Ramadan Timetables 2021

The East London Mosque and various others have announced that 1 Ramadan 1442 will be on Tuesday 13 April 2021. The first Tarawih prayers will be in the evening of Monday 12 April, straight after Isha prayer.

We congratulate all Muslims in the whole world and want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a peaceful and blessed Ramadan. May Allah accept our fasting and good deeds in shaa Allah.  

Below are Ramadan timetables for London & the rest of UK. The timetables are for information only. Please check with your local mosque for clarification.

Please check if your mosque is open before attending for Tarawih, some may have two Tarawih jamats, some will require you book in advance so places will be limited, please follow strict covid protocols to keep everyone safe!

Timetables will vary between cities (cities and towns lie on different latitudes and longitudes and will thus vary in their dawn and evening twilight times). There will also be differences between mosques within the same city ( variations can also occur because of different rulings on the time for Fajr) but please note that in London many mosques have agreed for a unified timetable and thus their Ramadan timetables will be the same insh-Allah.

If you have a timetables that is not listed below please contact me and I shall put it on the list insh-Allah. You can also follow normal salat timetable from your local mosque - as an indicator the start of fasting (or Sehri end time) is usually taken as 5 to 10 minutes prior to Fajar 

LONDON
London Central Mosque (Regents Park Mosque, NW8 7RG)
Timetable: Click here: (PDF)
Website: http://www.iccuk.org/

East London Mosque (Whitechapel Road, E1 1JX)
Timetable: Click here: (PDF)
Website: http://www.eastlondonmosque.org.uk

Brick Lane Jamm Masjid (59 Brick Lane, E1 6QL)
Timetable: Click here: (JPG)
Website: http://www.bricklanejammemasjid.org.uk

Kings Cross Mosque (Sanfield (Basement), WC1H 8DU))
Timetable: Click here: (JPG)
Website: https://www.kingscrossmosque.org/

Holborn Mosque (Baldwin's Gardens, EC1N 7RR)
Timetable: Click here: (HTML)
Website: https://holbornmosque.org/

Muslim Cultural Heritage Centre (West London, W10 5YG)
Timetable: Click here: (JPG)
Website: http://www.almanaar.org.uk/

AbuBakar Masjid (Southall - Middx, UB1 1LS)
Timetable: Click Here: (HTML)
Website: http://www.abubakrmosque-southall.org.uk/

Jamia Masjid Islamic Centre, Southall, UB1 1HE
Timetable: Click here: (PDF)
Website: http://www.jamiamasjid-southall.org.uk

Hendon Mosque & Islamic Centre (Brent View Road, NW9 7EL)
Timetable: Click here: (HTML)
Website: http://www.hendonmosque.co.uk/

Finchley Mosque (Islamic Association of North London, N12 0DA)
Timetable: Click here: (PDF)
Website: http://www.ianl.org.uk/

Muslim Community and Education Centre (Palmers Green, N13 5JL)
Timetable: Click here: (PDF)
Website: http://www.mcec.org.uk/

Masjid E-Quba (North London, Stamford Hill, N16 6AA)
Timetable: Timetable: Click here: (PDF)
Website: http://www.masjidequba.org.uk/

Harrow Central Mosque (Station Road, Harrow, HA1 2SQ)
Timetable: Click here: (PDF)
Website: http://www.harrowmosque.org.uk/

REST OF UK

Aberdeen Mosque and Islamic Centre
Timetable: Click here: (PDF)
Website: http://www.aberdeenmosque.org/

Belfast Islamic Centre
Timetable: Click here: (Monthly Timetables)
Website: http://www.belfastislamiccentre.org.uk/

Birmingham Central Mosque (Highgate, B12 0XS)
Timetable: Click here: (JPG)
Website: http://www.centralmosque.org.uk/

Birmingham - Masjid Hamza (Church Road, B13 9AE)
Timetable: Click here: (JPG)
Websiite: http://www.masjidehamza.co.uk/

Blackburn - Jamme Masjid Islamic Cultural Centre (BB1 1JP)
Timetable: Click here: (Prayer Times)
Website: http://www.jaamemasjid.org/

Blackburn - Masjid-e-Anisul Islam (Troy St, BB1 6NY)
Timetable: Click here: (PDF)
Website: http://www.anisulislam.com/

Bolton - Taiyabah Masjid (BL1 8HD)
Timetable: Click here: (Salah Timetable PDF)
Website: https://www.taiyabahmasjid.com/

Cambridge - Abu Bakr Jamia Mosque
Timetable: Click here: (PDF)
Website: http://www.cambridgemosque.com/

Croydon Mosque & Islamic Centre (London Road, CR7 6AR)
Timetable: Click here: (PDF)
Website: http://www.croydonmosque.com/

Dundee Central Mosque (DD1 5BZ)
Timetable: Click here (PDF)
Website: http://www.dundeecentralmosque.org.uk/

Edinburgh Central Mosque and Islamic Centre (EH8 9BT)
Timetable: Click here (PDF)
Website: http://www.edmosque.org/

