Making life changes for the New Islamic Year

The_truth

Well-Known Member
Making life changes for the New Year


Bismillahirahmaaniraheem

In the name of Allah most gracious most merciful


Reflecting over the past year


There are no prescribed celebrations for the new year in Islam, however, it’s always good to take such occasions as opportunities to reflect on how well (or badly) we have performed over the past year, in terms of dunya (wordly life) and akhira (the hereafter), as well as what we want to achieve over the coming year.

When reflecting back, if we see that we were successful in achieving lots of good deeds and doing good works, then say “Al-Hamdulillah!” and ask Allah for more in the coming year. However If like me you see otherwise, then ask Allah for forgiveness and start a new sheet with the new year promising yourself to do better, inshaAllah.


The World in Three Days


It is reported from Al-Hasan Al-Basrî – Allâh have mercy on him – that he said:

The life of this world is made up of three days: yesterday has gone with all that was done; tomorrow, you may never reach; but today is for you so do what you should do today. Al-Bayhaqî, Al-Zuhd Al-Kabîr p197.


So it is a wonderful time for reflection and to better ourselves. To start a new clean fresh sheet. Forget the past now but let us take lessons from it so that we can do better in the present. The past does not matter as it is gone. The future does not matter as much as it is not certain we will see the future but what matters is NOW. That we make the best of now and every second we have left.


The Angel of Death has been Assigned to You!


It is narrated that ‘Uthmân b. Áffân – Allâh be pleased with him – said in a sermon:

Son of Adam! Know that the angel of death who has been assigned to you has not ceased to pass you and move on to others, ever since you have been in this world. But it is as if he is about to pass someone else and move on to target you, so be careful and prepare for him (by correcting your deeds). And do not forget him, for he does not forget you. And know o son of Adam, if you are heedless about yourself and do not prepare, no one else will prepare for you. You must meet Allah the Mighty and Majestic, so take for yourself and do not leave it to someone else. Peace be on you.Abû Bakr Al-Daynûrî, Al-Mujâlasah wa Jawâhir Al-Ílm 2: 73, 74.


A New beginning


So let the new year be a new beginning for us. A new fresh start. Let our goals, desires and ambitions be that of the hereafter for that is all that should matter to us. If we chase the this world then it will go further away from us. But if we chase the hereafter then we will gain both this world AND the hereafter - Thats 2 in 1.

So let us chase that which will last forever not that which can end at any second. Let us internalise these changes and prepare our minds so that we may embrace a life where we strive to get closer to Allah and do everythinhg we can to please him. We will all trip and fall for that is human nature, but we should get into the habit of asking Allah for forgiveness for he loves it when we ask of him and beg of him for mercy. He loves to forgive. He waits for his slaves to ask of him so that he can forgive them. He looks for every excuse to forgive us. What a merciful lord he is. So let us turn to him. Let us make our goal the hereafter.

Do we not want to see the face of Allah in Jannah? Surely we should crave to see his beautiful face for ONLY the believers will be able to see. Not evern the angels have seen the face of Allah. That pleasure is reserved for the believers. Subhanallah. The higher our Paradise the more we will be able to see Allah each day.


The Meeting with Allah in Jannah - Very emotional


[video=youtube_share;ukBX2TvfyQE]


Can you imagine seeing Allah each and everyday? But we will only be able to do so if we get to the higher ranks. For that we will have to work hard in this world. But what is working hard for a few years compared to an ETERNITY OF PLEASURE?

Wise are the words of the one who said ... "I expect to pass through this world but once; any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now; let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again."


Give preferance then to Eternity over this temporary existence


The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said: "He who loves his worldly life will harm his Hereafter. And he who loves his Hereafter will harm his worldly life. Give preference then, to that which is eternal (The Hereafter) over that which is temporary". (Ahmed)


Focusing on our main goals everyday


Surely then from now on our goals must be to live for the hereafter which is eternal. To live everyday pleasing the one who created us and yearning to meet with him in Jannah. This is what should motivate us each day and what we should live for. This is what should drive us to make the best of each second that we have left.


Hamid al-Qasyrasi (rahimahullah) said:

“Though we know death is certain, we have not prepared ourselves for it.

Though we know paradise is definite, we have not worked for it.


Though we know the hell fire is certain, we have not feared it.

So why are you delighted?

What are you waiting for?


Death is the first visitor from the Almighty bringing good or evil tidings… so get closer to your Lord!”


Change your life forever. Watch and reflect over these amazing short clips:


The Goodly Life - A must see


[VIDEO]


Oh that i regret


[video=youtube_share;GGnAxOlA2Dg]


Repent and choose a life devoted to Allah - Very touching


[video=youtube_share;or2KUaOV8jw]


Soul touching Qur'an recitation

[VIDEO]
 
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The_truth

Well-Known Member
The Blessed Day of Ashura - The Day of Victory



The most blessed day in Muharram is the 10th of Muharram which is called the day of Ashura. This is the day Allah gave the believers and followers of Musa (As) victory against evil of Pharoah.

