“and whatsoever you spend of anything (in Allah’s Cause), He will replace it. And He is the Best of providers” [Saba’ 34:39]

Ebrahim Moosa – Cii Broadcasting (07-08-12)

What would you do if you had the opportunity to enjoy a 3 month summer vacation annually? How would you spend your time – a foreign holiday, perhaps? Lots of partying and relaxing, certainly. Maybe some vacation work or volunteering?

For residents of the Gaza Strip in Palestine, the options are notably different. Crippled by an occupation lasting over 4 decades and a concurrent siege that has been in place since 2006, citizens of what is often referred to as the world’s largest open-air prison, find little room for manouver. Travel outside the territory is severely restricted and opportunities for wholesome recreation within the sliver are limited. Added to that, residents have to cope with one of the worst unemployment rates globally. Still, Gazans – in their characteristically resilient way – continue to find innovative and uplifting means to compensate for their lack of choices.

Since 2009, in the wake of Israel’s brutal assault on Gaza, Islamic organisations, complemented by the Strip’s Waqf Ministry, have devised an enterprising annual programme to draw youth closer to the Masaajid and guide them towards fruitful use of the summer vacation period. At the forefront of these initiatives is Dar al Quraan Was Sunnah, a distinguished Islamic institute headed by Dr. Abdul Rahman al Jamal, also a member of Gaza’s Legislative Council.

4 years ago it oversaw the first ever co-ordinated Hifz Memorisation programme at Gaza’s Masaajid during its’ summer vacation. The mission: Attempting to get youth between the ages of 8 and 25 to memorise the entire Quraan in those 12 weeks. What began as a pilot project catering only for high performing students quickly outgrew itself when it was discovered that the majority of students had actually memorised the entire Quraan within the short period and found the process to be less strenuous than originally perceived. Dr. Jamal said the results had surpassed his wildest expectations.

In its second year, the programme was expanded to accommodate 1000 youth, the majority of whom again managed to memorise the entire Quraan within the period. A year later, exhibiting unprecedented growth, Gaza Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh – himself a Haafiz – presided over the graduation ceremony which crowned over 10 000 Palestinian youth as Huffaaz or memorisers of the Quraan after the vacation.

The sheer number of graduates in such a brief period of time has had many marvelling at the secret formula for such record-breaking success. Mahmud Abu Shamala, an English teacher in Gaza and graduate of the programme told Cii it all boiled down to dedication and hard work. “I know it sounds very challenging for the people in South Africa and the West, but there is an Arab poet who said, ‘If you have a goal you’d like to achieve, you have to destoy every obstacle in order to achieve that.’ ” He outlined the rigorous 6-8 hour regimen of memorisation that participants undergo during the weeks of the programme.

“The day begins with Fajr Prayer,” he explained. “Thereafter participants come together in circles of Zikr, Salaah and Dua. Everyone in then placed individually. Each student is encouraged to memorise the Quraan page by page.” He said participants were required to recite the Quraan back to their superiors each time they had completed the memorisation of a new page. “Some memorise 5-10 pages daily, others can manage upto 50 pages for the day.”

After Zuhr prayers, lunch is served. Thereafter students undertake a revision of the entire days Quraan learning. A new day with the programme typically begins with recitation of whatever had been learnt beforehand, after which the permission is given to proceed further.

The duration for memorisation of the complete Quraan varies according to the abilities of students. Students, some as young as 10 years are known to have completed the Hifz in just 40 days. Abu Shamala paid tribute to one handicapped orphan who he said epitomised the determination some Gazan youth had to complete the memorisation. “I remember there was a child called Iyad, an orphan who was so dedicated that he arrived at the Masjid at 2am daily, 2 hours before the programme formally began. He literally used to open the Masjid.” Shamala said Iyad had consistently memorised 3-4 Juz daily, completing his Hifz in only 20 days.

Commenting on the annual uptake of the programme, Shamala said the organisers were very pleased. “Allah Ta’alah is trying to help us, because it’s growing and it’s moving. Every time there is progress.” However, the socio-economic situation in Gaza, resulting from the siege, continued to pose challenges for the organisers. “Wallahi sometimes they have no lunch, sometimes they have no tea, sometimes they have nothing. But Alhamdulillah, Allah is teaching us that not everything happen with money, but everything is by determination and Tawfeeq from Allah,” he said.

Palestinian girls learn the Quran at a summer camp in the Gaza Strip

The Ash Shafee Programme(named after the honour that a Hafidh will be afforded on the Day of Judgement) caters for both males and females. Shamala says the majority of mosques in Gaza have adopted the programme. He pointed out that, for the organisers, even complete Hifz was not taken as the culmination of the programme. “Qualifying as a Hafidh does not neccesary imply completion of the As Shafee programme. The organisers at Darul Quraan run a lot of additional courses for the memorisers of the Quraan – a course in Tajweed, a course in Hadith, a course in Arabic language, a course in computer skills. Most successful students are grafted into so-called Sanad schools where they spend two years in pursuit of a Sanad that links back to Muhammed SAW.”

