I don’t exactly remember when I came across his video first on YouTube but when I happened to see it after a long while again this Thursday night, it shook me. Really, I cannot describe with adequate words how I felt listening to him, watching him. He must be hardly eight in the video, young Hassan bin Abdullah Al Awadh, but his voice moves the heart.

So there I was at 1 am listening to him over and over and over again. Then I downloaded the audio into my iPod and listened to him before bed, the next morning, during my evening walk, when I got angry over something, on my way to back from college… you get the picture. By now, I’m sure I’ve gone on enough of a ramble to really stretch your patience.

(Translation of the recited verses available here: http://www.ummah.net/what-is-islam/quran/noble/nobe036.htm)

Who’s young Hassan then? A young boy who’s recited the initial verses of Surah Ya Seen in a video on YouTube, son of an Imam of a masjid in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. When they first put his video on YouTube, I don’t think they had an idea how would much people would love it… that it would trigger off a sharing spree. People ask if he has a CD out. The more inquisitive minds want to know who he is. Where does he live? Who taught him?

The Quran is not an ordinary book, it is the Word of Allah(swt) and when recited, especially by a Qari with an exquisite voice, it is difficult to stay dry-eyed. The eyes automatically well up with tears, a fluttery sensation fills the heart and you know it is not something any man could put forward. If you can understand Arabic to any extent, it carries massive weight and immediately affects you, feeling as if there’s no-one else around… just you and your Lord. The words have direct impact, anger and sadness subsides, leaving an intense motivation to get up, make something of yourself and please Allah(swt) the way he wants you to!

Watching and listening to Hassan made me wonder about so many things. The powerful words of Surah Ya Seen were themselves enough to prompt self analysis. However, it also made me wonder about the reciter himself, whom Allah(swt) has blessed with such a beautiful voice. It is evident that he is in the constant company of the best reciters, who’ve taught him so well MashAllah. I also thought about the kind of environment he must have at home that he’s reciting with all the intricate rules of Tajweed at an age so tender. His mother, what an amazing woman she must be to have raised such a sweet child, MashAllah! What lessons did she teach him, setting the solid foundation for a soul that seeks to purify itself? Really, the beautiful tones in which this child recites indicates all these things about his life – his inner self literally shines through… that’s how it is with reciting the Quran with a sincere heart.

I also wondered about his future. I hope and pray he becomes a scholar of Islam through the magnificent talents that he has, that Allah(swt) has made known to us about him. We need these young children to grow up in Islam, nurtured by sincere and upright Muslim families, to become the leaders of tomorrow. Confident in their faith, trusting in Allah(swt), drawing closer to Him through His Words… that is the process of purification that produces strong believers.

Hassan has recited other portions of the Quran and a small handful of videos of him during a visit to Bosnia in 2007 show him to be about twelve or thirteen years old. His voice has matured slightly with age, lowering in pitch, but of course that does not reduce the beauty of the recitation in any way. In fact, it made me so happy to know he’s reciting and will possibly come forward as a well known Qari as he grows older InshAllah. Based on his videos, he seems like a modest young boy, nonetheless confident… a mark of a person well grounded in faith, may Allah add strength to it! Only those with strong faith can remain modest and shy while so much attention is turned towards him but the Shaitan is always at play and thus, I pray for Hassan sincerely.

I’ve learned so much from Hassan just listening to him recite those verses full of meaning. I’ve also learned about the importance of giving children the right upbringing and the massive benefits of doing that. Hassan proves you can become very knowledgeable in the Quran even at a young age. Very frankly, if I ever have a son, I’d be greatly blessed in so many ways if I could teach him, guide him, inspire him to be like the cute little boy who moved my heart with his sweet voice. Alhumdolillah, I have Hassan’s example right before me to inspire and motivate my own self for something so crucial and so rewarding.

