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Category: BLOG

How to battle the temptations of Dunya?

Shaytan, upon its exit from the heavens, pledged to Allah (SWT). He said he would try at his optimal capacity to distract humankind from Straight Path. But Allah (SWT) expressed confidence in His beloved servants.

All the temptations and sins of this Dunya are roadblocks created by Devil. He aims to widen the distance between the slave and his Master. But as believers, it is our goal to fight these obstacles and draw closer to Allah (SWT). When this bond strengthens, you will discover all your worries vanish away automatically.

For starters, we must understand that sins appear attractive for a reason. Man is weak and prone to slip now and then.

The Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) said:

“The world is a prison for the believer and a paradise for the unbeliever.” (Sahih Muslim: 2956)

A believer should stay mindful of Allah 24/7. If he does so, the protection of Allah will stop him/her in his/her tracks when he/she is about to err. On the other hand, a person who is not mindful of Allah believes he/she can get away with anything. They are likely to adhere by the YOLO (You Only Live Once) notion. It motivates them to maximize their enjoyment in this world, no matter how short-lived it is.

Instead of speculating over the ignorance of masses, an individual should start working on his/her self. What is it that causes them to slip from Straight Path? Why do they feel a void in their hearts despite having everything? How can they battle the sins head-on?

Below, we have rounded up four tips that will allow you to put a brave face and sway away from devilish pursuits. Let’s take a look:

  1. Check Your Heart

Sins do not materialize until the heart is vulnerable. No wonder that Allah (SWT) has blessed us with Surah An-Naas to seek refuge against Satanic whispers. The Surah tells us loud and clear how Devil encourages people to sin by attacking their hearts.

Who whispereth in the hearts of mankind – (Surah An-Naas: 05)

So, when you are treading towards Straight Path, cleanse your heart regularly.

  1. Strengthen Your Commitment

If your conviction of transition is not solid, you are likely to give up midway. It is vital to take some time to increase your sincerity. Jumping right into a massive change can result in the opposite effect. Work on your intentions and make sure you are doing it only for the sake of Allah (SWT).

And every time you feel tired during the journey, recall your commitment. You desired to change for Allah (SWT), so don’t shy away from seeking His assistance when things are tough.

  1. Boost Your Iman Dose

Today, we are living a fast-paced life. In our struggle to stay atop our games, we are unable to determine the real reason we came on this Earth. It was to preserve the religion of Allah (SWT), serve Him (SWT), and His Creation.

Sadly, competitions of this Dunya have enveloped us from all sides. We are more concerned about winning in our academic and financial grounds. However, when someone realizes that they are striding away from their original purpose, they must make up for it. One way to do that is to spike their Imaan.

Actions like doing Tasbeeh, having the righteous company, and understanding the Quran are preferable means to boost your Imaan.

  • The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) told us to ‘Keep your tongue moist with the remembrance of Allah (SWT).’(Arba’in al Nawawi)
  • The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) said, ‘Verily, the parable of a good friend and a bad friend is that of a seller of musk and a blacksmith. The seller of musk will give you some perfume, you will buy some, or you will notice a good smell. As for the blacksmith, he will burn your clothes, or you will notice a bad smell.’ (Sahih al Bukhari)
  • Understanding the Quran will allow you to analyze your devotion to Allah (SWT). Hazrat Umar (RA) said, ‘Take yourselves into account before you are taken to account. Weight yourselves before you are weighed.’ [Ahmad]

Your skill lies in knowing how to make the most out of every second you are alive. For instance, Tasbeeh is easy to do. Just make a habit of uttering praises to Allah (SWT) in your heart. Similarly, delving into the teachings of Quran has also become easy. With Online Quran Learning projects and Digital Islamic Institutes, there is no need to travel long distances.

Apart from these, make sure your circle is equally committed to Allah (SWT) as they fuel your Imaan.

Final Words

All the while, when you are trying to fix your soul, keep performing your obligatory duties. Thinking that you will start praying tomorrow and you will only focus on Tasbeeh today is a wrong approach. Rather, keep doing good deeds, seek Allah’s help, and thank Him for all blessings.

