Religion

I’tikaf A Journey of Self-Reflection and Connection

In the rhythm of life, it is often easy to lose sight of our spiritual ambitions amidst our worldly pursuits. Islam, however, offers a beautiful practice to reconnect with our spiritual essence and deepen our connection with Allah (SWT). This practice is known as I’tikaf, a period of retreat in the mosque during the last ten days of Ramadan. As we embark on this journey, let’s delve into its significance, how it’s performed, and the profound benefits it offers.

Understanding I’tikaf: An Act of Devotion
I’tikaf, derived from the Arabic root word ‘Akafa’, means to adhere, cling, stick or keep. In Islamic terminology, it refers to a person’s voluntary seclusion in a mosque, dedicating themselves to worship and seeking closeness to Allah (SWT). This practice is highly recommended during the last ten days of Ramadan, a time when Muslims globally intensify their worship in pursuit of Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Power).

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) regularly performed I’tikaf. He said, “Whosoever performs I’tikaf, he keeps away from sins, and he will get the same reward as if he performed good deeds in all those days at home” (Ibn Majah).

How to Perform I’tikaf
To perform I’tikaf, one must first have the intention (Niyyah) to do so. This is a personal commitment between the individual and Allah (SWT). The person then retreats to the mosque, secluding themselves from worldly affairs. During this time, they engage in acts of worship such as Salah (prayer), Dhikr (remembrance of Allah), reading the Quran, and making Dua (supplication).

It’s essential to note that while in I’tikaf, one must abstain from unnecessary talk and activities that don’t contribute to the spiritual purpose of the retreat. This includes refraining from business transactions, idle chatter, and other worldly distractions.

The Benefits of I’tikaf: A Spiritual Awakening
The practice of I’tikaf offers immense benefits, both spiritually and mentally. Here are some of the profound impacts:

Deepened Connection with Allah (SWT): I’tikaf provides a unique opportunity to disconnect from worldly distractions and focus solely on worshiping Allah (SWT). This uninterrupted devotion fosters a deeper connection with our Creator.

Spiritual Purification: The seclusion and intense worship during I’tikaf serve as a means of spiritual cleansing. It’s a time for repentance, seeking forgiveness, and purifying the heart from sins and negative feelings.

Self-Reflection: I’tikaf offers a rare chance for introspection. In the silence of the mosque, one can reflect upon their deeds, intentions, and life’s purpose. This can lead to personal growth and spiritual enlightenment.

Increased Gratitude: Spending time in seclusion allows one to appreciate the blessings that we often take for granted in our busy lives, cultivating a sense of gratitude and contentment.

Preparation for Eid: I’tikaf, performed in the final days of Ramadan, prepares the heart for the joyous celebration of Eid. It’s a transition from intense worship to communal celebration, both aspects of our beautiful religion.

I’tikaf is a spiritual journey of devotion, self-reflection, and connection with Allah (SWT). As we seclude ourselves in the tranquillity of the mosque, we have the opportunity to recharge our spiritual batteries, cleanse our hearts, and emerge with renewed faith and vigor. May Allah (SWT) grant us the opportunity to experience this spiritual retreat and benefit from its profound blessings. Ameen.

Ibadah / Acts of Worship Religion

Islamic Observances

Islamic observances are practices, ceremonies, and rituals that Muslims observe as part of their religious faith. They are based on the teachings of the Quran, the holy book of Islam, and the Hadiths, the sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad. Here are some of the major Islamic observances:

Salat (Prayer)
Muslims are obligated to perform five daily prayers, each at specific times of the day: at dawn (Fajr), noon (Zuhr), mid-afternoon (Asr), sunset (Maghrib), and night (Isha). Each prayer involves specific physical postures such as standing, bowing, and prostrating, and recitations from the Quran.

Sawm (Fasting)
Muslims observe fasting during the month of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. From dawn until sunset, they abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, and other physical needs. The fast is seen as a time for spiritual reflection, increased devotion and worship.

