Smile, You're Rich!
Smile, you're richer than you thinkWith the media full of big diamonds and brand new cars it is easy to take a look around and be disappointed. There is an entire industry designed to show us what we don't have and make us want it enough to go out and buy it. But the truth is that there is always going to be somebody who has something newer, bigger or shinier. Growing up a friend of mine had a great shirt. It said "He who dies with the most toys, still dies." We forget sometimes that even if we did earn a huge house or a six carat pink diamond ring, it wouldn't last. You can't take it with you.
You might be richer than you think
If you ate breakfast this morning you are better off than the 800 million people worldwide who will go hungry today. And don't think that it's just happening in Africa. In the United States 9 million people "frequently skip meals or eat too little, sometimes going without food for a whole day." (Source: bread.org) If you eat three meals today, smile, you're rich!
Choose to look a little closer at the world around you and you'll find that you have a lot to be grateful for. I recently came across a website called The Global Rich List. It lets you type in your salary and then shows you where your wealth ranks on a global scale. The results are pretty eye opening. In the United States, in 1999, a family of four was considered "poor" if their income was $16 813/ year. If you put that figure into the Global Rich List, you'll find that that puts poor Americans among the wealthiest 9% of the entire world. You may think of yourself as poor, but smile, you're rich!
Changing our perspective
The Oxford Dictionary defines gratitude as "readiness to show appreciation for kindness and to return it." Gratitude doesn't mean that we see the world through rose coloured glasses, but rather that choose to see the good things we have blessed with.
We have a very skewed idea of what gratitude actually is. Gratitude is not the same as being happy. Gratitude is taking an honest look at a situation and choosing to say "even in this there is a reason to hope". Gratitude is the willingness to look for a reason to hope. There are going to be days when you can't see anything to be grateful for. Life is not a musical or a Disney movie. But if you practice gratitude, you may find that even on the really, really hard days you can find something.
There is a lot to be grateful for. But even armed with this knowledge some days being grateful is hard work. There are days when you can look out of your window and practically trip over all of the things there are to be grateful for. And there are other days when you have to look really, really hard to find it.
Cultivating a grateful spirit takes time. It takes work and for many of us, it doesn't come naturally.
Practicing gratitude
Practicing gratitude is a lot like exercising - we know we should do it, we know we need to do it and that our lives will be better if we do it, but we have a hard time fitting it into our day. How can you find time to be grateful? What would that look like?
Gandhi once said "we must be the change we want to see in the world." Can we make it so that there is more to be thankful for? Yes, but it has to start with you. If you are looking for a way to put gratitude into practice, consider trying something from this list complied by Women Today writer Sadaf LaalDin:
1. Love your family. (Does anyone need your forgiveness?)
2. Invest time and energy in your children.
3. Expand your borders - invite a neighbour for tea or coffee.
4. Visit an elderly person and listen to their stories of the past.
5. Write an encouraging note to someone feeling disheartened.
6. Go grocery shopping for a family in need.
7. Donate to your local women's shelter.
8. This month, write one letter as part of Amnesty International's efforts to speak out against injustice (Visit www.amnesty.org./actnow/index.html for more information.)
9. Decide how you can join the fight against AIDS.
10. Know you have a unique purpose in the world. Believe you can and will make a difference.
Practicing gratitude can change the way you see everything. It can help you to be satisfied with what you have. It lets you enjoy the people and things in your life. Gratitude can show you that you do have enough to be able to help someone else. You can afford to be generous - you're rich!
Around the holiday season, look for a place to donate - whether it's a can of soup, or an hour of your time find a place to give back this year. The creators of the Global Rich List challenge their readers to donate one hour's wages to a charitable cause. What could your one hour do?
Many soup kitchens put on Thanksgiving dinners that cost a few dollars a person, maybe your hour could buy lunch for a couple of people? Groups like Heifer International provide animals and training to developing nations. If you make $20/hr you could use one hour's pay to buy chickens through Heifer International that will lay eggs to feed a family all year. Do you have 5 friends with $10? You could pool your resources and send trees that can make ravaged land fertile again. The possibilities are endless. Who's world will your hour change?
If you are looking around your world and don't see a lot to be grateful for, there is hope. You can have the peace that you are looking for; there is a way to balance your life. No one can be perfect, or have a perfect life. But every one of us has the opportunity to experience perfect grace through a personal relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ.
You can receive Christ right now by faith through prayer. Praying is simply talking to God. God knows your heart and is not so concerned with your words as He is with the attitude of your heart. Here's a suggested prayer:
Lord Jesus, I want to know you personally. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life to you and ask you to come in as my Savior and Lord. Take control of my life. Thank you for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Make me the kind of woman you want me to be.
If this prayer expresses the desire of your heart, pray it right now and Christ will come into your life as He promised.
If you invited Jesus Christ into your life, thank God often that He is in your life, that He will never leave you (Hebrews 13:5) and that you have eternal life. As you learn more about your relationship with God, and how much He loves you, you'll experience life to the fullest.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
You're alone because you don't love yourself!
When it comes to those seeking love, I think the most over-used & generic phrase that everyone seems to delight in throwing out there... is "You have to love yourself first, before anyone else can love you".
WHAT exactly does that mean?
I've heard it for years, I've heard it so much that I'm teetering on the edge of being sheerly convinced that there is some kind of microchip implanted in 99% of society's brains that makes them repeat that insufferable phrase indefinitely.
Of course, it's said in various ways and not always as I've quoted word for word, but you know what I mean, surely.
Honestly, I would like to understand this strange and bizarre concept of needing to love yourself first before anyone else will love you. Who can help me make some sense of it? It has never made any sense to me and I feel as if I'm going to be 80 years old some day and still wondering what in the hell everyone was talking about when they said things like that.
You must LoVVVVVVeeeeee yourself first... Oh well it's no wonder you're alone in life, because you don't love yourself yet... and you need to LoVVVVVEeeeee yourself FIRST before you can ever be happy with anyone... **WHAT?!???!!!*
I don't get it.
And a very close second in the all-time most generic phrases that are too over-used... "When you stop looking for it, it'll happen." Again I say... **WHAT?!???!!!*
While I wouldn't go so far as saying "... it's no wonder you're alone in life, because you don't love yourself yet." I do think there may be something to this and I wonder if it is related to the many people who comment on how it seems that when it is least desired, when they are actually in a happy relationship, often it seems as though they garner more romantic interest.
When looking for a partner it must surely be a good omen if a prospective candidate appears at ease and happy with themselves. Others look in from the outside, surely from there no one can have as deep and full an understanding of an individual's character and nuances than the individual themselves? if then even they seem apparently unhappy with that keen understanding and insight it seems reasonable to assume that one less informed might take that as giving cause for concern.
That is why I do also wonder if, as mentioned above, this idea is linked to those already in a relationship being seen as in possession of some attractive quality - precisely because they are not actively/overtly looking for a partner. For if we take it to extremes even the process of someone is actively looking for a relationship might be off-putting to some, conjuring up negative connotations: Why are they so obviously looking? Are they searching so because no one else seen them as an appropriate choice for a partner? If so, again, why? It seems quite understandable then that there is at least the possibility of a number of negative questions may arise. Not, of course, that this necessarily should be so and/or is correct/desirable, just a consideration.
If though (whatever their situation) an individual walks with an air of personal happiness and contentment there are at worst no apparent negative qualities on show. (I say apparent - we should ignore the argument that they may be completely delusional for the moment). How far one takes that lack of negativity itself is up to the individual, but the argument that further to that the absence of such a negative aspect might actually be interpreted as desirable to the point of being attractive I think quite understandable.
Personally I don't like the phrase 'love yourself' I think it far too bold but I do think it an important consideration here that someone at least be in the position of not openly despising their own company.
'if someone claims to love you but is always yelling at you and belittling you, then they dont really love you.'
WHAT exactly does that mean?
I've heard it for years, I've heard it so much that I'm teetering on the edge of being sheerly convinced that there is some kind of microchip implanted in 99% of society's brains that makes them repeat that insufferable phrase indefinitely.
Of course, it's said in various ways and not always as I've quoted word for word, but you know what I mean, surely.
Honestly, I would like to understand this strange and bizarre concept of needing to love yourself first before anyone else will love you. Who can help me make some sense of it? It has never made any sense to me and I feel as if I'm going to be 80 years old some day and still wondering what in the hell everyone was talking about when they said things like that.
You must LoVVVVVVeeeeee yourself first... Oh well it's no wonder you're alone in life, because you don't love yourself yet... and you need to LoVVVVVEeeeee yourself FIRST before you can ever be happy with anyone... **WHAT?!???!!!*
I don't get it.
And a very close second in the all-time most generic phrases that are too over-used... "When you stop looking for it, it'll happen." Again I say... **WHAT?!???!!!*
While I wouldn't go so far as saying "... it's no wonder you're alone in life, because you don't love yourself yet." I do think there may be something to this and I wonder if it is related to the many people who comment on how it seems that when it is least desired, when they are actually in a happy relationship, often it seems as though they garner more romantic interest.
When looking for a partner it must surely be a good omen if a prospective candidate appears at ease and happy with themselves. Others look in from the outside, surely from there no one can have as deep and full an understanding of an individual's character and nuances than the individual themselves? if then even they seem apparently unhappy with that keen understanding and insight it seems reasonable to assume that one less informed might take that as giving cause for concern.
That is why I do also wonder if, as mentioned above, this idea is linked to those already in a relationship being seen as in possession of some attractive quality - precisely because they are not actively/overtly looking for a partner. For if we take it to extremes even the process of someone is actively looking for a relationship might be off-putting to some, conjuring up negative connotations: Why are they so obviously looking? Are they searching so because no one else seen them as an appropriate choice for a partner? If so, again, why? It seems quite understandable then that there is at least the possibility of a number of negative questions may arise. Not, of course, that this necessarily should be so and/or is correct/desirable, just a consideration.
If though (whatever their situation) an individual walks with an air of personal happiness and contentment there are at worst no apparent negative qualities on show. (I say apparent - we should ignore the argument that they may be completely delusional for the moment). How far one takes that lack of negativity itself is up to the individual, but the argument that further to that the absence of such a negative aspect might actually be interpreted as desirable to the point of being attractive I think quite understandable.
Personally I don't like the phrase 'love yourself' I think it far too bold but I do think it an important consideration here that someone at least be in the position of not openly despising their own company.
'if someone claims to love you but is always yelling at you and belittling you, then they dont really love you.'
How to live life to the fullest?
How to live life to the fullest?
Do not take anything for granted and keep the child in you alive
Summary: Someone once said, "There is no bigger sin than a life not lived. A life not lived is by all means an oxymoron. Life has to be lived. Every human being, from the moment she or he is born, gets options to enjoy life at the fullest. So read simple tips on how to live a life full of happiness and joy. You don't have to be rich to do that.
As human beings we have more options than all other species. Besides taking the basic decisions: food, shelter and coupling, we also have choices on how we are going to live and where we are going to live, and even more importantly, how exciting our lives are going to be.
Plants cannot even move, animals only seek survival and advance primates also look for more complex relationships. Human beings have choices in most aspects of their lives. We have consciousness and our behavior can literally change the lives of many other beings around us.
Photo of a thinking man by Rodin at San Francisco MuseumWhat does it mean to live for a human being?
Does it mean we go to work, come back home, have dinner, and go to sleep? Or perhaps go to a restaurant and feel we are doing something different? A vacation once in a while? A promotion or a new job? Certainly these are some of the aspects of life and they are all important. And certainly to live our life ultimately means we are doing all those mundane activities with our best attitude and not as a way to pass life.
Salma Hayek, the famous Mexican actress, once said to Oprah something like this, “I was famous in Mexico, but I wanted to be a great actress. I decided to abandon my career in Mexico and come to Hollywood to risk everything, because my dream was to be a good actress. It was very hard in the beginning; I was rejected and almost insulted by some producers and directors. I was running out of money at the time. Some people in Mexico never understood why I took such a high risk I succeeded, but if I would have failed, it wouldn't have mattered, because I tried my best.”
What is failure and what is success is a relative term. Ultimately, probably it is the measurement of our true happiness.
If you do not fulfill your own role in the universe, one day you will regret it. Do not let routine and urgency steal your life. Perhaps an un-lived life is not an oxymoron. Let that un-lived life not be yours.
How to live life to the fullest?
* Never take anything for granted. Savor every bite of a meal, enjoy what you have, and live each day as if it is your first day of your life.
* Do not let the child inside you disappear or die. Keep your curiosity alive by being inquisitive and open-minded. No one ever regretted on their death bed what they did; they definitely regretted what they did not do.
* Change a little everyday. That way you will never get stuck. See what is happening around you, and rather than feeling threatened or getting suspicious, embrace change. Ask what change you need to make and do it little by little. Whether it means learning how to send text messages from your cell phone or living with gay neighbors, adapt yourself. You will never get old that way.
Do not take anything for granted and keep the child in you alive
Summary: Someone once said, "There is no bigger sin than a life not lived. A life not lived is by all means an oxymoron. Life has to be lived. Every human being, from the moment she or he is born, gets options to enjoy life at the fullest. So read simple tips on how to live a life full of happiness and joy. You don't have to be rich to do that.
As human beings we have more options than all other species. Besides taking the basic decisions: food, shelter and coupling, we also have choices on how we are going to live and where we are going to live, and even more importantly, how exciting our lives are going to be.
