Eid Mubarak!

Ramadan Qoutes

"(It was) the month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’aan, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan i.e. is present at his home), he must observe Sawm (fasts) that month…"

~ [al-Baqarah 2:185]
"Allah is with those who restrain themselves."

~ [Quran 16: 128]
"He is the One GOD; the Creator, the Initiator, the Designer. To Him belong the most beautiful names. Glorifying Him is everything in the heavens and the earth. He is the Almighty, Most Wise."

~ [Quran 59:24]
"Allaah has made Laylat al-Qadr in this month, which is better than a thousand months, as Allaah says...The Night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months. Therein descend the angels and the Rooh [Jibreel (Gabriel)] by Allaah's
Permission with all Decrees, there is peace until the appearance of dawn."

~ [al-Qadar 97:1-5]
"(Fasting) for a fixed number of days; but if any of you is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed number (Should be made up) from days later. For those who can do it (With hardship), is a ransom, the feeding of one that is indigent. But he that will give more, of his own free will,- it is better for him. And it is better for you that ye fast, if ye only knew"

~ [al-Baqarah, 2:184]
"O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint."

~ [al-Baqarah, 2:183]
"When My servants ask you about Me, I am always near. I answer their prayers when they pray to Me. The people shall respond to Me and believe in Me, in order to be guided."

~ [al-Baqarah, 2:186]
"Permitted for you is sexual intercourse with your wives during the nights of fasting. They are the keepers of your secrets, and you are the keepers of their secrets. GOD knew that you used to betray your souls, and He has redeemed you, and has pardoned you. Henceforth, you may have intercourse with them, seeking what GOD has permitted for you. You may eat and drink until the white thread of light becomes distinguishable from the dark thread of night at dawn. Then, you shall fast until sunset. Sexual intercourse is prohibited if you decide to retreat to the Masjid (during the last ten days of Ramadan). These are GOD's laws; you shall not transgress them. GOD thus clarifies His revelations for the people, that they may attain salvation."

~ [al-Baqarah, 2:187]

These quotes came The Holiday Spot Website.

Is it really the 27th day of Ramadan?

This Ramadan has gone by quite fast. It makes you realize how short life is.

This is an important day in Islamic history. As we all know, the month of Ramadan was the month that our Holy Quran was sent down from heaven. The story goes that our Prophet Muhammad - sallalahu alaiha wa sallam (peace and blessings upon him) was sitting in the wilderness alone near Mecca when the Angel Jibra’eel (Alayhis Salaam) appeared to him. Jabra’el (Alayhis Salaam) commanded Muhammad (sallalahu alaiha wa sallam) to read, wherein our Prophet (sallalahu alaiha wa sallam) recited that he was not a reader. The Angel Jabra’el (Alayhis Salaam) then taught Prophet (sallalahu alaiha wa sallam) some verses of the Quran which Muhammad (sallalahu alaiha wa sallam) memorized.

These revelations continued for ten days. Many Islamic scholars believed that the first revelation came on the night of the 27th day of Ramadan. That is the night we call Laylat-al-Qadr (Night of Power). Moreover, and this according to the Quran, is when Allah Ta’lah determines the course of the world for the following year.

The receiving of the Holy Quran can be compared to the receiving of the Ten Commandments to the Jews and the Christians. This is an important event in Islamic history and the lives of Muslims everywhere.

Source: Muhammad and the Holy Quran. (n.d.). Retrieved from Ramadan on the Net : http://www.holidays.net/ramadan/muhamd.htm

When is Eid Al-Fitr?

Eid Al-Fitr is a holiday marking the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting which is one of the greatest religious observance in Islam. What is the date for Eid Al-Fitr in 2009?

Eid Al-Fitr is expected to be on or around September 20, 2009.

Note: The exact dates of Islamic holidays cannot be determined in advance, due to the nature of the Islamic lunar calendar. Estimates are based on expected visibility of the hilal (waxing crescent moon following a new moon) and may vary according to location.

Laylat al-Qadr

My apologizes for being AWOL, but I have been working on my final project for Masters’ Ethics Course. The paper is due in less than two weeks so I am plugging away.

I just wanted to share some of my knowledge and understanding of Laylat al-Qadr. The meaning of the terms Laylat al-Qadr means the Night of Power. It is the anniversary of two important events that occurred in the month of Ramadan. First, this is the night that the first verses of the Quran were revealed our Prophet Muhammad - sallalahu alaiha wa sallam (peace and blessings upon him). It is also the night that our Holy Quran was revealed in its entirety.

The You Tube video below is a recitation of surat al Qadr (Quran 87, 1-5)



Here is the English translation.
In the name of God, the Benevolent, the Merciful.
1 Lo! We revealed it on the Night of Predestination.
2 Ah, what will convey unto thee what the Night of Power is!
3 The Night of Power has more blessings than a thousand months.
4 The angels and the Spirit descend therein, by the permission of their Lord, with all decrees.
5 (The night is) Peace until the rising of the dawn.

According to our Holy Quran, the Night of power is between than a thousand months. The entire month of Ramadan was period of spiritual training through fasting, praying, reciting the Quran, remembering God and giving charity. The last ten days of Ramadan hold the most significance because Muslims must strive harder since Laylat al-Qadr can come in any of the odd numbered nights of Ramadan. It is believed that Prophet Muhammad (sallalahu alaiha wa sallam) once told believers that “Whoever stays up (in prayer and remembrance of Allah) on the Night of Qadr, fully be living (in Allah’s promise of reward), and hoping to seek reward, he shall be forgiven for his past sins.” (The Virtue of the Last Ten Days of Ramadan and Laylat al-Qadr.)

