For every people there is a feast and this is our feast” said the Prophet to Aboo Bakr (RA). [Bukhaaree and Muslim].

The Prophet’s words indicate that these two Eeds are exclusively for the Muslims. “Our feast” has a great meaning for Muslims because it tells us that these are our own and derived from our Sharee’ah alone.

Since holidays are usually based on religious traditions, it is very important that we demonstrate our celebrations with great joy and gathering to make us feel that they are our own, and to feel that they are different from the non-believers’ holidays.

Therefore it is not permissible for Muslims to imitate the non-beleivers in anything that is a distinctive part of their celebrations, whether it be food, dress, bonfires or acts of worship. Muslim children should not be allowed to play on those festivals, or to put up decorations, or to join in with the non-believers in their celebrations on those occasions.

The Prophet has ordered us in numerous speeches to be different from the Mushrikeen (pagans), and these two “Eeds” are among that the Prophet wanted us to take special care of being different with them.

That is why he said, after seeing that the people of Madeenah had two holidays which they celebrated before Islaam,

” Allaah (SWT) has given you better than those (feasts): The ‘Eed-al-Adhaa (Sacrificing) and the ‘Eed- al-Fitr”.
[Ahmad, Aboo Dawood and Nasaa'ee].

The ‘Eed-al-Adhaa comes after completing the “Hajj” (Pilgrimage) and the ‘Eed-al-Fitr comes after the fasting in the month of Ramadaan. So it is not surprising that we must show and demonstrate our holidays (‘Eed). Due to these clear facts, Muslim scholars put great emphasis on the concept of being different from the Mushrik in our ceremonies.

This is because ceremonies have great effect over the human mind and behaviour. Being different in our ceremonies means also that we must not participate in the Mushriks’ ceremonies on their holidays.

‘Umar RA said: “Do not learn the language of the Mushriks – without a necessity- nor enter the churches of Mushriks on their festivals because the anger of Allaah descends on them.” [Bayhaqee].

We, Muslims, may even fast on the non-believers’ holidays.

Umm Salamah (RA) said the Prophet used to fast on Saturdays and Sundays, and when asked he said: They are two days of the Mushriks’ holidays so I like to oppose them in their ceremonies ” [Ahmad and Nasaaee]

To assess this concept of being different from the non-beleivers, it is very important to say that: In order to be different in our ceremonies in the way the Prophet wanted us to be, we must follow the Sunnah literally. That would give us the deeds of being true followers of the Prophet

So if we want to be his followers we must be aware of Bid’ah [innovation] in these ceremonies. Bid’ah comes at the expense of Sunnah which is replaced by it.

Ibn Taymiyyah says: “There is no place in the heart for both Sunnah and Bid’ah.” [Al-Iqtidaa] .

Allaah says:
{Say – O Muhammad – If you really do love Allaah follow me, Allaah will love you.} [Aali-Imraan, 3:31]

We present to you, dear brothers and sisters, some of the Sunnahs of Eed so that you can try to implement them. Also presented are some of the Bid’ahs of Eed so that we can avoid them. It is of great importance to follow the Sunnah of Eed so we can truly say that our feasts are different from the Mushriks’ feasts.

Sunnahs of ‘Eed

1) It is Sunnah to dress in the best clothes we have on Eed. It was narrated that Ibn ‘Umar used to do that along with other Companions of the Prophet . [Fath al-Baaree]

2) It is a must (Waajib) to pray Eed al-Fitr Prayer. The Prophet and his Companions never ceased doing it, and they even gathered the people for it including women who were having their menses, children and the elderly. [Bukhaaree and Muslim]

3) It is Sunnah to eat an odd number of dates before we leave for Eed prayer to show that we are not fasting. ” The Prophet used not to leave for Eed Prayer (except) after eating some dates.” [Bukhaaree and Ahmad]

4) It is Sunnah to say Takbeer loudly when leaving our homes to go to Eed Prayer. The Prophet used to say this until he finished the Prayer. [Silsilat Al-ahadeeth As-Sunnah]

5) There is no Hadeeth related to Rasoolullaah as to what should be said when reciting Takbeer on the way to Prayer, but Ibn Mas’ood used to say the following:

Allaahu Akbar Allaahu Akbar
Allaah is The Greatest

Laa Illaha Illallaaha
There is none worthy of worship except Allaah

Allaahu Akbar Allaahu Akbar
Allaah is The Greatest

Wa Lillaahil Hamd
And to Him belongs all Praise

[Reported by Ibn Abee Shaybah]

Please read this link for the full article for the Takbeer of the Eid

6) The Sunnah for Eed Prayers is to pray in the Musallah (that is in an uncovered place) and not in the Masjid. The Prophet never prayed Eed Prayer in the Masjid.

