Eid 2013:British Prime Minister David Cameron visited Muslim Community and met Allama Qamaruzzaman Khan

Manchester:

The Prime Minister David Cameron along with Faiths Minister Baroness Sayeeda Warsi met Hazrat Allama Qamaruzzaman Azmi ,a prominent Sunni Sufi leader,during a historic visit to North Manchester Jamia Mosque. Hazrat Allama Qamaruzzaman Azmi discussed the current issues and challenges facing the world including, the plight of Rohingya Muslims in Burma, Syrian crisis as well as the safety and security of Mosques and Muslim communities in the UK.

David Cameron spent two hours with the mosque community during his visit and stated his support for the Big Iftar programme, which has seen scores of mosques up and down the country open up their doors to Muslims and non-Muslims to demystify the faith of Islam and connect to communities. After a tour of the mosque he helped them prepare for their own Big Iftar by chopping onions and making samosas, providing his own cooking tips along the way. The Prime Minister was impressed by the vibrancy of the mosque, which is set for redevelopment to cater for an ever-growing community.

Allama Qamaruzzaman Azmi said: “I thank the Prime Minister for taking time out from his busy schedule to come and meet with the British Muslim community in Manchester”.“During his landmark visit he championed the contributions that British Muslims are making in all walks of life and listened to some of the real concerns that the community are facing”, he said.

Following this meeting the Prime Minister and Faiths Minister Baroness Warsi took a tour of the Mosque which caters for 2,000 people through daily worship, after-school clubs, youth projects and support groups and had a frank and open discussion with a mixed group of young and old people where Mr Cameron heard the concerns of Muslims about attacks on their community following the horrific murder of Drummer Lee Rigby in Woolwich.He restated the commitment of the UK government to tackling anti-Muslim hatred and condemned the recent Islamophobic attacks in the strongest possible terms, saying the UK needed to be intolerant of intolerance. His government has set up a cross government working group on anti-Muslim hatred and fund an organisation, Tell MAMA, which records attacks and supports victims.

Faiths Minister Baroness Warsi said: “It was brilliant to accompany the Prime Minister to the Jamia Mosque and help them prepare for their Big Iftar that evening.

 David Cameron ,British P.M with Allama Qamaruzzaman Khan Azmi

“Jamia Mosque is a fantastic example of a model Mosque that reaches out to its community, providing vital services to the local Muslim population. “The Prime Minister was given a fantastic opportunity to see this vibrant Mosque in action.He also spoke at length to the Mosque members about their concerns over the recent anti-Muslim attacks and was able to reassure them of this government’s unwavering commitment to tackle and stamp out this unacceptable form of hatred”, she said.

In wishing Muslims in the UK and around the world Eid Mubarak the Prime Minister

said: “I send my warmest wishes to Muslims in the UK and overseas as they celebrate the festival of Eid-al-Fitr. After a month of longer summer days fasting, praying and putting aside many of the things that we can take for granted, Muslims will come together with friends and family to celebrate this joyous occasion. I wish you all Eid Mubarak”

David Cameron with Muslim community in Manchestar in 2013

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Zakah or Zakat :The Obligatory Tax on Muslims

The Zakah tax is the third pillar of Islam. It consists of the payment of a specific portion of wealth whenever the total savings of a person reaches a specific level.

The Zakah tax is the third pillar of Islam. It consists of the payment of a specific portion of wealth whenever the total savings of a person reaches a specific level. This wealth is then distributed to a specific set of beneficiaries at a specific time in order to improve the general welfare.

The Zakah tax and the religions of the past:

The previous scriptures recognized the essential meaning of the Zakah tax, this being consideration for the poor by giving them a portion of wealth. Allah says:

�And when We took the covenant of the Children of Israel: do not worship anyone except Allah and show respect to parents, near relatives, the orphans, and the poor, and speak righteousness to the people, and establish prayer, and pay the Zakah.�

The Messiah (peace be upon him) mentioned Zakah when he was in the cradle. Allah relates his words:

�And He enjoined prayer and Zakah upon me as long as I live.�

Zakah in Islam is a complete system. From the beginning, Islam encouraged spending in charity. Allah says:

�In their wealth is a clear right for the beggar and the destitute.�

When the Islamic state was established in Madinah, the Zakah tax became one of the formal Islamic rites with a distinct system of its own based on the following principles:

1. It is an obligatory duty on the wealthy. It is not voluntary charity. Allah says, commanding His Messenger (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him):

�Take from their wealth charity.�

Allah also calls it:

��a duty from Allah.�

2. It is taken from specific types of wealth, each type having a unique minimum limit, whereby no Zakah is levied unless it is reached.

3. The amount of Zakah levied is inversely proportionate to the effort needed to acquire the wealth. In the Zakah on produce, for instance, rain-fed produce is taxed more heavily than produce that is cultivated with irrigation.

4. It is given to a specific set of beneficiaries that are mentioned in the Qur�an. Allah says:

�The charity is only for the poor, the destitute, the Zakah collectors, to reconcile hearts to Islam, to free the slaves, people in debt, those in the path of Allah, and the wayfarer; an obligation from Allah, and Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.�

Zakah is a manifestation of Islam�s concern for the human being. Allah has honored the human being. He says:

�Truly, We have honored the descendants of Adam.�

One of the ways in which this honor can be seen is Allah has taken into consideration those who are unable to provide for themselves. He has made society responsible for their needs through a number of inunctions in the Divine Law, among the most important of which is Zakah. This concern is conditional. The needy person is expected to expend the maximum possible effort to provide for his or her self, so that any charity given will be of a supplementary nature. Thus, this charity might be to remedy a temporary misfortune, or it might be to provide for someone who is completely incapable of providing for his or her own needs.

Zakah is an institution managed by the state. It is the responsibility of the political authority to collect the Zakah, safeguard it, and distribute it to its rightful recipients who are mentioned in the Qur�anic verse. Allah commands His Messenger (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) in the following way:

�Take from their wealth charity to cleanse them and purify them.�

The political authority must appoint the officials who are responsible to collect, safeguard, record, and distribute the Zakah. The political authority must also set the salaries of these officials, which is also drawn from the Zakah.