Plants cannot even move, animals only seek survival and advance primates also look for more complex relationships. Human beings have choices in most aspects of their lives. We have consciousness and our behavior can literally change the lives of many other beings around us.
Photo of a thinking man by Rodin at San Francisco MuseumWhat does it mean to live for a human being?
Does it mean we go to work, come back home, have dinner, and go to sleep? Or perhaps go to a restaurant and feel we are doing something different? A vacation once in a while? A promotion or a new job? Certainly these are some of the aspects of life and they are all important. And certainly to live our life ultimately means we are doing all those mundane activities with our best attitude and not as a way to pass life.
Salma Hayek, the famous Mexican actress, once said to Oprah something like this, “I was famous in Mexico, but I wanted to be a great actress. I decided to abandon my career in Mexico and come to Hollywood to risk everything, because my dream was to be a good actress. It was very hard in the beginning; I was rejected and almost insulted by some producers and directors. I was running out of money at the time. Some people in Mexico never understood why I took such a high risk I succeeded, but if I would have failed, it wouldn't have mattered, because I tried my best.”
What is failure and what is success is a relative term. Ultimately, probably it is the measurement of our true happiness.
If you do not fulfill your own role in the universe, one day you will regret it. Do not let routine and urgency steal your life. Perhaps an un-lived life is not an oxymoron. Let that un-lived life not be yours.
How to live life to the fullest?
* Never take anything for granted. Savor every bite of a meal, enjoy what you have, and live each day as if it is your first day of your life.
* Do not let the child inside you disappear or die. Keep your curiosity alive by being inquisitive and open-minded. No one ever regretted on their death bed what they did; they definitely regretted what they did not do.
* Change a little everyday. That way you will never get stuck. See what is happening around you, and rather than feeling threatened or getting suspicious, embrace change. Ask what change you need to make and do it little by little. Whether it means learning how to send text messages from your cell phone or living with gay neighbors, adapt yourself. You will never get old that way.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Enjoy Your Life: Separate Work From Home!
As you begin to become more established in your career it is only natural to begin to place your focus on your work. This causes you to accomplish more, find new and insightful ideas or perhaps even some exciting new methods that may increase your efficiency or productivity. Allowing your career to monopolize your time is also a great way to increase your stress.
Images of the high-powered executive type come to mind, with a keen eye and a sharp grasp on their success. These are also the same people that live and breathe their job, answering work related phone calls in the evening and sacrificing their personal time in order to to get further ahead. Perhaps you have friends that are like this, or maybe this description parallels with many of your own traits.
I’m not saying that placing emphasis on your career is a bad thing, because that couldn’t be further from the truth. However, there’s a difference between focusing on your job, and placing the right amount of focus on your job. Remember the old saying “you either live to work or work to live”? Which one applies to you?
Living to Work - It’s common knowledge that people who live to work experience higher levels of stress and stress related illnesses than people spend more time on an active and varied personal life. These people may also experience higher levels of professional success, fulfilling their goal current goal structure and allowing them to set new ones.
Working to Live – These people tend to enjoy a much more relaxed work life, content to work at a comfortable pace and accept whatever challenges that arise as they come along. They tend to lead more active social lives, and generally focus on accomplishing a wide variety of personal goals.
If you are finding it difficult to separate your work life from your home life you may find it beneficial to analyze how you’re going about it.
Determine Whether or Not You Want Them to be Separate – Some people decide that work and home must be separate, rather than coming to the understanding that it’s a personal choice. Some people, including myself, enjoy having a non-linear work environment. This means that I don’t have set work hours- some days I may finish work at 8 pm, other days I may be done by noon.
If you don’t actually want to separate the two environments, no amount of convincing will successfully accomplish it.
Analyze Your Work Space – If you have your office set up so that it is as homey as possible you may be sending your brain mixed messages. On one hand the brain recognizes that it’s at work, but on the other it sees conflicting images of home. Try keeping your work space professional and to the point, and save the homey nuances for what you’re at home.
Conversely, setting up your home to resemble your work space is likely to have the same effects.
If you are still unwillingly blending your home life with your work life, perhaps you are in need of a career or job change. After all, you manifest whatever results that you want.
Images of the high-powered executive type come to mind, with a keen eye and a sharp grasp on their success. These are also the same people that live and breathe their job, answering work related phone calls in the evening and sacrificing their personal time in order to to get further ahead. Perhaps you have friends that are like this, or maybe this description parallels with many of your own traits.
I’m not saying that placing emphasis on your career is a bad thing, because that couldn’t be further from the truth. However, there’s a difference between focusing on your job, and placing the right amount of focus on your job. Remember the old saying “you either live to work or work to live”? Which one applies to you?
Living to Work - It’s common knowledge that people who live to work experience higher levels of stress and stress related illnesses than people spend more time on an active and varied personal life. These people may also experience higher levels of professional success, fulfilling their goal current goal structure and allowing them to set new ones.
Working to Live – These people tend to enjoy a much more relaxed work life, content to work at a comfortable pace and accept whatever challenges that arise as they come along. They tend to lead more active social lives, and generally focus on accomplishing a wide variety of personal goals.
If you are finding it difficult to separate your work life from your home life you may find it beneficial to analyze how you’re going about it.
Determine Whether or Not You Want Them to be Separate – Some people decide that work and home must be separate, rather than coming to the understanding that it’s a personal choice. Some people, including myself, enjoy having a non-linear work environment. This means that I don’t have set work hours- some days I may finish work at 8 pm, other days I may be done by noon.
If you don’t actually want to separate the two environments, no amount of convincing will successfully accomplish it.
Analyze Your Work Space – If you have your office set up so that it is as homey as possible you may be sending your brain mixed messages. On one hand the brain recognizes that it’s at work, but on the other it sees conflicting images of home. Try keeping your work space professional and to the point, and save the homey nuances for what you’re at home.
Conversely, setting up your home to resemble your work space is likely to have the same effects.
If you are still unwillingly blending your home life with your work life, perhaps you are in need of a career or job change. After all, you manifest whatever results that you want.
watz Destiny?
FATE AND DESTINY
Your own fate may be said to be determined by the time, date and place of your birth. We may say that in some ways it outlines the things to come.
When you were born into this incarnation you were given certain traits and it is up to you to decide what to do with these traits. It is believed you can change the outcome of your fate. But remember this will be done within the context of what you were born with.
Remember you have free choice and you should never allow fate to control your life if it makes you feel unhappy. In the end the final choice is yours.
Destiny is in many ways the final calling to resolve past life issues and put these matters to rest. Destiny is about the future.
Your destiny is affected by the time, place and date of birth but you still have free will. Destiny and fate may not always be so easy to explain or understand. The outcome and difference between your destiny and fate will be determined by you and only you.
Fate, Destiny. How Fate Influences Our Destiny Through Our Own Mind
Your destiny and the ways to change it involve the principle that the present is your point of power to control your destiny, and that at the same time the present is the point of power of fate to control your future. Solving your destiny in your own best interest may require psychic interpretation and the use of appropriate psychic methods to help you to solve your present fate.
We will see how fate can take control of our destiny and the ways the esoteric methods help people to take control of their own destiny instead of fate doing it for them.
Let's see before some aspects of fate that cannot be changed, or that are highly unlikely to change. Those are aspects that limit the spaces where our future can develop in a way that is out of our control. Certain health conditions and other physical limitations are of the like. Also certain social situations can show this, like having a criminal record. And you can name several more.
Other aspects of fate are not out of our control. They deal with our inner mind, our conscious ideas and beliefs, our moral standards and other aspects you can recognize as the like. The way they determine our future can be as limiting as the ones out of our control if we allow them space within our mind. These aspects can manifest themselves as fate strings, and when it happens so, we can tell about something inside our mind that triggers a particular fate string.
Fate strings examples can be found in love relationships: a string of wrong relationships can mean an underlying cause making a person to always choose the wrong partner to share the future with. Also fated strings can show in work situations, by example someone who loses several jobs in a row. Habitual losers are another example. The different areas to show examples can be mentioned by the thousands.
The fate strings are usually brought by a character trait, temporary emotional conflicts, and other limitations coming from our mind. In terms of past lives interpretation, we are talking here of Karma. Your destiny's fated threads can be inside your own mind.
The esoteric methods come here into play because they can be used to get rid of those limitations.
We can name some aspects of our inner mind that cause fated strings; hidden fears, mental blocks, anger, emotional conflicts, unconscious motivations, depression, anxiety, etc.
What the psychic methods can do to change the patterns that impede us, or causes great difficulty for, to take control of our future?
With them you can explore its aspects for controlling your future and see what psychic methods will help you the most and find an explanation of why things happen to us.
Your own fate may be said to be determined by the time, date and place of your birth. We may say that in some ways it outlines the things to come.
When you were born into this incarnation you were given certain traits and it is up to you to decide what to do with these traits. It is believed you can change the outcome of your fate. But remember this will be done within the context of what you were born with.
Remember you have free choice and you should never allow fate to control your life if it makes you feel unhappy. In the end the final choice is yours.
Destiny is in many ways the final calling to resolve past life issues and put these matters to rest. Destiny is about the future.
Your destiny is affected by the time, place and date of birth but you still have free will. Destiny and fate may not always be so easy to explain or understand. The outcome and difference between your destiny and fate will be determined by you and only you.
Fate, Destiny. How Fate Influences Our Destiny Through Our Own Mind
Your destiny and the ways to change it involve the principle that the present is your point of power to control your destiny, and that at the same time the present is the point of power of fate to control your future. Solving your destiny in your own best interest may require psychic interpretation and the use of appropriate psychic methods to help you to solve your present fate.
We will see how fate can take control of our destiny and the ways the esoteric methods help people to take control of their own destiny instead of fate doing it for them.
Let's see before some aspects of fate that cannot be changed, or that are highly unlikely to change. Those are aspects that limit the spaces where our future can develop in a way that is out of our control. Certain health conditions and other physical limitations are of the like. Also certain social situations can show this, like having a criminal record. And you can name several more.
Other aspects of fate are not out of our control. They deal with our inner mind, our conscious ideas and beliefs, our moral standards and other aspects you can recognize as the like. The way they determine our future can be as limiting as the ones out of our control if we allow them space within our mind. These aspects can manifest themselves as fate strings, and when it happens so, we can tell about something inside our mind that triggers a particular fate string.
Fate strings examples can be found in love relationships: a string of wrong relationships can mean an underlying cause making a person to always choose the wrong partner to share the future with. Also fated strings can show in work situations, by example someone who loses several jobs in a row. Habitual losers are another example. The different areas to show examples can be mentioned by the thousands.
The fate strings are usually brought by a character trait, temporary emotional conflicts, and other limitations coming from our mind. In terms of past lives interpretation, we are talking here of Karma. Your destiny's fated threads can be inside your own mind.
The esoteric methods come here into play because they can be used to get rid of those limitations.
We can name some aspects of our inner mind that cause fated strings; hidden fears, mental blocks, anger, emotional conflicts, unconscious motivations, depression, anxiety, etc.
What the psychic methods can do to change the patterns that impede us, or causes great difficulty for, to take control of our future?
With them you can explore its aspects for controlling your future and see what psychic methods will help you the most and find an explanation of why things happen to us.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Eid Ul Fitr Festival
¤ The Advent of The Festival
105 million Muslims make India the second most populous Islamic nation in the world. They form India’s largest minority and constitute almost 12% of India’s total population. Islam is also the most recent religion added to India’s already potent cultural concoction. Islam came to India in the 12th century a.d. and opened a dialogue with Indian culture especially under the Mughals. Needless to say, it was a mutually enriching experience. A majority of India’s Muslims live in the north but a significant number are found all around the country. Hence their traditions add yet another dimension to the vast cultural landscape of India.
¤ Eid Ul Fitr is the biggest Muslim festival
Eid is derived from the Arabic word ‘oud’ or ‘the return’ to signify, well, the return of Eid each year. The festival is significant as much for its timing as for its religious implications. It is celebrated after the fasting month of Ramzan (the ninth month of the Muslim year), on the first day of the Shavval month of the Hijri year (Muslim year). It is believed that the Koran was revealed to Prophet Mohammed in the month of Ramzan.
¤ The Significance of Ramzan--(Fasting)
To get to the significance of Eid, one must first understand the meaning of Ramzan. ‘Ramz’ means to burn, and fasting is considered to burn down ones sins. Fasting or Roza starts at sunrise and lasts until sunset. During this time no food or water is consumed. Pregnant women, the handicapped and the ailing, people on a long journey, and ladies in confinement are exempted from Roza, but they must resume fasting on recovery.
The principle behind Roza is to understand the plight of the poor and pledge to live a more significant and meaningful life. Prophet Mohammed said, "if a person observing fast does not shun untruth, his having given up eating and drinking is of little value. Such a person starves for nothing. and those who rise in the midnight to recite prayers but do not give up untruth and evil deeds, lose their sleep for nothing."
Due to the rigorous discipline during the days of Ramzan, a believer becomes one with religion and feels a genuine need to do good and lead a more refined and introspective life. Giving money and material goods away in charity is another Islamic custom that every conscientious Muslim practises. In fact Zakat, or charity is one of the five main tenets of Islam. A true Muslim is expected to be magnanimous throughout the year, all the more so during Ramzan. Every Muslim who owns 52.5 tolas (one tola is approximately 10 grams) of silver or an equivalent amount of wealth must donate at least 2.5% of his total income to the needy during the month of Ramzan.
