Fasting During the Month of Shawal (Shawwal)

We hope all of you have had a wonderful Eid-al-Fitr. Eid Mubarak to all of you again.

With the end of Ramadan, the month of Shawal follows. It has been recommended that Muslims fast 6 days during the month of Shawal.

Under the authority of Abi Ayoub Alansary, the Prophet (PBUH) had said, “whoever fasts Ramadan succeeded with 6 days of Shawal will be rewarded as if fasted the whole year”.

The 6 days could be fasted sequential or separately.

We recommend watching a recent video that answers questions regarding fasting in the month of Shawal. The answers are given by Dr. Muhammad Salah.

Some of the highlights of the video include:

While it is not necessary to fast the 6 days in Shawal sequentially, it is recommended that it is done sequentially.

The benefits of fasting during Shawal will apply only when one has completed the required 29 or 30 days of fasting during Ramadan.

A woman who has missed her Ramadan fasts due to her period has to make up for those missed periods before fasting the 6 days in Shawal. In the case when a woman has missed her periods for a longer than usual duration, and making up those missed Ramadan fasts during Shawal would not enable her to fast the 6 days during Shawal, then it is fine for her to first fast the 6 days of Shawal, then make up the missed Ramadan fasts.

Why We Fast During the Month of Shawal?
Benefits and Rewards of Fasting During Shawal

Preparing for Eid al Fitr 2009

Eid al Fitr Preparations

Can you believe that the holy month of Ramadan is almost over?

Muslims around the world are busy preparing for the end of Ramadan, and to begin the Eid al Fitr celebration. Eid al Fitr is only 3-4 days away depending on the region you live in.

Most Muslims around the world will be celebrating Eid al Fitr on September 20, 2009.

Eid Mubarak to all Our Muslims Readers!

Please enjoy the following excerpted article on how Muslims around the world are preparing to celebrate Eid al Fitr.

Eid Around the World

Muslim Children in India Hug on Eid

Saudi Children in New Clothes at Eid Morning Prayers

Eid Celebrations in Luxor, Egypt

Eid Preparations in Malaysia

Shopping for New Clothes

Shopping for Candy in Palestine

Iraq
In Iraq, the family will enjoy a breakfast of buffalo cream with honey and bread before going on to the family lunch together. Here, a lamb may be sacrificed for the occasion, and a special Eid sweetmeat called klaicha, a date-filled pastry, is made.

Egypt
Egypt sees four days of celebration, with preparations starting several days earlier. Special biscuits are made to give to friends and relatives on the day. The men will go to the mosque early in the morning, while the women start work on the preparation of the fish that will form the centrepiece of a great celebratory lunch.

Palestine
Here, in addition to prayers and family celebrations, a special sweetmeat, k'ak al-tamar, is made to serve with coffee.

Somalia
In Somalia, a three-day celebration starts with a family lunch which includes rice mixed with meat and vegetables, and pasta accompanied by anjira (a thin bread prepared liked chapatti). Halva, which in Somalia is more like a cumin-flavoured custard, is also served, along with special fried (or baked) biscuits made of flour, sugar, oil, warm water and baking powder.

Indonesia
In Indonesia, the family lunch consists of dishes made of chicken, lamb or beef, but never fish which is too ubiquitous in Indonesia to be considered as a celebratory dish. The traditional sweet is lapis legit, a rich layered cake. Here, the celebrations will last for a whole month.

Malaysia
In Malaysia, three public holidays mark Eid, but the visiting and celebrations will also continue for a month. Festive dishes include ketupat (rice cooked in wrapped coconut leaves) and lemang (glutinous rice cooked in bamboo cane), served with beef rendang.

Iran
The one exception in all these celebrations is Iran where, although the day is marked as a public holiday, there are no specific dishes made to mark the occasion. This is perhaps because, unlike most Muslim countries, the climate varies widely from season to season, especially on the high Iranian plateau. The winters are very cold and the summers very hot, and the moveable feasts of the lunar calendar preclude the preparation of annual dishes.

Eid Mubarak!

