Welcome Friends!
Asalaam Alaaykum wr wb
This blog is for us to share whatever inspires us, and to help and encourage one another to get the most from the month of Ramadhan that we can. If you have any concerns, questions, or topics for discussion, either comment or make a post! Let me know if you need help.
The holy month of fasting is a challenge for everyone observing Ramadan, but some Muslims have it harder than others.
People fasting typically wake up before the dawn prayer, Fajr, to eat the meal that will have to hold them over for the whole day. They abstain from all food and drinkduring the daylight hours, breaking the fast after the sun has set and the call to Maghrib prayer has gone out.
Twitter has made it easier to find out the exact timings of the beginning and end of the fast each day, which vary according to date and geographical location. By tweeting @AlArabiya with the hashtag #iftar and a hashtagged city, users will receive a reply with the time the fast will end.
HuffPost Religion has created an infographic to show how long the fast will last in cities around the world, by calculating the time between Fajr and Maghrib. Check it out below:
Graphic by Alissa Scheller for The Huffington Post.
Start of the 9th Islamic Month of Ramazan-ul-Mubarak 1435 AH
Some important events of this month are as follows:
7th Death of Hazrat Abu Talib(as) (possible date)
10th Death of Hazrat Khadija(as)
11th Moakhat – Brotherhood between Muhajireen and Ansaar
13th, 14th and 15th – Ayyam-e-Bayz – the bright days
15th Birth of Imam Hasan(as) – the 2nd Holy Imam – (3 AH)
17th Victory at Battle of Badr – (2 AH)
19th Evening – First probable night of Qadr Shab-e-Qadr
19th Youm-e-Zarbat – Imam Ali(as) got injured from attack during prayers (40 AH)
20th Conquest of Makkah (8 AH)
21st Evening – Second probable night of Qadr – Shab-e-Qadr
21st Shahadat of Imam Ali(as) – (40 AH)
23rd Evening – Third probable night of Qadr – Shab-e-Qadr
27th Evening – Another probable night of Qadr – Shab-e-Qadr
25th July – Jumatul Wida – last Friday of Ramazan-ul-Mubarak – International day of Quds
Inshallah separate detail emails will be sent on each occasion during this month.
Please note that some of the dates mentioned above are not definite dates but some traditions suggest these dates for those events.
When is it likely to be the 1st of Ramazan?
==========================================
According to scientific projections at http://www.moonsighting.com, the new moon can be sighted easily on Saturday, 28 June 2014 all over the world.Accordingly, the 1st of Ramazan is likely to be the 29th of June 2014 in all parts of the world.
For those 800 faithful who live in Tromso, in Arctic Norway, fasting from sunrise to sunset is impossible, because the sun will be above horizon until July 26, more than halfway through the holy month.
Twilight – the traditional test for the end of fasting based on when a black thread and a white thread become indistinguishable – is even more remote.
Even when the sun begins to arc briefly below the horizon, true darkness is not due to return to Tromso until August 18.
Muslim communities elsewhere in Scandinavia and in the far north of Alaska face similar situations.
Sandra Maryam Moe, manager of Alnor Senter mosque in Tromso, says fasting from sunset to sunrise is not an option in the midsummer months.
But Muslims have found a solution that balanced their religious duties and their unique situation above the Arctic Circle.
“Alnor started working on a solution for the Ramadan in the midnight sun-summer period since 2006, and it was difficult to get someone making a fatwa that solved all the problems we have in this region,” Ms Moe says.
“For the last two years, Ramadan has started coming into the midnight-sun period and we have midnight sun during the whole of Ramadan this year.”
A solution was found in the Quran and was reached after the Islamic Centre of Northern Norway gathered imams and leaders of religious communities in the Troms and Finnmark regions that serve about 2,000 Muslims.
“The conclusion and recommendation is that all the Muslim communities in northern Norway should implement a fatwa by Dr Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz Almosleh, that fasting should not exceed 20 hours,” Ms Moe says.
“So the system of Mecca time will be applied when the local [daylight] time exceeds 20 hours of fasting. This is a clear boundary and majority of the Muslims will be able to comply with the pillar of fasting in Ramadan.”
