Al-Fawz Academy is an organization dedicated to the growth of community children, both intellectually and spiritually. Through innovative programs and stimulating curriculums, Al-Fawz empowers children to become better Muslims and global citizens. We make learning Islam fun and exciting, with an emphasis on real everyday application!
قال رسول الله صلي الله عليه وسلم من صام رمضان ايمانا و احتساب
غفرله ما تقدم من ذنبه
The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) said, "Whoever fasts during Ramadan with imaan and consciousness, keeping account of himself, his past sins will be forgiven".
Fasting is an obligatory act of worship. It is to abstain from eating, drinking and all activities which Allah dislikes and He has forbidden.
Fasting requires faith and conviction in Allah. Simply not eating or drinking all day does not constitute as fasting. Fasting for the sake of Allah demands that Believers make the intention to fast to please Allah. This includes being extra careful and conscious of so as to only do good deeds which make Allah happy like, pray Salah on time, recite lots of Qur'an, be respectful and dutiful to parents, help and accommodate everyone, give in charity etc.
Fasting with faith also demands that one keeps a check on themselves and get engaged in immoralities and sins. Even if other people prompt us to fight, do not raise voice, insult, curse or become physically aggressive, refrain from becoming angry and forgive. Leave all things which Allah dislikes like delaying Salah, listening to music and being disrespectful to parents.
When a Believer fasts deliberately for Allah, nothing stops him/her from eating and drinking and following vain desires except the love and fear of Allah. When a Believer is aware and humbled by the burden of his/her sins and sincerely asks for Allah's forgiveness whilst fasting then inshaAllah Allah will forgive their past sins.
Every day, consciously and many times unconsciously, we make numerous mistakes. Over the weeks and months, these mistakes accumulate and tar our soul until it is corrupt. It is like iron, if left outside, unprotected from the natural elements, it rusts and decay. Or like meat or milk left for too long on the kitchen counter, rots and smells. Similarly our souls, when exposed to profuse immoralities and left in the environment of sin, disintegrates and depletes. So just as we laundry our clothes, wash our dishes and clean our bathrooms it is necessary to clean and purify our souls at least once a year from all the corruption that soils it. Fasting in the month of Ramadan with faith and accountability expiates previous sins.
What do you prefer?
Dirty dishes? or ...
Clean dishes?
Dirty clothes?
Clean clothes?
When we like clean things for ourselves, shouldn't we make our souls free from sin for Allah? Fast with imaan and consciousness this Ramadan inshaAllah.
سال رجل رسول الله صلي الله عليه وسلم فقال: اخبرني عن الاسلام قال رسول الله صلي الله عليه وسلم: الاسلام ان تشهد ان لا اله الا الله و ان محمد رسول الله وتقيم الصلاة وتؤ تي الزكاة وتصوم رمضان وتحج البيت ان استطعت اليه سبيلا
A man came to Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) and said, "Inform me about Islam." The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) said, "Islam is that you testify that there is no God worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad (s.a.w) is the Prophet of Allah and that you establish Salah, give Zakah, fast the month of Ramadan and make Hajj to the House (of Allah) when you are capable."
الاسلام - Islam means submissions. It is to surrender oneself to Allah and do everything that Allah has commanded. Islam is founded upon 5 pillars. People must satisfy all 5 pillars to become and remain Muslim.
ان لا اله الا الله - The 1st pillar of Islam is to believe that there is no God worthy of worship expect. Allah is the Sovereign, One Who Owns and Controls the sky, the earth and everything in between them and beyond. Allah is Pure, Perfect and Holy. He is the Sacred, the Source of Peace, Security and Protection. Allah is the Al-Mighty, the All-Powerful. He is the Compeller, the One Who Subdues. He is Invincible, nothing can happen without His permission. He is the Creator, the Sustainer and the Planner. He fashioned and evolved everything that exists. Allah gave it shape, design and features. He is the Wise, the Best Judge, the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing, the Supreme and the Superb. Allah is One, there is no one even remotely similar to Him or equal. He is the Eternal, the Ever-Living, the Ever-Lasting. He is independent and free of want while all things are lying upon Him and in need of Him to exit. He does not have children, parents or any partners. He is Unique and Alone in His Divinity and Lordship.
And [mention] when Jesus, the son of Mary, said, "O children of Israel, indeed I am the messenger of Allah to you confirming what came before me of the Torah and bringing good tidings of a messenger to come after me, whose name is Ahmad." [Qur'an, 61:6]
Allah vouches for the Prophethood of Muhammad (s.a.w) with the words إِنَّكَ لَمِنَ الْمُرْسَلِينَ, "Indeed you are surely from those who are sent [with Allah's Message to the people]. Allah also says Muhammad (s.a.w) is the Final Messenger, there will be no Prophets after him.