¤ The Eid Celebrations
The last few days of the austerities of Ramzan gently give way to the excitement of Eid. This feeling can only be compared to the one in school, of yearning for the summer break during the endless days of exams. As Eid is round the corner, markets get livelier. People crowd the bazaars to buy new clothes for member of their family. Many people get new curtains and tapestry for their homes while others get their houses freshly painted and whitewashed. Dry fruits, spices and a variety of things are bought to prepare mouth-watering dishes. Woman folk get attractive silk dresses stitched and girls fret over the local jewellery and bangle stalls. Tailors, shopkeepers and vendors, all do brisk business. Eid is also an occasion for family reunions.
¤ The Positioin of Moon Plays A Significent Role
Eid Ul FitrThe enchanting crescent moon is seen on the 29th or the 30th day of Ramzan, followed by the day everyone’s waiting for – Eid. The young and old offer Magrib Namaz (evening prayers) and exchange greetings. Eid finally arrives faithfully each year and stays in the merry company of her blessed children for a day.
Men get into crisp new clothes, splash themselves with scents and happily trudge to the mosques for the special morning prayers. It is customary to walk to the idgah (mosque) for this holy service. The Eid prayer is a noble and impressive event.
Multitudes assemble together and raise their hands to the heavens in a ceremony of unparalleled organisation, discipline and equality. In one of his famous couplets, Iqbal, a famous Urdu poet, had this to say about the ritual, "Stood in the same row Mahmud and Ayez, difference between the Lord and the Slave there was none".
(Mahmud of Ghazni - the great conqueror who invaded India 12 times in the first half of the 11th century and his slave Ayaz offered their prayers standing in the same row). After the prayer, the Imam, or the spiritual head delivers a discourse on social and family duties. Everyone prays for forgiveness for their sins and for protection against misfortune, after which people embrace and greet each other with ‘Eid Mubarak’ or ‘Happy Eid’ and head back home for the feast!
‘Fitr’ means a donation. It is given away to the poor and the needy during Ramzan. Fitr is a must for every Muslim and each member of the household must contribute 1.75kg of wheat and 3.5kg of barley rice. Fitr is distributed to the poor so that they can take care of their needs and celebrate Eid with the rest of the community.
¤ The Mouthwatering Festive Cuisine
Meanwhile, women pray at home and then get busy organising a lavish spread of eatables like sivai – the special sweet for Eid (vermicelli cooked in milk and sugar), dry fruits, sweetmeats, biryani (meat cooked in spicy rice) and other things. They don their fancy new clothes and pay special heed to their make-up. The men return home to their beautiful wives and the family sits down for the grand meal. People embrace each other and exchange greetings of ‘Eid Mubarak’. Non-Muslims make it a point to visit their Muslim friends to join in their happiness and especially to consume some of the scrumptious food made for Eid. Eatables are served everywhere you go and dietary precautions are thrown to the winds on this day of joyful abandon. As usual, children have a field day during Eid and enjoy spending their ‘eiddi’ money as they deem fit.
Kashmiri Muslims do not prepare sivai for Eid. Instead, they make several meat dishes, sweetmeats and kahva (Kashmiri tea, made with dry fruits, spices and a special kind of Chinese or Tibetan tea, strangely called ‘Bombay Tea’).
Brothers pay a visit to their married sisters and take along sivai and other eatables along with some clothes, bangles and money. and sisters are not the only ones who eagerly await this day. The dhobi (washerman), the postman, the plumber, the electrician take turns to ‘ appear’ on your doorstep and wish you ‘Eid Mubarak’ and flash that all too familiar grin. No one really minds though, as their ‘eiddi’ has also become a ritual of sorts.
Eid Ul Fitr is a joyous occasion. It celebrates discipline and kindness and strives to establish a semblance of equality in our crazy chaotic cosmos.
EID MUBARAK TO THE WHOLE MUSLIM COMMUNITY
105 million Muslims make India the second most populous Islamic nation in the world. They form India’s largest minority and constitute almost 12% of India’s total population. Islam is also the most recent religion added to India’s already potent cultural concoction. Islam came to India in the 12th century a.d. and opened a dialogue with Indian culture especially under the Mughals. Needless to say, it was a mutually enriching experience. A majority of India’s Muslims live in the north but a significant number are found all around the country. Hence their traditions add yet another dimension to the vast cultural landscape of India.
¤ Eid Ul Fitr is the biggest Muslim festival
Eid is derived from the Arabic word ‘oud’ or ‘the return’ to signify, well, the return of Eid each year. The festival is significant as much for its timing as for its religious implications. It is celebrated after the fasting month of Ramzan (the ninth month of the Muslim year), on the first day of the Shavval month of the Hijri year (Muslim year). It is believed that the Koran was revealed to Prophet Mohammed in the month of Ramzan.
¤ The Significance of Ramzan--(Fasting)
To get to the significance of Eid, one must first understand the meaning of Ramzan. ‘Ramz’ means to burn, and fasting is considered to burn down ones sins. Fasting or Roza starts at sunrise and lasts until sunset. During this time no food or water is consumed. Pregnant women, the handicapped and the ailing, people on a long journey, and ladies in confinement are exempted from Roza, but they must resume fasting on recovery.
The principle behind Roza is to understand the plight of the poor and pledge to live a more significant and meaningful life. Prophet Mohammed said, "if a person observing fast does not shun untruth, his having given up eating and drinking is of little value. Such a person starves for nothing. and those who rise in the midnight to recite prayers but do not give up untruth and evil deeds, lose their sleep for nothing."
Due to the rigorous discipline during the days of Ramzan, a believer becomes one with religion and feels a genuine need to do good and lead a more refined and introspective life. Giving money and material goods away in charity is another Islamic custom that every conscientious Muslim practises. In fact Zakat, or charity is one of the five main tenets of Islam. A true Muslim is expected to be magnanimous throughout the year, all the more so during Ramzan. Every Muslim who owns 52.5 tolas (one tola is approximately 10 grams) of silver or an equivalent amount of wealth must donate at least 2.5% of his total income to the needy during the month of Ramzan.
¤ The Eid Celebrations
The last few days of the austerities of Ramzan gently give way to the excitement of Eid. This feeling can only be compared to the one in school, of yearning for the summer break during the endless days of exams. As Eid is round the corner, markets get livelier. People crowd the bazaars to buy new clothes for member of their family. Many people get new curtains and tapestry for their homes while others get their houses freshly painted and whitewashed. Dry fruits, spices and a variety of things are bought to prepare mouth-watering dishes. Woman folk get attractive silk dresses stitched and girls fret over the local jewellery and bangle stalls. Tailors, shopkeepers and vendors, all do brisk business. Eid is also an occasion for family reunions.
¤ The Positioin of Moon Plays A Significent Role
Eid Ul FitrThe enchanting crescent moon is seen on the 29th or the 30th day of Ramzan, followed by the day everyone’s waiting for – Eid. The young and old offer Magrib Namaz (evening prayers) and exchange greetings. Eid finally arrives faithfully each year and stays in the merry company of her blessed children for a day.
Men get into crisp new clothes, splash themselves with scents and happily trudge to the mosques for the special morning prayers. It is customary to walk to the idgah (mosque) for this holy service. The Eid prayer is a noble and impressive event.
Multitudes assemble together and raise their hands to the heavens in a ceremony of unparalleled organisation, discipline and equality. In one of his famous couplets, Iqbal, a famous Urdu poet, had this to say about the ritual, "Stood in the same row Mahmud and Ayez, difference between the Lord and the Slave there was none".
(Mahmud of Ghazni - the great conqueror who invaded India 12 times in the first half of the 11th century and his slave Ayaz offered their prayers standing in the same row). After the prayer, the Imam, or the spiritual head delivers a discourse on social and family duties. Everyone prays for forgiveness for their sins and for protection against misfortune, after which people embrace and greet each other with ‘Eid Mubarak’ or ‘Happy Eid’ and head back home for the feast!
‘Fitr’ means a donation. It is given away to the poor and the needy during Ramzan. Fitr is a must for every Muslim and each member of the household must contribute 1.75kg of wheat and 3.5kg of barley rice. Fitr is distributed to the poor so that they can take care of their needs and celebrate Eid with the rest of the community.
¤ The Mouthwatering Festive Cuisine
Meanwhile, women pray at home and then get busy organising a lavish spread of eatables like sivai – the special sweet for Eid (vermicelli cooked in milk and sugar), dry fruits, sweetmeats, biryani (meat cooked in spicy rice) and other things. They don their fancy new clothes and pay special heed to their make-up. The men return home to their beautiful wives and the family sits down for the grand meal. People embrace each other and exchange greetings of ‘Eid Mubarak’. Non-Muslims make it a point to visit their Muslim friends to join in their happiness and especially to consume some of the scrumptious food made for Eid. Eatables are served everywhere you go and dietary precautions are thrown to the winds on this day of joyful abandon. As usual, children have a field day during Eid and enjoy spending their ‘eiddi’ money as they deem fit.
Kashmiri Muslims do not prepare sivai for Eid. Instead, they make several meat dishes, sweetmeats and kahva (Kashmiri tea, made with dry fruits, spices and a special kind of Chinese or Tibetan tea, strangely called ‘Bombay Tea’).
Brothers pay a visit to their married sisters and take along sivai and other eatables along with some clothes, bangles and money. and sisters are not the only ones who eagerly await this day. The dhobi (washerman), the postman, the plumber, the electrician take turns to ‘ appear’ on your doorstep and wish you ‘Eid Mubarak’ and flash that all too familiar grin. No one really minds though, as their ‘eiddi’ has also become a ritual of sorts.
Eid Ul Fitr is a joyous occasion. It celebrates discipline and kindness and strives to establish a semblance of equality in our crazy chaotic cosmos.
EID MUBARAK TO THE WHOLE MUSLIM COMMUNITY
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Chicken Harissa - Quick recipe - Authentic Kashmiri
I am on a roll today! Another quick recipe from my mil. This one is for making ‘harissa’; Harissa is a very popular meat preparation which is made for breakfast (rather brunch). It is usually slow cooked for many hours, with spices. And yes, hand stirred for hours and hours. Tastes great, at the end, but who has the time to make it nowadays.
Guess what? You can make it with this recipe under 1 - 2 hours. Yippee!
So what are you waiting for… lets get started.
Ingredients:
3 lbs chicken legs/thighs or breast (we used legs thighs today, but my mil says, breast would be best); boiled with salt, garlic, and fennel seeds tied in a little fabric pouch (we used fennel powder) till it falls off the bone; remove the bones and fennel seeds.
3 tbsp rice flour paste (use cold water)
1/2 whole wheat pita soaked in water, crushed
5-6 cardamom powder,
2 inches cinnamon stick,
1/3 tsp cinnamon powder,
4-5 tbsp oil for cooking,
1 sliced, fried onion; retain the oil
Method:
Heat the chicken, add the flour paste to the smooshed chicken and mix till a boil. Add all the other ingredients listed above, except the fried onion. Keep stirring at times, or keep covered on low heat. After about an hour, it should be done. Finally when serving, add the fried onions with the oil. Give it a mix, and serve hot with pita bread, or tandoori roti.
Voila! Its done. Now what did I tell you?
Guess what? You can make it with this recipe under 1 - 2 hours. Yippee!
So what are you waiting for… lets get started.
Ingredients:
3 lbs chicken legs/thighs or breast (we used legs thighs today, but my mil says, breast would be best); boiled with salt, garlic, and fennel seeds tied in a little fabric pouch (we used fennel powder) till it falls off the bone; remove the bones and fennel seeds.
3 tbsp rice flour paste (use cold water)
1/2 whole wheat pita soaked in water, crushed
5-6 cardamom powder,
2 inches cinnamon stick,
1/3 tsp cinnamon powder,
4-5 tbsp oil for cooking,
1 sliced, fried onion; retain the oil
Method:
Heat the chicken, add the flour paste to the smooshed chicken and mix till a boil. Add all the other ingredients listed above, except the fried onion. Keep stirring at times, or keep covered on low heat. After about an hour, it should be done. Finally when serving, add the fried onions with the oil. Give it a mix, and serve hot with pita bread, or tandoori roti.
Voila! Its done. Now what did I tell you?
HARISSA RECIPE
Ingredients:
1 tsp garlic (lasan) paste
5 cup mutton stock
1 tsp ginger (adrak) paste
1/2 cup ghee
1/2 tsp black pepper (kali mirch)
2 cups tomato (tamatar) puree
salt (namak) to taste
2 medium onion (pyaj) sliced
20 green chilies
1 tsp red chili powder
1 kg meat
1/2 kg wheat (gehun)
How to make harissa:
* Soak the wheat in water for seven to eight hours.
* In a wide pot mix in wheat, salt and 1 1/2 liter water and stir fry it on medium flame till tender.
* Take another pot, mix in meat, salt, whole green chilies, ginger, garlic paste, red chili powder, black pepper powder and tomato puree and stir fry it till soft.
* When the meat is soft then use a chopper to obtain haleem like consistency.
* Then mix in soft wheat up and stock and stir fry the mixture till it is thick.
* Heat up oil in a pot and fry the onions till golden brown, pour out it on the harissa.
* Serve it with lime, cut green chilies, cut ginger and garam masala powder.
