Great information, thank's!
JazakAllahu khair for sharing.
Re: Forty Very Easy, Quick & Rewarding Good Deeds for all of us to do Everyday!
Thanks for the wake up call,just reading it made me stronger and recollect what i learnt in madressa
Re: Forty Very Easy, Quick & Rewarding Good Deeds for all of us to do Everyday!
Hadhrat Jabir (RA) said: **Whenever we went up a hill we would say **Allaahu 'Akbar (Allah is the Most Great) and when we descended we would say Subhaanallah *(Glory is to Allah). *(Al-Bukhari)
Re: 10 steps to getting closer to Allah
**Remembrance (Dhikr) of Allah best way to get closer to Allah and is the best of all deeds!
Should I not inform you about the best of your deeds, and the purest in the sight of Your Master (i.e. Allah), and that which will elevate you to the highest of ranks, and that which is better for you than the spending of gold and silver in charity, and that which is better for you than if you were to meet your enemies and strike their necks and they strike yours? (The Sahaabah(Ra) replied, ‘Yes, indeed’. Rasulullah [sallallaahu alayhi wasallam] said,) **The Dhikr of Allah. (Tirmidhi)
So let us increase in our remembrance of Allah because if we remember Allah in a gathering then he will remember us in a better gathering and if we remember him in our hearts then he will remember us. Those hearts that do not remember Allah are devoid of peace and are dead so let us awaken our dead hearts with the remembrance of Allah!
For remembrance of Allah is the cure for all ailments of the heart!
Billions of Rewards in Just a Few Seconds!
Billions of Rewards in Just a Few Seconds!
Want to earn rewards that will go into the billions in just a few seconds?
Narrated ‘Ubaadah that the Messenger of Allah said, “Whoever seeks forgiveness for the believing men and believing women, Allah will write for him a good deed for *EACH **believing man and believing woman.” *(Tabarrani) **
Subhanallah this deed can be done in EVERY dua and can you imagine how many rewards can be gained for each and every Muslim we make dua for from Adam (As) until now and the last Muslim on earth. This is the easiest way to earn rewards that go into the billions and because it is Ramadan they also get increased so what are we waiting for? Start NOW!!!
Re: Billions of Rewards in Just a Few Seconds!
Re: 10 steps to getting closer to Allah
What better time than any to get closer to Allah for death can strike us at ANY second so let us make the best of these last few lessed days of Ramadan to get closer to Allah for this Ramadan will be the last for many of us!
Re: Forty Very Easy, Quick & Rewarding Good Deeds for all of us to do Everyday!
Providing for those who are breaking the fast
Zaid ibn Khalid Juhni related that the Prophet said: He who provides for the breaking of the Siyam of another person earns the same merit as the one who was observing Siyam diminishing in any way the reward of the latter (Tirmidhi).
VERY Rewarding Nafl Salaahs we can Pray Everyday!
VERY Rewarding Nafl Salaahs we can Pray Everyday!
1.TAHIYATUL WUDHU (Nafl prayer after doing Wudu)
Abu Hurairah Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that once Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam asked Bilal (Radiyallahu 'anhu) at Fajr Salat:
O Bilal!
Tell me that deed of yours
which is most hopeful (for reward)
after embracing Islam,
for I heard your footsteps in front of me in Paradise
(in my dream).
Bilal (Radiyallahu 'anhu) replied:
I have not done anything extroadinary except that
whenever I perform Wudu during the day or night,
I Salat (Tahiyatul-Wudu) after that,
as much as was written or granted for me.(Bukhari)
*Abu Huraira Radhiallahu ‘anhu narrated that Allah’s Messenger Shalallahu ‘alaihi wa Salam said to Bilal Radhiallahu ‘anhu *“Tell me about the most hopeful act (i.e one which you deem the most rewarding with Allah) you have done since your acceptance of Islam because I heard the sound of the steps of your shoes in front of me in paradise.” *Bilal said *: “I do not consider any act more hopeful than that whenever I make ablution (wudoo) at any time of night or day, I offer salah (prayer) for as long as was destined for me to offer.” *Narrated by Al-bukhari and Muslim. *
After completion of the wudhu of two Rakaats is full of blessings (sawaab). It is related in the Hadith that performance of the two Rakaats of Tahiyatul wudhu Namaaz makes paradise obligatory (wajib) for the performer **(ref:Muslim Sharif) **There are also many other benefits.
It should not be performed during the Improper (makruh) times. (When the sun rises, when it is at Zenith and when it sets.)
2. Prayer of Ishraq (Sunrise prayer)
The beloved Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) has said: *Those who perform the Fajr prayer in congregation (Jamaa’at), read the Zikr (remembrance of Allah) till the sun has completely arisen (length of a spear from the horizon, after 20 minutes of sunrise) and read 2 Raka-at Nafil prayer, will have the benedictions (sawaab) equal to those of Haj-Umrah. It is recommended to read the Surah Fateha and Ayyat-uk-Kursi till Khaalidoon, in the first Raka-at, and in the second Raka-at to read, after Surah Fateha, Aamanar Rasul till the end of Suratul Baqarah. In the case that this verse cannot be read from memory, one can recite any other verse and then ask Duas. Woman should read all prayers of Farz and Nafil at home and will derive the same benefits (sawaab) that accrue from prayer performed at the Mosque *(Tirmizi Shareef).
The Prophet (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) is reported to have said that *Whoever, after finishing Fajr salat, kept sitting at the place of prayer, and prayed the Ishraq salat before getting up from there, provided he did not engage in any worldly act or conversation during that time, and instead, remained in Allah's Zikr (remembrance), then all his sins are forgiven, even if they are as much as the foarn of the ocean. [Abu Da'ud] The scholars have written that during this time, the person should take care to sit facing the Qiblah. Sheikh Shahabuddin Soharwardi (R.A.) used to say that the action whose reward is obtained right away in this world, is that a person, after Fajr salat, facing Qiblah, does Zikr of Allah until Ishraq. After a few days the person will gain inner spiritual light *(Nuraniyat).
Rasulullah is reported to have said that Allah Ta'ala says, 'O son of Aadam, perform 4 Rakaats of Salat (Ishraaq) in the early part of the day. I shall help you in accomplishing all your responsibilities during the rest of the day.' (Mishkaat pg.116)
In another narration of Tirmidhi, Rasulullah is reported to have said, *'He who performs Fajr Salat with Jamaat and remains seated in the same place while engaging in Dhikr until after sunrise and thereafter performs 2 Rakaats Nafil Salat, (Ishraaq), he will obtain the Thawaab of one Hajj and one Umrah.' *(Tirmidhi).
From the above Ahaadith, we learn that the number of Rakaats to be performed are 2 or 4 Rakaats, and the Mustahabb method of performing it is to remain seated in your place of Salat after Fajr and engage in Dhikr, etc. until sunrise. Then, approximately, 10-15 minutes after sunrise perform 2-4 Rakaats. 'If a person gets occupied in some worldly activity after the Fajr Salat, and after sunrise he offers Ishraaq Salat, this will also be permissible although the reward will be less.' (Bahishti Zewar part2 pg.30)
3. Dhuhaa Salaat (Breakfast prayer)
When the sun has risen high and there is heat in its rays, the performance of 2,4, 6,8 or 12 rakaats is called Namaaz-e-Chaast. This is full of countless rewards.
