ummtaalib

Retaining Our Spirituality After Ramadhaan By Sister Shahnaaz Bemath We enrolled 30 days in a course called Ramadhaan to reach “Taqwah”(Fear of Allah Ta’ala Ta’ala). It was a time of renewal and re-establishment of our commitment to our Beloved ALLAH TA’ALA and HIS beautiful Deen-ul-Islaam. Al-Hamdulillah! Many have graduated with flying colours – embracing them with positive Deeni (Islamic)changes. Now is a crucial time to put it into practice! We fasted, gave charity, read the Qur'aan Kareem and performed the Qiyamul Layl (Tahajjud) especially the last ten, standing in prayer before ALLAH TA’ALA. We avoided gossip, slander and every evil that would invalidate our fasting. But now that Ramadhaan has bid us farewell, many of us, regrettably, will put the Qur'aan Kareem back on the shelves, will suspend fasting until next year and will overlook the night prayer. This is not the way it should be, because all of these acts of worshi p carry rewards and are of benefit to us throughout the year, in addition to the fact there is no divine prescription limiting them to Ramadhaan. What is it that happens in Ramadhaan to make you so motivated to change your life around and how can you get that spirit back to make long lasting, sustainable changes in your life? What is it that ALLAH TA’ALA puts into your life to enable you to make all those changes in Ramadhaan? If we could examine that, maybe we’ll find clues to work out how we can make the Ramadhaan spirit last for more than 30 days, so you can make major sustainable changes in your life! RAMADHAAN CHANGES 1. Purpose ALLAH TA’ALA TA'ALA give us an amazing purpose, a powerful reason for fasting, HE says it so beautifully: “All the deeds of the son of Aadam (Alaihis Salaam) are for him: the good deeds will be multiplied ten times to seven hundred times, except fasting, which is for ME and I will reward it accordingly.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim) Al-Hamdulillah! He gives us all hope of His Reward for abandoning food, drink and intimacy for HIS Sake in Ramadhaan. 2. Long Term Vision HE also gives us a long-term vision of what we will achieve if we follow HIS Orders and avoid the things that HE has forbidden – HE could grant us, according to our intentions, the highest place in Jannah. 3. Structure and Organization HE gives us clear rules and a daily structure for Ramadhaan to give us a specific rhythm to the month – with a few exceptions and some flexibility such as a change in the pattern of the days for the last 10 nights – but there are definite targets that we have to fulfil throughout. 4. Challenging and Slightly Unrealistic Goals The non-Muslims often look at what we do in Ramadhaan and say that we are being extreme, that we shouldn’t be as harsh on ourselves as we are. But we are able to rise above their criticism and not pay attention to what they say, because we know that ALLAH TA’ALA never asks us to do anything that would be harmful for us. We are convinced of the value and benefits of our fasting and Qiyaam and that enables us to stretch ourselves. 5. Balance In Ramadhaan, it’s not only our bodies that are cleansed through fasting, our spirituality is also improved through increased Salaah and reading of the Qur’aan Kareem. Our finances are cleansed through Zakaah, our social relationships are improved through coming together for Iftaar, and our social contribution is increased through extra Sadaqah (Charity). The Ramadhaan spirit is developed through a balanced increase in every area of life, with each aspect having its own timing, amou nt, and purpose. In welcoming Ramadhaan and bidding it farewell are some points of reflection for the Mu'mineen (True Believer): Is there for us in fasting an abundance portion of effort to reform ourselves and mend our ways? Yes! It is indeed an excellent period of reflection if one ponders over the sincerity of his/her intention and appropriateness of his/her acts of worship during the blessed month. A whole new beautiful chapter in your life has opened – of peace, happiness, blessings and mercy with an elated feeling of spirituality, connecting with ALLAH TA’ALA and being immersed in HIS love, Subhaan-ALLAH. Fear ALLAH TA’ALA as HE should be feared for, the fear of ALLAH TA’ALA is the best treasure for you. Obey ALLAH TA’ALA and keep away from HIS restrictions, you will achieve HIS pleasure and be saved from HIS torment. On tasting the sweetness that comes with obedience, there is no desire to return to any form of disobedience. A sinful desire is like a rose from afar, we get allured by its fragrance, become blinded by its beauty, and overlook the thorns. Don't allow Shaitaan to be an anchor and halt your spiritual journey. Raise the sails of Imaan to reach the beautiful shores of Jannah. Would you rather invest for short term returns, or would it be more sensible to invest for everlasting returns? Don't let the chains of desire (naffs & shaitaan), bind us to Dunya whilst restraining our soul from pursuing Jannah. May ALLAH TA’ALA make our hearts the throne upon where our Imaan will sit, and let it rule over our Naffs(desires) before i t tries to enslave us... Ways to maintain the good habits you picked during Ramadhaan: ► Make Du'a It was ALLAH TA’ALA who gave you the ability to keep the good habit in Ramadhaan, and only HE can help you maintain it afterwards. Make Du'a that ALLAH TA’ALA helps you not only keep the habit, but that HE accepts it and makes it a way for you to grow in closeness to HIM. ► Make it a Habit If you want to keep good habits, you’ve got to make sure they remain part of your daily schedule. For instance, fasting. Our beloved Messenger (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) encouraged fasting on Mondays and Thursdays? He said: “A man’s deeds are reported (to ALLAH TA’ALA) on Mondays and Thursdays and I prefer that I should be fasting when my deeds are reported.” (Hadith-Tirmidhi) ► Evaluate yourself Weekly This helps you see the bigger picture. You’ll be able to evaluate on a more long-term level how well you’ve been keeping your habit in practice. You can do the same thing on a monthly and yearly basis. ► Don’t fall apart once you make one Mistake The beauty of Taubah (repentance) in Islaam, is that ALLAH TA’ALA blesses us with this opportunity to return back to HIM after doing something wrong. We should remember that we are humans and that we will err. Only ALLAH TA’ALA is Perfect. ► Ask yourself WHY you kept the habit Niyyah or intention is a key to ALLAH TA’ALA'S acceptance of our good deeds. If we developed a habit to impress others, for instance, we may be able to keep the momentum for a while, but most probably it’ll wear out afterwards. But if we maintained a habit sincerely for the sake of ALLAH TA’ALA, Inshaa-ALLAH , not only will we be rewarded for it, but our intention will help us maintain the necessary motivation to continue to do good. ► Work your Way up slowly Aa'ishah (RadhiAllah Ta’alau Anha) reported that Rasulullah(pbuh)said: “Do good deeds properly, sincerely and moderately, and remember that you shall enter Paradise only through ALLAH TA’ALA'S Mercy, and also remember that the most beloved deed to ALLAH TA’ALA is that which is regular and constant even if it is little.” (Hadith-Al-Bukhari) The wisdom in this Hadith is tremendous and it is one way of keeping up good habits you have picked up in Ramadhaan. For example, let’s say you were motivated to read Qur'aan Kareem for half-an-hour on a daily basis in Ramadhaan. But now that it’s over, you feel sluggish, lazy and want to give it up. Yet, you had wanted to maintain this habit after the blessed month was over. Instead of trying to read Qur'aan Kareem for the same amount of time, reduce the time period to as much as you are initially able to do, even if it’s just ten or twenty minutes a day. If you keep up this ‘ten minutes a day’ habit, Inshaa-ALLAH TA’ALA, you will see the amount of Qur'aan Kareem you read will increase slowly but gradually, perhaps even surpassing your Ramadhaan maximum in the long-term, Inshaa-ALLAH ! Be steadfast and upright upon the Deen of ALLAH TA’ALA at all times, for you do not know when you’ll meet the Angel of Death. Beware of him taking you while you are in a state of sin. Forgiveness is always billowing around us, but we must raise the sails of remorse and repentance, to feel it. Now is the time to reprogram your life, rise up and get rid of the negativities, develop your potential, plan and execute, change and get changed, and you will become one of thos e gain happiness and blessings in this life and enjoy the bliss of the Hereafter, Inshaa-ALLAH TA’ALA! Be sure that reform is possible, seek help from our loving ALLAH TA’ALA, and do not feel unmotivated or lacking in strength. May ALLAH TA’ALA accept our fasting, our Ibaadah and other righteous actions, that our condition after Ramadhaan be a better one, the state of our Ummah improves and that we are granted honour and submit to HIS obedience. ..Aameen Enjoy your Eid by remaining consistent on the those good deeds and keep away from undesirable things that are capable of removing ALLAH TA’ALA'S favours from you. One of our righteous predecessors said: “Each day in which no act of disobedience to ALLAH TA’ALA is committed is Eid and each day a believer spent in acts of obedience to his Lord is Eid.” www.eislam.co.za

