South Africa Islamic Lecture Tour- Sh. Sajid Ahmed Umar

Assalamualaikum

FOR THOSE IN SOUTH AFRICA, I WILL BE VISITING FROM THE 25TH OF SEPTEMBER UP TILL THE 1ST OF OCTOBER, AND CAN BE CONTACTED ON 0027822290834.

I WILL BE IN JOBURG, PRETORIA AND RUSTENBURG ON THE 25TH, AND BE BASED IN JOBURG THEREAFTER.

25TH: MALABASTAD, PRETORIA, JUMUAH PROGRAM
25TH: ZINNIAVILLE MASJID, RUSTENBURG, AFTER ESHA LECTURE
28TH: MASJID ANSAARUL ISLAM, POTCHEFSTROOM, AFTER ESHA LECTURE
29TH: MASJID MUATH BIN JABAL, CROSBY, JHB, AFTER ESHA LECTURE
30TH: JAAMI' MASJID, BENONI, AFTER ESHA LECTURE.

THERE WILL ALSO BE LECTURES DONE ON THE CII AND RADIO ISLAM RADIO SERVICES, AS WELL AS YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS AND WILL BE ANNOUNCED.

I ASK YOUR DUA THAT ALLAH ALMIGHTY ACCEPTS ALL EFFORTS.

Sajid Ahmed Umar

Ramadhaan and being healthy

Ramadhaan is the perfect opportunity to improve one's health

One of the most obvious health benefits of fasting is the detoxification this practice brings. Some believe fasting can not only allow cells to rid themselves of harmful toxins, and dead or diseased tissue, but can also rejuvenate the internal organs, allowing them to work more efficiently. Some doctors also claim fasting can help cure diseases such as cancer, lupus, arthritis, asthma, high blood pressure and allergies.

Fasting is a practice that has many benefits for the body. Not only does it give the body a chance to heal itself, it also cleans all the toxins and poisons from the body. The health benefits of fasting can leave you feeling more energized and more physically fit that ever before.

The above has been gathered from medical journals and proves how Ramadaan is truly a blessed month.

The formula for a healthy Sehri! (Meal eaten just before the fast begins)

Make a habit of consuming complex carbohydrates at sehri so that foods last longer making you less hungry during the day. Haleem is an excellent source of sugar, fiber, carbohydrates, potassium and magnesium. Almonds are rich in protein and fiber with less fat. Bananas are a good source of potassium, magnesium and carbohydrates.

Be sure to research foods that consist of complex carbs to ensure your body is able to achieve an equilibrium through-out the fast. Improper eating habits can cause a rapid rise in one's triglyceride levels! Thats never good for those who care for a healthy heart.

Complex carbs include:

Pasta, Macaroni, Spaghetti, Brown rice, Potatoes, Wholemeal breads, Granary bread, Brown bread, Pitta bread, High fiber breakfast cereals, Porridge oats, All bran, Wheetabix, Shredded wheat, Beans, Peas, Lentils,apples, prunes, pears, strawberries, oranges, soy milk, skim milk, low fat or non-fat yogurt, carrots, potatoes, celery, asparagus, zucchini and onions.

May Allah grant us the opportunity to leave this month with a healthy record pertaining to the hereafter, and a healthy body to gain from in worshipping the Almighty further, during our fragile years in this world.

Ameen.

Sajid Ahmed Umar

Fasting and Unity

Fasting promotes unity!

The Prophet sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam said:

"Fast when they fast, and break your fast when they break their fast, and sacrifice the day they sacrifice." (At-Tirmidhee, authenticated by al-Albaanee)

Imaam at-Tirmidhee (d. 275H) – rahimahullah – said:

"Some of the People of Knowledge explained this hadeeth by saying: Its meaning is to fast and break the fast along with the jamaa`ah and the majority of people." (Jamiah at-Tirmithi)

in this blessed month we can sense an increased feeling of unity and of being a single Ummah due to our fasting and breaking of our fasts collectively. We also feel an increased awareness about the state of affairs of the Muslims and of the hardships that each endure, because during the fast, a Muslim feels and experiences what his hungry brothers and sisters feel, who are forced to go without food and drink for many many days.

Unity amongst muslims and their aiding and assisting of one another is one of the great fundamentals upon which the Religion of Islam is built, as Allah – the Most High – said:

"And hold fast altogether to the rope of Allaah and do not be divided." [Soorah Al `Imraan 3:103].

And Allah Almighty also said:

"The Believers – men and women – and friends and protectors of one another." [Soorah at-Tawbah 9:44]

Dear reader, understand that the welfare of our people will not be complete – neither in this world, nor in the Hereafter – except with ijtima` (collectiveness), ta`awun (mutual co-operation), and tanassur (mutual help). It is for this reason that man is said to be social and civil by nature." (See al-hisbah fil Islam)

Ramadaan is a time to increase our sense of unity and brotherhood, and our commitment to Allah and His Religion. And there is no doubt that this sense of unity necessitates that: "We work together as required by Islam as sincere bretheren in order to realize that which is of benefit to the muslim ummah and to establish an Islamic society that every Muslim aspires for.

The month of Ramadaan is definately a month for us to put behind petty squabbles and let bye-gons be bye-gons!

May Allah unite us all upon Tauheed and truthfulness. Ameen

And Allah knows best.

Sajid Ahmed Umar