Day 10: Tafsir: Everyone Sins (Q16:61)

“If Allah were to take mankind to task for their wrong doing,

he would not leave here on a living creature,

but He reprieveth them to an appointed term, and

when their term cometh they cannot put (it) off an hour nor (yet) advance (it).” Qur'an 16 v 61

If Allah were to judge Humans by their sins, Allah would not leave any of his creation -humans & animals- on earth. We are usually very arrogant and very treacherous. But our greatest sin is the sin of ingratitude to Allah. Human is weak (Qur’an 4 verse 28). The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “All humans are sinners.” In essence, there is no perfect human being, there is no one without any imperfection; if you scrutinise the life of anyone, you will always discover a limitation.

However, this should not be used as a premise by people with weak faith or those with ulterior motives as a justification to continue to live in sins. Some may ask about the infallibility of the Prophets. Are they also weak and living in sin or are they perfect human beings? Allah has protected his prophets from major sins, but being human they may exercise poor human judgement or obvious preferences. Sure they may have their weak points, but they would never be found with shameful or disgraceful acts.

They are perfect with respect to their divine responsibilities; they were custom made because of the task ahead of them. The burden of major sins and shameful deeds are removed from them deliberately by Allah who says to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), “Have We not purified for you your breast? And removed from you your burden, which weighed down your back, and raised high the esteem (in which) you are held?” (Qur’an 94 verses 1-4). This is in reference to the surgical purification operation which Angel Jubril carried out on the little Muhammad when he was still a toddler. So even before Muhammad became a prophet, he was already known as the Trustworthy. All the Prophets went through some sort of purification. This is why they would always stand out from their mates.

What then should a Muslim make of allegations against the Prophets of God in the Bible? For instance, it is alleged that Prophet Ibrahim (or Abraham) lied about the status of his wife because of material needs he wanted from the King who had an interest in her. Prophet Dawud (or David) was accused of deliberately sending one of his subject to the war front to be killed so that he can covet the subject’s wife in addition to his 700 wives and 300 concubines. Prophet Nuh (or Noah) was accused of being drunk, exposing himself and committing incest. Prophet Sulaiman (or Solomon) was accused of worshipping his pagan wife’s false gods. Even Prophet Issa (or Jesus) was said to have stolen a donkey and of cursing a tree which had no fruit as it was not yet its season. These allegations are false as prophets are protected and well mannered. Such reports are falsified and un-divine. The Jews fabricated these stories, the Christians accepted them. Even some Muslim scholars quote such stories because they could not imagine that the Jews and Christians could concoct such lies against their ancestors, their prophets and leaders.

Humans are generally weak and our weakness could cause the disaster for all living creatures. In essence, the consequences of our actions will not be limited to ourselves, but the entire Earth. However, Allah Who is As-Sabur (the Ever-Patient) will not look at the extent of our sins, He will preserve us till our appointed terms perhaps we would change for the better or learn from our experiences fraught with our weaknesses. And Allah loves that we recognise our weakness, accept our sin and live a life of transformation and struggle-to-sustain our strength until our appointed terms, our Judgement Day, which is when death occurs for each of us.

We will never be able to delay our appointed term no matter how much we enjoy life and desire for it to continue, even if we have the wherewithal to fund longevity of life. When the appointed term is not yet near, we cannot hasten it no matter how much we hate life or suffer therein. We can only leave this Earth at the time allocated and only Allah knows when that will be. As thet say, "Be Prepared."

Day 9: Another Level of Understanding (The Story of Moses & Khidhr)

All we know and experience are peculiar to life on earth and we are in cognisance of laws and principles only applicable to our physical world. But that is not all knowledge. Our current knowledge is not sufficient to understand the intricacies of human life and the events in after life. Musa (or Moses) represent human knowledge and God wanted him to realise that knowledge of the unseen is superior knowledge and unavailable to human. Yet, knowledge of the Unseen can amply explain and justify human experiences. Eventually, Musa met the man who would offer him a glimpse of the Unseen Knowledge. The man according to prophetic traditions is called Khidhir (literarily ‘Green’).

The story found in Qur'an 18 verses 65 to 82 goes thus: Musa “...found one of Our servants on whom We had bestowed Mercy from Ourselves and whom We had taught knowledge from Our own presence. Moses said to him: ‘May I follow you so that you can teach me something of the (Higher) Truth which you have been taught?’ The other (Khidhir) said: ‘Verily you will not be able to have patience with me! And how can you have patience on issues about which your understanding is not complete?’ Moses said: ‘You will find me (truly) patient, if Allah so will: and I will not disobey you in anyway.’ The other (Khidhir) said: ‘If then you would follow me ask me no questions about anything until I myself speak to you concerning it.’