Hazrat Ibn Abbas (Radiyallahu 'anh) reports that the Holy Nabi (Sall Allahu alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallim) arrived in Madinah and found the Jews observing fast on the day of ‘Ashura… They said: "It is the day of great (significance) when Allah delivered Hazrat Musa ('Alaihis-Salaam) and his people and drowned Pharoah and his people, and Sayyidina Musa ('Alaihis-Salaam) observed fast out of gratitude. And we also observe it." The Holy Messenger of Allah (Sall Allahu alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallim) responded: "We have more right, and we have closer connection with Sayyidina Musa ('Alaihis-Salaam) than you have"; so Allah’s Messenger (Sall Allahu alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallim) observed fast (on the day of ‘Ashura) and gave us orders to observe it. [Sahih Bukhari and Muslim]


Fasting on the day of Ashura (10th of Muharram)



Ibn 'Abbas (RA) said:
"I never saw the Messenger of Allah, upon whom be peace, so keen to fast any day and give it priority over any other than this day, the day of 'Ashura, and this month, meaning Ramadhan." [Reported by al-Bukhari, 1867]
It is recommended to fast a day before or after Ashura as well so that we do not copy the jews who just fast on the day of Ashura. So we should fast the 9th and 10th or the 10th and 11th of Muharram.




Consider the following article which will explain in detail the significance of the blessed day of Ashura:


Ashura: Lessons of Leadership


A day of victory is remembered today. Victory of Truth against Falesehood, of the Weak against the Strong, of those who are with Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala) against those who are with Shaytaan.

On this day, the 10th of Muharram, Prophet Musa – Moses – (Peace be upon him) was saved from Pharaoh. This was nothing short of a miracle, to the extent that the people of Musa could hardly believe it until Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala) made the body of Pharaoh reach the shores and they confirmed he was dead.

I want to pick one element of this story which I believe is a key lesson for all of us to learn from, and that is the certainty of Musa (Peace be upon him) in the victory of Allah.


Imagine this scenario:Musa and his people (at least 1000 people) with women and children are running away from certain death from the biggest oppressor of their time, and he’s running with them towards the sea. His people are asking him “where are you taking us Musa?! Why aren’t we going north towards Palestine and Syria?” Musa replies, “This is what I’ve been commanded”. They reach the sea and it’s a dead end. They can neither advance nor can they retreat or change direction. To make matters worse, they see the massive army of Pharaoh filling the horizon and ready to charge!

Imagine you’re Musa at that time; thousands of people crying out at your feet “Musa! Musa! Where have you taken us?! They are going to kill us!” Women and children crying, what would you say? How would you respond?… just imagine those moments and put yourself in that situation. Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala) described this situation in the Quran, He said:

“And when the two hosts saw each other, the companions of Musa (Moses) said: “We are sure to be overtaken.” (Quran, Ash-Shuara, Chapter 26, Verse 61)

But how did Musa respond?

“[Musa (Moses)] said: “Nay, verily with me is my Lord. He will guide me.” (Quran, Ash-Shuara, Chapter 26, Verse 62)

Immediately after this proclamation of certainty, what happens?

“Then We revealed to Musa (Moses) (saying): “Strike the sea with your stick.” And it parted, and each separate part (of that sea water) became like huge mountain.
Then We brought near the others [Fir'aun's (Pharaoh) party] to that place.
and We saved Musa (Moses) and all those with him.
Then We drowned the others.” (Quran, Ash-Shuara Chapter 26, Verses 63-66)

One man’s certainty of His Lord’s victory saved the thousands of doubters who are with him from certain death. There’s an important leadership lesson here from an individual perspective as well as Ummah perspective: From an individual perspective, and if you’re a leader, the lesson above show that if you believe in something, and you’re acting out of true certainty that it’ll help reach you and your organisation to the “promised land” then you should stand firm against the doubts of the doubters and proceed.

Leadership takes courage, and it takes a leap of faith to step into the unknown, but it has to be done otherwise you face the end of your organisation or team. This is not to say that you shouldn’t listen to your team members or that you should cross every dangerous terriorty, but this says that if you’ve done your research, you can see where you’re going, and as a Muslim you’ve prayed istikhara, made dua, and have sincere intentions than have that certainty. There’s nothing like indecision and doubt that kills a leader and kills an organisation.

From an Ummah perspective, the lessons of this day, and perhaps the reason why Prophet Mohammed (Peace be upon him) asked us to fast this day in order to contemplate this lesson is that we should be sure of Allah’s victory for this Ummah, and we should be optimistic against all odds. A ProductiveMuslim never quits and he/she never gives up, he doesn’t listen to the 1000s of media channels that depress you and tell you how weak the Muslim Ummah is but he/she looks for signs of hope and inspiration and firmly believes that “verily with me is my Lord. He will guide me.”

Article taken from: http://www.productivemuslim.com/ashoura-lessons-of-leadership/
 

The_truth

Well-Known Member
The Fast of ‘Ashura (The 10th of Muharram) is on Tuesday (6th Dec)

The Fast of ‘Ashura (The 10th of Muharram) is on Tuesday (6th Dec)



The blessed day of Ashura (10th of Muharram) will be on Tuesday (6th Dec) in the UK. It is recommended to fast a day before or a day after the day of Ashura as well so that we can be different from the Jews who fast only on the day of Ashura.

So we can fast: Monday the 5th of December (9th of Muharram) & Tuesday 6th of Dec (10th of Muharram) or

Tues 6th of December (10th of Muharram) & Wednesday 7th of December (11th of Muharram).



For the
UK the Sehri and Iftar times for the 9th, 10th and 11th of Muharram are:


9th Muharram: Sehri ends:
6:03 am Iftar is: 3:52 pm

10th Muharram: Sehri ends:
6:04 am Iftar is: 3:52 pm

11th Muharram: Sehri ends: 6:05 am Iftar is: 3:52 pm


The Virtues of fasting on the day of Ashura


Mu’awiyah ibn Abu Sufyan (Ra) relates: I heard the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) say: "It is the day of ‘Ashura. Allah has not made fasting obligatory for you. But I am fasting. He who likes to observe fast among you should do so, and he who likes not to observe it (does not have to) observe it."[Sahih Muslim]


A whole year of sins forgiven for fasting on the day of Ashura:

Abu Qatada (Ra) relates that the Prophet (Sall Allahu alaihi wa Sallim) said:The fast on the 10th of Muharram atones for the sins of the preceding year. [Sahih Muslim]


Fasting the 9th of Muharram as well as the 10th:

Ibn Abbas (Ra) relates that when the Prophet (Sall Allahu alaihi wa Sallim) said: "If I survive till next year, I will definitely observe fast on the 9th of Muharram (as well)." [Sahih Muslim]


Note: This indicates that it is preferred to fast the 9th as well as the 10th of Muharram, however one can still fast 10th and 11th or even all 3. The more one fasts in the month of Muharram the more rewards one can gain:

Abu Huraira (Ra) reports that the Prophet (Sall Allahu alaihi wa Sallim) said: After Ramadan, the fasts of Muharram have the greatest excellence. [Sahih Muslim]


The Historical Significance of ‘Ashura



Ibn Abbas (RA) reports that the Prophet (Sall Allahu alaihi wa Sallim) arrived in Madinah and found the Jews observing fast on the day of ‘Ashura… They said:"It is the day of great (significance) when Allah delivered Musa ('Alaihis-Salaam) and his people and drowned Pharoah and his people, and Musa ('Alaihis-Salaam) observed fast out of gratitude. And we also observe it." The Prophet (Sall Allahu alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallim) responded:"We have more right, and we have closer connection with Musa ('Alaihis-Salaam) than you have"; so Allah’s Messenger (Sall Allahu alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallim) observed fast (on the day of ‘Ashura) and gave us orders to observe it. [Sahih Bukhari and Muslim]


May Allah enable us to benefit from fasting on these days and make us closer to him throughout the year. Ameen
 

The_truth

Well-Known Member
The Angel of Death may be Assigned to You this year!


It is narrated that ‘Uthmân b. Áffân – Allâh be pleased with him – said in a sermon:

Son of Adam! Know that the angel of death who has been assigned to you has not ceased to pass you and move on to others, ever since you have been in this world. But it is as if he is about to pass someone else and move on to target you, so be careful and prepare for him (by correcting your deeds). And do not forget him, for he does not forget you. And know o son of Adam, if you are heedless about yourself and do not prepare, no one else will prepare for you. You must meet Allah the Mighty and Majestic, so take for yourself and do not leave it to someone else. Peace be on you.Abû Bakr Al-Daynûrî, Al-Mujâlasah wa Jawâhir Al-Ílm 2: 73, 74.


So this year could be our very last so there is NO time to delay but prepare NOW as tomorrow may never come!
 

The_truth

Well-Known Member
Important dates in Muharram 2021:

9th Muharram - Wednesday 18th August.

10th Muharram (The Day of Ashura) - Thursday 19th August.

11th Muharram - Friday 20th August.

New Year New Me - The virtues of Muharram:

 
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