The Moon and Eid

There is a debate among the Muslim community on just how to calculate the beginning of the month of Ramadan (or indeed any month, but Ramadan takes on special importance). The traditional methods mentioned in the Qur'an and followed by the Prophet Muhammad, is to look to the sky and visibly sight the slight crescent moon (hilal) that marks the beginning of the month. If one sees the hilal at night, the next day is the first day of Ramadan and thus the first day of fasting. At the end of the month, when the community sights the hilal again, the Festival of Fast-Breaking (EID_UL_FITR) begins.

Over the years, various scholars and communities have answered this question in different ways. The prevailing opinion is that one should commit to a local moon-sighting, i.e. begin and end Ramadan based on the sighting of the moon in your local vicinity. Astronomical calculations can help us predict when the moon should be visible, but Muslims still tend to follow the traditional method of looking at the sky themselves and physically "sighting" the moon. Thus, the exact day of the beginning of Ramadan is not generally known until the night before the fast begins, when the moon is actually sighted and confirmed.

There are many hadith available regarding the moon sighting of Ramadan the messenger of ALLHA PROPHET MOHAMAD (PBUH) said : (HADITH_No 2378 SAHIH MUSLIM) Whenever you sight the new moon (of the month of Ramadan) observe fast, and when you sight it (the new moon of Shawwal) break it, and if the sky is cloudy for you, then observe fast for thirty days.

In another hadith PROPHET said: (SAHIH MUSLIM HADITH_No 2379) Observe fast on sighting it (the new moon) and break (fast) on sighting it (the new moon), but if the sky is cloudy for you, then complete the number (of thirty).

Islam has taught us when to start the holy month and when to end it and celebrate Eid_ul_Fitr and we can find these teaching through different hadith and Quran.

30 Days of Ramadan

God has gifted the month in which all ‘shieatien’ evils are been captured and mercy of God is appears for every one Muslims called this month the month of Ramadan.

The month of Ramadan has 30 days some time 29 days it depends on the sighting of moon. Muslims all around the world start fasting when they see the Ramadan moon and stop when they see the moon of shawal and prepare them self for EID_UL_FITR.

The month of Ramadan is divided into three parts which has different aspects in Islamic point of view these parts are called ‘ASHRA’ the first ashra is called the ‘ASHRA of REHMAT’ the second one is called ‘ASHRA of MUKHFIRAT’ and the last one is known as ‘ASHRA DOZAKH SY NIJJAT’ all these there Ashars have importance in Islamic point of view and Muslims all around the world pray in each Ashra.

This is mandatory on every Muslims to pray five time a day whether it is Ramadan or any other month but there is some special prayers which are arranged by Muslims in Ramadan and this prayer is called ‘TARAWHI’ in this prayer Muslims all round the world stand in front of ALLHA at the end of ‘ESHA PRAYER’ this prayer consist of ’20 rakats’ in which Muslims read Quran and pray to God to forgive them.

Ulemah give importance to reading of the Quran in Ramadan and stay awake in the nights of Ramadan especially in the last ASHRA of Ramadan, to find out the night which is better than 1000 nights, this night is known as LYLA_TUL_QADAR. Prophet Mohammad has clear words regarding the night that Prophet said ‘ In the month of Ramadan there is a night which is better then 1000 of nights so people find the night and ask forgiveness from God’

Zakat

Zakat is the one of the fundamental pillar of Islam with out which a person can not called him or her self a Muslim. As every Muslim believes that every thing belongs to GOD and the wealth is just been to human as a trust to give it back in the way of GOD. The word Zakat means both 'purification' and 'growth' Zakat is the amount of money that every adult, mentally stable, free, and financially able Muslim, male and female, has to pay to support specific categories of people.

This category of people is defined in surah at-Taubah (9) verse 60: "The alms are only for the poor and the needy, and those who collect them and those whose hearts are to be reconciled, and to free the captives and the debtors, and for the cause of Allah, and (for) the wayfarers; a duty imposed by Allah. Allah is knower, Wise." (The Holy Qur'an 9:60).

It is agreed between Muslims in all the centuries the obligatory nature of paying Zakat for gold and silver, and from those the other kinds of currency, Islam has set some standard for paying ZAKAT which is defined by many Islamic scholars and Islamic ulemah with the guidance of hadith and Quran according to hadith and Quran Zakat is obligatory when a certain amount of money, called the nisab is reached or exceeded. Zakat is not obligatory if the amount owned is less than this nisab. The nisab (or minimum amount) of gold and golden currency is 20 mithqal, this is approximately 85 grams of pure gold. One mithqal is approximately 4.25 grams. The nisab of silver and silver currency is 200 dirhams, which is approximately 595 grams of pure silver. The nisab of other kinds of money and currency is to be scaled to that of gold, 85 grams of pure gold. This means that the nisab of money is the price of 85 grams of 999-type (pure) gold, on the day in which Zakat is paid. (Current Gold Prices)

Zakat is due on every adult Muslim after a time span of one lunar year passes with the money in the control of its owner. Then the owner needs to pay 2.5% (or 1/40) of the money as Zakat. (A lunar year is approximately 355 days).

Zakat_al_Fitr After Ramadan

Zakat al-Fitr is a small amount that Muslims are obliged to pay as charity at the end of Ramadan. Zakat al-Fitr is often referred to as Sadaqah al-Fitr (voluntary charity).

The word Fitr means the same as Iftaar, breaking a fast and it comes from the same root word as Futoor which means breakfast.

Thus, Islamically, Zakat al-Fitr is the name given to charity which is distributed at the end of the fast of Ramadan.

Zakat al-Fitr is compulsory on those who can afford it, and it is a sin not to give it.Fitr is dependent on the major item of food consumed by a person during the year.

These may be rice, wheat, barley, dates, etc. In weight Fitr should be three Kilograms per person. It is also permissible to pay cash to the value of three Kilograms food grains.

It is obligatory on the head of the family to give Fitr of all persons (including servants of both sexes of any cast or creed) that take food in his house.

The Mercy Of Allah

As we live in the world, there are many returns, that most of us have experienced such as: The return of missing Child or the finding of any thing precious, these are the moments of joy and happiness, but do we know what is the Greatest Return; the greatest return of all is, when a sinful person, who has disobeyed the sayings of Allah and continuous to sin in this world, sincerely decides to do ‘Tauba’ which literally means to return, to his creator the most merciful Allah, there can never be a happier moment in the world comparable to this.

