The Virtues of the First 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah

InshaAllah,
Wednesday, the 18th of November will be the first of Dhul Hijjah
Thursday, the 26th of November will be the day of Arafa
Friday, the 27th of November will be Eid al-Adha

1) The first ten days of Dhu'l-Hijjah are the most virtuous days of the year.
2) Virtues of performing good deeds during these days and the necessity of utilizing time.
3) Examples of good deeds: Salaah, Recitation of the Qur'aan., Fasting, Charity, and Hajj.
4) Sacrificing Udh-hiyah, and the Sunnah regarding it.
5) Not cutting your hair/nails within these 10 days if you plan to offer a sacrifice

From the most virtuous of days are the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah (the 12th month in the lunar calendar, one of the sacred months and the month of Hajj). A group of those from the People of Knowledge say: “Verily they are the best days of the year just as the last ten nights of Ramadaan are the best nights of the year.” Some of the various types of righteous actions which are done in these first ten days are mentioned below:

REMEMBRANCE OF ALLAAH
The first of the righteous actions is the remembrance of Allaah(swt). Allaah(swt) said: "…and the men and the women who remember Allaah much with their hearts and tongues - Allaah has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward (i.e. Paradise)." [al-Ahzaab 33:35]
It is affirmed in a number of texts the encouragement of mentioning the takbeer. Allaah(swt) said: "…and mention the Name of Allaah on appointed days (i.e. 10th, 11th, 12th, and 13th day of Dhul-Hijjah)" [al-Hajj 22:28]
It has been affirmed from the Sahaabah (Companions) of the Prophet(pbuh) and from him(pbuh), that they increased in the takbeer (saying “Allaahu Akbar—Allaah is the Greatest) in the first ten days of the month of Dhul Hijjah and they raised their voice with it, each one of them saying the takbeer on his own. They raised their voices until the mountains shook from their takbeer but they did not say the takbeer in unison (in Jamaa’ah). Each of them said the takbeer on his own.

VOLUNTARY ACTS OF WORSHIP
One should implement the voluntary acts of worship - whether prayer, fasting or charity. It is reported in hadeeth that the Prophet(pbuh) encouraged fasting the ten days and it is reported that he(pbuh) said: “Whoever fasts the Day of Arafah will have his sins expiated for two years (the past year and the coming year).” [Ibn Maajah]

DO NOT CUT HAIR OR NAILS FOR THE ONE DOING THE SACRIFICE
From what is considered as righteous actions on these ten days is that the one who wants to do the Udhiyyah (sacrificial slaughter) should not cut his hair or nails during these ten days. As such it is desired that he commits himself before these ten days by cutting his hair and nails. The Prophet(pbuh) said: “When any one of you intending to sacrifice the animal enters in the month (of Dhul-Hijjah) he should not get his hair or nails touched (cut)”. [Muslim]

SUPPLICATE FOR THE HUJJAAJ
One should make du`aa (supplication) for the hujjaaj (pilgrims who have embarked upon the Hajj) that Allaah(swt) keeps them safe from all evil and that He(swt) returns them to their countries. This is because the hujjaaj are the guests of Ar-Rahmaan so they have a right upon us that we supplicate for them for ease in their affairs and their safe return.

UDHIYYAH - SACRIFICIAL SLAUGHTER
One should prepare to do the Udhiyyah (sacrificial slaughtering of an animal) and arranging distribution of the meat amongst family, friends, the needy etc. This is from the pious and righteous deeds. Abu Haneefah(rahimahullah) was of the opinion that it was from the obligatory acts but most of others say that it is desirable. The Prophet(pbuh) said: “Who does not slaughter should not come to the salaah”. [Ibn Maajah]

ATTEND THE `EED SALAAH
From amongst the righteous actions is attending the salaatul `Eed, greeting one another, and leaving off fasting on the day of `Eed and on the days of Tashreeq (i.e. the 11th, 12th and 13th of Dhul Hijjah).
[Based on a lectured by Shaykh Sa`d ash-Shitree (may Allaah preserve him). The Virtues of the First 10 days of Dhul Hijjah. Albaseerah News letter Issue # 2 of Vol. ]

Tayba Foundation Eid Sponsorships

As-salamu alaykum,

We hope that all is well with you and your families. We at the Tayba Foundation are please to announce that in Ramadan of this year we began working on our Prison Outreach Program (http://www.taybafoundation.org/outreach.php) to serve our incarcerated Muslim brothers and sisters. We will offer religious education as well as skill development training and rehabilitation programs. Our program is open to Muslim and non-Muslim inmates alike. We have a 3 year projected plan to develop the entire curriculum and we began work during Ramadan of this year, 2009. We hope to have monthly donations from various masajid, community centers and individuals to cover the costs of the curriculum development and the distance learning program.

