The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ received the Quran as a word of guidance during the month of Ramadan. Ramadan is a time for Muslims to reflect on the lessons of the Quran and strive to follow its commandments since they believe it is Allah's word. Ramadan is a time to give and be thankful. Muslims are encouraged to give generously to those in need this month and to express thanks for their benefits. As a result, community and solidarity bonds are formed, and compassion and empathy for others are developed.
The Prophet ﷺ said, 'According to Allah, every good deed of Adam’s son is for him except fasting; it is for Me, and I shall reward (the fasting person) for it,' 'Verily, the smell of the mouth of a fasting person is better to Allah than the smell of musk.' (Bukhari)
Fast the White Days—13th, 14th and 15th of each Islamic month:
Abu Tharr Al-Ghefari said: 'The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, Oh Abu Dharr! If you fast three days of every month, then fast the 13th, 14th, and 15th (these are called Al-Ayaam Al-Beedh, the White Days).' (Sahih)
Because there are 12 lunar months superimposed on 12 solar months, Ramadan moves back around 11 days per solar year. The first day of fasting is expected to be March 11, 2024, yet due to varying interpretive schools among Muslim communities, some may deem the month to begin a day earlier or later than this date. Similarly, the holiday honoring the conclusion of fasting, often known as Eid al-Fitr in the United States, might fall on different days depending on family, cultural, or interpretive preferences.
The spiritual meaning of Ramadan is to teach us how to control our inner and outer desires for the sake of Allah. It is an excellent time to reflect and expand our spiritual knowledge of Islam to bring discipline and balance into our lives. It is the ideal time to purify our souls, bodies, and thoughts. Furthermore, being thirsty and hungry during the day makes us more conscious of how poor individuals feel daily. The difference is that we may take comfort in knowing that as the sun goes down, we will be able to have a full, substantial supper, whereas those in need do not have that luxury.
'Know that consideration and patience are from Allah, while haste and carelessness are from Satan,' said Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
'Anyone who fasts and engages in self-evaluation in Ramadan will find heaven.' Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
In conclusion, no unclean behaviors are permitted during the daylight hours of Ramadan. Although it is often assumed that Muslims stop eating and drinking during the day, the rules for Ramadan go well beyond this. Muslims, for example, are prohibited from swearing, lying, fighting, arguing, or engaging in sexual behavior during the daylight hours of Ramadan. Instead, this is the moment to purify our brains and deepen our relationships with Allah (SWT).
During Ramadan, Muslims refrain from eating or drinking anything during daylight hours. Suhour is eaten before dawn, and Iftar comes after sunset. Eid ul-Fitr is a holiday that marks the end of Ramadan. A special celebratory dinner is cooked for the festival, as it is the first daylight meal in a month.
Ramadan is primarily a month of religious observance rather than festivity. The event occurs after the month and is known as Eid al-Fitr. Celebrations during this include gift exchanges and gatherings to consume sweets.
Ramadan preparation begins with a period of spiritual reflection, where participants consider the significance of fasting and its role in developing faith.
It will prepare your body for long periods without food or drink. You could fast on Mondays and Thursdays, as per Sunnah.
Mentally preparing for Ramadan involves setting intentions, establishing goals for personal growth, and mentally committing to the discipline of fasting.
Ensuring physical readiness includes adjusting sleeping patterns, gradually reducing caffeine intake, and adopting a balanced diet to sustain energy levels during fasting hours.
Devoting time to reciting and studying the Quran helps deepen spiritual connection and prepares the heart and mind for the blessings of Ramadan.
Preparing for Ramadan involves embracing the spirit of giving by engaging in acts of charity, supporting those in need, and purifying wealth through Zakat.
The Messenger ﷺ said,
'Allah is in the aid of His servant as long as His aide is in the assistance of others.' (Muslim)
Planning nutritious and balanced meals for Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (breaking fast) helps maintain health and vitality throughout Ramadan.
Preparing for Ramadan involves seeking forgiveness for past transgressions, resolving conflicts, and purifying the soul to fully embrace the blessings of the holy month.