Visiting the family of the deceased on Eid Day Q: When a person dies, then people make it compulsory to visit the family of the deceased on Eid Day. Is there any basis for visiting the family of the deceased on the the first eid after the demise of the deceased. Is there any basis for this action or is it a Bid'ah practice? A: It is Sunnah to make ta'ziyah (sharing condolences) with the bereaved till the third day from the time of the death of the deceased. After the third day, ta'ziyah is no longer sunnah except in the case where the bereaved was not present at the time of the death (e.g. he was gone out on a journey) or the one making ta'ziyah was not present at the time of the death. In this case ta'ziyah will be made when they return from their journey. Making ta'ziyah on the first eid is not established in Deen. And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best. فروع الاتباع أفضل من النوافل لو لقرابة أو جوار أو فيه صلاح معروف يندب دفنه في جهة موته وتعجيله وستر موضع غسله فلا يراه إلا غاسله ومن يعينه وإن رأى به ما يكره لم يجز ذكره لحديث ذكروا محاسن موتاكم وكفوا عن مساويهم ولا بأس بنقله قبل دفنه وبالإعلام بموته وبإرثائه بشعر أو غيره ولكن يكره الإفراط في مدحه لا سيما عند جنازته لحديث من تعزى بعزاء الجاهلية وبتعزية أهله وترغيبهم في الصبر وباتخاذ طعام لهم بالجلوس لها في غير مسجد ثلاثة أيام وأولها أفضل وتكره بعدها إلا لغائب وتكره التعزية ثانيا وعند القبر وعند باب الدار ويقول عظم الله أجرك وأحسن عزاءك وغفر لميتك وبزيارة القبور ولو للنساء لحديث كنت نهيتكم عن زيارة القبور ألا فزوروها ويقول السلام عليكم دار قوم مؤمنين وإنا إن شاء الله بكم لا حقون ويقرأ يس وفي الحديث من قرأ الإخلاص أحد عشر مرة ثم وهب أجرها للأموات أعطي من الأجر بعدد الأموات ويحفر قبرا لنفسه وقيل يكره والذي ينبغي أن لا يكره تهيئة نحو الكفن بخلاف القبر (الدر المختار 2/239) قوله ( وأولها أفضل ) وهي بعد الدفن أفضل منها قبله لأن أهل الميت مشغولون قبل الدفن بتجهيزه ولأن وحشتهم بعد الدفن لفراقه أكثر وهذا إذا لم ير منهم جزع شديد وإلا قدمت لتسكينهم جوهرة قوله ( وتكره بعدها ) لأنها تجدد الحزن منح والظاهر أنها تنزيهية ط قوله ( إلا لغائب ) أي إلا أن يكون المعزي أو المعزى غائبا فلا بأس بها جوهرة قلت والظاهر أن الحاضر الذي لم يعلم بمنزلة الغائب كما صرح به الشافعية قوله (وتكره التعزية ثانيا) في التاترخانية لا ينبغي لمن عزى مرة أن يعزي مرة أخرى رواه الحسن عن أبي حنيفة اه إمداد قوله ( وعند القبر ) عزاه في الحلية إلى المبتغى بالغين المعجمة وقال ويشهد له ما أخرج ابن شاهين عن إبراهيم التعزية عند القبر بدعة اه قلت لعل وجهه أن المطلوب هناك القراءة والدعاء للميت بالتثبيتقوله (وعند باب الدار) في الظهيرية ويكره الجلوس على باب الدار للتعزية لأنه عمل أهل الجاهلية وقد نهى عنه وما يصنع في بلاد العجم من فرش البسط والقيام على قوارع الطريق من أقبح القبائح اه بحر (رد المحتار 2/241) Answered by: Mufti Zakaria Makada Checked & Approved: Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)

Preserving the Blessings of Ramadhaan Hazrat Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Daamat Barakaatuhu) mentioned: Just as water brings about life, so too do the blessings of Ramadhaan bring life to the soul. Once it is stored in the soul, fulfilling the orders of Allah Ta‘ala in the remaining months of the year become easy. It is preserved by protecting the inlets to the soul from sins, i.e. the eyes, ears and tongue.

A BEAUTIFUL HADITH ABOUT EID The Messenger of Allah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam is reported to have said, “And then the night of Eidul fitr, the night that is called Laylatul Jaa’izah (night of prize giving), comes along. On the morning of Eid Allah sends down the Malaa’ikah (angels) to all the lands of the earth where they take their positions at access points of roads, calling out with a voice that is heard by all except man and jinn, “O Ummah of Muhammad Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam, come forth from your houses towards a Lord that is noble and gracious, who grants much and pardons the major sins.” When they proceed towards the places for their Eid Salaah, Allah says to the Malaa’ikah, “What indeed is the reward of that employee who had rendered his services?” The Malaa’ikah reply’ “O Lord and Master, it is only right that he should receive his reward in full for his services.” Allah then says, “I call you to witness, O My Malaa’ikah, that for their having fasted during the month of Ramadhan, and for their having stood in prayer by night, I have granted to them as reward, My pleasure and have granted them forgiveness. O My servants ask now of Me, for I swear by My honour and My greatness, that whatsoever you shall beg of me this day in this assembly of yours for the needs of the Hereafter, I shall grant you, and whatsoever you shall ask for worldly needs, I shall look at you favourably. By My honour I swear, as long as you shall obey my commands, I shall cover your faults. By My honour and by My greatness do I swear that I shall never disgrace you among the evil-doing ones and disbelievers. Depart now from here, you are forgiven. You have pleased Me, and I am pleased with you. The Malaa’ikah an seeing this great reward bestowed by Allah upon the Ummah of Muhammad Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam on the day of Eidul Fitr become greatly pleased and happy.” (Targheeb) IBADAH(WORSHIP) ON THE NIGHT OF EID Our Beloved Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam said, “The person who stays awake on the nights preceding the two Eids occupying himself with Ibadah (worship), his heart will not die on the day when everyone’s heart will perish.” (His heart will not die during the time of evil and corruption. It could also mean that with the blowing of the trumpet his soul will not become unconscious.) (Ibn Majah) SUNNAH ACTS ON THE DAY OF EID: • Wake up early. • Take a Ghusl (bath) before Eid Salaah • Brush your teeth (use Miswaak) • Dress up, wearing the best clothes available. • Use Itr (perfume) • Eat something sweet before proceeding to the Eid Gah e.g. Dates etc. • Pay Zakaat-al-Fitr before Salaatul-Eid (on Eid-al-Fitr). • Go to Eid Gah early. • Use different roads en-route to the Eid Gah and back home. • Recite the following Takbeer on the way to Eid Gah: Allahu-Akbar, Allahu-Akbar. La ila-ha ill-lallah. Allahu-Akbar, Allahu-Akbar. Wa-lilahill hamd. (Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest. There is no god but Allah. Allah is Greatest, Allah is Greatest. And all praises are for Allah) TIPS ON HOW TO SPEND THE DAY OF EID: Keep in mind the pleasure of Allah and uphold Shariah at All times. Adorn yourself and your family modestly in the best of garments (not necessarily new). Visit the poor, needy, orphans, elderly and sick. Maintain and strengthen family bonds. Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam is reported to have said, “Anyone who wishes to have his means of livelihood enlarged and a prolonged life, should treat his relatives with kindness.” (Abu Dawood) Don’t forget the oppressed, poor and needy Muslims in all parts of the world in your Duas and charity. Be punctual with our acts of worship and on this joyous day. Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

