Islamically Speaking Newsletter Vol. 4

16th Ramadan, 1430 A.H (12th September 2009) C.E.

ISLAMICALLYSPEAKING...

Vol 04

1/ LailatulQadr: The Night Of Power 2/ The Fiqh and Meaning of Eid ul Fitr 3/ The Ramadan Challenge

Bismillah ir Rahman ir Raheem

4/ Mus’ab ibn ‘Umayr (RA) : True Courage and Sacrifice

As salaam alaykum wa rahmatullah dear Brothers and Sisters, we are happy to bring you our fourth volume. The Holy Month of Ramadan is soon to end, and in these final days, let us make sure we know what must be done, and how to move ahead from here, insha’Allah, you can use this as a guideline. Please enjoy this week’s volume, and remember, the newsletter will be fortnightly from now on. Jazakallah khayr.

5/ Ramadan Number 86: How Many More? 6/ Ramadan Xinjiang: Fast or lose your livelihood?

AsSalamu Alaykum

Lailatul-Qadr:
The
Night
Of
Power "The person who offered prayers to Allah in the night of Dignity with faith and with hope of reward from Allah, all his past sins have been forgiven." (Bukhaari)

The Revelation of the Quran started in the month of Ramadan and specifically on the Night of Power. "Ha. Mim. By the book that makes things clear. We sent it down during a blessed night. For We (ever) wish to warn (against evil). In that (night) is made distinct every affair of wisdom, by command, from Our Presence. For We (ever) send (revelations), as a mercy from Thy Lord: for He hears and knows (all things)." (Surah 44: Verses 1-6) The Night of Power is indeed unique in every sense. It is a way for one to be purified from their sins: "The person who offered prayers to Allah in the night of Dignity with faith and with hope of reward from Allah, all his past sins have been forgiven." (Bukhari) Better Than Thousand Months "Verily, we sent it down in the night of al-Qadr. And what will make you know what the night of al-Qadr is? The night of al-Qadr is better than a

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thousand months. Therein descend the angels and the Spirit by their Lord's permission with all Decrees. Peace! Until the appearance of dawn."(Al-Qadr: 1-5) So valuable is this Night of Qadr that the Quran devotes a special Sûrah to it. The Night of Powerr is a sign brought down to make the Ummah of Muhammad (PBUH) supersede the earlier Ummah like Bani Israel, in terms of gaining good deeds from Allah. While the earlier Ummah had 1000 years of doing Salat, Sawm and other services to Allah, this Ummah had shorter life span of 60 odd years and in short of time of doing services to Allah. Allah had created the night of Qadr, a night of infinite rewards for service and worshiping of Allah, prayed one Salaah on the night, is as though he had prayed for thousands of months. A thousand months are equivalent to 83 years and 4 months, in other words, a lifetime’s worth of Salaah, this is indeed a treasure from Allah.

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Sins Forgiven Abu Hurayra narrates that Prophet (PBUH) said “Whoever stays up (in prayer and remembrance of Allah) on the Night of Qadr fully believing (in Allah’s promise of reward for that night) and hoping to seek reward (from Allah alone and not from people), he shall be forgiven for his past sins.” [Bukhârî, Muslim] A'ishah (Ra) reported that she asked Allah’s Messenger (PBUH), "O Messenger of Allah! If I knew which night is Laylat ul-Qadr, what should I say during it?" He instructed her to say: "Allâhumma innaka `afuwwun tuh, ibbul `afwa fa`fu `annee - O Allah! You are forgiving, and you love forgiveness. So forgive me." [Recorded by Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and at-Tirmithi]

*Did you know? Islam has a ruling system known as Khalifah which is unique and is different from other systems such as Democracy, Monarchy, Communism and Republicanism.

