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ZAKAT 101- THURROCKMUSLIMS.COM- Easy guide to charity

March 28, 2023Thurrock Muslim Community- thurrockmuslims.comLeave a comment

ZAKAT 101- THURROCKMUSLIMS.COM

Let’s fulfil the 3rd pillar of Islam: ZAKAT, obligatory charity tax.

Zakat or Zakaah/Zakah, means purification or growth.

In Islam, it is paying 2.5% of all your wealth (if it reaches the nisaab/threshold at which you become eligible to pay Zakat) to those who are entitled to receive Zakat, including the poor and needy, in obedience to Allah. Charity is an integral teaching in our faith.

DID YOU KNOW? Zakat is such an important pillar in our religion, Allah has mentioned it in the Qur’an multiple times, and the prophet Muhammad peace be upon him taught us about it.

There are multiple References in The Qur’an and in Sahih Hadith.

‘Zakah expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect [zakah] and for bringing hearts together [for Islam] and for freeing captives [or slaves] and for those in debt and for the cause of Allah and for the [stranded] traveler – an obligation [imposed] by Allah . And Allah is Knowing and Wise.‘

_{The Qur’an Chapter 9 verse 60}
Narrated Ibn `Abbas:
The Prophet (ﷺ) sent Mu`adh to Yemen and said, “Invite the people to testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and I am Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ), and if they obey you to do so, then teach them that Allah has enjoined on them five prayers in every day and night (in twenty-four hours), and if they obey you to do so, then teach them that Allah has made it obligatory for them to pay the Zakat from their property and it is to be taken from the wealthy among them and given to the poor.”
Sahih al Bukhari

How to tell if you owe Zakat? Keep a regular check of your assets, then the moment your wealth reaches the Nisab level (minimum threshold at which you have to start paying Zakat), then you calculate your Zakat each year accordingly.

Example: On 21st Ramadan 1440 (May 2019), you acquired £500 through the full lunar year (Islamic Hijir calendar). The nisab level was approximately worth £250 (based on silver weight prices). Therefore, you must pay 2.5% of £500 in charity as Zakat to fulfil your obligation to Allah. So £500×0.025= £12.50 as Zakat

Now it is 21st Ramadan 1441, (year 2020) 1 year on, and you have £700. The nisab value is around £240, you own that and more. So you will pay Zakat on this day at 2.5% of £700. so £700x 0.025= £17.50 as Zakat

And you note in your calendar next year on the 21st Ramadan 1442ah (in year 2021) you will schedule calculation and payment of Zakat again. In sha Allah

Therefore, your annual Zakat date, or Zakat anniversary is 21ST RAMADAN each year, and it’s your personal deadline by which you must calculate and pay Zakat.
If you need help calculating, lots of Muslim charity organisations can help you out, lots of charities have Zakat calculators, Islamic relief calculator, or you can try National Zakat Foundation’s (NZF) calculator, it’s UK-based and they’ve set up an organised step-by-step calculation system on their website, have a look here: NZF Zakat calculator

Assets are not limited to money, it includes gold, silver and more if you have businesses/shares, rental income/ property and what such. You also factor in your deductible assets, consider debts and bills (check the NZF calculator link above).

If you have gold or silver jewellery, you need to weigh it and calculate the price on the current market value of gold or silver on the day.

So if you have 50g of 24carat gold, the market value today right now is £45.61 per gram. Thats 45.61GBP x 50grams = £2280.50

You pay zakat on 2.5% of £2280.50, or simply 2280.50 x 0.025= £57.03 Zakat (rounded up).

Also, it doesn’t have to be Ramadan when you’re Zakat is due, you may be paying it in another month, depending on when your wealth reached the Nisab value. To read more about Zakat, check out the links at the end of this post. **

Keep it organised in sha Allah and you can fulfil your obligation to Allah, have blessings in your wealth, be stress free and aware of your assets. By the way, everything ultimately belongs to Allah, we are just being tested with what we’ve been entrusted with!

Purify what Allah gave us and spend in His path, in sha Allah , Allah will increase us in good.

Many times we may have been falling short, so be sure to do your best to make up for any short fall as soon as possible. And if you are tested with a shortage in wealth, you only have to pay less Zakat , and by trusting Allah, making tawbah, in sha Allah we will see better days again.

Never think zakat will decrease your wealth, believe Allah will purify it and increase it.

Of us are those with poor and needy relatives, let’s not forget them in sha Allah when paying Zakat and Sadaqah.

Give and Allah will increase you. Let’s take this opportunity to give Sadaqah too, we only have a few days left of this blessed month.

Dua- Remember to say Ameen to our supplication! Alhamdulillah for everything.

