Beautiful Duas from the Quran

Read the Beautiful Dua from Quran for everyday life

For pious children:

رَبِّ هَبْ لِي مِنْ لَدُنْكَ ذُرِّيَّةً طَيِّبَةً إِنَّكَ سَمِيعُ الدُّعَاءِ

رَبِّ لَا تَذَرْنِي فَرْدًا وَأَنْتَ خَيْرُ الْوَارِثِينَ

Rabbi habli milladunka zurriyatan tayyibatan innaka sameeud dua.

Rabbi laa tazarni fardan wa anta khair al wariseen

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For the one who is afraid :
رَبَّنَا لَا تُزِغْ قُلُوبَنَا بَعْدَ إِذْ هَدَيْتَنَا وَهَبْ لَنَا مِنْ لَدُنْكَ رَحْمَةً إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ الْوَهَّاب��ُ
Rabbana laa tuzigh qulubana ba'da iz hadaytana wa hablana milladunka rahmah innaka antal wahhab

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Do you want shahada?say this Duaa:
رَبَّنَا آمَنَّا بِمَا أَنْزَلْتَ وَاتَّبَعْنَا الرَّسُولَ فَاكْتُبْنَا مَعَ الشَّاهِدِينَ 
Rabbana aamanna bima anzalta wa ittaba'nar rasula faktubna ma'ash shahideen

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Overwhelmed by life's problems? Say this Duaa:
حَسْبِيَ اللَّهُ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا هُوَ عَلَيْهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَهُوَ رَبُّ الْعَرْشِ الْعَظِيمِ 
Hasbiyallahu laa ilaha illa hua alayhi tawakkaltu wa hua rabbul arshil azeem

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If you want yourself and your children to be regular in their salaat:
رَبِّ اجْعَلْنِي مُقِيمَ الصَّلاةِ وَمِنْ ذُرِّيَّتِي رَبَّنَا وَتَقَبَّلْ دُعَاءِ 
Rabbijalni muqeem as salaata wa man zurriyati rabbana wa taqabbal dua

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If you want your spouse and children to be Khair for you :
رَبَّنَا هَبْ لَنَا مِنْ أَزْوَاجِنَا وَذُرِّيَّاتِنَا قُرَّةَ أَعْيُنٍ وَاجْعَلْنَا لِلْمُتَّقِينَ إِمَامًا 
Rabbana hablana min azwajina wa zurriyatina qurrata a'yunin wa ja'alna lil muttaqeena imama

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A blessed home:
رَبِّ أَنْزِلْنِي مُنْزَلًا مُبَارَكًا وَأَنْتَ خَيْرُ الْمُنْزِلِين��َ
Rabbi anzalni munzalan mubarakan wa Anta khair al munzileen

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Keep the shaitaan away from you:
رَبِّ أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ هَمَزَاتِ الشَّيَاطِينِ وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ رَبِّ أَنْ يَحْضُرُونِ 
Rabbi a'uzubika min hamazaatish shayadin wa a'uzubika rabbi an yahdurun

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Afraid of the torment of the hell fire:
رَبَّنَا اصْرِفْ عَنَّا عَذَابَ جَهَنَّمَ إِنَّ عَذَابَهَا كَانَ غَرَامًا 
Rabbanasrif anna azaaba jahannama inna azaabaha kaana gharama

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If you are afraid Allah may not accept your good deeds:
رَبَّنَا تَقَبَّلْ مِنَّا إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ 
Rabbana takabbal minna innaka antas sameeul aleem

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If you are sad, complain to none other than Allah:
إنما أَشْكُو بَثِّي وَحُزْنِي إِلَى اللَّه 
Innama ashku bassi wa huzni ilalaah

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Isha Witr Namaz Dua - Dua-e-Qunoot

Dua-e-Qunoot is recited in the third rakat of Witr (Witar) Salaah in Isha Prayer. 

Abdullah ibn Abbas Radi Allahu Anhu that the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihi wasallam offered 3 Cycles (Rakaats) in the Witr Prayer as reported in Saheeh Muslim

Hazrat Ayesha Radi Allahu Anhu reported in Abu Dawood and Tirmidhi hadith that the Holy Prophet sallallahu alaihi wasallam used to offer 3 Cycles in the Witr Prayer. The Witr Prayer is Essential (Wajib) in the Night (Isha) Prayer.

Allahuma innaa nastaeenuka wa nastaghfiruka wa numinu bika wa natawakkalu alayka wa nusnee alaykal-khayra, wa nashkuruka wa laa nakfuruka wa nakhlaoo wa natruku maiy- yafjuruk, Allaahumma iyyaka nabudu wa laka nusallee wa nasjudu wa ilayka nasaa wa nahfidu wa narjoo rahmataka wa nakhshaa azaabaka inna azaabaka bilkuffari mulhiq.

"O Allah !! We seek Your help and seek Your forgiveness - and we believe in You and rely on You - and we praise You with all goodness - and we are thankful to You and not ungrateful to You - and we separate from and forsake whoever offends You. O Allah !! You alone we worship and for You only we offer the Prayer and the prostration. And towards You only do we rush, and present ourselves for service. And we hope for Your mercy and fear Your punishment. Indeed Your punishment will grasp the disbelievers."

If anyone doesn't know Qunoot Dua, he can recite the following dua:

Allahuma Rab-banaa Aatinaa Fid-dunyaa Hasanatan Wa Fil Aakhirati Hasanatan Wa Qinaa'Azaaban Naar.

"O our Rabb !! We seek of You good in this world and good in the Hereafter and safety from the torment of Hell." Or they should recite “Allahummaghfirlana” thrice.

Isha Witr Namaz Dua - Dua-e-Qunoot Transliteration

Isha Witr Namaz Dua - Dua-e-Qunoot in Arabic

Isha Witr Namaz Dua - Dua-e-Qunoot English Translation

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Taraweeh Namaz, Taraweeh Niyat and Taraweeh Dua (Tasbeeh-e-Taraweeh)

Taraweeh Niyaat

In English: Make intention of Sunnat-e-Maukida for the sake of Allah, faciing towards Kaaba, Behind the Imam and say "Allahu Akbar "

In Hindi: Niyaat ki maine 2 rakat Sunnat-e-Maukida wasste Allah Ta'alla ke, muhh mera taraf kaa'ba sharif ke taraf, piche is Imam ke Allahu Akbar

The Taraweeh should be offered in Cycles (Rakaats) of two each. After every 4 Cycles, it is recommended to sit for approximately the time it take to offer 4 Cycles. While sitting, one may keep quiet or recite the Kalemah, or the Salutations or recite the following “Tasbeeh”:

Taraweeh Salat Tasbih

Subhanal Malikil Quddus;
Subhana dhil Mulki wal Malakuti;
Subhana dhil izzati wal aDhmati wal haybati wal Qudrati;
wal kibriyaa’i wal jabaroot;
Subhanal Malikil hayyil ladhi, la yunaamu wa layamutu;
Subbuhun, Quddusun, Rabbuna Rabbul malaa’ikati war-rooh;
Allahumma Ajirnee Minan Naar;
Ya Mujeero, Ya Mujeero, Ya Mujeer.

