Eid - Etiquette & Ruling

I received this write up about Eid from my aunt and figured I would share it. It’s the etiquettes and practices of Eid and what Eid is all about. This is Eid etiquettes in the general sense. Though different cultures have their own costumes and food and customs the basic practices of Eid are universal. This is a reminder to me as well and information for those who are curious about the Muslim festival Eid – a time of celebration and victory after a month of fasting. I have attached a file of what the takbir sounds like and how mesmerizing it is and how much it sinks deep into ones soul .. The explanation of the takbir is in the write up below...

here is the link to the takbir ..

http://profile.imeem.com/MOrwP_/music/hVc8Jsn6/unknown_intro_takbir_hari_raya/

Eid: Etiquette & Rulings

`Eid, in Islam, is a day of joy, thanksgiving, worship, brotherhood, solidarity, and morality. A Muslim should take the advantage of this day to bring himself nearer to Allah, Most High.

As regards your question, we'd like to cite the following comprehensive fatwa issued by Sheikh M. S. Al-Munajjid, a prominent Saudi Islamic lecturer and author:

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Every nation has its festival, and this is your festival.” Here, he referred to the fact that these two `Eids are exclusively for the Muslims.

The Muslims have no festivals apart from `Eidul-Fitr and `Eidul-Adha. Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) came to Al-Madinah, the people of Madinah used to have two festivals. On those two days they had carnivals and festivity. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) asked the Ansar (the Muslims of Madinah) about it. They replied that before Islam they used to have carnivals on those two joyous days. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) told them: "Instead of those two days, Allah has appointed two other days which are better, the days of `Eidul-Fitr and `Eidul-Adha." (Reported by Abu Dawud)

These two `Eids are among the signs of Allah, to which we must show consideration and understand their objectives. Below, we will elaborate the rulings and etiquette of `Eid.

Rulings of `Eid

1. Fasting: It is haram to fast on the days of `Eid because of the hadith of Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) in which he said that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) forbade fasting on the day of Fitr and the day of Adha. (Reported by Muslim)

2. Offering `Eid Prayers: Some of the scholars say that `Eid Prayers are Wajib (obligatory) – this is the view of the Hanafi scholars and of Sheikh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah. Some scholars say that `Eid Prayer is Fard Kifayah (a communal duty, binding on the Muslims as a group, and it is fulfilled if a sufficient number of people perform it, thereby absolving the rest of sin). This is the view of the Hanbalis. A third group say that `Eid Prayer is Sunnah Mu'akkadah. This is the view of the Malikis and Shafi`is.

3. Offering Supererogatory Prayers: There are no Supererogatory Prayers to be offered either before or after the `Eid Prayer, as Ibn `Abbas reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to come out on the day of `Eid and pray two Rak`ahs, with nothing before or after them. This is the case if the Prayer is offered in an open area. If, however, the people pray the `Eid Prayer in a mosque, then they should pray two Rak`ahs for Tahiyat Al-Masjid.

4. Women attending the `Eid Prayers: According to the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) everyone is urged to attend `Eid Prayer, and to co-operate with one another in righteousness and piety. The menstruating woman should not forsake the remembrance of Allah or places of goodness such as gatherings for the purpose of seeking knowledge and remembering Allah – apart from mosques. Women, undoubtedly, should not go out without the Hijab.

Etiquette of `Eid

1. Ghusl (taking a bath): One of the good manners of `Eid is to take bath before going out to the Prayer. It was reported that Sa`id ibn Jubayr said: “Three things are Sunnah on `Eid: to walk (to the prayer-place), to take a bath, and to eat before coming out (if it's `Eidul-Fitr).”

2. Eating before coming out: One should not come out to the prayer-place on `Eidul-Fitr before eating some dates, because of the hadith narrated by Al-Bukhari from Anas ibn Malik who said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) would not go out in the morning of `Eidul-Fitr until he had eaten some dates… and he would eat an odd number.” On `Eidul-Adha, on the other hand, it is Mustahab (recommended) not to eat until after the Prayer, when one should eat from the meat of one’s sacrifice.

