Prophet Mohamed (SAW) stated: "The believers in their mutual kindness, compassion and sympathy are just like one body. When one of the limbs suffers, the whole body responds to it with wakefulness and fever". [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "The relationship of the believer with another believer is like (the bricks of) a building, each strengthens the other.'' He (PBUH) illustrated this by interlacing the fingers of both his hands.[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
The Noble Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) foretold about the coming of such people in the Hadith narrated by "Abu-Yaa'li" on the authority of "Huzaifah" who said:
The Noble Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) said:
"What I fear most for you, is a man who reads the Qur'an until such time when the blessing of Qur'an is reflected on him and he takes Islam as his Cloak ... he then turns around and strips himself off from Islam and then tosses it away behind his back, then he heads quickly towards his neighbour with his sword unsheathed and he calls him a 'MUSHRIK'"
I said: "O, Prophet of Allah! Who is more worthy of being called a MUSHRIK the one being attacked or the attacker". He replied, "It is indeed the attacker."
EDITORIAL:
The floods in Pakistan has been of catastrophic proportions. Thousands of people in Pakistan have been impacted. We appeal to the global ummah to do their best to assist the flood victims of Pakistan. It is unfortunate that as per several media reports, there is lot of reluctance to aid Pakistan because of it being perceived in a negative way especially as it pertains to be a haven for training terrorists et.c. Please keep in mind that the majority of the flood victims are women and children and in this holy month of Ramadan, bring out THE BEST IN YOU in terms of assisting the flood victims.
A PICTURE SPEAKS A THOUSAND WORDS
Graphic on the flood situation in Pakistan Wednesday. Pakistan issued fresh flood warnings on Wednesday, putting parts of Punjab and Sindh on alert and calling on foreign donors to step up to contain the country's worst humanitarian disaster.(AFP)
A child of flood victims who suffers from severe dehydration receives medical treatment in a hospital in Multan, in Punjab province, August 23, 2010. Pakistan's worst floods in decades have left millions hungry, the United Nations said on Monday, while parts of the south were on high alert for rising waters that could further tax aid groups. REUTERS/Reinhard Krause
US rescue helicopters arrive at Pakistan's Ghazi Base on August 22. Authorities in Pakistan were battling on Monday to save a city in the flood-devastated southern province of Sindh after a mass evacuation as flood waters threatened to wreak further havoc.(AFP/Aamir Qureshi)
A soldier evacuates an elderly man through rising flood waters in Baseera, a village in the Muzaffargarh district of Pakistan's Punjab province on August 10, 2010.REUTERS/Adrees Latif
A Pakistan family use plastic sheeting to protect themselves from rain as they wait for transport to evacuate them area along a road in Shekarpur, Pakistan on Monday, Aug. 16, 2010. Angry flood survivors in Pakistan blocked a highway to protest slow delivery of aid and heavy rain lashed makeshift housing Monday as a forecast of more flooding increased the urgency of the massive international relief effort.(AP Photo/Shakil Adil)
A Pakistani woman weeps as she stands with others crowding around a Pakistan Army helicopter after it arrived to deliver food aid for the United Nations World Food Program in the flood encircled village of Tul in , Sindh Province, southern Pakistan, Friday, Aug. 20, 2010.(AP Photo/Kevin Frayer)
Pakistani flood survivors clamour for donated food at a camp established by local volunteers on the outskirts of Sukkur on August 10. Filling a void created by the perceived failure of the civilian government to mobilise, fears are growing in the United States that Islamic charities are using soft power to propagate extremism in the nuclear-armed state.(AFP/File/Asif Hassan)
Pakistani soldiers ride in a boat with villagers rescued from a flooded village. The United States has increased its flood aid to 55 million dollars and the United Nations is to launch an international appeal for several hundred million dollars, saying that six million people are depend on help to survive.(AFP/Arif Ali)
Pakistani flood survivors run after a truck which is distributing food relief on Monday, Aug. 16, 2010 in Muzaffargarh, near Multan, Pakistan. Angry flood survivors blocked a highway to protest slow delivery of aid and heavy rain lashed makeshift housing Monday as a forecast of more flooding increased the urgency of the massive international relief effort. (AP Photo / K.M. Chaudary)