Returns to Allah Ta’ala with sincerity brings the blessings and mercy, from the most powerful personality existing in the world. Due to his mercy, those previously known as the Faasiq(sinner), are now known as the Habibullah(the beloved of Allah). Their crying and sobbing, when begging for forgiveness, is more closer to Allah Ta'ala, than the recitation of tasbeeh of those who are busy glorifying Allah Ta'ala.

This return is more rewarding, when a person asks for forgiveness, in the holy month of Ramadan, the object of the holly month, is to truly return to Allah by abstaining, from all sin, adopting good deeds and transforming your life style as the teachings of Islam The Qur'an-al-Kareem declares: “O you who believe, fasting has been made mandatory upon you, just as it was prescribed upon those before you, so that you may acquire taqwa (piety)” (S2:183). Taqwa in a simple terms is, giving up every sin and performing good deeds and living ones life as the saying of the Prophet. Taqwa cannot be acquired without sincere Tauba, to have Taqwa one should do sincere Touba and promise to not commit further sins.

Ramadan the Month of Victory

All praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds. He who revealed in His Glorious Quran, “Oh you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those who came before you that you may keep your duty to your Lord (having taqwa),” 2:185.

Ramadan is the month in which ALLHA the almighty tests his creation by ensuring the ritual of fasting is carried out and gives them the opportunity to achieve his pleasure. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and his Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) passed through approximately nine Ramadans together after the Hijrah. They were filled with decisive events, that took place in Ramadan and left us a shining example of sacrifice and submission to Allah the Most exalted and High in the cause of making His Word the highest.

In Islamic history, there are many examples in which, momins are directed, to the way of islam and sacrifice their, life in the way of GOD, for instance the INCIDNT OF MASJID AL_DHIRAR, in which Muslims sacrificed their lives and took a stand, for the name of GOD.

In the first year after the Hijrah, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) sent Hamzah ibn Abdul Muttalib with thirty Muslim riders, to Saif al Bahr, to investigate three hundred riders from Quraish, who had camped auspiciously in that area. The Muslims were about to engage the disbelievers, but they were separated, by Majdy ibn Umar al-Juhany. The Hypocrites of Al-Madinah, hoping to oppose the unity of the Muslims, built their own masjid (called Masjid al-Dhirar). The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) ordered this masjid to be destroyed in Ramadan, after he returned from the ghazwah of Tabuk.

Another example, in which Muslims got victory, in the month of Ramadan, is the battle of BADAR, in which only 313 Muslims win against the army of thousands by the grace of GOD.

And indeed Allah assisted you at Badr when you were weak, so be observant to your duty to Allah, so that you may be of the thankful ones. When you said to the believers 'Does it not suffice you that your Lord should assist you with three thousand angels sent down." Surat Aali Imran 3:123 & 124

The battle of the BADAR was the first and the greatest battle of the world in which ALLHA ALMIGHTY, told his messenger (pbuh) that he will help Muslims with an army of thousands of angels, enabling Muslims to win against the big army.

Women And Islam

Islam is the religion of peace and mercy. In Islam men and women have the same rights, but some where Allha subhanutallh has gifted women with some extra rights. It should be understood that Islam is there, to bring ease to all aspects of our daily life. Allah grants special mercy for women, and requirements of worship are less hard for them than for men.

Women and men are exempt from fasting, during the time of traveling, (beyond fifty miles and a duration of more than one day) and during any illness, which is too severe to continue the fast, and if they are very old /or weak. Women, however, are further exempt from the fasting, if they are pregnant or are breast-feeding, unless fasting does not interrupt feeding schedules, nor creates a serious imbalance in the natural supply and quality of milk so as to disturb the baby. This exemption is again to facilitate women, as Allah intends the mother, should not have to undergo undue hardship.

A nursing mother cannot fast without the permission of the infant’s father, as she may be emotionally moved to observe fast, when doing so she may impair her health, or that of the baby. As the protector of the mother and child, the father is expected to be objective when taking his decision, not overly strict and not overly soft.

Women are also exempt from the fast of Ramadan during their monthly periods, a time when they are also given leave from performing the five times daily prayers. While some Muslims believe this state renders a woman unfit to pray or fast because she is “unclean”, the reality of the matter is that Allah subhana wa ta`ala in His Infinite Mercy has relieved women of their religious responsibilities during this period so that they may relax. During Ramadan and all other times throughout the year, part of the woman’s biological monthly cleansing process is that she not obstruct or collect the flow of unclean matter which issues from her womb, such as with the use of tampons, which is categorically haram (forbidden) and can cause severe toxic reactions in the body. A woman’s duty to fast in Ramadan resumes at the time when prayer becomes binding.

Women and men are each responsible for days of obligatory fasting which were not fulfilled. However, in the case of women who are aged and extremely weak or who suffer from long-term illness, Allah has allowed that their children may fast on their behalf to make up unfulfilled days of obligatory fasting. Under these circumstances the adult children make their intention to fast on behalf of the exempted parent, and each day of fasting must be observed independent from any other fasts.

For each day of obligatory fasting (in Ramadan) missed due to travel or temporary illness, both men and women must fast one day sometime before the next Ramadan. However, a pregnant woman or nursing mother who did not fast the entire month of Ramadan has been given the option to make up one day of fasting for one day missed (which is best), or she may feed two poor individuals for thirty days (sixty meals), or give sadaqah to the equivalent of sixty meals. Again, this option is intended to help women who are unable to make up an entire month of fasting, either due to illness, weakness, or because they are again pregnant or still nursing their baby, but who nevertheless need to make up missed days of fasting, which are a debt we are all held accountable for.

The days of the holy month of Ramadan

Ramadan is a month whose beginning is Mercy, whose middle is Forgiveness and whose end is "freedom from the fire."-Hadith of the Prophet (pbuh).

The first ten days of Ramadan is for mercy, we cannot be forgiven from the fire, unless we have the mercy of ALLHA, and to attain this mercy from ALLHA, we need to put some efforts. How can we expect to receive mercy, if we only deprive our bodies of food and drink? Of course not. So the holy month of Ramadan is the month to cleanse ourself, from the dirt of the world and stand in front of ALLHA, to ask the mercy.

Because Ramadan is meant for SPIRITUAL development through fasting. Physiologically, by fasting the body eliminates toxins efficiently and the mind becomes clear for "power thinking". ALLHA is looking for some sincere commitment from us, this is not just during Ramadan,but to be carried through out the year, we need to make a true commitment to GOD for his mercy.

The second 10 days of Ramadan is FORGIVENESS, we all must now beg to ALLHA for his mercy, because we all have broken so many of his rules and disobeyed him so many times, so this is the time to say ;istakwar; and ask him forgiveness. Ramadan is the month in which ALLHA forgives every one, even those who have committed several crimes, the mercy of ALLHA lays on them too.