The Traditions says that the performance of 2 rakaats wipes away all ones sins. There are 360 joints in our body and to pay Sadakah for each is Wajib (obligatory) The 2 rakaaats is enough to pay all the Sadakah. Performance of 4 rakaats places the performer's name among the Abids and is the Sunnat of Saliheen and promise the performer protection until the evening. The performer of 6 rakaats is relieved of his day's worries. Performance of 8 rakaats places his name among the Parhezgaars and the performer of 12 rakaats ensures a Golden Mansion or castle for himself in Paradise. (Ref : Tirmizi, Ibne Majah, Ahmad and Abu Yala)
The Mustahabb (preferred) time of performing Salat al-Dhuhaa is after 1/4 of the day has passed. This is deduced from a Hadith of Muslim. (Halabi; Sharah Kabeer pg.390). From many Ahaadith, we understand that Salat al-Dhuhaa should be performed after the sun has risen quiet high. Because the Fuqahaa and Muhadditheen are of the opinion that the commencement of the time of Salat al-Dhuhaa is the same as that of Ishraaq (i.e. immediately after sunrise), the Ulama have stated that 'if due to lack of time, one performs the Salat of Ishraaq and Dhuhaa together at one time, that too will be correct.' (Our Namaas pg.44)
Rasulullah is reported to have said, *'Whoever offers 2 Rakaats of Salat al-Dhuhaa, all his sins will be forgiven even though they are as much as the foam of the sea.' *(Ibid)
It is reported that Sayyidna Aaisha (Radhiallaahu Anha) used to perform 8 Rakaats of Salat al-Dhuhaa. She said that even if her parents arose from the grave, she would not leave Salat al-Dhuhaa to go and meet them. *(Ibid). *
'Salat al-Dhuhaa consists of 2 - 12 Rakaats and it is preferable to perform 8 Rakaats.' (Raddul Mukhtaar vol.1 pg.505)
The Prophet (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) is reported to have said that Whoever prayed twelve rakaats at the time of Chasht, then Allah will, as reward, prepare a palace of gold for him in Paradise. [Mishkat, Tirmizi, Ibn Majah]
4. Virtues of the Four Rak'aah Sunnah of Zuhr
The Prophet (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) is reported to have said that Whoever performs the four rakaats before and after the Zuhr salat with constancy, Allah Ta'ala makes the fire of Hell haram (forbidden) for him. *[Mishkat, p. 104; Tirmizi, Abu Da'ud, Nisai, Ibn Majah] *
The Prophet (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) is reported to have said that *after the worshipper prays the four rakaats of Zuhr salat, the doors of heaven are opened, i.e. the salat becomes accepted by Allah, and the cause of its acceptance comes down on the worshipper as rays of mercy. *[Mishkat, p. 104]
5. Virtues of the 4 Rak'aah Sunnah of Asr
Messenger (sallallaahu 'alayhe wa sallam) said: "May Allaah have Mercy on the one who offers four (rak'ahs) before 'Asr prayer." (Abu Dawud)
6. Salatul Awwabeen(Nafl prayers of Maghrib)
After the Farz and Sunnat of Magrib, performance of the minimum of 6 to a maximum of 20 rakaats is called Salatul Awwabeen.
- Awwaabeen is the six Rakaats of Salaat after the Maghrib Salaat. It is established from the Hadith.
Rasulullah [sallallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam] mentioned, "Whoever performs 6 Rakaats after Maghrib Salaat will earn the reward of 12 years of Nafl Ibaadah." *(Tirmidhi) *
7.Prayer of Tahajjud (Night prayer)
Our Master, the beloved Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) has said: In Paradise there is a castle reserved for those who read Tahajjud **and the Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) further adds, **those who pray at night will enter paradise without having to account for their acts in this life.
The Nafils of Tahajjud are read after the Esha prayer, but it is important to sleep before performing Tahajjud. The prayer consists of a minimum of 2 Raka-ats, and a maximum of 8 or 12 Raka-ats (to be read according ones capacity).
After Esha prayers sleep for some time, then wake up any time during the night before the rise of morning for Tahajjud prayers. With the performance of 2 Rakats you have duly achieved your Tahajjud. However, the performance of 8 Rakats in Sunnat, and complying with the practice of the Holy Saints of Islam and performing 12 Rakats is commendable.
It is recommended that you recite in your prayers as much of the Sacred Quran as you know. If you happen to know by heart the whole of the Sacred Quran you may, in at least 3 nights or most 4 nights of Tahajjud effectuate the complete reading of the Sacred Quran.
Otherwise, you may recite 3 Surah Ikhlas (Qul Hu Allahu Ahad) after your "Alhamdu..." in every Rakat and you will thus derive full benefits of the full recital of the Sacred Quran in every Rakat.
During the month of Ramadan one should awake a little earlier for Sehri and make time to pray Tahajjud Salaah for the reward is magnified so much more in Ramadan and duas are even more readily accepted than at any other time of the year.
The dua's at the time of Tahajjud are very readily accepted by Almighty Allah and one should repent and ask of Allah and try to cry in their dua's at this time, if one cannot cry due to the hardness of ones heart due to sin then at least one should make the face as if one is crying. Just as a mother tends to her baby quickly and promptly when it cries the same way Allah attends to his servant quicker when they are crying.
8.Salaatul Tasbih
Our beloved Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) had taught this Nafil prayer to his Uncle, Hazrat Abbas (RA) and told him; He who performs this prayer will have his past and future sins forgiven.
The Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) has recommended to read this prayer daily on each Friday or once a month or once a year, in case of this not being possible, to read it even once in one’s life. This Nafil prayer provides limitless benefits both in the material and spiritual life.
‘Ikrimah reports from Ibn ‘Abbas that the Messenger of Allah said to ‘Abbas ibn ‘Abdal-Mutalib: “O ‘Abbas, O Uncle, shall I not give you, shall I not present to you, shall I not donate to you, shall I not tell you ten things which, if you do, Allah will forgive your first and last sins, past and present sins, intentional and unintentional sins, private and public sins? The ten actions are: pray four rak’at, reciting in every rak’ah al-Fatihah and a surah. And when you finish the Qur’anic recitation of the first rak’ah, say, while standing, ‘Subhanallah, al-hamdulillah, wa la ilaha illallah, wa Allahu Akbar‘ 'Glory be to Allah. All praise is due to Allah. There is no God except Allah. Allah is the greatest.'] fifteen times. Then make ruku’, and while you are in ruku’, say the same ten times; then stand, and say the same ten times. Then go down and make sajdah, and while you’re in sajdah, say the same ten times. Then sit after the sajdah, and say the same ten times. Then make sajdah, and say the same ten times. Then sit after the second sajdah, and say the same another ten times. That is seventy-five [repetitions of the phrases] in each rak’ah. Do that in each of the four rak’at. If you can pray it once a day, do so. If you cannot, then once every Friday. If you cannot do that, then once a year. And if you cannot do that then once in your life.“
This hadith is related by Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah, Ibn Khuzaimah in his sahih, and at-Tabarani. About this hadith al-Mundhiri says: “This hadith has been related through many chains and from a number of companions. The best of them is this one from ‘Ikrimah. A group of scholars have graded it to be sahih, including al-Hafez Abu Bakr al-’Ajari, (al-Mundhiri’s teachers), Abu Muhammad ‘Abdurrahim al-Misri, and Abu al-Hassan al-Maqdisi.”
