Allah's Mercy- A Kuthbah

In the name of Allah, the most Gracious, the most Merciful. Truly all praise is due to Allah, we praise him and seek his help and forgiveness. We seek refuge in Allah from the evils of ourselves; and our bad actions. Whomsoever Allah guides, none can turn him astray, and whomsoever Allah turns astray, none can guide him. I bear witness that there is nothing worthy of worship except Allah, the only one without Any partner. And I bear witness that Muhammad is his servant and final messenger. 

Today’s khutbah is about Alláh’s mercy. Of all the 99 Beautiful Names of Alláh, it is Ar-Rahmán and Ar-Rahím that we use, most frequently, in our prayers and dua’s. Ar-Rahmánand Ar-Rahím, are both derived from the same Arabic root word, Rahma, meaning mercy, compassion.

Most of us, unfortunately, take Alláh’s mercy and compassion for granted. But if we stop for a moment, and just reflect on the depth and extent of Alláh’s mercy, we will be astonished beyond words.

In Saheeh Muslim it is narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Allah has one hundred parts of mercy, of which He sent down one between the jinn, mankind, the animals and the insects, by means of which they are compassionate and merciful to one another, and by means of which wild animals are kind to their offspring. And Allah has kept back ninety-nine parts of mercy with which to be merciful to His slaves of the Day of Resurrection.” (Muslim, al-Tawbah, 6908) 

It was narrated that ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “Some prisoners were brought to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), and there was a woman among the prisoners who was searching (for her child). When she found her child she embraced him and put him to her breast. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said to us, ‘Do you think that this woman would throw her child in the fire?’ We said, ‘No, by Allah, not if she is able not to.’ The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, ‘Allah is more merciful to His slaves than this woman is to her child.’”  (Agreed upon)

One aspect of the Mercy of Allah to His slaves is that He sent the Messengers and revealed the Books and laws to organize their lives according to the ways of wisdom, far removed from hardship and difficulty. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):  Wa maa ar sal na ka illah rahmatal lil alameen

“And We have sent you (O Muhammad) not but as a mercy for the ‘alameen (mankind, jinn and all that exists).” [21:107] 

The Mercy of Allah is what will admit His believing slaves to Paradise on the Day of Resurrection. No one will ever enter Paradise because of his deeds alone, as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “No one’s deeds will ever admit him to Paradise.” They said, “Not even you, O Messenger of Allah?” He said, “No, not even me, unless Allah showers me with His Mercy. So try to be near to perfection. And no one should wish for death; he is either doing good so he will do more of that, or he is doing wrong so he may repent.” 

[al-Bukhari, Muslim] 

So the believer must remain in a state between hoping for the Mercy of Allah and fearing His punishment, for Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): 

“Declare (O Muhammad) unto My slaves, that truly, I am the Oft-Forgiving, the Most-Merciful.

 And that My Torment is indeed the most painful torment.” [15:49-50] 

We Muslims as Believers would say, that our creation and continued existence on this planet, it is due entirely to the mercy of Alláh, subhánalláh wata-‘álá, glorified and exalted is He. The Holy Qur’án makes this point in many beautiful verses. For example, in Súra Saba [34:9] we read:

"See they not how little of the sky and the earth is open to them, and how much is hidden? If We wished We could cause the earth to swallow them up or cause a piece of the sky to fall upon them. Verily in this is a Sign for every servant that turns to Allah (in repentance)."

Sura Fátir v41 "It is Allah Who sustains the heavens and the earth lest they cease (to function): and if they should fail there is none not one can sustain them thereafter: verily He is Most Forbearing Oft-Forgiving"

and further in the same sura: verses 44 and 45:

44 "Do they not travel through the earth and see what was the end of those before them though they were superior to them in strength? Nor is Allah to be frustrated by anything whatever in the heavens or on earth: for He is All-Knowing All-Powerful.

45. If Allah were to punish men according to what they deserve He would not leave on the back of the (earth) a single living creature: but He gives them respite for a stated Term: when their Term expires verily Allah has in his sight all His servants."

How do we become worthy of Alláh’s Mercy? We become worthy of His Mercy, when we begin that long journey from doing what pleases us, to doing what pleases Alláh. To someone who is not in the habit of doing good deeds, someone who instinctively does anything and everything that pleases his own self, it is very difficult to start doing things that please Alláh. This comes only by conscious effort. But remember, when you do just one good action, you can repeat it, and it can become a good habit. Like a farmer with his seed, when you sow an action, you reap a habit.

