fasting in Burj khalifa

Here is an interesting Fatwa for the people living on the higher floors will have delay their iftar by a few minutes. They can always go down to break their fast if they feeling hungry!!!

DUBAI: Muslims living in the world’s tallest tower will have to wait even longer to break their fast during the holy month of Ramadan.

In a fatwa released over the weekend, the Grand Mufti of Dubai called upon Muslims living in skyscrapers, particularly those in the world’s tallest tower, to adjust their fasting and prayer times according to what floor they call home.

Dr Ahmed Al Haddad, who is also the head of the Ifta centre at the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, said the Burj Khalifa, at more than 828 metres tall with 160 storeys, must be divided into three different times for iftar, or the breaking of the fast. He said the three segments are based on when the actual sun set is “visible” to a tenant.

“Regardless of where you are, you need to pay attention to the actual sun set,” Dr Al Haddad said. “You are not to break your fast until the sun sets, and you can actually see that sun set.”

Those living on the lower floors of the Burj Khalifa, 80 and below, are to break their fast at the same time as everyone else — when the call for Maghreb prayers at sunset is broadcast across the Dubai mosques on TV, or can be heard from the nearest mosque in the neighbourhood.

For those living on floors between 80 and 150, starting at about 414 metres high, the iftar time is delayed two minutes after the muezzin calls for Maghreb prayer. These residents are also to start praying the following Esha prayer two minutes after the call for that prayer, and two minutes before the call for Fajr prayers at dawn.

For those living on floor 150 and above, or from 800 metres and above, residents must delay their iftar by three minutes, as well as their Esha prayer. The rule applies to Fajr prayers also, which are to begin three minutes earlier than the call for prayers.

These rules should also be a guide during Suhoor time, when Muslims stay up at night to pray, and when they eat their last meals before they start their Imsak, withholding, and begin their fast with sun rise.

The ruling is based on the basic premise that the higher you are, the longer it takes for you to see the sun set because your field of vision is farther the higher you go.

The religious edict also applies to locations even higher up than any built structures. “Even if you are on a plane, you should break the fast according to when the actual sun sets over the area you are flying,” said Dr Al Haddad. “You shouldn’t break it if the sun is shining brightly where you are and hasn’t set.”

Mohammed Badr, who lives on the 61st floor of the Burj Khalifa, said he was “surprised” that elevation made a difference. “It would never cross my mind that where someone lives in a high-rise building would make a difference in fasting,” said the 37-year-old from Egypt. Since he lives below the 80th floor, he will break his fast with everyone else.

“The last two minutes before breaking a fast are tough, so I do feel bad for those living higher up,” he said.

Read More.

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ramadan duas

These duas are for first ten days of mercy, second ten days of seeking forgiveness from Allah and third ten days of keeping one safe from fire of hell. Lets recite and hope for Allah’s mercy to forgive us and keep us safe from the punishment of fire. Ameen.

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Eid ka chand

Chalo apni apni eid manayein….

A recreational cum religious activity for our maulanas takes place a few times every year where a scene is set and maulanas explore the skies. This is called “spot the moon” and whole of the nation looks from their eyes. They have the equipment and the met department to assist them but our moon controversy is here to stay.

All other issues haunting us like floods, drones and sialkot boys are put aside at such times and everyone is glued to the tv screens for the “moon” updates! My friend’s niece called from Kohat and asked “khala! aap ke tv pe chaand nazar aa gaya hai?” Kids who are usually not willing to share their cartoon time with us were ready to check news channels for the discovery of the eid moon. After hours of struggle we got the mubarakbad for 30th roza and KP for eid!

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Surah e Qadr

Today is 20th of Ramadan in Pakistan and after maghrib last ashra of Ramadan will start. These are the most valuable 10 days of this blessed month. Lailatul Qadr lies in one of the odd nights of this last ashra. Allah has given us another chance to be alive and we should avail this chance of repenting and seeking forgiveness in these nights. Only Allah knows how many of us will see the next Ramazan.