Merits of Ramadan

As-salato as-salamo alaika Ya Rasulallah
Assalamu ‘Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

ALLAHUMMA SALLI ALA SAYYIDINA MUHAMMADINIS SAABIQI LILKHALQI NURUHU WA RAHMATUL LIL AALIMEENA ZUHURUHU ADADA MAMADA MIN KHALQIKA WAMAM BAQIYA WAMAN SAIDA MINHUM WAMAN SHAQIYA SALAWAATAN TASTAGHRIQUL ADDA WATUHEETU BIL HADDI SALAATAN LA GHAAYATA LAHA WALA MUNTAHA WALAN QADAAA’A SALAWAATAN DAAA’IMATAN BIDAWAAMIKA WA ALAAA AALIHI WASAHBIHI WA SALLIMA TASLEEMAM MISLA ZAALIKA.

YA GHAWTHU’L-A’ZAMU AGHITH-NI FI KULLI AHWALI WA’NSUR-NI FI KULLI AMALI WA TAQALLAB-NI FI TARIQI-KA BI-HURMATI JADDI-KA MUHAMMDINWA BI-SHIFA’ATI-HI WA RUHI-HI WA SIRRI-H

Believers, fasting is ordained for you — as it was ordained for those before you, so that you may practice self-restraint — for a certain number of days; and for those among you who are sick or on a journey, a number of other days, while incumbent upon those who can afford it is expiation by feeding a needy person. To do good willingly is better for one, and to fast is better for you if you did but know. [2:183-184]

Some of the Merits of the Month of Ramadan

The greatest bounty, the highest degree in this lower world of ours, is the faith we owe to the assistance, favor and kindness of Allah. Upon us has been conferred the unique honor of being made His servants and the Community of His dearly beloved, and of being addressed by Him and given a place in the Qur’an.

Now let us count another blessing: Once every year comes the month of Ramadan, of which “the beginning is mercy; the middle, forgiveness; the end, deliverance from the Fire.”

When Ramadan comes, appreciate it! It passes very quickly. Life itself passes very quickly too, as does the time for prayer. Do not say: “Ramadan will come again,” because a Ramadan that has gone will never come again. Next Ramadan is a different Ramadan. Maybe Ramadan will keep coming around until the Resurrection, but this Ramadan may be your last. Do not say: “I missed that prayer but another will come.” Perhaps this prayer will be your last.

Do not say: “Let me retire and draw my pension, then I shall devote myself to worship!” Perhaps you will take your last ride before you draw your pension. They will dress you in a shroud, tying you up with rope or chain; so gird yourself for action right away. Make copious lamentation for your sins. Spend sleepless nights with heart aflame. Keep vigil for your Lord, reciting the Qur’an. Pay homage in His Presence. Ponder your own transitory nature, remembering that He is everlasting… Ponder your own weakness, remembering that He is strong…

What a beautiful thing, to meet with the Lord! How can I get the taste of it across to you? One may speak to the blind about color, to the deaf about music and to the impotent about the joys of sexual intercourse, but can they be made to understand these experiences? Since the blind man cannot see, how can color be described to him in words? How can one show an unseeing eye the many-colored flowers, trees, sun and sky, and fish dancing in the stream? To one who has no smell, how can we describe the scent of the rose, the fragrance of the hyacinth or the jonquil’s perfume? How can we tell the deaf about the chirping of the birds, the gurgling of running waters or the cadeness of the Qur’an and the call to prayer?

If you spend time alone with your Lord, one day the veil will be lifted from your eyes and you will see the colors. You will acquire the sense of smell and detect the fragrance of roses, hyacinths, jonquils and narcissi. You deafness will disappear and you will hear the constant remembrance of Allah. The ear of your heart will open and you will delight in recitation of the Qur’an. Beneath the songs of the nightingales and the gurgling of the waters, you will hear the sound of the affirmation of Divine Unity.

These are the bounties you will be able to attain in this world and one day they will come to an end. As for the bounties you will achieve in the Hereafter, they have no end, but are everlasting…

When Ramadan came, could you hear the Voice calling nightly: “Does no one want Us, does no one love Us? We would love him, too!” This call is given every evening and every night in our lives. This is another divine bounty peculiar to the noble month of Ramadan. See what conversations the Prophet Moses enjoyed. Moses, the converser with Allah, used to go to Mount Sinai. You have your own Mount Sinai at the time of breaking fast, when you can hold a thousand and one conversations. When Moses said: “O my Lord, You speak with me, You address me. Will You not show me the beauty of Your countenance? Let me see Your beauty!” he received the reply: “You shall not see Me.” [7:143]

“Moses, how can you see My beauty when there are seventy-thousand curtains between us? You are incapable of seeing Me. But near the Resurrection I shall give a month as a gift to the Community of My beloved Muhammad. That month shall be called Ramadan. To the Community of Muhammad that fasts during that month, I shall so manifest Myself at the time of breaking fast that, whereas between you and Me there are now seventy-thousand veils, there will be no veil at all between Us and the fasting Community of Muhammad at the time of breaking fast.”

In a Sacred Tradition, the Exalted One says: “The fast is for Me and it is I who reward it.”

The reward of the fast is the vision of Divine Beauty. The emblem of Ramadan is forgiveness. Fasting should be done with sincerity and ardent affection. Our blessed Master said: “If my Community knew what success and salvation reside in Ramadan, they would beg Allah to let them spend their whole lives in that month!”

