Mu’awiyah ibn Abu Sufyan (Radiyallahu ‘anh) relates: I heard the Messenger of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) say: “It is the day of ‘Ashura. Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) has not made fasting obligatory for you. But I am fasting. He who likes to observe fast among you should do so, and he who likes not to observe it (does not have to) observe it.” [Sahih Muslim]

Abu Qatada (Radiyallahu ‘anh) relates that the Holy Nabi (Sall Allahu alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallim) said that the fast on the 10th of Muharram atones for the sins of the preceding year. [Sahih Muslim]

Abu Huraira (Radiyallahu ‘anh) reports that the Holy Nabi (Sall Allahu alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallim) said that after Ramadan, the fasts of Muharram have the greatest excellence. [Sahih Muslim]

Alhamdulillah, Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) has blessed us to see another year. The first month of this year is Muharram. In this month is an excellent day—the day of ‘Ashura—which falls on the 10th of Muharram. The Holy Nabi (Sall Allahu alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallim) recommended that we fast on this day, by his Sunnah. He also indicated how we should observe the fast of ‘Ashura.

Hakam ibn Al-Arat (Radiyallahu ‘anh) relates: I went to Ibn Abbas (Radiyallahu ‘anh)… I said to him: Tell me about fasting on ‘Ashura. He said, “When you seen the new moon of Muharram count the (days) and (begin to) observe fast on the 9th.” I said to him: “Is it how the Holy Messenger of Allah (Sall Allahu alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallim) observed the fast?” He said, “Yes.” [Sahih Muslim]

Hazrat Ibn Abbas (Radiyallahu ‘anh) relates that when the Holy Nabi (Sall Allahu alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallim) said: “If I survive till next year, I will definitely observe fast on the 9th of Muharram (as well).” [Sahih Muslim]

(Note: What the Holy Nabi (Sall Allahu alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallim) meant was that he would also fast on the 9th as well as the 10th to which he was accustomed. We also should try fasting on the 9th and the 10th of Muharram.)

The Historical Significance of ‘Ashura

Hazrat Ibn Abbas (Radiyallahu ‘anh) reports that the Holy Nabi (Sall Allahu alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallim) arrived in Madinah and found the Jews observing fast on the day of ‘Ashura… They said: “It is the day of great (significance) when Allah delivered Hazrat Musa (‘Alaihis-Salaam) and his people and drowned Pharoah and his people, and Sayyidina Musa (‘Alaihis-Salaam) observed fast out of gratitude. And we also observe it.” The Holy Messenger of Allah (Sall Allahu alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallim) responded: “We have more right, and we have closer connection with Sayyidina Musa (‘Alaihis-Salaam) than you have”; so Allah’s Messenger (Sall Allahu alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallim) observed fast (on the day of ‘Ashura) and gave us orders to observe it. [Sahih Bukhari and Muslim]

‘Ashura is a day of great historical significance. On this day: Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) accepted the repentance of Sayyidina Adam (‘Alaihis-Salaam) after his exile from Paradise; Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) saved Sayyidina Nuh (‘Alaihis-Salaam) and his companions in the ark; Allah extinguished the fire in which Sayyidina Ibrahim (‘Alaihis-Salaam) was thrown by Nimrod; And Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) spoke directly to Sayyidina Musa (‘Alaihis-Salaam) and gave him the Commandments. On this same 10th of Muharram, Sayyidina Ayyub (‘Alaihis-Salaam) was restored to health (from leprosy); Sayyidina Yusuf (‘Alaihis-Salaam) was reunited with his father Ya’qub (‘Alaihis-Salaam); Sayyidina Yunus (‘Alaihis-Salaam) was taken out from the belly of the fish; and the sea was divided as the nation of israel was delivered from captivity and Pharoah’s army was destroyed. ‘Ashura is also the day when  the kingdom of Sulaiman (‘Alaihis-Salaam) was restored; Sayyidina Isa (‘Alaihis-Salaam) was raised to Jannah; and Sayyidina al- Imam Husayn (Radiyallahu ‘anh) (the Holy Nabi’s, Sall Allahu alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallim, grandson) achieved the honor of Martyrdom.

Worship Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) as much as you can on ‘Ashura. Whoever fasts on this day is like one who fasts all his life. Whoever clothes a naked person Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) will release him from a painful punishment. He who visits a sick person, Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) will grant him a reward that will not be decreased. Whoever places his hand on an orphan’s head, or feeds a hungry person or gives water to a thirsty man, Allah will feed him a feast from Paradise and will quench his thirst with Salsabil (a wine that does not intoxicate). And who ever takes a Ghusl on this day will enjoy excellent health and freedom from sickness and indolence. Whoever provides generously for his family on this day, Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) will be generous to him throughout this year. And whoever applies Kuhl to his eyes will never suffer from eye-sore again, Insha’Allah al-Aziz

O’ Allah! Bless us to perform good deeds and gain their reward on ‘Ashura. Make the new year one of unity, cooperation and success for Muslims in this city and around the world. Ameen.

The Perfect irrigation design system to water land, a valuable and priceless lesson from the Holy Qur’an MashaAllah Brother zaid.