The third and the last 10 days of Ramadan, are FREEDOM FROM THE FIRE, these are the last ten days of the holly month and these are the days in which Prophet was asked to find the night which is better than thousand nights, the night of ;LYLA_TU_QADAR; in which ALLHA himself asked his people, that is there anyone, who wants forgiveness and freedom from the fire, just imagine the creator of the world, the creator of human race asked this question from all his people and so all this came about, because of the spiritual and holly month of Ramadan, so don’t let this Ramadan pass, go ask for forgiveness and mercy in the month.

Taraweeh ( Prayer Of Ramadan)

There is no mention of Taraweeh in the Quran. These were initiated at the time of Allah's Messenger or of Hazrat Umar's. This is a question in history. The Shias and the sunnis have disagreement over it. Everyone is aware of these discussions and controversies. On the question whether the number of rak'ahs in Taraweeh is eight or twenty, there is a disagreement within the sunnis itself. And no one is unaware of these debates.

Islam is the name of the life for preserving a human being, within the boundary walls of the Quran. For this purpose, it is necessary that all humans (Muslims) must know, as to what are the boundary walls of the Quran and along with it, they must also get themselves, up for self-control. The month of Ramadan is the specific instrument for inculcating and substantiating each of these two matters: (i) what are the boundary walls of the Quran; and (ii) getting him/herself up for self-control. In the modern terminology, call it Training classes or a Refresher Course. Fasting makes humans get themselves up for leading striven-life through self-control. And its fixing is in this month, wherein the beginning of revelation of the Quran was initiated.

So it brings this stark fact to the fore-front. Special arrangements during this Training Course should be made for gushing forth the entire Quran to the striven-people, the Mujahideen so that they may fully comprehend, as to what the connection of "the sword and the Quran" is with each other; and That is how these two, "the sword and the Quran", became the instrument for safeguarding each other.

It appears that the Islamic system of the First Era was made, in order to bring the Quran, to the mind of the people, all at the same time and this method is now being performed, only to attain the reward of a virtuous act (Sawaab). It is because the way the Quran is recited now, during the Taraweeh, is neither understood by the Quran-conner, who causes others to hear it, as to what he had recited, nor do the disciples in the congregation comprehend as to what they have listened.

And it is obvious, that the way, the words of the Quran are repeated and heard without being understood, therefore, cannot make the exposition of the Quran understandable. And neither can it be known which design of life it carves for us. When the system of caliphate based on the precept of Nabuvva is established, its job will be to oversee, as to where the revamping is essential in our traditional mores and cores of life. It will then be the time, whence-fore the correct concept of "Sin and Sawaab" would come to the fore-view of the masses.

Fasting And Its History

Fasting is as old as the human race, All the major religions in the world, like Judaism, Christianity and Islam, expect their followers to fast in some form or another. It is believed that fasting has always been the same in all the major religions in the world but changes happened as time passed by and by the appearance of new sects in different religions.

The most common motives for fasting are religious ones. In a religious fast there are three primary purposes: self-control over the body and its appetites; focusing the mind on God or prayer; making sacrifice to God for offenses committed. The Western religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam have, from their inception, set aside certain times in the year for regular fasting observances.

Although the number of occasions on which fasting is practiced has tended to diminish over the centuries in all religions, most branches of Judaism still observe a Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) fast in the fall. Early Christianity developed a number of fasting periods: food was not eaten on Fridays in commemoration of the death of Jesus Christ.

Later a period of 40 fast days before Easter, called Lent, was set aside to allow Christians to meditate on the suffering of Jesus. In the 20th century the number of fast days has been dramatically reduced by the Roman Catholic church to two: Ash Wednesday and Good Friday the beginning and end of Lent.

The church formerly required abstinence from eating meat on most Fridays and certain other days, but this did not include any restriction on the amount of food eaten. Protestant churches generally leave fasting to individual choice. In Islam abstention from food and drink is required of all able Muslims from dawn until dusk each day of the month of Ramadan.

Concept Of Lail Tul Qadar

In Quran Allha Almighty said that "Their is night in the nights of Ramdan which is better then thousands of nights" and that night is described by the Name Laila Tul Qadar. According to this view "Lail tul Qadar" or "Shab Qadr" belongs to the transcendental world.

It is the most virtuous and the most reverend night of the year. Its complete detail has not even occurred in Hadith. However, according to this view, it is the Hadith through which it has been identified that it falls in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan: 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, the five nights.

The mind of great many religious scholars goes to the 27th night. It unfolds the open expediency of Sharia, that all the five nights and when it becomes a habit: all the ten nights be lived busy in striving for the Divine prayer, the invocation and the revamping of one's self.

Surely there would have been shower of special lightning and sparkling and a few of the pious men (Ahl-i-Dil) would have had the visibility of something through their material eyes.

Medical Benefits of Ramadan

There are many Muslims who fast in Ramadan, because it has been ordained in Quran to fast and they dont do for its medical benefits. The medical benefits of fasting are.

Fasting in general, has been used in medicine, for medical reasons, such as: weight management, for rest of the digestive tract and for lowering lipids. There are many adverse effects of total fasting, as well as so-called crash diets, but fasting in Ramadan or Islamic fasting is different, from such diet plans because in Ramadan fasting, there is no malnutrition or inadequate calorie intake. The caloric intake of Muslims during Ramadan is slightly below the national requirement guidelines. In addition fasting in Ramadan is voluntarily observed and is not a prescribed imposition from the physician.

Ramadan is a month of self-regulation and self-training, with the hope, that this training will last beyond the end of Ramadan. If the lessons learned during Ramadan, in terms of dietary intake or righteousness, are carried on after Ramadan, it is beneficial for one’s entire life. Moreover, the type of food taken during Ramadan does not have any selective criteria of crash diets such as,, those which are protein only or fruit only type diets. Everything that is permissible is taken in moderate quantities.

The only difference between Ramadan and total fasting is the timing of the food; during Ramadan, we basically miss lunch and take an early breakfast and do not eat until dusk. Abstinence from water during this period is not bad at all and in fact, it causes concentration of all fluids within the body, producing slight dehydration. The body has its own water conservation mechanism; in fact, it has been shown that slight dehydration and water conservation, at least in plant life, improves their longevity.