Aboo Sa’eed (RA) reported: ” The Prophet used to go on the day of ‘Eed-al-Fitr and Eed-al-Adhaa to the Musallah, and the first thing he did was to pray.” [Bukhaaree and Muslim]

7) Neither Adhaan nor Iqaamah are pronounced for Eed Prayer. [Muslim]

Ibn Abbaas reported: “The Prophet prayed two Raka’ahs for the Eed prayer and did not pray before it or after it.” [Bukhaaree]

9) Jabir (R) reported: “The Prophet used to come back from ‘Eed-al-Fitr on a path other than the one used in going to it.” [Bukhaaree]

10) It is permitted to listen to songs (without music) on ‘Eed day especially for children. [Bukhaaree and Muslim]

Bid’ahs of ‘Eed

It is Bid’ah (innovation in Deen):

1) To shave the beards especially for ‘Eed. The Prophet has ordered us not to shave our beards; so it is a shame that, on this great day of demonstrating our differences in ceremonies to those of the Mushriks, that some Muslim shaves his beard so that he looks “clean” like the Mushriks.

2) To imitate the Mushriks in their practices and dress, and to shake hands with women. The Prophet said: “It is better that a man is hit with needle on his head than to touch a woman who is not lawful for him.” [Silsilat al-Ahaadeeth as-Sunnah]

3) To listen to music on ‘Eed. The Prophet said: “There will be some in my nation who will regard adultery, men dressing in silk, drinking intoxicants (al-Khamr), and musical instruments to be lawful.” [Bukhaaree, Abu Dawood and Bayhaqee]

4) For women not to wear Hijaab. To do so is to celebrate ‘Eed while committing a major sin.

5) To visit the graveyard especially on Eed. It is permitted to visit the graveyard all year long so we should not make a special case out of it on ‘Eed;

6) To waste money and being extravagant with food instead of giving them to poor.

We ask Allaah (SWT) to help us avoid all Bid’ah and to guide us in following the Sunnah of His Prophet

Peace be upon you(Assalam Allaykum) There is also going to be another new reminder video for the month.

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The month of Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was sent down, a guidance for the people, and clear verses of guidance and criterion. [Quran: Chapter 2, 183]

Ramadan

by

Suheil Laher

It is appropriate that every Muslim should receive the blessed month of Ramadan with repentance, sincerity, resoluteness and earnestness. He/she should make the intention to perform extra acts of devotion and worship therein, including the Night Prayer (qiyam), recitation of Qur’an, and abundant charity to the poor and needy.

On the authority of Anas (may Allah be pleased with him): The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), used to say the following when the month of Rajab began. “Oh Allah! Bless us in Rajab and Sha`ban, and bring us, oh Allah, to Ramadan.” [Narrated by Tabarani and Ahmad]

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) addressed his companions on the last day of Sha`ban, saying, “Oh people! A great month has come over you; a blessed month; a month in which is a night better than a thousand months; month in which Allah has made it compulsory upon you to fast by day, and voluntary to pray by night. Whoever draws nearer (to Allah) by performing any of the (optional) good deeds in (this month) shall receive the same reward as performing an obligatory deed at any other time, and whoever discharges an obligatory deed in (this month) shall receive the reward of performing seventy obligations at any other time. It is the month of patience, and the reward of patience is Heaven. It is the month of charity, and a month in which a believer’s sustenance is increased. Whoever gives food to a fasting person to break his fast, shall have his sins forgiven, and he will be saved from the Fire of Hell, and he shall have the same reward as the fasting person, without his reward being diminished at all.” [Narrated by Ibn Khuzaymah]

In another hadith, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) says, “Ramadan has come to you. (It is) a month of blessing, in which Allah covers you with blessing, for He sends down Mercy, decreases sins and answers prayers. In it, Allah looks at your competition (in good deeds), and boasts about you to His angels. So show Allah goodness from yourselves, for the unfortunate one is he who is deprived in (this month) of the mercy of Allah, the Mighty, the Exalted.” [Narrated by Tabarani]

The preceding hadiths bring attention to readiness and preparation for receiving Ramadan. This is achieved by having a clear understanding of this month in one’s mind, and greeting Ramadan with love and yearning. Also, one should have the determination and intention to perform good deeds and worship, and one should lay down a program to accomplish this in the days of the blessed month.

It is communally obligatory upon the Muslims to seek the crescent at the time of sunset on the 29th day of Sha`ban, and the 29th day of Ramadan, in order to verify the status of the start and end of their fasting. When seeing the crescent, it is sunnah for the Muslim to supplicate with the following supplication, which has been reported from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace).

