Homemade Egyptian cookies, Eid decorations, Eid prayer, Adeyya (Eid money), and family—that pretty much summed up my Eid Al-Fitr holiday as I was growing up in the Midwest. Now however, it’s a tad bit different because us “kids” are each living in different states (brother isin  NYC, I’m in South Carolina, sister is in Michigan, and little brother and parents are in Ohio). When we are blessed enough to all go home to Ohio for the holidays, it is an even more exciting Eid! Here are some tips and recommendations and the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) practices, or sunnah, to celebrate the first day of Eid:

Sunnah on the 1st Day of Eid

• Eid is a time to celebrate our commitment and obedience to Allah after fasting Ramadan. It is a time to be happy, smile a lot and buy new clothes and toys for your children.
• Make sure you wake up early enough to pray Fajr. You can sleep for an hour or two after, or better yet make a nice Eid breakfast and eat with your family before you go to prayer. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) used to eat dates before going to prayer. Note: it is also haram to fast on the first day of Eid.
• Make ghusl (bath). ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Umar used to take a bath on the day of al-Fitr before coming to the prayer-place. (al-Muwatta’ 428)

Ghusl

It is recommended that a Muslim remove any unwanted hair from the body (underarms, private areas, etc) before making ghusl.  There are different ways to making ghusl but one must remember that the whole body must be washed. Here is one way to make ghusl:

• make the intention of ghusl and say bismillah in your head. 
• wash your hands up until your wrists
• wash your private areas
• make wudu
• wash your head and hair
• pour water on your right of your body and then left side of your body

Hadith about ghusl: When Allah’s messenger  made ghusl, he first washed his hands; he then poured water with his right hand on his left hand and washed his private parts. He then performed wudu as is done for prayer. He then took some water and ran his fingers in the roots of his hair. And when he found that it had been properly moistened, he poured three handfuls on his head and then poured water over his body and subsequently washed his feet.

More Sunnah of the Beloved Prophet (may Allah’s peace & blessings be upon him)

• You should dress up and put on your nicest clothes for Eid. They don’t have to be brand new clothes or ostentatious- just something special.
• Make sure you pay zakat-al-fitr (almsgiving)  before Eid prayer.On your way to Eid prayer recite the following Takbir: “Allaho-Akber, Allaho-Akber. La ila-ha ill-lal-lah. Allaho-Akber, Allaho-Akber. Wa-lilahill hamd. (Allah is greater. Allah is greater. There is no god but Allah. Allah is greater. Allah is greater. And all praises are for Allah).” This is mentioned in the Quran (interpretation): “… (He [Allaah] wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allaah (say Takbeer – ‘Allaahu akbar’) for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him.” [al-Baqarah 2:185]
• Take a different route when going to the Eid prayer location (whether it be a Masjid or rented hall) than when going back home from the location.
• Eid prayer is  wajib (strongly recommended) for every Muslim, man, woman, young and old. Hafsah said: “We used to prevent prepubescent girls from attending Eid prayers. Then a woman came and stayed at the fort of Banu Khalaf, and told us about her sister. Her sister’s husband had taken part in twelve campaigns with the Prophet  (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and [she said], ‘my sister was with him on six of them. She said, “We used to treat the wounded and take care of the sick. My sister asked the Prophet  (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) whether there was anything wrong with her not going out [on Eid] if she did not have a jilbaab. He said, ‘Let her friend give her one of her jilbaabs so that she may witness the blessings of Eid and see the Muslims gathering.’”’ When Um ‘Atiyah came, I asked her, ‘Did you hear the Prophet  (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) [say this]?’ She said, ‘May my father be sacrificed for him’ – and she never mentioned him without saying ‘may my father be sacrificed for him’ – ‘I heard him saying that we should bring out the young girls and those who were secluded, or the young girls who were secluded, and the menstruating women, so that they could witness the blessings of Eid and see the gathering of the believers, but those who were menstruating were to keep away from the prayer-place itself.” (Saheeh al-Bukhaari, 324)
• Greet everyone who is celebrating Eid with saying “Eid Kareem” or “Happy Eid.” Jubayr ibn Nufayr said: “At the time of the Prophet  (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), when people met one another on the day of Eid, they would say, ‘Taqabbal Allaahu minnaa wa minka (May Allaah accept from us and from you).’” (Ibn Hajar. Its isnaad is hasan. Fath, 2/446).