We should also remember, that part of Alláh’s mercy, is that he is very patient with our shortcomings. We all have many faults, but Alláh’s anger does not just descend on us like a bolt of lightning, as soon as we step out of line. He always gives us time, lots of time, to recognise the error of our ways, and to put things right, to ask for mercy.

In the same way, we must not be impatient with others. We must also show mercy, wherever we have power and authority. This is especially towards our Family. We must not project our fears and anxieties on them.

Taking an aggressive attitude usually does more harm than good. It is much better, to teach and to encourage, using kindness and a setting a good personal example, without arrogance or self-righteousness. Let our sisters and children take their own time, to make their own decisions. We expect Alláh’s mercy and patience for ourselves. Why then, should we not show mercy and patience for others, especially our women and children? The first Hadíth Qudsi reminds us:

"When Allah decreed the Creation He pledged Himself by writing in His book which is laid down with Him: My mercy prevails over my anger."

This Hadíth confirms that Mercy is more powerful than anger.

Let us pray to Alláh, subhánalláh wata-álá. May His mercy descend into our homes and in our hearts, all throughout the year, insh-Alláh. May we all show greater mercy to one another, especially to those over whom we have some authority. May Alláh guide our leaders to show mercy to their citizens, our employers to their workers, our parents to their children. And May He reward us all, according to the best of our deeds. May this small community of ours, grow and prosper in love, mercy and brotherhood, and may we all, set a good example to other communities inside and outside of Islam.

Aqoolo qawli hadha wastaghfirullaha li wa laku.

Laylat Ul-Qadr

Surah Inna Anzal na (chapter 97)

1. Verily, We have sent it down in the Night of Al-Qadr. 2. And what will make you know what the Night of Al-Qadr is 3. The Night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months. 4. Therein descend the angels and the Ruh by their Lord's permission with every matter. 5. There is peace until the appearance of dawn

Ibn `Abbas and others have said, "Allah sent the Qur'an down all at one time from the Preserved Tablet (Al-Lawh Al-Mahfuz) to the House of Might (Baytul-`Izzah), which is in the heaven of this world. Then it came down in parts to the Messenger of Allah based upon the incidents that occurred over a period of twenty-three years.''

Prophet Muhammad was restless about the moral evils and idolatry that were rampant among his people. Humanity was passing through a difficult period of time. For hours, Muhammad would reflect on the state of humanity. He used to spend periods of time in retirement among the hills, in the neighborhood of Mecca in solitude. One of his favorite places was the cave of Hira in the mount Al-Nur. Here in the cave, he often remained plunged in thought deep in communion with the unseen yet all-pervading God of the universe. In his fortieth year of his life, he was in prayer during Ramadan in cave Hira, supplicating, when the light of revelation suddenly burst upon him. A glorious Angel aroused him from sleep, three times his mighty voice sounded in his ears, and three times a powerful grasp was laid upon him. He as very confused and perplexed and could not decide on what he should do. But when the Angel called on him the third time, the Holy Prophet took up the message of his lord. This important event has been described in Sahih Bukari in the following words:

“After the period of true visions, solitude became dear to him, and he would go to a cave, hira, to engage himself in devotion there for a certain number of nights before returning to his family and then he would return to them for provision for a similar stay. At length unexpectedly, the truth (angel) came to him and said “recite”. I cannot read he (Muhamad) said. “Then he took me and squeezed me vehemently and let me till I was exhausted”/

Then he said: “Recite in the name of thy lord”;  I said “I cannot recite. He squeezed me for a third time and then let me go and said: “recite in the name of thy lord, who created man from a clot of blood, for thy lord is beneficent”. The Prophet repeated these verses. He was trembling with fear. At this stage, he came to his wife Khadija, who said: “God will never bring you any disgrace. You unite uterine relations; you bear the burden of the weak, you help the poor and need, you entertain the guests, and endure hardship in the path of truthfulness”

Thus the first verses of the Quran were revealed. It took a total of 23 year for the entire quran to be revealed to the Prophet.

Allah, may He be exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And those who disbelieve say: Why is not the Quran revealed to him all at once? Thus (it is sent down in parts), that We may strengthen your heart thereby. And We have revealed it to you gradually, in stages.” [25:32]. 

“And We have revealed it to you gradually, in stages,” means We revealed it slowly and sent it gradually. All of this indicates that Allah was taking care of His Book, the Quran, and His Messenger, Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), as He sent down His Book in accordance with the situations faced by the Messenger and as needed to address unfolding issues.