On the authority of Talhah ibn `Ubaydullah (may Allah be pleased with him): when the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) saw the crescent, he used to say, “Oh Allah! Cause it to appear over us with prosperity, faith (Iman), security and Islam. (Then to the moon My Lord and your Lord is Allah.” [Narrated by Tirmidhi, who said it is a good (hasan) hadith.]

Qatadah said that he was informed that the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) used to say, when seeing the crescent, “A crescent of goodness and orientation, a crescent of goodness and orientation, a crescent of goodness and orientation. (To the moon I believe in Allah who created you.” (Three times), and then he would say, “Praise be to Allah who has taken away such- and-such month and brought such-and-such month.” [Narrated by Abu Dawud]

The month of Ramadan has excellences over the other months, as is testified to by the Qur’an and Sunnah, and out of these we will bring to attention the following virtues:

1. It is the month of the Qur’an, with regards to revelation and study. (“The month of Ramadan is that in which was revealed the Qur’an.” [Qur'an, 2:185]). On the authority of Ibn `Abbas: Angel Gabriel used to meet the Prophet every night in Ramadan and used to study Qur’an with him.

2. It is the month of seclusion. Ibn `Umar said, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) used to seclude himself for the last ten days of the month of Ramadan.”

3. It is the month of generosity. Ibn `Abbas said, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) used to be at his most generous in Ramadan.”

4. It is the month of standing (in voluntary night prayer). On the authority of Abu Hurayrah: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Whoever stands (in voluntary night prayer) during Ramadan, with faith and in expectancy of reward, his previous sins are forgiven him.”

5. It is the month of the compulsory fast, because of Allah’s saying, “So, whoever among you witnesses the month should fast.” [Qur'an, 2:185] A terrible error prevalent among people is to talk about Ramadan just as they talk about the obligation of fasting, as if Ramadan and fasting are synonymous, each carrying the meaning of the other and not anything more nor less. Yet, fasting is one of many acts of worship in Ramadan.

Many reports have been narrated from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) explaining the distinction of Ramadan, of which we have selected the following.

“The month of Ramadan has come to you; a month of goodness and blessing.” [Ibn Khuzaymah]

“The Master of the Months is Ramadan, and the Master of the days is Friday.” [Ibn Khuzaymah]

“Whoever fasted Ramadan with faith and in expectancy of reward, his previous sins are forgiven him.” [Bukhari and Muslim]

“When Ramadan comes, the gates of Heaven are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained.” And in a narration from Nasa’i, the following words are added: “and a caller calls out every night: ‘Oh seeker of Good, draw near! Oh seeker of Evil, desist!’ “

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Truly, in remembering God do hearts find rest. (Quran, 13:28)

On the other hand, the one who turns away from the Quran will have a life of hardship in this world.

God has said:

But whoever turns away from the Quran,1 he will have a hard life, and We will raise him up blind on the Day of Judgment. (Quran, 20:124)

This may explain why some people commit suicide while they enjoy the material comfort money can buy. For example, look at Cat Stevens (now Yusuf Islam), formerly a famous pop singer who used to earn sometimes more than $150,000 a night. After he converted to Islam, he found true happiness and peace, which he had not found in material success.2

Truly, in remembering God do hearts find rest. (Quran, 13:28)

On the other hand, the one who turns away from the Quran will have a life of hardship in this world.

God has said:

But whoever turns away from the Quran,1 he will have a hard life, and We will raise him up blind on the Day of Judgment. (Quran, 20:124)

This may explain why some people commit suicide while they enjoy the material comfort money can buy. For example, look at Cat Stevens (now Yusuf Islam), formerly a famous pop singer who used to earn sometimes more than $150,000 a night. After he converted to Islam, he found true happiness and peace, which he had not found in material success.2

Truly, in remembering God do hearts find rest. (Quran, 13:28)

On the other hand, the one who turns away from the Quran will have a life of hardship in this world.

God has said:

But whoever turns away from the Quran,1 he will have a hard life, and We will raise him up blind on the Day of Judgment. (Quran, 20:124)

This may explain why some people commit suicide while they enjoy the material comfort money can buy. For example, look at Cat Stevens (now Yusuf Islam), formerly a famous pop singer who used to earn sometimes more than $150,000 a night. After he converted to Islam, he found true happiness and peace, which he had not found in material success.2

Allah says in the Qur’an :

“Surely Allah loves those who turn to Him and those who care for cleanliness” (2:22).