Muhammad is not the father of [any] one of your men, but [he is] the Messenger of Allah and last of the prophets. And ever is Allah , of all things, Knowing. [Qur'an, 33:40]
Muhammad (s.a.w) is Allah's last and complete means of guidance. Anyone who wishes to know about Allah and worship Him in the best of ways must profess faith in the Prophethood of Muhammad (s.a.w) and follow his example.
Say, [O Muhammad], "If you should love Allah , then follow me, [so] Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful." [Qur'an, 3:31]
وتقيم الصلاةEstablishing Salah is the 2nd pillar of Islam. The command to establish Salah was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) in Paradise. Allah especially ascended the Prophet (s.a.w) to Paradise and ordered him and all those who follow him to establish Salah 5 times a day. The command to establish Salah is mentioned in the Qur'an over 700 times. Salah offered at it's fixed time is most beloved to Allah. Salah means to connect with Allah. Believers are most closet to Allah when they are in state of prostration (sajdah). Salah is the greatest act of worship dedicated to Allah which proves our commitment to Him. Through Salah a Believer thanks and praises Allah, asks Allah for His mercy, guidance and mercy. Salah prevents the Believers from sin as it reminds people of Allah and the Day of Judgment. The people who do not establish Salah are disbelievers and the people who are lazy and late in offering their Salah and do not remember Allah much when they pray are hypocrites.
وتؤ تي الزكاة Zakah means to increase and purify. Zakah puries wealth and soul from sin, greed, stinginess and arrogance. Allah increases wealth and blesses it when zakah and charity is given to the poor and the needy from it. Zakah is the 3rd pillar and an obligation in Islam like Salah. Zakah promotes distribution of riches and resources in society, it establishes social justice, brotherhood and compassion.
وتصوم رمضان - Fasting in the month of Ramadan is the 4th pillar of Islam. It means to stop and abstain from eating, drinking and all things which displease Allah and Allah has forbidden. This month is about becoming a new person, overcoming bad habits and really trying hard to come close to Allah by worshiping Him more than other months and asking for His forgiveness and love. Ramadan is also the month of reading Qur'an and charity. Believers complete the recitation of the entire Qur'an at least once this month and pay Zakah.
وتحج البيت ان استطعت - The final and 5th pillar of Islam is to perform Hajj to the House of Allah. Hajj means to intend. Make the intention to spend some time with Allah. It is a journey of love that calls upon us to pause our lives with our families and friends, work and play to travel to Allah for the love of Allah and spend 5 days at His House in His worship and remembrance. Hajj is obligatory upon Believers at least once in their lifetime.
The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w), "Whoever treads a path in search of knowledge, Allah will make easy for him/her the path to Paradise." [Bukhari and Muslim]
Paradise is a great dominion of pleasure and delight which Allah created for His righteous servants out of His mercy in appreciation for their patience and good deeds they have done in this world.
Paradise is made of infinite lush dark green garden prettified with beautiful palaces, trees and rivers. The soil of Paradise is perfume. The stones and rocks of Paradise are precious jewels. The palaces of Paradise are made of gold and silver bricks. The tenets of Paradise are hollowed pearls. In the palaces and tents of Paradise there are fancy beds of silk brocade. The couches of Paradise are luxurious and raised high with decorated cushions lined up.
The people of Paradise will wear silk dresses and bracelets. Their faces will glimmer with gorgeous exquisiteness and allure. The Host in Paradise is Allah. Every time the people will see Allah time they will increase in beauty and glamour. The neighbours in Paradise will be the Prophets of Allah (a.s) and the Companions (r.a).
The trees of Paradise are massive with never-ending shading. Each tree is laden with plentiful fruits of every kind. The fruits of Paradise are softer than butter and sweeter than honey. Paradise has sweet, soothing, cold and refreshing rivers of water, milk and wine. Drinks in Paradise are served in crystal cups brimming to the top. The meat served in Paradise is tender and appetizing. In Paradise, people will have everything that they desire.
Allah rewards Paradise to those of His servants who learn knowledge. Knowledge is the way to Paradise.
Knowledge is acquiring facts, information, skills and experiences of a particular topic, subject and/or field. The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) said, "acquiring knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim" and he (s.a.w) encourage us to study beneficial knowledge; knowledge which is good, it brings us closer to Allah, improves our life and enables us to help other people.
