Ramadan - Day 23

It was the 23rd night - yes and that means, it could be Laylatul Qadr tonight. So had to be psyched up for this so can stay up read the Qur'an and perform Tahajjud Salat.

Slept at 01.00 after my usual routine of, Tarweeh salat , reading the Quran (* 1 Jus), eating some rice or other forms of carbs followed by tea, watch Channel S with mum. Mum loves this programme during Ramadan and is an avid follower of the charity programme which starts at 18:00 and goes on until 05.00 (upto Fajr). Yes mother stays up for all of this, and each day she comes to me to say need to give money to this charity, Alhamdullilah she has a heart of Gold. Also Rizwan Hussain is on which make her viewing so much more pleasurable as she thinks he is abs great, I always say Mum hey you only have one son and its me, so lay off trying to adopt another one from the Tv set...lol

Got up again at almost 05.00 so made a quick entrance into the kitchen for some cereal which I drowned very quickly, read my Tahajudd salat and waited a few moments before reading Fajar prayers which followed with another Jus from the Qur'an. By that time it was 06.30 so thought with a Physio appointment at 08.30 cant go to bed, so stayed up.

The day went well, considering I had 4 hours of sleep, no gymming as got a right ticking off from the physio for my exploits with the weights at the lowest point of my energy body clock, so will leave this to rest for another week. Got home right into the call for Maghrib prayers, just like clock work I said to myself, have trust in Allah and he will see that you get your Iftar on time.

I finished the day reading more of the Qur'an, now on Jus 19. - with 12 to go, can I do this by the 27th Night...well watch this space....

p.s. The picture is of the Badshahi Masjid in Pakistan, totally unrelated to my day, nevertheless a beautiful Masjid you must admit.

Ramadan - Day 22

Not long to go now, 8 days and this beautiful month will end until another year Insha'Allah.

Spent the night reading the Qur'an and performing Tahajudd Salat. This is a voluntary prayer (Nafl) that is performed in the 1/3 part of the night prior to Fajr prayer. It is done with intense contemplation where it differs to other prayers by the length of time you are at Ruku and Sajdah as this is longer due to reciting extra durrud. It can be done in any number upto 12 rakats (in the form of 2s).

I spent the day at home, taken a rest from work and the world well as much as one can staying in the confines of my casa. Had a nice lie in getting up at 13.30 to start my day. Performed my Salat and was in gear for reading the Qur'an once again.

Went out for a while to run some errand for mum, and then back home again to break my fast. Think my stomach has shrunk though as can't take in as much as I did at the former Iftars. Also I have no reason to crave for food any longer, don't feel thirsty either, it is rather werid.

Went to Taraweeh, my auto pilot routine when the clock hits 20:45 I am out the door making my way across the streets of London (which is usually consumed by the new wave of Chavs, various sisters in full burkas, the odd lay about intoxicant, the pizza delivery L plated moped driver, and wont be London if you did not have a siren copper Vaxuhall Astra zooming pass you in 90mph!) to get to the Mosque.

On the way back it is little quieter, but the clientele is rather more volatile, intoxicants more intoxicated and well good folks generally are no where to be seen. With my new wave of hey these people are "noise" to me, I just go about doing my thing and if anyone requires help will assist as long as I am not at threat.

Read more of the Qur'an when I came back, completing Jus 17 now. Has a treat by watching some of the new Harry Enfield show as a amigo reminded me of it, this was a nice treat, not the same as chocies but more laffs'.

Ramadan - Day 20 & 21

The weekend fast approached, with very little plans due to the Qur'an course taking precedence over all other matter this weekend it was a no brainier.

The day was pretty hard, with only getting 2 hours or so sleep, as could not go to bed at 7:00 given that I had to get up in an hour or so at the back of my mind. Thus was rather not my self on the course, feeling the tiredness kicking in by 14:00 and with the Hafiz situated right in front of me it will be very disrespectful if I nodded off...though my head was going up and down by its own will. Thought, I needed my head to be strapped into the lecture room chair like Hannibal Lector! Ok, Ok could of found a better analogy I know...

Though once I done wudu, I was ok again and this brought new life into me.

