Traveling and the Ramadan Fast

Question: Is the fast of Ramadan fard (obligatory) upon a traveler as well?
ANSWER
Yes, but it is permissible for a traveler not to fast and to make up for unperformed days later. 

Question: Since it is not necessary to observe the fast during travel, does one who is observing the Ramadan fast earn the reward of a voluntary fast?
ANSWERIf a traveler observes the fast of Ramadan, the reward of an obligatory (fard) fast is given. 

Do not abandon the fast without an excuse
Question: Is it a sin not to fast for a person who travels constantly due to being a long-distance driver?
ANSWERIf there is no difficulty that affects his work negatively, it is very thawabto fast in the holy month of Ramadan. To skip it without a valid excuse is a grave sin. It was declared in a hadith-i sharif:
(If a person does not fast for a single day in Ramadan without a good excuse, he cannot earn the thawab of this single day, even if he fasts for all the year round instead of it.) [Tirmidhi]

Therefore, one must not leave the fast without a good excuse. It is permissible for a person with a religiously legitimate excuse not to fast and to make up for missed days later. If fasting during travel causes inconvenience or problems with your work or a situation that may result in an accident, then it is permissible to abandon the fast and to make up for it later. A hadith-i sharif says, "It is not piety to observe the fast [with difficulty] during a journey" (Bukhari).
[Travel, or safar, means to set out on a journey to go to a distance of more than 104 km. One who travels to a distance less than this does not become a traveler, or safari. Piety stated herein means to earn much thawab.]

Question: I did not make intention for fasting on the basis that it was permissible not to fast during a journey. I ate breakfast and set off to board the plane at 11:00 a.m. Isn't it permissible not to fast during travel?
ANSWERIf you had set out on the journey before the time of imsak (it is the time when prohibition on eating begins), it would have been permissible for you not to intend to fast and to eat and drink when you commenced the journey. But when you were eating breakfast, you were settled (not a traveler). Instead of making intention, you ate and drank, which is a sin. You should have made intention, should have started the journey in a state of fasting, and should not have broken your fast. That is, you should have completed the fast on that day. However, since you ate and drank without making intention previously, it suffices to make up for that missed day. 

Fasting during a journey
Question: Since we commence our journey after the time of imsak, we make intention for the fast before that time. In other words, we must complete the fast on that day, even if we are on a journey. However, we, for example, board a plane to travel to the USA at 11:00 a.m. As we fly northward, the day lengthens by 7 hours when we are going to New York and by 10 hours when we are going to Los Angeles. What should we do in such a case?
ANSWERIf you can observe the fast, you will receive thawab. But if you are overcome by hunger and thirst and break your fast, it is not sinful. When one breaks the fast without a valid excuse while traveling, it does not entail kaffarah (expiation by freeing a slave or by fasting for 60 consecutive days or by feeding 60 poor people).

Question: We travel while we are fasting. When we travel from the east towards the west—from Erzurum to İstanbul, for instance—the sun sets more than an hour later. Conversely, when we travel from İstanbul to Erzurum, the sun sets more than one hour earlier. Should we break our fast according to the time of the city where we made intention or where we have arrived?
ANSWERYou break your fast according to the time of the place where you are breaking your fast. The fast cannot be broken before sunset. It must be broken not according to daytime hours but sunset. For fasting and prayer times, everybody has to act upon the time of the place where they arrive, no matter what country it is in the world. 

Question: If a person breaks a fast of Ramadan without an excuse while traveling, does it entail qada (making up for this day) or kaffarah(expiation)? If a person breaks the fast before meeting the conditions for becoming a traveler and then starts a journey, does it entail qadaor kaffarah?
ANSWERWhen one starts a journey, it is sinful to break the fast for which one previously made intention. Though being a sin, it does not entailkaffarah. But if one breaks the fast when one is settled (before becoming a traveler) and then starts a journey, it also entails kaffarah. -myreligionislam.com

Blessing of RAMADAN

During the holy month of Ramadan was when Allah (SWT) gave Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) the Holy Qur'an. One day, Muhammad (pbuh) had a vision in which the angel Jibril told him how Allah wanted people to live. The Allah's words were revealed to Muhammad (pbuh) through the angel over a period of 23 years, and the words were written down to form the Qur'an. We celebrate Ramadan to remember this very special month. 

