Al Medinah Mosque Brighton

19th Annual IDA youth conference

2012-02-03T20:16:00.000Z

Book your seats from Brighton for only £15 per person. Call or text to reserve a seat with your full name & age to 07515640736. Please note the following:

This is a brothers only event. Minimum unaccompanied age is 13 with parents consent. Departure time from Brighton 8am. Arrival time back to Brighton approximately 11pm.

The month of Rabi'ul-Awwal

2012-01-28T16:05:00.000Z

Rabi'ul-Awwal
By Mufti Taqi Usmani

From Superstitions into Light

Rabi'ul-Awwal is the most significant month in the Islamic history, because humanity has been blessed in this month by the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. Before the birth of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, not only the Arabian peninsula, but also the so-called civilized nations of Rome and Persia were drowned in the darkness of ignorance, superstitions, oppression and unrest. The Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, came with the eternal truth of Tawhid (Oneness of Allah), the only faith which provides a firm basis for the real concepts of knowledge, equity and peace. It was this faith which delivered humanity from ignorance and superstitions and spread the light of true knowledge all over the world.

Islamic Celebrations

Thus the birth of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, was the most significant and the most remarkable event in human history. Had there been room in Islamic teachings for the celebration of birthdays or anniversaries, the birthday of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, would have undoubtedly deserved it more than the birthday of any other person. But that is against the nature of Islamic teachings. That is why, unlike Judaism, Christianity, and Hinduism, there are very few festivals in Islam, which provides for only two Eids (Eidul-fitr and Eidul-Adha) during the whole year. The dates of these two Eids do not correspond to the birthday of any of the outstanding persons of Islamic history, nor can their origin be attributed to any particular event of history that had happened in these dates.

Both of these two Eids have been prescribed for paying gratitude to Allah on some happy events that take place every year. The first event is the completion of the fasts of Ramadan and the second event is the completion of Hajj, another form of worship regarded as one of the five pillars of Islam.

The manner prescribed for the celebration of these two Eids (festivals) is also different from non-Islamic festivals. There are no formal processions, illumination or other activities showing formal happiness. On the contrary, there are congregational prayers and informal mutual visits to each other, which can give real happiness instead of its symbols only.

No Birthdays

On the other hand, Islam has not prescribed any festival for the birthday of any person, however great or significant he may be. The prophets of Allah are the persons of the highest status amongst all human beings. But the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, or his noble companions never observed the birthday or anniversary of any of them. Even the birthday of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, which was the most happy day for the whole mankind was never celebrated by the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, himself, nor by his blessed Companions.

The Companions of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, remained alive after him for about a century, but despite their unparalleled and profound love towards the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, they never celebrated the birthday or the death anniversary of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. Instead, they devoted their lives for promoting the cause of Islam, for bringing his teachings into practice, for conveying his message to the four corners of the world and for establishing the Islamic order in every walk of life.

The Origins of Christmas

In fact, commemorating the birth of a distinguished person has never been prescribed by any religion attributing itself to divine revelation. It was originally a custom prevalent in pagan communities only. Even Christmas, the famous Christian feast commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ finds no mention in the Bible or in the early Christian writings. It was only in the 4th century after the ascension of Jesus Christ that Christmas was recognized as a regular Christian feast. To quote the Collier's Encyclopedia:

"It is impossible to determine the exact date of the birth of Christ, either from the evidence of the gospels, or from any sound tradition. During the first three centuries of the Christian era there was considerable opposition in the Church to the pagan custom of celebrating birthdays, although there is some indication that a purely religious commemoration of the birth of Christ was included in the feast of Epiphany. Clement of Alexandria mentions the existence of the feast in Egypt about the year A.D. 200 and we have some evidence that it was observed on various dates in scattered areas. After the triumph of Constantine, the Church at Rome assigned December 25 as the date for the celebration of the feast, possibly about A.D. 320 or 353. By the end of the fourth century the whole Christian world was celebrating Christmas on that day, with the exception of the Eastern Churches, where it was celebrated on January 6. The choice of December 25 was probably influenced by the fact that on this day the Romans celebrated the Mithraic feast of the Sun-god, and that the Saturnalia also came at this time." (Collier's Encyclopedia 1984 ed, v. 6, p. 403).

A similar description of the origin of Christmas is found in-the Encyclopedia Britannica with some more details. Its following passage will throw more light on the point:
"Christmas was not among the earliest festivals of the Church, and before the 5th century there was no general consensus of opinion as to when it should come in the calendar, whether on Jan. 6, March 25 or Dec. 25. The earliest identification of Dec. 25 with the birthday of Christ is in a passage, otherwise unknown and probably spurious, of the philos of Antioch (c.180), preserved in Latin by the Magdeburyg centuriators (i, 3, 118), to the effect that the Gauls contended that since they celebrated the birth of Lord on Dec. 25, so they ought to celebrate the resurrection on March 25. A passage, almost certainly interpolated, in 'Hippelates' (c. 202) commentary on Daniel iv, 23, says that Jesus was born at Bethlehem on Wednesday, Dec. 25, in the 42nd year of Augustus, but he mentions no feast, and such a feast, indeed, would conflict with the then orthodox ideas. As late as 245, Origin (hem. viii on Leviticus) repudiated the idea of keeping the birthday of Christ "as if he were a king Pharaoh". (Britannica, 1953 ed. v. 5, p.642)

These two quotes are more than sufficient to prove the following points:

1. The commemoration of birthdays was originally a pagan custom, never recognized by a divine scripture or prophetic teaching.
2. The exact date of the Birth of Sayyidna 'Isa is unknown and impossible to be ascertained.
3. The commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ was not a recognized practice in the early centuries of the Christian history.
4. It was in the 4th or 5th century that it was recognized as a religious feast, and that, too, under the influence of the pagans who worshipped Sun-god.
5. There was a strong opposition against the commemorating of the birthday by the early Christian scholars like Origin, on the ground that it is originally a custom of pagans and idolaters.

