Tuesday, 31 July 2012
Ramadaan Home Industry Market
The Life, Style & Fashion Mag will be on sale at the event.
Support the Give the Gift of Sight Campaign for Ummaira Khan @ the Event.
Radio Al Ansaar
Radio Al Ansaar has been finally granted a 5yr permanent licence.
Catch them on 90.4!
Morning Drive Show
PRO PR MEDIA
Press
Release
For
Immediate Release
27 July
2012
___________________________________________________________________
Two former
Lotus fm presenters join forces...Faradh Patel & Nichal Sarawan set to make
waves...During Radio Al-Ansaar’s Ramadaan Broadcast – KZN’s only Islamic
Community Radio Station -90.4fm
Radio
Al-Ansaar is gearing up for another bumper month of projects and programmes set
to enlighten and uplift the Muslim community, from Thurs 12 July to Fri 24
August 2012.
Seasoned
broadcaster Faradh Patel is set to hit the airwaves with his ‘Morning Drive
Show’, a live interactive current affairs show with local, national and
international contributors. News and interviews are interspersed with traffic
and weather updates and Nasheeds
[Arabic word for song].
With
his infectious laughter, quirky world-view and high energy levels, Patel is set
to make waves this season with the rebranding of the Morning Drive Show-
Aspirational, Inspirational, Motivational.
In
a twist of broadcasting fate, another former Lotus fm presenter and local
circuit jock and dynamic presenter, Nichal Sarawan joins Radio Al- Ansaar’s
Morning Drive Show team.
Nichal started his
career at Radio Phoenix, moving on to Radio Hindvani when Radio Phoenix’s doors
closed and subsequently Lotus FM until 2 years ago.
He has spent the last
2 years pursuing business interests and trying his hand at running a DJ academy
for young, budding enthusiasts wanting to enter the field, but he is now
looking forward to being back on air with Radio Al Ansaar’s Breakfast show
presenter Faradh Patel.
Nichal met Faradh
while working at Radio Phoenix and joins him between 06h30 and 09h00 bringing
the News, Weather, Traffic and Economic Indicators.
With more energy than a box of crickets, Patel is the upbeat man behind the voice in the morning, on the seasonal Islamic radio station, Radio Al-Ansaar, Durban’s only Muslim-based community radio station.
Pietermaritzburg-born
Patel attended Woodlands Secondary School, matriculating in the mid-1990. While
still at school he auditioned for a position on Lotus fm,
joined
Lotus fm whilst reading for a BA at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
“Lotus
was excellent grounding as there is such an excellent balance between
commercial ethos and community involvement, and it gave me a taste of the world
of media.”
Patel
then moved to Gauteng, where he pursued his dream of becoming an actor,
appearing in the M-Net soap Egoli, as the character Naveen Moodley.
He
also appeared in various ads on TV, radio and in print as well as in a Russian
television series, before joining the marketing team at Sun International. In
an illustrious career within the marketing and communications and media sphere,
Patel has worked on high profile events such as the launch of Saffron TV, the
Sunday Times Food Show & the Sunday Times Literary Awards.
He
has compered various events, including various beauty pageants, Miss India for
some years, Face of India, Mr India SA and regional Miss SA contests.
Patel
currently writes has his own columns Fashion with Faradh & Faradh on
Fashion for the Post Newspaper and the Lifestyle Magazine with a syndicated
column in the UAE.Well-travelled Patel balances his media life against the
challenging task as of steering his own media and marketing company.
Nichal’s accolades
include being the 1stRadio presenter ever to be aired on Radio
Hindvani, being the 1st Indian Radio presenter with 3 nominations for the SATMA
awards and whilst with Lotus FM, actively promoting the South African Music
Industry. He has also been involved in the production and on-air Marketing of
an Award winning Local CD in2007.
Nichal
has always been extremely passionate and enthusiastic about the
music/entertainment industry and after his 2 year absence from Radio, Nichal is
now ready for this exciting new challenge which he hopes to be able to take, to
positively new heights.
Radio Al-Ansaar’s Ramadaan broadcast will focus on the significance of auspicious days and nights during this important tenement of the Islamic faith.
Radio Al-Ansaar’s Ramadaan broadcast will focus on the significance of auspicious days and nights during this important tenement of the Islamic faith.
Patel
encourages listeners, irrespective of their faith and beliefs to tune in.
“We
live in such a multicultural society that it is helpful to be aware of what is
happening in our extended community and beyond.
