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The holy month of Ramadan is particularly important as it
the Holy Month in the Islamic calendar. The Holy Prophet
('s)
said:
“It is Allah's
own month.”
”O People! In this month, beyond a shadow of a doubt, the
doors of everlasting bliss and happiness are thrown
open…”
“In this month you are the guests of Allah, enjoying
His hospitality, you are among His favourites, your
breathing is “praise of Allah”, your sleep is His
worship, your prayers receive His approval, your invocations
are sanctioned. So, sincerely, free from evil and sinful
thoughts and actions, with clear conscious, pray and request
that He may give your heart and confidence to observe fast
and recite the Holy Quoran and Dua’a throughout this
month.”
Fasting is one of the important pillars of
Islam and the month of Ramadan is the month during which
fasting has been made obligatory for all adults and sane
Muslims.
“O ye who believe! Fasting is
prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you,
that ye may (learn) self-restraint, (Fasting) for a fixed
number of days; but if any of you is ill, or on a journey,
the prescribed number (Should be made up) from days later.
For those who can do it (With hardship), is a ransom, the
feeding of one that is indigent.
But he that will give more,
of his own free will, it is better for him.
And it is better
for you that ye fast, if ye only knew.”
(2:183-184)
By fasting during Ramadan, Momins meet one of the
obligations required of them by Allah (swt) and henceforth become
entitled to great reward in the Hereafter, insh’Allah. Any lapse in Islamic obligations amounts
to sin.
Fasting is a form of worship and Allah alone rewards that
person for it on the Day of Judgment.
The blessings of Ramadan are not only limited to fasting
as the performance of many deeds and worship during
this month are counted and rewarded with great Divine
favour.
One of these most important acts is the recitation of the
Holy Quoran as the revelation of the Holy Quoran commenced
during this month of Ramadan.
“Ramadan is the (month) in which was
sent down the Qur'an, as a guide to mankind, also clear
(Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong).
So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that
month should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill, or
on a journey, the prescribed period (Should be made up) by
days later.
Allah intends every facility for you; He does
not want to put to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete
the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has
guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful.”
(2:185)
It is therefore the responsibility of every Momin to read
and recite the Holy Quoran during the month of Ramadan. It
brings peace to the mind and imparts purity to the soul.
Abstaining from Desires
Ramadan, being the month of fasting, night prayers,
abstinence from desires and Divine worship, requires devout
Momins to fasts during the day and exercises control over
his/her words, eyes, ears, body, lusts, thoughts and deeds
and does everything possible to seek the pleasure of Allah.
Repentance From Sins
Sincere supplications and Duas to Allah and repentance of
one's sins during Ramadan are the sources of Divine
blessings and mercy. Great blessings are granted especially
on the nights of Layltul Qadr, being the 19th, 21st, and
23rd nights of Ramadan where Momins offer special prayers
and Supplications.
Moon Sighting Dua
When the crescent is sighted, turn towards Qiblah,
raising hands towards the sky and recite the following:
“Rabbee wa rabbukallaahu rabbul a’alameen allaahumma
ahillahoo a’laynaa bil-amni waleemaani was salaamati wal
islaami wal musaara-a’tilaa maa tuh’ibbu wal tarz’aa
allaahumma baarik lanaa fee sharinaa haad’aa war-zuqnaa
khayrahoo wa a’wnahoo was’rif a’naa z’urrahoo
wa sharrahoo wa balaaa’ahoo wa fitnatahoo.”
“My Lord and your Lord is Allah, the Lord of the
worlds. O Allah for us let this month be a period of peace,
faith safety and total submission to Thy will; make us walk
apace swiftly to that which Thou likes and approves. O Allah
pour out much blessings on us in this month, make available
for us its generous good and assistance, and keep us safe
from the harm, evil, misfortune and mischief that may try to
trap us in this month.”