Shaykh Muzaffer Ozak al-Jerrahi(ra)

“And the Quran was decended in the Holy month of Ramadhan”
Journey through Ramadhan Introduction
Purpose of Ramadhan

Virtues of fasting and More

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The Virtues of Sha’ban & 15th Night of Sha`ban

By: ‘W’aseem 17th Aug 2008 Allah,In the name of the Most Gracious, Most Merciful. All praise be to God, Lord of the Universe: the Compassionate, the Merciful. Sovereign of the Day of Judgement! You alone we worship: and to You alone we turn for help. Guide us to the straight path: the path of those whom You have favoured: not of those who have incurred Your wrath, nor of those who have gone astray. Endless Blessings and Peace upon Allahs Most Beloved Messenger & Prophet Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (صلى الله عليه وسلم). As Saalam o Alaykum Warehmatullahi Wabarakatuh It is admitted fact that every moment, second, minute, hour, day or night that is spent in the submission of Allah Almighty and His Beloved Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) is exceedingly meaningful and precious. But there are some days, nights and months which have their own weight and Allah, the compassionate, lays immense stress upon them to unveil their importance to his rationale creatures. Among those months, those hold much importance is Moharram, Rajab, Sha’ban and the holy month of Ramadhan but Sha’ban holds the top position among these holy months as the Holy Prophet Mohammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) holds the top position among all the Prophets like Hazrat Ibrahim, Hazrat Musa and Hazrat Isa (aalhimissalam) The Holy Month of Sha’ban is one of the blessed months that holds much too for us from the mercy, compassion and kindness of Allah Almighty. This is the month that is the best of all months in the estimation of Allah. Its days are the best among the days; its nights are the best among the nights. Its hours are the best among the hours. It is the month that gave time its spirituality, and thus made its days the best days and its hours the best hours.It is preparatory month that welcomes the holy month of Ramadhan. If we study the life of our beloved Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم), He used to avail himself the moments of this month to the utmost and spend more time in adoration, submission of Allah almighty and seek salvation and earn the infinite mercy of Allah Subhana hu watala. *FASTING AND EXTRA WORSHIP IN SHA`BAN* Once the Holy Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said: “Sha’ ban is my month” As Aaqa (صلى الله عليه وسلم) called it my month, so its significance and importance touches to the sky because every thing that has got any link directly or indirectly with the holy Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) becomes an exalted thing for his true followers and momineen. Imam Ali bin Hussein Al-Zaynul Aabideen (ra) told his companions: “The Holy Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) used to observe fast during the whole month of Sha’ban. Therefore whoso, in love of the Holy Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم), wishes to seek nearness to Allah and receive bounties, favors and rewards in this world and in the Hereafter, must connect Sha’ban with Ramadan (in the matter of fasting and special prayers). *Hadith Number 1* ‏عن ‏ ‏عائشة أم المؤمنين ‏ ‏رضي الله عنها ‏ ‏أنها قالت ‏‏كان رسول الله ‏ ‏صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ ‏يصوم حتى نقول لا يفطر ويفطر حتى نقول لا يصوم وما رأيت رسول الله ‏ ‏صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ ‏استكمل صيام شهر قط إلا رمضان وما رأيته في شهر أكثر منه صياما في شعبان Translation: Aisha (raa) reported that the Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) used to observe fasts (so continuously) that we said that he would not break, and did not observe (them) till we said that he would not fast: and I did not see the Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) completing the fast of a month, but that of Ramadan, and I did not see him fasting more in any other month than that of Sha’ban. [Sahih Muslim Book 006, Hadith Number 2580] *Hadith Number 2* ‏عن ‏ ‏عائشة أم المؤمنين ‏ ‏رضي الله عنها ‏ كان رسول الله ‏ ‏صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ ‏يتحفظ ‏ ‏من شعبان ما لا ‏ ‏يتحفظ ‏ ‏من غيره ثم يصوم لرؤية رمضان فإن ‏ ‏غم عليه ‏ ‏عد ثلاثين يوما ثم صام Translation: Narated By Aisha (raa) : The Apostle of Allah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) used to count the days in Sha’ban in a manner he did not count any other month; then he fasted when he sighted the new moon of Ramadan; but if the weather was cloudy he counted thirty days and then fasted. [Abu Dawud Book 007, Hadith Number 2318] *Hadith Number 3* ‏عن عائشة قالت: لم يكن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم في شهر أكثر صياماً منه في شعبان لأنه ينسخ فيه أرواح الأحياء في الأموات، حتى أن الرجل يتزوج وقد رفع اسمه فيمن يموت، وإن الرجل ليحج وقد رفع اسمه فيمن يموت Translation: Narrated by Aishah (raa) says, “Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) used to fast the whole of Sha’ban. I said to him, ‘Messenger of Allah, is Sha’ban your most favorite month for fasting?’ He said, ‘In this month Allah prescribes the list of the persons dying this year. Therefore, I like that my death comes when I am in a state of fasting.” [Ibn Asakir, Tafsir ad-Dar al-Manthur Under the Verse 44:3] *Hadith Number 4* ‏عن ‏ ‏عمران بن حصين ‏ ‏رضي الله عنهما ‏‏أن رسول الله ‏ ‏صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ ‏قال له ‏ ‏أو لآخر ‏ ‏أصمت من ‏ ‏سرر ‏ ‏شعبان قال لا قال فإذا أفطرت فصم يومين Translation: Imran bin Husain (ra) reported Allah’s Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم) having said to him or to someone else: Did you fast in the middle of Sha’ban? He said: No. Thereupon he (the Holy Prophet) said: If you did not observe fast, then you should observe fast for two days. [Muslim Book 006, Number 2607] * Conclusion: These reports indicate that fasting in the month of Sha`baan, though not obligatory, is so meritious that the Holy Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) did not like to miss