Ramadan is a time when we fast during the daylight hours. We go without food or drink until sundown. Instead of feeding our bodies, we pray and read the Qur'an. We also make extra effort not to say or listen to anything harmful. These things make us feel closer to Allah, and also remind us of people who may not have enough to eat. 

Every day during Ramadan, Muslim families wake up before the sun rises to eat a meal together. This meal is called Suhur. It is the only thing we eat until the evening. After Suhur, everyone offers the Fajr prayer together. Even young children should fast at least a few days during Ramadan. Many kids also give up eating their favorite foods andtry to improve themselves by avoiding bad habits. 

Muslims are supposed to read the entire Qur'an during the month of Ramadan. It is important to know that all five daily prayers should be offered as well, or the day's fasting has no meaning at all. 

When the sun sets, we break our fast by drinking water and eating dates. Then we offer the Maghrib prayer together. Afterwards, everyone enjoys a delicious meal called Iftar. 

Remember that fasting during Ramadan is REQUIRED of Muslims once they reach the age of puberty, or between the ages of 11 and 15 (the same time that the five prayers become a requirement). Ramadan is a time when Muslims give up some of their personal comforts to become closer to Allah. It is a time to remember the important teachings that Allah (SWT) gave to our dear Prophet (pbuh). Those teachings include respecting and understanding others, and remembering those who are less fortunate. 


EID MUBARAK! 


The month of Ramadan ends with the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr. Its a time for us to celebrate the end of fasting. This holiday is so important that many Muslims in Malaysia and around the World to take a day off (in some countries its a public holiday) from work or school to celebrate with their families. Everyone rises early for the prayer ceremony at their masjid, wearing new clothes. Afterwards, families visit each other and exchange good wishes. The handshakes and hugs after the prayer are a wonderful mark of love toward others. Eid gives everyone a feeling of brotherliness, and all bad feelings toward fellow Muslims should be wiped clean so we can all start fresh. 

Decorating our homes for Eid is fun for us to do with our parents, and we can even make our own Eid cards or gifts! 

Children sometimes receive gifts, candy, or money. But we should also remember that Eid is not about such gifts, it is really a time to remember Allah and to feel the joy that comes to us once we meet obligations toward Him. If you participate in the fasting, the celebration becomes even more meaningful! -mk

Five (5) things to do on Laylatul Qadr

So valuable is this Night of Qadr that the Quran devotes a special surah to
it “Lailatul Qadr is better than a thousand months” [97:3]

This one night surpasses the value of 30,000 nights. The most authentic account of the occurrence of the Night indicates that it can occur on any one of the last ten, odd numbered nights of Ramadan, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29.

We should strive to stay up at least on the odd numbered nights of the last ten days. If we can't manage that then let us pray at least on the 27th night. If one prays on all of the last odd numbered nights then there is more chance that one may have caught this most powerful night and the reward is of over 83 YEARS OF WORSHIP! Subhanallah! Most will not even live upto that age!

It is a night that we CANNOT miss out on so here is how we can maximise this blessed night:


1. Recite the Qur’an abundantly


Az-Zuhri used to say upon the coming of Ramadan, “It is only about reciting the Qur’an and feeding the poor.”

Abdur-Raziq said, “When Ramadan came, Sufyan Ath-Thawri would give up all acts of (voluntary) worship and devote himself to the recitation of the Qur’an.” 

Laylatul Qadr is the night the Qur'an was revealed so we should spend much of the night reciting it for we will gain 700 hasanah or more by reciting each letter!


2. Strive to gain forgiveness


One should strive and do their utmost to gain the mercy of Allah especially in the odd numbered nights of the last ten days. If one leaves Ramadan without gaining the mercy of Allah then surely they are the most unfortunate ones and are the biggest losers in this world and the next.


The main Dua for Laylatul Qadr is the following:

Aisha (Ra) said: “I asked the Messenger of Allah: 'O Messenger of Allah, if I know what night is the night of Qadr, what should I say during it?' He said: 'Say: O Allah, You are pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.' “

"Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'annee" (Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and Tirmidhi).


Gaining forgiveness on laylatul Qadr


Abu Huraira (Ra) narrated that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Whoever stands (in prayer) in Laylatul Qadr while nourishing his faith with self-evaluation, expecting reward from Allah, will have all of his previous sins forgiven.” (Bukhari and Muslim).

