The Noble Qur’an is the word of God which was revealed in the month of Ramadan to the Prophet Mohammed (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) The Glorious Qur’an is a source of guidance inspiration for all mankind and there are many ways in which the Qur’an. It is therefore important that Muslims study and understand the message that the Creator has send to the best of His creation, Man.

Reciting the Qur’an is described in the following Qur’anic verse as a profitable transaction, the profit of which shall never end. This is the case at any time of the year but in Ramadan the recitation and study of the Qur’an has greater status and significance due to many reasons.

Allah says: “Indeed, those who recite the Book of Allah and establish prayer and spend (in His cause) out of what We have provided them secretly and publicly, can expect a transaction (profit) that will never perish. That He may give them in full their rewards and increase for them His bounty. Indeed He is forgiving and most ready to appreciate.” (Surah Fatir:30)

Mother of the Believers, Sayyidah Aisha (may Allah be well pleased with her) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)  said, ‘Read the Qur’an, for verily it will come as an intercessor for its companion on the Day of Judgement.’ [Sahih Muslim]

It is recommended that one finishes a complete recitation of the Qur’an in the month of Ramadan. It is the Sunnah to complete reciting the whole Qur’an once every month.

The great scholars of Islam, the pious predecessors devoted most of their time in Ramadan to reciting and studying the Noble Qur’an. When Ramadan entered, Imam Malik used to leave his study of hadith and devote his total attention to the reading of the Qur’an. Imam Azam Imam Abu Hanifa and Muhammad Ibn Idris Al-Shaf’i would accomplish sixty completions of the Qur’an in Ramadan, all in the form of prayer.

In Makkah Masjid, the recitation of the Holy Qur’an is completed in the Taraweeh prayer (night prayer) every year. It has been a tradition of Madina Jamia Masjid and Makkah Mosque, for the last 25 years, that the key themes contained in a part of the Holy Qur’an that is recited each night is explained to the congregation after the Taraweeh prayer. This tradition was set up by the late Imam professor Shaykh Hafiz Fateh Muhammad (May Allah bless his soul), who fist served as an Imam and khateeb at Madina Jamia Masjid for 20 years and then founded the Makkah Masjid in 2003. This year since the Tarweeh prayer finishes around midnight, it has been decided by the Imams of the Masjid that rather than presenting the meaning and tafseer of the juz (part) of the Glorious Qur’an that is recited each night after the Night (Taraweeh) prayer, the same undertaking will take place after zuhr prayer each day.

Throughout the month of Ramadan, the Qur’anic study circles will be held every day after the Zuhr prayer at 2:15pm. In these Qur’anic study circles, the key theme(s) of each of the juz/sapara/part of the Holy Qur’an will be explained in English and Urdu by the Imams, Qari Asim and Qari Qasim.

Makkah Mosque study circles are open to Muslims and non-Muslims, brothers and sisters who have an interest in learning about Islam.

Ramadan Audio Lectures

1st Ramadan:

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2 Ramadan

O ye who believe! Spend out of (the bounties) We have provided for you, before the Day comes when no bargaining (Will avail), nor friendship nor intercession. Those who reject Faith they are the wrong-doers. (2.254):
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3 Ramadan

Who can be better in religion than one who submits his whole self to Allah, does good, and follows the way of Abraham the true in Faith? For Allah did take Abraham for a friend. (4:125):
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4 Ramadan

O ye who believe! Do your duty to Allah, seek the means of approach unto Him, and strive with might and main in his cause: that ye may prosper. (5:35):
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5 Ramadan

O ye who believe! make not unlawful the good things which Allah hath made lawful for you, but commit no excess: for Allah loveth not those given to excess. (5:87):
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6 Ramadan

It is We Who have placed you with authority on earth, and provided you therein with means for the fulfilment of your life: small are the thanks that ye give (7:10):
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Ramadan Audio Lectures delivered on Radio Islam

Virtues of Ramadan

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Virtues of Ramadan - part 2

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Mufti Dr Sarfraz Ahmad Naeemi (May Allah have mercy on his soul), secretary-general of the Ittehad Tanzeematul Madaris-e-Deeniya, was  martyred along with several others when a suicide blast hit a historic religious institution, Jamia Naeemia Madrassah , situated in Garhi Shahu area of Lahore. The blast occurred after the Friday prayers on 12 June 2009 when the people were making their way out of the mosque after offering the Friday prayers.

Mufti Dr Sarfraz Naeemi received his religious education from prominent scholars of his time, including his father Allamah Mufti Muhammad Hussain Naeemi (May Allah have mercy on his soul). Allamah Mufti Muhammad Hussain Naimi is the founder of Jamia Naeemia in Lahore, Pakistan. He got his early education from Jamia Naeemia and then did PhD from the Punjab University .

