Noor Magazine Issue 27

Noor Magazine Issue 27.indd 1 19/08/2010 15:37:17

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NOORTH

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M A G A Z I N E

PublisherNoor Ul Islam Trust

EditorKamran Khan

Graphic Design

Kamran Khan

Articles & Content

Abu Muslim

Umm Muslim

Hasib Hussain

Yahya Joosub

(ibn Rajab)

Subscriptions & Advertising

Zafar Syed

Printed ByTrade Print & Design

Published by Noor Ul Islam. All rights reserved. Reproduction of pictures, articles or artwork

in whole or in part without prior consent is strictly prohibited.

The opinions expressed by individual writers or

contributors are not necessarily those of the Editor, Publisher,

Trustees or the Staff of Noor Ul Islam Trust.

Copyright © The Noor Magazine

CONTENTS4 NOOR UL ISLAM UPDATES

6 IN FOCUS: POST SUMMER FETE

8 RAMADAAN: THE MONTH OF CHANGE

11 NOOR UL ISLAM SUMMER FETE ART COMPETITION WINNER

12 THE VIRTUES OF FASTING IN THE SUMMER

14 NOOR UL ISLAM PRIMARY SCHOOL YEARBOOK 09-10

16 RAMADAAN - FROM THE QURAN AND SUNNAH

18 OF TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS 20 LAYLATUL QADR

21 NUI YOUTH GROUP TREK TO MOUNT SNOWDON 2010

22 ISLAM QUESTION AND ANSWER

23 KIDZ ZONE

EDITORIALASSALAAMUALAYKUMWe begin in the name of Allah, the Most Gracious and Most Merciful. Indeed all praise is for Allah, may His peace and blessings be upon His Final Messenger, Muhammad sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa salam.

Allah subhanahu wa ta’la says in Surah Baqarah: “Oh you who believe, fasting has been prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you so you may become pious.”

Once again, Allah (subhanahu wa taala) has blessed us with another Ramadaan. Another chance for us to fast for his sake and repent with a sincere repentance. Another chance to experience the blessing of this amazing month and another chance to please Him (subhanahu wa taala)

But do we know how to fast? Why we Fast? How to make the most of this month? In this Ramadaan Special issue of Noor Magazine, we will explain the reason behind fasting, how to utilise your time this Ramadaan and how to last all the way through and beyond this blessed month inshaAllah.

The team has been working especially hard to get this particular issue out earlier than expected in order to fully benefit from this holy month. Noor Ul Islam has been, as always continuing to provide all sorts of events and activities for our community Alhamdulilah. Inside, you will find updates of our services and events, as well as informative articles.

Our Updates page includes information about the various events we held recently as well as activites held by two of our other departments; pre school and primary school. Our regular In Focus feature in this issue discusses the success of our 6th annual summer fete alhamdulilah . We also continue with our popular sections: Kidz Zone and IslamQA.

We thank our advertisers who make this magazine possible, and we request from you, our readers, your thoughts, suggestions and contributions, so that we can continue to grow from strength to strength, inshaAllah.

NOOR UL ISLAM CONTACTS:

Head Office 713 High Road, Leyton,London E10 5ABTel : 020 8558 0786Fax : 020 8923 [email protected]@noorulislam.co.ukwww.noorulislam.co.uk

Charity Registration Number: 1017780

Primary School135 Dawlish Road, Leyton,London E10 6QWTel : 020 8558 8765Fax : 020 8558 [email protected]

www.nuips.org

Masjid711 High Road, Leyton,London E10 6RATel : 020 8558 0786

Pre School715 High Road, Leyton,London E10 5ABTel : 020 8558 [email protected]

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Noor Ul Islam

UPDATESOver the past few months, we have been very busy with different events and activities.

11th May – Primary School Trip to Botany Bay.Classes from Noor Ul Islam Primary School visited the secluded beach at Botany Bay. For some pupils this was their first time going to the beach.

11th May – First Aid at Work CourseNoor Ul Islam Trust started a First Aid course for its staff. The Trust is committed to ensuring provisions in welfare and this also applies to its staff. The course took place over seven weeks and all participates qualified as First Aiders.

12th May – Women’s Group event.Our Women’s group held an event on 12th May, providing stalls selling foods and other items to local sisters.

13th May – Visit by Junaid JamshedInternationally renowned artist, Junaid Jamshed, visited Noor Ul Islam and spoke to a packed crowd and also performed a couple of tracks. His visit coincided with work he was doing for Muslim Charities.

17th May – Presentation of Donation to Chief Executive of Whipps Cross University Hospital.A delegation of Trustees, Imam, Staff and Pupils met the Chief Executive of Whipps Cross University Hospital and presented a cheque for £6135.45 towards the hospital’s Big Push appeal. The appeal was the Noor Ul Islam Trust’s charity of the Year.

26th May – Pre-School Sports DayYoung pupils at the Pre-school took part in a very entertaining and enjoyable sports day at Abbotts Park in Leyton.