Masa’ail pertaining to Eid Salaah Introduction · Eid Salah is Waajib on those whom Jumu`ah Salah is Waajib. · Eid Salah consists of two Rakaats of congregational prayer without any Azaan or Iqaamah. The Salah will be performed in the same method as an ordinary prayer but with the addition of six extra Takbeers, and raising the hands with every extra Takbeer. · The time for Eid Salah is from after sunrise to mid-day. The Method · All those observing the Salah should make the Niyyah of performing the Eid Salah which is Waajib behind the Imam. · The Imam will say the first Takbeer Tahrima while lifting his hands and folding them. · The followers will also say Allahu Akbar, raise their hands, then fold them below the navel and read Thana. · The Imam and the followers will thereafter say three extra Takbeers, raising their hands with every Takbeer and leaving them to the sides without folding them. · There is nothing to be recited between the extra Takbeers. · However, after the third extra Takbeer, the Imam and followers will now tie the hands below the navel. · The Imam will then recite Surah Fatiha and another Surah, and complete the Rakaat as done in an ordinary Salaah. · The Imam will then stand up for the second Rakaat and recite Surah Fatiha followed by another Surah. · The Imam will then recite the three extra Takbeers and the congregation will do the same. · When the Imam will say the Takbeer the fourth time, the Imam will go into Ruku and complete the Salaah as usual. The Latecomer · If the Imam is reciting Surah Fatihah or another Surah in the first Rakaat of Salah and a follower comes late and has missed the extra Takbeers, he should say the first Takbeer Tahrima and then the three extra Takbeers while the Imam is reciting and then follow the Imam as usual. · If the follower joins the Imam in Ruku, he should say the extra Takbeers and then go down into Ruku. However, if he fears missing the Rakaat if he stays standing to say the extra Takbeers, he should go immediately into Ruku and recite the extra Takbeers in Ruku without raising the hands. · If the follower misses the first rakaat of the Eid prayer, he should stand up after the salam of the Imam and read the Thana, Ta’awwuz, Tasmiyah, Surah Fatihah, another surah, and thereafter say the three additional Takbeers before going into Ruku and thereafter complete the Salaah as normal. · If the follower reaches the congregation when the second Rakaat has also been completed, he should join the Imam and stand up after the salaam and observe the Eid prayer as normal i.e. with the six extra Takbeers. Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

'Eid ‘Īd-Ul-Fitr (& The Sunnats Of The Day Of ‘Īd) - Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat (HA) Etiquettes and Rulings relating to the day of Eid - Approved by Mufti Ebrahim Desai. THE REALITY OF EID - Islamic Tarbiyah Academy From Eid to Eid - All about Sacrifice and Striving Eid Salaah For Women The Sunnat Of The Musallah (Eid Gaah) When Eid And Jumu'ah Coincide Eid salah does not cancel Jumu'ah Salaah Eid Cards Eid Greetings The Glorious Day of Eid The Day of Eid!

8 Rakat Taraweeh only two Centuries ago Question I heard that the prophet(saw) prayed tarawi but he didn’t want people to make it a habit. If that’s true, then why is it sunnah-mu’aqaddah now to pray 20 taraweeh? sometiems I can’t pray tarawaeeh because it takes 2.5 hours at our mosque. can you give a suggestion? can we pray only 8? Answer Until approximately two centuries ago there were no two answers to this question. Every person until this time unanimously agreed that it is TWENTY Rakaats. Around the twelfth century a group calling itself the Ahle Hadith emerged and began propagating the fallacy that Taraweeh is only eight Rakaats. Recently, a small group in our country, in order to cast aside the following one of the four Madhabs, have begun blindly following the so called Ahle Hadith. Hence not only do they deprive themselves from the rewards of the entire twenty Rakaats, they also mislead other simpleminded people who are unaware of the facts and deprive them as well. At the same time those of weak Imaan who find the twenty Rakaats difficult due to their laziness and lack of realisation of the tremendous rewards of Taraweeh, have found a scapegoat in the baseless propaganda of the Ahle Hadith and its followers. The reality, however, is that twenty Rakaats of Taraweeh is Sunnatul Mua’kkadah (a greatly stressed Sunnah, deliberate omission of which is a sin). ALL UNANIMOUS In the time of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) the Taraweeh Salaat was performed individually and in small groups. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) stressed its performance but did not perform it with the congregation since he feared that it may then become Fardh (compulsory) upon the Ummah. In one narration, it is nevertheless mentioned that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) performed twenty Rakaats of Taraweeh and the Witr in Ramadhaan. (Musannad ibn Abi Shaiba and Bayhaqi). This practice of performing the Taraweeh individually and in small groups continued in the time of Sayyidina Abu Bakr (Radhiallaahu Ánhu) and the initial years of the Khilafa of Sayyidina Úmar (Radhiallaahu Ánhu). Thereafter Hadhrat Úmar (Radhiallaahu Ánhu) appointed Ubayy ibn Kaáb (Radhiallaahu Ánhu) as the Imaam and gathered everybody in one Jama’ah behind him for the full twenty Rakaats of Taraweeh. At that time there were numerous Sahaabah (Radhiallaahu Ánhum) present. All of them agreed on this decision of Hadhrat Úmar (Radhiallaahu Ánhu). If this decision was contrary to Deen, the Sahaabah (Radhiallaahu Ánhu) would have never been tolerated it. Their consensus on this manner is itself a Shaée proof of twenty Rakaats being Sunnah. A number of narrations mention the performance of twenty Rakaats by the Sahaaba (Radhiallaahu Ánhum). Therefore, we find that the four great Imaams of the four Maddhabs, despite a number of minor differences among them on the interpretation and application of various aspects, are unanimous that Taraweeh is twenty Rakaats. This is authentically recorded in their books. HARAMAYN The aspect of Taraweeh is really as clear as daylight. Therefore, one will find that in the Haramayn of Makkatul Mukarramah and Madinah Munawwarah up to this day, from the very time of Umar (Radhiallaahu Ánhu), twenty Rakaats is performed in Jamaa. The Sahaaba (Radhiallaahu Ánhu), the Taabiéen (those who came after the Sahaaba (Radhiallaahu Ánhum), the Imaams of Fiqh (jurisprudence) and the entire Ummah, with the exception of the so called Ahle Hadith of recent times, has been unanimous on twenty Rakaats. YOUR DECISION Finally, in one Hadith Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) is reported to have said, ‘After me there will be much differences. Hence hold on to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of my rightly guided Khulafaa’. (Mishkãt). Twenty Rakaats of Taraweeh with Jamaa was the Sunnah of the rightly guided Khulafaa. In this latter day difference, who will you follow? The Sunnah of the Khulafaa of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) or the way of those who contradict them??? You make the decision. The administration of your masjid should consider the convenience of the people coming for tarawih. If there is another musjid nearby performing twenty rakaats taraweeh in a shorter space of time you may go there. and Allah Ta’ala Knows Best Mufti Ebrahim Desai FATWA DEPT. Source

