FIVE FINGERS OF PRAYER

1. Your thumb is nearest to you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C.S. Lewis once said, a 'sweet duty.'
2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and maulanas. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.
3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for our mujtahids, leaders in religion and country. These people shape our nation and guide pulic opinion. They need God's guidance.
4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger; as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.
5. And lastly comes our little finger; the smallest finger of all. Which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.

PLEASE DO NOT FORGET US IN YOUR PRAYERS!!!!!

Wajibats of Prayers

THE SOCK

A wise and saintly rich man, sensing his approaching death, called his son to his side and gave him these instructions: “My son, I shall be leaving you very shortly. On the day when I die, and they have washed my body and come to wrap it in the shroud, I want you to put one of my socks on my foot. This is my final request of you.”

Soon after this, the old man did indeed die, leaving behind his goods and property, his children and his dependents. Family, friends, acquaintances and neighbours attended his funeral. The body had been washed and was almost completely wrapped in the shroud, when the son remembered his father’s wish. Finding one of his old socks, he handed it to the washer of the dead, saying, “In accordance with my father’s last request, please put this sock on his foot.”

“That is quite impossible:’ Said the man. “Such a thing is utterly impermissible in Islam. I cannot act against the Shariah.” Despite this valid objection, the son insisted, “That was my father’s final request; it must certainly be carried out.”

The washer of the dead was unmoved. “If you won’t take my word for it,” he said, “go and ask the mufti. He will confirm what I tell you, that it is not permissible.” Holding up the funeral, they consulted the mufti, preachers and scholars, all of whom declared that this was not permissible in Islam. Just then, an aged friend of the deceased interrupted the debate with these words to the son: “My boy, your late father entrusted me with a letter which I was to hand over to you after his departure. Here, this letter belongs to you.” So saying, he gave him an envelope. Taken by surprise, the boy opened the envelope and read out the contents of his father’s letter.

“My son, all this wealth and property I have left to you. Now you see: at the last moment, they won’t even let you give me an old sock to wear. When you yourself come one day to be in my condition they will also refuse to let you keep anything but your shroud. Eight yards of shroud are all you will be able to carry over from this fleeting world into the Hereafter. So pull yourself together and be prepared. Spend the fortune I have left you, not for the satisfaction of vain desires, but in ways pleasing to Allah, that you may achieve honour in both worlds.” Remember get the blessings of your parents whilst they are still alive, otherwise you will regret that all the wealth you may have accumalated will be of no use in saving you from the perils of the world and hereafter.

Surah Al-Kahf on Juma

Slow Down!

  
“Can you believe this!” lamented Yusuf as he looked sadly at his leg covered from foot to knee in a thick white plaster cast leaving his plaster stained toes exposed.
“This is so frustrating!” he continued, addressing his exposed toes who had now become his captive audience, “Just when everything was going perfectly. Now this! Like I needed it in my life?”
Ridwaan stood idly by, adding little to the lament being addressed to the toes. He fidgeted wearily with his cell phone paying little attention to the monologue until Yusuf turned to him and asked:
“Did you hear what I said? I really didn’t need this in my life. Not at any time, and definitely, definitely not now. I mean...”

“What’s so special about now?” enquired Ridwaan not bothering to look up from his cell phone.
Yusuf ignored his question, shifted painfully in his chair and struggled to get his leg into a comfortable position. He stared at some of the graffiti on his plaster cast “Mojo was here!” “Oops. My brain just hit a bad sector” “On the other hand, you have different fingers” and some other writings that became a bit smudgy with the first attempt at taking a shower.

“I mean how does someone rupture an Achilles tendon playing tennis? It must be a one in a million thing, and I am the one! So now I sit – six weeks with this thing on my leg. Six weeks! and at a time when the business is going so well. Just when we got the Department of Education tender for printing. There’s so much to do .... preparation, layout, design. Yo! It was going crazy at work.”
Ridwaan stopped fidgeting with his cell phone long enough to exclaim, “So what’s the hassle. You get a nice break and fully paid on top of it!”

“You don’t understand, do you!” said Yusuf, glaring at him. An uncomfortable frown crossed his forehead, “You don’t know what it means. I really didn’t even have enough time to eat let alone take a six week break. We were working 12 hours a day to get that tender out. So what happens now?”
“I know exactly what it means,” replied Ridwaan, “It means you were moving too fast so Allah put down a speed breaker.”

“What!” he exclaimed, “What you mean...speed breaker?”
“You see, sometimes when we rush through life and we forget the important things then Allah puts down a speed bump so we can slow down and reflect. Maybe a little sickness or a small problem. Just to ponder on what we’re doing and what we should be doing. And that’s it! You were chasing like a madman so you got hit with a speed bump.”
He paused allowing his words to sink in then continued, “You know most of us get so caught up in life then we forget about Allah, our salaah becomes just a ritual and the family ...well, they even forget who we are. I bet your kids call you Uncle by now?”

“Hey, it’s not that bad,” said Yusuf struggling to find a comfortable position for his plastered leg, “But I hear what you saying. Things were getting a bit out of hand. I missed my daughter’s pre-school jalsa, my son’s graduation and dropped a couple of salaahs on the way and jip, Allah knows what else I gave up for this tender....”

Yusuf fell silent pondering on his situation, a thin smile broke on his lips and his face lit up with this new found understanding, “So this wasn’t all bad then. Actually....”
“It was for you own good,” Ridwaan completed the sentence for him, “Too often we forget the real things in life...our Allah, our Deen, our families and those so called little things we tend to forget.”
“Yup,” chorused Yusuf, “I remember a clever guy telling me once, pay attention to the little things in life, for one day you may find out they were actually the big things. Really can’t believe Allah’s mercy and kindness upon us. It is, as they say, more than that of a mother. He cares for us and even what I thought was a horrible misfortune was actually an act of kindness from Him.”

