Group Quran Recitation with Quran 120 Scheme

فـَاقرَوا ما تَيَسَّر مِنَ القـُرآن

Recite, then, as much of the Quran as you may do with ease.

Quran 120 is a group which manages Quranic e-mails to its subscribers, and runs schemes related to Quran. As a tradition, Quran 120 runs group Quran recitation every year after Great Eid Fitr. Last year, this scheme was successfully performed, and thus, the team are going to run it again with the help and will of the Almighty Allah, gifting the reward to our Imam, Baqiyyat Allah A’zdam (PBUH).

Every member of the scheme is responsible for reciting half of a Hizb (حزب), starting from the point which is assigned to that member. You will be provided a table in which the detail of your daily recitation has been tabulated, and you can tick when you have accomplished the mission day by day. After 120 days, you have completed a full Quran recitation. Nonetheless, as the scheme is looking for 120 members who recite their own daily share, then you will commit in whole Quran recitation every day.

The scheme is going to commence by 10 September 2010. If you would like to join to this scheme, please express your interest by e-mailing to Quran120@gmail.com. You will be contacted to receive the details of your contribution.

If you have found this scheme interesting, please let the others know about it.

Liverpool Shia Society

Condolence on the Martyrdom Anniversary of the Commander of Faithful, Ali Ibn Abitaalib, Amir al-Mo’meneen

وَ إذا الشَمسُ کـُوّرَت

And when the SUN is shrouded in darkness! (81:1)

… It was a long while he was broken of the perfidy and unfaithfulness of people … used to say frequently, “you are bored of me, and I am bored of you as well.” It was also a long while since the Prophet had left them. He was in strange mood that holy Ramadan … used to say secretly about leaving to the orphans of Koufah … and also, to Hassan and Hussain and Zainab and Umm Kolthum, spending every night of that holy Ramadan with one of them.

His last night, when he was with Umm Kolthum, rejected milk, and broke his fast with two pieces of barley bread and salt, said,

My daughter, whoever enjoys the best of clothes and food will be waiting longer later.

My daughter, one should answer for his lawfuls (halals) and there is big punishment for dealing with unlawfuls (haraams).

He spent whole night on praying … frequently saying, “verily, unto Allah we do belong, and verily, unto him we shall return.” … reciting Yaaseen, whispering, “By Allah, I have been truly said, and I am truly saying… this is the night in which my martyrdom has been promised.”

Kufah reached to the time of Fajr prayers … wishing it had not.

Step by step towards the mosque, … ducks took tips of his cloak, … he asked his daughter’s kindness on them, … door hook thought it could prevent him … but … he fastened his belt tighter … He is ALI Ibn Abitaalib, Commander of the Faithful!

He awaken his enemy lying on his chest … said, “it is not fair to sleep on your chest; this is the way devils do … do you wish me to say what you’ve hidden under your body?” … didn’t continue and left the lying unman on his own.

Finally, the sword landed and sat on an old scar on his head, and happened what was to happen.

And when the SUN is shrouded in darkness…

Gabriel cried, “by God, broke away the pillar of guidance; proofs of piety are gone; the survival link of human kind (urvat ol-vuthgaa) is torn; … Oh, cousin of Muhammad Mustafa has been martyred; succeedor of the Prophet has been martyred; Ali al-Murtada has been martyred; martyred him the most unblessed.”

Head looking on earth, blood dropping from his lighty white beard, “In the name of Allah, and as the custom of the people of the Messenger of Allah”… “By the lord of Ka’ba, I succeeded!”

And the pen fell down weeping…

Liverpool Shia Society

Birthday Anniversary of Imam Hassan al-Mujtaba (PBUH)

LSS spreads its sincere congratulations for the birthday anniversary of Imam Hassan Mujtaba (PBUH). It has added to the inspiration of the holy month of Ramadan to have our second imam and the first son of Imam Ali and Sayyeda Fatimah (PBUT) in such holy month.