Pakistani villagers shift their household items through a flooded area of Pathan Wala. Pakistan won more aid pledges after concerns that money is not comingthrough fast enough to help 20 million people hit by unprecedented floods and stave off a "second wave of death" from disease.(AFP/Banaras Khan) (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)
Graphic outlining major economic and health impacts of the catastrophic flooding in Pakistan. Fears mounted for the survivors of floods in Pakistan as the UN prepared Thursday to drum up more aid and John Kerry became the first senior US policymaker to visit since the crisis which has affected millions.(AFP)
Pakistani flood survivors jostle for a sack of flour distributed by volunteers, in Muzaffargarh, near Multan, Pakistan, Monday, Aug. 16, 2010. Angry flood survivors blocked a highway to protest slow delivery of aid and heavy rain lashed makeshift housing Monday as a forecast of more flooding increased the urgency of the massive international relief effort. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary)
(yahoo.news.photos)
(yahoo.news.photos)
Female flood victims weep with their children after having rice, donated by passing vehicles, snatched by a group of men as they took refuge along the roadside with thousands of others in Pakistan's Muzaffargarh district of Punjab province August 16, 2010. Pakistani flood victims, burning straw and waving sticks, blocked a highway on Monday to demand government help as aid agencies warned relief was too slow to arrive for millions without clean water, food and homes.REUTERS/Adrees Latif
Pakistani flood survivors collect food relief dropped from a truck, in Muzaffargarh, near Multan, Pakistan, Monday, Aug. 16, 2010. Angry flood survivors blocked a highway to protest slow delivery of aid and heavy rain lashed makeshift housing Monday as a forecast of more flooding increased the urgency of the massive international relief effort. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary)
VIDEO - Almost 14 million people have been affected by Pakistan's worst ever floods. Children are among the most vulnerable with diarrhoea the biggest health threat and measles a serious concern. Images and soundbites from a mobile medical clinic near Charsadda. Duration: 01:19(AFPTV/MSF)
A Pakistani flood survivor sits in a shelter made of plastic sheeting to avoid rain on Monday, Aug. 16, 2010 in Muzaffargarh, near Multan, Pakistan. Angryflood survivors blocked a highway to protest slow delivery of aid and heavy rain lashed makeshift housing Monday as a forecast of more flooding increased the urgency of the massive international relief effort. (AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary)
(yahoo.news.photos)
A nurse prepares to give antibiotic shots to a young Pakistani girl suffering from diarrhea after evacuating a flooded area, at the hospital in Sukkar,Sindh province, southern Pakistan, Saturday, Aug. 21, 2010.(AP Photo/Kevin Frayer)
Graphic showing flooded areas and toll. Pakistani authorities evacuated tens of thousands from flood-threatened areas in the south but insisted that the 2.5 million people of Hyderabad were safe from the nation's worst-ever inundation. (AFP/Graphic)
Local residents use donkeys to transport foodstuffs in Shangla, in northern Pakistan on Monday, Aug. 16, 2010. Pakistan's worst floods in recorded history began more than two weeks ago in the mountainous northwest and have spread throughout the country.(AP Photo/Sherin Zada)
A displaced girl who survived heavy floods stands outside her tent in Nowshera, Pakistan on Monday, Aug. 23, 2010. Workers piled stones and sandbags toplug leaks in a levee protecting a pair of southern Pakistani cities Monday, as the floods that have destroyed homes, farmland and livelihoods moved slowly toward the sea.(AP Photo/Mohammad Sajjad)
Pakistani flood survivors approach for safe area Monday, Aug. 16, 2010 in Muzaffargarh, near Multan, Pakistan. Angry flood survivors blocked a highwayto protest slow delivery of aid and heavy rain lashed makeshift housing Monday as a forecast of more flooding increased the urgency of the massive international relief effort. (AP Photo / K.M. Chaudary)
Map of Pakistan showing southern cities where tens of thousands of people have been evacuated from flood-threatened areas over the weekend.(AFP)
THE END
8/02/2010
VOICE OF GLOBAL UMMAH
August 12, 2010 St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Editors: Mohamed & Rashida Ziauddin
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent and the Most Merciful
SPECIAL EDITION RAMADAN 2010
(missionislam.com)
EDITORIAL:
Finally our super special month has arrived - the month of Ramadan.