The physiological effect of fasting includes lowering of blood sugar, lowering of cholesterol and lowering of the systolic blood pressure. In fact, Ramadan fasting would be an ideal recommendation for treatment of mild to moderate, stable, non-insulin diabetes, obesity and essential hypertension. In 1994 the first International Congress on "Health and Ramadan," held in Casablanca, entered 50 research papers from all over the world, from Muslim and non-Muslim researchers who have done extensive studies on the medical ethics of fasting. While improvement in many medical conditions was noted; however, in no way did fasting worsen any patients’ health or baseline medical condition. On the contrary, patients who are suffering from severe diseases, whether diabetes or coronary artery disease, kidney stones, etc., are exempt from fasting and should not try to fast.

There are psychological effects of fasting as well. There is a peace and tranquility for those who fast during the month of Ramadan. Personal hostility is at a minimum, and the crime rate decreases. ... This psychological improvement could be related to better stabilization of blood glucose during fasting as hypoglycemia after eating, aggravates behavior changes. ... Similarly, recitation of the Quran not only produces a tranquility of heart and mind, but improves the memory also.

Ramadan and the Muslims

amadan is a month, in which Muslims, from all over the world observe fasting, as it is one of the pillars of Islam. In Islam fasting in Ramadan is mandatory, but one can also observe fasting in other months, like Rajab and Shabaan as, it is the time in which an individual's deeds are presented, before the holy month of Ramadan to the creator.

Fasting during other months, will also make a persons' body accustomed, to the physical and mental strain of fasting, during the entire month of Ramadan. Ramadan is not all about fasting, this month is very much there to thank God for all his blessings and to ask forgiveness from the creator of the world. As in Ramadan muslims fast, they also perform different types of prayers like Nawafil and tahajood. People start observing such prayers, just before Ramadan, so one can become used to standing, for the long periods of time in Ramadan and in Tarawee prayers.

Reading the, Quran is the best practice which, is mentioned by prophet Mohammad (pbuh), which is available in different kinds of Hadith, of him and even Written in the Quran. Muslims all over the world give importance to reading the Quran and it has great rewards, while reading the Quran in the holy month of Ramadan, which brings a person closer to ALLAH Subhana wa talla.

In the spiritual month of Ramadan is also about giving Sadaqah(charity), which is obligatory on everyone who can afford to, help others bringing the believer Closer to AllAH.

Controlling the tongue is most important, as backbiting is not encouraged in Ramadan or in any other month. (O ye who believe!...And do not speak ill of each other Behind their backs. Would any Of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? Nay ye would abhor it..But fear God: For God is Oft-Returning Most Merciful). Surat Al-Hujurat: Verse 12 . it is important in the month of Ramadan, to have positive feelings for one's relatives, in the holy month asking about them will be appreciated. Fasting teaches us patience, as anger must be controlled and tempers kept in check.

Ramadan and Unity

Islam is a complete region and Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) told us how to live a peace full life in the world. There are two things, on which we as muslims, should emphasis and should get knowledge of; one is peace and other is unity, both of these things are clearly indicated in the teachings of Islam, when talking about Ramadan, we need to understand and study the rules of Ramadan, according to the hadith of Prophet Mohammad (pbuh), Abu Hurayrah ( radiyallaahu ’anhu ) related that the Prophet ( sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam ) said: "Fast when they fast, end the fast when they end theirs, and sacrifice the day that thy sacrifice. " [2]

Islamic scholars explained, this hadeeth by its sayings, Its meaning to fast and end the fast along with the Jamaa'ah and the majority of people." This hadeeth is a proof of the Prophet (pbuh) emphasizing on unity, in Ramadan and the celebrating of the EID festive, with all other muslims. This custom is very important in establishing the ’Eid festive, and that every individual, who believes,in the revelence of this day, of ’Eid - based on the sighting of the moon. - It is then obligatory upon every muslim, to be in agreement with his or her fellow muslim and that the ruling of the people - concerning the Prayer, breaking the fast, and sacrificing - is binding upon that individual."

Another Islamic scholar, explained its meaning as It is said: In it is a refutation, of those scholars, whom say that whosoever, knows the positions of the moon sighting, is due to astronomical calculations, it is then permissible, for him to fast and end the fast, even if others do not know. It is also said: 'that the individual witness who sees the moon, but the qaadee (judge) has not accepted his testimony, and then there is no fasting for him, just as there is no fasting for the people." By the hadith and its meaning, which has been explained by different scholars, we can say that Islam is emphasizes on doing ‘MASHWARA’ or sitting together and solving the problem, this is how Ramadan the holy month, shows the unity in order to fast or to celebrate the Eid festive, which are the two most important occasions for Muslims.

Ramadan The Month of Patience

Ramadan, how important this month is in the life of Muslims, we can have an idea by the saying of Prophet on the last day of Shahban "O people there comes over you now a great month, a most blessed month in which lies a night more greater in virtue than a thousand months. It is a month in which Allah has made Fasting compulsory by day. And has made sunnah the Taraweeh by night. Whosoever intends drawing near to Allah by performing any virtuous deed, for such person shall be the reward like the one who had performed a fardh in any other time. And whoever performs a fardh, shall be blessed with the reward of seventy faraa-idh in any other time."

So based on this specific hadith of Prophet (pbuh) on the importance of Ramadan we can say that Ramadan is the month in which people should stay patient and calm, where as the true reward of this patience will be given in the shape of Jannah (paradise). This is the month in which the Rizq of true believers is increased by the grace of Allah, who ever feeds the one that fasts will gain lots of rewards in terms of Allah's happiness.

Regarding this a person asked the Prophet(pbuh) , "O messenger of Allah, not all of us possess the means whereby we can give a fasting person to break his fast." And the messenger(pbuh) Replied to him "Allah grants the same reward to the one who gives a fasting person to break the fast a mere date, or a drink of water, or a sip of milk."

The month of Ramadan is divided in three categories The first of which brings Allah's mercy, the middle of which brings His forgiveness and the last of which brings emancipation from the fire of Jahan-nam."

Sehri aur Iftaar

What is Sehri?

Dawn (Sehr) means ‘secrecy’, ‘concealment’ and ‘hidden’, which is why it is called ‘Sehr’ – because it is hidden. Dawn is also called this because the light of that time of the morning is hidden by the darkness of the night.

Crying and Beseeching at the Time of Sehri

Allah Ta’ala has stated in the Holy Qur’an,

“…those who seek forgiveness in the latter part of the night.” (Surah Aal e Imran, Verse 17)

Some commentators state that this verse refers to those people who perform the Tahajjud Prayer, while others state that it refers to those who wake up early and seek forgiveness. Due to the fact that there is a lack of worldly noise at that time, the heart is peaceful, Allah Ta’ala’s Mercy descends at that time, and that is why it is better to seek forgiveness and repent at that time. Seeking forgiveness and repenting at that time has always been the practice of the pious bondmen of Allah Ta’ala. Due to daily work and business, we do not have the time to wake up every morning to seek forgiveness and repent. However, in the month of Ramadhan, we awake early every morning for Sehri and we should, at a minimum, perform at least two Rak’ats voluntary Prayers and prostrate in the Court of the Lord. We should then seek forgiveness and join those who are seeking forgiveness at the time of Sehri.

