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26/09/2007 Ramdhan PoemFor the time being, here is poem for all to reflect on.......... Ramadan Ramadan is a blessed month,where we fast without drink or food, Read Quran,seek knowledge,do wonders to your soul and even your mood, Ramadan is the chance to collect treasure in the form of good deeds, be patient,leave trust in Allah,watch your Iman grow like seeds, Ramadan is unique with immense blessings coming down like rain, subhanallah what a month it is,so much to gain, Ramadan is a test physically and mentally so strive, do your best give 100%,use your time wisely,pray the fard at least,all five, Ramadan is special where the pious soul takes advantage and prays at night, alhumdulilah such strengthen and devotion it shows to Allah,He is Al-Might, Ramadan sets the standard to follow,keep it real, give to charity,keep the poor,inshallah they will heal. . . . . . . .. Author: Brother Aaqib Ahmed (UK) IMPORTANT NOTICEAssalamu 3laykum & Peace to all Within this week, some transformation will be occuring. Insha'Allah (God Willing) it should be complete by Saturday 29th September 2007. SFTL apologizes for any inconvenience caused. We look forward for your comments, questions and posts. The SFTL Team Wslms Peace Out 15/10/2006 Duas (Supplication) for RamadhanInsha'Allah in this post we shall be giving readers some sample duas (supplication) that they can use in this blessed month.
First we would like viewers to view this video which contains many duas in a short 5 minute clip. The recitor is reciting in Arabic and there is english translation for readers to read.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dftvykq051I&NR
It should be accessible by clicking on it. There shall be the english translation of the duas posted up tomorrow for those who have problems with the above video or any other reason. Waking up for Fajr.......Part 3SIX:
14/10/2006 Waking up for Fajr....Part 2ONE: We should make sure we go to bed early as the Prophet (sallallaahu-alaihi-wasallam) used to discourage sleep before performing Ishaa prayer and especially engaging in conversation after it. Certain cases were excepted, some of which are enumerated by Imam Nawawi in his explanation of Muslim's account. Nawawi, may Allaah have mercy upon him says: The reason why conversation after it is discouraged is the fear lest it leads to staying awake for long , which might induce drowsiness and difficulty with observing night prayers or Subh [dawn] prayer in their permitted, preferred or best times. The topics covered by this restriction are all fulfilling no good useful purpose. However, as to useful verbal activities, such as the pursuit of knowledge, listening to the wise tales of righteous people, talking to one's guest or bride, or members of one's family for the sake of company, interacting with travellers with a view to protect themselves and their goods, embarking on talks designed to conciliate between people or intercede before them in a good cause or to enjoin good and forbid evil and admonish people by pointing to a beneficial course of action to follow etc... there are no such restrictions. TWO: We should be assiduous in observing the Aadaab [good manners prescribed in Islam] as to what to do before sleep such as making Du'aa supplication], bringing one's palms together, and reciting the last three surah's of the Qur'aan (Surah Al Ikhlaas, Surah Al Falaq & Surah An-Naas- Chapters 112, 113 & 114) and them wiping them over one's face, head and body, being physically and religiously pure and performing a two rakah voluntary prayer after wudhoo [ablution]. A muslim should ask her/his wife, husband, parents, relatives or neighbours to help in waking him/her up. Once awake, s/he should not linger lazily for long in bed, lest s/he acquires the vices of the hypocrites who come to prayer showing ample signs of laziness and lack of enthusiasm. THREE: The third suggestion is to fill one's heart with faith and good deeds. Once faith is alive in the heart, it induces the person to do good deeds and strive unremittingly hard. Faith is like a tree which only yields good fruit when irrigated from the streamlets of good deeds, thus bringing about an improvement both in personal conduct and at the interactional level with society at large. The lack of such streamlets or water supplies proportionately causes faith to wither and wilt. The heart is highly sensitive to external hardening stimuli, such as excess food or drink or aberrations in watching or listening (letting your eyes and ears loose to what is unlawful for them). You should therefore protect your heart from such external allurements. FOUR: To keep away from Ma'aasi [acts of disobedience to Allah] by protecting the eyes, the tongue, the hearing and all the senses from indulging in the perception of objects that Allah has made unlawful for us. As an alternative, one should concern him/herself with matters pertaining to the worship of Allaah, such as devoting one's sight to the reading of Allaah's Book, meditating over the creatures that Allaah has created in this universe, reading books of knowledge etc. One member of the rightly guided early generations was asked about the reason why people found it difficult to uphold voluntary prayers at night. He answered: "Your sins have shackled you". No doubt sins can be a major cause for a persons inability to enjoy the blessings of piety. As Imaam Ibn ul-Qayyim said, "sins are wounds and some wounds can be fatal". FIVE: To bear in mind the great reward for attending Fajr prayer in congregation on time, and the strong rebuke for him to fails to observe it and to satisfy its conditions. Uthmaan ibn 'Affaan related: I heard Allah's Messenger (sallallaahu-alaihi-wasallam) say: "He who prays Ishaa in Jamaa'ah [congregation] is as if he has prayed for half the night . As to him who (also) prays Fajr in congregation, it is as if he has prayed all night." [narrated by Maalik and the wording is that of Muslim who also reported it] Similarly, Bukhaaaree and Muslim and An-Nasaaee related on the authority of Ibn Mas'ud (radiallaahu-anhu) that he said: The case of a man who slept all the night up to sunrise (without waking up for Fajr) was related to the Prophet (sallallaahu-alaihi-wasallam) whereupon he said: "That was a man in whose ear Shaytaan has urinated", or he said "in both his ears". The urinating is literally true, as Imaam Qurtubi says, since Shaytaan urinates and has sexual intercourse and procreates in a manner that Allah alone knows (1). To ascertain for yourself the truth of this assertion, look at the faces of those who come to deal in their daily business without having prayed Fajr in congregation at due time; look at their faces at working hours. You will surely ask Allaah for refuge from a lot as miserable as theirs. But, after all what do you expect from a person in whose heart Shaytaan has urinated!!! Waking up for FajrAlthough this article isn't totally related to Ramadhan, it is still very important that we pray Fajr (Dawn prayer). Below are some tips in helping us to wake up, some may be obvious and some may not be, nevertheless it is open to everyone. At some point we may experinece difficulty in waking up, therefore let us read and implement what we learn Insha'Allah (God willing)
If people knew what blessings are in proclaiming the Adhaan and standing in the first row of congregatinal prayers, they would race to perform these deeds; and if they knew what blessings are in the Fajr and Isha' prayers, they would come to them if they had to crawl (on their knees) [Bukharee/Muslim]
Our Prophet (sallallaahu-alaihi-wasallam) is our exemplar who provided the best example in spending long hours of the night in prayer and waking in time for Fajr Prayer. This record was authentically known of him both in his teachings and his living example as he did not like sleeping before Ishaa [night] Prayer and discouraged his followers from useless talk after it.