Original Islamic Resources

In original Islamic resources, also we cannot find any instruction about the celebration of birthdays or death anniversaries. Many Companions of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, passed away during his life-time. His beloved wife Sayyidah Khadijah, Radi-Allahu anha, passed away in Makkah. His beloved uncle Sayyidna Hamzah, Radi-Allahu anhu was brutally slaughtered during the battle of Uhud. But the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, never observed their birthday or their death anniversaries, nor did he ever advise his followers to celebrate his own birthday in Rabi'ul-Awwal.

What is Wrong with These Celebrations

The reason for abstinence from such celebrations is that they divert the attention of people from the real teachings of Islam towards the observance of some formal activities only. Initially, these celebrations may begin with utmost piety and with a bona fide intention to pay homage to a pious person. Yet, the experience shows that the celebration is ultimately mixed up with an element of merrymaking and rejoicing and is generally confused with secular festivals and the secular, and often sinful, activities creep into it gradually.

The Transformation of Christmas

The example of Christmas will again be relevant. This Christian feast was originally innovated to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ and, of course, to remember his teachings. But once the occasion had been recognized as a feast, all the secular elements of public festivals crept in. The following quotation from the Encyclopedia Britannia is worth attention:
"For several centuries Christmas was solely a church anniversary observed by religious services. But as Christianity spread among the people of pagan lands, many of the practices of the winter solstice were blended with those of Christianity because of the liberal ruling of Gregory I, the great, and the cooperation of the missionaries. Thus, Christmas became both religious and secular in its celebration, at times reverent, at others gay."

Then, what kind of activities have been adopted to celebrate Christmas is mentioned in the next paragraphs of which the following quote is more pertinent here:

"Merrymaking came to have a share in Christmas observance through popular enthusiasm even while emphasis was on the religious phase. ... In the wholly decked great halls of the feudal lords, whose hospitality extended to all their friends, tenants and household, was sailing, feasting, singing and games, dancing, masquerading and mummers presenting pantomimes and masques were all part of the festivities." (Encyclopedia Britannica, 1953 v. 5, p. 643)

This is enough to show as to how an apparently innocent feast of reverence was converted into a secular festival where the merrymaking and seeking enjoyment by whatever means took preference over all the religious and spiritual activities.

Being fully aware of this human psychology, Islam has never prescribed, nor encouraged the observance of birthdays and anniversaries, and when such celebrations are observed as a part of the religion, they are totally forbidden.

The Religion is Complete

The Holy Qur'an has clearly pronounced on the occasion of the last Hajj of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam: "Today, I have completed the teachings of your religion." [Al-Maida 5:3]

It means that all the teachings of Islam were communicated to the Muslims through the Holy Qur'an and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. No one is allowed after it to add any thing to them as a part of religion. What was not a part of religion during the lifetime of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, can never become part of it. Such additions are termed by the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, as Bid'ah or innovation.

Thus, the observance of the 12th of Rabi'ul-Awwal as a religious feast is not warranted by any verse of the Holy Qur'an or by any teaching of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. Had it been a part of the religion it would have been clearly ordered or practiced by the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, and his blessed companions or, at least, by their immediate pupils. But no example of the celebration of the occasion can be traced out in the early centuries of the Islamic history. It was after many centuries [Albalagh Note: According to Maulana Yusuf Ludhinavi it was in the year 604 A.H.] that some monarchs started observing the 12th of Rabi'ul-Awwal as the birthday of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, without a sound religious basis, and the congregations in the name of Maulood or Milad were held where the history of the birth of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, used to be narrated.

Disagreement About the Date

The observance of the 12th of this month as the birthday of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, is not only an innovation having no basis in the Islamic teachings, but the accuracy of this date as the real birthday of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, is also very much doubted. There are different dates suggested in different traditions, and the majority of the authentic scholars is inclined to hold that the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, was born on the 9th of Rabi'ul-Awwal. This difference of opinion is another evidence to prove that the observance of the birthday is not a part of the religion, otherwise its exact date would have been preserved with accuracy.

The life of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, is, no doubt, the most important source of guidance for all the Muslims, and every Muslim is under an obligation to learn and study the events of his life, and to follow the practical example set by him in every sphere of life. The narration of his pious biography (the Seerah) in itself is a pious act, which invites the divine blessings, but the Holy Qur'an and the Sunnah have not prescribed a particular time or method for it. This pious act should be performed in all the months and at all the times. The month of Rabi'ul-Awwal has not been designated by the Shariah as a special season for holding such congregations to commemorate the birth or life of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. It is thus an innovation (Bid'ah) to restrict the Seerah meetings to the month of Rabi'ul Awwal only, or to believe that the meetings held in this month are worthy of more reward than the meetings held on any other date during the year. In fact, the Companions of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, used to commemorate the life of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, throughout the year, not only by studying and conveying his message to others, but also by following his way of life and acting upon his teachings in each and every branch of their activities, and this is exactly what a Muslim is required and supposed to do.
By this we do not mean that the Seerah meetings should not be held in the month of Rabi'ul-Awwal. The point is only that they should not be restricted to it, nor should it be believed that the Shariah has laid any kind of emphasis on holding such meetings in this particular month.
Another point that should always be kept in mind while holding such meetings is that they must be in complete conformity with the rules of Shariah. A Muslim is supposed to abide by the rules of Shariah in all his activities. But at least the meetings held in the memory of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, should be free from all the acts forbidden by the Shariah.

