A COMPILATION OF SIMPLE DUAS TO BE RECITED DURING RAMADHAN

We’ll never know if this will be our last Ramadhan, so we should make sure that we make use of every second in this Blessed Month by remembering these simple Duas to be recited in the first 10 days, second 10 days and the last 10 days of Ramadhan respectively. All it takes is a few minutes and SubhanAllah, what great rewards we can get through these Duas. For one thing, you can be sure of getting closer to Allah by reciting these Duas, for another these supplications were taught by our beloved Muhammad (sallalahu alaihi wasallam) and following his Sunnah gets us the reward of a Fardh. Duas will elevate our status in the day of Qiyamah and for all we know reciting these Duas may be the cause for our entrance into Jannah and protection from Jahannam. Remember, Allah is never in need of our, we are the ones who need Allah to listen to us, to hear our needs and wants.

First Ashra (from 1st Ramadan to 10th of Ramadan)

The first ten days of Ramadhan are the days of Rahamath. Recites these Duas taught by our Prophet Muhammad (sallalahu alaihi wasallam) to make sure that we receive Allah’s infinite mercy and love:

اللهمً اِرحمنا برحمتِكِ يا اَرْحَمَ الرَّاحِِمِين

(Allahumma arhamnaa birahmathika ya arhama rahimaeen)  
Oh Allah, Have mercy on us Oh the Most Merciful.

يَا حَيُّ يَا قَيُّوْمُ بِرَحْمَتِكَ أَسْتَغِيْث

Yaa Hayy Yaa Qayyoom birahmatika astagheeth
Oh You Who is Everliving and Sustains and Protects everything, I seek assistance through the means of Your mercy.

ربَّنا رَّبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًا

Rabbana rabbir hamhuma kama rabbayani saghira                                                         My Lord! bestow on them (parents) thy Mercy even as they cherished me in childhood.

اللَّهُمَّ اِنّى اسْتَغْفِرُكَ لِذَنْبِى وَ اسْئَلُكَ رَحْمَتَكَ

Allahumma inni astaghfiruka li dhanbi wa as'aluka rahmatak

O Allah!  I ask You for Forgiveness for my sins, and for Your Mercy.

رَبَّنَا آمَنَّا فَاغْفِرْ لَنَا وَارْحَمْنَا وَأَنتَ خَيْرُ الرَّاحِمِينَ

Rabbana amannaa faghfir lana warhamna wa anta khayrur Rahimeen                            Our Lord! We believe; then do Thou forgive us, and have mercy upon us: For Thou art the Best of those who show mercy

Second Ashra (from 11th Ramadan to 20th Ramadan)

The second ten days of Ramadhan is the time when Allah opens the doors of forgiveness on us more than anytime of the year, so seek forgiveness from Allah with these Duas:

الَّلهمً اغْفِرلَنا ذُنوبَنا وَ خَطَايانا كُلَّهَا يَا رَبَّ العَالمين

Allahumma agh’firlana wa khathaayana kullaha ya rabbal aalameen
Oh Allah, forgive all of our sins and mistakes Oh Lord of the Worlds.

اَللّٰهُمَّ اَنْتَ رَبِّىْ لآ اِلٰهَ اِلَّا اَنْتَ خَلَقْتَنِىْ وَاَنَاْ عَبْدُكَ وَاَنَاْ عَلٰى عَهْدِكَ وَوَعْدِكَ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُ اَعُوْذُبِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا صَنَعْتُ اَبُوْءُلَكَ بِنِعْمَتِكَ عَلَىَّ وَاَبُوْءُ بِذَمنْبِىْ فَا اغْفِرْلِى فَاِنَّه لَا يَغْفِرُ الذَّنُوْبَ اِلَّا اَنْتَ

'Allaahmma anta rabbee laa ilaaha illaa Anta khalaqtanee wa ana 'abduka wa ana 'alaa 'ahdika wa wa'dika mastata't A'oothu bika min sharri ma sana't Aboo'u laka bi ni'matika alayya wa aboo'u laka bi zhanbee Faghfir lee Fa innahoo laa yaghfiruth-thunooba 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.

