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

17 MARCH 2025

THE MONTH OF RAMADHAN (023)

Ever since I can remember, the 17th of Ramadhan brought one resonating thought “WE WON” – at the battle of Badr with 313 against maybe 10,000….

I picture the battle and see the angels that Divinity sent as reinforcements – 

And if you ever in your life are confronted with a ‘battle’ then recite 8:9 and 30:3 and He will assist – Tried and tested…

KEY CONCEPTS:

1. Plan a strategy for every challenge however overwhelming the odds against you
2. Ask HIM for help just as the Prophet (pbuh) did

When you asked for help of your Rabb and He answered you (saying): I will help you with a thousand of the angels, rank on rank. Allah appointed it only as good tidings, and that your hearts might thereby be at ease. Victory comes only by the help of Allah.  Allah is Mighty, Wise.  8: 9-10 (recite this 11x for victory)

3. Then do your BEST and hand it over to HIM – HE will deal with it

…. And you did not strike, [O Muhammad], when you struck, but it was Allah who struck them that He might test the believers with a good test. Indeed, Allah is Hearing and Knowing.8:17

4. Give 1/5 of the share from your gain…

And know that anything you obtain of ghanimtum (what you gained)  – then indeed, for Allah is one fifth of it and for the Messenger and for the near relatives and the orphans, the needy, and the [stranded] traveller, if you have believed in Allah and in that which We sent down to Our Servant on the day of criterion – the day when the two armies met. And Allah, over all things, is competent. 8:41

5. And finally – BELIEVE THAT YOU WILL WIN

16 MARCH 2025

THE MONTH OF RAMADHAN (022)

And we have crossed the halfway line…. Although physical tiring, it’s been an amazingly soul energising two weeks… Just waiting for the Qadr vibes to take the soul to another high….

This year Ramadhan has been challenging and all the soul ‘yuks’ have manifested themselves making it easier to identify them but hard to combat and remove…

Laylatul Qadr is an Extra Ordinary Night because of the greatness of the message, medium and messenger.

MESSAGE – THE QUR’AN

59:21 Had We sent down this Quran on a mountain, you would certainly have seen it falling down, splitting apart in awe of Allah, and We set forth these parables to human beings so that they may reflect

Power of the message of the Qur’an is that the recipients heart crumbles just the like the mountain……

The Qur’an has 2 levels of existence – Physical form and a higher spiritual form –

The Physical form was revealed gradually over a period of 23 years beginning with Be’that

 The spiritual form was revealed in one go on the night of Qadr 

Just as there is an abstract plan in the mind of a builder, author or speaker before it is physically executed. It is the same with the Qur’an – Before the physical revelation, there was a spiritual summary revealed in one night.

MEDIUM – JIBRAIL

53:5 The Rabb of Mighty Power has taught him

53:7 And he is in the highest part of the horizon.

Full of wisdom – spirituality if in physical form would fill the whole of horizon  

MESSENGER – PROPHET MUHAMMAD (pbuh)

21:107 And We have not sent you but as a mercy to the worlds

The combination of these three on one night cause an awesomeness which makes anything possible.

PRACTICALITIES –

1. Start making a list of your aspirations – Physical, mental, emotional and spiritual…. make the longest of lists – ask for the impossible and reach for the stars – He is Al Qaadir ( the One Who can do anything) and trust in Him.
2. Decide on what legacy you want to leave. In essence the only thing you can take with you is what you leave behind. The most basic is memories – which others can revisit again and again…
3. Formulate a mission statement for yourself. It must be no more than a single sentence, easily understood and be able to be recited from memory even at gunpoint…
4. Ask for forgiveness from those you have hurt with whatever it takes otherwise their hurt will be the impediment to your requests…

16 MARCH 2025

THE MONTH OF RAMADHAN (022)

And we have crossed the halfway line…. Although physical tiring, it’s been an amazingly soul energising two weeks… Just waiting for the Qadr vibes to take the soul to another high….

This year Ramadhan has been challenging and all the soul ‘yuks’ have manifested themselves making it easier to identify them but hard to combat and remove…

Laylatul Qadr is an Extra Ordinary Night because of the greatness of the message, medium and messenger.