Islamic knowledge is is a detailed familiarity with, and understanding of the Qur'an and ahadith. Although it is recommend to study all beneficial knowledge, learning Islamic knowledge is the best because Qur'an is the rope of Allah which connects us to Allah and ahadith are the statements of the Prophet (s.a.w) which help us understand and apply the Qur'an in our lives.
Mu'awiyah (r.a) reported, the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) said, "When Allah wishes good for someone, He bestows upon him/her the understanding of Deen." [Bukhari and Muslim] From all the blessings which Allah has given us: health, wealth, food, family, friends, a house and a school, the knowledge of the religion of Islam is Allah's greatest blessing which He offers to only to special people.
Knowledge of Islam guides us to live the best life in this world and go to the best place (Paradise) after death. Ibn Mas'ud (r.a) reported, the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) said, "Envy is permitted only in two cases: a man upon whom Allah bestows wealth and he spends it in rightfully, and a man upon whom Allah has bestowed knowledge which he applies and teaches it." [Bukhari and Muslim] We often feel jealous when we see nice things that other people have and we wish we had them too. But in Islam, the nicest of things is money which is spent in the way of Allah (charity) and knowledge which is acted upon and shared with others.
Traveling to seek knowledge, that is leaving the house and all comforts to learn knowledge is especially beloved to Allah. So the act of waking up in the morning, making preparations and then driving to school is so virtuous and pleasing to Allah that because of this, Allah makes the path to Paradise easy for students.
Targets:
Sincerely pray to Allah that He allows you to enter Paradise.
Make a firm intention in your heart that you want to learn the knowledge of Islam & act upon it.
Do all your homework on time and go to bed early on Friday. Wake up on your own on Saturday and Sunday, get read and come to Islamic class happily.
Ahadith are the statements of the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w).
Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) is Allah's last and final Messenger to humankind.
Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) only spoke only from what Allah revealed to him, therefore, all his statements are founded upon divine instructions from Allah which we must follow as Muslims.
Affirming the authenticity of the Prophet's (s.a.w) speech, Allah says, "Your companion [Muhammad] has not strayed, nor has he erred, nor does he speak from [his own] inclination. It is not but a revelation revealed." [Qur'an, 53:2-4]
Allah has commanded the Muslims to obey the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) and only in the obedience of the Prophet (s.a.w) is the verification of our faith and obedience of Allah. In other words, a person cannot be a Muslim until he/she obeys Allah and the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w).
"And We did not send any messenger except to be obeyed by permission of Allāh."[Qur'an, 4:64]
"He who obeys the Messenger has obeyed Allāh" [Qur'an, 4:80]
"But no, by your Lord, they will not [truly] believe until they make you, [O Muúammad], judge concerning that over which they dispute among themselves and then find within themselves no discomfort from what you have judged and submit in [full, willing] submission." [Qur'an, 4:65]
The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) was specifically appointed by Allah to explain the Qur'an and teach it's implementation in daily life. The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) embodied all the lessons of Qur'an in his character such that he became the living Qur'an, a practical guide and demonstration of Qur'an's application. So anyone who wants to understand the Qur'an today, must learn about the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) and study how he (s.a.w) lived and acted upon the Qur'an. Allah says,
"O People of the Scripture, there has come to you Our Messenger to make clear to you [the religion] .... there has come to you a bringer of good tidings and a warner." [Qur'an, 5:19]
"Say, "What thing is greatest in testimony?" Say, "Allāh is witness between me and you. And this Qur’ān was revealed to me that I may warn you thereby and whomever it reaches." [Qur'an, 6:19]
Allah loves and forgives the Muslims who follow the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w). "Say, [O Muhammad], "If you should love Allāh, then follow me, [so] Allāh will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allāh is Forgiving and Merciful." [Qur'an, 3:31]
Allah has mercy and He increases in success and happiness the Muslims who follow the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w). "And establish prayer and give zakāh and obey the Messenger – that you may receive mercy." [24:56]. "The only statement of the [true] believers when they are called to Allāh and His Messenger to judge between them is that they say, “We hear and we obey.” And those are the successful.And whoever obeys Allāh and His Messenger and fears Allāh and is conscious of Him – it is those who are the attainers." [24:51-52].
Following the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) is proof that we are Muslims and we have imaan. Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w), "none of you truly believes until I am more beloved to him than his parents, children, wealth and even his own self." [Bukhari]
Following the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) resolves conflict and brings people together. It is the method means of unifying the Muslims and promoting equality and justice, "O you who have believed, obey Allāh and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you. And if you disagree over anything, refer it to Allāh and the Messenger, if you should believe in Allāh and the Last Day. That is the best [way] and best in result." [4:59]
Following the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) is guidance and protect against being led astray. The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) said, "I am leaving behind two things, whoever hold on to them firmly, will never be led astray: the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w)."
