busy busy ramadan al kareem!

I can't remember how many times we've had iftar outside and @ home ... thanks to so many good Muslims around and the new students ;) (since they are the reason why most people are hosting iftar for others), I think this time around, Ramadan has really been busy! Busy for bonding, silaturrahm and ukhuwwah acitivities subhanallah ... guess everyone is trying to have their bit done during - it's like racing for khair - and for His pleasure inshaALlah :).

Thinking of the time spent having to be here and there (and of course the other 'waajib' outings for groceries, library, hospital n bla bla bla) there's like so little time spent for other wonderful things in Ramadan - the Qur'an, the sunnah prayers, Qiyam a-lail, dzikr etc. Well, not having the time is one thing, the energy 'left' to do those things when the time is there is also another question ... Not that I would complain about accepting invitations and attending them - as I do realise that it is also a part of a Muslim's duty towards his/her felllow Muslim brothers and sisters ...

Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: Six are the rights of a Muslim over another Muslim. It was said to him: Allah's Messenger, what are these? Thereupon he said: When you meet him, offer him greetings;when he invites you to a feast accept it. when he seeks your council give him, and when he sneezes and says: "All praise is due to Allah," you say Yarhamuk Allah (may Allah show mercy to you); and when he fails ill visit him; and when he dies follow his bier.

(SahihMuslim)

Strive, strive, strive!

Ramadan has already entered the 2nd phase and that means there's no time left to fool around and sigh! Do not indulge yourself in wishful thinking, just wake up and do those things you need to do ... time and tide waits for NO man ...

dearest self and friends, don't forget to make du'a for all our brothers and sisters out there, at home and everywhere, lets seek His Mercy and strength, and may He reward us with the glorious taqwa and victory against the Kuffar and their allies ... alllahummansur islama wal muslimeen fi anha il-'alam!

don't forget the little sunnahs this ramadan - have a late sahur (well it won't be called sahur eating just before bed) but an early iftar ...

Anas (Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: Take meal a little before dawn, for there is a blessing in taking meal at that time.
(Sahih Muslim)

'Amr b. al-'As reported Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: The difference between our fasting and that of the people of the Book is eating shortly before dawn.
(Sahih Muslim)

Sahl b. Sa'd (Allah be pleased with him) repotted Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying:
The people will continue to prosper as long as they hasten the breaking of the fast.

(Sahih Muslim)

to those in S'oton Uni, ISOC's free iftar is available (still, mashaALlah ;)) @ Stoneham, Mon-Sat and watch out for interesting talks and speakers on their Saturday events (held @ the same venue) ... InshaALlah this week we'll have brother Abdul Rahim Green (I'm not sure what he'll be talking about but I'll guarantee that it'll be wonderful and beneficial! See you there inshaALlah :)

2:148. To each is a goal to which Allah turns him; then strive together (as in a race) Towards all that is good. Wheresoever ye are, Allah will bring you Together. For Allah Hath power over all things.

* ahadith from the book of Salam and Fasting, Sahih Muslim.