Altrincham Muslim Association - Newsletter September 2010

Altrincham Muslim Association 01 September 2010 Volume 1, Issue 10 EID Issue

Community News What does Eid celebration mean?

Inside this issue:

Dua of the Month

1

Upcoming Events

2

Laylat al-Qadr

2

Monthly health tip

3

Salah timetable

4

As the sun sets on Ramadan, the new moon heralds the coming of the Eid day -- one of two days Muslims all over the world celebrate each year.

Why do we celebrate Eid? In what manner do we rejoice?

In the first instance, we are thankful for that grace from Allah which carried us through the month of earnest, joyous labour spent in fasting, prayers, and Qur’an recitation.

But upon further reflection, we can see that our joyous festivities, in fact, hail and celebrate that glorious moment when Allah’s infinite mercy, the light of His last guidance (The Holy Quran), dawned upon mankind.

The Eid seems to be echoing the Qur’anic call - ‘that you complete the number (of Fasts) and proclaim the greatness of God for having guided you, and so that you may render thanks and rejoice’ (AlBaqara 2:185).

The two Muslim festivals are just one measure of how Islam emphatically and totally centres our lives on the Qur’an. If Eid-al-Fitr celebrates the beginning of its dawn, the other festival, Eidal-Adha, marks its completion. For if in Ramadan is the night in which the first revelation came, on the Day of Hajj came the verse proclaiming the perfection and completion of the guidance it brought (Al -Ma’ida 5:3). All our days are crowded by Allah’s blessing, but no day can be like the day that is crowded by Allah’s guidance.

How many and how priceless are the blessings from Allah

No people live without festivals of their own, but no festi-

That is why Ramadan has been reserved for the fasting; that is why the end of Ramadan has been earmarked for rejoicing:

ۡ َ‫َربﱠنَا ف‬ ‫ﭑغفِ ۡر لَنَا‬ ‫ڪفﱢ ۡر َعنﱠا‬ َ ‫ُذنُوبَنَا َو‬ ‫سيﱢـَٔاتِنَا َوتَ َوفﱠنَا َم َع‬ َ ‫ۡٱألَ ۡب َرا ِر‬

to us? Yet undoubtedly the most priceless of all are his words that illuminate the pathways of life and guide our steps to success, here and in the Hereafter. Hence, from the moment the new moon heralds the coming of the Eid day the constant cry of the heart and tongue is ‘Allah alone is great; to Allah belongs all thankful praise’. This cry remains on the lips while the festivities of Eid remain, in response to Allah’s command.

val is like Eid, it is unique among all of them.

Some centre their celebrations on the person who created their identity, but not on Eid; we do not celebrate even the birth day of the Prophet Muhammad(pbuh), rather we celebrate the sending down of the word of Allah -- the Qur’an.

Some rejoice in the beginning of the New Year, but not Eid; we rejoice in the dawn upon mankind of a new era of light and peace. Some celebrate the end of the dark winter days and the coming of the spring of light and warmth, but not Eid; we celebrate the end of the dark, cold night of ignorance and the coming of a warm spring of Justice and Equality. Some give thanks for the harvest of grain, fruit or cattle, but not Eid; we give thanks for the harvest of the richest blessings of Allah for soul and intellect, for mind and heart, for living and conduct. One can say that Eid raises man’s festivities from the physical to the spiritual and intellectual level symbolizing what Islam does to man’s entire life, vision and hope. continued on page 2...

Dua of the Month Our Lord! Forgive us our sins, and remit from us our evil deeds, and take to Thyself our souls in the company of the righteous (Al-Imran, 3:193) Rabbana, fagh-fir thunubana, wa kaffir

lana anna

sayi’atina, ma’al-abrar

wa

tawaffana

This dua’ is from the last ten ayahs of surat Al-Imran. The Prophet(pbuh) used to recite these ten ayahs when he wakes up at night to do tahajud prayers. The Prophet

(pbuh) used to look up to the sky and recite: “In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of night and day are signs for those of understanding” to the end of the surat.

