Day 16 of Ramadan Blogs: Setting Goals for Beginners

                             Settings Goals for Beginners

  Assalam Alaikum my dear brothers and sisters we have reached day 16 of Ramadan in New York. We have fasted for 15 days so far and now we only have 15 more left. Not a lot of people set goals during Ramadan and then a person can lose track of their time and should they do. Ramadan is about improving your behavior and try to become a better person. So, today I will talk about how you can set up your goals and give you some examples so you structure your own goals. But, before I go straight to the goals part I will like to share a hadith for you guys: Anas bin Malik (RA) narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) said "Whoever asks Allah (S.W.T.) Paradise three times Paradise says O Allah admit him into Paradise, and whoever seeks refuge from the Fire three times the Fire says O Allah, save him from the Fire" (hadith). 

 In Surah Adh-Dhariyat Ayah no.5 Allah (S.W.T.) encourages to set goals. There is an Arabic word known as Ahdat which means what are the persons motives and actions are in life and how to direct it towards achieve a change in a persons life. The root meaning of the word is to achieve and can be accomplished on a regular basis. I will like to show you 2 examples of how a person can accomplish their goals this Ramadan. The first example could be that you want to improve your Salah (prayer) this Ramadan, so than you set three small goals that will help you achieve your overall goal which is improving your Salah (prayer). There are three small goals: goals, daily and dua (supplication). For example goal no.1 is reading a book on the virtues of Salah (prayer). The daily goal would be read a chapter a day, and for the dua (supplication) goal set a specific dua (supplication) that will help you. Goal.2 can be learning about the structure of Salah (prayer). Learn a point each day and a specific dua (supplication) to you. Goal no.3 could be doing an online course, and the daily goal will be to complete a module a day and then a learn a specific dua (supplication) to help you out. 

  Another example of a big goal is trying to attaining peace in Ramadan. Goal no.1 could be reading a book about patience the daily goal would be to read a chapter a day and then learn a dua to help you. Goal no.2 could be is learning the story about Yusuf (AS), the daily goal will be reading each part a day and then learn dua to help you. For the dua goal you can overall learn 5 duas, you learn 1 dua each day for 5 days and try to memorize it and implement it in your life. Now its time for you to set your own goals, In Sha Allah we can all use this, including myself to become a better person. 

 So guys this is the end of my blog hopefully by reading this blog it was helpful for you. Stay tuned for my daily Ramadan blogs. May Allah (S.W.T.) help you achieve your goals that you have set during this Ramadan. See you guys tomorrow. Peace and Stay Halal :D <3

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Day 15 of Ramadan: Take Advantage Now

                                     Take Advantage Now

  Assalam Alaikum my dear brothers and sisters, today we have reached the first half of Ramadan. We are almost done with this blessed month and we should take advantage of it, if you haven't started already. It is never too late to start anything. I will comparing Ramadan between our Prophet Yusuf (AS) today and how his characteristic matches the characteristic of Ramadan. But, before I begin the comparison I will like to share a hadith: It was narrated by Amr bin Abasah that the Prophet (PBUH) said "Whoever builds a masjid (mosque) in which Allah (S.W.T.) will build for him a house in Paradise" (hadith). Hopefully by the end of this blog you can see the comparison between Ramadan and Prophet Yusuf (AS).

  Yusuf (AS) was the most beloved son to Yaqub, Yaqub had 12 sons. Ramadan is likewise the most beloved month to Allah (S.W.T.). Another point is that if Yusuf (AS) had the mercy and compassion to say What Allah (S.W.T.) said that "There is no reproach for you today". Ramadan is the same, the month of mercy, blessings, goodness, salvation from the fire and forgiveness from Allah (S.W.T.). Another point ti re-evaluate is that Yusuf (AS) came to rely on Him to fix their mistakes, after all those they had made, he met with them with kindness and helped them out. He fed them while they were hungry and allowed them to return. He told his servants to carry their belongings so they won't be able to lose them. One person filled the gaps of eleven others and the month of Ramadan is likewise, its the month that fills the gaps of our actions over the other 11 months. Another point is that Yaqub had 11 sons who were living with him and whose actions he saw daily. His eye sight did not return because of one of their clothing's, instead it returned due to Yusuf''s shirts his eye sight came back strong and he became strong as well. Ramadan is the same when a sinner smells the scent of Ramadan they sit with those who reminded him of Allah (S.W.T.). Recite the Quran. He will become forgiven after he was a sinner, he will become close after he was far. He will be able to see with his heart, he will be blessed with forgiveness when he meets Allah (S.W.T.) and he will be granted the best levels in the garden of Paradise. Take advantage of this greatness during these few days and you will see abundant blessings. 