The Essence of I’tikaaf Hazrat Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Daamat Barakaatuhu) mentioned: The purpose of I’tikaaf is to create mental seclusion with the Beloved (i.e. Allah Ta‘ala). This is the beginning of spiritual progress. The hadeeth says that before nubuwwat, seclusion was made beloved to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). The mind has to be completely free from all other worries, concerns, desires and aspirations. Like a reserved parking, the mind doesn’t only need to be paak (pure), but also needs to be reserved solely for Allah Ta‘ala. Ihyaauddeen.co.za

THURSDAY NIGHT SUMMARY [20th Ramadhan]: Mufti Ebrahim Desai Saheb explains the virtues of I’tikaaf and presented the inspirational incident of Hazrat Abu Lubabah radhiyallahu Anhu. He chained himself to a pillar of Musjidun Nabawi and vowed not to be unchained until Allah forgave him or he dies in that state. Mufti Sahib stated we too should have a similar determination like Hazrat Abu Lubabah Radhiyallahu Anhu. Exert ourselves and then hope for forgiveness from Allah.

The Countdown Begins!!!...Ramadhan's Last Ten Nights and Days By: E Islam Team In this blessed month of Ramadan, we have now come to the grand finale – the last ten days of Ramadan that are even regarded as the “cream” of Ramadan. In it is a night that Qur'an tells us is better than 1000 months (yes, months…not days!) The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "There has come to you Ramadaan, a blessed month which Allah has enjoined you to fast, during which the gates of heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed, and the rebellious devils are chained up. In it there is a night which is better than a thousand months, and whoever is deprived of its goodness is indeed deprived." (Hadith Narrated by An-Nasaa’i, 2106; Ahmad, Sahih At-Targheeb, 999.) So, in preparation for the grand finale, here is a checklist of some of the things that we can all do to make the remaining days of Ramadaan work to our advantage: 1) Get in High Gear for the Next few Nights and Days Time is of the essence. Every moment counts. Whatever you need to do for the next ten days to make the most in `Ibadah, good deeds, reciting Qur'an, dhikr, making du`aa', etc., rewards are going to be multiplied. No one knew about the importance of these days more than the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) would strive hard in worship during the last ten nights of Ramadaan as he did not do at other times.(Hadith Muslim) If we lose this opportunity, we have to wait another year, assuming we are still around and are in good health and shape to make use of it. Even if we are, we have the past years’ sins on our shoulders and life’s normal trials and tribulations to face the coming year. So, there is no better time to ask Allah to make all that easier than NOW. 2) Get a Copy of the Qur'an and Recite as Often as You Can Not enough can be mentioned on the benefits and virtues of Qur'an. It is proven in the authentic Sunnah that the Qur'an will intercede for those who read it at night, as Ahmad (6626) narrated from ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Amr that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "Fasting and the Qur'an will intercede for a person on the Day of Resurrection. Fasting will say, ‘O Lord, I deprived him of his food and his desires during the day, so let me intercede for him.’ And the Qur'an will say: ‘I deprived him of his sleep at night so let me intercede for him.’ Then they will intercede." (Narrated by Ahmad; classed as sahih by al-Albani in Sahih al-Jami`, no. 3882.) As is stated in the hadith in which the The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:"Whosoever reads a letter from the Book of Allah will receive a Hasanah (good deed) from it (i.e. his recitation), and the Hasanah (good deed) is multiplied by ten. I do not say that Alif-laam-meem is (considered as) a letter (in reward), rather Alif is one letter, laam is one letter, and meem is one letter." (Reported by At-Tirmidhi, Ad-Darami) The Messenger of Allah( Blessings and Peace be upon him) said:"The best of you is he who learns the Quran and teaches it." (Hadith Reported by Al-Bukhari) 3) Get your Sins Forgiven First the bad news –In Musnad Ahmad it is narrated that Thawbaan said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "A man is deprived of provision (Rizq) because of the sins that he commits." (Narrated by Ibn Majah, 4022, ). And now for the good news – It was narrated from Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "Whoever spends the night of Laylat al-Qadr in Prayer out of faith and in the hope of reward, will be forgiven his previous sins." 4) What to Say on Laylat Al-Qadr One of the best du`aa’s that can be recited on Laylat Al-Qadr is that which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) taught ‘A’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her). It was narrated by At-Tirmidhi, who classed it as sahih, that ‘A’ishah said: I said: “O Messenger of Allah, If I know which night is Laylat Al-Qadr, what should I say?” He said: "Say: Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibb al-‘afwa fa`fu ‘anni (O Allah, You are All-Forgiving and You love forgiveness so forgive me)." 5) Get in the Class of the Pious People Allah has described the pious as follows (interpretation of the meaning): (They used to sleep but little by night (invoking their Lord (Allah) and praying, with fear and hope). (Adh-Dhariyat 51:17) (And in the hours before dawn, they were (found) asking (Allah) for forgiveness,) (Adh-Dhariyat 51:18) Allah's Messenger(saw) said:" There is in Paradise an Apartment, the exterior of which can be seen from the interior, and the interior of which can be seen from the exterior. Such apartments have been prepared for those who are Polite in their talk, Provide Food to the Needy, Fast frequently and observe the TAHAJJUD PRAYERS when people are sleep.” (Mishkhat Al-Masabih ; Hadith No. 1232) 6) Finally… Think of all that you need to ask Allah for and ask Him now. If you haven’t before, this is the time to connect with Him and feel closer to Him. And when you do during these last ten nights and days of this Ramadaan, you would want to do this again and again– even after the month is over. And finally, when you are in a state of Ibadah (Prayers and worship), please open your heart for others as well and please do remember your brothers and sisters who are in great difficulty all around the world in your prayers. Remember what The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "The supplication that gets the quickest answer is the one made by one Muslim for another in his absence."(Hadith-Reported by Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi) You snooze…you loose! Cut off texting, tweeting and changing your profile status unless really necessary. So strive during these last ten days as if it would be your last chance to do so. A wise man once said… “ I will pass this way but once so let me do whatever good I can NOW for I may NEVER pass this way again!” May Allah Ta’la grants us the wisdom, courage and strength to reap the full benefits of this month…Ameen www.eislam.co.za

Has not the Time arrived for Hearts to Change? Fudhail Ibn Ayyaadh (Rahimahullah), a sinner and highway robber who plundered passing caravans had his heart pierced one night when he and his band were about to enter a house with the aim of looting it. As they stood on the enclosing boundary wall, they heard the voice of the saint who resided there reciting the Qur’an in Tahjjud Salaah (Optional prayer of the night). The verse that was instrumental in piercing his heart on the spot and attracting him to Allah Ta’ala was: أَلَمْ يَأْنِ لِلَّذِينَ آمَنُوا أَنْ تَخْشَعَ قُلُوبُهُمْ لِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ Has the time not arrived for the believers, that their hearts melt with fear, by the remembrance of Allah Ta’ala? [Al Hadeed 57:16] He was immediately wounded with these words for the time of repentance had arrived and with his repentance and mending his ways he reached sainthood of a high calibre. Taken from “Manifestations of Allah’s Attraction” by Shaykh Hakeem Akhtar (Rahimahullah)

Laylat al-Qadr & The Last 10 Nights 12 Ways To Maximize I'tikaf

Objective of Ramadān (Part 4) Guidance and advice for the Blessed Month from Conquer Your Nafs Ramadān is the season for conquering the nafs. Ramadān and Media Ramadān has been granted to us by Allāh ta‘ālā so that we connect with Allāh ta‘ālā and become a muttaqī; Ramadān is not the time to engage in futile activities like listening to the radio or reading newspapers!