When is Eid al Fitr 2009 in USA

What day is Ramadan Over in the USA in 2009?

Eid ul-Fitr 1430 AH (2009):
The astronomical New Moon is on Friday, September 18, 2009, at 18:44 Universal Time (9:44 pm Makkah time). On Saturday, September 19, 2009, sunset at Makkah is 6:20 pm local time, while moonset is at 6:36 pm local time. Therefore, first day of Shawwal, i.e., Eid ul-Fitr is Sunday, September 20, insha'Allah.

May Allah (swt) keep us on the right path, and accept our fasting and prayers. Ameen. For more detailed information, please visit: www.fiqhcouncil.org or www.moonsighting.com

Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi,
Chairman

Last 10 Nights of Ramadan Dua

Why is the last ten days of Ramadan very important to Muslims?

The blessed night, called Laylatul Qadr, occurs in one of the last ten nights of Ramadan and more probably in one of the last ten odd nights i.e. 2lst, 23rd, 25th 27th or 29th night. Laylatul Qadr is the crowning glory of the holy month of Ramadhaan. It is associated with the sending down of the Qur’an, the last Book of Allah on His last Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam), for the guidance of mankind.

Fortunate is the person who spends Laylatul Qadr in prayer. The man or woman, who prays for the whole night during this Night, will deserve blessings and reward for the period as if he or she had been praying for eighty three years and four months consecutively. Since the Night of Power is better than one thousand months no one can actually measure the extent as to how much better it is.


“We have indeed revealed this (message) in the Night of Power: And what will explain to you what the Night of Power is? The Night of Power is better than a thousand months. Therein come down the Angels and the Spirit (Jibraeel) by Allah’s permission, on every errand: Peace! This until the rise of Morn!”
(Surah 97)

The Night of Power is the night of spiritual bliss. Our Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) is reported to have said concerning Ramadhaan:

“Verily this month has come to you; and therein is a night which is better than a thousand Months. Whosoever is deprived of it, is deprived of all good; and none is deprived of its good except a totally unfortunate person”.
(Ibn Majah)

“Whosoever stands up (in prayer) at the Night of Power out of faith and hopeful of reward, all his past sins will be forgiven.”
(Targhib)


Please find below an email forward that we received that has a brilliant suggestion for the last ten days of Ramadan dua.

Ultimate Last 10 Nights Dua

Step 1: Go somewhere really beautiful, where no one can disturb you.

Step 2: Imagine Allah says to you, "Ask whatever you wish and I shall grant it to you." Think of everything good you would ask for from this life and the next.

Step 3: After thinking of everything you can, sit down and write it out.

Step 4: Pick 5 things, your favorites, and consistently ask Allah for these 5 every night in the last ten. Your dua will be guaranteed to have landed on Laylatul-Qadr! How cool is that?

With best wishes to see you succeed at the highest level!

- Muhammad Alshareef
www.PostRamadan.com

How to Calculate Zakat

Calculate Zakat Today

Zakat is an obligatory duty for Muslims and one of the five pillars of Islam.

Many Muslims prefer to pay Zakat in the month of Ramadan. Note this is different from the Zakat-al-Fitr. Please scroll down for definitions.

It is mandatory when two conditions are simultaneously satisfied:

Nisab and Due Date

- Nisab: The current NISAB value is approximately $2500.00. It is 3 oz of pure Gold.

- Due Date: Zakat is due after one Lunar (Hijri) year starting from either the first day you acquired the amount of Nisab or the day you paid Zakat last year.

Please dear brothers and sisters, take the time now to calculate your Zakat and pay it as soon as possible. Do not rush at the last minute.

Zakat Calculator

In order to calculate your zakat, please fill all of the fields. If the amount is -0-, please put 0.

1. Cash on hand and in bank accounts (saving, checking, etc.)
2. Refundable deposits (e.g. on rented apartment)
3. Non-delinquent loans (money you loaned to others)
4. Expected Tax refund
5. Gold and its certificate (1)
6. Shares, stocks, bonds, IRA, pension plans, options, etc.
7. Business cash on hand and in banks plus invoices due.
8. Business inventory (2)
9. Net income you are entitled to as of Zakat due date.
10. Total amount subject to Zakat (lines 1 through 9).
11. Zakat amount : If the amount is 0, then no Zakat is due.