  So guys I have reached the end of this blog, hopefully you guys learned something about Prophet Yusuf (AS) and how his characteristics are similar as Ramadan. May Allah give us the tawfeeq to understand. Stay tuned for my daily Ramadan Blogs. As for now Peace and Stay Halal :D <3

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Day 14 of Ramadan: What Breaks Your Fast?

                                  What Breaks Your Fast?

 Assalam Alaikum my dear brothers and sisters first I will like to apologize for posting so late today, but I was very busy today. We have fasted for 14 days in New York so far and now we have 16 more left. Ma Sha Allah time flies by so fast. Today I will like to discuss what are the things or actions that can break a persons fast not many now what can break their fast. But before I talk about it I will like to share a hadith: Narrated by Ibn Abbas "The Prophet (PBUH) was the most generous of all the people, and he use to become more generous in Ramadan when Jibreel (Gabriel) met him every night during Ramadan to revise the Quran with him. Allah's Messenger (PBUH) then used to be more generous than the fast wind" (Hadith). Hopefully by the end of this you will learn what breaks your fast and the reason behind it.

 By a person fasting it means keeping all of ones organs free from sin and some points are required for its accomplishments: 1) see not what Allah (S.W.T.) dislikes. You shouldn't see something that will distracts the heart and diverts the attention from the remembrance of Allah (S.W.T.). The Prophet (PBUH) said "The future glance is one of the poisoned arrows of Shaytaan. Whoever forsakes it for the fear of Allah (S.W.T.) will receive from him a faith. The sweetness of which he will find within his heart". Jabir (RA) relates from Anas (RA) that the Prophet (PBUH) said "5 things that breaks a man fast lying, backbiting, gossiping, perjury and lustful gaze". Instead a person should occupy their tongue by reciting the Quran because at least a person is doing something good and remembering Allah. The Prophet (PBUH) said "Fasting is a shield so when one of you is fasting he should not use foul or foolish talk. If someone attacks him or insults him. Let him say I am fasting (2x)" The second point is to take Allah (S.W.T.) with fear and hope. Because none of us know if our fast will be accepted or not and also so that we can find favor with Allah (S.W.T.). This is how one should be at the end of any act of worship. Al Ahnaf Ibn Qays reported that he was once told "You are an old aged elder, fasting would enfeeble you. He replied "I am making ready for a long journey. O believers to Allah (S.W.T.) is easier to endure his punishment". These are the inwardly significant meaning of fasting and what we should avoid while fasting.

 So guys this is the end of my blog. Hopefully this blog has benefited you. May Allah (S.W.T.) give us tawfeeq to understand. Stay tuned for my daily Ramadan blogs. Don't forget to share and comment about any ideas you will like me to discuss about. Till then Peace and Stay Halal.

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Day 13 of Ramadan: The Reward for Fasting

                              The Reward for Fasting

  Assalam Alaikum my dear brothers and sisters today I will like to discuss about the rewards of fasting. A lot of us know what's the reason behind fasting, but not the rewards that Allah (S.W.T.) gives us on this blessed month. We have so far fasted for 12 days in New York and we only 18 more left. But, before I talk about the rewards of fasting I will like to share a hadith: Abu Huraira reported "I heard the Prophet (PBUH) saying Fasting in Ramadan the month of patience, and three days in every month is like fasting a lifetime" (Hadith). Hopefully by the end of this blog you will learn some of the rewards for fasting.

 Ibn Al Qayim Al Jawziyyah said a beautiful remind and advice that I will like to share with you guys today. He said "Where are those pray by night? Where are those who obey our Lord? Where are those who work righteousness? Where are those who are foremost and where are the humble ones? Where are those who Remember Lord? And where are those devoted to him? Where are the truthful ones? Where are the Patient? Where are the charity givers? Where are those who enjoin good? Who saved the trouble one? and who forbid the wrong? Where are those who heed contemplation and who listen to good advice and life lessons?" "By Allah, they have indeed gone with the righteous returned with the believers, settled with the Prophets. Taken residence with the truthful ones. But us we have remain behind with the ignorant, have settled with the wrongdoers and have taken the heedless as our guides. Fasting is a shield of nations, protecting from the hell fire. Fasting is the fortress for whoever fears that fire. "Fasting is a covering for all the people of goodness. Those who fear the burden of blame and sinfulness and this month is the month of the Lord of the Throne". "Their reward lies with the Exalted and Forgiving one, so they came to settle in the everlasting gardens, surrounded by maidens, the rivers, the plantations. Glad tidings to those who obey the Most Merciful King in this month of mercy, this month of Ramadan. Every time you do good in this month, you shall be rewarded for the rest of your life, because righteousness is a habit and evil is stubbornness."

