the 12th Ramadan forum

The Ramadan Forum Magazine –Issue No. 9 – Ramadan 1434 Hijri
‫هـ‬1434 ‫ رمضان‬- ‫ العدد التاسع‬- ‫مجلة الملتقى الرمضاني‬
12th RAMADAN FORUM
Ramadan has come to you
The Principles of Qur’an Memorization
The worship of Allah
Ang Katangian Ng Allah (Ang Nagiisang Diyos)
By what name do we call God?
റമളാനിലൂെട റബ്ബിേലക്ക് മട�ക
Exam Tips for Students
Welcome to the
12th Ramadan forum
Ramadan arrives with its gifts of joy and contentment and
we are blessed to once again witness and have our souls immersed in this, the holiest of
months.
Given the essence of this special season, it is an opportune time to host the Ramadan
Forum as a leading activity that spreads religious awareness and has succeeded in
achieving
a strong foothold since it was first established.
The awareness and anticipation for the Forum has spread far beyond the borders of the
UAE and its benefits extend to the entire GCC and the Islamic world. Every year the Forum
welcomes an elite group of Islamic scholars from countries around the world, who distill
the essence of Islam and of Ramadan for the tens of thousands of Muslims living in the
UAE. Their lectures and spiritual guidance help nourish the faithful and create a new
generation of spiritually aware Muslims.
The Ramadan Forum’s inspirational program imparts knowledge to the people and helps
them gain a deeper understanding of the religion, reinforcing their sense of belongingness
and loyalty to the country and fostering a more nuanced appreciation of the main tenets
and teachings of Islam.
It gives me a feeling of great contentment to anticipate the coming Holy Month of
Ramadan and extend warm greetings to HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President
of the UAE, and HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime
Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. I also extend my greetings to all the citizens and
residents living in the UAE and wish them a Ramadan filled with generosity, spiritual
richness, security and faith.
His Highness
Sheikh Ahmed Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Committee Chairman, Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation
4 1
5
A leading forum that
guides people along the
path of righteousness
It is almost a year since we have witnessed the joys of
Ramadan and we look ahead with great anticipation to the
promise of the blessings of generosity, hopes and prayers that
the Holy Month will bestow upon us in the weeks ahead.
With the coming of the new month of Ramadan, residents in the UAE – whether local
or expatriate – can look forward to the inspiring activities of this year’s edition of the
Ramadan Forum. This is the time where Muslims gather the fruits of wisdom, grace and
guidance to sustain them in the year ahead. Our eminent body of scholars and guest
speakers at the Ramadan Forum bring together the teachings that enrich the souls of
Muslims and enable them to gather the essential graces, guiding them along the right
path and assisting in deepening their faith.
On behalf of DTCM, allow me to thank His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin
Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation,
for his continuous support of our activities.
I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome all our guest speakers and extend
our deepest gratitude and respect in having them join us here for this year’s edition.
It gives us great pleasure at DTCM to be able to bring you the Ramadan Forum and it is our
constant aim to continue to elevate its offering to the attendees, part of the reason why
we chose to move the Forum to the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) this year, a move
which will enhance the quality of the experience for our audience.
We would like to extend our gratitude to all the people who have helped put together the
Ramadan Forum’s stimulating program, whose content continues to guide people down
the path of righteousness.
We would also like to recognize the government entities and private business community
for all their efforts in helping make this Forum a success.
Once again I thank everyone in attendance at the Forum and wish you all a blessed
Ramadan. I pray that God bestows his grace upon us, and pray to God to continue to
bless the UAE and the rest of the Arab and Islamic world with peace and contentment.
His Excellency Helal Al Marri
Director General, Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing
6 3
Index
Ramadan has come to you
4
12th Ramadan Forum
6
Sponsors of the forum
9
The Principles of Qur’an Memorization 12
16
The worship of Allah
31
Ang Katangian Ng Allah (Ang Nagiisang Diyos) 33
By what name do we call God?
35
റമളാനിലൂെട റബ്ബിേലക്ക് മട�ക36
Exam Tips for Students 39
Editor in chief
Hamad Mohammed bin Mejren
Editorial Team
Ahmed Al Shaibani
Arshad Khan
Essa Puentespina
Aisha Mohammed Bin Tayeb
Sabiha Majid Al Youha
Ahlam Ibrahim
The magazine is not commited to restore any material received for publication.
All published articles reflect those of the author and do not neccessarily reflect the opinion of the magazine.
All rights are reserved, all or any material must not be re-printed without a written consent from the magazine’s management.
2
8
Ramadan has
come to you
Ramadan is the name of the ninth month in the Islamic lunar calendar. It follows the
month of Shaban, and is followed by the month of Shawwal. Ramadan is a month of
religious significance for Muslims who observe this month with daytime fasting, worship
and spiritual contemplation. Ramadan is regarded as the holiest month in the Islamic
calendar. Muslims believe that the Qur’an was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad
(peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) during the month of Ramadan on the night
of Laylat-ul-Qadr (Night of Power), one of the last ten nights of Ramadan.
For 2013 or 1434 AH (the Islamic calendar) the
first day of fasting is expected to be 10th of August
in the UAE. “Ramadan Mubarak” and “Ramadan
Kareem” are congratulatory greetings used when
the first day of Ramadan is announced (kareem
means generous and mubarak means blessed).
Suhoor is the meal in the morning just before
sunrise - it is usually a light meal. Iftar is the time
of the evening meal just after sunset, traditionally a
light snack of dates and water. During the month of
Ramadan, Muslims have the following obligations
• Ramadan is seen as an opportunity to visit
friends and family members, especially those
with whom contact has faded.
• The rulers in various emirates pardon a number
of prison inmates on the first day of Ramadan.
Some are also released for the month of
Ramadan to spend time with their family.
• No eating, drinking, smoking or marital relations
from the break of dawn until sunset (Maghrib).
• Most businesses and government offices will
close for the day from 1400 or 1600 hrs.
• Curb undesirable emotions such as anger, greed,
envy, lust, and refrain from gossip.
• All restaurants and cafes, except the ones in
hotels, are closed during the day but many
extend their opening hours at night.
• Keep thoughts and actions pure and use the
time of fasting for spiritual contemplation.
• Be charitable and help those in need.
• Visit friends and family members. Children,
the elderly, the insane, travellers, pregnant or
nursing women, terminally ill people, and those
in combat are exempted from fasting. Instead
they can feed one poor person for each day of
the missed fast during Ramadan, or in the case
of temporary conditions, make up the days by
fasting at a later date. Women are required not
to fast during menstruation but make up those
days after Ramadan.
