Religion

Donating to Holy Shrines

As Muslims, we believe that death is not the end of life, but a transition to another realm. We believe that our loved ones are still alive in the hereafter, and that we will meet them again, if Allah (God) wills. We also believe that we can do something to honor them and to seek Allah’s (God’s) mercy and forgiveness for them.

One of the ways we can do that is by donating to holy shrines. A holy shrine is a place that is considered sacred or holy by a religious community. It may contain the relics, tombs, or memorials of prophets, saints, martyrs, or other revered figures. It may also be associated with a miracle, a vision, or a historical event that has religious significance.

There are many holy shrines in different parts of the world that are connected to Islam and its history. Some of these shrines are related to the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who is the final messenger of Allah (God) and the founder of Islam. Some are related to his family members, companions, successors, or descendants, who are known as the Ahl al-Bayt (the people of the house) or the Imams (the leaders). Some are related to other prophets or saints who came before Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and preached the message of monotheism and righteousness.

We visit these holy shrines to pay our respects, to seek guidance, to ask for intercession, to express our devotion, and to experience the spiritual atmosphere. We also donate money, food, clothing, medicine, and other items to these shrines as a way of showing our gratitude, generosity, charity, and piety.

Why do we donate to holy shrines? There are many reasons why we may choose to do so. Some of them are:

To honor a deceased loved one: We may make a donation or vow to a holy shrine as a way to honor a deceased loved one or to seek blessings for their soul. We may view such acts as a way to express our love and gratitude for those who have passed away or to seek Allah’s (God’s) mercy and forgiveness for them. We may also hope that our donation will benefit the cause of Islam and the welfare of the Muslim community.
To seek blessings for ourselves or others: We may make a donation or vow to a holy shrine as a way to seek blessings for ourselves or our living family members and friends. We may view such acts as a way to ask Allah (God) for protection, health, happiness, success, guidance, or any other good thing we desire. We may also hope that our donation will bring us closer to Allah (God) and His beloved servants.
To fulfill a vow or an oath: We may make a donation or vow to a holy shrine as a way of fulfilling a vow or an oath we have made in the past. We may have made such vows or oaths in times of difficulty, distress, or need, promising Allah (God) that we would donate something if He granted us our wish or relieved us from our hardship. We may view such acts as a way of keeping our word and showing our sincerity and faithfulness.

Each shrine has its own history, significance, and beauty that attracts and inspires us from all walks of life. By donating to these holy shrines, we express our faith, love, gratitude, generosity, and solidarity with our fellow believers. We also hope to receive Allah’s (God’s) favor, mercy, forgiveness, and reward in this life and the hereafter.

I hope you enjoyed reading this article as much as I enjoyed writing it for you. I hope you learned something new and useful from it. I hope you will share it with your friends and family who may benefit from it. And I hope you will continue to honor your loved ones by donating to holy shrines. May Allah (God) bless you and your loved ones always. Ameen.

Imams of Athar Religion

Paying Charity in Advance

The ruling of paying charity in advance, with the intention of distributing it over a period of time
This is a matter that has been discussed by many scholars of Islam, and there are different opinions and evidences for it.

Some scholars say that it is permissible to pay charity(Sadaqah) in advance, as long as the intention is clear and sincere, and the amount is known and fixed. They argue that this is similar to the case of paying Zakat (obligatory charity) in advance, which is allowed by some evidences from the Quran and the Sunnah (the teachings and practices of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him). They also cite some examples from the companions of the Prophet (may Allah be pleased with them), who used to pay charity in advance for certain causes or occasions. For instance, Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) used to pay Sadaqat Al-Fitr (charity given at the end of Ramadan) for those who would come after him.” (Sunan Abi Dawud: 1609). This means that he paid it before the due time, with the intention of covering those who would join his household later.

Other scholars say that it is not permissible to pay charity in advance, unless there is a valid reason or necessity for doing so. They argue that charity should be given at the time when it is due, and not before or after, as this is more beneficial for the recipients and more rewarding for the donors. They also cite some evidences from the Quran and the Sunnah that indicate that charity should be given promptly and without delay. For example, Allah (swt) says: “And do not keep your hand chained to your neck nor open it completely, lest you sit blameworthy and insolvent.” (Surah Al-Isra: 17:29). This means that one should not be stingy or extravagant in giving charity, but rather moderate and balanced. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also said: “Hasten to do good deeds before you are overtaken by one of the seven afflictions.” Then he mentioned death, poverty, disease, etc. (Sahih Muslim: 118).