Contemporary Seerah Meetings and Shariah

It is often observed, especially in the Western countries, that the people hold the Seerah meetings where men and women sit together without observing the rules of hijab prescribed by the Shariah. The teachings of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, are obviously against such mixed gatherings. How can a Seerah meeting bring fruits where such fundamental teachings of the Shariah are openly violated?

In some meetings the Na'ts (poems) in the memory of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, are recited by the women before the male audience, sometimes with music, which is totally against the instructions of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. It is clearly prohibited by the Shariah to hold such meetings or to participate in them, because it is not only a violation of the Shariah rules, but it is an affront to the sanctity of the Seerah of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam.

All other activities, often practiced on the twelfth of Rabi'ul-Awwal, like holding processions, constructing the mock tombs of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, and illumination of the buildings and the roads are not warranted by any rule of the Shariah. Rather they are based on conscious or unconscious imitation of certain other religions. No example of such activities can be traced out from the earlier Islamic history.

Real Message of Seerah

What is really important with regard to the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, is, first, to follow his teachings, and second to make his pious Seerah available to every Muslim, to preserve it in the hearts of the Muslims from the very childhood, to educate the family members to run their lives according to it and to hold it as the most glorious example of the human conduct the universe has ever witnessed -- and all this with utmost love and reverence, not manifested by some formal activities only, but also through actual behavior of following the Sunnah. This cannot be done by merely holding processions and illuminating the walls. This requires constant and consistent efforts and a meaningful program of education and training.

Courtesy of http://www.albalagh.net/

Sunday 1st Jan: Monthly talk: Jannah.

2011-12-26T19:38:00.000Z

Date:Sunday 1st January 2012

Time: After Maghrib Salaah/4:05pm

Speaker: A Dynamic young scholar, Shaykh Khalidul Haq, Imam of Shah Jalal Masjid, Manor Park, London.

Topic: Jannah & how to become of its dwellers

Sisters welcome, refreshments after!

New Islamic year 1433AH. Muharram.

2011-11-30T11:07:00.000Z

Muharram

By Mufti Taqi Usmani

Muharram is the month with which the Muslims begin their lunar Hijrah Calendar. It is one of the four sanctified months about which the Holy Quran says, "The number of the months according to Allah is twelve (mentioned) in the Book of Allah on the day He created heavens and the earth. Among these (twelve months) there are four sanctified."

These four months, according to the authentic traditions, are Dhul-Qa'dah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram and Rajab. All the commentators of the Holy Quran are unanimous on this point, because the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, in his sermon on the occasion of his last Hajj, declared: "One year consists of twelve months, of which four are sanctified months, three of them are in sequence; Dhul-Qa'dah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram, and the fourth is Rajab."

The specific mention of these four months does not mean that any other month has no sanctity, because the month of Ramadan is admittedly the most sanctified month in the year. But these four months were specifically termed as sanctified months for the simple reason that their sanctity was accepted even by the pagans of Makkah.

In fact, every month, out of the twelve, is originally equal to the other, and there is no inherent sanctity that may be attributed to one of them in comparison to the other months. When Allah Almighty chooses a particular time for His special blessings, the same acquires sanctity out of His grace.

Thus, the sanctity of these four months was recognized right from the days of Sayyidina Ibrahim, alayhi salam. Since the Pagans of Makkah attributed themselves to Sayyidina Ibrahim, alayhi salam, they observed the sanctity of these four months and despite their frequent tribal battles, they held it unlawful to fight in these months.

In the Shariah of our Noble Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, the sanctity of these months was upheld and the Holy Quran referred to them as the "sanctified months".
Muharram has certain other characteristics special to it, which are specified below.

Fasting During the Month

The Noble Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, has said: 'The best fasts after the fasts of Ramadan are those of the month of Muharram."

Although the fasts of the month of Muharram are not obligatory, yet one who fasts in these days out of his own will is entitled to a great reward by Allah Almighty. The Hadith cited above signifies that the fasts of the month of Muharram are most rewardable ones among the Nafl or voluntary fasts.

The Hadith does not mean that the award promised for fasts of Muharram can be achieved only by fasting for the whole month. On the contrary, each fast during this month has merit. Therefore, one should avail of this opportunity as much as he can.

