Niuse

Six Kalimas in English Tajveed

Posted by: niuse on: August 20, 2009

  1. Kalma Tayyab: Laa ilaaha illal Lahoo Mohammadur Rasool Ullah
  2. Kalma Shaadat: Ashahado An Laa ilaaha illal Laho Wahdahoo Laa Shareeka Lahoo Wa Ash Hado Anna Mohammadan Abdo Hoo Wa Rasoolohoo.
  3. Kalma Tamjeed: Subhanallahe Wal Hamdulillahe Wa Laa ilaha illal Laho Wallahooakbar. Wala Haola Wala Quwwata illa billahil AliYil Azeem.
  4. Kalma Tauheed: Laa ilaha illal Lahoo Wahdahoo Laa Shareekalahoo Lahul Mulko Walahul Hamdo Yuhee Wa Yumeeto Wa Hoa Haiy Yul La Yamooto Abadan Abada Zul Jalali Wal ikraam Beyadihil Khair. Wa hoa Ala Kulli Shai In Qadeer.
  5. Kalma Astaghfar: Astaghfirullah Rabbi Min Kullay Zambin Aznabtuho Amadan Ao Khat An Sirran Ao Alaniatan Wa Atoobo ilaihe Minaz Zambil Lazee Aalamo Wa Minaz Zambil Lazee La Aalamo innaka Anta Allamul Ghuyoobi Wa Sattaarul Oyobi Wa Ghaffaruz Zunoobi Wala Haola Wala Quwwata illa billahil AliYil Azeem.
  6. Kalma Radde Kufr: Allah Humma inni Aaoozubika Min An Oshrika Beka Shai Aown Wa Anaa Aalamo Behi Wa Astaghfiroka Lima laa Aalamo Behi Tubtu Anho Wa Tabarrato Minal Kufri Washshirki Wal Kizbi Wal Jheebati Wal Bidaati Wan Nameemati Wal Fawahishi Wal Bohtani Wal Maasi Kulliha Wa Aslamtoo Wa Aamantoo Wa Aqoolo Laa ilaaha illal Lahoo Mohammadur Rasool Ullah.

Source: http://www.islamicacademy.org/html/Children/Six%20Kalima.htm

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Shabaan

Posted by: niuse on: August 20, 2009

15th Night of Shabaan

Abstracted from the writings of:
Sheikh Maulana Mohammed Ilyas Attar Qadri

Master of Masters, Prophet Muhammad (Swall Allahu Alaihi Wasallam) said that whoever fasts three days in the month of Shabaan and at the time of if’tar (breaking-fast at sunset) recites 3 times darood [salawat] on me, his sins will be forgiven and his provisions will be amplified and on the Day of Judgment he will enter Paradise riding on a heavenly female camel.

Sayiduna Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) that Sayidunna Esa (Jesus Alaihis’salam) passed by a mountain and there he saw a white stone. He started looking at it with awe. Allah revealed his message [wa’hy] on his messenger (alaihis’salaam), “Shall I disclose for you a thing stranger than this” “Surely!” he answered. So then that stone split and from it emerged an old man, with a green walking stick in his hand and pointing to the grapes vines said that I get my sustenance from here. Sayediunna Esa (Alihis’salaam) asked him, “How long have you been busy in worshipping Allah in this stone” The man replied “for 400 years.” Sayidunna Esa (Alaihi’salaam) said to Allah, “I think no one else would have worshipped like him.” Allah revealed, “whoever of the nation [ummah] of My Beloved Prophet (Swall Allahu Alaihi Wasallam) performs 2 cycles [raka’] of prayer on the 15th night of Shabaan is better than this 400 years of worship.” {Nuzhatul Majalis}

Mother of the believers, Sayidatuna A’isha (May Allah be pleased with her) says, I missed the Prophet (Swall Allau Alaihi Wasallam) one night so I went out to al-Baqi’ (graveyard, and found him). He said: “Were you afraid that Allah would wrong” I said: “O Messenger of Allah, I thought that you might have gone to visit one of your [other] wives.” He said: “Allah Glorious and Exalted descends to the nearest heaven on the night of mid-Shabaan (15th night) and He forgives more people than the number of hair on the hides of the flocks and herds of sheep of the tribe of Kalb. {Tirmidhi} It is recorded in books that the tribe of Kalb used to have the most number of sheep in Arabia, but some unfortunate people are still not forgiven on this night when Allah showers His mercy on mankind. Amongst them are:

  1. those who are habitual drinkers [alcoholics]
  2. those who are habitual adulterous
  3. those who are disobedient to their parents
  4. those who break family ties
  5. those who are mischief-spreaders
  6. those who are back-bitters

In another narration mischief-spreader is replaced with those who make pictures. {Mukashifatul Quloob}. In other narrations those who practice magic, those who eat interest, those who lower their pants below their ankles with pride, those who start a fight between two Muslims, those who bear malice (have hatred for another Muslim) in their hearts without a lawful cause are also not forgiven on this blessed night unless they repent sincerely and also ask for forgiveness from fellow Muslims and make peace.