Therefore, based on these opinions and evidences, it seems that the best and safest option is to pay charity at the time when it is due, unless there is a valid reason or necessity for paying it in advance. This way, one can ensure that one fulfills one’s obligation properly and sincerely, and avoids any doubt or dispute. However, if one has already paid charity in advance, with a clear and sincere intention, then one should hope for Allah’s acceptance and reward, and not worry about it too much. Allah (swt) knows best what is in our hearts and what we do.

Religion

First 10 Days of Dhu Al-Hijjah

The first 10 days of Dhu Al-Hijjah are the most blessed and sacred days of the year for Muslims. They are the days in which Allah (swt) has bestowed His immense favor and mercy upon His servants, and has opened the doors of forgiveness and reward for those who seek Him.

The Virtue of the 10 Days

The first 10 days of Dhu Al-Hijjah are so virtuous that Allah (swt) has sworn by them in the Quran: “By the dawn. And [by] ten nights.” (Surah Al-Fajr: 89:1-2). The majority of scholars agree that these 10 nights are the nights of the first 10 days of Dhu Al-Hijjah, as narrated by Ibn Abbas (ra), who said: “The ‘appointed days’ are the first ten days (of Dhu Al-Hijjah).” (Sahih Al-Bukhari: 969).

The Prophet Muhammad (saw) also emphasized the excellence of these days, and urged his companions to increase their good deeds in them. He said: “No good deeds done on other days are superior to those done on these (first ten days of Dhu Al-Hijjah).”

This hadith shows that the reward for doing good deeds in these 10 days is greater than any other time of the year. This is because these are the days in which Allah (swt) has chosen to manifest His glory and majesty, and to accept the prayers and supplications of His servants. These are also the days in which the Hajj (pilgrimage) takes place, which is one of the pillars of Islam and one of the greatest acts of worship.

The Recommended Deeds

There are many deeds that we can do in these 10 days to attain Allah’s pleasure and forgiveness. Some of them are:

Fasting: Fasting is one of the most beloved acts of worship to Allah (swt), as He says: “Every deed of the son of Adam is for him except fasting; it is for Me and I shall reward for it.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari: 1904). Fasting in these 10 days is especially recommended, as it is a way of expressing our gratitude and devotion to Allah (swt). The Prophet Muhammad (saw) used to fast on the first nine days of Dhu Al-Hijjah, as narrated by one of his wives: “Allah’s Messenger used to fast the [first] nine days of Dhul-Hijjah, the day of ‘Ashurah, and three days of each month.” (Sunan Abi Dawud: 2437). The most important day to fast is the ninth day, which is known as the Day of Arafah. This is the day when the pilgrims stand on the plain of Arafah, seeking Allah’s forgiveness and mercy. Fasting on this day expiates the sins of two years, as the Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: “Fasting on the Day of Arafah expiates for two years; one year before it and one year after it.” (Sahih Muslim: 1162).
Takbir, Tahmid, Tasbih, and Tahlil: These are the words that glorify Allah (swt) and praise Him. They are: Takbir (saying Allahu Akbar), Tahmid (saying Alhamdulillah), Tasbih (saying Subhanallah), and Tahlil (saying La ilaha illallah). These words have a great impact on our hearts and souls, as they remind us of Allah’s greatness, power, mercy, and oneness. We should recite them abundantly in these 10 days, especially after the obligatory prayers, in the mornings and evenings, and on every occasion. There is a specific form of Takbir that is prescribed for these days, which is known as Takbirat al-Tashreeq.
Salah: Salah (prayer) is the pillar of Islam and the connection between us and Allah (swt). It is the best way to communicate with our Lord and to seek His guidance and help. We should perform the obligatory prayers on time and with concentration, and also increase our voluntary prayers, especially the night prayer (Tahajjud). The Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: “The best prayer after the obligatory prayers is the night prayer.” (Sahih Muslim: 1163). The night prayer is more likely to be accepted by Allah (swt), as He descends to the lowest heaven in the last third of the night, and says: “Who is calling upon Me, that I may answer him? Who is asking of Me, that I may give him? Who is seeking My forgiveness, that I may forgive him?” (Sahih Al-Bukhari: 1145).
Sadaqah: Sadaqah (charity) is one of the most noble and rewarding deeds that we can do in these 10 days. It is a way of expressing our gratitude to Allah (swt) for His bounties and blessings, and a way of helping those who are in need. Allah (swt) says: “The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is All-Encompassing and Knowing.” (Surah Al-Baqarah: 2:261). We should give generously from our wealth, according to our ability, and not be stingy or greedy. We should also give with sincerity, without expecting anything in return, except from Allah (swt). The Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: “Sadaqah does not decrease wealth.” (Sahih Muslim: 2588). Click to pay crypto for Sadaqah.
Udhiyah: Udhiyah (sacrifice) is one of the rites of Hajj and one of the symbols of Islam. It is the act of slaughtering an animal (such as a sheep, goat, cow, or camel) on the tenth day of Dhu Al-Hijjah or the following three days, in order to commemorate the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (as), who was willing to sacrifice his son Ismail (as) for the sake of Allah (swt). Allah (swt) says: “So pray to your Lord and sacrifice [to Him alone].” (Surah Al-Kawthar: 108:2). The Udhiyah is a means of attaining Allah’s forgiveness and mercy, as well as feeding the poor and needy. The Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: “Whoever offers a sacrifice after the prayer has completed his rituals [of Eid] and has followed the way of the Muslims.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari: 5545). Click to donate crypto for the Udhiyah.