29th May – Sisters SoireeAn evening of fun and relaxation was offered by staff at the Noor Ul Islam

Pre-School. 160 sisters attended the evening event at the Noor Ul Islam Hall.

29th May – Top TrumpsNazeehah, a pupil from Noor Ul Islam Primary School took part and reached the semi finals of the National Top Trumps competition, held at the Science Museum, London. The competition had pupils from 3300 schools take part.

2nd June – Funeral Preparation EventAn event for Sisters was held to teach about funerals and their preparation, including washing and shrouding of the body.

20th June - Fundraising dinner for victims in GazaAn event for sisters was held at Noor Ul Islam Trust to raise money for the victims in Gaza. £5000 in total was raised and sent to Islamic Relief.

3rd and 4th July – Summer FeteThe Noor Ul Islam Trust summer fete took place on 3rd and 4th July. This annual event had over 10,000 visitors and was seen as the best one yet!

5th July – Annual Madrassa examinationThe annual Madrassa examination week took place during the week of 5th July.

12th July – Primary School awarded “Outstanding Level” for Sustainable Travel.Alhamdulillah Noor Ul Islam Primary School has been awarded the “Outstanding Level” for Sustainable Travel for its Travel Plan by Transport for London. We are the first school in Waltham Forest to be awarded this.Following on from being awarded the bronze level previously, we had aimed to apply for the higher level (next level up). but after exceededing expectation the school was given the highest grade of “Outstanding Level”.

The award will be presented to the school at an awards ceremony in October 2010 at the Emirates Stadium.

17th July – Qalb – Drug Awareness SessionA session on Drug Awareness Training took place at Noor Ul Islam. Qalb offered training to around 70 delegates from Noor Ul Islam Trust and other local mosques.

21st July – Primary School Sports DayPupils from the Noor Ul Islam Primary School took part in their annual sports day at the Leyton Cricket Ground.

31st July – Health Seminar and Talk on NiqabA joint seminar was held at Noor Ul Islam on the importance of good health and on the background on the Niqab. Sisters were able to listen to presenters on the recent controversy in the media on the Niqab and the Islamic point of view.

1st August – Ramadhan preparation for those with Diabetes A joint event with the local Primary Care Trust was held at Noor Ul Islam Trust to help those brothers and sisters with Type 2 diabetes to deal with their condition and fast during Ramadhan at the same time.

7th August – Mount Snowdon TrekMembers of the Youth Group went on a fund raising walk up Mount Snowdon, to raise money for Noor Ul Islam Trust.

8th August – Funeral Awareness eventBrothers and sisters took part in an event on the procedures to follow when someone dies. The Imam, Chairman of the Trust, Dr. Imran Zia (consultant at Whipps Cross Hospital) and Mr Gerald Joseet (Registrar) presented what happens. A practical session on shrouding the body followed the presentation.

What have we been up to these past 3 months...

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WE URGE EVERYONE TO DONATE AT LEAST £100 EACH TO NOOR UL ISLAM THIS RAMADAAN

PHASE 1:To pay its debts (approx. £298,000)

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adjacent land (at 717 - 723 High Road)

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existing buildings to provide a purpose built mosque and community

centre

Noor Ul Islam needs financial help for the following

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£100 Ramadaan Appeal 2010 / 1431H


In Focus: Post Noor Ul Islam Summer Fete

By Hasib Hussain

Noor Ul Islam Trust held its 6th annual summer fete at Leyton Cricket ground over two days. The event took place on Saturday 3rd July and Sunday 4th July 2010. On Saturday the weather was very good alhumdulillah and approximately 3000 people attended. Many fairground rides were available for kids to enjoy including everybody’s favourite, bumper cars.

The idea behind holding the event over two days, was to give an extra day for people to enjoy the rides and private stalls. Then Sunday would be the main day with the entertainment and delicious foods.

There was also a good variety of private stalls at the event on Saturday. The event ended with people very happy and looking forward to Sunday’s event.

The doors opened on Sunday at 11am and a huge crowd of people started to pour in. Again there were the fairground rides for people to enjoy and many more private stalls to shop at. There were many different foods to choose from including barbeque and continental foods.

Alhumdulillah the food was very nice and there was a good choice of drinks and desserts to enjoy. Following the unexpected huge crowds from 2009, Noor Ul Islam took its precaution and ensured a lot more food and devised an organised queuing system. It was a good job because the crowds came down again.

Noor Ul Islam also held their first ever ‘Muslim Stars Show’ through-out the day which allowed children to come demonstrate their talent with the public. It was wonderful to see children given an opportunity to express themselves and show their skills, a great confidence boost for them. Noor Ul Islam held an art competition for children to enter and the winner was announced at the fete. Around 4pm a thick crowd of people started to gather around the stage area. The Noor Ul Islam Youth Group was holding a Martial Arts display for people to watch. Around eight youths were involved in the display with their Instructor and at the end they had the privilege of being graded by a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu master from Brazil.

