Muslim Voice of India

Assalamu Alykum….

Reminder for Dhulhajja Preparation ::

Please cut your nails, hair, and trim Moustache or beard before 1st Dhul Hijjah i.e before Magrib Azan of  15th or 16th October which ever is 1st Dhul Hijjah according to Islamic calendar if you are giving Qurbani, Or if you are going for Hajj then you can cut your nails and hair any time before Wearing the Ehraam.

Praise be to Allaah – Alhamdulillah..Assalathu vassalamu Ala rasoolillah…  

1. 1.      Fasting the day of ‘Arafah is a supererogatory act. The Prophet Muhammad                         has urged people to fast this day. Abu Qataadah narrated that the Prophet Muhammad was asked about observing the fast on the day of ‘Arafah, he replied: “Arafah’s fasting removes the sins of two years: the last and the coming year.” [Narrated by Muslim, Abu Dawood, aI-Nasaa'e and Ibn Maajah]

1. 2.      It is Sunnah for the Muslim to fast on the first nine days of Dhu’l-Hijjah, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) encouraged us to do righteous deeds in the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah, and fasting is one of the best of deeds, which Allaah has chosen for Himself as it says in the hadeeth qudsi: “Allaah says: ‘All the deeds of the son of Adam are for him, except fasting, which is for Me and I shall reward for it.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1805. 

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to fast on the first nine days of Dhu’l-Hijjah. It was narrated from Hunaydah ibn Khaalid from his wife, that one of the wives of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to fast on the first nine days of Dhu’l-Hijjah and the day of ‘Ashoora’, and three days each month, the first Monday of the month and two Thursdays. Narrated by al-Nasaa’i, 4/205 and by Abu Dawood; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood, 2/462. 

{Fasting the day of ‘Arafah is only for those who are not performing Hajj.}

Among the great seasons of worship are the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah, which Allaah has favoured over other days. It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “There are no days on which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allaah than these ten days.” They said: “Not even jihad for the sake of Allaah?” He said: “Not even jihad for the sake of Allaah, unless a man goes out himself for jihad taking his wealth with him and does not come back with anything.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 2/457 

It was also narrated from Anas (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “There is no deed that is better before Allaah or more greatly rewarded than a good deed done in the (first) ten days of al-Adha.” It was said: “Not even jihad for the sake of Allaah?” He said: “Not even jihad for the sake of Allaah, unless a man goes out himself for jihad taking his wealth with him and does not come back with anything.” Narrated by al-Daarimi, 1/357; its isnaad is hasan as stated in al-Irwa’, 3/398. 

These texts and others indicate that these ten days are better than all other days of the year, with no exception, even the last ten days of Ramadaan. But the last ten nights of Ramadaan are better than the first ten nights of Dhu’l-Hijjah, because they include Laylat al-Qadr, which is better than a thousand months. See Tafseer Ibn Katheer, 5/412. 

So the Muslim should start these days with sincere repentance to Allaah, then he should do a lot of righteous deeds in general, then he should pay attention to doing the following deeds: 

More aspirants of Hajj 2012 got approval, 2612 waitlisted cleared

13-10-2012

As the Hajj pilgrims are continuing to travel to Saudi Arabia from Hyderabad the good news is for those who missed the chance this year. Hajj Committee of AP Chairman Khaleeluddin informed our correspondent that as many as 2612 wait listed prospective pilgrims got a go ahead and he is expecting 800 more by the end of this year’s schedule. The actual quota for AP for Hajj is 5564 but he is expecting that more than 8000 pilgrims will perform Hajj from AP this year. He added that in total 19 Khadims (guide/care takers) are engaged this year from the state for Hajjis care during Hajj. In all 17000 people applied for Hajj this year and in first phase 5564 lucky ones got selected through a computer draw. There were also 1000 cancellations due various reasons. 900 got a chance through different quota.

