And do not pursue that of which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the heart – about all those [one] will be questioned.(17:36)

“Alms (Zakat) are for the poor and the needy, and those employed to administer the (funds); for those whose hearts have been (recently) reconciled (to Truth); for those in bondage and in debt; in the cause of Allah; and for the wayfarer: (thus is it) ordained by Allah, and Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom.” (Surah Al Tawbah 9:60)

One of the five pillars of Islam, Zakat is a purification for one’s wealth, freeing one from the love of possessions by encouraging humility and discipline. An essential principle of Islam is that everything belongs to Allah. We do not own our wealth, but have been entrusted with worldly possessions by Him.

Zakat means ‘purification’ and ‘growth’; possessions are purified by setting aside a portion for those in need, and like the pruning of plants, this cutting back encourages new growth.

The annual payment of zakat is different to any charitable gifts given out of kindness or generosity, otherwise known as sadaqah. Zakat is a mandatory religious obligation and forms the systematic giving of 2.5% of one’s net wealth each year, benefitting targeted recipients on a sustained basis.

From the Quranic verses ordaining zakat, eight classes of recipients have been identified by the scholars. As Ramadan approaches, we need to organise ourselves to reach out and distribute support to the eight beneficiaries of zakat.

• The Masakeen – translated as ‘the destitute’, these are people who do not have anything, and who are in need of asking others for food, clothing and shelter.

The Fuqaraa – translated as the ‘poor’ or ‘needy’.

• Fuqaraa – translated as the ‘poor’ or ‘needy’, these people have some money, but not sufficient for their everyday needs. The elderly are often amongst the ‘fuqaraa’. The Prophet Muhammad said “He is not one of us who does not show tenderness to the young and who does not show respect to the elder.” (At-Tirmidhi). It is a sad fact that the elderly tend to be neglected in today’s society. According to recent research, older people are among the most excluded and materially worse off.

• Amil’ Zakah – these are the alms collectors, people who the authority employs to collect zakat. The authority gives them a fee for their work, which includes collecting, recording, guarding, dividing and distributing zakat.

• Fi sabi ‘Lillah – this means ‘in the path of Allah’ and pertains to anyone struggling for a righteous cause, including expenditure towards the promotion of Islam and for all charitable purposes.

• Gharimun – these are the debtors, people burdened by debts because of personal needs or social necessity. These people should be given zakat if they do not have enough money beyond their basic needs to repay debts. Help should also provided to those who may have landed themselves in debt as a result of social obligations such as supporting an orphan or renovating a school.

• Ibn as’Sabil – traditionally, the wayfarers are travellers stranded in a foreign land in need of money. These people can receive zakat, if the purpose for travelling is lawful. Wayfarers can today be interpreted as refugees or displaced people.

• Riqab – the riqab are people in bondage or slavery. Zakat can be used to buy the freedom of such a person. Many people living in poor countries suffer from economic slavery at the hands of local landlords, rich industrialists, and multinational corporations that exploit natural and human resources.

• Mu’Allaf – translated as ‘those who have inclined towards Islam’.  Zakat can be used to attract the hearts of those who have inclined towards Islam. It includes those who have just become Muslim, or those whose circumstances are so desperate they fear turning to crime if they are not helped.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Do they not reflect on themselves? Allah created the heavens and the earth and whatever lies between them in Truth and for an appointed term. Yet many people deny that they will meet their Lord. [30:8]

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
When the earth is shaken with its [final] earthquake
And the earth discharges its burdens
And man says, “What is [wrong] with it?” –
That Day, it will report its news
Because your Lord has commanded it.
That Day, the people will depart separated [into categories] to be shown [the result of] their deeds.
So whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it,
And whoever does an atom’s weight of evil will see it.(99:1-8)

And Moosa prayed, “Our Lord! You have given Firaun and his chiefs adornment and wealth in the life of this world, our Lord, that they may lead astray from Your path; our Lord! Destroy their riches and harden their hearts so that they may not accept faith until they witness the painful punishment.”[Yunus 10:88]

In The Name of Allah The Most Gracious The Most Merciful.
May the peace and blessing of Allah be upon his last and final messenger.
asalamu alaykum (peace be upon you)

Tawbah is to repent from ones previous sins and to start fresh by changing whatever bad they used to do and trying to adhere to the law of Allah subhaanahu wa ta’aala. When a person makes a proper tawbah and Allah excepts their tawbah, that tawbah will eliminate all their previous sins and so they have a clean slate to start over on.

