20 May

Al Aqsa will always be in our Heart

Al Aqsa will always be in our Heart.

The blessed Masjid al-Aqsa has been referred to in the Quran and hadith, as the land on which Allah placed special blessings upon. In our search for knowledge and our desire to follow in the footsteps of the righteous and rightly guided, the importance of the land of Palestine and the sanctuary of the al-Aqsa cannot be stressed enough.

Masjid Al-Aqsa is no ordinary Masjid; it forms the basis of our history and it is the cornerstone of Mankind’s foundation. The Messenger ﷺ dedicated a great deal of his life in nurturing the Companions to appreciate the excellent qualities of Masjid Al-Aqsa and prepared them to embark on an expedition to liberate Jerusalem which at the time was in the hands of the mighty Roman empire.

Some of the reasons why Masjid Al-Aqsa should form an important aspect of a believer’s dedication, where many pious individuals have given their wealth and lives, include the fact that Masjid Al-Aqsa is:

1.The first Qiblah of the Muslims

2.The station of Al-Isra and Al-Miraj (the miraculous journey of The Messenger ﷺ)

3.The second house of Allah built on Earth.

4.The place where hundreds of Messengers of Allah are buried.

5.The place where many companions are buried.

6.A place where miracles were shown by Allah’s will.

7.A place which Allah Himself calls a ‘blessed place’.

8.Referred to directly and indirectly, 70 times in the Holy Quran.

9.The place where Angels have descended with Allah’s messages.

10.The only place on Earth where all the Messengers of Allah prayed at the same time led by The Messenger ﷺ.

11.The only Masjid mentioned by name in the Holy Quran, apart from the Ka’bah.

12. A place of all excellence and glory for all three major Religion and was protected by our great Muslim Leaders for them all. It is for the above-mentioned reasons and many more that we need to understand our responsibilities regarding safeguarding Masjid Al-Aqsa which is in great danger of being demolished by extremist Zionists.

Masjid Al Aqsa is being ignored by Muslim Ummah.

Despite these significances and excellences, the most neglected place in our time is Masjid Al-Aqsa, in Jerusalem. The Ummah for various reasons, from political compromise to appeasement, has ignored not only the virtues but also the plight of this Holy site.

Neglecting Masjid al-Aqsa on the basis that there is very little we can do to help is contrary to the spirit of the advice given to this Ummah by The Messenger ﷺ. He urged us to visit Masjid al-Aqsa to pray there and that if this were not possible, we should send oil to be used in its lamps and that whoever did so would get the same reward as if they prayed there.[1]

Masjid Al Aqsa is calling us……

Shedding tears all day might not be able to explain the sorrow and sadness the Muslims should have over today’s situation which we are witnessing right now in Gaza. Extremist Zionists are killing and bombing our innocent Muslim Brothers including children and women. They want to destroy Masjid Al-Aqsa and build their temple. I do not know what it will take for the Muslim Ummah to wake up, especially the Arab leaders who have openly surrendered before America and Israel and licked their boots clean; meanwhile, they have been killing innocent Muslims in Yemen Syria and different part of Muslim Arab world.

At times like this, when we feel helpless, I remember the Hadīth of our beloved Prophet ﷺ: “Soon nations will call each other to attack you just as a group of diners call each other towards their meal.” Somebody asked, “Because we will be few in number at the time?” The Messenger ﷺ replied, “No, you will be numerous, but you will be like the foam [and rubbish] that is carried by a torrent [fast stream of water]. And Allāh will extract from the hearts of your enemies [their] awe of you and place weakness into your hearts.” The person asked, “What will this weakness be?” He replied, “Love of the world and dislike of death”.

We have instilled the love of this Duniya in our Hearts, we are so afraid to speak truth, and stand up all together against oppression, injustice and genocide of our Muslim Brothers across the world. I really do not understand why we are ignoring our brothers and letting them be killed and bombarded by Zionists. What is stopping us from standing up to show our all support and solidarity for our Palestinian brothers? Are we Afraid of Kuffar? Do we fear Death? Let me ask you is there a better Death a more honourable Death than dying while fighting for the sake of Allah?

I think our Muslim leaders need to wake up now and take strong action against any kind of oppression and genocide. I have not seen yet any strong action being taken by Muslim leaders to protect Muslim Ummah. They should fear Allah more anything and use their positions to protect Muslim Ummah rather than posting on Facebook and Twitter, they need to come out of the world of this hypocrisy. Shame on those leaders who do nothing for the Ummah of the Messenger ﷺ despite being in the position.

The believers are like one body.