it. But it should be get in mind that the fasts of Sha`baan are for those persons only who are capable of keeping them without causing deficiency in the obligatory fasts of Ramadhan. It is the habit of the Muslims to celebrate some auspicious events during the month of Sha’ban by praying, reciting Quran, praising Allah, and making a great deal of supplication to Allah during that night. Sha’ban is like an introduction to Ramadan and it has some things in common with Ramadan, such as fasting, reciting Holy Quran and giving in charity. It has been narrated that upon the arrival of Rajab the Holy Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) used to pray “O’ Allah! Bless us abundantly in Rajab and Sha’ban and deliver us safely unto Ramadan.” *The Night of Mid-Sha`ban (Laylat al-barrah)* Qur’an State: (إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةٍ مُّبَارَكَةٍ إِنَّا كُنَّا مُنذِرِينَ) – Lo! We revealed it on a blessed night — Lo! We are ever warning – (فِيهَا يُفْرَقُ كُلُّ أَمْرٍ حَكِيمٍ) – Whereupon every wise command is made clear – (أَمْرًا مِّنْ عِندِنَا إِنَّا كُنَّا مُرْسِلِينَ) – As a command from Our presence — Lo! We are ever sending – (رَحْمَةً مِّن رَّبِّكَ إِنَّهُ هُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ) – A mercy from thy Lord. Lo! He is the Hearer, the Knower. (44:3-6) Although the majority of the commentators consider the “blessed night” in the above verses to refer to the Night of Decree which is considered to be in the month of Ramadan, yet the commentaries also mention that this “blessed night” may be that of mid-Sha`ban This view is based on the profusion of hadiths on the great merits of the latter. Consequently the Shari`a has commended observance of that night. Concerning supererogatory worship on the night of mid-Sha`ban. Imam Suyuti says: As for the night of mid-Sha`ban, it has great merit and it is desirable (mustahabb) to spend part of it in supererogatory worship. [Haqiqat al-sunna wa al-bid`a aw al-amr bi al-ittiba` wa al-nahi `an al-ibtida Page No. 58] *Among the hadiths stressing the status of 15th Sha`ban (laylat al-bara’a) are the following* *Hadith Number 1* ‏عن‏ ‏عائشة ‏ ‏قالت ‏‏فقدت رسول الله ‏ ‏صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ ‏ليلة فخرجت فإذا هو ‏ ‏بالبقيع ‏ ‏فقال ‏ ‏أكنت تخافين أن يحيف الله عليك ورسوله قلت يا رسول الله إني ظننت أنك أتيت بعض نسائك فقال إن الله عز وجل ينزل ليلة النصف من شعبان إلى السماء الدنيا فيغفر لأكثر من عدد شعر غنم ‏ ‏كلب Translation: Narrated by Aisha (raa) I missed Allah’s Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم) during the night and found him in al-Baqi’. He said: Were you afraid that Allah and His Messenger would deal unjustly with you? I said: Allah’s Messenger, I thought that you had gone to some of your other wives. He (the Prophet) said: Verily Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, comes down to the heaven of the world in “the middle night of Sha’ban” and forgives sins even more abundant than the hair of the goats of Kalb. [Sunan Tirmidhi Volume 001, Hadith Number 670, Ibn Maja Volume 002, Hadith Number1379] *Hadith Number 2* عن‏ ‏أبي موسى الأشعري ‏عن رسول الله ‏ ‏صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ ‏قال ‏ ‏إن الله ليطلع في ليلة النصف من شعبان فيغفر لجميع خلقه إلا لمشرك أو مشاحن Translation: Narrated by Abu Musa al-Ash’ari Allah’s Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said, Allah, the Exalted and Glorious looks down on “the middle night of Sha’ban” and forgives all His creation. except a polytheist or one who is mushahin. [Sunan Ibn Maja Volume 002, Hadith Number 1380] *Hadith Number 3* عن عبد الله بن عمرو بن العاص أن رسول الله ‏ ‏صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ ‏قال ‏ ‏يطلع الله عز وجل إلى خلقه ليلة النصف من شعبان فيغفر لعباده إلا لاثنين ‏مشاحن ‏وقاتل نفس‏ Translation: Narrated by Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-‘As Allah’s Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said, Allah, the Exalted and Glorious looks down on “the middle night of Sha’ban” and forgives all His creation except two people, the mushahin and the murderer. [Musnad Ahmad Volume 003, Hadith Number 6353] *Hadith Number 4* عن أبي ثعلبة الخشني، عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: إذا كان ليلة النصف من شعبان، اطلع الله تعالى إلى خلقه، فيغفر للمؤمنين، ويملي للكافرين، ويدع أهل الحقد بحقدهم حتى يدعوه Translation: It is related by Abu Thalaba that the Blessed Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said: On the 15th night of Shabaan, Allah looks over at his creation and forgives all the believers except for the one who begrudges and hates. He leaves them in their enmity. [Bayhqi, Tafsir ad-Dar al-Manthur Under the Verse 44:3] *Hadith Number 5* عن معاذ بن جبل، عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: يطلع الله في ليلة النصف من شعبان، فيغفر لجميع خلقه إلا لمشرك أو مشاحن Translation: It is related by Muaz bin Jabbal that the Blessed Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said: Allah looks at His creation in “the night of mid-Sha`ban” and He forgives all His creation. except for a mushrik (idolater) or a mushahin (one bent on hatred). [Ibn Hibban, Sahih, ed. Shu`ayb Arna’ut Volume 012: Hadith Number 5665] *Hadith Number 6* عن عائشة قالت: قام رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم من الليل يصلي، فأطال السجود حتى ظننت أنه قد قبض، فلما رأيت ذلك، قمت حتى حركت إبهامه، فتحرك، فرجعت، فلما رفع رأسه من السجود وفرغ من صلاته، فقال: ” يا عائشة، أو يا حميراء ظننت أن النبي قد خاس بك ” قلت: لا والله يا نبي الله ولكني ظننت أنك قبضت لطول سجودك فقال: ” أتدرين أي ليلة هذه؟ ” قلت: الله ورسوله أعلم، قال: ” هذه ليلة النصف من شعبان، فيغفر للمستغفرين ويرحم المسترحمين ويؤخر أهل الحقد كما هم Translation: From A’isha: She said: The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) stood up in prayer during part of the night and made his prostration so lengthy that I thought his soul had been taken back. When I saw this I got up and went to move his big toe, whereupon he moved, so I drew back. When he raised his head from prostration and finished praying, he (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said: “O A’isha, O fair little one (humayra’)! Did you think that the Prophet had broken his agreement with you?” She replied: “No, by Allah, O Messenger of Allah, but I thought that your soul had been taken back because your stayed in prostration for so long.” He said: “Do you know what night this is?” She said: “Allah and His Prophet know best.” He said: “This is the night of mid-Sha`ban! Verily Allah the Glorious and Majestic look at His servants on “the night of mid-Sha`ban, and He forgives those who ask forgiveness, and He bestows mercy on those who ask mercy, and He gives a delay to the people of envy and spite in their state.” Azhari said: يقال للرجل إذا غدر بصاحبه فلم يؤته حقه قد خاس به Concerning his words: “broken his agreement with you”: this is said to a person who betrays his companion and therefore has not given him his due right. Bayhaqi continues: وقال هذا مرسل جيد ويحتمل أن يكون العلاء أخذه من مكحول I say: This hadith is missing the Companion in its chain, and is a “Good Hadith“. [Bayhaqi in Shu`ab al-iman Volume 003: Hadith Number 3835] *Hadith Number 7* ‏عن ‏ ‏عمران بن حصين ‏ ‏رضي الله عنهما ‏‏أن رسول الله ‏ ‏صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ ‏قال له ‏ ‏أو لآخر ‏ ‏أصمت من ‏ ‏سرر ‏ ‏شعبان قال لا قال فإذا أفطرت فصم يومين Translation: Imran bin Husain (ra) reported Allah’s Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم) having said to him or to someone else: Did you fast in the “Middle of Sha’ban?” He said: No. Thereupon he (the Holy Prophet) said: If you did not observe fast, then you should observe fast for two days. [Muslim Book 006, Number 2607] *Scholarly Opinion’s* The virtue of the night of mid shaban has been established from the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) and has come from multiple channels of transmission from Abdullah bin Amr, Muadh, Abu Hurairah, Abu Thulabah, Awf bin Malik, Abu Bakr, Abu Musa, Aishah May Allah be pleased with all of them, each of the narrations strengthening each other. Imam Shafi’i write: و بلغنا أنه كان يقال إن الرعاء يستجاب في خمس في ليال في ليلة جمعة و ليلة الأضحى و ليلة الفطر و اول ليلة من رجب و ليلة النصف من شعبان Translation: Of the narrations that have reached us, verily, dua is accepted on five nights: the night of Juma’, the night of E’id Al-Adha, the night of E’id Al-Fitr, the first night of Rajab, and the 15th night of Shabaan”. [al-Umm, Volume 001, Page No. 231] Imam Shurunbulali Hanafi writes: وندب احياء ليالي العشر الاخبر من رمضان واحياء ليلتي العيدين وليالي عشر زي الحجة وليلة النصف من شعبان Translation: It is desirable to revive the last ten nights of Ramadan, two nights of Eidain (Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha), ten nights of Zil Hijjah, and the 15th night of Sha`ban. [Noorul Eidhah Page No. 63] Shaikh Abu-Ishaq Ibrahim Al-Hanbali writes: ويستحب احيا مابين العشانين الخبر قال جماعة و ليلة عاشورا وليلة اول رجب وليلة نصف شعبان Translation: It is desirable to revive the time (with salat and ibadah) between the two E’sha’s (Maghrib and E’sha) because of the ahaadith. Many scholars say: Similarly with the night of Ashura, the first night of Rajab, and the 15th night of Sha`ban. [Al-Mubdi Volume 002, Page No. 27] Sheikh Mansoor Bahoti Hanbali writes: واما ليلة النصف من شعبان ففيها فضل وكان في السلف من يصلي فيها الاجتماح فيها لا حيانهافي المساجد بدعة اه وفئ استحباب قيامها اي ليلة النصف من شعبان مافئ احياء ليلة العيد Translation: As for the 15th night of Sha`ban, it is a night of virtue. Some of the salaf prayed the whole night, although establishing congregational prayers (on this night) is good innovation. And the reward of ibadah on “the 15th night of Sha`ban” is the same as the reward of ibadah on the night of E’id. [Kash-shaful Qina, Volume 001: Page No. 444] Mubarakpuri (Salafi scholer) writes: ‏اعلم أنه قد ورد في فضيلة ليلة النصف من شعبان عدة أحاديث مجموعها يدل على أن لها أصلا Translation: You should know that a sufficient number of hadith has been narrated confirming “the virtues of the 15th night of Sha`ban“. All these ahaadith prove that it has a basis. After relating many Ahadith about the importance of this night he says: فهذه الأحاديث بمجموعها حجة على من زعم أنه لم يثبت في فضيلة ليلة النصف من شعبان شيء والله تعالى أعلم Translation: The sum of all these ahadith is strong evidence against the one “who thinks there is no proof” of the virtue of the 15th night of Sha`ban” and Allah knows best. [Tuhfatul Ahwadhi Volume 003: Page. 365-367] Salafi Ibn-Taimiyyah was asked about of the 15th night of Sha’ban. He replied: اما ليلة النصف روئ فئ فضلهااحاديث واثار ونقل عن طانفتهمن السلف انهم كانوايصلون فيها فصلاة الرجل فيها وحده وقد تقدمه فيه سلف فيه حجته فلا ينكرمثل هزا Translation: As for the 15th night of Shabaan, there are many narrations and Athar (quotes from the Sahabah) regarding its virtue. It has been reported of the salaf that they prayed in this night. Therefore, praying alone on this night, having precedence in the salaf, is sufficient evidence and something of this kind surely cannot be denied. At another occasion, Ibn-Taimiyyah was asked the same question and he replied: وسنل عن صلاة نصف شعبان فاجاب ازا صلئ الانسان ليلة النصف وحده اوفئ جماعته خاصته كما كان يفل جماعته خاصته كما كان يفعل طوانف من السلف فهواحسن Translation: If one prays on this night alone or in a select company of people as many groups amongst the salaf did, “then it is good“. [Fatawa Ibn Taimiyyah Volume 23, Page 131-132] * CONCLUSION: To conclude the virtue of this blessed night are established by ahadith and a group of the salaf it is recommended to stay up on it, and the opinion that it is Bida’h (innovation) is a “Reprehensible” (munkar) opinion. * A HUMBLE APPEAL TO SEEK PARDON AND ASK ALLAH’S FORGIVENESS: Dear Muslim brothers, the Bountiful Allah in His Infinite Mercy has provided us with such an auspicious night so that we may take advantage of it and repent for our sins, and thus obtain His Grace and Favour. It is for us to take full advantage of it. During this night, offer special prayers and repent sincerely for our past sins and ask for His Forgiveness. May Allah Ta’ala guide them and show them the right path so that they be in touch with their glorious past, May Almighty Allah guide us on the path of the Ambiya and the Awliya. Aameen. Please remember me in your prayers.