In a long Prophetic narration, narrated in Ghunya tut-Talibin, the Messenger of Allah said, that is the night of mid-Shabaan (15 night) when Allah (Exalted is He) arranges the affairs of the year. He transfers [some of] the living to the list of dead, and records those who will make pilgrimage [Hajj] to the House of Allah that year, neither adding one too many nor leaving a single one of them out.”

Once Leader of Believers, Sayidunna Omar bin Abdul Aziz (may Allah be pleased with them) was busy praying extra [na’fl salah/namaz]. He lifted his head and saw a green note, whose light [glow] spread till the sky and it read “This is a note of forgiveness from the Owner Allah Almighty (Exalted is He) to His servant Omar bin Abdul Aziz. (Tafseer Roh-ul-Bayan)

It is recorded from the Friends of Allah [Auliya-Allah] to pray 6 cycles of ritual prayer [raka’] after the Maghrib prayer.

  1. In the first two raka’ add with the intention that with its blessing extend life with harmony.
  2. Next two for the protection from misfortunes and evil,
  3. next two so that may Allah make us dependant on Him and no one else.

After every two cycles [raka’] recite 21 times Surah Ikhlas OR once Sura Yasin (chapter 36). Rather read both and gain mounts of rewards and then recite the Supplication of Shabaan (dua’ of Shabaan)Spend the night, as much as possible, in worship and on the 15th of Shabaan fast. It is written in Anees-ul-Waezeen that whoever fasts on the fifteenth of Shabaan the fire of hell will not touch him.

Since the book of deeds is changed on the 15 night, if it is possible, also fast on the 14th so that the last day of the yearly deed book is spent fasting and the first day is spent fasting.

Source: http://www.islamicacademy.org/html/Months/15th_Shaban.htm

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Ghusl

Posted by: niuse on: August 20, 2009

What makes Ghusl Fard?

On five occasions the Ghusl is Fard.

  1. Release of sperm with pleasure. If jumped from a higher place or lifted heavier stuff which caused sperm to discharge, Ghusl is not wajib but will break the Wazoo.
  2. Wet dream with semen discharge.
  3. When ever the tip of man’s private part (mushroom) enters woman’s private part.(Even with intention or without intention)
  4. Haiz (monthly period for women)
  5. Nafaas ( The release of blood after a woman gives birth)

Fards in Ghusl.

There are three fards in Ghusl.

  1. To wash mouth with water as it should reach all the parts internally. From lips to the base of throat. If not fasting gargle. If there is any thing stuck in between teeth such as a piece of meat, paan, beetle nut; it should be removed before Ghusl or the Ghusl will not be completed.
  2. To wash inside of nose with water. Water should be pulled hard enough all the way to the soft part of the base of nose. If there is any dry phlegm (hard ratoobat) inside the nose it must be cleaned and if a the nose is pierced water should be forced into the hole or the Ghusl will not be completed.
  3. To wash the body once from head till the bottom of feet. The water must pour over body. Every strand (hair) and skin of the body must get wet. Even if a single strand or a small portion of skin is not washed the Ghusl will not be completed.

Sunnats in Ghusl.

  1. To perform a ghusl in the sunnat, we must first wash both of our hands and privates parts even if they may be clean, then if there any najasat (impurity) on our body, we must wash it away.
  2. We must perform a complete ablution.
  3. While washing our face we must intend to perform a ghusl.
  4. If water will not accumulate under our feet; we must wash our feet, too.
  5. We must pour water on our entire body three times. When you do this, we must pour it on our head three times first, then on our right shoulder three times and then on the left shoulder three times. Each time the part on which we pour water must become completely wet. We must also rub it gently, during the first pouring.
  6. In a ghusl, it is permissible to pour the water on the limb so as to make it flow onto another limb, which, in this case, will be cleaned, too. For in a ghusl the whole body is counted as a one limb. If in performing an ablution the water poured on one limb moistens another limb, the second limb will not be considered to have been washed.
  7. When a ghusl is completed it is makruh (things which our Prophet did not like) to perform an ablution. But it will become necessary to perform an ablution again if it is broken while making a ghusl.

Source: http://www.islamicacademy.org/html/Learn_Now/English/Ghusl.htm

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DUROOD-E-IBRAHIMI

Posted by: niuse on: August 20, 2009

Durood_Ibraaheemi

Durood_Ibraaheemi

Allahumma salli ala muhammadiw wa ala aali muhammadin kamaa sallaita ala ibrahima wa ala aali ibrahima innaka hamidum majid.
Allahumma baarik ala muhammadiw wa ala aali muhammadin kamaa baarakta ala ibrahima wa ala aali ibrahima innaka hamidum majid.

“O Allah, let Your Blessings come upon Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as you have blessed Ibrahim and his family. Truly, You are Praiseworthy and Glorious. Allah, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as you have blessed Ibrahim and his family. Truly, You are Praiseworthy and Glorious”.

The famous companion of the Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallim), Hazrat Ka’ab bin Ujrah (radi Allahu anhu), narrates that once it was enquired from Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallim) as to how blessings should be sent to him. The Prophet (Sallal Laahu Alaihi Wasallim) replied that the blessings be said in the manner (it has been mentioned) above, that is, Durood-e-Ibrahimi.