Ibn al Mubarak says: “The tasbih prayer is a greatly desired act and it is desirable that one should punctually observe it and never neglect it.
How to perform this Nafil:
After having pronounced one’s intention (Niyat), say Allaho-Akbar, read "Subhanaka-Alla humma" completely (Sana), read now 15 times "Subhaanallahi wal hamdu Lillaahi wala illaha Illallah Wallah-o-Akbar." Then read Aoozu billah and Bismillah (completely) and Surah Fateha. Then recite 10 times the Tasbih mentioned above and go to Ruku. Here also recite 10 times the Tasbih before raising yourself to read another 10 times the same Tasbih, this time in a standing position. Then prostrate (Sajdah) and read 10 times the Tasbih, sit now and read again 10 times this Tasbih (Jalsa) and prostrate again, Tasbish 10 times in the 2nd Raka-at begin by reading 15 times this Tasbih before reading "Bismillah" and Surah Fateha. After that read 10 times the Tasbih and then proceed as in the first Raka-at. To end the second Raka-at, read as usual "Attahiyat", "Durood" and "Duas".Then read 2 other Raka-ats. As in each Raka-at the Tasbih is recited 75 times, it means that in all 4 Raka-at the Tasbih is read 300 times. In the other 2 Raka-at, after "Subhana Rabbiyal-azeem",read the Tasbih 75 times and in the Sajdah (prostrations after Subhaan Rabbiyal-ala) read again 75 times the Tasbih.
**Note: **No fixed time has been prescribed for this prayer, a fact, which means that besides any time prohibited this prayer, can be read at any time.
9. Salatul Hajaat (When wanting help from Allah)
*According to a traditional report, transmitted by Abu Hashim al-Ayyili on the authority of Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be well pleased with him), the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) once said: *
If someone has a seriously pressing need, requiring Allah's help, he should perform the ritual ablution [wudu'] with proper care. He should then perform two cycles of ritual prayer [rak'atain]. In the first cycle he should recite the Opening Sura of the Book [Fatihat al-Kitab] and the Verse of the Throne [Ayat al-Kursi], and in the second cycle, the Opening Sura of the Book [Fatihat al-Kitab] and "Amana 'r-Rasulu... [The Messenger believes...]" to the end of that passage. Then, having pronounced the testimony [tashahhud] and the salutation [taslima], he should make his plea by offering this prayer of supplication [du'a'], for his need will then be satisfied. The words of the prayer of supplication [du'a'] are as follows:
O Allah! O Intimate Friend of every lonely individual! O Companion of every solitary individual! O You who are Near, not distant! O You who are Present, not absent! O You who are Invisible, but not vanquished!
Allahumma : ya Mu'nisa kulli wahid : wa ya Sahiba kulli farid : wa ya Qariban ghaira ba'id: wa ya Shahidan ghaira gha'ib : wa ya Gha'iban ghaira maghlub :
I beseech you by invoking Your Name: In the Name of Allah, the All-Merciful, the All-Compassionate, the Ever-Living, the Eternally Self-Sustaining the One whom neither slumber nor sleep can overtake.
as'alu-ka bi'smi-ka bi'smi'llahi 'r-Rahmani 'r-Rahim: al-Hayyi 'l-Qayyum: alladhi la ta'khudhu-hu sinatun wa la nawm.
Again I beseech you by invoking Your Name: In the Name of Allah the All-Merciful, the All-Compassionate, the Ever-Living, the Eternally Self-Sustaining, the One before whom faces are humbled, voices subdued and hearts quake and tremble.
wa as'alu-ka bi'smi-ka bi'smi'llahi 'r-Rahmani 'r-Rahim: al-Hayyi 'l-Qayyum: alladhi 'anat la-hu 'l-wujuh: wa khasha'at la-hu 'l-aswat: wa wajilat min-hu 'l-qulub :
*** to bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, and to grant me relief from my problem, and a way out of it, and to fulfil my need. **
an yusalliya 'ala Muhammadin wa 'ala ali Muhammad wa an taj'ala li min amri farajan wa makhrajan wa taqdiya hajati.
10.Salaatul Tawbah (Prayer for Repentance for sin)
If one has done committed any sinful act which is contrary to the Shariat then one should perform 2 rakaats of Nafil and humble themselves before Allah and sincerely repent, feel ashamed for their sins and ask Allah for forgiveness and make a firm intention never to commit such act again in the future. By the Grace of Allah the sins would then be forgiven (Ref: Shami)
Ameerul Mumineen Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A.) relates that the Holy Prophet ( Sallaallahu Alayi Wasallam) said that whenever one has done a sinful act he should make wudhu , perform 2 rakaats Nafil and thereafter sincerely repent and seek Almighty's forgivness. Allah pardons all sins. After relating this , the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) then read the following from the Quran:
"And those who have done something to be ashamed of or wronged their own souls. Earnestly bring Allah to mind and ask for forgiveness of their sins, and who can forgive sins except Allah" (Sura 3-135)
11.Virtues of walking to the Masjid
Abu Hurayra رضى الله تعالى عنه reported that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said,
"Anyone who purifies himself in his house and then goes to one of the houses of Allah to fulfil one of the obligations of Allah, one step removes an error and the other raises him a degree." [Muslim]
12. Virtues of Praying in the Masjid
*The Prophet (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) is reported to have said that **The person who, from morning to evening, goes towards the Masjid to perform salat, every time he goes to the Masjid, Allah Ta'ala prepares the Paradise for his welcome. *[Mishkat] **
13. Tahiyyatul Masjid (Nafl prayer when entering Masjid)
Abu Qatada Radhiallahu ‘anhu narrated that the Prophet Shalallahu ‘alaihi wa Salam said : “If any one of you enters a mosque, he should pray two raka’ats before sitting.” *Narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim. *
This is a 2 Rak'aah Nafl prayer which one should perform as one enters the Masjid. It is very rewarding.
14. Reward of Salaah multiplied 70 times or more by use of Miswaak
‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) has reported that,
“The prayer before which the Miswak is used is seventy times more excellent than that before which it is not used.”
*Ibn Abbas, ‘Ali and Ata (may Allah be pleased with them all) state that, *
“But it increases to 99 or 400 times.”
*Reward for every action is based on sincerity, the more sincerity we are the the more reward we'll get! It may be that we could get 70, 99 or even 400 times or more rewards for every action depending on how sincere we are in doing the action. Subhanallah! *
PLEASE FEEL FREE TO DOWNLOAD THIS PAGE*
Re: VERY Rewarding Nafl Salaahs we can Pray Everyday!
The blessed last ten days of Ramadan are upon us once again and we should thank Allah abundantly that we are alive and able to gain countless blessings and rewards in the next ten days. We should be making the best use of the great rewards that are on offer.
