bah means to turn in repentance to Allah (S.W.T.). By turning away from ignorance and heading towards knowledge. By turning away from misguidance and become rightly guided. We should turn away from absent-mindedness and turn towards the remembrance of Allah (S.W.T.). AR RAHEEM means that Allah(S.W.T.) is most the Forgiving. The second meaning of Tau-bah is related to us that we are At-Tayyab, which means returning to Allah. At-tayyab means that Allah is infinitely turning towards us, just like the person who makes tau-bah turns toward Allah (S.W.T.). By Allah (S.W.T.) calling himself At-tayyab means he is turning towards the person who is coming towards him.

  So guys this is the end of my blog. Stay tuned for my daily Ramadan blogs. May Allah accept all our sincere repentance toward the middle 10 days of Ramadan. Assalam Alaikum my dear brothers and sisters. Peace and Stay Halal :D <3  

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Day 8 of Ramadan Blog: Treasures of this World

                         Treasures of this World

 Assalaam Alaikum my dear brother sisters, Today is the 8th Ramadan, we have completed one whole week of fasting. 7 down and 23 more to go. Today I will like to discuss the treasures of this world and how they can deceive us and how we should be careful with them to make sure our deen (religion) on the right track. This is an important topic because today generation is all about materialism and unfortunately not a lot of us know how to get to attached to materialistic items. Of course we have to be materialistic at times but we need to know when it is limit and how to balance our life without materialism. But, before I discuss about the deception of the treasures of this world I will like to share a hadith: Abu Dharr (RA) narrated that The Prophet (PBUH) said "If anyone keeps fast for three days every month then that is perpetual fasting. Indeed, Allah (S.W.T.) revealed a confirmation of that in His Book. (Whoever comes with a good deed, receives ten times as much. (Quran:6:10). So each is like ten days" (Hadith). Now I will begin to discuss about the treasures of this world.

  I will discuss about a warning and an advise from Abu Dharr (RA). Abu Nu'aym (RA) mentioned in his book 'Al-Hilyat-Al-Awliya wa Tabagat Al Ashya'. Someone asked Abu Dharr (RA) "Oh, Abu Dharr Why do people leave your company upset every time they visit you?" Abu Dharr (RA) replied "They leave upset because I warn them against gathering together the treasures of this world". This hadith has been narrated by Sufyaan Ath Thawree (RA). Abu Dharr (RA) said " Oh, people I am jandablul ghufani, come here and listen to good advice of your compassionate older brother". Immediately people stopped what they were doing and started to listen what Abu Dharr (RA) had to say. Then Abu Dharr (RA) started his speech "Do you see when one of you plans to travel, doesn't he prepare himself to take with him the needed provisions that will suffice him until he reaches his destination?" The people replied "Indeed, he does". Then Abu Dharr (RA) continued to what he had to say "The Road to the day of judgement is the furthest of your ultimate destinations. Take with you what benefits you most". The people asked "What do you consider most beneficial for such a journey?" Abu Dharr (RA)  replied by saying "Make Hajj to Makkah for your dire needs, fast in the hottest day in contemplation, of the horrific age old standing of the day of resurrection. Pray 2 rakah (prayers) in the darkness of the night in contemplation's of one's bewilderment, loneliness and darkness of the grave. Either say something good or stay silent. Pondering on awesome age long standing in the horrific silence of the day of resurrection spend your money in charity so perhaps you can escape its trials. "Make this world a setting for 2 types of conferences: 1) seek the benefits of the hereafter 2) seek what is permissible, should there be a third criteria of meetings they will be of harm and no benefits to you. Finally, look at your money and divide it into 2 categories: 1) one dirham you spend on family 2) spend for your benefits in the hereafter and should there be left a third dirham it will be of harm and no benefit to you". Abu Dharr (RA) then shouted at the top of his voice and said "Oh, people your craving to accumulate what is beyond your reach will destroy you".