I will be posting more information on the course and worthy of content covered as much as I can on a further post on this blogg site Insha'Allah (that is another word that was spoken about and also stated in the Qur'an, one should not say Insha'Allah unless he intends to carry out that action - it is one of these words that have been overly used in recent years so one should not over use it - Insha'Allah!).

I did get home just in time for Iftar on Sat so that was a blessing. It is so nice to be able to break fast with the family though it is also nice to break fast full stop especially with the longer days and more lengthier to come in the forthcoming years.

Sunday was better, more sleep, and more alert at the last day of the course. Hunger was firmly at bay, with porridge and honey for Sehri at 05.00 you really can not go wrong. It was sad to leave the course as learnt so much and met wonderful people on the course, and some brothers had exceptional knowledge of the Qur'an, MashaAllah. This is just the building blocks to more learning and knowledge of the Qur'an and Ahadith, Insha'Allah.

With the late finish to the day, was on my travels when Iftar was due, so rushed to Regents Park Mosque to break my fast with what would appear to be all of the Muslims in the UK, yes it was packed to the cap! (Well it was Sunday after all).

Completed Jus 14 in the early hours of Monday morning so almost half way through the Qur'an, Alhamdullilah.

The picture is that of the Badshahi Masjid, Pakistan. It would be awesome if my local was like this, however the simple form of a prayer mat wherever you maybe bring much peace and joy to me.

Laylatul Qadr - Night of Decree

As I move into the last third of Ramadan, there are much blessing to be enjoyed in the last days. The last 10 days of Ramadan are very special, as this is where Laylatul Qadr - The Night of Decree (or Diginity/Power) is found.

This is the night when the Glorious Qur'an was first revealed (See Surah 97 -Surah Al Qadr).
[From PICKTHAL]:

In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful.

097.001

Lo! We revealed it on the Night of Predestination.

097.002

Ah, what will convey unto thee what the Night of Power is!

097.003

The Night of Power is better than a thousand months.

097.004

The angels and the Spirit descend therein, by the permission of their Lord, with all decrees.
097.005

(The night is) Peace until the rising of the dawn.

It is been reported by commentators of the Qur'an that on this night the whole Qur'an was transported from the preserved tablet (Lawh Al-Mahfiz) to the lowest heavens and from there the Qur'an was gradually revealed over the course of 23 years of Prohpet (SAW) life.

It is also stated in S97:3 that the virtue of this night is beyond description and it is better that a thousand months (f0r the mathematicians that is equiv. to 83 yrs and 4 mths).

There are various reports about the date of Laylatul Qadr, and there is no conclusive statement and thus the exact dat has been left undisclosed so that people will endeavor more to worship Allah (swt) throughout the 10 days rather that on one night.

In Ahadith (Buhkari and Muslim) related by Aishah (RA), we are specifically told by the Prophet "Seek Laylatul Qadr amongst the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan" i.e. 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th and 29th.

Many scholars have siad that it is more likely to be on the 27th night of Ramadan but there again no conclusive authentication on this.

We as a family we have usually got together usually on the beginning of the 27th Night of Ramadan where we perform Salat and read important Surah from the Qur'an and perform Dhikr right through the night and especially more so to the last 1/3 of the night as the blessing then are so much more. Mum would make lots of food on this night, to provide us with energy and motivation. The odd cup of coffee also helps to keep one awake!

I have also try and perform more Ibadat on the odd nights as well as there is no guarantee that it will be on the 27th night. This is hard when one is working full time, but its only a small sacrifice, with 5 days of the 365 days of the year, really can't complain, May Allah make it easy for me and for others like myself.

Some people go as far as going into I'tikaf whereby they would go into their local Mosques for the last 10 days and shut themselves off from the Worldly matters and stay and eat there, to look out for Laylatul Qadr. I think that is brilliant, and Insh'Allah will make plans to do this in the next few years.

It has been commented by Aishah, the wife of the Prophet (SAW), that the prophet taught us to read this dua during Laylatul Qadr:


اَللَّهُمَّ اِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ ، تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي
"Allahumma Innaka Afuwwun Tuhibbul Afwa Fa'fu Anni ( "O Allah! You are Most forgiving and You love to forgive sins, therefore forgive me") [Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and at-Tirmidhi].