Source: http://www.islamicacademy.org/html/Articles/English/Excellence_in_Durood_Sharif_2.htm

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Salatul Tasbih

Posted by: niuse on: August 20, 2009

For forgiveness of All Sins

Benefits of Salat-Ul-Tasbih
Our Beloved Prophet Mohammed (Sallallaho Alihiwassallam) said to his uncle (father’s brother) Sayyiduna Abbass (may Allah be pleased with him) Oh uncle shall I not give you Shall I not grant you Shall I not award you Shall I not do mercy on you When you do 10 things Allah will forgive your sins: of the future and of the past; new and old; those you have forgotten and those you did knowingly; big and small; hidden and revealed. Then he (Sallallaho Alihiwassallam) explained the taught the way to pray Salatul Tasbih and then said if you can pray this salah once a day, if you can not pray once a day then every Friday, and even if this is not possible then once a month and even if this is not possible then once a year and even if this is not possible then at least once in a lifetime (Abu’Dawood & Tirimzi)

How to perform Salatul Tasbih?

This salaat (namaz) is offered in four rakat at a time and can be read in any part of the day and night besides Zawal and Sunrise and Sunset makrooh times, keeping in mind the forbidden times for performing Salat (namaaz). But is is preferred before Zuhr (Fatawa Alamgeeri)

The Tasbih to be read in Salaat-Ul-Tasbeeh:
” Subhaan Allahi Wal Hamdulillahi Wa Laa ilaha illal Laahu Wallahu Akbar “

Method:

Goal is to recite above Tasbih 300 times in Four Rakah with the following method.
In the first rakaat, after reading Sana “Subhaana Kallahumma…”, read the above tasbih 15 times.
Now recite Aaoz “Aoozubillah…”, Bismillah “Bismillah…”, Then read sura Fatiha and a Surah or minimum of three small Ayayhs then read the tasbih 10 times again.
Go to ruku saying Takbeer (Allah Hoo Akbar), after reciting “Subhaana Rabbiyal Azeem” minimum of three times read the tasbih 10 times in Ruku.
Saying “Samee Allahu Liman Hamidah Rabbana Lakal Hamdh” get up from ruku to qiyam position.
Now read the tasbih 10 times.
Go to Sajdah saying Takbeer (Allah Hoo Akbar) and after reciting “Subhaana Rabbiyal A’la” minimum of three times read the tasbih 10 times in Sajdah.
Now go after first Sajdah go to Jalsa (sitting position) saying Takbeer (Allah Hoo Akbar). Sitting in Jalsa read tasbih 10 times.
Go to sajda again saying Takbeer (Allah Hoo Akbar) and after reciting “Subhaana Rabbiyal A’la” minimum of three times read the tasbih 10 times in Sajdah again.
Get up to begin 2nd rakat saying Takbeer (Allah Hoo Akbar).
Do rakah #2 in same fashion, but before reading Bismillah “Bismillah…”, and Surah Fatiha, read the tasbih 15 times. Follow the rest as you did in first Rakat.
After second Sajdah of Second Rakat sit in Qaidah Oola (first sitting) read Attahiyat, Durood and Dua then get up for 3rd rakaat without saying Salam.
Begin third Rakat, just like the first Rakat, with Sana “Subhaana Kallahumma…”, read the above tasbih 15 times. Follow the rest as you did in first Rakat untill you sit for Qaidah Akihra (last sitting) after second sajdah of fourth Rakah.
In Qaidah Akihra Attahiyat, Durood, Dua finish Salah with Salam.

Special notes for Salat-Ul-Tasbih:

  1. Do not count loudly. It will break Salah
  2. Do not count on fingers or by holding a Bead Tasbih in hand. It is Makruh.
  3. You may count by pressing the fingers as a reminder. For example if you are in Ruku. You me press pinky of your right hand first for the first count, then the finger next to it for second count, then the middle finger for third count, following this method untill you reach the pinky of left hand will give you an exact count of ten. Use the same method in Qayam, Sajdah and Jalsa.
  4. If missed a count then make it up in the next posture. For example if forgot to recite Tasbih after Surah in Qayam. Then you may recite Tasbish 20 times instead of 10 in Rukuh after “Subhaana Rabbiyal Azeem”. Missed Tasbih cannot be recited in Qayam after ruku and Jalsa between Sajdah. If you missed the Tasbih in Ruku then recite 20 in the first Sajdah instead of the Qayam after rukuh. Similarly if missed the Tasbih in first Sajdah then do not make it up in Jalsa. Instead recite missed tasbih in the second Sajdah. If Tasbih has been missed in last sajdah of second or fourth Rakah then you can recite the missed ones before Attahiyat in Qaidah.
  5. If you miss a wajib in Salah and have to do Sajdah Sahaw. You dont have to recite Tasbih in Sajdah sahoo, since the 300 count has been estalished. But if you had missed Tasbih in any of the postures and remeber it now. Then you may recite the missed Tasbih in Sajdah Sahaw now.
  6. It is preferable to recite after Surah Fatiha Sura Takathuur in the first raka’, Surah Wal A’sr in the second raka’, Surah Kaferoon (qul ya aiyuhal Kafiroon) in the third and Surah Akhlas (Qul hu Allah-hu ahd) in the fourth raka’. If one does not remember these surah they can recite the ones they prefer.