Essex - Al-Ansar Islamic Education Centre (IG3 8TD )
Timetable: Click Here! (HTML)
Website: http://www.masjidansar.com/

Exeter Mosque & Cultural Centre (EX4 6PG)
Timetable: See website below
Website: http://www.exetermosque.org.uk/

Glasgow - Al-Furqan Mosque (G4 9AJ)
Timetable: Click here: (Prayer Times)
Website: http://www.alfurqanmosque.com/

Glasgow - Central Mosque (G5 9TA)
Timetable: see website below
Website: http://www.centralmosque.co.uk/

Gloucester - Masjid e Noor (GL1 4LY)
Timetable: Click here: (PDF)
Website: http://www.masjidenoor.org.uk/

Ipswich Mosque (32-36 Bond Street, IP4 1JB)
(also known as Ipswich & Suffolk Bangladeshi Muslim Community Centre and Mosque)
Timetable: Click here: (PNG)
Website: http://www.ipswichmosque.org/

Leeds Grand Mosque (LS6 1SN)
Timetable: (Click here (PDF)
Website: http://www.leedsgrandmosque.com/

Leeds Makkah Masjid (LS6 1JY)
Timetable: Click here (JPG)
Website: https://makkahmosque.co.uk/

Leicester Central Mosque and Islamic Centre (LE2 0JN)
Timetable: Click here: (PDF)
Website: http://www.islamiccentre.org/

Leicester - Masjid Umar (Evington Muslim Centre, LE5 5PF)
Timetable: Click here: (PDF)
Website: http://www.masjid-umar.org/

Liverpool - Al Rahma Mosque (Hatherley Street, L8 2TJ)
Timetable: Click Here (Prayer Times)
Website: http://www.liverpoolmuslimsociety.org.uk

Maidenhead Mosque (SL6 8AW)
Timetable:Click here: (PDF)
Website: http://www.maidenheadmosque.org/

Manchester Central Mosque (also known as Victoria Park Mosque, M14 5RU)
Timetable: Click here (Facebook)
Website: http://www.manchestermosque.org/

Manchester - Shahjalal Mosque and Islamic Centre (2 Eileen Grove, Rusholme, M14 5WE)
Timetable: Click here (HTML)
Website: (facebook) https://www.facebook.com/Shahjalal.Mosque.Manchester
http://shahjalalmosque.org/

Manchester - Makki Masjid (Beresford Road, M13 OTA)
Timetable: Click here:(PNG)
Website: http://www.makkimasjid.org.uk/

Milton Keynes Jamee Masjid (Duncombe Street, MK2 2LY)
Timetable: Click Here! (Facebook)
Website: http://www.mkjameemasjid.org/

Oldham Central Majid and Islamic Centre (Featherstall Road, OL9 6BX)
Timetable: Click here! (Facebook)s
Website: http://www.ocmic.org.uk/

Oldham Muslim Centre (Neville Street, OL9 6LD)
Timetable: Click here (Facebook)
Source: https://www.facebook.com/OldhamMuslimCentre
Website: www.oldhammuslimcentre.co.uk

Newcastle Central Mosque (NE4 6SU)
Timetable: Click Here! (PDF) 

https://www.facebook.com/NewcastleCentralMosqueOfficial/
Website: https://www.newcastlecentralmosque.com/

Nuneaton - Nuneaton Masjid (CV11 5RB)
Timetable: Click here: (PDF)
Website: http://www.nmsuk.org/

Reading - Central Jamme Mosque (Waylen Street, Reading, RG1 7UR)
Timetable: Click here (PNG)
Website: http://www.bagr.co.uk/

Sheffield Islamic Centre - Madina Masjid Trust (Wolseley Rd, Sheffield, S8 OZU)
Timetable: Click here (JPG)
Website: http://www.madinamasjid.org.uk/

 https://en-gb.facebook.com/madinamasjidsheffield/

Stoke On Trent - Markaz At-Tawheed (Rectory Road, ST1 4PW)
Timetable: Click here (PDF)
Website: http://www.attawheedfoundation.co.uk

Southampton - Abu Bakr Masjid (Argyle Road, SO14 0BQ)
Timetable: Click here (Facebook)
Website: http://www.abubakrmasjid.net

https://www.facebook.com/Abu-Bakr-Jamia-Masjid-554217887934560/

Southampton Medina Mosque (Compton Walk, SO14 0BH)
Timetable: Click here (PDF)
Website: http://www.medinamosque.org.uk/

Woking: The Shah Jahan Mosque (149 Oriental Road, Woking GU22 7BA)
Timetable: Click here (Facebook)
Website: http://www.shahjahanmosque.org.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/TheShahJahanMosque/

Wolverhampton Mosque Trust (197 Waterloo Road, WV1 4RA)
Timetable: Click here (PDF)
Website: http://www.jamiamasjid.com/

 

 

Ramadan Announcement 2017 AD / 1438 AH

Ramadan announcement from:
The Islamic Cultural Centre & London Central Mosque
Al Manaar – Muslim Cultural Heritage Centre
Muslim Association of Britain
Finsbury Park Mosque
Al Muntada Al Islami
Mayfair Mosque
East London Mosque & London Muslim Centre
Masjid Al Tawhid
Jamiat e Ulama Britain

We are pleased to announce to the whole Muslim Community in the U.K that Saturday 27th May 2017 is the 1st of Ramadan 1438 Hijri.

