Category: Ramadan

Finding Qur’an Recitation Difficult

Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)

I find it difficult to recite the Qur’an, so during Ramadan I read a translation of the Qur’an. Will I be rewarded for this?

You will receive the reward of seeking knowledge and the reward for this is great. You should continue this but also recite even a small portion of the Qur’an, even if it is repeating Surat al-Ikhlas, Surat al-Falaq and Surat al-Nas. You should also say ‘la ilaha ill’Allah’ in abundance and intend by doing so reciting the Qur’an.

(Note: words of remembrance such as alhamdulillah and la ilaha ill’Allah are contained in the Qur’an so when saying them one can intend reciting the Qur’an and gain extra reward)

 

Long Days and Children Fasting

Answered by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him)

The days are very long in some places making fasting very difficult for children close to the age of puberty. What should they do?

They should not be burdened with more than they can bear. They should be encouraged to fast half the day or most of the day. Although their fast will not be legally valid, they will become accustomed to fasting and their hearts will become attached to it so that when they are older it is easier for them.

 

How can we make our children love Ramadan?

We do this by mentioning the mercy, bounty and kindness that Allah shows in Ramadan.

 

Post Tarawih Qasaid

The tradition after the Tarawih prayer in Tarim is to recite poetry in praise of the Prophet ﷺ . Through praising him and bestowing prayers upon him it is hoped that people’s worship is accepted, and he is at his most generous in Ramadan, as the hadith tells us. Other poems that welcome Ramadan, talk about its merits and bid farewell to it are also read throughout the month along with a selection of duas. Many of these can be found in Habib Muhammad al-Haddar’s book al-Nafahat al-Ramadaniyyah. Coffee is served to rejuvenate those present.

Every night, a section is read from three collections of poetry. Each section corresponds to a letter of the Arabic Alphabet and the verses from that section end in that letter. The collections can be downloaded here:

Al-Fazaziyyah

Al-Qawafi

Al-Witriyyah

Receiving Divine Mercy

Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him) talks about ways to  receive divine mercy.

All praise belongs to Allah Whose mercy manifests itself in this world to bring close those who were distant and to allow those who were disobedient to repent. They thus attain more gifts than they could imagine. Allah’s mercy continues to seek out those who are ready to receive it: the mercy of Allah is close to the people of excellence.[1] Continue reading Receiving Divine Mercy

Receiving Ramadan

How should we receive the month of Ramadan? Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him) points us in the right direction. This is a summary of various lectures on the topic.

We are about to receive the master of all months, the best of all months, the month in which gifts constantly pour forth from the ocean of divine generosity. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ once mentioned Ramadan and said out of veneration: “Do they realise what is coming to them and what they are receiving?” The believer should reflect upon his connection with his Lord, the One who has made this month an opportunity for him to receive His gifts and His forgiveness. We should receive this month in three ways. Continue reading Receiving Ramadan

Tafsir of Short Surahs: Surat al-Qadr

A summary of Habib Umar’s commentary on Surat al-Qadr, Ramadan 1436.

Allah says:

Indeed, We sent it down in the Night of Power

There are two meanings to Allah sending down the Qur’an. The first meaning is the first revelation which was revealed to the Prophet ﷺ in the Cave of Hira on Sunday night on the eve of the 17th Ramadan. That night was also Laylat al-Qadr. Continue reading Tafsir of Short Surahs: Surat al-Qadr

Intentions for Accepting an Invitation

What should our intentions be in accepting an invitation to someone’s house?

Imam Abu Talib al-Makki tells us in his masterpiece, Qut al-Qulub, explained by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz.

Accepting an invitation is an act of worship. If you have a good intention you will be rewarded for it. If you accept the invitation for some worldly end, however, you will not be rewarded.

You should have seven intentions: Continue reading Intentions for Accepting an Invitation