Method of Salat Along with Pictures
SALAT VIDEO (SHIA ITHNASHREE)

MAJALIS SHAB E ZARBAT MAULA ALI (A.S)

MAJALIS SHAB E ZARBAT MAULA ALI (A.S)



DUA E HAZRAT ALI(A.S), MEESUM ABBAS



Ya Maula Ali 1429 (2008) Nawha - Mesum Abbas


INDIAN NAUHA QOTELAL AMEERAL MOMENEE a.s.

Islamic Teachings Presentations........Beautiful Collection must see

As-Salamo Alaika Ya Baqiyyatul-Lahe Fee Arzehi!

Slides are an effective teaching tool in the classroom and to this end, SI Madressa is introducing a series of powerpoint slides.

Duties towards a Mayyit - Part 1: Sakarat

Duties towards a Mayyit - Part 2: Rules For Performing Ghusl

Duties towards a Mayyit - Part 3: The Kafan (shrouding)

Duties towards a Mayyit - Part 4: Salaat-e-Mayyit and Burial

Explains the 10 Branches of Religion

Rules of Fasting

Halal and Haraam Foods

Covers all Ghusls Wajib for Men and Women, as well as how to perform Ghusl

Covers all aspects of Haj from Umra-e Tamattu

These slides show what to do when one has an Obstruction, Bandage, or Medicine on a Part of Wudhu

Covers Details on Ghusls which are Wajib only for Women

Explains Terms used within the Syllabus

Talks about Compulsory and voluntary Taxes in Islam

Discusses that which make Najis things Pak

Explains how one should go about making a Vow, Oath, or Covenant within Shariah

Discusses Mustahab Prayers which carry a lot of Benefit if offerred

Discusses those things which are Impure

Explains how to find the Direction to Pray and what to do if you haven’t got a clue

Translation of the Dhikr of Salaat in English

Discusses the Rules of Praying

Explains when to offer Prayers of Ayaat, and how to offer them

Explains how to offer Prayers on Eid

Discussed the benefits of Praying Together and how to do it

Explains the Rules of Friday Prayers

Explains Rules of how to Offer Prayers when Travelling

Explains what to do when in Doubt in Prayers

Discusses the Attributes of God

Discusses the Attributes God does not have

Discusses one of the Responsibilities when becoming Baligh

Discusses Alternatives to Performing Wudhu or Ghusl

Explanation of Terminology generally used within the Syllabus

Discusses the Roots of Religion

Explains the Compulsory Actions of Prayer

Explains how to Wash oneself in Preparation for Prayers

Discusses another Islamix Tax

Islamic Books@ In Hindi Language

Namaz, Hadith in HINDI

wassalam

As for the fasting, it requires patience and endurance.

The Holy Month of Ramadhan, which begins after the crescent of the new moon is spotted, is one of the most sacred Islamic observances because it marks the month in which Allah revealed the Holy Qur'an to Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h), bringing with it all the glory. This is the month in which the doors of heavens are kept open, doors of hell are closed and Satan is kept in chains.

Ramadhan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Abstaining from eating, drinking and sexual intercourse between dawn and dusk is simply the means to attain the spiritual experience, but it is certainly not the ends. Each Ramadhan brings new insights and meanings for the faithful.

The main purpose of fasting is described in the Qur'an as "so that you may attain taqwa or God-consciousness". Fasting is thus yet another instrument for bringing us closer to our natural state, our state of fitrah and for cleansing this state from the dross of any disobedience and corruption.

Ramadhan is a month of heightened devotion. In it, Salaat is performed with greater intensity. It is a period of intense reflection and devotion, seeking guidance and forgiveness, and reading the Qur'an. Ramadhan is a great opportunity to get closer to the blessed guidance of the Qur'an which was revealed in this month. Ramadhan is also called the month of the Qur'an.

The month of Ramadhan is an opportunity to develop qualities of endurance and self-restraint, to control anger and a fiery or malicious tongue.

Ramadhan is a time to awaken compassion and solidarity with others and in particular with the poor. We are urged to be more liberal in giving during Ramadhan and are required at the end of fasting to give Zakat al Fitr, an amount to enable all to share in the spirit of warmth, affection and brotherhood.

Ramadhan is above all an opportunity to reorient oneself to the Creator and the natural path of goodness and God-consciousness.

Fasting has long been revered as a path to holiness among many of the world's religions. But the practice is not as widespread as it once was, except among Muslims, who regard fasting (siyam) as a pillar of faith. For Muslims, Ramadhan isn't considered a hardship, but a time of charity and fellowship, so revered that even those most lax in their faith are observant.

Jews and Christians share similar beliefs. For instance, the Jewish fast day of Yom Kippur is a time of solemnity as well as joy. Fasting is considered part of the process of atonement.

The heyday for fasting among Christians was the Middle Ages. In its extreme form, saints such as Catherine of Siena and Clare of Assisi fasted to near starvation and often flogged themselves to gain control over carnal desires and induce mystical visions.

Fasting is not obligated for the reason of instigating hunger so that other desires are suppressed. Rather, fasting should make the believer closer to Allah (swt) and hence it becomes easier for him to abstain from committing the Haram.

Here, we must note, any divine rule is associated with some effort or hardship. And some obligations require more hardship than others. For example, Jihad requires more effort and energy than fasting. But the hardship itself is not a reason for the legislation of the obligation. However, Allah (swt) will reward man according how much effort and energy he puts into the fulfilling of the divine rule.

As for the fasting, it requires patience and endurance. Allah (swt) declared:

"O you who believe! be patient and excel in patience and remain steadfast, and be careful of (your duty to) Allah, that you may be successful." (Qur'an 3:200)

The evening of the 23^rd day of the month marks the most special day of the year for believers as Laylat-al-Qadr (the Night of Decree) is observed. It is believed that on this night Prophet Muhammad first received the revelation of the Holy Quran. Any prayer or deed is returned manifold and all sins are forgiven

"To be healthy, one must consume food from the major food groups: bread and cereal, milk and dairy product, meat and bean, vegetable and fruit. During the month long fast of Ramadan the metabolic rate of a fasting person slows down and other regulatory mechanisms start functioning. Body and dietary fat is efficiently utilized. Consuming total food intake that is less than the total food intake during normal days is sufficient to maintain a person's health. Intake of fruits after a meal is strongly suggested. A balanced diet improves blood cholesterol profile, reduces gastric acidity, prevents constipation and other digestive problems, and contributes to an active and healthy life style."

- (Int. J. Ramadan Fasting Research, 3:1-6, 1999)

Laylatul Qadr

Pursa le leejiye, Ya Imam Zaman

Ghadeer Aaakhri Khuta Rasoolillah ka Sun leejiyae

Zarbat gah of Moula Ali {a.s} Video

Zarbat gah of Moula Ali {a.s} Video

Recite Qur’an as much as possible

You who believe, fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may be mindful of God [Surah al-Baqarah: 183]

Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh,

Ramadan is almost here! The build up and excited anticipation leading up to this great month of mercy is difficult to put into words. It is the month of ibaadah (worship). It is the month of discipline.

It is the month of Qur’an (recite it, read translation of the meanings, implement it). The best way to connect yourself with Allah is to read the Qur’an.

