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Tonight Sheik Abdel Monem touched on particular aspect on making the call for prayer(Adhan). He mentioned that Prophet Muhammed(PBUH)‘s companions called for prayer in different ways and Prophet Muhammed(PBUH) did not dissapprove of any of those ways when he observed their calls of prayer. Bilal (may God have mercy on him) used to raise his open hands facing outside close to his ears with his thumbs touching the earlobs. Umarul Khattab(may God have mercy on him) used to keep his hands down by both sides of him. According to the Sheik there is no consensus on this matter between scholars as Prophet Muhammed(PBUH) used to always lead the prayer.

The Sheik adviced us to follow any of the four schools of thoughts  that we are part of and to consider this matter a less important matter in comparison to other more fundamental matters of Islam.

We hope this is an accurate description of the Sheik’s mini Khathira.Please let us know if we have made any mistakes or any other comments you may have.

Allah knows best.

Jazaak Allah.

As part of the regular tips given after prayer, Sheik Abdel Monem conveyed to us an important Hadith relating to the Surah Al Fathiha Yesterday. According to the Hadith, when we say

1.    ٱلۡحَمۡدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ ٱلۡعَـٰلَمِينَ (Praise be to Allah, the lord and provider of the worlds) 

- Allah answers “my servant has praised me”.

2.   ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ مَـٰلِكِ يَوۡمِ ٱلدِّينِ (The Beneficent,The Merciful. Owner of the Day of Judgment) — Allah answers “ my servant has glorified me”.  

3.    إِيَّاكَ نَعۡبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسۡتَعِينُ ( You alone we worship and you alone we ask for help) — Allah answers “my servant has asked me and he will receive whatever he requests)

4.    ٱهۡدِنَا ٱلصِّرَٲطَ ٱلۡمُسۡتَقِيمَ صِرَٲطَ ٱلَّذِينَ أَنۡعَمۡتَ عَلَيۡهِمۡ

( Show us the straight path.  The path of those whom you have favoured. ) — Allah answers “this is between me and my servant and he will receive whatever he requests”

The Sheik emphasised the need to have the right approach when we recite the above Surah in our prayers . He went onto explain that when we are in prayer we need to remember that we are in front of Allah(SWT) and we are communicating with him. He reminded us that the Thashahhud explain the story of Mihraj when Prophet Muhammad went to meet Allah(SWT) beyond the area that even the Angels have not permission to reach . The Sheik explain this story in brief to stress that we need to understanding what we are reciting in the prayer and feel deeply about what we are reciting. Often, we get distracted while we are in the prayer and think about worldly matters. The Sheik mentioned that its   important for all of us to not get distracted by worldly matters and focus on the prayer. Knowing the understanding of whats been recited and the importance of it will help you stay focused in your prayer.

We hope we have conveyed the Sheik’s message accurately and welcome any directions to mistakes i may have committed in my narration above.

Allah knows best.

Today, Sheikh Abdel Monem spoke briefly after the Isha prayer reminding the worshippers like he usually does. He said that when it comes to going after God’s blessings on this earth, which involves working, trading and crafting in order to sustain one’s life and that of his family God asks to strive and move around. God uses the Arabic word SaAAa (Sa3a) to aim, to move around; to walk calmly.

However when it comes to going after God’s acceptance of us and pleasure with us, God asks us to be quick in the race for forgiveness from him, and for his humongous and bountiful Gardens prepared for the righteous (WasariAAoo ila maghfiratin min rabbikum wajannatin AAarduha alssamawatu waalardu oAAiddat lilmuttaqeena). The Arabic verb God chose in this context is “SariAAoo” which means run faster and faster. This is an indication that a race and competition is encouraged. This verb is stronger in action than the previous verb SaAAa. This is to emphasize that the acts and the race for God’s pleasure is far much more important than merely going for earthly pleasure.

So while we await the blessed month of Ramadan, may God extend our life so we can benefit from it, we need to move and run faster and faster after God’s pleasure by communicating with God more through prayer and studying the Quran; by giving charity and helping others (family, co-workers, school, students, neighboors etc)

Can you think of things and ideas to do during Ramadan and throughout the year that could bring benefit to you and others? It could be a list of good manners you plan to focus on, or a list of bad manners to avoid; it could be a personal activity to explore yourself, a learning activity to increase your knowledge and know-how, a physical activity to stay healthy and fit, a family activity, a neighborhood activity, a community activity etc.

Share with us.

Today, Sheikh Abdel Monem spoke briefly after the Isha prayer reminding the worshippers like he usually does. He said that when the Isha congregation prayer ends it is highly encouraged to stay in the prayer area until the Imam leaves it. For if we stay until the Imam leaves we get the reward as if we prayed the night (the Qiyam). If someone is in a reasonable hurry it is ok to leave.

And briefly Sheikh Abdel Monem spoke of the importance of reviving mosques by staying oin the mosque after a prayer awaiting the next prayer especially if they are closely timed such as between Maghrib and Isha. Reviving means to dedicate oneself to obediance to God, remembering him, reciting and studying the Quran and exchanging knowledge in circles.

He said that Prophet Mohammed told the believers of a thing if they do God will wipe out one’s sins and elevate one in statue:

1. Go to the mosque walking (khoutouwatt)
2. Perform Ablution while already in a state of ablution (Issbagh)
3. Await the next prayer after a prayer completes

He said that God told Prophet Mohamed to give good news to those who walk to the mosques (to worship and purify themselves) at night that God will provide them with complete brightness and light on the day of judgement when people are at loss in darkness and gloominess.

I hope this was a correct summary and translation of the essence of the message. I hope it helps.