Allah, The Most Wise, says: "… and it may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you and that you like a thing which is bad for you. Allah knows but you do not know." ( Qur’an-Surah Baqarah: 216)

A calamity that makes you turn to Allah is better for you than a blessing which makes you forget the remembrance of Allah.
Let us slow down and ponder of the journey of life and make more calculated decisions that will not only benefit us in the transitory life of this world but more so in the eternal life of the Hereafter.

By: Abdur Rahman Umar

Namaaz in the view of Masumeen (a.s)

1.       Hadith Qudsi: The slave has not obtained proximity to Me with anything except through the fulfilment of obligatory acts. And the salve becomes so close to me through supererogatory prayers. – Usul-e-Kafi Vol. 1, pg. 352

2.       The Holy Prophet (saw) said: “When Ulul Azm Prophet of Allah used to be in difficulties, they used to take refuge in namaaz.” 

Amirul Momimeen (a.s) says: “One who desires proximity to Allah through obligatory and recommended prayers get twice the reward.”

3.       Imam Ali (a.s) says, “When a person prays, his body, clothes and whatever is around him will glorify Allah. “

4.       Janabe Fatima (s.a) said: “Allah has established the prayer to keep away pride and selfishness from you.”

5.       Imam Sajjad (a.s) said: “The truth is with namaaz. You should know that reciting prayer is being presented in the court of Allah and you should consider Namaaz as the means of going before the Almighty.” – Beharul Anwaar

6.       Imam Baqir (a.s) said: “One who recites the prayers with attention, his prayer is as much acceptable below the heavens as much attentive he is.” – Muhajjatul Baizaa

7.       Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s) said: “When you have a need perform two rakat namaz and invoke blessings on Muhammad and Ale Muhammad (saw). Then pray for your needs and they shall be fulfilled.”

8.       Imam Musa Kazim (a.s) said: “When your child is seven years old, prepare him for prayers.”

9.       Imam Husa Kazim (a.s) said: “The recommended prayers bring every be;iever closer to Allah.”

10.   Imam Jawad (a.s) says: “Presence of mind and humility are the embellishments of prayers.”

Allah is He who...

EK KHOOBSURAT AITBAAR
Agar 'ALLAH' Tumhari Duaen Puri Kar Raha hai to Woh Tumhara
"Yaqeen" Badha raha hai..
Agar Duaen Puri karne mein Dair kar raha hai to Tumhara "Sabar" Badha raha hai..
Agar Tumhari Duaon Ka Jawab Nahin de raha to Woh Tumhen "Aazma" raha hai..

Is liye Hamesha "Dua" Mangte rahiye kyunke
Dua ek Dastak Ki tarah hai
Aur
Baar Baar Dastak Dene Se Darwaza Chahen Jab Bhi Khule
Khulta Zarur hai...
Iltemase dua..

Salaam,
Hazrat Ali (A.S) k Paas ek Yahudi Aaya aur kaha Ya Ali (A.S) Maine suna hai k Aap Musalman jb Ibadat krte
ho to bure bure khyalat Aate hai jub k hm Ibadat
krte hai to Humein nhi Aate, H. Ali (A.S) ne
jawab me Farmaya agr ek ghar faqeer ka ho or ek Ameer ka to Chor kahan jaiga? Yahudi ne kaha
Ameer k ghar mein , Ali (A.S) ne kaha Tabhi to
Shaitan unko Satata hai jin k dil me 'ALLAH' ho, jinke
dil me koi 'ALLAH' hi nhe Wahan shaitan ka kya kaam.
SALWAT
DUA-O-ME YAAD

ik shakhs Aap (SAW) k pas aya or kaha,
Me aalim ban'na chahta houn
Farmaya: Taqwa ikhtiyar kro aalam ban jaogy
Arz kia,
Taqatwar ban'na chahta houn.
Farmaya: ALLAH per tawakkal karo.
Arz kia,
ALLAH ka khas ban'na chahta houn
Farmaya: ALLAH ka zikr kasrat se kro
Arz kia,
Rizq ki kushadgi chahta houn.
Farmaya: hamesha bawuzu raho.
Arz kia,
Duaon ki Qabooliat chahta houn.
Farmaya: Haram mat khao
Arz kiya,
Gunahon me kami chahta houn.
Farmaya: Astaghfar karo

Allah Farmata Hai :
" Mujh Se Kal Ka Rizq Na Maang ,
Jis Tarah Main Tujh Se Kal Ka Amal Nahi Maangta."
"Tu Mere Thode Diye Se Raazi Ho Jaa,
Qayamat K Din Main Tere Thode Kiye Se Raazi Ho Jaunga."
"Jab Tujhe Gussa Aaye To Mujhe Yaad Kiya Kar, Main Apne Ghazab Ke Waqt Tujhe Yaad Rakhunga ." jumma mubarak.

3 chize....

🎯3. Chize 1 Hi Jagah Parvarish Paati Hai...
1. Phul, 2. Kaata,
3. Khusbu.