“And when you (Muhammad SAW) see those who engage in a false conversation about Our Verses (of the Qur’ân) by mocking at them, stay away from them till they turn to another topic. And if Shaitân (Satan) causes you to forget, then after the remembrance sit not you in the company of those people who are the wrongdoers.” (Quran 6:68)

“And when they hear Al­Laghw (dirty, false, evil vain talk), they withdraw from it and say: “To us our deeds, and to you your deeds. Peace be to you. We seek not the ignorant.” (Quran 28:55)

“And those who do not witness falsehood, and if they pass by some evil play or evil talk, they pass by it with dignity.” (Quran 25:72)

In recent days and even years, I’ve thought a lot about the right way to deal with particular situations that I face often. It’s about incessant arguments and heated debates between “Muslims” who have very little, not even the basic knowledge about their own Deen (and by choice, not because they did not have an opportunity to learn). Don’t get me wrong, I’m not talking about people who’re unaware of the right Islamic teachings but those who enjoy picking out what they see as “flaws” in Islam and then debate them in unbecoming ways, with an attitude that aims to push you into a corner under a barrage of allegations. This is a small group of society that is determined to not only abandon its faith but also demean it and those who are adhering to it.

The topic of the debate is usually some incident in Islamic history or some practise of Islam – there sounds the bell and the wrestling match begins! Perosnal views, long held beliefs, guesses and even incredulous, exaggerated and fabricated remarks are all pitched against one another. One round ends only to signal the start of another round. No personality, no character is spared an attack but you won’t see angry mobs out protesting against this because, of course, these are Muslims conversing and then again, in the comfort and privacy of their drawing rooms. Yes, a “drawing room” discussion and we all know what that’s about!

Shocking and painful as these discussions are, to hear such ignorance and careless regard for Allah’s Deen being discussed in a pseudo-intellectual way, under the guise of a good cause – “pondering and increasing knowledge” – yeah, right! Please spare me! Asr and then Maghrib time come and go by but the questions ”What is the concept of prayer in the Quran? Is it meditation? How do we do it? And what are the exact timings?” are not settled.

Initially, I used to sit in and share what I knew from the Quran and Sunnah, wondering how grown-ups could know so less about so simple matters. However, what I heard in those discussions shocked my ears and twisted my insides  in disgust - some of the things I can never repeat, such wild and senseless character assassinations those were, sparing not even the family and being of Prophet(pbuh) whom Allah(swt) Himself describes as being  ”upon the highest standards of character.” (Quran 68:4)

Sa`d bin Hisham asked `A’ishah about the character of the Messenger of Allah , so she replied: `Have you not read the Qur’an?’ Sa`d said: `Of course.’ Then she said: `Verily, the character of the Messenger of Allah was the Qur’an.’ (Saheeh Muslim)

The only reason I sat there was to somehow introduce the real facts into the discussions but I learned my lesson after a long, long period of time. The very intent of these discussions, to dissect and question every command that Allah(swt) gives in the Quran, to twist Islam into what they want for themsevles rather than what Allah(swt) wanted… it showed the futility of the whole exercise in the name of “pondering and reflecting”. A Muslim submits – Islam means submission to Allah(swt)’s Will and finding peace through that - not pitching a whining question -”but why this way, Allah? Why? Why? Why?” – at ever command!

So, initially, I sat with them but later, I started to realize it was not the right way of utilizing my time. “You should counter them if you believe you have the answers,” one could say but really, a Muslim’s job is not to sit down with fellow Muslims who cannot find the humility to bend their ego before Allah(swt), and then point out to them the obvious. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not being proud or anything but I speak from years of experience – sad memories – of being asked the question, “How do you know the Quran is authentic and unaltered? Besides, I can’t rely on these Maulvi people’s interpretations!” or “Perhaps even the Prophet went to idols? And you know what – I bet he did this and that too…” Astaghfirullah, I only quoted this to let you know the silliness of their arguments and why it was futile to be in such discussions. Will you not agree?