The Day of 'Ashurah'

Although Muharram is a sanctified month as a whole, yet, the 10th day of Muharram is the most sacred among all its days. The day is named 'Ashurah'. According to the Holy Companion Ibn 'Abbas, Radi-Allahu anhu. The Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, when migrated to Madinah, found that the Jews of Madinah used to fast on the 10th day of Muharram. They said that it was the day on which the Holy Prophet Musa (Moses), alayhis salam, and his followers crossed the Red Sea miraculously and the Pharaoh was drowned in its waters. On hearing this from the Jews, the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, said, "We are more closely rotated to Musa, alayhi salam, than you," and directed the Muslims to fast on the day of 'Ashura'. (Abu Dawood)

It is also reported in a number of authentic traditions that in the beginning, fasting on the day of 'Ashura' was obligatory for the Muslims. It was later that the fasts of Ramadan were made obligatory and the fast on the day of 'Ashura' was made optional. Sayyidina 'Aisha, Radi-Allahu anha, has said:
"When the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, came to Madinah, he fasted on the day of 'Ashura' and directed the people to fast. But when the fasts of Ramadan were made obligatory, the obligation of fasting was confined to Ramadan and the obligatory nature of the fast of 'Ashura' was abandoned. Whoever so desires should fast on it and any other who so likes can avoid fasting on it." (Sunan Abu Dawud)

However, the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, used to fast on the day of 'Ashura' even after the fasting in Ramadan was made obligatory. Abdullah ibn Musa, Radi-Allahu anhu, reports that the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, preferred the fast of 'Ashura' on the fasts of other days and preferred the fasts of Ramadhaan on the fast of 'Ashura'. (Bukhari and Muslim)

In short, it is established through a number of authentic ahadith that fasting on the day of 'Ashura' is Sunnah of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, and makes one entitled to a great reward.

According to another Hadith, it is more advisable that the fast of 'Ashura' should either be preceded or followed by another fast. It means that one should fast two days: the 9th and 10th of Muharram or the 10th and 11th. The reason of this additional fast as mentioned by the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, is that the Jews used to fast on the day of'Ashura alone, and the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, wanted to distinguish the Muslim way of fasting from that of Jews. Therefore, he advised the Muslims to add another fast to that of 'Ashura'.

Some traditions signify another feature of the day of 'Ashura. According to these traditions, one should be more generous to his family by providing more food to them on this day as compared to other days. These traditions are not very authentic according to the science of Hadith. Yet, some Scholars like Baihaqi and Ibn Hibban have accepted them as reliable.

What is mentioned above is all that is supported through authentic sources about Ashura.

Misconceptions and Baseless Traditions

However, there are some legends and misconceptions with regard to 'Ashura' that have managed to find their way into the minds of the ignorant, but have no support of authentic Islamic sources, some very common of them are these: This is the day on which Adam, alayhi salam, was created. This is the day when Ibrahim, alayhi salam, was born. This is the day when Allah accepted the repentance of Sayyidina Adam, alayhi salam. This is the day when Qiyaamah (doomsday) will take place. Whoever takes bath on the day of 'Ashura' will never get ill.

All these and other similar whims and fancies are totally baseless and the traditions referred to in this respect are not worthy of any credit.

Some people take it as Sunnah to prepare a particular type of meal on the day of 'Ashura'. This practice, too, has no basis in the authentic Islamic sources.

Some other people attribute the sanctity of 'Ashura' to the martyrdom of Sayyidna Husain, Radi-Allahu anhu, during his battle with the Syrian army. No doubt, the martyrdom of Sayyidina Husain, Radi-Allahu anhu, is one of the most tragic episodes of our history. Yet, the sanctity of 'Ashura' cannot be ascribed to this event for the simple reason that the sanctity of 'Ashura' was established during the days of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, much earlier than the birth of Sayyidna Husain, Radi-Allahu anhu.

On the contrary, it is one of the merits of Sayyidna Husain, Radi-Allahu anhu, that his martyrdom took place on the day of 'Ashura'.

Another misconception about the month of Muharram is that it is an evil or unlucky month, for Sayyidna Husain, Radi-Allahu anhu, was killed in it. It is for this misconception that people avoid holding marriage ceremonies in the month of Muharram. This is again a baseless concept, which is contrary to the express teachings of the Holy Quran and the Sunnah. If the death of an eminent person on a particular day renders that day unlucky for all times to come, one can hardly find a day of the year free from this bad luck because every day is associated with the demise of some eminent person. The Holy Quran and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, have liberated us from such superstitious beliefs.

Lamentations and Mourning

Another wrong practice related to this month is to hold the lamentation and mouming ceremonies in the memory of martyrdom of Sayyidna Husain, Radi-Allahu anhu. As mentioned earlier, the event of Karbala is one of the most tragic events of our history, but the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, has forbidden us from holding the mourning ceremonies on the death of any person. The people of jahiliyyah (ignorance) used to mourn over their deceased through loud lamentations, by tearing their clothes and by beating their cheeks and chests. The Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, stopped the Muslims from doing all this and directed them to observe patience by saying "Innaa lillaahi wa innaa ilayhi raaji'oon". A number of authentic Ahaadith are available on the subject. To quote only one of them:
"He is not from our group who slaps his checks, tears his clothes and cries in the manner of the people of jahiliyyah." (Sahih Bukhari)

All the authentic jurists are unanimous on the point that the mourning of this type is impermissible. Even Sayyidna Husain, Radi-Allahu anhu, shortly before his demise, had advised his beloved sister Sayyidah Zainab, Radi-Allahu anha, at not to mourn over his death in this manner. He said, "My dear sister! I swear upon you that in case I die you shall not tear your clothes, nor scratch your face, nor curse anyone for me or pray for your death." (Al-Kamil, ibn al-Athir vol. 4 pg. 24)

It is evident from this advice of Sayyidna Husain, Radi-Allahu anhu, that this type of mourning is condemned even by the blessed person for the memory of whom these mourning ceremonies are held. Every Muslim should avoid this practice and abide by the teachings of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, and his beloved grand child Sayyidna Husain, Radi-Allahu anhu.

