Eid: Celebration of 'Taqwah'

The first thing I would like to highlight is that all the efforts which we, Muslims have made in the right way during the month of Ramadan had only one objective: Taqwa (fear of Allah, piety). If this fear is now part of us, it means that the month of fasting was a total success and that we can now reap all year round the fruits of this valuable win. 

Ramadan is not an end in itself; it is the beginning for some and a continuation for others, of the consolidation of this state of fear of the Lord (Rab) so that the harvest is perpetual. To live or to die depends solely on the decree of Allah, but He advises us to ensure that at the time of the departure of our soul that we are in a position of total submission to Him. It means, therefore, that we need to be in this position permanently. The believer must also honour the sacred bond that unites him to the Almighty and should not create circumstances that could cause any dissension within the community of Allah. 

Let us now see some sayings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad ^(pbuh) on the subject by raising some subtle points.

(1) Hazrat Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas ^(ra) narrated that he heard the Holy Prophet ^(pbuh) say that Allah ^(swt) loves those who control their passions, those who have no vile desire, those who do not seek the glory of this world and those who lead a secluded life. (Sahih Muslim).

(2) Hadhrat Aisha ^(ra) said that nothing and no one has more value in the eyes of the Holy Prophet ^(pbuh) that he who has the fear of Allah. (Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal).

This Hadith complements the first, that is to say, one who is loved by Allah is also loved by the Holy Prophet ^(pbuh).

Islamophobia: Change Perceptions

If we define Islam correctly like it should be defined, we shall be able to grate Islamophobia from the mindset of people of the different cultures and races around the world. Islamophobia has taken root deep into sections of the world population. To avert this deep fear of Islam itself as a way of life, as a religion, we, Muslims must portray the correct teachings of God Almighty (Allah), of His Holy Book (the Quran) and His Holy Prophet (Our Master Muhammad) – peace be upon him.

Islam is in no way a threat to world peace, but in fact invites to world peace, just like - or even more so than - the rest of the grand religions of the world: Hinduism, Judaism, and Christianity etc. Now, we can hardly say that every Christian or every Hindu is a terrorist despite the fact that we know that there are terrorists throughout the world who claim to be Christians, or Hindus while committing heinous acts against humanity. Now, why blame Islam for the heinous actions of some people who claim to be Muslims whilst doing unislamic acts and using Islamic slogans to commit such acts?

The Quest for 'Laila-tul-Qadr'

The Night of Decree

If the Night of Destiny, which is found in the last ten days of Ramadan is different from the other nights of this blessed month or even the other nights of the year, it is due to its preeminence as mentioned in a chapter of the Holy Quran which has been revealed on its very subject, i.e. Chapter 97, Verses 1-6:

“In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful. 

Surely We revealed it on the Night of Majesty; 

And what will make you understand what the Night of Majesty is? 

The Night of Majesty is better than a thousand months. 

The angels and the Spirit descend therein by the permission of their Lord for every matter. 

Peace it is until the emergence of dawn.” (Al-Qadr, 97: 1-6).

Traditions report that the Holy Prophet Muhammad ^(sa) was on his way to inform Muslims of the date of the Night of Destiny, when because of a quarrel between two people the knowledge thereof was taken from him. He expressed the wish that it was (indeed) good for the Muslims (that the specific date of this Night has been made to be forgotten).

Hazrat Aisha ^(ra), the wife of the Messenger of Allah ^(sa) informed us: “The Messenger of Allah ^(sa) used to retreat in the Mosque during the last ten days of Ramadan, in the odd days of the last ten days of Ramadan.” (Bukhari & Muslim).

Therefore, the possible nights are the 21^st, 23^rd, 25^th, 27^th & 29^th.

Ramadan: Enduring Blessings

Ramadan & Obedience to Allah

The Holy Month of Ramadan has once again graced our life with its presence; a whole month has been bestowed by Allah (God Almighty) to the Muslims so that they may acquire His pleasure and accede to His nearness.

The Sacred Month of Ramadan is such a month which gives the Muslim believers the opportunity to live their Islam, i.e. Submission to Allah to the fullest. And as such obedience to Allah is the key to open the door of His Mercy.

Allah says in the Holy Quran: 

And when My servants ask you concerning Me, then surely I am very near; I answer the prayer of the suppliant when he calls on Me, so they should (obediently) answer My call and believe in Me that they may walk in the right way. (2: 187)

The above-mentioned verse is clear on the fact that God Almighty seeks submission from His servants. He wants that His servants, whom He has lovingly placed on earth, call upon Him and respond to His call also. He is such a Being who extremely cares for His creatures. The whole creation is in awe before Him. Man, compared to the rest of creation, is the most intelligent creature and has received the greatest of divine favours in the ability to work towards earning a higher status in the spiritual realm.