Later on, when I started moving, solely due to Allah(swt)’s guidance, from a being “Muslim by name” to a “Practising Muslim”, I too (or atleast my kind of people) became the subject of discussion. Then, it became quite personal and even more so, I was expected to answer their questions, just so they could refute me by brining in senseless arguments, with no evidence from the Quran or Sunnah. Of course, it was all under the seemingly harmless inquiry of “Did you read that verse in the Quran?” or “You know, Maulvi (a certain stereotype of a Muslim scholar) people do this and that?” Look at the way the question is framed, to make it seem as if they are genuinely interested in learning the right thing but let me tell you, it ends up with “Your idea of covering up is all wrong – there is no Hijab in the Quran” or “The five prayers have not been mentioned in the Quran! We need to interpret the Quran correctly” or even “Don’t talk to me about these Ahadith! I can’t stand it! We can interpret the Quran without all these made up stories!”

“Verily, those who dispute about the Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allâh, without any authority having come to them, there is nothing else in their breasts except pride [to accept you (Muhammad SAW) as a Messenger of Allâh and to obey you]. They will never have it (i.e. Prophethood which Allâh has bestowed upon you). So seek refuge in Allâh (O Muhammad SAW from the arrogants). Verily, it is He Who is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer.” (Quran 40:56)

I’ve now come to realize, Alhamdolillah I feel this is a tiny part of wisdom in Deen that I have gained, that it is not an obligation on me to refute such arguments. It is a waste of time and energy when I could be doing better things for Islam. The best way to counter this, after knowing it to be false and vain talk, is to increase the efforts to spread Allah(swt’s) Deen, enlighten those who have the sincere yearning and desire to learn the Truth and thus, achieve something. Allah(swt) has commanded us to invite to His way and to advise others to good while admonishing them against evil in a decent way.

“Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good (Islâm), enjoining Al-Ma’rûf (i.e. Islâmic Monotheism and all that Islâm orders one to do) and forbidding Al-Munkar (polytheism and disbelief and all that Islâm has forbidden). And it is they who are the successful.” (Quran 3:104)

This realization has brought peace to me. I do not feel guilty about not refuting every single “argument” brought forth by people, just as an excuse to cover up their own lackings in Salah, etc. When someone raises a question and I know, through experience or instinct, that the intent is not good, I avoid the discussion or move out of the area for a while, so that I would not have to hear those ignorant exchanges. It pains me when Allah(swt)’s simple Deen is ridiculed with such abandon, without fear that they will face up to Allah(swt) one terrible Day and He will ask us all, “Well, what did you do?” What will we answer when He asks us about our Salah? And when He asks us upon what basis did we ridicule His Messenger (saw) whose words and deeds, preserved in the Sunnah (by Allah(swt)) were supposed to be our guide?

Recently, my new resolve was put to test several times, such as…

“We still haven’t defined Allah – first tell me what is the definition of Allah!”

There was much worse but I cannot quote it here for the sake of decency. Alhamdolillah, even though it was as painful as ever, I was able to end the discussion quickly or go away for a while, until the topic was changed (as Allah(swt) commands). I tried to shut out the sad feelings, pray for their guidance and go on to listen to some Islamic talk online or listen to the Quran. I’ve also learned, through Islamic sources, that the right thing to do is to spend more time with pious, Allah-conscious Muslims and try to strengthen Imaan together while restricting meetings of the wrong sort, where Allah(swt)’s commands are ridiculed, to a bare minimum or at least, keep them at a level where I can interact with them in a good way (such as short visits, etc.).

Perhaps you have found yourself in such situations too but were unsure of what to do. In that case, I hope what I have concluded will benefit you as well. If you have got more to share, please leave a comment – I might benefit from your knowledge InshAllah. It would be great if you gave the reference to an Ayah or Hadith, as appropriate. I’m sure this is not the last time I shall write about this, but for now, I’ve said enough. I leave you with powerful words, may Allah guide us to Him…