Below please refer below for clarifications on Zakat questions.

Zakat Questions Answered (Zakat FAQ)

When should Zakat be paid?

Zakat can be paid any time during the year, in one lump sum or in installments. However, at the end of each year one must calculate one's Zakat and the amount due but not paid must be paid. In actual practice, many Muslims prefer to pay Zakat in the month of Ramadan. This is also fine. Bear in mind that for agricultural produce, it is preferred to pay Zakat after the harvest.

What is Nisab?

In Sharia (Islamic Jurisprudence) nisab (نصاب) is the amount which savings or capital or product must exceed in order for the Muslim owner to be obliged to give zakat. Several hadith have formulas for calculating nisab. One of the most well known states that No Zakat is due on wealth until one year passes.

In general, nisab is considered an amount equal to the essential needs of a person or family for one year. In many modern societies, nisab is often interpreted to equate a governmentally determined poverty threshold.

What is Zakat-al-mal, and what is Zakat-al-Fitr?

Zakat-al-Mal is the obligatory charity paid by an individual to the needy. It is obligatory on an individual who possesses wealth equal to or above a minimum amount called Nisab for an entire lunar year. For the purpose of calculating Zakat, different categories of wealth are defined. Nisab for the category of "Personal wealth" is three ounces of gold (or its equivalent amount in money). However, this amount is defined for each type of wealth separately. See under Nisab.

Zakat-al-Fitr is a special charity paid to the needy on or before the day of Eid-al-Fitr, which is first day of the month of Shawwal following the month of Ramadan. An individual who is in possession of the Nisab, (three ounces of gold or its equivalent amount), on the day of Eid-al-Fitr pays this Zakat. For Zakat-al-Fitr, one does not need to possess Nisab for the entire lunar year. This is paid as atonement for any shortcomings in the worship of Fasting during the month of Ramadan. This is calculated as a fixed amount per person. An individual pays this on his/her behalf and the dependents. This amount is specified as the cost of one normal meal and therefore it varies based upon the time and place. One may estimate this amount oneself or contact any Islamic scholar or institution for help.

Source: https://baitulmaal.org

Who is eligible to receive Zakat?

The holy Qur'an specifies eight (8) purposes for which the money from Zakat can be used. They are the following.

1) Poor (Faqir pl. Fuqara'): One who cannot support himself/herself, provided (or to the extent) that the recipient of Zakat does not reach the level of Nisab.

2) Needy (Miskin pl. Masakin): One who cannot adequately support himself/herself, and is reluctant to ask for help. Such an individual, therefore, is not easily recognized as someone who needs help. Such an individual is eligible for Zakat, provided (or to the extent) that the recipient of Zakat does not reach the level of Nisab.

3) Those employed to administer the collection, distribution, and administration of Zakat (Al-'Amilin): They need not remain below Nisab at the time of receiving compensation through Zakat.

4) Those individuals who have been recently reconciled to the Truth (Mu'allafat-al-Qulub): This category includes new Muslims, or those who are willing to support the Muslim State but need to be compensated. They could be non-Muslims as well. Such individuals can be in possession of Nisab and will not be disqualified because of that.

5) Freeing of those in bondage (Fi-al-Riqab): Since the custom of bondage or slavery is now extinct, freeing of slaves may not be needed any longer. However, this can be interpreted to include individuals who due to excessive debt do not have any hope of ever standing on their own two feet.

6) Those in debt (Al-Gharimin): Zakat money could be received by on who is in debt in order to pay off the debt or a part thereof provided at the time of receiving Zakat, he/she is not in possession of Nisab.

7) In the cause of Allah (Fi-sabil-Allah): Those who are going out or working in the cause of Allah (including the task of conveying the message of Islam) or in a battle declared by an Islamic State for just cause. Being in possession of Nisab does not disqualify them.

