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Monday, December 26, 2011

Sunday 1st Jan: Monthly talk: Jannah.


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!



Wednesday, November 30, 2011

New Islamic year 1433AH. Muharram.

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)

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Eid al Adhaa' 1432AH/2011

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 9th until the after the Asr of the 13th 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 (9th 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

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

Monday, August 29, 2011

Eid Mubarak!!

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!

Saturday, July 30, 2011

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

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!

Friday, July 29, 2011

Al Medinah Masjid Brighton Ramadhan Timetable 1432AH/2011



Ramadaan



Starting
time


Jama’ah
time
at
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
*1
2:42
5:27
1:07
5:16
8:46
10:00
3:15am
1:30pm
5:30pm
***
10:30pm
02-Aug
Tues
2
2:46
5:28
1:07
5:15
8:45
9:59
3:15
1:30
5:30
***
10:30
03-Aug
Wed
3
2:49
5:29
1:07
5:14
8:43
9:57
3:15
1:30
5:30
***
10:30
04-Aug
Thurs
4
2:53
5:31
1:07
5:14
8:41
9:56
3:15
1:30
5:30
***
10:30
05-Aug
Fri
5
2:56
5:32
1:07
5:13
8:40
9:55
3:15
1:30
5:30
***
10:30
06-Aug
Sat
6
3:00
5:34
1:06
5:12
8:38
9:54
3:30
1:30
5:30
***
10:30
07-Aug
Sun
7
3:03
5:35
1:06
5:11
8:36
9:52
3:30
1:30
5:30
***
10:30
08-Aug
Mon
8
3:06
5:37
1:06
5:10
8:34
9:51
3:30
1:30
5:30
***
10:30
09-Aug
Tues
9
3:10
5:38
1:06
5:09
8:33
9:50
3:30
1:30
5:30
***
10:30
10-Aug
Wed
10
3:13
5:40
1:06
5:09
8:31
9:49
3:30
1:30
5:30
***
10:30
11-Aug
Thurs
11
3:16
5:42
1:06
5:08
8:29
9:47
3:45
1:30
5:30
***
10:15
12-Aug
Fri
12
3:19
5:43
1:06
5:07
8:27
9:46
3:45
1:30
5:30
***
10:15
13-Aug
Sat
13
3:22
5:45
1:05
5:06
8:25
9:44
3:45
1:30
5:30
***
10:15
14-Aug
Sun
14
3:25
5:46
1:05
5:05
8:23
9:43
3:45
1:30
5:30
***
10:15
15-Aug
Mon
15
3:28
5:48
1:05
5:04
8:21
9:41
3:45
1:30
5:30
***
10:15
16-Aug
Tues
16
3:30
5:49
1:05
5:03
8:19
9:40
4:00
1:30
5:15
***
10:15
17-Aug
Wed
17
3:33
5:51
1:05
5:02
8:17
9:38
4:00
1:30
5:15
***
10:15
18-Aug
Thurs
18
3:36
5:52
1:04
5:01
8:16
9:38
4:00
1:30
5:15
***
10:15
19-Aug
Fri
19
3:39
5:54
1:04
4:00
8:14
9:36
4:00
1:30
5:15
***
10:15
20-Aug
Sat
20
3:41
5:55
1:04
4:59
8:11
9:34
4:00
1:30
5:15
***
10:15
21-Aug
Sun
21
3:44
5:57
1:04
4:57
8:09
9:32
4:15
1:30
5:15
***
10:00
22-Aug
Mon
22
3:47
5:58
1:03
4:56
8:07
9:31
4:15
1:30
5:15
***
10:00
23-Aug
Tues
23
3:49
6:00
1:03
4:55
8:05
9:29
4:15
1:30
5:15
***
10:00
24-Aug
Wed
24
3:52
6:02
1:03
4:54
8:03
9:28
4:15
1:30
5:15
***
10:00
25-Aug
Thurs
25
3:54
6:03
1:03
4:53
8:01
9:26
4:15
1:30
5:15
***
10:00
26-Aug
Fri
26
3:57
6:05
1:02
4:51
7:59
9:25
4:30
1:30
5:15
***
10:00
27-Aug
Sat
27
3:59
6:06
1:02
4:50
7:57
9:23
4:30
1:30
5:15
***
10:00
28-Aug
Sun
28
4:02
6:08
1:02
4:49
7:55
9:22
4:30
1:30
5:15
***
10:00
29-Aug
Mon
29
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