We should sincerely repent for past and present sins with the intention of not repeating them again and ask of Allah Ta’aala to help us prevent ourselves from doing them again and ask Allah to perfect our characters and to help us improve ourselves in everyway possible.


3. Do many Superogatory Prayers (Nawafil)


Rabi'ah ibn Malik al-Aslami (Ra) reported that the Prophet (Sallallahu alehi wasallam) said: "Ask (anything)."Rabi'ah said: "I ask of you to be your companion in paradise." The Prophet said: "Or anything else?" Rabi'ah said: "That is it." The Prophet sallallahu alehi wasallam said to him: "Then help me by making many prostrations (i.e., supererogatory prayers)." (Muslim)

The Prophet (Sallallahu laihi Wasallam) said: “Whoever draws near to Allaah during it (Ramadaan) with a single characteristic from the characteristics of (voluntary) goodness, he is like whoever performs an obligatory act in other times. And whoever performs an obligatory act during it, he is like whoever performed seventy obligatory acts in other times.” – Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah, no. 1887.

In this most blessed month of Ramadhan all good deeds are multiplied by 70 or more. Every Nafil one prays one will gain the reward of a Fard Salaah and every Fard Salah is the reward of 70 Fard salaah. Subhanallah what other time of the year is this possible? NONE! So let us make the best of these precious seconds and pray as many Nafil prayers as is possible!


Here are some Nafil prayers we can pray on Laylatul Qadr:


1. Two Rakat after performing Wudu (Ablution)


Abu Hurayrah (Ra) reported that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said to Bilal (Ra): “Tell me about the best of your deeds (i.e. one which you deem the most rewarding) since your embracing Islam because I heard your footsteps in front of me in Paradise.” Bilal (Ra) replied: “I do not consider any act of mine more rewarding than that whenever I make ablution at any time of night or day, I perform Prayer for as much as was destined for me to do.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)”


2. Tahajjud

Imam Abu Sa'id al-Khadimi (Ra) said,

"There is scholarly consensus (ijma`) that among the best of virtuous acts is the night vigil prayer." [al-Bariqa al-Mahmudiyya Sharh al-Tariqa al-Muhammadiyya]

The scholars derived the following in regards to Tahajjud from the Qur'an and prophetic hadiths:

1. The minimal night vigil prayer is 2 rakats. [Hindiyya, quoting Fath al-Qadir]

2. Its optimal recommended amount is 8 rakats, because this was the general practice of the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him, his family, and companions). [Hindiyya, quoting Fath al-Qadir]

3. Lengthier recitation is superior to a larger number of rakats prayed. [Durr al-Mukhtar, Radd al-Muhtar]

4. It is recommended to start the night vigil with two short rakats, because of the hadith of Abu Hurayra that the Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, "It you get up for night prayer, start with two short rakats." [Muslim, Ahmad, Abu Dawud]

Ibn Mas`ud (Allah be pleased with him) was asked, "I cannot pray at night." He said, "Your sins have prevented you."


4. Increase in Dhikr (Rememberance of Allah)


We should glorify Allah night and day, especially in the last odd nights.

Here are some easy and very beneficial Dhikr and glorification we can do throughout the last ten odd nights:

1. Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'annee

2. Subhanallah

3. Alhamdulillah

4. Allahu Akbar

5. Laa ilaha ilallah

6. LA HAWLA WA LA QUWWATA ILLA BILLAH

7. Asthaghfirullah

8. SUB-HAN'ALLAHI WA BI-HAM'DIHI SUBHANALLAH HIL AZEEM

9. Subhan-Allahi wa bihamdihi, `adada khalqihi, wa rida nafsihi, wa zinatah `arshihi, wa midada kalimatihi

10. Subhāna-llāhi, wa-l-hamdu li-llāhi, wa lā ilāha illā-llāhu, wa-llāhu akbar. Wa lā hawla wa lā quwwata illā bi-llāhi-l-aliyyi-l-azīm

11. Lā ilāha illā-llāhu waḥdahu lā sharīka lahu lahu-l-mulku wa lahu-l-ḥamdu yuhyi wa yumītu wa huwa ḥayyu-llā yamūtu abadan abada, ḏū-l-jalāli wa-l-ikrām, biyadihi-l-khayr, wa huwa alā kulli Shay-in qadīr

Or the shortened version:

12. Laa ilaaha illal-laahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa huwa ‘alaa kulli shay-in qadeer

One can also recite the durood that one recites in one's Salaah or a Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallim


5. Make much dua


We should be very busy in Dua as much as we can especially in the last 10 odd numbered.