We hope you will sort out your priorities and strive to be the slave Allah (SWT) takes pride in.

Allah

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Sadaqah – In the light of Quran and Sunnah

At the end of each day, do you reflect on your state of Imaan? Have you drawn any closer to your Rabb? Or, are you caught up in the glimmer of Dunya and forgot that you have to return?

It is human nature to forget. But if the forgetfulness lasts long, it may bring doom. You get so involved in Satanic desires that you forget why you were sent here, in the first place.

Fortunately for the Muslims, we have hundreds of ways to cope with these devilish instincts. You may know of some ways like Recitation of the Quran and Salah. But today, we will highlight the importance of Sadaqah (voluntary charity). It is something we often ignore yet this is what’s going to rescue us from the Hellfire.

What is Sadaqah?

Sadaqah is derived from the Arabic root word Sadq (truth). The literal meaning of this word is to spend from one’s possessions and abilities in the way of Allah (SWT). It is an important constituent of a Muslim’s faith as it helps him/her draw closer to their Rabb.

Allah (SWT) says in the Quran:

“And those who are patient, seeking the countenance of their Lord, and establish prayer and spend from what We have provided for them secretly and publicly and prevent evil with good – those will have the good consequence of [this] home.” [Quran, 13: 22]

It is important to acknowledge the difference between Zakah and Sadaqah.

  • Zakah is the third pillar of faith. It binds a Muslim to pay out a standard proportion of the supplementary wealth and property to the poor and needy people in the community.
  • Sadaqah is something that everyone can give out. You can spend your skills, blessings, and money to help out those in need for it. This is something that people of every social status can perform.

Unlike Zakah, Sadaqah has no fixed amount. You can donate anything that is within your capacity.

Types of Sadaqah

There are three types of Sadaqah:

  • Sadaqah in the way of Allah (Sadaqah Lillah)
  • Continuous Goodness (Sadaqah Jaariyah)
  • Donated Assets (Waqf)

Every good thing that a person shares to seek the pleasure of Allah (SWT) is counted as Sadaqah. Even if it is as little as a date, it can be given as a Sadaqah. Allah (SWT) will reward a person for the intention and effort that he/she makes to give Sadaqah. Besides this, it is mentioned in a Hadith of Holy Prophet (PBUH) that smiling towards your Muslim brethren is also a Sadaqah. This is an act that promotes friendliness and assures safety from a Muslim brother to his fellows.

The Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) said:

“To smile in the company of your brother is charity…” (Bukhari)

Rules of Sadaqah

There are some regulations one must follow when giving out in charity. These include:

  • Spending sincerely to seek Allah’s pleasure, not praises from other humans around
  • One must have Halal earnings when he/she gives Sadaqah
  • Do not keep account of Sadaqah
  • Do not remind or mock people after you have given Sadaqah to them
  • Make sure you do not announce what you give, keep it hidden
  • Always be ready to do Sadaqah

Benefits of Sadaqah

Allah (SWT) highly values every ounce of effort you put in to spend in His way. It is an investment that will help you to exit the shackles of Hellfire on the Day of Judgment. The Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) once said:

“Charity extinguishes sin just as water extinguishes fire.” (Bukhari)

Allah (SWT) promises to His Believing servants that whatever they spend will not be lost. They will find rewards for it eventually in this Dunya and in the Hereafter, as well. It may seem like you are running out of money, but human sight cannot perceive what The Creator decides. He has promised in the Quran that He will multiply the rewards of charity by at least 700 times.

“The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed of grain, which grows seven ears; in each ear is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies His reward for whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and all-Knowing.” (Qur’an, 2:261)

So, my dear Muslim brothers and sisters, whatever you spend from time, money, and resources, you will definitely get better returns for it. Let’s hope and pray that we meet and rejoice in JANNAH!

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5 lessons we learn from the Islamic Ritual of Hajj

Most of us, even vaguely, know a little about Hajj. It is the fifth pillar of Islam and obligated once in a lifetime. Though, there are some regulations on who should perform Hajj and when this blog will not focus on that.