🎯3. Chize Har 1 Ko Milti Hai...
1. Khusi, 2. Gham, 3. Maut,

🎯3. Chize Har 1 Ki Alag Alag Hoti Hai...
1. Surat, 2.Sirat , 3.Kismat,

🎯3. Chizo Ko Kabhi Chhota Na Samjo...
1. Farz, 2. Karz, 3. Marz,

🎯3. Chizo Ko Kabhi Na Thukrao...
1. Dawat, 2.Tohfa,
3. Mashwara,

🎯3. Chizo Ko Apnao...
1. Sabr, 2. Shukr, 3. Rizk E Halal,

🎯3. Chize Hamesha Yaad Rakho...
1. Maut, 2. Ehsaan,
3. Nasihat,

🎯3. Chize Hamesha Paak Rakho...
1. Jism, 2. Libaas,
3. Khayalat,

🎯3. Chize Haasil Karo...
1. Ilm, 2. Akhlaak,
3 Hunar,

🎯3.Chizo Se Bacho...
1. Gibat, 2. Chugli,
3. Hasad,

🎯3. Chize Kaabu Me Rakho...
1. Zubaan, 2.Gussa,
3. Nafs,

🎯3. Chizo Ke Liye Lado...
1. Vatan, 2. Huqq, 3 Izzat,

🎯3. Chize Saath Rakho...
1. Imaan, 2. Neki,
3. Sacchai,

🎯3. Ka Ahteram Karo...
1. Vaalid, 2 Vaalida,
3, Ustaad...

Dua mein yaad...

😊👏 Beautiful Duaas from the Quran

!!! ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓
❤For pious children:

رَبِّ هَبْ لِي مِنْ لَدُنْكَ ذُرِّيَّةً طَيِّبَةً إِنَّكَ سَمِيعُ الدُّعَاءِ
رَبِّ لَا تَذَرْنِي فَرْدًا وَأَنْتَ خَيْرُ الْوَارِثِينَ💙
▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓
💛For the one who is afraid :
رَبَّنَا لَا تُزِغْ قُلُوبَنَا بَعْدَ إِذْ هَدَيْتَنَا وَهَبْ لَنَا مِنْ لَدُنْكَ رَحْمَةً إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ الْوَهَّاب��ُ
▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓
🌷do you want shahada?say this Duaa:
رَبَّنَا آمَنَّا بِمَا أَنْزَلْتَ وَاتَّبَعْنَا الرَّسُولَ فَاكْتُبْنَا مَعَ الشَّاهِدِينَ 🍁
▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓
😓☝ overwhelmed by life's problems? Say this Duaa:
حَسْبِيَ اللَّهُ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا هُوَ عَلَيْهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَهُوَ رَبُّ الْعَرْشِ الْعَظِيمِ 🍃
▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓
🌸 If you want yourself and your children to be regular in their salaat:
رَبِّ اجْعَلْنِي مُقِيمَ الصَّلاةِ وَمِنْ ذُرِّيَّتِي رَبَّنَا وَتَقَبَّلْ دُعَاءِ 🍀
▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓
💓If you want your spouse and children to be Khair for you :
رَبَّنَا هَبْ لَنَا مِنْ أَزْوَاجِنَا وَذُرِّيَّاتِنَا قُرَّةَ أَعْيُنٍ وَاجْعَلْنَا لِلْمُتَّقِينَ إِمَامًا 🌺
▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓
💝 A blessed home:
رَبِّ أَنْزِلْنِي مُنْزَلًا مُبَارَكًا وَأَنْتَ خَيْرُ الْمُنْزِلِين��َ
▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓
😰👌 Keep the shaitaan away from you:
رَبِّ أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ هَمَزَاتِ الشَّيَاطِينِ وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ رَبِّ أَنْ يَحْضُرُونِ 💚
▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓
💢Afraid of the torment of the hell fire:
رَبَّنَا اصْرِفْ عَنَّا عَذَابَ جَهَنَّمَ إِنَّ عَذَابَهَا كَانَ غَرَامًا 💦
▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓
🌻If you are afraid Allah may not accept your good deeds:
رَبَّنَا تَقَبَّلْ مِنَّا إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ 🍂
▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓
😔👆if you are saad, complain to none other than Allah:
إنما أَشْكُو بَثِّي وَحُزْنِي إِلَى اللَّه 🍃
▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓
☺☝send it to others and multiply your ajar in Ramadan !!! InshaAlla

Dua-e-Mujeer

"Dua e Mujeer" is a supplication of high eminence which is reported to have been brought by Jibraeel (as) for Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w) it is mentioned by him that the reward of the one reciting it during the nights of full moon (13th 14th 15th) of the month of Ramadhan, is that his sins are forgiven even if they are in such plenty as the drops of rain water, leaves of trees or sand of desert. It is also very effective for the cure the sick, fulfillment of debts, acquisition of wealth & relief from sorrow. May Allah (swt) give us Tawfeeq to recite in all 3 nights. Inshallah.

Understanding the Amaals of Laylatul Qadr

Seeking forgiveness 70 times:

This should not be something that we pay lip-service - rather, we should recall all of our past sins and transgressions which we committed against All{h while we repeat this line 70 times.

Supplications with the Quran on the Head:

This is the month in which the Quran was revealed to mankind for guidance and without doubt, in it is a cure for all spiritual and physical illnesses and ailments.

By placing the Quran  on our heads and reading these prayers and seeking Allah and the Ahlul Ba|t (prayers be upon all of them), we remember that Allah is the all-Powerful and sole granter of intercession for all of our illnesses – whether they be spiritual or physical and it is through the Quran and the permission of Allah at this first stage that these sicknesses can be cure. After this, at the second level, by calling upon the 14 Ma`sumin (prayers be upon all of them) in the proceeding prayer, we recall the words of the Prophet (blessings of All{h be upon him and his family) that we must stick to both the Quran and the Ahlul Ba|t if we wish to stay on the right path until the Day of Judgment – as they shall never separate from one another. In addition, the Quran has told us seek an intermediary to Him, and we do so through the Ahlul Ba|t (prayers be upon all of them).

Dua No 2:

We acknowledge that we ourselves are weak and humble servants and that only Allah has power to assist us. Not only do we ask Allah for our material needs in his short prayer, but we also implore Him for our spiritual needs. We also thank Him for all that we have: both in times of happiness and sorrow both; times of difficulty or ease; times of health or sickness; and times of misfortune, blessings.