Laylat al-Bara’ah or Shab-e-Barat – Night of Salvation

8th Month in the Islamic Calendar : Shabaan

 

Saturday, 16th August 2008

Shabaan is the 8th month of the Islamic calendar and the month in which the holy night of Shab-e-Baraat is celebrated.   Laylat al-Bara’ah – Night of Salvation                                          The 15th night of Shabaan is a very blessed night. According to the Hadith Shareef, the name of this Mubarak night is “Nisf Shabaan” which means 15th night of Shabaan. The reason for this special night to attain its name of Laylat al-Bara’ah, meaning the Night of Salvation, Seeking Freedom from Azaab and Calamity, is that in this night the Barkaat and acceptance of repentance may be accomplished. Laylat al-Baraa’ah in Persian, as well as in Urdu, is called Shab-e Bara’at.It is the special night of seeking forgiveness and repenting to Almighty Allah, remembering our past sins and sincerely settling the mind that one will never commits sins in the future. All the deeds that are against Shari’ah must be totally avoided so that our Du’a and Istighfaar, hopefully, will be accepted. Muslims should check themselves and A’la Hadrat, Imam Ahmad Rida Fadil e-Bareilly (radi Allahu ta’ala anhu) has given a beautiful advise in this regard. This great Imam said: “Verily the auspicious night of Shab-e- Bara’a is drawing near when the deeds of the slave will be presented to the Almighty Allah. I humbly supplicate in the Darbar-e-Aqdas of the Almighty Allah that through the Wasila-e-Uzma of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Salla Allahu alaihi wa Sallam) He forgives the sins and transgressions of all Muslims. Aameen. “On this occasion, it should be the duty of all Sunni Muslims to forgive one another and to make sure that whatever debts owed to one another is settled. The importance of Huqooq al-Ibaad cannot be over-emphasised as this is among the pre-requisites for proper Ibaadat. I pray that all Muslims humbly remember this night and try as much as possible to perform Ibaadat and other pious deeds so that their Record of Deeds be presented in all dignity. “Finally, I pray that the Almighty Allah assists you and I and the Muslim Ummah wherever you may be. Muslims should be aware of sincerity and honesty in all their deeds. May Almighty Allah forgive all of us. Aameen.” Faqeer Ahmad Rida Qaderi (may Allah forgive him) How to welcome the Night On this auspicious night, you should perform fresh Ghusal and Wudhu and perform the two Rakaat of Tahhiyatul Wudhu. In every Rakaat, after the Suratul Fatiha, you should read Ayatul Kursi once and Surah Ahad 3 times. Also perform eight Rakaats of Salah with four Salaams.In each Rakaat after the Surah Fatiha, you should read the Ayatul Kursi (once) and Surah Ahad fifty times. What to Recite immediately after Sunset After sunset, you should recite “La Hawla walaa Quwwata illa Billahil-aliyil Azeem” forty times with three times Durood Shareef before and after. It is mentioned that by reciting this, Almighty Allah will forgive forty years of your sins and forty Hoors will await to serve you in Jannat al-Firdous. Countless Mercies Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Salla Allahu alayhi wa Sallam) has stated: “Verily! Almighty Allah directs His Special Grace on the world on this Night. He forgives my Ummah more than the number of wool that is found on the sheep of the Bani Kalb”. We should remember that in those days the Bani Kalb possessed the most number of sheep that any other tribe. How great is the Mercy of Almighty Allah on this night that He forgives millions of Muslims. We also realise from this that these numbers can only pertain to the Ahl as-Sunnah Wah Jama’ah collectively, for the righteous followers of the Hanafi, Shafi’i, Maliki and Hanbali indeed number millions of Muslims. The visitors of this Night It is narrated that the departed souls (Arwaah) of the Muslims visit the houses of their friends and relatives on this night and proclaim: “O people of the house! You stay in our houses and enjoy the wealth that we have left behind. You use our children and take work from them, please perform our Esaale Sawaab. Verily our deeds have become complete, while your record of deeds is still spread”. If the people of the house perform the Esaale Sawaab and Khatam Shareef on this night, then the Arwaah depart will the Sawaab extremely happy and overjoyed all the time making Du’a for the people. Visit to the Cemetery Hadrat Ayesha Siddiqa (radi Allahu ta’ala anha) reports: “One night, which was the 15th of Shabaan, I did not find the Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu ta’ala alayhi wa Sallam) in the house so I went in search of him. After a long search, I found him in Baqiah (the cemetery of Madinah) offering Du’a for the deceased and praying for their forgiveness”. (Baihaqi) A special point must be made to visit the cemetery during this night and pray for the deceased buried therein, as the Most Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu alayhi wa Sallam) is been reported as having visited the cemetery on this night and spending a long time therein, lamenting, reading and praying for the deceased. To keep Fast According to the Hadith Shareef which is narrated by Ibne Habaan (radi Allahu ta’ala anhu) that Rasoolullah (Salla Allahu ta’ala alayhi wa Sallam) said: “When the night of 15th Shabaan arrives spend the night awake and keep fast the next day”. Hadrat Abu Hurairah (radi Allahu ta’ala anhu) reports that the Most  Beloved (salla