Following the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) = Paradise in the Hereafter. The Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w), "Whoever obeys me will enter Paradise." [Bukhari]
So studying ahadith (statements of the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) help us learn and understand what the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) did and commanded us to do. So in other words, the more we study the ahadith of the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w), the better we can follow him and improve ourselfs in our beliefs and good deeds to receive guidance, love, mercy, forgiveness, success and Paradise from Allah.
60) أَلَمْ أَعْهَدْ إِلَيْكُمْ يَا بَنِي آدَمَ أَن لَّا تَعْبُدُوا الشَّيْطَانَ إِنَّهُ لَكُمْ عَدُوٌّ مُّبِينٌ Did I not enjoin upon you, O children of Adam, that you not worship Satan – [for] indeed, he is to you a clear enemy .
أَعْهَدْ is a binding promise/oath, an agreement and contract.
All humans have solemnly pledged to Allah to devoutedly and committedly worship Allah.
Before the creation of the universe, Allah made human souls and in the valley of "alast", Allah asked our souls if we recognize Him as our Creator, Sustainer and Master. We replied in the affirmative. Although we do not recall this event but it resonates to day today in our souls. This is why whenever a person hears the Qur'an (speech of Allah), it touches and softens our heart. It's innate in our psyche to incline towards, find great solace and satisfaction in Allah and His Book (Qur'an).
تَعْبُدُوا is from عبادة, which means to worship. Worship is to obey unconditonally with love and humility, to dutifully submit with respect and adoration, to have utmost conviction and reliance. Allah is deserving of our worship because He is our Creator.
أَن لَّا تَعْبُدُوا الشَّيْطَانَ Allah has prohibited us from worshiping the Shaytan because Shaytan is our enemy. Shaytan encourages debauchery and immorality. He plagues the mind withe fear, negative thoughts, depression, arrogance, greed and lust. He confuses us over the Divinity and Lordship of Allah. He makes all evil, sinister, vile and perverse practices, behaviour, clothes, words and food appealing to us. He wants to destroy and ruin us.
To know more about the tricks and traps of of Shaytan, see: Exposing Shaytan
إِنَّهُ لَكُمْ عَدُوٌّ مُّبِي Shaytan is an open enemy. There is nothing covert about his hostility and hatred towards all human beings. He is adamant in ruining our lives by making us commit sins excessively and by dragging us to Hellfire with him.
بَنِي آدَمَ Allah calls us the 'children of Adam'. We are the descendants of the first man on earth and a noble Prophet of Allah. Adam (a.s) received knowledge from Allah; he lived his life as the vicegerent of Allah. Angels and Shaytan were commanded to prostrate to him. So as his children, we must sustain his legacy and follow his good example.
And that you worship [only] Me? This is a straight path.
صِرَاطٌ مُّسْتَقِيمٌ - the path of faith, righteousness, justice, compassion and Paradise. Worshiping Allah guides one to sound faith and prompts righteousness. Worshipping Allah generates justice and compassion in society and leads people to Paradise.
62) وَلَقَدْ أَضَلَّ مِنكُمْ جِبِلًّا كَثِيرًا أَفَلَمْ تَكُونُوا تَعْقِلُونَ And he had already led astray from among you much of creation, so did you not use reason?
Shaytan has become successful in misleading a vast majority of the people into corruption, cruelty, delusion and destruction.
Check yourself: Do you worship Allah or is Shaytan always successful in getting you to delay and miss your Salah? Are your actions based upon the Sunnah or has Shaytan convinced you to do whatever you feel like doing or whatever your friends want to do? Do your actions bring a positive reaction or are you a trouble maker everywhere you go?
أَفَلَمْ تَكُونُوا تَعْقِلُونَ - so did you not use reason? Always use your common sense. Do my actions make any sense? Am I behaving reasonably? Am I pleasing Allah or Shaytan? Am I obeying Allah or Shaytan? Are my choices leading me to Paradise or Hellfire?
63) هَـٰذِهِ جَهَنَّمُ الَّتِي كُنتُمْ تُوعَدُونَ This is the Hellfire which you were promised.
Those who worship and obey Shaytan are promised Hellfire. Instead of loving Allah and taking Him as their God, they followed Shaytan who corrupted them so there is no other recourse for them except Hellfire.
64)اصْلَوْهَا الْيَوْمَ بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَكْفُرُونَ [Enter to] burn therein today for what you used to deny.
تَكْفُرُونَ - The people who disbelieved in Allah and refused to worship him
اصْلَوْهَا - The disbelievers will enter to burn and roast in Hellfire. Imagine an oven that heats and cooks food thoroughly. Imagine when potatoes are boiled/baked, they become soft until their skin peels off easily like wet/light paper or tissue.