“So they both proceeded. They went on a boat and (when they neared their destination, (Khidhir) damaged the boat. Musa said: ‘Did you damaged (the boat) to drown us? Truly a strange thing you have done!" He answered: "Did I not tell you that you can’t have patience with me?" Musa said: "Do not rebuke me for forgetting nor grieve me by raising difficulties in my case." Then they continued their journey until when they met a young man. He (Khidhir) killed him. Musa said: "Have you killed an innocent person who is not guilty of any murder? This is truly a foul (unheard-of) thing you have done!" He answered: "Did I not tell you that you can’t have patience with me?" (Musa) said: "If ever I ask you about anything after this keep me not in your company. Then you would have all the excuse you needed to get rid of me." Thereafter, they continued their journey until when they came to the inhabitants of a town they asked them for food but the people (of this town) refused them hospitality. They found there a wall on the point of falling down but he (Khidhir) mended the wall and made it firm and straight. Musa said: "(How could you do this for a people who were hostile to us.) If you had wished, surely you could have exacted some wages for your effort!" He (Khidhir) answered: "This is where we go our different ways (because of your impatience). I will now tell you the interpretation of those things which you were unable to hold patience.

“As for the boat it belonged to certain poor men who plied on the water: I (did them a favour so I) rendered it (temporarily) unserviceable because coming behind them is a certain king who seized on every (nice) boat by force. As for the youth, his parents have firm faith in God and we feared that he would grieve them by obstinate rebellion and ingratitude (to Allah and the people and he would cause them to lose their faith). So we desired that their Lord would give them in exchange another son who is better in purity (of conduct) and closer in affection. As for the wall, it belonged to two orphan youths in the town. Beneath the wall is a buried treasure to which they were entitled (and if the treasure is exposed the evil people of the town will take it away from the orphans). Their father had been a righteous man: so thy Lord desired that they should attain their age of full strength and get out their treasure - a mercy (and favor) from their Lord. I did it not of my own accord. Such is the interpretation of (those things) over which you were unable to hold patience.

“The lesson contained in this story is this: You should have full faith in the wisdom of what is happening in the Divine Factory in accordance with the will of Allah. As the reality is hidden from you, you are at a loss to understand the wisdom of what is happening, and sometimes if it appears that things are going against you, you cry out, "How and why has this happened?" The fact is that if the curtain be removed from the "unseen", you would yourselves come to know that what is happening here is for the best. Even if sometimes it appears that something is going against you, you will see that in the end it also produces some good results for you.” (Maududi’s Surah Introduction to Surah Khaf - Qur'an 18).

Yusuf Ali in his commentaries on the story noted that: “(1) Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians. Even so that wisdom did not comprehend everything, even as the whole stock of the knowledge of the present day, in the sciences and the arts, and in literature, (if it could be supposed to be gathered in one individual), does not include all knowledge. Divine knowledge, as far as man is concerned, is unlimited. Even after Moses received his divine mission, his knowledge was not so perfect that it could not receive further additions. (2) Constant effort is necessary to keep our knowledge square with the march of time, and such effort Moses is shown to be making. (3) The mysterious man he meets... is the type of that knowledge which is ever in contact with life as it is actually lived. (4) There are paradoxes in life; apparent loss may be real gain; apparent cruelty may be real mercy; returning good for evil may really be justice and not generosity. Allah's wisdom transcends all human calculation.”

Day 8: ‘...And That is Better for Him’

One of the most admirable Muslim characteristics is patience. Allah (Exalted is He) has made patience fruitful for whoever practices it. Patience is mentioned in the Qur’an more than seventy times. Along with salaat, it is a means of seeking help of Allah: “And seek help with patience and prayer....” (Qur’an 2 Verse 40) He has also attached great importance, goodness and reward to it. In Qur’an 16 Verse 96 Allah (The Exalted) says “…and surely we shall reward those who were patient according to the best of their deeds”. In addition, “these shall be given their reward twice, for that they endured patiently…” (Qur’an 28 Verse 54) and they will not be short-changed, “… surely the patient shall be rewarded in full without reckoning.” (Qur’an 39 Verse 10)

Although patience is a human disposition, but it is given religious colouring because of its value. The Prophet (peace be upon him) describe the virtues of patience stating that, “Patience is half of faith”. It is one thing to be patient in pleasurable situations, but it is extremely difficult to show patience in adversity, thus the Prophet admonished, “having patience in what you dislike is abundant goodness”.

