Blog Archives
Heart Attacks And Hot Water
A very good article which takes two minutes to read. I’m sending this to persons I care about……..I hope you do too!!!
Heart Attacks And Drinking Warm Water
This is a very good article. Not only about the warm water after your meal, but about Heart Attacks. The Chinese and Japanese drink hot tea with their meals, not cold water, maybe it is time we adopt theirdrinking habitwhile eating.
For those who like to drink cold water, this article is applicable to you. It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed. It will slow down the digestion. Once this ‘sludge’ reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by theintestinefaster than the solid food. It will line the intestine. Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead tocancer. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal.
Common Symptoms Of Heart Attack…
A serious note about heart attacks – You! should know that not every heart attack symptom is going to be theleft arm hurting. Be aware of intensepainin thejaw line.
You may never have the first chest painduring the course of a heart attack.Nausea andintense sweatingare also common symptoms. 60% of people who have a heartattack while they are asleep do not wake up. Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Let’s be careful and be aware. The more we know, the better chance we could survive.
Acardiologistsays if everyone who reads this message sends it to 10 people, you can be sure that we’ll save at least one life. Read this & Send to a friend. It could save a life… So, please be a true friend andsendthis article to all your friends you care about.
மக்களிடம் வரவேற்பை பெறும் மூலிகைத் தைலம்!
அரும்பெரும் சக்தியை சரியாக கணித்தால் அன்றாட தேவைக்கு பயன்படும் பல அற்புத தைலங்கள்,லேகியம், சூரணம் போன்றவற்றைத் தயாரிக்க முடியும், மருத்துவ குணம் கொண்ட தைலங்களையும் தயாரிக்க முடியும் என்பது சித்தர்களின் சொல்.
தைலங்கள் தயாரிப்பதற்கு நமது வீட்டில் அன்றாடம் பயன்படுத்திவரும் பொருட்களும் , சந்தையில் விற்கப்படும் மூலிகை செடிகளையும் பயன்படுத்தி தயாரிக்கலாம். சாதாரண தைலங்கள் தயாரிக்க அதன் செய்முறை பக்குவத்தை மட்டுமே அறிந்து கொண்டால் போதுமானது. எந்திரங்களை கொண்டு அரைத்தால் அதனால் எழும் சூடு மூலிகைகளின் சத்துக்கள் குறையும் வாய்ப்புள்ளதால் பக்குவம், சுவை, மணம், நிறம் மாறாமல் செய்ய வேண்டிய தொழில் இது.
மேற்கு தொடர்ச்சி மலையின் பல பகுதிகளில் ஏராளமான மூலிகை பயிர்கள் விளைந்துள்ளன. இச்செடிகளை அடையாளம் கண்டு பறித்து, அவற்றைப் பக்குவப்படுத்தி கேச தைலங்களை தயாரித்து வருகின்றனர் விருதுநகர் மாவட்டம் ராஜபாளையம் உள்ளிட்ட பகுதியை சேர்ந்தவர்கள்.
எல்லாமே மூலிகைதான் என்றாலும் எந்த நோய்க்கு எந்த மூலிகை பயன்படும் என்பதை வழி வழியாக அறிந்த குடும்பத்தினரே இந்தத் தைலங்களை தயாரித்து வருகின்றனர். இதற்கான கூறுகளையும், தயாரிக்கும் முறைகளையும் விளக்கி வெளியிடப்பட்ட நூல்கள் கிடைக்கின்றன.
பல்வேறு வகை தைலங்கள் தயாரிக்கப்பட்டாலும் அதிக தேவையும் எதிர்பார்ப்பும் கொண்டதாக இருக்கிறது கூந்தல் தைலம். செம்பருத்தி, கற்றாழை, கரிசிலாங்கண்ணி போன்றவற்றை பயன்படுத்தி தயாரிக்கப்படுகிறது இந்தத் தைலம். பதமாக காய்ச்சி வடித்தெடுத்து தேங்காய் எண்ணெயில் சேர்த்தால் தைலம் தயார்.
இவர்கள் தயாரிக்கும் தைலத்தை அருகாமை கடைகளில் கொடுத்து விற்பனை வாய்ப்பை பெருக்கி கொள்ள முடியும். மூலிகை தைலங்களுக்கு மட்டுமல்லாமல் அவற்றின் மூலப்பொருட்களுக்கும் தேவை அதிகம் உள்ளது. இவற்றை விளைவித்து தருவதன் மூலம் இல்லத்தரசிகளும், விவசாயிகளும் வருமானம் ஈட்டும் வாய்ப்பும் உள்ளது.