Shaykh Muhammad AlShareef said: if you want to know what your relationship with Allah is then look at your relationship with the Qur’an“

Recite Qur’an as much as possible
It is an opportunity to get more reward and wipe out our sins, by increasing our good deeds and decreasing our bad deeds.
Approach this Ramadan as though it’s your last Ramadan
No doubt, there are countless books, articles, and multimedia dedicated to Ramadan and fasting. I have selected a few I’ve found useful over the years and some that I’ve discovered recently. The main point is if you have been preparing for Ramadan, then mashaAllah, but if you haven’t, what’s stopping you?! The more prepared and organised you are, the more time you can spend on ibaadah

Welcoming the Month of Ramadhan

Welcoming the Month of Ramadhan

The Sermon Given By The Prophet (s) On The Last Friday Of Sha'ban On The Reception Of The Month of Ramadhan.

O People!
Indeed ahead of you is the blessed month of Allah.
A month of blessing, mercy and forgiveness.
A month which with Allah is the best of months.
Its days, the best of days, its nights,
the best of nights, and its hours, the best of hours.

It is the month which invites you to be the guests of Allah
and invites you to be one of those near to Him.

Each breath you take glorifies him;
your sleep is worship,
your deeds are accepted
and your supplications are answered.

So, ask Allah, your Lord;
to give you a sound body
and an enlightened heart
so you may be able to fast and recite his book,
for only he is unhappy who is devoid
of Allah's forgiveness during this great month.

Remember the hunger and thirst of the day of Qiyaamah (Judgment)
with your hunger and thirst;
give alms to the needy and poor,
honor your old,
show kindness to the young ones,
maintain relations with your blood relations;
guard your tongues,
close your eyes to that which is not permissible for your sight,
close your ears to that which is forbidden to hear,
show compassion to the orphans of people
so compassion may be shown to your orphans.

Repent to Allah for your sins
and raise your hands in dua during these times,
for they are the best of times and
Allah looks towards his creatures with kindness,
replying to them during the hours
and granting their needs if he is asked...

O People! Indeed your souls are
dependant on your deeds, free it with Istighfar (repentance)
lighten its loads by long prostrations;
and know that Allah swears by his might:
That there is no punishment for the one who
prays and prostrates and he shall have no fear of the fire on the
day when man stands before the Lord of the worlds.

O People! One who gives Iftaar to a
fasting person during this month will be like one who has freed
someone and his past sins will be forgiven.

Some of the people who were there then asked
the Prophet (s): "Not all of us are able to
invite those who are fasting?"

The Prophet (s) replied: "Allah gives
this reward even if the Iftaar (meal) is a drink of water."

One who has good morals (Akhlaq)
during this month will be able to pass the
‘Siraat’...on the day that feet will slip...

One who covers the faults of others
will benefit in that Allah will curb
His anger on the day of Judgment...

As for one who honors an orphan;
Allah will honor him on the day of judgment,

And for the one who spreads his kindness,
Allah will spread His mercy over him on the day of Judgment.

As for the one who cuts the ties of relation;
Allah will cut His mercy from him...

Who so ever performs a recommended prayer in this month
Allah will keep the fire of Hell away from him...

Whoever performs an obligator prayer
Allah will reward him with seventy prayers [worth] in this month.

And who so ever prays a lot during this month
will have his load lightened on the day of measure.

He who recites one verse of the holy Qur'an
will be given the rewards of reciting the whole Qur’an during other months.

O People!
Indeed during this month
the doors of heaven are open,
therefore ask Allah not to close them for you;
The doors of hell are closed,
so ask Allah to keep them closed for you.
During this month Shaytan (Satan) is imprisoned
so ask your Lord not to let him have power over you."

The objective and subjective merits of the month of Ramadhan

To describe the objective and subjective merits of the month of Ramadhan, which justify its higher rank over other months, it is more suitable to refer to the words of the Almighty Allah, and His Last Prophet.

The Holy Qur’an says:

O you who believe! fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may guard (against evil).

For a certain number of days; but whoever among you is sick or on a journey, then (he shall fast) a (like) number of other days; and those who are not able to do it may effect a redemption by feeding a poor man; so whoever does good spontaneously it is better for him; and that you fast is better for you if you know.

The month of Ramazan is that in which the Quran was revealed, a guidance to men and clear proofs of the guidance and the distinction; therefore whoever of you is present in the month, he shall fast therein, and whoever is sick or upon a journey, then (he shall fast) a (like) number of other days; Allah desires ease for you, and He does not desire for you difficulty, and (He desires) that you should complete the number and that you should exalt the greatness of Allah for His having guided you and that you may give thanks. (AL BAQARAH: 183 to 185)

It is made lawful to you to go into your wives on the night of the fast; they are an apparel for you and you are an apparel for them; Allah knew that you acted unfaithfully to yourselves, so He has turned to you (mercifully) and removed from you (this burden); so now be in contact with them and seek what Allah has ordained for you, and eat and drink until the whiteness of the day becomes distinct from the blackness of the night at dawn, then complete the fast till night, and have not contact with them while you keep to the mosques; these are the limits of Allah, so do not go near them. Thus does Allah make clear His communications for men that they may guard (against evil). (AL BAQARAH: 187)

And men who fast and women who fast…Allah has prepared for them forgiveness and a vast reward. (AL AH’ZAAB: 35)

The Holy Qur’an was revealed to the Holy Prophet (S.A.) in the month of Ramaz’aan.

Fasting throughout the month has been made obligatory.

Fasting is one of the "Waajib" (obligatory) rules of conduct laid down by Islam.

Shayk Suddooq (R.A.) quotes Imam Ali bin Moosa Ar Riza (A.S.) that he received from his Holy ancestors, on the authority of Imam Ali ibna Abi Taalib (A.S.), the text of the speech the Holy Prophet used to deliver at the advent of the blessed month of Ramaz’an:

The Holy Prophet (S.A.) said:

"O men and women! Draws near unto you the blessed month, overflowing with advantages, merciful, ready to put up your sins of omission and commission to Allah for obtaining His forgiveness. Its days, nights and hours, in the estimation of Allah, are more select, refined and important than the days, nights and hours of other months. It surpasses all months in merits and favors".

In this month you are the guests of Allah, enjoying His hospitality, you are from among His favorites, your breathing is "praise of Allah", your sleep is His worship, your prayers receive His approval, your invocations are sanctioned. So, sincerely, free from evil and sinful thoughts and actions, with clear conscience, pray and request that He may give your heart and confidence to observe fast and recite the Holy Qur’an and dua’as throughout this month.

He who does not receive mercy and forgiveness in this month is really an ill-fated unfortunate, condemned to everlasting unhappiness and deprivation.

Thirst and hunger you undergo, feel and live through, her and now, bring to your memory the severity and sharpness of the drought and starvation that will be the order of the day on the Day of Judgement.

Give alms to the poor and the destitute.
Treat your parents and elders with respect.
Be kind and loving to your children and juniors.
Take care of and look after your kith and kin.
Keep from giving tongue to that which should not even be whispered.
Shut your eyes to that which is indecent to have an eye for.
Turn a deaf ear to that which is too slanderous to be all ears.
Be compassionate, gentle and benign unto orphans so that after you, your children, if need be, receive the same treatment from others.
Turn repentant to Allah and seek His nearness.

After every prayer recite dua’s to invoke His mercy and forgiveness because the most suitable time to get fulfillment of desires is when you have prayed a salat, the Almighty gives answer to His servants who call Him in these moments.

O People! In truth and fact your bodies and souls are held in pledge, strike a bargain to set them free by asking forgiveness of Allah. Your backs are burdened with a hard to endure load of sins, prostrate yourselves in adoration of Allah, a great deal, to make the drag less heavy, because the Lord of the Worlds has given His word, in the Name of His Might and Honor, not to take to task those who pray and prostrate in this month, the flames of the fire will not frighten them.