May Allah accept this dua’ (supplication) for the sake of the trustworthy PROPHET MOHAMMED (Allah’s Grace & Peace be upon him)

Source: http://www.islamicacademy.org/html/Articles/English/Salat_Tasbih.htm

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Lailat-ul-Qadr

Posted by: niuse on: August 20, 2009

Lailat-ul-Qadr – The night of Power

Contributed by: Meetha Madina Group
Additions by: Maulana Ghulam Subhani

In this night (27th of Ramadan), the Holy Quran was sent down from LOH-E-MEHFOOZ (the Preserved Tablet) to the earth. Messenger of ALLAH (Blessings of Allah and peace be on him) told us to search for Shab-e-Qadr in the odd numbered nights, in the last ten days of Ramzan. So, the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or 29th night of Ramadan could be Shab-e-Qadr.

Hazrat Aisha Radiallah Anha stated that Rasool Allah peace be upon him said, “Look for Lailat-Ul-Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadhan.” (Bukhari)

Hazrat Aisha Radiallah Anha stated that as much Rasool Allah peace be upon him tried (Ibadat) in the last Ashra (ten days) of Ramadhan, did not try in any of the Ashra.” (Muslim)

Hazrat Aisha Radiallah Anha stated that I asked Rasool Allah peace be upon him, “If I find Lailatul Qadar then what should I do? HE peace be upon him said, recite this Dua.”ALLAH HUMMA INNAKA A’FUVUN TOHIB BUL AFVA FA’AFU ANNI” (Tirmidhi)

Dear visitors, please take advantage of this night, from sunset till sunrise. Offer nawafil (prayers), recite QUR’AAN, do repent (Istaghfar), and Pray for pardon, recite many many Salawat (Darood Sharif & Salaam) and make benediction (Dua’as).

Special DU’AA of Lailatul QADR:
“ALLAH HUMMA INNAKA A’FUVUN TOHIB BUL AFVA FA’AFU ANNI” (Tirmidhi)
“O Allah! You are the Forgiver and You like forgiving so forgive me”

21st Night of Ramadhan-Ul-Mubarak – 1st night of Laitlat-Ul-Qadr

1) Pray 4 cycles of ritual prayer (raka’t) (2 cycles of 2 raka’ each).
In each raka’, after Surah FATIHA recite Surah QADR (Inna anzalna .. )once and Surah IKHLAS (Qul-hu-wal-lah..) once. After completion recite SALAAT-O-SALAAM (Durood Sharif) seventy (70) times. Click here for Durood page.
Benefit: Insha Allah, Angels will pray for forgivenss for that person.

2) Offer 2 cycles of ritual prayer (raka’t)
In each raka’, after Surah FATIHA, recite Surah QADR once and Surah IKHLAS three times. After completion of this salah, recite any Astaghfar seventy times.
Astaghfar: “Allah Hummagh Fir Li Wa Tub A’laiyya Inna Ka Innta Tawwabur Raheem” OR “Astaghfirullah Rabbi Min Kulli Zambiyon Wa Atoobu ilaiyh”
Benefit: Effective for forgivness of sins.

3) In this night (21st), recite Surah QADR 21 times.

23rd Night of Ramadhan-Ul-Mubarak – 2nd night of Laitlat-Ul-Qadr

1) Offer 4 cycles of ritual prayer (raka’t) (2 sets of 2 raka’ each)
In each raka’, after Surah FATIHA, recite Surah QADR once and Surah IKHLAS three times.
Benefit: Effective for forgivness of sins.

2) Offer 8 cycles of ritual prayer (raka’) (4 sets of 2 raka’ each)
In each raka’, after Surah FATIHA, recite Surah QADR and Surah IKHLAS once. After completion of this salah (namaaz) recite the third kalima (Kalima Tamjeed) 70 times. After that, plead to Allah Almighty for forgiveness of sins.
Kalima Tamjeed: “Subhan Allahi Wal Hamdu Lillahi Wa La ilaaha illal laho Walla Hu Akbar.Wala Haowla Wala Quwwata illa Billa Hil Aliyil Azeem”. Click here for Arabic text of Kalima Tamjeed.
Benefit: Allah Willing (Insha’Allah), Allah will forgive whoever performs this prayer

3) In the 23rd night recite Surah YAASEEN once and Surah RAHMAAN once.

