Ramadan Package – SOUTH DEVON ISLAMIC ORG

A Sermon on Ramadhan by Prophet Muhammad (saws)

A Sermon On The Last Friday Of Sha'ban

On The Reception Of The Month of Ramadhan

"O People ! Indeed ahead of you is the blessed month of Allah. A month of blessing, mercy and forgiveness. A month which with Allah is the best of months. Its days, the best of days, its nights, the best of nights, and its hours, the best of hours. It is the month which invites you to be the guests of Allah and invites you to be one of those near to Him. Each breath you take glorifies him; your sleep is worship, your deeds are accepted and your supplications are answered. So, ask Allah, your Lord; to give you a sound body and an enlightened heart so you may be able to fast and recite his book, for only he is unhappy who is devoid of Allah's forgiveness during this great month. Remember the hunger and thirst of the day of Qiyamah (Judgement) with your hunger and thirst; give alms to the needy and poor, honour your old, show kindness to the young ones, maintain relations with your blood relations; guard your tongues, close your eyes to that which is not permissible for your sight, close your ears to that which is forbidden to hear, show compassion to the orphans of people, so compassion may be shown to your orphans. Repent to Allah for your sins and raise your hands in dua during these times, for they are the best of times and Allah looks towards his creatures with kindness, replying to them during the hours and granting their needs if he is asked ...

"O People! Indeed your souls are dependant on your deeds, free it with Istighfar (repentance) lighten its loads by long prostrations; and know that Allah swears by his might: That there is no punishment for the one who prays and prostrates and he shall have no fear of the fire on the day when man stands before the Lord of the worlds.

"O People! One who gives Iftaar to a fasting person during this month will be like one who has freed someone and his past sins will be forgiven. Some of the people who were there then asked the Prophet (s): "Not all of us are able to invite those who are fasting?"

The Prophet replied: "Allah gives this reward even if the Iftaar (meal) is a drink of water." "One who has good morals (Akhlaq) during this month will be able to pass the 'Siraat' ... on the day that feet will slip ... "One who covers the faults of others will benefit in that Allah will curb His anger on the day of Judgement ... "As for one who honour an orphan; Allah will honour him on the day of judgement, "And for the one who spreads his kindness, Allah will spread His mercy over him on the day of Judgement. "As for the one who cuts the ties of relation; Allah will cut His mercy from him... "Who so ever performs a recommended prayer in this month Allah will keep the fire of Hell away from him ... "Whoever performs an obligatory prayer Allah will reward him with seventy prayers [worth] in this month. "And who so ever prays a lot during this month will have his load lightened on the day of measure. "He who recites one verse of the Holy Quran will be given the rewards of reciting the whole Quran during other months. "O People! Indeed during this month the doors of heaven are open, therefore ask Allah not to close them for you; The doors of hell are closed, so ask Allah to keep them closed for you. During this month Shaytan (Satan) is imprisoned so ask your Lord not to let him have power over you."

 10 Ahaadeeth Pertaining To Ramadhan

HADEETH 1: THE MONTH OF FORGIVENESS

Abu Huraira (R.A) narrates that the Holy Prophet (SAW) said:

“Whoever fasts during Ramadaan with imaan and seeking reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven; and whoever stays awake performing  nafal  salaah during Laylatul Qadr (the Night of Power) with imaan and seeking reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Bukhari, Muslim) 

HADEETH 2: THE REWARD FOR FASTING

Abu Huraira (R.A) narrates that the Holy Prophet (SAW) said: “Every act of man is multiplied.  One good act is multiplied between ten to seven hundred times.  However Allah says: “Except fasting because it is for Me and I shall compensate it.  He gives up his passions and food for me.  There are two moments of joy for the fasting person:

1) When he breaks his fast      2) When he meets his sustainer Certainly the breath of a fasting person is sweeter to Allah than the fragrance of musk. (Muslim)

 HADEETH 3: FAST A MEANS OF  INTERCESSION

Abdullah Bin Amr (R.A) narrates that the Holy Prophet (SAW) said: “The fast and the Quraan will seek intercession for a person.  The fast will say: O my sustainer I deprived him from food and fulfilling his desires during the day, allow me to intercede for him.  The Quraan will say: I prevented him from sleep during the night, thus allow me to intercede for him, and intercession will be granted. (Shub-ul-Imaan)

HADEETH 4: GENORISITY DURING RAMADAAN

Ibn Abaas (R.A) narrates that when the month of Ramadaan approached the Holy Prophet (SAW) used to free every prisoner and give alms to every beggar.” (Shub-ul-Imaan)

HADEETH 5: FEEDING A FASTING PERSON

Zaid Bin Khalid (R.A) narrates that the Holy Prophet (SAW) said:“Whoever feeds a fasting person at the time of Iftaar or arms a soldier will receive the same reward as the fasting person and the soldier.” (Sahih Ibn Hibaan)

HADEETH 6: DUAA OF A FASTING PERSON

Abu Huraira (R.A) narrates that the Holy Prophet (SAW) said: “Three persons duaas are not rejected; a just ruler, a fasting person until he breaks his fast, and an oppressed person, whose duaa is lifted above the clouds and the doors of the heavens opens for it and Allah the Almighty says: “I swear by my honour, certainly I will assist you, even though it may be after some time.” (Musnad Ahmed) 

HADEETH 7: OMITTING FAST DURING RAMADAAN

Abu Huraira (R.A) narrates that the Holy Prophet (SAW) said: “Whoever misses a fast during Ramadaan without a concession or illness, fasting throughout the year will not compensate for the day that was missed, even if he does so.” (Tirmizhi)

HADEETH 8: THE LAST NIGHT OF RAMADAAN

Abu Huraira (R.A) narrates from the Holy Prophet (SAW) who had said that there is forgiveness for them (his ummah) during the last night (of Ramadaan).  It was asked: O Prophet of Allah, is it the Night of Power (Laylatul Qadr)? “No!” replied the Holy Prophet (SAW), “but surely a worker receives his full reward on completion of his work.”(Musnad Ahmed)

 HADEETH9: THE NIGHT OF EID

Abu Umamah (R.A) narrates that the Holy Prophet (SAW) said: “Whoever stays awake during the two nights of Eid (worshipping Allah) seeking the reward from Allah, his heart shall not die on the day when all the hearts will wither.”  (Ibn Maja)

HADEETH 10: THE SIX FAST OF SHAWAAL

Abu Ayub Al-Ansaari (R.A) narrates that the Holy Prophet (SAW) said: “Whoever fasts during the month of Ramadaan and then fasts for six days in Shawaal, it is as though he had observed fast throughout the year.” (Muslim)   

Forty Ahadeeth Pertaining To Ramadhan

HADEETH 1: THE MONTH OF FORGIVENESS

Abu Huraira (R.A) narrates that the Holy Prophet (SAW) said:

“Whoever fasts during Ramadaan with imaan and seeking reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven; and whoever stays awake performing  nafal  salaah during Laylatul Qadr (the Night of Power) with imaan and seeking reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Bukhari, Muslim) 

HADEETH 2: THE REWARD FOR FASTING

Abu Huraira (R.A) narrates that the Holy Prophet (SAW) said: “Every act of man is multiplied.  One good act is multiplied between ten to seven hundred times.  However Allah says: “Except fasting because it is for Me and I shall compensate it.  He gives up his passions and food for me.  There are two moments of joy for the fasting person:

1) When he breaks his fast      2) When he meets his sustainer Certainly the breath of a fasting person is sweeter to Allah than the fragrance of musk. (Muslim)

 HADEETH 3: FAST A MEANS OF  INTERCESSION

Abdullah Bin Amr (R.A) narrates that the Holy Prophet (SAW) said: “The fast and the Quraan will seek intercession for a person.  The fast will say: O my sustainer I deprived him from food and fulfilling his desires during the day, allow me to intercede for him.  The Quraan will say: I prevented him from sleep during the night, thus allow me to intercede for him, and intercession will be granted. (Shub-ul-Imaan)

 HADEETH 4: THE DEVILS ARE CHANGED DURING RAMADAAN

Abu Huraira (R.A) narrates that the Holy Prophet (SAW) said: “When the first night of Ramadaan approaches, the doors of paradise are opened and the doors of hell are closed and the devils are chained.” (Muslim)

 HADEETH 5: THE DOOR OF JANNAH CALLED RAIYYAAN

Sahal Bin S’ad (R.A) narrates that the Holy Prophet (SAW) said: “In paradise there are eight doors, amongst them is a door called Raiyyaan.  Only those who fast shall enter through it.” (Bukhari)

 HADEETH 6: FASTING IN THE PATH OF ALLAH

Abu Saeed Al Khudari (R.A) narrates that the Holy Prophet (SAW) said: “Whoever fasts a day in the path of Allah, Allah will keep his face at a distance of seventy years from the fire (of Jahannam).” (Muslim)

 HADEETH 7: FASTING IN THE PATH OF ALLAH

Abu Umamah (R.A) narrates that the Holy Prophet (SAW) said: “Whosoever fasts a day in the path of Allah, Allah will place between him and the fire a ditch as wide as between the heaven and the earth.” (Tirmizhi)

HADEETH 8: FASTING WHILE ON JOURNEY

Hamza Bin Amar Al-Aslami (R.A) enquired from the Holy Prophet (SAW): “O Messenger of Allah, I find that I have the strength to fast while I am on a journey.  Will there be any sin attached to me if I fast?”  The Holy Prophet (SAW) said “It is a concession from Allah.  Whoever accepts such a concession has done good, and whoever loves to fast, then there is no sin attached to him.”(Muslim)

HADEETH 9: UMRAH DURING RAMADAAN

Jabir (R.,A) narrates that the Holy Prophet (SAW) said:

“The reward of performing umrah during Ramadaan is equivalent to the reward of one haj.” (Tirmizhi)

 HADEETH 10: FASTING DURING WINTER

A’mir Bin Masood (R.A) narrates that the Holy Prophet (SAW) said: “Fasting during winter is a reward gained without difficulty.” (Tirmizhi)

 HADEETH 11: GENORISITY DURING RAMADAAN

Ibn Abaas (R.A) narrates that when the month of Ramadaan approached the Holy Prophet (SAW) used to free every prisoner and give alms to every beggar.” (Shub-ul-Imaan)

HADEETH 12: ZAKAAT OF THE BODY

Abu Huraira (R.A) narrates that the Holy Prophet (SAW) said: “For everything there is zakaat (purification).  And the zakaat (purification) of the body is fasting.” (Ibn Majah) 

HADEETH 13: COMMENCING FAST WHILE IN JANABAH

Ayesha (R.A) said: “Sometimes during Ramadaan  dawn would break while the Holy Prophet (SAW) would be in the state of janabah, not because of a nocturnal dream (but due to intercourse).  Thus he would take the ghusl (wash himself) and complete the fast.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

 HADEETH 14: THE VIRTUES OF SUHOOR

Anas (R.A) narrates that the Holy Prophet (SAW) said: “Have suhoor (partake of a last meal shortly before dawn) for truly there is blessings in the suhoor.” (Bukhari, Muslim,)

 HADEETH 15: THE VIRTUES OF SUHOOR

Amr bin Aas (R.A) narrates that the Holy Prophet (SAW) said: “The difference between our fasting and the fasting of the people of the Book (Jews and Christians) is the suhoor (partaking of a last meal shortly before dawn).” (Muslim)