A believer is pained by what is happening in Masjidul Aqsa, Palestine. Disloyalty to the first qibla has its severe consequences.

Oh, leaders of the world, activists, community leaders, community champions, and the speakers of this world. Raise awareness. You can speak for everything else, speak for this.

Do your bit. The minimum being duaa (prayers).

Protest with dignity. Don’t allow your emotions to destroy deen.

Protesting and standing up against any kind of injustice is our right, but NOT at the cost of missing the 5 daily prayers and becoming a means of harm for others. Islam does not really appreciate that we should become an obstruction to society. We must stand up against these Extremist Zionist who are killing innocent Muslims including women and children in Palestine, but this protest should be done in peaceful way. Because Sometimes we become destructive to our community rather than being constructive.

What can I do to help the Palestinians?

Must Do!

• Contact the local MP and Politicians.

• Boycott all Israeli products.

• Attend local peaceful events and protests.

Must Not Do!

• Missing Prayers

• Eating Haram

• Drinking Haram

• Looking at Haram

• Swearing

• Lying

• Backbiting

• Oppressing those around us

• Dealing in interest

• Unveiling

• All Haram Activities

We know what our sins & faults are. We need to stop & seek forgiveness from Allah!

Let’s pray on time, let’s revive Deen within our households, let’s increase our love and connection with the Beloved ﷺ and his ﷺ beloveds.

This is one of the best ways to help our fellow brothers and sisters who are being oppressed.

Written By: Imam Azmat Najmi

Imam of Jamia Mosque Newport

30 Apr

Method of Wudu (Hanafi) / how to do wadu masail world

Method of Wudu (Hanafi) / How to do wadu practically

It is Mustahab to be seated on an elevated platform facing the Qiblah. It is highly recommended to make a conscious intention for Wudu, followed by a verbal intention.
Frame the intention in this manner (suggested): “I am performing Wudu so as to fulfil the commandment of Allah and to achieve purity.”

Recite because it is additionally a way of life, rather say as angels can continue writing smart deeds as long joined is within the state of Wudu. (Majma’-uz Zawaid, pp. 513. vol 1, Hudis 1112)

The steps of wudu / method of wadu

Wash each hand up to the wrist 3 times, and subsequently do Khilal (i.e. crisscross fingers of both hands in order to dampen the sides of the fingers and the gaps) Ensure the faucet is closed while doing so.
Use Miswak to cleanse the teeth. Move it up and down across the entire sets (upper and lower sets) of teeth. Move the Miswak back and forth as well across both sets. Repeat these movements 3 times and with every cycle, rinse the Miswak. Hujja-tul-Islam leader Muhammad Ghazali says. “Whilst employing a Miswak, create intention to wash mouth for the recitation of the Holy Koran and for the Zikr (Remembrance) of Allah .

(hva-ul-‘Ulam, pp. 182, vol. 1)

Now cup your right palm for water and rinse your mouth 3 times (close the faucet every time). Ensure water reaches all portions of the mouth, and gargle as well if you’re not practising abstinence.

Cup your palm with water, and draw it up both nostrils, then insert the thumb and then little finger if your left hand to remove any dust/dirt/grind that might be lodged in the nostrils. Repeat this 3 times (close the faucet every time). If not under abstinence, draw water up to the end of the nose.

Also draw water up the nose as described above and blow your nose hard. Repeat thrice.
Wash the entire face – ear lobe to ear lobe, the either ends of the lower jaw bone, the hairline above the forehead to the chin to the lower portion of the throat. Repeat thrice.

Ensure water flows over from the highest of the forehead (from the hairline) to the bottom of the throat and from one lobe to the other.
If one has beard and he’s not within the state of Ihram (Special state for Haj/Umrah) then do Khilal (cup the palm with water and ensure every stand of the beard hair is fully wet from root to tip). Keep the faucet turned off while doing so.
To ensure the entire beard is wet, insert fingers into the beard from the throat pointing outward such that the palm ribs against the chin.
Then wash the forearm. Ensure all portions right from the palm to a little above the elbow are drenched. To do this, cup both palms to collect water, and raise the right hand in order that the collected water flows down all the way to the elbow. Do this 3 times, repeat for left hand. To be sure that all portions are drenched, paas water with your palm over the entire forearm and the elbow.
It is mustahab to scrub up to 1/3rd of the upper arm.

Most people take a little water in their palm and pour it over their forearm towards the elbow 3 times. However during this technique, there are chances that water wouldn’t flow over the entire forearm.

