The signs of Laylat al-Qadr

Lailat-ul-Qadr or the Night of Decree is not known but it is definitely one of the last ten nights of Ramadhaan. There are signs which if they appear are indications that the night has arrived. Some signs appear during the night itself, and others may occur the following morning.

Signs that occur during that night are described in the following Hadeeth:

Ahmad reported from Ubaadah Ibn As-Saamit, may Allaah be pleased with him, that he said that the Prophet, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam (may Allaah exalt his mention), said: "Lailat-ul-Qadr is a clear and shining night as if there were a bright moon in it. It is calm and tranquil. It is neither cold nor hot and no shooting stars are thrown in it till the morning".

Imaam Muslim, may Allaah have mercy upon him, also reported from Abu Hurayrah, may Allaah be pleased with him, who said: "We were talking about Lailat-ul-Qadr in the presence of the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam (may Allaah exalt his mention), and he said: "He who amongst you remembers (the night) when the moon arose and it was like a piece of plate (at the fag end of the month in a state of waning)".

Some scholars, may Allaah have mercy upon them, say that this means that it is in the last part of the month of Ramadhaan.

Signs that come the next day are the sun appears the following morning, white and without rays (beamless) as well as:

It was reported in Saheeh Muslim from the hadeeth of Ubayy ibn Ka’b (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) announced that one of its signs was that when the sun rose on the following morning, it had no (visible) rays. (Muslim, 762).

It was reported from the hadeeth of Ibn ‘Abbaas narrated by Ibn Khuzaimah, and by al-Tayaalisi in his Musnad, with a saheeh isnaad, that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Laylat al-Qadr is a pleasant night, neither hot nor cold, and the following day the sun rises red and weak.” (Saheeh Ibn Khuzaymah, 2912; Musnad al-Tayaalisi).

It was reported by al-Tabaraani with a hasan isnaad from the hadeeth of Waathilah ibn al-Asqa’ (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Laylat al-Qadr is a bright night, neither hot nor cold, in which no meteors are seen.” (Narrated by al-Tabaraani in al-Kabeer. See Majma’ al-Zawaa’id, 3/179; Musnad Ahmad).

Breaking the fast as soon as the sun sets [Sunnah of Fasting]

Sa’îd b. Al-Musayyib reports from his father, “I was once sitting with ‘Umar when a group of people arrived from Al-Shâm. ‘Umar enquired about them and how they were; he asked, ‘Do the people of Al-Shâm hasten to break the fast.’ He said, ‘Yes.’ [‘Umar] said, ‘They will not cease to remain upon good as long as they do this, and do not wait for the stars [to come out] as the people of Irâq do.’”
‘Abd Al-Razzâq Al-San’ânî, Al-Musannaf 4:225.
‘Amr b. Maymûn Al-Awdî reports, “The Companions of Muhammad – Allâh’s peace and blessings be upon him – used to be the quickest to break the fast and the slowest in taking the pre-dawn meal.”
Ibid. p226.
Ibn Al-Musayyib also reports that ‘Umar wrote to the commanders of the various regions, ‘Do not be of the procrastinators when breaking the fast, and nor of those who wait for the stars before they start praying [al-maghrib].’
Ibid. p225.
Mûsâ b. Anas reports that Anas [ibn Mâlik] used to have his slave-girl go to the top of his house, instructing her, ‘When the horizon becomes even (evenly lit, marking sunset), tell me.’
Ibn Abî Shaybah, Al-Musannaf 2:430.
Abû Al-Tiyâh Al-Daba’î reports that “he used to break fast with Ibn ‘Abbâs during Ramadân. When evening approached he would send a girl from his household to the roof [to look out], and when the sun set he would make the call to prayer (adhân). He would eat with us, and when he had finished, the call for the commencement of prayer {iqâmah) would be given, and he would pray, and we would pray with him.”