Imam Hassan was born three years after the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) migrated to the holy city of Madina. Having been trained under direct supervision of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH&HF), Imam Hassan (PBUH) was outstanding in knowledge, piety, tolerance, intelligence and courage. Once Sayyeda Zahra (PBUH) brought her two sons, Hassan and Hussain (PBUT) to the Messenger of Allah (PBUH&HF) and said, “O’ Apostle of Allah, these are your two grandsons. Give them something as an inheritance.” The Holy Prophet (PBUH&HF) replied, “Hassan shall have my form and my nobility, and Husain shall have my generosity and bravery.”

Imam Hassan (PBUH) was quite wealthy, and could have lived in luxury if he desired; however, he preferred to spend his money to help the poor and needy. Outstandingly, he gave away his entire wealth in charity twice in his life, and began all over again. That further to her generous hand caused people to call him ‘Kareem’, meaning munificent.

Once a stranger arrived in Kufa, and asked a man working in a garden for directions. The man showed him the way, and then invited him to share his meal. The stranger was touched by this offer and accepted. But when he was handed some flat bread to eat, he found that it was so hard that he could not even break it on his knee, let alone with his teeth. He tried dipping it into some water but that did not help. The gardener saw the stranger’s discomfort, and pointed him towards a guest house where free meals were given to all.

The guest house belonged to Imam Hasan (PBUH), who himself welcomed the stranger and arranged a hot meal for him. After a while, the Holy Imam (PBUH) saw that the stranger was eating one morsel, and putting one morsel in a bag on his side. The Holy Imam (PBUH) told him to eat peacefully, and if he needed extra food for his family, it would be provided before he left. The stranger said that he had no family but was putting some food aside for the kind gardener down the road who had only hard bread to eat. When he heard this, the Holy Imam (PBUH) smiled and informed him, “That is my father Ali, the Caliph of the Muslims. He lives on simple food so that no needy subject may be embarrassed in front of him.”

He was 37 when he became the Imam after Imam Ali (PBUT). Imam Hassan (PBUH) was at the position of for 10 years when he was martyred by his wife using poisonous food.

The following saying (Hadith) from Imam Hassan al-Mujtaba is one of those invaluable sayings which provide a believer with a great wealth for when s/he will desperately be in need of. Imam Hassan said, “Take what are in your hands for what you will face (in Hereafter). Verily, the believer purveys and the disbeliever just enjoys. Take provisions (for your journey to Hereafter), and certainly, the best provision is being watchful (of one’s duties to Allah).” (2:197)

There are two celebration events today and tomorrow.

Manchester Islamic Institute (MII) has planned for a celebration programme to highlight this birthday anniversary, and has invited all to attend this lovely event to gain the best of the time and to make Ahl al-Bait happy. The event is on 25 August 2010, and commence at 6.45 pm with reciting one Section (Joz’) of the Noble Quran which is the everyday programme of MII. Recitation will be followed by interpretation and tafseer until it approached Maghrib prayer time when the prayers will be performed in group, and the guests will be served by breakfast and supper after which celebration and maddahi will run.

Celebration for Imam Hassan’s (PBUH) birthday anniversary is to happen in Liverpool as well. Liverpool Towhid Centre has organised for a memorable celebration on 26 August 2010 which is the beginning of the ten-day programme of this centre in holy Ramadan. After recitation of one Section of Quran just one hour before Maghrib prayer time, the prayers will be performed in group and the celebration will run after the guest will have their breakfast and supper. For more information, please refer to the post Holy Ramadan Programme at Liverpool Towhid Centre.

Hope to see you all at the celebration parties.