These are just a few suggestions for how to get ready for Ramadan more effectively. Remember that we should prepare ourselves before anyone else. We ask Allah SWT to hear our prayers and provide us all the ability to make the most of the time. Above all, we ask Him to grant us access to the auspicious month and many more for years to come.
]]>According to the Hanafi school of consideration, Qurbani is for:
Giving Qurbani is strongly recommended by most Muslims, and according to the Hanafi madhab, it is required for every sane adult Muslim who possesses riches over their requirements (i.e. who satisfies the nisab threshold).
According to Islamic standards, Qurbani should be performed between the 10th and 12th days of Dhul Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar. The timing is especially significant because Eid ul-Adha occurs across three days, and Qurbani should take place after the first day of Eid ul-Adha prayers. Therefore, this gives Muslims three days to complete their Qurbani perfectly. Even if an individual has participated in an animal sacrifice before these three days, they must do so again during the Eid ul-Adha celebrations for their Udhiya to be regarded as complete.
The qualified animals must meet these conditions, such as their age for Qurbani and their looks, which include:
Furthermore, all animals must be healthy and disease-free, which includes the following conditions:
Saying the Takbeer at the time of sacrifice is paramount to ensuring a successful and acceptable Qurbani. Bismillahi Allahu Akbar (in the name of Allah, Allah is Great) are the correct words to say at the time of Qurbani. It is not necessary to say these words aloud.
With Eid-ul-Adha approaching, Muslims performing Qurbani for the first time this year must complete it properly. Inshallah, Allah (SWT) grants us the opportunity to perform Hajj next year. May he see our sacrifice as proof of our faith and belief? Ameen!
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'This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion.' (Surah al Maa'idah 5:3).
Arafah is the ninth day of Dhul-Ḥijjah. The Day of Arafa is also significant in many ways. According to an authentic hadith report, the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: 'Hajj is Arafat' (Sunan an-Nasa’i 3016). Other rituals cannot compensate for the absence of this ritual, so there is little that can be done if it is missed. One cannot complete Hajj without observing the Day of Arafa.
The Islamic faith is based on five fundamental principles, or the Five Pillars. They are as follows:
Shahada (Belief Declaration)
Salah (Gratitude)
Zakat, or alms-giving
Sawm (fasting) and Hajj (voyage)
Hajj (Pilgrimage)
The Fifth and Last Pillar of Islam, the Hajj, is a holy journey that is extremely important to Muslims worldwide. For those who are financially and physically capable, visiting the Holy City of Makkah on a spiritual level at least once in their lives is a requirement. Muslims are united in their faith and devotion to Allah through the Hajj, which is more than just a physical task but also a profound spiritual experience.
The Arabic word "حَجّ," which roughly translates to "heading to a place for the sake of visiting," is the source of the term "the Hajj." The Hajj is a journey to the Kaaba, also known as the "House of Allah," located in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
The Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca, the center of Islam, where the Kaaba, or House of Allah, is kept in the most revered mosque, Masjid al-Haram. The Tawaf, or circumambulation, around the Kaaba, is the primary act of the Hajj. This rite is carried out seven times by pilgrims in a counterclockwise orientation, signifying their obedience to Allah, the object of their religion, and their oneness.
The Hajj is a pilgrimage with profound spiritual and historical importance. It follows in the footsteps of the famous Prophet Ibrahim, also known as Abraham, who is a part of the Abrahamic religions and Islam. Muslims hold that Prophet Ibrahim and his son Isma'il constructed the Kaaba, and pilgrims perform several life-related rites during the Hajj.
Seeking Allah Most High's pleasure is ultimately the primary goal of the Hajj. It's a path of faith, commitment, and surrender to God's will. Hajj completion is regarded as a great achievement, a means of spiritual development, and an action that can result in sin forgiveness.
The togetherness that the Hajj brings among Muslims worldwide is among its amazing features. Wearing plain white clothing, people from various ethnicities, backgrounds, and cultures gathered to emphasize how equal everyone was before Allah. This varied congregation, bound together by faith and purpose, is a powerful example of the strength of the Muslim community worldwide.
For the pilgrims, Hajj is a spiritual reset that represents a new beginning. The ceremonies, the physical challenges, and the camaraderie of millions of other pilgrims facilitate a sense of purification, introspection, and spiritual refreshment. This trip serves as a reminder of how valuable equality and humility are in Allah's eyes.
The Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam. Every Muslim must perform the Hajj at least once in their lives, assuming they have the means to do so. The Reward for a successful Hajj is magnificent and potent:
Several hadiths (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him) highlight the immense spiritual and worldly benefits of performing Hajj. Here are a few hadiths about the rewards of Hajj:
According to these ahadith, the reward for performing the Hajj is the promise of Paradise and the remission of all your sins, making you as sin-free as the day you were born. While we must wait until after death to enter Paradise, we can benefit from Hajj's second benefit in this life: the forgiveness of all previous sins.
Due to the high cost of doing Hajj, which is why it is only required of those who can afford it, there have always been people who are unable to do so. Alhamdulillah, several deeds have the same reward as the Hajj, proving that Islam is not merely a religion for the wealthy.
According to the Companion Mikhnaf ibn Sulaym (RA), "The reward for attending Eid Al-Fitr prayer is equal to that of performing 'Umrah, and the reward for attending Eid Al-Adha prayer is equal to that of performing Hajj." (Latif al-Ma'arif)
Eid Al-Adha is quickly approaching! Aim to receive the benefits of performing the Hajj by attending the Eid prayer in safety. Tell your entire family as well!
According to Sa'id bin al-Musayyib, a Sahabi, the Friday Prayer is "more beloved to me than a Nafl (supererogatory) Hajj."
Only Allah knows the precise reward for Friday prayer, yet it is clear how significant it is when one of the companions of the Prophet (PBUH) preferred it over making an additional Hajj.
The Prophet (PBUH) declared: "Whoever makes ablution in his home and then leaves to offer the required prayer in the mosque will receive a reward like that of a Hajj pilgrim. A reward comparable to that of someone who performs Umrah is given to everyone who goes outside to offer the [non-required] mid-morning prayer (Duha)". (Abdul Dawud)
According to another hadith related by Abu Dharr (RA), a group of Companions approached the Prophet (PBUH) and stated, "O Messenger of Allah, the wealthy people will have higher ranks and will have perpetual enjoyment and they pray like us and fast as we do. They give to charities because they have more money." "Has Allah not rendered for you the 'Isha prayer in congregation equal to Hajj, and the Fajr prayer in congregation equal to 'Umrah?" the Prophet (PBUH) retorted. (Muslim)
No matter our financial situation, Allah has given us tools to quickly request his mercy.
The Prophet of Allah (PBUH) is believed to have said: "Whoever prays Fajr in the congregation, then sits in remembrance of Allah until the sun rises, then prays two rak'ahs, will have a reward like that of Hajj and Umrah." He used the words of the Prophet of Allah (PBUH): "In full, in full, in full." (Tirmidhi)
According to some scholars, a woman can perform the same actions as those listed in the hadith while praying at home and will receive the same or a similar reward. Fajr prayer is enticing, but if we wait a few extra minutes to perform dhikr before salatul Ishraq (sunrise prayer), we shall be rewarded with the incredible benefits of Hajj and Umrah.
Hasan al-Basri, a scholar who lived in the seventh century, (may Allah have compassion on him), stated, "Going to meet your brother's need is better for you than performing Hajj after Hajj."
What a kind deed that goes unnoticed! Worship includes the actions we take for the benefit of Allah's creation. We frequently mistake worship for being solely something we do for Allah. So many people are having difficulty getting access to food, healthcare, and safety this Dhul Hijjah. Donate your Qurbani to support our long-term transformational initiatives that give local people access to clean water, healthcare, and education while also assisting us in the fight against malnutrition.
One of the Companions was instructed by the Messenger (PBUH) to treat his mother well. In that case, he declared, "You are a Hajj pilgrim, a person performing 'Umrah, and someone striving for the sake of Allah (mujahid)."
In Islam, parents—and mothers in particular—hold a very high status. One can receive the Hajj reward by helping them and being kind to them. How kind Allah (SWT) is to provide opportunities for us to earn His pardon everywhere!