O People! Whoso provides a meal to a faithful, at the time of breaking the fast, earns the recompense of setting an enslaved human being free.

O People! In this month, whoso makes better his or her morals will cross the "Bridge of Siraat" with ease and finesse, where people, at every step, would stumble and fall; whoso gives leisure and respite to his or her employees will receive equivalent leniency on the Day of Reckoning; whoso takes care of and looks after the orphans and relatives will be treated mercifully on the Day of Judgement; whoso prays optional salats will get the immunity from Hellfire, and praying of obligatory salats, in prime time, multiply the good in leaps and bounds; whoso recites even one verse of the Holy Qur’an, obtains the reward of a full recital of the whole Book in the other months.

O People! In this month, beyond a shadow of a doubt, the doors of the everlasting bliss and happiness are thrown open, so beseech Allah not ever to shut them off to our face; and the traps of the eternal curse are unhinged, so make a request to Allah to remove them from your path for ever; the devils are held in chains, so pray to Allah not to set them free for leading your astray.

The month of Rama’zan is very dear to Allah. It is the most august of all months, pure, generous and merciful.

Do not let its nights go waste in slumber, its days in careless omission or loss of remembrance of Allah.

Things which invalidate the Fast

Things which invalidate the Fast

1. Eating and drinking.
2. Ascribing false things to Allah, Prophet (S) or with the successors of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H.).
3. Making dust reach one's throat.
4. Immersing one's head completely in water.
5. *Not fulfilling Ghusls that are Wajib upon you before Azan of Fajr prayers.
6. Vomiting.
7. Sexual relations.
8. Doing any such thing by which semen comes out.

* To intentionally remain in a state of impurity caused by Janabat, Haidh or Nifas up to Subhe Sadiq of a month of Ramadhan fast or its Qaza.

Things to avoid when Fasting

1. Eyedrops or Surma, etc whose taste or smell can be felt in the throat.
2. Actions which would make you physically weak.
3. Keeping a wet cloth on the body for the sake of cooling.
4. Snuff and fragrance from sweet plants and flowers.
5. Tooth extraction or any other action which will cause you to bleed.
6. A wet tooth brush for brushing.
7. Putting water or using any kind of mouthwash unnecessarily.

The above 7 things do not break your fast if you do them but it is better if you do not do them.

Types of Fasts

Types of Fasts

• Islam has made fasting obligatory for all men and women who have attained the age of Bulugh.
• To kill our low instincts and to help us acknowledge that we have a will power which enables us to abstain from certain things which if done will invalidate the fast. As a result it helps us to strengthen our will power against those things which are Haraam and cause us to commit sin if we do them.
• Brings about Unity amongst you and those living near you, in that while you are fasting you are aware that there are others close by who are also fasting and in the same way when you have Iftar there are others doing the same. It creates a feeling of brotherhood.
• As you feel hungry you begin to realise how the people who are poor and cannot afford food suffer daily in their lives and as a result of your fasting you may feel that you should do something for them. However, sadly we tend to forget all about our hunger at the time of Iftar when we eat a lot to make up for fasting; for this we have been advised by our Holy Prophet (S) to eat only enough to kill the hunger and not more.

WAJIB FASTS

1. Fast during the month of Ramadhan.
2. Qaza fast for the month of Ramadhan.
3. Fast becoming wajib on account of Kaffara.
4. Qaza fasts of a dead person becoming wajib on the eldest son.
5. Fasts becoming Qaza due to Nazar, Qasam or Ahad.
6. Fast is broken or left out intentionally.

SUNNAT FASTS

1. On all days of Rajab and Shaban or on as many as is possible to fast, even if it is only one day.
2. On 13th, 14th and 15th of every Lunar month.
3. The day of Nawroz (21 March)
4. From the 4th up to the 9th of Shawwal.
5. The 25th and the 29th day of Zilqad.
6. The first and last Thursday of every month AND the first Wednesday after the 10th of every month.
7. From the 1st day to the 9th day of the month of Zilhajj.
8. The 18th of Zilhajj - Eid-e-Ghadeer.
9. The 24th of Zilhajj - Eid-e-Mubahela.
10. The 1st, 3rd and 7th day of Muharram.
11. The 17th of Rabiul Awwal - Birthday of our Holy Prophet (S).
12. The 15th of Jamadiul Awwal.
13. The 27th of Rajab - the appointment of the Holy Prophet (S) to the prophetic mission (Bi'that).

Fasting is Mustahab on all the days of the year except on those days on which it is Haraam to observe fast. Some are mentioned below.

HARAAM FASTS

1. Eid-ul-Fitr.
2. Eid-ul-Hajj.
3. A fast kept despite illness.

MAKRUH FAST
It is Makruh to fast on the 10th of Muharram (Ashura Day).

Sufferings of the True Believers

Sufferings of the True Believers

The true believers in Imamate and the teachings of the Holy Imams were subjected to such atrocities that I am at a loss to understand from where I should begin and where I should end them. But since our purpose is to refer to them, we should like to content ourselves with mentioning some of them.

(i) Social Injustice: By taking the Fadak, which yielded sufficient income in those days, from Imam Ali his financial condition was purposely weakened.

(ii) Slandering: Our oppressed Imams were subjected to slanders of the worst kind so much so that when the people of Syria heard of the martyrdom of Imam Ali in the Kufa mosque they started asking for what purpose he happened to go to the Masjid? Was he amongst those who went there to offer prayers?

(iii) Patronizing the Imams' Enemies: In order to weaken the position of the Imams, their enemies were given full support and encouragement.

(iv) Injustice to Thinking and Understanding: By raising the slogan "Qur'an is enough for us" the people were prevented from listening to the traditions of the Holy Prophet. The infallible Imam were forced to remain tight-lipped. By this the very source of knowledge and wisdom was cut off from the people.

(v) Deprivation of the Well-wishers: The kinsmen and the ahlul bayt of the Holy Prophet were deprived of their due share from the Public Treasury.

(vi) Fictitious Traditions: Through man like Abu Hurayra the traditions from the Holy Prophet were concocted and fictitious traditions were produced for the purpose of extolling Bani Umayyah and disparaging Bani Hashim. Fictitious traditions were concocted in such a large number that it became difficult to sort out the authentic and genuine traditions.

(vii) Tampering with the Facts: The narrations about Imamate and guidance were so tampered with and misinterpreted that the people failed to realize their importance.

(viii) Distorted Concept of Imamate: The institution of Imamate which was established according to the covenant of Allah, was degraded to such an extent that it was brought to the level of Yazid's barbaric rulership.

(ix) The Ignorant Substituted for the Learned: All the Divine values and standards were brought to naught. Everyone by dint of power and authority changed the course of society according to his own whims and wishes. Instead of following the leader who used to say, 'Ask me what you want, I will answer you' they followed the leader who used to say, 'Don't ask me; I don't know, leave me alone'. The people instead of going towards Imam Ali, the 'gate of knowledge' followed the caliph Umar, who after facing difficulties in all types of problems used to seek the advice of Imam Ali and used say, "If Ali had not come to my rescue, I would have been ruined".