When to discharge the Sadaqatul Fitr There are several Hadiths that encourage discharging the sadaqatul fitr before the Eid salah. Imam Bukhari (rahimahullah) has included the following chapter in his famous book; Sahih Bukhari: ‘The chapter of [discharging] the sadaqah before Eid.’ Imam Bukhari (rahimahullah) quoted the following Hadith under this chapter: Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (radiyallahu ‘anhuma) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) instructed that the sadaqatul fitr (fitrah) be given [to the poor] before the people go out to the Eid salah.’ (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 1509) Based on the above, the ‘Ulama have ruled that it is better (mustahab) to pass the fitrah to the poor and needy before the Eid salah. A Misconception However, there is a misconception among the people that by them putting their fitrah into the collection boxes which are in the masajid etc before Eid, they have discharged their fitrah on time! This is an incorrect notion. Practice of the Sahabah (radiyallahu ‘anhum) In the time of the Sahabah (radiyallahu ‘anhum) the collection of the fitrah would take place a few days before Eid. Imam Malik (rahimahullah) has recorded in Muwatta, that Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah Ibn ‘Umar (radiyallahu ‘anhuma) would send his fitrah to the one who was in charged of collection two or three days before Eid. (Fathul Bari, Hadith: 1511) Imam Bukhari (rahimahullah) has recorded that these Fitrah collectors would be given the fitrah a day or two before Eid. (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 1511) This was obviously done so that the collectors had time to pass on the fitrah to the needy in time, before the Eid salah. We too can implement this system insha Allah by ensuring that we either give our fitrah directly to the poor before Eid salah, or by placing it into the tins/boxes a few days early. The collecting organisations can then arrange for these tins to be collected on 28 Ramadan for example. The imams of the masajid can also educate their congregations in this regard. Then the different organisations will have ample time to distribute the fitrah in time insha Allah. That is the ideal we should be striving for. Insha Allah with a little bit of attention, this can easily be achieved. Note 1: The above will apply if the collecting organisations are considered the wakils (deputies/representatives) of those discharging their fitrah. If the organisation is the wakil of the recipients, then obviously my concerns above become irrelevant. Note 2: If one fails to discharge the sadaqatul fitr before the Eid salah, it should still be discharged thereafter. To discharge it before the Eid salah is meritorious, as stated above and not binding (wajib). al-miktah

How Allah Ta’ala exposes A Sinner out of His Mercy islaahiadvices.com Any action you do, do it for Allah. Don’t worry what this person and that person said. All those doubts, kick it out of our mind. You want to do something? Do it for Allah. How much you can do, do. Whatever you can’t do, leave it out. Don’t get involved in politics. Don’t hurt people. Don’t read too much into things. Two people brought a dispute to Nabi Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam who responded that I have to pass judgment on that which is apparent. After this, if someone does something wrong then Allah is watching and He will deal with it. We too, have to adapt to this. Especially spouses, we have men who, when cheating, may have two phones. He’s a couch potato yet the second the wife walks towards his ringing phone, he suddenly becomes an athlete. Why? He’s hiding something. The cheated upon spouse now becomes a policewoman. Now she’s monitoring, constantly worried. You can’t blame her, but over time, this does get frustrating. The spouse guilty of disloyalty now plays the guilt card, he says, don’t you trust me? So for the innocent spouse it’s a worrying, constrained life. The best way to deal with it is to leave it to Allah. Because if the spouse is being disloyal, who is he being disloyal to? He is being disloyal to Allah first. We can duck and dive from humans, but we can’t duck and dive from Allah! So if someone is doing wrong, Allah will expose them. Just like Allah exposed him the first time, if he continues to be disloyal, Allah will expose him again. Nabi Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam mentioned in a hadith that enter from the front door when you come home. Meaning, don’t go through the back door, peaking, to see what she’s up to. This hadith shows us that we mustn’t search for evidence, Allah will expose a cheater if he continues to cheat. Generally with any sin, first Allah will give us a chance to reform. When we don’t appreciate the chance, after a few times Allah makes it such that a man almost gets caught, but he makes a lucky escape and he gets away. Now if he still doesn’t make taubah, then he gets caught. 9 out of 10 times someone close who has his well-being at heart will catch him out. This close one will give him advice and nasihah, discouraging him from the sin. Now if he still continues, then eventually Allah exposes him in public. Allah embarrasses the person, but that too is mercy from Allah. Now it’s out in the open, make taubah and Istighfar before you die! With getting away….how long are you going to get away for? There’s no getting away after death! So this is generally Allah’s system. He gives us repeated chances to make taubah. With gambling, womanizing and cheating generally, this is what happens when a person gets exposed. Of course there are some exceptions as always. And, it’s not always the man who cheats. When a man cheats, who does he cheat with? Obviously a woman. May Allah Ta’ala save us, Aameen. (The above is an extract from a Bayan delivered by Hazrat Maulana Dawood Seedat حفظه الله click here.)

Finding Peace and Contentment

Objective of Ramadān (Part 3) Guidance and advice for the Blessed Month from The Most Important Thing in Ramadān The most important thing in Ramadān is to refrain from every type of sin. In order to achieve this, we should concentrate on the following two things: • Refrain from mixing. By keeping to ourselves we are greatly aided in staying away from many sins. • Keep occupied at all times. By holding fast to a timetable, we will safeguard ourselves from engaging in sinful and futile activities, and we will accomplish much and derive much benefit from this blessed month, inshā’allāh.