1. First make Niyyah (Intention) that you are making Wudu’ for Salah
N.B the place of intention is the heart
and begin saying. “Bismillah..” (In the name of Allah, the most merciful and the most kind).
Wash both hands up to the wrist three times,
making sure that water has reached between the fingers.

2.3,4 rinsed ur mouth and cleaned ur nose with water (three times)

Put a handful of water into your mouth and back it Sniff water into your nostrils three times to clean them and then wash the tip of the nose.

5,6 Wash your face three times from right ear to left ear and from forehead to throat.

7. Wash your right arm and then your left arm thoroughly from wrist up to elbow three times.

( 8 a & b) Move the wet palms over the head from the top of forehead to the back of the head.

9) Pass the wet tips of index fingers into the grooves and holes of both ears and also pass the wet thumbs behind the ears

10. Finally, wash both feet to the ankles starting from the right, making sure that water has reached between the toes and all other parts of the feet.

At the end of the above steps recite:

“Ash-hadu an la ilaha illal lahu wa ash-hadu anna Muammadan ‘abduhu wa rasuluh.”
Meaning: I testify that there si no god but Allah and He is One and has no partner and I also testify that Muhammad is His servant and messenger.

You Should repeat your Wudu after :

1. Natural discharge (e.g. urine, stool, wind and the like)
2. Flow of blood or pus from any part of the body.
3. Full mouth vomiting
4. Falling asleep.

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Al-Ghusl (The Washing Or Bath)

The greater purification, Al-Ghusl, is obligatory when one is defiled as a result of nocturnal emission (or a wet dream),marital intercourse, child birth, or when entering into the fold of Islam.

The procedure is as follows: Begin with the name of Allah as for Wudu.
Wash the hands and the affected parts of the body with water to remove any impurity. Perform Wudu as above.
The wash the whole body three times, using clean water for each wash.

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Tayammum (Dry Ablution)

On certain occasions, it may become either impossible (e.g.. when water cannot be found or just enough for drinking is available), or it is dangerous, because of illness, to use water for Wudu or Al-Ghusl. In such situations, Tayammum (dry ablution) is performed.

The Procedure: Begin with the name of Allah. Strike both palms on sand, or anything containing sand or dust, like a wall or stone etc., against with the palms. Rub the right hand with the left palm from the wrist to the elbowed similarly for the left hand with the right palm. Finish with the Kalimatu Ash-Shahadah as for Wudu.

Having Cleansed yourself by Wudu, you can now proceed to perform Salah. You must have a clean body, a clean place and wear clean clothes before you start offer Salah .

Salah in Islam is a unique institution. It brings man closer to Allah by harmonising his mental attitude with physical posture. In Salah, a Muslim submits himself completely to his creator.

When you are sure that you have fulfilled all the necessary conditions for Salah, you are ready to offer Salat. A detailed account of how to say Salah is given below.

Fig. 1

Say to yourself that you intend to offer his Salah

(Fajr, Zuhr, Asr, Maghrib or Isha) Fardh or Sunnah.

N.B the place of intention is the heart

Then raise your hands to your ears (as in fig. 1)

Saying: Allahu Akbar.(Allah is the greatest).

Figure (2)

Now Placing you right hand on the left, just below, above or on the navel
recite the following:-

Subhanaka Allahum-Ma Wa Bi Hamdika
O Allah, Glorified, praise wothty.

Watabaraka Kamuka Wata’ala Jaddoka
and blessed is Thy name and exalted Thy Majesty

Wa La Ilaha Ghayroka
and there is no deity worthy of worship except Thee.

A’U Zu Bil La Hi Minashaitanir Rajim
I seek refuge in Allah from the rejected satan

Bismi Lah’ir Rahman Ir Rahim

In the Name of Allah, The Beneficient, The Merciful.
After this recite the opening Surah, Al-Fatiha: click Here

Nb:- For Corresponding Arabic Text Refer to Holy Quran
For Recitation Surah Fatiha

Alhamdo Lil Lahi Rab Bil A’lamin
Praise be for Allah, Lord of the Worlds

Ar Rahman Ir Rahim
the Beneficent, the Merciful

Maliki Yaumiddin
Master of the Day of Judgement.

Iyya Ka Na Bu Do Wa Iyya Ka Nas Taeen
Thee alone we worship and to Thee alone we turn for help.

IhDi Nas SiRaTal Mus Ta Qeema
Guide us in the straight path.

Sira Tal La Zina An Amta Alaihim
the path of those whom you favoured

Ghairil Magh Du Bi Alaihim
and who did not deserve Thy anger

Wa Lad Dall Lin (Amin)
or went astray.