3. Takbir on the day of `Eid:This is one of the greatest Sunnahs of this day. Al-Daraqutni and others reported that when Ibn `Umar came out on `Eidul-Fitr and `Eidul-Adha, he would strive hard in making Takbir until he reached the prayer-place, then he would continue making Takbir until the Imam came.

4. Congratulating one another: People may exchange congratulations and good greetings on `Eid, no matter what form the words take. For example they may say to one another, “Taqabbal Allahu minnaa wa minkum (may Allah accept from us and from you our good deeds!)". Jubayr ibn Nufayr said: “At the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) when people met one another on the day of `Eid, they would say, ‘Taqabbal Allahu minnaa wa minka.’” (Reported by Ibn Hajar)

5. Wearing one's best clothes for `Eid: Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) had a Jubbah (cloak) that he would wear on `Eid and on Fridays.” Al-Bayhaqi reported that Ibn `Umar used to wear his best clothes on `Eid, so men should wear the best clothes they have when they go out for `Eid.

6. Changing route on returning from Prayer-place:Jabir ibn `Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) used to change his routes on the day of `Eid. (Reported by Al-Bukhari)

Excerpted, with slight modifications, from: (www.islam-qa.com)

..Ummi . my mother

Ummi is the Arabic word for mother and that’s what I call my mom, Ummi … the most amazing woman I know. A woman with a heart a woman I love dearly more it seems with each passing there ..

My mom is the favorite of all my cousins first second third. In our household all our aunts are given the title ‘Ati’. There is Ati Pak, Ati Noor so and so forth. It’s the title Ati followed by their names. But my mom is the only one with the title “ati’ simply Ati and that for me shows me how she stands out.

I felt like writing about her because in recent weeks she has been like a beacon of hope and realization – her spirit seems to be shining through more than usual. Like most of the women of her generation and my grandmother’s generation, their fighting spirit is one to be admired. Her kindness, compassion and giving nature seem to shine through even more than ever. What I took for granted in her before was something I saw and admired and love her more in recent weeks. I look at her and think to myself wow that’s my ummi – she’s is truly an amazing person. Her appreciation for people and family is something she instills in me since I was little. Her forgiving nature. My mom is one tough cookie when it comes to affection and in reminding me that she loves me – but her action speaks louder more than words ever could. Sometimes id have to ask her to give me a kiss or a hug and she would resist but a little cajoling usually makes her come through J) see emotions don’t come easy for her but in so many little ways I know how much she loves me and that satisfies me ..

During iftar and when we are in the kitchen together, that is the time when we really get to talk to each other about basically anything life, love, cakes, food just about anything. She has fed my soul with much enlightment sometimes by mere words sometimes just her actions. She has made me laugh with her antics, and silliness even when I felt like being a brat heehee yeah some us get to be brats even at our age *grin*. She listens though sometimes she doesn’t agree she tries to understand. I think these days she been more than a mother to me. She is my best friend.

My mother is a hard worker and very strong willed. In spite of the good life she was born into and the good life she was married into, my mom remains a hard worker. When we were sitting down making cookies we talked and she was tired, she said to me you know when I was young I would make cakes from morning to night. I had so much strength then and your dad wouldn’t be happy ;)). He would say cant you stop making the cakes by evening time. She wasn’t happy when he said that last thing she needed after a long day was him nagging at her – I laughed and thought wow – I thought it was cute and yes they are a cute couple loving happy … match made in heaven.

Just for the record his words were out of love not anger. He supported her in her passion for baking even though he could support them both. I suppose he understood her love for it.

