ramadaan – Madina Institute South Africa

What does Taqwa mean?

Imtithaal Sampson is a 20-year-old student who recently completed Matric at Al-Azhar High School in Athlone. After spending three years in Hifth, she felt drawn to the spiritual environment of the institute and found herself longing to learn more about Islam. She is currently in the B.A. degree at Madina Institute.

What does Taqwa mean?

Contrary to popular belief, Taqwa does not mean to fear or be afraid of Allah. Defining the term Taqwa like this would be incomplete. However, many of us were raised to believe this misconception.

Taqwa is the Islamic term for being cognizant of Allah. This term encompasses many things, one of them being consciousness. Hence, one should know that Allah is all-knowing of ones actions, intentions and beliefs. “O, you who believe! When you hold secret counsel, do it not for sin and wrong-doing, and disobedience towards the Messenger (Muhammad SAW) but do it for Al-Birr (righteousness) and Taqwa (virtues and piety), and fear Allah unto Whom you shall be gathered.” (Quran, 58:9) This verse from the Quran shows us that Taqwa is a broad concept and not just restrained to one idea.

The word Taqwa comes from the word ‘Wa-Qa-Ya’ which could be translated as shield. This word can therefore be defined as a shield from wrongdoing. This shield can be built up with the consciousness that Allah is all-knowing. One can make this shield strong by refraining from partaking in prohibitions.

Therefore, during Ramadan, we as Muslims should focus on increasing our levels of Taqwa as it will instil in us the cautious behaviour of doing more good than evil. We can do this by engaging in as much Thikr and goodness as we are able to. Achieving Taqwa will allow us to continue a spirit of goodness and growth after the holy month of Ramadan has left us. In-Shaa-Allah Ameen.

Study Tips for Ramadan

Thameenah Abrahams is an English graduate from the University of Cape Town. She is currently a Usul ad-Din student at Madina Institute.

Study Tips for Ramadan

Out of all the months of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan is the most anticipated month for most Muslims. It’s a time where blessings and rewards are multiplied, mosques come alive at night, and families unite. However, with this blessed month, not everyone has the luxury to remove themselves from their busy schedules. Even students are not exempt from writing exams.

Our busy schedule should not dampen our zest for not being able to make the most of the Holy month. Instead, we should use it as a challenge to be more conscious of God. Constant remembrance of Him will decrease the temptation of sin. Similar to studying, when we study, we start our task of studying with the name of God, and we follow it with the salwāt on our Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)

In addition, we also need to make sure we are doing justice to our bodies during the month of fasting. When studying, we use an extensive amount of our energy on mental activities. However, being in a state of hunger is also advantageous. In the Ihya of Imam Ghazali, he lists ten benefits of hunger and one of those benefits is the ‘sharpening of one’s insight.’ Overconsumption of food and drink makes the mind dull-witted whereas depriving your body of food opens up the pathways of the mind.

The food we consume affects our spiritual being, as well as the physical. We need to eat food that is ‘halal and tayyib’ (pure and good) and refrain from unhealthy foods or take out. Food from a pure source will nourish the physical body and will enable you with more energy to take on more acts of worship and provide ease with studying.

If we want to maximise the month of Ramadan, we also need to prioritise our time. An effective method would be to create a time management system. Ideally, preparing ahead for the month of Ramadan should take place at least two months prior, in Rajab and Sha’ban. The most important part is to know what your objectives are and work towards it.

Ramadan is a month filled with limitless blessings and worship is not restricted to the four walls of the masjid.

Thameenah Abrahams

The Benefits and Virtue of Prayer

Hafssa El-Bouhamouchi, 27, is from Germany with Moroccan origin. She is enrolled in the Madina Institute Bachelor of Arts in Usul Al Din Program, together with her husband. They came to Cape Town in order to learn and study at Madina Institute, with the intention of transmitting Islamic knowledge in Germany.

