Thanks be to Allah the Lord of
the worlds. And peace and prayers be upon the most honorable of the
messengers, and upon all his family and companions.
Dear Muslims, fear Allah, and
do obey him. For the serious time is here, the time to push your self to do
more of the good deeds, it is the last ten of Ramadan has approached. As you
know of the grace of these ten, for it was specifically identified out of the
entire month with fantastic features. Just as the month of Ramadan is favored
and considered to be better than other months, for its last ten days and
nights are favored over the rest of them. They are featured with numerous
advantages; amongst them is that the messenger (PPBU) as his wife A-eshah told
us that he used to get especially active with good deeds in those final ten
days and nights than in any other.
That activeness included
livening up the nights; which included all form of worships like prayers,
reciting Koran, praising Allah, giving for charity and doing E-etikaf (إعتكاف)
or adhearing to and staying at the Mosque. A-eshah said that when the last ten
approach, the messenger (PPBU) tightened up his strap, meaning gave up his
wives, and livened up his night, and woke up his family. He used to wake his
family up in those nights to pray and praise Allah in order to take
opportunity of such blessed night; with what it deserves of worship. Not as
some people do staying up watching films, songs, videos, episodes, or
frequenting coffees, smoking pipes, playing cards and denying themselves the
goodness contained in these nights. Only those who are not blessed miss the
goodness in those nights.
It is noticeable for some
people that the closer the end of the months comes; the less they do. The
exact opposite to what the messenger (PPBU) used to do. Little that they know
that the best of the month is its end.
A sane and sensible believer
should not miss such a valuable opportunity to one's self and one's family. It
is a mere a few nights. And they can very well be the final nights in his or
her life. For indeed, one might be blessed with one of Allah's blessings and
attain happiness in this life and the next.
And it is such a great and
disastrous loss to see many Muslims wasting those valuable times in what does
not benefit them. They stay up the nights messing up and immersed into immoral
actions. When the time to get up and say a prayer, they go a sleep. They miss
so much goodness, and they may never get to see another Ramadan. This is due
to Satan ability to manipulate them, and Satan's craftiness, conning and
temptation to block them from the way of Allah.
Dear Muslims, be careful and
pay attention to the following issue: The main purpose of livening up the last
ten nights of Ramadan is to seek out the night of fate (night of Qadr). And
living in the hope to live it while living in obedience to Allah Almighty.
With the hope that our sins are forgiven. The messenger (PPBU) said: {Whoever
stays up the night of Qadr in belief and expectation, all his/her past sins
are forgiven.} And in another narration: {whoever stays up the night of Qadr
seeking it, and if it happens for him/her; then all his/her past and future
sins are forgiven}.
Only the miserable and the
disadvantaged is the one who is denied the goodness that is contained in this
night. And why not, when he/she know of all the blessings it has and still
does not actively seek it and let it slip by. Allah said: {The night of Qadr
is better than a thousand month. Therein descend down the angels and the holy
spirit with the grace of their Lord with all decrees. All night there is peace
until the appearance of dawn.} So, staying up that night in prayers is better
than all the deeds, the fasting and praying of a thousand months which does
not include nights of Qadr. A thousand months is the equivalent of eighty
three years and three months. Allah also said: {we brought it down (meaning
the Koran) in a holy night.} Indeed this is a blessed night so many angels
descend as the blessings and mercy descend. Just as angels come down when
Koran is being recited, and surround the circles of studies. Angel lay down
their wings to this who seeks knowledge to glorify him/her. And the holy
spirit is the angel Gabriel may peace be upon him; is specifically mention in
the verse as a sort of honor.
It was called the night of
peace as a form of being safe. Meaning during which one should do no harm, and
also an indication that many will be made safe from punishment and torment due
to all the good deed the slave does on such night.
In this night Allah says: {All
matters of wisdom get split} meaning the dislodging of major matters like
commands of those whose time of death has approached, and commands of
substance and daily bread given to people. All those matters that are not
allowed to change. Only Allah knows of such matters beforehand, and they were
already written. It is revealed to angels and they are commanded to implement
it depending on their specialty.