Through his love for knowledge, his intelligence, oratory and writings, Dr Mufti Sarfraz Ahmad Naeemi, established himself in the scholarly circles very quickly. He was a powerful speaker, courageous writer and highly acclaimed thinker. His whole life has been marked with knowledge, wisdom, Sharia, Tasawwuf and continuous hard work.

Mufti Sarfraz Ahmad Naimi, did not become famous and recognised just because he was a son to Allamah Mufti Muhammad Hussain Naimi (May Allah bless his soul), but rather he became prominent and celebrated because of his high calibre, great qualities  and many talents. Allah Almighty had blessed Dr Sarfraz Naeemi with immense qualities and attributes through which he served the cause of Islam.

Mufti Dr Sarfraz Naeemi (May Allah have mercy on his soul) taught religious sciences for 50 years and his students are today serving Islam throughout the world, including Europe, America and Africa.

Through his teachings and lectures, Mufti Dr Sarfraz Naimi served the cause of Islam tremendously. In his messages, he always urged his students and the listeners to put into practice whatever good they learnt from him. He constantly urged the Muslims to be practical with Islam. He himself lived a very practical and simple life. Despite the fact that he had access to all luxuries of life, Mufti Sarfraz Naeemi resisted those temptations to over-indulge in the worldly matters.

Dr Sarfraz Naeemi (May Allah have mercy on his soul) will always be remembered for his openness and courage to tackle difficult and delicate issues within the Muslim community. He was ambassador of peace and talked above petty-politics. He was concerned with uniting the Muslim community and therefore urged scholars that despite their differences in opinion, they should work together on those issues that affect the fundamentals of Islam. One such issue, in our times has been the rise of “Taliban” terrorists, extremists, suicide-bombers.

Mufti Dr Sarfraz Ahmad Naimi recently issued a fatwa denouncing terrorism and extremism in all its forms. Mufti Sarfraz Naimi rightly said that extremists an d suicide-bombers do not form part of the Muslim community. They do not fight for Islam rather they have their own political agendas and personal goals to achieve.   It is believed that it was due to his speaking out against the extremists that he was targeted in a suicide blast.

Professor Hafiz Fateh Muhammad saheb (may Allah have mercy on him), the founder of Leeds Makkah Masjid and Deen Foundation, admired Mufi Sarfraz saheb because of his immense love for the beloved of Allah, the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), his love for knowledge and his courage.

As a result of his martyrdom, a huge vacuum has been created and will not be filled for many years. We can only pray that Allah Almighty raises the status of Dr Mufti Sarfraz Naimi in His presence and sends His blessings onto his resting place. And we pray to Allah Almighty that he enables us to follow in the footsteps of Mufti Dr Sarfraz Naimi saheb.

Members of Deen Foundation would like to offer their sincere condolences to the family of Dr Mufti Sarfraz Naeemi saheb, in particular his son, Mufti Raghib Naimi, to his students and  to his followers all over the world.

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Leeds Makkah Mosque recentlyorganised a very successful Islamic exhibition and inter-faith event. The aim of the event was to invite  members of the wider community to come to the mosque and learn about the Muslim faith and culture.

As part of the inter-faith work, a ‘Connecting Cultures’ session was held. The aim of this session was to invite the senior members of the local statutory bodies: the public, private, education, voluntary, community and faith sectors, and to discuss their views on community cohesion and community engagement.

The guest speakers included:

• Hilary Benn (Minister for Environment and Rural Affairs)
• Baroness Sayeeda Warsi (Shadow Secretary for Community Cohesion)
• Greg Mulholland MP
• Councillor Richard Brett (joint Leader of Leeds City Council)
• Terry Hodgkinson (Chair of Yorkshire Forward)
• Tim Field (Partner of DLA Piper)
• Graham Taylor (author of best-selling Shadowmancer)
• Chief Inspector Mark Busley
• lectures from Universities and representatives from local council, the education, voluntary, community and faith sectors

You can read more on this event by visiting Leeds Makkah Mosque

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Deen Foundation is proud to announce Yorkshire’s biggest Islamic Exhibition and Open Days.

May 4th - 6th - Sisters only exhibition, talks and nasheeds
May 7th - 10th - All welcome

May 8th @3pm Dignitaries session

Deen Foundation is working with Leeds Makkah Mosque to hold this exhibition and open days to promote religious understanding, inter-faith work and to highlight the Muslim contribution to the world.
The exhibition will exhibit different artefacts from different part of the Islamic world, including the blessed cloth of Kaba.
To learn more about the event, please visit Leeds Makkah Mosque

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A short video has been produced to pay tribute to Professor Qari Hafiz Fateh Muhammad (May Allah bless his soul). Aameen. The video highlights the characteristics and achievements of Hafiz saheb.