Abu Hurairah quoted Allah’s Messenger as saying: “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.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Ramadan - Day 19

Just got up today to a nice warm sunshine sipping though the gap between my bedroom curtains and the window ledge. It was Jummah day, and this is the special day of the week for Muslims globally.

As I was at home today, I got up later than normal, for around 10:00, so gradually got ready to my Qur'an and Salat reading attire, which currently is a curta and bottoms which elder sis brought for me for her south asia travels a few years back.

I completed the day, with the end of Jus 11. Masha'Allah. Taking time off definitely helped as had more time to focus more on Ramadan and Ibadat more.

Went to Jummah and met one of my Fathers friends on the way, who was enquiring about Dad and how had not seen him for over 7 months. He obviously was not informed about his stroke. Dad went to Jummah prayers ahead if me as he has his own special place with his buddies near the first row. There are two marque set up outside the local Mosque, especially during Ramadan and it is really nice and tranquil in the night prayer with the breeze, def better than being inside where it can get very hot and sticky.

Younger sis came back from work later and we broke Iftar together with our parents, the other sisters were out.

Did not read any of the notes from my course last weekend so will do that Insha'Allah tomorrow morning.

Ramadan - Day 18

The days so far have been good, Alhamdullilah and this day was no different. Usually start my day especially during Ramadan by doing my wudu (ablution) after I have dressed in the corporate attire (which is dark trousers, shirt, jumper if its cold, no tie required and blazer if one has a meeting to attend).

Do the wudo so I can be able to be in a God Conscious frame of mind on my travels and to protect me from any potential Fitna too as hey the Tube system has its own struggles apart from the smells and congestion. The wudu also has the benefit of you then subsequently performing wudu anywhere else where you may not be able to wash your feet so can then wipe your wet hands around your socks and upto your ankles (as long as conditions are met, see sites below for these).

It is not permissible for the person to pass wet hands over the socks unless he put them on in a state of purity.

“I was traveling with our Prophet Muhammad ( صلى الله عليه و سلم ) and the Prophet asked me saying, “Have you got any water?” I said, “Yes” … and poured out water so that the Prophet washed his face and hands… and his arms then wiped his head. Then I bent over to pull off his khuff (a type of thick sock) but the Prophet said “Leave them for I put on my khuff in a state of purification” then he wiped over them. (narrated by Al-Bukhari, Fath ul-Baari No. # 5353)

More information on wudu process can be found on this site:
http://www.revertmuslims.com/sala_wudu.html http://www.islamqa.com/en/ref/9640/wiping%20socks

It was a very busy at work, with system training a few colleagues, which made the time go so much more faster, and in no time at all, it was time to go home, so popped into the gym on the way home, 15mins later out again. Had much more energy than the previous day.

Read the Qur'an in the evening after Taraweeh (Completing Juz 4) and given that I had booked the coming Fri and Mon off from work to focus on doing more Ibadaat, spent the early hours of the morning speaking to Mum about how Ramadan was going for her.

Dad was coping well too, with the fast, as initial thoughts was he really was pushing it fasting given his condition, still recovering from his stroke, and with his diabetes being a constant talking point for the Nurses due to his lack of control.

Alhamdullilah, May Allah provide them the strength to do as much as they can in this blessed month. After All this is the month where the Shaytan (Satan) is caged up and the angels are out to record your good deeds, so best to make the most of it I say and supplicate to your hearts content.

The Tears of Rasulullah (SAW)...

THE TEARS OF RASULULLAH (SAW)...

Suddenly, there was a person who said salaam.'May I come in?' he asked.But Fatimah did not allow him to enter the room.'I'm sorry, my father is ill,' said Fatimah, and turned back and closed the door.She went back to her father who had opened his eyes and he asked Fatimah, 'Who was he, my daughter?''I don't know, my father. It's the first time I'm seeing him,' Fatimah said gently.