Ramadan in Dubai
• Iftar takes place just after the sun sets, a cannon
is fired to announce the breaking of the fast for
the day. There’s one in Safa Park in Jumeirah if
you want to get close to the action.
• Many hotels will have special Iftar tents where
customers can have a simple or more complex
meal - with a range of prices to match.
• Iftar is not the time to have a large feast.
4
Traditionally it was a few dates and some
water, followed by a small meal after the
dusk prayer.
• There will be a few outlets open during the
day for dine-in customers in larger hotels and
shopping centres. Some fast food restaurants
allow drive-through or take-outs.
• Supermarkets are normally open during the day
and have extended hours at night - sometimes
till midnight or even later.
• Shopping centres are open during the day and
an extra hour or two at night.
Eid Al Fitr Holiday
• Eid Al Fitr is a holiday that marks the end of
Ramadan, and the start of the next month in the
Islamic calendar (Shawwal- the tenth month).
• Eid is usually a Three day holiday. The actual
starting date is announced after a decision by a
moon sighting committee.
• Airports and border crossings are busy as many
people take the opportunity to go overseas for
a holiday or to visit family and friends.
Inspirational agenda of speakers
and spiritual lectures await audience
Dubai, July 2, 2013 - The Dubai Department of Tourism
and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) today unveiled the
program and activities included as part of the 12th
edition of the Ramadan Forum, which is held under
the patronage of HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed
bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Mohammed
bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation. The Forum takes
place from July 12th-23rd, listing an inspirational lineup of educational activities, training workshops and
lectures that discuss key religious and social issues.
The announcement was made during a press
conference held on July 2nd in the presence of Hamad
Bin Mejren, Executive Director of Business Tourism for
DTCM and General Coordinator for the 12th Ramadan
Forum, and the sponsors of the Ramadan Forum,
namely Al Maktab for Culture and Media, The Saeed
& Mohammed Al Naboodah Group, Dubai Electricity
and Water Authority, Emirates Industry for Camel
Milk & Products Camelicious, Al Medmar Magazine,
Iphoneislam, and Dubai Media Incorporated
(Sama Dubai).
Hamad bin Mejren, Executive Director of Business
Tourism, DTCM, commented: “We are very pleased
to announce the details of this year’s edition of the
forum. This unique event has become a fixed feature
of the holy month of Ramadan and has grown in
stature and content in the past 11 editions. The forum
aims at reinforcing Dubai’s position as a leading
touristic destination that continues to retain and
respect its Islamic values and heritage, strengthening
its responsibility towards spreading cultural and social
awareness among different cultures, focusing on
issues that are of interest to the public and boosting
relationships between members of the Muslim
community.
“In addition, the forum helps create a deeper
understanding of Islam among nationals and
expatriates through presenting valuable information
about Islamic obligations and the values ensconced in
Islamic teachings.”
The Ramadan Forum will take place this year for the
first time at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). The
decision to move the popular 12-day socio-religious
forum to DWTC is aimed at making it more accessible
and convenient for delegates to attend a number of
functions and events by bringing them together under
7
12th Ramadan Forum
Sponsored by government and private departments and institutions
Dubai Tourism unveils details of Ramadan Forum 12th Session
Eight Arabic and six foriegn languages
Mind mapping course for memorizing the Holy Quran
Main activities include convoy of goodness, Nation Preacher
Be a Preacher and mass iftar for around 90,000 workers
6
Sponsors of the forum
Al Maktab for Culture and Media
The concept of partnership and effective
community support for events that carry religious,
social or economic dimensions is one of the
objectives priorities set by the Al Maktab for Culture
and media.
This support comes as a motive of experiences
exchange, stimulates activities and events within
the UAE that have positive fame and impact on
abroad. This makes the outlook more inclusive,
interactive and effective.
Al Naboodah Group
Saeed & Mohammed Al Naboodah Group is
honored to sponsor the 12th Ramadan Forum for
the ninth year in row.
On the occasion of the imminent start of the Holy
Month of Ramadan, the group salutes the President
of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed
Al Nahyan, may God protect him, and His Highness
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice
President and Prime Minister of the UAE and
Ruler of Dubai. We also salute the sponsor of the
Ramadan Forum His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin
Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum (Chairman
of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Foundation), as well as the Emirati people and
residents of the Islamic and Arab nations.
Dear friends, we all realize the spiritual and religious
significance of Ramadan. It is a month of faith and
mercy and the relief of our conscience, heart and
mind. The UAE is one of the best cities to host this
event and thus our group is keen to participate ever
year because it believes in charity and participating
actively in the national community.
In the name of the group, we thank Dubai
Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing,
and the team of the Ramadan Forum for their
efforts to organize this forum.
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority
The Ramadan Forum is one of the most important
events that we are committed to partnering with.
It is a platform to promote humanitarianism,
education, and cultural values. The event reflects
on the principles of solidarity, brotherhood, and
generosity. It has also become one of the most
popular events in Dubai, during the Holy Month
of Ramadan.
Supporting the event underlines our pioneering role
in collaborating with government departments and
private organisations to strengthen social cohesion
among various community segments.
DEWA is committed to promoting and
strengthening Emirati national identity by
participating in this Forum, which provides our
employees and customers with the opportunity to
further contribute to our community.
Emirates Industry for Camel Milk & Products
The Founders of Emirates Industry for Camel Milk
& Products have always showed their unyielding
commitment towards social and cultural initiatives
that benefit the community in general. Our support
for this great event only affirms this policy. We are
honoured to be part of The Ramdan Forum, being
held under the patronage of HH Shaikh Ahmad
Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, god
bless them. We take this opportunity to thank the
organisers, all the sponsors, the participants and the
honourable scholars, in addition to our friends from
the media for putting this great event together.
Al Medmar Magazine
Al Medmar Magazine participation comes from
social significance of Ramadan Forum, which
has become a date to communicate and distinct
space where people meet on goodness and love.
Our participation in this Ramadan Forum is out of
our permanent commitment to support initiatives
aimed at social sections deserve it. The Forum
Ramadan is an available faith opportunity for
the magazine staff after this busy field media
season to cover events and activities, in order
to take advantage for them and their families
from spirituality atmosphere, cultural activities
associated with and promote spirit of brotherhood
that connect them. Ramadan Forum, its various
activities and programs became a positive shelter
that ranks society members intellectually, spiritually
and culturally, this translate Muslim’s good use of
his time in the holy Ramadan, as well as deepen
the culture of faith and charity in our society.
9
one roof. Participants in the forum will also be able to avail of
DWTC’s superior visitor facilities, including ample parking and a
centralized location, offering easy accessibility from Abu Dhabi
and the rest of the Emirates.