Dua 3:

This is a general prayer in which we praise and mention some of the characteristics of Allah.

Dua4:

{ refers to the fact that on this night – the 19^th of the Month of Ramadhan, the affairs for our next year are decreed by Allah, and thus, we ask Him for the greatest gifts which He can shower upon us in the next year: that we can go for Hajj; our Hajj is accepted; our sins are forgiven and our evil deeds are all pardoned. We also ask All{h for other things such as: our life span is increased (obviously so that we can continue to glorify and thank Him and not to continue to perform more sins) and that our sustenance is increased, and we close off with asking Him for all of our other legitimate desires  – both of this world and the next world – for ourselves, families, friends and relatives and the Muslims around the world.

Seeking forgiveness 100 times:

Once again, once we have asked for all our needs in the previous Duas and have turned to those whom He has appointed as guardians of His faith – namely the Ahlul Ba|t (prayers be upon all of them) through the Ziyarat of Imam Husain (peace be upon him), we again recall all of our past sins and transgressions  while we repeat the line of asking for forgiveness 100 times.

Cursing the killers of Am|r al Mo’min|n `Ali ibn Ab| Ta;ib (prayers be upon him):  

The curse or asking Allah to remove His mercy from wicked people is a Quranic injunction – especially on those who INTENTIONALLY kill believers and thus, we are required to carry this commandment of Allah out. It is for this reason that we sincerely ask Allah to condemn to the hell fire the one who killed the brother of the Prophet and the father of the A’immah (prayers be upon all of them) – Am|r al-Mo’min|n `Ali ibn Abi Talib (prayers be upon him).

PREPARING FOR LAYLATUL QADR

           

1. Is there a need to prepare for Lailatul Qadr?
In order to answer this, let us define what the word to PREPARE means?
Simply, put it means to make ready or fit, to bring into a suitable state, to make oneself ready
For e.g. when we want to prepare a meal, or go out for an event, we must a GOAL in mind.
As in what is my end result, the final dish or my final destination where I wish to end up.
And as per the subject under discussion i.e “Preparing for Lailatul Qadr” our GOAL is to take full benefit/make full use of the BOUNTIES & RAHAMA that Allah (swt) bestows opens us in this night of  LAYLATUL QADR.

It is important that we first understand the significance of LAYLATUL QADR in order that we know what sort of  ‘ingredients’  are required for our preparation to reach the Ultimate Goal which is earning the pleasure of Allah (swt)

2. What is Laylatul Qadr therefore?
You are all aware of its importance so I will just briefly re-run through it
In surah AL Qadr Allah (swt) clearly states: "Surely We revealed it (the Holy Qur'an) on the grand night. And what will make you comprehend what the grand night. The grand night is better than a thousand months. The angels and Gibreel descend in it by the permission of their Lord for every affair, Peace! It is till the break of the morning." (97:1-5)

Allah (swt) is inviting all the believers for a Divine feast; the invitation which has been brought by the messengers. Allah (swt) is the host, his most favorite angels are the servants and the believers are the guests. The table is spread with Divine blessings containing all sorts of rewards and favors. Though the eyes cannot see them nor the ears hear them not the human hearts imagine them, yet the bounties are all kept in readiness to be awarded to the guests in accordance to her actions.

Lailatul-Qadr is a blessed night because the Almighty brings down during it goodness, bliss, and forgiveness for His servants. It is a feast which has come with a message that shows one the way to achieve happiness in both the worlds. Laylatul Qadr is a feast for the spirit, a feast of worship and prayers.
Ahadith indicate that the fate of every believer for the coming year is decreed on this night.       
When our Prophet (saw) was asked how man could enjoy the favours and good grace of proximity to, and mercy of, Allah (swt) he quoted Nabi Musa’s (as) supplication:
“Oh My God, I seek proximity to You;                                                                                                           

He (Allah) said: Proximity to Me is for him who stays awake on Laylatul Qadr
“Oh My God, I am in need of Your Mercy;                                                                                                

He said: My Mercy is for him who shows mercy to the poor on Laylatul Qadr
“Oh My God, I am in need of the passport to cross the bridge;                                                               
He said: that is for him who give alms on Laylatul Qadr
“Oh My God, I am in need of the trees in Paradise and their fruits;                                             
He said: that is for him who seeks forgiveness on Laylatul Qadr
“Oh My God, I seek deliverance from fire;                                                                                
He said: that is for him who remembers Allah on Laylatul Qadr
“Oh My God, I seek Your good pleasure;                                                                                 
He said: that is for him who says a two rakat prayer on Laylatul Qadr
On another occasion Nabi Musa (as) said: “Oh My God, are You far away that I shout at You, or are You near that I whisper to You?”   He said: “O Musa, I am sitting together with you!”

3. What do we therefore have to remind ourselves about Laylatul Qadr?                              
That it is:

1. A unique once in a year opportunity to do a life times worth of activity.
2. Full of long lasting blessings
3. The night of unsurpassed grandeaur when the absolute Grand God revealed the Grand qur’an through the Grand Wahy – gibraeel into the heart of the Grand Holy Prophet (saw)
4. A once in a year occasion for influencing our future destiny – “QADR” – taqdeer.                       The Masumeen have explained to us that god in his infinite wisdom had planned the system of the universe in such a way that every persons destiny will be determined on an yearly basis in the angelic spheres through the agency of the imam of the age. Who is the leader and focus of the whole spiritual world) this gives MANKIND a unique opportunity to influence his own future (gains, loss/health/sickness, richness/poverty/ etc by performing certain acts, e.g. dua salat, sadaqah, jihad, acquiring knowledge, quran recitation etc.
5. The night when the whole multitude of angels and the great spirit (ruh) descend on earth, greeting and praying for the believers and conveying messages to the Imam of age.