Courtesy of Albalagh.net (http://www.albalagh.net/general/muharram.shtml)

Eid al Adhaa' 1432AH/2011

2011-10-30T15:33:00.001Z

Eid al Adhaa' ( 10th Zul Hijjah) Sunday 6th November 2011

Eid al Adhaa' will be on Sunday 6th November. There will be 2 Eid prayers taking place at al Medinah Masjid. The 1st at 8:30am. The 2nd at 10am.

Be on time as prayers will start promptly!!

Etiquettes of Eid

The Sunnan (plural of sunnah) that the Muslim should observe on the day of Eid are as follows:

1 – Doing ghusl (bathing or showering oneself) before going out to the prayer.

2 – Eating before going out to pray on Eid al-Fitr and after the prayer on Eid al-Adha:

Part of the etiquette is not to go out to pray on Eid al-Fitr until one has eaten some dates. It is mustahabb to eat before going out to emphasize the fact that it is forbidden to fast on that day and to demonstrate that the fast has ended. Whoever does not have any dates may break his fast with anything that is permissible.

But on Eid al-Adha it is mustahabb not to eat anything until one comes back from the prayer, so he should eat from the udhiyah if he has offered a sacrifice. If he is not going to offer a sacrifice there is nothing wrong with eating before the prayer.

3 – Takbeer on the day of Eid

This is one of the greatest Sunnahs on the day of Eid because Allaah says:

“(He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allaah [i.e. to say Takbeer (Allaahu Akbar: Allaah is the Most Great)] for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him” [al-Baqarah 2:185]

The time for takbeer on Eid al-Fitr starts from the night before Eid until the imam enters to lead the Eid prayer.

In the case of Eid al-Adha, the takbeer begins after the Fajr of the 9^th until the after the Asr of the 13^th of Dhul Hijjah.

Umar Ibn Khattab (RA), Ali Ibn Abi Talib (RA) & Ibn Abbas (RA) said, “Recite the Takbeer from the Fajar of the day of Arafah (9^th of Dhul Hijjah) until the Asar of the last day of Ayamul-Tashreeq (13th of Dhul-Hijjah). (Tafseer of Imam Qurtubi)

Takbeer Tashreeq is the recitation of Allahu akbar, La ilaha illa hu Wallahu akbar, Allahu akbar wa lillahil hamd (There is no god but Allah and Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest and to Allah belongs all praise.) after every fardh salaah commencing from the Fajr of the 9th of Dhul Hijah until after Asr of the 13th of Dhul Hijjah.

According to authentic Islamic sources, it is obligatory on each Muslim, to recite this Takbir after every fard salah. For women also, it is commendable though not obligatory. Whether you are performing salah with Jama'ah (collectively) or on your own (individually) makes no difference. You must recite the Takbir. However, male Muslims should recite it in a loud voice, while females should recite it in a low voice

Description of the takbeer:

It was narrated in the Musannaf of Ibn Abi Shaybah with a saheeh isnaad from Ibn Mas’ood (may Allaah be pleased with him) that he used to recite takbeer during the days of tashreeq:

Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, laa ilaaha ill-Allaah, wa Allaahu akbar, Allaah akbar, wa Lillaah il-hamd (Allaah is Most Great, Allaah is most Great, there is no god but Allaah, Allaah is Most great, Allaah is most great, and to Allaah be praise).

4 – Offering congratulations

The etiquette of Eid also includes the congratulations and good wishes exchanged by people, no matter what the wording, such as saying to one another Taqabbala Allaah minna wa minkum (May Allaah accept (good deeds) from us and from you” or “Eid mubaarak” and other permissible expressions of congratulations.

5 – Adorning oneself on the occasion of Eid.

A man should wear the best clothes that he has when going out for Eid.

With regard to women, they should avoid adorning themselves when they go out for Eid, because they are forbidden to show off their adornments to non-mahram men. It is also haraam for a woman who wants to go out to put on perfume or to expose men to temptation, because they are only going out for the purpose of worship.

6 – Going to the prayer by one route and returning by another.

May Allah Azza wa Jall accept us all - Ameen

Jumu'ah/Friday prayer time Change

2011-10-30T15:32:00.000Z

Please note that the times for Jumu'ah will be as follows until further notice;

1st Jumu'ah at 12:15pm
2nd Jumuah at 1pm

Eid Mubarak!!

2011-08-29T20:10:00.000+01:00

Eid / 1st of Shawwal will be tomorrow, Tuesday 30th August

We will be having 2 Eid prayers.

The 1st at 8:30am and the second at 9:30am. Please be on time as the Eid salaah / prayer will start promptly.

May Allah Almighty accept our good deeds of Ramadhan and forgive us our shortcomings - Aameen.

We wish everyone a happy Eid!

1st of Ramadhan 1432AH will be on Monday 1st August 2011

2011-07-30T21:05:00.000+01:00

Assalamualaykum,

Dear All

The 1st of Ramadhan will commence on Monday 1st August 2011. Our 1st Taraweeh will be tomorrow, Sunday 31st July after the Esha Prayer, 10:30pm.