May Allah, The Ever-Living, The One True God, The Rich, The Merciful, The Most Powerful, forgive all our errors and guide us to the straight path. May Allah grant us the sincerity and ability to obey Him and fulfil His commands and may He enable us to follow the perfect example of His final Messenger and Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wasallam. Allah protect us from all evil and grant us all good and may Allah help us to remember Him always. May Allah not make Ramadan leave us, except that we are forgiven and guided and may Allah bless and increase us in good, Allah preserve our religion, our worldly life, our hereafter, our health, our family, our wealth, youth, ability, time, our safety, our ummah, our community, our neighbours our nation, our countries our world. Allah guide all of us to His love and mercy. May Allah unite us with the prophets peace be upon them, Allah make us pious and the inheritors of jannat al firdaus, paradise. Allah forgive us and our parents, our grandparents, our predecessors, our families , future generations our successors and all of us. Allah help us to worship Him alone, with perfect understanding of His Oneness, Tawhid, and Allah protect us from major and minor sins. Allah make us true followers of the sunnah of prophet Muhammad peace be upon him, like the companions of the prophet, may Allah be pleased with them. May Allah, The One without partners, forgive us and grant us cures and mercy and lift the calamities and bring peace to all of us. Wasallallahu alaa nabiyina Muhammad. Oh Allah accept, Amin.

Please keep us in your generous duas, today, tonight, during laylatul Qadr, on Friday, all the special times. wa jazakumullahu khairan

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**Links

All about Zakat with NZF/National Zakat Foundation https://nzf.org.uk/about-zakat/knowledge-bank/

https://islamqa.info/en/answers/9449/the-difference-between-zakaah-and-sadaqah

https://islamqa.info/en/answers/93414/zakaah-on-wealth-earned-during-the-year

RAMADAN FAMILY DINNER EVENT 18 MARCH 2023 IN GRAYS/THURROCK/ESSEX- TALEEM FOUNDATION

March 15, 2023March 15, 2023Thurrock Muslim Community- thurrockmuslims.comLeave a comment

RAMADAN FAMILY EVENT 18 MARCH 2023 IN GRAYS/THURROCK/ESSEX- TALEEM FOUNDATION

Don’t be deprived! Come along with family and friends.

(Contact organiseer, for tickets : https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ramadan-family-dinner-event-tickets-543620853607

Come and join a gathering where Allah is mentioned. Let’s win this Ramadan in sha Allah.

*RAMADAN FAMILY EVENT*

Taleem would like to invite you to a special family dinner Ramadan event. Join us for a beneficial convention exploring tips on how to prepare for Ramadan.

*Saturday 18th March 2023*

*Door Open 5.30 P.M*

Venue: *Lighthouse Hall, Grays, RM17 5BT*

*NASEEHA FROM RENOWNED SCHOLARS AND NASHEED*

– Yusuf Chambers

– Shaikh Saeed ibn Jalal

– Sheikh Ashiqur Rahman

– Mikhaael Mala

– Tariq Shaikh

– Marayam Jazeem

* Delicious 3-Course Meal

* Sponsors Recognition Awards

* Islamic Nasheeds

To *book tickets* click here

https://taleem.eventbrite.co.uk

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GET READY FOR RAMADAN! Thurrock Muslims -Ramadan preparatory reminders- Fiqh of fasting

March 13, 2023Thurrock Muslim Community- thurrockmuslims.comLeave a comment

GET READY FOR RAMADAN 1443AH

Ramadaan preparatory reminders- Fiqh of fasting

Share this vital information with others! https://wp.me/p4GU3D-Cz

Let’s get ready for Ramadan in obedience to our Most Merciful Rabb, Allah!

person holding blue ceramic teapot pouring tea on clear drinking glass — Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko

It is hoped this will inform us of the primary reasons we fast, what is required of us and what to hope for.

May Allah, The Supreme Creator, permit us to fast for none but Him alone, may He reward us for our endeavours, and may He permit us to strive to avoid that which nullifies the fast, and strive to adhere to what maintains and perfects it, in accordance with the teachings of His final prophet peace be upon him. Ameen.

DISCLAIMER: This is for educational purposes and serves as an introduction to the issues pertaining to fasting. Parents/guardians are advised to supervise the following read as some issues which pertain to married adults have been mentioned. Please consult a knowledgeable Islamic scholar (and trustworthy medical professional) for details, particularly for questions and advice related to individual circumstances. We are not scholars and thus cannot issue fatwa, however we endeavour relate to you the words of the scholars who have studied the authentic teachings of Islam from the Qur’an and the Sunnah of prophet Muhammad upon him be peace. And ultimately, Allah knows best.

Fiqh of Fasting – Part 7 (adapted mainly from Sh. Yahya Adel Ibrahim with notes from others)

Summary of Siyam (Fasting) Essentials

What is the meaning of “Siyam?”

The word “siyam” comes from the root word “sowm,” which means “to abstain from.”

Did Muslims fast before 2 A.H.?

Yes, in fact the Prophet sala Allahu alihi wasSalaam and his companions (may Allah be pleased with them) used to fast on various days, including:

1. Day of Ashura (the exodus) when Allah delivered Musa sala Allahu alihi wasSalaam and the Muslims of that time from the evil of Pharaoh. The Prophet (upon him be peace) taught us to fast two days—either the day before or after plus the actual day of Ashura.