Allah Almighty says in the Qur'an:

"When my servants ask you concerning me, (tell them) I am indeed close (to them). I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calls on me." [2:186]

The place of Dua is so high to Allah, that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallim) had said: "Nothing is more honourable to Allah the Most High than du`a." [Sahih al-Jami` no.5268]. 

Almighty Allah also said: "The most excellent worship is du`a." [Sahih Al-Jami` no. 1133]

Therefore let us devote much of the night of Qadr in dua asking of Allah for his mercy and forgiveness for all of our past sins and making firm intentions to Allah that we will change for the better and strive to become closer to him as well as make our deen a FULL part of our lives and not just a little part of our life as Allah says:

Allah tells us In the Qur'an to enter fully into our deen and not partly:

O believers enter into Islam completely and do not follow the footsteps of Shaitan, surely he is your clear-cut enemy.... (Surah Al-Baqara, Ayah 208-210)

So then will we not make Islam a FULL part of our lives? This is our best opportunity and if we don't take it and death comes to us then surely we will regret it for ETERNITY!

And Allah knows best in all matters - turntoislam.com

THE PURPOSE OF RAMADAN

The month of Ramadhan is not like any other month; its purpose is to rid man of those habits which he has accumulated throughout the rest of the year. It is a month that prepares man for the remaining eleven months by teaching him discipline and self control. Thus, Allah has made some acts which are beloved to man, like eating, drinking and fulfilling one’s desires, Haraam. If man can control these desires in this month, which are usually permissible for him, then he can surely control himself from other desires which are not permissible throughout the remaining months.

This blessed month has been sent by Allah to His bondsmen so that can create a connection and draw closer to Allah by reaping the many rewards that lie in this month. A person who has been given the opportunity to be present in this month can take this as a sign that Allah Ta’ala has given him another opportunity to draw closer to Him and earn His paradise through worship in this month.

In this month we will be given many opportunities, as mentioned above to reform ourselves and seek forgiveness for our bad sins. This is a month of reformation and self reflection, where a believer can ponder of over spirituality and piety and bring a change for the better. The Prophet of Allah صلي الله عليه و سلم has clearly stated:

مَنْ لَمْ يَدَعْ قَوْلَ الزُّورِ وَالْعَمَلَ بِهِ فَلَيْسَ لِلَّهِ حَاجَةٌ فِي أَنْ يَدَعَ طَعَامَهُ وَشَرَابَهُ 
“Whoever does not give up lying and evil actions, then Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink” [Saheeh al-Bukhari]

It is clear from this Hadeeth which has been narrated on the authority of Hadrhat Abu Huraira رضي الله عنه that Allah is not in need of any person to leave his food or drink. Allah is far from needs and desires. However, it is the mercy of Allah that He wants each and every person to leave those things which will lead him to the hellfire and by controlling one’s desires throughout this month it is hoped that one will be able to control himself throughout the following months also.

For those who can relate, we can look at the month of Ramadhan like an MOT test. It is vital to be on form during this test. Once the test is over then we should be at a standard where we can continue through the following months. Indeed, there will be repairs and faults in between, but these will be minor and can be dealt with on the spot.

May Allah Ta’ala make us successful in this test, for the one who is unsuccessful in this test may not be given an opportunity for a re-test.

ان جبرئيل عرض لي فقال بعد من ادرك رمضان فلم يغفر له قلت آمين 
“Jibreel came to me and said, ‘Whoever reaches the month of Ramadan and does not have his sins forgiven and so enters the Fire, then may Allah distance him, say ameen.” So I said “Ameen” [Mustadrak al-Haakim]

In summary, the month of Ramadhan has been made so that mankind can take benefit of the merits and blessings contained within to change themselves for the better and by doing so create a bond with Allah that will continue throughout the eleven remaining months.

