YOU WON’T DELAY IN GIVING ZAKAT AFTER READING THIS

             5 REASONS WHY A MUSLIM PAYS ZAKAT

WHY MUSLIM PAY ZAKAT

WHY DID ALLAH ENJOINED ZAKAT ON MUSLIMS?

The word Zakat comes 88 times in Quran.ZAKAT means “that which purifies”.It  is a form of obligatory alms-giving and religious tax in Islam.Allah enjoined Zakat upon the faithful believer,making it a third pillar of Islam.and warned those who do not pay it,against severe punishments.

Objectives of Zakat are:

1)PURIFY THE HEART FROM SELFISHNESS AND GREED

Love of Wealth is an innate human tendency.Paying Zakat purify the walth and increase the halal earning.

Reference:

خُذْ مِنْ أَمْوَٰلِهِمْ صَدَقَةً تُطَهِّرُهُمْ وَتُزَكِّيهِم بِهَا وَصَلِّ عَلَيْهِمْ ۖ إِنَّ صَلَوٰتَكَ سَكَنٌ لَّهُمْ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ

Sahih International (9:103 -surah Al tawbah)

Take, [O, Muhammad], from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase, and invoke [ Allah ‘s blessings] upon them. Indeed, your invocations are reassurance for them. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing.

2)EXPRESSION OF WORSHIP AND TOTAL SUBMISSION OF ALLAH

وَمَآ أُمِرُوٓا۟ إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ مُخْلِصِينَ لَهُ ٱلدِّينَ حُنَفَآءَ وَيُقِيمُوا۟ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَيُؤْتُوا۟ ٱلزَّكَوٰةَ ۚ وَذَٰلِكَ دِينُ ٱلْقَيِّمَةِ ﴿٥

Sahih International 98:5(surah Al Bayyinaah)

And they were not commanded except to worship Allah , [being] sincere to Him in religion, inclining to truth, and to establish prayer and to give zakah. And that is the correct religion.

3)CONCEPT OF SOCIAL SECURITY AND RELATIVE EQUALITY AMONG MEMBERS OF SOCIETY:

When the wealthy distributethe annual amount of Zakat amont the rightful beneficieries,wealth ceases to build up in a few hands and instead kept in constant circulation.

Reference:

مَّآ أَفَآءَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ رَسُولِهِۦ مِنْ أَهْلِ ٱلْقُرَىٰ فَلِلَّهِ وَلِلرَّسُولِ وَلِذِى ٱلْقُرْبَىٰ وَٱلْيَتَٰمَىٰ وَٱلْمَسَٰكِينِ وَٱبْنِ ٱلسَّبِيلِ كَىْ لَا يَكُونَ دُولَةًۢ بَيْنَ ٱلْأَغْنِيَآءِ مِنكُمْ ۚ وَمَآ ءَاتَىٰكُمُ ٱلرَّسُولُ فَخُذُوهُ وَمَا نَهَىٰكُمْ عَنْهُ فَٱنتَهُوا۟ ۚ وَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ ۖ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ شَدِيدُ ٱلْعِقَابِ ﴿٧

Sahih international: SURAH aL HASHR -59:7

And what Allah restored to His Messenger from the people of the towns – it is for Allah and for the Messenger and for [his] near relatives and orphans and the [stranded] traveler – so that it will not be a perpetual distribution among the rich from among you. And whatever the Messenger has given you – take; and what he has forbidden you – refrain from. And fear Allah ; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.

4)GOOD NEWS FROM ALLAH

Reference:

إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَعَمِلُوا۟ ٱلصَّٰلِحَٰتِ وَأَقَامُوا۟ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَءَاتَوُا۟ ٱلزَّكَوٰةَ لَهُمْ أَجْرُهُمْ عِندَ رَبِّهِمْ وَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ ﴿٢٧٧

Sahih international:surah Al-baqarah(2:277)

Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds and establish prayer and give zakah will have their reward with their Lord, and there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.