Zakat (Charity)
Zakat is a mandatory form of alms-giving in Islam, usually calculated as 2.5% of a Muslim’s total savings and wealth above a minimum amount known as nisab. The practice is intended to cleanse wealth and to help those who are in need.

Hajj (Pilgrimage)
Hajj is a pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, which every adult Muslim must undertake at least once in their lifetime if they can afford it and are physically able. The pilgrimage occurs in the last month of the Islamic calendar, Dhu al-Hijjah.

Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr is a festival that marks the end of Ramadan. It is a day of celebration where Muslims gather for communal prayers, share meals, and give gifts.

Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha, also known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham in Christian and Jewish traditions) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. It also marks the end of Hajj. On this day, those who can afford to do so, sacrifice a livestock animal as a symbol of Ibrahim’s sacrifice.

Muharram and Ashura
Muharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar, and its tenth day, Ashura, is commemorated for different reasons by Sunni and Shia Muslims. For Sunnis, it marks the day Moses was saved from the Pharaoh’s tyranny. For Shias, it is a day of mourning commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad.

Milad un Nabi
This is the observance of the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, which is celebrated in Rabi’ al-awwal, the third month of the Islamic calendar. The manner and extent of celebration vary among different Islamic sects and cultures.

These are just a few of the many observances in Islam. The practices can vary because of differences in culture, sect (like Sunni and Shia), and interpretation of Islamic teachings.

Ibadah / Acts of Worship Religion

Tahnik for Newborn Babies

The word “Tahnik” (تحنيك) is already an Arabic term, which refers to the Islamic tradition of rubbing a softened date or sweet substance on the palate of a newborn baby.

Tahnik is an Islamic tradition performed for a newborn baby, usually within the first few days or hours after birth. The practice involves softening a date or any other sweet food and rubbing a small amount of it on the baby’s palate (upper part of the mouth). This is done to provide the baby with their first taste of something sweet and is believed to have numerous spiritual and health benefits.

The Tahnik is a Sunnah (recommended practice) of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who used to perform it for newborn babies in his community. It is considered a way to follow the Prophet’s example and seek blessings for the newborn child.

The steps involved in Tahnik are as follows:

Choose a pious person: It is recommended to choose a pious person, preferably someone with knowledge of Islam, to perform the Tahnik. In some cases, the baby’s father, a family member, or a close friend may perform the ritual.
Naming the child: While it is not a mandatory part of the Tahnik ceremony, the occasion is often used as an opportunity to announce the baby’s name. In Islam, it is recommended to choose a meaningful and positive name for the child.
Soften the date: A date or any other sweet food is softened, typically by chewing it lightly. If a date is not available, honey or any other sweet substance can be used as a substitute.
Rub the softened date on the baby’s palate: The person performing the Tahnik gently rubs the softened date on the baby’s palate with their finger. This is usually done with the right index finger, as using the right hand is considered the Sunnah.
Pray for the baby: After performing the Tahnik, it is recommended to pray for the baby’s well-being, health, and guidance.

A common dua that can be recited during Tahnik or any other time for the well-being of a child is:

اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ عَلَيْهِ وَارْزُقْهُ وَأَعِنْهُ عَلَى الْخَيْرِ وَالطَّاعَةِ وَاجْعَلْهُ مِنَ الصَّالِحِينَ

Transliteration: Allahumma barik ‘alayhi wa-rzukhu wa-a’inhu ‘ala al-khayri wa al-ta’ati wa-j’alhu mina al-saliheen.

Translation: O Allah, bless him, provide for him, and help him in goodness and obedience, and make him among the righteous.

This dua can be adjusted according to the gender of the child (e.g., changing “him” to “her” if it’s a girl). Keep in mind that there isn’t a specific prayer for Tahnik, and individual supplications may vary. It is always encouraged to make sincere and heartfelt prayers for the well-being and guidance of the newborn child and their family.