And what do you know what the Night of Glory is? The Night of Glory is better than a thousand months.

The commentators in general have understood this to mean that the good acts performed in this Night are superior in value to the good acts of a thousand months in which Lailat-ul-qadr is not included. There is no doubt that this is in itself correct and the Holy Prophet (upon whom be peace) has described great excellencies and virtues of the good acts and devotions of this Night. Hadrat Abu Hurairah, the Holy Prophet said: The one who remained standing in worship in the state of belief and for the sake of rewards from Allah during Lailat-ul-qadr, would have all his previous sins forgiven."( related in Bukhari and Muslim)

It is also the Night when all ordainments for the year are decreed. Allâh ta'ala said, which means:

{By the manifest Book (the Qur'ân) that makes thing clear. We sent it (this Qur'ân) down on a Blessed Night (i.e. the Night of Qadr) in the month of Ramadhân. Verily We are ever warning [mankind that Our Torments will reach those who disbelieve in Our Oneness of Lordship and in Our Oneness of Worship]. Therein (that night) is decreed every matter (amran) of ordainment}[The Smoke 44:2-5]

Signs of Lailatul Qadr

Allâh and His Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam provided us some signs of its occurrence:

Allâh subhanahu wa ta'ala describes the night as “..peace until the rise of the morn.” [97:5] In various sayings, the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam described the night as serene, tranquil, and peaceful. The sun at sunrise would appear reddish and without its normal blazing and sharp rays. Ubayy radiallaahu 'anhu said : "On the morning of the night of Qadr the sun would rise without any beams; (it is like) a wash basin until it raises." [Muslim]

Abu Hurairah radiallaahu 'anhu said : "We mentioned the night of Qadr to the Messenger of Allaah (S) and he said: "Which of you remembers when the moon rises and it is like half a bowl." [Muslim]

Ibn Abbaas radiallaahu 'anhu said that the Messenger of Allaah (S) said : "The night of Qadr is a night of generosity and happiness, it is not hot and neither is it cold. The sun comes up in its morning weak, reddish." [Tabaranee, Ibn Khuzaimah and Bazzaar]

The Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam added that “the angel of earth on that night of Qadr will be more numerous than all the pebbles of the earth.”

The Night Of Power

Truly all praise is due to Allah; we praise Him, seek His help, and ask His forgiveness. We seek refuge in Allah from the evils of ourselves and our bad actions. Whomsoever Allah guides, none can turn him astray. And whomsoever Allah turns astray has none to guide him. I bear witness that there is nothing worthy of worship except Allah, the Only One without any partner. And I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and (final) messenger

Surah Inna Anzal na (chapter 97)

1. Verily, We have sent it down in the Night of Al-Qadr. 2. And what will make you know what the Night of Al-Qadr is 3. The Night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months. 4. Therein descend the angels and the Ruh by their Lord's permission with every matter. 5. There is peace until the appearance of dawn

Allah informs that He sent the Qur'an down during the Night of Al-Qadr, and it is a blessed night about which Allah says,

﴿إِنَّآ أَنزَلْنَـهُ فِى لَيْلَةٍ مُّبَـرَكَةٍ﴾

(We sent it down on a blessed night.) (44:3) This is the Night of Al-Qadr and it occurs during the month of Ramadan.

Ibn `Abbas and others have said, "Allah sent the Qur'an down all at one time from the Preserved Tablet (Al-Lawh Al-Mahfuz) to the House of Might (Baytul-`Izzah), which is in the heaven of this world. Then it came down in parts to the Messenger of Allah based upon the incidents that occurred over a period of twenty-three years.'' Then Allah magnified the status of the Night of Al-Qadr, which He chose for the revelation of the Mighty Qur'an, by His saying,

﴿وَمَآ أَدْرَاكَ مَا لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ - لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌ مِّنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ ﴾

(And what will make you know what the Night of Al-Qadr is The Night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months.)

As for the question as to which night it was, it is disputed and there are as many as 40 different views on this subject according to Tafsir Maududi, however, a great majority of scholars hold the opinion that one of the odd nights of the last ten nights of the month of Ramadan is Lailat-ul-qadr, and among these also most scholars think that it is the 27th night.

When Hadrat Abu Zarr was asked about it, he said: "Hadrat `Umar, Hadrat Hudhaifah and many other Companions of the Holy Prophet (upon whom be peace) had no doubt that it is the 271h night." (Ibn Abi Shaibah)

However, there are other narrations that state that it could be any of the other odd nights of the last 10 nights of Ramadan.