20வது நூற்றாண்டின் துவக்கத்திலேயே, ஓலைச் சுவடிகளில் இருந்து அச்சில் கொண்டு்வரப்பட்ட, தலைசிறந்த சித்த வைத்தியரான கண்ணுசாமி பிள்ளையின் தாது வர்க்கம், மூல வர்க்கம் ஆகிய இரண்டு புத்தகங்களில் தாவரங்களின் மருத்துவ குணங்கள் பற்றி பல விவரங்கள் தரப்பட்டுள்ளன. அவற்றை தமிழர்கள் ஒவ்வொருவரும் வாங்கிப் பயன்பெறலாம். நமது வாழ்வில் எதிர்கொள்ளக்கூடிய சாதாரண நோய்களில் இருந்து பெரும் பாதிப்பை ஏற்படுத்தக்கூடிய நோய்கள் வரை தீர்ப்பதற்கான மருந்துகளும், அதனை தரக்கூடிய மூலிகைகளைப் பற்றிய விவரங்களும் இந்த புத்தகங்களில் நிறைய உள்ளன. சிலவற்றை நாமே நமது வீட்டில் உருவாக்கிக்கொள்ள முடியும்.
Hajj 2010 Pictures Vol-1
d
Muslim pilgrims are seen on their way for pray on a rocky hill called the Mountain of Mercy, on the Plain of Arafat near Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Monday, Nov. 15, 2010. The annual Islamic pilgrimage draws 2.5 million visitors each year, making it the largest yearly gathering of people in the world.(AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
A Muslim pilgrim prays on a rocky hill called the Mountain of Mercy, on the Plain of Arafat near Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Monday, Nov. 15, 2010. The annual Islamic pilgrimage draws 2,5 million visitors each year, making it the largest yearly gathering of people in the world.(AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
Hajj 2010 Pictures Vol-2
The Best Wallpapers and Images for you!
The Best Collection of Hajj 2010 just for you all,hope you like it…
The story of Ishmael Mother
Narrated Ibn Abbas: The first lady to use a girdle was the mother of Ishmael. She used a girdle so that she might hide her tracks from Sarah. Abraham (Alaihissalamm) brought her and her son Ishmael (Alaihissalamm) while she was suckling him, to a place near the Ka’ba under a tree on the spot of Zam-zam, at the highest place in the mosque. During those days there was nobody in Mekkah, nor was there any water So he made them sit over there and placed near them a leather bag containing some dates, and a small water-skin containing some water, and set out homeward. Ishmael’s (Alaihissalamm) mother followed him saying,
“O Abraham (Alaihissalamm)! Where are you going, leaving us in this valley where there is no person whose company we may enjoy, nor is there anything
(to enjoy)?” She repeated that to him many times, but he did not look back at her Then she asked him, “Has Allah ordered you to do so?” He said, “Yes.” She said, ”Then He will not neglect us,” and returned while Abraham proceeded onwards, and on reaching the Thaniya where they could not see him, he faced the Ka’ba, and raising both hands, invoked Allah saying the following prayers:
‘O our Lord! I have made some of my offspring dwell in a valley without cultivation, by Your Sacred House (Kaba at Mecca) in order, O our Lord, that they may offer prayer perfectly. So fill some hearts among men w
ith love towards them, and (O Allah) provide them with fruits, so that they may give thanks.’ (14.37) Ishmael’s (Alaihissalamm) mother went on suckling Ishmael and drinking from the water (she had).
When the water in the water-skin had all been used up, she became thirsty and her child also became thirsty. She started looking at him (i.e. Ishmael) tossing in agony; She left him, for she could not endure looking at him, and found that the mountain of Safa was the nearest mountain to her on that land. She stood on it and started looking at the valley keenly so that she might see somebody, but she could not see anybody. Then she descended from Safa and when she reached the valley, she tucked up her robe and ran in the valley like a person in distress and trouble, till she crossed the valley and reached the Marwa mountain where she stood and started looking, expecting to see somebody, but she could not see anybody.
She repeated that (running between Safa and Marwa) seven times.”