The schedule comprises of inspiring multilingual lectures,
including eight lectures in Arabic, presented by a number of
scholars and preachers, including Sheikh Dr. Saeed bin Mesfer,
Sheikh Dr. Abdullah Al Musleh, Sheikh Dr. Omar Abdul Kafi, Sheikh
Khalid Ismail, Sheikh Dr. Khalid Al Musleh, Sheikh Ibrahim Al
Zayyat, Sheikh Suleiman Al Jbeilan and the scholar Sultan
Al Dugheili.
In addition, there will also be four lectures in foreign languages,
namely in English presented by Dr Zaker Naik; in Tagalog
presented by the scholar Rashid Indaan; in Malayalam presented
by Sheikh Hussain Salafi; and in Urdu presented by Sheikh
Tauseef Ar- Rahman.
Two free public workshops also form a part of the Ramadan
Forum agenda this year. The first workshop on “Emotional
Intelligence” led by Dr. Yousif Al Khater, took place on Thursday
June 27th. Each workshop spans three days and the second will
take place from July 4th- 6th. Those interested in attending are
required to pre-register for the forum on the website
www.almultaqa.ae.
Scholars and preachers will also visit local hospitals and there
will be a daily Iftar organized in labour accommodation in
Muhaisnah 2, whose capacity has been increased to feed 4,000
fasting individuals this year instead of 2500, bringing the total of
8
free meals to be provided during the Holy Month of Ramadan
to 120,000.
The activity agenda also includes a mobile Charity Caravan that
will tour the city to help raise awareness of the event and to
distribute informational leaflets and brochures within public and
private organizations, malls, modes of public transport and other
public places.
Further campaigns, facilities and activities include:
• A special section within the Forum at DWTC dedicated to
providing interested individuals with the tools required to help
spread the message of Islam.
• A special hall dedicated to children with entertainment,
educational and awareness programs and gifts. Additionally
there will be a special competition for children between 6-12
years that will award the best religious speaker.
• A campaign to spread awareness about good nutritional
habits, organized by the Dubai Health Authority, and an
educational program called “The Faster’s Health 2” which
will include free health checks performed by hospitals and
pharmaceutical companies.
• Daily prizes such as an electronic raffle offering Umrah, smart
phones and iPads. Last year the forum attracted 99,829 adult
visitors in addition to 2,400 children, and witnessed 35 people
converting to Islam. The forum included 12 hospital visits by
the scholars, 8 visits to private and public organizations and a
total of 39,100 health checks.
14
Give your appliances
A BREAK
from 12 noon to 5 pm
SAVE ENERGY DURING
PEAK HOURS.
During the summer months, energy consumption is extremely high in the afternoon. You can help
minimise this trend by using your non-essential appliances like your washing machine,
dishwasher, microwave, oven, water heater, iron or irrigation pump out of the peak load hours,
which is 12 noon - 5 pm.
Running home appliances during off peak hours reduces the load on our electricity system, and lowers
CO2 emissions, it also helps preserve our natural resources to sustain environment well-being for our
future generation. The decision is yours.
For more green tips: www.dewa.gov.ae/DoGood
DO GOOD TO PLANET EARTH
http://twitter.com/dewa_official
15
http://www.facebook.com/dewaofficial
sign of having perfected your memorization is being
able to recite it flowingly without having to stop and
think for some time about what comes next.
When memorizing long surahs, you will be
memorizing them in portions therefore, it is important
that you are able to link together all these sub-parts
from beginning to end so they flow smoothly.
5. Test your memorization by reciting to others.
Find yourself a memorization partner or someone
who is willing to listen to you recite and test your
memorization. This should be someone who is able
to read Arabic quite well even if they do not have
any background in Tajweed (the Science of Qur’an
Recitation). The purpose behind this is to correct any
mistakes in your memorization NOT recitation as
this will require a Tajweed Teacher. It is a shame that
nowadays not many people are willing to offer their
time to listen to their brother/sister recite to them
whereas the Sahaabah would implement this amongst
themselves. Whether he/she was the reciter/listener,
both were eager to sit together and recite/listen to the
Words of Allah. There is reward for both of them. In an
authentic Hadeeth narrated by Muslim on the authority
of Abu Hurayrah, radhiyAllahu ‘anhu, that the Prophet,
sallAllahu ‘alayhi wasallam, said:
‫“ وما اجتمع قوم في بیت من بیوت اﷲ یتلون كتاب‬
،‫ إال نزلت علیهم السكینة‬،‫ ویتدارسونه بینهم‬،‫ﷲ‬
‫ وذكرهم ﷲ‬،‫ وحفتهم المالئكة‬،‫وغشیتهم الرحمة‬
.“ ‫فیمن عنده‬
“...No people gather together in one of the houses of
Allah, reciting the Book of Allah and studying it among
themselves, except that tranquility descends upon
them, mercy covers them, the angels surround them,
and Allah makes mention of them amongst those
who are in His presence....” [Muslim No. 2699] For the
listener, your listening to your brother and aiding him
in his journey to become a haafidh will bring with it
immense reward and Allah alone can enumerate the
extent of His Blessings upon you. Every aayah you help
him to memorize, there will be a reward with Allah
waiting for you. There is also benefit in listening to the
Qur’an for your heart and your eemaan. Allah says
in the Qur’an:
”‫ون‬
ُ ‫“و ِإ َذا ُق ِر َئ ا ْل ُق ْر‬
ِ َ‫استَمِ ُعو ْا لَه َوأ‬
َ ‫نصتُ و ْا لَ َع َّل ُك ْم ت ُْر َح ُم‬
ْ ‫آن َف‬
َ
So when the Qur’an is recited, listen to it with
attention, and be silent that
you may receive Mercy. [al-A’raaf 7:204]
And He also says:
‫ید‬
َ ‫هو ِشفَ اء َو َر ْح َم ٌة لِّ ْل ُم ْؤ ِم ِن‬
ُ ‫ین َوالَ َی ِز‬
ِ ‫“و ُن َن ِّز ُل ِم َن ا ْل ُق ْر‬
َ ‫آن َما‬
َ
َّ
َّ
َ
”‫سا ًرا‬
‫خ‬
‫ال‬
‫إ‬
‫ین‬
‫ل‬
‫ا‬
‫الظ‬
ِ‫م‬
َ
ِ
َ
َ
And We send down from the Qur’an that which is
a healing and a mercy to those who believe, and it
increases the Dhalimûn (polytheists and wrongdoers) nothing but loss. [Al-Israa 17:82]
Thus you find The Prophet, sallAllahu ‘alayhi wasallam,
who was the most proficient reciter of the Qur’an, used
to ask his Companions to recite to him.