MESSAGE – THE QUR’AN

59:21 Had We sent down this Quran on a mountain, you would certainly have seen it falling down, splitting apart in awe of Allah, and We set forth these parables to human beings so that they may reflect

Power of the message of the Qur’an is that the recipients heart crumbles just the like the mountain……

The Qur’an has 2 levels of existence – Physical form and a higher spiritual form –

The Physical form was revealed gradually over a period of 23 years beginning with Be’that

 The spiritual form was revealed in one go on the night of Qadr 

Just as there is an abstract plan in the mind of a builder, author or speaker before it is physically executed. It is the same with the Qur’an – Before the physical revelation, there was a spiritual summary revealed in one night.

MEDIUM – JIBRAIL

53:5 The Rabb of Mighty Power has taught him

53:7 And he is in the highest part of the horizon.

Full of wisdom – spirituality if in physical form would fill the whole of horizon  

MESSENGER – PROPHET MUHAMMAD (pbuh)

21:107 And We have not sent you but as a mercy to the worlds

The combination of these three on one night cause an awesomeness which makes anything possible.

PRACTICALITIES –

1. Start making a list of your aspirations – Physical, mental, emotional and spiritual…. make the longest of lists – ask for the impossible and reach for the stars – He is Al Qaadir ( the One Who can do anything) and trust in Him.
2. Decide on what legacy you want to leave. In essence the only thing you can take with you is what you leave behind. The most basic is memories – which others can revisit again and again…
3. Formulate a mission statement for yourself. It must be no more than a single sentence, easily understood and be able to be recited from memory even at gunpoint…
4. Ask for forgiveness from those you have hurt with whatever it takes otherwise their hurt will be the impediment to your requests…

15 MARCH 2025

THE MONTH OF RAMADHAN (021)

My father died when I was 10
One of the books that he read avidly was Nahjul Balagha.
I was intrigued by it – A brown book embossed with his initials with a translation in Urdu. I used to leaf through the pages after he died praying that one day I would be able to read it

One bookmark etched into my mind was a neatly folded corner with my birthdate marked on it – LETTER NO 31
The little Urdu I knew told me it was the letter written by Imam Ali to Imam Hasan on his way back from Siffeen when camped at Al Haadhireen
I made a mental note that one day I would make it my life plan. Days become months and months became years – When my son was born in 1985 and I looked at him for the first time, there was an overwhelming feeling which said what my father used to say to me (from letter No 31 of Nahjul Balagha)

“I find you a part of myself, rather I find you as my whole, so much so that if anything befalls you it is as though it befalls on me, if death comes to you, it is as though it comes to me.”

I bought a copy of Nahjul Balagha and have since fallen in love with it. So, to inspire you to do the same I will share some drops from this vast ocean…

In Letter 31 there are precise instructions to get to this stage

1. Hold on to God Consciousness
2. No connection is more reliable than the one between you and Allah
3. Study the lives of past people – ponder over their activities, where they were and where they are now
4. Give up discussing what you don’t know
5. Acquire insight into religion
6. Make yourself the measure of dealings between you and others
7. Do not say to others what you do not like to be said to you
8. Know that He who owns the treasures of the heavens and the earth has permitted you to pray to Him and has promised acceptance of due. He has not placed anything between you and Him. And if you make a mistake, He has not prevented you from repentance nor does He hasten punishment. So, place before Him your needs, unveil yourself before Him, complain to Him of your worries, seek help in your affairs – He has placed the keys of His treasures in Your hand in that He has shown you the way to ask Him
9. Place your religion and your world at Allah’s disposal and beg Him to ordain the best for you in respect to the near and far, this world and the next, and that is the end of the matter.
Many many felicitations on the birthday of Imam Hasan

14 MARCH 2025

THE MONTH OF RAMADHAN (019)
PREPARATION FOR LAYLATUL QADR

Ramadhan Kareem
Ayyamul Biydh Mubarak

The climax of the month is yet to come… 4/5 nights and counting to the first night of Qadr….

“The heart of the body of the month of Ramadhan is Laylatul Qadr” Imam Sadiq (pbuh)

 The whole spirit of the month is revitalised (brought to life) by recognizing the importance of Laylatul Qadr.

So, with a direction in place, it is time to draw up a timetable for the year and a time management sheet of how you will spend the nights of Qadr Laylatul Qadr is about measurements and progress…

SO WHEN IS LAYLATUL QADR?

The night is Qadr is said most likely to be the 23rd of Ramadhan and is thus called Laylatul Qadrul Kubra.