1 tsp garlic (lasan) paste
5 cup mutton stock
1 tsp ginger (adrak) paste
1/2 cup ghee
1/2 tsp black pepper (kali mirch)
2 cups tomato (tamatar) puree
salt (namak) to taste
2 medium onion (pyaj) sliced
20 green chilies
1 tsp red chili powder
1 kg meat
1/2 kg wheat (gehun)
How to make harissa:
* Soak the wheat in water for seven to eight hours.
* In a wide pot mix in wheat, salt and 1 1/2 liter water and stir fry it on medium flame till tender.
* Take another pot, mix in meat, salt, whole green chilies, ginger, garlic paste, red chili powder, black pepper powder and tomato puree and stir fry it till soft.
* When the meat is soft then use a chopper to obtain haleem like consistency.
* Then mix in soft wheat up and stock and stir fry the mixture till it is thick.
* Heat up oil in a pot and fry the onions till golden brown, pour out it on the harissa.
* Serve it with lime, cut green chilies, cut ginger and garam masala powder.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Gustaba Recipe
Ingredients:
• 500 gms Lamb
• 150 gms Lamb fat
• 1 tsp Fennel seeds
• 1 tsp Cayenne
• 1 tsp Sugar
• 1/2 Cup khoya
• 1/2 Cup curd
• 1 Cup milk
• 2 tbsps Ghee
• 1 tsp Kashmiri garam masala
• 1 tsp Pepper
• 1/2 tsp Ginger powder
• 2 tbsps Oil
• Salt to taste
How to make Gustaba:
• Mix lamb, fat, fennel seeds, ginger and garam masala properly.
• Chop the mixture properly
• Add curd and ghee while chopping
• Once it turns smooth, make balls from this mixture.
• Heat the oil and put garam masala, sugar, khoya, curd and milk.
• Add mutton balls and cook it till it turns tender.
• Gustaba is ready.
• 500 gms Lamb
• 150 gms Lamb fat
• 1 tsp Fennel seeds
• 1 tsp Cayenne
• 1 tsp Sugar
• 1/2 Cup khoya
• 1/2 Cup curd
• 1 Cup milk
• 2 tbsps Ghee
• 1 tsp Kashmiri garam masala
• 1 tsp Pepper
• 1/2 tsp Ginger powder
• 2 tbsps Oil
• Salt to taste
How to make Gustaba:
• Mix lamb, fat, fennel seeds, ginger and garam masala properly.
• Chop the mixture properly
• Add curd and ghee while chopping
• Once it turns smooth, make balls from this mixture.
• Heat the oil and put garam masala, sugar, khoya, curd and milk.
• Add mutton balls and cook it till it turns tender.
• Gustaba is ready.
Indian Keema Recipe
Indian Keema Recipe
Ingredients:
• 1 lb Minced meat
• 1 tsp Turmeric powder
• 1 Cup chopped white cabbage
• 1 Cup chopped carrots
• 1 Cup chopped celery and leaves
• 3 Onions
• Few Green chilies
• 2 tsp Grated ginger
• 1/2 tsp Grated garlic
• 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
How to make Indian Keema:
• Heat oil and fry the meat until it is well done. Keep it separate.
• Add chopped onions, chopped carrots, cabbage, celery leaves, grated ginger, turmeric powder, garlic and green chilies to the mince.
• Mix properly and cook it uncovered in a preheated oven for about 45 minutes. Remove from the oven.
• Keeema is ready. Serve it garnished with coriander leaves.
Ingredients:
• 1 lb Minced meat
• 1 tsp Turmeric powder
• 1 Cup chopped white cabbage
• 1 Cup chopped carrots
• 1 Cup chopped celery and leaves
• 3 Onions
• Few Green chilies
• 2 tsp Grated ginger
• 1/2 tsp Grated garlic
• 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
How to make Indian Keema:
• Heat oil and fry the meat until it is well done. Keep it separate.
• Add chopped onions, chopped carrots, cabbage, celery leaves, grated ginger, turmeric powder, garlic and green chilies to the mince.
• Mix properly and cook it uncovered in a preheated oven for about 45 minutes. Remove from the oven.
• Keeema is ready. Serve it garnished with coriander leaves.
Tabakh Naat Recipe
Ingredients:
• 5 Rib chops of mutton
• 1 Cup full cream milk
• 1 Green elaichi
• 1 Big elaichi
• 1 tsp Sonth
• 1 tsp Badiyan
• 1 tsp Zeera (cumin seeds)
• 1/2 tsp Cinnamon, powdered
• 1 Pinch heeng (asafoetida)
• 4-5 tbsp Ghee or clarified butter
How to make Tabakh Naat:
• Pour milk in a pressure cooker.
• Add all ingredients except ghee or butter.
• Cook for 10 minutes.
• Cool and open the lid.
• Melt ghee or butter in a large pan.
• Add cooked chops to ghee and fry on low heat. Fry both sides of chops.
• Fry until chops are golden brown.
• When done well, garnish with silver foil if desired.
• The dish is ready to serve hot.
• 5 Rib chops of mutton
• 1 Cup full cream milk
• 1 Green elaichi
• 1 Big elaichi
• 1 tsp Sonth
• 1 tsp Badiyan
• 1 tsp Zeera (cumin seeds)
• 1/2 tsp Cinnamon, powdered
• 1 Pinch heeng (asafoetida)
• 4-5 tbsp Ghee or clarified butter
How to make Tabakh Naat:
• Pour milk in a pressure cooker.
• Add all ingredients except ghee or butter.
• Cook for 10 minutes.
• Cool and open the lid.
• Melt ghee or butter in a large pan.
• Add cooked chops to ghee and fry on low heat. Fry both sides of chops.
• Fry until chops are golden brown.
• When done well, garnish with silver foil if desired.
• The dish is ready to serve hot.
Chuk Waangun Recipe
Ingredients:
• 1/2 kg Brinjals
• 100 gm Tamarind
• 2 tsp Sugar
• 1 Cup mustard oil
• 2 Cloves
• A pinch of asafoetida
• 1/2 tsp Cumin seeds
• 1 tsp Red chili powder
• 1 tsp Turmeric
• 1/2 tsp Aniseed powder
• 1/2 tsp Garam masala
• 1/2 tsp Ginger powder
How to make Chuk Waangun:
• Cut the stem tips and sepals of Brinjals.
• Slice them lengthwise into 4-8 pieces.
• Wash and put in a colander to drain water.
• In the meantime, soak the tamarind in one cup of boiling water.
• Mash it and remove the pulp by straining.
• Heat oil in a 'Kadahi' on medium flame and deep fry the Brinjal slices.
• Fry the slices uniformly till golden brown colour.
• Remove the slices from ‘Kadahi’.
• Reduce the flame and add cloves, cumin seeds and asafoetida.
• Stir and add red chili powder and turmeric. Pour a tablespoon of water.
• Simmer till oil turns coloured and starts separating.
• Now pour one cup water and add the tamarind pulp, salt, sugar, aniseed and ginger powder.
• Mix well and add the Brinjal slices.
• Simmer again for about 20 minutes. Keep turning the Brinjal slices frequently. Add garam masala when the gravy becomes thick. Mix well.
• Chuk Wangun is ready to serve.
• 1/2 kg Brinjals
• 100 gm Tamarind
• 2 tsp Sugar
• 1 Cup mustard oil
• 2 Cloves
• A pinch of asafoetida
• 1/2 tsp Cumin seeds
• 1 tsp Red chili powder
• 1 tsp Turmeric
• 1/2 tsp Aniseed powder
• 1/2 tsp Garam masala
• 1/2 tsp Ginger powder
How to make Chuk Waangun:
• Cut the stem tips and sepals of Brinjals.
• Slice them lengthwise into 4-8 pieces.
• Wash and put in a colander to drain water.
• In the meantime, soak the tamarind in one cup of boiling water.
• Mash it and remove the pulp by straining.
• Heat oil in a 'Kadahi' on medium flame and deep fry the Brinjal slices.
• Fry the slices uniformly till golden brown colour.
• Remove the slices from ‘Kadahi’.
• Reduce the flame and add cloves, cumin seeds and asafoetida.
• Stir and add red chili powder and turmeric. Pour a tablespoon of water.
• Simmer till oil turns coloured and starts separating.
• Now pour one cup water and add the tamarind pulp, salt, sugar, aniseed and ginger powder.
• Mix well and add the Brinjal slices.
• Simmer again for about 20 minutes. Keep turning the Brinjal slices frequently. Add garam masala when the gravy becomes thick. Mix well.
• Chuk Wangun is ready to serve.
Seekh Kabab Recipe
Ingredients:
• 500 gm Lamb (minced)
• 1 tsp Brown Color
• ¾ tsp Garam Masala
• 1 tsp Garlic Paste
• 1 tbsp Raw Papaya Paste
• 1 tsp Ginger Paste
• 2 tbsp Cashewnut Paste
• 2 tsp Thick Cream
• 2 Onions (chopped)
• 2 tsp Carom Seeds
• 2 tsp Dried Mango Powder
• 2 tbsp Rock Salt
• 3 tbsp Cumin Seed
• 1 tbsp Dry Ginger
• 1 tsp Black Pepper
• 1/2 tsp Nutmeg Powder
• 10 Lemon Wedges
• 1 tsp Chat Masala
• Oil for frying
How to make Seekh Kabab:
• Wash lamb and put it in a strainer. Gently press to squeeze out all the water.
• Add all the ingredients, except chat masala, oil and lemon wedges, to the lamb and mix well.
• Keep it aside for about an hour.
• After the due time, make medium-sized balls out of lamb mixture.
• Heat a gas oven or an electric oven along with skewers.
• Hold a hot skewer carefully in the other hand and spear the balls one by one on the hot skewer.
• Keep gap between the balls, while spearing them on the skewer.
• Likewise, spear all the remaining balls on all the other skewers.
• Place the skewers in the oven. Keep rotating the skewers, occasionally.
• When cooked, gently remove the kababs from the skewers with the help of a napkin.
• Heat the oil in a non-stick pan to shallow fry the kebabs.
• Sprinkle some chat masala on the kebabs.
• Seekh kabab is ready to eat. Serve it with lemon wedges.
• 500 gm Lamb (minced)
• 1 tsp Brown Color
• ¾ tsp Garam Masala
• 1 tsp Garlic Paste
• 1 tbsp Raw Papaya Paste
• 1 tsp Ginger Paste
• 2 tbsp Cashewnut Paste
• 2 tsp Thick Cream
• 2 Onions (chopped)
• 2 tsp Carom Seeds
• 2 tsp Dried Mango Powder
• 2 tbsp Rock Salt
• 3 tbsp Cumin Seed
• 1 tbsp Dry Ginger
• 1 tsp Black Pepper
• 1/2 tsp Nutmeg Powder
• 10 Lemon Wedges
• 1 tsp Chat Masala
• Oil for frying
How to make Seekh Kabab:
• Wash lamb and put it in a strainer. Gently press to squeeze out all the water.
• Add all the ingredients, except chat masala, oil and lemon wedges, to the lamb and mix well.
• Keep it aside for about an hour.
• After the due time, make medium-sized balls out of lamb mixture.
• Heat a gas oven or an electric oven along with skewers.
• Hold a hot skewer carefully in the other hand and spear the balls one by one on the hot skewer.
• Keep gap between the balls, while spearing them on the skewer.
• Likewise, spear all the remaining balls on all the other skewers.
• Place the skewers in the oven. Keep rotating the skewers, occasionally.
• When cooked, gently remove the kababs from the skewers with the help of a napkin.
• Heat the oil in a non-stick pan to shallow fry the kebabs.
• Sprinkle some chat masala on the kebabs.
• Seekh kabab is ready to eat. Serve it with lemon wedges.
Naan Recipe
Ingredients:
• 2 Cups maida
• 1 tsp Superfine sugar
• 1 tsp Dry yeast
• 1/4 Cup margarine
• 1 tsp Poppy seeds
• 1 tsp Ghee
How to make Naan:
• Take the yeast and sugar in a bowl. Add little warm water and allow the yeast to get dissolved.
• Cover the mixture and leave it aside for 10 minutes until froth appears.
• Take the maida in a bowl. Make a depression in the center.
• Add yeast, ghee and salt. Mix them properly.
• Add some more water if it is required. Put the mixture on a floured surface and make dough. Knead it well for 5-7 minutes.
• Keep it in a warm place for 1? hour and cover it so that it can rise.
• Make small balls out of the dough.
• Flatten each ball to make ovals of about 1 cm thickness.
• Put these ovals on a smeared heavy-duty aluminium foil.
• Grill it under a preheated broiler till golden brown color appears.
• Repeat the procedure with rest of the balls.
• Naans are ready to serve.
• 2 Cups maida
• 1 tsp Superfine sugar
• 1 tsp Dry yeast
• 1/4 Cup margarine
• 1 tsp Poppy seeds
• 1 tsp Ghee
How to make Naan:
• Take the yeast and sugar in a bowl. Add little warm water and allow the yeast to get dissolved.
• Cover the mixture and leave it aside for 10 minutes until froth appears.
• Take the maida in a bowl. Make a depression in the center.
• Add yeast, ghee and salt. Mix them properly.
• Add some more water if it is required. Put the mixture on a floured surface and make dough. Knead it well for 5-7 minutes.