We also have a drive to collect sponsorships to cover the costs of an Eid al-Adha banquet that will be held at Avenal State Prison. Sponsorships of $20 will cover the costs of sending an Eid greeting card (with artwork by a Muslim inmate) to a prisoner and cover the costs associated with that prisoner's participation in the Eid al-Adha. Zabiha meat, which is not provided by the state, (although Jewish inmates receive Kosher meat) will be part of what we provide for the banquet. At Avenal State prison, zabiha meat has not been brought into the prison for at least nine years and thus many prisoners go without eating meat. The last Eid Banquet we sponsored had almost 400 attendees with about 100 of that number being non-Muslims. Here are two quotes from attendees of our last Eid Banquet:

It was a blessing to receive the spiritual food as well as the halal chicken. This environment brings difficulty, so the reality shared by the guests is very much needed. I would like to thank the guests and the Muslims that support our program. – Abdul Mumin Ali

Personally, I enjoyed the entire event, especially the guest speakers and the messages that were shared. Though I am not a Muslim, I enjoy partaking in the festivities. I especially would like to thank the visitors for taking the time to come and share the message with all those that participated. – Owvour

If we get enough sponsorships, we will also be able to sponsor an Eid Banquet for Pleasant Valley State Prison where for Eid al-Fitr all that the Muslims had to celebrate was one cake, cut up in small pieces served on napkins. Previously, their Eid Banquet was sponsored by a Church.

The Eid al-Adha Banquet will take place a few weeks after the Eid date, so we will continue to accept sponsorships after that time. You may donate online (http://taybafoundation.org/support.php) or send your check by mail. Please include a mailing address so that we may send you a tax receipt for your donation. Please note "Eid Banquet" on online donations and checks.

--
Tayba Foundation
www.taybafoundation.org
510.754.1217

How to control your anger.

Control Anger - wikiHow

How to Control Anger

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

Anger can be very destructive to yourself and others. Not only can it harm you on the outside, but in your inside as well. Anger is a feeling, or more of a destructive emotion that can, will, or might take over you without your consent or permission. The following material discusses various types of anger and how to control it.

Steps

1. Understand the reasons for your anger and understand its causes:
   
   • Examine thoughts, as the memories of the causes and reasons for the anger to arise. Limit this examination to one source and cause at a time, and isolate it from the numerous other things that may make one angry.
     
   
   
2. Determine whether specific anger is legitimate, or from expectation:
   
3. LEGITIMATE ANGER: One is certainly genuinely entitled to anger at those who do one harm, cheat, lie, steal from one, or violate one in some way. One may be legitimately angry at circumstance such as the situation of an orphan, incest, rape, deceit and innumerable other injustices. And so the anger is justified and it is there, and it is quite natural. This justified anger may be amplified by frustration, where one cannot do anything to rectify the cause, either because it is in the past and done, or because the cause cannot or will not be changed. Dwelling on #this anger often causes extreme emotional states, adrenaline rush, the racing of thoughts and the exaggeration of other slights related or not.
   
   • Deal with Legitimate Anger: It comes down to - one wants justice. Anger may be readily justified by difficult circumstances and people. One would expect not to get robbed and when one does one is entitled to get and be angry. However the anger and bitterness only compounds the original injustice extending it into perpetuity. One allows the perpetrator the control of one's feelings endlessly, not only in the past but in the present as well.
     
   • Realize anger becomes an identity. 'I am angry person, hear me roar'. This entitles one to special privileges and compensations. It gives one power. Attempt to discover the entitlements one's anger has provided one, and that one becomes dependent. One may derive emotional energy and motivation from anger, to power trip and just to get one's own way. Perhaps a better way to channel this type of anger is to get mad at things that don't affect one exactly personally, like the news. Channel anger into creative motivation like art, writing, manual labor or sports.
     