Hadith ul Juhni

Juhni comes to Rasulullah (pbuh) and said that he lived far from Masjidun Nabi and could not come to the masjid all nights of Ramadhan. He asked which night was the most important. Rasulullah (pbuh) whispered something to him. He returned on the 23rd night and for the rest of his life he always came on the 23rd night.

 Imam Ali (pbuh) narrates that Rasulullah (pbuh) saw a dream that it was Laylatul Qadr, and it was raining. That year it rained on the 23rd night of Ramadhan. 

Another view places a significance on all three nights:
19TH, 21ST, 23RD – Every Night has a great significance in the decision-making process:

Imam Sadiq (pbuh)

The apportioning of the destiny (Taqdeer) …where we will travel, Hajj or not, Rizq, and one’s random requests on the 19th Night

Ibram (Consolidation) (as if you have something written on paper but now you want it to be carved on stone on the 21st Night

Imdhaa – Final Signature or Stamping – on the 23rd Night

13 MARCH 2025

THE MONTH OF RAMADHAN (017)

Ramadhan Kareem
Ayyamul Biydh Mubarak
And so it’s the first of the energising days – Ayyamul Biydh today (Dua Al Mujeer)
For some of you tomorrow…
Many of you have messaged to say that you find Dua Al Mujeer too long. Spread it over the 3 days and nights but It’s all about asking for forgiveness – 88x with the waseela of the Asmaaullah so that we can come to the climax of the month of Ramadhan – the nights of Qadr with a clean slate.

and only 5 days to go…

The Prophet (pbuh) spent the last 10 days in ittikaaf (In the masjid 24/7).
Waited so anxiously for this month and now its slipping away…
Panic stations…big time…Have to prepare for Qadr now now now….

The first step in preparation for Laylatul
Qadr is to work out a direction (a goal to focus on).
“And everyone has a direction to which he turns, so hurry to the best of works; wherever you are, Allah will bring you all together; surely Allah has power over all
things.” 2:148
By definition, if you are facing the right direction, all you need to do is to keep walking… or running…
Qadr is about thinking about the
directions; Physical, Mental, Emotional & Spiritual.
He gives what is asked for … (14:34)
A word of caution – Divinity does not read in between the lines, has no sense of humour – is very clear cut and straight….
So, make sure YOU know where YOU want to go and what YOU want….

12 MARCH 2025

THE MONTH OF RAMADHAN (016)

So today we find ourselves in the first of the  ‘lighted’ or may I rephrase – energised nights and days of Ayyamul Biydh. Some of you may have your first lighted night tomorrow.

 I would like to just explore some understandings of this ‘light’ – Nur or energy.

(I trust you have started annotating and reciting Dua Al  Mujeer – Will send across more images of the annotations during the day)

The Prophet (pbuh) used to say in his dua every morning  
 “My Rabb! I invoke You to create light in my heart and in all parts of my body, light in my hearing and in my sight……light before me and behind me, light on my right and on my left, light above me and beneath me

My Rabb! I implore You to increase my light, to grant me light, and to create light for me”

Light by definition is that which is essentially manifest and makes other things manifest and visible as well; it is clear and it makes clear; it is apparent and it makes apparent. 


Light is not passive, but a form of energy that moves and transforms   
We often refer to knowledge as light, for it is in its essence clear and also sheds light on other realities.

The most obvious aya that comes to mind is Ayatun Nur 24:35

‎اللَّهُ نُورُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ

 “Allah is the light of the heavens and the earth……”


The Qur’an refers to Eiman as light for it illuminates the heart, guiding one to reach one’s full potential.
“He who was lifeless, then We gave him life and provided him with a light by which he walks among the people…” 6:122

So in a nutshell to energise ourselves in these awesome days and nights in preparation for Laylatul Qadr we need to interact with the frequencies of the Qur’an & the Ma’sumeen and be transformed by them…..

May He grant us the ‘light’ in these awesome days to transform ourselves…

11 MARCH 2025

THE MONTH OF RAMADHAN (015)

AYYAMUL BIYDH
DUA AL MUJEER 

And I’m presuming that you are familiarising yourself with Dua Al Mujeer and have annotated your Dua book (Sample attached)

‎قُلْ مَنْ بِيَدِهِ مَلَكُوتُ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ وَهُوَ يُجِيرُ وَلَا يُجَارُ عَلَيْهِ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ

Qur’an 23:88

Say: Who is it in Whose hand is the kingdom of all things and Who gives REFUGE, but against Him REFUGE is not given, if you do but know?