It is narrated by Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Fasting is a paradise so there should be no obscene or offensive talk or behaviour. If a person fights him or insults him, let him say, ‘I am fasting,’ twice. By the One in Whose hand is my soul, the smell coming from the mouth of the fasting person is better before Allah then the fragrance of musk. [Allah says:] ‘He gives up his food, drink and desire for My sake. Fasting is for Me and I will reward for it, and a good deed receives the reward of ten like it’.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

Some of the elements of patience:

Endurance: Allah says in Surah 31 Verse 17 “Endure patiently whatever may afflict you, for that shows determination in (handling) matters.”

Steadfastness: Allah says in Qur'an 7 Verse 128 “Seek help from Allah and be patient; the earth belongs to Allah. Anyone he wishes from among his servants shall inherit it.”

In Qur'an 10 Verse 109 we find that Allah says “Follow what has been revealed to you and be patient until Allah judges, for he is the best Judge.”

Further, in Qur'an 2 verse 250 we find the dua “Our lord, fill us full of patience and make our feet firm. Support us against disbelieving folk.”

Controlling Desire: Allah says in Qur'an 18 Verse 28: “Restrict yourself to those who appeal to their Lord in the morning and evening, desiring his countenance; do not let your eyes wander too far away from them, desiring the attraction of worldly life.”

We should be grateful to Allah (The Exalted) in whatever situation we find ourselves in life. The prophet (peace be upon him) said “How wonderful is the case of a believer; verily, everything is good for him, and this is not the case with anyone except a believer. If prosperity attends him, he expresses gratitude to Allah and that is good for him; and if adversity befalls him, he endures it patiently and that is better for him.” So the Muslim is in a win-win situation. Do not forget to give gratitude to Allah when things are good and note that it is unbecoming of Muslim to misbehave, or excessively grieve or weep against the will of Allah.

Abu Sa`id and Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with them) reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Never a believer is stricken with a discomfort, an illness, an anxiety, a grief or mental worry or even the pricking of a thorn but Allah will expiate his sins on account of his patience". [Bukhari and Muslim].

This hadith mentions the special Grace and Mercy of Allah for the Muslims. It relates how Allah turns the hardships and troubles suffered by a Muslim into a means of expiation for his sins. But this is only possible if the believer exercises patience. However, if he starts wailing instead of showing patience, then besides suffering hardships, he would be deprived of the reward which lies in bearing them patiently. Thus, he shall have to take the burden of additional sins also.

Let us practise patience during this Ramadan and beyond insha'Allah.

- Contributed by Nasrudeen O. Aminu, UK.

Day 7: Divinely Sent, Divinely Blessed!

In a recent article titled ‘Insults are better taken lying down, claim scientist’ as headlined by UK’s Daily Telegraph, it surmised that while we may experience the same anger reaction regardless of our physical posture, we are highly less-likely to react violently or retaliate if we are lying down. The article states:

Research showed that those who took personal insults while upright exhibited brain activity linked to attacking but this urge disappeared when they took the same insults lying down.


Eddie Harmon-Jones, a cognitive scientist who led the study at Texas A&M University, said: "In the upright or leaning forward state one might be more likely to attack.


"Maybe in the reclining state you're more likely to brood."


Those who took part in the study were not warned that they were participating in an anger exercise. The researchers asked them to pick something which made them cross, such as abortion or public smoking, and write a brief essay on their stance.


They were then hooked up to a machine which measures brain activity and told that a person in an adjacent room would evaluate the essay.


Then the students chosen for the study heard a voice recording of someone disparaging the intelligence, likeability and logical skills of the essays.


Volunteers who heard these insults while on their backs felt as angry as volunteers who were upright. However, measurements showed that in upright volunteers, a reaction in the brain that has been linked to anger and the likelihood of retaliating.


Those who received their insults while lying down, however, did not experience the same angry brain reaction.


The scientists now think that lying down could affect how the brain handles other emotions, such as desire and happiness.


Peter Bandettini, a brain imager at the National Institute of Mental Health in Bethesda, Maryland, said: "It never occurred to me that body position might influence behavioural or neuronal activity in the context of aggression - but it makes sense.


(Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/science-news/6016087/Insults-are-better-taken-lying-down-claim-scientists.html)

Abu Darr narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "When one of you becomes angry while standing, he should sit down. If the anger leaves him, well and good; otherwise he should lie down." (Tirmidhi, Ahmad and Abu Dawud) We must learn to leave issues to be determined by Allah and not be moved to angry retaliation regardless of the issues of contention. One day, while the Prophet was with his companions, a man came and said things to insult Abu Bakr, but Abu Bakr, ignored him. But the man continued and even said more annoying things, yet, Abu Bakr was patient. When the man continued his lies again, Abu Bakr, angrily responded and the Prophet (peace be upon him) just got up and left. Abu Bakr later asked the Prophet if he was angry with him. The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied, “An angel came down from Heaven and he was rejecting what he had said to you. When you took revenge, a devil came down. I was not going to sit when the devil came down.” (Abu Dawud)

Also, in another hadith, he recommended the use of water to drink and in another narration to use as ablution when in a state of anger: “Anger comes from the devil, the devil was created of fire, and fire is extinguished only with water; so when one of you becomes angry, he should perform ablution.” (Abu Dawud)
Could the devil be the agent of anger in our brain? Is the devil physical or potentially a brain wave? Instead of our lackadaisical armchair response "Your research is 1430 years late," we should be in the forefront of such researches. Muslim Social Scientists and undergraduates could investigate various similar advices from the Prophet. This venture could provide scientific explanations for divine guidance. This perhaps is the challenge of this generation. Muslims would therefore have reasons to be even more convinced of the value and certainty of our affiliation to the Prophet’s guidance; and not ‘archaic advice’ or ‘cave mentality’ as some would have us believe.

Further, this is a validation of the Qur'an claim that the Prophet does not say things out of personal desires or without guidance. “Your Companion (the Prophet Muhammad) is neither astray nor being misled nor does he say (aught) of (his own) Desire. It is no less than inspiration sent down to him: He was taught by one mighty in Power.” (Qur'an 53 verse 3-5) Indeed, he is a divine messenger and his guidance is the only sure guidance. He continued in the path of the previous prophets like Ibrahim/ Abraham, Musa/Moses, Dawud/David, Issa/Jesus etc.

- Contributed by Shamsideen AbuSuad, UK.

Special Supplication:

“O Allah, by Thy knowledge of the unseen and Thy power to create,

grant me life as long as You know life will be best for me,

and take me (in death) when You know death to be best for me.

O Allah, I ask You for Taqwah (God Consciousness) both within my secret heart and openly.

I ask You for the word of truth in pleasure and anger;

I ask You for moderation both in poverty and riches;

I ask You for felicity which does not pass away.

I ask You for comfort which is not cut off.

I ask You for satisfaction with what is decreed/destiny.

I ask You for a pleasant life after death.

I ask You for the pleasure of looking at Your Face,

and longing to meet You in a state in which distress does not cause harm or testing lead astray.

O Allah, beautify us with the adornment of faith,

and make us guides who are rightly guided.”

(Tirmidhi, Hadith 2486)

Day 6: Ramadan Described

“It is He who sent down Tranquillity into the hearts

of the Believers that they may add Faith to their Faith;

for to Allah belong the Forces of the heavens and the earth;

and Allah is full of Knowledge and Wisdom…” (Qur'an 48 verse 4)

How did the Prophet present Ramadan to his companions? The following is just one of the ways he described Ramadan to those early Muslims and which made them extremely dedicated to Ramadan. They would prepare their family and friends for Ramadan. They would make all plans and resolves, which would see them through it without missing anything from it. They make their commitment to it TOTAL. The description of the Rasul (peace be upon him) is also presented to us today, what does it stir in us?

"Oh Believers the month of Ramadan is close to you, when it enters it is the best month in the eyes of Allah, it is the month of Allah, it is the month Allah favours.

"Its days are the best days its night is the best of all nights each day is the best day in this month and one night is better than a thousand months.

"It is the month of Iradah (claiming back your free will and killing your habits) it is the month of Jihad (struggling for the sake of Allah to make Islam dominant in the individual and in the community).

"It is the month of Barakah (reward), it is the month of Ibadah (worship) it is the month of Qur’an, it is the month of Fatah (conquering), it is the month of Sawm (fasting).

"A month in which Allah has invited you as a guest to visit him and you are the honour of Allah and this is the best month.

"Your sleeping in this month is Ibadah and your breathing in this month is Tasbeeh (act of worship) so is the breathing of the birds, animals, trees and mountains.

"Your deeds (good) are accepted and your dua (supplication) is also accepted. Ask Allah with full awareness and certainty and conviction.

"When you are thirsty and hungry remember the thirst and hunger on the day of judgement and donate to the needy people and be kind to your youngest, treat them nicely and benefit from the elders and learn from them and respect them.

"Do not do what Allah forbids and do not say (or hear) what Allah forbids, help the orphans treat them good, hold up your hands and do good acts and do Da'wah (invite people to Islam)."

[Sunan Nisai, Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim (on the authority of Abdullah Ibn Umar), and Mu'jamal Kabir Tabarani].

