Assalamu ’Alaykum,

Jumu’ah is a blessed day in Islām, and starting it with a well-rounded routine can set the tone for a day full of worship, reflection, and productivity. Here’s a simple yet effective Jumu’ah Fajr routine to help you maximize the barakah in your day:

1. Prioritize Your Worship ✨

Begin your day by focusing on your relationship with Allāh. The early morning hours are precious, so make the most of them with the following acts:

• Tahajjud: Wake up before Fajr to perform this voluntary prayer. It’s a time for deep connection with Allāh.
  - Tilāwah: Recite or listen to the Qur’an, even if just a few verses.
  - 2 Voluntary Prayers before Fajr: These Sunnah prayers are highly emphasized and bring immense rewards.
  - Fajr Prayer: Perform Fajr prayer in congregation if possible.
  - Adhkār: Engage in morning remembrance, thanking Allāh for the new day.
  - Surah Kahf: Recite Surah Kahf, as it’s a Regular practice of the companions of Jumu’ah.
  - Duhā Prayer: After sunrise, pray the Duhā as this is the action of the people who prioritize Allāh.

2. Plan Your Day📃

With your worship set as a priority, plan your day thoughtfully. Organize your chores, meals, work, workouts, tasks, and readings to ensure you stay productive and balanced.

3. Observe Jumu’ah Sunan🪭

Friday carries special virtues and following the Sunan of Jumu’ah enriches your day:

- Ghusl: Perform the Friday bath with the intention of purification.
- Fitrah: Groom yourself by trimming nails and wearing clean clothes.
- Salawaat: Send abundant blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ.
- Early to Jumu’ah Prayer: Arrive early to the mosque to maximize your reward.
- Sit in the Front: For sisters in mixed-gender areas, sitting at the back is preferred.
- Nawāfil after Jumu’ah: Pray the recommended voluntary prayers after the Jumu’ah Salah.
- Du’ā in the Evening: Conclude your day by making heartfelt supplications, especially during the hour when ad’iyyah are accepted.
- ⁠Don’t forget your evening Adhkār and a self-reflection on how you spent your day.

May your Jumu’ah be filled with blessings and closeness to Allāh. Embrace these simple practices and transform your Jumu’ah into a day of spiritual fulfillment.

Al-‘Aabidaat Women

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Ibnu ‘Abbās says the prophet (may the peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) said: Fast on the day of ‘Āshūrā’ and do other than what Jews do, (so) fast a day before or after it (as well). [Ahmad].

However, the one who singles out ‘Āshūrā’ by fasting only on the tenth day is not a sinner as scholars have categorized the fasting of ‘Āshūrā’ on different levels.

Below are some of the levels in which we can fast ‘Āshūrā’:

First level (Fasting on the ninth and fasting on the tenth of Muharram): This means that the one who intended to fast ‘Āshūrā’ will combine it with the fast of Tāsū’ā’ (the ninth day of Muharram).

Ibnu ‘Abbās says: When the prophet (may the peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) was fasting on the ‘Āshūrā’ and ordered others to fast it, people said: O prophet, this is the day that Jews and Christians value, so the prophet (may the peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) said, so next year God willing we will fast on the 9th (as well). Ibnu ‘Abbās says that the prophet (may the peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) passed away before the year after. [Muslim].

Second level ( Fasting on the tenth day and the eleventh day): This is done by fasting on the day of ‘Āshūrā’ and fasting on the day that follows it which is the eleventh day of Muharram. This is the view of some of the Mālikiyyahs.

Third level (Fasting on the day of ‘Āshūrā’ alone): This view is held by some of the Hanafi scholars.

Fourth level (Fasting on the ninth, tenth and eleventh of Muharram): This level is considered the best, as it combines fasting on the three days.

May Allāh accept our acts of worship.

Al-’Aabidaat Women’s Group.
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From among these fasts is the fast of ‘Āshūrah, which is the tenth day of Muharram. Like other recommended fasts, the virtues of fasting on this day can never be overemphasized, as many Hadīths have been narrated and reported, showing how virtuous it is.

As Muslims, we are encouraged to prioritize and observe fasting on this day with diligence, as the prophet (may the peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) used to be so keen about it and had never taken it with levity.

Ibnu ‘Abbās (may Allāh be pleased with him) said: I never saw the Messenger of Allāh (may the peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) so keen to fast any day and give it priority over any other than this day, the day of ‘Āshūrā’, and this month, meaning Ramadhan. [Bukhāriyy].