First we pray for those Muslims who were here during past Ramadan but are no longer with us anymore. Who among us would not be here next year at this time, only Allah knows best. Once we realize the limited mortality of our own life and that we all are but passengersin the journey of this temporary life, we would be better preparedto work hard towards our permanent life in the hereafter. Only Allahknows who specifically are the people who would be throwing mud overour coffin in the freshly dug grave once it is our time to end this temporary life's journey transitioning to the next permanent phase in the hereafter. With every single day that has passed, we have come one day closer towards the end of our journey in this earth.
Our life's clock had already began ticking the day we were born. In the limited time that we have left, we must do our best to follow Islam in all possible, feasible and practical ways that we can. May this month of Ramadan be an opportunity for us to fulfill Allah's commands in so many diverse ways. Thanks to all Brothers, Sisters and Organizations that forwarded to us informative e-mails. While it is impossible to publish all of them, we selected a few that are outlined below.
Saudi men gather to spot the moon in the city of Taif. Muslims in much of the Middle East begin the fasting month of Ramadan Wednesday during an especially gruelling time of the year, with sweltering heat and extremely long daylight hours. (AFP/Amer Hilabi)
People play with fireworks to celebrate the holy month of Ramadan, in Gaza City. Muslims in much of the Middle East begin the fasting month of Ramadan on Wednesday during an especially gruelling time of the year, with sweltering heat and extremely long daylight hours.(AFP/Mahmud Hams)
PART I:
Thanks to Sister Jabeen Mubasheera from Los Angeles, California for forwarding below e-mail:
Ramadan Mubarak to all. Let us take advantage of this blessed month to please Allah, seek Allah's forgiveness and MAGFIRAT. May Allah make it easy for all of us. Ameen.
Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said:
"When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of the heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained."
(media.patheos.com)
Authentic Invocations After Seeing the New Moon
(this includes sighting the moon which marks the beginning of Ramadhan and also sighting the moon which marks the end of Ramadhan)
Allaahu Akbar,
Allaahumma ahillahu alayna bil amni wal eemaani
wassalaamati wal-Islaami
wattawfeeqi limaa tuhibbu Rabbanaa wa tardhaa
Rabbunaa wa Rabbukallaahu .
Allah is the Most Great .
O Allah , bring us the new moon with security and Faith,
with peace and in Islam,
and in harmony with what our Lord loves and what pleases Him.
Our Lord and your Lord is Allah.
Reference: At-Tirmithi 5/504, Ad-Darimi 1/336. See also Al-Albani, Sahih At-Tirmithi 3/157.
Source :
'Fortress of the Muslim'
Invocations from the Quran and the Sunnah
by Darussalam Publications
PART II
(IFTAR DINNER AT WHITE HOUSE)
(4.bp.bl.com)
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PRESIDENT, SECRETARY OF STATE AND HOUSE SPEAKER FOR THEIR RAMADAN GREETINGS
PRESIDENT OBAMA:
"These rituals remind us of the principles that we hold in common, and Islam's role in advancing justice, progress, tolerance, and the dignity of all human beings. Ramadan is a celebration of a faith known for great diversity and racial equality. And here in the United States, Ramadan is a reminder that Islam has always been part of America and that American Muslims have made extraordinary contributions to our country."
(topnews.in)
SECRETARY HILLARY CLINTON:
"Ramadan is a time for self-reflection and sharing. American Muslims make valuable contributions to our country every day and millions will honour this month with acts of service and giving back to their communities."
(zimbio.com)
SPEAKER NANCY PELOSI:
"The holy month of Ramadan is a period of spirituality, reflection and rejoicing for Muslims here and around the world. It is a time to honor the traditions of the Muslim faith, and an opportunity for all Americans to celebrate the tradition of pluralism, tolerance, diversity, and religious freedom embedded in the very fabric of our Constitution and our history."
(ED NOTE:
Thanks to Br. Ahmed Bedier from United Voices of America for encouraging Muslims living in the U.S to thank above leaders through his e-mail below).
Friend:
Ramadan Mubarak to you and your family
President Barack Obama, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Secretary Hillary Clinton today sent Ramadan Greetings to Muslims around the world. During an election year where some candidates and pundits are aggressively using Islamophobia as a campaign weapon, leaders who choose to celebrate our nation's religious freedom and diversity deserve our thanks and commendation.
