The Ramadan Pocket Guide 2015 / 1436

#yougiveweserve1 Assalaamu Alaikum

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.

2 OneTogether.co.uk Design: 3 The Wisdom of Fasting

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 Contents reflect and re-assess our spiritual growth. • It is meant as a way to cleanse your body from harmful impurities and The Wisdom of Fasting 5 revitalise your soul by teaching self-control and self-discipline Duas and Everyday Essentials 6 The Month of Qur’an 7 • Fasting encourages us to think about those less fortunate than us. When we feel Pearls from the Qur’an 8 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 The Month of Giving 11 compulsory charity (Zakat). The Sunnah of Eating 12 Foods from the Sunnah 13 • A person who fasts will have his past sins forgiven. Allah (swt) says, “Every (sinful) Supplications from the Qur’an 14 deed can be expiated; and the fast is for Me, so I will give the reward for it; and the Supplications from the Qur’an 16 smell which comes out of the mouth of a fasting person, is better in Allah’s Sight than the smell of musk.” (Bukhari) Sayyid al-Istighfar Dua for forgiveness 17 • The Prophet (pbuh): said: “There are three people whose supplications are Focus in Salaat (Khushoo’) 18 not rejected: the fasting person when he breaks the fast, the just ruler and the 99 names of Allah (swt) 20 supplication of the oppressed.” (Tirmidhi) Religious dues 23 Zakat calculator 24 Post Ramadan Goals 25 You Give, We Serve 27 A Thank You to everyone... 28

4 you give, we serve. 5 Duas and Everyday The Month of Qur’an Ramadan is the month in which the Qur’an was revealed, so what better time Essentials to reconnect ourselves to Allah (swt) through it. In this blessed month remember to pray for your needs, those of “And this is a blessed Scripture which We have revealed. So follow it and your family and friends, the Ummah and for all humanity. 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 Intention for beginning the fast it proper etiquette and reverence. Indeed,He (swt) has said: Recommended to read the night before the fast “Whosoever exalts the signs of Allah, that is indeed from the piety of hearts.” (Qur’an 22:32)

“Wa bisawmi ghadin nawaytu min shahri ramadaan.” Some Merits of Reading Some Etiquettes of Reading the Qur’an the Qur’an (Taken from Imam an-Nawawi’s “I intend to keep the fast tomorrow in the month of Ramadan.” Al Tibyan fi Adab Hamalat al Qur’an)

Dua for breaking the fast The Prophet (pbuh) said: “The Make wudhu to be in a state best amongst you is the one who of ritual purity. learns the Qur’an and teaches it.” (Bukhari).

The Qur’an will intercede for its Wear clean clothes. readers on the day of resurrection “Allahumma laka sumtu wa bika aamantu wa ‘alayka tawakkaltu (Muslim). wa ‘alaa rizqika aftartu.” Each letter read from the Qur’an Begin with a sincere intention, “O Allah! I fasted for You and I believe in You and I put my trust is rewarded with a good deed, and seeking Allah’s (swt) pleasure and in You and I break my fast with Your sustenance.” each good deed is rewarded ten- not for worldly gain. fold (Tirmidhi). Recommended dua for Ramadan Reading Qur’an is a form of Sit calmly, avoiding unnecessary remembrance of Allah (swt), of movement and face the qibla. which we are told: “Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest!” (Qur’an 13:28) “Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun kareemun tuhibbul ‘afwa fa’fu ‘annee.” “O Allah, You are the best forgiver. You love forgiveness, Complete the Qur’an 4.5 pages after each prayer = so forgive me.” (Tirmidhi) * 1 completion of the Qur’an in a month in 27 days

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

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.