Muslims in Arctic Norway were to pray yesterday at 4.19am, 5.45am, 12.27pm, 7.07pm and 8.37pm – the same as in Mecca.
Ms Moe says Alnor Senter, located in a former dance studio in central Tromso, will host iftar every night for anyone who wants to attend, in one of few places in the world where the fast will be broken while the sun blazes brightly outside.
The meal has reflected the diversity of the community, which includes immigrants from the Middle East and Africa, and Scandinavian converts to Islam.
Ms Moe says this year’s community includes Syrians, Palestinians, Turks, Moroccans and Algerians. In previous years, Somali samosas have been served alongside Iraqi pilaf, Finnish pasta and Norwegian cakes.
On the far side of the Arctic Circle in Alaska, the community of between 2,500 and 3,000 Muslims also have adopted a variety of solutions for the difficulties with Ramadan in midsummer.
Some work on the oilfields of the North Slope, well above the Arctic Circle and further north than Tromso, but the northernmost mosque in the US is outside the circle in Anchorage, the state capital.
Osama Obeidi, of the Islamic Community Centre of Anchorage Alaska, says there is no one solution adopted for Ramadan.
“In the summer Ramadan has longer hours, for which some of us fast more than 20 hours,” Mr Obeidi says.
“Our centre follows Mecca timing. Some people follow that and others follow nearest city, which is Seattle.”
Another scenario that was unimaginable when Islam began was a devout Muslim spending Ramadan in space, as did Malaysian astronaut Sheikh Muszaphar who was on the International Space Station for the latter part of Ramadan in 2007.
The space station was completing a day-night cycle by orbiting the earth every 90 minutes.
Malaysia’s top Islamic body, the National Fatwa Council, made a special ruling on topics ranging from fasting to how to face Mecca while praying and how to pray in minimal gravity.
Fasting was deemed optional because he was travelling and it was up to each Muslim astronaut to decide for themselves whether to defer the fast until they returned to Earth.
Prayer times were based on times at Baikonur in Kazakhstan, from which Muszaphar was launched into space.
He celebrated Eid after two days on board and handed out satay and cookies to his fellow crew members, US astronaut Peggy Whitson and Russian cosmonaut Yuri Malenchenko.
Most of the fatwas on how and when to fast in Ramadan take note of the section of the Quran that states the obligation to fast and exemptions for those travelling or who are sick.
The centre in Anchorage Alaska put particular emphasis on the section saying “Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put to difficulties” to mean fasting is meant to be a challenge but not insuperable.
Some high-latitude Muslims took note of the ruling by the Council of Senior Scholars in Saudi Arabia that cites references in the Quran to praying five times in a 24-hour period, regardless of the length of the day.
“Whoever lives in a land in which the sun does not set during the summer and does not rise during the winter, or who lives in a land in which the day lasts for six months and the night lasts for six months, for example, has to perform the five daily prayers in each 24-hour period,” the fatwa declares.
“They should estimate their times based on the nearest country in which the times of the five daily prayers can be distinguished from one another.
“Similarly, they also have to fast during Ramadan. They can set the time for their fast and determine the beginning and end of Ramadan and the times of starting and breaking the fast each day by the dawn and sunset each day in the closest country in which night can be distinguished from day.
“The total period must add up to 24 hours.”
In Sweden, home to an estimated 500,000 Muslims, those in the far north use the timings of southern cities as their timing for the fast.
Amer Alramahi, in Lulea above the Arctic Circle, told Radio Sweden that he follows sunrise and sunset times from farther south.
“I’ll follow the times in Stockholm or Uppsala where there’s more time to get enough energy and nutrition,” Mr Alramahi said.
“So I’ll be breaking my fast at around 9.30pm.”
Abdel Ahmania from Boden, even farther north, opts for the prayer times of Malmo, Sweden’s southernmost city.
“We had no choice than to use Malmo time,” Mr Ahmania says. “What are we supposed to do? In July the sun really never sets here, it goes down and comes up a quarter of an hour later.”