Our motive in this post is to help you all understand the core of this ritual. Why should a person perform Hajj? What is the point of journeying so far away from your land? Is there a reason for leaving your comfort zones and wandering about the Holy places?

For starters, let’s begin with the foundation.

What is Hajj?

Hajj is associated with the life of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS), his wife Hajra (AS), and Hoy Prophet (PBUH).  The struggle that Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) and Hajra (AS) went through for the sake of seeking Allah’s pleasure holds paramount importance in Islam.

The Almighty was extremely pleased by the sacrificial nature of Ibrahim (AS) and his family. So much so that the entire Ummah (till the Day of Judgment) will recall their names and glorify their practices.

As mentioned earlier, anyone who sets out on this journey must abide by some laws. Allah gives us a bunch of commands in the Quran, such as:

Hajj is [during] well-known months, so whoever has made Hajj obligatory upon himself therein [by entering the state of ihram], there is [to be for him] no sexual relations and no disobedience and no disputing during Hajj. And whatever good you do – Allah knows it and take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is fear of Allah and fear Me, O you of understanding. (2:197)

And when you are finally on the journey, remember that:

O you who have believed, do not kill game while you are in the state of ihram. And whoever of you kills it intentionally – the penalty is an equivalent from sacrificial animals to what he killed, as judged by two just men among you as an offering [to Allah] delivered to the Ka’bah, or an expiation: the feeding of needy people or the equivalent of that in fasting, that he may taste the consequence of his deed. Allah has pardoned what is past; but whoever returns [to violation], then Allah will take retribution from him. And Allah is Exalted in Might and Owner of Retribution. (5:95)

Similarly, as you are about to slaughter the sacrificial animals on the 10th of Zil-Hajj, Allah tells us that it isn’t their meat or blood that reaches Him. It is the righteousness in your heart that is of significance.

For further clarification on the subject, we suggest you should consult a scholar who would help you understand in the light of the Quran.

Lessons to take home from Hajj

Every person who goes there must brace himself/herself for days of struggle. Perhaps, they have to walk long distances, or the food may not be delicious enough. And maybe, the places to sleep are not as comfy as homes. But there are four takeaways from the entire journey that should stay in sight.

Let’s take a look through them:

Islam

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Importance of Exposing Children to Islamic Education

Education, at its core, is a beautiful gateway to intellectual development. The characteristic of an educated person portrays a stark difference with the one who is not literate. The way he/she talks, walks, and conducts himself through affairs of the day is proof of his lack of education. Meanwhile, when we speak of secular culture, it is vital to point over the fact that religious education also plays an equally essential role in human conduct.

Sadly, the focus of a massive segment of the Muslim population has shifted to worldly academics. While there is no harm in gaining that, our community needs to strike a balance between Islamic and worldly education. “Iqra,” the first revelation of the Quran, emphasizes the importance of knowledge in Muslim belief.

“Read. Read in the name of thy Lord who created; [He] created the human being from a blood clot. Read in the name of thy Lord who taught by the pen: [He] taught the human being what he did not know.” (96: 1-5).

Today, a common misconception that engulfs half of the Western World is that Islam is an oppressive religion. They think it is a framework meant to degrade women, reject scientific ideologies, and coerce minorities into believing Islam. It is only when you open the Word of Allah and expose yourself to the religion when you understand how the underlying concept of Islam is to peace, bliss, and humbleness.

Given the misinformation and propaganda against Islam spread by the Wester Media, it is the ultimate need of the hour to raise our next generation according to Islam. Let them know the basics of the religion and how they shall spend their lives. Only then can we expect our faith to survive the sands of time.

In case you are still unsure of why make your child study Islam, we have listed a few reasons to convince you:

Islamic Education Ensures A Child Stays in the Faith Loop

Gone are the days when parents got upset if the child wasn’t praying by the age of seven or he/she stuttered during recitation.

The priorities of parents have shifted dramatically. They are now more concerned if the child lacks his/her accent. Does he/she fit well in the social structure? How many clubs has he/she joined at school? What are his/her professional goals?

