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Did you know?

The only two festivals a Muslim is permitted to celebrate are the two Eid’s?(Eid al Fitr and

Eid al Adha)

‘Eid al Fitr. A time of celebrations. A time where family and friends get together. It is a day of food and drink after observing the thirty or twenty nine days of Ramadan. 

But this is just a summarized understanding. As mentioned in my previous article Islam is a holistic way of life. It goes without saying then, that ‘Eid al Fitr is so much more. Whilst there is much information about Fasting and Ramadan, we know very little about the etiquettes of ‘Eid – what we are recommended to do on this day and what is obligatory for us to do. Below is a brief list of some of the prescribed practices of ‘Eid.

Some etiquettes of ‘Eid 

1. It is established from the companion Ibn ‘Umar, that he used to bath on the morning of ‘Eid
2. It is known that the companion Ibn ‘Umar would also dressed in his best clothes for the two ‘Eids
3. It is compulsory on all adult sane Muslims to pray the ‘Eid prayer. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) commanded everyone including women, children and the elderly to attend. Even menstruating women should go to the place of congregation so that they may partake in the blessings
4. It is Sunnah to eat dates before one leaves for the ‘Eid prayer to show openly that the Muslim is not fasting on this day
5. It is Sunnah to say the Takbeer loudly when s/he is leaving the home to go the the ‘Eid prayer and repeat this until the prayer starts
6. It is preferable to pray the ‘Eid prayer on open ground and not in the masjid (mosque) if possible 
7. Neither the Adhan nor Iqamah (calls to prayer) are said for the ‘Eid prayer

In Qatar, if you are up early enough, you may get to see the Muslims walking to the ‘Eid prayer.

Zakat ul Fitr – the obligatory charity tax after Ramadan 

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) enjoined Zakat al-fitr as purification for those who fasted from idle or obscene talk, and so as to feed the poor. He (the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him) made it incumbent upon the slave and free Muslims, male or female to pay one sa’a of dates or barley to the poor before the ‘Eid prayer.

 Zakat al-Fitr must be food and not money. In terms of measurement, one sa’a is equivalent to approximately 3 kilograms of whatever is the staple food in the country the Muslim resides in.

What to say on the day of ‘Eid

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) would say the Takbeer loudly when travelling to go to the ‘Eid prayer. Allah says and what means: “(He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allah [i.e. to say Takbeer (Allahu Akbar: Allah is the Most Great)] for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him” [al-Baqarah 2:185] 

“that you must magnify Allah” means venerating Him in your hearts and on your lips, by pronouncing the Takbeer.

So on the morning of ‘Eid you may hear the Muslims venerate: Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, laa ilaaha ill-Allah, Alahu akbar, Allahu akbar, wa Lillaahi’l-hamd (Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, there is no god except Allah, Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, and all praise be to Allah).

How to congratulate on ‘Eid

Muslims congratulate one another on the day of ‘Eid by saying, “Taqaballa Allahu mina wa minkum" (may Allah accept from you and us).

It is natural for anyone to look forward to a celebration, a party – if you will, and the Muslim is no different. It is clear that ‘Eid is a day where the Muslim continues to exalt Allah, the One God.

So what if ‘Eid falls on a Friday? 

If ‘Eid prayer falls on the same day as the Friday prayer, then whoever chooses to pray the ‘Eid prayer, it is not obligatory for him to pray the Friday prayer. Rather Friday prayer becomes recommended (a Sunnah) for him. However, it is obligatory for the Imam of the community to pray both the ‘Eid prayer and the Friday prayer. He cannot leave off Friday prayer because those who choose to pray Friday prayer need an Imam.

Gratitude on ‘Eid - a day to say thank you

Read more here here

Ramadan – The Season to (re)connect!

 

Bright nights and city lights; where the day turns into night and the night turns into day. It’s Ramadan. Nightly Iftars and gourmet Suhoors; where sumptuous buffets are set up in lavish tents. It’s Ramadan.

But have you ever wondered what this month is REALLY about? Perhaps you are new to Qatar? And have never lived in the Gulf Region to experience such an auspicious month? Or maybe you are a native to this season and need a little time to ponder, reflect and dare I say, implement?