The Prophet peace be upon him said: “Whoever draws near to Allaah during it (Ramadaan) with a single characteristic from the characteristics of (voluntary) goodness, he is like whoever performs an obligatory act in other times. And whoever performs an obligatory act during it, he is like whoever performed seventy obligatory acts in other times.” – *Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah, no. 1887. *
In this most blessed month of Ramadhan all good deeds are multiplied by 70 or more. Every Nafil one prays one will gain the reward of a fard Salaah and every Fard Salah is the reward of 70 Fard salaah. The reward for reciting one letter of the Qur'an is 700! The reward for giving charity is 70 more reward and so is EVERY good deed! There is NOT much time left so let us make the best of each second!!!
Re: 10 steps to getting closer to Allah
**The meeting with Allah is one of the Joys of fasting
Abu Huraira related that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallim) said:**
Allah the Majestic and Exalted said: "Every deed of man will receive ten to 700 times reward, except Siyam (fasting), for it is for Me and I shall reward it (as I like). There are two occasions of joy for one who fasts: one when he breaks the fast and the other when he will meet his Lord" (Muslim).
Re: Billions of Rewards in Just a Few Seconds!
Dua (supplication) is the essence of worship. (Anas, may Allah be pleased with him related that the Prophet said this as reported in Tirmidhi).
The Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallim) said:
Duas of three persons are not refused: *A fasting man when breaking the fast, a just ruler, and an oppressed person *(Abu Huraira in Tirmidhi).
No one makes a Dua without Allah giving him what he asks for, or keeping away from him a similar amount of evil, provided he does not ask for something sinful, or for breaking family ties (Jabir related this as the Prophet saying: Tirmidhi).
So let us make as much dua as possible especially for the whole of the Ummah as well as for our families and ourselves for dua's in these blessed last few nights are readily accepted.
12 Ways to Maximize Everyday in Ramadan
**12 Ways to Maximize Everyday in Ramadan
**The most beautiful month has come upon us. Almighty Allah says:
“The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Quran was sent down, a guidance for mankind, clear proofs for the guidance, the Criterion; so whoever amongst you witnesses this month, let him fast it." (Surah al-Baqarah 2:185)
In this blessed month good deeds are multiplied:
The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Whoever draws near to Allah during it (Ramadan) with a single characteristic from the characteristics of (voluntary) goodness, he is like whoever performs an obligatory act in other times. And whoever performs an obligatory act during it, he is like whoever performed seventy obligatory acts in other times.” (Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah, no. 1887)
We should thank Allah abundantly for giving us the opportunity to be able to benefit from such a blessed month. But as we all know life is very uncertain & unfortunately many will have passed away before the coming of this blessed month & so it may well be our very last Ramadan as we may not be alive to see the next.
Therefore we should treat this Ramadan as our last and do our utmost to ensure that we maximize each precious second in this blessed month to ensure that we gain maximum benefit from it.
The following are 12 ways we can maximize each precious day in Ramadan:
**1. Purifying our intentions **
“Verily actions are judged by intention.” [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
It is crucial that we purify & correct our intentions before doing any acts of worship. This is because we may have other underlying intentions in our hearts without even realizing it. Like for e.g. we may have in our hearts that we fast because we don’t want to look bad in front of our family or friends or because others fast etc.
So before doing any good deed we need to align & focus our intention to ONLY pleasing Allah. By doing this we will increase the sincerity in our worship & acts of virtues & by having better intentions when doing any good act is a means of earning greater rewards for whatever good deed we are doing.
**Ibn Al-Mubaarak said: **“Maybe a small action is made great by its intention, and maybe a great action is made small by its intention.”
Even daily routines like eating, drinking, sleeping, waking up, traveling etc can be a source of great reward by having the right intentions. Having good Intentions is easy & great rewards can be gained without making any hard physical effort. By just spending a couple of seconds having the right intention in our hearts we can turn a whole day to a day of worship. It is like turning dust into gold.
**
2. Schedule & Monitor Daily Worship
**
One of the best ways that we can maximize each day in Ramadan is to plan & schedule our time effectively. By doing so we will have clearly defined goals and targets which we can strive towards achieving each day. In this way we can also check & monitor our daily progress & make adjustments & improvements accordingly.
The following two downloads will help us to plan, check & monitor our daily worship throughout Ramadan:
1. Daily Ramadan Worship check
**2. Daily Ramadan hourly scheduler **
http://dc388.4shared.com/img/2BNat9vk/Ramadhaan_Time_Table.pdf
**3. Avoiding distractions
**
There will be many things getting in our way & distracting us from our worship. But we must take all necessary precautions & measures in order to avoid any possible distractions.
The first thing we must do is to avoid major distractions like TV for a month or at least as much as possible. Putting away games consoles. If we meet with friends then not getting into useless & idle discussions. Not going to places like the mall or high street’s unless it is absolutely necessary.
We must also not spend hours on end cooking a table full of food every single day for Iftaar for this is contrary to the purpose of Ramadan. We should spend as little time as possible on things other than worship. We should fulfill our daily duties as quickly as possible & spend as much time as possible in worshiping Allah.
**4. Avoid eating excessively
**
Al-Hassan Al-Basri (RA): “The test of Adam (AS) was food and it is your test until Qiyamah.
Al-Miqdaam ibn Maadiy-Karib (RA) said: I heard the Prophet (Salla Allahu Alaihi Wasallam) saying: “No human ever filled a vessel worse than the stomach. Sufficient for any son of Adam are some morsels to keep his back straight. But if it must be, then one third for his food, one third for his drink and one third for his breath.” (Ahmad, At-Tirmidhi, An-Nasaa’I, Ibn Majah )
There is no doubt that excessive eating is not only a cause of many diseases but is also a major factor in stopping us from maximizing our daily worship.
Ibrahim al-Nakha’i (RA), one of the teachers of Imam Abu Hanifa (RA) mentioned: “The people ruined before you were done in by three characteristics: too much talking, too much eating, and too much sleeping.”
There is nothing worse than fasting the whole day & when time comes to open our fast we end up over eating until we can’t move. Surely this will make us feel heavy & lazy in worship & make it harder for us to pray & to get up for Sehri.
Ash-Shafi’I (RA) said: I have not filled myself in sixteen years because filling oneself makes the body heavy, removes clear understanding, induces sleep and makes one weak for worship.
It used to be said: Whoever takes control of his stomach gets control of all good deeds.
Over eating goes against the very purpose of Ramadan which is to be moderate in eating & to remember those who have less than us. How can we remember the unfortunate if we constantly over eat before and after fasting?
One day, Al-Hassan (RA) offered some food to his companion who said: I have eaten until I am no longer able to eat.
To which Al-Hassan (RA) said: Subhaana Allah! Does a Muslim eat until he is no longer able to eat?
So let us control the amount we eat & instead have smaller meals. Have some fruit & dates for Iftaar then pray Maghrib & then have a small meal until we are satisfied. After Tarawee we can have another small bite to eat. In this way we are not over eating but spreading out what we eat. So we will not feel heavy or lazy but satisfied & full of energy which we can utilize for worship.