The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) said:

“Knowledge from which no benefit is derived is like a treasure out of which nothing is spent in the cause of God.” (At-Tirmidhi, 108)

The knowledge our children strive for today is not beneficial. It is what they take in their Deed Book that matters. Islamic Education makes sure that the Imaan of our kids doesn’t falter. They keep their actions in check at all times!

Islamic Environment Brings Good Companions in their Lives

Finding like-minded people in your community is not always easy. In case you live as a minority in a non-Muslim state, the faith of your kids is always at stake. When you opt for an Islamic Institute for your child, it is an affirmation of the fact that you care for their Imaan. This mere intention is so valued by The Almighty that He ensures your kid stays safe during the journey, and you attain maximum rewards.

Throughout their secular education, children hardly find someone who shares the same mental wavelength. It is in these Islamic Institutions where they eventually come across people who follow the same lifestyle.

Muslim peers in the same age group and learning the same concepts make them develop a special bond. By the Grace of Allah, this is the place where strong friendships are born. These are the travelers to Jannah, and Allah places love and mercy in their hearts for each another.

Islamic Education Rectifies the False Assumptions

As mentioned above, Western Media is the main reason beyond corrupt ideologies against Islam. While we cannot point fingers at any central force, we can work to strengthen our offspring.

By directing your children towards Islam, you enable them to view it from a closer lens. It helps them grow affinity with their Lord, His Messenger (Peace Be Upon Him) and amplifies their eagerness to reflect on the Quran. They uncover the truth distorted by Media Mafia and ensure that they tread onto the Right Path.

Summing Up

“The seeking of knowledge is obligatory for every Muslim.” (At-Tirmidhi, Hadith 74)

Make sure your child acknowledges the importance of learning at an early stage. Thanks to the massive expansion of the digital landscape, we have hundreds of tools to facilitate the process for our munchkins. Deploy the most effective and affordable methods of education, ensuring that their learning follows the pattern provided by the Divine Lord.

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The Importance of Online Quran Reading

Are you one of those persons who are yet to build a rapport with the Quran? Though you recite the Quran on and off, you do not feel its impact on your life. As a Muslim, you know learning this religious text is one of your primary duty. However, you may feel that it is challenging for you, especially due to the lack of a solid foundation. If you have the desire to recite the Quran correctly, then you can rely on online resources. 

Listening to your inner voice

Before you touch the book of Allah, it is a wise idea to examine your heart first. You should inquire about why you want to read the Quran. For many people, it seems to contain solutions to whatever issues they have, while others may seek guidance in life. It is the depth of the contents expressed in sublime language that sets this central religious text way apart from any other book. Learn Quran reading to find the right direction in life. Effective monitoring of lessons is possible by parents. The safety of children will not
be compromised due to the lack of physical contact.

Develop an understanding

 If you are not reading the Quran regularly, then you may find the idea of devoting several hours for this purpose a bit overwhelming. You can start with a shorter time. Join how to teach online Quran classes through the website of BEST QURAN TEACHING to develop a strong bond with the words of Allah. It is tough to retain an interest in anything if you do not develop an understanding. The same rule applies to the Quran too. You will need to understand the contents thoroughly, and this itself will spark the curiosity within you. This will induce you to know more and more, and gradually you will begin to see how five minutes reading will transform into ten minutes and then maybe to a couple of hours. 

At your convenience

Life of modern men and women has become fast-paced. A vast majority of the individuals are often juggling with their commitments in their personal as well as professional lives. Despite these obstacles, one needs to set aside time for the Quran. One of the best ways of attaining that objective is by taking resort to the online platform. Virtual classes are way too convenient, and you can attend these classes at your preferred time and that too from anywhere in the world. On top of that, you will not have to spend money on traveling. Add to that the stress of having to find a proper parking facility. Adults will no longer have to undergo the stress of readjusting their schedules to drop off their children to attend Quran class in the locality. 

Think sensibly

You should have a cautious attitude while picking an online portal for Quran studies. Make a comparative cost analysis before taking the final call. Invest some time on running a check on the customer testimonials. They will assist you in making decisions quickly. 