2. On the day of Arafat, if not making Hajj

3. The first 9 Days of dhul-Hijjah

4. Mondays & Thursdays through out the year

5. The middle three days of each lunar month (13th, 14th & 15th) when he moon is at its brightest

6. There are some proofs by way of Khadija (May Allah be pleased with her) who reports that the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to fast before the prophethood—but we do not know the exact days.

Why was Siyam ordered?

The answer to this question lies only with Allah. However, we can find that there are many benefits and bits of wisdom behind this pious and sincere act.

1. Increases one’s Taqwa (remembrance of Allah in daily affairs), as is stated in the Quran: Surah Baqara verse 183.

2. Trains the body, mind and spirit to bear hardships while remaining patient.

3. Trains the body, mind and spirit to hold back from the natural desires of the human: food, drink, anger, lust, etc.

4. To help one understand what the impoverished go though.

What is the importance of the month of Ramadan?

This is the month in which the gates of heaven are opened and the gates of hell are closed. This is the month where every dua’ reaches Allah. This is the month where the Muslims are protected from the evil whisperings of the shayateen. This is the month where one plants the seeds of worship, the seeds of taqwa in the earth and harvests the good deeds for sustenance throughout the year. And most importantly, this is the month in which the Quran was revealed—more specifically, on the night of Lailat-ul-Qadr.

Who must fast?

1. One who is Muslim
2. One who has Aql (mental faculties are sound and understands the responsibility of fasting)
3. One who has reached the age of puberty (signs include: growth of pubic hair or nocturnal emissions, emitting maniy, or reaching 15 years of age, occurrence of menses)
4. One who is Kaadir (able to maintain the fast)

What is the requirement for the fast?

Very simply, the fast begins with the niya (intention-this need not be verbal, rather intention resides in the heart)—this is a pre Requisite/ Shart—and then refraining from food, drink and things that break the fast, until the time for Maghrib has arrived.

It must be noted by the reader that one cannot just wake up in the morning and proclaim his fast for that day. This was only allowed for the Prophet sala Allahu alihi wasSalaam. Rather, for the followers, there needs to be mental recognition of the fast BEFORE FAJR in other than the month of Ramadan.

What breaks the fast?

1. Eating

2. Drinking

3. Sexual relations/intimate acts of any type that leads to male or female sexual discharge,

4. Haid (menstrual bleeding)

5. Nifas (post natal bleeding)

6. Intentional vomiting

7. Needles that give you nourishment

For further clarification on some issues:

a. Blood testing is okay

b. If one needs to take Insulin then that person cannot fast

c. Using the puffer for asthma patients is okay—the respiratory type only.

(in sha Allah, see more detailed article on things which nullify the fast)
What happens if a couple has intimate relations during the fast?

• If the couple have intercourse intentionally then they have to make up that day and they have to fast 60 days consecutively, or if unable feed 60 people or Kafarah

What is Kafarah?

This is given only as expiation for sexual infractions during the fast. There are three methods of expiation:

1. Freeing of a slave

2. Fast for 60 consecutive days. If one day is missed then you would start from the beginning again

3. If you are unable to fast, for a legitimate reason (sick, old,etc.) then you may feed 60 miskeen (poor) people. They have to be Muslim people and it can happen on one day as a feast. Also, one can just give the money to feed 60 people. This is considered a debt for that person and they should fulfil it before their death. If they do die then the relatives can either fast for them or feed the miskeen.

What about those that cannot fast, but are of age?

Of those who are excused from the fast are those who have a long-term sickness, the pregnant woman, the woman who is breast-feeding and the traveller. For the traveller, the fast is to be made up. But for the others, they are to pay the Fidya (please note, there is a scholarly difference of opinion regarding who can pay fidyah instead of making up fasts- please consult a scholar for your own case, see the links below). Fidya is to pay for a meal for one miskeen person for everyday that is missed. Like the Kafarah, one can arrange to give 30 days worth of money at one time, or arrange a feast for 30 miskeen people on one day.

PLEASE NOTE however, regarding pregnant and nursing mothers and sickness, please ask a highly knowledge Islamic scholar for individual cases. see this and this -is fidyah enough for pregnant women/sick people or not & should they make up the fast?) . Regarding pregnant and nursing mothers and sick people whose illness goes away and making up missed fasts, see these (who is exempt) and (how to make up fasts for ladies/mothers) and (how to make up missed fasts- sickness and all else)

Confused about your case? Contact a knowledgabe Mufti (try calling up on the Ask the Sheikh programmes on Eman Channel, or similar.)

The Sunnan of Fasting

1. The sahoor and iftaar should be done with the family. If the family is not available then one should make an effort to never break the fast alone.

2. To hurry up with breaking the iftaar—not to delay it. But the sahoor can be delayed right up until the time for Fajr enters.

3. To break the fast with dates, or at least 3 sips of water.

4. To make dua’ of breaking the fast. (“Dhahaba al-zamau’a, wa abtallat al-‘urooq wa thabata al-ajr insha Allah (Thirst has gone, the veins are moist, and the reward is assured, if Allaah wills).” see Arabic below )

5. To increase in acts of ibada (recitation of the Quran) and this should continue after the month of Ramadan has passed.