Aside from the stated goals of keeping youth occupied during the lengthy summer vacation and assisting them to memorise the Quraan, the overall objectives of the project are much higher – a fact that has even secured Ash Shafee governmental support. Organisers cite the Divine Promise to protect the Quraan as the rationale for the active promotion of the project(“We Ourselves have revealed the Quraan and We are its Protectors” – Quraan 15:9). They reason that since Divine protection is guaranteed for the Quraan, safety would likewise be guaranteed for those who memorise the Quraan, and thus are endeavoring to increase the popularity of Hifz in the Strip for it to serve as a bulwark against Israeli aggression.

Shamala says Gazans attribute the phenomenal success of the programme only to Allah. “Here in Gaza, to be honest with you, we believe what makes us steadfast in conflict and prevents us from being vanquished is Allah, what makes us victorious in the war and siege is Allah, what is making us memorise the Quraan is Allah SWT.”

“All the people of Gaza believe, the government believes, that Allah is making the memorising of Quraan easy for us because Allah is preparing us for a very big thing.”

ebmoosa@ciibroadcasting.com

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Indeed, those who devour the property of orphans unjustly are only consuming into their bellies fire. And they will be burned in a Blaze.

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) said, “The five (daily) Salat (prayers) and the Friday (prayer) to the Friday (prayer) expiate whatever (minor sins) may be committed in between, so long as major sins are avoided.”
[Muslim].

If you disbelieve – indeed, Allah is Free from need of you. And He does not approve for His servants disbelief. And if you are grateful, He approves it for you; and no bearer of burdens will bear the burden of another. Then to your Lord is your return, and He will inform you about what you used to do. Indeed, He is Knowing of that within the breasts.(39:7)

The Portuguese forward and one of the worlds best players has raised the money from the sale of his Golden Boot trough his club’s charity foundation. which will dedicate the funds to schools in Gaza following an auction.

The Arabic site of the club’s network has revealed this information.

The money of selling the Golden Booth which Cristiano Ronaldo has earned in 2011 and gave away will be dedicated for the funds to schools in Gaza.

Rumour or not,we will know soon much more,but still,this is not the first time that Cristiano Ronaldo donating the Palestine Chlidren.

According to various reports, Foundation of Real Madrid until now has helped to build 167 schools in 66 countries.

Last year on November 20th of 2011 at an auction of Real Madrid Foundation which was dedicated to raise funds to schools in Gaza,Ronaldo has sold the most of his sports shoes.

READ FULL ARTICLE

Hadith from Muslim:
Al-Bara’ (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Whenever we performed Salat behind the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him), we liked to be on his right side so that his face might turn towards us (at the end of the Salah). One day, I heard Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) supplicating, “O my Rubb! Shield me from Your Torment on the Day when You will gather (or said, `resurrect’) Your slaves.”
[Muslim].

1. Hope: At this critical juncture when war is the buzz word of the War Mongers, many Muslims are left in despair and in a state of hopelessness. It may seem that the death of millions of innocents is now inevitable, but we must continue to strive our utmost to defend them and to spread the truth about this immoral war. Above all, we must remember that Allah Most High has control over all things and can provide help in ways we do not even understand. Not even the ‘greatest’ superpower can overpower Him! No falsehood is to remain forever. No oppression is to remain forever. After hardship comes ease. The bitter reality of the Muslim nation will come to an end, and tomorrow will be definitely better than today. We should have HOPE in the ALL encompassing MERCY and HELP of Allah Most High under all circumstances, whether it be in victory, defeat, happiness or sadness.
2. Remember Allah:  Sayyiduna Ibn Abbas (Allah be pleased with him) reported that : “ I was (once) behind the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) when he said to me: ‘O son ! I shall inform of a few things: Remember Allah, and He will protect you. Remember Allah, and you will find Him close to you. When you have to ask for something, ask of Allah Most High. When you require aid, seek His aid. Believe firmly that if all the creation desires to benefit you in anything, they can never benefit you, but, that which Allah has decreed for you. If they ALL unite to harm you, they will not be able to harm you in anything, but that which Allah has decreed for you.” (Tirmizi)
3. Supplication (dua):  Dua is the weapon of a believer. Make ernest, sincere supplication (dua). Try to shed tears and beg Allah Most High to alleviate the suffering of the Muslims in Palestina, Syria and other places where Muslims are oppressed, not forgetting to make supplication (dua) for the brave ” Children “. Beg Allah Most High with sincerity. (like a child begging his mother). Also, conscientise the family and the children at home to also make supplication (dua).
4. Voluntary Prayer: Even if one is not a regular performer of night vigil (tahajjud) prayer; at least for the sake of the lives of the innocents; get up at the time of night vigil (tahajjud) and perform two rakaats of prayer; contemplate on the sufferings, that the Ummah is facing today; beg Allah Most High for His Divine Help and assistance. Shed some tears; Ask for Forgiveness and help for the Abstention from sin and for Allah Most High’s Divine Solution.
5. Participate:  in Peace Rallies and Anti -war campaigns: keeping in mind the Shariah injunctions , reading salaah on time, of good character, proper conduct, hijab, peace etc.
6. Charity (Sadaqah): Give some charity (sadaqah) on behalf of the Muslims in Palestine, Syria; on behalf of the orphans; the widows; the martyrs and those that are the victims of oppression. This charity may even be a loaf of bread or bottle of milk to a needy person in your area.
7. Fast: Keep a voluntary fast on any day of one’s choice. At the time of breaking one’s fast ;Beg Almighty Allah Most High, to alleviate the sufferings of the Muslim Ummah in Palestine, Syria,  and other parts of the world where Muslims are unjustly being oppressed.
8. Relief and Financial Aid: The lives; homes and infra-structure of the people of Palestine, Syria have been devastated over the last 12-15 years. Assist by aiding financially to a legitimate Relief agency in your area. Spare ourselves from over indulgences and financially aid our Brothers and sisters in this hour of need.
9. Make News outlets Aware: Keep a vigilant eye on the news outlets; magazines etc. and respond timeously to their bias comments and views. Participate in phone-in sessions on the Radio. If one is unable to do so; make those who are able to do so; aware of such comments; articles etc. so that timeous responses are made. Forward pertinent and relevant articles you come across to the International and local media outlets.
10. Qunoot-e-Naazilah: The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him) encouraged the Ummah to read this supplication (dua) at the time of distress and calamity. Encourage family members to recite this supplication (dua) daily; as well as our local ulama to recite in the Fajr prayer; preferably. We may learn or get a copy of the Supplication (dua)-e-Naazila from our local Ulama; and may recite it; even as a Supplication (dua) outside prayer if we are unable to read it in prayer.

