QUR’AN JOURNALLING SESSIONS AT HUJJAT STANMORE

VIDEO RECORDINGS OF THE THURSDAY NIGHT SESSIONS
AVAILABLE TO WATCH AT YOUR OWN CONVENIENCE

Journalling the Qur’an Audio

MONTH OF RAMADHAN 1447

RESOURCES FOR THE MONTH OF RAMADHAN 1447 CAN BE FOUND AT THE LINK BELOW

15 February 2026

SHA’BAN 1447 (22)

PREPARING FOR THE MONTH OF RAMADHAN (PART 10) 

Three more sleeps to the first night of Ramadhan……

Abi Salt Al Harawi writes: I went to visit Imam al-Ridha (pbuh):

Amongst other things he said:

“Whoever fasts the last three days of the month of Sha`ban and joins these fasts with that of the month of Ramadhan, Allah will write (in his book of deeds) as if he has fasted two months straight.”

For me it’s time  to set the goals for Ramadhan-

I have written mine in the inside cover of my Ramadhan book.

Here’s some of them:

1. To complete the recitation of the Quran at least twice if not thrice – one for Papa and one for Mumma
2. To pray Salaa on time.
3. To pray Salatul Layl.
4. To journal the Quran and internalise (memorise) the suwer I do not know.
5. To conduct online classes for those who cannot attend the Centre and to teach at the afternoon children’s classes and Thursday Journalling classes.
6. To write children’s books of Qaswa visiting Quran city
7. To attempt to understand Dua Al Iftitaah
8. To do istighfaar and ask forgiveness from those whom I have wronged
9. To prepare for Laylatul Qadr.

And the list goes on……

These goals are a means to attain the discipline I crave for in order to reach my personal best.

The intention that runs through each goal is ” Qurbatan Ilallah” – to gain closeness to Allah.

When the intention is kept at the forefront and said before everything verbally or otherwise every action takes on a new meaning. It is no longer a tick box but a means to nearness to Divinity.

14 February 2026

SHA’BAN 1447 (21)

It’s the 14th of February and here in the UK it’s Valentines Day. The shops are filled with heart shaped gifts; red roses are ridiculously priced and there are no resistant bookings available.

So what is Valentines Day?

The Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred.

One legend says that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men.

Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.

Valentines didn’t begin to appear until after 1400. The oldest known valentine still in existence today was a poem written in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London. The greeting is now part of the manuscript collection of the British Library in London, England.)

However, every time February 14th approaches or whenever I see a ❤️, I think of Imam Khumayni…….

Imam’s wife would say, “I was never woken up by Imam praying Salatul Layl because he would never switch on the room light. When he would go to do wudhoo, he would place a sponge in the sink under the tap so that the sound of the falling water would not wake me.”

Agha always offered me the better place in the room.  He would not start eating until I came to the dinner table.  He would also tell the children: ‘Wait until Maa comes.’  He was not even willing that I should work in the house.  He would always tell me: ‘Don’t sweep.’  If I wanted to wash the children’s clothes at the pond, he would come and say: “Get up, you shouldn’t be washing.”  On the whole, I have to say that Imam did not consider sweeping, washing dishes and even washing my children’s clothes as part of my responsibilities. If out of necessity I sometimes did these, he would get upset considering them as a type of unjust dealing towards me. 

 Even when I entered the room, he would never say: ‘Close the door behind you,’ but waited till I sat down and then would himself get up and shut the door.

His daughter Siddika says: My father had an extraordinary respect for my mother.  In the period of 60 years of living together, he did not even reach for food (on the dinner table) before his wife, nor did he have even the smallest expectation from her.  I can even say that in the period of 60 years of living together, at no time did he even ask for a glass of water, but would always get it himself. 

He behaved this way not only with his wife but also with all of us who were his daughters. If he ever wanted water we would all enthusiastically run to get it, but he never wanted us to bring and give him a glass of water in his hand.

During the difficult last days of his life, each time he would open his eyes, if he could speak, he would ask: ‘How is Khanom?’  We would reply: ‘She is good.  Shall we tell her to come to you?’  He would answer: ‘No, her back is hurting.  Let her rest.’ 