We  congratulate  all  Muslims  in  the  world  and  want  to  take  this opportunity to wish everyone a peaceful and blessed Ramadan.

May Allah accept our fasting and good deeds in shaa Allah.

Taraweh Prayers will start on Friday 26th May 2017

Eid Ul Fitr will be on either Saturday 24th or Sunday 25th June 2017 depending on the sighting of the new Moon crescent.

Prayer Timetables 2016

Prayer Timetables 2016

The prayer timetables and recommended websites should only be used as a guidance to the times to pray. It is highly recommended that you obtain prayer timetables from your local mosque. Differences in salat times between timetables are due to different locations and the type of methodology used for calculation.

For brothers &; Sisters in London that follow the Hanafi school - East London Mosque has the appropriate ASR times (2 Mithl on their website). If there are any other Hanifi timetables out there please let me know and i'll post them here. Please note that most of the lager mosques in London have combined to publish a unified London timetable

Just a reminder that not all Mosques have updated their timetables on their websites (downloadable/ printable annual timetables) - If downloadable timetables have not changed you can still use previous years timetables as guidance but you must ensure that you adjust the times to reflect British Summer Time (GMT+1) which begins at 01:00 on Sunday 27 March 2016 and ends at 02:00 on Sunday 30 October 2016. Source: direct.gov.uk

I will post updated timetables as soon as they become available in-shaa-Allah.

London

London Central Mosque (Regents Park Mosque, NW8 7RG)
Download Full 2016 Timetable: Click Here! PDF
Website: http://www.iccuk.org/

East London Mosque (Whitechapel Road, E1 1JX)
Download whole of 2016 in monthly installments: Click Here!PDF
Website: http://www.eastlondonmosque.org.uk/

Masjid & Madrasah al-Tawhid (Leyton, E15 2BP)
Download whole of 2016 in monthly installments: Click Here! HTML
Website: http://www.masjidtawhid.org/

Qur'ani Murkuz Trust (South Woodford, E18 1ED)
Prayer Times 2016: Click Here!
Website: http://www.qmtrust.org/

Muslim Cultural Heritage Centre (West London, W10 5YG)
Prayer Times: Click Here! PDF
Website: http://www.almanaar.org.uk/

AbuBakar Masjid (Southall - Middx, UB1 1LS)
Prayer Times: http://www.abubakrmosque-southall.org.uk (monthly) PDF
Website: http://www.abubakrmosque-southall.org.uk/

Hounslow Jamia Masjid & Islamic Centre (367 Wellington Rd, TW4 5HU)
Prayer Times: (monthly) HTML Click Here!
Website: http://www.hounslowmasjid.co.uk/

Hendon Mosque & Islamic Centre (Brent View Road, NW9 7EL)
Prayer Times 2016: Click Here!
Website: http://www.hendonmosque.co.uk/

Finchley Mosque (Islamic Association of North London, N12 0DA)
Prayer Times 2016: Click Here! (PDF)
Website: http://www.ianl.org.uk/

Muslim Community and Education Centre (Palmers Green, N13 5JL)
Prayer Times 2016: Click Here! (PDF)
Website: http://www.mcec.org.uk/

Masjid E-Quba (North London, Stamford Hill, N16 6AA)
Prayer Times (Daily): Click Here!
Website: http://www.masjidequba.org.uk/

Other mosques in Hackney: http://www.masjidequba.org.uk/hackney-mosques/

Harrow Central Mosque (Station Road, Harrow, HA1 2SQ)
Prayer Times: monthly  Click Here! (HTML)
Website: http://www.harrowmosque.org.uk/


Rest of UK

Aberdeen Mosque and Islamic Centre (164 Spital, AB24 3JD)
Download: Click Here!
Website: http://www.aberdeenmosque.org/

Belfast Islamic Centre (Belfast, BT9 6DN)
Prayer Times: Click Here! PDF
Website: http://www.belfastislamiccentre.org.uk/

Birmingham Central Mosque (Highgate, B12 0XS)
Prayer Times - Click Here! (HTML & PDF)
Website: http://www.centralmosque.org.uk/

Birmingham - Masjid Hamza (Church Road, B13 9AE)
Prayer Times: Click Here!
Websiite: http://www.masjidehamza.co.uk/


Blackburn - Jamme Masjid Islamic Cultural Centre (BB1 1JP)
Prayer Times 2014: Click Here!
Website: http://www.jaamemasjid.org/

Blackburn - Masjid-e-Anisul Islam (Troy St, BB1 6NY)
Prayer Times 2014: Click Here! (PDF)
Website: http://www.anisulislam.com/

