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Degrian
06-05-2010, 01:08 PM
There are five pillares of Islam
1-Tawheed (Wahdaniat/Oneness of Allah)
2-Salat (Namaz/Prayer)
3-Zakat (Alms-giving)
4-Saum (Rozah/Fasting)
5-Hajj (pilgrimage)

Degrian
06-05-2010, 01:12 PM
Tawheed/The Oneness of Allah

Polytheists and those who reject Islam ask for proof of the Oneness of Allah. The Oneness of Allah is a most important concept in Islam embed in tawheed (Divine Unity). The Qur'an, the book of Allah, explains and gives proof for the Oneness of Allah. Shaykh Muhammad ibn Ibraheem al-Tuwayjri answers this important question in very detail:

The entire universe, in the way it is created and the way it is controlled, bears witness to the oneness of Allah: “Surely, His is the creation and commandment. Blessed is Allah, the Lord of the ‘Aalameen (mankind, jinn and all that exists)! [al-A’raaf 7:54 – interpretation of the meaning]. The creation of the heavens and the earth, the alternation of night and day, the different kinds of inanimate objects, plants and fruits, the creation of humans and animals… all of that indicates that the Almighty Creator is One with no partner or associate: “That is Allah, your Lord, the Creator of all things, Laa ilaaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He). How then are you turning away (from Allah, by worshipping others instead of Him)? [Ghaafir 40:62 – interpretation of the meaning].

The variety and greatness of these created things, the perfect way in which they are formed, the way in which they are maintained and controlled, all indicate that the Creator is One and that He does as He wills and rules and decides as He wants: “Allah is the Creator of all things, and He is the Wakeel (Trustee, Disposer of affairs, Guardian) over all things” [al-Zumar 39:62 – interpretation of the meaning]. All of the above indicate that this universe has a Creator, that this dominion has a Sovereign, that behind these forms is One Who gives them shape: “He is Allah, the Creator, the Inventor of all things, the Bestower of forms. To Him belong the Best Names” [al-Hashr 59:24 – interpretation of the meaning].

The soundness of the heavens and the earth, the order of the universe, the harmony among created things, all indicate that the Creator is One, with no partner or associate: “Had there been therein (in the heavens and the earth) aalihah (gods) besides Allah, then verily, both would have been ruined. Glorified be Allah, the Lord of the Throne, (High is He) above all that (evil) they associate with Him!” [al-Anbiya’ 21:22 – interpretation of the meaning]. These great created things either created themselves – which is impossible – or man created himself then created them – which is also impossible: “Were they created by nothing? Or were they themselves the creators? Or did they create the heavens and the earth? Nay, but they have no firm Belief” [al-Toor 52:35-36 – interpretation of the meaning].

Reason, Revelation and the original state of man (fitrah) all indicate that this universe has One Who brought into being, that these created things have a Creator Who is Ever-Living and Eternal, All-Knowing and All-Aware, Powerful and Almighty, Kind and Most Merciful. He has the Most Beautiful Names and Sublime Attributes and He knows all things. Nothing is beyond His control, and there is nothing like unto Him: “And your Ilaah (God) is One Ilaah (God — Allah), Laa ilaaha illa Huwa (there is none who has the right to be worshipped but He), the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful [al-Baqarah 2:163 – interpretation of the meaning]. The existence of Allah is something that is there is no excuse for not knowing. It is the matter of common sense: “Their Messengers said: What! Can there be a doubt about Allah, the Creator of the heavens and the earth?” [Ibraaheem 14:10 – interpretation of the meaning].

Allah has created people with the natural instinct (fitrah) to affirm His Lordship and Oneness, but the shayaateen (devils) came to the sons of Adam and caused them to deviate from their religion. According to a hadeeth qudsi, “I created all My slaves as haneefs (monotheists), but the shayaateen (devils) came to them and made them deviate from their religion, and they forbade them that which I had permitted to them.” (Narrated by Muslim, no. 2865). Among them are those who deny the existence of Allah, and those who worship the Shaytaan, and those who worship man. And there are those who worship the dinar [money], or fire, or genital organs, or animals. And there are some who associate in worship with Him a stone from the earth or a star in the sky. These things which are worshipped instead of Allah, cannot create or provide; they cannot hear or see, or bring benefits or cause harm. So how can they worship them instead of Allah? “Are many different lords (gods) better or Allah, the One, the Irresistible?” [Yoosuf 12:39 – interpretation of the meaning]. Allah has condemned those who worship these idols which cannot hear, see or think:

“Verily, those whom you call upon besides Allah are slaves like you. So call upon them and let them answer you if you are truthful. Have they feet wherewith they walk? Or have they hands wherewith they hold? Or have they eyes wherewith they see? Or have they ears wherewith they hear?” [al-A’raaf 7:194-195 – interpretation of the meaning]

“Say (O Muhammad to mankind): ‘How do you worship besides Allah something which has no power either to harm or benefit you? But it is Allah Who is the All-Hearer, All-Knower” [al-Maa'idah 5:76 – interpretation of the meaning]

How ignorant man is of his Lord Who created him and provides for him. How he rejects Him and forgets Him, and worships others instead of Him: “Verily, it is not the eyes that grow blind, but it is the hearts which are in the breasts that grow blind” [al-Hajj 22:46 – interpretation of the meaning]. Glorified be Allah far above that which they associate with Him. Praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds:

“Say (O Muhammad): Praise and thanks be to Allah, and peace be on His slaves whom He has chosen (for His Message)! Is Allah better, or (all) that you ascribe as partners (to Him)?” (Of course, Allah is Better). Is not He (better than your gods) Who created the heavens and the earth, and sends down for you water (rain) from the sky, whereby We cause to grow wonderful gardens full of beauty and delight? It is not in your ability to cause the growth of their trees. Is there any ilaah (god) with Allah? Nay, but they are a people who ascribe equals (to Him)! Is not He (better than your gods) Who has made the earth as a fixed abode, and has placed rivers in its midst, and has placed firm mountains therein, and has set a barrier between the two seas (of salt and sweet water)? Is there any ilaah (god) with Allah? Nay, but most of them know not! Is not He (better than your gods) Who responds to the distressed one, when he calls on Him, and Who removes the evil, and makes you inheritors of the earth, generations after generations? Is there any ilaah (god) with Allah? Little is that you remember! Is not He (better than your gods) Who guides you in the darkness of the land and the sea, and Who sends the winds as heralds of glad tidings, going before His Mercy (rain)? Is there any ilaah (god) with Allah? High Exalted be Allah above all that they associate as partners (to Him)! Is not He (better than your so-called gods) Who originates creation, and shall thereafter repeat it, and Who provides for you from heaven and earth? Is there any ilaah (god) with Allah? Say: ‘Bring forth your proofs, if you are truthful’” [al-Naml 27:59-64 – interpretation of the meaning]

And Allahu A'lam (Allah knows best)

Degrian
06-07-2010, 08:47 AM
The Importance of Salaah (Prayer/Namaz)

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
والحمدلله رب العالمين والصلاة والسلام على أشرف الأنبياء والمرسلين

In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful the Most Compassionate

All praise be to Allah, and may peace and blessings be upon the most noble of the Prophets and Messengers.

Salah (prayer) is one of the five pillars of Islam. Such is that importance of salah that unlike any other commandment, Allah called the Prophet (pbuh) to the heavens to prescribe him with the five daily prayers. Initially, the commandment was for fifty prayers a day, but fearing that this would become a burden to the Ummah, the Prophet (pbuh) requested for it to be brought down to just five. Despite this, the rewards for keeping the prayers are as if we had prayed all fifty.

The daily prayers are a way for us to keep a close connection to our Creator. It is through salah that we can get our suplications answered and our needs fulfilled. When the companions of the Prophet (pbuh) were in need, they would turn to Allah in prayer. Salah is a way for us to show a commitment to our faith. Everytime we pray salah, we renew our commitment to Allah and relieve ourselves from the pressures of our daily lives.

The last thing that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh.) emphasized at his deathbed was salah. He also said the first thing we will have to answer about on the day of judgement is salah. If our record on salah is good then insha Allah the rest of our reckoning will be made easier. The importance of salah was emphasized in the Quran about 500 times, so all Muslims should be aware of how central salah is to our faith. Indeed, the Prophet (pbuh) said that “Salah is the only distinction between a believer and a non-believer.” (Muslim) So imagine of the status of that person who misses his prayer? What distinction does that person has from the non-believers?