Even though, Allah forgives
sins for whoever stays the night up in belief and expectation. Yet Allah has
made the night hidden from people to see. This is more mercy from Allah so in
seeking the night of Qadr, people will do more good deeds in all those blessed
nights. Such as prayers, praising of Allah, asking Allah through
supplications; that only gets them closer to Allah and wins them more reward.
Allah also hid the night in order to sort out those who are serious in seeking
it and those who are lazy and careless.
Dear brothers and sisters,
during the night of Qadr the door is opened, the loved ones are drawn closer,
the calls are listened to, and the reply is sent back, and those who work are
rewarded greatly. So, be active and serious in seeking the night of Qadr, for
this is the time to do so. And be warned not to forget and not be distracted.
What ought to be known about
the night of Qadr is what the messenger (PPBU) said that it occurs in the odd
nights of the last ten nights of Ramadan. That is the 21st night,
23rd etc. The messenger was also reported saying that it occurs on
the odd nights remaining in the month (when there 3, 5, 7 or 9 nights left in
the month). Some scholars interpreted this to mean that this will depend on if
the month of Ramadan is going to be a 29 or 30 day long. If the month is a 29
day month, then the night of Qadr should occur on one of the odd nights, but
if the month was 30 days, then the night of Qadr occurs on one of the even
night. And if this is the case then a Muslim should seek it in all final ten
nights of Ramadan.
It is more likely though, to
occur in the last seven nights according to a group of companions who had a
common dream that it occurred in the last seven nights and messenger (PPBU)
confirmed that to them. And the messenger (PPBU) also said: (seek it in the
last ten nights, but if one of you is weakened or becomes unable, let him/her
not be beaten on the last seven- meaning endure harder to witness the last
seven nights.)
And of the last seven nights
with odd numbers, the most likely night is the 27th. For Obay
ben-Kaab (أُبي
بن كعب) said: I know
the night for the messenger commanded us to stay up the night of the 27th.
He said that the messenger (PPBU) told us that the sun comes up on its morning
with no rays or with no beam, as if it is dimmed until it rises up. This is
one of the most famous signs of the night of Qadr. The messenger (PPBU) also
told that the night is a beautiful night, neither hot nor cold; and its
morning the sun comes out red and weak.
A-esha bent Saddeek asked: "O'
Messenger of Allah, if it happens that I witness the night of Qadr, then what
shall I say?" and the messenger (PPBU) said: {say: Lord, you are Forgiving,
and you love forgiveness, so forgive me.}.
Indeed, the most Forgiving is
one of Allah's names. It means the one who transcends and erases all traces of
sins belonging to his slaves. And He both loves forgiveness and loves
forgiving his slaves. Some scholars say that Allah loves forgiveness so much
so He afflicts people with sins just so He shall forgive them. The messenger
told on behalf of Allah saying: {Son of Adam, no matter how much you call me
and beg of me, I shall forgive you for what you do, and I don't mind.}
Dear Muslims, If sinners stand
on their feet round Sahoor time (night meal), and do much praising and
calling upon of Allah, begging, invoking and making supplications then the
response from Allah would be: Be my witness that I have forgiven you.
Do ask Allah for forgiveness;
make up for what you have missed in previous years. For one night of Qadr is
worth an entire life
Notes:
-
Adhan
- The call to prayer.
-
Ansar (or Al-Ansar):
Assalam Alaikum -
The Islamic greeting, literately means: Peace
be with you. Used when approaching or leaving. When used during approaching
it will be like saying: I bring no harm to you . and when said during
leaving somebody it will mean: No harm will come to you after I leave.
Aya (or Ayah):
is a verse of the Koran.
It also means a miracle or a sign from God.
Arafa (or Arafah or Arafat):
is a mountain
outside the city of Mecca
that represents the climax of the Hajj worship. All doing
Hajj must stay at this location on the same
day.
Badr
- The place of the first significant battle between the Muslims and the
pagans of the Quraish. It is located in Saudi Arabia.
Caliph
- A Muslim ruler. See:
(Khalifa)
Dajjal
- Antichrist or the False Massiah.
Dawah
- The proliferation of Islamic teachings through word and deed.
Deen (Din)
- Religion or way of life.