5)ZAKAT IS A MULTIPLIER OF WEALTH

Reference:

وَمَآ ءَاتَيْتُم مِّن رِّبًا لِّيَرْبُوَا۟ فِىٓ أَمْوَٰلِ ٱلنَّاسِ فَلَا يَرْبُوا۟ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ ۖ وَمَآ ءَاتَيْتُم مِّن زَكَوٰةٍ تُرِيدُونَ وَجْهَ ٱللَّهِ فَأُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلْمُضْعِفُونَ ﴿٣٩

Sahih International :Surah Ar-Rum:(30:39)

And whatever you give for interest to increase within the wealth of people will not increase with Allah . But what you give in zakah, desiring the countenance of Allah – those are the multipliers.

                                                                                                      ZAKAT= BARAKAH

              INSPIRE OTHERS,SHARE THIS MESSAGE.

FASTING, DIETING AND RAMADAN-HOW IS RAMADAN FAST DIFFERENT.

HOW IS FASTING AND DIETING DIFFERENT FROM RAMADAN FAST ?

HOW IS RAMADHAN FAST DIFFERENT FROM OTHER TYPES OF FAST?

Muslims world wide observe total fasting (no food or water) between dawn to sunset in the month of Ramadan.Although it is not done to reap health benefits but it is ordained by Allah(Swt).But science proves that the Ramadhan fasts has vimmense health benefits apart from spiritual healing.

1.NO RESTRICTION ON TYPE AND AMOUNT OF FOOD INTAKE

As compared to other diet plans, in fasting during Ramadan, there is no malnutrition or inadequate calorie intake since there is no restriction on the type or amount of food intake during Iftaar or Sahar.

2.RAMADHAN ENCOURAGES SELF REGULATION AND SELF TRAINING FOR WEIGHT LOSS

Fasting, in Ramadan is voluntarily undertaken. It is not a prescribed imposition from a physician. In the hypothalamus part of the brain there is a center called “lipostat” which controls the body mass. When severe and rapid weight loss is achieved by starvation diet, the center does not recognize this as normal and, therefore re-programs itself to cause weight gain rapidly once the person goes off the starvation diet. So the only effective way of losing weight is slow, self-controlled, and gradual weight loss by modifying our behavior, and the attitude about eating while eliminating excess food. Ramadan is a month of self-regulation and self-training in terms of food intake thereby causing hopefully, a permanent change in lipostat reading.

3.NO DIETING WITH SELECTIVE FOOD

In Islamic fasting, we are not subjected to a diet of selective food only (i.e. protein only, fruits only etc). An early breakfast, before dawn is taken and then at sunset fast is broken with something sweet i.e. dates, fruits, juices to warrant any hypoglycemia followed by a regular dinner later on.

4.ADDITIONAL PRAYER WHICH METABOLISE FOOD

Additional prayers are prescribed after the dinner, which helps metabolize the food. Using a calorie counter, The amount of calories burnt during extra prayer called Traveeh. It amounted to 200 calories,according to a study.. Islamic prayer called Salat uses all the muscles and joints and can be placed in the category of a mild exercise in terms of caloric out put.

5.FASTS BREAK THE ADDICTIONS

Ramadan fasting is actually an exercise in self discipline. For those who are a chain smoker, or nibble food constantly, or drink coffee every hour, it is a good way to break the habit, hoping that the effect will continue after the month is over.

6.I AM FASTING:

Psychological effect of Ramadan fasting are also well observed by the description of people who fast. They describe a feeling of inner peace and tranquility. The prophet has advised them “If one slanders you or aggresses against you, tell them I am fasting”. Thus personal hostility during the month is minimal.

Ramadan Fasts changes us spiritually and physically for good and makes us energetic.

RAMADAN WITH GOOGLE, A SMARTER WAY TO PLAN RAMADAN

RAMADAN KAREEM 2015

Technology has made the world a global village.These days we don’t have to worry much for our near and dear ones as we used to do few year back.Every one has a cell phone to update their relatives about their whereabout.We have google maps, google earth, traffic router for google map navigation and lots more.We can share pictures of our iftar with our relatives living miles away with just a click in whats app and hangout.

To make our life easier in Ramadan,google has launched  My Ramadan Companion

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This web page is like a gem to a person who has just arrived in a new place and in dilemma where to go for iftar , whats the time of suhur and iftar there? My Ramadan Companion gives customized and locally relevant information, tips, and other content highlighting the richness of what the web can offer during Ramadan around us.We can find out the sunset time in your location and plan our day accordingly, check out the traffic in our area, navigate to the closest charity Iftar, find and share recipes, and enjoy Ramadan content on YouTube ranging from drama series and comedy sketches and health tips to stay fit during the 30 days of fasting.

Depending on our location, Google Now will show us a range of relevant cards with popular YouTube videos, latest Ramadan news and information, and recommendations for apps that alert you to wake up for Suhur, enable you to design greeting cards for Ramadan to share with the family, find Halal restaurants around you, and countdown to Iftar time.

Ramadan Kareem!!

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HEALTH BENEFITS OF FASTING IN RAMADHAN

It has been suggested that fasting during Ramadan has numerous health benefits,

improved brain function and alertness due to greater brain cell production;

No doubt you’ll be aware of the positive effects fasting can have on your mental wellbeing and spiritual focus, but the brain-boosting powers of Ramadan are even more significant than you might think.A study carried out by scientists in the USA found that the mental focus achieved during Ramadan increases the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which causes the body to produce more brain cells, thus improving brain function.Likewise, a distinct reduction in the amount of the hormone cortisol, produced by the adrenal gland means that stress levels are greatly reduced both during and after Ramadan.

Controls diabetes,blood pressure and blood suger

As a health-behavior analogue, clinical investigation has suggested health benefits of fasting during Ramadan, showing

• a reduction of blood glucose LDL cholesterol levels and increases in HDLcholesterol
• a reduction of cholesterol
• greatly reduced stress levels due to a reduction in cortisol;
• better control of diabetes;
• decrease of blood sugar;
• decrease of mean arterial pressure
• reduced blood pressure

We all know that weight loss is one of the possible physical outcomes of fasting during Ramadan, but there’s also a whole host of healthy changes going on behind the scenes.

A team of cardiologists in the UAE found that people observing Ramadan enjoy a positive effect on their lipid profile, which means there is a reduction of cholesterol in the blood.

Low cholesterol increases cardiovascular health, greatly reducing the risk of suffering from heart disease, a heart attack, or a stroke. What’s more, if you follow a healthy diet after Ramadan, this newly lowered cholesterol level should be easy to maintain.

Weight loss is so easy in Ramadhan

Dr Mahroof says the use of fat for energy helps weight loss. It preserves the muscles and eventually reduces your cholesterol level. In addition, weight loss results in better control of diabetes and reduces blood pressure. “A detoxification process also occurs, because any toxins stored in the body’s fat are dissolved and removed from the body”, says Dr Mahroof. After a few days of the fast, higher levels of endorphins appear in the blood, making you more alert and giving an overall feeling of general mental wellbeing.

As well as being great for spiritually cleansing yourself, Ramadan acts as a fantastic detox for your body. By not eating or drinking throughout the day your body will be offered the rare chance to detoxify your digestive system throughout the month.So this leads to a

•  decrease of waist circumference
•  weight loss due to the use of fat for energy while preserving muscle;
• decrease of body mass index;
• a detoxification of body

When your body starts eating into fat reserves to create energy, it will also burn away any harmful toxins that might be present in fat deposits. This body cleanse will leave a healthy blank slate behind, and is the perfect stepping stone to a consistently healthy lifestyle.

Better nutrient absorption and better overall functioning of body

By not eating throughout the day during Ramadan you’ll find that your metabolism becomes more efficient, meaning the amount of nutrients you absorb from food improves.

This is because of an increase in a hormone called adiponectin, which is produced by a combination of fasting and eating late at night, and allows your muscles to absorb more nutrients.

This will lead to health benefits all around the body, as various areas are able to better absorb and make use of the nutrients they need to function.

source

1. Regan A.R. Gurung (21 April 2014). Multicultural Approaches to Health and Wellness in America. ABC-CLIO. p. 149. ISBN 9781440803505.
2. “Fasting and your health”. NHS Choices. 21 July 2012. Retrieved 29 June 2014.

FEW RAMADHAN TIPS FOR DIABETIC PATIENTS

    Diabetic and Fasting

Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan is an important spiritual practice.  When you have diabetes, you may be wondering how fasting will affect your diabetes.  There is a lot of misinformation about diabetes and Ramadan. This article clears some misconception and gives few  useful tips.

Does everyone have to fast?

No.  This is based on the Holy Quran as well as the teachings of Islamic religious scholars over centuries. The Quran states that there are groups of people who do not have to fast, especially if it puts their health at risk.  This includes children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, the elderly and anyone who might make themselves ill by fasting.  This also includes people with poorly controlled diabetes, people with type 1 diabetes who take insulin or type 2 on a mixed insulin regimen or those who often have very high or very low blood glucose levels.

I know many people with diabetes who fast and don’t have a problem.  Is it okay for me?

It is true, many people with diabetes can fast safely, but each person is different.   Part of the decision you will make with your doctor has to do with the kind of diabetes medicine you take.   It is important to schedule an appointment 2-3 months before Ramadan to discuss how fasting might affect your diabetes.  Your doctor or healthcare provider may suggest a change in your medication plan.

What risks should I be aware of?

These are the key risks:
• Low blood glucose (or hypoglycemia) – The risk of blood glucose levels going too low is highest in people taking insulin or certain diabetes pills. Limit physical activity during fasting hours and be more active after sunset.  Talk with your healthcare provider to find out if your medicine puts you at risk for low blood glucose and discuss how to prevent it.
• High blood glucose (or hyperglycemia) – While low blood glucose levels may happen during the day, after the fast is broken, there is a greater risk to overeat.  Watch out for eating too many sweets and keep the portion sizes moderate.   Even though Ramadan is known as a time of fasting – it is not uncommon for people to gain weight during this month, as in some families, every evening meal is a celebration.
• Dehydration – This is especially a problem during the longer and hotter summer days.  Aim to drink sugar free and caffeine free drinks frequently throughout the evening and before dawn.

I was told to not check my blood glucose during the day as it will break the fast. Is that true?

Checking blood glucose will not break a fast!    It is important to monitor blood glucose levels especially to identify a low glucose level.  A fast will have to be ended if glucose levels fall too low (below 70 mg/dl)

How is low blood glucose treated?

If glucose levels do fall below 70, take 15 grams of carbohydrate in the form of one of these:  4 glucose tablets, 6 oz regular soda, 4 oz fruit juice or 1 tube glucose gel.  Wait 15 minutes and recheck again.  Follow with a snack if the evening meal is not for more than an hour.

Do I stop taking medicine during Ramadan?

No.  You continue taking your diabetes medicine, but you will take it at different times.  Your dose may also change.    This is one reason why it is very important to talk with your healthcare provider several months before Ramadan so you can plan ahead for how your diabetes medicines may need to change.

How do I plan my meals since I’m only eating twice a day?

The dawn meal (Suhoor) should contain a balance of whole grain sources of starchy carbohydrates as well as some protein and fat to help slow the digestion and help the feeling of fullness last as long as possible into the day.   Healthy breakfast options good for the hot summer month of Ramadan include:
• Whole grain cereal, low-fat milk, cottage cheese with sliced peaches topped with toasted almonds
• Plain Greek Yogurt flavored with blueberries and cinnamon, whole wheat toast with nut butter.
• Foul (a hearty middle eastern breakfast dish made of lentils or fava beans), small serving of sliced fruit
• Whole wheat roti (unleavened bread) and egg khagina (a southeast Asian dish)

Traditionally the fast is broken (Iftar) after sunset and begins with the eating of dates and drinking water.  Limit dates to 1-2 each evening.  Drink plenty of water and sugar free beverages though out the evening, but avoid caffeine beverages as they can be dehydrating.

While the iftar meal is a celebration time, aim to not overeat.  Discuss a plan with your dietitian.  Keep sensible portions in mind and follow the same guidelines for healthy eating that you do the rest of the year with an emphasis on whole grains, lean sources of meat, fish and poultry, small amounts of heart healthy fats and limit added sugars.

Hope the information helps.

ZAZAKALLAH KHAIRAN.

UMRAH TRIP REMINDERS

Ramadhan kareem.

The month of Ramadhan has started and many of us must have started planning for the divine journey.

.The Umrah performed in the month of Ramadhan not only gives thawab equals to Haj, but purifies our soul .We feel spirituality awakened and devoted.

If you are going to Umrah for the first time,bookmark these ten things in your mind.They are going to be very very  useful.

1)REMEMBER THE GATES
Remember the gates through which you entered, stay close to the people you are with ,because the rush of people increases a number of fold in the Ramadhan season.

2)ALL YOUR IMPORTANT CONTACT IN WRITTEN.
Please please have your identity cards, the details of hotels you are staying in, their contact number and the contact number of your umrah services handy and in paper .

I have met with people astrayed with no where to go as they had accidently missed their mobile or lost them
One of my experience was with an old lady who was seperated from her husband. She didn’t had a mobile, didn’t had any contact number and no food since two day.Language is also a problem because the local language is arabic, so she didn’t approach any one. she sat in a corner since two days without a proper food . Alhumdulillah she was able to meet her husband .The moment she saw her husmand ,the anxiety of seperation flooded out in tears.

3)FOOD AND DRINKS
Pack something to eat and drink Especially when you are in a medical condition that requires you to eat at frequent intervals.
During Salah time, all the shops and bussiness remain closed

4)FOOTWEARS
Have a carry bag wuth you so that you don’t have to hold your footwear in your hands while doing tawaf.

5)PACK THE SCISSORS
There is a barber shop , where the males can go for the hair cutting rituals.But for the ladies this ritual can br performed in the washroom area where you cut an inch of hair yourself completing the umrah and your limits of ihram is waived off.

6)KEEPING FOCUSSED
Do the rituals of Umrah, the sunnah way.There are large groups reading their dua loud.Don’t get distracted and feel as if you are missing something.Read your duas and supplicate and keep focussed.

7)TOUCHING THE BLACK STONE
It is perfectly ok to circumblate Ka’aba from top floors.When you are circumblating from the ground floor and you want to touch the black stone, enter slowly and subsequently and once you have done that slowly you walk away from the centre.This way neither you will get pushed nor you would want to push someone.

8)QURAN AND KA’ABA
There are mushafs(Quran) all over the place in first and second floor.Read and make lots of Dua. choose a place which gives you the maximum view of Ka’aba.Watching Ka’aba is also earns thawab.

9)SA’I HELP
The centre has a straight path for the people who are old, weak and who require a wheelchair.This makes Sa’i shorter.

10) NO SELFIES PLEASE
And finally no selfies please.
You are already captured and recorded with the angels you don’t need to stop in ghe middle of tawaf and Sa’i to get a pic of yourself

.
UMRAH MUBARAK !!

Seven reasons why Ramadhan of Soudi arabia is better than India.

Let me introduce myself first.Asian by ethenicity and born and brought up in India, I am a muslimah.

I have spent 3 years in soudi arabia and I am totally in love with this place.It is like a paradise, an ideal place where any muslim would want to spend his Ramadhan.

I have people back in my country asking me how is the Ramadhan different?  I would like to show a glimpse of Ramadhan in the kingdom and leave you to decide which is better.

1) TARAWEEH PRAYER:

Today is the first day of Ramadhan.And Yesterday was the first tarawih I read in congregation.Yeah,Unlike India, we muslimah greet each other in mosques and get the opportunity to read the tarawih prayer.The Tarawih prayer boost the spirituality and act as a superbooster for the fast ahead.

2) NO SCORCHING HEAT BURNING YOUR SKIN

Alhumdulillah, the climate is good.Even if it was scorchy hot like that in India, we wouldn’t have felt the heat because we have air conditioners all over the place.

3) NO TOUGH FAST, LOTS OF TIME TO PRAY

My muslim brother and sisters in India will have a tough time facing the heat , with 8 hours of duty and the Ramadhan fast.Unfortunately in some places of India, the people are so inconsiderate, they make you do all your work with no relaxation in duty and sometimes you have to break the fast with a single date and wait for hours to go home and have a proper iftar.Ramadhan in arab is so easy with your working hours cut short and two days of leave each week. giving people proper time to pray and develop spiritually reaping full benefit from Ramadhan.

3) MESEMERISING CITY

when you step out , the whole city is decorated like a new bride and the shopping malls loaded with offers . It looks mesemerising.And when you hear the call of adhan, people leave their job and fall down in prayers praising Allah (swt).The bussiness halts.All shops get closed till the salah finishes and then resumes as usual
People in millions stand shoulder to shoulder praising their lord and thanking him.

4)THE FLOOD OF PEOPLE COMPETING WITH EACH OTHER FOR TAQWA

When you see a pic like this, your ego and pride vanishes and you feel so thankful for being a muslim A muslim who knows his lord ,who knows he will return to his lord. And the very reason he is on this earth enjoying all the bounties is to worship Allah and glorify him.Wallahi, Allah don’t need our prayers.We need him.

4) EVEN A SHOP REMINDS YOU OF ALLAH

When you visit a little shop in the corner of the street, you get to read alhumdulillah or masha Allah giving all praise and thanks to Allah and when you go for a drive, in the midst of a vast desert , u see a banner glorifying lord.The people here never forget their lord and keep glorifying him and asking for gorgiveness.

5)IFTAR FOR BARAKAH , RAMADHAN FOR FASTING -NOT FEASTING

Back in India, we have iftar feast.The Ladies trying to out do each other competing in hosting the best iftar.With Lots of dishes, we get plenty of food but often our salah get delayed.and we feel exhausted to read out taraweeh.Iftar should be a means of barakah and not a matter to get more recoginition and apploud.

6) BEST WORSHIP IN THE BEST OF NIGHTS

And not to forget the Qiyamul lail. .Last ten days of Ramadhan witness ibadah in mosque for the whole night.As a muslimah, this is the unique opportunity I will always look forward to.What is better than a thousand of nights than these bleseed days.

7) UMRAH IN RAMADHAN EQUALS THE THAWAB OF HAJ

What’s better than an Umrah done in Ramadhan.Everytime I enter haramsharif and look at kaaba, a tear rolls down my eyes.I feel heavily burdened by my sins.I fall down in prostration before my lord asking for forgiveness.

May Allah accept our Istaghfar and guide our family and friends to deen.And May Allah give a chance to each muslim to see the Ramadhan of Arab.

Ramadhan

Islam-the Scientific religion welcomes its reader to the month of RAMADHAN.

The most beautiful month is just a day away.
May We all get the opportunity to see this Ramadhan.

WELCOMING RAMADHAN

How are we doing?
1)shopping
2)planning the iftar and suhoor menu?
3)choosing the masjid we are going to read tarawih
4)bookung tickets to travel to our home land.
5)looking what offers have come up in the stores this Ramadhan

ALAS!

We are forgetting the core responsibility we have towards ourselves

To build taqwa and increase our imaan this Ramadhan.

1)Have we decided our strategy on how are we going to finish Quran in this month.

2)planned for Umrah?
A single Umrah gives the thawab of Haj.

3)Have we bookmarked which dua we are going to read before iftar?
The best time to supplicate is before the sunset,esp before the iftar

4)Set our goals to be a better muslim.

May Allah(swt) guide us to be a better muslim and increase us in taqwa

.Islam -the scientific religion welcomes Ramadhan