(x) Excuses and Animosity: One excuse that was put forward was that Imam Ali was younger in age and of lively nature. Many Muslims had a grudge against Imam Ali because in the Battles of Khaybar, Badr, Uhud and Hunayn he had put the disbelieving ancestors of the converted Muslims to death. That deep-seated rancour and animosity had forced Imam Ali to go into seclusion so much so that he said that he was subjected to oppression from the very first day. The fact remains that the high attributes and virtues of Imam Ali have been so expressively and widely narrated that no other companion of the Holy Prophet can equal him in these attributes but despite this highly exalted position, he was ignored! Truly speaking, can a person of lively nature not be an able man? Did the Holy Prophet in his last days not depute Usama, an eighteen year old young man, as the Commander of the Army to lead the expedition to Syria despite the presence of Abu Bakr and Umar? Is the old age a eondition for becoming a leader? Has not the Holy Qur'an made knowledge, piety, jihad, migration, dedicated services, sincerity and honesty the criteria of human values and virtues? Then for what other reasons did we go against Divine principles of judging the merits and adopted a different standard altogether?

(xi) Imam Himself Remained Aloof: The most important thing is that the people say that Imam Ali had contented himself with the religious and spiritual leadership of the people only and left the political and military leadership to others. It is difficult to understand that the exhortations of the Holy Imam in Nahjul Balaghah (Peak of Eloquence, ISP, 1984) were only for the people coming to him for the solution of religious problems only. Does anyone need to owe allegiance for seeking an advice on religious matter? The Holy Imam several times complained of the violation of his political rights. He never complained that the people did not consult him on religious matters, for the people were compelled to ask him about religious problems.

(xii) Reason Behind Forsaking the Imam: It is highly painful to note that the people say how it was possible that all the people were in the wrong by forsaking the Imam and owing allegiance to others? They say that in fact when the people forsook the Imam there must have been some good reason behind it. The answer to this is that first of all not all the people forsook Imam Ali and secondly the majority is not the proof of truth. Should the clear-cut injunctions and commandments of the Holy Qur'an be abandoned and people's conduct should be viewed only? It seems that these people have totally forgotten the last verses of Surah Jumu'a which say that while the Holy Prophet was busy in delivering his Friday sermon a party of merchants arrived and on the beating of the drum, many of the people detached themselves from the congregation and swarmed round the merchants and only a few of the people remained there to listen to the Holy Prophet. Was leaving the Holy Prophet under such circumstances a correct thing?

Novel Forms of Tyrannies and Oppression

Imam Ali was subjected to continuous oppressions. From the time the Holy Prophet asked for the pen and paper and was insolently rebuffed the Holy Imam after the Prophet's demise, had been treated with excessive tyranny up to his last days. Let me be allowed to say that even up to the present time the position of Imam Ali has not been recognized and he remains still as the oppressed one. His words compiled in Nahjul Balaghah has also not been truly understood. Therefore, oppression to him was not confined to his lifetime only but it spreads round the entire period of history.

The persecutions that our infallible Imams had to suffer were from external sources as well as from their own unworthy people. The oppressions that were done to Imam Ali were not worth complaining because by that the very foundation of the Islamic government would have been demolished and, therefore, he kept patient like one who had a thorn in his eyes or whose throat was choked with a bone. The oppression that was done to the Holy Imam was not by heart, speech, action, or pen alone, but it was of all types which are beyond description. The oppression that was done to our Holy Imam was done in the name of religion and for the purpose of securing the proximity with Allah, so much so that the people in their sermons, on the pulpit, publicly and privately, and even in prayers used to abuse him. The oppression that was done to our Holy Imams was from the same source which they had obtained from them (the Imams) as they obtained strength, knowledge and position from them and used the same on them. The oppression to the Holy Imams was done by unwise friends as well as by wise enemies. On the one hand there were timid, ignorant and foolish friends and on the other there were clever and hypocritical enemies.

Oppression by Pen

It is not known as to why many famous scholars from Ahlus Sunnah who were contemporaries of Imam Musa Kazim never cared to quote any tradition of the Holy Prophet from his source. Was Imam Musa Kazim not better than an ordinary narrator? I also cannot understand that why an important book like Sahih Bukhari of Ahlus Sunnah which also includes many traditions originating from the Kharijites, and which contains traditions from over a hundred anonymous writers, and which gives them the stamp of authenticity does not quote any tradition of the Holy Prophet from Imam Ja'far Sadiq and the Holy Imams who followed him? Do all people not know that the Holy Prophet introduced to the people his ahlul bayt together with the Holy Qur'an?

Leaving aside these differences which are too many, we should overlook them and become united against our common enemy. There are differences of opinion on religious matters among Ahlus Sunnah also, and so they are among the Shi'ah scholars, but these differences should not become the bone of contention and the seed of discord as the flame of disunity and discord may engulf the Ummah in a devastating inferno.

Allegations Against the Shi'ah

It is also not understood why the people do not restrain themselves from impugning the Shi'ah and levelling false allegations against them. In reply to these innumerable allegations and calumnies that have been levelled against the Shi'ah we have defended our faith in the pages of thousands of books and in the Masjids and this humble writer, who is just a mere student, has also defended our faith on the Iran Radio and television and which I still repeat. I mean:

(i) That the Shi'ah do not believe that the Holy Qur'an has been tampered with.

(ii) That the Shi'ah do not consider their infallible Holy Imams as deities.

(iii) That the Shi'ah do not consider Bahais and Babis (followers of Bahaullah and Muhammad Ali Bab) as Shi'ah.

(iv) That the Shi'ah do not consider it obligatory to act upon the four books (al-Kafi, Man la yahzaruhul Faqih, Tahzib and Istabsar) though they consider them good among the good books but they do not believe that whatever is written in them is irrefutable.

(v) That the Shi'ah do not consider all the companions of the Holy Prophet as renegades and apostate but they believe that just as during the lifetime of the Holy Prophet there were true Muslims and the hypocrites also in the same way they also existed after the passing away of the Holy Prophet. The passing away of the Holy Prophet cannot make the hypocrites as true believers. Thus, those, who claim that all the companions of the Holy Prophet were true believers and just, should tell us as to where the hypocrites of the time of the Holy Prophet disappeared.

Rights of the Imam on the people

Imam Ali said to the people, "You and I have rights on each other. My rights on you are:

(i) You should stick to your oath of allegiance to me.

(ii) You should remain my well-wisher both in my presence.

(iii) You should answer me as soon as I summon you, and your rights on me are:

(i) Sympathy with and wishing well to you

(ii) Security of the Public treasury

(iii) Education and training". (Biharul Anwar, vol. XXVII)

Fitrah According to Fataawa of Ayatullah Sayyid Ali al-Husayni Seestani

(According to Fataawa of Ayatullah Sayyid Ali al-Husayni Seestani)

1. Payment of fitrah becomes wajib (obligatory) after sunset on the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr on a person who is baligh (attained puberty), aqil (sane), and is neither needy, nor indigent nor unconscious for himself and all his dependants wherever and whoever they are.

   ---



2. For the purpose of fitrah, dependants include guests who are present at the host’s house at the time of sunset on the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr. However, if a guest comes without the consent of the host, his fitrah becomes wajib upon the host on the basis of ehtiyat wajib (obligatory precaution). This ruling also applies to a person who is forcibly made to maintain another person. The fitrah of a guest arriving after sunset even if he was invited earlier is not upon the host, unless he is a dependant of the host. (Ehtiyat Mustahab to pay for uninvited guest or one forcibly maintained.)

   ---



3. Fitrah should be given from wheat, barley, raisins, rice or millet or its cash value at the rate of one sa’a (about 3 kg.) per head. On the basis of obligatory precaution (ehtiyat wajib), one should not give fitrah from that food which is not staple in his place, even if it be wheat, barley, dates or raisins. (Staple food has not been made a condition).