“Shall We then treat the (submitting) Muslims like the Mujrimûn (criminals, polytheists and disbelievers, etc.)? What is the matter with you? How judge you? Or have you a Book through which you learn. That you shall have all that you choose? Or you have oaths from Us, reaching to the Day of Resurrection that yours will be what you judge.
Ask them, which of them will stand surety for that! Or have they “partners”? Then let them bring their “partners” if they are truthful! (Remember) the Day when the ‘Shin’ shall be laid bare (i.e. the Day of Resurrection) and they shall be called to prostrate (to Allâh), but they (hypocrites) shall not be able to do so.
Their eyes will be cast down, ignominy will cover them; they used to be called to prostrate (offer prayers), while they were healthy and good (in the life of the world, but they did not). Then leave Me Alone with such as belie this Qur’ân. We shall punish them gradually from directions they perceive not. And I will grant them a respite. Verily, My Plan is strong.” (Quran 68:35-45)

This talk was given last year and was highly acclaimed and InshAllah, this year on August 17th, Muhammad Al Shareef is presenting another highly anticipated talk live, titled “The Fasting and the Furious”. I got a chance to watch/listen to “Towards An Outstanding Ramadan” on Youtube today and decided to share some notes I took down as I listened. Here we go:

• When Allah(swt) gives the command to fast, the ayah begins with “O you who believe…” - this is always important to note, as either a) some good will be highlighted for you to do, or b) you will be warned about some harm that may come to you for a certain act.
• Various religions today have some remnant of fasting, modified from the original fast but only Islam has the original method of fasting preserved through centuries. SubhanAllah!
• What is your goal for Ramadan? It is illogical not to have a goal – like a traveller who would turn up at the airport without knowing the destination he wanted to travel to!
• Imagine Ramadan as a “marathon”. There are some who are just spectators at the start and finish lines (likened to those who just worship at the start and end of Ramadan). In the middle are the participants who’re putting in all the effort to win the race, from the start to the finish, likened to those who do Ibadah throughout, consistently.
• Ramadan is the month of feeding people – giving charity, cooking food for the needy. It is not about about eating more ourselves or attending dinner parties where we stuff ourselves with food.
• We have lots of excuses for not being regular in prayers or not waking for Fajr or being unable to control anger throughout the year. In Ramadan, we are able to do many of these things – there is no substance in “excuses” then – we are only lying to our ownselves.
• Ramadan is a time to build up Taqwa. There are only two instances in Islam where Halal things are temporarily denied for us – in the Hajj (eg: cutting hair) and during Ramadan (eg: not having food while fasting) – why? It is to…
  - recognize the blessings we have and
  - to train the body to avoid what is Haram
  This is training for after Ramadan!
• The Imam of a masjid is the person to look to – he leads the prayers throughout the day, is not able to attend iftaar parties that are far away as he has to be in the masjid. What about the people who come to the masjid? Very easily, they cite an iftaar party far away from the masjid as the excuse for missing Taraweeh.
• The Imam cannot eat much at Iftaar as he has to lead Maghrib and Isha, then Taraweeh while the people stuff themselves with food and then are late for Taraweeh.
• We have forgotten past Ramadan that we spent but is there any time that we particularly remember? Usually, it has something to do with offering Taraweeh regularly and with concentration – it makes Ramadan unforgettable!
• Ramadan makes us disciplined – why not continue after Ramadan?
• Make your intention now – do not be like the traveller who shows up at the airport and does not know his destination.

“O you who believe! Observing As-Saum (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqûn.” (2:183)

Ramadan is fast approaching and I’ve been spending the past few days trying to get that into my head – it’s time to pick up the pace and prepare for Ramadan in the right way. I’ve still got under two weeks of vacation to go before college starts again so this is a golden opportunity to spend more time reading or listening to the Quran, audio lectures on various subjects and organizing other tasks. Every year, I enter Ramadan with a lot of excitement and zeal, only to slack off very early and this time, I’m hoping that preparing myself early on will protect me from going off track later on. Besides, every time we get to experience this amazing month, it’s a huge blessing from Allah(swt) – how many people have passed away during this year after the last Ramadan?

Allah(swt) commands us to fast and then tells us that the purpose of fasting is to become Muttaqoon – those who have Taqwa. Taqwa means piety or being conscious of Allah(swt), avoiding sin out of that awareness and happily doing good deeds for His Pleasure. When you think about it, does everyone who fast become such a kind of person or even close to it at the end of Ramadan? Everyone can analyse their ownselves here. If the answer is ‘no’ or something like that, we’ve missed the whole point of fasting. Sadly, that’s what we’re doing every passing year – not all of us, but many – and that’s why Ramadan’s coming and going makes no positive difference, may Allah forgive us!