Allah mentions in the Quran:

Therefore remember Me (by praying, glorifying, etc.).I will remember you, and be grateful to Me (for My countless Favours on you) and never be ungrateful to Me. (2:152)

Despite this, so many of us miss salah completely or do not make salah on time. There is no excuse for this. Alhamdulillah, some of us have prayer rooms at school, college or university. Imagine how Allah, the most merciful, appreciates it when his servant turns to Him in prayer, interrupting all worldly duties. Whoever does salah, Allah makes his day easier and facilitates his needs in this world and also in the hereafter.

Another habit Muslims should have is to make salah wherever they are. So even at work, or when we are out, we should not miss the salah. The ground in which we pray salah, even if in the streets, will be a witness for us in the day of judgement. Once salah becomes regular in our lives we begin to understand the benefits it brings and almost impossible to miss it. Salah becomes such a basic part of our lives that we feel empty without praying to the extent that we find relief in salah.

Finally, some of us may have missed salah in the past and may have not recovered those prayers thinking that missed prayers do not really matter. Salah becomes obligatory to all Muslims once they reach puberty. Therefore it is important that we calculate those prayers that we have missed and make up for them. We will be accountable in the day of judgement for every prayer that we miss and there is a severe punishment for missing the salah. Unfortunately, many fail to pray particularly the night and morning prayers (Fajr and Isha). Abu Hurayra reported that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said, “And if they only knew what was in the prayers of ‘Isha’ and Subh [fajr], they would come to them even if they had to crawl.” (Bukhari/Muslim)

May Allah strenghten our determination and steadfasteness in performing our salah and may we grow closer to our Creator through salah.
Ameen.

Degrian
06-07-2010, 04:22 PM
Zakat (Charity)

Zakat is the third ‘pillar’ of Islam. Zakat means setting apart for Allah every year a certain portion of one’s savings and wealth (generally 2.5 percent) and spending it upon religious duties and on needy members of the community. The fulfillment of this duty is, in fact, a kind of reminder that all one has is in trust for Allah. Man should, therefore, hold nothing back from Allah. To whatever one may amass in one’s lifetime, one’s own personal contribution is insignificant. If the Supreme Being, who is at work in the heavens and on the earth, refused to co-operate with man, there would be nothing that the latter could accomplish single-handed. He would not be able to plant so much as a single seed to make things grow. Nor could he set up any industries, or carry out any other such enterprise. If Allah were to withdraw any one of His material blessings, all our plans would go awry, and all our efforts would be brought to naught.

Zakat is the practical recognition of this fact through the expenditure of money. Islam requires man to consider his personal wealth as belonging to Allah and, therefore, to set apart a portion for Him. No maximum limit has been prescribed, but a minimum limit has definitely been fixed. According to statutory Zakat, each individual must abide by this and spend a fixed minimum percentage of his wealth every year in the way prescribed by Allah. In so spending his wealth, he is permitted neither to belittle the recipient nor to make him feel obliged or grateful to himself. His wealth must be given to the needy in the spirit of its being a trust from Allah which he is making over to the genuine title-holders. He should feed others so that he himself is fed in the Hereafter, and he should give to others so that he himself is not denied succor by Allah in the next world.

Zakat is a symbol of one’s obligation to recognize the rights of others and to be in sympathy with them in pain or in sorrow. These sentiments should become so deep-rooted that one begins to regard one’s own wealth as belonging, in part, to others. Moreover, one should render service to others without expecting either recognition or recompense. Each individual should protect the honor of others without hope of any gain in return. He should be the well-wisher of not just friends and relations, but of all members of society. Zakat, first and foremost, makes it plain to people that their entire ‘possessions’ are gifts of Allah, and, secondly, dissuades the servants of Allah from living in society as unfeeling and selfish creatures. Indeed, throughout their entire lives, they must set aside some portion for others.

One very wrong way of conducting oneself in any social set-up is to live in expectation of worldly gain from the services rendered to others. An example of such behavior is to lend money in the hopes of getting it back with interest. Where this is a common practice, exploitation becomes rampant, with everyone trying to subjugate and plunder others. As a consequence, the whole of society is plagued with disorder. No one, be he rich or poor, can be happy in such a set-up. If a man is correctly motivated, he will be of service to his fellow-human beings only in the hope of receiving a reward from Allah: he will give to others with the divine assurance that he will be repaid in full in the next world. In a society where there is no exploitation, feelings of mutual hatred and unconcern cannot flourish. A climate of mutual distrust and disorder is simply not allowed to come into being; each lives in peace with the other, and society becomes a model of harmony and prosperity.