In neighbouring Finland, Mahmoud Said is one of an estimated 100 Muslims living in and around Rovaniemi, a town right on the Arctic Circle that markets itself as the site of Santa Claus’s village.
Mr Said, a Kenyan who emigrated to Finnish Lapland in 2009, uses fasting times from the nearest Muslim country, which is Turkey.
“We have to use common sense,” he told AP. “[Turkish prayer times] involves 14 or 15 hours of fasting, which is OK, it’s not bad.”
“O people! Verily this day of yours is the day when the righteous are awarded and the wretched are losers. It is a day which is similar to the one on which you shall be standing (before your Lord). Therefore, when you come out of your homes to go to places of your prayer, remind yourselves about the day when you (your souls) shall come out of your bodies to go to your Lord. When you stand on places of your prayer, remind yourselves of your standing in the presence of your Lord (on the day of Judgment). And when you return to your homes (after prayer), remind yourselves about your returning to your homes in Paradise. O Servants of Allah! Verily the minimum reward for those men and women who fasted (during Ramadan), is an Angel, who calls out to them on the last day of the month of Ramadan (saying): O SERVANTS OF ALLAH! REJOICE THE GLAD TIDING THAT ALL YOUR PREVIOUS SINS HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN…”
- From the Nahjul-Balaghah.
Eid-ul-Fitr is a unique festival. It has no connection with any historical event nor is it related to the changes of seasons or cycles of agriculture. It is not a festival related in any way to worldly affairs. Its significance is purely spiritual. It is the day when Muslims thank God for having given them the will, the strength and the endurance to observe the fast and obey His commandments during the holy month of Ramadan.
Alhamdulillah! May Allah bless us all, and grant that we use this Eid as a lens to focus the sun of good works, which have shone so brightly during Ramadan, to light the way through this coming year until the next Ramadan. Amin! Amin!
Eid Mubarak!
A few more prayers you may wish to try before this month is over:
From an e-mail I received:
salaams:
another gem of worship i found in one of my dua collections...
Namaz/Amaal for any one day in the Holy Month of Ramadhan:
Recite 12 rakat salah in sets of twos (like 6 fajr). In each rakah after Surah al-Hamd, recite suratul Ikhlaas 25 times.
After finishing this prayer recite 70 times: "Subhana lahi wal hamdulillahi wa la ilaha illal lahu wallahu akbar, wa la hawla wala quwwata illa billahil aliyyul azeem.
next, recite 70 times: "Astaghfirul lahal ladhi la illaha illa rahmanur raheemul hayyul Qayyum, wa atoobu ilaih."
The reward is given as soon as one lifts his or her head from the last sajdah: 1. all your sins are forgiven 2. sawab of going to 700,000 Hajj 3. sawab of going to 700,000 Umrah 4. sawab of 700 nights of tahajjud 5. sawab of having kept 700 fasts 6. keeps away the calamities of this life and of the hereafter 7. one will always say the correct religious things 8. if the person dies the same year, he/she will get the status of a martyr 9. assurance that one will get safely into paradise after death. INSHA'ALLAH!!!!
This next one can be done anytime but if one achieves forgiveness in the month of Ramadan it may be more readily beneficial for your family right now:
As Salaam Alaikum wa Ramadan Mubarak:
Following, is the method for Salatel e Hadiya Waaledain or salat for one's parents. Many of you converts might be interested in doing this for your parents, many of whom remain non-Muslim.
it consists of two rakahs.
In the first rakah after suratul Fatiha, recite this dua 10 times in qunoot, hands raised:
"Rabbanaghfirlee wa lay waaledaiyya wa lil momineena yauma yaqumul hisab" (Quran: 14:41: "Our Lord! cover us with Thy forgiveness; me, my parents and all believers on the Day of Reckoning will be established.")
Finish the rakah as normal.
In the second rakah, after Suratul Fatiha, recite this dua ten times in qunoot with hands raised:
"Rabbighfirlee wa lay waaledaiyya wa lay mun dekhala baitee momeenan wa lil momineena wal mominaat." (Quran 71:28) "Our Lord! forgive me and my parents and those who enter my house with belief and men who believe and women who believie."