6. To give more sadaqa (charity).

7. To offer the tahajud prayers and the tarrawih prayers (in congregation).

8. To feed other Muslims, even if they are not needy—meaning to invite people to your house for the iftaar. In fact, when you invite people the host receives the reward that his guest earned on that day (while the guest retains his own reward). This is true even for the one who finances an iftaar, or one who prepares the food.

The Makrooh (hated things) of Fasting

1. To be excessive in rinsing with water, during wudu or other times. Having too much water in the mouth might cause a person to swallow some.

2. To unnecessarily taste food. There cannot be any swallowing and the tongue should be cleaned of any residual taste.

3. Kissing your spouse.

4. To sexually excite/touch your spouse.

5. To lie, to make ghiba (back biting), to do nameema (telling lies to cause two parties to fight). In fact, those who practice nameema do not enter paradise with the first set of Muslims.

6. To not pray the tarrawih or tahajjud in the last 10 days.

What are some the Voluntary Fasts that one may do?

1. The fast of the Prophet Dawood (peace be upon him) was mentioned by Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) as the best. It includes one day of fasting and one day of resting, continuously.
2. The best months for fasting include: Sha’ban, Muharram, Ramadan,Dhul Hijja.
3. The 13th, 14th & 15th of every Islamic month. The reward of fasting these three days is like having fasted an entire year.
4. Mondays and Thursdays—for these are the two days that the angels rise and descend with your deeds; i.e. the gates of heaven are open.(This refers to Maghrib time)

5. The 9th day of Dhul Hijja (for the ones not performing the hajj).This is the day of Arafat and fasting on this day ensures that the minor sins for the previous year and the coming year are forgiven.

Allah knows best!

May Allah make this benefit us, and this advice is to us before it is to you our beloved readers.

May Allah allow us to succeed this Ramadan and may He forgive us for He is the Oft-Forgiving, The Forbearing! May Allah forgive us for any errors in this and grant us correctness. Wasallallahu alaa nabiyina Muhammad.Amin

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What Breaks the FAST? Ramadan Reminders Fiqh of Fasting- The nullifiers

March 13, 2023Thurrock Muslim Community- thurrockmuslims.comLeave a comment

What Breaks the FAST? Ramadan Fiqh of Fasting- The Nullifiers

Asalamu alaykum,

close up photo of raisins and dates — Photo by Naim Benjelloun on

Dear brothers and sisters, with Ramadan just round the corner, lets brush up our knowledge on the dos and donts of fasting, for the sake of Allah.

Here follows the fiqh of fasting regarding the nullifiers. May Allah help us to do that which He loves and is pleased with. May Allah help us to worship Him alone always and may He make us experience many Ramadans to come, in His obedience. ameen.

(Please do see the previous post for a summary on matters related to fasting, the wisdom behind it and much more, in sha Allah!)

DISCLAIMER: This is for educational purposes and serves as an introduction to the issues pertaining to fasting. Parents/guardians are advised to supervise the following read as some issues which pertain to married adults have been mentioned. Please consult a knowledgeable Islamic scholar (and trustworthy physician if needed) for details, particularly for questions and advice related to individual circumstances. We are not scholars and thus cannot issue fatwa, however we endeavour to relate to you the words of the scholars who have studied the authentic teachings of Islam from the Qur’an and the Sunnah of prophet Muhammad upon him be peace. And ultimately, Allah knows best.

In the name of Allah

Fiqh of Fasting Part 3
by Sh. Yahya Adel Ibrahim (with external annotations)

What breaks the fast? Can I have a blood test? How about other medical procedures? Am I allowed to apply moisturizers that penetrate the skin? What about eye drops or nasal spray or asthma puffer?

Imam Ibn Qudamah says in al Umdah: (Arabic omitted)

Things that Invalidate Fasting

[The Invalidators of Fasting] Whoever:- eats or drinks (1) or takes anything into his stomach through his nostrils (2)- or through any other route (3)- or intentionally vomit (4)– or masturbates (5)– or kissed or touched [the opposite sex] and subsequently ejaculated semen or had madh-ey (pre ejaculation) (6)– or had hijamah (cupping with bloodletting) (7)-or did it to someone else intentionally and while remembering [that he is fasting] his fast is nullified.

End words of Imam Ibn Qudamah——-NOTES

1) Both these and sexual intercourse break one’s fast by consensus, for Allah the Almighty says: “…so now be in contact with them [your wives] and seek what Allah has ordained for you, and eat and drink until the whiteness of the day becomes distinct from the blackness of the night at dawn, then complete the fast till night…” (al-Baqarah 2:187)Eating (by mouth) non-food items invalidates fasting by consensus.

2) Due to the statement of the Prophet sala Allahu alihi wasSalaam “Sniff water far into your nostrils unless you are fasting.” abu Dawud Authentic

3) Medical Care and Fasting (Taken from Judgements of Senior Scholars at the Fiqh Assembly of the OIC Organisation of Islamic Conference):

-Injections (with the exception of nutritious ones), many contemporary scholars believe they do not invalidate the fast. That is the position of the Fiqh Assembly of the OIC (Organization of Islamic Conference).