My mother loves baking and decorating and she took her love for that and made it into a business – something she has done for the past 50 years. She still makes them now though it tires her more than usual so that’s where I come in but this blog is about her so we can leave m out of it for now ;)). In making cakes, I have seen my mothers giving nature. How she sets aside say about 4 types of cakes and cookies for each of her remaining 5 siblings and the daughter of her late sister. Tired or not she will make it a point every year to make something for them free of charge of course and on top of that she gives away of the cakes to friends and this year my second cousins in Malaysia got a taste of her giving nature. They placed an order for cakes and cookies but she is giving it to them for free. It probably doesn’t seem like a big deal to some – but for someone who earns a living making cakes I think that was a kind to do – again reminding me how much she appreciates family.

While we were mixing the batter yesterday, I was standing there mixing and putting in spices – we were making kuih lapis (it’s a spice layered cake) one of her specialties, I felt like what I was doing was familiar. For a moment in time I felt like I was her I am not sure if that made any sense but for a moment I was her , my ummi and I recalled when as a little girl I would watch her mix the batter, bake the cake and she would let me try some of it – the batter that is. I was really happy .. and it felt good being her for that moment in time .. going back in time .. What an experience ….

What a Ramadan this has been for me and her. I saw so much in her and it seems I love her even more now than ever. Her sacrifices, her hard work, her dedication, her unconditional love ., her caring nature, her giving nature, her compassions and kindness… that’s the best stuff and im blessed she has it because I am blessed she is my Ummi … the biggest blessing ever ..

Chance Encounters

Its lunchtime now at work. Since I am fasting and today is the 27^th of Ramadan, I decided to blog a little since I have been out of touch with the blog world ;)) .. Too tired I think but anyways, my muse came back for a tad this afternoon so I decided to write a little.

Off late I have talked to many people who have been given second chances – in life in love. Their encounters with total strangers have changed their lives for the better. Its brought smiles, happiness and faith in into their lives. Based on the stories I hear, and the enthusiasm I see in many of them I came up with this entry about chance encounters… anyone else has had chance encounters that completely turned their lives around? Do tell ..

I had my own chance encounter two years ago and trust me it’s really changed my life. I don’t have regrets with that encounter which took place on a late October night back in 2005 – if anything it’s brought so much to my life – more than I bargained for but worth every single moment. … inspite of it all ...

This little entry is for you Hannah & Mark,, Ruth & her mystery man, Bryan & Sarah Ann, Lisa & Jerry , Eric & Marielle and those people who would kill me if I mentioned their names .. Enjoy the bliss of chance encounters & second chances my friends…

Chance Encounters

Life is often surprising to me

Chance encounters with total strangers

Who at first instant makes an impression

A quick one at that ..

That first word, that first meeting

All opens the way for a positive turn around ..

It keeps you on your feet

Gives you butterflies in your stomach.

The chance encounter brings laughter & smiles

When that was non existent

You question the encounters, yet thankful

It seems some chance encounters makes you come alive again ..

To some chance encounters brings about hope

The chance to love again

The chance to live again

It’s a chance to see life with positive ness

A chance to live our dreams.

A chance to be happy once again..

The chance encounters

Brings forth something that you’ve always wanted

It reminds you of what it feels to be wanted

It brings back

Shared laughter

Shared love

Shared hope

Shared dreams

Shared wants & needs …

It gives you something to look forward too

At the end of the day

When you get lonely

When you need to show affection

or need intimacy & romance

the chance encounters

Gives you that..

The chance encounters brings forth answered prayers,

A second chance at love,

A new beginning ..

The fear that once resides

Is a thing of the past..

No more tears of hurt, just tears of happiness,

The hearts happy again, jumping with glee,

Chance encounters the positivity it brings ..

And the passion it ignites ……

©me.iffa/september07

Stronger For It - Mending A Broken Heart

A story I think we all relate that ever painful, stomach churning feeling of having our hearts broken, our trust betrayed our lives take a complete turn around as we deal with a hearts that been shattred and love betrayed. Sounds overly dramatic don’t but we have been through it. But time does heal all wounds – sure you say but it does eventually if you let it.

