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The Ramadan Pocket Guide

2015 / 1436

#yougiveweserve

You Give, We Serve.

As the month of abundant blessings, mercy and peace arrives, we are honoured once again to present to you our cherished Ramadan Pocket Guide. There are many things a Muslim can do to make the most of this blessed month. From improving one’s spirituality, performing extra prayers and giving charity, let’s remember that our beloved Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was the most generous during Ramadan and advised us that the best Zakat and Sadaqah is given in this month.

“Whoever does something good in this month, Allah (swt) multiplies it by 70.” (Tirmidhi)

Because of your generous support we are able to serve millions of those in need around the world. A simple expression - You Give, We Serve, means more than a single donation. It means change and progress for the poorest communities. It means access to healthcare, education, a livelihood and emergency aid.

We’ve listened to what you really need in order to fulfil this month spiritually and physically – so we’ve refreshed the guide to include different duas, recommended foods to eat from the Sunnah and a guide to some of the virtues of the Qur’an.

We feel blessed to assist you on your spiritual journey. A simple thank you for your kind donations is not enough and we hope you accept our pocket guide as a small token of our appreciation for your continued support over the years.

May you have a peaceful and fulfilling month.

Wassalaamu Alaikum and Ramadan Mubarak,

Muslim Aid Team.

Assalaamu Alaikum

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ContentsThe Wisdom of Fasting 5Duas and Everyday Essentials 6The Month of Qur’an 7Pearls from the Qur’an 8The Month of Giving 11The Sunnah of Eating 12Foods from the Sunnah 13Supplications from the Qur’an 14Supplications from the Qur’an 16Sayyid al-Istighfar Dua for forgiveness 17Focus in Salaat (Khushoo’) 1899 names of Allah (swt) 20Religious dues 23 Zakat calculator 24Post Ramadan Goals 25You Give, We Serve 27A Thank You to everyone... 28

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As one of the five pillars of Islam, fasting is prescribed by Allah (swt) during this month as an act of worship for Him (swt). Fasting has a holistic influence on our physical and mental state that offers us health and spiritual benefits.

“Oh you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may learn piety

and righteousness.” (Qur’an 2:183)

The Pearls of Fasting

• It helps us to connect closer to Allah (swt). By abstaining from physical desires, food and water we develop a state of taqwa – consciousness of Allah (swt). This provides the faithful an opportunity to form a strong link to Him (swt) and to reflect and re-assess our spiritual growth.

• It is meant as a way to cleanse your body from harmful impurities and revitalise your soul by teaching self-control and self-discipline

• Fasting encourages us to think about those less fortunate than us. When we feel the pangs of hunger we remember the poor who are unable to afford a meal. This helps us to sympathise, thus encouraging acts of generosity and compulsory charity (Zakat).

• A person who fasts will have his past sins forgiven. Allah (swt) says, “Every (sinful) deed can be expiated; and the fast is for Me, so I will give the reward for it; and the smell which comes out of the mouth of a fasting person, is better in Allah’s Sight than the smell of musk.” (Bukhari)

• The Prophet (pbuh): said: “There are three people whose supplications are not rejected: the fasting person when he breaks the fast, the just ruler and the supplication of the oppressed.” (Tirmidhi)

you give, we serve.

The Wisdom of Fasting

In this blessed month remember to pray for your needs, those of your family and friends, the Ummah and for all humanity.

Some Merits of Reading the Qur’an

Some Etiquettes of Reading the Qur’an (Taken from Imam an-Nawawi’s Al Tibyan fi Adab Hamalat al Qur’an)

The Prophet (pbuh) said: “The best amongst you is the one who learns the Qur’an and teaches it.” (Bukhari).

Make wudhu to be in a state of ritual purity.

The Qur’an will intercede for its readers on the day of resurrection (Muslim).

Wear clean clothes.

Each letter read from the Qur’an is rewarded with a good deed, and each good deed is rewarded ten-fold (Tirmidhi).

Begin with a sincere intention, seeking Allah’s (swt) pleasure and not for worldly gain.

