Pathfinders Digital - Issue 1

INTRODUCTION

Our life in this world is a constant struggle of seeking the straight path. Muslims plead to be guided to the Straight Path at least 17 times a day when we recite surah Fathiha in salah five times daily. How many of us have reflected on the nature of this guidance and the path that we are supposed to be upon?

“Ihdina-Sirat Al-Mustaqeem! ” Guide us to the straight path! Is the greatest, and most comprehensive supplication we can ever make.

We all are sincerely seeking Allah’s guidance to the Straight Path. We cannot do without His help. Every moment of our life we face decisions, ‘What is Right?’, ‘What is Wrong?’

‘What is Halal?’, ‘What is Haram?’. At times we may know the answers, but very often we need guidance.

Just having knowledge is not a cause for attaining guidance. Allah tells us that it is not our deeds alone that bring guidance, but it is something that He bestows upon us as a favour. To perform properly in this life we need Allah’s guidance to the Straight Path.

May Allah Help and Guide us all to His Straight Path.

May the Peace, Mercy and Blessings of Allah be upon you.

All Praise is to Allah, Lord of the Worlds, Prayers and Peace be upon Muhammad , his Family, his Companions and all those who follow in his footsteps until the Last Day.

My Dear Young Brother and Sister in Islam,

Welcome to your very first issue of the Digital Pathfinders Magazine.

In this issue we have tried to show you some of the benefits of this great month, so, that you may learn and get to know everything you need to know about Ramadan. Each page is beautifully illustrated with many informative articles for you to read and enjoy. The aim of this magazine is to enrich and broaden your Islamic and general knowledge. We want to encourage a love of learning within you, about Islam and the wider world, as well as provide you with hours of enjoyment as you read, draw and colour.

We like you to be able to pick up this magazine and enjoy reading it, just as you would with any other magazine, and to look forward to the next issues. The purpose of this magazine is to make you good Muslims so you could make a big difference in the world.

This special Ramadan edition has been given to you as a Ramadan gift from the Pathfinders Team, so that you can read up on this blessed and special month. So come on! Flick through these pages during this special month. We hope InshAllah you will enjoy reading it and make the best of this month. Let Pathfinders be your guide to getting all the blessings of Ramadan. Have fun!

May Allah always be with you. Your Friends at Path nders

Islam is based on 5 Pillars

The 5 pillars of Islam are known as: Arkanul Islam

THE 5 PILLARS OF ISLAM

Shahadah Salah Zakah Sawm Hajj Rs.

These are 5 important duties in Islam which every Muslim must follow

It was narrated that Ibn Umar said : The Messenger of Allah said “Islam is built on five (pillars) : bearing witness that there is no god except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, establishing prayer, paying zakah, Hajj and fasting Ramadan.” Narrated by: Bukhari & Muslim

What is Sawm?

Sawm means that a person refrains from eating , drinking and other evil deeds from the adhan of Fajr to the adhan of Maghrib with the intention to worship Allah. The english word for sawm is fasting.

What is Taqwa ?

Taqwa is to be conscious of Allah and to have fear of Allah in our heart. This consciousness and fear of Allah is like a shield against wrongdoing. A person with Taqwa does all that is enjoined by Allah and His messenger and holds back from everything that Allah and His messenger have forbidden. Allah says in the ayah below that He prescribed fasting for us so that we can become Al Muttaqun. Taqwa is a quality of Al Muttaqun.

O You who believe! Observing As-Sawm (the fasting) is prescribed for You as it was prescribed for those before you, that You may become Al-Muttaqûn (the pious).

Surah Baqara | Verse 183

Fasting teaches us piety

TAQWA

Allah loves those who are mindful of Him Surah Tawba(9): Verse 4)

Knock ! Knock ! Who’s Here ?

With the arrival once more of the glorious month of Ramadan, a great opportunity knocks at the door of all of us.

There’s a great opportunity given to each one of us during Ramadan. The chance to become Muttaqoon

Fasting in Ramadan

The 4th Pillar of Islam

Ramadan is the 9th Month in the Islamic calendar and it begins when we see the thin new moon on the last eve of Sha’ban, the 8th month. Fasting was made obligatory upon Muslims in the 2nd year of Hijrah. We fast every day during the month of Ramadan and it is obligatory for every adult Muslim. All healthy grown-ups and older kids must fast, unless they have an excuse that is permitted in Islam and they are exempted from fasting on these occasions. However, missed fasts should be completed later on. Ramadan is a blessed month in which the reward for good deeds are multiplied. Fasting brings us closer to Allah and develops self-control, increases our gratitude towards Allah and helps us overcome bad habits and evil desires. Allah loves those who fast and gives a special reward to those who fast.

Allah has dedicated a special gate of Paradise, named Ar Rayyaan, for those who fast regularly.

When Ramadan starts, the doors of Paradise are opened and the doors of Hell are closed.

Abu Hurairah reported that Prophet Muhammad said, “When Ramadan starts, the doors of Paradise are opened and the doors of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained.”

Muslim

The truth is every year hundreds of Muslims die before they reach their next Ramadan. We are not guaranteed to live – the next Ramadan, the next month, or even the next day. How many people do you know that were young and healthy and yet their lives were taken away? Neither you nor I know whether we will live to see the next Ramadan.

Take advantage of the life you have been given now to prepare for Ramadan, and reap the full benefit of Ramadan.

Sunnah Fasts

Prophet Muhammed performed Sunnah Fasts on many occasions. Great rewards are received from Allah by performing these fasts. We should try our best to fast them by getting to know about them.