 

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Following the Proper Learning Roots of Quran Lessons for Kids

Are you not in a position to drive your kids to a traditional classroom for their Quran lessons? Do not fret. You can take resort to online classes. As a responsible parent, it is your duty to make arrangements for courses for your children if you do not have time in your hands to teach them yourself. In the daily life of Muslim children learning to recite the Quran correctly is necessary because they carry instructions for life not only for survival on this planet but even for the life hereafter.

Professional intervention

It is a prudent idea to teach children the various concepts of the Quran at a young age. Children are like sponges, and they can absorb new concepts quickly. Check out the good website for techniques to learn Quran online for kids.

  • Recite with confidence

If you want your kids to recite Quran flawlessly, then they must have a firm grasp of Tajweed rules. These rules are the ones that govern pronunciation while reciting the Quran. Take Quran lessons online to recite ayah to ayah with confidence. Many times you may have heard the recitation of Qaris. Every time you listen to them, you are held spellbound. You have often wondered about how their recital could be so impeccable. It is their solid grasp of Tajweed rules that not only render a melodious touch but also paves the way for perfect pronunciation.

  • From the perspective of convenience

One of the aspects that hold a great deal of appeal to Muslim parents is flexibility regarding timings. All around the year, most of the children have busy schedules. Their lives revolve not only around studies, but they are engaged in a host of co-curricular activities. So it becomes a bit of a challenge to schedule Quran classes regularly accordingly. However, if you sign them up for online courses, then they would be able to learn without causing any disruption to their daily routine. Even if you are residing in different time zones, then also you will be able to select suitable timings.

  • Qualified tutors

The educational portals which are reputed are known for their professionalism. In these websites, you will come across highly accomplished tutors. Many of you may be residing in localities, which may be facing a shortage of qualified teachers. For them, opting for online lessons is a smart move. The Quran tutors imparting lessons through online platforms are known to have a high level of proficiency and have in-depth knowledge about the relevant concepts.

  • Traveling not required

In the traditional model, the guardians have to think of the traveling aspect. The parents will have to take time out of their hectic schedules and drive them to the respective institution. If you enroll your child in the virtual classes, you will not have to commute. Your child will be able to complete the required courses without even stepping outdoors.

Pick wisely

It would be best if you exercised a cautious attitude while picking an education portal for your children. Inquire about their fee structure before reaching a decision.

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The Prophet (PBUH) Love for Kids

Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) – an Infinite Source of Light!

He was a man who would never curse even his deadly enemies. He has set an example of a character you can never find in the entire history of humanity.

And when it comes to his treatment towards children, one only expects kindness, gentleness, and unconditional love. Indeed, Muhammad (PBUH) was ultimately loving towards kids. Be it, children, from his family or friends, it made no difference to him.

For example:

  • Whenever children came towards him, he used to pick them up in his arms and caress them with love
  • At times, he used to put his tongue out playfully, and the kid near him would become excited
  • He used to stroke their heads and made loving prayers for them
  • When he used to lie down, he made the child sit on his chest or his feet

Apart from this general behavior, we find numerous examples in his life when he had been exceptionally kind towards children. Some of these incidents are listed below:

Interaction with the Bedouins

In many of his teachings, Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) emphasized the importance of teaching children with kindness and compassion.

Hazrat Aisha (RA) reports that “Some Bedouin people came to the Prophet (Peace be Upon Him) and said: ‘Do you kiss your children?’ He said: ‘Yes.’ [The Bedouin] said: ‘But we, by Allah, never kiss (our children).’ The Prophet (Peace be Upon Him) said: ‘What can I do if Allah has taken away mercy from you?’”

  • Sunan ibn Majah

Treatment to the Slave Kid – Anas bin Malik (RA)

Slavery, at that time, was quite common in the Arabian society. Our beloved Prophet (Peace be Upon Him) has Anas bin Malik (RA) as his servant for ten years. He was the personal servant of Muhammad (PBUH) and served him till his death.

The devoted companion later stated that “I served the Prophet (Peace be Upon Him) at Medina for ten years. I was a boy. Every work that I did was not according to the desire of my master, but he never said to me: Uff, nor did he say to me: Why did you do this? or Why did you not do this?”