Here is one of the letters he wrote to her:

To my beloved wife,

O’ I die for you. I have always remembered you when you – the light of my eyes and strength of my soul- have been away from me. Your pretty face is shining in my heart like in a mirror…

I really miss you her in Beirut. You can find a lot of beautiful places to visit in the city and at the sea. What a pity that my dearest is not with me….

This has been a good journey so far trip but you are really and truly missed. I miss our son, Seyyed Mustafa. I pray that God will protect you both.

I love you so much.

Ruhullah Khomeini

13 February 2026

SHA’BAN 1447 (21)

PREPARING FOR THE MONTH OF RAMADHAN (PART 9) 

Sha’ban & Jumua Mubarak

THE MOST AWESOME MONTH OF THE YEAR IS NEARLY HERE.

On the last Jumua’ of the month of Sha`ban, Abi Salt Al Harawi writes: “I went to visit Imam al-Ridha (pbuh).

Imam said to me, ‘Certainly a great amount of the month of Sha`ban has passed and today is the last Jumu`a (of this month) therefore make up for your negligence during this month on this day, through the recitation of a great deal of duas constantly asking for forgiveness from Allah. Read the Qur˜an a lot on this day, turn back towards Allah from your sins so that when the month of Ramadhan comes, you have purified yourself for Allah such that there remains no trust upon your neck except that you have fulfilled it, and that there remains no hatred in your heart for a believer except that you have removed it -and keep away from all sins. – Strengthen the taqwa you have for Allah and have complete reliance upon Him while in private and while you are in public…

It recommended to continually ask for forgiveness in these last few days of Sha’ban.

اللّهُمَّ إنْ لَمْ تَكُنْ غَفَرْتَ لَنَا فِيمَا مَضَى مِنْ شَعْبَانَ فَاغْفِرْ لَنَا فِيمَا بَقِيَ مِنْهُ

O Allah: If You have not forgiven us in the days of Sha`ban that have gone by, please forgive us in what is left of the month.

12 February 2026

SHA’BAN 1447 (20)

PREPARING FOR THE MONTH OF RAMADHAN (PART 8) 

And only a week to go….

RABIUL QULOOB (Spring for the hearts)

The month of Ramadhan is called ‘Rabi ul Quloob’ by the Prophet (pbuh)

In Spring the earth adopts a state of softness which allows seemingly dead seeds to come to life and grow producing fruits and flowers.

The heart here refers to the essence of the soul which in Ramadhan is conducive to guidance to reach its full potential.  Make the most of it by meditating and allowing a ‘quietness’ in the soul to ‘hear’ the guidance of the Qur’an.

TIME TO RECITE THE QUR’AN MORE THAN YOU USUALLY DO….

At least 10 ayaat after every salaa so that it becomes a habit for the month of Ramadhan for the Prophet (pbuh) in his sermon about Ramadhan said: “He who recites one aya of the Qur’an will be given the rewards of reciting the whole Qur’an during other months”

And some more Hadith on the recitaltion of Qur’an: “The house in which the Qur’an is recited, and Allah is remembered will receive Divine blessings; the Angels will be present…. and it will shine for the people of the heavens, just as the stars shine for the people on the Earth.”

“I advise you to recite the Qur’an in every state (which you may find yourself in).”

“Everything in existence prays for the forgiveness of the person who recites the Qur’an – even the fish in the sea.”

It is a common practise to recite a Juz a day especially in the month of Ramadhan.

11 February 2026

SHA’BAN 1447 (19)

PREPARING FOR THE MONTH OF RAMADHAN (PART 7) 

Annotating the Ramadhan book

I suggest adding notes with a post it note to the Ramadhan book (pgs. 1-2)

ON ONE OF THE 7 DOORS OF JAHANNAM, THE INSCRIPTION READS

“I (JAHANNAM) AM HARAM FOR THOSE WHO FAST”

Let’s understand what fasting is:

“……. Allah does not approve of mere abstention from food and drink…….