Please also note the following;

Imsaak / Fast starting time will be 2:42am.

Iftaar / Fast ending time will be at 8:46pm.

May Allah Almighty accept our fasting and standing in prayer.

Ramadhaan Mubark!

Al Medinah Masjid Brighton Ramadhan Timetable 1432AH/2011

2011-07-29T12:45:00.000+01:00

Ramadaan

Starting

time

Jama’ah

time

Masjid

Date

Day

Date

** Fast begins/

Sun

Zohar

Asr

Fast End

Esha

Fajr

Zohr

Asr

Magrib

Esha/

Fajr

RIse

Sun Set

Taraweeh

01-Aug

Mon

2:42

5:27

1:07

5:16

8:46

10:00

3:15am

1:30pm

5:30pm

***

10:30pm

02-Aug

Tues

2:46

5:28

1:07

5:15

8:45

9:59

3:15

1:30

5:30

***

10:30

03-Aug

Wed

2:49

5:29

1:07

5:14

8:43

9:57

3:15

1:30

5:30

***

10:30

04-Aug

Thurs

2:53

5:31

1:07

5:14

8:41

9:56

3:15

1:30

5:30

***

10:30

05-Aug

Fri

2:56

5:32

1:07

5:13

8:40

9:55

3:15

1:30

5:30

***

10:30

06-Aug

Sat

3:00

5:34

1:06

5:12

8:38

9:54

3:30

1:30

5:30

***

10:30

07-Aug

Sun

3:03

5:35

1:06

5:11

8:36

9:52

3:30

1:30

5:30

***

10:30

08-Aug

Mon

3:06

5:37

1:06

5:10

8:34

9:51

3:30

1:30

5:30

***

10:30

09-Aug

Tues

3:10

5:38

1:06

5:09

8:33

9:50

3:30

1:30

5:30

***

10:30

10-Aug

Wed

3:13

5:40

1:06

5:09

8:31

9:49

3:30

1:30

5:30

***

10:30

11-Aug

Thurs

3:16

5:42

1:06

5:08

8:29

9:47

3:45

1:30

5:30

***

10:15

12-Aug

Fri

3:19

5:43

1:06

5:07

8:27

9:46

3:45

1:30

5:30

***

10:15

13-Aug

Sat

3:22

5:45

1:05

5:06

8:25

9:44

3:45

1:30

5:30

***

10:15

14-Aug

Sun

3:25

5:46

1:05

5:05

8:23

9:43

3:45

1:30

5:30

***

10:15

15-Aug

Mon

3:28

5:48

1:05

5:04

8:21

9:41

3:45

1:30

5:30

***

10:15

16-Aug

Tues

3:30

5:49

1:05

5:03

8:19

9:40

4:00

1:30

5:15

***

10:15

17-Aug

Wed

3:33

5:51

1:05

5:02

8:17

9:38

4:00

1:30

5:15

***

10:15

18-Aug

Thurs

3:36

5:52

1:04

5:01

8:16

9:38

4:00

1:30

5:15

***

10:15

19-Aug

Fri

3:39

5:54

1:04

4:00

8:14

9:36

4:00

1:30

5:15

***

10:15

20-Aug

Sat

3:41

5:55

1:04

4:59

8:11

9:34

4:00

1:30

5:15

***

10:15

21-Aug

Sun

3:44

5:57

1:04

4:57

8:09

9:32

4:15

1:30

5:15

***

10:00

22-Aug

Mon

3:47

5:58

1:03

4:56

8:07

9:31

4:15

1:30

5:15

***

10:00

23-Aug

Tues

3:49

6:00

1:03

4:55

8:05

9:29

4:15

1:30

5:15

***

10:00

24-Aug

Wed

3:52

6:02

1:03

4:54

8:03

9:28

4:15

1:30

5:15

***

10:00

25-Aug

Thurs

3:54

6:03

1:03

4:53

8:01

9:26

4:15

1:30

5:15

***

10:00

26-Aug

Fri

3:57

6:05

1:02

4:51

7:59

9:25

4:30

1:30

5:15

***

10:00

27-Aug

Sat

3:59

6:06

1:02

4:50

7:57

9:23

4:30

1:30

5:15

***

10:00

28-Aug

Sun

4:02

6:08

1:02

4:49

7:55

9:22

4:30

1:30

5:15

***

10:00

29-Aug

Mon

4:04

6:09

1:02

4:48

7:53

9:20

4:30

1:30

5:15

***

10:00

30-Aug

Tues

*30

4:06

6:11

1:01

4:46

7:51

9:19

4:30

1:30

5:15

***

10:00

Sunday 24th July, 6pm. Ramadaan a month of revolution. By Shaykh Uwais Nadwi

2011-07-23T13:14:00.000+01:00

Sat 16th & Sun 17th July 2011. Exhibition Islam. Free Entry 10am - 5pm. Hove Lawns

2011-07-01T12:33:00.000+01:00

FREE DAWAH TRAINING FOR BROTHERS & SISTERS. Sunday 26th June

2011-06-16T14:38:00.000+01:00

FREE DAWAH TRAINING FOR BROTHERS AND SISTERS

Ever wanted to know how to give effective Dawah? How to say the right things? What to discuss? And how to discuss it?

Then now is your chance because;

On Sunday 26th June Abdur Rahim Green of IERA will be conducting a dawah training workshop at Al Medinah Mosque Brighton. This is something we have arranged after many requests from the Muslims brothers and sisters of Brighton, requests made by YOU!