Patel
brings a breath of fresh air to the radio landscape in Kwa-Zulu Natal.
The
Morning Drive Show has proven extremely popular, so much so that we even
launched the Best of the Morning Drive Show, a compilation of the best Nasheeds
and the proceeds from the sales were donated to impoverished schools and two
charities.
Catch
Faradh Patel, Nichal Sarawan and the Morning Drive Show Team every Monday to
Friday from 6:30am to 9am on 90.4fm.
With
audio-streaming on course, Radio Al-Ansaar may be enjoyed by listeners all over
the world through the Al-Ansaar website www.alansaar.co.za.
Blackberry
Link: http://infant.farm.co.za/alansaar/mplayer.asp
Twitter:
@FaradhPatel
For
more information, call Faradh Patel on 072 711 8338.
www.facebook.com/pages/Morning-Drive-Show/374284575970515
www.facebook.com/pages/Morning-Drive-Show/374284575970515
Monday, 30 July 2012
Saturday, 28 July 2012
Hijab Drive
Hijab Support Group is doing a
"Hijab Drive"
We are collecting abayas n scarves for the poor &
needy. All sizes & shapes & colours. Come on Ladies empty your
cupboards and give generously. May Allah reward u..Aameen.
Nabi (صلى
الله عليه وسلم) said:
"The believer's shade on the Day of Resurrection
will be his charity."
Tirmidhi.
DROP OFF:
Azaadville @ Hb Hardware - Zaheera Akoojee. OR Fordsburg @ Leeya's
Friday, 27 July 2012
PMB Ramadaan Fair
Dates: Saturday, 28th July & Sunday, 29th July
(9h00 to 21h00)
Venue: Arthur Blaxall School Hall, Mountain Rise, PMB
FREE ENTRY
Support the Give the Gift of Sight Campaign for Ummaira Khan through one of mum, Sumaya Khan's many fundraising initiatives:-
* Durban Muslima's Scarf Pin Campaign
* Riaad Moosa & Friends DVD
* The Life, Style & Fashion Mag
Ramadaan Home Industry Market
The Much Anticipated...
RAMADAAN HOME IND MARKET
Venue: Baitun Noor
Hall,X5,Lenasia
Dates: Sun 5 Aug
Time: 9am-4pm
Awesome Home Industry Stalls
Exciting Lineup of Exclusive Abayas & Designer wear
Fashion Shows
Incl. Launch of New "Liyana Couture"
Charity Drives:
1)Abaya auctions
2)Abaya Drive:Donate ur
unwanted abayas to those in need
Kiddies Corner
Lucky Draws
Random Goody
Bags
A chance for all ladies in home industry to showcase their talents as
well as secure their orders in time for Eid.:D
NB:THIS A LADIES ONLY EVENT
The Life, Style & Fashion Mag will be on sale with the organisers.
*All stalls booked on first come basis,and are limited in
each category.
ƑoƦ more info wth stall bookings,sponsoring or fashion
show contact:
Munira : 0720376032 / bb pin27146F57
Sumyk : 0826975144 289C4D04.
Ntinyane Madrasah
Tucked away in the hills of Umbumbulu, a rural area about
30km south of Durban, lies a little hut.
Its floors are hard, and its thatched roof is laden with holes. There is but a single bulb which provides
light.
But this little hut is a madrasah to about forty
underprivileged children who learn the basics of Islam under a convert sister
each afternoon after school.
ILM-SA assists the Ntinyane Madrasah and Apaa Aisha
Shange - as well as four other similar madrasahs - in various ways.
This Ramadaan we would like to invite you and your family
to join Apaa Aisha, her husband Hashim, and the madrasah children for Iftaar,
on Saturday the 4th of August 2012 in sha Allah in their tiny but special
madrasah.
We assure you that Umbumbulu is a safe area, to which we
regularly travel, and we will provide food, as well as transport (at a nominal
fee). Adults and children (under adult
supervision) are welcome to join us.
HOWEVER IN ORDER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE TRANSPORT AND
SUFFICIENT FOOD WE REQUIRE YOU TO REGISTER BY NO LATER THAN THURSDAY MORNING
THE 2ND OF AUGUST. PLEASE FIND RELEVANT
DETAILS BELOW:
1) DATE: Saturday, 4th of August 2012 in sha Allah
2) TIME: We will congregate at the NMJ Islamic Centre
in Morningside at 4pm, and board specially provided transport there.