These are some of the advantages and benefits of the first 10 days of Dhu Al-Hijjah. They are days of great virtue, reward, forgiveness, and mercy. They are days that we should not waste or neglect, but rather seize and utilize. They are days that we should fill with good deeds and righteous actions, in order to please Allah (swt) and attain His pleasure. They are days that we should make dua for ourselves, our families, our ummah, and all humanity. They are days that we should prepare for the Hereafter and seek Allah’s protection from the Hellfire.

We ask Allah (swt) to enable us to make the best use of these 10 days, and to accept our deeds and supplications. We ask Him to grant us His mercy and forgiveness, and to admit us into His Paradise. Ameen.

Ibadah / Acts of Worship Religion Sadaqah

Relief Qurbani

The Quran is a rich source of stories and teachings that have been passed down for generations. Among the most significant of these stories is that of Prophet Ibrahim’s sacrifice, which is commemorated every year during the Festival of Sacrifice, also known as Eid al-Adha.

Prophet Ibrahim was a devout follower of Allah, and one day, he had a dream in which he was commanded by Allah to sacrifice his son Ismail. Despite the immense love he had for his son, Prophet Ibrahim knew that this was a test of his faith and he was willing to do whatever Allah commanded.

As he prepared to sacrifice Ismail, Allah intervened and provided a ram in his place. This act of faith and obedience is celebrated by Muslims worldwide, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of trust and obedience to Allah’s will.

One of the ways in which Muslims celebrate this event is through the ritual of Qurbani, which involves sacrificing an animal during the Festival of Sacrifice. The meat from this sacrifice is then distributed to the poor and needy, symbolizing the significance of sharing and caring for others in the Muslim community.

However, Qurbani is not just a religious obligation. It is also a reminder of the importance of empathy and charity, and it serves as a time for Muslims to remember the less fortunate and to give back to the community in a meaningful way. By performing this act of kindness, Muslims can experience firsthand the joy and fulfillment that comes from helping others.

In recent years, Qurbani has become an increasingly important source of relief for those in need. Relief Qurbani is a way for Muslims to help those who are suffering from poverty, conflict, and natural disasters. By providing meat to those in need, relief Qurbani can help ensure that families have access to nutritious food during challenging times.

Relief Qurbani is an excellent way for Muslims to embody the spirit of compassion and generosity that is at the heart of Islam. By giving to those in need, Muslims can help to alleviate suffering and make a positive impact on the world. It is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

The story of Prophet Ibrahim’s sacrifice and the ritual of Qurbani serve as important reminders of the values of trust, obedience, and generosity that are central to Islam. As Muslims, we are called upon to emulate these values in our daily lives and to give back to our communities in meaningful ways. By performing relief Qurbani, we can help to alleviate suffering and make a positive impact on the world. Let us continue to embody the spirit of compassion and generosity that is at the heart of our faith and strive towards a better world for all.