ALLAHU AKBAR! ALLAHU AKBAR!! ALLAHU AKBAR!!! Who can afford to miss this month? Indeed, whoever meets Ramadan and it comes and goes and s/he did not get Paradise from Ramadan, s/he is a sure loser.

The Rasul noted, “Allah said,

'All the deeds of Adam's sons (people) are for them,

except fasting which is for Me, and I will give the reward for it.'

Fasting is a shield or protection from the fire and from committing sins.

If one of you is fasting, he should avoid sexual relation with his wife and quarrelling,

and if somebody should fight or quarrel with him, he should say, 'I am fasting.'

By Him in Whose Hands my soul is, the unpleasant smell coming out from the mouth of a fasting person

is better in the sight of Allah than the smell of musk.

There are two pleasures for the fasting person, one at the time of breaking his fast,

and the other at the time when he will meet his Lord; then he will be pleased because of his fasting.” (Bukhari)

Day 5: Understanding the Qur’an

The Prophet (pbuh) said: "If Allah wants to do a favor to somebody, He bestows on him, the gift of understanding the Qur'an and Sunna….” (Bukhari)

The Qur'an is the revealed scripture from our God to us through our Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). It was revealed in Arabic. “A revelation from the Beneficent, the Merciful. A Book whereof the verses are explained in detail; a Qur'an in Arabic for people who understand.” (Qur’an 41 verses 2-3) Translation into other languages should be regarded as "translations of the meaning of the Qur’an" not the translation of the Qur'an. This is because any translation is the translator’s understanding of the meaning of the Arabic text.


Therefore, it is natural that any translator should have a good understanding of Arabic language. It is important to caution that the Qur’anic Arabic shows a peculiar usages of Arabic (and has to be understood within the Qur’anic context) as this is different from the ordinary (street) usage.


Before undertaking the reading or studying of the Qur’an, it is important to seek refuge from Shaytan because he seeks to corrupt our understanding. “And when thou recitest the Quran, seek refuge in Allah from Satan the outcast.” (Qur’an 16 verse 98).


The Qur’an explains itself. One verse explains another verse. It will be an error to take verses in isolation. Related subject matter verses complement one another; restricts one another, follows on from one another. In fact, the Qur'an is the best interpreter of itself, it does not contradicted itself rather complement. “(It is) a Qur'an in Arabic without any crookedness (therein)” (Qur’an 39 verse 28)


Also to avoid misunderstanding, read Qur’an in passages or chapters and not just individual verse in isolation. For example a verse reads: “So woe to the worshippers.” (Qur’an 107 verses 4) Any worshipper could feel cursed and disillusioned, but the verse is made clearer if the entire passage is read as: “So woe to the worshippers, who are neglectful of their Prayers, those who (want but) to be seen (of men), but refuse (to supply) (even) neighborly needs.” (Qur’an 107 verses 4-7)


Indeed no human can understand the interpretation of the Qur’an better than the one who was the vehicle of revelation. It is therefore important to explore what understanding the Prophet (pbuh) gave the passages. His explanation should always be our first recourse. It also follows that the companions of the Prophet would have some understanding of the revelation and their opinions should also matter with respect to the interpretation of the Qur’an. Of course, they took tutelage from the Rasul directly and they have been recommended to us as shining examples. Their statements are called Athars, whereas the Prophet’s statements are called Hadith.


Some verses in the Qur’an are clear while some are allegorical. Many people have attempted to explain what Allah and His Messenger have not explained. For example the consonants at the beginning of some verses. There are details that are beyond human comprehension or even above human language or explanations. Indeed there are allegorical verses as exemplified by the story of Khidri & Musa (Qur’an 18)


It is also important to know the causes of revelation. This will be the immediate guide to the meaning, implication and application of the passage.



“Verily We have revealed the Book to thee in Truth for (instructing) mankind. He then that receives guidance benefits his own soul: but he that strays injures his own soul. Nor art thou set over them to dispose of their affairs.”(Qur’an 39 verse 41)

Day 4: Fruits of Taqwah

“O ye who believe! Observe your duty to Allah (taqullah) with right observance,

and die not save as those who have surrendered (unto Him)” Qur'an 3 verse 102

There is no measuring equipment to gauge taqwah, therefore it cannot be determined by percentages or any sort of scale, at least here on Earth. Further, no one can be said to have a full dose of taqwah (say 100%). Hence, Ramadan is observed every year and not once in a lifetime like hajj. Every year, we need to increase our consciousness of God in all aspect of our life. Ramadan is the mechanism that provides the opportunity and activities to renew and increase our taqwah.