.Ahmed Badier
Founder and Director
United Voices for America
United Voices For America is a non-profit, non-partisan civic engagement organization dedicated to increasing minority participation in the political process.
PART III:
(ED NOTE:
Thanks to Br. Sameer Qureishi from Los Angeles, California for sending below excellent article on Ramadan by Dr. Bilal Philips. Honestly, we should say that below was one of the best articles we ever read on the topic pertaining to fasting in Ramadan).
FASTING IN RAMADAN
By Dr. Bilal Philips
Most of us who are fighting the battle of the bulge have experimented with some form of fasting, like an all fruit fast, a water fast or an sugar-free fast, you name it. But what many may find rather strange and intriguing is a whole nation of people; be it man or woman, old or young, rich or poor; going completely without food and drink from dawn to dusk for a whole month - Ramadan. What is the significance of Ramadan beyond shortened work hours? Is it not a very harsh practice? Is it merely a time when Muslims sleep and fast and hardly work all day; and eat, drink, enjoy and stay awake all night? What really is the spirit of Ramadan?
Fasting Prescribed in All Religions
In English "fasting" means to abstain from food or from certain kinds of food voluntarily, as an observance of a holy day or as a token of grief, sorrow, or repentance. [1] This practice can be found in most of the major religions of the world.
HINDUISM:
For example, in Hinduism, fasting in Sanskrit is called upavaasa. Devout Hindus observe fasting on special occasions as a mark of respect to their personal Gods or as a part of their penance. Most devout Indians fast regularly on special occasions like festivals. On such days they do not eat at all, eat once or make do with fruits or a special diet of simple food.
JUDAISM:
For Jews, the day Yom Kippur ("Day of Atonement") is the last of the Ten Days of Repentance observed on the 10th of Tishri. It is forbidden on that day to eat, drink, wash, wear leather, or have sexual relations. In addition, prohibitions on labor similar to those on the Sabbath are in force. It should also be noted that Moses (Peace be upon him) is recorded in the Torah to have fasted. "And he was there with the Lord 40 days and 40 nights, he neither ate bread not drank water." (Exodus 34:28)
CHRISTIANITY:
For Catholics among Christians, Lent is themajor season of fasting, imitative of the forty-day fast of Jesus (Peace be upon him). In the fourth century it was observed as six weeks of fasting before Easter or before Holy Week. It was adjusted to forty days of actual fasting in most places in the seventh century. Jesus (Peace be upon him) is recorded in the Gospels to have fasted like Moses. "And he fasted 40 days and 40 nights, and afterward he was hungry." (Matthew 4:2 & Luke 4:2) It is in this context that God states in the Quran:
"O believers! Fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you in order that you become more conscious of God."[Noble Quran 2:183]
Among the Best Righteous Deeds
Although in most religions, fasting is for expiation of sin or atonement for sin, in Islam it is primarily to bring one closer to God, as stated in the above-mentioned verse. Since, God-consciousness is the prerequisite for righteousness, great stress is placed on fasting in Islam. Thus, it is not surprising to find that when Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) was asked "Which is the best deed?" He replied:
"Fasting, for there is nothing equal to it."
The Levels of Fasting:
There are as many levels of fasting as there are facets to being human. Proper fasting should encompass all dimensions of human existence for it to have the divinely intended effect. The following are some of the major levels of fasting:
The Ritual Level:
This level of fasting requires that the basic rules for fasting be fulfilled, which are avoiding food, drink and sexual intercourse between dawn and sunset for 29 or 30 days each year. On this level, one is basically following the letter of the laws regarding fasting without particular consideration for the spirit of fasting. It is the entrance level which must be fulfilled for the fast to be Islamically correct, but the other levels must be added for the fast to have any real impact on the fasting person. Fasting on this level alone will not benefit one spiritually, except from the perspective of submission to divine instructions, if one chooses to follow the ritual consciously and not merely according to tradition. Thus, by itself, the ritual level will not purify one of sin or atone for sin.
The Physical Level:
Fasting on the "physical" level causes the fasting person to experience the pangs of hunger and thirst – when the prophetic (Sunnah) way of fasting is observed. Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) used to consume a very light meal before the dawn (suhur) and moderate meal (iftar) to break the fast at sunset, while scrupulously avoiding filling his stomach. He is reported to have said, "The worst container a human being can fill is his stomach". A few morsels of food to keep a person's back straight are sufficient. However, if his desire overcomes him, then let him eat a third, drink a third and leave a third for breathing." The Prophet (Peace be upon him) usedto break his fast with a few fresh or dried dates and a glass of water just before beginning the sunset prayer. This level allows the fasting person to experience the pangs of hunger and thirst and thereby develops sympathy in him or her for those starving and dying of thirst in other parts of the world.