The attendance for Sunday’s fete was approximately 10,000 people and alhumdulillah they left happy leaving positive comments about the fete.

Cllr Naheed Qureshi a Liberal Democrat Councillor gave some feedback of the summer fete:Leyton ward Leyton Cricket Ground was heaving last weekend as families gathered to enjoy a fun day out. I took the boys along too and they were not disappointed. The Noor Ul Islam Summer Fair now takes its place

as a must-go event in the annual calendar for Leyton.

I was extremely thrilled to attend this event which attracted residents by their thousands. It is not every day that a mosque puts on a summer fair, which is attended by a cross section of the local community. Well, it was held over a weekend actually, such was the demand for tickets.

The Noor Ul Islam mosque which is based on High Rd, Leyton ought to be congratulated for their hard work in the borough. They have worked wonders for the local Muslim community. They have also strived to bridge the gap between the Muslim and non Muslim community and I do hope they continue to grow as an organisation. And that other Mosques take valuable lessons from them in terms of how vital the role of a mosque is in this ethnically diverse part of London

I am looking forward to next year already!

Alhumdulillah overall the event was a big success; it was great to see so many Muslims and non-Muslims together enjoying themselves and having a great time. Lastly a big thanks and well done for all the organisers, volunteers and sponsors of the summer fete. We can’t wait for the next summer fete.

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Allah (subhanahu wa tala) says in Surah Baqarah, ayah 183: “Oh you who believe, fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed to those before you so that you may become pious”

Ramadaan is not just a month for fasting, its not just a month to pray taraweeh every night, it is also a month for change. Many of us have a quick emaan boosts during the month but shortly afterwards, this rush of emaan quickly fades away. We find our-selves reading Quran every night, waking up for tahhajud every night, giving plenty of charity but as soon as Ramadaan finishes and even in some cases, after the 27th night of Ramadaan passes, we see our level of emaan drop and our actions of worship become fewer in number.

Ramadaan is a month of change; permanent change. The change should not last only one month but throughout the year. Islam is a religion for all time, not just for one month. Ramadaan is that emaan booster that charges our emaan batteries so we may continue throughout the year. Being a Muslim is a full time occupation with a contract until death. There is no taking breaks or short term con-tracts and it is a way of life which we have to fully commit to. Allah (subhanahu wa tala) says in surah Baqarah, ayah 208 : “Oh you who believe, enter into Islaam completely”

Ramadaan; the month of the Quran. This was the blessed month that the Quran was revealed in. Allah (subhanahu wa tala) says in Surah Baqarah, ayah 185: “The month of Ramadaan, in which we sent the Quran.” But the Quran is not exclu-sively for Ramadaan as some Muslims may make you think. The Quran should be read throughout the year. The teachings of the Quran should be followed throughout the year. After the revelation was finished and the entire Quran was complete, the sahabah

wouldn’t just stop reading the Quran or acting upon it.

Ramadaan; the month of Worship. We should increase our ibaadah during this holy month. There are many acts of worship we can do during the month like reading the Quran, praying tahhajud, giving charity etc. We can make sure we pray the recommended sunnans throughout the day. The prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa salam) said: “Allah will build a house in Heaven for whoever is dili-gent in observing 12 Sunnah Rak’aat (as follows): 4 Rak’aat before and 2 after the Dhuhr (Midday) Prayer, 2 after the Maghrib (Sunset Prayer), 2 after the ‘Ishaa’ (Evening) Prayer and 2 before the Fajr (Dawn) Prayer.” [Tirmidhi]

Amongst the acts of worship we can do during Ramadaan is praying taraweeh but something even more important than this is praying our 5 obligatory prayers. Praying taraweeh is a sun-nah, something that is recommended but what is the benefit in doing something recommended if we don’t do what is obligatory ; praying our 5 daily prayers? Many people will come for taraweeh but they didn’t even pray their fajr earlier in the day! Or we will find others who pray during Ramadaan but don’t pray salah outside of the month. Just like fasting is an obligation, so is praying. In fact pray-ing is the second pillar of Islaam after the shaha-dah and it is what makes us Muslim. The prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa salam) said: “Between a man and disbelief there stands his giving up prayer. [Muslim]

Ramadaan; the month of repentance. During the last 10 days of Ramadaan we are advised by the prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa salam) to repent a lot and ask Allah for forgiveness.

RAMADAANThe Month of Mercy, the Month of Change

by Abu Muslim

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Narrated Aisha (radiAllahu anha) that the prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa salam) used to seek Allah’s forgiveness during the last 10 nights by saying: “Oh Allah, you are the Forgiver and you love to forgive, so forgive us”. [Tirmidhi]

“Praying taraweeh is a sunnah, some-thing that is recommended but what is

the benefit in doing something recommended if we don’t do what is

obligated ; praying our 5 daily prayers?”