A Deeper Connection

Beyond the manicured image of decadence, Ramadan is so much more than abstaining from food. It’s a spiritual (re)connection, to the One Creator. It’s a month where the Muslims take an almost absolute break from the world and its desires, worries and concerns, and flee back to the Worship of Allah, in a way that is most pleasing to Him (rather than how we think He should be worshiped).

Ramadan is the 4th Pillar of Islam. There are five basic acts in Islam, which are mandatory and are the foundation of a Muslims life. Ramadan is one of those acts. The end goal is to attain Paradise, wherein lies eternal bliss and no fatigue! Now who wouldn’t want that as their ultimate prize?!

A Strategic Plan

It goes without saying, that this end goal, like ALL goals, requires hard work, determination, and focus. It consists both the good days of mini accomplishments to the bad days of none! Either way, a winning goal necessitates getting back up after a fall. We keep our eye on the prize and persist in moving forward -- diligently.


As any motivational guru will tell you, every goal requires a strategic plan, it calls for a firm practice, which entails implementation. They will also tell you that each goal requires a new set of habits to be established over a 30-day programme before they can become part of a person’s daily agenda. The blessed month of Ramadan offers those very thirty days.

The Methodology

In Islam and especially in the months leading up to Ramadan, these practices are known as the methodology of tasfiyah wa taribiyah (purification and correction and education and cultivation). In basic terms, Ramadan (and the months leading upto it) is the season to prepare oneself for a strict training programme. It is a time for those who want to make permanent changes in order to become a better person and a devout worshipper. It is a great opportunity to make momentous lifestyle changes especially in Qatar, where nearly everyone is observing Ramadan!

And whilst it may appear to be difficult to abstain from food, it really isn’t. As with all ‘programmes’, hard work and effort are prerequisites. We only need to look at the latest diet fads or a ‘kick-the-habit’ intensive. What about an Army Boot Camp? Personally, I choose to fast!

So what exactly does this tasfiyah wa taribiyah mean? It is the implementation of beneficial knowledge coupled with establishing righteous and correct actions. It includes the correct education followed by cultivation of Quranic Laws and Prophet Practices. And whilst the heart of this programme is spiritual, it doesn’t stop there. Rather, it extends to one’s intentions, desires, speech and actions. This methodology demands that, for the one observing Ramadan, must do so to please Allah alone. The observer must first affirm that He, Allah, is the only Creator and Sustainer, and that all acts of worship are solely done for and to Him. Only then will it become easier for the Muslim to abstain from eating food as well as avoiding carnal desires, vain/foul speech and immoral actions. It will be easier for the worshipper to curb his/her negative traits, keeping the character in check. Consequently, the observer withdraws into a mode of reflection.


Recognising that his hunger is for a higher purpose, s/he is able to assess his personality, his situation and where he wants to be in life and in the Hereafter. S/he is then open to tasfiyah wa taribiyah -- the implementation of beneficial knowledge coupled with establishing righteous and correct actions.

Manifold Reward

In a Prophetic narration, the Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said, that "Allah said: The Fast is for Me and I will give the reward for it, as he (the one who observes the fast) leaves his sexual desire, food and drink for My Sake. Fasting is a screen (from Hell) and there are two pleasures for a fasting person, one at the time of breaking his fast, and the other at the time when he will meet his Lord. And the smell of the mouth of a fasting person is better in Allah's Sight than the smell of musk." [Saheeh Al Bukhari, Hadith No. 128, Vol. 3]

This narration illustrates the great virtue of fasting and its great merit in comparison with the other deeds. Allah, the Mighty and the Majestic has singled out fasting for Himself, and because all deeds are for His Sake alone then He is the One Who rewards for them. Furthermore  He is the One Who knows the extent of the reward and how much the Worshipper’s good deeds will be multiplied.  The narration also demonstrates sincerity as fasting is a secret between a person and his Lord, which no one can see except Allah, The All Knowing. The fasting person may be in a place with no other people around, and could quite easily eat or drink that which Allah has forbidden for him, but he does not, because he knows that his Lord is watching. He forsakes it for the sake of Allah and fearing His punishment and seeking His reward.