   • Realize that depression, even that diagnosed by a professional, can at root be caused by anger, and the frustration arising when it cannot or is not rectified, and there is no justice. Because anger in most cases must be suppressed, so as to not cause harm to oneself and others, or its source has caused humiliation and shame, and because one seethes with it when not released, and one pushes it into the unconscious, its unresolved festering can cause depression.
     
   • Understand that unresolved anger is often directed unfairly at others by stereotype, as either individual persons, groups or organizations. Unable or unwilling to confront the source of one's anger, one may create a general category resembling the character of the source and attack those of that type to get justice. It is unfair to guiltless parties.
     
   • Determine fault by an honest assessment, mostly to determine whether one has misplaced blame on oneself. Do not take blame for others misconduct. If one has some culpability take responsibility for it, wherein it helps to admit and cross check with others. Refuse to take any responsibility where one is not at fault. This means there is no guilt. However if one has culpability one may have diverted the anger from the self to another party. One might find that they may have exaggerated the source incident out of proportion. Until one accepts responsibility there will be no resolution, but only endless recrimination.
     
   • Attempt to discover one's true feelings toward the source of one's anger and of oneself in relation to it. One may feel they cannot put the blame on someone they love, or admit hate especially if one does not believe they hate, or cannot love one they think they hate, or cannot hate one they think they love.
     
   • Separate out conflicts of interest, such as emotions in conflict with ambitions and desires, such like confrontation with an anger source that controls inheritance or livelihood. One may have to choose between material benefit and self-well being.
     
   • Purge the anger. This is a necessity and can be done in a variety of ways. Confront the perpetrator. Do not get revenge even if you think the perpetrator truly deserves it. Revenge is a destructive cycle that ends up harming you as much as it harms them. Just confess it calmly to oneself and to others. Write it out. Once one has made it conscious, the next step is to say it aloud to others, as the case with 'whatever' Anonymous. This can be a professional, a group, friends or complete strangers.
     
   • Accept it. What is done is done. Move along nothing to see here. Get over what is only a negative force in one's life.
     
   • Forgive and realize that under different life circumstances you might have been capable of doing the same thing.
     
   
   
4. EXPECTATION ANGER: means one creates expectations of one's own choosing, or adopts them from family, friends or the culture in general. Anger may arise when actual experience or present thinking does not conform to expectation, and where that expectation is important and has consequence. Expectation is standards, rules, laws, tradition, custom, the way one expects others and reality and general to be. When reality does not meet expectations, one may get angry. This anger problem can be dealt with by changing one's expectations.
   
   • Do not expect others to share the same standards, values, and expectations as oneself. Maybe the most common expectation is expecting others to conform to one's own standards. Don't assume others who make one angry are doing it intentionally. They may simply have different standards. In some cities in the world everyone beeps their horn when the light changes to green. One may get angry because someone's faux pas is interpreted as willful disrespect, arrogance or animosity, when actually the true problem may be they are simply unaware of what one's standards are. Confront the perpetrator in some way to let them know that they are making one angry. Of course caution must be considered in the event of the possibility of violence.
     
   • High expectations for other people when unrealized, may tend to cause anger. Anger may be created by imposing expectations and by having them imposed on one. Attempt to understand the motivations for one's high expectations. One may discover they have more to do with one's own flaws of character. Recognize that imposing one's own standards on others is fascist. Let them have their own life. When there is conflict: discuss it, argue it out, compromise or separate. One may not like it when others do it to one, but to then do it to others, can only be for the reason of some higher authority. One may have to learn to avoid these kind of people.
     
   • When something makes one angry express and let it out immediately in some calm and intelligent way and do not suppress it. Make understandings with others concerning one's annoyances. One should expect that compromise might be necessary. In relationships, expectations should be known and agreed upon by all parties. Expectations for children or anyone for that matter should be relative to their capacities and equally explained.
     
   • You can change your expectations: Anger can be dealt with by changing one's expectations. One may change, as raise or lower one's expectations for circumstances and other people. It is useless to expect a dog to adopt religion, and the failure can only cause disappointment and anger. People who are wedded to strict, standards and absolutes are subject to anger when others do not conform. Apply standards to oneself and not necessarily others. Separate the responsibility for one's own standards from others.
     
   • Always discuss with others what it is they do that causes one's anger and attempt a resolution or compromise. Relationships may have to be ended if no resolution can be reached, when the anger is destructive to all members involved. The break may be a better option than the continuous friction and perhaps violence and humiliation of all.
     
