Dhikr: Takbeer, Tasbeeh & Tahmeed

Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Raheem --In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

      In Islam, we learn many things every day, and probably if you are a revert to Islam or a new baby to Islam you might not know what I recently learned: the difference between takbeer, tasbeeh, and tahmeed...Everytime I would attend an Islamic lecture or gathering, one of the members would say: "Takbeer!", to which a chorus would reply: "Allahu Akbar" and I would find it fascinating but I never payed attention or would associate the term takbeer with being an Islamic terminology. MashAllah!! So, InshaahAllah, to help us enhance our vocabulary, here are 3 terminologies from the "Islamic Dictionary":

1. Takbeer: to say Allahu Akbar 
Allahu Akbar is the best way to Exalt Allah.  It means "Allah is the Greater or the Greatest" and in the Qur'an (Surah Israa, Ayah 111) says:  “and glorify Him with a great glorification”. 
      In fact, there is a deeper meaning to “Allahu Akbar” because it’s not just Allahu Akbar, it is : 
Allahu akbaru min kulli shay’in 
which means: 
Allah is greater than everything. 

So when we say Allahu Akbar, we are implying this whole phrase!!



2. Tasbeeh: to say SubhanAllah
SubhanAllah is another way to Exalt Allah and it means Glory be to Allah.  The word is composed by Subhan and Allah.  The word Subhan means to glorify, praise, magnify, extol Allah, by tongue or by heart but by saying Glory be to Allah (in English) we are just translating and doesn't include the complete meaning of the word in Arabic, which includes: 

1. To say He has no flaw in His Perfection, that He is Far above any imperfection.

2. He is far above and beyond any similarity to His Creation.

3. He is free from and above all kinds of association and any un-divine attributes.

When we do tasbeeh, we negate any flaw and we affirm all perfection in Allah Subhana Wa Ta'ala.

3. Tahmeed: to say Alhamdulillah
Alhamdulillah is another great way to exalt Allah.  It is a reverence that means 'All praise is due to Allah.'  We should say Alhamdulillah when we sneeze, when we wake up and all the time.  If you are good: Alhamdulillah! If you are not that good: Alhamdulillah! because thanks to Allah subhana wa ta'ala and His great mercy is that we are alive.  


Allah says,
Therefore remember Me, I will remember you, and be thankful to Me, and do not be ungrateful to Me. (2:152)


-- When you so Dhikr (rememberance of Allah) it is good to do takbeer 33 times, tasbeeh 33 times and tahmeed 33 times for a total of 99 times (Allah also has 99 qualities, subhanAllah). The we can close it saying "La Ilaha Illah-Allah" which means “None has the right to be worshiped except Allah.”




Til next time, InshaahAllah (God willing)!
Salam, Kiria


You can check out the following link to read some great invocations:
http://www.duas.org/Misc/invocation.htm

Some benefits of Ramadan

Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Raheem --In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

“… Observing al-sawm (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become al-muttaqoon (the pious).” [al-Baqarah 2:183] 

     


       The Holy month of Ramadan will be, InshaahAllah, a month full blessings and as Muslims we should make the best of it.  I want to share some benefits of this month, not without stating that it's Allah's decree and His commandment for us to fast... and that, by itself, is more than enough. MashAllah!

Benefits of Ramadan

-Physical body -- It has been proven that fasting lowers one's blood glucose and insulin level, and helps for weight control (if we don't abuse at Iftar).  Total fasting also reduces or eliminates hunger and causes rapid weight loss.

-Purification of the heart ♥ -- Through fasting, we experience hunger and thirst, and sympathize with those who have little to eat every day, and it is through charity that we develop feelings of generosity and good-will toward others. The Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu alayhi wa salam) once said, "A man's wealth is never diminished by charity."  

♥Ramadan cleanses the heart♥!!