5. Recite the Qur’an abundantly
Ramadan is the month the Qur’an was revealed:
"The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Quran was sent down, a guidance for mankind, clear proofs for the guidance, the Criterion.. **(Surah al-Baqarah 2:185) **
It is the month of the Qur’an so it should be recited in abundance:
Az-Zuhri used to say upon the coming of Ramadan, “It is only about reciting the Qur’an & feeding the poor.”
Abdur-Raziq said, “When Ramadan came, Sufyan Ath-Thawri would give up all acts of (voluntary) worship & devote himself to the recitation of the Qur’an.”
Outside of Ramadan there are 10 rewards for reciting each letter of the Qur’an:
Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) says: “Whoever reads a letter from the Book of Allah will receive a hasanah (good deed) from it (i.e. his recitation), and the hasanah is multiplied by ten. I do not say that Alif-Laam-Meem is (considered as) a letter, rather Alif is a letter, Laam is a letter, and Meem is a letter.” [At-Tirmidhi, Ad-Darimi]
But in Ramadan ALL good deeds are multiplied by 70 or more. So for each letter of the Qur’an we recite we will gain 70 rewards or more. Can you imagine how much reward we would gain for reciting the entire Qur’an just once? How about twice? Subhaanallah!
Therefore we should concentrate most of our efforts this Ramadan in reciting the Qur’an. We should make a target of how much Qur’an we will recite each day. For e.g. 1 Juz (chapter) half a juz, 4 pages etc. We should aim to complete the Qur’an at least once by the end of Ramadan or as many times as we can.
Along with recitation we should also learn the meanings of what we are reciting & contemplate over the verses. We must try & implement what we learn into our daily lives. That is where the true reward is of reciting the Qur’an.
Note: We should try & recite Surah Ya-sin everyday particularly after Fajr time. We should also recite Surah Mulk before we go to sleep & Surah Kahf every Jumma. Other Surahs we should recite much of are Surah’s Zilzalah, Al Kaafirun & Al Ikhlas
Abdullah Ibn ‘Abbas & Anas Ibn Malik (RA) reported that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, ‘Whoever recited Surah Zilzilah (99) would get the reward of reciting half the Qur’an. Whoever recited Surah al Kaafirun (109) would get a reward as if reading a quarter of the Qur’an. Whoever recited Surah al Ikhlas (112) would get a reward as if reading one third of the Qur’an’. (At-Tirmidhi 2818/A)
**6. Implementing the Sunnah into daily life
**
Following the Sunnah is a command from Allah:
"Say (O Muhammad to mankind): “If you (really) love Allah, then follow me (i.e. accept Islamic monotheism, follow the Quran and the Sunnah), Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Quran: 3:31)
**Almighty Allah says: **“There certainly is an excellent example in Allah’s messenger for he who fears Allah and the last day and remembers Allah abundantly” (al-Ahzaab 21)
By following the Sunnah in every aspect of our daily lives, everything we do will become worship, even going to the toilet, having a bath, dressing & undressing etc.
Annas (RA) reports Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) advised, “Whoever cherishes my Sunnah, indeed he cherishes me & whoever loves me will be with me in Jannah.” (Tirmidhi: 2678: Ibid)
So let us cherish & revive the Sunnah this Ramadan:
Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Whoever revives an aspect of my Sunnah that is forgotten after my death, he will have a reward equivalent to that of the people who follow him, without it detracting in the least from their reward.” (Tirmidhi)
The following free E book contains daily Sunnah’s & dua’s we can do from awakening in the morning up until going to sleep at night:
Download Beautiful Daily Sunnah’s
http://dc395.4shared.com/img/XI7Ox9Im/26863499-Beautiful-Sunnah-s-of.pdf
**7. Nafil (Voluntary) prayers
**
What better way of drawing closer to Allah this Ramadan than by doing voluntary prayers:
Allah says in Hadith Qudsi:
…and My slave keeps on coming closer to Me through performing Nafil (voluntary deeds) until I love him, [Bukhari]
Want the company of Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) in Jannah? Then increase in Nafil prayers:
**Rabi’ah Ibn Malik al-Aslami reported that the Prophet Sallallahu alaihi Wasallam said: **“Ask (anything).” Rabi’ah said: “I ask of you to be your companion in paradise.” The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Or anything else?” Rabi’ah said: “That is it.” The Prophet Sallallahu alaihi Wasallam said to him: “Then help me by making many prostrations (i.e., Nafil prayers).” (Muslim)
The reward for fard prayers outside of Ramadan is the greatest a Muslim can gain but in Ramadan we get the same reward for praying a Nafil prayer. Subhaanallah! What other time of the year are Nafil prayers rewarded equal to that of a fard prayer?
Therefore we should strive to pray as many Nafils as we can in order to get closer to Allah, gain the company of Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) in Jannah & gain the rewards of a fard prayer! So we should set ourselves daily targets of praying as many Nafils as we can.
**The following are Sunnah & Nafil prayers we can pray everyday in Ramadan & throughout our lives:
**
- Pray 12 Raka’ahs of Sunnah daily: - 2 Sunnah of Fajr, 4 Sunnah & 2 Sunnah of Dhuhr and 2 Sunnah of Maghrib
Umm Habibah Ramilah bint Abu Sufyan (RA) narrated she heard the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) saying: “A house will be built in Paradise for every Muslim who offers twelve units of Prayers other than the obligatory ones in day and night, to seek pleasure of Allah.” (Muslim)
- Salaatul Duhaa (Can be prayed from 20 mins after sunrise up until 20 minutes before Dhuhr begins)
So we should remain seated after Fajr prayer & recite the Qur’an or do Dhikr up until 20 minutes after Sunrise and pray Salaatul Duhaa. If not then we can pray it anytime before midday.