Reading Qur’an is a form of remembrance of Allah (swt), of which we are told: “Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest!” (Qur’an 13:28)

Sit calmly, avoiding unnecessary movement and face the qibla.

Complete the Qur’an in a month*

4.5 pages after each prayer = 1 completion of the Qur’an

in 27 days

Ramadan is the month in which the Qur’an was revealed, so what better time to reconnect ourselves to Allah (swt) through it.

“And this is a blessed Scripture which We have revealed. So follow it and ward off (evil), that ye may find mercy” (Qur’an 6:155)

We must endeavour to recite the Qur’an often, act upon its guidance and show it proper etiquette and reverence. Indeed,He (swt) has said:

“Whosoever exalts the signs of Allah, that is indeed from the piety of hearts.” (Qur’an 22:32)

Intention for beginning the fast Recommended to read the night before the fast

“Wa bisawmi ghadin nawaytu min shahri ramadaan.”

“I intend to keep the fast tomorrow in the month of Ramadan.”

Dua for breaking the fast

“Allahumma laka sumtu wa bika aamantu wa ‘alayka tawakkaltu

wa ‘alaa rizqika aftartu.”

“O Allah! I fasted for You and I believe in You and I put my trust in You and I break my fast with Your sustenance.”

Recommended dua for Ramadan

“Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun kareemun tuhibbul ‘afwa fa’fu ‘annee.”

“O Allah, You are the best forgiver. You love forgiveness, so forgive me.” (Tirmidhi)

Duas and Everyday Essentials

The Month of Qur’an

*Based upon a 604 page copy of the Qur’an.6 7you give, we serve.

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Pearls from the Qur’an

Surah Al Baqarah and Surah Ali ImranThe Prophet (pbuh) said: “Read the two radiant ones Al Baqarah and Ali Imran for they will come on the Day of Resurrection like two clouds, or two shades, or two flocks of birds, pleading for their companions.” (Muslim)

Surah Ya-Sin The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Everything has a heart and the heart of the Qur’an is Ya-Sin. Anyone who reads it, God will write down for him ten readings of the Qur’an.” (Tirmidhi)

Surah Ad Dukhan The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Whosoever recites Surah Ad-Dhukhan every night, seventy thousand angels will ask forgiveness for him.” (Tirmidhi)

Surah Al ‘Adiyat

The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Whoever recites Al ‘Adiyat his regard equals one half of the Qur’an.” (Tirmidhi)

Surah Al Kafirun The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Recite Surah Al Kafirun and then go to sleep after coming to its end, for it is a clearance from shirk.” (Abu Dawud)

Surah An-NasrAnas (radiAllahu anhu) reported that the Prophet (pbuh) said: “It is equivalent to a fourth of the Qur’an.” (Tirmidhi)

Surah Al Ikhlas Anas (ra) mentioned that a man said to the Prophet (pbuh): “I really love this surah.” The Prophet (pbuh) replied: “And your love for it will enable you to enter paradise.” (Tirmidhi)

Surah An Naas and Surah Al FalaqA’isha (ra) reported that whenever the Prophet (pbuh) became sick, he would recite Surah Al Falaq and Surah An Naas and then blow his breath over his body. (Bukhari)

There are 114 Surahs in the Qur’an, each with their own wonderful virtues. Here are just a few we have picked for you to recite in order to help you gain extra benefit and reward.

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Virtues of Giving• A man asked the Messenger of Allah (pbuh): “Which act in Islam is the best?’’ He (pbuh) replied: “To feed (the poor and the needy) and to greet those whom you know and those you do not know.” (Bukhari and Muslim)• Giving charity removes sins, as Allah’s Messenger (pbuh) said: “Charity extinguishes sin aswaterextinguishesfire.” (Tirmidhi)• The one who gives does not lose anything, but is recompensed with a great reward from Allah (swt). (see: Qur’an 57:7)

• The Prophet (pbuh) said: “He who feeds a fasting person will gain the same reward as he will, without decreasing from the fasting person’s rewards.” (Ahmad)• A recurrent charity, or Sadaqah Jariyah, brings reward to the giver so long as their charity continues to help and benefit others. The few examples of Sadaqah Jariyah are:• Building a well

• Educating a child

• Building a Mosque

• Planting a tree

Planting a tree

Ramadan is a month of giving, and it was in this month that the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) would increase his acts of charity.Indeed, the Prophet (pbuh) said:

“The best charity is that given in Ramadan.” (Tirmidhi)

In this month, when we try to control our physical needs and desires, it is important that we remember others and share what Allah (swt) has blessed us with. By giving, we can help others to meet their immediate needs and can also give them the freedom to build and determine their own futures.

The Month of Generosity

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The Sunnah of EatingEat with blessing and follow the Sunnah*

Etiquette of eating with others**

• Begin with the name of Allah (swt), by saying: “Bismillah.”

• Thank Allah (swt) for having provided and blessed you with the food

• Eat with your right hand

• Eat odd numbers of dates

• Appreciate the bounty of food and eat with moderation

• Avoid wastage and criticism of food

• Eat with others and share food

• Eat with a good intention. For instance, to nourish yourself so that you can serve Allah (swt)

• Eat with the realisation that eating is not an end in itself, but rather a means of increasing your obedience to Allah (swt)

• Allow elders and guests to begin eating first

• Avoid silence and hold good conversation

• Do not wish to eat more than your companion

• Eat in a way so that your companion does not need to encourage you to eat more

• Avoid watching or observing your companions eating

• Be courteous and avoid speech that may offend others eating with you

*Adapted from Imam an-Nawawi’s, Riyadhus Saliheen.

**Adapted from Imam Ghazali’s Al Ihya ‘Uloom ad-deen.

Foods from the SunnahOur beloved Prophet (pbuh) frequently advised on the nutritional value of certain foods to help us nurture and heal our bodies. We’ve selected a few to guide you through healthy eating according to the Qur’an and the Sunnah. Bon appetit!

HoneyAllah (swt) says in the Qur’an about bees, “There comes forth from their bellies, a drink of varying colour wherein is healing for men. Verily, in this is indeed a sign for people who think.” (16:69)

PomegranateMentioned three times in the Qur’an, pomegranate is thought to be effective against heart disease, high blood pressure and some cancers.

Olives and Olive OilOlives are mentioned six times in the Qur’an. The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Eat of its oil and use it (the olives), for indeed it is from a blessed tree.” (Tirmidhi)

FigsAllah (swt) swears by the fig in the Qur’an, and it is a fruit known for its health benefits, including aiding with digestion.

DatesMentioned more than 20 times in the Qur’an. Muslims generally break their fast by eating dates. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) once said: “if anyone of you is fasting, let him break his fast with dates; but if he cannot get any, then (he should break his fast) with water, for water is purifying.” (Abu Dawud) In addition to providing the body with its needed energy, dates also have high levels of potassium and increase the feeling of fullness after consumption.

VinegarAllah’s Messenger (pbuh) said: “The best of condiments or condiment is vinegar.” (Muslim)

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Supplications from the Qur’anار نا عذاب الن ة وق ن س رة ح ي اآلخ نة وف س ا ح ي ن ي الد نا ف نا آت ربRabbana aatina fid-dunya hasanah, wa fil aakhirati hasanah, wa qinaa adhaab an-naar.

“Our Lord! Give us in this world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good, and save us from the torment of the Fire!” (Qur’an 2:201)

ل دعاء ب نا وتق ي رب ت الة ومن ذ ري م الص ي ي مق رب اجعلنRabbij’alni muqeemas-salaati wa min dhurriyyati, Rabbanaa wa taqabbal du’aa.

“O my Lord! Make me one who performs Salaat, and (also) from my offspring, our Lord! And accept my invocation.” (Qur’an 14:40)

راحمني ر ال ي م وأنت خ ر وارح رب اغفRabbighfir warham, wa anta Khayrur-Raahimeen.

“My Lord! Forgive and have mercy, for You are the Best of those who show mercy!” (Qur’an 23:118)

“Verily your Lord is Generous and Shy. If His servant raises his hands to Him (in

supplication) He becomes shy to return them empty.”

(Tirmidhi)

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“Allahumma anta Rabbee laa ilaaha illaa ant. Khalaqtanee wa ana ‘abduka wa ana ‘alaa ‘ahdika wa wa’dika mastata’t. A’oodhu bika min sharri ma sana’t. Aboo-u laka bi ni’matika ‘alayya wa aboo-u laka bi dhambee, faghfirlee fa innahoo laa yaghfirudh-dhunooba illaa ant.”

“O Allah, You are my Lord. There is no God besides You. You created me and I am Your servant, following Your covenant and (my) promise to You as much as I can. I seek refuge in You from the evil that I have done. Before You I acknowledge Your blessings bestowed upon me and I confess my sins to You. So forgive me, for surely no one can forgive sins except You.”

The Prophet (pbuh) then added, “Anyone who says this during the day, firmly believing in it, and dies before the evening; or says it in the evening, firmly believing in it, and dies before the following morning, will be among the people of paradise.” (Bukhari)

Sayyid al-IstighfarDua for forgivenessShaddad ibn Aws (ra) narrated that the Prophet (pbuh) said:

“The most superior request for forgiveness is to say”:رين اس منا لنكونن من ال رح نا وت ر ل غف م ت نا وإن ل س منا أنف نا ظل ربRabbana dhalamnaa anfusana wa illam taghfirlana wa tarhamna lakoonanna min al khaasireen.

“Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves. If You forgive us not, and bestow not upon us Your Mercy, we shall certainly be of the losers.” (Qur’an 7:23)

ساب وم يقوم ال مؤمنني ي ل والدي ول ي ول ر ل نا اغف ربRabbanagh-fir wa li walidayya wa lilmu’mineena yawma yaqoomul-hisaab.

“Our Lord! Forgive me and my parents, and (all) the believers on the Day when the reckoning will be established.” (Qur’an 14:41)

اب وه ك أنت ال ة إن م دنك رح نا من ل نا وهب ل ت عد إذ هدي نا ب وب نا ال تزغ قل ربRabbana laa tuzigh quloobana ba’da idh hadaytana wa hablana mil-ladunka rahmah innaka antal Wahhaab.

“Our Lord! Let not our hearts deviate (from the truth) after You have guided us, and grant us mercy from You. Truly, You are the Bestower.” (Qur’an 3:8)

Supplications from the Qur’an

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Focus in Salaat (Khushoo’)In a month when we hope to draw closer to Allah (swt), increasing our concentration during prayer is particularly important. Have a look at these tips below to help you to elevate your concentration during your prayers.

Preparation• Focus whilst performing your wudhu and perform it with remembrance of Allah (swt)

• Avoid conversation during wudhu

• Wash each part of the body with the belief that you are purifying yourself before meeting Allah (swt)

• Come to prayer with humility and with a belief that Allah (swt) will forgive you of your sins

• Wear nice clothes and present yourself with the awareness that you will be standing before the Lord of all creation

Prayer• Come to prayer with a balance of love, fear and awe of Allah (swt) in your heart

• Come to prayer seeking the bounty and reward of Allah (swt)

• See it as a means of getting closer to your Creator

• Learn the meanings of what you are saying, particularly Surah Al Fatiha

• Perform each movement slowly and with calmness

• Pray as if it is your last prayer

Awareness of the heartTo remember intention and purpose

Awareness of the mindTo stay alert and attentive to your actions

Awareness of the bodyTo avoid rushing and to perfect each movement

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Allah The Greatest

Name

01

Ar-Rahim The All

Merciful

03

Al-Quddus The Pure One

05

Ar-Rahman The All

Compassionate

02

Al-Malik The Absolute

Ruler

04

As-Salam The Source of

Peace

06

Al-Mu’min The Inspirer

of Faith

07

Al-’Aziz The Victorious

09

Al-Mutakabbir The Greatest

11

Al-Muhaymin The Guardian

08

Al-Jabbar The Compellor

10

Al-Khaliq The Creator

12

Al-Bari’ The Maker of

Order

13

Al-Ghaffar The Forgiving

15

Al-Wahhab The Giver

of All

17

Al-Musawwir The Shaper of

Beauty

14

Al-Qahhar The Subduer

16

Ar-Razzaq The Sustainer

18

Al-Fattah The Opener

19

Al-Qabid The

Constrictor

21

Al-Khafid The Abaser

23

Al-’Alim The Knower

of All

20

Al-Basit The Reliever

22

Ar-Rafi’ The Exalter

24

Al-Mu’izz The Bestower

of Honours

25

As-Sami’ The Hearer

of All

27

Al-Hakam The Judge

29

Al-Mudhill The Humiliator

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Al-Basir The Seer

of All

28

Al-’Adl The Just

30

Al-’Aliyy The Highest

37

Al-Hafiz The Preserver

39

Al-Hasib The Accounter

41

Al-Kabir The Greatest

38

Al-Muqit The Nourisher

40

Al-Jalil The Mighty

42

Al-Latif The Subtle

One

31

Al-Halim The

Forbearing

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Al-Ghafur The Forgiver & Hider of Faults

35

Al-Khabir The All Aware

32

Al-’Azim The

Magnificent

34

Ash-Shakur The Rewarder of

Thankfulness

36

Al-Karim The Generous

43

Al-Mujib The Responder

of Prayer

45

Al-Hakim The Perfectly

Wise

47

Ar-Raqib The Watchful

One

44

Al-Wasi’ The All

Comprehending

46

Al-Wudud The Loving

One

48

Al-Majid The Majestic

One

49

Ash-Shahid The Witness

51

Al-Wakil The Trustee

53

Al-Ba’ith The

Resurrector

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Al-Haqq The Truth

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Al-Qawwiy The Possessor of All Strength

54

Al-Mateen The Forceful

One

55

Al-Hamid The Praised

One

57

Al-Mubdi The Originator

59

Al-Waliyy The Governor

56

Al-Muhsi The Appraiser

58

Al-Mu’id The Restorer

60

Al-Muhyi The Giver

of Life

61

Al-Hayy The Ever Living

One

63

Al-Wajid The Finder

65

Al-Mumit The Taker

of Life

62

Al-Qayyum The Self Exist-

ing One

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Al-Majid The Glorious

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99 names of Allah (swt)The Prophet (pbuh) said: “To Allah belongs 99 names, 100 minus 1, anyone who memorises them will enter Paradise; He (Allah) is odd (odd number, He is the Only One), and He loves odd numbers.” (Muslim)

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Zakat ul Fitr

Zakat ul Fitr must be paid before the Eid prayer by each adult Muslim for themselves and each of their dependants. The amount this year is £5 per head.

Zakat

What is Zakat? One of the five pillars of Islam, Zakat literally means ‘to cleanse’ or ‘purify’. Paying Zakat on your wealth purifies it and increases what remains. It also reminds us that our wealth belongs to Allah.

Why pay it during Ramadan? Good deeds are multiplied 70 times this month, making it the perfect time to pay your Zakat.

How much should I pay? Generally, if the amount of wealth you have owned for one year exceeds the Nisaab* then Zakat must be paid on that amount.

For your silver possessions please refer to the silver Nisaab.*

For gold and monetary possessions, please refer to the gold Nisaab.

For the gold and silver Nisaab, visit: muslimaid.org

Fidya

Fidya is paid when three conditions are met:

1) They are unable to fast in Ramadan.

2) They are unable to make them up in the rest of the year (e.g. due to lifelong illness).

3) They do not expect to ever be able to make up the fasts.

The one who pays Fidya does not have to make up the fast. Those who do not meet these conditions but have a valid reason can make up the fast after Ramadan.

Kaffarah

Kaffarah must be paid by the person who deliberately misses or breaks a fast with no valid reason, who must also fast 60 days consecutively. If they are unable to do so, they should feed 60 poor people for every fast missed, at a rate of £5 per person.

Zakat ul Fitr, Zakat, Fidya & Kaffarah

Religious dues

*Nisaab: The amount of wealth a person must own for Zakat to become obligatory. 23

Donate your Zakat NOW 020 7377 4200

muslimaid.org

Need help or have a question regarding Zakat? Call Muslim Aid’s Zakat helpline this Ramadan.

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Al-Awwal The First

73

Az-Zahir The Manifest

One

75

Al-Waliyy The Protecting

Friend

77

Al-Akhir The Last

74

Al-Batin The Hidden

One

76

Al-Muta’ali The Supreme

One

78

Al-Wahid The One, The All Inclusive, The Invisible

67

Al-Qaadir The

All Powerful

69

Al-Muqaddim The Expediter

71

As-Samad The Satisfier of

All Needs

68

Al-Muqtadir The Creator of

All Power

70

Al-Muakkhir The Delayer

72

Al-Barr The Doer of

Good

79

Al-Muntaqim The Avenger

81

Ar-Ra’uf The Clement

83

At-Tawwab The Guide to Repentance

80

Al-’Afuww The Forgiver

82

Malik-al Mulk The Owner

of All

84

Dhul-al Jalal wa-al-Ikram

The Lord & Majesty & Bounty

85

Al-Jami’ The Gatherer

87

Al-Mughni The Enricher

89

Al-Muqsit The

Equitable One

86

Al-Ghani The Rich One

88

Al-Mani’ The Preventer

of Harm

90

Ad-Darr The Creator of

the Harmful

91

An-Nur The Light

93

Al-Badi’ The Originator

95

An-Nafi’ The Creator of

Good

92

Al-Hadi The Guide

94

Al-Baqi The

Everlasting One

96

Al-Warith The Inheritor

of All

97

As-Sabur The Patient

One

99

Ar-Rashid The Righteous

Teacher

98

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Post Ramadan GoalsContinue your spiritual growth after Ramadan with the following goalsStep 1: Work out what you own

Cash in hand £

Cash in bank account(s) £

Value of gold (current market value) £

Value of silver (current market value) £

Amount given out in loans (where the debtor is able and willing to pay back the loan)

£

Current value of shares £

Value of goods in stock for sale £

Total Assets £

Step 2: Work out your outgoings from what you ownAmount owed in debt (short term loans or those payable within a year)

£

Expenses (tax, rent and other bills due immediately)

£

Total Liabilities £

Step 3: Minus Total Liabilities from Total Assets and if the amount is more than the Nisaab then multiply by 0.025Total Assets Total Liabilities Total Zakat

£ £ £

Zakat calculator

1 Read a portion of Qur’an everyday 2 Improve my Qur’an

recitation/ reading

3 Offer Nafl prayers regularly 4 Do Wudhu before

sleeping

5Keep optional fasts on

Mondays and Thursdays (masnoon)

6 Be mindful of your speech

7Give regular charity/

Volunteer to help a local cause

8 Visit the sick

9 Keep regular daily invocations 10

Take care of your body through healthy eating

and excercise

Donate your Zakat NOW

020 7377 4200 muslimaid.org

*Start your regular donation today from as little as £3 a month. Visit muslimaid.org or call 020 7377 4200

Need help or have a question regarding Zakat? Call Muslim Aid’s Zakat helpline this Ramadan.

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200,000 people received food under our Feed the Fasting Programme.

14,000 litres of fuel were delivered to keep Gaza’s hospitals running.

17,899 Syrian families were provided with food packs.

58,000 people in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sudan, Cambodia and Sri Lanka were reached through our Microfinance Programme.

5,522 orphans and disadvantaged children received sponsorship in 17 countries.

800,000 children were vaccinated in Somalia against polio and measles.

Donate your Zakat NOW

020 7377 4200 muslimaid.org

Across the world, Muslim Aid is working to empower and uplift the world’s poorest communities. Here’s some of what we did last year:

When you donate this Ramadan, you can be sure that through our depth of experience in humanitarian work, your money will be used to serve those who are most in need.

you give, we serve.

28Charity Reg: 295224

“The best deeds are those we are consistent with, even if they are small deeds.” (Bukhari)

A Thank You to everyone...At Muslim Aid, we wish you all the joy and blessings of Eid and pray that Allah (swt) accepts your fasts and acts of worship.

Donate your Zakat NOW

020 7377 4200 muslimaid.org

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