 HADEETH 16: THE VIRTUES OF SUHOOR

Abdullah Bin Umar (R.A) narrates that the Holy Prophet (SAW) said: “Verily Allah and his Angels shower mercy upon those who partake in the suhoor (the last meal shortly before dawn).” (Sahih Ibn Hibaan)

 HADEETH 17: FEEDING A FASTING PERSON

Zaid Bin Khalid (R.A) narrates that the Holy Prophet (SAW) said:“Whoever feeds a fasting person at the time of Iftaar or arms a soldier will receive the same reward as the fasting person and the soldier.” (Sahih Ibn Hibaan)

 HADEETH 18: THE VIRTUES OF IFTAAR

Sahal (R.A) narrates that the Holy Prophet (SAW) said: “The people will remain prosperous so long as they hasten in breaking their fast (at the time of Iftaar).” (Bukhari, Muslim,)

 HADEETH 19: THE VIRTUES OF IFTAAR

Abu Huraira (R.A) said that the Holy Prophet (SAW) said: Allah  Ta’ala said: “The most beloved of my servants in my sight are those who hasten when breaking fast.” (Tirmizhi)

 HADEETH 20:DUAA AT THE TIME OF IFTAAR

Abdullah Bin Umar  (R.A) narrates that when the Holy Prophet (SAW) broke fasts he would say: The thirst has vanished, the veins have become moist (the blood in the veins has started to flow freely again) and the rewards are certain; if Allah wills.” (Abu Dawood)

HADEETH 21: DUAA AT THE TIME OF IFTAAR

Muaaz Bin Zuhrah (R.A) narrates that when the Holy Prophet (SAW) broke fast he would say: “O Allah, for Thee did I observe fast and it is with Thy sustenance that I break my fast.” (Abu Dawood)

 HADEETH 22: DUAA OF A FASTING PERSON

Abu Huraira (R.A) narrates that the Holy Prophet (SAW) said: “Three persons duaas are not rejected; a just ruler, a fasting person until he breaks his fast, and an oppressed person, whose duaa is lifted above the clouds and the doors of the heavens opens for it and Allah the Almighty says: “I swear by my honour, certainly I will assist you, even though it may be after some time.” (Musnad Ahmed) 

HADEETH 23: EATING FORGETFULLY WHILE FASTING

Abu Huraira (R.A) narrates that the Holy Prophet (SAW) said: “If anyone forgets that he is fasting and eats or drinks, he should complete his fast, for it is only Allah who has fed him and quenched him.” (Muslim)

 HADEETH 24: OMITTING FAST DURING RAMADAAN

Abu Huraira (R.A) narrates that the Holy Prophet (SAW) said: “Whoever misses a fast during Ramadaan without a concession or illness, fasting throughout the year will not compensate for the day that was missed, even if he does so.” (Tirmizhi)

 HADEETH 25: MAINTAINING THE FAST

Abu Huraira (R.A) narrates that the Holy Prophet (SAW) said: “There are so many people who fast and do not earn anything besides thirst from their fast.  There are so many people who perform (tahjud) salaah during the night and gain nothing but sleeplessness from their salaah.” (Sunan Darami) 

HADEETH 26: MAINTAINING THE FAST

Abu Huraira (R.A) narrates that the Holy Prophet (SAW) said: “Whoever does not give up false talk and evil actions, Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink.” (Bukhari)

 HADEETH 27: USAGE OF THE MISWAAK WHILE FASTING

A’mir Bin Rabiah (R.A) said: “I saw the Holy Prophet (SAW) using a miswaak while he was fasting more often than I can count.” (Tirmizi)

 HADEETH 28: USAGE OF SURMA WHILE FASTING

Ayesha (R.A) narrates that the Holy Prophet (SAW) used surma while he was fasting. (Ibn Maja)

 HADEETH 29: THE LAST TEN DAYS OF RAMADAAN

Ayesha (R.A) narrates that during the last ten nights of Ramadaan the Holy Prophet (SAW) exerted himself (in worship) more than he did at any other time.”  (Bukhari)

 HADEETH 30: I’TIKAAF DURING THE LAST TEN DAYS

Abdullah Bin Umar (R.A) narrates that the Holy Prophet (SAW) observed I’tikaaf during the last ten (nights) of Ramadaan.” (Bukhari)

 HADEETH 31: THE REWARD FOR OBSERVING I’TIKAAF

Abdullah Bin Abas (R.A) narrates that the Holy Prophet (SAW) said: “The person observing I’tikaaf remains free from sin and he receives the same reward as those who carry out righteous deeds (due to being secluded in the masjid).” (Ibn Maja) 

HADEETH 32: SEARCHING FOR LAYLATUL QADR

Ayesha (R.A) narrates that the Holy Prophet (SAW) said: “Search for the Night of Power (Laylatul Qadr) during the odd nights in the last ten nights of Ramadaan.” (Bukhari)

 HADEETH 33: DUAA FOR LAYLATUL QADR

Ayesha (R.A) narrates: I asked: O Messenger of Allah (SAW) Inform me what should I read if I recognise any night to be the Night of Power (Laylatul Qadr)?  The Holy Prophet (SAW) said: “Say O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, You love Forgiveness (of a servant); therefore forgive me.” (Tirmizhi)

 HADEETH 34: THE LAST NIGHT OF RAMADAAN

Abu Huraira (R.A) narrates from the Holy Prophet (SAW) who had said that there is forgiveness for them (his ummah) during the last night (of Ramadaan).  It was asked: O Prophet of Allah, is it the Night of Power (Laylatul Qadr)? “No!” replied the Holy Prophet (SAW), “but surely a worker receives his full reward on completion of his work.”(Musnad Ahmed)

 HADEETH 35: THE NIGHT OF EID

Abu Umamah (R.A) narrates that the Holy Prophet (SAW) said: “Whoever stays awake during the two nights of Eid (worshipping Allah) seeking the reward from Allah, his heart shall not die on the day when all the hearts will wither.”  (Ibn Maja)

 HADEETH 36: SADQATUL FITR

Abdullah Bin Abaas (R.A) said: “The Holy Prophet (SAW) made zakaat-ul fitr compulsory on those who fast so that it may cleanse the fasting person from any foolish talk and obscene behaviour (which was committed during Ramadaan), and also as a provision for the poor.  Whoever discharges it (zakaat-ul fitr) before the salaah (of Eid); it will be accepted by Allah.  And whoever discharges it (zakaat-ul fitr) after the salaah (of Eid); it willmerely be regarded as an ordinary sadaqah.” (Ibn Maja)

 HADEETH 37: THE PROHIBITION FOR FASTING ON EID

Ayesha (R.A) narrates that the Holy Prophet (SAW) prohibited fasting on the days of Eid-ul Fitr and Eid-ul Adhaa.  (1st Shawaal and the 10th Dhul-Hijjah) (Muslim)

 HADEETH 38: THE SIX FAST OF SHAWAAL

Abu Ayub Al-Ansaari (R.A) narrates that the Holy Prophet (SAW) said: “Whoever fasts during the month of Ramadaan and then fasts for six days in Shawaal, it is as though he had observed fast throughout the year.” (Muslim)

 HADEETH 39: PREPARING FOR AAKHIRAH

Abdullah Bun Umar (R.A) narrates that the Holy Prophet (SAW) caught me by my shoulder and said: “Live in this world as thought you are a stranger or a wayfarer.” (Bukhari)

 HADEETH 40: DUAA OF NABI (SAW)

Abu Huraira (R.A) narrates that the Holy Prophet (SAW) used to say (make this duaa): “O Allah grant me benefit from the knowledge which You have bestowed me, grant me knowledge which will benefit me and increase me in knowledge.  All praises be to Allah upon every condition.  I seek protection by Allah from the punishment of the fire.” (Ibn Maja) 

My Plans for Ramadhan

I would like to share with you a simple sample plan which I have been following over the years so that you can use for that purpose:

This Ramadaan, I shall start with establishing a close relationship with the Qur'aan. I will gave the top priority to knowing and understanding the contents and message of the Qur'aan. I will recite and study the Qur'aan with translation and tafseer regularly and steadily throughout the month, inshaa'Allaahu, from a good, authentic translation and tafseer by a reputed scholar. From the start and right to the end of Ramadaan, I will not sleep after Fajr, but instead study the Qur'aan until I am ready to go to school or work. Throughout the day, I will find time to revise and re-learn the Soorahs and Aayaat I already know. Once that is completed, I will learn at least one Aayah a day from a Soorah that I do not already know.

This Ramadaan, I will sleep early, soon after Taraweeh Salaah. I will go to bed with clear and conscious intention of fasting the next day, as well as with the intention of getting up early for Tahajjud. Then, while remembering Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala, I will fall asleep. I will get up well before Suhoor time, thanking Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala for giving me life, offer Tahajjud and then make special Du'a for the mercy of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala on our Ummah, Allah Ta'aala's help for its success and well being, and Allah Ta'aala's interference to foil the plans of Shaytaan. I will also make special Du'a that Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala protects this Ummah, my loved ones and me from the Dajjaal and his Fitnah.

For the month of Ramadaan, I will not watch TV at all, with a view of kicking this habit completely. My knowing of what is shown in the news does not affect any affairs of the world. Watching the news causes only frustration, despair and anxiety. If I do not watch for a month, it will not have any impact either on me, this Ummah or the world at large. I would rather spend the month on my personal improvement, personal spirituality and building a close, personal relationship with Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala , rather than on an activity where I cannot make any difference. (Unless I am one of those few Muslims who write letters, articles / anchors, paper editors / columnists, politicians and media in general to make Islamic points or to stand up for the Ummah. If I am one of those, I should continue this Jihaad in Ramadaan).

While fasting, I will make a special effort to speak only to add value and to say only what is true, factual, positive, meaningful and useful. When I do not have anything good and useful to talk about, instead of saying anything else, I will remember Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala through the beautiful words taught by our Prophet Sal-Allaahu alayhi wa sallaam, while paying attention to their meanings and feeling the impact of the words on my heart, my mind, my thoughts and my attitude. Or, if I do not know them, I will learn those words of remembrance or prayer. Or, I will spend those moments to recite the portions of the Qur'aan that I know or learning those I do not.

I will not lend my ears to anything that is useless, indecent, negative, spiteful or inappropriate. In my car, I will listen to the Qur'aan or some good speech of a reputed scholar. At my computer I would repeat the same piece over and over again, I will use it to help me learn a few verses or a Soorah. Similarly, while riding the transit or subway, I will use my pocket-sized Qur'aan or book of Prophet Sal-Allaahu alayhi wa sallaam's adi'yah (plural for du'a) to recite, practise or revise those I know or to learn those I do not know.

This Ramadaan, I will particularly watch my gaze. While glancing on a member of opposite sex, I will move my gaze away before I start evaluating or assessing the attractive features of looks, appearance or personality or before I start paying attention to or begin enjoying those attractions. I will not participate or listen to the comments of illicit nature that my colleagues, peers or friends make.

While remembering Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala in many other ways, I will more frequently ask for Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala's mercy in the first 10 days of Ramaadan (Yaa Hayyu Yaa Qayyoomu, bi-rahmatika astagheethu), invoke Allaah's forgiveness in the second 10 days (astaghfirullaah-al-Azeem-alladzi laa ilaaha illaa Huwa-al Hayyu-l-Qayyoomu wa atoobu ilayh) and seek salvation from the Fire in the last 10 days (Rabbanaa aatinaa fi-ddunyaa hasanatanwa fil-aakhirati hasanatanwa qinaa adzaab-annaar). During the last ten nights, I will frequently make the Du'a: Allaahumma innaka 'afuwwun, tuhibbul 'afwa, fa'fu 'annee.

