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81 ways to win your wife s love

2010-07-04T06:04:00.001-07:00

IN today s life of hustle and bustle, the family unit is becoming fragile by the day. Divorces are on the rise, and Muslims can no longer claim, as justifiably as before, that divorce is rare among Muslims or even much less than incidents of divorce among non-Muslims. The article, originally contributed by several bloggers and readers on MuslimMatters. org, is divided in two parts and will list out ways to keep up your spouse s love. Feel free to write to me your own list with experiences.

Having said that, lets take on the men first, heres how you can keep up your wifes love:

1. Make her feel secure, dont threaten her with divorce.

2. Give sincere Salaams.

3. Treat her gently, like a fragile vessel.

4. Advise in private, at the best time, in the best way and atmosphere.

5. Be generous with her.

6. Warm the seat for her, you will warm her heart.

7. Avoid anger, be in Wudhu at all times.

8. Look good and smell great for your wife.

9. Donâ€™t be rigid or harsh-hearted or you will be broken.

10. Be a good listener.

11. Yes for flattery. No for arguing.

12. Call your wife with the best names, cute nicknames, and names she loves to hear.

13. A pleasant surprise.

14. Preserve and guard the tongue.

15. Expect, accept, and overlook her shortcomings.

16. Give sincere compliments.

17. Encourage her to keep good relations with her family.

18. Speak of the topic of her interest.

19. Express to her relatives, how wonderful she is.

20. Give each other gifts.

21. Get rid of routine, surprise her.

22. Have a good opinion of each other.

23. Have good manners, overlook small things, donâ€™t nitpick.

24. Add a drop of patience, increase during pregnancy, menses.

25. Expect and respect her jealously.

26. Be humble.

27. Sacrifice your happiness for hers.

28. Help at home, with housework.

29. Help her love your relatives, but donâ€™t try to force her.

30. Let her know that she is the ideal wife for you.

31. Remember your wife in Duâ€™a.

32. Leave the past for Allah, donâ€™t dwell on, dig into, or bring it up.

33. Donâ€™t act as if you are doing her a favor by working or providing, Allah is the Provider, the husband is the carrier of the sustenance to the family.

34. Take Shaitan as your enemy, not your wife.

35. Put food in your wifeâ€™s mouth.

36. Treat your wife like she is the most precious pearl that you want to protect.

37. Show her your smile.

38. Donâ€™t ignore the small things, deal with them before they be come big.

39. Avoid being harsh-hearted.

40. Respect and show that you appreciate her thinking.

41. Help her to find and build her inner strengths and skills.

42. Respect that she might not be in mood for intimacy, stay within Halaal boundaries.

43. Help her take care of the children.

44. Give her gifts with your tongue, be an artist with your compliments.

45. Sit down and eat meals together.

46. Let her know that you will be traveling or returning from travel, give her sufficient notice.

47. Dont leave home in anger.

48. Maintain the secrecy and privacy of the home.

49. Encourage each other in worship.

50. Respect and fulfill her rights upon you.

51. Live with her in kindness, goodness, fairness in good and bad times.

52. Kiss your wife, foreplay, donâ€™t jump on her like a bull.

53. Keep disputes between the two of you, dont take it outside.

54. Show care for her health and well-being.

55. Remember you are not always right or perfect yourself.

56. Share your happiness and sadness with her.

57. Have mercy for her weaknesses.

58. Be a firm support for her to lean on.

59. Accept her as is, she is a package deal.

60. Have a good intention for her.

61. Cook a dish for her.

62. Designate a nice, clean, spacious area in your home for the two of you to pray at night whenever you can.

63. Women love flowers. Make a trail of them on the floor leading to the gift you made for her.

64. Give her a nice massage when she least expects it.

65. Send your wife a text message out of the blue with a message of love.

66. Send your wife an email without a reason.

67. Go out on a date or a get-away for the weekend in a nice location, preferably without kids.

68. Do something for your wifeâ€™s family, whether it is a gift, or a chat with her teen brother who needs mentoring, or whatever. It will get you lots of brownie points.

69. Do not keep reminding and demanding your rights all the time.

70. Shop groceries for her and call her from the store and ask her what she needs for the home, for herself or for her to give to people as gifts.

71. Ask her if she would like to invite her female friends over for ladies only get together and arrange for the dinner.

72. Ask her to send gifts to her parents and siblings.

73. Help her parents pay off debt. Send her poor relatives some money.

74. Write love notes or poems and place them in the book sheâ€™s been reading.

75. If she tells you something she had just learned from the Quraan or Hadith, do not dismiss her or ridicule her effort, instead listen to her and take her word.

76. Plant her a kitchen garden with all kind of herbs she needs for cooking.

77. Adopt a kitten for her if she likes.

78. Update her PC or laptop with a new one or get her a new mobile phone.

79. Learn to do a special massage technique and surprise her with your new expertise.

80. Teach your children to respect and honor their mother.

81. Be humorous with her when she makes a mistake in the kitchen (like when she put too much salt or burnt her baking).

57 ways of winning your husbands love

2010-07-04T06:03:00.003-07:00

This list, mostly contributed by Muslim women at the MuslimMatters. org blog, is all about winning your husbands love.

1. Behave like a female, i.e. with all the tenderness of a female.

2. Dress pleasantly and attractively. If you are a home-maker, dont stay in your sleeping suit all day.

3. Smell good.

4. Dont lay out all your problems on your husband as soon as he walks in. Give him a little mental break.

5. Dont keep asking him â€˜what are you thinking?because unlike women, mens thoughts are as random as the results of a google search. Women on the other hand have thoughts as organized as a labeled file-cabinet!

6. Stop nagging non-stop before Allah gives you something really to complain about.

7. Absolutely no talking about your spousal problems to anyone you meet under the pretense of seeking help, even if you are the victim. If you think you want to solve legitimate marital issues then go seek counseling with the right person.

8. Be kind to your mother-in-law the same way you would like your husband to be kind to your own mother.

9. Learn all the rights and obligations of each other in Islam.

10. Race to the door when he comes home, as if you were waiting for him. Smile and hug.

11. Keep your house clean, at least to the level that he wants it.

12. Compliment him on the things you know hes not so confident about (looks, intelligence etc). This will build his self-esteem.

13. Tell him hes the best husband.

14. Call his family often.

15. Give him a simple task to do at home and then thank him when he does it. This will encourage him to do more.

16. When hes talking about something boring, listen and nod your head. Even ask questions to make it seem like youre interested.

17. Encourage him to do good deeds.

18. If hes in a bad mood, give him some space. Heâ€™ll get over it, Insha Allah.

19. Thank him sincerely for providing you with food and shelter. Its a big deal.

20. If hes angry with you and starts yelling, let him yell it out while youre quiet. You will see your fight will end a lot faster. Then when hes calm, you can tell him your side of Â the story and how you want him to change something.

21. When youre mad at him, dont say you make me furious, rather say, this action makes me upset.Direct your anger to the action and circumstance rather than at him.

22. Remember that your husband has feelings, so take them into consideration.

23. Let him chill out with his friends without guilt, especially if theyre good guys. Encourage him to go out, so he doesnt feel cooped up at home.

24. If your husband is annoyed over a little thing you do (and you can control it), then stop doing it.

25. Learn how to tell him what you expect without him having to guess all the time. Learn to communicate your feelings.

26. Dont get mad over small things. Itâ€™s not worth it.

27. Make jokes. If youre not naturally funny, find some jokes on the internet.

28. Tell him youre the best wife and compliment yourself on certain things you know youre good at.

29. Learn to make his favorite dish.

30. Dont ever, ever talk bad about him with friends or family unnecessarily.

31. Use your time wisely and get things accomplished. If youre a housewife, take online classes and be active in your community. This will not only make you happy but will impress your husband too.

32. Do all of the above (i.e. trying to please your husband) for the sake of Allah and you will see Allahs blessings in everything you do.

33. Spouses are garments for each other; hide your husbandâ€™s faults and help him get over them wisely.

34. Tell your husband you love him, many many times.

35. Have a race with your husband and let him win, even if you are much fitter than him.

36. Be fit and take care of your health; you will remain a strong mother, wife, cook and housekeeper.

37. Cultivate good manners. Do not be too loud, whether while laughing, talking or even walking.

38. Do not leave the house without his permission and certainly not without his knowledge.

39. Make sure all his clothes are clean and pressed so they always look fresh and crisp.

40. Ask Allah to strengthen and preserve the bonds of compassion and love between the two of you, every day in every prayer. Truly Satans most treasured act is to create rifts between couples to the point of divorce. Seek Allahs refuge from Satan.

41. They say the way to a mans heart is through his stomach, and thats really true.

42. Make sure you always have something for dinner.

43. Brush your hair everyday.

44. Dont forget to do the laundry.

45. Surprise him with gifts. Even necessities can be gifts, like a pair of new shoes.

46. Listen to him when hes talking. Dont interject him and talk about your own issues.

47. Try (hard as it might be) to take interest in his hobbies (bowling?). Try not to go shopping too much and spend all his money.

48. Look attractive and itâ€™s fine, in fact good, to be seductive towards him.

49. Learn tricks and techniques to please your husband in intimacy.

50. Prepare for special evenings with him with special dinner and exclusive time (no children permitted).

51. Take care of your skin, especially the face, which is the center of attraction.

52. If you are not satisfied intimately, talk to him and help him. Dont wait till matters become worse.

53. Never discuss important or controversial matters with him when he is tired or sleepy. Find the right time for the right discussion.

54. Learn to compromise.

55. Continue to do things for your husband and donâ€™t take him for granted.

56. Respect his rights (hes your road to paradise).

57. Make tea for him or whatever hot drink he likes, it will soothe his rough edges.

A Quick preparation for RAMZAAN

2010-07-04T06:02:00.003-07:00

We are now almost in the end of Sha'aban and there is few hours to
receive RAMADAN al Mubarak. Keeping the greatness of the holy month of Ramada, I am forwarding this mail -in advance- for preparing ourselves to avail the opportunity to finish reading Holy Qur'an during the Month of Ramadan.
Let us work for this investment & May Almighty Allah shower His grace,mercy on us abundantly.

A Quick preparation for RAMZAAN

1. Start reading Quran daily after Salat al-Fajr.

2. Spend some time listening to recitations from the Quran.

3. Train yourself to go bed early so that you can wake up far
Salat al-Fajr.

4. Keep yourself in a state of Wudu (Ablution) most of the time.

5. Evaluate yourself daily before going bed.

6. Thank Allah for good deeds, and repent to Him for your mistakes and sins.

7. Start giving Sadaqah daily, no matter how little. Make it a habit like eating and drinking.

8. Find time to pray extras, such as Tahajjud prayers.

9. Spend more time reading Islamic books, especially the Quran, Hadith, and Fiqh.

10. Find time to help others with your wisdom, knowledge and other talents.

11. Try to write articles on Islam for Muslims as well as for non-Muslims.

12. Associate with Muslim scholars / ulama and other pious people so that you may learn from them.

13. Train yourself to do good, render free service to others to seek
the pleasure of Allah.

What to avoid

1. Avoid/reduce watching TV; instead spend more time reading the
Quran and other Islamic literature.

2. Avoid looking at unlawful pictures, whether magazines, department store catalogs or others.

3. Spend free time in Masajid, Islamic organizations and make that a daily habit.

4 . If you smoke, try to reduce daily usage; otherwise Ramadan
will be very difficult for you to observe.

5 . If you have friends who do not practice the teaching of

Islam, try to avoid socializing with them.

6 . If you travel a lot on business, try to do more local

business, so you can be more closer to your family and community.

7 . If you are used to staying up till midnight, try to go to

bed earlier, so that you will be able to wake up early for Salat

al-Fajr and Tahajjud prayers as well.

To prepare ourselves before the month of Ramadan arrives is far better

than waiting till it comes. To prepare ourselves for anything in life

is a sign of wisdom and maturity. No one is assured of living one day

more; tomorrow may not come. So hurry and benefit from blessings and

rewards from Allah.

Remember: 'Time is not money or gold; it is life itself and is

limited. You must begin to appreciate every moment of your life and

always strive to make the best use of it.'

A Quick Checklist

1. Make a resolve to win the maximum favor of Allah by

performing extra Voluntary prayers (Nawaafil), making frequent Dua and

increased remembrance..

2. Try to recite some Holy Quran after every Prayer. In fact if

you read 3-4 pages after every Prayer you can easily finish the entire

Quran in Ramadan!

3.. Study the Tafseer (commentary) every morning.

4. Invite a person you are not very close with or your relatives

to your home for Iftaar, at least once a week (Weekend). You will

notice the blessings in your relationships!

5. Bring life to your family! Everyday, try to conclude the fast

with your family and spend some quality together to understand each

other better.

6. Make commitment to join Islamic study circles to learn more

about Islam and improve your own life.

7. Donate generously to the Masajid, Islamic organizations, and

any where people are in need or oppressed. 'Because

Ramadan, is a month of sharing!'

8. Share month of Ramadan and its teachings of peace and

patience with your neighbours.

9. Sleep little, eat little! Make sure you do not defeat the purpose

of fasting by over-indulging in food and being lazy.

10. Seek the rare and oft-neglected rewards of the night better than

1000 months ( Laylatul-Qadr / Shab-e-Qadr).

11. Weep in private for the forgiveness of your sins: Ramadan is the

month of forgiveness and Allah's Mercy! It's never too late.

12. Learn to control your tongue and lower your gaze. Remember the

Prophet's (pbuh) warning that lying, backbiting, and a lustful gaze

all violate the Ramadan fast!

13. Encourage others to enjoin and love goodness, and to abandon

everything that Allah dislikes. Play the role of a Da'ee (one who

invites to Allah) with zeal, passion, and sympathy.

14. Experience the joy of Tahajjud prayers late at night and devote

yourself purely and fully to Allah in the Itikaf retreat during the

last 10 days of Ramadan.

PLEASE FORWARD THIS TO ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS ...

Ramadhaan - The Month of Blessings

2010-07-04T06:01:00.003-07:00

Ramadhaan is a month of countless blessings and virtues. The word Ramadhaan is derived from "ramdh' which means "burning of the feet from heat" This is because of the fast, which burns the sins of a Muslim into ashes.
Ramadhaan has been given the name of blessed month because:

1. In this month, the whole Qur'aan was sent down to the first sky from Lawhe Mahfooz.

2. In this month, there is the night of Qadr which is better than 1000 months.

3. In this month, the thawaab of good deed is equal to the fardh of another month.

4. This is the month of patience and the reward of this patience is Jannah.

5. This month teaches the lesson of kindness towards others.

6. In this month, the daily-bread of Muslims is increased.

7. In this month, the first ten days are of mercy, second ten days are of forgiveness and the last ten days are of being freed from Hell.

8. The month of Ramadhaan is a month in which the Mercy and Blessings of Allah Ta'ala descend upon us continuously.

This month is so precious that one should fast, recite Qur'aan and keep himself engaged in worship (Ibaadah) day night. One should perform Taraaweeh, Nafl Salaat, make du'aa, etc. In this way, by giving preference to religion over self-desires, a person can acquire the Pleasure and Nearness of Allah. Each day and night of this blessed month can bring the reward of Ibaadah of years.

RAMADHAAN IN THE LIGHT OF AHAADEETH
Ka'b Ibne 'Ujrah radhiyallahu anhu relates that the Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam said, "Come near the pulpit," and we came near the pulpit. When he ascended the first step of the pulpit, he said, "Aameen." When he ascended the second step, he said, "Aameen." When he ascended the third step, he said, "Aameen." When he descended, we said, "O Prophet of Allah sallallahu alayhi wasallam, we have heard from you today something which we never heard before." He said, "When I ascended the first step, jibra'eel appeared before me and said, 'Woe to him who found the blessed month of Ramadhaan and let it pass by without gaining forgiveness. ' Upon that I said: Aameen. When I ascended the second step, he said, 'Woe to him before whom your name is mentioned and he does not read Durood (Salaat) on you. 'I replied: Aameen. When I ascended the third step he said, 'Woe to him in whose presence his parents or either one of them attains old age, and (through failure to serve them) he is not allowed to enter Paradise.' I said: Aameen." (Bukhaari)

Salmaan radhiyallahu anhu relates that Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam said, "Ramadhaan is a blessed month. In this month is a night better than a 1000 months. Fasting has been made compulsory and Taraaweeh Sunnah. Whosoever tries drawing nearer to Allah by performing any virtuous deed in this month, for him shall be such reward as if he had performed a 'Fardh' in any other time of the year. And whoever performs a 'Fardh' for him shall be the reward of seventy 'Fardh' in any other time of the year. This is indeed the month of patience, and the reward for patience is Paradise; it is the month of sympathy with one's fellowmen; this is the month wherein a true believer's Rizq is increased." Bayhaqi In this month the doors of Paradise are opened and the doors of hell are closed. And the Shayaateen are chained. Bukhaari, Muslim This is a month, the first part of which brings Allah's Mercy, the middle of which brings His forgiveness and the last part of which brings emancipation from the fire of Hell. Bayhaqi During each day and night of this month, Allah sets free a great number of souls from Hell. And for every Muslim during each day and night, at least one prayer is certainly accepted. (Bazzaa)
In this month, the Ummah of Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam are given these things specially.

1. The smell from the mouth of a fasting person is more sweeter in the sight of Allah than the fragrant smell of musk.

2. On their behalf the fish in the sea seek forgiveness until they break their fast.

3. For them, paradise is decorated everyday.

4. For them, the evil minded shaytaan is chained.

5. On the last night of Ramadhaan they are forgiven.

THINGS TO DO IN THIS MONTH

Four things have been instructed in the Hadeeth which one should continue to practice in abundance:

1. Recite the Kalimah Tayyibah.

2. Make Istighfaar.

3. Ask for Jannah.

4. Seek refuge in Allah from Hell.

In this month one should fast, perform all Salaat with congregation, engage in recitation of the Qur'aan, perform Taraaweeh, give charity and do whatever is possible to acquire the Pleasure of Allah. One should make sure that he does not do anything contrary to the Command of Allah and the teachings of His beloved Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam.

FASTING
In Ramadhaan, Allah has made fasting compulsory. It is one of the five pillars of Islaam. Just like the flower which outsmarts other flowers in its smell and colour, and like the fruit which surpasses the other fruits in its taste, the Ibaadah of fasting outweighs the other forms of devotions in reward. A person gives up everything whilst fasting, only to please his Almighty Creator. It is one of the most accepted forms of Ibaadah, because Allah Himself will give the reward for fasting.

SEHRI
Allah and His Angels send Mercy upon those who eat Sehri. Allah has made Sehri full of mercy and blessings. People of other religions also fast, but they do not eat Sehri, therefore, to differ from them, it is advisable to have at least a sip of water with the intention of Sehri

IFTAAR
Many virtues have been narrated for those who feed others when breaking fast. A person who feeds another who fasted in order to break the fast (at sunset), for him there shall be forgiveness and emancipation from the fire of Hell. Allah grants the same reward to him who gives a fasting person a mere date or a drink of water to break his fast.

TARAWEEH
In Ramadhaan, Allah has made 20 Rak'at Taraaweeh Sunnah. It is also Sunnah to complete the full Qur'aan in Taraaweeh. Taraaweeh is Sunnah for women too.

LAYLATUL QADR
This is a night of great blessings. It is better than a thousand months. The people of the past had very long lives compared to the much shorter lives of this Ummah. If this Ummah then wished to compete with them in doing of the good deeds, it would mean that because of the shorter lives it would be impossible for this Ummah to either emulate or surpass them. For this reason, Allah in His Infinite Mercy granted this Ummah, this night of great blessing. This night has great virtues i.e.