 So, guys this is the end of my blog. Stay tune for my daily Ramadan Blogs. May Allah (S.W.T.) protect us from craving to accumulate what is beyond our reach. I am a photographer so follow my Instagram and Facebook to see my work. Assalam Alaikum my dear brothers and sisters and May Allah (S.W.T.) give you the strength to complete the fast. Peace :D and Stay Halal

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Day 7 of Ramadan Blog: Your Story with Allah(S.W.T.)

                                 Your Story with Allah

 Aslaam Alaikum my dear brothers and sisters today is the 7th day of Ramadan, MaShAllah we have fasted for a week already and in a couple of weeks this blessed month will be long gone. Today I will discuss about our connection and story with Allah (S.W.T.) and how we can rebuild it during this month. Also, I will like to discuss an important issue our Ummah is facing and how we can fix it. But, before I talk all about that I will like to share a hadith:"Abou Said (RA) narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) No one will enter the Paradise except by the mercy of Allah. The companions said Not even you, O Messenger of Allah?" The Prophet (PBUH) said Not even me, unless Allah covers me with mercy". And he gestured with his hand above his head" (Hadith). Now I will like to discuss about how we can rebuild our connection with Allah (S.W.T.)

 

The first step in Ramadan is knowing the story between you and Allah (S.W.T.). This is a person's personal story with Allah (S.W.T.). These stories are filled with the times when we have worshiped to Allah (S.W.T.) and the connection we have maintained with our Lord. However, sometimes people like that their losing their story and the mercy and blessing of Allah (S.W.T.). When you wake up and you feel that you have no purpose and when you go to sleep feeling like that you are unsatisfied with your life. Then, my brothers and sisters think about what you are doing with your life and implement change. Then the blessed month of Ramadan arrives and gives us the opportunity to get the Barakah (blessings) back. We should all think about our personal stories with Allah (S.W.T.) including myself. We have to think about the ups and downs, from the beginning through the end. When you think about your stories ask these questions to yourselves and see what your story with Allah is. It is important because it allows you to ask your yourself and let's you evaluate your Iman (spiritual belief). Also, to know what brought you to this point in your Iman (spiritual belief), which Muslims tend to reflect on and evaluate during Ramadan. But, it is also important to reflect and evaluate before Ramadan as well. Allah (S.W.T.) says in the Quran "He will not change the condition of a person unless there is a change of what is in themselves". In order to know what that change is we need to think about where our Iman (spiritual belief) is leading, are we on the right way or are we doing the opposite. There are several questions to ask and answer and reflect on the answers you have written for each question. 

Here are the questions a person should ask themselves to see where their story is leading:

1) How did your story begin with Allah? When was the first time you actually truly felt connected to Allah (S.W.T.)

2) How does your current chapter read? What is the current level of your Iman (spiritual belief).

3) How do you want your story to end? What is your ultimate goal with Allah (S.W.T.).

4) What has been the highlights and down-times since last Ramadan?

5) Do you think Allah is pleased with where you are at this stage in your life?

Think about these questions deeply and there is no need to share your answers its for you and how to build your connection with Allah (S.W.T.) and to recharge your Iman (spiritual belief). Think of this as your planner of your Iman (spiritual belief).

 Now I will like to discuss some of the problems in this Ummah that we face and needs to be fixed ASAP before it causes a lot of damage. A problem that Muslims face are the misconceptions and stereotypes because the acts of certain individuals who identify themselves as Muslims. The Muslims are not only facing problems from other religions but they are facing problems within their own people at times. We are an Ummah (community) and we should deal with our problems and become more humble just worship God.As humans we need to be open minded and understanding but sometimes a person becomes close minded because of their surroundings or lack of understanding their community.At the same time within the Muslim communities there can be a lot of prejudices within people from different culture and backgrounds. Within the Muslim Ummah we are facing toward because of problems of what we are and what our purposes are in our community. In Islamic history Muslims were open-minded and were kind to other cultures and religion, but now days the Ummah is becoming prejudice. For instance that an Arab cannot marry a non-Arab or the person has to marry the same caste as the person so it doesn’t create a “problem” for the couple later on in life. But in Islam Allah told us we can marry anyone we want as long as their Muslim, regardless of wherever they came from. Our Prophet himself had wives that had different backgrounds. We need to fix this problem in the Ummah and then we can fix the outside problem such as terrorism and hatred towards us. The day we stand up to the evil and show what Muslims truly are there will be an end of all the hatred between us. But, in order for that to happen we need to stop hating each other and stop acting like we are divided, we are one Ummah don't forget.