4. Do we than still need to PREPARE OURSELVES FOR LAYLATUL QADR after knowing its significance??

Yes, Let us imagine for a moment that we are invited for a special feast by the president of our country, who also tells us in advance that he is going to reward us with magnificent gifts as per the way we present and behave ourselves during the feat - What would we do ?
After the initial euphoria, we would leave no stone unturned to present themselves in the best possible manner. Preparations of what to wear, how to get there, what will I speak with the president, If I have to go through his secretary what will I say to him, what sort of gifts will I take with me, what sort of conversation with I have with him, all this and more will be thought about, rehearsed and re-rehearsed. Correct me if I am wrong!!

All this ‘tension’ in honour of an invitation from the President of a country.  Lailatul Qadr is an invitation form the President of all Presidents, The Supreme One. Do we need to make  preparations for this night ?

Undoubtedly, we must start our preparations way ahead of time, after all going by human fitra, there is more than profit that can be got from this feast of Lailatul Qadr unless out of sheer carelessness we end up amongst those negligent and idle ones, who do not achieve anything except tiredness, loss and eternal doom, who will gain nothing except regret and cry out aloud on the day of Reckoning:
"Ah! Woe upon me! In that I neglected (my duty) towards Allah."

5. What sort of Pre-preparations are needed before the advent of this grand Qadr?
Gibrael was asked; "What has the Almighty Allah done on this night with the wishes of the believers among the nation of Muhammad (pbuh)?" He answered, "The Almighty Allah has looked upon them on this night and forgiven them, all of them, except the following:
“One who is addicted to drinking, One who severs his ties with his kin,                                          and One who is a trouble-maker."

We have been advised to beseech Allah (swt) during the whole year before the arrival of the Night of Power,

• to keep us alive for this night,
• to bestow upon us the towfiq to remain vigilant during this night and pray for blessings and forgiveness.
• to bless us that we are able to do the best of deeds on this night
• to comprehend fully the importance of this night which is superior than one thousand months.
• To pray that we can become one of the favourites of Allah (swt) and be blessed with His love, learning, nearness, union, pleasure, together with health, happiness, and welfare;
• To yearn and act so that Allah (swt) be so pleased with us in such a manner, that after this night He would never be displeased us again.
• To pray that our Aimma esp the Imam-ul-Asr be pleased with us & intercede on our behalf

6. How to Prepare oneself for The Night of Power (Lailatul-Qadr).

(i) Preparing Mentally

• Strive to keep Allah (swt) at the fore of one’s mind the whole night long.
• All the Ibadah done should be recited in the state of being completely awake, aware, conscious, and with a live heart

If one feels that one will not be able to concentrate then start reciting from now "We are from Allah and towards Him is our return. " - Holy Qur'an (2:156) for it is considered as a tragedy if one can not in this night receive the divine grace in supplications
"Their prayers ascend upwards and reaches Allah, their words are accepted, and Allah loves to listen to their prayers the way a mother likes her own child."
Is not it shameful that the prayers which ascend upwards should be recited from the tip of the tongue, while the heart and soul remain occupied in worldly affairs?

Many a times, one feels that one cannot ‘properly’ perform a certain ibadah and so decided to forgo it.  One should not do listen to this ‘waswas’ instead, one should perform it & more, for acceptance lies in the Hand of the Mercy of Allah (swt).


Preparing Physically
 The other preparations to be done for this night are,

• for worshipping in this night a suitable place, dress, and perfume should be arranged in advance (comfortable dress/pacheri which does not distract us)
• paying alms during this night  - to the people who really deserve financial support
• Follow the translation of the duas in order to understand what you are reciting

Preparing spiritually

• increase ones eagerness for receiving the promised bounties and blessings;
• select worships and deeds which are more in harmony with ones mood 
• When one stands for prayer, or any other ibadah, to briefly spare a moment to think about the wisdom of that action/its meaning etc for e.g Why am I standing towards Mecca?  To realize that when I stand on my two feet, it indicates my hope and fear about the acceptance of my worship
• Resorting (Tawassul) to Ahlul-Bait [a] - With persistence, supplicating in a polite and soft manner, with words and content arousing their sympathies, should beseech them for bestowing upon us the grace of being vigilant during this night.
• Crying and Shedding Tears: that during these nights ones fear, humility, tears, crying, anguish, and lamentation be increased as much as possible. The Learned Scholar Haj Mirza Javad Agha Maliki Tabrizi (r.a.) in his book (Suluk-i Arifan) Spiritual Journey of the Mystics tell us that One of the best method is that one should tie ones hands around ones neck; should pour dirt           upon ones head; should place ones head against a wall; sometimes one should stand and sometimes one should cry; should imagine oneself at the scene of Judgement Day; and the way sinners are rebuked with harshness, then one should imagine and be scared least Allah (the Glorious, the Exalted) orders: "Seize ye him, bind ye him, burn ye him in the blazing fire, and make him march in a chain whereof the length is seventy cubits." - Holy Qur'an (69:30-32)
• Then one should cry: "O' Thou are the most compassionate, and Thou Who are the shelter of unsheltered ones!"  "Where is Your vast blessing? Where is Your infinite forgiveness? Where are Your love and benevolence?"
• Ask for forgiveness of past sins in the most appealing manner with a promise to try never to return to the sins again – a TAWBA in every sense of the word
• Present ones requests before the Almighty with full hope that they will be answered.
• The Prophet (S.A.W.) when asked what should one invoke Allah during these nights, said: "Ask for your safety (here and in the hereafter)".