To a question about new Hajj house as to where and when it will be?, he said that Hajj committee is fully prepared for the relocation but it is waiting for the governments nod, he added that he is not aware of the location as yet but said that they urged the government to have a place identified for Hajj house which should be easily accessible preferably on a main road and near to the new Airport. Mr. Kahleeluddin informed that the present Hajj house is not at all sufficient to cater to the needs of pilgrims and this will become more inadequate when the number of pilgrims will increase in future.

99 Names of Allah – Your Gateway to the Cosmos

Saudi Arabia’s Islamic University said that it has sponsored 2,053 students from more than 130 countries in the new academic year. The university, founded in 1961 to promote Islamic studies, said that it enrolled 168 students born to expatriates working in the Saudi kingdom. “The application process is made online and can be accessed anywhere in the world,” Mohammad Al Aqla, the dean of the university located in Madinah, said. “Three committees in the admission department, an African, an Asian and a European, sift through the applications to check whether the prospective students met all the requirements,” the dean said, quoted by local Arabic daily Al Watan. The distribution of the scholarships is based on the needs of each country to help promote Islam and its values, Al Aqla said. “Once an applicant is admitted, he receives an email informing him about the admission and providing numbers of the visa and the electronic ticket.” Students are given upon their arrival at the university an accommodation bonus and a monthly amount throughout their studies. They have access to free accommodation and bus trips between the campus and the Prophet’s Mosque, meals at a reduced price and annual tickets, Al Aqla said. Educational, social, cultural and recreational activities are sponsored by the students’ service department. “We want the students to help promote the true message of Islam to the international community and spread the culture of moderation,” Al Aqla said. “We want to attract outstanding students and to help them become successful scholars within their societies and remarkable experts who will enrich scholarly research and studies. We also seek to have close cooperation links with educational and scientific institutions throughout the world to better serve humanity,” he said. The Islamic University in Madinah, referred to as “the university on which the sun never sets” because of its global outreach, says it has five faculties: the Faculty of Islamic Law, the Faculty of Islamic Preaching and Theology, the Faculty of the Holy Quran and Islamic Studies, the Faculty of Prophetic Tradition (Hadith) and Islamic Studies and the Faculty of the Arabic Language. The university, on its website, says that it is responsible for the Institute of Arabic Learning for non-Arabic Speakers, the Islamic University High School and Middle School, Dar Al Hadith of Madinah and Dar Al Hadith of Makkah.

It’s been months in the planning. The exotic fabrics specially imported from Dubai, Swarovski crystals of every shape and colour, ready to line a designer abaya to leave you breathless. The fancy cars line the road around the sanctuary. From Aston Martins to BMW’s, Mercedes AMG’s and even the latest Ferrari and Lamborghini glow in the beautiful sunshine. The show of wealth is unmistakable. The music blaring, ahh yes this is the day of Eid…at the notorious Zoo Lake.

It’s been a long month starving yourself from sunrise to sunset. But not in vain, because during the holy month of Ramadan she would have lost a few kilos and the black strapless open back number would be a perfect fit.

During the month, pseudo intellectuals are everywhere to be seen. Dust is wiped off the Quraan that has been lying in the closet for 11 months. The kurtas and abayas are washed and ironed, ready to be donned to create a facade and observe the life of a good Muslim for the holy month.

The masaajid are full and the stranger that has been absent from prayer for the past 11 months occupies the first row of the masjid for 30 days, Subhanallah.In their wake and in the many homes, Quraan is being recited and the respect and benefit of the holy month is reverberated like a mercy showered upon all Muslims.

As the month of Ramdan draws to a close and the night of Eid arrives, Muslims are shining in their faith. The night of Eid is the culmination of the hard work during the month and now Allah (SWT) wants to reward you. A prize giving ceremony if you want to call it that. Lailatul Jaaiza…

But no…They snub Allah (SWT), the masaajid are empty. The Quraan has been packed away for another year. The guys are getting the cabs washed and polished and the gals are instructing the designers (not dressmakers, that’s old fashioned) to put the finishing touches on their newest garments. The devil has been unchained and released…

On the morning of Eid, the beard that was cultivated during Ramadaan gets mercilessly slaughtered. The toppi or Muslim skullcap can’t be found anywhere conveniently of course, because it will flatten the spiky hair the wet look gel is holding in place. The designer kurta is slipped on and they are ready to go!