1. The Qur'aan was revealed in this night.

2. The reward of worship in this night is better than the reward of 1,000 months.

3. On this night, Jibraeel descends to the earth with a group of angels, reciting salaam and praying for the blessings for those they see in Worship and Praises Allah.

4. This is a night of peace. The blessings and mercy descends right until the break of day. The author of Mazahir-e-Haqq states the following significance and virtues of this auspicious night:

* On this night, the angles were created.

* On this night, the matter from which Adam alayhis salaam was created had been collected.

* On this night, Jannah and Jahannan were created.

* On this night, 'Eesaa alayhis salaam was raised up bodily into the heavens.

* On this night, the repentance of Banoo Israa'eel was accepted.

* It is stated in a Hadeeth: "Whosoever stands in Ibaadah on this night with sincere faith and with genuine hopes of gaining reward, his previous sins will be forgiven." Bukhaari, Muslim

WHICH NIGHT IS LAYLATUL QADR
There is a difference of opinion amongst the Ulamaa about this night. According to the vast majority of them, the Laylatul Qadr falls on the odd dates of the last ten days of the month of Ramadhaan - i.e. 21, 23, 25, 27, 29. However, one should strive to search for this great night in all nights of the month of Ramadhaan, particularly in the last ten nights.

I'TIKAAF
It was the general practice of Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam to perform I'tikaaf in the last ten days of Ramadhaan. The women should also try to perform I'tikaaf in their homes. It is stated in a Hadeeth: Whoever performs I'tikaaf in the final ten days of Ramadhaan, for him is the reward of Hajj and Umrah.

A Suggested timetable for Ramadaan

2010-07-04T05:59:00.001-07:00

In order to maximise our time and perform our 'ibaadat with ease, we should try to follow a set routine or timetable.

1. We must wake up for suhoor as it is a Sunnah of our Rasool (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam). He has informed us that the food of suhoor is full of Barakah: "Eat suhoor, because in it lie great blessings." (Bukhari, Muslim) We should arrange our time for suhoor in such a way that we are also able to perform at least 4-8 rak'at of tahajjud together with du'a for about 15 minutes or more. Rasoolullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) has said that the du'a in the darkness of the night (after tahajjud) is readily accepted by Allah. (Tirmizi)

2. The ideal way to perform tahajjud with suhoor is to wake up early and perform tahajjud and make du'a before suhoor. Everyone in the house should wake up and engage in 'ibaadat in the darkness and isolation of their own rooms. Shed tears and ask Allah ta'ala for your needs just as a small child cries and gets his needs fulfilled. Rasoolullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) has encouraged his followers to cry when making du'a.

Crying and weeping attracts mercy. Just as a mother who, upon seeing her child crying for a sweet, will succumb at the sight of the child's crying and treat it with mercy, similarly when one sheds tears whilst beseeching his Lord, the Mercy of the Lord will enshroud him.

3. After tahajjud and suhoor, we must pray our Fajr Salaat with congregation. Ladies should also perform their obligatory Salaat.

4. After Fajr remain engaged in 'Ibadat till 15-20 minutes after sunrise and perform 4 rak'at ishraq.

5. Before zawaal, perform Salatud Dhuha (chasht). Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam said, 'There is charity on each joint of everyone of you in the morning. To say subhanallah once is charity, to say alhamdulillah is also charity, to say laa ilaaha illallah is also charity, to command goodness and forbid evil is also charity, and two rak'at at the time of dhuha (chasht) is sufficient for all his charity.' (Muslim)

6. Perform Zuhr with congregation. If possible, engage in 'Ibaadat for a while and have a short rest with the intention of qayloolah - a Sunnah of our beloved Nabee (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam).

7. Perform Asr. The time between Asr and Maghrib is very valuable especially for Du'a. We must make the effort to perform our Asr with congregation and then remain in the masjid until Maghrib. Unfortunately Shaytan and nafs have deceived us so much that many of us cannot do, without food in the masjid at the time of Iftaar. My friends we should try to change our habits and keep the akhirah in our minds. Shaytan and nafs will take us home for some food, which should only take a few minutes, and will not let us come to the Musjid until just before Maghrib. This is the best part of the day, which we do not value, only because of our desire for food. Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam said, 'There are three groups of people whose Du'a is not rejected; the fasting person until he breaks the fast ... ... ". (Ahmad)

When Allah has made a promise through His Nabee sallallahu alayhi wasallam there is no doubt in the acceptance of these supplications. In spite of this, we find some people whose prayers are not answered. This does not mean that their prayers have been rejected. It is Allah's, favour upon us that should He find that granting us what we ask from Him is in our interest, He grants, otherwise not. Another point to remember is that there are certain conditions in the absence of which they may be rejected. Among these is Halaal food and making Du'a with attention and concentration. If our hearts and minds are not in our Du'a, then they may not be answered. My friends, we must make the habit of bringing a few dates with us at the time of Asr and after Asr we must engage in zikr, tilawat, tasbeeh, etc. until just 15-20 minutes before Maghrib when we should raise our hands in Du'a until Adhaan. In this way, everyone will be engrossed in their own 'ibaadat and we will find that if some of the individuals are crying others will also get the inclination to do the same. Therefore value this time between Asr and Maghrib and do not waste it in worrying about food. The saintly people are such that not even if gold and silver, never mind food, will distract them. Their concentration in their Du'a is not affected; whereas, we would not even be able to concentrate if only a small morsel was to be put in front of us. I would request my sisters not to spend the time between Asr and Maghrib in the kitchen.

8. After performing Maghrib, we should perform 6 Rak'at of awwabeen after the two Rak'at sunnat and two rak'at nafl of Maghrib. However, those who do not feel inclined to do this, some Ulama have said that two rak'at sunnat and two rak'at nafl of Maghrib can also become part of the 6 rak'at awwabeen. Hence, performing only two rak'at after the sunnat and nafl of Maghrib will suffice.

9. Thereafter return to the masjid and engage yourself in 'ibadat. Take great care not to get involved in any worldly talk. It is very upsetting and disheartening to see people wasting their time in futile talk in the masjid even during the month of Ramadhan. Try and restrain yourself and remain engaged in 'Ibadat until 'Isha. The sisters should note that 20 rak'at taraweeh is sunnat-e-mu' akkadah for them too. They must perform taraweeh after 'Isha.

10. After taraweeh, go straight home. Do not loiter around outside the masjid wasting time. At home, remain in 'ibaadat until you go to sleep. Sleep with the intention of waking up for tahajjud and suhoor.

11. Apart from the above, we know that in Ramadhan there are always, various programmes taking place in the Musjid led by our Ulama. These are for our own benefit. There are many of us who are very sinful and during this month, our hearts are softened and more receptive; by listening to the wise words of our Ulama the chances of bringing good deeds into practice are greater. Although the month of Ramadhaan is solely for 'Ibaadat, we should try and attend these programmes in the Masjid because by listening to these discourses, Insha'allah, changes will come into our lives for the better. Our hearts are blackened by and full of sins and by listening to these programmes and sitting in the company of the Ulama and the pious, change will definitely occur in our hearts, insha'allah.

Allah's Mercy is in abundance throughout the year, especially during this month. We should yearn in our hearts for this Mercy because we need mercy, blessing and forgiveness from Allah. We are sinful and in this month we want to win Allah's Attention so that we can become His Beloved Slaves. If we are eager to perform good deeds then, insha'allah this month will become a month of great blessing for us.

NOTE: Everyone should try to take rest in order to conserve energy for the compulsory ibaadat. There is no point in remaining in nafl 'ibaadat and not getting rest, which will result in tiredness and laziness at the time of compulsory Salaat, etc. Hence, every person should fix a convenient time for rest and include it in the timetable set out above.
May Alllah accept our efforts and make every moment of this month a means of receiving His Mercy, Blessing and Forgiveness. May we all be granted a place in Jannah, Aameen.

RULES OF Fasting

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Fasting in the days of Ramadhan is obligatory (Fard) on every Muslim. The one who does not believe it to be obligatory is not a Muslim, and the one who, without a valid excuse, does not fast in a day of Ramadhan is a sinner. "Fast" means "to refrain from eating, drinking and having sexual intercourse throughout the day, right from the break of dawn upto sunset, with a clear intention of seeking the pleasure of Allah." If somebody refrains from food, drink and sex for any reason other than seeking the pleasure of Allah, it cannot be called a "fast" in the terminology of the Shari'ah. It is thus necessary that there should be an intention which is called the "Niyyah". For the fasts of Ramadhan it is advisable that the "niyyah" be made in the night i.e. before the commencement of the fast. However, if a person had no intention of keeping fast before dawn, he can also make "niyyah" in the morning at any time before midday, i.e. about 1 1/2 hours before Zawal (noon). But this rule is applicable only for the fast of Ramadhan and for the Nafl (optional) fasts. As for fasts of qada it is always necessary to make niyyah before dawn. Since the niyyah means intention, it is an act performed by one's heart. It need not be pronounced in words. However, it is also permissible to express this intention in spoken words, but those who take it as 'necessary' to pronounce the words of "niyyah" are not correct.

Acts nullifying the fast
Acts nullifying the fast are of two kinds. In the first place there are some acts which not only nullify the fast, but also make one liable to both qada' and kaffarah. The number of these acts is only three, namely:

(a) Eating something.

(b) Drinking something.

(c) Having sexual intercourse.

These three acts are liable to kaffarah when they are committed deliberately after one has started a fast, provided that the person committing them knows that they render the fast broken. In such cases both qada' and kaffarah are obligatory on him. Qada' means to keep another fast in lieu of the broken one. And kaffarah means to perform an act to expiate the sin of having broken the fast. Kaffarah may be given in the following three ways respectively:

(a) Freeing a slave.

(b) Fasting for two months constantly without a break.

(c) Giving food to sixty persons.

Since slavery has come to an end in our days, only the latter two ways can be adopted today. But the person who has strength enough to fast for two months constantly has been bound to fast. He cannot adopt the third way, i.e. giving food to sixty persons. If he is too weak to fast for such a large number of days, he can give kaffarah by giving food to sixty persons. In the second place there are some acts which nullify the fast, but do not make the relevant person liable to kaffarah. In such cases only qada' is obligatory.

These acts are:
(i) Eating or drinking unintentionally. For example, while making wudu, if a drop of water slips into the throat unintentionally, the

fast stands broken, but only the qada' will be enough to compensate for the mistake.

(ii) Dropping medicine or anything else in the nose or the ear.

(iii) Smoking.

(iv) Emission of semen while touching, kissing or caressing a woman.

(v) Eating or drinking under the wrong impression that the dawn has not yet broken, or the sun has set, while otherwise was true.

(vi) If someone eats or drinks while he does not remember that he is in a state of fasting, his fast is not broken. He should continue with his fast after he remembers. However, if he eats or drinks after he remembers, his fast will stand broken, and if this eating or drinking was due to his wrong impression that his fast stood broken by his first eating or drinking, he will be liable to qada' only.

Acts rendering the fast makrooh:
The following acts do not nullify the fast, but render it makrooh in the sense that they lessen the reward of the fast. Hence it is not advisable to indulge in any of the following acts when one is in the state of fast:
(i) Chewing something or tasting it with the tongue without eating it.

(ii) Using tooth paste or tooth powder. However, cleaning teeth with a miswak or a brush (without paste or powder) is allowed.

(iii) Remaining in the state of Janabah (major impurity) for the whole day.

(iv) Giving blood to anyone.

(v) Quarrelling with someone or abusing him.

(vi) Gheebah i.e., to abuse or to blame someone in his absence.

(vii) Telling a lie.

The latter three acts are absolutely prohibited even when one is not in the state of fasting, but they become all the more prohibited when one keeps fast. Acts which are allowed

The following acts are allowed in the state of fasting:

(i) Cleaning teeth using a miswak or a brush and ears with cotton swabs.

(ii) Applying oil or henna or color to the hair.

(iii) Using eye-drops or kohl (surma/kajal) .

(iv) Wearing perfume or feeling it, or using lipstick or chopstick.

(v) Taking a shower.

(vi) Using medicine through injection.

(vii) Vomiting unintentionally.

(viii) Entrance of smoke or dust into the throat unintentionally.

(ix) Ejaculation while dreaming.

(x) Bleeding from the teeth unless blood slips in to the throat.

(xi) Delaying the ghusl of janabah up to the sunrise.

Cases in which fasting is not obligatory
In the following cases it is allowed for a Muslim to avoid fasting in Ramadhan and compensate it by fasting on some other days:

(i) If a person suffers from a disease which has rendered him unable to fast , or a competent doctor has expressed his apprehension that fasting may increase the disease, he can avoid fasting until when it is clear that fasting is no more injurious to his health. But after recovery he is under an obligation to perform qada' of all the fasts he has missed due to his sickness.

(ii) If a woman is pregnant, and it is seriously feared that fasting may harm her or her baby, she can postpone fasting in Ramadhan and may fast after delivery as qada'.

(iii) If a woman breast-feeds her baby, and it is seriously feared that, in case she fasts, she cannot feed her baby or her fasting may harm her or her baby, she can avoid fasting in Ramadhan and perform qada'.

Fasting in journey

(iv) The one who travels to a distance of at least 48 miles from his hometown can also postpone fasting during his journey. But if he resolves to stay in a town for more than 14 days, he is not treated as a traveler for this purpose and he is obligated to fast in the days of Ramadhan. However, if he has not made up his mind to stay in a place for more than 14 days, and he is doubtful whether he will stay for 14 days or less than that, he can also avail of the concession, unless he decides to stay for the prescribed period, i.e. more than 14 days. If he remained uncertain about his stay but stayed at a place for even more than 14 days in this state of uncertainty, he will remain entitled to this concession until he resolves positively to stay for another 15 days. Although this concession is available to every traveler who leaves his hometown to a distance of at least 48 miles, yet if the journey is comfortable and fasting is not very burdensome on him, it is more advisable for him to fast for two reasons. Firstly, because such a traveler gets more thawâb (reward) in case he fasts during his journey, and secondly, because if he avoids fasting while on travel, he will have to fast after Ramadhan which can be more difficult for him. But if the journey is a difficult one, and it is much burdensome to fast in such a difficult journey, then, it is more advisable for him to avoid fasting, but if fasting seems to be nearly unbearable for him, it is not lawful to keep fast in such a journey. If someone has started fasting, then he had to travel during the day, he cannot avail of the concession during that day, rather he will have to complete his fast unto the sunset. However, if his journey continues on to the next day, he can benefit from the concession the next day. Conversely, if someone was on travel in the beginning of a day, and he did not keep fast for that reason and began to eat and drink but he reached his hometown during the day, he must avoid eating or drinking after reaching his hometown unto the sunset. This abstinence from eating and drinking will not be counted as a fast, and he will have to perform qada' of that day also, but he is directed to abstain from eating and drinking only to honour that part of the day of Ramadhan which he has passed in his hometown.

(v) Fasting is prohibited for women during their monthly periods (menstruation) and during partition (i.e. normal bleeding after childbirth), but they have to perform qada' for the fasts they have missed in such a state.

(vi) Those who are allowed a concession (of not fasting) in Ramadhan can eat and drink during the day, but they should honor the days of Ramadhan and should not eat or drink as far as possible at a public place or before other Muslims who are in the state of fasting. Those who can break their fast during the day It is major sin to break a fast during the day without a valid excuse. It makes one liable to kaffarah as explained earlier. However,there are situations where it becomes lawful to break a fast. These situations are as under:

Concession given to a sick person

(a) Where a person is attacked by a severe disease, and a competent doctor opines that, if he continues with his fast, it will bring a serious danger to his life. In such a situation breaking of the fast is not only allowed, but it is obligatory.

(b) A person feels such an extreme hunger or thirst that further abstinence from eating or drinking may endanger his life. In this situation also, breaking of the fast is obligatory.

(c) In any situation where refraining from eating or drinking may create a serious danger to one's life, it becomes lawful to break the fast.
In all these cases, the person breaking the fast is not liable to kaffarah, but he has to perform qada' whenever the danger is removed.

Pearls of RamadHAan

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First Pearl - The Month of Mercy
Many a secular person has gone and many pious saints have passed away, but we that read this pamphlet have this opportunity once again to correct our lives by following the sunnat of Nabi SallallÃ¢hu Alayhi Wasallam and pleasing AllÃ¢h. RamadhÃ¢n is for the Muslims a very great favour from AllÃ¢h. The reality of this favour can only be felt in our lives and heart if we appreciate it, otherwise this blessed month of RamadhÃ¢n will come and go without gaining anything. KÃ¢b bin Ujrah (RadiAllÃ¢hu Anhu) relates, that once while climbing the pulpit (mimbar), Nabi SallallÃ¢hu Alayhi Wasallam said, "Amin." The Sahabah asked, "O Rasul of AllÃ¢h, today we have heard something that we have never heard before." Nabi SallallÃ¢hu Alayhi Wasallam said that Jibraeel (Alaihis SalÃ¢m) said, "Woe to him who found the blessed month of RamadhÃ¢n and let it pass by without gaining forgiveness. " Upon that I said "AmÃ®n." Let us ask ourselves who is making the duâ€™Ã¢ and who is saying AmÃ®n. Now can we still let this month of RamadhÃ¢n go by idly or are we going to spend it in accordance to the teachings of Nabi SallallÃ¢hu Alayhi Wasallam?

Second Pearl - Fasting
Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (R.A.) reports that Nabi SallallÃ¢hu Alayhi Wasallam said, "The duâ€™Ã¢ of a fasting person is not rejected until he breaks his fast." Nabi SallallÃ¢hu Alayhi Wasallam said, "Whoever eats during one day of Ramadan without a valid excuse, shall never be able to recoup that day even by fasting for the rest of his life."

Third Pearl - Sehri
Ibne Umar (R.A.) relates that Nabi SallallÃ¢hu Alayhi Wasallam said, "Verily Allah and his angels send mercy upon those who partake of Sehri."

Fourth Pearl - The Qurâ€™an
There is a very great link between Ramadhan and the Qur'an. Ramadhan is the month of the Qur'an. Therefore read as much QurÃ¢n as possible. Hadhrat Abdullah Ibne Umar (R.A.) narrated that Rasulullah SallallÃ¢hu Alayhi Wasallam said, "The hearts become rusted as iron rusts with water." When someone asked, "What could cleanse the hearts again?" Rasulullah SallallÃ¢hu Alayhi Wasallam said, "Frequent remembrance of death and recitation of the QurÃ¢n." The month of RamadhÃ¢n and the QurÃ¢n is with us. Let us use it to cleanse our hearts of rust.

Fifth Pearl - TarÃ¢wÃ®h SalÃ¢h
Nabi SallallÃ¢hu Alayhi Wasallam said that AllÃ¢h made fasting fardh for the day and Tarawih sunnat for the night. Let us realize that through our fasting we kill the desires of our Nafs (carnal self) and through our TarawÃ®h we can reach AllÃ¢h. What a blessing!

Sixth Pearl - Itikaf
In Kashful Ghummah, Allama Sha'rani relates a Hadith wherein Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam said, "Whoever performs Itikaf for the final ten days of Ramadan, for him is the reward of two Haj and two Umrahs and whoever performs Itikaf from Maghrib until Esha doing nothing except performing Salat and reciting the Quran, Allah will prepare a place for him in Jannah."