Source: http://www.sayingsofthesalaf.net/index.php/breaking-the-fast-as-soon-as-the-sun-sets-sunnah-of-fasting/#ixzz1VJAtQSk8

The Movements of a Believer

It is reported that Al-Fudayl b. ‘Ayyâd – Allâh have mercy on him – said:
The believer speaks little and does alot, whereas the hypocrite (munâfiq) speaks a lot and does little. When the believer speaks, it is with wisdom, when he is silent, it is in deep thought, when he sees, he takes lessons, and when he acts, it is a cure. If this is the way you are, then you are in the constant worship [of your Lord.]


Source: http://www.sayingsofthesalaf.net/index.php/category/character/#ixzz1VJ9vXs5N

Food for Thought, not for Stomache

It is reported that Abû Al-Dardâ` – Allâh be pleased with him – used to say, “Learn knowledge before it is taken way, and it is taken away by its people (scholars) being taken away. The scholar and the student are partners in good and there is no good in any other people. The richest of men is the knowledgeable man whose knowledge is needed: he benefits those who need him and if done without, he benefits himself with the knowledge Allâh ‘azza wa jalla has placed with him. So how is it I see your scholars dying yet the ignorant amongst you not learning? I fear that the predecessor will depart and the successor will not learn. If the scholar studies, he only increases in knowledge, and he does not take anything away from knowledge. And if the ignorant studies, he will find knowledge firm and established. So how is it that I see you full up with food, yet starved of knowledge?”
Ibn ‘Abd Al-Barr, Jâmi’ Bayân Al-‘Ilm wa Fadlihi Vol. 2 p233


Source: http://www.sayingsofthesalaf.net/index.php/food-for-thought-not-for-stomachs/#ixzz1VHJAoyrJ

From the Manners of a Wife with her Husband

It is reported that the wife of Imâm Sa’îd b. Al-Musayyib – Allâh have mercy on him – said:
We only ever used to speak to our husbands like you address your commanders and leaders: [we would supplicate for them when talking to them] “May Allâh keep you right!”, “May Allâh keep you well!”
Abû Nu’aym, Hilyatu Al-Awliyâ` 5:198.
After the death of his wife Umm Sâlih, Imâm Ahmad – Allâh have mercy on them, used to praise her. He once said:
In the thirty years she was with me, we never had a single word of disagreement.
Al-Khatîb Al-Baghdâdî, Târîkh Baghdâd 16:626.


Source: http://www.sayingsofthesalaf.net/index.php/category/women/#ixzz1VHE13t00

Dead Hearts and Empty Supplications – Sayings of the Salaf

It is reported that Ibrâhîm b. Adham (d162H) – Allâh have mercy on him – once passed through the market of Basrah. People gathered around him and asked:

O Abû Ishâq, Allâh the Exalted says in his Book. ‘Call on me, I will answer your prayers’, but we have been calling on Him for a long time and He does not answer our prayers. [Ibrâhîm] replied, “O people of Basrah, your hearts have died in respect to ten things:

• First, you know Allâh but you do not give Him His rights;
• Second, you have read Allâh’s Book but you do not act by it;
• Third, you claim to love Allâh’s Messenger – Allâh’s peace and blessings be upon him – yet you abandon his Sunnah;
• Fourth, you claim to be enemies to Shaytân but you conform to [his ways];
• Fifth, you say you love Paradise yet you do not work for it;
• Sixth, you say you fear The Fire yet you put yourselves closer to it [by sinning];
• Seventh, you say death is true but you do not prepare for it;
• Eighth, you busy yourselves with the faults of others and disregard your own;
• Ninth, you consume the favors of your Lord but are not grateful for them; and
• Tenth, you bury your dead but take no lesson from them.”

Abû Nu’aym, Hilyah Al-Awliyâ’ 8: 15, 16.

Taken from http://www.sayingsofthesalaf.net/

Shyness is of two types

Source: My Advice to the Women - Umm Abdillah al-Waadi'iyyah - pgs 253-259

Shyness is of two types:

1. What consists of character and disposition and cannot be acquired. Shyness is the behavior Allah granted the servant. The Prophet sallallahu alayhe was salaam said " Shyness brings about nothing but good." It prohibits a person from committing despicable actions and displaying degrading behavior.