Remember the verses of the Quran:

"Invite to the Way of your Lord (i.e. Islam) with wisdom and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better. Truly, your Lord knows best who has gone astray from His Path, and He is the Best Aware of those who are guided." [al-Qur'aan, an-Nahl(16):125]

"Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining al-ma`roof [i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do] and forbidding al-Munkar [polytheism and disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden]. And it is they who are successful." [al-Qur'aan, Aal `Imraan (3):104]

To attend you MUST REGISTER ONLINE. You are only a click away to register for this free training.
CLICK HERE & REGISTER NOW!

HURRY, AS SPACES ARE LIMITED!

Allahu Akbar!

2011-05-14T19:37:00.000+01:00

Allahu Akbar! Brother Lorry from Uni of Sussex accepts Islam at almedinah mosque in Brighton. may Allah(swt) guide him and keep him on the truth, Ameen!

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=2002604541344

Drugs, thugs & other Mugz

2011-05-10T17:41:00.001+01:00

Brothers and sisters make sure you dont miss this important event at al Medinah Mosque on Sunday 12th June 2011 starting at 6:30pm (Asr will be at 6pm).

More and more young Muslims are starting to believe that Drugs are OK, especially weed and cannabis, because they are natural or because the Quraan doesnt mention drugs being haraam and other reasons they feel act as EVIDENCE for drugs being OK and halaal to take, enjoy and smoke.

This talk will explain the truth about drugs in Islam and act as guidance for us all more so the youth in understanding the evidence and reasons why Drugs ARE Haraam and forbidden in Islam.

Shaykh Abdul Majid is a UK born traditionally trained Scholar cognisant of the contemporary contexts and discussions on Islam. He has been striving hard to guide and serve the Muslim community in Crawley and has recently turned his focus on the youth by setting up the Al Hidayah Academy from where he addresses issues important to the youth. May Allah Almighty accept his efforts, safeguard and preserve him. Aameen.

Sisters welcome. Food and refreshments after the event.

Virtues for reciting Surah al Kahf (Ch.18 of the Noble Quraan) on Friday.

2011-05-05T20:24:00.000+01:00

Virtues for reciting Surah al Kahf on Friday.

1.The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said, ‘Whoever recited Surah al Kahf in the same manner in which it was revealed, it will serve for him as a light on the Day of Judgement, from his domicile to Makkah. And whoever recited the last ten verses, and it happens that the Dajjal should appear after that, Dajjal will not be empowered over him’. [Mustadrak al-Hakim]

2.Abu’d-Darda’ reported that the Messenger of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said, “Anyone who memorises ten ayats from the beginning of Surat al-Kahf (Ch.18) will be protected from the Dajjal.”
[Saheeh Muslim]
3.The Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said, ‘Whoever recited Surah al Kahf on a Friday, Allah will kindle for him abundant light to brightly illuminate the period between the two Fridays (the Friday on which the recitation was made and the next Friday)’
[Mustadrak al-Hakim]

Young Ummah Project for young Muslim Sisters

2011-04-19T19:38:00.000+01:00

SeekersGuidance - The Lawful Nature of Niqab (Face Veiling) - Answers

2011-04-07T19:27:00.000+01:00

An enlightening article on the niqaab by Imam Zaid Shakir SeekersGuidance - The Lawful Nature of Niqab (Face Veiling) - Answers

Jerome Claire - How I wrestled my way to Islam ( 1 of 2 )

2011-02-21T10:55:00.000Z

Not to be missed, this Friday 25th Feb at al Medinah Masjid 1pm: Blind Hearts not eyes,

2011-02-21T10:51:00.000Z

Biography: Abu Hafsah Abdul Malik Clare

Abu Hafsah was born blind. He was raised in Nova Scotia, which is on the east coast of Canada. Abu Hafsah embraced Islam in 1996. He satarted wrestling at the age of 9 and went on to become the first blind person to be accepted into a professional wrestling school. He started learning the Quran in Arabic Braille in 1997. Since embracing Islam, he has conveyed the message of Islam through Islamic workshops throughout various countries like Canada, the United Kingdom, Kenya and others.

Saturday 5th Feb 2011: Seminar not to be missed. You are what you £arn. Shaykh Abdul Majid al Hidayah Academy Crawley.

2011-01-30T16:22:00.000Z

Lesley Hazleton: On reading the Koran | Video on TED.com

2011-01-27T14:23:00.000Z

Lesley Hazleton: On reading the Koran Video on TED.com

.‎1,400 years after the Quran was revealed,why has its oral tradition remained so powerful?

2011-01-19T14:27:00.000Z

A must listen brothers and sisters! When will there be a next Hafidhul Qur'aan in Brighton.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/console/p0092pw0/Heart_And_Soul_Recite!

Darkness2Light featuring Napoleon from 2Pac & Outlawz

2010-12-13T13:23:00.000Z

Napoleon from 2pac's Outlawz talks Tupac, Hip-Hop and ISLAM

2010-12-13T13:11:00.000Z

Interview Former Rap Artist Loon accepts ISLAM -TheDeenshow

2010-12-13T12:30:00.000Z

WAS PANORAMA RIGHT ABOUT ISLAM?