Narrated Abu Hurayrah (radiAllahu anhu) - I heard Allah’s Apostle saying, “By Allah! I ask for forgive-ness from Allah and turn to Him in repentance more than seventy times a day.” [Bukharee] This was also outside of Ramadaan, the prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa salam) would constantly repent so why should we only repent during Ramadaan.

Repent to Allah with a sincere repentance in all times by leaving sins, regretting those that you have done before and firmly deciding not to return to them in the future, for Allah accepts repentance of those who repent.

Ramadaan, the month of fasting. The third pillar of Islam, even non Muslims know that we fast but fasting doesn’t mean just to abstain from food and drink but to also abstain from sexual relations with one’s spouse and to stay away from foul language and character. The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa salam) said: “Whoever does not give up false speech and acting upon it, Allah has no need of his giving up his food and drink.” [Bukhari]

Fasting, as difficult as it may be has huge rewards. The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa salam) said that your Lord said, “Every (sinful) deed can be expiated; and the fast is for Me, so I will give the reward for it; and the smell which comes out of the mouth of a fasting person, is better in Allah’s Sight than the smell of musk.” [Bukhari] But fasting is not just for Ramadaan. There are many other occasions which

the prophet saw would encourage us to fast including Mondays and

Thursdays, six days in shawwal, the day of Arafah and others. Fasting acts as a shield and is a means of increasing our emaan, it can be used to increase our emaan both in Ramadaan and out.

What can we do to ensure our emaan stays high throughout the year? Continue our timetable for Ramadaan throughout the year. If we are read-ing Quran at least once a day in Ramadaan then make sure to read it once a day outside of Ram-adaan. If we are praying tahhajud in Ramadaan, then make sure we are reading tahajjud outside of Ramadaan.

Fast six days of Shawwal, the month immediately after Ramadaan. The prophet (salAllahu alayhi wa salam) said: “Whoever fasts Ramadhan and then fol-lows it with six days of Shawwal, it is as if he fasted the whole year” [Muslim]. Fast on the Day of Àra-fah, to attain success by being forgiven your sins of the last year and the coming year. Fast on the day of Àashuraa’, to attain success by being forgiven your sins of the past year.

Oh Muslims, be steadfast in the religion and you will be guaranteed paradise. Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) says in Surah Fussilat, ayah 30: In the case those who say: “Our Lord is Allah” and then stand straight and steadfast, the angels descend on them: “Fear not! Nor grieve! but receive the glad tidings of the paradise which you were promised!”

Oh Muslims, be not like the one who has worked hard and earned a fortune trading during the month only to throw it all away after the month fin-ishes. This is the likeness of the one who does good deeds during Ramadaan but ruins his emaan by returning to sins and disobedience.

We should try our upmost to continue being in a state of iman and taqwa and perform righteous actions after the month of Ramadhan, until we die. As Allah (subhanahu wa tala) says in Surah Hijr, ayah 99: “And worship your Lord until there comes to you the certainty (i.e. death)”.

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The Month of Mercy, the Month of Change

The Virtues of FastingShaykh Ibn Rajab al Hanbali

Ibn Rajab commented on the virtues of fasting in the heat in ‘Lata’if al-Ma’arif’ (p. 272-273):

“…And from the acts of worship whose reward is multiplied during the heat is fasting, and this is because of the thirst that one experiences in the mid-day heat.

This is why Mu’adh bin Jabal expressed regret on his deathbed that he would no longer ex-perience this mid-day thirst, as did other early Muslims.

And it was related that Abu Bakr would fast in the summer and not fast in the winter, and ‘Umar advised his son ‘Abdullah on his deathbed: “Try to obtain the characteristics of faith,” and the first one he mentioned was fasting in the intense summer heat.

And al-Qasim bin Muhammad said that ‘A’ishah would fast in the intense heat, and he was asked: “What drove her to do this?” He replied: “She would take advantage of the days before death.” And some of the righteous women would choose the hottest days and fast them, saying: “If the price is low, everyone will buy,” meaning that she wanted to do those actions that only a few were capable of due to how hard it was to do them, and this is in-dicative of the high aspirations these women had.

And Abu Musa al-Ash’ari was on a boat, and he heard someone calling out: “O passengers, stand up!” And he said this three times. So, Abu Musa told him: “How can we stand up? Don’t you see where we are? How can we stand up?” So, the caller said: “Let me tell you of a rule that Allah made upon Himself: whoever makes himself thirsty for Allah’s sake on a hot day has the right upon Allah to have his thirst quenched on the Day of Resurrection.” So, Abu Musa would search out the days that were so hot that one would feel he was being cooked, and he would fast those days.

Ka’b said that Allah Said to Musa: “I made it incumbent upon Myself that whoever is thirsty for My sake will have his thirst quenched on the Day of Resurrection,” and others said that it’s written in the Torah: “Glad tidings for whoever makes himself hungry in anticipation of the Great Day where he will have his hunger satisfied, and glad tidings for whoever makes himself thirsty in anticipation of the Great Day where he will have his thirst quenched.”