• Tarawih salaah is SUNNAT MU-AKKADAH for both men and women.
• To perform Tarawih with jama'ah is sunnat-kifayah for men.
• If a person performs Tarawih at home whilst Tarawih is being performed at the Masjid, he will not be sinful. However, if all the neighbours perform their Tarawih alone at home, then all will be sinful because of neglecting the jama'ah.
• The time for Tarawih is from after Isha salaah to a little before Subhus-Sadiq. It can be performed either before or after the Witr salaah.
• If one has missed a few rak'ah of Tarawih and the Imam has commenced the Witr, then this Muqtadi may join for the Witr and complete the remainder of his Tarawih thereafter.
• 20 raka'at with 10 Salaam are masnun, one should have a niyyah for 2 raka'at of Tarawih each time. After every 4 raka'at it is Mustahab to sit a while and read the above dua.
• One may remain silent or recite the Qur'an or tasbih in a low voice or say Nafl salaah separately during the period of rest after every 4 raka'at.
• It is makruh to perform Tarawih sitting if one has the strength of qiyam (standing). 
• While performing Tarawih some people do not join the Jama'ah from the beginning but join the Imam when he prepares to go into Ruku'. This is makruh. They should join at the beginning.
• If one does not get the Jamaa'ah for Fardh of Eisha, he should perform his Fardh alone and then join the Jamaa'ah for Tarawih.

Also Read

• #Ramadan Prayers | Duas to be read in Holy Month of #Ramadan
• Nafil Namaz (Salat and Dua) on Shabe Qadr | Prayers for Shab e Qadr
• Rules of Taraweeh Salat and Taraweeh Dua
• Do's and Dont's during fasting in the holy month of Ramadan
• All you want to know about #Zakat-ul-Fitr. FAQs of Zakat with videos
• How to perform Eid-ul-Fitr Namaz and Nawafil Namaz (Salat) on day of Eid-ul-Fitr
• Itikaf Niyat and Itikaf Dua in Ramadan
• How to perform Taraweeh Salat with Taraweeh Tasbih
• Taraweeh Namaz, Taraweeh Niyat and Taraweeh Dua (Tasbeeh-e-Taraweeh)

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Conditions for breaking fast in Ramadan

The fast breakers, except menstruation (hayd) and post child­birth bleeding (nifaas), including marital relations, self-pollution, eating and drinking; indulging in them do not break fast and require redemption of the fast unless three conditions are met:

(1) Knowledge (`Elim)

The person should have full knowledge that what he is about to do will invalidate his fast. If he is ignorant and does not know, the fast remains valid. Allah (SWT) said,

“...But there is no blame on you if you make a mistake therein: (What counts) is the intentions of your hearts.” (Al-Qu`ran, 33:5)

Doubt In The Break of Dawn

In the case of the ignorant person mentioned above, he can be either
(a) ignorant of the Islamic rule in the matter, as a person who did not know that a certain act will invalidate fast, or

(b) ignorant of the time, as a person who thinks the dawn has not broken and continues his sahur, finding out later that the sun has risen. Or he mistakenly breaks fast thinking the sun has set. In all these instances, the fast is valid, despite the ruling to the contrary by the majority of the scholars.

In a hadith by Bukhari (raa) when the following verse was re­vealed:

“...And eat and drink, until the white thread of dawn appears to you distinct from its black thread...” (Al-Qur'an, 2:187)

`Adyi bin Hatim (raa) told the Messenger of Allah (saas) that he placed two threads, one black and the other white, under this pillow as he sat to eat his sahuur. He continued to eat while glancing at the thread under his pillow to see whether he can differentiate between them. By the time he could differentiate between them, it was already daybreak. When he finished this story, the Messenger of Allah commented and explained: `Your pillow must be very vast (to cover the spaces of white and black threads)' What is really meant is the whiteness of the day and the darkness of the night.'

The point of reference in this hadith is that 'Adyi ate after Fajr and after the time he was supposed to stop, but the Prophet (saas) did not ask him to make up the day because he was igno­rant of the Shari'ah rule. In another report by Bukhari, Asma bint Abu Bakr (raa) said: “We broke fast one day in Ramadan, on a cloudy evening during the time of the Prophet, but after a while the sun appeared.” Again in this citation there is no re­port that the Prophet commanded those who mistakenly broke their fast to make up the day. If he had, it would have been re­ported because of its importance.

Elsewhere, Hisham bin `Urwah (raa), who was one of the re­porters of the above hadith, said: “They were not commanded to redeem the day.”

(2) Remembering (Dhikir)

The faster should remember before an act that it will invalidate his fast. If he forgets, the fast remains valid and resumes, as mentioned earlier.

Allah (SWT) states:
“...Our Lord! condemn us not if we forget or fall into error...” (Al-Qur`an, 2:286)

In Islam no one is condemned for an act done out of forgetful­ness or due to a mistake. It is human, after all, to forget.
In a hadith mentioned earlier it was observed:
“Whoever forgets while fasting and eats or drinks, he should complete his fast (of that day), for he has just been fed and quenched by Allah.” (Muslim and others)

Thus, regarding the eating and drinking of one who forgets, it is evident that he is not to be held responsible for his action. However, if he remembers or has been reminded, he should stop immediately, for if he continues to eat after that moment, the fast is invalid. Therefore, it is incumbent on anyone who sees a faster eating or drinking to remind him or her.

Allah (SWT) said:
“...Help you one another in righteousness and piety.” (Al-Qur`an, 5:2)

(3) Breaking Fast Willingly (Ikhtiyaar)

For the fast to become invalid, the person should break on his own accord, eating or drinking intentionally without force from anyone. For, if he is coerced under the threat of harm, the fast remains valid. Allah (SWT) states:

“ Anyone who, after accepting faith in Allah, ut­ters unbelief, except under coercion, his heart remaining firm in faith...” (Al-Qur`an, 16:106)

The point of reference here is if Allah absolves one from blame for claiming disbelief under compulsion (a person who has said a word of great sin), a person under similar conditions who has committed lesser offense deserves pardon.

Besides, the Mes­senger of Allah (saas) said in a hadith related by Ibn Abbas (raa):
“Allah absolves my community (Ummah) from respon­sibility if they make a mistake, or forget, or have been forced to do something against their own will.” (Ibn Ma­jah)

Relying on this citation, if, for instance, water is mistakenly swallowed during rinsing of the mouth or sniffing, or a person is forced under threat of harm to eat, the fast remains valid.

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Daily Duas (Supplications) for for 1st, 2nd, 3rd Ashra of Ramadan (30 Days of Ramazan)

Read the below Daily Dua in Ramadan from Day1 to Day30.

The Prophet Mohhamed Salalahu Alaihiwasal said: Duas of three persons are never refused: a fasting man when breaking the fast, a just ruler, and an oppressed person, Allah's blessings be upon him. (Abu Huraira in Tirmidhi).

#Ramadan month is composed of 30 days and is divided further into 3 Ashras. The word “Ashra’” is an Arabic word for 10 days. When some one says Pehla Ashra, He means that he is talking about the first 10 days of Ramadan. In the same way Doosra Ashra and Teesra Ashra.