We
will depart Umbumbulu immediately after performing Maghrib Salaah and partaking
of a meal so that we can be in Durban in time for Taraweeh.
3) COST: R50 per person (transport)
4) TO
REGISTER: Call Maulana Khalid Yacob on
084 921 5883 for registration details, no later than Thursday morning, the 2nd
of August 2012.
We look forward to hearing from you in sha Allah.
Jazakumullahu khayran
wassalaam
BMS Cares
Benoni Muslim School has embarked on our annual" BMS
CARES" fund-raiser to assist less fortunate children with Eid hampers.
Every year ± 450 kids receive gift packs which include:
•An abaya/ Kurta
• A Scarf/ Topi
and
• A gift
Insha-Allah, with the help of الله and your generosity, our aim is to distrubute 500 hampers this
year.
All types of
donations will be appreciated. Donations can be dropped off at the
school.
Benoni Muslim School :
Chat street, mackenzie park
(011) 421 6014
Moulana H. Ravat :
(011) 420 1674
083 308 0611
Thursday, 26 July 2012
Annual "Sisters of Africa" Programme
One of the programmes arranged annually by the VII Development Committee is held in Ramadaan
which brings together about 600 females of different ages to spend an afternoon sharing their common
sisterhood.
The programme this year Insha Allah will once again bring sisters from organizations like WAMY, VII,As Salaam, South Coast Madressa, Islamic Guidance and a few Islamic High schools in Durban , as well as members of the community together to celebrate their common sisterhood.
The programme will take place on Saturday 28 July 2012 at the NMJ Islamic Centre, Hendry Road, Morningside.
The programme this year Insha Allah will once again bring sisters from organizations like WAMY, VII,As Salaam, South Coast Madressa, Islamic Guidance and a few Islamic High schools in Durban , as well as members of the community together to celebrate their common sisterhood.
The programme will take place on Saturday 28 July 2012 at the NMJ Islamic Centre, Hendry Road, Morningside.
Alhumdullah in the past, the disadvantaged learners returned home with gifts generously donated by
the public. Our hope Insha Allah is to extend this generosity to these pupils once again.
Sponsorships can be forwarded in the form of perishables, non perishables as well as cash.
We would like to prepare 350 Gift Bags with non perishable items as well as 450 food packs.
We would also like donors to donate newly bought or used scarves and handbags in good condition.
We would like to prepare 350 Gift Bags with non perishable items as well as 450 food packs.
We would also like donors to donate newly bought or used scarves and handbags in good condition.
Please see below examples of Items that may be sponsored. Please feel free to donate any other
appropriate items which are not on the list:‐ FOR FOOD PACKS:‐ Juice / cool Drinks / Milkshakes / Water
Chicken / Burger / Hot Dogs / Pizzas / Savoury
Treat ‐ Sweets / Chocolates / Chips / Biscuits / Cakes/Fruit
2.FOR GIFT PACKS :soap / Cream/ Deodorant/ Toothbrush/Towels/ Blankets /Socks/ Beanies /Stationery / Gift Bags
Exquisite Scarf Styling, in Bridal Issue of THE LIFE, STYLE & FASHION MAG
Islamic headgear is the trademark of a Muslim woman hence
for centuries Muslim women have covered their heads. Today, with the
interesting styles, colours and textures available, one can wear a scarf in a
variety of styles that are versatile, appealing, comfortable as well as
attractive. Furthermore, the scarf style that you choose to wear should
compliment, accentuate and complete your outfit. The correct colour and scarf
style can work wonders on any outfit.
NAZMA RASOOL from “EXQUISITE SCARF STYLNG”, is a
professional scarf stylist and make-up artist. She specializes in scarf
styling for weddings and special occasions, including bridal scarf styling, as
well as conducting basic scarf styling workshops.
Scarf styling is definitely one of her passions. What
started off as a hobby has developed into a full-time business. Nazma has done
many bridal scarf styles, each one custom designed to suit the bride’s
individual needs.
- Are you tired of wearing
the same scarf style everyday?
- Does your scarf slip off
your head throughout the day?
- Do want to learn quick,
easy, appealing styles where you can be in and out of the house within
minutes?
THEN
ATTEND THE EXQUISITE SCARFSTYLING WORKSHOP!!!!
The following options are available
- Attend a workshop at our
premises in Lenasia
- Attend a workshop in
your area
- Host a workshop at your
place
Learn how to create interesting styles which are versatile,
stylish and comfortable. The styles are practical and can be adapted to wear
with any outfit or Abaya.
