with French translation I believe.
peace and love
Asalamu alaykum
Here’s a quick recipe to revive your energy after a beautiful day of fasting:
Egg fried rice
Bismillah, get cooking!
You need:
1-To start with Bismillah
2-clean hands
3-2 eggs
4- 3 cups of rice already cooked and refrigerated
5- olive oil
6-chopped onions
7-spring onions, chopped
8-garlic and ginger chopped
9-salt and pepper
10-spices (tumeric, paprika, 1/2 tsp each)
11- mixed vegetables (peas, sweetcorn, diced carrots)
Method:
1-Heat the oil in the pan and add the chopped onions, ginger and garlic.
2- When sautéed, add the mixed vegetables and spices, stir.
3- when the vegetables are soft, add the eggs in the pan
4-scramble the eggs around, when cooked, add the rice.
5-stir till the rice is very hot, and add the salt and pepper, and the spring onions
6-serve
7-Wait till iftar to eat! make duas! Then start with bismillah. Thank Allah for His favours and for the food, and for the ability to cook and eat it.
Hope you liked it.
With love for the sake of Allah
Thurrock Muslims
(by the way that picture is not our version of the recipe)
Asalamu alaykum.
Ramadan is the month of the Qur’an.
Won’t we make time for it?
Set aside 5,10,20, X minutes each day, in sha Allah, even little but often, for the sake of Allah, and make sure, we reignite our relationship with this Noble book of guidance, in it is mercy, guidance and healing for the believer.
The month of Ramadhan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey – then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful. [Qur’an, al-Baqarah ,verse 165]
So won’t you read? : )
Read Qur’an here: www.quran.com
peace!
Asalamu alaykum!
10 things that bring about the Love of Allah – Ibn alQayyim
1. Recitation of the Qur’an with reflection and understanding of its meaning.
2. Seeking closeness to Allah by performing voluntary deeds after obligatory ones, for that leads one to the highest levels of love.
3. Remembering Allah in every situation by one’s time, heart and deeds. One’s share of that love is to the degree of one’s share with that remembrance.
4. Preferring what He loves to what you love when your desires are strong.
5. Allowing your heart to reflect on His Names and Attributes.
6. Reflecting on His many favours and blessings both the apparent ones and hidden ones, for that leads to His love.
7. Having your heart soften as it is worshipping Allah.
8. Being alone with Him in worship when He descends during the last third of the night. To invoke Him, to recite His speech (Quran), to stand with all sincerity (in prayer) and with good manners and good submission (humility) and to end that with repentance and seeking His forgiveness.
9. Sitting with those who are truthful in their love of Allah.
10. Staying away from all that creates barriers between the heart and Allah.
Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم to mankind): “If you (really) love Allah then follow me (i.e. accept Islamic Monotheism, follow the Qur’an and the Sunnah), Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” [Qur’an chapter 3 verse 31]
May Allah enable us to be of those whom He loves and is pleased with, and those who practise what we preach, ya Salam, ya Rabb al alameen! Allahumma salli wasallim alaa nabiyinaa Muhammad!
(Jazakallah khair, courtesy of Sheikh Musleh Khan)
Thurrock Muslims
In the name of Allah, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful.
Islam Explained post 3
Ever wondered what the five pillars of Islam are? Why do Muslims have to pray? Do you really stop eating for 30 days in Ramadan? What’s the Hajj?
Look no further for the answer:
The last messenger Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:
‘ “Islam is built upon five [pillars]: the testimony that there is no god but Allaah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah; establishing regular prayer (salaah); paying the zakaah; Hajj (pilgrimage) and fasting Ramadaan.”
(Agreed upon; narrated by al-Bukhaari, no. 8) ‘
These are the five important matters and acts of worship which every Muslim must perform, (see further for more details):
1- Testimony of faith- Muslims must testify that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah alone without partners and associates, and that Muhammad peace be upon him is the final servant and messenger of Allah.
This must be internalised, and uttered and adhered to in both word and deed.
2- Salah/establishing regular prayer- There are five compulsory prayers Muslims are obliged to perform each day. Reference for this obligation can be found in numerous verses of the Qur’an (Allah’s final book of revelation to us).
“Verily, As Salaah (the prayer) is enjoined on the believers at fixed hours”
[Qur’an chapter 4:103]
The prayer is the second most important duty after upholding the testimony of faith, such that abandoning it is tantamount to disbelief. Details on the way to perform Salah, and its importance can be found in statements and narrations of the sayings and teachings of Muhammad peace be upon him, Allah’s final prophet.
3-Zakaah- The Obligatory charity- This requires Muslims whose wealth reaches the required threshold, to pay 2.5% of there wealth in charity to individuals eligible for Zakat funds as mentioned in the 9th chapter of the Qur’an (verse 60), each lunar year.