• Keep it in a warm place for 1? hour and cover it so that it can rise.
• Make small balls out of the dough.
• Flatten each ball to make ovals of about 1 cm thickness.
• Put these ovals on a smeared heavy-duty aluminium foil.
• Grill it under a preheated broiler till golden brown color appears.
• Repeat the procedure with rest of the balls.
• Naans are ready to serve.
Hyderabadi Biryani Recipe
Ingredients:
• ½ kg Basmati Rice (semi-cooked)
• 1 kg Meat (boneless)
• 500 gm Curd
• 4-6 tsp Ginger-Garlic Paste
• 4-6 Green Chilli
• 2 Big Onions (sliced)
• ¼ cup Lime Juice
• ½ tsp Red Chilli Powder
• A pinch of Caraway Seeds (Shahi Zeera)
• 5-6 twigs Coriander Leaves (chopped)
• 5-6 twigs Mint Leaves (chopped)
• 2 pinch Saffron (Kesar)
• 1-2 Cinnamon (Dalchini)
• 2-3 pods Cardamom (Elaichi)
• 2-3 drops Saffron Color
• 1-2 pods Clove (Laung)
• 2 cup Oil
• Salt to taste
• 2 tsp Ghee
How to make Hyderabadi Biryani:
• Wash and chop the meat into square pieces.
• Smear the pieces of meat with ginger-garlic paste. Keep them to marinate for an hour.
• In the meanwhile, fry the sliced onions on low flame till light brown.
• Let the onions cool down and crush them in a plate using your hand.
• Now, add crushed fried onion (three-fourth), curd, red chilli powder, cinnamon, green chilli paste, cardamom, shahi zeera, coriander leaves, clove, saffron water, mint leaves and salt to the marinated meat.
• Leave the meat as it is for 1 hour.
• Make the mixture of aromatic water by adding salt (one tsp), cinnamon, clove, cardamom, mint leaves and coriander leaves in a little water.
• Now spread a layer of semi-cooked rice in a heavy bottomed vessel.
• Add saffron color, limejuice, ghee and the remaining crushed onions over the layer of rice.
• Spread a layer of marinated meat over this, and again spread the remaining semi-cooked rice.
• Now add the aromatic water in a circular motion over the rice layer.
• Now tightly cover the vessel with a lid. Keep it on a low flame.
• Remove the vessel from the flame exactly after 15 minutes.
• Hyderabadi Biryani is ready to eat. Serve hot.
• ½ kg Basmati Rice (semi-cooked)
• 1 kg Meat (boneless)
• 500 gm Curd
• 4-6 tsp Ginger-Garlic Paste
• 4-6 Green Chilli
• 2 Big Onions (sliced)
• ¼ cup Lime Juice
• ½ tsp Red Chilli Powder
• A pinch of Caraway Seeds (Shahi Zeera)
• 5-6 twigs Coriander Leaves (chopped)
• 5-6 twigs Mint Leaves (chopped)
• 2 pinch Saffron (Kesar)
• 1-2 Cinnamon (Dalchini)
• 2-3 pods Cardamom (Elaichi)
• 2-3 drops Saffron Color
• 1-2 pods Clove (Laung)
• 2 cup Oil
• Salt to taste
• 2 tsp Ghee
How to make Hyderabadi Biryani:
• Wash and chop the meat into square pieces.
• Smear the pieces of meat with ginger-garlic paste. Keep them to marinate for an hour.
• In the meanwhile, fry the sliced onions on low flame till light brown.
• Let the onions cool down and crush them in a plate using your hand.
• Now, add crushed fried onion (three-fourth), curd, red chilli powder, cinnamon, green chilli paste, cardamom, shahi zeera, coriander leaves, clove, saffron water, mint leaves and salt to the marinated meat.
• Leave the meat as it is for 1 hour.
• Make the mixture of aromatic water by adding salt (one tsp), cinnamon, clove, cardamom, mint leaves and coriander leaves in a little water.
• Now spread a layer of semi-cooked rice in a heavy bottomed vessel.
• Add saffron color, limejuice, ghee and the remaining crushed onions over the layer of rice.
• Spread a layer of marinated meat over this, and again spread the remaining semi-cooked rice.
• Now add the aromatic water in a circular motion over the rice layer.
• Now tightly cover the vessel with a lid. Keep it on a low flame.
• Remove the vessel from the flame exactly after 15 minutes.
• Hyderabadi Biryani is ready to eat. Serve hot.
Chicken Biryani Recipe
Chicken Biryani Recipe
Ingredients:
• 1 kg Chicken (pieces)
• 500 gm Basmati Rice
• ½ cup Milk
• 4 tbsp Garam Masala (whole)
• 4 tsp Garam Masala Powder
• 50 gm Butter
• 4 tbsp Garlic (chopped)
• 2 tbsp Rose Water
• 1 cup Onions (sliced)
• 4 tbsp Ginger (chopped)
• 3 tsp Red Chili Powder
• 1 tbsp Coriander Powder
• 5 tbsp Oil
• ½ gm Saffron
• 2 tsp Turmeric Powder
• 2 cup Curd (yogurt)
• ¾ cup Tomato (chopped)
• 4 Bay Leaves
• Salt to taste
How to make Chicken Biryani:
• Take a bowl and put salt, 1/2 of the red chili powder, 1/2 of the chopped ginger, 1/2 of the chopped garlic, 1 tsp garam masala powder, 1/2 of the turmeric powder and curd in it, mix well.
• Add chicken pieces to it and leave for an hour.
• Now wash and soak rice in water for 30 minutes.
• Boil water, add 1/2 of the whole garam masala, bay leaf, salt and rice in it.
• Cook the rice until 3/4 th done.
• Drain rice and place it aside.
• Heat oil in a thick bottomed pan and combine remaining whole garam masala with it, let it crackle.
• Add sliced onions to it and cook it till light golden brown.
• Add the remaining coriander powder, turmeric powder chopped ginger, chopped garlic, red chili powder, 1 tsp garam masala powder and chopped tomatoes to it, cook for 5 minutes.
• Combine marinated chicken with it and cook until chicken is tender.
• Dissolve saffron in warm milk and set aside.
• Place alternate layers of chicken and rice.
• Now sprinkle saffron dissolved in milk, remaining garam masala powder, golden fried sliced onions and butter in between the layers and on the top.
• Carefully end it with the rice layer topped with saffron, spices & rose water.
• Cover and seal it with an aluminum foil and cook on low flame for about 10 to12 minutes.
• Chicken Biryani is ready to serve.
Ingredients:
• 1 kg Chicken (pieces)
• 500 gm Basmati Rice
• ½ cup Milk
• 4 tbsp Garam Masala (whole)
• 4 tsp Garam Masala Powder
• 50 gm Butter
• 4 tbsp Garlic (chopped)
• 2 tbsp Rose Water
• 1 cup Onions (sliced)
• 4 tbsp Ginger (chopped)
• 3 tsp Red Chili Powder
• 1 tbsp Coriander Powder
• 5 tbsp Oil
• ½ gm Saffron
• 2 tsp Turmeric Powder
• 2 cup Curd (yogurt)
• ¾ cup Tomato (chopped)
• 4 Bay Leaves
• Salt to taste
How to make Chicken Biryani:
• Take a bowl and put salt, 1/2 of the red chili powder, 1/2 of the chopped ginger, 1/2 of the chopped garlic, 1 tsp garam masala powder, 1/2 of the turmeric powder and curd in it, mix well.
• Add chicken pieces to it and leave for an hour.
• Now wash and soak rice in water for 30 minutes.
• Boil water, add 1/2 of the whole garam masala, bay leaf, salt and rice in it.
• Cook the rice until 3/4 th done.
• Drain rice and place it aside.
• Heat oil in a thick bottomed pan and combine remaining whole garam masala with it, let it crackle.
• Add sliced onions to it and cook it till light golden brown.
• Add the remaining coriander powder, turmeric powder chopped ginger, chopped garlic, red chili powder, 1 tsp garam masala powder and chopped tomatoes to it, cook for 5 minutes.
• Combine marinated chicken with it and cook until chicken is tender.
• Dissolve saffron in warm milk and set aside.
• Place alternate layers of chicken and rice.
• Now sprinkle saffron dissolved in milk, remaining garam masala powder, golden fried sliced onions and butter in between the layers and on the top.
• Carefully end it with the rice layer topped with saffron, spices & rose water.
• Cover and seal it with an aluminum foil and cook on low flame for about 10 to12 minutes.
• Chicken Biryani is ready to serve.
Hot Chocolate Fudge Recipe
Ingredients:
• 4 Scoops vanilla ice cream
• 1 Cup semi sweet chocolate chips
• 3/4 Whipping cream
• 1 tsp Vanilla
• 1 tsp Almonds
• 1 tsp Cashew nuts
How to make Hot Chocolate Fudge:
• Mix chocolate chips and whipping cream.
• Put it over medium flame to heat.
• Stir it constantly.
• Once chocolate is melted, mix vanilla in it.
• Stir it properly.
• Take a conical glass.
• Pour some Sauce in glass.
• Add 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream
• Put some sauce on it.
• Add 2 more scoops and pour more sauce on it.
• Sprinkle nuts.
• Hot Chocolate Fudge is ready.
• 4 Scoops vanilla ice cream
• 1 Cup semi sweet chocolate chips
• 3/4 Whipping cream
• 1 tsp Vanilla
• 1 tsp Almonds
• 1 tsp Cashew nuts
How to make Hot Chocolate Fudge:
• Mix chocolate chips and whipping cream.
• Put it over medium flame to heat.
• Stir it constantly.
• Once chocolate is melted, mix vanilla in it.
• Stir it properly.
• Take a conical glass.
• Pour some Sauce in glass.
• Add 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream
• Put some sauce on it.
• Add 2 more scoops and pour more sauce on it.
• Sprinkle nuts.
• Hot Chocolate Fudge is ready.
chocolate pound cake with strawberry ice cream and bittersweet chocolate sauce
INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 cups cake flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 1/4 cups sugar
4 large eggs
3/4 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup semisweet miniature chocolate chips (about 6 1/2 ounces)
Sweetened Strawberries
1 1/2 quarts strawberry ice cream
Bittersweet Chocolate Sauce
Preparation
Preheat oven to 325°F. Butter and flour 9x5x3-inch metal loaf pan. Sift flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt into medium bowl. Using electric mixer, beat butter in large bowl until fluffy. Gradually add sugar; beat until well blended. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in sour cream and vanilla. Add dry ingredients in 3 additions, beating well after each addition. Fold in chocolate chips. Transfer batter to pan. Smooth top.
Bake cake until tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 1 hour 35 minutes. Cool in pan on rack 15 minutes. Run knife between pan sides and cake; turn cake out onto rack. Cool. Wrap in foil; let stand at room temperature at least 1 day. (Can be made 3 days ahead. Store wrapped in foil at room temperature.)
Cut pound cake into 3/4-inch-thick slices. Place 1 cake slice on each of 10 plates. Spoon Sweetened Strawberries and scoop of ice cream alongside. Drizzle with Bittersweet Chocolate Sauce and serve.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Is reward of reading Quran in English the same as reading in Arabic?
"I can't read Arabic very well and I want to read Quran for Ramadhan, can I read it in English and get the same reward?"
No, it would not be the same. However, there is stil a chance for great rewards with Allah and there are some things you can do as well, inshallah.
Reading from books in other languages is not the same as reading in Arabic. However, there is still reward for you, inshallah.
Difficulty in reciting the Arabic is rewarded double for the one who is not an Arab speaker. (Hadeeth about this)
You can rise up early every morning before fajr and begin to recite a little at a time, step by step while you are learning. Make sure to continue this from now on, as this was definitely a part of the sunnah of Muhammad, peace be upon him.
Take your time and be patient with yourself. It takes time, effort and practice to become a real reciter of Quran.
There is a dua (supplication) in the Quran for gaining knowledge and we always suggest it to those who want to gain more knowledge. We have to understand all knowledge only comes from Allah.
"Rabbi, ziddini 'ilma. Rabbi, ziddini 'ilma." (My Lord, increase my knowledge. My Lord, increase my knowledge."
No, it would not be the same. However, there is stil a chance for great rewards with Allah and there are some things you can do as well, inshallah.
Reading from books in other languages is not the same as reading in Arabic. However, there is still reward for you, inshallah.
Difficulty in reciting the Arabic is rewarded double for the one who is not an Arab speaker. (Hadeeth about this)
You can rise up early every morning before fajr and begin to recite a little at a time, step by step while you are learning. Make sure to continue this from now on, as this was definitely a part of the sunnah of Muhammad, peace be upon him.
Take your time and be patient with yourself. It takes time, effort and practice to become a real reciter of Quran.
There is a dua (supplication) in the Quran for gaining knowledge and we always suggest it to those who want to gain more knowledge. We have to understand all knowledge only comes from Allah.
"Rabbi, ziddini 'ilma. Rabbi, ziddini 'ilma." (My Lord, increase my knowledge. My Lord, increase my knowledge."