On the legalistic plane, Zakat is an annual tax, or duty, in essence and spirit: it is recognition on the part of man of the share which Allah, and other men, have in his wealth.

Degrian
06-09-2010, 04:24 PM
Saum (Fast of Ramdan)


Saum/fasting is the fourth pillar of Islam and is not unique to the Muslims. It has been practiced for centuries in connection with religious ceremonies by Christians, Jews, Confucianists, Hindus, Taoists, and Jains. Allah (God) (SWT) mentions this fact in the Qur'an (interpretation of the meaning): “O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may develop Allah-consciousness” [2:183].

Some Native American societies fasted to avert catastrophe or to serve as penance for sin. Native North Americans held tribal fasts to avert threatening disasters. The Native Americans of Mexico and the Incas of Peru observed penitential fasts to appease their gods. Past nations of the Old World, such as the Assyrians and the Babylonians, observed fasting as a form of penance. Jews observe fasting as a form of penitence and purification annually on the Day of Atonement or Yom Kippur. On this day neither food nor drink is permitted.

Early Christians associated fasting with penitence and purification. During the first two centuries of its existence, the Christian church established fasting as a voluntary preparation for receiving the sacraments of Holy Communion and baptism and for the ordination of priests. Later, these fasts were made obligatory, as others days were subsequently added. In the 6th century, the Lenten fast was expanded to 40 days, on each of which only one meal was permitted. After the Reformation, fasting was retained by most Protestant churches and was made optional in some cases. Stricter Protestants, however, condemned not only the festivals of the church, but its traditional fasts as well.

In the Roman Catholic Church, fasting may involve partial abstinence from food and drink or total abstinence. The Roman Catholic days of fasting are Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. In the United States, fasting is observed mostly by Episcopalians and Lutherans among Protestants, by Orthodox and Conservative Jews, and by Roman Catholics. Fasting took another form in the West: the hunger strike, a form of fasting, which in modern times has become a political weapon after being popularized by Mohandas Gandhi, leader of the struggle for India’s freedom, who undertook fasts to compel his followers to obey his precept of nonviolence.

Islam is the only religion that has retained the outward and spiritual dimensions of fasting throughout centuries. Selfish motives and desires of the base self alienate a man from his Creator. The most unruly human emotions are pride, avarice, gluttony, lust, envy, and anger. These emotions by their nature are not easy to control, thus a person must strive hard to discipline them. Muslims fast to purify their soul, it puts a bridle on the most uncontrolled, savage human emotions. People have gone to two extremes with regard to them. Some let these emotions steer their life which lead to barbarism among the ancients, and crass materialism of consumer cultures in modern times. Others tried to deprive themselves completely of these human traits, which in turn led to monasticism.

The fourth Pillar of Islam, the Fast of Ramadan, occurs once each year during the 9th lunar month, the month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar in which: “…the Qur'an was sent down as a guidance for the people” [2:185]. Allah (SWT) in His infinite mercy has exempt the ill, travelers, and others who are unable from fasting Ramadan.

Fasting helps Muslims develop self-control, gain a better understanding of Allah's (SWT) gifts and greater compassion towards the deprived. Fasting in Islam involves abstaining from all bodily pleasures between dawn and sunset. Not only is food forbidden, but also any sexual activity. All things which are regarded as prohibited is even more so in this month, due to its sacredness. Each and every moment during the fast, a person suppresses their passions and desires in loving obedience to Allah (SWT). This consciousness of duty and the spirit of patience helps in strengthening our faith. Fasting helps a person gain self-control. A person who abstains from permissible things like food and drink is likely to feel conscious of his sins. A heightened sense of spirituality helps break the habits of lying, staring with lust at the opposite sex, gossiping, and wasting time. Staying hungry and thirsty for just a day’s portion makes one feel the misery of the 800 million who go hungry or the one in ten households in the US, for example, that are living with hunger or are at risk of hunger. After all, why would anyone care about starvation if one has never felt its pangs oneself? One can see why Ramadan is also a month of charity and giving.