In this he was followed by his companions and all the muslims up toa time not very far from our own days. They knew the reasons which cause laziness and lessen motivation to observe prayers in time (be such prayers Fard [obligatory] or Nafla [optional]) and warned people against them so much that some of them are reported to have said: "If you are unable to pray at night, then that is a clear sign that your sins have shackled you and deprived you of good deeds". Al-Hasan al-Basri was once asked: "Why is it that we cannot uphold prayers at night?" He answered: "You are shackled in your own sins".
Motivation is presently lacking among muslims. Otherwise they would not have given in to sleep even if they had to stay awake in the first part of the night. When one of them is required by his work arrangements or for his own worldly benefit to wake early at dawn, he would no doubt take the necessary precaution not to miss his appointment. He will forsake his peace of mind and have a restless sleep just for fear he might be punished or have his salary reduced. When it comes to prayer, they have no excuse especially when in our modern times Allah has provided us with alarm clocks which would be set at any time we wish. The problem therefore, is one of laziness. Such people do not know what they are missing. The Prophet (sallallaahu-alaihi-wasallam) said with respect to those who do not observe Ishaa and Fajr prayers: "Had one of them known that he would find a wholesome meal or two good targets, he would have come for Ishaa prayer." All in all, for him who sincerely wants to purify his soul from the attributes of the hypocrites, let him steer clear of laziness, be active, put into practice the action inspiring instructions laid out in our religion, accustom himself to take the initiative and realise what he and everybody in his position are missing in terms of the health of the body and great reward from Allah. Only then will his performance improve, Allah willing, and he will make up for what he has missed and follow the lead of the best of generations. Allah, the Most High and Exalted, is the Provider of success and assistance. Peace and Blessings be upon Prophet Muhammed, his household and followers. (Intro by Abdullah Ibn Abdur-Rahmaan al-Jibreen) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Note: This is not directly aimed at specific people, but generally those of the Islamic faith)
Most surely all praise belongs to Allah, we praise Him and we seek His Aid and Forgiveness. We seek refuge in Allaah from the evils of our souls and from the evils of our actions. Whomsoever Allaah guides there is none to misguides and whomsever He misguides their is none to guide. We send prayers and blessing upon our leader Muhammed with the best of prayers and the most complete submission. To proceed: One of the ill-seeming phenomena and most serious precedents that brings danger and punishment, giving reason to fear and calling for most urgent consideration on our part requiring immediate investigation into its causes and treatment of its symptoms is the fact that a growing number of observers of prayer deliberately shun Fajr prayer in congregation and only perform it at times other than its lawful time. It may be the case that this is due to their wasting away long hours at night engaged in idle and leisure pursuits. Our ancestors not very long ago used to make a point of going to bed early, to lock their doors after Ishaa prayer and to make their dinner light so as to be able to wake up for Fajr prayer in an energetic state. That is why they led a happy, peaceful and healthy life experiencing the real taste of life. It is argued that the advent of modern civilisation has spoiled both our religious observances and our worldly arrangements. As a result, we have fallen into laziness and inertia; our bodies hace grown fat and flabby; we move about less frequently whilst showing a greater readiness to sleep and a marked inability to perform the most trivial of manual actions. The present paper attempts therefore to suggest ways which may be of help in getting us to wake up for Fajr Prayer; for instance: 10/10/2006 This May Be Your Last Ramadaan...!!This May Be Your Last Ramadaan...!!
All praise is due to Allah Ta'ala, may peace and salutations be upon His Messenger Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam), his household and companions. We are once again blessed with the Honourable month of Ramadaan. A month for renewing our faith, strengthening our willpower, and seeking forgiveness, a unique opportunity to strengthen the bond of love with our Creator, through fasting, recitation of the Quran, Taraweeh salaah, and through acts of charity.
People approach Ramadaan in different ways. Ramadaan means different things to different people. Some people view Ramadaan as a period of expressing their undying love for the Beloved. For them, Ramadaan is a valuable, precious, and rare occasion. They spend all their time doing good, convinced that the reward of each act is multiplied manifold. Patience, sympathy, and generosity beautify the demeanour. They guard their tongues and remain preoccupied in chanting Laa ilahaa illallah, (There is no God but Allah) seeking forgiveness, begging for Jannah, and seeking protection from Jahannam. They are driven by the words of Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) that say:
“The fish in the sea, seek forgiveness for them until they break their fast. Everyday Allah decorates Jannah for them and says to it: The time is near when my faithful servants shall cast the great trials (of the world) and come to you... On the last night of Ramadaan they are forgiven..." (Ahmad)
There are others who 'welcome' Ramadaan with sighs of reluctance. To them Ramadaan is an unfair imposition, a month of deprivation and hardship. They grudgingly keep the fast and drag themselves to the Masjid for the Taraweeh prayer. Their concept of fasting is limited to physical abstention of food, drink, and sexual relationship. They spend their time in gossip, watching sport, and wasting their nights parked at cafe corners and restaurants. They are hardly ever stirred to Tilawat, (recitation of the Quraan) Zikr, and dua, nor are they careful of their salaah. Their goal in Ramadaan is to prepare for Eid. The words of Rasulullah(sallallanu alayhi wa sallam) aptly describes their spiritless endeavours:
"Many are the ones who fast attaining nothing by such fasting except hunger , and many perform salaah by night attaining nothing by it except the discomfort of staying awake." (Ibn Majah)
Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) further stated that: "Allah does not require the discarding food and drink of the person who fasts but does not refrain from bad speech and action" (Sahih Bukhari)
There is yet a third group who is hardly ever moved by Ramadaan. They neither read salaah, nor fast. They continue living recklessly in sin. They neither have the will or the time to make any sort of change in their daily routines. The following words of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) should serve as a grim reminder to them: " ...Jibraeel (alayhis salaam) appeared before me and said: " Woe to him who found the blessed month of Ramadaan and let it pass by without gaining forgiveness" Upon that I said: Aameen. (Sahih Bukhari) He also said: "Whoever does not fast for even one day in Ramadaan, without a valid excuse, shall never be able to repay that day even if he fasts for the rest of his life" (Ahmad) Brothers and sisters in Islam! Fear Allah Ta'ala and beware of wasting your life away in futile activities. Make use of your time by being positive and constructive, for it is by doing so you can achieve the pleasure of Allah Ta'ala. This may well be your last Ramadaan, your last opportunity to benefit from the special blessings and forgiveness that accompanies this month. Know that Ramadaan is a manifestation of Allah Ta'ala's bountiful blessings on His slaves. Use it as a turning point in your life; a time for transformation towards a better way of life; a change from the ignominy of sins to the glory of obedience; from weakness and laziness to strength and vigour; from bad customs and detestable habits to righteousness and upright conduct. Resolve 0' Honourable Muslim!