This Ramadaan, I will be exceptionally charitable. The tears that fill my eyes when I see the scenes of devastation, disease, starvation, agony, displacement, killings, blown up bodies and severed limbs of poor, helpless people of Afghanistan, Palestine, Iraq, Chechnya and Kashmir will ameliorate my heart and open my purse. I will send all my Zakaah to them right at the beginning of Ramadaan through trustworthy Islamic charities. In addition to my Zakaah, I will pay whatever I can spare from my family's necessities for helping those in dire need. If I have been paying my Zakaah to my relatives, this Ramadaan, I will help my relatives from my other savings and resources, so that I can pay Zakaah to the victims of state terrorism. I will avoid spending money on my home decoration or getting new clothes for Eid or buying more video games and toys for my children, so that those who are in more need than me and my family can be helped. I will even pay my Fitrah very early in Ramadaan so that it can reach those displaced from their homes before the severity of winter.

Also this Ramadaan, I will be generous and forgiving to my family, friends and the Muslim community at large. I will clear my heart from anger complaints, suspicion, jealousy, grudges or dislike against any of them. I will be extra kind, accommodating, courteous, supportive and helpful to my non-Muslims neighbours and colleagues. I will find ways to have them participate in the blessings of Ramadaan and happiness of Eid by sharing my food specialties with them or giving gifts and chocolates to them.

This Ramadaan, I am going to take my vacations in its last 10 days, so that the precious opportunity offered by those days can be fully utilized for developing my spiritual relationship with Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala.

I will kick at least one of my bad habits such as arriving late for appointments or breaking promises. I will show up or do what I indicate I will do and I will show up or do so on time. If I am a smoker, this Ramadaan, I will not smoke even after Iftaar, before Suhoor or at night. I will keep my mouth odour free for prayers and Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala 's remembrance and my lungs, blood and heart from disease.

If I am a university student whose final exams are falling in Ramadaan, my act of worship is to do my utmost best to study hard and get the best possible results, given that any moment that is not spent on studying is not spent in any other pursuit except in the remembrance of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala or study of the Qur'aan. While travelling to/from or within campus or while taking a break from studies, I will automatically shift to remembrance of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala or recitation of the Qur'aan. For my studies, I will keep timings that are consistent with the spirit of Ramadaan, i.e. sleep early and get up very early. Instead of staying up late at the risk of missing Suhoor or Fajr, I will adjust my body clock to Islamic lifestyle instead of the western lifestyle. When I get up to study at 2 or 3 a.m., I will start with two Raka'at of Tahajjud and then continue with my studies. After Fajr, I will still spend 15-20 minutes on the study of Tafseer and recitation of Qur'an every day.

If we succeed this Ramadaan in living as planned above, we will be able to look back and rejoice and feel inner joy and true happiness knowing that our Eid day will be the day of celebrating rewards from Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala.

THE P.R.I.S.O.N. GUIDE TO RAMADAAN

PREPARE:

1.     Prepare our minds, hearts and souls for the journey of devotion and sacrifice this Ramadaan.

2.     Make ‘firm’ intention and ‘correct’ intention: “I’m going to fast so I enter Ar-Rayyaan, I’m going to fast so I please Ar-Rahmaan.”

3.     Think of others, if they came to know we weren’t keen. Think again and once again, of Allah’s punishment for those who refuse His Sultaan.

4.     Who is it who holds back, searching internal purity eternal Paradise? – None but every chosen soul, the wise and guided of insaan.

REFRESH:

1.     Refresh our souls by eating drinking healthily, and know it is from piety to break our fast without delay.

2.     Awake for Suhoor and eat of dates, for in them both is blessing and energy to see us through the long hot day.

3.     Avoid activity that will make us tired or is void of any benefit, such as being argumentative or spending all day just in play.

4.     If we have hard work to commit to, monitor ourselves and conserve our energy for making what’s best come our way.

INITIATIVE:

1.     Initiative will increase our rewards, which in this month are multiplied more than any other in the year.

2.     Every Nafl action will equal a Fard, and every Fard will become seventy times more dear.

3.     Every good that we do, Angels will pray for us and in the Heavens say our name; so earn this honour eagerly by bringing every opportunity near.

4.     Allah waits to Forgive, but we have to do what it takes: Repent, Regret, and never Repeat – this is the way for those who truly fear.

SHAME:

1.     Shame is for those who continue to sin even during this holy month of fasting.

2.     We think we’re safe with Iblis locked away, but little we realise that our own whisperings are lasting.

3.     Don’t be fooled, for every sin feeds the next, so say ‘NO’ now and never stop fighting.

4.     Sins eat away our investment each day, till every hard effort is lost and no good left in writing.

OVERTAKE:

1.     Overtake our desires, and rivals for Paradise, by using our day wisely in worship or rest.

2.     Before Iftaar engage in Quran, Zhikr and Dua, “O Allah! Save us from your anger, Oh Allah! Guide us to that which is best.”

3.     Each night never miss our Tarawih salah, for in every prayer we are for Allah an invited guest.

4.     When the darkness of night leaves us alone, cry to Allah as each day ends with a test.

NEVER AGAIN:

1.     Never miss Salah.

2.     Never allow a lie.

3.     Never lose hope in Allah.

4.     Never forget Allah is Watching, which both you know and I.

Ramadan Supplications

Suhoor - when beginning the fast

   Wa bi saumi ghadin, naway tu, min shahri Ramadhaan

I intend to keep the fast for tomorrow in the month of Ramadan

Alla humma asoomu laka fagh firli maa qad damtu wamaa akh khartu

O Allah, I am fasting for you sake, forgive my past and future sins

Iftar - when breaking the fast

Allaahumma innee laka sumtu, wa bika aamantu

wa alayka tawak kaltu wa alaa riz qika aftartu

O Allah! I fasted for You and I believe in You and I put my trust in You

& I break my fast with Your sustenance

---- --- ---- ---- --- ---- ---- --- ---- ---- --- ---- ---- --- ---- ---- --- ----

FIRST ASHARAH - first ten days (Days of mercy)

These are known as the days of Mercy. We need to seek Allah's Mercy in these days.

Allaahumma inni as’ aluka bi rahmati kal latee

Wasi-at Kul’li shay  an Taghfir lee

O Allah, I ask You by Your mercy which envelopes all things, that You forgive me.
Reported by Ibn abi Mulaykah (radiAllahu anhu) that: Abdullah ibn Amar (radiAllahu anhu) used to say this when breaking his fast

SECOND ASHARAH - second ten days (Days of forgiveness)

These ten are the days of Forgiveness. Seek Allah's forgiveness and repent for all sins.

Rabbigh Fir Lee, Rabbigh Fir Lee.         O Allah forgive, O Allah forgive me

Rabbanaa Faghfir-lanaa Dhunoo banaa

wa Kaf’fir 'an-naa Sayyi’-aatina, wa Ta-waf-fanaa Ma-'al Abraar.

Our Lord! Forgive us our sins, blot out from us our iniquities,

and take to Thyself our souls in the company of the righteous.

THIRD ASHARAH - Last ten days (Days of freedom from the hell fire)

These final days are to seek refuge in Allah from the Hellfire.

اللهم أجرني من النار

Allahumma ajir’nee mi-nan Naar.

"O my Lord! Save me from the fire of hell.

What to recite when someone is rude to you whilst you’re fasting

Innee Saa-im, Innee Saa-im, Innee Saa-im

I’m fasting, I’m fasting, I’m fasting (Please leave me alone as I’m fasting?)

Sahih al-Bukhari, Fath al-Bari of Al-Asqalani; 4:1-3, Muslim; 2:806

Lailatul Qadr - the Night of Power

Aishah (radhiya Allahu Ta'ala anha), questioned: "O Messenger of Allah! What do I need to recite, if I happen to find out the night of Qadr? He Sallallaahu ‘alayhi wasallam said: “ Say,

 Allaahumma inaka  ‘Affuw’wun Tuhib-bul afwa fa'fu 'annee'

O Allah You are The One Who pardons greatly, and loves to pardon, so pardon me. [Tirmidhi]

Tauba

Repentance

According To The Islamic Belief

In the Name of Allah Most Benevolent Most Merciful

Islam considers sins as a sort of disease and it prescribes a treatment for each and every disease we have. Islamic teaching recognises two types of sins: Major sins and Minor sins. First let us deal with the easiest one that is the Minor sins. As for the Minor sins Islam Orders us to do much more good deeds in order to wipe off the minor sins. The Prophet Mohammad saw said:

“ Waiting from prayer to prayer, from Friday Prayer to the next Friday Prayer, from one Ramadhan to the next Ramadhan will expire the sins in between, if the Majors ones are avoided”.

The Qur’an says:

(وأقم الصلاة طرفي النهار وزلفا من الليل إن الحسنات يذهبن السيئات ذلك ذكرى للذاكرين ( 114 )هود

(And establish prayer at the two ends of the day and at the approach of the night. Indeed, good deeds do away with misdeeds. That is a reminder for those who remember). Hud 114

As for the Major sins, there are much ways to wipe off these sins. In Islamic belief the most serious sin is to associate partners to Allah (Most Glorified and Most exalted). The only way to that this serious sin is to be forgiven to say:

“I Bear Testimony that there is no other God except Allah and that Mohammad (saw) is truly His servant and apostle.”

For other Major sins Islam ask us to seek forgiveness through sincere Repentance. The Prophet said:

“One who sincerely repent of his/her sins is as if he/she had never committed it”.

What is the meaning of Repentance?

Repentance means turning back from disobeying Allah to obeying Him> according to our scholars, repentance signifies a sincere effort to no longer oppose the divine essence in ones feeling, thoughts, intentions and actions and to comply sincerely with His (God) command and His prohibitions.

Repentance is usually used with the word Nashu (Taubatan Nashuha S66: V8), which literally means, pure, sincere, reforming, improving and repairing. Taubatan nashuha is pure sincere repentance that perfectly reforms and impious the one who feels it. The Qur’an says:

“O you who believe! Turn to God in true sincere repentance. It may be that your Lord will expiate from you your sins, and admit you into Gardens under which rivers flow...” (S66:V8)

By the very nature of Allah’s Mercy and in recognition of mankind’ weakness Allah say:

“Allah accepts only the repentance of those who do evil in ignorance and foolishness and repent soon afterwards, it is they whom Allah forgives and Allah is Ever All- knower, All Wise.” (S4:V17)

What are the prerequisite of sincere repentance?

Repentance has to meet some fine conditions in order to be accepted by Allah:

1.     Sincerity to Allah, the Most High. This is achieved by the person doing everything for the sake of Allah and seeking His reward and salvation from His punishment.

2.     Remorse for the sin that was committed, such that s/he is sad and did it and wishes s/he had never done committed this particular sin.

3.     Ceasing to commit the sin immediately. If a sin was against Allah then one should stop doing it, such as an unlawful act or an obligation that one has abandoned, then one has to hasten to observe the obligation. A typical example is the performing of the 5-daily prayers. If the sin was against a created being, such as a human being, then he/she should hasten to free him/herself from it; whether by returning it back to the owner or seeking his/her pardon and forgiveness.