The Prophet (Alaihissalamm) said,
“This is the source of the tradition of the walking of people between them (i.e. Safa and Marwa). When she reached the Marwa (for the last time) she heard a voice and she asked herself to be quiet and listened attentively. She heard the voice again and said, ‘O, (whoever you may be)! You have made me hear your voice; have you got something to help me?” And behold! She saw an angel at the place of Zam-zam, digging the earth with his heel (or his wing), till water flowed from that place. She started to make something like a basin around it, using her hand in this way, and started filling her water-skin with water with her hands, and the water was flowing out after she had scooped some of it.”
The Prophet (Alaihissalamm) added, “May Allah bestow Mercy on Ishmael (Alaihissalamm)’s mother! Had she let the Zam-zam (flow without trying to control it) (or had she not scooped from that water) (to fill her water-skin), Zam-zam would have been a stream flowing on the surface of the earth.”
The Prophet (Alaihissalamm) further added, “Then she drank (water) and suckled her child. The angel said to her, ‘Don’t be afraid of being neglected, for this is the House of Allah which will be built by this boy and his father, and Allah never neglects His people.’ The House (i.e. Kaba) at that time was on a high place resembling a hillock, and when torrents came, they flowed to its right and left. She lived in that way till some people from the tribe of Jurhum or a family from Jurhum passed by her and her child, as they (i.e. the Jurhum people) were coming through the way of Kada’. They landed in the lower part of Mecca where they saw a bird that had the habit of flying around water and not leaving it. They said, ‘This bird must be flying around water, though we know that there is no water in this valley.’ They sent one or two messengers who discovered the source of water, and returned to inform them of the water. So, they all came (towards the water).
” The Prophet (Alaihissalamm) added,”Ishmael (Alaihissalamm)’s mother was sitting near the water. They asked her, ‘Do you allow us to stay with you?” She replied, ‘Yes, but you will have no right to possess the water.’ They agreed to that. “The Prophet (Alaihissalamm) further said, “Ishmael (Alaihissalamm)’s mother was pleased with the whole situation as she used to love to enjoy the company of the people. So, they settled there, and later on they sent for their families who came and settled with them so that some families became permanent residents there. The child (i.e. Ishmael (Alaihissalamm)) grew up and learnt Arabic from them and (his virtues) caused them to love and admire him as he grew up, and when he reached the age of puberty they made him marry a woman from amongst them.After Ishmael (Alaihissalamm)’s mother had died, Abraham (Alaihissalamm) came after Ishmael (Alaihissalamm)’s marriage in order to see his family that he had left before, but he did not find Ishmael (Alaihissalamm) there. When he asked Ishmael (Alaihissalamm)’s wife about him, she replied,
‘He has gone in search of our livelihood.’
Then he asked her about their way of living and their condition, and she replied, ‘We are living in misery; we are living in hardship and destitution,’ complaining to him.
He said, ‘When your husband returns, convey my salutation to him and tell him to change the threshold of the gate (of his house).’ When Ishmael came, he seemed to have felt something unusual, so he asked his wife, ‘Has anyone visited you?’
She replied, ‘Yes, an old man of so-and-so description came and asked me about you and I informed him, and he asked about our state of living, and I told him that we were living in a hardship and poverty.’ On that Ishmael said, ‘Did he advise you anything?’ She replied, ‘Yes, he told me to convey his salutation to you and to tell you to change the threshold of your gate.’ Ishmael said, ‘It was my father, and he has ordered me to divorce you. Go back to your family.’ So, Ishmael divorced her and married another woman from amongst them (i.e. Jurhum).
Then Abraham (Alaihissalamm) stayed away from them for a period as long as Allah wished and called on them again but did not find Ishmael. So he came to Ishmael (Alaihissalamm)’s wife and asked her about Ishmael. She said, ‘He has gone in search of our livelihood.’ Abraham (Alaihissalamm) asked her, ‘How are you getting on?’ asking her about their sustenance and living. She replied, ‘We are prosperous and well-off (i.e. we have everything in abundance).’ Then she thanked Allah’ Abraham said, ‘What kind of food do you eat?’