ISLAMICALLY SPEAKING 12 September 2009

“Had people not left their salah except for that (one) night, I would have informed you (of its exact date).” [Tabarani] Every one of us would like to live a life free of sins and free of mistakes. Everyone would like to meet Allah on the Day of Judgment without sins. Every one of us would like to feel that he/she is reborn today. All of us wish to rejuvenate ourselves, and to start a new year with a fresh outlook and a fresh life. Every one of us wants to live a pure life and everyone wants to purify himself/herself without anguish or torment. The Night of Power is one of the best ways in which a person is to achieve all these ideals. Which Night is it? Although there are different reports in different traditions regarding the exact night, it is almost unanimous that the blessed night occurs in one of the last ten nights of Ramadan and more probably in one of the last ten odd nights i.e. 2lst, 23rd, 25th 27th or 29th night. It was also reported by Aisha (Ra): "The Messenger of Allah SAW used to exert more (in worship) on the last ten than on other nights." [Muslim]. Also Aisha (Ra) reported that the Apostle of Allah said: "Search for the Blessed Night in the odd (nights) from the last ten (nights) of Ramadan" (Bukhari). It is reported from Ibn 'Umar, who said: Allah's Messenger said: "Seek it in the last ten, and if one of you is too weak or unable then let him not allow that to make him miss the final seven.' [Bukhari and Muslim]

The fact that the exact night is unknown reflects Allah’s will in keeping it hidden. Indeed, the Prophet (PBUH) was prevented from telling us its precise time. One day, he came out to tell the companions the exact night. On the way he saw two men arguing with each other. By the will of Allah, he sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam forgot and subsequently remembered it. Afterwards the Prophet (PBUH) was instructed not to divulge this information. “Had I been allowed,” he sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam remarked once, “I would have told you (of its exact time).” [Ahmad]. 'Ubaadah ibn as-Saamit, RA said: “The Prophet SAW came out intending to tell us about Lailatul-Qadr, however two men were arguing and he said: "I came out to inform you about Lailatul-Qadr but so and so, and, so and so were arguing, so it was raised up, and perhaps that is better for you, so seek it on the (twenty) ninth and (twenty) seventh and the (twenty) fifth." (Bukhari) The Almighty in His wisdom kept this hidden from us for many reasons (wa Allâhu 'Alam). Perhaps He wants us to strive hard in our worship during the last ten days of Ramadan so that we don’t become lazy, worshipping hard on just that one night and denying ourselves the benefit of doing the same on the other nights. “Had people not left their salah except for that (one) night, I would have informed you (of its exact date).” [Tabarani]

Some ahaadeeth indicate that Lailatul-Qadr is in the last ten nights, while others indicate that it is in the odd nights of the last ten, so the first are general and the second more particular, and the particular has to be given priority over the general. Other ahaadeeth state that it is in the last seven nights and these are restricted by mention of one who is too weak or unable. So there is no confusion, all the ahaadeeth agree and are not contradictory to eachother.

*Did you know? There are estimated to be between 1 and 1.4 billion Muslims worldwide.

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ISLAMICALLY SPEAKING 12 September 2009

“It is not essential for the one who “catches” Laylat al-Qadr to know that he has “caught” it. The point is to strive hard and to be sincere in worship, whether or not one knows that one has “caught” it”.

What are the signs LailatulQadr? Many people believe in all sorts of superstitions about Lailatul-Qadr, and false beliefs from them are that the trees prostrate, and buildings sleep! And these things are clearly futile and baseless. Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) described the morning after Lailatul-Qadr, so that the Muslim may know which day it is.

{the night} when the moon arose and was like half a plate? [Muslim]. Ibn ‘Abbaas narrates that the Prophet (PBUH) said: “Laylat alQadr is a pleasant night, neither hot nor cold, and the following day the sun rises red and weak” (Ibn Khuzaymah, Musnad al-Tayaalisi). It was reported by al-Tabaraani with a hasan isnaad from the hadeeth of Waathilah ibn al-Asqa’ (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (PBUH) said: “Laylat alQadr is a bright night, neither hot nor cold, in which no meteors are seen” [al-Tabaraani, Musnad Ahmad].