Jazakallah
Nazma
Rasool
Mobile
+2784 410 3200
Radio Al Ansaar Ramadaan Fair 2012
Radio Alansaar Ramadaan Fair 2012!!!
This weekend 27 - 29
July!!!
All happening at 189 West Road, Overport!!!
Shopping,
Entertainment and loads of Giveaways...
* Umra Ticket from
PAKCO
* Holiday Voucher
from CONTINENTAL TRAVEL
* Clocks from
VAWDA JEWELLERY
* Uthmani Pen
Quran courtesy of COOEE
* And a VARIETY OF
OTHER GIFTS
Not forgetting the
MAJOR HIGHLIGHT "THE KIDDIES FASHION SHOW" between 3 to 4pm Saturday
28 July
* SCARVES
UNLIMITED * ZARINA TIMOL * AMEENS BOUTIQUE * ESSENCE COLLECTION * SWEETHEARTS * GORGEOUS GARMENTS * CAZABELLA * ROSE VALLEY TEA GARDEN * MOHSIN
RIZVI * BEAUTIFUL BURQAS * JAMMIES BY FAR & much much more!
So come on over!!!
Yes, RADIO ALANSAAR RAMADAAN FAIR 2012!!!
Mahesh Bhatt, fasting in Ramadaan
The Famous Film maker and Human Rights activist
MAHESH BHATT observes daily fast (roza) during Ramdan ? Why?
On the 14th day of Ramdan, as I drove back home to break my daily fast (Roza), a beep on my cell phone alerted me to an incoming message. This is what the message said: Hello, Mr. Bhatt, I understand through your utterances and writings that you are not a religious man and you do not believe in the efficacy of prayer. But I have now learned that you maintain Roza in the month of Ramdan. Your actions, Mr. Bhatt, bewilder the Hindus and shock the Muslims as well. May I ask why you keep Roza?
This question from a stranger made me smile
but since the query
was an innocent one I instinctively punched in my response, which was, Islam is a part of my heritage. I was born to a Brahmin Hindu father (Nanabhai Bhatt) and a Shia Dawoodi Bohra Muslim mother (Shirin Mohammed Ali).
When I was a child my
mother would ensure that I fasted for at least one day in the month
of Ramadan. I remember her telling me that during the month of
Ramadan the Muslims say that the gates of heaven are open. This is
the month when Muhammad received his first revelation.
After my mother died six years ago
I realized that the only way to keep her alive within me was to fast
for every single day in the month of Ramadan.?
That evening when the distant Azaan was
heard and the clock
announced that the day's fast had come to an end, my parched body welcomed the first sip of water that I had taken in 14 hours like a desert would welcome rain.
As I bit into an overripe date I discovered
that at this particular moment I was a part of this collective
release which bound me together with millions of people in my
country and all over the world with such unnatural force that I experienced
a sense of exhilaration like I had never experienced before.
And it was then that for the
first time I realized what the spirit of Ramadan is really all
about.
When so many people together
wholeheartedly share a common purpose, they are united in a way
that one has to experience to truly comprehend.
And the exhilaration comes from the
fact that it's not about the
individual alone but about all of us, together, doing something so completely. And it is perhaps this feeling of brotherhood that makes fasting in Ramadan such a unique and joyous experience. In this "buy, consume and junk" age where one's consciousness is being bombarded by all kinds of pleasure peddlers who market their mouth-watering food and drink on the hour by the hour, it is such a relief to shut the door to them and their wares and protect your body from an overdoes of pleasure.
In the month of Ramadan one takes a
break from the hedonistic way of life. One gets off the treadmill of
constant pleasure seeking and lives a life of austerity and
simplicity. This rejuvenates the physical organism and fills one with
unusual vigour. As days turn into
weeks you being to realize that the human organism spends too much energy in trying to process excess food intake. The maxim that man is killed by too much food begins to make sense. In the first few days of Ramadan, when the pangs of hunger gnaw at your insides leaving you to constantly stare at the clock, you suddenly feel as if there is an invisible umbilical cord connecting you to the sea of otherwise faceless people all over the world that often go for days without a square meal. Your apathy and indifference slowly begin to fade away and your heart begins to wake up to the all-pervasive suffering of your fellow human beings Another thing that makes this Ramadan even more special for me is that my 13 year old daughter Alia has for some strange and unknown reason spontaneously decided to fast along with me. "Like you fast for your mother, I fast for you", she said simply after I asked her what prompted this unexpected decision.