Likewise, we find many narrations of the Sahaabah
asking one another to recite from the Book of Allah
so they may benefit from its admonitions and draw
closer to Him.
‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’ood reported: The Messenger of
Allah (sallAllahu ‘alayhi wasallam) asked me to recite
the Qur’an. He said: Messenger of Allah, (how)
should I recite to you whereas it has been sent down
to you? He (the Prophet) said: I desire to hear it from
someone else. So I recited Surah al-Nisaa till I reached
the verse: How then shall it be when We shall bring
from every people a witness and bring you against
them as a witness?” (verse 41). I lifted my head or a
person touched me in my side, and so I lifted my head
and saw his tears falling (from the Prophet’s eyes).
[Muslim No. 1750]
6. Pay special attention to similar Aayaat.
Allah says in the Qur’an:
َ ‫“ال َّله َن‬
َ ‫یث ِك َتا ًبا ُّم َت‬
”‫ي‬
ِ ‫س َن ا ْل َح ِد‬
َ ‫شا ِبها َّمثَا ِن‬
َ ‫زَّل أَ ْح‬
Allah has sent down the best statement, a Book (this
Qur’an), its parts resembling each other in goodness
and truth, oft repeated. [az-Zumar 39:23]
As you memorize more of the Qur’an, you will come
across many aayaat which are similar to previous ones.
This may occur in different surahs or even within the
same surah several times. Those who study the Qur’an
in detail state that almost a third of the Qur’an consists
of aayaat which bear similar resemblance. Some
aayaat may be exactly the same except for a letter or
two so you need to pay extra attention when you come
across these aayaat. Learn them well and make sure
you are able to differentiate between them so you
do not confuse an aayah from one surah for that in
another. This is something that will only be perfected
through constant practice and reviewing. So once
again, it is worth re-iterating here what was mentioned
in the fourth principle. If you memorized properly and
perfected each part you have memorized to the best
of your abilities, you are less likely to become confused
at similar aayaat.
13
The Principles of
Qur’an Memorization
Taken from the book – “How to memorise The Qur’an”
By Umm-‘Aisha Al Bulbaazee
1. Formulate a memorization timetable.
This is the first practical step to memorizing the
Qur’an. Sit down with a pen and paper along with a
calendar and your Mushaf and draw up a timetable.
This timetable should include a daily target of
Aayaat for you to commit to memory
and you should stick to it unconditionally. It is
important that you are aware of your limitations.
Some of us are able to memorize more aayaat in a
shorter time whereas others require a longer time
to memorize less. Memory capabilities differ from
one person to the other. Therefore, do not attempt
to overload your brain with too much when you
know you cannot handle it. This will not benefit
you and will only confuse you. From my
own experiences, there are times when I was
memorizing a surah that I loved a great deal and
due to my over-zealousness to commit that surah
to memory, I was impatient and attempted to
memorize it in the space of a day or two. This was
a big mistake because when it came to reviewing it,
I realized I was confused and this confusion made
me lose the strength I had on areas I had
memorized before that. Having said this, you will
find that some surahs are much easier to learn than
others and you may end up memorizing 2/3 days
of your timetable in one day!
The beauty of the Qur’an is that the more you have
memorized, the easier it becomes to memorize.
So if you set off memorizing a handful of aayaat a
day, you will find eventually you will be memorizing
pages per day inshaaAllah. Therefore, set realistic
targets for yourself and ask someone close to you to
monitor your progress and to make sure you have
completed the targets on your timetable every day.
There are some sample timetables I have drawn up
for my friends for you to look at in the Appendix.
Use these as templates and guides to formulate
your own one inshaaAllah.
2. Repeat, repeat, repeat....
Once you have your timetable, you must repeat
your daily target over and over again as this is the
only way to commit it to your long-term memory.
This repetition should be as frequent as possible
(refer to the next section for further advice on this).
The repetition should also be done melodiously in
accordance with the Sunnah of the Messenger of
12
Allah, sallAllahu ‘alayhi wasallam, and also because
a rhythmic pattern helps the brain to recall what it
has stored in memory. It aids in spotting mistakes
through identifying any breaks or inconsistencies in
the rhythm.
3. Learn the meaning and tafseer
of the Aayaat.
Even if you do not have any understanding of the
Arabic language, I strongly advise that you purchase
an English translation of the Qur’an (the best I know
of is the translation of Dr. Muhammad Muhsin
Khan & Dr. Muhammad Taqi-ud- Deen al-Hilali
by Darussalam) and you look up the translation
of every aayah you are memorizing. Compare the
Arabic text with its English counterpart. Additionally,
if you wish, purchase a book of tafseer (Abridged
Tafseer ibn Katheer by Darussalam) and read up the
explanation of the aayaat. Learning the meaning
behind the aayaat is very useful as it helps one to
understand and when one understands, the heart
will be more aware when reciting. The presence of
the heart strengthens the memorization further.
It is worth pointing out here that it is futile to
memorize the English translation before setting
off on memorizing the Arabic. This is a common
practice of non-Arabs and I strongly advise against
it. In practice, this may be possible for short
surahs but it cannot be applied to the longer
chapters of the Qur’an. Memorizing the English will
only mean you are wasting unnecessary ‘memory
space’.
4. Perfect one portion before moving to a new one.
This is a very important rule and many neglect
this due to impatience and over-zealousness as I
mentioned earlier. You must take hold of your nafs
and not let
yourself fall short in fulfilling this. It will benefit
you in the long run as you will be firmly grounded
in what you have memorized so that when you
begin to memorize new material, you will not easily
forget the old. If you neglect this principle, you will
find yourself having to re-memorize those portions
which you
were hasty in completing. This will only hinder your
progress as you will be spending double the time
you should have on that portion. Therefore, I cannot
stress the importance of fulfilling this and from the
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16
Abdullah Mohammed Juma
Al Naboodah
The Saeed & Mohammed
Al Naboodah Group
Chairman
Saeed & Mohammed Al Naboodah Group
As one of the UAE’s leading brand names, the Saeed & Mohammed Al Naboodah
Group consists of more than 20 companies, offering a diverse portfolio of
services and products. The family owned business is run independently as well
as in partnership with some of the world’s leading brands.
With more than 55 years of history, the Saeed & Mohammed Al Naboodah Group
provides a broad and diverse range of products and services through its four core
business sectors – construction, commercial, investments and real estate.
The Group is driven by its unrivalled commitment to its clients and its deep pride
in taking part in the shaping of the region.
19
Majid Abdul RahmanAl Bastaki
General Manager
Al Maktab for Culture and Media
Al Maktab for Culture
and media
Al Maktab for Cultutre and Media is considered one of the organizations that
supports modern cultural schools and theories, where all the achievements
and distinction comes from the inheritance of ancient cultures and their
heritage. Al Maktab is a key reference which draws many theories and futuristic
studies for a promising and guaranteed tomorrow.