8) The wayfarer (Ibn-al-Sabil): Traveler who is in need of help during his travel.
One who belongs to the family of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) is not eligible for receiving Zakat.

Source: https://baitulmaal.org

"Of their goods take alms, that so thou might purify and sanctify them; and pray on their behalf, verily thy prayers are a source of security for them."
(Quran, 9:103)

The Prophet said: "Charity is a necessity for every Muslim".

He was asked: 'What if a person has nothing?' The Prophet replied: 'He should work with his own hands for his benefit and then give something out of such earnings in charity.' The Companions asked: 'What if he is not able to work?' The Prophet said: 'He should help poor and needy persons.' The Companions further asked 'What if he cannot do even that?' The Prophet said 'He should urge others to do good.' The Companions said 'What if he lacks that also?' The Prophet said 'He should check himself from doing evil. That is also charity".

Ramadan Pictures in Iran

Pictures of Mosques Around the World
Ramadan in Mosques

Today we feature Ramadan pictures from Iran.

In Iran, there is popular sweet which called Zulbia and Bamieh. This sweet, which is most popular during Ramadan will be sold all over Iran in every dessert-shop!

Please click below for the Zolbia Bamieh recipe for this popular Persian (Iranian) dessert:

Zolbia Bamieh Recipe

Ramadan in Iran
2009 (1430)
Dessert Time in Iran


Source of images: http://isna.ir

Ramadan Pictures Around the World

Pictures of Mosques Around the World
Ramadan in Mosques

Islam really does live throughout the whole world, in peace and glory. This is shown most accurately by the presence of mosques (masjids, places of worship) around the world.

We would be lucky to be able to visit some of them before our earthly life is over.

Here are just a few of the many beautiful mosques around the world.

Ramadan in Mosques

Masjid Al Haram , Mecca , Saudi Arabia

Imam Mosque, Isfahan , Iran

Jamia mosque, Nairobi, Kenya

Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca , Morocco

Faisal Mosque, Islamabad, Pakistan

Golden Mosque, Manila, Philippine

Al Fateh Grand Mosque, Doha, Qatar

Sultan Ahmed Mosque / Blue Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey

Umayyad Mosque, Damascus , Syria

Great mosque , Paris , France

Khatam Al Ambiya Mosque, Beirut , Lebanon

Jami Ul Alfar Mosque, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Great Mosque , Xi’an, China

The Great Mosque of Cordoba , Spain

Qubba al Sakhrah and Al Aqsa Mosque , Jerusalem , Occupied Palestine

Healthy Eating in Ramadan

Health Tips for Ramadan

Too many Muslims tend to eat the wrong things during Ramadan, and suffer for it. Health problems can emerge as a result of excess food intake, foods that make the diet unbalanced, and insufficient sleep. Some of the common health related complaints by fasting Muslims include: increased gastric acidity, a burning feeling in the stomach, a heaviness in the stomach, and a sour mouth. Others complain of weight gain. If you are experiencing such problems, then you are not eating the right diet.

The body has regulatory mechanisms that activate during fasting. There is efficient utilization of body fat. Basal metabolism slows down during Ramadan fasting. A diet that is less than a normal amount of food intake but balanced is sufficient enough to keep a person healthy and active during the month of Ramadan. Health problems can emerge as a result of excess food intake, foods that make the diet unbalanced, and insufficient sleep. Ultimately also, such a lifestyle contradicts the essential requirements and spirit of Ramadan (Diet during Ramadan, by Mohammad Zafar A. Nomani, PhD, RD).

The following lists common afflictions during Ramadan, and the solutions.

Problems to Avoid

CONSTIPATION - Constipation can cause piles (haemorrhoids), fissures (cracks in anal canal) and indigestion, with a bloated feeling. Causes: Too much refined foods, too little water and not enough fiber in the diet. Remedy: Avoid refined foods, increase water intake, use bran in baking, brown flour when making bread.