4.     Determination to not go back to doing that sin again in the future.

5.     True repentance should not occur before the time of its acceptance is terminated either by death or by the rising of the sun from the West. Allah says: Repentance is of no effect for those who commit sins constantly until when death faces one of them, he says: verily I repent mow.” The prophet says, “Whoever repents before the sun rises from the West Allah will accept his/her repentance.”

We also have to know that repentance is not only requested for those who commit sinful act, but it is also an obligation for every Muslim to seek forgiveness for Allah, Most Glorified Most Exalted. Thus the words of repentance are always uttered by those who are always conscious of being in the presence of God. This is how the words of the best of God‘s creation, the Prophet Mohammad, upon him be peace and blessing, should  be understood when he said “ I ask God forgiveness seventy time a day ( or  one hundred times according to another narration).

Lastly if we would talk about God’s forgiveness we may stay days and days and we would not be able to discuss all of what has come to us regarding this subject. However Allah is the Most Merciful Most forgiving.

There are many verses in the Qur’an, which explain this fact. Allah Swt says “Say, O my slaves who have transgressed against themselves by committing evil deeds and sins, despair not of the Mercy of Allah, verily Allah forgives all sins. Truly He is oft forgiving, most Merciful.

Allah swt has promised the believer who repents and does righteous deeds after indulgence in sins to expiate their sins and change them into good deeds. Allah swt says:

“Except those who repent and believe and do righteous deeds, for those Allah will change their sins into good deeds. And Allah is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful (S6:V54).

We have been told through the Sunnah (teaching) of the Prophet about some people who did some bad deeds but they repented and Allah accepted their repentance.

One has to be mindful repentance is due on the right time and it will not be accepted of us at the time of death as to what happened to the Pharaoh; when he was about to drown he recognised his Lord and beg for mercy and Allah said to him:

“... No effect is the repentance of those who continue to do evil deeds until death faces one of them..” (S4:V18).

How does one seek forgiveness and repents.

The first supplication made by mankind to Allah swt was that of Adam and Eve (may peace be please upon them),. After they were cast on earth and out of shame and remorse they said:

            “Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves and if you do not forgive us and show mercy on us then surely we are amongst the ones who are lost.” S7: V23)

And when Prophet Jonah was swallowed by the big fish and was kept in the stomach of the whale until he cried in the darkness and repeatedly asked for forgiveness:

“...There is no one worthy of my worship except Allah, truly I have been of the wrong-doers” (S21:v87). And Allah swt answered his called and delivered him.

Reciting the above constantly is one of the forms of sincere repentance.

May Allah swt forgives us all of our shortcomings and raise us among the people of the Righteous

Ameen.

The Principles of Fasting in the Blessed Month of Ramadan

The Principles of Fasting in the Blessed Month of Ramadan: A reminder of what every Muslim must know

Fasting in Ramadan is obligatory according to the Qur’an and the sunnah:

In the Qur’an, Allah ﷻ states:

﴾O ye who believe! fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you that ye may (learn) self-restraint﴿ [2:183; Yusuf Ali translation].

In the sunnah, the Prophet ﷺ says:

“Islam is based on five pillars: Testifying that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah; performing the prayers; paying zakah; fasting in Ramadan; and making pilgrimage” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

There is therefore consensus among the scholars that fasting in Ramadan is obligatory and that it is one of the pillars of Islam.

The elements of fasting:

Fasting is comprised of two main elements through which it is fulfilled:

• Abstaining from fast-invalidating deeds from dawn to sunset. (Deeds which invalidate the fast are: eating, drinking and sexual intercourse). Allah ﷻ states:

﴾so now associate with [your wives], and seek what Allah hath ordained for you and eat and drink, until the white thread of dawn appear to you distinct from its black thread; then complete your fast till the night appears﴿ [2:187; Yusuf Ali translation].

• The intention (niyya), which resides in the heart and does not have to be uttered; for Allah ﷻ states:

﴾And they have been commanded no more than this: to worship Allah, offering Him sincere devotion﴿ [5:98; Yusuf Ali translation],

and the Prophet ﷺ states:

“Actions are but by intentions and every man shall have but that which he intended”. [Al-Albani’s Ṣaḥīḥ Al-Jāmiʿ].

Many scholars are of the opinion that it suffices to make a single intention to fast the entire month of Ramadan from beginning to end.

Who must fast?

Fasting is an obligation on every grown, sane, able-bodied, non-travelling Muslim. In order for a woman to fast, she must be free from bleeding due to menstruation or puerperium.

• The fasting of the non-believer and the insane:

Fasting is a form of Islamic worship; it is not an obligation for non-Muslims. An insane person is not obliged to fast as they are deprived of mental faculties which are a prerequisite for accountability. Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Prophet ﷺ said:

“the pen [of recording deeds] is lifted from three people: the insane until he becomes sane; the sleeping until he wakes; and the child until he reaches puberty” [Ahmad, Al-Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud].

• The fasting of the child:

As outlined in the hadith above, fasting is not obligatory for a child until they reach puberty. Nevertheless, while a child is not under an obligation to fast, it is desirable that children are encouraged to fast on some days so that they may get accustomed to fasting from an early age, as long as they are able do so and are not overburdened by it.

Who has a license not to fast in Ramadan?

• Those who have a license, and must pay fidyah:

Elderly people and those who are chronically ill have a license not to fast in Ramadan if fasting will exhaust and overburden them, regardless of the time of year. For every day that they cannot fast, they must feed a poor person an average serving of food. This has been estimated as one ṣāʿ, half a ṣāʿ, or one mudd according to different scholars’ opinions (mudd = 506.5g)[1]. Pregnant and breastfeeding women have been annexed to this ruling; they are required to pay fidyah and do not need to make up the fast according to Ibn Umar and Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them).

• Those who have a license, and must make up the fast:

Those who are travelling and those who are ill but are likely to recover have a license not to fast, and must make up the days they did not fast before the following Ramadan. Allah ﷻ says:

﴾Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an as a guide to mankind also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong). So everyone of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spent it in fasting, but if anyone is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you He does not want to put you to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful﴿ [2:185; Yusuf Ali translation].

• Those who must not fast, and must make up the fast:

It is obligatory for women not to fast while bleeding from menstruation or puerperium; even if they fasted their fast would not be valid. They must make up the days they missed before the following Ramadan. Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) is reported to have said:

“We used to menstruate when the messenger of Allah ﷺ was alive; when we became pure, he would instruct us to make up our fast but not to make up our prayer” [Al-Tirmidhi].

What invalidates the fast?

• Eating or drinking deliberately:

However, if someone eats by mistake, force, or lapse of memory, they are not required to make up the fast or pay kaffarah. Abu Hurayra narrates that the Prophet ﷺ said:

“Whoever forgets while he is fasting and eats or drinks, let him complete his fast, for it was Allah who fed him and gave him drink” [Muslim].

• Vomiting deliberately:

However, if someone vomits unintentionally, they are not required to make up the fast or pay kaffarah. Abu Hurayra narrates that the Prophet ﷺ said:

“Whoever vomits involuntarily does not have to make up the fast, but whoever vomits deliberately must make up the fast” [Al-Tirmidhi and others].

• Menstruation and puerperium:

Bleeding due to menstruation or puerperium, even if it begins minutes before sunset, invalidates the fast and fasting must be made up for that day.

Miscellaneous rulings:

1. Using kuhl, eye drops and other substances which enter the eyes, is permitted whether or not the person can taste the substance in their throat. This is because the eyes are not a passageway to the stomach.
2. A fasting person may receive medical injections (nutritional or otherwise), whether they are in the veins or under the skin. This is because, even if the medicine reaches the stomach, it does not reach it via the conventional route.
3. If a person wakes up in the morning from a wet dream or having not washed from sexual intercourse, their fast is still valid; they must perform ghusl to pray. The same applies for a woman during menstruation or puerperium: if blood ceases during the night – even if it is only shortly before dawn – she may delay ghusl until the morning and her fast would be valid; she must then perform ghusl to pray.

Some manners of fasting:

• Suḥūr:

Anas, may Allah be pleased with him, narrates that the Prophet ﷺ said:

“eat suḥūr for in it there is a blessing” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

He is also narrated to have said:

“You should have suḥūr, verily it is the blessed meal” [Al-Nisa’i and Abu Dawud].

‘Blessed’ here means that it strengthens the Muslim and gives them energy, making fasting more endurable. It is desirable to delay suḥūr to the second half of the night.

• Breaking fast promptly:

It is desirable to break fast promptly following sunset. Sahl bin Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Prophet ﷺ said:

“People are still well as long as they expedite iftar” [Bukhari and Muslim].

• Refraining from deeds which contradict the spirit of fasting:

Fasting is one of the best forms of worship which bring the worshiper closer to their Creator. It disciplines the self and accustoms it to performing good deeds. A person must therefore refrain from actions which belittle their fast so that they may benefit from fasting and achieve taqwa as stated by Allah ﷻ:

﴾O ye who believe! fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you that ye may (learn) self-restraint﴿ [2:183; Yusuf Ali translation].

Fasting is not the mere act of abstaining from food, drink and other prohibitions; it is refraining from all acts which contradict the very spirit of this form of worship; that is, taqwa for Allah ﷻ. Abu Hurayra (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Prophet ﷺ said:

“Fasting is not only leaving food and drink, but also frivolous talk and obscenity; if someone curses you or treats you foolishly, say: I am fasting” [Ibn Habban and Ṣaḥīḥ Al-Jāmiʿ].

The Prophet ﷺ also said:

“There are people who fast and get nothing from their fast but hunger, and there are those who pray and get nothing from their prayer but a sleepless night”. [Al-Nisa’i, Ibn Majah and Al-Hakim: he said ṣaḥīḥ according to Al-Bukhari].

• Using siwāk:

It is desirable for a fasting person to use siwāk, whether in the day or at night, as the Prophet ﷺ used siwāk while he was fasting. Brushing teeth using a toothbrush and toothpaste may be compared to using siwāk, but care must be taken not to swallow any water. There is no harm if the taste of toothpaste lingers in the mouth as it compares to the taste which siwāk leaves in the mouth following use.

• Generosity, charitability and reading Qur’an:

Giving generously and making charity for the sake of Allah and reading the Qur’an seeking contemplation and understanding are all desirable deeds at any given time. However, they are particularly desirable in Ramadan. Al-Bukhari narrates an account by Ibn Abbas:

“Allah's Messenger ﷺ was the most generous of people in charity, but he was generous to the utmost in the month of Ramadan. Gabriel (peace be upon him) would meet him every year during the month of Ramadin until it ended, and Allah's Messenger ﷺ recited to him the Qur'an; and when Gabriel met him Allah's Messenger ﷺ was most generous in giving charity like the blowing wind” [Muslim].

• Intensifying worship during the last ten days of Ramadan:

Al-Bukhari and Muslim narrate an account by Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) that:

“when the final ten days began, [the Prophet ﷺ] would remain awake at night, keep his household awake and tie his lower garments (preparing himself for devotion)”.

And in Muslim’s account:

“he would strive hard in devotion in the last ten days more than any other time”.

Allah knows best.