When you fast, you should not speak ill of anybody, nor should you be loud. If anybody speaks ill of you or tries to pick a quarrel with you, do not respond to him in the same manner; rather, simply tell him that you are fasting.” Prophet (pbuh)

“Allah has said – All righteous deeds of the son of Adam are multiplied ten to seven hundred-fold, except fasting (sawm) for it is Mine, and I shall reward it.” 

“Many do not benefit from fasting except for hunger and thirst” Prophet ( pbuh)

FAST

The English word ‘fast’ comes from the Tentonic ‘Fastan’ which means firm (in the sense of observing something strictly – to the letter of the law) normally associated with the abstinence of food.

The ancient Egyptians, Romans and Chinese fasted to cure various illnesses. The Egyptians believed that to maintain physical and mental health, one should fast for three days in a month. They also fasted before battle and the Greeks and Romans followd suit believing it to energise them.

Socrates and Plato were known to have fasted for 10-day durations.

The Jews fast 6 days in a year – one of them being Yom Kippur (The day of atonement).

Studies show that just three days of fasting reboots the immune system and even helps in reducing the harmful effects of chemotherapy.

The word for fasting used in the Qur’an (12x) is ‘sawm’. It is related to a root word meaning self-restraint.

10 February 2026

SHA’BAN 1447 (18)

PREPARING FOR THE MONTH OF RAMADHAN (PART 6) 

A reminder to share….

1. P. Ibrahim (pbuh) was an orphan and was thrown out of his home by his uncle (step ather?)
2. Sayyida Hajra was alone in a desert with no food and water and a thirsty baby
3. P. Dawud (pbuh) only had a catapult against Jalut.
4. P. Musa ( pbuh) had a speech problem
5. Sayyida Aasiya was married to Firawn (a tyrant)
6. Sayyida Maryam gave birth to P Isa (pbuh) all on her own
7. P. Muhammad (pbuh) was an orphan

But all of them trusted in Him after having tried their best.

The month of Ramadhan is an opportunity to break the shackles that keep us from reaching our full potential and trusting Him when we have tried our best.

It is easy to be giving and compassionate when all is going well.  The true nature of our character is revealed in moments of difficulty and frustration.

Fasting shows us who we really are and whether we are truly God conscious.

So bottom line – 
Excuses have no place when we want to excel in the month of Ramadhan.

10 February 2026

SHA’BAN 1447 (17)

PREPARING FOR THE MONTH OF RAMADHAN (PART 5) 

Counting down the days to the month of Ramadhan to reset the body, mind, heart and soul.

So today, maybe a post it note in your Ramadhan book

It is said that healing is found in 5 things:

1. Reciting the Qur’an with understanding and application.
2. Fasting
3. Salatul Layl (Namaz Shab)
4. Duas at Iftaar and Sehri
5. Keeping the company of Ahlul Baytis (AB hearts heal and connect to other AB heart) 


So there is total healing – A complete physical, emotional and spiritual reset 


1. Heart and Mind -Qur’an & Duas. 

2. Body -fasting

3. Soul -Salatul Layl


AB company runs through all three.

8 February 2026

SHA’BAN 1447 (16)

PREPARING FOR THE MONTH OF RAMADHAN (PART 4) 

And now the focus is on journalling the Ramadhan dua book.

Using pencil colours, post it notes  and annotations, we will Inshallah go through the book. I have attached a copy which you could download and print out (I’m old fashioned and like a physical copy) or you could order one through the website or use an online copy….

Let’s start with the sermon of the Prophet (pbuh) that he gave on the month of Ramadhan on the last day of Sha’ban. (Pg 3-9)

Some salient points that can be highlighted

BULLET POINT PRACTICALITIES FROM THE SERMON OF THE PROPHET ( pbuh)

1. ISTIGHFAAR/TAWBA
2. SADAQA
3. HONOUR OLD
4. KIND TO YOUNG
5. THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK
6. GUARD YOUR EYES
7. GUARD YOUR EARS
8. REACH OUT TO ORPHANS
9. DUA AT TIMES OF SALAA
10. NAFILA, LAYL, LOTS OF MUSTAHAB SALAA…..
11. LONG SAJDA
12. DUA – DOORS OF JANNA TO REMAIN OPEN, DOORS OF JAHANNAM TO STAY CLOSED AND SHAYTAN TO STAY IMPRISONED
13. IFTAAR TO SOMEONE EVEN IF IT IS A SIP OF WATER.
14. HELP THOSE WHO WORK FOR YOU
15. DONT HURT OTHERS
16. QUR’AN – ONE AYA – LIKE A COMPLETE QUR’AN
17. KEEP AWAY FROM THAT WHICH ALLAH HAS FORBIDDEN