Then, Rasulullah (SAW) looked at his daughter with a trembled look, as if he wanted to reminisce about every part of his daughter's face.'Know one thing! He is who erases the temporary pleasure; he is who separates the companionship in the world. He is the angel of death,' said Rasulullah (SAW).Fatimah bore the bomb of her cry.

The death angel came toward him, but Rasulullah (SAW) asked why Jibril did not come along with him.Then, Jibril was called. Jibril was ready in the sky to welcome the soul of Habibullah and the leader of the earth.'O Jibril, explain to me about my rights in front of ALLAH?'

Rasulullah (SAW) asked with a weak voice.'The doors of the sky have opened; the angels are waiting for your soul.''All jannats are open widely waiting for you,' Jibril said.But, in fact, all that did not make Rasulullah (SAW) relieved.

His eyes were still full of worry.'You are not happy to hear this news?' asked Jibril.'Tell me about the destiny of my people in the future?''Don't worry, o Rasul ALLAH. I heard ALLAH told me: 'I make jannat haram for everyone, except the people of Muhammad' Jibril said.It became closer and closer, the time for Malaekat Izrail to do his work.

Slowly, Rasulullah's (SAW) soul was pulled. It seemed that the body of Rasulullah (SAW) was full of sweat; the nerves of his neck became tight.'Jibril, how pain this sakaratul maut is!'Rasulullah (SAW) uttered a groan slowly. Fatimah closed her eyes, Ali sat beside her bow deeply and Jibril turned his face back.'Am I repugnant to you that you turn your face back o Jibril?' Rasulullah (SAW) asked to the Deliverer of Wahyu.'Who is the one who could see the Habibullah in his sakaratul maut,' Jibril said.Not for a while, Rasulullah (SAW) uttered a groan because of unbearable pain.

'O ALLAH, how greatest is this sakaratul maut. Give me all these pains, don't to my people.'

The body of Rasulullah (SAW) became cold, his feet and chest did not move anymore.His lips vibrated as if he wanted to say something, Ali took his ear close to Rasulullah (SAW).

'Uushiikum bis salati, wa maa malakat aimanuku?, take care the salat and take care the weak people among you.'

Outside the room, there were cries shouted each other, sahabat held each other. Fatimah closed her face with her hands and, again, Ali took his ear close to Rasulullah's (SAW) mouth which became bluish.

'Ummatii, ummatii, ummatii?' ? 'My people, my people, my people.'

And the life of the noble man ended.

Could we love each other like him? Allahumma salle 'ala Muhammad wa baarik wa salim 'alaihi.How deep is Rasulullah's (SAW) love to us ?

Ramadan - Day 17

The day had been a very bust one at work, and though the hunger was not an issue, fatigue was very much at the heart of my day more so after 15:00, usually when I do take time out for a coffee break.

It is rather weird to be sitting at ones PC workstation for well all of 8-9 hours during work, as there is no reason to go to the lavatory, can not go to the drink machine or to the coffee shop, so ones limbs may just be laying idle at the desk.

Apart from attending meetings which is only a light jog into the foyer, their is really no other cause to get up. I usually make the time to stroll around, whether it be going to see another colleague, or simply to go out for much needed fresh air even for 5 minutes and the "dry" coffee breaks do keep the blood flowing to the rest of the body more efficiently then if I was stationery for too long.

I was not feeling in my best of moods today, don't know why, maybe a combination of many things, the financial "crisis" causing tension to my own civilian livelihood, as I have had a close friend of mine who got the axe from Lehman's' on Monday, so it brought things right home, as the lottery would have it known, it could be YOU! Also with work causing more tension then its worth even writing about, so will stop right there.

So Iftar was spent on the train once again as the days are getting shorter about 2mins shorter per day and getting home from work in time for Iftar is a big push, so end up packing some dates and water in my racksack to savour on the journey. Got home and did not feel the best so had something to eat, rested and then went for a walk slowly to get to the Mosque for Taraweeh. I had much to think about, life, family, friends, past, present and future, its what one will call "contemplation". I suppose that's what Ramadan is for, to cleanse one and better oneself for the long term , Insha'Allah.

I got home from Taraweeh, started reciting the Qur'an and then again after Fajr, I am making good progress, now on the start of the 5th Juz, Alhamdullilah.

