Salaams
Thank you to all that attended the weekly Zikr at Maida Vale.
salaams
'mwc'
Sufi Zikr
Thursday, 5 February 2009
Thursday, 15 January 2009
Friday, 9 January 2009
Sufi Meditation (Zikr) - Thursday - 8 January 2009
25th December 2008
1st January 2009 - 4th Muharram 1430 AH
8th January 2009 - 11 Muharram 1430 AH
Muharram Mubarak to everyone!Alhamdulillah, we've had very energizing Zikrs for the last three weeks - and yes, we had a festive Zikr on Christmas Day and New Year's Day! So thank you to everyone that made the special effort to attend particularly on those days - not to mention the cold! Brother Aslam and Baji Shenaz came and left with a whirlwind of blessings. We all thank you sincerely for all of your support.
Mashallah, we were treated to a sublime Zikr last night by brother Nadeem and the Slough crew Nahid and sidi Sajad, murid of the Bouchichi Qadiri tariqah. Thank you to everyone who attended. Nice to see brother Omar again. Special Duas were made for all suffering in Gaza and in oppressed areas around the world.
We also remebered the Shahid (Martyrs) and all the family and Sahabah (RA) who were martyred at Karbala, especially the grandson of the Holy Prophet (SWS) Sayyidina al-Husayn (RA).
New Marriage Announcement! Congratulations to both Alauddin and his new wife! Brother Sajad conducted the marriage ceremony.
NEWS! Log on to Zikrathomeonline! (coined phrase by Uncle Amjud;)) We should be testing being online next week via a webinar (link to be posted to all subscribing to this blog) so people not able to attend or indeed travelling will be able to logon online and join our Zikr through the web, Inshallah!
Good luck to Cal, who attended Zikr for the last two weeks and is going back to study at Bristol University tomorrow. We will email you the link once we've tested it.
Inshallah see you all next week!
Oh yes, why not bring a friend next week and increase the blessings?
Tuesday, 6 January 2009
Prayers for Ashura - 10th Muharram 2011 - 4 December 2011
The following are optional prayers for Ashura for people wishing to develop their awareness and spirituality in the Sufi path.
Nafl Salat for the Eve of Ashurah
On the eve of Ashurah offer 4 rakats Nafl Salat : In every rakat after Surah al-Fateha recite "Ayatul Kursi" once and Surah Ikhlas 3 times. After completing this Prayer (Namaz/Salat) recite Surah Ikhlas 100 times. Inshallah Allah Almighty will purify such a person from all their sins and grant them endless bounties and blessings in paradise.
Dua-e-Ashurah - An Insurance for a year’s Life
Hazrat Imam Zainul Abidain (Radi Allah Anhu) reports that who ever recites this dua( Dua-e- Ashurah above) on the tenth of Muharram, any time after sunrise and before sunset, or listens to its recitation from someone else, Allah Ta’ala will certainly make it an insurance for a years’ life for him, by keeping death away from him unless the person's time is finally written for the year according to Divine Decree and Mercy.
Salaams
Sufi Zikr
Day of Ashura - The Blessings and Practices of 10th Muharram
Alhamdulillah, Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) has blessed us to see another year. The first month of this year, 1430AH, is Muharram. In this month the day of ‘Ashura—which falls on the 10th of Muharram, the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa Sallam) recommended that we fast on this day, by his Sunnah. He also indicated how we should observe the fast of ‘Ashura.
Hakam ibn Al-Arat (Radiyallahu 'anh) relates: I went to Ibn Abbas (Radiyallahu 'anh)… I said to him: Tell me about fasting on ‘Ashura. He said, "When you seen the new moon of Muharram count the (days) and (begin to) observe fast on the 9th." I said to him: "Is it how the Holy Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa Sallam) observed the fast?" He said, "Yes." [Sahih Muslim]
Hazrat Ibn Abbas (Radiyallahu 'anh) relates that when the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa Sallam) said: "If I survive till next year, I will definitely observe fast on the 9th of Muharram (as well)." [Sahih Muslim]
(Note: What the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa Sallam) meant was that he would also fast on the 9th as well as the 10th to which he was accustomed. We also should try fasting on the 9th and the 10th of Muharram. According to varying calendars, the 10th Muharram is Wednesday 7 January 2009)
Fasting is recommended on the 9th and 10th of Muharram. If it is not possible to fast on both days, then every effort should be made to fast on the 10th day of Muharram, as there is great reward for this fast. (Muslim).