Fasting related fatwas

The European Council for Fatwa and Research

Fatwa Committee UK

Praise be to Allah the lord of the worlds, and peace and blessings be upon the messenger of Allah, and all his family and companions. To proceed:

By the success of Allah, the Committee of Fatwa in Britain – that is a branch of the European Council for Fatwa and Research – was able to meet in the British capital; London, on Wednesday the 6^th of Rajab 1437 (the 13^th of April 2016). It is the first meeting since starting work with regards to fatwas. Discussions were held concerning several contemporary issues that affect the British Muslim community. After discussion of these topics, the following decisions were drawn by the members of the Committee:

The ruling of breaking the fast for those students whose concentration during exams is affected by fasting

The committee relied upon the verdict of the European Council for Fatwa and Research on this issue (Fatwa 6/25), which states: ‘’If due to the long hours of fasting in Ramadan, the student fears that he will be caused severe exhaustion and hardship, and that fasting will affect his concentration in performing the exam, and he is not able to delay this exam, then he is permitted to break his fast in order to push away such hardship. He is then required to make up the missed fasts later. In the words of Allah: ‘’Allah wants ease for you, and He does not want hardship’’ (Surat al-Baqarah: 185)

Fasting Ramadan when the days are long in Britain

The committee had a look at some of the juristic and astronomical opinions relating to the lengthy days during Ramadan in the upcoming years. After long detailed discussions and debates of the various juristic and astronomical opinions on this matter, the committee confirmed that the fast begins at the start time of the Fajr prayer, and it ends at Maghrib (sunset); and this is the case in all parts of the United Kingdom. Any other views mentioned of reducing the fast hours are based on weak opinions that oppose the clear cut evidences of the Shari’ah; and anybody who is not capable of fasting, has been given permission by Allah to break their fast, and repeat it on another day.

And peace and blessing be upon our Messenger Muhammad and all his family and companions.

Ramadan sermon 24/04/2020

On responding to Allah’s calls

First Sermon

All praise is due to Allah who honoured us with the month of goodness and blessings and sent us a caller to guide us to perform acts of obedience and give us glad tidings of attaining great recompense and all that is good. I bear witness that there is no deity save Allah, having no associates. I also bear witness that our Master Muhammad is the Servant of Allah and His Messenger. He was the best amongst those who responded to Allah’s calls and obeyed their Lord and turned back (to Him). May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his family and all of his companions and all those who follow them in righteousness till the Day of Resurrection.

As to what follows,

I urge you, O servants of Allah, and myself to be aware that you are asked to obey Him the Most Exalted, for He calls upon His servants and say, “O My servants who have believed, fear your Lord. For those who do good in this world is good.” (Az-Zumar: 10).

O Observers of Fasting,

We have welcomed the holy month of Ramadan, a great month during which Allah, the Most Exalted, made fasting an obligatory act of worship and one of the five pillars of Islam. On the occasion of its advent, we would like to express our heartfelt greetings to you and pray to Allah the Almighty to grant us all success to fast its days and stand for prayer in its nights. May Allah also make us amongst the righteous believers who respond to His call and observe fasting of the holy month. The Exalted is He says, “O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.” (Al-Baqara: 183).

In the blessed month of Ramadan, a caller calls out on the believers to seize the opportunity of the holy month in performing acts of obedience and good deeds so as to see their status raised in degrees and be admitted to the Paradise of their Lord on the Day of Judgment. An illustration of this can be found in the following Hadith in which the Messenger of Allah pbuh said, “On the first night of the month of Ramadan, the Satan is shackled, the jinn are restrained, the gateways of the Hellfire are shut such that no gate amongst them would be opened. The doorways of Paradise are opened such that no doorway amongst them would be closed, and a caller will call out: ‘O seeker of the good; come near!’ and ‘O seeker of evil; stop!’”

In each day of the blessed month, this call is made to the fasting people to invite them to draw closer to their Lord and respond to His commands by doing good acts that may please Allah, the Most Sublime. Indeed, Allah is the One Who sends a caller every morning to call upon us to follow His path. The Prophet pbuh said in this regard, “Every time the sun rises, two angels on its both sides will call out and all the creatures will hear them except the two prominent beings (Jinn and human beings): ‘O people! Draw (closer) to your Lord’.”

So, what are those deeds that Allah the Almighty calls upon His servants to perform in order to attain His satisfaction?

O Fasting people,

The answer to this question is that the deeds that are conducive to draw the believer nearer to their Lord are many. The first of such deeds is prayer. It is one of the acts of worship that Allah, the Most High, has enjoined upon His servants to perform. The Most Exalted says, “O you who have believed, bow and prostrate and worship your Lord and do good - that you may succeed.” (Al-Hajj: 77). Truly, prayer is one of the pillars of religion, and whoever establishes it would have maintained his religion. Yet, whoever fails to perform it regularly would have ruined his religion. Allah, the Most Great, sends down a caller to call out for each obligatory prayer to urge and command the believers to offer them so as to get their misdeeds forgiven and their sins expiated.

In evidence of this, the Messenger of Allah pbuh said, “At the time of each prayer, a caller will be sent down and say, ‘O sons of Adam! Stand up and extinguish (the fire) that you have kindled on yourselves! (i.e. the sins that you have committed). So, they purify themselves and their sins will fall from their eyes. Then they establish prayer and they will be forgiven whatever between the two (eyes). The same happens for the remaining prayers. And when the night comes – i.e. Isha prayer – the same thing happens. Thereafter, they go to sleep with their sins forgiven.”

You are urged, therefore, to strive in offering your prayers at their prescribed times and in congregation. You are also recommended to show diligence in establishing Nawafil prayers and remember Allah the Almighty often, in line with His call: “O you who have believed, remember Allah with much remembrance. And exalt Him morning and afternoon.” (Al-Ahzab: 41-42).

Thus, Allah the Most Exalted sends down a caller who will call out on those who remember Allah much and gives them glad tidings of having all their misdeeds forgiven and attaining rewards in abundance. The Messenger of Allah pbuh said, “No people gather for the remembrance of Allah, seeking His satisfaction, except that a caller (angel) from the sky calls out: stand up! You are forgiven your sins and your bad deeds have been replaced with good ones.”

Amongst the other great acts of obedience that one can perform in response to Allah’s commands is Dhikr (remembrance of Allah). The Almighty says, “and indeed, it is a mighty Book. Falsehood cannot approach it from before it or from behind it; [it is] a revelation from a [Lord who is] Wise and Praiseworthy.” (Fussilat: 41-42). In this Aya, Allah the Almighty enjoins upon us to fulfil His commandments and avoid all that He prohibited us to do.

So, you are advised to ponder upon the meanings of Allah’s revelations, be conscious of Him at all times and strive to recite the holly Quran during Ramadan, the month of Quran. Truly, those who are devoted to reciting the holy Quran will be called on the Day of Judgment in a status of honour. This was accentuated by the Messenger of Allah pbuh as he said, “The one who was devoted to the Quran will be told (on the Day of Resurrection): ‘Recite, and rise up, recite (melodiously) as you would recite in the world. For indeed your rank shall be at the last Ayah you recited.”

O Observers of Fasting,

Allah the Almighty calls upon His servants saying, “O you who have believed, spend from that which We have provided for you.” (Al-Baqara: 254). This Aya guides us to another act of obedience that draws the believer closer to His Lord, being to spend in charity. Allah, the Most Gracious, sends down an angel to encourage His servants to spend in the ways of goodness. To further inspire them, He also sends a caller to invoke the Most Exalted to recompense those who spend in charity and reward them in multiples. The Prophet pbuh said in this regard, “Indeed there is an Angel upon a doorway from the doorways of Paradise who says, ‘Whoever gives a loan today will be recompensed tomorrow!’ and another Angel at another doorway who says, ‘Oh Allah give the one who spends (in the way of Allah) a goodly substitution and give the one who withholds (from giving) destruction’.”

Thus, it is really such a great success to spend in the sake of Allah, provide food for a fasting person, treat others in kindness and pardon their flaws in the month of tolerance. Indeed, so doing is conducive to strengthen the bonds of affection and harmony amongst people. Moreover, those who spend in the way of Allah will be shaded under His shade on the Day of Resurrection as the Messenger of Allah pbuh said, “Allah will say on the Day of Resurrection, ‘Where are those who love one another for the sake of My glory? Today I shall give them shade in My shade, it being a day when there is no shade but My shade.”

Congratulations, therefore, for those who obey the orders of Allah, the Most Glorious, and respond to His callers, following the example of His righteous servants who say, “our Lord, indeed we have heard a caller calling to faith, [saying], 'Believe in your Lord,' and we have believed.” (Al Imran: 193). Undoubtedly, those will, by Allah’s grace, attain the satisfaction of the Most Merciful, love of the inhabitants of the Heaven and acceptance of the people on earth. The Prophet pbuh said, “If Allah loves a person, He calls Gabriel, saying, ‘Allah loves so and so, O Gabriel love him.’ So Gabriel would love him and then would make an announcement in the Heavens: ‘Allah has loved so and so, therefore you should love him also.’ So all the dwellers of the Heavens would love him, and then he is granted the pleasure of the people on the earth.”

With this in mind, let us beseech Allah the Almighty to make us amongst those who respond to His calls.

May Allah guide us all to obey Him and obey His trustworthy Messenger Muhammad and obey those He has commanded us to obey in line with His orders: “O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you.” (An-Nisaa: 59).

May Allah direct us all to the blessings of the Glorious Quran and the Sunna of His Messenger pbuh.

I say this and ask Allah for forgiveness for me and you, so invoke Him for forgiveness, for He is the Most Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

Second Sermon

All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds. I bear witness that there is no deity save Allah, having no associates. I also bear witness that our Master Muhammad is the servant of Allah and His Messenger. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon ou­­r Master Muhammad, his pure family, companions, and all those who follow them in righteousness till the Day of Judgment.

I urge you, O Servants of Allah, and myself to be aware that you are asked to obey Him, the Most Exalted and Sublime.

O Fasting People,

Please know that whoever responds to the calls of Allah the Almighty in this world will surely be called to the gateways of Paradise in the Hereafter. On this account, the Messenger of Allah pbuh said, “He who is amongst those who pray will be called from the gate of the prayer (in Paradise) and he who is amongst those who observe fast will be called from the gate of fasting, the gate of Raiyan.”

On the same matter, the Messenger of Allah pbuh said, “There is a gate in Paradise called Ar-Raiyan, and those who observe fasts will enter through it on the Day of Resurrection and none except them will enter through it. It will be said, ‘Where are those who used to observe fasts?’ They will get up, and none except them will enter through it. After their entry the gate will be closed and nobody will enter through it.”

When the true believers have entered Paradise, a caller will call out: “O people of Paradise! You have a covenant with Allah and He wants to fulfil it." They will say, ‘What is it? Has Allah not made the Balance (of our good deeds) heavy, and made our faces bright, and admitted us to Paradise and saved us from Hell?” He said, “So the Veil will be lifted and they will look upon Him, and by Allah! Allah will not give them anything that is more beloved to them or more delightful to their eyes than looking upon Him.”

So, let us pray to Allah to make us amongst those who will be called on the Day of Judgment to enter Paradise and complete His favours upon us. Ameen.

That is said, please bear in mind that you are instructed to invoke peace and blessings on the Prophet pbuh. Allah, the Most Sublime, says, “indeed, Allah confers blessing upon the Prophet, and His angels [ask Him to do so]. O you who have believed, ask [Allah to confer] blessing upon him and ask [Allah to grant him] peace.” (Al-Ahzab: 56).

On the same matter, the Prophet pbuh said, “For everyone who invokes a blessing on me will receive ten blessings from Allah.”