Messenger of ALLAH (Blessings of Allah and peace be on him) told us to search for Shab-e-Qadr in the odd numbered nights, in the last ten days of Ramdan. So, the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or 29th night of Ramadan could be Shab-e-Qadr.

Hazrat Aisha Radiallah Anha stated that Rasool Allah peace be upon him said, “Look for Lailat-Ul-Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadhan.” (Al-Bukhari)

Narrated by Abu Huraira (Radhiallaho anho):
“Allah’s Messenger (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wasallam)said, “Whoever establishes prayers during the nights of Ramadan faithfully out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah’s rewards (not for showing off), all his past sins will be forgiven.”
( Al-Bukhari)

If you want to know the importance of this night then Allah subhanahu says in the Glorious Quran it is better then a thousand months!!! Thousand months means more then the whole life of an average human being. Allah is Arrehman Arraheem and He gives us oppertunities to escape from hell, only if we are ready to grab them.

Allah says in the Holy Quran:

” Verily! We have sent it (this Qur’aan) down in the Night of Decree (Lailatul-Qadr). And what will make you know what the Night of Decree is? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. Therein descend the angels and the Rooh (i.e. Gabriel) by Allaah’s Permission with all Decrees, Peace! until the appearance of dawn.” (Al-Qadr 97: 1-5)

Lailatul Qadr is called the Night of power:

“because its power and greatness lie in the fact that it was in this very night that the Holy Qur’an was sent down”;

“…because an enormous number of angels descend in this night to earth”;

“… because the manifestation of grace, mercy and forgiveness from the Lord of the worlds in this night is incomparable with other nights by its significance”;

“… because a believer, who spends this night praying, acquires, with the mercy of God the Most High, most great and powerful forces and energy”.

The word al-qadr can be also translated as tightness, closeness. Taking into account this meaning of the word Alims said: ”In this night such a great number of angels descend to earth that there is simply no room for them all.

What should be done in this night

Best way to start this night is to bring the best out of yourself. As if you are preparing for a big day in life. Take a bath, wear nice clothes and get rid of all the world’s chores before your special meeting with the Creator is about to start. You can be promoted or may get an increment too!

Do more noble deeds, perform additional prayers, read the Holy Qur’an, pray to God the Most High for forgiveness and ask Him for blessing (Tawfik) in one’s deeds as well as for Barakah, appealing to Allah the Most High in any language in which it is most convenient for you to express your thoughts, hopes and wishes.

Hazrat Aisha Radiallah Anha stated that I asked Rasool Allah peace be upon him, “If I find Lailatul Qadar then what should I do? HE peace be upon him said, recite this Dua.“ALLAH HUMMA INNAKA A’FUVUN TOHIB BUL AFVA FA’AFU ANNI” (Tirmidhi)

Lailatul qadr dua

Get ready! we may not get the next chance!

Aisha radhiallaahu anha said, “No believer makes Dua and
it is wasted. Either it is granted here in this world
or deposited for him in the Hereafter as long as he does not get
frustrated.”

1. Perform Wudu, face Qibla, be neat and clean
2. Raise both hands up to the shoulder with palms open facing up
3. Use words of Allah and Muhammad (SAW)-
i.e. Duas found in Quran and Hadith
4. Ask by Asma alHusna- Allah’s Beautiful Names
5. Ask Allah by your good deeds
6. Be insistent-repeat (i.e. 3x’s)
7. Glorify Allah and recite Durud for the Prophet (SAW) at
both the beginning and end
8. Show humility, entreaty, desire and fear while making Dua
9. Repent and try to make amends where one has wronged
10. Confess mistakes, shortcomings, and sins
11. Keep voice between a whisper and speaking aloud
12. Show the need for Allah’s help and implore Him for release
from weakness, hardship and tribulation.
13. Seize the opportunity of time, situation and circumstance in
which prayers are answered
14. Avoid rhymed prose to keep concentration
15. Crying when making Dua
16. The Dua of Dhun-Nun (Yunus) by which he invoked Allah from
within the belly of the whale was: “LAa ilaha illa
Anta, Subhanaka innee kuntu min aDH-DHaalimeen.”
No Muslim ever makes Dua with it but Allah
answers it.” [at tirmidhi in his sunan, ahmad
and hakim reported it and hakim declared it
authentic and adh dhahabee agreed]