No wonder a wise man once said,
"What you teach you children, you also teach your
grandchildren." I wonder whether years ago while my mother was
shaking me awake in the hush of the morning light and whispering,
"Beta, time for Sehori", she knew she was also awakening her
future grandchildren. Isn't this at the end of it all what culture
is all about?
|
THANK YOU AND KIND REGARDS.
MEBS
Wednesday, 25 July 2012
Muslimah Today
Plans are underway for a Muslim
women’s conference to be held in Durban from September the 22nd to
24th this year.
According to Fatima
Asmal-Motala, the director of conference organiser ILM-SA, ‘Muslimah Today,’
will feature dynamic presentations by several prominent Muslim women from
around the country, including Safiyyah Surtee, Quraysha Sooliman, Lubna Nadvi,
Shubnum Khan and Khadija Patel.
“This is a conference by Muslim
women, for Muslim women, about Muslim women,” she said. “We’ll be looking at a
range of topics – spirituality, human rights issues, Muslim women and the media
– all aimed at motivating women to play a more active role in society.”
“Often we find men speaking on
behalf of us, particularly within the mainstream media –it’s time we changed
that, and we’ll only achieve this when we become more comfortable with our
identities as South African Muslim women,” she said. “We hope the conference
will go a long way towards achieving this.”
Asmal-Motala said she hoped
women from around the country would attend the event. “The conference is also
expected to provide a platform on which women can connect with each other
across geographical, ideological, racial and other barriers,” she said.
‘Muslimah Today,’ will take
place at University of KwaZulu-Natal Senate Chamber. Registration is compulsory
and is limited to two hundred delegates. The registration fee is R300 per
person, which includes entry to all three days, as well as refreshments and
stationery.
Registration opens on August 25th. Call 083 271 4500 or
email info@ilmsa.co.za for details on how
to register.
*Breaking News for Durbanites*
Alwani Dates.....
Fresh from Medina & Speciality dates
Will be available @ The Al Ansaar Ramadaan Fair this weekend!
For more info, call 082 8577 277
Fresh from Medina & Speciality dates
Will be available @ The Al Ansaar Ramadaan Fair this weekend!
For more info, call 082 8577 277
Tuesday, 24 July 2012
Heritage On The Palm of Your Hand
A wonderful article on the night before Eid with everyone applying mendhi and some of the myths and tales associated with it..........by Educator and mendhi artist, Rehana Rawat ............ only in The Life, Style & Fashion Mag
Beauty Focus
Beauty Focus with Zohra Soomar of The Beauty Studio ..................... focusing on skincare, beautycare ................. only in The Life, Style & Fashion Mag.
Monday, 23 July 2012
Sunday, 22 July 2012
Quote of the Day
I look up high to see only the light,
And never look down to see my shadow.
This is wisdom which man must learn.
~ Khalil Gibran♥
In The Kitchen....only in The Life, Style & Fashion Mag
Recipe's, Hints & Tips ............... all that and more ............... only in The Life, Style & fashion Mag
In the Kitchen with Ammarah of Radio Islam
Healthy Diet for Ramadaan
Eat Healthy this Ramadaan by following Pharmicist, Razeena Cassim's diet plan..............only in The Life, Style & Fashion Mag
Saturday, 21 July 2012
Advertise in The Life, Style & Fashion Mag
Advertise from just R300
in the second issue of
THE LIFE, STYLE & FASHION MAG
Special Bridal Section
Books
The reality of sihr jadoo vol one curing with th ways of
Nabi Sallahu alayhi wasalam .
Love hate love n jadoo in th life of Sumaya
Mahomed vol 2n3 with durood shifaa n duas
Recipe books WANTED with recipes frm food to deserts .
Exclusively sweet everything sweet ideal for eid and savouries of th centuary
savories recipe book ideal for ramadaan
Mother's Intuition
Mother's Intuition, by Doula Sumayya Mahommed
A page especially for new mother's and mother's to be.
Quote of the Day
Beauty has its own heavenly language,
loftier than the voices of tongues and lips.
It is a timeless language, common to all humanity,
a calm lake that attracts the singing rivulets to its depth and makes them silent.
Only our spirits can understand beauty,
or live and grow with it. It puzzles our minds;
we are unable to describe it in words;
it is a sensation that our eyes cannot see,
derived from both the one who observes and the one who is looked upon.