May Allah Ta' grant us the faith, strength, and spirit to make this a unique and special Ramadaan. May He grant us the ability to be consistent in our endeavours. May He protect and preserve our faith. Ameen thumma Ameen. Sample plan for RamdhanA SUGGESTED TIMETABLE FOR THE MONTH OF RAMADHAN
by Shaykh Muhammed Saleem Dhorat In order to maximise our time and perform our ‘ibaadat with ease, we should try to follow a set routine or timetable. 1. We must wake up for suhoor as it is a Sunnah of our Rasoolsallallahu alayhi wasallam. He has informed us that the food of suhoor is full of barakah: “Eat suhoor, because in it lie great blessings.” (Bukhaari, Muslim) We should arrange our time for suhoor in such a way that we are also able to perform at least 4 to 8 rak‘aat of tahajjud together with du‘aa for about 15 minutes or more. 2. The ideal way to perform tahajjud with suhoor is to wake up early and perform tahajjud and make du‘aa before suhoor. Everyone in the house should wake up and engage in ‘ibaadat in the darkness and isolation of their own rooms. Shed tears and ask Allah ta‘aalaa for your needs just as a small child cries and gets his needs fulfilled. Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam has encouraged his followers to cry when making du‘aa. Crying and weeping attracts mercy. Just as a mother who, upon seeing her child crying for a sweet, will succumb at the sight of the child’s crying and treat it with mercy, similarly when one sheds tears whilst beseeching his Lord, the Mercy of the Lord will enshroud him. 3. After tahajjud and suhoor, we must pray our Fajr Salaat with congregation. Ladies should also perform their obligatory Salaat. 4. After Fajr remain engaged in ‘ibaadat till15-20 minutes after sunrise and perform 4 rak‘aat ishraaq. 5. Before zawaal, perform Salaatud Dhuhaa (chaasht). Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam said, “There is charity is due to you in lieu of every joint that exists in your body. To say sub’haanallah is a form of charity, to say alhamdulillah is also a charity, to say laa ilaaha illallah is also a charity, to command goodness and forbid evil is also a charity, and two rak‘aat at the time of dhuhaa (chaasht) is sufficient for all this charity (i.e. to compensate the favour of every joint that Allah has given you).” (Muslim) 6. Perform Zuhr with congregation. If possible, engage in ‘ibaadat for a while and have a short rest with the intention of qayloolah – a Sunnah of our beloved Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam. 7. Perform ‘Asr. The time between ‘Asr and Maghrib is very valuable especially for du‘aa. We must make the effort to perform our ‘Asr with congregation and then remain in the masjid until Maghrib. Unfortunately Shaytaan and nafs have deceived us so much that many of us cannot do without food in the masjid at the time of iftaar. My friends, we should try to change our habits and keep the aakhirah in our minds. Shaytaan and nafs will take us home for some food, which should only take a few minutes, and will not let us come to the masjid until just before Maghrib. This is the best part of the day, which we do not value, only because of our desire for food. Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam said, “There are three groups of people whose du‘aa is not rejected; the fasting person until he breaks the fast........” (Ahmad) When Allah has made a promise through His Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam, there is no doubt in the acceptance of these supplications. In spite of this, we find some people whose prayers are not answered. This does not mean that their prayers have been rejected. It is Allah’s Favour upon us that should He find that granting us what we ask from Him is in our interest, He grants, otherwise not. Another point to remember is that there are certain conditions in the absence of which they may be rejected. Among these is halaal food and making du‘aa with attention and concentration. If our hearts and minds are not in our du‘aa, then they may not be answered. My friends, we must make the habit of bringing a few dates with us at the time of ‘Asr and after ‘Asr we must engage in zikr, tilaawat, tasbeeh, etc. until just 15-20 minutes before Maghrib when we should raise our hands in du‘aa until Azaan. In this way, everyone will be engrossed in their own ‘ibaadat and we will find that if some of the individuals are crying, others will also get the inclination to do the same. Therefore value this time between ‘Asr and Maghrib and do not waste it in worrying about food. The saintly people are such that not even gold and silver will distract them from the Worship of Allah, let alone food. Their concentration in their du‘aa is not affected even if heaps of treasure were to be placed before them, whereas, we would not be able to concentrate if only a small morsel was to be put in front of us. I would request my sisters not to spend the time between ‘Asr and Maghrib in the kitchen. 8. After performing Maghrib, we shoud perform 6 rak‘aat of awwaabeen after the two rak‘aat sunnat and two rak‘aat nafl of Maghrib. However; those who do not feel inclined to do this, some ‘ulamaa have said that two rak‘aat sunnat and two rak‘aat nafl of Maghrib can also become part of the 6 rak‘aat awwaabeen. Hence, performing only two rak‘aat after the sunnat and nafl of Maghrib will suffice. 9. During the winter months in Britain there is a lot of time between Maghrib and ‘Ishaa. After food, we should sit the household together and read from ‘Virtues of Ramadhaan’ compiled by Shaykhul Hadeeth Maulana Muhammad Zakariyyaa for at least 15 minutes, followed by tilaawat, with all the members of the family joining in. This will create a good atmosphere and environment in our homes and at the same time Ramadhaan will pass joyfully with an abundance of barakah in the home, inshaa’allah. 10. Thereafter return to the masjid and engage yourself in ‘ibaadat. Take great care not to get involved in any worldly talk. It is very upsetting and disheartening to see people wasting their time in futile talk in the masjid even during the month of Ramadhaan. Try and restrain yourself and remain engaged in ‘ibaadat until ‘Ishaa. The sisters should note that 20 rak‘aat taraaweeh is sunnat-e-mu’akkadah for them too. They must perform taraaweeh after ‘Ishaa. 11. After taraaweeh, go straight home. Do not loiter around outside the masjid wasting time. At home, remain in ‘ibaadat until you go to sleep. Sleep with the intention of waking up for tahajjud and suhoor. 