Ramadan in Cayman (part 3)

After Fajr, Br Mahmood narrated the second of the 40 Hadith.  This one is on the Foundation of the Sunnah and is, roughly, as follows:


'Umar ibn Al-Khattab reported: One day while we were sitting with the Messenger of Allah there appeared before us a man whose clothes were exceedingly white and whose hair was exceedingly black; no signs of journeying were to be seen on him and none of us knew him. He walked up and sat down by the prophet. Resting his knees against his and placing the palms of his hands on his thighs, he said, “O Muhammad, tell me about Islam.” The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

Islam is to witness that there is no God but Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, to establish prayer, to give the alms, the fast the month of Ramadan, and to perform pilgrimage to the House if he is capable of travel.

The man said, “You have spoken rightly,” and we were amazed at him asking him and saying that he had spoken rightly. Then he said, “Tell me about faith.” The Prophet said:

Faith is to believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, and the Last Day, and to believe in the providence (al-qadr) (or destiny) of both good and evil.

The man said, “You have spoken rightly. Then tell me about excellence.” The Prophet said:

Excellence (al-Ihsan)  is to worship Allah as if you see Him, for verily, He sees you.

The man said, “Then tell me about the Hour.” The Prophet said:

The one who is asked does not know more than the one asking.

The man said, “Then tell me about its signs.” The Prophet said:

When the slave girl gives birth to her master, when the naked and barefooted will become chiefs of the people, and when the shepherds of black camels will exult themselves in constructing tall buildings.

Then he left and I stayed for a time. Then the Prophet said:

O Umar, do you know who the questioner was?

I said, “Allah and His messenger know best.” He said:

He was Gabriel (as), who came to teach the people their religion.'



After this, we had the opportunity to discuss a range of topics, including aspects of Zakat, clothing, and the instruction to have a will done up.









At Jummah, we welcomed a revert to Islam - Alhumdulillah.


The Khutbah had a focus on the Qur'an, its rights over us, and how it will be a witness for or against us on the Day.  There are those of us (and I put myself at the top of this poor list) who struggle to read the whole Qur'an at least once in an entire year and, in doing so, are deprived of so many blessings that are attained by reading the Qur'an.

We heard of those who would read the Qur'an 60 times during Ramadan, and others who would complete the Qur'an every two days through the Blessed Month.  We heard of those who had read the Qur'an 18,000 times in one part of their house, and one who would read the entire Qur'an in one rakat of salaat.  Subhanallah.

We heard of how the Qur'an would advocate on behalf of those who were about to be cast into the Fire, that those of us who would otherwise be in Hell would be saved because we had taken the time to read the Words of Allah (swt).

After the Jummah prayer and greeting the new Brother, we then had to wait patiently for the rain to ease.


After Isha, Br Mahmood continued with the description of the Noble Features of the Prophet (saw):

Anas bin Malik (Radiallhu Anhu) reports, "Rasullullah (Sallallahu alaihe wasallam) was of a medium stature, he was neither very tall nor very short. He was very handsome, of medium built and his hair was neither very curly nor very straight (but was slightly wavy). He had a wheat-coloured complexion. When he walked, he leaned forward slightly".

He explained about the wheat-coloured complexion and how, when the Prophet (saw) walked (the word used in the hadith being 'Yata-kaf-fa-oo'), it was at a fast pace, with the leg lifted with force, and leaning forward slightly.  The description is that he walked quickly and did not walk with his chest pushed out with pride.  He also didn't drag his feet when he walked.

After this, there were further Q&A sessions on aspects of salaat and other areas.

Ramadan in Cayman (Part 2)

Continuing the series, Insha'Allah

Last night (10th July) was the second Taraweeh, after which Br Mahmood gave a talk on Imam Tirmidhi's biography in preparation for his series of talks on the Imam's famous book, The Shamā'il Muhammadiyyah, often referred to as Shamā'il al-Tirmidhi or simply Shamā'il.  The book is a collection of hadiths compiled by Imam Tirmidhi regarding intricate details of the Prophet's (saw) appearance, mannerisms, belongings, and life.  The book contains just under 400 narrations, and is divided into 56 chapters.