The Prophet (PBUH) is quoted by Abu Umamah (RA) as saying, "Whoever goes to the mosque not desiring except to learn or teach what is good has the reward of a pilgrim who completed his Hajj." (Tabarani)
Sometimes we may think that a class is unnecessary or that we don't require the lesson when we hear that it is being held in our neighborhood mosque. However, the incentive for learning depends less on what you currently know and more on your willingness to learn. Insha'Allah, if you take advantage of every chance to study at the mosque, you'll reap the benefits of performing the Hajj.
]]>The Day of 'Arafah, also known as Yawm al-'Arafah, is the second Day of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. It is the Day when millions of pilgrims gather on the plains of 'Arafah, located a few miles from Mecca. Pilgrims stand in earnest supplication, seeking forgiveness, guidance, and blessings from Allah.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Fire than the Day of 'Arafah."
The Day of 'Arafah offers several significant benefits to Muslims, both those performing the Hajj pilgrimage and non-pilgrims. Some of the key benefits include:
Forgiveness of Sins: On this Day, Allah forgives the sins of those who sincerely seek His forgiveness. It is a day when believers can seek pardon for their past wrongdoings and start afresh with a clean slate.
Expiation of Sins: Fasting on the Day of 'Arafah expiates the sins of the previous year and the year to come. It is a profound benefit as it provides an opportunity for spiritual renewal and growth.
Spiritual Upliftment: Engaging in acts of worship, fasting, and supplication on the Day of 'Arafah leads to spiritual upliftment. It allows believers to draw closer to Allah and experience a deeper connection with their faith.
Acceptance of Duas (Supplications): The supplications made on this Day are readily accepted by Allah. It is a time when heartfelt prayers are answered, and believers can ask for guidance, blessings, and forgiveness.
Mercy and Grace: The Day of 'Arafah is a day of abundant mercy and grace from Allah. Believers can seek His mercy and blessings and pray for the well-being of all humanity.
A Day of Renewal: Whether a pilgrim or not, the Day of 'Arafah offers a fresh start, a chance to renew one's commitment to faith, and an opportunity to seek Allah's guidance and blessings.
On the ninth of Dhul-Hijjah, pilgrims journey to the plains of 'Arafat, where they combine their Dhuhr and Asr prayers and then spend the entire day doing du'a. Standing with their backs to the Qiblah until dusk, they will beg for pardon for their transgressions.
As the most important ritual of the Hajj, it would be incomplete without it. The Prophet (saw) said, ’Hajj is ‘Arafah.' [Nasa’i]
Similar to how we do it today, in pre-Islamic Arabia, pilgrims would travel to the plains of 'Arafat to pray, except the Quraish.
Aishah (ra) said, ’The Quraish and those who followed their religion - and they were called Al-Hums - would stand at Al-Muzdalifah, and they would say, “We are the people of Allah.” The others would stand at ‘Arafat, so Allah (swt) revealed (in Qur’an, 2:199), “Then depart from where the people depart.”’ [Tirmidhi]
The Day of 'Arafah is one of the most important days in Islam and holds great significance, particularly for those Muslims who are not performing the Hajj pilgrimage. Here are five recommended actions for the Day of 'Arafah, defined in detail:
Fasting on the Day of 'Arafah is highly meritorious. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "Fasting on the Day of 'Arafah expiates the sins of the past year and the coming year." This fast is not obligatory for those not on Hajj, but it is highly recommended. Fasting on this Day demonstrates your commitment to seeking forgiveness and spiritual purification. It is a day of repentance, and fasting helps to achieve a sense of self-discipline and closeness to Allah. You should intend to fast from the evening before 'Arafah, known as the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah, until sunset on the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah.
'Arafah is known as the "Day of Supplication." It is a day when Allah's mercy and blessings are abundant. Muslims are encouraged to engage in sincere supplication. Spend time in worship, raising your hands, and pouring out your heart to Allah. Ask for His forgiveness, guidance, and blessings for yourself, your family, and all of humanity. It is believed that the prayers made on the Day of 'Arafah are readily accepted, and it's a time to seek Allah's mercy and grace.