MUJEER FROM JAAR – NEIGHBOUR – REFUGE

The phrase ‘AJIRNAA MINAN NAARI YAA MUJEER’ – Keep us safe from the fire –

MUJEER – Giver of Refuge, One who shelters, One who protects, one who defends is repeated 88x

Out of the 180 names (attributes) of Allah mentioned in the dua:

• 93 are from the A99
• The 6 not there are

1. RAZZAAQ
2. ‘ALEEM
3. QAABIDH
4. BAASIT
5. MAALIKUL MULK
6. DHUL JALAALI WAL IKRAAM

• However, there are derivatives for 4 of them –

1. RAZZAAQ/RAAZIQ
2. ‘ALEEM/‘AALIM
3. MAALIKUL MULK/MAALIK
4. DHUL JALAALI WAL IKRAAM/JALEEL & KAREEM

11 MARCH 2025

THE MONTH OF RAMADHAN (014)

Ramadhan Kareem

And we approach Ayyamul Biydh – 13,14 & 15 Awesome days and nights.
Imam Sadiq (pbuh) has said “Whosever prays during the nights of Ayyamul Biydh stands at the door of the abundant favours and bounties”.

The recommended dua is Dua Mujeer (Attached) – we will Inshallah be annotating it in the next update.  It is a means for forgiveness of sins even if they are equal to raindrops, leaves on a tree or sand in a desert.
This Dua was revealed to the Prophet (pbuh) when he was praying at Maqam-e-Ibrahim.
Other benefits of the Dua are: Cure for sickness, Solution of problems and removal of sorrows

THE MOON
And because it’s about the moon; I guess it’s good to learn a little about how she (the moon) has become the centre of attention especially in the month of Ramadhan.
She has been called every name under the sun – and all because she sometimes is a ‘wannabee hijabee’.
So here goes…

THE EFFECT OF THE MOON…
Studies have shown that the moon influences our moods and physical cycles. 

Traditional moon wisdom states that on the day of the Full Moon the body’s capacity for detoxification is at its highest. This is a time, tradition says, to make healthy lifestyle changes, break bad habits and withdraw symptoms of imbalance.
This is in complete synchronisation with the fact that the prophet used to fast on the days of the full moon (Ayyamul Biydh), saying, “It is like fasting the whole year.”

10 MARCH 2025

THE MONTH OF RAMADHAN (012)

Ramadhan Kareem

Timeline of Sayyida Khadija for you to read as we commemorate her wafat…
Recite Sura Al Dhuha for Divinity acknowledges her awesomeness in aya 8…

Preparation for Qadr must start now. We’re a third into the month of Ramadhan…
Only 8 more days to go to the nights of Qadr – Start making a list of your aspirations – Physical, mental, emotional and spiritual….
Imam Sadiq (pbuh) has said: “The twenty-third night of the month of Ramadan is the one when every weighty matter is decided, when trials, tribulations, deaths, and means of sustenance and other matters are determined, and so will whatever Allah decrees to take place for the entire next year……”

09 MARCH 2025

THE MONTH OF RAMADHAN (011)

Ramadhan Kareem
And we are already at day 9 – the night of Day 10 when we focus on the person who captured the heart of Rasulullah (pbuh). The love of his life – Sayyida Khadija (pbuh).

It is her selfless all-encompassing love for him that comes to mind whenever I think of her. So, here’s my 2 pennies worth of thoughts:
1. What was it about the Prophet (pbuh) that inspired such love that she laid her life’s work at his feet?
2. What energised her to take him food every day to the cave where he meditated? Whenever I looked at that mountain or even pictures of it, I think of her climbing up to take him lunch? It’s more than an hour’s climb in mountain climbing shoes
3. What was it about him that she forsook the ‘respect’ the Makkans (her people, her community) had for her?
There can be only one answer….
She saw her Rabb in him… There is an Indian song whose lyrics say “Tujme Rabb dikhtaa hai….”
“You are my heaven……., 
You are my wish, you are the peace of my soul
You are the coolness of my eyes, 
You are the heartbeat of my heart
I don’t know anything else, I know only this
that I see Divinity in you…”
That to me is Khadija – she saw him reflect divinity… and in essence that is what life is about – To manifest the attributes of Allah. Did the Prophet (pbuh) not say:
“Takhalluqu bi akhlaqillah” (Adopt in yourself the akhlaq of Allah”
Insha’Allah will post more about her tomorrow… For today the take home message is:
If you want to be loved, then manifest the Asmaul Husna…. If you want to love, then seek Divinity in him/her…
That for me is the legacy of Khadija (pbuh)

