Lessons From Ramadan

Assalam Alaikum,
Now that Ramadan is coming to an end, its time we review what we have learnt of Taqwa and Charity; and spread it out to other months of the year. As we all know, Ramadan is a learning month. It was sent in order for us to attain taqwa. As Allah said,"يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ"
Therefore, the month is intended for us to attain taqwa not just for use in the month but for us to attain and maintain it. We have spent the month, praying, and giving in charity. This should not stop at the end of the month. The aim is to attain taqwa. May Allah help us.
With this little advice, I'd like to say Siyam Mabrour and Eid Mubarak.

Half Way Through Ramadan. . .What Have You Achieved?

Assalam Alaikum and Ramadan Kareem.


Its amazing how time flies. It almost feels like yesterday when I made my last post but amazingly, it isn't. Time flies really fast and unless we walk fast with it, we are sure to be left behind. May Allah help us. Ameen.


Today is the 17th day of Ramadan. We have all made so many plans for this glorious month and I think its high time we sat down and reflect on what we have achieved and where we are. If have somehow misplaced our priorities, it is time we sit down and review them.


If you have some how fall short of achieving your goals for this wonderful month, don't panic!

Welcome O Ramadan!

It is that month of the year again in which Muslims observe obligatory fast.; that month of the year which is so full of blessings and peace; that month of the year which every mu'min looks forward to with great hope. I hope you are as excited as I am. Today, I intend to remind us of the blessings Allah has set up for us to grab in this great month. It is just like an all you can eat buffet with everything delicious on the menu.

First, it is in this month that the night of destiny (lailatul qadr) is found. Lailatul qadr is the night which all told us in His glorious Qur'an, is better than a thousand months. Allah says,

"إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَـهُ فِى لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ - وَمَآ أَدْرَاكَ مَا لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ - لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌ مِّنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ - تَنَزَّلُ الْمَلَـئِكَةُ وَالرُّوحُ فِيهَا بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهِم مِّن كُلِّ أَمْرٍ - سَلَـمٌ هِىَ حَتَّى مَطْلَعِ الْفَجْرِ"         

"(1. Verily, We have sent it down in the Night of Al-Qadr.) (2. And what will make you know what the Night of Al-Qadr is) (3. The Night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months.) (4. Therein descend the angels and the Ruh by their Lord's permission with every matter.) (5. There is peace until the appearance of dawn.)"

Simply keeping this in mind will make us very excited that Ramadan is approaching

Life is not About Choices

No. Life definitely isn't. Some time ago I thought life plans are paramount. I thought I had to plan everything. . .and according to "the way things should be". I was wrong.

I made all the right moves and did all the right things at the right time; I respected all and everyone's wish. I did all I could to ensure that I made everyone happy thinking that things will be reciprocated when I'm in need. I was dead wrong!!! In fact, I was murder wrong!!!

All my sacrifices NEVER paid up. Naturally, it got me depressed.

In Search of Advice

Assalam Alaikum my fellow brothers and sisters. Today I'm writing to seek your advice on what to do with "my kids." Yes, my kids. Remember I told you that I now teach in an Elementary School? Well, I have been put in charge of Extra-Curricular Activities. The major problem I am facing is the Kid's lack of interest in the Program.I need suggestions on some fun activities to boost their interest and get them to contribute.

I'll be awaiting your response. All comments will be appreciated.

Ma'assalam.

P.S: Please continue to pray for me. I need it!!!

Solar/Lunar Eclipse:The Islamic View

A third night ago, there was lunar eclipse in my part of the world. I was asleep and was woken up by a family member. She walked in and out of the room several times even touching me the last time. Her understanding of an eclipse is that the world would end if the moon does not clear by midnight.
This triggered my need to spread the little I know and hope by Allah that it makes an impact.
Eclipse either solar or lunar are a sign of Allah's majesty and they should remind Muslims of the Power of Allah to do whatever He desires.
During the time of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), there was a solar eclipse. It occurred on the day the Prophet's son, Ibrahim, died. Some people thought it occurred because of the son's death. The Prophet (SAW), however, said to his people,
"The sun and the moon are two of the signs of Allaah; they do not become eclipsed for the death or life of anyone. If you see that then call upon Allaah and magnify Him, and pray, and give in charity.” Bukhari
When the eclipse started, the Prophet ordered for call to Salatul Jami'ah and led a congregational prayer after which he offered a sermon.


NATURE OF THE ECLIPSE PRAYER
The Eclipse prayer is also called Salaatul Khusuf. It is a 2 unit prayer with 2 ruku'u, 2 Qiyaam, and 2 sujood.

Making An Impact Where It Matters

Assalam Alaikum wa rahmatullah wa barakatuhu.
I know I have not been here for a while. Well, it's because I took up a teaching job last month. I turned down that banking job sometime ago and a few weeks later I got this offer. I have not really stopped to think about it until now. Allah really does work in mysterious ways. Masha Allah. Alhamdulillah. I know the pay is a lot less than what I expect to get from the bank, but I am content and I know that Allah will make it up for me.

It is an elementary school teaching job

Celebrating the Mauludun Nabiyy

The subject of celebrating the Maulud has been a subject of debate among scholars for a very long time and no consensus has been reached till today. Maulud is a term used to describe the date of birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), which falls on the 12th day of the month of Rabi'ul Auwal i.e the 3rd Month of the Islamic Calendar. In the Gregorian Calendar, the date varies according to the sighting of the moon.
Maulud is recent to Islam, starting after the death of the Prophet (SAW), his companions, and their companions. There is no evidence anywhere that the Prophet (SAW) celebrated his birthday or commanded that it be celebrated. No one claims that!
Proponents of the celebration argue that the day (and night) is revived with history of the Prophet, Qur'anic recitations, Salawat on the Prophet, and all good things, all of which no one can say are haraam. They also argue that the sunnah fasting of Monday is observed because the Prophet (SAW) was born on Monday citing the following hadith as a proof:
Abu Qatadah reported that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) was asked about fasting on Mondays and he said, "That is the day on which I was born and the day when I was sent - or when revelation descended on me." (Muslim, Al-Nasaa'i, Abu Dawood).