Food and Nutrition Projects Religion Sadaqah What We Do

Practicing Islamic Niyyah

The practice of niyyah in Islam is a crucial aspect of our faith. Niyyah is the act of intention, and it is believed that our intentions shape our actions and our destiny. As Muslims, it is important to make niyyah before performing any act, be it a small task or a major undertaking.

Niyyah is an Arabic word that means intention, purpose, or motive. It is a key concept in Islam, as it determines the validity and reward of one’s actions. According to Islamic teachings, one should have a sincere and pure niyyah for every act of worship, such as prayer, fasting, charity, pilgrimage, etc. One should also have a good niyyah for every worldly action, such as work, study, family, etc., and seek the pleasure of Allah (SWT) in everything they do. Niyyah is not only a verbal declaration, but also a state of mind and heart that reflects one’s faith and commitment to Islam.

Practicing Islamic niyyah means to constantly renew and purify one’s intention for the sake of Allah (SWT), and to align one’s actions with the guidance of the Quran and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Practicing Islamic niyyah helps one to avoid hypocrisy, arrogance, ostentation, and other negative traits that can corrupt one’s deeds. Practicing Islamic niyyah also helps one to achieve excellence, sincerity, gratitude, and humility in one’s life. Practicing Islamic niyyah is a way of worshiping Allah (SWT) with one’s heart and mind, as well as one’s body and soul.

What are Payment Niyyah?
Payment Niyyah(intentions) are the specific purposes or causes that our donors choose or specify when they make their payments to us. Payment intentions can be general or specific, depending on the donor’s preference. For example, a donor can make a general payment intention for any charitable cause that we support, such as education, health, water, food, etc. Or, a donor can make a specific payment intention for a particular project, program, or country that we work in, such as building a school in Pakistan, providing medical aid in Yemen, digging a well in Somalia, etc.
By making a payment intention, our donors express their niyyah for their donation and seek the pleasure of Allah (SWT) in their action. By following their payment intention, we respect their niyyah and seek the pleasure of Allah (SWT) in our action.

How We Follow the Payment Intentions of Our Donors?
We follow the payment intentions of our donors by using a transparent and accountable system that ensures that every payment is spent according to its intended purpose or cause. We use the following steps to follow the payment intentions of our donors:

We record the payments and their payment intentions in our database and issue receipts or acknowledgments to our donors.
We allocate the payments according to their payment intentions to different categories or accounts that correspond to different purposes or causes that we support.
We monitor and track the spending of the payments according to their categories or accounts and ensure that they are used for their intended purposes or causes only.
We audit and verify the spending of the payments according to their categories or accounts and ensure that they are compliant with the Islamic principles and rules of finance.
We report and communicate the spending of the payments according to their categories or accounts to our donors and stakeholders through various channels, such as website, social media, etc.
We evaluate and measure the impact and outcome of the spending of the payments according to their categories or accounts on the beneficiaries and society.

Why We Follow the Payment Intentions of Our Donors?
We follow the payment intentions of our donors because we believe that it is our duty and responsibility as an Islamic charity institute to do so. We follow the payment intentions of our donors because:

It is a way of fulfilling our trust (amanah) with our donors who entrust us with their donations and contributions.
It is a way of respecting their wishes and preferences regarding how they want their donations and contributions to be spent.
It is a way of honoring their niyyah (intention) for their donations and contributions and seeking the pleasure of Allah (SWT) in their action.
It is a way of ensuring that their donations and contributions are spent in a halal (permissible) and effective manner that benefits the needy and the oppressed in the world.
It is a way of increasing their confidence and satisfaction with our work and services and encouraging them to continue supporting us in the future.

We at the Islamic charity institute, all our efforts are to carefully follow all the payment intentions of our donors and spend their payments according to their intentions. We do this because we value their trust and confidence in us, we respect their wishes and preferences regarding how they want their payments to be spent, we honor their niyyah (intention) for their payments and seek the pleasure of Allah (SWT) in their action, we ensure that their payments are spent in a halal (permissible) and effective manner that benefits the needy and the oppressed in the world, and we increase their confidence and satisfaction with our work and services and encourage them to continue supporting us in the future. May Allah (SWT) reward our donors and us for our efforts and accept our deeds. Ameen.

Ibadah / Acts of Worship Religion Report What We Do