Medical Benefits:
On the physical level, some chemicals in the brain that transmit messages and create feelings, called neurotransmitters, are affected by fasting. Fasting encourages the endorphin neurotransmitter system, related to the feeling of well being – and euphoria, to produce more endorphins and, in fact, makes us ‘feel' better. This is similar to the effect of exercise (but without the physical work). It has also been noted by medical experts that fasting improves the physical health in numerous ways. For example, during the fast the body uses up stored cholesterol (fat) that is often deposited in the blood system, as well as in other fatty areas of the body. Thus, it helps to keep the body firm and minimizes the danger of heart attacks.
The difference between the ritual level 1 and the physical level 2 is that a person dong only ritual fasting may eat large meals prior to beginning the fast and immediately upon ending the fast, andthus not feel any hunger or thirst throughout the whole month. However, like level one, if the fasting person does not incorporate the other levels of fasting, the fast will only be physically exhausting. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said, "Perhaps a fasting person will gain nothing but hunger and thirst from fasting."
The Libidinal Level:
The sexual instinct and drives (libido) are harnessed on this level of fasting. In these times where the media continually plays on sexual desires to promote and sell products, the ability to control these powerful desires is a plus. Fasting physically reduces sexual desires and the fact that the fasting person has to avoid anything which could stimulate him psychologically helps to further lower the libido.
Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said, "O youths, whoever among you is able to marry let him do so, for it restrains the eyes and protects the private parts.He who is unable to marry should fast, because it is a shield." By restraining oneself from sexual acts which are permissible, the fasting person makes it easier for himself to restrain himself from forbidden sexual acts when he is not fasting.
The Emotional Level:
Fasting on this level involves controlling the many negative emotions which simmer in the human mind and soul. For example, among the most destructive emotions is anger. Fasting helps to bring this emotion under control. Prophet Muhammad, (Peace be upon him) said: "When oneof you is fasting, he should abstain from indecent acts and unnecessary talk, and if someone begins an obscene conversation or tries to pick an argument, he should simply tell him, "I amfasting." Thus, on this level, whatever negative emotions challenge the fasting person must be avoided.
One must abstain from lewd conversation and heated arguments. Even when one is in the right, it is better to let that right go and keep one's emotional fast intact. Likewise, the negative emotion of jealousy is reduced, as every fasting person is reduced to the common denominator of abstinence; no one is externally superior to another in this regard.
The Psychological Level:
This level helps the fasting person psychologically to control evil thoughts and trains him or her, to some degree, how to overcome stinginess and greed. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) was reported to have said, "Allah has no need for the hunger and the thirst of the person who does not restrain himself from telling lies and acting on them even while observing the fast."
In this age of immediate gratification, when the things of the world are used to fulfill human needs and desires almost as soon as they have them – the ability to delay gratification is an important skill. What is between immediate gratification and delayed gratification is patience. During the fast, the believers learn patience – and the benefits of it.
From a psychological perspective, it is good to be somewhat detached from the things of the world. There is nothing wrong with enjoying a good and full life – in fact, one can and should expect that. However, it is important that people are able to detach ourselves from materialthings so that they do not become the most important part of their lives. Fasting gives one the opportunity to overcome the many addictions which have become a major part of modern life. Food, for many people, provides comfort and joy - and the ability to separate oneself from it gives the fasting people the psychological benefit of knowing that they do have some degree of control over what they do and what they do not do.
The Spiritual Level:
In order to establish this, the highest and most important level of fasting, the level of God-consciousness, Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) made the renewal of the intention for fasting a requirement before every day of fasting. He was reported to have said, "Whoeverdoes not intend to fast before Fajr (the dawn) will have no fast." The daily renewal of intention helps to establish a spiritual foundation of sincerity essential for the spiritual cleansing effects of fasting to operate.