Liverpool Shia Society

Reference: http://www.imamreza.net/eng/imamreza.php?id=3391

Quran Competition

Mohebban Youth Foundation and Manchester Islamic Institute are going to run a Quran competition which covers tajweed, hifz and qirat. The announcement is as follows:

Quran Competition

Dear Brothers and sisters

Mohebban Youth Foundation and Manchester Islamic Institute (MII) are pleased to present 3^rd Annual Quran competition. Year by year our programmes are growing and getting bigger and better. This competition which originated by Mohebban two years ago, is just one of our many improved events. In order to show just one improved aspect of the event, we are giving better quality prizes and more audience to applaud you. Following are the details for our forthcoming event:

Date: Saturday 28^th August

Venue: Manchester Islamic Institute (MII)

Competitions: Tajweed (tarteel), Tehqiq (Qirat), Hifz (Memorization)

Categories: (Under 15) and (15 and Over)

Time: Tajweed and Hifz 5 – 7pm

Tehqiq (Qirat): After Iftar

Prize distribution: At the end of competitions

Chapters for Under 15: Tajweed (Surah Takaathur – 102), Hifz (Surah Al-Qaaria – 101), Qirat (Surah Qadr – 97)

Chapter for 15 and Over: Tajweed (Surah Waqiah – 56), Hifz (Surah Naba - 78), Qirat (Surah Rahman – 55)

Please book your place ASAP by emailing or phone as you may not be able to participate if we have more people interested. You can participate in one or all categories.

Tel: 07971145827, 0161 273 8100

On-line Noble Qurans on Shelf

Please click on Noble Quran to see different styles and versions of Quran. Enjoy the options to explore more.

Liverpool Shia Society

Condolence on the Demise Anniversary of Khadijah (PBUH)

Having outstanding substantial characteristics, Khadijah (PBUH) was one of the very well-known Arab women since her daughterhood. As the first Arab tradeswoman, her reputation had travelled all around the Arab dynasty as a great lady, even before getting married to the Prophet (PBUH&HF). Before Islam, she was extremely careful about trading rules so as not to have anything haraam in her trade, and that had made a great wealth for her. It has been written in the history books that her thousands of camel were all the time in trade and travel in Egypt, Syria, Ethiopia and Hijaz with successful footprint.

Meanwhile another unique person called “Muhammad Amin” (trustworthy Muhammad) was concurrent with this lady. Having a long story, Khadijah (PBUH) had decided not to get re-married after the death of her second husband; however, meeting a high attitude person such as Muhammad (PBUH&HF) changed her mind to propose the marriage, and then her wealth to the Prophet (PBUH&HF).

Within the troubles and difficulties that the Prophet (PBUH&HF), his message and Muslims had after the rise of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH&HF), not only was Khadijah (PBUH) a great support, companion and comforter, she had a role similar to a mother to the Muslims to keep them energetic for the purpose they had. Her extraordinary patience and enormous strength in withstanding against the problem were patterns for the Muslims. Furthermore, she did never withhold her wealth on the way of Islam, and backed the Prophet (PBUH&HF) to progress and boost his message.

Being the mother of the greatest lady of the whole creation, Fatimah (PBUH) is sufficient to demonstrate the level of Khadijah (PBUH), and would be enough to show what a great woman Khadijah (PBUH) was. She had so high personality that once when Gabriel (PBUH) was descending some verses of Quran for the Prophet, informed the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) that, “O’ the Messenger of Allah, convey the unique Allah’s salaam to Khadijah”. When the Messenger of Allah delivered the salaam to Khadijah, she answered, “The Almighty Allah Himself is the salaam itself [and its meaning], and the commence of salaam is from Him; my salaams and greetings to you Gabriel (PBIH)…”.

Losing her in the situation of sanction was a huge loss for the Prophet (PBUH&HF), and actually, the Messenger of Allah did not lose a wife but his biggest support and protect.