Fasting ‘Āshūrah was considered the best fast after Ramadhan. This shows how virtuous and blessed it is. The Messenger of Allāh (may the peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) said: The best of fasting after Ramadhan is fasting Allāh’s month of Muharram. [Muslim].

Whoever fasted the day of ‘Āshūrā’ with sincerity got his past year’s sins expiated. The Prophet (may the peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) said: Fasting the day of ‘Āshūrā’, I hope that Allāh will accept it as an expiation for (the sins committed in) the previous year. [Muslim].

Al-’Aabidaat Women’s Group.

Al-‘Aabidaat Women’s Group is a community of believing women. Join us via this link. If you enjoy our articles, kindly share with others. May Allāh bless you.

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Bye! Ma’a As-Salamah. Join us: https://linktr.ee/alaabidaat

As-salām ‘Alaykum Dearest,

In Surah Ghāfir, Ayah 68, Allāh says: “He it is who gives life and causes death; and when He decrees a matter, He but says to it, ‘Be,’ and it is.”

This powerful verse reminds us that Allāh is in control of all things. He is the giver of life and the one who takes it away. His wisdom encompasses all that we experience, even the deepest pains and the hardest trials.

My heart calls today to my sisters enduring the pain of abuse, the heartbreak of divorce, the longing for a child or the sorrow of losing one, a difficult marriage or the death of a loved one, know that Allāh sees your suffering.

His decrees are beyond our understanding, but His mercy and compassion are boundless. In these moments of hardship, draw strength from your faith. Trust that Allāh’s wisdom and love are guiding you, even when the path is difficult. Turn to Him with your sorrows and supplications, knowing that He hears and responds.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “The affairs of a believer are always good. If something good happens, he is grateful, and that is good for him. If something bad happens, he bears it with patience, and that is good for him.”

This hadith is a source of immense comfort and strength. It teaches us that as believers, every situation we face has the potential for good. When we experience joy and blessings, we are grateful to Allāh, which brings us closer to Him and increases our blessings. When we face trials and difficulties, our patience and perseverance are rewarded by Allāh.

Dear sisters, know that your struggles are not in vain. Your patience, resilience, and faith in the face of hardship are deeply valued by Allāh. Every tear you shed, every prayer you make, every moment of patience you endure, brings you closer to Him and elevates your status.

Trials are a certain part of life. Allāh tests those whom He loves, to purify and strengthen them. Recognizing these trials and facing them with Iman (faith), Tawakkul (trust in Allāh), and Sabr (patience) is a blessing. These tests are opportunities to demonstrate our reliance on Allāh. By doing so, the believing women gain immense strength and deepen their faith.

May Allāh ease your burdens, grant you patience, and fill your hearts with tranquility. Ameen.

Written by Wazeera Sanni @fajrwoman for: Al-’Aabidaat

Al-‘Aabidaat Women’s Group is a community of believing women. Join us via this link. If you enjoy our articles, kindly share with others. May Allāh bless you.

Getting claps on Medium is motivating! Did you know that you can hold the button down to clap up to 50 times! Show us how much you love our post with your claps.

Bye! Ma’a As-Salamah.

As-Salaam ‘Alaykum Warahmatullaah Wabarakaatuh sisters,

This is the first of more articles we will bring to you on where to seek knowledge online, in shaa Allah. You can send direct messages to us across our different platforms to ask questions or give comments about any of the courses or programs we recommend via this LINK.

Why Seek Knowledge?

Apart from the obligation to seek knowledge as a motivation, a Muslim attains the fear and reverence of Allah by increasing his understanding of the religion. He achieves elevation in this world and a special status in the Hereafter. So why should you seek knowledge?

1. Fear of Allah- Allah سبحانه وتعالى Says:

إِنَّمَا يَخْشَى ٱللَّهَ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ ٱلْعُلَمَـٰٓؤُا۟ ۗ…

…It is only those who have knowledge among His slaves that fear Allah.
Surah Faatir : 28

2. It is obligatory- Anas ibn Malik reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

طَلَبُ الْعِلْمِ فَرِيضَةٌ عَلَى كُلِّ مُسْلِمٍ

Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.

Sunan Ibn Mājah 224, Grade: Sahih

3. Knowledge is Light- Imam Shafi’ee (rahimahullah) said:

I complained to Waki about my bad memory, so he advised me to leave sins and said: Verily, knowledge is a light and the light of Allah is not given to a sinner.