Sincere fasting purifies and atones for sin, as the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said, "Whoever fasts Ramadan out of sincere faith and seeking his reward from God,his previous sins will be forgiven." He was also reported to have said, "From one Ramadan to the next is atonement for the sins between them." Sincere fasting brings one closer to Allah and earns a special reward. The Prophet (Peace be upon him informed that there is a gatein paradise called Rayyan reserved for those who fast and he also said, "When Ramadan comes, the gates of Paradise are open."
Fasting is primarily between the person and God, as no one can be sure that any person is actually fasting. Because of this intimate aspect of fasting, Allah was quoted by the Prophet (Peace be upon him) as saying, "Every act of Adam's descendants is for themselves, except fasting. It is meant for Me alone, and I alone will give the reward for it."
When combined with the previous levels of fasting, this level transforms a person from within. It restores, revives and regenerates the fasting person's spirituality and radically modifies his or her personality and character. These are the precious products of a heightened state of God-consciousness.
Fasting in Cultural Islam
In much of the Muslim world today fasting has been reduced to a mere ritual, and the month of Ramadan has become a time of celebration and festivities instead of religious contemplation and abstinence. Ramadan nights are, for many, nights of partying and enjoyment which continueuntil the dawn in some countries. There, the night becomes the day and the day becomes the night. In most places, the light meal which is supposed to be taken prior the dawn becomes a major three-course meal.
Consequently, few experience real hunger during the fast. And at thetime of breaking the fast, another three-course meal is taken, followed by a sampling of all kinds of sweets imaginable. As a result, many Muslims complain about gaining weight during Ramadan and doctors regularly warn people about the medical consequences of overeating.
The name "Ramadan"
The word Ramadan comes from the noun Ramad, which refers to "the reflected heat of stones resulting from the intense heat of the sun." When the Arabs changed the names of the months from their ancient names, they renamed them according to the seasons in which they happened to fall. The ninth month, which used to be called Natiq, fell during the summer, the time of extreme heat, which is why it was named Ramadan. [15]
Significance of Ramadan
Of course, the fact that Ramadan was in the summer has no relation to why this month was chosen by Allah as the month for fasting. Since Muslims follow the lunar calendar, the month of Ramadan will occur in all the seasons at least twice in each person's lifetime.
God clearly stated the reason for choosing this month in the Quran. He said: "Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed as guidance and clarification to humankind, and a distinction between right and wrong. Thus, whosoever among you witnesses the month should fast it." (2: 185).
The significance of Ramadan lies in the fact that the revelation of the Quran began in that month. For this reason, Ramadan is often called the month of the Quran and Muslims try to spend much of their waking hours reading from the Holy Book throughout the month.
Religious Seclusion - I'tikaaf
During the last ten days of Ramadan, the Prophet (Peace be upon him) used to seclude himself in the mosque, in order to increase the intensity of his worship and the benefits of the fast prior to the ending of the month. Devout Muslims try to emulate him by spending as many of the ten days as they can fasting secluded in the mosque.
PART IV:
(ED NOTE:
Thanks for below e-mail from IMASE. (International Muslim Association of Scientists and Engineers. www.imase.org)
Assalamoulaykum and Ramadhan Mubarak
‘Fasting is prescribed on you as it was prescribed on those before you so that you may achieve taqwa?.’ (2:183)
We have all seen frenzied Iftar guzzling and commercialisation in Ramadan. These are signs of spiritual weakness and practical exploitation unbecoming of the Musalman, especially in the month of Quran. To address this, we would like to present a new campaign.
Fasting not Feasting is a 'root and branch' initiative promoting self-discipline, community, and respect for creation, whilst resisting gluttony and consumerism.The campaign website contains practical and inspiration resources, tailored for families and community institutions. These range from short and easy recipies to clear time for ibadah to play activites for children, and from khutbah guides for imams to sustainability audits for mosques.
The website also acts as a dynamic means of coordinating spontaneous public iftar sharing and outdoor tarawihs. Flashmob iftars are being coordinated in the UK cities of Manchester, Leicester, London, Cardiff and Slough.
Additionally, Chandra Muzzaffar, noted academic and social activist, will be addressing our Kuala Lumpur Launch on 24/08 at the University of Malaya.