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ramadan 2010

Fasting in the month of Ramadan is one of the pillars of Islam. Hazrat Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said : “It is Allah’s own month”. I believe we should prepare and plan before the arrival of Ramadan. Preparing means to organize our daily routine in such a way that we get more time for prayer, recitation of Quran, nawafil, meditation and living peacefully with the people around us. Its better to finish all the shopping before Ramadan starts and keep iftar cooking simple.
I have this very useful list of required daily activities during Ramadan. I will put this room on my working table to make sure that I get to do maximum activities from checklist. You take a print and check your score this Ramadan.

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qabaar

Q A B A R-(The grave) is our last destination. We keep on denying the fact that we have to die one day. On watching people around us departing for the final journey, we feel death is catching others only. We plan for hundred years and don’t know if we will for one more day to live. I am not being negative but thinking about the “end” keeps our perspective about life on the right track. Lets think about it once daily and buy some decorations and air conditioners for our final room, the grave.

Here is a poetic version of how the grave calls us everyday.
Karti Hai Rozana Ye Pukar,

Mujhme he Keede Makode Beshumar,
…
…Mai Hu Andheri Kothri,

Mujhme Hogi Wehshat Badi,

Mujhme Tu AKELA Ayega,

Haa Magar AA’MAAL Saath Layega,

Behad Royega Chilayega,

Apne GUNAHO Pe Behad Pachtayega,

Sath Jigri Yaar Na Ayega,

Har Ek Dafna K Tujhe Palat
Jayega,

Na Maal Koi Kaam Ayega,

Sab Achha Bura Kiya Sath Ayega,

Kar Le TAUBA Waqt Hai Abhi,

RAB Ki Rehmat Hai Bahut BADI..

Picture is not so gloomy for the true and practicing muslims. I read an encouraging and interesting description of what will happen to the good and bad people once their life in this world ends. If you are scared of the grave then u have to read this. Allah is the kindest, Subhan Allah.

The Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.) said,
“Seek Allah’s protection from the punishment of the grave since punishment of the grave is a fact/true.” (Sahih: At Tabarani in al Kabeer from Umm Khalid Bint Khalid Ibn Sa’eed Ibn al ‘Aas.)

The Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.) said,
“Verily the grave is the first stopping place for the Hereafter; so if he is saved therein, then what comes after is easier than it. And if he is not saved there from, then that which comes after is harder.” (Hasan: At Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah, al Hakim: from Uthmaan)

It is reported also in theSahihof Muslim that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:“When any one of you completes the lastTashahhud, he should seek refuge with Allah from four (trials): the torment of Hell, the torment of grave, the trial of life and death, and the evil of the trial of al-MasikhAd-Dajjaal(Antichrist).”

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rickshaw driver

A rickshaw driver in Lahore attempted suicide along with his wife and daughters. This poor family living in the Shahpur area of  Lahore took toxic pills as life became impossible for them. All of us must have read the news or have seen it on tv. Do we feel responsible for this horrific incidence?

Now that she has lost her husband and three innocent girls she will receive one million rupees ‘compensation’ from the Chief Minister of Punjab. Compensation for staying alive when her loved ones have left her. Think of the mother who has seen her children hungry and thirsty in  front of her eyes and she is given such a huge amount of money after she has lost them. She will not be able to swallow a single bite without them. Can we provide timely help when and where it is needed?

