The Learners' Den

Image by Hungry for Halaal Ramadan is widely recognized as a month that fundamentally changes how Muslims live and worship Allah. It is a moment when the soul is reawakened to reflect on how far it has progressed spiritually while also striving to enhance its connection with the Almighty Allah. Apart from fasting, prayers, and charitable giving throughout this holy month, Itikaf is another spiritual activity that brings Muslims closer to Allah. As a result, today's blog will look at the definitions of Itikaf, as well as its advantages and how to perform it. What is Itikaf? Itikaf is a moment when you isolate yourself from the outer world in a mosque to worship Allah. This normally occurs during the last ten days of Ramadan. The last ten days Muslims believed to be the most blessed days. Because Laylatul Qadr falls on one of the days, which is the night that the Holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Therefore,  during this period, the participant in this sp...

Image by Dreamstime.com Ramadan is the holy month in the Islamic calendar, and Muslims all over the globe consider it to be the most significant element of their culture for a variety of reasons. This blog post explores the significance of Ramadan based on several key factors, such as the Quran's revelation, the chaining of the devils, the multiplication of rewards, the opening of paradise and the closing of the doors of hell, and the health benefits of fasting. The Revelation of the Quran  The Holy Quran, the sacred book that guides Muslims in their worship and daily life, was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) during Ramadan. This is known as Laylatul Qadr, which translates as "The Night of Power." This night is considered the most important night of the year for Muslims. In the Glorious Qur'an, chapter 97, verse 3, Allah (SWT) stated that the Night of Power is "greater than a thousand months." This is why Muslims eagerly anticipate it wi...

Image by English-heritage.org.uk Ramadan is a sacred month of fasting, spiritual reflection, and devotion to Allah. Throughout this month, Muslims all across the world strive to improve their spiritual purity to get closer to Him. Despite this, our wonderful mothers and wives work tirelessly every day to prepare iftar and suhoor meals. Carrying this responsibility alone is overwhelming. In this blog, we will take a look at how important it is to support our mothers and wives with household chores.  Yet, first and foremost, I agree that many of us may not have the time to perform these tasks as we are busy with our tight schedules. Nonetheless, there are several ways we can help our mothers and wives with home tasks during this holy season. Yes, assisting others is a great way to demonstrate gratitude and appreciation for the everyday effort they make to make us happy. It's our way of thanking them for their actions and demonstrating how much we appreciate and respect th...

Image by istock Frequently, we hear our friends and siblings confessing their dislike for consuming Suhoor before commencing their fast during the holy month of Ramadan. Repeatedly, we lack convincing justifications for our aversion to eating Suhoor. Instead, we resort to claiming that waking up at dawn to eat is too strenuous and stressful, or that we are not hungry. However, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) advised us to eat Suhoor due to its importance. In today's blog, we will delve into the substantial benefits of eating Suhoor. Undoubtedly, it is widely acknowledged that the human body functions at its best when adequately fueled with food. Depriving our body of this vital meal before commencing our daily fast during Ramadan would lead to a deficiency in essential nutrients needed for optimal performance. Hence, consuming Suhoor provides our body with the necessary carbohydrates, proteins, and fibers to fuel us throughout the fasting hours. In simpler terms, eating Suhoor enables us t...

Image by Pixabay Ramadan is a revered time for Muslims, offering an opportunity for introspection while also promoting charitable acts. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized the importance of generosity towards the less fortunate, and during this sacred month, every act of kindness, no matter how small, holds great significance. Through giving in all forms, Muslims demonstrate their gratitude to Allah (SWT). One of the most significant acts of benevolence during Ramadan is providing food to those in need. Muslims are encouraged to contribute a portion of their wealth in the way of Allah, which brings them closer to Him. Allah's boundless compassion promises to multiply the giver's reward for helping those in dire need. As the Prophet declared, the most excellent form of charity is the one given during Ramadan. Moreover, charitable actions extend beyond providing financial aid or food. This is a time to volunteer your time and energy with organizations that aid thos...

Image by Dreamstime.com Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims all across the world. It is a time when we focus on our faith, our relationship with God, and our connection to our fellow human beings. During Ramadan, we engage in fasting, prayer, and acts of charity. We also make a conscious effort to improve our behavior and character, striving to be the best versions of ourselves. Yet, for many of us, the problem is sustaining these positive behavioral changes after Ramadan. It can be all too easy to slip back into old habits and negative behaviors once the holy month is over. This is why it is important to make a conscious effort to continue to live according to the values and principles that we embrace during Ramadan. One way to do this is to focus on cultivating positive habits that can be sustained throughout the year. For example, if you struggle with anger or impatience, try to practice patience and kindness towards others even when you are not fasting. Make a habit of ...

Image by Punch Newspaper During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims eagerly await the time of Iftar - a cherished time when they break their day-long fast in the evening. Unlike Suhoor, which is a simple meal taken before sunrise, Iftar is a celebratory feast that features an array of mouth-watering dishes and desserts. Every region, country, and household has its unique Iftar traditions, and in this blog, we'll take a closer look at some of the most popular Iftar meals in the northern part of Nigeria, particularly the northeast. From the beloved Akara and Kunu to the tantalizing tapioca, we'll delve into the health benefits of these traditional dishes and explore the secrets behind their delectable flavors. Akara, also known as "ƙosai" in Hausa and "bean cake" in English, is a popular Iftar snack in the northern part of Nigeria. This delicious snack is made entirely from beans, which are an excellent source of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, an...

Image by QuranReading.com It never fails to astound me how a peculiar attitude seems to take hold during the holy month of Ramadan. In my neighborhood, there is a mosque that is scarcely occupied before Ramadan. However, as if by some magical force, since the first day of the month, the mosque is packed to capacity with worshippers seeking to draw closer to Allah by praying together and seeking His blessings. It's intriguing to note that while all the daily prayers are attended, Salatul Taraweeh seems to be the most popular prayer among the community. The question that naturally arises is why the masses flock to the Taraweeh prayer in such numbers. Taraweeh is a unique prayer performed during the blessed month of Ramadan that highlights the significance of congregational prayer. It's widely acknowledged that praying together as a community fosters a sense of togetherness and solidarity among worshippers. While not obligatory, Salatul Taraweeh is highly encouraged du...

Image by Freepik Are you prepared for the upcoming days of Ramadan? As we know, Ramadan is one of the most important pillars of the Islamic religion, and fasting during this month is required of all adult Muslims. Yet, with the intense heat of this period, fasting can lead to dehydration, which can have significant impacts on your health. But don't worry! There are many simple and effective ways to stay hydrated during Ramadan. Here are seven tips to keep in mind: Drink Enough Water: Make sure you drink enough water during the non-fasting hours to meet your body's needs. According to the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, it is recommended that men consume a minimum of 15 cups of water per day and women consume a minimum of 11 cups. Although it's important to note that the amount of water required may differ between individuals based on factors such as age and activity level. It's crucial to ensure you consume enough water to av...