[Al-Jawāb al-Kāfī’ P. 54]

4. It is a path to Jannah- Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

وَمَنْ سَلَكَ طَرِيقًا يَلْتَمِسُ فِيهِ عِلْمًا سَهَّلَ اللَّهُ لَهُ بِهِ طَرِيقًا إِلَى الْجَنَّةِ

Whoever travels a path in search of knowledge, Allah will make easy for him a path to Paradise…

Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2699, Grade: Sahih

5. Elevated Status — Allah سبحانه وتعالى Says:

هَلْ يَسْتَوِي الَّذِينَ يَعْلَمُونَ وَالَّذِينَ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ

Are those with knowledge equal to those without knowledge?

Surah Az-Zumar 39:9

📬 Allāh — سبحانه وتعالى also Says:

يَرْفَعِ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مِنكُمْ وَالَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْعِلْمَ دَرَجَاتٍ

Allah will raise the status of those who believe among you and who are given knowledge by degrees.

Surah Al-Mujadila 58:11

7. Knowledge is Goodness from Allah- Mu’awiya reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

مَنْ يُرِدِ اللَّهُ بِهِ خَيْرًا يُفَقِّهْهُ فِي الدِّينِ

If Allah intends goodness for someone, He gives him understanding of the religion.

Sahih Al-Bukhari 71, Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi

Introducing Zad Academy: A Free Diploma Program

If you want to deepen your understanding of Islam consider joining Zad Academy — a beacon of accessible Islamic education.

I understand the challenges Muslim women face in accessing quality Islamic education. Whether you’re managing family responsibilities, pursuing a career, or simply seeking personal growth, Zad Academy offers a flexible learning experience tailored to fit into your busy life.

I particularly love this statement on their website: “It is a journey that enriches the soul, enhances understanding, and fosters a deeper connection with Allah.”

Why Choose Zad Academy?

Courses

Zad Academy provides online courses in Aqeedah, Tafsir, Hadith, Seerah, Fiqh, Tarbiyah Islamiyah, and Arabic Language, led by renowned scholars. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to deepen your Islamic knowledge, our flexible program accommodates learners at every stage.

Free Access

Zad Academy’s program is completely free. There are no fees or charges.

Comprehensive Support for Participants

The Zad Academy program is dedicated to offering participants comprehensive support to enhance their studies and benefit from various subjects within the program. This includes an extensive FAQ database and detailed guidelines for all services and inquiries. A technical support team is available to address questions via official communication channels promptly.

Certificate of Completion

Upon successful completion of all four semesters, you will receive a Certificate of Completion from Zad Academy, acknowledging your dedication to Islamic learning and mastery of the curriculum.

Program Duration

The program spans two years, divided into two semesters per year, each lasting 12 weeks. This structured timeline ensures a comprehensive understanding of the subjects. Enrollment is available only at the start of each semester, with registration opening for a limited period before the semester begins. The next semester commences on August 25, 2024, with subsequent semesters starting every six months.

Registration

Ready to join? Register via this link: Zad Academy Registration. Enrollment fot next semester ends on the 1st of August, 2024.

In Conclusion

We are all in need of knowledge more than we need sustenance, especially during these times of great trials and tribulations like we are in right now.

Empower yourself through knowledge and strengthen your connection with Allah ‘Azza wa Jall. Take the first step on your educational journey with Zad Academy and experience the impact of talab al-’ilm.

Written by Wazeera Sanni @fajrwoman for: Al-’Aabidaat

Al-‘Aabidaat Women’s Group is a community of believing women. Join us via this link. If you enjoy our articles, kindly share with others. May Allāh bless you.

Getting claps on Medium is motivating! Did you know that you can hold the button down to clap up to 50 times! Show us how much you love our post with your claps.

📬Subscribe to this blog to read more ‘Seek Knowledge Online’ Articles

Bye! Ma’a As-Salāmah

Short Reminder on Productivity in Islam

Many Muslimahs aspire to excel in various facets of life — whether it’s acquiring beneficial knowledge, nurturing future scholars of the Ummah, memorizing the Qur’ān, advancing their careers, mentoring others, or becoming experts in a field.

These lofty ambitions can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when combined with other goals, making them seem unattainable and leading some to give up altogether. However, the hadīth teaches us that the most beloved actions to Allah are those done consistently, even if they are small.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) maintained a consistent routine and advised, “Ihris ‘ala maa yanfa’uk” (Sunan Ibn Majah) — that is, strive for what benefits you, cutting out distractions and unbeneficial actions.

The Salaf understood the value of consistency and mastered productivity through it. Modern authors similarly emphasize that small, consistent habits lead to significant life changes.

Al-Khaṭīb narrated that Ibn Jarīr spent forty years writing forty pages every single day, eventually totaling around 358,000 pages. If he had focused on the overwhelming total rather than his daily goal, he might never have started.