Quranic verses concering tawbah:

Surah 39 Ayah 53
Say: “O my Servants who have transgressed against their souls! Despair not of the Mercy of Allah. for Allah forgives all sins: for He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

Surah 19 Ayah 60
Except those who repent and believe, and work righteousness: for these will enter the Garden and will not be wronged in the least,-

Surah 25 Ayah 70
Unless he repents, believes, and works righteous deeds, for Allah will change the evil of such persons into good, and Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful,

Surah 66 Ayah 8
O ye who believe! Turn to Allah with sincere repentance In the hope that your Lord will remove from you your ills and admit you to Gardens beneath which Rivers flow,- the Day that Allah will not permit to be humiliated the Prophet and those who believe with him. Their Light will run forward before them and by their right hands, while they say, “Our Lord! Perfect our Light for us, and grant us Forgiveness: for Thou hast power over all things.”

a collections hadeeths adressing tawbah and forgiveness.

Abu Musa Ash’ari Radiyallahu ‘anhu has narrated that the Holy Prophet Sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam said:
verily Allah the Almighty spreads open His arms of forgiveness every morning so the one who disobeyed Him during the day can repent to Him, and spreads open His arms of forgiveness throughout the night so the one who disobeyed Him in the day can seek His forgiveness and repent to Him and this will continue untill the day the sun rises from the west.
(Muslim)

Umar bin Al Khattaab Radiyallahu ‘anhu has narrated that the Holy Prophet Sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam said:
Verily Allah the Almighty will accept the repentance of his servants right until the last moments of his death
(Tirmidhi)

Abu Hurayrah Radiyallahu ‘anhu has narrated that the Holy Prophet Sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam said:
The one who repents prior to the rising of the sun from the west Allah will accept his forgiveness.
(Muslim)

Anas bin Malik Radiyallahu ‘anhu has narrated that the Holy Prophet Sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam said:
Allah becomes even more happier when you repent to him than the happiness of one of you who is in a barren land and he has all his belongings on a conveyance and he loses it, he becomes despondent at finding it and waits for death to overcome him, to his utter amazement he finds it in front of him, due to excessive happiness and joy as a result of finding his conveyance with all his belongings, as a slip of the tongue he utters Oh Allah, I’m your Lord and You are my servant, one can imagine how happy he must be, Allah Subhânahù wa Ta’âlâ when the lost servant finds his direction and repents to Allah Subhânahù wa Ta’âlâ, Allah becomes even more Happier.
(Bukhari, Muslim)

In the Name of Allah The Most Gracious The Most merciful
May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon His last and final messenger.
Asalamu alaykum (peace be upon you)

Who are those Whom Allah subhaanahu wa ta’aala loves.We need not to turn to other than the Holy Qur’an. Allah mentions those Whom he loves in the Qur’an clearly and so we should try to be like them.Many times Allah subhaanahu wa ta’aala also mentions how they will be rewarded in the hereafter.

3:146
“But they never lost heart if they met with disaster in Allah’s way, nor did they weaken (in will) nor give in. And Allah Loves those who are firm and steadfast.”

Surah 2 Ayah 195
“And spend of your substance in the cause of Allah, and make not your own hands contribute to (your) destruction; but do good; for Allah loveth those who do good.”

Surah 3 Ayah 76
“Nay.- Those that keep their plighted faith and act aright,-verily Allah loves those who act aright.”