What are your favorite practices to do on the first day of Eid? How do you celebrate the first day of Eid?

How to Cleanse for Eid Prayer is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

Our past blogpost entitled: Major Misconceptions of How, What and When to Pay Zakat al-Fitr. For your convenience with the time of Zakat al-Fitr upon us, we shared most important points. We hope you find this post beneficial, InshaAllah!

Understanding our rights and responsibilities for zakat al-fitr is important for all practicing Muslims. However, there are many misconceptions as to how, what and when we should pay its due. Therefore, we listed below multiple fatwaa based on authentic ahadith. The misconceptions are listed in no particular order.

1.  Zakat al-fitr must be paid to feed poor and needy, as shared in the following fatwaa,

Zakaat al-fitr should be given to the poor Muslims in the land or city where it is given, because of the report narrated by Abu Dawood from Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him), who said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) enjoined zakaat al-fitr, to be paid in Ramadaan to feed the poor…” It is permissible to send it to the poor of another land whose people are in greater need. It is not permissible to spend it on building a mosque or other charitable projects.

2. The Sunah of zakat al-fitr to to pay with staple foods of your local community as shared in the following fatwaa,

It is not permissible to pay the value in money, according to the majority of scholars, and the evidence for this view is more sound. Rather it should be given in the form of food, as was done by the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), his companions (may Allaah be pleased with them) and the majority of the ummah. We ask Allaah to help us and all the Muslims to understand His religion and adhere steadfastly to it. May Allaah bless our Prophet Muhammad and his family and companions.

It was narrated that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) enjoined zakaat al-fitr upon the Muslims at a rate of one saa’ of dates or one saa’ of barley, and he commanded that it should be given before the people went out to pray – i.e., the Eid prayers. In al-Saheehayn it is narrated that Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “At the time of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) we used to give it at a rate of one saa’ of food, or one saa’ of dates, or one saa’ of barley, or one saa’ of cheese, or one saa’ of raisins…” A number of scholars interpreted the word ta’aam (food) in this hadeeth as referring to wheat, and others explained it as referring to the staple food of the local people, no matter what it is, whether it is wheat, corn or something else. This is the correct view, because the zakaah is a kind of help given by the rich to the poor, and the Muslim should not offer help with anything other than the staple food of his country. What must be given is a saa’ of all kinds of food, which is four times the amount scooped up with two hands, which is approximately three kilograms. If the Muslim gives a saa’ of rice or some other staple food of his country, that is fine.

3.  Zakat al-fitr must be paid before Eid prayer.

As stated in this fatwaa,

Zakaat al-fitr must be paid before the Eid prayer, because of the report narrated by Abu Dawood (1609) and Ibn Majaah (1827) from Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) who said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) enjoined zakaat al-fitr as a purification for the fasting person from idle and obscene talk, and to feed the poor. Whoever pays it before the (Eid) prayer, it is accepted zakaah, and whoever pays it after the prayer, it is (ordinary) charity.

Additionally, it is detailed that is begins the night of Ramadan 28th,

It first becomes due on the night of the twenty-eighth of Ramadaan, because the companions of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to give it one or two days before Eid, and the month lasts twenty-nine or thirty days.

The latest it may be given is at the Eid prayer, but it is not permissible to delay it until after the prayer, because of the report narrated by Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him), that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever gives it before the prayer, it is accepted zakaah, and whoever gives it after the prayer, it is a kind of charity.” (Narrated by Abu Dawood).