  • Sunan Abi Dawud

Reflection:  How do we treat our house help or those inferior to us? How do we react when they make a mistake?

Praised the Kids

Kids, like adults, also have sensitive self-esteem. They do not like it when someone insults or ridicules them in front of everyone. On the contrary, they love it when adults praise them and talk good of them.

A companion among the believing women called Umm Khaled narrates an incident happened to her during her childhood she still remembers. She says: “I came to the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) with my father, and I had a yellow dress on me.

The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said “Sanah, Sanah” (Sanah means nice in Ethiopian language), she said “then I went to play with the ring of the Prophet whereupon my father stopped me” then the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said “leave her” then he said to me “Wear out and consume, wear out and consume, wear out and consume (he was supplicating for her to wear more clothes and consume).”

  • Bukhari

Reflection: How often do we praise our kids or children around us? We think there is no point in praising them, so we never do it!

Allowed the Kids to Behave Childishly

There is one other famous incident. The Prophet (Peace be Upon Him) was leading the prayer. He had made the prostration extra long, and only after the prayer was completed did the congregants realize why. His grandson had actually climbed on his back while he was in the prostration and order not to disturb him, the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) waited until he was done to rise from the prostration.

  • Sunan an-Nasa’i

Reflection: What do we do if kids climb on our backs or do not let us pray? We push them away, harshly!

This is an excellent lesson for us. Children may sometimes behave irrationally. They talk about things that do not make any sense. They may make it difficult for you to carry out your routine tasks. However, this certainly doesn’t allow you to be rude towards them or scold them.

Final Thoughts

Those tiny souls will not stay little for long. You must incorporate teachings of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) in your tarbiyah. And when you begin following the best example, there is very little chance for your children to turn out bad people. Right?

In the end, it is not only your kids or children in your family that should be treated the Muhammad way. It is for every child you interact with! Show them mercy, love, respect, and trust. Insha’Allah, the Almighty will reward you for it. After all, you are following the Sunnah of His Beloved.

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Best Life – Read Quran Online- Know About the Life, Truth and the Way

Do you understand the critical role played by the Quran in the life of any Muslim? Reading the Quran paves the way for building a relationship with the book of Allah. Parents must render support to their kids throughout this experience. Some of the challenges faced by people who are starting are the slow pace of progress along with the phobia of inaccurate pronunciation. All these challenges can be tackled at ease with the support of a reliable online institute.  

Picking the right course

The Holy Quran is an integral part of every Muslim household. People growing up in the Islamic states are aware of the impact of the Quran in their culture, food, traditions, and daily lifestyle. On the other hand, Muslims who are stationed in secular nations on account of their work or other personal obligations may not see the impact. Adhering to the guidelines of the religious text becomes more manageable if you learn holy Quran at BEST QURAN TEACHING with trustworthy online portal.

Boost your confidence

The learning process becomes easy if you start at an early age. For this purpose, the size that fits all policy is not going to work. You may have often come across siblings from the same family showing different levels of expertise in Quran learning. An efficient tutor, however, can create all the difference. Therefore picking the right academy for taking lessons in the Quran is a matter of vital importance. The entire process of selection requires careful consideration. Build up confidence with online Quran teaching through the website of www.bestquranteaching.com.

Without stepping out

Nowadays, it becomes tough for adults to attend traditional classrooms because of hectic life. Often they have to tackle countless obligations at their place of work, and they also have to fulfill domestic responsibilities. Under such circumstances, finding sufficient time to attend classrooms in person requires a massive commitment on the part of the individual. Not only will they have to make arrangements for transport but also they will need to figure out if the courses they are interested in do not come in conflict with their busy schedule. Get over these challenges by picking online classes. You will no longer have to worry about modes of commuting to the institution, and you can start attending classes dressed in casual attire.