Bolton - Taiyabah Masjid (BL1 8HD)
Prayer Times Monthly: Click Here! (PDF)
Website: http://taiyabahmasjid.co.uk

Cambridge - Abu Bakr Jamia Mosque (Mawson Road, CB1 2DZ)
Prayer Times: Click Here!
Website: http://www.cambridgemosque.com/

Dundee Central Mosque (DD1 5BZ)
Prayer Times: Click Here!
Visit Website: http://www.dundeecentralmosque.org.uk/

Edinburgh Central Mosque and Islamic Centre (EH8 9BT)
Prayer Times: Click Here! (PDF)
Website: http://www.edmosque.com

Essex - Al-Ansar Islamic Education Centre (IG3 8TD )
Download whole of 2014: Click Here!
Website: http://www.masjidansar.com/

Exeter Mosque & Cultural Centre (EX4 6PG)
Prayer Times in Monthly installments - Click Here! (HTML)
Website: http://www.exetermosque.org.uk/

Glasgow - Al-Furqan Mosque (G4 9AJ)
Prayer Times shown fortnightly - Click Here! (HTML)
Website: http://www.alfurqanmosque.com/

Glasgow - Central Mosque (G5 9TA)
Prayer Times shown fortnightly - Click Here! (HTML)
Website: http://www.centralmosque.co.uk/

Gloucester - Masjid e Noor (GL1 4LY)
Prayer times: Click Here!
Website: http://www.masjidenoor.org.uk/

Ipswich Mosque (32-36 Bond Street, IP4 1JB)
(also known as Ipswich & Suffolk Bangladeshi Muslim Community Centre and Mosque)
Prayer Times: Click Here!
Website: http://www.ipswichmosque.org/

Leeds Grand Mosque (LS6 1SN)
Prayer Times: Click Here!
Website: http://www.leedsgrandmosque.com/

Leeds Makkah Masjid (LS6 1JY)
Prayer Times: Click Here!
Website: http://www.makkahmasjid.co.uk/

Leicester Central Mosque and Islamic Centre (LE2 0JN)
Prayer Times: Click Here! (in PDF)
Website: http://www.islamiccentre.org/

Leicester - Masjid Umar (Evington Muslim Centre, LE5 5PF)
Prayer Times: Click Here! (in PDF)
Website: http://www.masjid-umar.org/

For other Leicester timetables: Click here!

Liverpool - Al Rahma Mosque (Hatherley Street, L8 2TJ)
Prayer times: Website under reconstruction
Website: http://www.alrahma-mosque.com/

Maidenhead Mosque (SL6 8AW)
Prayer times: Click Here!
Website: http://www.maidenheadmosque.org/

Manchester Central Mosque (also known as Victoria Park Mosque, M14 5RU)
Prayer Times: Click Here! (PDF)
Website: http://www.manchestermosque.org/

Manchester - Shahjalal Mosque and Islamic Centre (2 Eileen Grove, Rusholme, M14 5WE)
Prayer Times: Click Here!
Website: http://www.shahjalalmosque.org/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/shahjalal.mosque

Manchester - Makki Masjid (Beresford Road, M13 OTA)
Prayer times: Click Here! (PDF)
Website: http://www.makkimasjid.org.uk/

Milton Keynes Jamee Masjid (Duncombe Streetm MK2 2LY)
Prayer Times: Click Here!
Website: http://www.mkjameemasjid.org/

Other mosques in Milton Keynes: http://www.mkmuslims.org/index.php?p=1_24

Oldham Muslim Centre (Neville Street, OL9 6LD)
Prayer Times April 2014: Click Here!
Website: http://www.oldhammuslimcentre.com/

Newcastle Central (Bilal) Mosque (NE4 6SU)
Prayer Times: Click Here! (PDF)
Website: http://www.newcastlecentralmosque.org.uk/

Nuneaton - Nuneaton Masjid (CV11 5RB)
Prayer times: Click Here!
Website: http://www.nmsuk.org/

Reading - Central Jamme Mosque (Waylen Street, Reading, RG1 7UR)
Prayer times: Click Here!
Website: http://www.readingmosque.com/

Reading Islamic Centre (South Street RG1 4QU)
Prayer Times 2014: Click Here!
Website: http://www.readingislamiccentre.com/

Sheffield Islamic Centre - Madina Masjid Trust (Wolseley Rd, Sheffield, S8 OZU)
Prayer times: Click Here!
Website: http://www.madinamasjid.org.uk/

Stoke On Trent - Markaz At-Tawheed (Rectory Road, ST1 4PW)
Prayer Times: Click Here! (PDF)
Website: http://www.markaztawheed.co.uk/

Southampton - Shahjalal Mosque & Islamic Centre (St Mary's Rd, SO14 0BL)
Prayer Times: Click Here!
Website: http://www.shahjalalmosque.org.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Shahjalal-Mosque-Southampton/181018828620550

Swansea Mosque
Prayer Times: Click Here!
Website: http://www.swanseamosque.org/

Woking: The Shah Jahan Mosque (149 Oriental Road, Woking GU22 7BA)
Prayer Times: Click Here! (note this is a Perpetual prayer timetable so please take into consideration British Summer Time)
Website: http://www.shahjahanmosque.org.uk/

Wolverhampton Mosque Trust (197 Waterloo Road, WV1 4RA)
Prayer Times: Click Here! (PDF)
Website: http://www.jamiamasjid.com/

Note: I don't have any more printable timetables - it is advisable to avoide some of the common online prayer calculators as they can be prone to errors. It is possible to obtain timetables calculated for you by experienced people. The people behind moonsighting.com provide such timetables. You may wish to contact them BUT read their methodology first.