9 Sayings of Rasulullah Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam

(1) “Eat sahari because it is blessed (food).” (Sahih Bukhari, V1, P633, Hadith 1923)

(2) The difference between us and the people of the book (Ahl al-Kitab) lies in sehri.” (Sahih Muslim, P552, Hadith 1096)

(3) “Allah azwajal and His Angels send mercy upon the people who eat sahari.” (Sahih ibn Habban, V5, P194, Hadith 3458)

(4) When Beloved Rasulullah Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam used to call one of his companions to eat sahari with him he would say, “Come (and) eat the blessed food”. (Sunan Abi Dawood, V2, P442, Hadith 2344)

(5) “Eat sahari to gain strength for fast and take rest (siesta) in the afternoon to gain strength for worshipping at night.” (Sunan Ibne- Maja, V2, P321, Hadith 1693)

(6) Sahari is a blessing that Allah azwajal has granted you (therefore) do not leave it.” (Suna-nul-Kubra-Nasai, V2, P79, Hadith 2472)

(7) There are three people who Insha-Allah azwajal will not be held accountable (for what they eat) no matter how much they eat, if the food is Halal: (a) A fasting person at the time of Iftar, (b) The one who eats at sahari and (c) A warrior that protects the Islamic border in the path of Allah azwajal. (At’targheeb Wat’tarheeb, V2, P90, Hadith 9)

(8) Sahari is full of blessings, so do not miss it even if you drink just a sip of water. Allah azwajal and His angels send mercy upon the people who do sahari. (Musnad Imam Ahmad, V4, P88, Hadith 11396)

This is why our prophet Rasulullah Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam called it a “blessed breakfast”.

(9) Sayyiduna Irbaad bin Saariyah Radiallaho Anhu narrated that once The Rasulullah Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam called him to eat sahari with him during the month of Ramadan saying: “Come for a blessed breakfast”. (Sunan Abi Dawood, V2, P442, Hadith 2344)

Eating Sahari with Dates and Water is Sunnah

Sayyiduna Anas bin Malik Radiallaho Anhu said that Rasulullah Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam used to say to me at the time of sahari, “I intend to fast, give me something to eat”, so I used to give him some dates and water in a cup. (Suna-nul-Kubra-Nasai, V2, P80, Hadith 2477)

Dates are a Great Sahari

We learnt that eating sahari is a sunnah and doing sahari with dates and water is another sunnah. Our Dear prophet Rasulullah Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam has also encouraged us to eat dates for sahari. Sayyiduna Saa’ib bin Yazeed Radiallaho Anhu narrates that

Beloved Prophet Rasulullah Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam said:

“Dates are an excellent sahari” (At’targheeb Wat’tarheeb, V2, P90, Hadith 12)

He Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam also said

“For a believer dates are a great sahari” (Sunan Abi Dawood, V2, P443, Hadith 2345)

Intention (Niyyah) for Fasting

The intention of heart (willingness in heart) is, in fact, a valid intention. Verbal pronunciation is not a condition but it is preferable. If you make the intention for a Ramadan fast at night, then say:

“Nawaytu An Asooma Ghadal Lillahi Ta’ala Min Shahri Ramadhani Haadhaa.”

(I make intention to Fast tomorrow for the sake of Allah Ta’ala in this month of Ramadhan).

If you make the intention in the morning (before midday) then say:

“Nawaytu An Asooma Haadhaal yoma Lillahi Ta’ala Min Faradi Ramadhan.”(I have intended to fast today as a compulsory fast for the sake of Allah azwajal) (Rad-dul-Muhtaar, V2, P332)

The Fajr Azan is for the Salah, Not for the Fast

Sahari must not be delayed to the extent that the time of dawn seems to be starting, some people keep eating even after dawn during the Azan saying (Listen! The sound of that Masjid’s Azan is still coming) and if they do not eat (just before the Azan) they at least drink water to “close their fasts” (despite the Azan having begun). This doesn’t “close” the fast, in fact it leaves the fast “completely open” and makes it invalid; such people will gain nothing except bearing thirst and hunger the whole day. “Closing the fast” has nothing to do with the Fajr Azan. It is absolutely vital that you stop eating before the break of dawn (as the previous verse stated).

Meaning of Iftaari

Iftaar has either come from the word ‘Fitrat’ which means ‘habit’. In this sense, it means that it is called Iftaar because, after Iftaar, a person has permission to eat, drink and perform other duties that are his habit, which he is not able to do whilst he is Fasting.

Or Iftaar comes from the word ‘Fatrat’ which means ‘to split’ or ‘to have a hole’. In this sense, it means that two Fasts are split or separated by the Iftaar.

The Rasulullah Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam has said “The supplications of three types of people are never rejected: a Fasting person at the time of Iftaar, a just ruler, and an oppressed person.” (Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah)

Iftaar and the Sunnah of Rasool Allah

The Sunnah is that Iftaar should be hastened in that as soon as it is time for Iftaar, it should not be delayed and should be done immediately. In one Hadith, Rasool Allah Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam stated that when the night arrives and the day leaves and the sun disappears completely, a Fasting person should do Iftaari.

In another Hadith, Rasool Allah Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam said, “The religion will remain victorious as long as people hasten to do Iftaari because the Jews and Christians delay in doing Iftaari.” (Ibn Majah). In yet another Hadith, Rasool Allah Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam said, “Allah Ta’ala states that ‘The most beloved of My slave to Me is he who hastens in doing Iftaari.’” (Tirmidhi Shareef)

What Iftaari Should Be Done With?

Hazrat Salman bin ‘Aamir Radiallaho Ta’ala ‘Anhu narrates that Rasool Allah Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam said, “If anyone of you is Fasting, let him open his Fast with dates or dry dates. In case he does not have them, then with water. Verily water is a purifier.” (Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah)

Supplication After Iftaar

After opening the Fast, recite this supplication:

“Allahumma Laka Sumtu Wa Bika Aamantu Wa ‘Alaika

Tawakkaltu Wa ‘Alaa Rizqika Aftartu Fataqabbal Minnee.”

(O Allah! I Fasted for You and believe in You and Trust You. I have opened my Fast with what You have granted so therefore accept it from me)

One well known Du’a to be recited after Iftar has already been mentioned, here is another one:

“Allahumma Laka Sumtu Wa ‘Alaa Rizqika Aftartu”(Ya Allah azwajal I fasted for You and did Iftar with Your given sustenance.