She said. ‘Meat.’ He said, ‘What do you drink?’ She said, ‘Water.” He said, “O Allah! Bless their meat and water.” The Prophet (Alaihissalamm) added, “At that time they did not have grain, and if they had grain, he would have also invoked Allah to bless it.” The Prophet (Alaihissalamm) added, “If somebody has only these two things as his sustenance, his health and disposition will be badly affected, unless he lives in Mecca.” The Prophet (Alaihissalamm) added,” Then Abraham (Alaihissalamm) said Ishmae (Alaihissalamm)l’s wife, “When your husband comes, give my regards to him and tell him that he should keep firm the threshold of his gate.’ When Ishmael (Alaihissalamm) came back, he asked his wife,
‘Did anyone call on you?’ She replied, ‘Yes, a good-looking old man came to me,’ so she praised him and added. ‘He asked about you, and I informed him, and he asked about our livelihood and I told him that we were in a good condition.’ Ishmael (Alaihissalamm) asked her, ‘Did he give you any piece of advice?’ She said, ‘Yes, he told me to give his regards to you and ordered that you should keep firm the threshold of your gate.’ On that Ishmael (Alaihissalamm) said, ‘It was my father, and you are the threshold (of the gate). He has ordered me to keep you with me.’
Then Abraham (Alaihissalamm) stayed away from them for a period as long as Allah wished, and called on them afterwards. He saw Ishmael (Alaihissalamm) under a tree near Zamzam, sharpening his arrows. When he saw Abraham (Alaihissalamm), he rose up to welcome him (and they greeted each other as a father does with his son or a son does with his father). Abraham (Alaihissalamm) said, ‘O Ishmael (Alaihissalamm)! Allah has given me an order.’ Ishmael (Alaihissalamm) said, ‘Do what your Lord has ordered you to do.’ Abraham (Alaihissalamm) asked, ‘Will you help me?’ Ishmael (Alaihissalamm) said, ‘I will help you.’ Abraham (Alaihissalamm) said, Allah has ordered me to build a house here,’ pointing to a hillock higher than the land surrounding it.
“The Prophet (Alaihissalamm) added, “Then they raised the foundations of the House (i.e. the Ka’ba). Ishmael (Alaihissalamm) brought the stones and Abraham was building, and when the walls became high, Ishmael (Alaihissalamm) brought this stone and put it for Abraham (Alaihissalamm) who stood over it and carried on building, while Ishmael (Alaihissalamm) was handing him the stones, and both of them were saying,
‘O our Lord! Accept (this service) from us, Verily, You are the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.’ The Prophet (Alaihissalamm) added,”Then both of them went on building and going round the Ka’ba saying: O our Lord ! Accept (this service) from us, Verily, You are the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.” (2.127)
Welcoming the Blessed Dhul-Hijjah
Welcoming the Blessed Dhul-Hijjah
Sunday (November 7th) is the first day of the month known as Dhul-Hijjah. the Muslims performing Hajj will be in ‘Arafah on Monday 15 November 2010 (9 Dhul-Hijjah 1431) , and the Muslim Ummah shall be celebrating ‘Eed al-Adhaa on Tuesday 16 November 2010, (10 Dhul-Hijjah 1431), inshaa.-Allaah.
Alhamdulilah…My Parents are also on HAJJ Now… 
For those of us who are not performing the Hajj, there are still many ways to make the most of this blessed time!
Virtues of the first 10 Days of Dhul-Hijjah
How many times have we heard Surat Al-Fajr recited, be it in our homes, while memorizing, or in the mosque? As a shorter surah, it may be a frequent part of our prayers, but taking the time to reflect on even a part of the first verse reveals a treasure of meaning. In the first two ayahs (verses) of Surat Al-Fajr, Allah says:
“By the dawn; And [by] the ten nights.” (89:1-2)
According to scholars of the Qur’an, the days mentioned as significant enough for Allah to swear by them are the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah.
Describing how these ten days are among the best, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
“There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.” They said: “Not even jihad for the sake of Allah?” He said: “Not even jihad for the sake of Allah, unless a man goes out himself for jihad taking his wealth with him and does not come back with anything.” [Bukhari, 2/457]
The Prophet (peace be upon him) also said: “There is no deed that is better before Allah or more greatly rewarded than a good deed done in the (first) ten days of al-Adha.” He was asked: “Not even jihad for the sake of Allah?” He said: “Not even jihad for the sake of Allah, unless a man goes out himself for jihad taking his wealth with him and does not come back with anything.” [Al-Daarimi, 1/357]
Thus, the ten days are better than all other days of the year, with no exception, even the last ten days of Ramadan. (The last ten nights of Ramadan, however, are understood to be better than the nights of Dhul-Hijjah, because they include Laylat al-Qadr (the night of power), which is better than a thousand months. (Qur’an 97:3)
Therefore, whoever is not able to go to Hajj should use this blessed time to complete even more righteous deeds than usual. These can include anything such as giving charity, honouring one’s parents, upholding the ties of kinship, and enjoining what is good and forbidding what is evil. Fasting and remembrance are particularly recommended:
1. Fasting Nine days, especially on the Day of ‘Arafah:
It is Sunnah for the Muslim to fast on the first nine days of Dhul-Hijjah, because fasting is one of the best of deeds. In a hadith qudsi, Allah says:
“All the deeds of the son of Adam are for him, except fasting, which is for Me and I shall reward for it.” [Bukhari, 1805.]