Part of the reason for such a tragedy is that we don’t prepare for Ramadan at all. Washing your face and sitting down at the table for Suhoor on the first day of Ramadan is not what preparing for Ramadan is about. Checking out the Iftaar deals in your favorite restaurants is not preparation either. Fasting is for the pleasure of Allah(swt) and to strive to become more righteous in our relationship to Him and to His creation so that’s what our preparation should be about. But how does one prepare the soul and body for that?

Preparing the soul:

(Preparing the body is pretty useless without focusing on the soul)

• Read more Quran than in usual days, reflect and ponder upon it’s meaning
• Listen to Quran audio tapes or mp3 on your ipods, car CD players, etc. by your favorite Qari
• Read inspiring books geared at cleansing yourself of wrong characteristics, such as “The Ideal Muslim” and “The Ideal Muslimah” by Muhammad Ali Al-Hashimi
• Try to develop a routine that you can carry into Ramadan – such as one juz of the Quran recited after Asar prayer everday
• Try to offer your prayers in the golden timings – immediately after the Adhaan (except Ish’aa which is preferably delayed an hour or two)
• Become more conscious of all the wrong you’re doing as Ramadan is the time to work off those habits
• Keep a close check on the words you’re uttering, your relationship with your parents and other people close to you
• In the days leading up to Ramadan, try to wake up for Tahajjud if you don’t do that already

Preparing the body:

• Eat a little less than usual if you’re not already on the way of the Sunnah (that is, keeping only one-third of the stomach for food, one-third for water and one-third empty)
• Try to cut down on your sleeping hours to put in more time for Ibadah in Ramadan
• Something I’d like to do is take this opportunity to give up one bad eating habits (at least) this Ramadan, like giving up certain ‘junk’ foods InshAllah
• Try and go without food for six hours at least between meals, to prepare the body metabolism to adapt to the change

That’s what I can share right now. I’ve got to apply it all on myself first InshAllah. I really, really, really hope you all have an outstanding Ramadan InshAllah that strengthens the soul, liberating us from all the shackles that hold us back from worshipping our Lord and then carry that on throughout the year… Ameen!

Wassalam!

“And I (Allâh) created not the jinns and humans except they should worship Me.“ (Quran 51:56)

Have you ever got that feeling when you wished you could really cleanse your life of all those bad habits that you’ve developed and bring it as close as possible to the Prophet(saw)’s Sunnah? It so happens that whenever my Iman takes a dip for a period of time and (Alhamdolillah) grows stronger again, I begin analyzing the reasons for that dip. Anyone who’s tasted a period when their conviction was really strong would know how bad Iman dips are! And so, the analysis on the cause of the dip. One of the reasons I almost always come up with, as I mentioned earlier, are the numerous habits of routine and traits of personality we’ve come to live with, that have no real connection to the Sunnah and in fact are in contradiction to it.

Here’s an example: how many Muslims have you met and noticed that when they are served beverages by a host, they always leave a bit of the drink in the bottom of the glass? If someone (a friend or older person) casually points out that they haven’t finished their drink, the usual answer is, “No, No… I don’t want to appear like a very hungry person.” In fact, this practice is considered a very important part of the social etiquette followed in many households, where the elders explicitly instruct the children to not drink up all of what they are served… such that you will see even a five-year old towing the line perfectly.

I went out to eat with some friends recently and, as we were leaving, one of our group advised another to clean up her desert bowl. The girl responded with, “I wouldn’t want to appear that hungry!” It set me thinking… as Muslims, our actions reflect upon our beliefs and to a non-Muslim or impressionable youngster it would seem as if Muslims, and thereby Islam, regards hunger as an embarrassment. Before you cast that off as an exaggeration, just notice how we behave in the following situation…

Sara and her mother were visiting some friends. The host’s wife was preparing dinner for them but since it was running a little late, she apologized and said, “I’m sorry for the delay, the stove’s developed some problem today. Sara, you must be hungry, would you like some fruit before dinner?” Sara’s tummy growled in hunger but she firmly shook her head and said, “Oh no Aunty! I’m really quite fine, I had a really heavy lunch today!”