Here is an article for all those whose heart been broken or is going through the process in mending a broken heart. It does get better eventually ……… Moral of the story what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger & wiser …. I hope .. ;))

Stronger For It
Mending A Broken Heart

Heartbreak happens to all of us and can wash over us like a heavy rain. When experiencing a broken heart, our ethereal selves are saturated with grief, and the overflow is channeled into the physical body. Loss becomes a physical emptiness, and longing is transmuted into a feeling that often cannot be put into words. Mending a broken heart can seem a task so monumental that we dare not attempt it for fear of damaging ourselves further. But heartbreak, like all emotions, falls under the spell of our conscious influence.

Often the pain that wounds us most deeply also leaves the most enduring mark upon us. The shock that becomes the tender, throbbing ache of the heart eventually leads us down the path of enlightenment, blessing our lives with a new depth and richness.

Acknowledging heartbreak's impermanence by no means dulls its sting for it is the sting itself that stimulates healing. The pain is letting us know that we need to pay attention to our emotional selves, to sit with our feelings and be in them fully before we can begin to heal. It is said that time heals all wounds. Time may dull the pain of a broken heart, but it is fully feeling your pain and acknowledging it that will truly help you heal.

Dealing with your heartache in a healthy way rather than putting it off for tomorrow is the key to repair. Gentleness more than anything else is called for.

Most important, open yourself to the possibility of loving, trusting, and believing again. When, someday soon, you emerge from the cushion of your grief, you will see that the universe did not cease to be as you nursed your broken heart. You emerge on the other side of the mending, stronger for all you have experienced.

Source: http://www.daily.com /

Toward the Rainbow

"You will achieve a grand dream, a day at a time, so set goals for each day -- not long and difficult projects, but chores that will take you, step by step, toward your rainbow.

Write them down, if you must, but limit your list so that you won't have to drag today's undone matters into tomorrow.

Remember that you cannot build your pyramid in twenty-four hours.

Be patient.

Never allow your day to become so cluttered that you neglect your most important goal -- to do the best you can, enjoy this day, and rest satisfied with what you have accomplished."

-- Og Mandino

I like this quote. It gives you a clearer idea on how to set your goals. I tend to make long lists that are hard to keep up. This quote gives a direction and a gentle reminder that patience is crutial in achieving what you want. In between trying to get back to school, work , personal issues and the business - it does get a little overwhelming because you want everything to turn out well and quickly. I guess you just want that rainbow in your hands in a minimum amount of time .......................... but what you really to do is be patience, do your best and everything will just fall into place..... i hope..

Love is Life ...

In remembrance of one of the greatest figures ever lived. A man who throughout his life, Gandhi remained committed to non-violence and truth even in the most extreme situations. A student of Hindu philosophy, he lived simply, organizing an ashram that was self-sufficient in its needs. Making his own clothes—the traditional Indian dhoti and shawl woven with a charkha—he lived on a simple vegetarian diet. He used rigorous fasts, for long periods, for both self-purification and protest. More information about him can be found here ….
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahatma_Gandhi

The man who lived a simple life teaches much about truth, love, peace. In remembering this great figure here is a story abut him on his lessons about love – Love of all kinds..

Love is Life..

"Where there is love there is life." ~ Mahatma Gandhi
A man of love, born on this day in Porbandar, India, Mohandas
Karamchand Gandhi (1869-1948), led the Indian nationalist movement
and was later known as Mahatma ("great soul").

"We must be the change we wish to see in the world," he said.

Change the world, he did. Dedicating his life to Indian independence
and Hindu-Moslem cooperation, he did more than anyone else in
history to advance the practice of nonviolent resistance and non-
cooperation, inspiring Cesar Chavez, Martin Luther King, Jr., and
others.

"My life is my message," said the great spiritual leader who lived
his life with the celebration of truth.

With the establishment of the Satyagraha ("steadfastness in truth")
League in 1919, he taught that the way people behaved mattered more
than what they achieved.