4. It is best to find truly poor, needy, practicing Mu’mininyn to give zakat al-fitr too, detailed in this fatwaa.

Zakaat al-fitr should be given to poor Muslims even if they are sinners so long as their sin is not something that puts them beyond the pale of Islam. What is meant by poor is those who appear to be poor, even if they are in fact rich. The one who is paying the zakaah should seek out good poor people as much as possible. If he finds out later that the one who took it was actually rich, that does not affect the one who gave it, rather he has discharged his duty, praise be to Allaah.

5. Three fatwaas details that

It is not permissible to give zakaah on wealth or zakaat al-fitr to kaafirs, and it is not permissible to give zakaah to any kaafir except the one who is inclined towards Islam, in the sense that you hope that he will become Muslim if you give him zakaah.

Additional noteworthy fatwaa, includes, the responsibility of those delaying paying the obligatory zakaat even if its the Imam of a particular community,  one must pay zakaat al-fitr even if he has debt, and the ruling of distributing monthly zakaat to the poor in fear of their mishandling the money is permissible but the giver must pay the zakaat al-fitr in full for the year at its prescribed time.

Staples acceptable in America are any canned or non-perishable food typically acceptable in a food pantries, such as rice, dried pastas, flour, canned vegetables, dried fruit, etc. The University of Maine Cooperative Extension compiled this nice list based on the food pyramid.

Our glorious Qur’an states,

And of them are some who made a covenant with Allah (saying): “If He bestowed on us of His Bounty, we will verily give sadaqah (Zakat and voluntary charity in Allah’s Cause) and will be certainly among those who are righteous.” (Surah at-Taubah, Chapter #9, Verse #75)

How To Involve Your Kids With Zakat al-Fitr

Please refer to the bottom of this zakat al-fitr article how we carry through this blessed annual task.

How do you involve your kids with zakat al-fitr? Please share below.

Sunnah of Zakat al-Fitr is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

I’m amazed at the coincidences, subhanallah, Glory be to God, I’m running into with these blog post topics that Ponn assigns me. I got back from the masjid a few hours ago, where I was with a group of girls discussing Ramadan goals. One girl remarked how it’s funny that some Muslims actually gain weight during the month of fasting! All the girls, including myself, giggled in agreement. Ponn: Actually there are many resources that states many the majority of Muslims actually gain weight during Ramadan.

Ramadan is about moderation. One wakes up before dawn to eat a hearty breakfast (suhoor), so you’re not running on empty the entire day of fasting. Then, one breaks their fast at sunset. We’re not meant to overindulge.

I believe a person’s main goals for the upcoming blessed month should revolve around spirituality and worship. Now, here’s the cool part: wanting to maintain your health practically is worship! A human’s body is a blessing from God, and maintaining its health is a sign of gratitude and responsibility. With a tweak of your intention, (instead of “My goal for Ramadan is to lose 5 pounds,” try, “One of my goals for Ramadan is to take care of what Allah has provided me with- my body!”

Though this is something we should be doing year-round, Ramadan provides for an opportunity to instill good habits– another advice I was reminded of at the masjid earlier today. While I won’t specifically be focusing on weight loss this Ramadan, I will be concentrating on appreciating my countless blessings from God  (I have a horrible habit of complaining that I need to break), which includes taking care of my body/weight, in addition to prayers, recitation, and supplication.

Ramadan Weight Loss or Maintenance Tips

Ponn: Here are some quick tips my family and I have lived by each and every year:

• Eat suhoor! First, it’s sunnah. Second, there’s many obvious and discreet health benefits that Allahu alam (God knows best). I’m so surprised how many people “choose” not to eat suhoor, because they “can” fast without it.
• Eat plenty of dates during suhoor. 1 gram of fiber is said to fill an hour of huger a day. The best dates can be up to 2 grams of fiber, so calculate how many dates you should eat.
• Drink plenty of water after having juicy fruits during suhoor. Fill your stomach with fluid, rather than fats!
• Lesson or avoid carbohydrates.  Carbs should always be eaten in moderation; so start developing good eating habits now if you don’t already.
• Do not eat iftar once maghrib calls. It’s sunnah, to break fast with dates and water at the call of maghrib, not rush to fill our empty stomachs.
• Pray after your break your fast with dates and water. Let your body absorbs the water missed from possibly dehydration, and regain it’s natural sugar and fibers from the dates. Remain steadfast in your fast and give thanks to Allah that we actually have a meal to fill our bodies. You’ve waited all day, wait a few more minutes.
• Pray maghrib and sunnah. Extend your prayers, contemplate on the importance of this month. Don’t focus on food, Focus of Fasting.
• Begin iftar with soup. Now that you replenished your body with water, natural sugars and necessary fiber; start slowly by eating or even drinking soups, broth, etc. as the fluids circulate your body much quicker than the fat-ladened meals most iftars are typically set on the table.
• Eat a normal, healthy sized meal. Again, do not over-indulge.
• Eat the Prophet (sallahi wa layhi wa selam)’s favorite’s foods which are dates, milk, honey, cucumbers, beats, pumpkin, olive oil, vinegar, meat (though he did not eat it daily), watermelon, and bread.
• Fruits in bulk and treasured sweets in handfuls for dessert. Be conservative, as you should be year-round.
  
• Do not eat all night long, only to force you to sleep early and even miss ishaa, taraweeh prayer or Qiyam al-Lail. Aim to pray more, NOT Eat more! Another huge amazement for me is how often people justify, being hungry all day as a justification to eat all night and taking them away from all the hasanats (good deeds) could be gained with extra prayers and Qur’an during the late night hours.

More Ramadan Weight Loss Tips from our followers:

• Lay off the fried foods! Right on, dear sister Fozia. How can we miss this obvious one!?

During my studies for my Masters is in Public Health, I researched this topic in great depth. But that was many years ago, mashaAllah. We’re always on the look out for any tips for maintaining healthy mind, body and soul during our blessed month of Ramadan, especially if they are ahadith to support our actions. So, please share generously below!

Disclosure: This post is part of a Chattanooga weight loss blogger campaign organized by Bucks2Blog. Check out our review here, and Join Today to get paid to blog! If you get a gig, please let them know Ponn Sabra/American Muslim Mom referred you, thanks! We were not influenced in anyway to share only positive remarks. After all, lying is haram (prohibited). You’re welcome to read American Muslim Mom’s disclosure policy and contest disclosure.

Ramadan is Greater Than the Goal of Weight Loss: Tips is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

Grabbed your attention, didn’t I? Well, let’s consider three things before you just yell back, “No! You Shut Up!”

First, it is reported that Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, said “I stood at the gate of Paradise and saw that the majority of the people who entered it were the poor, while the wealthy were stopped at the gate (for the accounts). But the companions of the Hellfire were ordered to be taken to the Fire. Then I stood at the gate of the Hellfire and saw that the majority of those who entered it were women.”  (Bukhari, Muslim, Ahmed)

Second, it is reported that Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, said “A person utters a word thoughtlessly (i.e., without thinking about it being good or not, or if these words have any significance that will raise their ranks in Heaven) and, as a result of this, he will fall down into the fire of Hell deeper than the distance between the east and the west.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

Third, sins of the tongue include but are not limited to:

• Lying,
• Exaggerating,
• Back-biting,
• Slander,
• Gossiping,
• Picking fun at,
• Ungrateful remarks,
• Negative talk, anger, and unwarranted disappointment,
• Whining,
• Sharing your disapproval of others to everyone except the one involved,
• Making hypocritical remarks and acting indifferently to said person,
• Sharing private secrets and/or intimate moments between a married couple,
• Entering into debates solely to stir up emotions and cause harm,
• Maintaining an argument out of defensiveness and insecurity,
• Making emotional assumptions public without giving the other party the benefit of doubt,
• Jumping to conclusions without said facts and acting inappropriately prematurely,
• Stating someone is guilty without seeking justice,
• Manipulating others,
• Dissuading others from seeing the truth, and
• Talking simply because one is unaware of the beauty of silence, or deep and reflexive thought.