The Benefits and Virtue of Prayer

The month of Ramadan is the month when Allah, Creator of all the worlds, revealed the last message to the Seal of all Prophets through the Angel Jibriel. A message that as Muslims accept as the basis of our way of life, our way of acting and our way of thinking; we align our existence with. The entire month of Ramadan can be viewed as a reminder and serve as an opportunity to renew this connection. But how do you internalize the message of the Quran? Through prayer, by not only reciting the Quran, but by reading and internalizing it, in the presence of the One.

Prayer plays a special role within the acts of worship. For this reason, when we say Allahu Akbar we bid farewell to our worldly worries and enter into the presence of Allah. This means that we do not only remember our Creator but enter into a direct conversation with Him in which He answers us when we praise Him. When we testify that we serve Allah alone, Allah answers “this is between Me and My servant and My servant shall receive what he asks for” (Sahih Muslim).

Allah has prescribed prayer for us and every form of worship has a purpose in it and the act itself is not an end in itself. The movements in prayer, the ritual purification before prayer, the recitation and the remembrance in prayer all these parts that make up prayer are attributed to a single goal: God-consciousness. Therefore, Allah describes those who attain God-consciousness in their prayers as successful (23:1-2).

So the advantages of prayer are not only in prayer itself but also in the process of the prayer. A believer who consciously worships Allah five times a day will try to keep away from sins whether they be small or large, conscious or unconscious. The awareness of the omnipotence of Allah ultimately leads to the believer improving his character and restraining his self from evil. This is already a success in this world and the success in the hereafter is much greater. The Prophet said: “The first thing for which the slave will be held accountable for on the day of Resurrection is his prayer; if it is good (by performing it properly and on time), then all his affairs will be good, and if it is ruined (by neglecting it), then all his affairs will be ruined.” [At-Tabaraani].

Hafssa El-Bouhamouchi

A Sister’s Struggle: Maintaining the Feeling of Ramadan during Menstruation

A Sister’s Struggle: Maintaining the Feeling of Ramadan during Menstruation

Muslim women sometimes feel that their menstruation can set them back in Ramadan; they feel excluded from the Ibadat that brings a believer closer to Allah. Fasting is no longer an obligation, like the prayer. Moreover, not being able to participate in the uplifting prayers of tarawih at night is difficult for many. But do we believe that menstruation is a disadvantage? This mindset is not what Allah ascribed to the noblest of His creatures. Allah says He created the human being and thus also the woman “in the best of stature“ (95:4) and this also includes the physical functions of the body.

The Origin of Life

A woman’s menstruation is the origin of the offspring. Therefore, it is a form of sustenance (rizq). If we assume this, then staying away from the Ibadat is an act of devotion to God in itself. Allah has given us relief in a phase that is physically challenging. In fact, staying away from Ibadat enables a new start when one returns to it after the period. With this knowledge, Muslim women would find it easier to devote herself to other Ibadat. So how can we keep close to Allah during our period? At the times of prayer, we can retreat and remember Allah.

Keep up the Connection

The best way to keep up the connection is to make Istighfar; meaning to ask Allah for forgiveness often. Especially since we know that Ramadan is the month of forgiveness. We can use the time that we do not spend in prayer to take ourselves into account. From this, we have to become more aware of our mistakes and ask God for forgiveness. To make Istighfar is a Sunnah of the prophets and women can follow this practice during their menses.

The Prophet used to say: “My Rabb! Forgive me and pardon me. Indeed, You are the Oft-Returning with compassion and Ever Merciful” (Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi).

Many women feel physically weakened and vulnerable during their periods. This is the right time for Du´a. Because in those moments of weakness it is especially important to ask Allah for strength and patience. Du´a is so important in Islam that the Prophet – peace and blessing on Him – said “Dua is The essence of worship” (Musnad Ahmad Tirmidhi).