Seventh Pearl - Laylatul Qadr
Amongst the nights of Ramadhan, Laylatul Qadr is one of the most blessed. The Quran describes it as being greater in spiritual virtue than a thousand months, which in turn means that it is more valuable than 83 years and 4 months. Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (R.A.) reports that Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam said "Whoever stands in worship on the night of Qadr with complete faith and with sincere hope of gaining reward, all his previous sins are forgiven." Hadhrat Ayesha (R.A.) reports that Nabi Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam said, "Seek Laylatul Qadr among the odd numbered nights of the last ten days of the month of Ramadhan." Hadhrat Ayesha (R.A.) reports that she said, "O Messenger of Allah, if I find Laylatul Qadr, what should I read?" The Prophet Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam replied, "Say, â€˜O Allah, Thou Art The One Who grants pardon for sins, Thou lovest to pardon, so pardon me."

Advice on How to Kindle Our Spiritual Upliftment
Reduce all business or worldly commitments to a minimum.
Do not waste time doing Eid shopping or eating with friends and other family members just because it is Ramadhan. Increase Nafl Salat or complete Qaza Salat as much as possible.
Increase the recitation of the Quran, Zikr and Tasbeeh. Make a total commitment to avoid all sins. If any sins are committed, (major or minor), make taubah (repent) immediately. Free the mind from all evil thoughts and make an effort to reform oneself (eg. remove pride, hatred, jealousy, anger, looking down upon others, etc.)
Increase acts of charity and assist the needy as much as possible. Do not forget to pay your Zakat. Spend time reading good Islamic books (eg. Teachings of Islam, Bahishti Zewar, Good Character, Upbringing of Children etc.) Bear in mind that each of one of us will be asked by AllÃ¢h how we spent our RamadhÃ¢n . Let us not forget that we will be punished equally for our sins just as we are rewarded for our good deeds.

Four Acts To Perform In Abundance

a. Read Kalima Tayyibah

b. Read Durood Shareef

c. Ask for Jannatul Firdous

d. Ask to be saved from Jahannam

Twenty-four Hour Programme

Hereunder we suggest a 24- hour programme for the month of RamadhÃ¢n. It is an example of spending our time correctly.

The programme starts from Maghrib till Maghrib the following day.

Read: "O You who are Great in Bounties, forgive me", as many times as possible before IftÃ¢r.

Make duâ€™Ã¢ 5 to 10 minutes before IftÃ¢r.

The duâ€™Ã¢ of a fasting person is readily accepted at this time. Make IftÃ¢r quickly.

Thereafter perform Maghrib (with JamÃ¢t). After Maghrib perform 6 to 20 RakÃ¢ts AwwÃ¢bÃ®n Salaah.

Read Surah Tabarak after Maghrib. The benefit of it is that it will save us from the punishment of the grave.

Read Surah Waqiyah. The virtue of it is that it will save one from poverty.

Have supper quickly. Our suggestion is that due to the long days, have a rest for 15 - 20 minutes before Esha, so that one may be fresh for TarawÃ®h and Esha salÃ¢h.

Prepare for Esha before the Esha AzÃ¢n and proceed for Esha and TarawÃ®h SalÃ¢t. Return home immediately after TarawÃ®h or after any Deeni programme in the Masjid.

Do not waste time talking and discussing political and business issues.
On returning home, read Surah Sajdah. Thereafter spend a few minutes with the family and try to sleep as early as possible allowing one to arise at 3.00 a.m. for Tahajjud salÃ¢h.

Read Tasbeeh-e-Fatimi before sleeping.
Perform at least 4, 8, or 12 rakÃ¢ts Tahajjud salÃ¢h, thereafter read the first kalima 100 times and then make duâ€™Ã¢ before

Partaking of Sehri
Immediately after Sehri proceed to the Masjid for Fajr SalÃ¢h.
After Fajr recite the QurÃ¢n till IshrÃ¢q time.
Perform 2 or 4 RakÃ¢ts IshrÃ¢q. The benefit is that your daily work will become easy and you will attain the reward of an accepted Haj.
After IshrÃ¢q rest before going to work. People who are self employed should take advantage of this rest and also give their employees this opportunity. At work or at one's business, one should keep one's tongue moist with Zikr eg. Kalimah Tayyibah, IstighfÃ¢r and Durood Shareef.

Try to be early for Zuhr NamÃ¢z so that one could read the QurÃ¢n immediately after one has read the 4 Sunnat-e-Muakkadah before the JamÃ¢t NamÃ¢z.

If possible try to read QurÃ¢n after Zuhr NamÃ¢z as well, depending on how long one's lunch break is.

After completing Asr NamÃ¢z, read Durood Shareef at least 100 times and IstighfÃ¢r 100 times.

Thereafter spend the balance of the time reciting QurÃ¢n till IftÃ¢r time, not forgetting the duâ€™Ã¢ before IftÃ¢r.

Remember : If we have Qaza SalÃ¢h to perform, then instead of all our Nafl SalÃ¢h eg. AwwÃ¢been, or IshrÃ¢q, we should perform all our Qaza SalÃ¢h. The first question on the day of QiyÃ¢mat after ImÃ¢n will be about SalÃ¢h.

A great spiritual mentor (Sheikh Zakariyya) always told his students, "Eat as much as you want to (HalÃ¢l Food), sleep as much as you want to, "BUT DO NOT TALK." In other words, one should not waste any time in RamadhÃ¢n in futile acts.

Our time should be spent in SalÃ¢h, Tilawat of the QurÃ¢n and Zikr. An Example of How Our Elders Spent their Ramadhan Sheikhul-Hind Moulana Mahmudul Hasan (R.A.) used to remain in Nafl SalÃ¢t form after TarawÃ®h until Fajr and would listen to the QurÃ¢n recited by various HuffÃ¢z. Moulana Shah Abdur Rahim Raipuri (R.A) remained busy with tilawat of the QurÃ¢n day and night throughout RamadhÃ¢n.

The Three Parts of This Month
In a Hadith it is mentioned the month of RamadhÃ¢n is divided into 3 parts. The first part is that of AllÃ¢h's mercy, the second part is that of forgiveness, while the third part is that of freedom from the fire of Jahannam.

Note: We find that many of us are absent from the Masjid without a valid reason. Now ask yourself how will one get freedom from Jahannam, when one was supposed to be forgiven during the middle ten days while absenting oneself from the mostimportant act of worship.

Resolutions

One should draw a resolution every Ramadhan to stay away from all sins and to remember Allah. Remember also to make a dedicated resolution eg. from this Ramadhan I will control my gaze and make five times Salah. Each resolution will bring us closer to Allah. Control the gaze and you will attain respect in this world and peace in the hereafter.

RamadHAaN IS A SPECIAL MONTH

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RamadHAaN IS A SPECIAL MONTH

This month of Ramadhaan especially is such that Allah Ta'ala has saved us from another environment. It is as if Allah Ta'ala is saying, 'O My Banda! Where are you tramping around with your farming? Come hither to My door! O My Banda! Why are you rooted to your shop busy buying and selling? Come hither to My Royal Court, to the Masjid! O My Banda! Why are you busy mending shoes and sewing clothes? Come hither! Free yourself from everything and come to My door!' Haq Ta'ala has summoned us here in order to shower us with gifts. He has called us so that our sins may be forgiven. He has called us for the Islah (purification) of our hearts and states (ahwal). Rather this than to sit in our shops and factories getting involved in throwing abuse at one another, and to be involved in making gheebat, and in fault-finding.

Here there is Tilaawat of the Qur'an shareef; the name of Allah Ta'ala is here; tasbeeh is here; durood shareef is here; istighfaar is here; nawaafil ibaadat is here. What a great favour has Allah Ta'ala not bestowed on us that He has Himself invited us to Him as special guests!

Allah Ta'ala has chained up the Shayaateen. These were the ones that troubled and molested us the whole year through. They are the ones that showed us and taught us varying types of sins. Allah Ta'ala has saved us from these. And the schemes and mischief of the Shayaateen are such that to detect them is not within the capacity of every one. They cause a tremendous amount of grief and trouble but the Shayaateen are terrified of the Mashaaikh, and they flee from them.

How to Spend RamadHAaN

The month of Ramadhaan is the season of divine blessings. It is the month of purification. it is meant for annual renovation of the inner spiritual qualities. It is a golden opportunity for every Muslim to strengthen his 'Iman, to purify his heart and soul and to remove the evil effects of the sins committed by him. This month invites a Muslim to minimize his other mundane involvement and maximize the acts of worship. One should plan his schedule for this month, before-hand, so as to spare maximum time for 'ibadah. Here is a brief list of the acts which should be carried out in Ramadhan with due care:

What Should be Done in Ramadhan

1. To offer every prayer with jama'ah in a masjid.

2. To rise up a little earlier than the exact time of suhoor and to offer the salah of tahajjud. There is no prescribed number of the Tahajjud prayer.

3. To offer the nafl prayers of Ishraq (two rak'at after sunrise) Duha (Four rak'at which may be performed at anytime after Ishraq before noon) and Awwabin (six rak'at after maghrib).

4. The recitation of the Holy Qur'an. No specific limit is prescribed. But one should recite as much of it as he can.

5. Any Zikr or Tasbeeh. Apart from reciting these words, one hundred times each, at a particular time, they may also be continued frequently throughout the day, even if one is engaged in some light work, when walking and when in bed.

6. Prayers and supplications: No particular prayer is prescribed. One can pray for everything he needs both in this world and in the Hereafter. However, the supplications of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) are so comprehensive that they encompass all that a Muslim can need in his life and after his death. It is, therefore, much advisable to pray Allah Almighty in the prophetic words used by the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) .

There are several books where these prophetic supplications have been compiled. Here is the name of a book which should be kept by every Muslim in his home and be used for praying daily: (i) Al-hisnul-hasin By Allamah al-jazri

7. Sadaqah (charity): Apart from paying zakah, which is obligatory, one should also pay optional sadaqah in Ramadhan according to his best ability. It is reported in authentic ahadith that the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) used to pay special attention in Ramadhan to look after the poor and to help them financially. Therefore, a Muslim Should give as much money in sadaqah as he can afford.

What Should be Avoided in Ramadhan

All sinful acts should be avoided completely during the month of Ramadhan. Although the sinful acts are totally prohibited in Shariah, whether in Ramadhan or at any other time, but their prohibition becomes more severe in this month. It is evident that every Muslim avoids certain lawful acts, like eating and drinking, during the fasts. If he continues to commit sins in Ramadhan, it will be a mockery to avoid lawful things and yet be engaged in unlawful acts never allowed in Shari'ah. Thus, the abstinence from sins be comes all the more necessary in this month. Specially the following acts should be avoided totally:

(1) Telling a lie.

(2) Gheebah or backbiting i.e. condemnation of a person in his absence.

3) Quarrelling. (The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam) has particularly forbidden from it when one is in the state of fasting. He has directed us that, if someone wants to quarrel in Ramadhan, we should tell him that we are fasting, hence we are not prepared to indulge in any quarrel.

(4) Eating unlawful things.

(5) Earning through unlawful means.

(6) Any act which may harm a person without a valid cause.

(7) Burdening one's servants or employees with a toilsome job beyond their ability, without providing them facilities to carry it out.

In short, one should try his best to refrain from all kinds of sins, and protect his eyes, ears, tongue and all other organs from indulging in an unlawful activity. Once a Muslim spends the month of Ramadhan in this way, he will insha Allah, find himself equipped with a spiritual strength which will facilitate for him to conduct a good Islamic life in accordance with the pleasure of Allah.

Advice to Muslims in RamadHAaN

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Few intoductory and complementary notes by the translator:

1. Ramadhaan is an auspicious opportunity for believers to renew their commitment to their Creator and the Sovereign of the Day of Recompense. This commitment must be both outward and inward, so that a Muslim not only recites more Qur'an and offers more units of prayer, but that she or he does so with reflection, humility and attentiveness.

2. Muslims must ensure they are not formalists who concentrate only on the outward. Achieving Allah's acceptance must be a believer's priority and is not easy. "Indeed, Allah only accepts from the righteous [who fear him - al muttaqoon]." [Qur'an 5:27]

3. Ramadhaan is a wonderful opportunity for accounting of one's sins and making repentance. If one does not repent in Ramadhan, when will he or she do so?

4. Muslims should strive to worship Allah as best as they can from the beginning of the month, for that increases chances of the end of the month being good as well.

5. Muslims should consider what is it that they truly want to achieve in Ramadhaan, whether they want to be from the winners or from the losers, and should make sure they do not perform acts of worship simply because it is the surrounding people's custom to do so.

6. Muslims must be firmly aware that Ramadhan is only a means and not an end.

Advice to Muslims in Ramadhan

1. Fast Ramadhan with belief and truly seeking the reward of Allah the Most High so that He may forgive you your past sins.

2. Beware of breaking your fast during the days of Ramadhan without a valid Islamic excuse, for it is from the greatest of sins.

3. Pray Salat ut-Taraweeh and the night prayer during the nights of Ramadhan - especially on Layatul-Qadr - based on belief and truly seeking the reward of Allah, so that Allah may forgive you your past sins.

4. Make sure that your food, your drink and your clothing are from halal means, in order that your actions be accepted, and your supplications answered. Beware of refraining from the halal while fasting and breaking your fast with the haram.

5. Give food to some fasting people to gain a reward similar to theirs.

6. Perform your five prayers on time in congregation to gain the reward and Allah's protection.

7. Give a lot of charity for the best charity is that of Ramadhan.

8. Beware of spending your time without performing righteous deeds, for you will be responsible and reckoned for it and will be rewarded for all you do during your time.

9. Perform `umrah in Ramadhan for `Umrah in Ramadhan is equal to Hajj.

10. Seek help for fasting during the day by eating the sahoor meal in the last part of the night before the appearance of Fajr.

11. Hasten breaking your fast after the sun has truly set in order to gain the love of Allah.

12. Perform ghusl before fajr if you need to purify yourself from the state of major impurity so that you are able to do acts of worship in a state of purity and cleanliness.

13. Seize the opportunity of being in Ramadhan and spend it with the good that has been revealed in it - by reciting the noble Qur'an and pondering and reflection of its meanings so that it be a proof for you with your Lord and an intercessor for you on the Day of Reckoning.

14. Preserve your tongue from lying, cursing, backbiting and slander for it decreases the reward of fasting.

15. Do not let fasting cause you cross your boundaries by getting upset due to the slightest of reasons. Rather, fating should be a cause of peacefulness and tranquility of your soul.

16. Upon completion of fasting, be in a state of taqwa of Allah the Most High, being aware of Allah watching you in secret and in public, in thankfulness for His favors, and steadfastness upon obedience of Allah by doing all what He has ordered and shunning all that He has prohibited.

17. Increase in remembrance of Allah, seeking of forgiveness, asking for Paradise and protection against the Fire, especially when fasting, while breaking the fast and during suhoor, for these actions are among greatest causes of attaining Allah's forgiveness.

18. Increase in supplication for yourself, your parents, your children and Muslims, for Allah has ordered making of supplications and has guaranteed acceptance.

19. Repent to Allah with a sincere repentance in all times by leaving sins, regretting those that you have done before and firmly deciding not to return to them in the future, for Allah accepts repentance of those who repent.

20. Fast six days of Shawwal, for whoever fasts Ramadhan and then follows it with six days of Shawwal, it is as if he fasts all the time.

21. Continue being in a state of iman and taqwa and perform righteous actions after the month of Ramadhan, until you die. "And worship your Lord until there comes to you the certainty (i.e. death)". [Qur'an 15:99]

22. Ensure that you attain the positive effects of your acts of worship such as prayer, fasting, zakat and hajj, sincere repentance and leaving of customs that are in variance with the Sharee`ah.

25. Invoke a lot of salawat and salam upon the Messenger of Allah, may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him, his Companions and all those who follow them until the Day of Judgment.

O Allah make us and all Muslims of those who fast and stand in prayer during the month of Ramadhan based on belief and truly seeking Your reward so that we are forgiven our past and future sins.

O Allah make us of those who fasted the month, attained full reward, witnessed Layatul-Qadr and attained success by permission of the Lord, Blessed and Most High.

O Allah, verily you are Forgiver, like to forgive, so forgive us.
O Lord, accept from us, verily you are the All-Hearing, all-Seeing,
O Living, O Independent, O Owner of all majesty and honor.

And may Allah's blessings and peace be upon Muhammad, his family and his Companions.

Ramadhaan Focus - Q & A

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CONTRACEPTIVES AND FASTING

If a woman is on a contraceptive, can she continue to use it so not to miss fasts in Ramadhaan?
The contraceptive is used for medical purposes and not to prevent a child-not married .If an unmarried female is on a contraceptive for medical reasons, she may continue its use as that will be of dual benefit to her, medical as well as to be able to fast. If she does not have to take it for medical reasons then it is advisable for her not to do so as that is disturbing the natural cycle which may have health implications. and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best. [Mufti Ebrahim Desai]

KISS WHILST FASTING
During fasting, can I give my wife a tight squeeze and a smacking kiss?
If you are able to contain your carnal desires, then it is permissible to do so.If you are unable to do so, for example, you are young or newly married and there is a strong possibility that the hugging and kissing will lead to being more intimate, then it is prohibited. and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best. [Mufti Ebrahim Desai]

NOSE DROPS, EYE DROPS
Can a person who is sick inhale some menthol type medicine through the nose to clear the head during fasting in Ramadan? Can a person put eye drops in their eye during Fasting in Ramadan?
It is not permissible to inhale medicine during fasting. It is permissible to use eye drops during fasting. [Mufti Ebrahim Desai]

SWIMMING
Can one swim while fasting ?
It is permissible. Care should be taken that no water enters the mouth. It will,however, be best to abstain and use the precious moments of this month in Ibaadat. and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best. [Moulana Imraan Vawda]

BREASTFEEDING
I am breastfeeding my 5-month old daughter - can I fast during Ramadan?
The iftar time will be 8:30pm. If fasting affects lactation should I continue or make up the days later?It is permissible to fast whilst breastfeeding. However, if fasting affects lactation, you may make up for the fasts later. and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best.[Mufti Ebrahim Desai]

SWALLOWING MUCUS
If someone has a throat infection and is coughing up green or yellow colored sputum, if such sputum is swallowed will this invalidate the fast?
Similarily if someone has a runny nose from the flu or common cold which is producing clear mucus, if this mucus is swallowed will the fast be invalidated? Swallowing Mucus or sputum does not invalidate the fast. and Allah Ta'ala KnowsBest. [Mufti Ebrahim Desai]

SEHRI TIME
Being a Shafie, was my fast valid if I accidently followed the hanafi sehri ending time (which is earlier)? I am from Malaysia and studying in UK. I was not aware of the difference between fajar and asar time between the shafie and hanafi mazhab. A large portion of last ramadhan, I ate to the last minute before sehri ends using the hanafi time. Do I have to perform qada?
There is no difference of opinion in the terminating time of Sehri and commencing time for Fajr Salaat. All the scholars are unanimous that Sehri ends upon the commencing of Subh-e-Saadiq (break of dawn) when the horizontal light in the sky appears. Fajr time commences at Subh-e-Saadiq. Your fasts were valid and you do not have to make Qadhaa of your fasts. and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best.[Mufti Ebrahim Desai]

TOOTHPASTE & BRUSHING TEETH
1. I was wondering if brushing with miswaak allowed (which has a taste to it), why isn't brushing with tooth paste allowed?
It is permissible to make miswak while fasting. To use tooth paste in the state of fasting is Makrooh (disliked). The minimum taste in the miswak is unlike the strong taste in the paste. Furthermore the paste is a solid substance and liquidifies more in the mouth thereby having the potential of going down the throat. [Mufti E. Desai]