At dusk, the fast is broken with a light meal popularly referred to as iftaar. Families and friends share a special late evening meal together, often including special foods and sweets served only at this time of the year. Many go to the mosque for the evening prayer, followed by special prayers recited only during Ramadan. Some will recite the entire Quran as a special act of piety, and public recitations of the Quran can be heard throughout the evening. Families rise before sunrise to take their first meal of the day, which sustains them until sunset. Near the end of Ramadan Muslims commemorate the “Night of Power” when the Quran was revealed. The month of Ramadan ends with one of the two major Islamic celebrations, the Feast of the Breaking of the Fast, called Eid al-Fitr. On this day, Muslims joyfully celebrate the completion of Ramadan and customarily distribute gifts to children. Muslims are also obliged to help the poor join in the spirit of relaxation and enjoyment by distributing zakat-ul-fitr, a special and obligatory act of charity in the form of staple foodstuff, in order that all may enjoy the general euphoria of the day.

Degrian
06-11-2010, 10:09 AM
Hajj (Pilgrimage)

Hajj is the fifth pillar of islam, Allah (azza wajal) created the months, he chose out of them Ramadan to give extra reward to his servants. By the same token, when he created the days, he chose the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah to be the best days.
This season of worship brings many benefits, such as the opportunity to correct one's faults and make up for any shortcomings or anything that one might have missed. Some may have missed the opportunity in Ramadan or after and regret it. Now there is a chance to make up for it. Every one of these special occasions involve some kind of worship through which the slaves may draw closer to Allah (azza wajal). Likewise, every one of these special occasions have some kind of blessing though which Allah (azza wajal) grants His favor and mercy upon whomever He wills.
The happy and successful believer is the one who makes the most of these special months, days and hours attempting to draw closer to Allah through acts of worship; he will most likely be touched by the blessing of Allah and will feel the joy of knowing that he is safe from the flames of Hell.

What are the ten days of Dhul Hijjah ?
The ten days of Dhul Hijjah are the first ten days of the 12th Islamic calendar month called Dhul Hijjah. These are the days when most of the pilgrims make a journey to Makkah and perform their tasks of Hajj. Just as they have a special chance to get extra reward, the ones who were not able to go to Hajj are also given a special chance to get extra reward during these days.

What is the significance of these 10 days?
1)Allah (azza wajal) honored them by mentioning them in the Qur'an.
Allah (azza wajal) says: :
"That they might witness things that are of benefit to them (i.e., reward of Hajj in the Hereafter, and also some worldly gain from trade, etc.), and mention the name of Allah on appointed days, over the beast of cattle that He has provided for them (for sacrifice).. ." [al-Hajj 22:28]

The majority of scholars agree that the "appointed days" are the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, because of the words of Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him and his father), "The appointed days are the first ten days (of Dhul Hijjah)."
[This is related by al-Bukhari]

2) Allah (azza wajal) honored them when he swears an oath by them in the Qur'an as well, and swearing an oath by something is indicative of its importance and great benefit.
Allah (azza wajal) says: (interpretation of the meaning): "By the dawn; by the 10 nights" [al-Fajr 89:1-2].
Ibn Abbas, Ibn al-Zubayr, Mujahid and others of the earlier and later generations said that this refers to the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. Ibn Katheer said: "This is the correct opinion."

3) They are considered the most honorable and best days ever.
Ahmad and at-Tabarani record from Ibn 'Umar that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said, "There is no day more honorable in Allah 's sight and no acts more beloved therein to Allah than those in these ten days. So say tahlil (There is no deity worthy of worship but Allah : La ilaha illAllah ), takbir (Allah is the greatest : Allahu akbar ) and tahmid (All praise is due to Allah : alhumdulillah) a lot [on those days]." [Reported by Ahmad, 7/224; Ahmad Shakir stated it is saheeh]

Narrated Ibn 'Umar: On the Day of Nahr (10th of Dhul Hijjah), the Messenger (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) stood in between the Jamrat during his Hajj which he performed (as in the previous Hadith) and said, "This is the greatest Day ( i.e. 10th of Dhul Hijjah)." The Messenger (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) started saying repeatedly, "O Allah ! Be Witness (I have conveyed Your Message)." He then bade the people farewell. The people said, "(This is Hajjat-al-Wada) ." [Bukhari 2.798]

Ibn 'Umar narrated that at Mina, the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said, "Do you know what is the day today?" The people replied, "Allah and His Messenger know it better." He said, "It is the forbidden (sacred) day. And do you know what town is this?" They replied, "Allah and His Messenger know it better." He said, "This is the forbidden (sacred) town (Mecca). And do you know which month is this?" The people replied, "Allah and His Apostle know it better." He said, "This is the forbidden (sacred) month." The Messenger (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) added, "No doubt, Allah made your blood, your properties, and your honor sacred to one another like the sanctity of this day of yours in this month of yours in this town of yours."