Service as Ibadat

Worship is not limited to remembrance. With the right Niyyah, our deeds throughout the day can be considered a service; cleaning up, looking after children, taking care of parents and brothers and sisters, shopping and cooking. We also receive the reward for their fasting through the cooking and eating of the fasting family members alone.

The possibilities are infinite because the month of Ramadan is for the believer no matter what condition we find ourselves in. We owe only the effort, the success comes from Allah.

Hafssa El-Bouhamouchi

Preparation for Ramadan

Zochara Peters, 49, is currently a student at Madina Institute studying the one year Usul al Din course. She is married and has a 14 year old daughter. She enjoys baking, cooking and hiking in her free time. She loves to help people, and is an active member of a community soup kitchen.

Preparation for Ramadan

Ramadan is a once a year occurrence on the Islamic calendar. It is reported on the authority of Umar (Radiallahu ta’ala an) when the Prophet (Sallalahu Alayhi Wa Alihi Wa Salaam) was asked about Islam, he clearly indicated that “to fast in the month of Ramadan” is one of its principles. In chapter 2 verse 185 in the holy Quran it states* “Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed to man and clear proof of the guidance and criterion. So when you witness the month, let him fast it…..”.

There are numerous verses in the holy Quran and many sayings of the Prophet (Sallalahu Alayhi Wa Alihi Wa Salaam) that refers to Ramadan. This is a clear indication of the importance of this month. When we want to know if something is important then we ask questions. One particular question comes to mind, “how do I prepare for Ramadan?”.

There are many things that a person can work on in order to prepare for Ramadan. I believe that Fasting is not only the abstaining from food, drinking and sex from sunrise to sunset – but rather it’s much more. Let us look at a few examples. My sentiments is that we need to fast with our eyes, meaning we don’t look at Haraam. Also with our mouths, we don’t indulge in vain talk. We fast with our ears, we don’t listen to gossip. Fasting must also be done with our hands, do not take what’s not yours, similarly, the feet must be used to go to good places and not to Haraam places that keep one away from the remembrance of our Creator. In fact, we must fast with our whole being, body and soul

I think the inclination to do good is definitely on the cards. So the question would be “what good” do I do? The Revelation of Quran is synonymous with the month of Ramadan. The only difference is that Ramadan is one month of the year but the holy Quran is for every moment of our lives. So there is the answer. My preparation for Ramadan should revolve around the study of the holy Quran. Not only in Ramadan but the whole year through.

The holy Quran is in a book form but it is the speech of our Creator. This book was not send to be read or recited only but more for us to read, reflect on the verses, to study the meanings to get an understanding in order for us to implement the laws of Allah ta’ala in our daily lives.

Ramadan Mubarak.

By Zochara Peters

*The Qur’an is Arabic, and the English translation is a possible meaning

The virtues and mercies of the last ten days of the holy month of Ramadan

Sharfaa Mustapha, 17, is currently doing the one year Usul al Din course at Madina Institute. She is an animal lover, and is very adventurous. She loves the outdoors and enjoys reading and knitting in my free time. She is passionate about community empowerment and embracing new challenges.

The virtues and mercies of the last ten days of the holy month of Ramadan

Ramadan is a blessed month for Muslims all over the world in which they increase in Ibaadah and good acts of worship in the hope that Allah ta’ala will forgive them their sins and free them from the fire of Jahannam.

The last ten days of this beautiful month is very special and is associated with freedom from the fire of Jahannam. Muslims spend these nights engaging in increased thikr, dua, istighfaar,and recitation of the holy Quran. They have a strong desire of attaining closeness to their Creator, while not only abstaining from food, drink and sexual interaction, but undergoing spiritual cleansing as well.

It is an opportunity for the erasing of previous sins and of creating good habits that can be practiced outside of the month of Ramadan as well.

There are many small changes we can make to the good things we do to ensure multiplied blessings. We can encourage our friends to accompany us to the mosque to pray solaah and taraweeg, we can make a bit extra food and feed our neighbors to ensure everyone has something to break their fast with, we can spend time with orphans and the elderly… the options are limitless.