It is not essential for the one who “catches” Laylat al-Qadr to know that he has “caught” it. The point is to strive hard and to be sincere in worship, whether or not one knows that one has “caught” it. It may be that some of those who do not know that may be better with Ubayy ibn Ka’b narrated that Allah and higher in status than the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said those who did know which night it "On the morning following Laylatulwas, because the former strove Qadr the sun rises not having any harder. We ask Allah to accept our rays, as if it were a brass dish, until fasting our prayer at night, and to it rises up." [Muslim, Abu Dawud, help us to remember Him and to Tirmithi and Ibn Majah]. Abu thank Him and to worship Him Hurairah, (RA), said : "We were properly. discussing Laylatul-Qadr in the presence of Allah's Messenger so he said : 'which of you remembers

*Did you know? there are an estimate 2-7 million Muslims living in the United States? It is difficult

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to pinpoint the exact number since the U.S. Census cannot, by law, ask questions about religion.

ISLAMICALLY SPEAKING 12 September 2009

The Fiqh and Meaning of Eid ul Fitr Abu Bakr (RA) narrated that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Every nation has their Eid, and this is our Eid.” (Sahih al Bukhari) Linguistically, “Eid” means “Festivity” and “Fitr” means “To break the Fast”. It marks the end of The Holy Month of Ramadan, and the beginning of the month of Shawwal, it lasts for three days. These three days are a way to enjoy oneself with friends and family, having just been through the fasting period. It is a celebration of having been through the hardships of fasting and succeeding in attaining Allah’s (SWT) divine mercy, we must also thank Allah (SWT) for giving us the strength to carry out his commands during Ramadan, for these three days, fasting is forbidden. There are three distinct things about Eid ul Fitr, the first is the special purification of Zakat ul Fitr, the second is Eid prayers and the third is the fact that this Eid isn’t just celebrated in The Muslim World anymore, but all over the world. Zakat ul Fitr: 1. Zakat ul Fitr is an obligation on every Male and Female member of the household. Everyone in the family must pay this at some point before the end of Ramadan, more specifically the Salaat ul Eid. 2. If the head of the household wishes to, he can pay Zakat ul Fitr on behalf of all the members of his family. Abdullah ibn Umar (RA) narrated about Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): “Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) ordered Sadaqat ul Fitr on behalf of the young and old, and the free and the slave who you provide for.” (ad Daraqutni and al Bayhaqi). 3. For each person, Zakat ul Fitr is 1.75 grams of wheat, or it’s equivalent in money, which is two pounds, fifty pence.

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4. Zakat ul Fitr is a very small amount of money, yet it is a massive blessing from Allah (SWT), who purifies us from any useless or vain acts during Ramadan. It is also a form of charity to those who are poor and needy, so they may be happy on Eid like the rest of us. 5. It is from The Sunnah of The Prophet (PBUH), that Zakat ul Fitr be given to people in the form of food. The Companions of The Prophet (PBUH) also upheld this practice, ibn Abbas (RA) narrated that The Prophet (PBUH) did the following: “The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) enjoined Zaka ul Fitr on the one who fasts to shield one’s self from any indecent speech and for the purpose of providing food for the poor. It is accepted as Zakat for the one who pays it before Eid Salaah, and it is a mere Sadaqah for the one who pays it after the Eid Salah.” (Abu Dawud, ibn Majah and an Nasa’i)

Zakat ul Fitr is one of the many evidences that Islam is a way of life that is humanitarian, and for all. It places the needs of society as much higher than those of mere individuals. Zakah is a fundamental pillar of Islam, and Zakat ul Fitr is but one of many forms of charity one gives for the purification of the self, and the betterment of other people’s conditions, all for the sake of Allah (SWT). Compare this kind of generosity with an incident such as The MPs Expenses Scandal, where we have instances of British Government members taking taxpayers money to buy second houses, video libraries, entertainment systems and more disturbing things. The Zakat ul Fitr is something an Islamic Government should collect, but in the absence of one, we must do so of our own backs instead.