The Quran is a source of guidance and a means to draw closer to Allah. On the Day of 'Arafah, engage in the recitation of the Quran. Reflect upon its verses, ponder their meanings, and seek spiritual enlightenment. The Quran is a source of comfort and a guide for living a righteous life.
This is a day to be generous and charitable. Give to the poor and engage in acts of kindness and benevolence. Acts of charity, whether in the form of monetary donations, feeding the hungry, or helping those in need, are highly recommended on the Day of 'Arafah. The rewards for good deeds are multiplied on this blessed day, and it's an opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
Engage in the remembrance of Allah (Dhikr) throughout the day. Recite words of praise, gratitude, and remembrance. Phrases like "SubhanAllah" (Glory be to Allah), "Alhamdulillah" (All praise is due to Allah), "Allahu Akbar" (Allah is the Greatest), and "La ilaha illallah" (There is no god but Allah) are especially beneficial on this Day. Dhikr helps maintain a spiritual connection and mindfulness of Allah.
On the Day of 'Arafah, these actions are not only an opportunity to seek forgiveness and closeness to Allah but also a chance to cultivate self-awareness, empathy for others, and a deeper connection to the divine. It is a day of reflection, devotion, and prayer, symbolizing the essence of Islam and its emphasis on faith, worship, and compassion.
]]>Qurbani is the sacred slaying of a goat, sheep, cow, or camel in the twelfth and final month of the Islamic Calender, Dhul Hijjah. Financially able Muslims must perform Qurbani. It can be done by non-Hajj pilgrims on the 10th, 11th, or 12th day of Dhul Hijjah. The butchered meat is divided into three parts: one for the family, one for friends and relatives, and one for needy people. Qurbani is a way to worship Allah and ask for his forgiveness and blessings. Muslims can also give to the needy and foster a communal spirit.
Many scholars debate on is Qurbani farz or Sunnah. Is Qurbani mandatory or not? As every year Muslims perform Qurbani in Eid-ul-Adha, many assume Qurbani fard. But it is not. It is a highly encouraged Sunnah. The Prophet (SAW) declared,
'On this day of ours, we will first offer the (Eid) prayer before going to the sacrifice. Whoever performs this is following our Sunnah.'(Bukhari)
Qurbani being farz or not, has more than one answer. Most Islamic scholars say that Qurbani is not farz but a sunnah mu’akkadah. It is a highly recommended act that the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and his followers did.
On the other hand, the Hanafi school of thinking holds that Qurbani is wajib and obligatory. While wajib deeds are still highly essential and, in the Hanafi school of thought, it is regarded as responsibilities upon Muslims (i.e., one should not purposefully miss them), farz actions are mandatory based on unambiguous proof.
The performance of Qurbani is rewarding regardless of your school of thought because the Prophet (saw) himself perform it and encouraged his followers to do the same. Even though Qurbani isn't farz, it is firmly advanced and has numerous profound advantages.
Despite this disagreement, the vast majority of Muslims consider qurbani to be a great rewarding practice. It is performed by millions of Muslims around the world each year. The purpose of Qurbani is to commemorate the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) to sacrifice his son Ismail (peace be upon him) as an act of obedience to Allah and to express our gratitude and submission to Allah by the Qurbani of an animal in his name.
Conclusion:
Although scholars debate the status of Qurbani as farz vs. Sunnah, it is viewed widely among Muslims as a highly effective and recommended practice and an integral part of their faith.
]]>The spiritual sciences place more passion on the inner motivation (cause) of charitable giving than they do on the outcome (effect). A charity that is carried out in unison of thought, speech, and deed reap great rewards. When someone donates willingly and happily, they reap more benefits than when they give under pressure or in anticipation of something in return. Your expectation wants to be to reduce the other hopelessness, not to acquire acclaim or fortune.
Charity is not just a great humanitarian deed; it also speaks volumes about the person giving. There is a reason why charity is one of the greatest virtues of humankind and is acknowledged to be so in all religions.
Islam teaches people to get involved in charitable causes. This act is encouraged in Islam, according to the Holy Quran. There are several verses in which Allah (SWT) has told His followers that he loves those who give charity from whatever amount of money or resource they have.