Then finish the salat as normal.
After salah, in prostration, recite the following dua ten times:
"Rabbir ham homa kama rabbayanee sagheera." (Quran 17:24) "Our Lord! Forgive them both for they have brought me up in my childhood."
These are just a few prayers we might want to do before these precious days are gone - who knows if we will have another chance?
And when Eid does come, insha'allah, let us stay united and keep something of what we have tried to gain in this month. What will you keep from the month? Will you keep reading the Qur'an a little every day? Will you keep fasting on a regular basis? Will you be kinder to other people or more patient? It will only stay with you if you make it stay with you!
Here is an article written last year about Eid calculations and unity - let us leave the month in peace.
This year, the crescent for Shawwal was sighted in South America and South Africa on Saturday night. Based on this, Eid in North America was on Sunday for the followers of Ayatollah Khoei and a few other Maraja Taqleed (Religious Authorities), and on Monday for the followers of Ayatollah Sistani and some other jurists.
Naturally, all hell broke loose. "Why can't we have a united Eid?" "Why are these Maraja dividing us?" "They are causing our families to split!" Forums were flooded, angry text messages were sent, and chain emails are still being forwarded. Once again, Marjaiyyat stands accused for having causing yet another crushing blow to the oh-so-fragile Western Shia community. Even the rare well-wishers who do not harbor any particular animosity towards the Maraja cannot help but scratch our heads... "Sharing the Night" vs. "Sharing the Horizon"
In regards to moonsighting, there is a slight difference of opinion among our Maraja. A few scholars, the most notable among them being the late Ayatollah Abul Qasim al-Khoei, are of the opinion that as long as the moon is sighted in one place, all other locations "sharing the night" (Wahdat al-Ufoq) will also rely on that sighting. For example, if the moon is sighted in the United Kingdom, then it will also apply to places like New York and Detroit, because sunset time in New York and Detroit is before the break of dawn in the UK. Hence, they "share a night". (Ayatollah Khoei: Islamic Laws, ruling #1744)
However, the majority of our Religious Authorities (including Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Sistani and Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei) follow the principle of Ta'adad al-Ufoq ("sharing the horizon"). According to this principle, each location has its own curve of sighting that is distinct and separate from others, unless the two locations "share a horizon", meaning if the moon is sighted in one location, there must be a significant probability it would have also been sighted in the other location had it not been for adverse weather conditions, etc. (Ayatollah Sistani: Islamic Laws, ruling #1744; Ayatollah Khamenei: Practical Laws of Islam, Q. 835)
On the Farsi section of his website www.sistani.org, Ayatollah Sistani is asked if Hasa and Qatib (in Saudi Arabia) share a horizon with Tehran. In the Arabic section, the same question is asked about Najaf and Bahrain. In both cases, the answer is affirmative.
Furthermore, as explained by Ayatollah Sistani: "If the new moon is sighted in the East, it also applies to the West, as long as the latitude of the two locations are not greatly further away from one another. If the new moon is sighted in the West, it does not apply to the East, unless it is proven – even by the moon staying on the first [Western] horizon for the length of time that is longer than the difference between the sunset of the two locations. [For example, if the sunset in the Eastern city was half an hour before the Western city where the moon was sighted, and the moon stays on the horizon longer than half an hour – the Eastern city can follow the moon sighted in the Western city.]" (A Code of Practice for Muslims in the West, ruling #115)
Lastly, if a person does not know whether it is the last day of Ramadan or the first of Shawwal, (s)he should observe fast on that day, and if (s)he comes to know during the day that it is the first of Shawwal, (s)he should break the fast. (Ayatollah Sistani: Islamic Laws, ruling #1746; Ayatollah Khoei: Islamic Laws, ruling #1746; Ayatollah Khamenei, Newly Asked Questions, section on "Fasting" at www.leader.ir)
Also See: Ask the Experts by Shaikh Saleem Bhimji Scientific Predictions
So why can't we use scientific methods to determine the new moon and forget about moonsighting all together? Surely with current scientific developments, this would solve the whole problem.