-Nutritious injections: controversial, but the vast majority considers them to invalidate the fast. That is the position of the Fiqh Assembly.

– Enemas, many contemporary scholars allow them while fasting, because even though they reach the hollow interior of the body (al-Jawf), they do so from a route that is not natural for food or drink; it is not even close to this natural route.- Vaginal suppositories do not break the fast according to (Malikis & Hanbalis) and modern medicine supports that position because there is no connection between the vagina and the stomach. The same applies to the male and female urethra. That is the position of the Fiqh Assembly of the OIC.- Sublingual tablets: many allow them because they are completely absorbed by the mucous membranes of the mouth and do not reach the hollow interior of the body (al-Jawf).

The Fiqh Assembly of the OIC maintains that as long as the patient avoids swallowing it, there should be no harm.- Inhalers and nasal sprays were regarded by the Permanent Fatwa Committee in Saudi Arabia as non-invalidators of the fast.- Nasal drops: controversial, and the scholars who say it invalidates the fast support their view with the previous hadeeth about istinshaq.

The scholars who argue that they do not break the fast maintain that even if a minute amount made it to the stomach, it would still be negligible. The Fiqh Assembly of the OIC maintains that as long as the patient avoids swallowing it, there should be no harm.- Eye drops and eardrops do not invalidate one’s fasting according to many scholars, particularly eardrops because there is no connection between the external ear and the interior of the body except in the case of perforation of the eardrum, and then what may reach the hollow interior of the body (al-Jawf) would be extremely negligible. That is the position of the Fiqh Assembly of the OIC.- Endoscopes, even if they enter from the mouth, they would not break the fast according to many (including the Fiqh Assembly of the OIC) because, they are not nutritious and according to (Hanafis), they do not remain in the abdomen.

The majority of the earlier scholars would consider them invalidators because they enter the hollow interior of the body (al-Jawf). But that seems to not be the correct position.- Skin preparations that are absorbed into the body do not invalidate the fast according to the Fiqh Assembly of the OIC and the vast majority of contemporary scholars and that was the opinion of Imam Ibn Taymiyah.

4) The Prophet sala Allahu alihi wasSalaam said: “He who is overwhelmed by vomiting does not have to make up, but he who intentionally vomits must make up.” (Tirmithi, and authenticated by Ibn Khuzaimah and Ibn Hibban and others)The one who intentionally vomits is the one who brings it on, not the one who vomits because he feels very nauseous.

5)That is the position of the four schools of Fiqh, for in the Divine hadeeth, Allah the Almighty in the hadith QUDSI says about the fasting person:“…he gives up his (sexual) desire, food and drink for Me…”(Agreed upon)And the one who masturbates does not give up his sexual desire. This sinful habit must be given up, here’s how to break the addiction and how to keep away from it.

6) Kissing one’s spouse while fasting with subsequent discharge
The position here above is the agreement of the four schools of Fiqh in the case of the ejaculation of semen, but it is controversial in the case of madhey (pre ejaculation). Many (Shafi’ee scholars and minority of hanbali) argue that it would not break the fast since the Prophet sala Allahu alihi wasSalaam allowed touching and kissing and that is not infrequently associated with madhey.

7) Bloodletting, Blood donation, and Blood tests

That is the correct position of the Hanbali school of thought. The majority (Shafiee,Malik, Abu Hanifa) does not consider hijamah to break one’s fast. The disagreement is because the Prophet sala Allahu alihi wasSalaam said: “Both the one doing bloodletting and the one having it done to him break their fast.” (abi Dawud; Authentic)Yet, many of the sahabah considered this to be abrogated and allowed bloodletting while fasting, and they include Anas Ibn Malik who indicated that it was initially forbidden out of fear that they may become weak.

(Bukhari reports that Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him) that he said:”The Prophet had hijamah done to him while he was between Makkah and al-Madeenah while he was fasting and in the state of Ihram.”

Blood donation and tests therefore are acceptable, if they weaken you they are Makrooh but the fast is valid and not broken.

And Allah knows best.

May Allah, Al-Ghaffaar (The Perpetual Forgiver) forgive all our sins, and may He erase them completely, for He is Al-‘Afuww, Ar-Raheem, (The Oft-Pardoning, The Most Merciful). Ameen

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Muslims and Christmas- Thurrock Muslim Community

December 19, 2022Thurrock Muslim Community- thurrockmuslims.comLeave a comment

Muslims and Christmas

In the name of Allah, The Most Gracious The Most Merciful.

Peace people!

Let’s talk about the holidays.

In Britain it has traditionally been known as a Christian country, Christmas day, i.e. 25 December is considered a national holiday.

christmas lights on christmas tree — Photo by Vladislav Murashko on Pexels.com

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!

And did you know, there are many groups and sections of society who do not celebrate Christmas, such as Jewish people, some atheists, and even some Christians.

So do Muslims celebrate Christmas? 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.

In honesty, Muslims don’t really party on Christmas. But despite that, we still spread peace and justice the best we can with everyone, regardless of our differences.

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.