Dua of Imam Zayn al Abidin
('a.) for the Beginning of
Ramadan:
http://members.ozemail.com.au/~zaynabelfatah/DuaaComingRamadhan.htm
The Niyyat (Intent) for keeping fast for Ramadan
The fasts of the month of Ramadan are obligatory so when
the Crescent is sighted we should declare to ourselves that,
we will keep all fasts during this month “wajib qurbatan
ilallah”, that is to attain nearness to Allah.
The moon's conjunction is on Monday, November 4, 2002 at
20:35 UT i.e., 3:35 pm Eastern Standard Time - 12:35 pm
Pacific Standard Time. On Nov 4, the moon is going to be
less than 5 hours old on West coast of USA, and impossible
to see. As you can see from the visibility curves, on Nov 5,
the moon can be seen in Africa and North America by naked
eye, and in Saudi Arabia by binocular or telescope.
The first day of
Ramadan will be November 6, 2002 for Africa and Americas,
and it is on November 7, 2002 for Asia, Europe, and
Australia. (Moonsighting.com: http://www.moonsighting.com/moon.html)
1st Night Moon (last night of Shobaan)
1) It is obligatory to
sight the first moon of Ramadan.
2) When the moon has been
sighted, recite the following Dua’a:
When the crescent is sighted, turn towards Qiblah,
raising hands towards the sky, address it as follows: -
“Rabee wa rabbukallaahu rabbul a’alameen allaahumma
ahillahoo a’laynaa bil-amni wal eemaani was salaamati wal
islaami wal musaara-a ‘ti ilaa maa tuh’ibbu wal
tarz’aa allaahumma baarik lanaa fee sharinaa haad’aa
war-zuqnaa khayrahoo wa a’wnahoo was’rif a’nnaa
z’urrahoo wa sharrahoo wa balaaa-ahoo wa fitnatahoo.”
“My Lord and your Lord is Allah, the Lord of the
worlds. O Allah for us let this month be a period of peace,
faith safety and total submission to Thy will; make us walk
apace swiftly to that which Thou likes and approves. O Allah
pour out much blessings on us in this month, make available
for us its generous good and assistance, and keep us safe
from the harm, evil, misfortune and mischief that may try to
trap us in this month.”
3) The Holy Prophet ('s)
used to recite the Dua’a on pg. 417 (“Supplication
Prayers and Ziarats, Call on Me and I Answer You”, Shaykh
Abbas Qummi)
4) Recite Dua’a ul Hilaal
pg. 418 (“Supplication Prayers and Ziarats, Call on Me and
I Answer You”, Shaykh Abbas Qummi)
5) Take a Ghusl bath ( it
is recommended to bathe in a flowing river if possible and
cup 30 handfuls of water over the head)
6) Recite Ziyaarat Imam
Hussayn ('a).
Aa’-maal
for the Month of Ramadan is specified into four categories:
1. Night Aa’-maal (for
every night)
2. Common day and night
Aa’-maal (throughout the month)
3. Day Aa’-maal (for
every day)
4. Date-wise Aa’-maal
(from the 1st to the 30th)
Sah’ariyy (Sahur) Before daybreak
Morning Meal and Niyyat for Fasting
1. Eat dates, milk, food
and / or water to start the fast for the day.
The time for the completion of your morning meal is about
ten minutes before 'Salat ul Fajr', which is about 80
minutes before sunrise.
Always eat dates, food or water before fasting because it
is 'Sunnat-e-Moakada' and it distinguishes us from other
religions.
The Dua’a mentioned in "Misbah" and "Iqbal",
for the time of Dawn is as follows:
“Yaa mafza-e’e I’dna kurbatee wa yaa ghawthee
I’nda shiddatee ilayka fazia tu wa bikastaghath-tu wa bika
lud’tu laa alood’u bi-swaaka wa laa at’lubul faraja
illaa minka fa’fghithnee wa farrij a’nnee yaa man
yaqbalulyaseer wa yaa-foo a’nil katheer iqbal minnil
yaseera eaa’-fu a’nnil katheer innaka antal ghafoorur
rah’eem allaahumma innee ad-aluaka eemaanan tubaashiru
bihee qalbee wa yaqeenan h’ataa aa’-lama annahhu lan
yus’eebanee illaa maa katabta lee was raz’z’inee minal
a’yshi binaa wasamta lee yaa arh’smar raah’imeen yaa
u’ddatee fee kurbatee wa yaa s’aah’ibee fee shiddatee
wa yaa waliyyee fee nia’-matee wa yaa ghaayatee fee
reghbatee antas saa tiru a’wratee wal aaminu roo-a’tee
wal muqeelu a’thratee faghfirlee khateee-atee yaa
arh’amar rah’imeen.”