   
   
5. CIRCUMSTANTIAL ANGER: Anger at circumstance can be difficult to solve since it is often difficult to change, like children who don't like their family for instance. Learn to accept reality as it naturally is. Avoid circumstance that causes anger whenever possible, like avoiding certain people, situations and relationships. Learn one's own capacities and do not get angry at one's inability to live up to things that are not realistic for one's own abilities. Many times these things may become possible as one gets older, or they may simply be impossible. Personally not planning on ever becoming a millionaire. Not fair is it? It may help to accept the world the way one finds it and not create anger by having unrealistic expectations.
   

Tips

• If the above fails, seek therapy or anger management groups. Or with the net one can go on line, and find dozens, hundreds, perhaps thousands with a same or similar problem. One can join chat groups.
  
• One can mitigate one's anger by transference. Transfer one's anger to inanimate objects like a punching bag. Examples of such may found at the following Release-Anger.
  
• If at any time you are thinking about doing something that would hurt yourself or other people, get help immediately.
  
• If you feel anger taking over, remove yourself from the situation before things become too heated.
  
• Recognize that sometimes anger is justified, and may need to come out. However, realize that there are productive ways to do it instead of lashing out at others.
  
• Ask yourself if the future recipient of your furor deserves to be blown up at, or if you are just using them as a punching bag to release steam about another person/issue that bothers you.
  
• Sometimes, instead of talking to someone directly, it is more appropriate to write a letter.
  
• Taking yoga can be a long-term solution to anger problems, allowing you to focus on your feelings and release your stress.
  
• If at all possible, remove yourself from the situation. It's amazing the difference 8-hours of sleep or a 5-minute walk can make. Time gives you distance from the issue, allowing you to put things into perspective.
  
• Find a creative outlet, such as writing, drawing etc. where you can expend your energy. Hobbies help elevate your mood and allow you to channel energy that you'd usually spent dwelling on issues that you aren't able to resolve. Imagine what you could do with the energy you expend in anger if you channeled it into something else.
  
• There is a difference between controlling anger and holding it in until later. If you are unable to avoid feelings of anger, try to release your bottled up feelings later in positive forms like art, exercise, or some other hobby.
  
• Try thinking of stuff that you are thankful for. The more specific, the better. You can't be truly angry and thankful at the same time.
  
• Meditation is a useful way to release stress and/or anxiety, which are often prerequisites to anger. Do not meditate when you are angry, as this could have a negative effect on your anger. Instead, meditate when you have calmed down and are in complete control of your thoughts and emotions.
  
• Remember, we are all human and tend to get angry at someone or something. You can tell someone how you feel and see if they can help you.
  
• Try writing down all the things that happened today (try at least a whole front and back of a page, or more) and how you feel about yourself and other people.
  
• Try to go in an empty room and count to 10.
  

Warnings

• You may need to see a professional on mental health if problems still exist.
  
• If you feel like you lose control when you're angry, seek psychological help.
  
• Anger is never, ever an excuse to strike out at or abuse (physically or verbally) the people around you.
  
• Find something that releases your anger (nothing violent or harmful) this could be as simple as throwing a few punches at your punching bag in the basement
  
• Do not hurt a person or animal. In fact, stay away from them when you are angry.
  
• Don't abuse yourself (e.g: cutting, substance abuse) This won't make you feel better and will only hurt you more.
  

Related wikiHows

• How to Build Self Control
  
• How to Gain Control of Your Emotions
  
• How to Make a Hate Relief Doll
  
• How to Handle People Who Are Angry at You
  

Sources and Citations

• Anger Management Techniques
  

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Control Anger. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

Nine Days of Dhul-Hijjah

Fasting the first Nine Days of Dhul-Hijjah is a Sunnah
Hunaydah ibn Khaalid narrated upon the authority of his wife who said, "Some of the wives of the Prophet (salallaahu 'alaihiwasallam) told me that the Prophet (salallaahu 'alaihiwasallam) used to fast the Day of 'Aashoorah, the first nine days of Dhul-Hijjah, and three days out of every month (13th, 14th, and 15th every month)" [Imam Ahmad, An-Nasaaee]
Commentary: Imam An-Nawwawee (rahimahullaah) said with reference to fasting the first nine days of Dhul-Hijjah, quote: "It is extremely preferable to do so."