08 MARCH 2025

THE MONTH OF RAMADHAN (010)

Ramadhan Kareem
There is a short dua for each day of the month of Ramadhan. Each dua ends with an attribute of Allah and I absolutely am in awe of each one.
Highlight them in your Ramadhan Dua book.
Todays is YAA MALJA’AL AAMILEEN (The Shelter of The Hopeful)
When the regrets of the past, the deafening silence of the breaking heart and the voices in the soul get the best of one and when everything hurts… Call out to Malja’al Aamileen and He will take over and sort it all out.

07 MARCH 2025

THE MONTH OF RAMADHAN (009)

It’s also Day 7 (6 for some of you) and it’s getting serious….
We have 11 days to prepare for the nights of Qadr….

PREPARATION FOR LAYLATUL QADR
1. Start making a list of your aspirations – Physical, mental, emotional and spiritual….

2. Decide on what legacy you want to leave. In essence the only thing you can take with you is what you leave behind. The most basic is memories – which others can revisit again and again….

Formulate a mission statement for yourself.
It must be no more than a single sentence, easily understood and be able to be recited from memory even at gunpoint….

FIRST STEP
Find your USP (Unique Selling Point)
What you do best for your passion is your power and it is the force which will sustain you.

To help you further ask yourself the following questions:
1. What are you most proud of in your life? (You are about to die and you see your life flash before you – what do you see that changed lives?)
2. Who is doing the work you most wish you could be doing?
3. What do you want more of?
4. What do you want less of?

A HADITH TO THINK ABOUT
“You would not be seeking ME unless you had already found ME” Imam Husayn (pbuh)

07 MARCH 2025

THE MONTH OF RAMADHAN (008)

DAY OF FRIDAY 

Recommendations for Jumua. It’s the most awesome day of the week and its combination with Ramadhan accentuates every moment.

In every hour of Jumua’ there is a moment when duas are responded to immediately.
So repeat your duas every hour until Maghrib.
It’s an awesome day…
And don’t forget to prioritise
Salaa today – Suratul Jumua in the first rakat of every salaa ( you can read it from the Quran)

06 MARCH 2025

THE MONTH OF RAMADHAN (007)

FIRST NIGHT OF FRIDAY OF RAMADHAN*

Its Rahma raining from the heavens (and because of Ramadhan an absolute downpour) … I suggest we make use of the opportunity…

*The night precedes the day and therefore Friday begins at Maghrib on Thursday.

“If you need something to be settled, seek it on early Thursdays. Recite the last verses of Suratu Aali Imraan, Ayatul Kursi, Suratul Qadr, and Suratul Faatiha before you leave your house, because these ayaat and Suwer contribute to solving all the needs for this life and the life to come.” Imam Ali (pbuh)

“Indeed the 24 hours of the night and day of Friday belong to Allah. In every hour there are 600,000 opportunities of freedom from the fire.”  Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

Imam Muhammad Al-Baqir (pbuh) has said: “As soon as the sun sets and Friday begins, Allah orders an angel to announce: Is there any mu’min servant who before the night ends asks for safety in this world and peace in the hereafter so I may grant it to them? Is there any mu’min servant who turns to me in repentance so I may forgive them? Is there any mu’min servant who is in distress, seeks livelihood, or seeks good health in illness, or freedom in captivity, or gain in times of loss… I will grant them what is asked for if I am called upon tonight…”

Some of the recommended a’maal for the night of Jumua’ (Thursday night):

TASBEEHATE ARBA’AA
SALAWAAT
SURATUL JUMUA’
REMEMBERING MARHUMEEN
DUA AL KUMAYL
ISTIGHFAAR BEFORE FAJR

05 MARCH 2025

THE MONTH OF RAMADHAN (006)

Ramadhan Kareem

The children’s 4pm classes at Stanmore are one of the highlights of the month of Ramadhan.

Yesterday a 7 year old little  lady came to me and with amazing confidence said she was on track to go to Janna. This is our conversation :

“I’m going to Janna!” She said

“That’s awesome” I answered “Will you take me with you?”