“O my Ultimate Sanctuary when troubles surround me!
O my Last Hope when difficulties trouble me!
Unto Thee I turn to, before Thee I stand to get help, with
Thee I take refuge, except Thee there is no refuge;
I do not seek joy after sorrow from anyone save Thee, so
come to my help and free me from cares.
O He who accept even the smallest (efforts) but excuses from
restrictions, accept whatever little there is and release
from hardships frequently, Verily Thou art Oft-forgiving,
Merciful.
O Allah I ask for the faith which gives joy, satisfaction
and confidence to my heart till I am positively aware that I
will not have my fill unless it has been approved for me,
and happiness will agree with me only whereby justly and
fairly distributed, O the Most Merciful.
O my "means" in my troubles!
O my Companion in my difficulties!
O my Guardian in my happiness!
O the ultimate of my inclinations!
Thou covers up my shortcomings, affords security in the
event of crisis end fearful disasters, therefore, overlook
my transgressions, O the Most Merciful.”
2. Recite Surah Al Qadr
3. Recite Dua’a Imam
Muhammad bin Ali Al Baqir ('a) (“Supplications,
Prayers and Ziarats, Call on Me and I
Answer You”, Shaykh Abbas Qummi pg. 326)
4. Recite Dua’a Imam Ali
bin Hussayn Al Zayn al Abidin ('a) (“Supplication Prayers and
Ziarats, Call on Me and I Answer You”, Shaykh Abbas Qummi
pg. 332)
1. Recite Dua’a:
“Allahumma laka a’umtu wa
a’laa rizqika aft’artu a’layha tawakkaltu.”
“O my Allah, for Thee I
fast, and with the food Thou gives me I break the
fast, and I rely on Thee.” (“Supplication Prayers and
Ziarats, Call on Me and I Answer You”, Shaykh Abbas Qummi
pg. 365), Or/
2. Dua’a Imam Ali Amirul
Monineen ('a):
“Bismillaah allaahumma laka s’umnaa wa a’laa rizqika
aft’arnaa fa-taqabbal minnaa innaka antas samee-ul
a’leem”
“In the name of Allah, O
Allah, we fast, and with the food Thou gives us we break the
fast, an obligation we fulfil, and Thou art Hearer,
Knower” (“Supplication Prayers and Ziarats, Call on Me
and I Answer You”, Shaykh Abbas Qummi pg. 366)
3. When taking the first
mouthful recite:
“Bismillaahir rah’maanir rah’eem yaa waasi-a’l
maghfirati ighfir lee”
“In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful, O He
whose indulgence is boundless, forgive me.”
4. Recite Soorah Al-Qadr
5.
Give alms in the
name of Allah (swt)
1. Surah Al Qadr 1000 times
2. Surah Al Dukhaan 100
times
3. Recite Dua’a pg. 366
“Allaahumma rabba shahri ramaz’aanal lad’ee anzalta
feehil qur-aana waftarz’ta a’laa I’baadika feehis
s’iyaama s’alli a’laa Muh’ammadin wa aali Muhammad
waszuqnee h’ajia baytikal h’araam fee a’amee haad’aa
wa fee kulli a’am waghfir lee tilkad’d’unoobal
I’z’aam fa’innahoo laa yaghfiruhaa ghayruka yaa
rah’maan yaa a’llaam.”