'You cannot attain righteousness unless you spend (in charity) out of what you love.' (The Holy Quran 3:92)
After prayer, giving to charity or zakat is a fundamental part of working to become a good Muslim. Make sure that you are fulfilling that obligation.
Islam is not alone in emphasizing the importance of charity work. Almost every religion has recognized the link between happiness and giving, encouraging people to give charity.
Psychologically, donating to charity gives peace and happiness, helping you to strengthen your self-esteem and develop an overall greater satisfaction in life. Subsequently, charity can help lower levels of depression. You evolve a greater sense of purpose, and that sense of perspective gives you a greater understanding of gratitude in your own life.
An improved overall emotional well-being also contributes to improved physical well-being. There is a strong connection between mental and physical health, with emphatic negative emotions damaging your physical fitness. By finding peace in charity, you will ultimately improve your physical well-being, too.
Muslims are commanded to offer every aspect of their lives, and when they do this perfectly, they will discover peace in goodwill. An offering is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
That said, there is science behind the act as well. Studies have demonstrated definite links between happiness and giving. Even the smallest act can trigger a release of happy hormones such as dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin. They do not have to be big gestures either - sometimes small but often can have a powerful cumulative effect, demonstrating how giving gives happiness.
Every little boost of happy hormones collects, connects, and elevates not only your mood but also the mood of those around you. It includes smiling at someone, opening the door for them, assisting an elderly lady across the street and carrying her shopping, and offering a parking space in a crowded parking lot. As a result, Islam places a strong emphasis on giving and happiness.
Make sure that you regularly give, sharing your wealth with those born into unfortunate and disadvantaged situations.
Something fascinating about the foundation is that it does not necessarily in all claims must be a monetary responsibility. The noble cause should be possible without spending a solitary penny. Individuals can give their time, volunteer for a couple of hours, or embrace a specific part of help work, for example, making mindfulness or using their ongoing gifts to aid how they can.
Volunteer work is one of the most popular ways to get involved in relief aid work. Most of the Muslim volunteer work revolves around different cities in the United Kingdom. However, in some instances, people go beyond that and travel to many continents to ensure the success of campaigns. Anyone who does not have the capital to help can volunteer instead and physically help those in critical situations, like the Syrian refugees.
Even if you are exempt from fulfilling all your obligations, such as fasting, you do not have to miss out on the act of giving. Your Fidya has as much power as Zakat in ensuring that you experience how charity delivers happiness. So, ensure you do not miss out and donate your Fidya.
Islam places a high value on charity for a variety of reasons, and Allah (SWT)'s desire not to see his people suffer isn't the only reason to assist the needy. Muslims have been urged by the Holy Quran to participate in charitable endeavors to obtain blessings. The idea of charity obliges individuals to the path of righteousness, which leads to a better future.
'You cannot attain righteousness unless you spend (in charity) out of what you love.' (The Holy Quran 3:92)
As a result, charity is the only true path to peace and happiness. We must give time or assets to a noble cause so we can help our Muslim family in tough stretches. To become better Muslims who follow the right path and become closer to Allah (SWT), our creator, charity should be practiced. Visit our website for more details on how you can contribute financially or by volunteering your time.
]]>Several additional types of charity in Islam are mentioned, the two most significant being zakat (compulsory charity) and sadaqah (volunteer charity). In Islam, Zakat refers to the precise, standardized percentage of the extra income of a person that must be donated to the poor and needy people. Sadaqah can be given to anyone in multiple forms, including a smile, wise guidance, or support to build a home or masjid.
The Prophet stated: “Your smile for your brother is a charity. Your displacement of stones, thorns or bones from the tracks of people is a charity. Your advice of a person who is mislaid is a charity.” (Bukhari)
Similarly, another Hadith emphasizes the need for every part of a person to perform charity:
“A charity is scheduled for every joint in each person on every day the sun arrives: to perform justly between two people is a charity; to support a man with his horse, raising him onto it or heaving up his belongings onto it, is a charity; a pleasing word is a charity; and dragging a harmful thing from the route is a charity.” (Al-Bukhari, Muslim)
The word ‘charity’ is cited many times in the Holy Qur’an, and for an acceptable reason; charitable actions and gestures of compassion, including supporting those who are in need, sharing your wealth, sponsoring orphans, widows, and more, also hold significant preference and priority in the Book of Guidance.