2.What is attainable through knowing Allah and knowing His greatness as well as His closeness to His servants.His overseeing them, and His knowledge of what deceives the eyes while being hidden in the chests.

Shyness from Allah may be caused by witnessing and reflecting over His blessings and the shortcomings associated with being thankful for them.

The praiseworthy shyness is the behavior that encourages the performing of commendable actions and abandoning the wretched.

Concerning the statement : " If you do not feel shy then do as you wish ." One meaning is that it does not command to do whatever you wish, but it conveys a meaning of blame and prohibition. One way of interpreting it is that it conveys a threat/warning. The second way to interpret it is that it is a way of conveying information. The thing that prohibits a person from doing bad actions is shyness.

An-Nawawee said , The Scholars said that the reality of shyness is the character that encourages the abandonment of despicable actions and prevents against negligence concerning the rights of the people who possess rights over others.

Aboo Al Qaasim al Junayd said Shyness is recognizing Allahs favors, meaning His blessings and the recognizing of ones own negligence in light of them both.

When shyness is lost, every type of evil is committed.

There are five signs of wretchedness :

1. The harshness in the hearts

2. The unflinching eye

3. The lack of shyness

4. The seeking of worldy pleasures.

5. Longevity in life

An example of shyness is Asmaa bint Aboo Bakr in the hadeeth where she carried the date stones and was offered to ride behind the Prophet sallallahu alayhe was salaam but was too shy.

Source: My Advice to the Women - Umm Abdillah al-Waadi'iyyah - pgs 253-259

 

A Word for the Host

Ramdaan is a time when all Muslims, all over the world, see much more of one another, whether in the masjids whilst attending the taraweeh prayers or in each other’s homes at the time of Iftaar. Invitations are eagerly accepted, which is a good thing, for among the rights of a Muslim upon the other is that when he is invited he responds [1] and that is in obedience with the Messenger's instruction:

“When any of you is invited to a dinner, he should accept the invitation…” [2]

Most of us are aware of the distinguished position a guest has in Islam, the right he has upon us of being entertained, as the Prophet mentioned in many Ahadeeth such as the following:

“He who gives food for a fasting person to break his fast, he will receive the same reward as him except that nothing will be reduced form the fasting person’s rewards.” [4]

What we’d like to draw your attention towards is how many times do we spare a thought for our host, the one who goes to the effort of preparing and providing food for his fellow Muslim? We can all relate to the joy and pleasure we feel when we break our fasts together, feeling in our hearts appreciation for the effort our host has gone to, feeling honoured that he/she took so much trouble for us. Yet many of us are unaware and unsure of how we, as guest, can 'express' our gratitude. Should we take a box of chocolate, or flowers, or perhaps make an impromptu speech after the meal to say how delicious the meal was?! Alhamdulillah! these are all good things, i.e. complementing and giving gifts to each other, but there is something we as guests can do which is highly recommended in the Sunnah of the Prophet (sallallahu alahi wa-sallam) and that is to supplicate for our hosts, after finishing the food, with any of the following.

1. Akala ta'aamaakul abraaru, wasallatalaykumul mallaa ikaatu, wa aftara 'indalkumus saa'imoon.

“May righteous eat along with you, the angels seek forgiveness ask Allah to send His Grace and Honor for you, and those who fast, break their fast along with you.” [5]

2. Allahumma at'im man at'amanee wasqi man saqaane.

“O Allah feed the one who fed me, and give the one who gave me drink.” [6]

3. Allahumma-maghfirlahum warhamhum wa baarik feemaa razaqtahum.

“O Allah forgive them, and have mercy upon them and place them in what you have provided them.” [7]

We should learn these supplications so that when we are invited to a meal and can express appreciation by supplication for our host with du'aas taught to us by our Prophet (sallallahu alahi wa-sallam) then never again should we feel stuck for word.

