FASTING? RAMADAN: A TIME TO ATTAIN TAQWA PAGE 4,5. What is FASTING & ZAKAT FAQ S PAGE 12,13. Use Enclosed Zakat Worksheet to Calculate your Zakat Due

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1 تموز 2014 م - رمضان 1435 ه العدد 83 )عدد خاص بالشهر الفضيل( RAMADAN: A TIME TO ATTAIN TAQWA PAGE 4,5 What is FASTING? PAGE 6,7 FASTING & ZAKAT FAQ S PAGE 12,13 WAYS TO LOSE WEIGHT DURING RAMADAN PAGE 12,13 Use Enclosed Zakat Worksheet to Calculate your Zakat Due

2 In The Name of Allah, The Most Beneficent, The Most Merciful Assalamu Alaikum and Ramadan Mubarak, MF BOARD OF DIRECTORS Hussein Ata, President Oussama Jammal, VP Jamal Said Habes Abdallah Abdallah M Shuaibi Kalid Baste Khalida Baste Fahim Aref Jehad Matariyeh Ahmed Kamni Aisheh Said Usama Alian Saleh Abdelrahman Mohammed Hussien Banan Said Marwan Elsafadi Jafar Ahmad Safaa Zarzour Mohamed Aduib Muntaha Salem Kamel Sandouka Ziad Zaatar Baker Rashid EDITORIAL BOARD Hussein Ata Sh. Jamal Said Sh. Kifah Mustapha Tareq Abu-Ammer Aisheh Said Mohamed Chehade Banan Said Abdel Baset Hamayel July 2014 Vol. 05, Issue 83 Copyright 2014 by The Mosque Foundation. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. Community Pulse is published monthly in the United States by The Mosque Foundation. Editorial and Executive offices are located at 7360 W. 93rd Street, Bridgeview, IL Subscription rates in U.S. and possessions: 1 year (12 issues) FREE. Send address changes to: The Mosque Foundation, 7360 W. 93rd Street. Bridgeview, IL Printed in U.S.A. We thank Allah (SWT) for giving us the chance to witness and reap the benefits of another Ramadan, as we join together in prayer and charity. Our community s consistent generosity and steadfastness make us confident that we will witness unparalleled beneficence once again. Nothing can compare to the sense of community that envelops the Mosque Foundation during Ramadan. The prayer halls bustle with eager worshippers, the parking lots fill with cars, and the words of Allah reverberate throughout the prayer halls night and day. The Prophet (S) spoke to the inseparable bond between fasting and giving, Fasting is a shield and Sadaqah puts off sin like water puts off fire. In working to uphold and embody the words of the Prophet (S), we call on you not only to fast this month, abstaining from food and drink, but to guard against any sin that may do harm to yourself or others. Strive to abandon any immoral acts or habits and seek forgiveness from Allah (SWT). Realign your inner compass so it leads you to the path of Allah (SWT). Rekindle your relationships with believers, relatives, and your Masjid. Aid in alleviating the suffering of those in need by offering your Zakat. Let these acts of charity be the keys to more bounties from Allah (SWT). The Prophet Muhammad (S) said, To Allah belong bounties and blessings (kept) with people that He will sustain for them as long as they are (busy) answering the needs of others, only if they do not feel bored (in doing so). If they felt bored, Allah will shift it to others. We also call on you to share in the enormous rewards of the thousands who worship, seek guidance, and receive assistance here by supporting the operations of our Masjid. The Prophet (S) said, Whomsoever (so much as) lights a lamp in a mosque, the angels and Throne Bearers do not cease praying for him and asking forgiveness for him for as long as that lamp remains lit. Join us in fostering the growth and development of Islam in America. Please support the operations of this House of Allah with a generous contribution of $1000, $500, $250 or any amount you can afford. Wassalamu Alaikum, Sh. Jamal Said Principal Imam & Director Hussein Ata President & Chairman of the Board P.S. Please use the enclosed return envelope to calculate your Zakat. For an automated Zakat calculator, please visit us online at 2 July Ramadan 1435

3 By Dr. Zaher Sahloul ways to LOSE duringweight RAMADAN Contrary to popular belief, most Muslims do not lose weight during the month of Ramadan. In fact, some actually gain weight due to a focus on the iftar rather than fasting as a means of self-control and discipline. When reading these suggestions, keep in mind that a healthier believer is a stronger one. 1. Incorporate realistic weight loss goals to your Ramadan resolutions. 2. Eat less not more. The fasting person should typically reduce their total daily food intake. 3. Remember that losing a pound means losing 3,500 calories. 4. Focus on the quality not the quantity of your food. 5. Eat only two meals and avoid snacking between iftar and suhur. 6. Do not eat until you feel full or bloated and leave a space in your stomach adhering to the Prophetic prescription to have one third of your stomach empty. 7. Eat more protein-rich foods. Proteins typically have fewer calories and reduce hunger. 8. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables and avoid canned foods. 9. Remember, Ramadan is not an excuse for indulging in sweets. 10. Drink water and natural, low calorie juices and avoid soda drinks. 11. Pray Taraweeh daily. You burn about 15 calories every rak ah. 12. Try not to over or under sleep. Both oversleeping and under sleeping may cause weight gain. 13. Eat a date and water after breaking your fast and pray before eating your main meal. This will help you eat less since it increases your blood sugar and reduces your feeling of hunger. 14. Weigh yourself daily after your morning routine and invest in buying a good scale. 15. Consult with your doctor and nutritionist if you have a chronic disease which requires multiple doses of medications. 3 July Ramadan 1435