Muslims all over the world spend the last ten days of Ramadan in solid devotation. Morever, he entire month is a month of devotion, renewal and reflection. As the month comes to end, we pray that the lessons we have learned in the month of Ramadan are ones we can carry with us through out the year.

Inshallah and Alhamdallah.

Source:

The Virtue of the Last Ten Days of Ramadan and Laylat al-Qadr. (2008). Retrieved September 12, 2009, from Quran.CA: http://www.quran.ca/2008/09/28/virtue-last-ten-days-ramadan-laylat-al-qadr/

My Suhr Favorites

This is a memory I miss about growing up in a big family during Ramadan – Suhr. Here are couple of my favorite Suhr recipes.

Tomato Salad w/Tahini Sauce

Ingredients
3 tomatoes
1 large cucumber
2 garlic cloves – crushed
½ cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Mint, if available, about 1/2 cup chopped
½ cup tahini sause

Directions
Dice tomatoes and cucumber (mint) – leave some mint for later
Mix tahini with garlic, lemon, salt and pepper. You can add a little water to lighten the thickens
Add tahini mix with tomatoes, cucumbers, mint and mix well
Pour olive over as a garnish with some mint.

Palestinian Omelet – Makes two omelets

Ingredients
6 eggs slightly beaten
4 tablespoons parsley chopped
½ bunch green onions chopped
4 tablespoon butter or margarine
1 tablespoon fresh (or dry) chopped mint
½ an onion chopped, if you like
Any other veggie you would like to add
Salt and pepper

Mix all ingredients together expect butter
Place 2 tablespoons butter in pan and heat
Drop ½ the egg mixture in skillet
When set, turn the omelet to the other side. Fry until golden brown
Repeat same for second omelet

What are your favorite Suhr favorites? Share those on your blog and leave a link here. Thanks.

A couple of my favorite Ramadan dishes

Growing up, these were famous recipes at my home during the month of Ramadan. Now that I am older, these recipes remind me of growing up. I lost my father in 1994 and this year, Ramadan happens to be on the anniversary of his death and these two recipes make me feel closer to him and closer to home.

Fattoush Salad

Ingredients
1 cup tomatoes – cut in chunks
1 cucumber – chopped
¼ cup mint chopped
¼ cup parsley chopped
Romaine lettuce – about 6 cups, torn
2 pitas
2/3 cup feta cheese
1-cup red onions chopped

Directions
Toast 2 large pitas in oven until golden brown and crispy. Let cool and break into pieces. Mix all the ingredients with pita bread.

Prepare dressing
Sumac spice to taste
Lemon juice – ½ cup
½ cup olive oil
1 tablespoon vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste

Lentil Soup

Ingredients
6 cups chicken or veggie stock – whatever your preference
1 lb. Red or green lentils – whichever your preference
1 tablespoon mince garlic
1 large potato chopped
1 large onion chopped
3 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon cumin
½ cup chopped cilantro
¾ cup lemon juice – add more if you like

Directions
Put stock, chopped potato, and lentils in a large pot and bring to boil.
Cover and reduce heat to simmer for 20 minutes
Heat oil and cook garlic and onion until they are clear
Stir in onion and oil into mixture and add spices
Continue simmering until lentils are soft
Serve warm. Some people like to puree red lentils in a blender and make it a cream soup. (Feel free to do that if you like your lentil soup that way.)
Stir in lemon juice and cilantro

Well here are my Ramadan favorites, what are yours?

Teaching Children About Islam #3: Teaching Your Children About Ramadan

Ramadan fasting can be difficult for children. It is the job of every parent to make a determination whether their child is ready to fast. Some children are ready when they are seven years old while others need more time. Each parent knows their child’s health as well. However, parents should not assume that if they do not emphasize fasting that their children will do it when they are older. Ramadan fasting should be introduced at some point and the sooner the better.

Here are some ideas on introducing fasting to your children.

Generally, between ages 7 and 9, it is possible to start your child on fasting at a gradual level. At first, you can encourage them to fast until 10 am and have them get up with the early morning Sahoor and have them participate in the Fajr prayer. The time can be increased until Zuhr and until the Asr prayer. Encourage them along the way and compliment their on their strength.

An important factor is to success is instilling the child’s desire to fast. Positive reinforcement can go a long way. Do not ridicule your child if they have a difficult time. That will only make them angry with you and with the teachings of Islam. Praise them. Encouragement them and even buy them gifts for a successful week.

You can also encourage them by educating about Islam. Show them that their peers are fasting and take them to the mosque where they can see other children who are fasting and praying as well.

Last, understand that children will cheat. After all, they are children. Do not punish them for lying and breaking their fast. Instead, try the following:

1. Give them allowance for each day they successfully fast.
2. Don’t confront them when they make a mistake. Instead, remind the importance of their fast and telling the truth, especially in Ramadan.
3. Do not expect small children to fast the entire day.
4. When you child fasts, praise him and allow others to hear such praise, such as other family members or their peers.
5. Do not place food or sweets in a place that easily tempts the child.
6. Create a religious and celebratory atmosphere in your home. Your children need to understand what an important month Ramadan is.

I hope this Ramadan is a memorable and long-lasting experience for you and your children! Inshallah!