Allahu alayhi wa Sallam) of Allah ta’ala said often in his Khutba (sermon): “O people! Lighten and cleanse your bodies by way of fasting during Shabaan, so that it shall be easy and helpful to you for the fast during Ramadan. Whoso fasts for three days during Shabaan, all his past sins are wiped off”. (Baihaqi) Fasting is also recommended on the 13th, 14th and 15th of Shabaan. How to spend the Night On this night, perform Nawaafil, recite the Qur’an Shareef, recite abundant Durood Shareef, Istighfaar and Kalima Tayyibah. It is also mentioned that if one reads Surah Dukhan seven times on this night, Almighty Allah will reward you with 70 worldly needs and 70 deeds for the Hereafter. Do not be amongst deprived of Mercy Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Salla Allahu ta’ala alayhi wa Sallam) said: “Almighty Allah forgives all Muslims on this night, besides the fortune tellers, the magicians, the alcoholics, those who disrespect their parents and those who take part and encourage adultery”. In another narration, the following people have also been mentioned: 1. One who deals in usury (Riba), 2. One who wears his trousers below his ankle with pride and arrogance     (In Arabia, people displayed their wealth and boasted in this manner), 3. One who creates disunity among two Muslims, 4. The person who unjustly takes away the right and property of another     Muslim and has not yet rectified himself. All these persons are not shown Mercy on this auspicious Night. A humble appeal to seek pardon and ask Allah’s forgiveness Dear Muslim brothers, the Bountiful Allah in His Infinite Mercy has provided us with such an auspicious night so that we may take advantage of it and repent for our sins,and thus obtain His Grace and Favour. It is for us to take full advantage of it. During this night, offer special prayers and repent sincerely for our past sins and ask for His Forgiveness. Also on this night the Doors of Mercy and Forgiveness are opened wide, and those who sincerely grieve over and repent for their past sins and seek forgiveness from Allah are pardoned and forgiven by the Grace of Allah the Merciful. Each Tasbih or Du’a should begin and terminate with the recital of Durood Shareef and one who wishes for the acceptance of his Du’as should use the Wasila of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Salla Allahu ta’ala alyhi wa Sallam). Hadrat Ghawth al-A’zam, Shaykh Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani (radi Allahu anhu) has mentioned in his famous”Gunyat-ut Talibeen” that the month of Shaban according to some narrations is related to Rasoolullah (salla Allahu alayhi wa Sallam). So, it is our duty, as the Ummat of Rasoolullah (Salla Allahu ta’ala alayhi wa Sallam) to love and respect this month more than any other month (besides Ramadan). We should also offer abundantly salutations (Salaat-o-Salaam) upon the Most Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu ta’ala alayhi wa Sallam). While we are praying and asking for ourselves and family, we should also remember in our Du’as the Muslim Ummah facing calamities in many parts of the world, that may Allah Ta’ala grant them the strength and Istiqaamat (steadfastness) in Deen. Those weak Muslims who are under pressure from the West and modernisation, may Allah Ta’ala guide them and show them the right path so that they be in touch with their glorious past. Aameen. May Almighty Allah guide us on the path of the Ambiya and the Awliya. Aameen. Nafil Salaah to be read on Shab-e-Baraat Basharat of Jannat : Sayyiduna Rasulullah (Salla Allahu alayhi wa Sallam) is reported to have said that Allah Ta’ala instructs and assigns 100 angels to the person who performs 100 Nafil Salaahs on this auspicious night – 30 of which will bring the good news of Jannat, 30 angels to protect one from the Azaab (Punishment) of Dozakh (Hell), 30 to remove all misfortunes and miseries of this world and 10 angels to protect one from Shaitaan. The Guardian of Imaan : After performing Maghrib Salaah, read 2 rakaahs of Nafil. In the first rakaah, after Surah Fatiha, recite Surah Ikhlaas 3 times and Surah Falaq once.In the second rakaah, after Surah Fatiha, recite Surah Ikhlaas 3 times and Surah Naas once. After Salam, make Du’a and ask Allah to protect your Imaan. Barakah in Rizq : After Maghrib Salaah, read 2 rakaahs of Nafil. Thereafter, read Surah Yasin once, Surah Ikhlaas 21 times and Du’a Nisf Shabaan once. Then, make Du’a for Barakah in Rozi and ask Allah not to make you dependent on anyone. Long Life filled with Piety : After Maghrib Salaah, read 2 rakaahs of Nafil. Read Surah Yasin once. Then read Du’a Nisf Shabaan once. Thereafter, make Du’a for long life filled with piety and righteousness. Reward for ten thousand good Deeds : Anyone who performs 20 rakaahs of Nafil after Maghrib in such a way that after Surah Fatiha, recites Surah Ikhlaas 10 times in every rakaah, will be rewarded abundantly by Allah Ta’ala, and ten thousand good deeds will be recorded in his Amal Namaa (Book of Deeds). Death with complete Faith/Imaan : Anyone who performs 2 rakaahs of Nafil on the last Friday of Shabaan between Maghrib and Esha will die with full faith and Imaan. After Surah Fatiha, one should read Ayatul Kursi once, Surah Ikhlaas 10 times and Surah Falaq and Surah Naas once in both rakaahs. If the person who reads Nafil in such a way dies until the next Shabaan, will die with Imaan, Inshaa-Allah. The performing of Salaatul Tasbeeh on this night is also very virtuous. courtesy: www.raza.co.za