~Khalil Gibran♥
Friday, 20 July 2012
Smart People Work From Home ......
International company just launched in South Africa.
No selling!
Can you believe it ..... I get paid for handing out free stuff!
Contact ,me for more info:-
BB Pin: 2310e203
Cell: 072 325 6465
Email: 072 325 6465
No selling!
Can you believe it ..... I get paid for handing out free stuff!
Contact ,me for more info:-
BB Pin: 2310e203
Cell: 072 325 6465
Email: 072 325 6465
Gulafsha of ITV's Let's Talk
Profiled only in THE LIFE, STYLE & FASHION MAG......Guafsha Sayed of ITV
Read about Gulafsha and her segment on ITV, Let's Talk......
https://www.facebook.com/LetsTalkOnItv
Ramadaan in Cairo
The Life, Style & Fashion Mag, features publisher, Naseema Mall's story on Ramadaan in Cairo. Mall, lived in Cairo for a period of 5 years where she worked at an egyptian publishing company and she shares her story on Ramadaan in one of the most captivating cities, Cairo. Mall, now back in SA has her very own publishing house, Breeze Publishing. She is the sole publisher in SA, for books by renowned writer, Yawar Baig.
Read her story, only in THE LIFE, STYLE & FASHION MAG.........
Read her story, only in THE LIFE, STYLE & FASHION MAG.........
Rumi Quote of the Day
O moon-faced Beloved,
the month of Ramadan has arrived.
Cover the table
and open the path of praise.
~Rumi
A Conversation with Little Sarah
"What is Ramzaadaan?" asked little Sarah.
"Do you mean 'Ramadhaan'?" I responded, curiously. She nodded her
head. Little Sarah wanted to know about the month of Ramadhaan for the Muslims.
The 'fasting' month, as it is known and this was my reply:
Just as you may know the months of the year to be
January, February and March- we, as Muslims, have our own calender with our own
months. Ramadhaan is one of our months and so is Shabaan. Muharram is our first
month of the year. Our January.
You see, Little Sarah, as you have the Bible, we as
Muslims, have the Quraan. Ramadhaan is the month that our Quran was sent from
God to our Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) for us. It is because of this
that we take one month out of our year to give thanks to God. We turn to God.
We pray to God. We pray daily, it is just that in this one month, we increase
our prayers to thank God for all that we have. What we also do is 'fast'.
Little Sarah gave me a confused look as she asked,
"What is so fast?"
I chuckled and continued to tell her what fasting was all
about:
From the time the sun rises until it sets, we do not eat
and we do not drink. At night, we can eat and drink but not during the day. We
wake up before the dawn and eat and then we do not eat again until the sun goes
down.
We endure hunger as it helps us feel what those who don't
have much feel everyday. We go through thirst and we thank God for all that he
has given us- and when we are hungry, we remember God and we try not to do
anything sinful or bad. We stay away from smoking, we stay away from fighting
and we stay away from causing pain to other people.
It is a lesson we learn that some people aren't fortunate
enough to have three meals a day. A lesson that teaches us that it isn't
difficult to do good if we're willing to put aside bad actions. A lesson that
makes us, in more ways than one, better humans.
"What else do you do in Ramadhaan?" Sarah
asked.
In this month of Ramadhaan we read the Quraan- our Bible
and try to see what is lacking in our lives. We try to add this to our lives
and hope that we please God by doing so.
Through Ramadhaan and fasting, we learn patience, we turn
to God and we realise that there is more to life than eating and drinking. We
learn about prayer and how to treat our fellow brothers and sisters and also
how to be good to everyone on a whole.
Ramadhaan is the one month in the year that helps us do
great things and make up for the mistakes that we made in the other months of
the year.
Ramadhaan is our fasting month, a month that makes us
better people, faster.
When I was done, Little Sarah looked at me and smiled.
Sweetly, she said, "Thank you," and I knew that she understood what
the 'Fasting Month' was all about.
Contributed by, M. Ismail
Thursday, 19 July 2012
Proven Techniques for a Successful Positive Change this Ramadaan
By The E Islam Team
The Noble Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him)
has said,"Almighty Allah says, 'I
treat my servant according to his expectations from Me, and I am with him when
he remembers me. If he remembers Me in his heart, I remember him in My heart…. if he walks towards Me, I run unto him." (Hadith-Qudsi)
Make this Ramadhaan
the month of "Change"..Are You Ready for it???
"Change" is the vogue today.