Having a smart approach

 If you browse on the net, you will see various academies offering their courses. You should invest adequate time in the research process so that you get the right portal. Before plunging into the decision, you should take a careful look at the website to know in detail how their program works. Before you sign in, you will need to see the hardware and software requirements for the classes. Get to know about their courses by taking a look at their catalog. You should also find out about their pricing structure. Inquire if they have offer trial classes free of cost. Attending those sessions will give you a general idea, and you will be in a better position to make an evaluation. 
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Welcome, Ramadan!

One sight on the new moon and our entire state of Imaan flips over. That’s the thing about Ramadan. It changes our hearts. Even when we have not fasted yet, offering the first Taraweeh prayers makes us feel good and uplifted.

However, it is quite sad that many of us are clueless about the way to spend this blessed month. We want to make the most out of it. But we cannot do so because of our lack of knowledge. Similarly, many amongst us have high spirits in the beginning. And as the month goes by, their spirits die down.

The only solution to this dilemma is to open the Quran. In it, we find guidance and the correct direction from our Lord for all affairs of our life.

Of all the commands mentioned in the Quran, the rulings about fasting are discussed comprehensively in Surah Baqarah.

“Oh, you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may learn piety and righteousness.” [Quran,2:183]

The entire passage, henceforth, discusses the actions allowed during the fasting and contains the instructions for people who can’t fast. Apart from this, Allah makes an important revelation here. He provides how Ramadan is the month of the Quran. This connection between Ramadan and the Quran makes things easier for us. We can reap maximum rewards by making our Ramadan a period to reflect and recite the Quran.

It is beneficial to prepare beforehand. This gives you an idea and makes it easy for you to design a schedule for the days to come. Here is how you should Welcome Ramadan:

  1. Decorate

You are about to enter the holiest month of the Islamic Calendar. It is the time to rejoice and convey the happiness around you. You can do that by putting up decorations around your house. Tiny fairy lights, colorful banners, and cute lanterns bring a pleasant aura to your house.

This is hugely beneficial if you have kids in your household. They learn at a very young age that there is something special about these days. Decorations before the onset of Ramadan makes them excited. It serves as a visual reminder and raises their anticipation.

  1. Set Up a Countdown

You can move your calendar backward. For instance, if there are twenty days left for Ramadan, you put your calendar to 20 and keep turning the pages back until Ramadan arrives.

Or on the tenth or twentieth of Sha’aban, you can paste a note on your fridge stating the number of days left to Ramadan. As days go by, you can cross and move one number back. This way, people in the house become aware and get to know that things are going to change.

Muslim families across the globe the psychological impact of the countdown has been appreciated by many

  1. Plan the Good Deed Ramazan Schedule

As mentioned earlier, Ramadan is the month where you have to establish a connection with Allah. And that happens via good deeds.

So, make sure you prioritize tasks well. Plan the good deeds that are within your capacity. It includes Zakah, Quran, Salah, and Tasbeeh (the easiest of all):

“Is anyone of you incapable of earning one thousand Hasanah (rewards) a day?” Someone from the gathering asked, “How can anyone of us earn a thousand Hasanah?” Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said: “Glorify Allah a hundred times by just saying “Subhanallah” and a Good deeds will be written for you, or a thousand sins will be wiped away.” (Muslim)

You have to be vigilant of every moment in Ramadan. To make things easier, you can create a chart of good deeds. Write all the targets you want to achieve. For example, you can write the pages of the Quran you will read each day, the sadaqah you want to do, and the portion of the Holy Book you wish to understand. If you need professional guidance, we suggest you enroll in an Online Quran Teaching Academy.

  1. Food Prep

You cannot afford to lose the precious hours in the kitchen preparing food for the iftar. However, that doesn’t mean you don’t have to cook anything and worship all the time. The key here is to plan efficiently.

You must prepare ahead and prepare a few dishes before the month arrives. This way, you can serve scrumptious meals to your families and sustain a strong bond with Allah, too.

Conclusion

The Holy Month is standing at the corner. It is wise if we chuck out all our worldly affairs so we can focus on worship. For a month, we have to put aside the affairs of the Dunya. It becomes easy if you look around you and reflect on how Allah (SWT) has blessed you beyond measures.