My prayers go out to the victims in the gay nightclub in Orlando and May Allah protect everyone and let's hope this heinous crime doesn't happen again. The shooter who did this was a bad man and as a Muslim I don't believe he is a Muslim and part of Islam. He has no religion, a person who kills innocent people I think they are disgusting and need to be ban. These people who do these crimes should never associate themselves as Christians, Jews, Muslims or any other religion because no religion teaches the killings of innocent.

Stay tune for of my blogs. Assalam Alaikum my dear brothers and sisters. Peace and Stay Halal :D <3

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Link to the video that I got the information: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYMwiaUk0qo

Day 6 of Ramadan: 3 Great Acts of Worship

                                  3 Great Acts of Worship

  Assalam Alaikum my dear brothers and sisters. I apologize for posting my blog late today. But, Alhumdillah we have done 6 days of fasting already, 6 down, 24 to go. Today, I will like to discuss 3 great acts of worship, which are generosity, charity and excellence of feeding a fasting person. But, before getting more in-depth with this topic, I will like to share a hadith: Ibn Abbas (RA) narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) said "Whoever says SubhanAllah Alhumdillah La ilaha illa Allah Allahu Akbar it is planted for each of these words as a tree in paradise" (Hadith). Now I will like to discuss the 3 great acts.

 The Prophet (PBUH) became even more generous during Ramadan, than he already was. Ramadan is the time for generosity and giving. It is the time we think about the less fortunate than us. We also thank Allah (S.W.T.) for everything he has given us. Ramadan is an honorable and blessed month and the reward of generosity is multiplied in it. The Prophet (PBUH) said "The best charity is given in Ramadan" (Hadith). This hadith has been reported by Imam Tirmdhi (RA). The Prophet (PBUH) further said "Whoever feeds a fasting person will have a reward like that of a fasting person without any reduction in his reward" (Hadith). This hadith has been reported by Imam Ahmad (RA) and An Nasai. Sheikh ul Islam Ibn Taymiyah (RA) said "What is mean by giving iftaar is giving him enough to satisfy him". We should get into the habit of giving and helping those who are less fortunate than us. We should give whenever we can and what we can afford as Allah (SWT) can see our intentions. Surely, we will regret in the Hereafter of what we didn't do to get on the right track for Allah's path.

  The righteous salafs (Companions of the Prophet (PBUH)) always provided food for others and they believed that this was one of the best and righteous deeds. Many of the salafs (Companions of the Prophet (PBUH)) used to give up either iftaar such as Abdullah Ibn Umar (RA), Dawud Al Dae, Malik Ibn Dinar and Ahmed Ibn Humbal (RA). Ibn Umar (RA) used to only break his fast with orphans and the poor. They were also among those who offer food to their brothers while fasting and they would sit and serve them. "Men from the tribe of Banu Abi used to pray in the masjid and not one of them would break their fast on their own. They would break their fast if they found someone to join them they would eat with them. Otherwise they would take their food out to to the masjid and eat with the people, and the people will eat with them. From that you have worshiped, by providing food to others. There are other worships such as creating love and friendship towards those who are giving the food, which means entering Jannah. The Prophet (PBUH) said "You will not truly enter until you truly believe and you will not truly believe until you love one another" (Hadith). This hadith has been recorded by Imam Musum (RA)  . It also practices a person of sitting with righteous people and seeing the reward by helping them to do acts of worship from which they gain strength.