   ---



4. Fitrah is given to a needy person who, according to the shari’a is a faqeer, that is, a person who is not able to meet his living expenses for himself and for his dependants for one whole year, nor does he possess the means to earn a livelihood for himself and his dependants. It is ehtiyat wajib that the fitrah is given to a faqeer who is a Shia Ithna-Asheri. (Ehtiyat Mustahab to give to a Shia Ithna-Asheri Faqeer.)
   Note: The faqeer to whom fitrah is given need not necessarily be adil, but it is ehtiyat wajib that fitrah should not be given to a person who drinks liquor, or one who does not perform his daily salaat or one who commits sins openly or one who will use the fitrah in a sinful way.

   ---



5. A non-Seyyid cannot give fitrah to a Seyyid even if he maintains a Seyyid and pays his fitrah.

   ---



6. It is ehtiyat mustahab (recommended precaution) that a faqeer be given a minimum of one full fitrah. More can be given to one person also. (Ehtiyat Wajib to give a minimum of one full fitrah to a person).

   ---



7. I
   f a servant is employed on the condition that the employer will pay all his expenses, then the servant’s fitrah becomes wajib upon the employer. But if the condition is the payment of the salary only, then his fitrah is not wajib upon the employer.

   ---



8. If the price of one type of grain is double that of the other, one cannot give half the measure of the better grain nor its cash value as fitrah.

   ---



9. It is recommended to give preference to one’s relatives when giving fitrah, then to the neighbors and then ahlul ilm (people of learning). Preference, however, can be given to another category of people if there is a good reason to do so.

   ---



10. For those who pray Salatul Eid, it is ehtiyat wajib to give the fitrah before the Eid prayers and for those not praying Salatul Eid the time extends up to before Dhuhr. If fitrah is set aside but not distributed by Dhuhr, then whenever it is disbursed, the niyyah (intention) of fitrah should be made. If one does not give out or set aside the fitrah within the due time, he should give the fitrah later, on the basis of precaution, without making the niyyah of adaa or qadhaa but only qurbatan Ilallah.

    ---



11. An item set aside for fitrah cannot be used or substituted by another item.

    ---



12. On the basis of ehtiyat wajib, fitrah should not be sent outside the town one resides in if there are deserving people in that town. If one does so and the fitrah gets spoiled or lost then it must be given again.

    ---



13. Fitrah cannot be given before the month of Ramadhan and it is better not to give it during the month of Ramadhan. However, if a loan was given to a person who deserves to receive fitrah, then when the fitrah becomes due that amount can be set off against the fitrah.

    ---



14. If fitrah is given from a thing which is inferior or defective, it will not be sufficient.

www.alqaem.org

Dua’a Khatmul Quran- after finishing Quran

Dua'a Khatmul Quran- after finishing Quran

DUAA–E–KHATME QUR'AN

Jaan na chaiyae ke Quran majeed ke kuch adaab hain,jismae ek DUAA–E–KHATME QUR'AN hai. Lehaza Quran ki tiulawat aur Quran khwani kae baad is dua ka padhna munasib hai, Jissae inshallah kafi faeda pahunchega. Khuda wanda kareem paak kitaab ki tilawat kaernae waloon kae dil ki naek muraad poori kere kae jo Quran kae waastae sae baaragah e nilahi mmain talab karae. Aameen

Recite this Duaa after Khitma of the Holy Qur'an, it is narrated by Imam Ali (A.S.)

Bismillaar-Rahmaanir-Raheem.

Allaahummashrah Bil Qur'ani Swadree Wasta'amil Bil Qur'ani Badanee Wa Nawwir Bil Qur'ani Baswaree Wa Atliq Bil Qur'ani Lisaanee Wa A'innee Alayhi Maa Abqaytanee Fa Innaahoo Laa Hawla Walaa Quwwata Illaa Bika. ( Dua e ameerul momineen(a.s)

Tarjuma

Khudaya kushadah kar ba tuhfail e quran maera seenae ko aur amaal main la ba waastae Quran maerae badan ko aur munawwar farma ba tuhfail quran maeri binaee ko aur goya ker ba waastae Quran maeri zabaan ko aur madad farma. iskae padhnae main jab tak ki tu mujhae baqi rekh pas koi nahin qudrat aur quuwatwala mager tu.

Then recite this Duaa:

Bismillaahir-Rahmaanir-Raheem. Allaahummaa Innee As'aluka Ikhbaatal Mukhbiteen Wa Ikhlaaswal Mooqineen Wa Muraafaqatal Abraari Wa Istihqaaq Haqaaikil Eemaani Wal Ghaneemata Min Kulli Birrin Was-Salaamata Min Kulli Ismin Wa Wujooba Rahmatik Wa Azaaima Maghfiratik Wal Fawza Bil Jannati Wa Najaatam-Minan-Naar.

Then recite this Duaa:

FAQ ON ZAKAT AL-FITRAH

www.smma59.wordpress.com
www.alqaem.org
www.alqaim.info/unity
S.M.Masoom

FAQ ON ZAKAT AL-FITRAH

FAQ ON ZAKAT AL-FITRAH
(According to Fataawa of Ayatullah Sayyid Ali al-Husayni Seestani)

Q. What is Zakatul Fitrah?
A: It is religious tax/alms (zakat) paid on the day when Muslims break the fasting period at the end of the month of Ramadhan. This alms is known as Zakat al-Fitrah.

Q. What do the Qur'an and Hadith say about Fitrah?
A: Imams (a) say that the verses: Indeed whosoever purifies himself shall achieve success, and glorifies the Name of his Lord and prays (87:14 & 15) refer to giving of Fitrah and saying prayers on Eid al-Fitr. Imam Ja`far as- Sadiq (a) said: for your fast to be accepted, give zakât.

Q. When does Fitrah become wajib?
A. Payment of Fitrah becomes obligatory after sunset on the eve of Eid al- Fitr. The Fitrah should be kept aside and paid on Eid al-Fitr before Eid prayers or before midday for those who cannot say their Eid prayers. It is necessary to have obligatory intention (niyyah) of giving Fitrah for God's pleasure only.

Q. What happens if someone forgets or does not give Fitrah on time?
A. If one does not give out or set aside the Fitrah within the due time, he should give the Fitrah later, on the basis of precaution, without making the niyyah of adaa or qadhaa but only Qurbatan Ilallah.

Q. Can we give Fitrah in advance?
A. Giving Fitrah before the eve of Eid al-Fitr is not permissible. However, if you wish to send Fitrah earlier so that it reaches the needy on time, then you can send it as a temporary loan to the needy and then change your intention from loan to Fitrah on the eve of Eid al-Fitr.

Q. To whom is Fitrah obligatory?
A. Paying Fitrah is obligatory on every Muslim who is mature (baligh), sane, financially able, and conscious on the eve of Eid al-Fitr. Fitrah should also be paid on behalf of all dependents (e.g. wife, children) whom one supports financially.

Q. When is a host required to pay Fitrah for his guest?
A. If a person invites another person to his house on the eve of Eid al-Fitr and if the guest is present at the host's place at the time of the sunset then it is obligatory for the host to pay Fitrah for his guest.

Q. What happens if the guest arrives after the sunset on Eid night?
A. In this case the guest will pay his/her own Fitrah and it is not obligatory on the host to pay Fitrah for the guest.

Q. What happens if a guest comes uninvited and is present at the time of the sunset on the eve of Eid al-Fitr?
A. Ayatullah Sayyid As-Sistani says that the host should still pay the Fitrah as an obligatory precaution. However, Marhum Ayatullah Sayyid al-Khui was of the opinion that is recommended for the host to pay Fitrah of an uninvited guest.

