The Essence of Fasting and Its Purpose
What is the relationship between the Quran and the month of Ramadan with humans?
﴾The month of Ramadan is the month when the Quran was sent down as guidance for mankind with clear proofs of guidance and the principles of distinction of right from wrong. Therefore, whoever of you is present in that month, let him fast; but he who is ill or on a journey shall fast a similar number of days later on. Allah desires ease for you, not hardship. He desires you to fast the whole month, so that you may glorify Him for His Guidance to you and so that you may be grateful to Him﴿.(1)
The beginning of this verse indicates a close bond between the holy month of Ramadan, the Holy Quran, and man. A deeper observation of this verse brings to us the following question: How is guidance of humans realized during the month of Ramadan?
We can then comprehend that the purpose of reciting the Quran is guidance and correction of behaviors and not a simple count of closure of readings without depth and application of principles. What is required while reading the Quran is to contemplate its verses and ponder on the meanings and the applications in order for guidance to take place.
The month of Ramadan is supposed to be the month of abandoning sins and repenting from them, a month of purification of Muslims from their sins, and a month where they apply the Prophetic Virtues, he whose character was the Quran. And Allah facilitated this mission by chaining the devils and weakening their self through abstinence from food and drink and physical pleasures. Therefore, whoever grabbed the chance of Ramadan for repentance from the great sins and adopting the Quran morals would have succeeded in achieving the purpose of fasting, that is “you may become pious” as in the verse:﴾O Believers, fasting has been prescribed for you, just as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may be pious﴿. (2)
When reading Allah’s saying: ﴾Those who break Allah’s covenant after they have pledged to keep it, and sever whatever Allah has ordered to be joined, and spread corruption in the land—it is they who are the losers﴿(3) one should wonder: have I broken Allah’s covenant? Have I severed my kinships? And then take practical corrective steps. But if one reads this verse slightly and only caring about concluding the reading, while actually being of those who have severed Allah’s covenant and severed kinships, would that be pleasing to Allah ? Another example is that of an employee who goes to work in Ramadan carrying exhaustion and sleepiness because he was up all night praying and reading Quran, so he is unable to perform his duties properly and does not give his employer the full rights while at the end of the month he gets paid a full salary. Wouldn’t that be unfair and dishonest and betraying trust? Allah said: ﴾We offered the Trust to the heavens and the earth and the mountains, but they refused to bear it, because they were afraid of it. But man bore it: he surely proved unjust and ignorant﴿. (4) When reading this verse, he should comprehend it and repent and fix his mistakes.
______________________
(1) Al Baqara: 185.
(2) Al Baqara: 183.
(3) Al Baqara: 27.
(4) Al Ahzab: 72.
Source: Kalima Taiba
Nutritious Recipe
from my kitchen with love
Authentic Syrian Fattoush Salad 🥗
Fattoush is a nutrient-rich salad that offers a variety of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, making it a well-rounded and healthful dish. It is perfect for anyone looking to boost their intake of fresh vegetables while enjoying a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
1 cup 🥬 Purslane (Baqleh), washed (substitute with romaine lettuce if unavailable)
1 cup 🍅 Tomato, diced or cherry tomatoes, cut in half
3 🥒 Mini cucumbers, thinly sliced
3 🌿 Green onions, finely chopped
¼ cup 🌱 Fresh mint, chopped
¼ cup 🌿 Fresh parsley, chopped
2 clove 🧄 Garlic, minced
3 tbsp 🍋 Lemon juice
2 tbsp 🍏 Apple cider vinegar
4 tbsp 🫒 Olive oil
1 tsp 🌿 Dried mint
½ tsp 🌶️ Paprika
1 tsp 🧂 Salt
1 cup 🍞 Pita bread, cut into small squares (mixed with the dressing, unbaked and unfried)
Optional Garnishes & Enhancements:
Fresh thyme – 🌿 Adds a fragrant, earthy touch
Small black olives – 🫒 Whole, for a bold flavor contrast
Fried or baked pita squares – 🍞🔥 For a crunchy variation
Fresh pomegranate seeds – ❤️ Seasonal garnish for a hint of sweetness and color
Instructions:
1️⃣ In a large bowl, combine purslane (or romaine), tomatoes, cucumbers, green onions, fresh mint, and parsley.
2️⃣ In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, dried mint, salt, and paprika.
3️⃣ Pour the dressing over the salad and mix well.
4️⃣ Add the pita bread squares and gently toss to coat them with the dressing.
5️⃣ Garnish with fresh thyme, black olives, and pomegranate seeds if in season.
6️⃣ Serve immediately and enjoy this authentic Syrian-style fattoush!