O Allah, please confer Your blessings and grant peace upon our Prophet Muhammad pbuh, his family and all of the companions.

May Allah be pleased with the Rightly Guided Caliphs: Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman and Ali, and all of the noble Companions.

O Allah, we seek Your grace to make us amongst those who remember you much and are steadfast on performing acts of worship. O Allah, please forgive us all.

O Allah, we seek refuge in Your perfect words from the evil of that which descend from the sky and from the evil of that which ascends in it, and from the evil of what is created in the earth and the evil of that which comes out of it. O Allah we seek refuge in You from the trials of the night and the day, and from the visitations of the night and day, except for one that knocks with good. Indeed, You are the Most Merciful.

O Lord, we beseech You to bless all of the Muslim countries and the whole world with stability, cure from any illness and peace.

May Allah grant success and continued health and care to all of us, Muslims and all the world.

O Allah, please forgive all of the Muslims, men and women, living and dead.

O Lord, forgive and show mercy on them and bless them with Your kindness and satisfaction. O Lord, forgive and show mercy on our parents, relatives and whoever has done a favour to us.

We pray to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, to continue blessing our country with stability and welfare and bless its provisions. O Allah, please continue blessing our country with safety and security.

O Allah, relieve us! O Allah, relieve us! O Allah, relieve us! O Allah, give us from the blessings of the sky and grow for us from the blessings of the earth.

O Allah: we turn to Your name through which nothing is harmed in the earth and the heavens. That we not be afflicted through disease or calamity. Or that disease or epidemic may befall us, O Allah: hear this supplication. We ask you Allah for constancy of well being. For ourselves and for all of the people around us. Save us from the evil of epidemics and diseases.

Remember Allah and He will remember you. Be grateful of His benevolence and He will increase His blessings to you.

O Allah, please confer Your blessings and grant peace upon our Prophet Muhammad pbuh, his family and all of the companions.

Ramadan sermon 01/05/2020

And stand before Allah, devoutly obedient

First Sermon

All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds. He answers the prayers of those who are devoutly obedient to Him and rewards generously those who stand for prayer humbly submissive. I bear witness that there is no deity save Allah, having no associates. He is an ally to the righteous. I also bear witness that our Master Muhammad is the Servant of Allah and His Messenger. He was the Imam of the Messengers and has set a model for those who perform acts of worship. He was the best of those who obeyed His Lord and supplicated to Him. He was also the best amongst those who stood before Allah and called upon Him humbly. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon our Master and Prophet Muhammad, his family and all of his companions and those who associate themselves with him and follow his guidance.

As to what follows,

I urge you, O servants of Allah, and myself to be aware that you are asked to obey Him the Most Exalted, fear Him and show diligence in worshiping Him. The Almighty says, “and whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger and fears Allah and is conscious of Him - it is those who are the attainers.” (An-Noor: 52).

O Observers of Fasting,

Allah, the Most Exalted, praises those who are devoutly obedient to His decrees and prefers them over those who are not. The Almighty has emphasised this in His holy Book, for He says, “is one who is devoutly obedient during periods of the night, prostrating and standing [in prayer], fearing the Hereafter and hoping for the mercy of his Lord, [like one who does not]?” (Az-Zumar: 9). Indeed, Qunut (being devoutly obedient to Allah) is the garden of worshipers and delight of those who are humbly submissive to their Lord, hoping for His mercy and pleasure. Those have a high status with Allah the Almighty.

Going deeper to its literal meaning, obedience means devoting oneself assiduously in submission to Allah the Almighty, a meaning which can be found in the following Aya: “and to Him belongs whoever is in the heavens and earth. All are to Him devoutly obedient.” (Ar-Room: 26). Devoted obedience to Allah’s orders can be achieved by following the Almighty’s teachings and standing for prayer at night for longer periods in full submission. It is also seen in turning to Allah, the Most Exalted, hoping for His mercy, and imploring to Him in supplication. The Almighty says, “those who say, ‘Our Lord, indeed we have believed, so forgive us our sins and protect us from the punishment of the Fire,’ the patient, the true, the obedient, those who spend [in the way of Allah ], and those who seek forgiveness before dawn.” (Al Imran: 16-17).

In indication of the high status of Qunut (devoted obedience), Allah the Almighty has praised Prophet Ibrahim pbuh for being so. The Most High says, “indeed, Abraham was a [comprehensive] leader, devoutly obedient to Allah, inclining toward truth, and he was not of those who associate others with Allah.” (An-Nahl: 120). That means, Ibrahim pbuh was a leader and a pattern in obeying Allah the Almighty and submitting humbly to Him.

Furthermore, Allah, the Exalted is He, has ordered Mariam (Mary) the mother of Isa, peace be upon them both, to obey her Lord devoutly, saying, “O Mary, be devoutly obedient to your Lord and prostrate and bow with those who bow [in prayer].” (Al Imran: 43). Submitting to the commandments of her Lord, she used to perform prayer and lengthen her standing in it. So, Allah the Almighty praised her saying, “and she believed in the words of her Lord and His scriptures and was of the devoutly obedient.” (At-Tahrim: 12).

In like manner, the Messenger of Allah pbuh used to make the standing before his Lord in the prayer long, supplicating and imploring to Him, asking Him to grant him from His abundant bounties and great favours. Doing so, he pbuh was following the orders of Allah the Most High for He says, “and stand before Allah, devoutly obedient.” (Al-Baqara: 238). That is: stands in prayer humbly submissive. The Prophet pbuh urged for this as he said, “The best of prayer is that in which the duration of devoted standing is longer.” This applies for those who pray alone in the night prayer.   

O Devoutly Obedient Worshipers,

Our Master Muhammad has taught us the supplication of Qunut. In this regard, it was narrated that Al Hasan Ibn Ali, may Allah be pleased with him said, “The Messenger of Allah pbuh taught me some phrases to recite in Qunut of Witr prayer: ‘O Allah, guide me amongst those whom You have guided, grant me soundness amongst those You’ve granted soundness to, protect me amongst those You have protected, bless me in what You have bestowed upon me, and save me from the evil of what You have decreed. For, indeed, You decree in truth, and none can decree over You; none can disgrace those who You support, and none can honour those who You oppose. O Lord, You are the Blessed, and the Exalted.” Verily, this supplication is a great one in meaning. It combines all that is good in this world and in the Hereafter.

Going deeper to the meanings of this supplication, the phrase “O Allah, guide me amongst those You have guided” means, I ask You, O Lord, to make me amongst those who You have guided so that they hastened to do good actions and draw closer to You by performing acts of obedience as well as strived to be righteous. As such, they became amongst those who Allah the Almighty has praised in this Aya: “who listen to speech and follow the best of it. Those are the ones Allah has guided, and those are people of understanding.” (Az-Zumar: 18).

As for saying: “grant me soundness amongst those You have granted soundness to,” it is really one of the greatest, most comprehensive, most perfect and best prayers. The Prophet pbuh said in this regard, “There is no supplication that a servant of Allah can say that is better than: O Allah, I ask You for (Aafiya) soundness in this world and in the Hereafter.” Soundness is the wellbeing of heart and body and protection of them against any affliction or evil in this life and being admitted to Paradise in the next. Indeed, soundness is one of the best favours that which Allah the Almighty endows upon human beings as the Messenger of Allah pbuh said, “No one is given anything after certainty better than soundness.”

Next in the Qunut supplication comes “protect me amongst those You have protected.”  This means, O Lord, make me amongst your true believing servants, those who You engulf with Your care, protect with Your grace, and grant them success with Your will. Undoubtedly, those who are under the care of Allah can never be disgraced neither in this world nor in the Hereafter. This is what the Prophet pbuh accentuated in the Qunut supplication when saying: “No one can disgrace those who You support.”

Concerning the part of the supplication that says: “Bless me in what You have bestowed on me,” it means: bestow Your blessings upon that which You have granted to me. In this sense, blessing is that Allah the Almighty would give the person in abundance and increases him in happiness. Furthermore, the invocation that comes after that saying, “save me from the evil of what You have decreed,” is a connotation for seeking refuge with Allah, the Most Exalted, against all that which is evil in religion and worldly matters.

Keeping this in mind, let us implore to Allah the Almighty to make us amongst those are devoutly obedient to Him.

May Allah guide us all to obey Him and obey His trustworthy Messenger Muhammad and obey those He has commanded us to obey in line with His orders: “O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you.” (An-Nisaa: 59).

May Allah direct us all to the blessings of the Glorious Quran and the Sunna of His Messenger pbuh.

I say this and ask Allah for forgiveness for me and you, so invoke Him for forgiveness, for He is the Most Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

Second Sermon

All praise is due to Allah, the Most High, the Most Great, the Most Kind, and the Most Generous. I bear witness that there is no deity save Allah, having no associates. I also bear witness that our Master Muhammad is the servant of Allah and His Messenger. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon ou­­r Master Muhammad, his pure family, companions, and all those who follow them in righteousness till the Day of Judgment.

I urge you, O Servants of Allah, and myself to be aware that you are asked to obey Him, the Most Exalted and Sublime.

O Worshipers,

Please be aware that amongst the desirable etiquette of supplication is that the believer should praise Allah the Almighty in his invocations with that which Allah has praised Himself. One should also glorify and thank Him as befitting to His Supreme Status. On this account, our Master Muhammad has ended the Qunut supplication with glorifying and exalting of Allah and praising Him, saying, “Our Lord, You are the Blessed, the Exalted.”

More to the point, it was narrated that once the Prophet pbuh heard a man praying; he glorified and praised Allah. Thereupon, the Prophet pbuh said, “Supplicate, you will be answered; ask, you will be given.” You are urged, therefore, to keep in mind such meanings when you recite the Qunut supplication, invoking your Lord and raising your hands onto Him so that He might respond to your prayers and grant you His rewards and acceptance. Indeed, the Exalted is He has prepared for the obedient men and obedient women forgiveness and a great reward.

Being in this blessed month, one should supplicate to Allah, the Most Exalted, often. We should also draw nearer to Him by observing fasting, standing for prayer in the night, reciting the holy Quran and spending in charity and kindness, seeking the satisfaction of Allah and His great recompense. Moreover, we should ask Allah the Almighty to grant us success in increasing our good actions in the last ten days of the holy month and make us witness the Night of Decree so as to attain his forgiveness and pardoning and be written amongst His devoutly obedient servants.

That is said, please bear in mind that you are instructed to invoke peace and blessings on the Prophet pbuh. Allah, the Most Sublime, says, “indeed, Allah confers blessing upon the Prophet, and His angels [ask Him to do so]. O you who have believed, ask [Allah to confer] blessing upon him and ask [Allah to grant him] peace.” (Al-Ahzab: 56).

On the same matter, the Prophet pbuh said, “For everyone who invokes a blessing on me will receive ten blessings from Allah.”

O Allah, please confer Your blessings and grant peace upon our Prophet Muhammad pbuh, his family and all of the companions.

May Allah be pleased with the Rightly Guided Caliphs: Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman and Ali, and all of the noble Companions.

O Allah, we seek Your grace to make us amongst those who remember you much and are steadfast on performing acts of worship. O Allah, please forgive us all.

O Allah, we seek refuge in Your perfect words from the evil of that which descend from the sky and from the evil of that which ascends in it, and from the evil of what is created in the earth and the evil of that which comes out of it. O Allah we seek refuge in You from the trials of the night and the day, and from the visitations of the night and day, except for one that knocks with good. Indeed, You are the Most Merciful.