I’ve been in Sara’s place a great number of times and now realize what a lie that was, answering what I answered. But see, that’s the truth… our notions of social etiquette and what’s right and wrong can go so twisted and off the path of Islam that owning up to feeling hungry is a big no-no and in fact, we would go to the extent of lying to – ironically – save face!

When we read the Seerah of the Prophet(saw), it becomes clear that hunger was never a thing to be frowned upon. I can recall one or two occasions where the Prophet(saw) and his companions admitted they were hungry and even requested a little food from others, to satisfy the pangs of hunger.

Safiyya, the Prophet’s wife, said, “The Messenger of Allah, may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him, came one day and asked, ‘O Daughter of Huyay, do you have anything, for I am hungry.’ I said, ‘No by Allah, O Messenger of Allah, save two measures of flour.’ ‘Cook it!’ he said. I put it in the pot, cooked it, then said, ‘It is cooked O Messenger of Allah!’ He said, ‘Do you know if there is anything in the fat container of the daughter of Abū bakr?’ I said, ‘I know not O Messenger of Allah!’ He went himself to her house and said, ‘Anything in your fat container O daughter of Abū Bakr?’ ‘Nothing but a little,’ she said. He brought it back, squeezed it into the pot until I saw something coming out. He put his hand [on it] saying, ‘In the Name of Allah, invite your sisters for I know they feel as I do!’ I invited them and we ate until satiated. Then Abū Bakr came and entered, then ‘Umar came and entered, then a man came. They all ate to satiety and some still remained. (Majma’ al-Zawa’id)

In fact, I just remembered the time when the Prophet(saw), on the occassion of one of his marriages, said something very important.

In the hadith narrated by Asmaa’ bint Yazid ibn As-Sakan who said: “I beautified Ayesha for Allah’s Messenger, then called him to come to see her unveiled. He came, sat next to her, and brought a large cup of milk from which he drank. Then, he offered it to Ayesha, but she lowered her head and felt shy. I scolded her and said to her: “Take from the hand of the Prophet.” She then took it and drank some. Then, the Prophet said to her, “Give some to your companion.” At that point, I said: “O Messenger of Allah, rather take it yourself and drink, and then give it to me from your hand.” He took it, drank some, and then offered it to me. I sat down and put it on my kness. Then, I began rotating it and following it with my lips in order that I might hit the spot from which the Prophet had drunk. Then, the Prophet said about some women who were there with me: “Give them some.” But, they said: “We don’t want it.” (ie. we are not hungry). The Prophet said: “Do not combine hunger and fibbing!” (Ahmad and al-Humaidi)

 So now, you’re wondering what a little thing like that has to do with weakening of Iman? The truth is, all these numerous tidbits add up to make a really un-Islamic picture of our routines and personalities. Really, if our actions and words do not reflect our faith, what must be the reality of such a faith even if one should claim it is “very strong”? Both, the big picture and the little details matter in the end, to make a huge difference.

You might have wondered, at some point, why I chose to name this blog, “Between Dusk and Dawn”. It’s not just something that I picked out of a hat, neither was it planned as a mystical name to capture the attention of readers. It’s not the title of any book or sonnet I know, nor any great work of art. And no, there’s no movie by that name either!

The answer is simple – I love the beautiful period of time between the setting of the sun and its next rising. As the sun sinks into the horizon, the sky takes on a myriad shades and hues to merge gracefully into the enchanting, velvety darkness of night. If you step outdoors or look out your window after Maghrib, you’ll find every moment a pleasure – something new to discover and enjoy. The stars peek between the fading brightness, then appear one after the other in quick succession until – before you know it – you’re looking at a masterpiece of art!