- Self-Control -- During Ramadan we practice self-control, and through self control we practice good manners, good speech, good habits, good deeds, and we can even build up healthier relationships and better lifestyles! Alhamdulillah!

-Fasting gives us an Iman boost! -- Through prayers and increased devotion, we feel closer to our Creator, and we recognize that everything we have in this life is a blessing from Him.  We pray even more and we are more conscious of the things that we usually take for granted, and this take us to re-evaluate ourselves. SubhanAllah!

And most important: WE ARE OBEYING ALLAH and we state that we are His slaves.  Allahu Akbar!

Till next time, InshaahAllah! Allah bless you! Asalamo Alaikum :)

Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Raheem --In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Health Tips for Ramadhan
   If this is your first time fasting or just need some guidance, these are good tips for fasting during the Holy month of Ramadhan or throughout the whole year, InshaahAllah (God willing).






   Considering the long hours of fasting, the first thing we should incorporate to our diet (Iftar and suhoor**) is slow digesting foods (complex carbs).  This is because these kinds of food last up to 8 hours in your body, while fast digesting foods last for only 3 to 4 hours.  Slow digesting foods contain grains and seeds and fast burning foods contain sugar, white flour, among others (called refined carbs). 


 Examples of slow digestive foods : 


Whole grain cereals , brown rice, whole wheat, barley, oats, millet, buckwheat, rye, corn, bulgur, popcorn, squash, whole wheat pasta, yam, cassava, manioc, potatoes, carrots, bananas, beans, Nuts, fruits with skin, vegetables, and high protein foods.  


 Another important tip is to drink lots of water during the permissible hours (especially betweet Iftar and bedtime). You can also drink fruit juices but keep an eye on their sugars and calories.  Not because you have been fasting all day long that gives you the green light to neglect yourself.  


XXXPLEASE, AVOIDXXX

Fried and fatty foods, foods containing too much sugar (too many sweets), Over-eating (believe it or not even if you are fasting, you will gain weight if you over eat and of course you won't feel comfortable when praying or you will have heartburn), and Smoking cigarettes (besides being an expensive addiction, it is unhealthy and will make you feel exhausted all day long).  You should also avoid drinking too much tea at suhoor. Tea makes you pass more urine taking with it valuable mineral salts that your body would need during the day.

Hope InshaahAllah this will help with your fasting. Ramadhan Mubarak!

These are some blogs and articles you can read about Tips for Ramadhan: 

99 Tips to Help Kids Fast during Ramadan
Ten Tips for Ramadhan
Ramadan Marathon! Are You Ready? Psychological Approach to Achieving Your Goals
A Minor Memoir: Ten Tips for Ramadan

    

**Iftar: breaking fast, suhoor: meal before at dawn/before fast.

Ramadan: what Is RAMADAN?

        Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and it is a month of peace, love, self-evaluation and blessings.
        Ramadan is considered one of the most important months of the Islamic calendar because it is the month in which the first verses of the Holy Qur'an were revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) by God through the Angel Gabriel.
        During this month, Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, and other worldly activities such as bad habits (i.e. smoking, gossiping, backbiting, etc) and sexual intercourse from sunrise to sunset.

“Purity of both thoughts and actions is important.”

        The main purpose of fasting is to cleanse the inner soul and free it from harm.  That is why Islam also teaches to practice self-discipline, self-control, sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate, encouraging actions of generosity and charity [Zakat (previously discussed)]. 

        We should make peace with those who have wronged us and strengthen ties with family and friends… basically we clean up our lives, our thoughts, and our feelings.  Every part of the body must be restrained:  the tongue must be restrained from backbiting and gossip. The eyes must restrain from looking at unlawful things. The hand must not touch or take anything that does not belong to it. The ears must refrain from listening to idle talk or obscene words. The feet must refrain from going to sinful places. In such a way, every part of the body observes the fast.  As a result, fasting is not only physical, but is rather the total commitment of the person's body and soul to the spirit of the fast.

