Enjoining Good , Forbidding Evil

Interesting quote from this article:

Also remember that enjoining the good and forbidding the evil is only obligatory if you think that the person will listen, and if the benefit of saying something is clearly expected to be greater than potential harms. And the legal principle is that preventing harm is given precedence to achieving benefits.

Personal judgement is therefore essential in these matters.
Everyone can do this.
We can decide on the correct course of action and trust in Allah.
If we are not sure, then it is best to do nothing. But we should not use this as an easy way out either.

Be honest with yourself

Takbeer Tashreeq 2007

Allahu Akbar Allaahu Akbar, Laa ilaaha illa-llaahu Wallaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar walillaahil hamd

These takbirs start today after Fajr until after Asr on the 22nd Dec insha Allah. This assumes 19th Dec as Eid.

I found these links quite helpful:

Al Mahmood Issue 3 Answers to First two questions, also gives exact wording of the takbir

The Fiqh of Eid , see points 9 to 14

The First Ten Days of Zilhajj

Zilhajj is just round the corner. Please confirm the exact date with your local mosque.

The first ten days of Zilhajj have been described as the best days of the Islamic calendar.

I quote from a discussion on this subject:

Narrated Ibn Abbas:

The Prophet said, "No good deeds done on other days are superior to those done on these (first ten days of Dhul Hijja)." Then some companions of the Prophet said, "Not even Jihad?" He replied, "Not even Jihad, except that of a man who does it by putting himself and his property in danger (for Allah's sake) and does not return with any of those things."

Every Muslim should avail of this wonderful opportunity by offering during this period as much Ibadah to Allah as one can.

The 10th Zilhajj is Eid, so one cannot fast then.

We should make a special effort given that this is the holiday season, winter days are short and the nights are long.

For those of us who cannot fast/pray for reasons beyond their control, there are many other ways to make the most of these special days:
- Remembrance of Allah through Zikr(Tasbih, Takbeer)
- Giving Charity
- Being even more particular about kindness to parents/husband/wife/children/brothers/sisters/neighbours
- Increasing one's Islamic knowledge
- Even more particular in abstaining from sins such as music

I pray Allah gives us all the chance to avail of another opportunity to reap rewards.