Q. How much should we pay for Fitrah?
A. Fitrah for a person is given on a weight of three kilograms (one sa`a) on any food commodity like wheat, barley, rice, millet, raisins or dates. Ayatullah Seestani is of the opinion that the item that is not a staple food in your town should not be given in Fitrah. Say, for example, if millet is not a staple in Vancouver then Vacouver mumineen should not pay Fitrah on millet.

Q. Can we give cash value of any commodity mentioned above?
A. Yes, cash value in lieu of any foodstuff mentioned can be given as Fitrah. Thus, if a kilo of rice costs $2.00, the cash value of Fitrah on rice per person would be $6.00. We recommend, Fitrah on basmati rice to be Canadian Dollars 7.00 for residents of Canada and US Dollars 6.00 for US residents. (Please check prices for other items in your areas.)

Q. Whom should we give the Fitrah to?
A. It is given to the needy who are unable to meet their own or their dependants annual living expenses, nor do they have the means to do so through earning. Ayatullah As-Seestani says that the needy who is given the fitrah must be a Shi`ah Ithna `Ashari.

Q. Who should not be given the Fitrah?
A. A needy who: consumes alcohol, does not say his daily prayers (salat), commits sins openly, or he who is known to use the Fitrah in sinful way.

Q. Are there any additional rules that we need to be aware of?
A. Following are some important rules: (i) Fitrah should not be sent outside the town one resides in, if there are deserving mumineen in that town. (ii) Fitrah from a non-Sayyid cannot be given to a needy Sayyid; the reverse is permissible. (iii) A needy should be given at least one Fitrah (iv) Amongst the needy, relatives should be preferred over others when giving Fitrah, next in line are neighbors and then the learned.

Reproduced with permission from the Academy for Learning z

Blessings of Fasting

 

• "Our Lord! Give us good in this world and good in the Hereafter,
  and defend us from the torment of the Fire!" (Qur'an 2:201)
  

• Rabbanā 'Ātinā Fī Ad-Dunyā Ĥasanatan Wa Fī Al-'Ākhirati Ĥasanatan
  Wa Qinā `Adhāba An-Nāri


• 

The benefits of the Ramadhan month of fasting are too many to be counted. If one does recognize them and realize their importance, he wishes to have the month of Ramadhan to be throughout the whole year.These blessings are given by Allah to the fasting Muslims, who are to fast with full faith and expectation.

These blessings and benefits of the month of fasting during Ramadhan have been grouped and summarized into different categories. They are summarized here without commentary. It should be remembered that all of these blessings were taken directly from Holy Quran and Hadith.

The following is a partial list for the blessings and benefits of the month of fasting during Ramadhan:

01. Taqwa:
Fearing Allah(SWT)
Practicing the Revelations of Allah(SWT)
Accepting the little things that one has achieved
Preparing for departure from this world to the Hereafter
Self-discipline
Self-control
Self-restraint
Self-education
Self-evaluation

By accepting these criteria and by practicing them, the Muslim will achieve the concept of Taqwa in his private and public life.

02. Protection:
Avoiding Immorality
Avoiding anger/outcry/uproar
Avoiding stupidity
Avoiding all makrooh/mashbooh/haram
By achieving these good manners, a Muslim will come out of fasting a better human being in the society.

03. Revelation of Holy Quran:
The Holy Quran was revealed during the month of Ramadhan. The Holy Quran is meant to be:
A Guidance to mankind
A Manifestation of right from wrong
A Summation and culmination of all previous revelations
A Glad-tiding to the believers
A Healer
A Mercy

04. Doors of heaven are open

05. Doors of hell are closed

06. Devils are chained down

07. Fasting with Iman (faith) and expectation:
Such type of intention leads to forgiveness by Allah (SWT) to the individual’s sins.

08. Door of Rayyan:
There is in Paradise a door called Al-Rayyan. It is for the fasting Muslims. Only those who fasted the month of Ramadhan are the ones to enjoy the bliss of Paradise inside that area.

09. Rejoices:
There are two types of rejoices for the Muslims who fast. These are:
When breaking fast
When meeting Allah (SWT) on the day of Judgment

10. Mouth Smell:
The smell of the mouth of the fasting Muslim will be better than the smell of musk during the day of Judgement. (Bad Breath)

11. Glad-Tidings:
These glad-tidings are given to the well-wishers while the ill-wishers are to be stopped during fasting.

12. Ramadhan -to- Ramadhan:
Whoever fasts two consecutive months of Ramadhan with good intention will receive forgiveness for the mistakes committed throughout the year.

13. Multiplication of Rewards:
Doing good = 10x, 70x, 700x or more during the month of Ramadhan.

14. Feeding Others:
Whoever invites others to break the fast, and whoever takes care of the hungry, needy, during the last ten days of Ramadhan will receive equal rewards to the fasting person(s).

15. Blessing of Iftar:
Dua is accepted by ALLAH (SWT) at Iftar time.

16. Blessings of Sahoor (The late night meal):
This meal time gives the opportunity for:
Night Prayers
Zikr, Remembrance, Contemplation
Recitation of Holy Quran
Fajr Salat in Jamaat
Dua of Fajr

17. Night Prayers:
Whoever performs the Night prayers with sincerity and good intention will receive forgiveness of his past mistakes.

18. Shafa’at (Pleading One’s Case for Forgiveness):
Whoever fasts Ramadhan will receive on the day of Judgement the Shafa’at of:

Ramadhan
Holy Quran

19. Ihya (Passing Nights Awake):
Last ten days of Ramadhan. When a Muslim makes this type of effort, he will get rewards, forgiveness, and multiples of blessings.

20. Itikaf (Retreat):
A Muslim who performs Itikaf during the last ten days of Ramadhan will get:

Blessings and rewards
Peace of mind
Contemplation and evaluation
Better citizen

21. Lailatul Qadr (The Night of Power):
Whoever observes it with sincerity and good intention will get the following benefits:
Forgiveness of mistakes
Better than 1,000 months
Dua
Zikr
Prayers
Reading Holy Quran
Rewards
Blessings
Better human being

22. Generosity:
Kindness, hospitality, visitation, etc. All of these and many more are among the benefits of Ramadhan.

23. Zakat al-Fitrah (Charity on Eid Day):
The benefits of paying such as charity to the needy are tremendous, among which are the following:

Purity
Feeding the needy
Sharing happiness
Improving human relations
Improving society

24. Sadaqah (Charity):
The benefits of paying sadaqah are many. These are summarized as follows:
Purity
Flourishing of wealth
Improving economy
Circulation of wealth
Elimination of inflation
Elimination of poverty

25. Fasting and Health:
By fasting, one gets the following benefits:
Purification of body from toxins
Reducing of weight
Purity of brain
Rejuvenation of body
Living of life with happiness
Looking younger

26. Change of Lifestyle:
By living a different life style, one gets rid of the monotony of life and hence enjoys his life span.

27. Sharing:
Of hunger, thirst and rituals with others in the society.

28. Eid-ul-Fitr (Feast):
Sharing of happiness and visitation of one another as members of the society.

29. Graveyards Visitation:
One will get the following benefits by visiting graveyards.
Dua for the deceased
Preparing oneself for departure from this world
Feeling respect for the deceased
Making the person to be humble in his life

30. Every breath is Tasbiih:
Every breath and even sleep is Ibadah and awarded.

31. Umrah in Ramadhan:
Visiting Makkah during the fasting month of Ramadhan is:

Equal to one Hajj (pilgrimage)
Equal to one Hajj with Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

32. Historical Successes and Victories in Ramadhan:
Muslims throughout their history received many benefits during Ramadhan the month of fasting, among which are the following:
Battle of Badr
Battle of Khandaq
Opening of Makkah
Battle of Tabuk
Tariq Ibn Ziyad opened Europe
Salahuddin liberated Jerusalem from the crusaders
Egypt and Israel, 1973 - Egyptians kicked the Israelis out of Egypt during Ramadhan the month of fasting, etc.