---

Essential Points To Remember While Reciting Qur'an

To the Mu'min-believer, the Holy Qur'an incomparable.

For him, the words perpetually ringing in his mind - "This is the book (Holy Qur'an) which has no doubt" - injects his soul with inspiration. He is overtaken with the desire to subject his life to the will of Allah Ta'ala by following His commands as elaborated in the Holy Qur'an.

It is always the desire of a Mu'min to recite the Holy Qur'an correctly and in the best manner. In order to fulfil the Haqq (rights) of recitation, important points should be observed.

1. The Holy Qur'an must be read for the pleasure of Allah Ta'ala and for His happiness.

2. The Holy Qur'an must be read with proper pronounciation, knowing and employing the basic rules of Tajweed.

3. Recite as often as possible, at every available time.Rasulullah (sallallaahu Alaihi wasallam) said, 'Oh reciter of the Qur'an! Don't neglect the Qur'an. Fulfill its rights by reciting it day and night. Recite it with a melodious voice and ponder on its contents (to practice) so that you are successful. Don't attempt to look for any (financial) gains in this world because your (great) reward will be in the hereafter.

4. When reciting the Holy Qur'an, one should create an expression of fear and absolute respect to the greatness of the words of Allah Ta'ala, as if to say that the reciter is in the presence of his Creator.

5. Tears should flow from one's eyes while the heart takes effect from the words of Allah, as Allah says, 'The believers are those whose hearts tremor when the name of Allah is mentioned and whose Imaan increases when the Qur'an is recited. (S8 V2) In a narration of Hadhrat Umar (Radhiallahu Anhu), he reported that it was asked to Rasulullah 'Who is the best reciter in regard to (the reciter's) voice? He replied, 'The person whose recitation is such that you can determine that the reciter has the fear of Allah in him'. (Tabrani)

6. One should at all times show respect to the Holy Qur'an and never dishonour it. It is reported from Hadhrat Anas (Radhiallahu Anhu) that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, 'The Holy Qur'an is better than everything (of this world in status). So whoever honours it has honoured Allah Ta'ala and whoever dishonours it has (in reciting) dishonoured the rights of Allah Ta'ala (Riaaya)

What Nullifies The Fast or Reduces The Reward

Regarding that which nullifies your fasting, it is eating and drinking and having relations with your spouse during the day of Ramadhaan. It is by the ijmaa’ (consensus) of the Scholars that they all nullify the fast except for that which was out of forgetfulness from eating and drinking.
The Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم said: “Whoever eats or drinks forgetfully during the day or Ramadhaan, then Allaah has fed him and given him to drink.”[Bukhaaree, Muslim]

Some of the actions that don’t nullify your fast but take away from its barakah (blessings) and decrease (the reward of) your fast are:

• Al-gheebah (backbiting).
• Shaadatuz-zoor – this is to testify wrongly i.e. to testify whilst knowing that you are lying.
• An-nameemah (gossiping).

The Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم said: “Whoever does not abandon evil speech and (evil) actions, then Allaah is not in need of him abandoning his food and drink.” [Bukhaaree]

A Successful Ramadaan

{The Piety and Humility of the Salaf}

When Ramadaan came to a close,the rightly guided predecessors (As-Salaf As-Saalih) used to frequently seek forgiveness,repent to Allah.The Mighty and Majestic - and fear that their (deeds) would not be accepted.they used to exert themselves (in worship) in Ramadaan and outside of Ramadaan ; afterwards they would be fearful that none of this will be accepted.

{How The Salaf behaved when Ramadaan was approaching and when it left}

They used to seek the forgiveness of Allaah and repent.so much so that it was reported that they would supplicate to Allaah for six months that He would allow them to reach Ramadaan. if he allowed them to reach Ramadaan,they would fast, pray at night and supplicate for the next six months that He accepts the month of Ramadaan from them.

{Signs that Ramadaan has been accepted}

Following good deeds with good is a sign that (this act) has been accepted, whether it is pertaining to Ramadaan or other than it.If the muslim is in a good state after Ramadaan, performing many good deeds and righteous actions, then this is a proof of acceptance.