INDIGESTION AND WIND Causes: Over-eating. Excessive fried and fatty foods, spicy foods, and foods that produce wind e.g. eggs, cabbage, lentils, fizzy drinks like Cola also produce gas. Remedy: Do not over-eat, drink fruit juices or water. Avoid fried foods.

LETHARGY ('low blood pressure') Excessive sweating, weakness, tiredness, lack of energy, dizziness, especially on getting up from sitting, paleness and feeling faint are symptoms associated with "low blood pressure". This tends to occur towards the afternoon. Causes: Too little fluid intake, decreased salt intake. Remedy: Keep cool, increase fluid and salt intake. Caution: Low blood pressure should be confirmed by taking a blood pressure reading when symptoms are present. Persons with high blood pressure may need their medication adjusted during Ramadan. They should consult their doctor.

HEADACHE Causes: Caffeine and tobacco-withdrawal, too much exercise, lack of sleep, hunger usually occur during the day and worsen towards the evening. When associated with "low blood pressure", the headache can be quite severe and can also cause nausea before Iftar. Remedy: Cut down caffeine and tobacco slowly starting a week or two before Ramadan. Herbal and caffeine-free teas may be substituted. Re-organize your schedule during the Ramadan so as to have adequate sleep.

LOW BLOOD SUGAR Weakness, dizziness, tiredness, poor concentration, perspiring easily, feeling shaky (tremor), headache, and palpitations are symptoms of low blood sugar. Causes in non-diabetics: Excessive sugar consumption i.e. refined carbohydrates especially at suhur (sehri). The body produces too much insulin causing the blood glucose to drop. Remedy: Eat something at sehri, and limit sugar-containing foods and drinks. Caution: Diabetics may need to adjust their medication in Ramadan, consult your doctor.

MUSCLE CRAMPS Causes: Inadequate intake of calcium, magnesium and potassium foods. Remedy: Eat foods rich in these minerals e.g. vegetables, fruit, dairy products, meat and dates. Caution: Those on high blood pressure medication and with kidney stone problems should consult their doctor.

PEPTIC ULCERS, HEART BURN, AND GASTRITIS Increased acid levels in an empty stomach aggravate the above conditions. It causes a burning feeling in the stomach area and can extend up to the throat. Spicy foods, coffee, and Cola drinks worsen these conditions. Medications are available to control acid levels in the stomach. People with proven peptic ulcers and hiatus hernia should consult their doctor well before Ramadan.

KIDNEY STONES Kidney stones may occur in people who have less liquids to drink. Therefore, it is essential to drink extra liquids so as to prevent stone formation.

JOINT PAINS Causes: Extra salah during Ramadan increases pressure on the knee joints. In the elderly and those with arthritis this may cause pain, stiffness, swelling and discomfort. Remedy: Lose weight so that the knees do not have to carry any extra load. Exercise the lower limbs before Ramadan so that they can be prepared for the additional strain. Being physically fit allows greater fulfilment, thus enabling one to be able to perform salah with ease.

Source: Dr. Farouk Haffejee Islamic Medical Association of South Africa - Durban

Maintain a Balanced Diet for Ramadan

Iftar Recipes | Quick and Easy Iftar Ideas

A lot of Muslim women today work a full-time job. In addition to their work responsibilities, many Muslim women also want to take on the kitchen responsibilities of cooking delicious and healthy meals for iftar. It is not an easy task! Sometimes you arrive home just two hours before iftar. So here are some quick and easy iftar recipes that you can use to whip up healthy and delicious iftar meals.

Iftar Recipes
Quick and Easy Iftar Recipes


Chicken Fajitas


Fajitas are a really good idea and they are not heavy on the stomach.

Slice boneless chicken breasts into thin strips and then marinate them in lemon juice, soy sauce, finely chopped onions, finely chopped jalapenos and a sprinkle or two of chili sauce depending on how spicy you want it. This can be done in the morning when you get up for sahoor or the night before. Then for iftar, stir fry the chicken until its done, and serve with warmed up tortillas, salsa, sour cream, guacamole, and shredded cheese.