O Lord, we beseech You to bless all of the Muslim countries and the whole world with stability, cure from any illness and peace.

May Allah grant success and continued health and care to all of us, Muslims and all the world.

O Allah, please forgive all of the Muslims, men and women, living and dead.

O Lord, forgive and show mercy on them and bless them with Your kindness and satisfaction. O Lord, forgive and show mercy on our parents, relatives and whoever has done a favour to us.

We pray to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, to continue blessing our country with stability and welfare and bless its provisions. O Allah, please continue blessing our country with safety and security.

O Allah, relieve us! O Allah, relieve us! O Allah, relieve us! O Allah, give us from the blessings of the sky and grow for us from the blessings of the earth.

O Allah: we turn to Your name through which nothing is harmed in the earth and the heavens. That we not be afflicted through disease or calamity. Or that disease or epidemic may befall us, O Allah: hear this supplication. We ask you Allah for constancy of well being. For ourselves and for all of the people around us. Save us from the evil of epidemics and diseases.

Remember Allah and He will remember you. Be grateful of His benevolence and He will increase His blessings to you.

O Allah, please confer Your blessings and grant peace upon our Prophet Muhammad pbuh, his family and all of the companions.

Ramadan sermon 08/05/2020

On seeking pardoning from Allah the Almighty

First Sermon

All praise is due to Allah, the Possessor of vast forgiveness, the Endower of great rewards. He honoured us with the Night of Decree. I bear witness that there is no deity save Allah, having no associates. I also bear witness that our Master Muhammad is the Servant of Allah and His Messenger. He pbuh urged Muslims to make best use of the (last) ten (days of Ramadan). May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon our Master and Prophet Muhammad, his family and all of his companions and those who follow them in righteousness till the Day of Judgment.

As to what follows,

I urge you, O servants of Allah, and myself to be aware that you are asked to obey Him the Most Exalted, in line with His orders: “and to forego it is nearer to righteousness. And do not forget graciousness between you. Indeed Allah, of whatever you do, is Seeing.” (Al-Baqara: 237).

O Observers of Fasting,

Please know that the last ten nights of Ramadan are amongst the best of nights and most honoured by Allah the Almighty. In these days the Messenger of Allah pbuh used to engage further in acts of righteousness and charity more than at any time in the year, the aim being to attain the virtues of the Laitlat Al Qadr (Night of Decree), about which Allah the Almighty said, “the Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.” (Al-Qadr: 3). That is to say: the acts of goodness and the night prayers done in this night are better than those that are done over eighty three years. Indeed, it is a blessed night that is rich in rewards. In it was revealed the holy Quran and about it Allah the Exalted is He says, “indeed, We sent it down during a blessed night.” (Al-Dukhan: 3).

Furthermore, amongst the other virtues of this blessed night is that in it the provisions are distributed and the fates are decreed. On this account, the Almighty says, “on that night is made distinct every precise matter.” (Al-Dukhan: 4). Moreover, in Lailat Al Qadr, the noble angels descend down with mercy, blessings and peace, for Allah the Most High says, “the angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter. Peace it is until the emergence of dawn.” (Al-Qadr: 4-5).

Other merits of the Night of Decree include it being a night in which Allah the Most Merciful forgives the believers who stand for prayer and He answers their supplications. Thus, the believers are urged to seize the opportunity of such a graceful night by striving in performing act of worship and drawing nearer to their Lord by doing acts of righteousness. Truly, those who fail to attain the virtues of Lailat Al Qadr are deprived as the Messenger of Allah pbuh said, “Whoever is deprived of it (the Night of Decree) is deprived of all goodness, and no one is deprived of its goodness except one who is truly deprived.”

Dear Muslims,

Being such a great night, there are many ways for the Muslim to attain the blessings and virtues of the Night of Decree. One way is by occupying the last ten days of Ramadan in invoking Allah earnestly and more often. In this regard, it was narrated that Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, reported that she said to the Messenger of Allah pbuh, “O Messenger of Allah, what do you think I should say in my supplication, if I come to know which night is Laylat Al-Qadr?” He pbuh said, ‘Say: O Allah! You are Forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me’.” That is to say: O Allah, You are ever pardoning and overlooks the believers’ wrongdoings and conceals them. You forgive their misdeeds and flaws and remove their sins. Allah the Almighty says, “indeed, Allah is ever Pardoning and Forgiving.” (An-Nisaa: 43).

In this sense, Lailat Al Qadr is the night dedicated for humbly supplicating Allah, the Most Exalted, the Ever Pardoning, the Most Forgiving. Truly, whoever asks his Lord earnestly for forgiveness would be following the example of Allah’s servants who supplicated to their Lord saying, “and pardon us; and forgive us; and have mercy upon us,” (Al-Baqara: 286), so the Most Exalted responded to their invocations, saying, “I indeed did,” as mentioned in the Prophet’s Hadith. In this Hadith, Allah says that He has pardoned, forgave and shown mercy upon them.

The Night of Decree is, therefore, is a precious opportunity for the believer to turn to his Lord in repentance and pray to Him humbly for forgiveness, for indeed “it is He who accepts repentance from his servants and pardons misdeeds.” (Ash-Shura: 25).

Amongst the other best actions that we should strive to do in such a sacred night is standing for prayer in the night and supplicating for lengthened period, devoutly asking for Allah’s pardoning and forgiveness. The Messenger of Allah pbuh urged Muslims to stand for prayer in the Night of Decree as he said, “whoever observes prayer on the night of Lailat Al-Qadr out of faith and in the hope of reward (from Allah), he will be forgiven all his previous sins.”

Undoubtedly, prayer is the believer’s path towards attaining pardoning from Allah, the Exalted is He. It was narrated in this regard that Abu Umama, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that a man came to the Prophet pbuh admitting that he committed a sin. The Prophet pbuh asked him, “Have you not performed ablution when you came?” The man said, “Yes, I did.” He pbuh said, “Have you not prayed with us when we prayed?” He said, “Yes, I did.” He pbuh then said, “You may leave, for Allah, the Almighty, forgave you.” 

O Seekers of Pardoning from Allah the Almighty,

It is also good to know that the Night of Decree is a night for hearts to be cleansed and for Muslims to come closer to one another. In it, the believers draw close to their Lord with pure heart and peaceful soul, free from envy and discord. The aim is to attain the virtues of such a great night and win the pardoning of Allah the Almighty. Thus, this is a good opportunity to advise each other on the reason why the knowledge of the Night of Decree was taken away because of the quarrelling of two Muslims.

It was narrated that Ubada Ibn As-Samit, may Allah be pleased with him, said, “The Messenger of Allah pbuh came out to inform us about the Lailat al Qadr but two Muslims were quarrelling with each other. So, the Prophet pbuh said, ‘I came out to inform you about the Night of Decree but such-and-such persons were quarrelling, so the news about it had been taken away; yet that might be for your own good, so search for it on the 29th, 27th and 25th (of Ramadan).” 

In this Hadith there is a call for avoiding fighting and disagreements. It also urges for pardoning and tolerance, for indeed Allah the Almighty loves amongst His servants the doers of good, those who overlook others’ flaws. The Most High says, “but pardon them and overlook [their misdeeds]. Indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.” (Al-Maida: 13).

One of the forms of pardoning is when the creditor (who lends people money) forgives the indigent people, seeking the forgiveness of Allah the Almighty. On this account, it was narrated that the Messenger of Allah pbuh said, “There was a merchant who used to lend the people, and whenever his debtor was in straitened circumstances, he would say to his employees, ‘Forgive him so that Allah may forgive us.’ So, Allah forgave him.”

Bearing this in mind, let us implore to Allah the Almighty to forgive us, pardon our misdeeds and show mercy us.

May Allah guide us all to obey Him and obey His trustworthy Messenger Muhammad and obey those He has commanded us to obey in line with His orders: “O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you.” (An-Nisaa: 59).

May Allah direct us all to the blessings of the Glorious Quran and the Sunna of His Messenger pbuh.

I say this and ask Allah for forgiveness for me and you, so invoke Him for forgiveness, for He is the Most Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

Second Sermon

All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds. I bear witness that there is no deity save Allah, having no associates. I also bear witness that our Master Muhammad is the servant of Allah and His Messenger. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon ou­­r Master Muhammad, his pure family, companions, and all those who follow them in righteousness till the Day of Judgment.

I urge you, O Servants of Allah, and myself to be aware that you are asked to obey Him, the Most Exalted and Sublime.

O Worshipers,

In these blessed days, it is a good opportunity to remind each other about Zakat Al Fitr, which the Messenger of Allah pbuh prescribed on every Muslim who has witnessed Ramadan. In this regard, it was narrated that Ibn Omar, may Allah be pleased with him, said, “The Messenger of Allah pbuh enjoined the payment of one Saa of dates or one Saa of barley as Zakat Al Fitr on every Muslim slave or free, male or female, young or old, and he ordered that it be paid before the people went out to offer the Eid prayer. (One Saa = 3 Kilograms approx).”

Zakat Al Fitr is payable for each member of the family, the youngsters and the adults. It is to be paid to the needy and less fortunate people. Concerning its payment, some scholars allowed Zakat to be paid in cash, setting the amount at £5 on behalf of each person. Payment of Zakat can be done until the beginning of Eid prayer. However, Zakat does not get waived if not paid. It is recommended to pay it one or two days before Eid as the companions, may Allah be pleased with them, used to do so.

You are urged, therefore, to ensure paying Zakat Al Fitr. May Allah accept it from all of us.

That is said, please bear in mind that you are instructed to invoke peace and blessings on the Prophet pbuh. Allah, the Most Sublime, says, “indeed, Allah confers blessing upon the Prophet, and His angels [ask Him to do so]. O you who have believed, ask [Allah to confer] blessing upon him and ask [Allah to grant him] peace.” (Al-Ahzab: 56).

On the same matter, the Prophet pbuh said, “For everyone who invokes a blessing on me will receive ten blessings from Allah.”

O Allah, please confer Your blessings and grant peace upon our Prophet Muhammad pbuh, his family and all of the companions.

May Allah be pleased with the Rightly Guided Caliphs: Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman and Ali, and all of the noble Companions.

O Allah, we seek Your grace to make us amongst those who remember you much and are steadfast on performing acts of worship. O Allah, please forgive us all.

O Allah, we seek refuge in Your perfect words from the evil of that which descend from the sky and from the evil of that which ascends in it, and from the evil of what is created in the earth and the evil of that which comes out of it. O Allah we seek refuge in You from the trials of the night and the day, and from the visitations of the night and day, except for one that knocks with good. Indeed, You are the Most Merciful.

O Lord, we beseech You to bless all of the Muslim countries and the whole world with stability, cure from any illness and peace.

May Allah grant success and continued health and care to all of us, Muslims and all the world.

O Allah, please forgive all of the Muslims, men and women, living and dead.

O Lord, forgive and show mercy on them and bless them with Your kindness and satisfaction. O Lord, forgive and show mercy on our parents, relatives and whoever has done a favour to us.

We pray to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, to continue blessing our country with stability and welfare and bless its provisions. O Allah, please continue blessing our country with safety and security.

O Allah, relieve us! O Allah, relieve us! O Allah, relieve us! O Allah, give us from the blessings of the sky and grow for us from the blessings of the earth.