{Signs that Ramadaan hasn't been accepted}

If the opposite is true,and he follows good with evil, and as soon as Ramadaan is over He follows on from this with sins, heedlessness and turning away from the obedience of Allaah, then this is a proof that it hasn't been accepted.

Every person knows their true situation after Ramadaan.So let them look,if they are in better state,then let them thank Allaah,as this shows (that it has been) accepted.If their state is worse,then let them repent to Allaah and seek the forgiveness of Allaah,as this is a proof that it hasn't been accepted and it is a proof of negligence and carelessness.

{Do not despair of the Mercy of Allaah}

But the slave should not lose hope of the mercy of Allaah.He should not close the door that is between him and Allaah and despair at the mercy of Allaah.

"Say:'O my slaves who have transgressed against themselves (by committing evil deeds and sins).Do not despair of the Mercy of Allaah;verily,Allaah forgives all sins.He is Oft-Forgiving,Most Merciful."[Az-Zumar:33]

It is upon him to repent,seek the forgiveness of Allaah and return to Allaah,the Mighty and Majestic.Allaah-The Mighty and Majestic accepts repentance from those that repent.

'And He it is who accepts repentance from Hids slaves,and forgives sins,and He knows what you do."[Ash-Shura:25]

And the peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad

Ithaaf Ahlil Eeman bi Duroos Shahr Ar-Ramadaan page 119-120|
by Shaykh Allaamah Saalih Al-Fawzaan

Interview with the wife of Sheikh Uthaymeen...

May Allah bless his soul and grant him the highest place in jannah!! Ameen

http://abdurrahman.org/knowledge/InterviewwithShUthaimeen-swife.pdf

Don't Make Ramadan An Eating Contest!!!!!

By: Mamoon Yusaf

The Ramadan I Gave Up On The Quran

It was a few years back – I was in my first year of studying Arabic seriously at university, but was nowhere near the point where I could understand the Quran. I was so motivated that year and so excited to actually be studying Arabic full time, I decided to make the most of Ramadan.

I met together with a friend who lived with me in our halls of residence, and we decided we were going to have an amazing Ramadan (bi’ithnillah).

The plan was simple..

We were going to meet up after suhoor & Fajr every day in my room or his and we were going to read one entire Juz of the Quran. Since there were two of us, we figured that would increase our accountability and we could motivate each other. And, because neither of us were particularly good at reciting the Quran, we decided to enlist the help of Imam Shatiri via CD.

For the first time in my life, I was excited because I thought I was about to actually complete the Quran during Ramadan.

But Allah had other plans for us…

The first day we did it, and we both felt great about it, despite missing my 9am Arabic lecture. The second day, we were still on track but both showing signs of fatigue – but we were determined to push through it. By the fifth day, we were both dreading each other’s phone call, and we had that awkward conversation of “You know, I don’t think it’s a good idea for us to do it today, but maybe we can catch up tomorrow..”

By the end of Ramadan, we hadn’t even come close. In fact, the longer Ramadan went on, the more I kept changing my targets.. and missing them. The truth was, I had ‘failed’, miserably. Towards the end of the month I decided to just let this year go, and hope to do better next year. I was so upset, incorrectly asking myself why it was made to be so difficult.

I now realise the Quran was never ‘difficult’, and in fact is Divinely easy – it was my plan that was ineffective for me.

When life doesn’t go according to your plans, here’s a great question to ask yourself:“What is the most valuable lesson I can learn from this, that will save me from making much bigger mistakes in the future?”

After some reflection, and training, I later realised where I went wrong. Now alhamdulillah I’ve mastered a system I use with all my personal Quran Coaching clients to help them create plans that actually work in the build up to Ramadan.

What You Can Do In One Minute!!!!!!