READ FULL ARTICLE @  1000gooddeeds.com

Except those who repent and mend their ways and hold fast to Allah and devote their faith exclusively to Allah. Such shall be numbered with the believers and Allah will certainly bestow on the believers a great reward. [4:146]

If anyone desires immediate benefits (of this life), We hasten to grant whatever benefits We will in the present life to whomsoever We please, but thereafter We decree for him Hell wherein he shall burn, condemned and rejected.
But he who desires the Hereafter and strives for it in the manner he should, and is a true believer, his striving will come to fruition. [17:18-19]

Alhumdulillah Allah has Blessed Us with another Jummah.
Lets try to Act on some of these Actions InshaAllah.
1- Have a Bath
2- Clip your Nails
3- Wear Clean or New Clothes
4- Apply Itr
5- Use the Miswak
6- Try to walk to the Masjid for Salaah
7- Read Surah Kahf
8- Attend the Jummah Salaah
9- Listen to the Jummah Khutbah

The catastrophe became eminent in 1924
The might of Islam’s Khilafah was no more
The world cornered the Muslims after depleting our core
They took out their militaries and came knocking on our doors
They then began to invade our countries from every shore
They taught us nationalism, tribalism and our unity was out the door
They made us pledge to useless flags and brought their kufr to our lands
They showed us their culture and we became instant fans
We abandoned our religion and so Allah abandoned us
We broke our deal with Allah within our mutual trust
We were supposed to remain obedient and in Allah place our trust
But we fell into sins and were betrayed by our lust
Allah sent us a Messenger who taught us success:
To aim for Jannah and love this dunya much less
But we took the blessings of honor and power for granted
So when we strayed from Islam, a wake-up call we were handed
The troops of the devil in our nations quickly landed
To colonize the Muslims, with their kufr so candid
But we still didn’t learn and so soon we became related
They were far from Allah and Islam is what they hated
We, too loved this Dunya, and our Iman had long faded
We didn’t realize that the gates of Jannah are gated
Earning Jannah means putting desires to the side
If we expect the gates of Paradise to open for us wide
But since we abandoned Allah and forgot our religion
Allah says Be and so He carries out His decision
The worst amongst us were made to lead us
But they, too were oppressors and didn’t even feed us
Allah withdrew our Khilafah and woke us up to a reality
That our success is with Allah and not with ethnic principalities
That we need to put our ethnicities and worldly love to the side
And hold firmly to the rope of Allah, not swimming with the tide
Our return to success as an Ummah resides
In following the Prophets’ and Sahaba’s lives
In learning about and adhering sternly to the Qur’an and the Sunnah
And implementing Allah’s laws collectively as an Ummah
To rise back to the top, we must return to our Deen
Beginning with our own individual beings
Then move onto our families, communites, and nations
Establishing with Allah the best of relations
So let’s invest in the Aakhira instead of over-enjoying life
And be prepared for this means considerable strife
The hatred from the mouths of the kuffar continues to emanate
The time is for Jihad, and Salam to the Believers who participate
Allah’s Messenger, Sal-Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam said
That the Kuffar would attack and Muslim blood would be shed
Because we’re obsessed with the Dunya and abandoned Jihad
That we love this life and would hate to be dead
And until we return to our Deen, this condition remains
That we stand humiliated until we rethink our aims
We are here to establish Islam on this Earth
So by the Will of Allah, let’s give Islam a rebirth!