It is a month within which Allah has instructed us to place more emphasis on actions regarding our Deen (religion) as opposed to our daily routine and emphasis on worldly matters.

I pray that this information comes in use and aids the readers in preparing for the month of Ramadhan.

As a reminder, please commit the following Du’a to memory and make a habit of reciting it daily until the day of Ramdhan.

اللهم بارك لنا في رجب وشعبان وبلغنا رمضان 
“O Allah, make the months of Rajab and Sha’ban blessed for us, and let us reach the month of Ramadhan.” [Musnad-e-Ahmed]

-haqislam.org

Rules of the Fasting of Ramadan

Allah ﷻ says in the Qur'aan what may be interpreted as, "O' you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you so that you may achieve Taqwaa (righteousness, God-fearing)." [Surat Al-Baqarah, verse 183]

The prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, "Whoever observes the fast during the month of Ramadan, (while) believing in Allaah and seeking His rewards, will have his past sins forgiven." [Reported by Imaams Bukhaari, Muslim and others]

Fasting the month of Ramadan is one of the main pillars of Islam. It is obligatory upon every sane, healthy Muslim whose reached puberty and is not traveling during the time of fasting. As for women, they must not fast if they are menstruating or having post-childbirth bleeding.

The Essential Elements Of The Fast

There are two essentials elements for your fast to be valid and accepted. They are:

Intention

You must have the intention to fast before fajr (dawn) every night during the month of Ramadan. The intention does not need to be spoken, because in reality it is an act of the heart, which does not involve the tongue. It will be fulfilled by one's intention from the heart to fast out of obedience to Allah ﷻ seeking His pleasure.

Abstaining from acts that nullify the Fast

The second essential element for your fast to be accepted is that you abstain from the acts that nullify the fast from dawn to sunset.

If you maintain these two essential elements during fasting, then your fast will be valid and accepted.

Six Actions That Invalidate Or Nullify The Fast

All scholars have agreed that the following acts will invalidate the fast. They are:

Intentional Eating or Drinking

If someone eats or drinks due to forgetfulness, a mistake, or coercion, then his fast is still valid and should continue to fast. If you choose to eat or drink, for any reason, then your fast will become invalid.

Intentional Vomiting

If one is overcome by the urge to vomit, and vomits unintentionally, then he should continue to fast. If someone chooses to vomit, for any reason, then his fast will become invalid.

Intentional Sexual Intercourse

If one has sexual intercourse while fasting, then he must perform kaffaarah, expiation of the sin. (Fasting continuously for sixty days or if unable then one should feed sixty poor people).

Menstrual or Childbirth Bleeding

The fast becomes invalid during menstrual or post-childbirth bleeding. Even if such bleeding begins just before sunset, the fast of that day is invalid and the day must be made up at a later time.

All the actions mentioned above are agreed upon by all scholars. However, there are some other actions that are not mentioned above which are not agreed upon.

Actions That Are Permissible During Fasting

There are some actions that are permissible to do while fasting, which will not nullify the fast. For example:

Taking a shower

It is permissible to shower, for any reason, even if you are showering due to thirst or being overheated.

Rinsing the mouth and nose

It is permissible to rinse the mouth and nose without exaggeration; using too much water may cause you to swallow water, which may invalidate your fast.

Applying eyeliner or eye drops

It is permissible to apply kohl (eyeliner) or eye drops or anything else to the eyes, even if some taste from it finds its way to the throat.

Taking injections

It is also permissible to take injections for nutritional or medical purposes; there is no text that proves this invalidates the fast.

Taking suppositories

Similarly, it is permissible to have an enema or douche. The injection of liquid into the rectum through the anus for cleansing, as a laxative, or for other therapeutic purposes, or the use of a suppository (a solid medication designed to melt within a body cavity) or any other medicine that can be used in the private parts, whether in the front or back is permissible. There is no text that considers these acts to nullify the fast.

Accidental consumption

Your fast will not become invalid if you consume something that you could not protect yourself from. For example, swallowing your saliva or accidentally swallowing dust or sifted flour that has accidentally entered your mouth.

Tasting food with the tongue

Your fast will be valid even if you taste food with your tongue or use toothpaste or mouthwash as long as nothing is swallowed.