While Tahnik is not a compulsory practice in Islam, it is a beautiful tradition that signifies the beginning of a newborn’s life and seeks Allah’s blessings for the baby.

Ibadah / Acts of Worship Religion

Udhiyah(Qurbani) Rules

The term “Udhiyah” (أضحية) itself is an Arabic word, which refers to the act of sacrificing an animal during the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Adha. This practice commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah’s command before Allah replaced his son with a ram to be sacrificed instead.

In some regions, Udhiyah might also be referred to as “Qurbani” (قربان), which is an Arabic term that has its roots in the word “Al-Qurban” (القربان), meaning “sacrifice” or “offering.” Both terms refer to the same ritual of sacrificing an animal during Eid al-Adha.

Eid al-Adha is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and lasts for three days. The Udhiyah is an essential part of the celebration and is performed by Muslims worldwide.

Here are some key aspects of Udhiyah:

Intention: The act of Udhiyah should be carried out with the intention of seeking Allah’s pleasure and following the Sunnah (tradition) of Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH).
Eligibility: Muslims who possess the Nisab (minimum amount of wealth that makes one eligible for Zakat) and can afford to perform Udhiyah are encouraged to do so. However, it is not compulsory.
Animals: The animals generally used for Udhiyah are camels, cattle (cows and bulls), sheep, and goats. The animals should be healthy, free from defects, and of a certain age: at least one year old for sheep and goats, at least two years old for cows, and at least five years old for camels.
Time of Sacrifice: The Udhiyah should be performed after the Eid al-Adha prayer and can be carried out over the three days of the festival (10th, 11th, and 12th of Dhu al-Hijjah).
Division of Meat: The meat from the sacrificed animal is typically divided into three parts: one-third is given to the poor and needy, one-third is shared with relatives, friends, and neighbors, and one-third is kept for the family that performed the sacrifice.
Prohibition of Certain Actions: It is recommended that those who intend to perform Udhiyah should not cut their nails or remove any hair from their body, starting from the first day of Dhu al-Hijjah until the sacrifice is completed.

Act Now, Reap Forever

Your Qurbani, Their Survival
& let your name be written today among the righteous in the Book of Allah

The Udhiyah serves as a reminder of Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion and obedience to Allah. It also emphasizes the importance of sharing and caring for others, especially the less fortunate, during the celebration of Eid al-Adha.

Ibadah / Acts of Worship Religion Sadaqah

Aqeeqah Rules

Aqeeqah(Aqiqah) is a specific type of Qurbani (sacrifice) in Islam, which is performed for a newborn child. It is an act of thanksgiving to Allah for the blessing of the newborn and is considered a Sunnah (recommended practice) of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The Aqeeqah is not compulsory but is highly emphasized in Islam.

The Aqeeqah involves the slaughtering of one or two animals, typically sheep or goats, after a child is born. The sacrifice should be performed on the seventh day after the child’s birth, but if it is not possible on the seventh day, it can be done on the fourteenth, twenty-first, or any other day after that.

For a baby boy, two animals (preferably sheep or goats) are sacrificed, while for a baby girl, one animal is sacrificed. A portion of the meat is distributed to the poor and needy, while the rest can be shared with family and friends during a celebratory meal. To perform the Qurbani(sacrifice), you can see from this link.

The Aqeeqah also involves other important practices, such as giving the baby a name, performing Tahnik (softening a date or other sweet and rubbing it on the baby’s palate), and shaving the baby’s head. The weight of the baby’s shaved hair is often given in silver or another form of charity to the poor.

It is important to note that the Aqeeqah is different from other forms of Qurbani, such as the Udhiyah, which is performed during the Islamic festival of Eid al-Adha. The Aqeeqah is specifically performed for a newborn child, while the Udhiyah commemorates the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH).

Ibadah / Acts of Worship Religion Sadaqah