“ How many peoples can I take with me?” She said

“10 I think”

Counting on her fingers she looked at me and said “I have space for 2”

“If you tell me how you are so sure you’re going to Janna, maybe I can do the same and share with everyone else so we can all go and take 10 each” I asked

“You’re too old” she said. “If you fast properly with your whole body when you’re not yet  Baligh and you recite all the salaa on time including Shab and  duas and Asmaul Husna, then only can you be sure to go to Janna”

I didn’t know what to say – I promptly asked to take the two places she had and raised my hands on the farsh of Husayn asking for a time when I too could be confident of being Ahlul Janna as  she was.

Can only raise my hands in dua for her parents and teachers. And I’m hoping this will motivate you to interact ( if not teach) with such awesome Ahlul Janna individuals.

04 MARCH 2025

THE MONTH OF RAMADHAN (005)

Ramadhan Kareem

Day 4 (for some of you Day 3) and it’s getting serious…. We have 14 days to prepare for Qadr and get it right….

The first thing to get right (besides salaa) is the fasting… 4 days  has provided a base to get used to the hunger and thirst..

Now let’s focus on stepping up to the next level (Ethical fasting).

DEGREES OF FASTING

1. Jurisprudential Fasting –

Refraining from eating, drinking….etc.

The Shari’ah fasting is prescribed for beginners as a form of training to help become acquainted to waking up at dawn with the excuse of Sehri in order to experience moments of Divine  closeness.

“Many people gain nothing from their fasting save hunger and thirst.”  Prophet (pbuh)

2. Ethical Fasting

Here it is refraining not only from what is jurisprudentially mentioned, but  also observe where the  eyes, ears and all other body parts fast against whatever which is regarded in religion as Haram.

 This is called the fasting of Tariqa. 
 “When you fast, let your ears, your eyes, your hair, your skin and all your body fast too. Do not let your fasting day be the same as non-fasting ones.” Imam Sadiq (pbuh)

A lady whilst fasting was being aggressive towards her maid and the Prophet heard her. The Prophet (pbuh) offered her some food to eat. She said: “I’m fasting O Messenger of God!” the Prophet replied: “How are you fasting and you speak like this to your maid. Fasting is not only from food and drink. Indeed, God made it that way so that food and drink are used as a veil against other sins, verbal or action. How few are fasting and how many are just hungry.”

3. Mystical Fasting

Detaching oneself from anything that does not remind one of Divinity.  It is a state of absolute detachment and total servitude to God. This is called the fasting of Haqiqa (Reality).

Just as s physical fasting burns fat and removes toxins, mystical mental fasting does the same to the mind and heart revealing the right direction towards Him

The reward of fasting in this degree is Divinity itself.

Allah says: “I will reward all good deeds of humankind from ten times to seven hundred times save Patience, for it is for Me and I am its reward, and Patience is FASTING.”

03 MARCH 2025

THE MONTH OF RAMADHAN (004)

Ramadhan Kareem

SUHOOR & IFTAR

It is highly recommended to have suhur (sehri) even if it is only a glass of water. The Prophet (pbuh) used to have dry dates and AL-Sawiq’ (a dish made from cracked wheat or barley mixed with dates)

The Prophet (pbuh) broke his fast with fresh dates if in season, or dry dates, raisins, or something sweet. If none of these were available, then he would break his fast with lukewarm water.  

One of the most effective recitation before sehri and iftar is  Suratul Qadr  and Dua Noor

Imam Sadiq(pbuh) says that the Prophet (pbuh) told Imam ‘Ali (pbuh) that Jibrail said:

“Whoever in Ramadhan before iftar recites Dua Al Noor, Allah answers his duas, accepts his dua and fasting, grants his ten requirements, forgives his sins, removes his grief, makes his heart at ease, grants his wishes, makes his deeds to ascend upward with the deeds of the prophets, and on the Day of Judgement brings him to Allah’s presence with a face illuminated like bright moon.”

So make a list of the 10 most pressing hajat, and recite Dua Al Noor before iftaar…

02 MARCH 2025

THE MONTH OF RAMADHAN (003)

Ramadhan Kareem

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

A time to clean up (spring clean) the mess created by ourselves  in the last 11 months. The month has been provided by Allah as a facilitator, but He is not one’s PA or cleaner. The work has to be done by ourselves.

The focus is to realign the soul to Divinity.