My reminder for you today is to create a routine that accommodates the unique demands of each day and to set short-term goals derived from your larger ambitions.

For example, to memorize two pages of the Qur’an in a week, aim to memorize five lines daily for six days and revise on the seventh. To read a 120-page book in a month, read just four pages a day. Stay consistent by setting reminders, using accountability partners, making to-do lists, and placing sticky notes in strategic places. Make du’a to Allāh for strength and constantly remind yourself that you are capable of tremendous change, beginning with small, intentional steps.

Remember the Prophet’s advice to strive for what is beneficial, especially in this age of smartphones and social media. Take a pen and paper and start your journey today, making your first step towards a productive life with the help of Allāh.

Al-’Aabidaat Women’s Group is a community of believing women.

Join us via this link. If you enjoy our articles, kindly share with others. May Alläh bless you.

Getting claps on Medium is motivating! Did you know that you can hold the button down to clap up to 50 times!Show us how much you love our post with your claps.

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Bye! Ma’a As-Salamah

Praise be to the Lord of the Worlds
His Majesty extends beyond the globes
All in the heavens and earth exalt His might
Behold, His mercy is boundless

A celebration, born of a story
Fulfilled to uphold His Wisdom and Mercy
Father and son, servants submissive and bold
Surrendering to the Most High

Sigh!
He is always nigh
Despair not
He does not slumber nor does He doze
Exult and revel
It Is that time of the year
Exalt His name with praise
So that you can receive His grace

Written by an Al-’Aabidaat Gem

Author’s Bio

Name: Sanni Toriqatullah Opeyemi
Occupation: Nurse
Favorite Quote: حسبي الله ونعم الوكيل
Kunya: Umm Abdullah

Al-’Aabidaat Women is a brainchild of ‘The Knowledge Project’, a virtual resource Centre for quality Islamic Education. Join us with the linktr.ee/alaabidaat .

Assalaamu‘alaykum, Beloved Sisters.

It’s that time of the year, our own time of celebration and festivity.

Anas ibn Malik reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, arrived in Medina during two days which they were celebrating. The Prophet said, “What are these two days?” They said, “We would celebrate these two days in the time of ignorance.”

The Prophet said, “Verily, Allah has replaced these two days with two better days: Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr.” (Sunan Abī Dāwūd 1134)

As we prepare to have fun and be merry on this joyous day, here are a few reminders on how we should conduct ourselves as Muslimahs during ‘Eid:

1. Dressing: It is from the Sunnah to put on our best clothes and adorn ourselves on this day. However, as Muslim women, our best clothing is that which is shari‘ah-complaint. We must observe the correct Hijaab and cover our adornments — jewelry, henna, etc.

2. The ‘Eid ground is not a place to gist or engage in unnecessary talks. Engage in dhikr, keep chanting the Takbir, and keep making du‘a. After the Eid prayer has been observed, let’s refrain from raising our voices while greeting people. It is not the time to start posing for photos or intermingling with the opposite gender either. As much as we celebrating, we must keep our hayaa intact.

3. We must not let our chores at home distract us from our Salah and other acts of ‘Ibadah on this day.

4. We should try to help around the house and serve other people as much as we can while having the intention of worshipping Allaah through this. If there are visitors or extended family members around, we must uphold the etiquette of interacting with non-Mahram men.

5. Every form of fun we have on this day should be within the limits of what Islaam allows. Music isn’t made halal because ‘it’s ‘Eid’.

6. ‘Eid is a day to bond with family and friends. Do not spend all your time on social media. Be present with your family, joke, play, and make beautiful memories.

It has been reported from Ali ibn Abi Talib that he said “Every day in which Allah Almighty is not disobeyed is our celebration.” If we spend our ‘Eid flouting the injunctions of Allaah, then we wouldn’t have had an ‘Eid in its real sense.

May Allaah help us to adhere to what He has commanded and stay away from all He has prohibited.

Have a fantastic ‘Eid!

BaarakaLlaahu feekunna.

Written by an Al-’Aabidaat Gem for our sisters in the Deen

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As-Salaam ‘Alaykum Honored Sisters,

As we journey to Allaah in the first days of Dhul-Hijjah, let us keep in mind the virtues of these 10 days; they are the best days of the year; among them is the Day of ‘Arafah, whoever fasts on it gets 2 years of sins forgiven, and on the last day is the Blessed Day of ‘Eid.

Below are some links, shared to resources that might benefit us on this topic. We have links to videos, web posts, legally distributed ebooks, audio tapes, and more. Please go through the resources before downloading the wallpapers. BaarakaLlaahu feekunna.