According to Hadrat 'A'ishah, the Holy Prophet (upon whom be peace) said: "Search for lailat-ul- qadr among the odd nights of the last ten nights of Ramadan. (Bukhari, Muslim, Ahmad, Tirmidhi). Hadrat 'A'ishah and Hadrat 'Abdullah bin `Umar have also reported that the Holy Prophet (upon whom be peace) observed i`tikaf (seclusion in the Mosque) during the last ten nights of Ramadan every year during his lifetime.

Probably Allah and His Messenger have not specified any one night for the reason so that the people, in their zeal to benefit from the virtues of Lailat-ul-qadr, should spend more and more nights in worship and devotion and should not remain content with only one night.

And what do you know what the Night of Glory is? The Night of Glory is better than a thousand months.

The commentators in general have understood this to mean that the good acts performed in this Night are superior in value to the good acts of a thousand months in which Lailat-ul-qadr is not included. There is no doubt that this is in itself correct and the Holy Prophet (upon whom be peace) has described great excellencies and virtues of the good acts and devotions of this Night. Hadrat Abu Hurairah, the Holy Prophet said: The one who remained standing in worship in the state of belief and for the sake of rewards from Allah during Lailat-ul-qadr, would have all his previous sins forgiven."( related in Bukhari and Muslim)

We should therefore make a special effort to increase in our good actions especially in the last 10 nights odd of Ramadan. We do not know whether we will live to see another Ramadan, where we can have this opportunity to have all of our past sins forgiven. If we do not normally recite the quran, then we should make an effort for these nights. E.g. If we were to recite the entire quran, we will could receive 3,200,000 blessings, because there are  320,000 letters in the quran (times 10). Provided that the letters are equally distributed in the quran, if we recite ¼ of a juzz/ para, we shall read about 2,500 letters, gaining 25,000 rewards. However, this reward is multiplied in this holy month, and even more if it is recited in the night of power. This will not take us more than 30 minutes to accomplish. If we cannot read the Arabic, then we should try to read the transliteration, or even the English translation.

During the last 10 nights, we should also increase the amount of dua that we make to Allah. Hazrat Aisha Radiallah Anha stated that I asked Rasool Allah peace be upon him, "If I find Lailatul Qadar then what should I do? HE peace be upon him said, recite this Dua."ALLAH HUMMA INNAKA A’FUVUN TOHIB BUL AFVA FA’AFU ANNI" (Tirmidhi)

"O Allah! You are the Forgiver and You like forgiving so forgive me”

May Allah spread His richest blessings on us, and on all those who fast during Ramadhan, purely out of love for Him. May He help us to purify ourselves, by forgiving our sins. 

Night Of power- Four things we can do during the night

1. Make a lot of dua

Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, said: I asked the Messenger of Allah: 'O Messenger of Allah, if I know what night is the night of Qadr, what should I say during it?' He said: 'Say: ALLAH HUMMA INNAKA A’FUVUN TOHIB BUL AFVA FA’AFU ANNI "O Allah, You are pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.' "(Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and Tirmidhi).

Abu Huraira, may Allah be pleased with him, related that the Prophet said: When the last one-third of the night remains, our Lord, the Glorious One descends towards the heaven of the earth and proclaims: Who is that who supplicates for Me, and I grant his supplication? Who is that who begs Me for anything and I grant it to him? And who is that who seeks My forgiveness, and I forgive him? (Bukhari, Muslim).

Allah Almighty says in the Qur'an:
"When my servants ask you concerning me, (tell them) I am indeed close (to them). I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calls on me." [2:186] 

2.Recite the quran as much as we can, since it was on this night that the quran was revealed. We can also try to memorize the quran, and try and understand its meaning

3. Pray extra nafl salaah as well as Tahajjud prayer. It is recommended to pray 8 rakats, because this was the general practice of the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him, his family, and companions). [Hindiyya, quoting Fath al-Qadir]

                 4. Increase the amount of Zikr 

 O you who believe, Remember Allah with much remembrance and glorify His praises      morning and afternoon. (33:42)

Ibn Abbas may Allah bless him explained this verse as it means that one have to remember Allah in every time whither it is at day time or at night, and whither on the sea or on land, regardless of being alone or in public

     

Greatness of Ramadan

 Truly all praise is due to Allah; we praise Him, seek His help, and ask His forgiveness. We seek refuge in Allah from the evils of ourselves and our bad actions. Whomsoever Allah guides, none can turn him astray. And whomsoever Allah turns astray has none to guide him. I bear witness that there is nothing worthy of worship except Allah, the Only One without any partner. And I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and (final) messenger.

