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Showing posts from March, 2025

Eid ul-Fitr: A Celebration of Faith, Gratitude, and Joy

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When the crescent moon signals the end of Ramadan , the Muslim world comes alive with the spirit of Eid. The festival echoes with prayers of peace, unity, and joy for all. The Festival of Breaking the Fast: Known as the festival of breaking the fast, Eid ul-Fitr is one of the most significant celebrations in Islam. It marks the end of Ramadan, the muslim fasting month, characterized for fasting, prayer, spiritual reflection, and community, which not only fosters a deeper connection to Allah, but also reinforces the core values of faith, patience, and selflessness. The Significance of Eid ul-Fitr: Observed by millions of Muslims around the world, Eid ul-Fitr is a time of happiness, gratitude, and generosity. More than just a festival, it is a reflection of faith and togetherness, reminding the Muslims of the values of patience, generosity, and compassion while strengthening their connection with family, friends, and community.  It also serves as an expression of gratitude to Allah f...

The Architects of Everyday: Understanding the Role of Designers in Our Lives

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In the seamless flow of daily lives, we often take things for granted. But nothing is without design. From the functionality of a smartphone in your pocket to the chair you sit on, or the aesthetics of a workspace and home , everything has been designed.  The people behind these creations are called designers, or  often referred to as "the architects of everyday." They play a crucial role in shaping our world, by transforming ideas into tangible products and experiences that improve the quality of our lives. A deeper look at the Multifaceted Role of The Architects of Everyday : The Scope of Design is Beyond Aesthetics People often associate "design" with visual appeal. However, a design is much more than just a profession. It is not only about creating objects or making things look good; it's about shaping experiences, functionality, usability, and problem-solving.  It's a powerful force that shapes our lives in countless ways. Although aesthetics are unden...

The Third Ashra of Ramadan: Days of Seeking Salvation

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Ramadan is the holiest month in Islam,  divided into three ten-day segments, called Ashras ; each with its own spiritual significance. It is the third and the final Ashra of Ramadan, which spans from the 21st to the 30th (or 29th). Significance of the Third Ashra: Known as the Ashra of Nijaat (Salvation), the third Ashra is the most crucial and sacred period. Here the Muslims seek freedom from Hellfire and hope for Allah’s ultimate mercy and forgiveness. Worship during the Last Ashra of Ramadan Kareem: The last ten days are the end of ramadan, where the Muslims are dedicated to intensified worship, deep reflection, and sincere repentance. It is during this period tha t they strive to earn Allah’s blessings and secure a place in Jannah (Paradise). Dua for the Last 10 Days of Ramadan: The supplication (dua) for the third Ashra is: اللهم أجرني من النار (Alahumma ajirni min al-naar) "O Allah, save me from the fire (of Hell)." Laylatul Qadr: The Night of Power ...

Significance of 23 March Pakistan Resolution Day in Ramadan:

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Pakistan Resolution Day is falling within the ambiance of Ramadan this year.  The convergence of the two events may not only  amplify the significance of both the days, but also  remind the people of the country about the sacrifices made in the past and the spiritual commitment required in the present to come out of the crisis faced by the country today.   Significance of 23 March Pakistan: Historic Turning Point The history of Pakistan Resolution Day is deeply rooted in the essence of unity, faith, and perseverance. This vision was invigorated in the annual session of All India Muslim League, held at Minto Park in Lahore back on  23  March, 1940, under the chair of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The key demand of Lahore Resolution was to recognize the need of self-determination for the Muslims of the subcontinent and their right to govern themselves, demanding the establishment of a separate homeland in British India. Although the resolution didn'...

The Second Ashra of Ramadan: The Days of Forgiveness

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Every moment of Ramadan is precious like a pearl for Muslims. They spend the entire month seeking  the pleasure of Allah, His blessings, and His forgiveness. This is the second Ashra of the holy month, which is especially focused on forgiveness. Therefore; it is called the Ashra of forgiveness (Maghfirah). Why Beg for Pardon in the Second Ashra of Ramadan: Hadith of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) In a Hadith, the holy Prophet Muhammad Peace be upon Him said, “If anyone constantly seeks pardon (from Allah), Allah will appoint for him a way out of every distress and a relief from every anxiety, and will provide sustenance for him from where he expects not.” (Abu Dawud). Seeking pardon and absolution is very dear to Allah Almighty. He loves His bondsman, who happens to commit sin but repents of his sin. He who asks forgiveness from Allah SWT is rewarded in several ways by Allah. We are destined to make mistakes, being human. Hence, it becomes important to ask for pardon from Allah. He never ...