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ISLAMICALLY SPEAKING 12 September 2009

The Eid Salaah: 1. The Eid Salaah takes place on the morning of Eid Day. The night before, The Prophet (PBUH) would make much Dhikr and make Du’a the night before Eid Salaah. Therfore, it is recommended to engage in acts of Ibaadah to Allah (SWT), asking him for forgiveness and for their needs and wishes to be taken care of and granted. 2. On Eid Day, one should clean themselves, make Ghusl, cut their nails, make Wudu, and to try and make Salaat ul Fajr in The Masjid. We should wear our best clothes and buy nice, new clothes for ourselves. It has been reported about The Prophet (PBUH) that: “The Prophet (PBUH) used to wear his best clothes for the Eid Prayers, and He (PBUH) had clothes that he would reserve for the two Eids and Jumu’ah.” (Muslim) 3. You should wear sweet smelling perfume, as it has bee reported that The Prophet (PBUH) would try and find the best perfume. 4. When going to The Masjid, The Prophet (PBUH) would make Takbir saying: “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar La illaha illa llah Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar Wa lillahil hamd.” Which means: “Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, none has the right to be worshipped but Allah, and Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest and all praise is due to Him” 5. Eid Salaah can be performed anytime between sunrise and noon. Abu Bakr (RA) narrated that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “The time of Eid is after the sun has reached height of a spear and until noon.” (Muslim) 6. There is no Adhaan or Iqaamah, ibn Abbas (RA) narrated: “Adhaan was never given (for Eid prayer) on the day of Fitr or Adha.” (Bukhari) 7. No extra Sunnah prayers may precede or succeed The Eid Prayer, and you must only pray two Rakah, ibn Abbas (RA) narrated that: “The Prophet (PBUH) went out from his house on the day of Fitr, prayed two Rakat, and did not pray before or after it.” (Bukhari) 8. With regards to performing the Salaah, it is normal, just as two usual Rakat in congregation, the difference being it contains six Takbirs (which is Allahu Akbar). The first three are recited at the beginning of the first Rakat after the Imam begins the prayer. The second three are recited just before going into Ruku in the second Rakat. 9. Other Muslims pray Eid Salah with twelve Takbir, with seven in the first Rakat, and five in the second. Both ways were authentically practiced by The Propet (PBUH). 10. After Eid Salaah, you should meet with those next to you and give salaams, don’t reserve greetings only for family or those who you know well. 11. After the Salaah, it is permissible to share gifts and to enjoy Eid via gatherings and meals etc. The Eid Salaah is something the whole The Muslim Ummah performs. In the 7th Century C.E, it was only in The Islamic State in Medina that you would see such unity not just between Arabs, but also between different races in general. In the past the Muslims would pray behind their Khalifah, but in the absence of one, that unity is now gone. A Global Celebration of a Global Ummah From as far west as America, to as far east as China, Muslims will be paying their Zakat ul Fitr, praying their Eid Salaah, and rejoicing together. But in the light of The State of The Ummah in Ramadan, as discussed last week, this occasion, which should be a joyous one, will be ruined in some form or another by tyranny of differing hues. This is the nature of our condition today. A lesson we should take from events like Ramadan, Hajj, Eid ul Adha, and indeed, Eid ul Fitr is that we should develop a global mentality, because the nature of these events are global by nature. There is a worldwide Ummah of over 1.5 Billion estimated members, all of who have these festivals and occasions as a part of their Deen, and who celebrate them. Such occasions as these should be utilised to meet new Brothers and Sisters, and then begin to from networks of friends, and to give Da’wah to Muslims, so the process of Islamic Revival is given more fuel. We should also show nonMuslims the beauty of Islam, and how it is the only Way of Life that can form such a strong ideological bond that can unite people from all over the world upon one basis and creed.

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The 3 Ramadan Challenge... Test your Ramadan Knowledge 1. What is the date of Eid ul Fitr? 2. Ramadan is the _____ month of the Hijri Calendar? 3. What Month comes before Ramadan? 4. What did ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) say about the tarawih salah? 5. What connection does the Qur’an and the blessed month of Ramadan have that makes the month very important and sacred? 6. It is said that the odour of a fasting Muslim is more fragrant to Allah Sub’hanahu wa Ta’ala than what? 7. In which year was fasting in Ramadan enjoined on the Muslims? 8. It is said that the month of Ramadan is in three parts. List them and describe the special blessings of each part.