“O Allah, the Lord, (this is) the month of Ramazan, in
it Thou revealed the Holy Quran, and in it made obligatory
"fasting" upon Thy servants, send blessings on
Muhammad and on the children of Muhammad, and provide us
with the means to go to Thy Sacred House for
"Hajj" this year and every year; and in this month
forgive my grave sins, verily, other than Thee, no one can
liberate (me) from its consequences, O Beneficent, O
Omniscient.”
4. Recite
Dua’a Iftitaah.” (“Supplications Prayers and
Ziarats, Call on Me and I Answer You”, Shaykh Abbas Qummi
pg 367)
5. Recite Dua’a .”
(“Supplications Prayers and Ziarats, Call on Me and I
Answer You”, Shaykh Abbas Qummi pg. 376)
6. Recite Dua’a Imam
Jafar as Sadiq (a.s) .” (“Supplications Prayers and
Ziarats, Call on Me and I Answer You”, Shaykh Abbas Qummi
pg. 377)
7. Recite Dua’a .”
(“Supplications Prayers and Ziarats, Call on Me and I
Answer You”, Shaykh Abbas Qummi pg. 378)
8. Perform 2 Rak’ats: in
each Rak’at recite Surah Al Fatihah and then Suarah Al
Ikhlass 3 times.
9. After Salam say:
”Glory be to He who watches over, never leaves anything
undone, or is neglectful.
Glory be to He who is Merciful, never does a thing in haste.
Glory be to he who is vigilant, never forgets one thing over
another.
Glory be to He who is alert and steady, never is engrossed
with a thing so as to overlook another.” (“Supplication
Prayers and Ziarats, Call on Me and I Answer You”, Shaykh
Abbas Qummi pg. 378)
10. Recite 7 times:
"Subh’aanallaahi wal h’amdulillaahi wa laa ilaaha
illallaahu wallaahu akbar”
”"Glory be to Allah, (all) praise belongs to Allah, there
is no god save Allah, and Allah is the greatest.”
Then say:
"Subh’aanaka subh’aanaka subh’aanaka yaa a’z’eem
ighfirliyad’d’ambal a’z’eem”
"Glory be to Thee, Glory be to thee, Glory be to Thee O
the Mighty, forgive my sins, one and all, altogether.”
Say ten times:
"Allaahumma s’alli a’laa Mu’hammadin’w wa aali
Muh’ammad”
"O Allah send blessings on Muhammad and on the children of
Muhammad”
11. In every optional salaat prayed in the night,
always recite Suarah al Fat’h.
12. Perform 1000 Rak’at as detailed below:
a) From the 1st to the 20th
every night, pray 20 Rak’ata in 10 sets of 2 Rak’ats,
each 8 Rak’ats after Maghrib Salaat, and 12 Rak’ats
after Ishaa Salaat.
b) From the 21st onwards,
every night, pray 30 Rak’ats in 15 sets of 2 Rak’ats,
each 8 Rak’ats after Maghrib Salaat,a nd 22 Rak’ats
after Ishaa Salaat. (Int his way 700 Rak’ats are
completed)
c) The remaining 300
Rak’ats are prayed in the 3 nights of “Qadr”, by
praying 100 Rak’ats in each night – 19th, 21st, and 23rd
of Ramadan.
After each set of 2 Rak’ats, recite the following:
”O Allah, while taking decisions and rendering possible
things and circumstances, and determining the well thought
of course of events, include me among the pilgrims of Thy
“Sacred House”, whose pilgrimage receive Thy approval,
whose efforts are appreciated, whose sins are forgiven, and
I beseech Thee to prolong my life in Thy obedience, and give
me enough means of livelihood, O the Most Mecifull (“Supplication Prayers and Ziarats, Call on Me and I
Answer You”, Shaykh Abbas Qummi, pg. 380)
Day and Night Aam’-aals should be performed every day
and every night throughout the Holy Month of Ramadan.
1) The best A’aml in
it’s days and nights is the recitation of the Holy Quoran.