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Now recite the following or any other passage from the Holy Qura’n:
For Recitation Surah Ikhlaas click Here

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.

Qul Ho Wal Laho Ahad
Say: Allah is one and the only God.

Allah Hus Sa Mad
Allah, upon whom all depend.

Lam Yalid Wa Lam Yu Lad
He Begets not, nor is he Begotten,

Wa Lam Yak’ul La Hu Kufu Wan Ahad
and there is nothing which can be compared to him.

Fig(3)

Fig(4)

Now Bow down saying:

Allahu Akbar
Allah is the greatest.

Place your hands on your knees and in this inclinde positon (Ruku as shown in fig. 3)

recite these words thrice:

Subha Narab Bi Yal Azim
Glory to my Lord the Great.

Then come to the standing position (fig 4.) Saying:

Sami Allahu Li Man Hami Dah
Allah has heard all who praise Him.

Rab Ba Na Lakal Hamd
Our Lord: Prais be to Thee.

Fig(5)

Fig(6)

Fig(7)

Now Saying “Allahu Akbar”

Prostrate on the ground with your forehead, the knees, the nose & palms of both hands

touching the ground

. In this position (Sajdah – as in fig. 5 repeat these words three times at least

Subhana Rab Bi Yal A’Ala
Glory to my Lord, the most high.

Subhana Rab Bi Yal A’Ala
Glory to my Lord, the most high.

Subhana Rab Bi Yal A’Ala
Glory to my Lord, the most high.

Sit upright with knees still on the ground
after a moments rest perform the second

Sajdah saying:

Allahu Akbar
Allah is the greatest.

In the second sajdah as before recite the following word thrice:

Subhana Rab Bi Yal A’Ala
Glory to my Lord, the most high.

This completes on rakah of Salah.

The second rakah is said in the same way except that after the second Sajdaj you sit back, with the left foot bent towards right, which should be placed vertical to the mat. The palms should be lifted from the mat & placed on the knees.

In this position (Q’adah-as showm in fig. 6 & 7) silently say these words(Tashahhud):

At Ta Ya To Lil Lahi Wa Sala Wato Wa Tay Yi Bato
All prayers & Worship through words, action & sanctity are for Allah only.

As Sa La Mo Alaika Ay Yo Han Na Biy Yo
Peace be on you, O Prophet.

Wa Rah Ma Tul La Hi Wa Bara Ka To Hu
and mercy of Allah and His blessings.

As Salmu Alaina Wa Ala Iba Dil Lahis Saliheen
Peace be on us & on those who are righteous servants of Allah.

Ash Had Du Al La Ilaha Il La Laho
I bear witness tp the fact that there is no diety but Allah.

Wa Ash Ha Du An Na Muhammadan Ab Du Hu
and I bear witness that Muhammad is his slave & messenger.

In a three rakah(i.e. Maghrib) or Four rakah(like Zuhr, Asr & Isha) Salah you stand up for the remaining rakah after Tashahhud. On the other hand if it is a two rakah(Fajr) Salah, keep sitting and after this recite Darood (blessing for the Prophet) in these words.

Allah Hum Sal Li Ala Muhammad Din Wa Al’a Aali Muhammadin
O Allah, Exalt Muhammad & The Followers Of Muhammad.

Ka Maa Sal lay Ta Ala Ibraheema Wa Ala Aali Ibraheema
As Thou did exalt Ibrahim & His Followers

Inna Ka Hameedum Majeed
Thou Art The Praised, The Glourious.

Allah Hum Ma Baa Rik Ala Muhammadin
O Allah, Bless Muhammad

Wa Ala Aali Muhammadin
And His Followers

Ka Maa Ba Rak Ta Ala Ibraheema Wa Ala Aali Ibraheema
As Thou has Blest Ibrahim & His Followers

Inna Ka Hameedum Majeed
Thou Art The Praised, The Glorious

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Then Silently Say:-

Allahumma Inni Zalamtu Nafsi Zulman Kathiran Wa La Yaghfirud Dhunuba Illa Anta Faghfirli Naghfiratan Min ‘Indika Wa Arhamni Innaka Antal Ghafurur Rahim.
This means: “O Aallah, I have been very unjust to myself and none grants pardons against sins but You, therefore, forgive me with Your Forgiveness and have mercy on me. Surely You are the Forgiver, the Merciful.

( fig 8 ) (fig 9)

Now turn your face to the right(as shown in fig 8) saying:-

Asslamo Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah
Peace be on you & Allah’s Blessing

Now turn your face to the left(as shown in fig 9) saying:-

Asslamo Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah
Peace be on you & Allah’s Blessing

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<wasalam Alaykum>__________________