25th Night of Ramadhan-Ul-Mubarak – 3rd night of Laitlat-Ul-Qadr

1) In this night offer 4 cycles of ritual prayer (raka’t) (2 sets of 2 raka’ each)
After Surah FATIHA, recite Surah QADR one time and Surah IKHLAS five times in each raka’. After completion of this salat recite the first Kalima Tayyab 100 times.
Kalima Tayyab: “Laa ilaaha illal Laho Mohammadur Rasoolullah”. Click here for Arabic text of Kalima Tayyab.
Benifit: Insha Allah, Allah Tala will give him/her unlimited Sawab (good Deeds)

2) Offer 4 cycles of ritual prayer (raka’) (2 sets of 2 raka’ each)
In each raka’, after Surah FATIHA, recite Surah QADR three times and Surah IKHLAS three times. After completion of this salah, recite any Astaghfar 70 times.
Astaghfar: “Allah Hummagh Fir Li Wa Tub A’laiyya Inna Ka Innta Tawwabur Raheem” OR “Astaghfirullah Rabbi Min Kulli Zambiyon Wa Atoobu ilaiyh”
Benefit: This salat is good for the pardoning of sins.

3.Offer two cycles of ritual prayer (raka’).
In each raka’, after Surah FATIHA, recite Surah QADR once and Surah IKHLAS fifteen times. After Salat, recite the second Kalima (Kalima-e-Shahaadat) 70 times.
Kalima Shaadat: “Ashadu Anlaa ilaaha illal Lahu Wa Ash Hadu Anna Mohammadan Abduhu Wa Rasoolohu”. Click here for Arabic text of Kalima Shaadat.
Benefit: The reward of this namaaz is freedom from the punishment of the grave.

4) Recite Surah Dukhan. Allah Willing (Insha’Allah) they will be granted freedom from the punishment of grave.

5) Recite Surah Fath seven times. Beneficial for the fulfillment of desires and wishes.

27th Night of Ramadhan-Ul-Mubarak – 4th night of Laitlat-Ul-Qadr

1) In the 27th night, pray 12 cycles of ritual prayer (raka’) (3 set of 4 raka’ each)
In each raka’, after Surah FATIHA, recite Surah QADR once and Surah IIKHLAS fifteen times. After salah recite any Astaghfar 70 times.
Astaghfar: “Allah Hummagh Fir Li Wa Tub A’laiyya Inna Ka Innta Tawwabur Raheem” OR “Astaghfirullah Rabbi Min Kulli Zambiyon Wa Atoobu ilaiyh”
Benefit: Inhsa Allah, Allah tala will give sawab equal to Ibadah of Ambiya Karam’s (Messengers of Allah) Ibadah.

2) Pray two cycles of ritual prayer (raka’).
In each raka’, after Surah FATIHA recite Surah QADR 3 times and Surah IKHLAS 27 times, and plead to Allah for the forgiveness of sins.
Benefit: Allah Willing (Insha’Allah), the Allah Almighty will forgive all their previous sins.

3) Pray four cycles of ritual prayer (raka’). (2 sets of 2 raka’ each).
In each raka’, after Surah FATIHA, recite Surah TAKAASUR once and Surah IKHLAS three times.
Benefit: Whoever offers this salah, they will be saved from hardship at the time of death, and Allah Willing (Insha’Allah), they will be freed from the punishment of the grave.

4) Pray two cycles of ritual prayer (raka’).
In each raka’, after Surahh FATIHA, recite Surah IKHLAS seven times and after salah recite this seventy times:
“ASTAGHFIRUL LAA HAL AZEEMAL LAZEE LAA ILAAHA ILLA HUWAL HAIY YUL QAYYOOMU WA ATOOBU ILAIH”
Benfit: Before the person gets up from the praying area, Allah Almighty will pardon them and their parents, and Allah Almighty will Command the angels to adorn the Paradise for them and it is said that they will not die until they see the blessings (ne’mat) of Paradise with their own eyes.

5) Pray two cycles of ritual prayer (raka’).
In each raka’, after Surah FATIHA, recite Surah ALAM’NASHRAH once, Surah IKHLAS three times and after salah, recite Surah QADR 27 times.
Benefit: Effecive for unlimited Sawab of Ibadah.

6) Pray four cycles of ritual prayer (raka’). (1 set of 4 raka’).
In each raka’, after Surah FATIHA’ recite Surah QADR three times and Surah IKHLAS fifty times and after completion of this salah (namaaz), recite this once in prostration (sajdah):
“SUBHAAN ALLAAHI WAL HAMDU LILLAAHI WALAA ILAAHA ILLAL LAAHU WALLAA HU AKBAR”
Benefit: After that whatever wish one may have, either worldly or religious, may be pleased. Allah Willing (Insha’Allah), their supplication will be fulfilled.

7) In this night, recite Surah Mulk 7 times. It is good for freeing from punishment.

29th Night of Ramadhan-Ul-Mubarak – 5th night of Laitlat-Ul-Qadr

1) Pray four cycles of ritual prayer (raka’). (2 sets of 2 raka’ each).
In every raka’, after Surah FATIHA recite Surah QADR once and Surahh IKHLAS three times. After salah, recite Surah ALAM’NASHRAH 70 times.
Benefit: Efective for the completion of Imaan.

2) Offer four cycles of ritual prayer (raka’). (2 sets of 2 raka’ each).
In each raka’, after Surah FATIHA, recite Surah QADR once and Surah IKHLAS five times. After salah, recite SALAAT-O-SALAAM (Darood Sharif) 100 times. Click here for Durood page.
Benefit: Effective for forgiveness of sins.