Please visit, participate and circulatehttp://fastingnotfeasting. weebly.com
Yours in brotherhood The IMASE Teaminfo@imase.org
PART V:
GLOBAL UMMAH IN ACTION:
A PICTURE SPEAKS A THOUSAND WORDS
(Kashmiris break fast in a Mosque. (time.com)
A Pakistani flood-affected woman prepares tea for her family members before they begin their fast at a makeshift camp in Sukkur, Pakistan (time.com)
Muslims attend evening prayers called "Tarawih" to mark the start of the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan at a mosque in Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia, on Aug. 10. Sigit Pamungkas/Reuters (csmonitor)
Ferdaors Elidrissi prays with her father, Abdollah Elidrissi, at Islamic Center Masjid As-Sabereen in Harrisburg, Pa., on Aug. 6 ahead of the start of Ramadan. John C. Whitehead/The Patriot-News/AP (cs.monitor)
Palestinian men, read from the Quran, the Muslim holy book, on the first day of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, at the mosque in the West Bank town of Jenin, Wednesday, Aug, 11, 2010. Devout Muslims refrain from eating, drinking and smoking from dawn to dusk during Ramadan, a time of heightened religious fervor. (AP Photo/Mohammed Ballas)
Malaysian Muslims pray at a mosque in Kuala Lumpur. A senior Malaysian Muslim lawmaker onWednesday escaped a one-month jail sentence for polygamy after he married an actress without permission, his lawyer said. (AFP/File/Kamarul Akhir)
Indonesian women pray during the first night of Ramadan in Jakarta. Muslims in much of the Middle East begin the fasting month of Ramadan Wednesday during an especially gruelling time of the year, with sweltering heat and extremely long daylight hours.(AFP/Adek Berry)
Muslim children point to the new moon ushering in the holy month of Ramadan, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2010. Devout Muslims refrain from eating, drinking and smoking from dawn to dusk during Ramadan, a time of heightened religious fervor.(AP Photo/ Pavel Rahman)
The names of Allah and Prophet Mohamed are written in Arabic on decorations sold at a shop in Beirut, Lebanon forthe celebration of the Isamic holy month of Ramadan on August 9, 2010.
Orphans attend a briefing on the holy month of Ramadan, which is to begin Thursdayin Dhaka, Bangladesh, Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2010. Devout Muslims refrainfrom eating,drinking and smoking from dawn to dusk during Ramadan, a time of heightenedreligious fervor. (AP Photo/ Pavel Rahman)
Indonesian Muslim students perform during a rally for Ramadan in Jakarta, Indonesia, on August 7, 2010. Achmad Ibrahim/AP
The four-faced clock, atop the Abraj al-Bait Towersin Mecca, Saudi Arabia, stands over the holy Kaaba (the cube shaped building). The clock faces are 141 feet squart. Saudi Arabia will test what it is billing as the WORLD'S LARGEST CLOCK in the holy city of Mecca during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. When completed in 201,, the tallest tower in the complex will become THE TALLEST BUILDING IN SAUDI ARABIA AND THE TALLEST AND LARGEST HOTEL IN THE WORLD, WITH A PLANNED HEIGHT OF 1,972 FEET. Upon completion, the builders says the structure will have the LARGEST FLOOR AREA OF ANY STRUCTURE IN THE WORLD WITH 16,150,000 square-feet of floor space. Saudi Press Agency/AP
A Muslim child runs after a mass prayer session "Tarawih", which marks the beginning of the holy fasting month of Ramadan Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, Indonesia on August 10, 2010. Beawiharta/ Reuters
Indonesian Muslims offer an evening prayer called "Tarawih", at the beginning of the holy fasting month of Ramadan at istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, Indonesia on August 10, 2010. Achmad Ibrahim/AP
A Lebanese Muslim man shops for decorations in Beirut, Lebanon, on August 9 in preparation for Ramadan. Muslims traditionally decorate their homes, shops and streets for the Islamic holy month. Hussein Malla/AP
Indonesian Muslim students march during a rally for Ramadan in Jakarta, Indonesia, on August 7, 2010. Ramadan, the holy fasting month, began Wednesday Aug 11. Indonesia is the world's most populous Muslim nation. Achmad Ibrahim/AP.
