Adhkaar is the plural of Dhikr; which can be translated as the remembrance of Allah. It involves simple yet highly rewarding sayings taught to us by the Prophet Muhammed (SAW). They draw us closer to our Rabb, distances us from Hell and wipes away our sins. It compensates for deficiency in one's salah.
Read MoreThe closest one can come to translating Al-Amanah is as the fulfilling or upholding of trusts. Al-Amanah as with a lot of Arabic words has a broader meaning (which will be more apparent further down), there is no English term that encompasses the full meaning of the word. Al-Amanah is said to be when a person fulfills his due obligations to Allah Almighty firstly and then to those around him. Anything that is entrusted upon you becomes a form of Al-Amanah. In the case of Deen, we have our salah, our fasts and charity to name a few; that are rewarded by Allah when we do them and punished when we ignore them
Read MoreThe Prophet Muhammed (SAW) said: “When one of you prays, pray towards a Sutrah. Stand close to it and do not let anyone pass between you and it.” – Abu Dawood
The Sutrah can be anything one puts in from of him when he is facing the Qiblah to screen those passing in front of him from going one side to the other. It could be a wall, a person or a piece of wood and there is no limit to its width. It should be the height of the back of a saddle (about a hand span)..
Read MoreThe Messenger of Allah (SAW) told us: “The first thing the people would be accountable for on the Day of Judgement will be prayer, Allah (SWT) will say to His angels: ‘Look at my servant’s fardh prayers. Were they complete or not?’. If they were complete, it would be written as complete. If they were not fully complete, Allah will say to the angels: ‘See if my servant has sunnah prayers’. If he has them, Allah will say: ‘Complete his obligatory prayers shortage with his voluntary prayers.’ Then the rest of his deeds will be dealt with in the same manner.” - Ahmad, Abu Dawood, Tirmidhi
Read MoreWe all know that the obligatory prayers are better said in a congregation. This multiples the reward many times over than when the prayer is said alone. But voluntary prayers are best said in the privacy of one's home. Find pout how to revive this sunnah.
Read MoreSalatul Duha is an often neglected salah hence the tag 'the forgotten prayer'. It is attributed numerous names such as the Sunrise Prayer, the Victory Prayer or the Morning prayer to name but a few. This prayer should not to be confused with Fajr (the dawn prayer which is obligatory) as Salatul Duha remains a recommended sunnah prayer. Salatul Duha is a prized prayer and while it isn't compulsory, (the benefits which we will discuss) of just two rakahs of it make it worthwhile.
Read MoreThe Ramadan fast is over and most people are in the middle of the Shawaal fast. May Allah make it easy for us. There are obligatory fasts such as the just concluded fast of Ramadan and voluntary fasting which we will discuss below. There are several benefits to fasting, both spiritual and scientifically.
Read MoreRamadan is a period when we cut ourselves off from the world and its allure. We strengthen our relationship with Allah. We fast, we pray more, we read the Qur'an more and reflect on its message and connect with it. We stay up late for the night prayers and sleep less. We seclude ourselves in the masjid. We seek out the Night of Majesty. We become in essence the perfect Muslim. The month of Ramadan is a process of self-cleansing. We should use the habits learnt in our everyday life. Learn how to continue these practices after Ramadan.
Read MoreEid ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and is a day of thanksgiving and celebration. We spend Ramadan fasting, supplicating and reciting the Quran. The experience of Ramadan makes it celebrated with the great excitement. The day is marked by the Eid prayer performed by the entire community,
Read MoreOne may miss fasts during the month of Ramadan due to a variety of reasons; old age, illness, being a traveller etc. When this happens out of necessity, the person has to make up his fasts as soon as he possible. Here is what to do when in the situation.
Read MoreI see myself as a trendy lady; a power dresser with accounts on every social media platform you can think of. I was living the life, then I decided to start wearing my Hijab. When my family members and friends noticed my new mode of dressing, they were both amazed and pleased at the same time. Some people gossiped amongst themselves that it was probably just a phase and i would be out of it in a few weeks. But I had my mind made up and with the Mercy of Allah, I would have the grace to continue even though I knew it would be the start of a difficult journey.
Read MoreSadaqat ul-Fitr is the charity we give towards the end of Ramadan. It was instilled upon us by the Prophet Muhammed (SAW) the same year the Ramadan fast was made obligatory for all Muslims.
Sadaqat ul-Fitr is a way to atone for mistakes we make over the course of Ramadan so as to make our fast more acceptable to Allah. It is also a means to make people spend for the sake of our Rabb, thereby helping the needy and less privileged obtain basic necessities required to take part in the Eid celebration.
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