Prayer and reading of the Qur'an

            Besides fasting, Muslims are encouraged to read the entire Qur'an (which is not impossible if well-planned). Some Muslims perform the recitation of the entire Qur'an by means of special prayers, called Taraweeh, which are held in the masjid (mosques) every night of the month. These prayers are not required but they are recommended. 

Ramadan is a time to practice self-restraint; a time to cleanse the body and soul from impurities and re-focus one's self on the worship of God.

 How to break fast?

    Iftar, or the fast-breaking meal, occurs at sunset. The meal starts with 3 dates which is what Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to do. Then we pray Maghrib (the fourth daily prayer) and we sit and eat with family and friends or however might be your situation.

Laylat al-Qadr

     Muslims believe that Laylat al-Qadr is the night in which the Qur'an was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). We don’t know the exact day but it is believed to have occurred on an odd-numbered night during the last 10 days of Ramadan.  During these days prayers and worship are increased.  Some stay overnight praying in congregation since it is very rewarding for us. 

Eid-Al-Fitr

     Known as the fast-breaking festival that marks the end of the fasting period of Ramadan, and the first day of the following month.
     During this day, everyone puts on their best, usually new, clothes; and collective prayers are held in the early morning.  The prayer is two raka'ah (cycle) only and it is extremely recommendable. It is a great celebration! 

Ramadan 2012 - July 20
Eid al-Fitr - August 19

*salat means prayer

Sometimes Allah send people to our lives for a purpose. Some stay forever... some for a short period of time.

Being Muslim Class: The Pilgrimage to Makkah (Hajj) and other components of Worship

The Pilgrimage to Makkah (Hajj) 

It is a requirement in a Muslim’s life, if you are physically and economically able.

Holiest Sanctuaries:

•  Makkah (Mecca)
•  Madina (Prophet’s Mosque)
•  Mosque Aqsa in Jerusalem    

Convergence of 3 things:

1. Sacred time – The time of pilgrimage is sacred.
2. Sacred Space – Special blessings.  In Mecca deeds (whether good or bad) are multiplied 100,000 times. [InshAllah they will all be good – MashAllah! Isn’t this great!?]
3. Sacred rituals – The sacred acts

"All Muslims must work towards accomplish Hajj."

 State of Inviolability (Ihram)

• Time à Dhū al-Ḥijja — ذو الحجّة    (12^th Lunar month)

• Conscious intentions à there are different check points to make Ghusl, and everybody stand side by side as equal. 

Pilgrimage Rites

• Essence of Hajj: Declaration of believing in Allah’s oneness.

Labbaika la shareeka laka labbaik. Innal hamda wal ni’matha laka wal mulk, laa shareeka lak.

Here I am, O Allah, at Your service; here I am at Your service. Here I am at Your service. You have no partner. All praise, all favors and all power are Yours alone. You have no partner.

• Circling of the Ka'aba –  is counter-clockwise (7 circles) 

• As-Safaa and Al-Marwa – tread between these two mountains 7 times.   This symbolizes the balance between hope and fear, and the obedience to Allah.

• Mount Arafa – This is the MOST important event of the pilgrimage. It occurs on the 9^th day of the pilgrimage (Dhū al-Ḥijja 9 ).

"Fasting the Day of 'Arafah expiates the sins of the past year and the subsequent one. And fasting the Day of 'Aashooraa' expiates the sins of the past year."

• Mina – Collect pebbles and throw them to the 3 stoning Pillars.  This act symbolizes a re-declaration war to the devil

• Eid Al-Adha – Celebration! Festival of Sacrifice commemorates the willingness of Abraham (Ibrahim) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God, before God intervened to provide him with a sheep— to sacrifice instead.

*After this, men and women trim their hair.

The Black Stone: Heavenly stone, brought by Gabriel. It is located in the Eastern corner of Kabbah. 

"It is like a ring to a king"

Once Hajj is performed, you will return home as a newborn baby. Alhamdulillah!

 Other components of Worship

Voluntary actions – The reward is immense!  There are different acts of worship and different rewards for each of them. 

Some volunteering acts are:

Prayers

• Sunnah prayers

• Taraweeh prayers – These consist of 20 rak’a after the fardh and sunnah of ‘Isha during the month of Ramadan. It is performed in congregation.

• Eid prayers – 2 rak’a in congregation

• Nite ritual prayers/ devotional prayers – These are performed after the last rak’a of ‘Isha.  They are important throughout the whole year but they are specially rewarded in Ramadan.

Voluntary fasting

• The Three White Days: 13^th, 14th, 15th of each lunar month

• Mondays and Thursdays

• First 9 days of Pilgrimage month

• Day of Ashoora

• First 10 days of Muharram (first month of the Islamic calendar)

Zadaka

Voluntary charity.  God will reward you 70 times more.

Umrah

This is the lesser pilgrimage.

Other kinds of Volunteering Acts

Supplication (Du'a)  

"Call upon me and I will surely answer."

• Face the Qibla
• Raise your hands 
• send blessings to the Prophet (SAWS)
• Praise Allah -- using some of his names. 
• Close your Du'a sending blessings to the Prophet

Seek for guidance, qualities... anything!

  

 Invocation (Dhikr)

Alhamdulillah

SubhanAllah

Allahu Akbar

La Ilaha IllAllah

Astaghfirullah

This is an action of tongue and heart.  It purifies your heart and it should be an essential component of every Muslim's life.  It is the remembrance of God. 

Being Muslim Class: The Purifying Charity & Ramadān

The purifying charity (Zakat)

Designated by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

Why?

It is our responsibility as a society and it purifies each individual’s wealth.

How much?

• 2.5% of your wealth – One full lunar year with your wealth not decreased.
•  595 grams of silver or 85 grams of gold ($4,700 approximately)
• You can also count your wealth as stocks, mutual funds, houses, among others.

Who are the eligible recipients?

ü Those who are endangered of dying.

ü Poor (below poverty line)

ü Military supply (justly)

ü To free slaves

ü Those who are distributing the zakat

ü People who are in debt (example: school, hospital debt)

ü Recent converts to Islam

ü Stranded travelers (don’t have enough to return home)

Ramadān

4^th pilar à 9^th month of the Islamic calendar

Lunar Calendar vs. Solar Calendar
29-30 days	30-31 days
Devotional purposes	Non-related to worship/ business transactions
When the new crescent is visible, a new month starts
New day starts at sunset

Themes of Ramadān

• Prayer – Last 10 days are extremely important but we have to pray (more) during the whole month.
•  Study & recitation of Qur’an – It is encouraged to read the entire Qur’an during this month.
• Charity & generosity – We have to be extra generous during this month.
• Fasting – Abstaining from eating, drinking and sexual relations.

Fasting (sawm)

Preparation for the fast

• Intention – most important
• Pre-dawn meal (suhur) – dates & water (before and after)
• Duration – from Fajr till Maghrib

** Avoid smoking, using eye drops, nasal sprays and anything that can eventually end up in your stomach **

Spiritual Side  

•     Obedience to Allah
•           Spiritual fast – not to look at things that God made forbidden
•          Abstain from speech that harms (lying, backbiting, foul language)
•          Be especially careful with what we are doing; be more kind and special.

Exceptions of fasting

´      Menstruation or post-partum bleeding (women)

´      Fear that your health might be harm

´      If traveling more than 48 miles (for the day of traveling)

´      Very elderly

´      Pregnant woman

´      Mother who is breast feeding

** Have to make-up before the next Ramadan comes. **

Eid – Festival of breaking the fast

• Forbidden to fast during this day (Haram)
• It is required to pay Zakat-al-Fitr before the Eid prayer.
• Wear your best outfit
• Celebrate the bounty of God! :)