On the other hand, Al Maktab contributes largely to the ongoing new media
observed in different countries, which translates into an unusual way of dealing
with the media. Therefore, Al Maktab has an eye for any new orientations that
arise in the world of modern media, where it is in line with the latest means
that constantly change every year through advancement in presentation or
taking a different approach when dealing with the most factual image that
reveals the truth.
In addition, Al Maktab also concentrates on the technical media aspects (news,
television, and other products) with high importance. Those aspects are highly
thought of, which results in excellence during various events because of the
high quality Al Maktab always has to offer. All are results that were only fruitful
because of the broad experience in those areas, not to mention the erudition
and constant studies of the current market that changes from time to time.
Al Maktab also supports cultural and media related events in terms of
sponsorship, counseling or logistical support.
“Nations are measured by its thinkers and creators, the greater the awareness
of the people, the greater the progress and advancement, and thus an
educated conscious creates a cultivated media platform.”
18
Matashar Al Badari
EMIRATES INDUSTRY FOR CAMEL MILK
& PRODUCTS (EICMP)
General Manager
Emirates Industry for Camel Milk
& products (EICMP)
Over 25 years ago, the idea of a camel-milking facility was born at the Central Veterinary
Research Laboratory (CVRL) in Dubai. Research commenced on a small number of camels
that were raised there with the specific aim of obtaining scientific proof of the incredible
health benefits of the traditional Bedouin staple that is camel milk. The goal was to later
introduce camel milk to the market where it would be accessible to a large number of
consumers and not limited to the few camel herders in the country.
After the completion of the research in 2003, Emirates Industry for Camel Milk &
Products (EICMP) was born. By 2006, the milk production facility was completed and the
first camel milk products under the brand name of Camelicious hit the market in August
of the same year. Up to date the farm is home to 3,000+ camels.
The EICMP facility is the world’s first sophisticated camel milking plant, incorporating
state-of-the-art technology and camel research. The UAE production facility incorporates
latest technologies and meets the most stringent regulations set by Dubai Municipality,
the EU, and various global organizations responsible for food safety and hygiene.
Pioneering in developing a strong camel milk industry, EICMP, in coordination with
the Ministry of Environment and Water, has recently been listed the first camel milk
production facility in the Middle East to receive EU Commission approval to export its
products to the EU zone.
For more information, please visit our website:
www.camelicious.ae
21
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer
Managing Director & CEO
Dubai Electricity & Water Authority
Dubai Electicity
& Water Authority
The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) was formed on 1st January,
1992, by a decree issued by His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al
Maktoum to take over and merge the Dubai Electric Company and the Dubai
Water Department that had been operating independently for several years until
then. Both these organizations were established in 1959 through the foresight
and initiative of His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the late Ruler
of Dubai, as government supported bodies with the objective of making available
to the people of Dubai an adequate and reliable supply of electricity and water.
and today....
Today, after near about five decades, DEWA is an inspiring success story known
for its efficiency and reliability in every facet of its operations. Constant planning
and forecasting to meet the growing demands of the customer has always been
DEWA’s well entrenched philosophy. Owing to this policy, the Authority has come
a long way in serving the customers and thereby making its own contributions to
the economic growth of Dubai.
Today DEWA employees a workforce of more than 9000 employees who
constantly endeavour to see that both the quantity and quality of services
provided are of the highest standards in consistency and reliability. Furthermore,
DEWA is providing electricity services to more than 600,000 customers and
water services to more than 532,000 customers all over the Emirate
of Dubai.
Thus the expansion continues in order to meet the ever growing demand for
electricity and water, and keeping this in mind DEWA continues to maintain its
corporate structure and functioning in the most professional and advanced ways
to ensure its continued success in the years to come.
Throughout its journey, DEWA has made unprecedented achievements in all
relevant fields and has become a good example to follow not only at national
and regional levels but at international level as well.
20
Mohammed Al Muallem
DP World
Senior Vice President
and Managing Director
DP World
DP World has a portfolio of more than 65 marine terminals across six continents(1),
including new developments underway in India, Africa, Europe, South America and the
Middle East.
Container handling is the company’s core business and generates around 80% of its
revenue. In 2012, DP World handled more than 56 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent
container units). With its committed pipeline of developments and expansions, capacity
is expected to rise to more than 100 million TEU by 2020, in line with market demand.
DP World has a dedicated, experienced and professional team of 28,000 people serving
its customers around the world, and the company constantly invests in terminal
infrastructure, facilities and people to provide quality services today and tomorrow, when
and where customers need them.
In taking this customer-centric approach, DP World is building on the established
relationships and superior level of service demonstrated at its flagship Jebel Ali facility in
Dubai, which has been voted “Best Seaport in the Middle East” for 18 consecutive years.
www.dpworld.com
23
Majid Abdul RahmanAl Bastaki
General Manager
Al Maktab for Culture and Media
Al Medmar
Al Medmar is published monthly by (Al Maktab for Culture and Media) in Dubai,
United Arab Emirates, to be a source which documents most tournaments that
are only won by heroes in local, Arab and international competitions. During
competitions and sport challenges in the world of horses, equestrian, camel
racing, falconry and traditional sports in addition to interests in heritage and
folklore. Al Medmar is distributed in the most vital and lively selling points,
such as official institutions, banks, tourist offices, five-star hotels, clubs, stables
and stalls for subscribers.
In addition to the coverage of important events and interviews with the
winners and pioneers in their industry, Al Medmar is also interested in
publishing topics, articles and news relevant items related to the magazine,
where it monitors the achievements of the UAE heroes internationally, such as
Powerboat and various tournaments for the disabled.
It also sets aside a poetic section to promote poetry within the GCC region, in
addition to many articles in the areas of economy, tourism, exhibitions, latest
luxury cars, high-end products, latest technologies and fine arts through the
various sections within the magazine, which also includes pages made for the
best practices and excellence in many fields.
Al Medmar was founded in October 2007, where it was established
among the leading magazines in specialized publications issued in Arabic,
especially two years later when a complete rebranding took place, which was
designed by experts in the field of design and creativity. Additionally, the
magazine’s editing ability with the versatility and experience of art directors
gave it prestige and excellence in the world of the written press. The magazine
moves forward to improve the media performance methods to deepen and
diversify issues and contents of intellectual and aesthetics where it aims for
the revival of the poetic / cultural heritage and arts that is enriched within the
memory.
Part of Al Medmar’s commitment to social responsibility, it is keen to
contribute to sponsoring events and activities with national and humanitarian
dimensions, where it supports the media financially and passionately through
coordination with the concerned institutions and centers.