اللَّهُمَّ اعْفِرْلِى ذَنْبِئ كُلَّهُ، و جِلَّهُ، وَ أوَّلَهُ وَ آخِرَهُ عَلا نِيَتَهُ وَ سِرَّهُ

Allahumma-aghfir li dhanbi kullahu, wa jillahu, wa awwalahu wa akhirahu, wa 'ala niyatahu wa sirrahu
O Allah! Forgive me all my sins, great and small, the first and the last, those that are apparent and those that are hidden.

لا إِلَهَ اِلاَّ أَنتَ سُبْحَانَكَ إِنِّي كُنتُ مِنَ الظَّالِمين

La illaha illa Anta Subhanak, inni kuntu min adh-dhalimeen
There is no God but You; Glory be to You, Truly I have been one of the wrongdoers.

اللّهُـمَّ إِنِّـي ظَلَـمْتُ نَفْسـي ظُلْمـاً كَثـيراً وَلا يَغْـفِرُ الذُّنـوبَ إِلاّ أَنْت ، فَاغْـفِر لي مَغْـفِرَةً مِنْ

عِنْـدِك وَارْحَمْـني، إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ الغَـفورُ الرَّحـيم

Allaahumma inni zalamtu nafsi zulman katheeran wa laa yaghfir ul-dhunooba illa anta faghfir li maghfiratan min ‘indaka warhamni innaka anta al-ghafoor al-raheem

O Allaah, I have wronged myself greatly and no one forgives sins but You, so grant me forgiveness from You and have mercy on me, for You are the Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

  أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللَّهَ الْعَظِيمَ الَّذِي لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْْقَيُّومُ وَ أَتُوبُ إِلَيْهِ

Astaghfirullaahal-‘Azeem alladhi laa ilaaha illa huwal-hayyul-qayyoom wa atoobu ilayhi

I ask forgiveness of Allaah the Almighty, besides Whom there is no god, the Ever-Living, the Eternal, and I repent to Him

أسْتَغْفِرُ اللَّهَ وَ أتُوبُ إلَيْهِ

Astaghfirullaha wa atūūbu ilaihi

I seek the Forgiveness of Allah and repent to Him.

اللْهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي

Allahumma innaka `afuwwun tuhibbul `afwa fa`fu `annee
O Allah, You are pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.

أسْتَغْفِرُ اللَّهَ ربِّي مِن كلِّ ذنب وََّ اتُوبُ اِليه

"Astaghfirullaha rabbi min kulli zhambiyu wa atoobu ilayh

O Allah! I seek forgiveness from all my sins, and I turn towards You in repentance.

رَبَّنَا ظَلَمْنَا أَنفُسَنَا وَإِن لَّمْ تَغْفِرْ لَنَا وَتَرْحَمْنَا لَنَكُونَنَّ مِنَ الْخَاسِرِينَ

Rabbana Dhalamna anfusina wa il lam taghfir lana wa tarhamna lana kuna minal-khasireen 

Our Lord! We have wronged our own souls: If thou forgive us not and bestow not upon us Thy Mercy, we shall certainly be lost.

رَبَّنَا اغْفِرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيَّ وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَوْمَ يَقُومُ الْحِسَابُ

Rabbanaghfir li wa li wallidayya wa lil Mu'mineena yawma yaqumul hisaab

O our Lord! Cover (us) with Thy Forgiveness - me, my parents, and (all) Believers, on the Day that the Reckoning will be established!

أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللَّهَ الْعَظِيمَ الَّذِي لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ هُوَ الْحَيُّ الْْقَيُّومُ وَ أَتُوبُ إِلَيْهِ

 Astaghfirullah al-'Adheemal-ladhi la ilaha illa Huwal-Hayyul-Qayyum wa atubu ilaih

 I seek the forgiveness of Allah the Mighty, Whom there is none worthy except Him, the Living, The Eternal, and I repent unto Him

يا واسَعَ الفَضْل اغْفِرْلي

Ya Wasi 'al fadhli ighfirli

Oh the One who is great in Bounties, Forgive me.

الَّلهمَّ مَغْفِرَتُكَ أَوْسَع مِن ذُنوبي وَرَحْمتُكَ أَرْجَى عِنْدي مِن عَمَل

Allahuma maghfiratoka awsaa’ min zhunoobi Wa rahmatoka arja ‘indey min ‘amalee

Oh Allah, Your forgiveness is greater than my sins and my hope in Your mercy is greater to me than my actions.

Third Ashra (from 21st Ramadan to end of Ramadan)

The last 10 days of Ramadhan is for emancipation from the fire of Jahannam. Recite these Duas to ask Allah for protection against the hellfire:

رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ

Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanatan wa fil ‘akhirati hasanatan waqina ‘adhaban-nar

Our Lord! Grant us good in this world and good in the hereafter, and save us from the chastisement of the fire

الَْلهُمَّ أَجِِرْنَا مِنَ النَّار

Allahumma Ajirni Minan Naar

Oh Allah, save us from the fire of Hell.

الَّلهُمَّ اَعْتِقنا مِنَ انًارِ وَ اَدْخِلْنا الجَنَةَ يا َرَبَّ العَلَمين

Allahumma a’thiknaa mina-nari wa adhuhulnal jannatha ya rabbal Alameen.

Oh Allah, protect us from the Hellfire and enter us into Paradise, Oh Lord of the worlds.

الَّلهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْألُكَ الجَّنَّةَ وَأَعُوذُبِِِكَ مِنَ النَّار

Allahumma innee Asalukal jannah waa’uzubika minna naar 

Oh Allah, I ask For Paradise, and Protection from the fire.

Specific Dhikr to be recited after every Fardh Salaah in Ramadhan

Recite the following dikr throughout Ramadan after every fardh Salah.

أشهد أن لا اله إلا الله استغفرالله أسألك ألجنة واعوذ بك من النار

Ashhadu allailaha illallah asthagfirullah as-alukal jannatha wa audhubka minannaar (3times)

I bear witness that there is no God but Allah, O Allah forgive me, give me Paradise, protect me from Hell Fire

There's a famous Hadith in which 4 things to be done in great abundance in Ramadhan, "two which please Allah and two which you cannot do without"

Two which please Allah: 1. Read Kalimah Tayyibah in abundance 2. Seek forgiveness from Allah

Two which you can't do without: 3. Ask Allah for entry into Jannah 4. Seek protection from the fire of Jahannam

May Allah grant us the Thowfeeq to do all these A’maals in the blessed month of Ramadhan, In Sha Allah. And if you do remember, please make Dua for the whole of the Ummah and I humbly ask you to make Dua for me and my family too.

رَبَّنا تَقَبَّل مِنَّا اِنّك انت السميع العليم، آمين

Oh Allah, Accept from us for surely You are the All-Hearer, All-Knowing. Ameen.

QUICK SUNNAHS TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR RAMADHAN

Ramadhan- a beautifully blessed month for all of us Muslims, a month for which we get rewarded immensely, receive Allah's Mercy, His forgiveness and emancipation from the fire of Jahannam. Plus, Ramadhan is the month where Allah rewards us a Fardh for a Sunnah and 70 Faraa'ids for doing one Fardh act. Subhanallah, how much can we earn during this month!

So how have we prepared for it, and more importantly, what have we planned for it?
To start with, earning good deeds isn't all that difficult during Ramadhan, and the best way to go about this, apart from doing the obligatory acts such as praying and fasting itself, is by following the Sunnahs of our Beloved Prophet Muhammad (sallalahu alaihi wasallam). Most Sunnahs are normally the things we do everyday, so if we keep the intention of a Sunnah while doing it during the month of Ramdhan, we will be rewarded on Fardh for it. Subhanallah, what a wonderful opportunity for us!

Below are a few of the most easiest Sunnah acts we can do, starting from the moment we wake up, right until bedtime. I've made a list of 70, and although there are so much more than that, these are possibly the easiest Sunnah acts we could do.

1- Rub you face upon awakening.
2- Wake up on your right side.
3- Make wudhu after awakening.
4- Wear slippers before entering the washroom.
5- Enter the washroom with your left foot.
6- Wear the slipper starting with your right foot.
7- Use you left hand while making Istinjah.
8- Step out of the washroom with your right foot.
9- Say Bismilliah before undressing. 
10- Undress starting with the left limb.
11- Be seated while undressing.
12- Wear your garments starting from the right hand.
13- Be seated while dressing.
14- Use Miswak before reciting the Qur'an.
15- Use Miswak before every prayer ( Shafi'is should only use miswak up until Dhuha for Ramadhan and Hanafis can use it after every Salaah).
16- Wash your hands before eating.
17- Make the intention before eating (which is asking Allah for strength by eating so you can do more Ibaadah). 
18- Avoid eating in excess.
19- Eat with the right hand.
20- Serve from the right hand.
21- As much as possible, eat together rather than eating individually.
22- Don't rise up from eating until the last person eating has finished.
23- Eat dates in odd numbers.
24- Be satisfied with the food you have for it's a bounty from Allah.
25- Avoid leaning against anything while eating.
26- If possible, use only three fingers when eating.
27- Eat of the food which is closest to you.
28- Eat steaming food only after it cools.
29- Never blow on hot food.
30- Any crumbs that have fallen should be eaten too.
31- Eat without leaving any leftovers.
32- To sit on the floor while eating.
33- To sit in the Sunnah manner while eating.
34- The oldest person should start eating first. Our Prophet Muhammad (Sallalahu alaihi wasallam) was always the last person to start eating.
35- Ask permission from the others if you want to eat more than two dates.
36- Gargle your mouth while washing your hands after eating.
37- Lick your fingers after eating in the Sunnah manner ( i.e starting from the middle finger, index finger, the thumb, tiny finger and lastly the ring finger).
38- Say 'Bismillah' before eating.
39- To be seated while drinking water.
40- To drink with the right hand.
41- To drink water in 3 separate sips.
42- To drink from small containers, such as a tumbler or cup rather than drinking directly from a bottle or jug.
43- Avoid blowing on hot drinks for it to cool down.
44- Do not drink water immediately after meals. Let about 15 minutes pass after eating your meal before drinking water.
45- Say 'Bismillah' while closing doors.
46- Containers should be covered before retiring for bed.
47- Lay or spread the bed oneself.
48- Dust the bed before sleeping.
49- Make Miswak before sleeping.
50- Recite Surah Ikhlas, Surah Falaq and Surah Naas starting with 'Bismillah', then blow it on your palms and rub it on the body three times before sleeping.
51- To use pillows while sleeping is also Sunnah.
52- Sleeping either on the bed, mat, floor or bedding, all of which are Sunnah.
53- It's prohibited to sleep flat on the back with one leg over the other and sleeping downwards on the stomach.
54- Sleep on the right side, facing the Qibla.
55- Sleep with the right hand under the head and the knees bent.
56- Sleep in the state Wudhu.
57- Recite SubhanAllah and Alhamdulillah 33 times and AllahuAkbar 34 times before sleeping.
58- Sleep with the intention of waking up for Tahajjud.
59- Recite Quran excessively during Tahajjud Salaah.
60- Clip your nails on either Thursdays or Fridays.
61- Trim your beard beyond the fist length.
62- Trim you beard, oil and comb your hair.
63- Trim your moustache.
64- Clip your finger nails in the following order: start from your right index finger, right middle finger, right ring finger, right tiny finger, left tiny finger, left ring finger, left middle finger, left index finger, left thumb and then finish off with the right thumb.
65- Clip your toenails in the following manner: Start off with the right tiny toe and then move towards the left tiny toe to finish.
66- When oiling your hair, take a little oil on your left palm, smear some on your eyebrows, eyelids and then your head.
67- Before oiling your beard, smear some on your eyebrows, eyelids and then your beard.
68- Enter your house with your right foot.
69- Say Salaam before entering the house.
70- Smile often- its an important Sunnah and spread Salaam to every Muslim you see.

70 Sunnahs may seem a bit too much, but all these are really easy. We do all these, such as washing the hands before eating, but how many of us have the intention of observing a Sunnah? If only we correct our intentions, we'll be rewarded for it. And imagine how much we would be rewarded if we follow all these Sunnahs during Ramadhan?

Prophet Muhammad (sallalahu aliahi wassalam) said, "One who holds fast to my Sunnah during the time of corruption in my Ummah, for him is the reward equal to a hundred martyrs". 

And do let other know of this, because "One who directs towards good is rewarded equal to the doer of good". Subhanallah, even if you fail to observe this Sunnah, you'll still get an equal reward if another person follows it after you have let him/her know about it. So go ahead and make the MOST of your Ramadhan!!!

Note: I don't know if this is too much asking, but for those who remember, please do make Dua for me, my family and the rest of the Muslims during Ramadhan :) Have a wonderful Ramadhan In Sha Allah!

RAMADHAN CHECKLIST

I got this Ramadhan checklist in Madrasa last year, and trust me, it helped a LOT in doing more good deeds-deeds I'd normally ignore otherwise. Since all of us ought to be at our feets during Ramadhan and do as much good Amals as we can, having a checklist is a great way of encouraging us to do more good. It's really very easy to follow and when you mark it one day, you just can't go for another day without it. Trust me, I've done it, and MashaAllah, it helped so much Alhamdulillah!


So here it is:


1- Got up for Tahajjud and made Dua
2- Prayed Fajr on time with its Sunnah
3- Sat up for a while remembering Allah after Fajr
4- Prayed all prayers on time
5- Made the recommended Dhirk after every prayer
6- Prayed all the Sunnah Muakkadah
7- Made Dua for my parents
8- Made Dua for my Ustaadhs
9- Commanded good
10- Forbade evil
11- Read one Juz' of Qur'an as minimum
12- Smiled and made others smile
13- Made my parents smile, hugged and kissed them
14- Gave Sadaqah (Note: Sadaqah here doesn't necessarily mean money-it could be anything like food for Iftar, or even a smile :D)
15- Did not cause any defect in my fast by backbiting
16- Made fasting easy for other Muslims by being cheerful
17- Made Istighfar at least a hundred times
18- Made Dua for our Beloved Prophet Muhammad (Sallalahu Alaihi Wassallam) and his Ummah
19- Spent 10 minutes pondering over struggling for our Deen
20- Did a special deed with a secret between me and Allah (This is my favourite one in the whole checklist)
21- Shared my Iftar with someone
22- Ate moderately at Iftar
23- Prayed Salatul Taraaweeh
24- Prayed Witr
25- Read Surah Mulk
26- Asked Allah for Jannah and sought refuge from Jahannam
27- Did not argue with anyone
28- Did not harbour any ill feelings in my heart against anyone
29-Went to sleep in the state of Wudhu
30- Read Surah Kahf on Friday


Now, all that isn't that difficult is it? It's fun to do and really a test when we mark it at the end of the day (make sure that you DO mark it at the end of the day). You can print this out and have 7 small columns after each of the 30, and mark it as Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and the rest of the week. Take four copies of it-that would do for the entire month of Ramadhan.


Finally, "The most beloved actions that gain proximity to Allah are the ones most constantly done" (Hadith), so even if your actions are small, make sure you do them throughout, even after Ramadhan and once you make it a habit, it will be easier for you and you'll realize that if you miss it, it's almost like missing some important part of you.


You can also print it out and give it to your friends and family-that would make it Sadaqatul Jaari'aa and if others follow it, you'll be rewarded for it as well and imagine being rewarded during the month of Ramadhan! Share this with others as well In Sha Allah! 

IS WEARING THE NIQAB OBLIGATORY?

I know that so many people have so many doubts if the Niqab is Fardh or not. To start with, I sincerely ask Allah to enlighten everyone about the Niqab and show us its truth in the light of the Quran and Hadith. First, let us start with these Quranic verses:

“And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; That they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what is apparent of it and that they should draw their veils over their bosoms.” (Surah Noor 24:31)

''O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their cloaks ("Jalabib") veils all over their bodies (screen themselves completely except the eyes or one eye to see the way Tafseer Al-Qurtabi) that is most convenient that they should be known (as such) and not molested: and Allah is Oft-Forgiving Most Merciful." (Surah Al-Ahzab: 59)

Now, read that 3 times to understand what it really means.

This verse tells us that our beauty and ornaments should not be displayed-except that which is apparent. Some people are of the opinion that this implies to the hands and face, but you tell me honestly. When you look at a woman, what is the first thing you would notice-what is the most apparent thing to be seen in her? Isn’t it her face? Her face is what attracts the attention of men, because the first thing men are naturally attracted to is the face of the woman. What is ‘apparent of it’ in this verse refers to the height of the woman and the way she carries herself. This is something that cannot be hidden. In Sha Allah, I hope this verse makes you’ll understand that the Niqab is Fardh (obligatory). If you are still not convinced, just read further.

If you say the Niqab is not Fardh, I’m sure you would all agree that it is Mustahab (highly recommended). If you don’t even agree that it’s Mustahab, answer this question. No one can dispute the fact that the wives, daughters and Sahabi women covered their faces. If you don’t believe in that too, read these Sahih Hadith:

Narrated Safiya bint Shaiba:

‘Aisha used to say: “When (the Verse): “They should draw their veils over their necks and bosoms,” was revealed, (the ladies) cut their waist sheets at the edges and covered their faces with the cut pieces.”

Volume 6, Book 60, Number 282: (Sahih Bukhari)

It was narrated that ‘Aa’ishah said: “The riders used to pass by us when we were with the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) in ihraam.When they came near, each of us would lower her jilbaab from her head over her face, and when they passed by we would uncover (our faces).” [Narrated by Abu Dawood, 1833; Ahmad, 24067]

Narrated ‘Aisha:

Allah’s Apostle used to offer the Fajr prayer and some believing women covered with their veiling sheets used to attend the Fajr prayer with him and then they would return to their homes UNRECOGNIZED.

Volume 1, Book 8, Number 368: (Sahih Bukhari)

Aisha (RA) mentioned the women of Ansar, praised them and said good words about them. She then said: “When Surat an-Nur came down, they took the curtains, tore them and made veils from them.” [Sunann Abi Dawud Hadith No. 3577]

These Hadith will clarify the fact that Sahabi women and the Ummahtul Mu’mineen covered their faces. Now tell me, if the wives and daughters of Prophet Muhammad (SAL), whom we have to follow in order to be true believing women, covered their faces, isn’t that something highly recommended? And if it’s highly recommended, shouldn’t we all be following it?

Now, you’ll have either agreed that the Niqab is Fardh or Mustahab. Either way, wouldn’t that fact alone make the Niqab something that should be practised strictly? All of us yearn to earn closeness to our Beloved Creator and the best way to attain His Pleasure and Nearness is by doing Mustahab (superegatory) acts.

Abu Huraira reported that the Prophet Muhammad (SAL) said, "Allah said: My servant draws not near to Me with anything more loved by Me than the religious duties I have enjoined upon him, and My servant continues to draw near to Me with supererogatory works so that I shall love him" (Sahih Bukhari)

Now, think of the Day when you stand before Allah (SWT) and He questions you about each and every deed and action. What if He asks you why you didn’t practise something that was ‘Mustahab’? What will you tell him? Are you going to tell Him that the pleasures and demands of the world stopped you from wearing the Niqab? Stop for a while and think about how you are going to answer Allah, the Lord of the Worlds!

We are supposed to earn as much good deeds as possible in this world so that we get its rewards in the Hereafter and that itself would raise our status in Jannah! Tell me my dear sisters, what is it to sacrifice in this world that is only 2 days in comparison to the eternal Akhira? What are the clothes and pleasures of this world when a single shawl on the head of a woman in Jannah is better than the world and all it contains! Subhanallah, what honour and delights Allah has prepared for us and the only way we can attain this is by following the orders of Allah and collect as much deeds in this world as we possibly can In Sha Allah.

Although there are a few differences in opinion as to whether the Niqab is Fardh or not among the Ulama (Islamic scholars), even those Ulama who have said it isn’t Fardh have ensured that their wives and daughters wear the Niqab because it is a huge shield for women when corruption in this world is continuing to run rampant at an unimaginable rate!

There are some people who say that the Niqab is just a custom that was brought about by people in the Arab countries. But tell me, do you think that Allah revealed the Quran as Guidance only for a certain period of time and only for a certain group of people? Do you think that the Ummahaathul Mu’mineen are only role models for the women in the Arab countries and not for us? The Quran is our Guide and will remain until the Day of Qiyamah! It’s our duty as Muslims to obey Allah’s Commands or stand before Him in front of the entire mankind. What are the answers you are going to give to Him?

In conclusion, these are not my personal opinions. It’s the Fatwa of a prominent Mufti Saab in our country. I pray to Allah that He enlightens each and every Muslim about the importance of the Niqab in the current times and I’m sure Allah will put its reality into your hearts!

WHY THEY HATE OUR NIQAB

When I first started wearing the Niqab, I felt very awkward when people threw rude comments at me. Later, when the comments started to increase, my awkwardness converted to anger, and there were times when I stared hard and straight at those who offended my Niqab and let them know how angry I was. I know some people who take these comments coolly, but some others, really tend to lose their temper.

Now, thankfully, not many people abuse Niqabis in my country Alhamdulillah. Apart from the occasional ‘ninja’ there’s really nothing much. But at times when they do or when they stare at us as though we are dirt, I’ve learnt to control my anger. I’m no longer intimidated by any comments people throw at my Niqab, because deep down, I know that the only reason they hate my Niqab so much is because they find something undeniably beautiful about it.

Let’s face the fact: Would any of us approach and throw rude comments at a woman who is semi-naked? As Muslims, all of us hate the sight of women dressed that way, because it’s nothing short of a disgusting sight. But would we insult her for her clothing? Obviously not, because we just don’t care about what or how they dress. We might hate it in our hearts, but we would never go to the extent of humiliating them. So long as we are covered, Alhamdulillah, we are happy. And that’s what matters. 

But why is that people are so very concerned about our Niqab? Why are they fighting so hard to ban it? If they don’t like it, fine, they can keep it to themselves, but why abuse Niqabis?

As far as I’m concerned, it’s because they are intimidated with our Niqab. They probably find it hard to accept the reality that there are women out there who have the strength to cover up despite the demands of the society, despite the demands of fashion and despite the lure of this sex-crazed world. In short, all this hatred probably stems from jealousy.

So, for us, all these comments, all these Niqab bashing and all the tosh about Niqabis being oppressed and subjugated, only makes us stronger because our Niqab probably threatens people who are so bent of slaving behind fashion and their desires. You know what? I think people who call the Niqab oppression are the ones really oppressed.

There is always a reason behind hatred. It’s either:

#1   Someone has done something that has harmed you in some way

#2   Jealousy

I really can’t find any other reason for hatred. So lets put the Niqab ban and Niqab hate into this perspective.

The Niqab was banned because those officials concerned hated the Niqab. Yeah, they brought forward some baseless reasons, but it all comes down to their hatred for the Niqab. So, now, which category does their hate for the Niqab fall in to? I don’t know of any instance where any Niqabi has ever harmed any person in any way. So it most certainly cannot fall into that category. This makes it automatically fall into the next: Jealousy.

You must be wondering why. Just take this example. You’re a man whose wife is wearing a low-cut, skimpy, short dress and all men are gaping openly at her. Another man, whose wife is covered up, is not getting any kind of (bad) attention from men. Put yourself in this man’s shoe. Wouldn’t you be jealous of the woman all covered up and her husband? Wouldn’t you envy the protection and privacy this woman and her husband enjoys? 

So, I my opinion, Niqab haters’ hatred is really stemmed from jealousy and of course, to humiliate Muslims as much as they possibly can.

Niqabis, don’t you ever, ever worry about people humiliating your Niqab. They probably envy you and your strength, that’s all! So hold you head high because you are one of those strong and rare women who can dress to please only Allah. Stay strong!

So now, I’m not afraid of any comments haters throw at me. I just remind myself that these people have been imprisoned by others, but me-I’m free. Free to dress as I please-not to please others, but only my Lord. And at the end of the day, that’s all what counts!

Note: These are my very personal opinions and it doesn’t apply for all Niqabis. We are all entitled to our own opinions and this is mine. 

SOLACE TO A DEPRESSED HEART

Sometimes, when we get depressed, nothing seems to comfort us at all. I’ve had times where depression really hits me hard, but Alhamdulillah, I’ve grown over it ever since I heard that a true Muslim can never be depressed. How can Muslim ever be depressed when he has got Allah right by His side, ever ready to hear all his cries and answer his Duas? How can a Muslims be depressed when he knows that this world is transient and that our true abode is in Jannah where the pleasures we are promised are beyond our imagination. Jannah is such a beautiful place that has pleasures no eye has ever seen, no ear has ever heard and no mind can ever grasp and comprehend. Each time we are suffering from a bout of depression, just think of Allah and His Jannah, and trust me, it really helps to make you feel a lot better.

When you are depressed, just remember that there is another person somewhere in the world who is suffering a hundred times more than you. This is exactly why our Prophet Muhammad (Sal) has asked us to look at people who are not so well off as we are so that we may be thankful to Allah and not look at people who are better off than us because that is when our heart incline to being ungrateful to the numerous blessings Allah has bestowed upon us. This is exactly what Shaitan wants us to feel like, so don’t ever fall into his trap. When any thought like this ever crosses your mind, say A’oozhubillahi min as-shaitaani rajeem (I seek refuge in Allah from Shaitan-the rejected one).

I found this amazing piece on the web titled ‘To you whose eyes are loaded with tears’. I’m sure anyone depressed would find so much of solace after reading this. It made me feel so much better Alhamdulillah!

Oh  you whose mind has wandered in grief, Oh you whose eyes are loaded with tears; relax and know that your Creator aids, and that His mercy will bring you peace. And know that your reward is secure with He Who doesn’t disappoint the one who seeks to please Him. Be at peace, for after poverty comes joyous meeting, and after sleeplessness comes sound rest. O you who are oppressed in the lands, who suffer from hunger, pain, sickness and poverty, rejoice in the knowledge that you will soon be satisfied with food and that you will be happy and in good health. 

Let us make these supplications, their purpose being to eliminate hardship, anxiety and grief: 

"There is none worthy of worship except Allah, the Ever Forbearing, the Most Great. There is none worthy of worship except Allah, the Lord of the Tremendous Throne. There is none worthy of worship One Who sustains and protects all that exists, there is none worthy of worship except You, and by Your Mercy do we seek Your aid." 

"So be patient, with a good patience..." (Qur'an 70:5)

          ''After every difficulty comes ease'' (Al-Quran)

I also love these words by Umar (ral). It’s just so inspiring MashaAllah!

“No amount of guilt can change the past and no amount of worrying can change the future. Go easy on yourself for the outcome of all affairs is determined by Allah’s Decree. If something is meant to go elsewhere, it will never come your way, but if it is yours by destiny, from it you cannot flee.”

 Also remember that if Allah has willed something for you, it will reach you even if it be between a mountain and if it wasn’t meant for you, it wouldn’t reach you even if it be in between your lips.

Hopefully, those who are reading this feel better now In Sha Allah! :)

HIJAB INSPIRATION

With so many people degrading-or rather trying as hard as they can to degrade Muslim women in the Hijab, our Hijabi sisters do need a lot of encouragement and Hijab haters need to understand the wisdom behind the beauty of the Hijab. So this is one story I'd like all Hijabis, future Hijabis and everyone else to read. 

A Non-Muslim man once approached a Muslim Scholar and asked him why women in Islam had to wear the Hijab, when it seemed to be a form of subjugation and oppression to the rights of women. The Scholar, in reply to this question, took out two toffees from his pocket. He removed the covering of one toffee and threw it onto the bare ground. He then took another freshly wrapped toffee out of his pocket and threw it on the bare ground. He then picked both the toffees and offered it to the Non-Muslim and asked him to take what he wanted. This man, obviously choose the toffee that was covered.

The Scholar then asked him, ‘I offered you two toffees, both of which had fallen on the ground. Tell me why you choose this one.’ 

The man replied, ‘Because it’s covered”.

The Scholar then said, “This is why our women our covered. They are beautifully covered, and just like you chose the covered toffee, our women choose to be covered. You chose the toffee that was unsoiled and protected in its wrapper rather than the one that was open and soiled. It's the same with our women too. They respect themselves and receive their due respect too because they are covered and protected-Not open and soiled for all to see."

NOTE: I can't remember the exact wording of the story because I read it some time back. The general idea is the same though-I've just written it in my own words with a few additions.