Surah 5 Ayah 42
“If thou judge, judge in equity between them. For Allah loveth those who judge in equity.”

Surah 2 Ayah 222
“For Allah loves those who turn to Him constantly and He loves those who keep themselves pure and clean.”

A beautiful lecture by Sheikh Mohamed Elshinawy.
The Promise of Allah
Enjoy.

Allah has promised the Muslim men and Muslim women, Gardens beneath which rivers flow – they will abide in it forever – and pure dwellings in Gardens of everlasting stay; and the greatest (reward) is Allah’s pleasure; this is the supreme success. [Taubah 9:72]

Fasting is for a fixed number of days, and if one of you be sick, or if one of you be on a journey, you will fast the same number of other days later on. For those who are capable of fasting (but still do not fast) there is a redemption: feeding a needy man for each day missed. Whoever voluntarily does more good than is required, will find it better for him; and that you should fast is better for you, if you only know. [2:184]

Have those who disbelieved not considered that the heavens and the earth were a joined entity, and We separated them and made from water every living thing? Then will they not believe? (21:30)

It has been said that everything 8 Easy Steps to Recite the Entire Qur’an this Ramadan has a beloved & that the month of Ramadan has a beloved, too: The Glorious Qur’an. And so for the duration of this month, Muslims worldwide honour Ramadan’s beloved and aspire to complete the recitation of the Qur’an.

In this article you’ll learn how you too can work towards achieving this noble goal, insha’Allah.

Step 1: Establishing an intention

Our beloved Messenger ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) taught us – through his words & actions – the importance of one’s intent or purpose. Establishing one’s intention is an effective catalyst for implementation. Once your intention has been established, remember to renew it often. Whilst reciting and even upon completion of the Qur’an, recall your intention and renew it, thus ensuring that it is constantly purified & you are seeking His Divine Acceptance, inshaAllah.

Step 2: Don’t be overwhelmed

For some, as much as they aspire to complete the recitation of the Qur’an during Ramadan, they are overwhelmed by the number of pages or the length of some Surahs. Remove ‘I can’t’ from your vocabulary and eliminate negative thinking, for the believer puts their trust in Allah, matched by striving with their actions. Remind yourself that you are (if Allah wills) fully capable of achieving your Qur’anic aspirations, whether it be completing Qur’an 1 or 5 times. This second point is key. Put your heart into this accomplishment & reap the rewards throughout, inshaAllah.

Step: 3 Plan ahead

Prior to commencing with your recitation it’s important to plan around your routine and block out time for your Qur’an goal e.g. your work hours, rest hours & any other commitments which you may have. Structure a realistic plan of how to complete the recitation of Qur’an within the month by dividing each Juzz up per day. Draw up this personal plan, review it constantly, and put it into action!

As you put your plan to paper, consider past Ramadans and; ask yourself if there have been instances where you were unable to complete Qur’anic recitation. Reflect over why and how this occurred. Is there a different mechanism that you could put into place? How could you enhance your daily Qur’an routine if these distractions were dealt with?

Take the first opportunity that comes, to begin your Qur’anic quest. So when the moon is sighted & the announcement has been made for the 1st Salaatul-Taraweeh, begin in earnest, with Surah Al-Fatiha, Surah Al-Baqarah etc.

Step 4: Understand the Qur’an

Read the translation of the Juzz you will be reciting daily. Having a basic knowledge of the theme, topic, message & meaning of what you are reciting makes the recitation of the Qur’an an incredibly uplifting experience that you do not want to miss out on!

Step 5: Find Qur’an Buddies and Compete in Good

Develop close bonds with brothers/sisters who are known for their attachment to the Qur’an. They’ll be your spiritual friends. Engage a Qur’an Buddy in your noble Qur’an productivity goals. Request that they remind you to fulfil your goals and spiritual aspirations so they can help you in times of slacking.