Muslims also search for the night of Qadr (power) in the last ten days as the holy Quran was revealed to the beloved Nabi Muhammad (Sallahu alayhi wa alhi wa sallam) on this very night as a guidance for mankind. It is said to be a night greater than 1 000 months and anything we do on this night will have maximized rewards. When Rasullulah (Sallahu alayhi wa alhi wa sallam) was asked what prayer to recite during Laylatul Qadr he replied, “Say: O Allah, You are forgiving and You love to forgive, so forgive me.”

May Allah ta’ala grant us to reach Ramadan and gain the benefits thereof inshallah.

By Sharfaa Mustapha

Keeping the Ramadaan Momentum

It’s so strange. The moment we see the new crescent moon and hear the Eid Takbeer, we can feel the absence of Ramadaan. In Ramadaan it just feels easier to do good deeds and pray more often – whether it is the promise of multiplied rewards, the hope of being of those who are forgiven or the collective community encouragement and spirit – there is no short of motivation to put in extra efforts during this month.

We know from Surah Baqarah Ayah 192, that Allah ta’ala prescribed fasting for us so that we may become of those who attain Taqwa. In Ramadaan Taqwa feels like an achievable possibility – we are so much more aware of the Presence of our Creator, Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala. Many of us feel a spiritual low after the Eid rush, trying to find our feet and re-establish our “normal routine”. Here are 10 easy ideas to keep the “Ramadaan Feeling”, to help us be of the people of Taqwa, Bi IthniLlah (By the Will of Allah ta’ala)

Read the Quran: Surah Baqarah, Ayah 2 may be translated as: “This is the Book about which there is no doubt, guidance for those conscious of Allah (People of Taqwa). ” Set aside some time every day to read at least 1 page of the Quran. Shaykh Muhammad al Ninowy recently said: “Read the Qur’an with the intention of healing”. I like to think, a page a day will keep the doctor away J
Fast : It is widely known that it is sunnah to fast on Mondays and Thursdays. Having just come out of Ramadaan, with our days still short, it is an excellent time to establish this sunnah as a practice within our homes. Fasting in Shawaal comes with extra barakah and blessings – don’t miss this opportunity! The awareness of being in a state of fasting helps to increase our awareness of our Creator, Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala.
Pray Tahajjud: Make an effort to pray Tahajjud at least one night a week (late night prayers). The best time for Tahajjud prayers is the last third of the night, based on the hadith narrated by Abu Huraira Radiallahu ta’ala an, where he says the Messenger of Allah, sallalahu alaihi wa alihi wasalam said: Our Lord, the Blessed, the Superior, comes every night down on the nearest Heaven to us when the last third of the night remains, saying: “Is there anyone to invoke Me, so that I may respond to invocation? Is there anyone to ask Me, so that I may grant him his request? Is there anyone seeking My forgiveness, so that I may forgive him?”[Bukhari]
Recite Salawaat: The quickest, easiest way to establish a connection with RasulAllah sallahu alayhi wa alihi wasalam is to send salutations on him. Surah Al Ahzab, Ayah 56 may be translated as: “Indeed, Allah confers blessing upon the Prophet, and His angels [ask Him to do so]. O you who have believed, ask [Allah to confer] blessing upon him and ask [Allah to grant him] peace.” Get those tasbeehs out… Allahuma Salli Ala Sayyiduna Muhammad Wa Alihi….
Be generous: In Ramadaan there is a spirit of giving. Surah Al Imran, Ayah 92, may be translated as, “You will never attain the good (reward) until you spend (in the way of Allah) from that which you love. And whatever you spend, indeed Allah is Knowing of it”. True generosity is giving before being asked. Be generous with your wealth, your belongings and possessions, and your time and skills. Give, share, love and serve for the sake of Allah ta’ala – and see how the barakah, blessings and goodness in your life increases.
Be good to our neighbours: Ibn ‘Abbas told Ibn az-Zubayr, “I heard the Prophet (sallahu alayhi wa alihi wasalam) say, ‘A man is not a believer who fills his stomach while his neighbour is hungry.'”(Sahih; Al Adab Al Mufrad). Don’t let sending food and treats to our neighbours only happen in Ramadaan. Sharing is caring and giving is living!
Visit the masjid: Make a point of praying in congregation and attending mosque events and gatherings. The Masjid is an ideal place to make friends, clear your mind, and connect with Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala. Alhamdulilah, in Cape Town we’re very lucky, most of our masajid welcome women – let’s make the most of it!
Encourage children: In Ramadaan, kids are encouraged to dress modestly, pray, fast, attend the masjid, be involved in charity, donate of their pocket money and visit neighbours. These are excellent character-building activities that should not just be reserved for Ramadaan. Try and develop these habits in children throughout the year.
Make dua: Sometimes we get so caught up, we simply forget to make dua, or we’re so rushed, we just think “Allah Knows what is in my heart”. That is true – He is All Knowing. But despite Him Knowing what we want, and what is best for us, He gave us this gift of dua. Dua is an opportunity to talk to Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala. It is an opportunity to develop a connection with Him, a relationship with Him. It is a chance to express our love for Him. He is All Hearing. The sweetness of sincere dua is a feeling unmatched.
Never lose hope in Allah ta’ala: We will make mistakes, and we will slip up – the important thing is to get back up and try again. We have to have sincere intentions, put in the effort, and do our very best, Allah ta’ala is the Most Merciful, and the Oft-Forgiving.