After the Fajr salaat he began on the 40 Hadith of An-Nawawi.  The first Hadith is about 'intention', and an approximate translation of the hadith is:

'Verily, deeds are only with intentions. Indeed, every person will get rewarded only for what they intended. Therefore, whoever emigrated for worldly reasons or for a woman, then his emigration is for what he has emigrated to.'

Tonight (11th July), after the third Taraweeh, he began on the aforementioned book of Imam Tirmidhi.  The first chapter is about the Noble Features of Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihe Wasallam), and the first Hadith Br Mahmood narrated to us is, roughly, as follows:

‘Anas (Radiallahu Anhu) reports: "Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihe wasallam) was neither tall nor was he short (like a dwarf--He was of medium stature). In complexion, he was he was neither very white like lime, nor very dark, nor brown which results in darkness (he was illuminant, more luminous than even the full-moon on the 14th night). 
The hair of Rasullullah (Sallallahu alaihe wasallam) was neither very straight nor very curly (but slightly wavy). When he attained the age of forty, Allah the Almighty granted him nubuwwah (prophethood).He lived for ten years in Makkah (commentary) and in Madina for ten years. At that time there were not more than twenty white hair on his mubarak (blessed) head and beard.’

Br Mahmood broke down the hadith and explained various aspects of it, especially the last part which described the Prophethood as 20 years whereas the general consensus is that it was 23 years

Ramadan in Cayman (part 1)

Ramadan Mubarak

The following is something I originally posted on Facebook, but figure I should also post it here and then, throughout Ramadan, I'll post accordingly, Insha'Allah.

'So, we're well in to our first day of the Blessed Month, Alhumdulillah.

'For those of you who may be interested in how we're experiencing Ramadan in Cayman, I figured I'd do a few posts throughout the month.  As you may know, we're a small and mixed community of Muslims here, but we have no Imam - Alhumdulillah, for the past two years, we have been blessed with the presence of Br Mahmood, a Hafiz and Alim, who has volunteered to spend Ramadan with us.  He will be leading the Taraweeh prayers (and the 5 daily prayers), and giving us sermons, teaching Tajweed, commentating on the Qur'an, and doing his best to answer any questions we may have.  (I know first hand how grateful the community is to have him here)

'So, to continue:

'We had our first Taraweeh last night - somehow, I've been chosen to provide a summary of the recitation for each day, during Br Mahmood's short break.  After that, a lecture on the name of Surah Fatiha and then a brief summary of the surah was given by Br Mahmood.

'Sehri/Suhoor and then Fajr, after which Br Mahmood gave a brief talk about Imam Nawawi in order to give us some background of the great scholar before, over the course of Ramadan, briefly going through and providing some insight into the Forty Hadith of An-Nawawi.

'Other topics will be covered, Insha'Allah, after Asr and Maghrib throughout the month.'

So that's the first entry.  We're almost at the end of day 2 of the month and I'll try to post a little more about what's been happening soon, Insha'Allah.

Ramadan 2013

For a third year, I will be experiencing Ramadan without my family. I have the Brothers and Sisters in Cayman, though, Alhumdulillah.

Although I won't be able to have any of my Mum's cooking at sehri or iftar, or my sister's or sister-in-law's, we have arrangements here, Alhumdulillah. Yet, millions across the world don't have this comfort.

Millions across the world, whether it's Ramadan or not, go without. Often beyond the hours between dawn and sunset...often for days on end.

As Muslims, we know that Ramadan is about spiritual growth and awareness, but there are many layers to this, including an awareness of others and our responsibility to our fellow human beings, whether they are Muslim or non-Muslim. Often, though, as individuals, we shirk that responsibility, or, generally, allow others to shoulder it for us.

There are, of course, those of us who are more involved with those around us - those of us who, even in the other 11 months of the year, shoulder the (shared) responsibilities of helping those in need (I'm not one of them, unfortunately, so these words are first for me and then for those who choose to read) - and they increase their efforts during the Blessed Month.

