As soon as we realise that we have consumed our last iftaar we begin to celebrate for Eid.

Indeed, there is no harm in celebrating (for someone who has not wasted the days or nights of Ramadhaan) as this is the object of Eid. However, our manner of celebrating usually goes way beyond limits – we waste our precious time in frivolous activities.

The night preceding Eid is called the night of prize giving, the night when Allah Ta’ala gives out the true reward.

Rasullullah (Sallalahu allahi wassallam) said: “Whoever remains awake in worship on the nights preceding both Eids, with the aim of gaining reward, his heart will not die on the day when all hearts die.” (Meaning that at that time when evil has taken possession of all, his heart shall remain alive i.e. guarded against evil.)

What is the prescribed manner to spend this day? Here are some of the sunnats, of Eid, of our beloved Nabi (Sallalahu Allahi Wassallam):

1. To awaken earlier than usual.
2. To brush the teeth (Miswaak).
3. To have a bath (Ghusl).
4. To be well dressed in an Islamic manner.
5. To dress in one’s best clothes.
6. To use Itr. (for men)
7. To perform Eid Namaaz in Eidgaah (an open ground).
8. Eat an odd number of dates (or anything sweet) on Eid-ul-Fitr before Eid Namaaz.

• To greet one another on Eid day with the words ‘Eid Mubaruk’ is permissible, but should not be done as a ritual.

Let us strive to incorporate the Sunnah into our Eid day. In this way we will guarantee maximum reward for ourselves. Eid heralds the end of obligatory abstinence and the beginning of voluntary self restraint.

Wow, time flies so quickly – Ramadhaan is nearly finished. Make sure to do lots of Ibaadah in these last few days of this holy month.

Here is something interesting about Taraweeh Salaat:

Maulana Doctor Abudul Hayy (RA) used to say a very interesting thing about Taraweeh Salaat

“It is a marvellous thing, and through it, Allah allows man to attain nearness to him through forty more opportunities. There are twenty Rakaats in Taraweeh compromising of forty prostrations, which is the best opportunity to gain proximity to Allah. The forehead rests on the floor, and the tongue repeats the praises of Allah.”

“Prostrate yourself and draw near (to Allah)” (Surah Iqraa v19)

The last ten days of Ramadhaan are for emancipation from the fire of hell.

‘Laylatul Qadr’ is also found in one of the last ten days of Ramadhaan.

 What is Laylatul Qadr (Night of Power)

• This is a night which has great blessings and it is described as being greater in sacredness and spiritual virtue than thousand nights.
• Nabi (Sallalahu allahi wassallam) said “ On the night of power(Laylatul Qadr) Jibraeel (AS) descends to the earth with a group of angels praying for Blessings on each and every servant of Allah Ta’ala whom they see standing in worship or sitting engaged in the praises of Allah Ta’ala…”

When is this night of power?

• Rasulullah (Sallalahu allahi wassallam) said: “Seek Laylatul Qadr in the odd numbered nights of the last ten days of the month of Ramadaan.”
• “…seek it among the 29^th, 27^th and 25^th nights.”

• It is said that on the evening of Laylatul Qadr every creation of the Almighty Allah Ta’ala, makes sajdah (prostrates) on the earth and then returns to its original position.

• Hazrat Aisha (RA) asked Nabi (Sallalahu Allahi Wassallam): “Oh messenger of Allah, when I find myself in Laylatul Qadr what should I say?” Nabi (Sallalahu allahi wassallam) replied:

“Say, (translation)

Oh Allah, Thou art one who pardons, thou loves to pardon, so pardon me (grant me forgiveness).

• Try to eat sehri as late as possible so that one has sufficient strength for the rest of the day.

• Make sure that sufficient pure water is consumed at iftar and sehri to help remove toxins.

• Do not sleep immediately after sehri. Wait for at least 30 minutes.

• Do not over exert yourself during the day.

• Take a 15 minute nap in the afternoon.

• Always try and break the fast with dates as they are high in nutritional value.

• Do not break the fast with something cold (something directly from the fridge) as this will harm the stomach. Rather wait for 20 minutes after iftar before having something cold to eat/drink.

• Don not overeat at the time of iftar. A light meal is best.

• Do not have another meal after Taraweeh. Rather have a light snack or some fruit. After the snack, wait at least 30 minutes before sleeping.

The Meaning of Ramadan*!*!

Ramadan is a time for inner reflection, devotion to God, and self-control. Muslims think of it as a kind of tune-up for their spiritual lives.

The third "pillar" or religious obligation of Islam (submission in English), fasting has many special benefits. Among these, the most important is that it is a means of learning self-control. Due to the lack of preoccupation with the satisfaction of bodily appetites during the daylight hours of fasting, a measure of ascendancy is given to one's spiritual nature, which becomes a means of coming closer to God. Ramadan is also a time of intensive worship, reading of the Quran, giving charity, purifying one's behavior, and doing good deeds. For Muslims (Submitters), Ramadan is  an opportunity to gain by giving up, to prosper by going without and to grow stronger by enduring weakness.

As a secondary goal, fasting is a way of experiencing hunger and developing sympathy for the less fortunate, and learning to thankfulness and appreciation for all of God's bounties. Fasting is also beneficial to health and provides a break in the cycle ofrigid habits or overindulgence.

taken from Maryam's blog

RAMADAN MUBARAK!