So step by step:

1. First acknowledge the mess you created and then ask for forgiveness and help from Him to resolve it.
2. Ask for forgiveness from those whom you have hurt for He resides in broken hearts. Even if you have to beg and plead and….
3. Recite Laa Ilaahaa Illallah as much as possible
4. Connect to Him through Salaa, Qur’an and Dua
5. Serve humanity to the best of your ability by sharing

01 MARCH 2025

THE MONTH OF RAMADHAN (002)

Ramadhan Kareem

IFTAAR

The Prophet (pbuh) said: “One who provides Iftaar to a Mu`min in the month of Ramadhan (even if it be a sip of water), shall be granted the reward of freeing a slave and shall have all his previous sins forgiven……”

Start investing in your aakhira now…

TO MAKE YOU RAISE YOUR HANDS IN DUA AT IFTAAR

Once Prophet Musa (pbuh) asked Allah: “O Allah! You have granted me the honour and privilege of talking to you directly, Have you given this privilege to any other person?”

Allah replied “O Musa! during the last period I am going to send a people who will fast and will call out to me (in dua; ) they will be much closer to me than you.”
“O Musa! while you speak to me there are 70000 veils between you and me but at the time of iftar there will not be a single veil between me and the fasting person from the Umma (community) of Muhammad (pbuh)” 
O Musa! I have taken upon myself the responsibility that at the time of iftar I will never refuse the dua of a fasting person!

 So before you take your first mouthful – ASK – it works……

DUA & DAWA

As it is a month as per the Prophet’s sermon when the doors of Janna are open and all duas are heard… The idea is to focus on someone else, and you will be able to make mountains move for them. Pick a dua buddy and see the difference it makes.

28 FEBRUARY 2025

THE MONTH OF RAMADHAN (001)

Ramadhan Kareem

(I guess I can hear a resounding Allahu Akram for a reply)

AND SO IT’S HERE TONIGHT….. ( for some of you tomorrow night)

This is the month we’ve been waiting for, longing for and craving for……

As a child, I can remember the enthusiasm with which my grandmother taught us to welcome the month.  We went up on the terrace to see the moon and raised our hands in dua  asking  for forgiveness, direction and the ability to reach our best..

Recite Suratul Fatiha 7x tonight for protection of eyes (physical and heart sight pain and so that they never cry in pain)

Preparations is about Qur’an, dua and the opportunity to feed others.

I remember sehri with my papa  and how Mumma used to fast all three months of Rajab, Sha’ban & Ramadhan…..

Papa used to say that Ramadhan is the celebration of the revelation of the Qur’an and the month was, is and will be all about the Qur’an. Every sehri he would tell a story from the Qur’an.

Make your Ramadhan’s legacies for yourselves  and your friends and  families  to look back on and draw strength from…

https://www.duas.org/sajjadiya/s44.htm

27 FEBRUARY 2025

PREPARATION FOR THE MONTH OF RAMADHAN (PART 8)

THE MOST AWESOME MONTH OF THE YEAR IS NEARLY HERE.

The Prophet (pbuh) gave the sermon (sent to you on the last update) on the last night of Sha’ban. For some of you it may be tonight whilst for others tomorrow night.

On the last Jumua’ of the month of Sha`ban ( and tonight is the last night of Jumua 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  and constantly asking for forgiveness from Allah. In addition, read the Qur’an a lot  on this day and 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……

26 FEBRUARY 2025

PREPARATION FOR THE MONTH OF RAMADHAN (PART 7)

So the invitation is here to the birthday of the Qur’an  in the form of the khutba of the Prophet (pbuh).

EXCITING with a capital E

QUESTIONS

1. What shall we wear? 
Clothes of Taqwa – protection against sins, clothes of quran and dua and   best behaviours
2. How long does the party last 
29/30 days
3. What will the banquet be?

• • BARAKA – Blessings more than expected or deserved
  • RAHMA – Awesome  kindness
  • MAGHFIRA – Sins hidden from others, angels, souls and oneself

4. What present should I take?
 RAMADHAN PACK (Best present – so that you reach your full potential) Qur’an, Study Pack, 
Dua books
, Salaa

5. When is the actual birthday?
Laylatul Qadr – He gives a party bag for the year to come.

25 FEBRUARY 2025

PREPARATION FOR THE MONTH OF RAMADHAN (PART 6)

To be able to qualify to be the guests of Divinity in the month of Ramadhan it is recommended to continually ask for forgiveness in these last few days old 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.