As I've said before, one of the beautiful gifts bestowed on mankind is the art of cooking - when you take a moment to think about it...the awareness of which herbs and plants are edible, which enhance, which mask, and so on, it's truly a wonderous gift.  The variety of food, the intuitive fusion of flavours...they are a blessing many of us are able to share and indulge in.

They are, also, a blessing many of us are not able to share and indulge in, even in cities like London. 

There are those who survive on scavanged stale bread.  Or old and tangy rice.

Something.

Anything.

Just to keep going.

And we have a responsibility to each and every one of them - even if all one can give them is some left over roti and a smile...

So, as before, remember, 'fasting is bestowed on us...that we may attain taqwa', but this 'consciousness' is on multiple levels...so go beyond the physical.

Ramadan Mubarak

Ramadan outrage

Anger and outrage.

Most likely, that will end up being a common ‘theme’ when I post.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-19280339

We’re nearing the end of Ramadan and murders happen.  It makes me wonder if these murderers even took part in the Blessed Month.  Whether they had fasted and helped those they could help.

Perhaps, for them, the fast only resulted in hunger…

There are far too many misguided, ill-educated and misinformed people around, and not just with regards to the Sunni-Shia divide/differences.  The S-S differences, however, shed blood.  Lots of it.

A lot of what we’ve been seeing over the years is through various ‘leaders’ within Muslim communities inciting and encouraging such…animosity.

There’s no need for that.

Yes, we have our differences but at the base level (and on this numerous scholars agree) we’re Muslim.  Are there deviants out there?  Yes.  Are we ‘supposed’ to kill them?  Generally, no.  Why ‘generally’?  Well, if they’re creating mischief in the land, inciting, killing, etc, then the onus is on us to fight back; we, however, are not meant to oppress or transgress.

(I'm going to avoid a rant...for now...)

To Allah (swt) we belong and to Him we return.

A supplication to Allah (swt)

Oh Allah
 
Help me to speak words of truth in the face of adversity, to stand up for what is right and good and fight back against what is wrong and evil...
 
Help me to refrain from speaking or thinking ill of others, or to lie in order to gain the admiration of others...
 
Help me to be loyal and steadfast to those around me.
 
Oh Allah
 
Should You bless me by giving me wealth, do not take away my happiness...
 
Encourage my hands (and heart) to be open and giving and allow me to be a benefit to others, near and far.
 
And should You bless me by giving me strength and might, do not take away the wisdom You have graced me to have...
 
Permit me to help others shoulder their burdens and to be a good example, and draw me away from being oppressive or transgressing on the rights of others (because I know You do not love those who oppress or transgress).
 
Oh Allah
 
Should You give me success, great or small, do not take away my humility...
 
Shy me away from arrogance and open my eyes and heart to the plight of others, and use me as a source of comfort for them.
 
Oh Allah
 
Should You give me modesty and lower my gaze and soften my voice, do not take away my sense of dignity...
 
Help me uphold the dignity of those around me by hand and by mouth.
 
Oh Allah...
 
Help me to love others as I love myself; to want the best for those nearest and dearest to me and those around me.
 
And teach me to be firm and to judge myself as I judge others...
 
May any such judgment not be wanton and aggressive and be through understanding and based on righteousness (and not self-righteousness).
 
Oh Allah
 
Teach me that forgiveness is one of the greatest steps toward strength, and one of the greatest gifts You have given us...
 
(Allow me to follow the example of Prophet Muhammad (saw), who forgave those who were the cause of such torment - including forgiving those who had killed his beloved uncle and mutilated his body).
 
Oh Allah
 
Do not curse me with arrogance should I be successful, or fill me with despair and hopelessness should I fail. Permit me to be humble (and aware that all success is from You) yet willing to step up and use the gifts You have bestowed upon me in grateful and proper ways...
 
Oh Allah
 
Remind me always that failure is the trial that comes before success...
 
For both success and failure allow me to be aware of the fact that 'this time, too, shall pass'.
 
Oh Allah
 
Should You take away the wealth You have given me, allow me keep my hopefulness and trust in You...
 
And should I fail, please let me keep the power of determination...
 