22
Khalifa Hamad Abu Shahab,
Director, Sama Dubai
Sama Dubai
Launched in 2005, Sama Dubai Channel is an Emirati channel by nature and by the local
identity of its program creators and presenters. Sama Dubai is an Arabic channel with
an Emirati / Khaleeji accent, focusing on the national identity and reflecting the success
of Dubai. Sama Dubai showcases the origins of the UAE and its people, focusing on its
culture, identity and heritage. The channel also plays a substantial role in the production
of local and Khaleeji dramas, as well as presenting classical Arabic drama and theater.
25
Tarek Mansour
General Manager
Islam iphone
iphone Islam
iPhoneIslam launched in 2007 as the first Arabic website specializing in
Apple’s new-born iPhone, with the aim of introducing this revolutionary
smartphone to Arab users. The main target of the website was, and still is,
to enable the Arab users to make the best out of the phone and add Arabicthemed apps. iPhoneIslam has succeeded in the Arabization of iPhone even
before Apple has, and also in imbedding an Arabic keypad. Since it realized
that the applications are playing the most vital and essential part in making
iPhone ahead of its time, iPhoneIslam was one of the first companies to have
its own applications loaded at the Apple store. In fact, it has successfully
introduced over 45 applications to the market. Furthermore, the company
reached universal acclaim when it successfully converted iPad into a phone
through the ‘PhoneItiPad’ application; an unprecedented achievement that
made iPhoneIslam an unforgettable name among specialists.
Now iPhoneIslam is the largest technical Arabic website owned by MIMV,
located in Cairo- Egypt. Throughout its journey, the company has garnered
many universal awards including:
2010 - Hadeel Global Award.
2011 - First Place Award in the Qatar University Competition.
2011 - Mobily Prize for Developers.
2012 - First Place Award in Wamda competition.
2012 – First Place Award in MobiPreneur Apps Competition.
2012 – Second runner up Award in the Global Entrepreneurship
Summit competition.
24
Walid Al-Awa
General Manager
Tamani Hotel
Tamani Hotel Marina
In the Centre of the Palm Island, the business and leisure hotel has the distinction of
being the leading family oriented all-suites hotel in Dubai. Located right at the heart
of the commercial business hub of Dubai Marina it offers a perfect venue for stylish
meetings and a haven of relaxing vacation trips. With spacious rooms, kids playing area,
pool, well equipped gymnasium and the restaurant Nar and Hail, offering sumptuous
delicacies all year round, the hotel is a perfect getaway for any tourist.
Each of our 55 storey’s in our hotel evoke a unique breathe of the Palm and Marina
Waters, symbolizing nothing but discrete luxury, making it a perfect choice for hosting
successful meetings, business gatherings or enjoying a leisure trip with your family.
Our warm, tranquil ambiance holds close the uniqueness of Dubai’s local culture.
Combined with the variety of services offered, it is easy to create your own unique,
memorable experiences along with living in the Arabian hospitality.
27
His Excellency Ahmed Butti Ahmed
Director General of Dubai Customs
Dubai Customs
A century-old legacy
Dubai Customs’ history goes back to the early years of the twentieth century
when trade through Dubai port was sporadic. Dubai Customs is one of the
earliest government departments of the emirate of Dubai and was originally
known as ‘Al Furdha’ (taxes on all imported goods).
Dubai Customs is a government body that facilitates fair trade and helps to
secure the integrity of Dubai’s borders by preventing the entry of counterfeit
and banned goods and materials. We aim to be a world leader in customs
administration through innovative and proactive services to our clients.
Dubai Customs has taken on the task of promoting a better understanding
of the role of Intellectual Property Rights regulations in enhancing economic
performance, growth and sustainable development on the corporate and
global levels and in different sectors.
Dubai Customs is committed to continuous self-improvement. We measure
performance and compare it with the best national and international
benchmarks. We make the best use of available information systems and
technology to ensure efficient operations. We are geared to set up proactive
policies to attract investors and traders.
26
3232
Tayeb Abdulrahman Al Rais
Secretary General
Awqaf & Minors Affairs Foundation
Awqaf & Minors Affairs Foundation
The birth of the Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation (AMAF) came with the
issue of law No. 6 in 2004 during the era of the late His Highness Sheikh
Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum. With the expansion of the institution in its
work and functions, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,
Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler Dubai issued law No. 9 in 2007
organizing the work of the institution, to ensure the provision of a conducive
environment for greater achievements in the development of ‘awqaf’ and
minors’ funds, and the care of their affairs, according to a well-aimed plan, and
a conscious vision and insight.
The main objective of the establishment of AMAF stemmed from Government
of Dubai’s keenness to embrace and care for minors, invest their money, and
provide them with rehabilitation. The institution set its eye on becoming
a global role model in the development of the ‘waqf’ and rehabilitation of
minors.
In order to achieve its strategic objectives for the institution, AMAF is keen to
nurture talent and provide an environment full of creativity, excellence and
teamwork in order to improve the quality of daily transactions to consolidate
the credibility in the minds and hearts of its team and people it works with.
28
The worship of Allah
Know my brother that worship is obligatory
upon every Muslim who is mentally sane and
has reached the age of puberty. Performing
these pillars of Islam is a means to enter
Jannah, after the Mercy of Allah. The Prophet
once said to a Bedouin who came and asked:
‘O Messenger of Allah, tell me what Allah has
obligated upon me in terms of the prayer.’
He replied, ‘The five [daily] prayers, except if
you wish to perform some voluntary ones.’
He asked, ‘Tell me what Allah has obligated
upon me in terms of the fasting.’ He replied,
‘The month of Ramadaan, except if you wish
to perform some voluntary ones.’ He said,
‘Tell me what Allah has obligated upon me
in terms of Zakaah.’ [The narrator] said ‘So
the Messenger of Allah informed him of the
legislations of Islam.’ The Bedouin said, ‘By
Him Who has honored you, I will not do any
voluntary acts, and I will not leave anything of
what Allah has ordered me.’ The Messenger of
Allah, said: ‘He has succeeded (or, ‘He will enter
Jannah’) if he is saying the truth.’ ” (Bukhari
#46 & Muslim#11)
The Individual and Social Effects of the
Worship of Allah
• The believers will achieve happiness and
success in the life of this world as well as
the Hereafter. Allah says: “Indeed whosoever
purifies himself shall achieve success, [as
well as he who] remembers (glorifies) the
Name of his Lord, and prays.” (87:14-15)
• Physical and spiritual strength which results
from one’s private conversation with Allah.
Allah says: “Truly, Allah is with those who
fear Him (keep their duty unto Him), and
those who are muhsinoon (good-doers).”