In Ramadan, we are more conscious of our sins and we stay clear of them so as not to vitiate our fast. Being Sin Aware is an act of taqwah. Although we made the efforts to avoid sins, but we would have been unable to achieve this by ourselves. Allah, Blessed is He, helped us by taking away the cause of temptation, the whisperer to waywardness, the voice of vice, Ash-Shaytan (The Devil). Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) 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.” (Bukhari)

The soul has desires and if left unchecked, it will lead man to the very edge of disaster. The process of acquiring taqwah will discipline the soul from its desires and excesses. The soul desires to show off good deeds, but Ramadan teaches us that fasting (like others acts of worship) is personal between you and God; any action performed for the sake of showing off will not be accepted by God. Ramadan is used to tame the soul and nourish it with sincere intentions and actions. Not just the soul, Ramadan, through the process of pursuing taqwah, also adorns the character. A person of taqwah will possess a beautiful character, will have a helpful attitude, will be filled with humility and would desire a better society.

Well, to help us towards taqwah, certain characteristics and actions have been incorporated into Ramadan. Ramadan disciplines the desire for food, sleep, sex and leisure. We are encouraged to moderate these and be in control instead of our desires controlling us. We are also motivated to improve our relationship with the Qur'an. There are rewards for reading it, listening to it, memorising it, listening to its expositions and understanding its meaning. Further, we are scheduled to undertake some acts of worship (ibadah) like tarawih or qiyam-ul-Layl, dhikr (supplications), meditation and taking the sahur (early morning meal). Also, our earnings are supposed to be shared with others through abundance of sadaqah (charity), Sadaqat-ul-Fitr, iftar sponsorship etc. The daily hunger encourages us to feel what the less privileged feels on a regular basis.

Generally, Ramadan is a month of action, exhaustion and reformation. By the end of Ramadan you must be tired, if not, check if you seized the various opportunities and if you met your specific targets.

Day 3: What is the Point of Ramadan?

“Not without purpose did We create the heaven and earth and all between!

That were the thought of Unbelievers!” Qur'an 38 verse 27

Everything in life has a reason for its existence. There is a specific or special role for every tool. There is a purpose for everything be it an object or action. We are creatures of God, what exactly is our purpose on earth? Allah explains: “But teach (thy Message): for teaching benefits the Believers. I have only created jinns and men that they may serve Me. No sustenance do I require of them nor do I require that they should feed Me, for Allah is He Who gives (all) Sustenance Lord of Power Steadfast (for ever).” Qur'an 51 verses 55-58

The purpose of revealing the Qur'an is 'guidance' (Qur'an 2 verse 2) and revealed ‘to make things clear’ (Qur'an 43 verse 2). The Qur'an which is full of blessings is also for ‘meditation’. (Qur'an 38 verse 29) The purpose of Salaat is to ‘restrain from shameful and sinful deeds.’ (Qur'an 29 verse 45) Further, Zakaat is designed to ‘purify and sanctify (bless) your wealth’ (Qur'an 9 verse 103) thus ‘preventing it from destruction and disaster.’ (Qur'an 2 verse 195) Finally, Hajj is a response to God’s call in order to ‘witness Allah’s benefits and blessings and celebrate Allah’s name.’ (Qur'an 22 verses 27-30)

It is therefore important to inquire about the purpose or point of the Fast in the month of Ramadan since everything has its purpose. The purpose of Ramadan is the 'acquisition of taqwa'. This is clearly stated in the verse establishing the fast: “O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you that you may (learn) taqwah (God Consciousness).” Qur'an 2 verse 183.

So what is Taqwah? Taqwah is a state of relationship. The relationship between YOU and YOUR CREATOR. Ramadan brings you closer, it removes the gulf or gap between you and your Lord. In fact it personalises that relationship to the extent that you strive harder and Allah appreciates it even more because He gives more reward than usual and He says, 'All the deeds of Adam's children (people) are for them, except fasting which is for Me, and I will give the reward for it.' (Bukhari)

Taqwah is constant consciousness of Allah in what we do, see, say, earn and spend. It influences the way we relate with opposite sex, our thoughts process and even our secret desires. Taqwah guides and instructs where we go, the company we keep and our attitude to colleagues, friends, ralatives and neighbours. Little wonder then that the reward for a successful fast in Ramadan is a special entrance to Paradise – a gate called Ar-Raiyan.

The Prophet (PBUH) said, “A great month, a blessed month, a month containing a night which is better than a thousand months has approached you people. Allah has appointed the observance of fasting during it as an obligatory duty, and the passing of its night in prayer as a voluntary practice. If someone draws near to Allah during it with some good act he will be like one who fulfils an obligatory duty in another month, and he who fulfils an obligatory duty in it will be like one who fulfils seventy obligatory duties in another month. It is the month of endurance and the reward of endurance is Paradise.” (Tirmidhi)

Insha’Allah more on taqwah soon.