33. Learning lessons from historical incidents that happened during Holy Ramadhan the month of fasting:, e.g.
Wafaat Hazrat Khadijeh(A).
Wiladat Imam Hasan bin Ali(A).
Shahadat Imam Ali bin Abi Talib(A).
Youm-al-Quds

PEOPLE ON WHOM FASTING IS NOT OBLIGATORY DURING THE MONTH OF RAMADHAN

As per the rules for Muqallidin of His Eminence Aga Ali Al Hussein Seestani.

1) PEOPLE ON WHOM FASTING IS NOT OBLIGATORY DURING THE MONTH OF RAMADHAN

(a) A person who cannot fast because of old age, or for whom fasting causes extreme hardship. But in the latter case, he should give one mudd (¾ kg. [750 gms.] of food-stuff, like, wheat or barley or bread, etc.) to a poor person for every fast. However, if he becomes capable of fasting later, he should, on the basis of recommended precaution, give the qadha' .

(b) A person who suffers from a disease which causes excessive thirst, making it unbearable, or full of hardship. But in the latter case, that is, hardship, he should give one mudd of food to a poor person for every fast. At the same time, as a recommended precaution, such a person may not drink water in a quantity more than essential. If he recovers later, enabling him to fast, then as a recommended precaution, he should give qadha' .

Note: A person cannot abandon fast on account of weakness. However, if his weakness is to such an extent that fasting becomes totally unbearable, there is no harm in breaking the fast.

(c) A woman who is in advanced stage of pregnancy, for whom fasting is harmful or for the child she carries. For every day, however, she should give one mudd (3/4 kg. [750 gms.]) of food to poor. In both the cases, she has to give qadha' for the fasts left out.

(d) If a woman is suckling a child and the quantity of her milk is small, and if fasting is harmful to her or to the child. But she will give one mudd of food per day to poor. In both the cases, she will later give qadha' for the fasts left out.

Note: This rule is specifically applicable in a circumstance where this is the only way of feeding milk to the child (as an obligatory precaution). But if there is an alternative, like, when more than one woman offer to suckle the child, then establishing this rule is a matter of ishkal.

(e) A woman who is in the state of Haidh or Nifas. She has to give qadha' for the fasts left out.

(f) If a person knows that fasting is not harmful to him, he should fast and his fast will be valid even if his doctor advises him that it is harmful. And if a person is certain or has a strong feeling that fasting is harmful to him, he should not fast even if the doctor advises for it. He/she is required to give qadha' for the fasts left out.

Note: If a person, without any shari'i reason does not observe qadha of the fasts left out during Mahe Ramadhan till next Ramadhan, then in addition to offering the qadha of the fasts he/she left , on the basis of obligatory precaution, he/she will give one mudd of food to poor for each fast left out.

2) INVALIDATING A FAST OF MAHE RAMADHAN INTENTIONALY

If a person intentionally and voluntarily commits an act which invalidates fast, his/her fast becomes void and besides giving qadha he/she is also required to give kaffara. However, if a person who is fasting eats or drinks something forgetfully, his/her fast remains valid.

3) KAFFARAH

The Kaffarah of leaving out a fast of Mahe Ramadhan is to:

• free a slave, or
• fast for two months, or
• feed sixty poor to their fill or give one mudd of food-stuff to each of them .

If a person breaks his/her fast with something haraam he/she will have to observe all the three kaffarah , as a recommended precaution.

Note: If it is not possible for him/her to fulfill any of the above, he/she should give sadaqa according to his/her means and seek Divine forgiveness. And the obligatory precaution is that he/she should give kaffarah as and when he/she is capable to do so.

4) NIYYAT FOR FASTING.
(a) Fasting means that a person must, in obedience to the commands of Allah, from the time of adhan for fajr prayers up to the time of adhan for maghrib prayers, avoid nine things which will be mentioned later.

(b) It is not necessary for a person to pass the niyyat for fasting through his mind or to say that he would be fasting on the following day. In fact, it is sufficient for him to decide that in obedience to the command of Allah he will not perform from the time of adhan for fajr prayers up to the time of adhan for maghrib prayers, any act which may invalidate the fast. And in order to ensure that he has been fasting throughout this time he should begin abstaining earlier than the time of adhan for fajr prayers, and continue to refrain for some time after the adhan for maghrib prayers from acts which invalidate a fast.

(c) A person can make niyyat every night of the holy month of Ramadhan that he would be fasting on the following day, and it is better to make niyyat on the first night of Ramadhan that he would fast throughout that month.

(d) The last time for making niyyat to observe a fast of Ramadhan for a conscious person, is moments before the time of adhan for fajr prayers.

(e) If a person sleeps before the time for fajr prayers in Ramadhan without making a niyyat, and wakes up before zuhr to make a niyyat of fast, his fast will be in order. But if he wakes up after Zuhr , as a precaution, he should continue with the abstinence with the niyyat of qurbat and then give its qadha' also.

(f) If a person makes a niyyat before the time of Adhan for Fajr prayers to observe a fast, and then goes to sleep, and wakes up after Maghrib his fast is in order.

(g) If a child reaches the age of puberty before the time of adhan for fajr prayers in the month of Ramadhan he/she should keep fast, and if he/she reaches the age puberty after the adhan for fajr prayers, the fast on that day is not obligatory for him/her.

(h) If a patient recovers from his illness before zuhr in the month of Ramadhan, and if he has not done anything to invalidate the fast, he should make niyyat and fast. But if he recovers after zuhr , it will not be obligatory on him to fast on that day.

(i) If one doubts whether it is the last day of Sha'baan or the first day of Ramadhan then the fast on that day is not obligatory. However, if one wants to fast on that day he cannot do so with the intention of observing the Ramadhan fast, but if he makes an intention that if it is Ramadhan then it is the Ramadhan fast and if it is not Ramadhan then it is qadha' fast or some other fast like that, his fast will be valid. But it is better to observe the fast with the intention of qadha' fast or some other fast, and if it is known later that it was Ramadhan then it will automatically be Ramadhan fast. And if he learns on the same day before Maghrib that it is the first day of Ramadhan, then he should convert the intention to the Ramadhan fast.(j) If somebody is undecided in his niyyat whether to break the fast or not in Ramadhan, or decides to do so, immediately his fast becomes invalid even if he does not actually break it or is repentant of his intention.

5) THINGS WHICH MAKES A FAST VOID
There are nine acts which invalidate fasts:

(i) Eating and drinking.
(ii) Sexual intercourse.
(iii) 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 according to the common opinion (among Jurists).
(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 .

(a) 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 something normally eaten or drunk or whether it was small or large amount; 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.

(b) 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.

(c) 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 has remained in between his teeth, will go down into his stomach during the day, then he must clean his teeth with toothpick.

(d) Swallowing saliva does not invalidate a fast, although it may have collected in one's mouth owing to thoughts about sour things, etc..

(e) 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 recommended precaution is that one should not swallow it.

(ii) SEXUAL INTERCOURSE.

(a) Sexual intercourse invalidates the fast, even if the penetration of the male organ was only up to the point of circumcision, and even if there has been no ejaculation.

(iii) ISTIMNA (self abuse, resulting in ejaculation).
(a) If a person, who is observing fast, performs Istimna , his fast becomes void.