The night passes by smoothly, punctuated by the adhaan for Isha’a and soon, it is time for the true purpose of night to be fulfilled – sleep and rest. It’s amazing how, when you observe the creation of Allah at this time, it is silent and at peace with itself – eager to rejuvenate for the following day. Among mankind too, those who have the intellect and the insight to understand this natural order would know that there is great wisdom, the Wisdom of their Maker, in moving with this pattern of night and day. A few hours of sleep at night are worth more than double their measure during the day, as any person who suffers from insomnia, or has to work the night shift will tell you.

However, the most beautiful wonder of all in the nighttime has been highlighted innumerable times in the Quran and Sunnah of the Prophet(saw). What is this blessed quality of night? It is the opportunity, the beauty and the absolute joy of being able to turn to Allah in quiet seclusion, with nothing to distract and no chores to perform. We read about Prophets in the Quran who stayed up in worship a part of the night and the Seerah of the Prophet(saw) records how he too prayed Tahajjud, along with his companions. The Quran even specifically instructed the Prophet(saw) to awaken for the night prayer and gave the reason for it too – to be able to worship in Allah without distractions.

O you wrapped in garments (i.e. Prophet Muhammad SAW)! Stand (to pray) all night, except a little. Half of it, or a little less than that (see verse 20). Or a little more; and recite the Qur’ân (aloud) in a slow, (pleasant tone and) style. Verily, We shall send down to you a weighty Word (i.e. obligations, legal laws, etc.). Verily, the rising by night (for Tahajjud prayer) is very hard and most potent and good for governing (the soul), and most suitable for (understanding) the Word (of Allâh). Verily, there is for you by day prolonged occupation with ordinary duties, And remember the Name of your Lord and devote yourself to Him with a complete devotion. (He Alone is) the Lord of the east and the west, Lâ ilâha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He). So take Him Alone as Wakîl (Disposer of your affairs). (Quran: Surah 73: Verses 1-9)

Why the emphasis on the nighttime though? In the last third of the night, the hours of Tahajjud, the night is almost completely silent and at its darkest too. In these hours, if one is awake, the heart very naturally softens towards prayer and worship. It becomes easier to reflect upon ones deeds and wonder about the Hereafter, the accountability before Allah. Prayers are made with sincerity, not like an automaton in a hurry to roll up the prayer mat and run off to study or work. And when the Quran is recited, it is a joy to see how only the Words of Allah ring through the otherwise silent night – something that is not possible during the daytime. Then, as Allah invites man to ponder and reflect upon His Words of guidance, the receptive heart feels the tug and wants to give up wrongdoing and just please his Master through only saying, thinking and doing what He commands. It is this feeling – a refreshment of Iman – that carries the person who offers Tahajjud and Fajr, through the day ahead, ready to face the challenges and tests set by Allah.

Do you still wonder that I love the night? There’s more – I love the merging of night into day and all the changes that herald the rising of the sun. The beauty of the night lingers until the sun lights up the land and then, it’s a different story altogether. For me, dawn symbolizes a new beginning – a second chance to do things differently, re-prioritize my life, and focus on the Hereafter through perfecting my actions and my intentions in this life. Every few days, I try to spend a few minutes just observing the world around me at the time of dawn and I realize that truly in the Statement of Allah is the Absolute Truth:

Verily! In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the alternation of night and day, there are indeed Signs for men of understanding. (Quran: Surah 3: verse 190)

For those forgo their Fajr prayer and wake up just to drag themselves off to school or work, they lose out on the Pleasure of Allah through obeying Him, His reward and the great joy and peace that the last hours of the night bring. May Allah guide them before the sun sets on their lives to rise on a certain day… but that Day would not be a day for second chances. Arising for Fajr is thus full of blessings – peace, joy, the Pleasure of Allah, avoiding His Wrath and thus, being saved, if Allah Wills, from the Fire. There is no catch to this amazing offer, is there?