2. Is it permissible to brush teeth while fasting?
It is makrooh to use toothpaste during fasting. One may use the miswaak during fasting. [Mufti E Desai]

BLOOD TEST
If blood is taken out of the body, does this break the fast?
Taking out blood during fasting does not invalidate the fast. And Allah Ta'ala knows best. [Mufti E. Desai]

2. I am diabetic and I am prone to fainting - can I take blood tests to monitor my blood sugar during ramadan?
Shari'ah (laws of Islam) are balanced and have taken into consideration different circumstances. If a person is ill to such an extent that he will faint due to fasting, then he will be excused from fasting. Such a person may give Fidya (compensation) for not fasting. However, taking blood tests during fasting is permissible and that does not invalidate the fast. and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best. [Mufti Ebrahim Desai]

GUMS BLEED
When I am fasting, sometimes my gums bleed. If I swallowed this blood would my fast be broken? Sometimes I cannot spit the blood out at work as I cannot leave my post to go to the toilet easily?
You should not swallow the blood. However, the swallowing of the blood does not invalidate the fast. And Allah Ta'ala knows best. [Mufti E. Desai]

INJECTIONS WHILST FASTING
Is it permissible to take an injection while fasting and does that nullify the fast?
It is permissible to take an injection during fasting. The injection does not nullify the fast. (Ahsanul Fataawa vol.4 pg.432) And Allah Ta'ala Knows Best.[Mufti Ebrahim Desai]

ASTHMA PUMP
I am an asthma patient. Is it permissible for me to use the inhaler during fasting? The inhaler contains salbutamol (liquid medication). If it is not permissible, what should I do when I get an asthma attack during fasting?
Since the inhaler contains a medication (salbutamol) , the use of it in the state of fasting will invalidate the fast. We advise you take medication at the time of Sahri to avoid an asthma attack. However, should you get the attack during fasting, if there is no adequate alternative which does not break the fast, you may use the inhaler and make-up for that fast later (make Qadhaa). And Allah Ta'ala Knows Best. [Mufti Ebrahim Desai]

LIP BALMS
Are you allowed to put anything on your lips during fasting, such as lip balm or vaseline to help them from burning?
It is permissible to use a lip balm in the state of fasting. And Allah Ta'ala knows best. [Mufti E. Desai]

WET DREAM
During Ramdhan, if one has a wet dream (self relief during sleep), is the fast valid?
If one has a wet dream during fasting, the fast is still valid. And Allah Ta'ala knows best. [Mufti E. Desai]

INTIMACY WHILST FASTING
I am fasting is it permissible to sleep with own wife ?
If yes what we can do with her. touch, kiss, hug etc.
It is not permissible to have intercourse with one's wife during fasting. If the husband can control his desires, then he can touch, kiss, etc. the wife. If he fears that it may lead to being intimate with her, then it is prohibited. And Allah Ta'ala knows best . [Mufti E. Desai]

MENSES
1. If a female gets her period during her fast, can she break the fast right away or she has to wait till the end?
If a female gets her periods during fasting, she may eat immediately thereafter. However, she should not do so in public and in the presence of other fasting people. And Allah Ta'ala knows best. [Mufti E. Desai]

2. A female starts menstruating while fasting. What if she stops menstruating during fasting? How should she conduct herself?
If her menses commenced while fasting, she can eat (not in public). If her menses stopped while fasting, she should abstain from eating, drinking, etc. but(in both instances) make up for the day by keeping a Qadhaa fast after Ramadaan.(Aalamgiri vol.1 pg.214; Rashidiyya)

BATHING WHILST FASTING
I've been told not to take bath when I'm fasting,either before fasting or after iftar I can take a bath.Please tell me whether this is true?
It is permissible to take a bath while fasting. The information given to you is incorrect. And Allah Ta'ala knows best. [Mufti E. Desai]

PREGNANCY & POST BIRTH
1. Is a pregnant woman or one who has just delivered, permitted to fast in the month of Ramadhaan?
The fast of a pregnant woman is valid. However, due to weakness during pregnancy, she is exempt from fasting. After delivery of the baby, during Nifaas (bleeding after birth), she cannot fast. And Allah Ta'ala Knows Best. [Mufti Ebrahim Desai]

2. A woman delivered a baby about a month ago through a ceassarean operation. The doctor said that the operation wound may take upto 6 months to recover. She is also breast-feeding the baby. She has been adviced to keep herself healthy with proper intake of food. Since Ramadan is commencing after 1 month, is it
permissible for her to miss her fasts in the month of Ramadan and make up for it later. Please advice.?
Allah Ta ala says in the Qur aan, If a person is sick (whilst in Ramadhaan) or on a journey, then complete fast on other days (besides Ramadhaan). If by not eating there is harm feared to either the woman or her child, it will be permissible for her to continue eating and keep Qadhaa of Ramadhaan whenever she is able to. and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best. [Mufti Ebrahim Desai]

QADHAA FASTS IN SHAWWAL
Is it permissible to make up for the days missed during the month of Ramadhaan while people are fasting the six days in the month of Shawwal?
Yes. And Allah Ta'ala Knows Best. [Mufti Ebrahim Desai]

Education of children in Ramadan

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Children (who did not reach puberty) are not commanded to fast. However, their parents or guardians are strongly recommended to encourage them to fast few days so that they get used to it and they grow up knowing of the worship of fasting as they would know that of praying. In fact this was the practise of the first women of Islam who were living around the Prophet, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam. An example of that is ar-Rubayya' bint Mu'awiyyah who reported that: "The Messenger of Allah,salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, sent a man on the morning of the day of 'Ashurah, to the residences of the Ansar, saying: 'Whoever has spent the morning fasting is to complete his fast. Whoever has not spent this morning fasting should voluntary fast for the remainder of the day.' We fasted after that announcement, as did our young children. We would go to the mosque and make toys stuffed with cotton for them to play with. If one of them started crying due to hunger, we would give them a toy to play with until it was time to eat." [al-Bukhari and Muslim.]

There are many ways to educate your children about Ramadan, the best and most important of which is to set the good example by fasting properly and behaving according to the Prophetic teachings. This is what your children will take from you first. When you are fulfilling this you can very easily [and they will accept it and practise it easilly as well] teach them what you want. Here are few tips that you can use with your children [you can think of others as well]:

Depending on their age encourage them to fast a number of days upto every other day or more for those who are almost at the age of puberty. For those who are still young let them fast a day or two and praise them in front of friends and relatives for their achivement.

Let your children go with their father to the Masjid for Maghrib prayer and break the fast with the larger Muslim community to make them feel the gretness of fasting and the unity of Muslims in worshipping Allah.

If your children cannot fast let them eat with you at the time of Maghrib and teach them that you are breaking the fast even if they ate before.

Teach your children the supplication of breaking the fast

Take your children to the Taraweeh prayer so that they get used it and know about it from their early age. They may sit or stay in the back of the prayer room if they get tired.

Teach them to give charity. Do it in front of them and tell them you are doing it because the reward increases in Ramadan.

Teach them to recite Qur'an regularily and inform them that the Prophet (S) used to do that in Ramadan.

Correct them if they behave wrongly or say unaccaptable words and remind them that they are fasting ot they are in Ramadan and this may alter their reward.

Wake them up for Suhoor [even if they don't fast] and Fajr prayer.

Teach them to feed the people fasting and tell them about the reward for that.

Dress them in the best clothes, give them a bath and take them with you to the Eid Prayer. Teach them that this is our feast and celebration and that christmas, easter, thanksgiving and other holidays are not ours. Stress the distinction.
and remember that the Prophet salla allahu alaihi wa sallam said:
"One who is given the responsibility of the bringing up of daughters and treats them well will be a shield for him from Hell. [Bukhari and Muslim]

30 Simple Mistakes during Ramadan with Correction

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1: Focusing on food; to the extent that people begin to worry about
eating more then actually fasting. This also goes along with spending tons of money on Iftaars even though a person does not need to eat that much food.

2 : Making Suhoor way before Fajr. Some people eat Suhoor a few hours after Taraweeh or Isha Salah, this is wrong. It should be eaten
closer to the time of Fajr.

3 : People dont make Niyyah (intentions) to fast for Ramadan. This
is something in the heart and does not need to be verbal.
Also it can be done once, at the beginning of Ramadan which would be counted for every single day.

4 : If you find out late that Ramadan started, you should stop eating
and fast for that day, making that day up after Ramadan/Eid ends.

5 : Many people dont think you pray Taraweeh on the first night of
Ramadan (such as tonight). They believe you pray it after the first
day you actually fast. They forget that the Islamic calendar runs on
the moon, maghrib is the start of the new day.

6 : Many people believe if you eat or drink on accident this breaks
your fast. This is false, if you do this on accident then you continue fasting and do not need to make up the day.

7 : Some people take the opinion that if they see someone eating or
drinking they should not remind the person that he/she is fasting.
According to Sheikh Bin Baz (ra), this is incorrect and it is an
order from Allah for us to ordain the good and forbid the evil. Thus
we tell the person, because we are forbidding the evil this way.

8 : Many sisters believe they cannot use Hennah while fasting. This
is incorrect, they are allowed to use it during Ramadan.

9 : Some people believe when you are cooking you cannot taste the
food to see if it has the right spices/flavors. This is false, and
allowed in Islam as long as the person cooking is not eating the
food. Rather they can taste it to see if it needs salt, or more
spices. Remember the taste buds are on the toungue and not in the mouth.

10 : Many people think you cannot use a Miswak or toothbrush during Ramadan. This is false, for the Prophet(saw) used to use a miswak during Ramadan.

11 : Some people make the Fajr Adhan early. They do this so people will stop eating before Fajr and not invalidate their fast. This is wrong and something we should not do.

12 : Some people make the Maghrib Adhan late. They do this so people will start eating late, just incase Maghrib has not come in yet.

This too is wrong and we should not do this.
13 : Many many people believe you cannot have intercourse with your spouse during the whole month of Ramadan. This is false, you cannot do this only during the times when you are fasting. Between Maghrib and Fajr it is permissible to do.

14 : Many women believe that if their period has just ended and they did not make ghusl, they cannot fast that day (considering their
period ended at night, and they went to bed without Ghusl, waking up without having a chance to make it). This is incorrect, if a women has not made Ghusl she can still fast.

15 : Many men believe that if he has had intercourse with his wife
and did not make ghusl (similar to the above) then he cannot fast
the next morning. This is also incorrect, for he can fast even if he
has not made Ghusl.

16 : Some people pray Dhur and Asr prayers together during Ramadan. (mainly in Arab countries) This is incorrect and should be avoided.

17 : Some people believe you cannot eat until the Muadthin is done
calling the Maghrib Adthan. This is incorrect, as soon as he starts
a person can break their fast.

18 : Many people dont take advantage of making dua before they break their fast. This is one of the times when Allah accepts a person dua.

19 : Many people make the mistake of spending the later part of
Ramadan preparing for Eid, neglecting Ramadan. This is incorrect and these people lose the concept of what Ramadan is about.

20 : Many parents do not let their children fast during Ramadan
(young children). This is something counter productive to a child.
By allowing him to fast he will grow up to know he must do this act.

21 : Many people think Ramadan is just about not eating and forget
about controlling their tempers and watching what they say. In
actuality we are supposed to control our tempers and mouths even
more during Ramadan.

22 : People often waste their time during Ramadan. They go to sleep during the day and get nothing done. We should be taking advantage of this blessed month by doing extra Ibaadat.

23 : Some people dont go on trips or travel during Ramadan. They
think they have to break their fast when traveling. This is actually
optional, if you want to break your fast while traveling you can
(with making it up later), and if you dont you can continue fasting.

24 : Many people who are able dont make Itikaaf at the masjid. We
should take advantage of our good health and spend lots of time at
the Masjid, especially the last 10 days of Ramadan.

25 : Some people believe they cannot cut their hair or nails during
Ramadan. This is also false.

26 : Some people say you cannot swallow your spit during Ramadan.

This too is false. However you cannot swallow mucus that has entered your mouth.

27 : Some people say you cannot use scented oils or perfumes during Ramadan. This too is false.

28 : Some people believe bleeding breaks the fast. This is not true.

29 : Some people believe if you throw up (vomit) on accident it breaks your fast. This is not true, however if you do it intentionally it does.

30 : Some people think you cannot put water in your nose and mouth during wuduh in Ramadan. This too is incorrect.

Rewards For Performing Taraweeh During Ramadaan

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1ST NIGHT - Almighty Allah forgives all the sins of a moe'min.

2nd NIGHT - Your sins including your moe'min parents sins are forgiven.

3rd NIGHT - Below the Arash (Allah's throne) there an angel proclaims,"O, MOE'MIN make good deeds with sincerity, Allah has forgiven your past sins"

4th NIGHT - You are awarded the sawaab of reading Thaurat, Injeel, Zaboor and the Quraan Majid.

5th NIGHT - You get sawaab equal to that which you would gain if you read your namaaz in musjide Haram, Medina Munawara and masjide Aksa.6th NIGHT - You gain the sawaab of the Tawaaf made by the 70,000 angels made at Baitul Mamoor on the 7th sky.

7th NIGHT - You receive the sawaab of those good people who helped Moosa A.S. when he fought Firon and Haman.

8th NIGHT - The rewards for the 8th tharawi are equal to the sawaab awarded to Ebrahim A.S.

9th NIGHT - The rewards of this night of Tharawi are equivalent to the sawaabs awarded to our HOLY PROPHET - MOHAMMED S.A.W. [P.B.O.H]10th NIGHT - Allah proclaims for you all the best in the world.

11th NIGHT - The reward for this night is that when a moe'min leaves this world, he goes with faith {Imaan}

12th NIGHT - On the day of resurrection you will appear with a face with so much (Noor) lustre on it, as much as the lustre of the 14th moon.13th NIGHT - On the day of resurrection, you will be protected from evil.

14th NIGHT - On the day of resurrection, the angels will be witnesses for the taraweeg you are performing. On this evidence Allah will grant your entry into Paradise without account.15th NIGHT - All the Malaikaas, the Hoories and the Arsh-wa-Kursie (Allah's throne) plead for you before Allah for his mercy.16th NIGHT - Allah gives instructions: to free you from Hell - to allow you entrance to Paradise.

17th NIGHT - Allah grants you the sawaab of the Ambias.

18th NIGHT - On this night a angel announces that Allah is happy with you, and your parents.

19th NIGHT- The reward for this night is that Allah makes your position greater in Paradise.

20th NIGHT- On this night Allah rewards you by granting to you the sawaab of the martyred and the pious.

21st NIGHT - On this night, Allah builds a house with lustre for you in Paradise.

22nd NIGHT - On the resurrection ground you will arrive duly freed from sorrow and worry.

23rd NIGHT - On this night Allah makes a garden ("shaher") for you in Paradise.

24th NIGHT - On this night Allah grants twenty-four duas (wishes).

25th NIGHT - Allah lifts his punishment form your grave.

26th NIGHT - Allah increases for you the sawaab of 40 years.

27th NIGHT - The rewards for this night of Tarawee are that you will be able to cross the Pul-Siraat (bridge) like lightning.28th NIGHT - Your position in Paradise is increased by one stage.

29th NIGHT - Allah Ta'aala grants the sawaab of 1,000 "makabul" (accepted) Haj.

30th NIGHT - By performing this night of taraweeg you would be one of the many persons who, on the day of resurrection will hear Allah Ta'aala say in Paradise, "Eat whichever fruit you like to eat, bathe with the water of Salsabil and drink the Kauser water! I am thy Lord and you are my person (banda)! "Ramadhaan - The Month Of Blessings

Ramadhaan is a month of countless blessings and virtues. The word Ramadhaan is derived from "ramdh' which means "burning of the feet from heat" This is because of the fast, which burns the sins of a Muslim into ashes.

Ramadhaan has been given the name of blessed month because:

1. In this month, the whole Qur'aan was sent down to the first sky from Lawhe Mahfooz.

2. In this month, there is the night of Qadr which is better than 1000 months.

3. In this month, the thawaab of good deed is equal to the fardh of another month.

4. This is the month of patience and the reward of this patience is Jannah.

5. This month teaches the lesson of kindness towards others.

6. In this month, the daily bread of Muslims is increased.

7. In this month, the first ten days are of mercy, second ten days are of forgiveness and the last ten days are of being freed from Hell.

8.. The month of Ramadhaan is a month in which the Mercy and Blessings of Allah Ta'aala descend upon us continuously.

This month is so precious that one should fast, recite Qur'aan and keep himself engaged in worship (Ibaadah) day night. One should perform Taraweeg, Nafl Salaah, make du'aa, etc. In this way, by giving preference to religion over self-desires, a person can acquire the Pleasure and Nearness of Allah. Each day and night of this blessed month can bring the reward of Ibaadah of years.Ramadhaan In The Light Of Ahaadeeth

Ka'b Ibne 'Ujrah radhiyallahu anhu relates that the Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam said, "Come near the pulpit," and we came near the pulpit.

When he ascended the first step of the pulpit, he said, "Aameen." When he ascended the second step, he said, "Aameen." When he ascended the third step, he said, "Aameen." When he descended, we said, "O Prophet of Allahsallallahu alayhi wasallam, we have heard from you today something which we never heard before.

" He said, "When I ascended the first step, jibra'eel appeared before me and said, 'Woe to him who found the blessed month of Ramadhaan and let it pass by without gaining forgiveness. ' Upon that I said: Aameen. When I ascended the second step, he said, 'Woe to him before whom your name is mentioned and he does not read Durood (Salaat) on you.. 'I replied: Aameen. When I ascended the third step he said, 'Woe to him in whose presence his parents or either one of them attains old age, and (through failure to serve them) he is not allowed to enter Paradise.' I said: Aameen." (Bukhaari)

Salmaan radhiyallahu anhu relates that Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam said, "Ramadhaan is a blessed month. In this month is a night better than 1000 months. Fasting has been made compulsory and Taraaweeh Sunnah. Whosoever tries drawing nearer to Allah by performing any virtuous deed in this month, for him shall be such reward as if he had performed a 'Fardh' in any other time of the year. And whoever performs a 'Fardh' for him shall be the reward of seventy 'Fardh' in any other time of the year.

This is indeed the month of patience, and the reward for patience is Paradise; it is the month of sympathy with one's fellowmen; this is the month wherein a true believer's Rizq is increased." BayhaqiIn this month the doors of Paradise are opened and the doors of hell are closed. And the Shayaateen are chained. Bukhaari, MuslimThis is a month, the first part of which brings Allah's Mercy, the middle of which brings His forgiveness and the last part of which brings emancipation from the fire of Hell. BayhaqiDuring each day and night of this month, Allah sets free a great number of souls from Hell. And for every Muslim during each day and night, at least one prayer is certainly accepted. (Bazzaa)r

In this month, the Ummah of Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam are given these things specially.

1. The smell from the mouth of a fasting person is sweeter in the sight of Allah than the fragrant smell of musk.

2.. On their behalf the fish in the sea seek forgiveness until they break their fast.

3. For them, paradise is decorated everyday.

4. For them, the evil-minded shaytaan is chained.

5. On the last night of Ramadhaan they are forgiven.

THINGS TO DO IN THIS MONTH

Four things have been instructed in the Hadeeth, which one should continue to practice in abundance:1.. Recite the Kalimah Tayyibah.