Below are the Daily Dua to be Read for 30 days

Ramadan Dua: DAY 1
ALLAH, on this day make my fasts the fasts of those who fast (sincerely), and my standing up in prayer of those who stand up in prayer (obediently), awaken me in it from the sleep of the heedless, and forgive me my sins , O God of the worlds, and forgive me, O one who forgives the sinners.

Ramadan Dua: DAY 2
ALLAH, on this day, take me closer towards Your pleasure, keep me away from Your anger and punishment, grant me the opportunity to recite Your verses (of the Qur'an), by Your mercy, O the most Merciful.

Ramadan Dua: DAY 3
ALLAH, on this day, grant me wisdom and awareness, keep me away from foolishness and pretension, grant me a share in every blessing You send down, by You generosity, O the most Generous.

Ramadan Dua: DAY 4
ALLAH, on this day, strengthen me in carrying out Your commands, let me taste the sweetness of Your remembrance, grant me, through Your graciousness, that I give thanks to You. Protect me, with Your protection and cover, O the most discerning of those who see.

Ramadan Dua: DAY 5
ALLAH, on this day, place me among those who seek forgiveness. Place me among Your righteous and obedient servants, and place me among Your close friends, by Your kindness, O the most Merciful.

Ramadan Dua: DAY 6
ALLAH, on this day, do not let me abase myself by incurring Your disobedience, and do not strike me with the whip of Your punishment, keep me away from the causes of Your anger, by and Your power, O the ultimate wish of those who desire.

Ramadan Dua: DAY 7
ALLAH, on this day, help me with its fasts and prayers, and keep me away from mistakes and sins of the day, grant me that I remember You continuously through the day, by Your assistance, O the Guide of those who stray.

Ramadan Dua: DAY 8
ALLAH, on this day, let me have mercy on the orphans, and feed [the hungry], and spread peace, and keep company with the noble-minded, O the shelter of the hopeful.

Ramadan Dua: DAY 9
ALLAH, on this day, grant me a share from Your mercy which is wide, guide me towards Your shining proofs, lead me to Your all encompassing pleasure, by Your love, O the hope of the desirous.

Ramadan Dua: DAY 10
ALLAH, on this day, make me, among those who rely on You, from those who You consider successful, and place me among those who are near to you, by Your favor, O goal of the seekers.

Ramadan Dua: DAY 11
ALLAH, on this day, make me love goodness, and dislike corruption and disobedience, bar me from anger and the fire [of Hell], by Your help, O the helper of those who seek help

Ramadan Dua: DAY 12
ALLAH, on this day, beautify me with covering and chastity, cover me with the clothes of contentment and chastity, let me adhere to justice and fairness, and keep me safe from all that I fear, by Your protection, O the protector of the frightened.

Ramadan Dua: DAY 13
ALLAH, on this day, purify me from un-cleanliness and dirt, make me patient over events that are decreed, grant me the ability to be pious, and keep company with the good, by Your help, O the beloved of the destitute.

Ramadan Dua: DAY 14
ALLAH, on this day, do not condemn me for slips, make me decrease mistakes and errors, do not make me a target for afflictions and troubles, by Your honor, O the honor of the Muslims.

Ramadan Dua: DAY 16
ALLAH, on this day, grant me compatibility with the good, keep me away from patching up with the evil, lead me in it, by Your mercy, to the permanent abode, by Your God ship, O the God of the worlds.

Ramadan Dua: DAY 17
ALLAH, on this day, guide me towards righteous actions, fulfill my needs and hopes, O One who does not need explanations nor questions, O One who knows what is in the chests of the (people of the) world. Bless Muhammad and his family, the Pure.

Ramadan Dua: DAY 18
ALLAH, on this day, make me love goodness, and dislike corruption and disobedience, bar me from anger and the fire [of Hell], by Your help, O the helper of those who seek help.

Ramadan Dua: DAY 19
ALLAH, on this day, multiply for me its blessings, and ease my path towards its bounties, do not deprive me of the acceptance of its good deeds, O the Guide towards the clear truth.

Ramadan Dua: DAY 20
ALLAH, on this day, open for me the doors of the heavens, and lock the doors of Hell from me, help me to recite the Qur'an, O the One who sends down tranquility into the hearts of believers.

Ramadan Dua: DAY 21
ALLAH, on this day, show me the way to win Your pleasure, do not let Shaytan have a means over me, make Paradise an abode and a resting place for me, O the One who fulfills the requests of the needy.

Ramadan Dua: DAY 22
ALLAH, on this day, open for me the doors of Your Grace, send down on me its blessings, help me towards the causes of Your mercy, and give me a place in the comforts of Paradise, O the one who answers the call of the distressed.

Ramadan Dua: DAY 23
ALLAH, on this day, wash away my sins, purify me from all flaws, examine my heart with (for) the piety of the hearts, O One who overlooks the shortcomings of the sinners.

Ramadan Dua: DAY 24
ALLAH, on this day, I ask You for what pleases You, and I seek refuge in You from what displeases You, I ask You to grant me the opportunity to obey You and not disobey You, O One who is generous with those who ask

Ramadan Dua: DAY 25
ALLAH, on this day, make me among those who love Your friends, and hate Your enemies, following the way of Your last Prophet, O the Guardian of the hearts of the Prophets.

Ramadan Dua: DAY 26
ALLAH, on this day, make my efforts worthy of appreciation, and my sins forgiven, my deeds accepted, my flaws concealed, O the best of those who hear.

Ramadan Dua: DAY 27
ALLAH, on this day, bestow on me the blessings of Laylatul Qadr, change my affairs from (being) difficult to (being) easy, accept my apologies, and decrease for me [my] sins and burdens, O the Compassionate with His righteous servants.

Ramadan Dua: DAY 28
ALLAH, on this day, grant me a share in its nawafil (recommended prayers), honor me by attending to my problems, make closer the means to approach You, from all the means, O One who is not preoccupied by the requests of the beseechers.

Ramadan Dua: DAY 29
O ALLAH, on this day, cover me with Your mercy, grant me in it success and protection, purify my heart from the darkness of false accusations, O the Merciful to His believing servants.

Ramadan Dua: DAY 30
O ALLAH, on this day, make my fasts worthy of appreciation and acceptance, according to what pleases You, and pleases the Messenger, the branches being strengthened by the roots, for the sake of our leader, Muhammad, and his purified family. Praise be to ALLAH, the Lord of the worlds.

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Ramadan Nightly Prayer (Taraweeh) | SALAT AL-TARAWEEH

What is Taraweeh? How Many Rakats are there in Taraweeh (Night Prayers of Ramadan)? How to Perform Taraweeh Salat? What is SALAT AL-TARAWEEH. All you must know about Taraweeh

Allah (SWT) has mandated to His servants acts of worship and made them of various kinds so as to provide them with means to pick and choose, and that others will not be bored with one act. Thus, we seek nearness to Him, through mandatory and non-mandatory deeds. Among the non-mandatory deeds, or Sunnahs, is the establishment of night time prayers (salatul lail), and Allah has praised those who observe them.