The End of Ramadan First Ashra: A time for Reflection and Renewal

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We have made transition into the next phase of Ramadan, called Ashra e Maghfirat. However, we should not forget of what we have been through in the first Ashra . It is essential for spiritual accomplishments to reflect on how we spent the ten days of divine mercy, where the doors of the heaven are wide open, and the blessings of Allah Almighty shower upon those who repent, worship, and engage in good deeds.   The main Questions before us at the End of the First Ashra: The first Ashra of Ramadan is like a foundation for the rest of the month, even the entire year. Therefore, reflecting on the concluding period is must for success in the second Ashra, and so on. As such, it is incumbent upon us to pause and reflect on this sacred phase by holding ourselves accountable while asking ourselves:  Have we sincerely sought the mercy of Allah through prayer and repentance? 

Finding Solace in the Mercy of Allah: The Ocean of Mercy

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Where do you turn for retreat when life throws curveballs in your way; you face challenges, make mistakes, and sometimes the weight of your burden feels unbearable to you. It is there you can experience something extraordinary, which may have a strange effect on your mind. And you may call it a magic, but it’s much more than that. The moment you experience reminds you of the mercy of Allah in your life?   Understanding the Mercy of Allah: The concept may be something like a distant dream in a world riddled with uncertainty and hardships, but it’s not a fleeting emotion. The answer lies in the profound understanding of Allah's Rahma – His constant mercy and its unwavering presence is like an ocean of compassion, and a boundless embrace, that offers solace, hope, and a path to redemption. Universal Nature of Allah's Mercy: Mercy is one of the greatest attributes of Allah. The divine name Ar-Rahman especially refers to the universal mercy of Allah for all creation.  However, it...

Building a Long-Term Spiritual Growth: Divine Mercy in Ramadan First Ashra

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Ramadhan holds an unparalleled significance in the lives of the Muslims. It is a perfect time for them to earn the pleasure of Allah. Ramadhan Foster Connection to Allah: ‌The holy month gives the believers a chance to develop every aspect of their lives, with its marked characteristics of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. These acts help them in fostering a deeper connection to Allah. The First Ashra of Ramadhan: Mercy and Blessing ‌The concept of mercy, or Rahmah, is a central part of our religion (Deen). The mercy of Allah prevails over His wrath. The first third of the fasting month gives the Muslims a better chance to foster that mercy. It provides them plenty of opportunities to seek and earn the blessings of Almighty Allah. Known as the Ashra of mercy and blessing, the initial ten days of Ramadan are like a foundation to set the tone for fasting. This is a time for spiritual growth and self-purification. Here, the believers have an opportunity to change their habits a...

Three Stages of Ramadhan:

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Ramadhan is a sacred month for the Muslims worldwide. It is a time for them to collect blessings, pray for forgiveness, and seek protection from Hellfire. Physical and Spiritual Dimensions of Ramadhan :  Three Ashras of Ramadhan The holy month has been divided into three important parts. These parts of are called Ashras, with each part lasts ten days. The first Ashra is mercy, the second forgiveness, and the third salvation from the Hellfire. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) explained: “It (Ramadan) is the month, whose beginning is mercy, its middle, forgiveness and its end, emancipation from the fire.” –[Ibn Khuzaymah]. The holy month purifies the body and soul of the believers through these stages. During this time, it provides them an opportunity to structure their daily schedules centered around worship and make the most of the month by burning away their sins through devotion and purification.    Practical Implementations for Success During Ramadan Ashras: The three...

Ramadhan: A Month of Sacrifice and Renewal:

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Ramadhan is a month of sacrifice in essence. It is a time of self-discipline, spiritual reflection, and increased devotion. During this month, the believers fast from dawn to sunset, abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs to develop patience, self-control, and gratitude. Empathy and Self-control in Ramadhan: The holy month is meaningful of the benefits, which the faithful derive from it in burning away their sins through devotion and purification. The holy month cultivates self-control and empathy  in the believers and  reminds them of the struggles and hardships faced by the needy in meeting their needs, while reinforcing the core values of faith, patience, and selflessness . Islamic Rituals and Practices in Ramadham: Fasting, worship and charity are the marked characteristics of this sacred month.  It is  a time of heightened worship, during which the Muslim Ummah worldwide engage in extended prayers, including Taraweeh and special nightly pray...