4- Ramadan/Fasting- Muslims are obligated to fast 29 or 30 days of the 9th month of the Islamic lunar calendar. This requires abstinence from food,drink and intimacy from the beginning of dawn to when the sun has set. Those unable due to a valid reason, e.g.travel, are to make up the days before the next Ramadan. There are more rulings regarding fasting which we have posted in previous blog posts.
“O you who believe! Observing As-Sawm (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious)”
[Qur’an, 2:183]
5- Hajj/pilgrimage- This is a journey to Makkah and surrounding areas which Muslims undertake, at least once in their lifetime, in submission to the command of Allah. Muslims who are adults, sane, free, physically and financially able, (and for women, have a male family member to accompany them) must undertake this journey of devotion to The Supreme Creator, Allah.
“And Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) to the House (Ka‘bah) is a duty that mankind owes to Allaah, those who can afford the expenses (for one’s conveyance, provision and residence); and whoever disbelieves [i.e. denies Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah), then he is a disbeliever of Allaah], then Allaah stands not in need of any of the ‘Aalameen (mankind, jinn and all that exists)”
[Qur’an 3:97]
Hope you like these short insights to Islam.
With peace,
Take care.
(Do leave your comments and questions below!)
Thurrock Muslims
Bismillah
Asalamu alaykum all, Muslims in Thurrock, Basildon, Grays and worldwide. In Sha Allah everything’s good.
Can you believe it’s already one week into Sha’ban 1436, the month preceding Ramadan!
May Allah help us prepare and witness many Ramadan’s in total submission to Him alone and may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon His final messenger Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wasallam. ameen.
Here’s a short video on some beautiful dua’s and words of repentance we can make.
We are human, so we make mistakes and sin. And we sin, small or big sins, once or repeatedly. But don’t despair of Allah’s mercy. Allah is The Most Merciful, The Oft-Pardoning, The Perpetual Forgiver, so never think your sins are to big to be forgiven! Allah accepts us when we run back to Him sincerely repentant, so may Allah make us sincerely repent! ameen!
Oh, and do check out the previous post of the best form of seeking forgiveness,the Sheikh repeats that dua in Arabic in the video below, so be sure to listen!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7MGiMFL8L8&app=desktop
Peace
In the Name of Allah, The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful
Name of Dua- Sayyid-al-istighfaar (The Best Form of Seeking Forgiveness)
(Transliteration of Arabic –approximate representation)
Allaahumma anta rabbiy laa ilaaha illa anta, khalaqtani wa ana ‘abduka wa ana ‘ala ‘ahdika wa wa’dika ma astata’tu. A’oodhu bika min sharri ma sana’tu, aboo’u laka bi ni’matika ‘alayya wa aboo’u laka bi dhanbi, faghfir li fa innahu laa yaghfir al-dhunooba illa anta
(English translation)
‘O Allaah, You are my Lord, none has the right to be worshipped except You, You created me and I am Your servant and I abide to Your covenant and promise as best I can, I take refuge in You from the evil of which I committed. I acknowledge Your favour upon me and I acknowledge my sin, so forgive me, for verily none can forgive sin except You.’
source: from Sunnah, mentioned here
Evidence: from Sunnah sources, Hadith narration
It was narrated from Shaddaad ibn Aws (may Allah be pleased with him) from the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him):
“The best of prayers for forgiveness is: Allaahumma anta rabbiy laa ilaaha illa anta, khalaqtani wa ana ‘abduka wa ana ‘ala ‘ahdika wa wa’dika ma astata’tu. A’oodhu bika min sharri ma sana’tu, aboo’u laka bi ni’matika ‘alayya wa aboo’u laka bi dhanbi, faghfir li fa innahu laa yaghfir al-dhunooba illa anta (O Allaah, You are my Lord, there is no god but You. You have created me and I am Your slave and I am keeping my promise and covenant to You as much as I can. I seek refuge with You from the evil of what I do. I acknowledge Your blessing and I acknowledge my sin, so forgive me, for there is none who can forgive sin except You).” He said: “Whoever says this during the day, believing in it firmly, and dies on that day before evening comes, he will be one of the people of Paradise, and whoever says it at night, believing firmly in it, and dies before morning comes, he will be one of the people of Paradise.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari (6306)
And Allah knows best.
source: http://islamqa.info/en/126934
Please share for the sake of Allah, spread the good, spread the rewards!
Wasalamu alaykum
Thurrock Muslims
Bismillah,wasalatu wasalam alaa rasoolillah
In the name of Allah, The Most Gracious The Most Merciful.