According to most of our scholars, the first day of a month cannot be proven through scientific predictions. However, if an individual derives full satisfaction and certitude from such findings (or through any other source), (s)he is welcome to act upon them. (Ayatollah Sistani: Islamic Laws, ruling #1741)
In the past few years, there has been increasing emphasis on the use of scientific calculations for the purposes of determining the new moon by a growing portion of our community. However, what we must keep in mind is that science is not the end-all-be-all answer to all questions. Scientific predictions about moonsighting are based on calculations, and those could easily be incorrect or based on incorrect models or theories. In the past, there have been several instances of differences among scientists and observatories over the possibility of moonsighting, usually because they subscribed to differing models or theories. While we can use scientific data for the purposes of determining probability and such, it cannot therefore be a substitute for actual moonsighting by the human eye.
Interestingly, the US Naval Observatory itself notes on its website, "The date and time of each New Moon can be computed exactly, but the time that the Moon first becomes visible after the New Moon depends on many factors and cannot be predicted with certainty." "But how can we have two Eids?"
The answer: why not?!
Instead of making mountains out of molehills, let's try to resolve such issues with a little bit of common sense. If Ramadan ended on Saturday for the parents and on Sunday for the children, surely the parents can wait just one day to wear their new clothes or cook up all sorts of ethnic delicacies! If the other members of your family are fasting today, and you are not, just drink a glass of water in the morning – you don't have to eat a four-course meal in front of them! In regards to Eid prayers, most places have services to accommodate both situations, and even if your community doesn't, keep in mind that Eid prayers are not obligatory during the occultation of the Twelfth Imam (may Allah hasten his reappearance) and can also be offered individually (Ayatollah Sistani: Islamic Laws, ruling #1525).
Furthermore, even if we see the Lebanese community celebrating Eid on one day, the Pakistanis the next days, and the Khojas after them, what exactly is the big deal? In many parts of the Muslim world, people celebrate Eid for a whole week. The more, the merrier! I for one fail to see the problem with being able to dress up, visit friends, and gorge out on delicious food for three days instead of just one!
Instead of panicking and rushing to hurl the vilest accusations at our religious scholars, let us try to be a bit more reasonable. Unity does not mean uniformity. Instead of becoming upset at such minor differences, let us learn to appreciate and enjoy the blessings of variety and diversity.
Also, we must realize that even if we ignore all jurisprudential differences, we still would not be able to avoid the issue of multiple Eids. Indeed, we see that during the caliphate of Imam Ali (peace be upon him), a man once came and told him that he had sighted the crescent for the month of Shawwal, while no one else had. The Imam told him that since he has sighted the moon himself, it was Eid for him the next day, but for the rest of the community, since there were not two reliable testimonies (as required by Shariah), it would be the 30th of Ramadan. So while it was haram for the man to fast the next day, it was in fact wajib upon everyone else! (Wasail ash-Shia, volume 10, chapter on Fasting)
Hence, for those who have proper knowledge and understanding of Islamic jurisprudence, this is really a non-issue. In all honesty, the moonsighting drama has nothing to do with unity or keeping our families intact. The Shia world has had multiple Eids for centuries now, so it has hard to fathom why this has become such a divisive issue. The fact of the matter is that this is a simple jurisprudential technicality which certain nefarious elements have hijacked and used to attack our Maraja Taqleed, and many simple-minded Shias are sadly following suit. If we are really so concerned about maintaining unity, let us keep in mind that the one institution that has safeguarded and protected Shi'ism for the past 1200 years and the only platform that is capable of uniting us is the same Marjaiyyat which we so quickly rush to accuse of causing disunity amongst us!
On a final note, in the 13th century, as Mongol armies were about to overrun Baghdad, the Muslim world was too busy fighting among itself over apparently a far more pertinent matter: whether it is permissible to consume owl meat or not! Today, as we face enemies and calamities from all sides, let us learn from our own history, let us cease from wasting so much time and energy complaining about such trivial matters, let us unite under the banner of the Marjaiyyat, and let us focus on the greater problems that threaten to overrun our communities and the Muslim Ummah today.
I've received this every year for the past few years in e-mail, but I don't know of the source - if anyone has it please let us know.