Verily, the Muttaqûn will be in the midst of Gardens and Springs (in the Paradise), Taking joy in the things which their Lord has given them. Verily, they were before this Muhsinûn .They used to sleep but little by night [invoking their Lord (Allâh)] and praying, with fear and hope. (Quran: Surah 51: 15-18)

O Allah guide us all towards You, Your Worship and give us the Tawfeeq to performs acts which You love for us, and the Tahajjud to come closer to You. And O Allah, make us consistent in our amal and accept our meager deeds from us. O Allah, save us from the disgrace and humiliation of the Day of Judgment through your Mercy. O Allah, we are not such that we deserve anything but it is your Mercy alone that can guide us, enable us to do righteous deeds, earn your pleasure to protect us from the Fire! O Allah, shower us with Your Guidance and Your Mercy! Aameen!

Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him and his father) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allaah than these ten days (of Dhul-Hijjah).” The people asked, “Not even jihaad for the sake of Allaah?” He said, “Not even jihaad for the sake of Allaah, except in the case of a man who went out to fight giving himself and his wealth up for the cause, and came back with nothing.” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, 2/457).

‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him and his father) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “There are no days greater in the sight of Allaah and in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Him than these ten days, so during this time recite a great deal of Tahleel (”La ilaaha ill-Allaah”), Takbeer and Tahmeed.” (Reported by Ahmad, 7/224; Ahmad Shaakir stated that it is saheeh).

These astounding words were spoken by an unlettered man, living in the deserts of the Arabian Peninsula… around 630 AD.

My friends were over for lunch today and I’ve just returned after seeing them off. I knew I should use this opportunity to blog about one of my favorite activities – entertaining!

I don’t what is more fun – to prepare food for guests, serve them or to enjoy their company! The whole experience is really wonderful. I’m really grateful to Allah(swt) to have blessed me with parents who love to entertain and generously, at that. I’ve grown up seeing my mother prepare food for guests who were expected and she’d put so much care and effort into it that I’d be amazed. My father would bring in fruits and other food stuff from the market happily when he heard people were expected and a jovial atmosphere filled the house.

We always had guests coming to visit frequently, Alhamdolillah, especially at out previous residence. One of the first things I learned about entertaining, by watching my mother serve guests, was to always serve the best of what you have. If something wasn’t available ready, she’d whip up a nice little party in such a short time that I would really consider it a miracle. I’d say, “No, Amma, we won’t be able to make it in such a short time,” she’d say, “Don’t worry… just hand me that stuff and I’ll show you…” And there you’d have it – sandwiches, spaghetti, kebabs, burgers… you name it, it’d be ready! Today, when I’m preparing something for guests, my sisters say, “No Biya (my nickname), it’s not enough… there’s very little and we can’t serve that!” Knowing better, having learned from my dear mother, I’d smile and pass it on for serving – and it always worked fine!

I know some people frown and squirm at the idea of guests coming – they only think of the pile of dishes to be washed afterwards or the time “lost” in giving the guests company. But it’s just about how you view things. Entertaining guests is encouraged and loved in Islamic etiquette and if you do so sincerely, for the sake of Allah, it’s considered an act of worship to Allah(swt). It’s the right of the guest to be entertained in a beautiful manner, in whatever way you can and thus, so if the Iman is strong, you’ll really be thinking about all the opportunity to gain rewards here too!

I’ve come to a point where I’m proud to say that I’ve absorbed many of my mother’s qualities when it comes to entertaining, Alhamdolillah! I learned from her model (and she from her mother) that the real pleasure lies in preparing for the guests, serving them and then spending some time in their enjoyable company. Sincerity really shines through and that’s how bonds are strengthened. Unfortunately, this is something that many girls (and boys) of my generation are missing entirely – the real concept of generosity and entertaining the visitor. By preferring to stay out of sight when guests arrive, they lose out on the chance to interact with the elders in an amiable environment, to exchange news and benefit from their sincere duas.

When my friends came over to our place today and we served a subcontinent favorite – pooriyan (fried chapattis) with different curries, kheer (a milk and rice sweet dish) and halwa (another sweet dish made from semolina).  It was fun of course and the food was heartily appreciated, Alhamdolillah. And you know what? I really think it’s the love and care that goes into preparing it that makes all the difference!