"Change" is being chanted by the Presidents to rally up public
support; "Change" is being demanded by the masses suffering due to
skyrocketing fuel and commodity prices; "Change", a drastic one
indeed, is what we are witnessing with awe in the global weather patterns.
For Muslims, Ramadhaan is the prime time for
change. This month dramatically alters our routines and schedules. From tight
sleep schedules, to hunger for extended hours, to reduction in consumption of
junk foods, to a technology diet; to withdrawal from caffeine addiction, to
lengthy standing in Taraweeh prayers at night, to extensive listening to the
Quran. What a change indeed!
Beyond Routines and
Rituals
The real change, however, Ramadhaan demands of us
is the internal change – a change that positively transforms our lifestyle,
character, attitudes, conversations, and habits. Allah has described this
change in the month of Ramadhaan as follows: "O you who believe, fasting has been ordained on you as it was
decreed upon those before you so that you may adopt Taqwa" (2:183 [Quran 2:183].
Slavery to Ramadhaan?
If our change is limited to outer physical
practices only, we become slaves to Ramadhaan, instead of being servants to
Ar-Rahman (Allah, the Merciful).
Prophet Muhammad has warned us about those who
don't fast from bad behaviour:
"Allah has no
interest in any person's abstention from eating and drinking, if that person
does not give up lying and dishonest actions" (Sahih al-Bukhari)
.
Ramadhaan Resolutions
Every Ramadhaan we make resolutions and tell
ourselves: "This Ramadhaan will be different. I'm going to change my
______ habit." "I will give up ………", "I will take my
practice of Islam to the next level". But how many of us are really able
to follow through? Plenty of good intentions, many amazing wishes, but sadly
enough, life goes on as usual the morning of Eid.
Ask yourself, how is my fasting benefitting my
spiritual connection with Allah? How is my extensive worship in Ramadhaan
helping me discipline my tongue (taste and speech), eyes, ears, and habits?
Are you ready to take that first step to
transform your bad habits into good ones?
Ways to Kick Bad Habits
Few things are more demanding than eliminating
bad habits, since they are part of our daily routines and personality. It takes
days of patience and practice to break old habits.
However, the good news is, Ramadhaan offers a
perfect and natural environment for moral training. Interestingly, researches
from "positive psychology" (scientific study of successful people)
have repeatedly shown it takes between 30 to 40 days to kick a bad habit and
develop a new one.
In addition to the physical discipline during the
month of Ramadhaan, the increased spiritual exercise and connection with Allah,
can transform your habits for life.
Try these proven techniques
for a successful positive change in your habits during Ramadhaan and beyond!
1. Acknowledge and Identify your bad habits: First step is to admit you need to change. If you are in a state of
denial, you won't recognize that you have a bad habit to change.
2. Pick a habit for this month: Prioritize your bad habits and focus on one for this month. If you
are committed to changing at least one habit, you will see remarkable results,
Allah-willing.
3. Realize that it's in us to change: Don't believe the old saying, "You can't teach an old dog new
tricks." You can break a bad habit if you really want to. No one else can
change your habits, if you don't want to.
4. Remember, Allah loves
those who commit mistakes and repent: The Noble Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
"By Him in Whose
Hand is my life, if you were not to commit sin, Allah would sweep you out of
existence and He would replace (you by) those people who would commit sin and
seek forgiveness from Allah, and He would have pardoned them." (Hadith -Sahih Muslim)
5. Intention & Plan to change: "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail." A healthy
process of change in character requires a gradual pace, which entails planning.
Develop concrete milestones to measure your progress.
6. Replace a bad habit with a good one: Completely eliminating a habit is more challenging than replacing
it with a more productive habit. Moreover, it's crucial to replace the lost
natural needs, such as the need to socialize and to be entertained with
something healthy.
For instance, it's easier to replace your
addiction to TV with a physical workout or reading the Qur’aan or a good
Islamic book etc. Interestingly, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the
greatest 'psychologist' of humanity, illustrated this principle in these words:
"Fear Allah
wherever you may be; follow up an evil deed with a good one which will wipe
(the former) out, and behave good-naturedly towards people."(Hadith-At-Tirmidhi).