The time is the life of a person and it should be preserved and spent properly. Therefore, a wise person is he who preserves his time and does not waste it in useless things and idle talk. Rather, one should spend his time in good endeavours and in performing righteous deeds which should please Allaah, the Exalted, and which should benefit people. Hence, in every minute of your life, you may do something which will increase your status (in the Hereafter) and bring happiness to your nation.

Therefore, if you are keen to achieve glory and bring happiness to your people, you should not waste your time in resting and playing.

Indeed, in one minute, one may do much good and obtain a great reward. One single minute could extend your life, increase your acts of obedience, your understanding, your memorization (of the Quran), and your good deeds. If you know how to spend one minute, it can be added to the book of your good deeds (on the Day of Judgement).3

"Beware of every hour and how it passes, and only spend it in the best possible way, do not neglect yourself, but render it accustomed to the noblest and best of actions, and send to your grave that which will please you when you arrive to it." [Imam Ibn Al-Jawzee]

The following are some investments which you can do in one minute:

1- In one minute, you can recite chapter Al-Faatihah (the opening chapter of the Quran) silently. Some scholars, may Allaah have mercy upon them, stated that a person gets more than 1400 good deeds for reciting it once. If one recites it 7 times, one gets 9800 good deeds in one minute.

2-  In one minute, you can say ''Astaghfiru Allaah'' (I seek forgiveness of Allaah) more than 100 times. The virtue of seeking forgiveness is well-known, it is a reason of obtaining forgiveness, entering Paradise, having good provisions, increasing one's strength, repelling harm, having affairs facilitated, the descent of rain, and increasing in wealth and children.

3- In one minute, you can read a part of the Quran.

4- In one minute, you can memorize a small verse of the Quran.

5- In one minute, you can say ''Laa ilaaha illa Allaah wahdahu laa shareeka lah, lahul mulku wa lahul hamdu wa huwa 'ala kulli chay'in qadeer'' (None has the right to be worshipped except Allaah Alone, He has neither partners nor associates, to Him belongs sovereignty and praise and He is over all things wholly capable) 20 times; its reward is setting 8 slaves free for the sake of Allaah from the children of Ismaa'eel (Ishmael), may Allaah exalt his mention.

6- In one minute, you can say ''Subhaana Allaah wa bihamdihi'' (How perfect Allaah is and all praise be to Him) 100 times, and whoever says this, his sins will be forgiven even if they were like the foams of the sea.

7- In one minute, you can say ''Subhaana Allaah wa bihamdihi, Subhaana Allaah Al-Adheem'' (How perfect Allaah is and all praise be to Him, how perfect Allaah is, The Supreme) 50 times, and these are two expressions which are easy to say, but they are very heavy on the scale of good deeds, and they are beloved to Allaah. [ [Bukhari: Hadith No:673, V:8] and [Bukhari, B:9, V:93, Hadith 652]].

Prophet Muhammad (sallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) said, "There are) two words which are dear to the Beneficent (Allah) and very light (easy) for the tongue (to say), but very heavy in weight in the balance. They are: Subhan-Allahi wa bihamdihi, Subhan-Allahil-Azim (Allah is free from imperfection and His is the praise)'.

8- The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said: ''If I were to say: ''Subhaana Allaah, wal hamdu lillaah, wa laa ilaaha illa Allaah, wallaahu Akbar'' (How perfect Allaah is, all praise be to Allaah, None has the right to be worshipped except Allaah, and Allaah is the greatest.) it is better for me than the whole world.'' [Muslim]. In one minute, you can say all the above words 18 times, and these words are the most beloved words to Allaah, and the best of all speeches, and their weight on the scale of good deeds is very heavy, as reported in authentic narrations.

Some Common Mistakes During Ramadan!!!!!!

*Fighting over the number of Rakaah of Taraweeh

There is no specific number of rak'ahs for Taraweeh prayer, rather it is permissible to do a little or a lot. Both 8 and 20 are okay. 

Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen said:

"No one should be denounced for praying eleven or twenty-three (raka'ah), because the matter is broader in scope than that, praise be to Allaah."