4 Sh. Jamal Said Message From The Imam RAMADAN A TIME TO ATTAIN TAQWA Dear Brothers and Sisters, Allah s favor has descended upon us as He has selected us to witness His month this year. Its days are the best of all days, nights the best of all nights, and hours the best of all hours. Mere breathing and sleeping are rewarded as tasbeeh and ibadah during this month. In Ramadan the Muslim increases his awareness of his place and purpose on this earth and is reminded of the blessings of his Creator, as Allah (SWT) says, Oh you who believe! Fasting has been ordained upon you as it was ordained upon those before you, that you may attain Taqwa (Godconsciousness) (2:183). Through gaining Taqwa, the Muslim becomes increasingly self-aware, measuring his every thought, word, and action. And so we begin this month by purifying our intentions and invoking Allah for whatever our heart desires for He has promised to accept the invocations of the sincere. The gates of Jannah remain open during this month so we ask Allah to save us a home in it as we beseech Him to keep the gates of Jahanam closed to us as they are closed during this blessed time of year. Ramadan has arrived to discipline our worst enemy, our nafs, and nourish our hearts since the shayateen are locked up. In abstaining from food and drink, we are reminded of our ability to control our desires and urges. We can elevate ourselves to become righteous human beings, detaching from the animalistic persona society has glorified and convinced us to be acceptable. This is a time to reevaluate our intentions, decisions, and actions, and by doing so we strengthen our relationship with our Creator (SWT). During the month of the Quran, the Muslim reconsiders his relationship with Allah s Book. He opens his heart to the Quran to allow its guidance to purify it and his mind to illuminate his understanding. In reciting and memorizing from the Quran, the Muslim draws nearer to Allah (SWT) receiving His protection and blessings. 4 July Ramadan 1435

5 As we reconsider our relationship with Allah (SWT) and His Book during Ramadan, we must also reflect upon our relationships with His slaves from our parents, siblings, relatives, in-laws, and friends. It would be a shame to allow Ramadan to pass by without rectifying our relationships with fellow Muslims by seeking their forgiveness, forgiving them for their short comings, and ridding ourselves of grudges. We must keep in mind that although Allah may forgive us for violating His rights upon us when we sin, He will not forgive us for violating the rights of our Muslim brothers and sisters. Therefore we must humble ourselves and seek their forgiveness before a time comes when we will not have the luxury of doing so. This year Ramadan is quite special since it will be during the summer. Those who are not working or studying during this month have much more time during the day to engage in activities which either please or displease Allah (SWT). So we must surround ourselves with good company, righteous friends and create a schedule to keep us from wasting our time which often leads to sinning. This is a time to train ourselves to give up bad habits such as using bad language, and take up good habits such as lowering our gaze and holding our tongues. We must work hard to guard our tongues, eyes, and ears from all which displeases Allah (SWT) and spoils our inner selves. For everything we say, see, and hear will either purify or ruin our hearts. Our struggles during this month will lighten the burdens we carry on the Day of Accounting. Prophet Muhammad (S) was reported to have said, O People! You have made your conscience the slave of your desires; make it free by invoking Him for Istighfar (repentance/forgiveness). Your back is breaking under the heavy load of your sins, so prostrate before Him for long intervals and make it lighter. We must not allow ourselves to forget the objective of this month which is to save our skins from the fire of Jahanam and receive Allah s mercy and forgiveness. Let us keep these reminders in mind. Abstain from watching television, including satellite stations which advertise entertainment programs made especially for Ramadan. The nights of Ramadan should not be reserved for such entertainment, playing cards, and smoking cigarettes or water pipes. Just as good deeds are heavily rewarded during this month, bad deeds will also weigh heavily. We must observe the sanctity of this month as we observe the sanctity of Hajj. Sweeten your tongue with the remembrance of Allah and seek His forgiveness as you abstain from backbiting and gossip. Rid yourself of bad language, control your anger, and reconcile any disputes you have with anyone. Give sadaqa to the needy and provide iftaar to both those in need and those not in need. Offering iftaar to the fasting person, whether rich or poor, will be rewarded heavily as promised by our beloved Messenger of Allah (S). Strive to complete the recitation of the Quran during Qiyam and engage in reading Tafseer by pondering over the meaning of its verses. Finally, be honest with yourself and make real attempts at changing yourself for the better. If you left something during Ramadan for the sake of Allah, leave it permanently and Allah will open for you doors in this dunya and the doors of Jannah in the akhira. May Allah (SWT) accept our fasting, prayers, and supplications during this month. Sh. Jamal Said 5 July Ramadan 1435