ThurrockMuslims.com

EID PRAYER GRAYS MOSQUE/THURROCK 2022- EID UL ADHAA 1443AH 9th July 2022 (males and females welcome) updated MORE LOCATIONS- GRAYS, TILBURY, OCKENDON, BASILDON, C100

July 8, 2022July 8, 2022Thurrock Muslim Community- thurrockmuslims.comLeave a comment

EID PRAYER GRAYS MOSQUE/THURROCK 2022- EID UL ADHAA 1443AH Saturday 9th Jul2022 (males and females welcome)

(males and females welcome)

Asalamu alaykum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh!

EID MUBARAK!

Taqaballallaahu minaa wa minkum! May Allah accept (good deeds) from us and from you. ameen

(Adhere to covid19 guidelines- masks, own mats, bags, wash hands. Wudu from home)

EID PRAYERS IN GRAYS and surrounding areas ** SEE BELOW

We are still witnessing the best 10 days of the year, Alhamdulillah. Allah, The Self-Sufficient, The Most Generous, has honoured us with Islam and Iman, and before us we have a magnificent festival, Eid-ul-Adha, The festival of Sacrifice, on the 10th day of this sacred month of Dhul-Hijjah 1443. Let us congratulate one another on this joyous occasion.

May Allah accept (good deeds) from us and from you. ameen

ALERT -GRAYS /THURROCK EID PRAYER ANNOUNCEMENT BELOW*:

GRAYS MOSQUE EID PRAYER MEN and women

IMPORTANT- EID PRAYER ANNOUNCEMENT 10 DHUL HIJJAH 1443

EID PRAYER TO BE HELD AT GRAYS MOSQUE IN SHA ALLAH,

There will be only one jamat for Eid al Adha prayers. It will be held in the park for the brothers and sisters will pray inside the masjid,

Eid Jamath time: 9:30am .bring own mat, do wudu at home.

DIRECTIONS: Grays Mosque (Thurrock Islamic Education & Cultural Association), Park Way Centre, Park Road, Thurrock, Grays, Essex, RM17 6RB (minutes walk away from Morrisons shopping centre and Grays train/bus station.)

TALEEM INSTITUTE GRAYS EID ARRANGEMENTS- WOMEN INCLUDED, THURROCK AND SURROUNDING AREAS– 930AM AND 1030AM, 2 JAMAT, FOR MEN WOMEN AND KIDS, 21 Clarence Road, RM17 6QA

Taleem Institute Eid jamat x2 – men, women, kids

Assalamu Alaykum,

We are pleased to announce that we will be holding 2 Eid Prayers at Taleem Centre InshaAllah.

1st Eid Jamaat at 9.30am

(Arrival 9.00am)

2nd Eid Jamaat at 10.30am

(Arrival 10.00am)

Due to Eid being on Saturday 9th July, Taleem Centre will not have any car parking facilities as it will be used by the Job Centre. Please park safely nearby i.e Morrison.

Open to all brothers, sisters and children – please bring along your family to pray together (segregated floor for women)

See poster for further information. We are looking forward to seeing you all InshaAllah

TF Education Centre

21 Clarence Road, RM17 6QA

WOMEN can attend other congregations (so can men who don’t get a space in Mosque), SEPARATE FACILITIES IN SHA ALLAH.

EID AT STIFFORD HOTEL

Eid Jamath: 915am arrival for 930am start, Stifford Hotel, High Rd, Grays, RM16 5UE.

Please pay for parking upon arrival

Tilbury Masjid(RM18 8LJ) Earliest jamah 8am, men and last jamah women at 11am

Assalamu Alaikum,

we hope that you are all well insha’Allah. Insha’Allah We will be praying EID Salah at Tilbury Masjid on SATURDAY (09/07/2022).

There will THREE EID SALAH insha ALLAH which will be at

1st Jamat-8:00 am (Brothers only)

2nd Jamat-9:30am (Brothers only)

3rd jamat-11:00 am (Brothers & Sister’s) respectively.

We will be following the guidelines which means the following will apply:

Please No one with underlying health conditions are advised Please not to attend,

Please come with wudhu from home. It will be appreciate,

We will have a one way system IN and OUT.

Please direct your questions and queries to any of the committee members or Imam. Jazzakaallah khayran

Tilbury Masjid Address:-

159 St. Chad’s Road, Tilbury. Essex. RM18 8LJ

Other arrangements

Aveley group Eid salah

RM13 9XD

920 for (945)

IMPORTANT:

Please take a few moments for the sake of Allah to discover the obligations, sunnahs and etiquettes of Eid-ul-adhaa:

The etiquettes of Eid, the takbeer etc.

Udhiyah- animal of an’aam class (either sheep,camel, cow etc.) offered as a sacrifice as an act of worship to Allah, The Self-Sufficient Provider.

HOW TO PRAY EID PRAYER HERE

Some top tips (see above links for references from Qur’an and sunnah):

1- Do make an arrangement immediately to offer the udhiyah, if you have not done so already. You can do it with various Islamic charities in the UK, in sha Allah. Let us offer sacrificial animals in obedience to Allah, following the way of His final prophet Muhammad peace be upon him. Let’s share this bounty with our brothers and sisters around the world, in sha Allah!