Monday, September 1, 2008
Tarawee...How important it is
The connection between the revelation of the holy Qur`aan and the holy month of Ramadaan
Exegetical scholars have specified in their works that the revelation of the holy Qur`aan has a special connection with the month of Ramadaan. Allah (s.w.t.) has bestowed upon us a great decree. It is a gift, a great blessing which shall be the clear source of guidance for all humanity until the day of reckoning. It was the habit of the companions of the holy prophet, (May Allah be pleased with them all) that they attached the events, which led to their accepting Islam, to their lives. Such stories are found abundantly in the books of seerah. Therefore, we too must attach ourselves to this great bestowal (i.e. revelation of the Qur`aan) and to express the gratitude towards Allah (s.w.t.) for this great blessing, completion of one reading of the holy Qur`aan [khatma] in the taraawee'h prayer has been resolved to be a stressed sunnah [ Sunnat-e-Mu`akidah].
It is recorded in Baihaqi that
i.e. Qur`aan will plead "Oh lord! I kept him busy with my recitation. He abstained from sleeping. Therefore, please accept my intercession in his favor (Forgive his sins) ". In this report too, "abstaining from sleeping (in the night)" indicates "the recitation of the entire Qur`aan" in the holy month of Ramadaan.
Taraawee'h as a sunnah of the holy prophet (s.a.w.)
Some people think that Taraawee'h is not a sunnah of the holy prophet (s.a.w.). These are mere misconceptions because the prophet (s.a.w.) himself led the Taraawee'h prayer and he liked this deed profoundly but due to the fear that his people would take it as an obligatory act he (s.a.w.) did not lead the prayer with regularity. However, the companions kept offering it individually (Ease upon the ummah was always kept in mind). This continued during the caliphate of Abu Bakr (r.a.a.) but Hadrath Umar (r.a.a.) did not like the offering of Taraawee'h individually so he reinstated the congregational Taraawee'h.
Ghair Mukhallideen raise an objection to this act of Hadrath Umar (r.a.a.) while Raafidhites are in dispute with it.
However, we need not care about their notions because Hadrath Umar (r.a.a.) gathered all the companions and his decision was based on their unanimous opinion. Therefore, it makes no sense to raise objections or rebuke this action of Hadrath Umar (r.a.a.).
Moreover the holy prophet (s.a.w.) had said,
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i.e. after me there will be some innovations, and I like those innovated by Umar. You should necessarily adhere to them (dutifully).
The truth is that the notions of those who do not agree upon this are nothing but a product of enmity and bigotry.
Considering the company of the holy prophet (s.a.w.) and his blessings that had their effects on Hadrath Umar (r.a.a.) and the eminent ability of Hadrath Umar (r.a.a.) to perceive and comprehend the words of the holy prophet (s.a.w.) and his familiarity with the disposition of Shariah, he was undoubtedly justified in his decision.
This argument about the high rank of Hadrath Umar is further strengthened by the fact that his opinions concurred with the divine will of Allah (s.w.t), at numerous occasions to which the exegetical scholars call "Muwafiqaath-e-umar".
Number of rak'ah in Taraawee'h
Some people think that Taraawee'h comprises of eight raka'aah only. This is not correct . In the unanimous opinion of all the Imams , Taraawee'h consists of twenty raka'aah.Although no Imam agreed upon less than twenty raka'aah, Imam Malik holds an opinion of 32 raka'aah. This means that in the consensus of all the Imams no one agrees upon less than twenty raka'aah.
Moreover, we can know from Ibn Abbaas's narration that he led taraawee'h for two or three nights during which he offered twenty raka'aah . The companions of the holy prophet (s.a.w.) performed according to his saying
and presented themselves as excellent examples to be followed. They had not only recorded the actions of the holy prophet (s.a.w.) but also went on imitating his actions. They did us a great favor by providing us with valuable traditions that will be the source of guidance (for all of us) until the end of this world.
The variation in the number of raka'aah in the section of Taraawee'h is only due to misinterpretation of Qiyaam-al-lail as Tahajjud and not Taraawee'h and the premise that, " as the holy prophet (s.a.w.) has most probably offered tahajjud in 8 raka'aah, therefore, Taraawee'h should also be offered in 8 raka'aah ".
To eliminate the misconceptions held by some people, we shall present here the routines followed by the holy prophet (s.a.w.) himself, the rightly guided caliphs and other companions during the month of Ramadaan.
We shall provide some information regarding the reinstatement of the congregational Taraawee'h during the caliphate of Hadrath Umar (r.a.a.) so that people may know the fact that the only reason that stopped the holy prophet (s.a.w.) from leading the congregational Taraawee'h was that he was afraid that praying Taraawee'h in congregation might become obligatory upon his nation which might lead to hardship upon his ummah.
It is a sheer error in concluding that the congregational Taraawee'h is not at all proven by the practice of the holy prophet (s.a.w.) just because he did not lead it with regularity.
Below are some of the narrations with their corresponding references.
The Practice (of Muslims) during the period of the holy prophet (s.a.w.) and his companions (r.a.a.)
Hadrath Abdullah bin Abbaas reported, "The holy prophet (s.a.w.) led us in twenty raka'aah congregational prayer of Taraawee'h. There should be no doubt concerning the fact that after the death of the holy prophet (s.a.w.), Hadrath Abu Bakr (r.a.a.) was the first caliph and in the Taraawee'h section, none of his acts is recorded nor has he left anything for the ummah concerning this. This fact should also be considered that regarding his era and the era that follows him, the holy prophet (s.a.w.) had said i.e. the best era is mine, the next best after this one and the next one after that. Moreover the caliphate of Abu Bakr (r.a.a.) was of very short duration and he was busy curbing the revolt of the apostates [khaarijeen] . Therefore he did not consider it necessary for Taraawee'h to be offered in congregation. After him Hadrath Umar (r.a.a.) thought about protecting (Muslims) against the forthcoming circumstances and confusion and appointed Hadrath Ubai Ibn Ka'b as the Imam and reinstated this excellent form of congregation that accorded exactly with the will of the holy prophet (s.a.w.).
The prayer of Taraawee'h used to consist of twenty raka'aah during the caliphate of Hadrath Umar (r.a.a.) , Hadrath Uthmaan (r.a.a.) and Hadrath Ali (r.a.a.). Hadrath Ubai ibn Ka'b (r.a.a.) said that he used to lead twenty raka'aah of congregational prayer of Taraawee'h on the command of Hadrath Umar (r.a.a.). During the month of Ramadaan Hadrath Suwaid bin Ghaflah (r.a.a.) used to lead twenty raka'aah taraawee'h prayer in which he took five tarwee'hah (pauses) . <> Hadrath Ali (r.a.a.) commanded a companion to lead twenty raka'aah taraawee'h prayer with five tarwee'hah (pauses/intervals). <> There is a narration related to Hadrath Ali (r.a.a.) himself that he gathered all the reciters and commanded them to lead twenty raka'aah Taraawee'h prayer and after the congregational Taraawee'h, Hadrath Ali (r.a.a.) himself led them in witr. Hadrath Saa-ib bin yazeed (r.a.a.) said that during the caliphate of Hadrath Umar (r.a.a.), twenty raka'aah Taraawee'h prayer was offered . Hadrath Ubai Ibn Ka'b (r.a.a.) used to lead twenty raka'aah taraawee'h in the month of Ramadaan in the city of Madinah 'Sa'hibul Mi't-harah (nickname of Hadrath Abdullah b. Mas'ood (r.a.a.)) used to offer twenty raka'aah taraawee'h prayer <'Aini, qiyaamul-lail page 91 > Hadrath ubai ibn ka'b (r.a.a.) used to lead twenty raka'aah taraawee'h prayer in the month of Ramadaan Hadrath 'Ali ibn rabi`ah (r.a.a.) used to offer twenty raka'aah taraawee'h prayer which had five tarwee'hah (pauses/intervals)
The practice of the second and third generation Muslims
'Allaamah Nawawi (r.h.) of Shari'h Muslim (guide to Muslim Shareef) stated that only twenty raka'aah Taraawee'h is proven because there is a tawaatur (Having numerous chains of narrators) and tasalsul (Continuity) about "offering 20 raka'aah". Hadrath Haarith (r.h.) used to lead twenty raka'aah taraawee'h. Hadrath Shateer (r.h) used to lead twenty raka'aah taraawee'h prayer. 'Haafiz ibn 'hajar 'asqalaani (r.h.) of Shari'h Bukhari (Guide to Bukhari Shareef) said that twenty raka'aah in taraawee'h are proven by the actions of all the companions of the holy prophet (s.a.w.) 'Allaamah ibn 'Ikramah Hambali (r.h.) said that since the companions of the holy prophet (Both Muhajireen and Ansar) kept offering twenty raka'aah taraawee'h with regularity , this act is considered to be in Ijma' (consensus) 'Allaamah Ta'h`taawi wrote i.e. Twenty raka'aah are proven by regularity of the companions of the holy prophet (s.a.w.)
Taraawee'h should be offered by men as well as women
Raafidhites believe that taraawee'h is a sunnah, only for men and not for women. They have erred in it. Taraawee'h is a sunnah both for men and women.
Importance of the recitation of the entire Qur`aan
It is a stressed sunnah [sunnat-e-mu`akidah] to recite the entire Qur`aan [khatma] in the taraawee'h prayer extended throughout the month of Ramadaan. Islamic Jurists have specified in their works that if the Imam of a particular locality does not have the capacity to recite the entire Qur`aan then one must go to some other locality so that he can perform this sunnah of recitation of the entire Qur`aan. In such cases, it has been commanded to ignore the lethargy and laziness of people. However, ironically, most of the people do not realize the importance of the complete recitation of the Qur`aan.Some are those who make an excuse of being unable to free themselves from work and some offer just 8 raka'aah and leave the mosque due to which they miss the recitation in the remaining 12 raka'aah.
Taraawee'h and Recitation of the entire Qur`aan are two separate sunnah
Recitation of the entire Qur`aan (At least once) or listening to this recitation in the taraawee'h prayer during the holy month of Ramadaan is one sunnah while offering the taraawee'h prayer in twenty raka'aah daily throughout the month of Ramadaan is another sunnah. (Both for men and women).Those people who, without a valid excuse, recite only from
, are deprived of the great reward of the recitation of the entire Qur`aan while those who follow a memorizer to finish off by listening to the entire Qur`aan within 2 - 3 days and then offer no taraawee'h in the rest of the month are at loss too. Such people make an excuse that they would be busy in their businesses throughout the month so they offered prayer behind a memorizer who recited the complete Qur`aan in 3 -4 days and then carried on with their worldly matters. This is not proper. These people can at least do something like this. First they can offer taraawee'h with the entire Qur`aan in 3-4 days (with congregation) and then continue offering it individually for the rest of the month in which they can recite from itself. These people should realize the importance of the sunnah of offering the taraawee'h prayer daily after isha throughout the month of Ramadaan. Keep in mind that the struggle for Afterlife (Akhirah) is much better than the struggle for this world. 
The excellence of reciting more than one reading of Qur`aan
It is a stressed sunnah to recite one reading of Qur`aan in the blessed nights of Ramadaan, it is superior to recite another reading and it is excellent to recite the third reading. Those memorizers are highly fortunate who recite more than one reading of Qur`aan with composure, in a melodious and sweet voice. It is an excellent trait of obedience to Allah (s.w.t.).
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Ramdan..it's an order from Allah
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Islam uses a lunar calendar - that is, each month begins with the sighting of the new moon. Because the lunar calendar is about 11 days shorter than the solar calendar used elsewhere, Islamic holidays "move" each year. In 2003 Ramadan begins on Oct. 27; in 2004 it will begin on Oct. 15.
For more than a billion Muslims around the world-including some 8 million in North America-Ramadan is a "month of blessing" marked by prayer, fasting, and charity. This year Ramadan precedes Christmas and overlaps Hanukkah.
But while in many places these holidays have become widely commercialized, Ramadan retains its focus on self-sacrifice and devotion to God (Allah in Arabic).
Why this month?
Muslims believe that during the month of Ramadan, Allah revealed the first verses of the Quran, the holy book of Islam. Around 610 A.D., the prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, used to go out to the desert near Mecca (in today's Saudi Arabia) to think about faith, society and God.
One night a voice called to him from the night sky. It was the angel Gabriel, who told Muhammad he had been chosen to receive the word of Allah. In the days that followed, Muhammad found himself speaking the verses that would be transcribed as the Quran.
At many mosques during Ramadan, about one thirtieth of the Quran is recited each night in prayers known as Tarawih. In this way, by the end of the month the complete scripture will have been recited.
Why do Muslims fast?
Muslims practice Sawm, or fasting, for the entire month of Ramadan. This means that they may eat or drink nothing, including water, while the sun is up as well as making a special effort to avoid sins. Fasting is one of the Five Pillars (duties) of Islam. As with other Islamic duties, all able Muslims take part in Sawm from about age twelve.
Fasting serves many purposes. While they are hungry and thirsty, Muslims are reminded of the suffering of the poor. Fasting is also an opportunity to practice self-control and to cleanse the body and mind. And in this most sacred month, fasting helps Muslims feel the peace that comes from spiritual devotion as well as kinship with fellow believers.
During Ramadan in the Muslim world, most restaurants are closed during the daylight hours. Families get up early for suhoor, a meal eaten before the sun rises. After the sun sets, the fast is broken with a meal known as Iftar. Iftar usually begins with dates and sweet drinks that provide a quick energy boost.
How does Ramadan end?