Part 3 Q. Zayn gave Ashraf his Zakaat to give to Jamaal but Ashraf gave Zayn’s Zakaat to Ali. Is Zayn’s Zakaat valid? If Zayn appointed Ashraf as his representative to discharge his Zakaat to Jamaal but instead, Ashraf discharged it to Ali, Zayn’s Zakaat will not be discharged and Ashraf will be responsible in discharging Zayn’s Zakaat to Jamaal. (Fataawa Mahmoodiyyah 9/494/495) Q. Can a person build a house and give it as Zakaat to a Zakaat recipient? It is permissible to build a house and give it with the intention of Zakaat to an eligible recipient of Zakaat. (Ahsanul Fataawa 4/300) In doing so, the market value should be realised in calculating a persons discharged amount of Zakaat. Q. Is it permissible to give Zakaat to one’s father-in-law, mother-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law? Can one give Zakaat to ones brothers, sisters, uncles and aunts? It is permissible to give Zakaat to ones In-laws i.e. father-in-law, mother-in-law, son-in-law’s, daughter-in-law’s and so on. It is also permissible to give Zakaat to ones brothers, sisters, uncles and aunts. In fact, ones close family relatives should be given preference over others in discharging Zakaat. Zakaat cannot be given to ascendants(e.g. parents, grandparents), descendants (e.g. children, grandchildren) and spouse. Q. I have a small business and I have a few staff. I cannot afford to pay all my staff their salaries. Can I use Zakaat money to pay them their salaries? A. Zakaat money cannot be used to pay an employee his salary. If an employee is an eligible recipient of Zakaat, he may be assisted with Zakaat apart from his salary but Zakaat cannot form part of his salary. Keeping in mind the rights of employees and the smooth running of a business, employers should employ a sustainable amount of employees and not more than they can manage. Q. I have a diamond necklace which my husband gave me as a gift. Do I have to pay Zakaat on it ? No. There is no Zakaat on precious stones or metals besides gold and silver unless they have been purchased with the intention of resale. If your diamond necklace if for personal use, there is no Zakaat on the diamond itself. However, if the necklace is of gold or silver, Zakaat will have to be paid on the gold or silver content only. Q. Ramadaan will be soon and I usually calculate my Zakaat in Ramadaan. I would like to know how to calculate in on a property. I have invested 200 000 in a property as a shareholder. From this I collect a rental every month. How do I calculate Zakaat on this property? There is no Zakaat due on property that has not been purchased with the intention of resale (trade). In your situation, since you have purchased a share of property as an investment and not for resale, there is no Zakaat due on your share of the property itself. However, the dividends that you receive will be subject to Zakaat if you have saved up these funds. Whatever you have saved up from these dividends will be subject to Zakaat like the rest of your wealth (2.5%) on your due date for Zakaat. If you have used up all the funds from these dividends before the due date of Zakaat, there is no Zakaat on these funds. Q. Zakaat has been due to me in Ramadaan. I have been giving Zakaat on R 20 000.One month ago i have received R10 000. How much should I pay this year in Ramadaan. If you already possess the Nisaab amount, the amount you receive during the year will be added to your wealth subject to Zakaat even though one complete year has not yet passed on the recently received funds. Therefore, if you possessed R20 000 from last Ramadaan and you now received another R10 000 and you have this amount in your possession on the due date of Zakaat, you will pay Zakaat on R30 000. (Tabyinul Haqa’iq, Vol: 1, Pg: 272) Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

Question 1. The Nafaqah of the Mutallaqah during Iddah: What constitutes Nafaqah? How will this be calculated? 2. Islamically, can ex-wife make any other financial claim besides Sukna and Nafqah? 3. A father is required to pay Nafaqah for his child after divorce; however what exactly constitutes Nafaqah of the child? (food, clothes, etc.) Please specify all items with Hanafi references. 4. From an Islamic point of view, till what age is the father required to provide Nafaqah for his son? 5. After Iddah, the responsibility of the Sukna and Nafaqah of the female (ex-wife) reverts back to the female’s father (where he is alive). As the child is under two years old, the mother has the right of custody. If you have stated above that the Nafaqah of the child includes accommodation then in real life terms how would this work if the ex-wife’s father is providing accommodation for his daughter (the ex-wife) yet the ex-husband is to also provide accommodation for the child when they are living together? 6. From where will the Child benefit be met? If the child owns money, will the nafqah be met from his money? 7. According to Fataawa Rahimiyyah if the child is Ghani the Nafaqah of the child will be paid for from the child’s money. Does this include the child benefit that has been saved for the child? i.e. if the father has some of the child benefit saved up can he give the child benefit savings to the child or the child’s mother as Nafaqah for the child? 8. Does child benefit count towards the Nafaqah of the child when the father is a tax payer? (paying in excess of £500 a month) i.e. if the mother is receiving the child benefit can the father deduct the amount of the child benefit from the Nafaqah as he is paying tax from which the child benefit is being paid. 9. If the child benefit has been saved by the father in an account on his name (and he has also been spending on the child from one of his two accounts) can this money be used by the father to spend as Nafaqah on the child after divorce? If it can be used prior to divorce can or cannot it be used by the father after divorce? 10. If the answer to question 9 is negative – If the Ex-Husband has an account on his name in which the child benefit is deposited and from one of two accounts (both on his name) he spends on the child how will it be calculated how much has been used prior to the divorce. The child eats regular food hence his expenses fall within the general shopping expenses and are not separate. 11. What is the Islamic position on custody of boys? 12. If the mother refuses to transfer custody of the child at the age of seven, is the father liable to continue providing Nafaqah to the mother for the child? Answer: In the name of Allah, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful. In the Holy Qur’an Allah has said: “And if they are pregnant, spend on them till they give birth to their child…” (Surah Talaq v.6) According to Imam Abu Hanifa nafqah or maintenance is obligatory on the husband if the: Divorcee is pregnant If a woman has been given a revocable divorce If a woman has been given three talaqs or an irrevocable divorce. (Maariful Qur’an p.510 v.8 & Raddul Muhtar p.333 v.5) The word Nafqah includes shelter, food, clothes and in this day and age the paying of all the bills. The Shariah dictates that the wife has an irrevocable right to the following three things; 1. Food must be sufficient for her. 2. Clothing – she must have a least two full sets of clothes. 3. Housing- she must at least have a room, which ensures her privacy. (Al- Ikhtiyar p.229 v.4 & Raddul Muhtar p.278 v.5) Regarding the nafqah Allah says: “A man of vast means should spend according to his vast means. And anyone whose sustenance is limited should spend from whatever Allah has given to him.” (Surah Talaq v.7) If both the husband and wife are rich, then the wife will receive the nafqah of rich people. If they both are poor, she will receive that of the poor. If the husband is poor and the wife is from a rich family or vice versa…then according to the mufta bihi opinion, the wife will receive maintenance that is of an average quality.” (Raddul Muhtar p.284 v.5) Answer 2 The cause for nafqah to be obligatory is based on “restriction of one’s subordinates”, i.e. if someone is being restricted in order to fulfil another’s rights, their maintenance is obligatory upon the one who is restraining. (Bahrur Raaiq p.188 v.4) Therefore, the conclusion we can come to is that the wife cannot make any other financial claims besides the nafqah. (Aapke Masaail p.425 v.5) Answer 3 Nafqah includes shelter, food and clothes. (Al- Ikhtiyar p.229 v.4 & Raddul Muhtar p.278 v.5) Answer 4 Nafqah is obligatory on the son until he reaches the age of puberty. However, if the mature son has some disabilities which stops him from earning a living himself or a mature son is seeking knowledge and he has no source of income, then it will still be obligatory on the father to financially maintain him. (Ahsanul Fatawa p.463 v.5) Answer 5 You are still be obliged to make a contribution to the living costs of your son in terms of the rent, bills etc… even though the accommodation or the itself shelter may have been provided by your ex wife’s father. Answer 6 If the child has money, the nafqah first of all will be met from his money and thereafter by the father. (Fatawa Rahimiyah p.451 v.8) Answer 7 Child benefit is given to the parents or guardian for the child. Thus, it can be given as nafqah to the child. Answer 8 Yes, you will be allowed to deduct the amount of the child benefit from the nafqah. Answer 9 It is permissible to use the child benefit of one’s son as long as one is not bein wasteful or extravagant with it. Saaiduna Abdullah Ibn Amr narrates that a man came to the Prophet of Allah and said: “I am poor, I do not have anything, and I have an orphan (under my care).” He said: “Eat from the wealth of your orphan, without being extravagant or wasteful or using it for trade.” (Sunan Abu Dawuud, Sunan Nasai and Sunan Ibn Majah) Regarding this question, it will be permissible to use the child benefit which you have saved as nafqah after the divorce. Answer 10 N/A. Answer 11 The mother has a right of custody for a boy until the child is capable of taking physical care of himself, for instance the child should be able to feed himself and go to the toilet by himself etc…This is approximately at seven years old, and the fatwa has been issued on this age. In case of a girl, the mother has custody for her until she has reached the age of puberty, which has been declared at nine years old. (Raddul-Muhtar p.252-265 v.5, Ahsanul Fatwa p458-459v.5) It should also be borne in mind that the boy remains in his father’s custody until puberty, at which point he has a choice to whom he wants to live with or perhaps he may wish to live by himself. The girl on the other hand will remain with the father until she gets married. (Fatawa Hindiyyah p542 v.1) Answer 12 Nafqah will be obligatory for the son until he reaches the age of puberty. (Ahsanul Fatawa p.463 v.5) The wife however, would be sinful for her actions. Allah in the Holy Qur’an has said, “As for those who disobey Allah and His Messenger and transgress His limits, we will admit them into a Fire, remaining in it timelessly, forever. They will have a humiliating punishment.” (Surah Nisa v.14) Only Allah Knows Best Mohammed Tosir Miah Darul Ifta Birmingham Source