The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to fast on the first nine days of Dhul-Hijjah.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “The Prophet used to fast on the first nine days of Dhul-Hijjah and the day of Ashura, and three days each month, the first Monday of the month and two Thursdays.” [Abu Dawood 2/462]
The ten days of Dhul-Hijjah include Yawm al-`Arafah (the Day of `Arafah), on which Allah perfected His Religion. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Fasting the day of `Arafah expiates the sins of two years: the past one and the coming one. And fasting the day of Ashura expiates the sins of the past year.” [Muslim]
2. Remembrance
It is Sunnah to recite remembrances known as the takbeer, tahmeed, tahleel, and tasbeeh during the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, saying these words out loud in the mosques, homes, streets and every place in which it is permissible to remember Allah:
- Takbeer: Allahu akbar (God is most great)
- Tahmeed: Al-hamdu Lillah (All praises be to God)
- Tahleel: Laa ilaha ill-Allah (There is no god but Allah)
- Tasbeeh: Subhaan-Allah (Glory be to God),
The Prophet (peace be upon him) explained how, “There are no days that are greater before Allah or in which good deeds are more beloved to Him, than these ten days, so recite a great deal of tahleel, takbeer and tahmeed during them.” [Ahmad, 7/224]
While there are different versions, the takbeer can also be recited as follows:
Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, laa ilaaha ill-Allah, Allahu akbar, wa Lillaah il-hamd.
Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, there is no god but Allah; Allah is Most Great and to Allah be praise.
The Best Days of this World
The Virtues of the first 10 days of Dhul Hijja:
1. Ahadith of the Prophet (s):
قال النبي –صلى الله عليه وسلم-( مامن أيام العمل الصالح فيها أحب إلى الله من هذه الأيام قالوا يا رسول الله : ولا الجهاد في سبيل الله قال ولا الجهاد في سبيل الله إلا رجل خرج بنفسه وماله فلم يرجع من ذلك بشئ) رواه البخاري
The Prophet (s) said: “There are no days in which good deeds are more beloved to Allah than during these days. The Sahaba said: Oh Rasul Allah, not even jihad in the path of Allah? He (s) said: Not even jihad in the path of Allah except for the man who goes out in the path of Allah with his life and his wealth and returns with neither of them.”
وقال ( أفضل أيام الدنيا أيام العشر) رواه البزار وصححه الالبانى.
And he (s) said: “The best days of this world are these ten.”
2. Allah swears by these 10 days in the Qur’an:
قول الله تعالى: ((وَالْفَجْرِ، وَلَيَالٍ عَشْرٍ)) سورة الفجر (1-2)، قال ابن كثير رحمه الله: المراد بها عشر ذي الحجة
Allah says: “By the dawn, and by the 10 nights” [Qur’an, 89:1-2]. Ibn ‘Abbas, Ibn al-Zubayr, Mujahid and others of the earlier and later generations said that this refers to the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. Ibn Katheer said: “This is the correct opinion.”
قال تعالى: ((وَيَذْكُرُوا اسْمَ اللَّهِ فِي أَيَّامٍ مَّعْلُومَاتٍ)) سورة الحج(28)، قال ابن عباس: أيام العشر
Allah says: “…and mention the name of Allah on appointed days…” [Qur’an, 22:28] Ibn ‘Abbas said these are the ten days.
3. These ten days are better than Ramadan:
قال المحققون من أهل العلم: أيام عشر ذي الحجة أفضل الأيام، وليالي العشر الأواخر من رمضان أفضل الليالي.
Most scholars adopt the opinion that these days are better than the last ten days of Ramadan. However, what holds the last ten days of Ramadan at a higher status is the Night of Power (Laylat ul-Qadr) which is equivalent to one thousand months (83.33 years).
تضاعف فيها الحسنات قال ابن عباس”: العمل فيهن بسبعمائة ضعف”
The rewards are multiplied in these days. Ibn ‘Abbas said: “(The reward for good) deeds are multiplied seven hundred times in these days.”