Weekly Sunnah Fast

1. Monday

2. Thursday

Monthly Sunnah Fast

On Ayyamul Beel days:

Yearly Sunnah Fast

1. On the day of Arafa - 9th day of Dhul Hajj (This fast is not for those who are in Hajj)

2. First eight days of Dhul Hajj

3. On the 9th and 10th of the Month of Muharram - Ashoora

4. Many days of Rajab and Sha’ban

5. 6 days in the month of Shawwal (days following Ramadan festival)

6. In the months of Dhul Qa’dha, Dhul Hijjah and Muharram. (except for the days on which fasting is prohibited)

Ramadan is a blessed month in which the rewards for good deeds are multiplied over and over.

13th ,14th and 15th lunar days. 3 days in the middle of each month Fasting

Muslims all over the world welcome Ramadan. It brings us blessings and happiness. Fasting or Sawm is the 4th pillar of Islam. The Arabic word Sawm means abstaining from something. When a Muslim observes Sawm they abstain from food and drink from dawn to sunset with the intention of pleasing Allah. Sawm is another way of worshipping Allah. Muslims fast during the month of Ramadan, the 9th month of the Islamic calendar. It is compulsory for all adult Muslims to fast in Ramadan. Children may fast too if they wish but it is not compulsory upon them. Sawm is not a new practice. Allah had commanded previous Prophets to fast too.

Allah has made certain times, places, and actions more blessed than others. For example: The Prophets were not like other people, the cities of Makkah and Madinah are not like other cities, and Friday the day of Jummah is not like other days of the week. In the same way, the month of Ramadan is not the same as other months. One of Allah’s greatest gifts to mankind is that He created a month that is equal to a thousand in blessing. It is out of His kindness that He has gave us something to look forward to; a period of time to be spiritually revived after a long year of internal struggle. Indeed, this is something to be grateful for.

Prophet Muhammad and his companions would really look forward to and think of this blessed month all year round.

WELCOMING THE MONTH OF RAMADAN

Ramadan is a Blessed Month.

When Ramadan would come to an end they would feel so sad. Then six months before the next Ramadan they would start praying to Allah that He gives them the chance to reach Ramadan again.

The Prophet said:

"The time between the five prayers, two consecutive Friday prayers, and two consecutive Ramadans are expiations for all that has happened during that period, provided that one has avoided the major sins."

Related by Muslim

Ramadan is special because:

The Prophet has told us, that in this month the Gates of Heaven are opened, and the Gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained.

Related by Bukhari

So we must take this opportunity to do as many goods as we can. By doing good deeds we will lnshAllah draw closer to Allah our Creator. Allah makes it easy for us to do this by tying up the Shayateen (plural of shaytan).

The Prophet said:

"Whoever fasts the month of Ramadan with faith and seeks Allah's pleasure and reward will have his previous sins forgiven."

Related by Bukhari

Many of us have heard this hadeeth at least once before, but how many of us take it seriously? Imagine, right before you is the chance to have every sin of yours forgiven!

What an opportunity!

The first time the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad was during the blessed month of Ramadan

Ramadan is a GIFT from Allah. Ramadan is a gift to recharge ourselves and to come closer to Allah. It is our golden chance to try our best to keep away from things which are not good and do all those things that will make Allah happy.

Allah honours the fasting people by reserving a special gate for their entrance to the Jannah:

The Messenger of Allah , said: There is a Gate to Paradise that is called Ar-Rayyan. On the Day of Resurrection it will say: 'Where are those who fasted?' When the last [one] has passed through the gate, it will be shut forever."

Related byBukhari and Muslim.

The reward for any good deed done during the month of Ramadan, is doubled, tripled and multiplied so many times over.

The Messenger of Allah said: Every deed we do is multiplied. We get an even bigger reward for good deeds. Good deeds are multiplied tenfold..

Related by Bukhari

Fasting is done for Allah . He will give reward for it, because we give up food and things we love for His Sake. Fasting is a secret between the Person and Allah. The sincerity of this deed is only known to his Creator. Allah the Exalted and Majestic said: Every act of the son of Adam is for him, except fasting. It is (exclusively) meant for Me and I (alone) will reward it.

Related by Bukhari

The Lunar Calendar

The Islamic, Hijri calendar is a lunar calendar. The 12 months are based on the movement of the moon. The moon makes one orbit around the Earth every 28 days. Each lunar month will have 29 or 30 days. The month starts when the Hilaal (the new crescent moon) is sighted. The Solar Calendar follows the sun, and the numbers of days in the month are fixed.

We begin the month of Ramadan and end our fasting according to the sighting of the new moon. Ramadan begins when we sight the new moon called the Hilal after the sunset of the 29th of Sha'ban. If it is cloudy and we are unable to see the Hilal, then we have to complete the month of Sha’ban with 30 days. Likewise, Ramadan ends with the birth of the new moon of Shawwaal.

PHASES OF THE MOON

Phase Name

New Moon

Waxing Crescent

As seen from the Northern Hemisphere

As seen from the Southern Hemisphere Approximate Date of the Lunar Month

End of Month

1st- start of the new Islamic Month

First Quarter 7th

Waxing Gibbous

Full Moon

Waning Gibbous

13th-14th-15th

The white days

Last Quarter 21st

Waning Crescent

The changing shape of the bright part of the moon that we see is called its Phase.

• When the bright part is getting bigger the Moon is Waxing.

• When it is getting smaller it is waning.

• When the moon is more than half – it is called the Gibbous moon.

• When the moon is less than half – it is called a Crescent moon.

The 13, 14, and 15th of each month are known as the White days. These are the days the moon is full. it is a sunnah to fast on these days.

The Islamic Calendar

The 12 Islamic months are determinded by the sighting of the moon. The Islamic months begin at sunset of the first day, when the Hilal is visually sighted.

Muharram

Safar

Learn the names of the months in Arabic 1 2 6

Crescent moon

3 7

Rabial Awwal

5

Jamadal Awwal

Rajab

9

Ramadan

11

Dhul Qa’dah

4

Rabia’ thaani

Jamada’ thani

8

Sha’baan

Shawwaal

Dhul Hijjah

According to hadeeth the 4 sacred months are: Muharram, Rajab, Dhul Qadah, Dhul Hijjah.

DO YOU KNOW?

The Islamic Lunar Calendar, was first introduced in 638 AD by the second Caliph Umar ibn Al-Khattab . The starting point of the calendar however was about sixteen years earlier, to mark the Hijrah, Imigration of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina.

How Do We Fast?

We Fast in this time period

DAWN SUNSET

We fast from dawn until maghrib (sunset)

Niyyah, We wake up early morning wanting to fast for Allah’s sake. The meal we have at this time is called ‘Suhoor’

The blessings of suhoor (morning meal) are abundant and cannot be calculated. It will make fasting easier for us. The Prophet said, “Take suhur as there is a blessing in it.” Bukhari

We should not eat too little or too much, but enough healthy food to keep us fit throughout the day. We Stop Eating Suhoor before the Fajr Adhan. The time of Suhoor is a Blessed Time, it is the time when Allah descends to the first heaven – The Prophet has said,

“Our Lord, the Blessed, the Superior, comes every night down on the nearest heaven to us when the last third of the night remains, saying:

Is there anyone to invoke Me, so that I may respond to his Invocation?

Is there anyone to ask Me, so that I may grant him his Request?

Is there anyone seeking My forgiveness, so that I may Forgive him? Muslim

The Pre Dawn Meal to begin the fast Suhoor

When Do We Break Our Fast?

At Dusk - As soon as the Maghrib Adhan is called

The time of breaking fast is called ‘Ifthar” in Arabic

Prophet has asked us to share our food at the time of breaking fast. We break our fast with Dates . If we can’t get any then with water. Prophet would break his fast with fresh dates, and if there were no fresh dates, dried ones and if none of those then with water. Water helps us get rid of the dryness in our bodies quickly.

Abu Dawood

We should eat food that will NOT make us sleepy or lazy.

Iftaar time is also a special time for seeking forgiveness of sins, and for asking for one's needs from Allah. The Messenger of Allah said to hurry up and break the fast at Maghrib time. Do not delay!

Dua for Iftaar

The time of breaking the fast is a means of having one’s dua answered.

th

Prophet mentioned in a hadith: “Indeed the prayer of the fasting person during the breaking of fast is not rejected.”

The evening meal to end the fast Ifthar

Ibn Majah

One may pray to Allah and say whatever dua they think is suitable.

This dua may be made after breaking the fast.

Dhahaba adh-Dhama' wabtallatil-urooq wa thabatal-ajr inshaa'Allah.

‘Thirst has gone, the veins are moist, and the reward is assured, if Allah wills.”

(Narrated by Abu Dawood; classed as hasan by al-Albaani in Saheeh Sunan Abi Dawood)

Dates

are yummy and gives us a lot of energy

The best food to break the fast with thamr

Dates are generally classified as food, drink, fruits, sweets, nutrients, and medicine. They are the most wholesome food among fruits because of their hot and moist substance.

Dates and Water

Making it ones daily routine to eat dates for breakfast on an empty stomach will kill intestinal worms and other parasites. Dates are also reported to be useful in the treatment of respiratory disorders, heart conditions, cancer (due to its high magnesium and calcium content), anemia, allergies, and constipation. The Prophet said: "Whoever takes seven dates for his morning breakfast will not suffer from poison nor witchcraft for that day."

Bukhaari and Muslim

Ramadan is not about just making it to the iftar table at the end of the day. Rather it is about attaining a new level of spirituality with Allah through your actions.

It is not about starving your body, but is a time to feed your soul with good.

Setting of the sun

gurub

HAPPY HEALTHY RAMADAN!

Being healthy is all about taking care of our body, eating healthy foods and keeping fit. When we are healthy, our body works well, feels good and we can do many things. Prophet told us that we should always ask Allah for good health.

While we have good health we must use it to do as much good as possible. We must thank Allah every day for the good health He has given us. One of the ways we can be thankful to Allah is by looking after our health. So imagine this, by keeping healthy for Allah's sake we can be rewarded too!

Do you want to be healthy, active and have lots of energy this Ramadan?

Then follow these 4 easy rules.

Remember to say Bismillah’

1) Eat a good variety of foods, especially Proteins, Carbohydrates, and delicious Fruits and Vegetables! This gives our body energy and helps us to grow strong muscles and bones .

2) Don't eat too much or too little. This is something Allah teaches us in the Quran. Eating too much can make us feel uncomfortable, so we should know when to stop. There is so much wisdom in Eat and drink but not too excess and we should try and follow that especially during Ramadan.

3) Drink plenty of water and milk. Milk contains calcium which makes our bones and teeth strong.

4.)Do some exercise!

Exercising helps to keep our heart, lungs and muscles strong and healthy.

Eating with Good Islamic Manners

Eating with Good Islamic Manners

I wash my hands before eating

I eat with my right hand

I start in the name of Allah I eat from the side nearest to me

I don’t complain about the food I avoid over eating

When we forget to say Bismillah, at the start of the meal, we say when we remember during the meal.

Bismillaahi aw-walahu wa aakhirahu.

In the name of Allah, in its beginning and end.

After eating, I say:

Alhamdu lillaahil-lathee at’amanee hathaa wa razaqa-neehi min ghayri hawlin minnee wa laa quwwatin. All praise is for Allah, who fed me this, and provided it for me without any might or power from myself.

Tha’aam - Food Simaar - Fruits Khulrawaath - Vegetables

lahm- Meat

Yogurt - Laban Soup - Hisaa

Juice - Asser Water - Maa’

Honey - Asal Milk - Haliib MILK

What’s on my plate ?

Food keeps me healthy and strong

Ieatfood thati s

We should not eat too much

I DO NOT Eat Food that is:

I Eat Food that is: Lawful Unlawful

Health Tip!!!

The more we eat at iftaar/suhoor, the more we’ll feel sleepy.

So eat light and healthy to observe prayers easily Insha’Allah.

For suhoor, it is important to drink plenty of water, eat a good blend of protein, carbohydrates, and essential fat.

At iftar time eat some quality protein, Fruits and plenty of liquids.

Whatever you decide to eat, a balanced food plan containing healthy ingredients, cooked right will help you enjoy Iftar and Suhour while giving you good health and more energy.

Halal

Ramadan is the month of Ibadah

Salah is the 2nd pillar of Islam. It is the most important of all acts of worship. Salah is the greatest gift Allah has given us. We must plan our life around Salah. We must pray out of sincere love for Allah. Salah cleans away sins and helps us to do good deeds. Salah brings us closer to Allah, keeps us on the right path and takes us to Jannah. There are 5 daily Salah which Allah has commanded us to offer. When the time for Salah approaches we must stop all work and prepare ourselves for prayer.

The Messenger of Allah said; “The first of actions for which a servant of Allah will be held accountable on the Day of Judgment will be Salah. If it was good, his actions will be accepted as good, if it was bad, his actions will be rejected as bad”.

“The deeds that are most beloved by Allah are offering prayer at its proper time”

THE 5 OBLIGATORY PRAYERS

Befoe Sunrise

Afternoon Noon

Sunset

Night

2 Rakahs

FAJR LUHR ASR MAGHRIB ISHA

4 Rakahs

4 Rakahs

3 Rakahs

4 Rakahs

Salah helps us get closer to Allah as we are speaking to Allah The Almighty through Salah. When offering Salah we should feel as if we are standing in front of Allah and that He is looking at us. Salah has to be performed with sincerity and humility and we should be quiet and peaceful. Salah is the best way of worshipping Allah and showing our gratitude towards Him.

Worship

TIME FOR SALAH

Salah is the key to Islam, it is the most important of all acts of worship. The 5 obligatory prayers at the appointed times of the day is an obligation upon each Individual. Praying them will earn a huge reward and not praying them will have a severe accounting and punishment.

Salah Positions

DHUHR ASR

MAGHRIB ISHA FAJR

Bukhari Prophet said: “Pray as you have seen me praying”

Qiyam

Ruku Sujood Takbir Jalsah

Sunan Rawatib

voluntary prayers associated with obligatory prayers

A Muslim, is recommended to pray 12 Rakaat of sunnah prayers every day. 2 before Fajr, 2 + 2 before and 2 after the Dhuhr , 2 after Maghrib, 2 after Isha.

Rawatib of FajrThe 2 rakah before the Fajr prayer is better than this world and all it contains.

Taraweeh Prayer

Allah’ Messenger said: “Whoever prays 12 rakahs during the night and day, a house will be built for him in Paradise”

Bukhari

The Taraweeh prayer is performed after Isha prayer until dawn every night of Ramadan. It is to be performed in sets of two Rakahs. In each Rakah, we recite portions from the Quran. Taraweeh prayers can be performed in the mosque, or individually. Prophet , urged the Muslims to perform it, saying: He who observes prayer at night during Ramadan, out of faith and hoping for reward from Allah, his previous sins would be forgiven.

The Call to Prayer Azan

Azan means to call and it is very special. The Azan reminds us when it’s time to pray. The Azan is called 5 times a day to invite people to prayer. The person who calls out the Azan is called a Mu’azin. There is a great reward promised to those who call out the Azan.

AZAN

4 times

2 times 2 times 2 times 2 times

2 times 2 times

1 time

Allah is the Greatest

I testify that there is no god but Allah

I testify that Muhammad is Allah's Messenger

Come to prayer

Come to Success

Prayer is better than sleep

Allah is the Greatest

There is no god but Allah

The first Mu’azin was Bilal . He was one of the first people to accept Islam. The Mu’azin stands up facing the Qiblah and calls the Azan. Iqama is the final call to prayer before the beginning of salah. Allah's Messenger said,

Whenever you hear the Adhan, say what the Mu'azin is saying.

When entering the masjid say: Allaahumma aftahlee abwaaba Rahmatika. O Allah, open the doors of Your Mercy for me.

Reply to the Azan

Same as Adhan

Same as Adhan

Same as Adhan

There is no strength or power except from Allah

There is no strength or power except from Allah

Same as Adhan

Same as Adhan

Same as Adhan

A supplication made between the Azan and the iqamah is not rejected.

When leaving the masjid say:

Allaahumma Innee asaluka min fadhlika.

O Allah, I seek of You Your Grace.

Responding to the Azan

The Azan is called 5 times a day to invite people to prayer.

Narrated Jabir bin `Abdullah : Allah's Messenger said, "Whoever after listening to the Adhan says this dua, then my intercession for him will be allowed on the Day of Resurrection". Bukhari

‘Allahumma Rabba hadhihi-dda` watit-tammah, was-salatil qa’imah, ati Muhammadan al-wasilata wal-fadilah, wa b`ath-hu maqaman mahmudan-il-ladhi wa`adtahu’

O Allah! Lord of this perfect call (perfect by not ascribing partners to You) and of the regular prayer which is going to be established, give Muhammad the right of intercession and illustriousness, and resurrect him to the best and the highest place in Paradise that You promised him

Ihtikaaf

Ihtikaaf is staying in a mosque for a certain number of days, devoting oneself to Ibadah and staying away from worldly affairs. Ihtikaaf is a special kind of lbadah that can be done at any time of the year but it is mostly done during the month of Ramadan. The Messenger of Allah make Ihtikaaf in the last 10 days of Ramadan.

Allah is the Greatest Allahu Akbar

Let’s Memorise Hadith

Virtues of Fasting

The Messenger of Allah said:

“Whoever fasts a day in the way of Allah, Allah will move his face away from the Hellfire by a distance of seventy years.”

Bukhari - Muslim

The fast will say,

“O Lord I prevented him from his food and desires during the day let me intercede for him. The Quran will say, "I prevented him from sleeping at night. Let me intercede for him,” and the intercession will be accepted.”

Ahmad

"Whoever fasts Ramadan out of faith and with hope of reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven.”

Bukhari

“When Ramadan enters, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hellfire are closed, and the devils are chained”.

Bukhari and Muslim

There is a Gate to Paradise that is called Ar-Rayyan. On the Day of Resurrection it will say:

'Where are those who fasted?' When the last [one] has passed through the gate, it will be shut forever."

Bukhari and Muslim

1. RESILIENCE

Ramadan teaches us

Going out of the comfort zone to please Allah

2. PIETY

Quran says, the purpose of Fasting is attaining piety

3 PERSEVERANCE

Fasting takes hardwork, teaching us to persevere in worship

4. SACRIFICE

5. GRATITUDE

6. FORGIVENESS

We sacrifice food, drink, sleep for Allah. Sacrifice is devotion

Spending on the less privileged reminds us our blessings and thanling Allah

We forgive each other and seek forgiveness from Allah

Zakah is a Pillar of Islam

The 3rd Pillar of Islam

Arabic word zakah means “ to increase ”, “ to purify ” and “ to bless ”. Zakah is the 3rd Pillar of Islam and it is the minimum amount, which a wealthy person is obliged to pay from the surplus of his wealth, every lunar year to the poor according to certain calculations and conditions. Paying zakah will purify and bless the wealth and also the zakah giver.

Whatever we have, is only from Allah . Everything belongs to Allah including our wealth. Allah has given some people lot of wealth fromHis bounty. They can enjoy it in halal ways but He wants us to share our money and things with those who don't have as much as we do. Allah has commanded us to share it with those who do not have enough.

Obedience to the command brings blessings to the person, increase in wealth and purification of the soul from greed and selfishness. We purify our wealth by giving a small amount to the needy.

1. The poor

2. The needy

Zakah is 2.5 % of the total value of the surplus wealth.

3. Those who work to collect zakah

4. Those inclined towards Islam or new Muslims

5. Freeing of Slaves

6. Clearing of debts

7. In the way of Allah

8. The helpless and stranded travelers

ZAKAH

Sadaqah is charity given through compassion in Islam. Every act of goodness is Sadaqah and it is not only linked with money. Here are some ways we can give Sadaqa.

Sadaqa

Removing harmful things from the Path

Build Water Wells Plant Trees

Helping others

Build a Mosque

Smile!

Even a Smile is charity

SCHOOL

Build an OrphanageSchool - Hospital

Share knowledge

Teach someone to recite Quran

Sadaqatul Jariyah

Continuous reward for good actions that will benefit us after our death.

ALLAH MULTIPLIES HIS REWARD FOR THOSE WHO GIVE CHARITY

DO YOU KNOW?

The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like grain which grows 7 ears; with each ear having 100 grains.

Surah Baqarah: Verse 261

Before the blessed month of Ramadan comes to an end, the Prophet has asked us to give Zakatul Fitr. This charity is obligatory upon all muslims who are mature, sane and free of need and it is a purification for the fasting person, as minor sins, that occurred during Ramadan will be forgiven. It must be paid by every Muslim, young or old, male or female who can afford it for himself and his/her dependants. It purifies us from any wrong actions that we may have done white fasting. Zakatul Fitr is to be given to the poor and the needy to make them happy on the Eid, and to spread love and compassion. Also it is to help the poor and needy.

Zakatul Fitr

Charity on breaking fast

It is obligatory to be given before the Eid prayer. It can be given few days before the Eid ul Fitr prayers. This helps the poor people celebrate the festival as well. One Saa (approximately 3 kg) of any staple food item which the people of any area eat regularly, wheat, Rice, Rye etc.

Do you know of a Deed that Elevates and Sublimes the Soul - A deed that motivates toward gaining virtue and protects against corruption - A deed that strengthens the will power, rectifies the intention, reforms the body, heals weakness and brings the worshiper closer to his Lord -

A deed by which sins are forgiven, evil doings are reconciled, merit is increased, and the rank (of its performer) is elevated (before Allah) - A deed whose performer will be among the closest and the chosen upon Resurrection? This Deed is Siyaam or Fasting!

Taqwa is fearing Allah’s punishment and avoiding all bad deeds and loving Allah and doing all kinds of good deeds. Fasting Implants Piety in the Heart. Allah looks into our hearts (where piety resides) and into deeds that are performed on the basis of piety. Allah distinguishes between people according to their piety.

Abu Hurairah reported Prophet Muhammad as saying, “If one does not abandon falsehood and other actions like it, Allah has no need that one should abandon one’s food and drink.”

This is such a powerful hadith. It makes it very clear that the main objective of Allah is not to keep us hungry and thirsty but to make us better muslims. Ramadan is a training time to take control of our desires so that we can always put the word of Allah before our own desires.

Here are some good deeds we can do during Ramadan to earn reward.

1. Perform extra Salah.

2. Recite more of the Holy Quran

3. Learn and memorise a new Surah.

4. Increase Dhikr and remembrance of Allah.

5. Ask Allah to have mercy on us and forgive us.

6. Make dua for the sick, poor and needy Muslims.

7. Ask Allah for Jannah (Paradise)Seek Allah’s protection from Jahannam (Hell).

8. Give charity to the needy .

9. Perform the sunnah Tarawih salah at night.

10. Stay in Ihtikaf during the last 10 days of Ramadan.

CAN YOU THINK OF MORE?

There are many virtues of fasting.

Allah has selected the month of Ramadan for this very special ‘Ibadah.

- It develops self-control.

- It helps us to overcome our bad habits and evil desires.

- Sawm gives us a feeling of the pain of hunger and thirst. This causes us to feel concern for poor and hungry people.

- Fasting creates a feeling of equality between the rich and the poor.

- Sawm helps us to remain truly obedient to Allah.

- It leads us to Jannah and protects us from the fire of Jahannum.

- Allah loves those who fast.

- Allah gives a special reward to those who fast, unlike any other reward.

- The Qur’an too was revealed in this month.

- When Ramadan starts, the doors of Paradise are opened and the doors of Hell are closed.

- Whoever fasts during Ramadan will have all his previous sins forgiven.

- There is a night in this month which is better than a thousand months.

- This night is called Laylat-ul-Qadr, the Night of Power. It is a very important night. The Angels as well as special blessings and mercies of Allah descend on this night. We should worship Allah as much as we can during this night.

- The purpose of Sawm is to learn piety.

- Fasting brings us closer to Allah.

Sometimes Allah gives us duties to see if we will obey His command or disobey it. He wants to see who will do extra good deeds and who will not. Fasting in the month of Ramadan is one of these. We ask Allah to help us to obey Him and be of those whom He has blessed.

QUESTIONS ABOUT FASTING

Ramadan is the great month of fasting and blessings. We always have questions about this month but we often forget or are shy to ask. Here are a few questions answered.

What is Fasting?

Why do we Fast ?

Fasting means to abstain from eating, drinking and any bad behavior from dawn to sunset. After sunset, and also before dawn, we eat and drink moderately. As for bad behavior, we try not to do it all the time.

Any worship that Allah commanded us to do is for our bene t. When we obey him, we become stronger in body, mind, and spirit. Besides, we prove our love and obedience to Allah who created us and gave us everything that we have. Also, fasting helps build our will power and patience, and makes us feel really strong.

I am only a little kid. Do I have to Fast?

What if fasting makes me weak or sick?

I have an important test, or stressful exercising.

Can I skip fasting?

Can I use toothpaste while fasting?

Yes, once we are 10 years old, we have to fast every day of Ramadan if our health permits it. But we better start training before that, maybe from the age of 7, by fasting one or more days, in order to become comfortable with fasting when we grow older.

We should not push ourselves to the limit of our abilities. A sick or a very weak person is not supposed to continue fasting.

Once we are over 10 years, we are obliged to fast every day of Ramadan. Sickness and travel are the only exceptions that are mentioned in the Quran. We should make everyone else understand that fasting is very important to us, and that they need to help us arrange our schedule. We can do tests early in the morning and stressful exercises a little before sunset.

Yes, but not too much of it. We should use it to clean our teeth, without swallowing or leaving traces of it in our mouth.

In what situations is one permitted to break the fast in Ramadan?

The following are the major situations that permit a person to break the fast:

Illness.

Does Ramadan always start on the same day? Travel.

No. Because Ramadan is a lunar month, it begins about 11 days earlier each year. During a Muslim's life, Ramadan will fall both during winter months- when the days are short, and summer months- when the days are long and the fast is more difficult.

Old age.

A person belonging to any of the above groups will have to fast a day later (qadha) for every day missed. According to many ulama, One could instead pay a ransom (fidya) equivalent to feeding a poor person for every day missed.

HOW MANY OF THESE QUESTIONS ON

CAN YOU ANSWER?

Pregnancy and Baby-Nursing in which the woman feels that fasling is hard on her or is threatening to her or her child's well-being. th

1. What is the 4 pillar of Islam?

2. What is the Islamic calendar based on?

3. What month is Ramadan on our calendar?

RAMADAN DAY20!! MAXIMIZE THE LAST 10DAYS

FASTING

4. What gates are open this month and What gates are closed ?

5. What is fasting in Arabic?

6. What must a Muslim avoid all day when they are fasting apart from food and drink?

7. What is Suhoor and when is it taken?

8. What must you do if you forgetfully eat something during fasting?

9. What is Iftar and when is it taken?

10. What is the best food to break the fast with?

11. What is Taraweeh prayers?

12. What is the name of the special night, during the last 10 days of Ramadan?

13. What was revealed during this month?

14. What is Zakaat-ul-Fitr?

15. What do we celebrate when the moon of Shawwaal is sighted?

Laylat Al-Qadr (The Night of Power)

The last 10 days of the month of Ramadan are very special. The Prophet has asked us to look for the Night of Laylathul Qadr on one of the odd nights of the Last 10 days- That is the 21st , 23rd , 25th , 27th and 29th nights.

During these nights, we should spend as much time as possible in prayer as it’s a very great night, which AIIah has made better than a 1000 months. The blessings for doing good deeds in this night are better than deeds done during a 1000 months. This is equal to about 83 years. Would any of us want to miss this great reward? Surely not- for 83 years is almost a lifetime!!!!!!.

The Prophet , has said, “Whoever establishes the prayers on the night of Al-Qadr out of sincere faith and hoping to get Allah’s rewards then all his past sins will be forgiven.”

On this night the Quran was brought down to the lowest heaven, to the Law hul Mahfooz. From here, the verses of the Quran were sent to the Prophet over a period of 23 years. It was on the night of Qadr, in the cave of Hira the First Revelation of The Quran was sent down to Prophet Muhammad , through the Angel Jibreel

The Quran guides people to the Straight Path. The revelation of the Quran began on 27th Ramadan, 13 years before the migration of the Prophet , to Madinah. The Quran was sent down to the Prophet over a period of 23 years until he died in 11 A.H. The period of revelation in Makkah was 13 years in which 2/3 s of the Quran were revealed, and the last third was revealed in Madinah over a period of 10 years. The first verses revealed to the Prophet , when he was worshipping Allah in the Cave of Hira, were the following: In Sura Alaq Verses 1 - 5

Read! In the name of your Lord who created. He created man from a clot of blood Read and your lord is most bountiful He who has taught by the pen, Taught man that which he knew not

The first 5 verses of Sura Alaq, were the 1st verses of the Quran that were revealed.

The Night that is better than a 1000 months

It is one of the odd numbered nights of the last ten nights of Ramadan. It is the Best Night of the entire year.

The night of Laylat-ul-Qadr, is a very important night.

The Angels as well as special blessings and mercies of Allah descend on this night.

On this night the angels come down to the earth with Jibreel . We should worship Allah as much as we can during this night. We should be constantly developing and improving each day during Ramadan, so that by the last 10 days we are at our peak Insha’Allah!

A whole surah was revealed about This Great Night. It is surah Al Qadr which is the 97th surah in the Quran.

Memorise & Learn the words of Allah in Arabic and English 97 Sura Qadr-5 verses-The Power, Fate

Verily, We have sent it (the Quran) down in

The Night of Al Qadr (Decree).

And what will make you know what

The Night of Al Qadr is?

The Night of Al Qadr is better than a 1000 months. Therein descend the angels and the Rooh (Jibreel) by their Lord's permission with all decrees.

(All that night) there is peace, until the appearance of dawn.

DO YOU KNOW?

The Night that is better than a months 1000

When we do ONE good deed on this night we get the same reward as doing the deed every night for over a 1000 months. This night has been hidden by Allah, as a mercy for the belivers, so that they may increase in prayer, dhikr, dua and get closer to Allah. Allah can see who is devoted to seek out this night and who is lazy.

A powerful dua for forgiveness

The Prophet said, it is the best dua to recite on the night of Lailat-ul-Qadr

Tirmidhi

Let us try to: Pray extra Salah, Read more Quran, Do lots of Dikr, Make lots of Dua, Ask Allah to forgive us by reciting this special Dua that Prophet Muhammad has taught us:

“O Allah, indeed you are the Most Forgiving. You love forgiveness, so forgive me.'

Allahumma innaka afuwwun tuhibbul afwa fa`fu annee

The QURAN The Greatest of all books

The Arabic word

The First Revelation

IQRA - "Read" was the first command that was revealed to Muhammad inside cave Hira. Angel Jibreel revealed the first 5 ayahs of Sura Alaq.

Is derived from the root qara'a

which means to READ

The Quran will intercede for the reciter on the Day of Judgment.

The Messenger of Allah , said:

The Fast and the Quran are two intercessors for the servant of Allah on the Day of Resurrection.

The fast will say: '0 Lord, I prevented him from his food and desires during the day.

Let me intercede for him.’

The Quran will say: 'I prevented him from sleeping at night. Let me intercede for him.’

The Quran is the word of Allah , revealed to Muhammad in the Arabic language. The Quran is the most widely read book in the world and has remained unchanged since its revelation. It is a universal book of guidance addressed to all of mankind.

The message it brings is the same message of all of the previous Messengers of Allah: Submit to Almighty Allah and worship Him alone. There are 114 Surahs and 6236 Versess in the Quran. 86 Surahs revealed in Makkah are called Makki surahs and 28 surahs revealed in Madinah are called Madani Surahs.

The Quran is divided into 30 Juz and 7 Manjils to help complete recitation within a month or a week. The Quran is Allah’s final revelation to mankind and it is a complete code of life and guidance for preparing for the hereafter. We memorize some surahs to recite in our daily prayers. The entire Quran was written down during the lifetime of the Prophet and many companions memorised the Quran as it was revealed. We must read, understand and learn by heart what Allah has revealed to us. People who memorize the entire Quran are called a Haafiz. We get 10 Rewards, for every letter that is recited.

to do list

Read ! Quran Daily

Learn more about Islam. Listen to Islamic Lectures

Recite the Daily Adhkar

Fasting for the sake of Allah

Fasting for the sake of Allah

Give Ifthar to your neighour and the poor

Make lots of Dua

My Dua List

Offer Salah on time

Avoid useless Activities

Don’t Ruin your Ramadan with Laziness. Try to find the root cause for Laziness;

●Is it lack of sincerity?

●Low Iman?

●A sin you’ve committed that’s preventing you from enjoying the good deed?

Make dua that Allah removes such laziness from you. You don’t want it to ruin your Ramadan???

We should make a lot of Dua during this blessed month of Ramadan. Take your time writing your dua list. Be specific and put your heart into it. Write down everything you want to ask Allah. The list is unlimited but keep it halal! Imagine that Allah is asking you to ask Him for anything and everything you ever wanted!

Give charity

Give up Bad habits and ask for Forgiveness

SAYING GOODBYE TO RAMADAN

Did you end last Ramadan with the feeling that you could have done better. Better with your time? Better with your worship?

Did you promise yourself it wouldn’t be the same this year?

Each year many of us end Ramadan with feelings of regret. We make promises to ourself that we won’t repeat the same mistakes the next year. But a year passes, Ramadan returns, and we continue making the same excuses. Take advantage of the life you have been given now to prepare for Ramadan.

Prepare now so that you can learn to live for the Hereafter. Build the habits of success by fostering good habits that last long term and are not lost in the face of temptation. Don’t let yourself waste your time this Ramadan only to feel guilty at the end of the month.

In the same way we started the month of Ramadan by sighting the hilal, we end the month of Ramadan also, by looking for the hilal of the month of Shawwal.

If we do not sight it we complete 30 days. We celebrate the Eid ul Fitr on the first of Shawwal.

So let us ask Allah to make the fasting during this blessed month easy for us, and to help us to do deeds in the correct manner that will please Him.

To make us of those who are trying to keep away from sin, and make us of those who are trying to get closer to Allah as much as we can.

RAMADAN LAST DAY CONTINUETHE GOOD DEEDS

Goodbye Ramadan

See You

Next Year insh’Allah!

Eid Mubarak!

May Allah accept all of our fasts, good deeds and give us the opportunity to see the blessed month of Ramadan next year again, Ameen. Shaitan is back, watch out. Protect your prayers and fast the 6 days in Shawwal insh’Allah. The Messenger of Allah said:

“Whoever fasts Ramadan and follows it with 6 days from Shawwal it is as if they fasted the entire year.”

Time Management

Once Ramadan begins, many of get involved with Ifthar parties, food preparation and shopping. By the time we reach the last 10 nights of the month, Eid is on our minds and we are left wondering where the month has gone. Losing out on the benefits of the beginning of Ramadan is a great loss, but watching the last 10 nights slip between our fingers, is a great tragedy for a believer.

The calamity of missing out on Layatul Qadr should be the worry of every believer.It is up to us to set our priorities and manage our TIME.

are some ramadan related words to learn

Can you read the words below ? Do you know what it means ?

My Ramadan Alphabet

ITISTHE FIRST DAY OF SHAWWAAL .

EID MUBARAK!!!

EID IS A VERY SPECIAL DAY.

Allah gives us this day as a big treat to celebrate and be happy because we have fasted during the whole month of Ramadan.

On the last day Of Ramadan after breaking the fast everyone will wait to hear the great news of a new moon being sighted. When the new moon is sighted, Muslims all over the world will be overjoyed because they know a wonderful day is waiting for them; Eid-ul-Fitr.

Muslims all over the world celebrate Eid together 2 times a year.

• Eid- Ul-Fitr Celebrated after month of Ramadan when we see the new moon. it is the 1st day of Shawwaal.

• Eid- Ul- Adha Celebrated on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah.

We should say the Takbeer aloud on the way to the Musallah. When the Prophet would go on the day of Eid, he would say the takbeer until he reached the Musalla (prayer place), and until he performed the prayer. When he had performed the prayer, He would stop the takbeer.

The Eid prayer has only 2 rakahs. We start praying like in the normal prayer with the Takbeer. Then we have to say another 7 Takbeers (Saying Allahu Akbar). Then in the second rakat we have to say another 5 Takbeers. The rest of the prayer is the same as the other prayers we normally pray.

The Musallah is a large open place we offer Eid Prayers. A large number of Muslims can get together in the Musallah, and pray their Eid prayer in one place.

By doing this many people get a chance to meet and greet each other. Everyone should attend the Musallah.

The Eid prayer

On Eid Day...

1. Wake up early.

2. Take a bath

3. Dress nicely according to sunnah

4. Eat before you leave for salah

5. Try walking to the musallah

6. Keep saying the Takbeer

Eid Takbeer

“Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest, there is no god but Allah. And Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest and to Allah belongs all praise.”

7. Pray salah with the people

8. Listen to the khutbah

9. Greet your family and friends and also the people you don't know.

Eid Greeting:

'Taqaballahu minna wa minkum' 'May Allah accept it from us and you'

10. Walk home a different route to which you came.

Well, this is it – the end of a long Beautiful Month – but hopefully the start of a new and better life!

The Pathfinders team wishes you All a Happy, Blessed Eid! Enjoy yourselves and have a good Eid! Please remember us in your duas.

DO YOU KNOW?

The Sermon Given By The Prophet On The last day of Sha'ban On The Begining Of The Month of Ramadan.

Let me read to you a few lines from the sermon...

Wise Words of the Prophet

"O People!

Indeed ahead of you is the blessed month of Allah. A month of blessing, mercy and forgiveness. A month which with Allah is the best of months. Its days, the best of days; its nights, the best of nights; While fasting, remember the hunger and thirst on the Day of Judgement. Guard your tongues against unworthy words, and your eyes from unworthy scenes, and your ears from sounds that should not be heard. Do raise your hands at the time of prayer, as it is the best time for asking for His mercy.

O People! One who gives Iftaar to a fasting person during this month will be like one who has freed someone and his past sins will be forgiven. Anyone who treats others well during this month, Allah will send His mercy on him and anyone who mistreats others in this month, Allah will keep him away from His mercy. Whoever performs an obligatory prayer, Allah will reward him with seventy prayers [worth] in this month. He who recites one verse of the holy Quran will be given the rewards of reciting the whole Quran during other months.

O People! The gates, of Paradise remain open in this month. Do pray that the gates may be open for you.

Make this Ramadan your best!