‘Salat al-Dhuhaa consists of 2 - 12 Rakaats and it is preferable to perform 8 Rakaats.’ (Raddul Mukhtaar vol.1 pg.505)
The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) is reported to have said: Whoever prayed twelve rakaats (before midday), then Allah will, as a reward, prepare a palace of gold for him in Paradise. (Mishkat, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah)
- 4 Sunnah, 2 Sunnah & 2 Nafil of Dhuhr
Umm Habibah (RA) narrated that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Whoever sticks to the habit of offering four rakahs before Noon Prayer and four rakahs after it, Allah will shield him against the Hell-Fire.” (Abu Dawud & At-Tirmidhi)
- 4 Raka’ahs Sunnah of Asr
The Prophet (Sallallaahu 'Alaihi wa sallam) said: “May Allaah have Mercy on the one who offers four (Raka’ahs) before 'Asr prayer.”(Abu Dawud)
- **Two Raka’ahs Sunnah after entering Masjid **
Abu Qatadah (RA) narrated the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) as saying: “If any one of you enters a mosque, he should pray two rak`ahs before sitting.” (Al-Bukhari & Muslim)
- Tahiyyatul Wudu - 2 Raka’ahs Sunnah after doing Wudu (Ablution)
Abu Hurayrah (RA) reported the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) saying to Bilal (RA): “Tell me about the best of your deeds (i.e. one which you deem the most rewarding) since your embracing Islam because I heard your footsteps in front of me in Paradise.” **Bilal (RA) replied: **“I do not consider any act of mine more rewarding than that whenever I make ablution at any time of night or day, I perform Prayer for as much as was destined for me to do.” (Al-Bukhari & Muslim)”
- The MOST REWARDING Nafil Prayer of all is Tahajjud
**Allah Most High said: **“Establish worship at the going down of the sun until the dark of the night, and (the recital of) the Qur’an at dawn. Lo! (the recital of) the Qur’an at dawn is ever witnessed. And some part of the night awake for its recital, as voluntary worship for you. It may be that your Lord will raise you to a praised estate.” **(Qur’an, 17: 78-79) **
Imam Abu Sa’id al-Khadimi said,
“There is scholarly consensus (ijma`) that among the best of virtuous acts is the night vigil prayer.” [al-Bariqa al-Mahmudiyya Sharh al-Tariqa al-Muhammadiyya]
The scholars derived the following in regards to Tahajjud from the Qur’an and prophetic Hadiths:
-
The minimal night vigil prayer is 2 Rakaats. [Hindiyya, quoting Fath al-Qadir]
-
Its optimal recommended amount is 8 Rakaats, because this was the general practice of the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) [Hindiyya, quoting Fath al-Qadir]
-
Lengthier recitation of Qur’an is superior to a larger number of Rakaats prayed. [Durr al-Mukhtaar, Radd al-Muhtar]
If one has not memorized much of the Qur’an then one should recite whatever they know or recite Surah Ikhlas 3 times after Surah Faathiha in each rakah to gain reward of reciting entire Qur’an.
- It is recommended to start the night vigil with two short Rakaats, because of the Hadith of Abu Hurayrah (RA) that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, “If you get up for night prayer, start with two short Rakaats.” [Muslim, Ahmad, Abu Dawud]
During Ramadan we should aim to pray Tahajjud every night. We can do so by awakening a little earlier for Sehri, making Wudu & praying a minimum of 2 Raka’ahs, but best to pray 8 Raka’ahs.
Abu Hurayrah (RA), related that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: When the last one-third of the night remains, our Lord, the Glorious One descends towards the heaven of the earth and proclaims: Who is that who supplicates for Me, and I grant his supplication? Who is that who begs Me for anything and I grant it to him? And who is that who seeks My forgiveness, and I forgive him? (Bukhari, Muslim).
So the last third part of the night is the most blessed & dua’s are readily accepted at this time. Therefore by praying Tahajjud it gives us the best opportunity to get closer to Allah & to make sincere dua, repenting for our sins past and present & to crying & asking of Allah for whatever we want.
If we cannot cry due to the hardness of our hearts then we should at least make the face as if we are crying. Just as a mother tends to her baby quicker & more promptly when it is crying in the same way Allah tends to his servants quicker when they are crying.
Ibn Mas`ud (Allah be pleased with him) was asked, “I cannot pray at night.” He said, “Your sins have prevented you.”
****8. Doing excessive Dhikr (Remembrance) of Allah
Utter regret for each second wasted without remembering Allah:
Muadh Ibn Jabal (RA) said that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said:** "The People of Paradise will not regret anything except one thing alone: the hour that passed them by in which they made no remembrance of Allah." **Narrated ****Bayhaqi in Shuab al-iman (1:392 #512-513)
The highest rank in Jannah are for those who remembered Allah the most:
Abu Sa`id (RA) narrates the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) was asked, “Which of the servants of Allah is best in rank before Allah on the Day of resurrection?” He said: "The ones who remember him much."I said: “O Messenger of Allah, what about the fighter in the way of Allah?” He answered: “Even if he strikes the unbelievers and mushrikin with his sword until it broke, and becomes red with their blood, truly those who do Dhikr are better than him in rank.” (Ahmad, Tirmidhi, & Bayhaqi)
Therefore we should remember Allah as much as we can & glorify him night & day, not just in Ramadan but until our very last breath. What better time to start remembering Allah more than in this most blessed month.
So we should set ourselves daily targets of doing as much Dhikr as we can. We can remember & glorify Allah whatever we are doing throughout the day. At work, whilst cooking, shopping & even whilst relaxing. We should remember Allah in our heart’s & not just by our tongues. We should also contemplate over his magnificence & his creations & imagine him in front of us as we glorify & remember him.
**The following are 10 Dhikr, supported by Hadith that we can recite throughout the day & night in Ramadan until our last breath:
**Note: We should try & aim to recite each of these 10 Dhikr a 100 times each which makes a total of 1000 a day minimum.
-
Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa’fu 'annee - Recite this abundantly during the last ten nights of Ramadan.
-
Subhaanallah
-
Alhamdulillah
-
Allahu Akbar
-
Laa ilaaha illallah
-
LA HAWLA WA LA QUWWATA ILLA BILLAH-HIL ALIYYIL ADHEEM
-
Asthaghfirullah-halladhee Laa ilaaha illa-huwal Hayyul Qayyuumu Wa athoobu Ilay
Or short version: Asthaghfirullah
- SUB-HAAN’ALLAAHi WA BI-HAM’DIHI SUB-HAAN’ALLAH-IL ADHEEM
Or short version: SUB-HAAN’ALLAAHi WA BI-HAM’DIHI
-
Subhāna-llāhi, wa-l-hamdu li-llāhi, wa lā ilāha illā-llāhu, wa-llāhu akbar. Wa lā hawla wa lā quwwata illā bi-llāhi-l-aliyyi-l-azīm
-
Lā ilāha illā-llāhu waḥdahu lā sharīka lahu lahu-l-mulku wa lahu-l-ḥamdu yuhyi wa yumītu wa huwa ḥayyu-llā yamūtu abadan abada, ḏū-l-jalāli wa-l-ikrām, biyadihi-l-khayr, wa huwa alā kulli Shay-in qadīr
Or the shortened version:
Laa ilaaha illal-laahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa huwa ‘alaa kulli shay-in qadeer
We should also recite much of durood e Ibrahim which is the durood that is recited towards the end of Salaah.
Or the shortest durood is: Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallim
**9. Dua & Repentance
**
Almighty Allah says in the Qur’an:
“When my servants ask you concerning me, (tell them) I am indeed close (to them). I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calls on me.” **[2:186] **
The place of Dua is so high in front of Allah, that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallim) has said: “Nothing is more honourable to Allah the Most High than Dua.” **[Sahih al-Jami` no.5268]. **
Allah loves repentance & loves those who turn to him in sincere repentance:
Truly Allah loves those who turn [to Him] in repentance… **(Qur’an 2:222)
**Many of us rush our Dua’s & quite often our hearts are not present whilst we are making dua to Allah. That is why we lose out on much of the benefits & blessings of Dua. Therefore we should not let our minds wonder whilst in Dua & we should concentrate more, making sure our hearts are present whilst asking of Allah. Whilst we are in dua we should imagine Almighty Allah in front of us & so we should humble ourselves in front of him in a state of meekness & humility.