If you would like me to add a prayer timetable from your local mosque please email me a link or post a comment with the link below.

Forthcoming dates in the Muslim calendar

Here is a list of forthcoming dates in the Muslim calendar. The estimated dates have been taken from moonsighting.com - all other information has been taken from the BBC Website.

* Important: All dates here are estimates as they depend on the sighting of the moon. Please check your local mosque for announcement of correct dates.


Monday 01 June 2015 * Lailatul-Bara'at (Night of Salvation)
The fifteenth night of the month of Sha’baan, commencing with sunset, is a highly auspicious night. Lailatul-Bara'at (also known as Shab-e-Baraat) – is the Night of Deliverance from sins.

God Almighty looks upon all those created by Him in the middle Night of Sha'ban and forgives all those created by Him, except the one who associates partners with Him or the one who has malice in his heart". - Prophet Muhammad

Thursday 18 June 2015 *Ramadan (start)
Ramadan is the Muslim month of fasting.

Battle of Badr: 17th Ramadan
For more info click here!

Conquest of Makkah: 20th Ramadan
For more info click here!

Monday 13 July 2015 * Lailat al-Quadr - Night of Power (start)
Lailat al Qadr, or The Night of Power marks the night in which the Qur'an was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) by Allah (SWT).

Muslims regard this as the most important event in history, and the Qur'an says that this night is better than a thousand months (97:3), and that on this night the angels descend to earth.

This is a time that Muslims spend in study and prayer. Some will spend the whole night in prayer or in reciting the Qur'an.
Lailat al Qadr is a good time to ask for forgiveness. Allah's Apostle said... Whoever establishes the prayers on the night of Qadr out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah's rewards (not to show off) then all his past sins will be forgiven.Hadith, Bukhari Vol 1, Book 2:34


The date of 27 Ramadan for this day is a traditional date, as the Prophet Muhammad did not mention when the Night of Power would be, although it was suggested it was in the last 10 days of the month.

Because of this, many Muslims will treat the last 10 days of the month of Ramadan as a particularly good time for prayer and reading the Qur'an. 
 
Friday 17 July 2015 * Eid-Ul-Fitr
The end of Ramadan when Muslims celebrate the end of fasting and thank Allah (SWT) for His help with their month-long act of self-control.

The first Eid was celebrated in 624 CE by the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) with his friends and relatives after the victory of the battle of Jang-e-Badar. Muslims are not only celebrating the end of fasting, but thanking Allah for the help and strength that he gave them throughout the previous month to help them practice self-control. The festival begins when the first sight of the new moon is seen in the sky. Muslims in most countries rely on news of an official sighting, rather than looking at the sky themselves.

The celebratory atmosphere is increased by everyone wearing best or new clothes, and decorating their homes. There are special services out of doors and in Mosques, processions through the streets, and of course, a special celebratory meal - eaten during daytime, the first daytime meal Muslims will have had in a month. Eid is also a time of forgiveness, and making amends.
 
Tuesday 22 September  2015 * Day of Arafaat (Hajj)
The annual pilgrimage to Mecca that Muslims should complete at least once in their lifetime.
Once a year, Muslims of every ethnic group, colour, social status, and culture gather together in Mecca and stand before the Kaaba praising Allah together. It is a ritual that is designed to promote the bonds of Islamic brotherhood and sisterhood by showing that everyone is equal in the eyes of Allah.

The Hajj makes Muslims feel real importance of life here on earth, and the afterlife, by stripping away all markers of social status, wealth, and pride. In the Hajj all are truly equal. The Hajjis or pilgrims wear simple white clothes called Ihram. During the Hajj the Pilgrims perform acts of worship and they renew their sense of purpose in the world. Mecca is a place that is holy to all Muslims. It is so holy that no non-Muslim is allowed to enter. For Muslims, the Hajj is the fifth and final pillar of Islam. It occurs in the month of Dhul Hijjah which is the twelfth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It is the journey that every sane adult Muslim must undertake at least once in their lives if they can afford it and are physically able.
 
Wednesday 23 September 2015 * Eid-Ul-Adha
Festival of Sacrifice marking the day after Arafat. The Day of Arafat is the most important day in the Hajj ritual. This is a four day holiday
The festival remembers the prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son when God ordered him to.

