Seek Greatest Night Of The Year

The Last 10 days and nights of Ramadan

During the Era of Covid-19 Pandemic

Dr. Mozammel Haque

The Month of Mercy, the Month of Forgiveness, the blessed month of Ramadan came and is passing away very fast. Today is 17^th of Ramadan. Half of the blessed month has passed. Not only that, even two Fridays, the two Jumahs of the blessed month,  has also passed. But fortunately, we are still in the middle part of the blessed month, the part which brings forgiveness. Still there is time to get our sins cleared; still there is time to ask for forgiveness from Allah the Almighty who is ready to forgive our sins. The other half of the blessed month is approaching which is full of Allah’s Mercy and blessing. In this part of the month, especially during the last 10 days and nights, a night which is the greatest night of the year, the Lailatul Qadr. During these ten days and nights, Muslims used to spend in the Mosque for I’tikaf. 

Coronavirus, Stay Home

and social distancing

Ramadan is usually a time of breaking fast together, praying together and spending hours with family and friends. Ramadan is observed as part of the Islamic calendar worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community. Muslims traditionally observed Ramadan through prayer, contemplation and through fasting, and through spending times with friends and families. These qualities and characters are demonstrated, especially, in the last part of the blessed month of Ramadan. Within this blessed month, another best part of this month is the last part, or the last ten days and ten nights of Ramadan. There is Lailatul Qadr and Jumah al-Wida.

Due to Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic, Mosques are closed; there are no congregational prayers and no Taraweeh prayers at Mosque. So prayers are to be performed at home. According to instructions, stay home, protect the NHS and save lives. Stay at home and maintain social distancing in order to fight coronavirus pandemic. It must be remembered that protection of life in Islam is a priority.

I'tikaf

During the last part of the blessed month of Ramadan, there is I’tikaf. I’tikaf means seclusion and staying in the Mosque with the intention of becoming closer to Allah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) would perform I’tikaf for last 10 days every Ramadan. In the year that he died, he performed it for twenty days. (Related by Al-Bukhari, Abu Dawud, and Ibn-Majah). The next Friday either on 15^th  of May (22 Ramadan) or 22^nd of May (29 Ramadan) will be the Jumatul-Widah, the last Friday of the Blessed Month of Ramadan. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it will not be possible to perform I’tikaf in the Mosque. So stay at home.

Lailatul Qadr (The Night of Decree)

Lailatul-Qadr is the greatest night of the year like the Day of Arafah is the greatest day of the year. It is a night about which Allah revealed a full Surah, Suratul-Qadr (Al-Qur’an; 97:1-5) and the 3^rd to the 6^th verses of the Surat ad-Dukhan (Al-Qur’an; 44:3-6). Allah the Almighty said in the Qur’an, “Indeed We have revealed it (Qur’an) in the Night of Decree. And what will explain to you what the Night of Decree is? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. Therein descends the Angels and the Spirit (Jibreel) by Allah’s permission, on every errand: (they say) “Peace” (continuously) till the rise of morning!” (Al-Qur’an; 97:1-5). A person who misses Lailatul Qadr is really a deprived person!

Abu Hurairah reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “The blessed month has come to you. Allah has made fasting during it obligatory upon you. During it the gates to Paradise are opened and the gates of Hellfire are locked, and the devils are chained. There is a night (during this month) which is better than a thousand months. Whoever is deprived of its good is really deprived (of something great). (Ahmad, an-Nisai and al-Bayhaqi).

Aishah said, “Allah’s Messenger used to practice I’tikaf in the last ten nights and say: ‘Seek out Lailatul-Qadr in the (odd nights) of the last ten days of Ramadan.” (Bukhari and Muslim).

Zakat

The word Zakat in Arabic means purification. The giving of Zakat (obligatory charity) is the third pillar of Islam. There are two types of Zakat: Zakat-ul-Fitr (charity of Eid-ul-Fitr, given to the poor before Eid prayer) and Zakat Al-Maal (purifying charity, paid on one’s wealth).

It is to be noted that Zakat-ul-Fitr was declared by the Prophet (peace be upon him) as a prerequisite for the acceptance of fasting. But when and whom to pay Zakat-ul-Fitr? First of all, who has to pay?  Each and every Muslim, regardless of his social status, is required to give a certain amount of charity usually in the form of food grains, barley, raisin etc. called Zakat-ul-Fitr at the end of Ramadan and before the Eid-ul-Fitr so that every member of the Muslim community, especially the poor, have something to eat on the day of Eid.  It is meant to cement the relationship between the members of the Muslim society, to alleviate the pain of the poor, to cultivate the sense of brotherhood and solidarity in the hearts of the Muslims, etc., said Sheikh Yusuf Al-Qaradawi.

Dr. Qaradawi also said, “If a person dies before Maghrib on the last day of Ramadan, Zakat-ul-Fitr would not be obligatory upon him even if he fasted all the other days of the month. Conversely, if a child is born after Maghrib on the last day of Ramadan, i.e. the first night of Shawwal, it would be obligatory to pay Zakat: Zakat-ul-Fitr on his or her behalf. This view is unanimously agreed upon by Muslim scholars.” The head of the household must pay for every member of the family, even for the newborn. The Muslim is supposed to pay Zakat-ul-Fitr (i.e., Zakah of breaking the fast) in the country where he or she spends the first night of the month of Shawwal.

So far as the Zakat-ul-Maal is concerned, it is also obligatory for a Muslim, who possesses the minimum wealth on which Zakat is applicable, to give out Zakat. In his Friday sermon at the Grand Mosque in Makkah al-Mukarramah, Imam and Khateeb Sheikh Dr. Saleh Bin Mohammad Aal-Talib, urged Muslims to be God-Conscious and give charity to the poor and the needy. He said Zakat removes miserliness and cleans the heart from cruelty. 