It is vital to comprehend that Allah’s (SWT) advice is there to assure we stay on the right track, remain modest, and want the most profitable for others just as we would like for ourselves and our loved ones. Allah (SWT) has granted us our hearts so we may feel kindness towards others, but our hearts and minds shape us into good human beings. Giving to others and supporting others is not an extreme act; it is thoroughly humanity.
Transmitting your endorsements to those who don’t have them is one of the noblest acts indeed one can do.
Charitable acts are a lack of humanity naturally and in Islam especially. The Holy Quran highlights the importance of charity in Islam again and again in its verses. The memorial of Islam stands on five pillars, out of which the third one is charity. Multifarious ayahs and hadiths sermonize charity.
The assurance has been created by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). In a hadith from Al-Tirmidhi, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) declared:
The shadow of a believer on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity. (Al-Tirmidhi)
It will be a moment when nothing or no one will protect you, even if they desired to. The scorching heat under which all society will have to stand will be intolerable. Regardless, Allah (SWT) will not neglect those who supported their poor in periods of distress and pain. Protection on even the Day of Judgment is promised for those not unaware of the significance of charity in Islam.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stated:
“Give charity without pause, for it stands in the form of misfortune” (Al-Tirmidhi)
If your history has been riddled with incidents and calamities, which have caused you a lot of danger, here is your key. Now, you understand what to do, do not you? We can notify you that giving a few bucks in charity for safety from misfortunes is not a bad deal.
It may be the most significant aspect of charity in the context of the world we live in today. The poor receive their rightful share of the wealth of the rich through zakat, fitrana, and sadaqah. Wealth enters the system through the beautiful Zakat system. It prompts the destruction of segregation that isolates the rich and poor people.
We are sure you are aware of the term Sadaqah e Jariya. Let us assist you even if you are not. A sadaqah e jariya is the sort of charity that continues until the end of time. A mosque, for instance, had a water pump installed because of a water shortage. You see, things like these kinds of actions. In Islam, charitable giving of this kind is very influential. It is because this is the kind of thing that goes on, even after you are not a part of this world. However, your good deed will reap your rewards in the afterlife.
Greed can be dangerous. It may be more difficult to part with that hoarded wealth in the future the longer one holds onto it without donating it to charity. The greedy will not only come back to haunt them if they conceal their wealth and deny the needy even the small acts of kindness, but their misery will also grow, and they will be directed in the wrong direction.
The Prophet stated: “Avoid being unjust to others, for at the Day of Judgment it will divert into a variety of dark, and avoid parsimony because it destroyed those before you. It encouraged them to kill and minister the illegal as legal.” (Muslim)
This discussion only gives a summary of the significance of charity in Islam. After reading this article, one can only grieve the sad situation if we do not assist our needy brothers and sisters. However, we hope that the discussion will benefit as an ambitious force you to do more charity this year!
]]>Muslims celebrate Eid ul Adha in a way to recognize the sacrifice Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.) made out of his emphatic faith in Allah. Ibrahim (AS) demonstrated a readiness to sacrifice Prophet Ismail (AS), but Allah substituted a lamb for his son. Allah made this act of faith a permanent part of Muslim life because He was so pleased with the submission to Ibrahim (A.S.).
The glimpsing of the new moon in Dhul-Hijjah, the Islamic calendar's twelfth and last month, will decide the day of Eid ul Adha. On 19 June 2023, the bow moon is supposed to show up. If the moon is visible on that day, it will mark the beginning of Dhul-Hijjah. Eid ul Adha is celebrated always on the tenth day of Dhul-Hijjah.
The ruling regarding Eid prayers was divided among the academics. However, many scholars believe that attending both Eid prayers is a Wajib (obligation) based on evidence, so everyone should go. Aside from supplication, the Eid sermon (after Eid pray) has additionally been made an essential piece of this social affair and the request.