Day 1: The Hard Work Starts

Now the hard work starts. It is really hard because today is not like yesterday or the day before it or even the day before that. Yesterday and as with the previous days, snacking, sipping and staring weren’t much of a problem, but from today and for the next one month, I have to consciously tell myself, ‘I’m fasting.’ Specifically today is hard work because flipping a handful of snacks into my vociferous mouth is an endemic habit which is not going to stop suddenly.

The real hard work is in keeping the intention and working towards it. What do you intend to achieve this Ramadan? In other words, where are you going? If you are on a journey without any clue of where you are going, how will you know if you have reached your destination? The journey of Ramadan starts with an intention. Generally, it is “to fast the whole month of Ramadan as commanded by Allah to achieve God Consciousness (taqwah).” Allah informs us in the Qur'an, “O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, even as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may have taqwah (self-restraint, fear and consciousness of God).” Q2 verse 183

Specifically, what does this mean to you as a fasting Muslim in Ramadan? It means you’ve got to work hard to be transformed. Yes, taqwah transforms and you need to have that intention this Ramadan, you will become a better person by acquiring one or two better performance habits and or dumping one or two shameful or sinful habit. Now you realise that snack consciousness is not the hard work, but acquiring God consciousness is. Now you will agree that Ramadan is not a joke, a play, a passing phase. It is a serious, well thought and profitable business. It is the time for action and reform. Ramadan is a rare opportunity and we will be unfortunate if we do not undertake it diligently, and guard ourselves with military alacrity and explore it in selfishly selfless ways. The Prophet(PBUH) was angry with anyone who does not seize the opportunities in Ramadan. According to Abu Hurayrah, the Rasul said, “...let the nose of that person be smeared with dust who has the opportunity to see the month of Ramadan and it comes to an end without his securing pardon for himself....” (Tirmidhi)

It is not going to be an easy sail. Shaytan has vowed to prevent us from transforming our lives. “…‘I will mislead them and I will create in them false desires; I will order them …to change the (fair) nature created by Allah.’ Whoever forsaking Allah takes Satan for a friend has of a surety suffered a loss that is manifest.” (Qur'an 4 verse 119) But Allah has paved the path for those who intend well and work hard towards their intention. The Prophet (PBUH) said, "When the first night of Ramadan comes, the devils and the rebellious jinn are chained, the gates of Hell are locked and not one of them is opened; the gates of Paradise are opened and not one of them is locked; and a crier calls, 'You who desire what is good, come forward, and you who desire evil, refrain.' Some are freed from Hell by Allah, and that happens every night." (Al-Hakim)

So ask yourself why you are fasting and what you want to achieve by it. Make sure you are not fasting because of tradition or custom, parental pressure, social relevance, dietary or weight loss. Fast only to seek the pleasure of God through acquiring taqwah and decide quickly on what ways you want to be ‘taqwalised’ by the end of Ramadan, set your specific goals and work hard towards them. May Allah accept our intentions and efforts from us. Amin.

- Contributed by Shamsideen AbuSuad, UK.

See The Moon

“...there is no God but Allah, the One, the Absolute, Lord of the heavens and the earth and all that is between them, the Mighty, the Pardoning. Say: "This is a message supreme from which you do turn away!” Q38:65-68

Indeed, praise be unto Allah (The Exalted). He is our Creator and has subjected to us and for our use all that is on Earth and in the Heavens including the Sun and the Moon. He is One, His Message is One, His Word (Al-Qur'an) is One, the symbol of His House on Earth (Al-Ka'abah) is One, our Qiblah (Prayer Direction) is One and His Final Messengers is Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.

Although the moon is one, unfortunately Muslims sight different ones particularly at the determination of Ramadan start off and ending. There are issues around “globalisation” or “localisation” of the sighting of the moon. There are issues around physical (or manual) sighting of the moon or scientific (calculation) of the moon phases. We are divided on these, and are unable to start or end Ramadan together as one, balanced and exemplary community we are supposed to be: “thus have We made of you a community justly balanced that you might be witnesses over the communities...” Q2:143 Some people have narrate an hadith ruling out scientific calculation as prohibited in Islam, when the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was reported to have said: “We are an illiterate nation, we do not write or calculate months, saying it is like this or that. So whoever hears that the moon is sighted, let him commence the fast...” On the basis of this hadith, calculating the new moon was prohibited. Unfortunately, this is not the appropriate reading of the hadith. Clearly, the Rasul(PBUH) did not imply that the Arabs are illiterate in the literal sense of the word. Of course many of his companions are literate. He had his personal scribes. After the battle of Badr, some Quraysh prisoners of war were ransomed after teaching some volunteered Muslims how to read and write. We must understand the prophet’s statement as indicative of or a commentary on the circumstance of the Arabs with respect to the science of calculation which existed amongst other. ‘Illiterate nation’ would imply the lack of exposure and competence with respect to the knowledge and experience of astronomy –the study of positions, movements, dimensions and compositions of the celestial objects. Then the Prophet (PBUH) advised on the only alternative available to the Arabs –physical sighting.