6 Soul What is FASTING? Sh. Kifah Mustapha Body Mind Fasting is called sawm in the Qur an. The word sawm literally means to abstain. According to Shari ah, the word sawm means to abstain from all those things that are forbidden during fasting from the break of dawn to the sunset, and to do this with the intention of fasting. Purpose of Fasting The Qur'an says, O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those who were before you, in order that you may learn taqwa (piety). (Al-Baqarah 2:183). Taqwa is the sum total of all Islamic spirituality and ethics. It is a quality in a believer's life that keeps him/her constantly aware of Allah. Taqwa is piety, righteousness and consciousness of Allah. Taqwa requires patience and perseverance. Fasting teaches patience, and through patience, one can rise to the highest position of taqwa. The Prophet (PBUH) said that fasting is a shield. It protects a person from sin and lustful desires. Imam Ibn al-qayyim viewed fasting as a means of releasing the human spirit from the clutches of desire. Fasting is Obligatory In the second year of Hijrah, Muslims were commanded to fast in the month of Ramadan every year. The prophet (PBUH) said, "Islam is built upon five pillars: testifying that there is no god except Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah; performing Prayer; paying the zakah; making the pilgrimage to the Sacred House (Hajj); and fasting the month of Ramadan."Narrated by Bukhari. Rules of Fasting Fasting in the month of Ramadan is obligatory upon every sane, healthy, Muslim, both males and females, upon the age of puberty. Temporary sickness allows people to break their fast but he/she must fast at a later time after Ramadan to complete the missed days. An incurable illness allows people to break their fast, but they must pay the fidyah (Feeding a needy person, or approximately $10 per day). Women who have their period or post-partum bleeding are excused from fasting, but they must make up the missed days after Ramadan. If pregnant women and mothers who are nursing babies find it difficult to fast, they can also postpone their fasting to a later time when they are in a better condition. 6 July Ramadan 1435

7 A journey according to the Shari ah is any journey that takes you away from your city of residence, a minimum of 48 miles or 80 kilometers, according to the norm of what would be considered traveling, i.e. 48 miles or more from your city, outside the boundaries of whatever it encompasses. The traveler who misses fasting in Ramadan must make up those missed days as before the following ramadan. Fasting According to the Sunnah It is Sunnah and there is a great reward and blessing in taking suhur. The best time for suhur is the last half hour before the time of Fajr prayer begins (dawn). 1. Take Iftar (break-fast) immediately after sunset. During the fast, abstain from all false talks and deeds. 2. Do not quarrel, have disputes, indulge in arguments, use foul words or indecent language, or do anything that is forbidden. 3. During the fast, do acts of charity and goodness for others and increase your worship and reading of the Qur'an. Every Muslim is recommended read the whole Qur'an at least once during the month of Ramadan. Things which Invalidate the Fast You must avoid doing anything that may render your fast invalid. Things that invalidate the fast and require qadaa' (making up for these days) are the following: 1. Intentionally eating or drinking. 2. Deliberately causing yourself to vomit. 3. The beginning of menstrual or post-childbirth bleeding even in the last moment before sunset. 4. Sexual contact. Things That Do Not Invalidate Fasting 1. Taking a bath or shower. If water is swallowed involuntarily it will not invalidate the fast. 2. Using perfumes, wearing contact lenses or using eye drops. 3. Taking medicinal injections (non-nutritional) or having a blood test (an IV or stomach tube would be considered nutritional, thereby breaking the fast). 4. Using miswak (tooth-stick) or toothbrush (even with toothpaste) and rinsing the mouth or nostrils with water, provided it is not overdone (so as to avoid swallowing water). 5. Eating or drinking unintentionally, like forgetting that one was fasting. But one must stop as soon as one remembers and should continue fasting. 6. Sleeping during the daytime. 7. Women whose menstruation stops during the night may begin fasting even if they have not made ghusul (full bathing of the entire body) yet. 8. Having dental work. 9. Using inhalers (such as for asthma). Requirements for Fasting to Be Valid There are two main components of fasting: 1. The intention (niyyah) for fasting. One should make a sincere intention to fast for the sake of Allah every day before dawn. The intention need not be in words. Some jurists are of the opinion that it is sufficient to make the intention once for the whole month and does not have to be repeated every day. 2. Abstaining from dawn to dusk from everything that invalidates fasting. 7 July Ramadan 1435