12. Apart from the above, we know that in Ramadhaan there are always various programmes taking place in the masjid led by our ‘ulamaa. These are for our own benefit. There are many of us who are very sinful and during this month our hearts are softened and more receptive; by listening to the wise words of our ‘ulamaa the chances of bringing good deeds into practice are greater. Although the month of Ramadhaan is solely for ‘ibaadat, we should try and attend these programmes in the masaajid because by listening to these discourses, inshaa’allah, changes will come into our lives for the better. Our hearts are blackened by and full of sins and by listening to these discourses and sitting in the company of the ‘ulamaa and the pious, change will definitely occur in our hearts, inshaa’allah. Allah’s Mercy is in abundance throughout the year, but especially during this month. We should yearn in our hearts for this Mercy because we need mercy, blessing and forgiveness from Allah. We are sinful and in this month we want to win Allah’s Attention so that we can become His Beloved Slaves. If we are eager to perform good deeds then, inshaa’allah this month will become a month of great blessing for us. NOTE: May Allah accept our efforts and make every moment of this month a means of receiving His Mercy, Blessing and Forgiveness. May we all be granted a place in Jannah. Aameen. (SFTL gives readers permission to use this article provided the author Shaykh Dhorat is mentioned and it is linked back to SFTL) 06/10/2006 History of Ramadhan- ContinuedBy Ramadan of 8 A.H., the treaty of Hudaibiyya had been broken and the Muslim armies had engaged the Byzantines in the North. Muhammad, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam, felt the need to strike a fatal blow to disbelief in the Arabian Peninsula and conquer the city of Mecca. Allah has declared His Sanctuary a place of peace, security and religious sanctity. Now the time had come to purify the Ka`bah of nakedness and abomination. The Prophet, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam set out with an army having more armed men than al-Madinah had ever seen before. People were swelling the army's ranks as it moved toward Makkah. The determination of the believers, guided by the Will of Allah, became so awesome that the city of Makkah was conquered without a battle, on 20 Ramadan. This was one of the most important dates in Islamic history for after it, Islam was firmly entrenched in the Arabian Peninsula. During the same month and year, after smashing the idols of Makkah, detachments were sent to the other major centers of polytheism and al-Lat, Manat and Suwa, some of the greatest idols of Arabia, were destroyed. Such was the month of Ramadan in the time of the Prophet, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam. It was a time of purification, enjoining the good, forbidding the evil, and striving hard with one's life and wealth. After the death of the Prophet, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam, Muslims carried on this tradition and Allah used the true believers to affect the course of history. Ramadan continued to be a time of great trials and crucial events. Ninety-two years after the Hijrah, Islam had spread across North Africa, Iran, Afghanistan, Yemen and Syria. Spain was under the tyrannical rule of King Roderic of the Visigoths. Roderic had forced his six millions serfs and persecuted Jews to seek the aid of the Muslims of North Africa in order to be delivered. Musa ibn Husair, the Umayyad governor of North Africa, responded by sending his courageous general Tariq ibn Ziyad at the head of 12,000 Berber and Arab troops. In Ramadan of that year, they were confronted with a combined Visigoth army of 90,000 Christians led by Roderic himself, who was seated on a throne of ivory, silver, and precious gems and drawn by white mules. After burning his boats, Tariq preached to the Muslims warning them that victory and Paradise lay ahead of them and defeat and the sea lay to the rear. They burst forth with great enthusiasm and Allah manifested a clear victory over the forces of disbelief. Not only was Roderic killed and his forces completely annihilated, but also Tariq and Musa succeeded in liberating the whole of Spain, Sicily and parts of France. This was the beginning of the Golden Age of Al-Andalus where Muslims ruled for over 700 years. In the year 582 A.H., Salahuddin Al-Ayyubi, after battling with the Crusaders for years, finally drove them out of Syria and the whole of their occupied lands in the month of Ramadan. The Muslim world was then destined to meet one of its most frightening challenges. In the seventh century A.H. the Mongols were sweeping across Asia destroying everything that lay in their path. Genghis Khan called himself "the scourge of God sent to punish humanity for their sins". In 617 A.H., Samarkand, Ray and Hamdan were put to the sword causing more than 700,000 people to be killed or made captive. In 656 A.H., Hulagu, the grandson of Genghis Khan, continued this destruction. Even Baghdad, the leading city of the Muslim world, was sacked. Some estimates say that as many as 1,800,000 Muslims were killed in this awesome carnage. The Christians were asked to eat pork and drink wine openly while the surviving Muslims were forced to participate in drinking bouts. Wine was sprinkled in the masjids and no Azan (call to prayer) was allowed. In the wake of such a horrible disaster and with the threat of the whole Muslim world and then Europe being subjected to the same fate, Allah raised up from the Mamluks of Egypt, Saifuddin Qutz, who united the Muslim army and met the Mongols at Ain Jalut on 25th of Ramadan, 458 A.H. Although they were under great pressure, the Muslims with the help of Allah, cunning strategy and unflinching bravery crushed the Mongol army and reversed this tidal wave of horror. The whole of the civilized world sighed in relief and stood in awe at the remarkable achievement of these noble sons of Islam. This was the spirit of Ramadan that enabled our righteous forefathers to face seemingly impossible challenges. It was a time of intense activity, spending the day in the saddle and the night in prayer while calling upon Allah for His mercy and forgiveness. Today, the Muslim world is faced with drought, military aggression, widespread corruption and tempting materialism. Surely we are in need of believers who can walk in the footsteps of our beloved Prophet, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam, the illustrious Sahabah, Tariq ibn Ziyad, Qutuz, Salahuddin and the countless heroes of Islam. Surely we are in need of believers who are unafraid of the threats of the disbelievers, yet kind and humble to the believing people; Muslims whose fast is complete and not just a source of hunger and thirst. May Allah raise up a generation of Muslims who can carry Islam to all corners of the globe in a manner that befits our age, and may He give us the strength and the success to lay the proper foundations for them. May Allah make us of those who carry out our Islam during Ramadan and after it, and may He not make us of those who say what they do not do. Surely Allah and His Angels invoke blessings and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad. O you who believe, send blessings and peace to him forever. "Indeed our words remain dead until we die in their cause, then they become alive to remain amongst the living." - Sayyid Qutb Ramadhan in History
