(by Z. Fatima Ilyas, Islamic Times Manchester, July 2000)
The fourth month of the Islamic calendar is Rabiul-Thani. May Allah Ta’ala bless all the Muslims with His outward and concealed blessings and excellence. In this very month is the anniversary of the king of Baghdad, Chief of the contented souls, the incomparable, Hazrat Ghausal Azam, Sheikh Mohi-Uddin, Abdul Qadir Jilani, Hassani Hussaini, Bhagdadi (Radi Allahu Anh). Muslims throughout the world in this month zealously make arrangements to offer Niyaaz and Fateha of the Saint of Baghdad. Charity is also given in the name of pious saints of Islam as a means of conveying reward to these blessed from which not only the poor and beggars benefit a great deal but the souls of the believers also obtain peace and contentment.
"Essale Sawaab" means conveying the reward of. In this respect there is a hadith reported by Hazrat Anas bin Malik (Radi Allahu Anhu) that he asked the Prophet: "oh Messenger of Allah, when we give charity on behalf of our dead and perform Hajj on their behalf, do they receive the reward of these actions?" The Holy Prophet (Sall Allahu Alaihi wa Sallam) replied: "Without doubt they do receive their rewards. Not only that, but they become very happy, just as any one of you would become happy on receiving gifts."
In a second hadith the Messenger of Allah says: "Anyone who recites Surah Ikhlas 11 times and then conveys its reward to the departed souls, Allah Ta’ala will shower rewards on such a person equal to the number of these souls…………"
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These ahadiths serve as example proof that the deceased souls do benefit from the good deeds and charities of the living. This is an opportune moment to relate to you the saying of Sheikh Sayadena Abdul Qadir Jilani (Radi Allahu Anh). Ghause Pak said that, "Whosoever in his distress cries to me for help, he will be relieved of his distress; whosoever in his difficulty calls by my name, his difficulty will be solved; whosoever in his time of need-makes me as his intermediary to Allah Ta’ala , his needs will be fulfilled. Any person who performs 2 rakats Namaz in which after Surah Fateha, recites Surah Ikhlas 11 times and then making salam sends Durood on the holy Prophet (Sal Allahu Alaihi wa Sallam), the garden of mercy after which he thinks of me and takes 11 steps towards the direction of Iraq calling my name, then presents his need, with Allah Ta’ala’s permission his need will be fulfilled."
The Namaz is known as Salatul Asrar or Salatul Ghausiyyah: which is a proven means of obtaining fulfillment of one’s needs and prayers. Salatul Asrar is explained by Imam Abdul Hassan Nuruddin Alli Ibn Jaleel in Bahjatul Asrar, and Hazrat Mullah Ali Qari and Sheikh Abdul Haq Muhaddith Dhelvi (Radi Allahu Anhum) have reported from Hazrat Ghausul Azam (Radi Allahu Anh). Its method is as follows:
After completing the Farz and Sunnat of Maghrib Namaz, offer 2 rakats and in each rakat after Surah Fateha recite 11 times Surah Ikhlas, then recite this dua 11 times:
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Ya Rasul Allah hey ya Nabi Allah Hey Aghisni was Amdidni fi Qadi’ ai hajati ya Qadi yal hajat."
Then taking 11 steps in the direction of Iraq read the following on each step:
"Ya Ghaus-saqa-lainey ya Karim mat-tarfainey aghisni wa amdidni fi Qada-e hajati ya Qadi yal hajat."
Thereafter, making the Holy Prophet (Sall Allahu Alaihi wa Sallam) as the intermediary present one’s needs and desires to Allah Ta’ala.
This was a brief presentation in respect of the blessed month of Rabiul-Akhir.
The Islamic months also called Lunar months are based on the sighting of the moon. The Islamic calendar began when Mohummed (pbuh) ordered his disciples to leave and save themselves from the atrocities committed by the Mekkans and emigrate to Madina called Yasrab at the time.
There are 12 months in a lunar year. These are:
1. MUHARRAM
2. SAFAR
3.RAWIAL-AWWAL
4. RAWIAL-SANI
5. JAMADAL-AWWAL
6. JAMADAL-SANI
7. RAJAB
8. SHA’BAN
9. RAMADAN
10. SHAWWAL
11. DHU QA’DAH
12. DHU HIJJAH
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QURAN
Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed with clear guidance and differentiation (Between Good and Bad) Whoever of you is a witness of this month, should fast. But if anyone is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (Should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put you in any difficulties. 2:185 And eat and drink, until the white thread of dawn appears to you distinct from it’s black thread; then complete your fast till the night appears. 2:187
HADITH
Whoever fasts Ramadan with faith and seeking the pleasure of Allah, his past errors are forgiven. (Ahmed) Islam is based on the five pillars, the oneness of Allah, establishing prayers, paying Zakat (Charity) fasting in Ramadan and pilgrimage to Makkah. Fast when you see the new moon of Ramadan, and finish fasting when you see the new moon of Shawal, and if you cannot see the new moon then calculate thirty days of Shaban.
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RAMADAN
The month of Ramadan comes once each year giving every fasting Muslim a spiritual and physical improvement which lasts until the following year.
CHARITY
To be homeless without a place to live and to loose your family or the home you were born in or to loose your spouse or children is a terrible thought. Yet this is what many Muslim brothers and sisters face each winter. We see this happening daily on TV or in the newspapers. "Every little bit helps", whatever you donate this Ramadan, it will give someone a chance to live or hope for a better future.
ZAKAT-A-FITR
This is a charity that must be paid at the end of Ramadan and only then is your fasts accepted.
ZAKAT-AL-MAL
This is a charitable tax which must be paid every year based upon your wealth. To do this during Ramadan is more rewarding.