Ibrahim's sacrifice
God appeared in a dream to Ibrahim and told him to sacrifice his son Isma'il. Ibrahim and Isma'il set off to Mina for the sacrifice. As they went, the devil attempted to persuade Ibrahim to disobey God and not to sacrifice his beloved son. But Ibrahim stayed true to God, and drove the devil away. As Ibrahim prepared to kill his son God stopped him and gave him a sheep to sacrifice instead.

Celebrations
Ibrahim's complete obedience to the will of God is celebrated by Muslims each year. Each Muslim, as they celebrate, reminds themselves of their own submission to God, and their own willingness to sacrifice anything to God's wishes. During the festival Muslims who can afford to, sacrifice domestic animals, usually sheep, as a symbol of Ibraham's sacrifice. (British law insists that the animals must be killed in a proper slaughterhouse.) The meat is distributed among family, friends and the poor, who each get a third share. As with all festivals there are prayers, and also presents.
 
Wednesday 14 October 2015 *  Al-Hijira - Islamic New Year (1436 AH)
Marks the migration of the Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) and his followers from Mecca to Medina
Al-Hijra, the Islamic New Year, is the first day of the month of Muharram. It marks the Hijra (or Hegira) in 622 CE when the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) moved from Mecca to Medina, and set up the first Islamic state. The Muslim calendar counts dates from the Hijra, which is why Muslim dates have the suffix A.H. (After Hijra). It's a low-key event in the Muslim world, celebrated less than the two major festivals of Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha.

New Year rituals
There is no specific religious ritual required on this day, but Muslims will think about the general meaning of Hijra, and regard this as a good time for 'New Year Resolutions'. The Qur'an uses the word Hijra to mean moving from a bad place or state of affairs to a good one — and so Muslims may think about how their faith helps them leave behind bad ways of living and achieve a better life. The date marks the beginning of Islam as a community in which spiritual and earthly life were completely integrated. It was a community inspired by God, and totally obedient to God; a group of people bound together by faith. By breaking the link with his own tribe the Prophet demonstrated that tribal and family loyalties were insignificant compared to the bonds of Islam.

Friday 23 October 2015 * Ashura
Islamic holy day observed on the 10th of the Islamic month of Muharram. Shi'ite Muslims regard it as a major festival marking the martydom of the Prophet's grandson, Hussein.

Ashura has been a day of fasting for Sunni Muslims since the days of the early Muslim community. It marks two historical events: the day Nuh (Noah) left the Ark, and the day that Musa (Moses) was saved from the Egyptians by Allah.

Shi'a Muslims in particular use the day to commemorate the martyrdom of Hussein, a grandson of the Prophet (pbuh), in 680 CE. In Shi'ite communities this is a solemn day: plays re-enacting the martyrdom are often staged and many take part in mourning rituals. Every year in London Shi'a Muslims gather for a mourning procession and speeches at Marble Arch. The procession attracts up to 3000 men, women and children from many different ethinic backgrounds.

for more info search this blogsite

Wednesday 23 December 2015 * Milad un Nabi (Birthday of the Prophet Muhammad)
Shia Muslims celebrate this 5 days later. Some Muslims do not approve of celebrating the birthday, and regard doing so as a religious innovation.

Muslim parents will tell stories of the Prophet's life to their children. Those Muslims who celebrate this festival do so joyfully. It may seem strange to non-Muslims, but many Muslims do not believe in celebrating birthdays or death anniversaries because there is no historical evidence that the Prophet Muhammad ever did this.
A blessing for the whole universe
Despite this, large numbers of Muslims do commemorate the birth anniversary of the Holy Prophet, which falls on 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal of the Islamic lunar calendar. This date is important to Muslims because the birth of the Prophet Muhammad is regarded as a great blessing for the whole of humanity. The Prophet Muhammad is deemed to be the chief of all the Prophets sent on earth and it is to him that the Holy Qur'an was revealed.

A quiet festival
There are only restricted festivities on Eid Milad–Un-Nabi because the same day also marks the anniversary of the death of the Prophet.

Focussing on the Prophet
The event is marked by public gatherings of Muslims. At these meetings religious leaders make speeches about the life of the Prophet. Stories are told about different aspects of the life of the Prophet, his birth, childhood, youth and adult life. The most important part of Eid Milad-Un-Nabi is focusing upon the character of the Prophet; on his teachings, sufferings, and how he forgave even his most bitter enemies. Muslims think about the leadership of the Prophet, his bravery, wisdom, preaching and his final triumph over the Meccan Muslims.Festivities

As well as recounting the Prophet's life, salutations and songs in his praise are recited. In some countries, streets and mosques are decorated and illuminated at night. Some Muslims donate to charity. Families gather together, feasts are arranged and food is served to guests and the poor.


Friday 15 May 2015 * Israa'/Me'raj (Night Journey to Heavens)
The night journey and ascent of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), and the revelation of Salat.

This day is celebrated by telling the beautiful story of how the Prophet Muhammad was visited by two archangels while he was asleep, who purified his heart and filled him with knowledge and faith.