English video:

Urdu video:

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Of all the major religions in the world, Islam is the only non-Christian faith that recognises Jesus Christ (called ‘Isa in Arabic) as a prophet of God. Muslims love Jesus (peace be upon him) as they love other prophets including John the Baptist, Jacob, Abraham, Moses, Noah and Adam (peace be on all of them) - to name just a few other prophets that Muslims revere. Muslims are required by God to believe in all of the prophets (peace be on all of them) that came to this world to guide humanity.  Muslims hold Virgin Mary as the most pious and noble woman, chosen over all of the women of the world of her time.

The prophetic status of Jesus (peace be upon him), his miraculous birth, his works and miracles form part of the verses of the Qur’an and are recited by Muslims all over the world. Some of the chapters of the Qur’an Aale-Imran, Al-Maida and Maryam (chapters 3,5 and   ) are so named because of their references to Jesus and his work. There are about ninety verses spread across fifteen chapters of the Qur’an that refer to Jesus (peace be upon him).

The Qur’an also repeatedly reminds that Jesus was a human prophet sent by God, not part of God Himself. In one of the verses, the Qur’an states: “Behold! the angels said, ‘Oh Mary! God gives you glad tidings of a Word from Him. His name will be Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, held in honour in this world and the Hereafter, and in (the company of) those nearest to God. He shall speak to the people in childhood and in maturity. He shall be (in the company) of the righteous… And God will teach him the Book and Wisdom, the Law and the Gospel’” (3:45-48).

Further, there are numerous Ahadith, traditions of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) which portray the life, the miraculous birth, the miracles, the teaching and the ultimate purpose of his first and second coming to this earth. There are also many references to Jesus in other Islamic literature.

Hence, on Good Friday, Deen Foundation shall hold an event Jesus in Islam at Leeds Makkah Masjid which is open to all.

Time: Friday 10 April 2009 at 2.45pm
Venue: Leeds Makkah Mosque

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Deen Foundation has recently published two new works – Our Children – Our Future by Qari Muhammad Asim and The Mothers of the Believers – The Wives of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) by Shabana Asim. Both publications are a timely and welcome addition to existing Islamic literature.

In Our Children – Our Future Qari Asim, the talented young Imam of the award winning Makkah Masjid in Leeds, tackles one of the most pertinent challenges facing the Muslim community of Britain today; raising children to be good Muslims and responsible citizens of the world. Qari Asim’s thought-provoking book addresses the subject practically and sensitively. The book is full of practical advice on how to have a healthy, rewarding and spiritually uplifting relationship with children, who are both a gift from Allah and a responsibility.

Through his book, Qari Asim reminds parents that they have a responsibility towards their children; they are responsible for their physical, emotional and spiritual needs to ensure that their children receive the upbringing they need to become good Muslims. Qari Asim’s message is ultimately that it is only by dedicating time to the delicate task of bringing up children that parents can ensure that they discharge their obligations. He warns of the calamitous consequences if parents fail in their task; the complete breakdown of family life and a generation of Muslim children who have lost all connections with their faith, culture and family.

Qari Asim’s book is truly a must-read for all parents and children.

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In her book, The Mothers of the Believers – The Wives of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), Shabana Asim provides an insight into the characters and  lives of the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) wives (may Allah be pleased with them all). The book details the circumstances surrounding each of the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) 12 marriages, and explains what each of his wives brought to the Muslim community of her time and the legacies they have left with us today.

The Mothers of the Believers – The Wives of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is a real gift to Muslim women who are devoid of good role models today; who better to emulate in their actions than the women chosen by Allah to be the life companions of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him), the best of all creations. The book provides an inspirational insight into the women who are amongst the greatest in Islamic history and who are known as the Mothers of the Believers.
In future works, Shabana Asim will, insha allah, tackle the more controversial issues surrounding the marriages of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him), the key ones being the number of wives he took, the age of Hazrat A’isha (may Allah be pleased with her)  at the time of the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) marriage to her, and the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) marriage to Maria al-Qibtiyya, as some question whether she was in fact amongst his wives.

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Deen Foundation is proud to present videos from the Chehlam of Pir Naseer-ul-Din Nasir Shah Gilani held at Leeds Makkah Masjid.

Hafiz Qasim saheb - Recitation of the Holy Quran

Hafiz Shakeel saheb

Hafiz Qasim saheb

Hafiz Abdul Qadir Nushahi saheb

Sayyid Altaf Husain Shah Kazmi saheb

Sayed Irfan Hussain Shah Mash-hadi saheb

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Our beloved Hadrat  Pir Sayyid Naseer-ul-Din Naseer Shah Gilani saheb was born in 1949 in Golra Sharif where he received his elementary education. He received his religious education from prominent scholars of his time. Through his love for knowledge, his intelligence, oratory and writings he established himself in the scholarly circles very quickly. He was a powerful speaker, courageous writer and highly acclaimed poet. His whole life has been marked with knowledge, wisdom, Sharia, Tasawwuf  and continuous hard work.