 So guys this will be the end of my 6th blog, SubhanAllah the Sahabs were amazing people that have done so many righteous deeds and did things above and beyond. May Allah give us Tawfeeq to become more generous and give charity, also tawfeeeq to feed a person who is fasting. Stay tune for my daily Ramadan blogs. Please share and comment if you guys like it and have more ideas. Aslaam Alaikum my brothers and sisters. Peace and Stay Halal.

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Ramadan Day 3: A Dua from Jibreel(Gabriel)

                                    A Du'a From Jibreel(Gabriel)

 Assalam Alaikum my dear brothers and sisters, Alhumdillah today is the third day for Ramadan. 2 down 28 more days to go. Today I will like to share a du'a (supplication) Jibreel (Angel Gabriel) told the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) before he was going to give his khutbah (speech). I feel this is an important lesson for what du'a (supplication) Jibreel (Angel Gabriel) made. Before, I tell you the story I will like to share a hadith with you:"Sahl ibn Sa'd (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated: the Prophet (PBUH) said Surely there is in paradise a gated called Rayyan. Those who fast will enter through it on the day of resurrection. No one else besides them will enter by it. When they have entered, it will be locked. He who enters, will drink. And he who drinks will never experience thirst" (Hadith). SubhanAllah what a beautiful hadith this is one of the blessings in the month of Ramadan. Now I will begin to share the story about the du'a (supplication) Jibreel made.

 One day as Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was climbing his min-bar which are steps used as a platform for the Imam (leader) in the mosque. He climbed his min-bar so he can give the khutbah (speech) to the companions. The companions noticed that the Prophet (PBUH) did something strange that he has never done before. When the khutbah (speech) was done the companions approached the Prophet (PBUH) and they asked him what was the thing he did while he was climbing the min-bar. The thing he did was that the companions thought that it was unusual was, while he was climbing the min-bar he said Ameen. Since the Prophet's (PBUH) min-bar had three steps he said Ameen three times. When he climbed the first step of min-bar and said Ameen, the companions thought it was strange, because no one was talking to the Prophet and neither was he making any du'as (supplications). He repeated the same thing twice and the companions looked at each other and said "What is the Prophet (PBUH)?" After the third Ameen the Prophet (PBUH) started his khutbah (speech). The companions asked him "O' Messenger of Allah, you did something you don't usually do when you ascend the min-bar you said Ameen three times, what happened?" The Prophet (PBUH) replied "Yes, Jibreel came to me and he made du'a". Jibreel (Angel Gabriel) made three supplications. The first du'a (supplication) Jibreel (Angel Gabriel) said to the Prophet was "O' Muhammad (PBUH) anyone who lives to witness the month of Ramadan and he doesn't get all his sins forgiven! May Allah (S.W.T.) May he perish in the fire of hell. Say Ameen!" So the Prophet (PBUH) said Ameen. The second du'a (supplication) "O' Muhammad (PBUH) anyone who manages to catch Laytul Qadar (Night of Power) and he doesn't get his sins forgiven. May he perish in hell. Say Ameen!" So the Prophet (PBUH) replied Ameen. The third and last du'a (supplication) "O' Muhammad (PBUH) anyone who manages to catch his parents when they are elderly and they need his help and he is not able to service them properly and get his sins forgiven. May he perish in hell. Say Ameen!" So the Prophet (PBUH) said Ameen.

 These are the three golden opportunities that a person shouldn't miss during Ramadan. Some of you may think it is extreme but it is not because if you think about Ramadan is about the month of forgiveness and changing yourself and if Allah (S.W.T.) is giving you the chance to change yourself while the Shaytaan (Devil) who always tempt the person to sin is locked, why not take that chance to change yourself. The parents one everyone should take of their parents just like when they took care of you when you were younger. They stayed up all night when you were sick, they made food for you even when you were sick, also they made you choose the right choice, so when they are old it should be your duty to help them just like they did to you.

 So guys, this is the end of my third blog. Stay tuned for more of my blogs for more stories about Ramadan. If you have any ideas please comment and Don't forget to Share. Assalam Alaikum my brothers and sisters and May you have the strength to complete your fast.