Breathing in different scents

Kissing and embracing one's spouse

It is permissible to kiss and embrace your spouse as long as one is able to control oneself.

Drawing blood

It is also permissible to draw blood in any amount for any reason. If drawing blood weakens the person, it will be considered a disliked action.

Being in a state of janaabah

Your fast will still be valid even if you find yourself in a state of janaabah (a major ritual impurity) after fajr (dawn) has arrived. Ghusl (a full bath) can still be performed once the time of fajr has begun.

Who May Be Excluded From Fasting?

There are certain situations when it is optional to fast during the month of Ramadan, however, the fast must be made up at a later date. This is the rule for the sick or for the one who is traveling.

However, women who are experiencing post-childbirth bleeding or are in their menses are not allowed to fast until their bleeding ends. They must make up the days they missed fasting at a later date.

For those who cannot fast due to a permanent illness or old age, they have to pay fidiya (feeding one poor person) for each day that they have missed.

Pregnant and nursing women, who are afraid that fasting may weaken them or the child, have the option of fasting or not. After Ramadan ends, they have the choice of fasting or paying fidiyah (feeding one poor person) for each day that they had missed during Ramadan. However, according to the Hanafi School of jurists, such women are only to make up the missed days of fasting, and they are not supposed to feed one poor person a day. On the other hand, Imaams Ahmad and Ash-Shaaf'i, hold the opinion that if such women fear only for the baby, they must pay the fidiyah and make up the days later. If they fear only for themselves or for themselves and the baby, then they are only to make up the missed days at a later date.

Recommended Acts During Ramadan

There are some acts that are recommended, and if you practice them, you will gain more rewards from Allah ﷻ such as:

Having suhuur (pre-dawn meal) and delaying it until just before fajr (dawn) time.

We should also hurry to break the fast at sunset.

Another recommended act is that we break the fast by eating an odd number of fresh or dry dates, and if those are not available, then having a drink of water would be sufficient.

Also we can earn rewards by supplicating at the time of breaking the fast, as the prophet ﷺ used to say, Dhahabadh-dhama-oo wabtallatil-'urooqu, wa thabatal-ajru inshaa'Allah. Which can be translated as, "The thirst has gone, the veins are moistened and Allah willing, the reward is confirmed."

Another recommended act is that we pray taraaweeh daily after Isha

To gain even more rewards, it is recommended that during Ramadan we increase our recitation and study of the Qur'an. This is because the revelation of the Qur'an began during this time, and also Angel Gabriel used to review the Qur'an with the Prophet during this month.

We can also gain rewards by using Miswaak (a piece of root from the Araak tree found in the Hijaazregion of the Arabian Peninsula used to clean the teeth), if not available, any other cleaning tool to clean the mouth is sufficient.

We ask Allah ﷻ to strengthen us in Ramadan, accept our fasts, and reward us with His forgiveness and the highest place in Paradise. Ameen.

-raleighmasjid.org

A night of blessings. Night of Al-Qadar

 Asalamualaikum Wa Rahamatullahi Wa Barakatahu !!

Subhaan Allah! The beautiful month of Ramadan is flying by! Its blessed days and fragrant nights are soon about to leave. And it breaks our hearts to let it go.

Yet, O Muslim, Rejoice! For there is good news for you!A great opportunity is about to dawn upon you......

A once-in -a -lifetime chance !

Its an offer that you cannot pass by!

Allah Subhaanahu wa Taala, in his Infinite Mercy, has bestowed upon you a Great and Noble night.....Its the Night of Power…. the Night of  Divine Decree.A Night in which angels descend and send salutations to the believers…A Night of innumerable blessings…..full of  PEACE and tranquility….A Night…… in which, Ibadah is better than a thousand months.

“The Night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months.”

(Surah al-Qadr:3)

A thousand months! Subhaan Allah! That is equal to 30,000 nights or 83 years and 4 months!Could there be a better chance for you than this??!!Could there be a more Merciful Lord than this??!!Subhaan Allah wal Hamdulillaah! 

Here is your chance to repent….to come back to the Most Merciful….to change your life for the better.This is your chance to have ALL your previous sins forgiven!

"Whoever established prayers on the night of Qadr out of sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven" (Bukhaari)

This is a perfect opportunity to earn Allahs pleasure…..being saved from Hellfire and entering Jannah.