2. Make Istighfaar.

3. Ask for Jannah.

4. Seek refuge in Allah from Hell.

In this month one should fast, perform all Salaat with congregation, engage in recitation of the Qur'aan, perform Taraaweeh, give charity and do whatever is possible to acquire the Pleasure of Allah. One should make sure that he does not do anything contrary to the Command of Allah and the teachings of His beloved Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam.FASTING

In Ramadhaan, Allah has made fasting compulsory. It is one of the five pillars of Islam. Just like the flower, which outsmarts other flowers in its smell and colour, and like the fruit, which surpasses the other fruits in its taste, the Ibaadah of fasting outweighs the other forms of devotions in reward. A person gives up everything whilst fasting, only to please his Almighty Creator. It is one of the most accepted forms of Ibaadah, because Allah Himself will give the reward for fasting.SEHRI

Allah and His Angels send Mercy upon those who eat Sehri. Allah has made Sehri full of mercy and blessings. People of other religions also fast, but they do not eat Sehri, therefore, to differ from them, it is advisableto have at least a sip of water with the intention of Sehri.

IFTAAR

Many virtues have been narrated for those who feed others when breaking fast. A person who feeds another who fasted in order to break the fast (at sunset), for him there shall be forgiveness and emancipation from the fire of Hell. Allah grants the same reward to him who gives a fasting person a mere date or a drink of water to break his fast.TARAWEEH

In Ramadhaan, Allah has made w0 Rak'at Taraaweeh Sunnah. It is also Sunnah to complete the full Qur'aan in Taraaweeh. Taraaweeh is Sunnah for women too.LAYLATUL QADR

This is a night of great blessings. It is better than a thousand months. The people of the past had very long lives compared to the much shorter lives of this Ummah. If this Ummah then wished to compete with them in doing of the good deeds, it would mean that because of the shorter lives it would be impossible for this Ummah to either emulate or surpass them. For this reason, Allah in His Infinite Mercy granted this Ummah, this night of great blessing. This night has great virtues i.e.1.. The Qur'aan was revealed in this night.

2. The reward of worship in this night is better than the reward of 1,000 months.

3. On this night, Jibraeel descends to the earth with a group of angels, reciting salaam and praying for the blessings for those they see in Worship and Praises Allah.

4.. This is a night of peace. The blessings and mercy descends right until the break of day.

The author of Mazahir-e-Haqq states the following significance and virtues of this auspicious night:

* On this night, the angles were created.

* On this night, the matter from which Adam alayhis salaam was created had been collected.

* On this night, Jannah and Jahannan were created.

* On this night, 'Eesaa alayhis salaam was raised up bodily into the heavens.

* On this night, the repentance of Banoo Israa'eel was accepted.

* It is stated in a Hadeeth: "Whosoever stands in Ibaadah on this night with sincere faith and with genuine hopes of gaining reward, his previous sins will be forgiven." (Bukhaari, Muslim)

WHICH NIGHT IS LAYLATUL QADR

There is a difference of opinion amongst the Ulamaa about this night.

According to the vast majority of them, the Laylatul Qadr falls on the odd dates of the last ten days of the month of Ramadhaan - i.e. 21, 23, 25, 27, and 29. However, one should strive to search for this great night in all nights of the month of Ramadhaan, particularly in the last ten nights.I'TIKAAF

It was the general practice of Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam to perform I'tikaaf in the last ten days of Ramadhaan.. The women should also try to perform I'tikaaf in their homes. It is stated in a Hadeeth:Whoever performs I'tikaaf in the final ten days of Ramadhaan, for him is the reward of Hajj and Umrah.

Ramzan (Id-Ul-Fitr) - Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan

2010-07-04T05:41:00.001-07:00

Ramzan (Id-Ul-Fitr) - Muslim holiday that marks the end of Ramadan

Ramazan is the holy month of Islamic calender. Muslim around the world observe fast for the whole month. Eid ul-Fitr is a joyous occasion with important religious significance. ...

The five basic tenets of Islam are:

1. There is no God but Allah and Prophet Muhammad is his messenger.

2. Offering of five daily prayers.

3. Fasting during Ramzaan.

4. Paying Zakat, a compulsory annual tax of 2.5 per cent on savings and assets that is distributed among the poor.

5. The Haj, the pilgrimage to Mecca for those who can afford it financially and physically.

What does Ramzan mean?

RAMAZAN also known as RAMADAAN. Ramazan is the holy month of the Islamic calender. During this month Muslim around the world observe fast for the whole month. Fasting during the day means abstenance from food, water and sex. The fasting period starts from an hour before daybreak till after sunset.

The months end with the siting of the new moon which signifies the day for Eid know as Eid-ul-Fitr.

Why Ramzan is Important to Muslims?
This month holds importance because it was during this month that the Holy Quran, the word of Allah for mankind, was revealed through the Prophet of Islam, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). So during this month recitation of the Quran is also done. The whole month becomes auspicious with everybody observing Roza and namaaz and all are filled with the spirit of piety and reverence.

How Ramzan is celebrated? What is Roza?
The Muslims are ordained to observe fast for 29 or 30 days (depending on the sighting of the moon) starting with the sighting of the new moon and end it after seeing the new moon, the next month. This Fasting is called 'Roza'. It is the month for self-introspection and self-restraint, penance and prayers. The roza is broken at the end of the day eating food or snacks. This meal or snacks called the iftaar and everybody share the meal with family members, relatives and dear ones.

Celebrated all over India, Eid-ul-Fitr is a very happy festival, especially for children who get gifts and money called 'Eidy' after having joined the elders at mass prayers and paying their respects to them. The bazaars are decked out and people go to Eid prayers in new clothes and accessories creating an atmosphere of colorful joy, happiness and brotherhood.

Prayers are held at all mosques in all over India, like in the Jama Masjid, Delhi where the scene is that of a fair: festivities, games and shops or stalls for children and adults. Eid-ul-Fitr brings a message of peace, friendship and brotherhood, which is displayed by 'Eid-Milan', literally meaning, 'embracing and celebrating together'. This is done after Eid prayers when all embrace each other at the mosque. Friends and business acquaintances of all faiths and communities are invited home for Eid-Milan and are served festive food including 'Sewaiyaan' (vermicelli/ noodles cooked in ghee and milk with sugar), also known as 'Paisam' in Southern India.

The last 10 days of Ramzan are more important as the faithful watch for Lailathul Qadr (the Night of Power) during which the revelation of the book to the Prophet was completed. In a way it is considered the climax of Ramzan and Muslims keep awake all night praying or listening to sermons by Ulema or the high priest.

20 Common Mistakes Made During Ramadan

2010-07-04T05:40:00.000-07:00

Most Muslims who fast in Ramadan focus on the benefits and rewards of it. But in doing so, we often make mistakes that instead of adding to our experience actually detract from it. Mistakes that can make us commercialize Ramadan as so many other religions have commercialized their sacred days. Insha’Allah the following will serve as a reminder to, first, myself and then to all Muslims. May Allah help us in spending our time wisely this Ramadan and help us in avoiding these mistakes. Ameen!

1. Taking Ramadan as a ritual

For many of us Ramadan has lost its spirituality and has become more of a ritual than a form of Ibaadah. We fast from morning to night like a zombie just because everyone around us is fasting, too. We forget that it’s a time to purify our hearts and our souls from all evil. We forget to beseech Allah SWT to forgive us and ask Him to save us from the Hell-Fire. Surely, we stay away from food and drink but that’s about it. Although the Prophet (s.a.w.w.) said:

Jibra’eel said to me, ‘May Allaah rub his nose in the dust, that person to who Ramadan comes and his sins are not forgiven,’ and I said, ‘Ameen’. Then he said, ‘May Allaah rub his nose in the dust, that person who lives to see his parents grow old, one or both of them, but he does not enter Paradise (by not serving them) and I said, ‘Ameen’. Then he said, ‘May Allaah rub his nose in the dust, that person in whose presence you are mentioned and he does not send blessings upon you,’ and I said, ‘Ameen.” [Tirmidhi, Ahmad and others. It is classified as Saheeh by al-Albaani]

2. Too much stress on food and drink

For some people, the entire month of Ramadan revolves around food. They spend the ENTIRE day planning, cooking, shopping and thinking only about food, instead of concentrating on Salah, Quraan and other acts of worship. They think so much about FOOD that they turn the month of ‘fasting’ into the month of ‘feasting’. Come Iftaar time, their table is a sight to see, with the multitudes and varieties of food, sweets and drinks. They are missing the very purpose of fasting, and thus, increase in their greed and desires instead of learning to control them. Besides, it leads to wastage of food and extravagance.

…and eat and drink but waste not by extravagance, certainly He (Allaah) likes not Al-Musrifoon (those who waste by extravagance) [Qur’an, al-Araaf :31]

3. Spending all day cooking

Some of the sisters (either by their own choice or forced by their husbands) are cooking ALL day and ALL night, so that by the end of the day, they are too tired to even pray Ishaa, let alone pray Taraweeh or Tahajjud or even read the Qur’an. This is the month of mercy and forgiveness. So turn off that stove and turn on your Imaan!

4. Eating too much

Some people stuff themselves at Suhoor until they are ready to burst, because they think this is the way to not feel hungry during the day and some people eat at Iftaar, like there is no tomorrow, trying to ‘make up for the food missed’. However, this is completely against the Sunnah. Moderation is the key to everything.

The Prophet (s.a.w.w.) said: ‘The son of Adam does not fill any vessel worse than his stomach; for the son of Adam a few mouthfuls are sufficient to keep his back straight. If you must fill it, then one-third for food, one-third for drink and one-third for air.’ [Tirmidhi, Ibn Maajah. Classified as saheeh by al-Albaani]

Too much food distracts a person from many deeds of obedience and worship, makes him lazy and also makes the heart heedless. It was said to Imam Ahmad: Does a man find any softness and humility in his heart when he is full? He said, I do not think so.

5. Sleeping all day

Some people spend their entire day (or a major part of it) ’sleeping away their fast’. Is this what is really required of us during this noble month? These people are also missing the purpose of fasting and are slaves to their desires of comfort and ease. They cannot ‘bear’ to be awake and face a little hunger or exert a little self-control. For a fasting person to spend most of the day asleep is nothing but negligence on his part.

6. Wasting time

The month of Ramadan is a very precious time, so much so that Allaah SWT calls this month ‘Ayyamum Ma’doodaat’ (A fixed number of days). Before we know it, this month of mercy and forgiveness will be over. We should try and spend every moment possible in the worship of Allah so that we can make the most of this blessing. However, there are some of us who waste away their day playing video games, or worse still, watching TV, movies or even listening to music to occupy their mind so that they won’t feel the hunger pangs. Subhaan Allah! Trying to obey Allah by DISOBEYING Him!?

7. Fasting but not giving up evil

Some of us fast but do not give up lying, cursing, fighting, backbiting, etc. and some of us fast but do not give up cheating, stealing, dealing in haraam activities, buying lottery tickets, selling alcohol, fornication, etc. and all kinds of impermissible things without realizing that the purpose of fasting is to not stay away from food and drink; rather the aim behind it is to fear Allaah, to increase our Taqwa.

‘O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious)’ [Qur’an, al-Baqarah :183]

The Prophet (s.a.w.w.) said: ‘Whoever does not give up false speech and acting upon it, and ignorance, Allaah has no need of him giving up his food and drink.’ [Bukhaari]

8. Skipping Suhoor (sehri)

The Prophet (s.a.w.w.) said: ‘Eat suhoor for in suhoor there is blessing.’ [Bukhaari, Muslim].

And he (s.a.w.w.) said: ‘The thing that differentiates between our fasting and the fasting of the People of the Book is eating suhoor.’ [Muslim]

9. Stopping Suhoor at ‘Imsaak’ (a correction on my part)

Some people stop eating Suhoor 10-15 minutes earlier than the time of Fajr to observe ‘Imsaak’.

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen said: This is a kind of bidah (innovation) which has no basis in the Sunnah. Rather the Sunnah is to do the opposite. Allah allows us to eat until dawn: ‘and eat and drink until the white thread (light) of dawn appears to you distinct from the black thread (darkness of night)’ [Qur’an, al-Baqarah :187]

And the Prophet (s.a.w.w.) said: ‘….eat and drink until you hear the adhaan of Ibn Umm Maktoom, for he does not give the adhaan until dawn comes.’

This ‘imsaak’ which some of the people do is an addition to what Allaah has prescribed, so it is false. It is a kind of extremism in religion, and the Prophet (s.a.w.w.) said: ‘Those who go to extremes are doomed, those who go to extremes are doomed, those who go to extremes are doomed.’ [Muslim]

10. Not fasting if they missed Suhoor

Some people are too scared to fast if they miss Suhoor. However, this is an act kind of cowardice and love of ease. Missing a few morsels in the morning will, insha’Allah, not lead to death. Remember, obedience to Allaah overcomes everything. Saying the intention for fast out loud or saying a specific dua’a to start fasting are bid’ah. The intention is an action of the heart. We should resolve in our heart that we are going to fast tomorrow. That is all we need. It is not prescribed by the Shari’ah for us to say out loud. Also, there is no specific dua’a to be recited at the time of starting the fast in the Sunnah. Whatever ‘dua’a’ one may see on some papers or Ramadan calendars, etc. is Bid’ah.

11. Delaying opening fast

Some people wait until the adhaan finishes or even several minutes after that, just to be ‘on the safe side’. However, the Sunnah is to hasten to open the fast, which means opening fast whenever the adhaan starts, right after the sun has set (and not before). Aa’ishah (RA) said: This is what the Messenger of Allaah (s.a.w.w.) used to do. [Muslim]

The Prophet (s.a.w.w.) said: ‘The people will continue to do well so long as they hasten to open the fast.’ [Bukhaari, Muslim]

Determine to the best of your ability, the accuracy of your clock, calendar, etc. and then have tawakkul (trust) on Allaah SWT and break your fast exactly on time.

12. Eating continuously until the time for Maghrib is up

Some people put so much food in their plates when breaking their fast and continue eating, enjoying dessert, drinking tea, etc., until they miss the Maghrib prayer. That is obviously not right. The Sunnah of the Prophet (s.a.w.w.) was that once he broke his fast with some dates, them he would hasten to the prayer. Once you are done with the prayer, you can always go back and eat some more if you wish.

13. Missing the golden chance of having your Dua’a accepted

The prayer of the fasting person is guaranteed to be accepted at the time of breaking fast.

The Prophet (s.a.w.w.) said: ‘Three prayers are not rejected: the prayer of a father, the prayer of a fasting person, and the prayer of a traveler.’ [al-Bayhaqi, classified as saheeh by al-Albaani]

Instead of sitting down and making Dua’a at this precious time, some people forego this beautiful chance, and are too busy frying samosas, talking, setting the food, filling their plates and glasses, etc. Think about it…Is food more important than the chance to have your sins forgiven or the fulfillment of your Dua’as.

14. Fasting but not praying

The fasting of one who does not pray WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. This is because not praying constitutes kufr as the Prophet (s.a.w.w.) said: ‘Between a man and shirk and kufr there stands his giving up prayer.’ [Muslim]

In fact, NONE of his good deeds will be accepted; rather, they are all annulled.

‘Whoever does not pray ‘Asr, his good deeds will be annulled.’ [Bukhaari]

15. Fasting and not wearing Hijaab

Not wearing the Hijaab is a major sin as it is obligatory for Muslim women. (See Surah Nur, Surah Ahzaab). So fasting and not wearing hijaab certainly takes away, enormously, from the rewards of fasting.

16. Not fasting because of exams or work

Exams or work is NOT one of the excuses allowed by the Shariah to not fast. You can do your studying and revision at night if it is too hard to do it during the day. Also remember that pleasing and obeying Allaah is much more important than ‘good grades’. Besides, if you will fulfill your obligation to fast, even if you have to study, Allaah will make your studies and other activities easy for you and help you in everything you do. ‘Whosoever fears Allah, He will appoint for him a way out and provide for him from where he does not expect, Allah is Sufficient for whosoever puts his trust in Him. [Qur’an, Surah at-Talaaq :2-3]

17. Mixing fasting and dieting

DO NOT make the mistake of fasting with the intention to diet. That is one of the biggest mistakes some of us make (especially sisters). Fasting is an act of worship and can only be for the sake of Allah alone. Otherwise, mixing it with the intention of dieting may become a form of (minor) Shirk.

18. Praying ONLY on the night of the 27th Ramadan

Some people pray ONLY on the 27th to seek Lailat ul-Qadr, neglecting all other odd nights, although the Prophet (s.a.w.w.) said: ‘Seek Lailat ul-Qadr among the odd numbered nights of the last ten nights of Ramadaan.’ [Bukhaari, Muslim]

19. Wasting the last part of Ramadan preparing for Eid

Some people waste the entire last 10 days of Ramadan preparing for Eid, shopping and frequenting malls, etc. neglecting Ibadah and Lailatul Qadr. Even though, the Prophet (s.a.w.w.) used to strive the most during the last ten days of Ramadan in worship [Ahmad, Muslim] and not in shopping. Buy whatever you need for Eid before Ramadan so that you can utilize the time in Ramadan to the utmost.

Aa’ishah (RA) said: ‘When the (last) ten nights began, the Messenger of Allaah (s.a.w.w.) would tighten his waist-wrapper (i..e., strive hard in worship or refrain from intimacy with his wives), stay awake at night and wake his family.’ [Bukhaari and Muslim]

20. Iftaar parties

Although inviting each other for breaking fast is good and encouraged, some people go to extremes with lavish ‘Iftaar parties’ with all sorts of disobedience to Allah, from flirting, mixing of the sexes and hijaab-less women to show-off and extravagance, to heedlessness to Salaah, and Taraweeh to even music and dancing. It’s not too late to rectify ones mistake and do good for the sake of Allah.

Inform My servants that I am the Forgiver, Most Merciful. [Qur’an, al-Hijr:49]

Age no bar

2010-05-21T23:36:00.001-07:00

You can’t stop ageing, but can definitely age slower than you think

Stop trying to fight nature with the help of cosmetic surgeries and an endless cycle of botox. That does not mean you resign to it and prepare your mind to "age gracefully". Instead, fight ageing the natural way

Read healthy
Fighting age has a lot to do with eating healthy. First, you must ‘know’ what’s healthy. So if ‘whole grains’ sounds like an alien term and you still consider vada pav as the best quick-fix solution to hunger, it’s high time you pull up the antenna. Get those health magazines out and get yourself educated. Chances are, unhealthy practices will come down drastically. And just like any investment, it’s bound to pay dividends (that will show on your body).

Follow diet charts, but…
Merely counting calorie requirements as per body weight can be a huge mistake. Take into account the climatic conditions as well. What you eat in summer has to be different from what/how much you eat in other seasons. Moreover, your lifestyle and vocation have a significant role to play. When temperature goes up, the metabolic system slows down and there are high chances of energy being stored as fat — an express route to speedy ageing. To deal with such a problem, cut down on meat and increase the proportion of greens that will go easy on your metabolism.

Move around
Dedicate 40 minutes, thrice a week to outdoor exercise. If you plan to hit the gym, ensure you go four days a week, giving enough time to train different body parts on each day. Yes, you will feel fitter and your energy levels will be high, but the benefits don’t stop here. It will help you deal with stress — a term synonymous with fast ageing.

Courtesy the high level of feel good hormones (endorphins), you will feel in control of yourself and the situations around you. You will have lower resting heart rate and also have a stable blood pressure. The production of testosterone levels in the body will be stimulated as well. Regular exercise will also help you get a toner skin, making you look younger and healthier.