7. Recommended Ibadah to be performed on The Night of Qadr:
    WE are advised that this night be divided into 3 parts –
1st part to be allocated for Gaining Knowledge – Najhul Balagha, Tadabbur etc
2nd part to be allocated for Meditation (not when you are too sleepy)
One should not forget to select a period for having a private union between oneself and ones Creator and
3rd part to be allocated for Salatul Layl to connect with Nawafile Subh with Subh prayer

Suggested ways to get the maximum of this blessed opportunity”

• Imam al- Sadiq (as) quotes “On all these nights, it is recommended that you perform the ghusl twice: once at the beginning of the night, and once at its end”.

      When performing the recommended ghusl, to remember that while god likes physical
      cleanliness, more important He loves inner cleanliness of the heart, from immoral
      character e.g. jealousy, greed, etc. Thus resolve to clean the soul also by TAUBAH +
      JIHAD of NAFS

• When praying 2 rakat namaz of recommended prayers with 7 times surah tawheed, make efforts to concentrate on the message of tawheed and get the heart to believe that truly GOD ALONE is ALL –powerful/All Merciful/Independent etc. therefore we should fear none BUT HIM, hope from none  BUT HIM, we should ask from none BUT HIM

• After the salaah when repeating ISTEGHFAR 70 times try to first be really repentant for serious mistakes done, sincerely ask for forgiveness either by:                                                                       a) recalling 70 different sins OR

b) feeling remorseful for 10 sins of the 7 main organs: eyes, ears, tongue, hands, mouth, stomach + private parts OR
c) some particular sins that you may have committed repeatedly OR
d) recalling the variety of punishments of different sins and finally resolve NOT TO Repeat them in the future, then only can one realistically expect to deserve the reward the HP has promised “Whoever performs this act will surely be forgiven by the Almighty even before here rises from his place.

• When opening the qur’an and praying for your needs with the intercession of the qur’an, realise that while the qur’an is a cure for spiritual illness, it only benefits the pious ones and the evil doers are deprived of its illumination. Thus increase the chances for qur’an intercession to work on your behalf by earnestly following the rulings of the qur’an.

• While placing the qur’an on the head. Remind yourself that true salvation can only be achieved by always keeping the rules of qur’an ahead of us to follow. The fact that we put the Qur’an on our head is a sign of respect and reverence. We beseech Allah by the thaqalayn - the speaking and the silent Qur'an. - Holy Qur'an (39:56)   

• As you seek intercession of the Al mighty (bika ya al…) and the 14 infallibles, realize that God is limitless Ounces of Mercy and the MASumeen are pure agencies for the distribution of divine mercy to all creations.

• While performing Ziyarah of Imam Husein (as), remind yourself that on this august night, the souls of 124,000 Prophets (peace be upon them all) visit Imam, who is aware of our inner spiritual reality and is hurt and repulsed by our record of repeated evil deeds, indifference to God’s commandments; thus, we should avoid disgracing ourselves in that great audience of Imam. Also, associate the themes in the ZIYARAH of:

(i)    Firm bond of love and obedience of God (SALAT).
(ii)    Economic betterment of community (ZAKAT).
(iii)    Overall mobilization of forces towards virtue (AMR BIL MA`RUF).
(iv)    Overall cleansing of evil from society.
(v)    All-out war in all spheres of life to promote truth (JIHAD).
(vi)    Tremendous endurance of all ensuing difficulties (SABR).
(vii)    Complete distancing (LA`NAH) from all forms of injustice (DHULM) with destiny- shaping opportunity of this night and resolve to become on active player in improving the future in preparation for the REAPPEARANCE OF AL-MAHDI.

8. How to Farewell the Night of Power (Lailatul-Qadr)                                                                                       
One should resort (tawassul) to the M'asumin  - to whom that night belongs - should submit ones deeds & worship to those exalted ones, with a heart broken, with grief & shedding tears, should request them to make those deeds as righteous, and request them to intercede with Allah (swt)

9. The Day of Power (Qadr)
According to Ahadeeth both the night and day are interconnected, as far as their worth, value, esteem, and splendour are concerned, i.e. if the day is esteemed and honourable, the night of that day also possesses the same distinction and vice versa. Therefore, we must appreciate the importance of the Days of Power and like the Nights of Power, should celebrate them by sincerely performing worships and righteous deeds.

On a final note, our destiny to large extent can be changed in this very night and much depends on us, how we decide to utilize both the night and the day of Qadr and for that matter each single moment of this blessed month of Ramadhan.

Let us therefore pray together that we may be granted the Tawfiq to be able to do the A’maals of Laylatul Qadr in its correct essence, that we may be granted the Maghferah and that we may earn the Pleasure of Allah (swt) in such a manner that our lives take a positive turn in a manner that we may earn the  salvation for both this world and the Hereafter. Ameen

A humble request that we remember each other in our prayers and especially                                      that we do not forget our Marhumeen..

The Sublime System of Photosynthesis

(a process by which green plants and other organisms turn carbon dioxide and water into carbohydrates and oxygen, using light energy trapped by chlorophyll)

Pick up a leaf and look at it closely. Although it appears quite ordinary, what you cannot see are the wide-ranging and magnificent chemical processes that enable it to carry out photosynthesis. Its countless factories, which are invisible to the naked eye, accomplish in seconds a process that is so sublime that scientists equipped with the most modern laboratory facilities cannot replicate it. This chemical process, which is performed very quietly by a usually unnoticed part of creation, is one of the main reasons why humanity is still present on this planet.

Every square millimeter of each leaf contains around 500,000 chlorophylls, the magnificent molecules that are necessary for photosynthesis. Were we able to examine this molecule, a great many more details would become apparent. For example, the entire photosynthesis process that takes place inside this particular molecule occurs within one ten-millionth of a second. In other words, the complex process initiated by the light reaching a leaf’s water and then activating the relevant subatomic particles and changing their orbits is repeated 10 million times a second. In addition, this process takes place separately in each chlorophyll molecule.