قال الاوزاعى: “بلغني أن العمل في أيام العشر كقدر غزوة في سبيل الله يصام نهارها ويحرس ليلها إلا أن يختص امرء بشهادة”
Al Awzaa’i said: I was informed that good deeds during the ten days are the equivalent (in reward) to a battle in the path of Allah, in which the day is spent in fasting and the night in safeguarding, except if one is bestowed with martyrdom.”
In Ramadan doing good deeds and struggling in worship, especially during the last ten nights, is easier than during these days for a few reasons. Firstly, the atmosphere of the month of Ramadan, whether culturally, spiritually, or traditionally, makes it easier to focus and strive. Secondly, the shayateen are chained. So, to get that drive and direction we had in Ramadan, is much harder when we have most likely fallen out of “Ramadan mode.” However, since the `ibada is more difficult, the reward is greater. So let’s keep this in mind and get ready to really work hard.
The Plan of Action for these 10 days:
1. Really feel this blessing and realize that it is an opportunity of a lifetime, because none of us know if we will witness these 10 days again.
كان خالد بن معدان يقول( إذا فتح لأحدكم باب للخير فليسرع فاءنه لا يدرى متى يغلق عنه
Khalid bin Mi’dan used to say: “If the door for good is opened for one of you, then rush (to take advantage) because you don’t know when it will close.”
2. Have high aspirations in your worship and use the examples of the ijtihad of the saliheen as motivation.
3. Take advantage of the opportunities to get the reward of hajj while being elsewhere.
قال-صلى الله عليه وسلم-( من صلى الفجر في جماعة ثم قعد يذكر الله حتى تطلع الشمس ثم صلى ركعتين كانت له كأجر حجة وعمرة تامة تامة تامة
The Prophet (s) said: “Whoever prays fajr in congregation and then sits in remembrance of Allah until the sun rises, then prays two rak’aat, he has the full reward of hajj and `umrah.”
4. Perfecting the fara`idh (obligatory actions):
Often times we become busy trying to do extra deeds, but neglect the fact that perhaps maybe what is obligatory upon us is not at the level it should be. There is no way for a person to become close to Allah other than through the obligatory actions, as is apparent in the famous hadith qudsi in which Allah says: “My servant does not become closer to me by anything more beloved to me than what I have obligated upon him.”
Reasonable Goals:
1. Khatm of Qur’an: equivalent to more than half a million hasanaat during these days. Let’s try to complete the recitation of the Qur’an during these days, ending by ‘Asr time on the day of ‘Arafah and spending from ‘Asr to Magrhib in du’aa.
2. Qiyam al-Layl:
Rasulallah (s) said: “Whoever stands in prayer, reciting 1,000 verses is written among the muqantareen.” A qintar is equal to 70,000 dinar. The recitation of the last two ajzaa` of the Qur’an is equivalent to 1,000 verses.
3. Extra Salah during the day: The Prophet (s) said: “There is not a Muslim who prays twelve raka’at per day, other than the obligatory prayers, except that a palace is built for him in paradise.”
4. Dhikr: The best form of worship to do in these ten days as apparent in the hadith:
Ibn `Umar said that the Messenger of Allah (s) said, “There is no day more honorable in Allah ’s sight and no acts more beloved therein to Allah than those in these ten days. So say tahlil (There is no deity worthy of worship but Allah: La ilaha illAllah), takbir (Allah is the greatest: Allahu akbar) and tahmid (All praise is due to Allah: alhumdulillah) a lot.” [Ahmad, 7/224]
The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “The best du`a’ is du`a’ on the day of `Arafah, and the best thing that I or the Prophets before me have said is ‘There is no god but Allah, alone, without any partner’ (La ilaha illa’llah, wahdahu la sharika lah)” [Muwatta, Malik].
7. Reviving the Sunnah of Takbir:
Ibn `Umar and Abu Hurairah (ra) used to go out in the marketplace during the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah, reciting takbeer, and the people would recite takbeer when they heard them.
8. Fasting:
The reward of fasting is great, so imagine how much that reward would be multiplied in these days. If one can’t fast all of the 9 days, then at least on the day of `Arafah as it is the greatest day.
Abu Qatadah reported that the Messenger of Allah (s) said, “Fasting on the day of ‘Arafah is an expiation for two years, the year preceding it and the year following it. Fasting the day of `Ashura is an expiation for the year preceding it.” [This is related by “the group,” except for al-Bukhari and at-Tirmidhi]
The Prophet (s) said “There is no day that Allah will free people more than the day of `Arafah.”