We can never repay Him. The least we can do is be grateful to Him and call out to Him in the blessed month. And eventually, we will discover our entire year will fill up with Barakah, insha’Allah

 

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COVID 19 – An Opportunity to Strengthen Connection to the Quran

The onset and rapid transmission of novel Coronavirus have taken the whole world by surprise. Where there is a whole body of scientists and researchers working to find its cure, the religious faction is taken aback. People are firing queries at them, to which they see no definite answer.

Is it a punishment from Allah? A test? Or is the Day of Qiyamah about to come?

Quite honestly, debates like these serve no purpose. Our religion advises us to focus on a bigger picture. Never lose our habit of being grateful and patient. Yet, the confusion that many people face these days is how to observe the above two (patience and gratefulness)?

The entire world is in chaos, and we can’t help but feel upset.

The Good that Tags Along

Now, let’s look at the brighter side. COVID-19 has hit us, precisely at the time when we are about to enter the happiest time of the year – RAMADAN!

Typically, Muslims celebrate this month with a rejuvenated faith each year. The mosques stay full, and conflicts in the society level down to zero (almost!). The faces are happy, and everyone in the community stands as a united front.

However, this year things are different. Mosques have been closed to curb further outbreak and people are under strict social distancing practice. Many of us feel tense. And we must fight away the thoughts that break our spirits. We should try to view the half full glass, instead of moping for the half-empty one.

This virus is a blessing in disguise, if we use our insight. It is a reminder that Allah is the Most Powerful, no matter how much the human boasts around about his knowledge. It is about time we realize this and re-establish our lost connectivity with the Divine.

Establishing Divine Connection

The lock-down can be an excellent opportunity for you to strengthen your relationship with the Quran.

Let’s see how:

We can read more Quran

Being at home, scrolling down social media brings no benefit. The only thing we feel after browsing our phones these days is STRESS!

The best way to beat anxiety is through Quran. Now you can utilize most of your time reading the Quran. That Online Tajweed Class you were delaying for so long can now be taken easily. You also get more time after Fajr and Maghrib prayers.

So instead of folding your mat, keep sitting. Take out your Mushaf and beautifully recite the Quran. You will feel more hopeful and optimistic.

We can understand the translation

The main reason why most people do not pick up the practice of understanding the Quran is their busy schedule. They assume that they can understand Tafseer at a later part of their lives. Perhaps when they have retired or have fewer domestic responsibilities.

They ignore the Master Plan of the Almighty. How could they presume they will live to see those days?

This virus is teaching us many new things. Among that, one lesson we have learned is – no one knows what is coming next!

It is time we set our priorities right. Understanding the Word of Allah is not optional. It is the purpose of our life (among others). So during this lockdown, you can enroll yourself in the Online Tafseer Lessons. A few days in the classroom, and you will feel a difference in your perspective. Insha’Allah, you will enjoy it to such an extent that you won’t feel snapping out of these lessons even when things go back to normal.

We can memorize the Quran

Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) said: “Indeed, Allah will elevate some people with this book, and he will degrade others with it.”

None of us wants to fall into the latter category. Why not make this possible during the lock-down? We can devote more of our time to finish the memorization we have left midway. And if you are someone who always wished to begin the Hifdh journey. Now is the best time to do that!

You can seek assistance from an Online Quran Tutor or ask someone in the family who is proficient at reading the Quran. Remember, this is a noble endeavor. When you set out on it, you will watch miracles happening in your life.

No one is asking you to complete the entire Quran memorization. If it is hard for you, you can memorize a few surahs only. When you start reciting them during your Taraweeh in Ramadan, you will have a sense of extraordinary happiness.

Verdict – COVID 19 will make you a better and stronger Muslim!

We will repeat – do not let this time of crisis break your Imaan.

Do not waste these hours on social media or watching movies. Because you will end up more depressed and anxious. Do not let these things break you!

It is a golden opportunity to recreate your Divine Connectivity. You can make these moments precious by spending more time with the Quran. With uplifted spirit and friendship of Allah, nothing can bring you down.

Take this therapy for a month, at least, and let us know how you feel.

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