(Sunan Abi Dawood, V2, P447, Hadith 2358)

Excellence of Arranging Iftaar for Others

Nisaa’i and Ibn Khuzaimah report on the authority of Zaid bin Khalid Radiallaho Ta’ala ‘Anhu, who narrated that, “The person who arranges for a Fasting person to open their Fast, or ties up the armour for an Islamic soldier also receives the same reward as those who performed that worship.” (Nisaa’i Shareef)

Another Hadith states: If anyone gets a fasting Muslim to drink water, Allah azwajal will make him drink water from my pool (Haud) and he will not feel thirst till he enters Heaven. (Sahih ibn Khuzaimah, V3, P192, Hadith 1887)

Precautions for Iftar

It is better to do iftar with one or half date then clean your mouth properly and say salah with complete jama'at. These days people eat fruits, pakoras etc. in the Masjid and join jama'at without cleaning their mouths properly, whereas there shouldn’t be a single bit of food or taste in the mouth (when offering salah).

Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam said: “Nothing is more troublesome for Kiraman Katibeen (the two angels that record deeds) than seeing their companion offering salah in such a condition that something is stuck between his teeth.” (Tabarani Kabeer, V4, P177, Hadith 4061)

All We Worry about Is Eating!

Dear fasting Muslims! Congratulations to you all! There's a gladtiding that you will be given whatever you ask for at the time of Iftar, but unfortunately, our present situation is very sad. At the time of Iftar we face a very severe test because we usually have a great variety of fruits, kebabs, samosas, pakoras, and drinks in front of us; weakened by thirst and hunger; as soon as the sun sets we “attack” the food and completely forget to pray. Many of us even miss Rakats of the Maghrib-Jamat due to eating extravagantly, and some are so lazy that Allah azwajal forbid they miss the whole jamat and pray Maghrib at home! Oh seekers of Heaven! Do not be so negligent! Offering salah with the Jamat has been stressed greatly by Shariah. Always remember! It is a sin to miss the jamat of salah without a valid reason.

It is usually hard for people who do Iftar in the Masjid to clean their mouths properly because if they try to do so they may well lose jama'at or at least some raka'at. It is suggested to do iftar with just a date or two and some water, move the water properly inside your mouth so that the sweetness and bits of the date are washed away into your stomach. If necessary, use a tooth pick. If there's no time to clean mouth properly, then it's safer to do iftar with water only.

Ramadhan ul Mubarak and Night Prayers (Taraweeh)

Allah Ta’ala’s Beloved Prophet Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam has stated that, “Ramadhan is the month of my followers.” One way in which this Hadith has been explained is that ‘Allah Ta’ala has given this month to my followers so that they can worship extensively in this month and obtain the Pleasure of the Lord. They can Fast during the day, perform voluntary prayers in the night, recite the Holy Qur’an, spend their wealth in the path of Allah Ta’ala, help the poor, needy and helpless and become deserving of the Mercy of Allah Ta’ala.’

Due to the fact that is it difficult to do all the things mentioned above all year long, that is why Allah Ta’ala granted one month in which Muslims can focus all their attention towards worshipping Him.

Just as the other worships hold an exalted position, similarly the excellences of Taraweeh prayers have been mentioned extensively in the Ahadith and the fact that Rasool Allah Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam performed it continuously is also reported. Read the following carefully and prepare yourselves to perform this exalted worship regularly.

Meaning of Taraweeh

The word ‘Taraweeh’ is the plural of the word ‘Tarweehatun’, which means ‘to rest for a while’. Due to the fact that we are ordered to sit after each four Rak’ats for the same length of time that it takes to pray those four Rak’ats, it is called ‘Taraweeh’.

The Habit of Rasool Allah Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam

The performing of Taraweeh is proven from Rasool Allah Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam , as is narrated by Hazrat Ibn ‘Abbas Radiallaho Ta’ala ‘Anhuma, who reports that, “Rasool Allah Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam used to perform 20 Rak’ats Taraweeh in Ramadhan.” (Musannif Ibn Abi Shaiba, Vol 2, Page 394)

Punctuality of the Companions in Praying Taraweeh

Taraweeh used to be performed during the time of Rasool Allah Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam but it was not arranged in the manner in which it is arranged nowadays. It was started during the rule of Hazrat ‘Umar bin Khattab Radiallaho Ta’ala ‘Anhu and the tradition is still present amongst Muslims. Hazrat ‘Abdur Rehman bin ‘Abd Qari Radiallaho Ta’ala ‘Anhu states that, “I went to the Masjid in Ramadhan with Hazrat ‘Umar bin Khattab Radiallaho Ta’ala ‘Anhu, and people were performing prayers separately. Hazrat ‘Umar Radiallaho Ta’ala ‘Anhu said, ‘By Allah! I think that if I gather all these people together and they perform prayers together behind one Qari, then it will be better.’ Then he gathered everyone behind Hazrat Abi bin Ka’ab Radiallaho Ta’ala ‘Anhu and one night saw everyone praying behind Hazrat Abi bin Ka’ab Radiallaho Ta’ala ‘Anhu. Upon seeing this Hazrat ‘Umar Radiallaho Ta’ala ‘Anhu said, ‘This is a good innovation,’ and people used to pray Taraweeh as soon as it was time.”

Rules of Taraweeh

* Offering Taraweeh salah is a Sunnat-e-Mu’akkadah (emphatic sunnah) for every sane, mature and adult Islamic brother and sister. (Ad-Dur-rul-Mukhtaar, V2, P493) Missing taraweeh is not permissible.

* The Jama’at of taraweeh is a Sunnat Mu’akkadah ‘alal Kifayah. If all the people miss it they all will be considered to have committed an isaa’at (disliked act). If a few people say it with jama’at then those offering alone will not be able to get the reward of Jama’at. (Hidayah, V1, P70)

* The time for the taraweeh salah begins after the farz of Isha and ends at dawn (Subh-e-Sadiq). If it is offered before the farz of Isha then it will not be valid. (Alamgiri, V1, P115)

* Taraweeh can be offered even after the farz and witr of Isha as well. (Ad-Dur-rul-Mukhtaar, V2, P494) This sometimes happens on the 29th (of Sha’ban) in case of delay in acquiring the evidence of the moon’s appearance.