Answers

9. Zhikr is one of the best things you can do. What is zhikr? 10. If you recite one juz everyday, how many times can you complete the recitation of the Holy Qur’an in the month of Ramadan? 11. List three important events in the history of our Nabi Sallallahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam that occurred in the month of Ramadan? 12. Jibril ‘Alayhissalam used to bring revelation to the beloved Nabi Sallallahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam but in the month of Ramadan, he visited him for another specific purpose. What was that? 13. What is said about performing supererogatory acts in the blessed month of Ramadan in comparison to obligatory acts performed at any other time than Ramadan?

The answers to these questions are at the end of the newsletter.

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Mus’ab ibn ‘Umayr (RA) :

True Courage and Sacrifice Mus’ab ibn ‘Umayr accepted Islam when he was only a teenager. He was only 24 years old when he was sent by the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) to Medina to spread Islam. The youths of Mecca would be jealous of him because his family was rich, he was a handsome man, would eat the best of food and wear the best of the clothes. There was no youth like him in Mecca who had as much money, prestige and family honour.

his nakedness. The Prophet (PBUH) said: “When I saw you for the first time in Mecca there was nobody more handsome and well-dressed than you. But, I see that today your hair is uncombed and only a sheet of cloth covers your body!”

The above was a description of the end of Mus’ab ibn Umayr’s (RA) time in this world. This was a man who started life a rich and handsome man. He had all one could want, but he gave this up, all for the sake of In The Battle of Uhud, the Messenger of Allah Allah (SWT), and so he became a Marytr.. This story (PBUH) gave him the responsibility of carrying the shows us, that Islam must be struggled for, sacrifices Muslim flag. An honourable but a dangerous position as must be made and courage is needed to make those one hand is taken by the flag and only one hand was sacrifices. This rich man died, and left nothing in this left to fight with. He took the position bravely and held brief Dunya, and he understood his sacrifice would be the flag with his right hand. He fought fiercely, and rewarded, when Allah (SWT) gave him martyrdom. when he heard a rumour that Prophet Muhammad Indeed, Mu’sab ibn Umayr is a true example of courage (PBUH) had died in battle, he shouted: “Muhammad is and sacrifice, and when The Battle of Uhud was over, but a Messanger! Messangers have passed before Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said to all those who were him!” Mu’sab fought even harder until one of the enemy killed in the path of Allah (SWT): “I bear witness that all soldiers chopped off his right hand. Courageously, he of you are martyrs for the sake of Allah.” then picked up the flag with his left hand and held it up high again. He had nothing to defend himself with now and another enemy came and chopped off the left hand. He leaned to the ground and with the two bloody stubs of his arms, he gathered the flag and put it next to his chest, once again raising the flag of the Muslims. He was then struck a death blow, and he died as a Shaheed. When the Battle of Uhud finished, the Sahabah found him. Both of his hands chopped off, the flag still there. When they came to bury him, he did not even have enough clothes to make a shroud. He could not be wrapped. The Sahabah said ‘Oh messenger of Allah what are we going to do, if we wrap him up from his head, his feet and legs are bear. If we wrap him up from the legs, his chest and face are exposed’. The Prophet (PBUH) cried because he remembered this youth- the one who before Islam use to wear new luxury clothes every day, and who was so young, but when he died for Islam he did not even have one cloth that would cover

*Did you know? that Islam ruled the world for over 1,000 years until the Islamic State formally collapsed in 1924.

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Ramadan No: [86] How Many More? Soon, Ramadan will be coming to an end, and when that happens, it would have been the 86th Ramadan since the destruction of The Khilafah. It was on the 3rd March, 1924, that The Islamic State was officially abolished at the hands of Mustafa Kemal, who some, in their error, call “Ataturk”. Before, when Ramadan came, The Muslim World would be alight with happiness and joy, and people would look to the coming Eid ul Fitr with excitement and anticipation. But alas, in our times, Muslim land is occupied, tyrannised, and exploited. There is little time for celebration for