Keep dehydration away
Dehydration is known to fasten the ageing process. Ensure you have adequate water eight to ten times a day, and 12 to 15 times a day (if you are into a strenuous lifestyle). Bear in mind that it’s not just about the ‘amount’ of water you drink. It is equally important to drink at regular intervals. Moreover, the heavier your body, the more is the amount of water that you must drink.

Supplementation
A major contributor to everlasting youth at one point of time was the abundant nutrition available in natural foods.

However, with excessive usage of pesticides and other chemicals, nutrition levels aren’t the same any more, which is why we need multi-vitamins, especially for Vitamin C and E. Fish and citrus fruits are the natural sources that can go along with your supplements. Also, ensure a good supply of anti-ageing anti-oxidants via cereals and whole grains.

Don’t party late
Human beings aren’t nocturnal nor can they see in the dark. Nature has made them so and for a reason. Why go against it? Our body clocks are timed according to sunlight, and our late night partying habits are a rebellion against our own bodies. The glands (that should ideally get rest after sunset) are forced into working overtime and as a result, speed up the ageing process. The undue interference with the body clock over time manifests itself in distorted sleep patterns. So turn off the lights and slow down the ageing. Going by the same logic, do not schedule your exercise regimen for the end of the day. Get up an hour early in the morning if required.

Say no to dairy
Research has shown that dairy products aren’t the best sources of proteins courtesy the natural make up of our intestines. Relying on dairy for long can induce allergies, make you lactose intolerant, and hence, speed the ageing process.

Hence, it is best to keep them in moderation and rely on red beans, egg and other natural sources instead.
Check it through
Going for regular check-ups is the most undermined, yet most powerful method of slowing down the ageing process, especially among Indians. Regular BP and cholesterol check-ups can help pin down problems at their nascent stages itself. Why wait until it’s too late?

Kid-zz night

2010-05-21T23:35:00.003-07:00

Don’t let insomnia get the better of your children. Here’s what you can do if your kid can’t seem to get a good night’s sleep
It might be the food they eat, or the mounting pressure of studies, but kids are as prone to insomnia as adults. And considering their age, the repurcussions can be huge. Take a look at the common reasons that can play havoc with your child’s sleep, and take preventive actions.

Beds not right
Even something as basic as a pillow can mean the difference between a good night’s sleep and a bad one. For example, a pillow that’s too big or bulky can cause children to toss and turn in their sleep.

What to do

• Adult pillows are too big. Young children should start with a flattish, fairly firm pillow to give support to their neck and shoulders, though it should be soft and comfortable too.

• If you’re not sure what kind of pillow will suit your child best, think about how he/she sleeps. If your child sleeps on his/her back, a medium firm pillow is best while a firm pillow supporting the neck is ideal if s(he) sleeps on the side. A slightly softer pillow is better to cushion children who sleep on their tummies.

• Avoid soft goose down or feather pillows; they can be a choking hazard.

It's not dark enough
Darkness triggers the release of melatonin — the hormone that brings on sleepiness.

But with kids’ surroundings now packed with gadgets — it may still be too bright, even with the lights out. The rays from a sleeping TV or computer screen can disturb sleep and affect the production of sleep hormones. Watch out for blinking and flashing lights your child can see from bed. Lights of a digital clock are also enough wake them up when they are in a period of light sleep.

What to do

• Turn everything off. Fit a dimmer switch to lower lights gradually.

• Check your door and window coverings too to see how much light they let in. Use door snakes or blackout curtains — they can really help your child to sleep for longer.

• If your child is afraid of the dark, use a moonlight lamp that gives off a calming green glow.

• Also try glow-in-the-dark stickers, or give them a bedside torch.

Wrong food

If your child has a big meal just before bedtime, their metabolic rate and body temperature goes up which makes it harder for them to drop off. But being hungry can also keep them awake. What to do:

• Let them have a small bedtime snack about half an hour before bed.

• Look for snacks that contain tryptophan, a substance which helps produce the sleep hormone melatonin. These include poultry, bananas, oats and dairy products.

• Good snacks include porridge, bananas, yoghurt and muesli.

• Avoid giving kids acidic foods like orange juice that can cause heartburn. Rich, creamy or greasy meals too trigger indigestion and gas.

Bedroom issues
Superheroes might be your child’s favourites during the day but at night posters and pictures plastered over the walls makes it difficult to switch off.

What to do

• Check if there are any images which might be over-stimulating.

• Colours can have a strong influence on moods. Shades like red and hot pinks make it hard for a kid to calm down.
• Ideal colours for your child’s room are pale shades of pink and green.

Growing pains

Night-time growing pains — usually in the thigh or calf muscles — are very common in youngsters. It’s assumed they are caused when the skeleton grows faster than muscles. Although harmless, the sensation can keep children awake.

What to do

• Try painkillers such as paracetamol or give kids a hot-water bottle.

• Massaging legs can also be soothing — or you could also seek advice on stretching exercises.

They are too tired

Children who are put to bed too late may be so exhausted that they can’t sleep. Instead, they get cranky.

What to do

• Try to keep to a consistent bedtime ritual. Sometimes children don’t want to go to bed simply because they want to be with you. If you give them quality attention every night, they will accept bedtime more easily.

• Don’t let them watch TV or play computer games before bed instead of having that special time.

‘It’s the time when secrets come out’
A lot of kids are under immense pressure that culminates into thoughts which interfere with the sleeping process. Hence, it is important for parents to be around when their child is going to sleep. The mere presence is a big emotional support. A sweet 'goodnight' can go a long way.

Also, one must not forget that bedtime is the time when all the secrets come out. Having a casual talk with your child at this time will calm him/her down. In the process, children learn to deal with problems that maybe trivial for you, but seem to be of great importance to them.

Moreover, saying a prayer with your child at this time will work wonders for his/her emotional development.

I just want one more day with you

2010-05-21T23:35:00.001-07:00

I'm so sad and depressed

Is all I want to do is rest

I go to sleep at night

But my dreams I just can't fight

I think of you lying in that bed

And wonder if there is anything I could have said

I wish you were still here

But I know that you are still near

I love you more than you know

I just wish you didn't have to go

I just want one more day with you

And I know thats what you would have wanted too

I miss you more and more each day

There is so much more we had to say

I know I will see you again

But my life is just started to begin.

Women in the Quran

2010-05-21T23:34:00.001-07:00

It is a well known fact that in Islam, women are held in high esteem. Bibi Khadija, Prophet Muhammad's (p.b.u.h.) wife was a business woman and in fact the Holy Prophet was her employee! Then, our beloved Bibi Fatima (a.s.) the Prophet's daughter was helping him and Hazrat Ali in the management and distribution of charities and social welfare of the Muslim Ummah of the time. The veil imposed upon women by the Mullahs and patriarchs, seems to be a later, cultural development. In the Holy Quran Allah asks that both women and men cover their fineries. Respectable dress has been ordained but not robes covering the head where vision is impaired and makes it tough to be mobile - running after kids, cooking, going to work.

This essay aims at acquainting us with women mentioned in the Holy Quran. To be sure, it by no means is a comprehensive or a definitive account nor a scholarly discourse. It is simply aninteresting look at the life and lifestyles of women appearing in the Quran.

The women mentioned in the Quran are often treated as narrative tools in stories centred around men. They have seldom been studied to find out what kind of images Allah has chosen to give us regarding them.Generally, the Holy Book mentions women by their family references instead of by their own names(an Arab social tradition of the times). However, there is one exception - Bibi Mariam who is clearly mentioned by her own name, elucidating therefore the unique position or status of the Holy Virgin. Also, the Quran mentions 'good' and 'negative' examples of women.

THE FIRST LADY - HAVA
She does not appear in the Quran as such. She is simply referred to as 'the spouse of Adam'. She was created by Allah as companion to Adam, and together they were to live in Paradise.Misled by Shaitan, they both defaulted. Repenting, they together sought forgiveness in the words from Surah Araf"Our Lord! We have been unjust to ourselves, and if Thou forgive us not, and have no mercy on us, we shall certainly be of the losers." In the same Surah, Allah says: "O Children of Adam! Let not the Shaitan cause you to fall into affliction as he expelled your parents from the garden, pulling off from both of them their clothing..."

SARAH
She was the wife of Hazrat Ibrahim with who she migrated first to Palestine and then to Egypt. In her old age, the angels approached her with a prophecy that she would give birth to a son, Ishaq: "And his wife was standing by, so she laughed, then we gave her the good news of Ishaq and after Ishaq of (a son's son) Yaqoub.She said: O wonder! Shall I bear a son when I am an extremely old woman and this my husband an extremely old man?..."

HAJIRAH
She is described as the younger wife of Hazrat Ibrahim, and mother to Hazrat Ismail. Allah ordered Ibrahim to leave her with her son alone in the desert of Mecca. Frantic for water for her infant, she ran across between the mountains of Safa and Marwah. This action was later on made mandatory by Allah for every pilgrim. In a miracle, water gushed forth for mother and son in the form of 'Zamzam'.

ZULEKHA
She is mentioned as the wife of an Egyptian chief. She made repeated attempts to seduce Hazrat Yusuf who had been brought as a young slave to her palace."And she in whose house she was sought to make him yield to her, and she made fast the
doors and said:Come forward..." Failing in her seductive attempts she had him imprisoned. Yusuf was tried and acquitted, and Zulekha confessed her sin:"...The chief's wife said:Now has the truth become established; I sought him to yield to me, and he is most surely of the truthful ones." This confession is viewed as
the transformation of her soul - from worldly love to love of God.

EUCABID
Believed to be Hazrat Musa's mother whom Allah addressed:"And we revealed to Musa's mother saying:Give him suck, then when you fear for him, cast him into the river and do not fear nor grieve; surely We will bring him back to you and make him one of the apostles. (28:7)

ASIYA
She is described in the Quran as the wife of Pharoah. She adopted Hazrat Musa after he was rescued from the Nile. She also protected him from the Pharoah and pleaded for him:"And Firon's wife said:"A refreshment of the eye to me and to you; do not slay him;may be he will be useful to us, or we may take him for a son."

SAFURAH
She is Hazrat Musa's wife. In the Quran, she is one of the two women whom Hazrat Musa rescued from bad men and helped them:"So he watered their sheep for them..." She recommended him to her father for employment:"O my father! employ him, surely the best of those that you can employ is the strong man,the faithful one." The father then offered the girl in marriage to Musa:" I desire to marry one of these two daughters of mine to you on condition that you should serve me for eight years..."

BILQUIS, THE QUEEN OF SHEBA
Bilquis is the name given by the Arab Jews to the Queen of Sheba, who in the Old Testament is depicted as a temptress. However, the Holy Quran vindicates her as a powerful. wise and enlightened monarch. She refuses her advisors to try their military prowess against Hazrat Sulaiman. After visiting him, she accepted the faith:"Surely I found a woman ruling over them, and she has been given abundance and she has a mighty throne." " I found her and her people adoring the sun instead of Allah..." Finally, convinced of the truth, she submitted"...and I submit with Sulaiman to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds." Her reference in the Quran offers a strong argument to those who believe that Islam is not against the concept of a woman ruler.

MARIAM (Mary)
Exalted in the Quran "above the women of all the worlds":"OMariam! Surely Allah has chosen you and purified you and chosen you above the women of the world...O Mariam! Keep to obedience to your Lord and humble yourself..." She is the only
woman who is mentioned in the Quran by her own first name and has a Surah named after her. Two Surahs - Al Imran and Mariam narrate her story in considerable detail.She was brought up by the prophet Zakariya who soon discovered her spiritual link with Allah. When she became an adult, she was approached by angels:"O Mariam!, surely Allah gives you good news with a Word from Him (of one) whose name is the Messiah, Isa, son of Mariam, worthy of regard in this world and the hereafter and of those who are made near to Allah." In the Quran, there is evidence of all the experiences a woman in her circumstances undergoes - embarassment and anxiety, labour and delivery pains, and her agony at not being able to have any proof of her chastity in the face of questioning people. She testified to the truth of the words of her Lord (Allah) and of His revelations, and was one of the most devout believers: "And Mariam, the daughter of Imran, who guarded her chastity, so We breathed into her of Our inspiration and she accepted the truth of the words of her Lord and His books, and she was of the obedient ones." (66:12)

AYESHA
Ayesha, daughter of Abu Bakr, was one of the wives of the HolyProphet(PBUH). It is said that she was very young, in her teens, at the time of her marriage. She was unduly involved in a scandal by the hypocrites in Madinah,and the Quran declared her innocence by stipulating that whoever fails to prove an allegation against a woman should himself receive punishment for adultery: "Surely they who concocted the lie are a party from among you... Every man othem shall have what he has earned of sin...he shall have grievouschastisement." (24:11) Bibi Ayesha was a brilliant woman. She is believed to have narrated more than 2000 Hadith of the Holy Prophet(PBUH). She was considered to be an authority on the Prophet's life as well as on the interpretations and meanings of the verses of the Holy Quran. Her guidance was frequently sought onintricate religious and judicial matters. Testifying to the sublimity of the Prophet's morals she commented: 'His morals are the Quran'. She lived for some 48 years after Prophet Muhammad(PBUH).

The Quran also mentions 'negative' women.

NUH'S WIFE
Her first name is not known. She was a non-believer: "Allah sets forth an example to those who disbelieve, the wife of Nuh and the wife of Lut: they were both under two of our righteous servants, but they acted treacherously towards them...and it was said: Enter both the fire..."(66:10) She was drowned in the great flood.

WIFE OF LUT
She was also a non-believer married to Prophet Lut. When Allah chose to wipe out the people of Sodom for their sin, she too was wiped out: "We will most surely deliver them all, except his wife; We ordained that she shall surely be of those who remain behind." (15:59-60)

URWAH
Wife of Abu Lahab, a non-believing uncle of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). She used to cut down thorny branches and spread them in the Prophet's way as he passed by. Surah 111 called Lahab (Flame) speaks of Abu Lahab and his wife: "...And his wife, the wood carrier, upon her neck a halter of strongly twisted rope."

Eye Do

2010-05-15T02:36:00.001-07:00

Do you spend your entire day staring at the computer? Or are you addicted to just about every soap on television? Either way, you’re definitely straining your eyes. And it takes more than just a diet rich in Vitamin A to keep those peepers strong. Prameet Kotak, yoga expert and proprietor of RAPTfx (Remedial Approach Personal Training-Enhancing performance through fitness) teaches you some easy-to-do eye exercises.

Warm up

Just like a regular workout, eye exercises also begin with a warm up. Rub your palms against each other. Next, shut your eyes and cover them with your palms. Make sure no light reaches the eye. Hold this position for seven to eight seconds. Perform five sets.

Step 1
Shut your eyes and massage the eyelids in circular motion. Make sure you don’t apply too much pressure. Gently rub your fingertips on the eyelids for two to three minutes.

Step 2
Roll your eyes up and down, 10 times. Next, roll your eyes clock-wise and anti-clock wise alternately. Perform five sets.

Step 3
Look at tip of nose and the centre of your eyebrows. Alternate between both these points for a total of 10 sets.

Step 4
Take a ruler and make a tiny dot on it with a sketch pen. Hold it at an arm’s length in front of you. Now concentrate on the pen mark for five seconds and immediately concentrate your vision on a far away spot. Bring your focus back to the dot. Repeat this upto seven times.

Step 5
Sit in front of a blank wall and get creative by simply making designs on that wall by using only your eyes. Try drawing geometrical figures, letters, numbers etc. Don’t move your neck. Try and perform this exercise for one minute.

Step 6
Lightly press the spot on the base of your eyebrows, just above the nose. Trace the eye-sockets till you come full circle. Do this for four minutes.

Cool down
End your workout with a meditative technique. Light a candle and place it at eye-level, at a distance where you can focus on the flame comfortably. Stare at the flame till your eyes begin to water. Fight the urge to blink and shut your eyes only when you can’t keep them open any longer

Friends

2010-05-15T02:35:00.001-07:00

One day when you feel alone

Remember i'm at the end of a phone

I love you loads

And that must show

I want to let all the world to no

I have a friend, that is you

I love you for all you do

Your face so sweet and your heart so gentle

Keeping me together when i'm going mental

Telling me you love me and that you hold me tight

Being there for me even in the night

Thank you friend you mean a lot to me

Maybe now you'll see

How much you mean to me

Love Will Come Again

2010-05-15T02:34:00.001-07:00

People say love comes and goes...

I say let the truth be known...

We have several types of love;

for our children,

parents,

and friends,

but there is a gentle love

that I call my best friend.

I've been fortunate enough to love or I thought it was...

until I met a man that showed me what is a best friend.

He taught me how to laugh, cry,

and show me how it feels to have emotions again,

but some how life took over

and we said our good-byes,

but you see he gave me something I was missing

and that was me.

I thank my special friend

for I will never forget

how wonderful it was to be loved again.

I remember

2010-05-15T02:33:00.002-07:00

I remember when I first saw you

the day I was at work

I remember when we first talked

outside our math class

I remember when we first danced

at a party, Friday night

I remember when we first kissed

in your room, looking through high school pictures

I remember when we first slow danced

the day we started our relationship

I remember when I first said I love you

you told me your heart skipped a beat

I remember when we first made love

my heart told me it was right

I remember when we first cried together

talking about family and loved ones

I remember when we first prayed together

in my room, holding each other tight

I remember all our firsts

but, I can't see our lasts

Looking at the past

2010-05-15T02:33:00.000-07:00

Looking at the past

Straight into the face

Wishing it would take me back.

Back to that happier place.

The place that completed me

Set my heart free,

To land in the hands on thee.

It was the best time of my life,

The pain is so deep now,

It feels like I've been stabbed with a knife.

I put my heart on the line, for thee,

and he threw it back into my face.

I guess he found a better place,

Someone with a prettier face.

I fell for him, he fell for her,

At that very moment my heart hit the floor.

She got the keys to his heart,

All I got was a broken heart.

If only he knew how sad and blue,

I am because of him,

Would he try to be my friend?

Or would he leave my broken heart never to mend?

Or would he offend me,

By telling me he doesn't want to lose her

because of me.

Or will he lose her, because of me.

Or will he look into my tearful eyes,

And realize what he is losing,

And tell me how much he misses me,

And how he will never hurt me again,

That he loves me and we'll be together forever,

That I am his bestfriend.

Then finish it with a kiss,

At that very moment I'll wake up

And realize I am all alone,

And it was nothing but a dream.

How to make Symbols with a Keyboard

2010-05-14T02:32:00.001-07:00

Wondering how someone makes a Heart, Arrow or even a TM trademark symbol with their Keyboard?

All you need to do is Hold down your "ALT" key and press another key on the keyboard to create a symbol. Here is a list of some you can make. Have Fun!