(16:128)
• The Help of Allah and establishing His
believing slaves’ authority on the earth.
Allah says: “Verily, Allah will help those who
help His (Cause). Truly, Allah is All-Strong,
All-Mighty. Those (Muslim rulers) who, if We
give them power in the land, (they) order
the establishment of the Salaah, to pay the
Zakaah, and they enjoin all good, and forbid
all evil [i.e. they make the Qur’an as the law
of their country in all the spheres of life]. And
with Allah rests the end of (all) matters (of
creatures).” (22:40-41)
• Building ties of brotherhood, cooperation,
bonding, and security between the
individuals in an Islamic society. Allah
says: “The believers, men and women,
are Awliyaa´ (helpers, supporters, friends,
protectors) of one another, they enjoin all
good, and forbid from all evil; they establish
the Salaah and give the Zakaah, and obey
Allah and His Messenger. Allah will have His
Mercy on them. Surely Allah is All-Mighty,
All-Wise.” (9:71)
• The guidance of Allah and the success which
is only granted by Him. Allah says: “O you
who believe! If you obey and fear Allah, He
will grant you Furqaan (a criterion to judge
between right and wrong), and will expiate
for you your sins, and forgive you.” (8:29)
• An abundance of provision from Allah and
ease in times of hardships. Allah says: “And
whosoever fears Allah and keeps his duty to
Him, He will make a way for him to get out
(from every difficulty). And He will provide
him from (sources) he never could imagine.”
(65:2-3)
• A multiplication of reward and expiation of
sins. Allah says: “And whosoever believes in
Allah and performs righteous good deeds,
He will remit from him his sins, and will
admit him to Gardens under which rivers
flow (Jannah) to dwell therein forever, that
will be the great success.” (64:9)
3431
35
Ang Katangian Ng Allah
(Ang Nagiisang Diyos)
Ang sumamba sa bagay na ginawa ng sariling
kamay o kaya’y sumamba sa katulad ng isang
taong nilalang ay hindi magdadala ng kapayapaan
sa kaluluwa ng tao, ngunit ang pangangailangan
na sumamba o magbigay paggalang ay nasa
ilalim ng kalooban ng bawat tao. Sa Islam, pinili
natin na sambahin ang nag-iisang Maykapal, ang
Allah at ang Kanyang karungungan ay pinili Niya
na ipagbigay alam sa atin ang ilan sa Kaniyang
mga pangalan at katangian, kaya nga upang
maunawaan natin Siya nang lubusan. Narito
ang ilan sa mga halimbawa ng Kaniyang mga
katangian: Ang Allah ay ang Lumikha sa lahat, Ang
Tagapag-alalay ng lahat ng Kaniyang nilikha, Ang
Lubos na Nakakarinig, Ang Nakakakita sa lahat
at Lubos na Nakakaalam sa lahat. Ang Kaniyang
kaalaman ay Ganap, kabilang dito ang mga
nakalipas, kasalukuyan, ang mga darating, maging
ito man ay nakatago o hindi nakatago; Siya ang
Lubos na Maawain, Lubos na Mahabagin ang Lubos
na Mabait. Siya ay Umiiral sa Kaniyang sarili at
Ang Nabubuhay na walang Hanggan sa Kanyang
sarili, hindi nangangailangang matulog o kaya’y
nangangailangang magpahinga. Siya ay walang
Katambal, mga anak o magulang at ang lahat na
sumasamba sa Kaniya ay dapat na ilaan sa Kanya
lamang. Siya ang Taga-Hugis ng Kagandahan, ang
Lumikha ng Kabutihan at Siya ang Ilaw at Ang
Tagapagpatnubay.
nais na itambal sa Kaniya. Siya ang Tanging Allah,
ang Tagapaglikha, Ang Manlilikha. Ang Tagapaganyo, Sa Kanya nauukol ang pinakamabuting
pangalan. Anoman ang nasa mga kalangitan at
kalupaan ay nagpapatunay ng Kadakilaan Niya.
At Siya ay Dakila sa Kapangyarihan, ang Higit na
Maalam.” (Qur`an 59:23-24)
“Siya ang Allah, wala ng iba pang Maykapal na
karapat-dapat sambahin maliban sa Kaniya,
Ang Pinakamataas, Ang Lubos na Dalisay, ang
Kalubusan, ang Nagkakaloob ng Pananampalataya,
ang Tagapangasiwa, Ang Marangal sa
Kapangyarihan, ang Higit na Malakas, Ang Lubos na
Mataas. Higit na dakila ang Allah kaysa sa anumang
AL-QAYYUM
(Ang Tagapag-alaga ng Buhay)
“Ang Allah - walang ibang dapat na sasambahin
maliban sa Kanya, Ang Walang Hanggang
Nabubuhay, ang Tagapagalaga sa lahat ng nilalang.”
(Qur`an 3:2
AR-RAZZAAQ
(Ang Tanging Nagkakaloob)
“Sabihin mo: Halina na kayo, aking sasambitin
kung ano ang ipinagbabawal sa inyo ng inyong
Panginoon. [Ipinag-utos niya] na kayo ay huwag
maglalagay ng anuman bilang katambal na
kasama Niya, at maging masunurin sa mga
magulang at mabuting pakikitungo, at huwag
ninyong papatayin ang inyong mga anak dahilan
sa kahirapan; Kami ang Magkakaloob sa inyo at sa
kanila...”
(Qur`an 6:151)
AL-GHAFOOR
(Ang Mapagpatawad)
“Ngunit katotohanan, Ako ang Laging
Nagpapatawad sa sinumang nais magsisi at
maniwala, gumaganap ng kabutihan at patuloy na
nagbibigay patnubay.”
(Qur`an 20:82)
33
37
By what name
do we call God?
Dr. Zakir Naik
The Muslims prefer calling the Supreme Creator,
Allah, instead of by the English word ‘God’. The
Arabic word, ‘Allah’, is pure and unique, unlike
the English word ‘God’, which can be played
around with.
If you add ‘s’ to the word God, it becomes ‘Gods’,
that is the plural of God. Allah is one and singular,
there is no plural of Allah. If you add ‘dess’ to
the word God, it becomes ‘Goddess’ that is a
female God. There is no masculine or feminine
for Allah in Arabic. If you add the word ‘father’ to
‘God’ it becomes ‘God-father’. God-father means
someone who is a guardian. There is no word like
‘Allah-Abi or ‘Allah-father’. If you add the word
‘mother’ to ‘God’, it becomes ‘God-mother’. There
is nothing like ‘Allah-Ummi’, or ‘Allah-mother’
in Islam. Allah is a unique word. If you prefix tin
before the word God, it becomes tin-God i.e.,
fake God. Allah is not a unique word, which does
not conjure up any mental picture nor can it be
played around with. Therefore the Muslims prefer
using the Arabic word ‘Allah’ for the Almighty.