In life, we compete with many materialistic goals and race one another, but what about following the footsteps of the best of generations that had come before us in a competition this Ramadan? In striving and competing with our friends and colleagues towards our noble goals, in a good-natured way, we can motivate ourselves to finish our Qur’an goal.

One of the common aspects which deter a Muslim from completing this task is excessive communication. Often, many of us spend too much unnecessary time surfing the net, chatting, texting, etc… . Reduce this even by a third and you will see, feel and witness the blessings in your time, inshaAllah.

Step 6: Seize the Moment

A deeply inspiring story in ‘lessons from the waiting room’ – where a mother; who has taken her unwell child to the hospital; waits for the doctor to see to her child. She notices a young Muslim who uses his time in the waiting room, in a most effective & spiritually rewarding way, reciting from a pocket-sized Quran. Lesson to be taken here: Invest in a pocket-sized Qur’an and make it your best friend this Ramadan. Seize every opportunity and moment to be with Allah subḥānahu wa ta’āla (glorified and exalted be He) (glorified and exalted be He) through your recitation.

One of the best times at which to recite Qur’an, is after Suhoor. Having partaken from the Sunnah meal, and within an hour or two still to go before work or school, this is the ideal jump start to your day. The Prophet ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) asked Allah subḥānahu wa ta’āla (glorified and exalted be He) (glorified and exalted be He) to bless our Ummah in the early hours, and you will also be more likely to memorise ayahs at this time. Research shows that morning study creates better performance in students so don’t miss the morning recitation!

Time Tip: Salah Followed by Qur’an.

Consider the following option that has worked well for numerous people in past Ramadans. Try reciting 6 – 8 pages of Qur’an (depending on the Mus-haf that you are using) after each of your 5 daily salah. Add Qiyaamul-Layl as a 6th addition, and you will reach the end of Ramadan, having completed your Qur’an recitation with ease & perhaps, even before the last 5 days of Ramadan so long as you remain committed.

Time Tip: Recite before going to sleep.

Allah subḥānahu wa ta’āla (glorified and exalted be He) (glorified and exalted be He) says: “Indeed, the hours of the night are more effective for concurrence [of heart and tongue] and more suitable for words” [73:6]. Reciting during the day is also beneficial, however the night time recitation is easier as well during Ramadan as there are less distractions and noise.

Step 7: Remain steadfast and consistent

The key to any success is consistency. Once you’ve mapped your plan, stick to it. Remind yourself of the greatness of this month, of the opportunities that it provides for your spiritual growth and your relationship with the Qur’an. Don’t be willing to compromise it in this month.

Step 8: Make dua’a to Allah subḥānahu wa ta’āla (glorified and exalted be He) (glorified and exalted be He)

Nothing can be achieved without the aid and guidance of Allah subḥānahu wa ta’āla (glorified and exalted be He) (glorified and exalted be He). When making your intention to complete your memorisation of Qur’an, supplicate to Allah subḥānahu wa ta’āla (glorified and exalted be He) (glorified and exalted be He) to ease this noble pathway and to crown your efforts with success, inshaAllah.

These are the 8 ways I wanted to share with you on starting and completing your journey through recitation of the Qur’an this Ramadan. Indeed, Allah subḥānahu wa ta’āla (glorified and exalted be He) (glorified and exalted be He) says in Surah Al-Baqarah: “This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah.’’ In the hours of the days and nights of this sacred month, may the Qur’an be your companion of light and guidance, resonating through your words, actions and life mission. May your relationship with the Qur’an be strengthened, enriched & enlivened with the profound wisdom and divine message from Allah subḥānahu wa ta’āla (glorified and exalted be He) (glorified and exalted be He).

ARTICLE: PRODUCTIVE MUSLIM

A very beneficial Hadith reported on authority of Salman Al-Farsi RA on a sermon which the Prophet Muhammad SAW gave the day before Ramadan.