Tip: For a crunchier texture, try frying or baking the pita bread, but the traditional Syrian recipe keeps it soft by mixing it with the dressing.
From One Seed to Seven Hundred: The Power of Giving
Empowering Through Skill, Language & Creativity
The Mozaic Sewing Studio equips women with essential skills in garment making, embroidery, and alterations, transforming fabric into both art and opportunity. More than just a craft, sewing becomes a means of financial independence, allowing participants to create and sell handmade pieces. To ensure their success in the industry, the program integrates vocational language training, helping women confidently follow instructions, communicate with clients, and negotiate pricing for their work.
Beyond its practical benefits, sewing is a therapeutic practice. The rhythmic motion of stitching fosters mental wellness, easing stress and bringing a sense of calm. For women who have experienced displacement and hardship, mastering this skill provides not only economic stability but also a renewed sense of purpose and control over their lives. Engaging in a productive and creative pursuit strengthens confidence, fosters resilience, and builds a supportive community where women uplift one another.
Every $1000 supports a female refugee in learning sewing skills, empowering her towards financial stability and helping break the cycle of dependency.https://mozaic.kindful.com/?campaign=1352827
Tthe Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:"The best of people are those that bring most benefit to the rest of mankind."— Daraqutni
Allah (SWT) says:"If you help [the needy] in the way of Allah, He will help you."— Qur’an, Surah Muhammad (47:7)
By empowering others, especially those in need, we not only fulfill their immediate needs but also enable them to support themselves and contribute to society.
Du’a of the Day
القافات دعائها وأسرارها
{ألم تر إلى الملأ من بني إسرائيل من بعد موسى إذ قالوا لنبي لهم أبعث لنا ملكا نقاتل في سبيل الله قال هل عسيتم إن كتب عليكم القتال ألا تقاتلوا قالوا وما لنا ألا نقاتل في سبيل الله وقد أُخرجنا من ديارنا وأبنائنا فلما كتب عليهم القتال تولوا إلا قليلا منهم والله عليم بالظالمين} [البقرة: 244].
قدير على مايريد. ثلاث مرات
{لقد سمع الله قول الذين قالوا إن الله فقير ونحن أغنياء سنكتب ما قالوا وقتلهم الأنبياء بغير حق ونقول ذوقوا عذاب الحريق} [آل عمران: 181].
قوي لا يحتاج إلى معين. ثلاث مرات
{ألم تر إلى الذين قيل لهم كفوا أيديكم وأقيموا الصلاة وآتوا الزكوة فلما كُتب عليهم القتال إذا فريق منهم يخشون الناس كخشية الله أو أشد خشية وقالوا ربنا لم كتبت علينا القتال لولا أخرتنا إلى أجل قريب قل متاع الدنيا قليل والآخرة خير لمن اتقى ولا تظلمون فتيلا} [النساء: 77].
قهار لمن طغى وعصى. ثلاث مرات
{واتل عليهم نبأ ابني آدم بالحق إذ قربا قربانا فتقبل من أحدهما ولم يتقبل من الآخر قال لأقتلنك قال إنما يتقبل الله من المتقين} [المائدة: 27].
قدوس يهدي من يشاء. ثلاث مرات
{قل من رب السموات والأرض قل الله قل أفاتخذتم من دونه أولياء لا يملكون لأنفسهم نفعا ولا ضرا قل هل يستوي الأعمى والبصير أم هل تستوي الظلمات والنور أم جعلوا لله شركاء خلقوا كخلقه فتشابه الخلق عليهم قل الله خالق كل شيء وهو الواحد القهار} [الرعد: 16].
قيوم يرزق من يشاء. ثلاث مرات
يا قديم يا باقي يا حق يا صادق يا جبار يا قهار يا قوى يا قائم يا قدير يا قيوم يا قابض يا قادر يا مقتدر يا قاهر يا قدوس يا قريب يا مجيب الدعاء يا رب العالمين [10 مرات]
ولهذه الآيات خواص غريبة، وأسرار عجيبة، وفضائل كثيرة، ومنافع عديدة مجربة عندنا، قال أهل المعرفة والعرفان:
خمسون قافًا في الكتاب العلي ،في خمس آياتٍ بلا محالٍ.
من يقرأها بصدقٍ وصدقِ القلب ،تذل له الأعداء بين الرجالِ.
في الأيام والليالي تُصبح الأبطال، إذ تنقلب الأمور دون جدال.
إذا رأيت الخيل والمجاهدين،فابدأ ببسم الله، جلالُ المُحالِ.
ثم تتابع الآيات وتذكرها، ينهزم الأعداء ولا تُبالِي.