Now let us discover and learn about the History of Ramadhan before we continue exploring it in more depth: All praises to Allah, Lord of the worlds. He who revealed in His Glorious Qur'an, "O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those who came before you that you may keep your duty to your Lord (having taqwa)," (2:185). And may blessings and peace of Allah be upon His last Messenger Muhammad ibn Abdullah, forever. O you who believe, Ramadan is a sacred month wherein Almighty Allah is constantly testing His creation and giving humanity the opportunity to achieve infinite, endless Bliss. Fasting is a complete purification and a means to developing the consciousness of Allah's presence. The consciousness of Allah (Taqwa) is a protection against the schemes of Shaitan, and the suffering of this world. Allah has informed us that, "Whoever keeps his duty to Allah (has taqwa), He ordains a way out for him and gives him sustenance from where he imagines not. And whoever trusts in Allah, He is sufficient for him. Surely Allah attains His purpose. Allah has appointed a measure for everything." (65:2) Many Muslims today have a misconception about fasting and the activities of a fasting person. They go into a state of semi-hibernation, spending most of their daylight hours in bed. If they fear Allah, they wake up for prayer, but then return to sleep immediately. This unnatural sleep makes them become lazy, dull-witted and often cranky. Ramadan is actually a time of increased activity wherein the believer, now lightened of the burdens of constant eating and drinking, should be more willing to strive and struggle for Allah. The Prophet, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam, passed through approximately nine Ramadans after the Hijrah. They were filled with decisive events and left us a shining example of sacrifice and submission to Allah. In the first year after the Hijrah, the Prophet, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam, sent Hamza ibn Abdul Muttalib with thirty Muslim riders to Saif al Bahr to investigate three hundred riders from Quraish who had camped suspiciously in that area. The Muslims were about to engage the disbelievers, but they were separated byMajdy ibn Umar al-Juhany. The Hypocrites of Madinah, hoping to oppose the unity of the Muslims, built their own masjid (called Masjid ad-Dirar). The Prophet, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam, ordered this masjid to be destroyed in Ramadan. On the seventeenth of Ramadan, 3 A.H., Almighty Allah separated truth from falsehood at the Great Battle of Badr. The Prophet, sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam, and 313 of his companions set out to intercept a caravan of their own goods that had been left in Makkah. It was led by Abu Sufyan himself, and estimated at 50,000 dinars. They were met, instead, by a well-equipped army of the nobility of Quraish, intend on putting out the light of Islam. Despite being outnumbered three to one and appearing weak and unseasoned, the Muslims defended their faith with a burning desire to protect the Prophet and meet their Lord through martyrdom. Allah gave them a decisive victory on this day of Ramadan, that would never be forgotten. In 6 A.H., Zaid ibn Haritha was sent to Wadi al-Qura at the head of a detachment to confront Fatimah bint Rabiah, the queen of that area. Fatimah had previously attacked a caravan led by Zaid and had succeeded in plundering its wealth. She was known to be the most protected woman in Arabia, as she hung fifty swords of her close relatives in her home. Fatimah was equally renowned for showing open hostility to Islam. She was killed in a battle against these Muslims in the month of Ramadan. Looking at Ramadhan in detail - continuedDuring Ramadhan, we must also try to stay away from envy and jealousy, among many other things. This is where we are seeking the property of the material things of other people. So for example, it’s okay if you find that your neighbour has a new car and you want one too. But if you hate the fact that they have one, if a negative feeling comes over you, then this is jealousy. So being jealous of your neighbour or another Muslim burns up all of your good deeds. So in this blessed month, we should recognise the fact that when people are given material things, it’s a test. Sometimes, it may be better not to possess so many material things. We should also stay away from Kibreeya, from pride (arrogance). People are proud of their colour, proud of their language, proud that they speak Arabic, Urdu, Turkish or Swahili, or proud that they speak English without a foreign accent. We need to be humble to Allah Almighty and this fast should remind us that our body is weak, especially in the afternoon, after Asr. It is just one day and we are feeling tired and weak. So fasting helps us to become aware of Almighty Allah. We may possess millions of money, but that will not go with us in the grave, nor will it protect us. One should be humble in the month of Ramadhan; fasting should protect us from anger and losing control as our mouths and tongues are also fasting. We should be feeling tranquillity instead and assurance from Allah, the Most Merciful. Ramadhan is a time when the heart is fasting too. We need to take time and get used to tit. We are not only fasting on a spiritual sense, but when the month of Ramadhan ends, we should also benefit outside this time (after Ramadhan). Those fasting on a high level keep calm, they don’t over do it and through their actions they become light. So fasting is a beautiful time for the Believer. It is a time when blessings come to the Believer. We should also remember that Ramadhan is a month upon where the Holy Quran was revealed. So Ramadhan is a time of guidance; although we live in this world, we should not be controlled by it. When the Believer is in a different state absolutely, then it gives him/her an insight in to maintaining control. Fasting is a time to function in society and not be controlled by smells, sights, fashion etc. Ramadhan is a time of guidance. Let us pray that Allah gives the Ummah clear guidance in Ramadhan. Let Him, the Creator, guide us to the right path. Let us not be controlled by tools given to us. We should only be using tools and not be controlled by tools such as cars, phones, computers etc. Ramadhan is a time to critically analyse and look at our relationship with our friends, family etc. 24/09/2006 Looking at Ramadhan in detailSo let us begin by talking a bit about Ramadhan. Ramadhan (Month of Fasting) is an action done by people of all colours, all nations and all backgrounds. It is not just limited to one particular person. It is compulsory on healthy males and females alike. Specific rules will be discussed later insha’Allah. The question that is important is why we fast. Why do we abstain from intercourse, food and drink amongst many things, from sunrise to sunset?