Says Allah in the Quran:

Yā 'Ayyuhā Al-Ladhīna 'Āmanū Kutiba `Alaykumu Aş-Şiyāmu Kamā Kutiba `Alá Al-Ladhīna Min Qablikum La`allakum Tattaqūna

Oh you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may learn piety and righteousness" (Q 2:183)

In addressing the believers of this Ummah, Allah has ordered us to fast i.e.  to abstain from food and drink or marital relations, with the intention of doing so sincerely, for the pleasure of Allah the exalted ALONE. This is because fasting purifies the souls and cleanse them from evil. Therefore the fasting person is among the closest people to Allah, the exalted. Allah mentions that he ordained fasting, as he had for those before this Ummah. He mentions this, show us as an example, so that we may vigorously perform this obligation of fasting more obediently than the previous nations.

Says Allah in the Quran

Shahru Ramađāna Al-Ladhī 'Unzila Fīhi Al-Qur'ānu Hudan Lilnnāsi Wa Bayyinātin Mina Al-Hudá Wa Al-Furqāni ۚ Faman Shahida Minkumu Ash-Shahra Falyaşumhu ۖ Wa Man Kāna Marīđāan 'Aw `Alá Safarin Fa`iddatun Min 'Ayyāmin 'Ukhara ۗ Yurīdu Allāhu Bikumu Al-Yusra Wa Lā Yurīdu Bikumu Al-`Usra Wa Litukmilū Al-`Iddata Wa Litukabbirū Allaha `Alá Mā Hadākum Wa La`allakum Tashkurūna

“Ramadhan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (Should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you “ (2:185)

Allah has praised the month of Ramadan, out of the other months, by choosing it to send down the glorious Quran. Without the right guidance that is provided by the Quran, the world in spite of all its charm and fascinations would have been a dark gloomy place. The prophet (SAW.) used to study the Quran with angel Gabriel during Ramadan. He used to listen and reflect upon the meaning of the glorious Quran.

In a hadith narrated by Salmaan (radhiallahu anhu) the prophet (saw.) said “oh people. Verily a great month has shaded you, a blessed month containing a night better than a thousand months and has made the act of standing in prayer and supplication during the night as an optional act (that is Tarawee salaah)

The Messenger of Allah (saw) addressed his companions on the last day of Sha`ban, saying, "Oh people! A great month has come over you; a blessed month; a month in which is a night better than a thousand months; month in which Allah has made it compulsory upon you to fast by day, and voluntary to pray by night. Whoever draws nearer (to Allah) by performing any of the (optional) good deeds in (this month) shall receive the same reward as performing an obligatory deed at any other time, and whoever discharges an obligatory deed in (this month) shall receive the reward of performing seventy obligations at any other time. It is the month of patience, and the reward of patience is Heaven. It is the month of charity, and a month in which a believer's sustenance is increased. Whoever gives food to a fasting person to break his fast, shall have his sins forgiven, and he will be saved from the Fire of Hell, and he shall have the same reward as the fasting person, without his reward being diminished at all." [Narrated by Ibn Khuzaymah]

`Abdullah ibn `Amr reported that the Messenger of Allah (saw), said: "The fast and the Qur'an are two intercessors for the servant of Allah on the Day of Resurrection. The fast will say: 'O Lord, I prevented him from his food and desires during the day. Let me intercede for him.' The Qur'an will say: 'I prevented him from sleeping at night. Let me intercede for him.' And their intercession will be accepted." [Imam Ahmad]

The great benefits and advantages of the fast can accrue only if observed consciously and one faithfully abstains from all those undesirable things which render the fast ineffective.  The real fast indeed in that in which one safe guard one’s whole self-mind and body- from Allah’s disobedience and shun each evil desire. The holy prophet has said

“When you observe fast, it is necessary that you restrain your eyes, your ears, your tongue, your hands and your other limbs from everything forbidden by Allah (Kashf-ul-Mahjub)

“The person who observes a fast with full consciousness of his faith and a sense of accountability will be forgiven for all his previous sins” (Buhari, Muslim).

Fasting with full consciousness of the faith means, having firm believe in Allah’s being, in his promise, and with regard to the rewards of the hereafter, and in his knowledge, wisdom, justice on the basis of which HE will give rewards and gives out punishment

.