In hellfire, people will burn until their skins peel off from their flesh. Then new skins will be given to them and they will be roasted until that skin become brittle and it sheds. Again they will receive new skins which will burn so severely that it too peels off. This process of the skin searing and intensely baking in the igneous fire of Hell will persist for all eternity. Just look at the intensity and ferocity with which fire of this world burns. Can any person survive the excruciating agony and shooting pain of Hellfire which is 69 times more dreadful than the blazing fire of Hell?
65) الْيَوْمَ نَخْتِمُ عَلَىٰ أَفْوَاهِهِمْ وَتُكَلِّمُنَا أَيْدِيهِمْ وَتَشْهَدُ أَرْجُلُهُم بِمَا كَانُوا يَكْسِبُونَ - That Day, We will seal over their mouths, and their hands will speak to Us, and their feet will testify about what they used to earn.
Allah will seal our mouth on the Day of Judgment. The sinners and the disobedient of Allah will be hushed from wrongfully giving excuses and and lies in their defense. Our hands and feet will speak to Allah, and give truthful evidence of our actions.
Our body and our limbs are the property of Allah. He trusted us with hands and feet temporarily and on the Day of Judgment, He will question us regarding their use. Every thing we do in our life, has a positive or negative value and a price. With our hands and feet we can either worship of Allah and earn reward or worship Shaytan and earn sins. Whatever we choose to do with our body, which a trust from Allah, Allah will see it and recompense us for it.
66) وَلَوْ نَشَاءُ لَطَمَسْنَا عَلَىٰ أَعْيُنِهِمْ فَاسْتَبَقُوا الصِّرَاطَ فَأَنَّىٰ يُبْصِرُونَ - And if We willed, We could have obliterated their eyes, and they would race to [find] the path, and how could they see?
Like all our other faculties, our eyes are a blessing from Allah. To use any of our sense to disobey Allah is a betrayal and treachery of the worst kind. How can we disobey Allah using the very limbs and senses which Allah gave us? How can we disobey Allah when we receive nourishment and health from the food that He has created? How can we disobey Allah when we live in His lands and breathe His air?
Just as Allah has enabled us to see from our eyes, Allah has also guided us to see things from our heart, that is, to obtain a deeper and wiser understanding of things. There is more to life and the world around us than what meets the eyes at surface level. Through the Qur'an, Allah has guided us to decipher many realities and shown us the straight path.
67) وَلَوْ نَشَاءُ لَمَسَخْنَاهُمْ عَلَىٰ مَكَانَتِهِمْ فَمَا اسْتَطَاعُوا مُضِيًّا وَلَا يَرْجِعُونَ - And if We willed, We could have deformed them, [paralyzing them] in their places so they would not be able to proceed, nor could they return.
Before commiting any sin, just imagine if Allah deformed you or paralyzed you in the state. As you sneaked out of the house to smoke, or entered an online chat room to date, Allah deformed your hands so you could not hold the cigarette or type. What if our faces were disfigured every time we lied, backbit or listened to music? What if we were crippled every time we hit someone or transfixed as we ate unlawful foods? Youth, health, strength, intellect and spare time are some of the greatest blessings of Allah. Don't think that because you are young, brave and beautiful you can do anything you want. Or that so long as you can hide your sins from your parents, it's okay. Really think about the control and authority Allah has on you and use all the blessings Allah gave you to do good deeds. Take lesson from the people around you lest you sin and suffer terminally as they do without any cure or relief in sight. How many people smoked and now are going to several heart surgeries and lung transplants. How many people develop illicit relations with non-mahram only to be afflicted with the angst of AIDS and HIV. So be very careful and remain obedient to Allah. Worship Allah and avoid the whispers of Shaytan and inshaAllah this is best for you in both worlds.
68) وَمَن نُّعَمِّرْهُ نُنَكِّسْهُ فِي الْخَلْقِ أَفَلَا يَعْقِلُونَ - And he to whom We grant long life We reverse in creation; so will they not understand?
Don't wait for old age till you change. Make an effort now and come close to Allah immediately. Old age is filled with many hardships. A elderly person looses all his physical strength and beauty, his intellect and even his temper. In old age, a person is like a young child - very feeble, insensible and insecure. Avail all your time and energies now, don't sell yourself to Shaytan because he will never let you free when you are old. If your habits are immoral today, there is no guarantee, you will be able to reform yourself in old age. Understand that life is not forever. Humans exist for a very limited time on earth so don't postpone the worship of Allah, dedicate every second of your life now and till death in the worship of Allah.