Shrimp Fajitas


Saute the shrimps in a bit of oil, salt and pepper, and oregano. Saute a couple of yellow zucchini, couple of tomatoes, bell peppers individually. You can sit these in one bowl since you'll be piling these on the tortilla anyways. Sprinkle them with some salt. Warm up the tortillas in the microwave, spoon (1-2 tsp of taco sauce) and fill it with shrimp, veggies, cheese, roll it up and lightly fry in the pan so it is golden brown on all sides.

Quick Pan-Fried Tandoori Chicken



Just marinate some chicken in yogurt, lemon juice, mashed garlic, tandoori spices etc. Then add to a hot non-stick pan with about an inch of oil in it. Pour in about a cup or 2 of water and stir. Cover and cook on high for about 7 mins, then turn chicken over and cook for 5 mins more (covered). Then take lid off and stir fry uncovered until the liquid has evaporated. It's really tasty and quick. Serve with plain boiled white rice or pitta bread / wraps, hummus/ raita / salad / fresh tomato chutney / salsa.

Iftar Recipes | Date and Cardamom Moist Cake

Today, we feature a delicious Iftar Recipe using dates that is perfect as an iftar dessert. Try this dish out for your iftar menu.

No Ramadan iftar is complete in a Muslim household without dates. Sales of dates increase during Ramadan with Muslims buying dates for their families. The health benefits of dates are also multiple.

For more information on the health benefits of dates, please click here.

Iftar Recipes
Date and Cardamom Moist Cake



Ingredients

7 cups all-purpose flour (you can use 3 1\2 cups whole wheat flour +3 1\2 cups all-purpose flour).
1 cup oil.
1 cup low fat milk or soy milk.
2 Tablespoons baking powder.
2 Tablespoons ground cardamom.
1\2 Tablespoon baking soda.
2 cups Date molasses.**

Walnuts Filling
Mix together and keep aside.

1 cup chopped walnuts.
1\4 cup raw sugar.
4 Tablespoons rosewater.
Pinch of ground cardamom.
Pinch Saffron.

Method

1)Mix Date molasses with milk and than mix it with oil.
2)Combine flour with cardamom, baking powder, and baking soda in large mixing bowl.
3) Mix step 1 and step 2 together and now you have the dough.
4) Divide the dough into 2 equal portions (use water or oil when you divide the dough)
5) Flatten dough into 22cm x 30cm pan, fill with walnuts filling, then but the second portion and flatten.
6) Bake at 350F for 30-33 minutes or until done.
7) Keep it in the pan and cool it for 2-3 hours.

** Date molasses is (thick syrup made from pressed dates used a lot in the Gulf area in cooking and baking especially in traditional dessert. You should be able to find it in Arabic specialty shops or health store.



Note: You can make your own cardamom powder, but pounding gently on the cardamom pod to crack it open. The cardamom powder is inside the pod. Making the cardamom powder this way when you need it ensures the fragrance of this spice stays fresh.


Iftar Recipes - Date and Cardamom Moist Cake

Dua For Second 10 Days of Ramadan

The second Ashra refers to the middle 10 days (11-20) of Ramadan. The middle Ashra of Ramadan is the time for Maghfirah; the time to wash off our sins.

To find out more about the Second 10 Days of Ramadan, please click here.

Below are recommended Ramadan Dua for the Second 10 Days of Ramadan in English. You may say your dua in your own language, or use different wordings. The below is only a guide. God listens to you in whatever language you use.

Dua for Second 10 Days of Ramadan

Day 11
ALLAH, on this day, make me love goodness, and dislike corruption and disobedience, bar me from anger and the fire [of Hell], by Your help, O the helper of those who seek help

Day 12
ALLAH, on this day, beautify me with covering and chastity, cover me with the clothes of contentment and chastity, let me adhere to justice and fairness, and keep me safe from all that I fear, by Your protection, O the protector of the frightened.

Day 13
ALLAH, on this day, purify me from un-cleanliness and dirt, make me patient over events that are decreed, grant me the ability to be pious, and keep company with the good, by Your help, O the beloved of the destitute.