While it is a known fact that women presently and will continue to out-number males in the world’s population, and one can debate that this may be a logical reason that women will out-number men in Hellfire. However, one can also argue the fact that when compared to men, women are more apt to participate in one or many of above stated sins of the tongue once in awhile and in many cases: often.

So, since we as Muslim women have the profound ability to bring the only true joy to this world through our piety, righteousness, and silence; if given the opportunity to talk or not, won’t you just consider shutting up?

Now, based on the given stated facts and proposing the above questions, the logic used above does not touch upon the stereotypical belief that Muslim wives are submissive. Quite the contrary, in fact there are many examples that when a pious, righteous Muslim male leader had a pious, righteous, intelligent, loving, charitable wife, together they ruled their families and the public at large.

Make every word count. Dare to make your words meaningful and memorable. Words when said with accompanying tones hold power. So, give words the strength of your character, and not your weakness of your flaws.

Just like everything we do in this life, when seeking to please Allah and Him Alone, we will gain from the pleasures of this world and the hereafter. Rather than enter into acts that seem easily harmless, and ultimately harmful; such as the numerous sins or “slips of the tongue” stated above–choose to reflect peacefully and walk away from such circumstances. Distance yourself from negative situations. Offer a charitable smile, and dare to be a pious leader, one who can effect change by choosing to use your tongue wisely–or simply just keeping it inside your mouth.

I’m extremely interested in the feelings, emotions, connections or disconnect you felt in reading this post. Please share your comments below. For discussing this topic is not the time to shut up!

Muslim Wives Need to Learn To Just Shut Up! is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

Washington Post shares another article about Muslims, “In U.S. mosques, a debate over English” by Associated Press Rachel Zoll . What’s most disappointing about this article isthat main stream media is highlighting some of our biggest flaws as a Muslim ummah (community): We are unorganized, petty, uncompromising, and frighteningly uneducated in our own deen (way of life, or religion).

My dear brothers and sisters, in our very own book–The Qur’an states

It is He Who has sent down to you (Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him) the book (this Qur’an). In it are Verses that are entirely clear, they are the foundations of the book [and those are the Verses of Al-Ahkam (commandments), Al-Fara'id (obligatory duties) and Al-Hudud (legal laws for the punishment of thieves, adulterers)]; and others not entirely clear. So as for those in whose hearts there is a deviation (from the truth) they follow that which is not entirely clear thereof, seeking Al-Fitnah (polytheism and trials), and seeking for its hidden meanings, but none knows its hidden meanings save Allah. And those who are firmly grounded in knowledge say: “We believe in it; the whole of it (clear and unclear Verses) are from our Lord.” And none receive admonition except men of understanding. (Tafsir At-Tabari).
(Surah Aal-e-Imran, Chapter #3, Verse #7)

• By debating which language an Imam should use in the masjid (house of worship), we are creating al-fitnah (trials, problems, harmful issues, and conflict) amongst ourselves and to others. We need to follow the Qur’an, as shown here:

And this is a blessed book (the Qur’an) which We have sent down, so follow it and fear Allah (i.e. do not disobey His Orders), that you may receive mercy (i.e. be saved from the torment of Hell).
(Surah Al-Anaam, Chapter #6, Verse #155)

• Regarding this unnecessary debate, our glorious Qur’an states:

And We sent not a Messenger except with the language of his people, in order that he might make (the Message) clear for them. Then Allah misleads whom He wills and guides whom He wills. And He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise. (Surah Ibraaheem, Chapter #14, Verse #4)

As noted numerous times in the Qur’an, we must also follow the Sunnah (actions and words of) Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him.