Duaa:
a prayer in the form of
talking to Allah;
praising him and asking him for help.
Fatwa
- Legal verdict given based on the Qur'an (Koran) and the Sunnah which are
the recorded sayings and deeds of Muhammad.
Ferdose:
is the highest level of
the all the gardens of Eden or paradise.
Fiqh
- Religious law.
Hadeeth:
is something reported
that the messenger have said. It includes all the speeches and ceremonies he gave.
It is usually narrated or told by one
of his companions. There is a list of hadeeths approximately 14000 that are
reported and checked to be genuine. No
more hadeeths are acceptably added to this list.
Hajar -
The Black Stone set into the corner of the
Ka'aba in Mecca. It is said to be a stone from Heaven.
Hajj -
The pilgrimage to Mecca which takes place in
the last month of the Islamic calendar. One of the five pillars of Islam.
Hasana or hasanas:
is the reward for a good deed. a hasana is a point or a merit for a good deed.
Hadith
- The sayings and not deeds of the prophet Muhammad recorded by his
followers. Considered authoritative and perfect.
Hajj: is
the worship of pilgrimage.
Hijra (or
Hejrah):
the event of the immigration of the messenger from Mekkah to Madina. This
event marks the start of the Islamic calendar. the Islamic calendar has 12
months based on the lunar cycle, each is 29.5 days. Hijra is also used as a
name for the Islamic dating system.
Ibadah -
Worship. All the words and deeds with which
Allah is pleased. These deeds could be prayer and charity.
Iblis - (Ibleese):
On of Satan's names.
Ibn (Ebn): the son of. Used
by Arabs as part of an individual's name. Example: Ali whose father is Omar
or the son of Omar, would be called: Ali Ibn
Omar.
Imam
(or Emam)- The leader for a prayer. In the Shiaa sect, an Imam is the individual who has the religious authority.
Iman:
belief or faith
Injil (Enjeel) -
The Bible. The book inspired to Jesus for the
Christians.
Islam
- Submission, the religion of all the
prophets of Allah culminating in Muhammad.
Jannah -
The heavenly garden, Paradise. The place of
the faithful in the afterlife.
Jihad:
is striving in the
line
of Allah in many forms. Includes a very wide scope varying from improving
oneself to fighting a defensive war in protection
of Allah's word. The greatest Jihad is the
fight one's self against temptations.
It also means "holy war."
Jinn
-
Supernatural, invisible beings race of
beings, below angels. They were made from fire. Like humans, there amongst
them are the faithful and the non beleivers and Jinn shall be judged on
Judgment Day.
Ka'aba:
A cube shaped building in
Mecca containing a stone laid there by Abraham and Ishmael. Some say
Ka'aba was first built by Adam, and some say by
Abraham. It is the holiest place for Muslims. It is where all Muslims face in their daily prayers.
Ka'aba also makes a major part of the pilgrimage
in a ritual known as Tawaf.
Khalifa:
is the Muslim ruler. Head of the Islamic empire. Exact translation:
"Successor".
Khutbah -
A sermon given in a Mosque, usually on Friday.
Kufr -
Denial or Disbelief. A term Muslims use for
anyone who denies existence of Allah or the prophecy of Muhammed.
Koran
- Also spelled Qur'an. The holy book
of Islam revealed to Muhammad by Allah through the Archangel Gabriel. Koran
literally means "the recital." It is the final revelation of Allah given to
the prophet Muhammad. It consists of 114 surahs (or chapters.)
Madinah - (Medinah): A city in the
Arabian
peninsula
(in the country known now as Saudi Arabia). A city where the messenger had to
immigrate to.
Then it was called Yathrib.
Masjid -
A
center for Muslim activity. It is referred to as a mosque.
Masiah -
A
sin, or a sinful act
Mecca or Makkah:
is
the holiest city for Muslims. It contains the Ka'aba mosque with the famous
black cubical shape. Mecca is the birth place of the messenger (PPBU).
Mosque - A Muslim
house of worship.
Muhajir -
(Muhajireen)
Immigrant, one who leaves his home town due to lack of religious freedom. It
was first used to describe early Muslims immigrating from Mecca to Median
and Ethiopia.