Peace :D <3

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Day 2 of Ramadan: A Story of A Man Who Changed During Ramadan

               A Thief Who Changed During Ramadan

 Assalam Alaikum my dear brothers and sisters, we have reached Day 2 of this blessed month. 1 down 29 more to go. Today, I will like to share a story I heard last night while I was watching an Islamic video on YouTube. I believe the story is amazing and very valuable. It is about a man who repented to Allah (S.W.T.) and changed into a good person. Often, people think that when they sin Allah(S.W.T.) will never forgive them and then to begin to believe they are a bad person. But, Allah (S.W.T.) is the Most Merciful and Forgiving He will forgive and forget no matter what you did. I will like to share Hadith which mentions how forgiving Allah(S.W.T.) is:

"O son of Adam, as long as you call upon Me and put your hope in Me, I have forgiven you for what you have done and I do not mind. O son of Adam, if your sins were to reach the clouds of the sky and then you would seek My forgiveness, I would forgive you. O son of Adam, if you were to come to Me with sins that are close to filling the earth and then you would meet Me without ascribing any partners with Me, I would certainly bring to you forgiveness close to filling it.(40 Hadith Qudsi).

 I will like to share story with you guys know it is about a thief and a man name Malik Bin Dinar. The thief went to Malik Bin Dinar's house in the night to find something to steal and claim as his treasure. When the thief went inside he didn't find anything worth stealing and was disappointed. Malik Bin Dinar was performing his Salah (prayer) he realized that he had an unexpected guess in his house so he quickly finished his Salah (prayer). Malik Bin Dinar faced the thief he expressed no fear and instead of getting angry and threatening him. Instead he said Salaam (greetings) to him very calmly and said to the thief "My Brother, May Allah (S.W.T.) forgive you. You entered my house and found nothing worth taking, yet I do not want you to leave without taking away some benefits". Malik Bin Dinar left the room for a moment and he came back with a jug filled with water in his hand. He then told the thief "Make Ablution (Wu'du) and perform 2 units (rakah) of prayer. If you do so you will leave my house with a greater treasure than you had initially sought". The thief agreed because he wanted the greater treasure that was his purpose for the night. After doing the Wu'du (Ablution) and praying his 2 rakah (units) he replied "Oh, Malik would you mind if I stay for a while for I want to stay to perform 2 more rakahs (units) of prayer". Malik replied 'Stay for whatever amount of prayer Allah Decrees for you to perform now". The thief decided to stay the whole night and he spent the whole night in prayers. The next morning Malik said to him "Leave now and be good". The thief didn't want to leave and he asked Malik permission if he can stay for one more day because he made an intention to fast. 

 Malik Bin Dinar said "Stay as long as you wish". The thief stayed for a couple of days and kept Malik Bin Dinar company. The thief would pray during the late hours of nigh and fast during the day. When the thief decided to stay farewell to Malik Bin Dinar he said to Malik "Oh Malik, I have made a firm resolve to repent for my sins and for my former way of life". Malik then replied "That is in the hands of Allah (S.W.T.). After that the thief truly changed, he became a better person and lead a righteous life and became obedient to Allah (S.W.T.).  One day the thief who repented met a fellow thief asked him if he got his treasure. He said to the man "My Brother what I found is Malik Bin Dinar. I went to steal from him but it was he who ended up stealing my heart. I have indeed repented to Allah (S.W.T.) and I will remain at the door of his mercy and forgiveness until I achieve what his obedient loving slaves have achieved".

 Ma Sha Allah what a story of how one night has changed a man's life and he became and had no regrets. I believe this story has so many lessons that we can learn. One of them is to learn how to help people and not to judge them. As you can see how calmly Malik acted with the thief that he changed his heart. Malik had a lot of patience to have a stranger in his house as now a days people will take it as a burden. But he didn't. So guys this is the end of my second blog. In Sha Allah tomorrow I will find another story that will be beneficial and that occurred during Ramadan. Comment what you think about the story and if you have anything else to share. As for now Assalam Alaikum my brothers and sisters and be strong.

 Peace :D <3