The Prophet travelled from Mecca to Jerusalem in a single night on a strange winged creature called Buraq. From Jerusalem he ascended into heaven, where he met the earlier prophets, and eventually God. During his time in heaven Muhammad was told of the duty of Muslims to recite Salat (ritual prayer) five times a day.

A suggested timetable for the month of Ramadan

A suggested timetable for the month of Ramadan
by Shaykh Muhammed Saleem Dhorat
Taken from idauk.org

In order to maximise our time and perform our ‘ibaadat with ease, we should try to follow a set routine or timetable.

1. We must wake up for suhoor as it is a Sunnah of our Rasoolsallallahu alayhi wasallam. He has informed us that the food of suhoor is full of barakah: “Eat suhoor, because in it lie great blessings.” (Bukhaari, Muslim)

We should arrange our time for suhoor in such a way that we are also able to perform at least 4 to 8 rak‘aat of tahajjud together with du‘aa for about 15 minutes or more.

Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam has said that the du‘aa in the darkness of the night (after tahajjud) is readily accepted by Allah. (Tirmizi)

2. The ideal way to perform tahajjud with suhoor is to wake up early and perform tahajjud and make du‘aa before suhoor. Everyone in the house should wake up and engage in ‘ibaadat in the darkness and isolation of their own rooms. Shed tears and ask Allah ta‘aalaa for your needs just as a small child cries and gets his needs fulfilled. Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam has encouraged his followers to cry when making du‘aa.

Crying and weeping attracts mercy. Just as a mother who, upon seeing her child crying for a sweet, will succumb at the sight of the child’s crying and treat it with mercy, similarly when one sheds tears whilst beseeching his Lord, the Mercy of the Lord will enshroud him.

3. After tahajjud and suhoor, we must pray our Fajr Salaat with congregation. Ladies should also perform their obligatory Salaat.

4. After Fajr remain engaged in ‘ibaadat till15-20 minutes after sunrise and perform 4 rak‘aat ishraaq.

5. Before zawaal, perform Salaatud Dhuhaa (chaasht). Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam said, “There is charity is due to you in lieu of every joint that exists in your body. To say sub’haanallah is a form of charity, to say alhamdulillah is also a charity, to say laa ilaaha illallah is also a charity, to command goodness and forbid evil is also a charity, and two rak‘aat at the time of dhuhaa (chaasht) is sufficient for all this charity (i.e. to compensate the favour of every joint that Allah has given you).” (Muslim)

6. Perform Zuhr with congregation. If possible, engage in ‘ibaadat for a while and have a short rest with the intention of qayloolah – a Sunnah of our beloved Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam.

7. Perform ‘Asr. The time between ‘Asr and Maghrib is very valuable especially for du‘aa. We must make the effort to perform our ‘Asr with congregation and then remain in the masjid until Maghrib. Unfortunately Shaytaan and nafs have deceived us so much that many of us cannot do without food in the masjid at the time of iftaar. My friends, we should try to change our habits and keep the aakhirah in our minds. Shaytaan and nafs will take us home for some food, which should only take a few minutes, and will not let us come to the masjid until just before Maghrib. This is the best part of the day, which we do not value, only because of our desire for food. Rasoolullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam said, “There are three groups of people whose du‘aa is not rejected; the fasting person until he breaks the fast........” (Ahmad)

When Allah has made a promise through His Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam, there is no doubt in the acceptance of these supplications. In spite of this, we find some people whose prayers are not answered. This does not mean that their prayers have been rejected. It is Allah’s Favour upon us that should He find that granting us what we ask from Him is in our interest, He grants, otherwise not. Another point to remember is that there are certain conditions in the absence of which they may be rejected. Among these is halaal food and making du‘aa with attention and concentration. If our hearts and minds are not in our du‘aa, then they may not be answered. My friends, we must make the habit of bringing a few dates with us at the time of ‘Asr and after ‘Asr we must engage in zikr, tilaawat, tasbeeh, etc. until just 15-20 minutes before Maghrib when we should raise our hands in du‘aa until Azaan. In this way, everyone will be engrossed in their own ‘ibaadat and we will find that if some of the individuals are crying, others will also get the inclination to do the same. Therefore value this time between ‘Asr and Maghrib and do not waste it in worrying about food. The saintly people are such that not even gold and silver will distract them from the Worship of Allah, let alone food. Their concentration in their du‘aa is not affected even if heaps of treasure were to be placed before them, whereas, we would not be able to concentrate if only a small morsel was to be put in front of us. I would request my sisters not to spend the time between ‘Asr and Maghrib in the kitchen.

8. After performing Maghrib, we shoud perform 6 rak‘aat of awwaabeen after the two rak‘aat sunnat and two rak‘aat nafl of Maghrib. However; those who do not feel inclined to do this, some ‘ulamaa have said that two rak‘aat sunnat and two rak‘aat nafl of Maghrib can also become part of the 6 rak‘aat awwaabeen. Hence, performing only two rak‘aat after the sunnat and nafl of Maghrib will suffice.