In order to understand this important question, let us think about abstaining (refraining from; stopping) in our society. A prime example could be a Diabetic person told to abstain from sugary foods by a Doctor. This is abstaining to protect his/her body and general health.
One may also abstain for political reasons. Why? Often to get a message across. Such a version of abstaining is called “hunger strike”. This is where the food and drink intake is reduced significantly. For example, eating very little food or no food at all! This is a form of abstinence done by the oppressed (often people held involuntarily or illegally; people in prison etc). It is done to get the attention of the authority or those in control and often to give a message to the world. SFTL strongly disagrees with this form of abstinence, does not recommend it due to short and long term effects of insufficient nutrients & energy intake levels)
More relevantly, if we look at the Modern British Society, we will see a different form of abstinence. Many young people, particularly females, fast or abstain in order to look good, to look a certain way and have a certain lifestyle. So for example, many young people vomit food out, rapidly loose weight by not eating or not eating properly etc. (Illness referred to is called Anorexia Nervosa) This is abstaining for reasons of beauty.
From the above examples, we have established that people fasting is done all around is, for different reasons and is not always apparent. Now let us read the words of Allah (God). He, the Almighty says in his Kitaab Al Qur’aan (the Holy book Qur’aan):
“O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may learn self-restraint” (Chapter 2, Verse 183)
“Ramadhan is the month in which was sent down the Qur’aan as a guide to mankind, also clear signs for guidance and punishment between wrong and right.” (Chap 2, V: 183)
Here we must remember that fasting is not just physical. It is not done for beauty, not for political reasons, but the essence of fasting is to try and gain Taqwa – consciousness of Allah.
Muslims need to focus not just on the pain of hunger, but focus on raising consciousness of the Lord of the Worlds. It is argued that an approximate meaning of the word “Taqwa” translates into English as fear and hope. The Believer fears Allah and the punishment for misconduct and bad deeds, but simultaneously, the Believer has hope for the rewards of his/her creator, Ar Rahmaan nir Raheem - Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
In detail, the Believer remembers Allah not just inside of Ramadhan, but outside of it; not just in the Masjid (mosque) but also in social activities. Not only at prayer time, but at work, school/college/university etc. thereby, allowing a consciousness of Allah to develop.
On another related issue, it appears there is a loss of identity produced by temptations and confusion over issues such as the Hijaab etc. People are questioning this loss of identity and they are searching for answers through materialistic methods. Such is the example of using money as a tool to buy the finest of clothes for oneself.
As Muslims, we need to review our Islam; we need to ask ourselves, not are we Muslims, but WHY are we Muslims? We need to go to the essence of such sings like why are we making Salaah (prayer)? Why are we paying Zakaat (alms due to the poor)? What the essence of Hajj (pilgrimage) is, what the reason for why we are wearing loose clothes, why do we lower the gaze, why are we eating Halaal (permissible) food? Etc.
We need to go to the essence of our beautiful faith, Islam and Ramadhan is one of the best times that we can use to reflect upon our relationships with Allah Almighty. Not just this particular relationship, but that also with our parents, family, friends, neighbours and the wider community. We know that fasting is not just a physical act, that this abstinence can even affect our eyes, our tongues, our ears and many other parts of the Believer. So the true fasting person, not only abstains on a physical level (hunger pans, cravings etc), but s/he also abstains on a higher level. Where the eyes stay away from that which is prohibited by Allah Almighty; the ears are also fasting by not listening to prohibited things, such as stringed-instruments (music). A true fasting person will also fast by not taking their feet towards a haraam activity, eg: murder, adultery etc.
Their hands are fasting by restricting actions to good only, so for example by reciting the Qur’aan, helping another person, preparing food for the opening/closing of a fast. So during the month of Ramadhan and outside, but especially in this sacred month, we should not be taking interest in prohibited matters.
So the highest level that the special beloved of Allah Ta’Alaa (the Muslim; Believer) can achieve is not only just through fasting of the stomach, not just the fasting of the limbs, but the heart of Believer is fasting. One is aware of the heart fasting by feeling an elevated feeling, immense joy, happiness and so forth. Proposed posts regarding RamdhanAssalamu alaykum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh and peace to our dear readers.
SFTL would like to wish Ramadhan Mubarak to its readers and insha'Allah (God willing) hopes their Ramadhan (Month of Fasting) will be a joyous and blessed experience this year.
We shall be briefly pausing the stories of the Prophet and continuing them after Ramdhan Insha'Allah.
During this month, we shall focus on Ramdhan, its related experience & issues. SFTL hopes you will learn additional information and will see Ramadhan from a different perspective.
An introduction to the Month of Fasting, Ramdhan has already been made. Readers can access this by copying and pasting the link below into a new internet window or by just clicking on it:
http://searchforthelight.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!1pLqIZpmLO2UcwN00jDt4UXg!147.entry During this blessed month we shall be:
Insha'Allah we hope readers both Muslim and Non-Muslim will benefit from these proposed posts. Please do tell family, friends & neighbours about these posts so that they can understand and learn about Ramadhan in more detail. 07/09/2006 Allah is enough for me- Prophet YusufNow for our readers who are inspired by nasheeds (Islamic songs), here are the lyrics to one of the many nasheeds about Prophet Yusuf, on whom be peace. A link follows the lyrics where you can listen to the nasheed:
"When he was thrown in the well, Handsome Yusuf sighed
Handsome Yusuf sighed
Taken in as a slave Until the king had a dream Patience and repentance
Till, the fortunate day Handsome Yusuf cried Every night brings a new day Every thing has its end
Every thing has its end Every thing has its end
Every thing has its end You can listen to this nasheed here: Allah is enough for me- by Zain Bhikha <----(Click on the bold title to listen) From Canaan to EgyptJacob and his sons moved to Egypt because Joseph the son of Jacob was the ruler of Egypt. Back in Canaan, they had herded their flocks, milked their sheep and sold their wool, while in Egypt, even Joseph’s slaves and servants ate well and enjoyed themselves.