This must not be the only incidence when inflation is rising and cost of living has become unbearable. Imagine how many families are dying a silent death. Even the middle class can either pay their bills or eat…. tough choices to make.

crowded markets

On the other hand we witness all hotels, restaurants and markets teeming with people. Looking at them one wonders if there is poverty in our country at all. We can make a difference by giving up a little bit. Like we can order one less dish in a hotel and that can easily buy a family 10 kg bag of flour. We all can decide to give away the money of one ordinary suit which ranges around Rs 500 to 2000. This is a small amount for those who have money and for the have-nots it can take care of multiple needs. Can we do it?

Secondly the people who lived around the ill fated family were aware of their sufferings but may have not done anything. Yes they did inform the police when the poor family lost their hope and lives. This is why neighbors are considered to be as important as our brothers and sisters. If only we are better connected with the people living in our neighborhood we can avoid such accidents in future.

Our prophet Hazrat Muhammad (May Allah shower his peace and blessings on him) said: “By Allah, they don’t believe! By Allah, they don’t believe!” When asked who they are, he replied, “Those whose neighbours aren’t safe from their harm.” [Bukhari and Muslim]

Abu Dharr (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) commanded me thus, “O Abu Dharr! Whenever you prepare a broth, put plenty of water in it, and and give some of it to your neighbours”. [Muslim].

bn `Umar and `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Jibril kept recommending treating neighbours with kindness until I thought he would assign a share of inheritance”.[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Technorati Tags: bukhari, cost of living, Family, hadith, markets pakistan, muslim, neighbors, neighbors islam, neighbours, prophet Muhammad, punjab chief minister, rickshaw driver, shahbaz shareef, shopping, suicide

no facebook

Many people have started saying that Pakistan should not have banned facebook but I think after  reporting the  page to the Facebook we had no other option left. This will not be a lifetime  ban but was meant to say “we are hurt”.

On the other hand this page may not have got so much publicity in the first place if muslims would not have responded to it. But we made it a point to spread it among us like fire. This is why it is said that publicity of the such things make them common and more acceptable with time. we better be prepared for the such storms in future, emotionally, technically and politically.

Whatever we did benefitted facebook more then anybody else, they had their name splashed over the front pages of every newspaper and that too free of cost! This is why acting in the interest of their business they did to not respond to over 100,000 people protesting and that too according to their own terms and conditions of the “Facebook”. Still I do not think we should be apologetic of our actions like Mr Adil Najam said by “making an international public spectacle of ourselves”.

Reaction of the Pakistani ban:

Even the creator Seattle cartoonist, Molly Norris, whose satirical cartoon calling for an “Everybody Draw Mohammed Day” inspired the Facebook page, said in a post on her website that she meant her work only to be a commentary on the “South Park” controversy. “I made a cartoon about the television show South Park being censored,” she wrote. “I never started a Facebook page. I apologize to people of Muslim faith and ask that this ‘day’ be called off.”

Even the US has deplored blasphemous images of Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) on Facebook as “deeply offensive to both Muslims and non-Muslims alike”, saying America does not condone expressions that lead to violence or hatred. The US State Department also expressed respect for any actions that need to be taken under Pakistani law to protect their citizens from offensive speech, but expected a balance between restricting offensive material and ensuring flow of information for the Internet users. Read more.

Now when the page is removed I hope it does not resurface again in future…..I know facebook will be back. Hey I want to know what my friends are doing today, who is posting new pictures and who needs our support to lift their spirits! See you all soon

Related links

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/deannelson/100040563/ill-tell-you-why-pakistan-blocked-facebook-and-youtube/

http://findtut.com/offensive-facebook-page-removed-421498

http://www.todayonline.com/World/EDC100522-0000098/Cartoonist-disavows-controversial-draw-Muhammad-Facebook-page

Technorati Tags: facebook, facebook ban, Islam, molly norris, pakistan and facebook, prophet Muhammad, Seattle cartoonist, US state department

ninja

If someone is following a lady to attack or harrass her then she can convert her skirt into a vending machine!! A Japanese designer has unveiled a garment that doubles as a disguise, unfolding to look like the front of a vending machine. It may look decidedly silly, but Aya Tsukioka’s idea has a serious aim to help ease women’s fear of crime and discourage would-be attackers. Read more.