فهي من أقوى السهام الطائشة، فاحذر من تعلمها من الجهالِ
الآيات الخمس التي ذكرتها هي آيات عظيمة، ويقال إن قراءتها صباحًا ومساءً لها فوائد كبيرة في التحصين والوقاية من الأعداء، سواء كانوا من الإنس أو الجن أو الشياطين، وأيضًا من المتمردين. تتعلق هذه الآيات بالقدرة الإلهية والتسبيح لله، وهي أداة قوية للحماية الروحية.
كما يُقال إن من يستمر في قراءة هذه الآيات خمس مرات في الصباح وخمس مرات في المساء، بنية التحصين والحماية، فإنه لا يُعزل عن مقام أو منصب ويكون محفوظًا من أي مكروه. أيضًا، عند قراءة هذه الآيات في المهمات، أي في الأمور المهمة والطارئة، فإن قراءتها 55 مرة تضمن الحماية والإجابة.
هذه الدعاء الذي يحتوي على "مائة قاف" هو دعاء عظيم يشتمل على أسماء الله الحسنى والصفات العظيمة لله، ويقال إن له فوائد روحانية عظيمة.
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم وصل اللهم على سيدنا محمد وعلى آله الطاهرين وصحبه المنتجبين وسلم:
إلهي أنت القائم على كل نفسٍ والقيوم في كل معنى وحسٍ* قدرت فقهرت وعلمت فقدرت فلك القوة والقهر وبيدك الخلق والأمر وأنت مع كل شيء بالقرب وورائه بالقدرة والإحاطة وأنت القائل: "والله من ورائهم محيط"
إلهي أسألك مدداً من أسمائك القهرية تقوي به قواي القلبية والقالبية حتى لايلقاني صاحب قلب إلا انقلب على عقبيه مقهورا إلهي أسألك لساناً ناطقاً وقولاً صادقاً وفهماً لائقاً وسراً ذائقاً وقلباً قابلاً وعقلاً عاقلاً وفكراً مشرقاً وطرفاً مطرقاً ووجداً محرقاً وشوقاً مقلقاً ويداً قادرةً وقوةً قاهرةً ونفساً مطمئنة وجوارح لطاعتك لينةً وقدسني يا قدوس للقدومِ عليك وارزقني التقدم إليك
إلهي قلبي مقبل عليك في قفر الفقر يقوده التوق ويسوقه الشوق زاده الخوف ورفيقه القلق وقصده القبول والقرب وعندك للقاصدين زلفى
إلهي قربني إليك قرب العارفين ونزهنني عن الفواحش ما ظهر منها وما بطن وأزل عني علائق الذم ونزهنني عن علائق الطبع لأكون من المتطهرين
إلهي أسألك مدداً روحانياً تقوى به قواي الكلية والجزئية حتى أقهر به كل نفس قاهرة تنقبض لي رقائقها انقباضاً تسقط به قواها عند مقابلتي حتى لايبقى في الكون ذو روحٍ إلا ونار القهر قد أخمدت ظهوره يا شديد البطش يا قهار وأوقفني موقف العز والقبول يا قيوم يا قدير تقدس مجدك يا ذا القوة المتين
إلهي أسألك الأنس بمقابلة سر القدرة أنساً تمحو آثاره وحشة الفكر عني حتى يطيب قلبي لك فأطيب بوقتي لك فلا يتحرك ذو طبع بمخالفتي إلا صغر بعظمتك وقهر بكبريائك أنت جبار السموات والأرض وقاهر الكل بقهرك يا قهار
The Du'a of the Qaf and its Secrets
{Do you not see the assembly of the Children of Israel after Moses, when they said to a prophet of theirs, 'Appoint for us a king, and we will fight in the way of Allah'? He said, 'Could it be that, if fighting was prescribed for you, you would not fight?' They said, 'Why would we not fight in the way of Allah while we have been driven out of our homes and our children?' But when fighting was prescribed for them, they turned away, except for a few of them. And Allah is Knowing of the wrongdoers.} [Al-Baqarah: 244]
Qadeer (Able to do as He wills). Three times
{Indeed, Allah has heard the statement of those who said, 'Indeed, Allah is poor, and we are rich.' We will record what they said and their killing of the prophets without right, and We will say, 'Taste the punishment of the burning fire.'} [Aal-E-Imran: 181]
Qawiyy (Strong, does not need any aid). Three times
{Do you not see those who were told, 'Hold back your hands and establish the prayer and give zakah'? But when fighting was prescribed for them, a group of them feared the people as they should have feared Allah or even more. They said, 'Our Lord, why have You decreed upon us fighting? If only You had postponed it for us to a nearer term.' Say, 'The enjoyment of this world is little, and the Hereafter is better for those who fear Allah, and you will not be wronged in the slightest.'} [An-Nisa: 77]
Qahhar (Subduer, for those who disobey). Three times
{And recite to them the story of the two sons of Adam in truth when they both offered a sacrifice, and it was accepted from one of them, but it was not accepted from the other. He said, 'I will surely kill you.' The other said, 'Indeed, Allah only accepts from the righteous.'} [Al-Ma’idah: 27]
Quddus (Holy, guides whomever He wills). Three times
{Say, 'Who is Lord of the heavens and the earth?' Say, 'Allah.' Say, 'Have you taken besides Him allies who do not possess for themselves any benefit or harm?' Say, 'Are the blind and the seeing equal? Or are the darkness and the light equal? Or have they attributed to Allah partners who created like His creation, so that the creation seemed to them alike? Say, 'Allah is the Creator of all things, and He is, over all things, competent.'} [Ar-Ra'd: 16]