Question I want to know why it is prohibited for women to cut hair. I have long hairs and Iam a working women, and I find greate dificulty in managing such long hairs between various works of home and out side. I decided to cut short them but in your website I read that it is prohibited, so Iam hesited do the same, but I want to know why it is prohibeted. I will be very greate full for your replay. Answer In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful Assalaamu `alaykum waRahmatullahi Wabarakatoh Allah Ta’ala has created human beings in the best of forms. In Surah At-Teen verse 4, Allah Ta’ala states: Indeed we have created human beings in the best stature. In reference to Faydhul Qadeer (vol, 6, pg 312) with the reference of Tabraani, Ibn Amr ibn Aas (Radiallahu Anhu) reports that Rasullah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) forbade free women from cutting their hair up till their shoulders. 1) Nabi (صلى الله عليه وسلم) states: Allah Ta’ala has cursed those men who imitate women and those women who imitate and resemble men. (Bukhari) (Mishkat pg 38). It is clearly understood through this hadith that the curse of Allah is upon those men and women who imitate the opposite gender. 2) The illustrious Fuqaha mention that a woman who cuts her hair will be sinful and cursed. In Bazzaziyah it is recorded that a woman who cuts her hair will be sinful and cursed even if she does so with the permission of her husband (Raddul Muhtar, vol 6, pg 7-8) We would like to bring to your attention that there has been a misconception regarding the permissibility of women cutting their hair. Those who claim that it is permissible for women “cutting their hair”, use as proof a narration found in Muslim (vol 1, pg 184) where the foster brother’s son and the foster brother of Aa’isha (radiallahu anha) came to her to enquire regarding the ghusl of Rasullah (sallalhu alayhi wasallam). In this narration, the narrator explains, the wives of Nabi (صلى الله عليه وسلم) use to tie their hair like a Wafrah. I.e. they use to gather their hair and plait it into a bun above the neck. The reason for doing so was that when making ghusl they could wash their back and the water would not drip. The people who claim that it is permissible for women to cut their hair use as proof the word AKHZ which is found in the above mentioned hadith. They incorrectly translate it as ‘cutting’. However the correct meaning of AKHZ in the context of this hadith it will be in the meaning of “to hold and tie” and will not mean to “cut”. Respected Sister, you have stated that with long hair you find it difficult managing doing various works. This however is not a valid excuse in the light of Shariah to cut your hair. A simple solution to your problem will be for you to gather your hair and plait it. And Allah knows best Wassalam Ml. Ya'qoob Dadabhai, Student Darul Iftaa Checked and Approved by: Mufti Ebrahim Desai Darul Iftaa, Madrassah In'aamiyyah Source

Part 2 Q. When we give Zakaat to our relatives is it essential to inform them that it is from the Zakaat money? Because when we inform them they are reluctant to take it. Hence please explain. A. It is not necessary to inform them that it is Zakaat. As long as they are deserving recipients of Zakaat, the Zakaat will be discharged. You should note that you cannot give Zakaat to your ascendants, descendants or spouse. Q. If I bought a property without a specific intention of reselling and after a few Months or years I decide to sell the property, do I have to now pay Zakaat on the property? A. In principle, property purchased with the specific intention to resell at the time of sale is Zakaatable as the property will be considered as stock in trade. However, if there was no specific intention to resell the property at the time of sale but an intention to resell the property was made after the sale, then the property will only be Zakaatable if the intention to resell the property is tied with taking actionable steps in selling the property, for e.g. by listing or advertising the property. (Al-Fiqhul Islaami Waadillatuhu 3/1868) By merely making an intention of selling the property without taking actionable steps in selling the property, the property will not be Zakaatable, for e.g. by having an intention to resell the property only if a buyer is found. (Shaami 1/128) Q. Salaams. If my child who is 1 year old was given a gift of a Kruger coin by his grandparents, then who pays the Zakaat on this? The non-baaligh child or his parent? Jazakallah A. If your child received a Kruger coin as a gift, the Kruger coin belongs to them. Hence, Zakaat is not obligatory on them as they are not mature (Baaligh). Therefore, your child will not have to discharge the Zakaat of it and neither will you have to on their behalf until they become mature (Baaligh) and fulfil the criteria of discharging Zakaat. Q. If a person did not pay Zakaat on lost or stolen wealth, is he liable to pay Zakaat on the lost and stolen wealth? If the wealth was not lost or stolen, it was spent after Zakaat on that wealth become compulsory on him, does he still have to pay its Zakaat? Is there any difference between the two of them? A. In principle, Zakaat does not remain compulsory on wealth that was lost and stolen after Zakaat had become compulsory upon it (Halaak). However, Zakaat remains compulsory upon wealth that was used or spent (Istihlaak) after Zakaat became compulsory upon it. The difference is that in the case of wealth being lost or stolen, there remained no means of benefitting from it, thus Zakaat does not remain compulsory upon it. Whereas, in the case of wealth being used or spent after Zakaat became compulsory upon it, a person had the means of benefitting from it and hence, Zakaat remains compulsory. (Shaami 2/361) Note: One should discharge his/her Zakaat timeously and not use the excuse of wealth being lost or stolen without valid grounds to avoid the discharging of Zakaat. In fact, to delay the discharging of Zakaat without a valid reason is sinful. Q. A woman lost her jewellery 20 years ago. Whilst moving houses, she found that very same jewellery which she had lost. Does she now have to pay Zakaat on the lost jewellery for the past 20 years? A. In the enquired case, if the woman lost her jewellery 20 years ago and had no hope of finding it, Zakaat on the jewellery was not compulsory upon her for the past 20 years. (Shaami 2/226) However, since she has now found her lost jewellery, Zakaat will be compulsory upon her only for the current year if she is paying zakat. Q. A person did not pay Zakaat on her jewellery for the past ten years. Now, all the jewellery has been stolen. Does it still remain compulsory upon her to pay Zakaat on the jewellery for the past ten years? In principle, Zakaat does not remain compulsory upon wealth that has been stolen or lost. Hence, if a person did not discharge the Zakaat on her jewellery and it was later stolen or lost, the Zakaat on that jewellery will no longer be compulsory to discharge. (Shaami 2/361) Q. Can we use Zakaat money to assist in the burial and funeral expenses of the deceased who did not own anything and did not leave anything for his heirs? The deceased family does not own anything as well? One of the primary requisites of discharging ones Zakaat is to discharge it to an eligible recipient of Zakaat by making him the owner of it i.e. Tamleek (giving him full ownership of it) must take place. A deceased person does not have the capacity to take ownership, hence the requirement of Tamleek is not fulfilled irrespective of whether he was a Zakaat recipient or not. Hence Zakaat cannot be given to the deceased for his/her funeral and burial expenses. However, if the deceased’s family members qualify as recipients of Zakaat, then a person may give Zakaat to them and they may, in turn, use it for the funeral and burial expenses of the deceased if they wish. (Hindiyyah 6/392) Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Council of Muslim Theologians