“Those who spend the night in adoration of their Lord, prostrate and standing.” (Al-Qur'an 25:64)

“Their limbs do forsake their beds of sleep, the while they call on their Lord in fear and hope and they spend (in charity) out of the sustenance which we have bestowed on them.” (Al-Qur'an 32:16)

These two verses indicate the basis for nightly prayer in Al-Qur'an and the good return awaiting those who observe it.
In a hadith, the Messenger of Allah (saas) says: “The best prayer after the obligatory ones is the night prayer.” (Muslim)

Elsewhere he says:
“O people! disseminate the salutations of peace As-Salaam 'Alaikum; feed the needy food, and join the blood ties among the next of kin; and observe night prayer while people are at sleep, you will enter paradise peacefully.” (Tirmidhi)

One of the night prayers, is Witr, the odd numbered bedtime prayer. It should be the last prayer said before retiring. The minimum Witr is one rak'ah and the maximum is eleven ra­ka'ats.

The Prophet (saas) said:
“Whoever wants to pray Witr with one rak'ah should do it and whoever wants to pray Witr with three raka'ats should do it.” (Abu Dawud/Nasa'e)

However, the Messenger of Allah (saas) was always consistent with eleven raka'ats for night prayers, according to his wife, 'Aishah (raa) who reported:

“The Prophet never observed prayers after `Isha (night obligatory prayer) and before Fajr (morning prayer), more than eleven raka'ats. He saluted after every two raka'ats, and he prayed Witr with one raka'at.” (Ja­ma'ah, except Tirmidhi)

In a different procedure, one may make four raka'ats, and sa­lute, and continue with another four and salute, then he caps them with three raka'ats of Witr. 'Aishah (raa) reported:
“The Prophet used to pray four raka'ats and one cannot describe their beauty, and their length, (he salutes) then makes another set of four raka'ats, one cannot describe their beauty and length, he then caps it with three ra­ka'ats.” (Agreed upon)

Taraweeh

The Ramadan nightly prayer has a special merit over other nights. The Messenger of Allah said:
“Whoever observes night prayer in Ramadan as an ex­pression of his faith and to seek reward from Allah, his previous sins will be blotted out.” (Muslim)

In this hadith, faith means faith in what Allah has promised the observers of night prayers. To seek reward mean, the observer's intent is not for eye service or seeking special recognition from someone.

Taraweeh is derived from the Arabic root word, raaha, which means to rest, relax and use as recreation. It is so called be­cause the believers used to prolong it. After every four raka'ats they would stop for rest and relaxation and resume until ta­raweeh was complete.

Taraweeh In Jamaa`ah

The Messenger of Allah (saas) was the first to establish the Sunnah of congregational, jamaa`ah prayer of taraweeh in the Masjid. Then he did not continue with the Sunnah for fear that it might be made mandatory on the Ummah in Ramadan, and they might not be able to do it.

In the books of Bukhari and Muslim, 'Aishah (raa) has been reported as saying:
“The Messenger of Allah (saas) observed Taraweeh prayer in the Masjid one night and people prayed with him. He repeated the following night and the number of participants grew. The companions congregated the third and fourth night, but the Messenger did not show up. In the morning he told them, “I saw what you did last night, but nothing prevented me from joining you except my fear that it might be made mandatory on you in Ramadan.”

This hadith is a clear indication that the Taraweehin congreg a­tion was not an innovation of 'Umar, the second Khalifah, de­spite his saying to the contrary. For it has been related that:
“Umar bin Al-Khattab attended the Masjid at night in Ramadan and saw people praying individually in every corner of the Masjid with a few in groups. He did not like the sight a bit. 'Umar said, ‘I thought it would be better to gather these under one Imam.’ So, he com­bined them under 'Obayi bin Ka'ab and Tamimu Ad-Dari to alternate and lead the believers in eleven ra­ka'ats of night prayer. The next day `Umar was in the Masjid which was full with Taraweeh prayers. He was delighted. He said: ‘Well, this is the best Bid'ah (innova­tion).’ ”

`Umar's use of the word bid'ah in this report has been pre­sented and unjustifiably cited as justification for concocting up various so called good innovations. In truth, the Khalifah 'Umar's act to gather the believers in Jama'ah is not bid'ah. For it was the Messenger of Allah himself who started jama'ah by praying in congregation the first and second day, then stopped only as he feared it would become mandatory. After his death, the fear of Taraweeh becoming mandatory (Fard) was not only remote, it was impossible. With the death of the Prophet Mu­hammad (saas), there will be no more revelation to change any law or rule by abrogation.

Neglecting Taraweeh

No one should neglect Taraweeh without a good reason, for it is part of physical and spiritual training, for its observation soon after Iftar insures timely and proper digestion of food. Be­sides, there are spiritual rewards awaiting the observers of this prayer. No one would like to leave the Masjid before the prayer is over.

Everybody should attend the Masjid prayers, including women, provided they are properly covered.
The Messenger of Allah said: “Prevent not the women servants of Allah, from going to the Masjid of Allah.”

However, when they attend the Masjid they should wear no perfume, nor raise their voices, and or show their beauty.

Allah (SWT) states: “...they should not display their beauty and or­naments except what (must ordinarily) appear thereof...” (Al-Qur'an, 24:31)

What ordinarily appears, refers to the outer garments, for when the Messenger (saas) commanded women to attend Eid prayer, Umm 'Atiyah (raa) said:
“O Messenger of Allah, some of us do not have the outer garment (jilbab). The Messenger of Allah told her to let a sister (who has more than one) give her one to wear.” (Agreed upon)

It is Sunnah that they pray behind the men in the rear lines. The Messenger has been reported as saying: “The best lines for men are the front lines and the worst lines for men are the rear lines. The best lines for women is the rear and the worst lines of women are the front line. (Muslim)

The women should leave the Masjid as soon as the Imam says: As-Salaamu 'Alaikum. They should not delay without a valid reason. In a hadith by Umm Salamah, she said:
“When the Messenger of Allah (saas) saluted to end prayer, the women would stand up to leave and the Messenger would remain in his place for a while.”

Umm Salamah (raa) said: Allah is the best knower, but perhaps the Messenger did that so women would leave before men could overtake them.” (Bukhari)

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Common Mistakes in Fasting (Roza) and Ramadan (Ramazan)

Below are the mistakes we commit in fasting and in Ramadan and take it very lightly, which is not permissible in Islam. Please pray and try to avoid as must as possible these mistakes


1. Taking Ramadan as a Ritual

For many of us Ramadan has lost its spirituality and has become more of a ritual than a form of Ibaadah. We fast from morning to night like a zombie just because everyone around us is fasting, too. We forget that it’s a time to purify our hearts and our souls from all evil. We forget to beseech Allah SWT to forgive us and ask Him to save us from the Hell-Fire. Surely, we stay away from food and drink but that’s about it.