2- Keep pronouncing the T akbeer, this is a great Sunnah! Remind each other! (starts on 1st Dhul Hijjah until sunset on the last of the days of Tashreeq, i.e. 13th Dhul Hijjah. Also read the takbeer after the obligatory prayers, starting from after Fajr on the 9th of Dhul Hijjah to after Asr on 13th of Dhul Hijjah.)

The Takbeer is:

Allahu Akbar, Allahu akbar, Allahu Akbar, laa ilaha illAllah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lillaahilHamd. (Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, There is no true god worthy of worship, except Allah. Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great and all praise be to Allah.)

الله اكبر، الله اكبر، الله اكبر، لا إله الا الله، الله اكبر، الله اكبر، ولله الحمد

3-Have ghusl in the morning before going out to pray

4- If possible, make an effort to delay eating until after the Eid salah and eat from the udhiyah if you offered a sacrifice.

5- Men should go out wearing their finest clothes, perfume etc.When going out or in the presence of non-mahram men, women should avoid perfume. Women can wear their fine clothes so long as it is concealed by a full and complete, unadorned Hijab. When in female only environments, or among their mahram relatives, women may adorn themselves appropriately. My dear readers, let us remind ourselves that obedience to Allah takes precedence over all else.

6- Pray the Eid prayer in congregation

7- Congratulate one another! Taqabbal Allahu minnaa wa minkum (May Allah accept (the fast and worship) from us and from you)

8- Go out to pray one route, and return by another. Check out the links above for more!

9-Keep up with the abundant dhikr, this last of the ten best days of the year!!!

say: Subhanallah, Alhamdulillah, wa laa ilaha illAllah, wallahuakbar!

Let’s send salutations on the final prophet of Allah, Muhammad Sallallahu alayhi wasallam!

Jazakallah khair everyone who helped organise, and those who informed us, May Allah elevate you us and our families.

Pray for us and share for the sake of Allah!

May Allah forgive us, for He is the Perpetual Forgiver and may Allah guide us to unite upon belief in His Oneness. Allahumma salli wasallim alaa nabiyinaa muhammad salllallahu alayhi wasallam. ameen

Thurrock Muslim Community

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EID PRAYER GRAYS 2022 UPDATE: Eid-ul-Fitr 1443 2nd May 2022- GRAYS MOSQUE, Thurrock, Tilbury, C100, MEN and WOMEN- & TALEEM FOUNDATION CENTRE EID FARE

May 1, 2022Thurrock Muslim Community- thurrockmuslims.comLeave a comment

EID PRAYER GRAYS THURROCK UPDATE: Eid-ul-Fitr 1443/2022 2nd May 2022- GRAYS MOSQUE, Thurrock, Tilbury, C100, MEN and WOMEN invited- & TALEEM FOUNDATION CENTRE EID FARE

Asalamu alaykum.

By His Mercy, Allah (The Most Generous Al-Kareem) has gifted us with the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr following a month of fasting in obedience to His command, Exalted and Majestic is He. Subhanallah

It is with great joy that we announce that the first day of Shawwal will be 2 May 2022 which in sha Allah will console us for the departure of Ramadan- The Month of Mercy.

May Allah accept (good deeds) from us and from you. ameen

Taqabbal Allahu minnaa wa minkum

ANNOUNCEMENT- LOCAL EID PRAYER ARRANGEMENTS BELOW**

**EID PRAYER TO BE HELD AT GRAYS MOSQUE-MEN & WOMEN

Grays Masjid (park road, RM17 6RB) Eid Jamat will be as follows

One jamah, at 930am, men on the tennis court, women in the mosque.

👉Please remember to bring *a prayer mat, face mask and a bag for your shoes* PARKING ON SIDE ROADS, PAID OR NEARBY PAID CAR PARKS

EID PRAYER AT TALEEM FOUNDATION CENTRE, THURROCK, GRAYS TOWN CENTRE, 21 CLARENCE ROAD RM17 6QA

10AM ARRIVAL– MEN AND WOMEN AND KIDS AND EID FARE

MEN AND WOMEN AND KIDS WELCOME, PLUS ACTIVITIES AND FARE /FOOD AFTER PRAYER!

Bank holiday free parking onsite car park, check areas. Advisable to wear mask, take bags and own prayer mats if you like.

TALEEM FOUNDATION GRAYS EID PRAYER AND FUN ACTIVITIES 2022

EID PRAYER TILBURY

Tilbury Masjid for men and women – times tbc

👉Please remember to bring *a prayer mat, face mask and a bag for your shoes*

address: TILBURY MASJID 159 St Chad road. Tilbury RM18 8LJ

STIFFORD HALL HOTEL – GRAYS EID, ANOTHER LOCATION FOR WOMEN AND MEN, 915am arrival, RM16 5UE PLEASE PAY FOR PARKING

E I D AL F I T R 1 4 43 !

Please take a few moments for the sake of Allah to discover the obligations, sunnahs and etiquettes of Eid-ul-fitr :

The etiquettes of Eid, the takbeer etc.