Joseph sent for Jacob and his family, asking them to come from Canaan. He could not relish his food or drink when his father and brothers were not with him. How could he enjoy life when he alone was in Egypt? How could he live in a palace when his father and brothers lived in a tiny house in Canaan?
So Jacob and his sons came to Egypt. Joseph welcomed them and was delighted to seem them. The people of Egypt also welcomed the family of their noble King. They loved this noble family because they loved Joseph for his generosity and goodness to them, and because they saw he was a compassionate man who gave true counsel. They saw that Jacob too was a noble and generous father.
Jacob enjoyed great respect in Egypt. Its people were to him like his own sons. They were pleased that Jacob and his sons remained in Egypt and Egypt became their homeland.
A good end
Jacob and his family stayed in Egypt for a long time. He and his wife died in Egypt. Although he was a ruler, with great power and authority, this did not distract Joseph from Allah. It did not change him. He remembered Allah, worshipped Him and feared Him. He gave judgement according to the judgement of Allah. He carried out Allah’s commands.
Joseph did not want to die the death of a King. He did not want to be gathered with the Kings. He wanted to die the death of a slave of Allah and to be gathered with the righteous.
This was Joseph’s prayer:
“My Lord, You have given me a kingdom and taught me the interpretation of dreams. Creator of the heavens and the earth! You are my Guardian in this world and the next world. Make me die a Muslim and join me with the righteous.” (12: 101)
Allah made Joseph die a Muslim and joined him with his fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, may Allah bless them and all of the Prophets and grant them peace. Ameen (Amen) Joseph sends for Jacob- Prophet YusufJoseph longed to meet his father. How could he not long to see him when they had been apart for such a long time? Why should he be patient now when the secret had been disclosed? How could he enjoy food and drink when his father was not enjoying food or drink or even sleep? The secret was revealed, all was made known. Allah wanted to delight Jacob. When Joseph had heard that Jacob had gone blind because of his great weeping and sorrow, he said: “Take this shirt of mine and throw it over my father’s face. He will recover his sight. Then bring me all of your family.” (12: 93)
Jacob unites with Joseph
As the messenger, ahead of the others, was carrying Joseph’s shirt back to Canaan, Jacob sensed Joseph’s scent on their air. He said: “I do indeed scent the presence of Joseph.” (12: 94) Those around him said: “By Allah, you are in your old error.” (12: 95)
But Jacob had spoken the truth. When the bearer of good news came, he placed the shirt over Jacob’s face and he saw once again. He (Jacob) said: “Didn’t I tell you that I know from Allah what you do not know?” (12: 96) Now the brothers understood.
They said: “Our father, ask forgiveness for us for our wrong actions. We have been in error.” Their father replied: He said: “I will ask my Lord to forgive you. He is All-Forgiving, Allah-Merciful.” (12: 97-8)
Then Jacob journeyed to Egypt and Joseph received him. Their joy and happiness was great. It was a memorable and blessed day in Egypt. Then when they entered the presence of Joseph, he provided a home for his parents with himself, and said: "Enter all of you in Egypt in safety if it please Allah." (12: 99) Joseph praised his Lord, Allah greatly. He was very thankful for what had happened: To Jacob- Prophet YusufThe brothers were confused. How could they go back to their father without Benjamin? The brothers thought about what they could tell their father. They had made him suffer over Joseph. Could they now make him suffer over Benjamin? The oldest of them refused to go back to Jacob. He told his brothers: “Go back to your father and say: “Father, your son stole. We only testify to what we know. We are not guardians of the Unseen.”” (12: 81) When Jacob heard their story, he knew that Allah had a hand in it, and he understood that Allah was testing him. He had been made to suffer over Joseph before, now he was made to suffer over Benjamin. Allah would not impose two inflictions on him. Allah would not make him suffer over both Joseph and Benjamin. Almighty Allah had a hidden hand, and a hidden wisdom in it. in such ways He tests his creation and then He makes them happy and blesses them. Also the oldest son had stayed behind in Egypt, refusing to return to Canaan. Would Jacob be made to suffer over a third son when he had areas been made to suffer over two sons? It could not be so!
Finally, when Jacob was clam again he said: “Perhaps Allah will bring them all to me. Allah is the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.” (12: 83)
The secret disclosed Yet, Jacob was after all, a human being, with a soft, human heart in his breast. He did not have a piece of stone there. So, when he remembered Joseph, his sorrow came flooding back again. He said: “O my sorrow for Joseph!” (12: 84)
His sons were annoyed and said: "By Allah! Will you never cease to remember Joseph until you reach the last extremity of illness, or until you die!" (12: 85)
“I complain of my grief and sorrow to Allah. I know from Allah what you do not know.” replied their father. (12: 86)
Jacob knew that despair lead to disbelief. He had great hope in his Lord. He sent his sons back to Egypt to look for Benjamin and Joseph and to try hard to bring them home. Jacob forbade them to lose hope in Allah’s mercy.
The brothers arrived in Egypt for the third time. They went to Joseph and complained to him about their poverty and affliction. They asked him to be charitable to them.
Sorrow and love rose up in Joseph. He could no longer bear to listen to the sons of his own father, the sons of Prophets, complaining about their own poverty and affliction to one of the Kings! He thought: How long can I conceal the truth from them without seeing my father? Then he said to them: “Do you know what you did to Joseph and his brother when you were ignorant?” (12: 89)
The brothers knew that this was a secret known only to themselves and to Joseph, so they knew that this ruler of Egypt’s grain stores was Joseph.
Glory be to Allah! Could Joseph be alive? He had not died in the well! Could Joseph be the king of Egypt, the famous man in charge of the storehouses of the land, the one who provided food for them?
They had no doubt that the one who had spoken to them was Joseph, son of Jacob. They said: “You are Joseph.” (12: 90)
He answered: “I am Joseph and this Benjamin is my brother. Allah has been good to us. Whoever fears Allah and is patient, Allah will not let the wage of those who do good go to waste.” (12: 90)
They said: “By Allah, Allah has certainly preferred you above us and we have been in error.” (12: 91)
Joseph did not blame them for what they had done. He said: “May Allah forgive you. He is the Most Merciful of the Merciful.” (12: 92) Joseph meets his brother Benjamin- Prophet YusufWhen the brothers returned to Egypt to buy more food, they entered by separate gates as their father had told them to do.