Day 14
ALLAH, on this day, do not condemn me for slips, make me decrease mistakes and errors, do not make me a target for afflictions and troubles, by Your honor, O the honor of the Muslims.

Day 15
May Allah guide us to Siraat-e Mustaqeem, and grant us the taufeeq to utilize this merciful and ever so forgiving Ashra of the Most Holiest of the Holy Months. May Allah accept our sujood o qayaam and tauba, for indeed His mercy prevails over his wrath, and indeed we are sinners in dire need of that mercy.

Day 16
ALLAH, on this day, grant me compatibility with the good, keep me away from patching up with the evil, lead me in it, by Your mercy, to the permanent abode, by Your God ship, O the God of the worlds.

Day 17
ALLAH, on this day, guide me towards righteous actions, fulfill my needs and hopes, O One who does not need explanations nor questions, O One who knows what is in the chests of the (people of the) world. Bless Muhammad and his family, the Pure.

Day 18
ALLAH, on this day, make me love goodness, and dislike corruption and disobedience, bar me from anger and the fire [of Hell], by Your help, O the helper of those who seek help.

Day 19
ALLAH, on this day, multiply for me its blessings, and ease my path towards its bounties, do not deprive me of the acceptance of its good deeds, O the Guide towards the clear truth.

Day 20
ALLAH, on this day, open for me the doors of the heavens, and lock the doors of Hell from me, help me to recite the Qur'an, O the One who sends down tranquility into the hearts of believers.

The Second 10 Days of Ramadan

It is amazing that 10 days of Ramadan 2009 (1430) have already passed by. It feels like only yesterday that the month of Ramadan had begun. With the passing of the first 10 days of Ramadan, one begins to ask oneself if he or she has made use of their time wisely. Did the Ramadan goals that were set out earlier achieved? Most of us are human, and it would be inevitable that we have faltered somewhere regardless of our good intentions.

But all is not lost. We still have some time left this Ramadan to achieve our goals (and achieve them to our own benefit too). So we should thank God that we have an entire month of fasting to go through.

In Islamic terminology, the 1st Ashra refers to the first 10 days of the Holy month of Ramadan. The second Ashra refers to the middle 10 days (11-20), and the third Ashra refers to the last set of 10 days (21-30).

The middle Ashra of Ramadan is the time for Maghfirah; the time to wash off our sins. Ramadan is the month to seek Forgiveness and repentance. Having witnessed the Mercy of Allah (SWT) by thanking Him for all that He has granted us, by being good to everyone and keeping ourselves at peace, we realize our relationship with our Rabb, and our role and duties towards Him. This is the time when Allah's (SWT) Mercy is at its peak, and it is best to utilize this opportunity by imploring Allah to forgive our sins.

The Prophet is reported to have said: "Do repent in this month to Allah for your sins, and supplicate with raised hands at the time of prayer as these are the best times, during which Allah Al-Mighty looks at his servants with mercy. Allah answers if they supplicate, responds if they call, grants if He is asked, and accepts if they entreat. O People! You have made your conscience the slave of your desires. Make it free by invoking Allah for forgiveness. Your back may break from the heavy load of your sins, so prostrate (sajda) yourself before Allah, for long intervals, and make this load lighter."

We are required to reflect on these elements in these days of Repentance even more than any other days and this is the time we seek forgiveness and make amendments for our mistakes, never intending to do them again. Do Tauba (seeking repentance) repeatedly, constantly, and sincerely for Allah loves Tauba, and especially during this Ashra Allah loves to forgive and loves him who seeks forgiveness. Forgive your brothers in Islam, and accept them as friends, and show no ill-treatment or disrespect to others.

The Prophet continued and said: "O' People! Anyone who during this month cultivates good manners, will walk over the Sirat (bridge to Paradise) on the day when feet will tend to slip. For anyone who during this month eases the workload of his servants, Allah will make easy his accounting, and for anyone who does not hurt others during this month, Allah will safeguard him from His wrath on the Day of Judgment."