It may also help if we made a list of what we want to ask Allah during our dua’s. We can then refer to this list as a reminder so that we can cover everything we need to ask him, which may help in making our Dua’s longer & more sincere. This is because we will not always remember everything we want to ask Allah unless we note it down & refer back to it when we need to.
**The times when Dua’s are most accepted during Ramadan are: **
- The third portion of the night shortly before sehri ends. 2. Whilst fasting. 3. Between Asr & Maghrib. 4. Just before fast opens. 5. On Jumma before & after khutba. 6. Between Adhan & Iqamah. 7. Whilst raining. 8. After Qur’an recitation. 9. The Night of Qadr
Let us not be of those who pass by Ramadan without gaining any forgiveness:
Rasullullah (sallahu’ ‘alaihi wasallam) said: …the angel Jibra’il appeared before me and said: Destruction to him who found the blessed month of Ramadan and let it pass by without gaining forgiveness…’ Upon that I said: ‘Amin.’ (Al-Bukhari, Al-Tabrani)
We should ask of Allah to accept all of our good deeds & efforts throughout Ramadan & be hopeful that Allah will accept it from us. We should also have FULL hope that Allah will accept our Dua’s if not in this world then in the hereafter. We should accept his decree for he knows best in all matters.
**10. Behaving in the best of ways & controlling our tongues
**
Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alahi Wasallam) used to say: “The best amongst you are those who have the best manners and character.” **(al-Bukhari) **
Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) had exemplery manners & was the best towards others. Surely he is the best example for us to follow & so we should also do our utmost to behave in the best of ways towards others and show exemplery manners like he did.
Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “There is none heavier in the scales of the Hereafter than good character **(Tirmidhi & Abu Dawud). **
Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) also said: “The best loved by me and the nearest to me on the seats on the Day of Resurrection are those who have the best manners and conduct amongst you, who are intimate, are on good terms with others and are humble, and the most hated by me and who will be on the furthest seats from me are those who are talkative and arrogant.” **(Tirmidhi) **
So if good character & manners are the heaviest on the scales in normal times then can you imagine how much more heavier they will be if we behave with good character and manners during the blessed month of Ramadan?
So let us be the best towards our parents & family, towards our friends & those we know & don’t know. Let us be the best towards all Muslims and non Muslims alike.
Controlling our tongues
Ramadan is a time where we must control our desires (nafs) as well as our tongues:
Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Fasting is not (abstaining) from eating and drinking only, but also from vain speech and foul language. If one of you is being cursed or annoyed, he should say: ‘I am fasting, I am fasting.” (Ibn Khuzaimah, Ibn Hibban)
Therefore we must protect our tongues at all times from vain speech and foul language. Protecting the tongue is preventing it from lying, back-biting, slander, tale-carrying, false speech and other things that have been forbidden in the Qur’an & Sunnah.
Those who control their tongues are of the best of Muslims:
The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) was asked: “Which Muslim is best?” He responded, “One who the other Muslims are safe from his tongue and his hand.” (Tirmidhi, #2504)
So how can we begin to control our tongues? This can be done by “THINKING BEFORE SPEAKING”.
We must not talk without even thinking about what we are going to say. Therefore before we saying anything we should always think whether or not what we are going to say is going to please or displease Allah.
If in doubt whether or not what were about to say will anger or displease Allah then we should just refrain from saying it altogether. If we have nothing good to say then surely it is better NOT to say anything at all.
Remember: We WILL be accountable for everything we said in our lives & so we MUST start taking responsiblity for what comes out of our mouths NOW otherwise we will regret it later when it is too late.
Therefore we must get into the habit of: “Thinking before speaking”.
REMEMBER: **If we do not control our tongues then our fasts will be in vain: **
Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Allah does not need the fast of one who does not abandon false speech or acting according to his false speech.” **(Sahih Bukhari) **
**11. Worship the last 10 nights of Ramadan & I’thiqaaf
**
**Increasing worship in the last ten days of Ramadan: **
Allah’s Messenger used to exert himself in devotion during the last ten nights to a greater extent than at any other time." **(Muslim). **
Aisha (RA) reported: With the start of the last ten days of Ramadan, the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) used to tighten his waist belt (i.e. work harder) and used to pray all the night, & used to keep his family awake for the prayers. (Bukhari)
The Night of Qadr
So valuable is the Night of Qadr that the Quran devotes a special surah to it: “Lailatul Qadr is better than a thousand months” [97:3]
This one night surpasses the value of 30,000 nights. The most authentic account of the occurrence of the Night indicates that it can occur on any one of the last ten, odd numbered nights of Ramadan, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29. It may also occur on any of the even nights.
Therefore we should strive to stay up on all of the last 10 nights of Ramadan. If we can’t do that then at least on the odd numbered nights of the last ten days. If we still can’t manage that then let us pray on whatever nights we can, at least on the 27th night.
If we pray on all of the last ten nights then we have a far better chance of catching this most powerful night & gain the rewards of over 83 YEARS OF WORSHIP! Subhaanallah! Most of us will not even live upto such an age!
Aisha (RA) said: I asked the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam): ‘O Messenger of Allah, if I know what night is the night of Qadr, what should I say during it?’ He said Say:
"Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa’fu 'annee
Trans: ‘Say: O Allah, You are pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.’ " (Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and Tirmidhi).
Therefore we should increase our worship on the last ten days and nights of Ramadan & recite even more Qur’an, pray more Nafils, do more dhikr and make longer & more sincere dua’s to Allah repenting remorsefully for our past & present sins, hopeful for mercy & forgiveness. We should also thank Allah abundantely.
Performing I’tikaf on the last 10 days of Ramadan
Aishah (RA) reported that the Prophet (Salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam): “Used to perform i’tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan until Allah the Mighty and Majestic, took him.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
Abu Said reported that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Whoever makes I`tikaf with me is to make I’tikaf during the last ten [nights].” (Bukhari)
I`tikaf is worshipping Allah in seclusion in the Masjid or for women in her designated place at home. It is done with the intention of becoming closer to Allah. If we cannot manage all 10 days then we can do I’tikaf for however many days we can manage. The more the better.
Each time we are in the Masjid or for a women in her designated place at home, then we can make intention of Nafil I’thikaf and gain reward for the duration of our stay in the Masjid or for women in her designated place at home even if it is for a very short while. A woman can also do I’tikaf whilst she is on her menses by remaining at her designated place at home doing dhikr etc
**12. Charity & Generosity
**
Ramadan is a time of generosity, giving & remembering those who have less than us. Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) became even more generous in Ramadan than he already was:
Ibn 'Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) was the most generous of the men; and he was the most generous during the month of Ramadan when Jibril visited him every night and recited the Qur’an to him. During this period, the generosity of Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) waxed faster than the rain bearing wind. (Al-Bukhari & Muslim).
Ramadan is also time where we appreciate what Allah has given us so that we may be thankful to him. Ramadan is an Honorable and blessed month, & the rewards for generosity are multiplied in it.
The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam) said, “The best charity is that given in Ramadan.” (At-Tirmithi).
Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam) said, “He who feeds a fasting person will gain the same reward as he will, without decreasing from the fasting person’s rewards.” (Ahmad).
We should strive to feed as many fasting people as possible especially those less off than us & those in poorer countries.