When Joseph saw Benjamin, he was very happy and had him stay in his house. Joseph said to Benjamin: “I am your brother.” (12: 69) Benjamin was very happy to meet his brother who he believed had died many years before. Joseph remembered his mother and father, his home; his childhood returned to him in awakened memories.
Joseph wanted Benjamin to stay with him so that he could see him and speak to him every day and ask him about his home. But how could he make that happen when Benjamin was going back to Canaan the next day, when the brothers had made a pledge by Allah that they would take him back with them? How could Joseph keep Benjamin with him for no reason? People would say, “The King has detained a Canaanite for no reasons. This is a great injustice.”
But Joseph was intelligent and clever. He has a precious drinking cup placed secretly inside Benjamin’s bags. Then, when the brothers left the next day, some of Joseph’s people went after then. Joseph followed a little later. When they caught up with the brothers, they proclaimed: “You are thieves!” The brothers were surprised and asked: “What is it that you miss?” (12: 71)
They said: “We are missing the King’s cup. Whoever brings it will have a camel’s load in return.” (12: 72).
The brothers replied: “By Allah, you know that we have not come to make trouble in the land. We are not thieves.” (12: 73)
The Egyptians said: "What then shall be the penalty of this, if you are proved to have lied?" (12: 74)
“The penalty should be that he in whose saddle-bag it is found, should be held as bondman to atone for the crime. That is how we punish the wrong-doers!" said the brothers. (12: 75)
The cup was found in Benjamin’s saddle-bag. The brothers were ashamed, but they were without shame when they said: “If Benjamin stole, a brother of his stole before.”
Joseph who had now reached the others, heard this lie, but he was silent and did not get angry. He was noble and patient. The brothers appealed to him.
They said: “O Aziz” He has an aged father who is very old. Take one of us in his place. We see that you are one of those who do good.”
He said: “Allah forbid that we should take anyone except the one in whose possession we found our goods. If we did so, we would be wrong doers.” (12: 78-9)
So Benjamin stayed behind with Joseph. The two brothers were happy. Joseph had been alone for a very long time without seeing any of his family. Allah had sent Benjamin to him. So why should not he keep his brother with him so that he could see him and talk to him? 01/09/2006 Joseph's brothers come- Prophet YusufJust as Joseph had foretold in his dream interpretation, there was indeed famine in Egypt and Palestine. The people of Palestine heard that there was a merciful man in Egypt, a generous and noble man, in charge of the storehouses of the land, someone to whom people could go and get food. So Jacob sent his older sons to Egypt with money to buy food. Benjamin, one of Joseph's brothers, (Benyamin) stayed with his father because Jacob loved him very much. He did not want to be far from him. Jacob was afraid for him as he had been afraid for Joseph. Joseph's brothers set out to meet the noble man of Egypt, not knowing that he was thier own brother, Joseph.They thought that Joseph was dead. How could he be dead when they had thrown him into that deep, dark well, way out into the wilderness? Joseph spoke to the brothers for a time and then asked: "Where are you from?"
They replied: "From Canaan". He then asked: "Who is your father?" and they said: "Jacob, son of Isaac, son of Abraham, on whom be peace and blessings". Joseph further inquired: "Do you have a brother?"
"Yes", they replied. "We have a brother whose name is Benjamin".
Joseph then asked: "Why didn't he come with you?"
"Because", they explained, "our father would not let him. He does not like him to be far from him."
"Why won't he let him go? Is he a very young child?" asked Joseph.
"No, but he had a brother named Joseph. He once went with us and we went to run races and left Joseph with our bags. A wolf ate him".
Joseph laughed to himself, but he did not say anything. He longed to see his brother Benjamin.
Allah had prepared another test for Jacob, the father of all the brothers.
Joseph ordered that they be given food. Then he told them, "Bring me your brother from your father (12: 59) If you do not bring him, you wil not get any more food.
Then Joseph had their money secretly put back in their bags.
Jacob and his sons
The 10 brothers went back to their father andtold him the news. They said to him: "Send our brother Benjamin with us. If you don't, we will not get any more food from the owner of the grain housesAziz". They told thier father: "We will watch over him." (12: 63)
Jacob replied: "Shall i entrusts him to you other than the way i entrusted you before? Allah is the best watcher. He is the most Mericful of the Merciful." (12: 64)
The brothers then found thier money in thier bags and told their father: "O our father! What more can we desire? Our stock-in-trade has been returned to us, so we shall get more food for our family; We shall take care of our brother" (12: 65)
Jacob told them: “I will not send him with you until you make a pledge by Allah that you will bring him back unless you are overcome.” They made a pledge by Allah. Jacob then said: “Allah is the Guardian over what we say” (12: 66)
Then their father advised them: “My sons, do not enter by the same gate. Enter by separate gates.” (12: 67) 26/08/2006 Joseph & the grain storehousesJoseph the ruler in charge of Egypt’s grain storehouses
Joseph knew that some people were not trustworthy, they cheated a lot. In Egypt there were many storehouses for grain, but there was no grain in them. They were empty because the people who ran them were not trustworthy, they did not fear Allah. [1] Their dogs would eat while the common people had nothing. Their houses would be smartly decorated while the common people had nothing to wear. The common people could never benefit from Egypt’s grain storehouses unless a guardian with knowledge was put in charge of them. A guardian without knowledge would not know how to run them smoothly and wisely. Someone who had knowledge, but was not an honest guardian would cheat the people and use the storehouses for their own benefit. Joseph was an honest man and he had knowledge. He did not want to see the authorities ignoring the people’s rights any more. He could not bear to see people starve. Joseph was not ashamed of the truth. He told the King: “Set me over the treasuries of the land. I am a knowing guardian.” (12: 55) That is how Joseph was put in charge of the grain storehouses of Egypt. The common people were very relieved and praised Allah. [1] In Islam, fearing Allah is part of Taqwa. This can be translated into ‘God –consciousnesses and having Taqwa is one of the factors that, essentially prevents a Muslim from doing evil and dishonest things. The more Taqwa s/he has, the greater the resistance to evil. |
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