Ramadan is broken up into three parts each lasting ten days. The first part Rahmat means God's mercy. My husband jooked that is why the first ten days of Ramadan are easier because God is merciful. The second part Maghfirat means God's forgiveness. The last part ten days are known as Nijat translates as salvation. It is also in the last ten days when many Muslims perform itikaff (staying) in the Masjid and the night of Laylat al-Qadr is revealed.
We are now in the second part. I am seeking God's forgiveness. We pray, give carity, and do other good deeds to promote good welfare between each other and please God so that we may have his favor on the day of judgement. Fasting in Ramadan is only for God.
This Ramadan has been my best yet as far as attitude and good will. I haven't fought or snapped at anyone (to the best of my knowledge). I think with the death of my son Allah has placed a peacefullness in my heart. A different focus from the perceived fancies of this life. God Willing. I am looking for the forgiveness of Allah.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Volunteering
Today I volunteered at the City Rescue Mission. What a great way to spend my time. Instead of sitting around waiting to break fast I did something more constructive with my time. I really didn't know what to expect because it was my first time in a shelter organization. It was really fun, alhamdu'allah. The people were extremely nice, helpful, and grateful. I enjoyed talking with all the recipients of the missions services as well as the employees with the Bridge to life organization (BTL).
At one point a small boy came up to the counter to ask for more watermelon. He was about seven years old with short blonde hair and blue eyes. He was standing next to his grandfather. Sarah tried to engage him by kindly saying "saving the best for last?" He didn't hear her so his grandfather repeated the words to him. He smiled not fully understanding and too eager to get his yummy watermelon for chit chat. Tears welled in my eyes.
After I left I felt very tranquil and thankful. Thankful for all that I have and the blessing Allah has given me. Its good to give back to the community but in a more selfish way it's good to reflect and remember there are those who live a very different life. Appreciate what Allah has provided.
And Allah has brought you out from the wombs of your mothers while you know nothing. And He gave you hearing, sight and hearts that you might give thanks (to Allah)." [16:78]
At one point a small boy came up to the counter to ask for more watermelon. He was about seven years old with short blonde hair and blue eyes. He was standing next to his grandfather. Sarah tried to engage him by kindly saying "saving the best for last?" He didn't hear her so his grandfather repeated the words to him. He smiled not fully understanding and too eager to get his yummy watermelon for chit chat. Tears welled in my eyes.
After I left I felt very tranquil and thankful. Thankful for all that I have and the blessing Allah has given me. Its good to give back to the community but in a more selfish way it's good to reflect and remember there are those who live a very different life. Appreciate what Allah has provided.
And Allah has brought you out from the wombs of your mothers while you know nothing. And He gave you hearing, sight and hearts that you might give thanks (to Allah)." [16:78]
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Ramadan hadith
Abu Huraira related that the Prophet said: Allah the Majestic and Exalted said: "Every deed of man will receive ten to 700 times reward, except Siyam (fasting), for it is for Me and I shall reward it (as I like). There are two occasions of joy for one who fasts: one when he breaks the fast and the other when he will meet his Lord" (Muslim).
Out of the mouths of babes
Subhan'allah. My son asked me if we could make some water when we went home. I had to explain how we couldn't make water. Only Allah can make water. I realized at that moment how much I don't think about the creation of Allah. I often think about the miracles and scientific proofs in the Quran but I don't stop to think about water.
Water is the most basic unit of human life. We are mostly made of it and will die with out it. And we can't make it. How insignificant we are.
Water is the most basic unit of human life. We are mostly made of it and will die with out it. And we can't make it. How insignificant we are.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Sayings of ramadan
Narrated Abu Huraira(r.a): The Prophet said:"... whoever fasts during Ramadan out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah's rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven." (Sahih Al-Bukhari).
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Curbing the backbiting bug
O assembly of those who have believed with their tongues, but into whose hearts faith has not yet reached! Do not backbite the Muslims, nor seek out their secrets! For, whoever seeks out the faults of his brother, Allah will seek out his secrets. And, whoever has his secrets sought out by Allah, Allah will disgrace him, even [if he hides] in the depths of his house. [Abu Dawud in al-Adab, 4/271, #4880]
"Beware of backbiting, for backbiting is more serious than adultery. A man may commit adultery, and drink [wine], and then repent, and Allah will forgive him. But, the backbiter will not be forgiven by Allah until his [backbited] companion forgives him." [Suyuti, Al-Jami` as-Saghir, 1/174, #2919, from Ibn Abid-Dunya, and Abush-Shaykh, Al-Tawbikh.]
Ahh the trap of gossip. I have long known that with certain people I know the conversation will revolve around other people. Mostly the bad things about other people. I am focusing on learning how to avoid or redirect the conversation. This is going to be my main focus this Ramadan. I think this is a major downfall for myself ... listening and engaging in.
In the past I have tried to avoid pople because of this tendency for evil speech. Now I am getting more mature and learning how to redirect conversation. I am looking for exampples and models to follow. I have one sister that I am asking to sit with and explore how she maintains a beneficial conversation with her sisters.
I am usually a quite person. I read a hadith that mentioned staying quite instead of participating in vain talk. I want to be able to also stop vain talk. I just feel so rude and some what self righteous to remind others but I am focusing on my flaws and looking for Allah to cover or excuse my sins on judgement day.
What about you? Do you have that group or person you vent to or release to? Are you ready to change that this Ramadan? Insha'allah make the intention. Let your friends know. Ask them for their support and gentle reminders. Let's help each other become better Muslims this year.
"Beware of backbiting, for backbiting is more serious than adultery. A man may commit adultery, and drink [wine], and then repent, and Allah will forgive him. But, the backbiter will not be forgiven by Allah until his [backbited] companion forgives him." [Suyuti, Al-Jami` as-Saghir, 1/174, #2919, from Ibn Abid-Dunya, and Abush-Shaykh, Al-Tawbikh.]
Ahh the trap of gossip. I have long known that with certain people I know the conversation will revolve around other people. Mostly the bad things about other people. I am focusing on learning how to avoid or redirect the conversation. This is going to be my main focus this Ramadan. I think this is a major downfall for myself ... listening and engaging in.
In the past I have tried to avoid pople because of this tendency for evil speech. Now I am getting more mature and learning how to redirect conversation. I am looking for exampples and models to follow. I have one sister that I am asking to sit with and explore how she maintains a beneficial conversation with her sisters.
I am usually a quite person. I read a hadith that mentioned staying quite instead of participating in vain talk. I want to be able to also stop vain talk. I just feel so rude and some what self righteous to remind others but I am focusing on my flaws and looking for Allah to cover or excuse my sins on judgement day.
What about you? Do you have that group or person you vent to or release to? Are you ready to change that this Ramadan? Insha'allah make the intention. Let your friends know. Ask them for their support and gentle reminders. Let's help each other become better Muslims this year.
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