* It is mustahab (preferable) to delay the taraweeh until one third (1/3) part of the night has passed. There is no harm in offering Taraweeh even after the second half of the night. (Ad-Dur-rul-Mukhtaar, V2, P495)

* If missed, there is no qada (repetition) for the taraweeh salah. (Ad-Dur-rul-Mukhtaar, V2, P494)

Rak’ats in Taraweeh

20 Rak’ats Taraweeh have been performed from the time of the Blessed Companions Ridwanullahi ‘Alaihim Ajma’een. It is reported in countless Ahadith that the Companions used to perform 20 Rak’ats of Taraweeh prayers, and we are presenting some Ahadith in relation to this.

Yazid bin Rooman reports that during the time of Hazrat ‘Umar bin Khattab Radiallaho Ta’ala ‘Anhu, people used to perform 23 Rak’ats (including ‘Isha Witr prayer). In a similar manner, Ibn Nasar reports on the authority of Sa’ib that in Ramadhan, the Companions used to stand for 20 Rak’ats, and during the time of Hazrat ‘Umar Radiallaho Ta’ala ‘Anhu people used to lean on their sticks (due to the length of standing).

Another narration from some of the companions of Hazrat ‘Ali Radiallaho Ta’ala ‘Anhu states that Hazrat ‘Ali Radiallaho Ta’ala ‘Anhu used to lead 20 Rak’ats of Taraweeh prayer and 3 Rak’ats of Witr prayer in Ramadhan.

As well as the above mentioned Ahadith, there are many others which give evidence that Taraweeh prayer consists of 20 Rak’ats.

Excellence of Taraweeh

Hazrat Abu Hurairah Radiallaho Ta’ala ‘Anhu narrates that Rasool Allah Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam said, “The person who stands and performs prayer in Ramadhan with faith has his previous sins forgiven.”

‘Allama Noowi Rehmatullahe Ta’ala ‘Alaihi states that ‘standing in Ramadhan’ means Taraweeh prayers and all the Scholars of the Nation are united on the belief that it is better (Mustahab) to perform Taraweeh prayers. In the above mentioned Hadith, Rasool Allah Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam has stated that performing Taraweeh is the means to have sins forgiven, because Taraweeh is a voluntary prayer and Allah Ta’ala has said, “No doubt, good deeds obliterate evil deeds.” We commit many sins unknowingly and Allah Ta’ala’s Beloved Prophet Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam has given us an excellent way to have our sins forgiven. It is our responsibility in this case to arrange Taraweeh prayers in the month of Ramadhan and have our sins forgiven. However, one thing that must be kept in mind is that the sins that are mentioned in the above Hadith refers to small sins being forgiven or it refers to a reduction in the large sins, because large sins are only forgiven by sincere repentance, or by intercession, or by the Supreme Grace of Allah Ta’ala. I supplicate in the Court of Allah Ta’ala that He grants us the guidance to worship abundantly in the month of Ramadhan.

Completing the Qur’an in Taraweeh

It is better to complete the Qur’an at least once in Taraweeh during the month of Ramadhan ul Mubarak. The punctuality and insistence of the Companions of this has been reported in various narrations. Hazrat Hasan has reported that, “The person who is leading the Taraweeh prayers should make it easy on the followers. If he recites slowly, he should complete one Qur’an; if he recites at an intermediate speed, he should complete one and a half Qur’an’s; and if he recites at a fast pace, he should complete two Qur’an’s in Ramadhan.”

The above narration proves that at least one Qur’an should be completed in Taraweeh prayers. In another similar narration, Hazrat Abu ‘Uthman narrates that Hazrat ‘Umar Radiallaho Ta’ala ‘Anhu would appoint three people to lead Taraweeh prayers in Ramadhan. The one who used to recite the fastest was ordered to recite 30 verses in each Rak’at; the one who recited at an intermediate speed was ordered to recite 25 verses, and the one who recited slowly was ordered to recite 20 verses in each Rak’at. Therefore, we should also complete at least one Qur’an in Taraweeh prayers and if Allah Ta’ala gives us the guidance, we should complete one and a half or two Qur’an’s. May Allah Ta’ala

guide us all towards this, Aameen.

Reason for the Name Ramadhan

Five Letters of the Word ‘Ramadhan’

Our pious predecessors have stated that there are five (Arabic) letters in the word ‘Ramadhan’ – Raa is the Pleasure (Raza) of Allah Ta’ala; Meem is the Forgiveness (Magfirat) of Allah Ta’ala; Duaad is the Security (Zamanat) of Allah Ta’ala; Alif is the Love (Ulfat) of Allah Ta’ala; and Noon is the Beneficence or Bounty (Nawaal) of Allah Ta’ala. Therefore, the person who worships in the month of Ramadhan, becomes deserving of all these.

Reason for the Name Ramadhan

‘Ramadhan’ is from the root ‘Ramadh’, which means ‘to burn’. Commentators have stated some reasons for this month being given the name ‘Ramadhan’:

1. It is called ‘Ramadhan’ because, as a result of hunger and thirst in this month, the body becomes weak and burns.

2. Fasting burns and destroys sins.

3. When it was time for this month to be named, it was extremely hot and that is why it was called ‘Ramadhan’, just as when it was time for the months of Rabi ul Awwal and Rabi uth Thaani to be named, it was spring time.

4. ‘Ramadhan’ is one of the names of Allah Ta’ala and therefore, it should not simply be called ‘Ramadhan’, but the word ‘month’ should be added before it (Shehr e Ramadhan) – meaning ‘Allah Ta’ala’s month’, just as it is reported: “Do not say Ramadhan has come and Ramadhan has departed, rather say that the month of Ramadhan has arrived, the month of Ramadan has departed.”

The Four Names of Ramadan-ul-Mubarak

Mufti Ahmad Yaar Khan rehmatullah alaih says in his commentary on the Qur’an Tafseer-e-Na’eemi, “In total, there are four names for this auspicious month:

(1) Ramadan,

(2) The month of patience (sabr),

(3) The month of sympathy (mu’asat) and

(4) The month of increase in sustenance (wus’at-erizq).”

He rehmatullah alaih further writes, “Fast is patience (sabr), and its reward is Allah azwajal, and it (fast) is kept in this month, therefore, it is called the month of patience. Mu’asat means “treating others well”.

This month is called the month of sympathy because the reward for behaving well (and sympathising) with Muslims, especially relatives, is increased. In this month the sustenance is increased and even poor people enjoy the bounties of Allah azwajal, therefore, it is called the month of increased sustenance.” (Tafseer-e-Na’eemi, V2, P208)

Excellence of Ramadhan Over Other Months

The excellence of the month of Ramadhan over other months is on the basis of a number of points:

* It is stated in the Holy Qur’an that there are 12 months in a year, and it is also stated that four of these months are holy months. However, only the month of Ramadhan is specifically mentioned by name in the Holy Qur’an, no other month is mentioned by its name. Allah Ta’ala states, “The month of Ramadhan in which the Qur’an was sent down…” (Surah Baqarah, Verse 185)

* The blessed Ka’ba calls the Muslims towards it and distributes its bounties but this month comes to us and distributes them. It is as if the Ka’ba is a well and Ramadan is a river, or the former is a river and the latter is rain.