"Non-violent revolution is not a program of seizure of power," he
said. "It is a program of transformation of relationships, ending in
a peaceful transfer of power."

In 1920, Gandhi began a hand spinning and weaving program to promote
social, political, and economic freedom. He also fought to improve
the status of the lowest classes of Indian society, the casteless

Untouchables whom he called harijans ("children of God").

"Think of the poorest person you have ever seen," said Gandhi, "and
ask if your next act will be of any use to him."

Repeatedly imprisoned for his boycotts, he resorted to hunger
strikes of civil disobedience that eventually led to his country's
independence in 1947 after two and half centuries of British rule.

One of history's greatest teachers, Albert Einstein once wrote of
Gandhi: "Generations to come, it may be, will scarce believe that
such a one as this ever in flesh and blood walked upon this earth."

Love.

source: http://www.dailyinspirations.com
http://www.wikipedia.com/

dreams, inspirations & mankind ..

Superficiality – that’s what this world is made off. What you see is not always you get then you question your worth. You think maybe this and this or this or that. Just my opening thoughts for my blog .. Seems like reflective times are upon us again – oh what fun *rolls eyes* ..

Today marks the end of the 20^th day of Ramadan – 10 more days and it’s gone. I almost forgot when we started. I think I have forgotten a lot lately. Anyways, another earthquake hit Sumatra again this morning at about 10.45am. It was 6.4 on the Richter scale. No major damage was done and most importantly no lives were lost. I think the earthquakes in Sumatra this month was on an all time high. I hope when Eid comes it will be a much better situation no earthquakes so they can celebrate the Eid in a more peaceful manner but then what is peace anyways. When one country celebrates Eid in peace another welcomes it with gun fire and suicide bombers.

I’ve been contemplating life, faith yet again. It isn’t easy being Muslim in this day and age. All the associations some of us get with terrorist can be quiet overwhelming. Call it the lack of education call it media propaganda whatever it is its never easy. Some people have been quiet tolerant while others let you know that being what you are makes you as bad as the other Muslims who perform such barbaric acts. It annoys me and I try to be as civil as I can. Trying to explain myself and just for the record I for one never make excuses for the acts of terrorism performed by the so called jihadist. I condemn terrorism in all its forms and there are many other Muslims like myself who do so.

In trying to find my way with my faith and in being a better Muslim and human being – the radical acts of some other people both Muslim and non Muslim alike makes it tough – but I guess that’s when you learn and that’s when you faith is being tested – its either you stray or you stay.

Every Tuesday night I am reminded again about the blessings I have in my life even though my life is far from perfect. It broke my heart last night seeing the less privileged on television – how little they have yet their spirits are strong. From a husband who with his chronic illnesses can’t work leaving the wife to be the soul breadwinner to the golden couple who wasn’t going to use poverty as an excuse to let them get left behind. A mother who on national television cried with her son when he said if you and dad died I have no one to take care of me – tears came from him and from her and all she said to him be strong like mom ok be strong like mom ok .. I couldn’t help but cry with them. All these special folks were part of the Islamic religious councils group of people who received help from the zakat money collected. Money is channeled to a life long learning program that helps Muslims in this country better themselves so they can get good jobs. This is of course for those who can’t afford it. The ‘golden couple’ as they were called took courses after courses and now they destined for better times and places. The husband and wife team who studied together and took the exams together now can provide a better life for their children. What an inspiration!

When I look at them and I think about Muslims whose agenda is different it makes me wonder. In recent days they have been suicide bombings in Pakistan and Afghanistan and these are the two countries that obviously propagate radical Islam. Without thought or conscience they answer ben ladens call to blow themselves up. Downright stupidity don’t you think? When you can encourage peace and prayer in Ramadan why call for a holy war? I see Muslims in my own country and Muslims in another – I am always thankful that I was brought up where I am and the teachings I received as a kid. Again we have Muslims who are struggling for something they know nothing about nor understand then we have a group of Muslims who are struggling day after day to make their lives better. From what I see the radicals take the short cut – blow themselves out – they think they are guaranteed heaven because they did for a cause – but I think not. Then you have the family who has a different kind of struggle, they take the long non easy way to make life better – that is Islam struggling to make things better for yourself and others not my means of violence but by hard work and common sense.