3) Recite Surah WAAQIAH seven times. Beneficial for increase in Rizq.

In any night of RAMAZAN-UL-MUBARAK, after taraavih recite Surah QADR seven times. Allah Willing (Insha’Allah), the one who does so, will be saved from all troubles and afflictions.

On this great night it’s of great benefit to perform Salat-Ul-Tasbih. Click here for instructions to perform Salat-ul-Tasbih.

Source: http://www.islamicacademy.org/html/Articles/English/Night_Of_Power.htm

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Usability & Design: Pointers for Home Pages

Posted by: niuse on: April 23, 2009

To begin with, What is usability? The simple answer is: Usability is a term used to measure the quality of users’ experience and ease of use with a given system. (We are limiting our scope of ’system’ to be that of a computer software system – either standalone or web based). Usability quantifies the extent of satisfaction or irking that a user experiences with respect to the system.

It is extremely critical for any project’s designers and architects to make a system that can be used with ease. Studies have proven that the easier a system makes a user comfortable with itself, the more are its chances of achieving its specific objective. With terms like ‘conversion’ and ‘bounce rate’ taking such a crucial importance in any project’s planning and execution, we can’t just afford to keep usability and User Interfaces (UI) out of the picture. Can we?

World Usability Day

World Usability Day is celebrated on 8th November.

Coming straight to the point, a well designed User Interface may just make your deal. Your website is the face of your business on the internet and the home page is the face of your website! You don’t want to show an ugly face for your business. Nobody does! So, without missing a beat, here are a few quick pointers you would want to consider while (re)designing your home page next time.

  • Keep the most important content above the fold.
    You might recall from the last post:

    It is most essential that the first thing your lead notices is the stuff you want him to see first. So, keep the most important information visible without requiring too much scrolling.

  • The Home Page should be accessible from anywhere.
    Keep a link of the homepage on every big-small page of your website. Also, please note that while there are users who know exactly where to find what, you may also have visitors having very trivial knowledge of the Internet. For the convenience of such guests, do have a link titled ‘home’ on each page of your website.
  • Let your stuff be discovered.
    It’s very important that your website’s visitors get what they came looking for on your website. So, let the most important elements of your website be made available right on the home page.
  • Send the right message to your guests.
    The contents of your homepage should subtly inform your visitor what exactly the website is all about. With goal conversion taking top priority in web-design principles, you don’t want to turn people away after they’ve spent an hour wandering hopelessly on your website.
  • The home page must look like one.
    Make sure that your home page always remains the alpha one of your website. Always remember that users expect certain elements on the home page (e.g. sitemap, search feature, contact details, testimonials). Let these elements always be present in your homepage. Also, your website is properly optimized for search engines if your homepage is indeed the main page.
  • Don’t stretch it too much.
    KISS – Keep it simple, stupid! No offenses, but sometimes the best way of doing something is to do it in a simple way. Keep your homepage short, meticulous and yet comprehensible. Do not scribble too much content in it and don’t just keep it all blank and dumb.
So here we are. Keep these few pointers in mind while designing (and more important while visualizing) your website’s homepage design and create a marvel. If you are a webmaster or a web-design company, we can be your consultants on strategic User Interface designing and Usability Analysis & Optimization. Do feel free to ask for help. As always, if you like this post (and others as well, of course), do subscribe to our feed!A special message to our readers in India: Don’t forget to cast your ballot on the election day.

Few notes:

  1. If you are really keen about knowing more about usability, you may find some great articles at http://www.usability.gov.
  2. A very interesting case study on usability can be found here.
    [PDF Format. Right click and save link/target as; Courtesy Software Usability Research Laboratory - Wichita State University    ]

Source: http://blog.galaxyweblinks.com/web-design/usability-design-pointers-for-home-pages

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Creating Effective Landing Pages – Part I

Posted by: niuse on: April 23, 2009

Online Marketing is the buzzword on the internet today. It has conceived and given shape to various business models like B2B, B2C, affiliate marketing, advertising and publishing et al. And though internet marketing is an entire different dimension in its own, its still similar to traditional marketing at its core. Try to remember what’s the first thing you notice as you enter a departmental store or a supermarket? Unless you’re in for a shoplift, you will probably see the latest product on offer on a display shelf. Its unusual to think about it, but if you really think, they’re kept over there only so you could notice them. That is exactly why we have landing pages on the internet. Landing Pages are the display shelves of your website. In this and the next post, we are going to look around what Landing Pages are all about and how you can use them to your benefit.

What is a Landing Page really?
Strictly speaking, a landing page is the page on which the visitors of your websites “land” from a source. If a visitor comes to your website by typing in the URL of our website’s homepage (for e.g. http://www.galaxyweblinks.com), his landing page would be http://www.galaxyweblinks.com/index.php . If the visitor reaches our website through the contact page of our website (say, via a search engine), the landing page would be http://www.galaxyweblinks.com/contactus.php .