Now (with the faucet closed) perform ‘masa’, that is wetting of the exposed surface of the hair on the head. Thoroughly wet the index fingers, thumbs, and the little fingers (of both hands) and run them parallely from the hairline above the forehead all the way back to the lower portion of the neck.

Draw these fingers back to the forehead by placing both palms on the head and race them across back towards the forehead. Throughout this, the index fingers and thumbs shouldn’t be in contact with the head.
Then use the index fingers to wipe the insides of the ears, the thumbs for the rear of ears and therefore the tiny fingers ought to be inserted within the holes of ears. Ensure the fingers are wet at all times.
Dampen the neck with the outer sides of the fingers of both hands.
Make it a habit to turn the faucet off when not required. To waste water by leaving the faucet open even partly is a sin.
Next wash each foot, beginning with the outer sides and gradually covering the inner sides and the rear portion (above the heel), wetting all the way up to little above the ankle.
Starting from the toes up to little above the ankle. it’s Mustahab to scrub up to halfway up the shin. Perform Khilal between every two toes. Repeat this thrice, first for the right foot, then for the left foot.
The faucet ought to be turned off throughout Khilal.

Hujja-tul-Islam leader Muhammad Ghazali says, “While washing every part, one ought to hope that the sins of that part are being washed away.” (Ihya-ul-Ulam, pp 183, vol. 1)

صلى الله تعالى على محمد
صلوا على الحبيب

Also recite this Du’a when Wudu (with Durüd Sharif before and while performing it).

اللهم اجعلني من التوابين واجعلني من المتطهرين

29 Apr

How to make the intention for Taraveeh

In the month of Ramzaan, during Isha prayers (after 4 Farz and 2 Sunnah, but before 3 Wajib-ul-Witr) the Salaahthat is performed is called Taraveeh.

It is Sunnah-e-Muakkada (Muakkada means it has been decreed as a highly recommended practice) for every Muslim adult (Man and Woman). Not performing this Salaahwith a valid reason or cause is a grave sin. Performing this in the mosque in a congregation is Sunnah-e-Kifaaya (Kifaaya means the act of prayer needs to be performed by at least a few people from within the corresponding society/community). If a certain colony/community doesn’t organize for the Taraveeh Congregation, then all Muslim residents of the colony/community are equal sinners.

The Taraveeh Salaah shall begin the first night of Ramzaan, i.e. the evening (around Maghrib) when the moon is sighted. It is mandatory to keep performing it every night until the next month’s moon (waxing crescent of the moon) is sighted. The time of Taraveeh begins just after the time for Isha commences and lasts till Subah-e-Sadiq (when the sun is at the horizon). It is a better practice to perform 3-rakaat Wajib-ul-Witr after (the 20-rakaat) Taraveeh, but if due to some reason Wajib-ul-Witr is performed before Taraveeh, it is still acceptable [Shami Vol. 5, Page 240, ‘Witr Ka Baab’].

Method of Taraveeh: After performing the Farz and Sunnah of Isha, an intention of Taraveeh is to be made, for 20 rakaats (split into 10 sessions by count of Salaam of 2 rakaats each). After every 4 rakaats, there should be a ‘longer break’, during which the Dua of Taraveeh must be recited. This ‘longer break’ is referred to as ‘Tarveeha’, meaning ‘to rest’. It is better to recite the Dua of Taraveeh, or perform zikr, etc. during this ‘break’. Completing the Quran once across the Taraveeh on all nights is Sunnah, and completing it more than once is Mustahab (Mustahab means performing the act of prayer earns one rewards, but if not performed, it will not be a sin/mistake).

The process of Taraveeh

Intention to be made: I intend to perform 20-rakaat Taraveeh Salaah as Sunnah of Rasoolullah, for the sake of Allah, while facing the Kaaba.

Allah Hu Akbar

The conscious decision one makes, is referred to as Intention. After intending, it is highly recommended that the intention is verbally uttered as well.

The Intention can be made for every individual 2 rakaats, or can be made in one go for all 20 rakaats in the beginning as described above.

Dua of Taraveeh

Subhaana zil mulki wal malakoot. Subhaana zil izzati wal azmati wal haibati wal qudrati wal kibriyaa-ee wal jabaroot. Subhaanal malikil hayyil-lazee laa yanaamu walaa yamoot. Subboohun quddoosun rabbunaa wa rabbul malaaikati warroohu. Allahumma ajirna minan-naar, ya mujeeru, ya mujeeru, ya mujeeru, bi rahmatika Ya-Ar hamar Raahimeen.

24 Apr

Things that will break the fast, or render the fast invalid.