•Alt + 0153..... ™... trademark symbol

•Alt + 0169.... ©.... copyright symbol

•Alt + 0174..... ®... .registered trademark symbol

•Alt + 0176 ...°....... .degree symbol

•Alt + 0177 ...± ... .plus-or-minus sign

•Alt + 0182 ...¶....... paragraph mark

•Alt + 0190 ...¾...... fraction, three-fourths

•Alt + 0215 .... ×..... multiplication sign

•Alt + 0162... ¢...... the cent sign

•Alt + 0161..... ¡...... upside down exclamation point

•Alt + 0191..... ¿..... upside down question mark

•Alt + 1.......... ☺... smiley fsce

•Alt + 2 ......... ☻... black smiley face

•Alt + 15........ ☼... sun

•Alt + 12........ ♀.... female sign

•Alt + 11....... ♂.... male sign

•Alt + 6......... ♠..... spade sign

•Alt + 5.......... ♣.... Club symbol

•Alt + 3.......... ♥.... Heart

•Alt + 4.......... ♦..... Diamond

•Alt + 13........ ♪..... eighth note

•Alt + 14........ ♫.... beamed eighth note

•Alt + 8721.... ∑.... N-ary summation (auto sum)

•Alt + 251...... √..... square root check mark

•Alt + 8236..... ∞.... infinity

•Alt + 24........ ↑..... up arrow

•Alt + 25........ ↓..... down arrow

•Alt + 26........ →... right pointing arrow

•Alt + 27........ ←... left arrow

•Alt + 18........ ↕..... up/down arrow

•Alt + 29........ ↔... left right arrow

Sweet 8 lies of a mother

2010-05-14T02:29:00.001-07:00

This story begins when I was a child: I was born poor. Often we hadn't enough to eat. Whenever we had some food, Mother often gave me her portion of rice. While she was transferring her rice into my bowl, she would say "Eat this rice, son! I'm not hungry." This was Mother's First Lie.

As I grew, Mother gave up her spare time to fish in a river near our house; she hoped that from the fish she caught, she could give me a little bit more nutritious food for my growth. Once she had caught just two fish, she would make fish soup. While I was eating the soup, mother would sit beside me and eat what was still left on the bone of the fish I had eaten; My heart was touched when I saw it. Once I gave the other fish to her on my chopstick but she immediately refused it and said, "Eat this fish, son! I don't really like fish." This was Mother's Second Lie.

Then, in order to fund my education, Mother went to a Match Factory to bring home some used matchboxes which she filled with fresh matchsticks.. This helped her get some money to cover our needs. One wintry night I awoke to find Mother filling the matchboxes by candlelight. So I said, "Mother, go to sleep; it's late: you can continue working tomorrow morning." Mother smiled and said "Go to sleep, son! I'm not tired." This was Mother's Third Lie.

When I had to sit my Final Examination, Mother accompanied me.. After dawn, Mother waited for me for hours in the heat of the sun. When the bell rang, I ran to meet her.. Mother embraced me and poured me a glass of tea that she had prepared in a thermos. The tea was not as strong as my Mother's love, Seeing Mother covered with perspiration; I at once gave her my glass and asked her to drink too. Mother said "Drink, son! I'm not thirsty!". This was Mother's Fourth Lie.

After Father's death, Mother had to play the role of a single parent. She held on to her former job; she had to fund our needs alone. Our family's life was more complicated. We suffered from starvation. Seeing our family's condition worsening, my kind Uncle who lived near my house came to help us solve our problems big and small. Our other neighbours saw that we were poverty stricken so they often advised my mother to marry again. But Mother refused to remarry saying "I don't need love." This was Mother's Fifth Lie.

After I had finished my studies and got a job, it was time for my old Mother to retire but she carried on going to the market every morning just to sell a few vegetables. I kept sending her money but she was steadfast and even sent the money back to me. She said, "I have enough money." That was Mother's Sixth Lie.

I continued my part-time studies for my Master's Degree. Funded by the American Corporation for which I worked, I succeeded in my studies. With a big jump in my salary, I decided to bring Mother to enjoy life in America but Mother didn't want to bother her son; she said to me "I'm not used to high living." That was Mother's Seventh Lie.

In her dotage, Mother was attacked by cancer and had to be hospitalized. Now living far across the ocean, I went home to visit Mother who was bedridden after an operation. Mother tried to smile but I was heartbroken because she was so thin and feeble but Mother said, "Don't cry, son! I'm not in pain." That was Mother's Eighth Lie.

Telling me this, her eighth lie, she died. YES, MOTHER WAS AN ANGEL!

M - O - T - H - E - R

"M" is for the Million things she gave me,

"O" means Only that she's growing old,

"T" is for the Tears she shed to save me,

"H" is for her Heart of gold,

"E" is for her Eyes with love-light shining in them,

R" means Right, and right she'll always be,

Put them all together, they spell "MOTHER" a word that means the world to me. For those of you who are lucky to be still blessed with your Mom's presence on Earth, this story is beautiful. For those who aren't so blessed, this is even more beautiful

SHAHI KAJU ALOO

2010-05-14T02:11:00.005-07:00

300 gms Potato (Aloo)
4 tblsp Cashewnut (Kaju) soaked in 1/4 cup water
1 tblsp chopped Ginger (Adrak)
1 tsp chopped Garlic (Lasun)
1/2 tsp Black Cumin Seed (Shah Jeera)
1 Bay Leaf (Tej Patta)
2 chopped Onion (Pyaj)
a pinch of Turmeric (Haldi)
1/4 tsp Garam Masala
2 tblsp chopped Coriander Leaves (Dhania Patta)
1/4 cup beaten Curd (Dahi)
1/4 cup Milk
Oil for frying

•Wash potatoes and peel and cut them into 1 inch pieces.

•Fry the potatoes to a deep golden brown and keep aside.

•Grind cashewnuts, ginger and garlic to a paste in a grinder.

•Keep this paste aside.

•Heat some of the oil in a heavy bottomed pan.

•Add black cumin and bay leaf.

•Wait for 30 seconds till cumin seeds stop spluttering.

•Add onions and cook on low flame till onions turn soft but do not let them turn brown.

•Add turmeric and garam masala. Stir to mix well.

•Add the paste prepared earlier. Cook for 1 minute.

•Add yogurt and stir fry till water evaporates.

•Cook till it dries.

•Add milk and about 1/2 cup of water to the gravy.

•Boil and simmer for 2 -3 minutes.

•Add the fried potatoes and chopped coriander to the garvy and simmer on low flame.

•Cook on low flame till the gravy thickens and coats all the potatoes.

•Serve hot with nan or paranthas.

KEEMA MATAR

2010-05-14T02:11:00.003-07:00

500 gms Minced Meat (Keema)
250 gms Peas (Matar)
1/2 tsp Turmeric (Haldi)
1 tsp Red Chili Powder (Lal Mirchi)
1 " chopped Ginger (Adrak)
3 Green chilli (Hari mirch)
1 tsp Garam Masala
3 large Brown Cardamom (Elaichi Moti) crushed
1 cup fresh and thick curd Curd (Dahi)
1 pinch of Asafetida (Hing)
4 tblsp Clarified Butter (Ghee)
Coriander Leaves (Dhania)

•Heat ghee and fry asafetida.

•Add salt, green chillies, turmeric and coriander powder.

•Add cardomoms and garam masala and simmer.

•Then add a cup of hot water.

•Cover and cook till the water dries and peas and keema are done.

•Garnish with coriander leaves.

•Serve hot with nan or chapatis.

MURG NOORJEHANI

2010-05-14T02:10:00.005-07:00

1 Chicken
6 tblsp Clarified Butter (Ghee)
4 Bay Leaf (Tej Patta)
1/4 tsp Saffron (Kesar), soaked in lukewarm milk
3 meduim sized Onion (Pyaj)
2 cups beaten Curd (Dahi)
1/2 " Ginger (Adrak)
8 pods Garlic (Lasun)
4 Green Chillies
4 Cloves (Lavang)
1 " Cinnamon (Tuj/Dalchini)
3 Brown Cardamom (Elaichi Moti)
1 tsp Aniseed (Sauf)
2 boiled eggs
2 -3 Almonds Few Sultanas

•First grind ginger, garlic, green chillies, cloves, cinnamom, cardamoms, aniseed to a fine paste.

•Now prick the chicken well with a fork.

•Mix curd with ground spices and rub it over the chicken.

•Set it aside and allow the chicken to marinate for 3 - 4 hours.

•Heat ghee, fry bay leaves, add onions and let them brown well.

•Add the chicken along with marinade.

•Cook on medium flame till nearly done.

•Add salt and saffron and fry chicken till the masal begins to coat the chicken and it is well brown.

•Pour the chicken in a dish and top it with silver foil.

•Also add chopped boiled eggs, almonds sliced and fried sultanas.

•Serev with fried rice, nan and paranthas.

BIRYANI BADSHAHI

2010-05-14T02:10:00.001-07:00

1/2 kg Mutton
250 gms Rice parboiled
311/2 tblsp Lemon Juice
10 blanched Almonds (Badam)
1/2 tblsp Mint Leaves (Pudina Leaves)
1 cups Butter
1 handfuls chopped Coriander Leaves (Dhania Patta)
1/2 tblsp Cumin Seed (Jeera)
2 large sliced Onion (Kanda Pyaaz)
2 Brown Cardamom (Elaichi Moti)
1 tblsp Oil
4 pods Garlic (Lasun)
2 Cloves (Lavang)
1 " long piece Ginger (Adrak)
1/2 tblsp Saffron (Kesar)
1/2 tblsp Green Chilly (Hari Mirch) chopped
1/2 tblsp Red Chili Powder (Lal Mirchi)
1/2 " Cinnamon (Tuj/Dalchini)
1/2 kg Curd (Dahi)
125 gms Milk
3 cups Water

•First wash and soak rice.

•Then fry sliced onions to a golden brown color.

•Soak saffron in water.

•Now grind ginger, red chillies, garlic and almonds and fry these in butter.

•Add it to the mutton and salt and stir for 5 minutes.

•Now add water and cook onlow flame till meat becomes tender and about 1 cup of gravy is left.

•Boil rice with salt in another pan.

•Put curd into a piece of muslin cloth and let the water drain away.

•Add cloves, cardomoms, cumin seed, mint leaves, chopped chillies and coriander in drained curd.

•Strain the saffron water and add lemon juice.

•Add all this to mutton.

•Sprinkle half of the boiled rice over the mutton and then spread a layer of fried onion and then of rice again.

•Now pour milk and some butter and cover the vessel.

•Seal the edges of the pan with flour paste.

•Place the can on flame for one hour.

•Serve it very hot with some curry.

SHAHI CHICKEN KORMA

2010-05-14T02:09:00.001-07:00

1 Chicken deboned and cut into pieces
3 Onion (Pyaj) chopped
1 tsp Turmeric (Haldi)
1 tsp Coriander Seeds Powder (Dhania Powder)
1 tsp Red Chilly Powder (Lal Mirch)
1 " long piece Ginger (Adrak) chopped
8 Garlic (Lasun) minced
1 cup Curd (Dahi) fresh and thick
1/2 tsp Garam Masala
3 tblsp Clarified Butter (Ghee)
5 Almonds (Badam) chopped
10 Cashewnut (Kaju) chopped
Lemon juice to taste
Coriander Leaves (Dhania Patta)

•Beat the curd and mix chicken pieces with turmeric and salt.

•Set it aside for half an hour.

•Now heat ghee and fry onions, ginger, garlic till light brown.

•Add red chilly powder, coriander and simmer for few minutes.

•Add chicken and fry for 5 minutes.

•Add 2 cups of hot water and stir well.

•Cover and cook till chicken is tender and dry.

•Add garam masala and salt.

•Mix all the dry fruits and garnish with coriander leaves.

•Serve hot.

SHAHJEHANI MURG MASALA

2010-05-14T02:08:00.007-07:00

SHAHJEHANI MURG MASALA

1 Chicken cut into cubes

A pinch of Nutmeg (Jaiphal) Powder

1 cup fresh Cream (Malai)

1 tsp Poppy seeds (Khus-Khus)

1/2 tsp Fenugreek seeds (Methi)

1 tsp Coriander Seeds Powder (Dhania)

15 Cashewnut (Kaju) crushed

10 Almond (Badam) blanched and crushed

2 Onion (Pyaj) chopped

3 Bay Leaf (Tej Patta)

6 Garlic (Lasun) pods

1/2 tsp Garam Masala

6 tsp Clarified Butter (Ghee)

Roast little cumin, poppy, fenugreek seeds and grind into powder.

Heat ghee, fry onions and garlic till it is brown.

Add chicken and fry.

Now add powdered masala, salt , coriander powder, bay leaf.

Simmer for 2 -3 minutes.

Add cream, 1/2 cup hot water and cook till water dries.

Add garam masala, nutmeg and cardamoms.

Cover and simmer for 5 minutes on low flame.

Take off from the fire and serve hot with nan or chapattis.

MUGHLAI CHICKEN PULAO

2010-05-14T02:08:00.003-07:00

1 Chicken cleaned and cut
1 kg Minced Mutton
2 cups Clarified Butter (Ghee)
4 big sized Onion (Pyaj) minced
1/4 kg Curd (Dahi)
1/2 kg Rice
1/2 tsp Saffron (Kesar)
Few Sliced and fried Almond (Badam)
4 Bay Leaf (Tej Patta)
1 " long piece Cinnamon (Tuj/Dalchini)
10 Cloves (Lavang)
10 Cardamoms
18 Pepper corns (Kalimirchi)
3 pods Garlic (Lasun)
1 " long piece Ginger (Adrak)
1 tsp Red Chili Powder (Lal Mirchi)
2 tsp Coriander Seeds Powder (Dhania Powder)
1 tsp Cumin Seed Powder (Jeera)
1/4 tsp Turmeric (Haldi)

First grind garlic, ginger, chiili powder, coriander, turmeric and cumin powder to a fine paste.

Now heat 4 tblsp of ghee and fry 2 onions till brown.

Add half the whole spices and then add chicken and mince meat and let it brown.

Add ground spices and fry for a few minutes along with chicken and mince.

Add 2 cups of hot water, cover and cook till chicken is tender.

Beat the curd with saffron and add to chicken.

Cook uncovered for 10 minutes.

Remove from flame and keep aside.

Now heat the remaining ghee and fry bay leaves and remaining whole spices.

Add onions and brown them well.

Add rice and fry till brown.

Add enough water to cook rice and also 1 tsp of salt.

Spread a layer of rice on a flat serving dish and then another layer of meat.

Repeat with one more layer of each.

Garnish with almonds.

SHAHI ROGAN JOSH

2010-05-14T02:07:00.003-07:00

250 gms Minced Mutton
2 meduim sized sliced Onion (Pyaj)
1 tsp Garam Masala
4 chopped Green chilli (Hari mirch)
3 skinned and chopped Tomato (Tamatar)
1 cup fresh Curd (Dahi)
A big pinch of Saffron (Kesar)oaked in lukewarm milk
15 Cashewnut (Kaju)
4 tblsp Clarified Butter (Ghee)
1 " long piece Ginger (Adrak)
1 tblsp Coriander Seeds Powder (Dhania Powder)
1 tblsp Turmeric (Haldi)
6 Red Chillies
1 tblsp Cumin Seed (Jeera)
6 cloves Garlic (Lasun)

•First grind ginger, corainder seeds, turmeric powder, red chillies, cumin seeds, garlic with adequate quantity of salt to a thick paste.

•Now heat ghee.

•Fry onions, green chillies, tomatoes till brown and ghee begins to separate.

•Add masala paste and simmer for 3 minutes.

•Add keema and simmer.

•Add beaten curd and a cup of water.

•Cook till meat is tender and gravy is thick.

•Add garam masala, soaked saffron and cashewnuts.

•Cover it with a lid for few minutes.

•Serve hot garnished with chopped coriander leaves.

MURG KABABS

2010-05-14T02:07:00.001-07:00

500 gms Chicken (cut into pieces)
1 cup Cornflour
1 tsp Garlic (Lasun) juice
2 tblsp Curd (Dahi)
2 cups Clarified Butter (Ghee)
1 Cellophane Bag
1 tsp Ginger (Adrak) juice
1 tsp Black Pepper (Kali Mirch)

Soak chicken pieces in salt, garlic and ginger juice for 12 to 16 hours.

Now put cornflour in the bag with little salt and black pepper.

Add pieces of chicken removed from garlic juice and ginger and vinegar.

Shake the bag well with chicken, cornflour, salt and pepper in it.

Heat the ghee in a pan.

Then gradually add pieces of chicken and fry them till golden brown on high flame.

Continue frying till all the pieces are done.

Server hot with green salad.

SEEKH KABAB

2010-05-14T02:06:00.001-07:00

500 gms Lamb Mince(Keema)
Brown Color
3/4 tsp Garam Masala
1 tsp Garlic (Lasun) paste
1 tblsp Raw Papaya Paste
1 tsp Ginger (Adrak) Paste
2 tblsp Cashewnut (Kaju)
2 tsp thick Cream (Malai)
2 Onion (Pyaj)
2 tsp Carom Seeds / Thyme (Ajwain)
2 tsp Dried Mango Powder (Amchoor)
2 tblsp Rock Salt (Kala Namak)
3 tblsp Cumin Seed (Jeera)
1 tblsp Dry Ginger (Saunth)
1 tsp Black Pepper (Kali Mirch)
1/2 tsp Nutmeg Powder(Jaiphal)

•Wash the keema and put in a strainer and gently press to squeezeout all the water.

•Mix all the ingredients to the keema and knead well.

•Keep aside for 1 hour.

•Heat a gas oven or an electric oven with the skewers.

•Take a big ball of the keema mixture and hold a hot skewer carefully in the other hand.

•Press the mince on to a hot skewer.

•The keema will immediately stick to the hot skewer.

•Repeat with left over mince on all the other skewers.

•Place the skewers in the oven.

•Keep rotating the skewers occasionally.

•When cooked, gently remove the kababs from the skewers with the help of a napkin.

•Shallow fry the kababs on a nonstick pans in 1 tablespoon oil.

•To serve sprinkle some chat masala and lemon juice on the kababs.

Friends Eternal

2010-05-13T04:16:00.001-07:00

You're a true friend,

that I want you to know,

Our love for each other

has helped us to grow.

We've been through some tough times,

but we've made it through,

The only one I ever trusted was you.

You helped me through anger,

you've chased away fears.

You held me through sadness,

and kissed away tears.

You stayed by my side

when the world turned away.

You helped me see joy

when the skies were all gray.

You were the rainbow

at the end of the storm.

You help me be different

when I shouldn't conform.

You held my hand

when you knew we would fall.

Every heartache,

you saw me through it all.

I'm not sure

I'm always the best friend to you,

I know I'm not perfect,

but this much is true.

When life gets you down,

And there's nowhere to turn,

I'll help you through and

I'll share your concern.

I'll try my best to return every favor,

When you're sure that you'll drown,

then I'll be your lifesaver;

Even if we both go down.

Whether we sink or swim

doesn't matter at all,

Just know that I'll be there

whenever you call.

I'll pull you out

when life pulls you under.

I'll be the sun

when there's lightning and thunder.

And when it's all over,

And we've fought every war,

There's one thing I promise,

Of this I am sure,

When the time comes

that we're put to our rest.

Be sure that you know that,

My friend, you're the best.

And if there is Heaven,

then I know you'll be there,

That if you die first

then you'll hear every prayer.

And soon I'll join you,

but just know until then.

That I'll miss you each day

'til I see you again.

At the end of the tunnel,

you'll be my guiding light,

You'll lead me to heaven,

away from the night.

We'll be there together,

and we'll never grow old.

And we'll walk hand in hand

On the streets paved of gold

10 ways to crack a job

2010-05-13T04:15:00.001-07:00

Ask a job seeker what his or her biggest nightmare is and the most likely answers are: rejection, lack of strategy and confidence while giving an interview and most importantly, not being able to crack the interview despite the qualification.