Grant me steadfastness and perseverance that I may embrace any trials You put me through and do my utmost at working through them
 
And should You take away the blessing of good health, please permit me keep the blessing of faith that You have Graciously bestowed on me...
 
Please strengthen my Iman through adversity and comfort, and increase my appreciation and awareness of You.
 
Oh Allah...if I have harmed others, or ever do harm to others, give me the courage to swallow or cast away any pride and to apologise...
 
And if others harm me, then I beseech You to bless me with the strength and compassion to forgive them...
 
You have decreed that Your Mercy shall surpass Your Wrath, please allow me to be the same regardless of my impotence and minuteness compared to Your Majesty and Grandeur
 
And... should I, somehow, forget You and the blessings You have bestowed upon me and those around me... Ya Allah, I beg that You should not turn away from me and exclude me from Your great Compassion and Clemency, for You alone are the Greatest, the All Powerful. The Ruler, The Sustainer, The Nourisher, The Provider, The Guider, The Light on all things that were, are and ever will be.
 
Ameen.

After Ramadan...

For Muslims, one of the hopes of Ramadan is that they will be able to carry the drive and 'increase' they experienced through the blessed month forward into the year.  That they will:

- pray more;

- read the Qur'an more;

- learn more

That's all well and good, and commendable goals, but what about the other aspects of Ramadan?

- to reach out to those less fortunate?

- to provide food to those who would otherwise be hungry?

- to be a source of comfort (even if it's just momentary) to those in need?

These are also important (and fundamental) parts of Ramadan and being a Muslim, and are supposed to be a major aspect of our everyday lives.  For many of us, however, they only seem to be important at certain times of the year.

Many of us consider 'charity' to be 'giving some money or clothing I can spare'.  There are other ways of being charitable, the prime one being:

- volunteering a few hours of your time.

Instead of, for example, going to the cinema you could (schedule) to pop in to the local shelter and lend a hand.

You could help hand out food to impoverished children (London-folk, there are a lot of kids who are below the poverty line and don't get nutritious meals, especially during school holidays).

You could visit an elderly person.

Spend time with an ill person.

It doesn't have to 'cost' you anything other than a few hours of your time.

70,000 people volunteered to help out at the Olympics - imagine the change 70,000 people could make each week by merely giving 4 hours of their time...

Go beyond the physical

Ramadan’s almost here!

 

Alhumdulillah.

 

One of the beautiful gifts bestowed on mankind is the art of cooking (some call it a science, but, whatever ;) ).  It’s something which, generally speaking, is often overlooked.  Yes, we have dozens of cooking shows, celebrity chefs, awesome parents etc, but the blessing we’ve been given in being able to do the things with food, spices and so forth, is…well…beautiful.

 

Those of us who will be fasting for the month ahead should bear in mind (and spare a thought for, at the very least) those of the Family of Man whose stomachs stay empty for days on end.

 

All of us (and you can choose not to believe if you so wish, that’s up to you) will be brought to account on a number of things (including, but not limited to):

 

-         how we spent our time

-         how we spent our wealth

-         how we shared our knowledge

-         how we helped others

-         how we used our bodies

 

For Muslims, this month brings with it so many blessings that, for those of us who take the time to ponder, it’s awe-inspiring.  We can agree to disagree, but life in general is full of blessings (seen and unseen) that are, themselves, awesome when pondered, that the fact that Allah (swt) has magnified all that in the Blessed Month is just…breathtaking.

 

I know, I know – some will say I’m speaking in hyperbole.  Like I said earlier, you can choose not to believe if you so wish.

 

Hand in hand with belief, though, is action.  To take steps to promote positive change; to do things which enhance the lives of those around you; to be a good neighbour, friend, sibling, relative and so on.  Time and time again, Allah (swt) says: ‘Those who believe and do good deeds’…they go hand in hand.

 

I raise my hand and admit that I don’t do anywhere near as much as I should do – but I hope and pray that (Insha’Allah) I’ll be able to do more and, Insha’Allah, be able to encourage others.

 

Please try to make a difference for those around us who are in need.

 

Remember, ‘fasting is bestowed on us…that we may attain taqwa (God Consciousness/Awareness), so go beyond the physical.