The Qur’an mentions only 25 prophets by name, including Zakariyah(A S), the father of Yahya (John the Baptist). Muslims, believe that many prophets were sent to mankind to spread the message of Allaah, including many not mentioned in the Qur’an.

General Description of Zakariyah (A S)

The years had taken their toll on the Prophet Zakariyah (A S) . He was now old and bent with age, in his nineties. Despite his feebleness, he went to the Mosque daily to deliver his sermons.

Zakariyah (A S) was not a rich man, but he was always ready to help those in need. His one disappointment in life was that he had no children, for his wife was barren. This worried him, for he feared there was no one after him to carry out his work. The people needed a strong leader, for if they were left on their own, they would move away from Allaah’s teachings and change the Holy Laws to suit themselves.

Zakariyah Talks to Maryam (‘Alayha Salaam)

Almighty Allaah chose Prophet Zakariyah (A S) as a prophet to the Children of Israel to guide them to believe in Allaah and worship Him alone. That was after false beliefs had spread amongst them and after they had neglected Allaah’s religion which He revealed to Prophet Moosa (A S) (Moses).

This took place years before the birth of Prophet ‘Eesaa(A S) (Jesus) the son of Maryam (‘Alayha Salaam). At that time, there was a pious man, called ‘Imraan, from the Children of Israel who was famous for his knowledge, piety, and virtue.

‘Imraan had a kind and pious wife. When she felt that she had become pregnant, she vowed that she would dedicate the baby that was in her womb for the service of Almighty Allaah and the service of the sacred mosque in Jerusalem and be totally devoted for this throughout his life. When she delivered her baby, she said, “My Lord! I have delivered a female child, and the male is not like the female. I have named her Maryam (‘Alayha Salaam) (Mary), and I seek refuge with You to guard her and for her offspring from Satan, the outcast.” After that, and when Maryam (‘Alayha Salaam) became a little older, her mother took her to Jerusalem to fulfill her vow.

It was necessary that one of the rabbis from among the pious clergymen who dwelt in the Mosque should care for Maryam (‘Alayha Salaam), in order to bring her up, properly cultivate her and attend to her needs.

The rabbis competed with one another each trying to take Maryam (‘Alayha Salaam) the daughter of the glorious scholar (‘Imraan), under his care. The most ambitious among them was Prophet Zakariyah(A S), who was the husband of her elder sister and the worthiest to take care of and cultivate her.

They agreed to draw lots so as to choose the one who would be the girl’s guardian. As the lot came up in his name, Prophet Zakariyah (A S), was very happy. He designated a special place for her in the mosque that no one but her was allowed to enter and raised her well and took care of her. She used to worship Almighty Allaah and glorify Him day and night so much so that she set an example of piety, goodness, and true deep faith. Moreover, Allaah honored her with special super natural events that indicated how much He privileged her and how high her rank was.
During one of his visits to the Mosque, he went to check on Maryam (‘Alayha Salaam), who was living in a secluded room of the Mosque. He was surprised to find fresh out-of-season fruit in her room. Besides him, no one had entry to her room. When he inquired, she told him that the fruit was from Allaah. She found it every morning. But why was he so surprised, she asked him. Did he not know that Allaah provides without measure for whom He wills?

This noble girl had opened his eyes to a startling idea. Could he not ask his Lord to bless him with a child in his old age? Even if his wife was past child-bearing age, nothing was impossible for his Gracious Lord!

Zakariyah Asks for a Son – Qur’anic

Allaah the Almighty revealed: ‘Kaf, Ha, Ya, Ain, Sad, These letters are one of the miracles of the Qur’an, and none but Allaah (Alone) knows their meanings. (This is) a mention of the Mercy of your Lord to His slave Zechariah. When he called out his Lord (Allaah) – a call in secret, saying: ‘My Lord! Indeed my bones have grown feeble, and grey hair has spread on my head, and I have never been unblest in my in vocation to You, 0 my Lord! And Verily! I fear my relatives after me, since my wife is barren. So give me from Yourself an heir, – who shall inherit me, and inherit (also) the posterity of Jacob (inheritance of the religious knowledge and Prophethood, not the wealth, etc.) And make him, my Lord, one with whom You are Well-pleased!”