8 February 2026

SHA’BAN 1447 (15)

PREPARING FOR THE MONTH OF RAMADHAN (PART 3) 

One of the most important aspects of fasting is SEHRI

*Sehri or Sahoor – predawn meal

“There is a blessing in suhoor” said the Prophet “even if it’s a glass of water”

It is recommended to recite Suratul Qadr and Dua Noor before sehri. 
“Whoever recites Dua Al Noor before Sehri and Iftaar……. Allah accepts his salaa and fasts, grants him 10 hajaat, forgives his  sins, puts ease in his heart, grants his wishes and makes his deeds ascend……” Imam Ali

So maybe starting to familiarise oneself to the dua from now may help.  Even the attribute of Allah – Yaa Nur and the essence of the message of the dua

And finally anyone can  be a MASAHARATI for the family…

He/she is a public waker for suhoor 

– Bilal used to walk around the streets and wake people up for Sehri

– A Masaharati had to be physically fit and have a good voice

In some countries a drum was used.

8 February 2026

SHA’BAN 1447 (14)

PREPARING FOR THE MONTH OF RAMADHAN (PART 2) 

So it’s time to make the home into a Ramadhan home even if it means dedicating just one corner.

Most Muslim homes are decorated with lanterns in Ramadhan. 🏮   They are crafted specifically for Ramadhan.

 In the Middle East , lanterns are signs that Ramadan is near and a common sight during the 30 days.

They are a symbol of the Qur’an which is known as Nur that lights the way through the darkness of ignorance.

7 February 2026

SHA’BAN 1447 (13)

PREPARING FOR THE MONTH OF RAMADHANMonth of Ramadhan (PART 1) 

Not long to go for the most awesome month of the year.

It is the only month mentioned by name in the Qur’an as the month in which the Qur’an was revealed.

The root word ramada, means to burn due to excessive sun-heat reflected on the desert sands. Arab linguists say that to make something ramad is to squeeze it between two soft rocks then to pound it. A person fasting, by analogy, pounds his own nature between two rocks: hunger and thirst.

The Prophet (pbuh) has said:  “The month of Ramadan was named so because it tends to ramad the sins, that is, burn them.”

So my 2 pennies worth –
To start a tasbee of Astaghfirullah today and continue forever more…
In 8:33 He says he will never punish those who do istighfaar

So not rocket science that the best way forward to avoid punishment is to ask for forgiveness.
(Just an FYI – this does not absolve us from the hurt we may have caused to another human being – before Ramadhan ask them for forgiveness…)

2 FEBRUARY 2026

SHA’BAN 1447 (12)

PREPARING FOR THE NIGHT OF THE 15 SHA’BAN (PART 9) 

Just some reminders for tonight (or for some tomorrow night)

“……after Laylat al-Qadr there is no night better than the Fifteenth Night of Sha`ban. Its greatness is due to the divine gifts that are bestowed during it.”

“O. Muhammad! Whoever spends this night in His remembrance (Tasbihaate ‘Arba’aa) dua, istighfar and recitation of Qur’an will be forgiven and granted Janna” Jibraail to the Prophet (pbuh).

In essence a night of reflection – “Who am I? What is my mission statement? What do I want from life? What is my aakhira like?” … focusing on His mercy, asking for forgiveness, and the celebration of the birth of the Imam of our time Muhammad Al Mahdi (pbuh) renewing our pledge to him.

Some of the recommendations for the night to assist reflection.

1. Ghusl
2. Dua Al Kumayl
3. Ziyara of Imam Husayn (pbuh)
4. Recitation of Qur’an
5. Salaa
6. Munajat Shabaniyya
7. Sadaqa
8. Fast on 15 Sha’ban