Seasonal reminder- Departure of an old friend, Ramadan, arrival of Eid-ul-fitr, Etiquettes, prayer and more

The Ruling and Sunnah’s of Eid

Description of Eid prayer

When should zakat-al-fitr be paid

Let us work hard to maintain TAQWA of Allah and try our hardest not to undo all the good we done in Ramadan! Remember Ramadan is training for the yera round, so we remind ourselves to keep onto the good habits of fasting and prayers including night prayer. Allah grant us tawfiq and jannat al firdaus! May Allah bless our beloved Rasool Muhammad peace be upon him, amin!

Some top tips (see above links for references from Qur’an and sunnah):

1- Make sure you’ve paid zakat-ul-fitr, before the Eid salat.

2- Keep pronouncing the takbeer (starts on night of Eid until the imam emerges to lead the Eid prayer.) The Takbeer is:

Allahu Akbar, Allahu akbar, Allahu Akbar, laa ilaha illAllah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, wa lillaahilHamd.

(Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, There is no true god worthy of worship, except Allah. Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great and all praise be to Allah.)

3-Have ghusl in the morning before going out to pray

4- Ensure you have eaten something before the prayer of Eid-ul-Fitr. Try eating an odd number of dates, as the prophet Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wasallam did.

6- Pray the Eid prayer in congregation

7- Congratulate one another! Taqabbal Allahu minnaa wa minkum (May Allah accept (the fast and worship) from us and from you)

8- Go out to pray one route, and return by another.

Check out the links above for more!

May Allah subhanahu wa ta’alaa grant us mercy from Him in this world and the next, may He accept our good deeds, expiate our sins and make us adhere to the Qur’an and sunnah of the beloved messenger Muhammad peace be upon him. May Allah unite us in jannat al firdaus. May Allah abundantly bless His final prophet Muhammad upon him be peace. ameen!

Remember us in your duas too in sha Allah!

MAY ALLAH HELP US REMEMBER HIM ALWAYS AND REMIND EACH OTHER, ALLAHUMMA SALLI ALAA MUHAMMAD! AMIN

WE LOVE ALLAH! Alhamdulillah

Thurrock Muslim Community

Thurrockmuslims.com

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ZAKAT 101- THURROCKMUSLIMS.COM- Easy guide to charity

April 21, 2022Thurrock Muslim Community- thurrockmuslims.comLeave a comment

ZAKAT 101- THURROCKMUSLIMS.COM

Let’s fulfil the 3rd pillar of Islam: ZAKAT, obligatory charity tax.

Zakat or Zakaah/Zakah, means purification or growth.

DID YOU KNOW? Zakat is such an important pillar in our religion, Allah has mentioned it in the Qur’an multiple times, and the prophet Muhammad peace be upon him taught us about it.

There are multiple References in The Qur’an and in Sahih Hadith.

‘Zakah expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed to collect [zakah] and for bringing hearts together [for Islam] and for freeing captives [or slaves] and for those in debt and for the cause of Allah and for the [stranded] traveler – an obligation [imposed] by Allah . And Allah is Knowing and Wise.‘
_{The Qur’an Chapter 9 verse 60}
Narrated Ibn `Abbas:
The Prophet (ﷺ) sent Mu`adh to Yemen and said, “Invite the people to testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and I am Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ), and if they obey you to do so, then teach them that Allah has enjoined on them five prayers in every day and night (in twenty-four hours), and if they obey you to do so, then teach them that Allah has made it obligatory for them to pay the Zakat from their property and it is to be taken from the wealthy among them and given to the poor.”
Sahih al Bukhari

Example: On 21st Ramadan 1440 (May 2019), you acquired £500 through the full lunar year (Islamic Hijir calendar). The nisab level was approximately worth £250 (based on silver weight prices). Therefore, you must pay 2.5% of £500 in charity as Zakat to fulfil your obligation to Allah. So £500×0.025= £12.50 as Zakat
Now it is 21st Ramadan 1441, (year 2020) 1 year on, and you have £700. The nisab value is around £240, you own that and more. So you will pay Zakat on this day at 2.5% of £700. so £700x 0.025= £17.50 as Zakat
And you note in your calendar next year on the 21st Ramadan 1442ah (in year 2021) you will schedule calculation and payment of Zakat again. In sha Allah
Therefore, your annual Zakat date, or Zakat anniversary is 21ST RAMADAN each year, and it’s your personal deadline by which you must calculate and pay Zakat.
If you need help calculating, lots of Muslim charity organisations can help you out, lots of charities have Zakat calculators, Islamic relief calculator, or you can try National Zakat Foundation’s (NZF) calculator, it’s UK-based and they’ve set up a wonderfully organised step-by-step calculation system on their website, have a look here: NZF Zakat calculator

If you have gold or silver jewellery, you need to weigh it and calculate the price on the current market value of gold or silver on the day.

So if you have 50g of 24carat gold, the market value today right now is £45.61 per gram. Thats 45.61GBP x 50grams = £2280.50
You pay zakat on 2.5% of £2280.50, or simply 2280.50 x 0.025= £57.03 Zakat (rounded up).