Recite a 12 rakaat namaz in twos.
In each rakaat after Surae Al-hamd, recite 25 times Surae Ikhlaas.
After finishing this prayer, recite 70 times:
"SUBHANAL LAHI WAL HAMDU LILLAHI WA LA ILAHA ILLAL LAHU WALLAHU AKBER, WALA HAWLA WALA QUWWATA ILLA BILLAHIL ALIYYIL AZEEM".
Next recite 70 times:
"ASTAGHFIRUL LAHAL LADHI LA ILLAHA ILLA HUWAR RAHMANUR RAHEEMUL HAYYUL QAYYUM, WA ATUBU ILAIH".
The reward as mentioned above is given as soon as one lifts his/her head from the last sajdah.
(Please forward this to as many people as you can and do remember us in your duas.) FOR ANY ONE DAY OF HOLY RAMADHAN............
The a'amaal has the following benefits, if done on any one day in Holy Ramadhan.
ALL your sins are forgiven. Sawab of seven hundred thousand for going to Hajj. Sawab of seven hundred thousand for going to Umra. Sawab of seven hundred nights of doing ibadaat after getting up from sleep. Sawab of having kept seven hundred fasts. To be kept away from the calamities of this life and of the hereafter. One will always say the right religious things. If the person dies in the same year, he/she will get the status of a martyr. Last but not least, assurance that one will safely get into paradise after death.
This is a supplication of high eminence which is reported to have been brought by Jibreel for the Holy Prophet (pbuh) when he was engrossed in prayers in Maqam-e-Ibrahim. Kafa'ami has reported this supplication in Baladul Amin and in Misbah. It is mentioned by him that the reward for the one reciting it during the nights of full moon (13th, 14th & 15th) of the Holy month of Ramadan, is that his sins are forgiven even if they are in such plenty as the drops of rain water, leaves of trees or sand of a desert. It is also very effective for the cure of the sick, fulfillment of debts, acquisition of wealth and relief from sorrows.
In the name of Allah, The Beneficent, The Merciful
Glory be to Thee. O Allah! besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Beneficent! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Merciful! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Generous! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Sovereign! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Master! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Holy! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Peace! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Truthful! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Loving Protector! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Glorious! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Omnipotent! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Proud! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Dominant Helper! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Creator! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Maker! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Fashioner! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Pre-ordainer! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Guide! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Ever-Living! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Liberal! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O to Whom return all repentant! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Liberator! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Comforter! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Chief! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Liege-Lord! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Near! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Preserver! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Originator! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Resurrector! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Praiseworthy! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Glorified! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Eternal! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Mighty! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Very Forgiving! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Appreciator! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Ever-present! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Witness! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Compassionate! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Kind! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Causer! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Lord-possessor! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Vivifying! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Annihilator! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Loving! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Helping Friend! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Companion! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Familiar! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Magnificent! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Elegant! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O All-knowing! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O All-seeing! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Benevolent! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Possessor of fortune! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Adored! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Ever-Existing! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Forgiver! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Subduer! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Rememberable! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Thankworthy! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Liberal Bestower! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Whom everything returns to! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Pure Beauty! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Majesty! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Ever-foremost! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Giver of Livelihood! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Truthful! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Splitter! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Hearer! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Quick! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Sublime! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Original Inventor! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Perpetrator! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Most High! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Judge! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Consenting! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Conqueror! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Pure! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O All-Knowing! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Ruler! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Ever-Lasting! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Ever-enduring! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Defended! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Distributer! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Independent! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Enricher! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Perfect! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Enricher! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Self-sufficient! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Effective Restorer of health! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Leader! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Conclusion! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O First! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Eternal Last! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Evident! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Hidden! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Hope! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Who is invoked! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Lord of Favours! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Lord of Bounties! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Ever-Alive! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Ever-Durable! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O One! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Unique! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Chief! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Self-Subsisting! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Able to do (Everything)! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Great! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Governor! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Exalted! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Most High! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Supreme! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Friend! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Master! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Resolute! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Foremost Creator! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Mortifying! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Deliverer! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Who throws down! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Gatherer! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Who does Honour! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Subduer! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Guardian! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Defending Administrator! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Capable Power! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Impenetrable! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Wise! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Forbearing! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Authority! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O All-wise! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Liberal Giver! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Preventer! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Who brings about distress! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Who allows gains! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Who comes to help! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Reckoner! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Just! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Distinguisher! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Subtle! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Noble! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Lord! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Truth! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Splendid! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Author! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Granter of amnesty! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Avenger! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Bountiful! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Plentiful! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Clement! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Affectionate! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Alone! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Single! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Over-Seer! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Who surrounds everything! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Protecting Advocate! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Justice! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Manifest! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Persevering! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Benign! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Beloved One! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Who guides on the right path! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Who leads on to the true path! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Light! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Illuminator! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Ally! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Helper! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Patient! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Enduring! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Who takes away! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Who brings about! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Glorious! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Requiter! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Who gives help! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Who is called for help! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Splitter! Besought art Thou, with Thy praise. O Ever-Present! Keep us safe from the everlasting fire. O Lenient Supporter!