On the authority of Abu Harayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) from the Prophet , who said: Allah (mighty and sublime be He) says:

Fasting is Mine and it is I who give reward for it. [A man] gives up his food and his drink for my sake. Fasting is like a shield, and he who fasts has two joys: a joy when he breaks his fast and a joy when he meets his Lord. The change in the breath of the mouth of him who fasts is better in Allah's estimation than the smell of musk. (It was related by al-Bukhari …)

Multiplying the rewards for fasting is different than the rest of the acts of worship and good deeds. As for fasting, there is no limit for such multiplication, while in the case of other good deeds, each good credit is multiplied from ten to seven hundred times only. Allah has chosen fasting to be the acts of worship that He Himself will reward for it, for He said, “Fasting is for Me, and I will reward for it accordingly.”. 

The Prophet Salla Allahu Alayhi Wasallam said, in another hadith,

“There is a gate in Paradise called Ar-Rayyan, and those who frequently fast will enter through it on the Day of Resurrection, and none except them shall enter through it. It will be said, ‘Where are those who used to fast?’ They will stand up, and none except them will enter through it. Upon entry, that gate will be closed and no one else will enter through it.”
[Al-Bukhari].

The supplication of the fasting person is accepted. The Messenger of Allah, Salla Allahu Alayhi Wasallam, said,

“The fasting person has at the time of breaking his fast a Du’aa’ that is not rejected.”
[Ibn Majah & Al-’Hakim].

May Allah accept our fasting which we do only for His sake. We do not fast just to lose weight or to show off to others, how religious we are. We fast because we love Allah, and we want to please Him.                                                                                                                                                                  

May Allah spread His richest blessings on us, and on all those who fast during Ramadhan, purely out of love for Him. May He help us to purify ourselves, by forgiving our sins.      

 Oh you who believe! Be in awe of Allah and speak a straightforward word. He will repair for you your deeds and forgive you your wrongdoings. And whosoever obeys Allah and His messenger has achieved a great success.          

O Allah, help us to purify ourselves in body, mind, heart and spirit. Help us to seek and find your good pleasure.

“O Allah, do not let our hearts deviate from the Truth now that we have been guided , but grant us Mercy from Your very Presence, for You are the Grantor of bounties without measure.”

Ramadan In focus- Part 6 ( How to begin the fast)

The fast begins with the Sehri meal, which is taken a little while before the dim beginning of dawn. The Holy Prophet himself was very particular about the Sehri meal. Hadrat Anas says when the Holy Prophet intended to observe fast, he would say:  

“I have the intention of observing fast: give me something to eat. Then I would present before him some dates and a tumbler of water.”

The Holy Prophet would urge his followers to also eat the Sehri meal regularly:

“Do take your Sehri meal , because the Sehri meal has many blessings in it.”

One blessings is that the faster does not feel undue weakness during his daily work, and his devotion to Allah, and can easily stand the rigours of fast. The Holy Prophet once remarked:

“Take support from the Sehri meal, for fasting the day, and take help from midday nap of the night prayer”.

Thus, the Sehri is a sunnah of the Prophet.  Even if a Muslim does not feel like taking a full meal, he should at least have a few draughts of milk or water. The Holy Prophet said:

“ Eating of the Sehri meal, is full of blessings, so never go without it, even if it be draught of water, because Allah sends his mercy on those who take the Sehri meal, and the angels implore for Allah’s forgiveness for them.” (Al-targhib)

It is commendable deserving of great reward to delay the Sehri meal, and eat it a little while before the dim beginning of dawn.

Fast Observed Without the Sehri meal

If a person could not get up in time for the Sehri meal, he should not abandon the fast, but should have strength to observe it as a normal fast. Even if a person gets up late, and eats his Sehri meal, thinking that there is still time for it, he should abstain from eating and drinking during the day like other fasters, though in this case, he would not be observing a valid fast. 

All the the information above was taken from:

Everyday Fiqh Vol II, By Muhammad Y. Islahi (Islamic Publications LTD, Lahore, Pakistan) 

THE INTENTION

The intention of fasting is necessary. If a person stays away from all those things that break one’s fast without an intention, the fast will not be valid.

It is not necessary to express the intention verbally as intention simply means to intend. Thus, the firm determination of the heart will suffice. However, it is better to express the intention verbally also: Bi sawmi ghadin nawaytu (‘And I intend to fast tomorrow’)
(from:http://islamqa.org/hanafi/qibla-hanafi/35333)