If Allah willed chlorophyll molecules to cease their activities or the wavelength of the light reaching the leaf to change, no means of locating another source of oxygen would exist. If photosynthesis stopped, there would be no other way to convert into oxygen the carbon dioxide that human beings and animals exhale. It would be illogical to expect a chlorophyll molecule, which is essential for continued life, to come into being and set about cleaning the air and giving rise to nutrients all by itself. The fact that a plant can consume carbon dioxide and release oxygen is a great miracle. This extraordinary system is a great blessing and astonishing work of Allah, the Lord of the Worlds.

Benefits of Ayatul Qursi

FASTING BY A TRAVELLER.

1. A traveler for whom it is obligatory to shorten a four rak’ats prayers to two rak’ats,  should not fast. However, a traveler who offers full prayers, like, a person who is a traveler by profession or who goes on a journey for a haraam purpose, should fast while traveling.
2. If a person does not know that the fast of a traveler is invalid and observes fast while journeying, and learns about the rule during the day, his fast becomes void, but if he does not learn about the rule till maghrib, his fast is valid.
3. If a person forgets that he is a traveler or forgets that the fast of a traveler is void, and observes fast while journeying, his fast is invalid.
4. If a fasting person travels after zuhr, he should, as a precaution, complete his fast.
5. If a fasting person travels before zuhr and had an intention from the previous night to do so, he cannot fast on that day. As a precaution, he cannot fast on that day even if he had no intention to travel from the previous night. In both the cases, he cannot break the fast till he has reached the limit of tarakkhus. If he does, he will be liable to give kaffarah. Note: Masaels relating to the limit of tarakkhus can be obtained from your Resident Aalim or refer to Taudhihul Masael book in the section of Prayers of a traveler.)
6. If a traveler reaches his hometown or a place where he intends to stay for ten days or more before zuhr, and if he has not committed an act which invalidates a fast, he should fast on that day. But if he reaches after zuhr, he cannot fast on that day.

CONTEMPORARY RULINGS.
Q. What about one whose duty is to fast while traveling. After dawn has appeared in his city, he
travels by air with the intention to fast. He arrives in another city where the dawn has not yet
emerged. Is he permitted to eat, drink, etc.?
A. Apparently, it is permissible.

Q. What about one who travels from his city in the month of Ramadhan after noon and arrives in
a city where the sun has not begun its descent. Is it obligatory for him to abstain (from things
that break the fast) and complete his fast?
A. That is a better precaution.

Q. If a fasting person in the month of Ramadhan travels by air in a westenrly direction after maghrib --
without breaking (iftar) his fast in his city -- and arrives at a place where the sun has not yet set, is
it obligatory for him to abstain from things (that break the fast) until maghrib?
A. Apparently, it is not obligatory although it is a better precaution.

Q. What about one whose duty is to fast while traveling. If he travels from his city, in which the
crescent of Ramadhan has been seen, to a city where the crescent has not yet been seen
because of a variation in their horizon?
A. He is not obliged to fast on that day.

Q. What if he observes the Eid in a city in which the crescent of Shawwal has been seen, and then
travels to a city where the crescent has not been seen due to a variation in their horizon?
A. It is a better precaution for him to abstain (from things that break the fast) for the rest of the day
and, also, to observe its qadha.

NOTE: RELEVANT DETAILS OF THINGS OR ACTS WHICH ARE MAKROOH/MUSTAHAB FOR A PERSON OBSERVING FAST, QADHA FASTS, KAFFARA, ETC. CAN BE OBTAINED
FROM YOUR RESIDENT AALIM OR REFER TO THE ISLAMIC LAWS BOOK.

THINGS WHICH MAKES A FAST VOID

There are nine acts which invalidate fasts:
(i) Eating and drinking.
(ii) Sexual intercourse.
(iii) Masturbation (istimna) which means self abuse, resulting in ejaculation.
(iv) Ascribing false things to Almighty Allah, or His Prophet or to the successors of the Holy Prophet.
(v) Swallowing thick dust.
(vi) Immersing one’s head completely in water.
(vii) Remaining in Janabat or Haidh or Nifas till the Adhan for Fajr prayers.
(viii) Enema with liquids.
(ix) Vomiting.

Details of these acts will be explained in the following articles:

(i) EATING AND DRINKING. 

• If a person eats or drinks something intentionally, while being conscious of fasting, his fast becomes void, irrespective of whether the thing which he ate or drank was usually eaten or drunk and it is more or less; even if a person, who is fasting, takes the tooth brush out of his mouth and then puts it back into his mouth, swallowing its liquid, his fast will be void, unless the moisture in the tooth brush mixes up with the saliva in such a way that it may no longer be called an external wetness.
• If a person who is fasting eats or drinks something forgetfully, his fast does not become invalid but the moment he realizes he should immediately throw out the food or drink from his mouth.
• If a person observing fast intentionally swallows something which remained in between his teeth, his fast will be invalidated. Note: If a person knows that some particles of food which have remained in between his teeth, will go down into his stomach during the day, then he must clean his teeth with toothpick.
• Swallowing saliva does not invalidate a fast, although it may have collected in one’s mouth owing to thoughts about sour things, etc..
• There is no harm in swallowing one’s phlegm or mucous from head and chest as long as it does not come up to one’s mouth. However, if it reaches one’s mouth, the obligatory precaution is that one should not swallow it.

(ii) SEXUAL INTERCOURSE.

• Sexual intercourse invalidates the fast, even if the penetration is as little as the tip of the male organ, and even if there has been no ejaculation.
• A person who indulges in courtship with an intention to allow semen to be discharged will complete his fast and also observe its qadha, even if semen is not discharged.
• If a fasting person indulges in courtship without the intention of allowing semen to be discharged, his fast is in order, even if semen may be discharged unexpectedly. However, if he is not sure about the discharge and it takes place, then his fast is void.