And when ‘Amir bin ‘Abd Qays went from Basrah to Sham, Mu’awiyah would ask him to tell him what he needed. He refused to ask of him, and eventually said: “All I need is for you to return the heat of Basrah to me to make the fasting a bit harder, as it is too easy in your lands.”

in the summer

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And al-Hajjaj was on a journey between Makkah and Madinah. He pulled out his dinner and in-vited a bedouin to eat with him, and the bedouin said: “I have been invited by One who is bet-ter than you and I have accepted the invitation.” He asked: “And who is this?” The man replied: “Allah invited me to fast, and I fasted.” al-Hajjaj asked: “On this very hot day?” The man replied: “Yes. I am fasting it in anticipation of a much hotter day.” al-Hajjaj said: “So, eat today and fast tomorrow.” The man replied: “Only if you can guarantee that I will live until tomorrow.” al-Hajjaj said: “This isn’t in my hands.” The man said: “How can you ask me to do something now when there is something of the future that isn’t in your hands?”

And Ibn ‘Umar went on a trip once with some companions, and they saw a sheep-herder who they invited to eat with them. He said: “I am fasting,” and Ibn ‘Umar said: “You are fasting in heat like this, and while you are between all these plants and sheep?” The herder replied: “I’m taking advantage of my remaining days.” Ibn ‘Umar was impressed by this reply and said: “Can you sell one of your sheep to us? We’ll feed you from its meat when you break your fast, and we’ll also pay you for it.” The herder said: “It doesn’t belong to me. It belongs to my master.” Ibn ‘Umar said: “What would your master say if you told him that it was eaten by a wolf?” The herder raised his finger to the sky and said: “What about Allah?” Ibn ‘Umar kept repeating this phrase that the herder was saying, and when he got to the city, he went to the herder’s owner and bought him and his sheep from him. He then freed the herder and gave him his sheep as a gift.

And Ruh bin Zinba’ was traveling between Makkah and Madinah on a very hot day. A herder living on a mountain approached him, and he said to him: “O herder, come eat with me.” The herder said: “I’m fasting.” Ruh said: “You’re fasting in this heat?” The herder replied: “Should I let my days pass by in vain?” So, Ruh said: “You have used your days wisely, O herder, while Ruh bin Zinba’ has wasted his.”

And Ibn ‘Umar used to fast extra days until he would almost faint, and this wouldn’t cause him to break his fast. And al-Imam Ahmad would fast until he was about to pass out, and would wipe water over his face. He was asked about fasting very hot days, and he replied: “There is nothing wrong with wetting a towel to squeeze the water on himself to cool down with.” And the Prophet (saw) would pour water over his head while fasting.

And Abu ad-Darda’ would say: “Fast the very hot days in anticipation of the Day of Resurrection, and pray two rak’at in the darkness of night in anticipation of the darkness of the grave.” And it’s reported in the two ‘Sahih’s that he said: “You have seen us with the Messenger of Allah (saw) on some of his journeys on very hot days, and a man would hold his hand against his head due to the intensity of the heat, and none of them would be fasting except the Messenger of Allah and ‘Ab-dullah bin Rawahah.” And the narration of Muslim states that Abu ad-Darda’ said: “This was dur-ing the month of Ramadaan.”

When those who fast for Allah in the heat are patient despite their intense thirst, He set aside a specific gate of the gates of Paradise for them. This is the gate called Rayyan, and whoever en-ters through it will drink, and whoever drinks after entering it will never be thirsty again. When they enter through it, it will be locked for those after them, and none will enter through it except them…”

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Primary School YearBookMasha’Allah the children and staff of Noor Ul Islam Primary have been busy once more in compiling the school year book. Pupils’ work and messages from various departments have been gathered to produce another excellent end of year school book which is definitely worth reading.

Noor Ul Islam Primary School Yearbook 2009 - 2010

Farewell Messages

Farewell Noor Ul Islam, You’re in my hall of fame, I’ve tamed more Imaan, I hope your future is not a pain, I will remember everything up to the last salaam And all of this will be kept deep inside my brain. I will miss this school, Exams were hard time, But I don’t care, because I’ll only remember the good times. By Adam Shakeel Razak Farewell Noor Ul Islam And I will miss you a lot Remembering the fun times will be a good thing End of the school year We all have to go Eeman is what I hope for Learning everything is a pleasure Learning Arabic was even more of one. By Zuhayr Safa

I have been here for 6 years And I learnt how to take care. Ustaad was the funniest of them all In Leyton Youth Ground we always play football. Farewell Noor Ul Islam its time for me to go secondary school And InshaAllah I will be cleaver and cool.