4) Worshipping in them is better than going to Jihad (the peak of matters of worship that you can do).
There is nothing more of a collection of hadith but on jihad, but these days, worshipping is better than Jihad. The Prophet of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said for one to be better than one who worships in these days he must take his wealth and family and go to Jihad and does not come back and looses his wealth.
Ibn 'Abbas reports that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said, "No good deeds done on other days are superior to those done on these days [meaning the ten days of Dhul Hijjah]." The companions asked, "O Messenger of Allah , not even jihad in the way of Allah ?" He said, "Not even jihad, except for the man who puts his life and wealth in danger [for Allah 's sake] and returns with neither of them." [This is related by the group except Muslim and an-Nasa'i]

5) It is narrated from some of the sahabah and tabi'een, Saeed ibn Jubair (among others), that when the first ten days arrived they used to take advantage and worship in them as much as they could to the point that he could not do any more .

Why are these days so special?
Ibn Hajar rahimahu Allah said the apparent reason they are so special is because the mothers of the acts of worship of Allah occur in them which does not happen in any other days (meaning salah (prayer), charity, fasting, and hajj).
Are these days better than the last ten days of Ramadan?
Most scholars adopt the opinion that these days are better than the last ten days of Ramadan. However, what holds the last ten days of Ramadan at a higher status is the night of Power (Laylatul Qadr) which is equivalent to one thousand months ( 83.33 years).
The following hadith may shed some light in showing that worship during each of these first ten days of Dhul Hijjah with nightly prayer is like worshipping during the night of power (Laylatul Qadr).
Abu Hurairah relates that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said, "There are no days more loved to Allah for you to worship Him therein than the ten days of Dhul Hijjah. Fasting any day during it is equivalent to fasting one year and to offer salatul tahajjud (late-night prayer) during one of its nights is like performing the late night prayer on the night of power. [ i.e., Laylatul Qadr]." [This is related by at-Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah, and al-Baihaqi]

Degrian
06-11-2010, 11:00 AM
What Every1 has do in these ten days of Hajj?

1- Ziakr (praise of Allah (azza wajal)

a)Say tahlil
La ilah illah Allah
b )Takbir
Allahu akbar
c)Tahmid
Alhamdu lillah
d)Tasbeeh
Subhan Allah
Ahmad and at-Tabarani record from Ibn 'Umar that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said, "There is no day more honorable in Allah's sight and no acts more beloved therein to Allah than those in these ten days. So say tahlil (There is no deity worthy of worship but Allah : La ilaha illAllah ), takbir (Allah is the greatest : Allahu Akbar) and tahmid (All praise is due to Allah : alhamdulillah) a lot.
e) Istighfar
"Astaghfer Allah"
The Prophet (S.A.W) said: "Whoever wants his book given to him on the Judgment Day as he is happy then let him do alot of Istighfar."
Do not only do Istighfar for yourself but rather for the entire Ummah
"Allahuma 'ghfir lilmu'mineen walmu'minat."

f) Making salah and salam on the Prophet (S.A.W)
Every time you make salah and salam on the Prophet (S.A.W) a angel goes to the Prophet ( P.B.U.H) and tells him that son of so and so did salam on you. Every time you do salah and salam on the Prophet (S.A.W) the angel do salah and salam upon you, their salah and salam on you is asking Allah (azza wajal) to forgive you.

g) General tasbeeh that we know of in the authentic Sunnah
These should always be on our minds and tongues, but more importantly in these days.
Not praising Allah (azza wajal) cotinuously is a sign of a hypocrite. This is a danger in itself.