*Praying ONLY on the night of the 27th

Some people pray ONLY on the 27th to seek Lailat ul-Qadr, neglecting all other odd nights, although the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said:

"Seek Lailat ul-Qadr among the odd numbered nights of the last ten nights of Ramadaan." (Bukhaari, Muslim).

*Wasting the last part of Ramadaan preparing for Eid

Some people waste the entire last 10 days of Ramadaan preparing for Eid, shopping and frequenting malls, etc. neglectingIbadah and Lailatul Qadr. although, the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) used to strive the hardest during the last ten days of Ramadaan in worship (Ahmad, Muslim) and not in shopping. Buy whatever you need for Eid before Ramadaan so that you can utilize the time in Ramadaan to the max.

Aa’ishah (RA) said:

“When the (last) ten nights began, the Messenger of Allaah (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam)) would tighten his waist-wrapper (i.e., strive hard in worship or refrain from intimacy with his wives), stay awake at night and wake his family.”

(Bukhaari and Muslim).

*Iftaar parties

Although inviting each other for breaking fast is something good and encouraged, some people go to extremes with lavish 'Iftaar parties' with all sorts of disobedience to Allaah, from flirting, mixing of the sexes and hijaab-less women, to show-off and extravagance, to heedlessness to Salaah, and Taraweeh to even music and dancing.

*Taking Ramadaan as a ritual

For many of us Ramadaan has lost its spirituality and has become more of a ritual than a form of Ibaadah. We fast from morning to night like a zombie just because everyone around us is fasting too. We forget that its a time to purify our hearts and our souls from all evil....we forget to make dua, forget to beseech Allaah to forgive us and ask Him to save us from the Fire. Sure we stay away from food and drink but that's about all.

*Although the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said:

“Jibreel said to me, ‘May Allaah rub his nose in the dust, that person to who Ramadaan comes and his sins are not forgiven,’ and I said, ‘Ameen’. Then he said, ‘May Allaah rub his nose in the dust, that person who lives to see his parents grow old, one or both of them, but he does not enter Paradise (by not serving them)’ and I said, ‘Ameen’. Then he said,‘May Allaah rub his nose in the dust, that person in whose presence you are mentioned and he does not send blessings upon you,’ and I said, ‘Ameen.’” (Tirmidhi, Ahmad, others. Saheeh by al-Albaani)

*Too much stress on food and drink

For some people, the entire month of Ramadaan revolves around food. They spend the ENTIRE day planning, cooking, shopping and thinking about only food, instead of concentrating on Salaah, Quraan and other acts of worship. All they can think of is FOOD. So much so that they turn the month of 'fasting' into the month of 'feasting'. Come Iftaar time, their table is a sight to see, with the multitudes and varieties of food, sweets and drinks. They are missing the very purpose of fasting, and thus, increase in their greed and desires instead of learning to control them. It is also a kind of waste & extravagance.

".....and eat and drink but waste not by extravagance, certainly He (Allaah) likes not Al-Musrifoon (those who waste by extravagance) " [al-Araaf :31]

*Spending all day cooking.

Some of the sisters (either by their own choice or forced by their children/ husbands) are cooking ALL day and ALL night, so that by the end of the day, they are too tired to even pray Ishaa, let alone pray Taraweeh or Tahajjud or even read Quraan. This is the month of mercy and forgiveness. So turn off that stove and turn on your Imaan!

*Eating too much

Some people stuff themselves at Suhoor until they are ready to burst, because they think this is the way to not feel hungry during the day and some people eat at Iftaar, like there is no tomorrow, trying to 'make up for the food missed.' However, this is completely against the Sunnah. Moderation is the key to everything.

The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: "The son of Adam does not fill any vessel worse than his stomach; for the son of Adam a few mouthfuls are sufficient to keep his back straight. If you must fill it, then one-third for food, one-third for drink and one-third for air." (Tirmidhi, Ibn Maajah. saheeh by al-Albaani).

Too much food distracts a person from many deeds of obedience and worship, makes him lazy and also makes the heart heedless.