Ramadan - Day 16

With the day the way it was going at work, was not thinking I would have time to get to the gym and back home in time for Iftar. But I managed just that.

I also usually attend the local Masjid for Zuhr Salat for the duration of Ramadan, which is about a 10-15 minute walk from my work. It is a good time spent, spiritual enhancing, breaking the day up and making with the remembrance of Allah swt it provides a good focus for the rest of the afternoon.

There is normally a good few of us that go together, using the Mind Align and ISOC channel as a platform for all discussions (including those not so much about Islam and the Ummah, i.e. whats was on TV, Politics alike and the random footy thrown in for good measure!).

So the afternoon went well and broke my Iftar with a date on the train just before I got to my casa train stop. I must say was really glad to get home, mum always expects us back before Iftar and so she prepared the plates and food for all of us to seat together, May Allah swt bless her.

Taraweeh was so tranquil, and felt so much more peace during that prayer more so than any other time I can remember on the previous 16 days. Tiredness was not there either and that was very surprising, Allah has His ways of getting you in the right mind and temperament if you have faith in Him.

So got to bed in good time and then after Fajr read more of the Qur'an, now completed Jus 2, 28 to go Insh'Allah.

Journey Through the Qur'an - Day 1 & 2

I attended the first weekend of the 2 weekender', 4 days "Journey Through the Qur'an" course, located at the Birbeck College.

The first if its kind in the UK, it was rather an unknown for the students as well as lecturer on how this will be recieved. The course was taught by Hafiz Abdullah Muhammad.

Hafiz Abdullah Muhammad - He was a young man, in his mid to late 30s, who had an impressive CV and most importantly was so modest and humble with it. He was a practicing solicitor, having qualified as a teacher teaching Religious Education and then pursuing an MA in Islamic Studies. He has been studying the Qur'an for over 10 year and taken time to memorise it over the last fours years or so. Mash'Allah. He is very down to earth and approachable and most importantly has great knowledge of society, is not quick to judge on others, very straightforward and says it like it is.

I was very impressed by how much the course and Hafiz Abdullah Muhammad teaching has enlightened and serve to heighten my love for the beautiful Qur'an. It is hard to explain in words how much the Qur'an now has made a real connection to my heart, and is ever increasing Insha'Allah.

Praise goes to Allah (swt) for making this easy for the course providers to set this course up, in the least it is a building block for further courses of this kind and a motivation for others to learn more about the Qur'an Insha'Allah.

I would personally thank Hafiz Abdullah Muhammad (next weekend InshaAllah) for taking his time out to teach this course in a difficult month such as Ramadan, May Allah reward him in abundance.

Over the coming days I will publish more thoughts on the blogg about what I has enlightened me during the first 2 days of the course, the things I learnt and and some Chapters and Verses worth memorising for supplication (dua).

The course had an exceptional turnout, with an estimate of 50-75 people on the course, Alhamdullilah. If it wa not for the month of Ramadan, I think the numbers would have been double or triple that.

Day 1:

Start: 09.30
Finish: 18.30.

Approach to the study of the Qur'an - A few points noted:

• Focus on the words of Allah (swt)
• Approach the Qur'an with an 'open mind'
• Primary purpose of the Qur'an is for guidance (it is not a historical book)
• Dont try to justify your own views with the Qur'an instead surrender your views to that of the Qur'an.
• Understand the 'context' in which the Quran suras and verses were revealed and the Life of out Prophet (pbuh) and the conditions of Arabic 7th Century society
• Try and establish a 1:1 personal relationship with the Qur'an, open your hearts not just your mind to it.

If you want to speak to Allah (swt), perform Salat or/and Dua and if you want Allah to speak to you, read the Qur'an.

Some Muslims are very quick to give up their lives for the Qur'an but are not prepared to lead their lives according to it.

S: Sura V:Verse

[to enter - watch this space]

Day 2:

Start: 10:00
Finish: 18.15

[to enter - watch this space]

Memorable Chapters and Verses from the Qur'an:
[to enter - watch this space]

Supplication (Dua):

[to enter - watch this space]