22 FEBRUARY 2025

PREPARATION FOR THE MONTH OF RAMADHAN (PART 5)

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.”

21 FEBRUARY 2025

PREPARATION FOR THE MONTH OF RAMADHAN (PART 4)

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.”

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

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

Lets 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.” 

21 FEBRUARY 2025

PREPARATION FOR THE MONTH OF RAMADHAN (PART 3)

Just over a week 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

ISTIGHFAAR

NO MATTER HOW FAR ASTRAY, HOW FAR WE HAVE GONE, HOW MANY SINS WE HAVE COMMITTED, THERE IS NO PLACE TOO FAR FOR HIS FORGIVENESS AND MERCY TO REACH. GREATEST GIFT IS ISTIGHFAAR AND TAWBA

‎وَمَا كَانَ ٱللَّهُ لِيُعَذِّبَهُمْ وَأَنتَ فِيهِمْ ۚ وَمَا كَانَ ٱللَّهُ مُعَذِّبَهُمْ وَهُمْ يَسْتَغْفِرُونَ

But Allah was not going to punish them while you were among them, nor is Allah going to punish them while they ask for forgiveness. 8:33

‎قُلْ يَٰعِبَادِىَ ٱلَّذِينَ أَسْرَفُوا عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِهِمْ لَا تَقْنَطُوا مِن رَّحْمَةِ ٱللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَغْفِرُ ٱلذُّنُوبَ جَمِيعًا ۚ إِنَّهُۥ هُوَ ٱلْغَفُورُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ

 Say ‘O My servants who have committed excesses against their own souls, do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed Allah will forgive all sins. Indeed, He is the All-forgiving, the All-merciful. 39:53

Istighfar is derived from ghafara: he covered, veiled, concealed or hid.

Al Ghifaar is the  helmet that a person wears to protect head

Istighfaar is asking Allah to protect you from yourself and the mistakes I make unknowingly.

1ST DUA OF HUMAN BEINGS WAS ISTIGHFAAR. 7:23.  RESPONSE 2:37

Rasulullah (pbuh); “I swear by Allah that I ask Allah’s pardon and turn to Him in repentance more than seventy times a day”.

Rasulullah stated that Allah has said: If anyone knows that I have power to forgive sins I will pardon him and not care, so long as he associates nothing with me.

If anyone continually asks pardon, Allah will appoint for him a way out of every distress and a relief from every anxiety, and will provide for him from where he did not reckon.

“I heard the Messenger  say, “Allah said: O son of Adam, so long as you call upon Me and ask of Me, I shall forgive you for what you have done, and I shall not mind. O son of Adam, were your sins to reach the clouds of the sky and were you then to ask forgiveness of Me, I would forgive you. O son of Adam, were you to come to Me with sins nearly as great as the earth and were you then to face Me, ascribing no partner to Me, I would bring you forgiveness nearly as great at it”. Imam Ja’far Sadiq (pbuh)

“There is no man who Allah did not forgive who had felt ashamed of his misdeed. Whenever a man feels ashamed of his fault and then begs pardon of Allah He forgives all of his sins.”

TAWBA

U TURN – Returned to previous position – punishment waived- as though no sin

Being ashamed of ones sin is Tawba – Prophet

TAAIB – human being who returns to Allah – And Allah who accepts

TAWWAAB – persistently returns

Take one step – he takes 100

TAWBA TO DO LIST

1. Regret (regret is Tawba)
2. trying ones best not to repeat it
3. Ask for forgiveness
4. follow it with a good deed
5. TRUST IN HIM (Tafweedh – hand it over – cannot do anymore)- WILL CHANGE WINE TO VINEGAR

17 February 2025

PREPARATION FOR THE MONTH OF RAMADHAN (PART 2)

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

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…

16 February 2025

PREPARATION FOR THE MONTH OF RAMADHAN (PART 1)                            

So it starts this weekend with making (filling) Ramadhan calendars for the 9 grandchildren. 

Each day has little toys, dates and notes with affirmations of love and tasks that the little ones can do with their parents 

Here are some examples:

“I love you to Janna and beyond” “Recite Suratul Qadr” 

“Janna lies under the feet of your Mumma”  “Hug her and tell her you love her loads”  

Say salaam to Imam at Sehri and at Iftaar  “Salaam Yaa Mahdi”

17 DECEMBER 2024

CONVERSATION WITH UMMULBANIN MERALI ON KHOJA KONNECTION PODCASTS