`Ali (ra) used to advise people to say “Oh Allah free my neck from the fire” on the day of `Arafah.
9. Du`a’:
Especially on the day of `Arafah, but also at anytime. Keep in mind the times where du’aa is more likely to be accepted and ask during those times.
* The last third of the night
* Between the adhaan and iqaamah
* During the rain
* In sujood
* Friday
* While fasting
10. Sadaqa (charity):
Give sadaqa during these days, since the reward is multiplied tremendously.
11. Tawba (asking for forgiveness):
Continually renew repentance.
12. Establish ikhlas in `ibada.
13. Check and renew intentions at all times
The Day of `Eid
On the greatest day, remained focused as it is still part of the first 10 days which are the best days of the year! Try not to get too caught up in celebrating that you stop doing the worship that you were doing the first 9 days.
The day of ‘Eid: a day for visiting family and performing the sacrifice for one who is able.
By Zahra
Say This 7 Times Daily to Have Desires Granted insha-Allah
“حَسْبِيَ اللهُ لَآ إِلَهَ إِلَّا هُوَ عَلَيْهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَهُوَ رَبُّ الْعَرْشِ الْعَظِيمِ”.
Hasbiyallaahu laa ‘ilaaha ‘illaa Huwa ‘alayhi tawakkaltu wa Huwa Rabbul-’Arshil-’Adheem .
Allah is sufficient for me . There is none worthy of worship but Him . I have placed my trust in Him, He is Lord of the Majestic Throne . (Recite seven times in Arabic .)
Reference:
Allah will grant whoever recites this seven times in the morning or evening whatever he desires from this world or the next, Ibn As-Sunni (no. 71), Abu Dawud 4/321. Both reports are attributed directly to the Prophet j§ (Marfu1). The chain of transmission is sound (Sahih). Ibn As-Sunni.
Note:
By morning it refers to after Fajr until about ten minutes before duhr and by evening, one may read it after ‘asr ( according to some scholars) or maghrib ( according to other scholars).
Please share this so that your brothers and sisters in Islam may benefit from this Sunnah, insha’Allaah.
Lauren Booth: I’m now a Muslim. Why all the shock and horror?
News that Lauren Booth has converted to Islam provoked a storm of negative comments. Here she explains how it came about – and why it’s time to stop patronising Muslim women
Lauren Booth . . .’How hard and callous non-Muslim friends and colleagues began to seem’.
It is five years since my first visit to Palestine. And when I arrived in the region, to work alongside charities in Gaza and the West Bank, I took with me the swagger of condescension that all white middle-class women (secretly or outwardly) hold towards poor Muslim women, women I presumed would be little more than black-robed blobs, silent in my peripheral vision. As a western woman with all my freedoms, I expected to deal professionally with men alone. After all, that’s what the Muslim world is all about, right?
This week’s screams of faux horror from fellow columnists on hearing of my conversion to Islam prove that this remains the stereotypical view regarding half a billion women currently practising Islam.
On my first trip to Ramallah, and many subsequent visits to Palestine, Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon, I did indeed deal with men in power. And, dear reader, one or two of them even had those scary beards we see on news bulletins from far-flung places we’ve bombed to smithereens. Surprisingly (for me) I also began to deal with a lot of women of all ages, in all manner of head coverings, who also held positions of power. Believe it or not, Muslim women can be educated, work the same deadly hours we do, and even boss their husbands about in front of his friends until he leaves the room in a huff to go and finish making the dinner.
Is this patronising enough for you? I do hope so, because my conversion to Islam has been an excuse for sarcastic commentators to heap such patronising points of view on to Muslim women everywhere. So much so, that on my way to a meeting on the subject of Islamophobia in the media this week, I seriously considered buying myself a hook and posing as Abu Hamza. After all, judging by the reaction of many women columnists, I am now to women’s rights what the hooked one is to knife and fork sales.
So let’s all just take a deep breath and I’ll give you a glimpse into the other world of Islam in the 21st century. Of course, we cannot discount the appalling way women are mistreated by men in many cities and cultures, both with and without an Islamic population. Women who are being abused by male relatives are being abused by men, not God. Much of the practices and laws in “Islamic” countries have deviated from (or are totally unrelated) to the origins of Islam. Instead practices are based on cultural or traditional (and yes, male-orientated) customs that have been injected into these societies. For example, in Saudi Arabia, women are not allowed to drive by law. This rule is an invention of the Saudi monarchy, our government’s close ally in the arms and oil trade. The fight for women’s rights must sadly adjust to our own government’s needs.