In Surah Baqarah, ayah 177 Allah ta’ala explains Taqwa : “Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah , the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveller, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfil their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the Mutaqun (People of Taqwa)”.

May Allah ta’ala make us people of Taqwa, who love Him and His Messenger Sallahu alayhi wa alihi wasalam, and may He grant us Tawfiq (success) in all our efforts to attain closeness to Him, subhanahu wa ta’ala, Ameen

Saleemah Jaffer

Published in Modest Muse, June/July 2016

Midnight Meditation – a Ramadaan youth program

On the 18^th July 2014 Madina Institute SA hosted a youth evening at Darul Karaar Masjid, Wynberg. The 18^th of July, also known as Mandela Day, coincided with the 21^st night of Ramdaan – a night that may have been Laylatul Qadr, the night of the Shahaadah of Amir ul Mu’mineen, Ali Ibn Talib (May Allah ta’ala be pleased with him)

The program was organized and presented by volunteers and students of Madina Institute – young individuals, striving to be closer to their Creator. The program director, Aboobaker Kalla (Ameer of the Madina Institute SA Usul Ud Din Class of 2014), together with Sidi Liyaqat Mugjenker (Project Manager of the volunteer team), ensured that the evening ran smoothly, keeping everyone interested and wanting more Alhamdulilah. After the introductions and opening Qira, Ustadh Isa Husayn (who is from Sweden, and part of the Usul Ud Din 2014 class) led a short beautiful Dhikr, calling on Allah ta’ala, Al-Lateef. Ustadh Isa explained that “when we call on Allah subhaanahu wa ta’ala by the name Lateef, it is The Subtle One, The Gentle One, the Kind One, so we asking Allah subhaanahu wa ta’ala to grant us His Lutf, in our hearts, to soften our hearts, and especially now, we asking Allah subhaanahu wa ta’ala to be gentle with us, in whatever hardships may befall us, that He is always gentle with us”

Sidi Ahmad Deeb (who is from the USA, and part of the Usul Ud Din 2014 class) gave a beautiful Nasiha. His casual manner in which he explained, “We live in a time where religion itself is not seen in the right form…religion is not the very cool thing to be in…that’s just a fact…you don’t have to, you know, beat around the bush” opened up the hearts and minds of many young people, capturing everyone’s undivided attention.