Allah has stressed on payment of Zakat, which appears in the Holy Qur’an more than 30 times. There are many verses of the Holy Qur’an and sayings of the Prophet (peace be upon him) that urge Muslim to give charity for the sake of Allah. Sheikh Aal-Talib said charity is an act that attracts Allah’s mercy. He said giving charity secretly extinguishes God’s anger and it is a blessing for the person’s wealth. A person who does not give in charity will be punished by removal of the blessing (barakah) from his wealth.

Zakat-ul-Fitr is associated with the Eid and is meant to create happiness in such a way that includes the poor and the needy. That is why the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Make them (i.e., the poor) rich on this day (i.e. the day of Eid)”

Special situation due to Covid-19 Pandemic

And ICC Ramadan announcement on Zakat

Zakat – al-Fitr and Zakat al-Mal

Speaking about the Zakat al-Fitr and Zakat al-Mal, duty in Ramadan, Dr. Ahmad al-Dubayan, Director General of the Islamic Cultural Centre & the London Central Mosque Trust mentioned, “It is also important to remind you that Zakat also in Ramadan is a duty and we can do from the very beginning, not to delay it till the end of Ramadan. Because around us we have many people who need Zakat and now we have more poor people we can send it to anywhere.”

The ICC chief also mentioned, “Zakat al-Fitr could be given at the last two days of Ramadan. Some scholars have given Fatwa especially Imam Abu Hanifah – Zakat al-Fitr could be given in the beginning of the month. Zakat al-Fitr is seven pounds per head for each Muslim. Zakat al-Mal is Zakat from your own saving. This could be also made in the beginning of Ramadan which is 2.5%. You can do it online – both can be done online of the website of the Islamic Cultural centre and the London Central Mosque. I wish good Ramadan Insha Allah.”

Charity in Ramadan

Ramadan is also the month of charity. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “...Whoever draws nearer (to Allah) by performing any of the (optional) good deeds in (this month), shall receive the same reward as performing an obligatory deed at any other time; and whoever performs an obligatory deed in (this month), shall receive the reward of performing seventy obligations at any other time. It is the month of patience, and the reward of patience is Paradise. It is the month of charity, and a month in which a believer’s sustenance is increased. Whoever gives food to a fasting person to break his fast shall have his sins forgiven, and he will be saved from the Hell-Fire, and he shall have the same reward as the fasting person, without his reward being diminished at all.” (Reported by Ibn Khuzaymah)

Read the Qur'an Everyday

Spend more time with the Qur’an. Read the Qur’an every day. Try to finish at least one time the whole Qur’an during this month by your own personal reading. Pray on time and observe all the prayers. Do not ignore the Tarawih. Make more extra and voluntary prayers. Do as much worship as you can. Do more dhikr (remembering Allah) and du’a (supplication) for yourself and for others. Repent and seek forgiveness for yourself and for others as much as you can. This is the best time for devotion and seeking Allah’s forgiveness. Seek the Night of Qadr by special devotion during the last 10 nights of this month.

The month of blessing and forgiveness is passing away very quickly. Do not miss the remaining last ten days and nights. Let us clear our sins. Let us seek the Night of Qadr.

Ramadan Messages from Political Leaders of the UK

Ramadan Messages from the Political

Leaders of the United Kingdom

Dr. Mozammel Haque

On this auspicious occasion of the blessed month of Ramadan, the political leaders of the United Kingdom sent their Ramadan messages to the Muslim community of the United Kingdom and across the world. This year 2020 Ramadan is different in a difficult terrible Covid-19 pandemic crisis. Muslims all over the world are following both the religious traditions as well as the instructions of the authority – which is stay at home, pray Taraweeh with family at home, protect the NHS and save lives. Protection of life in Islam is a priority.

Photo: From top: Sir Ed Davey, Sir Keir Starmer, Nicola Sturgeon, Sadiq Khan, Mark Drakeford

Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer MP 

Leader of the Opposition

Ramadan Mubarak

The followings are the Ramadan messages from Rt. Hon. Sir Keir Starmer, MP, Leader of the Opposition:

“To everyone welcoming in the month of Ramadan here in the UK and across the world, Ramadan Mubarak.

“Ramadan has always brought together our common values of compassion, charity and service to others. And it comes at time when we need it more than ever.

“While this is a joyous occasion for Muslims as families come together to fast, I know this year will also be incredibly difficult time, as we continue the battle against the coronavirus. Unlike other years, Muslims will not be able to break fast with extended family or friends, while we continue to maintain social distancing measures to keep us safe. And, many will be saddened by the fact they cannot attend the congregational night prayers at their local mosques.

“I pay tribute to our Muslim doctors, nurses and carers on the frontline, who are working around the clock to save as many lives as possible. I pay tribute to the key workers who have become our everyday heroes, keeping us going at this vital time. And to all the Muslim community organisations and charities that have stepped up in these challenging times. Let’s take a moment to celebrate everyone that is working to keep us safe during this time.

“Once again, on behalf of the Labour Party and my fellow MPs, I wish everyone a blessed and peaceful Ramadan.

Ramadan Mubarak,” Sir Keir concluded his Ramadan Message..

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Rt Hon Nicola Sturgeon MSP 

First Minister of Scotland

Best Wishes for Ramadan; Ramadan Mubarak

Followings are the Ramadan messages from Rt. Hon. Nicola Sturgeon, MSP, First Minister of Scotland:

“To all Muslim communities in Scotland, and around the world, I send you my best wishes for Ramadan. Ramadan is the Holiest month in the Islamic calendar – and it is a time which is traditionally observed through prayer and contemplation; through fasting; and through spending time with friends and family. I recognise this year’s Ramadan will be exceptionally difficult for many of you – it will be tough not being able to see your friends and family or attend your local mosque.