Qayyum (Sustainer, provides for whom He wills). Three times
O Ancient, O Ever-Living, O Truthful, O Honest, O Mighty, O Subduer, O Strong, O Sustainer, O Able, O Powerful, O Subjugator, O Holy, O Near, O Answerer of supplications, O Lord of the worlds [10 times]
These verses possess strange characteristics, amazing secrets, numerous virtues, and proven benefits. The scholars of knowledge and mysticism have said:
Fifty "Qaf"s in the high book
are found,In five verses
with no doubt around.
Whoever recites them with a pure heart,
Their enemies fall, with heroes apart.
Through days and nights,
they become the strong,
As the events unfold,
they cannot go wrong.
When you see horses and warriors stand,
Begin with "Bismillah," in God's command.
Then continue the verses one by one,
The enemies will fall, and you shall not shun.
These are the sharpest arrows that fly,
Beware of learning them from those who lie.
The five verses mentioned are great verses, and it is said that reading them in the morning and evening brings great benefits in terms of protection and safeguarding from enemies, whether they are from humans, jinn, or devils, as well as from rebellious followers. These verses are related to divine power and the glorification of Allah, and they serve as a strong tool for spiritual protection.
It is also said that anyone who consistently reads these verses five times in the morning and five times in the evening, with the intention of protection, will not be deprived of their position or rank, and they will be preserved from harm. Additionally, when these verses are recited in urgent or important matters, reading them 55 times ensures protection and the fulfillment of needs.
This supplication, which contains "a hundred Qafs," is a powerful prayer that includes the names of Allah and His great attributes. It is said to have immense spiritual benefits.
Du'a of the Secrets of Qaf:
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon our master Muhammad, his pure family, and his chosen companions:
O my Lord, You are the Sustainer of every soul and the Ever-Living in every meaning and sense. You have the power to subdue and the knowledge to control, and You possess strength and authority. Creation and command are in Your hands, and You are close to everything, with ability and encompassing knowledge. You are the One who said: "And Allah is surrounding them from behind." (Surah Al-Buruj 85:20)
O my Lord, I ask You for help from Your overpowering names, so that they may strengthen my inner and outer faculties, until no person with a heart meets me without being subdued before me. O my Lord, I ask You for a speaking tongue, truthful words, a fitting understanding, a tasting secret, a receptive heart, a wise mind, illuminating thoughts, a downcast gaze, burning passion, restless longing, a capable hand, overpowering strength, a tranquil soul, and limbs that are gentle in obedience to You. Sanctify me, O Most Holy, to approach You and grant me advancement towards You.
O my Lord, my heart is drawn towards You in the emptiness of poverty, guided by longing, driven by yearning, with fear as my provision and anxiety as my companion. My aim is acceptance and nearness, and with You, those who seek are drawn closer.
O my Lord, draw me closer to You, closer to those who know You. Purify me from all sins, both open and hidden, and remove from me all the ties of blame and ill habits, so that I may be among the purified.
O my Lord, I ask You for spiritual aid, to strengthen my general and specific faculties, so that I may overpower every rebellious soul, causing their forces to falter in submission before me. Let no spirit remain in the universe except that the fire of subjugation has extinguished its presence. O Severe in punishment, O Subduer, place me in a position of honor and acceptance. O Sustainer, O All-Powerful, glorify Your Majestic Self, O Source of mighty strength.
O my Lord, I ask You for closeness with the hidden essence of power, a closeness that removes the traces of mental solitude from me, so that my heart may find peace in You and my time may be made pleasant for Your sake. May no one with a rebellious nature stand against me, except that they are diminished by Your greatness and humbled by Your grandeur. You are the Compeller of the heavens and the earth, and the Subduer of all with Your might. O Subduer, grant me Your support.
Ameen
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