9. During the winter months in Britain there is a lot of time between Maghrib and ‘Ishaa. After food, we should sit the household together and read from ‘Virtues of Ramadhaan’ compiled by Shaykhul Hadeeth Maulana Muhammad Zakariyyaa for at least 15 minutes, followed by tilaawat, with all the members of the family joining in. This will create a good atmosphere and environment in our homes and at the same time Ramadhaan will pass joyfully with an abundance of barakah in the home, inshaa’allah.

10. Thereafter return to the masjid and engage yourself in ‘ibaadat. Take great care not to get involved in any worldly talk. It is very upsetting and disheartening to see people wasting their time in futile talk in the masjid even during the month of Ramadhaan. Try and restrain yourself and remain engaged in ‘ibaadat until ‘Ishaa. The sisters should note that 20 rak‘aat taraaweeh is sunnat-e-mu’akkadah for them too. They must perform taraaweeh after ‘Ishaa.

11. After taraaweeh, go straight home. Do not loiter around outside the masjid wasting time. At home, remain in ‘ibaadat until you go to sleep. Sleep with the intention of waking up for tahajjud and suhoor.

12. Apart from the above, we know that in Ramadhaan there are always various programmes taking place in the masjid led by our ‘ulamaa. These are for our own benefit. There are many of us who are very sinful and during this month our hearts are softened and more receptive; by listening to the wise words of our ‘ulamaa the chances of bringing good deeds into practice are greater. Although the month of Ramadhaan is solely for ‘ibaadat, we should try and attend these programmes in the masaajid because by listening to these discourses, inshaa’allah, changes will come into our lives for the better. Our hearts are blackened by and full of sins and by listening to these discourses and sitting in the company of the ‘ulamaa and the pious, change will definitely occur in our hearts, inshaa’allah.

Allah’s Mercy is in abundance throughout the year, but especially during this month. We should yearn in our hearts for this Mercy because we need mercy, blessing and forgiveness from Allah. We are sinful and in this month we want to win Allah’s Attention so that we can become His Beloved Slaves. If we are eager to perform good deeds then, inshaa’allah this month will become a month of great blessing for us.

NOTE: Everyone should try to take rest in order to conserve energy for the compulsory ‘ibaadat. There is no point in remaining in nafl ‘ibaadat and not getting rest, which will result in tiredness and laziness at the time of compulsory Salaat, etc. Hence, every person should fix a convenient time for rest and include it in the timetable set out above.

May Allah accept our efforts and make every moment of this month a means of receiving His Mercy, Blessing and Forgiveness. May we all be granted a place in Jannah. Aameen.

Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday

It was calculated on Moonsighting that the 12th day of month of Rabi-al-Awwal, should fall in the UK on Monday, 9th of March (beginning from Maghrib, 8th of March). Please double check with your local mosque for moon sighting.

So what’s so special? – Well, it the date of the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday. Some Muslims do not approve of celebrating the birthday, and regard doing so as a religious innovation. BUT There is nothing wrong for the Muslims to commemorated this day, if it is done to remind Muslims of the life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the celebration is held within the framework of Islamic doctrines

Throughout the world stories are told about different aspects of the life of the Prophet, his birth, childhood, youth and adult life. The most important part is focusing upon the character of the Prophet (PBUH); on his teachings, sufferings, and how he forgave even his most bitter enemies.

As far as Islamic Shari`ah is concerned, a Muslim is encouraged to praise the Prophet (PBUH) without exaggeration and to refer to his good ethics and morals to encourage himself or herself and others to follow in his footsteps and guidance.

When praising the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), we should make sure that we do not exaggerate [in Arabic: ghuluww] in his praise. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "Do not overpraise me as Christians overpraised Jesus son of Mary. Say [when refering to me], 'Servant of Allah and His Messenger.'"


Here are some previous posts on the blog (including some links from various media):

(1) Famous quotes from Non-Muslims about the Prophet (PBUH)

(2) Short presentation Video: The Most Influential Human Being To Have Ever Lived

(3) The Life of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.S.)
http://wefound.org/home/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=39

Description of the Prophet (pbuh)
http://www.ummah.com/sunnah/viewsufeature1.php?sufid=5&suTopicID=6

The Miracles of the Prophet (pbuh)
http://ummah.com/sunnah/viewsufeature1.php?sufid=3&suTopicID=6

Could the Prophet remove the sins of Muslims?
http://www.ummah.com/sunnah/viewsufeature1.php?sufid=9&suTopicID=6

(4) 40 Traditional Practices of the Prophet

(5) Photos: Prophet Muhammad's Beard, Clothes, Swords, etc.

(6) Prophet Muhammad’s Last Sermon

(7) Videos: "The Message" & "Muhammad: The Last Prophet”

(8) Some Poems:

If The Prophet (pbuh) visited you?

The Simple Message of Islam


Other articles worth reading:

Muhammad's Sword - 23/09/06
This is a very good article written by Gush-Shalom a Jewish Peace group.
http://zope.gush-shalom.org/home/en/channels/avnery/1159094813/