Fatwah from Shaikh al-'Uthaimeen about fasting first Nine Days of Dhul-Hijjah
A questioner asked Shaikh al-'Uthaimeen (rahimahullaah) the following question: Oh Shaikh, are there any authentic ahadith that mention fasting the first [nine] days of Dhul-Hijjah?
Answer by Shaikh al-'Uthaimeen - quote:
"Fasting the first [nine] of Dhul-Hijjah is from the righteous actions without doubt.
And the Prophet salallaahu 'alaihi wasallam said, "There are not any days in which righteous actions are done that are more beloved to Allaah than these ten days." They said, "Oh Messenger of Allaah, not even jihad in Allaah's cause?" He said, "Not even jihad in Allaah's cause, except for a man who left out with his self and his wealth, and he did not return with either."
So fasting is included in the general context of this hadith. And there appears a hadith stating that the Messenger of Allaah salallaahu 'alaihi wasallam used to fast the first ten of Dhul Hijjah, not counting the 'Eid [in other words, the first nine days of Dhul-Hijjah].
And Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal rahimahullaah takes this position and it is authentic. Fasting in the first ten [of Dhul-Hijjah, excluding the 'Eid] is sunnah. Yes."

Islamic Relief - Egypt Fundraising Dinner

Islamic Relief Presents.....

A NIGHT OF HOPE:
SHEDDING LIGHT ON EGYPT’S NEEDY

Egypt Fundraising Dinner
Guest Speaker: Hanan Turk, Egyptian Actress

Saturday, December 19, 2009
6:00pm

Hyatt Hotel Anaheim
11999 Harbor Blvd, Garden Grove, CA 92840
714-750-1234

Tickets: $40 ($50 at the door)
Table of 10 seats for $350
Dinner & Children’s program provided

For Tickets & Volunteer Info Contact:
714-676-1309
888-479-4968
sw@IslamicReliefUSA.org
www.IslamicReliefUSA.org

'The Ins and Outs of Adolescence' Seminar/Workshop

Do you know young youth
that would benefit from getting the Islamic training
on how to go through adolescence?

Do you know parents who are interested in getting some important tips
on how to approach their children about sensitive subject matters?

New Dimensions presents
The Ins and Outs of Adolescence

Keynote Speaker: Mohammed Hannini
Dr. Shamel Abd-Allah
Dr. Tahseen Shareef

Saturday, November 21st
10 A.M. - 5 P.M.

$20 Adults and $10 Youth

436 4th W. St. Pomona, CA 91766 (909) 620-5297
newdimensions.webs.com

-babysitting available upon request

No poverty after Paradise and no wealth in the Fire

It is reported that Jundub b. ‘Abdillâh Al-Bajalî – Allah be pleased with him – was once asked for advice and instruction. He said:
I advise you to fear Allâh and obey Him (taqwâ) and I advise you to adhere to the Quran, for it is a light in the dark night and a guidance during the day, so implement it no matter how much struggle and poverty you have to face. If a calamity befalls you, put your wealth forward to protect your religion, and if the calamity continues, put forward your wealth and your life to save your religion [but never risk your religion], for the ruined is he whose religion is ruined, and the looted is he whose religion is taken. And know that there is no poverty after Paradise, and no riches after the Fire. [Al-Dhahabî, Siyar A’lâm Al-Nubalâ` 3:174. Sayings of the Salaf. No poverty after Paradise and no wealth in the Fire.]

An-Nams =/

"The Prophet(PBUH) cursed the woman who plucks eyebrows and the one who has her eyebrows plucked; the woman who extends hair and has her hair extended; and the woman who tattoos and has herself tattooed." [Reported by Imaam Al-Bukhaaree from the narration of 'Abdullaah bin Mas'ood.]

A Naamisah is someone who plucks the hair from the eyebrows with either a scissor or a razor blade or by removing it using any other method by which eyebrow hair is removed. This is what is known as an-nams (eyebrow-plucking) which the Prophet (PBUH) cursed any woman that did it. A Mutanammisah is a woman that asks for her eyebrows to be plucked. She is also cursed based on the statement of Allaah's Messenger (PBUH).

["Advice to the Muslim Woman (Naseehah Lil-Mar'at-il-Muslimah)." a transcribed lecture from Shaikh Saalih bin Fawzaan Al-Fawzaan.]