First, check out our Playlist curated on YouTube on short and long reminders on Dhul-Hijjah https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLR5XVCLYIUy-Bthzh_TtmeoiXrN8HqYhb&si=iUJl8vcPt7ce_act

RESOURCES

1. E-book by Life with Allah on the Best 10 Days of the Year

A. Abridged: https://lifewithallah.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Dhul_Hijjah_The_Best_Days_of_The_Year_by_Life_With_Allah_Online.pdf

B. Full: https://lifewithallah.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/The-Best-Days-Of-Your-Life-by-Life-With-Allah.pdf

2. Audio by Shaykh Saleh As-Saleh

The Merits of the 10 Days of Dhul Hijjah - by Dr. Saleh as Saleh [Mp3|En]

3. Video of Shaykh Muhammad Ibn Saalih Al-Uthaymeen

The Virtues of the Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah - Shaykh Uthaymeen [Video|Ar-En Subtitles]

4. Audio of Shaykh Fu’ad Al-Amri

Our Salaf and The First 10 Days of Dhul-Hijjah - by Shaykh Fuad al-Amri [Audio|Ar-En]

5. Shaykh Abdurrazzaq Al-Badr on Day of ‘Arafah

The Day of 'Arafah - by Shaykh 'Abdurrazzāq al Badr [Video|Ar-En Subtitles]

6. Shaykh Uthaymeen’s Book on The Rules of Sacrificial Offerings & Slaughtering

[Book Reco] The Rules of Sacrificial Offerings & Slaughtering - Shaykh Uthaymeen

7. Virtues of Dhul-Hijjah

Virtues of the Ten Days of Dhul Hijjah - Islam Question & Answer

8. Restricted and Unrestricted Takbir in Dhul-Hijjah

Difference between Restricted and Unrestricted Takbir in Dhul-Hijjah - Islam Question & Answer

9. Free Wallpapers for some Inspiration

Find more of our wallpapers here: https://medium.com/@alaabidaat/deen-wallpapers-3846198da5dc

Links are shared only to benefit the sisters with the specific content shared and not to recommend the entire channel, group, or website of the content.

May Allaah Accept this from all of us at Al-’Aabidaat and from you as you share with others.

Join us: WOMEN ONLY!!

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𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗜𝗦 𝗥𝗔𝗠𝗔𝗗𝗔𝗡? By Faraz Adam

Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar, and one of the most sacred times in the year.

Ramadan is not just virtuous because of fasting, in fact, Ramadan is described and defined in the Qur’an as the month in which the Qur’an was revealed.

The Qur’an was revealed to the lowest Heaven in the month of Ramadan; the first verse of the Qur’an was revealed in the month of Ramadan. Thereafter, the Qur’an was revealed piecemeal over 23 years to the Prophet ﷺ.

➡️ Meaning of the word ‘Ramadan’

It is said that the word “Ramadan” is derived from the root “ramḍ,” which refers to intense heat.

The Arabs named most of the months before Islam, including the month of Ramadan. It is said that the name “Ramadan” came from the fact that the Arabs, when naming the months in ancient times, associated them with the times and weather conditions of those periods. When the month of Ramadan coincided with the end of the intense heat, they named it “Ramadan,” and the name has continued to this day.

In another narrative, it is said that Ramadan was named so because it burns away sins, i.e., it cleanses them through righteous deeds. It is also said to be derived from “ramīḍ,” which means cloud and rain at the end of the hot season and the beginning of autumn. It was named “ramīḍ” because it wards off the heat of the sun, just as Ramadan cleanses bodies from sins.

Al-Azhari says that the naming of Ramadan is derived from sharpening the blade, to sharpen it between two stones until it becomes thin. Therefore, this month was named “Ramadan” because they used to sharpen their weapons in it to settle their debts in Shawwal before the entering of the sacred months.

➡️ What Ramadan means in practice?

Ramadan is the month of detox. It is the month of self strategy. It is the month of self reflection. It is the month of rejuvenation. It is the month where you introspect, self review, and develop one’s annual plan on how to excel and reach heights.

Ramadan is about realisation.

We never have time in life. We will always have meetings. We will always be busy. This will always be the case. We have to withdraw once in a while, and do what is truly meaningful. Without understanding our existential purpose, nothing will ever make sense.

Ramadan is the perfect time to make sense of life, and to bring meaning to your life.

Don’t let this Ramadan pass without reviving your soul and reconnecting with the heartbeat of your soul, the name of Allah.

Image and article by Faraz Adam; may Allah Bless him.