It is also acceptable to fast on the 10th and 11th of Muharram if the 9th and 10th Muharram is not possible according to Sheikh Nazim'sadvice.
Hazrat Ibn Abbas (Radiyallahu 'anh) reports that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa Sallam) arrived in Madinah and found the Jews observing fast on the day of ‘Ashura… They said: "It is the day of great (significance) when Allah delivered Hazrat Musa ('Alaihis-Salaam) and his people and drowned Pharoah and his people, and Sayyidina Musa ('Alaihis-Salaam) observed fast out of gratitude. And we also observe it." The Holy Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa Sallam) responded: "We have more right, and we have closer connection with Sayyidina Musa ('Alaihis-Salaam) than you have"; so Allah’s Messenger (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa Sallam) observed fast (on the day of ‘Ashura) and gave us orders to observe it. [Sahih Bukhari and Muslim]
‘Ashura is a day of great historical significance. On this day: Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) accepted the repentance of Sayyidina Adam ('Alaihis-Salaam) after his exile from Paradise; Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) saved Sayyidina Nuh ('Alaihis-Salaam) and his companions in the ark by landing on Mount Judi; Allah extinguished the fire in which Sayyidina Ibrahim ('Alaihis-Salaam) was thrown by Nimrod; And Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) spoke directly to Sayyidina Musa ('Alaihis-Salaam) and gave him the Commandments.
On this same 10th of Muharram, Sayyidina Ayyub ('Alaihis-Salaam) was restored to health (from leprosy); Sayyidina Yusuf ('Alaihis-Salaam) was reunited with his father Ya’qub ('Alaihis-Salaam); Sayyidina Yunus ('Alaihis-Salaam) was taken out from the belly of the fish; and the sea was divided as the nation of israel was delivered from captivity and Pharoah’s army was destroyed. ‘Ashura is also the day when Sayyidina Dawud ('Alaihis-Salaam) was forgiven; the Kingdom of Sayyidina Sulaiman ('Alaihis-Salaam) was restored; Sayyidina Isa ('Alaihis-Salaam) was raised to Jannah; the Holy Prophet’s (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa Sallam) sins were forgiven; and Sayyidina al-Husayn (Radiyallahu 'anh) (the Holy Prophet’s, Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa Sallam, grandson) achieved the honor of Martyrdom.
Worship Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) as much as you can on ‘Ashura. Whoever fasts on this day is like one who fasts all his life. Whoever clothes a naked person Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) will release him from a painful punishment. He who visits a sick person, Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) will grant him a reward that will not be decreased. Whoever places his hand on an orphan’s head, or feeds a hungry person or gives water to a thirsty man, Allah will feed him a feast from Paradise and will quench his thirst with Salsabil (a wine that does not intoxicate).
And who ever takes a Ghusl on this day will enjoy excellent health and freedom from sickness and indolence. Whoever provides generously for his family on this day, Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) will be generous to him throughout this year. And whoever applies Kuhl to his eyes will never suffer from eye-sore again, inSha’Allah al-Azi.
Hazrat Abdullah bin Masood (Radi Allah Anhu), a Companion of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sall Allahu Alaihi wa Sallam) reports the following saying of the Messenger of Allah Ta’ala, "Whosoever prepares ample food and drink for his family on this sacred day and delights in feeding them generously, Allah Ta’ala will increase His provisions for that year and place much blessings and good therein."
And on the day of Ashura the Seal of messengers whom Allah has chosen, on that day, Allah made Sayyidina Muhammad (SWS) to marry Sayyidata Khadijah (RA) and He made him to migrate to Madinah on that day. And He created heavens and earth on that day and He created the Pen (al-Qalam) on that day. And that was a Friday – not a Saturday or Sunday.
The Ashura Desert
Ashura's (Noah's pudding) ingredients can include water, wheat, chickpeas, rice, raisins, dried apricots, dried figs, apple, salt, sugar and honey. Grated orange and lemon peel, walnuts, hazelnuts, cinnamon and pomegranate seeds are also included as garnish. It is distributed to neighbors, and the dish is eaten with pleasure.
May Allah Almighty Bless us to perform good deeds and gain their reward on ‘Ashura. Make the new year one of unity, peace, forgiveness, mercy, cooperation and success for all believers in this city and around the world. Ameen.