2010-12-01T13:38:00.000Z

Follow the link and find your answer;

http://www.iera.org.uk/pdf/WasPanoramaRightAboutIslam.pdf

PRESS RELEASE: iERA Responds to the “British Schools, Islamic Rules” Panorama Programme

2010-11-24T13:24:00.000Z

PRESS RELEASE: iERA Responds to the “British Schools, Islamic Rules” Panorama Programme

Contact: Hamza A. Tzortzis
Company Name: Islamic Education and Research Academy (iERA)
Telephone Number: 0845 310 5397
Fax Number: 0208 961 6593
Email Address: media@iera.org.uk
Web site address: http://www.iera.org.uk/

START

iERA Responds to the “British Schools, Islamic Rules” Panorama Programme
London, 23rd November 2010

On the 22nd November 2010 the BBC aired a Panorama programme entitled “British Schools, Islamic Rules”. This programme aimed to investigate the “disturbing evidence” that some Muslim schools were providing a platform to “extremist preachers” and “fundamentalist Islamic groups”. The programme also attempted to “expose” the extreme, anti-Semitic and homophobic material found within the curriculum of some Islamic schools.

In short, the programme misrepresented established Islamic teachings on a range of issues in a manner that portrayed them as crude and insensitive whilst linking them to social unrest and violence.
In a statement by Saqib Sattar, Vice-Chairman of the Islamic Education and Research Academy (iERA), he said “The attack on Muslim schools as an institution is both ill-informed and misguided. Muslim schools constantly achieve high academic standards with students continuously becoming highly responsible members of society, contributing positively to the public good. No ‘hard’ evidence has ever been presented otherwise. Muslim Schools have excelled in this regard, due in no small part to their ethos which is rooted in the Islamic scholarly tradition which provides an objective and cohesive basis for social values and norms, something which we find lacking in our increasingly secular society. The irony is that most of our social ills stem from the failure of state schools and society at large to provide such grounding, leading ever more conscientious parents to choose private or faith schools for their children’s secondary education. Faith schools and communities are providing that important moral voice for our society, making their presence felt through social welfare projects across the country. The contribution of faith communities should actually be championed and not maligned.”

The BBC has shown that it does not have the ability to convey the reality of the Islamic tradition. iERA condemns such irresponsible and sensationalist programmes. It is obvious that this Panorama programme has been designed to attract viewers without engaging their minds.

Hamza Andreas Tzortzis, iERA’s media representative said, “The attack on mainstream Islamic speakers because they hold established theological views is making the job of community cohesion difficult, as is the constant misconstruing or lack of context with regards to their statements. The programme-makers would have been better served to look deeply into the Islamic scholarly tradition and its historical impact, and they would have found a beautiful model of community cohesion. For example it is a well known historical fact that Islam and Muslims for centuries have been offering protection to the Jewish community. A contemporary Jewish Historian Zion Zohar for instance has written that Jews used to see Muslims as liberators from Christian persecution. There is a whole corpus of historical and theological material that strongly indicates conclusions that contrast with the content of the Panorama programme. Another example includes the Jewish Historian Amnon Cohen who writes that Jewish people, particularly women, used to go to Islamic authorities for adjudication of disputes even though they were always given the option to go to Rabbinical courts.

The reality that Islam has ensured security and peace for the Jewish people is not a historical accident, it is engrained in the Islamic traditional sources. For instance the Prophet Muhammad (peace & blessing be upon Him) said that ‘whoever harms a non-Muslim harms me’. Additionally the Qur’an, the holy book of the Muslims, states in its 60th chapter ‘And He does not forbid you to deal kindly and justly with anyone who has not fought you for your faith or driven you out of your homes: God loves the just”. The difference between political confrontation and communal engagement has always been clear in the Islamic tradition. It is very surprising that the BBC ignored this fact, and shows once again that it has prioritised sensationalism over substance.

For many Muslims, Islamic law is an important part of their lives. Islamic law covers politics, economics, criminal law, business, contracts, family life, hygiene, social issues and many more. There are similarities with Western secular law in terms of the rights it gives and the principles and values that it upholds. To reduce Islamic law to criminal punishments is a caricature of a comprehensive legal and social framework.”

Sattar further adds “The decontextualised references to cutting the hand of the thief and other criminal punishments in the programme are the equivalent of claiming that British law is unjust because it has short sentences for rapists without even taking into consideration the social and jurisprudential context of the British legal system. For example, Professor of Law at Harvard University Noah Feldman has tried to educate the west on Islamic punishments. He states “Today, when we invoke the harsh punishments prescribed by Shariah [Islamic law] for a handful of offences, we rarely acknowledge the high standards of proof necessary for their implementation.”

To warmly articulate the Islamic worldview and demystify the negative image this programme attempted to paint of Islam and Muslims, iERA will be distributing their new CD “Another View” and a leaflet clarifying the BBC’s misconceptions across the UK, and also on the morning of Monday 29th December 2010 outside the BBC Headquarters with specific educational packs for the programme makers.

END

Notes to the Editors:

iERA stands for the Islamic Education and Research Academy
iERA is committed to presenting Islam to the wider society, http://www.iera.org.uk/.
iERA will distribute the CD’s and the leaflets at stalls and various outlets in the UK.
The distribution at the BBC will happen on Monday 29th November from 7:30am until 10:00am.
To contact our media team please email media@iera.org.uk.
iERA is a registered UK charity in the United Kingdom, number 1134566.