(iii) ISTIMNA (MASTURBATION).

• If a person, who is observing fast, performs masturbation, his fast becomes void. 
• If a person involves himself in masturbation with the intention of allowing semen to be discharged, even if he does not discharge, his fast will be void.
• If semen is discharged from the body of a person involuntarily, his fast does not become void.

(iv) ASCRIBING LIES TO ALLAH, HIS PROPHET AND TO THE SUCCESSORS OF THE HOLY PROPHET.

• If a person who is observing fast, intentionally ascribes something false to Allah, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w.) or his vicegerents (a.s.), verbally or in writing or by making a sign, his fast becomes void, even if he may at once retract and say that he has uttered a lie or may repent for it. And, as a recommended precaution, he should refrain from imputing lies to Bibi Fatema Zahra (a.s.) and all the Prophets and their successors.
• If a person quotes something as the word of Allah or of the Holy Prophet with the belief that it is true, but realizes later that it is false, his fast does not become void.

(v) LETTING DUST REACH ONE’S THROAT.

• On the basis of obligatory precaution, allowing thick dust to reach one’s throat makes one’s fast void, whether the dust is of something which is halal to eat, like flour, or something which is haraam to consume like dust or earth.
• Allowing thin dust to reach one’s throat will not invalidate the fast.
• As an obligatory precaution, a person who is observing fast, should not allow the smoke of cigarettes, tobacco, and other similar things to reach his throat.

(vi) IMMERSING ONE’S HEAD IN WATER.

• If a person intentionally immerses his entire head in the water, his fast is known to be void, even if the rest of his body remains out of water. But this act does not invalidate the fast; it is a makrooh act, and as a measure of precaution, should be avoided.
• If a fasting person immerses his head under water with the niyyat of ghusl, both his fast and ghusl will be in order.

(vii) REMAINING IN JANABAT OR HAIDH OR NIFAS TILL FAJR TIME.

• If a person in janabat does not take ghusl intentionally till the time of fajr prayers, his/her fast becomes void. And if a person, whose obligation is to do tayammum,willfully does not do it, his/her fast will also be void.
• If a person enters the state of janabat during a night in the month of Ramadhan, and does not take ghusl intentionally till the time left before Adhan is short, he/she should perform tayammum and observe the fast. However, it is a recommended precaution that its qadha is also given.
• If a person is in janabat during a night in Ramadhan and knows that if he goes to sleep he will not wake up till fajr, he should not sleep before performing ghusl and if he sleeps without performing ghusl and does not wake up till fajr, his fast is void, and qadha and kaffarah become obligatory on him.
• When a person in janabat goes to sleep in a night of Ramadhan and then wakes up, the obligatory precaution is that if he is not sure about waking up again, he should not go to sleep before performing ghusl, even if he has a faint hope that he might wake up before fajr if he sleeps again.
• If a person in janabat in the night of Ramadhan feels certain or fairly hopeful that if he goes to sleep he will wake up before the time of fajr prayers, and is determined to do ghusl upon waking up, and oversleeps with that determination till the time of fajr prayers, his fast will be in order.
• If a person in janabat sleeps and wakes up during a night of Ramadhan and is certain or fairly hopeful that if he sleeps again, he will wake up before the time of fajr prayers, with full determination to do ghusl after waking up, and oversleeps till the time of fajr, he should observe the qadha of the fast of that day. And if he goes to sleep for the third time and does not wake up till the time of fajr prayers, it is obligatory on him to observe the qadha as well as give the kaffarah, as a recommended precaution.
• When a person becomes mohtalim during sleep, the first, second and third sleep means the sleep after waking up; and the sleep in which he became mohtalim will not be reckoned to be the first sleep.
• If a person observing fast becomes mohtalim during day time, it is not obligatory on him to do ghusl at once.
• When a person wakes up in the month of Ramadhan after the fajr prayers and finds that he has become mohtalim his fast is in order, even if he knows that he became mohtalim before the fajr prayers.
• If a person whose obligation is tayammum after getting into the state of janabat, after performing tayammum it is not necessary for him/her to stay awake till the time of fajr prayers.
• A person who has touched a dead body can observe fast without having done ghusl for touching a dead body, and his fast does not become void even if he touches the dead body during the fast.

FOR WOMEN ONLY

• If a woman becomes paak from haidh or nifas before the time of fajr prayers in the month of Ramadhan and does not do ghusl - or in the case of time being short, tayammum - intentionally, her fast will be void.
• If a woman becomes paak from haidh or nifas just near the time of fajr prayers in the month of Ramadhan, and has no time left for ghusl or tayammum, her fast is valid.
• If a woman gets paak from haidh or nifas after the fajr or if haidh or nifas begins during the day,  though just near the maghrib time, her fast is void.
• If a woman forgets to do ghusl for haidh or nifas and remembers it after a day or more, the fasts that she has observed will be valid.
• If a woman is in a sate of medium or excessive istihadha, her fast will be valid even if she does not carry out the rules of ghusls she is normally required to undertake when she is in the state of medium or excessive istihadha.

(viii) ENEMA. 

• If liquid enema is taken by a fasting person, his fast becomes void even if he/she is obliged to take it for the sake of treatment.

(ix) VOMITING.

• If a fasting person vomits intentionally his fast becomes void, though he may have been obliged to do so on account of sickness. However, the fast does not become void, if one vomits  forgetfully or involuntarily.
• If a fasting person is certain that if he belches, something will come out from the throat, he should not, as a precaution, belch intentionally, but there is no harm in his belching if he is not certain about it.
• If a fasting person belches and something comes from his throat into the mouth, he should throw it out, and if it is swallowed unintentionally, his fast is in order.