Ahmad asked the question “why did Allah give us Ramadaan?” and then explained that “Because it is our nature to fluctuate, to sometimes become lazy, maybe even to stagnate. So out of His Mercy, He gave us Ramadaan, the month in which we should exert the most amount of effort. Every muslim, whether religious or not, gets a little more serious in Ramadaan…Allah knows we will slip up, and if we do, He gave us these 10 nights…to gain His Mercy, His Forgiveness, to find yourself” He urged everyone to make the most of the last 10 nights of Ramadaan, saying “Finish strong…the things that happen in the middle, the slip ups, become no longer relevant…if you finish strong, you forget…but if you slip up, and you dragging your feet at the end of the race, you feel like it’s a waste.” He also reminded everyone that good company is very important. It makes you try harder to be a better person and to do more ibadah and serves as a motivation and encouragement when you feel you are slacking.

Another thing many youth struggle with is feeling connected to Allah ta’ala. Ahmad ended his Nasiha tackling this very simply, explaining that we always say one should have ‘khushu’ which we often translate as being able to concentrate or focus in prayer. “ How do we develop ‘khushu’?”, he asked, and then explained, “What it really means is Awe of Allah….they say dance like no one’s watching….one quick tip for prayer….pray like no one’s watching….pray as if no one’s there – and then it’s just you and your thoughts. And then you have two options – you either deal with your thoughts, or you just let them keep flowing…. Deal with your thoughts, what is keeping you from focussing? Reflect on what it means to say ‘Allahu Akbar’….what does it mean to say ‘Allah hears the one who praises Him’ ”

With Ahmad’s words still fresh in everyone’s minds, Hafith Abdullah Francis lead the Qiyaamul Layl, his beautiful voice leaving everyone feeling calm, content and connected to Allah ta’ala Alhamdullilah. Hafith Abdullah Francis is from Mitchell’s Plain Cape Town, and also part of the Usul Ud Din Class of 2014.

The Qiyaamul Layl was followed by meditation facilitation by Sarwar Nassiry (who is from the USA, and part of the Usul Ud Din 2014 class). Last year Sarwar spent some time in Tarim, Yemen and has a blog ‘Experience Meaning’ where he promotes meditation of Qura’nic Ayahs. Sarwar explained that in many other faiths, meditation is used to clear one’s mind, and empty one’s head. As a muslim, mediation can be used to control one’s thoughts. He compared it to an untrained horse, which runs wild – explaining that it’s important to be able to rein in our thoughts, and prevent them from running, so that we may develop consciousness of our Lord at all times.

Sarwar explained, based on what he was taught by Shaykh Muhammad Mendes (Director of Madina Institute USA), that we should try and “knock from the inside”. He compared this to being inside a car on a very cold night, where you cannot clear the windscreen by simply wiping the outside – you have to put the defrost or demist on – which works silently, with no one really being aware that is working, improving visibility dramatically. He advised that we need to shake up our ‘inside’ and awaken our spirit. The meditation was simple – close your eyes, realise nothing exists without Allah ta’ala, accept that everything we experience is the manifestation of His attributes, and say Bismillahi Rahmani Raheem, not with your tongue, but with your heart. It was a simple instruction with a magnificent effect MashAllah.

The program ended soul stirring qasa’id by Sidi Safdar Ali Ajmoodien and the’ Voices of Madina’ after which everyone enjoyed pizza and drinks Alhamdulillah. The program was a bit longer than the traditional “67 minutes of doing good on Nelson Mandela’s birthday” but Alhamdulillah, the feedback was that the timing was perfect! Everyone left the masjid smiling, feeling spiritually uplifted, the promise of “finish strong” firmly in the hearts of many – ready to tackle the last days of Ramadaan!

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Tag: ramadaan