Why do Muslims accept the scientific (calculation) determination of their daily salaah and not for the monthly monitoring of the moon? Why do we approach science with mistrust or doubt, while we once championed the field? Why would we accept that the world has become a global village and use all the tools of globalisation, but would refused to employ the same communication tool, despite the fact that the Rasul (PBUH) said "Start the fast when you HEAR that the moon has been sighted." By the way, he (PBUH) did not place any restrictions to locality, community or region? Is it not ingratitude to Allah that the knowledge and tools He has provided for us are willingly rejected or even scorned?

These are thoughts for those who want to think.

There has been no news of any moon sighting on Thursday August 20th 2009. Therefore, the moon will be sighted on Friday 21st and Ramadan Starts on Saturday August 22nd 2009. Ramadan Mubarak.

HOW PREPARED ARE YOU FOR RAMADAN?

How can we not be filled with gratitude to God for the opportunity of yet another Ramadan which is already upon us? We should not take this opportunity for granted. Believe it or not, over 50 million people have died between last Ramadan and today. God has not counted us amongst them for a reason: another chance to be closer to and conscious of Him. And why not?

Ramadan is the month of the greatest revelation and the best opportunity to ask of God and to be close to Him. God (The Exalted) says, “Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an as a guide to mankind also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong). So everyone of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting …. Allah intends every facility for you He does not want to put you to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance you shall be grateful. When my servants ask thee concerning Me I am indeed close (to them); I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calls on Me; let them also with a will listen to My call and believe in Me; that they may walk in the right way.” (Qur'an 2 verses 185-6)

Those who walk in the right way are those who have attained nearness to God. This is the highest stage of spiritual development. The stage of those who have achieved “taqwah” (a state of righteous piety of those who have ward off evil and purified themselves of sins). These are called the friends of God (Qur'an 45 verse 19) and God loves them dearly (Qur'an 9 verses 4 & 7), and their end will be most befitting (Qur'an 28 verse 83) and an excellent resort await them -Paradise (Qur'an 38 verse 49).

It is thus important to see Ramadan as the opportunity to grow in spiritual height for it is adorned with auspicious moments for such glorious attainment. Another Ramadan is not another feather to our cap or another emblem or badge of achievement to be displayed or bragged about! "15 Ramadans, maasha'Allah!" but what have you to show for it? Have you acquired the taqwah or attained the cynosure of the angels?

Don't miss the opportunity to achieve these. Have you devised a plan yet? Remember the maxim, 'if you fail to plan, you have plan to fail.' How do we prepare for Ramadan? As with any spiritual journey the starting point for the preparation is developing probity or piety, sufficient at least to acquaint you with the consciousness of the importance of the task ahead and give you a psychologically prepared state of mind suitable to withstand the rigours of the trip. Little wonder then that God gave the recommendation before embarking on a spiritual task: "…And take a provision (with you) for the journey but the best of provisions is right conduct. So fear Me! O ye that are wise." (Qur'an 2 verse 197)

Then set for yourself and your family goals to be accomplished during the month of Ramadan. These set of goals will be better written and placed in an obvious place (like the dining area, on the mirror, computer or mobile wallpaper etc.) As usual, goals should be relevant to the spiritual task and SMART (simple, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely). You can set your goals around: Qur'an Listening, Qur'an Recitation, Salaah Punctuality, Mosque attendance, Tahajjud observation, memorisation of Qur'an and Hadith, Allah's Names & Attributes, Sadaqah/charitable contribution, communal/sponsored iftar, Laylatul Qadri, etc.

Therefore, get the tools you would need to accomplish your goals. A portable Qur'an will make reading-on-the-move (or at work) easy; MP3 or portable CD player will make listening & memorising a pleasure; a selection of books to read; alarm clock to keep you on your toes; enough food and fruits for the home and masjid; a diary list of iftar to attend and families to be invited to your home for iftars; list of charity to give sadaqah and how much you hope to spend; da'wah to conduct when, how and to who?; programmes & tafseer to attend; etc.

Remember, none of your action goes in vain, as long as you conduct them with good intentions. Keep the intention simple: to seek nearness to God. May Allah accept these from us all.