 "Where are you O Fasting one who pray by night come forth to goodness and you shall triumph with everlasting happiness! Apologize and He will accept your apology, seek His forgiveness and He shall forgive your sins. Draw close to him and He shall alleviate your sufferings." "O my brothers (and sisters) in this month all faults and mistakes are concealed. All souls and hearts are softened, sins and burdens are forgiven. Allah (S.W.T.) relieves every sad and troubled one he says to his Angels "O, my angels Look at those dry tongues, how they become moist with remembrance. Look at those hard eyes how they soften and weep out of fear of me. And look at those delicate feet planted firmly in the station of prayer cut of desire for me." "O, my dear brothers (and sisters) whenever you give food to others in this month for the sake of Allah (S.W.T.) you shall be raised to high ranks in Paradise. You will be dotted with complete goodness and stripped of all sin."

 So guys this is the end of today's blog I know it is a longer reminder but it is beautiful. He mentions almost all of the rewards that this blessed month of Ramadan gives us. I hope this reminder and advice motivates you to fast for the rest of the month. May Allah give us Tawfeeq to understand and follow the month of Ramadan the way it is advised by Imam Ibn Al Qayim Al Jawaziyyah. Stay tune for my daily Ramadan blogs. Peace and Stay Halal.

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Day 12 of Ramadan: Fasting on Hot Days

                            Fasting on Hot Days

 Assalam Alaikum my dear brothers and sisters today I will like to discuss about fasting on hot days. Since, it is summer time and there are some days where their is a lot of heat and some people can't bear the heat. Hopefully by the end of this blog, you guys will become more motivated to fast in the summer and complete the rest of the fasts. So far, we have fasted for 11 days and we only have 19 more to go. But before I share with you guys about fasting in the summer. I will like to share a hadith: Abdullah ibn Abbas (RA) reported one day I was behind the Prophet (PBUH) and he said to me "O young man, I shall teach you some words (advice). Be mindful of Allah (S.W.T.), and you will find Him in front of you. If you ask, ask of Allah (S.W.T.); and if you seek help; seek help from Allah (S.W.T.). Know that even in the nation were to gather together to benefit you with something, they would not benefit you with anything except that which Allah has already recorded for you, and that if they gather together to harm you with something, they would not be able to harm you with anything except that which Allah has already recorded against you. The pages have been lifted and the pages have dried" (Hadith). The meaning of this Hadith is that Allah is your protector and will help you if it won't cause you any harm. He is one who has wrote our fate and if he wants to he can change it. Now I will talk about fasting in the summer.

  Ibn Rajab (RA) mentioned something about the virtues of fasting in the heat in his book Latai'f Al Ma'Arif, what he mentioned in his book is "From the act of worship whose reward is multiplied during the heat is fasting". This is because of the thirst that one experiences in the mid-day heat. It is said that Abu Bakar (RA) who was one of the Prophet's (PBUH) close friend would fast in the summer and not fast in the summer and not fast in the winter. Umar (RA) advised his son Abdullah on his deathbed he said "Try to obtain the characteristics of faith". The first characteristic he mentioned was fasting in the intense summer heat. Al-Qasim bin Muhammad said that Aisha (RA) who was the Prophet (PBUH) wife, she would fast in the intense heat and he asked Aisha what drove her to fast in the intense heat. She replied by saying she would take advantage on the days before death. Some of the righteous woman would choose the hottest day and fast on those days. They would say "If the price is low everyone will buy" what they meant was by fasting in the summer heat only a few people would do it because it is more harder to fast in the summer than the other seasons. Abu Mus Al-Ashra was on a boat one day and he heard someone call out "O Passengers stand up" and the person said this 3 times. So Abu Musa replied "How can we stand up? Don't you see where we are? How can we stand up" So the caller said "Let me tell you a rule Allah (S.W.T.) made upon himself whoever makes himself thirsty for Allah's (S.W.T.) sake on a hot day has a right upon Allah (S.W.T.) to have his thirst quenched on the day of resurrection". SO Abu Musa would look forward to the days that were hot and would fast on those days. 

 K'ab said that Allah (S.W.T.) said to Musa (Moses) "I made it incumbent upon myself that whoever is thirsty for the sake will have this thirst quenched on the day of resurrection". Many have said this was written in the Torah "Glad tidings for whoever makes himself hungry in anticipation of the great day where he will have his hunger satisfied" and "Glad tidings for whoever makes himself thirsty in anticipation of the Great day where he will have this thirst quenched".