‘And We have sent you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): not but as a mercy for the ‘Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists).'[Qur’an 21: 107]
The final messenger of Allah, Muhammad ibn Abdillah, peace be upon him, the best man who ever lived and walked on the face of this earth. With no comparison, he is known as the most successful man in history and beyond, the best leader, the best warrior, the best businessman, the best husband, the best father, the best companion, the trustworthy, the dignified, the chaste, the modest, the courageous, the morally upright, the epitome of exemplary character…The prophet of Allah, Muhammad, upon him be peace.
Allah says in the Qur’an, (English interpretation) :
‘And Verily, you (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) are on an exalted (standard of) character.’ (Qur’an, 68:4)
Muhammad, peace be upon him, had great concern for his nation- he was swift to help those in need, he was gentle and mild tempered, patient and forbearing.
He was ready… ready to listen to the unheard, ready to defend the weak and oppressed, ready to advise sincerely those seeking advice… ready to convey the truth.
He strove through periods of great difficulty to convey the lofty message- a message conveyed by all prophets and messengers, upon them be peace- a message which resonates with the natural disposition of mankind, the message ‘laa ilaha ilallah ‘ – There is no true god worthy of worship except Allah alone.
The final messenger of Allah, Muhammad peace be upon him, did not fail in his task in the least bit. He succeeded. Far and wide, the mesage is known, and the message is followed.
I bear witness that there is no true god worthy of worship except Allah who is alone without partners or associates, and I bear witness that Muhammad peace be upon him is the servant and messenger of Allah.
His teachings, actions, descriptions, sayings and instructions are revered and adhered to, cherished and conveyed. Muhammad peace be upon him taught us to have high moral character and good manners with The Creator (Allah) and the creation. He taught us how to conduct ourselves in the best and most decent manner. He, upon him be peace, said (English interpretation): I have only been sent (by Allah) to complete the good manners [Al-Hakim].
He was a mercy for mankind. He peace be upon him taught us (English interpretation): The merciful ones are granted mercy by the Most Merciful . Show mercy to those who are on earth, and the One above the heavens will show mercy to you. [Ahmad]
Muhammad peace be upon him conveyed the message which would lead to our peace and salvation in this world and for the life to come. Our purpose in life is clear, to worship exclusively The Supreme Self-Sufficient Creator, Allah, and this is the only way to attain peace and eternal bliss.
Only the fair-minded will emancipate themselves from bigotry and ignorance. Those who mock this mighty messenger, are full of hate today, but tomorrow, will be full of regret. This occurred at the time of the prophet Muhammad peace be upon him, he had enemies, mockers and haters. They intended by their vicious, slanderous profanity and abuse to dissuade the messenger from conveying the message, whilst they knew that all they attributed to him were but fabrications. In the end, these haters failed. They were surely humilated, and what’s to come in the hereafter of humiliation is an unimaginable and inevitable reality. Haters will be haters, but they’ll also be losers. Their true colours have shown, they are what they say, uncivlised, bigoted, hateful, anarchist, slanderous, wretched… deluded…and confused. Drawing from the wisdom exhibited by the prophet Muhammad peace be upon him throughout his lifetime, we learn that we must deal with all people justly. These people, i.e. the mockers, need help and guidance. Let’s keep unsolicited violence out of the equation. Pity is little we can offer them, but education is far more powerful. May Allah guide us all, ameen.
Isn’t it time we educated ourselves about this remarkable man whose call to Islamic monotheism has been received and accepted by discerning people from all walks of life? Isn’t it time we searched for the real, unadultered truth? Isn’t it about time we learnt who he was, what he stood for, and Whom he called to…
Oh Allah may Your peace and blessings be upon Your final prophet muhammad peace be upon him in great abundance, upon his family and companions and those who follow them in righteousness! Ameen! May Allah make us of Muhammad’s followers, peace be upon him, for indeed Allah commanded us to obey and follow the messenger, and this is the only way to true success.
“Indeed in the Messenger of Allâh (Muhammad [sal-Allâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam]) you have a good example to follow for him who hopes for (the Meeting with) Allâh and the Last Day, and remembers Allâh much.” {Al Ahzaab: 21}
Want resources? Start to read the book entitled ‘The Sealed Nectar’ (Ar-Raheequl-Makhtum), a biography of the Final messenger of Allah, Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him, by Safiur-Rahman Al-Mubarakpuri.
Embark on this journey to discover #WhoIsMuhammad (peace be upon him), with the following series:
May Allah forgive us, for He is the Oft-Forgiving, The Most Merciful. And may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wasallam. ameen
In the name of Allah, The Most Gracious The Most Merciful.
Peace people!
Guess what, it’s December again and we’re fast approaching the holiday period.
So we’re all dazzled by the funky lights, surrounded by lofty pine trees, bombarded with special offers and advertisements and perhaps even, confronted by some big old man in a red hat and suit… and ho, ho, how has this got anything to do with this post? Well, I’m getting to it : ]
Now since we are in Britain, and it has traditionally been known as a Christian country, Christmas day, i.e. 25 December is considered a national holiday. You can argue all you want that its been commercialised and it’s no longer a religious thing, but my friend, that’s not the point.