Page 2

Community News

Volume 1, Issue 10

Upcoming Events Annual Family Fun Day & Heart at Risk Programme September 25th, 12 – 4pm A fun filled day for all the family. This year’s fun day promises to be bigger and better than years gone by (Insha’Allah). Activities vary from cricket, football, tug of war, bouncy castle , henna painting as well as many more fun things. As always there will be plenty of food to choose from.

There also will be free heart health check and advice available, conducted by a cardiologist, where numerous check can be carried out ranging from cholesterol checks to blood test as well as advice on how to reduce the risk of heart problems. Also there will be a healthy heart award given to the individual that has made the most improvement.

Madrassah Registration Day With the new academic year starting soon, Sunday 19th September (10-12pm) is registration day.

It will also give an opportunity to meet the teachers as of 11.30am, when they will outline the coming year’s curriculum (no classes on the day). Parents wanting to register their children must register them on that day, all new children and those on the waiting list are welcome to attend the day for their assessment.

First day of term will be Friday 24th September, Insha’Allah. Full details on the website.

Ramadan Itikaf We are now well into Ramadan, and the last ten days are almost upon us, which gives all those who have the opportunity to spend some additional time in the centre. Last year proved to be very successful in the large numbers that stayed for a few days (up to 10 days). Our centre is giving all able and healthy men (sorry sisters!) the opportunity again this year. So at that we can make the necessary arrangements all those interested please contact Brother Malik, he will be at the centre most days from Asr to Isha (Insha’Allah) or you may call him on 07968294677.

Some pictures of the AMA Fun day 2009.

*New Date for Annual Family Fun Day. September 25th, 12 – 4pm

What does Eid celebration mean? (continued from page 1) Eid symbolizes a radically new basis for human unity. Those who form their identities by persons and events, temporal and physical, erect barriers that are insurmountable. But not so in Islam. Eid is for anyone who is prepared to turn to his Creator and surrender himself unto Him and follow his guidance.

Yet, the solemn, spiritual

character of Eid does not rob Muslims of delights, pleasures and merriment that must accompany any human celebration. Muslims begin to look ahead to the day of Eid as Ramadan sets in. As Eid approaches, joyful expectations increase. Houses are decorated and new clothes are prepared, for everyone must wear their best. There is no selfish

spending spree though; Eid is not a commercial venture.

Delicious meals are cooked and, in sharing, heartily eaten.

But not a morsel should be thrown away. Every worldly thing is from Allah, a bounty, and must therefore be made use of to honour His occasion, to rejoice in His greatest bounty. It is this spirit which pervades Eid celebrations

Laylat al-Qadr - ”The night of Power” Allah(swt) says:

Fortunate are those who will get a chance to worship on this Night that is equivalent to more than the average age of most people. A Muslim who spends this one Night in sincere worship can get the rewards and blessing as if he had spent his entire life in worship.

We have indeed revealed this (Quran) in the Night of Power: And what will explain to you what the night of power is? The Night of Power is better than a thousand months. By Allah’s permission, therein come down the angels and the Spirit with all decrees. In it there is peace until the rise of dawn! [Quran 97:1-5] Laylat-ul-Qadr is the night when the Quran was revealed. Allah(swt) tells us of

the importance and value of this one night and compares it to be better than a thousand months : (over 83 years). Traditions inform us that Laylatul-Qadr is one of the odd nights of the last 10 days of Ramadan.

Narated by Aisha(raa): Allah's Apostle(pbuh) said, "Search for the Night of Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan." – [Bukhari Vol.3, Book 32, #234] The above Hadith tells the

Muslims that they should actively seek for this Night and when to do so. This is a very special and blessed Night and we are not to indulge in anything but worship to the best of our ability throughout these odd nights. One of them will be The Night (Allah willing).

This Night is a very special Night full of mercy in which Allah(swt) forgives the committed Muslim prostrating before Him: cont…

Community News

Narated by Abu Huraira(raa): Allah's Apostle(pbuh) said, "Whoever establishes the prayers on the night of Qadr out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah's rewards, all his past sins will be forgiven." – [Bukhari Vol.1, Book 2, #34] This Hadith is very important in conveying the clear message that worship must be done with clear intentions, conviction and the will to seek the rewards of Allah(swt).

Which one of us is not in need of guidance and forgiveness? Is it therefore not foolish to be lazy, go to sleep and miss an opportunity that we might never get again?

The Prophet(pbuh) used to exert himself worshiping in the last 10 nights of Ramadan to a much greater extent: Aisha(raa) reported that when the last ten nights began Allah's Messenger(pbuh) kept awake at night (for prayer and devotion), wakened his family,

Volume 1, Issue 10

and prepared himself to observe prayer (with more vigour). – [Muslim Book 6, #2643] What can one do on these odd nights?

Practice I’tikaf if possible.

Aisha(raa) reported that the Messenger of Allah(pbuh) used to observe i'tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan. – [Muslim Book 6, #2638] D o p l e n t y of D h i k r (remembrance of Allah), recitation of the Quran, and prayers.

This Night is to seek forgiveness so ask Allah(swt) to bestow upon us His Mercy and forgive our sins. Ask for forgiveness most sincerely and with eagerness to be forgiven. `A'isha(raa) reported that she asked the Prophet(pbuh) "O Messenger of Allah! If I knew which night is Laylatul-Qadr, what should I say during it?"

He instructed her to say: "Allahumma innaka `afuwwun tuh.ibbul `afwa fa`fu

Monthly Health Tip : Influenza Seasonal flu is a highly infectious illness caused by a flu virus.

The virus infects your lungs and upper airways, causing a sudden high temperature and general aches and pains.

You could also lose your appetite, feel nauseous and have a dry cough. You may need to stay in bed until your symptoms get better.

Symptoms can last for up to a week.

The flu virus is spread in the small droplets of saliva coughed or sneezed into the air by an infected person. If you breathe in these droplets, you may become infected.

Flu can also spread if someone with the virus touches common surfaces such as

door handles with unwashed hands.

Symptoms develop one to four days after being infected.

People with flu are usually infectious a day before symptoms start, and remain infectious for five or six days. Children and people with weaker immune systems may remain infectious for slightly longer.

Try to avoid all unnecessary contact with others during this infectious period.

Seasonal flu is a very common illness that occurs every year, usually during the winter month.

The number of people who consult their GP with flu-like symptoms varies from year to year, but is usually between 50 and 200 for every 100,000

Page 3

`annee" (O Allah! You are Most Forgiving, you love forgiveness. So forgive me). Reported by Ahmad, Ibn Majah and At-Tirmithi.

This is also the night to ask Allah(swt) for everything. Pray to Allah to better your Islam, your Iman and your heart.

Ask Allah to help you change to the better. Ask Allah for the goodness of this life and the Goodness of the Hereafter. Pray for our Muslim brothers and sisters who are suffering. Pray for your relatives, friends and loved ones (those who are with us and those who are no longer so).

Pray for everyone!

If you are a woman who is having the monthly cycle and cannot offer Salah or pick the Quran you can still recite the Quran from memory, make dua and listen to the Quran.

You can seek more knowledge of Islam. Allah(swt) looks at our intentions, so recite whichever Surahs you do know and do spend time in Dhikr and Dua.

Laylat al-Qadr Seek out the night of power and ...

Spend your time reciting Quran and in the remembrance of Allah(swt).

people. This is in addition to the many people with flu who do not see their GP. Your symptoms will usually peak after two to three days.

You should begin to feel much better within five to eight days.

However, elderly people or those with certain medical conditions may develop a complication such as a chest infection. This can lead to serious illness and can be lifethreatening.

In the UK, about 600 people a year die from seasonal flu.

This rises to around 13,000 during an epidemic.

A seasonal flu vaccine is available free if you are over 65, have a serious medical condition or live in a residential home.

Viral Influenza Influenza, commonly called the flu, is always caused by a virus.

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

Altrincham Muslim Association Registered Charity Number 1101378

Timetable for September 2010 “O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (attain) God-consciousness” (S2, A183) Day

Date

Ramadhan Date

Fajr Sehri End

Fajr Jama’at

Sunrise

Dhuhr

Dhuhr Jama’at

Asr

Asr Jama’at

Maghrib/If tar

Tarawih Isha

Wed

1

22

4:38

4:53

6:19

1:12

1:40

4:52

6:00

7:59

9:45

Thu

2

23

4:40

4:55

6:20

1:12

1:40

4:51

6:00

7:59

9:45

Fri

3

24

4:42

4:57

6:22

1:11

1:40

4:49

6:00

7:54

9:45

Sat

4

25

4:44

4:59

6:24

1:11

1:40

4:47

6:00

7:52

9:45

Sun

5

26

4:46

5:01

6:26

1:11

1:40

4:46

6:00

7:50

9:45

Mon

6

27

4:48

5:03

6:27

1:10

1:40

4:45

6:00

7:47

9:45

Tue

7

28

4:50

5:05

6:28

1:10

1:40

4:44

6:00

7:45

9:45

Wed

8

29

4:52

5:07

6:30

1:10

1:40

4:42

6:00

7:42

9:45

Thu

9

30

4:54

5:09

6:32

1:09

1:40

4:40

6:00

7:42

9:45

Fri

10

EID

4:56

5:11

6:34

1:09

1:35

4:38

6:00

7:40

9:00

Sat

11

4:57

5:12

6:35

1:08

1:35

4:37

5:30

7:38

9:30

Sun

12

4:57

5:12

6:35

1:08

1:35

4:37

5:30

7:38

9:30

Mon

13

4:59

5:14

6:37

1:07

1:35

4:36

5:30

7:35

9:30

Tue

14

5:02

5:17

6:40

1:07

1:35

4:33

5:30

7:31

9:30

Wed

15

5:05

5:20

6:42

1:06

1:35

4:31

5:30

7:29

9:30

Thu

16

5:07

5:22

6:44

1:06

1:35

4:29

5:30

7:27

9:30

Fri

17

5:09

6:00

6:46

1:05

1:35

4:27

5:30

7:24

9:30

Sat

18

5:11

6:00

6:47

1:05

1:35

4:25

5:30

7:22

9:30

Sun

19

5:11

6:00

6:47

1:04

1:35

4:24

5:30

7:20

9:30

Mon

20

5:13

6:00

6:49

1:04

1:35

4:22

5:30

7:18

9:00

Tue

21

5:15

6:00

6:53

1:02

1:35

4:20

5:30

7:16

9:00

Wed

22

5:17

6:00

6:55

1:02

1:35

4:18

5:30

7:13

9:00

Thu

23

5:19

6:00

6:57

1:02

1:35

4:16

5:30

7:11

9:00

Fri

24

5:22

6:00

6:59

1:01

1:35

4:14

5:30

7:08

9:00

Sat

25

5:24

6:00

7:00

1:01

1:35

4:12

5:30

7:05

9:00

Sun

26

5:25

6:00

7:02

1:01

1:35

4:11

5:30

7:02

9:00

Mon

27

5:27

6:00

7:04

1:01

1:35

4:09

5:30

7:00

9:00

Tue

28

5:29

6:00

7:05

1:00

1:35

4:08

5:30

6:57

9:00

Wed

29

5:31

6:00

7:07

1:00

1:35

4:07

5:30

6:54

9:00

Thu

30

5:33

6:00

7:09

1:00

1:35

4:05

5:30

6:51

9:00

*Eid Insha’Allah will be on Friday 10th September with the centre holding two Jama’ats in the morning at 8:00am and 9:30am.

Dua when breaking the fast: “Allahumma laka sawmatu wa alaa rizqaka fatartu, dhahab al-dhama’ wa abtallat al-urooq wa thabat al-ajar insha-Allah” (‘O Allah! For You did I fast and with your boun es did I break the fast. The thirst is gone, the veins are moistened, and the reward has been achieved, insh’Allah’)

Islamic Cultural Centre, Grove Lane, Hale, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA15 8JG

E-mail: feedback@amanews.net