By Mohamed Bouakkaz Farewell Noor Ul Islam. My heart is Aching. I fear it is breaking. How will I Remove this pain? I know! To the well of Eemaan I will go. Deep inside me, I Will lower the vessel my teachers made for me. Every sip I take will lessen this grief. Sadness L eaves me with the help of sabr, until only Love remains. Insha’Allaah at the distant fountain we will meet again. By Tayyabah Dar

I am going to be in Year Seven,

After a while I’ll be in Year Eleven, I have finished the SAT’s,

I’ve prayed on the school mats, But now I have to go,

From a school I already know, Everyday I say salaam,

I also obtained a lot of Emaan, I hope this school stays the same,

As it was when I first came.

By Hamza Qays Limbada

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By Mohammed


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EID-UL-FITR 1431H/2010


Rama from the Qur

daanan and Sunnah

Allah (subhanahu wa ta’la) says in Surah Baqarah, ayah 183: “Oh you who believe,

fasting has been prescribed on you as it was prescribed on those before you so that you

may become pious”

Allah (subhanahu wa ta’la) says in Surah Baqarah, ayah 185: “The month of

Ramadaan in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadaan), he must fast that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number

(of days which one did not fast must be made up) from other days.”

Allah (subhanahu wa ta’la) says in Surah al Qadr: “Verily! We have sent it (this Quran) down in the night of Al-Qadr.

And what will make you know what the night of Al-Qadr is?

The night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months

Therein descend the angels and the Ruh (Gabriel) by Allah’s Permission with all

Decrees,

Peace! until the appearance of dawn.”

Abu Huraira related that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Whoever fasts during Ramadaan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven. Whoever prays during the nights in Ramadaan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven. And

he who passes Lailat al-Qadr in prayer with faith and seeking his reward from

Allah will have his past sins forgiven” (Bukhari, Muslim)

Abu Huraira related that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Allah the Majestic and Exalted said: “Every deed of man will receive

ten to 700 times reward, except Siyam (fasting), for

it is for Me and I shall reward it (as I like). There are

two occasions of joy for one who fasts: one when he breaks

the fast and the other when he will meet his Lord” (Muslim)

Abu Huraira related that the Prophet (peace and bless-

ings be upon him)said: “If a person does not avoid false talk and false con-duct during Siyam, then Allah does not care if he abstains from food and drink” (Bukhari, Muslim)

Aisha related that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)

said: “Look for Lailat al-Qadr on an odd-numbered night during the last ten nights of Ramadaan” (Bukhari)

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Of Trials and TribulationsRamadaan is a month of reflection for Muslims, a month to contemplate the innumerate blessings that Allah has bestowed upon us. Ramadaan provides us with the opportunity to see how fortunate we are compared to many that aresuffering around the world. One only needs to look at the recent disaster that has struck Pakistan to truly be grateful for what Allah has blessed us with. However, no matter what calamity befalls a believer, they should always be patient and put their trust in Allah. Life is wrought with tests.

Everyone is afflicted

with some test or another during their

lifetime. Whether it be lit-tle things like missing the bus

or being locked out of your house, to even more severe tests like losing a loved one or developing a life threatening illness. Yet the mark of a true believer is that they remain hopeful. They turn to Allah in times of need, instead of despairing and losing hope. Allah Aza Wajjal refers to the reward earned through patience and hope in Allah in Surah Al Baqarah when He says: ‘Certainly, We shall test you with fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits; but give glad tidings to those who perserve, - those who say, when a misfortune strikes them, “Surely to Allah we belong, and surely to Him we return”; these are the ones on whom blessings from their Lord descend, and mercy, and these are the ones who are rightly guided.’ {2:155-157} Thus, a true believer shows gratitude and thankfulness for the countless blessings bestowed on them by Allah and displays patience and submission during times of affliction.

A Muslim must understand that every test is willed for reasons known only to Allah and only

He is able to remove our afflictions. No matter how desperatly we try to escape our troubles, we will never be able to, unless of course, the Lord of Creation wills it Himself.

Allah says in Surah Al-An’am: ‘If Allah touches

you harm, none can remove it but He, and if He touches you with good,

then He is able to do all things.’ {6:17} Therefore, we should neither worry nor grieve when afflicted with harm, but instead be thankful to Allah and be confident in His wisdom because whatever comes from Allah is the best for us. The Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Indeed amazing are the affairs of a believer! They are all for his benefit. If he is granted ease of living, he is thankful; and this is best for him. And if he is afflicted with a hardship, he perseveres; and this is best or him.” [Muslim]

If Muslims fully understood the blessings that accompany hardships then they would be grateful to Allah whenever they are afflicted with them, as hardships are greatly beneficial for the believers. The life of a believer is a continuous test and Allah has decreed that hardships and disasters strike both believers and non-believers alike. For a non-believer, they are inconveniences that hinder him from enjoying the pleasures of this world. For a believer, however, they are instances of reflection and remembrance, tests that promise great rewards, and indications of atonement and expiation of sins. Regardless of how little the affliction that strikes a believer is, it carries with it the glad tidings of Allah’s love for them, His forgiveness, and the opportunity to attain an elevated rank in Paradise.