(b) If a person involves himself in Istimna with the intention of allowing semen to be discharged, even if he does not discharge, his fast will be void.

(c) If semen is discharged from the body of a person involuntarily, his fast does not become void.

(d) If a fasting person indulges in courtship without the intention of allowing semen to be discharged, and also, if he is sure that semen will not 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.

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

(a) 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 the rest of the Prophets and their successors.

(b) 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.

(a) 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.

(b) Allowing thin dust to reach one's throat will not invalidate the fast.

(c) 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.

(a) If a fasting person intentionally immerses his entire head in the water, his fast is known to be void according to the common opinion (among Jurists), even if the rest of his body remains out of water. But, according to the ruling of Ayatullah As-Seestani Dama Dhilluhu, this act does not invalidate the fast; it is an absolutely makrooh act, and as a measure of precaution, should be avoided.

(b) 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.

(a) If a person in j anabat 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.

(b) If a person gets into 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.

(c) 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 ghus l and does not wake up till fajr , his fast is void, and qadha and kaffarah become obligatory on him.

(d) 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.

(e) 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.

(f) 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 wakes up from his second sleep and 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.

(g) 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.

(h) If a person observing fast becomes mohtalim during day time, it is not obligatory on him to do ghusl at once.

(i) 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.

(j) 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.

(k) 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

(l) 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 before fajr - or in the case of time being short, tayammum - intentionally, her fast will be void.

(m) 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 ghus l or tayammum, her fast is valid.

(n) If a woman becomes paak from haidh or nifas after the fajr or if haidh or nifas begins during the day, even just before the maghrib time, her fast is void.

(o) If a woman forgets to do ghus l for haidh or nifas and remembers it after a day or more, the fasts that she has observed will be valid.

(p) 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.

(a) 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.

(a) 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.

(b) 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.

(c) 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.

6) FASTING BY A TRAVELLER

(a) 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.(b) 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.

(c) 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.

(d) If a fasting person travels after zuhr , he should, as a precaution, complete his fast.

(e) 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.)

(f) 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.

NOTE: RELEVANT DETAILS OF THINGS OR ACTS WHICH ARE MAKROOH/MUSTAHAB FOR A PERSON OBSERVING FAST, QADHA FASTS, KAFFARA, ETC. PLEASE REFER TO THE ISLAMIC LAWS BOOK.

The nights of Ramadan Salat

In The Name of Allah, The Most Beneficent, The Most Kind

All related Dua’as and Supplications for the nights of Ramadan can be found in the book, “Supplication Prayers and Ziarats, Call on Me and I Answer You”, Sheikh Qummi, Qum, Iran, 1999.

What to avoid list during the month of Ramadan

Ramadan is the month of excitement for Muslims. Ramadan is the month of revelation of Quran, the month of reading and reciting the whole Quran, the month of Tahajjud and Qiyam al-layl prayers, Sadaqah, Zakah al-Fitr and Zakah al-Mal. Ramadan is also a month of social activities among Muslims.
No one can go anywhere without preparation, and no one invites a guest without preparing to welcome him / her. Similarly, to welcome Ramadan, the month of fasting, one has to prepare. The following are some tips to help the reader prepare accordingly:
Start reading Quran daily after Salat al-Fajr.
Spend some time listening to recitations from the Quran.
Train yourself to go bed early so that you can wake up far Salat al-Fajr.
Keep yourself in a state of Wudu (Ablution) most of the time.
Evaluate yourself daily before going bed.
Thank Allah for good deeds, and repent to Him for your mistakes and sins.
Start giving Sadaqah daily, no matter how little. Make it a habit like eating and drinking.
Find time to pray extras, such as Tahajjud prayers.
Spend more time reading Islamic books, especially the Quran, Sirah, Hadith, and Fiqh.
Find time to help others with your wisdom, knowledge and other talents.
Try to write articles on Islam for Muslims as well as for non-Muslims.
Associate with Muslim scholars / ulama and other pious people so that you may learn from them.
Train yourself to do good, render free service to others to seek the pleasure of Allah.
What to avoid list during the month of Ramadan
Reduce watching TV, instead spend more time reading the Quran and other Islamic literature.
Avoid looking at unlawful pictures, whether magazines, department store catalogs or otherwise.
Avoid going to theaters; instead go to Masajid, Islamic organizations and make that a daily habit.
Avoid eating too much. Eat only when you are hungry and try not to fill your stomach completely.
If you drink Coffee, Tea or Soda, be sure to reduce consumption.
If you smoke, try to reduce daily usage; otherwise Ramadan will be very difficult for you to observe.
If you like to listen to music, whether the style of western societies or even those from Muslim countries, reduce, even eliminate the time you spent on them; replace them with reciting and listening to recitation from the Quran.
If you enjoy playing cards and board games try your best to avoid them as much as possible and fill your time with something useful.
If you enjoy going with friends to picnics and other social gatherings, try to reduce it before Ramadan; otherwise fasting the month of Ramadan will be more difficult.
If you have friends who do not practice the teaching of Islam, try to avoid socializing with them.
If you travel a lot on business, try to do more local business, so you can be more closer to your family and community.
If you are used to staying up till midnight, try to go to bed earlier, so that you will be able to wake up early for Salat al-Fajr and Tahajjud prayers as well.
To prepare ourselves before the month of Ramadan arrives is far better than waiting till it comes. To prepare ourselves for anything in life is a sign of wisdom and maturity. No one is assured of living one day more; tomorrow may not come. So hurry and benefit from blessings and rewards from Allah.
Remember: “Time is not money or gold; it is life itself and is limited. You must begin to appreciate every moment of your life and always strive to make the best use of it.” - Khurram Murad
A Quick Checklist for the month of Ramadan
Make a resolve to win the maximum favor of Allah by performing extra Voluntary prayers (Nawaafil), making frequent Dua and increased remembrance (Dhikr).
Try to recite some Holy Quran after every Prayer. In fact if you read 3-4 pages after every Prayer you can easily finish the entire Quran in Ramadan!
Study the Tafseer (commentary) every morning.
Invite a person you are not very close with or your relatives to your home for Iftaar, at least once a week (Weekend). You will notice the blessings in your relationships!
Bring life to your family! Everyday, try to conclude the fast with your family and spend some quality time together to understand each other better.
Give gifts on Eid to at least 5 people: 2 to your family members, 2 to your good friends, and 1 to a person whom you love purely for the sake of Allah.
Make commitment to join Islamic study circles to learn more about Islam and improve your own life.
Donate generously to the Masajid, Islamic organizations, and any where people are in need or oppressed. “Because Ramadan, is a month of sharing!”
Share month of Ramadan and its teachings of peace and patience with your neighbours.
Sleep little, eat little! Make sure you do not defeat the purpose of fasting by over-indulging in food and being lazy.
Seek the rare and oft-neglected rewards of the night better than 1000 months (Laylatul-Qadr / Shab-e-Qadr).
Weep in private for the forgiveness of your sins: Ramadan is the month of forgiveness and Allah’s Mercy! It’s never too late.
Learn to control your tongue and lower your gaze. Remember the Prophet’s (pbuh) warning that lying, backbiting, and a lustful gaze all violate the Ramadan fast!
Encourage others to enjoin and love goodness, and to abandon everything that Allah dislikes. Play the role of a Da’ee (one who invites to Allah) with zeal, passion, and sympathy.
Experience the joy of Tahajjud prayers late at night and devote yourself purely and fully to Allah in the Itikaf retreat during the last 10 days of Ramadan.