A time when your dua will surely be accepted.

  

What to do on Laylatul Qadr?

  

1) Search for this night in the LAST TEN nights of Ramadan (not just the 27th)

Dont just single out one night for Ibadaat. Make sure to do it ALL TEN NIGHTS or atleast on 21st , 23rd , 25th , 27th ,29th nights , because the EXACT date for Lailatul Qadr is hidden from us.

What if Lailatul Qadr is some other night and not on the 27th ?? Have you ever thought about that? Then you would have no one to blame but yourself if you miss this great Night….this perfect opportunity of goodness and blessings.

“Seek Laylat al-Qadr among the odd numbered nights of the last ten nights of Ramadan.” (Bukhaari, Muslim)

2) Strive HARD in your search, worshiping Allah sincerely and diligently

This your chance to earn Jannah. So give it ALL you got…. everything you have.

“The Prophet (pbuh)used to used to strive hard in worship during the last ten days of Ramadaan as he never did at any other time.” (Muslim, Ahmad)

3) Prepare for it mentally and physically

Take off work, if you can and go for Umrah or make Itikaaf in the Masjid.

Dont overtire yourself during the day, such that you dont have any energy left to worship the Almighty.

Plan out your worship schedule for the night Take a nap during the day, if possible and remember…do not overeat!

4) Shun worldly pleasures

Dont waste A SINGLE MOMENT of your time, such as spending this precious time in the mall, shopping for Eid or in extravagant ‘Iftaar-cum-fashion show’ parties.

Stay away from anything and everything that might distract you from remembering Allaah (TV, movies, music, unnecessary phone calls, gossip, etc.)

“When the last ten days of Ramadan began, the Prophet (pbuh) would tighten his waist-wrapper (meaning he would stay away from marital relations), spend his nights in prayer, and wake his family.” (Muslim)

5) Spend these nights in prayer, reciting Quraan, making dua, doing istighfaar.

Stand LONG in Qiyaam….hands folded obediently…your head low, in shame…humbly Eyes downcast….hearts trembling…tears rolling…..Tears of regret and sorrow…..tears of repentance and shame Spread out your hands….like a beggar, begging for his life….Ask Allah to forgive you and He will forgive you.Beg for his Mercy and He will give it to you.Beseech Him to guide you and save you from the torments of Hell.Be determined that you will rectify your mistakes and improve your shortcomings Resolve to be steadfast in your Commitment and be firm in your Deen

Read Quraan, do much Tasbeeh, glorify Allah, praise Him and thank Him.

Make lots of dua for yourself, your family, your friends and the Muslim Ummah.

6) DONT BE THE ONE WHO SLEEPS and misses out on immeasurable goodness

 One who misses this blessed night has indeed missed much goodness, for no one misses it except for the one from whom it is withheld.

“ In it (i e. Ramadan) is a night better than a thousand months, whoever loses the benefit of it has lost something irreplaceable.” (Ahmad, an-Nasaa’i)

There are many chances to sleep, but a chance like this is rare to come by ….only once a year. And that also if you are lucky to be alive next year.

Are you going to miss a golden chance like this one…..sleeping??Or are you going to be like the one who maybe just prays a few rakaat and thinks he's done enough and is eager to go back to sleep??Think about it......Isn't there plenty of time to sleep??Havent we been sleeping all this while, anyway?? Haven't we “SLEPT”  enough, O Muslim??!! 

 Actually…….ISNT IT ABOUT TIME WE WOKE UP???!!

 Life is about opportunities. They say the wise man is the one who makes the most of his opportunities. Here is an opportunity to buy a piece of Jannah.A piece of Jannah is up for sale! Are there any buyers??

The Duaa to make on Lailatul Qadr 

Note: There is nothing that is narrated in the Quraan or Sunnah regarding Ibaadat such as prayer , duas, etc. that is to be specifically read on Lailatul Qadr EXCEPT just one hadeeth from Aisha (RA) when she asked the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam):

  

“I said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, if I know which night is Laylat al-Qadr, what should I say on that night?’ He said, ‘Say:

Allaahumma innaka afuwwun tuhibb al-afwa fa affu anni

(O Allah, You are forgiving and You love forgiveness, so forgive me).”

(Tirmidhi)

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