This established Practice, the way Muslims operate in this sacred month, is not only for one particular nation to the exclusion of others, nor for any one particular era to the exclusion of others. It is a one glove fits all methodology. It is a holistic programme that purifies and corrects the heart so that ones speech and actions are educated and cultivated. Ramadan truly is THE ultimate in self development and self enhancement. It's a Boot camp in which, if observed with a level of excellence, will reap a huge personal return and a life of abundance...inshallah!

This guest post was exclusively contributed to Rush360' by Umm Aasiyah who is a freelance copy writer in Doha. Her specialties include preparing workshop content and featuring articles for emagazines. 

Astronomy Exhibition at Katara - July 2014

Here is something for the whole family at Katara Cultural Village.

Astronomy Exhibition was going on throughout Ramadan at Katara with various family activities and tomorrow 31st July is the last day so don't miss it. Here are some details as to what is in store for you there.

Building 19
At Building 19 - Katara, from 7pm to 12 am there are two exhibitions going on.

The Qur'an and Astronomy Exhibition - 9am to 3pm and 7pm to 12 midnight
Here you will get to learn what Qur'an says about the Creation of the Universe and everything related to it. There is a short Documentary being featured where you can comfortably sit and watch and ponder with regard to this.

The Astrolabe Exhibition - 9am to 3pm and 7pm to 12 midnight

At the same Building 19, you can also see this exhibition featuring various ancient tools invented and used by Muslims to study the movements of the stars. There are many different kind of astrolabes displayed.

 

Visitors will also witness some elegant and neat Islamic Antique stuff.

Building 18

Solar System Exhibition - 9am to 3pm and 7pm to 12 midnight

At Building 18 - Katara, Solar System Exhibition captures the curiosity of the kids. You can experience the innovative presentation of our solar system along with little snippets about each planets. Walk through the orbit and find out the sizes of each planet.

Map of the Cosmos - 9am to 3pm and 7pm to 12 midnight

At the same building you will also see a huge Map of the Cosmos on the wall as well as on the floor and learn about the universe and the discovery of various galaxies along with constellations. 

Building 22
Galaxies Exhibition - 9am to 3.00pm and 7pm to 12 midnight
The beauty of the vast universe and pictures of the milky way and galaxies could be viewed here.

  

Astronomy Book Fair - 9am to 3pm and 7pm to 12 midnight

At the same Building 22, you will also see a variety of  books on Astronomy and a place to sit and read them. 

Katara Esplanade

Space Ship - 8pm to 12midnight

Here you will be able to experience the feeling of being in outer space!

Building 13

Family Workshop on World of Space and Science - 8pm

The whole family get to explore the outer space through imagination and creativity.

Boat Trip under the Stars - Katara Beach 10pm

You can take a trip with sailors into the open seas while using the stars for navigation.

Location of Katara - www.rush360.qa pin your current loaction and do an exact serach for "Katara Cultural Village".

Qatar Prepares for Ramadan - 1435 AH/2014

So all of us in Qatar are awaiting news with regard to sighting of the moon tonight and the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan.

The whole atmosphere changes in Qatar during the month of Ramadan with working hours becoming less and nights emerging to be lively than usual days! Opening hours of important Government Offices, Malls and other places in Ramadan can be viewed here

Join us on Facebook and Twitter for "Ramadhaan Pearls", which will include Ramadan Quotes and sayings in Arabic and English to enhance your spirituality every day throughout the month of Ramadan. This is a humble effort from Rush360 to remind the Muslims of this month and share the essence with the non muslims who are in Qatar. So please share these beautiful Ramadhaan Pearls with everyone.

 

Remember small kindness go a long away with rewards as well as humanity. Here are some small things each one of us can do this Ramadan.

• Buy  few pack of water bottles and put them in the masjid (Mosques) so the people can have water to drink during Taraweeh (The Night Prayer in Ramadan)

• Buy some tissues and leave them in the prayer area.

• Sponsor an iftaar at the masjid for the people

• Help out in setting up the iftaar in the masjid

• Come early and clean the masjid so the people come to a masjid which looks very clean

• Buy some air freshners and leave them to be used in the masjid

• Buy some burning incense to be used during Taraweeh

• Give rides to those who don’t have a means of transportation to the masjid for Taraweeh

• sponsor and arrange iftaars (Breaking Fast Gatherings)

Don't forget to take advantage of www.rush360.qa this Ramadan and find anything and everything around you and save time!