Although the Prophet (s.a.w.w.) said: Jibra’eel said to me, ‘May Allah rub his nose in the dust, that person to who Ramadan comes and his sins are not forgiven,’ and I said, ‘Ameen’. Then he said, ‘May Allaah rub his nose in the dust, that person who lives to see his parents grow old, one or both of them, but he does not enter Paradise (by not serving them) and I said, ‘Ameen’. Then he said, ‘May Allaah rub his nose in the dust, that person in whose presence you are mentioned and he does not send blessings upon you,’ and I said, ‘Ameen.” [Tirmidhi, Ahmad and others. It is classified as Saheeh by al-Albaani]

2. Too much stress on food and drink

For some people, the entire month of Ramadan revolves around food. They spend the eintire day planning, cooking, shopping and thinking only about food, instead of concentrating on Salah, Quraan and other acts of worship. They think so much about food that they turn the month of ‘fasting’ into the month of ‘Feasting’. Come Iftar time, their table is a sight to see, with the multitudes and varieties of food, sweets and drinks.

They are missing the very purpose of fasting, and thus, increase in their greed and desires instead of learning to control them. Besides, it leads to wastage of food and extravagance. …and eat and drink but waste not by extravagance, certainly He (Allaah) likes not Al-Musrifoon (those who waste by extravagance) [Qur’an, al-Araaf :31]

3. Spending all day cooking

Some of the sisters (either by their own choice or forced by their husbands) are cooking all day and all night, so that by the end of the day, they are too tired to even pray Ishaa, let alone pray Taraweeh or Tahajjud or even read the Qur’an. This is the month of mercy and forgiveness. So turn off that stove and turn on your Imaan!

4. Eating too much

Some people stuff themselves at Saher until they are ready to burst, because they think this is the way to not feel hungry during the day and some people eat at Iftaar, like there is no tomorrow, trying to ‘make up for the food missed’. However, this is completely against the Sunnah. Moderation is the key to everything.

The Prophet (s.a.w.w.) said: ‘The son of Adam does not fill any vessel worse than his stomach; for the son of Adam a few mouthfuls are sufficient to keep his back straight. If you must fill it, then one-third for food, one-third for drink and one-third for air.’ [Tirmidhi, Ibn Maajah. Classified as saheeh by al-Albaani]

Too much food distracts a person from many deeds of obedience and worship, makes him lazy and also makes the heart heedless. It was said to Imam Ahmad: Does a man find any softness and humility in his heart when he is full? He said, I do not think so.

5. Sleeping all day

Some people spend their entire day (or a major part of it) ’sleeping away their fast’. Is this what is really required of us during this noble month? These people are also missing the purpose of fasting and are slaves to their desires of comfort and ease. They cannot ‘bear’ to be awake and face a little hunger or exert a little self-control. For a fasting person to spend most of the day asleep is nothing but negligence on his part.

6. Wasting time

The month of Ramadan is a very precious time, so much so that Allaah SWT calls this month ‘Ayyamum Ma’doodaat’ (A fixed number of days). Before we know it, this month of mercy and forgiveness will be over. We should try and spend every moment possible in the worship of Allah so that we can make the most of this blessing. However, there are some of us who waste away their day playing video games, or worse still, watching TV, movies or even listening to music to occupy their mind so that they won’t feel the hunger pangs. Subhaan Allah! Trying to obey Allah by DISOBEYING Him!?

7. Fasting but not giving up evil

Some of us fast but do not give up lying, cursing, fighting, backbiting, etc. and some of us fast but do not give up cheating, stealing, dealing in haraam activities, buying lottery tickets, selling alcohol, fornication, etc. and all kinds of impermissible things without realizing that the purpose of fasting is to not stay away from food and drink; rather the aim behind it is to fear Allaah, to increase our Taqwa.

‘O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious)’ [Qur’an, al-Baqarah :183]

The Prophet (s.a.w.w.) said: ‘Whoever does not give up false speech and acting upon it, and ignorance, Allaah has no need of him giving up his food and drink.’ [Bukhaari]

8. Skipping Saher (sehri)

The Prophet (s.a.w.w.) said: ‘Eat Saher for in suhoor there is blessing.’ [Bukhaari, Muslim] and he (s.a.w.w.) said: ‘The thing that differentiates between our fasting and the fasting of the People of the Book is eating suhoor.’ [Muslim]

9. Not fasting if they missed Saher

Some people are too scared to fast if they miss Saher. However, this is an act kind of cowardice and love of ease. Missing a few morsels in the morning will, insha’Allah, not lead to death. Remember, obedience to Allaah overcomes everything. Saying the intention for fast out loud or saying a specific dua’a to start fasting are bid’ah. The intention is an action of the heart. We should resolve in our heart that we are going to fast. That is all we need. It is not prescribed by the Shari’ah for us to say out loud. Also, there is no specific dua’a to be recited at the time of starting the fast in the Sunnah. Whatever ‘dua’a’ one may see on some papers or Ramadan calendars, etc. is Bid’ah.

10. Delaying opening fast

Some people wait until the adhaan finishes or even several minutes after that, just to be ‘on the safe side’. However, the Sunnah is to hasten to open the fast, which means opening fast whenever the adhaan starts, right after the sun has set (and not before). Aa’ishah (RA) said: This is what the Messenger of Allaah (s.a.w.w.) used to do. [Muslim]

The Prophet (s.a.w.w.) said: ‘The people will continue to do well so long as they hasten to open the fast.’ [Bukhaari, Muslim]

Determine to the best of your ability, the accuracy of your clock, calendar, etc. and then have tawakkul (trust) on Allaah SWT and break your fast exactly on time.

11. Eating continuously until the time for Maghrib is up

Some people put so much food in their plates when breaking their fast and continue eating, enjoying dessert, drinking tea, etc., until they miss the Maghrib prayer. That is obviously not right. The Sunnah of the Prophet (s.a.w.w.) was that once he broke his fast with some dates, then he would hasten to the prayer. Once you are done with the prayer, you can always go back and eat some more if you wish.

12. Missing the golden chance of having your Dua’a accepted

The prayer of the fasting person is guaranteed to be accepted at the time of breaking fast.

The Prophet (s.a.w.w.) said: ‘Three prayers are not rejected: the prayer of a father, the prayer of a fasting person, and the prayer of a traveler.’ [al-Bayhaqi, classified as saheeh by al-Albaani]

Instead of sitting down and making Dua’a at this precious time, some people forego this beautiful chance, and are too busy frying samosas, talking, setting the food, filling their plates and glasses, etc. Think about it…Is food more important than the chance to have your sins forgiven or the fulfillment of your Dua’as.

13. Fasting but not praying

The fasting of one who does not pray WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. This is because not praying constitutes kufr as the Prophet (s.a.w.w.) said: ‘Between a man and shirk and kufr there stands his giving up prayer.’ [Muslim]

In fact,none of his good deeds will be accepted; rather, they are all annulled.

‘Whoever does not pray ‘Asr, his good deeds will be annulled.’ [Bukhaari]

14. Fasting and not wearing Hijaab

Not wearing the Hijaab is a major sin as it is obligatory for Muslim women. (See Surah Nur, Surah Ahzaab). So fasting and not wearing hijaab certainly takes away, enormously, from the rewards of fasting.