(Allaah said): “0 Zakariah! Verily, We give you the glad tidings of a son. His name will be Yahya. We have given that name to none before (him).”

He said: ‘My Lord! How can I have a son, when my wife is barren, and I have reached the extreme old age.”

He said: “So (it will be). Your Lord says, It is easy for Me. Certainly I have created you before, when you had been nothing.”

(Zakariah) said: ‘My Lord! Appoint for me a sign.”

He said: ‘Your sign is that you shall not speak unto mankind for three nights, though having no bodily defect.”

Then he came out to his people from Al-Mihrab (a praying place or a private room, etc.), he told them by signs to glorify Allaah ‘s Praises in the morning and in the afternoon.

(It was said to his son): “0 Yahya! Hold fast to the Scripture (The Torah).” And We gave him wisdom while yet a child, and (made him) sympathetic to men as a mercy (or a grant) from Us, and pure from sins (i.e. Yahya(John)) and he was righteous, and dutiful towards his parents, and he was neither an arrogant nor disobedient (to Allaah or to his parents). And Salamun (peace) on him the day he was born, the day he dies, and the day he will be raised up to life (again)! Surah 19: 1-12

When the earth is shaken with her (violent) shaking,
And the earth brings forth her burdens,
And man says: What has befallen her?
On that day she shall tell her news,
Because your Lord had inspired her.
On that day men shall come forth in sundry bodies that they may be shown their works.
So. he who has done an atom’s weight of good shall see it And he who has done an atom’s weight of evil shall see it. Surah Al-Zilzal (99:1-8)

1. TAWBAH (Repentance)
“For Allah loves those who turn to Him constantly (in repentance)” [Surah Al Baqarah 2:222]

2. TAHARAH (Purification)
“Allah loves those who keep themselves pure and clean.” [Surah Al Baqarah 2:222]

3. TAQWA (Piety)
“For Allah loves the righteous (the pious).” [Surah Al Tawbah 9:4]

4. IHSAN (Goodness & Perfection)
“For Allah loves those who do good” [Surah Ali ‘Imran 3:134]

5. TAWAKKUL (Trust in Allah)
“For Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him).” [Surah Ali ‘Imran 3:159]

6. ADL (Justice)
“For Allah loves those who judge in equity.” [Surah Al Ma’idah 5:42] “For Allah loves those who are fair (and just).” [Surah Al Hujurat 49:9]

7. SABR (Patience)
“And Allah Loves those who are firm and steadfast (As-Sabirin (the patient)).” [Surah Ali ‘Imran 3:146]

The person reciting the Qur’an must observe the proper etiquettes of recitation. Some of them are that: He make his intention sincerely for Allah, that he recite it whilst being in a state of purity, that he use the Siwaak and that he recite it while pondering on its meaning and observing total consciousness. Allah says:

“And We have indeed made the Qur’an easy to understand and remember, then is there any that will remember (or receive admonition)? ” (Qur’an, 54:17)

“Allah thus makes clear to you His communications [verses] that you may understand.” (2:242)

*From the above-mentioned verse of Qur’an it is clear that Allah told us to read the Quran with meaning.

Quran is a guide to humanity which also includes you. Since none of us want to be misguided, it is paramount not only to read or recite Quran, but to understand and implement it in our lives as well.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) gave us a simple formula to be the best: “The best amongst you is the one who learns the Qur’an and teaches it.” (Al-Bukhari) So go ahead, learn and teach the Qur’an, and make yourself among the best of Muslims Insha Allah.

“Do they not see the birds above them, spreading out their wings and folding them in? None upholds them except the Most Gracious (Allâh). Verily, He is All-Seer of everything.”
(Quran 67:19)