Taraweeh 8 or 20 rakat debate Resolved! Caught changing [Tahreef] the Daleel Proof Hadith of Tarawih

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QUESTIONS ON FASTING FROM A NON-MUSLIM QUESTION: I am from Northpine Christian college. I am conducting an assignment on Islamic rituals focusing on Ramadan. I understand that the background of your website is Islamic, I was wondering if you could answer some questions for the purpose of my assignment? Here are the questions, please answer in as much detail as possible. 1. Do you know the meaning of Ramadan? 2. Are you personally indulging in the ritual Ramadan? 3. What do you believe in the reason behind fasting- what does it accomplish? 4. Do you know what the Quran says about Ramadan? 5. Has the modern Islamic religion embraced Ramadan? 6. Do you think the 40 hour famine for charity reasons has any relation to Ramadan? ANSWER: In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh. Thank you for your inquiry. We understand that you are looking to gain an understanding of Ramadan for your assignment at school. Here are the answers to your questions: 1. Yes, Ramadan is the name of the 9th month in the Hijri (Islamic) calendar. The name is derived from severe heat because when the months were named, the month of Ramadan happened to coincide with a hot time. 2. Yes, Muslims all over observe the month of Ramadan, whether working or studying. 3. The reason for fasting is made clear from the Quran (the Word of Allah), in the 2nd Chapter, Verse 183: “O you who believe! Fasting has been enjoined upon you as it was enjoined upon those before you that you may become God-fearing.” By saying “that you may become God-fearing” the Quran informs us that fasting increases in a person the ability to control and subdue his desires and abstain from sins. While learning to control the most basic aspect of our human needs, we also learn to take fasting to the next level by keeping the eyes, ears, and all other body parts free from sin. Then the next level of fasting is to fast in such a way that not only food, drink and sins are avoided but also unworthy or worldly concerns. So the purpose of fasting is to fear God that begins at the level of control over food and drink then proceeds to the limbs and then to the heart such that a person attains true consciousness of God at all times. Similarly there is a great benefit in fasting in that one experiences hunger and thirst and the plight of the poor. The month also makes us more generous, makes us want to share more, especially with the poor. Those that cannot fast due to old age or sickness with little to no chances of recovery offer compensation to the poor to make up for not fasting. So there are multiple personal and social benefits of fasting. 4. Yes, the Quran addresses both the obligation of fasting and the month of Ramadan in the 2nd Chapter, Verse 185: “The month of Ramadhan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey - then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful.” 5. Islam is not something that has to change or adapt therefore there is no “modern Islamic religion.” There is only Islam, and since Allah, Lord of the Worlds, has ordained fasting, we as Muslims fulfill this command. It has always been so that Muslims have fasted the month of Ramadan and even before us, previous communities of Prophets (peace be upon them all) were ordered to fast as well (see the verse mentioned in Answer #2). This does not mean that the fasting enjoined upon previous communities was the same in all respects, just that the command of fasting was given to them as well. The purpose of reminding Muslims of this is to give them psychological comfort since fasting naturally incurs some inconvenience but if such an inconvenience is faced by a large number of people it becomes easier to bear. [Adapted from Maariful Quran] 6. No, the fasting of Ramadan has no relation with the 40 hour famine for charity reasons. As mentioned in Answer #5 fasting is an act of worship that has been given to both Muslims and previous communities of Prophets (peace be upon them all). In conclusion, we also have a request for you. We invite you to read the 19th Chapter, Verses 16-37 of the Quran quoted below. It is from the chapter called Maryam (Mary) and it beautifully conveys the birth of Isa (Jesus) peace be upon him: 16. And mention in the Book (the Quran, O Muhammad, the story of) Maryam (Mary), when she withdrew in seclusion from her family to a place facing east. 17. She placed a screen (to screen herself) from them; then We sent to her Our Ruh [angel Jibrael (Gabriel)], and he appeared before her in the form of a man in all respects. 18. She said: "Verily! I seek refuge with the Most Beneficent (Allah) from you, if you do fear Allah." 19. (The angel) said: "I am only a Messenger from your Lord, (to announce) to you the gift of a righteous son." 20. She said: "How can I have a son, when no man has touched me, nor am I unchaste?" 21. He said: "So (it will be), your Lord said: 'That is easy for Me (Allah): And (We wish) to appoint him as a sign to mankind and a mercy from Us (Allah), and it is a matter (already) decreed, (by Allah).' " 22. So she conceived him, and she withdrew with him to a far place (i.e. Bethlehem valley about 4-6 miles from Jerusalem). 23. And the pains of childbirth drove her to the trunk of a date-palm. She said: "Would that I had died before this, and had been forgotten and out of sight!" 24. Then [the baby 'Isa (Jesus) or Jibrael (Gabriel)] cried unto her from below her, saying: "Grieve not! Your Lord has provided a water stream under you; 25. "And shake the trunk of date-palm towards you, it will let fall fresh ripe-dates upon you." 26. "So eat and drink and be glad, and if you see any human being, say: 'Verily! I have vowed a fast unto the Most Beneficent (Allah) so I shall not speak to any human being this day.'" 27. Then she brought him (the baby) to her people, carrying him. They said: "O Mary! Indeed you have brought a thing Fariya (an unheard mighty thing). 28. "O sister (i.e. the like) of Harun (Aaron) [not the brother of Mûsa (Moses), but he was another pious man at the time of Maryam (Mary)]! Your father was not a man who used to commit adultery, nor your mother was an unchaste woman." 29. Then she pointed to him. They said: "How can we talk to one who is a child in the cradle?" 30. "He ['Isa (Jesus)] said: Verily! I am a slave of Allâh, He has given me the Scripture and made me a Prophet;" 31. "And He has made me blessed wheresoever I be, and has enjoined on me Salat (prayer), and Zakat, as long as I live." 32. "And dutiful to my mother, and made me not arrogant, unblest. 33. "And Salam (peace) be upon me the day I was born, and the day I die, and the day I shall be raised alive!" 34. Such is 'Isa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary). (It is) a statement of truth, about which they doubt (or dispute). 35. It befits not (the Majesty of) Allah that He should beget a son [this refers to the slander of Christians against Allah, by saying that 'Isa (Jesus) is the son of Allah]. Glorified (and Exalted be He above all that they associate with Him). When He decrees a thing, He only says to it, "Be!" and it is. 36. ['Isa (Jesus) said]: "And verily Allah is my Lord and your Lord. So worship Him (Alone). That is the Straight Path. (Allah's Religion of Islamic Monotheism which He did ordain for all of His Prophets)." 37. Then the sects differed [i.e. the Christians about 'Isa (Jesus)], so woe unto the disbelievers [those who gave false witness by saying that 'Isa (Jesus) is the son of Allah] from the meeting of a great Day (i.e. the Day of Resurrection, when they will be thrown in the blazing Fire). We invite you to embrace Islam, to submit yourself to Allah Alone Who has no associate and neither a wife nor a son, and that Muhammad (salallahu alahi wa sallam) is His slave and Messenger. And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best Sohail ibn Arif, Darul Iftaa Chicago, USA Checked and Approved by, Mufti Ebrahim Desai.