1- The ideal opportunity for Eid prayer with God starts from the time the sun is three meters over the skyline until the sun arrives at its meridian. On the other hand, it is preferable to offer the prayer shortly after sunrise. Dawud Abu: 1135)
2- Eid Prayer is accomplished without any Iqmah or Athan. [Sahih Muslim: 885 (b)}
3- Eid prayer consists of two Rakat, during which Tabkeer (Allah-u-Akbar) is announced seven times. (Abu Dawud: 1149)
Muslims greet one another with greetings like Happy Eid and Eid Mubarak. However, Muslims prefer to wish their friends and fellow Muslims Eid Mubarak, the most common Eid greeting.
The Islamic world observes Eid ul Adha as a public holiday in countries where Islam is a predominant religion. Regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or locality, the primary observance of Eid ul Adha is the symbolic reenactment of obedience to Prophet Ibrahim. Depending on where the celebration is held, the animal sacrificed might be a cow, sheep, lamb, goat, ram, or camel.
The proper distribution of the bounty is required; 33% of the meat has a place with the individual, gathering, or family offering the penance, and another third has a place with their loved ones. The remaining third is allotted solely to those needy and less fortunate people.
Muslims observe this Feast of Sacrifice to show their willingness to abandon the will of Allah by performing the Qurbani or sacrificing an animal. During Eid ul Adha, Muslims who possess the necessity to do so are supposed to give cash, food, and apparel to the needy and the oppressed.
However, on a smaller scale than Eid ul Fitr, Muslims use the holiday to spruce up and see loved ones giving and receiving gifts.
The sacrifice of an animal on the day of Eid al Adha is a verified Sunnah of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.) and of our dearest Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W.). However, some scholars believe that it is Wajib (obligatory).
Sacrificing animals in the path of Allah is a remarkable act of glorification. It brings the person offering the sacrifice near to Allah.
Abu Hurairah (R.A) reported that Prophet (S.A.W.) said:
“Whoever can afford it [sacrifice], but does not propose a sacrifice, let him not come close our prayer area.” (Ibn Majah:3123)
The Hadith cites the significance of sacrificing in the path of Allah. It also retains a warning for those Muslims who have the standards to offer a sacrifice on Eid ul Adha but do not do so due to some worldly basis or lame justification.
Be thankful to Allah for His blessings and the opportunity to carry out this significant Sunnah of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.) as you celebrate this festival. However, do not forget about your less fortunate fellow Muslims who do not have the means to celebrate this blessed festival.
]]>However, Qurbani is a significant Islamic act that, if we do Qurbani with sincerity and belief, could bring one closer to Allah, His Messenger (saw), and the Ummah.
The following hadith also explains the significance of Qurbani. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) stated: there is nothing more precious to Allah during the days of Qurbani than the sacrificing of animals.
By reciting "Bismillah Allahu Akbar," the animal is sacrificed. It is necessary to slaughter the animal immediately without saying or doing anything else.
After saying the Basmala, then you sharpened the knife, the Basmala must be recited again.
Before the animal is sacrificed, the person must recite "Bismillah Allahu Akbar" again if he gets up from its correct position.
The Basmala need not be recited again if the person picks up a new knife after being told the Basmala.
Assuming after presenting Basmalah over an animal, the individual leaves the animal and continues toward penance for another animal, then the Basmala should be repeated.
"Bismillah Allahu Akbar" must be recited for each animal if many animals are to be sacrificed one at a time.
Donating Qurbani meat helps poor people on Eid al Adha.
Allah (SWT) said in Quran:
"Among ordained rites of Allah for your benefit are the animal sacrifices. You will reference the name of Allah on them while they remain in line. You will consume them and provide food for the needy people after they are sacrification. Our gratitude was expressed by subduing them for you."
– Quran 22:36
A feast is held for Allah's servants with Qurbani. When we are done with Qurbani, there is a devotion to Allah (swt)'s rationale. It is a means of showing Our gratitude for the many blessings Allah (s.w.t.) has bestowed upon us for bringing us closer to Allah and protecting us from difficulties.
During the Eid ul-Adha celebrations, Qurbani brings the entire Ummah together by sacrificing an animal and giving the meat to poor and needy families. By a Qurbani donation, we fulfill a sacred duty and assist people.
In conclusion, Qurbani has been directed due to its numerous social, religious, and moral advantages.
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