Let’s have a look at the history of Christmas:
According to Britannica Encyclopaedia, Christmas has become a Christian festival where Christians believe they are celebrating the birth of Christ, or Jesus. Historically, however, the date coincides with pagan Roman festivals which celebrated the winter solstice. It is believed that early Christians wanted to celebrate the 25th to coincide with the pagan festival. There is no clear statement in the New testament supporting the celebration of Jesus’ birth on the 25th. Nevertheless, it is still widely celebrated in that manner.
So basically in a nutshell, Christmas day has pagan origins!
Now I’m going to tell you WHY MUSLIMS DON’T CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS, with due respect and no offence intended my friend. : )
In Islam, the MOST IMPORTANT belief is that of Islamic monotheism. That is, we are commanded to submit to and believe in Allah (The One True God), and attribute complete Oneness to Allah as He deserves in His Lordship, Names and Attributes and right to be worshipped alone.
Consequently, as a Muslim, i.e. one who submits to Allah (The One True God), we believe that we must abandon and turn away from anything that contradicts the principles of Islamic monotheism. Polytheism, idolatry and ascribing partners to Allah are MAJOR SINS! The biggest sin which Allah will not forgive, is ascribing partners to Him !
‘Verily, Allah forgives not that partners should be set up with Him (in worship), but He forgives except that (anything else) to whom He wills; and whoever sets up partners with Allah in worship, he has indeed invented a tremendous sin.’ [Qur’an, chapter 4, verse 48- English interpretation]
Allah is so self-sufficient, it does not befit His Majesty to take a son or wife, or to beget or be begotten. He does not resemble His creation, for He is the uncreated Creator, and there is no similitude to Him.
In fact, a remarkably concise description of Allah can be found in chapter 112 of The Noble Qur’an, which is the verbatim words of Allah, and Allah’s final revealed book to mankind.
Have a listen to this chapter here:
Regarding Jesus (peace be upon him), in Islam we believe he was a mighty messenger of Allah. Jesus, or Isa in Arabic, was born a miraculous birth, from the virgin Mary. We refer to Jesus as ‘Isa ibnu Maryam, which means Jesus son of Mary. Jesus did not have a father, and he is not the son of God/Allah, because as we mentioned earlier, it does not befit the majesty of Allah to beget. Allah decreed that Jesus would be born miraculously without a father from the pure chaste virgin Mary. We respect them very much and we know that Jesus never claimed divinity, rather Jesus called his people to worship Allah alone, the same message each prophet and messenger of Allah called to. Jesus’ (peace be upon him) story can be found in the Qur’an in numerous places. (for more information, please see the upcoming post on chapter 19 of the Qur’an entitled Maryam!)
Incidentally, Paganism supports polytheism. Polytheism means worshipping multiple deities. Therefore, the Christian Trinity is essentially polytheism. And as previously mentioned in this blog, Islam means submission to the One True God, Allah, and our purpose in life is to acknowledge Allah’s complete Oneness, to uphold Islamic monotheism, and to attribute absolute Oneness to Allah in His Lordship, names and attributes and right to be worshipped alone.
I hope you understand now, why we don’t celebrate Christmas, why we don’t exchange Christmas greetings and why we don’t give or take cards and gifts on this occasion. It’s nothing to do with you personally, so please don’t take it personally! Because the truth is, as Muslims, the most important One to us is Allah, and the only reason we are alive is for Allah, to serve Him, to worship Him, because we need to worship Him and He doesn’t need us to do that. Whether or not we worship Him, it does not detract or add to His majesty at all. Rather He is The Self-Sufficient, The Majestic, The Rich, Free of all needs. The Lord of all that exists, He is Allah.
Besides, our kind behaviour and gifts to you is not supposed to be limited to a certain day of the year, as Muslims we are required to deal with everyone in a just manner at all times, exhibiting the best character. If we have fallen short in fulfilling our rights towards you as our neighbours, please do forgive us. We make mistakes, after all we are human. Although, we endeavour to follow the best example of excellent moral conduct,as taught to us by Allah’s final prophet and messenger, Muhammad peace be upon him.
I’ll leave you with a verse from the Qur’an to get you thinking.
‘Say (O Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم): “I am only a man like you. It has been revealed to me that your Ilah (God) is One Ilah (God – i.e. Allah). So whoever hopes for the Meeting with his Lord, let him work righteousness and associate none as a partner in the worship of his Lord.” ‘
[Qur’an, chapter 18: v110, english interpretation]
Thanks for reading.
Peace.
Thurrock Muslims
Bismillah
Laa ilaha ill-Allah, MuhammaduRasoolullah!
Thurrock Muslim Community 