15. Not fasting because of exams or work

Exams or work is not one of the excuses allowed by the Shariah to not fast. You can do your studying and revision at night if it is too hard to do it during the day. Also remember that pleasing and obeying Allaah is much more important than ‘good grades’. Besides, if you will fulfill your obligation to fast, even if you have to study, Allaah will make your studies and other activities easy for you and help you in everything you do. ‘Whosoever fears Allah, He will appoint for him a way out and provide for him from where he does not expect, Allah is Sufficient for whosoever puts his trust in Him. [Qur’an, Surah at-Talaaq :2-3]

16. Mixing fasting and dieting

Do Not make the mistake of fasting with the intention to diet. That is one of the biggest mistakes some of us make (especially sisters). Fasting is an act of worship and can only be for the sake of Allah alone. Otherwise, mixing it with the intention of dieting may become a form of (minor) Shirk.

17. Praying only on the night of the 27th Ramadan

Some people pray only on the 27th to seek Lailat ul-Qadr, neglecting all other odd nights, although the Prophet (s.a.w.w.) said: ‘Seek Lailat ul-Qadr among the odd numbered nights of the last ten nights of Ramadaan.’ [Bukhaari, Muslim]

18. Wasting the last part of Ramadan preparing for Eid

Some people waste the entire last 10 days of Ramadan preparing for Eid, shopping and frequenting malls, etc. neglecting Ibadah and Lailatul Qadr. Even though, the

Prophet (s.a.w.w.) used to strive the most during the last ten days of Ramadan in worship [Ahmad, Muslim] and not in shopping. Buy whatever you need for Eid before Ramadan so that you can utilize the time in Ramadan to the utmost.

Aa’ishah (RA) said: ‘When the (last) ten nights began, the Messenger of Allaah (s.a.w.w.) would tighten his waist-wrapper (i..e., strive hard in worship or refrain from intimacy with his wives), stay awake at night and wake his family.’ [Bukhaari and Muslim]

19. Iftaar parties

Although inviting each other for breaking fast is good and encouraged, some people go to extremes with lavish ‘Iftaar parties’ with all sorts of disobedience to Allah, from flirting, mixing of the sexes and hijaab-less women to show-off and extravagance, to heedlessness to Salaah, and Taraweeh to even music and dancing. It’s not too late to rectify ones mistake and do good for the sake of Allah.

Inform My servants that I am the Forgiver, Most Merciful. [Qur’an, al-Hijr:49]

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Kaffara (Penalty) for not fasting Ramadan

Kaffara (Penalty) for not fasting Ramadan

Q: How much is the Kaffara (Penalty) for not fasting in Ramadan?

A: It is a great sin to eat or drink during the days of Holy Ramadan, or deliberately commit acts which break the fast without a justifiable reason. Anyone who leaves out a fast purposely have to give Qaza as well as Kaffara. 

The Kaffara for each fast is either:

(1) To free a slave. Or
(2) To fast for 60 days. Or
(3) To feed 60 poor.


If you choose to fast for 2 months (60 days) as Kaffara, you will have to fast for 31 days together and thereafter, you can complete the balance of 29 days in your own time. However, you will not begin fasting your 31 days when you know there will be a day in between when it is Haraam to fast; e.g.

You will not begin fasting your Kaffara at the beginning of Zilhajj as on the 10th of Zilhajj [Eid-ul- Hajj] it is Haraam to fast.

If however, you choose to feed 60 poor, you have to give away food or grain which would be enough for a full meal. This can be in the form of wheat, barley or loaves. If a person breaks his fast by a Haraam acts like:

(1) Drinking Alcohol, etc. Or

(2) Attributing lies to Allah, His Prophets and the Imams. Then he or she will have to give ALL the three above said Kaffara together.

Also Read

• Forbidden during fasting in Ramadan
• F.A.Q on Ramadan - part1
• #Ramadan Prayers | Duas to be read in Holy Month of #Ramadan
• Itikaf Niyat and Itikaf Dua in Ramadan
• Nafil Namaz (Salat and Dua) on Shabe Qadr | Prayers for Shab e Qadr
• How to perform Taraweeh Salat with Taraweeh Tasbih
• Do's and Dont's during fasting in the holy month of Ramadan
• All you want to know about #Zakat-ul-Fitr. FAQs of Zakat with videos
•  How to perform Eid-ul-Fitr Namaz and Nawafil Namaz (Salat) on day of Eid-ul-Fitr

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Do's and Dont's during fasting in the holy month of Ramadan

The things, which are forbidden during fasting can be divided into three (3) groups as follows:

(A) Related to Head and Mouth:

01. Eating
02. Drinking
03. Intentionally letting the thick dust or smoke enter the throat
04. Vomiting intentionally (even if it is for a medical purpose)
05. Submerging the head completely into the water

(B) Related to Private Parts:

06. Sexual intercourse
07. Doing anything that would cause discharge of semen
08. Using liquid enema
09. Intentionally remaining in state of Janabat [It is a state of ritual impurity (Najasat) caused by sexual intercourse or discharge of semen. “Junub” means the person on whom Ghusl-e-Janabat is Wajib] till the time of fajr.

A person becomes Junub and goes to sleep:
(a) With intention of not doing Ghusl before dawn = Fast is Batil (Null/Void)
(b) With intention of doing Ghusl before dawn:
i. But did not wake up before dawn = Fast is valid
ii. Woke up once and went back to sleep till fajr = Fast + do Qaza
(Make up the fast during other days after Ramadan)
iii. Woke up twice and went back to sleep till fajr = Fast + do Qaza + it is recommended to pay Kaffara (Penalty)
Similarly, intentionally remaining in state of Hayz (period) for a woman whose bleeding
has stopped and has enough time to do Ghusl or, at least, Tayammum before fajr.

(C) Moral or Ethical:

10. Kizb (lying) of the highest type - falsely attributing a statement to Allah, the Prophets, and
the Imams - makes the fast Batil (Null/Void)

Note: If a person does any of the Muftirat intentionally, then the fast will become Batil. However,
doing any of these unintentionally does not harm the validity of fasting.

Also Read FAQ on Ramadan

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Ramadan Prayers | Ramadan Dua to be read in Holy Month of Ramadan

Ramadan Dua, Pehla Ashra, Doosra Ashra and Teesra Ashra Ramadan Dua 

#Ramadan month is composed of 30 days and is divided further into 3 Ashras. The word “Ashra’” is an Arabic word for 10 days. When some one says Pehla Ashra, He means that he is talking about the first 10 days of Ramadan. In the same way Doosra Ashra and Teesra Ashra.

The first Ashra (first 10 days of Ramadan) is for Allah Almighty’s Mercy. The second Ashra is for Forgiveness and the last Ashra is for protection from Hellfire.

Recite the following dikr throughout #Ramadan after every fardh Salah.

Ashhadu allahilaha illallah asthagfirullah as-halukal jannatha audhubika minannaar (3times)

(I bear witness that there is no God but Allah, O Allah forgive me, give me Paradise, protect me from HellFire)

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#First Ashra (First 10 days of Ramadan)

Recite the following dikr after every obligatory salat for the 1st 10days of ramadan. (Make Dua for Mercy)
Allahumma arhamni Ya Arham-mar-Rahimeen (3times)
(Oh Allah have mercy upon me, O Most Merciful)

Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum! Bi rahmatika astagheeth!