Surah Al Baqarah and Surah Al Kafirun Surah Ali Imran The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Recite The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Read the Surah Al Kafirun and then go to sleep two radiant ones Al Baqarah and after coming to its end, for it is a Ali Imran for they will come on the clearance from shirk.” (Abu Dawud) Day of Resurrection like two clouds, or two shades, or two flocks of birds, Surah An-Nasr pleading for their companions.” Anas (radiAllahu anhu) reported (Muslim) that the Prophet (pbuh) said: “It is equivalent to a fourth of the Qur’an.” Surah Ya-Sin (Tirmidhi) The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Everything has a heart and the heart of the Surah Al Ikhlas Qur’an is Ya-Sin. Anyone who reads Anas (ra) mentioned that a man said to it, God will write down for him ten the Prophet (pbuh): “I really love this readings of the Qur’an.” (Tirmidhi) surah.” The Prophet (pbuh) replied: “And your love for it will enable you Surah Ad Dukhan to enter paradise.” (Tirmidhi) The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Whosoever recites Surah Ad-Dhukhan every Surah An Naas and night, seventy thousand angels will Surah Al Falaq ask forgiveness for him.” (Tirmidhi) A’isha (ra) reported that whenever the Prophet (pbuh) became sick, he would Surah Al ‘Adiyat recite Surah Al Falaq and Surah An The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Whoever Naas and then blow his breath over his recites Al ‘Adiyat his regard equals body. (Bukhari) one half of the Qur’an.” (Tirmidhi)

8 you give, we serve. 9 The Month of Generosity

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 thatPlanting we remember a otherstree 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. Virtues of Giving • A man asked the Messenger • The Prophet (pbuh) said: of Allah (pbuh): “Which act in “He who feeds a fasting person Islam is the best?’’ He (pbuh) will gain the same reward as he replied: “To feed (the poor and will, without decreasing from the needy) and to greet those the fasting person’s rewards.” whom you know and those you (Ahmad) do not know.” (Bukhari • A recurrent charity, or Sadaqah and Muslim) Jariyah, brings reward to the • Giving charity removes sins, giver so long as their charity as Allah’s Messenger (pbuh) said: continues to help and benefit “Charity extinguishes sin others. The few examples of as water extinguishes fire.” Sadaqah Jariyah are: (Tirmidhi) • Building a well • The one who gives does not lose • Educating a child anything, but is recompensed with a great reward from Allah • Building a Mosque (swt). (see: Qur’an 57:7) • Planting a tree

10 11 The Sunnah of Eating Foods from the Sunnah Eat with blessing and Etiquette of eating Our beloved Prophet (pbuh) frequently advised on the * ** follow the Sunnah with others nutritional value of certain foods to help us nurture and heal our bodies. We’ve selected a few to guide you through healthy • Begin with the name of Allah (swt), • Allow elders and guests eating according to the Qur’an and the Sunnah. Bon appetit! by saying: “Bismillah.” to begin eating first Honey Dates • Thank Allah (swt) for having • Avoid silence and hold Allah (swt) says in the Qur’an about Mentioned more than 20 times in provided and blessed you with good conversation bees, “There comes forth from their the Qur’an. Muslims generally break the food • Do not wish to eat more than bellies, a drink of varying colour their fast by eating dates. Prophet • Eat with your right hand your companion wherein is healing for men. Verily, in Muhammad (PBUH) once said: “if this is indeed a sign for people who anyone of you is fasting, let him break • Eat odd numbers of dates • Eat in a way so that your think.” (16:69) his fast with dates; but if he cannot companion does not need to get any, then (he should break his fast) Pomegranate • Appreciate the bounty of food with water, for water is purifying.” (Abu encourage you to eat more Mentioned three times in the Qur’an, and eat with moderation Dawud) In addition to providing the pomegranate is thought to be effective • Avoid watching or observing body with its needed energy, dates • Avoid wastage and criticism against heart disease, high blood your companions eating also have high levels of potassium and of food pressure and some cancers. increase the feeling of fullness after • Be courteous and avoid speech • Eat with others and share food Olives and Olive Oil consumption. that may offend others eating Olives are mentioned six times in the • Eat with a good intention. For with you Vinegar Qur’an. The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Eat of instance, to nourish yourself so Allah’s Messenger (pbuh) said: “The its oil and use it (the olives), for indeed best of condiments or condiment is that you can serve Allah (swt) it is from a blessed tree.” (Tirmidhi) vinegar.” (Muslim) • Eat with the realisation that Figs eating is not an end in itself, Allah (swt) swears by the fig in the but rather a means of increasing Qur’an, and it is a fruit known for its your obedience to Allah (swt) health benefits, including aiding with digestion.

*Adapted from Imam an-Nawawi’s, **Adapted from Imam Ghazali’s Al Ihya Riyadhus Saliheen. ‘Uloom ad-deen. 12 13 Supplications from the Qur’an

َر َّب َنا ِآت َنا ِفي ُّالدْن َيا َح َس َن ًة َو ِفي ِاآلخ َر ِة َح َس َن ًة َو ِق َنا َع َذ َاب َّالن ِار Rabbana 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)

َر ِّب ْاج َع ْل ِني ُم ِق َيم َّالص َال ِة َو ِمن ُذ ِّر َّي ِتي َر َّب َنا َوَت َق َّب ْل ُد َعاء Rabbij’alni muqeemas-salaati wa min dhurriyyati, Rabbanaa wa “Verily your Lord is taqabbal du’aa. Generous and Shy. “O my Lord! Make me one who performs Salaat, and (also) If His servant raises from my offspring, our Lord! And accept my invocation.” his hands to Him (in (Qur’an 14:40) supplication) He becomes shy to return them empty.” (Tirmidhi) َّر ِّب ْاغ ِف ْر َو ْار َح ْم َوَأ َنت َخ ْي ُر َّالر ِاح ِم َني Rabbighfir 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)

14 you give, we serve. 15 Supplications Sayyid al-Istighfar from the Qur’an Dua for forgiveness Shaddad ibn Aws (ra) narrated that the Prophet (pbuh) said: :”The most superior request for forgiveness is to say“ َر َّب َنا َظ َل ْم َنا َأ ُنف َس َنا َوِإن َّل ْم َت ْغ ِف ْر َل َنا َوَت ْر َح ْم َنا َل َن ُك َون َّن ِم َن ْ َال ِاس ِر َين Rabbana 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)

َر َّب َنا ْاغ ِف ْر ِلي َوِل َو ِال َد َّي َوِل ْل ُم ْؤ ِم ِن َني َي ْو َم َي ُق ُوم ْ ِال َس ُاب Rabbanagh-fir wa li walidayya wa lilmu’mineena yawma yaqoomul-hisaab. “Allahumma anta Rabbee laa ilaaha illaa ant. Khalaqtanee wa ana ‘abduka wa ana ‘alaa ‘ahdika wa wa’dika mastata’t. A’oodhu bika min “Our Lord! Forgive me and my parents, and (all) the believers on sharri ma sana’t. Aboo-u laka bi ni’matika ‘alayya wa aboo-u laka bi the Day when the reckoning will be established.” (Qur’an 14:41) dhambee, faghfirlee fa innahoo laa yaghfirudh-dhunooba illaa ant.” O Allah, You are my Lord. There is no God besides You. You“ َر َّب َنا َال ُت ِز ْغ ُق ُل َوب َنا َب ْع َد ِإ ْذ َه َد ْي َت َنا َو َه ْب َل َنا ِمن َّل ُد َنك َر ْح َم ًة ِإ َّن َك َأ َنت ْال َو َّه ُاب Rabbana laa tuzigh quloobana ba’da idh hadaytana wa hablana created me and I am Your servant, following Your covenant and mil-ladunka rahmah innaka antal Wahhaab. (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 “Our Lord! Let not our hearts deviate (from the truth) after You bestowed upon me and I confess my sins to You. So forgive me, have guided us, and grant us mercy from You. Truly, You are the for surely no one can forgive sins except You.” Bestower.” (Qur’an 3:8) 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)

16 you give, we serve. 17 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 Prayer • Focus whilst performing your • Come to prayer with a balance of wudhu and perform it with love, fear and awe of Allah (swt) remembrance of Allah (swt) in your heart

• Avoid conversation during wudhu • Come to prayer seeking the bounty and reward of Allah (swt) • Wash each part of the body with the belief that you are purifying • See it as a means of getting closer yourself before meeting Allah (swt) to your Creator

• Come to prayer with humility and • Learn the meanings of what you with a belief that Allah (swt) will are saying, particularly Surah Al forgive you of your sins Fatiha

• Wear nice clothes and present • Perform each movement yourself with the awareness that slowly and with calmness you will be standing before the Lord of all creation • Pray as if it is your last prayer

Awareness Awareness Awareness of the heart of the mind of the body To remember To stay alert and To avoid rushing intention and attentive to your and to perfect each purpose actions movement

18 you give, we serve. 19 36 35 34 33 32 31 99 names of Allah (swt) The Prophet (pbuh) said: “To Allah belongs 99 names, 100 minus 1, anyone Ash-Shakur Al-Ghafur Al-’Azim Al-Halim Al-Khabir Al-Latif who memorises them will enter Paradise; He (Allah) is odd (odd number, The Rewarder of The Forgiver & The The The All Aware The Subtle He is the Only One), and He loves odd numbers.” Thankfulness Hider of Faults Magnificent Forbearing One (Muslim)

42 41 40 39 38 37 06 05 04 03 02 01

Al-Jalil Al-Hasib Al-Muqit Al-Hafiz Al-Kabir Al-’Aliyy As-Salam Al-Quddus Al-Malik Ar-Rahim Ar-Rahman Allah The Mighty The Accounter The Nourisher The Preserver The Greatest The Highest The Source of The Pure One The Absolute The All The All The Greatest Peace Ruler Merciful Compassionate Name

48 47 46 45 44 43 12 11 10 09 08 07

Al-Wudud Al-Hakim Al-Wasi’ Al-Mujib Ar-Raqib Al-Karim Al-Khaliq Al-Mutakabbir Al-Jabbar Al-’Aziz Al-Muhaymin Al-Mu’min The Loving The Perfectly The All The Responder The Watchful The Generous The Creator The Greatest The Compellor The Victorious The Guardian The Inspirer One Wise Comprehending of Prayer One of Faith

54 53 52 51 50 49 18 17 16 15 14 13

Al-Qawwiy Al-Wakil Al-Haqq Ash-Shahid Al-Ba’ith Al-Majid Ar-Razzaq Al-Wahhab Al-Qahhar Al-Ghaffar Al-Musawwir Al-Bari’ The Possessor The Trustee The Truth The Witness The The Majestic The Sustainer The Giver The Subduer The Forgiving The Shaper of The Maker of of All Strength Resurrector One of All Beauty Order

60 59 58 57 56 55 24 23 22 21 20 19

Al-Mu’id Al-Mubdi Al-Muhsi Al-Hamid Al-Waliyy Al-Mateen Ar-Rafi’ Al-Khafid Al-Basit Al-Qabid Al-’Alim Al-Fattah The Restorer The Originator The Appraiser The Praised The Governor The Forceful The Exalter The Abaser The Reliever The The Knower The Opener One One Constrictor of All

66 65 64 63 62 61 30 29 28 27 26 25

Al-Majid Al-Wajid Al-Qayyum Al-Hayy Al-Mumit Al-Muhyi Al-’Adl Al-Hakam Al-Basir As-Sami’ Al-Mudhill Al-Mu’izz The Glorious The Finder The Self Exist- The Ever Living The Taker The Giver The Just The Judge The Seer The Hearer The Humiliator The Bestower ing One One of Life of Life of All of All of Honours 20 21 72 71 70 69 68 67 Religious dues Zakat ul Fitr, Zakat, Fidya & Kaffarah Al-Muakkhir Al-Muqaddim Al-Muqtadir Al-Qaadir As-Samad Al-Wahid The Delayer The Expediter The Creator of The The Satisfier of The One, The Zakat ul Fitr Fidya All Power All Powerful All Needs All Inclusive, The Invisible Zakat ul Fitr must be paid before Fidya is paid when three 78 77 76 75 74 73 the Eid prayer by each adult Muslim conditions are met: for themselves and each of their 1) They are unable to fast in dependants. The amount this year Ramadan. is £5 per head. Al-Muta’ali Al-Waliyy Al-Batin Az-Zahir Al-Akhir Al-Awwal 2) They are unable to make them up The Supreme The Protecting The Hidden The Manifest The Last The First in the rest of the year (e.g. due to One Friend One One Zakat lifelong illness). What is Zakat? 84 83 82 81 80 79 One of the five pillars of Islam, Zakat 3) They do not expect to ever be able literally means ‘to cleanse’ or ‘purify’. to make up the fasts. Paying Zakat on your wealth purifies The one who pays Fidya does not have it and increases what remains. It also to make up the fast. Those who do Malik-al Mulk Ar-Ra’uf Al-’Afuww Al-Muntaqim At-Tawwab Al-Barr The Owner The Clement The Forgiver The Avenger The Guide to The Doer of reminds us that our wealth belongs not meet these conditions but have a of All Repentance Good to Allah. valid reason can make up the fast after Why pay it during Ramadan? Ramadan. 90 89 88 87 86 85 Good deeds are multiplied 70 times Kaffarah this month, making it the perfect time to pay your Zakat. Kaffarah must be paid by the person How much should I pay? who deliberately misses or breaks a Al-Mani’ Al-Mughni Al-Ghani Al-Jami’ Al-Muqsit Dhul-al Jalal wa- fast with no valid reason, who must The Preventer The Enricher The Rich One The Gatherer The al-Ikram Generally, if the amount of wealth you of Harm Equitable One The Lord & also fast 60 days consecutively. If they Majesty & Bounty have owned for one year exceeds the Nisaab* then Zakat must be paid on are unable to do so, they should feed 96 95 94 93 92 91 that amount. 60 poor people for every fast missed, at a rate of £5 per person. For your silver possessions please refer to the silver Nisaab.* Need help or have a question Al-Baqi Al-Badi’ Al-Hadi An-Nur An-Nafi’ Ad-Darr For gold and monetary possessions, The The Originator The Guide The Light The Creator of The Creator of regarding Zakat? Everlasting One Good the Harmful please refer to the gold Nisaab. Call Muslim Aid’s Zakat helpline For the gold and silver Nisaab, this Ramadan. 99 98 97 visit: muslimaid.org Donate your Zakat NOW 020 7377 4200 As-Sabur Ar-Rashid Al-Warith muslimaid.org The Patient The Righteous The Inheritor One Teacher of All 22 *Nisaab: The amount of wealth a person must own for Zakat to become obligatory. 23 Zakat calculator Post Ramadan Goals Continue your spiritual growth after Ramadan with the following goals Step 1: Work out what you own Cash in hand £ Cash in bank account(s) £ Read a portion of Improve my Qur’an Value of gold (current market value) £ 1 Qur’an everyday 2 recitation/ reading Value of silver (current market value) £

Amount given out in loans (where the debtor £ Offer Nafl Do Wudhu before is able and willing to pay back the loan) 3 prayers regularly 4 sleeping Current value of shares £ Value of goods in stock for sale £ Keep optional fasts on Be mindful of Total Assets £ 5 Mondays and Thursdays 6 your speech (masnoon) Step 2: Work out your outgoings from what you own Give regular charity/ Visit the sick Amount owed in debt (short term loans £ 7 Volunteer to help a local 8 or those payable within a year) cause Expenses (tax, rent and other bills £ due immediately) Keep regular daily Take care of your body 9 invocations 10 through healthy eating Total Liabilities £ and excercise

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

Total Assets Total Liabilities Total Zakat £ £ £

Need help or have a question Donate your regarding Zakat? Zakat NOW Call Muslim Aid’s Zakat helpline 020 7377 4200 this Ramadan. muslimaid.org *Start your regular donation today from as little as £3 a month. 24 Visit muslimaid.org or call 020 7377 4200 25 you give, we serve. 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:

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.

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.

Donate your 020 7377 4200 Zakat NOW muslimaid.org 26 27 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. “The best deeds are those we are consistent with, even if they are small deeds.” (Bukhari)

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