**Charity should be paid secretly: **The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: “Righteous deeds protect a person from an evil end; a charity spent in secret extinguishes Allah’s wrath; and maintaining good ties of kinship increases ones lifespan.” (Tabaraani)
Removing harmful objects from people’s way is also a charity: The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) said: “I saw a man enjoying himself in Paradise (simply) because he removed from a road a tree that used to harm people.” (Muslim)
Note: We should also give our Zakat in the month of Ramadan each year so that we can gain the huge rewards of giving Zakat in the most rewarding of months.
Therefore during Ramadan let us give as much as we can in the path of Allah & know that we will get SO much more in return in this world & the Hereafter. Surely in there hereafter we will regret that which we did not spend in the path of Allah.
**Conclusion
**
My brothers and sisters what an amazing opportunity we have in this blessed month to gain such closeness to Allah as well as his mercy & forgiveness of our past & present sins.
There are immense rewards available for us in this blessed month if only we make the little effort required to gain them. Surely on the day of judgment we will BEG each other for just one good deed but we will not be able to get anything as we will all be in desperate need on that day.
Therefore the time to prepare for the Hereafter is NOW as we may not have a tomorrow. What better time to make lifetime changes than to do so in the most blessed of months - Ramadan.
May Allah enable us to maximize each & every precious second of Ramadan & may he make it a salvation for us in the Hereafter. Ameen
How Productive Was Your Day Today In Ramadan?
**How Productive Was Your Day Today In Ramadan?
**Asalaamu Alaikum,
This is a thread dedicated to posting how productive we think our day was this Ramadan with regards to worship so that we can give tips to each other effective tips, help and advice on how we can get the most out of everyday this Ramadan.
Also post if you need tips on how to maximise your day if you think you are not spending your day productively enough.
Re: How Productive Was Your Day Today In Ramadan?
Tip 1: Saving our precious time in this blessed month
Firstly we should slowly eradicate everything in our day that will waste our time. We are so used to wasting our precious time everyday watching useless TV programs, playing video games, having useless discussions with friends and even on the forums as well as wasting out precious time in many other ways. We need to learn the true value of time and know that time is not on our side. Our life can end at any second and then on the day of judgement we will have eternal regret for the precious time we wasted.
So one of the best things we can do this Ramadan is to save as much of our precious time as possible and avoid any distractions or that which will be of no benefit to us in this world or the next. We must not just save our time in this precious month but we should start saving our time now so that we can continue saving our time for the rest of our lives and use that time in doing good deeds and pleasing Allah.
So it is about using our time wisely and only foing that which will benefit us in this world and the next and keeping away from that which is of no benefit at all and anything that is not beneficial is harmful to us.
Mu'adh [RA] narrated Rasulallah (sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: *“The Inhabitants of Paradise will not be grief stricken or sorrowful about anything they did in the life of the world except for the time they spent without being in the remembrance of Allah” *(Tabaraani)
Re: How Productive Was Your Day Today In Ramadan?
Jazak Allah brother .
Re: How Productive Was Your Day Today In Ramadan?
**Tip 2: **Reciting the Qur'an as much as possible:
With regards to reciting the Qur'an then we should recite as much as possible for the reward of every letter is multiplied by ten so if there is ten rewards for one letter outside of Ramadan then if we multiply ten by ten that makes 100 rewards for one letter of the Qur'an. Subhaanallah.
Therefore we should set a realistic target for ourselves of how much of the Qur'an we will recite depending on what we have to do in our day. If we are free then alhamdulillah we should aim for a minimum of 3 Qur'an in this month or more. If we are working and busy then one Qur'an is possible.
It is best to break down what you will recite in manageable chunks. For example read half a juz before Dhuhr, Half after, half before Asr, Half after, A half before Maghrib and then half before sleep etc. In this way we can recite the Qur'an a little bit at a time and that way not feel fatigued.
So set yourself daily targets of how much Qur'an you will recite and devote much of your worship on reciting the Qur'an as it is the month of the Qur'an.
Re: How Productive Was Your Day Today In Ramadan?
**Tip 3: **Remembrance of Allah as much as possible:
Regarding Dhikr of Allah then surely this is the easiest of all worship and only requires our hearts. It is the least physically demanind but also the most rewarding. Therefore we should put all of our hearts into the remembrance of Allah and glorify him night and day.
The easiest thing about dhikr is that it can be done ANYWHERE and at ANYTIME no matter what you are doing. You can remember Allah at work, whilst shopping, with family, with friends, in recreation, whilst at the gym, whilst jogging, whilst weight training while playing with children whatever the situation you can remember Allah and glorify him in your heart.
What i would suggest is everynight if you are up around Tahajjud time then before or after tahajjud for a few minutes at least to sit there close your eyes, relax and glorify Allah doing any good dhikr you know and imagine Allah in front of you and reflect over his magnificence and his wonderful creations, of his love and mercy, of his compassion, of his generosity of his utter love for his slaves, of his highest honour, of him being the master of the universe. If you want to cry you can do so and then you can do dua to him and cry and beg of him for his mercy, forgiveness and for whatever you like.
I think it would be very beneficial to write out a long dua list of everything you want to ask of Allah. This is because we will not be able to remember everything we want to ask Allah whilst we are in dua but if we write it out then we can go through the list and make even longer dua's paticularly because dua's are most accepted during Ramadan like during fast and between Asr and Maghrib and just before opening fast, tahajjud time etc
Re: How Productive Was Your Day Today In Ramadan?
**Tip 4: Daily Dhikr
**Here is a list of daily dhikr we can do everyday this Ramadan as much as we can. Set yourself a target. 100 of each in the morning and evening or however much you can manage:
Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'annee - Recite this abundantly during the last ten nights of Ramadan.
Subhaanallah
Alhamdulillah
Allahu Akbar
Laa ilaaha illallah
LA HAWLA WA LA QUWWATA ILLA BILLAH-HIL ALIYYIL ADHEEM
Asthaghfirullah-halladhee Laa ilaaha illa-huwal Hayyul Qayyuumu Wa athoobu Ilay
Or short version: Asthaghfirullah
- SUB-HAAN'ALLAAHi WA BI-HAM'DIHI SUB-HAAN'ALLAH-IL ADHEEM
Or short version: SUB-HAAN'ALLAAHi WA BI-HAM'DIHI
Subhāna-llāhi, wa-l-hamdu li-llāhi, wa lā ilāha illā-llāhu, wa-llāhu akbar. Wa lā hawla wa lā quwwata illā bi-llāhi-l-aliyyi-l-azīm
Lā ilāha illā-llāhu waḥdahu lā sharīka lahu lahu-l-mulku wa lahu-l-ḥamdu yuhyi wa yumītu wa huwa ḥayyu-llā yamūtu abadan abada, ḏū-l-jalāli wa-l-ikrām, biyadihi-l-khayr, wa huwa alā kulli Shay-in qadīr
Or the shortened version:
Laa ilaaha illal-laahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa huwa ‘alaa kulli shay-in qadeer
We should also recite much of durood e Ibrahim which is the durood that is recited towards the end of Salaah.
Or the shortest durood is: Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallim