Salamat Dok: Ikaw at ang iyong vitamins

Kayo ba’y umiinom ng vitamins? Ang mga vitamins at minerals na kailangan ng katawan ay nakukuha natin sa mga pagkain araw-araw lalung-lalo na sa gulay, isda at prutas. Nakukuha rin natin ito sa mga supplements na mabibili sa botika. Maaaring nagtatanong ang ilan sa inyo kung kailangan ba talaga ito? Narito ang ilang practical tips mula kay Dr. Willie Ong kung bakit kailangang uminom ng vitamins?

Maraming nakakatakot na sakit ang naglalabasan sa ating paligid. May swine flu, epidemya, tu¬ber¬culosis, trangkaso, perwisyong ubo, at marami pang iba. Para malabanan ang sakit, kailangan ma-lakas ang resistensya ng katawan. Kumain ng tama, matulog ng 7-8 oras, magbawas sa stress at uminom din ng multivitamin.
Kulang sa bitamina ang pagkain ng Pinoy. Kara-mihan sa atin ay matipid kung kumain. Isang ulam lang at 2 platong kanin para mabusog. Eh, anong sustansya ba ang mayroon iyan? Ang kailangan ng katawan mo ay sari-saring pagkain tulad ng 1 platong kanin, isang gulay at konting isda o karne. Dagdagan mo pa ng isang saging o dalandan. Iyan ang kumpleto sa bitamina at pampalakas ng katawan.
Maraming stress sa ating buhay. Ang stress ay nakakaedad sa katawan. Kaya magandang uminom ng vitamin, lalo na ang may vitamin B para malabanan ang stress. Tumutulong ang bitamina sa paghilom ng nasisi-rang selula sa ating katawan

Maraming klaseng vitamins. Iba-ibang hugis, kulay at lalagyan. Narito ang ilan sa mga iniinom natin at mga dapat tandaan tungkol dito:

Calcium

- Mas naa-absorb o nagagamit ito ng katawan kung iinumin sa gabi
- Nakatutulong itong mapaganda ang pagtulog sa gabi.
- Mas epektibo kung 500 milligrams lamang. Kung 1000 ang nabili, hatiin sa dalawa.
- Maaaring magkaroon ng interaksyon ang calcium sa antibiotics, bisphosphonates at mga gamot sa altapresyon. Inumin ang calcium ilang oras bago o pagkatapos ng ibang pang gamot.

Vitamins A, D, E at K

- Mas magandng isabay sa pagkain para sa mas magandang epekto sa katawan

Vitamin C

- Ilang oras lamang itong nagtatagal sa daluyan ng dugo. Para sa mas magandang resulta, inumin kada 3 oras o kaya’y kada matapos kumain.
- Huwag inumin bago matulog. Isa itong stimulant at maaaring hindi kayo makatulog.

Fiber

- Kailangan ng katawan sa umaga pagkagising para malinis at mawalis ang laman ng bituka bago pa ito mabarahan ng bagong pagkain.

Rekomendado ni Dok

Sa panayam ng isang TV show kay Dr. Andrew Weil, Amerikanong author at isa sa mga nagsusulong ng Integrative Medicine, inirerekomenda niya sa babae’t lalaki edad 18 pataas ang tinatawag na ‘daily antioxidant regimen” na kinabibilangan ng:

200mg Vitamin C
400 hanggang 800 IU natural Vitamin E
200mcg Selenium
15,000 hanggang 20, 000 IU Mixed Carotenoids
30 hanggang 100mg Coenzyme Q10

Dagdag pa ni Dr. Weil, ang mga nabanggit na vitamins ay mas magbibigay ng magandang resulta sa katawan kung sasabayan ng:

- Paglalakad araw-araw
- Pagkaing mayaman sa antioxidant at omega 3 fatty acids
- Pag-iwas sa paninigarilyo at second hand smoke
- Breathing exercises, yoga, meditation at iba pang relaxation

-- with reports from Otek Galauran, Segment: Medicine 101, aired November 27, 2011

Sunnah of Sleeping

1. Do Miswaaq Before Going Sleep
2. Sleeping With Wudhu Is A Sunnah
3. Shake Your Blanket
4. Recite The Sleeping DUA -Allahumma Bismika Amutu Wa
... Ahya
5. Don't Sleep On Your Stomach ,
6. Sleep On Your Right Side With Your Right Hand On Your Cheek
7. Recite Surah Al-Fatiha, Ayat-ul-Kursi, Surat Al-Ikhlas, Surat Al-
Falaq, Surat Al-Naas: 3 Times -
8. SubhanAllah 33 Times, Alhamdulillah 33 Times, Allahu Akbar 34
Times
9. Recite Darood Shareef
10. Try To Wake Up Early For Tahajjud
11. Don't Forget To Set Your Alarm For Fajr Salah
Always Remember - Salah Is BetterThan Sleep♥

Halamang gamot

Kung nais ang natural at alternatibong paraan, huwag nang lumayo pa. Nasa bakuran n’yo lang ang remedyo. Narito ang mga halamang gamot na rekomendado ng kilalang Herbalist na si Arnold Pesit:

ARATILES

- Mainam sa pagtatae at dysentery o pagduming may kasamang dugo
- Pakuluan ang ilang dahon at inumin bilang tsaa 3 beses 1 araw

LUYA

- Makakatulong para maibsan ang pagtatae, lagnat, sipon at ubo
- Dikdikin at pakuluan ang katamgtamang dami ng dahon
- Inumin bilang tsaa 3 beses 1 araw

BALBAS PUSA

- Mahusay sa gout o pananakit ng kasu-kasuan, lalo na kung mataas ang uric acid dala ng sobrang pagkain ng lamang-loob
- Mainam rin ito sakit sa bato at pantog
- Ilagay ang katamtamang dami ng dahon sa kumukulong tubig
- Inumin bilang tsaa 3 beses 1 araw

LUYANG DILAW

- Mabisa ito kapag naparami ang kinaing matataba o malalangis
- Pampababa ng cholesterol
- Ilaga ang isang dakot ng hiniwa-hiwang luyang dilaw sa 3 basong tubig
- Pakuluan sa katamtamang apoy ng 5 minuto
- Inumin bilang tsaa 3 hanggang 5 tasa sa isang araw

LAGUNDI

- Mabuti sa sipon, trangkaso, hika at lagnat
- Pakuluan ang katamtamang dami ng dahon
-Inumin bilang tsaa 3 hanggang 5 tasa sa isang raw

BAYABAS

- Mabisa sa pagtatae, sakit ng tiyan at pagduming may halong dugo (dysentery)
- Ibabad ang mga dahon sa mainit na tubig
- Inumin bilang tsaa 3 beses 1 araw

TSAANG GUBAT

- Mabisa sa empatso, nasobrahan ng kain, pagtatae at dysentery
- Pakuluan sa mahinang apoy ang 1 dakot na dahon nang 5 minuto
- Inumin bilang tsaa 3 beses 1 araw

Paalala lang, ang mga nabanggit na halamang gamot ay pang-ayuda o pangunang lunas lamang. Sakaling ang inyong nararamdaman ay mahigit nang 3 araw, huwag mag-atubiling komunsulta sa doktor. Kung magkaroon ng kakaibang reaksyon sa katawan ang mga nabanggit, itigil ang paggamit. -- with reports from Rea Tiama and Raquel Tagle, Segment: May Remedyo Dyan, December 25, 2011

Ashura

What is Ashura ?
Ashura (عاشوراء transliteration: ‘Āshūrā’, Ashura, Ashoura, and other spellings) It is on the 10th day of Muharram in the Islamic calendar and marks the climax of the Remembrance of Muharram but not the Islamic month. It is also called Yaumu-l ‘Ashurah, or simply Ashura meaning, ‘the tenth day’.
It is well-known because of historical significance and mourning for the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of the Islamic prophet Muhammad at the Battle of Karbala in the year 61 AH (AD 680). It is a day of speeches, public processions, and great grief. Men and women chant and weep, mourning Husayn, his family, and his followers. Speeches emphasize the importance of the values for which Husayn sacrificed himself, his family, and his followers. For centuries Shi’a pilgrims flocked here during Muharram, a practice which was severely limited under the regime of Saddam Hussein

Muharram

Muharram (Arabic: محرم) It is the first month of the Islamic calendar. Instead of joyous celebration, Muslims mark the beginning of the New Year by taking up the black attire of sorrow and participate in mourning gatherings in which the sacrifices of Husayn and his companions are commemorated.It is one of the four months of the year in which fighting is prohibited. Since the Islamic calendar is lunar, Muharram moves from year to year when compared with the Gregorian calendar.
Muharram is so called because it was unlawful to fight during this month; the word is derived from the word ‘haram’ meaning forbidden. It is held to be the most sacred of all the months, excluding Ramadan.It is the same month when Husayn, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, was brutally massacred in Karbala alongside his family and friends in the year 680 CE/61 AH.

Their martyrdom is a sad day for all Muslims, especially the Shi’a, who hold mourning ceremonies to recall the righteous virtues for which the valiant martyrs stood and the grave calamities that they thus had to bear. The commemoration of this brutal massacre (Battle of Karbala) begins on the first day of Muharram and reaches its climax on the 10th of Muharram, the day of the battle, known as Ashurah and continues for 40 days or 69 days.

History of Eid'ul Adha

Eid- ul- Adha is one of the most important Islamic holiday of the year.Eid-ul-Adha marks the end of Hajj, the sacred pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca. The hajj to Mecca is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation upon male and female adults whose health and means permit it, or, in the words of the Qur'an, upon "those who can make their way there." The history of Eid-ul-Adha can be traced back to the story which states that Abraham was instructed by Allah, in a dream, to raise the foundations of Kaaba,the most sacred shrine in Mecca. Muslims believe that even after undergoing a lot of trials and tribulations on his way to Mecca, God revealed in a dream to Abraham to sacrifice his son Isma’il.Abrahim and Isma’il set off to Mina for the sacrifice. As they went, the devil attempted to lead Abraham astray by disobeying God and not to sacrifice his beloved son. But Abraham remained unfaltered in his decision and true to God, and drove the devil away. As Abraham prepared to kill his son, God stopped him and gave him a sheep to sacrifice instead. Popularly known as the Festival of Sacrifice, this Muslim holiday Eid-ul-Adha commemorates Prophet Abraham’s unselfish act of sacrificing(Qurbani) his own son to the One God, Allah. The festival reminds everyone of the mercy and benefits bestowed upon mankind by Allah.

Muslims commemorate this outstanding act of sacrifice by themselves slaughtering an animal such as a sheep, camel, or a goat. When this is done, 1/3 of the meat goes to the needy people, 1/3 is given to neighbors and friends, and 1/3 stays with your family. People who are away from the holy pilgrimage, Hajj, also carry out this traditional sacrifice. This act also reminds the pilgrim to share worldly goods with those who are less fortunate, and serves as an offer of thanksgiving to God. People visit each other's homes and partake in festive meals with special dishes, beverages, and desserts. Children receive gifts and sweets on this happy occasion.

Eid ul-Adha occurs on the tenth day of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijja.But the date of Eid-ul-Adha depends on the visibility of the moon each year.
Read more at http://www.theholidayspot.com/eid_ul_adha/history.htm#WswAjx6my3jEYh1M.99

Eid al-Adha

What is Eid al-Adha?

At the end of the Hajj (annual pilgrimage to Mecca), Muslims throughout the world celebrate the holiday of Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice). This year 2012, Eid al-Adha will begin on October 17th. October 26th will be Eid'ul Adha.

What does Eid al-Adha commemorate?

During the Hajj, Muslims remember and commemorate the trials and triumphs of the Prophet Abraham. The Qur'an describes Abraham as follows:

"Surely Abraham was an example, obedient to Allah, by nature upright, and he was not of the polytheists. He was grateful for Our bounties. We chose him and guided him unto a right path. We gave him good in this world, and in the next he will most surely be among the righteous." (Qur'an 16:120-121)

One of Abraham's main trials was to face the command of Allah to kill his only son. Upon hearing this command, he prepared to submit to Allah's will. When he was all prepared to do it, Allah revealed to him that his "sacrifice" had already been fulfilled. He had shown that his love for his Lord superceded all others, that he would lay down his own life or the lives of those dear to him in order to submit to God.

Why do Muslims sacrifice an animal on this day?

During the celebration of Eid al-Adha, Muslims commemorate and remember Abraham's trials, by themselves slaughtering an animal such as a sheep, camel, or goat. This action is very often misunderstood by those outside the faith.

Allah has given us power over animals and allowed us to eat meat, but only if we pronounce His name at the solemn act of taking life. Muslims slaughter animals in the same way throughout the year. By saying the name of Allah at the time of slaughter, we are reminded that life is sacred.

The meat from the sacrifice of Eid al-Adha is mostly given away to others. One-third is eaten by immediate family and relatives, one-third is given away to friends, and one-third is donated to the poor. The act symbolizes our willingness to give up things that are of benefit to us or close to our hearts, in order to follow Allah's commands. It also symbolizes our willingness to give up some of our own bounties, in order to strengthen ties of friendship and help those who are in need. We recognize that all blessings come from Allah, and we should open our hearts and share with others.

It is very important to understand that the sacrifice itself, as practiced by Muslims, has nothing to do with atoning for our sins or using the blood to wash ourselves from sin. This is a misunderstanding by those of previous generations: "It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah; it is your piety that reaches Him." (Qur'an 22:37)

The symbolism is in the attitude - a willingness to make sacrifices in our lives in order to stay on the Straight Path. Each of us makes small sacrifices, giving up things that are fun or important to us. A true Muslim, one who submits his or herself completely to the Lord, is willing to follow Allah's commands completely and obediently. It is this strength of heart, purity in faith, and willing obedience that our Lord desires from us.

What else do Muslims do to celebrate the holiday?

On the first morning of Eid al-Adha, Muslims around the world attend morning prayers at their local mosques. Prayers are followed by visits with family and friends, and the exchange of greetings and gifts. At some point, members of the family will visit a local farm or otherwise will make arrangements for the slaughter of an animal. The meat is distributed during the days of the holiday or shortly thereafter.

Moonsighting for Dhul-Hijjah 1433

The official decision and announcement of the High Judiciary Council (HJC) of Saudi Arabia regarding the beginning of Dhul-Hijjah is that 1st of Dhul-Hijjah will be on Wednesday 17 October 2012, and the Muslims performing Hajj will be in 'Arafah on Thursday 25 October 2012 (9 Dhul-Hijjah 1433), and the Muslim Ummah shall be celebrating 'Eid al-Adhaa on Friday 26 October 2012, (10 Dhul-Hijjah 1433), insha-Allah.

12 Foods Which Beloved Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه واله وسلم) Liked And Their Benefits From Tib Al-Nabwi.

1. Barley ( جو jau):
Good in fever, while use in a soup form.

2. Dates ( کھجور ):
The Prophet (صلى الله عليه واله وسلم) said that a house without dates has no food. It should also be eaten at the time of childbirth.

3. Figs ( انجير ):
It is a fruit from paradise and a cure for piles.

4. Grapes ( انگور ):
The Prophet (صلى الله عليه واله وسلم) ) was very fond of grapes – it purifies the blood, provides vigour and health, strengthens the kidneys and clears the bowels.

5. Honey ( شہد ):
Considered the best remedy for diarrhoea when mixed in hot water. It is the food of foods, drink of drinks and drug of drugs. It is used for creating appetite, strengthening the stomach, eliminating phlegm; as a meat preservative, hair conditioner, eye soother and mouthwash. It is extremely beneficial in the morning in warm water.

6. Melon ( تربوز - خربوزا - سردا ):
The Prophet (صلى الله عليه واله وسلم) said: ‘None of your women who are pregnant and eat of water melon will fail to produce off spring that is good in countenance

7. Milk:
The Prophet(صلى الله عليه واله وسلم) said that milk wipes away heat from the heart just as the finger wipes away sweat from the brow. It strengthens the back, improved the brain, renews vision and drives away forgetfulness.

8. Mushroom ( کھمبي ):
The Prophet (صلى الله عليه واله وسلم) said that mushroom is a good cure for the eyes; it also serves as a form of birth control and arrests paralysis.

9. Olive Oil ( زيتون )
Excellent treatment for skin and hair, delays old age, and treats inflammation of the stomach.

10. Pomegranate ( انار ):
The Prophet (صلى الله عليه واله وسلم) said it cleanses you of Satan and evil aspirations for 40 days.

11. Vinegar ( سرکہ ):
A food Prophet Muhammad (SAW) used to eat with olive oil.

12. Water ( پاني ):
The Prophet (صلى الله عليه واله وسلم) said the best drink in this world is water, when you are thirsty drink it by sips and not gulps, gulping produces sickness of the liver.

Healing Powers of Al-Asma al-Husna

It has been discovered by Doctor Ibrahim Karim (Biologist) that Asma ul Husna, most beautiful names of Allah (SWT) have healing power to a large number of diseases.

He used precision methods in the measurement of energy within the human body and discovered that every one of the names of Allah (SWT) stimulates energy in the immune system of the human body to work efficiently in a certain ideal human body.

He discovered that the mere mention (reciting) of most beautiful names of Allah (SWT) leads to improvement in the tracks Bio Energy within the human body, and after a 3-years of research Doctor Ibrahim Karim reached to the following:

01. Ear - As Sami (The all Hearing)
02. Bone - Al Nafi (The creator of good)
03. Backbone - Al Jabbar (The Compeller)
04. Knee - Al Ra uf (The Clement)
05. Hair - Al Badi (The Originator)
06. Heart - Al Nur (The Light)
07. Muscles - Al Qawi (The All Strength)
08. Heart Waves - Al Wahab (The giver of All)
09. Heart Muscle - Al Razaqq (The Sustainer)
10. Nerve - Al Mughni (The Enricher)
11. Artery - Al Jabbar (The Compeller)
12. Stomach - Al Razaqq (The Sustainer)
13. Cancer - Al Jalil (The Mighty)
14. Thyroid - Al Jabbar (The Compeller)
15. Thigh- Al Rafi (The Exalter)
16. Migraine - Al Ghani (The Rich One)
17. Eye Arteries - Al Muta ali (The Supreme One)
18. Kidney - Al Hayy (The Ever Living One)
19. Colon - Al Ra uf (The Clement)
20. Intestine - Al Razzaq (The Sustainer)
21. Liver - Al Nafi (The creator of good)
22. Pancreas - Al Bari (The Make of Order)
23. Fatty Sacks - Al Nafi (The creator of good)
24. Womb - Al Khaliq (The Creator)
25. Bladder - Al Hadi (The Guide)
26. Rheumatism - Al Muhaymin (The Guardian)
27. Prostat - Al Rashid (The Righteous Teacher)
28. Nerves of the Eye - Al Zahir (The Manifest One)
29. Pineal Gland - Al Hadi (The Guide)
30. Blood Pressure - Al Khafed (The Abaser)
31. Lung - Al Razzaq (The Sustainer)
32. Thymus Gland - Al Qawi (The All Strength)
33. Gland above the Kidney - Al Bari (The Make of Order)
34. Hair Peel - Al Jalil (The Mighty)
35. The Nasal Cavities - (Al Latif, Al Ghani, Al Raheem)
36. Eye - (Al Nur, Al Basir, Al Wahab)

Method of treatment: Lay your hands on the place of pain and praise Allah (SWT) names above according to your disease until the pain heals or cure away Insha Allah.

Note: Please keep in mind whatever takes place in result of reciting the names of Allah (SWT) depends on the will of Allah, the Almighty.

Asma al-Husna: 99 Beautiful names of Allah (SWT)

Here is a list of most beautiful names of Allah (SWT) or 99 names of Allah (SWT) used in Islam with their meanings in English. "The most beautiful names belong to Allah: so call on him by them." (Glorious Qur'an 7:180)

He is Allah the Creator, the Maker, the Fashioner; His are the most excellent names; whatever is in the heavens and the earth declares His glory; and He is the Mighty, the Wise. (Glorious Qur'an 59:24)

Those who believe, and whose hearts find satisfaction in the remembrance of Allah: for without doubt in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find satisfaction. (Glorious Qur'an 13:28)
Al-Quddus Al-Malik Ar-Raheem/Ar-Rahim Ar-Rahman
Al-Aziz Al-Muhaymin Al-Mu'min As-Salam
Al-Bari Al-Khaliq Al-Mutakabbir Al-Jabbar
Al-Wahhab Al-Qahhar Al-Ghaffar Al-Musawwir
Al-Qabiz Al-Aleem/Al-Alim Al-Fattah Ar-Razzaq
Al-Muizz Ar-Rafi Al-Khafiz Al-Basit
Al-Hakam Al-Basir As-Sami Al-Muzill
Al-Haleem/Al-Halim Al-Khabeer/Al-Khabir Al-Lateef/Al-Latif Al-Adl
Al-Ali As-Shakur Al-Ghafoor/Al-Ghafur Al-Adheem/Al-Azim
Al-Haseeb Al-Muqeet/Al-Muqit Al-Hafeedh/Al-Hafiz Al-Kabeer/Al-Kabir
Al-Mujeeb/Al-Mujib Ar-Raqeeb/Ar-Raqib Al-Kareem/Al-Karim Al-Jaleel/Al-Jalil
Al-Majeed Al-Wadud Al-Hakeem Al-Wasi
Al-Wakeel/Al-Wakil Al-Haqq Ash-Shaheed Al-Baaith/Al-Ba'ith
Al-Hameed Al-Wali Al-Mateen Al-Qawi
Al-Muhyi Al-Mueed/Al-Mu'id Al-Mubdi Al-Muhsi
Al-Wajid Al-Qayyum Al-Hai/Al-Hayee Al-Mumeet/Al-Mumit
As-Samad Al-Ahad Al-Wahid Al-Majid
Al-Muakhkhir Al-Muqaddim Al-Muqtadir Al-Qadir
Al-Batin Adh-Dhaahir/Az-Zahir Al-Aakhir Al-Awwal
At-Tawwab Al-Barr Al-Muta'ali Al-Wali
Malik-ul-Mulk Ar-Rauf/Ar-Raoof Al-Afuw Al-Muntaqim
Al-Ghani Al-Jaamay Al-Muqsit Dhul-Jalali wal Ikram
An-Naafay Adh-Dhaar/Ad-Dhaarr Al-Maanay Al-Mughni
Al-Baqi Al-Badei Al-Haadi An-Nur/An-Noor
Allah (SWT) As-Sabur/As-Saboor Ar-Rasheed Al-Waarith/Al-Waris

11th Month in the Islamic Calendar : Dhul Qa'dah

It is a month amongst the months of Hajj. It is the first among the four sacred months (Ash'hur al Harum).

Literal Meaning: Qa'dah means to rest. The Arabs used to stop fighting when this month set in and stayed home. This is from among the sacred months.

The Holy month of Shawwal

Meaning:

Uplift/breakage, as before Islam, Arabs believed that any marriage held in Shawwal would always turn out to be unsuccessful. Taken from the word "shala" which means "when the female camel gets pregnant". When this name was given, the female camels used to get pregnant during this time of the year.

Blessings:

The first day of Shawwal is Eid-Ul-Fitr, the day of festival and when all sins are forgiven as a reward for fasting and prayers in the month of Ramadan.

Its Sunnah ( Tradition of Holy Prophet ) to fast for six days in Shawwal, as narrated in the following Hadeeth by Abu Ayyub Ansaru (R.A) that the Holy Prophet has said, "If one throughout his life keeps the fasts of Ramadan and keeps six consecutive fasts in Shawwal it will be as though he has kept a whole life time of fasts, and if one fast for six consecutive days in Shawwal it will be as though he has fasted all year round."
(Muslim)

Events:

1. Hadhrat Aa'ishah Siddiqah (R.A) was born in Shawwal, 4 years after Prophethood and 9 years before Hijrah.
2. Hadhrat Aa'ishah Siddiqah (R.A.) was married to Holy Prophet in Shawwal, 10 years after Prophethood which is 3 years before Hijrah.

3. The fight between Banu Qaynaqaa took place between the battle of Badr and Uhud, Shawwal 2 A.H. after Hijrah.

4. The battle of Uhud also took place in Shawwaal, three years after Hijrah.
5. Hadhrat Hussain (R.A) Holy Prophet's grandson (son of Hadhrat Fatima R.A.) was born in the month of Shawwaal 4 years after Hijrah.
6. The Holy Prophet married Hadhrat Umme Salamah (R.A.) in Shawwal in the 4 year after Hijrah.
7. Hadhrat Aa'ishah Siddiqah's (R.A) mother passed away in year 5 A.H.
8. The Holy Prophet's uncle Abu Talib departed from this world in the middle of Shawwal in the year 5 A.H.
9. Imam Bukhari (R.A.) was born on a Friday of Shawwaal in the year 194 A.H.

FASTING 6 DAYS OF SHAWWAL

Abu Ayyoob (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever fasts Ramadhan and follows it with six days of Shawwaal, it will be as if he fasted for a lifetime.” [Narrated by Ahmad, 5/417; Muslim, 2/822; Abu Dawood, 2433; al-Tirmidhi, 1164].

Eid Mubarak! ♥♥♥

Salam to all my muslim brothers and sisters around the world. Wish you all happiness and prosperity on this HUGE Eid'ul Fitr celebration. EID MUBARAK! ♥♥♥

How to perform Tahajjud prayer

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the World; and blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions.

There is no difference between Tahajjud and Qiyam al-lail (the late night prayer). If the prayer is performed after one had slept then it is called Tahajjud otherwise it is called Qiyam-al-lail.
There are many evidences in Qur'an and Sunnah proving the excellence and merits of Tahajjud.
Allah Says (interpretation of meaning): {Is one who is obedient to Allah, prostrating himself or standing (in prayer) during the hours of the night, fearing the Hereafter and hoping for the Mercy of his Lord (like one who disbelieves)? Say: "Are those who know equal to those who know not?" It is only men of understanding who will remember (i.e. get a lesson from Allah's Signs and Verses).}[39:9]. Allah Praises those who perform the late night prayers "Their sides forsake their beds, to invoke their Lord in fear and hope, and they spend (in charity in Allah's Cause) out of what We have bestowed on them. No person knows what is kept hidden for them of joy as a reward for what they used to do.}[32:16-17].
Imam Tirmizi narrates from Abdullah Ibn Salaam that "When the Prophet (Peace and blessing be upon him) came to Madinah "When the Prophet (Sallallahu Alehi Wasallam) came to Madinah, the people gathered around him and I was one of them. I looked at his face and understood that it was not the face of a liar. The first words I heard him say were: 'O people, spread the salutations, feed the people, keep the ties of kinship, and pray during the night while the others are sleeping and you will enter paradise in peace."' This is related by al-Hakim, Ibn Majah, and at-Tirmidhi who calls it Hasan Sahih.
The Prophet said: "The best prayer after the obligatory prayers is the prayer which is performed in the last part of the night". [Reported by Imam Muslim]
Therefore, the night prayer is a confirmed Sunnah, its rule does not change even in the month of Ramadhan. However, performing it during Ramadhan is better than during other months.
The time of Tahajjud (Qiyam al-lail) starts after obligatory prayer of Isha and extends till dawn. There is no specific time for this prayer so it may be performed at any time of night but the preferred time is the last third of the night.
There is no specific number of Rakah of this night prayer but the Prophet never prayed more than thirteen Rakah during Ramadhan or any other time.
The Sunnah is to be performed in sets of two Rakah. It is recommended to shorten the first two Rakah making the remaining Rakah longer. And then one should end it with one Rakah of Witr. One may also make Dua Qunoot in Witr if he likes.
The person who does not memorize much Qur'an may recite many short Surahs in one Rakah or he may read looking in the Mus-haf too.
Allah knows best.

Tahajjud Prayer - Salatul layl -Night Prayer

TIME : The time for praying Salatul-Layl is from midnight (midnight is reckoned as the time which is exactly half the time between sunset and the actual dawn) to the time of Adhan for Fajr prayers. However, it can be prayed at anytime after Isha prayers but it is better to pray during the last part of the night near to the time of Fajr prayers. If it is not possible to pray after midnight or before Fajr, then it can be recited in the morning or any part of the day with the niyyah (intention) of Qadha. It is better to recite with the niyyah of Qadha during the day time than to pray in the early part of the night.



Salatul-Layl is made up of Eleven Rak’ats.
A. The first 8(eight) Rak’ats are prayed as normal in pairs of two Rak’ats each with the niyyah of Nawafilatul-Layl.

B. The next 2 (two) Rak’ats are prayed with the Niyyah of 'Salatul Shaf’a'.

C. The remaining 1(one) Rak’at is prayed (as below)with the Niyyah of 'Salatul Witr.'

The Holy Month of Ramadhan

Ramadhan is the name of the ninth month of the Islamic Calendar and it is a holy month best known as the month of fasting, sawm, and the month in which the Qur'an was revealed. This year the lunar month of Ramadhan begins around Saturday 21 July 2012 and ends a month later around Saturday 18 August 2012. The end of the holy month of Ramadhan is marked by a celebration known as Eid al-Fitr.

"The Holy Prophet Muhammed (SAW) said:
O' People! Surely, the month of God has approached you. The month which, in the eyes of Allah, is the most virtuous of months. Its days are the best of days and its nights, the best of the nights and its moments, the best of moments."

The holy month of Ramadhan is often used as a month in which the believer renews and increases their spiritual connection with God by praying more recommended prayers, reciting more verses of the Qur'an, giving more charity and refraining from doing sins and seeking repentance for past sins. But the month of Ramadhan is different from the other holy months because it is a month where fasting is a requirement.

"O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint (taqwa)" [The Qur'an 2:183]

Fasting is refraining from food, drink and sexual activity during day-light hours, from dawn till dusk. Fasting during this month is mandatory for adults but not for youngsters, the aged, the sick, the frail, people who are travelling, women who are pregnant, nursing their newborn child or in their menses. The purpose of fasting is not hardship but spiritual development, teaching perseverance, self-control and self-discipline. Not observing the fast or intentionally breaking the fast before sun-down is considered a big sin.

Each day during the month of Ramadhan, when the sun goes down, a Muslim can then stop fasting. This is often termed "breaking the fast" or iftar in Arabic. Muslims often visit family and friends during the month but they also try to attend their local mosque which serves a meal (futoor) as part of its nightly program, which often includes recitation from the holy Qur'an, mandatory prayers (maghrib and 'ishaa) that are recited after sun-down, the main meal, maybe a lecture or lessons in the rules of Islam, maybe a supplication or two and recommended prayers.

After finishing for the night, people go home and have some food and drink water - observe the suhoor - during the night before the sun comes up again, in preparation for the next day of fasting. This is highly recommended and it makes fasting easier.

The month of Ramadhan is the most popular month of the year and Muslims look forward to it as it brings together family, friends and the community and they can worship and observe the tenants of their religion together. Furthermore, this month God increases the virtues (thawab) of acts of worship and good deeds so a good deed done in this month has greater weight than the same one done in other months and Muslims are advised to take this opportunity and blessing.

"The Holy Prophet Muhammed (SAW) said:
This month of yours (Ramadhan) is unlike the other months. Surely, when it approaches you (begins), it does so with blessings and mercy and when it turns away from you (ends), it does so with forgiveness of sins. This is a month in which good deeds are multiplied and acts of goodness are accepted."

Muslims use this month as a month to change and improve themselves in, turn over a new leaf and become better Muslims and better people for the rest of the year and the rest of their lives. Each Ramadhan is taken as an opportunity to increase one's spiritual level with them aim of self purification and the final goal of attaining a high station in heaven in the hereafter.

Futoor

Futoor is the name given to a meal eaten at the end of a day of fasting during the month of Ramadhan. The action of eating and drinking to end the fast is called iftar while the meal itself, the food and drink eaten to break the fast, is called futoor.

Suhoor

Suhoor (Arabic: سحور lit. of the dawn‎), also called Sehur, Sehri, Sahari and Sahur in other languages, is an Islamic term referring to the meal consumed early in the morning by Muslims before fasting, sawm, in daylight hours during the Islamic month of Ramadan. The meal is eaten before fajr, or dawn.[1] Suhoor as the morning meal is matched by Iftar as the evening meal, during Ramadan, replacing the traditional three meals a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner),[2] although in some places dinner is also consumed after Iftar later during the night. Being the only meal eaten by Muslims from dawn to sunset during the month of Ramadan, Suhoor typically tends to be heavy and is highly regarded by Islamic traditions to benefit of the blessings and avoid crankiness or weakness caused by the fast.

REWARDS FOR TARAWEEH DURING RAMADHAN...

1st Night: Almighty Allah forgives all the sins of a mumin.

2nd Night: Your sins including your (mumin) Father's and Mother's sins are
forgiven.

3rd Night: Below the Arash (Allah's throne) there an angel proclaims, "O
Momin, make good deeds with sincerity, Allah has forgiven your past sins!

4th Night: You are awarded the sawaab of reading the Thaurat, Injeel,Zaboor
and the Quran Majid.

5th Night: You get sawaab equal to that which you would gain if you read
your namaaz (prayers)in Masjid Haram, Medina Muna-wara and Masjid Aksa.

6th Night: You gain the sawaab of the Tawaaf made by the 70 000 angels made
at Baitul-Mamoor on the 7th sky.

7th Night: You receive the sawaab of those good people who helped Moosa
A.S.
when he fought Firon and Haman.

8th Night: The reward of the 8th Tharawee are equal to the sawaab awarded
to
Ebrahim A.S.

9th Night: The rewards of this night of Tharawee are equivalent to the
sawaab awarded to our Holy Prophet Mohammed S.A.W. (P.B.O.H).

10th Night: Allah proclaims for you all the best in the world.

11th Night: The reward of this night is that when a momin leaves this
world,
he goes with faith ("Imaan").

12th Night: On the day of resurrection you will appear with a face with so
much lustre ("noor") on it, as much as the lustre of the 14th moon.

13th Night: On the day of resurrection you will be protected from evil.

14th Night: On the day of resurrection the Malaaika (Angels) will be
witnesses for the Tharawee you are performing. On this evidence Allah will
grant your entry into Paradise without account.

15th Night: All the Malaaikas, the Hoorlaa and the Arsh-wa-Kursie (Allah's
throne), plead for you before Allah for his mercy.

16th Night: Allah gives instructions: A. To free you from hell; B. To allow
you to enter paradise.

17th Night: Allah grants you the sawaab of the Ambiaas.

18th Night: On this night an angel announces that Allah is happy with you,
and with your parents.

19th Night: The reward for this night is that Allah makes your position
greater in paradise.

20th Night: On this night Allah rewards you by granting to you the sawaab
of
the martyred and the pious.

21st Night: Allah Ta'aala on this night builds a house with lustre ("noor")
for you in paradise.

22nd Night: On the resurrection ground you will arrive duly freed from
sorrow and worry.

23rd Night: On this night Allah makes a garden for you in paradise.

24th Night: On this night Allah grants twenty-four duas (wishes).

25th Night: Allah lifts his punishment from your grave.

26th Night: Allah Ta'aala increases for you the sawaab of 40 years.

27th Night: The rewards for this night of Tharawee are that you will be
able
to cross the Pul-Sirat (bridge) like lightning.

28th Night: Your position in paradise is increased by one stage.

29th Night: Allah Ta'aala grants the sawaab of 1000 "makbul" (accepted)Haj.

30th Night: By performing this night of Tharawee you would be one of the
many persons who, on the day of resurrection will hear Allah Ta'aala say in
paradise, "Eat whichever fruit you like to eat, bath with the water of
Salaalil; and drink the Kauser water! I am thy Lord and you are my person!"
Reply With Quote


08-04-2008, 06:17 PM

Ramadhan Kareem!

Ramadan is the ninth month of the lunar Islamic calendar, which lasts 29 0r 30 days according to the visual sightings of the crescent moon. It is the Muslim month of fasting, in which Muslims refrain from dawn until sunset from eating, drinking and sexual relations.
The sawab (rewards) of fasting are many, but in this month, they are believed to be multiplied.

Ramadan Mubarak!
( means " Have a blessed Ramadan " )

Merits of Sha'ban - The Night of Bara'ah

What Should be Done in this Night?

In order to observe the Night of Bara'ah, one should remain awakened in this night as much as he can. If someone has better opportunities, he should spend the whole night in worship and prayer. However, if one cannot do so for one reason or another, he can select a considerable portion of the night, preferably of the second half of it for this purpose, and should perform the following acts of worship:

(a) Salah. Salah is the most preferable act to be performed in this night. There is no particular number of Rak'at but preferably it should not be less than eight. It is also advisable that each part of the Salah like qiyam, rukoo' and sajdah should be longer than normal. The longest surahs of the Holy Qur'an one remembers by heart should be recited in the Salah of this night. If someone does not remember the long surahs, he can also recite several short surahs in one rak'ah.

(b) Tilawa. The recitation of the Holy Qur'an is another form of worship, very beneficent in this night. After performing Salah, or at any other time, one should recite as much of the Holy Qur'an as he can.

(c) Dhikr.One should also perform dhikr (recitation of the name of Allah) in this night. Particularly the following dhikr is very useful:

One should recite Salah (durood) on Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, as many times as he can. The dhikr can also be recited while walking, lying on bed and during other hours of work or leisure.

(d) Dua. The best benefit one can draw from the blessings of this night is prayers and supplications. It is hoped that all the prayers in this night will be accepted by our Lord, insha-Allah. Prayer itself is an 'Ibadah, and Allah Almighty gives reward on each prayer along with the fulfillment of the supplicator's need. Even if the purpose prayed for is not achieved, one cannot be deprived of the reward of the prayer which is sometimes more precious than the mundane benefits one strives for. The prayers and supplications also strengthen one's relation with Allah Almighty, which is the main purpose of all kinds and forms of worship.

One can pray for whatever purpose he wishes. But the best supplications are the ones made by Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. These are so comprehensive and all-encompassing prayers that all the human needs, of this world and the Hereafter, are fully covered in the eloquent expressions used in them. Actually, most of the prophetic prayers are so profound that human imagination can hardly match their greatness.

Several books in various languages are available which provide these prophetic prayers, and one should pray to Allah Almighty in accordance with them, whether by reciting their original Arabic text or by rendering their sense in one's own language.

(e) There are some people who cannot perform any additional Salah or recitations for any reason, like illness or weakness or being engaged in some other necessary activities. Such people also should not deprive themselves completely of the blessings of this night. They should observe the following acts:

(i) To perform the Salah of Maghrib, 'Isha' and Fajr with Jama'ah in the mosque, or in their homes in case of their being sick.

(ii) They should keep reciting the dhikr, particularly the one mentioned in para (c) above, in whatever condition they are until they sleep.

(iii) They should pray to Allah for their forgiveness and for their other objectives. One can do so even when he is in his bed.

(f) The women during their periods cannot perform salah, nor can they recite the Qur'an, but they can recite any dhikr, tasbeeh, durood sharif and can pray to Allah for whatever purpose they like in whatever language they wish. They can also recite the Arabic prayers mentioned in the Qur'an or in the hadith with the intention of supplication (and not with the intention of recitation).

(g) According to a hadith, which is relatively less authentic, Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, went in this night to the graveyard of Baqi' where he prayed for the Muslims buried there. On this basis, some of the fuqaha hold it as mustahabb (advisable) in this night to go to the graveyard of the Muslims and recite Fatihah or any other part of the Qur'an, and pray for the dead. But this act is neither obligatory nor should it be performed as regularly as an obligatory act.

What Should Not be Done in This Night

1. As mentioned earlier, the Night of Bara'ah is a night in which special blessings are directed towards the Muslims. Therefore, this night should be spent in total submission to Allah Almighty, and one should refrain from all those activities, which may displease Allah. Although it is always incumbent upon every Muslim to abstain from sins, yet this abstinence becomes all the more necessary in such nights, because committing sins in this night will amount to responding to divine blessings with disobedience and felony. Such an arrogant attitude can invite nothing but the wrath of Allah. Therefore, one should strictly abstain from all the sins, particularly from those mentioned in the Hadith No. 3 quoted earlier in this article, because these sins make one devoid of the blessings of this night.

2. In this night some people indulge in some activities which they regard as necessary for the celebration of the Night of Bara'ah, like cooking some special type of meal, or illuminating houses or mosques, or improvised structures. All such activities are not only baseless and innovated in the later days by ignorant people, but in some cases they are pure imitation of some rituals performed by non-Muslim communities. Such imitation in itself is a sin; performing it in a blessed night like the Night of Bara'ah makes it worse. Muslims should strictly abstain from all such activities.

3. Some people spend this night in holding religious meetings and delivering long speeches. Such activities are also not advisable, because these acts can easily be performed in other nights. This night requires one to devote himself for the pure acts of worship only.

4. The acts of worship like Salah, recitation of the Qur'an and dhikr should be performed in this night individually, not collectively. The Nafl Salah should not be performed in Jama'ah, nor should the Muslims arrange gatherings in the mosques in order to celebrate the night in a collective manner.

On the contrary, this night is meant for worshipping Allah in solitude. It is the time to enjoy the direct contact with the Lord of the Universe, and to devote one's attention to Him and Him alone. These are the precious hours of the night in which nobody should intervene between one and his Lord, and one should turn to Allah with total concentration, not disturbed or intermitted by any one else.

That is why Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, observed the acts of worship in this night in total seclusion, not accompanied by anyone, not even by his favorite life companion Sayyidah 'Aishah, Radi-Allahu anha, and that is why all forms of the optional worship (Nafl Ibadah), are advised by him to be done in individual, not in collective manner.


Coutesy: (http://albalagh.net/general/shaban.shtml)

Sha'ban

Sha`ban is one of the meritorious months for which we find particular instructions in the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad . It is reported in authentic ahadith that Prophet Muhammad , used to fast most of the month in Sha`ban. These fasts are supererogatory (nafl) and well deserving of reward, for Sha`ban is the month immediately preceding the month of Ramadan. The Prophet mentioned in a hadith, "Rajab is the month of Allah, Sha`ban is my month and Ramadan is the month of the Nation".

1. The blessed companion Anas , reports that Prophet Muhammad , was asked, "Which fast is the most meritorious after the fasts of Ramadan?" He replied, "Fasts of Sha`ban in honor of Ramadan."

2. The blessed companion Usama ibn Zaid , reports that he asked Prophet Muhammad : "Messenger of Allah, I have seen you fasting in the month of Sha`ban so frequently that I have never seen you fasting in any other month." Prophet Muhammad , replied: "That (Sha`ban) is a month between Rajab and Ramadan which is neglected by many people. And it is a month in which an account of the deeds (of human beings) is presented before the Lord of the universe, so, I wish that my deeds be presented at a time when I am in a state of fasting."

3. Ummul Mu'mineen `Aishah (r), says, "Prophet Muhammad , used to fast the whole of Sha`ban. I said to him, 'Messenger of Allah, is Sha`ban your favorite month for fasting?' He said, 'In this month Allah prescribes the list of the persons dying this year. Therefore, I like that my death comes when I am in a state of fasting.’"

4. In another Tradition she says, "Prophet Muhammad , would sometimes begin to fast continuously until we thought he would not stop fasting, and sometimes he used to stop fasting until we thought he would never fast. I never saw the Messenger of Allah fasting a complete month, except the month of Ramadan, and I have never seen him fasting in a month more frequently than he did in Sha`ban."

5. In another report she says, "I never saw the Messenger of Allah, , fasting in a month so profusely as he did in the month of Sha`ban. He used to fast in that month leaving only a few days, rather, he used to fast almost the whole of the month."

6. Ummul-Mu'mineen Umm Salamah (r), says: "I have never seen the Messenger of Allah fasting for two months continuously except in the months of Sha`ban and Ramadan."

These reports indicate that fasting in the month of Sha`ban, though not obligatory, is so meritorious that Prophet Muhammad did not like to miss it.

The Night of Bara`ah (nisf Sha`ban)
Another significant feature of the month of Sha`ban is that it consists of a night which is termed in Shari`ah as "Laylatul-bara`ah" (The night of freedom from Fire). This is the night occurring between 14th and 15th day of Sha`ban. Traditions of Prophet Muhammad , prove that it is a meritorious night in which the people of the earth are attended by special Divine Mercy. We will be posting much more about this blessed night shortly.

Fast of the 15th Sha`ban
On the day immediately following the Night of Bara`ah, i.e. the 15th of Sha`ban, it is mustahabb (advisable) to keep fast. Prophet Muhammad is reported to have recommended this fast emphatically. A large number of the predecessors (salaf) of the Ummah have been observing the fast of the 15th of Sha`ban.
Therefore, it is advisable to fast the 15th of Sha`ban as an optional (nafl) fast. One can also keep a fast of qada (make-up) on this day and it is hoped that he can also benefit from the merits of this fast.

TOP 12 ANTI-ASTHMA FOODS

There might not be a perfect cure for asthma, but we can find many superfoods with a nutrient profile that is particularly well suited for preventing and alleviating asthma symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing and chest tightness. Let’s take a look at 12 such foods and their asthma fighting qualities.

1. AVOCADOS - is one of the prime source of Glutathione, which has been shown to protect cells against free radical damage and to detoxify foreign substances such as pollutants. Without glutathione, other antioxidants would not be able not function efficiently. Avocados are also a good source of vitamin E, particularly for people whose asthma is linked to a nut allergy (nuts are one of the most common sources of vitamin E). However, if you have been diagnosed with a latex allergy, you may want to be careful with avocados, particularly non-organically grown produce. Many suggests that people who are allergic to latex are often also allergic to avocados and other foods that may contain substances called chitinases. Organically grown avocados not treated with ethylene gas contain lower levels of chitinases.

2. BROCCOLI SPROUTS - are true nutritional treasure and a great addition to your diet if you suffer from asthma. A recent study found that the study participants who ate broccoli sprouts for 3 days had an increase in antioxidant compounds that control the airway inflammation associated with bronchial asthma. The effect was most pronounced in those who ate the most broccoli sprouts. Available at many health food stores and grocery stores, broccoli sprouts make a great addition to salads, soups, salsa-topped dishes, and sandwiches.

3. APPLES - Studies show that apples possess some extraordinary properties that may provide protection against asthma. One study discovered that pregnant women who ate apples protected their child from developing asthma. Another study found that by drinking apple juice daily children could reduce their chance of suffering from wheezing by 50%. These beneficial effects of apples may be linked to their high concentration of bioflavonoids, such as quercetin. Quercetin is known to possess strong anti-histamine, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. When buying apples, be sure to purchase organically grown fruit: together with peaches, conventionally grown apples top the list of fruits that contain the highest levels of pesticides and other harmful chemicals.

4. BANANAS - Including bananas in your diet may help you breathe easier. According to a British study, children who ate just one banana a day had a 34% lower chance of developing asthmatic symptoms such as wheezing. The results where not surprising considering that bananas are one of the best sources of pyridoxine, commonly known as vitamin B6. Pyridoxine plays a critical role in the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), molecules that have been shown to help relax bronchial smooth muscle tissue.

5. GINGER - one of the oldest spices in the world, is well known for its cold treating powers, but it may also help alleviate asthma symptoms. Its asthma fighting properties are thought to be attributable to gingerols, strong anti-inflammatory substances that also give ginger its distinctive flavor. Fresh ginger, which is said to be the most effective form of ginger, is available year round in the produce section of your local supermarket.

6. SPINACH - Popeye was right about one thing: you'd better eat your spinach! The nutritional profile of spinach makes it an excellent health food and an important functional food to be included in any anti-asthma diet. One study with 68,535 female participants found that women with a high intake of spinach had a lower prevalence of asthma. This is not surprising considering that spinach features a host of important asthma preventing nutrients, including beta-carotene (spinach is one of the best sources of beta-carotene there is), vitamin C, vitamin E, and magnesium. It also has a substantial potassium content in proportion to its calorie content: a 100 calorie serving provides about 40% of the reference daily intake for this important anti-asthma mineral.

7. ROSEMARY - It contains rosmarinic acid, that may help alleviate asthma symptoms due to its strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The antioxidant power of rosmarinic acid is believed to be even stronger than that of vitamin E. In addition, rosmarinic acid encourages cells to create prostacyclins, which help keep the air passages of the lungs open and thus promote easy breathing. Rosemary can be used to flavor fish, roast meats, and tomato sauces, but also fruits, especially oranges.

8. SUNFLOWER SEEDS - are brimming of anti-asthma nutrients, as these mild nutty tasting seeds are loaded with vitamin E, potassium, and magnesium. They are also a good source of selenium, with 1 cup providing more than 1/3 of the recommended daily intake for this important mineral. Furthermore, sunflower seeds are among the seeds and nuts that are least likely to cause allergic reactions in people. But, be careful while consuming them, as they are quite calorie-dense.


9. SWEET POTATOES - are one of the oldest vegetables known to man and one of the most nutritious too. Sweet potatoes are one of the foods that are least likely to cause allergic reactions, which is great news since asthma is often linked to allergies. What’s more, sweet potatoes contain plenty of vitamin C and potassium as well as unique root proteins which, according to preliminary studies, may have significant antioxidant properties. The pink, orange, and yellow varieties are also one of the most concentrated food sources of beta-carotene (the more intense the color, the more beta-carotene).

10. KALE - This relatively unknown member of the cabbage family is a nutritional powerhouse packed with vitamins and other phytochemicals that have been shown to alleviate symptoms associated with asthma. Not only is kale a great source of vitamin C, it is also one of the most concentrated dietary sources of beta-carotene (kale contains 10 times the beta-carotene of broccoli). Kale can be eaten raw, for example as a substitute for iceberg lettuce in salads. The beautiful green leaves of kale can also be transformed into a savory warm dish by sautéing the leaves and mixing them with chopped onions, crushed garlic and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

11. TURMERIC - a spice that lends its yellow color to curries and many other foods, has long been used in traditional Asian medicine to treat asthma and many other conditions and diseases. In recent years, western medicine has started to pay greater attention to this extraordinary spice. Recent research suggests that turmeric possesses strong anti-inflammatory properties. Although best known for its use in Indian style curries, turmeric can also be used to add flavor and color to fish, seafood, meat, rice, vegetable, and pasta dishes.


12. MUSTARD GREENS - Chock-full of antioxidants and nutrients, mustard greens can make an excellent addition to your diet if you are susceptible to asthma attacks. In addition to being one of the best sources of beta-carotene, they provide a good amount of vitamin C and vitamin E. The nutrients in mustard greens can remove free radicals that cause smooth muscle contraction and airway constriction in people with asthma. Moreover, they may aid in the breakdown of histamine. Mustard greens with their distinctly peppery flavor are available throughout the year and can be found in the produce section of your local supermarket.

Like said before, no food can actually “cure” asthma; but only provide relief for asthma symptoms, in a long run of consumption. So, if you are asthmatic, or prone to frequent attacks, don’t forget these nutrient-rich foods that may help alleviate your asthma symptoms.

Photo: healthytimesblog.com
Source: healthytimesblog.com, healwithfood.org
—

BIDAYAN A BATALOWAN NANGGO TIOBA

:-daw kaoma salka na moto na t'mo pan ka makadsabar ka nanggo matalima nengka na batalwa, t'mo pan ka mana kaden di mamakdtulduwa sa olian a kawma salka na moto na tioba bainto.

Miracle of Al-Isra & Al-Miraj

Miracle of Al-Isra & Al-Miraj
(The night journey and the ascension of Prophet Muhammad( Peace be upon him)
Praise be to Allah, the Lord of t he Worlds, the One Who exists without a place. To Him belong the endowments and proper commendations. May Allah raise the rank of Prophet Muhammad and his kind Al and Companions and protect his nation from what he fears for them. May the Lord of Heavens and Earth grant us the sincere intentions and guide us to the acceptable deeds.
Thereafter, Allah sent the prophets as a mercy to the slaves and supported them with miracles to indicate the truthfulness of their message. Of all the prophets, our Prophet, Muhammad, was blessed with the most miracles. Al-Isra' and al-Mi^raj are among the many miracles of Prophet Muhammad.
The miracle of al-Isra' is confirmed in the Qur'an. In Surat al-Isra', Ayah 1, Allah said:

which means: [Praise be to Allah Who enabled His slave, Muhammad, to make the journey at night from Masjid al-Haram in Makkah to Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem , which is surrounded a blessed land.] This journey is also confirmed in the sahih hadith. As such, there is scholarly consensus (ijma^) Prophet Muhammad journeyed in body and soul the night of al-Isra' from Masjid al-Haram in Makkah to Masjid al-Aqsain Jerusalem . Moreover, these scholars indicated the person who denies al-Isra' is a blasphemer for belying the explicit text of the Qur'an.
Before the Prophet took this night journey, the ceiling of the house in which he was staying was opened, and Jibril descended. He cut open the chest of Prophet Muhammad and washed that open area with Zamzam water. Then he emptied something from a container into the chest of the Prophet to increase his wisdom as well as the strength of his belief. This was done to prepare the Messenger of Allah for that which he had yet to see in the upper world from among the wonders of the creation of Allah.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Al-Isra'
After the Prophet performed the Evening Prayer (^Isha'), Jibril came to him with a white animal, slightly larger than a donkey yet smaller than a mule. This animal was the buraq,--one of the animals of Paradise . Jibril held the buraq by his ear and told the Prophet to mount it. When the buraq was mounted, the Prophet set forth.
The buraqis a very fast animal; the length of the buraq's stride is the farthest distance it's eye can see. The Prophet and Jibril arrived to a land with palm trees. Jibril told the Prophet to dismount and pray, so the Prophet dismounted the buraq and prayed two rak^as. Jibril asked him, "Do you know where you prayed?" and the Prophet answered, "Allah knows best." Jibril told him, "This is Yathrib; this is Taybah. "." (These are two names for the city of al-Madinah.) Before the Prophet emigrated to al-Madinah, it was called Taybah and Yathrib. It earned the name al-Madinah after the Prophet emigrated to it.
The buraq continued with the Prophet and Jibril until they reached another place. Again Jibril told the Prophet to get down and pray. The Prophet dismounted there and prayed two rak^as. Jibril informed the Prophet of the name of that place; it was Tur Sina'.
Once again the buraq took off with the Prophet and Jibril. Once again it stopped, and the Prophet dismounted and prayed two rak^as. This was in Bayt Lahm, where Prophet ^Isa (Jesus) was born. Then the buraq continued with the Messenger of Allah until they entered the city of Jerusalem . There the Prophet went to Masjid al-Aqsa. Outside was a ring used by the Messengers of Allah to tie their animals. The Prophet tied his buraq to this ring. Then the Prophet entered the masjid where Allah assembled for him all the Prophets--from Adam to ^Isa. Prophet Muhammad moved forward and led them all in prayer. This is an indication the Prophet is higher in status than all the rest of the prophets and messengers.
1- On Prophet Muhammad's journey from Masjid al-Haram to Masjid al-Aqsa, Allah enabled him to see some of His wondrous creations. Allah enabled the Prophet to see the world (dunya) like an old woman. However, this old woman was wearing a great deal of jewelry, and in this there is an indication signifying the reality of the world.
2- Allah enabled the Prophet to see Iblis. The Prophet saw something on the side of the road which did not dare to stand in his way or speak to him. What the Prophet saw was Iblis. Originally, Iblis was a believer and lived with the angels in Paradise . When Allah ordered the angels to prostrate (sujud) to Prophet Adam, Iblis was ordered to prostrate to him as well. The angels prostrated to Adam in obedience to Allah, because angels do not disobey Allah. However, Iblis did not obey, and he objected to the order of Allah. He said, "You created me out of fire, and You created him out of clay. How do You order me to prostrate to him?" So this objection by Iblis to the order of Allah was the first blasphemy he committed.
3- On his journey, the Prophet smelled a very nice odor. He asked Jibril about this pleasant scent and Jibril informed him this good smell was coming from the grave of the woman whose duty used to be to comb Pharaoh's daughter's hair. This woman was a good, pious believer. One day, as she was combing Pharaoh's daughter's hair, the comb fell from her hand. At this she said, ""Bismillah. "Pharaoh's daughter asked her, "Do you have a god other than my father?" The woman said, "Yes. My Lord and the Lord of your father is Allah." Pharaoh's daughter told her father what had happened. Pharaoh demanded this woman blaspheme and leave Islam, but she refused. At that, Pharaoh threatened to kill her children. He brought a great pot of water and built a great fire under it. When the water boiled, Pharaoh brought her children and started to drop them into that pot one after the other. Throughout all this, the woman remained steadfast to Islam, even when Pharaoh reached her youngest child--a little boy still breast feeding--but she felt pity for him. At that, Allah enabled this child to speak. He said to his mother, "O Mother, be patient. The torture of the Hereafter is far more severe than the torture of this life, and do not be reluctant, because you are right." At this the woman requested Pharaoh collect her bones and the bones of her children and bury them in the same grave. Pharaoh promised her that--then dropped her into that boiling water. She died as a martyr. The good odor the Prophet smelled coming from her grave is an indication of her high status.
4- During his trip, the Prophet saw people who were planting and reaping in two days. Jibril told the Prophet, "These were the people who fight for the sake of Allah (mujahidun). ")."
5- The Prophet also saw people whose lips and tongues were clipped with scissors made of fire. Jibril told the Prophet, "These are the speakers of sedition (fitna) who call people to misguidance. "
6- He also saw a bull which exited a very small outlet, then was trying in vain to return through that small outlet. Jibril told the Prophet, "This is the example of the bad word--once spoken, it cannot be returned."
7- The Prophet saw people grazing like animals, with very little clothing on their private parts. Jibril told the Prophet, "These are the ones who refused to pay zakat. "."
8- The Prophet saw angels smashing some people's heads with rocks. These heads would return to the shape they had been, and then the angels would smash their heads again--and so on. Jibril told the Prophet, "These are the ones whose heads felt too heavy to perform prayer--the ones who used to sleep without praying."
9- On his journey the Prophet saw people who were competing to eat some rotten meat--ignoring meat that was sliced and unspoiled. Jibril told the Prophet, "These are people from your nation who leave out that which is permissible (halal), and consume that which is forbidden ((haram). "This reference was to the fornicators, that is, the ones who left out the permissible (marriage) and committed sins (fornication) .
10- Also, the Prophet saw people who were drinking from the fluid coming from the bodies of the fornicators, (water mixed with blood). Jibril indicated to the Prophet these were the ones who were drinking the alcohol which is prohibited in this world.
11- The Prophet saw people scratching their faces and chests with brass finger nails. Jibril said, "These are the examples of those who commit gossip ((ghibah). ")."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Al-Mi^raj
1- After the Prophet took this night journey from Masjid al-Haram to Masjid al-Aqsa, he ascended to the upper heavens. The Prophet ascended to the heaven on stairs, called al-mirqat, in which one step is made of gold and the next of silver, and so on. These stairs are veiled from us. The Prophet ascended these stairs until he reached the first heaven. When the Prophet and Jibril arrived at the first heaven, Jibril requested the gate to be opened. The angel assigned to that gate asked Jibril, "Who is with you?" Jibril answered, "It is Muhammad." The angel asked Jibril, "Was he dispatched? Is it time for him to ascend to the heaven?" Jibril said, "Yes." So, the gate was opened for him, and Prophet Muhammad entered the first heaven.
There, Prophet Muhammad saw Prophet Adam. To Adam's right, the Prophet saw some bodies, and to Adam's left, other bodies. If Adam would look to his right he would laugh, and if he would look to his left he would cry. Adam was seeing the souls of his descendants. Those on his right were his descendants who would die as believers and those on his left were his descendants who would die as non-believers.
Then the Prophet ascended to the second heaven. In this second heaven was where Prophet Muhammad saw Prophets ^Isa and Yahya. ^Isa and Yahya are cousins; their mothers were sisters. They welcomed the Prophet and made supplication (du^a') for him for good things. The Prophet ascended to the third heaven, where he found Prophet Yusuf. Prophet Yusuf was extremely handsome. Allah bestowed half the beauty on Yusuf. Yusuf received the Prophet with a warm welcome and made supplication (du^a') for him for good things.
Then the Prophet ascended to the fourth heaven, where he found Prophet Idris. Idris welcomed the Prophet and made supplication (du^a') for him for good things. In the fifth heaven, the Prophet encountered Harun, the brother of Prophet Musa. In the sixth heaven, he encountered Prophet Musa. Each of these Prophets received Prophet Muhammad with a warm welcome and made supplication (du^a')') for him for good things.
Then the Prophet ascended to the seventh heaven, and that is where our Messenger saw Prophet Ibrahim. Prophet Ibrahim is the best of the prophets after our prophet, Muhammad. The Prophet saw Prophet Ibrahim with his back against al-Bayt al-Ma^mur. To the inhabitants of the skies, al-Bayt al-Ma^mur is like the Ka^bah is to us, the inhabitants of the earth. Every day 70,000 angels go there; then exit from it, and never return. The next day another 70,000 angels go, come out, and never return. This will continue until the Day of Judgment. In this, there is an indication as to the greatness of the numbers of the angels--their numbers are far more than the numbers of the humans and the jinns together.
In the seventh heaven, Prophet Muhammad saw Sidrat al-Muntaha--a very big tree of sidr. Each of the fruits of this tree is as large as a big jar. The leaves of this tree are similar to the ears of the elephants. Sidrat al-Muntahais an extremely beautiful tree. It is visited by butterflies made of gold. When these butterflies gather on this tree, its beauty is beyond description.
Then the Prophet ascended to what is beyond the seven skies; he entered Paradise . He saw examples of the inhabitants of Paradise and how their situation would be. He saw most of the inhabitants of Paradise are the poor people .
The Prophet saw other things on the night of his ascension. He saw Malik, the angel in charge of the Hellfire. Malik did not smile at the Prophet when he saw him, and the Prophet asked why. In answer to the Prophet's question, Jibril said, "Malik did not smile since the day Allah created him. Had he smiled for anyone, he would have smiled for you."
In Paradise, the Prophet saw some of the bounties Allah prepared for the inhabitants of Paradise . He saw the Hur ul-^In: females Allah created who are not humans or jinn. They are in Paradise and will be married to those men Allah willed them to marry.
The Prophet saw the wildan ul-mukhalladun: creations of Allah who are not human, jinn, or angels. They are a very beautiful creation of Allah whose appearance is like laid-out pearls. They are servants of the inhabitants of Paradise . The least in status of the People of Paradise will have 10,000 wildan ul-mukhalladun to serve him. Each one of them would carry a tray of gold in one hand and a tray of silver in the other hand.
The Prophet saw the Throne (^Arsh), which is the ceiling of Paradise . The Throne is the largest creation of Allah in size; Allah did not create anything bigger in size than it. The seven heavens and the earth in comparison to the Kursiyy, are like a ring thrown in a desert, and the Kursiyy in comparison to the Throne, is like a ring thrown in a desert. The seven heavens and the earth in comparison to the Throne are like a seed of mustard compared to the ocean. Allah created the Throne as a sign of His Power and He did not create the Throne to sit on it.
Allah created the Throne to show His Power. It is carried by four angels, and on the Day of Judgment, it will be carried by eight. The Prophet said he was permitted to speak about one of these angels who carry the Throne. In describing this angel, the Prophet told us the distance between his ear lobe and shoulder is the distance a fast-flying bird would cover in 700 years.
Then the Prophet ascended beyond Paradise . He reached a place where he heard the creaking of the pens used by the angels who are copying from the Preserved Tablet. It is at that location Prophet Muhammad heard the Kalam of Allah, which is an attribute of the Self of Allah. He heard the Kalam of Allah which does not resemble our speech--so it is not something that occurs bit after bit. It is not letter after letter or a word that comes after another word. Rather, it is an attribute of Allah which is eternal and everlasting. It does not resemble our attributes. The Kalam of Allah has neither silence nor interruptions. It is an attribute of Allah, and it does not resemble the attributes of the creation.
The Prophet understood several things from hearing this Kalam of Allah. He understood the obligation of the five Obligatory Prayers. At first, Allah obligated fifty prayers. When Prophet Muhammad encountered Musa, Musa told him to make supplication (du^a') to his Lord to ease the obligation of fifty (50) prayers, because his nation could not handle that. Musa said, "I have experience with the people of Israel , and I know your nation cannot bear that." So the Prophet asked his Lord to lessen these prayers for his people. Five prayers were eliminated. Once again, Musa told the Prophet to ask Allah to lessen the number of prayers. Allah did. Nine times the Prophet made supplication to Allah to lessen these prayers--until these prayers were lessened to five Obligatory Prayers. So Prophet Musa was a great benefit to us. Had we been obligated to pray fifty prayers a day, this would have been a difficult matter for us.
From the Kalam of Allah, the Prophet also understood that a good deed would be written for the person who intends to do a good deed, even if he did not do it. Also, the good deed performed would be registered for he who performs it as at least ten good deeds--up to 700 good deeds. For some people, Allah would multiply the reward of their deeds more than that. Additionally, if one performs a bad deed, it is registered for him as one bad deed; yet for he who inclines towards committing a bad deed and then refrains from committing it, a good deed would be registered for him. Here one should note the difference between two matters. If a thought crossed a person's mind about doing something sinful, and this person wavered in this thinking, i.e., considered whether he should do it or not, then he refrained from doing this for the sake of Allah, this is written as a good deed. However, if a person has the firm intention in his heart that he wants to commit a sin, it would be written for him as a sin, even if he does not do it.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Prophet returns to Makkah
After all these matters took place with the Prophet, he returned to the city of Makkah . Some scholars said the Prophet's journey took about one-third of the night, i.e., his journey from Makkah to Jerusalem , then to the heavens and what is above them, and then back to Makkah The next day the Prophet told the people what happened to him the previous night. The blasphemers belied the Prophet and mocked him, saying, "We need a month to get there and back, and you are claiming to have done all this in one night?" They said to Abu Bakr, "Look at what your companion is saying. He says he went to Jerusalem and came back in one night." Abu Bakr told them, "If he said that, then he is truthful. I believe him concerning the news of the heavens--that an angel descends to him from the heavens. How could I not believe he went to Jerusalem and came back in a short period of time--when these are on earth?" At that, the Companion, Abu Bakr, was called "as-Siddiq"--because of how strongly he believed all what the Prophet said.
The blasphemous people questioned the Prophet: "If you are truthful, then describe to us Masjid al-Aqsa and its surroundings. " They asked this because they knew Prophet Muhammad had never been there before the previous night. Allah enabled the Messenger to see Masjid al-Aqsa, and he described the masjid and its surroundings in exact detail. Moreover, the Prophet said, "On my way back, I saw some of your shepherds grazing their animals in a particular location. They were searching for a camel they had lost." The Prophet continued by giving the description of the camel. When these shepherds came back, they told their people what happened to them--precisely as the Prophet had already told them.
These blasphemers admitted the Prophet's description was exact. Despite that, they were still stubborn and rejected the faith. They did not accept Islam. Only those whom Allah willed to be guided, will be guided. The person whom Allah did not will to be guided, will not believe--regardless of how much explanation or how many proofs he is shown. The person whom Allah willed to be guided, surely he will be a believer. Many people witness ed miracles and still did not believe. Many people witness ed the miracle of the Prophet's splitting of the moon. Those who refused to embrace Islam said, "This is magic. Muhammad played a magic trick on our eyes." They even asked the people of a faraway land who witness ed the moon split in two. Despite this, they still did not believe. They said, "The magic of Muhammad is powerful; it even reached the faraway lands!" This was their response to witness ing a miracle--instead of believing and becoming Muslim s.
We ask Allah that we would all die as Muslim s. We ask Allah to bestow on us the bounty of entering Paradise without torture.
And Allah knows best

shared from TurnToIslam. Sukran!

Rajab

The Month of Rajab

By Mufti Taqi Usmani
Posted: 8 Rajab 1423, 15 September 2002

Rajab is the seventh month in the Islamic lunar calendar. This month was regarded as one of the sacred months (Al-Ashhur-al-hurum) in which battles were prohibited in the days of the Holy Prophet Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. It is also a prelude to the month of Ramadan, because Ramadan follows it after the intervening month of Sha'ban. Therefore, when the Holy Prophet Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam sighted the moon of Rajab, he used to pray to Allah in the following words:

"O Allah, make the months of Rajab and Sha'ban blessed for us, and let us reach the month of Ramadan (i.e. prolong our life up to Ramadan, so that we may benefit from its merits and blessings)."

Yet no specific way of worship has been prescribed by the Shari'ah in this month. However, some people have invented some special rituals or practices in this month, which are not supported by reliable resources of the Shari'ah or are based on some unauthentic traditions. We would like to explain here the correct position about them.

1. Celebration of Lailatul Mi'raj

It is generally believed that the great event of Mi'raj (ascension of the Holy Prophet Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam to the heavens) took place in the night of 27th of Rajab. Therefore, some people celebrate the night as "Lailatul- Mi'raj" (the night of ascension to heavens).

Indeed, the event of mi'raj was one of the most remarkable episodes in the life of our beloved Holy Prophet Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. He was called by Almighty Allah. He traveled from Makkah to Baitul-Maqdis and from there he ascended the heavens through the miraculous power of Allah. He was honored with a direct contact with his Creator at a place where even the angels had no access. This was the unique honor conferred by Allah to the Holy Prophet Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam alone. It was the climax of the spiritual progress which is not attained by anybody except him. No doubt the night in which he was blessed with this unparalleled honor was one of the greatest nights in the history of this world.

But, Islam has its own principles with regard to the historic and religious events. Its approach about observing festivals and celebrating days and nights is totally different from the approach of other religions. The Holy Qur'an and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam did not prescribe any festival or any celebration to commemorate an event from the past, however remarkable it might have been. Instead, Islam has prescribed two annual celebrations only. One is Eid-ul-Fitr and the other is Eid ul-Adha. Both of these festivals have been fixed at a date on which the Muslims accomplish a great 'ibadah (worship) every year. Eid-ul-Fitr has been prescribed after the fasts of Ramadan, while Eid-ul-Adha has been fixed when the Muslims perform the Hajj annually. None of these two eids is designed to commemorate a particular event of the past which has happened in these dates. This approach is indicative of the fact that the real occasion for a happy celebration is the day in which the celebrators themselves have accomplished remarkable work through their own active effort. As for the accomplishments of our ancestors, their commemoration should not be restricted to a particular day or night. Instead, their accomplishments must be remembered every day in the practical life by observing their teachings and following the great examples they have set for us.

Keeping this principle in view, the following points should be remembered with regard to the "Lailatul-mi'raj":

(1) We cannot say with absolute certainty in which night the great event of mi'raj took place. Although some traditions relate this event to 27th night of the month of Rajab, yet there are other traditions that suggest other dates. Al-Zurqani, the famous biographer of the Holy Prophet Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam has referred to five different views in this respect: Rabi-ul-Awwal, Rabi-u-Thani, Rajab, Ramadan and Shawwal. Later, while discussing different traditions, he has added a sixth opinion, that the mi'raj took place in the month of Zulhijjah.

Allama Abdulhaq Muhaddith Dehlawi, the well-known scholar of the Indian subcontinent, has written a detailed book on the merits of Islamic months. While discussing the 'Lailatul-mi'raj' has mentioned that most of the scholars are of the view that the event of mi'raj took place in the month of Ramadan or in Rabi-ul-awwal.

(2) It is also not known in which year the event of Mi'raj took place. The books of history suggest a wide range between the fifth-year and the twelfth year after the Holy Prophet Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam was entrusted with prophethood.

Now, if it is assumed that the event of Mi'raj took place in the fifth year of his prophethood, it will mean that the Holy Prophet Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam remained in this world for eighteen years after this event. Even if it is presumed that the mi'raj took place in the twelfth year of his prophethood, his remaining life-time after this event would be eleven years. Throughout this long period, which may range between eleven years and eighteen years, the Holy Prophet Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam never celebrated the event of mi'raj, nor did he give any instruction about it. No one can prove that the Holy Prophet Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam ever performed some specific modes of worship in a night calling it the 'Lailatul-mi'raj' or advised his followers to commemorate the event in a particular manner.

(3) After the demise of the Holy Prophet Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam also, no one of his companions is reported to celebrate this night as a night of special acts of worship. They were the true devotees of the Holy Prophet Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam and had devoted their lives to preserve every minute detail of the sunnah of the Holy Prophet Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam and other Islamic teachings. Still, they did not celebrate the event of mi'raj in a particular night in a particular way.

All these points go a long way to prove that the celebration of the 27th night of Rajab, being the lailatul-mi'raj has no basis in the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam or in the practice of his noble companions. Had it been a commendable practice to celebrate this night, the exact date of this event would have been preserved accurately by the Ummah and the Holy Prophet Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam and his blessed companions would have given specific directions for it.

Therefore, it is not a Sunnah to celebrate the Lailatul-mi'raj'. We cannot declare any practice as a sunnah unless it is established through authentic sources that the Holy Prophet Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam or is noble Companions have recognized it as such, otherwise it may become a bid'ah about which the Holy Prophet Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam has observed in the following words: "Whoever invents something in our religion which is not a part of it, it is to be rejected."

Being mindful of this serious warning, we should appreciate that the 27th night of the month of Rajab is not like 'Lailatul-qadr' or 'Lailatul-bara'ah' for which special merits have been mentioned expressly either y the Holy Qur'an or by the Holy Prophet Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam.

However, all the recognized modes of 'ibadah (worship) like Salat, recitation of the Holy Qur'an, dhikr, etc. are commendable any time, especially in the late hours of night, and obviously the 27th night of Rajab is not an exception. Therefore, if someone performs any recognized 'ibadah in this night from this point of view nothing can stop him from doing so, and he will be entitled to the thawab (reward allocated for that recognized 'ibadah insha-Allah.) But it is not permissible to believe that performing 'ibadah in this night is more meritorious or carries more thawab like 'Lailatul-qadr' or 'Lailatul-bara'ah', because this belief is not based on any authentic verse or on a sunnah of the Holy Prophet Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. Similarly, it is not a correct practice to celebrate this night collectively and to invite people to special ritual congregations.

(4) Some people suggest some special modes of worship to be performed in this night. Since no special mode of worship is prescribed by the Shari'ah in this night, these suggestions are devoid of any authority and should not be acted upon.

It is believed by some that the Muslims should keep fast on 27th of Rajab. Although there are some traditions attributing special merits to the fast of this day yet the scholars of hadith have held these traditions as very weak and unauthentic reports which cannot be sufficient to establish a rule of Shari'ah. On the contrary, there is an authentic report that Sayyidna 'Umar, Radi-Allahu anhu, used to forbid people from fasting on this day, rather to compel them to eat if they had started fasting.

It should be borne in mind here that a "nafl" fast can be observed any day (except the six prohibited days of the year); therefore, fasting on 27th of Rajab is not prohibited in itself. What is prohibited is the belief that fasting on this day is more meritorious than fasting in other normal days. One should not fast in this day with this belief. But if someone fasts therein, believing it to be a normal nafl fast, there is no bar against it.

Sacrifice (qurbani) in the month of Rajab

In the days of ignorance (jahiliyyah) the Arabs used to offer the sacrifice of a goat in the month of Rajab. This sacrifice used to be called "Atirah' or 'Rajabiyyah'. This sacrifice was offered in the name of different so-called gods and their icons. In the beginning of Islam, this custom was retained, but the Muslims modified it by offering the sacrifice of 'Atirah in the name of Allah instead of the false gods. But finally, this custom was abandoned and the Holy Prophet Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam prohibited the offering of 'Atirah. In a tradition of Sayyidna Abu Hurairah, Radi-Allahu anhu, reported by both al-Bukhari and Muslim, the Holy Prophet Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam has said: "Fara' is nothing and 'Atirah is nothing."

Abu Hurairah, Radi-Allahu anhu, has explained in the same tradition that 'Fara" was the first child of a she-camel. Whenever a she-camel delivered its first child, the Arabs used to sacrifice it in the name of their so-called gods, while the 'Atirah' was a goat used to be sacrificed in the month of Rajab. Since the Holy Prophet Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam stopped both these customs, 'Atirah is no longer a recognized practice.

'Umrah in the month of Rajab

Ibn 'Abidin, the well-known scholar of the Islamic jurisprudence, has mentioned that the people of Makkah (in his days) used to perform 'umrah in the month of Rajab. Perhaps they believed that performing 'umrah in this month is more meritorious than in other months. Then Ibn Abidin himself has rejected the authenticity of this practice, because no tradition of the Holy Prophet Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam is found to this effect. Conversely Sayyidah 'Aishah, Radi-Allahu anha, has expressly negated the presumption by saying that the Holy Prophet Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam never performed an 'umrah in the month of Rajab (Sahih Muslim 1:409)

However, Ibn 'Aibidin has quoted a narration that 'Abdullah ibn Zubair, Radi-Allahu anhu, completed the renovation of Ka'bah shortly before 27th of Rajab, and as a sign of gratefulness he performed 'umrah and slaughtered some animals. But this report cannot form the basis of a recognized annual practice, firstly because the report is not very authentic, and secondly because it does not mention that Abdullah ibn Zubair, Radi-Allahu anhu, had adopted it as a continuing practice. At the most, he performed 'umrah once as a sign of gratefulness on the completion of Ka'bah. It does not mean that he performed it as a characteristic of the month of Rajab. Therefore, performing 'Umrah in this month is like performing it in any other month and no special merit can be attached to it merely because it has been performed in the month of Rajab.

The Salat of "Ragha'ib"

Another special mode of worship attributed by some people to this month is the Salat of Raghai'b. According to the custom of such people, this Salat is performed in the night of first Friday of the month of Eajab. The Salat of Raghaib is said to consist of twelve rak'ats to be performed in pairs with six salams, and in each rak'at the surah al-qadr is recited three times followed by the Surah-al-ikhlas. This type of Salat is also not based on any sound source of Shari'ah. Therefore, almost all the jurists and scholars of Shari'ah have held that the Salat of Raghaib is a baseless practice and it is not permissible to treat it as a recognized practice of this month. It is true that there is a tradition, narrated by Razin, the author of a book of hadith, which attributes the origin of this practice to the Holy Prophet Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam but almost all the scholars of the science of hadith have held it to be absolutely unauthentic. Therefore, no importance can be attached to it.

Distribution of Breads:

Another baseless practice in the month of Rajab is that the people bake special types of breads and, after reciting some verses and prayers on them, distribute them among their friends and neighbors. This custom has two different shapes.

1). In some communities, this custom is celebrated on 17th of Rajab on the assumption that Sayyidna Ali, Radi-Allahu anhu, was born on 11th of Rajab and the 17th of Rajab is the day on which his 'Aqiqa (Shaving of his head) was performed. In order to celebrate this happy event, the breads of some special type are prepared and after reciting Surah Al-Mulk on them, they are distributed among the relatives and friends. These breads are generally called "breads of Tabarak" because Surah Al-Mulk is usually recited on them.

This practice is baseless because it is never proved that Sayyidna Ali, Radi-Allahu anhu, was born on 11th of Rajab or that his Aqiqa was performed on 17th of this month and, as explained earlier, even if these events are proved to have happened in those days, their commemoration through these specific rituals is not warranted by the Shari'ah.

2). A more common practice of this type is observed on 22nd of Rajab whereby some breads and meals of a special type are prepared and distributed among the people. Since these special meals are usually placed in some bowls made of clay, the custom is usually known as "Koonda", an Urdu equivalent of such bowls. It is usually believed that the custom is designed to make 'isal-al-thawab to the soul of Sayyidna Jafar Al-Sadiq who himself has directed his followers to observe this custom and has promised them that whoever observes it, his desires will be fulfilled.

All these assumptions also have no basis at all, neither historically, nor according to the principles of Shari'ah. In fact, the date of 22nd of Rajab has no concern whatsoever with Sayyidna Jafar al-Sadiq, Rahimah-u-Allah. According to the historians, he was born on 8th of Ramadan 80 A.H. and died in Shawwal 148 A.H. No specific event of the life of Sayyidna Jafar al-Sadiq is proved to have happened on this date. The people believing in the custom refer to a coined story mentioned in an unauthentic book named "Dastaan-e-Ajeeb".

Briefly stated, the gist of the story is that a poor woodcutter lived in Madinah in the days of Jafar Al-Sadiq. He went abroad to earn his livelihood. His wife was employed in the house of the Prime Minister. Once she was cleaning the courtyard of the Prime Minister when Sayyidna Jafar al-Sadiq passed by her. It was 22nd of Rajab. He advised her to bake some breads of a special type and make 'isal-al-sawab to him. According to this story, he promised her that if her desire is not fulfilled after this practice, she can catch hold of him at the doom's day. On hearing this, the woman made a vow that if her husband will come back with a considerable wealth, she will observe the custom of "Koonda". On the same day her husband, who was in another country, found a valuable treasure in the earth and came back with it to Madinah where he established himself as a rich man and started living in a magnificent castle. When his wife told the story to the wife of the Prime Minister, she disbelieved her and because of this disbelief, she and her husband, the Prime Minister, were punished by Allah. He was removed by the king from the prime minister-ship and was imprisoned in a jail and was ordered to be hanged. While being in the prison, the wife of the Prime Minister remembered that she had disbelieved the story of Jafar al-Sadiq told to her by her maidservant and their misery might be the punishment of their disbelief. On this point, she and her husband repented before Allah and made a vow to observe the custom of "Koonda", if they are released from the jail. After they made such a vow, the whole scenario of the events changed suddenly. The king released the Prime Minister from the jail and reinstated him on his former position.

As it can be seen by any reasonable person, this story is totally forged on the face of it. The person who has coined this story did not even know that Madinah had never a king nor a Prime Minister. All the Muslim rulers were named as caliphs and had no Prime Minister at all. In the days of Umayyads, their capital was Damascus and in the days of Abbasids, their permanent seat was in Baghdad.

It is ironical that the story of such a woodcutter is not even known to anybody in Madinah, nor in any city of the Arab countries. No Arabic book has ever referred to it. It has no mention except in an Urdu book 'Dastaan-e-Ajeeb', the author of which is unknown. One can easily see that a custom based on such a fallacious and mythical story can never be an Islamic custom. Islam has always been far away from such superstitions.

Therefore, this baseless custom should completely be avoided by the true Muslims. Some historians have opined that in fact, this custom has been coined by some Shi'ites because the date of 22nd of Rajab is the date of the demise of Sayyidna Mu'awiyah whom they take as their biggest enemy. They took that date as a happy occasion and made the Sunni Muslims also to celebrate it on the pretext of the above mentioned story.

Be that as it may, it is evident that such customs have crept into the Muslim society by their long association with Hindus who commemorate different historical events of their religion in the like manner. The Muslims must be careful about these customs, because they are not only an invention of ignorance but also the imitation of non-Muslims in their religious rituals. No doubt the "'isal-al-thawab' to the soul of a deceased Muslim, and particularly to a pious person is not only permissible but also a commendable practice but the Shari'ah has not prescribed a particular date, nor a particular mode to do so. If someone wants to make "'isal-al-thawab" to Sayyidna 'Ali, Radi-Allahu anhu, or to Ja'far al-Sadiq, he can do it any day and by performing any act of worship, like Salat, fast, Sadaqah, dhikr etc. There is no reason why it should be restricted to a special type of meal or bread distributed on a particular date. What makes this practice worse is the fact that the people accustomed to this practice deem it as necessary as a fard (obligation); rather they treat it as more necessary than fard because they do not care to perform the obligatory Salat or to fulfill the rights of men obligated on them, but they are very strict and punctual to perform these activities. Moreover, if a person does not observe this practice, they reproach him and call him with bad names. Such behavior makes this custom a bid'ah which is condemned by the Holy Prophet Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam as a misguidance. Therefore, the Muslims must abandon all such practices and should not cling to it only because it has been the practice of their society for many years. A Muslim is supposed to follow the dictates of Shari'ah and not the practice of the society, if it violates any of its principles.

Conclusion

The upshot of the above discussion is that the Shari'ah has not prescribed any specific way to observe the month of Rajab or to perform a specific mode of worship or a ritual in any one of its dates. However, being a prologue to the month of Ramadan, it should be availed of for preparing oneself for Ramadan and one should pray Allah to make him reach the blessed month and to benefit from its unique merits.