Allah (azza wajal) said "Remember Allah , standing, sitting and reclining.
*Important note on Takbeer should be loud for men during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah: Takbeer. It is Sunnah to say Takbeer ("Allahu akbar"), Tahmeed ("Al-hamdu Lillah"), Tahleel ("La ilaha ill-Allah ") and Tasbeeh ("Subhan Allah ") during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, and to say it loudly in the mosque, the home, the street and every place where it is permitted to remember Allah (azza wajal) and mention His name out loud, as an act of worship and as a proclamation of the greatness of Allah (azza wajal).
Men should recite these phrases out loud, and women should recite them quietly
The Takbeer may include the words
"Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, la ilaha ill-Allah ; wa Allahu akbar wa Lillahil-hamd"
(Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, there is no deity worthy of worship but Allah;Allah is Most Great and to Allah be praise)

2- Fast in these days
The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said"Whomever fasts for the sake Allah will get for each day will be farther from hell by a trench the distance the sky is from hell." Imagine if you fast these ten days,how far your distance will be from hell.
Rewards for fasting Sunnah is what Allah (azza wajal) says to the people in heaven "(And it will be said unto those therein):Eat and drink at ease for that which ye sent on before you in past days" A fasting person gets the reward of an accepted dua'a before he breaks his fast.
Allah (azza wajal) gives those who do rewards seven times as much reward, up to seven hundred, except fasting. Allah (azza wajal) said that is for Him and only for Him. We know that fasting is for Allah (azza wajal), prayer is for Allah (azza wajal) , and Zikar is for Allah (azza wajal). But why do you think Allah (azza wajal) specify fasting as being for Him? It is because it is a secret worship where no one knows about it, no one knows if you really fasted or pretended but you so the reward of that is so large Allah (azza wajal) will compensate dearly for it.

3- Give charity:
These are things we should all do throughout the year more so during these first ten days of Dhul Hijjah.
Allah (azza wajal) said "And whatsoever you spend (for good) He replaces it. And He is the Best of Providers." 34:39

4- Recitation of Qur'an :
The recitors of the Qur'an are the special ones to Allah (azza wajal). The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) ordered recitation of the Qur'an and said alif lam meem is not one letter but rather alif is letter and lam is letter and meem is latter and for each letter is ten hasanat. So you get thirty hasanat just for Alif - lam - meem.
Asma' was asked how the Prophet's sahabah was whenever Qur'an was recited. She said their eyes would tear and creep the flesh. Just as Allah (azza wajal) said "Allah has (now) revealed the fairest of statements, a Scripture consistent, (wherein promises of reward are) paired (with threats of punishment), wherein it creeps the flesh of those who fear their Lord, so that their flesh and their hearts soften to Allah 's reminder. Such is Allah 's guidance, where h He guids whom He will. And him whom Allah sends astray, for him there is no guide.
Ibn al Qayyim said abandoning the Qur'an is of 5 kinds:

a- abandoning the listening recitation of the Qur'an .
(Some people even ask when they hear the Qur'an is there a dead person?)
b - abandoning the halal/haram (prohibition/ commands)
c- abandoning the returning to Qur'an in our major and minor disputes.
d- abandoning the comprehension and understanding of Qur'an
e- abandoning the usage of Qur'an as a cure for our hearts.
(Instead of using Qur'an to cure our depression and ill feelings we use other
means.)

5- Making Continuous and Consistent Dua'a:
One who does not make dua'a may fall under the wrath of Allah (azza wajal) because the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said "Whomever does not ask Allah, Allah will put his wrath on him."
When you make dua'a desperately facing Allah (azza wajal) then know that Allah (azza wajal) will accept from you inshAllah.
Seek the times dua'a is more likely accepted and among them are:
1- 1/3 end of night
2- before salah between Adhan and Iqamah
3- when the Imam is on the mimbar during Jumu'ah Friday
4- during the rain
5- in sujood

Start your dua'a in praising Allah and the prophet Muhammad. Repent and ask for forgiveness, keep these things in mind when making dua:
1- Be persistent and cotinuously ask Allah (azza wajal) .
2- Have your heart there when you make dua'a.
3- Have wudu.
4- Give charity prior to dua'a.
5- Make dua'a in the times most likely accepted.
The Prophet (P.B.U.H) said "There is no one who sleeps on taharah and gets up and makes dua'a except that Allah will accept his dua'a as long as its in good."

6- Prayer of the night time:
There are special see-through rooms in heaven for those who pray at night. Allah laughs to those who pray at night. If Allah laughs to someone he is in good shape. It's the path of the righteous people, and keeper-away from sins.

Allah said: "No soul knows what is kept hidden for them of joy, as a reward for what they used to do."
Aisha (radhi Allahu anha) said "Wallahi the prophet never left the prayer of the night time."