You think its funny?

ninja dress

No, it proves a point that one has to cover herself for protection but if a “muslim” lady does the same then a thousand questions spring up in secular minds of the world who claim to be advocates of freedom of speech and expression. Unfortunately this very freedom is not given to the muslims!

A western woman is allowed to  show her body on the streets, in media and all around us. We, the muslims are offended and disturbed by such show of flesh. We do not go around protesting against them or forcing them to cover. Then who is letting others co-exsist in peace… the advocates of liberty and freedom or  the muslims?

burqa

Make a choice you want to be a vending machine or wear a burqa?

Jokes apart this is a free world….Live and let live.

Technorati Tags: burqa, Islam, ninja dress, niqab, parda

rain

The other day I was telling my eight year old after she finished reciting Quran that this is one of the moments when our duas and prayers are heard. I asked her to make a secret wish directly to Allah. Later she said she would like to share her secret wish with me. I was assuming that she may have asked for material things like toys or Cds. I was pleasently surprised to know that she wished to have “rain” ! She wanted to play in rain. We as adults make calculations about simple things in life and forget the amount of happiness it may give us if we enjoy these blessings of Allah Almighty. Rain brings joy to all but its a neccessity too.

We are running short of underground water in Islamabad and the dams are going dry. The atmosphere is full of dust and half the country if engulfed in smog due to pollution. It has not rained at all this winter. I remember the last rain was in october last year! I think all of us should pray for rain.

Prayer for rain:

According to the sunnah of our Holy Prophet (may Allah shower his peace and blessings on him) muslims should perform Salat ul istasqa (Arabic: صلاة الإستسقاء‎), a prayer consisting of two rakaah performed during the times of drought to ask Allah for rain.

Two rak’at of namaz is performed during any time except those times in which it is not desirable to pray. In the first rak’ah, the imam recites Sura Al-A’la after Sura Al-Fatihah. And in the second rak’ah, he reads Sura Al-Ghashiyah after Al-Fatihah, and he delivers a khutbah before or after the salah. As soon as he finishes the khutbah, the people present turn their outer garments around, each placing its left side on his right side and its right side on his left, face the qiblah, supplicating Allah and raising their hands while doing so.

Ash-Shaf’i states that it has been related from Salim ibn ‘Abdullah, on the authority of his father that the Prophet would say for ishsqa’: “O Allah, give us a saving rain, productive, plentiful, general, continuous. O Allah, give us rain and do not make us among the despondent. O Allah, (Your) slaves, land, animals, and (Your) creation all are suffering and seek protection. And we do not complain except to You. O Allah, let our crops grow, and let the udders be refilled. Give us from the blessings of the sky and grow for us from the blessings of the earth. O Allah, remove from us the hardship, starvation,and barrenness and remove the affliction from us as no one removes afflictions save Thee. O Allah, we seek Your forgiveness as You are the Forgiving, and send upon us plenteous rains.” Ash-Shaf’i said: “I prefer that the imam would supplicate with that (prayer). ”

Sa’d reported that for ishsqa’, the Prophet would supplicate: “O Allah, let us be covered with thick clouds that have abundant and beneficial rain, frequently making a light rain upon us and sprinkling upon us with lightning. O Allah, You are full of majesty, bounty and Honour.” This is related by Abu ‘Awanah in his Sahih.

‘Amr ibn Shuaib relates from his father, on the authority of his grandfather, that for istisqa’, the Prophet would say: “O Allah, provide water for Your slaves and Your cattle, display Your mercy and give life to Your dead lands.” This is related by Abu Dawud.

It is preferred for the one who is making this supplication to raise his hands with the back of his hands toward the sky. Muslim records from Anas that the Prophet would point with the back of his hands during ishsqa ‘.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=fD9wtxNTdjM

Technorati Tags: prayer for rain, rain in pakistan, salat-ul-istasqa