Muhammad -
the final messenger and
prophet of God whose message abrogated all previous revelations. He
received the Koran through the angel Gabriel over a 23 year period. Born in
Mecca and died in Medina at the age of 63. His full name: Muhammad
ibn Abd-Allah
Muslim
- One who holds faith to the religion of
Islam.
Nafilah:
a voluntary prayer other
than the five obligatory prayers; performed at any time.
Nasara -
Christians. Nasrani:
A Christian individual. Nasraniah:
Christianity.
Ommah:
is the Arabic word for a
nation. It usually refers to
the Islamic nation unless otherwise specified.
Paradise -
Another word for heaven. A
garden of bliss, fruits, rivers and all forms of pleasures imaginable and
imaginable. No suffering, disease or death. Service is provided by angels.
All live in it an ever lasting youthful life. Promised by Almighty
Allah to all faithful, true Jews, true Christians and True Muslims. Paradise
is one of two places every person will go to, either Paradise or Hellfire.
PPBU
(P.B.U.H.) :
Peace and Prayers Be
Upon him. A statement Muslims use any time they mention the name of the
messenger or make a reference to him.
Qadar -
Fate. Preordainment is the teaching that all
things, good and bad, are preordained to occur.
Qadr - (night of Qadr):
The night when the first
revelation of the Koran took place. Most likely it happened during one of the
last ten nights of the month of Ramadan. Or when the Koran was brought down to
the nearest heaven in one go, and from there it was brought down in bits and
few verses at a time over a period of 23 years. This night is considered the
holiest night for Muslims with tremendous advantages.
Qibla -
The direction which Muslims turn for daily
prayers, towards Mecca.
Quraish -
An ancient Arab tribe to which the messenger
Muhammad belonged.
Ramadan -
The ninth month of the Islamic calendar which
is the month of the fast. The holiest month in the Muslim colander.
Salat -
Prayers. Generally it covers all forms of
worship, but more specifically refers to the Muslim rituals which is
performed to worship Allah five times daily.
Shiaa:
A sect of Islam that teaches that a religion
leader (Imam) should be the political ruler and must be direct descendants
of the messenger (PPBU). Therefore, disapproving of all Muslim leaders who
ruled After the messenger (PPBU) except Ali, the messenger's grandson.
Shirk -
Associating another god with Allah. Or associating anyone or anything with
Allah. Or using anyone or anything as a medium to Allah. The opposite of
Monotheism or Tawheed.
Siam or Soam-
Fasting
Sunni:
is a the title of those Muslims who are suppose to be following the life
style of the messenger. This differentiates them from the Shiaa of Iran.
Sunna (Sunnah):
Is how the Messenger PPBU lived, what he did or said. It includes the way he
dressed, ate, drank, prayed, interacted with other people and fought.
Basically, sunnah is the life style of the messenger PPBU. It is considered
the second source of legislation in Islamic laws and it is considered to be an
important reference to be used for concluding arguments and disputes.
It is also a title give to the main stream Muslims who make 90% if all
Muslims.
Surah -
A
chapter of the Koran.
Tawaf:
part of the pilgrimage (Hajj)
ritual. It involves walking round the Ka'aba Mosque in anti-clock wise
direction a number of seven circles.
Tauhid - Tawheed -
Monotheism, in Islam is the teaching that
there is only one God who alone is worthy of worship. The first requirement
of becoming a Muslim. It is included in the testimony of faith for new
Muslims when declaring that God is one: (No God but Allah)
Taqwah -
Proper fear and veneration of Allah. A divine spark that enables the person
to understand God.
Taurat: The old
Testaments and scriptures of Mosa.
Ummah -
the word means: a Nation. Usually refers to
the Islamic nation unless otherwise stated.
Umrah - (Amrah):
A mini hajj. A Minor form of pilgrimage to
Mecca. Unlike Hajj which can only be done on the 12th month of the Islamic
year, Umrah can be performed at any time.
Wathoo (wadoo): a washing up ritual
done by Muslims before each of the five daily prayers known as ablution.
Zaboor -
The
Psalms
Zakat -
The
third pillar of Islam. Alms giving, charity that is given to the poor.