He was a great sufi who practiced Sharia and Tasawwuf hand in hand. Coupled with spiritual beauty, he was also blessed with physical beauty. He was a truly handsome person with great personality and character. Through this combination of physical beauty and spiritual greatness everyone was drawn towards him and they benefited from his illustrious and distinguished life. Apart from his physical beauty, people were attracted to him due to his inner beauty.

Pir saheb did not become famous and recognised just because he was from a well-known and established religious institution (Pir Khana), but rather he became prominent and celebrated because of his high calibre, great qualities  and many talents. Allah Almighty had blessed Pir saheb with immense qualities and attributes through which he served the cause of Islam.

He was a great orator. He used the power of speech to guide the people to the path of Islam and to convey the teachings of Islam to them. He delivered lectures on many difficult and delicate issues throughout the world, including Pakistan, India, Iran, UK and America. People listened to his lectures very attentively and received many pearls of wisdom from his sayings. In his messages, he always urged the listeners to put into practice whatever good they learnt from him. He constantly
urged the Muslims to be practical with Islam.

Coupled with his oratory, he also utilised his pen for the cause of Islam. He turned his pen into his best weapon and shield. He used his pen with full force to combat many different negativities spread by the enemies of Islam. He authored many books on different subjects; and his writings are so effective that they directly affect the souls of the readers.

One of the most illustrious and eminent characteristic of Pir saheb is his poetry. He has been one of the most recognised and admired poet of recent times. His poetry has been very well received and liked by his contemporaries. Pir saheb has composed many Naat in honour of our beloved Holy Prophet. Naat written by Pir saheb instil love of Holy Prophet in our hearts and they inspire us to act upon the path laid down by our beloved Prophet. He was a master of Urdu, Persian, Arabic and Punjabi languages and has composed poetry in these languages. Specially, his knowledge of Persian poetry knew no bounds.

Perhaps one of his shining characteristic is that he spoke out against some of the un-Islamic practices that had crept into Islam; more precisely into Tasawwuf and Sufism . he strived hard to bring back the people into the correct way of Sufism. It was not in his nature to be diplomatic. He spoke out against what he regarded as un-Islamic and outside the fold of Islam and preached the correct way of Islam, irrespective of other people’s wishes. Instead of being diplomatic he always told the truth. He was a man of strong character. He listened to other people’s criticism with patience, and expressed his own opinion backed up by references from the righteous ancestors.

Professor Hafiz Fateh Muhammad saheb (may Allah have mercy on him), the founder of Leeds Makkah Masjid, met Pir saheb many times. Hafiz saheb was a man of knowledge and he liked to be in the company of men of knowledge. Hafiz saheb admired Pir saheb very much because he was also a man of great knowledge and wisdom. In fact, Pir saheb was an ocean of knowledge.

Hafiz saheb also admired Pir saheb for his openness and courage to tackle difficult and delicate issues within the Muslim community.

Pir saheb through his powerful poetry, books, articles and speeches opened up debates on those issues that had not been addressed for many centuries because of the fear that it may disturb the religious institutions. However, Pir saheb brought those essential and significant issues back into life and discussed them with forceful arguments. He convinced others to his point of view with powerful arguments.

One of the things Pir saheb was very critical of, was the fact that the religious institutions that have the responsibility to empower the Muslims, to guide them to right path and to make the people strong Muslims, he felt that they were becoming weak and unable to carry their duties correctly.

He had the love of Islam and the love of the Ummah. He felt that there was a grave need to remind these religious institutions of their forgotten duties so that they could help the Ummah. Through his poetry and writings, he laid down constructive criticism. This was a very courageous act by Pir saheb because no one had made any constructive criticism of such institutions for a long time because of the fear of reprimand.

In time of difficulties, he always upheld the banner of truth, piety and righteousness.

We cannot fully comprehend the abilities and life of Pir saheb. To fully comprehend someone you have to be of that person’s calibre. None of us can claim to have achieved that level. We can only describe what we can comprehend according to our own abilities.

Pir saheb suddenly left this world and it is such a loss that will not be filled for many years. We can only pray that Allah Almighty raises the status of Pir saheb in His presence and send His blessings onto his resting place. And we pray to Allah Almighty that he enables us to follow in the footsteps of Pir saheb.

Members of Deen Foundation would like to offer their sincere condolences to the family of Pir saheb, to his followers and all his murideens.

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