7. Change your Environment: Resist the negative peer pressure by finding a better company of
friends. Collective action to change is very powerful. Prophet Muhammad (peace
be upon him) explained this peer pressure effect with the analogy:
"A good friend and
a bad friend are like a perfume-seller and a blacksmith: The perfume-seller
might give you some perfume as a gift, or you might buy some from him, or at
least you might smell its fragrance. As for the blacksmith, he might singe your
clothes, and at the very least you will breathe in the fumes of the
furnace." (Hadith-Sahih al-Bukhari & Muslim)
8. Exercise: Spiritual exercise is important for lasting change. You may not
realize that by exerting your yourself in spiritual exercises like the reading
of Qur’an and Hadith, fasting, giving charity, Zikr(remembering Allah),Spending
time in the Path of Allah etc helps in eliminating a number of bad habits.
Through the spiritual light of doing noble deeds, evil ones will gradually be
eradicated from your life. Allah says : "Indeed, Salah
restrains from Shameful and unjust deeds"(Quran:29:45). A person complained to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
about someone who read salaah and also committed theft .The Prophet Muhammad
(peace be upon him) said "His salaat will very soon wean him off that sin.' This shows that the evil habits can be got rid of by adhering to good practises. The doing
of good deeds such as remembering Allah cleanses the heart. A clean heart
encourages a person to do good deeds and refrains one from evil habits!
Moreover, exercising your will power (struggle to
fight temptations) for this month helps you kick all kinds of bad habits and
form new good ones. Willpower is like a muscle; the more you exercise it, the
more you strengthen it.
9. Think of yourself as a changed, different, new person. This simple psychological shift in your thinking about your own
image can do wonders. Tell yourself, "I can't continue this ill-behaviour.
I am better than that. I am stronger. I am wiser."
10. Reward success: The most fundamental law in all of psychology is the "law of
effect." It simply states that actions followed by rewards are
strengthened and likely to recur. Unfortunately, studies show that people
rarely use this technique when trying to change personal habits.
Setting up formal or informal rewards for success
greatly increases your chances of transforming bad habits into good ones, and
is far more effective than punishing yourself for bad habits or setbacks. As
Muslims we should also remember that the ultimate reward is Allah's Pleasure
and Paradise in the Hereafter.
11. Get help: Tell someone about your
effort to change if it helps. He or she may keep you on track and may offer some good advice.
Read books that will encourage you to do virtues actions. Join the various
(amaal) programs in your local Musjid. Ladies should endeavour to join their
local Taalimi Halqas. There are good and sincere people who are ready to
assist. We are not an island- We are an Ummah!
12. Boost your spiritual immune system: By
fasting,doing good actions,Itikaaf(seclusion), spending time in the Musjid with
the pious friends of Allah or going in the Path of Allah will boost your Imaan
which will provide you with internal strength to overcome temptations to
reverting to old bad habits.
13. Remind yourself of Death and Hereafter often: "Remember often the terminator (or destroyer) of all the
pleasures(i.e. death)," the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him)once stated.
(Hadith-At-Tirmidhi.)
14. Resolve to continue on and follow up: Giving up bad habits or learning good habits requires regular
maintenance and determination. It is a long, ongoing process, also known as
"Tazkiyyah" in Islamic terminology. It's more difficult than the
first few steps of change. ("How many times have I dieted, for example,
only to gain the weight back?"). So ensure that you follow up. Link
yourself to a good Allah-fearing Islamic Scholar, make a habit of spending time
in the Path of Allah and constantly engage in noble and charitable work.
15. Develop a relapse strategy: How do you ensure not to return to your bad habit you are trying to
change? Some people donate money to a good cause every time they return to
sinning or a bad habit. This reminds them of the 'cost' of going back to old
bad habits. Others try physically demanding acts to deter them from reverting
to old ways. For example that if you do___ act than you will keep three fast or
pay so much sadaqah(charity) etc
16. Ask Allah for Help (Dua): MOST IMPORTANT!-Make Asking for Allah's
Help an integral part of the overall change process. Ask for Allah's Help
before, during and after every attempt at kicking a bad habit. Do so sincerely,
even begging and crying, like a child does when he or she really wants
something. Allah is Ever-Willing to Help and to Respond to our needs, but it is
us who must take the first step towards Him. Allah will NEVER disappoint us!
Allah Ta’ala says “ Ask me, and I will answer your call…” (Quran 40:60)
"And whosoever is conscious of Allah and keeps his duty to Him, He (Allah) will make a way for him to get out (from) every (difficulty), and He will provide him from (sources) he could never imagine." (Quran 65:2-3)
So surely you Can do it!!!…Just Trust and Pray
to Allah and make that great change this Ramadhaan!
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