Six fasts should be kept after ‘Eid. These Fasts may be kept continously or seperately, at whatever time is convienient in that month. Going by the principle that good deeds are rewarded at least ten fold:

Abu Ayyub (R.A) Relates that Rasullullah (S.A.W) has said: “Whoever fasts the month of Ramadhanand then follows it with six fasts in the month of Shawwal he will be rewarded with the equivelent of one years fasting. – (Ibn Hibban)

The reward for fasting the month of Ramadhan is equal to that of ten months and the reward for the six voluntary fasts of Shawwal are equal to that of the two remianing months. This will give one the reward for fasting the entire year.

May Allah Ta’ala give is the ability to keep increasing the level of our Imaan and keep us steadfast on righteous deeds all the time.

Ameen

Via – An excerpt from the lecture given by Hadhrat Shaikh Mufti Ebrahim Desai of South Arfrica (www.askimam.org)

Bismillah (In the Name of Allah) is the start of all good things, so we shall start with it. This blessed phrase is a mark of Islam, one constantly recited by all creatures through their tongues of disposition. If you want to perceive its inexhaustible source of strength and blessing, consider the following allegory:

Travelers in Arabian deserts must travel under a tribal chief’s name and protection, or else they will be bothered by bandits and unable to acquire what they need for the journey. Two people, one humble and the other arrogant, set out on a journey. The humble one obtained the name of a tribal chief; the arrogant one did not. The former traveled everywhere in safety. Whenever he met a bandit, he said: “I’m traveling in the name of this chief,” and so was left alone. He was treated with respect in every tent he entered. In contrast, the arrogant one suffered disaster and constant fear, for he had to struggle and beg for every need. He became base and vile.

O arrogant soul! You are that traveler, and this world is the desert. Your weakness and poverty are endless, and the enemies and privations to which you are exposed are beyond number. Given this, invoke the name of the Eternal Owner and the Everlasting Ruler of this world, for only this can deliver you from such begging and fear.

Bismillah (In the Name of Allah) is a blessed treasure. It transforms your boundless weakness and poverty, by binding you to the Omnipotent and Merciful One’s infinite Power and Mercy, into the most heeded intercessor at His Exalted Court. When you say Bismillah, you act in His name. You are like a soldier acting in the state’s name, fearing no one, doing all things in the name of the law and the state, and persisting against all odds.

What does the Qur’an have to say?

This should be important to know for all who are concerned with humanity and peace in this world, torn apart by strife, hatred and violence. It should be important whether one believes that the Qur’an is the Word of God or not.

To know what the Qur’an says is important because the Qur’an has made a deep and abiding impact on the course of human civilisation and history in many fundamental ways; because it has been inspiring, shaping, governing and directing countless human lives over the ages, since it first appeared fourteen hundred years ago.

And it still does.

The Qur’an, among all other books believed to be divine, is the only book which itself claims, and is believed by its followers to be literally the word of God.

Those who first heard it from the lips of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) had absolutely no doubt that, through him, God was speaking to them. It totally transformed them; it quickened their hearts, ir reshaped their minds; it made their eyes overflow with tears and their bodies tremble with awe, it changed them into new individuals, as well as a new society and polity; it led them to be leaders of mankind and founders of a rich and flowing civilisation.

More significantly, what a remarkable testimony it is to the unique power of the Qur’an that, in an age when God has been made irrelevant to human existence and concerns, millions and millions of human beings- as much as one fifth of the human race- still cling tenaciously to the book which they believe with certainty to be the Word of God, as the only blueprint for a bright, progressive, post modern future.

It is still the supreme source of inspiration, guidance and comfort in their spiritual, moral, social and cultural lives, it still influences and shapes their way of thinking and conduct, both private and public, in innumerable ways.

To know what it says is therefore not only important for better inter- human understanding and amity, but it may be crucial for the destiny of mankind too.

However, everyone cannot venture to read the whole of the Qur’an, though its length is less than that of the New Testament.

Yet everyone should have the opportunity to taste the delicious fruits in the garden of the Qur’an.

[Khurram Murad, The Quranic Treasures]

via ~Beautiful Verses from the Quran ~ – Ummah.com – Muslim Forum.

“Allah! There in no god but He,- the living, the self subsisting, eternal, no slumber can seize Him nor sleep. His are all things in the Heavens and no earth.”

He (Shaitan (Satan)) makes promises to them, and arouses in them false desires; and Shaitans (Satan) promises are nothing but deceptions.

- The Holy Qur’an (4:120)

IslamicAwakening.Com: Al-Istighfaar (Seeking forgiveness) Source: www.islamicawakening.com Istighfaar is derived from the root gha-fa-ra (“to forgive”), and thus it means is “to seek forgiveness”. It is also related to the word mighfar. Ibn ul-Qayyim states in Madaarij us-Saalikeen that the literal meaning of a mighfar is “what saves the head from discomfort or harm”. …

Do the Unbelievers not see that the heavens and the earth were joined together, before We clove them asunder? We made every living thing from water. Will they not then believe? – The Holy Qur’an (21:30)