Sometimes, however, while speaking to the nonMuslims we may have to use the inappropriate
word God, for Allah. Since the intended audience
of this article is general in nature, consisting
of both Muslims as well as non-Muslims, I have
used the word God instead of Allah in several
places in this article.
God does not become a human being.
God does not take human form. Some may argue that God does not become
a human being but only takes a human form.
If God only takes a human form but does not
become a human being, He should not possess
any human qualities. We know that all the ‘Godmen’, have human qualities and failings. They
have all the human needs such as the need to
eat, sleep, etc.
The worship of God in human form is therefore
a logical fallacy and should be abhorred in all its
forms and manifestations.
That is the reason why the Qur’an speaks against
all forms of anthropomorphism. The Glorious
Qur’an says in the following verse:
“There is nothing whatever like unto Him.” [Al-Qur’an 42:11]
35
39
37
റമളാനിലൂെട റബ്ബിേലക്ക് മട�ക.
36
Exam Tips for Students
Praise be to Allah and peace and blessings be upon the
Messenger and upon his family and companions.
The Muslim student puts his trust in Allah when facing the
tests of this world, and he seeks His help whilst following the
prescribed means, in accordance with the words of the Prophet
(peace and blessings of Allah be upon him): “The strong believer
is better and is more beloved to Allah than the weak believer,
although both are good. Strive to attain that which will benefit
you and seek the help of Allah, and do not feel helpless.”
(Saheeh Muslim, hadeeth no. 2664) Among those means are the
following:
• Turning to Allah by making du’aa’ in any way that is prescribed
in Islam, such as saying, “Rabbi-shrah li sadri wa yassir li
amri, wa’hlul uqdadtan min lisaani yafqahu qawli (O my Lord,
expand my chest and make things easy for me).”
• Getting used to sleeping early and going to exams on time.
• Preparing all required or permitted equipment such as pens,
rulers and setsquares, calculators and watches, because being
well prepared helps one to answer questions.
• Reciting the du’aa’ for leaving the house: “Bismillaah,
tawakkaltu ‘ala Allah, wa laa hawla wa laa quwwata illa
Billaah. Allahumma inni a’oodhu bika an adilla aw udalla, aw
azilla aw uzalla, aw azlima aw uzlama, aw ajhala aw yujhala
‘alayya (In the name of Allah, I put my trust in Allah, and there
is no strength and no power except with Allah. O Allah, I seek
refuge with You lest I should stray or be led astray, lest I slip
(commit a sin unintentionally) or be tripped, lest I oppress or
be oppressed, lest I behave foolishly or be treated foolishly).”
Do not forget to seek your parents’ approval, for their du’aa’ for
you will be answered.
• Mention the name of Allah before you start, for mentioning the
name of Allah is prescribed when beginning any permissible
action; this brings blessing, and seeking the help of Allah is one
of the means of strength.
• Remembering Allah (dhikr) dispels anxiety and tension. If
something is too difficult for you, then pray to Allah to make
it easy for you. Whenever Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may
Allah have mercy on him) found something too difficult to
understand, he would say, “O You Who taught Ibraaheem,
teach me; O You Who caused Sulaymaan to understand, cause
me to understand.”
• Choose a good place to sit during the exam, if you can. Keep
your back straight, and sit on the chair in a healthy manner.
Look over the exam first. Studies advise spending 10% of
the exam time in reading the questions carefully, noting
the important words and dividing one’s time between the
questions.
• Take your time to answer, for the Prophet (peace and blessings
of Allah be upon him) said: “Deliberation is from Allah and
haste is from the Shaytaan.” (A hasan hadeeth. Saheeh alJaami, 3011).
• Think carefully about the answer and choose the right answer
when answering multiple-choice questions. Deal with them
in the following manner. If you are sure that you have chosen
the right answer, then beware of waswasah (insinuating
whispers from the Shaytaan). If you are not sure, then start by
eliminating the wrong or unlikely answers, then choose the
correct answer based on what you think is most likely to be
correct. If you guessed at a correct answer then do not change
it unless you are sure that it is wrong – especially if you will
lose marks for a wrong answer. Research indicates that the
correct answer is usually that which the student thinks of first.
• In written exams, collect your thoughts before you start to
answer. Write an outline for your answer with some words
which will indicate the ideas which you want to discuss.
Then number the ideas in the sequence in which you want to
present them.
• Devote 10% of the time for reviewing your answers. Take your
time in reviewing, especially in mathematical problems and
writing numbers. Resist the desire to hand in the exam papers
quickly, and do not let the fact that some people are leaving
early bother you. They may be among the people who have
handed in their papers too early.
• If you discover after the exam that you answered some
questions incorrectly, then take that as a lesson in the
importance of being well prepared in the future, and not
rushing to answer questions. Accept the will and decree of
Allah and do not fall prey to frustration and despair. Remember
the hadeeth of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be
upon him), “If anything befalls you, do not say, ‘If only I had
done such and such.’ Rather say, ‘Qadar Allah wa maa sha’a
kaan (the decree of Allah and what He wills happened),’ for
saying ‘if only’ opens the door for the Shaytaan.” (Saheeh
Muslim, and the first part of this hadeeth was mentioned
above).
• Note that cheating is haraam whether it is in foreign language
tests or any other tests. The Prophet (peace and blessings of
Allah be upon him) said, “Whoever cheats is not one of us.” It is
wrongdoing and it is a haraam means of attaining a degree or
certificate, etc., that you have no right to.
We ask Allah to make us succeed in this world and cause us to be
among those who are victorious and saved in the Hereafter, for
He is the All-Hearing Who answers prayer. Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid (Above is an abridged version of 20 Exam Tips
for Students )
39
Dubai Customs’ work processes and systems are role model
in customs business at regional and international levels
TAMANI SUMMER AD_ENG 20.5x27cm.pdf
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6/18/13
7:11 PM
Columbus Diagnostic Mission Report/WCO
Under the patronage of His Highness
Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Chairman of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation
The Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing is pleased
to invite you to the 12th Ramadan Forum.
This year at:
Dubai World Trade Centre, Zabeel Hall,
from 3rd to 14th Ramadan 1434 Hijri (12th to 23rd July 2013)
9th Ramadan
10th Ramadan
11th Ramadan
12th Ramadan
The session will start daily at 10:30 pm.
There will be a special area designated for women and children.
Register now via our website www.almultaqa.ae to attend our lectures at
“The Ramadan Forum”
and increase your chance to win in our daily prize draws
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