Subhanallah, Glory be to God, in this fatwa regarding using another language besides Arabic in our khutbah, the sheikh shares,

And the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) commanded Zayd ibn Thaabit to learn the language of the Jews so that he might send letters to them in their language and establish proof against them, and so that he might read their letters when they were sent, and explain to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) what they said. And when the Sahaabah (may Allaah be pleased with them) attacked the Romans and Persians, they did not fight them until they had called them to Islam by means of interpreters. When they conquered the foreign countries they called the people to Allaah in Arabic and commanded the people to learn it. Whoever among them did not know Arabic, they called him in his own language and made him understand what was meant in the language that he did understand. Thus proof was established. Undoubtedly this is the only way, especially at the end of time when Islam is like a stranger and every people is clinging to its own language. There is a very real need for translation now, and the daa’iyah cannot convey his message without it.

The khateeb should do that which best suits the interests of the people he is addressing. If the best is to give the khutbah part by part, in Arabic and then translated, then he should do that. If the best is to translate the entire khutbah, after giving the khutbah (in Arabic) or after the prayer, then he should do that. And Allaah knows best.

Another disheartening part of this article is how the khateeb did not show his knowledge of these verses in the Qu’ran, Sunnah or fatwa to support his decision to use both Arabic and English in his khutbah. With all due respect to Imam Hassan al-Qazwini, May Allah be pleased with his efforts, accept his good deeds and reward him, Ameen; if all Imams simply used these known facts, the debate would end.

To end the article by sharing that other Muslims think he’s “too Americanized” and “We have to be realistic”, he (a religious leader) is showing lack of knowledge. Meanwhile, opening the doors for non-Muslims (and Muslims like me) to find this needless debate laughable. The solution to this problem is a no-brainer, even to my little girls who witnessed khutbahs in dozen of European languages before.

We must stop using the excuse that “our” issues are significant to our own time, location and circumstances here in the U.S., especially since more than 70% of all the Muslims in the world are not Arabs.

We must stand with a forceful voice that this is time to return to the fundamentals of our religion by following the Qur’an and Sunnah; regardless where we live, where we come from, or where we’re going!

Since we live in such a tumultuous time right now; we need to trust our scholars as they debate areas that are not entirely clear, and leave the rest to Allah, as He knows best.

So, let’s stand together on issues that already have answers; such as speaking English in American masjids, and move on.

We’re always curious what you have to share, so please comment kindly below.

Why Debate When We Have the Qur’an and Sunnah to Lead Us? is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

5 Minutes for Mom blog is running their very first Drawing Contest, “Strong and Happy” sponsored by Yoplait Kids. The deadline is Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at 3:00pm EST. So, you still have time to grab your favorite drawing utensils (i.e, crayons, colored pencils, markers) and post your kids’ pictures up for a chance to win $1000 or $300 in educational classes, sports or supplies! Perfect for us homeschoolers.

We were very excited that Yoplait Kids is the sponsor on this contest, because our family loves Yoplait yogurt! While, we haven’t tried Yoplait Kids yet, this contest have our girls eagerly waiting for our next grocery run so we can check them out.

Without further ado, our daughter’s creative entries are pasted below.

When I asked my 8 year old, “What do you think of when you’re thinking of being ‘Strong and Happy’ because you just had some Yoplait yogurt?” She immediately thought of showing off her muscles after finishing her daily dose of Yoplait yogurt. “Can you draw that?”, I asked. “Ohhh, yeah!”, she replied.

In her favorite new dress, here’s our family’s entry:

When I asked my 6 year old, “What do you think of when you’re thinking of being ‘Strong and Happy’?” She said, “Amo Mahmoud lifting me in the straight up in the air!…Oh, Oh, and I’ll hold Yoplait too!”

After tripping around the dining room as we posed and tried to figure out how to draw her idea, here it is:

While in the excitement of discussing her younger sister’s creative ideas, my 9 year old said, “I think of having a strong deen (way of life in Islam)…that makes me ‘strong and happy’”. So, I asked, “how would you draw that?” We all agreed, “learning and teaching the Qur’an!” Masha’Allah, God has willed. She opted not to draw it because she felt that no one would understand. She didn’t want to  elaborate when I tried to convince her that it was a great & unique idea, and ideal for our American Muslim Mom blog…but, she wouldn’t share anymore and went to the other room to hide her new idea.