“UNITE BUT FOLLOW ME” ;THE TRAGIC COMEDY OF MUSLIM REPRESENTATION

“UNITE BUT FOLLOW ME”

THE TRAGIC COMEDY OF MUSLIM REPRESENTATION

There is almost something eerie about writing on British Muslim
representation. For decades Muslim political and public aspirations
have either been focused overseas or hijacked by angry young
men who believe it is ‘haram’ to engage in politics in a non-Muslim
country.
That was then and due to the relentless global traumas hitting the
Muslim world, British Muslims have been forced to stand up and be
counted. One sign of our coming of age has been the acceptance of
the term of British Muslim. Regular readers of Q-News will remember
the barrage of letters that greeted the use of this term by the ‘angry
brigade’ who made differentiating between being a ‘British Muslim’
or a ‘Muslim in Britain’ the central thesis of their political agenda.
Thankfully, this is no longer the case and we can get on with dealing
with the really important issues.
British Muslim political awareness has been slow and reluctant.
Two main factors have contributed to this. Firstly, has been the ‘goinghome’
syndrome amongst Muslim first generation settlers resulting in
the lack of investment in community infrastructure other than essential
prayer facilities, madrasah provision and halal meat. The second
factor is the legal invisibility of the Muslim community, thanks to an
institutionally Islamophobic and race biased political system.
But, to suggest Muslims have been politically inactive during the
last four or five decades would be erroneous. While not engaging in
mainstream British politics in any organised way, Muslim communities
settling in Britain have kept a vigilant eye on politics back home.
Newspapers and channels like the Daily Jang and Al-Jazeera have
diligently been reporting on the state of the Muslim world helping to
both form and forge opinion. The British Muslim understanding of
these issues is relatively more passionate, more articulate and more
organised.
When not keeping an eye on back-home politics, mosque committees
became the next focus of Muslim ambition with aspiring leaders
of the fledgling community vying with each other to win the hearts
and souls of the faithful. Eventually or inevitably, factions and subfactions
developed representing the various religious, political and
cultural divides in the Muslim world. As the small rooms and terraced
mosques rented or bought through the hard earned money of early
migrants evolved into purpose built structures funded from the
Middle East, so too did the increase in internal conflicts and intrigues.
In this vacuum, some Muslim groups formed with the intention of
doing dawah. These groups were not interested in engaging in mainstream
society and were often hostile to it. They were mainly interested
in gathering Muslim allegiances to their theological or political
faction.
As the need to engage in mainstream political processes became
Muslim candidates once elected found themselves in an agenda dilemma – were they there to repre

BRITISH MUSLIM POLITICS HAS ALWAYS BEEN A
BIT LIKE MONTY PYTHON’S LIFE OF BRITiAN.
SMALL GROUPS OF MEN CALL FOR UNITY
BUT WHAT THEY REALLY MEAN IS ‘UNITE BUT
FOLLOW ME’. FAR FROM UNITING THE
COMMUNITY,ARGUES HUMERA KHAN,
THESE CALLS USUALLY RESULT IN A MYRIAD
OF SPLINTER GROUPS ALL ESPOUSING
VARIATIONS OF THE SAME IDEA WITH THE
ONLY REAL DIFFERENCE BEING THE ORDER
OF THEWORDS: ‘MUSLIM’, ‘ASSOCIATION’,
‘COUNCIL’ OR ‘BRITAIN’.

apparent, those frustrated with internal shenanigans turned their
attention towards mainstream society. This development operated
more at an individual level with some Muslims becoming active in the
struggles against racism and others standing for local councils. To
what extent this development actually engaged the Muslim community
is dubious, as mainstream political parties were often looking
more for ‘racial’ window dressing than meaningful engagement.
Muslim candidates once elected found themselves in an agenda
dilemma – were they there to represent Muslims, the politics of
their party or the constituents who elected them? While the latter two
are obviously correct, representing Muslims and Muslim issues became
more contentious. Muslim councillors found that being Muslim and
speaking on issues that concerned a ‘faith-based’ community was not
easy. But, this was not so for other minorities as representatives from
the Irish, Caribbean, Hindu and Jewish communities found that they
were not penalised for speaking as members of their specific community
or on its behalf. The result of this was that the politics of Muslim
councillors went sideways and focused more on internal ‘nest-making’
than community building.
Muslim representation in other areas of public life like the media,
sports, public bodies and the legal profession has also been slow and
meandering. Those that have succeeded have usually had to park their
Muslim identity outside the door. Individuals that have succeeded have
not done so because being Muslim was anything significant to them
and in fact, the few that get through are over-represented by those who
feel alienated or hostile to Islam. Professionally speaking, these
Muslims usually kept their faith low-profile until it became more lucrative
to ‘step out of the closet’ and tout for available opportunities particularly
since 9/11.
Prior to 9/11 Muslim participation in mainstream British society
had been limited primarily due to the inadequacies of the Race
Relations Act and the reluctance of successive governments to recognise
the existence of faith based communities and their experience of
religious discrimination. More specifically, there has been a reluctance
to acknowledge historical and institutionally entrenched Islamophobia.
While the men formed groups in never ending variations, it was left
to Muslim women and young people to get on with the work that needed
to be done. Most Muslim organisations are void of women and
young people. Those women who are involved are rarely given authority
and most are kept in the margins. Women and young people are seldom
acknowledged, consulted or appreciated and the role of women
more often than not is relegated to that of a women’s auxiliary – providing
tea and cooking the after meeting nosh for our elder male statesmen.
Being excluded from decision-making, Muslim women, who tend
to be in the frontline of meeting social needs, have been forced to make
themselves relevant. While you may not necessarily see them at photo
calls and high powered delegations you will see them getting training in
education, media, social work, health care and counselling. Muslim
women are now a quiet but potent presence in statutory bodies and
other public arenas increasingly becoming team managers, directors of
departments and chairs of committees. Women’s organisations have led
the way in setting agendas and developing much needed social welfare
projects that support families and heal communities. All of these efforts
contribute significantly to the development of Muslim-sensitive social
welfare services.
For young Muslims the Rushdie Affair proved to be a major catalyst.
For the first time young people took to the streets more concerned
really about their own discontentment than any pertinent
understanding of the Satanic Verses. But, unfortunately no one listened
to their voices and while some Muslims organisations set up youth initiatives
they tended to be dawah orientated and not responding to real
needs on the ground. Young people experiencing racism,
Islamophobia, social and family disintegration needed more tangible
help. They needed a multitude of resources for activities such as sports
and leisure, personal development, employment opportunities and
most importantly they needed support through the various challenges
posed by being young, British and Muslim.
It took the riots of 2001 for young British Muslim to make their
discontent heard and then it was already too late. Responding once the
horse has bolted requires the double effort of not only resolving the
current crisis but also in investing in avoiding crisis from erupting
again. Once again Muslim trouble spots have been the focus of attention
and endless reports have been written, but we remain without
with any real objective understanding of the issues, without any meaningful
leadership and without the development of a forward thinking
Muslim agenda.
Given our checkered history with public participation and representation
the burning question, that still needs to be asked, is: Who
represents British Muslims?
present Muslims, the politics of the party they represent or the constituents who elected them?

Courtesy; Q-News

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Images ; Mylondondiary.co.uk