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Of Trials and TribulationsThe righteous predecessors used to be pleased when afflicted with hardship, seeing it as a token of Allah’s forgiveness and benevolence. The

benefit of being afflicted with trials and tribu-lations are countless. Afflictions are

a means of expiating ones sins.

Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Hardships continue to befall a believing man and woman in their body, family, and property, until they meet Allah burdened with no sins.” [Al-Tirmidhi]

And he (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) also said “No fatigue, nor disease, nor sorrow, nor sadness, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he receives from a thorn, but that Allah expiates some of his sins for that.” [Bukhari]. Afflictions can also be a sign of Allah’s love as for the individual. As Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Whenever Allah wills good for a person, He subjects him to adversity” [Bukhari]

Afflictions can also be a sign of a believer’s faith. Ka`b ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “The parable of a believer is that of a fresh and moist plant; the wind tilts it this way and that way; and so is the believer; he continues to be subject to affliction. And the parable of a hypocrite is that of a firm cedar tree; it does not shake—until it is uprooted all at once.” [Bukhari] Tests are opportunities for believers to remember Allah, to be thankful to Him, and to sincerely ask Him for help. It reminds them of the futile and fleeting nature of life and reminds them that whatever they have is a blessing from Allah, including their lives, and when Allah wills He will take them back to Him for the

final judgement. It reminds them to repent, be-fore it is too late. It is important for Muslims to have complete and utter trust in Allah, for them to solely rely on Him. It is then, and only then, that they will begin to taste the sweetness of trials and develop a love for them, the rewards of which they will see both in this life and the hereafter. On the authority of Abdillaah bin ‘Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him) who said: One day I

was behind the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) [riding on

the same mount] and he said: “O young man, I shall teach

you some words [of advice]: Be

mindful of Allah and

Allah will protect you. Be mindful of Allah and you will find Him in front of you. If you ask, then ask Allah [alone]; and if you seek help, then seek help from Allah [alone]. And know that if the Nation were to gather together to benefit you with anything, they would not benefit you except with what Allah has already prescribed for you. And if they were to gather together to harm you with anything, they would not harm you except with what Allah has already prescribed for you. The pens have been lifted and the pages have dried. [Al-Tirmidhee]

In another narration it reads: Be mindful of Allah, and you will find him in front of you. Recognise and acknowledge Allah in times of ease and prosperity, and He will remember you in times of adversity. And know that what has passed you by [and you have failed to attain] was not going to befall you, and what has befallen you, was not going to pass you by. And know that with Victory comes Patience, Relief with Affliction and Hardship with Ease.

May Allah make us steadfast in His religion, for-give us for our short-comings and elevate our ranks in Jannah. Ameen.

by Umm Muslim

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LAYLATUL QADRThe Night of Power (Lailatul Qadr) is a night of blessings. Allah has sanctified this Night. Therefore who-soever is interested in receiving the blessings of Allah may look forward to the Night of Power. Ibn Abbas reported that the Prophet,salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, said, “Look for the Night of Qadr in the last ten nights of Ramadaan ,’ on the night when nine or seven or five nights remain out of the last ten nights of Ramadaan (i.e. 21, 23, 25, respectively).” [Bukhari]

Anyone who seeks the Night of Decree and repent sincerely, his /her sins will be erased. As reported in the following Hadith: Abu Hurairah Radhiya Allahu ànhu reported that the Messenger of Allah, salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam, said : “Whoever stands (in prayer) in Lailatul-Qadr out of Imaan (faith and sincerity) and seeking reward then his previous sins are forgiven”. [Bukhari]

I am sure every one of us would like to live a life free of sins and free of mistakes. Everyone would like to meet Allah on the Day of Judgment without sins.

All of us wish to rejuvenate ourselves, and to start a new year with a fresh outlook and a fresh life. Every one of us wants to live a pure life and everyone wants to purify himself/herself without anguish or tor-ment. The Night of Power is one of the best ways in which a person is to achieve all these ideals. You should start looking forward to reaching this night so as to take the maximum benefit.

In the Holy Quran, Allah revealed a surah entirely devoted to it: “Verily We have sent it (the Quran) down in the Night of Decree. And what will make you know what the Night of Decree is? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. Therein descend the angels and the Ruuh (Gabriel), by Al-lah’s permission, with all decrees. Peace until the appearance of dawn.” (Surah 97)

And the special du’a for this night as narrated by Aisha (RA) is:

Allaahumma, innaka Àfuuwwun, tuHibbul àfwa, fa`fuu ànnii(Oh Allah, you are the One who pardons greatly, you love to pardon, so pardon me) [From the hadiith in at-Tirmithii and ibn-Majah -sahih]

The following are ways you can spend the night: in recitation of the Quran, praying nafil after taraweeh, reading tafseer of the Quran, giving charity to others if you can afford it, trying to explain about Islam if you know about it to those near so they may benefit from it and remembering Allah and supplicating to Allah.