O Living, O Self-Sustaining Sustainer! In Your Mercy do I seek relief

1st Ashra dua   رَّبِّ ٱغْفِرْ وَٱرْحَمْ وَأَنتَ خَيْرُ ٱلرَّٰحِمِينَ

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#Second Ashra (Second 10 days of Ramadan)

The following are the dikr to be said after each obligatory salaat for the 2nd third of Ramadan. (Make Dua for forgiveness)

Allahummaghfirli zunubi ya rabbal alameen(3times)
(O Allah forgive my sins, O Lord of the worlds)

Astaghfirullah Rabbi Min Kulli Zambiyon Wa Atoobu ilaih.
"I ask forgiveness of my sins from Allah who is my Lord and I turn towards Him."

2nd Ashra dua : رَبَّنَا فَٱغْفِرْ لَنَا ذُنُوبَنَا وَكَفِّرْ عَنَّا سَيِّـَٔاتِنَا وَتَوَفَّنَا مَعَ ٱلْأَبْرَارِ

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#Third Ashra (Last 10 days of Ramadan)

Recite the following 3 times after every prayer for the last 10 days of Ramadan. Also it can be recited anytime for the last 10 days. The last ten days is the time to ask for protection from Hell-fire.

Allahumma innaka `afuwwun tuhibbul'afwa fa'fu'annee
(O Allah! Verily, You are the Oft-Pardoning, You love to pardon, so pardon me)."

Allahumma ajirnaa min an-Naar
(O Allah save us from the Fire)

3rd Ashra dua اَللَّهُمَّ أَجِرْنِي مِنَ النَّارِ

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#Dua for keeping a fast (Sehri)

Wa bisawmi ghadinn nawaiytu min shahri ramadan

One more Dua is

Navaitu an asuma gadala lilaahi ta aalla min fardi ramadan

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#Dua for breaking a fast (Iftari)

Allahumma inni laka sumtu wa bika aamantu wa 'alayka tawakkaltu wa 'ala rizq-ika aftarthu fathakabl minni

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Dua to be read on first day of Ramadan

Ramadan the holy month of Forgiveness, Blessing, Good Deeds

"O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you in order that you might learn piety . . . . The month of Ramadan is that wherein was revealed the Qur'an, as a guidance to mankind, and clear proofs of the guidance, and the Criterion. So, whoever among you witnesses the month should fast." [Al-Qur'an 2:183, 185]

Read the below Dua on 1st day of Ramada

O Allah be pleased with my fasts, in this month, as Thou gives credit to those who (sincerely) observe fasts; and (be pleased with) my special night prayers, in this month, as Thou give credit to those who pray (sincerely) in the night; direct me to be on guard and pay attention to free myself from the lethargy of forgetfulness; O the God of the worlds overlook my wrongdoings, and grant amnesty to me, O He who shows sympathy to the wrongdoers

Recite a 2 Rakat Namaz: In each Rakat recite Sura Fatiha & Sura In-a'am. Then invoke Allah swt to keep you safe from any illnesses in the year.

Recite two rakaats in the first of which, after the recitation of Sura Hamd, recite Sura Ikhlaas thirty times, and in the second after the recitation of Sura Hamd recite Sura Qadr thirty times and after the prayers give alms. Whoever does so , will have purchased from Allah swt his safety for the month.


Recite this supplication after Fajar:

allahumma qad hadhara shahru ramadhana wa qadi aftardhta `alayna siyamahu wa anzalta fihi alqur’ana hudan lilnnasi wa bayyinatin mina alhuda wal-furqani allahumma a`inna `ala siyamihi wa taqabbalhu minna wa tasallamhu minna wa sallimhu lana fi yusrin minka wa `afiyatin innaka `ala kulli shay‘in qadirun

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The Medical Benefits of Taraweeh Prayers

Muslims derive therapeutic and spiritual benefits starting from the Wudu to the physical movements in the Salat-Takbir, Qiyam, Ruku, Sajda, Jalsa, and Tasleem. We perform five daily contact prayers (Salat) and voluntary prayers (Sunnah, Nafl) throughout the year and Taraweeh prayers during the month of Ramadan. This results in moderate physical exercise particularly to every muscle in the body. Some muscles contract isometrically (same length) and some contract in approximation or isotonically (same tension). The energy needed for the muscle metabolism increases during the performance of Salat, resulting in a relative deficiency of oxygen and muscle nutrients. In turn this deficiency causes vasodilatation - an increase in the caliber of blood vessels, thereby allowing blood to flow easily back to the heart. The temporarily increased load on the heart acts to strengthen the heart muscle and to improve the circulation within the heart muscle.

During the month of Ramadan, additional prayers are performed after salatul Ishaa, called Taraweeh prayers which vary from eight rakat to 22 rakat. There's a few minutes break after every four rakat for chanting and extolling the Majesty of Allah. After Iftar the blood glucose level continues to rise from the food ingested. Just before the Iftar meals, the blood glucose and insulin levels are at their lowest level. After an hour or so after the Iftar meal, the blood glucose begins to rise and also plasma insulin. The liver and the muscles take up the circulating glucose. The blood sugar reaches high levels in an hour or two and the benefits of Taraweeh prayers come into effect. The circulating glucose is metabolized into carbon dioxide and water during the Taraweeh prayers.

Hence, the Taraweeh prayers help in expanding the extra calories and improve flexibility, coordination, reduce stress-related autonomic responses in healthy persons, and relieve anxiety and depression.

Physical and Emotional Well-being

The gentle exercises performed in Taraweeh prayers improve physical fitness, emotional well-being and increase the longevity of the Namazi (one who performs the Salat or Namaz). When a little extra effort is made, as in performing the Taraweeh prayers, there will be a betterment in the endurance, stamina, flexibility and strength. It was noted that the five daily prayers (salat) produce the same physiological changes without any undesirable side effects as those produced by jogging or walking at about three miles per hour. Recent research studies performed on 17,000 Harvard alumni who entered college between 1916-1950 gives strong evidence that only moderate aerobic exercise, equivalent to jogging about three miles a day, promotes good health and may actually add years to life. Men who expended about 2000 kcal of exercise on a weekly basis (equal to a daily 30 minute walk, run, cycle, swim, etc.,) had one-quarter to one-third lower death rates than classmates who did little or no exercise. In addition to the health-boosting qualities of the salat (Namaz), the Namazi will be trained to be ever-ready for any unexpected physical exertion such as sudden lifting of children, chairs, or catching a public transportation vehicle. The elderly will accomplish this more securely and efficiently. Hence, this is an advantage for the elderly to maintain their physical fitness for a longer period of time. It has been observed that those who fast and perform the Taraweeh prayers report feeling much convalescing and robust.