“However, I deeply appreciate your understanding and compliance with these measures as they are vital to protect our NHS and to save lives. One of the key things the Covid-19 crisis has done is remind us of what really matters in life – love, kindness, solidarity. These values are exemplified every day by members of Scotland’s Muslim communities – as they are by people of all faiths and none across Scotland – and they will be at the heart of your celebrations of Ramadan. I want to thank all of you for the contribution you make here in Scotland – and around the world. And I want to wish you a peaceful, happy and safe Ramadan.

Ramadan Mubarak.”, First Minister of Scotland concluded her Ramadan Message.

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Rt Hon Sir Edward Davey MP 

Acting Leader, Liberal Democrats

Ramadan Mubarak

Followings are the Ramadan messages from Rt. Hon. Sir Edward Davey MP, Acting Leader of Liberal Democrats:

“On behalf of Liberal Democrats across the UK, I want to send my greetings and best wishes to Muslims across Britain and the world, as we mark the start of the holy month of Ramadan.

“Ramadan is both a time for spiritual renewal and a time for family and friends to come together to worship and to celebrate.

“But this year’s Ramadan will be much more difficult due to the coronavirus epidemic. I understand how difficult it must be that people can’t go to the mosque to worship with the wider community, but I am sure prayer and fasting will bring people together still, and that families will find joy and comfort together.

“Liberal Democrats will be holding our own virtual iftar at the start of Ramadan. I want to thank my friend Cllr Hina Bokhari who is organising it both for our many Muslim members and for others too: so I will join the fast on that day, and give thanks for the amazing contribution of Britain’s 3 million Muslims to our country.

“Ramadan honours the values at the heart of Islam – like compassion and service to others. It reminds us to give generously and put the needs of others before our own. So many Muslims here and across the world are serving with others to help beat this terrible coronavirus, and to care for those who are sick. I want to thank the many health and care workers who are Muslim and who are courageously helping.

“Ramadan Mubarak!” Sir Edward Davey concluded his Ramadan Messages.

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Rt Hon Mark Drakeford AM 

First Minister of Wales

Ramadan Mubarak

Followings are the Ramadan Messages from Rt. Hon. Mark Drakeford AM, First Minister of Wales:

“Ramadan underpins Islam’s core values of prayer and philanthropy, of feeding the poor and needy and offering support to others.

“But Ramadan this year falls during an extraordinary time when the world is dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. In the shadows of COVID 19, mosques will be empty, and Iftar will not be broken or shared with anyone outside of the household here in Wales, as is the case in many other countries too.

“The swift action of Muslim communities so far by adapting to different ways of worship, has undoubtedly saved lives. Thank you to you all for these actions.

“In Wales, faith communities, together with Welsh Government, have built close and trusted relationships. We will continue to face the days ahead together to help the most vulnerable through these extremely difficult and testing times. We know refraining from religious and social gatherings will keep our families and those we care about safe and will help our communities to return to better times sooner.

“As we prepare for difficult times ahead, the Welsh Government will remain in close dialogue with our different faiths and cultures to make sure that important requirements and traditions are fully understood in our response to the pandemic.

Ramadan Mubarak to you all – I wish you reflection and peace.” Rt. Hon. Mark Drakeford the First Minister of Wales concluded his Ramadan Messages

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Rt Hon Sadiq Khan 

Mayor of London

The following is the Ramadan Message from Rt. Hon. Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London:

“Ramadan is a month when Muslims all over London and around the world take time to reflect on their lives and on the lives of those less fortunate. For me, Ramadan is about practising hospitality and generosity and this year I’m asking all Muslim Londoners to do their bit in the fight against coronavirus by reaching out to our communities, even as we stay home.

“For many of us observing the holy month, being unable to break our fast with family members or loved ones may feel strange, as it will for me too, but we need to be creative in how we stay connected while ensuring each other’s safety remains our top priority. It is already clear that this will be a Ramadan like no other. We find ourselves in unprecedented times, where we will be unable to meet and gather together as we usually would. Like others, I will miss going to the mosque, but we must pray at home this year with our households in order to protect the NHS and save lives.

“We also still have unique opportunities to help and serve one another. Whether by donating food or phoning lonely or isolated neighbours, acts of charity, kindness and solidarity will play a key role in fighting this virus and keeping our communities strong.

“Finally, I want to say thank you to those observing Ramadan while working in key sectors. I know that the fasts this year will be harder for you as you work around the clock to keep us all safe, but I want you to know on behalf of all Londoners, that we are extremely grateful. With each other’s support.”

Courtesy: The Muslim News
Acknowledgement: http://muslimnews.co.uk/newspaper/home-news/37802-2/

Put Your Trust On Almighty Allah

Put Your Trust on Allah The Most High

Dr. Mozammel Haque

Human life is not only full of roses, there are also thorns. There are pain, sorrows and difficulties. Difficulty comes, calamity befalls and disaster happens in human life. These could be surmounted with patience, perseverance and complete submission to the Will of Allah. Believer will always put his trust on Allah.

The test of a Mu’min lies in his resolute steadfastness in trials and tribulations. That is why the Qur’an says, “Do people think that they will be left alone because they say: “We believe,” and will not be tested.” (Al-Qur’an; 29:2)

Putting one’s trust in Allah (tawakkul ala Allah) is the spiritual weapon that turns weakness into strength and few numbers into large numbers. It was also the weapon with which the Messengers of Allah faced up to the tyrants among their people, never being intimidated by their tyranny or weakened by their mischief, but said: “And why should we not put our trust in Allah while He indeed has guided us our ways. And we shall certainly bear with patience all the hurt you may cause us, and in Allah (Alone) let those who trust, put their trust.” (Al-Qur’an; 14:12)

Putting one’s trust in Allah means to take Allah as one’s Guide, following His commands and depending on Him, as He says: “(He Alone is) the Lord of the east and the west, La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He. So take Him Alone as Wakil (Disposer of your affairs).” (Al-Qur’an; 73:9)

You should take Allah as your disposer of affairs, however, only after you prepare yourself and take every precaution, then go ahead in confidence that Allah will not abandon you. Putting one’s trust in Allah should by no means be taken to mean neglecting one’s work; abandoning the means that lead to the ends, ignoring the approved practices or waiting to reap unsown seeds or harvest unattended crops. It means what the Prophet and the Messengers before him did, i.e. doing one’s best and leaving the outcome to Allah, out of trust in Him, out of conviction in His promise and out of belief in His support.

No person by himself is capable of fighting against the current of misfortune, nor can he fend off the blows of disaster when they strike. This is because man was created weak and fragile. However, when in times of difficulty, the believer places his dependency and trust with his Lord; he knows that all difficulties can be overcome. “put your trust in Allah if you are believers indeed.” (Al-Qur’an; 5:23)

Human being has to be sincere to himself, to his belief in Allah and depend completely and fully upon Allah Almighty Alone. He can Alone save from calamity and disaster. Live your lives according to this precept: Allah Alone is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of our affairs.

If you have meagre means, if you are deep in debt, or if you are in any kind of worldly difficulty, call out: Allah Alone is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of our affairs.

If you face your enemy and are alarmed, or if you fear the misdeeds of the oppressor, say Aloud: Allah Alone is Sufficient for us, and He is Best Disposer of our affairs. “But Sufficient is your Lord as a Guide and Helper.” (Al-Qur’an; 25:31)

By leaving our affairs to Allah, by depending upon him, by trusting in His promise, by being pleased with His decree; by thinking favourably of Him, and by waiting patiently for His help, we reap some of the greater fruits of faith, display the more prominent characteristics of the believer.

When we incorporate these qualities into our character, we will be at peace concerning the future, because we will depend on our Lord for everything. As a result, we will find care, help, protection, and victory.

When Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) was thrown into the fire, he said, “Allah (Alone) is Sufficient for us, and he is the Best Disposer of Affairs (for us).” Thereupon, Allah made the fire to be cool, safe, and peaceful for Ibrahim. When the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his Companions were threatened by the impending attack of the enemy, “they said: Allah (Alone) is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us). So they returned with Grace and Bounty from Allah. No harm touched them; and they followed the good Pleasure of Allah. And Allah is the Owner of Great Bounty.” (Al-Qur’an; 3:173-174)

On another occasion, our noble Prophet made the best arrangements for his Hijrah, but the unbelievers managed to reach the cave where he was hiding. “If you help him (Muhammad, peace be upon him) not (it does not matter), for Allah did indeed help him when the disbelievers drove him out, the second of two, when they (Muhammad, peace be upon him and Abu Bakr RadhiAllahu Anhu) were in the cave, and he, peace be upon him, said to his companion (Abu Bakr RadhiAllahu Anhu): “Be not sad (or afraid), surely Allah is with us.” (Al-Qur’an; 9:40)

This was also what Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) said to his people when Pharaoh and his soldiers were pursuing them and they were caught between the sea before them and their enemy behind them:

“And when the two hosts saw each other, the people of Moses said: “We are sure to be overtaken.” (Moses) said: “Nay, verily! With me is my Lord, He will guide me.”( Al-Qur’an; 26:61-62)

We are in need of this sort of conviction in facing the hardships and difficulties and we should trust that Allah is with us; and those who have Allah with them will never fail: “And if Allah helps you, none can overcome you; and if He forsakes you, who is there after Him that can help you? And in Allah (Alone), let believers put their trust.” (Al-Qur’an; 3:160).

Ramadan The Month of The Qur'an

Read more and more the Qur’an

In its month of revelation

Dr. Mozammel Haque

The first ten days of the blessed month of Ramadan has just passed. Today is the 12^th day of Ramadan. One-third of the Blessed month has gone. According to the tradition of the Prophet Sallallu wa Sallam, the first part brings Allah’sMercy, the second part brings Allah’s Forgiveness and the last part brings emancipation from hell-fire. According to Tradition, Prophet peace be upon him said: “This is a month, the first part of which brings Allah’s Mercy, the middle of which brings Allah’s forgiveness and the last part of which brings emancipation from hellfire” (Bukhari).

As Ramadan is the month of the Revelation of the Qur’an, Muslim should read more and more the Qur’an in this month of its revelation. In my earlier article on fasting, I wrote what we should do in this blessed month.

We are passing through a very difficult and terrible coronavirus pandemic crisis. Under this situation we have to follow the instructions of the authority – Stay at home, Protect the NHS and Save lives. So that means we have to pray Taraweeh and all prayers at home.

I would rather say this is a great opportunity for all of us to stay with family, take care and spend time with them and at the same time you have enough time to live with Allah Subhanahu wa Taala. This is the blessed month of Ramadan, the month of Revelation of the Qur’an. Take more time to read more and more Qur’an during this month at home along with other members of the family.

So we should engage more and more in the recitation of the Qur’an, in dhikr (remembrance of Allah), perform extra salah (ritual prayers), at night and renew identity with one another in our obedience to Allah the Almighty. Please read some parts of the Holy Qur’an everyday in this blessed month of Ramadan, If possible, please read with translation in a language you understand better in order to follow the Guidance of Allah Subhanahu wa Taala.

The Noble Qur’an was revealed in the month of Ramadan (Al-Qur’an, 97:1-3.). The Qur’an was sent down in the month of Ramadan on the Night of Power Lailatul Qadr. (Al-Qur’an, 91:1-3.). It is the month of Ramadan that Allah has honoured by revealing the Qur’an. Because of this strong relation between the Qur’an and the month of Ramadan, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to read the Qur’an to Archangel Jibreel every Ramadan. I think this is the right place to discuss the purpose and objective of the revelation of the Qur’an, its importance, the campaigns against it and the do’s and don’ts of the Qur’an.

First of all, Allah the Most High, created mankind and gave him the gift of expression. For the guidance of mankind Allah sent Prophets (peace be upon them all) to every single community. In the words of the Qur’an, "There has been no community to which God’s messengers have not come" and "Muslims should make no distinctions between them." So it is the duty of a Muslim to honour all the prophets equally.

The Qur’an represents the culmination of all other earlier Revealed Books. The Qur’an is the last of the Revealed Books. The Qur’an is the first religious book in the world, which requires the belief in other revelations, a part of its Faith. This Sacred Book was revealed to the last Messenger, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in the month of Ramadan. Allah Himself said in the Qur’an: “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).” (Al-Qur’an, 2:185). Allah the Most High has especially mentioned the exact date and month of the revelation: “We have indeed revealed This (Message) in the Night of Power.” (Al-Qur’an, 97:1) So the purpose of the revelation of the Qur’an was for guidance of Mankind.

The Qur’an is emphatic in proclaiming that Islam is the religion of Jesus, Moses, Abraham and the Prophets Jesus and Moses were not Jews but Muslims. "Surely those who believe (in that which is revealed to Muhammad Peace be upon him) and those who are Jews, and the Christians, and the Sabaeans – whoever believes in Allah, and the Last Day and does good, surely their reward is with their Lord, and there is no fear for them nor shall they grieve." (Al-Qur’an, 2:62). "A Guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and judgement (between right and wrong)." This is the most important characteristic of the Qur’an, the Book that Allah has revealed in the month of Ramadan. It is guidance for mankind. It is clear proof, clear proof of guidance and of judgement.

Before the revelation of the Qur’an, it was preserved and guarded from corruption in the "Mother of the Book". Allah Himself said: "Nay this is a Glorious Qur’an (inscribed) in a Tablet Preserved" (Al-Qur’an, 85:21-22). When Allah wanted to give this Trust to someone, the Heavens, the Earth, and the Mountains, i.e. other creatures of Allah, besides man, refused to undertake this Trust or responsibility. They preferred to submit their will entirely to Allah’s Will, which is All-Wise and Perfect, and which would give them far more happiness than a faculty of choice, with their imperfect knowledge. Allah says in the Qur’an: "We did indeed offer the Trust to the Heavens and the Earth and the Mountains; but they refused to undertake it, being afraid thereof: but man undertook it: He was indeed unjust and foolish." (Al-Qur’an, 33-72).

So it is the human beings who took the responsibility of the Trust without realising its importance. This Sacred Book was revealed to the last Messenger Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in the month of Ramadan. The Qur’an is the revealed book of God which has been in existence for more than four hundred years and the Word of Allah is available in its original form. There has not been an iota of change in this unique historic record. Its originality and authenticity has been guaranteed by no other than Allah the Almighty who challenges in the Qur’an itself.

Allah said, "This Qur’an is not such as can be produced by other than Allah: on the contrary it is a confirmation of (revelation) that went before it, and a fuller explanation of the Book - wherein there is no doubt – from the Lord of the Worlds." (Al-Qur’an, 10:37). In another verse of the Qur’an Allah challenges, "Or do they say, "He forged it?" Say: "Bring then a Surah like unto it; and call (to your aid) anyone who can, beside Allah if it be you speak the truth!" (Al-Qur’an, 10:38). "Or they may say, "He forged it." Say, "Bring you then ten Suras forged, like unto it, and call (to your aid) whomsoever you can, other than Allah! – if you speak the truth!" (Al-Qur’an, 11:13).

Allah said in the Qur’an, "And if you are in doubt as to what We have revealed from time to time to Our servant then produce a Sura like thereunto, and call your witness and helpers (if there are any) besides Allah, if you are truthful." (Al-Qur’an, 2:23) Allah places many verses before you. Can you produce one like it?

The world is challenged to produce a Book like it and has not produced one. It is the only Revealed Book whose text stands pure and uncorrupted today. Allah said, "Say: "if the whole of mankind and jinns were to gather together to produce the like of this Qur’an, they could not produce the like thereof, even if they backed up each other with help and support." (Al-Qur’an, 17:88)

The Qur’an is the only Book in the world which has remained for the past fourteen centuries pure without any interpolation or change and will remain so till the Last Day as Allah the Almighty has guaranteed its purity. (Al-Qur’an, 15:9).

The purity, preservation and propagation of the Qur’an were maintained by two methods: memorization of Qur’an in Qur’anic schools and the recitation of the complete Qur’an in Ramadan. In the month of Ramadan every year the Noble Prophet (peace be upon him) was asked by Archangel Jibreel to recite the whole of it twice. It was a Muzakira between the two. Abu Huraira reported that Jibreel used to repeat the recitation of the Qur’an with the Prophet once a year, but he repeated it twice with him in the year the Prophet (peace be upon him) passed away. The Qur’an was recited in the Taraweeh for the first time during the era of Caliph Omar.

So far as the memorization of the Qur’an in Qur’anic schools is concerned, many Huffaz and Islamic scholars have been killed in different parts of the world at different times. But still there is no dearth of Islamic scholars who can recite the complete Qur’an from memory. Severe campaigns have been launched against the Qur’anic schools, which teach the study, recitation and memorization of the Qur’an. The Qur’an is the main Book of the Muslims; it is the duty of the Muslims to learn Qur’an, which contains their code of life and ethical values whose benefits have been experienced by mankind throughout the ages.

I have already mentioned the objective and importance of the Qur’an and how its originality and purity have been maintained. Our Prophet (peace be upon him) and his Companions dedicated their days and nights for worship. Their lives revolved completely around the Book of Allah, the Qur’an, reciting it in and out of Salah.

The Qur’an is the basis of the religion of Islam, and on the preservation and propagation of the Qur’an depends the very existence of this Faith. Hence the virtue of learning and teaching the Qur’an is self-evident and does not need further elucidation. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “The best amongst you is he who learns the Qur’an and teaches it.” (Bukhari, Daud and Tirmidhi).

A great Islamic scholar wrote in his book entitled Toward Understanding of the Qur’an: “The present arrangement of the Qur'an is not the work of later generations, but was made by the Prophet under God's direction. Whenever a surah was revealed, the Prophet summoned his scribes, to whom he carefully dictated its contents, and instructed them where to place it in relation to the other surahs. The Prophet followed the same order of surahs and verses when reciting during ritual Prayer as on other occasions, and his Companions followed the same practice in memorizing the Qur'an. It is therefore a historical fact that the collection of the Qur'an came to an end on the very day that its revelation ceased. The One who was responsible for its revelation was also the One who fixed its arrangement. The one whose heart was the receptacle of the Qur'an was also respon­sible for arranging its sequence. This was far too important and too delicate a matter for anyone else to dare to become involved in.”

“Not even the most skeptical person has any reason to doubt that the Qur'an as we know it today is identical with the Qur'an which Muhammad (peace be on him) set before the world; this is an unquestionable, objective, historical fact, and there is nothing in human history on which the evidence is so overwhelmingly strong and conclusive. To doubt the authenticity of the Qur'an is like doubting the existence of the Roman Empire, the Mughals of India, or Napoleon! To doubt historical facts like these is a sign of stark ignorance, not a mark of erudition and scholarships,” he added.

Stay Home Pray Taraweeh with family and Pay Zakat

Ramadan Announcement by Dr. Ahmed Al-Dubayan

Build a Society with Love and Peace for all people

Dr. Mozammel Haque

Dr. Ahmed al-Dubayan Director General of the Islamic Cultural Centre & The London Central Mosque Trust issued Ramadan Announcement reminding Muslims about the Government’s instructions - Stay home, Protect NHS and Save lives and asked them to stay at home, pray Taraweeh with family members at home and pay Zakat for the poor and the needy.

Congratulations for all Muslims

Started with congratulations for all Muslims, Dr. al-Dubayan extended his “congratulations for all Muslims everywhere in the UK and everywhere also in the world. Congratulations for the month of Ramadan.”

Ramadan is different this year

Speaking about Ramadan this year, Dr. Ahmed al-Dubayan said, “It is of course always important to remind this Ramadan is different from other Ramadan that we have seen before. Now we are living in this crisis of Pandemic disease – corona. Things in this Ramadan will change of course.”

“Let me start by saying may Allah forgive and shower with His Mercy upon those who lost their lives during this crisis and may Allah help also those doctors and nurses everybody who is providing service to anybody everywhere in the U.K. and actually round the globe,” he said.

Ramadan – the month of

care and of generosity

Speaking about the month of Ramadan, Dr. al-Dubayan said, “Ramadan as we all know is the month of care and the month of generosity. So it is the month since we are socially isolating seriously; everybody is staying at home and let us try to focus actually to concentrate more care about our family members especially our parents, children, wives, husbands when we are together.”

Follow the instructions

Speaking about the protection of life, Dr. al-Dubayan said, “It is also important to remind everybody Islamically we are asked always to follow the instructions done by the authority everywhere we are in the world because these instructions are made for protections and protections of life in Islam is a priority of course.”

Help the poor and the needy

Speaking about helping poor and needy, Dr. al-Dubayan mentioned, “And it is the month that we try to extend help to all those who are around us regardless who they are Muslims or not who needs our help and can give that help during this month and also in any other time – it is really a duty of every Muslim who believes in the Qur’an and also in the Prophet peace be upon him.”

Mosque is closed everywhere:

Pray Taraweeh at home with family

Speaking about the closure of Mosques almost everywhere, Dr. al-Dubayan advised Muslims to pray Taraweeh at home with families. He said, “Now in this month there are some points are very important; one of them is, of course, Mosques are closed now , almost everywhere; so that means we are going to do prayer and Taraweeh at home. How we do it? We can do together with our children, with our sisters, with our brothers, a man with his wife, with his children and with his parents. Someone will lead the prayers; he can lead the Taraweeh. You pray two raka’ats and two raka’ats till ten and you finalise the Taraweeh with one Raka’at that is the Witr.”

He also advised to those who cannot read the Qur’an. He said, “Those who cannot memorise the Qur’an they can hold a Qur’an copy in their hands and can lead the prayer and those who cannot memorise and cannot even read the Qur’an, they can pray the Taraweeh even with little Fatiha whatever they have in the Qur’an. After they have recited Surah Fatiha and then Surah Iqlas and one another Surah Asr in each raka’ah, that will insha Allah enough; because Allah Subhanahu wa Taala was considering their Eklas in their hearts and our intentions more than how many raka’ats we do.”

Zakat – al-Fitr and Zakat al-Mal

Speaking about the Zakat – al-Fitr and Zakat al-Mal, duty in Ramadan, Dr. al-Dubayan mentioned, “It is also important to remind you that Zakat also in Ramadan is a duty and we can do from the very beginning, not to delay it till the end of Ramadan. Because around us we have many people who need zakat and now we have more poor people we can send it to anywhere.

The ICC Chief also mentioned, “Zakat al-Fitr could be given at the last two days of Ramadan. Some scholars have given Fatwa especially Imam Abu Hanifah – Zakat al-Fitr could be given in the beginning of the month. To pay Zakat al-Fitr which is L7 pounds per head for each Muslim. Zakat al-Mal which is Zakat from your own saving. This could be also made in the beginning of Ramadan which is 2.5%. You can do it online – both can be done online of the website of the Islamic Cultural centre and the London Central Mosque. I wish good Ramadan Insha Allah.”

Lesson learnt: We need to cooperate

with each other as human beings

Speaking about what we have learnt from this coronavirus pandemic crisis, Dr. al-Dubayan said, “We can learn something from this Ramadan. We learn something spiritual, even from this crisis - we have to be close to each other as human being to take care of each other and may be this crisis will teach everyone around the world a lesson – that is a lesson – we need to cooperate together with each other as human beings – with Muslims, with each other to have a flourishing society built with love and peace for all people.”

Built society with love and peace for all people

Dr. al-Dubayan concluded his Ramadan announcement with  Assalamualaikum. Ramadan Kareem and prayed: “May Allah accept your prayer; don’t forget in your dua for those who lost their lives; don’t forget also in your dua those who are fighting in the front-line fighting corona-19 and for those also who are poor – May Allah facilitate for them and Insha Allah shower His Blessings for all of us. Wa alaikum wa salam.”

Fasting is an Obligatory Duty in Ramadan

Fasting is Obligatory Duty (Fard) in Islam

Ramadan Mubarak to You all

In the Era of Covid-19 Pandemic

Dr. Mozammel Haque

I have been writing and saying Ramadan Mubarak to you all for more than 40 years, whether I am in Masjid al-Haram or in the United Kingdom. But this year in 2020 corresponding to 1441 Hijri; the Ramadan this year is different due to Covid-19 Pandemic crisis. There are some changes of course both in the Masjid al Haram and Masjid-al-Nabawi and also in the United Kingdom. But the principles and compulsory fasting remain the same. Let me start which I used to do for so many years, telling about fasting and what to do during this month of fasting, the month of the Qur’an. In the course of telling about fasting, I will Insha Allah mention wherever changes are taking place.

Fasting starts with the sighting of moon

Muslims all over the world still stick to the tradition of looking to the sky to start their fasting and ending. The fasting month of Ramadan starts with the sighting of the Ramadan crescent in the horizon with the naked eye. Under the Shari’ah, if the new crescent was seen by any trustworthy person supported by two witnesses his testimony would be documented and the whole nation would accept that testimony. Whatever be the case, the holy month of Ramadan started this year on Friday, the 24^th of April 2020, the first day of Ramadan. I am extremely sorry, instead of saying Ramadan Mubarak, I am writing after a week. This is due to the changes took place in the first week of Ramadan. Still we are in the midst of Ramadan and still this is the best time to say my readers RAMADAN MUBARAK.

Ramadan Mubarak and Ramadan Greetings to all of you, especially to all the readers of this website: May this holy month bring barakah, and Allah's boundless mercy upon the believers and harmony and tolerance for the world

Fasting is Obligatory Duty (Fard)

I welcome Ramadan, the month of Mercy and Repentance, the month of the Qur’an, of Lailatul Qadr (the Night of Power) and of repentance and forgiveness. Fasting in the month of Ramadan is one of the Pillars of the Islamic faith. It was declared an obligatory duty (Fard) in the second year of the Hijrah upon each and every mukallaf (one capable of carrying out religious duties, i.e. a sane adult).

Allah the Almighty made Ramadan fasting compulsory for Muslims. Allah said, “O those who believe, the fasts have been enjoined upon you as were enjoined upon those before so that you be God-fearing.’ [Surah Baqarah, 183]. Literally, Sawm means ‘to abstain’. In the terminology of Islamic law, Sawm means ‘to abstain from eating, drinking and sexual intercourse: with the conditions that one abstains continuously from dawn to sunset, and that there is an intention to fast.’ Therefore, should one eat or drink anything even a minute before sunset, the fast will not be valid. Similarly, if one abstained from all these things throughout the day but made no intention to fast, there will be no fast here too.

Allah the Almighty said in the Qur’an “…And eat and drink, until the white thread of dawn appears to you distinct from its black thread…” (Al-Qur’an, 2:187) Literally defined, fasting means to abstain “completely” from foods, drinks, intimate intercourse and smoking, before the break of the dawn till sunset, during the entire month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic year.

Fasting in Islam is based on the lunar calendar and is tied to the sightings of hilal, the crescent, or new moon. Allah the Almighty stated: “They ask you concerning the new moons. Say: They are but signs to mark fixed periods of time… (Al-Qur’an, 2:189). And the Traditions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Eat until you see the crescent and break not until you see the crescent. If it is cloudy calculate the period of the month.” (Muslim and others).

Fasting in Ramadan is compulsory upon every Muslim, male or female, who has these qualifications, e.g. mentally and physically fit, adult full of age which is normally fourteen and fairly certain that fasting is unlikely to cause any harm, physical or mental, other than the normal reactions to hunger, thirst etc.

The said qualifications exclude the following categories: children under the age of puberty and discretion; men and women who are too old and feeble to undertake the obligation of fast and bear its hardships; sick people whose health is likely to be severely affected by the observance of fast; travellers may break the fast temporarily during their travel;  pregnant women and women breast-feeding their children may also break their fast and women in the period of menstruation (of a maximum of ten days or of confinement (of a maximum of forty days. They must postpone the fast till recovery and then make up for it.

The holy month of Ramadan is the month of mercy, forgiveness, and seeking release from the Hell-fire. It is the month of repentance and acceptance of prayers. It is the month when the devils are chained, the gates of Hell are looked and the gates of Paradise are opened.  That’s why; Muslims welcome Ramadan each year with energy and happiness, and are saddened only when the month departs. Fasting is for the living, not for mourning.

Ramadan is a month of worship. Muslims should welcome the month with repentance and seeking Allah’s pardon. We should keep away from committing sins; worship Allah sincerely and spending the night and day in prayer, supplication and recitation of the Holy Qur’an.

Fasting is a shield which helps prevent many sins and with which Muslim protects himself from Hell-fire. Fasting is more than abstaining from food and drink. It also means to abstain from any falsehood in speech and action, from any ignorant and indecent speech, and from arguing and quarrelling. Therefore, fasting helps to develop good behaviour.

Fasting inculcates a sense of brotherhood and solidarity, as a Muslim feels and experiences what his needy and hungry brothers feel. This gives Muslim a new sense of togetherness and association.

Allah the Almighty said in the Qur’an: The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of the guidance, and the criterion (between right and wrong). (Surah Al-Baqarah 2: 185) As Ramadan is the month of the Qur’an, every Muslim should prepare himself to welcome the blessed month of Ramadan by strengthening his relationship with the Qur’an. A Muslim is encouraged to complete one recitation of the Holy Qur’an during Ramadan.

We should engage more and more in the recitation of the Qur’an, in dhikr (remembrance of Allah), perform extra Salah (ritual prayers) at night and renew identity with one another in our obedience to Allah.

Please read some parts of the Holy Qur’an everyday in this blessed month of Ramadan with translation in a language you speak and understand better in order to follow the Guidance of Allah Subhanahu wa Taala.

Ramadan is called the month of charity and sympathy; a month of giving in charity and sharing meals to break the fast together. Many Muslims also pay Zakah in the month of Ramadan.

Ramadan is an excellent opportunity to bring about permanent improvement into our lives. We can do this by making a goal to remove a harmful trait from our character or speech, whether it be argumentation, backbiting, making false promises, or resentment against a fellow Muslim, or a sinful matter from our lives. Insha’Allah by the baraka of this month, this effort will result in change that will benefit us in this world and the next.

I would again like to take this opportunity to wish all of you a blessed Ramadan. May this blessed month bring unadulterated peace to everyone in the world. May Allah make this Ramadan a month of increasing nearness to Him, and May He accept all of our fasts and worship. Ameen.

Thus Ramadan becomes a blessed month of physical, moral and spiritual renewal through fasting, charity and worship. This is the moral and spiritual gifts of Ramadan. “We can say that Ramadan gives us the great gift of Taqwa (Piety). Taqwa is the sum total of Islamic life. It is the highest of all virtues in the Islamic scheme of things. It means God-consciousness, piety, fear and awe of Allah and it signifies submission to Allah and total commitment to all that is good and rejection of all that is evil and bad,” said Dr. Muzzammil H. Siddiqi, former President of Islamic Society of North America (ISNA).

Changes due to Covid-19 Pandemic:

Self-isolating and social distancing

Before concluding I would like to mention the changes that take place in the congregational prayers, Jumah prayers, Taraweeh prayers and mass gatherings due to Covid-19 pandemic crisis; i.e- preventive measures: self-isolating and social distancing.

The Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques (Masjid al-Haram in Makkah al-Mukarramah and the Masjid al-Nabawi in Madinah al-Munawwarah), Dr. Abdul Rahman al-Sudais has made the following Plans for Ramadan 1441Hijri in the Haramain:

The following Plans have been made for #Ramadan1441 in the Haramain:

Following latest updates are made on 28 Sha’ban – 21 April by the Haramain info:

1. Taraweeh will be held without public attendance, mainly with staff.

2. Taraweeh has been reduced to 10 raka’ah 6+4+witr.

3. 1^st Imaam will lead 3 tasleemat and the 2^nd Imaam will lead 2 tasleemat & Shafa + witr. The Qunoot will be shortened.

4. Iftar services cancelled in both Harams, instead, baskets will be distributed around the cities of Makkah & Madinah.

5. Itikaf has been cancelled in both Harams.

6. Umrah will remain suspended until further notice.

7. The completion of the Qur’an will be recited between the Taraweeh and Qiyaam (Tahajjud). Khatam will be on 29^th night in Qiyaam (Tahajjud).

8. Continued health checks will still be administered for all workers and attendees for the funeral prayers upon their entry into the Haram. 

As regards congregational prayers, Friday Jumah prayers and Taraweeh prayers, the Islamic Cultural Centre & the London Central Mosque Trust announced Ramadan at Home.

Ramadan at Home

“Dear Honourable Muslims: This year, we will welcome the blessed month of Ramadan in a very difficult time as the world is facing an unusual challenge i.e. the spread of coronavirus [COVID-19], a pandemic disease. 

Therefore, mosques are closed and Muslims will not be able to attend congregational prayers during this blessed month. However, they can still do these prayers and worships with the family at home. They will hopefully get the same reward. In Islam, difficulties and calamities are destined by God Almighty. The Messenger of God [pbuh] said, "There is no trouble that comes to a believer except that it removes some of his sins..." 

Amid the current global crisis the world is facing, it is important for Muslims to counter this pandemic through undertaking the necessary policies and following medical instructions announced by NHS for protection and treatment. It is important to stay at home, keep the required distance when you pray at home in order to protect yourself and others. 

Finally, adhering to all medical procedures and health protective measures is required and Muslims must put their trust in God that He will remove the harm, cure the patients and immensely reward them in this world and the hereafter. There is no need to panic, it is better to occupy yourself with making worship as much as you can.”

Ramadan Announcement of the

ICC & the London Central Mosque

Dr. Ahmad al-Dubayan, the Director General of the Islamic Cultural Centre & The London Central Mosque Trust categorically said in his Ramadan Announcement: “Ramadan as we all know is the month of care and the month of generosity. So it is the month we are socially isolating seriously; let everybody to stay at home and to focus, actually to concentrate more care about our family members especially our parents, children, wives, husbands when we are together.”

Dr. al-Dubayan said, “It is also important to remind everybody – Islamically, we are asked to follow the instructions done by the authority everywhere, wherever we are because these instructions are made for protections – and protections of life in Islam is a priority of course. And it is the month that we try to extend help to all those who are around us regardless who they are Muslims or not who needs our help and can give that help during this month and also in any other time – it is really a duty of every Muslim who believe in the Qur’an and also in the Prophet peace be upon him.”

He added, “Now in this month there are some points very important; one of them is, of course, Mosques are closed now, almost everywhere; so that means we are going to do prayer and Taraweeh at home.”