Salaams
'mwc'
Sufi Zikr
Tuesday, 23 December 2008
Sunnah - The practices of the Holy Prophet (SWS)
We are starting a separate listing of some of the well known and not so well known Sunnah (practices of the Holy Prophet Muhammad [SWS]) in a heading called 'Sunnah Practices' for people who would like to take the blessing and benefit of practicing these valuable, and much over looked, practices in these modern times.
The first one was emailed by Baji Shenaz, via Syed Khalid Hussain, about the order of cutting nails.
Sheikh Nazim recommends to cut nails on Monday & Thursdays and preferably before sunset. The clippings should also be buried in the earth for the best benefit.
If you know of any Sunnah, from both strong and weaker Hadith, which you think will benefit others please leave a comment below.
Salaams
'mwc'
Sufi Zikr
Thursday, 18 December 2008
Sufi Meditation (Zikr) - Thursday - 18 December 2008
Mashallah, Mashallah, Mashallah! Alhamdulillah it was such a good feeling to see and with old friends, Haji Uncle Saeed (who also came back from Hajj recently) and especially brother Aslam and sister Shenaz - who support this Zikr gathering every week. Thank you to all the brothers from East London who came to attend especially for this evening's Zikr.
Thank you to everyone who attended tonight. It was nice to speak to brother Ali, from Turkey, who found us from Meetup.com and it was his first Zikr in London. There was a quite a gathering tonight (see photos) with special un-announced guest Sidi Abdullah Trevathan (of the Retreat Series shown on BBC 2 and of the Qadiri Bushishi Tariqa) who blessed us with his presence.
Sheikh Mikail lead a heartfelt, deep and immersive connecting Zikr tonight with the blessings of our Sheikh, Sheikh Nazim Al-Haqqani. Very hard to translate the feeling - you have to attend to experience it. It was also very nice to see and hear sheikh Jaffar's dua, who normally attends the Zikr at St.Anne's, Sheikh Nazim's Dergah in Seven Sisters.
Apologies for the two guests that came in earlier, as sister Hina arrived, but left shortly after the prayers were completed. I am sorry no one explained to you the proceedings and schedule. We need to arrange some sort message for visitors to inform of them of the programme of events in the evening which they can read and not think we are being rude by not speaking whilst praying.
If anyone sees anyone new or unfamiliar at the Zikr, please, please make them feel welcome and explain to them the schedule of events for the evening. They are generally, prayer first, then Zikr and ending with food. Pretty simple really people, so don't be shy!
Sister Shenaz has suggested to make the Zikr available via webcam so we are investigating this for next week inshallah. We will need help from Uncle Amjud inshallah.
Of course, not forgetting Auntie Farida (Mashallah, who came back from Hajj - Jazakhallah for all your prayers Auntie for everyone), Rahil and family for providing all the food and cake - it was, as usual, great chicken curry with rice and delicious cake (not as good as Yamin's Paul of course!).
Inshallah, we will see everyone for a special, special Zikr on Christmas Day evening and celebrate and give thanks for a very timely Zikr on such a remembered day.
BTW, salaams to everyone who couldn't attend or was travelling (brother Galib-we missed you tonight - especially Mother!) and hope brother Yamin gets better soon. Yamin, you need looking after Yamin!
Salaams
'mwc'
Sufi Zikr
Thursday, 11 December 2008
Sufi Zikr Meditation - Thursday - 11 December 2008
Thank you to everyone that attended tonight and it was very nice to see both familiar and new faces. It was a cold 4 degrees this evening but we still had a very good turn out so thank you to everyone for making a special effort because you could've stayed in doors watching the telly!
Alhamdulillah, the Zikr was very rewarding and intense in parts and we all benefited from the blessings of brother Nadeem leading the Zikr and Abdul Hakim making the journey from south London. The short naats at the end are always sweet by brother Nadeem.
We hope both Bashir and Jennifer enjoyed their first Sufi Zikr Meditation session and appreciate any comments you have by clicking comments below. Everyone that visited the first time today we didn't get a chance to speak to is also welcome any Thursday evening.
Jazakhallah to brother Rahil for the delicious food (also brother Yamin for dishing out the food and his 'consultancy' eloquence too) and we missed brothers Galib & Omar who didn't make it today due to travelling and probably working late.
Inshallah, we shall see both brother Aslam and baji Shenaz next week as they should be touching down this week.
Salaams and see you all next week.
'mwc'
Sufi Zikr
Monday, 8 December 2008
Eid Mubarak - Eid Ul-Adha
Eid Mubarak to everyone!
May Allah Almighty forgive, bless and reward us all for keeping the day of Eid in the best manner & bless us all here and hereafter with health, happiness, protection and sustenance from His Divine Mercy & Generosity.