Things that will break the fast, or render the fast invalid. Please take extreme care to avoid these.

Chewing hukka, cigar, cigarette, betel leaf and nuts, tobacco (in any form or manner), will render the fast invalid. Even if the spittle of chewed betel leaf is spat out completely, the fast will break.

French kissing and making out in any style or manner will render the fast invalid. However, little pecks (out of affection, not lust) are permissible.

If kissing out of lust, caressing, making out, intercourse, hugging out of lust results in ejaculation, the fast will break.

If one vomits voluntarily/intentionally so much such that it is not a mouthful, the fast remains intact. However, if the vomit is a mouthful the fast will be rendered invalid. For The Prophet ﷺ said, “If one vomits involuntarily, or eats/drinks unintentionally out of forgetfulness then that will be accountable”, implying the fast will remain intact.

24 Apr

Fast doesn’t become invalid in these situations

If one eats or drinks or gets physical and intimate with one’s spouse unintentionally or due to forgetfulness or accidentally.

Even if an insect, smoke, or grain dust (due to handling in any manner) of wheat, barley, oat, etc. enters the throat.

If one applies hair oil or wears Surma (Kohl/antimony) and even if the taste is felt/realised. And even if the surma’s color appears in the saliva, the fast will not be rendered invalid.

If one experiences involuntary ejaculation (nightfall), the fast will still remain valid and intact.

If after establishing a physical relationship with the spouse one doesn’t perform Ghusl (Obligatory bath), and starts to fast and completes it at Maghrib, the fast will be considered valid. However, failing to perform Salaah will be an enormously grave sin.

If one uses a syringe to inject medicine, in the flesh or into the vein, the fast will not be considered invalid.

The fast is not rendered invalid even if one is inflected with any kind of wound . And as a result even if blood starts flowing/draining out of the body. Voluntary extraction of blood is prohibited while one is still fasting, because it might cause weakness. Any act that causes weakness is considered Makrooh (disliked/abominable/detested) while one’s fasting.

Also, if blood is injected into the vein the fast will still remain intact and valid.

Brushing one’s teeth is a makrooh act (act that is frowned upon). Moreover, if while brushing the foam/paste happens to start going down the throat, the fast will be rendered invalid.

If ejaculation doesn’t occur upon pecking and/or kissing one’s spouse, the fast is still intact.

The fast will not be rendered invalid even if – one looks at women’s private parts (but doesn’t touch them) and has the semen flowing out; or if thoughts of physical intimacy occur repeatedly and semen starts flowing out.

If anything the size of sesame, or a sesame seed itself, is chewed and swallowed the fast still remains intact and valid. However, if its taste is felt/realised while or after swallowing, THEN the fast is rendered invalid.

Ask us your queries, and have them answered by an Aalim!

24 Apr

Ramadan and its special status / The month of Quran

Ramadan and its special status

The month is the most blessed among all 12 months, in certain aspects.

The Qur’an states that there are 12 months and 4 among them are highly revered. Ramadan is the only month that is mentioned by name. For instance, Allah says

“شھر رمضان الذی انزل فیہ القرآن“

[It is the month of Ramadan, in which the Qur’an was sent down.

2) The month of Ramadan has the Night of Power a.k.a. Shab-e-Qadr or Laylat-ul-Qadr.

Performing acts of prayer i.e. reciting the Qur’an, performing Salah, performing Zikr, and other forms of Ibaadah through the night until dawn is better than praying for more than a thousand months.

3) Every other month has designated times for special prayers and recitations, but during the month of Ramzan for one who is fasting, every moment is considered moment of prayer and piety.

4) The Reward (Sawaab) for performing good and kind deeds during this month is increased by 10 to 100 times.

5) Voluntary prayers/recitations (Nafil Ibaadah) are considered equal to one Obligatory Ibaadat, and Obligatory prayers/recitations are rewarded 70x more than those performed before and after the month of Ramadan.

6) Allah Ta’ala pays special attention to each of His bondmen during this month.

7) The gates to Jannah (Paradise) are opened throughout this month. And concurrently the gates to Jahannum (Hell) are shut for the month.

8) The gates to the heavens are opened, and legitimate duas (supplications) of Muslims reach Baab-e-Ijabaah (Doors of Acceptance) with absolute ease.

9) The Saheefe (Books revealed to Prophets) of Hazrat Ibrahim Alaihis Salaam (Prophet Abraham, Peace Be Upon Him) were sent down to Earth on the first of Ramadan.