Ramadan ends with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which in 2003 occurs on November 26. Literally the "Festival of Breaking the Fast," Eid al-Fitr is one of the two most important Islamic celebrations (the other occurs after the Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca). At Eid al-Fitr people dress in their finest clothes, adorn their homes with lights and decorations, give treats to children, and enjoy visits with friends and family.
A sense of generosity and gratitude colors these festivities. Although charity and good deeds are always important in Islam, they have special significance at the end of Ramadan. As the month draws to a close, Muslims are obligated to share their blessings by feeding the poor and making contributions to Mosques.Here it comes...THE holy month of Ramdhan
In the name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
All praise is to Allah, Whom we thank and seek for His help and forgiveness.
We seek refuge in Allah from the evils of ourselves and the burden of our evil deeds.
Whomsoever He guides, will never be misled, and whomsoever He misguides, will never find enlightenment.
I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Mohammad is His slave and Messenger.
Allah said, what translated means, “O you who believe! Fear Allah as He should be feared, and die not except in a state of Islam” [3:102],
also, “Mankind! Be dutiful to your Lord, Who created you from a single person (Adam), and from him (Adam) He created his wife (Eve), and from them both He created many men and women and fear Allah through whom you demand your mutual (rights), and (do not cut the relations) of the wombs (kinship)! Surely, Allah is Ever an All- Watcher over you.” [4:1]
and, “O you who believe! Keep your duty to Allah and fear Him, and speak (always) the Truth.” [33:70].
The best of speech is the Book of Allah, and the best of guidance is the guidance sent with Muhammad - peace be upon him. The worst of matters are Bid’ahs (innovations in the religion), every Bid’ah is a Dhalalah [misguidance], and every Dhalalah is in the Hellfire.
A. The Magnificent Month
Salman Al-Farisi (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated: “The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) addressed us on the last day of Sha’ban and said: “People, a great blessed month has come upon you, a month containing Laylat al-Qadr which is better than a thousand months. Allah has made fasting during it an obligation, and steadfastly observing its nights in worship a voluntary act. Whoever undertakes an act of obedience to Allah during this month with a righteous deed, it is as if he has performed an obligatory act at other times; and whoever performs an obligatory act during it is as one who performed seventy obligations at other times. It is the month of patience, and the reward for patience is Paradise. It is the month of goodwill, during which provisions are multiplied. Whoever feeds a fasting person will be compensated with forgiveness of sins and salvation of his soul from Hell. He will also receive a reward equal to that of the person he feeds, without causing him any reduction (in his good deeds).” (The Companions) said: “Not all of us can find something to feed a fasting person.”
The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Allah gives this reward to whoever feeds a fasting person even with just a taste of milk or dates, or a drink of water. Whoever quenches the thirst of a fasting person, Allah the Almighty makes him drink from my pond such that he will never feel thirsty again until he enters Paradise. It is a month whose beginning is mercy, whose middle is forgiveness and whose end is emancipation from Hell.
Therefore display four characteristics to a greater extent; with two of which you will please your Lord, and two you can not dispense with. The two with which you will please your Lord are to testify that there is no one deserving of worship except Allah, and to seek His forgiveness; whereas the two which you cannot dispense with are that you beseech Allah to place you in Paradise and that you seek refuge with Him from Hell.” [related by Ibn Khuzaymah and AlBayhaqi].
B. Blessings of Ramadan
Dear Muslim Brothers and Sisters! We are hosting soon inshaa’a Allah a unique, a generous and an honorable guest; a guest that visits us once a year and brings with it all sorts of goodness and happiness; a guest that brings with it the wide Mercy and Forgiveness of Allah; a guest that brings with it a smell of Paradise; a guest that makes the believer closer to Allah and His Paradise and away from Shaytan and Hell Fire. It is Ramadhan, the month of the Qur’an, the month of Mercy, the month of Forgiveness, the month of prayer at night and Suhoor, the month of solidarity and mutual help, the month of all blessings.
We are advised in our merciful religion of Islam to be kind and generous towards the guest, so what if the guest is the best of guests over the year? We should exert ourselves in generosity which is in this case good behavior and intense worship. It is from the immense mercy of Allah upon us that He made us Muslims and that He extended our lives till we reached this Ramadan. It is reported from some of the Salaf (Muslims of the first three centuries of Islam that the Messenger of Allah, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, praised in the well known famous hadith) that they used to pray to Allah during the six months before Ramadan to extend their lives so that they can fast Ramadan, and in the 6 months after Ramadan they would ask Allah to accept their fasting of Ramadan. Therefore, we have to be thankful to Allah that He allowed us to witness this Ramadan, so let us please Him during this month.
Why do we fast? It is from the nature of humans to ask and to wonder why they do things. Muslims do things to please Allah, and they can please Allah only by obeying Him and practicing His religion. Thus, in answer to this question “Why do we fast?” we respond that it is a commandment and a clear order from Allah upon us and we have no other choice but to obey Allah and please Him out of Love and Fear at the same time.
Allah says what means : “O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed for you as it has been prescribed for people before you so that you will (learn how to) attain Taqwa” (Qur’an, al-Baqarah, 2:183)
Ibn ‘Umar reports that Allah’s Messenger said: Islam is based on (the following) five (principles):
- 1. To testify that none has the right to be worshiped but Allah and Muhammad is Allah’s Messenger.
- 2. To offer the (compulsory congregational) prayers dutifully and perfectly.
- 3. To pay Zakat (i.e. obligatory charity)
- 4. To perform Hajj. (i.e. Pilgrimage to Mecca)
- 5. To observe fast during the month of Ramadan. [Bukhari]
Abu Hurairah narrates that one day while Allah’s Messenger was sitting with the people, a man came to him walking and said, “O Allah’s Messenger. What is Belief?” The Prophet said, “Belief is to believe in Allah, His Angels, His Books, His Apostles, and the meeting with Him, and to believe in the Resurrection.” The man asked, “O Allah’s Apostle, What is Islam?” The Prophet replied, “Islam is to worship Allah and not worship anything besides Him, to offer prayers perfectly, to pay the (compulsory) charity (i.e. Zakat) and to fast the month of Ramadan.” [The narration of Muslim has Hajj as well]. The man again asked, “O Allah’s Apostle What is Ihsan (i.e. perfection or benevolence)? The Prophet said, “Ihsan is to worship Allah as if you see Him, and if you do not achieve this state of devotion, then (take it for granted that) Allah sees you.” Then the man left. The Prophet said, “Call him back to me.” They went to call him back but could not see him. The Prophet said, “That was Jibreel (Gabriel) who came to teach the people their religion.” [Bukhari].
Since Islam means submission to Allah, we have no other choice but to submit ourselves to Allah and obey His commandments. It is from the mercy of Allah towards us that while He prescribed on us fasting, He also showed us the greatness of fasting in this world and in the hereafter to make it beloved to us.
Abu Umaamah (r.a.a.) said: I said: O Messenger of Allah, tell me of an action by which I may enter Paradise. He said: Take to Fasting, there is nothing like it. [An-Nasaa’ee, Ibn Hibbaan, Al-Haakim, Saheeh]
In this hadeeth, the Prophet (s.a.w.) singled out fasting when asked about a deed that leads its doer to the best of rewards, Paradise. This fact alone is sufficient for us to understand the greatness of fasting. Mere knowledge of the importance and superiority of fasting, however, is not enough for a Muslim to attain Allah’s pleasure and then, in shaa’ Allah, His great reward.
Indeed, the Prophet (s.a.w.) has said: “Perhaps a person fasting will receive nothing from his fasting except hunger and thirst.” [Ibn Maajah, Ad-Daarimee, Ahmad, al-Baihaqee, Saheeh]
This hadeeth should raise our concern about fasting and increase our desire to perform this act of worship with the best intention and in accordance with the Sunnah of the Prophet (s.a.w.). The first step is for a Muslim to realize that Allah has prescribed fasting as a means of gaining Taqwa. Allah (swt) has also informed us that it is taqwa that distinguishes people in the His sight.
Allah says: “The most honoured by Allah amongst you are those best in taqwaa.” [49:13]
Ali ibn Abi Taalib was asked about the definition of taqwa, to which he answered: “[It is] Fear of the All-Mighty, acting upon the revelation, preparation for the day of travel [when we meet Allah], and contentment with a small amount.”
C. Virtues of Fasting as mentioned in the Quran and Sunnah
- The reward for fasting is immense, as mentioned in the following Hadeeth: “Every action of the son of Adam is given manifold reward, each good deed receiving ten times its like, up to seven hundred times. Allah the Most High said, ‘Except for fasting, for it is for Me and I will give recompense for it, he leaves off his desires and his food for Me.’ for the fasting person there are two times of joy; a time when he breaks his fast and a time of joy when he meets his Lord, and the smell coming from the mouth of the fasting person is better with Allah than the smell of musk.” [al-Bukhaaree]
- Also, Sahl ibn Sa’ said that the Prophet (s.a.w.) said: “Indeed there is a gate of Paradise called ar-Rayyaan. On the day of Resurrection those who fast will enter through it; no one enters it except for them, and when they have entered, it is closed so that no one enters it, so when the last of them enters it, it is closed, and whoever enters it drinks, and whoever drinks never becomes thirsty.” [Ibn Khuzaimah, Saheeh].
- Fasting is a shield against the Fire: “Fasting is a shield with which a servant protects himself from the Fire.” [Ahmad, Saheeh] and his saying (saws) “No servant fasts on a day in the path of Allah except that Allah removes the hellfire seventy years further from his face.” [related by the group except for Abu Dawood]
- On the Day of Judgement, “Fasting will say: O My Lord I prevented him from food and desires so accept my intercession for him.” [Ahmad, al-Haakim and Abu Nu’aim, Hasan]
- Fasting is a means for one’s sins to be forgiven. The Prophet (s.a.w.) said: “He who fasts Ramadhan, due to Iman and hoping for reward (from Allah) then his past sins are forgiven.” [al-Bukhaaree, Muslim]
- Fasting is an expiation for various sins, as mentioned in the Qur’aan, in verses: 2:196, 4:92, 5:89, 5:95 and 58:3-4.
- The supplication of the fasting person is answered: “There are in the month of Ramadhan in every day and night those to whom Allah grants freedom from the Fire, and there is for every Muslim a supplication which he can make and will be granted.” [al-Bazzaar, Ahmad, Saheeh]
- The fasting person will be among the true followers of the prophets and the martyrs: ‘Amr ibn Murrah al-Juhaanee r.a.a. said: A man came to the Prophet (s.a.w.) and said: O Messenger of Allah, what if I testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and that you are the Messenger of Allah, and I observe the five daily prayers, and I pay the zakaah, and I fast and stand in prayer in Ramadhan, then amongst whom shall I be? He said: Amongst the true followers of the prophets and the martyrs. [Ibn Hibbaan, Saheeh]
- Fasting is a shield against one’s base desires, as the Prophet (s.a.w.) told the youth: “O youths, whoever amongst you is able to marry then let him do so, since it restrains the eyes and protects the private parts, and he who is unable, then let him fast because it is a shield for him.” [al-Bukhaaree, Muslim]
Once we realize the greatness of fasting and what achievement it leads to, we must put all our efforts in performing the fast in the best manner possible. And since fasting is worship, it must be done solely for Allah’s sake, and no intention is accepted, other than pleasing Allah and seeking His Face with all one’s sincerity. Without a correct intention, no deed is of any value in the Hereafter.
We Muslims must constantly verify our intentions and consider why we perform fasting. Do we do so merely because it is the practice of our parents and friends, or do we do so because it is part of our tradition, or perhaps because we simply want to conform to our environment in order to avoid any problems? A Muslim who realizes that only that which is with Allah remains, and that He (swt) is the only One who grants and withholds, would not be of those to which the Prophet (s.a.w.) alluded in the Hadeeth: “On the Day of Judgement, a caller will cry out, ‘Whoever performed a deed for someone other than Allah may seek his reward from that for which he performed the deed’” [Saheeh al-Jami].
D. Ramadan and the Quran
This is based on an extract from Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali’s “Lataif al-Ma’arif” (pp. 179-182), quoted by Fahd bin Sulaiman in “Kay nastafeed min Ramadan” (pp. 48-50)
--------------begin quoting---------------------------
Ramadan has a special relationship with the Quran, of course, surah al-Baqarah:
“The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Quran was sent down ... so whoever amongst you witnesses this month, let him fast it...” [Note: in the tafsir of this verse, it is mentioned that the word ‘so’ (fa) in this verse gives the following paraphrase of one aspect of the meaning of the ayah: “Fast this month BECAUSE it is the one in which the Quran was sent down” -- see Sifah Sawm an-Nabee (saws) [eng. version] by Ali al-Halabi & Saleem al-Hilali for elaboration of this
In the Two Sahihs, from Ibn Abbas: “that the Messenger of Allah SAS was the most generous person, and he would be at his most generous in Ramadan, when Jibril would meet him and make him rehearse the Quran, Jibril would meet him every night in Ramadan to do this ...”
This hadith contains recommendation of the following:
- studying the Quran in Ramadan
- coming together for this purpose
- checking (one’s memory/knowledge of) the Quran with someone who has preserved it better
- increasing recitation of Quran in Ramadan
- The night time is the best time to recite, when other preoccupations are less & it is easier to concentrate, as in Surah Muzzammil.
Also, the hadith of Fatima (ra) from her father (saws), who told her that Jibril would rehearse the Quran with him (in Ramadan) once every year, and he did so twice in the year of his death (saws).