Elderly

As human beings grow older, their physiological activity diminishes. As a result, their bones become thinner, and if not taken care of, will suffer from Osteoporosis. This condition causes the fractures of the bones in the elderly when they fall due to a loss of bone mineral content and consequent sponginess of the bones. The bone then becomes structurally unstable, brittle and susceptible to fractures. Primary osteoporosis is most common among postmenopausal (due to reduction in estrogen) women or those who have undergone a bilateral ocphorectomy (both the ovaries removed).

Women are six times more likely than men to develop Type I osteoporosis. The three major prevention strategies of osteoporosis are a high dietary intake of calcium and vitamin D, regular exercise and estrogen replacement in postmenopausal women. The skin also becomes fragile and crinkled. The repair processes of the body become slower and immune responses are decreased. In the elderly, their physical activity is reduced. As a result, they have lower levels of Insulin Growth Factor 1. Reserve functions of all vital organs decrease and the elderly are more susceptible to mishaps and ailments. Because of repeated and regular movements of the body during salat, the muscle strength, tendon power, joint, flexibility and the cardiovascular reserve are improved.

Hence, salat and Taraweeh prayers enable the elderly to enrich the quality of life and to meet with unforeseen difficulties such as falls which could injure their bodies. Therefore, Taraweeh prayers will improve their endurance, self-respect and self-confidence in being self-reliant.

Adrenaline is secreted even by minor activity. The secretion outlasts the incitement. Even after the Taraweeh prayers are over, the effects of adrenaline and noradrenaline are manifest. Adrenaline, also called epinephrine, is produced by the adrenal glands. The middle part of these glands, the adrenal medulla, secretes the hormone, which is chemically almost identical to the transmitter substance noradrenaline produced at the ends of sympathetic nerves. Adrenaline secretion into the bloodstream in stress causes acceleration of the heart, constriction of arterioles, and dialation of the pupils.

In addition, adrenaline produces a marked increase in metabolic rate thus preparing the body for emergency. Even the thought or the intention of performing the Taraweeh prayers is sufficient to activate the sympathetic nervous system. Sympathetic nervous system (thoraco-lumber nervous system) is one of the two divisions of the autonomic nervous system, which supplies motor nerves to the smooth muscles of internal organs and to the heart muscle. Sympathetic nerve fibers arise via spinal nerves in the thoracic and lumbar regions. Their endings release mainly noradrenaline, which increases heart rate and breathing rate, raises blood pressure, and slows digestive processes, thereby preparing the body for "fight or flight" and antagonizing the effects of the parasympathetic nervous system. The adrenaline would re-distribute the blood in the body to the active muscles, mobilize liver glycogen if necessary in order to provide glucose for the active tissues, diminish fatigue in skeletal muscles, facilitate alveolar ventilation by relaxing bronchiolar muscle, and would initiate cardiovascular changes. Exercise induces a more effective functioning of beta-adrenoreceptors located on cell membranes.

Metabolic Effects

Salat and Taraweeh prayer improve body weight control and expand calories without proportionate increase in appetite. A combination of moderate dietary restriction, both at the Sahur and Iftar meals, accompanied by the Taraweeh prayers, should achieve weight reduction. This will also reduce both fat and body weight, but fat-free weight will remain constant or may even increase slightly. Hence, during Ramadan one should not over eat at the Sahur and Iftar meals and continue to perform Salat and Taraweeh prayers in order to lose some of the excess weight.

It is well known that exercise prevents coronary heart disease (CHD), increases high density lipo-proteins (HDL or healthy Cholesterol), increases maximum oxygen intake, slows the heart, lowers the B.P. slightly, decreases ventricular ectopic activity, enlarges the lumen of the coronary arteries and increases cardiac output. Exercise also improves carbohydrate tolerance and improves late-onset diabetes, and helps cases of chronic respiratory diseases. Beneficial changes have been recorded in the lipid profile, B.P. clotting factors, weight reduction and insulin sensitivity of muscles and other tissues in persons who exercise regularly. Growth Hormone secretion is elevated by fasting and it is further elevated by Taraweeh prayers. As Growth Hormone is necessary for collagen formation, this may be an important factor as to why the skin of those who fast regularly during Ramadan and perform the Taraweeh prayers do not get wrinkled, even when they grow old.

Mental Health

It is a known fact that exercise improves mood, thought and behavior. Exercise improves the quality of life, induces greater sense of well-being and energy, reduces anxiety and depression, influences mood favorably and contributes to self-esteem and an aura of confidence; improves memory in the elderly especially with constant repetition of the ayat (verses) from the Glorious Qur'an and other Ayaat which exalt His Glory. This constant repetition of the Qur'anic Ayaat would help to screen the mind from the incoming thoughts. It has been found by a Harvard University researcher. Dr. Herbert Benson, that repetition of a prayer, ayat of the Qur'an or remembrance (Dhikr) of Allah or muscular activity coupled with passive disregard of intensive thoughts cause a "relaxation response" that leads to the lowering of Blood Pressure and decreases in oxygen consumption and a reduction in heart and respiratory rates. All these are combined in the Taraweeh prayer which is an ideal condition for "relaxation response." It combines repeated muscular activity with repetition of salat, chanting of words of glorification of Allah and of supplications.

The Taraweeh prayer puts the mind in a relaxed state. This calm state of the mind may be partly due to the release of encephalins, beta-endorphins (endogenous morphines) and others into the blood circulation. Endorphins are any one of the neuropeptides composed of many amino acids, elaborated by the pituitary gland and acting on the central and peripheral nervous systems to reduce pain. Endorphins are categorized as alpha-endorphin, beta-endorphin, and gamma-endorphin which produce pharamacologic effects similar to morphine. Beta-endorphin found in the brain and GI (gastro-intestinal) tract is the most potent of the endorphins and is a powerful analgesic (pain killer) in humans and animals. For example, during childbirth many women release endorphins reducing a woman's sensation of pain.

The release of endorphins is associated with an euphoria. During childbirth, women who give birth with little or no medication sometimes label this euphoria a "birth climax".

Conclusion

Islam is the only religion in which physical movements of salat and Taraweeh prayers are combined with spiritual exercise. When salat and Taraweeh prayers are practiced throughout a person's life, recurring every few hours or so, it trains a person to undertake the difficult task of meditation during physical maneuvers of salat and Taraweeh prayers, so that the Namazi (one who performs the salat) benefits both from spiritual as well as physical exercise. Salat and Taraweeh prayers are unique in that tension builds up in the muscles during physical maneuvers on the one hand, while tension is relieved in the mind due to the spiritual ingredient, on the other hand.

The following benefits have been noted among those who perform the Taraweeh prayers: burning off calories and losing weight, maintaining muscle tone and body composition, joint flexibility (stiff joints are often the result of disuse, not arthritis), increasing metabolic rate, improving circulation, improving heart and lung function and aerobic capacity, decreasing heart disease risk profile, increasing your sense of self-control, reducing your level of stress, increasing your ability to concentrate, improving your appearance, reducing depression and resistance to depression, helping you sleep better and suppressing your appetite. Evidence is also accumulating that those who perform regular Salat along with voluntary prayers can conserve and actually retard the loss of bone mass in the elderly, thus starving off the ravages of osteoporosis that afflicts both men and women. It is also possible to retard the aging process and confer some protection to health in later life.

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