So guys this is the end of today's blog. I hope this blog has made you more motivated to fast on the days where there is intense heat. Stay tune for my daily Ramadan blogs. May Allah (S.W.T.) accept all of our fasting on the blessed month of Ramadan. Peace and StayHalal

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Day 11 of Ramadan: Blessings in Suhoor & Iftaar

                            Blessings in Suhoor & Iftaar

Blessings in Iftaar

 Assalam Alaikum my dear brothers and sisters today is the 11th day of Ramadan. Today I will discuss the blessings for both suhoor and iftaar. But before I discuss the importance of suhoor and iftaar I will like to share a hadith for you guys: Wathlia ibn Al-Aqsa reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said "The scriptures of Abraham (AS) were revealed on the first night of Ramadan. The Torah was revealed after six nights of Ramadan had passed. The Gospel was revealed after thirteen of Ramadan had passed. The Criterion was revealed twenty-four nights of Ramadan had passed" (Hadith). Now I will begin to discuss about the blessings of both suhoor and iftaar.

 We have heard different virtues of Ramadan but we rarely hear about the virtues of suhoor and iftaar, which are two important aspects during Ramadan. Suhoor and iftaar is not only to fill up our stomachs, rather it is a spiritual aspect. In the following hadith the Prophet (PBUH) said "The one who fasts has 2 moments off happiness, when he breaks his fast and when he meets his Lord". This hadith is recorded by Imam Bukhari. Many scholars have commented on this hadith by saying that this happiness is a natural happiness due to hunger and thirst. There is also another reason why a believer is happy. The reason that the believers were able to complete this great act of worship, and they are pleased that they have fulfilled the command of their Lord by breaking their fast. The Prophet said "The one who eats and is grateful is on the same level as the one who fasts and is patient". This hadith is recorded by Bukhari and Tirmidhi. Another aspect of iftaar that the Prophet (PBUH) was the importance of breaking the fast and not to delay it. The Prophet (PBUH) said "Mankind will continue to remain as long as they hasten to break their fast". This hadith is recorded by Muslim and Bukhari. The Prophet (PBUH) said "The religion will remain to be manifest as long as people hasten in breaking their fast". This hadith is recorded by Abu Dawud. If the Ummah (nation) is eager by following the Sunnah (principles of the Prophet (PBUH) stopping at its boundaries regardless of whether it agrees with their intellect or not. The Prophet (PBUH) said "My Ummah (nation) will continue upon my Sunnah, as long as they do not doing their iftaar until the stars appear". This hadith has been recorded by Abu Dawud. Breaking a fast is a spiritual experience it causes one to feel happy at the fact that they have followed Allah's command. Remember to always thank Allah (S.W.T.) for the food you have been provided. It is an golden opportunity to recognize the blessings of Allah (S.W.T.).

Blessings in Suhoor

 Suhoor is another significant aspect during Ramadan for some it means to store up food for coming days. The Prophet (PBUH) always encouraged his Sahabas (companions) to have suhoor for many reasons. The Prophet (PBUH) said "Have suhoor, for verily there is blessings in it". This hadith is recorded by Bukhari and Muslim. Suhoor is an opportunity to gain some Barakah (blessings). The following are some reasons for the blessings of suhoor: 1) Following the sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH) 2) differing from the people of the Book 3) strengthening ourselves for worship 4) repelling bad characteristics that are associated with hunger 5) opportunity to make dhikr and dua. The Prophet (PBUH) said "Indeed it is a blessing that Allah (S.W.T.) has given to all of you, so do not leave it". This hadith is recorded by Nasai. The Prophet (PBUH) said "Have suhoor even if it is a mouth full of water". This hadith is recorded by Ibn hibban. The Prophet (PBUH) also said "Indeed Allah (S.W.T.) and his angels send Salah (prayers) upon those who have suhoor". This hadith is recorded by Tabrani. The salah (prayers) of Allah (S.W.T.) that he mentions, that the person amongst the highest of gatherings whilst the salah (prayer) of the angels that they are making istighfaar (forgiveness) for those who have suhoor. Remember the virtue of any acts of worship helps one to truly benefit spirituality from that act of worship and this applies to suhoor and iftaar.

So guys this is the end of today's blog. Stay tune for my daily Ramadan blogs and don't forget to share. May Allah grant us the ability to benefit from our fast, from dawn to dusk and make us feel the sweetness of worshiping to Allah (S.W.T.) Peace and Stay Halal.

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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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