Salaams
'mwc'
Sufi Zikr
Friday, 28 November 2008
Dhul Hijjah - First 10 Days - 1st Dhul Hijja 29 November 2008
DHUL HIJJA: A SACRED MONTH
Imam Ghazali (KS) said in Ihya' `Ulum al-Din: "Fasting is definitely desirable in certain meritorious days, some of them being found in every year, others in every month, and others in every week. Those that are found in every year after the days of Ramadan are:
- the Day of `Arafa [= 9th of Dhul Hijja]
- the Day of `Ashura' [= 10th of Muharram]
- the first Ten Days of Dhu al-Hijja
- the first ten days of Muharram
And all the sacred months are preferred for fasting... and they are:
Dhu al-Qi`da, Dhu al-Hijja, Muharram, and Rajab."
FIRST TEN DAYS AND NIGHTS OF DHUL HIJJA
`Abd Allah ibn Mas`ud (RA) said: The Prophet (SWS) said: "There are no days in the year in which deeds are more meritorious than in the Ten Days [i.e. the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijja]."
Someone asked: "Not even Jihad in the path of Allah?" He replied: "Not even Jihad in the path of Allah." Haythami said: "Tabarani narrated it in al-Mu`jam al-kabir and the narrators in its chain of transmission are all those of sound (Sahih) narrations.
The nights are included in the mention of the days. Allah swore an oath by them when He said: "By the Dawn! By Ten Nights!" (89:1-2) and the authors of Tafsir al-Jalalayn said: "They are the first ten nights of Dhul Hijja."
`EID AL-ADHA (FEAST OF SACRIFICE)
The `Eid prayer is a Sunna Mu'akkada or confirmed Sunna and is recommended to be prayed in congregation. It is wajib (obligatory) in the Hanafi madhhab and therefore required of every person who is required to perform Jum`a, i.e. healthy male residents of the region in which it is performed.
It is highly recommended and Sunna on Eid to listen to both of the Khutbahs given by the Imam on the day of Eid because your Eid prayer will not be completed without you listening to them.
It is a Sunna Mu'akkada and, in the Hanafi Madhhab, a wajib, for every adult Muslim man and woman to sacrifice at least one shat -- a sheep or a goat -- for `Eid al-Adha. This may be done any time after the prayer on the first day of `Eid until sunset on the last of the two days following the first day. One may have someone else perform the sacrifice on his behalf, whether in his presence or in absence.
It is recommended not to eat anything on the day of `Eid al-Adha until one perform the Prayer.
It is recommended to perform Ghusl (major ablution) before the prayer, any time after Fajr even if one does not attend the prayer.
It is recommended for men to dress their best and wear perfume. It is Sunna to come to the mosque early and on foot, and to return home by a different route. It is preferable for a `Eid Congregation to pray outdoors.
Source: naqshbandi.org
Salaams
'mwc'
Sufi Zikr
Thursday, 27 November 2008
Sufi Meditation (Zikr) - Thursday - 27 November 2008
Jazakhallah to everyone that attended this evening. Without you all the Zikr would not be the same so may Allah Almighty bless and reward you here and hereafter.
Alhamdulillah, we had sheikh Abdul Hakim visit us from South London and lead the Zikr this evening and we were treated to a Holy resonating Zikr. It was pleasurable to start with Salawat so Jazakhallah for that old time addition.
We welcomed brother Suhail, his first time in a Zikr association, who drove from Hertfordshire and look forward to seeing him again. Thank you to also sister Gulnaz who attended before and hope you found the Zikr beneficial. Jazakhallah to everyone that manage to attend regularly.
Jazakhallah to uncle Amjudgul for his lovely rice, chicken and bean curry and the delicious chocolate chip brownies were made by sister Sarah Chowdury (amended). Mashallah the group is always spoiled with both brother Rahil's and Yamin's generosity with either outstanding cooking from Rahil and Auntie Farida or Yamin's 'baker' treats of deserts, so jazakhallah to you both and may Allah Almighty reward you all here and herafter.
Inshallah, sheikh Nadeem will be back next week and we prayed for his father's health and full recovery. Inshallah sheikh Mikhail may even come so we can hear a rhythmical 'duff' inspired Zikr with maybe a little 'Hadra' thrown in! Are you up for that?
Inshallah, keep well, safe and see you all next week.
Salaams
'mwc'
Sufi Zikr
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