* The Holy Qur’an was revealed in the blessed month of Ramadhan, as the aforementioned verse states.

* The Night of Power (Shab e Qadr) is in this month; worship in this night is better than the worship of 1000 months.

* In Ramadan, prayers are answered at the time of Iftar and Sahari, this privilege has not been granted to any other month.

* In other months, there are specific times stipulated for worship, but in this month, every second of every day is considered worship for those who are Fasting.

* The rewards for good deeds are multiplied from 10 to 700 times more in this month.

* Voluntary worships (Nafl) are rewarded like compulsory (Fardh) worships, and compulsory worships are rewarded the same as 70 compulsory worships.

* Allah Ta’ala pays special attention towards His slaves in this month.

* The doors of Paradise are opened in this month.

* The doors of Hell are closed.

* The doors of the Heavens are opened and the supplications of the slaves are easily able to reach the door of Acceptance.

* The pages that were revealed to Hazrat Ibrahim ‘Alaihis Salaam were revealed on the 1st of this month.

* The Old Testament (Taurah) was revealed on the 6th of this month.

* The Bible (Injeel) was revealed on the 13th of this month.

* The Holy Qur’an was revealed on the 24th of this month.

* The Leader of the Ladies of Paradise, Hazrat Sayyedah Fatimah Zahra Radiallaho Ta’ala ‘Anha passed away on the 3rd of this month.

* Mother of Believers, Hazrat ‘Aisha Siddiqua Radiallaho Ta’ala ‘Anha passed away on the 17th of this month.

* The Battle of Badr took place on the 17th of this month.

* The Conquest of Makkah happened on the 20th of this month.

* The Lion of Allah Ta’ala, Hazrat ‘Ali Radiallaho Ta’ala ‘Anhu was martyred on the 21st of this month.

RAMADHAN DUAS (21st To 30th Ramadhan )

Allah - beginning with the name of - the Most Gracious Merciful, the Most Merciful.

Sallallahu alan-Nabiyyil Sallallahu alaihi wasallam Salatan- wasalamanalaika Ya Rasoolallah.

Assalaamualycum Wa Rehamtullahe Wa Barkathu.

On 21st day of Ramadhan)O Allah, on this day, show me the way to win Your pleasure, do not let Shaytanhave a means over me, make Paradise an abode and a resting place for me, O the One who fulfillsthe requests of the needy.

On 22nd day of Ramadhan) O Allah, on this day, open for me the doors of Your Grace, send down on me its blessings, help me towards the causes of Your mercy, and give me a place in the comforts of Paradise, O the one who answers the call of the distressed.

On 23rd day of Ramadhan) O Allah, on this day, wash away my sins, purify me from all flaws, examine my heart with (for) the piety of the hearts, O One who overlooks the shortcomings of the sinners.

On 24th day of Ramadhan) O Allah, on thiday of day, I ask You for what pleases You, and I seek refuge in You from what displeases You, I ask You to grant me the opportunity to obey You and not disobey You, O One who is generous with those who ask.

On 25th day of Ramadhan) O Allah, on this day, make me among those who love Your friends, and hate Your enemies, following the way of Your last Prophet, O the Guardian of the hearts of the Prophets.

On 26th day of Ramadhan) O Allah, on this day, make my efforts worthy of appreciation, and my sins forgiven, my deeds accepted, my flaws concealed, O the best of those who hear.

On27th day of Ramadhan) O Allah, on this day, bestow on me the blessings of LaylatulQadr, change my affairs from (being) difficult to (being) easy, acceptmy apologies, and decrease for me [my] sins and burdens, O the Compassionate with His righteous servants.

On 28th day of Ramadhan) O Allah, on this day, grant me a share in its nawafil(recommended prayers), honorme by attending to my problems, make closer the means to approach You, from all the means, O One who is not preoccupied by the requests of the beseechers.

On 29th day of Ramadhan) O Allah, on this day, cover me with Your mercy, grant me in it success and protection, purify my heart from the darkness of false accusations, O the Merciful to His believing servants.

On 30th day of Ramadhan) O Allah, on this day, make my fasts worthy of appreciation and acceptance, according to what pleases You, and pleases the Messenger, the branches being strengthened by the roots, for thesake of our leader, Muhammad, and his purified family. Praise beto Allah, the Lord of the worlds.

Recite this in Laila-tul-Qadr - Hazrat Ali RadiALLAHu Anhu

Ameer-ul-Momineen, Hazrat Sayyiduna Ali Karamallahu ta'ala wajhul Karim said: “Whoever recites Surah Qadr 7 times in Laila-tul-Qadr, Allah shall protect him from every calamity and 70,000 angels pray that he enters Heaven. And whoever recites it three times on Friday (any Friday of the year) before the Friday prayer Allah Ta'ala shall write as many deeds for him as the number of people offering salah that day is. (Nuzha-tul-Majalis V::1 P::223)

Lailat-ul-Qadr - The night of Power

In this night (27th of Ramadan), the Holy Quran was sent down from LOH-E-MEHFOOZ (the Preserved Tablet) to the earth. Messenger of ALLAH (Blessings of Allah and peace be on him) told us to search for Shab-e-Qadr in the odd numbered nights, in the last ten days of Ramzan. So, the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or 29th night of Ramadan could be Shab-e-Qadr.

Hazrat Aisha Radiallah Anha stated that Rasool Allah peace be upon him said, "Look for Lailat-Ul-Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadhan." (Bukhari)

Hazrat Aisha Radiallah Anha stated that as much Rasool Allah peace be upon him tried (Ibadat) in the last Ashra (ten days) of Ramadhan, did not try in any of the Ashra." (Muslim)

Hazrat Aisha Radiallah Anha stated that I asked Rasool Allah peace be upon him, "If I find Lailatul Qadar then what should I do? HE peace be upon him said, recite this Dua."ALLAH HUMMA INNAKA A’FUVUN TOHIB BUL AFVA FA’AFU ANNI" (Tirmidhi)

Dear visitors, please take advantage of this night, from sunset till sunrise. Offer nawafil (prayers), recite QUR'AAN, do repent (Istaghfar), and Pray for pardon, recite many many Salawat (Darood Sharif & Salaam) and make benediction (Dua'as).