7- Fasting and specialty of the day of Arafah (9th day of Dhul Hijjah):
The Prophet (A.A.W) said "There is no day that Allah will free people more than the day of Arafah."
There is no day that shaytan is seen more miserable than that day.
This is because it is a day that all his prior work goes in vain. People on Arafat are repenting and those not in Hajj are fasting and asking Allah (azza wajal) for forgiveness.

8- Sacrificing and slaughter of an animal on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah:
Allah the creator of the sky and earth the day and night has chosen some days over others to gather deeds. Sacrifice is one of these deeds.

Sacrifice on the 10th day has very great reward for those in Hajj and those not in Hajj as well. The timing for sacrifice is in the 10th day and 3 days following (11, 12 & 13th) It is to declare one Allah and to thank him and follow Ibrahim (alayhi salam)
Allah (azza wajal) said : "So pray unto thy Lord, and sacrifice."

Translation "In the name of Allah - Allahu akbar - oh Allah this is for me and my family."
Reputable scholars all agree that doing the sacrifice is better than giving its equivalent, because sacrifice is a worship in and of itself.
Seven people may participate or share in sacrificing a Cow or Camel.
A leader of the household can sacrifice for himself and for his dependants such as children, women and men like the sahabah and salaf used to do. One planning on sacrificing should not cut his hair or nails until sacrifice is complete. This only applies to the head of the house who is paying for the sacrifice and not his dependants.
One should eat a portion of his sacrifice and give a portion to the poor and relatives.
It is not requested that you do it by hand however that is the best, you may oversee the sacrifice as well or if unable give the power to someone to do this for you
The sacrifice should be done after 'Eid prayer and you have until three days after, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) ordered those who sacrificed before prayer to do it again.

9- Repentance:
This should be done daily like the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) .

Allah (azza wajal) said: "Truly Allah loves those who turn unto Him, and loves those who have a care for cleanness."
Another hadith says: "Every man has mistakes, but the best among them are those, who make repentance."
Allah (azza wajal) can change sins to good deeds as well, if He wants. He says: "Except those who repent and believe (in Islamic monotheism), and do righteous deeds; for those, Allah will change their sins into good deeds, and Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
Allah (azza wajal) can accept repentance for all kinds of sins and forgive them. He says: "Say: 'O My slaves who have transgressed against themselves (by committing evil deeds and sins)! Despair not of the Mercy of Allah : verily, Allah forgives all sins. Truly He is Oft-Forgiving, Most-Merciful.

10- Salah in general:
I ask Allah (azza wajal) that He forgive us for our shortcomings and the we take advantage of these sacred days getting the mercy and forgiveness of Allah. Ameen.

Shaboo
06-13-2010, 10:16 PM
f) Making salah and salam on the Prophet (S.A.W)
Every time you make salah and salam on the Prophet (S.A.W) a angel goes to the Prophet ( P.B.U.H) and tells him that son of so and so did salam on you. Every time you do salah and salam on the Prophet (S.A.W) the angel do salah and salam upon you, their salah and salam on you is asking Allah (azza wajal) to forgive you.


Once Jibrail (alaihissalam) came to Prophet (S.A.W) said: Allah has given me the knowledge to count every leaf on earth, every fish in the sea, every star in the sky and every particle of sand on earth, but there's only one thing I cant count. Prophet (S.A.W ) asked Jibrail {Alaihe Salam}:what is it? Jibrail {Alaihe Salam} replied......... When one of your Ummati recited Durood of Salaams to you the blessings Allah showers upon him becomes impossible for me to count. SUBHAN ALLAH. ....

Degrian
06-14-2010, 04:05 PM
Most of us talk during Azan

السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاتة

This is most common among us..... most of us talk during Azan...


The Holy Prophet (SAW) said, Stop doing everything during the Azaan, even reading the Quran, the person who talks during the Azaan will not be able to say the Kalima on his/her death bed.... Please pass this message to Muslims...READ THIS DUAA FOR BETTER LIFE Allahumma- inni-
ala-Zikr-ika-wa Shuk-rika wa husni-ibad-atika.
Ye sab ko batao agar kisi ko bhi hidaayat mil gayi to qayamat tak sawab milayga...Aur shayad
yehi kaam jo ke 1 minute se ziada nahi lega, tumhari maghfirat ka bahana ban jaye
AMEEN