Then, Ibn Rajab talks about the situation of the Salaf during Ramadan:
“Some of the Salaf would finish (reciting the whole Quran) during the night prayer of Ramadan every 3 days, others every 7 days (e.g. Qataadah), others in 10 days (e.g. Abu Rajaa’ al-Atardi). The Salaf would recite Quran in Ramadan in Prayer as well as outside it.
Al-Aswad would finish the Quran every 2 nights in Ramadan; Ibrahim an-Nakh’i would do that in the last 10 nights specifically, & every 3 nights during the rest of the month. Qataadah would regularly finish the Quran in 7 days, but in 3 days during Ramadan, and every night during the last 10. Ash-Shafi’i would finish the Quran 60 times in Ramadan, outside of Prayer, and similar is reported about Abu Hanifah. Az-Zuhri would say when Ramadan began: It is recitation of Quran & feeding people. Ibn Abdul Hakam said: when Ramadan began, Malik would leave reciting Hadith and sitting with the people of knowledge, and stick to reciting the Quran from the Mushaf. Abdur Razzaaq said: When Ramadan began, Sufyan Thawri would leave other acts of worship and stick to reciting Quran.
Aishah (ra) would recite from the Mushaf at the beginning of the day in Ramadan (i.e. after Dawn), until when the sun had risen, she would sleep. Sufyan said: Zayd alYaami would bring copies of Quran when Ramadan began and gather his companions around him...”
Ibn Rajab later continues: “the forbiddance of finishing reciting the Quran in less than 3 days applies to this being made a regular practice, but as for favoured times such as Ramadan, esp. the nights in which Laylat al-Qadr is sought, or favoured places such as Makkah for the visitor, it is recommended to increase reciting the Quran to avail the time and place. This is the view of Ahmad, Ishaq & other imams, and the practice of others indicates this too, as has been mentioned.”
---------------------------------------end of quote from book------------------------------
E. Virtues of the Quran
Shaykh `Abdul Qadir al-Arna'oot
(c) IIPH 1999
- "The best of you is he who learns the Qur'an and teaches it." [al-Bukhari]
- "Will not any of you go to the masjid and learn or read two verses from the Book of Allah `azza wa jall? (For) that is better for him than two she-camels, and three (verses) are better for him than three (she-camels), and four (verses) are better for him than four (she-camels). And the number (of verses read in total) are better than the same number of camels." [Muslim]
- "There is no envy (acceptable) except in two (cases): a person whom Allah has given the Qur'an and recites it throughout the night and throughout the day. And a person whom Allah has given wealth, that he gives out throughout the night and throghout the day." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
- "Whoever reads a letter from the Book of Allah will receive a hasanah (good deed) from it (i.e. his recitation), and the hasanah is multiplied by ten. I do not say that Alif-Laam-Meem is (considered as) a letter, rather Alif is a letter, Laam is a letter, and Meem is a letter." [At-Tirmidhi, Ad-Darimi]
- "He who is skillful in reciting the Qur'an is with the unveiled, honorable, and pious (i.e. Hur al `Ain). And he who stutters when reading the Qur'an, (and its recitation) is difficult upon him, will receive two rewards." [Al-Bukhari]
- "Verily he who has nothing of the Qur'an in his heart, is like a house (which has been) destroyed." [At-Tirmidhi]
- "Read the Qur'an. For verily it will come forth on the Day of Resurrection as an intercessor for its readers." [Muslim]
- "The Qur'an is an intercessor (which by Allah's permission) intercedes, and an opponent (which is) truthful. He who appoints it as his leader, (then it) will lead him to Paradise. And he who puts it behind him, (then it) will lead him to the Fire." [Ibn Hibban, Al-Bayhaqi, At-Tabarani, Sahih]
- "Fasting and the Qur'an will intercede for the slave on the Day of Resurrection. Fasting will say: 'O My Rabb! I prevented him from food and desires, so accept my intercession for him.' And the Qur'an will say: 'I prevented him from sleep during the night, so accept my intercession for him.' He (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) said: 'And they will (be allowed to) intercede.'" [Ahmad, at-Tabarani, Al-Hakim, Sahih]
- "Maintain learning the Qur'an, by heart for verily it is greater in escaping from the chests of men than camels from their reins." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
- "Verily Allah raises nations by this book (the Qur'an) and puts down (i.e. destroys) others by it." [Muslim]
- "The likeness of the believer who reads the Qur'an is like that of citron; its taste is delicious and its scent is pleasant. And the likeness of the believer who does not read the Qur'an is like that of a date; its taste is delicious, yet it has no scent. And the likeness of a hypocrite who reads the Qur'an is like that of a basil; its scent is pleasant, yet its taste is bitter. And the likeness of a hypocrite that does not read the Qur'an is like that of a colocynth; its taste is bitter and it has no scent." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
- "It will be said to the beholder of the Qur'an: 'Recite, ascent and rattil (recite slowly and distinctly) as you used to rattil in the life of this world, for verily your level (in Paradise) is at the last verse you read." [Abu Dawud, at-Tirmidhi, Sahih]
- "Read the Qur'an, put it into practice, do not abandon it, do not put grudges (upon others) through it, and do not eat and gain wealth through it." [Ahmad, At-Tabarani, Sahih]
- "Read the Qur'an and through it seek the Face of Allah, Exalted be He, before there comes a nation that implements it like an arrow. They read it fast and they do not recite it slowly (to implement)." [Ahmad, Abu Dawud, Hasan]
- "Verily, the best of people with regards to voices, is he whom you feel fears Allah when he recites." [Ad-Darimi, Sahih]
- From Anas ibn Malik, radhiallahu `anhu, (who said) that the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam, said to Ubay ibn Ka`b (radiallahu `anhu):
'Verily Allah has ordered me to read upon you.'
He [Ubay] said: 'Has Allah named me for you?!'
He [sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam] said: 'Allah has named you for me.'
He [Anas] said: 'So Ubay began to weep.'
[Muslim] - "There is not a group which has gathered in a house from the houses of Allah, reciting the Book of Allah, and studying it between them, except that tranquility will descend upon them, mercy will befall them, the Angels will encircle them, and Allah will mention them to those who are with Him (i.e. the Angels). And he who falls short (in gaining knowledge and memorizing the Qur'an) should (be prompt in) action, (in) that which lineage (*) will not hasten him (to do)." [Muslim]
(*) For example, if someone is the son of a scholar and falls short in gaining knowledge and memorizing the Qur'an, then it is upon him to hasten in redeeming himself through studying and hard work, not by relying upon his lineage, i.e. him being the son of a scholar, king, or even being from the descendants of the family of the Messenger, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam, etc. This meaning is taken from An-Nawawi's explanation of Sahih Muslim. [Transl.]
F. The Essentials Elements of Fasting
Definition of Siyam (Fasting): Siyam in Arabic means “to abstain from something”.
For example, Allah says about Mariam (Mary) in the Qur’an that she said [meaning]: “Verily!, I have vowed a fast to the Most Beneficent (Allah) so I shall not speak to any human this day “[Maryam 19:26]. In religion (Islam) Siyam means “abstaining from food, drink, and sexual intercourse from dawn until sunset with the sincere intention of doing so (for the sake of Allah). Therefore the pillars of fasting are:
- 1-The intention: To sincerely fast for the sake of Allah. The intension need not be uttered. It is in reality an act of the heart which does not involve the tongue. It is a bid‘ah [innovation] to do so. The fact that one knows he is fasting the next day is “intention”. The fact of taking Suhoor is “intention. About sincerity in acts of worship Allah said in the Qur’an [in the meaning of]: “And they were ordained nothing else than to worship Allah, keeping religion pure for Him” [al-Bayyinah, Also the Messenger of Allah (S) said : Actions are judged according to the intention behind them, and for everyone is what he intended” [Bukhari and Muslim] The intention must be made before fajr and during every night of Ramadan and is valid if made in any part of the night. Hafsah reported that the Prophet (S) said: “Whoever does not determine to fast before fajr will have no fast” (that is it won’t be accepted) [an-Nasa’i, atTirmidhi, Abu Dawud, and others, Sahih].
- 2-Abstaining from the acts that break the fast: Allah says in the Qur’an [in the meaning of]: “Eat and drink until the white thread becomes distinct to you from the black thread of the dawn. Then strictly observe the fast until nightfall.” [al-Baqara, 2:187] ‘Adiyy Ibn Hatim said “When the Ayah “Eat and drink until the white thread becomes distinct to you ...” was revealed, I took a black thread and a white thread and placed them underneath my pillow. During the night I looked at them to if I could distinguish between them. In the morning I went the Messenger of Allah and mentioned that to him and he said: ‘It is the black of the night and the white of the day.’” [Bukhari and Muslim] Therefore, the believer must fast from Fajr [dawn] to Maghrib [sunset].
H. Other Rulings Pertaining to Fasting
- The interval between the end of suhoor (the pre-dawn meal) and the start of the obligatory prayer is the interval sufficient to recite fifty Aayaat, as indicated by the Prophet (s.a.w.) and related by al-Bukhaaree and Muslim.
- Eating the pre-dawn meal (suhoor) contains many blessings and the Prophet (s.a.w.) ordered us to do take it, forbade us from leaving it and told us to take suhoor to make a distinction between our fast and the fast of the People of the Book. In spite of this, Ibn Hajar reports in Fathul-Baaree that there is Ijmaa that it is mustahabb (recommendation). Allah knows best.
- Falsehood, ignorant and indecent speech are to be avoided as they may render one’s fasting futile.
- A fasting person can begin fasting while in the state of Janaabah (major state of impurity that requires bath due to a sexual intercourse), as explained in Saheeh al-Bukhaaree and Muslim.
- Use of Siwaak (tooth-stick) is permitted. Likewise, washing the mouth and nose is permitted, but it should not be done strongly.
- The Prophet discouraged a youth from kissing while fasting, while he allowed an old man since he is able to control himself.
- Pouring cold water over one’s head and taking a bath contain no harm to a fasting person.
- It is the Sunnah of the Prophet and the practice of his companions to break the fast as soon as the Sun sets even if some bright redness remains upon the horizon. Muslims are strongly encouraged to hasten breaking the fast. The Prophet (s.a.w.) said: “The Deen will not cease to be uppermost as long as the people hasten to break the fast, since the Jews and the Christians delay it.” [Abu Daawood, Ibn Hibbaan, Hasan]
- The Prophet (s.a.w.) used to break his fast before praying and he used to break it with fresh dates, if not then with older dates. And if not with dates, than with some mouthfuls of water.
- The supplication of the fasting person when he breaks his fast is not rejected. The best du’aa’ (supplication) is that reported from Allah’s Messenger (pbuh). He used to say when breaking the fast: “Dhahaba-DH-DHama’u wabtallatil-’urooqu, wa thabatal ajru inshaa Allah.” (The thirst has gone, the veins are moistened and the reward is certain, if Allah wills.) [Abu Daawood, al-Baihaqee, al-Haakim and others, Hasan]
- The Prophet said: “He who gives food for a fasting person to break his fast, he will receive the same reward as him, except that nothing will be reduced from the fasting persons reward.” [Ahmad, at-Tirmidhee, Ibn Maajah, Ibn Hibbaan, Saheeh]. Also, a fasting Muslim should not reject invitation of another Muslim to break fast.
- As for Lailatul-Qadr, the Night of Decree, that is better than a thousand months (see Soorah Qadr (97)), the Prophet (s.a.w.) told us: “Seek it in the last ten, and if one of you is too weak or unable then let him not allow that to make him miss the final seven.” [al-Bukhaaree, Muslim]. That which is the most specific states, “seek it on the (twenty) ninth and the (twenty) seventh and the (twenty) fifth.” [al-Bukhaaree]
- The Prophet (s.a.w.) used to exert himself greatly during Lailatul-Qadr. He would spend the nights in worship, detaching himself from women and ordering his family with this. So every Muslim should be eager to stand in prayer during Lailatul Qadr out of Iman and hoping for the great reward. The Prophet (s.a.w.) said: “Whoever stands (in prayer) in Lailatul Qadr out of Iman and seeking reward then his previous sins are forgiven.” [al-Bukhaaree, Muslim]
- The supplication that the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) taught ‘Aa’isha, radiyallaahu ‘anhaa, to say when seeking the Night of Decree is: O Allah you are the one who pardons greatly, and loves to pardon, so pardon me.[at-Tirmidhee, Ibn Maajah,, Saheeh]
- It is Sunnah to pray Taraweeh in congregation and the one who knew best the practice of the Prophet (s.a.w.) at night, ‘Aa’isha, radiyallaahu ‘anhaa, said: “Allah’s Messenger did not increase upon eleven rak’ahs in Ramadhan, or outside it.” [al-Bukhaaree, Muslim]
- All who are capable should take advantage of the month of Ramadhan and perform I’ikaaf, i.e. fully attach oneself to worshipping in the mosque. One should inquire how the Prophet (s.a.w.) performed I’ikaaf.
- Zakaatul Fitr is prescribed by Allah as a purification for those who fasted from loose and indecent talk, and to feed the poor Muslims as a provision for eidul Fitr. One should inquire further about rulings related to it, especially upon whom it is obligatory and what is its quantity.
- The last but not the least, we should strive to constantly improve our worship and obedience of Allah the Most High, including once the month of Ramadhan is over, inshaa’ Allah
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