Pasted below is her “Strong and Happy Yoplait moment”:

Since I wanted to join the fun, I decided to draw and color our great idea.

Below is the American Muslim Mom and her daughters happily learning and reading the Qur’an to keep us strong in this dunya (life) and the ahkira (Hereafter), inshaAllah, God willing.

So, what makes you and your little ones feel “Strong and Happy”? Please share your thoughts below, or enter the contest yourself: Click here for the rules.

Get Drawing and Win $1000:

Since Yoplait Kids is a tasty yogurt snack with 25% less sugar and calcium and Vitamin D in every serving – have your little ones draw a picture showing themselves as the happy and strong kids that Yoplait Kids can help them become!

We are sponsoring the “Strong and Happy” Drawing Contest, and offering an exciting prize courtesy of Yoplait Kids for our winning artwork: $1,000 to use towards classes (including sports) and/or education material for the child(ren).

We will also award a prize to our second place drawing: $300.00 to use toward classes (including sports) and/or educational material for the child(ren).

Yoplait Kids Strong and Happy Drawing Contest is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog

Subhanallah (Glory be to Allah_! Our special guest, the Blessed Ramadan, is here. Here comes another opportunity for us all to revitalize our weak souls; an opportunity for us all to honor this guest of ours who comes only once in a year.

Staying healthy with an odorless mouth can be a challenge for most of us. The two common symptoms that are experienced during fasting are weakness and dry mouth. We feel weak and weary because our bodies have been deprived of food and fluid for many hours. So, what happens next? Our mouths become dry and emanate bad breath because of the presence of some bacteria which, as by-products, give out sulphides and ammonia which are the main causes of bad breath. So, how do we move up the scale by staying healthier and stronger while in the fasting mood? Well, let’s take a look at the benefits of siwak for our mouths and our bodies.

Benefits of siwak/miswak when used in moderation:

It polishes the teeth, prevents plaque, perfumes the breath, strengthens the gingival, clears the phlegm and the sight and prevents cavities. It also preserves the health of the stomach, clears the voice, helps the digestion process, helps make the speech clear and encourages one to recite the Qur’an, remember Allaah and pray. Siwak also fights sleepiness, pleases the Lord, delights the angels and increase the number of the good deeds (culled from “Healing with the Medicine of the Prophet,” page 280-282).

Al Bukhari narrated that the Prophet, salla llahu alayhe was salaam, said: “Siwak cleans the mouth and pleases the Lord.”

That does not mean that you should avoid using toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss. The use of siwak is just a reminder for us all because of its immense benefits and more so, we would be upholding the sunnah of our Beloved Prophet Muhammad,salla llaahu alayhe was salaam.

In the Sahihain, it is narrated that the Prophet, salla llaahu alayhe was salam said: “If it was not for the fact that my nation would not be able to bear it, I would have ordered them to use siwak before every prayer.”

May Allaah give us all the ability to practice the sunnah accordingly, amin. May He bless this Ramadhan for us with tremendous rewards here and in the afterlife, and may He keep our mouths moist with the effects of the siwak, the natural mouth freshner while remembering Him at all times, Amin!

By Maryam Funmilayo

Jazaka Allahu Khayrun Sister Maryam, we appreciate your thorough and detailed article. We knew some of the benefits, but didn’t realize all the hidden blessings, subhanallah.

So, have you ever used a siwak/miswak before? Which word do you use? How did you feel the first time you used it? Remember the unique taste? Please share your experiences below. We love miswak, and we don’t have them often enough; but we’re trying hard this past year. Subhanallah, we just stocked up specifically for Ramadan, and enjoyed biting off the tips yesterday

Siwak/Miswak: The Natural Mouth Freshener is a post from: American Muslim Mom Blog