However in internet marketing, a landing page is interpreted as the page where you want your visitors to land deliberately. On a broader scale, its basically the same thing as above, but look minutely and you will realize that internet marketers are using landing pages as their display shelves. Landing pages are a face to your products. They are made and campaigned in a way to make the visitors notice and take interest in them.

How many types of Landing Pages?
Traditionally and in the books, landing pages are essentially classified into two categories: Reference and Transactional.

1. Reference Landing Pages are pages that are made for the purpose of displaying information to the visitors. These pages usually do not prompt the reader to take any action. The objective of such a landing page is not broadcast, not sell.
2. Transactional Landing Pages are pages which actually prompt (in many cases, lure) the visitor to do something that ultimately leads to the fulfillment of the objective of having such a landing page. The basic difference between such a page and a reference page is that a transactional page has – what it is commonly known as a – call to action. Such pages usually have a small form being displayed prominently and the visitors are expected to fill that form. Conventionally, the “Visitors” are called “Leads” and once a lead takes the action which fulfills the objective of the landing page (for e.g. fills the form), its usually called a conversion – though the actual interpretation of conversion depends from person to person.
Eye Tracking Heat Map. Courtesy http://www.impactmedialtd.co.uk/blog

Eye Tracking Heat Map. Courtesy http://www.impactmedialtd.co.uk/blog

Apart from these two, there’s another kind of Landing Page which is creating a roar in Direct Marketing. Its called the -
3. Squeeze Page. Squeeze pages are web pages having just one objective: capture visitor’s data. Squeeze pages are heavily targeted landing pages which extensively focus on goal conversion. (Since the goal here usually does not require the visitor to actually spend money,) These pages have an unusually high conversion rate and are used to get niche data while planning targeted email and direct contact campaigns. Squeeze pages have usually have minimum or no navigation. I’ve read somewhere that the best squeeze pages are created with such perfection that even a native who can’t read and understand a thing would know what he’s supposed to do!

Creating Effective Landing Pages – Part II

Now that we are aware of what landing pages are and their types, I think we can conveniently head to the more intricate issues of their usage and benefits. But before anything, one should first understand what one expects out of the landing page they create. The page thus created must be heavily focused on achieving that particular aspect of its objective, for which it is created. For e.g., if the conversion criteria for a Landing Page is capturing leads’ data, then it could have a form shown prominently wherein a lead could fill in his details. A landing page which does not provide a straight and most importantly – visible – path to its ultimate goal has least conversion chances. But, are they really any good?
Yes. A properly targeted landing page can open the gates of fortunes for your businesses. Researches have shown that a properly designed and optimally targeted landing page has a potential of making catastrophic conversions. When Firefox 3 was launched on June 17th 2008, it created a world record with over 8 million people downloading the popular browser within 24 hours. The reason for their success – the brilliant strategy of “download day” targeted by their marketing team. When this was clubbed with the correct elements on their landing page, things just fell right in place!

What should your landing page have?

  1. Keep the Gold above the fold: It is most essential that the first thing your lead notices is the stuff you want him to see first. So, keep the most important information visible without requiring too much scrolling. The name of your product, the important features and the call to action (read below) are a few things that you can keep ‘above the fold’.
  2. The Question: The most effective way of selling on the web is to make the prospect associate with you. And the best way of making your lead associate with you is by asking him the question that is on his mind. A salon owner who wants an appointment software for his salon would be absolutely delighted to find that somebody out there has actually made something to suit his particular needs!
  3. The Assurance: Once your lead is on your Landing Page, you need to assure him that he has come to the right place. Something like “Congratulations! Your search has ended” or “You have reached the right place” would convince your lead to stay on your page for a while – thus lowering your bounce rate effectively.
  4. The Answer: Now that your lead is assured of coming to the right place, you need to prove your worth to them. Give them the answers to all the questions they have in their mind. Another way of doing this is by apprising them of the benefits they will avail if they convert.
  5. Call to Action: This is the most crucial component of your Landing Page: It can be a recognizable button or a small form or any visual way of prompting the lead to “do something which will change something else for good”. You may also use a ‘push’ like an arrow labeled “Get started NOW” to trigger a conversion. Remember – all the points above are not even half as critical as the call to action. So make sure you come up with the best you’ve got. I would suggest you have a look at a good list of landing pages. You will find some here at Galaxy Apps.

Source: http://blog.galaxyweblinks.com/news/creating-effective-landing-pages-part-i

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Chilly Weather. Hot Women

Posted by: niuse on: January 23, 2009

Halle Berry

Halle Berry






Halle Berry
Halle Berry

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Chandni Chowk To China – cc2c

Posted by: niuse on: January 13, 2009

Suspense, comedy, dance, drama and action – director Nikhil Advani has packed it all in his forthcoming movie ‘Chandni Chowk To China’ that releases Jan 16.

chandnichauk to china

chandnichauk to china

The Akshay Kumar-Deepika Padukone starrer is already the talk of the town courtesy its huge promotional activities.

”Chandni Chowk…’ is a story about ‘believing in yourself’. It’s an old-fashioned Bollywood masala film in its entirety and I hope people enjoy the two-and-a-half hour spectacle,’ Advani told IANS over phone from Los Angeles in the US.