The Holy Prophet ('s) and the Ahlul Bait
('a) used to recite
the Holy Quoran in totality every three days. Whosoever recites
a full recital of the Holy Quoran in the Holy Month of
Ramadan, and submits as Hidiyaa, to any of the Fourteen
Infallibles ('a), will find him/herself in the company of
that Maa’soom on the day of Judgement.
2) Recite as much as
possible the following:
a)
“Laa ilaaha illallaah”
b)
“Allaahumma s’alli a’laa Muh’ammadin wa aali
Muh’ammad”
c)
“Astaghfirullaha rabee wa atoobi ilayh”
3) Pray “day and night
nawaafil” regularly
4) Recite Dua’a after
every obligatory Salaat (“Supplication Prayers and Ziarats,
Call on Me and I Answer You”, Shaykh Abbas Qummi pg.381)
a)
Imam Jafar as Sadiq ('a) (“Supplication Prayers and
Ziarats, Call on Me and I Answer You”, Shaykh Abbas Qummi
pg. 383)
b)
The Holy Prophet ('s) (“Supplication Prayers and Ziarats,
Call on Me and I Answer You”, Shaykh Abbas Qummi pg. 383)
5) Recite Dua’as after
Maghrib – Imam Jafar as Sadiq ('a) pg. 384
Aa’-maal is to be performed on every day throughout the
Holy Month of Ramadan.
1) Shaykh Mufeed (r.a)
reports on the authority of Imam Muhammad bin Ali Al Taqi ('a)
to recite the Dua’a on pg. 386, OR, Recite Dua’a
from Syaykh Kafaa’mee on pg. 387
2) Recite 100 times:
”Glory be to He who can (at His will) expose (anyone) to
loss or gain. Glory be to He who decides justly. Glory be to
the Highest High. Glory be to Him. Praise to be Him. Glory
be to Him. Let Him be praised.”(“Supplication Prayers
and Ziarats, Call on Me and I Answer You”, Shaykh Abbas
Qummi pg. 387)
3) Recite “Durood” (Salawaat)
many times a day
4) Recite Dua’a
(“Supplication Prayers and Ziarats, Call on Me and I
Answer You”, Shaykh Abbas Qummi pg. 387)
5) Recite the Dua’a, 3
times Pg 398
6) Then recite Dua’a pg.
399
7) Recite the ten Tasbihaat
pg. 400
8) Recite Salawaat pg. 410
The moon's conjunction is on Wednesday, December 4, 2002
at 7:35 UT, i.e. 2:35 am Eastern Standard Time - 11:35 pm
Pacific Standard Time on Dec 3. On December 4, the moon
cannot be seen in North America nor any part East of it,
although the age of the moon is 17 hours at sunset on West
coast, but the moon is going to be in the Southern
Hemisphere and will not be visible on Dec 4. There will also
be a solar eclipse on December 4th, further enhancing the
chance of Eid being on December 6th. Therefore Eid-al-Fitr
in the whole world except for some Polynesian Islands should
be on Friday, Dec 6, 2002 insh'Allah.
Allah says in the Qur'an-e-Majid that one who gives
"Zakat" and remembers Him will get salvation.
Here, Zakat means "Fitra" and remembrance of God
means the recitation of the following Takbir on the night
and morning of Eid-ul-Fitr.
"Allaaho Akbar, Allaaho Akbar, Laa ilaaha illallaah
wallaaho Akbar, Allaaho Akbar, Wa lillaahil hamd.
Alhamdulillah alaa maa hadaanaa walahu Shukr alaa maa aulana."
The meaning of the above is: "Allah is Great, Allah
is Great there is no one worthy of prayer but Allah, and
Allah is Great; Allah is Great, all praise be to Allah, it
is He Who guides."
Fitr is compulsory on those who can afford it.
Fitr depends on the major food items consumed by a person
during the year. These may be rice, wheat, barley or dates.
In weight, Fitr should be three Kilograms per person. It is
also permissible to pay cash to the value of three Kilograms
of food grains.
To all Momins in the world, I pray that Allah (swt)
blesses you all with peace and tranquillity, happiness and
ease in this Holy month. Ramadan Mubarak!
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