Liverpool Shia Society

Reference: http://www.tebyan.net/index.aspx?pid=25071 

Yard Hedaayat

Pilgrims at group prayers

Fantastic view from Imam Ridh's shrine at sunset

Servants of the shrine while setting the tables

Distribution of food at the gate of Yard Hedaayat

Fotour tables

Servants while serving food

Pilgrims while breaking their fast

A pilgrim

Tea serving at the tables

Pilgrims at fotour tables

Pilgrims at fotour table

Liverpool Shia Society

Reference: Fars News

Some Tips for Sahar Time

Some tips have been given for sahar time to make it more grateful. What follows is a few highlighted tips which are reminded to the faithful brothers and sisters.

1. Having sohour (sahar time food) has been highly recommended. Prophet (PBUH&HF) has advised not to miss sohour even if it is just one piece of date. It seems that it is very beneficial for a Muslim to wake up before Fajr Adhan and receive the gifted blessing of that time.

2. Recitation of Chapter al-Qadr (97) for sohour is very useful as well as for fotour. Imam Sadiq (PBUH) has said: any faithful who recites this chapter of the Holy Quran both at the time of fotour and while having sohour gets the reward of shaheed between these two times.

3. Dua Sahar which contains high concepts around the attributes of the Almighty  Allah has been found very helpful for those who have planned to get their best out of such selected time. This dua has particularly focused on outstanding monotheistic issues.

4. Sahar time is a unique time for reciting one of the most beautiful duas taught by Imam Sajjaad (PBUH), Dua of Abu Hamzah Thumaali. High statements of this dua have been specially designed for whispering at sahar time.

Please do not forget to pray for all people around the globe, specially Muslims, specially Shia, specially the servants of Ahl al-Bait.

Liverpool Shia Society

Reference:  "Ziaafat Ilaahi", Nashr-e-Shahr Press, 2008

Holy Ramadan Programme at Liverpool Towhid Centre

Please be informed that the Ramadan programme of Liverpool Towhid Centre has been updated due to the adjustment made for the first day of holy month of Ramadan. For further information, please refer to the post Holy Ramadan Programme at Liverpool Towhid Centre.

Liverpool Shia Society

Ramadan Kareem – Online Group Quran Recitation

Liverpool Shia Society has developed a new scheme for reciting Holy Quran during the holy month of Ramadan. The plan has intended to fulfill a complete round of Holy Quran recitation during holy Ramadan. There has been a great effort to make it as easy as possible for the brothers and sisters joining to the Skype ID of Liverpool Shia Society. One of the members of LSS will be moderating the scheme, and has given the intstructions of how to join, sign in and contribute in recitation within this scheme.

The detail of the scheme is as follows:

• - Every day 7:00 pm until 7:50 pm (GMT) during holy month of Ramadan*
• - Every day one Section (Joze’)

* You may recite Sections 15 to 25 on your own, as LSS members will attend the ten-day programme of Liverpool Towhid Centre which will, by the will of the Almighty Allah, run from the 15th to 25th of the holy Ramadan. There will be no online session on these days. For further information on the programme, please refer to Holy Ramadan Programme at Liverpool Towhid Centre.

Please follow the instructions below to get access to the Online Group Quran Recitation:

Step 1: Download Skype  from www.skype.com/download.

Step 2: Create a Skype account. (If you already do not own one)

Step 3: Sign in with your own ID and add “liverpool-shia” for Liverpool Shia Society ID to your contact list. (Then please wait for reply)

Step 4: Please mute your microphone as shown in the picture below and stay in the reciters’ queue until you are asked to recite by the group moderator. (Reciters will be put in an alphabetical order) Upon the permission of the moderator, turn on your microphone and start reciting from the assigned point.

Further Information:

- You may use your own Holy Quran; however, we suggest using online Holy Quran at www.tanzil.info for LSS online scheme.

- Sisters are welcome to join and listen to the recitations.

- Please do not hesitate to chat with the group moderator “liverpool-shia” at any time during the session should you require any help or have any inquiry.

- Please do not forget to subscribe our RSS feed which is found at www.liverpool-shia.com/feed.

- Further notices may be updated subsequently if any change is necessary to the programme.

Liverpool Shia Society