Important dates of this month Ramadan / Ramadan and its special status

3rd: Wisaal of Khatoon-e-Jannat Hazrat Fatima-tuz-Zahra, RadhyiAllahu Anha

6th: The Torah Shareef (Old Testament) was sent down

10th: Wisaal of Umm-ul-Momineen Hazrat Khadija-tul-Kubra, RadhyiAllahu Anha

13th: The Injeel Shareef (New Testament) was sent down

17th: Wisaal of Hazrat Aisha Siddiqa, RadhyiAllahu Anha

17th: Battle of Badr

20th: Fateh-e-Mecca (Reconquer of Mecca)

21st: Martyrdom of Hazrat Maula Ali Karam’Allahu Ta’ala Wajahul Kareem

27th: The Qur’an Shareef (Final Testament) was sent down

May Allah be Pleased with each of them.

28 Mar

The excellence of the Night of Salvation

Shaban is the 8th month of the Islamic calendar considered one of the praiseworthy months . We find particular instructions in the Sunnah of Rasul ﷺ related to this virtuous month . It is reported that our Beloved Rasul ﷺ used to fast most in Shaban except the last few days of the month . The blessed companion Usama ibn Zaid, reports that he asked Rasul ﷺ: “ Ya RasulAllah ﷺ,

I have seen you fasting in the month of Shaban so frequently that I have never seen you fasting in any other month.” Our Beloved Rasul ﷺ replied: “That (Shaban) is a month between Rajab and Ramadan which is neglected by many people. And it is a month in which an account of the deeds (of human beings) is presented before Allah Almighty the Lord of the universe, so, I wish that my deeds be presented at a time when I am in a state of fasting.” (An-Nasaai)

Special worshiping during the night of 15th of Shaban has recommended. This is based on the Hadith of Our Beloved Rasul ﷺ, the meaning of which is that during the night of 15th of Shaban, Allah will say “is there any person repenting so that I forgive him, and any person seeking provision so that I provide for him, and any person with distress so that I relieve him, and so on until dawn.” (Ibn Majah) This is the night which exists between 14th and 15th day of Shaban. The Sunnah of Our Beloved Rasul ﷺ show that it is a virtuous night in which the people of the earth are attended by special Divine Mercy.
During this virtuous night, Muslims make special preparations to pray at night from dusk till dawn. Moreover, besides the general prayers, Muslims also keep fast during the consequent day as well to earn maximum rewards from Allah Almighty. Therefore, as much as possible, this night should be spent in worship and total submission to Allah Almighty. Also, fasting is recommended on the day immediately following this Night, i.e. the 15th day of Shaban.
TICK LIST:

Bathe, use Miswak, apply oil, Surmah and fragrance
Remove unwanted hair
Wear nice clothes (pref. white) and ‘Imāmah
Recite “La Hawla Wa La Quwwata Illa Billahil Aliyyil Adheem” 40 times before sunset
After Maghrib recite 6 Rakats in 2’s with Yasin Sharif
Visit cemetery
Give charity
Ask forgiveness from friends and family
Fast on 14th & 15th
Because the night is short, praying extra nawafil will be difficult but these may be possible:
-Read SubhanAllah 100 times (reward of 100 hajj)
-Read Alhamdulillah 100 times (reward of giving 100 horses in path of Allah)
-Read Laa Ilaaha Illah 100 times (reward of freeing 100 slaves)
-Read Allahu Akbar (no one will be able to do more good Deeds than him)
[Taken from Mishkat, vol. 2, p. 346]
-100 Times Astaghfirullah
-313 Times Durūd sharif

Ask forgiveness for whole Ummah 27 times
-Pray Isha and Fajr with Jamat reward equal to spending whole night in worship
-Read Surah Dukhān (25th para)
-Read Salāh al-Tasbīh
-Read 2 Rakat Salāh al-Tawba for sincere forgiveness thereafter make Du’a for yourself and those who requested for Du’a
6 People will not be forgiven (even on this Blessed Night)

An Alcoholic
He who disrespects his parents
A person habitual in fornication
A person who breaks ties with his family
A person who makes pictures
A tale teller
Shab-e-Barat the 15th night of Shaban is one of the blessed and bountiful nights of the Islamic year. Muslims must stand during the night praying and asking for forgiveness and mercy from Allah Almighty, while during the day try to keep a fast to gain maximum benefits and rewards from the blessed night. Therefore, every Muslim must make use of this night and repent in front of Allah Almighty so that He forgives the sins that a person committed throughout the year. Ameen!
By :Imam Azmat Najmi
Jamia Mosque Newport

22 Mar

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