O Allah: we turn to Your name through which nothing is harmed in the earth and the heavens. That we not be afflicted through disease or calamity. Or that disease or epidemic may befall us, O Allah: hear this supplication. We ask you Allah for constancy of well being. For ourselves and for all of the people around us. Save us from the evil of epidemics and diseases.

Remember Allah and He will remember you. Be grateful of His benevolence and He will increase His blessings to you.

O Allah, please confer Your blessings and grant peace upon our Prophet Muhammad pbuh, his family and all of the companions.

Ramadan sermon 15/05/2020

On the bounty of Allah the Almighty

First Sermon

All praise is due to Allah, the Most Kind, the Most Generous, the Beneficent, the Merciful. He endows His favours upon whomever He wills of His Servants, and Allah is the possessor of great bounty. I bear witness that there is no deity save Allah, having no associates. I also bear witness that our Master and Prophet Muhammad is the Servant of Allah and His Messenger. He has given him wisdom and graced him with the gift of Jawamia Al Kalim (words which are concise but comprehensive in meaning) and taught him that which he did not [previously] know. Indeed, Allah’s favour upon him was ever great. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon our Master and Prophet Muhammad, his family and all of his companions and those who follow them till the Day of Judgment.

As to what follows,

I urge you, O servants of Allah, and myself to be aware that you are asked to obey Him the Most Exalted, in line with His orders: “O you who have believed, if you fear Allah, He will grant you a criterion and will remove from you your misdeeds and forgive you. And Allah is the possessor of great bounty.” (Al-Anfal: 29).

O Muslims,

There is no doubt Allah, the Most Exalted, is the Possessor great bounty and Bestower of countless favours. He is vast in His generosity and encompasses all the people with His kindness. In His Book, the Almighty reminds His servants of this fact for He says, “and Allah is full of bounty to the people.” (Al-Baqara: 243). He also emphasises that His bounties engulf His servants in the entire world as He says, “but Allah is full of bounty to the worlds.” (Al-Baqara: 251). Allah further assured the true believers of attaining His great bounties, so He has commanded His Messenger Muhammad pbuh to give them glad tidings of such attainment. The Most Exalted says, “and give good tidings to the believers that they will have from Allah great bounty.” (Al-Ahzab: 47).

In return, the believers show gratitude to Allah the Almighty for His favours, thank Him for His giving, and do all that which He has ordered them to do, seeking to draw closer to Him and attain His satisfaction. The Most Exalted says, “and they pursued the pleasure of Allah, and Allah is the possessor of great bounty.” (Al Imran: 174). In response, Allah the Most Generous bestows his favours and show mercy upon them in abundance, imparting thereby delight and pleasure to their hearts. The Almighty says, “say, ‘In the bounty of Allah and in His mercy’ - in that let them rejoice; it is better than what they accumulate.” (Yunus: 58).

Having known this, let us, now, advise each other on the aspects of the bounty of Allah the Almighty. Allah’s bounty means His generosity and kindness that He grants to whomever He wills. The Most Exalted says, “and if He intends for you good, then there is no repeller of His bounty. He causes it to reach whom He wills of His servants. And He is the Forgiving, the Merciful.” (Yunus: 107).

Amongst the favours of Allah the Almighty is that He rewards His servants in multiples for their good deeds. The Messenger of Allah pbuh said, “Every good deed of the son of Adam will be multiplied manifold. A good deed will be multiplied ten times up to as many as seven hundred times.” In addition to that, Allah the Most Merciful increases the doers of good in favour. He says, “and as for those who believed and did righteous deeds, He will give them in full their rewards and grant them extra from His bounty.” (An-Nisaa: 173).  

This brings us to a question on how do we attain the bounty of Allah the Almighty? The answer to this question is that the means of winning the satisfaction of Allah are many. One of such means is by obeying Allah the Almighty and following the guidance His Messenger pbuh. These are of the reasons of attaining the great bounty of Allah the Almighty and being admitted to His Paradise in company of the Prophets and the righteous as Allah has promised in His holy Book. The Most Gracious says, “and whoever obeys Allah and the Messenger - those will be with the ones upon whom Allah has bestowed favour of the prophets, the steadfast affirmers of truth, the martyrs and the righteous. And excellent are those as companions. That is the bounty from Allah, and sufficient is Allah as Knower.”  (An-Nisaa: 69-70).

One other way of attaining the bounty of Allah the Almighty is by holding firm to His noble Book. Allah, the Exalted is He, accentuates this for He says, “O mankind, there has come to you a conclusive proof from your Lord, and We have sent down to you a clear light. So those who believe in Allah and hold fast to Him - He will admit them to mercy from Himself and bounty and guide them to Himself on a straight path.” (An-Nisaa: 174-175). That is to say: believe in Allah the Almighty, hold fast to the holy Quran and follow the example of the Prophet pbuh.  

Furthermore, seeking Allah’s forgiveness and turning to Him in repentance are amongst the other causes of being granted the favours of Allah, the Most High. On this account, the Almighty says, “and [saying], ‘Seek forgiveness of your Lord and repent to Him, [and] He will let you enjoy a good provision for a specified term and give every doer of favour his favour’.” (Hood: 3). 

O Worshipers,

The bounties of Allah the Almighty can also be attained by drawing nearer to our Lord through performing acts of righteousness. The Exalted is He says, “and those who have believed and done righteous deeds will be in lush regions of the gardens [in Paradise] having whatever they will in the presence of their Lord. That is what is the great bounty.” (Ash-Shura: 22). In this sense, amongst the good deeds that one can perform is observing prayer at its prescribed time, paying Zakat and remembering Allah often. The Exalted and Sublime says, “[are] men whom neither commerce nor sale distracts from the remembrance of Allah and performance of prayer and giving of Zakat. They fear a Day in which the hearts and eyes will [fearfully] turn about. That Allah may reward them [according to] the best of what they did and increase them from His bounty. And Allah gives provision to whom He wills without account.” (An-Noor: 37-38).

Reciting the holy Quran is another great act of obedience for which the Muslim gets rewarded in abundance. Allah, the Most Generous, has promised those who recite His holy Book to bestow upon them His favour. The Almighty says, “indeed, those who recite the Book of Allah and establish prayer and spend [in His cause] out of what We have provided them, secretly and publicly, [can] expect a profit that will never perish. That He may give them in full their rewards and increase for them of His bounty. Indeed, He is Forgiving and Appreciative.” (Fatir: 29-30).

One other good deed that is conducive to draw the believer closer to their Lord and attain increased bounties is spending in charity for the sake of Allah the Almighty, for He says, “O you who have believed, spend from the good things which you have earned and from that which We have produced for you from the earth.” (Al-Baqara: 267). Allah, the Most Beneficent, has ordered the believers to spend and promised them of His forgiveness and increased favours in return. The Almighty says, “while Allah promises you forgiveness from Him and bounty. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.” (Al-Baqara: 268).

More to the point, the believers can also achieve the satisfaction of Allah the Almighty and His bounty by working hard to earn living in lawful manner. Allah the Almighty says, “and when the prayer has been concluded, disperse within the land and seek from the bounty of Allah.” (Al-Jumaa: 10).

With this in mind, let us pray to Allah the Most Generous to continue blessing us with His favour and admit us to His Paradise.

May Allah guide us all to obey Him and obey His trustworthy Messenger Muhammad and obey those He has commanded us to obey in line with His orders: “O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you.” (An-Nisaa: 59).

May Allah direct us all to the blessings of the Glorious Quran and the Sunna of His Messenger pbuh.

I say this and ask Allah for forgiveness for me and you, so invoke Him for forgiveness, for He is the Most Forgiving, the Most Merciful.

Second Sermon

All praise is due to Allah as many times as the number of all that which He has created. All praise is due to Allah filling all that which He has created. I bear witness that there is no deity save Allah, having no associates. I also bear witness that our Master Muhammad is the servant of Allah and His Messenger. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon ou­­r Master Muhammad, his pure family, companions, and all those who follow them in righteousness till the Day of Judgment.

I urge you, O Servants of Allah, and myself to be aware that you are asked to obey Him, the Most Exalted and Sublime.

Dear Muslims,

In order to attain the bounty of Allah the Almighty, a Muslim should exert himself diligently in performing acts of righteousness. The Most Exalted says, “say, ‘Indeed, [all] bounty is in the hand of Allah - He grants it to whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Wise.” (Al Imran: 73). Having done so, the believer is recommended to turn to Allah the Most High, invoking Him for attaining His favour. This is in line with His orders: “and ask Allah of his bounty. Indeed Allah is ever, of all things, Knowing.” (An-Nisaa: 32).

Truly, the Messenger of Allah pbuh has set an example for us to emulate in supplicating to Allah frequently. Amongst the prayers that he pbuh used to recite: “O Allah, extend for us Your blessings, Your mercy, Your bounty and Your provision.” Another supplication that he pbuh used to say was: “O Allah! I ask You for Your bounty.” So, you are urged to turn to Allah the All-Giving and ask Him to bestow upon you from His vast bounty and generous kindness, for His depositories are ever replenished, and Allah is the possessor of great bounty. 

That is said, please bear in mind that you are instructed to invoke peace and blessings on the Prophet pbuh. Allah, the Most Sublime, says, “indeed, Allah confers blessing upon the Prophet, and His angels [ask Him to do so]. O you who have believed, ask [Allah to confer] blessing upon him and ask [Allah to grant him] peace.” (Al-Ahzab: 56).

On the same matter, the Prophet pbuh said, “For everyone who invokes a blessing on me will receive ten blessings from Allah.”

O Allah, please confer Your blessings and grant peace upon our Prophet Muhammad pbuh, his family and all of the companions.

May Allah be pleased with the Rightly Guided Caliphs: Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman and Ali, and all of the noble Companions.

O Allah, we seek Your grace to make us amongst those who remember you much and are steadfast on performing acts of worship. O Allah, please forgive us all.

O Allah, we seek refuge in Your perfect words from the evil of that which descend from the sky and from the evil of that which ascends in it, and from the evil of what is created in the earth and the evil of that which comes out of it. O Allah we seek refuge in You from the trials of the night and the day, and from the visitations of the night and day, except for one that knocks with good. Indeed, You are the Most Merciful.

O Lord, we beseech You to bless all of the Muslim countries and the whole world with stability, cure from any illness and peace.

May Allah grant success and continued health and care to all of us, Muslims and all the world.

O Allah, please forgive all of the Muslims, men and women, living and dead.

O Lord, forgive and show mercy on them and bless them with Your kindness and satisfaction. O Lord, forgive and show mercy on our parents, relatives and whoever has done a favour to us.

We pray to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, to continue blessing our country with stability and welfare and bless its provisions. O Allah, please continue blessing our country with safety and security.

O Allah, relieve us! O Allah, relieve us! O Allah, relieve us! O Allah, give us from the blessings of the sky and grow for us from the blessings of the earth.

O Allah: we turn to Your name through which nothing is harmed in the earth and the heavens. That we not be afflicted through disease or calamity. Or that disease or epidemic may befall us, O Allah: hear this supplication. We ask you Allah for constancy of wellbeing. For ourselves and for all of the people around us. Save us from the evil of epidemics and diseases.

Remember Allah and He will remember you. Be grateful of His benevolence and He will increase His blessings to you.

O Allah, please confer Your blessings and grant peace upon our Prophet Muhammad pbuh, his family and all of the companions.