But now, help is at hand with this list of 10 ways to get the top job that we have compiled with some help from Nasha Fitter, the author of You're Hired and founder of Fitter Solutions. In her comprehensive book, Fitter writes about ways to cope with the current competitive work environment. Here's how she sums up Study the English language well. Concentrate on the grammar and construction of sentences. Focus

The next step after you've learnt the language would be learning its usage and application in the right context. Read a lot of good books and watch news channels. Speech

Record your voice while you practice talking to pick out mispronunciations and other niggles. Breathing while you speak is important. Learn to be in control of what you're saying. Listen

Listen carefully when your interviewer speaks with you. Some people don't answer correctly because of lack of attention. Profile

Perfect your curriculum vitae (CV). Work on it as many times as possible. It has to be brief but impressive. List your individual achievements as well as team skills. Rehearse

Practice makes one perfect. Do a bit of rehearsal before you go for the interview. Talk about five specific interesting things about yourself. Don't digress and don't forget to point out your strengths and weaknesses. Know what you want from the job because the invariable question every interviewer would ask is: "Why do you want this job?" Be prepared

Your interviewer must ask you something that might seem antagonistic. Don't take everything personally. Be prepared to face him or her smartly. Right look

Buy one nice formal outfit. It doesn't harm if it's an expensive one. Don't overdress.

I Miss You Like Hell

2010-05-13T04:14:00.004-07:00

I miss you like hell

But somehow i had to let you

know.

That i was sick of holding on

While you were letting go.

I miss you like hell

But this time I'll be strong.

You thought I'd come running to you again

Turns out, i proved you wrong.

I'm not the dreamy little girl you used to know

Running back to you whenever i had the chance.

I'm a real lady right now

I won't be fooled by a whirlwind romance.

But don't you worry, our memories will always be inside

Especially that song we always used to hear.

And the phone conversation that lasted for hours

Your voice always pushed away my fear.

But i finally found strength within myself.

I finally could say I'm through.

Because I thought i was weak when you weren't there.

Until i realized how strong i was without you.

And i miss you like hell.

But this time I'll be strong.

You thought I'd come running to you again.

Finally, i proved you wrong.

*Relationships are like glass. Sometimes it's better to leave it broken than try to hurt yourself putting it back together.- Anonymous

BAS Maa

2010-05-13T04:14:00.000-07:00

Umer Bhar Seene Se Laga Kar Pala Hai Maa Ne

Ghalat Batoon Pe Thora Thora Mara Hai Maa Ne

Abhi Tak Wo Bachpane Ki Yadein Hain Baqi

Aur Wo Bachpane Ki Batein Hain Baqi

Ke Jab Mein Ne Bola Tha Maa Pehli Baar

Maa Ki Aankhon Mein Bhara Tha Kitna Pyar

Paida Huwa Tha To Kuch Nahi Tha Mein

Maa Ki Wajha Se Aaj Hoon Kya Kya Mein

Lalach To Kuch Nahi Meri Maa Ko Magar

Acha Ho Jo Dedoon Dil Tohfay Mein Agar

Maa Ko Choorte Hain Aise Kuch Log Hotay Hain

Phir Auroon Ke Liyay Wo Hamesha Soog Hotay Hain

Kuch Logoon Ke Liye Maa Ko Choorte Nahi

Chahay Kuch Ho Jaye Moo Moortey Nahi

Maa Se Hamesha Hamein Sukh Milte Hain

Phir Bhi Us Ko Hamse Dukh Milte Hain

Kash Qurbaan Karoon Mein Sab Us Ki Sada Pe

Aur Wo Mujhe Pyar Karey Meri Issi Ada Pe

Maa Se Mujhe Meri Koi Juda Na Karey

Karoo Pyar Kissi Aur Se Khuda Na Karay

I Do Not Love You Except Because I Love You

2010-05-13T04:12:00.001-07:00

I do not love you except because I love you;

I go from loving to not loving you,

From waiting to not waiting for you

My heart moves from cold to fire.

I love you only because it's you the one I love;

I hate you deeply, and hating you

Bend to you, and the measure of my changing love for you

Is that I do not see you but love you blindly.

Maybe January light will consume

My heart with its cruel

Ray, stealing my key to true calm.

In this part of the story I am the one who

Dies, the only one, and I will die of love because I love you,

Because I love you, Love, in fire and blood.

Life is a game…

2010-05-13T04:10:00.003-07:00

Life is a game,

A game of chess,

If you make a wrong move,

Your winning chances are less.

Life is so precious,

Life is so beautiful,

Life is a real game,

So make winning your aim.

Think about the move before you make it,

Because you don’t want to suffer your whole life for it.

Make sure you achieve your aim,

Because then you can move on to your next game.

Think of the people, who are waiting for your success,

Cheering for you throughout the entire race.

You don’t want to disappoint them and make them frown.

So make sure that you win and don’t let them down.

Win the game and make people behind you feel proud,

For the support they gave you by sticking around.

Thank them for being there and supporting you throughout the game,

And be thankful that you have all these people to support you reach your aim.

Where Has The Peace Gone?

2010-05-13T04:10:00.001-07:00

(Year 1950)

Life was so beautiful,

From morning to evening,

We enjoyed the road to school,

Birds chirped and

Peace lingered.

We were free to roam the city,

From every nook to corner,

All were friends- birds, animals

And we humans

Peace was gracious.

The minds of the people were clean,

The children played without fear,

The world was calm with no

dangerous threats

Peace danced.

What gorgeous days, I hope they had stayed.

(Year 2000)

Life is so insecure,

From afternoon to night,

We fear the road to school,

We may be kidnapped

Peace has gone.

We are forced to be in homes,

There may be destructive bombs,

Criminals are at large,

Nobody is to be trusted,

Peace has demolished.

People are disloyal,

The children are restricted to play,

We can’t have a sound sleep,

We may have a nuclear attack,

Peace is absent.

Where are those wonderful peaceful days?

I Can Understand

2010-05-13T04:09:00.001-07:00

I can Understand

More than anyone else can,

I have that tenderness some-where inside,

Which from you I try to hide,

I also have that sensitivity in me,

Although through time it is growing weak,

I have feelings too,

Which I don't want to show to you,

I know I am being rude,

I want you to think of me as shrewd,

Cause I don't want you to discover me,

To see what lies beyond this cover on me,

I don't want to be hurt any more,

The pain of betrayal has no cure.

Determination

2010-05-13T04:08:00.005-07:00

Lives of great men all do remind,

Nothing is impossible for a determined mind.

A clear goal and a strong will - you'll agree,

Will make you what you want to be.

A clear head has a vision possible.

A strong mind achieves the mission impossible.

Never give up or lose heart on the way;

Face anything with courage - come what may.

Harness your inner strength and power,

Have confidence, courage and not despair.

Be positive and bold, with hope and trust.

And be ready to admit mistakes first.

He who is pure in thought, word and deed,

And strives hard, cannot but succeed.

Every good work would first face resistance,

Ridicule and protest, but finally acceptance.

Arise, awake, and stop not before your goal,

You CAN make your fate - with heart and soul.

For it's all in the power of your mind;

And good means always justify the end.

Waiting For You

2010-05-13T04:08:00.001-07:00

Since the day you left

My Heart started to ache

The heart ache that I feel

Its because my love for you is real

Days and months had pass

I thought I can forget you at last

But I was so disappointed

Because its you I keep on waited

Many sleepless night

Because you were always there at my sight

I tried to close my eyes

But I always catch your imaginary smiles

So here I am all alone

Wishing and Hoping that you come home

Always Love You

I Believe

2010-05-13T04:07:00.000-07:00

I believe that life is there to enjoy.

I believe crushes are there to crush hearts.

I believe true love is there from the start.

I believe you should give people chances.

I believe you should treat people the same because you never know what they will do for you in the future.

I believe that good things will come to people who work hard.

I believe great things come to people who never give up.

I believe silence will teach you something if you listen hard.

I believe that the heart leads you in the right direction if you follow it.

I believe friends are needed no matter who you are.

I believe family should stick by your side.

I believe God will help you if you believe in him and trust him.

I believe drugs destroy.

I believe sleep calms the soul.

I believe the heart and soul are more important than looks.

I believe trust helps the world go round.

I believe love brings great things.

I believe kids could teach adults a lot if adults would just listen.

I believe pets are great because they listen and love you no matter what you look like.

I believe you should always chase your dreams.

I believe hope is something everyone needs.

I believe you need to make time for fun.

I believe music soothes the soul.

I believe that money cannot buy happiness.

I believe books can take you anywhere.

I believe jokes have to be there to keep people sane.

I believe people are special the way they are.

I believe that true friends will last a lifetime.

I believe that enjoying what you do will help you enjoy life more.

I believe parents are more important than you think.

I believe the sky is the limit.

I believe you should shoot for the stars.

I believe being loved and loving are two totally different things.

I believe that you have to love yourself before you can love others.

I believe records are made to be broken.

I believe promises should be kept.

I believe brothers and sisters are made to teach.

I believe a simple smile can make anybody's day better.

I believe that being popular is not the key to life.

I believe in being nice to nerds because you might grow up and have to work for one.

Muharram

2010-05-13T04:05:00.001-07:00

The first month in the Islamic calendar

Contrary to popular belief, Muharram is not a particular day, but the name of a month that marks the beginning of the year according to the Islamic calendar. Muharram is one of four months that have been designated as holy according to the Islamic calendar, the other three being - Dhul-Qa'adah, Dhul-Hijjah and Rajab.

Fasting in the month of Muharram

Fasting is advocated in the month of Muharram. The Prophet is believed to have said: "The best fasts after the fasts of Ramadan are those of the month of Muharram." Although the fasts of the month of Muharram are not obligatory, yet one who fasts in these days out of his own will is entitled to a great reward by Allah Almighty. Fasting on the tenth day of Muharram, called Ashura, is particularly important, as it supposed to lead to great rewards. A person does not have to fast for the whole month. On the contrary, each fast during this month has merit.

Here are some activities that are recommended for the day of Ashurah:

1. To observe fast on this day.

2. To give as much charity as you can afford.

3. To perform Nafl Salat prayers.

4. To recite Surah Ikhlas 1000 times.

5. To visit and be in the company of pious Ulema.

6. To place a hand of affection on an orphan's head.

7. To give generously to one's relatives.

8. To put surma in one's eyes.

9. To take a bath.

10. To cut one's nails.

11. To visit the sick.

12. To establish friendly ties with one's enemies.

13. To recite Dua-e- Ashurah

14. To visit the shrines of Awliyas and the graves of Muslims.

Muharram - an auspicious time

The month of Muharram is also associated with many auspicious events in Islamic history. Allah is supposed to have created the heavens and the earth on this blessed day. On this day He give His infinite blessings and bounties to many of His Prophets and delivered them from the clutches of their enemies.

Allah created Hazrat Adam in this month and pardoned him of his mistake. Hazrat Noah's Ark landed successfully on Mount Judi during this time centuries ago. God is also said to have saved Hazrat Ibrahim from fire and rescued Hazrat Musa from the Pharaoh during the month of Muharram.

You must be wondering what there is to mourn about then? The tenth day of Muharram or Ashura is of supreme importance for Shia Muslims as they celebrate the death anniversary of Hussain, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad.

The tragedy at Kerbala

In the month of Muharram many centuries ago, (approximately October 20th 680 A.D.), an event took place in Iraq at a place known as Kerbala on the bank of the river Euphrates.

A large army, which had been mobilised by the Umayyad regime, besieged a group of persons numbering less than a hundred and put them under pressure to pay allegiance to the Caliph of the time and submit to his authority. The Caliph was a man much taken with earthly pleasures that deviated from the Islamic way of life. The small group resisted and a severe battle took place in which they were all killed. The leader of the small band of men who were martyred in Kerbala was none other than Imam Husain, the grandson of the Holy Prophet.

Imam Husain's martyrdom at Kerbala represents a conscious confrontation with anti-Islamic forces and a courageous resistance for a sacred cause. The tragedy was that the one who stood up to defend Islam was cut down in so cruel a manner. It is for this reason that the death of Imam Husain is mourned annually in the Muslim world.

Mourning rites

On Ashura, the Muslims take out processions carrying colourfully decorated taziyas (bamboo and paper replicas of the martyr's tomb) embellished with gilt and mica. Colourful replicas of Imam Husain's tomb at Kerbala are also carried in procession and buried at an imitation Karbala. The mourners walk barefoot to the beat of drums. In a frenzy of grief, they beat their chests and cry out the name of Husain. They sometimes even flagellate or whip themselves, drawing blood. Wrestlers and dancers enact scenes depicting the battle at Kerbala. While many Muslims take to the streets to mourn, there are some families that retain personal mourning houses.

Lucknow, being the centre of Shia culture and religious activities, observes the rites of mourning with great passion. In places other than Lucknow, the taziyas are taken out and buried in the local burial ground known as Karbala.

Sunni Muslims may also commemorate Husayn's death but in a less demonstrative manner, concentrating instead on the redemptive aspect of his martyrdom.

Significance of Muharram

Muharram, a sacred Muslim festival is observed for ten days. Know the rituals and significance of this holy celebration.

Shia Muslims celebrate Muharram, a festival observed in the memory of bravery of Prophet Mohammed's grandson, Imam Hussain, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in AD 680. Muharram symbolizes the beginning of the Muslim New Year. Muslims mourn on the first ten days of the Muharram. The act of mourning during this period is also known as mass mourning. Unlike any other festival, Muharram is not a joyful festival or a colourful celebration. It is a sacred festival to remember the death of Imam Hussain.

Rituals Muslims observe
Muslims dress in black colour clothes for the occasion of Muharram. They visit mosques and shrines with their relatives and friends and offer their condolences to the martyr Imam Hussain. In year 680 the battle Karbala was responsible for the devastation of Imam Hussain, his family, and his followers. Till the end he suffered for the good cause but finally he had to give up in front of the cruelty.

The great Imam Hussain

The Husain was killed on the tenth day of the battle Karbala. This day is referred to as the day of Ashura. Stories of Hussein's martyrdom are narrated on the first day of the Muharram when Muslims gather together at the holy places. It is believed that when Hussain was wounded and bleeding, with his all strength he reached the riverside to drink water for the last time. There by the riverside his enemy's arrows killed him. People drink cool drinks on Muharram to signify Imam Hussain's thirst for water when he was counting his last breath.

During Muharram people visit Karbala in Iraq in large numbers. They cry loudly, beat their chests, and are in grief during this period. People enact plays and dances to make people recall the sufferings of Imam Hussain and his followers. They enact the battle scenes of Karbala war. Muharram is the sacred celebration. Remembrance of goodness and respect for Imam Hussain is the true meaning of Muharram.

The Reasons I Love you

2010-05-13T03:38:00.000-07:00

The Smell of your hair

The taste of your kiss

These are the things

That I will always miss

The sound of your voice

The feel of your hand

They affect me in ways

You could never understand

The love in your heart

The peace in your eyes

They make me feel

Like I want to cry

You are a gift

That God gave to me

And I can just feel

That we are meant to be

I'll love you forever

I hope you do too

For it's only a short while

Before we say "I do"

Friendship with a Meaning

2010-05-13T03:36:00.003-07:00

your special to me in everyway,

You're the best person ever, if I can say

You really mean the world to me

I really wish that you could see

Your always there to understand,

When I'm down you take my hand

And lift my spirits up so high

Your like an angel in the sky…

When I'm sad and feeling blue

I lay awake and think of you

And suddenly I feel all better

Or if I don't I read your letter

Which is filled with all things sweet,

A nicer person you could never meet…

you and I, we have fun together

And in my heart I hope were friends forever…

You Cheated...

2010-05-13T03:35:00.001-07:00

Why can't you love me the way you should?

I know you could...

Instead my heartache is what your choosing...

It's me that you are loosing...

I hate what you've done to me,

I was all that you ever wanted me to be,

I'm not blind, I can see..

I see your game,

I'm not insane, you are hurting me...

After everything I have done for you,

everything I gave you, you turn around and cheat?

All the times and memories we have spent together you even said we'd be forever..

The bond we share,

I never thought you would dare,

dare to hurt me this way,

all the lies you say...

You made me sick,

she is what you want to pick...

You made me cry while you told a lie,

you made me want to die...

How could this be your not here with me?

You are not that man I thought you were,

now I know, now I'm sure..."Never hurt you",

is what you said,

now I know your not a man of your word...

Made me feel crazy when I asked "why your phone was off",

yet I knew you were hurting me,

I knew I was right, you were out of my sight,

you really ruined my life...

How could you ask me to forgive you?

How many times can I? You have lost my trust over what I call lust...

You chose to hurt me it was a must...

I am beautiful so I have to be brave,

brave enough to move on,

I will be strong, without you,

my life won't be wrong..

I will forget you in time,

and no, no it's not fine...

I'm glad that your not mine...

You use to be my greatest treasure but now your never...

I hope your happy for what you did to me,

right now your blind but soon you will see....

Remembering ALLAH

2010-05-13T03:33:00.001-07:00

A traveler once came to the masjid to see the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) after greeting the prophet, he was asked where he was from. The sthat he came from very far just to get a few questions answered. Following is the dialogue between the traveler and the Prophet.

Traveller : I do not want adha?b (punishments) to be written in my account.
*Prophet : Behave well with your parents *

Traveller : I want to be known amongst people as an inteligent person.
*Prophet : Fear Allah (Jalla Jala?l), always. *

Traveller : I want to be counted amongst Allah's favourites.
*Prophet : Recite Quran every morning and evening. *

Traveller : I want my heart to always be enlightened. ( Munawer )
*Prophet : Never forget death. *

Traveller : I never want to be away from Allah's blessing.
*Prophet : Always treat fellow creatures well. *

Traveller : I never want to be harmed by my enemies.
*Prophet : Always have faith in only Allah. *

Traveller : I never want to be humiliated.
*Prophet : Be careful of your actions. *

Traveller : I wish to live long.
*Prophet : Always do sile rahm. (Goodness towards blood Relations) *

Traveller : I want my sustenance to increase.
*Prophet : Always be in wudhoo. *

Traveller : I wish to stay free of adha?b in the grave.
*Prophet : Always wear pure (paak) clothes. *

Traveller : I never want to be burned in hell.
*Prophet : Control your eyes and tongue. *

Traveller : How do I get my sins forgiven?
*Prophet : Always ask forgiveness from Allah with a lot of humility.

Traveller : I want people to respect me always.
*Prophet : Never extend your hands of need at people. *

Traveller : I want to always be honoured.
*Prophet : Never humiliate or put down anyone. *

Traveller : I don't want to be squeezed by fishare qabr.(Squeezing in the grave)
*Prophet : Recite Surat Al Mulk (The Dominion) often. *

Traveller : I want my wealth to increase.
*Prophet : Recite surat el Waqiah (The Inevitable) every night. *

Traveller : I want to be safe and at peace on Day of Judgment.
*Prophet : Do zikr (Praises) of Allah from dusk to night. *

Traveller : I want to be in full attention & concentration during prayers.
*Prophet : Always do wudhoo with concentration and attention. *

All Because Of You

2010-05-13T03:32:00.001-07:00

It wasn't the way you kissed me that made me feel so right

It wasn't the way you loved me before we'd sleep at night

It was the way I realized why I was always down

It was the way you played me when I'm not around

My heart was always broken all because of you

And everytime I think of it there is nothing I can do

I thought that I could make it right but nothing seem to fit

I think I kind of miss you maybe just a bit

All this time I loved you so

So much love that didn't grow

And I think it's time I let you go

Follow Me

2010-05-13T03:30:00.004-07:00

Take my hand and follow me

to that place I long to be.

Take my hand and trust my way,

in that place forever stay.

Follow me toward the sand;

we'll run and play, hand in hand.

Take my heart and hold it true;

forever I'll stay close to you.

Seize my words and listen well,

then forever I will tell.

Release your heart and feelings too,

just as I will do for you.

Trust your heart and follow me,

to that place we long to be.