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some of our Brothers and Sisters in countries like Pakistan, Afghanistan, Somalia, and the list goes on. From a Shari’ah perspective, it is well known that The Companions actually delayed burying The Prophet (PBUH) after he died for three days and two nights, because they understood that it was an obligation to appoint an Imam, or Khaleef. It has now been 86 years since the destruction of The Khilafah. In other words, three days and two nights went a very long time ago. Yet still, Muslims are deprived of their Khilafah

Allah (SWT) said in His Book:

! Behold, thy Lord said to the angels: "I will create a Khalifa (vicegerent) on earth." They said: "Wilt Thou place therein one who will make mischief therein and shed blood?- whilst we do celebrate Thy praises and glorify Thy holy (name)?" He said: "I know what ye know not." (al Qur’an, Surah al Baqarah, Ayat 30)

The Tabi’i (Comapnion of a Sahabah), Abdel Aziz al Muqrin narrated: “I accompanied Abu Hurairah for five years and heard him talking of Muhammad’s (PBUH) saying: “The Prophets ruled over the children of Israel, whenever a Prophet died another Prophet succeeded him, but there will be no Prophet after me. There will be Khalifahs and they will number many. They asked: What then do you order us? He said: Fulfil the baya'a to them one after the other and give them their due. Surely God will ask them about what He entrusted them with.” (Sahih Muslim) In the light of this Ayat, al Qurtubi, the famous scholar and commentator on al Qur’an said: “This Ayah is a source in the selection of an Imaam, and a Khaleef, he is listened to and he is obeyed, for the word is united through him, and the Ahkam (laws) of the Caliph are implemented through him, and there is no difference regarding the obligation of that between the Ummah, nor between the Imams…” Furthermore, ibn Kathir, in his commentary of this verse has said: “Al Qurtubi, as well as other scholars, said that this Ayah proves the obligation of appointing a Khalifah to pass judgements on matters of dispute between people, to aid the oppressed against the oppressor, to implement the Islamic penal code (Shari’ah), and to forbid evil. There are many other tasks that can only be fulfilled by appointing the Imam, and what is necessary in performing an obligation, is an obligation in itself.” Of course, the questions to ask now are, “How do we work for Khilafah?”, and, “How much longer until we have our Khilafah?” How much more time must pass by without a Khilafah? How many more times must The Holy Month of Ramadan pass by without the appointment of one who has the strength to lead The Ummah, and save it from the most decadent part of it’s history?

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Allah (SWT) said in his Qur’an: “…surely Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change their own condition…” (al Qur’an Surah Ar-Ra'ad, Ayat 11)

is pronounced everywhere. We must strive to reestablish The Shari’ah in The Muslim World, so we may save it from the terrible state of affairs that have been forced upon it, be it Pakistan, Palestine, Somalia, or anywhere in The Muslim World. Indeed, some will say: “This is extremism!”, but these words should not come from The Muslims. As for The British Government, and those like them, who do say this phrase, the answer is this: You are “extremely” unwise if you think you can stand in the way of Allah (SWT), and the atrocities you have commited, and are still committing in The Muslim World are very “extreme” indeed.

It is about time that we stopped sitting on the side lines, dear Brothers and Sisters, if we are not praying, we should pray, and if we are praying, we should pray even more. In like manner, if we are not working for Khilafah, we should work for it, and if we are working, we should work even harder and redouble our efforts, for the sake of Allah (SWT). This Ummah needs good Muslim men and women, who have Iman and Taqwa, Dear Brothers and Sisters, Ramadan after and who are desperately seeking Allah’s (SWT) reward Ramadan has now gone by, Allah has promised us in this life and the next. victory, He (SWT) has said in his book: Whatever work we have done thus far in our short lives, let us not think that it is sufficient, because it is not. We can always do more. It is not enough to work for Khilafah and abandon the rest of The Deen of Allah (SWT). But in the same way, it is not enough to only pray and fast, and leave what is another great obligation, the obligation of Khilafah. It is time that we look at the entire of Islam, and it is only when we have “al Khilafah Rashida”, The Rightly Guided Khilafah that the people of the world will see Islam for what it is, the only way of life that can save humanity. Look around you, where do you see any justice in the world? In Britain, we are surrounded in Kufr, The Limits of Allah (SWT) are transgressed everywhere where we look! Truly, we are living in Dar al Kufr (Abode of Kufr). We are in a situation parallel to The Prophet (PBUH) and his Sahabah (RA). When in Mecca, they were surrounded by evil, just as we are today. In the end however, it was not just Salaah that saw them through, for they understood that one must struggle for Islam and it’s victory, just as the previous Prophets (AS) and their followers had to struggle. We must step up to the challenge, just as our predecessors did.

