Tuesday, 27 November 2012


Aug 18, '10 12:55 PM
for everyone
Imam Sajjad (a) Welcomes the Month of Ramadhan

Praise be to Allah, who ordained this month, the month of Ramadhan, the month of fasting, the month of Islam, the month of purity, the month of purification, and the month of prayers. In this month the Qur'an was made to descend as a guidance to mankind and contains clear instructions and distinctions. He gave this month superiority over all other months by giving it abundant honor and dignity. He prohibited in it what He has allowed in other months in order to exalt it, and forbade in it food and drink in order to honor it.O Lord! Bless Muhammad and his family, and inspire us to know this month's excellence, and to honor its dignity, and to abstain from whatever You have forbidden in it. Help us to observe its fast, by restraining our limbs from disobeying You, and by employing them in that which would please You, so that we may not lend our ears to any vain speech, and may not direct our eyes, hands and feet towards anything forbidden, and that nothings fills our stomachs except what You have made lawful, and our tongues may not utter anything except what You have allowed.
O Lord! Bless Muhammad and his family, and give us grace to perform timely the five prayers with due regard to their limits which You have enjoined, and the rites which You have prescribed. In this respect, raise us to the rank of those who performed them with success, who duly observed their essential points, who always performed them at proper times, in most perfect and complete humility according to the rules laid down by Your Prophet, may You blessings be on him and his family.
And our Lord, give us grace in this month, to show favors to our relations, and do good to them, and to take care of our neighbors and do good to them, to take care of our neighbors with kindness and benevolence, to purge our property of obligations, and purify it by giving charity, and to call back those who have left us, and be just to those who were unjust to us, and make pace with those who were hostile to us.
O Lord! Erase our sins with the disappearance of this month's crescent, and free us from our penalties with the completion of its days, so that the month may pass from us while You have cleansed us of our guilts, and freed us from our sins. O Lord! Fill this month with our worship of you alone, and adorn its moments with our service to You, and help us in the daytime to observe the fast, and at night to pray and beseech You, help us to humble ourselves before you and lower ourselves in Your presence.

Aug 18, '10 12:46 PM
for everyone
To be successful, we have to manage our time wisely by making plans for virtuous deeds that please Allah the Almighty. We must spend time learning Islam based on the Qur'an and the Sunnah.


Opportunity is something which is quick to vanish and late to return. Imam Hassan Al-Mujtaba (AS)
Another Year Passes By and Time Marches On
O ye who believe! Fear Allah, and let every soul look to what (provision) He has sent forth for the morrow. Yea, fear Allah: for Allah is well-acquainted with (all) that ye do. Qur'an (59:18)
Another year has passed; minutes move into hours => into days => into weeks => into months => into years - seemingly faster than ever; yet every moment is a precious component of life and every moment counts.
Time - Use it, do not abuse it
Our attitude towards time indicates our attitude towards the value of the capital of life. If we want to purchase something, we require financial capital; and if we want to do something in life, we require the capital of life, time. That is why the Qur'an exhorts us to value the time we have before life is up. Qur'an (63:10)
Realize that...
  • Time is the measure of life, time is an amaanah (trust), time is a gift from the Creator and its proper use will determine our outcome for eternity.
  • We are born in time, live in time and die in time; time is the ambit within which we operate. What we do with time is what we do with our lives.
  • Each one must realize that every moment that passes by is an opportunity gone, used or abused; never to return. Soon time will be up and we'll have to leave this physical world and give account for our lives.
  • The more we remind ourselves of the responsibility of the present the better we get at living the moment and the better we live the present moment the better the consequence for the future.
Our attitude towards the future influences our mind-set towards the rest of life. Being positive about life ahead is among life's greatest motivators. Hope is the best attitude one can harbor towards the future; this realistic expectation that something good or better could/will happen if only we continue doing the best we can. Remember that today well-lived makes yesterday a dream of happiness and every tomorrow a vision of hope.
Wise are the words of the one who said ... "I expect to pass through this world but once; any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now; let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again."
"O Allah! Make life a means for every dimension of goodness." [Prayer of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH)]
The Characteristics of Time
We are to bear in mind that time has certain characteristics, among of which are the following:
  1. Time passes quickly.
  2. Time that passes can never return, nor can it be compensated for, for time is irretrievable.
  3. Time is the most precious thing that man possesses.
Muslim's Duty towards Time:
Having all this great value and importance, time is to be duly appreciated and managed. In Islam there is no room for slogans like the so-called "killing time", for in Islam time is really valuable. In fact, wasting time is much more dangerous than squandering property, because unlike property, time cannot be compensated. Free time is a blessing that is overlooked, and not wholly appreciated by many people.
This indicates that it's very important for a Muslim to try his utmost to husband his time and make the best use of it in beneficial things. A Muslim may use portion of his time in making invocations and supplications, celebrating the praises of Allah. The Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), used to supplicate: "O Allah! I seek refuge in You from sorrow and distress, and I seek refuge in You from disability and laziness."
A Muslim should learn how to organize his time, and make a realistic plan for his worldly and religious duties, without any of them overlapping the other. That is to say that one should know how to arrange his priorities: the most important and the most urgent comes first, and carried out according to schedule. Organizing time also includes leaving a place for relaxation and entertainment, for 'all work and no play make Jack a dull boy.'
One of the methods of managing his time properly is for a Muslim to get up early and sleep early, for early hours always yield great blessings. Starting his day with prayer and the supplication of the morning brings the Muslim Allah's grace. A Muslim should always bear in mind that every time has its own task that suits it. Doing tasks in their due times brings about peace of mind and comfort.
Finally, we would like to cite the following Hadith of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), quoting from the Book of Ibrahim, peace be upon him: "A sane person, unless he is mindless, should have four hours: an hour to invoke to his Lord, an hour to count his own deeds, an hour to contemplate about the creation of Allah and an hour to satisfy his worldly needs."
Verily, time is very important for our success both in this temporary world and the eternal world to come. If we waste time, if we abuse it, then we waste and abuse our lives. In the Life Hereafter we will be among the losers, who will suffer the torments in the Hell Fire, if Allah the Almighty will not forgive us. Therefore, if we really give value to our lives then, we must give due value to the importance of time.
In general, sensible people know the importance of time.
Imagine there is a bank which credits your account each morning with $86,400. It carries over no balance from day to day, allow you to keep no cash balance, and every evening cancels whatever part of the amount you had failed to use during the day.
What would you do? Draw out every cent, of course!
Well, everyone has such a bank. Its name is TIME. Every morning, it credits you with 86,400 seconds. Every night it writes off, as lost, whatever of this you have failed to invest to good purpose.
It carries over no balance. It allows no overdraft. Each day it opens a new account for you. Each night it burns the remains of the day. If you fail to use the day's deposits, the loss is yours.
There is no going back. There is no drawing against the "tomorrow". You must live in the present on today's deposits. Invest it so as to get from it the utmost in health, happiness and success! The clock is running. Make the most of today.
To realize the value of ONE YEAR, ask a student who has failed a grade.
To realize the value of ONE MONTH, ask a mother who has given birth to a pre-mature baby.
To realize the value of ONE WEEK, ask an editor of a weekly newspaper.
To realize the value of ONE DAY, ask a daily wage laborer who has kids to feed.
To realize the value of ONE HOUR, ask the lovers who are waiting to meet.
To realize the value of ONE MINUTE, ask a person who has missed the train.
To realize the value of ONE SECOND, ask a person who has avoided an accident.
To realize the value of ONE MILLI-SECOND, ask the person who has won a silver medal in the Olympics.

Treasure every moment that you have! And treasure it more because you shared it with someone special, special enough to spend your time ... and remember that time waits for no one. . .
Yesterday is history, tomorrow a mystery, today is a gift, that's why it's called the present!
Aug 18, '10 12:27 PM
for everyone
Recitation of the Holy Qur'an has many benefits. The following Hadith illustrate some of these benefits:
  • Illuminate your homes by reciting the Holy Qur'an . . for if the Holy Qur'an is recited frequently in a house, it brings blessings for the family, and the house will give light to those in Heaven as the stars of Heaven give light to those on the earth.
    Holy Prophet (s)
  • The heart gathers rust like iron. Remove this rust by the recitation of the Qur'an.
    Holy Prophet (s)
  • Whoever derives pleasure from the recitation of Qur'an, will not be depressed by the departure of friends.
    Imam Ali (a)
Aug 18, '10 12:23 PM
for everyone
One who while fasting does not guard his tongue from telling lies and does not refrain from bad deeds, is not respecting his fast. Allah does not approve of mere abstention from food.
Holy Prophet (s)

When you are fasting, you should not speak ill of anybody, nor should you be rough and noisy. If anybody speaks ill of you or tries to pick a quarrel with you, reply him not, but say to him that you are fasting.
Holy Prophet (s)


A person gets the same reward by reciting in this month, one verse of the Holy Qur'an, as others do by reciting the whole of the Qur'an in other months.
Holy Prophet (s)


The day of your fast should not be like any ordinary day. When you fast, all your senses - eyes, ears, tongue, hands and feet must fast with you.
Imam Ja`far as-Sadiq (a)


O Jabir! Whoever during the month of Ramadhan, fasts in its days, stands up for prayers in parts of the night, controls his desires and emotions, puts a rein on his tongue, keeps his eyes down, and does not injure the feelings of others, will become as free of sins as the day he was born.
Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a)


The sleep of a fasting person is worship, his silence is glorification (of Allah), his prayers are answered and his actions are multiplied.
Imam Ali (a)


The prayer of a fasting person at the time of Iftar is never rejected
Imam Ali (a)


Whoever is prevented from food that he likes, because of his fast, Allah will feed him from the food of Heaven and from its drink.
Holy Prophet (s)
Aug 18, '10 12:10 PM
for everyone
Whosoever performs a recommended prayer in this month Allah will keep the fire of Hell away from him... and whoever performs an obligator prayer Allah will reward him with seventy prayers [worth] in this month.  And who so ever prays a lot during this month will have his load lightened on the day of measure.  He who recites one verse of the holy Qur'an will be given the rewards of reciting the hole Qur’an during other months.

O People! Indeed during this month the doors of heaven are open, therefore ask Allah not to close them for you; The doors of hell are closed, so ask Allah to keep them closed for you. During this month Shaitan (Satan) is imprisoned so ask your Lord not to let him have power over you."
Aug 18, '10 12:09 PM
for everyone
One who has good morals (Akhlaq) during this month will be able to pass the ‘Siraat’...on the day that feet will slip...One who covers the faults of others will benefit in that Allah will curb His anger on the day of Judgement... As for one who honours an orphan; Allah will honour him on the Day of Judgment,  And for the one who spreads his kindness, Allah will spread His mercy over him on the Day of Judgment. As for the one who cuts the ties of relation; Allah will cut His mercy from him...

Aug 18, '10 12:07 PM
for everyone
O People! One who gives Iftaar to a fasting person during this month will be like one who has freed someone and his past sins will be forgiven.
Some of the people who were there then asked the Prophet (s): "Not all of us are able to invite those who are fasting?"
The Prophet (s) replied:
"Allah gives this reward even if the Iftaar (meal) is a drink of water.
Aug 18, '10 12:05 PM
for everyone
O People! Indeed your souls are dependant on your deeds, free it with Istighfar (repentance), lighten its loads by long prostrations; and know that Allah swears by His might: That there is no punishment for the one who prays and prostrates (in this month) and he shall have no fear of the fire on the day when man stands before the Lord of the worlds.
 
Aug 18, '10 11:40 AM
for everyone

Rasulullah (s) said Yazeed will destroy my religion


 Al Bidayah Volume 8 page 231 Dhikr Yazeed:
Justice shall rule my Ummah until the first individual who shall destroy my Deen, from the Banu Ummayaa his name shall be Yazeed.

Yes, imam of the Nawasib Yazeed is accused of destroying the Deen by the Holy Prophet (saws) himself. I say we destroy the Deen of the Nasibis. Their Deen is different to that of other Muslims, Shia or Sunni.
Aug 18, '10 11:38 AM
for everyone
Ibn Kathir states:

"Abu Said al Khudri narrates that he heard Rasulullah (s) say after 60 Hijri undeserving people shall ignore prayers and enter the deepest part of Hell".

This hadith is also a condemnation of Yazeed since he became the Leader immediately after 60 Hijri. 
Aug 18, '10 3:41 AM
for everyone
This park was gazetted as a national park in 1890. It is world famous for its rugged terrain, waterfalls, and century-old pine trees. It covers 1200 sq km and the "fire" waterfall of El Capitan is one of the most spectacular of all scenery.

The spectacular view of the waterfall is created by the reflection of sunlight hitting the falling water at a specific angle. This rare sight can only be seen during a 2-week period towards the end of February. To photograph this rare event, photographers would often have to wait and endure years of patience in order to capture them. The reason is because its appearance depends on a few natural phenomenons occuring at the same time and lots of luck.

1st, is the formation of the waterfall - the water is formed by the melting of snow and ice at the top of the mountain. It melts between the months of December and January and by the end of February there might not have enough snow left to melt.

2nd, is the specific angle of the sunray hitting the falling water - the sun's position must be exactly at a particular spot in the sky. This occurs only in the month of February and at dusk. If it is a day full of clouds or something blocking the sun, you can only take pictures of your own sorry face on the waterfall. It coincides with the fact that the weather in the National Park at that time of the year is often volatile and unpredictable. It compounds the difficulty of getting these pictures.

Someone did - and we all get to see it - enjoy






















Soli Deo gloria - to God alone be glory
Aug 18, '10 3:06 AM
for everyone
Community Alert: Humanitarian Disaster in Pakistan; 1/3 of Country Flooded; Minimal Aid Has Been Given
From:
Islamic Information Center <iic@islamicinformationcenter.org>
View Contact
To:abbasalamdar@yahoo.com

(WASHINGTON DC -- AUGUST 17, 2010) This is an emergency community alert. A third of Pakistan is now under water, and fresh rainfall threatens two more waves of flooding in the southern Sindh province. Your help is needed to help resolve an already in progress humanitarian disaster. Please donate to Imamia Medics International, an officialUnited Nations recognized organization, that is working to bring medical relief and supplies to those most in need, by clicking here. IMI is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization, so all of your donations are tax deductible.
BBC map
Courtesy BBC
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has expressed deep sorrow during his visit to flood-hit areas of Pakistan. He also asked the international community to hurry in its supply and distribution of aid.
A heart-wrenching day for me and for my delegation” said Ban Ki-moon. “I will never forget the destruction and sufferings I have witnessed today,… In the past I have visited scenes of many natural disasters around the world, but nothing like this. The scale of this disaster is so large and there are so many people in so many places in so much need.” Ban Ki-moon also made a helicopter flight over four districts of Punjab, the worst affected region, considered the granary of the country, now reduced to a swamp, with crops totally destroyed.
The United Nations is now calling for nearly half a billion dollars in international aid for Pakistan, in the face of a weird resistance on the part of the world community to step up and help. When Pakistan faced a relatively minor security threat from a small guerrilla movement of Pakistani Taliban in the northwest, the world community ponied up billions in aid. This much more devastating flood is not generating the same enthusiasm for helping the country.
Aljazeera English has video on the disappointment in the Pakistani public at the government’s failure to distribute aid in a timely way and efficiently, and at Pakistani President Zardari’s trips abroad. As Pakistan’s massive flooding continues, Some 500,000 people have been forced to evacuate the Sindhi city of Jacobabad, suddenly finding themselves homeless. Ordinarily this sort of catastrophe would be news in itself, but with 4 million or so Pakistanis displaced, it is just one more piece of bad news. In one area of Sindh, 25,000 villages are under water and 1.6 million people have been marooned.
ITN Reports that much of Pakistan now lacks clean water, a major public health dilemma that could especially harm infants. 
Imamia Medics International responded immediately to the disaster and opened the first emergency medical relief clinic on August 2, 2010. Within days, they expanded to operate eight medical camps across Punjab—including in Shahpur, Haji Shah, Naushera, Qasimabad/Sahiwal, Rajanpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, Chuk #1160-DDA Layyah. Each of these camps is operating 24 hours a day, with 2-3 medical doctors and 2-3 volunteers on hand, and averages between 300-500 patients daily. Additional camps are being planned in Sindh: Khairpur, Dadu, and Sukkur. With our robust network of local staff and partners already on the ground -- and years of experience responding to emergencies inPakistan – IMI is well-positioned to help families in dire need. 
Aug 18, '10 3:02 AM
for everyone
PLS SEE ATTACHED SLIDE SHOW - VERY INTERESTING
Attachment: Good Deeds.pps
Free Education Universities for International Students Worldwide

Free education universities simply entail universities that don't charge schools fees to the students. These free tuition universities can be grouped into two - free education universities for citizens and free education universities for foreigners.

1. Free education universities for citizens - Some countries offer free tuition to the citizens. This can be found in most industrialized countries like the USA and most parts of Europe. In this category, international students are required to pay exorbitantly to enter these universities. Other ways these universities help the students are through student grant, aid and scholarship programs. In this case, some international students can enjoy these benefits.

2. Free education universities for international students - Some free education universities for international students are located in Europe. Europe remains the only continent that allows foreigners to enjoy free education in their best universities. Education in the European countries that offer free tuition for international students are solely financed by the government. This is a very positive step to help foreigners gain quality education in the best universities for free. Recently, the free education universities for international students in Europe have reduced rapidly due to rapid changes in policy. Some have only restricted free tuition for international students to some study programs while some have made it applicable to all the study programs. In Sweden for example, doctoral study programs can only be studied by foreigners for free. This European country used to have tuition free schools where all the study programs could be studied for free. This new policy to restrict free education takes effect from autumn semester 2011.

As Sweden stops granting free education to international students with effect from autumn semester 2011, other European countries still offer same free tuition to foreigners. These free tuition universities are under the control and influence of the Government. The Government can change their policy anytime and start charging tuition to international students just like that of Sweden. To forward your application right away and beat the deadline, visit: http://freetuitionuniversities.com
How to Use Coconut Oil for Wrinkles? Eye & Face Wrinkles Removal tips

Wrinkles are fine lines or delicate crease in he skin surface which is caused by thin, sagging skin. Wrinkles or aging lines can be taken place when the elasticity of the skin gets damaged due to age and other factors like improper care, unbalanced diet, and stress. Usually, wrinkles are visible on the face, neck and hands. When the collagen and elastin present in the connective tissue of the skin is weakened or decrease in number, wrinkles appears on the skin surface. Skin loses fat content, elasticity, smoothness and even thickness when suffers from such type of damage.


Vitamin E-rich foods are good for skin and inadequate intake of such foods may be responsible for wrinkles in skin. Various ecological factors and harmful effects of ultraviolet sun rays may also cause wrinkles. Wrinkled skin can be easily visible as skin becomes loose and sagging near the eyes, lips and neck. Sometimes creased skin is temporary but it may become deeper and more permanent due to aging. In short, over exposure to sun, smoking, pollution, drug use, weight Loss, stress, and loss of vitamin E are the possible causes of wrinkles on face.

From ancient times, coconut oil has been known for giving humanity healthy flexible skin and also it is the first commercial skin product. Sebaceous glands are present beneath the skin which generate and secrete an oily matter called sebum for lubricating skin and hair. Thus, sebum is natural oil of body which contains medium chain triglycerides (MCT). Coconut oil is also composed of medium chain triglycerides. These MCTs are converted in to MCFAs (medium chain fatty acids) by the lipophilic bacteria that live on the surface of skin. MCFAs are powerful antimicrobial having the capacity to kill a host of harmful bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, etc. MCFAs have very small structure and so they are easily penetrated in the pores of skin.

Coconut oil is a rich source of MCFA and thus it prevents free-radical formation and the damage caused by it. The connective tissues of the skin get strengthened by coconut oil, making your skin soft and flexible. Also, it helps to preserve the protective acid layer of your body, establishing a chemical environment inhospitable to most disease-causing germs. When the skin is strong, elastic and free from excessive free-radical destruction, wrinkles are virtually absent even on aging. So, wrinkles should essentially be nonexistent in skin as long as you can maintain the elasticity and strength of connective fibers, lines or creases in your skin.
How to Use Coconut Oil for Wrinkles? Eye & Face Wrinkles Removal tips

Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer, emollient and an antioxidant which softens your skin, protects against damage, and promotes healing. It keeps your skin glowing and healthy. As it is the best natural skin lotion, regular application of coconut oil can soften the skin and eliminate the wrinkles on your face. To get more benefits, use pure coconut oil.
Coconut oil for Wrinkles:

To reduce the wrinkles, coconut oil helps in the following ways:

    * As coconut oil has emollient property, it can help to soften the skin and decrease the wrinkles.
    * Rubbing of coconut oil on skin can get rid of dry skin due to moisturizing effect of it.
    * The anti-oxidants found in coconut oil can annihilate the free radicals that are responsible for aging. Also, it prevents the formation of free-radicals.
    * It reduces the damage caused by too much sun exposure.
    * The antiseptic fatty acids present in coconut oil prevent bacterial elements and fungus.
    * It maintains the elasticity of the skin.
    * It gets rid of outer layer of the dead cells.
    * Also, it helps in killing bacteria, fungus and several parasites.

How to apply coconut oil to remove wrinkles?

    * First, rinse your hands and face properly with a gentle cleanser and pat dry with a soft face towel.
    * On the wrinkle-prone areas, massage coconut oil during bedtime. You can massage it directly or use cotton ball to massage by soaking the oil in it.
    * Apply coconut oil with up and out motion and repeat steps 2-3 times on each side of your face.

Coconut oil is also useful in curing acne, wounds, rashes, burns and skin inflammation aside from improving the appearance of the skin. Along with protecting the skin from getting dry and flaky, it can improve the complexion. Coconut oil is considered as one of the best massage oils. Some mineral oils can cause side effects but coconut oil is found to be completely safe for use in massages. Nowadays, many types of coconut oil are available in the market but virgin coconut oil is best for skin.

Many skin care products, like soaps, lotions, creams, etc. contain coconut oil as one of the main ingredients. Coconut oil is also used in the treatment of some skin problems, like eczema and psoriasis. Along with skin care, coconut oil is also used for hair care. For achieving a young and healthy skin, you can adopt the practice of using coconut oil.
Some other tips to remove Eye and Face wrinkles:

    * Fresh Papaya juice can remove dead and rough skin, and apple and pineapple juices can help to reduce fine lines, wrinkles and cracked skin.
    * Massage increases blood circulation, which results in tightening of the muscles and tissues, thereby, decreasing the flashiness of the skin and reinstating a young look.
    * Make a paste of turmeric powder with sugarcane juice and apply to the face to remove wrinkles and to prevent skin aging.
    * Rub the core of pineapple on the face for a few minutes and leave for 10-15 minutes. This is excellent for fine wrinkles.
    * Apply a good quality cream with a firm pressure with the fleshy tips of fingers. Do not apply pressure around eyes. Continue massage for 15 minutes.
    * Also, you can apply juice of green pineapples and apples the face daily and leave for 10-15 minutes. This is excellent for fine wrinkles and cracked skin.
    * Cucumber juice can be helpful to alleviate age spot skin problems.
    * Pinching is also effective for wrinkles on jaw. Pinch the skin between your thumb and fingers.
    * Leave metal spoons overnight in the freezer. To reduce under-eye wrinkles, apply the backs of spoons under the eye in the morning when you first wake up.
    * For wrinkle cure, consume a spoonful of shredded ginger with some honey every morning.
    * Avoid alcohol, caffeine and cigarettes as they dry the skin promoting the development of wrinkles. Also the smoking habit uses the lips muscles hundreds of times a day, which contributes wrinkling.
    * Apply pure castor oil to prevent wrinkles.
    * You can also apply egg yolk once in a week for 10 minutes for wrinkle cure.
    * Eat a balanced diet including fruits, vegetables, whole grain foods, seeds, nuts and legumes.
    * Drink plenty of fluid every day. This help to keep the skin hydrated and to flush away toxins.
    * To reduce the blemishes and age spots, apply lemon juice few times a day.
    * Make a mixture of honey, olive oil and cream. Apply it on the face. It provides very good results.
    * Cut a Green Thompson seedless grape in half and gently squash it on your face at wrinkles (lines). Leave it on for 20 minutes and wash with warm water and allow it dry in natural air. This is very effective home remedy for wrinkles.
Aug 16, '10 2:35 PM
for everyone
A mouse was going with his kids.
A cat jumped in front of them.
Mouse shouted: BHOW BHOW
Cat ran away.
Mouse: that’s the advantage of learning foreign language.


We realize that the value of life
increase only after it is lost…
Example – A live chicken Rs. 60/-
Chicken tandoori – Rs. 180/-


A man gave a Rs 50 tip to the waiter.
Waiter: “Sir, yesterday your son gave Rs 500/-
and you only Rs. 50/-?”
Man( a genuine reply): “He is the son of a millionaire
and I am son of a farmer.”
 
 

Aug 16, '10 2:29 PM
for everyone
here]

Why do the Shi’ah avoid Tarawih congregations?
And during a part of the night, engage in the night prayer (Tahajjud) beyond what is incumbent on you; perhaps your Lord will raise you to a position of great glory. (17:79)

Prophet Muhammad (s) said regarding the month of Ramadan:
“Whoever establishes the night prayer (Qiyam al-Layl) in it out of sincere Faith and hope for reward from Allah, all of his previous sins will be forgiven.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari, volume 3, book 32, number 226]

The Ahl al-Sunnah generally consider it a sunnah to offer specific evening prayers – the Tarawih – in congregation during the holy month of Ramadan. The Shi’ah, while being commended to offer similar nawafil (recommended prayers), are not allowed to offer them in congregation. This practice of the Shi’ah is in accordance with the orders and sunnah of the Prophet (s).

Brothers and sisters from the Ahl al-Sunnah come together in Tarawih congregations during the early evenings of the month of Ramadan. They stand in prayer and recite the Qur’an, and may Allah (swt) reward them for their sincere intentions and actions. However, the word Tarawih was never mentioned by the Qur’an or the Prophet (s) to describe these extra congregational prayers during the evenings of the month of Ramadan. It is a term developed later amongst Muslims. Linguistically, the word “Tarawih” is the plural of the word ‘tarwiha’ referring to the short period of rest between every four units of the prayer. Later, the entire congregational prayers in the nights of Ramadan were called by this term.
Origins of Tarawih as a Congregational Prayer
It is a well-established fact that the Tarawih, as a congregational night prayer of Ramadan, owes its existence to the order of the second caliph, ‘Umar b. al-Khattab.
 Narrated Abu Hurayra: Allah's Apostle said, “Whoever prayed at night the whole month of Ramadan out of sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven.” Ibn Shihab (a sub-narrator) said, “When Allah's Apostle died, the people continued observing that (i.e. Nawafil offered individually, not in congregation), and it remained as such during the Caliphate of Abu Bakr and in the early days of ‘Umar's Caliphate.” ‘Abdur Rahman bin ‘Abdul Qari said, “I went out in the company of ‘Umar bin Al-Khattab one night in Ramadan to the mosque and found the people praying in different groups – a man praying alone or a man praying with a little group behind him. Then, ‘Umar said, ‘In my opinion I would better collect these (people) under the leadership of one Qari (reciter) [i.e. let them pray in congregation!]'. So, he made up his mind to congregate them behind Ubayy bin Ka’b. Then, on another night, I went again in his company and the people were praying behind their reciter. On that, ‘Umar remarked, 'What an excellent BID'A (INNOVATION in religion) this is; but the prayer which they do not perform, but rather sleep at its time, is better than the one they are offering.' He meant the prayer in the last part of the night."
[Sahih al-Bukhari, volume 3, book 32, number 227]

 “It was called BID’AH because the Prophet (s) did not use to pray it in congregation, and neither was it prayed like that in the time of al-Siddiq (referring to the first Caliph), nor in the early part of night or with these number of units.”
[al-Qastallani, Irshad al-Sari Sharh Sahih al-Bukhari, volume 5, page 4]
[al-Nawawi, Sharh Sahih Muslim, volume 6, page 287]

 “‘Umar was the first who set the example of the night prayer of Ramadan, the Tarawih, and gathered people for it, and instructed different regions regarding it. This was during the month of Ramadhan of the year 14 (hijri). He appointed for the people reciters of the Qur’an who led the Tarawih prayer for men and women.”
[Ibn Sa’d, Kitab al-Tabaqat, volume 3, page 281]
[al-Suyuti, Tarikh al-Khulafa', page 137]
[al-‘Ayni, ‘Umdat al-Qari fi Sharh Sahih al-Bukhari, volume 6, page 125]
Congregation in Mosque or Individually at Home?
Offering the optional prayers individually inside the home and away from congregation in mosque is highly recommended by the Prophet (s) as it brings more blessings for the home and family and helps in the Islamic upbringing of children.

 The Prophet (s) said: “O people! Perform your prayers at your homes, for the best prayer of a person is what he performs at his home, except the compulsory (congregational) prayer."
[Sahih al-Bukhari, volume 9, book 92, number 393]
[al-Nasa’i, Sunan, volume 3, p. 161, p. 198]

 Once Abdullah bin Mas’ud asked the Prophet (s): “Which is better; to pray in my house or in the mosque?” The Prophet (s) replied: “Do you not see how near to the mosque my house is? To pray in my house is more beloved to me than to pray in the mosque except for the obligatory prayers.”
[Ibn Majah, Sunan, volume 1, page 439, number 1378]

 Narrated Zayd bin Thabit: Allah's Apostle (s) made a small room (with a palm leaf mat). He (s) came out (of his house) and prayed in it. Some men came and joined him in his prayer. Then again the next night they came for the prayer, but the Prophet (s) delayed and did not come out to them. So they raised their voices and knocked the door with small stones (to draw his attention). He came out to them in a state of anger, saying, “You are still insisting (on your deed) that I fear this prayer might become obligatory on you. So, O you people! offer this prayer at your homes, for the best prayer of a person is the one which he offers at home, except the compulsory (congregational) prayer.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari, volume 8, book 73, number 134]
Didn’t the Shi’ah Imams Pray Tarawih ? 
Imam al-Baqir (‘a) and Imam al-Sadiq (‘a) were asked about the permissibility of praying optional prayers in congregation during the nights of Ramadan. They both narrated a tradition of the Prophet (s) where he said:
 “Verily, the offering of nafila (recommended prayers) in congregation during the nights of Ramadan is an INNOVATION… O people! do not say nafila prayers of Ramadan in congregation…. Without doubt, performing a minor act of worship which is according to the sunna is better than performing a major act of worship which is an innovation.”
[al-Hurr al-`Amili, Wasa’il al-Shi`ah, volume 8, page 45]

This view of the Imams from the Prophet’s progeny is confirmed by a scholar well-known amongst the Ahl al-Sunnah who writes:
 “The progeny of the Prophet (s) say that congregation in Tarawih is an INNOVATION”.
[al-Shawkani, Nayl al-Awtar, volume 3, page 50]

What do Sunni scholars say about praying Tarawih at home ? 

 “The scholars agree on its merit, but they differ on whether it is better to pray it in one’s home individually or in congregation in a mosque.” Al-Nawawi, the famous commentator of Sahih Muslim, then goes on to list scholars who support the second and dominant view. He then writes: “Malik, Abu Yusuf, some Shafi’i scholars, and others say that it is better to pray it individually in the home”.
[al-Nawawi, Sharh Sahih Muslim, volume 6, page 286]
Conclusion
The Shi’ah always aspire to pray the night prayer – called the Tahajjud or Qiyam al-Layl or Salat al-Layl – in the last part of the nights of every month, particularly during Ramadan. They are also commended to offer additional nawafil prayers during the nights of Ramadan. However, they offer these optional prayers mostly in their homes and never in congregation. By doing so they abide by the Qur’an and the sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (s).
Why Forgive others during the Month of Holy Ramadhan?


Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: Musa (as), the son of Imran once asked, "Oh my Lord! Who is the most honourable of Your servants? And He replied, the person who forgives even when he is in a position of power."
Imam Jafar Sadiq (as) said: "Whoever wishes that Allah (SWT) may favor him with His blessings and accommodate him in Paradise should refine his morals, behave justly with the people, take pity on orphans, help weak and the helpless and be humble before Allah who has created him."
You know what I'm referring to - those times when you get into an arguments with a family member, friend, boss, employee, coworker, classmate, teacher or whoever. You know your facts are right or that you've been wronged with an insulting remark, sarcastic comment or rudeness.
And so, you choose to hold a grudge. After all, you've got a right to. Nobody should be treated this way. Why should you forgive? You're not the one who started this. You're not the one who doesn't have the facts straight.
True. You may be right. You may be in that position of power mentioned in the Hadith above. But forgiving others, apart from positively affecting our health (less stress) and our minds (one less negative thing to focus on), is a necessary step to closeness to Allah (SWT).
How can we move up the ladder of spiritual development when we hold bitterness and anger towards another person? While we may have been in the right, is it worth sacrificing our energy on a grudge instead of on growth?
Is there not something strange about asking for God's forgiveness of our sins while withholding our forgiveness from someone who has hurt us?
We cannot expect for Allah's forgiveness unless we also forgive those who do wrong to us. Forgiving each other, even forgiving one's enemies is one of the most important Islamic teachings. Allah (SWT) says in Holy QuranAnd those who shun the great sins and indecencies, and whenever they are angry they forgive. (al-Shura 42:37)
One of the distinguishing features of Ramadhan is forgiveness.Holy Prophet Muhammad (saww) explained in one Hadith:
"Ramadhan is a month whose beginning is Mercy, whose middle is Forgiveness and whose end is freedom from the Hellfire".
This makes it a great time to ask Allah (SWT) for His Forgiveness. It's also a wonderful time to open our hearts and cleanse them of grudges and bitterness by forgiving others. Let us use these remaining days of forgiveness this Ramadhan to open our hearts to those who have wronged us and forgive them as we beg Allah (SWT) to forgive us. Please forgive me; if I have wronged you in anyway!
Aug 16, '10 2:19 PM
for everyone
Standard rule for calculating the timings for Sheree and Iftaree:
For those people who don't have access to Ramadan Calendar, please follow this. From your local Newspaper get the timings of "Sunrise" and "Sunset".
The time for Morning (Fajr) Prayer/ "Subh Sadiq" is "Sunrise" minus one hour and fifteen minutes (1:15).
The time to stop eating Saheree is "Sunrise" minus one hour and twenty-five minutes (1:25). Or just ten minutes before the Morning Prayer.
The time for Maghrib Prayer is "Sunset" plus ten minutes. Hence eat Iftaree, immediately after finishing your Maghrib Prayer.
Suhur (Pre-Dawn Meal): Suhur is not a condition for fasting; it is Sunnat-e-Moakada. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) partook of suhur and encouraged others to do it. He (pbuh) said: "Take suhur, for verily there is a blessing in suhur."
Hence always take Saheree food, even if very little or just a sip of water. Because it distinguishes us from other religions.
Suhur is a sunnah and to delay it is also a sunnah. This is what will strengthen the fasting Muslim, and would lessen the hardship of fasting. It would also lessen the time period of thirst and hunger.
Since Islam is based on easiness and has come with rules that make the acts of worship easy for people, a Muslim is advised to delay the suhur and hasten the iftar (breaking the fast). So it is a sunnah for the fasting Muslim to get up for suhur and have something to eat, even if he or she would take a small edible thing like a date or a sip of water. If he or she does this, he or she would have done fulfilled the sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).
The Dua mentioned in "Misbah" and "Iqbal", for the time of Saher (Dawn).
supplication
YAA MAFZA-E'E I'NDA KURBATEE WA YAA GHAWTHEE I'NDA SHIDDATEE ILAYKA FAZIA TU WA BIKASTAGHATH-TU WA BIKA LUD'TU LAA ALOOD'U BI-SIWAAKA WA LAA AT'LUBUL FARAJA ILLAA MINKA FA-AGHITHNEE WA FARRIJ A'NNEE YAA MAN YAQBALULYASEER WA YAA-FOO A'NIL KATHEER IQBAL MINNIL YASEERA WAA'-FU A'NNIL KATHEER INNAKA ANTAL GHAFOORUR RAH'EEM ALLAAHUMMA INNEE AS-ALUKA EEMAANAN TUBAASHIRU BIHEE QALBEE WA YAQEENAN H'ATTAA AA'-LAMA ANNAHU LAN YUS'EEBANEE ILLAA MAA KATABTA LEE WA RAZ'Z'INEE MINAL A'YSHI BIMAA QASAMTA LEE YAA ARH'AMAR RAAH'IMEEN YAA U'DDATEE FEE KURBATEE WA YAA S'AAH'IBEE FEE SHIDDATEE WA YAA WALIYYEE FEE NIA'-MATEE WA YAA GHAAYATEE FEE RAGHBATEE ANTAS SAATIRU A'WRATEE WAL AAMINU ROO-A'TEE WAL MUQEELU A'THRATEE FAGHFIRLEE KHAT'EEE-ATEE YAA ARH'AMAR RAAH'IMEEN
O my Ultimate Sanctuary when troubles surround me! O my Last Hope when difficulties trouble me! Unto Thee I turn to, before Thee I stand to get help, with Thee I take refuge, except Thee there is no refuge; I do not seek joy after sorrow from anyone save Thee, so come to my help and free me from cares O He who accept even the smallest (efforts) but excuses from restrictions, accept whatever little there is and release from hardships frequently, Verily Thou art Oft-forgiving, Merciful. O Allah I ask for the faith which gives joy, satisfaction and confidence to my heart till I am positively aware that I will not have my fill unless it has been approved for me, and happiness will agree with me only whereby justly and fairly distributed, O the Most Merciful. O my "means" in my troubles! O my Companion in my difficulties! O my Guardian in my happiness! O the ultimate of my inclinations! Thou covers up my shortcomings, affords security in the event of crisis end fearful disasters, therefore, overlook my transgressions, O the Most Merciful.
The Niyat (Intent) for keeping fast.
The fasts of the month of Ramadan are obligatory. When the Crescent is sighted we should declare to ourselves that, we will keep all fasts during this month wajib qurbatan ilallah i.e., to attain nearness to Allah. Just like Salat/Namaz (prayers) the Niyat of fasting is mental, and is the case with Niyat of every action. To declare it in words cannot only be defined as Niyat.
Aug 16, '10 2:13 PM
for everyone
Hadith No. 31
Reward of an Obligatory Act
The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his progeny) has stated: (The rewards of) one, who performs in it (the month of Ramazan) a single act from amongst the obligatory (wajib) acts of Allah, would be like (that of) one, who has performed seventy obligatory acts in the other months. Wasaail al-Shia'h, vol. 10, pg. 307

Hadith No. 32
Night of Decree
Imam Baqir (A.S.) said: In the Night of Qadr is decreed every thing - pleasant and unpleasant, obedience and disobedience, birth and death, and livelihood - which would occur during the course of that year, till the next Night of Qadr. Al-Kafi, vol. 4, pg. 157

Hadith No. 33
Increase Prayers in the Month of Ramazan
Imam Sadiq (A.S.) has said: With the advent of the month of Ramazan, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his progeny) would increase his Prayers (Salaat); I also increase mine and so, (you) increase yours (too). Tahdheeb al-Akhaam, vol. 3, pg. 60

Hadith No. 34
Eating of sahur
The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his progeny) has said: Eat your 'sahur' (the morning meal before the start of a fast) even if it is (mere) mouthfuls of water, for the blessings of Allah are upon those who eat the sahur. Tahdheeb al-Akhaam, vol. 4, pg. 198

Hadith No. 35
Hunger and Thirst of the Day of Judgment
Imam Ali (A.S.) said: Bring to mind, by means of your hunger and thirst in it (the month of Ramazan), the hunger and thirst of the Day of Judgment. Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 93, pg. 356

Hadith No. 36
The Call of Allah
Abdullah Ibn al-Abbas Ibn Abd al-Muttalib reports that he heard the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his progeny) say: Every night, in the month of Ramazan, Allah, The Blessed and The Exalted, calls out three times: Is there one, who seeks from Me, so that I grant him his wish? Is there one, who turns to me in repentance so that I turn to him (in Mercy)? Is there one, who seeks forgiveness from Me so that I forgive him? Mustadrak al-Wasaail, vol. 7, pg. 429

Hadith No. 37
Ghusl (ablution) on Night of Qadr
Imam Musa Ibn Ja'far (A.S.) said: One, who performs the ghusl on the Night of Qadr and remains awake in it (engaged in worship), shall have all his sins forgiven. Wasaail al-Shia'h, vol. 10, pg. 358

Hadith No. 38
Shield of a Believing Servant
Allah, The Mighty and The Glorious has said: The fasts are the shield of the believing servants on the Day of Judgment, just as your weapons shield you in this world. Wasaail al-Shia'h, vol.10, pg. 403

Hadith No. 39
Iftaar for Mu'min
The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his progeny) said: One who provides iftaar to a Mu'min in the month of Ramazan, shall be granted the reward of liberating a slave (in the path of Allah) and shall have all his previous sins forgiven. And if he did not possess the means to present anything except milk mixed with water, or a drink of sweet water and a date, Allah would grant him this reward. Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 93, pg. 317

Hadith No. 40
Farewell to the Month of Ramazan
The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his progeny) prayed: O' God! Ordain not this month of Ramazan to be the last one for my fasts. But should you ordain it to be so, then make me blessed and leave me not deprived (of Your mercy). Badaabi Az Quran, pg. 398

(concluded)

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