My own path to Islam began with an awakening to the gap between what had been drip-fed to me about all Muslim life – and the reality.
I began to wonder about the calmness exuded by so many of the “sisters” and “brothers”. Not all; these are human beings we’re talking about. But many. And on my visit to Iran this September, the washing, kneeling, chanting recitations of the prayers at the mosques I visited reminded me of the west’s view of an entirely different religion; one that is known for eschewing violence and embracing peace and love through quiet meditation. A religion trendy with movie stars such as Richard Gere, and one that would have been much easier to admit to following in public – Buddhism. Indeed, the bending, kneeling and submission of Muslim prayers resound with words of peace and contentment. Each one begins, “Bismillahir rahmaneer Raheem” – “In the name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate” – and ends with the phrase “Assalamu Alaykhum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh” – Peace be upon you all and God’s mercy and blessing.
Almost unnoticed to me, when praying for the last year or so, I had been saying “Dear Allah” instead of “Dear God”. They both mean the same thing, of course, but for the convert to Islam the very alien nature of the language of the holy prayers and the holy book can be a stumbling block. I had skipped that hurdle without noticing. Then came the pull: a sort of emotional ebb and flow that responds to the company of other Muslims with a heightened feeling of openness and warmth. Well, that’s how it was for me, anyway.
How hard and callous non-Muslim friends and colleagues began to seem. Why can’t we cry in public, hug one another more, say “I love you” to a new friend, without facing suspicion or ridicule? I would watch emotions being shared in households along with trays of honeyed sweets and wondered, if Allah’s law is simply based on fear why did the friends I loved and respected not turn their backs on their practices and start to drink, to have real “fun” as we in the west do? And we do, don’t we? Don’t we?
Finally, I felt what Muslims feel when they are in true prayer: a bolt of sweet harmony, a shudder of joy in which I was grateful for everything I have (my children) and secure in the certainty that I need nothing more (along with prayer) to be utterly content. I prayed in the Mesumeh shrine in Iran after ritually cleansing my forearms, face, head and feet with water. And nothing could be the same again. It was as simple as that.
The sheikh who finally converted me at a mosque in London a few weeks ago told me: “Don’t hurry, Lauren. Just take it easy. Allah is waiting for you. Ignore those who tell you: you must do this, wear that, have your hair like this. Follow your instincts, follow the Holy Qur’an- and let Allah guide you.”
And so I now live in a reality that is not unlike that of Jim Carey’s character in the Truman Show. I have glimpsed the great lie that is the facade of our modern lives; that materialism, consumerism, sex and drugs will give us lasting happiness. But I have also peeked behind the screens and seen an enchanting, enriched existence of love, peace and hope. In the meantime, I carry on with daily life, cooking dinners, making TV programmes about Palestine and yes, praying for around half an hour a day.
Now, my morning starts with dawn prayers at around 6am, I pray again at 1.30pm, then finally at 10.30pm. My steady progress with the Qur’an has been mocked in some quarters (for the record, I’m now around 200 pages in). I’ve been seeking advice from Ayatollahs, imams and sheikhs, and every one has said that each individual’s journey to Islam is their own. Some do commit the entire text to memory before conversion; for me reading the holy book will be done slowly and at my own pace.
In the past my attempts to give up alcohol have come to nothing; since my conversion I can’t even imagine drinking again. I have no doubt that this is for life: there is so much in Islam to learn and enjoy and admire; I’m overcome with the wonder of it. In the last few days I’ve heard from other women converts, and they have told me that this is just the start, that they are still loving it 10 or 20 years on.
On a final note I’d like to offer a quick translation between Muslim culture and media culture that may help take the sting of shock out of my change of life for some of you.
When Muslims on the BBC News are shown shouting “Allahu Akhbar!” at some clear, Middle Eastern sky, we westerners have been trained to hear: “We hate you all in your British sitting rooms, and are on our way to blow ourselves up in Lidl when you are buying your weekly groceries.”
In fact, what we Muslims are saying is “God is Great!”, and we’re taking comfort in our grief after non-Muslim nations have attacked our villages. Normally, this phrase proclaims our wish to live in peace with our neighbours, our God, our fellow humans, both Muslim and non-Muslim. Or, failing that, in the current climate, just to be left to live in peace would be nice.
MANAPPARAI 