“And whoever takes Allah and His apostle and those who believe for a guardian, then surely the party of Allah are they that shall be triumphant.” (al Qur’an, Surah al Maa’idah, Ayat 56) In the end we must work for that victory, just as The Prophet (PBUH) and all our pious predecessors did. We must make this time a month of victory again. And insha’Allah, we will be given victory, though hard work will be needed, The Muslims will re-establish The Khilafah, and rest assured, that day is close, more on that in the next volume bi’idhnillah t’aala. Let us make sure that an 87th Ramadan does not pass without The Islamic State. Remember this when you next read Allah’s (SWT) words: “O you who believe! Answer (the call of) Allah and His Apostle when he calls you to that which gives you life; and know that Allah intervenes between man and his heart, and that to Him you shall be gathered.” (al Qur’an, Surah al Anfaal, Ayat 24)

We must work together and give Da’wah to our friends, and our families, so that the call for al Khilafah

*Did you know? health experts estimate food consumption actually increases 50 percent during the month of Ramadan.

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Ramadan Xinjiang: Fast or lose your livelihood?

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Chinese authorities in Xinjiang Province have issued a notice that any Uyghur cadres or workers found not eating lunch during Ramadan would lose their jobs. It is part of the campaign of local authorities in Xinjiang, home to the Muslim Uyghur ethnic group, to force the Uyghur people to give up their religious rituals during the fasting month of Ramadan.

Uyghur Communist Party cadres throughout Xinjiang had been forced to sign “letters of responsibility” promising to avoid fasting and other religious activities. They are also responsible for enforcing the policy in their assigned areas, and face punishment if anyone in these areas fasts. Muslim restaurant owners are forced to sign a document to “Free lunches, tea, and coffee—that authorities are remain open and continue selling alcohol during calling ‘Care from the government’ or ‘Living Ramadan or have their licenses revoked. Imams in the allowance’—are being offered in government mosques are forced to preach to others that fasting is departments and companies. But it is actually a ploy a “feudal activity” and harmful to health, otherwise, used to find out who is fasting,” said Dilxat Raxit, World their religious certification will be cancelled. More on Uyghur Congress spokesman, speaking to The Epoch this in the future, insha’Allah. Times.

Farewell Message: Jazakallah kayr for reading the fourth volume, dear Brothers and Sisters, this Ramadan has been a very fun one, it is sad to see it is almost ending. In these last days, let us keep up the good work, and do even more ibaadah, and watch out for Lailatual Qadr! Insha’Allah, Eid ul Fitr will be a day of joy for us and you, but do not forget that we Muslims are united as One Ummah, so do not forget all your Brothers and Sisters in your du’a. Bi’idhnillah t’aala, Islamically Speaking Volume 5 is on the way! If you have any comments, or simply wish to get in touch, please e-mail: [email protected], jazakallah khayr. Asalaam alaykum wa rahmatullah Ramadan Kareem! Answers for Ramadhan Challange 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

9. 10. 11. 12. 13.

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Shawwal 1. Ninth Shabaan He said what a good bid’a (innovation) it is. The Qur’an was revealed in Ramadan. Musk 2 A.H. ; 623 C.E First 10 days: Brings Allah’s mercy 2nd 10 days : Brings Allah’s forgiveness 3rd 10 days : Brings emancipation from hell-fire Remembrance of Allah Once The Qur’an was revealed The Battle of Badr The Victory (fat’h) of Makkah To recite to him the Qur’an A supererogatory (Nafil) act in Ramadan merits the same reward as an obligatory act in any other month.