I haven’t really addressed this in a while not in the wider sense maybe because I am just tired of it. I am stayed away from the news for a while now – you see the same ole but when you’re online the news is just in your face – you cant help but read it.

Ramadan is a special month of blessings and miracles and I wish the people who promote violence, animosity and hatred will see that. Why blow themselves up when you can use this month do to good for mankind? Stopping violence and working in trying to secure peace and understand is crucial.

I hope someday we can see a world of peace where we love not hate respect not disrespect. Live in harmony with people of all races and religions. Love your fellow man, respect & tolerate.

Dream … it doesn’t hurt to dream of a world like that ..

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October 1st marks the beginning of the month long Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2007. This event is celebrated by women from all over the world.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an annual international health campaign organized by major breast cancer charities every October to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research into its cause, prevention and cure. The campaign also offers information and support to those affected by breast cancer. As well as providing a platform for breast cancer charities to raise awareness of their work and of the disease, BCAM is also a prime opportunity to remind women to be breast aware for earlier detection.

The pink ribbon is a symbol of breast cancer awareness and its been adopted by women all over the world in support for the cause.

So this October show your support by wearing a pink ribbon, wearing pink, overhauling your website to pink and finding out more about breast cancer and how you can help. :)

just a monday

Happy Monday! Happy Children’s’ Day! Happy Start of a brand new week!
Another Monday ends, so does the 19^th day of Ramadan. Next ten days will be the most important and crucial of days in this month. One of these nights holds the night of power one of the most powerful night. During the next ten nights people will be pushing themselves to the limit in their prayers & supplications because prayers, supplications, good deeds and remembrance of Allah (dzikir) will bear more fruit than any other day or night.

Today is Children’s Day for kids and kids at heart ;)) well I made up the former. School is out for today. Here in Singapore it’s celebrated on October 1^st unlike other places which celebrate it in June. We had the celebrations for the kids at school last Friday. I am thinking it was a long weekend of celebration for these kids, sleeping in, not having to wake up for school – happiness for them ;)) .. For the teachers too lol . I am just tired and all I can think about is vacation vacation vacation – even for a day ill take it - I guess I’ve set my mind for vacation mode ;)) ….. Only 45 more days to go *rolls eyes*

Much of today was spent un cluttering and some reading and lots of relaxation and yet its all never enough. I want more time more time ;)) .. I have to start doing some major cleaning before the eid and I have about 11 days to do it. sounds like a lot of time – but in between work and the cakes I am not so sure but then again some of us work well under pressure :D ……….

I actually enjoy cleaning un cluttering whatever you want to call that moment when you are very domesticated – even in spite of the dust and sweat you still feel like a domestic goddess *grin* . Un cluttering helps clear the mind, I think it gives you a sense of renewal when you either throw or give away things you’ve had. Call it spiritually cleansing through cleaning & giving ;)). I actually enjoy cleaning lol arranging and re arranging things. I mean this is my home if I don’t clean it who will right?

I have not really been in the blogging mood – could I be all blogged out? Is there ever a situation like that? I am not even very excited about the coming Eid. I don’t know why – maybe so much have been happening I think I am just way too over whelmed to feel anything. If there is one person who is excited about the coming festival is my mom. I just smile and go along with whatever she wants.

I think I am going through that phase again.. I need to rekindle my passion, reclaim my muse & awaken my spirit … any ideas how??? ;)) .. Though time on a deserted paradise island with my hearts desire would do the trick …

Nites world .. blog ya laters ..

The heart

From the The Alchemist

"When he looked into her dark eyes, and saw that her lips were poised between a laugh and silence, he learned the most important part of the language that all the world spoke — the language that everyone on earth was capable of understanding in their heart."