Glory be to Thee. O Lord of Honor and Grace, invoked for blessings. O Lord of Might and Majesty, Glory be to Thee. There is no god but Thou.
"Glory be to Thee. Verily, I have been a wrongdoer." "So We heard his prayer and saved him from the anguish Thus We save believers." Blessings of Allah be on our chief, Muhammad and his descenents, one and all. (All) praise be to Allah the Lord of the worlds. Sufficient for us is Allah. He is the Best Protector. There is no power and no might except (with) Allah, the High, the Great. O Allah, send blessings on Muhammad and on the progeny of Muhammad.
Many people in America are expressing concern that this year the Eid is likely to fall on or near 9/11. Many non-Muslims may take 'Eid celebrations and prayers as being celebrations of the 9/11/01 Al-Qaeda terrorist attacks, despite many announcements as to their real purposes. We know that some "Christian" groups are planning Burn a Qur'an Day on 9/12. There is a possibility of violence against observers attending 'Eid events, so please be careful as always and pray for the safety of all of us the world over.
In the meantime and after, we can continue to try to live the example of real Islam.
The video nasheed below (The Chosen One) is inspired by Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. Quoting from the makers, "Maher Zain and Awakening Records felt they had to respond after the recent attacks on prophet Muhammad through cartoons and Facebook. It's a small token in portraying the true character of our beloved Prophet Muhammad." The album can be purchased from iTunes, Amazon and other sources.
Note: There are instruments in this track, it is not purely a cappella.
Another goal some people make during the month of Ramadan is improving the salat - improving concentration, feeling more spiritual, brushing up on fiqh, correcting a bad habit of skipping a prayer, etc. Here are some resources if this is a goal that you have set or if it interests you.
Al Fajr al Sadiq - an interesting article about determining the time of fajr.
Adabus Salat - When you want to take your prayer to the next level, you are sure to find something here to help you, insha'allah.
If you can find the book Profundities of Prayer anywhere, it is an amazing work of Ayatullah Khameini that takes the prayer apart and piece by piece provides deep insight.
Here is an online prayer tutor if you wish to learn how to pray salat.
Since a few members of this blog are from the Denver area, here is a prayer/imsaak table for Denver. You can make your own, tailored to your location, at praytime.info. It is an awesome site that you can have play an alarm at prayer times or even at suhoor time. You can determine your precise qiblah, play Qur'an, learn to pray, and more.
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
The Office of Sayyid Seestani in the Holy city of Najaf informs Momineen that His Eminence (long may he live) has ascertained that tomorrow Thursday is the first day of the blessed month of Ramadhan in most Islamic countries, Iraq and all Arab countries, Iran, Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia and also India and Australia, African countries and South America, the United States and parts of Canada.
For most European regions like the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Scandinavian countries and most parts of Canada the day after tomorrow, Friday 13 August 2010, will be the first day of the blessed month. We ask Allah Almighty to let this be a month of Khair and Baraka for all Muslims.
The Office of Sayyid Seestani Holy city of Najaf Wednesday night