Co-produced by Ramesh Sippy Entertainment, People Tree Films and Hollwyood-based studio Warner Bros, ‘Chandni Chowk…’ is about an Indian cook, Sidhu, played by Akshay, who goes to China and is mistaken for a martial arts expert.

Deepika, who plays Akshay’s ladylove, will be seen in two different avatars.

Shot extensively across China and Bangkok, the film also stars yesteryears’ disco sensation Mithun Chakraborty, Ranvir Shorey and renowned Chinese actor Gordon Liu, who marks his debut in Bollywood with the film.

Mithun Akshay in Chandni Chowk to China

Mithun Akshay in Chandni Chowk to China

The story goes like this:

Sidhu is the lowest on the social ladder, cutting vegetables at a roadside food stall in Chandni Chowk in Delhi. Sidhu longs to escape the drudgery of his dreary existence and looks for shortcuts by consulting astrologers, tarot readers, and even fake fakirs.

He believes in anything and everything except himself, despite his father figure Dada’s (Mithun) best efforts. His redeeming moment arrives when two strangers from China claim him to be a reincarnation of a war hero and take him to their mystic land.

What follows next is a madcap journey from the by-lanes of Chandni Chowk in Delhi to Shanghai and the Great Wall of China, weaved in with rib-tickling gags, breathtaking stunts, spectacular locations and emotions.

The movie has garnered much media attention for its various firsts like it’s the first Indian movie to be shot in China and the first to have more than 1,500 VFX shots. And last but not the least — Warner Bros have bankrolled a Hindi film for the first time.

The film is also being touted as being based on Akshay’s life. However, Advani slams the rumours.

‘I would like to clarify that the film is not based on Akshay’s life but it only has similarities with his life. Just like Akshay went to Bangkok from Chandni Chowk and worked there in a hotel, the character Sidhu is a cook from Chandni Chowk, who goes to China and is compelled to learn martial arts in order to meet his destiny,’ he said.

‘Chandni Chowk…’ boasts of a varied soundtrack by multiple composers like Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy, Kailash Kher, Bappi and Bappa Lahiri.

The soundtrack also includes a rap song sung by Akshay and composed by Punjabi rapper Bohemia. It has already become a rage among youngsters.

Throwing light on the music scene for the film, the director informed: ‘We decided to have different music directors to have a different feel about the music of the film. Shankar, Ehsaan and Loy are old friends and they generally don’t work with multiple music directors in a project, but I requested them and they agreed.

‘Then we requested Bappi Lahiri to do a song and also roped in Kailash to lend a different pitch to the songs. Akshay also suggested that we do a rap song and recommended Bohemia and the response has been tremendous,’ the director said.

Being the first major release of the year, the film is being hugely promoted globally.

It is also the first Indian movie to have multiple international grand premieres in a row at Los Angeles, New York, Toronto and London respectively on Jan 7, 8, 9 and 10 followed by those in Dubai, Bangkok and Delhi.

Akshay had a stupendous record last year in the blockbuster ‘Singh Is Kinng’, which totted up a gross of around Rs.1.5 billion worldwide. It looks like the actor is all set to scorch the screens again with ‘Chandni Chowk To China’ – his first release of the year.

chandnichauk to china

chandnichauk to china

Chandni Chowk To China, the first ever Bollywood Kungfu comedy takes you on a madcap Journey from the by-lanes of Chandni Chowk in Delhi, to Shanghai, the Great Wall and rural China, marrying in its wake hilarious gags, breathtaking action, spectacular locations and heart stirring emotions.
Our protagonist Sidhu (Akshay Kumar) is the lowest on the totem pole, cutting vegetables at a roadside food stall in Chandni Chowk in Delhi. He longs to escape his dreary existence and looks for shortcuts- with astrologers, tarot readers and fake fakirs – basically believing anything except himself, despite his father figure Dada’s (Mithun Chakraborty) best efforts.
His redeeming moment arrives when two strangers from China claim him as a reincarnation of a war hero in the past and takes him to China. Sidhu now dreams of wine, women, and a princely existence in foreign lands. Thanks to the devious translator, a conman by the name Chopstick (Ranvir Shorey), little does he know that he is being taken to the Promised Land to rid the Chinese village of the vicious smuggler Hojo (Gordon Liu)!
So Sidhu blissfully sets forth to China with Chopstick who instigates dreams of a delicious future and forgets to reveal the perils which await him. Along the way he meets Sakhi (Deepika Padukone), Ms. Tele Shoppers Media (Ms. TSM) who has embarked on a journey to pay homage to the land of her birth and her dead father and twin.
Initially, Sidhu through a series of lucky coincidences manages to sidestep being beaten by Hojo’s men but finally Hojo catches up with him and exposes him as the country buffoon that he really is. Sidhu has the fire of revenge in his belly and finds the one man who will make him a Kungfu expert and set the village free. Armed with his Sifu (master), faith in himself and the love of the fair Sakhi Sidhu sets forth to conquer all!

Deepika Padukone Photo Gallery

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