Saudi and foreign Muslims break their fast at a collective daily meal served at the Dirah mosque at the end of the second day of Ramadan in Riyadh. (time.com)
A Palestinian Muslim girl walks in an alley of Jerusalem's old city holding a traditional Ramada lantern while celebrating with other children the announcement of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan on August 10. Muhammed Muheisen/AP
An Egyptian vendor pepares the display of traditional lanterns for sale at his shop in Cairo on August 3, in preparation for the upcoming Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Nasser/AP
In the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Muslims worldwide observe Ramadan, a period of fasting and other rituals designed to bring self-purification through self restraint and other good deeds. The fasting begins at dawn and lasts until sunset, when observers break their fast with an evening meal called the Iftar. Above, a child lines up food in preparation for the Iftar on the first day of Ramadan at the Memon Mosque in Karachi, Pakistan. (time.com)
The fast is traditionally broken by first consuming a date. Above, a woman displays dates during the fifth Jordanian Dates Exhibition at the Professional Associations Complex held right before the beginning of the observance in Amman. (time.com)
In Southeast Asian countries where dates may not be as readily available, other sugary treats are often consumed. Above, Indonesians buy traditional sweet snacks for breaking fast on the first day of Ramadan in Jakarta. (time.com)
Evacuees staying under a school building cook food at the evacuation center in Datu Gumbay Piang Central elementary school in Datu Piang Maguindanao, Southern Philippines August 11, 2010. Thousands have fled a troubled Muslim town in southern Philippines after violence between separatists erupted days ahead of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.REUTERS/Stringer
Afghan men break their fast in a refugee camp in Kabul. (time.com)
Palestinian men, some resting while others pray, attend Al-Omari mosque in Gaza City, Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2010. Muslims throughout the world are celebrating the holy fasting month of Ramadan, when observants fast from dawn till dusk. (AP Photo/ Khalil Hamra)
PART VI:
HADITH PERTAINING TO FASTING/RAMAZAN
www.religon.karachiundernet.com
ABU HURAIRAH RELATES THAT RASULULLAH (SALLALLAHI ALAIHE WASALLAM ) SAID:
"MY UMMAH” HAS BEEN GIVEN FIVE SPECIAL THINGS THAT WERE NOT GIVEN TO ANYONE BEFORE THEM.
(1) THE SMELL FROM THE MOUTH OF A FASTING MUSLIM IS SWEETER FOR ALLAH THAN THE FRAGRANT SMELL OF MUSK.
(2) THE FISH IN THE SEA SEEK FORGIVENESS ON THEIR BEHALF UNTIL THEYBREAK THEIR FAST.
(3) ALLAH PREPARES AND DECORATES HIS SPECIAL ” JANNAH” EVERYDAY ANDTHEN SAY ( TO IT) THE TIME IS NEAR WHEN MY FAITHFUL SERVANTS SHALL CAST ASIDE THE GREAT TRAIL( OF THE WORLD) AND COME TO YOU.
(4) IN THIS MONTH THE REBELLIOUS “SHYATEEN” (SATANS) ARE CHAINED SO AS NOT TO PROVOKE THOSE EVILS WHICH THEY NORMALLY DO DURING MONTHS OTHER THAN RAMAZAN.
(5) ON THE LAST NIGHT OF RAMAZAN THE FASTING MUSLIMS ARE FORGIVEN.
THE SAHABAH THEREUPON INQUIRED: "O MESSENGER OF ALLAH” IS THAT NIGHT LAYLATUL QADAR ?
RASULULLAH (SALLALLAHO ALAIHE WASALLAM) REPLIED NO, BUT IT IS ONLY RIGHT THAT A SERVANT SHOULD BE GIVEN HIS REWARD ON HAVING COMPLETED HIS DUTY
Ibn Umer (Radiallaho Anho) relates, Rasulullah (Sallallaho Alaihi Wassallam) said:
“Verily Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) and His Angels send blessings upon those who eat Sahoor”.{ Al-Tabarani, Ibne-Hibban }
Note:
"How great is Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala's) favor upon us that even eating before dawn for fasting is so greatly rewarded. There are many Ahadith in which the virtues of Sahoor are explained and the rewards promised. Allama al-Ainee-the commentator on the Saheeh of Bukhari has quoted the virtues of Sahoor from seventeen different Sahabah and all the Ulama are agreed on its being referred.
Many people are deprived of this great reward because of their own laziness. Some even go so far as to finish Taraweeh, eat some food in lieu of Sahoor and go to bed. What great blessing do they lose! Because Sahoor actually means food eaten shortly before dawn".
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