The Night Of Power is better for you to live, to experience and to enjoy than one thousand months of your personal life. Even if you were to live one thousand months (83.3 years) with sincerity, dedication, sacrifices and with good intentions and deeds, the Night Of Power is still far better for you to live and to enjoy.

The Revelation of the Quran was in the month of Ramadaan and specifically on the Night Of Power. The Revelation of the Quran is a sign of Mercy, a guide and a blessing of Allah to mankind.

May Allah save us from missing this night. by Yahya Joosub


Noor Ul Islam Youth Group Mount Snowdon Challenge 2010We headed off for our long journey to Wales on Friday 6th August. We reached Wales around midnight but an unfortunate incident took place, our mini bus broke down! Alhumdulillah we broke down not too far from our destination and we had to switch our torches on and walk to where we were staying. Due to the mini bus breaking down we could not go to Mount Snowdon but instead trekked up a mountain not too far from where we were staying. The mountain was only 20 metres shorter then Mount Snowdon. So we headed off for our walk on Saturday morning and discovered that this was harder then expected. Our more experienced trekkers with us claimed that the mountain we climbed was much harder then Mount Snowdon. Half way through the walk our group of 23 soon become 8. We pushed ourselves and made it to the peak Alhumdulillah. The walk was successful and we raised money for Noor Ul Islam Trust. We thank everyone who supported our walk and a big well done to all the participants.

Check out our video of our trip on: www.youtube.com/NUIYouthGroup

By Hasib Hussain on behalf of Noor Ul Islam Youth Group

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The chaining of the devilsQ: We know that in Ramadaan the devils are chained up. And I would like to know whether the practitioners of sihr (magic, witchcraft) – may the curse of Allah be upon them – practise their craft in this month?.

A: Praise be to Allah.

Yes, the devils may whisper to man in Ramadaan, and the practitioners of witchcraft may practise their craft during Ramadaan, but that undoubtedly happens to a lesser extent than at times other than Ramadaan.

It was proven that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “When Ramadaan begins, the gates of Paradise are opened, and the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained up.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 3277; Muslim, 1079. According to al-Nasaa’i: “The most evil jinn are chained up.”

This does not mean that the devils have no influence at all, rather it indicates that they become weaker in Ramadaan and are not able to do what they are able to do at times other than Ramadaan.

It may be interpreted as meaning that the ones who are chained up are the most evil devils, not all of them.

Al-Qurtubi said: (evil actions) are reduced on the part of those who fast meeting all the conditions of fasting and paying attention to the etiquette of fasting.

Or it may mean that evil actions are reduced in Ramadaan, which is something that we can see. Even though evil actions happen in Ramadaan, they are less than at

other times. Even if all of the devils were to be chained up, that does not mean that no evil action would happen, because there are other causes of evil action besides the devils, such as evil souls, bad habits and the human devils.

From Fath al-Baari.

And Allah knows best. Using toothpaste while fastingQ: Is it permissible to brush one’s teeth using toothpaste when fasting? Please give your input on this


Shaykh Muhammad al-Saalih ibn ‘Uthaymeen said:

… This leads us to the question: Is it permissible to use a toothbrush and toothpaste whilst fasting or not?

The answer is that it is permitted, but it is preferable not to use them because the toothpaste is too strong and may go down into the throat. Instead of doing that during the day, one should do it at night.

Al-Sharh al-Mumti’ by Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, 6/407, 408

And Allah knows best.

The Pillars of FastingQ: What are the pillars of fasting?.


The fuqaha’ are agreed that abstaining from the things that break the fast, from the true dawn until sunset is one of the pillars

of fasting.

But they differed with regard to the intention. The Hanafis and Hanbalis are of the view that the intention is a condition of the fast being valid.

The Maalikis and Shaafa’is were of the view that it is a pillar in addition to abstinence.

Whether the intention is regarded as a pillar or a condition, the fast – like other acts of worship – cannot be regarded as valid without the intention, as well as abstaining from the things that break the fast.

Al-Bahr al-Raa’iq, 2/276; Mawaahib al-Jaleel, 2/378; Nihaayat al-Muhtaaj, 3/149; Nayl al-Ma’aarib Sharh Daleel al-Taalib, 1/274.

And Allah knows best.

ISLAM Question & Answers

Ramadaan Special

all answers taken from http://www.islamqa.com

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KIDZ ZONEThe Blessed Month of Ramadaan

Help Abdur Rahman break his fast with a date!

RAMADAAN MUBARAK FROM NOOR UL ISLAM

Fasting teaches you many things. It helps you become a better Muslim. It’s not easy! You feel hungry, thirsty, sleepy and so on. But these are seeds you plant in the Garden of Ramadhan. You will harvest the beautiful tasty fruits of Jannah. By fasting, you also get the following fruits (aswell as apples and oranges) in this world inshaAllah:

Taqwa, Self-control, Goodness, Charity, Kindness, Nearness to Allah (SWT), Strength, Sympathy, Sincerity, Forgiveness, Blessings.



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Noor Magazine Issue 27