At the Eid salaah or Eidgah, they stand in the last row so they can make a dash for it and not get stuck in traffic. Time is everything, you see. Thereafter a trip to the graveyard to pay respects to the loved ones.

Then its breakfast time. People have a huge family gathering for this. They all rock up at Uncle Bhai Gora’s house for a breakfast of note. The cornflakes, eggs, orange juice, toast and fruit are substituted for roast chicken, lamb roast, puree (glorified roti), coke and fruit punches. The tea is also served with catalogue-designer biscuits.

Then the rest of the morning is engaged in panchaat (gossip) and minor ghibat (backbiting) with the family. How ironical, you abstain for 30 days to blow it in a day. That’s the price of ignorance these days. Then comes lunch….

Normally at nani’s or dadi’s house. The richest saffron chicken biryani known to man is served. Bear in mind you ate like a glutton 3 hours before, now you have to indulge in this.

After lunch, the devil has got back in his routine of misleading and he’s ready to unleash a master plan he was devising while confined.

Firstly it is not custom or religious tradition to be in or around water on this day. Yet it’s a make believe tradition that has been ingrained in superficial values of the Muslims by the conniving West.

Girls wearing outfits, Lady Gaga will be shy to walk outdoors with and guys all shining in their Armani jeans and brand new Nike sneakers from the Plaza.The cars are another story. All shining and reminiscent of some the exotics featured on Top Gear. Engines revving, music blaring and the vivid mingling of males and females. All this approximately 15 hours after the blessed month of Ramadan.

A letter by an anonymous person clearly illustrates the despicable behaviour:

“I’m not sure if I’m the only one to notice this, but our Muslim girls and boys are starting to look less like Muslims. Focusing more on the girls, the western world has taken them over completely.

“The skirts are getting shorter, the tops are becoming more and more see through, and I see the new fashion is now a type of “top” that looks like a bra, what is that?

“I wasn’t born into a Muslim home, no, it was Christian.  But when I see how the Muslim girls dress when we go to town or for a family function and I look at myself, my husband and some of the older people, then I wonder what will become of the youth?  Why is it only a certain hand full of people that still wear cloak and scarf?

“Even when the girls do wear the so-called long tops, it sits so tight that you can see their whole figure and it’s got no sleeves.  And to top it off the mother and father don’t see anything wrong with what their daughter is wearing!  O ya, and the scarf is used as a “jacket” for in case they feel cold.”

Is this right?  In my opinion no, but I’m just one person. Maybe there is more that think the same, maybe not?

Indeed it is sad that some Muslims can revert to a life of immoral behaviour after such an auspicious month. Furthermore their indoctrination by western ideological habits and ideas is clearly evident when they utter words like this:

Fazlin said going to Zoo Lake was about “relaxing” and “meeting people after spending a whole month indoors”.

But for Shafiek the Zoo Lake trip is about more than flashy clothes. “We are here to meet our future wives,” he joked, adding that he and his friends used the opportunity to check out the girls.

Every year the same message goes out with the fervent hope that someone, be it even one person, can be saved from emulating the Kuffaar in their ways and celebrating Eid in a way far befitting how our beloved Rasulullah (SAW) and the Sahaabah (RA) spent their days.

Every Muslim has to regard themselves as personally responsible for all the happenings around them and to strive for the establishment of right from wrong.

Can we really say we have love for the beloved Prophet of Allah when we do not even feel a little at the way he lived his life, the way he ate, the way he fasted, the way he dressed?

You need to ask yourself one question. Will Rasulullah (SAW) recognise us on the plains of reckoning? The time has come for us to seek guidance, for the era of going at it alone has passed. Seek advice from those who know before it’s too late.